CCCC424

Options for a late night snack or refreshment in St. Helens are pretty limited, but after years of development, a new market is opening soon that aims to serve the community at all hours.

American Market, located at 115 N 18th St. in St. Helens, is slated to open April 24 and will aim to be open 24 hours a day. Once the home of an arcade, the space will now feature one of the only all-day operations in St. Helens. Manpreet Singh is the owner of American Market, and he was inspired to open the store when he visited St. Helens and felt there were no businesses offering late-night service. American Market is a convenience store that not only sells snacks and beverages but also non-over-thecounter medicines and some grocery items too.

“We are open 24 hours. Going down the road, I didn’t see anything open at night time around here,” Singh said. “Maybe some kids need medicine, or something like that. If anybody needs something, where are they going to go? That’s why we think 24-hour is the best idea. We support the people by always being here.”

The market has shelves laden with chips, beef jerky, candy, and coolers and refrigerators packed with drinks and beer. The market will also have a hot deli, milkshake machine, and Icee machine.

It’s been a long journey to get here. Singh bought the building in 2020, and now, almost four years later, he has passed the final inspection from the City of St. Helens. “[It’s a] relief. Thank god, you know? We finally are there,” Singh said. “It’s been almost four years.” To convert the arcade to his new store, he needed to make many renovations. Singh said they needed to install new walls, update the roofing, install new lighting, and install the equipment for the store. Singh said he has invested “almost a couple million” into the development.

Singh owns another American Market location in Hubbard, OR, but he is excited to get to work at his new store. To staff the store, he is hiring a “couple of employees” to help keep his new all-day venture fully manned. Singh will be up at the store every day as he gets it off the ground, but he said down the road he wants to make sure he has employees he can rely on.

The half of the building that faces Columbia Boulevard is also under renovation, but Singh said he hasn’t decided what the new space will house yet.

As American Market settles into its new location, Singh wants to make sure the community knows the market is there for them.

“I want to be nice in the neighborhood, so I hope the neighborhood supports me too,” Singh said.

County previews John Gumm renovations

has been made in the John Gumm Renovation

Project. In preparation for

Columbia

to

a

an update.

event on April 17 was held at the John Gumm building, 251 St. Helens Street, in St. Helens. Featured speakers included Columbia County Commissioner Casey Garrett, St. Helens Mayor Rick Scholl, Paul Vogel, Executive Director of the Columbia Economic Team, and Brandon Sundeen, Vice President of the Columbia County Museum Association Board of Directors.

The event was also attended by elected officials from around Columbia County, including Commissioners Margaret Magruder and Kellie Jo Smith, St. Helens City Councilors Mark Gundersen and Jessica Chilton, Scappoose Mayor Joe Backus, and Rainier Mayor Jerry Cole.

Each featured speaker highlighted the importance of revitalizing the John Gumm School Building, a vital part of the downtown St. Helens National Historic District.

“The John Gumm building will serve as a hub for civic engagement, economic development and cultural enrichment,” Garrett said. “Scheduled for substantial completion in late August, this facility will soon be home to a variety of county services and nonprofit organizations.”

The building will serve as Columbia County’s civic offices and the new home to the county’s administrative personnel, the Columbia Economic Team, the Small Business Development Center, and the Columbia County Museum.

“We’re very much looking forward to not only a new space to work in, but a new space where we’re all in one spot with Columbia Pacific Economic District. A onestop shop for small business, growing business, retaining business, and recruiting business,” Vogel said.

Garrett said the project is being funded through “one-time funding opportunities” from both federal and state sources. Garrett said the county has secured “substantial” grants for

the project and that they won’t need to ask taxpayers to fund the project with a bond.

“This project is not just about fixing up an old building, but more importantly, it’s about revitalizing our community spirit, creating opportunities for growth, and engagement,” Garrett said. “Once John Gumm is complete, a whole lot of space will be freed up in our annex and our historic courthouse. This will all set the stage for a series of planned projects that will allow us to reconfigure and consolidate our state courts and operate spaces along with over-the-counter county services all in one spot.”

Revitalization

Instead of constructing new buildings, Columbia County acquired the John Gumm building in 2021 for $1.5 million. It first opened its doors in 1919, serving as a school until it closed in 1999. After years of disuse and decline, the building is undergoing significant exterior and interior improvements. These

services, according to the county. Scholl noted that having the building back as a functioning piece of the downtown ecosystem will be significant for the community, especially members of the community who grew up in St. Helens and went to school there. One such case is that of Columbia County Museum in class in one of the very rooms that

will house the new museum. Ameresco, Inc. was awarded an Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) from Columbia County to perform some of the work for the project. Ameresco is a cleantech integrator and renewable energy asset developer out of Framingham, MA. Under the ESPC, Ameresco See COUNTY, Page

Clatskanie receives funding for aging sewer plant

are of the DEQ’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NEPDES) permit that regulates the city’s wastewater treatment plant. The fines were a result of two incidents that happened within weeks of each other earlier in 2022. In a published interview with The Chief in December 2022, Hinkelman said the required geo-tec assessment needed for the plant construction revealed that the soils at the site are liquifiable.

“If we build on the existing ground, the plant would likely not survive an earthquake, so we have to shore up the ground so that the new plant can meet seismic requirements,” Hinkelman said in 2022.

The City of Clatskanie is halfway to its funding goal for a new sewer plant after receiving $3 million in federal funding through the Congressional Directed Funding program. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden recently secured funding for 139 Oregon community-initiated projects in fiscal year 2024, including $3 million in funding for the Clatskanie Wastewater Treatment Plant. The funding request for the city started about a year ago when the federal government was seeking projects for possible funding under the Congressional Directed Funding program, according to Clatskanie City Manager Greg Hinkelman.

“The city worked with Senator Wyden’s office to fill out the necessary paperwork, which then was vetted through various committees. I was informed a few weeks ago by the Senator’s office that our project made the “final mark-up” of the Federal Budget bill,” Hinkelman said.

Once President Biden signed the bill, its provisions became law, and Clatskanie received the muchneeded $3 million toward its project. This follows Hinkelman’s successful work in gaining $10 million from the Oregon Legislature to build the wastewater treatment facility and a $720,000 community development block grant for the engineering and design of the new plant that will be built at the same location of the current facility at 100 NW 4th Street in Clatskanie.

This project includes substantial

site preparation at Clatskanie’s designated site for their new wastewater treatment plant. This is a critical step in building the city’s new plant and transitioning away from the current plant, which is over fifty years old and experiencing structural and mechanical failures, according to Senator Merkley’s website.

“We now have $13 million in the coffers , and in order to do phase one (of two), we need an additional $13 million. So we are about halfway there,” Hinkelman said.

The need for the new sewer plant is a result of the current plant coming to the end of its effective life span. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued a $2,800 fine to the City of Clatskanie in December of 2022, following repeated sewer plant failures. The violations

Going forward, Hinkelman will continue to seek the remaining $13 million through grants so as not to incur debt to the city.

