Independence New details Day 2021 Page A10 about found mystery child Page A8 Wednesday, .50 July 7, 2021 $1 thechronicleonline.com Serving Columbia County since 1881 Labor shortage is a wage shortage changes make sense to continue AURORA BIGGERS providing a safety net for Orego- [email protected] nians who are unable to work As businesses in Columbia due to legitimate COVID circum- County emerge from the CO- stance while also acknowledging VID-19 pandemic, many are changes to the rules are neces- facing the challenge of a limited sary given the wide availability workforce. The work shortage of vaccinations readily available isn’t new. It has been a consistent to all Oregonians 16 and older,” issue for many employers across Brandt said. “We know we can the state of Oregon and the na- protect those who need benefits tion, according the economists. while also adjusting our COVID Nationally, businesses across scenarios currently resulting in industries are experiencing labor eligibility to encourage a return shortages as employees experi- to work when and where it makes ence low wages. This is not a sense for the individual and our coincidence, according to Erik industry employers.” Knoder, a regional economist with the Oregon Employment Aggressive hiring tactics Department. From 2010 through 2020 the Northwest businesses like average wage – including full and Burgerville are turning to aggres- part-time jobs – increased 35% in sive hiring tactics, according to Benton County, 36% in Clat- Burgerville Director of Strategic sop County, 39% in Columbia Initiatives Hillary Barbour. County, 41% in Lincoln County, “On the food side, I’m really and 44% in Tillamook County. happy to report that because of “That seems great, until we our super hyperlocal supply chain remember that inflation increased we haven’t had any of the food also during that time.” Knoder shortages,” Barbour said. “How- wrote in a recent guest article for ever, the restaurant industry has The Chronicle. been hit among the hardest by On May 18, the Oregon Em- the pandemic. We are definitely ployment Department announced experiencing the labor shortages that hiring in May ground to a and the challenges that come Metro Creative Connect / The Chronicle virtual standstill, with the unem- Business operators are facing what some are calling a labor shortage and struggling to find solutions to maintain employees and along with that.” ployment rate unchanged at 6%. sustain profits. To combat the restaurant The lack of job gains was strik- chain’s gap in labor, Barbour said ing, and part of a national trend. (ORLA) blame the labor shortage benefits that incentivize a ‘wait that took effect June 30, Brandt Burgerville has been “trying to on hefty unemployment insurance it out’ mentality,” Jason Brandt, and businesses collectively that meet the talent where they are.” A Unemployment benefits blamed benefits from the government. President & CEO of ORLA said the Chronicle spoke with hope strategy which includes attending “It is clear the workforce chal- in a statement to The Chronicle. employment will pick up. virtual job fairs (they hope to be Some business owners and lenges the hospitality industry is As the state emerges from “We look forward to working associations like the Oregon Res- currently experiencing includes the pandemic and reopens under with the Oregon Employment taurant and Lodging Association the enhanced unemployment Gov. Brown’s executive order Department to determine what See LABOR Page A5 Masks off, doors open Monica Seidl said. “We are hope- ful for businesses to get back to work and be able to hire employ- ees.” Seidl said the chamber is ask- ing customers to be patient with businesses that are short staffed and doing what they can to navi- gate that situation. “It has been a long year and a half, but I think this is a step in the right direction,” she said of the reopening. “Those who wanted to be vaccinated are, and those who have not been vaccinated have been given the opportunity. We all have different belief systems and need to respect everyone’s freedom. Courtesy photo Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chronicle In Rainier, City Administrator The St. Helens Parks and Recreation Program believes that a quality recreation pro- The pandemic related signs limiting public access to St. Helens City Hall have been Scott Jorgensen city employees removed as of Wednesday, June 30, following the Governor Brown’s executive order gram is an asset to any community, according to a release from the city. allowing the state to reopen. are welcome to continue wear- ing face coverings if they wish, Hall and the Columbia County but the city has not imposed any Parks and Rec receives JEREMY C. RUARK Courthouse. restrictions beyond what state [email protected] The city of St. Helens Com- officials implemented. If the state munication Director Crystal King is no longer requiring