Spirit of Halloweentown returns
WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.
October is almost here, and while it marks the beginning of “spooky season” across the country, Halloween means something a little more in St. Helens. St. Helens’ signature Spirit of Halloweentown event will return Sept. 28.
This is the first year the event is being put on by new city event contractor Treadway Events, after years of success under E2C Corp. and Tina Curry. The contractor isn’t the only difference this year; construction in downtown St. Helens may have an impact on the event. return from Sept. 28 through Oct. 31, transforming the riverfront dis trict into a Halloween scene straight out of the Disney Channel classic “Halloweentown,” with themed attractions, celebrity appearances, and family-friendly fun for all ages, according to organizers. ager and Business Development As sociate Brittany Hummel said that
to add even more creativity and theming to elevate the event.”
The City of St. Helens will soon be transitioning away from 24-hour police coverage, citing a lack of sufficient staffing necessary to continue service around the clock. The new scheduling policy will go into effect Oct. 1. City Administrator John Walsh explained what the new coverage plan will look like.
“St. Helens officers will continue to patrol St. Helens at regular staffing levels during the majority of the day with on-call officers assigned to answer dispatch calls when no one is on duty,” Walsh said.
Speaking on behalf of the St. Helens Police Association, Association President Dylan Gaston said starting Oct. 1, there will be a period each day when all officers are off-
Spirit of Halloweentown,” Hummel
can bring this year, we’re incredibly excited about future opportunities
Hummel said that Treadway Events understands the community’s concerns over the uncertainty around the event this year and knows “many rely on these events for their livelihood.”
“We want to reassure the community that we’re actively addressing the challenges. We’ve been collaborating closely with local businesses, organizations, and the Main Street Association to develop a plan that includes positioning key activities, such as vendors, along 1st Street and behind the Masonic Building in what we’re calling the ‘Boo Bash Pavilion,’” Hummel said. “Parking remains one of the biggest challenges, but we’ve enhanced the shuttle plan with parking available at the Old Mill site. Our goal is to minimize congestion in residential areas as much as possible.”
Hummel said that Treadway will use “clear signage” and “pre-
St. Helens’ reservoir project on hold
LOHRE Country Media, Inc.
St. Helens transitioning away from 24-hour police coverage
when officers will be off duty for the protection of citizens, but the department will be going from three shifts to two shifts each day.
At those times, Gaston said there will always be a minimum of a sergeant and two officers on-call for emergencies.
“They will be available to respond to calls from home as needed,” Gaston said. “Response times will obviously be longer than if officers were on-duty 24 hours a day.”
Why now?
Though the police association has been flagging the issue of staff-
The St. Helens reservoir replacement project has been put on hold, with the city citing excessive costs as a barrier to replacing the long derelict structure.
The design-build contract for the replacement of the 2.0 MG Reservoir with Emery & Sons Construction was terminated in May 2024 because estimated project costs derived from the 30% design cost estimate were almost 200% higher than originally planned, according to St. Helens Engineering Manager Sharon Darroux.
Darroux explained what the project was and why the city ultimately took the measure of terminating the project.
“The project was for the replacement of the existing reservoir at Pittsburg Road. The city evaluated and decided to abandoned plans to construct a new reservoir at the existing reservoir site because of high project costs and because the existing site constraints will not allow a larger reservoir to be constructed,” Darroux said. “From a cost-benefit standpoint, constructing a new 2.0 MG reservoir at the site at the projected cost would not benefit St. Helens residents.”
Darroux said the 2.0 MG Reservoir Replacement project was initially anticipated to cost $4.2 million but that the estimated
construction costs at 30% design were priced at $8 million. The project was canceled after the city and the Emery & Sons Construction Design-Build Team spent considerable time working together to reduce costs but “were unable to substantially do so.” Darroux said that since the pandemic, there has been up to a “350% increase in construction costs across the state,” which has put a “strain” on the reservoir project and other planned capital improvement projects. The reservoir has now been empty for about eight years, having been drained in Sept. 2016, according to Darroux. In April 2022, the
City of St. Helens reached a settlement with Western Partition, Inc., concerning the 2MG (two million gallon) Water Reservoir Rehabilitation Project on Pittsburg Road. The dispute resolution arose from the installation of a liner membrane in 2017 to address leaks in the 2MG potable water reservoir. The city contracted with Western Partition, Inc., to install the liner. After installation, the reservoir’s leakage rate increased dramatically, leading to the reservoir being out of use as the city searched for solutions.
WILL LOHRE / COUNTRY MEDIA, INC.
Walsh and Gaston explained that the department is short on personnel for a variety of reasons at the moment.
WILL LOHRE / COUNTRY MEDIA, INC.
The famous Halloweentown pumpkin is back in the riverfront plaza, one of the icons of the classic Halloween festival.
WILL LOHRE / COUNTRY MEDIA, INC.
The skeleton taxi driver from the Halloweentown movie.
See HALLOWEENTOWN,
WILL
COURTESY PHOTO FROM THE CITY OF ST. HELENS Crews conducting testing on the inside of the Pittsburgh Road reservoir in 2022.
Posh Resale in Rainier offers quality clothing options at discount prices
JORDAN Chronicle & Chief Guest Article
If you’re looking to give your wardrobe a boost with unique one-of-a-kind items, then the new Posh Resale clothing store in Rainier just might have what you need.
Posh Resale offers handcurated pre-owned clothing at deeply discounted prices pulled from overstock inventory from the flagship store, Simply Posh & Posh Jewelry in Lake Oswego, a well-established and popular upscale consignment boutique that offers high-end day and evening wear, handbags, shoes, accessories, men’s clothes and accessories, and jewelry.
Simply Posh in Lake Oswego already offers pre-owned items for nearly fifty-percent discount off retail prices and now, with Posh Resale, shoppers can find items in the Rainier store at even deeper discounts with items sold at a minimum of a 50% discount from the Lake Oswego store.
Simply Posh and Posh Resale is a woman-owned business co-owned by sisters Lisa Crader and Lori Prins.
“We have 23,000 consigners. We have so much
overstock and even after we donate to schools, veterans, churches and other places, we still have all these clothes left over and we don’t want to put them in the landfill. So, we opened a store in Rainier to bring our overstock units for sale,” Crader said. “We have clothing racks that include items from $10 to $20.”
Rainier proved to be the perfect location for a number of reasons. They were looking at a location within an hour of the flagship store in Lake Oswego, and Lori Prins’s daughter is a Rainier local and is managing Posh Resale on the day-to-day. There was also a recognized need in this area
for quality merchandise and brand names at an affordable price that didn’t require going across the bridge to shop.
“I just think that there’s a need right now for resale with the economy. We offer excellent quality for very inexpensive prices. We repurpose everything and it’s just great for everybody, you know? The prices are lower, the clothes are good, and small towns need that, they do,” Crader said.
Crader shared that the inventory will continually be curated based on what the community wants and needs.
“Right now we’re just starting out and it usually
takes six months to really kind of know what the community wants,” Crader said. “We went to The Interstate restaurant and bar, and other places for lunch, and asked people what they would like to see and they said they just wanted everyday clothes, really good prices, in great condition.”
Lori Prins recently spoke at the August Rainier Chamber of Commerce membership meeting and shared that they participate in a lot of charitable giving and opened up that offer to Rainier and the local area for families and charities in need and encouraged them to reach out with requests.