“I will continue to seek grant funding. I have been in touch with Congresswoman Bonamici’s office to get our project into a house bill once they get going on their side.” Hinkelman said. “If all fails, we will fund the project through the State Revolving Fund and get a loan. My hope as I continue to seek money is to not have to finance any of the plant construction using loans. We need to have this funded through grants.” Follow this developing story at

WILL LOHRE / COUNTRY MEDIA, INC. County Commissioner Casey Garrett addresses the gathering at the media event ahead of the tour.

WILL LOHRE / COUNTRY MEDIA, INC.

The renovations in the auditorium at John Gumm.

WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

The annual St. Helens Garden Club Sale

for folks looking to get their junction with the Friends of Lawson said the club typi cally raises about $300 each year. “What we do with the money that we make as a club, we put it back into the community in one way or another,” Lawson said. “We do have scholarships for people who are going into college and are studying something to do with gardening.”

District Garden Club Scholarship. “We give out somewhere in the neighborhood of over $1,200 a year to various things,” Garden Club Treasurer Stan Chiotti said. “Since we’re a 501 c3, whatever moneys we bring in has to go back to the community.”

Some of the other projects funds have and will help support are the irrigation system at the community garden near the St. Helens Senior Center, the food bank, assisting at the Columbia County Fair, maintaining communal garden spaces like Mccormick and Columbia City Veteran Park, and a $500 Pioneer

The plants are a product of the members of the garden club and there will be a variety of items up for sale for gardeners. The Garden Club will have homegrown horticulture items, including house plants, iris, dahlias, bedding plants, ground covers, and more. They will also have bags of “Rocky Point Composted Poo,”

which is great for helping grow roses and tomatoes.

Lawson said the prices for items vary depending on the plant. Some of the starter items may cost as low as $.50 for a bulb or seed, and as much as $20 for some of the mature or rare plants. The book sale will be on both Friday and Saturday, but the Garden Club’s sale will only be on Saturday.

“It’s a good opportunity for people planting things in their yard,” Chiotti said. Lawson said that for people interested in joining the St. Helens Garden Club, there will be membership forms at the sale where people can sign up.

Clatskanie Farmer Collective’s spring market

16 vendors at the event, including 11 farmers, gardeners, and ranchers. “We’re expecting to see a lot of little plant starts all around the market, especially with having 11 farmers coming,” Engstrom said.

One exciting opportunity attendees will have is access to a mobile microscopy lab operated by Maria Loper of Forest Aged. The lab is run out of Loper’s VW van, and it gives gardeners an indepth look at the soil in their gardens.

“I’m telling everyone to bring soil samples so she can put your soil under the microscope and tell you a little bit about how your soil is doing and what to implement into it for better growing,” Engstrom said. “She also offers on-site composting herself, so she has

a lot of other services that she does, but this will free testing if people want to do it.”

Some of the produce vendors will be The Wild Locals with Jun and hot food, Salty Sprig, Rainier Gardens Farm LLC, Alder Springs Farmstead, Fergus Farm, Hildaberry Permaculture Farm, Fernado’s Plants, Laughing Rabbit Farm, Spice and Tea Lab, and Fidler’s Fungus Farm. There will also be hair braiding by RainbowMarx Art and arts and crafts from Honey Heart Creations, Abundant Love, Sirtalis Studios, and Serious Moonlight Studios. Engstrom said that the produce will include “a lot of greens,” rhubarb, purple broccolini, tea, and some others. Engstrom said that many of the vendors focus on plant starts, and that the Spring

Market is specifically for those vendors. “They might not show up to regular season [markets] because they might not have anything to sell because their criteria are plant starts to get everyone’s garden started,” Engstrom said. “Having this is really important so that the community can start their own garden, and have these little mini starts that are already good to go, and they don’t have to start from the seed.”

The market will be a collaborative effort between CFC and the Clatskanie Garden Club because the garden club mainly focuses on plant starts and plant sales. Engstrom said they wanted to work with the club because they have a strong base of gardeners, and involving them would

Stuck in the mud no more!

when

vol-

of their property on April 21. The problem required a “cow-culated technical rescue.” “Our volunteers knew rescuing Ruby would not be an easy task, so our volunteers activated a response from Mist-Birkenfeld RFPD because we have special animal technical rescue equipment and training that would assist in getting her out of the mud,” the Facebook post said.

Mist-Birkenfeld was assisted in the operation by Vernonia Rural Fire Protection District and Westport Fire and Rescue, and the post said they were “udderly grateful” for their help. Westport sent three volunteers in a brush rig to help with the rescue mission.

Thanks to the help of the responding agencies, Ruby is out of the mud and on the road to recovery. One of the reasons the rescue was a success is in part due to the generosity of a local donor.

The Facebook post said that a “few years ago,” someone donated a horse trailer, specialized animal rescue equipment, and a three-day training course. The course was taught by experts from Arizona, who drove to Birkenfeld with training equipment to train Mist-Birkenfeld RFPD’s personnel.

“Once again, this equipment and training were imperative in leading to a positive outcome for an animal in need,” Mist-Birkenfeld RFPD said on Facebook. “Thank you to our many volunteers who responded and weren’t afraid to get in the mud to help Ruby and her family!”

About MistBirkenfeld RFPD

Mist-Birkenfeld RFPD is the most Northwest fire district in Columbia County,

Oregon. It encompasses 135 square miles and supports a local population of approximately 1,388 people. The district is also responsible for providing emergency medical assistance and Ambulance transport.

strengthen the event. Engstrom said that there have been spring markets in the past, as well as pop-up plant sale events, but that the Farmers Collective hopes to make it an annual event each year. As with many of the CFC initiatives, they hope the Spring Market will offer more than just the opportunity to buy plant starts or produce. “This is an immersive, educational opportunity to

get your garden started and to get into agriculture. You can come learn about your soil, and see what kind of microbes are in it. You can also buy plant starts to go start your own garden in your own backyard,” Engstrom said.

Columbia County Master Gardener Association’s 27th annual

Columbia County Fairgrounds Pavilion

3,500 tomato & 800 hot & mild pepper plants on sale only $2 each raffle tickets, drawings every 30 minutes

local vendors ATM on All proceeds support local Master Gardener programs

3,500 tomato & 800 hot & mild pepper plants on sale only $2 each

OSU Extension Service prohibits discrimination in all its programs, services, activities and materials.

COURTESY PHOTO FROM LYNN CHIOTTI Garden Club member Leo Mock at a past plant sale.

Find more information about the Clatskanie Farmers Collective at https://clatskaniefarmercollective.org.

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

April 7

• Police responded to a hitand-run at the 3000 block of Jakobi Street.

April 8

• Officers cited and released a 45-year-old female subject for failure to perform the duties of the driver at the 300 block of Columbia River Highway.

April 10

• Officers arrested a 32-yearold male subject on a fugitive warrant near Columbia River Highway.

April 11

• Officers arrested a 34-year-old male subject for driving while suspended at the 200 block of Columbia Boulevard.

• Police arrested a 35-yearold male subject on felon in possession of restricted weapon charges at the 200 block of Columbia Boulevard.

