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Wednesday, August 2, 2023

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City Councilor Patrick Birkle steps down

WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

I

n a seemingly sudden development, Patrick Birkle has resigned from his position on the St. Helens City Council.

Birkle submitted a letter of resignation to Mayor Rick Scholl and the City Council July 31, and his resignation is effective as of August 1.

Birkle is a third-grade teacher at Columbia City Elementary School. Birkle said that he did not feel he could balance the duties of the city council with his responsibilities as a teacher.

“I came to realize that I’m not able to be the best teacher that I can be while trying to be the best city councilor that I can be,” Birkle said. “Because of the time and energy that’s going to be devoted to teaching this year, I needed to step down from the council.”

In June, Birkle was notified of two major developments that

affected his decision. The first is that there will be a new curriculum in math and language arts, and Birkle needs time to “get up to speed” to implement the new material.

“I think there are other many qualified people who can fulfill the role of a city councilor. But I don’t know too many people who can do what I do as a teacher,” Birkle said. “I am a firm believer in education and public education. I want to continue to be a part of that.” Birkle was elected to the council in November of 2020 after six years of serving on the city’s budget committee. Birkle’s term was slated to run until December 31, 2024.

potential candidates. The council may use whatever methods it determines are necessary to obtain qualified electors to serve on the council, the code states.

The second issue is that there is a smaller teaching staff at Columbia City Elementary, and Birkle will be the only third-grade teacher with a class of at least 30 students.

Birkle said the increased workload of more students and new material made staying on the council untenable.

The process for his replacement is now in the hands of the St. Helens City Council. According to city code, if there is less than two years remaining in a council position declared vacant, the remaining councilors and mayor shall appoint a qualified elector to serve the remaining term of the vacant council position. If the council appoints a qualified elector to a vacant council position, the council shall hold a public meeting to interview

A councilor resigning is a rare occurrence, and according to City Administrator John Walsh, because Birkle was more than halfway through his term, the council can appoint a replacement to see out his term. It is unclear at this time how the city will approach filling the vacancy. During Birkle’s time on the council, he valued the connections he made in the community and the city’s progress on the riverfront project and developing plans for water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure.

“Nobody wants to charge people more money by raising sewer rates and our public safety surcharge, but I do believe that the council has made some important decisions in terms of having new master plans for our water, our sewer, and storm systems,” Birkle

said. “The thing I really did enjoy was the engagement with residents and visitors and being able to share about the great things that are happening in our city.”

Scappoose food carts coming soon

WILL

LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

T he owners of the Big Food Cart and Brew food cart pod in St. Helens have broken ground on a project that would bring a new food cart pod to Scappoose.

Ground has broken on the project at the property, which is located at the end of South West Old Portland Road near Highway 30, right next to the “Welcome to Scappoose” totem pole.

Nick Hurliman and his longtime friends and business partners, Jeff Schultz and Matt McHugh, want to expand their food cart network into the Scappoose. Hurliman Schultz and McHugh have been friends and partners for more than ten years, and when the opportunity presented itself, they took advantage.

“We had an opportunity to start with the property in St. Helens behind the bowling alley. We’ve got that, you know, we’d say, thriving with food entrepreneurs; it’s a great little environment,” Hurliman said. “Just a good hangout on a lot of days. We’d always been kind of looking to do something similar in Scappoose, and when we found that

property, that seemed to be like the perfect fit!”

Hurliman said they envision 11 food carts at the Scappoose location, along with a 2,100 square foot “lodge” in the middle that will feature a sports bar-like feel, with adult drinks and TVs. The hope would be to host events and live music for the community.

“We have young families and things; I have four kids, so having food choices when you go out to eat somewhere, you know, 11 choices, having that kind of selection, nobody has to agree,” Hurliman said. Hurliman and his friends are passionate about food and are excited to bring more dining

options to the area and a place where friends and family can come together.

In addition to the larger building, there will be a covered outdoor space and a more open area to host other activities. For example, Hurliman said they have already been in touch with a local cornhole league about potentially

having a night during the week when the cornhole league happens at the cart pod.

While Hurliman primarily acts as a property manager and owner at the St. Helens location, he also is the founder and owner of the Hawaiian Plate food cart. In Scappoose, Hurliman doesn’t plan on having his own food cart in the pod this time. Instead will focus on the management and the bar component.

Growing excitement

The cart pod is not expected to open until next spring, but Hurliman said they have already garnered interest from potential vendors. They have been taking pre-applications at Hurliman’s accounting office, Hurliman CPA. “We’re shooting for a spring opening, nine months out roughly. Through the winter, we’ll kind of finalize our list,” Hurliman said. “There’s been a lot of displacement in some of the Portland market. Some of those places got built up, or it’s tough; they’ve struggled with break-ins and stuff like that, too, so there’s been a lot

WildFlower aims to help kids flourish

WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

Aproject started by five local moms is coming into bloom as WildFlower Play Collective celebrated its one-year anniversary and kicked off a big fundraiser with a ribbon cutting from the South Columbia County Chamber of Commerce. WildFlower Play Collective is a member based 501c3 organization that aims to provide an indoor playground for families with young children. It has been made possible by grants from Columbia Pacific CCO’s Community Wellness In-

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Vol. 141, No. 32

vestment Fund.

Situated in an old school house at 58751 South Bachelor Flat Road in St. Helens, the charming and warm environment is perfect for kids 0-6 to play. Leasing the 100-year-old schoolhouse was made possible through a partnership with the St. Helens School District.

Emilia Ponti is a founder and Executive Director of WildFlower Play Collective; she is a mother of two and co-owner of Cloudcap Mushrooms, a culinary mushroom farm in St Helens. Ponti was inspired to start the project when she struggled to find places in the area to take her children to play.

“We’re the only indoor playground in Columbia County. People would have to drive 30 miles to access any kind of indoor play,” Ponti said. “It’s really important to have a place that we can, basically, build community and meet for playdates and just let kids get their yayas out.”

An indoor playground is critical, especially in the cold, wet winter months when outdoor playgrounds aren’t a very comfortable option for parents and their kids.

The indoor playground is accessible to members from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily and runs on a staffless model. Members are free to drop in during regular hours, and the guardians or parents accompanying the kids are responsible for supervision.

The space is equipped with educational toys, an indoor play structure, a play kitchen, baby dolls, dress-up clothes, trains, an art

room, and a “Share Closet” where other families can reuse clothing and gear donated by members.

Coping with COVID

In 2018, spurred by the lack of opportunities for children’s play spaces, Ponti connected with other moms on Facebook to put together a plan. In early 2019, Ponti and four other mothers entered the St. Helens Economic Development Corporation (SHEDCO) business plan competition in St. Helens.

“We made a business plan, started a non-profit -with the help

of local CPA Dan Garrison- and we decided to model our program on a successful community play-space in St. Johns,” Ponti said. “In September of that year, we were awarded our first grant from Columbia Pacific CCO, but finding a suitable space for our program took us six more months!”

Finally, when they were only two weeks from their grand opening, COVID shut down the world, and the plans for the play space had to be put on hold, and the toys and play structures went into storage.

“I joined in later after they’d already had the initial idea. But I

was definitely one of those moms raising kids in Columbia County, remodeling a house with nowhere to play other than the library. It’s definitely filling a need,” Board Member Kandace Manning said. “COVID shut down a lot of resources for kids.”

Ponti said that one of the lessons learned through COVID was the importance of socializing for kids, and when the project finally got going as things opened back up, the community showed how great that

Will Lohre / Country Media, Inc.

The construction site off South West Old Portland road will soon be home to a variety of dining options for Scappoose and St. Helens.

Emilia Ponti and her children cut the ribbon during a celebration at the play space July 31.

