Vernonia
Politics
Vote Yes St. Helens Police Protection Ballot Measure 5-298
For decades the citizens of St. Helens enjoyed artificially low property taxes because it had at least five, timber-associated industrial plants that paid, through their taxes, an artificially large portion for city-provided services. In 1997 Oregonians approved Measure 50, a tax limitation measure, which froze property tax rates to then current levels, locking St. Helens citizens into one of the lowest property tax rates in Oregon. Today, the five lumber/paper/gypsum...
It's a no-go for Independence Day fireworks in St. Helens this year
Major changes are coming to some traditional and highly attended summer events in St. Helens in 2024. The Fourth of July fireworks display has been canceled — though not the entirety of the festivities — and the 13 Nights on the River, to be held this summer at McCormick Park, may be trimmed. City Administrator John Walsh sent a statement, Thursday, May 16, to Pamplin Media Group stating that the...
Upcoming Election: On the ballot in Columbia County
The 2024 Oregon Primary Election is next week, and there will be several ballot measures that could affect tax rates across the county. While we have heard from the candidates running for Position 1 and Position 3 for the Columbia County Commission, let’s take a look at the ballot measures that voters will be asked to approve or deny during this election cycle. Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District - Renewal of...
St. Helens back to square one on site for new public safety building
Plans for a new police station are back in the hands of the St. Helens City Council. That’s the word after the council voted unanimously Thursday, May 9, to essentially drop efforts to pursue the matter with the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals. With that decision, the city is effectively back to the drawing board when it comes to where a new, larger and more adequate public safety building would be constructed. ...
Finally Home: Columbia Hills welcomes back residents
Columbia Hills Retirement Center has risen from the ashes, welcoming back residents of the facility with a ceremony just over 18 months after a deadly fire claimed the life of one resident and displaced others. The fire took place in October of 2022 at Columbia Hills Retirement Center at 36050 Pittsburg Road in St. Helens. An explosion and subsequent fire took the life of one resident and caused significant damage to one of the facility’s wings. ...
Fresh Identity: Sea Lions Swim Team unveil new brand
Youth swimmers in Columbia County have a new look, as the county’s only year-round competitive swim club unveiled a new logo at Eisenschmidt Pool during the team’s annual Swim-a-thon fundraiser. The Columbia County Sea Lions Swim Team is almost 50 years old, and the team determined it was time to retire the decades-old logo and modernize the team’s identity to better represent today’s swimmers. The Sea Lions Swim Team is...
Q&A: Commission candidate Casey Garrett
In last week’s edition, the Chronicle & Chief heard from the three candidates vying for Position 1 of the Columbia County Board of Commissioners. This week, we will hear from incumbent Casey Garrett, who currently holds Position 3 on the commission and is running unopposed in the upcoming 2024 Oregon Primary Election on May 21. The following is an interview with Commissioner Garrett about his motivation to run and some of the issues he hopes to address if reelected. ...
Opportunity: Youth Entrepreneurship Program up and running
Local non-profit Columbia County Helping Undo Boundaries (HUB) is still seeking ambassadors and participants for its Youth Entrepreneurship Training and Contest, which is kicking off this summer. The program is for young people between the ages of 16-26, and offers a financial training course that will wrap up with a Shark Tank / Voice type competition where $12,500 in startup funds will be awarded to the winner. The course component...
Filling out your ballot in Forest Grove, Hillsboro, Banks or North Plains? Here's what you need to know
It's nearly a week before Election Day. Do you know what's on your ballot in western Washington County? Key races include two contested races for the Washington County Board of Commissioners. In addition, voters within North Plains city limits will be deciding on a months-long battle over the urban growth boundary expansion, while Banks voters will determine whether to fund upgrades to the schools through a bond. Ballots are due...
The Big Stage: Columbia County Chorale to perform in NYC
Members of the Columbia Chorale of Oregon will soon be performing under the bright lights of one of the United States’ most prestigious concert halls this Memorial Day. On the evening of May 27, 12 members of the Columbia Chorale of Oregon will sing The Magnificat and other selections by composer John Rutter on the Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall. Margaret Trenchard-Smith is one of the singers heading to the...
St. Helens making it easier to attend temporary 13 Nights on the River venue
With the popular 13 Nights on the River event making a temporary move to McCormick Park this summer, the city of St. Helens is in the process of making improvements near the city’s largest park. The city says these parking and pedestrian pathway projects will be along Old Portland Road near the city’s St. Helens Recreation Center. Temporary parking stall striping will add about 151 parking spaces to the vacant...
Not over 'til it's over: Columbia County commissioner race likely heading to a November runoff
Columbia County Commission candidates Margaret Magruder and Alex Tardif are headed to a probable runoff election this November, but it’s not the first time the Columbia County Commission has faced a runoff. Neither Magruder nor Tardif captured the majority of the votes, which would have granted the winner the Position 1 seat outright. In results as of Wednesday morning, May 22, Magruder was grabbing 48% of the vote, Alex Tardif registering 39.6% with Brian Brust trailing at 12% support. ...
Early Results: Columbia County's 2024 Primary Election
Election Day has come and gone in Columbia County, and though the election results won't be certified until June 17, initial returns indicate that many across the county were not willing to approve measures that would add to their tax bill. Levies for the St. Helens Police Department, the Columbia County Jail, and Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District all fell short of a majority approval. The only levy that has been approved by a majority of voters at this time is Vernonia Rural Fire Protection District's...
Upcoming Election: On the ballot in Columbia County
The 2024 Oregon Primary Election is next week, and there will be several ballot measures that could affect tax rates across the county. While we have heard from the candidates running for Position 1 and Position 3 for the Columbia County Commission, let’s take a look at the ballot measures that voters will be asked to approve or deny during this election cycle. Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District - Renewal of...
Preparation: Improvements at McCormick Park
In preparation for hosting the annual 13 Nights concert series, the City of St. Helens will be making improvements to McCormick Park. St. Helens’ annual 13 Nights on the River summer concert series is making a temporary move to McCormick Park for its 2024 season. Started in 2005, the free concert series has been hosted each year in Columbia View Park in the St. Helens Riverfront District. It was originally organized by the City’s St. Helens Parks Commission before it passed to the St. Helens...
OPINION: Invest in our future with Banks school bond
I would like to share why I will vote yes on Bond Measure 34-336. Our family has made Banks home for 30 years. We feel fortunate to live in such a wonderful community that offers so much for children, such as a good education and sports programs in a safe environment. While our children are now grown, we feel it is very important that future generations have the same opportunities....
OPINION: Banks bond will provide much-needed upgrades
If you received a ballot, please vote. Your vote will make a difference, especially in the small town of Banks. Now is the time. Saying yes to Measure 34-336 will provide an opportunity for much needed upgrades. These upgrades will not only provide a safe learning environment for the student body and staff, but the growing community of Banks. As a parent of children in the school district for the...
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