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Developing: Fire claims life of one in Rainier
A structure fire in Rainier claimed the life of one on the night of Apr. 25, and the cause of the fire is under investigation, according to CRFR Interim Fire Chief Eric Smythe. At approximately 8:37 p.m. Apr. 25, the district received a report of smoke and a possible structure fire in the 75000 block of Fern Hill Road in Rainier, according to Smythe. "The crews initially found smoke throughout...
Former Columbia River Fire & Rescue Chief passes away
The emergency services community of Columbia County has been in mourning following the loss of Westport Fire and Rescue Division Chief Dave Coombs, who passed away earlier this month. A news release from Westport Fire and Rescue announced the passing of Coombs, saying he passed away at his home on April 2, at the early age of 53. Coombs’ career spanned over three decades, and his passion for the medical field began in early high school. ...
Upcoming Event: Clatskanie Farmer Collective’s spring market
Spring is in full swing, and to celebrate the season and support local vendors, the Clatskanie Farmer Collective (CFC) will be holding a Spring Market in collaboration with the Clatskanie Garden Club. The event will be held May 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will be located at 80 NE Art Steele Street, adjacent to the Clatskanie Food Hub. The event will feature early-season produce, plant starts, hot food, warm tea, and live music. ...
"Cow-culated Rescue": Stuck in the mud no more!
Emergency responders helped a family avoid a cow-tastrophe over the weekend, saving a cow who got stuck in a bog and was unable to escape. According to a Facebook post from Mist-Birkenfeld Rural Fire Protection District (RFPD), the owners of a cow named Ruby called on volunteers to help when Ruby got stuck in a marshy area of their property on April 21. The problem required a “cow-culated technical rescue.” ...
Portland Man Accused of Stealing DHS Vehicle, Leading Authorities on 100 mph I-5 Chase
A Portland man was taken into custody Wednesday after leading law enforcement on a car chase involving a stolen Department of Homeland Security vehicle, per the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office. The suspect, identified as 41-year-old Travis Grygla, allegedly swiped the vehicle during an arrest earlier that day and then barreled down Interstate 5 reaching speeds over 100 mph.
Rainier man faces drug charges associated with illegal western Lane County marijuana grow
WESTLAKE, Ore. --The average household uses around 1,000 kilowatts of power every month, but one home in in the unincorporated western Lane County community of Westlake tipped off authorities to an illegal marijuana grow that was racking up an average of 50,000 kilowatts a month. Court records show that Chanh...
Principal in St. Helens honored as 2024 Middle School Principal of the Year
The principal of St. Helens Middle School has been selected the 2024 Oregon Middle School Principal of the Year by the Coalition of Oregon School Administrators (COSA). Cris Gwilliam, who learned of the honor during a recent staff meeting, was nominated by St. Helens School District Superintendent Scot Stockwell for his “outstanding leadership, collaboration and innovation” in leading St. Helens Middle School through significant transitions over the last year. In...
Garden Plots: Using fertilizers, germinating soil, and pepper preparation
Events: April 27 The Columbia County Master Gardeners™ Spring Fair will be Saturday, April 27 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. There will 3,000+ tomato plants, 700+ pepper plants, and garden related items from other vendors including Means Nursery! It will be at the Fairgrounds again this year. May 2 Columbia County Beekeepers Monthly meeting. Thursday, May 2 at 7 p.m. Master Beekeeper Charlie VanDenHeuvel will be the speaker He will be...
Police Blotter: Multiple DUI arrests made
The police blotter relates to the public record of incidents as reported by law enforcement 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 appropriate law enforcement agency. St. Helens Police Department April...
New Business: American Market opening in St. Helens
Options for a late night snack or refreshment in St. Helens are pretty limited, but after years of development, a new market has opened and it aims to serve the community at all hours. American Market, located at 115 N 18th St. in St. Helens, opened April 24 and will be open 24 hours a day. Once the home of an arcade, the space will now feature one of the only all-day operations in St. Helens. ...
Upcoming Event: The annual St. Helens Garden Club Sale
The St. Helens Garden Club will be hosting its annual Spring Plant Sale, and for folks looking to get their summer gardens going, there will be options available for purchase. The sale will be held at the library porch in conjunction with the Friends of the Library Book Sale. The event will last from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 4. Fonda Lawson is one of the Co-Presidents of...
Columbia County credit union aims to battle grocery inflation with food drive
A Columbia County credit union is recognizing the problems citizens face with lingering grocery inflation by hosting a food drive. InRoads Credit Union, with branches in St. Helens, Scappoose and Rainier, kicked off the food drive Monday, April 22. Nonperishables will be accepted through Friday, May 3. Donations will go to the Columbia Pacific Food Bank, an organization constantly striving to feed those who lack access to essential resources. ...
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