Courtesy photo Patrick Birkle has resigned from the city council, a position he has held since January of 2021.

I came to realize that I’m not able to be the best teacher that I can be while trying to be the best city councilor that I can be.

~ Patrick Birkle

$10.7M for forest projects, including land near Scappoose

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Two working forests in Oregon, including one near Scappoose, have received a major investment from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Legacy program, which protects environmentally and ecologically important private forest lands across the country.

The Minam Conservation and Connectivity Project in northeast Oregon and the Tualatin Mountain Forest Project in northwest Oregon are among 34 projects nationwide that will receive funds from the program to protect working forests for wildlife, people, and climate resilience. These investments were made possible by the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which provided a historic $700 million over 10 years to permanently conserve state and privately-owned forestlands through the Forest Legacy program. The program is administered in Oregon by the Oregon Dept. of Forestry (ODF).

“The Forest Legacy program’s investments ensure that working forests that are vital to the fabric of local economies remain working forests,” ODF’s Forest

Resources Division Chief Josh Barnard said. “They also maintain the ecological benefits of working forests, including natural watershed functions, maintaining habitat for at-risk species and mitigating climate change.”

“The Forest Legacy Program is a critical tool to keep working forests working while protecting important habitat for fish, wildlife, and people,” Coalition of Oregon Land Trusts Executive Director Kelley Beamer said. “This is the largest investment in Oregon’s working lands in the Forest Legacy program’s history and land trusts are poised to leverage these funds to

protect even more of these ecologically and economically important lands.”

The Minam Conservation Connectivity Project phase II will acquire 10,964 acres of working forestland and a corridor along the Minam River in Union and Wallowa counties. Spearheaded by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, this project will conserve scenic viewsheds on over 2.4 million acres of adjacent public lands. This property has been managed as a working forest since the early 1900s and will continue to generate timber and support jobs in the local area.

“This commitment of

Forest Legacy funding is a vital step toward completion of a landmark conservation project that will conserve and protect habitat for elk, mule deer, fish, birds and other wildlife, while also providing access by hunters, anglers and others,” Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation President and CEO Kyle Weaver said. “We would like to recognize our partners at Manulife, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the U.S. Forest Service as well as support from elected officials, both locally and in Congress, for making this conservation victory possible.”

The Tualatin Mountain

Forest project will secure a 3,111-acre forest near Scappoose as a working research forest to be owned and managed by Oregon State University. The project will serve as a national model for an actively managed forest, mitigate climate change, and create public access and recreation opportunities.

“The Tualatin Mountain Forest project has great potential to develop a research and demonstration forest with expanded community benefits,” the Trust for Public Land Oregon Program Director Kristin Kovalik said. The Trust Land is acquiring the land.

“Projects like this require diverse partners and we are grateful for the Oregon Department of Forestry and US Forest Service ongoing commitment to the Forest Legacy Program, and Senators Merkley and Wyden for supporting the Inflation Reduction act and the Great American Outdoors Act which help fund projects like the Tualatin Mountain Forest,” Kovalik said.

About the Coalition for Oregon Land Trusts

The Coalition of Oregon Land Trusts (COLT) serves and strengthens the land trust community in Oregon. At COLT, we build connec-

tions and advance policies that help protect our natural world—our water, wildlife and open space—for all people, forever. This work helps our coalition members—30 conservation organizations around the state—do what they do best: protect wildlife and wild places, defend working farms and forests, provide recreation and parks, drive climate solutions and science, champion clean water for all and engage communities to protect our natural world.

About ODF

The Oregon Department of Forestry protects some 16 million acres of Oregon’s forest lands from wildfire, and regulates timber harvests to protect soil, water quality and threatened and endangered species.

The head of the agency – the Oregon State Forester – approves a Forest Stewardship Plan developed by ODF staff for each project approved for funding under the Forest Legacy Program. Through Oregon Department of Forestry, the Forest Legacy Program seeks projects that strengthen local communities across Oregon, through state, local and private partnerships in conservation.

State, federal agencies partner to restore forests, reduce fire risks

Policy Act (NEPA) surveys covering 18,977 acres for heritage and botany assessments.

• 250 acres of surveys for fish passage and floodplain restoration work.

• 21,800 acres of commercial and non-commercial forest treatments to improve forest health and reduce risk of high-intensity wildfire.

• One contracted NEPA project covering 100 acres.

• 650 acres of restoration project monitoring.

Supporting collaborative groups bolsters work on federal forests

The program also provided grants to 12 collaborative groups which produced restoration plans for over 1.2 million acres of federal forestland across 25 NEPA planning areas. These plans led to:

• Over 75,000 acres of forest restoration activities, including timber sales, precommercial thinning, and fuels reduction.

• Restore 8,900 acres through commercial timber treatments.

• Sell 78 million board feet of timber.

• Contract for six NEPA projects covering 81,000 acres.

• Improve 51 miles of for-

est roads.

• Implement 21,000 acres of non-commercial fuels reduction, habitat improvement, and resource surveys.

• Post-fire reforestation of 7,200 acres.

• Complete four crossboundary projects, which

involve treatments on federal and non-federal lands.

• Engage with 15 forest collaboratives and all-lands partnerships.

• Stand up an interagency forestry strike team to prepare restoration projects in high priority watersheds.

STAFF REPORT

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Many hands make light work. And the impact adds up.

The Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Federal Forest Restoration (FFR) Program is reducing fire risks and creating jobs for local communities, according to a release from the state agency.

A monitoring report by the University of Oregon’s Ecosystem Workforce Program shows the program has supported 377 jobs and added $30.5 million to the regional economy.

State investment yields a suite of benefits

The report notes that the program invested $6.4 million

of state funds and leveraged an additional $4.22 million in federal funds from federal land management agencies using the Good Neighbor Authority (GNA). GNA enables the state to do work on federal lands, including restoration treatments to improve resiliency and sell federal timber to pay for restoration projects. The program investments between 2021 and 2023: Supported 377 jobs and contributed $30.5 million to the regional economy when activities associated with GNA timber sales are included.

Investments in Forest Service and BLM projects led to:

• National Environmental

• Pile burning conducted on 48,000 acres, along with broadcast burning on approximately 9,800 acres.

• Harvesting or processing of about 283 million board feet of timber, providing employment for 339 workers, and creating an additional 483 jobs in various sectors.

Looking to the future

Looking ahead, the Federal Forest Restoration Program aims to deepen its impact. Over the next two years, the program goals include:

• Support forest collaboratives through the fully funded Forest Collaborative Grants and Technical Assistance and Science Support (TASS) grants.

Courtesy photo from the ODF

The Tualatin Mountain Forest project will secure a 3,111-acre forest near Scappoose as a working research forest to be owned and managed by Oregon State University.

Courtesy photo from Chris Rudd

This photo shows a commercial forest restoration project after treatment to reduce tree density of a Douglas-fir stand on the Rouge RiverSiskiyou National Forest.

NEXT pulls railyard application, plans to refile

WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

NEXT Renewables has withdrawn its application for the addition of a railyard to the diesel refinery at Port Westward.

The Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) overturned Columbia County’s approval for the Houston-based NEXT Renewables LLC’s proposed 400-car railyard for the diesel refinery at Port Westward in November 2022. NEXT submitted a new application at a meeting with County Commissioners June 26.

NEXT plans to refile a new application with an associated conditional use permit.

“The Planning Commission expressed interest in considering both the rail proposal and the associated conditional use permit at the same time, and we can understand why County decisionmakers would want to review both permits in a concurrent process,” NEXT Communications Director Michael Hinrichs said. “Therefore, we are going to withdraw this application and refile a new application concurrently with the associated conditional use permit.”