• Police arrested a 54-yearold female subject on a fugitive warrant near Columbia River Highway and Columbia Boulevard.

• Officers arrested a 28-year-old male subject on a fugitive warrant near 1st Street.

April 9 Police arrested a 36-year-old male subject on a probation violation at the 200 block of Brayden Street.

April 12

• Police arrested a 49-yearold subject on a fugitive warrant at the 300 block of South 18th Street.

• Officers arrested a 54-yearold male subject on a fugitive warrant at the 2000 block of Gable Road.

• Police arrested a 38-yearold male subject on a DUII, and driving while suspended near Columbia Boulevard and North 11th Street.

• Police assisted an agency in a DUII on a male subject near NE Innovations Court.

April 13

• Officers arrested a 62-yearold male subject for Assault IV at 200 block of 17th St.

• Police arrested a 51-yearold male subject on DUII, reckless driving, and reckless endangering others at the 2000 block of Columbia Boulevard.

• Officers arrested a 62-yearold male for violation of release agreement at the 200 block of 17th Street.

April 14

• Police arrested a 27-yearold male subject on a fugitive warrant at the 200 block of Oregon Street.

• Officers arrested a 50-yearold male subject on disorderly conduct at the 5000 block of Cooperspur Court.

April 15

• Police arrested a 38-yearold male subject on restraining order violation, assault public safety officer-simple assault, escape II, resisting arrest, assault public safety officer, and interfering with police officer near Columbia Boulevard and South 17th Street.

• Officers arrested a 45-yearold female on a fugitive warrant at 500 South Columbia River Highway.

• Police investigated possible elder abuse at the 200 block of Vernonia Road.

• Police took an informational report of possible drug abuse at the 5000 block of Columbia River Highway.

Rainier Police Department

April 9

• A caller reported seeing a young woman outside of his house in the early morning hours. No one was found in the area.

• An officer assisted with an out of control juvenile.

April 10

• A relative requested a welfare check on an individual they were having problems reaching by phone. The individual was fine.

• A citizen reported their vehicle had been hit by an unknown vehicle.

• A resident reported a person has been living in their vehicle parked on East 4th Street.

• A caller requested a welfare check on a relative. The person was okay.

April 11

April 12

• A motorist wanted to report an accident that occurred a couple of days earlier. Both parties had exchanged information without incident.

April 13

• A caller reported that she had her phone hacked and had disconnected the phone service.

• A woman reported that she was being harassed by another woman. Peace was restored.

April 15

• An officer responded to a fender bender in the parking lot of the post office. No one was injured and no citations were issued.

• A caller was concerned about their friend that they could not reach and requested a welfare check. The subject was fine.

• A car was stalled on the Lewis & Clark Bridge.

Former Columbia River Fire & Rescue Chief passes away

Media, Inc.

emergency services community of Columbia County has been in mourning following the loss of Westport Fire and Rescue Division Chief Dave Coombs, who passed away earlier this month.

news release from Westport Fire and Rescue announced the passing of Coombs, saying he passed away at his home on April 2, at the early age of 53. Coombs’ career spanned over three decades, and his passion for the medical field began in early high school. Coombs was a member of the American Red Cross Medical Explorers Post in Eugene, Oregon. Through that program, he volunteered and provided advanced first aid at events such as rodeos, walk-a-thons, and the county

fair, according to the news release.

In his early adult years, Coombs attended Chemeketa Community College, where he gained additional knowledge in the trade. He got involved with organizations doing work for Mercy Flights in Medford, Buck Ambulance in Portland, and Premier Jets as an international flight paramedic. Coombs went on to work for Columbia River Fire & Rescue, where he spent over 27 years. While working, Coombs attended Eastern Oregon University and received a bachelor’s degree in Fire Science. Coombs retired from Columbia River Fire & Rescue in July 2021 as a Battalion Chief.

Upon retiring from Columbia River Fire & Rescue, he joined Westport Fire & Rescue. Coombs served as a Volunteer Division Chief for

the department for the past three years. for fire agencies throughout Columbia County, Coombs ing officer and an exam iner for the Oregon Health

Division, testing EMTs and Paramedics. Coombs spent many years as a liaison and leading a medical team as a paramedic at multiple local concert events to assist when there were medical needs.

Since 2013, Coombs also served on an Incident Management team for the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office, from which he retired in early 2024. He also volunteered his medical skills for various other events around the state of Oregon, according to Westport Fire and Rescue.

In addition to discussing Coombs’ many accomplishments and involvement in the fire service, the news release noted that Coombs had a passion for travel, gardening, and motorcycling.

“Dave was the happiest spending time with family and friends,” the Facebook post stated. “Dave is

survived by his lovely wife, RayAnn Coombs of Warren, Oregon, along with many beloved family members, friends, and his fire family.”

A procession and a public memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024. The procession of fire department vehicles will take place from Westport Fire and Rescue in Westport to Grace Baptist Church in Warren, beginning at 10:45 a.m., and is expected to arrive at the church by 12:00 p.m. The memorial service will begin at 1:00 p.m. at Grace Baptist Church at 58690 Ross Road, Warren, Oregon 97053.

For individuals who wish to support the family, the family is asking that in lieu of flowers, people donate to the Boulder Crest Foundation at: https://support.bouldercrest.org/BCFOneTime.

Oregon’s nonfarm payroll employment rises by 1,400

Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment rose by 1,400 jobs in March, following a revised gain of 2,800 jobs in February, according to the Oregon Employment Department.

The rate

Oregon’s unemployment rate was 4.2% in both February and March. Its rise from a record low of 3.4% in May 2023 is a sign of a loosening labor market. Another indicator of a loosening labor market was the rise in the number of Oregonians employed part time for economic reasons, which rose to 73,000 in March from a low of 48,200 in September 2022.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Gains and losses March’s gains were largest in professional and business services (+2,400 jobs); government (+1,000); and wholesale trade (+600).

Monthly declines were largest in construction (-2,300 jobs); retail trade (-600); and manufacturing (-600). Hiring trends diverged during the first three months of the year.

Several major industries expanded by at least 1,500 jobs, while others contracted. Health care and social assistance continued its rapid growth of the past two years with gains totaling 3,300 jobs during January, February, and March. Administrative and waste services added 2,700 jobs during those three months, which was an abrupt shift following this industry’s loss of 4,600jobsduring 2023. Government added 1,500 jobs so far this year as it continued its recovery and expansion of the past three years.The industry that dropped the most during the first three months of the year was construction, which dropped by 3,300 jobs, following a relatively flat year in 2023 when it gained only 900 jobs.

Meanwhile, accommodation and food services dropped 1,900 jobs so far this year, which nearly erased its gain of 2,000 jobs last year.

Using fertilizers, germinating soil, and pepper preparation

April 27 The Columbia County Master Gardeners™ Spring Fair will be Saturday, April 27 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. There will 3,000+ tomato plants, 700+ pepper plants, and garden related items from other vendors including Means Nursery! It will be at the Fairgrounds again this year.

