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About The Columbia press. (Astoria, Or.) 1949-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 2, 2022)
The Columbia Press September 2, 2022 WHS football envisions winning year By Bruce Dustin For The Columbia Press Warrenton High School opens the 2022 season Fri- day, Sept. 2, with its first nonleague game at Amity. Five seniors lead the ros- ter, Dawson Little, James Mickelson, Michael Ulness, Damon Campbell, and Zakk Lundberg. At last Friday night’s Foot- ball Jamboree in Seaside, the five talked about last year’s devastating loss in the play- offs to LaPine and what they expect in the impending sea- son. “I want to win and get a ring before I leave,” said Dawson, a starting receiver and out- side linebacker. “I feel great about our team. I think this year’s attitude is great. We’re really competitive. We all want to win. My worst mem- ory is Nov. 13’s loss to LaP- ine.” Michael, a wide receiver, agreed. “We ended on such a bad note last season that we can never accept that result again,” he said. James, a right tackle and Mayor: Mitchell will be new face on commission Continued from Page 1 to Henry he says, ‘Just a min- ute, I want to do something else.’ So nothing moves.” He has to compete directly with Balensifer now because “I couldn’t do four more years with Henry. I would end up killing him,” New- ton said. “The public doesn’t know what games go on all the time.” Despite the bad blood that’s been brewing between New- ton and his rivals over the past 18 months, Balensifer vowed to keep his campaign positive. “I want to unite and not stir discontent and divide,” Balensifer said. “I’m focused on continuing to deliver re- sults for Warrenton and I’m focused on making sure we have stable and effective leadership as we traverse the next four years.” There are many exciting projects already in the works as well as greater plans for things moving forward, he said. Plans include major water and sewer upgrades in Hammond, a master plan for Hammond Marina with a handicapped-accessible fish- ing pier, and sidewalks on South Main Avenue to War- renton High School. “I’m excited to continue to bring federal and state in- vestments to the city through good relationships I’ve creat- ed,” Balensifer said. When asked how he feels Next steps Sept. 16: Candidate statements available to the public Oct. 18: Last day for un- registered residents to reg- ister to vote in the election Oct. 19-21: Ballots mailed to voters Nov. 8: Election day about having competition from Newton, he responded “I’m at peace with whatev- er the voters decide. I don’t own this seat, the people of Warrenton do. It will be up to their vision.” Newton’s decision to run for mayor will leave his Posi- tion 4 seat open. Paul Mitchell, operations director for Warrenton KIA and chairman of the city’s Planning Commission, is the only person who filed to run for the Position 4 seat. The last day for candidates to file was Tuesday. “I think people need to start paying attention to what Warrenton is and not what it’s next to,” said Mitchell, who was on vacation in Alas- ka this week. “Warrenton needs to be more of a leader in the county as opposed to being a neighbor of Seaside and Astoria. It’s a place to go to and not drive through.” Mitchell has served on the Planning Commission for 15 years, the last three as chair. He also served 10 years on the city’s budget committee, three of them as chair. Warrenton residents also will have two other items to decide on the ballot, a five- year library operations levy, and whether to allow the city to give the Head Start build- ing in Robinson Community Park to Clatsop Community Action. 5 defensive end, said that his favorite game of his high school ca- reer so far was “when we beat Rainier two years ago. We won 22- 8. I think this is going to be an even better year.” Damon, a wide re- ceiver and cornerback, said the team has a lot of experience. Bruce Dustin “We’re together,” Max Smith runs for a touchdown at he said. “Our loss to Saturday’s Jamboree in Seaside. LaPine is something I hope we never experience as family members who care again.” about each other. Zakk, a wide receiver and “We can do better than the safety, described teammates past,” he said. County road closes for logging work Soapstone Lake Road and Trailhead, which is off High- way 53 (the Necanicum High- way) in the southwest portion of Clatsop State Forest, will be closed until Sept. 9. Logging operations along Soapstone Lake Road require the road’s closure during the week, but it will be open on weekend. After felling has been completed, log hauling will occur between the hours of 5 a.m. and 2 p.m.