The withdrawal of the proposal came July 14, only weeks after the new application was submitted. The addition of the railyard is heavily opposed by local farmers and conservation groups who say it will negatively impact the area. They also say that NEXT does not have the right to use the land for the rail system and that it goes against NEXT’s promises when establishing the project.

Railyard concerns

Local farmers, clean water advocates, and uprail communities concerned about long trains bisecting Columbia County cities and towns remain adamant that the Port Westward area is better suited

to agriculture, forestry, and fisheries than a major new refinery that would produce diesel from fracked gas and unknown feedstocks.

A key opponent of the proposed NEXT Renewable Fuels facility is the environmental watchdog group Columbia Riverkeeper, which has been contesting the state and federal permits for the facility.

“NEXT specifically promised for years not to do exactly this. They committed, repeatedly, in public, not to use extensive rail traffic to bring in feedstocks,” Columbia Riverkeeper Conservation Director Dan Serres said. “While they’re trying to pretend this isn’t a significant change, it’s a huge change. And that’s one of the reasons why the community is speaking up against it.”

Serres said that the inclusion of a railyard is a large departure from the original proposal that stated the primary shipment of materials would be through the port.

According to Hinrichs, a misconception about the issue is that NEXT will use rail as their primary operation. Hinrich said NEXT still fully intends to operate their facility by using ship

deliveries - both feedstock supply coming in from global sources and finished product being delivered to west coast destinations.

“Our proposed rail concept supports 1) modest rail use for deliveries of processing materials like bleaching clay, 2) local delivery to Oregon transit operators like Portland Metro, Port of Portland and TriMet, and 3) rail optionality if the Columbia River maritime channel is temporarily closed (like it was in 2017 as a safety response to the Eagle Creek fire),” Hinrichs said. Hinrichs said the new design eliminates five siding rail tracks and reduces the number of siding tracks between the main facility and Hermo Road from five to two.

The updated proposal significantly decreases rail infrastructure and moves almost all of the rail entirely onto the previously approved industrial facility property, according to Hinrichs. Critics say that they may not have the approval to use that land.

Community opposition

At the meeting June 26, more than 20 community

members offered testimony opposing the addition of the railyard. Columbia Riverkeeper, a conservation group, submitted comments during the meeting about concerns with the railyard and the NEXT’s right to use the land.

“NEXT has no agreement with PGE to use the land that PGE leases, which overlaps with the railyard. PGE considers the area a ‘buffer’ for its future industrial use.

According to NEXT’s 2022 Application to the Army Corps, ‘PGE has informed the applicant that they are not willing to release their longterm lease at either property for further industrial development. PGE indicated that the property would be utilized as a buffer for their facility and for any future PGE expansion,’” the comments stated.

The land in question currently houses a mint farm that Warren Seely and his family have owned for generations.

They have approval from PGE to use the land, with the land acting as a “buffer” for future use. Seely addressed the County with his concerns during the meeting.

“County rules require NEXT to consider and mitigate impacts to land uses in the area. Farming is a

long-recognized land use in the area,” Seely said. “Our mint can become unusable if not properly handled quickly after harvest. Further, delays in mint processing that could be caused by the proposed modification will impact our ability to fill our orders in a timely manner.”

Seely also has concerns about the pollution from the trains affecting his crops. Moreover, Seely said that the proposed rail activity could impact the water supplies and drainage provided by the Beaver Drainage Improvement Company (BDIC).

“The farm will be negatively impacted if the proposed modification alters the drainage infrastructure in our area. The system of drainages and ditches are interconnected,” Seely said. “No alterations to the operations of the BDIC and the distribution of water resources are allowed without permission from the BDIC and two-thirds of its members.”

Jasmine Lillich is a vocal critic of the project and says NEXT has damaged trust within the community through its decision to include the railyard. Lillich said that NEXT is misrepresenting its intentions with its railyard.

When the plant site was approved, Lillich said the original proposal included only a minor rail component, saying that NEXT ensured there would be maybe 60-70 rail cars and no feedstock coming in.

“If I was a business person and designing one of the world’s largest renewable diesel facilities, I would definitely not make any false promises to a community like that,” Lillich said. “One of the port commissioners did some calculations, and it looks like potentially 40 percent of their feedstock is coming in on rail. They will say that this is mostly for bleaching clay, and they spin it so that it sounds innocent;

it is toxic material coming in to clean up toxic material and bring it out.”

Lillich said the hearing on June 26 was an opportunity for the community to bring issues to the County Planning Commission they were unaware of. Regarding PGE’s land, Lillich said that NEXT applied for a permit on land that they don’t have permission to use.

What’s next?

Lillich and Serres say that the rail component of the project is now critical to the refinery’s success and that without it, NEXT will be put in a difficult position. The refiled proposal will raise many questions about NEXT’s plans and land use.

“They’re trying to put a railyard and massive refinery on some of the most unstable soil anywhere in the lower Columbia River, next to farms, a Buddhist monastery, homes, on land they don’t control that’s leased by PGE, amid drainage systems that they don’t have a right to use or fill,” Serres said. “Nothing about the project adds up. We’re going to keep the pressure on until NEXT and its investors pull the plug.”

For their part, NEXT remains confident that they will secure the proper permits so they can begin construction on the long-developing project.

“We remain confident that we will receive all necessary approvals to bring a clean fuels facility to Columbia County and be a foundational part of Oregon’s green economy,” Hinrichs said. “We are proud to have the support of local, state, and federal elected officials, Columbia County community leaders, and thousands of local residents.”

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

St. Helens School District announces new principals

STAFF REPORT

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The St. Helens School District is pleased to announce that Allyson Dubuque will be the new principal at McBride Elementary and will begin her role on August 1, 2023.

Allyson comes to the district with many years of experience in education. Starting in 1999, Allyson taught some of our youngest learners as a 1st-grade teacher in San Jose, California, before returning to Oregon to be closer to family. She then continued teaching 4th and 5th graders at Rock Creek Elementary, and it was in these elementary classrooms that her passion for building strong relationships with the community and thoughtful instructional approaches sparked. In 2015, Allyson moved into school administration, where she served as an Assistant Princi-

pal in the Beaverton School District, both at Beaverton High School and also at Five Oaks Middle School.

Allyson has served on and led multiple committees centering around strong instructional practices, coordinated elementary and middle-level summer programming, and even volunteered time to support high school swimming as a deck referee.

Outside of school, Allyson is a parent of two amazing teenagers and a beloved dog, the wife of an engineer, and daughter to family members who still reside in Pendleton, Oregon. She loves spending time at the nearest swimming pool, helping her youngest with all things related to horses, running, and being with those she cares about the most.

When asked about her new role in the St. Helens School District, Allyson

stated, “I am very excited to get to work at McBride Elementary and join this great community!”

Please join us in congratulating Allyson Dubuque on her new role as the principal at McBride Elementary.

The St. Helens School District is pleased to announce that Cheri Martin will be the new principal at Lewis & Clark Elementary and will begin her role on August 1, 2023.

Cheri comes to the district with over 18 years

of experience in education. She began her career teaching 3rd grade in Bakersfield, California, prior to moving back to Oregon to be closer to family and teach at North Bay Elementary in Oregon.

Cheri went on to teach in the Beaverton School District as an elementary teacher as well as a Personnel Specialist. In 2015, Cheri moved into school administration, where she served as the Assistant Principal at Sunset High School in Beaverton.

Cheri is an elementary

teacher at heart and is passionate about providing opportunities for students and staff to grow and learn.

Outside of school, Cheri and her husband enjoy spending time with their three grown children and extended family creating memories and enjoying all the adventures that life brings.

Every year, Cheri makes the following promise to parents, “Every day, I will treat your child as if they were my own. I will show respect. I will encourage them. I will

set high expectations while providing them with the time and resources to help them be successful. I will allow them to take responsibility for their actions. I will never let their mistakes define who they are but rather view those mistakes as opportunities for learning and growth. They will always know where they stand.”

