SHC67

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

St. Helens Water Taxi has arrived

WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

The water taxi that the City of St. Helens purchased has arrived and is scheduled to be operational for the summer’s city tourism events.

The total cost of the refurbished boat is around $230,000 and was fully paid for by tourism-related event revenues, according to St. Helens Communications Officer Crystal King.

The boat will support the city’s tourism programs, such as the annual sandcastle competition and Halloween activities which occur on Sand Island.

~ Crystal King, City of St. Helens

The boat will seek to provide convenient and safe travel for people to and from Sand Island, and support other waterfront tourism efforts. According to the Chronicle’s original report in May 2022 about the boat.

The capacity of the water taxi will be 30 occupants.

“Sand Island is a unique location that St. Helens is lucky to

have. It’s been underutilized for decades,” King said. “Now, both community members and visitors will have better access to one of the few recreational islands maintained by a city on the Columbia River.”

The original budgeted cost for the water taxi was $250,000 and was offered by Bargeworx, LLC. When functional, it will be operated by a certified, licensed captain who will be paid out of the city’s tourism funds, according to the Chronicle’s original report.

King said that the boat is a strategic investment for the city that will enhance the city’s tourism efforts.

“The boat will support the city’s tourism programs, such as the annual sandcastle competition and Halloween activities which occur on Sand Island,” King said.

“Sand Island is an asset for creating unique tourism experiences in our region,” St. Helens City Administrator John Walsh told The Chronicle in the May 2022 report.

“Having a boat will allow the city to capitalize on the recreational opportunities and tourism-related events which can be developed along our riverfront.”

The St. Helens Marina currently operates a shuttle service to Sand Island to access the island’s campground. The new water taxi would be in addition to that shuttle.

The St. Helens City Council

approved placing a deposit for the water taxi following a public hearing on May 18, 2022. According to the Columbia County Events Facebook page, the boat arrived June 5.

Boat controversy

The announcement of the boat’s purchase sparked controversy on social media. The original article

generated more than 70 comments.

Among the comments, some community members and Facebook users expressed dismay about using city money to procure a boat that needed repair and cost nearly a quarter of a million dollars. The city has emphasized that the cost was covered by tourism revenue, and not property taxes, but the

comments still reflected opposition to spending city money in this way. With the summer fast approaching, the city will seek to get the boat in ship shape as the demand for waterfront tourism comes into full swing.

Follow this developing story at thechronicleonline.com and in the Wednesday print editions of The Chronicle.

CRFR board election, Board President reaction

WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

T

he Columbia River Fire & Rescue (CRFR) District has been the focus of much public attention in recent months, and big changes are coming to the board this July following the May 16 Special District Election. According to uncertified early election returns, current board members Kimberly McLane, Mark Kreutzer, and Board President Hans Feige will be replaced by Richard Fletcher, Austin Zimbrick, and Ryan Welby.

This development comes after a turbulent couple of months that saw the Helens Professional Fire Fighters Association IAFF Local

3215 deliver a vote of no confidence in CRFR Fire Chief Joel Medina, and a lawsuit filed by two former employees against CRFR on the grounds of sexual harassment, retaliation, and creating a hostile work environment.

On April 28, Monica Cade, a third former employee, joined the lawsuit filed by former employees Anika Todd and Jennifer Motherway. The lawsuit demands a jury trial and claims damages of $1,247,114.32.

On the other hand, Medina and his command staff have raised concerns over financial malfeasance committed by current and former employees and family members within the district before his arrival. As a result, the CRFR

and their legal counsel are conducting a forensic audit of the district’s finances. District Attorney Jeff Auxier has opened an investigation into the findings presented by Medina. The investigation and audit are ongoing.

New board members

Zimbrick, Welby, and Fletcher will take over their new board positions in July, and the local firefighters union backed their campaign.

When asked by The Chronicle what their priorities would be as they assumed office, the message of increased transparency was echoed between the three candidates. Welby won Director

Position 1 against Board President Feige.

“I would like to thank everyone that voted! With just over a 32% voter turnout for this election, it’s pretty clear that our community felt the need for change, and that’s why I was overwhelmingly voted in,” Welby said. “Transparency is my #1 goal once in office. I strongly believe that “we, the taxpayers,” need to see how and where our money’s being spent.”

Fletcher, who ran against McLane for Director Position 2, won his seat, getting 63% of the votes compared to McLane’s 23%. McLane sparked controversy by posting allegations and records from CRFR of multiple disciplin-

ary meetings against Fletcher while at CRFR and that Fletcher had been selling scrap metal and keeping petty cash from the transactions.

Fletcher denied the allegations and won his race by a margin of 2,317 votes, according to the most recent vote count on June 6. Fletcher said he hopes to restore faith in the district.

“What it means to me is that the voters have spoken and want some accountability in their emergency services,” Fletcher said. “My top priority is to start providing the accountability to the public and restore community faith in the fire district.”

See CRFR Page A8

Columbia View Park stage demolished

JEREMY C. RUARK

Country Media, Inc.

Rotting roof support beams at the stage in Columbia View Park has sped up a demolition project at the site.

The discovery

On Wednesday, May 31, St.

Helens Public Works crews were performing routine maintenance in at the park when they discovered a structural failure of the Wauna Credit Union stage. The crew found that the wooden roof support beams had rotted below the deck due to age and weather exposure. This caused the beams and stage roof to sink about one foot.

After examining the structure,

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crews determined that the stage was too dangerous to use, and the roof needed to be removed. As part of the City’s Riverwalk Project, which is scheduled to break ground this fall, the stage was already set to be demolished and replaced with a new stage. St. Helens Public Works crews demolished the stage Thursday, June 1 and June 2.

The first concert of the City’s annual 13 Nights of the River summer concert series was scheduled to take place, June 1, with the band set up next to the stage location. City staff were contacting people who have reserved the gazebo for private events this summer to offer alternate locations or a full refund of their reservation.

History

The Columbia View Park gazebo was donated to the City of St. Helens by Grace Chambers Sonneland in October 1987. The gazebo was originally placed in a different location at Columbia View Park. Through community fundraising efforts and donations from the City of St. Helens, an amphitheater was constructed in the park starting in 2004 and the gazebo was relocated to the center of the amphitheater and named the Columbia View Amphitheater in 2005.

For nearly two decades, the

See PARK Page A10

COMMUNITY FLAG DAY CELEBRATION

Vol. 141, No. 24

Courtesy photo

The new tourism passenger boat has arrived.

Gun control Measure 114 at federal court

BEN BOTKIN

Oregon Capital Chronicle

Chronicle Guest Article

A federal judge is now reviewing a lawsuit that may determine the fate of a voter-passed law to regulate how Oregonians own firearms and ban ammunition magazines with more than 10 rounds.

In November, Oregon voters passed Measure 114, which is intended to help stem the scourge of gun violence and mass shootings and close gaps that allow bad actors to slip through. The measure would require people to get a permit to purchase a firearm, which would require a background check and a safety course. Gun rights advocates challenged it in federal court and in the Harney County Circuit Court, and it hasn’t yet taken effect.

Every year, hundreds of lives are shattered in Oregon from gun violence, suicides or accidental shootings.

In 2022, 803 Oregonians visited hospital emergency rooms with firearm-related injuries, according to Oregon Health Authority data. In 2021, 670 people in Oregon died from firearms, according to federal data.

The measure also would ban large-capacity magazines and close what critics call the “Charleston loophole” because of a 2015

mass shooting at a church in Charleston, South Carolina. That’s a federal law that allows firearms dealers to sell a gun without a completed background check if they haven’t received the results after more than three days.

The ban on large-capacity magazines is intended to prevent shootings like the one in August at a Bend grocery store, where a gunman with an AR-15-style rifle killed two people before taking his own life.

“Thank God we didn’t lose more people that night,” Bend City Councilor Anthony Broadman said during a Thursday briefing with reporters. “We carry shootings like ours forever.”

Broadman also is haunted by a boyhood memory from 1991, when a gunman unsuccessfully tried to shoot and kill his father and missed. Broadman was 12 at the time. Measure 114 on hold

For now, the measure is on hold

A Harney County District Court judge temporarily blocked the measure’s implementation as a separate lawsuit proceeds. The Harney County case is set for trial in September. As a result, the five-day federal trial before U.S. District Judge Karin J. Immergut in Portland next week

will not be the final word on Measure 114. Further appeals are likely from either side.

The Oregon Firearms Federation is the lead plaintiff in the federal lawsuit, along with firearms dealers and others. In court filings, they argued the measure is unconstitutional and infringes on people’s Second Amendment right to bear arms, such as by allowing indefinite delays when background checks aren’t processed in a timely way.

The organization and its attorneys couldn’t be reached for comment. If they’re successful, they will get a court ruling that overturns Measure 114 and declares it unconstitutional.