masks to be AURORA BIGGERS said the city is resuming normal worn, Jorgensen said the city will additional $35,000 [email protected] operations. not be requiring its employees to unorganized play opportunities for “In keeping with Governor do so. STAFF REPORT all ages in the St. Helens commu- As Gov. Kate Brown’s execu- Brown’s latest recovery order, “The public has endured much [email protected] nity. tive order reopening the state’s St. Helens City Hall is now open discomfort and inconvenience The Early Childhood Family over the last year for the sake of The St. Helens Parks and Recre- economy took effect Wednesday, to the public for regular business ation Program administrators have Support Fund grant will support June 30, most businesses and hours,” King said. “Lifting the lo- limiting the spread of the virus,” summer learning and recreational he said. “Business owners have been notified that they are approved public offices began to return to cal state of emergency will be on to receive $10,000 from the Trail opportunities for children 0-5 and normalcy. the next St. Helens City Council been strained by capacity limits their parents. The St. Helens Parks and other restrictions on their op- Blazers Foundation Fund of the agenda for review.” Oregon Community Foundation and and Recreation Program will focus Signs down, cities reopen Clatskanie City Manager Greg erations, employees were put out on enhancing its current Nature of work and most gatherings were $25,000 from the Early Childhood Hinkelman said its back to normal. Family Support Fund of the Oregon Buddies, Playground, and Let’s Signs detailing the restrictions “City Hall is fully open and prohibited. We’re pleased that our Play programs. businesses will be able to serve Community Foundation. and limiting public access have no employees are wearing masks, This is in addition to a $75,000 The St. Helens Parks and Recre- been removed at several public nor are we requiring the public to their customers and that work- ation Program believes that a qual- ers can return to their jobs. The grant which was recently awarded locations, such as St. Helens City wear masks,” he said. to St. Helens from the K-12 Sum- ity recreation program is an asset Hinkelman said the Clatskanie vitality of our small businesses is to any community, the city release critical to the city. We stood with mer Learning Fund of the Oregon City Council will be lifting the Community Foundation, according states. The parks and rec program Opinion ..................... A4 state of emergency issued at the them during this difficult time and partners with other community applaud their patience in adhering to a city release. onset of the pandemic when it The $110,000 in grant funding organizations and agencies to offer Poll ............................ A4 meets during regular session next to the state’s public health guide- programs that create a stronger lines.” will be used to support summer Obituaries ................. A5 week. programs at the St. Helens Parks community. “We are encouraging people Classified Ads ......... A6 and Recreation Program. The Trail to carefully reengage,” Clatskanie Blazers Foundation Fund grant will Learn more about the St. Helens Chamber of Commerce Director Legals ....................... A6 See MASKS Page A8 be used to offer free organized and Parks and Recreation Program at www.sthelensoregon.gov/parksrec. TV Guide ................... A7 Crossword Puzzle .... A8 Independence Day A10 Vol. 139, No. 27 ColumbiaCountyOR.Gov/Vaccine | 503-397-7247 A2 www.thechronicleonline.com Wednesday, July 7, 2021 $350,000 improvements for Scappoose Marina Courtesy photo from the Port of Columbia County Courtesy photo from the Port of Columbia County The Port of Columbia County is using grant funding for design, engineering, and permitting improvements The Scappoose Marina is located at 57420 Old Portland Road in Warren. at the Scappoose Marina. bined with $175,000.00 of Relations Representative well defined and can be in Sisco said the projects reduce congestion and in- JEREMY C. RUARK applicant match. The total Gina Sisco. conflict with the motorized are designed to embrace the crease safety at the marina.” [email protected] project cost is $350,000.00, “The specific projects users at the boat ramp, ac- growing popularity of the The current grant is for The Oregon Marine according to the Oregon will depend on how suc- cording to Sisco. marina. design engineering and Board has approved project Marine Board. cessful we are with our “This, along with ad- “During the busy season permitting. Sisco said con- funding designed to im- The funding will cover permitting,” Sisco said. ditional parking lot changes of May-September, it is not struction will not take place prove the Scappoose Bay the design engineering and “We would like to add for improved traffic flow, uncommon for the marina until the permitting process Marina.