Please join us in congratulating Cheri Martin on her new role as the principal at Lewis & Clark Elementary.

Self Serve gas coming to Oregon

STAFF REPORT

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Gov. Tina Kotek declined to veto a bill allowing self-serve gasoline in Oregon. The new law was to take effect Aug. 4.

The legislation ends a 72-year restriction on drivers at the pump. House Bill 2426 gives drivers statewide the choice to pump their own gas, but at least 50% of the pumps must still offer attended service for elderly, disabled, or preference-driven customers.

The Oregon Senate has passed House Bill 2426 with overwhelming bipartisan support. The development comes after years of declining restrictions of

drivers pumping their own gas.

In 2015, legislators allowed self-serve gas during nighttime hours in rural and coastal counties to help fuel retailers and drivers.

In 2017, they extended this allowance to all hours in rural counties. Additionally, in 2020, 2021, and 2022, Oregon’s fire marshal temporarily lifted the self-service ban statewide during emergencies like wildfires and heatwaves.

HB 2426 aims to simplify the existing patchwork rules regarding self-service gas for all Oregonians, while protecting jobs and maintaining attendant services for Oregonians who want them.

Courtesy from the SHSD

Allyson Dubuque Courtesy from the SHSD

Cheri Martin

August 4 Free Movie in Heritage Park Scappoose 6 p.m. Come by for live music from Gravel, trash can painting, pizza bingo, and 50 cent hot dogs and burgers. Galaxy Quest will be starting around dusk. Wear a sci-fi outfit and you could win a prize for your costume.

August 4 Movies in the Park 7 p.m. activities start. Family Camp starts at dusk at Columbia View Park in St. Helens.

August 4, 5, & 6 Vernonia Friendship Jamboree & Logging Show Logging show, car and motorcycle show, parade, book sale, Heritage Engines, Ridge Riders playday, food, vendors and much more. For more information go to www. visitvernonia.com.

August 11 Movies in the Park 7 p.m. activities start. League of Super Pets starts at dusk at Columbia View Park in St. Helens.

August 12 2023 Goble

Warming 50/50 Raffle

Fundraiser Event

This fundraiser benefits the Clatskanie Feral Cat

Community Events

Project. Come by for BBQ ribs, smoked fatties and live bands all day. $5 raffle tickets. Goble Tavern, 70255 US-30, Rainier.

August 12 Run with Neil 1K-6K-10K This will be held at Scappoose Veterans Park as part of the Scappoose Adventure Festival. Fun for the whole family. For more information and registration go to runwithneil.org.

August 12 & 13 Scappoose Adventure Festival

10 a.m. to 12 a.m. on Aug. 12 and 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Aug. 13 at Scappoose Veteran’s Park, 52590 Captain Roger Kucera Way, Scappoose. This is a free community event that celebrates outdoor activities, recreations and the spirit of Scappoose. Come by for live music, delicious food, beer garden, runs, rock walls, as throwing and chainsaw wood carving demonstrations, a kids zone and more.

August 18 Movies in the Park

7 p.m. activities start. Jumanji The Next Level starts at dusk at Columbia View Park in St. Helens.

August 19 Laundry Day

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Scappoose Laundromat, 52494 SW 1st St. #3531, Scappoose. Bring your laundry and St. Wenceslaus’ Laundromat Ministry will supply the rest (laundry pods, dryer sheets and quarters). For more information, please call 503-543-2110.

August 25 Movies in the Park

7 p.m. activities start. Super Mario Bros. starts at dusk at Columbia View Park in St. Helens.

August 26 Overdose

Awareness

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at McCormick Park, 475 S 18th St., St. Helens. This event is to honor the ones who have lost their lives to an overdose, support families and friends affected by overdose, raise awareness and provide resources to families and individuals still in active addiction.

September 19 2nd Annual

Columbia County Senior Health Fair

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Columbia River Four Square Church, 555 Commons Dr., Scappoose. Come by and

A stab at forgiveness

Chronicle Guest Column

If you’ve gone to any sort of church at any time in your life, it’s likely you’ve heard a sermon or maybe even two, on forgiveness.

Yes, that old chestnut. It’s no doubt you’ve danced with that devil in the pale moonlight, and to what end, I would ask you. The path of forgiveness is bumpy and dusty and gets entirely sticky when we’re applying it in the mirror.

I’ve had clients tell me they don’t believe in it. I’ve had people say to me there are some things that are unforgivable. If we know the world of Harry Potter, there are even unforgivable curses. So what’s the real lowdown? Is forgiveness about you or the other

WILDFLOWER

From Page A1

need was.

Covid showed everyone the importance of social connection for mental health, but connection and support are especially crucial for families with young children. Every parent truly understands that it does ‘take a village to raise a child,’” Ponti said. “Clearly, we are filling a need; we had 130 families sign up for a membership in the first three months we were open without any advertising.”

WildFlower Play Collective membership operates on a sliding scale, with the goal being that the space is accessible to all without financial barriers. For new members, there is a $25 registration fee, and memberships range from $25 a month to $55 a month.

There are also Columbia Pacific CCO grant-funded free memberships available to those with financial limitations.

“We want to partner with our business community to offer free memberships to low-income families because we want every family experiencing early childhood to have access to indoor play,” Ponti said.

The idea is that members can pay what is comfortable for them; however, people who select a plan for $35 and over actually help support those who are paying a lower fee. Through this sliding scale, the play area is open to more families and keeps WildFlower sustainable.

“That goes into the village component. We’re trying to all do this together,” Manning said. “And that’s the other aspect of WildFlower; building a village, supporting each other in memberships, supporting

person or about what God wants you to do? Truthfully, it’s anyone’s guess. Ask ten priests and ten rabbis and I bet you get twenty different answers. So here’s my toss into that ring. In my not so humble opinion, true forgiveness happens when I no longer wish the past was any different than it was. My energy and my plans and my thoughts, they all get to be in the here and now cuz the then and there isn’t happening any more. In this version of forgiveness, I’ve picked up my toys and I’ve moved on from that unfulfilling party. Whether I was the one that didn’t show up as my best self, or it was my husband or the grocery store clerk, I’ve said, “Well, that’s what that was, as far as I can tell So now what?”

I’m not afraid to admit

I’ve spent a lot of time fist fighting shadow enemies in the dark neighborhoods of my mind. I’ve held court with ghost judges deciding my “rightness.” I’m also here to admit to you this is a fruitless effort and I recommend you skip it for something juicier like things that are real and make you feel happy.

When I’m not fussing with things I can’t change, because they are literally in the past, I am free to make something more with the world that is happening right now. While I’m no theologian, that seems a worthy way to spend my time and thoughts. Can I get an amen?

Michelle Pierson Young is a Lincoln City life coach. She may be reached at Michelleatplay.com or at 503-957-0821.

check out the 70+ vendors. This event is free. For more information visit www. understandingmymedicare. com or contact Beth Moffett at 503-987-1113.

October 7 The Big Halloween Parade 6:30 p.m. Parade starts at Columbia Blvd. at the Chamber office and will end at the intersection of 1st St. and Saint Helens St. To apply to be in the parade email www. thebighalloweenparade.com. Applications due by July 31, 2023.

Ongoing Events

Fridays

2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Caples House offers Tea and Sweets: a bottomless cup of tea with a homemade dessert. Cost is $5. In The Cottage, 1925 First Street in Columbia City. Call 503-397-5390 for more details.

Fridays - Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. - Caples House Museum Tours, 1925 1st Street in Columbia City. Cost is $5. Stop by and see what has changed. Fopr more information, call 503397-5390.

