September 2023 Business Connection

Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce

kFind your "new" normal at Boot Camp

The leaves are changing color, and the mornings are a bit cooler and crisper, which can only mean one thing…. fall is upon us!

I love this time of year for many reasons, but this year I’m particularly excited for the KelsoLongview Chamber of Commerce Small Business Boot Camp Fall Series: Workplace Tips for Surviving the “New” Normal.

With all we have been through the past four years, we have had to adjust the way we do just about everything…work, play, prioritize, organize, visualize and survive. Often, we feel alone in our struggles to run our businesses and not let our businesses run us. I’m here to tell you, you are not alone, and support is on the way!

If you supervise, manage, oversee or mentor one individual or a team of 100 this series is for you. Workplace Tips for Surviving the “New” Normal will coach employers on ways to reach employees through recognition, motivation, career building opportunities and communication. The series will address today’s hard conversations around mental health and suicide prevention; two areas plaguing American workplaces in astounding numbers.

On the flip side, if you the employee, find yourself asking, “Why can’t I have life/work balance?” or feel your supervisor “just doesn’t get you” this series is also for you. With hands-on, interactive exercises, brainstorming and story sharing, you’ll get to see the other side and better understand why your employer responds the way they do.

Check out the flier with more information on page 3.

It’s a series that offers something valuable for everyone and I sincerely hope you will sign up for all six classes. I’d like to thank our talented and coveted line up of speakers: Gabi Friedel, David Vasquez, Teedara Wolf, Vashti Langford, and Mary Cranston, M.ED. We are extremely fortunate to have these resources in Cowlitz County and as members of the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce.

See you Sept. 8!

Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce

Karen Sisson Interim CEO

Steve Plampin, City of Longview Facebook page

New hire puts artistic passion to work at the Chamber and Visitor Center

The Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome Ella Tiefenthal as bookkeeper, office manager and social media coordinator.

“It’s quite a few hats to wear but I am confident about the responsibilities I have taken on,” Tiefenthal said.

In March, Tiefenthal began working as a Visitor Center liaison, and has recently used a passion for photography, art, and graphic design to create stickers for the Visitor Center and a downtown Longview travel brochure.

“I am glad that I have a space where I can flourish that aspect of myself and look forward to creating even more,” Tiefenthal said.

Tiefenthal spends free time, feeding birds and squirrels at Lake Sacajawea, forging for blackberries and mushrooms, hiking in state and national parks, and exploring astrophotography.

“I love games and puzzles which is why I am grateful that Longview has local stores such as Emerald Haven which is a wonderful third space that I enjoy hanging out at,” Tiefenthal said. “I am originally from Michigan but have lived in a multitude of different places such as New York, Connecticut, California and now Washington! My family and I are excited to call this place home and explore all that this state has to offer.”

BOOT CAMP 2023 Small Business

Fall Series starts

Friday, Sept. 8

Friday Mornings ★ 7:30 am - 9:00 am

American Workforce Group Event Center 1145 14th Ave., Longview

Workplace Tips for Surviving the “New” Normal.

Sept. 8 Building a Better Culture for your Business

Gabi Friedel, Regional Manager, Red Leaf Organic Coffee, LLC

Culture is no longer an HR thing, it’s a business thing and an everybody thing. Taking on this mindset requires us to shift how we approach relationships at work and to be more intentional about how we show up, train our teams and brand our companies.

Sept. 15 Hiring and Retaining the next Generation

David Vasquez, Owner, Baskin Robbins Ice Cream

Teedara Wolf, Training and Development Specialist, Cowlitz PUD

Today’s younger workforce is not afraid to embrace change, ask questions and change their career path. As leaders it is helpful to know what appeals to the new workforce entering our workplaces. Are you offering flexible schedules, work from home, career pathing, or other new trend benefits? For this generation it is not about the money!!

Sept. 22 Mental Health in the Workplace

Mary Cranston, M.ED

How do you spotlight the role of mental health in the workplace? As the nation grapples with stressors on all fronts. This workshop will equip you with strategies, tools and tips on how to support and encourage mental health for yourself as a leader and for your employees. We cannot underestimate the positive impact we can have when we align support for people’s psychological health and work health.

Sept. 29 A Simple Thank You goes a Long Way

Teedara Wolf, Training and Development Specialist, Cowlitz PUD

Every employee likes to be recognized in different ways. Maybe a thank you note, a simple gift, a gift card to their favorite coffee place, an all-employee email saying how awesome they are. In this course we will be networking, brainstorming and sharing ideas of the best ways we can recognize our employees at little to no cost.

