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About a mile from the Alston Country Store in

Rainier, there’s a 4-foot tall box with a door and latch painted with words daring those passing by to “unlock your mystery.”

The box indeed contains mys-teries— anything from books to hats to toys or food. It’s a com-munity exchange box, and the contents are always changing.

The box is the creation of Mea-gan Dixon and her family. Using recycled building materials provid-ed by her husband, and manpower provided by her children, Dixon created a community exchange box for passersby to connect with one another and get something they just might need.

Dixon, her husband and their four children, ranging from ages 4 to 12, each played a role in creat-ing the box. She said the kids were eager to help build the box, know-ing it would serve a good purpose.

“They get excited checking on a book or a toy and seeing if any-one’s used it,” Dixon said. “That’s always fun for them.”

She said she was first inspired by seeing the library boxes found

in neighborhoods across the coun-ty and thought it would be a good way to connect with the communi-ty. When she came across another community exchange box in town she decided to build one too.

“I thought, ‘You know? This is the time,” Dixon said. “Especially with everything going on, there’s not a lot to do, theres always peo-ple that have needs. We thought it would be a good opportunity to give back as we can, and make sure that it’s free.”

She tries to make sure there’s always some sort of nonperishable food item in the box for people who might need a meal.

“Sometimes people won’t ask for help also,” Dixon said. “You don’t know, so I figure if we have something out there and they need it and don’t want to ask they can see if there’s something they need in there.”

At first it was solely up to Dixon and her family to continue to replenish the supply within the box, but as it has been up longer people have started to add their own items to the box, she said.

“For the first couple weeks it was definitely just us, then I start-ed noticing different things,” she said. For example, someone left a hat with a note attached. Others have left shirts or other items. Her children will leave books and toys in the box for other kids to enjoy.

Dixon said she hopes that the exchange boxes catch on like the tiny libraries did when they were introduced, to give people a way to connect with one another during a time when traditional forms of

Exchange box connects community

Courtesy photo from Meagan DixonThis community exchange box was created by Meagan Dixon and her family. It’s located about a mile down Alston Mayger Road from the Alston Country Store.

See BOX Page A6

MONIQUE MERRILLchronicle2@countrymedia.net

I think at this time we all need to come together as best we can as a community and help each other in any way we can~ Meagan Dixon, Exchange Box Creator

It will be at least another two weeks before restrictions on restau-rants, certain businesses and gather-ings are eased in Columbia County.

The county did not meet the metrics needed to be classified down to “high risk” from “extreme risk” in the state’s risk assessment framework, delaying the opening of in-house din-ing and other indoor activities.

There will be modifications to the guidance for indoor activities in “extreme risk” counties, however. The changes will allow for a maximum of six people indoors at facilities over 500 square feet (for all indoor activi-ties except dining) with associated guidance for ongoing social distanc-ing, cleaning protocols and face coverings.

For facilities smaller than 500 square feet, the modified guidance will allow for 1:1 customer experienc-es, such as personal training. The up-dated guidance for indoor recreation is posted at coronavirus.oregon.gov and was not available at press time.

The framework accesses each county’s risk of spreading COVID-19 and each risk level has associated re-strictions in place. Columbia County has been classified as at an extreme risk since the framework was put in place in December.

In order to transition to “high risk,” there must be fewer than 200 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people reported over a two-week period. From Jan. 10-23, there were 115 new cases reported in the county, which translates to 218 cases per 100,000 people since the county population is roughly 52,000.

The county’s rate of new cases per 100,000 people has been slowly falling. When the last risk level was assigned, the county had 286.3 cases per 100,000 people in a two-week period.

The test positivity rate must

be between 8-10% to transition to “high risk” as well— a metric that the county has mostly met since the framework was put in place. The county’s test positivity rate for the most recent two-week period was 6.7%, well beneath the rate needed to transition.

The next assignment of risk levels will take effect Feb. 12.

Falling numbers

Despite falling COVID-19 num-bers, the county was unable to meet the threshold required to transition to “high risk.”

On Jan. 25, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reported the lowest statewide single-day case count since late October with 435 cases and two deaths. In Columbia County, only one new case was reported that day. The county reported no new daily cases twice in the last week, but had one day with 15 new cases.

Compared to other counties in the state, Columbia is faring well overall. The total number of COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people places Columbia County as the ninth lowest in the state. However, it is the number of new cases reported over a 14 day period that impacts restrictions.

As of Jan. 26, there were 2,051.3 cases per 100,000 people total re-ported in the county. Comparatively, larger neighboring counties like Mult-nomah and Washington both have case counts above 3,000 per 100,000 people.

Clatsop County has a lower rate at 1,825.5 cases per 100,000 people and Tillamook has the third lowest rate in the state at 1,407.7 cases per 100,000 people. These figures take into account the total number of cases reported since the onset of the pandemic.

Vaccines

Staff of local schools became eligible to receive vaccines Jan. 25 as part of Brown’s ongoing push to reopen schools. At the county level, the public health department is work-ing with people in Phase 1-A of the state’s tiered eligibility assessments and school staff to connect people with vaccines.

Joseph Hattrick, superintendent of Rainier School District, said staff interested in being vaccinated to received vaccine on Jan. 25. There are still 27 employees waiting to be vac-cinated, he said, and there may be vac-cine clinics available to district staff in

the coming weeks.Michael Paul, director of county

public health, said any remaining people in the Phase 1-A group who have not been vaccinated yet should contact the department to be con-nected with a provider.

“We’re working very hard on bringing more appointments to all of those groups,” Paul said at the Jan. 27 county commissioner meeting.

The demand for vaccine out-weighs the supply, however. He said there are some remaining doses at local providers, but more is needed.

“It won’t be enough, so we ask for people to continue to be patient,” Paul said. “We don’t have enough doses to hit everyone in those groups who is eligible.”