Because Measure 114 is a state law, the Oregon Department of Justice is defending it. The Oregon Alliance for Gun Safety, a nonprofit advocacy group, requested and received the federal court’s permission to intervene in the case, which allows the organization to aid in defending Measure 114.

The group plans to argue that the ban on large-capacity magazines and the permitto-purchase requirements are constitutional. Large capacity magazines are accessories, not arms, said Zach Pekelis, an attorney with Seattle-based Pacifica Law Group, who is representing

The case in federal court seeks to overturn Measure 114, which puts more gun ownership requirements in place for Oregon.

magazines and other weapons.

the alliance in court.

“They’re not arms at all protected by the Second Amendment,” Pekelis said. “There’s a long history and tradition of regulating dangerous weapons and other accessories throughout the United States.”

What’s next

There are multiple moving parts of the case. Pekelis said the trial is scheduled to end Friday and Immergut is expected to take a few weeks or months to issue a written decision.

It’s a bench trial, meaning the judge will rule directly on the case without

a jury.

The alliance is not directly involved in the Harney County case. That lawsuit will continue in September regardless of what the federal judge decides. That case, too, is expected to face an appeal regardless of the outcome.

“It’s possible one or more of these cases, of course, will go on appeal, which would mean that the process would last a little bit longer,” Pekelis said.

Separately, pending firearms-related bills in the Legislature have drawn sharp objections from Republican lawmakers.

House Bill 2005 would

raise the minimum age to purchase most firearms from 18 to 21 years and allow local government agencies to ban firearm possession on government-owned property. Senate Bill 348 would build upon Measure 114 with more requirements, such as giving the state until July 2024 to set up a permit-topurchase system. But with the Republicanled walkout in the Senate stalling votes on bills, those measures face an uncertain fate.

Follow developments at thechronicleonline.com and in the Wednesday print editions of The Chronicle.

Production crew to film movie in St. Helens Lights, camera, action

STAFF REPORT Country Media, Inc.

A production company will be filming a movie in the St. Helens Riverfront District this week, according to a post on the City of St. Helens website. Setup for filming will begin on June 8 and street closures and detours will take place June 9-10. Be prepared for the following impacts:

June 8

Parking around the city’s free parking lot next to 2Cs Vendor Mall will be taped off at 6 p.m. to prepare for the ar

rival of production equipment.

June 9-10

In addition to temporary parking closures along South 1st Street from the St. Helens Street intersection to the Plaza Square, South 1st Street will be closed from the St. Helens Street intersection to the entrance of the City’s free parking lot.

This closure will take place from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday, June 9 and Saturday, June 10. Traffic will be detoured down St. Helens Street, through the County Court-

Courtesy photo from the City of St. Helens

Plaza Square and South 1st Street, and then through the City’s free parking lot to South 2nd Street and back to St. Helens Street. Sidewalks will remain open for access to businesses during the street closures. The production company, Test Screening the Movie, LLC applied for a Special Use Permit with the City to film in the Riverfront District. City departments reviewed the permit, and staff worked with the company to ensure traffic control requirements were met, and adjust parking options, according to Communications

1 person hurt in ultralight crash

STAFF REPORT

Country Media, Inc.

One person suffered non-life-threatening injuries after an aircraft crash at the Scappoose Airport. Scappoose Rural Fire Protection (SRFPD) responded to the downed craft at 7:35 a.m. Saturday June 3, according to a Facebook post from the agency.

“First arriving units found an ultralight aircraft down just east of the

airport outside the airpark fence,” the post states.

“The pilot, and sole occupant of the aircraft, did suffer non-life-threatening injuries.”

The initial response included volunteers and career staff bringing a fire engine, ambulance, and a chief officer.

Due to the location and distance to the nearest access road, the SRFPD crew utilized the agency’s its Rapid Extrication Module (REM), a 4x4 side-by-side

vehicle, to navigate the uneven terrain and transfer the pilot to a waiting ambulance. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the crash. The identity of the pilot and injuries suffered were not immediately available. According to Pilot Institute, an ultralight has only one seat, is only used for sport or recreational flying, and does not have a US or foreign airworthiness certificate. Ultralights can be powered or unpowered.

Courtesy photo from Connor Radnovich / Oregon Capital Chronicle

Tick Licker Firearms in Salem sells semiautomatic firearms, high-capacity

Courtesy photo from the SRFPD

The wreckage of the ultralight aircraft was found just east of the Scappoose Airport.

Council to review new budget with vacant positions

The St. Helens City Council is expected to review and adopt a $92.5 million budget that includes unfilled position, one being a police patrol officer position.

Exceptionally challenging

The budget process has been “exceptionally challenging,” according to the proposed budget document on the city’s website. High inflation, a competitive labor market, and increasing costs for materials and supplies are all cited as reasons for the challenges, The Chronicle first reported in mid-May.

Along with the exhaustion of federal COVID relief dollars, the city is experiencing higher costs to support cost of living adjustments (COLA) for unionized city employees, including an assumed 5% COLA for American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and a 6% COLA for St. Helens Police Association (SHPA) employees, and other higherthan-anticipated inflationary increases in insurance, materials, and professional services.

Following detailed review of expenses and revenues, the St. Helens Budget Committee on May 4 approved the proposed $92,548,64 city budget. The committee is composed of the city council and citizen volunteer members.

Predicted to run a 5% deficit in the next fiscal year,

the city’s spending document states that the city is using General Fund reserves to alleviate the deficit. The general fund reserve’s balance is predicted to be negative by fiscal year 2025-2026.

To help balance service levels and maintain the general fund reserve, the city council tasked city staff with finding measures to increase revenues or reduce expenses. One cost-cutting measure is “leaving one vacant officer position unfilled,” the city’s budget document states.

St. Helens Police Association, the union representing the police department’s patrol officers, released a public statement on Facebook last month calling the decision to leave the vacant position unfilled “a colossal mistake” due to the department’s ongoing staffing shortage.

“The first purpose [of this post] is to reiterate where the association stands and let it be known that we think it is a colossal mistake for the city to neglect the staffing of the police department,” the Facebook post reads.

The association’s statement says that in addition to two resignations this year and multiple confirmed retirements for 2024, the city not hiring a new officer for 2023-2024 – despite agreeing to do so last year –heightens a law enforcement staffing shortage.

“Last year, the council agreed to hire two officers and one officer in 2023,” the association states. “There have two resignations this year and several retirements

confirmed for 2024. Those spots are not going to be filled as the city is not currently hiring. There is also not going to be a new officer hired for 2023-2024, reversing the commitment the council made last year.”

The St. Helen’s Police Association’s statement argues that the St. Helens City Council’s decisions to not hire new officers and leave the vacant position unfilled “are making this city less safe.”

“While the City Council

has a strategic goal project for FY 2023-2024 to decrease crime incidents by 5%, increase traffic safety, and reduce traffic accidents, the failure to follow through with the hiring decisions will make the city council’s goals worthless,” the statement reads.

City responds

The city responded to the police association’s claims that the pending budget decisions lessen public safety.

“Public safety is a fundamental service of city government and one of the City of St. Helens’ main goals in our strategic plan is to create a livable and safe community,” the city’s Communications Officer Crystal King said in an email to The Chronicle.

“This goal is balanced with preserving the city’s other critical services, which include maintaining safe infrastructure such as water and sewer services and roads, planning for future growth, and supporting economic development. We have to do this while maintaining a balanced and sustainable budget. Next fiscal year’s budget proposes leaving a currently vacant police and library position unfilled since the city does not have revenue for these positions,” King added.

King also acknowledged the possibility of funding the vacant position through the generation of additional revenues but made no promises the city would pursue other routes.

“If resources become available through future revenue increases or reductions in services elsewhere, then the city council has the ability to consider filling the vacant positions,” King said.

Additional options to fund the vacant position police officer position include a possible general obligation bond and a local levy and gas tax.

Maintaining city reserves

City staff has also been

directed to explore additional funding options that help address the larger concern of maintaining the general fund reserves. The city’s budget document recommended increasing the public safety fee, a sewer rate adjustment of 8%, and a stormwater program rate adjustment.

King said that while the city’s proposed budget has recommended a few funding options, city staff will continue to explore additional funding options over the next year.

“The Budget Committee recommended that the city council explore various options. Staff will be reviewing options with the city council in future work sessions,” King said. “No discussions have occurred yet. Proposals will be reviewed over the next year, and council will direct staff on their preferred options to balance the budget.”

Next step

St. Helens City Council will review the budget at its regularly scheduled public meeting June 7 and will decide whether to adopt it. Under Oregon law, a balanced budget must be approved by the city council before the start of the new fiscal year, July. 1. Follow this developing story at thechronicleonline. com and in the Wednesday print editions of The Chronicle.

State issues ‘pig butchering’ scam alert

STAFF REPORT Country Media, Inc.