May 2 Columbia County Beekeepers Monthly meeting. Thursday, May 2 at 7 p.m. Master Beekeeper Charlie VanDenHeuvel will be the speaker He will be talking about the blackberry nectar flow and late Spring bee-keeping management. All are welcome to attend. Contact Linda Zahl at ColumbiaCountyOregonBeekeepers@ gmail.com for the zoom link or you are welcome to attend in person at the OSU Extension Office in St. Helens.

How to use organic nitrogen fertilizers

Many gardeners prefer to use organic fertilizer in their vegetable garden. This will work but, depending on the fertilizer you have, may require much more fertilizer applied to give your vegetable plants what they need. This is mainly an issue with nitrogen (N) which is in most fertilizers. Almost all the nitrogen still in the soil in the fall has been washed away by the time spring rolls around. The only other element this is true for is sulfur. Raised beds are even more prone to this winter nitrogen/sulfur loss.

You will need about 4 pounds of “actual” nitrogen per 1000 square feet. That said, some crops like corn, cabbage family plants, onions, and other “root” crops are very heavy feeders while green beans and tomatoes need about half the N as the other crops. The first number on the fertilizer bag (with organic or non-organic fertilizer types) is the percent “actual” nitrogen in the bag. If the first number is 16, there is 16% or .16 x 10 = 1.6 pounds of N in a ten-pound bag. Two

chicken feather meal (~7). A ten pound bag of the bloodmeal has 1.2 pounds of N and that of the chicken product is .07x10 = .07 pounds of N, a little more than half what the bloodmeal has. Blood meal is pretty expensive but may be close to equal in cost per area used since you need less.

The other thing to remember about organic fertilizers is that they are slow to release nitrogen to your crop. So, plan ahead. If you know where you are going to plant the heavy user crops, work it into the ground (if possible) several weeks or more before you intend to seed or transplant. This is especially useful for raised bed gardening.

Yellow jacket prediction

We haven’t had a big yellow jacket year for 4 or more years. We are due. I have seen more over-wintering females looking for nesting places than I have seen for a long time. Perhaps retirement has gotten me outside more, but I think there is more to it. We have had some nice dry weather stretches recently. And the long-range NOAA prediction is for a dry May. These queenies love the dry weather and I think they are getting started for a big summer of yellow jacket production. We shall see.

Getting small seeds to germinate in “crusty” soil

Most of us garden in soils that have substantial amounts of clay. While these soils can produce great crops, some seeds find germination to be a challenge if the soil “crusts” over. Carrots, parsnips, beets, green beans, some lettuce, and others easily trapped by the rather thin crusts. They push up but don’t have the “umph” to break through the crust. So, what options do you have?

The easiest option is to make your seed furrow, drop in the seeds, but then cover the seeds with a light potting mix rather than soil. Another option is to cover the seeds with soil but then cover the planted area with row cover. The row cover tends to screen the soil from the direct sun and when you water, water lightly on top of the row

cover and the crop will be slowly irrigated. Our ancestors used burlap sacks to accomplish the same thing. You need to keep looking under the covers to see when they need to be removed, which is best done in early evening so that the emerged seedlings aren’t facing sun right away. Some gardeners plant carrots with radishes since they can break crusts. Corn also goes right through unless the crust is quite thick.

Hold the peppersthey like it hot!

Sweet and hot peppers do very well in most of Columbia County. But don’t put them in the ground too early. Peppers love and thrive in heat. We certainly haven’t seen much of that yet. Cool soils stop their growth and cause them to look positively pathetic. When evening temperatures stay above 55°, peppers start to grow. That is not in the cards for the next couple of weeks.

If you are anxious, you can provide them with additional heat by using minigreenhouses called cloches made of plastic and wire hoops. Be careful to open them during the day so that the plants won’t roast.

Many Extension publications available online

Are you putting up salsa, saving seeds, or thinking about planting kiwis? OSU has a large number of its publications available for free download. Just go to https:// catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/. Click on publications and start exploring.

Got food safety or food preservation questions?

Food Preservation recipes and fact sheets can be accessed online at: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/food/ preservation

Important notes

• Donate extra garden produce and/or money to the food bank, senior centers, or community meals programs. It always is greatly appreciated.

• The Extension Service offers its programs and materials equally to all people.

• The OSU Extension Office is fully open from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Resource information

Oregon State University Extension Service – Columbia County

505 N. Columbia River Highway St. Helens, OR 97051 503-397-3462

Merkley Monthly: Delivering federal dollars for Oregon’s critical community projects

JEFF MERKLEY Chronicle & Chief Guest Column

When I was an intern for Oregon Senator Mark Hatfield, I had a front row seat to see just how important it is for our state’s priorities and values to be represented on the powerful Appropriations Committee, which is responsible for funding the federal government. Now, as chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior and Environment, I’m working hard to continue Senator Hatfield’s legacy and ensure that Oregon has a strong voice in the nation’s spending decisions – including investing in vital projects that meet our state’s diverse needs, from building wildfire resiliency to boosting affordable housing.

I call these investments “community-initiated projects” because Oregon communities identify their top priorities and I fight to get them funded. Communityinitiated projects are effective because no one knows the needs of your community better than you, the folks who live and work in them every day. So, when you tell me which projects will help your communities most, I work hard to secure funding for as many of those projects as possible.

Just this March, Congress

approved 139 of these community-initiated projects in the fiscal year 2024 government funding bills – projects that invest in Oregon’s working families by funding improvements in housing, health care, and education, as well as critical infrastructure, like water supply and sanitation systems.

To help address the housing crunch and ensure more families have access to a decent home, the city of North Bend will receive $4 million to build affordable housing for critically needed workers in education, public safety, and health care. And Community Action Resource Enterprises, Inc. (CARE) in Tillamook County will receive $500,000 to renovate a building to serve as the county’s first low-barrier navigation center for people experiencing homelessness, which will also include employment, support, and case management services.

To help close health care gaps and save lives, $2 million will go to the Curry Health Network to build a new chemotherapy clinic at the hospital in Gold Beach so folks living with cancer don’t have to drive far outside the county to receive lifesaving treatments. And, in Lane County, the Behavioral Health Stabilization Center will receive $1.5 million to help realize its vision of providing immediate support to anyone

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

What I like about St. Helens

Sometimes it is worth while taking a moment to count our blessings and realize how fortunate we are, We are not perfect, but here are somethings that I like about living in St. Helens. We are a small city and we are still able to maintain rural atmosphere. We are a safe place to live. We have very little in the way of violent crime. We have a well trained and professional police department, that is willing to serve the public on an “around the clock” basis.. We have parks where anyone can play Pickleball, Tennis or Basketball, and trails for people to walk. We have a City Council that thinks it more important to improve our city than it is to personally enrich themselves. We have a Public Works Department that really works for the public. The people in our community are willing to improve and support our school system. Our Schools

are turning out educated and responsible people. Young citizens who make us all proud. We have clean air, good water and a place where our children can grow up healthy. I am sure that there are many things that others could add Including ways to improve. We are not perfect, but it is right to be thankful for what we have.

