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St. Helens shows off new look

WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

The long wait is over, as St. Helens High School welcomed the community to an open house in the newly finished Phase I of the St. Helens High School Improvement Bond Project.

The event was on the evening of May 24, and St. Helens community members were invited to see the progress the school has made. Many folks walking the modern interior of the cafeteria and fresh entry hall expressed amazement at the transformation.

St. Helens School District board member Melody Killens said it’s a relief to have Phase I done.

“It’s fun getting to watch everybody tonight, so many of them were teachers or kids here, and they come out like, ‘This is awesome,’” Killens said.

The event included a self-guided tour with ten stops around Building A that demonstrated the work completed and the vision for Phase II of the construction that will be started this summer on Building B.

One relieved staff member is SHHS Band Director Noelle Freshner. Freshner and her program have a new space to fill with music, and she couldn’t be happier.

“It’s incredible; it’s everything

that we wanted it to be, and actually more! I didn’t expect it to feel so big and open,” Freshner said of the new space. “When we finally got our stuff in here, I was shocked to see how big it was.”

Though students got to start using the building in the past few weeks, Freshner said the band did not get to rehearse in the new band room yet. Freshner is excited to have the room accessible for all of next year.

The self-guided tour included stops at the new cafeteria and exterior courtyard, the freshly minted main offices and welcome area, and the auditorium and gym.

Staff members were at each stop, ready to answer questions about the completed work and what will come next.

One of the stops on the tour was labeled “Future Spaces,” which refers to the hallway connecting the completed Building A to the soonto-be renovated Building B. The renovation of Building B is scheduled to take about a year and will begin once students are dismissed for the summer.

Trevor Dunn is a Project Engineer for Hoffman Construction (the company that has been doing construction on the project, and he explained what the next steps will

be in the “future space.”

“When school is out, we’re going to start demolishing the flooring, the walls, everything in Building B and doing a total gut and remodel of existing spaces in there,” Dunn said. “I’m excited to be officially done with this one; let them have it and have fun. And then, we’ll see what we can do over there to make it better for the kids.”

Looking ahead at Phase II, here will be some of the additions that will be coming:

• Connecting Building B to Building C with an enclosed walkway.

• New carpet, cabinets, finishes, and paint throughout most of the building.

• Technology, Security, and AV upgrades.

•The thin walls that once separated the classrooms will be sheetrocked and strengthened to improve the overall look and act as a sound barrier.

•The former Home Economics classroom will be turned into a state-of-the-art culinary arts classroom with new appliances.

•The LooWit room will become a Medical CTE Program where students will learn about and how to

Lacey Willis high jumps to the state championship

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It wasn’t until a few days after Lacey Willis took home the state championship at the historic Hayward Field in Eugene that the gravity of her achievement hit her. Willis is a freshman at Clatskanie Middle/High School (CMHS), but she is also now a state champion high jumper, taking home the gold medal at the 2024 OSAA 2A/3A State track and field championships on May 16.

“Since I had the highest PR going in, I was the last one to jump, so I kind of knew I was going to win, but I was in shock, I didn’t really process it until a few days later,” Willis said.

Fast forward to the CMHS track and field awards night on May 21, and Willis was honored by Clatskanie Mayor Bob Brajcich, who declared May 21, 2024 as “Lacey Willis Day” for the City of Clatskanie.

“I had processed it by then, but I didn’t really understand what a big deal it was till that happened,” Willis said. “It’s really cool to get

acknowledged for my high jumping; it was a much bigger deal than I was expecting.”

Willis is a three-sport athlete at CMHS, competing in track and field, volleyball, and basketball. Throughout the year, Willis said that the community support for CMHS programs has been really strong.

While winning states was the cherry on top, Willis said that the journey to get there was more of a highlight for her season. The support of her team and coaches helped her keep a cool head on the big stage. Track Coach Tim Van Voorst said coaching an athlete like Willis is “a pleasure.”

“She works hard, is willing to try new things, listens to advice, and is helpful to her coaches and fellow teammates,” Van Voorst said. “She is an athlete that is very deserving of her accomplishments.”

Willis was the only female athlete CMHS sent to compete at the state championships, but Willis’ coaches allowed her to bring along a friend for moral support, and it made “the whole trip fun.”

“Mya Jensen was the one person

I got to bring for my person to help me through this, and I think she really helped me stay calm,” Willis said. “If I was by myself, I would have way overworked myself. She helped me stay calm and look at the bigger picture; she really helped me. I don’t think I could have done it without her.

Being at Hayward Field, Willis said it felt surreal to look around at the huge stadium, but once she started jumping, she forgot all about the foreign surroundings.

“Once I started jumping, it kind of all went away and felt natural,” Willis said.

Throughout the spring, Willis said they had practice every day, but the “trick” to training is jumping a lot to get the legs used to it, but not so much that “you overdo your legs.”

Starting the season, Willis’ state championship wasn’t a guarantee. Willis’ early season measurements were the baseline she built her gold medal on.

“If you told me that I’d won at the beginning of the year, I’d have

Early election results and reactions

13,936 of the 42,0007

that many across the county were not willing to approve measures that would add to their tax bill.

Levies for the St. Helens Police Department, the Columbia County Jail, and Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District all fell short of a majority approval. The only levy that has been approved by a majority of voters at this time is Vernonia Rural Fire Protection District’s fire and emergency service levy.

In the race to see who would be on the Columbia County Board of Commissioners, Casey Garrett retained his seat, running unopposed. Incumbent Margaret Magruder will continue her reelection efforts against Alex Tardiff in a runoff

a

County Commissioner Position 1

The race for Position 1 of the Columbia County Commissioners will be extended to the November election, as no candidate secured the 50% +1 vote margin necessary to ward off a runoff election.

Incumbent Margaret Magruder received 6,056 votes, while opponent Alex Tardiff received 4,990 votes. Brian Brust was also running for Position 1 and received 1,509 votes.

Speaking on the result, Magruder said she wanted to “thank voters for their incredible support.”

“It’s their voices that shape our

KELLI NICHOLSON / COUNTRY MEDIA, INC.

registered voters in Columbia County cast a ballot in the 2024 Oregon Primary Election.

COURTESY PHOTO

Clatskanie Mayor Bob Brajcich with State Champion Lacey Willis.

See WILLIS, Page A10

The Chronicle & Chief Keepsake Edition

WILL LOHRE /COUNTRY MEDIA, INC.

The new face of St. Helens High School.

See ST. HELENS, Page A9

City of St. Helens creates panel to select tourism contractor

Kiwanis Day Breakers to host local ‘Shred Day’

Kiwanis Daybreakers Club in St. Helens is sponsoring a shred day on June 8. Residents can bring old files, personal information, and documents for secure shredding while they watch. A truck from Shred Northwest will be available to help people securely dispose of whatever paper materials they need. Bring material to be shredded to the parking lot behind the State Farm Insurance building at Sykes

Road and Highway 30 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The cost is $5 per file-sized box. Volunteers help people unload their cars when they arrive. For larger businesses or people looking to shred more than 100 boxes, Kiwanis member and organizer Stan Chiotti said they offer a deal. Chiotti said that the event is essentially a community service and a way to give back; the money they get for shred-

ding boxes mostly goes to cover the cost of renting the truck. Chiotti said it’s hard to gauge how many people will turn out, but the truck can hold around 50 garbage cans of shredded paper. Chiotti said that people should “come early” because they hate to turn people away, but sometimes the truck fills up quickly. Contact Stan Chiotti at 503-396-1274 if you have questions or concerns.

WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

The process of securing event planning and management will be heating up in the coming weeks as the City of St. Helens will consider four submissions that were generated through the city’s request for proposal (RFP), initiated earlier this spring.

To clear up controversy surrounding the tourism contract, the city put out a RFP for event management services on Apr. 22. The closing date for the RFP was May 22. “The intent of this RFP process is to award a contract and have an event management services contractor on board to plan and execute 2024 Spirit of Halloweentown events,” St. Helens Communications Officer Crystal King said. When asked what the potential impact of selecting a new contractor could have regarding continuity for events like Halloweentown and 13 Nights, St. Helens City Administrator John Walsh said it will depend on the contractor.

“We are soliciting for qualified event management services and every contractor will have a different approach to that work. A qualified contractor will have the experience and skillset to execute the events included in the contract,” Walsh said.

Events included in the contract are 13 Nights on the River, 4th of July Celebration, Spirit of Halloweentown, and the Christmas Tree Lighting.

In an email to the Chronicle & Chief on May 23, King said they had received five submittals, “with four of the proposals meeting the submittal criteria.” E2C is one of the companies that submitted a proposal for the city’s consideration. To select a new events and tourism coordinator, the city will undergo an evaluation process. King detailed what the next steps will be.

“An evaluation committee made up of the City Council and five community members selected by the Council will review and score the proposals,” King said. “The council will then

discuss the RFP at their June 5, 2024, council meeting.”

The panel will be made up of 10 people. The members of the panel and the councilors who selected each member are as follows:

• Jay Tappan - selected by Mayor Rick Scholl

• Judy Thompson - selected by Jessica Chilton

• Jenni Gilbert - selected by Mark Gundersen

• Hayley Starkey - selected by Brandon Sundeen

• Erin Salisbury - selected by Russ Hubbard

According to King, each member is evaluating and scoring the proposals independently. A summary of the evaluations will be presented at the June 5 council meeting. At that point, the council will decide whether additional interviews or presentations will occur.

Follow this developing story at thechronicleonline. com and in the Wednesday print editions of the Columbia County Chronicle & Chief.

Scappoose Outdoor Fun Festival

For people who love the outdoors, the upcoming Scappoose Outdoor Fun Festival offers a free and “unique experience” that organizers say you can’t get anywhere else.

MICHAEL J. SYKES

Sponsored content

Our GLOW Fund provides emergency bill payment assistance to families in need. Through April, we have helped 178 families in our community, providing $17,800 in assistance toward their electric bills. In 2022 and 2023, we provided an average of more than $40,000 in assistance each year. Unfortunately, our GLOW Fund account balance is running low. GLOW is funded by generous contributions from our customers, employee fundraisers, and surplus scrap metal sales. Lately, we’ve seen scrap metal sales decline significantly. Our customer donations have also decreased since the pandemic.

We are looking for new ways to provide funding for GLOW. This year we are receiving a generous contribution from United Way of Columbia County. We are partnering with local businesses for fundraising events, like our successful Shop for a Cause event at Sass at Home this spring. To ensure we can continue providing this essential service to our customers, we are also asking for your help. Please consider donating to the GLOW

ring donation in an amount of your choosing on your monthly bill.

• You can round up on your monthly bill to the nearest dollar, with the change going to

You can see more information on these options by visiting our website at crpud. net/glow.

I

The festival will be June 8 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Heritage Park, 52469 SE 2nd St, in Scappoose. According to Scappoose Parks Committee Vice Chair JJ Duehren, it is Oregon’s “only outdoor event focusing on Summer outdoor fun.”

“This is really more encompassing things that people love to do outdoors that are good for them, but also good for nature,” Duehren said. “We’ve seen an over 200 percent increase in people hiking and doing outdoor activity since the beginning of the pandemic.”

Duehren said that the pandemic was a catalyst for people to get out of the house and into nature because they felt cooped up during quarantine. In creating the festival, Duehren wanted to focus on celebrating the hobbies and activities people can do during the nice weather of the summer months.

Duehren said they are expecting about 500-1000 people to attend the festival’s debut. Duehren said they are basing the estimate on attendance at other Scap-

poose events like Movies in the Park, or the Earth Day Celebration.

The event will feature a variety of activities and attractions, including a “Geode cracking demonstration” by the Rock Hounds, a “campfire storytelling booth,” campfire cooking demonstrations, cycling with Barlow Bikes, boater safety, horseback riding info with the “Oregon Equestrians,” chainsaw carving, petting zoo, live music, line dancing, and a “Kids Nature Art Show” with craft table and supplies for the kids.

One of the more unique attractions will be a “Splash Park,” designed by Michael Curry. Curry owns a design firm headquartered in Scappoose, but he is also famous for his production design for world-renowned acts, including The Lion King on Broadway.

In addition to exciting activities for all ages, the event will also have a celebrity appearance from Smokey the Bear. Duehren worked with the Oregon Forestry Department to help raise awareness about climate change and increased wildfires.

“By having Smokey there and having wildfire instruction and information on how to keep your home safe and how to keep our forests safe if you do camp,” Duehren said. “I think it’s really essential for people to not only

enjoy the outdoors but make sure that future generations can as well.”

In addition to the bevy of activities, there will also be a variety of giveaways. Hiking and camping gear from Bi-Mart and Scappoose Grocery Outlet will be up for grabs, as well as coupons to Fultano’s Pizza. Giveaways for free outdoor gear and plants will culminate with a free kayak giveaway, which will be announced at 5 p.m. Duehren emphasized that the giveaways are free, but people must be present to claim their prizes. The outdoor festival will also see the return of the famous “Scappoose Sauerkraut Sandwich,” which will be one of the only things that costs money at the festival. The outdoor festival is in partnership between the Scappoose Library, the Bird Alliance of Oregon (formerly Portland Audubon Society), the Oregon Forestry Department, Scappoose Parks, and the Columbia County Marine Patrol.

Duehren hopes the Scappoose Outdoor Fun Festival will be an annual event that will grow for years to come.

“We’ve got some fun interactive elements going on, and I think that it’s something that people from outside of the area will come and enjoy as well,” Duehren said. “Everybody come out and have fun, it’s all free!”

COURTESY PHOTO FROM LORI SHERMAN

Veterans present at the Memorial Day ceremony.

COURTESY PHOTO FROM LAUREY WHITE

More than 1,600 flags were placed around Clatskanie under the guidance of Piercing Arrow staff member Lolus Krotzer.

COURTESY PHOTO FROM LAUREY WHITE Post commander Jerry Simmons at today’s Memorial Day ceremony. An evocative event, which concluded with Taps played on the trumpet.

COURTESY PHOTO FROM LAUREY LUMMUS

The Clatskanie Veterans Memorial wall. It was announced at the Memorial Day ceremony that work on an additional memorial wall will begin this summer.

WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

COURTESY PHOTO FROM SCAPPOOSE MOVIES BY MOONLIGHT

The festival will be June 8 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Heritage Park, 52469 SE 2nd St, in Scappoose.

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

May 12

• Police arrested a 35-yearold female subject for violation of release agreement at the 200 block of North 18th Street.

May 14

• Officers responded to a death investigation at the 100 block of 8th Street.

• Police rendered assistance to another agency on a traffic complaint of menacing

with a firearm near Columbia River Highway and Millard Road.

May 15

• Officers arrested a 33-yearold female subject on a DUII and reckless endangering at the 2000 block of Columbia Boulevard.

May 16

• Police arrested a 33-yearold subject on violation of release agreement at the 5000 block of Fisher Lane.

• Officers arrested a 31-yearold male subject for theft II, fraudulent use of credit card, false information on criminal cite or warrant, and a fugitive warrant at the 700 block of Columbia River Highway.

