Do you dig St. Helens? Do you want to support local downtown businesses during Riverfront District construction? Well, thanks to a program from the St. Helens Main Street Alliance, people can help local businesses, and they may even get a prize out of it.
The program is called “I Dig St. Helens,” and it was developed by the Mainstreet Alliance board. It’s a simple initiative: grab a punch card, shop at participating businesses, and collect punches to win prizes. Punch cards are available at participating businesses, and customers get “one punch per visit.” Collect nine punches by Nov. 30, and folks will be able to cash in their punch card for some “I Dig St. Helens Swag.” All completed cards are entered to win one of several grand prizes.
Christian Iverson Todd is a Board Member of the Main Street Alliance, and he explained what the program is all about.
The idea for the I Dig St. Helens campaign was born out of a desire to help bring business downtown during the ongoing construction. We wanted to remind people that our downtown businesses are still open, active, and accessible throughout the construction project and to give people a fun reason to come downtown and support those businesses,” Iverson Todd said.
idea because we wanted something that was really designed for locals, the people who live and work and shop regularly in St. Helens and the surrounding area. The ‘I Dig St. Helens’ slogan and logo are a light
St. Helens’?
hearted way to show our support and love for our amazing little downtown, even through all of the digging.”
The logo was designed by Iverson Todd and features two large engineering vehicles with a heart in the middle and the slogan below. The construction downtown has caused consternation for residents and business owners as the streets and sidewalks are torn up for the Riverwalk and Extension and Utilities projects.
We hope that through this campaign, we can get people talking, get people downtown to see the construction that’s happening, and get people excited for the future.
~ Christian Iverson Todd, Main Street Alliance Board Member
Growing pains
The ongoing construction has also resulted in the augmentation of signature city events like the Spirit of Halloweentown, 13 Nights on the River, and 4th of July. Main Street Alliance President Erin Salisbury detailed some of the challenges for downtown businesses.
“The tricky thing about construc-
activity on what is a non-weekend night for downtown, seeing the loss of that foot traffic for our restaurants and our businesses downtown.”
The construction has also been a concern for residents who say they don’t go downtown over concerns about inconvenient parking and access to the area. Salisbury said that the campaign is a way to “celebrate this moment in time,” while also recognizing the challenges and inconveniences the transition presents.
“It’s all going to change after this. There was the ‘before,’ and we’re often comfortable with the ‘before,’ and we resist change as individuals. But at the same time, once the new downtown arrives, we’re going to quickly forget this transition,” Salisbury said. “But, the flip side of this is we want the same businesses to be around after. So how do we support them?”
Owner of 2Cs Vendor Mall Mitzi Ponce also detailed the difficulties that the construction has presented downtown business owners.
“It can be inconvenient right now to patronize the waterfront businesses, owing to the logistics of parking, temporary sidewalk surfaces, detours, and the like,” Ponce said. “However, customers’ continued support of their favorite businesses is necessary to ensure that those businesses remain healthy following the completion of construction.”
downtown, the growing pains around
Project Arcadia nearing
It’s no secret that a priority for the City of St. Helens is to bring industry back to town, and it appears the city is on the brink of getting the paper mill back online.
At a special session on Aug. 27, the St. Helens City Council authorized a company called Arcadia Paper Mills to purchase the former Boise Cascade mill site located at 1300 Kaster Road. The company made the announcement in a press release on Aug. 30.
“Arcadia Paper Mills is pleased to announce the authorization from the City of St Helens to purchase the former Boise Cascade mill site in St. Helens, Oregon. Thank you to the City of St. Helens for working together with Arcadia Paper Mills the last several months and seeing the vision for the future of the facility. We look forward to bringing back jobs to the community and returning the 35-acre site to its full potential. Significant investments will be made to rebuild and revitalize the mill site. Mill Manager,
plored for related forestry products. Very special thanks to Ron Houghtelling,” the release stated.
At the special meeting Aug. 27, the council declared the 1300 Kaster Road property as surplus and authorized the sale of the property.
The motion passed unanimously, with all five councilors voting in favor of the sale. The agreed-upon price for the property stated in the purchase-of-sale agreement is $7.5 million. During the special session, Mayor Rick Scholl said it was a “fair price” as the property was appraised at $5.13 million. Councilor Russell Hubbard said that the sale is “the way to go,” and noted that the company is taking on a big undertaking.
“The appraisal said that it would take about $7.8 million to bring the buildings back into saleability. So, I think Arcadia is taking on a huge chunk of responsibility,” Hubbard said. “They obviously see the virtue here.”
See PROJECT, Page A3
Rather than just having one event, Salisbury said the more than month-long campaign will hopefully drive people to not only support downtown businesses but also see the change and growth that the construction represents. Iverson Todd echoed Salisbury’s sentiments about getting
Clatskanie election candidates uncertain, Rainier set for stability
WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.
Election day is drawing ever nearer, and the deadline to file for city council or mayoral candidacy has passed for cities around the county. Though the Rainier election ticket will feature incumbents seeking to retain their seats, Clatskanie’s ballot is a big contrast.
Let’s take a look at who will be running in this election, and if no one is running, what that will mean for the Nov. 5 election.
Clatskanie’s almost empty ballot
When the filing deadline passed for mayoral and council candidacy for Clatskanie, only one candidate filed for either mayor or city council.
Jeff Horness will run to keep his seat on the city council; however, none of current Mayor Bob Brajcich, Council President Bruce Jolma, and Councilor Gary Jones filed for reelection. Each of their terms expires Dec. 31, 2024. No other candidates filed for election. Horness will run unopposed, and the positions held by Brajcich, Jolma, and Jones will be decided by write-in ballot.
To find out more about election proceedings in the case of a writein election, the Columbia County Chronicle & Chief reached out to Columbia County Election Supervisor Don Clack.
“If there is no candidate, then essentially, we’ll have to abstract all the write-in votes. The rules for a write-in abstract are that every position gets a write-in option, but we will only abstract and tally write-in votes if the amount is equal to or greater than the top vote-getter,” Clack said. “But, by definition, when you have no candidates, then
the top vote-getter is zero. So, we’ll tally everything.” According to Oregon’s Revised Statutes, a candidate needs no minimum amount of votes to win the election. The mayoral position and council positions previously held by Jones and Jolma will go to the
highest write-in vote-getter when the new term starts. For people who do end up running for office on a write-in campaign, Clack said that it is important that they distribute messaging with See CLATSKANIE, Page
COURTESY GRAPHIC
The I Dig St. Helens logo was designed by Christian Iverson Todd.