Oct. 6 QPR Suicide Prevention

Vashti Langford, The Rising Phoenix Training Consultant Question, Persuade, Refer. What signs should employers be looking for, how to respectfully ask, and how to get them help. We invite employers to explore employee safety from a different perspective, a perspective known to be effective in error prevention and the successful avoidance of loss of life. While employee suicide is a severe, irreversible, extremely harmful outcome, it is also avoidable with the right resources.

Oct. 13 STOP! Don’t say what you’re thinking out loud!!

Teedara Wolf, Training and Development Specialist, Cowlitz PUD

Every manager has had one of those moments when you want to look at the employee and use a four-letter work or say, “what do you want now!” Maybe you’ve told an employee how to do something 20 times, or you are frustrated with attendance issues, or the employee makes a mistake. This session we will share stories of our frustrating moments and brainstorm ways of how we could have handled it better, instead of using the four-letter word that is in our head.

$100 Members ★ $160 Non-Members Includes up to 4 members of your organization.

Sponsored by:

Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

Marlene Johanson, President Heritage Bank

Marc Silva, President Elect Red Canoe Credit Union

Jason Gentemann, Vice President Foster Farms

Lisa Straughan, Past President Express Employment Professionals

Neil Zick, Treasurer Twin City Bank

Michael Claxton, Legal Counsel Walstead Mertsching

Rich Coleman Bicoastal Media

Diane Craft Koelsch Communities

Duane Dalgleish Cowlitz PUD

Rich Gushman Gibbs & Olson

Keenan Harvey City Council, Kelso

Sean Kiffe

NORPAC

Nick Lemiere Edward Jones

Cherelle Montanye St. John/PeaceHealth

John Paul KUKN-KLOG-101.5 The Blitz

Ted Sprague

Cowlitz Economic Development Council

Michael Vorse Minuteman Press

MaryAlice Wallis City of Longview Mayor

Dennis Weber

Cowlitz County Commissioner

Pam Whittle Realty One Group Pacifica

Longview Downtowners

Josh Carter President

Harvest Festival ready to roll; and let's talk parking

I’m ready, with a spring in my step to bounce onto my soapbox about downtown. We’ve had a ton of interesting things happening in downtown Longview.

We are currently trying to get our ducks in a row for the 2nd annual Harvest Festival, happening Oct. 14 in downtown Longview. We’re extending the beer garden hours, have TONS of great FREE activities for kids and of course, a live concert from KUKN radio with the Boomtown Saints (look them up, you’ll love them!).

The downtown parking conversation has grown into a different arena. Rick Williams Consulting did a very interesting and data-driven parking study on “downtown” Longview. I had the opportunity to meet and address Rick directly during the last City Council meeting. Rick presented his plans well, and as I mentioned during City Council, I think many of his recommended solutions were supported by data and showed his prowess in his field. However, it’s clear after reviewing the study, there are many nuances Rick’s data failed to account for. I invited, and at the time of writing this article, am still waiting to meet with Rick to provide more context about how his data links with downtown reality.

Just to give you a sneak peek at one of my observations, merely a repeat of what I said at council, it seemed as though the data overwhelmingly indicated there is NOT an issue with available spaces in downtown Longview overall even during peak hours. It seemed obvious to me if there truly was no problem with parking this issue wouldn’t have plagued meeting agendas for the last decade.

The data suggests instead there is a tiny baby problem in certain concentrated areas. The study however, as Ruth Kendall the liaison to the Downtowners pointed out, includes tons of area and parking spaces that aren’t inside the core downtown and therefore aren’t leveraged by retail style business. Spots in the circle were included as actionable parking for our retail shopping areas on Commerce, which of course as locals we know flat out isn’t going to happen. Even Squirrel Fest, happened a few weeks ago only blocks away, was not reported to have a large effect on downtown shopping.

If you know me, a salesman to the core, you know this article wouldn’t be complete without a few fancy calls to action Unfortunately, due to the price of gold, fancy is out, so here’s some 12-point font instead.

• Please visit our website if you want to Sponsor Harvest Fest, www.downtownlongview.com/harvest

• Support at least three downtown businesses immediately upon completion of this article. We’d love you for it and I guarantee there’s something amazing waiting for you.

