Clerk’s Office Launches Free Property Recording Alert Service (Photo)
- 02/09/26
New tool helps property owners monitor land records and protect against fraud
ST. HELENS, Ore. [Feb. 9, 2026] — The Columbia County Clerk’s Office has launched a new free service to help property owners monitor land records and protect against potential fraud. The Property Recording Alert Service (PRAS) notifies subscribers by email whenever a document is recorded and indexed under a monitored name.
Property fraud—such as recording a deed or other legal document without the property owner’s knowledge—is rare but can be costly and time-consuming to resolve. PRAS serves as an early warning tool, allowing property owners to quickly identify and respond to suspicious or unauthorized activity.
“Maintaining accurate and transparent property records is a core responsibility of the Clerk’s Office,” said Debbie Klug, Columbia County Clerk. “This free alert service adds an extra layer of awareness for property owners by notifying them when new documents are recorded.”
Signing up is quick and easy. Residents can register one or more names to be monitored, and the system will automatically send an email notification if a matching document is recorded in Columbia County.
To learn more or sign up for the Property Recording Alert Service, visit www.columbiacountyor.gov/departments/CountyClerk or contact the Columbia County Clerk’s Office at (503) 397-3796 or recording-clerk@columbiacountyor.gov.
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Clerk’s Office Launches Free Property Recording Alert Service (Photo)
- 02/09/26
New tool helps property owners monitor land records and protect against fraud
ST. HELENS, Ore. [Feb. 9, 2026] — The Columbia County Clerk’s Office has launched a new free service to help property owners monitor land records and protect against potential fraud. The Property Recording Alert Service (PRAS) notifies subscribers by email whenever a document is recorded and indexed under a monitored name.
Property fraud—such as recording a deed or other legal document without the property owner’s knowledge—is rare but can be costly and time-consuming to resolve. PRAS serves as an early warning tool, allowing property owners to quickly identify and respond to suspicious or unauthorized activity.
“Maintaining accurate and transparent property records is a core responsibility of the Clerk’s Office,” said Debbie Klug, Columbia County Clerk. “This free alert service adds an extra layer of awareness for property owners by notifying them when new documents are recorded.”
Signing up is quick and easy. Residents can register one or more names to be monitored, and the system will automatically send an email notification if a matching document is recorded in Columbia County.
To learn more or sign up for the Property Recording Alert Service, visit www.columbiacountyor.gov/departments/CountyClerk or contact the Columbia County Clerk’s Office at (503) 397-3796 or recording-clerk@columbiacountyor.gov.
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Board Of County Commissioners Adopts Resolution Of Censure
- 01/15/26
ST. HELENS, Ore. [Jan. 15, 2026] — The Columbia County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution formally censuring Commissioner Casey Garrett during a public meeting on January 14, 2026.
The resolution follows prior actions taken by the Board to address conduct-related concerns and reflects the Board’s determination that certain actions by Commissioner Garrett did not align with established expectations for commissioners or with County policies governing staff interaction and governance processes.
The Board’s action affirms its commitment to maintaining a respectful workplace, upholding clear lines of authority, and ensuring that County operations are carried out in accordance with adopted policies and procedures. The resolution took effect immediately upon adoption and has been entered into the official meeting record.
A copy of the resolution is posted on the County’s website and maintained by the County Clerk in accordance with public records requirements.
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Board Of County Commissioners Adopts Resolution Of Censure
- 01/15/26
ST. HELENS, Ore. [Jan. 15, 2026] — The Columbia County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution formally censuring Commissioner Casey Garrett during a public meeting on January 14, 2026.
The resolution follows prior actions taken by the Board to address conduct-related concerns and reflects the Board’s determination that certain actions by Commissioner Garrett did not align with established expectations for commissioners or with County policies governing staff interaction and governance processes.
The Board’s action affirms its commitment to maintaining a respectful workplace, upholding clear lines of authority, and ensuring that County operations are carried out in accordance with adopted policies and procedures. The resolution took effect immediately upon adoption and has been entered into the official meeting record.
A copy of the resolution is posted on the County’s website and maintained by the County Clerk in accordance with public records requirements.
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