He said the department has put in a request with the state to receive more doses.

“As long as supply is an issue, eligibility will be an issue,” he said. The state informs the department how many doses will be shipped to the county providers each week, and Paul said there is an effort to ask the state to give three weeks notice so local public health departments can plan better.

Testing

Oregon Health and Science Uni-versity (OHSU) has teamed up with the county public health department and St. Helens School District to pro-vide weekly surge testing events in the county via OHSU mobile testing vans. The testing events began last Wednes-day, and will continue to be held on Wednesdays for the indefinite future.

Testing is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays at St. Helens High School. It is a drive-thru event much like the testing events that were held by the county in December at the same time and location. It is open to all who meet the testing requirements and no one will be turned away due to lack of insurance. Register to be tested at ohsu.edu/covidvans.

County still at an “extreme risk”

STAFF REPORTchiefnews@countrymedia.net

Fast Facts • “Extreme risk” still prevents indoor dining• Six people allowed for indoor activities in buildings over 500 sq. ft.• Gyms in buildings under 500 sq. ft. may offer one-on-one personal training• Local teachers receiving vaccines

Fast Facts Columbia County• 1,090 total cases• 18 total pandemic-related deathsStatewide• 140,063 cases• 1,924 total pandemic-related deathsInformation accurate as of Jan. 27

Naomi Fisher is embracing the challenges and the rewards of her new job as Clatskanie Library Direc-tor.

Fisher comes to Clatskanie with a depth of experience and enthusi-asm after serving as the Goldendale, Washington librarian for 20 years.

“It isn’t my job to come in and make immediate changes,” she said. “It is my job to find out what the community wants the library to be. In order to do that, I want to talk to the community about their values and what they want.

A city library is more than just a place of books, Fisher said, it can

New library director looks to the future

Courtesy photo Naomi Fisher is the new executive director at the Clatskanie Library.

See LIBRARY Page A6

JEREMY C. RUARKjruark@countrymedia.net

Some indoor activities can resume

Phone: 503-397-0116Fax: 503-397-4093chiefnews@countrymedia.net

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Contact your Veteran Service Officer • 503-366-6580You may be entitled to benefits for serving your country.Are you a veteran?Call CAT at (503)397-3511 to find out if you qualify. Rental and energy

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Dogs synchronize their behavior with the children in their family, but not as much as they do with adults, Oregon State Univer-sity (OSU) researchers have found.

The new findings are important because there is a growing body of evidence that dogs can help children in many ways, including with social development, increas-ing physical activity, manag-ing anxiety or as a source of attachment in the face of changing family structures, the researchers said. Yet, very little research has focused on how dogs perceive and so-cially engage with children.

“The great news is that this study suggests dogs are paying a lot of attention to the kids that they live with,” said Oregon State animal be-haviorist Monique Udell, the lead author of the study.

Udell said dogs are responsive to children and, in many cases, behaving in synchrony with them, indica-tors of positive affiliation and a foundation for building strong bonds.

“One interesting thing we have observed is that dogs are matching their child’s

behavior less frequently than what we have seen between dogs and adult caretakers, which suggests that while they may view children as social companions, there are also some differences that we need to understand better,” Udell said.

Co-authors were Shelby Wanser, a faculty research assistant in Udell’s lab, and Megan MacDonald, an as-sociate professor in Oregon State’s College of Public Health and Human Sciences, who studies how motor skills and physically active lifestyles improve the lives of children with and without disabilities

The researchers recruited 30 youth between the ages of 8 and 17 years old – 83% of which had a developmental disability – to take part in the study with their family dog. The experiments took place in a large empty room. Color-coded taped lines were placed on the floor, and the children were given instruc-tions on how to walk the lines in a standardized way with their off-leash dog.

The researchers video-taped the experiments and analyzed behavior based on three elements:

(1) Activity synchrony, which means how much time the dog and child were mov-

ing or stationary at the same time.

(2) Proximity, or how much time the dog and child were within 1 meter of each other.

(3) Orientation, how much time the dog was ori-ented in the same direction as the child.

They found that dogs exhibited behavioral synchro-nization with the children at a higher rate than would be expected by chance for all three variables. During their

assessments, they found:• Active synchrony for an

average of 60.2% of the time. Broken down further, the dogs were moving an average of 73.1% of the time that the children were moving and were stationary an average of 41.2% of the time the children were stationary.

• Proximity within 1 meter of each other for an average of 27.1% of the time.

• Orientation in the same direction for an average of 33.5% of the time.

While child-dog syn-chrony occurred more often that what would be expected by chance, those percent-ages are all lower than what other researchers have found when studying interactions between dogs and adults in their household. Those stud-ies found “active synchrony” 81.8% of the time, but at 49.1% with shelter dogs. They found “proximity” 72.9% of the time and 39.7% with shelter dogs. No studies on dog-human behavioral synchronization have previ-ously assessed body orienta-tion.

The Oregon State researchers are conducting more research to better un-derstand factors that contrib-ute to differences in levels of synchrony and other aspects of bond quality between dogs and children compared to dogs and adults, includ-ing participation in animal assisted interventions and increasing the child’s respon-sibility for the dog’s care.

While research has found dogs can have a lot of posi-tive impacts on a child’s life, there are also risks associated with the dog-child relation-ship, the researchers said. For example, other studies have found dogs are more apt to bite children versus adults.

“We still have a lot to

learn about the dog-child relationship” Udell said. “We’re hoping this research can inform the best ways to shape positive outcomes and mitigate risks by helping children interact with dogs in a manner that improves the relationship and ultimately the welfare of both individu-als.”

Based on this study, Udell also offered some takeaways for families with children and dogs.

“What we are finding is that kids are very capable of training dogs, and that dogs are paying attention to the kids and can learn from them,” she said. “Sometimes we don’t give children and dogs enough credit. Our research suggests that with some guidance we can pro-vide important and positive learning experiences for our kids and our dogs starting at a much earlier age, some-thing that can make a world of difference to the lives of both.”