Bill Eagle St. Helens

Scappoose Middle School tour

I thank superintendent

Tim Porter, board member Pat Kessi and Adam Strachan for the informative tour of Scappoose Middle School. We understand firsthand the improvements that need to be addressed. In my opinion, the Middle School has need for some major repairs. Although I believe the maintenance issues have increased over the

years, I also believe that these problems can be upgraded over a couple years, without the multi-millions of dollars required to rebuild in a new location. Some of us on the tour have discussed individual projects with a few contractors and feel that the buildings problems needing addressed are a pittance of the millions a new school building will cost. As an example, after gaining a little knowledge from a HVAC contractor, we found that other districts are installing the latest HVAC technology in their schools for approximately $15,000 per classrooms. This is not millions of dollars. There are some major things that need to be addressed in the middle school, but they can be managed over a few years, with common sense and leadership.. The kids, teachers, and taxpayers deserve better than being used as pawns in the push for a new school, which we can not afford.

in the county experiencing behavioral health crises, including substance abuse.

It’s also critical to the health of our families to modernize our drinking and wastewater infrastructure.

That’s why I pushed to secure nearly $1.9 million for the City of Astoria to replace a nearly 100-year-old cast-iron waterline with modern piping. And the City of Clatskanie will receive $3 million toward building a new wastewater treatment plant to replace their over 50-year-old plant that is experiencing structural and mechanical failures.

To invest in the education and workforce of our coastal communities, $896,000 is going to Oregon Coast Community College and its partners to create a maritime workforce education pipeline for highskilled, high-wage, in-demand jobs in the “Blue Economy”, like maritime construction and welding.

Ted M. Rice Jr. Scappoose

and provided advanced first aid at events such as rodeos, walk-athons, and the county fair. He worked for Mercy Flights in Medford and Buck Ambulance in Portland, as well as Premier Jets as an international flight paramedic.

Dave went on to work for Columbia River Fire &

Arzie James Walters

accomplishments during his nearly 30-year career. Dave retired as a Battalion Chief in July of 2021 from Columbia River Fire & Rescue. Upon retiring from Columbia River Fire & Rescue, he joined Westport Fire & Rescue and has served as a Volunteer Division Chief for the past three years. Dave also spent a significant amount of time in other fulfilling roles as an examiner for the Oregon Health Division testing EMT’s and Paramedics. He spent many years as a liaison and leading a medical team

Management team for the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office that he retired from in early 2024. He also volunteered his medical skills for various other events around the state of Oregon. Dave had an extreme passion for travel and spent a lot of his life immersed in the culture of other countries.

Dave’s yard and his garden at home was immaculate, he especially loved growing fruits, vegetables and pumpkins along with raising chickens. Dave was also a motorcycle enthusiast and a former member of the International Association of Firefighters Motorcycle group. Dave was the happiest however, spending time with family and friends.

Dave was preceded in death by his father Kenneth Lee Coombs; mother Linda Brailsford Hurd; stepfather Theodore Milton Hurd; and brother William Lowell Coombs.

nephews and their wives, Theodore (Avery) Coombs, and Tyler (Alexia) Coombs; great nephew Jayce Lee William Coombs of Eugene, Oregon; and other family members.

A procession and a public memorial service will be held on Sat., April 27, 2024. The procession of fire department vehicles will take place from Westport Fire and Rescue in Clatskanie, Oregon to Grace Baptist Church in Warren, Oregon, beginning at 10:45 a.m. The memorial service will begin at 1 p.m. at Grace Baptist Church at 58690 Ross Road, Warren, Oregon 97053.

For individuals who wish to support the family, they are asking that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Boulder Crest Foundation. Website: https:// support.bouldercrest.org/ BCFOneTime Please sign our online guestbook at www.columbiafh.com. David

(Jim) age 70 passed away on April 15, 2024 at Avamere Memory Care. Jim was born on Dec. 8, 1953 at Osteopathic Hospital in Portland Oregon to his parents Arzie and Madge Walters. Jim graduated from St. Helens High School in 1972 where he would run cross country track alongside his classmate Ralph Painter. While still going to school, Jim worked at the family machine shop in Warren where he would work many years until he went on to be a shareholder at Multnomah Plywood until their closing. Soon after Jim would find the job that would carry him into retirement after 20 years Jim would retire in 2012 from Dyno Nobel in Deer Island, Oregon. His co-

workers once told me there was a time during Dyno’s normal scheduled shut down where they were having a bit of a challenge restarting the plant, they needed a part that was not readily available, Jim was asked if he could machine it and of course he

Margarete M. Davis

Nov. 9, 1930 ~ April 10, 2024

In Loving Memory of Margarete M. Davis and James K. Davis. Margarete Davis was born in Germany and moved to the states in 1954. She passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in St. Helens with family by her side at 93 years old. She is preceded in death by her loving, hard-working, dedicated husband, Jim after 60 years of marriage (which truly broke her heart!)

Margarete is survived by her three daughters, Diana, Karin and Charlene; as well as seven grandchil -

County previews John Gumm

renovations

did exactly that and they were able to restart the plant. Jim was jack of all trades, master of none. Although he did master the trade of machinist and welding. When Jim wasn’t working, he was an avid fisherman. You could find him on his pontoon boat with his wife Ann and whomever wanted to join him. He would eventually buy a wave runner where he would ride around Sauvie Island with his son. When Jim wasn’t on the water, he would be camping in his motorhome near water with Ann. Jim would also always have his 1100 Goldwing Trike nearby for long rides to the mountains where he loved to ride. Jim lived his life to its fullest, that’s for sure. Jim is survived by his big

brother Robert (Bob) and sister in law Luana Walters; children, Tammy Strader of Milwaukie Oregon, Donna Woods of Scappoose Oregon, Don (Jackie) Melcher of St. Helens and Jack (Leona) McCann of St. Helens Oregon and Jamie (Josh) Russell of Columbia City Oregon; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Jim was preceded in death by his wife of over 40 years; daughter Sheryl Williams, big sister Jean Smith; brother -in-law Gerald Smith; as well as parents, Arzie F. Madge and Walters.

A celebration of life will be on May 19 at 3:30 p.m. at the Warren Fellowship in Warren, Oregon. Everyone is welcome to attend.

James K. Davis

May 23, 1935 ~ Jan. 22, 2021

dren; and 13 great grandchildren. Margarete and Jim were well known in the Scappoose/St. Helens area. They were both hard workers raising beef cattle on their farm for many years. They enjoyed traveling abroad to Germany and Australia in their earlier years. They were both involved in attending their grandkids sports and other activities and Margarete never disappointed those who knew her by treating everyone to her delicious snickerdoodle cookies! Jim was an avid

small plane pilot and they both enjoyed an adventure when not working hard or saying hi to friends. We are all very grateful for the impact that they made in our lives. Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Sat., May 4, 2024 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, 51555 SW Old Portland Rd., Scappoose, OR 97056. Both Margarete and Jim’s lives will be celebrated together. Relatives and friends are welcome at the service and the reception immediately following.