WILL LOHRE / COUNTRY MEDIA, INC.
The Rainier City Hall is located at 106 West B Street.
COUNTRY MEDIA, INC.
The Clatskanie City Council chambers are located in the Clatskanie Cultural Center at 75 South Nehalem Street.
WILL LOHRE / COUNTRY MEDIA, INC.
Arcadia Paper Mills is in the process of finalizing a deal to take over the former Boise Cascade paper mill.
St. Helens Library is more than meets the eye
WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.
While school is back in session, the classroom isn’t the only place you can hit the books. The St. Helens Public Library is participating in the American Library Association’s Library Card Sign up Month.
The initiative is meant to bring more awareness to the importance and versatility of local libraries, and Library Director Suzanne Bishop explained more about the annual program.
“It is something we do every year. It’s something that the American Library Association member organizations also do. It’s a national effort to get people into or back into the library,” Bishop said. “It’s our opportunity to let people know about the services, and letting people know that the library is a safe place and what we have to offer.”
As part of the program, the library’s goal is to issue 65 new library cards this month. Bishop said they have issued 22 cards as of
SUBMITTED BY THE CLATSKANIE ARTS COMMISSION
The Clatskanie Arts Commission’s 35th Performing Arts Series presents Cellist Gideon Freudmann performing solo cello and accompanying Buster Keaton’s silent film, “Sherlock, Jr.”
While your friends are watching TikTok, come enjoy the singular sensation of cellist Gideon Freudmann’s live soundtrack for “Buster Keaton’s Sherlock, Jr.” This slice of cinematic history accompanied by a contemporary composer’s soundtrack, lasts just under an hour. While silent film may seem a bygone phenomenon, Buster Keaton’s physical comedy and Freudmann’s cello will provide Team TikTok with some content to ponder.
The performance will be Sept. 29 at 3 p.m. at the Birkenfeld Theatre located at 75 S. Nehalem in Clatskanie.
Sept. 15. She said they are working hard to get more folks signed up and have increased activity on social media to draw people in. The theme this year is “Libraries - More Than Meets the Eye,” with a nod to the Transformers comic and movie franchise. The idea is that there is far more
example is the library’s “Library of Things.” “The collection includes tools and mobile hotspots that are really popular. Lots of things, like we have a dumpling maker, lots of kitchen, homemaking types of things,” Bishop said.
Not your average silentmovie-goer’s cellist, Freudmann plays what he terms “CelloBop,” a spicy mix of jazz, classical, modern, and the blues. Freudmann will extensively, and his work is featured on television, movies, and even the internet! Seize the chance to enjoy this talent live in Clatskanie! Come join us in the continuing celebration of Clatskanie Arts Commission’s 35th year of programming. Don’t miss the rest of the great performances this season:
mas with Men of Worth
• Jan. 25 - Piano Heist
• Feb. 23 - Magician Comedian Louie Foxx
• Apr. 5 - Country singer
Trevor Panczak and his band
Stay tuned for a special Nov. 1 event with Clatskanie’s own Kathy Crosby and Phoenix.
Tickets are available
and games and activities for young people.” These items can be checked out like any book, but you need to have a library card to access them. Bishop said that many people hear the word library and immediately
offers so much more than that. One of the highlights of the month so far has been seeing people come in and realize there are more resources at their fingertips.
“It’s been really rewarding to see people coming in looking for the Library
of Things, asking about our online resources,” Bishop said. “That’s the highlight for me; there’s a lot of renewed interest in the library and a lot of joy.”
As part of the library’s effort to make getting the card fun, new card holders get a chance for a photo op with a giant library card. Though people don’t have to pose for a photo, they are encouraged to share why they’ve decided to come in and renew or get their first card.
There have been “tons of great reasons for getting a new card,” according to a Facebook post on the St. Helens Public Library page. Some of the reasons included, “I’m learning to read and this is my first visit to the library,” “reading keeps me out of trouble,” and “We’ve lived here for years and never been to the library before!” If any of those reasons apply to you, it may be time to head down to the St. Helens Public Library and see if there are opportunities there you haven’t taken advantage of yet.
When you invest, you’ll find that knowledge is power. The more you know about your investment choices, and who is offering them, the better prepared you’ll be to make good decisions. And this diligence can also help protect you against investment scams.
How widespread is this activity? Consider this: Investment fraud losses totaled more than $4.5 billion in 2023, according to the FBI’s Internet Crime Report.
Here are some common types of scams:
• Cryptocurrency – Not all cryptocurrency offers are scams, but many are. The scammers will contact you via social media, claiming they’ve made a lot of money in crypto and are willing to help you do the same. They may direct you to a website or app to invest, but the “company” taking your money may not even exist, and, after taking your money, may disappear.
year’s event is Nov. 23. and will be held in the ballroom at the Clatskanie Cultural Center on Nehalem St. Our theme is Traditional Christmas-Celebrating the Children of the World. We are continuing to gather donations for the auction as well as sponsors.
Prime rib dinner is being catered by The Berry Patch may be purchased in advance at Umpqua Bank in Clatskanie or from one of your friendly Kiwanis members. We are thankful to Sue Piper/Columbia River Reader for poster design, Speedy Litho/Kelso, WA for printing tickets, and our table sponsors (to date) Clatskanie Arts Commission, Hudson Garbage, Pippindoc, Clatskanie Mobil.
Fall Perennial Sale
SUBMITTED BY Coming October 12 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the St. Helens
Proceeds from
go towards our
civic
Among the items will be daffodil
and hardy cyclamen. Join us on the porch alongside the Friends of the Library Book Sale. Lots of good bargains at both sales. See you there, rain or shine.
If you have questions, reach out to Lynn Chiotti at 503-397-0805.
• Investment programs
– These programs claim to have “proven” strategies that can enable you to get rich by investing in financial products. But these strategies are dubious at best and can cost you thousands of dollars that could otherwise go into an investment plan based on
your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon.
• Real estate – Typically, a real estate scam tries to get you to invest in a “worldclass” or “luxury” property development, but these properties may take years to build, if they’re built at all. Also, various real estate “seminars” claim they can teach you how to get wealthy by buying and selling real estate, but these programs are expensive and usually worthless.
• Gold and other precious metals – Scammers who call themselves “rare coins” merchants may try to sell you gold coins, bullion or other types of precious metals, claiming that these assets will always go up in value (which isn’t true) and that “now is the best time to act.” You can find legitimate ways to invest in precious metals, possibly through mutual funds, but you’ll need to determine whether these assets can be an appropriate part of your investment portfolio.