May 17

• Officers arrested a 56-yearold male subject at the 1800 block of St. Helens Street.

May 18

• Police arrested a 55-year-

old male subject on a fugitive warrant, coercionassault intimidation, menacing, and possession of controlled substancemethamphetamine at the 700 block of Matzen Street.

May 19

• Police arrested a 34-yearold male subject on DUII and reckless driving at the 2200 block of Gable Road.

May 20

• Officers arrested a 68-yearold male subject on DUII and reckless driving at North Columbia River Highway and St. Helens.

May 21

• Officers arrested a 42-yearold male subject on restraining order violation, strangulation, and harassment at 135 North 20th Street.

May 22

• Police responded or took a report of child abuse at 150 South 13th Street.

• Officers arrested a 47-year-old male subject on a fugitive warrant, violation of agreement, escape II, and reckless endangering at the 700 block of Columbia River Highway.

• Police arrested a 49-yearold female subject on a fugitive warrant at Pittsburg Road.

• Officers arrested a 55-year-old male subject on a fugitive warrant at the 160 block of 4th Street.

Rainier Police Department

May 14

• An officer tagged an abandoned vehicle for tow.

• A residential alarm was accidentally activated.

• A wallet was turned in as found property. The owner was contacted, and the property was returned.

• Another wallet was turned in and returned to the owner.

May 15

• Someone spray-painted the traffic mirror at the corner of West C Street and Fern Hill Road.

• A concerned citizen reported some dogs that had been left in a vehicle for a prolonged period of time. The owner was found and given a stern warning.

May 16

• A caller reported someone breaking in to a residence. The subject was not a burglar, but the resident’s boyfriend.

• An officer responded to a parking complaint. The motorist was having problems with his vehicle, but did get it running and left the area.

• A small dog was observed running down the street and went into a residence. The owner was given a warning for dog at large.

• An alarm was activated at a business. The building was secure.

• A caller reported seeing a suspected prowler. An officer checked the area and did not see anything suspicious.

May 17

• A cosmetics bag was turned in as found property.

• An officer responded to a false alarm at a residence.

May 18

• A resident called about a dog barking for a prolonged period of time.

May 20

• A resident reported trimming shears were taken from his property.

• A citizen called to report a neighbor playing loud music.

• A customer was concerned seeing a man in a bathrobe enter a business with a firearm. Employees asked the man to put his gun away, and he complied by putting in his vehicle.

• A German Shepherd was running at large.

County receives funds for Emergency Action Plan

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LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

Columbia County will be receiving federal funds to develop transportation improvement plans and boost public safety. The funds were secured by Oregon Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, and they announced that Columbia County will receive $180,000 to develop a “comprehensive Safety Action Plan” in a news release on May 16.

“We are thrilled to receive $180,000 in federal funds to start developing Columbia County’s Comprehensive Safety Action Plan,” County Commissioner Margaret Magruder said. “This funding will help us create a safer transportation network for everyone in Columbia County, improving road safety for both residents and visitors.

We deeply appreciate the support of Senators Wyden and Merkley, as well as the resources provided through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.”

The federal funds come from the federal Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All Planning Grant program through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“Oregonians need to be confident that the roads they drive on daily are safe,” Wyden said in the news release. “This federal investment funded from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that I fought to pass will help ensure that folks can dependably travel in Oregon’s northwest corner, and I’ll keep battling for similar transportation safety resources across our state.”

Columbia County Public Works Director Mike Russell explained that the fed-

eral Safe Streets and Roads for All Planning Grant Program is “the only source of funding for this project.” Without the program, Columbia County would not be able to create the Safety Action Plan.

Russell described how the county will use the funds.

“This grant will be used to hire a consultant to help Public Works develop a comprehensive safety action plan for the county. The consultant will look at safety hot spots where there are high numbers of reported crashes, severe crashes, and other traffic data,” Russell said. “The data will indicate locations where traffic safety mitigation measures like street lighting, enhanced signage, geometric changes at intersections, or other actions could help.”

Russell said the county found out about the op-

Enthusiastic Community Celebrating Mental Health

Dave

portunity to secure funds when the US Department of Transportation issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity in February.

“The Columbia County Public Works Department applied to develop a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan and hopes this

COURTESY PHOTO FROM JUDY THOMPSON

Becky Ellis talking with SHPD Officer Eustice.

COURTESY PHOTO FROM JUDY THOMPSON Winnie the Pooh and Bumble Bees, Malinda and

Duran, getting ready to lead the walk.

Columbia County Courthouse Annex.

Merkley Monthly: Strengthening wildfire resiliency and response

JEFF MERKLEY Chronicle & Chief Guest Column

I’ll never forget driving more than 600 miles up and down Oregon during the 2020 Labor Day fires. I saw towns destroyed and never once broke free from the thick smoke. I was deeply moved by that heartbreaking experience.

May is Wildfire Awareness Month, so I want to make sure you’re aware of how I’m working to protect Oregon’s communities from wildfire threats.

In April, I led Oregon’s entire Congressional delegation in a letter urging the Secretary of the Interior and the director of the Bureau of Land Management to renew the Western Oregon Operating Plan, known as WOOP. This effective, century-old fire management system expires at the end of June, so we’re pushing to extend it another five years to continue critical fire response preparedness and coordination for western Oregon.

As chair of the subcommittee that directly oversees the budgets for these agencies, and as the only Oregonian on the spending committee, I made sure that the government funding bills we passed in March made big investments in wildfire management. They included $4 billion for wildfire suppression operations across the country, $7 million for smoke mitigation through the program I created at the Environmental Protection Agency, and $31 million for the national Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program, which includes five collaboratives across Oregon that are proven models for

forest management. In addition, I’ve introduced the Wildfire Resilient Communities Act to provide $30 billion to increase federal wildfire reduction projects and triple funding, up to $3 billion, for the Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program. And I worked across the aisle to save the Job Corps Civilian Conservation Centers, which operate three locations in Oregon, including one in Yachats, training young people for conservation careers, like wildland firefighting. We also need to invest in our firefighters. Between 2017 and 2022, Oregon received more than $43 million in Assistance to Firefighter Grants to purchase needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, and trainings. That’s in addition to more than $33 million awarded to Oregon over the same period to recruit and retain trained frontline firefighters. This month, I once again led a bipartisan group of Senators calling for additional funding to train

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National Guard members to fight wildfires. And I support making permanent the pay increases for federal wildland firefighters provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. You don’t have to be near a wildfire to be harmed by it, so I’ve introduced two bills to support Oregon families and businesses from smoke and heat hazards.

The first is the Smoke and Heat Ready Communities Act to help communities develop new tools to protect the public during extreme smoke and heat events, like creating cool spaces with clean air that can be a safe refuge in dangerous conditions.

The second is the Wildfire Smoke Emergency Declaration Act, which would empower the President to declare a “smoke emergency” and mobilize the federal government to aid states and local communities, establish emergency shelters, and assist with relocation efforts, just like for a flood or storm.

It also would allow small businesses to access federal resources to recover from what can be a huge financial hit, from grape growers in the Willamette Valley to the furniture store owner in Southern Oregon who told me about how their entire stock had been ruined by smoke. Our communities deserve the same recovery assistance for natural disasters as other regions, even if our emergencies look different out West.

Wildfires, severe smoke, and extreme heat aren’t going away anytime soon, so I’ll keep fighting for the resources to ensure that Oregon’s communities and forests are safe and prepared.

Community Events

June 8 Annual Kiwanis Daybreakers Secure On Site Shred Day

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. behind State Farm Insurance on Sykes Road and Hwy. 30. $5 per file box donation.