Lower Columbia River Watershed Council

Lower Columbia Watershed Council meets the second Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the Clatskanie PUD building. Zoom links are also available. Visit the council’s website for agenda postings and Zoom at www.lowercolumbiariver.org/events-page.

Resonate Recovery

Meets at 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Wednesday - Sundays. This is a Bible based, Christ-centered spiritual recovery meeting for those struggling with addictions and compulsive behavior at 220 S. 1st Street in St. Helens. Everyone is loved and welcomed. For more information call Debbie at 503-560-0521, Daniel Grant at 714-768-9327 or check the Resonate Facebook page.

Columbian Toastmasters

Promoting positive learning and leadership through public speaking. Anyone is welcome to visit! Lunch meetings at Warren Country Inn, 56575 Columbia River Hwy, Warren, OR 97053 from 12 p.m.-1 p.m. every Thursday. Call 503-369-0329 for more information.

Overcomers Outreach

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

Celebrate Recovery For anyone struggling with addiction, hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for coffee, snacks, and fellowship. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. The first Monday of each month at 6 p.m. the doors open for a free dinner. Yankton Community Fellowship, 33579 Pittsburg Road in St. Helens. 503-396-7091. Childcare is available. www.yanktoncommunityfellowship.com.

Watch Spring on Fridays 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Have tea and a sweet in Caples’ Cottage, 1925 1st Street in Columbia City. Cost is $5. 503-397-5390.

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

each other in parenting.”

Seeking support

Now, almost a full year into the project, WildFlower Play Collective is facing a substantial challenge. The old schoolhouse they are based out of has no air conditioning, and the heat in the building is causing membership to drop.

Families have been less inclined to use the space as the blistering summer heat can cause the building to sometimes get up to 90 degrees during the heat of the day.

“It’s a safety issue that we don’t have AC. Don’t want any little people getting heat stroke. It can get up to 90 degrees in here because we can’t leave the doors open because it’s a secure space,” Ponti said.

To address this issue, WildFlower has started a fundraising initiative to try and raise $16,000 that would see the building fitted with

two ductless heat-pump systems. While the model itself is self-sustaining, high costs like new air conditioning put a strain on the organization.

While the AC project is a high priority, one of the other components that is important is building community partnerships. On Thursdays at 9:30 a.m., they host a drop-in, free (open to non-members) postpartum support group, a partnership with Baby Blues Connection, and they are partnering with Columbia Health Services to offer a free 20-week parenting class.

“Our deeper vision is really about building community, supporting families with young children, supporting families through early childhood, and hopefully preventing adverse childhood experiences,” Ponti said. “That’s the heart and soul of the project; to prevent harm.

To donate, send a check to PO BOX 68 St. Helens or through their website Wildflowerplaycollective.org.

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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73.9% Yes

17.4% No

8.7% Just right

of people, organizations and businesses. Letters received after noon on Friday may not be in time for the following Wednesday’s paper.

To verify authenticity, all letters must be signed and include your address and daytime phone number. We won’t print your street address or phone number (just your city of residence). Submissions may be emailed to chroniclenews@ countrymedia.net, sent via mail, or dropped off at the office.

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Will Lohre / Country Media, Inc.

Children frolic on the play structure in the old school house turned play ground.

MICHELLE PIERSON YOUNG

David Thornberry Publisher Jeremy C. Ruark Regional Executive Editor Will Lohre Associate Editor Jon Campbell Advertising Sales

Marlene Jean Gift, age 82, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2023, at Ahadi Adult Senior Home in Columbia City. She was born on Jan. 28, 1941, in Portland, Oregon to Fred and Hazel Heimuller.

Marlene always cared for, supported, listened to, and loved everyone in her community. She will be remembered and dearly missed.

Marlene is survived

Marlene Jean Gift

Jan. 28, 1941 ~ July 20, 2023

by her children, Mark A. Gift (Tina), Mary Tate (Dan), Martin Gift, and Marie McGuire (Randy); her grandchildren, Shena Wheeler, Shana “Gilla” Lieuallen, Colby McGuire, Shaylee Patterson, Stephen Gift, and Michael Gift; her great-grandchildren, Colten Wheeler, Blaine Wheeler, Handy, Georgia, Dallas, Gavin, Ryder, Shelton, and Wyatt; and her great-great grandson Stetson.

A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. on Sat., Aug. 12, 2023, at Warren Community Fellowship in Warren, Oregon. A small gathering will follow the service. A small graveside service for the family will precede the celebration of life. Marlene will be laid to rest in Bayview Cemetery alongside her family.

Condolences may be sent to the family at PO Box 169, Scappoose, OR 97056.

Michael Dennis McFarland

June 15, 1948 ~ Jaunary 21, 2023

On January 21, 2023, Mike completed his tour of duty here on Earth.

Michael Dennis McFarland was born on June 15, 1948, in Leavenworth, Kansas to Bill and Doris McFarland. As an “Army brat,” Mike’s early life was spent moving around, including a period during which the family lived in Japan. When Mike’s father retired from the Army, the family settled in Portland, Oregon where Mike attended Astor Elementary and Roosevelt High School. After graduating from Roosevelt High School, Mike went on to Multnomah College, studying Liberal Arts. Having completed his first year of college, Mike concluded that this was not his passion and he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in December 1967. In Mike’s own words, when he enlisted he “knew full well that Vietnam would be in his future.” Mike was correct in this. After completing one tour in Vietnam, he honorably

discharged from the Marine Corps in May of 1969. Mike’s time in the Marine Corps may have been a brief part of his life, but it left a lasting impression. One of Mike’s many passions was connecting with, mentoring, and supporting his fellow Marines through an online support forum, Together We Served.

On his return home from the Marine Corps, Mike married his high school sweetheart, Diane. The couple began building their life together in Portland

Donna Louise Pense

May 12, 1928 ~ July 26, 2023

Donna Louise Pense was born on May 12, 1928. She passed away on July 26, 2023.

Donna will be buried at Columbia Memorial Garden in Scappoose, Oregon. A graveyard service will be held at 9:30 a.m. on August 5, 2023.

Leonard Wayne King

Nov. 9, 1950 ~ July 25, 2023

Leonard Wayne King, 72, of Rainier, Oregon passed away July 25, 2023 at home.

Alice Kay Warner

April 27, 1939 ~ June 28, 2023

See further details at Columbia Funeral Home, columbiafh.com/obituaries.

and soon welcomed their only child, a son, Steven. Mike worked various jobs, eventually settling at Cereal Food Processors where he worked for 28 years. Always a “do-er,” after enjoying a full two days of retirement from Cereal Foods, Mike re-entered the workforce and became a fixture at Dahlgren’s Building Supply. For over ten years, people knew they could count on him for project advice or just a good story if they visited on a day that Mike was behind the counter.

Mike was a man with a keen and curious mind who was forever seeking knowledge. While he could spin a fantastic yarn, he could also be a man of few words, and that was when you knew the words were chosen carefully, full of wisdom and worth listening to.

Mike’s greatest pride was in being the leader of his family – a husband, dad, and papa like no other. There truly wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for his family,

especially his grandchildren, who were his pride and joy. When he wasn’t spending time with his loved ones, Mike’s happy place was in his woodshop—where he created many amazing pieces of furniture, décor, and countless other assorted projects—or in his yard where there was always “one more plant” to add or project to be done. Mike also enjoyed cruising around town in his latest project vehicle.

Mike was preceded in death by his mother and father, Doris and Bill McFarland.

Mike is survived by his wife, Diane; son, Steven (Mandi) McFarland; granddaughter, Katy (Zach) Pugh; grandson, Jacob McFarland; sister, Kathy; and a large extended family.

A graveside service will be held at Columbia Memorial Gardens, 54490 Columbia River Hwy, Scappoose, Oregon, on Friday, August 18, 2023, at 2 p.m. All who knew and loved Mike are welcome to attend.