“For example with winter coats, we just round up all different sizes, small, medium, large, extra large, and then we take them and bring them to the schools for the kids,” Crader added.
The types of items that can be found include dresses, shoes, handbags, sweaters, pants, accessories, activewear, workwear, and more.
Posh Resale is located at 106 E. B. Street in Rainier. It is open Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and closed on Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. You can also find them on Facebook under Posh Resale Rainier.
The Rainier Oregon Historical Museum reopens in Rainier City Hall
The Rainier Historical Museum has had to be closed for the last nine months.
The Rainier Oregon Historical Museum will reopen on Saturday, Sept. 28. The museum will be open from noon until 4 p.m. every Saturday from now on, except for major holiday weekends.
The museum is located at 106 W. B St. on the third floor of Rainier City Hall, across the hall from the Rainier Library. Use the side entrance off 1st Street and take the elevator to the 3rd floor.
Last year, the week before Christmas, the city clerks had to move their desks and file cabinets upstairs into our museum while Rainier City Hall did renovations in the downstairs city offices. Besides the renovations, they have been working since June, removing and replacing the windows downstairs. This past week, they removed the windows in the museum and boarded up where they were. New windows will be
installed in 30 days. We are pleased that City Hall is replacing the 104-year-old windows with wood-framed windows and preserving the glass that was in the old windows, keeping to the historical element of Rainier City Hall, which was built in 1921. It is the goal of the Rainier Museum to have their new museum built by the end of next Summer, 2025. The new museum will be located at 100 W. A St. past the city park and marina across from the Rainier Senior Center.
Christina Kelly is Elks Student of the Month
SUBMITTED BY ST. HELENS SCHOOL DISTRICT
St. Helens High School proudly announces Christina Kelly as the September Elks Student of the Month.
Christina is a senior at St. Helens High School who is actively involved in the automotive program, varsity tennis team, and National Honor Society. When asked about her reaction to receiving this honor, Christina shared, “My first thoughts were honestly pure shock.”
Throughout her high school career, one of Christina’s favorite memories was winning a tennis match with her partner on her birthday. The match extended well past sundown, finishing long after others had ended. She recalls feeling a mix of “exhaustion and excitement” upon securing the victory. Her tennis coach, Mark McQueen, praises Christina for her dedication, noting, “She is eager to help others and seeks advice to improve each day. She
Christina Kelly.
exemplifies how a positive attitude can lead to achieving one’s goals.” In her free time, Christina enjoys reading and writing, considering writing one of her greatest strengths. “Words flow so easily from my brain to paper. Writing is like solving a puzzle—grammar is the puzzle’s pieces, and finding the exact words to fit into a sentence is like completing it,” she explains. Her favorite class is the automotive program, which
she has been a part of for all four years of high school. She cherishes the close friendships she’s made and the valuable skills she’s gained—skills that would otherwise be costly to learn elsewhere. Her automotive teacher, Jay Groom, describes Christina as “a quiet, intelligent young woman who is a joy to have in class. She’s always looking for tasks once her work is finished and is willing to help and teach others what she has learned.” As her teachers have
A look at the 2023 Children’s Fair.
nual Day-Breakers Kiwanis Children’s Fair – October 26th.
noted, Christina’s most remarkable quality is her deep care for others. She is a compassionate, gentle student who consistently supports those around her, showing genuine concern and empathy. Her peers know they can always count on her to listen and care. Congratulations, Christina!
WILL LOHRE / COUNTRY MEDIA, INC.
NICOLE
COURTESY PHOTO
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Workers replacing windows in Rainier City Hall.
This week’s crossword puzzle can be found on A8
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There are a variety of shoes and clothes available at Posh Resale.
POLICE REPORTS
The police blotter relates to the public record of incidents as reported by law enforcement agencies. All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Information printed is preliminary and subject to change. For specific details about cases listed, contact the appropriate law enforcement agency.
St. Helens Police Department
September 8
• Police arrested a 36-year-old female subject on a fugitive warrant and criminal trespass at the 2000 block of Sykes Road.
September 9
• Officers arrested a 51-yearold male subject on a fugitive warrant near Pittsburg Road
and Columbia River Highway.
September 10
• Law enforcement arrested a 33-year-old male subject on disorderly conduct II, resisting arrest, theft II, and criminal trespass at the 2000 block of Gable Road.
September 12
• Police responded to a credit card/theft fraud at the 400 block of 12th Street.
• Officers arrested a 46-yearold male subject on a fugitive warrant at 200 Strand Street.
September 13
• Law enforcement responded to a report of suspicious circumstances at 200 Dubois Lane.
• Police arrested a 38-yearold male subject on a fugitive warrant at the 1600 block of Columbia Boulevard.
September 14
• Officers responded to a
death investigation at the 2700 block of Sykes Road.
• Law enforcement arrested a 44-year-old female subject for harassment-offensive physical contact at the 2600 block of Gable Road.
• Police arrested a 37-yearold male subject on a fugitive warrant at the 2200 block of Gable Road.
• Law enforcement arrested a male subject on DUII and reckless driving at the 400 block of Columbia River Highway.
September 15
• Officers issued a criminal citation to a 20-year-old subject for driving while suspended or revoked at the 2000 block of Gable Road.
September 16
• Police arrested a 57-year-old female subject on a fugitive warrant near Columbia Boulevard and South 13th Street.
• Law enforcement arrested a
32-year-old female subject on a fugitive warrant at 90 Shore Drive.
Rainier Police Department
September 2
• A subject was trespassed from a local business.
September 3
• A caller reported their neighbor as ‘acting strange’. No crime was committed.
September 4
• A business reported an unwanted subject had been at their location.
• A stalled vehicle was reported as a hazard.
• A speedy, elusive, gray and white dog was running at large at the park.
• A driver was warned when he was found parked in an area that was posted no trespassing.
September 5
• A reportedly suspicious vehicle checked out okay.
• A caller reported loose dogs near the Masonic Lodge.
• A business alarm was accidentally activated.
September 6
• A pocket knife was turned in as found property.
• An officer checked on a suspicious vehicle.
September 7
• A caller reported suspicious activity. Officers checked the building, and it was secure.
September 8
• Officers responded to a disturbance. Peace was restored.
September 9
• A hit-and-run occurred in the plaza parking lot.
• A dog was running at large on West 4th Street.
September 10
• A dog owner was given a warning for allowing his dogs off-leash at the park.
• The owner of a bus was given a warning after officers received a parking complaint.
• A license plate was stolen from a vehicle.
• An officer responded to a domestic disturbance. Peace was restored.
September 11
• Officers responded to a twovehicle, non-injury accident on Highway 30 near Mill Street.
September 12
• An employee accidentally activated the alarm.
• A person reported that when they went to the bathroom, an unknown subject cashed out her lottery machine.
• A dog was running at large on West 4th Street.
• A patron vandalized a video poker machine.
CCSO’s recent search warrant operations
In recent social media posts, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) has shared details on a couple of recent operations they undertook. One related to large-scale illegal marijuana growth, and the other helped save two dogs from inhumane conditions.