So, how can you avoid these scams? Here are some suggestions from the Federal Trade Commission:
• Don’t be pushed into snap decisions. Scammers will pressure you to act quickly because “space is limited” in an investment offering or a “special deal” won’t last long. If someone won’t give you time to consider an offer, it’s not worth considering.
• Be suspicious of “risk-
free” claims. All investments carry risk, and no variable investments can claim to provide “guaranteed returns.” If an individual or organization downplays the risk of an investment and doesn’t want to provide risk disclosures, just walk away.
• Ask about licensing or registration. Legitimate investment professionals must be registered with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and be licensed by your state’s securities regulator before they can sell you any investment product. You can check the status of an individual or firm by using FINRA’s BrokerCheck tool at brokercheck. fina.org.
• Do some research. You can search online for the name of the company or individual offering you an investment opportunity. By entering terms such as “review,” “scam,” “fraud” or “complaint,” you may well find that other people have experienced problems or been victimized.
To achieve your financial goals, you’ll likely need to invest for decades — so, be wary of scammers who claim to offer a shortcut to success.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by Topher Mood, your Edward Jones financial advisor at (503) 397-1125. Edward Jones, Member
COUNTRY MEDIA, INC.
The St. Helens Public Library is located at 375 S 18th Street in St. Helens.
Cellist Gideon Freudman adding song to silence
COURTESY PHOTO Gideon Freudman will perform at the Birkenfeld Theatre on Sept. 29.
COURTESY PHOTO FROM LAUREY WHITE Kiwanis Gala attendees enjoying dinner in 2023.
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 3 • Police arrested a male
subject on a fugitive warrant at 2200 Gable Road.
• Law enforcement arrested a 48-year-old male subject on a fugitive warrant at the 500 block of Columbia River Highway.
September 4
• Officers arrested a 39-yearold female subject on a detainer at the 1300 block of Kaster Road.
September 6
• Law Enforcement arrested a 33-year-old female subject on criminal trespass II, posses-
sion of methamphetamine atthe 200 block of Columbia River Highway.
September 8
• Police arrested a 33-year-old female subject on a fugitive warrant at 901 Port Avenue.
September 9
• Law enforcement investigated a welfare check near Columbia Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard.
• Officers arrested a 27-yearold male subject on a fugitive warrant at the 2000 block Columbia Boulevard.
Oregon opioid settlement dollars will help people stay off drugs
BEN BOTKIN
Oregon public health officials are mapping out plans for spending $41 million in opioid settlement funding that will go toward preventing addiction, expanding treatment programs and adding recovery community centers.
Earlier this year, the Opioid Settlement, Prevention, Treatment & Recovery Board approved the funding for projects in those areas. Now, the Oregon Health Authority is working with contract recipients on their plans and timelines. The money will fund mobile response teams, pay for buildings and rent so support groups can gather in recovery centers and cover the costs of programs that educate and promote awareness among youth and children about the dangers of illicit drugs.
The funding represents just a portion of the nearly $600 million Oregon will receive during the next 18 years as part of a settlement in a national lawsuit that states filed against opioid manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies.
For years, the opioid crisis left people nationwide addicted to painkillers. After
years of litigation, states, including Oregon, are now receiving hundreds of millions of settlement dollars to address the crisis.
On Wednesday, the Oregon Health Authority told the settlement board that the projects include programs to help people stay off drugs in southern and eastern Oregon and in coastal counties, help disadvantaged groups and increase the treatment and recovery workforce. The 17-member board unanimously approved those plans.
Oregon Health Authority officials told the board they will get funding to recipients as quickly as possible and without a lot of red tape.
“I know that the board’s goal was to distribute funds within this biennium, which ends at the end of June, and so I’m absolutely not concerned to be able to meet that timeline,” Courtney Fultineer, the agency’s interim overdose prevention program manager, told the board.
Here’s where the money will go:
Nearly $14 million
will go towards prevention programs and workforce development. The biggest piece of that, $9.5 million, will go to counties or nonprofits for local efforts, which could include prevention education, outreach, developing local policies or partnerships with schools.
Another $3.8 million will go to community-based organizations for programs that reach people in marginalized communities, such as Native American or Black communities and others who’ve traditionally been disadvan-
taged. Those programs can work with children, youth, families and adults.
And $450,000 will go to a program to train and certify prevention specialists who work with people in addiction.
At total of $13 million will be dedicated to recovery centers that allow people who are off drugs – or considering it – to socialize. They offer a space for support groups, community events and classes in areas like financial literacy and job training. Most of it – $11.7 million – will go toward five new recovery centers in Wasco, Curry, Douglas, Klamath and Josephine counties, paying for staffing, purchasing and renovation of a building, furniture and vehicles.
The remaining $1.3 million will go toward other areas.
About $830,000 will help recovery community centers expand culturally specific and youth services in recovery centers. This includes translation and interpretation services, outreach to marginalized communities and hiring bilingual staff.
The state also is giving $500,000 for personnel costs to Oxford House, which runs recovery houses that help people transition to independence while recovering from addiction. Oxford House, a
national organization, runs more than 200 recovery houses throughout Oregon.
In October, the board will hear about how opioid settlement funding will pay for treatment programs, the final part of the state’s plan. The $14.3 million treatment plan includes medication units for Clackamas and Multnomah counties.
Another eight opioid treatment programs are planned for the rest of the state, including two in northeastern Oregon, one in the Columbia River Gorge, one in Klamath County, two on the Oregon Coast and one each in Redmond and Lane County.
All of those programs can potentially be mobile, allowing them to reach areas with the highest needs and adapt.
https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2024/09/05/ oregon-opioid-settlementdollars-will-help-peoplestay-off-drugs/ Oregon Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Lynne Terry for questions: info@ oregoncapitalchronicle.com.
Summer EBT application deadline extended to Sept. 30, 2024
SUBMITTED BY THE OREGON DEPT. OF HUMAN SERVICES
The application deadline for the new Summer EBT program has been extended to midnight Sept. 30, 2024. The program offers $120 per child to help cover grocery costs when school food programs are not as easy to access. Eligible families should act now. Thousands of families may be unaware that they qualify for this essential benefit. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) urge families to check their eligibility and apply before the extended deadline. Remember, once benefits are received, they must be used within 122 days. Most eligible children received their benefits automatically on June 28, 2024,
Arcadia nearing the finish line
From Page A1
Hubbard said that he expects Arcadia Paper Mills to be good stewards of the property. Councilor Mark Gundersen said the acquisition is a “perfect fit.” The council, mayor, and City Manager John Walsh all touted the importance of selling the mill as it will bring jobs and much-needed tax revenue to St. Helens.