• Please attend our Downtowner’s meetings, third Thursday, 3 p.m. at Mill City Grill.

Arne Mortensen County Commissioner, District 1

A tale of two decisions

MHT

One pressing decision facing the Cowlitz County Board of Commissioners (BoCC) is the current fate of the behavioral health tax, often called the Mental Health Tax (MHT). MHT is a county-wide sales tax the BoCC can impose at its own initiative via a resolution. Of course, it requires at least two of the three County Commissioners to vote to impose the tax.

The particulars of that tax are simple: The rate is .1 percent of all tax eligible sales in the county, and the revenue can be spent only on ways to combat drug abuse and mental health issues. In typical political fashion, there is plenty of room to argue “my” proposal conforms with those guidelines. For example, a few years ago we funded from this money a full-body scanner for the jail, arguing this would limit the contraband drugs entering the jail and hence combating drug abuse. I think I reluctantly voted for this, but I doubt today I would do so. Why, is for another discussion.

The BoCC imposed that tax in 2012, and wisely put an expiration clause of five years on the tax. The BoCC renewed that tax in 2017, but this time with a four-year sunset clause. Subsequently, a serious discussion on the tax was postponed until 2023, at which time the tax was extended another three years. That tax, absent action by the BoCC, will expire in March 2024.

The time for a serious discussion is now, and the BoCC has been hosting many meetings for departments who use the MHT to present how the money is used. These meetings, like all BoCC meetings, have been recorded and are available to the public, with links found on the County website.

Currently that fund has about $6 million. The MHT has had an annual income of about $2.2 million since the COVID shutdown. The sales tax revenue has been strong for a while; I suspect that much of that spending has been fueled by the massive injection of money by the federal government and the consequent inflation. It is dangerous to assume a sales tax revenue stream is stable.

The BoCC can choose to continue the tax, with or without a sunset clause, or it can let the tax lapse. If the tax lapses, it can be reinstated in the future. A suggestion of eliminating the sunset clause was made; I am completely against a tax without a sunset clause. In fact, I think all laws should have a sunset clause (of no more than 10 years) on them. Why, is for another discussion.

Drug Court

Recently I made a public statement that I am inclined to eliminate Drug Court and to keep mental health court. Often, I announce my thinking on controversial issues well in advance of the time when action must be taken. This gives everyone a chance to think about the issue and focus their attention on arguments to the contrary. This hopefully leads to a better solution.

The public should be aware we are talking about two independent decisions: One is to reimpose the MHT; the other is to continue support for Drug Court. These are interrelated only at the budgetary level. The MHT brings in money that otherwise would have to come (likely) from the general fund unless program expenditures are curtailed.

The Arguments for the Drug Court

• It appears to be the most successful program of forcing people to rehabilitate. Data remains hard to come by though. But the fact participants must follow rules is a much better solution than other laxer models. We know the programs that do not require the participant to contribute or abide by rules do not work.

• Victim restitution is part of the program.

The Arguments Against Drug Court

• What would you say if you and I committed the same crime, but for that crime you go to jail and get a felony on your record, while I go to Drug Court and get my felony expunged? Is this not a violation of the 14th Amendment?

• Judges are supposed to apply the law; their charter is not welfare administration or welfare activism. Their considerations should be for compliance with Constitutional laws and not trying to save money, such as considering the cost of jail.

• Although Drug Court has been around since 2012, the data showing, say, five-year recidivism, and the like virtually are non-existent. Since the inception of Drug Court, the drug situation has not shown any improvement. It only has gotten worse, so why is the public forced to pay for this? A key is the public often accepts intent as reason enough to fund a program; to evaluate a program the public should ignore rhetoric and examine performance versus promises

• Indeed, some who have gone though Drug Court have been “saved,” but the cost on the public never is considered. And there is no scientific analysis, as with a control group. The intangible cost of a program that forgives criminality leads to a growth in criminality. Anyone who goes shopping today sees the effect of not prosecuting shoplifting. “Why should I (a morally weak citizen) worry about stealing and mugging to feed my drug habit? Chances are I won’t get caught; chances are I won’t get prosecuted; and if caught, chances are I can go to Drug Court, and all will be forgotten.” Does this sound like a logical system?

• The argument that the Drug Court is cost effective is riddled with poor assumptions. Often, the argument

For more Commissioners, see page 7

Cowlitz County Commissioners

amounts to extortion: “either you take care of me and support me, or I will commit crimes.” In addition to the cost of Drug Court, there are costs of treatment, these also being borne by the taxpayer.