Uncovering animal abuse
Detectives and deputies with CCSO executed a search warrant on Sept. 13 near the 2000th Block of Columbia Boulevard in St. Helens as a part of an animal neglect investigation by Columbia County Animal Control, CCSO posted to the agency’s Facebook account on Sept. 20. Prior to executing the search warrant, investigators learned two dogs at the residence, a pit bull and a rottweiler, were in a poor physical state and severely emaciated. There were concerns without intervention that the dogs would die. of the search warrant at the residence, CCSO investiga tors discovered “an unsanitary environment littered with garbage and feces throughout the residence. Investigators also discovered two juveniles
The two dogs were located to the Oregon Human Society. The St. Helens Police Department responded to the inci-
post, CCSO said that detectives and deputies with CCSO executed a search warrant near Barnes Drive in Rainier on Sept. 16 as a part of an unlawful manufacture of marijuana investigation.
At the time of the search warrant, three people were present on the property and detained. During the execution of the search warrant, CCSO seized approximately 2,004 marijuana plants and approximately 52.4 pounds of processed marijuana, according to the CCSO Facebook post on Sept. 18. “CCSO detectives and patrol division continue to be proactive in the eradication of illegal marijuana grows throughout Columbia County,” the post stated.
dent, and St. Helens resident Colleen Kalama was placed under arrest and accused of child neglect and unlawful possession of methamphetamine. The animal neglect investigation is ongoing.
CCSO thanked the St.
Helens Police Department for their assistance during the investigation in a post on the agency’s Facebook page.
Large illegal grow
In another recent Facebook
The suspects from the investigation are believed to be a part of a larger criminal organization/network and connected to other illegal marijuana grows in Columbia County. The Illegal Marijuana Market Grant, awarded to CCSO in 2022, funds these investigations.
SHPD’s new forensic investigation resources
STAFF REPORT
Country Media, Inc.
In October 2023, the St. Helens Police Department was awarded $340,000 from a Department of Justice Congressional appropriation to upgrade law enforcement technology related to child abuse investigations. The St. Helens Police Department used the funding to train two detectives
to become mobile device examiners on several platforms and to build a forensic computer lab capable of handling the high volume of cases the Department receives. The forensic computer lab will assist detectives in navigating the complex systems used to conduct examinations for years to come. The lab has been fully operational since July 2024. Since then, St. Helens
detectives have completed 13 forensic examinations and analyses of data, with additional devices in the queue for examination. These investigations have included cases involving child sexual abuse, child pornography, domestic violence, financial elder abuse, and assistance rendered to an outside agency on a murder investigation.
The St. Helens Police Department is grateful for
the partnership of Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley in securing funding for this project, as well as the direct assistance from the United States Department of Justice to help us protect our most vulnerable community members: our children. This funding will assist us in increasing high-quality service and the documentation needed to bring justice to exploited children.
Darroux said Western Partition’s contract was to install an approved liner system inside the city’s reservoir free of holes, breaches, cracks, fractures, bubbling, pinhole formations, and all other defects. The reservoir’s leakage rate increased substantially after the liner was installed, multiple attempts to repair the liner were unsuccessful, and Western Partitions discontinued repair attempts in 2020.
putting it back in service by the fall of 2023.
The 2022 settlement was supposed to allow the city to move forward with repairing the reservoir with the goal of
Fast forward to 2024, the timeline for when the community will have a functioning reservoir is “not currently available.” Darroux said the project is considered a “high priority,” and the timing of the project will be based on the city obtaining additional funding needed for the construction of a new, larger
reservoir at an undeveloped site to meet the water storage goals laid out in the city’s updated Water Master Plan.
To secure the necessary funding, Darroux said the city is pursuing grants for the project.
“The smartest and most economical way for small communities, like St. Helens, to fund high-dollar construction projects is by obtaining
grants,” Darroux said. “When a grant is secured, it lessens the financial burden on local funds. The city is currently actively seeking grants to help pay for a new, larger reservoir at an undeveloped site, which will meet the water storage goals.”
The function of the reservoir is to provide clean drinking water for the St. Helens community. Regarding the project, Darroux said that the city prioritizes providing water to residents.
“A reliable water supply is crucial for the well-being of any community, and investing in infrastructure like a new, larger reservoir will help ensure that residents have access to clean, safe water, support local growth, and address future needs,” Darroux said.
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One of the endangered dogs that was rescued by CCSO on Sept. 13.
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The illegal marijuana grow where CCSO seized approximately 2,004 marijuana plants and approximately 52.4 pounds of processed marijuana.
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SHPD’s new forensic computer lab.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
We will miss The Chronicle & Chief
My wife and I moved to St. Helens 32 years ago when The Chronicle was published twice a week. We maintained our subscription after it became a weekly. We believed in the importance of having a source of independent local news. For that reason, we began to subscribe to The Spotlight as well. Kudos to Country Media for trying to keep The Chronicle and Chief afloat. Thank you to all of the reporters, editors, advertising representatives, production staff and office staff who contributed to the exercise of a free press as protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution.
Patrick Birkle, St. Helens
Farewell, Chronicle (1881-2024)
Farewell to the Chronicle (lately, Chronicle & Chief), our paper of record, on its passing. What does it mean that we have lost it? It means that we have lost a team of professionals who take an interest in local events. We’ve lost the means to circulate public notices. An advocate for our concerns. A forum for individuals’ opinions. A venue for businesses, groups, and nonprofits to advertise what they have to sell or to offer. A publication by which to coordinate our response and inspire resilience at times of crisis. For posterity, we will have lost a chunk of our history. The social media cannot replace our county paper of record, because its content is
VIEWPOINTS
not professionally vetted, as the Chronicle’s was. The social media tends to be disunifying, not only because its content is often divisive and misleading, but because it does not offer a center point for the exchange of information and ideas, as the Chronicle did. Some losses are immediately felt. Stop breathing for more than a few seconds, and you instantly appreciate the value of air. Some losses are felt over time. So will it be with losing the Chronicle.
Thank you, former Editor Jeremy Ruark and staff—Will, Kelli, James, and Candice— for your service to the community. And thanks to each of you for your kindness. Let us know how we can return the favor and offer our support to you.
Vale, Chronicle. You will be missed.
Margaret Trenchard-Smith, St. Helens
So long, farewell…
I started working at the Chronicle in 2018. I had never worked at a newspaper before and honestly didn’t fully understand how important a community newspaper was. My memories of the newspaper were with my dad when I was a kid. We would go to the donut shop and he would read the sports and I would read the comics.
While working at The Chronicle, I learned how valuable a community newspaper really is. I have met great people who are doing amazing things in our community. I enjoyed work-
ing with the cities, counties, bank, funeral homes, representatives, fire districts, post offices, local businesses and more.
I loved taking pictures of your lemonade stands and being part of your graduations, parades, and ribbon cuttings. My favorite day of work every year was taking the senior portraits of the graduates at Plymouth High School and being invited to their graduation. It was an honor to learn about your loved ones while helping with their obituary. I will miss meeting you when I drop off your newspaper at your home. Thank you for including me in the big and small parts of your life
and inviting me into your homes.
To my coworkers, past and present, I’m glad our paths crossed. Going to work was always fun. We’ve shared stories and our lives together and I consider you family. Thank you for making work a place I wanted to be. With love, to all those I’ve met and worked with in Columbia County, you made my job one that I truly enjoyed. With sadness, I say goodbye to the oldest business in Columbia County. With gratitude, I say thank you for the support, love and kindness. I wish you all the very best.