Shirley Rods

May 3, 1929 ~ July 2, 2023

Shirley Rods passed away peacefully in her home on July 2, 2023, at 94 years old. She was born on May 3, 1929, in Klamath Falls, Oregon.

Shirley worked for JC Penny in St. Helens at both the downtown and uptown stores and lived most of her life in the St. Helens/Columbia City area. She attended the Warren Baptist Church where she was an active member and of strong faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Shirley is survived by her three children, Cheryl, Ron, and David; along with three grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.

She now resides peacefully in her new home in Heaven.

Shirley’s memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on August 18, 2023 at the Warren Baptist Church in Warren, Oregon.

CARTS

From Page A1

of going out of town in all directions.

As of right now, Hurliman said there are around five carts that have already expressed interest. Hurliman is putting out the feelers as the plans for the opening day become more

precise. Portrait Homes Northwest, a local construction company, is the general contractor on the project.

As the vision comes together, Hurliman sees this development as a big opportunity for the community to see not only more food options but chances to use the pod as a hub in the community. “When you look at the

diversity of food, we just don’t have a lot of diversity in our food offerings in Scappoose. And it makes it hard for newcomers, as well as the longtime people,” Hurliman said.

“Just to get some more food choice in the community will be huge. And just to be another gathering place, you know? What we’ve talked about a lot is, ‘We can be the spot where ev -

erybody could grab dinner before the sporting events at the high school.’” Hurliman hopes there will be all types of cuisine at the pod, from Indian food to Thai, to gyros. For the foodies of Columbia County, next spring can’t come fast enough. “It’s going to be exciting. I get pumped up talking about it,” Hurliman said.

Courtesy graphic from Nick Hurliman

This is an early conceptual drawing of what the food card pod layout could be, it may be subject to change.

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Alcoholics Anonymous Info-line, (503) 366-0667 www.pdxaa.org

302 Personals

Marie Hatcher

I am trying to locate an old friend who lived in Scappoose. Her name is Marie Hatcher. If you know her, please have her reach out to me, Diane, 503-9871266.

502

Help Wanted

Custodian Columbia County, OR. EOE. Deadline 8/24/2023. Apply at ColumbiaCountyOR.gov.

Assistant Manager Habitat for Humanity is seeking an Assistant Manager for our St. Helens, ReStore. 20 Hours per week, Saturdays included. $18.00/hr. Retail experience required. Successful

candidate will work well with volunteers and customers. Must possess a valid driver’s license and pass background checks. See job description at: habitatcolumbia county.org/employ mentopportunities.

Immediate

Opening

Sewing, taping, etc. Part-time

6-Noon, M-Th. Apply in person only. 33550 SE Santosh St. Scappoose, OR 97056.

nearly

STAFF REPORT

Country Media, Inc.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is awarding the state of Oregon and nonprofits across the state nearly $20 million.

The funding is designed to build and sustain capabilities to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism and other disasters.

Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced the federal funding July 27.

“Ensuring Oregonians and communities across the state are safe and prepared for any threats they face is critical,” Merkley said. “The best response is being prepared, and this funding will help ensure Oregonians in all corners of the state are safe and prepared when disaster strikes.”

“Oregonians must have every assurance that security is a top priority when they enter schools, places of worship, hospitals, muse-

for security, disaster preparedness

• $92,500 for Havurah

dence Seaside Hospital

ums and other community gathering spaces,” Wyden said. “I’m gratified these institutions in our state have earned these federal investments helping to protect them from terrorist threats and natural disasters.”

The awards to Oregon are part of $2 billion awarded nationally from DHS across six grant programs to help prepare our nation against threats and natural disasters. The awards coming to Oregon incliude:

$4,847,500 from the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) to address identified planning, organization, equipment, training, and exercise needs to prevent, protect against, prepare for, and respond to acts of terrorism.

$3,800,000 to the Portland area from the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) to assist in building an enhanced and sustainable capacity to prevent, protect against, prepare for, and respond to acts of terrorism.

$5,343,682 under the

Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) Program to assist state, local, tribal, and territorial emergency management agencies in obtaining the resources required to support the National Preparedness Goal’s associated mission areas and core capabilities to build a culture of preparedness.

$2,137,693 under the Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP) to the Lane Transit District for enhance-

ment of security measures at critical transit infrastructure including bus, ferry, and rail systems.

$1,202,632 under the Nonprofit Security Grant Program – Urban Area (NSGP-UA) to nonprofits in the Portland area to support the security of local nonprofits and help integrate preparedness activities of nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of a terrorist attack with broader state and local preparedness efforts.

Individual recipients under the grant program include:

• $150,000 for Chabad of NE Portland

• $150,000 for Congrega-

tion Ahavath Achim

• $150,000 for Congrega-

tion Beth Israel

• $150,000 for Congrega-

tion Kesser Israel

• $150,000 for Congrega-

tion Neveh Shalom

• $150,000 for Congregation Shir Tikvah

• $150,000 for Portland Jewish Academy

Shalom

$2,404,231 under the Nonprofit Security Grant Program – State (NSGP-S) to nonprofits outside the Portland area to support the security of local nonprofits and help integrate preparedness activities of nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of a terrorist attack with broader state and local preparedness efforts.

Individual recipients under this grant program include:

• $150,000 for B’nai

B’rith Men’s Camp Association

• $150,000 for the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum and The Captain Michael King Smith Educational Institute

• $150,000 for the Jewish Community Havurah of Southern Oregon

• $150,000 for Providence Newberg Medical Center

• $150,000 for Provi-

• $150,000 for St. Mary’s Academy - The Dalles

• $150,000 for St. Mary’s Academy - The Dalles

• $150,000 for Temple Beth Israel of Eugene

• $149,625 for Linfield University

• $148,500 the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

• $147, 020 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend

• $129,148 for the Jewish Community of Central Oregon

• $96,000 for the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry - Coastal Discovery Center at Camp Gray

• $87,474 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend

• $74,935 for Santiam Hospital & Clinics

• $72,473 for Santiam Medical Clinic

• $72,473 for Sublimity Medical Clinic

• $65,000 for Providence

Hood River Memorial Hospital

• $41,372 for the Salem Jewish Congregation

Public Notices

CH23-1393

CH23-1395

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

Probate Department

In the Matter of Crystal Andre’, aka Crystal L. Andre, Deceased. No.

22PB06296 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS

Notice is hereby given that Brock Robert Andre has been appointed personal representative of this estate. All persons having claims against the estate are hereby required to present

CH23-1389

their claims, with proper vouchers, within four (4) months after the date of first publication of this Notice, as stated below, to the personal representative at 1677 St, Helens Street, St. Helens, Oregon 97051 or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights are affected by the proceedings may obtain additional information from

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

the records of the court, the personal representative, or the attorney for the personal representative.

Dated and first published: August 2, 2023. MARK A. GORDON, P.C., Mark A. Gordon, OSB No. 812424 Attorney for Personal Representative, 1677 St. Helens Street, St. Helens, Oregon 97051, 503.397.9066, mark@markgordonpc.com.

In the Matter of the Estate of Mark Allen Riseling, Deceased. Case No. 23PB06297 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Ena Riseling has been appointed and has qualified as the personal representative. All persons having claims against the estate are hereby required to present them, with vouchers

attached, to Ena Riseling, personal representative, at 2005 Saint Helens Street, St. Helens, Oregon 97051, within four months after the date of first publication of this notice or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain additional information from the records of the court, the personal representative or

the attorney for the personal representative, Mark J. Lang, 2005 Saint Helens St, St. Helens, Oregon 97051. Dated and first published: July 26, 2023. /s/ Mark J. Lang, Mark J. Lang, OSB#973116 Attorney for Personal Representative, 2005 St Helens Street, St. Helens, OR 97051 (503) 410-5238 Published: July 26, 2023, August 2, 2023, and August 9, 2023.

