(Columbia County, Oregon) – In partnership with the Oregon Health Authority, the Columbia County Public Health Department is offering free COVID-19 testing clinics throughout the month of December. One person will be allowed per appointment, and each person must register individually. Registration assistance will be available at each event for those without internet access. Those with internet access can register and select your appointment time at www.doineedacovid19test.com. These free testing clinics will be drive-thru and everyone is welcome. No insurance is required for your appointment. The tests are quick and pain-free, self-administered nasal swabs. When: Wednesdays December 2, 9, 16, and 30 (no testing on 12/23) Where: St. Helens Hig…

  (Columbia County, Oregon) - Columbia County has suffered its third loss to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Oregon Health Authority statistics reported on Saturday, November 21. The 75-year-old Columbia County woman was Oregon's 815th COVID-19 death. She tested positive on October 23 and died on November 19, at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center. She had underlying conditions. “Coronavirus is real and we do see deadly effects from this virus,” Dr. Joe Skariah, Portland Residency Director for OHSU said. “We know what we can do right now and that’s what we need to be doing. Wear a mask, social distance, practice good hygiene – it will protect you and those around you.” Columbia County is currently experiencing a …

Current advisory committee openings:  Jail Operating Citizens Advisory Committee Fair Board Open position that will be available December, 2020 4-H Extension Service District Budget Committee Ambulance Service Advisory Committee Budget Committee / County Budget Committee / Meadowview Service District Civil Service Commission CZ Trail Advisory Committee Local Public Safety Coordinating Council  Parks Advisory Committee Planning Commission Solid Waste Advisory Committee Traffic Safety Committee to apply please visit  https://www.columbiacountyor.gov/departments/BoardofCommissionersOffice/committee-volunteer-interest-form

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, September 28, 2020 Columbia County Fairgrounds successfully manages wildfire support operation (Columbia County, Oregon) - Things at the Columbia County Fairgrounds are finally slowing down a bit, following three weeks of an epic operation pulled together on the fly to support 40 wildfire evacuees and well over 400 animals. On Tuesday, September 8, the Columbia County Fairgrounds opened their doors as an emergency evacuation site for families fleeing the historic 2020 wildfires. It took an estimated 4,546 volunteer hours contributed by 550 volunteers to manage the influx of livestock, displaced people, and donations from the community. Columbia County Emergency Management was also tapped to help oversee the operation, and other agen…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 13, 2020 Wildfire Relief Fund launched to provide aid and support in Columbia County (Columbia County, Oregon) – United Way of Columbia County, in partnership with Columbia County Emergency Management and the Columbia County Fair Board, recently established the Wildfire Relief Fund in order to more efficiently funnel donations to those affected by the September 2020 wildfires. The Wildfire Relief Fund is live and open for donations at InRoads Credit Union, and 100 percent of the donations received will go directly to wildfire relief in Columbia County. “This money will go towards supporting individuals effected by the wildfires, front-line agency needs, and reimbursements for needs that have already been met,” Exe…

Columbia County news release: September 13, 2020 Contact: Kathy Boutin-Pasterz Solid Waste Program Coordinator Public Works, Columbia County 503-397-7259 (office) kathleen.boutin-pasterz@columbiacountyor.gov Columbia County Transfer Station will be Closed Beginning Monday, September 14, 2020 Until further notice due to the hazardous air quality conditions For our customers and employee safety, the Columbia County Transfer Station, 1601 Railroad Ave in St Helens, will be closed Monday September 14, 2020 due to the hazardous air quality. We plan to resume normal operations as soon as it is safe to do so. Waste Management and Hudson Garbage service will also suspend service on Monday 9/14 for Employee safety during the current air quality cond…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 10, 2020 Columbia County Fairgrounds seeks community support as wildfire evacuees arrive   (Columbia County, Oregon) – The Columbia County Fairgrounds have opened their doors to house displaced people and livestock fleeing from the recent rash of wildfires across Oregon and Washington, with more expected soon. As of Thursday afternoon, September 10, Clackamas County has entered a Level 2 evacuation notice and is preparing to evacuate the Clackamas County Fairgrounds. An estimated third of the animals being sheltered there will soon be on their way to the Columbia County Fairgrounds.  “We are simply trying to be as prepared as we possibly can,” Fair Board Member Julie Pellater said.  By Thursday afternoon, the…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  Columbia County Board of Commissioners approve lease of John Gumm School   (Columbia County, Oregon) – The Columbia County Board of Commissioners recently approved a three-year lease agreement for the main floor of the Olde School, LLC for the John Gumm School building to utilize the facility for the County’s Public Health Department and more adequately social-distanced meeting spaces.   Through December, the lease will be funded through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (or “CARES Act”) designated for necessary expenditures incurred due to the public health emergency with respect to COVID-19.  Under the Cares Act, the County can be reimbursed for expenses that meet certain criteria:  …

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 13, 2020 Columbia County suffers first COVID-19 death (Columbia County, Oregon) - Columbia County has suffered its first loss to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Oregon Health Authority statistics reported at 12:01 a.m. today. The 55-year-old Columbia County man was Oregon's 381st COVID-19 death. He tested positive on August 7 and died on August 9 at Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center. The presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed. “We send our condolences to the family and want to assure the community that we in Columbia County are committed to keeping our citizens safe from COVID-19 as we continue to move forward through this pandemic,” Chair Columbia County Commissioner Alex Tar…