Thank you Columbia County
WILL LOHRE Chronicle & Chief Editor
I began working at both the Chronicle and the Chief when they were separate newspapers, and I didn’t know much about Columbia County. Though I could never
get close to covering all the news and stories I wanted to for this community, I want to thank each and every one of you who reached out to me, answered one of my calls or emails, and spent time helping me learn about the issues you felt were important.
GARDEN PLOTS
CHIP BUBL Garden Plots Chronicle & Chief Guest Column
Events:
October 3 Columbia County Beekeepers Monthly meeting
Thursday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. All are welcome to attend. The speaker will be Bill Holmes, past President of the Cowlitz Beekeepers will talk on “Winter carbohydrates and the Bees.” Contact Linda Zahl at ColumbiaCountyOregonBeekeepers@gmail.com for the Zoom link or you can attend in person at the OSU Extension Office in St. Helens.
My goal was always to try to share your stories in a genuine way, and I hope you enjoyed some of the pieces I’ve written. I will walk away as a better writer and reporter than I did when I came in, and I want to thank the community for letting me tell your stories.
Here’s to you, Columbia County
JAMES YANG Chronicle & Chief Creative Director
I want to extend my gratitude to our readers and the local community for supporting The Chronicle & Chief for all these years. I joined The Chronicle’s team back in 2017 as the graphic designer at the behest of a close friend. I assumed it would be a temporary position but I quickly developed a fondness for the newspaper business and Columbia County as a whole. It was my job to design the paper’s layout and ensure that all of the edits and revisions made it in before the presses started rolling. If you’ve ever spotted a weird misplaced line or mysterious blank space. Oops. That was me.
assumed that I would be a temporary steward and eventually pass down my role to someone else in the same way that I came about this job. Sadly that isn’t the case and I have the fortunate and unfortunate position of being the final designer for this legendary paper.
I consider it a great honor to have been one of the caretakers for a publication that has been running for over 140 years. I always
I hope that The Chronicle & Chief has been a treat to you in the same way that it was to me. Thank you so much for supporting us all these years.
Newspapers are so important I have always loved newspapers and felt it important to subscribe to them. When I got here in 1978, there were five independent county-based newspapers, the Oregonian, and in north county, the Longview Daily News. I have had good relationships with all the papers. Newspapers bring communities together. The closure of the Chronicle/Chief is a real blow. We are losing independent reporting on issues that affect all of us. The staff deserves a great “thank you!” for their great work. And for you readers of this column, thanks for your kind comments and interest over the years.
We have a new Agricultural Extension Agent in Columbia County
Dr. Janhvi Pandey recently joined the Columbia County Extension staff. She has a strong academic background and great experience in agriculture and home horticulture. I have had the pleasure of meeting her. She is energetic, very knowledgeable, and has a great smile. I know you will like her.
Renew your landscape
Fall is an excellent time to review the performance of your plants and decide if you have the right plants in the right places. It is not unusual to find out the plant that should have only grown two feet tall and just as wide has sprawled into a four foot presence, dominating its location. Is there a better place for it or is this simply a mistake that has to be dealt with permanently? Don’t be afraid to throw away plants that have outlived their usefulness.
As landscapes mature, the sun and shade relationships change. Trees cast shadows that weren’t there earlier. That lilac that once bloomed abundantly is now getting only four hours of sun and simply cannot put on the same show. The lilac, the tree, or lots of tree limbs have to go.
Plants that seem weak and/or diseased should be looked at with a critical
eye. Are they in the right place or is the location stressful? Are they just disease prone? It is possible to improve the landscape just by some artful rearrangements. Fall is a great time to transplant woody or herbaceous perennial plants. While the weather is still dry, pick out new locations and work up the soil, adding compost and other amendments. Wait to transplant until deciduous plants have lost their leaves or, with rhodies and other evergreens, until the days are cool and moist. You can keep the transplant locations covered with plastic until you are ready to use them.
Feed your strawberries
Gardeners with strawberries should fertilize them now. Either a balanced organic fertilizer or a conventional one will do just fine. Research has shown that feeding “Junebearing” strawberries in the spring can lead to too much foliage and increased fruit disease. Day-neutral (produces several crops per year) strawberries can be fed now and again in June. If you haven’t tried the Seascape or Albion day-neutral strawberries, you should.
Spices and herbs are good for you
Cornell University scientists have found that onion, garlic, allspice, and oregano all contain powerful bacteria-fighting compounds. These were the strongest of all the seasonings tried, killing all 30 micro-organisms that they were testedagainst. Included in the test were Salmonella and E. coli. Chili and hot peppers were moderately effective. There are indications that spices used in combination might be even more effective than their use individually. Bring on the curries, harissa, and Mexican molés.
Caterpillars can scream for help
Certain trees emit compounds that “call” parasitic wasps to eat the caterpillars on their leaves. It now turns out that some caterpillars make a sound to call ants to protect them from the wasps. The sound is of a frequency that we could hear if it weren’t so quiet. A pair of grooved rods touching rows of projections resembling guitar picks makes the sound. The sound is said to reminiscent of a comb running
over the edge of the table. The ants are rewarded for their efforts by amino acid secretions from the caterpillars. Is that cool or what? Evolutionary biology is fascinating!
Many Extension publications are available online
Are you putting up salsa, saving seeds, or thinking about planting kiwis? OSU has a large number of its publications available for free download. Just go to https://catalog.extension. oregonstate.edu/. Click on publications and start exploring.
Got food safety or food preservation questions?
Food Preservation recipes and fact sheets can be accessed online at: https:// extension.oregonstate.edu/ food/preservation.
The Oregon State University Food Preservation Hotline (1-800-354-7319)
The hotline is now open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., through October 11. Extension-certified Master Food Preserver volunteers from several counties take the calls.
Oregon State University Extension Service offers this food preservation and safety hotline every year during the peak canning season. Call the hotline for questions about proper canning techniques, safe recipes to follow, and the locations for pressure canner gauge testing in your area.
Important notes
• Donate extra garden produce and/or money to the food bank, senior centers, or community meals programs. It always is greatly appreciated.
• The Extension Service offers its programs and materials equally to all people.
• The OSU Extension Office is fully open from 8 a.m.- 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Resource information
Oregon State University Extension Service – Columbia County 505 N. Columbia River Highway St. Helens, OR 97051 503-397-3462
Chip
KELLI NICHOLSON Chronicle & Chief Office Manager
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CC24-3056
NOTICE OF COUNCIL MEETING
The Clatskanie City Council will meet on Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall in the Clatskanie Cultural Center, 75 South Nehalem St. (2nd floor). Agenda items include but are not limited to: approval of the minutes of the Sept 4th, 2024 regular meeting, a presentation by Sierra Trass, the first reading of an ordinance to annex the Waste Water Treatment Plant property into the City with a zoning of Community Service. An updated agenda will be available at City Hall by Sept. 27th, 2024. Access to the meeting on ZOOM will be posted on the city website, www.cityofclatskanie.com. Please call City Hall (503-728-2622) at least 48 hours in advance if you
need assistance. The council will also conduct an Executive Session and return to regular session following. Executive Session per ORS 192.660(2)(i); To review and evaluate the employmentrelated performance of the chief executive officer of any public body, a public officer, employee or staff member who does not request an open hearing.