From Page A1

today and be protected for life. FREE estimate. Financing available. 20% off total purchase (Restrictions may apply.) Call 1-844-345-1537. Generac Home Standby Generator Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 7-Year warranty with qualifying purchase* Call 1-877-557-1912 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.

No

no

Some

apply. Call IVS 1-855-602-

Portable Oxygen Concentrator May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and longlasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 855-839-0752.

Safe Step North America’s #1

Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-ofthe-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-833-3951433.

BCI Bath & Shower

The bathroom of your dreams in as little as 1 day.

Wesley Financial Group, LLC.

Timeshare Cancellation Experts. Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt and fees cancelled in 2019. Get free informational package and learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. Call 844487-0221.

Life Line Screening

Stroke and Cardiovascular disease are leading causes of death, according to the American Heart Association. Screenings can provide peace of mind or early detection! Contact Life Line Screening to schedule your

Limited Time Offer - $1000 off or No Payments and No Interest for 18 months for customers who qualify. BCI Bath & Shower. Many options available. Quality materials & professional installation. Senior & Military Discounts Available. Call Today! 1-844-8479778.

screening. Special offer - 5 screenings for just $149. Call 1-844-655-0972.

Veteran Car Donations

Make a tax-savvy move this holiday season and yearend! Donate your car, truck, boat, RV, and more to champion our veterans. Arrange a swift, nocost vehicle pickup and secure a generous year-end tax deduction. Call Veteran Car Donations at 1-866-695-9265 today!

Heritage for the Blind

Get your deduction ahead of the yearend! Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impaired. Arrange a swift, nocost vehicle pickup and secure a generous year-end tax credit. Call Heritage for the Blind Today at 1-844-533-9173 today!

pre-Carnegie Hall choir concert Columbia Chorale of Oregon, along with the River City Children’s Choir, present their preCarnegie Hall choir concert on May 19, 2024 at 5:30 pm at Christian Church of St. Helens . 185 S. 12th St., St. Helens, OR. Suggested donations

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

GIVEN, pursuant to ORS

that a public meeting of

Budget Committee of the Northwest Regional Education Service District, Washington County, Oregon, will be held in person and virtually on the 14th day of May, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. to discuss the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. The purpose of the meeting is to receive the budget message and to receive comments from the public on the budget. This is a public meeting where deliberations of the Budget Committee will take place. Any person may appear at

CC24-1112

the meeting and discuss proposed programs with the Budget Committee. This meeting will be held in person at Northwest Regional Education Service District, 5825 NE Ray Circle, Hillsboro, OR 97124, there will also be a virtual option available. Please see the website to register for the virtual option. Public comment will be taken in written and virtual formats. Written comments received by 5 pm on May 3rd, 2024 will be read during the public comment section of the meeting on May 14th, 2024. Public comments will be subject to a three-minute limit per community mem-

ber. For more information on public comment, please provide your name, phone number, and address to the Board Secretary via phone message at 503-614-1253, or email to budget@nwresd. org. A copy of the budget document may be viewed online at www.nwresd.org on or after May 3rd, 2024 or via email request to budget@ nwresd.org, or via phone message at 503-614-1253.

A copy of this notice is also posted on the Northwest Regional ESD website at www. nwresd.org. Dan Goldman, Budget Officer and Jordan Ely, Interim Chief Financial Officer

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

CC24-1113

NOTICE OF FINANCIAL REPORT ON FILE PUBLIC NOTICES

City of Clatskanie Notice of Budget Committee Meeting A public meeting of the Budget Committee of the City of Clatskanie, Columbia County, State of Oregon, to discuss the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025 will be held at City Hall, 75 S Nehalem St., Suite D. The meeting will take place on May 8th, 2024at 7:00 p.m. in the ballroom.

CC24-1115

The purpose of the meeting is to receive the budget message and to receive comment from the public on the budget. A copy of the budget document may be inspected or obtained on or after May 2nd, 2024 at 75 S Nehalem St., Suite D, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. 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 link to attend the meeting on Zoom will be posted on the website. Any person having special needs should contact the City Manager by May 7, 2024 to make arrangements. For more information visit the city website at www.cityofclatskanie.com.

NOTICE OF BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING

A public meeting of the Port of Columbia County Budget Committee, to discuss the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, will be held on Wednesday, May 8th, and May 22nd, beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the Port of Columbia County Office Boardroom, 100 E Street, Columbia City, Oregon, 97018. The meeting will be in-person and via Zoom. May 8 https://us02web.

zoom.us/j/83046060930

Meeting ID: 830 4606 0930

Passcode: 979634 Or call 1 (253) 215 – 8782. May 22 https://us02web.zoom.

us/j/83631941539 Meeting ID: 836 3194 1539 Passcode: 253966 Or call 1 (253) 215 – 8782 The purpose of the meeting is to receive the budget message and to receive comments from the public on the budget. This is a public meeting where deliberation of the Budget Committee will take place. Any person may call into the meeting and discuss the proposed programs with the Budget Committee. A copy of the budget document may be inspected or obtained after May 8, 2024, at the Port Office, 100 E Street, Columbia City, Oregon, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The budget document will also be available on our website after May 8, 2024, at www. portofcolumbiacounty.org.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA

The Budget Committee of the City of Clatskanie will hold a Public Hearing at City Hall on May 8th, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. in the ballroom, regarding the proposed use of approximately $35,000 in State Revenue Sharing Funds in the fiscal year 2024-25 budget. A link to attend the meeting on Zoom will be posted on the website at www.cityofclatskanie.com. Any person having special needs should contact the City Manager by May 7, 2024.

CC24-1114

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to ORS 294.401, that a public meeting of the Budget Committee of the Northwest Regional Education Service District, Washington County, Oregon, will be held in person and virtually on the 14th day of May, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. to discuss the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. The purpose of the meeting is to receive the budget message and to receive comments from the public on the budget. This is a public meeting where deliberations of the Budget Committee will take place. Any person may appear at the meeting and discuss proposed programs with the Budget Committee. This meeting will be held in person at Northwest Regional Education Service District, 5825 NE Ray Circle, Hillsboro, OR 97124, there will also be a virtual option available. Please see the website to register for the virtual option. Public comment will be taken in written and virtual formats. Written comments received by 5 pm on May 3rd, 2024 will be read during the public comment section of the meeting on May 14th, 2024. Public comments will be subject to a three-minute limit per community member. For

and first published this 24 day of April 2024.

Kelso, WA — The Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments (CWCOG), as the Longview Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization and lead agency for the Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Planning Organization, invites the public to review and comment on the draft 2025 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP). The UPWP identifies tasks the CWCOG’s regional transportation planning program will work on during the next fiscal year July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. Included is the program budget outlining how federal and state transportation funding is planned to be spent. The work program is developed by CWCOG staff in cooperation

with regional cities, counties, ports, transit agencies, Washington State Department of Transportation, and Oregon Department of Transportation. The CWCOG Board of Directors is scheduled to consider adoption of the 2025 UPWP on May 23, 2024. After adoption, the 2025 UPWP will be submitted to the Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration for final approval. The CowlitzWahkiakum Council of Governments is a multi-purpose association of governments that delivers a diverse array of federal, state, and local programs while fulfilling its primary function as a regional planning organization.

