Did You Know...

03-16-06 I must say, growing up in Nebraska I have never seen such large snowflakes before as this past weekend. My wife says they are reminiscent of the snows she experienced on Mt. Hood. I also hope the individual(s) who found it necessary to use the snow as an opportunity to drive in Shay Park and the Washington School playground enjoyed themselves. The damage will most likely be repaired using resources that are scarce and could have been used on other projects. But I'm sure the momentary fun was worth it. Now on to more positive topics. Mark your calendars for two upcoming events. Monday March 20th at 7pm there will be a presentation at the Scout Cabin on Meth. Detective Gary Cima of the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office will talk about the shift in meth supply from labs to Mexican Drug Trafficking Organizations (MDTO's). Deputy Cima will paint a very vivid portrait about the war on Meth and what a community can do to help. On Saturday April 29th at 9am at the Vernonia School Campus the VPD will be having a Bike Safety Event or Rodeo. Look for more information in upcoming papers. There are two Vernonia safety topics that I want to touch on briefly. I have installed a 911 Emergency Phone in the entry way of City Hall. The phone is bright red and only dials 911 when the receiver is lifted. The phone is designated for emergencies when there are no officers at the station or on-duty. All state statutes governing 911 calls and reports apply to this phone. The safety topic pertains to a movement to obtain Automated Electronic Defibrillator machines in Vernonia. These are the small portable machines used by first responders with CPR to greatly enhance the survivability of serious medical incidents. I have attempted to obtain grants for these machines since I started here in May '04 but the Federal Government told me Vernonia is not rural but part of the Portland Metro area yet Scappoose & St. Helens are viewed as rural. Keep looking for additional information if you would like to help obtain AED machines or contact me at the VPD.