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…

BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON In the Matter of the Application by the Port        ) of Columbia County for a Comprehensive Plan  )                                               NOTICE OF REVISED SCHEDULE Amendment, Zone Change and Goal 3                )                                                FOR REMAND PROCEEDINGS Exception to Reclassify and Rezone Property &n…

(Columbia County, Oregon) - Columbia County has suffered three additional losses to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Oregon Health Authority. Columbia County’s fourth death, a 75-year-old man, was Oregon's 949th COVID-19 death. He tested positive on November 22 and died on November 27 at Kaiser Westside Medical Center. He had underlying conditions. The County’s fifth death, a 68-year-old woman, was Oregon’s 1024th COVID-19 death. She tested positive on November 20 and died on December 1. Her place of death is being confirmed. She had underlying conditions. Columbia County’s sixth death, a 97-year-old man, was Oregon’s 1027th COVID-19 death. He tested positive on November 22 and died on November 27. His place of death …

(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…