The OSU research paper has been published in the journal Animal Cognition.

Sean Nealon is a news editor at Oregon State Uni-versity’s University Relations and Marketing Department. He may be reached at sean.nealon@oregonstate.edu

Researchers find dogs are paying attention

Courtesy photo While research has found dogs can have a lot of positive impacts on a child’s life, there are also risks associated with the dog-child relation-ship.

SEAN NEALONChief Guest Article

The 2021 Oregon Leg-islature is under way at the capitol building in Salem, but this session is far from normal. It is marked by pandemic-related issues and restrictions and a $1.7 bil-lion budget shortfall.

By far, the top issue is the COVID-19 vaccine, ac-cording to state Sen. Betsy Johnson.

“We have heard both pro and con about the vac-cine,” Johnson said. “Some people are desperate to get it and I have heard from an enormous number of people opposed to the state mandat-ing the vaccine. This is issue number one.”

Johnson said the second top issue are schools and resuming in-person instruc-tion.

“When they will reopen and under what conditions and issue number three is when will the government let the business community fully reopen,” she said.

Johnson told The Chief she has her own three top priorities.

“Budget, budget, bud-get,” she said. “I am one of the three budget committee chairs writing the budget and we are in the process of trying to figure out what the budget will look like. We have as many unknowns as knowns.”

According to Johnson, the ‘knowns’ are the pan-demic and the recent sum-mer and fall wildfires. She said legislators are starting the budget discussion, not-ing the state is $1.7 billion short in the general fund to continue current programs and services.

“The good news is that Oregon has taken steps to be prepared for the financial

shortfalls,” she said. “We are one of the best situated states to be prepared. We have a rainy-day fund and an education stability fund that holds $1.3 billion in reserve.”

Johnson said the un-knowns will be the key challenge.

“We don’t know how quickly the vaccine is going to get out to most Orego-nians and what will lead to the elimination of the pandemic restrictions,” she said. “We don’t know when the state, national and global economies will reopen, and we don’t know when the recovery will actually begin. We don’t know the changes in federal support and the program requirements that may come with the federal support.”

Johnson said another key unknown is what the financial impact of new pro-grams, notably Ballot Mea-sure 110, that decriminalizes all drugs and changes how the state conducts recovery.

“And because of that we can’t address right now what hasn’t happened,” she said. “We are trying to lay out some guiding principles to address the shortfall and evaluate programs to see what is working. We have a very disciplined approach to evaluate long term invest-ment in infrastructure and programs.”

Johnson describes her-self as exclusively a budge-teer, but she told The Chief she does have one specific

bill that she believes would be a good alternative to the landlord tenant bill that was passed in the third special session in 2020.

“That is Senate Bill 330, which provides tax cred-its to landlords, immedi-ate relief to tenants and it relieves the chance of a lot of lawsuits, and it can be implemented over a time ho-rizon that is more particable for our budget situation,” Johnson said.

The pandemic limita-tions on how people can participate in the legislative process is also troubling, according to Johnson.

“How are we going to conduct a virtual ses-sion? We could have 3,000

bills introduced this session, but the public is not allowed in the building due to the pandemic,” she said.

Seeing the Capitol build-ing closed and the recent huge blocks of concrete and fencing surrounding to building to protect from organized demonstrations is discouraging, according to Johnson.

“It has broken my heart,” she said. “I have been amazed over the years how open and accessible the pub-lic legislative process has been. I simply do not know how the public is going to react to the many bills that we are contemplating with an unfamiliar legislative process.”

Oregon House

State Rep. Brad Witt, who represents the area district, said from the public calls his office is receiving, the top three issues his constituents are concerned with are:

• The pandemic• The economic fallout

caused by the pandemic• Vaccine and COVID-19

testing availability“My top priorities are

to continue to ensure that Oregonians receive the un-employment benefits they are due, that businesses have the tools and capability to safely remain open during the pandemic, that schools can safely reopen, and that rural communities such as those in my district receive the same vaccine and test availability as the metro area,” Witt said.

According to Witt, leg-islators have been told that the Capitol will be closed to the public at least through March.

“However, I believe the public may have a greater and more convenient option to participate in the com-mittee process this session through the use of video conferencing,” he said.

Witt said benefits of using this platform include citizens not having to take a day off of work to drive to Salem to testify or try and schedule childcare.

Witt said he was even able to hear testimony from a scientist in Sweden. He added that telephone testi-mony is also an option for the public wishing to testify about specific legislation.

To reach Rep. Brad Witt

call 503-986-1431. To reach Sen. Betsy Johnson, call 503-986-1716 or 503-543-4046.

2021 legislature: priorities, uncertainties

Chief photoState Rep. Brad Witt and state Sen. Betsy Johnson at a previous Columbia County town hall meeting.

JEREMY C. RUARKjruark@countrymedia.net

www.thechiefnews.comFriday, January 29, 2021 A3

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

The city of Rainier is struggling to find enough community volunteers to fill important positions with city committees.

Rainier City Adminis-trator Scott Jorgensen said there are currently multiple vacancies on the Rainier Budget Committee.

“Successful applicants will have the opportunity to help the city identify its budgetary priorities for the upcoming 2021-22 fiscal year,” Jorgensen said. “Committee members are expected to attend the public meetings in which the budget process will take place.”

Applications can be picked up at Rainier City Hall, 106 West B Street. Applications are due by March 20, 2021.

The Rainier City Coun-cil is currently accepting applications for the Rainier Planning Commission, a

volunteer position. The commission advises the mayor and city council on planning, zoning, land use and development matters.

