City of St. Helens fireworks set to return

Monday, February 7, 2022

After much deliberation, the City of St. Helens has agreed to fund a Fourth of July fireworks display this year.

The St. Helens City Council announced last year that the city would seek a nonprofit or another group to take over responsibility for managing the annual event and the council agreed to provide approximately $20,000 for the effort.

During the Wednesday, Feb. 2 public meeting of the St. Helens City Council, Mayor Rick Scholl outlined his concerns over the cost of putting together fireworks, adding that in previous years, organizers have had to pull money out of their own pockets to run the event.

According to Scholl, Scappoose resident and Spirit of Christmas Parade Organizer Angela Wayman has volunteered to take on the organization of this year’s fireworks. St. Helens Event Coordinator Tina Curry, also present at the meeting, offered her assistance.

Wayman said she submitted a proposal Jan. 18 and awaits a response from the city council. She also affirmed the importance of the tradition to the St. Helens community.

This is a nationwide holiday that celebrates what America is all about, she said.

Responding to Wayman’s proposal, Scholl opined during the meeting that the division of responsibilities might complicate the fireworks event planning.

The council ultimately agreed to take on the expense, and city councilors will confirm with Western Fireworks that a show is still happening this year, according to St. Helens Communications Officer Crystal King.

King added that the councilors are still discussing how volunteers and community organizers can participate in other Independence Day-related events.

Tourism audit approved

City council members also signed a contract for a financial audit of tourism revenue and expenditures, to be performed by a Tualatin-based company.

The proposal to perform financial audits came from the Tourism Committee Report recommendations, addressed to the mayor and city council in a Dec. 29 Council Special Session.

Margaret Jeffries recognized

The council commended retiring St. Helens Library Director Margaret Jeffries, who achieved the admiration of the St. Helens community for her dedication to reinvigorating the library’s many programs.


It has just been a complete privilege and pleasure, Jeffries said, addressing the council.



Certainly not something the library did alone. (There was) an awful lot of support to provide those unique services and programs.

Despite praise for her accomplishments, Jeffries maintained her humility throughout the speech, issuing many thanks to different departments, agencies, and organizations in the collaborative effort of enhancing the library’s offerings and expanding its programs.

Each councilor was allowed to address Jeffries directly and express their gratitude for her service to the St. Helens library.

To conclude the commendation, Scholl hugged Jeffries and presented her with a bouquet.

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