• We have been fighting the war on drugs for more than 50 years, and the situation is worse than ever. We have destroyed the U.S. Constitution; we have destroyed Mexico; we have destroyed Columbia; and so on. What we are doing does not work, and Drug Court is part of this ineffective system.

Why I “favored” Drug Court in the Beginning

• I needed time to learn about the issue, about the unquestioned underlying assumptions, and about the largely unquestioned performance.

• Drug laws are ridiculous. Prohibition of alcohol did not work; why should drug prohibition work? Possession treated as criminal behavior is inhumane. The drugs laws have no Constitutional foundation. So maybe the Drug Court was just an attempt to make things more rational and more humane.

• I sat in Drug Court, and I was swayed by the realization those before the judge looked at the judge as the father they did not have. That cemented just how much we had destroyed the family with our laws.

Why I Changed My Mind

The recent Blake decision came about within the past two years or so. While the decision was based on ridiculous logic, it did take away the issue of being jailed for simple possession.

• During COVID, the public suffered from mandates and general destruction of the economy. The Drug Court, coupled with the first Blake decision, cost the taxpayer the same as before, but for far fewer participants. Why should the public suffer while the government employees take care of themselves? This is quite telling, and it is not a good tell.

During that time, the Drug Court essentially was gone, but there were no reductions of cost. And the public did not notice Drug Court activity was greatly diminished. So, why is the public paying for a system that is not missed?

• The second Blake decision (Blake revision) makes simple possession a misdemeanor, consequently, only victim crimes related to drugs qualify for Drug Court.

♦ District court handles misdemeanors. As we might expect, our local court group is trying to figure out how to add a Drug Court to district court. Does the public want to support yet another such organization?

♦ Drug Court enrollment is on the rise, now reaching near pre-COVID levels; however, the crimes eligible for drug court are felonies with a direct victim. Let’s look at this carefully:

• Free help for drug addicts abounds. So, there is no reason why a person must attack people or properties to support their drug habit. That they chose to damage others is quite telling. Why should we be

patient with that behavior.

• Because Drug Court eliminates the consequence of this crime against people and property, the deterrent factor of punishment is negated. This has the effect of “inviting” more crime. We have noted before that lax prosecution of crimes leads to more crime, and the public sees this every day.

Because people see government money as free money, they will advocate (if not insist) on programs for which they would not reach into their own pockets. This is hypocrisy.

“The American Republic will endure until the day Congress discovers that it can bribe the public with the public’s money.”

– Alexis de Tocqueville

To learn about the different options for your retirement accounts, call my office today.

American Legion Post 25

Did you know that the American Legion provides a Patriot Guard?

The Patriot Guard mission is to stand guard at funerals of veterans, American’s Fallen Heroes. We also offer this support to law enforcement and firefighters. We shield them from protesters, showing our deepest respect and honoring the Fallen Heroes, their families and their communities. We are invited guests of the family. For more information about The Patriot Guard go to kelsopost25.org/patriot-guard

Other services we offer:

★ Full Military Honor Funerals

★ Café 25 Visit with fellow veterans for good conversation and camaraderie. Held every first and third Tuesday, 9:00 am - 11:00 am.

★ Food Box Giveaway Available to individuals and families in need.

★ Flag Ceremony Raising and folding of the flag and lead the Pledge of Allegiance at community events.

To learn more, contact the American Legion Guy Rathburn Post 25 via email at TAL-Kelso@kelsopost25.org or visit kelsopost25.org

301 Allen St. Kelso, Washington 98626

“The American Legion: Veterans Strengthening America.”

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Scan the QR code or visit HeritageBankNW.com to learn more and connect with a banker near you.

Your Chamber Connection Radio Show, Wednesdays, Sept. 6, 13, 20 and 27, 6pm KEDO 1270 AM or 99.9 FM

LOOKING AHEAD

For a complete list of Chamber and Community events, check out our website.

Shout Outs!

Express Employment Professionals of Longview has earned the 2023 Best of Staffing award for providing remarkable service to their clients. Express Employment Professionals has 77 verified ratings from their clients earning them 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Beginning Sept. 6, Discovery Children’s Museum has new fall hours: 11am-6pm Wednesdays, 3-6pm Fridays, 10am-2pm Saturdays and 1-4pm Sundays.