Commissioners are expected to attend one regular meeting per month. Other meetings may also be scheduled, as needed. The planning commission will consider applicants at its March meeting and make a recommendation to the city council. Council will then vote to appoint the new commissioner at its subse-quent meeting.

Applications are avail-able at city hall from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by calling 503-556-7301. Applications for the planning commission will be accepted through Feb. 15.

There are five vacan-cies on the city’s budget committee. Jorgensen said one opening was created by committee member Con-nie Budge’s appointment to the city council. The planning commission had one vacancy that filled, but

another member moved out of town.

“The planning com-mission is going to be looking at some long-term issues, including a pos-sible expansion of the city’s urban growth boundary and updates to its comprehen-sive plan and transportation system plan,” Jorgensen said.

The city council will be considering a resolution at its Feb. 1 meeting to create a parks committee.

“The resolution was drafted by staff with input from the council,” Jor-gensen said. “That commit-tee will have a minimum of seven members and a maximum of 10. A coun-cilor will serve as chair and another will be an at-large member.”

According to Jorgensen, a position on the commit-tee will be reserved for a member of the planning commission and two posi-tions will be available for people who live outside of city limits.

Jorgensen said the vol-unteer committee members have a key role in how the city operates.

“The city’s daily opera-tions are run by staff, under the direction of council and the mayor,” he said. “Plan-ning commission and the potential parks committee act as advisory boards to the council so that citizen input on specific topics can be received by those bodies and sent to council with recommendations.”

The Rainier Budget Committee consists of the mayor, council and citizen volunteers to ensure that residents’ priorities for city services are reflected

in the budget, according to Jorgensen, who said the committee vacancies oc-curred after three long-term council members and one planning commissioner moved out of town.

“Those three councilors had a combined three de-cades of service to the city and a wealth of institutional knowledge,” Jorgensen

said. “There are now mul-tiple opportunities available for residents who hope to contribute to shaping the city’s future. It is often difficult to find volunteers for budget committees and planning commission because those bodies deal with very technical matters that can be intimidating for people who aren’t as famil-

iar with areas like land use law and public budgeting.”

Jorgensen without the needed community volun-teers, the committees will continue to meet, but with less representation from the average citizen.

For more information, contact the City of Rainier at 503-556-7301.

The police blotter relates to the public record of incidents as reported by law en-forcement agencies. All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Information printed is preliminary and subject to change. For specific details about cases listed, contact the appropri-ate law enforcement agency.

Rainier Police Department

Jan. 13• An officer assisted a dis-abled motorist.• Officers responded to a residential alarm. The home was found to be secure.• An officer checked the wel-fare of a reportedly suspicious person. The gentleman was

cleaning out the down spouts to some gutters and praying.

Jan. 14• A caller wanted to report that a neighboring dog was a habitual barker. The reporting party just wanted to vent and said they would call if the situa-tion continued.

Jan. 16• Drugs were found in a busi-ness bathroom. They were turned in for disposal.

Jan. 17• A bicycle was turned in as found property. Please call to identify if you believe it may be yours.

Jan. 18• A hitch was stolen from a ve-hicle parked at the boat launch.

Jan. 21• An officer responded to a three-vehicle, non-injury ac-

cident on the Lewis & Clark Bridge. A tire and wheel became separated from the suspect vehicle. A lug nut hit the windshield of the first victim vehicle and the tire hit a secondary victim vehicle.• A 24-year-old was taken in custody on suspicion of driving under the influence of intoxi-cants.

Oregon State Police

Jan. 21 • At around 1 a.m., the Oregon State Police stopped a 28-year-old man walking along Highway 30 for improper position of a pedestrian on the highway. The subject displayed signs of impairment and was identified. The subject came back with a statewide Department of Corrections warrant and was subsequently arrested without incident and transported to the Columbia County Jail.

Jan. 22 • At around 3:45 p.m., the Or-egon State Police attempted to stop a black motorcycle on westbound Highway 30 near milepost 18 for traffic viola-tions. The rider downshifted as if he was going to stop, but then accelerated at a high speed westbound on Highway 30, splitting traffic. There was no pursuit by OSP of other agencies; the rider was last seen by Scappoose officers near milepost 21 going at 90-plus miles per hour.

Jan. 23 • Oregon State Police as-sisted Rainier Police Depart-ment with an impaired driver that became stuck on the railroad tracks in Rainier around 6:30 a.m. Later, OSP was requested to assist with a search warrant at the Colum-bia County Jail with the driver, a 23-year-old Longview man. Officers received one vial of blood which was sent to the

labs for analysis. • The Oregon State Police assisted the St. Helens Police Department with locating a suspect who was wanted on an outstanding felony warrant. The suspect fled from officers in the area of S Ninth and Tualatin streets. A perimeter was set up and OSP located the suspect behind a nearby residence. The suspect fled from the trooper on foot and was not pursued due to concern of crossfire with perimeter units. With the help of perimeter units, the suspect was surrounded and gave up/ The suspect, a 49-year-old St. Helens man, was taken into custody without incident.

Jan. 24 • Troopers responded to a sin-gle-vehicle, non-injury crash on Highway 47 near milepost 9.5 at 2:45 p.m. Troopers issued a citation for multiple violations after conducting a crash investigation.

St. Helens Police Department

Jan. 19 • A 27-year-old was taken into custody for a restraining order violation and violation of release agreement. • A 38-year-old was arrested on multiple outstanding Co-lumbia County Circuit Court warrants in the 58000 block of Columbia River Highway.

Jan. 21 • Officers took a 32-year-old into custody on an active mis-demeanor warrant in the 300 block of N First Street.

Jan. 22 • A 28-year-old was arrested for a probation violation in the 300 block of S Seventh Street.

Jan. 23 • Police arrested, cited and re-leased a 22-year-old for theft while near Matzen Street.

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Rainier seeks committee volunteers

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief The city of Rainier is struggling to fill volunteer positions on various city committees.