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) is warning consumers to be wary of an unexpected text or direct message from a stranger – it might be the first step in a “pig butchering” scam.

The term pig butchering comes from the practice of fattening a pig before slaughter. These scams often involve fraudsters contacting targets seemingly at random, using social media or common communication apps.

The scammer gains the victim’s trust, often by starting a romantic relationship or a simple friendship. The scammer then starts to convince the victim to invest in phony investments, including fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes, before falsely claiming the initial investment grew significantly, according to the DFR. The scammer then asks for more and more money, and demand multiple types of fees if a victim requests to withdraw the funds. Even when the victim pays the withdrawal fees, the fraudster does not refund the victim’s money, but rather disappears

with the funds without any further communication.

new virtual friend or romantic connection starts making financial inquiries, put the brakes on the relationship.

According to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), there are several warning signs to be aware of involving these types of scams:

Unexpected contact: Never respond to unsolicited messages from unknown contacts, even about seemingly benign topics, especially via text message and on encrypted messaging applications.

Refusal to participate in video chats: If someone you consistently have been messaging with declines to interact face to face, they likely are not the person from the profile photo.

Request for financial information: Don’t share any personal financial information with anyone you have never met in person. If a

Invitation to invest in specific financial products: Be wary of any unsolicited investment advice or tips, particularly from someone you have spoken to only online and even if they suggest you trade through your own account. Always question what a source has to gain from sharing tips with you and whether the transaction fits with your financial goals and investment strategy.

Unknown or confusing investment opportunity: Carefully evaluate the product, as well as the person or company requesting your investment. Along with a basic search, try adding words such as “scam” or “fraud” to see what results come up. Consider running recommendations by a third party or an investment professional who has no stake in the investment and use FINRA BrokerCheck to see if the promoter is a registered investment professional.

Unfamiliar trading platforms: Do extensive research before moving any money, particularly in an emerging market such

as cryptocurrency, which has hundreds of exchanges and new avenues for trading continuing to evolve. Who controls the platform? What security measures are in place? How can you withdraw funds if needed? If you don’t know the answers to those questions, don’t put your assets there.

Exaggerated claims and elevated emotions: Take a closer look at any investment that offers much higher than average returns or is touted as “guaranteed.” Fraudsters will also often use their knowledge about you to appeal to your emotions – something like, “Don’t you want to have money to send your kids to college?”

Sense of urgency about an upcoming news announcement or share price increase: Remember that insider trading is illegal, and you should never trade in shares of a company on the basis of material, nonpublic information.

“Romance scams and crypto scams continue to be the source of significant losses for consumers,” DFR Administrator T.K. Keen said. “Consumers who receive contacts out of the blue through messaging

apps on their phone or other means should be especially suspicious of those trying to entice them into cryptocurrency investments.”

Although the division has not received any complaints specific to pig butchering schemes, it knows that this activity is occurring based upon conversations with federal and nearby state law enforcement authorities. Several states and federal authorities have issued warnings on this sort of fraud. In 2022, investment fraud caused the highest losses of any scam reported by the public to the FBI’s Internet Crimes Complaint Center (IC3), totaling $3.31 billion.

Courtesy photo

Frauds involving cryptocurrency, including pig butchering, represented most of these scams, increasing 183 percent from 2021 to $2.57 billion in reported losses last year. The division accepts consumer complaints and will forward to the appropriate law enforcement authorities. Consumers can also make a complaint to the FBI’s IC3 at https:// www.ic3.gov/.

The Division of Financial Regulation is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and www.dcbs.oregon.gov.

Courtesy photo from the City of St. Helens

The proposed $92.5M city budget includes unfilled positions and dwindling reserves.

Prosperity, fulfillment, and realizing of dreams

KATY WAGNER

Chronicle Guest Column

Courageous. Dedicated. Prepared. These three words epitomize the remarkable characteristics, skills, mindsets, and attitudes of the incredible 2023 St. Helens High School graduates. They have faced and conquered some of the most challenging times in the history of our public education system, emerging stronger, wiser, and ready to take on the world. From the very beginning of their high school journey in distance learning,

these graduates embarked on a path filled with endless possibilities. With fresh and open eyes and minds, they eagerly embraced the next four years, envisioning engaging academic activities, collaborative discussions, hands-on experiments, and extracurricular pursuits. They embraced diverse experiences, including caring for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, exploring automotive technology, construction, metals, and manufacturing, participating in athletic events and competitions, and connecting with peers through clubs and

community service.

Courageous. This class of 2023 has shown tremendous courage in their pursuit of knowledge, embracing new perspectives, and becoming confident citizens of integrity. Rather than shy away from complex topics that our society has experienced in the last four years, they have leaned in, listened intently, and sought understanding.

Dedicated. Hardworking and community-focused, these graduates have consistently demonstrated their dedication to serving others. They have embraced

technology, set goals, maintained organization, and displayed an unmatched work ethic. They have brought home state championships, sportsmanship, and academic awards. Their acts of kindness have fostered an atmosphere of respect and compassion throughout our campus.

Prepared. Equipped with a diverse set of skills, academic achievements, and resilience, these graduates are prepared for the next stage of their lives. Whether pursuing higher education or entering the workforce, they are ready to tackle the challenges that

lie ahead. The list of programs and universities they will be attending next year is a testament to their preparedness. From motorcycle mechanics to civil engineering, nursing to construction management, education to computer science, and a multitude of other disciplines, these graduates are embarking on paths that will shape their futures.

As they transition into adulthood, I wish these graduates the opportunity to shape their lives according to their own definition of success. With their exceptional talent and potential for

greatness, I have no doubt that they will make positive contributions to our society and lead the next generation with wisdom and compassion.

The class of 2023 from St. Helens High School has reason to be proud, and I wholeheartedly congratulate each and every one of them on their remarkable achievements. May their futures be filled with prosperity, fulfillment, and the realization of their dreams.

Dr. Katy Wagner is the Principal at St. Helens High School.

Snakes, garlic flowers and dry soil

Column

How dry is the soil?

Quite dry! I heard from a friend that, when he rototilled recently, it was exactly the opposite of last year when the soil was very wet.

This year, the top four to five inches were really dry but deeper, there was some decent soil moisture. I did some testing with my soil probe in various places and confirmed his experience in quite a few different gardens.

If you still have soil to work, either by hand or a rototiller, you might water it first, wait a day, and then rototill or hand work the ground with a spading fork.

This is also a warning that we may need to water newly planted (within the last two years or so) woody trees and shrubs sooner than later. Lawns will either need water or be allowed to go dormant (they will come back in the fall). Half watering can damage lawns. You need to be either all in or out with lawns.

Vegetable crops are growing well. Peppers are a little disgruntled with some nights that are near 50 degrees, but they will get over it. Tomatoes are doing fine. Same with other vegetables. There is still time to plant most vegetables.

Garlic flowers

Most garlic varieties flower in late May through June. The flowers (called scapes) can be quite exotic, with twisted stems and buds that look like dragons’ heads.

Florists have become interested in these flowers and they are increasingly found in some very classy arrangements. It is not uncommon to see the flower buds for sale in the farmer’s market for a dollar a stem.

Chefs also value the flower bud and stem. The bud tastes distinctly of garlic while the stem has the texture of asparagus with a very mild garlic overtone. The stems are usually cooked like asparagus. The buds may be stir-fried with other vegetables. The stems and buds should be harvested while the stem is still young. When it straightens up, it will be far less tender.

From a botanical standpoint, the flower does not

make a true seed (except for the elephant garlic which is not a true garlic anyway but closer to a leek). When the flowers emerge, a somewhat mysterious process causes the flower to abort. Vegetative tissue below the flower starts to grow and the head produces little bulbs, called bulbils by botanists. These bulbils will produce a regular garlic bulb, but often have to be left in the ground for two years to do so. The resulting garlic will be identical to the parent since there has been no cross pollination and no true seed.

You will increase the yield of garlic bulbs by removing the flower stalk as soon as you notice it. Yield increases range from 10-30% depending on variety and when the flower was removed.

Finally, water your garlic periodically through mid-June to improve bulb size.

Snakes for pest control

Gardeners should be glad to see snakes around the garden. These much-maligned reptiles consume garden pests including slugs, grubs, mice, voles and rats.

The vast majority of snakes in Oregon are very beneficial. Some, like garter snakes, eat slugs. Others, like the sharp-tailed snake, eat slugs and grubs. Rubber boas, which still can be found in St. Helens, specialize in eating mice and voles, going down their tunnels after them.

Garter snakes are the type of snake most often seen by urban and suburban gardeners. Two species of garter snakes are commonly found throughout much of Oregon, except the mountains: the abundant western terrestrial garter snake and the common garter snake. In western Oregon, a third species is also present, the northwestern garter snake. Several species can be found swimming in shallow water for tadpoles. Garter snakes generally breed in the spring and give birth to live young (they don’t lay eggs) in the late summer or fall. Often, young are not seen until the following spring, after they emerge from hibernation after their first winter. Most young garter snakes don’t survive into adulthood. They are killed off by predators, cars and lawnmowers.

