Did You Know...

02-02-06 January is ending and it is going into the books as one of the wetter Januarys on record. The creeks and rivers have been rising and falling and leaving their banks on occasion. Please be careful and watch for water over the roadway and on the road surface. There have been several accidents recently where water and slick roads have been a factor. The rain also makes it difficult to see obstructions and pedestrians. Please slow down through the school zone and downtown so you will be able to see pedestrians and be able to stop if something appears in front of you. I recently received an email from Columbia County Animal Control Officer Roger Kadell. Mr. Kadell writes that he is experiencing an increased number of calls to Vernonia, some including aggressive dogs. Mr. Kadell wanted to remind everyone of the requirements for animals in Columbia County including: --ORS 609.100 requires that all dogs over six months of age be licensed with Columbia County Animal Control within 30 days of residing in the County. --Columbia County Animal Control will be canvassing the city to assure that dogs are licensed as required by the state law. License may be obtained at the animal shelter in St. Helens, at the County Court House, by mail or by contacting the animal control officer in the field. --Animal Control will respond to calls of animals being public nuisance and can issue a citation under County Ordinance based on the citizen's complaint. The bail for these violations are $500.00. Call 503-397-3935 to make a report. --Issues of wild animals are to be referred to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wild Life. Raccoons, possums and other general nuisance animals, residents may obtain a trapping permit from ODFW (no charge) and rent traps from animal control. The homeowner can then legally relocate the wild animal. You can go to the VPD website and click on the "Animal Control Questions" link to find this information plus a definition of "Dog as a Public Nuisance."