About Arcadia Paper Mills and what’s next
Now that the sale has been authorized, a “due diligence” period has begun. The period is 90 days, but the buyer can extend the period by an additional 60 days. Craig Allen spoke at the special session about what will come next.
“We plan to employ and start the number 2 paper machine up as soon as possible. We anticipate that being somewhere around 60 family wage rate jobs consistent with the industry in this area,” Allen said.
The Chronicle & Chief reached out to Allen for
if their households:
1. Participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
2. Participate in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
3. Are Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) members in households with incomes under 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level
Children in foster care also automatically received Summer EBT.
However, families who did not receive benefits automatically, particularly those with children enrolled in a school during the 20232024 school year who were eligible for the National School Lunch or Breakfast Programs, should still apply to determine their eligibility. Families are encouraged to visit sebt.oregon.gov or contact the Summer EBT Call Center to verify their
more information about the next steps and the timeline for when jobs would start coming online.
“Arcadia Paper Mills is in the due diligence process and expects to close with the city later this year,” Allen said. “Jobs will be created after the due diligence period has concluded.”
Local contractor and Arcadia Paper Mills partner Ron Houghtelling has been in the industry for a long time, and he said restarting the mill is restoring an institution that many in the community had relied on for generations.
“A lot of people in the community relied on that mill for their livelihood for generations, and my family is one of those. When the mill shut down, it affected a lot of people,” Houghtelling said. “I was watching the situation as Cascades left, and the city took ownership, and was in contact with some of the people that were still cleaning the place up, and found out that they were looking at scrapping the place. I made some phone calls and got ahold of Mr. Allen. Craig knows a lot of people in the industry, and he made some phone calls to some old friends of his that are in the paper business still.” Allen and Houghtelling toured the mill along with
eligibility and apply. ODHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht said, “We are grateful to our federal partners for making this extension. The extra time is so important for us to reach families who may be eligible because we know access to nutritious food is critical.”
“Staying engaged in school and active in life requires proper nutrition,” said ODE Director Dr. Charlene Williams. “We know that there are many more families out there who have children who may be eligible for the $120 Summer EBT benefit and this important extension boosts our opportunity to reach them.”
Since June 28, 2024, more than 336,198 eligible school-aged children have been issued $40.3 million in Summer EBT food benefits. More than 60 percent of families receiving benefits in the initial issuance were
some other investors. They decided to make an offer on the property and contacted the city. Houghtelling said he wants to get the word out that the mill will hopefully soon be back online.
“There’s a lot of excitement in the community about it. We’ve been in touch with the union and the people there, a lot of the previous employees, and there’s a lot of excitement with those people being able to get their jobs back and come back and make a living here in town,” Houghtelling said.
Houghtelling said he is getting texts and phone calls daily from people reaching out to see when the mill will be hiring. He said that they are about 60-90 days from the beginning to bring jobs back, in accordance with the due diligence period. The due diligence period will ensure that there aren’t any deal breakers before it is finalized.
Some of those issues relate to repairs that need to be made to the infrastructure of the mill and the number three paper machine. Houghtelling said they are not expecting any surprises but that it is possible something could come up.
“We’re basically all in on this project, and we want this to work for the community and for my kids and
able to immediately use benefits on existing Oregon EBT cards; the rest received new cards in July. Act now and don’t let this opportunity pass by. Make sure your family receives the assistance it
their kids. It’s going to be all good if we can pull this off, and we’re really getting close,” Houghtelling said. The plan is to refurbish the mill and put it into a position so the mill can run for another 100 years. At the Aug. 27 special session, City Councilor Brandon
Sundeen talked a little bit about the history of the mill and issued a challenge to the new developers.
“I think it’ll be a great thing for the city. In a couple years, we’ve got its 100th-year anniversary coming up, and I’d love to see it going full force again and have a mill that our city can be proud of,” Sundeen said. “1927, I think the first paper came off the role, so that’s your challenge! I think it’s going to be a great thing getting some people in our community back to work, and I’m looking forward to it.”
GETTY IMAGES
Prescription painkillers sparked a wave of opioid addictions and national litigation. Now, states, including Oregon, are spending the settlement funding.
Connecting businesses with community for a purpose
SIERRA TRASS Chronicle & Chief Guest Column
Columbia County’s economic success is built on the strength of our local businesses. That’s why the Columbia Economic Team (CET) launched the Columbia County Business Community Connection Project, an initiative designed to support, retain, and grow businesses throughout the county. Working with the Oregon Values and Beliefs Center (OVBC), and independent research firm, we are combining direct interviews, data analysis, and collaboration to enable us to develop a shared vision for the future of business development in our county.
Our project goals are clear: We aim to tackle common systemic issues and concerns faced by businesses, respond to individual business needs where possible, strengthen connections within the local business ecosystem, and develop shared strategic vision. Over 20 local business development partners have joined with us in this process. Together, we are working to build a countywide strategic plan that will shape the future of our local economy, based on the direct input, insights, and feedback of local business owners.
A collaborative effort
The scale of participation in this project has been remarkable. With a target of 100 for this first round, we completed 75 interviews with businesses across Columbia County—far exceeding the typical number of 30 to 50 interviews for
communities of our size, according to the University of Minnesota project model we implemented. Further, interviews were held with businesses of all sizes, sectors, and types, from in-home businesses to manufacturers, and across a diverse range of industries. This level of engagement was made possible by the collaboration of our partners and nearly 60 volunteers, cementing that this effort is truly collaborative. We extend a heartfelt thank you to the businesses that took time to participate in the interviews. Your insights will help guide the future of our local economy and ensure that Columbia County continues to be a place where businesses thrive.
Why it matters
The Columbia County Business Community Connection Project is more than just a study. It’s a strategic effort to address key challenges – and also opportunities -- that our local businesses face every day and in planning their futures. By identifying systemic concerns and opportunities in the areas of workforce, access to capital, regulatory and permitting, supply chain and logistics, and community support, we can create targeted, actionable initiatives to drive growth. These insights will inform not only our countywide strategic plan but also help strengthen relationships among businesses, local leaders, development partners, and just plain neighbors. As a community, we can create a thriving, resilient business ecosystem that benefits us all.