JEREMY C. RUARKjruark@countrymedia.net

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At the United Way of Columbia County, we fight for many women and men who work hard at low-wage jobs yet can barely make ends meet. They find it nearly impossible to cover even essentials such as food, transportation to and from work, and electric bills.

One way we help struggling workers in our community is by connect-ing them with the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax

Credit. Columbia County is facing severe economic crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic whose fallout will persist for some time. The EITC encourages work, boosts incomes and reduces poverty among family with children.

Expanding the EITC for childless adult workers would supplement the lim-ited earnings of struggling workers doing essential jobs including preparing food, providing in-home health services, childcare as well as handling, packaging and transporting goods. Because these workers are largely excluded from the EITC, they are the only group in

our country that is taxed into poverty. This situation makes it even harder for workers to pay their bills today and build the financial stability they need to suc-ceed in the future.

The EITC and CTC are effective policies for stimu-lating a weak economy. They stimulate the economy because lower-income people tend to spend rather than save what modest income they have in order to meet basic needs. EITC and CTC are important to the people of Oregon and make a difference in our lives.

Claire Catt St. Helens

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2021 Oregon Legislature starts The 2021 regular Oregon

Legislative session is now under way.

Oregon’s laws are de-veloped through committee work and due to the CO-VID-19 restrictions, com-mittees will be meeting via video-conferences until the rate of coronavirus infection lessens.

My House Agriculture and Natural Resources com-mittee began meeting this week, and as an introduction we heard from Jim Brown, former State Forester and Natural Resource Advisor to Governor Ted Kulongoski. He described a sustain-ability model that I believe we should implement when crafting sound public policy.

I liken sustainability to a three-legged stool of econom-ic, social and environmental needs. When developing sustainable policies, we must meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

On Tuesday the House Agicultural and Natural Resources Committee held public hearings on three bills that are proposed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

HB 2067: Would allow the ODFW Commission to charge lower fees for hunting and fishing licenses and tags than those that are currently on the statutorily approved fee schedule. The depart-ment would like to eliminate the current one-day angling license, and replace it with a one-day angling license that includes angling and shellfish harvest.

The cost of the license would decrease from $32.50 to $23.00 which would as-sist the coastal charters and guides who offer combina-tion activities of fishing and crabbing in one trip. This was supported by the department and also by members of the Legislative Coastal Caucus. HB 2067 would also allow the department more flex-ibility to decrease fees on li-

censes and tags in an effort to market hunting and angling opportunities to increase recruitment, reactivation, retention and participation, a move that was supported by the Oregon Hunter’s Asso-ciation. If approved by the committee the bill will move to Ways and Means due to its financial component.

HB 2068: Would elimi-nate the sunset date on Land Owner Preference Program tags, making them perma-nent. These controlled hunt tags are used by landowners who sustain damage from deer, elk and antelope on their private lands. The pro-gram has existed for 38 years, and has changed over time, with sunset dates placed to work through those changes.

Support for making this program permanent came from the Oregon Hunters Association, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the Oregon Farm Bureau, Oregon For-est Industries Council and private landowners. The program can still be reviewed and changed by the Legisla-tive Assembly in the future, on an as-needed basis.

HB 2069: Establishes a sage grouse mitigation program in-lieu fund. The continual appropriation of moneys would fund restora-tion, protection, enhancement and increase sage grouse

habitat. The fund created in this bill was suggested by developers who would like to pay a mitigation fee for de-velopment, and is supported by ODFW and The Nature Conservancy.

The goal is to protect and enhance sage grouse popula-tions and keep them off the Federal Endangered Species Act which would be detri-mental to Eastern Oregon Communities. This bill will also require approval by the Ways and Means Committee.

Thousands of other bills

Thousands of bills have been introduced in the 2021 Legislative Session, includ-ing three I have introduced dealing with the on-going impacts of the pandemic.

HB 2729: Which would require the Housing and Community Services Depart-ment to pay to residential and nonresidential landlords un-collected rents due between the dates of April 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020. The landlord would have to transfer to the department any claims for the unpaid nonpayment balance and repay to the department any amount later received from the tenant or on behalf of the tenant for this time period. This bill has been assigned to the House Housing Commit-

tee with a subsequent referral to the Ways and Means Com-mittee.

HB 2693: Deals with property tax exemptions for properties used for industry apprenticeships and train-ing, but we describe it as the “Food Box Bill.” Over the past ten months, UA Local 290 Plumbers and Steamfit-ters wanted to work with an industry non-profit to distrib-ute food to families strug-gling with the COVID-19 emergency. UA attorneys determined that participating in a food drive and food box distribution would require a temporary lease of part of their trust property to the other non-profit, thereby causing the loss of their Or-egon property tax exemption.

Sadly, the community assistance activity had to be cancelled and they were unable to conduct the food distribution to Oregonians in need. HB 2693, which would correct this problem, has been referred to the House Revenue Committee.

Another one of my pan-demic response bills being released next week is HB 3087 requiring the Oregon Health Authority to develop a program to allow volunteer doctors and other medical professionals, as well as retired medical professionals, to assist during pandemics.

Their volunteer efforts could prove to be invaluable with vaccine distribution and other medical support functions.

Stay in touch

Because of the COVID-19 restrictions the Capitol building remains closed to the public. The length of the closure will depend on how soon we can get the infection rate under control. With the vaccine and other health pre-cautions, I’m hoping we will soon be welcoming Orego-nians back into the Capitol.

Things will be busy and move quickly during the 180-day session, so it’s more im-portant than ever that I hear from my constituents. If you have concerns or comment about a state issue, agency or proposed legislation, please contact my office. It is my privilege to represent you in the House of Representatives as we undertake this impor-tant work together.

