10-31-05

Did You Know... I hope everyone is enjoying the return of the wet weather that is replenishing our waterways and our soil. Be mindful as the temperatures drop the chance of ice or slick roads increases. Be careful, patient, and take your time. The VPD recently received a donation of a computer projector from Infocus, an Oregon company based in Wilsonville. The projector is worth around $1500 and will be used by the police and other city departments for training and presentations. Thank you Infocus. As part of a bicycle safety grant the VPD received, a bicycle safety quiz was given to 100 2nd, 3rd, & 4th grade students at Washington Grade School. The average score was 89% which is very good. The question missed most often was whether or not it is illegal to ride on the sidewalks along Bridge St. Per city ordinance it is ILLEGAL to ride bikes, skateboards, scooters, rollerblades, or skates on the sidewalks along Bridge St. Officers will be handing out new warning tickets or citations for law and safety violations. Riding without a helmet or on a Bridge St. sidewalk could amount in a fine of over $100. There have been too many near-miss accidents so repeat violators will now be subject to a ticket and fine. Don't forget the evening Drug-Free Community Coalition meeting at 7pm on November 14th at the Vernonia Community Church. Judge Wilma Smith will be talking about what "meth" can do to a community if allowed to take over. Judge Smith has witnessed it and will tell us about her experiences. Recently, the Office of National Drug Control Policy has released a study called, "Marijuana Could Threaten Your Teen's Success." The marijuana of today is very different then the marijuana of the 60's and 70's. The THC level is much higher and the drug itself is much more potent and dangerous and is a gateway to other drug use like "meth". To read the article and find out how marijuana could effect the success of your children, go to the VPD web site and click on the link, "Marijuana vs. Success".