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

Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of CHARLES EDWIN PHILLIPS JR., Deceased. Case No. 23PB05445 NOTICE

TO INTERESTED PERSONS Proceedings for this estate have been com-

menced. Claims against the estate may be presented to the personal representative listed below. Any person who has a claim against the estate must present the claim to the personal representative not later than four

months after the date of the first publication of this notice at the following address: 52490 Southeast Second Street, Suite 100, Scappoose, OR 97056. Any claim not presented within this time period may be barred.

All persons whose rights may be affected by the estate proceeding may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative, or the attorney for the personal representative. Dated and

first published on: July 19, 2023. Mark Dennis, Personal Representative, 33729 SE Elm Street, Scappoose, OR 97056, Phone: (503) 8105986. Attorney for Personal Representative: Aaron J. Trukositz, OSB No. 204618,

LOWER COLUMBIA LAW GROUP LLC, 52490 Southeast Second Street, Suite 100, Scappoose, Oregon 97056, Phone: (503) 5434800, Fax: (888) 543-4806, Email: aaron@lowercolumbialaw.com.

Broken Gate Fire contained, caution, preparedness urged

JEREMY C. RUARK

Country Media, Inc.

Mop up operations continued through last weekend at the 42-acre Broken Gate Wildfire near Wauna, according to Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Commander Neal Bond.

The blaze, on the south side of Highway 30 at milepost 73, broke out July 23 in rugged, rocky terrain. Bond said approximately 98 firefighters worked to dig a containment line around the fire and hosed hot spots.

The cause of the fire was still under investigation as of July 27. One firefighter suffered heat and smoke inhalation.

The Chronicle reached out to U.S. Forest Service Public Information Specialist Virginia Gibbons for insight into Oregon’s 2023 summer and fall wildfire season.

The Chronicle: Through the rest of the summer and into fall, what are wildfire concerns your agency has and why those concerns?

Virginia Gibbons: It is important for the public to understand that they need to be part of the solution regarding wildfire concern by keeping human starts down and being better prepared to “live with fire” this fire year and beyond. This is an area of great concern for the Forest Service as we continue to address the wildfire crisis.

Given the significant fire potential outlook for the Pacific Northwest Region from now through October (available at MonthlySeasonal.pdf (nifc.gov), one of the ways that local residents and visitors can help firefighters most is by preventing humancaused fires. This includes following all fire restrictions that local wildland fire agencies have put in place. Current fire restrictions are available on agency websites and social media accounts.

Nationally, human-caused wildfires account for about 97% of wildfires that threaten homes. Forest Service firefighters suppress wildfires that threaten lives, property and natural resources.

Our goal is to minimize the number of devastating, destructive large wildland fires. Local resources, federal and non-federal, work together to contain fires safely and effectively. Because of these efforts, nationally 98% of wildland fires are contained within 24-hours of initial response. Safe response for firefighters on the remaining 2% that become larger fires is often problematic because of steep terrain that is difficult to access by ground resources, areas with heavy hazardous fuel buildup and hazard trees, and other risks.

Air resources are utilized to slow fires and protect homes from quickly advancing fires, but they do not put fires out. It’s the firefighters on the ground who do that

and if there are no roads to access the fire and/or it’s in steep terrain, this makes fighting the fire particularly difficult. This is the type of landscape that we’re fighting wildland fire in southwest Oregon.

Firefighter and public safety are always our top priority. Longer and more extreme fire seasons like we’ve experienced in recent years take a toll on the mental health and well-being of our firefighters. Expanding services and programs across the federal firefighting workforce to sustain the overall health and well-being of this critical workforce is paramount as we head into the rest of the 2023 Fire Year. Learn more at Guest column: New Joint Federal Wildland Firefighter Health and Wellbeing Program | US Forest Service (usda.gov)

The Chronicle: From your vantage point, what is the forecast for the rest of the

summer and into fall that is of most concern?

Gibbons: Official outlooks from NOAA continue to suggest that the Pacific Northwest is most likely to experience warmer and drier than typical conditions during the period August through October of 2023. This means late summer and early autumn fire danger is likely to be greater than usual. Our forests and rangelands are likely to be more receptive than usual to fire ignitions and potential growth into large, costly wildfires.

For wildfire information in Oregon, see the NW Interagency Coordination Center site at https://gacc.nifc.gov/ nwcc.

The Chronicle: What is your recommendation for tourists and residents in rural areas, especially along the Oregon Coast, about being prepared for these fast moving and dangerous wildfires?

Gibbons: One of the best ways to be prepared it to take all possible steps to reduce your home and community’s wildfire risk. This includes using wildfire utilizing resistant building and landscape materials, having a family evacuation plan, including a go-kit that includes important personal items such as medications, pet supplies, water and high energy snacks, important papers, and any small irreplaceable items such as family photos, N95 masks if smoke is an issue, and being prepared for health impacts from wildfire smoke and much more.

Helpful tools for understanding and reducing wildfire risk are available at Homepage - Wildfire Risk to Communities. The family evac plan should not only include how your family will evac from your residence and meet up if separated, but also to identify ahead of time the best routes to take. If possible, have several options in mind based on the different directions a wildfire might approach your home.

To keep updated on current wildland fire information, we recommend people look to the following online resources: Inciweb (Inciweb is an official national clearinghouse of information for all large fires across the country); Facebook (type in the fire name and look for the official fire information logo) and Twitter.

The Chronicle: Highway 101 along much of the Oregon Coast is lined with forests, since that is one of the main north south routes, if a wildfire breaks out, what about community evacuations? What’s your advice?

Gibbons: Community evacuations are coordinated by the local Sheriff’s Office in cooperation with Incident Management Teams (those who come into help with large wildfires). In Oregon, we utilize a Ready, Set, Go! Or a 1-2-3 system. Deputies will come to knock on your door to recommend you leave if an area is in a Level 3 evacuation status. To monitor evacuation status for your area, check with the local sheriff’s office and/or office of emergency management-checking websites/agency social media sites is generally best to minimize calls, or the fire’s Facebook page, Inciweb or Twitter accounts often have current information for evacuation status. See answer to question above for additional information on evacuating.

Additional resources

• Check public and industry fire restrictions at www. oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/ restrictions.aspx

• For wildfire prevention tips, visit www.keeporegongreen.org.

• To sign up for local emergency notifications, visit oralert.gov.

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD

THEME: FRUITS & VEGETABLES

ACROSS

1. Itsy Bitsy Spider’s tunnel

6. Operations, as in military

9. Carpenter’s joint

13. Book, in Paris

14. Coach’s talk

15. Long-necked wader

16. Did not go out to eat (2 words)

17. Chi preceder

18. Top scout

19. *’90s children’s series “____ in Pyjamas”

21. *Alternative to stick

23. T-cell killer, acr.

24. Show worry

25. Knee-related acronym

28. Sushi restaurant’s boozy offering

30. *Grilled cheese and ____ soup

35. Mouse to a snake

37. In ____, or together

39. Convicted one

40. *Pear or quince, botanically speaking 41. California and Nevada lake 43. Raja’s daughter 44. Uncouth ones 46. Of two minds 47. RenÈ Descartes’