Small Claims Department Liliya Drubetskaya, Plaintiff v. Jennifer Lynn Gardner, Defendant. Case No. 24SC18528 SMALL CLAIM AND NOTICE OF SMALL CLAIM PLAINTIFF: Liliya Drubetskaya, 73413 Alder Grove, Clatskanie, OR 97016. DEFENDANT: Jennifer Lynn Gardner. I, Plaintiff, claim that on or about 5/24/2024, the above-named defendants
owed me the sun of (or property valued at) $10,000 because I, Plaintiff, have made a good faith effort to collect this claim from the defendants before filing this claim with the court clerk. Ryan and I have made every attempt to reach out to Jennifer through our realtor, however we were told that there is no way
CC24-3057
activities can be found at Hawkins Park on Saturday, October 5th starting at 10 a.m. Some activities include: Pumpkin carving, Build-a-Scarecrow, Junior Trout Pond fishing, Create your own salmon lifecycle bracelet, Scavenger hunt. Find the next art piece for your home in the hand carved wooden salmon artistically decorated in numerous styles by local artists during the live Salmon Auction. Enjoy music in the park as you peruse the arts and crafts vendors and watch wild salmon run return to the adjacent Rock Creek. Explore the 14 ft tall, 29 ft long educational wonder that is Claudia the Chinook! Event admission is free. Some activities charge a fee, some are free.
October 5 St. Frederic’s Oktoberfest 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. 175 S 13th St, St. Helens, OR. Join us for Oktoberfest featuring Mt. Angel Sausages! Sauerkraut Stomp and Hayrides. Beer wine and refreshments for sale, Tickets $15 advance purchase $18 at door. Call St. Frederic Parish office for tickets 503-397-0148.
October 6 Caples House Harvest Festival
12 p.m. – 5 p.m. 1925 1st St, Columbia City. Admission is free and includes apple cider pressing, pioneer crafts and games, stories, museum tours ($5/adults/$4 for children), and so much more. Concessions and raffles chances available for purchase. At 1 p.m., Guest Speaker Darrell Jabin, Oregon’s traveling historian, will present “31 Women: Oregon wouldn’t be the same without them.”
October 7 Genial Genealogists
6:30 p.m. 375 S 18th, St. Helens, St. Helens Library.
Community Events
children of all ages in a safe environment. There will be prizes, activities, entertainment and special guests Jose’ with his balloon creations, reptiles, and more. Booths sponsored by several community agencies and organizations will have activities for children and information for adults. Everything is free. Fishponds, The Reptile Man, face-painting and a hayride are just a few of the activities planned. Come in costume if you want. Find out about Recycling from Solid Waste Management, Drug awareness, and even more. Join us at McBride School in the Gym, Cafeteria and Play area. Have a haunting good time beginning with the Annual DayBreakers Kiwanis.
October 26, Trunk or Treat by Columbia County Sheriff’s Office 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. St. Helens Middle school, 354 N 15th St, St. Helens Candy and Fun for all ages.
October 31 Treat or Treat Boulevard 3 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. on Columbia Boulevard. Our 4th annual Trick-or-Treat the Blvd is in the making! Once again, we are excited to partner with our neighboring businesses and services to create a wonderful trick-or-treat event for our community. Thursday October 31st 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. you will find MANY businesses and services decorated, in costumes and ready to hand out treats! Stop at the Heather Epperly Agency, American Family Insurance office for a map and list of the participating businesses and services.
November 1 – November 2 Christmas at the Market at the Nehalem
Place
p.m., in this fundraiser for the Senior Nutrition Program. Everyone is invited to attend! Dinner only $28. Dinner will be New York Cut Steak with sides. Beer and wine will be available. Dinner and 1 drink $30. Tickets are also available for one additional glass of beer or wine for $5. Two drink max. Per person There will be an array of interesting items to bid on just in time to do a little early Christmas shopping! Check our Facebook page as things progress. Contact the Senior Center to reserve your tickets. (503) 556-3889 / rainierseniorc@gmail.com.
September 29 CELLOBOP
3 p.m. – 4 p.m. Birkenfeld Theater, 75 N Nehalem St, Clatskanie. Cellist Gideon Freudmann providing the background music for the silent film, Buster Keaton in Sherlock Jr.
October 1 Brownfields Development Community Workshop with ColPac EDD 10 a.m. Join the Columbia Pacific Economic Development District at the Columbia Learning Center for an engaging conversation about brownfield development opportunities in Columbia County! A brownfields expert will present on the funding opportunities for brownfield clean up and community members will be able to share about prospective sites. Please park in the south parking lot nearest the door to the auditorium and leave the parking spaces in front of the library open for library patrons. Reach out to Lydia at (971)203-6547 for additional brownfield resources or event information.
October 5 22nd Annual Salmon Festival
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Hawkins Park, Vernonia. Come one, come all to the 22nd annual Salmon Festival in Vernonia Oregon! Food, music, vendors, art auction, and family-friendly
Halloweentown
From Page A1
event communication” to manage traffic flow effectively and ensure the event is “enjoyable” for visitors and residents alike. Unfortunately, this year, there will not be a Halloween parade.
“The parade will not be happening this year. After discussions with the city, we confirmed that the parade
Police
From Page A1
ing and potential loss of 24hour coverage for more than a year now, Walsh and Gaston explained that the department is short on personnel for a variety of reasons at the moment.
“We have two officers out due to prolonged injuries, one out on administrative leave, and another who was recently terminated,” Walsh said. “This is in addition to
October 12 4th Annual Run with Neil 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Scappoose High School. We have been given an amazing opportunity to team up with the Scappoose High School Cross Country team to put together the first annual Run With Neil Invitational. Before the invitational, we’ve got the annual 1k, 3k, and 5k open to everyone in the community. Funds raised will go directly to physical and mental health resources for school aged kids and to continue the Run With Neil Scholarship. After the event, stick around and see local youth compete, enjoy food, booths from local vendors and free activities for kids and adults. October 12 promises to be a day of fun, fitness, and community spirit.
October 12 Fall Perennial Sale
9 a.m. – 2 p.m. St. Helens Public Library. There will be a Fall Perennial Sale by the St. Helens Garden Club. Proceeds from this sale go towards our various civic projects. Among the items will be Daffodil bulbs, and hardy Cyclamen. Join us on the Porch alongside the Friends of the Library Book Sale. Lots of good bargains at both sale
October 13 Oregon Symphonic Band at CMHS
3 p.m. Clatskanie Mid/High school, 474 Bel Air, Clatskanie A fan favorite, the Oregon Symphonic Band, will perform at the Donavon Wooley PAC at Clatskanie Middle/High School. All veterans, band students, and children are free.
October 19 Yankton Grange Fall Pancake Breakfast
8 a.m. – 11 a.m. Yankton Grange, 33065 Pittsburg Rd, St. Helens. Join us for our fall harvest pancake breakfast! $10 person/$5 kids under 12.
October 25, Scrimshaw Art of the Sailor presented by the Columbia River Maritime Museum 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. 48 W 7th St, Rainier. Scrimshaw, the Art of the Sailor.
October 26 Annual Children’s Fair
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. McBride School. Come to this free celebration for
was never managed by the event contractor—it was only promoted by the previous contractor,” Hummel said. “However, we’re excited to share that we have some incredible celebrity appearances lined up.”