Beginning April 25, 2024, the Draft 2025 UPWP

sjorgensen@cityofrainier. com.

CC24-1117

Open house for SHHS’ renovations

Community members will soon get a chance to see the progress of construction at St. Helens High School, as the district announced it will be hosting an open house to celebrate Phase I of the St. Helens High School Improvement Bond Project. The open house event will be May 24, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at St. Helens High School, located at 2375 Gable Road in St. Helens. “Join us and be among

the first to experience the incredible changes as we unveil the remarkable transformation firsthand,” the St. Helens School District said in a recent community release.

Attendees of the open house will be able to explore the newly revamped facilities, upgraded amenities, and “cutting-edge innovations that will redefine the educational landscape” in the community.

Construction on the project began in the spring of 2022, but a number of factors have resulted in delays

and adjustments to plans to stay within the parameters of the original budget. The original budget was based on a $55 million bond that voters approved in May 2021.

Last year, voters approved an additional $4 million bond in the May 16, 2023 Special Election to secure a state matching matching grant.

Attendees of the open house will have an opportunity to tour the new Phase 1 additions including seeing the exterior courtyard, cafeteria, common area, and the new main office.

“Don’t miss this extraor-

dinary opportunity to be part of history in the making!

Mark your calendars and join us for an unforgettable SHHS Phase I Open House experience,” the district said in its announcement. “We look forward to engaging with you as we share Phase I of the SHHS Improvement Bond and provide details about what you can expect with Phase II.”

St. Helens High School Improvement Bond Project

Some key aspects of the updates include:

• Connecting buildings A, B, and C

• Upgraded HVAC system

• 21st-century science classrooms

The project at St. Helens High School has been in the works for almost four years. The St. Helens School District has teamed up with Soderstrom Architects, Cornerstone Project Management, and Hoffman Construction to renovate the entire High School, according to St. Helens High School’s website.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

April 25 Scappoose Garden Club Meeting 11 a.m. at 51555 SW Old Portland Road in Parish Hall of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church. Program is Endangered Plants of Camas Meadows presented by Linda Zaharia, President of Oregon Beekeepers Association. Anyone is welcome to attend.

April 25 Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District Board of Directors Regular Meeting 1 p.m. In person and via Zoom.

For instructions on how to join the meeting via Zoom please contact the administrative staff at 503-366-6973.

April 26 Updated Event - Spencer Day tribute to Frank Sinatra 7:30 p.m. - Due to visa problems, Will Martin performance has been canceled and will be replaced by Spencer Day and his tribute to Frank Sinatra. Will Martin tickets will be honored for this performance. Presented by The Clatskanie Arts Commission, Birkenfeld Theatre, 75 S. Nehalem Street in Clatskanie.

April 27 3rd Annual Spring into Art Show 5 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at the St. Helens Community Center, 2625 Gable Road in St. Helens. This event is presented by The Columbia Arts Guild and is open to Columbia County artists over the age of 15, showing original art with a limit of 15 original pieces. Entry fee for CAG members is $3 each, no-CAG members is $5 each.

clude items such as:

in-

• Canned meats (tuna, chicken, salmon, beef, corned beef)

• Canned soup and chili

• Peanut butter and almond butter

• Canned fruits

• Canned vegetables

Drop off locations include:

• Scappoose Branch: 52691 Columbia River Highway

• St. Helens Branch: 425 S. Columbia River Highway

• Rainier Branch: 118 E. A St.

Entires accepted on April 27 from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. at the community center. For details go to columbiaartsguild.com or contact Joan at 503-369-1081.

April 27 Spring Garden Fair 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Columbia County Fairgrounds Pavilion. This event is presented by the Columbia County Master Gardener Association. The fair will feature tomato plants and hot and mild pepper plants, raffle tickets with prize drawings every 30 minutes and local vendors. Free admission and parking. All proceeds support local Master Gardener programs. For more information, call Kathy at 503-347-3007.

April 27 Jewelry Sale at the St. Helens Senior Center 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at 375 S 15th Street in St. Helens. Shop to help fund home delivered meals. Huge selection of antique, vintage, and costume

• State-of-the-art technology

• Larger band and choir classrooms

• Renovating and expanding sports fields

• Redesigned school layout for easier access to community use

• Improvements to Career Tech programs, including a medical professional pathway

Find more information at https://www.sthelens. k12.or.us/bond/st-helenshigh-school/st-helens-highschool-bond-informationpage.

Food drive benefitting Columbia County

InRoads has worked with CPFB for decades, helping to provide access to healthy food and resources to those facing food insecurity in Columbia County. Through collaborative efforts, advocacy for equity, and sustainable practices, CPFB is dedicated to building a community where everyone can access nutritious food and resources to thrive. Its shared goal aligns with InRoads’ mission to promote wellness in all aspects of community life — financially, physically and mentally. About InRoads Credit Union Proud to be a not-forprofit member-owned financial cooperative, InRoads Credit Union was established in 1938 and holds over $360 million in assets. The community focused organization contributed $138,853 to local nonprofits, community organizations and scholarships as well as nearly $16 million in small business loans in 2023. Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, attends school, volunteers, or worships in Columbia, Clatsop, Cowlitz, Multnomah and Washington Counties, along with immediate family who are existing InRoads members. In addition to the incoming Hillsboro location, InRoads has locations in Scappoose, St. Helens and Rainier, Oregon.

jewelry including watches, gold and silver jewelry, some with diamonds and other gemstones. Great chance to get something special for Mother’s Day. For questions, please call 503-397-3377.

May 1 Presentation “UnAmerican Activities: The Blacklist Era and Hollywood” 5 p.m. at the Longview Public Library will feature film reviewer Robert Horton. For more information, please call 360-442-5300 or go to longviewlibrary.org.

May 3 & 4 Spring Book Sale at the Longview Public Library

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. presented by the Friends of the Longview Library at 1600 Louisiana St. in Longview. Pocket-size paperbacks, children’s books, CD’s and DVD’s - 2 for $1. Large paperbacks and hardcover books - $1 each. 3-hour clearance sale, fill a grocery bag

with books for $5 on Sunday, May 5th from noon to 3 p.m.

May 4 St. Helens Garden Club Spring Plant Sale 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the St. Helens Public Library porch. Home grown horticulture including house plants, iris, dahlias, bedding plants, ground covers and more. Rocky Point Composted Poo - great for roses and tomatoes. Cash or check only.

May 4 Quincy Grange Annual Treasures & Plants Sale 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Quincy Grange Hall, 78314 Rutters Road in Clatskanie. “Sale Your Stuff” tables available to rent. This event is inside and outside. Lunch and desserts will be available. For informations and table rental details, please call Barb at 503-7284143 or Ellen at 503-728-2886.

for most people, which is why it may be particularly suitable for parents and young adults who may be at the beginning of their careers. Permanent insurance is typically more expensive, largely because it is meant to last for one’s lifetime and some of the premiums go toward building cash value in the policy

• Length of time insurance is needed – If you think you will only need

insurance for a certain period — perhaps until your children are grown — you might lean toward term insurance. If you feel the need for life insurance for other goals throughout your lifetime, for whatever reason — you might have a special needs child, or perhaps you want to use your policy to help pay for retirement, or you wish to include the policy as part of your legacy and estate plans — you may want to consider some type of permanent insurance.

