Columbus
Columbia County Spotlight
St. Helens Public Library in search of a new youth librarian
The St. Helens Public Library is in search of a new youth librarian. The search follows the resignation of the current youth librarian, Aryn Keeney, who accepted a position with another library in the Portland area. “Aryn moved on to another library," Library Director Suzanne Bishop said. "I think they feel like it’s a better fit for them. We’re certainly going to miss them quite a bit. They made some...
OPINION: 'Bluelining' leaves some communities without home insurance
In an era of climate disasters, Americans in vulnerable regions will need to rely more than ever on their home insurance. But as floods, wildfires, and severe storms become more common, a troubling practice known as “bluelining” threatens to leave many communities unable to afford insurance — or obtain it at any price. Bluelining is an insidious practice with similarities to redlining — the notorious government-sanctioned practice of financial institutions denying mortgages and credit to Black and brown communities, which were often marked by red...
Hillsboro hiker dies after 60-foot fall in the Columbia River Gorge
A 22-year-old hiker fell to her death last weekend while hiking in the Columbia River Gorge. Around 4:20 p.m. Sunday, May 19, emergency responders arrived at the Horsetail Falls trailhead after reports a hiker had fallen from a cliff to the west. Elisha Angelic Macias, of Hillsboro, had been hiking near Oneonta Trail. When Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived they found another hiker performing CPR. Cascade Locks Fire &...
OPINION: Will school choice be on Oregon ballots soon?
2023 is being called the “Year of Universal Education Choice,” and for good reason. According to the nonprofit organization EdChoice, policymakers in 40 states debated 111 bills to expand education options for K-12 students. Lawmakers in seven states enacted new choice programs, and ten states expanded already-existing ones. As of March 2024, eleven states now have universal or near-universal school choice laws. Approximately 20 million American children are eligible to participate in a private choice program. ...
WRITERS ON THE RANGE: How did so much stuff pile up?
A few years ago, I turned a carport into a bedroom. But first I had to empty out the books, papers, furniture, rugs and tools that were in the carport. Then I took it all to a storage unit where rent was $50 a month. After three years of thinking about it, and only occasionally pawing through the storage unit for a lost item, I finally sorted out a handful of books and items that meant something — I could have fit them in a...
Ballots dribble into Oregon’s county election offices though turnout likely to pick up
Oregon voters have had their ballots for several weeks now, but relatively few seem to be motivated to pop them in a ballot box or in the mail. Turnout among Oregon’s more than 3 million registered voters has been slow this primary, but it picked up a bit Monday, May 20. Oregon Secretary of State data shows that, as of Monday, about 590,300 voters had cast their ballots — less than 20%. That compares with nearly 38% who voted in the primary election in 2022. ...
Mazda steps boldly into the luxury segment with 2025 CX-70 SU
Put the luxury automakers on notice, Mazda has entered the upscale market with a legitimate contender, and they're ready to compete. The new CX-70 is taking aim right at the heart of the premium SUV segment with a two-row midsize luxury model. This slice of the SUV market caters to people with small families and empty-nesters who want a larger SUV with plenty of interior space and comfort, but they don't need a third row of seats. That allows the first and second rows to...
Our TV picks for Wednesday, May 22: Jeopardy! Masters; Survivor; Killer Cases
Jeopardy! Masters KATU 8 p.m. Brainiacs unite as six of the highest-ranked current “Jeopardy!” contestants battle it out in two games over this one-hour episode. James Holzhauer, Matt Amodio, Mattea Roach, Yogesh Raut, Victoria Groce and others compete in this season finale. Survivor ...
Nature park and labyrinth in St. Helens ready to be dedicated
The ambitious Blessing Woods Nature Park and Labyrinth, designed as a location to meditate and connect with nature during stressful times, will be officially dedicated at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 25, at Christ Episcopal Church in St. Helens. Church Vicar Jaime Sanders said the church has completed the initial planting and layout phase of the project. “The Nature Park is designed to be a place of refreshment for people and...