Event highlights include:
• Great Pumpkin Lightings: There is nightly pumpkin lightings in the plaza, each night, with special guests.
• Haunted Attractions:
one officer who is retiring this month and another officer who will retire in October.” Walsh said the city has recently hired one new officer and has been actively recruiting for additional positions for several months to address the upcoming retirements, but policing is a competitive job market. He said cities like Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Portland are also having difficulty filling open positions.
“The city has also actively been exploring additional funding options for our general fund, which is what police salaries are paid out of.
be a variety of vendors with unique crafts, artwork, and photography.
November 16 Ladies of the Elks
Christmas Bazaar
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. 350 Belton Rd, St. Helens . Great vendors, fun cake walk, and food available for purchase.
November 16 St. Helens Lions Holiday Bazaar 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. St. Helens High School. Save the date for our annual Holiday Bazaar benefiting the Band and Guard Program! Click here for vendor registration or if you have questions: https://sthelensbandprogram.weebly.com/lions-vendorbazaars.html.
November 16 Veterans Chili Cook-off
4 p.m. – 6 p.m. Columbia City School. Enter your chili in the cook-off or just come to sample the chilis and vote for your favorite! Tickets are sold at the door – $8 for adults and $4 for veterans, seniors and children. Proceeds will benefit both Hometown Heroes of Columbia County and the Columbia City PTO. Dessert raffle every 15 minutes. No entry fee. Sign up at ccpto2017@gmail.com Prize: 28” Blackstone.
November 29 Black Friday Vendor Market 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Scappoose Middle School. Come shop our Black Friday Vendor Market from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. With over 50 vendors, you’re sure to find that great gift this holiday season! Need information call 971757-0271 for event coordinator.
4 p.m. – 8 p.m. 290 S Nehalem, Clatskanie. Come shop our beautiful Christmas Market. We open with an evening market on Friday, November 1st from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. and again on November 2nd from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Save the date! You don’t want to miss it.
November 1 Phoenix Fundraiser for the Clatskanie Arts Commission
7 p.m. Clatskanie Cultural Center Clatskanie Cultural Center will feature a terrific folk duo, Phoenix. The American folk-pop duo Phoenix consists of award-winning songwriters Tim and Kathy Crosby, who have performed together for over two decades. Please plan on attending this limitedseating fundraiser at the Birkenfeld Theater Ballroom. For reservations, please go to clatskanieartscommission@gmail.com. Light refreshments and beverages served for a donation during intermission. The Clatskanie Arts Commission was sad to have had to cancel the Bluegrass Festival this year, so here is a bit of Bluegrass to thank our patrons and supporters for being so understanding.
November 2 2024 Household Hazardous Waste Collection
8 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Columbia County Transfer Station 1601 Railroad Ave, St. Helens. For questions, call Jake Anderson at 503-397-7259.
November 2 Fall Bazaar
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Rainier Community Church of God. Bazaar season is here! We always have a wide variety of vendors with homemade goodies, handmade items and quality company products. Grab a friend and come shop the 45 tables of treasures! Find a holiday gift for someone you love or a little something for yourself! Carolyn Grice will be making her famous cinnamon rolls, our youth will be running the coffee shop and the 2025 Safe and Sober will be selling a lunch special! Grab a friend and come support small businesses! The Women’s Ministry and our vendors appreciate your support.
November 8 – November 9 Caples House Annual Holiday Bazaar
9 a.m. – 6 p.m. 1925 1st St, Columbia City. Admission is free and there will
Explore spooky tours like the Nightmare on 4th Street and the haunted house downtown.
• Celebrity Appearances: Meet stars from Halloween classics during select weekends. J. Paul Zimmerman (Dylan in Halloweentown), Phillip Van Dyke (Luke the Goblin in Halloweentown), and Kathy Najimy (Mary in Hocus Pocus) will all be in town on Oct. 12 and 13.
• Family Fun: Kids can enjoy costume contests and
St. Helens is not a large city, and our general fund receives the majority of its revenue from property taxes,” Walsh said. “We would love to hire enough staff in every department to have coverage to address unexpected and longterm injuries and illnesses, or situations like administrative leave, but this isn’t fiscally responsible given our current budget and expected revenues, nor would these positions be necessary if we were only facing absences due to planned vacations or short-term illness.” According to Walsh, four
enjoyable evening. You won’t want to miss it.
February 23 Louie Foxx 3 p.m. Birkenfeld Theater, 75 S Nehalem St, Clatskanie. Who doesn’t love a combination of magic and comedy with Louie Foxx’s One-Man Side Show
April 5 Trevor Panczak
7:30 p.m. Birkenfeld Theater, 75 S Nehalem St, Clatskanie. Award-winning country star Trevor Panczak and his band are traveling all the way from Canada to entertain us.
On Going Events
Mondays
Storytime on Mondays
11 a.m. at the Columbia City Library, 2000 Second St. in Columbia City. For questions call, 503-366-8020.
Celebrate Recovery For anyone struggling with addiction, hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for coffee, snacks, and fellowship. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. The first Monday of each month at 6 p.m. the doors open for a free dinner. Yankton Community Fellowship, 33579 Pittsburg Road in St. Helens. 503-396-7091. Childcare is available. www.yanktoncommunityfellowship.com.
Tuesdays
December 1 Rainier Winterfest Annual Tree Lighting and Santa’s Arrival 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. 110 E 1st St, Rainier.
December 7 Celtic Christmas Men of Worth 7:30 p.m. Birkenfeld Theater, 75 S Nehalem St, Clatskanie. Back by popular demand is a Celtic Christmas with the Men of Worth and friends.
December 14 Scappoose Christmas Market 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Scappoose Middle School. Come to this Christmas market and enjoy locally crafted items, vendors, and more! Calling all vendors to The Spirit of Christmas Market December 14 and 15 at Scappoose Middle School Annex Gym.
December 14 Columbia River Fire and Rescue Holiday Bazaar 10 a.m. Holiday Bazaar benefiting Columbia River Fire & Rescue Scholarship fund. Over 70 vendors –direct sales, homemade, many unique items! Come shop for last minute holiday gifts or just find something new for yourself and home!
December 14, Wreaths Across America 11 a.m. Columbia memorial Gardens, 55490 Columbia River Highway, Scappoose. Hometown Heroes of Columbia County is proud to support: Wreaths Across America 2024. This is the third year joining volunteers and participating locations across the country to remember, honor and teach. We would love for you to join us in honoring our fallen Veterans, by sponsoring a wreath volunteering, or attending the ceremony. $5 from every wreath sponsored, will be donated to our mission of supporting our local service members, veterans, National Guard and their dependents. To sponsor a wreath, click on the link below: www.wreathsacrossamerica. org/OR0082P. To register your own sponsorship group and support this location, visit: www.WreathsAcrossAmerica.org/ORCMMG.
2025 Events
January 25 Piano Heist
7:30 p.m. Birkenfeld Theater, 75 S Nehalem St, Clatskanie. Piano Heist combines piano and humor for an
games while adults can unwind with themed cocktails.