June 8 Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event

8 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Columbia County Transfer Station, 1601 Railroad Ave. in St. Helens. For questions, please call Jake at 503-397-7259.

June 8 Scappoose Summer Outdoor Festival

10 a.m. - 6 p.m. at Heritage Park, 52469 SE 2nd St. in Scappoose. Kayaks, backpacking, bikes, vendors, music, food, free outdoor instruction, kid’s activities, Bird Alliance of Oregon, dunk tank, campfire stories, Grande Ronde Dancers, The Famous Scappoose Sauerkraut Sandwich, Smokey the Bear and more. This is event is free.

June 8 Scappoose Garden Club Plant Sale

9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Scappoose Middle School. Come by for great prices and a variety of plants. Proceeds to benefit community projects and scholarship.

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.

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CONTACT US • Phone: (503) 397-0116 • Fax: (503) 397-4093

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Editorial policy

Opinions expressed on this page are independent of The Columbia County Chronicle & Chief, its staff, and Country Media, Inc.. Views and are solely those of the writers expressing them.

Letters policy

This newspaper’s letters to the editor are limited to a maximum of 250 words and will be edited for grammar, spelling and blatant inaccuracies. Unsubstantiated or irresponsible allegations, or personal attacks on any individual, will not be published.

Letters containing details presented as facts rather than opinions must include their sources. Writers are limited to one published letter per

month. All submissions must include the author’s full name, local street address and telephone number (only the name and city of residence will be published). By submitting a letter, writers also grant permission for them to be posted online. Opinions expressed on this page are the writer’s alone and do not represent the opinion of the newspaper or its parent company, Country Media, Inc.

Guest commentary

We welcome all variety of community viewpoints in the newspaper. These longer, guest opinions might be columns written by newsmakers, public officials or organization representatives. Or you might just

have interesting thoughts to share and a penchant for writing. If you’d like to submit a guest column for publication, contact us at 503-397-0116 or chroniclenews@countrymedia.net.

Obituaries

Obituaries received after noon on Friday may not be in time for that Friday’s paper. Obituaries may be emailed to chronicleclassifieds@countrymedia.net, sent via mail, or dropped off at the office. We also accept obituaries written by funeral homes. Include the address and daytime phone number of the person who submitted the obituary, so we can verify information as necessary.

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.

Thursdays

Columbian Toastmasters Noon – 1 p.m. Promot-

ing 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 503-369-0329 for more information.

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 503397-5390 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 503-397-3590.

Saturdays

Overcomers Outreach

Meetings are held every Saturday at 9 a.m. at Creekside Baptist Church, 51681 SW Old Portland Road in Scappoose. Call Fred 971-7576389.

22nd Annual Scappoose Farmers’ Market (May 4th - Sept. 28th)

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.

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 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 714-7689327 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 503-338-8268.

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

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 503-5432110.

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.

Avamere at St. Helens  2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Avamere at St. Helens hosts a Virtual Dementia Support Group – 3rd Wednesday of each month. For more details, contact Jenny Hicks/Avamere at St. Helens at 503366-8070.

To list an event in the Community Calendar, email details with a phone number that may be published for anyone that might have questions, to chronicleclassifieds@countrymedia.net, or call 503-397-0116.

COURTESY PHOTO Jeff Merkley

OPINIONOBITUARIES

Oregon adds 4,900 jobs in April

Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment rose by 4,900 jobs in April, following a revised gain of 2,600 jobs in March.

COURTESY PHOTO

April’s gains were largest in health care and social assistance (+1,700 jobs); construction (+1,500); and manufacturing (+900).

Monthly declines were largest in professional and business services (-1,100 jobs). Over the past two years,health care and social assistance continued to add jobs at a rapid, consistent pace. The sector grew by 16,600 jobs, or 5.9%, since

The Oregon Employment Department reports 2,109,229 employed and 79,773 unemployed in Oregon in April.

April 2023 following a gain of 13,900 jobs, or 5.2%,between April 2022 and April 2023. Within the broader sector, social assistance accelerated its expansion in recent months, as it added

4,800 jobs during the past five months. The three component industries within health care each expanded rapidly over the past 12 months: nursing and residential care facilities(+3,300 jobs) ;hospitals(+2,900);and ambulatory healthcare services(+2,800). Government, which added 9,400 jobs, or 3.1%, since April 2023,was the only other major sector growing quickly in the past 12 months.

Each of its three components grew rapidly during that time: local government (+6,100 jobs, or 2.7%); state government(+2,100 jobs, or 4.6%); and federal government (+1,200 jobs, or 4.2%). Meanwhile, more than half

of the major industries reduced employment over the past 12 months, with manufacturing (-3,700 jobs, or -1.9%) and retail trade (-2,300 jobs, or -1.1%) cutting the most. Furthermore, professional and business services(-1,600 jobs); information (-1,100); and construction (-1,000), each shed at least 1,000 jobs. Oregon’s unemployment rate was 4.2% in April, the same as in February and March. Since October 2021, Oregon’s unemployment rate has stayed between 3.4% and 4.2%, averaging 3.9%.

The U.S. unemployment rate was 3.9% in April and 3.8% in March.

Karen Grogan is Elks April Student of the Month

SUBMITTED BY ST. HELENS SCHOOL DISTRICT

St. Helens High School proudly announces Karen Grogan as the Elks Student of the Month for April!

Karen stands out as an exemplary student in the St. Helens High School AVID program, serving as a shining example for her peers. Praised by her AVID teacher, Mrs. Gatten, for her organization, perseverance, and supportive demeanor towards her classmates, Karen embodies the spirit of excellence and camaraderie.

Upon learning of her

recognition, Karen expressed feeling deeply honored, emphasizing her belief in the importance of everyone experiencing their moment in the spotlight.

Outside of academics, Karen enjoys immersing herself in her artistic pursuits, frequently sketching at home and finding solace within the pages of a good book. She also dedicates her time to community service, volunteering for initiatives like Safe and Sober: Seattle to Mt. Hood and assisting with holiday preparations at Plymouth High School.

During her sophomore and junior years, Karen gained valuable experience working at Dutch Brothers. She relished the lively atmosphere and the opportunity to connect with diverse individuals.

Looking ahead, Karen

has her sights set on attending Oregon State University to pursue a master’s in Business Administration and eventually establish her own business. She aspires to increase her skills and creativity through internships, a goal supported by Mr. Osorio, who commends her dedication to personal and academic growth. Reflecting on her strengths, Karen identifies determination and ambition as her defining attributes. Mrs. Blount echoes these sentiments, praising Karen as an exceptional student known for her outgoing nature and ability to collaborate effectively with peers.

Judah Olson is Elks May Student of the Month

SUBMITTED BY ST. HELENS SCHOOL DISTRICT

St. Helens High School proudly announces Judah Olson Elks Student of the Month for May! Judah is a cherished and esteemed student at St. Helens High School, deeply engaged in its vibrant performing arts programs. Upon learning of his selection, Judah expressed both excitement and surprise. Throughout his four years of high school, Judah has been an integral part

of the marching band, now assuming the role of trumpet section leader. Additionally, he serves as a bass section

leader in the school’s choir program. Mrs. Blount, a faculty member at the High School, describes Judah as “the perfect combination of brilliant and zany,” noting his boundless imagination and personable nature, which resonates with peers of all backgrounds. Judah enjoys indulging in his passions for drawing, writing, and engaging in DND with friends and family. He also dedicates himself to aiding his church community, volunteering at Riverside Community Outreach to support families affected by foster care, orga-

nizing Foster Parents Night Out events, and participating in delivering Christmas presents to those in need. Additionally, he spends Sundays teaching children at his church.