Coming Up

Castle Rock Tour of Blooms, 10am-3pm, Sept. 7-9, 103 Front Ave. NW.

Kelso Highlander Festival, Sept. 9-10, Tam O’Shanter Park https://www.facebook.com/highlanderfestival

Longview Centennial Gala 5:30-11pm, Sept. 8 at Grant’s at the Monticello Hotel. Lighted drone show, dessert, dancing. www.longview100.org

Lonnie Knowles Memorial Open, Noon, Sept. 14, Three Rivers Golf Course

Longview Early Edition Rotary Harvest Classic 5K-10K Walk/Run, Oct. 7 www.rotaryharvestclassic.org

Crafted 2023, 11am-7pm, Oct. 7, Longview Civic Circle

Cowlitz Pow Wow, Oct. 21, Cowlitz County Event Center

Dylan Olbrich, Junior Commercial Loan

Host Shawn Green, ServPro, and Marc Silva, Red Canoe branch manager, talk about Crafted 2023

Diane Craft, Koelsch Communities, supported Cruizin to the Delaware

Teedara Wolf, Cowlitz PUD training and development specialist, will present at Fall Boot Camp: Workplace Tips for Surviving the “New” Normal

Mike Karnofski, mayor, City of Kelso, updated listeners on city projects

Sarah Hoskins and Betsy Wyatt, Re/Max Premier Group, speaking all things Squirrel Fest

Sabrina Kochprapha, executive director United Way of Cowlitz and Wahkiakum Counties

Brooke Fisher-Clark, UWPNW executive director, Washington Imagination Library

Kerri Guitteau, operations and sales coordinator, and Gavin Manheimer, operations/sales associate, discuss the Cowlitz Black Bears playoff picture

Bill Fashing Executive Director

Comprehensive economic strategy complete

The Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments (CWCOG) is working on a wide-range of activities within the region. In the coming months we will be exploring issues from childcare to “internet for all” opportunities. We have just finalized the 2023-28 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) and will be finalizing the Moving Forward 2050 Plan (the required long range transportation plan for the Longview metro area and the five counties of southwest Washington) in the coming months. More information follows on the CEDS and business loan opportunities.

Economic Development

The CWCOG Board of Directors approved the 2023-2028 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for the twocounty region at its meeting in late August. The CEDS document is a strategy-driven plan for regional economic development. The CEDS is the result of a regionally owned planning process designed to build capacity and guide the economic prosperity and resiliency of an area or region. It is a key component in establishing and maintaining a robust economic ecosystem by helping to build regional capacity (through hard and soft infrastructure) that contributes to individual, firm, and community success.

The CEDS includes four major strategy areas: Infrastructure, Workforce Development, Business Development and Entrepreneurship and Community Development Recreation and Tourism. Moving forward there will be opportunities to get involved and impact change in each of these strategy areas. You can sign up to be contacted about your involvement at this link – https://www.cwcog.org/comment-form/. When completing the form select the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy tab under “Topic” and then add any additional thoughts you have in the comments section.

Revolving Loan Fund – Alternative Lender

The Longview Revolving Loan Fund has funds to lend! Serious borrowers facing lending challenges should apply. Funds can be used to save or create new jobs, spur development, and strengthen the economy. If your business is in Longview, needs additional funding and/or has been turned down by a traditional lender, please contact me at the Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments via email, bfashing@cwcog.org or phone at 360-355-0344.

The Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments (CWCOG), in partnership with the City of Longview, has funds available through the longstanding Longview Revolving Loan Fund. Loans are for new and existing firms desiring to initiate or expand operations in the community. Since the program’s inception, over $2.2 million has worked to create and retain over 630 jobs in the community. A complete application and supporting materials are needed for consideration.

The Longview Revolving Loan Fund application and program guidelines are available online at www.cwcog.org or by request at: CWCOG, PO Box 128, Kelso, WA 98626. Questions may be directed to me at 360-577-3041 or via email to bfashing@cwcog. org.

The CWCOG is a governmental planning and services agency composed of local governments in southwest Washington state. The CWCOG Board of Directors consists of representatives from Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties, but it serves throughout the five-county region (Cowlitz, Wahkiakum, Pacific, Lewis, Grays Harbor counties), including the City of Rainier, Ore. It provides a forum for members to work together on issues crossing jurisdictional lines and creating cooperative solutions. In addition, the agency provides planning, technical assistance, and grant recommendations in the areas of transportation and economic development, contracts to provide long-range community development planning, and coordinates insurance pooling to select members.

Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments

pictured left

right:

New Members

Add your business to our growing membership. Call 360-423-8400 Today!

Membership packages to fit your needs Business Association with opportunities to promote trade through Chamber socials, special events and committee participation.

• Annual Meeting and Banquet

• Networking Events

• Committee Participation

• Business Contacts

• Quarterly Membership Meetings

• Civic Representation

• Monthly Business After Hours

Business Services include marketing for your business, referrals and access to Chamber publications and research data.

• Mailing Labels

• Membership Window Decals

• Member Referrals

• Ribbon Cutting

• Website Links

• Member to Member Discounts

• Membership Directory

• Tax Deduction

• Newsletter

• Business Card Display

• Use of Chamber Logo

Representation through action committees, candidate forums and up-to-date action alerts.

• Legislative Representation

• Issues Tracking and Information

• Task Forces

• Candidate Forums

• Legislative Update Breakfast

• Demographics Publication

Membership Packages

Basic • $275 or $26 per month

Bronze

Silver

Gold

Look Who Joined in August

V.I.P. Mortgage

209 W Main Street, Ste. 103

Kelso, WA 98626

360-577-6000

M.R. Cleans

Monty Morgan and Ryan Diggs

Longview, WA 98632

360-430-4185, 360-560-8196

M.R.Cleanswashing@gmail.com

Kelso Senior Center Association

Richard Sims

106 NW 8th Avenue

Kelso, WA 98626

360-232-8522

seniors98626@gmail.com

M.R. Cleans

Monty Morgan & Ryan Diggs

$500 or $46.66 per month

$1,000 or $86.33 per month

$2,500 or $211.33 per month

Platinum

$5,000 or $416.66 per month

Diamond Club

$10,000 or $834 per month

Nonprofit • $180 or $18 per month

Washington State Crime Prevention Association to host conference

Written By Washington Retail Communications | Inside Washington Retail

The Washington State Crime Prevention Association (WSCPA) is gearing up for its 45th Annual Crime Prevention Conference Sept. 19-20 in Olympia. This event, co-sponsored by the Washington Retail Association (WR), promises to be a significant gathering of law enforcement professionals, community leaders, and experts in the field of crime prevention.

Olympia Police Department Deputy Chief Shelby Parker will inaugurate the conference.

A highlight of the event will be the keynote address by Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison, a prominent figure in the realm of public safety and retail crime with significant law enforcement and community partnerships. Also, Mark Johnson, WR senior vice president of Policy and Government Affairs, will join in on a business crime prevention panel to discuss best practices and trends.

Participants can look forward to diverse workshops, including Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement (ABLE), cryptocurrency scams, first responder wellness, violence prevention, and Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED).

Several notable speakers from local law enforcement agencies, the Department of Homeland Security, and FBI will share their expertise.

For those interested in attending or learning more about the conference, additional details are on the WSCPA website.

Believe in the ability to change our community! Volunteer!

Be the change you seek in the community. Devote some time volunteering on one of Longview’s many boards or commissions. Longview’s boards and commissions enable people to contribute to the city for the enrichment of the community as a whole. At the end of this year, several terms on boards and commissions will end and may need to be filled. In addition, other vacancies can occur during the year.

Visit the boards and commissions webpage under the Your Government tab at www.mylongview.com to view current and upcoming vacancies, apply, and learn about specific boards. If you’ve previously applied, log in to view or update your current application. If you’ve never applied, create an account and choose the boards you are eligible for. You may apply even if there are not vacancies for a board you are interested in; your application will be kept in the event there is a resignation during the year.

Applications for upcoming vacancies will be accepted through Oct. 31 but may also be submitted year-round and will be kept on file.

Longview Public Schools

Dan Zorn Superintendent

Autumn marks student return to classrooms

The 2023-24 school year has begun and we are excited for a wonderful year of learning, challenge and exploration. We are anxious to begin the new school year and get back to work serving the children of our school district.

Our student growth data is consistently improving across the district, dual credit opportunities for our high school students are expanding, and we are beginning our second year using our new elementary reading materials that are aligned with the Science of Reading. As measured by our annual Seeds of Hope survey, staff, student and parent perceptions of our schools and the services we provide remain strong. Thanks to each of you for the support you provide our schools and students.