Ticket Information
The festival is free to walk around, but tickets are required for select activities like the Haunted House and celebrity photo-ops. Adult passes are $40 online and $45 at the door, while kids’ passes (12 and under) are $20 online and $25 at the door. Haunted House tickets are available for $15 online and $20 at the door. Tickets
additional officers would cost approximately $800,000 annually in salaries, benefits, and equipment. In order to restore service levels back to 24-hour coverage, both Gaston and Walsh said additional officers would need to be hired. Walsh said that with the St. Helens police bond failing during the May 2024 election, other revenue sources will need to be found to increase policing levels.
“I think it’s sad that it’s got to this point. Our community deserves to have reasonable response times 24 hours a day, and unfortunate-
Columbia City. Cost is $5. Stop by and see
Saturdays
51681 SW Old Portland Road in Scappoose. Call Fred 971-757-6389. 22nd Annual Scappoose Farmers’ Market (May 4 - Sept. 28) 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. next to Heritage Park in Scappoose,
Community Meals serves free community dinner 5:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. at First Lutheran Church, 360 Wyeth St., St. Helens. Doors open at 5 p.m.
Fiber Friends by Scappoose Public Library
6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at 52469 SE 2nd St, Scappoose. Bring your crafting project to the second floor of the Library.
Wednesdays
Produce Distribution by Scappoose Public Library
10 a.m. – Noon, 52469 SE 2nd St, Scappoose. Free and open to all.
Friends of St. Helens Public Library Fourth Wednesday of each month
5:30 p.m. in the Auditorium, St. Helens Library, 375 S 18th in St. Helens, The Friends organization supports library programs and services through book sales and encouragement of book and monetary donations.
Thursdays
Ukulele Jam by Scappoose Public Library
10 a.m. – Noon, 52469 SE 2nd St, Scappoose. Bring your ukulele to this sing and play-along.
Columbian Toastmasters Noon – 1 p.m. Promoting positive learning and leadership through public speaking. Anyone is welcome to visit! Lunch meetings at Warren Country Inn, 56575 Columbia River Hwy, Warren, OR 97053 from 12 p.m.-1 p.m. every Thursday. Call 503369-0329 for more information.
Board Games Nights by Scappoose Public Library 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. 52469 SE 2nd St, Scappoose, Free and open without registration intended for adults.
Fridays
Caples House Tea and Sweets
2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Caples House offers Tea and Sweets: a bottomless cup of tea with a homemade dessert. Cost is $5. In The Cottage, 1925 First Street in Columbia City. Call 503-397-5390 for more details.
Fridays – Sundays
Caples House Museum Tours
1 p.m. - 5 p.m. - Caples House Museum Tours, 1925 1st Street in
can be purchased online in advance at www.spiritofhalloweentown.com.
Hummel said that for details, people should visit the brand-new website at SpiritofHalloweentown.co. Hummel said the webpage is designed to be a “trusted, go-to resource for both visitors and locals to stay up-to-date on everything happening at the event.”
“We’re beyond excited to be working with the St. Helens community,” Hummel said. “Our message to
ly, that will not be the case in the near future. It is our hope that the city administration will begin to prioritize public safety. The city was warned of these retirements and the staffing issues that it would create and, unfortunately, failed to prepare for them,” Gaston said. “This is the first time in recent memory that the St. Helens Police Department has not had 24-hour police coverage. We urge anybody who wants to have officers working around the clock to contact their city councilors with your concerns.”
The Rainier Public Library is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Fridays and 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays. It will be closed Sundays and Mondays.
Monthly Events
Laundry Day provided by St. Wenceslaus’ Laundromat Ministry 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Scappoose Laundromat, 52494 SW 1st Street #3531 in Scappoose. This event is held on the 3rd Saturday of every month. Winter weather conditions may cause cancellation. Bring your laundry and the rest is supplied (laundry detergent, dryer sheets and quarters). For questions call 503-543-2110.
Lower Columbia River Watershed Council Lower Columbia Watershed Council meets the second Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the Clatskanie PUD building. Zoom links are also available. Visit the council’s website for agenda postings and Zoom at www.lowercolumbiariver.org/eventspage.
Kids Activities for Adults by Scappoose Public Library 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. 52469 SE 2nd St, Scappoose, first Monday of the month.
FOSPL
the community is simple: We’re passionate about the communities we serve, and Spirit of Halloweentown isn’t just another event for us—it’s something we’re deeply committed to. We’re giving our all to make this year’s event, as well as future events, the best they can be. We’re excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to creating even more chances for community engagement and growth in the coming years.”
Walsh said if a call comes in while officers are off duty, an on-call St. Helens officer will be dispatched to respond if an immediate police response is required.
“Additionally, we work collaboratively with other local law enforcement agencies to assist one another in emergency situations. Columbia County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Oregon State Police troopers would also respond to provide coverage in an emergency situation,” Walsh said. “Non-emergency calls will be addressed when officers are on duty.”
OBITUARIES
Randle “Randy” Nelson
2023
September 10, 2024 is one year since Randle (Randy) Nelson passed away. We truly miss him. He was born May 20, 1960. He was affiliated with the local Alano Club. He loved racing. He loved being outdoors, skeet & target shooting, fishing & camping. He worked for Robben & Sons Heating for 30 years as a Senior Service Tech. He married Ruthie Silen March 6, 2015. We took many trips to the beach. He also loved lighthouses. He was my lover, companion & best friend. Everyone that knew Randy was lucky to have known him.
Mary Ray, 70, a resident of St. Helens, Oregon passed away on Sept. 13, 2024 surrounded by her family. Mary passed at Westside Kaiser Medical Center in Hillsboro, Oregon. Mary was born on Nov. 14, 1953 in Moses Lake, Washington. Mary worked many years work with people with disabilities. She had a gift to care for people with kindness passion and grace. The most loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. She
On October 21, 1945, an amazing child entered our world. Michael William Johnson was born in St. Mary’s hospital in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, to loving parents, Arnold Woodrow “Woody” and Charlene Mil dred Johnson.
Mary Ray
Nov. 14, 1953 ~ Sept. 13, 2024
always had an ear to listen and kind word to say. Mary loved her family most of all, loved family functions, boat rides, flowers, scrapbooking, crafts and going to the casino with her husband of fifty-four years. She had a smile that would light up her room. She is survived by spouse Bryant Ray Senior; siblings, Leonard Kelley, Ira Kelley; and Tom and Carol Kelley; children, Bryant Ray Junior and wife Sonia; Dolores Weedmark and husband
Korry; Paula Helmersen with husband Mike; 15 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded by her parents, Melvin and Dolores Kelley; in-laws; parents, Lyle and Gertrude Ray; and sisterin-law Debbie Kelley. A celebration of life will be held at 5 p.m. on Sept. 28, 2024 at the Rainier Eagles, 110 East 1st Street Rainier, Oregon. Everyone, welcome to celebrate Mary’s life.
Michael William
Oct. 21, 1945 ~ Sept. 2, 2024
was working at an aerospace lab in Minneapolis where he tested and developed equipment that would land on the moon. He worked long hours at the lab but would still find time to prank and joke with his colleagues.
As a child he grew up on a farm at Rock Lake, an area he would always remember with fondness. As a farm boy he was working nearly from the age he could walk, and this hard work would prove to be a foundation for how he would live his life. Life on the farm was rustic, as they had only an outhouse for a restroom and needed to pump water by hand into the kitchen sink.