To make your property garter snake friendly:

you mow it to scare the snakes into hiding. Lawn mowers are deadly to snakes because they can’t hear like we do. Rather, they feel vibrations. • Provide habitat for snakes if you have room. Old plywood or corrugated metal roofing left loosely on the ground in an out of the way place on your property provides hiding and nesting places for slithering creatures. Old stumps and large rocks also make good snake habitat. [Editors note: I have a “R2D2” composter that has become a snake incubator.]

The western rattlesnake, the only species of truly venomous snake native to Oregon, feeds on mice, rats, and other smaller animals. Rattlesnakes were once more commonly found on both the west and east sides of the Cascades. But they have all but been killed off on the west side. Rattlers are rare in northwestern Oregon. They were shot out 100 years ago by early settlers. There are a few dens left, but only in really isolated places. In southern and eastern Oregon, however, rattlers are more common. Caution should be exercised in rattlesnake country. For more information, check out the photo-illustrated book, “Reptiles of Washington and Oregon,” published by the Seattle Audubon Society and edited by Robert M. Storm and William P. Leonard.

Slightly adapted from Robert Mason, Department of Zoology, Oregon State University

Food Preservation

Are you planning to preserve food from your garden or purchased from a farm this summer? If so, call or visit the OSU Extension Service office before you start canning, freezing, or drying.

Costly and potentially harmful mistakes can be made

You can find free publications and pressure gauge testing at the Columbia County Extension office located at 505 N. Columbia River Highway in St. Helens. If you have questions, phone Jenny Rudolph at the office at 503-397-3462. You can download for free all our food preservation publications at https://extension.oregonstate.

edu/mfp/publications. An additional great resource is the National Center for home Food Preservation at http:// www.uga.edu/nchfp/.

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.

Have Questions?

If you have questions on any of these topics or other home garden and/or farm questions, please contact Chip Bubl, Oregon State University Extension office in St. Helens at 503-397-3462 or at chip. bubl@oregonstate.edu. The

office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Free Newsletter

The Oregon State University Extension office in Columbia County publishes a monthly newsletter on gardening and farming topics (called County Living) written/edited by yours truly. All you need to do is ask for it and it will be mailed or emailed to you. Call 503397-3462 to be put on the list. Alternatively, you can find it on the web at http://extension. oregonstate.edu/columbia/ and click on newsletters.

Contact Resource

Oregon State University Extension Service – Columbia County 505 N. Columbia River Highway, St. Helens, OR 97051 503-397-3462.

US

Editorial policy: Opinions expressed on this page are independent of The Chronicle views and are solely those of the writers expressing them.

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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.

CHIP BUBL Garden Plots Chronicle Guest

A deeper look into building construction

DAKOTA WOLTERS JACOB HORNE

Chronicle Guest Article

With summer right around the corner, a longawaited construction update almost seems like a necessity. Although it may seem progress has stagnated, a recent construction tour shows the opposite.

In regards to the timeline, this summer construction will continue roofing along with interior work on the walls, locker rooms, and hallways. Upon the return to school, students and staff will be in the same location with the addition of the gym.

Although a lot of people are excited and anticipating the new building, there may be a longer wait than people were expecting, with an estimated

completion date for construction in late summer of 2025.

As beautiful as the recent weather has been, having to fight against the inconsistency of Oregon’s weather has made problems for the construction. “[We] can’t roof in the rain. So, you gotta find that dry spell amongst the wet seasons,” stated construction foreman Rick Schaffer of Hoffman Construction. With uncontrollable setbacks, there can be many unknowns. Setbacks may push back expected deadlines and plans. To elaborate, some delays are unanticipated - like the setback with electrical switchgear. Schaffer informed Panthera Leo, “We were going to be done much sooner, but that

pushed the whole schedule back… the boiler room that runs all the mechanical for the whole school, all the hot water, and chilled water, anything electrical will come from that room. So, the switch gear provides power for it, so we can’t move any water, we can’t heat the water, can’t treat the water. So that started out at like 32 weeks to get that equipment. And then, when we decided to order it, they were telling us it was going to be 40 weeks. And when the order went in, they said, oh, by the way, it’s going to be 59 weeks plus an extra week for shipping. So, it went to 60 weeks. So, over a year to get that piece of equipment.” While demolishing the old A building, Hoffman hasn’t found any buried

Looking ahead to next year

DAKOTA WOLTERS

Chronicle Guest Article

With the end of the school year right around the corner, there’s been a lot of talk about the next school year. What changes can students expect to see on the return from summer break?

As of right now, the main changes will be around the bell schedule. SHHS currently has two lunches which are very time-consuming for administrators, so students will be converting to one lunch that will be longer than 30 min. Off-campus, lunch will be allowed for juniors and seniors, with the possibility for freshmen and sophomores to go off-campus depending on student behavior after the start of the year.

In hopes of simplifying the multiple schedules, SHHS will only have two schedules with increased passing time - resulting in an

additional 15 minutes being added to the end time.

Enrichment will still be on the schedule, but it will be used in a different way. Students will have seven classes with an 8th block that will be used for enrichment. Enrichment will have two parts, one part will be used for the college and career part, and the other half will be used for teachers to connect with students in a more efficient and successful way.

Concerning the flow between classes, it shouldn’t change until the new A building is ready, then band and choir could futuristically be moved there, opening the possibility of moving a few classes around. Dr. Wagner states the transition to the new building will force SHHS to “work collaboratively and creatively.”

To get a different perspective on the change and how it would affect the student com-

munity, Lucie Polvogt (next year’s senior class president) said: “I think it’ll be hard for [freshmen] to be integrated because they’ll be confused going into the space, but so will everyone else.”

Going back to one lunch, Lucie opened up about the idea of change, saying, “Everyone’s going to be like fending for themselves. But I also feel like that’ll bring kind of like a sense of community and the fact that, okay, you’re struggling, but so are we. It’s not just you. You don’t have to feel alone in this…People will have to integrate and that won’t always be comfortable, but it is necessary.” With a more positive mindset, change can be a very good thing coming back from break.

Dakota Wolters wrote this article as an assignment in the 2023 St. Helens High School journalism class.

SHHS Seniors say goodbye to campus still under renovation

treasure or rare artifacts, but the construction foreman stated they found a propane cylinder buried underneath the school - which was both weird and dangerous.

A new bond that was passed for the school opens up a lot of doors for the construction team.

Some updates they are trying to accomplish with the bond are updating/replacing the air conditioning in gyms, improvements to construction and automotive programs, new covered lunch/courtyard area, paving the student parking lot, updating the auditorium, and installing synthetic turf at both softball and baseball fields.

While construction moves forward, the approaching summer heat and

the completion of roofing means people can hope to see the interior work start to pick up and look forward to potential updates in fall.

SHHS Marine Bio makes splash in Newport

On May 15th, the SHHS Marine Biology class embarked on their trip to Newport.

A group of around 24 students, including myself, attended and boarded the bus by 6:54 a.m. to begin the drive to Newport. The bus ride was long, and energy was somewhat low, being early in the morning, but when we arrived at the Hatfield Marine Science Center, the mood was reasonably high.

At the Hatfield Center, we got to interact with vari-

ous marine animals, such as mussels, cockles, starfish, and sea urchins. Being able to interact with these animals, even the less responsive ones, was definitely a unique experience. We left the Hatfield Center at noon and stopped for lunch. After lunch, we left for the Yaquina Bay, a nature preserve in Newport.

When we reached the area, we stopped by the lighthouse and took a moment to relax before heading down to Cobble Beach to look for marine animals.

We found hundreds of mussels attached to rocks, barnacles galore, and little

crabs hiding under rocks. We stayed at the tide pools for a few hours looking for animals and walking around the rocky beach before heading back to the bus on the return trip. By the time we got back, lots of people were tired and ready to be back home, myself included.

The trip was a very good learning experience on how marine life has adapted to our beaches and environments.

Johnathan Johnson wrote this article as an assignment in the 2023 St. Helens High School journalism class.

STAFF REPORT

Country Media, Inc.

As the seniors graduate and depart from St. Helens High School and the summer break begins, the incoming students next school year will be greeted by continued building improvements as part of the schools $68 million renovations move ahead.. Work was to continue through the summer to connect new portions of the campus with the remaining structures.

According to an early interview with school district officials, most of the work in 2023 will be done in Building B, including building the library and counseling spaces as well as updating the restrooms and interior finishes.

Work through the summer is anticipated to be done in Building C and possibly D, depending on the availability of supplies.

The renovations began in March of 2022 following demolition of portions of the older school building. Portable classrooms were established at the campus on Gable Road to house students and teachers.

with Soderstrom Architects, Cornerstone Project Management, and Hoffman Construction to renovate the entire high school. Key renovations include:.

