A1
Scappoose High grad Blake Sofich earns a rodeo scholarship to one of the top teams in the country, Page A13 Project2:Layout 1 2/21/12 3:24 PM Page 1
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
TODAY’S WEATHER Showers likely Highs to 69 Page A15 Lows to 55
The Chronicle
$1.00 Vol. 131, No. 26 16 Pages
www.thechronicleonline.com
Fourth of July festivities are back with a bang BY SHARI PHIEL The Chronicle
ST. HELENS — The skies were quiet over St. Helens last Fourth of July, leaving many frustrated and disappointed. For the first time in 60 years, there wasn’t a fireworks display to celebrate the nation’s birthday. Thankfully, that won’t be the case this year. Volunteers from the St. Helens Economic Development Corporation have been working diligently to ensure this year’s Independence Day celebration will be bigger and better than ever. With a theme of “A Time to Remember,” the festivities will include watching fireworks from Columbia View Park and the St. Helens City Docks, and there will be activities for the whole family scheduled throughout the day. Volunteers are still needed for different events all day long. Finding the money to pay for the annual fireworks display has always been a challenge. Along with having a 6-foot tall donations can at the 13 Nights on the River concert series, volunteers have been working to find donations elsewhere. “Businesses have been really fantastic in stepping up,” said SHEDCO board member Jeannine Duehren. This year’s theme will also play a role in the activities presented throughout the day. Organizers are hoping to capture some of the nostalgia from times gone by. “In the past they used to have the great events… they had all these funny, quirky events, people would bring their picnic baskets and everybody had a great time,” Duehren added. “Not only can we have a nice event and do fun things, we can make a difference.” Some of the events, like the pet parade and the Elks pancake breakfast, will see proceeds donated back to help the community, while others, like the ice cream eating competition, kids bike parade, classic car show or scavenger hunt, are all about having fun. This year’s Fourth of July celebration is sure to have something for everyone. Of course, donations are still needed and being accepted. Donations can be made at any Wauna Federal Credit Union care of the “Fireworks Fund.” For additional information, call event organizer Melissa Sarafin at 503-366-8232 or Melissas@ci.st-helens.or.us. Here’s a rundown of what to watch for:
INSIDE Classified Ads . . . . A9-10 Legal Notices . . . . A10-11 Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . A6 Opinions . . . . . . . . . . . . A5 Out & About . . . . . . . . A7 Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . A2 Sports . . . . . . . . . . A13-16 TV Guide . . . . . . . . . . . A8 Weather . . . . . . . . . . . A15
PANCAKE BREAKFAST St. Helens Elks Lodge #1999 will host a pancake breakfast in the plaza park bordering First Street in Olde Towne beginning at 8:30 a.m. Tickets are only $6 and all proceeds go to helping local veterans. Those registering for the Patriotic Pet Parade with the Columbia Humane Society will get breakfast free for them and their pooch! WAG ‘N’ WALK 2013 Columbia Humane Society will host its annual patriotic pet parade on July 4 starting at 8:30 a.m., starting at First Street by the plaza park in Olde Towne. Patriot pooches and their patrons will enjoy a scenic half-mile hike followed by pancakes for people and puppy pancakes for canine companions at the finish line. The entry fee is $25 in advance (register by June 28) or $30 on the morning of the event and includes entry for you and your pooch, a parade t-shirt, pancake breakfast for you and your decorated dog and the possible bragging rights of winning first prize of $100 for best dressed dog sporting a red, white and blue theme. Ribbons will be awarded for first through See JULY, Page A4
Courtesy photo
An Oregon City man has been charged with second-degree manslaughter after he allegedly caused a fatal accident on U.S. Highway 30 south of Scappoose.