Rep. Brad Witt serves House District 31. He may be reached at:

• Email: Rep.BradWitt@oregonlegislature.gov

• Telephone: 503-986-1431

• 900 Court St NE, H-382, Salem, OR, 97301

• Website: www.oregon-legislature.gov/witt

BRAD WITTChief Guest Column

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief Brad Witt

Columbia River Fire & Rescue would like to take a moment to say thank you to our paramedics and commu-nity partners.

Our agency has been involved in a joint effort COVID vaccination process for the past several weeks. This clinic wouldn’t have been a success without our internal members as well as our community partners.

• Warren Community Fellowship

• Assembly of God Church

• Clatskanie Fire District• Mist-Birkenfeld• Scappoose Fire Dis-

trictand• Columbia County Pub-

lic HealthWithout the amaz-

ing relationships with our neighboring fire agencies and our community part-ners, the COVID vaccine wouldn’t have been possible

in our rural community.Notable recognition

needs to go to the follow-ing Columbia River Fire & Rescue members:

Community Paramedic Nina Kerr Bryant and Medi-cal Services Officer, Tim Hennigan, Firefighter/Para-medic Jerry Cole and our EMS Division Chief Erick Holsey.

Approximately 80% of Columbia River Fire & Rescue’s staff are now vaccinated thank you to the efforts of these folks. Individuals in the Phase 1-A group in our county very likely received a vaccina-tion from one of these staff members at the different clinics hosted over the past few weeks. They spent very long days from 9 a.m. until well after 8 p.m. at vaccina-tion clinics and providing the COVID vaccine served with a positive outlook. Each of them spent tire-less hours and ended with a smile on their face.

Chaplain/Senior Fire-fighter Cary Wacker and

Chaplain Steve Berry were also an integral part in this process as they offered their church facilities to assist in multiple clinics.

We are proud to have such positive staff that are willing to participate for the good of the community. We know there are still several groups to vaccinate as we move forward and we trust that Columbia County Pub-lic Health is working hard to ensure the next groups in line will receive vaccines as well. We were honored to be able to serve the vac-cines to front line workers to ensure their health and safety as we move forward during the COVID-19 pan-demic.

Columbia Fire & Rescue

• Address: Columbia River Fire & Rescue Ad-ministration Offices, 270 Columbia Blvd. St. Helens, OR 97051

• Phone: 503-397-2990• Fax: 503-397-3198• Email: www.crfr.com.

COLUMBIA RIVER FIRE & RESCUEChief Guest Column

Fire district gives thanks

Courtesy photo from CRFRVaccination clinics were recently held for members of the Columbia River Fire & Rescue District and other first responders.

www.thechiefnews.comFriday, January 29, 2021 A5

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MarketplaceJust call 503.397.0116It’s easy to place a classified ad in The Chief.

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PORT OF COLUMBIA

COUNTY the Port is seeking a talented Opera-tions Manager. For more informa-tion and to apply, please visit our website www.portofcolumbiacounty.org/jobs EOE

Clatskanie Park & Recreation

District Is Looking For a Pool Manager. Clatskanie Park & Recreation District is now accepting applications and resumes for a Pool Manager. Respon-sibilities: Train, manage and evalu-

ate approximately 20 lifeguards; be-ginning in February and continuing into September. Plan, organize and schedule programs offered at our sea-sonal outdoor pool. Be responsible for scheduling ad-equate staff for the safety, supervision, cleanliness, wa-ter chemistry and mechanical opera-tion of the pool for youth and fami-lies in our District. Maintain pool and employee records. Perform such other duties as assigned by the Operations Manager and/or Board of Direc-

tors from time to time. Knowledge and Skills: Strong a d m i n i s t r a t i v e skills, recreational aquatic program-ming skills, lead-ership and mana-gerial skills, pool maintenance and water chemistry skills and good public relation skills are a must. Thor-ough knowledge of policies, proce-dures and equip-ment used in daily outdoor pool op-erations helpful. Work with pool related chemicals and be familiar with State and Federal regulations regard-ing outdoor pool

operations. Experi-ence and Training: Experience pre-ferred. Or the will-ingness to work within an agreed upon time frame between applicant and Board of Di-rectors to obtain the required and suggested certi-fications for the position; First-Aid, CPR, AED certifi-cations, Lifeguard Instructor and Training, Water Safety Instructor and CPO (Certified Pool Operator) cer-tifications. You can pick an application at: 365 S Nehalem St, Clatskanie OR (offices of Dennis

R. Conner, CPA) Or you can request an application by phone at 503- 728-2038 or by email at cyndi@dconnercpa.com. If you have any questions, please contact Cyndi War-ren, 503-728-2038. Applications with resumes will be accepted until Monday, Novem-ber 30, 2020 at 3:00 pm.

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Public NoticesPROTECTING YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW

CC21-1366

Public Hearing The Clatskanie City Council will meet on Wednesday, February 3rd, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. in the ballroom of the Clatskanie Cultural Center, 75 South Nehalem St. (2nd floor). Agenda items include, but are not limited to: approval of the

minutes of the January 6th, 2020 regular meeting and the first hearing of an ordinance revising City water service delivery. An updated agenda will be available at City Hall by January 29th, 2020. The council will also conduct an Executive Session and

return to regular session following. Following the regular meeting, the Clats-kanie City Council will meet for: Executive Session per ORS 192.660(d); To conduct deliberations with persons designated by the governing body to carry on labor negotiations.

CITY OF CLATSKANIE CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOTICE

CC21-1364

Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of MARGO JEAN KOLSTAD, Deceased. No. 20PB08309 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been ap-pointed personal representa-tive of this estate. All persons having claims against the

estate are required to present their claims, with vouchers included, within four months after the date of first publi-cation of this notice to the personal representative at P.O. Box 459, Rainier, OR 97048, 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 rep-resentative. Dated and first published January 15, 2021. Cathy Sorenson, Personal Representative. STEPHEN D. PETERSEN, L.L.C., At-torney at Law, P.O. Box 459, Rainier, OR 97048.