• Connecting buildings A, B and C.

• Upgrading the heating, ventilation, and air condition (HVAC) system.

• 21st century science classrooms.

• Updates to career tech programs, including a medical professional pathway.

• State-of-the art technology.

• Upgraded band and choir classrooms.

• Renovating and expanding sports fields.

• Redesigned school layout for easier access of community use.

“The hope is that the building will feel like a new school and not as if it has had multiple additions,” St. Helens School District Superintendent Scot Stockwell told The Chronicle in an earlier published interview.

Connecting buildings A, B, and C will increase safety

between classes without go ing outside. The exception will be for students who go to class in Building D for career and technical education, Stockwell said, adding that the district plans to improve the security of the outside routes.

Calling the HVAC system “antiquated,” he said the need for improving it had been highlighted by wildfires and the pandemic. He added that improved ventilation would not only improve students’ health and comfort but also improve their focus and stamina.

Stockwell said inflation has reduced what the district initially could afford to update.

“We are working on ways to meet as much of what our community dreamed of when they supported the bond, yet without additional revenue,” he said.

See a series of updated stories about the high school renovation project and follow developments at thechronicleonline.com and in the Wednesday print editions of The Chronicle.

A look inside at the St. Helens High School renovations.

JOHNATHAN JOHNSON Chronicle Guest Article

Courtesy photo

The St. Helens High School Biology Class with the Yaquina Head Lighthouse in the background.

Courtesy graphic from the St. Helens School District

This flyover conceptual drawing shows what the renovated high school campus could look like when completed.

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312 Events

Community Yard Sale

Join Christ Episcopal Church in St. Helens for a community yard sale on July 8. Sell your goods at a safe place. We will do all the promotion & provide tables (for 15% fee). Deadline to reserve a table is June 24. Contact carol.craig19@ yahoo.com or call 971.221.4640.

502

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Immediate Opening Sewing, taping, etc. Part-time 6-Noon, M-Th. Apply in person only. 33550 SE Santosh St. Scappoose, OR 97056.

Sexton The Rainier Cemetery District is accepting applications for a SextonMaintenance and Facilities Manager.

General Position

Summary: The Sexton will oversee the scheduling of maintenance of the twelve cemeteries in the district, all equipment, and facilities within the district, this will include outside contract servicing when necessary. This position will also include

mowing, trimming, minor equipment, and facility repairs as needed. The Sexton will work closely with the Office Manager to keep all burials and state mandated documents filled out and up to date. The Sexton will be responsible for directing at least one other maintenance person and volunteers when available. Pay range: $48,000 to $60,000 annually, dependent upon experience. For the complete job description and an application, please visit the District’s website: rainier cemeterydistrict. com, under Employment Opportunities. Applications must be received by 5:00pm on Sunday, June 18th, by email: office@rainiercemetery district.com or to the PO Box 307, Clatskanie OR 97016.

702

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Garage Sale June 9th and 10th from 9 to 4. 520 Lincoln Street, Columbia City.

Garage Sale

Sat June 10th 9am5pm 503-860-7263.

444 S. 15th. Crab rings, fishing poles, duck decoys, lawn chairs, rocking chair, old books, mag rack, retro tv, vintage dolls, cars and toys.

Estate Sale by EDM Estate Sales

June 9, 10, 11 in Vernonia on Keasey Rd, follow signs. Fri & Sat 104, Sun 10-3. This is a 40-acre property with a lot of goodies. We have a tractor, generator, pressure washers, jewelry, watches, rocks, and RV, old Signage, musical instruments, vinyl, antiques, vintage collectables, furniture, a lot of tools, clothes, computers, new in box items, art, purses, glassware, sports cards, plants, washer & dryer, kid’s stuff, movies, CDs, VHS, and so much more. Check out EstateSales. net for 100s of pictures. We have no data so this is a CASH ONLY sale. For $500 and above, a short trip to a data signal is available for card purchases. EDM Estate Sales “When Integrity Matters” Mreidemintegritysales@ gmail.com, 971389-0241.

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Classified Ads

Deadline: Mondays by noon. Late submissions may not make the paper.

Public Notices

PROTECTING YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW

CH23-1360

CH23-1364

BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON

In the Matter of the Rate Adjustments for Food, Pool, and Lodging Licenses and Services in Columbia County. NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PUBLICATION 1. The Board of County Commissioners will hold a hybrid public hearing on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, 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 the proposed 8% rate increase for food, pool and lodging licenses

CH23-1355

and services for residents and businesses in Columbia County, Oregon effective July 1, 2023. The proposed fee schedule will also include new fees for replacement food handler cards, and a fee for hourly environmental health consultation with a specified 1 hour minimum and remove fees for separate seasonal event temporary restaurant licenses and operation review for seasonal licenses and replace with a single combined fee and remove fee for food hander classroom instruction. The proposed fee schedule is available on the County’s website at; www.columbiacountyor. gov/departments/BoardofCommissionersOffice/ Hearings 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. For additional information regarding the proposed rate adjustments, please contact Jaime Aanensen, Public Health Director, at 503397-7232 jaime.aanensen@ columbiacountyor.gov.

Dated this 1st Day of June 2023. FOR THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON. BY: Jacyn Normine, Board Office Administrator.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DEPARTMENT CASE NO. 23PB02365 NOTICE TO INTERSTED PERSONS

In the matter of the Estate of Robert Eugene Snider, deceased. Notice is hereby given that Jeffrey A. Kotka has been appointed as the personal representative of the above Estate. All persons having claims against the Estate are required to present them to the undersigned personal representative in care of the undersigned at-

torney at: 9400 SW Barnes Road, Suite 300, Portland, OR 97225, within four months after the date of first publication of this notice, as stated below, or such claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings in this Estate may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the personal

representative or the attorney for the personal representative. Dated and first published: May 24, 2023.

Jeffrey A. Kotka, Personal Representative. Tammi M. Caress, OSB# 112962, Tasha Lyn Cosimo, OSB# 116120, Caress Law, PC, Attorneys for Personal Representative, 9400 SW Barnes Road, Suite 300, Portland, OR 97225.

CH23-1351

TS No. OR07000002-23-1 APN 13559 | 0201-13559

Reference is made to that certain Trust Deed made by, JOANNE C YOUNG, AN UNMARRIED WOMAN as Grantor to ATTORNEYS TITLE OF WASHINGTON as Trustee, in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. (“MERS”), as designated nominee for PIERCE COMMERCIAL BANK, A WASHINGTON CORPORATION, Beneficiary of the security instrument, its successors and assigns, dated as of December 24, 2008 and recorded on December 31, 2008 as Instrument No. 2008-011507 and that said Deed of Trust was modified by Modification Agreement and recorded October 15, 2012 as Instrument Number 2012-007951 and the beneficial interest was assigned to U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION and recorded August 26, 2019 as Instrument Number 2019006837 of official records in

CH23-1363

the Office of the Recorder of Columbia County, Oregon to-wit: APN: 13559 | 020113559 LOT 15 AND THE SOUTH 3 FEET OF LOT 14, BLOCK 2, COLUMBIA PARK, IN THE CITY OF ST. HELENS, COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON. Commonly known as: 374 N 5TH ST, ST HELENS, OR 97051 Both the Beneficiary, U.S. Bank National Association, and the Trustee, Nathan F. Smith, Esq., OSB #120112, have elected to sell the said real property to satisfy the obligations secured by said Trust Deed and notice has been recorded pursuant to Section 86.752(3) of Oregon Revised Statutes. The default for which the foreclosure is made is the Grantor’s failure to pay: Failed to pay payments which became due Monthly Payment(s): 4 Monthly Payment(s) from 06/01/2019 to 09/30/2019 at $1,001.41 3 Monthly Payment(s) from 10/01/2019

NOTICE OF AUCTION

Rainier Storage Place, LLC will hold a foreclosure auction at 28610 Dike Rd., Rainier OR 97048 of the contents of the following storage

TO No 230006303-OR-MSI TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE

to 12/31/2019 at $939.39 2

Monthly Payment(s) from 01/01/2020 to 02/28/2020 at $950.36 12 Monthly Payment(s) from 03/01/2020 to 02/28/2021 at $959.34 12

Monthly Payment(s) from 03/01/2021 to 02/28/2022 at $956.40 12 Monthly Payment(s) from 03/01/2022 to 02/28/2023 at $982.92 2

Monthly Payment(s) from 03/01/2023 to 04/28/2023 at $1,030.23 Monthly Late Charge(s): $141.10 By this reason of said default the Beneficiary has declared all obligations secured by said Trust Deed immediately due and payable, said sums being the following, to-wit: The sum of $113,044.11 together with interest thereon at the rate of 5.00000% per annum from May 1, 2019 until paid; plus all accrued late charges thereon; and all Trustee’s fees, foreclosure costs and any sums advanced by the Beneficiary pursuant to the terms of said Trust Deed.