• Investment preferences – You may have heard the phrase “buy term and invest the difference.”

• Future insurability –If you have health issues, it could become difficult to get permanent insurance after you’ve reached the end of a term insurance policy. (Some term insurance policies do offer the opportunity to convert to permanent coverage, usually without the need for a medical exam.) You could avoid this potential problem by purchasing permanent insurance when you are still young and healthy.

Ultimately, you will need to weigh the various factors involved in the permanentversus-term decision. You also might benefit from consulting a financial professional, who can evaluate which type of insurance is most appropriate for your situation. But whether it’s term or permanent, make sure you have the coverage you need to protect yourself and your loved ones.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by Topher Mood, your Edward Jones financial advisor at (503) 397-1125. Edward Jones, Member SIPC

Essentially, this just means that an investor could purchase low-cost term insurance, and then invest the money that was saved by not getting permanent insurance. This can be a valuable strategy in some situations, but people often don’t actually invest the difference. A permanent insurance policy, through the payment of premiums, may result in a steady buildup of cash value or continued contributions to the policy’s investment components. For many people, this discipline is helpful.

The spring sports season is rolling along, and studentathletes playing baseball and softball at St. Helens and Clatskanie are competing to be the best in their respective leagues.

Let’s catch up with how St. Helens High School (SHHS) and Clatskanie Middle/High School (CMHS) have been plotting the base paths, and how their seasons have been going so far.

St. Helens High School

With more than ten games played for both the baseball and softball teams, the Lions have started well this season. St. Helens baseball has a record of 10-6, and St. Helens softball has been exceptional, going 14-2 to start the season. Softball Head Coach Miranda Little’s team started 12-0, and though they lost two games in a row to break the streak, the Lions are back to their winning ways coming off two wins. Up and down the roster, Little has been impressed with her team’s performance. “The team has done an excellent job at working as a team and really coming together at every age level

no matter what,” Little said. “We have all four grades on the varsity squad or swinging, and it’s been awesome watching them just blend right in together.”

Amid the team’s success, Little said the leaders of the program have shifted as the season has gone along. Little said that the people who have stepped up in league play are different than the standouts in preseason. Little has only needed to make slight tweaks to her batting lineup while only making bigger adjustments depending on the pitchers they are facing.

One of the challenges Little said the team had faced this year in the early season was generating energy from the dugout while on defense and while at bat. However, Little recently said the team has “flipped the switch,” and the energy has been “electric.”

St. Helens is in the midst of back-to-back games against Scappoose at the time of press, having beaten Scappoose 2-1 on Apr. 18. The result of the Apr. 23 game against Scappoose in not known.

With a 14-2 record, St. Helens is ranked 6th of the 31 4A teams in OSAA’s rankings. St. Helens sits atop the Cowapa League with Astoria just behind them.

One of the highlights for Little this year has been the community presence at their games, both home and away. “Not only do we have an amazing group of community supporters that watch our games at home, the parents of our athletes are top notch too. Bus rides home are pretty quiet as many athletes parents are at the away games,” Little said. “We also stream our games online and people can watch from there! Our games against Scappoose always bring big crowds because of the 7-mile distance between the towns and it doesn’t matter if it is home or away.” St. Helens baseball is looking to bounce back after back-to-back defeats against Scappoose on Apr. 18 and 22. With a 10-6 record overall, the Lions are 13th of the 31 teams in OSAA’s 4A ranking. The Lions are 3-3 since the start of league play, and are second in the Cowapa League behind Scappoose, who have gone 6-0 through the start of the season. The Lions will next play against Tillamook on Apr. 26.

Clatskanie Middle/High School

CMHS baseball have been flying high, ripping off an 8-game winning streak after losing its first game of

Lions, Tigers, baseballs, oh my!

league play.

The Tigers boast a record of 11-1 overall, going 8-1 through league play as of the morning of Apr. 23. The result of the Tigers’ Tuesday game against St. Paul are not known at time of press.

CMHS Head Coach Ryan Tompkins said that his team’s success this year has come down to doing the small things right.

“We’ve got an experienced group this year, that has played a lot of baseball together. We’ve been able to do a lot of the little things right: throw strikes, make the routine plays on defense and run the bases,” Tompkins said. “This has been a big part of how we have won a few games.”

A key ingredient to the team’s success is some of the team’s longest-tenured players: the seniors. Tompkins said that the team’s four seniors, Topher McDonnell, Jack Bergman, Chris Knaus, and Ayden Boursaw, are a big part of the leadership of his team.

“Each provides a little something different for our team. Ayden Boursaw is our ace pitcher, Topher McDonnell is our catcher/coach on the field, Jack Bergman is our team first guy and Chris Knaus is 100% effort all the time,” Tompkins said.

Clatskanie has shown out in league play, sweeping three-game series against Willamina and Portland Christian and winning two of three games against Nestucca. Clatskanie is second in the 2A/1A-SD1 Special District 1 behind only Knappa who has a 9-0 record in the league. Tompkins knows the toughest is yet to come.

“We expect to be in close games with the good teams in our league. Our focus in practice has been on the little details that can get an out or get a run,” Tompkins said. “We are excited to see some quality teams down the stretch and know it will be tough competition.”

CMHS softball has had a good start to league play as well, going 7-2 in its first nine games. The Tigers swept both Nestucca and Perrydale, beating each opponent three times.

The Tiger’s lone league losses came against Willamina, and both by razor-thin margins. The two losses to Willamina were by a score of 7-8, and both games were played on Apr. 12.

Despite the tough doubleheader, the Tigers are on a three-game win streak ahead of their matchup with St. Paul on Apr. 23. The result of that game is not known at the

time of press.

In the 2A/1A-SD1 Special District, Clatskanie trails first-ranked St. Paul, second-place Willamina, and third-ranked Knappa. It’s a close race, however, as Clatskanie has the same record as Knappa and is only a game behind St. Paul and Willamina.

The upcoming three-game series with St. Paul promises to have playoff implications between two of the top teams in their league.

Tompkins, who is also the Athletic Director at CMHS, was quick to give credit to the community support, and the booster club for the school.

“Our community is very supportive of our baseball/ softball teams. Our booster club has one of the best snack shacks around, and it’s a great social gathering,” Tompkins said. “My own kids come to the games, but typically are more interested in running around with their friends looking for lizards and bugs.”

So whether you want to come out for the community and the team or look at the lizards and bugs, the CMHS softball and baseball fields are the place to be.

Follow high school sports at osaa.org.

COURTESY PHOTO

The SHHS Lions are off to a roaring start.

WILL LOHRE / COUNTRY MEDIA, INC.

CMHS crossing the plate for the run.