Solution

48. Make wealthy

50. Use a surgical beam

52. Gingerbread creation

53. *When fruit is ready

55. Red-white-and-blue inits.

57. *”Hot” vegetableshaped toy

60. *L in BLT

64. 3-D picture in a book

65. U.N. workers’ grp. 67. Owned house or car,

68. Item on a cell phone bill

69. What’s old is new again, prefix

70. Popular electric car

71. Hair styling products

72. Scottish cap

73. British peers

DOWN

1. Block of concrete, e.g.

2. Pocket bread

3. Baker’s baker

4. Dickens’s Heep

5. Serena’s sport

6. Prefers

7. *Fairytale princess test

8. Virgo’s brightest star

9. Letter opener

10. Ship to Colchis

11. Airhead

12. The loneliest number?

15. Concerning this

20. Nautical “Stop!”

22. College assessment test, acr.

24. Camera’s tiny aperture

25. *Gwyneth Paltrow’s daughter

26. Sing like Tony Bennett

27. Madagascar primate

29. Myanmar currency

31. BÈbÈ’s mother

32. Rooster, in the olden days

33. Polynesian kingdom

34. *Layered bulb

36. Giant Himalayan?

38. Lady Grantham of “Downton Abbey”

42. Follow as a consequence

45. Claw mark

49. “Battleship” exclamation

51. Heir’s concern

54. *At the end of a hot pepper or many a sweet potato

56. Cruising

57. Prepare to be shot

58. October birthstone

59. What Little Toot does

60. *Fruit of the ____

61. Brezhnev’s domain

62. Jailbird’s home

63. Airline postings

64. Dog breed from China

66. Grazing ground

Courtesy photo

The blaze spread across 42 acres of rugged, rocky, hillsides south of Highway 30.

Facing drought, legislators impose water limits on livestock

This story was originally published by Columbia Insight.

Large livestock operations will face stricter water rules in Oregon under a bill passed by state lawmakers earlier this year, in the wake of controversies surrounding the now shuttered megadairy Lost Valley Farms. Oregon Senate Bill 85 aims to impose tighter water regulations for new confined animal feeding operations, or CAFOs, a term that’s usually applied to large meat, dairy and egg farms.

Under the bill, new and expanding CAFOs will no longer have unlimited access to water to support their livestock operations and will need to submit detailed water supply plans to regulators as part of their permit applications. New CAFOs will also need to secure appropriate water rights to support their operations.

The bill is currently awaiting the signature of Gov. Tina Kotek. She is expected to sign the bill into law.

State Sen. Jeff Golden, D-Ashland, said drought was one of the primary drivers of the bill.

“It’s bad. It’s very likely gonna get worse,” Golden told lawmakers during a Senate Rules Committee meeting in April. “Farmers in many of our districts are losing their yearly crops and, in some cases, their farming business altogether. We have wells going dry, we have more and more ag operators getting cut off by their irrigation districts.

“When a farmer dealing with that learns that Oregon has a sector of very large livestock operators that get to pump literally unlimited amounts of groundwater, and asks me why—I don’t quite know what to answer.”

Under the current law, CAFOs are able to use unlimited amounts of water to give to livestock as part of a “stockwater exemption.”

That’s a privilege no other agriculture sector is afforded in the state, said state Sen. Michael Dembrow, D-Portland, during the April Senate Rules Committee meeting.

“Those requirements really were generated at an earlier time when we weren’t as concerned about the state of our groundwater,” said Dembrow.

Legacy of Lost Valley Farms debacle

Under the new law, the stockwater exemption will be capped at 12,000 gallons of water per day for new or expanding CAFOs. Those entities will be required to outline to state regulators where they plan to source the rest of the water needed to run their operations.

Existing CAFOs will be grandfathered in under the stockwater exemption but will need to file water supply plans over the next year when renewing their existing permits.

The stockwater exemption rules are set to sunset in September 2027.

“We know that there are going to be a lot of conversations going on around water over the next few years,” Golden said, referencing the sunset. “So it makes sense to both leave space for that conversation, but also bring some exigency [to that conversation].”

The bill also requires new and expanding CAFOs to follow stricter rules around how they dispose of wastewater.

“It’s really designed from the lessons that we learned after the Lost Valley [Farms] experience in 2017-2018,” Dembrow told lawmakers during the Senate Rules Committee meeting.

Lost Valley Farms was a 30,000-cow dairy operation that opened in 2017. In just a year and a half, the operation faced nearly $200,000 in penalties from the Oregon Department of Agriculture for violations related to waste mismanagement.

“They started operating before they had secured adequate water rights. The infrastructure that they built

was inadequate to prevent contamination to the aquifer,” said Dembrow.

Under the new law, state regulators will no longer issue certain water quality permits to new CAFOs in groundwater management areas, nor will regulators issue permits to new CAFOs located within half a mile of fish-bearing streams. The bill’s trajectory through the state Legislature reflects steep opposition voiced from the agriculture sector.

SB 85 is the evolution of earlier legislative attempts to place a moratorium on new CAFOs in the state.

After three days of public hearings held on proposed moratoriums earlier in the legislative session, lawmakers worked with the agriculture sector on SB 85 as a compromise.

“I’ve had more meetings than I think I can count with key stakeholders and our regulatory agencies … and the governor’s office to decide what the most constructive path through

this challenge would be,” Golden told lawmakers in April. “We decided that a moratorium was not that path. This is a tough issue to solve now, and there’s no good reason to think it’d be much easier after a moratorium.”

Given current trends, those meetings and decisions are only going to get tougher. SB 85 could well represent just the first step in a complete reassessment of water allocation policies across the state and Columbia River Basin. https:// oregoncapitalchronicle. com/2023/07/25/historicchange-facing-droughtlegislators-impose-waterlimits-on-livestock.

Oregon Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Lynne Terry for questions: info@ oregoncapitalchronicle.com.

Columbia County Genealogical Conference returns

Media, Inc.

Registration is now open for the third biennial Columbia County Genealogical Conference in St. Helens.

This year’s theme is Rivers of Wonder. The free conference will take place

September 15-17, at the Columbia Center, 375 S. 18th Street, in St. Helens.

Agenda

The conference will explore the professions and professional relationships of your ancestors to help you find and better understand your family history. You will also use FamilySearch to build successful searches and add the results to existing records to create stronger profiles.

The conference is sponsored by the Friends of the St. Helens Public Library with technical assistance from the Columbia County

Museum Association. This is a free event. The conference is open to anyone interested in exploring family history, but registration is required. Participation is limited to 80 in-person attendees with a virtual attendance option. A lunch option is available for purchase. Register in-person at the St. Helens Public Library or online at www.sthelensoregon.gov/library/webform/ columbia-county-genealogyconference-rivers-wonderwelcome-and-registration.

Conference session topics

• Workin’ on the Railroad

• Researching a Family

Legend: The Intersection of Legal Research and Genealogy

• A Genealogical Adventure: Family Search and Ancestry

• Getting Started with Genealogy Problems.

Speakers include Dave Sprau, Lee Van Duzer, Laurel Smith, and Tricia Oberndorf.

Sprau is on the Board of Directors for the Pacific Northwest Railroad Archive and the Columbia County Museum Association. He contributes regularly to the Pacific Northwest Railroad Archive.

Van Duzer is the Washington County, Oregon Law

Librarian and an active member of the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL), the Western Pacific Chapter of AALL, and the Oregon Library Association.

Smith is past president of the Genealogical Forum of Oregon and currently heads the Genealogical Forum of Oregon’s Research Library. Oberndorf is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists and serves on the Board of Directors and as Library Director for the Columbia County Museum Association.

The Columbia County Genealogical Conference is hosted by the St. Helens

Public Library. Questions about the conference should be directed to St. Helens Reference Librarian Brenda HerrenKenaga at bherrenkenaga@ sthelensoregon.gov or 503-397-4544. Additional conference information can be found on the Library’s website at www.sthelensoregon.gov/library/webform/ columbia-county-genealogyconference-rivers-wonderwelcome-and-registration.

For more information, contact St. Helens Reference Librarian Brenda HerrenKenaga at bherrenkenaga@ sthelensoregon.gov or at 503-397-4544.

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STAFF REPORT Country