What’s next?
The next step in this process is to broadly share the data we’ve gathered with the community. We invite you to join us for a series of presentations across Columbia County, where we’ll discuss what we heard and learned from the interviews, and how that can help guide us. This is a fresh opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Columbia County’s business community and learn how we can all play a role in shaping its future.
Our first presentation will be held in St. Helens on Tuesday, September 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Columbia Learning Center. Additional presentations will be held in:
• Scappoose: Thursday, September 19, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the PCC OMIC Training Center
• Vernonia: Friday, September 20, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at Vernonia City Hall
• Rainier: Tuesday, September 24, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at Rainier City Hall
• Clatskanie: Thursday, September 26, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Clatskanie PUD
Join us for breakfast as we dive into these critical topics. Food and coffee will be provided, and we look forward to seeing you there. Please RSVP to the presentation of your choice on Eventbrite here: https:// www.eventbrite.com/ cc/2024-munch-n-learnseries-2947419. And if you have questions, please email Sierra Trass at sierra@columbiacountyoregon.com.
Sierra Trass is a Small Business Specialist for the Columbia Economic Team.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
On newspapers
After relocating from Pendleton to Columbia City fourteen years ago, I purchased subscriptions in both The Chronicle and The Spotlight to learn of my new community, from local news, to community activities, and even learning about local businesses from their advertisements. Over the years, local Scappoose news declined in The Spotlight, and it became just another Beaverton/Hillsboro news source, so I let my subscription lapse. And today I read that the Sept. 25 issue of The Chronicle/Chief will be its last.
Being that most county residents work in the Portland Metro area, how will
Community Events
September 18-20 Yard Sale
Columbia River PUD
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. 64001 Columbia River Hwy, Deer Island. All sales benefit our GLOW fund to provide emergency bill payment assistance income qualified CRPUD customers
September 18 Novel Quilters
2 p.m. 2000 2nd St, Columbia City.
September 18 History Connections Talk
7 p.m. Presented by the Scappoose Historical Society at the Historic Red Barn at 53760 West Lane Road in Scappoose (intersection of West Lane and Honeyman Rd. Tricia Oberndorf will speak on the Pisgah Mountain Home in Scappoose.
they connect with their local community activities? What will happen when residents become completely disconnected from the decisions being made in city councils and county commissioner meetings? A sad day indeed has come.
Joe Turner Columbia City
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September 21 NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
11 p.m. – 1 p.m. 125 S 13th St, St. Helens, Elks Veteran Bunker (House). Our group’s focus is selfcare for those who have a loved one with mental illness. Contact Judy Thompson for more information 503-397-6056
September 21 Clatskanie Farmer’s Market
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Copes Park. Known as the coolest little market in Oregon, the Clatskanie Farmer’s Market offers fresh produce, pantry staples, art & crafts, body products, plants & starts, and culinary delights!
September 25 Mystery Book Club
7 p.m. 2000 2nd St, Columbia City
September 26 Community Service Appreciation Celebration
2 p.m. – 5 p.m. Columbia County Fairgrounds Pavilion Columbia Health Services warmly invites you to be celebrate the heartfelt, powerful, encouraging, and difficult work that is done in the community. Please join the celebration in a relaxed, collaborative environment.
September 27 Navigating the Oceans presented by Columbia River Maritime Museum
1 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. 48 W 7th St, Rainier. Presentation by the Columbia River Maritime Museum
September 28 Clatskanie
Farmers Market-Harvest Festival
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Copes Park, Clatskanie. Abundance of apples! Apple pressing with bring your own apples! You are also welcomed to press pears. This is the last market of the season and perfect time to stock up on lots of goodies for the wintertime. We will have many vendors that highlight fall produce, etched pumpkins, and goods that will be perfect gifts for the holiday season that is around the corner. More information to come!
September 28 Rainier
Senior Center Silent Auction Dinner
5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. 48 W 7th St, Rainier. Please join the Rainier Senior Center on September 28th, 5-7:30 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 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 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 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 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 @ 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 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 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 Day-Breakers 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
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.
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Veteran Car Donations
Donate your car, truck, boat, RV and more to support our veterans! Schedule a FAST, FREE vehicle pickup and receive a top tax deduction! Call Veteran Car Donations at 1-866-695-9265 today!
Heritage for the Blind
Get a break on your taxes! Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impaired. Arrange a swift, nocost vehicle pickup and secure a generous tax credit for 2025. Call Heritage for the Blind Today at 1-844-533-9173 today!
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502
Help Wanted
Help Needed Needed Part time Cook, housecleaning, driving to appointments and grocery shopping. **** Senior couple needs help.**** Father has dementia **** You will need a couple of referrals** Background checks will be required*** Certified caregivers get top pay *** $25-$35 an hour *** Scappoose Oregon Contact me by phone: 9712054944 Email : Cherylpassarelli@gmail.com
602
Boats & Motors
For sale 1989 Bayliner 2455 Sunbridge Ciera Mercury 351 I/0, updated interior,
good running condition. $5400 plus 6mos free moorage at Yacht’s Landing Marina, St. Helen’s, Contact Richard Kimball @503-7049999
604
Recreational Vehicles
For Sale
2000 Class A Hurricane Motor Home, Workhome Chassis Class, 454 GM Big Block Engine, Allison Automatic Trans/overdrive, 49789 miles, 2 owners, 31 feet, rear bedroom, large bathroom, sleeps six, new refrigerator, new Sanyo tires less than 500 miles, dual air conditioning, 400 watt Cummins generator, always garaged 2 new batteries, very clean, call for details 503369- 8667 700 Misc/Trade
Antique Montag trash burner for sale $100. Please call 503-410- 1178.
Garage Sale Sept. 20- 21 from 9-3 at 8 Crescent Dr. in St. Helens. Housewares: depression glass and collectable deer plates, dishes/glassware/ china set, camping/ backpacking, tools, mens winter shirts and jackets, bicycle parts, womens clothes, small
kitchen appliances, holiday decorations, videos and books, electronic parts, vintage RC helicopter quads, and much more. Cash only.