It will be great to have Memorial Stadium’s new field and track available this year for soccer, football and track competitions. I hope you are able to come out and support our student athletes as they compete on this beautiful new playing surface. Our facilities and custodial crew have been hard at work preparing our schools for the beginning of school and many projects have been undertaken to extend the life and improve the environment of our schools. This work has included HVAC upgrades, roof replacements, and other work to extend the life and improve the physical environment of our schools. This work is made possible due to our community’s generous support of our Capital Projects and Technology Levy.

Your continued support of our schools has allowed us to continue our focus on improving the safety and security of our school campuses. We have invested in security fencing around schools, access control systems, secure vestibules at front entrances, and the installation of extensive video surveillance systems throughout all buildings. Along with these improvements, we have also increased emergency preparedness training for staff and students.

I also want to draw your attention to our Replacement Education Programs and Operation Levy which will replace the existing levy expiring at the end of 2024. This levy renewal will be before voters in February and supports many services we provide as it represents approximately 15 percent of our district’s annual budget. Throughout the year, our community will receive updates that provide information regarding the levy and the manner in which it helps us to meet the needs of the students we serve.

And finally, we are adding two classrooms to our Kinder Bridge program that prepares 4-year-old students for kindergarten. This will give us six Kinder Bridge classrooms in which our youngest learners can build their language, literacy, social, and physical skills. Research proves early learning is critical to student success, so we have expanded our early learning program for families who cannot access other prekindergarten programs in the community.

We strive to be responsive to our community, work responsibly to be good stewards of tax payer dollars, and align our services with the needs of our students and families. We are grateful for the support of the Kelso/ Longview Chamber of Commerce as we work together to continue making Longview Public Schools a great place for our kids to learn and grow.

The

Kelso

Longview Chamber of

Commerce

would like to THANK the following loyal members for renewing their partnership with us this month.

American Medical Response

Bob Beal Insurance Agency Inc –State Farm

CalPortland

Eldon Robbins Auto Sales, Inc

Kelso-Longview Television, Inc (KLTV)

Longview Radiologists, PS, Inc

Sessions Plumbing and Heating, Inc Suburban Propane Summerland Enterprises Inc

Three Rivers Christian School

City of Longview

MaryAlice Wallis Mayor

Closing out summer as fall begins to arrive

When in the middle of a heat wave, it is hard to remember months past when water flowed freely down city streets and soggy leaves clogged up gutters from heavy winter rains. But, what a sunshiny fun-filled summer it has been!

If every day could be filled with lazy evening concerts and movies at the lake, Squirrel fests and Go Fourth festivals, fairs and ice cream cones, how blissful it would be! But alas, we must have the occasional sewer line break, random large oak tree falling, endless potholes (likely created by heavy rainfall from winter), sidewalk cracks (likely from one of our 14,000 trees), and construction projects galore. Life is filled with plenty of challenges and yet, considerable amounts of enjoyment.

So many occasions I am reminded of my faithful Grams and the lessons I observed of her patience, kindness, goodness and love. She went about doing good without praise or accolades. Her focus for her entire life was to DO GOOD no matter what. How many times I would hear the gentle creak of her rocking chair in the floor above my room rocking in the wee hours of the morning. I knew she would be reading her daily devotions. Precious time spent on behalf of others, and it was a normal but necessary part of her daily routine.

This makes me think of the good brought about by the citywide church Centennial devotional celebrating 100 years of church worship and faith in Longview, held at Civic Circle a few weeks ago. Twelve congregations, hundreds of parishioners, and dozens of pastors, singing and praying on behalf of our city. The pastors prayed for me as the city’s leader as well and I was so humbled to be there. City projects begun or completed this summer include:

• Groundbreaking for Divert, Inc at the Mint Farm and the ribbon cutting of the 911 Center.

• Chipseal and street repairs throughout the city, sidewalk repairs, stormwater system cleaning in West Longview and screens added at the south end of the lake, a sinkhole repair and driveway approach added.

• Farewells to City Attorney Jim McNamara and Mint Valley golf maintenance employee Scott Knapp. The city family will soon see new faces including a city attorney and prosecutor, lateral police officer, golf maintenance specialist, public disclosure analyst, recreation leader and recreation site leader.

• Approved a sidewalk business license for outdoor seating as well as one mobile vendor license, permits were issued for two manufactured home placements, one new single-family home, three commercial tenant improvements, 197 building

For more Longview, see page 19

City of Kelso

Mike Karnofski Mayor

Community center, library ready to launch

After four years of discussions and planning, the Kelso City Council authorized the city manager to proceed with the funding of the community center including space for the library.