Mike attended a oneroom school, grades first through sixth, and the boys outnumbered the girls by such a large margin that Mike often had to play a girl part in school productions, wearing a dress and bonnet his mother made from a flour sack. Around the age of ten, the family moved from the farm into the town of Detroit Lakes. After years of waking up at dawn to feed the chickens and tend to the cows, Mike would be up and out at 5 am, excited to meet the neighbor kids and couldn’t understand why they were still sleeping.
When Mike was in high school his cousin Charlie convinced him (rather easily) to skip school and go with him to Fargo so Charlie
could sign up for the Marine Corps. Mike was just along for the ride but ended up coming home registered for the Marines. With the blessing of his father, he became a United States Marine at the age of 17. Despite being legally blind without glasses due to oxygen treatment as a child, Mike was an expert marksman while in the Marines and beyond. He was very intelligent and his test scores at the Marines proved it. After boot camp at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, CA, he became a radar technician, setting up radar towers in remote locations. While in high school, Mike met Judy McAnnany through his friend, Mike Kraft. One date with Judy was all it took, and eventually Judy McAnnany became Judy Johnson. Mike and Judy would eventually have four kids together. The first child, Troy “The Reason” Johnson was born in Detroit Lakes in 1967. At that time Mike
In 1970 Mike and Judy welcomed their second child, Michelle Lee Johnson, to the family and the following year would move to St. Helens, Oregon, where Mike eventually landed a job at Boyd Coffee Company but the family wasn’t complete. In 1978 they added Mike’s namesake, Michael Bennett and in 1983 completed the family with Kimberly Marion.
While at Boyd’s, Mike worked his way up from an entry-level position at the factory shop to one of the most prolific employees the company would know, eventually creating a division of the company known as Techni-Brew International. Through his work at Boyd’s he developed several pieces of equipment, from coffee brewers to espresso carts. The most notable being the Airpot Brewer, which is still used globally today. Mike worked at Boyd’s for nearly 40 years, eventually retiring in 2010. Mike’s retired life was full of action, as he spent countless hours with his grandkids, facilitated very special hunting trips with his sons and grandsons, and was always the first to help
Robert Andrew Deahl
July 7, 1946 ~ Aug. 30, 2024
family or friends in need. He became a self-taught master woodworker and created many precious heirlooms. His strong work ethic stayed with him his entire life, and many who know him can point to something in their home that he built, fixed, or moved for them.
Mike passed peacefully on Labor Day, a fitting day for a man who worked hard his entire life and exactly two years to the day of the passing of his mother. He will receive a military internment at Willamette National Cemetery for his service in the United States Marine Corps.
Mike is survived by his wife Judy Gail Johnson, sister Marica (Jarl) Olson, brother David (Debbie) Johnson, brother Donald (Anne) Johnson, son Troy (Cheryl) Johnson, daughter Michelle Brooks, son Michael Johnson, daughter Kimberly (Kaileb) Hahmeyer, grandson Jordan (Kendall) Johnson, granddaughter Sabrina Navarro, grandson Ryan Navarro, granddaughter Aliya Brooks, grandson Jack Johnson, grandson Trevin Hahmeyer, grandson Justice Brooks, and grandson Tanner Hahmeyer. Memorial Service: Saturday, September 28 at 1 p.m. at First Lutheran Church.
Address: 360 Wyeth St., St. Helens, OR 97051 A Celebration of Life following at the St. Helens Elk Lodge 350 Belton Rd, St. Helens, OR.
Robert Andrew Deahl of St. Helens, Oregon passed away at his home on Aug. 30, 2024, at the age of 78. He was born on July 7, 1946 in Otter Tail County Minnesota and lived on a farm on the shores of Dead lake, Minnesota.
Bob is survived by 3 of his children: Bob Deahl Jr (wife Kerry), Elizabeth James, Ben Deahl; 11 Grandchildren: Laken, Lacey, Cody, Max, Thomas, Redhelle, Robert, Bobby, Kaitlyn, Ariel, Grace; and 2 Great Grandchildren: Callie and Evelyn. He was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Mable, sister Devota, brother Arlen, and daughter Barb.
Bob was about three years old when his family decided to move from Minnesota to Sutherland, Oregon. They left Sutherland and moved to St. Helens, Oregon when he was starting elementary school. He was always proud to say that his dad owned Harold’s Grocery Store near their home and the McBride Elementary school. He attended the St. Helens SDA Church school for his elementary school years and for high school years, he attended
Frederick “Mike” Witt was born on April 14, 1966 and passed away on Sept. 11, 2024 at the age of 58. A memorial motorcycle
academies and did his senior year at St. Helens High School, graduating in 1964.
Bob served in the US Army for 2 years and was stationed at Ft Bliss (El Paso, TX) from 1965-1967.
He married Connie Van Ortwick on January 4, 1966, they were married for 23 years, but always remained friends after separating. Bob married again to Joanne Brady on June 23, 1996 and was with her until her death in 2007. Barb Kawamoto has been by Bob’s side for the last 15+ years.
Asphalt paving was Bob’s passion, he started working with Jim McBride and St. Helens Paving right
out of High School, he eventually went on to buy St. Helens Paving located on Hankey Rd. After a few years there, he moved the business out to Old Portland Rd. to have more room and equipment to do bigger jobs. With dreams of expansion, he teamed up with Dick Backlund and Scott Parker to form “United Asphalt” in Scappoose. After some tuff times in the paving business, Bob got a new job with the Scappoose Drainage District in Scappoose. He was there for nearly 30 years, then retired in 2012. Even retirement couldn’t keep Bob from missing a couple of paving days during the week. He continued working with both ME Moore Construction and Kessi Construction. He was most proud to have 3 generations of asphalt pavers in his family: himself, son Ben and grandson Cody. He was crazy about basketball, watching it and mostly playing it. He played on several teams here in the St. Helens area, and in the late 1960’s played on a team that played against Portland teams and helped win a league championship. He loved watching the Portland Trailblazers with
Frederick “Mike” Witt
April 14, 1966 ~ Sept. 11, 2024
ride will be held at 11 a.m. on Oct. 5, 2024. Anyone who wishes to participate will meet at 845 N. Col. River Hwy., St. Helens,
OR 97051 beginning at 10:30 a.m. The ride will begin at 11 a.m. A celebration of life will also be held from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
his best friend Barb, but his Favorite team has always been the Boston Celtics and favorite player was Bob Cousy. Bob was always a big baseball fan too, loved going to games and following the Seattle Mariners, but his favorite team has always been the New York Yankees and favorite player was Mickey Mantle. In 2008, the whole family went on a “Baseball Trip” to New York City, Cooperstown, NY, and Boston, MA. They attended two baseball games at the old Yankee Stadium, two days at the Baseball Hall of fame, and one baseball game in Fenway Park, along with seeing the Statue of Liberty, and Empire State building. He had the time of his life, he often talked about that trip and how many memories there were.
Bob always had a sense of humor, sometimes a little odd, but always in a fun way.
A viewing and gravesite service were held on Monday, September 9, 2024 There will be a Celebration of Life on Sunday, October 6, 2024, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Elks Lodge in St. Helens, OR. https://www.therealdeahlgiftstore.com/bob-deahl-col.
on Oct. 5, 2024 at The Red Barn at Scappoose Creek Inn, 53769 West Lane Road, Scappoose, Oregon 97056.
Johnson
Adventist