After graduation, Judah intends to pursue studies in computer science at either Corban or Bushnell University. Reflecting on his strengths, he humbly acknowledges his mother’s praise of his kind heart and dry sense of humor. Mr. Osorio, one of his teachers, commends Judah as a bright, expressive, and imaginative teenager.

SUBMITTED

A dedication of Blessing Woods Nature Park in St. Helens was held May 25, with the Rt. Rev. Diana Akiyama, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Oregon, officiating. Vicar Jaime Sanders and parishioners read scripture, and the bishop blessed each part of the nature park with holy water and prayers. The service began with the vicar reading a land acknowledgment that the church occupies

the traditional, ceded lands of the Kathlamet Chinook.

“We of the Episcopal Church in Western Oregon are living out our commitment to ensure that this church will be of enduring benefit, not only the state of Oregon, but also to the people on whose ancestral lands it is now located and the plants and animals that once flourished here,” she said.

The children’s play area, patio area, woods, and labyrinth were each dedicated. The concluding prayer was:

“Blessed be the animals, the citizens of a planet without borders, the neighbors we see in all their variety and beauty. Blessed be the forests, the trees and the plants, who breathe for the whole world each day. Blessed are the waters, the rivers and seas, the liquid life that connects us all wherever we are. Blessed are the ancient stones, the keepers of secrets, in whose life story is written our own, as long or brief as it may be. Blessed be the Earth, the good Mother, the only

home we have.”

“We are grateful for the donors who have brought this park to this point,” Vicar Sanders said.

The park, located at Christ Episcopal Church, 35350 E. Division Road, is open to the public every day during daylight hours. It has walking trails, a labyrinth, a labyrinth, play area, car charger, a lending library, benches and a stump circle in the woods. “This is a place of spiritual refreshment for everyone,” Sanders said.

COURTESY PHOTO Karen Grogan

COURTESY PHOTO Judah Olson

Blessing Woods Nature Park now open to the public

COURTESY PHOTO

Bishop Diana Akiyama, center, officiated at the event.

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502

Help Wanted

City of St. Helens is hiring a Librarian I (Youth & Makerspace) Regular Full-Time. Apply online at www.sthelensoregon.gov. Open Until Filled. First Review Deadline: 6/7/24 @ 5 PM. Equal Opportunity Employer.

Columbia River PUD is hiring Position Name: System Engineer Salary: System Engineer $44.45 - $63.37/hr DOQ,

System Engineer w/P.E.: $56.13$80.02/hr DOQ. Deadline: Open Until Filled. If you are interested in becoming a part of the Columbia River PUD team, please visit our website at www.crpud.net to view and apply for open positions or call us at 503-3971844 to have an application packet mailed to you.

Hiring Classroom Specialists To work 32 hrs/ wk, school year schedule at the Quest Academy in Longview, WA. $22.54-$27.42 hourly salary. Apply online by visiting www.esd112. org/takeroot

702 Garage Sales

MOVING/SHOP SALE Household and tools, 9-5, June

companied by statements or evidence sufficient to afford the approving authority an opportunity to respond to the issue precludes appeal to the applicable appellate jurisdiction (e.g., the Land Use Board of Appeals, LUBA) on that issue, and precludes an action for damages in circuit court. The application file is located at City Hall (265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR) and all documents in the file are available for inspection. A copy of the staff report will be available for review at least seven (7) calendar days prior

to the hearing. There is no cost to inspect the file or staff report; copies are available at a reasonable cost. The report for this application will also be available on the City’s website at https://www.sthelensoregon. gov/meetings. Questions should be directed to the City Planning Department by phone: 503-397-6272, e-mail: jdimsho@sthelensoregon.gov, mail: 265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR 97051, or in person at City Hall. The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. A request for an

CC24-1136

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT DISTRICT OF OREGON PORTLAND DIVISION

In the matter of the Complaint of WCP, Inc., dba Wilsonville Concrete Products as the owner of the Towing Vessel CINDY B, bearing Documentation Number 561814, and her engines, tackles, appurtenances, etc. In a cause for exoneration from or limitation of liability In Admiralty Case No. 3:24-cv-00702-YY NOTICE OF COMPLAINT FOR EXONERATION FROM, OR LIMITATION OF, LIABILITY. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that WCP, Inc., dba Wilsonville Concrete Products (hereinafter “Plaintiff-in-Limitation”), as owners of the Towing Vessel CINDY B, bearing Documentation Number 561814, and her engines, tackles, appurtenances, etc. (“Vessel”), on April, 24, 2024, filed a Complaint under the Limitation of Liability Act, 46 U.S.C. § 30501 et seq., claiming the right to exoneration from, or

limitation of liability for all claims, losses, or damages arising out of, resulting from, or in any manner connected with the incident on or about November 12, 2023 on the navigable waters of the United States in or around Clatskanie, Oregon, involving an allision between a barge pushed by the CINDY B and the Port of Columbia County, Oregon’s Port Westward facility (commonly known as the “Beaver Dock”), and involving the Vessel as alleged and for the reasons and because of the circumstances set forth in the Complaint. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that all persons having any such claims must file them, as provided in Rule F of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Supplemental Rules for Certain Admiralty and Maritime Claims, with the Clerk of this Court at the Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse, located at 1000

S.W. Third Ave., Portland, OR, 97204, and serve upon or mail to Plaintiff-in-Limitation’s attorneys, Lindsay Hart LLP, 1300 SW Fifth Ave, Suite 3400, Portland, Oregon 97201, a copy of such claim on or before the 31st day of May, 2024, OR BE DEEMED TO BE IN CONTUMACY AND DEFAULT. Personal attendance is not required. Any claimant desiring to contest Plaintiff-in-Limitation’s right to exoneration from, or limitation of, liability must also file an answer to the Complaint on file herein, as required by Rule F(5) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Supplemental Rules for Certain Admiralty and Maritime Claims, and shall serve a copy thereof upon the attorneys for Plaintiff-in-Limitation, unless the claim has included an answer. DATED this 25th day of April, 2024. Youlee Yim You, United States Magistrate Judge

CC24-1161

BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON

In the Matter of the Rate Adjustments for Solid Waste Curbside Collection Services in Unincorporated Columbia County. NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PUBLICATION 1. The Board of County Commissioners will hold a hybrid public hearing on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at or after 10:00 a.m. from the Commissioners Meeting Room, Room 310, at the County Courthouse, 230 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR. To join the meeting virtually please log into https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/357054141 United States (Toll Free): 1 866 899 4679 Access Code: 357-054-141 2. The purpose of this hearing is to consider proposed rate adjustments for curbside garbage and recycling services for residents and businesses in rural Columbia County (i.e.,

outside city limits), effective July 1, 2024. The Columbia County Solid Waste Advisory Committee is recommending that the Board adopt a rate increase of 2.5% rate increase for rural Clatskanie, rural St. Helens, and rural Rainier. These areas are serviced by Waste Connections, dba Hudson Garbage Service; a 3.6% rate increase rural Scappoose and a 6.7% rural Vernonia. These areas are serviced by Waste Management. Staff recommends that the Board set the proposed rate adjustments over for review at a public hearing on June 5, 2024, after provision of required public notice with the rate increases to go into effect on July 1, 2024. 3. This is a public hearing. Interested parties may appear and be heard. Columbia County does not discriminate based on disability and will provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with the County’s ADA Policy. To request accommodations or to review the County’s’ ADA Policy, please contact the Board of Commissioners’ Office at 503-397-4322. 4. The hearing will be held according to the procedures established in the Columbia County Solid Waste Ordinance. 5. For additional information regarding the proposed rate adjustments, please contact Michael Russell, Public Works Director, at 503-397-5090 or Michael. Russell@columbiacountyor. gov Dated this 16th day of May 2024. For The BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON Jacyn Normine, Administrator Board of County Commissioners Office

