Multiple outbreaks linked to rise in cases could shift Columbia County back to High Risk (Columbia County, Oregon) – Columbia County recently linked several COVID-19 cases to recent gatherings and activities in North County. If this trend continues, it could shift Columbia County back into the High Risk Category and lead to stricter capacity restrictions and gathering limits. Residents should be advised that cases are also trending up across the state. The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) COVID-19 Weekly Report, released on Thursday, April 1, reported 2,456 new daily cases of COVID-19 during the week of Monday, March 22 through Sunday, March 28. That represents a 28% increase from the previous week. Given the rise in new cases, Columbia County Public Health would like to remind our communiti…

(Columbia County, Oregon) – The Columbia County Second Amendment Sanctuary Ordinance, recently adopted by the Columbia County Board of Commissioners to implement the intent of the voters as demonstrated by the passage of the “Second Amendment Preservation Ordinance” in 2018 and the “Second Amendment Sanctuary Ordinance” in 2020, will now move on to Validation proceedings in Columbia County Circuit Court.In passing the Ordinance, many provisions of both Measures 5-270 and 5-278 remain the same. The Ordinance amended the Second Amendment Sanctuary Ordinance to incorporate provisions of the Second Amendment Preservation Ordinance where it differed from the Second Amendment Sanctuary Ordinance. The new Ordinance’s adoption kept it consistent with County practice and corrected scrivener errors…

January 20,2021 During a storm event in 2015 a landslide occurred on Scappoose-Vernonia Hwy at MP 4.0, near Highway 47. In response to the event, crews with Columbia County’s Public Works Department temporarily stabilized the slide in order to reopen the road. Columbia County has since obtained Federal funding to repair the damaged road section. Contractors for the County will conduct the slide repair project this coming summer. Construction is anticipated to begin in July 2021 and run through September 2021. The work will include improving drainage, placing stone embankment protection, stabilizing the subgrade, installing guardrail, and repaving the roadway in the slide location. Some lane restrictions and traffic delays with flaggers are anticipated dur…

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  January 20, 2021 (Columbia County, OR) - Columbia County Public Health recently announced a new partnership with OHSU Family Medicine at Scappoose to finish vaccinating Phase 1a groups. OHSU joins Scappoose Rural Fire District and Columbia Health Services as the third local provider to receive COVID-19 vaccine to administer shots to specific Phase 1a groups.  Earlier in the month, Scappoose Rural Fire District received enough doses to vaccinate EMS staff and other first responders in Columbia County. Columbia Health Services subsequently received doses for its own staff, other local health care providers, and individuals in congregate care settings.  “The State of Oregon’s plan is to move to vaccinating educa…

(Columbia County, Oregon) – In partnership with the Columbia County Economic Team (CCET), Columbia County recently distributed $929,274 worth of Small Business Grant dollars to 159 Columbia County small businesses and non-profits. The grant dollars were distributed across eight cities and towns and awarded by size of company – the majority of which were smaller sole proprietorships. The local hospitality industry alone received $258,978. “Our businesses and communities need this money here,” Columbia County Commissioner Henry Heimuller said. “We were determined not to send a single cent back that would benefit the citizens of Columbia County.” According to CCET Executive Director, Paul Vogel, the process to take business a…

BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR COLUMBIA COUNTY 2021 ANNUAL MEETING NOTICE   Notice is hereby given that the Columbia County Board of Commissioner will hold their regularly scheduled meetings every Wednesday, at or after 10:00 AM. These meetings will be held from the Columbia County Courthouse, 230 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR.  https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/357054141 United States (Toll Free): 1 866 899 4679 Access Code: 357-054-141 Additionally, the Board will hold their regularly scheduled Work Sessions every Wednesday at or after 1:00 PM from the Columbia County Courthouse, 230 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR. https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/357054141 United States (Toll Free): 1 866 899 4679 Access Code: 357-054-141…

  (Columbia County, Oregon) – On Monday, January 4, Judge Ted Grove swore in three officials who won their elections in November. Commissioner Margaret Magruder, re-elected for her second term to Position 1, was first elected in November 2016. A lifelong resident of Clatskanie, Oregon, she has more than two decades of public service involving Columbia County business, government, and non-profits. As a County Commissioner, Magruder’s primary focus is economic development, natural resources, and infrastructure. “It is a privilege to serve the citizens of Columbia County for the next four years,” Magruder said. “I look forward to working to bring improved technology, new jobs, and good health to Columbia County.” Commissi…