Did You Know...

Once again the Bike Safety Event (Rodeo) was cold, windy, and wet but over 100 children and adults attended. Attendees were provided with safety information, safety equipment and allowed to test their skills on a course. Several sponsors donated items to be given away and raffled off. Many children obtained helmets and everyone had a good time. The Vernonia Police Department hosted an Active School Shooter course on April 22nd at Lincoln Elementary. Officers learned tactics and strategy on responding to a shooter in a school setting. The City of Vernonia will also be hosting a large exercise scenario in June as part of a county-wide exercise between Columbia and Washington county. The scenario will have a terrorist theme and involve the response of multiple police, fire, emergency management, and other agencies both State and Federal. Look for more details in upcoming issues of the Independent. The Vernonia Drug-Free Community Coalition will be hosting an evening meeting on May 8th at 7pm at the Vernonia Scout Cabin. The presentation will be on Prescription Drugs Abuse and how they are becoming an extremely popular drug to use and distribute. More and more prescription drug abuse is occurring among teenagers. Parents, family, and friends need to know the dangers of these drugs and how they can help those who are using and addicted to them. For more information and resources on helping someone with Substance Abuse Problems or Mental Health Problems visit the link on the VPD website at <http://vpd.vernonia-or.gov>