CH23-1365

unit: CY4 (8x40) Denny McGuire. Auction is at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 17th, 2023.

Wherefore, notice is hereby given that, the undersigned Trustee will on September 5, 2023 at the hour of 01:00 PM, Standard of Time, as established by Section 187.110, Oregon Revised Statues, Front Entrance, Columbia County Courthouse, 230 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR 97051 County of Columbia, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash the interest in the said described real property which the Grantor had or had power to convey at the time of the execution by him of the said Trust Deed, together with any interest which the Grantor or his successors in interest acquired after the execution of said Trust Deed, to satisfy the foregoing obligations thereby secured and the costs and expenses of sale, including a reasonable charge by the Trustee.

Notice is further given that any person named in Section 86.778 of Oregon Revised

NOTICE OF LANE CLOSURES

Notice of Temporary Lane Closures on St. Helens St at S 1st St. Anticipated dates of temporary lane closures June 12th through

TBD. Expect full street closure on St Helens St at 1st Street on the West end of the intersection. Detours will be in place.

Statutes has the right to have the foreclosure proceeding dismissed and the Trust Deed reinstated by payment to the Beneficiary of the entire amount then due (other than such portion of said principal as would not then be due had no default occurred), together with the costs, Trustee’s or attorney’s fees and curing any other default complained of in the Notice of Default by tendering the performance required under the obligation or Trust Deed, at any time prior to five days before the date last set for sale. Without limiting the Trustee’s disclaimer of representations or warranties, Oregon law requires the Trustee to state in this notice that some residential property sold at a Trustee’s sale may have been used in manufacturing methamphetamines, the chemical components of which are known to be toxic.

Prospective purchasers of residential property should

be aware of this potential danger before deciding to place a bid for this property at the Trustee’s sale. In construing this notice, the masculine gender includes the feminine and the neuter, the singular includes plural, the word “Grantor” includes any successor in interest to the Grantor as well as any other persons owing an obligation, the performance of which is secured by said Trust Deed, the words “Trustee” and “Beneficiary” includes their respective successors in interest, if any.

April 27, 2023

Dated:

By: Nathan F. Smith, Esq., OSB #120112 Successor Trustee Malcolm & Cisneros, A Law Corporation Attention: Nathan F. Smith, Esq., OSB #120112 c/o TRUSTEE CORPS 17100 Gillette Ave, Irvine, CA 92614 949-252-8300 Order Number 91521, Pub

Dates: 5/17/2023, 5/24/2023, 5/31/2023, 6/7/2023, CHRONICLE

Public Notice deadline

Submit legals by Fridays by Noon. Late submissions are not guaranteed to make it into the paper.

Oregon’s weekly unemployment, Paid Leave benefit program

The Oregon Employment Department has announced the 2023-24 minimum and maximum weekly benefit amounts for Unemployment Insurance (UI) and Paid Leave Oregon.

Paid Leave Oregon is new and will begin paying benefits in September.

By law, the Oregon Employment Department calculates the minimum and maximum benefit amounts once a year. These calculations are based on Oregon’s State Average Weekly Wage and are effective from July 1 through June 30 of the following year. The State Average Weekly Wage increased from $1,224.82 to $1,269.69.

The minimum weekly benefit amount is the lowest amount the program will pay a claimant for each week they claim benefits, and the maximum benefit amount is the most the program will pay, regardless of

income.

Unemployment Insurance

Starting July 2, 2023, the minimum weekly benefit amount for new unemployment insurance claims will go from $183 to $190 per week, and the maximum weekly benefit amount will go from $783 to $813 per week. This increase only affects claims filed July 2, 2023, or later.

People who file new unemployment insurance claims before July 2 will continue to receive the same benefit amount. This is an increase of approximately 3.8%. The minimum weekly benefit amount is 15% of the State Average Weekly Wage, and the maximum is 64%. During the most recent quarter, 11.5% of recipients received the minimum weekly benefit amount, and 24.5% received the maximum.

For Unemployment Insurance, the weekly benefit

amount is usually 1.25% of what a claimant earned during their “base period,” which is roughly the first 12 of the 15 months before the date they filed their claim.

Visit unemployment. oregon.gov to use OED’s UI benefits calculator.

Paid Leave Oregon

For Paid Leave Oregon, the minimum weekly benefit amount is 5% of the State Average Weekly Wage, and the maximum is 120%. When benefits start in September, the minimum weekly benefit amount will be $63.48, and the maximum will be $1,523.63.

Paid Leave Oregon calculates weekly benefit amounts based on how much the employee earns on average in a week and how much leave they take in a week, so the amount is different for every employee. Lower wage earners will generally receive more of their usual wages than

higher wage earners. Paidleave.oregon.gov has fact sheets and guidebooks on its resources page. Need help?

The Oregon Employment Department (OED) is an equal opportunity agency. OED provides free help so you can use our services. Some examples are sign language and spokenlanguage interpreters, written

materials in other languages, large print, audio, and other formats. To get help, please call 503- 947-1444. TTY users call 711. You can also send an email tocommunications@ employ.oregon.gov

¿Necesita ayuda?

El Departamento de Empleo de Oregon (OED) es una agencia de igualdad de oportunidades. El OED

proporciona ayuda gratuita para que usted pueda utilizar nuestros servicios. Algunos ejemplos son intérpretes de lengua de señas e idiomas hablados, materiales escritos en otros idiomas, letra grande, audio y otros formatos. Para obtener ayuda, por favor llame al 503-947-1444. Usuarios de TTY pueden llamar al 711. También puede enviar un correo electrónico acommunications@employ.oregon.gov.

Framework to fuel action, improve literacy proficiency in Oregon

Oregon Department of Education (ODE) has released the final version of Oregon’s Early Literacy Framework, a statewide resource document to fuel action and improve literacy proficiency for Oregon’s students. An overview of the framework is also available. The framework provides coherence, clarity, and common ground for high-quality, comprehensive early literacy education statewide, according to the ODE.

“This resource elevates critical elements of comprehensive literacy instruction including fostering students’ sense of belonging in school, instruction grounded in the science of reading, culturally responsive teaching, and a focus on serving all students, inclusive of multilingual students, students experiencing disabilities, and students with dyslexia,” the ODE states in

a release. Oregon’s Early Literacy Framework is informed by extensive literacy research, state literacy data, literacy frameworks in other states, consultation with literacy researchers, and conversa-

the union’s advertising for their candidates and the low voter turnout. Feige says that the candidates taking office will represent the union’s desires.

In the election for Director Position 1, Zimbrick beat Kreutzer getting about 75% of the votes, with a winning margin of 2,914 votes. Zimbrick said he appreciates the community’s support and is excited to get to work when he assumes office in July.

“My main goal will be to improve the financial situation the district is in. I also want to increase the staffing levels of the district with a focus on retention of current employees as well as ensuring CRFR has enough paramedics to serve citizens,” Zimbrick said. “I also believe that the moral and working environment of the district needs some attention.”

Board President Feige speaks out

The appointment of three new board members will shake up the current board. When the new members take their positions, the board must select a new board president.

Current Board President Feige told The Chronicle he was not surprised by the election results because of

“The motivation for those elected to run and replace those who have listened to Chief Medina and ordered a full forensic audit was to support the union demands and efforts to gain wage increases that the board never agreed to, and which were concealed in a wage appendix that the union prepared,” Feige said.

The dispute Feige refers to is a grievance that the union brought against the board over the contract from the collective bargaining agreement. The board and union are at odds over how much pay CRFR members are owed under the contract. The grievance is set to be settled in arbitration and mediation.

Feige said that under the board’s interpretation, the union’s pay demands would be impossible for the district to support, and “the cost would exceed district resources.”

“If the union gets its way – if the new and inexperienced board members capitulate to the union demands, my expectation is that within one year, these board members will

tions with practitioners and community partners. ODE included feedback from educators, literacy experts, and community members across Oregon, building from the preview draft released in March.

be seeking a completely unnecessary levy from the citizens to fund the union’s whims,” Feige said. “The taxpayers will suffer, or there will be layoffs and service reductions. The union members will continue to work their ten twenty-four-hour shifts per month and be enriched even more at public expense.”

Feige said the county and the voters will have a different view of the recent developmetns at CRFR when the investigation results and forensic audit are revealed. Feige said that union members could be responsible for financial misdoings that the audit and investigation will reveal.

“County residents will learn what the union and their supporters hoped would never be revealed. Sadly, some union members apparently were active participants in what the district attorney found concerning enough to investigate,” Feige said. “The amount of information that has already been provided to the district attorney is extensive; I am told that employees went to lengths to conceal or destroy records. I do know that some records apparently substantiate staggering misappropriation of public funds prior to Chief Medina’s employment and that when he and his staff

The Framework lays a foundation to improve reading and writing skills in K-5 classrooms and is directly tied to Gov. Kotek’s Early Literacy Success Initiative (HB 3198). As of press time, HB 3198 is in the

Joint Committee on Ways and Means.