The discussions for the community center began in 2019 when the Washington State Department of Commerce approved a grant for $250,000 for the City to begin planning for a community center/ library for the City owned property at the corner of Catlin Street, West Main Street and 3rd Avenue.

The planning was delayed due to COVID and was finally completed and presented to the City Council earlier this year. The Council had concerns with the original proposal including parking, location, and activities to be included. There were also significant concerns from community members, including members of the Sons of Norway and the Kelso Senior Center Association. After significant discussion between City staff, councilors and community members, a final plan was presented to the Council in August.

The plan includes two buildings one for the library of about 6,000 square feet and one for the community center of about 3,000 square feet including a commercial type of kitchen. The second floor of each building will be for affordable housing. There will be a total of 41 single bedroom units.

The City will partner with Lower Columbia CAP and Housing Opportunities of SW Washington both of whom will have offices to provide services for the residents.

The parking problem was partially solved by adding additional spaces for a total of 65 spaces. Neither the Sons of Norway building, nor the Kelso Senior Center will be relocated due to this project.

The location was fixed because the City owned the property, so the cost was less as the property is part of the City’s contribution. The Council also approved the city manager to spend up to $1.6 million in available City funds to meet the total project costs of around $18.5 million. The City will be looking at reducing their contribution by looking for other grants including solar panels, electrical vehicle outlets, and other potentially available sources of funding. The Council believes the Center will continue the revitalization of West Kelso.

applications, 12 new home occupation business licenses and two new business licenses.

• Revisions were submitted for a Shelly Place Townhome subdivision; subdivision application for 20 single family homes at 33rd Avenue; improvements to the Bed, Bath and Beyond to add a Marshalls; permit to move Juniors Tacos to the vacant building adjacent to its current building; application for a NAPA Auto Parts warehouse/storage; improvement to the former Pizza Hut building; a remodel at the RA Long school kitchen; proposed construction of Clary Ford shop and parking lot expansion; applications were submitted for Sunrise Village on Pennsylvania Street; pre-app meeting for expansion of Matt’s Meats; and permits and demolition of the former water treatment plant on Fisher’s Lane.

• Mint Valley Golf course continues breaking records for play, use, and revenue.

• Newly resurfaced and named Clary Courts pickleball courts at John Null Park.

• The library printed Historic City Passports as part of the Summer Reading Program, with over 1,000 children registered.

• Buildings throughout the city will be receiving new HVAC systems as part of a recent Ameresco Comprehensive energy saving study throughout the city facilities.

There is no way possible to include everything that is happening throughout the city. It is astounding to see and hear of the magnitude of production and the level of excellence delivered daily from our city staff. I commend and honor each employee for their high integrity given the level and capacity of their workload.

Wherever you are, whatever your experiences have been this year, know you are loved, cared for and heard. The City of Longview, under the outstanding leadership of City Manager Kris Swanson and Assistant City Manager Ann Rivers, incredible city staff and exceptional councilmembers Strobel, Kendall, Wean, Ortiz, Boudreau and Mayor Pro-Tem Wallin are a dynamic team working diligently to serve our community, for the betterment of the city.

Business After Hours

Hosted By Cowlitz

Indian Tribe

What a great Business After

Hours we had in August with the Cowlitz Indian Tribe. We enjoyed Native Cuisine, fry bread, smudging, drumming and songs, networking and friendship, plus we learned so much about the programs they offer and have started through the years. You can learn more too at www.cowlitz.org

Ribbon Cuttings

Welcome New Members

Thank you to these Ambassadors who participated in ribbon cutting celebrations during August!

Lisa Allen

American Legion Kelso

Peter Clarke ANC Movers

Diane Craft Koelsch Communities

James Hoyt Heritage Bank

Elisha Jolma Sho'me Real Estate

Joy Klein Umpqua Bank

Eric McCrandall Family Health Center

Carrie Medack

Diamond Residential Mortgage

Pam Whittle Realty One Group Pacifica

Betsy Wyatt

Re/Max Premier Group

Cowlitz 911

Tyree Oil

Guy Rathbun Post 25 The American Legion

Ted Sprague President, Cowlitz Economic Development Council

Dan Stahl Chief Executive Officer, Port of Longview

Mark Wilson Executive Director, Port of Kalama

Jennifer Wray-Keene Executive Director, Port of Woodland