Oregon City man charged in fatal accident BY SHARI PHIEL The Chronicle
Mark Alan Thomas, the 39-yearold Oregon City man accused of causing a crash on U.S. Highway 30 that killed Scappoose resident Wayne Harvey McCormick, appeared in court at the Portland Justice Center on June 24 for arraignment on charges related to the accident. Thomas has been charged with second-degree manslaughter and driving under the influence and is being held at the Multnomah County Jail on more than $250,000 bail. According to a probable cause affidavit filed in court, blood tests revealed that Thomas had used methamphetamines, marijuana and benzodiazepine before the accident. After leaving a Portland residence at around 9:30 a.m. on June 18, Thomas was reportedly driving his Mazda Tribute west on U.S. Highway 30 as he headed to Astoria to check
himself into rehab. Near milepost 16, about three miles south of Scappoose, Thomas’ car crossed the center paved median on the highway and struck the side of an eastbound Mark Thomas Buick Century driven by McCormick After impact, both vehicles came to rest several hundred feet apart and were partially blocking the highway. McCormick was pronounced dead at the scene. Thomas was taken to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center by LifeFlight helicopter with serious injuries. Although he was scheduled to appear in court on June 20, his appearance was rescheduled because of his injuries. While in the hospital, Thomas told
investigators he has used methamphetamines and had been drinking alcohol, along with taking several Xanax both the night before and in the morning hours just before the crash. The Multnomah County District Attorney’s office is convening a grand jury this week to seek an indictment in the case. Thomas is scheduled for a second court appearance on July 2. If convicted, Thomas would serve a minimum of 75 months under Oregon’s mandatory sentencing guidelines. The accident and subsequent closure of the highway caused significant traffic delays with much of the traffic from the highway being rerouted to Rocky Point Road and Skyline Boulevard. Highway 30 was reopened around 5:15 p.m. that evening. OSP was additionally assisted at the scene by the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Gresham Police Department, Troutdale Police Department and Scappoose Rural Fire District.
Get hooked New store offers various delights for craft conscious shoppers
SHARI PHIEL / The Chronicle
Melanie Gulbrandson, right, gets a helping hand from her daughter, Kristy Morley, with her new store in Olde Towne.
BY SHARI PHIEL The Chronicle
ST. HELENS — When Melanie Gulbrandson found herself without a job after working at Fred Meyers for more than 18 years – with 17 of those years in management – she turned to one of her lifelong passions to build a future. Gulbrandson recently opened Mo’s Art, Hook and Needle in Olde Towne. “I’ve been knitting for close to 30 years,” said Gulbrandson. “I just have a love for it and I’ve always wanted my own shop.” Mo’s carries a full line of yarn, from inexpensive acrylics at around $3 per skein to high quality wool and silk yarn in the $20 per skein range. There are also cotton, bamboo and sock yarns, lace yarns and feltable wool that is washable. Regardless of your interest or skill level, there’s something for every taste. “I brought in a line of acrylic – both from Cascade Yarn and Universal Yarn, who I get my yarn through – because I know the de-
mographics of the area,” she said. “People here watch their pennies. But it’s good quality. It’s reasonable but it’s good quality.” Along with yarns of every color and kind, there is also a wide array of accessories for the knitter, crocheter or other yarn centric craft. Along with point guards (for knitting needles, not basketball) and yarn winders, Mo’s also has a variety of knitting and crocheting needles, cases and bags, beads, and finished items like hats and scarves to purchase. Gulbrandson’s goal is to create a fun, relaxing and creative environment where patrons can come, sit and have a cup of coffee, maybe take a class, work on a project or just exchange ideas. “I want a friendly place. I want it to be a home away from home. If somebody is having a stressed out day and they want to come sit, I want them to come here,” she adds. Gulbrandson is bringing a little of her own home to the shop. Her daughter Kristy Morley will also be helping out in the shop on a regular basis. In fact, Kristy is hoping to turn one of the shop’s empty rooms
into a full-fledged coffee shop so patrons can sit outside during the summer months and watch the ships coming down the river. Along with selling knit and crochet-related goods, Gulbrandson is also working on a schedule of classes. Some will be for beginner level knitters, while others will be geared to more advanced crafters. ‘I’m going to have workshops, open workshops on the weekends. I may even have some evening ones,” she said. Her first class will be on creating the vest that is currently on display in the store entrance. “From years of experience and working with people, I’ve found that not all people learn the same. What I’m going to do in the beginning class is go over everything in the pattern, step by step,” she said. “After that, I will be able to work with them as I go.” Mo’s Art, Hook and Needle is at 161 St. Helens Street. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., everyday but Thursday when the store is open until 8:30 p.m. For more information or to sign up for a workshop, call 503-366-9276.