“Oregon must make significant strides to improve the quality of literacy instruction and to ensure the experience of belonging in classrooms,” Kotek said.

“This means ensuring that every student receives classroom instruction aligned to grade-level standards and thoughtfully informed by research and culturally responsive practices and cultivating and strengthening community partnerships and family engagement to meet students’ strengths and individual needs.”

If HB 3198 passes this session, it would provide additional resources to help Oregon schools improve literacy outcomes, building professional learning and core implementation planning steps from Oregon’s Early Literacy Framework.

ODE is investing in the development of Oregon’s Early Literacy Framework as part of its commitment to addressing unfinished learning and supporting literacy

education infrastructure for the long term.

“It is essential that every child in Oregon read and write with confidence and competence. Learning to read and write early is key to later learning in school and on the job,” ODE Director Colt Gill said.

“The purpose of a statewide literacy framework is to build momentum and capacity for making literacy instruction stronger in every school in our state so that all kids leave elementary school reading and writing with grade-level proficiency in at least one language. This framework is the starting point for this work - passage of HB 3198 is essential to give schools the resources they need to see it through.”

Learn more about the Early Literacy Framework, partially funded through Elementary and Secondary Emergency Relief Funds (ESSER III), by visiting the Early Literacy Framework webpage.

became suspicious and began to question and identify problems, dissension and some employees choosing to leave began to occur.”

Feige implored the new board members to allow the investigation and audit to continue uninhibited, enabling the findings to be made public. Feige said there is “clear evidence of financial wrongdoing which benefitted district employees and violated public trust.” Feige added that he hopes the new

Crossword Puzzle

board will not immediately remove Medina and allow the process of the audit and investigation to deliver the truth.

“When the district attorney’s investigation concludes, when the forensic audit is completed, I expect that the public will see a very different picture than what the union and their families tried to portray over throughout the last election cycle,” Feige said. “The defeated board members will have

been replaced; the only hope is that the new board will await the truth and the whole truth, and not act to the detriment of the district or violate the public trust, and instead permit Chief Medina, the current staff, and the District Attorney to conclude the work recently begun.”

Follow this developing story at thechronicleonline. com and in the Wednesday print editions of The Chronicle.

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD

THEME: TV DADS

70. “All joking ____”

71. Big Bang’s original matter

72. Compass bearing

73. Type of stocking

DOWN

1. Olden-day aerosol can propellant, acr.

2. Lawrence, for short

3. Aid and ____

4. Like gelled hair

5. Relating to pelvis

6. a.k.a. Xi’an

7. Credit card rate, acr.

8. Putin’s country house, e.g.

9. Samoan money

10. Deed hearing

11. Egghead

12. Up to the present time

15. a.k.a. melon tree

20. Organ swelling

22. What organza and forgiveness have in common

24. Calm and peaceful

25. *Mr. Addams “The Addams Family”

26. Outhouse

27. Propelled like Argo

29. *Mr. Winslow in “Family Matters”

31. Give the cold shoulder

32. Twofold

33. *Mr. Johnson in “Black-ish”

34. Glittery stone

36. Like certain Ranger

38. Seaside bird

42. Old hat

45. Scatterbrained, in U.K.

49. Top seed

51. Nickname for dad (2 words)

54. Speak like Cicero

56. ____ Buchanan of

“The Great Gatsby”

57. China’s Great one

58. Often goes with “willing”

59. Rumpelstiltskin’s weaver

60. Upper hand

61. Not top-shelf

62. Popular symbol of extinction

63. *Mr. Pritchett in “Modern Family”

65. *Mr. Conner in “Roseanne”

67. Skin cyst

issue of The

Metro Creative Connection

The framework provides coherence, clarity, and common ground for high-quality, comprehensive early literacy education statewide, according to the ODE.

Will Lohre / Country Media, Inc.

The CRFR board agreed to undergoing a forensic audit at the emergency board meeting April 28.

St. Helens track and field reach finish line

season reached its conclu sion as the Lions sent its best athletes to compete in the 2023 OSAA/OnPoint Com munity Credit Union Track & Field State Championships at Hayward Field in Eugene on May 26 and 27. There were eight individual contestants and three relay teams across the boys and girls teams representing St. Helens. While Coaches Naomie Reedy and Neil Ford were happy with all the athletes’ performances, sophomores Kallee Kester and Keely Scoville excelled and medaled in their events.

St. Helens at state Kester defended her sec-

“What a great way to end the season! Our state competitors performed very well. Kallee and Keely had outstanding performances and made the podium in their individual events,” Ford said. “Our other athletes gained some valuable experience and are eager to make it back to state again. While our relays didn’t finish in the top eight, we ran some great races and season-best times.”

The girls 4 x 400 team, made up of sophomores Lulu Prussic, Scoville, Hayden Moore, and Kester, finished 11th with a time of 4:21.80.

Vanderzanden, and Tolles, and they finished 11th with a time of 3:34.42.

Vanderzanden, a senior, also ran in the 110m hurdles and 300m hurdles. In his final competition, he finished 12th and 13th, respectively. Also a senior, Tolles ran in the 200m dash and finished 13th in 23.32, only about .4 seconds from qualifying for the finals.

On the girls side, senior Litia Miller finished 13th in the shot put. Sophomore Bella Meuchel finished 12th in the javelin toss, and fellow sophomore Kaeley Brummer finished 10th in the long jump.

“It’s nice ending a season when the team, coaches and novice athletes included, are already excited for next year,” Ford said.

Looking forward to next season

Going into next year, Ford wants the program to focus on getting its participation numbers up. To make a competitive push in the league as a team, Ford said that they need more athletes to be able to compete in the full array of events.

“Our coaches, athletes, and program as a whole has so much to offer to potential teammates. Those with athletic talent from other school sports, those wishing to try something new, or those who just want to be part of the team - you’re all welcome,”

Ford said. “I think we have some real talent in the school, but we need the strongest, fastest, and most competitive athletes at SHHS out for track & field in the spring.”

One thing that the program won’t have next year is its seniors. Ford said that saying goodbye to the seniors is bittersweet, but it’s “more fun than sad.” While they are leaving the program, Ford hopes they will still be involved when they can be.

“We send off our seniors hoping they’ll stay in touch, keep us updated on their journeys, and come stop by a practice or meet to say, ‘hi’ to the team,” Ford said. “Thank you, and good luck to Ivan, Christian, Tyler, Noah, Cameron, Andy, Heather, Sami, Letia, and Nieves. And to all the exchange students, - Alessandro, Martin, Linus, and

Noel, you’ve been a wonderful addition to the team. We will miss all of you.”

Though the program will miss the leadership and ability of its seniors, Ford and Reedy are excited for the school’s talented underclassmen to step up next year.

Keely Scoville, Hayden Moore, Kaeley Brummer, Ben Zuschlag, and Cole Leader are all returning with a year’s worth of captainship for the teams, and Ford is excited to see them step up. Ford also said there will be other athletes taking on leadership roles.

While the season is over, there will be plenty to look forward to for St. Helens track and field in the future.

Follow our coverage of local sports at thechronicleonline.com.

John Beck Memorial Award winners to be announced

WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

The winners of the annual John Beck Memorial Award are set to be announced soon.

It is a legacy award dating back to 1968 that celebrates some of the best studentathletes at St. Helens Middle School moving on to high school.

The award will be presented at a St. Helens Middle School assembly on June 16, and Beck’s siblings will attend.

This year is special, however, because there will be a reunion of past winners hosted at the middle school June 15 as a tribute and celebration of Beck.

The John Beck Memorial Award

The award is a remembrance of John Beck, a local teen who tragically died in a head-on collision on May 20,

1968. Beck was a formidable athlete who competed in multiple sports and was an exemplary student and community member. Alan Holinbeck is the Athletic Director at St. Helens Middle School and has been managing the award since 2019.

“This is really capturing John Beck, and John Beck, of course, was an athlete who played just about any sport that was available to him to him at the time, organized or not. But the flip side to that was John was a good student.” Holinbeck said. “ It’s kind of three part, when you think of athletic ability, their GPA and what they’re capable of in the classroom, and then character of course is a big part of it as well.”

According to Holinbeck, Beck was a person who was always putting others before himself. Winners of the award are not only tremendous athletes but also excel in

Embrace a Welcoming Atmosphere

After a long wait, we are thrilled to announce that Community Meals is once again opening its doors for indoor dining! Join us at First Lutheran Evangelical Church every Tuesday! Doors open at 5 PM and food is served from 5:30 PM to 6 PM.