CC24-1158

CC24-1172

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that a public hearing will be held before the City of St. Helens Planning Commission on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at or after 6:30 PM in the City Council Chambers, located in the City Hall building at 265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR. Access into City Hall for this hearing will be from the plaza side entrance. Zoom will also be available to participate. Virtual access information to join the hearing will be available on the applicable agenda. Agendas can be found on the City’s website: https:// www.sthelensoregon.gov/ meetings. The purpose of this hearing is to consider an application as follows: File No: Historic Resource Review HRR.3.24 Applicant: Steve & Melissa Kenoyer Request: Alteration of designated landmark (historic home) Location:

120 S. 1st Street Map No:

4N1W-3BA-2800 Testi-

mony from the public in both oral or written form is invited. The hearing will be conducted in accordance with those procedures found in the City Development

Code (SHMC Title 17) Chapter 17.24 and any rules of procedure adopted by the City Council. The Planning Commission is authorized to approve, deny, or approve this application with conditions, based on the following criteria: SHMC 17.36.040 Criteria for alteration. Failure to raise an issue, including constitutional or other issues relating to any proposed conditions of approval, in this hearing, in person, or by letter, or failure to raise an issue accompanied by statements or evidence sufficient to afford the approving authority an opportunity to respond to the issue precludes appeal to the applicable appellate jurisdiction (e.g., the Land Use Board of Appeals, LUBA) on that issue, and precludes an action for damages in circuit court. The application file is located at City Hall (265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR) and all documents in the file are available for inspection. A copy of the staff report will be available for review at least seven (7) calendar days prior to the hearing. There is no cost

to inspect the file or staff report; copies are available at a reasonable cost. The report for this application will also be available on the City’s website at https://www.sthelensoregon. gov/meetings. Questions should be directed to the City Planning Department by phone: 503-397-6272, e-mail: jgraichen@sthelensoregon.gov, mail: 265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR 97051, or in person at City Hall. The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. A request for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting to City Hall at 503-397-6272. We cannot accept electronic testimony via hard drive or other external device at the public hearing due to potential risks to the city’s network. If you plan on submitting electronic testimony, presentations, etc., please coordinate this with staff in advance. Any written testimony provided at the public hearing should be in hard copy form. 05/29

CC24-1155

Clatskanie School District 6J PO Box 678 Clatskanie OR 97016

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to ORS 294.401, a public meeting of the Clatskanie School District 6J, Budget Committee will be held in person and virtually (information to attend virtually can be found at www.csd.k12. or.us) on May 28th, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. at the Clatskanie

CC24-1156

Elementary Library, 815 Nehalem, Columbia County, City of Clatskanie, State of Oregon. The purpose of the meeting is to to receive the budget message and comments from the public on the budget for the fiscal year of July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. This is a public meeting where deliberations of the Budget Committee will take place. Any person may appear at the meeting and discuss the proposed programs with the Budget Committee. A copy of the budget document is available and you may pick up a copy at the Clatskanie School District office, 660 SW Bryant, Clatskanie, OR 97016, M-F 8:30 a.m. till 3:30 p.m.

NOTICE OF MEETING

The Board of Directors for Clatskanie School District 6J will hold their monthly Board meeting, Tuesday, June 11, 2024 @ 6:30 p.m. at the Clatskanie Elementary Library, 815 Nehalem or via Zoom. Please see our

CC24-1150

website at www.csd.k12.or.us for a zoom link. The agenda includes but is not limited to: Superintendent and Principal’s reports, financial report, policy updates and the consent agenda. The public is encouraged to attend.

Public Notice

deadline is Fri. by 5 p.m.

NOTICE OF CONTRACT GAMES & PUZZLES

Solution for the May 22, 2024 crossword puzzle

McNulty Water PUD has contracted with NW Natural Water/Hiland Water to complete flushing the system May 28, 2024, through June 6, 2024. If you have any questions, please contact the McNulty office at 503-397-1301.

Late submissions are not guaranteed to make it into the paper. Send public notices to chronicleclassifieds@ countrymedia.net or call 503-397-0116.

ANSWERS

Special D-Day 80th anniversary presentation coming to Columbia County

SUBMITTED BY THE CLATSKANIE CULTURAL CENTER

Exactly 80 years ago, as Allied forces were poised to begin the liberation of Naziheld Europe on D-Day, thousands of civilians, including many men and women from Columbia County, labored in the Portland shipyards of Henry Kaiser in Portland. Peter Marsh, of Astoria, author of “Liberty Factory: The Untold Story of Henry Kaiser’s Shipyards,” will tell of the amazing effort and hugely significant contributions of the Liberty ships and their builders to the World War II victory on Sunday, June 2, at 3 p.m. in the Birkenfeld Theatre at the Clatskanie Cultural Center, 75 S. Nehalem Street in Clatskanie. Doors open at 2:30 p.m.

Marsh’s presentation, which includes over 100 historic photographs, will also be given on the anniversary of D-Day, Thursday, June 6, in the Columbia Learning Center Auditorium, 375 S 18th St, St. Helens. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the program will begin at 7. Born in Greenwich, England in the aftermath of World War II, Marsh combined a career in teaching with time spent boat-building, offshore racing and

voyaging under sail. A visit to the United States convinced him to sell his boat and emigrate. After traveling widely, he eventually settled in Portland and returned to a sailing life, exploring large parts of the Pacific Northwest in a boat he built himself. These adventures gave him the raw material for articles in regional boating magazines, his first published works. Success in this field led him into a career as a freelance journalist and he widened his scope to cover all aspects of local maritime interests from fishing to commercial shipping. In the course of this work he became friends with Larry Barber, the retired marine editor of The Oregonian. After Barber’s death in 1996 Marsh inherited his substantial archive of papers and photographs. It took some time to realize the value of what he had been given, Marsh says, but a visit to the D-Day beaches in Normandy led him to look more closely at Barber’s wartime material. Slowly it became evident that the diaries and pictures recorded in unique detail the largely overlooked story of Oregon’s massive contribution to the World War II shipbuilding effort. Peter spent five years sorting, collating and editing the material, while also

researching the background. Keeping the lifeline between the U.S. ‘arsenal of democracy’ and the embattled United Kingdom was essential to preparations for the invasion of Europe. In the final analysis this came down to building merchant ships faster than German U-boats could sink them, he wrote. Crucial to this achievement was the ‘Liberty ship’, a simple freighter that could be built rapidly, combined

St. Helens

shows off new look

From Page A1

become medical professionals while earning their CNA License.

• Building C cabinets and whiteboards will be replaced.

Election

results and reaction

From Page A1

county’s future,” Magruder said. “Together, we can address our community’s needs and build a dynamic future.”

When asked if there will be areas she will focus on to turn the tide in her favor this November, Magruder outlined three key areas of import: economic development, public safety, and community engagement.

“My mission is to create new jobs, keep our neighborhoods safe, and make sure residents’ voices are heard,” Magruder said. “I look forward to discussing these priorities with voters and working together to achieve our shared goals.”

Magruder said the election results will not change her commitment to serving the community with “dedication and integrity will not change.” Speaking to voters with an eye on November, Magruder said, “Earning your vote in November and continuing our efforts to build a safe, thriving community will be an honor for me.”

