Regional Partners Encourage Safer Choices And Open Conversations For Alcohol Awareness Month - 04/01/26

ST. HELENS, Ore., Apr. 1, 2026 — In recognition of Alcohol Awareness Month, Alcohol and Drug Prevention and Education Programs (ADPEP) in Columbia, Clatsop, and Tillamook counties are encouraging community members to reflect on their relationship with alcohol and understand its impact on personal health, families, and the broader community.

Alcohol is the most commonly used substance in Oregon and the United States. While many people drink socially, excessive or underage drinking increases the risk of injury, chronic disease, mental health challenges, and substance use disorder. Alcohol use is also linked to higher rates of motor vehicle crashes, violence, and academic or workplace problems.

“Alcohol Awareness Month is an opportunity to pause and have honest, non-judgmental conversations about alcohol,” said Haley Medina, Health Promotion Specialist. “We want people to have the information they need to make informed choices and to know that support is available if they or someone they care about needs help.”

Throughout April, Columbia, Clatsop, and Tillamook counties will share resources focused on:

• Understanding lower-risk drinking guidelines
• Preventing underage drinking
• Reducing alcohol-related harms
• Supporting individuals and families affected by alcohol misuse

Parents and caregivers can help reduce youth alcohol use by setting clear expectations and maintaining open communication.

Confidential help is available for anyone concerned about alcohol use. Call or text the 988 Lifeline for mental health and substance use support, or visit FindTreatment.gov to locate local treatment resources.

For more information about Alcohol Awareness Month activities and resources, visit rethinkthedrink.com or contact Columbia County Public Health at columbiacountyor.gov/publichealth.

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Road Status Update: Heath And Apiary Roads Reopen, Holbrook Road Remains Closed - 03/20/26

ST. HELENS, Ore., Mar. 20, 2026 — Columbia County Public Works has reopened Heath Road and Apiary Road, while Holbrook Road remains closed as crews assess damage and plan repairs following recent flooding.

Heath Road is now open to traffic following receding water levels.

Apiary Road has reopened after temporary traffic revisions, allowing culvert lining and stabilization work to be completed.

Holbrook Road remains closed due to confirmed washout damage. Public Works crews are assessing conditions and developing a repair plan. The existing detour remains in place: Holbrook Road → Fairview Road → Nicolai Road → U.S. Highway 30.

Motorists are advised to use caution in affected areas and follow posted signage.

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Columbia County Reuse Program Diverts 18,000 Pounds From Landfill - 03/19/26

Program returns usable items to local nonprofits instead of the landfill

ST. HELENS, Ore., Mar. 19, 2026 — Columbia County’s Reuse Program has diverted nearly 18,000 pounds of usable materials from the landfill since launching in fall 2025.

The effort helps keep usable materials out of the landfill while returning them to the community through local nonprofit partners.

The program operates at the Columbia County Solid Waste Transfer Station and focuses on identifying new or like-new items before they enter the waste stream. These items are then redirected to local nonprofit partners where they can continue to be used by the community.

The program was developed after a year-long planning process in 2024 and 2025, during which the County’s Solid Waste Department researched reuse programs in other counties, worked with transfer station operator Hudson Garbage, and received support from the Columbia County Board of Commissioners.

Hudson Garbage hired a Reuse Specialist who works at the transfer station to recover usable materials from the tipping floor before they are sent to the landfill. Since launching in fall 2025, the program has diverted nearly 18,000 pounds of materials, including construction supplies, home décor, art and craft materials, and other reusable items.

Recovered materials are distributed to community partners including Habitat for Humanity, Top Notch Thrift Store, the Scappoose Senior Center, St. Helens Parks and Recreation, and other local nonprofit organizations.

“I really love the Reuse Program and my role in it,” said Lori Baker, Reuse Specialist. “I get to help divert usable items from the landfill and get them to terrific local nonprofits like the senior center’s Top Notch Thrift Store and the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, which helps support their missions and our community. I also get to interact with customers and provide recycling support.”

Tatum Flowers, Columbia County Solid Waste Coordinator, said the early results showed how effective the program could be.

“A program like this is rare, and with continued support from Hudson Garbage and the Reuse Specialist, we’ve already seen a huge impact,” Flowers said. “In the first three months of the program, we diverted more than 8,000 pounds away from the landfill and returned usable items back into the community through our nonprofit partners.”

The Solid Waste Department plans to continue working with community partners and the transfer station operator to expand reuse opportunities and reduce the amount of material entering the landfill.

About Columbia County’s Solid Waste Program:
Columbia County’s Solid Waste Program works to protect public health and the environment by providing responsible waste management services and promoting waste reduction, recycling, and reuse throughout the county. The program operates the Columbia County Transfer Station and supports community programs that help reduce landfill waste, conserve resources, and keep reusable materials in circulation within local communities.

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Flooding Forces Road Closures And Traffic Changes In Columbia County (Photo) - 03/18/26

ST. HELENS, Ore., Mar. 18, 2026 — Columbia County Public Works crews are responding to road damage and flooding caused by the recent atmospheric river event, resulting in multiple road closures and traffic changes across the county.

Apiary Road (Milepost 7.1), at Meissner Road – Traffic Revision
A culvert northeast of the Apiary Road and Meissner Road intersection has separated, partially undermining the north lane. Crews have installed temporary advisory signage and cones to shift traffic to the south side of the roadway while repairs are planned. Public Works crews will excavate the area, restore the roadway, and repair the culvert. Additional updates will be provided as repair work is scheduled.

Holbrook Road (Milepost 1.1), at Beaver Homes Road – Road Closed
Holbrook Road remains closed after floodwaters overtopped the roadway at Goble Creek. Water has receded, and a washout has been confirmed. Public Works crews are assessing the full extent of the damage and will begin repair planning, including restoring the roadway base and surface.

Detour: Holbrook Road → Fairview Road → Nicolai Road → U.S. Highway 30.

Heath Road (Milepost 0.2 to 0.45), between U.S. Highway 30 and Wonderly Road – Road Closed

This low-lying section of Heath Road is prone to flooding and is currently closed. Once water levels recede, Public Works crews will reopen the roadway and begin restoration work.

Detour: U.S. Highway 30 → Alston-Mayger Road → Wonderly Road.

Motorists are advised to use caution near work areas and follow posted detour routes. Additional updates will be provided as conditions change and repairs are scheduled.

For the latest information on road conditions, residents are encouraged to monitor Columbia County communication channels.

Photos of road conditions are attached.

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