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

If you believe you are capable of becoming the healthy, engaged person you want to be in old age, you are much more likely to experience that outcome, an Oregon State University study shows.

“How we think about who we’re going to be in old age is very predictive of exactly how we will be,” said Shelbie Turner, a doctoral student in OSU’s College of Public Health and Human Sciences and co-author on the study.

Previous studies on aging have found that how people thought about themselves at age 50 predicted a wide range of future health out-comes up to 40 years later — cardiovascular events, memory, balance, will to live, hospitalizations; even mortality.

“Previous research has shown that people who have positive views of aging at 50 live 7.5 years longer, on aver-age, than people who don’t,” said Karen Hooker, co-author of the study and the Jo Anne Leonard Petersen Endowed Chair in Gerontology and Family Studies at OSU.

Because self-perceptions

of aging are linked to so many major health outcomes, Hooker and Turner wanted to understand what influences those perceptions. Their study looked specifically at the influence of two factors: self-efficacy associated with possible selves, meaning a person’s perceived ability to become the person they want to be in the future; and opti-mism as a general personality trait.

The researchers measured self-perception of aging by having respondents say how strongly they agreed or disagreed with statements such as, “Things keep getting worse as I get older,” “I have as much pep as I had last year,” “As you get older, you are less useful.” They mea-sured optimism in a similar way, with respondents rank-

ing their agreement with statements like “In uncertain times I usually expect the best.”

To measure self-efficacy, the study used a dataset that compiled survey responses from older adults where they listed two “hoped-for” future selves and two “feared” fu-

ture selves, and ranked how capable they felt of becoming the person they hoped to be and avoiding becoming the person they feared to be.

Among the “hoped for” selves were things like “A social person with a strong network of friends” and “A healthy, active person.”

Examples of “feared” selves were “Chronically sick and in pain,” “Being dependent on others for my day-to-day needs” and “A cranky, angry old woman.”

Results showed that, as predicted, higher optimism was associated with more positive self-perception of aging. Both “hoped-for” self-efficacy and “feared” self-efficacy were also significantly associated with self-perception of aging, above and beyond optimism as a trait.

A major factor in how people see their own aging selves is internalizing ageist stereotypes, the research-ers said. Examples of such stereotypes include assump-tions that older adults are bad drivers, or suffer memory problems, or are unable to engage in physical activity anymore.

“Kids as young as 4-years-old already have negative stereotypes about old people,” Hooker said. “Then, of course, if you’re lucky enough to live to old age, they eventually apply to you.”

Those stereotypes get reinforced every time an older adult forgets something and jokes, “Another senior moment!” But the research-

ers say these thought patterns can do real harm.

“People need to realize that some of the negative health consequences in later life might not be biologi-cally driven. The mind and the body are all interwoven,” Hooker said. “If you believe these bad things are going to happen, over time that can erode people’s willingness or maybe even eventually their ability to engage in those health behaviors that are go-ing to keep them as healthy as they can be.”

A way to mitigate those negative stereotypes about aging is to promote inter-generational relationships, so younger people can see older adults enjoying happy, healthy lives.

“The more you’re around older people, the more you realize that it’s not all bad,” Turner said. “Older people can do some things bet-ter than young people do. Increasing opportunities for intergenerational relation-ships is one way we can make people more optimistic about aging.”

Molly Rosbach works at the OSU Department of Marketing and Research. She may be reached at molly.rosbach@oregonstate.edu

Old Age: What a new study shows

Metro Creative Connection / The Chief The study looked specifically at the influence of two factors: self-effi-cacy associated with possible selves, meaning a person’s perceived ability to become the person they want to be in the future; and opti-mism as a general personality trait.

MOLLY ROSBACHChief Guest Article

The more you’re around older people, the more you realize that it’s not all bad.~ Shelbie Turner, OSU College of Public Health and Human Services

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www.thechiefnews.com Friday, January 29, 2021A6

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Get your chicks on HWY 30

Well, we’ve made it through the first month of the year and, here at Dahl-gren’s, we’re gearing up for our annual chick sale. We’re planning to get them in mid to late February, but I will start accepting special orders beginning February 1.

If you head over to hoovershatchery.com, you can see where we get all of our chicks from and the wide variety we have access to. We can get chick-ens, ducks, geese, pheas-ants, and quail. There are also some interesting new mixed breeds to look at like the lavender Orping-tons and red and blue laced wyandottes. Ducks really picked up last year, too, so we’ll get a lot more of those.

TURKEYS … everyone wants turkeys. Usually, we carry the white crested kind which are admittedly not the prettiest turkey, but they’re the kind you’re used to eating more often. I can still get the Bourbon Red or other heritage breeds, which is more of what people think of when they

think of turkeys, but they have a longer wait-time because they don’t breed as many of them.

We’ll also have bob-tail quail and ring-necked pheasants. Other than that, I can get your runner ducks, swimmer ducks, and a whole gaggle of geese. I’ve only brought geese in once, but they were adorable, and I’d love to bring them in

again. (If you don’t have a mean guard dog, the geese will make up for it!)

As always, I’ll still have some literature and kits available for those who are first-time or beginner chick owners, and we stock just about everything you need to get started and properly care for your chicks. We’re looking forward to seeing you soon!

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On the early morning of Jan. 26, at 5:41 a.m. the tones rang out at Longview Fire Station 82 for a medical emer-gency: a baby not breathing.

Working his last shift as a career firefighter serving as a Captain, Clatskanie native Randy Bradshaw would be responding to his last emer-gency response, retiring from a 30-year career with the city of Longview Fire Department.

Fortunately, this call ended well, the baby had suffered a febrile seizure and was breath-ing when fire crews arrived.