The Chronicle & Chief have reached out to Tardiff for comment on the early election results, but have not received a response at this time.

Columbia County Commissioner Position 3

Incumbent Casey Garrett ran unopposed for Position 3, and won the election, receiving 9,025 votes. Garrett said he is “humbled and honored” to have secured

• Additional improvements to the art classes.

•The former commons at the center of the building will become the Library/Media Center.

•The former library will become the new Counseling Center with space for career exploration.

•The old teaching stations in each pod of classrooms will be eliminated to expand

reelection as County Commissioner.

“This opportunity means a lot to me because it allows me to continue serving our community,” Garrett said. “I am thankful for the trust and support of the voters, and I am committed to addressing the needs and concerns of our residents.”

Garrett said he is looking forward to the next four years and continuing to serve residents of Columbia County.

“I am committed to focusing on important issues like public safety, economic development, and ensuring that our county remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family,” Garrett said. “Thank you for your trust and support.”

Columbia CountyJail Operating Tax Levy

Voters have seemingly turned down the opportunity to renew the Columbia County Jail Levy for four years, which sought to bridge the remaining gap for the jail’s full operation through fiscal year 2028.

As of May 24, the measure has failed by a count of 4,845 voting in favor, and 8,617 in opposition to the measure.

Columbia County Sheriff Brian Pixley said he is “very disappointed by the outcome of the jail levy.”

“The largest challenge we face in the jail is funding, and the county’s general fund is unable to provide the necessary funding to continue housing people who have been arrested for violating the law,” Pixley said. The tax levy would have been used to contribute to constitutionally required care for inmates, including food,

with the untapped industrial potential of America that could build them in vast numbers. Undoubtedly the most important individual in the rapid expansion of U.S. wartime shipyard capacity was Henry Kaiser, a man with no previous shipbuilding experience but an entrepreneur with vision and drive. Marsh’s book tells the story of how Kaiser established two huge shipyards using novel

mass-production techniques in Portland and a third in Vancouver. The Kaiser companies provided housing, health and social benefits that attracted workers from all over the country, including over 30,000 women recruited into an industrial workplace for the first time. This well-motivated workforce of over 100,000 people turned the Kaiser yards into the most efficient shipbuild

nearby classrooms.

•The Special Education Specialized Programs classrooms are redesigned to meet the needs of the children they are intended to serve.

•Restrooms will be added to the South section of Building B, and student restrooms will be completely refreshed.

Summer Projects

clothing, health care, corrections deputies, and other corrections staff, in addition to facility maintenance and deferred capital projects, such as a roof replacement.

Pixley said that without the levy renewal, CCSO would not have the funding to continue operating the jail at the same capacity. The levy’s funding subsidizes most of the operations that take place at the Columbia County Jail.

“Just like prices have been going up everywhere else, they have been going up for the Columbia County Jail,” Pixley said.

“Our medical contract alone has more than doubled over the past four years , and the costs for both personnel and food services have increased as well. In addition, there are capital improvement projects, such as roof repairs, that must be funded.”

Passage of the measure would have raised property owners’ taxes by $0.29, from $0.58 to $0.87 per $1,000 of assessed property value.

A property owner with an assessed value of $100,000 would have paid $87.00 annually for four years, according to the Columbia County voter’s pamphlet.

There has been concern voiced by citizens who say there are no homes valued at $100,000 in Columbia County, and that the price adjustments in the voter’s pamphlets do not reflect the actual cost to taxpayers.

According to Zillow, an American tech real-estate marketplace company, the average Columbia County home value is about $443,000. Looking at the rate listed on the pamphlet and adjusting it for a home valued at $400,000, the annual payment would be

This summer, the school will conduct demolition and abatement throughout Building B to prepare for construction. One of the priorities is the connection between Building B and Building C. Outdoors, the installation of the preschool playground is on the docket, as well as the construction of baseball and softball dugouts, backstops, fencing, plus the installation

about $348.00.

Despite the failure in this election cycle, Pixley said the county will likely ask voters to reconsider this fall.

“The levy’s funds are a necessary part of continuing jail operations, so we will ask voters to reconsider passing the levy again in November,” Pixley said.

City of St. HelensCreation of Police Protection Services Staff Fund

The City of St. Helens levy that sought to raise $0.69 per $1,000 of assessed value to support hiring more police officers for the St. Helens Police Department (SHPD) has failed, according to early election returns.

As of May 24, 1,229 people voted for the measure, while 1,638 voted against it.

St. Helens City Administrator John Walsh said despite the failure of the levy, the city remains “committed to providing excellent policing to the St. Helens community while working within the scope of our available budget.”

“We honor the democratic process, and based on current results, the St. Helens community appears to have voted against funding additional police services through a levy,” Walsh said. “Public safety is essential to developing and preserving the highest possible quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors.”

The measure would have created an Enhanced Law Enforcement Operating Fund to be used exclusively to increase law enforcement presence in the city. It would add four additional officers, necessary equipment,

of turf fields. The locker room lockers will be replaced in late summer or early fall. Auditorium seating and carpet installation will be replaced in late summer or late fall. Additional lighting will be installed in the trophy cases. Updated finishes have not yet been installed, including cabinets and laminate in the locker rooms, training rooms, and concessions.

necessary training, reduce response times, and enable the police to continue to provide 24/7 law enforcement coverage in St. Helens.

For a home assessed at a value of $200,000, the annual cost of this levy would have been $138 per year or $0.38 per day. If approved, the levy would have raised approximately $4,343,929 for police protection services over the 5-year period.

When asked what the city will do next to find solutions, Walsh said the St. Helens City Council and staff will need to explore “other funding options to ensure our police department has sufficient personnel, training, and equipment to continue delivering the highest possible standard of police service.”

“City Council will need to discuss options and provide guidance to staff about what funding or service changes they are interested in pursuing,” Walsh said.

Vernonia Rural Fire Protection DistrictRenewal of current five-year local option tax for Fire and Emergency Services

Vernonia Rural Fire Protection District looks to have renewed its tax levy to fund current staff positions and operations for an additional five years. Growing demands for services put strain on the district budget and local volunteers to answer the calls.

463 voters voted in favor of the measure, narrowly edging out the 408 who were against it.

Vernonia Rural Fire Protection District is the smallest fire district in Columbia County, serving 36 square

All construction is expected to be completed by the Fall of 2025 and the start of the 2025-2026 school year. While the progress has been great, Killens said she can’t wait for everything to be done.

“[I’m] just wishing that it could go faster,” Killens said. “But I’m so thrilled that we’re almost done.

miles. The district responded to 747 emergency and nonemergency calls in 2023. The levy will fund the three current career firefighter positions, equipment, and operational costs connected to emergency and wildfire mitigation, prevention, and response.

The emergency services levy will provide annual funding of approximately $431,000 at a cost of $1.24 per $1000 of assessed property value.

Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District - Renewal of 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Operating Fund

Columbia 911 Communications District was seeking a five-year renewal of its operating levy, as the current Operating Fund levy will end on June 30 of this year. Unfortunately for the district, as it stands, the levy seems to have narrowly failed.

Of the 13,518 votes cast, 6,591 were in favor, while 6,927 voted against the measure.

The Operating Fund levy renewal would have been at a rate of 29 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value, added to the permanent rate of 25.54 cents per $1,000 assessed value. For a home assessed at $100,000, the annual combined cost of the permanent and requested renewal levy would be $54.54 per year, according to the Columbia County voter’s pamphlet.

With the average property value being about $443,000, according to Zillow, the annual combined cost of the permanent and requested renewal levy for a home valued at $400,000 would be $218.16.