Primary results set stage for high-stakes November election in key statewide offices
Updated 3:45 p.m. Thursday. Two Democratic legislators and the incumbent state treasurer appear headed for party nominations for secretary of state, treasurer and attorney general in Tuesday’s primary. Two Republican state senators and a former prosecutor appear ready to oppose them in the Nov. 5 general election. Ballots were still being counted. Oregon law allows...
Hops drop four-of-six games in Tri-City
In a season seemingly defined by one-run games and on the heels of two one-run wins versus Spokane a week prior, the Hillsboro Hops were done in by such in last week’s road series with Tri-City. After splitting the first two of the Hops and Indians’ six-game set, Hillsboro lost consecutive one-run games to the home Dust Devils, then closed the series with a third one-run loss in four games to ultimately lose four of the series’ six games. ...
The Columbia Chorale will soon take a bite of the Big Apple
The Columbia Chorale of Oregon is headed to New York City’s Carnegie Hall next week, despite some bumps in the road. The Columbia County-based group, made up of members from a variety of communities, will be performing “Magnificat,” an original work from English composer John Rutter at the historic venue May 27. “Magnificat” is based on the New Testament’s announcement of the birth of Christ. Rutter will also serve as...
Scappoose's Alice Davidson defends titles, Peyton Lennox gets her first at state track and field championships
For the second consecutive season, Scappoose High School senior Alice Davidson won the 4A 100 and 200 meters at the OSAA track and field state championships on Saturday, May 18, at Hayward Field in Eugene. Davidson clinched the state title in the 100 by 0.22 seconds, clocking in at 12.32, a personal best. She needed another personal best to win the 200, crossing in 24.97. “I’m just so grateful to...
Scappoose's Alice Davidson defends titles, Peyton Lennox gets her first at state track and field championships
For the second consecutive season, Scappoose High School senior Alice Davidson won the 4A 100 and 200 meters at the OSAA track and field state championships on Saturday, May 18, at Hayward Field in Eugene. Davidson clinched the state title in the 100 by 0.22 seconds, clocking in at 12.32, a personal best. She needed another personal best to win the 200, crossing in 24.97. “I’m just so grateful to...
More Oregon students are missing vaccines, worrying health officials
Oregon health authorities are worried about an infectious disease raging through schools, with almost one in 10 kindergarteners missing at least one required vaccination. The Oregon Health Authority reported Thursday, May 16, that nearly 9% of the state’s kindergartners had a nonmedical exemption this year, forgoing at least one of the required shots. That compares with about 8% in 2023 and almost 7% in 2022, marking the second consecutive yearly increase in the unvaccinated rate. ...
Diamond Dynamos: Washington & Columbia County's standout baseball & softball performances (May 13-17)
Below are the best of the best performances from last week on the Washington and Columbia County high school baseball and softball diamonds: Baseball Kruz Schoolcraft of Sunset allowed no hits and struck out 11 in a complete game shutout of Aloha.Coleton Noah of Forest Grove went 4-for-4 with a triple, double, two RBI and three runs-scored in a loss to McMinnville.Kyle Sheller of Sherwood went 3-for-4 with a home...
The 2024 Volvo C40 Recharge will win you over
I got the compact 2024 Volvo C40 Recharge SUV EV for testing at a critical time for the all-electric vehicle market. The same day, J.D. Power reported that EV demand is cooling. Its 2024 Electric Vehicle Consideration Study had just found that interest in buying EVs has dropped for the first time since the annual survey began in 2021. Reasons include continuing higher prices compared to gas-powered vehicles and the ongoing lack of available public charging stations, contributing to range anxiety. Doubters who spend much...
Our TV picks for Tuesday, May 21: Who’s Afraid of a Cheap Old House?; Vanderpump Rules; The Voice
Who’s Afraid of a Cheap Old House? HGTV 7 p.m. It’s tough to beat the charm of an old house. So when a couple starts their search for an old home, they enlist Ethan and Elizabeth to help them find the right place in his hometown. But when his father passes away suddenly, it takes on greater meaning. ...
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