History

Bradshaw grew up in Clatskanie attending high school there and launched his firefighting career at Longview Fire on Feb. 16, 1991.

He quickly grew as a firefighter, being promoted to lieutenant on his sixth year an-niversary with the department. Bradshaw was later promoted to captain, and served the balance of his career working as a company officer on both engine and ladder companies, and as a shift commander serving as acting battalion chief.

During Bradshaw’s tenure, he served as a Confined Space Rescue Specialist and Marine Shipboard firefighter. He also served as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) trainer, maintaining the EMS skills of his shift firefighters as well as a preventive mainte-nance specialist for the fleet of fire apparatus.

According to a release from Longview Fire, with his earned experience with apparatus, Bradshaw not only served on the apparatus com-mittee, he was integral in de-veloping the specifications for much of today’s emergency fleet, which includes the re-cently purchased 2019 Pierce Enforcer combination pumper and the 2018 Pierce Ascen-dant/Enforcer ladder truck. Randy also helped shape today’s fleet maintenance pro-gram which is a cooperative agreement with neighboring Cowlitz 2 Fire and Rescue’s maintenance division.

Longview Fire has a rich tradition as a unionized fire department, joining the International Association of Firefighters Local 828 in 1945, the release states.

Union leadership

Bradshaw was quickly

drawn into union leadership, and ultimately served as lead negotiator, vice president, and union president between 1992-2014. Under his leader-ship, Local 828 improved minimum staffing levels to the national standard of three firefighters per company, developed a comprehensive EMS system which ulti-mately includes Advanced Life Support (ALS) services, and participated in various multi-agency cooperative agreements to increase ef-ficiencies in cost, response, and services, according to the release.

Bradshaw also spear-headed a healthcare insurance program that started with the Longview firefighters and was ultimately adopted throughout the city.

Memories

Bradshaw estimates that over his 30 years of service he responded to nearly 43,000 911-generated emergency responses. The calls include multiple fatal fires, grain elevator fires and explosions, shipboard fires, large com-mercial and industrial fires

including, a fatal Christmas Eve salt-pile engulfment, and commanded the 2018 Port of Longview longshoreman and ship chief-mate fatality caused by a snapped mooring line, and the 2020 Swanson Bark Fire.

In 2009, Bradshaw and his crew received the Medal of Valor and the Red Cross Hero Award for a life-saving rescue at a fire on Pershing Way and he has twice been named Longview’s Firefighter of the Year.

Reflecting on his firefight-ing career, Bradshaw said the fire service has changed dramatically in many areas. And although the tools and equipment have improved, Bradshaw said he believes the newest changes in CPR, known as “High Performance/Pit Crew CPR” are demon-strating exponential improve-ments in survival rates of cardiac arrest victims.

Bradshaw said his retire-ment plans include spending as much time as possible with his wife Debbie visiting Panama City Beach, Florida. When not there he’s hoping to be fishing the waters of the West Coast.

Courtesy photo Former Clatskanie resident Capt. Randy Bradshaw has retired from the Longview Fire District.

Local ends decades of firefighting service

Courtesy photo Capt. Randy Bradshaw estimates he responded to nearly 43,000 911 generated emergency responses over his 30 years of service as a firefighter.

STAFF REPORTchiefnews@countrymedia.net

Courtesy photo from Meagan DixonThe boxes are designed to help connect the community.

connection are limited.“I really like it. Especially

right now with not being able to do much. On just any day, go ride around on back roads or something and still be a part of your community,” she said.

In the spring Dixon plans to add some plant starts to the selection, and eggs when her hens start to lay more regularly.

“I think at this time we all need to come together as best we can as a community and help each other in any way we can,” she said.

To unlock your mystery, head to Alston Mayger Road in Rainier and keep your eyes peeled.

BOXFrom Page A1

be a positive community con-nector.

“I want to hear from the community about how the library can help small business development and early child education,” she said. “There is so much that a library can do. I see that library in partnership with others in the community. Libraries are leaders in in-novation.”

Fisher is also gaining insight for the future of the library from the district board and her staff at the Clatskanie Library District.

“I am absolutely love the library staff,” she said. “They are wonderful, and I am discussing with them their visions for the library.”

For the future, Fisher is hopeful the library can enhance help to the elderly, se-nior living facilities and shut-ins and individualize services to the need of library patrons with audio books, large print

publications, teach classes, and develop little library boxes in the community.

Fisher joined the city library Dec. 9. She replaces Elizabeth Kruse, who served as the director for more than 30 years.

“There is so much to learn and take on,” Fisher said. “This is definitely a jack of all trades job because I am helping to set policy, and strategic planning, manag-ing the budget, overseeing technical work, programming, circulation human resources, and I am greeting customers, answering phones and check-ing out books.”

Fisher oversees a staff of three part-time employees. While the Clatskanie Li-brary is offering as many full services as possible under the current pandemic restrictions, which means only curb-side check outs and drop offs at the facility at 11 Lillich Street in Clatskanie. Fisher said the library staff has embraced online services as well.

“We offer virtual teen ses-sions and youth books and live

story time for children,” she said. “The kids can pick up craft packets. We do the crafts together on camera. It has been a bit of a learning cure, but the staff has been doing wonderfully in adapting.”

The library did reopen for a time by appointment only last fall but was forced to closed soon after as the CO-VID-19 restrictions increased to slow rising case numbers. Fisher said the community is anxious to have the facility fully reopened as soon as possible.

“They are happy that we are here providing services and they can’t wait for us to open our doors, but they are understanding of why we must follow the pandemic restrictions,” she said. “We will do a reopening when it is safe and practical to do so and likely to so by appointment only to start.”

See more about the Clatskanie Library District activities at its Facebook site. To reach the library, call 503-397-3732.

LIBRARYFrom Page A1

1805 Columbia Blvd, St. Helens, OR 97051www.thechiefnews.com • 503-397-0116

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