Garage Sale Sept. 20, 21, 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. big variety, handmade cutting boards, charcutere boards, beer steins, tools, plants, mason bee starter kits with cocoons, collectables and much more, 61858 Dart Creek Rd, St. Helens
706 Estate Sales
St. Helen’s
Estate Sales 280 South First St, St. Helens Saturday, Sept. 21 9 a.m.- 7p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. See photos and info at patinacountryestatesales.com Estatesalefinders. com
736 Pets
Doggy Daycare/Park Hi Everyone, I live 5 min. N. of Clatskanie and am fencing 3 acres for
Salisbury also said that going down during construction and finding parking is not so dissimilar to visiting downtown for 13 Nights. Though much of the best parking may be taken, there are places people can park nearby, and they can still make the rest of the journey on foot.
More than one event As far as the timeline for the campaign, having it conclude before the end of November is intentional. The Main Street Alliance wants the campaign to continue to drive business downtown beyond the economic boom that comes with The Spirit of Halloweentown. “What we really understand, particularly for those
the construction is creating, and believe me, we definitely understand,” Iverson Todd said. “That’s why we created the campaign in the first place! But we don’t hear as much talk yet about how great it’s going to be once it’s finally finished. We hope that through this campaign, we can get people talking, get people downtown to see the construction that’s happening, and get people excited for the future.”
riverfront businesses, the traditions has been, as soon as Halloweentown is done, they see a huge drop off in business,” Salisbury said. In large part, because our local community starts avoiding downtown during Halloweentown, and they fall out of the habit of showing up.” So, to keep the program going for another month after the end of Halloweentown is to keep the flow of locals going downtown. The participating businesses and where they can be found includes:
• 2cs Vendor Mall (215 South 1st Street)
• Bemis Printing & Graphics (267 South 1st Street)
• Beyond the Forest (245 South 1st Street)
• Big River Taproom (313 Strand Street)
• Crooked Creek Brewery (343 South 1st Street)
• Endless Sound Records (292 South 1st Street)
• Gnome Grown (100 St. Helens Street)
• The Klondike Tavern (71 Cowlitz Street)
• Lighting Cupcakes (291 South 1st Street)
• Real Eye Zing Art (203 South 1st Street)
• Rose Street Boutique (291 S 1st Street)
• Scandalous Salon & Boutique (261 South 1st Street)
• Spilt Ink Gallery & Gifts (289 South 1st Street)
• Plymouth Pub (298 South 1st Street)
• More businesses may be added as the campaign continues.
Iverson Todd said that the reaction Main Street has gotten from downtown businesses
has been “great.”
CC24-3055
NOTICE OF WORK SESSION
Clatskanie City Council
Work Session The Clatskanie City Council will hold a work session on Wednesday, September 25th, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall in the Clatskanie
CC24-3052
Cultural Center, 75 South Nehalem St. (2nd floor). The purpose of the meeting is to discuss council responsibility, direction for staff in record keeping and communication with council, code officer authority, and the
levy of fines. 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.
PUBLIC NOTICE - INVITATION TO BID TRENCHING/BORING – CREST DR, BERGAN ST, HILL ST – WARREN, OR COLUMBIA RIVER PUD
Notice is hereby given that Columbia River People’s Utility District (PUD) will receive sealed bids for trenching/boring services. Bids will be received by the PUD, 64001 Columbia River Highway, Deer Island, Oregon 97054 until 3:30 p.m., pacific prevailing time, on October 10, 2024, at which time the bids will be publicly opened. The bids will be available for public inspection at the PUD office after the bid
opening. No bids will be received after 3:30 p.m., pacific prevailing time, on the 10th day of October, 2024. All bids shall include a statement that those parties named in the bid are the only parties with an interest in the bid and that the bid is made without any collusion with any other bidder, official or employee of the PUD. The bid documents and specifications may be examined at the office of the PUD, 64001 Columbia
ONGOING EVENTS
Ongoing 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
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.
River Highway, Deer Island, Oregon 97054. Electronic copies of the bid documents may be obtained by visiting https://www.crpud.net/ my-pud/bid-documents/. Columbia River PUD reserves the right to reject any and all bids that are not in compliance with the bid documents and pre-scribed public bidding procedures and to reject for good cause any or all bids upon a finding by the PUD that it is in the public interest to do so.
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 Columbia City. Cost is $5. Stop by and see what has changed. Caples House Museum Tours are closed except by reservation until Friday March 1. If you’d like a tour, please call 503397-3590.
Saturdays
CC24-3053
NOTICE OF INTENT TO CONTRACT THROUGH INTERSTATE COOPERATIVE PROCUREMENT PURSUANT TO THE COLUMBIA COUNTY PUBLIC CONTRACTING ORDINANCE
Public notice is hereby given of Columbia County’s intent to contract with Peterson Cat for the delivery of two Caterpillar Model 926M Wheel Loaders outfitted to County specifications. This contract will be entered through an interstate cooperative procurement administrated by Sourcewell, a State of Minnesota local government unit, and
will be subject to the terms of Sourcewell contract No. 011723-CAT which it entered with Caterpillar Inc. on May 24, 2023. The estimated amount of Columbia County’s procurement over the life of the contract is $812,318.29. This purchase is being made with grant funds. Written Comments may be submitted to Columbia County for consideration about this mater and must be received by 5:00 PM on September 25, 2024. For further information, or to submit comments, contact Grant DeJongh, Assistant Director, Columbia County Public Works, 1054 Oregon Street, St. Helens, OR 97501. Comments may also be submitted via email to: Grant.DeJongh@columbiacountyor.gov.
PUBLIC LIEN SALE: U-STORE SELF STORAGE
Auction to be held online at storageauctions.com. Auction will run from: 10/8/24 10am & ends l0/l8/24 10am. lst Location St. Helens, 445Port Ave Ste D St. Helens, OR 97051. Solona Artizue-
la R-152, Donald Holmes R-047, Annie McKinney, RV415 Jeffrey Nelson 0-049, Troy Silva G-056, Jessica Stern R-025. 2nd Location Scappoose, 53567 Columbia River Hwy. Scappoose OR 97056. Ana Gonzalez D017, Anthony Rockdashcel B023, Nathaniel W Sullivan A026.
The Public Notice deadline is Fridays by 5 p.m.
Overcomers Outreach
Meetings are held every Saturday at 9 a.m. at Creekside Baptist Church, 51681 SW Old Portland Road in Scappoose. Call Fred 971757-6389.
9 a.m. - 2 p.m. next to Heritage Park in Scappoose, Oregon. Come by for nursery plants, herbs, flowers, food, handmade products by local craftsmen and more. For more information call 503-730-7429 or www.scappoosefarmermarket.com.