As we reopen our doors for indoor dining, we invite you to step into a space filled with compassion, understanding, and acceptance. Our Community Meals event is open to everyone, regardless of age, background, or circumstances. Together, we can make a difference, one meal at a time.

Location: First Evangelical Lutheran Church

360 Wyeth St, St Helens, OR 97051

Contact: (503) 438-0323

Kathy B: (503) 438-0323

Cathy B: (503) 369-9985

Church: (503) 397-0090 facebook.com/communitymealsofsthelens

their academics and embody the character that Beck had. Coaches submit nominations of the athletes they feel deserve the award.

From there, a panel sifts through the applications and widdles down the number to six finalists. The panel comprises a three-person committee, including the athletic director and two rotating members.

The finalists for this year’s award are:

Isak Daniel Nate Peau

Jaydn Pense

Anna Steele

Max Wheeldon

Leah Yarbor

The award is given out to two of the finalists as a recognition of their hard work on and off the field. It is an award presented by St. Helens Middle School, but there is also

a financial component to the prize, made possible through the Student Foundation. Winners receive $600 to help support athletes’ continued athletic success through their four years of high school.

For example, Holinbeck said that a past winner used some of the funds she received to purchase a softball bat.

A Student Foundation committee disperses the funds, monitors that the athletes are making good use of their award money, and ensures they get reimbursed.

The history of the award

Following Beck’s tragic passing in May of 1968, St. Helens Middle School’s faculty members came together to institute the award to honor Beck.

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“Almost immediately, the coaches got together and said we should do something here in his honor, and I think it was pretty unanimous as it went through the chain of command,” Holinbeck said.

“So it was implemented the very next year for the best allaround athlete in the class.”

The award was presented for the first time to Dan Durbin in 1969. For a period from 1983 until about 1999, the award lay dormant. The award became revitalized through the work of Jim and Tom Linares in the late ‘90s, and the financial component was introduced, according to Holinbeck. Since then, the award has been given out each year.

Holinbeck has been work-

ing on revitalizing the award since about 2019. At its outset, only one athlete was given the award, but over the years, up to four athletes have been recognized in a given year.

When he took charge of the award, Holinbeck felt that going back to two winners would restore some of the “luster” to the award. He spoke with Beck’s family members, and they agreed.

“I ended up being athletic director, and then I got on the Student Foundation board and was elected the one to take care of the John Beck Award. So with that, I was able to create a set of bylaws for it that should sustain it for the next 50-plus years,” Holinbeck said. “So we give back at a 5 percent rate on the money that’s in, and so that should keep the money sustained for 50-plus years as well. So it’s sitting on good ground as far as where it’s going in the future.”

Holinbeck hopes the award will remain a special tribute and honor for those students who have shown a commitment to their community, athletics, and schooling for years to come.

“It just goes to show the person that John was and why we’re talking about him here 55 years later, with a future that goes 50 plus,” Holinbeck said.

Courtesy from Alan Holinbeck

John Beck was an exemplary athlete and student who tragically passed away in 1968. Courtesy from Alan Holinbeck

The original John Beck Memorial plaque.

WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

Courtesy photo from Naomi Reedy

Girls 4x400 relay: Kallee Kester, Hayden Moore, Keely Scoville, and Lulu Prussic (left to right).

Courtesy photo from Naomi Reedy Kallee Kester competing in the prelim round of the 100m hurdles.

Sports

Scappoose High softball State run ends

MIKE WEBER

Chronicle Guest Article

Appearing in the OSAA

OnPoint Community Credit

4A Softball State Championship Tournament for a second straight year, the Scappoose High Indians had hoped to get an upset semifinal win over The Dalles High Riverhawks and reach the June 3 finals.

The Indians came into the contest with the momentum of a three-game win streak, including two consecutive state playoff victories. The Indians won 9-8 at home May 23 in a first-round matchup over the No. 12-ranked Cascade High Cougars (16-7), followed by a 4-0 win over the No. 3-ranked Stayton High Eagles (25-3) May 26 at Stayton High School.

We definitely gave them a run for their money, that’s for sure.

The No. 6-ranked Indians, guided by fourth-year Coach Lindsey Johnson, came ever so close to accomplishing their goal too as they played extremely tough versus the No. 2-ranked Riverhawks (25-3), but just fell short in a 3-1 loss June 30 in The Dalles.

“We played good, we had our chance’s, but our hitting game just wasn’t good enough and they (Riverhawks) were the better team

than us today,” said Johnson. “We definitely gave them a run for their money, that’s for sure. This was the kind of game you can expect in the semifinals. I’m absolutely proud of our girls for the great season that we had, for getting to the semi’s and for the way we they played.”

In the exciting pitcher’s duel matchup, Indian freshman hurler Saige Casey (six strikeouts, walk, nine hits allowed) had an outstanding performance as she nearly matched The Dalles senior pitcher Kennedy Abbas (five strikeouts, six hits allowed).

Scappoose trailed 1-0 in the first inning when Riverhawk junior Jeilane Stewart (2-for-4) smashed a home run. It was the 69th homer this year for The Dalles which broke the alltime single season record for home runs.

After the Riverhawks extended their margin to 3-0 in the third, the Indians made a valiant comeback effort. Casey (1-for-3, RBI) slammed a homer over the 190-foot left field fence, trimming the margin to 3-1 in the top of the fourth inning.

The Indians even had chance to tie and take the lead after Casey provided a spark to a rally. Sophomore Ava Vetsch (1-for-3) and senior Jessica Nelson (1-for3) both singled to give the give the Indians runners in scoring position. The Indians had a batter at the plate in sophomore Ashlynn Komp who represented the winning run, but she was unable to get a clutch hit to drive home a run both Indian baserunners were left stranded.

High emotions

“We had a really good chance to get an upset win against The Dalles,” said Nelson. “Coming off the bus before the game, we were all very excited and pumped up because we thought that we could give them a good fight and try to reach the championship game. I’m happy to be here, but it was kind of an emotional day while playing my last game. I’ve played with all these girls since we were little kids when we started playing T-ball. It’s kind of sad since this was the

last softball game that I’ll very play with them.” The Indians again repeated their potential comeback in the fifth as Schmidt singled and Casey reached base on an error, giving the Indians another golden opportunity to score.

They had a batter at the plate again representing the game-winning run, but the Dalles played solid defense to prevent the Indians from scoring. For the third consecutive inning, the Indians had chance to either tie it or go ahead with a batter repre-

senting the winning run at the plate in the sixth. Senior Abigail Stansbury (1-for-3) and junior Kaitlyn Ventris hit back-to-back doubles in a spirited rally to get runners on base into scoring position at second and third, but both were left stranded.

“It was a good game and we definitely had our chances to possibly get a win,” said Stansbury. “This is actually more than I could’ve asked for and I’m really proud of my teammates for what we accomplished this season. I know that in the next couple of years, this team will

continue to have even more success. It was good journey coming this far in the playoffs and it was nice that we had a really good close game against The Dalles.”

Close win

The Indians didn’t get any baserunners on in the seventh though as The Dalles held on for the close win. It marked the 22nd consecutive victory for The Dalles, which advanced to play in the June 3 finals versus the No. 1-ranked Henley High Hornets (22-3).

“We had a fun season even though the outcome wasn’t what we wanted,” said Johnson. “We were not intimidated by them (Riverhawks), we were ready to play and we knew that they were a good hitting team. We gave them a good game. The girls worked hard all season to go far in the playoffs and that’s what we did. We proved to everybody that we deserved to be here.”

The contest marked the final game of their Scappoose High softball career for Nelson and Stansbury. The Indians reached the semi’s for the first time since 2016. The contest was a rematch of the 2022 Class 5A state playoffs when the The Dalles won a first round game 7-1.

After moving down to 4A this season from 5A last year, Scappoose (8-5 league) took third place in the Cowapa League standings behind the first place No. 10-ranked St. Helens High Lions (9-3 league, 18-9 overall) and the second place No. 7-ranked Astoria High Fishermen (9-3 league, 19-7 overall).

stage has served as the home of the 13 Nights on the River summer concert series and hosted weddings, graduations, family reunions, and other community events. The stage was renamed the Wauna Credit Union Stage in 2018 after Wauna Credit Union donated money to help expand the stage to accommodate larger musical performances.

Next step

Phase one of the St. Helens Riverwalk Project is anticipated to break ground in the Fall of 2023. The first phase of work will include the expansion of Columbia View Park, construction of approximately 300 feet of riverwalk with a viewing overlook of the Columbia River and pedestrian seating, a new amphitheater stage, and a new playground.

Read more about the future plans for the amphitheater project and see conceptual drawings with this story

Columbia County’s

~ Lindsey Johnson, Coach

Courtesy from Mike Weber

The Scappoose High School Softball Team rallied for support during the State playoff game.

Courtesy photo from the City of St. Helens The crew found that the wooden roof support beams had rotted below the deck due to age and weather exposure.