-

ers in the country. In total, Kaiser’s Oregon Shipbuilding yard in St. Johns built over 330 ‘Liberties including one in the record time of 10 days, and followed them with almost 100 ‘Victory ships. Swan Island built 146 oil tankers, and Vancouver delivered 50 escort carriers and numerous troop ships. Marsh now lives in Astoria and directs the Hanthorn Cannery Museum on Pier 39.

COURTESY PHOTO The launching of a Liberty

COURTESY PHOTO

Peter J. Marsh of Astoria, author of “Liberty Factory: The Untold Story of Henry Kaiser’s Shipyards.”

WILL LOHRE /COUNTRY MEDIA, INC.

The new band room will be fine-tuned next year.

WILL LOHRE /COUNTRY MEDIA, INC.

The new common area and cafeteria were impressive, with many walking around remarking on the modernity.

Clatskanie track team reach finish line

WILL LOHRE

Country Media, Inc.

For the first time since the end of the pandemic, Clatskanie Middle/High School had a “normal” track and field season, according to Head Coach Tim Van Voorst.

The program saw a member earn a state title when freshman Lacey Willis competed in the high jump at Hayward Field in Eugene, but there were successes all across the board for the program this season.

Van Voorst and his coaching staff were very pleased with how the season turned out. Participation and the progress the athletes made throughout the season were big pieces of the team’s success.

“All of our athletes showed growth and improvement as the season progressed,” Van Voorst said. “This was the first season since COVID where we had over 30 athletes on the team, and it felt like things were back to normal.”

This year, the team sent five athletes to compete at the 2024 OSAA 2A/3A State track and field championships in Eugene on May 16.

“It’s always a privilege to compete at legendary Hayward Field, where the

Willis

high jumps to the state championship

From Page A1

called you crazy,” Willis said. “My goal for the year was to go [to state], and hopefully get top 8, but I never could have guessed even top 3.” Van Voorst said Willis started off the season jumping 5’0 but struggled a little bit through the middle of the season. At the end of the season, she hit her stride and overcame her midseason struggles.

“[She finished] out the year jumping a new personal record of 5’2.25

top college and professional athletes also compete,” Van Voorst said. Willis, Noah Raschi, Jaxson Watson, Ayden Blackshire, and Ryder Gorley competed in four different events, includ-

at the district meet and then competing well at the state meet, jumping 5’1 and taking home the championship,” Van Voorst said. Willis thanked the “super supportive” coaching staff for their mentorship and her parents for always driving her up on the weekends and after practices when she wanted to jump.

Being a freshman, Willis has three more years of athletics ahead of her. Willis said she’s already “super excited” for next year, and she has camps coming up this summer.

“I’m really excited because I started improving a bunch at the end of the season, so I know how much potential I have and how much I can grow next year,” Willis said.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ing the High Jump, 400, 300 hurdles, and the 4x100 relay. Raschi, Watson, Blackshire, and Gorley made up the 4x100 relay squad and finished 14th in the 2A classification. Gorley was one

of two Clatskanie taking on two events and also competed in the 2A 300-meter hurdles and finishing 14th in the state. Willis became the 2A state champion in the high jump, springing 5’1” to grab

the title. She also competed in the 2A 400-meter, finishing 12th overall in Oregon. Van Voorst said that this year will be an experience that will help prepare his team for next year, as the group that attended the state

meet will mostly return next year.

“This was the first appearance at the state meet for every athlete that competed for us,” Van Voorst said. “All but one athlete was an underclassman, so it was a great learning opportunity for those athletes that hope to get back there next year.”

One of the keys to the program’s successful year is the culture that exists between the team, the school, and the community. This identity is built on the team’s three core values:

“Character, Hard Work, Sportsmanship.”

“Character for us means doing things the right way every day in school, track, and out in our community. Our Hard Work in practice translates into success on meet days,” Van Voorst said. “Our team should be encouraging and supporting each other every day at practice and at track meets as well as treating opponents and event judges with respect.”

With much of the statebound contingent returning next year, some of CMHS’s best athletes will return with another year of experience under their belts. Hopefully, next year will continue the upward trend in participation and results this year has restored.

ACROSS

1. Ice cream treat, pl.

6. Albanian money

9. Desertlike

13. Like Bananas Foster

14. Paleozoic ____

15. O. Henry’s specialty

16. Printer brand

17. Always, to a poet

18. Extended family member

19. *”Breaking Bad” father

21. *”The Lion King” father

23. Unit of length of yarn

24. “____ Me Maybe”

25. *____ Anderson, he knew best?

28. The Supremes, e.g.

30. Subject matter, pl.

35. Same as ayah

37. Plural of #14 Across

39. Like less processed grain

40. Kind of shark

41. U.S. Airline

43. Short for “and elsewhere”

44. Opposite of digest

46. Flabbergast

47. Like Gulf Stream

48. Most achy

50. Not much (2 words)

52. Reggae’s cousin

53. Rapunzel’s abundance

55. Maintenance closet staple

57. *____ Rock of “Everybody Hates Chris”

60. *”Finding Nemo” father

63. Golfer’s sun protection

64. Aloha prop

66. Only daughter of Michael Jackson

68. Not active

69. Emergency Medical Services

70. In the cooler (2 words)

71. *Opie’s father

72. Egyptian boy king, for short

73. Button on electrical outlet

DOWN

1. Nth degree

2. Not many

3. Turkish money

4. Online troublemaker

5. Mike Brady’s children, e.g.

6. Malicious look

7. Before, in the olden days

8. Culture Club 1983 hit “____ Chameleon” 9. Solo at LaScala

10. Fish eggs, pl. 11. Cuzco valley empire

12. Yellow #5, e.g.

15. Stream of revenue

20. Dog-____ pages

Final, abbr.

Medicated shampoo ingredient (2 words)

*____ Evans Sr. of “Good Times”

Idealized image

“Prepare to meet your ____!”

Wraths

Exclamation in a

COURTESY PHOTO

Lacey Willis doing the high jump at Hayward Field.

COURTESY PHOTO FROM TIM VAN VOORST

Clatskanie Middle/High School’s state squad inside Hayward Field on the campus of the University of Oregon.

Felix Anicker Cameron Arnott Brooke Babcock Elias Barnaby

Shya

Jonah Campbell Daniel Christansen Myranda

Wesley

Kara Harper Eli Harrah Miles

Cassidy Jennings Vyani Jimenez

Parsons Alicia Perez Nakya

Plantz Madeline Prokish

Kaeden Rhyne Peyton Rhyne Candle Riggs Gia Robertson

Tyron Rork

Anna Ross Jay Rush Radwan Sabsabi

Brandon Sailer Jesus Sainz-Velazquez

Siegman Julia Smith Samantha Smith Stephanie Spath Colton Sprenger Dominic Squires

Madeline Strang Logan Sundin Garrett Tardif Noah Taylor Sophia Thompson

Maren Tindall Jazmin Torres-Martinez Peyton Travis

Annika Van Dyke Kaitlyn Ventris Makayla Voreis

Dominic Ward-Hall

Kayla Wayman

Danielle Wendlandt Ivy White Madison White

Marie Wiley Brayden Willard Mason Williams Miriam Winegar Brayden Winslow

Jonathan Wood Colin Youngren Kamren Zarogoza

Hallie Caldwell Kennedie Corda Synthia DeHerrera Jeremiah Felker Zack Harrison Paul Hilton Jr. Briana Holtz Clair Killens

Nora Lahey Hailey Lofquist Jordan Martinez Nadia Mejia

Dray Moore

Aaryn Munro Ericka Navarro

Chamellia Rogers