St. Helens Public Library
Ukulele Orchestra
10 a.m. St. Helens Library, 375 S 18th in St. Helens
St. Helens Writers Guild
Second Saturday of the month noon – 2p.m. St. Helens Library, 375 S 18th in St. Helens
Weekly Events
Resonate Recovery Meets at 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday - Sundays. This is a Bible based, Christcentered spiritual recovery meeting for those struggling
ACROSS
1. Fountain order
5. Christian minister, abbr.
8. Betelgeuse or Deneb
12. Isaac’s firstborn
13. Senegal’s neighbor
14. Nobody (2 words)
15. Bangladeshi currency 16. Chopin’s creation, e.g.
17. Like thick smoke
18. *Greek goddess in 1995 Woody Allen movie title
20. *Mars, to the Greeks
21. Ooze out
22. Edible tuber 23. *Poet of “Aeneid” fame
26. *”Pair of writing tablets”
30. Outrage
31. A small part
34. European currency
35. Jousting pole
37. B & B
38. Sunni religion
39. Et alibi, abbr.
40. Newspaper VIP
42. First woman, Biblically-speaking
43. Return of disease
45. Washer, during a certain cycle
with addictions and compulsive behavior at 220 S. 1st Street in St. Helens. Everyone is loved and welcomed. For more information call Debbie at 503-560-0521, Daniel Grant at 714-768-9327 or check the Resonate Facebook page.
Clatskanie Senior Center Lunches Clatskanie Senior Center lunches Clatskanie Senior Center Lunches now served Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at noon at the Castle Cafe, 620 SW Tichenor. Call 503-728-3608 for reservations. Use ground floor entrance to the left of front stairs. Good parking in back off of SW Bryant Street. Castle Tours available by appointment, includes Clatskanie Historical Society museum. Call Debbie at 503338-8268.
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
47. Last month
48. Belittle
50. Taro plant
52. *Athenian Acropolis tourist attraction
56. Anticipate
57. Black-and-white cookie
58. Small European freshwater fish
59. *#18 Across, to Romans
60. Big cat sound
61. Future atty.’s exam
62. Work units
63. Tight one, in football
64. Sunrise direction
DOWN
1. Facebook owner
2. Quickly, acr.
3. Hundred thousand, in India
4. Sahara’s Berber people
5. R in R.E.M.
6. Wash out with solvent
7. Workbench holding device
8. *Plato’s famous teacher
9. Ripped
10. Black tropical cuckoo
11. *Not black-figure, but ____-figure
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/events-page.
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 Book Sales 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 52469 SE 2nd St, Scappoose, Friends of the Scappoose Library, second Saturday of the month
13. Spacecraft’s detachable unit
14. W.E.B Du Bois’s org.
Oxygen-containing compound
*Olive derivative
More reprehensible
About to explode
Kidney-related 26. Exertion 27. Christmastides 28. Have a hankering 29. *Poet of “Iliad” fame
Ocean motion
“Wheel of Fortune” request (2 words)
*”I, ____”
Like Bushmills whiskey
Boston time
*Demosthenes of Cicero
OBITUARIES
Gayle Hansen Brewer, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully after an extended lung illness on Sept. 9, 2024 surrounded by her family. She was married for 39 years to Eugene Brewer. Together they built a beautiful family including Alisha, their daughter, and Kielynn, their beloved granddaughter.
Georgina passed away on June 27, 2024. Georgina “Gerri” R. Shinn was born in Canada on May 25, 1936 and was one of ten children. At a young age Gerri moved to San Francisco to live with her sister where she met her husband Robert Shinn who was in the military at the time. After they married, they
Gayle Brewer
Gayle was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Katherine Hansen and her sister Debbie Kelley. She is survived by her husband, daughter, granddaughter and two sisters Robyn (Dennis) Yeoman and Sonja (Steve) Lorenzo.
Gayle’s happiest moments included quilting with her mom and sisters and be-
ing with her family who will forever hold her memory close to their hearts. Though her last few years were difficult Gayle never complained. Her warmth, compassion and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all that knew her. There will be a viewing at Groulx Family Mortuary in Rainier, Oregon on
Georgina “Gerri” Shinn
May 25, 1936 ~ June 27, 2024
moved to Lewiston Washington where they had their first child- Sharon Shinn. They later moved to Pasco Washington and had their second child eleven years later, Charles Shinn.
In 1971 they found their way to St. Helens, Oregon where Gerri worked at Oregon Trail Lanes for 26
years. Gerri was a fabulous bowler and bowled on several leagues over a 50-year span.
On Jan. 9, 1986, Gerri bowled a 299 which remained the highest score at Oregon Trail Lanes for many years. She was a loving mother and will be deeply missed by many. She is survived by her daughter Sharon Shinn,
Lillian LaVon Beaston March 2, 1938 ~ July 26, 2023
Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024 from 3 p.m. -7 p.m. with rosary being said at 3 p.m. Her funeral will take place on Tuesday Oct. 1, 2024 at 1 p.m. at Hudson Cemetery in Rainier, Oregon with a luncheon to follow at the Rainier Catholic Church fellowship hall. All that knew Gayle are encouraged to attend.
son Charles Shinn, one sister, four grandchildren, ten greatgrandchildren, and one greatgreat-granddaughter.
There will be a celebration of life and potluck held from 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, at Oregon Trail Lanes. Please bring photos and stories of Gerri to share!
Lillian LaVon Beaston, age 85, of St. Helens Oregon, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2023. Born on March 2, 1938, in Timnath, Colorado, Lillian moved to St. Helens in 1940 and spent most of her life there.
At the age of 26 Lillian welcomed her fifth child, Delbert Wayne, who was mentally and physically handicapped. She spent the remainder of her life working tirelessly for the well-being of her son and other disabled children including fighting for their inclusion in mainstream schools and working to improve recreational and employment opportunities for the special needs’ community. Lillian was known for her unwavering commitment to volunteer service. She served as a board member for the local ARC which promotes and defends the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She was an avid supporter of the Special Olympics, HELP Inc., Girl Scouts of America, the United Way, Riverside
Columbia Hills Retirement Center, the Educational Service District, Family Counseling Center, the Food Bank, the St. Helens and Scappoose Senior Centers, Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, the Columbia County Humane Society, the St. Helens and Scappoose Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, and many other places around Columbia County. If there was a need, she was happy to fill it. Additionally, Lillian was a
Moose Lodge, where she enjoyed the camaraderie and vibrant activities of the group. She had a great passion for bowling and traveling with her teammates to the tournaments, she cherished the friends she made and excitement of the game, which was a beloved part of her life. Lillian also had a great group of friends that met to play Bunco, drove to many vacations, seeing historical sites and their special place on Lopez Island. They also sailed on cruise ships to exotic places.
Lillian is fondly remembered by her descendants as a quiet, but fierce advocate for the causes she believed in and the people she loved. The list of those she considered family extends beyond those mentioned here, as she was always quick to love and embrace anyone that her loved ones loved.
Lillian was married to Stephen J. Young, Robert C. Mott, and Delbert R. Beaston. She is survived by her children: Pamala (Steve) Coddington, Robert Young, and
Armstrong, Eric Steffen, Amber Steffen, Brittany Beaston and 24 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harlan H. Housley and Mae M. Headley Housley; her daughter Patricia (Donald) Willsey; her son Delbert Wayne Beaston; her grandchildren Danny Willsey, Angela Willsey, Brandon Beaston, and Crystal Beaston; great-grandson, Evan Armstrong, and her siblings Richard Morse of Arizona, Maxine Wilson of St. Helens, OR, and Larry H. Housley of St. Helens, OR. Lillian’s warmth, generosity, and dedication to helping others will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her legacy of community service and joy in life will continue to inspire those whose lives she touched.
Arrangements are entrusted to Columbia Funeral Home 503-397-1154. Memories and
CHRONICLE & CHIEF OBITS
Pleases submit obituaries by Monday, Sept. 23. Late submissions may be omitted from
(Nancy Jo) Coddington, Alan (Stephanie) Coddington, Jason Young, Robyn (Rob) Buhl, Logan Young, Hope Young, Greg (Jessica) Beaston, Dustin
Clatskanie Tigers start league play 2-0
Clatskanie’s roaring start to the season has continued, as the Tigers have
early 8-1 record overall and 2-0 to start in the 2A-1 Northwest League.
Head Coach Amanda Baker’s squad has continued to show their claws, as the team has only dropped five sets during its nine games all season. The team is stocked with quality, as Natalie Baker, Joey Sizemore, McKinsey Doyle, and Lacey Willis lead the charge for the Tigers.
After jumping out to a hot start in league play with 3-0 wins against Nestucca and Faith Bible / Life Christian, the Tigers took on Delphian in a non-league match on Sept. 14. The game against Delphian was a great test for the team as they were missing three starters for the contest.
“Started out the first set
latSkanie election candidates uncertain, Rainier set for stability
their name correctly and consistently spelled, as election clerks can only count ballots where the name of the person is correct. There are some “common sense” provisions for minor misspellings and the like.
The following is the ORS that applies to counting and voiding ballots:
a little rough trying to figure out a new rotation since we were missing three starters. 21-25 then we figured it out and came back for the win 25-16, 25-16, and 25-21,” Baker said. As always, Baker was at the center of much of the team’s success. The senior captain was handling serve-receiving duties for the Tigers and had an all-around performance that Baker classified as “stellar.” Baker wracked up 15 kills, four blocks, three aces, and 15 successful digs during the four-set match. With three of the regular starting players missing time this week, the game was a story of members of the supporting cast stepping up. Baker said sophomore Olivia George “showed up in a big way,” chipping in seven kills with zero errors. She was also sending sizzling serves, notching four aces. Senior Julie Erickson and junior
to be counted; void ballots; partially void ballots. (1) Only official ballots may be counted. Any vote from which it is impossible to determine the elector’s choice for the office or measure may not be counted. An elector may not place on the ballot a sticker bearing the name of a person to vote for a person whose name is not printed on the ballot. Any ballot that has a sticker or other device is void and may not be counted.
Counting board clerks shall disregard misspelling or abbreviations of the names of candidates if it can be ascertained from the ballot for whom the vote was intended.
Clack said that he and others who count and
Mya Jensen also got in on the action, registering four kills a piece.
Baker said that the victory relying on production from different sources speaks to the quality the Tigers have up and down the roster.
“I’ve been saying all season we’ve got a lot of depth, and we were able to prove that tonight. Very proud of these girls,” Baker said after the win.
The win against Delphian is just another notch on the Tigers’ belts, and the 8-1 start has put Clatskanie right at the top of the OSAA rankings. Even though it is in the early days, the Tigers are currently ranked #2 in the 2A OSAA rankings, as of Sept. 17, behind only Crosshill Christian.
Baker and the Tigers will hope to keep the momentum going as the season rolls along into the 12 remaining league games.
regulate the ballots will sort the votes and filter out non-serious submissions like “Mickey Mouse” and “Donald Duck.”
One other point of emphasis for Clack is that winning a write-in election is not like a “draft.” There is no compulsion of service for a candidate who does not want to take office if they win.
“No one’s going to twist arms! If they accept [the result], the election is certified, and they get a certificate of election. They take that to the first day of the oath of office. They swear in and they take office,” Clack said. “If they turn it down, then it goes vacant. It’s just a vacancy. And then the city solves that with
their own process.”
Clatskanie’s election this year will likely be uncertain until after election day, with the opportunity for anyone to throw their hat in the ring. In an email to the Chronicle & Chief, Gary Jones confirmed that he will not be seeking reelection.
The winners of the election in November will serve alongside current councilors Bob Emminger, Amanda Owen, and Rusell FinneyLeggroan.
Rainier’s field set
Unlike Clatskanie, incumbent candidates for mayor and council have all filed for reelection. Sitting Coun-
cilors Denise Watson, Paul Langner, and Mike Kreger, along with long-time Rainier Mayor Jerry Cole, will all be on the ballot.
With no other candidates filing for reelection, each will run unopposed. Rainier City Administrator Scott Jorgensen said the prospect of an unchanged city council would be beneficial for continuity in the town’s governance.
“Our city council has worked really well together. It’s two more years of stability in our city government,” Jorgensen said. “Which is good because at the staff level, myself, our new Public Works Director Russ Regal, we’re starting to plan out
what the next few years look like; what projects we’re going to do and what the budget’s going to be like for that. So, it helps us hugely because of that continuity. And it looks like we’ll have that for a couple more years.” When asked whether he was surprised that there wasn’t more interest in running for council or mayor, Jorgensen said only one person had expressed interest in completing filing forms for mayor but that the papers were not filed.
The winners of the election in November will serve alongside current councilors Paul Langer, Scott Cooper, Jeremy Howell, Connie Budge, and Robert DuPlessis.
COURTESY PHOTO FROM CYNTHIA FORNEY
Senior captain Natalie Baker elevates for a spike during a recent game.
