Did You Know...

05-03-07 If you have been out and about any of the last several weekends you may have noticed that Vernonia is a very busy little town. Our community is quickly becoming the weekend destination for motorcyclists and bicyclist. Hundreds of both enthusiasts wind their way up and down Highway 47 making Vernonia their pit stop. We welcome all motorcyclists and bicyclist only asking that they ride responsibly and respect all other traffic on the roadways. Unfortunately, this is beginning to be a very deadly year on Columbia County roads. So far through the first four months there have been eight (8) traffic-related fatalities in Columbia County. This is compared to nine (9) total fatalities in 2005. I recently spoke to Sergeant Larry Lucas of the Oregon State Police in St. Helens. Sgt. Lucas was a little dismayed at the numbers and commented that he and his troops have examined all of the incidents looking for causal factors. He advised they found no patterns as many factors played a roll in the various accidents. Hopefully we are done with fatal accidents for the rest of the year. Unfortunately I am afraid as we enter the heavy driving season of the summer that there may be more. Remember to be safe, courteous, and patient when driving. Stay in your lane and do not cut the corners. Respect the larger, slow moving vehicles until they can reach a turn-out and allow you to pass. If you are in a slow moving vehicle use the turn-outs to allow regular traffic to flow around you. When in town, be vigilant and ready for children or animals to appear in front of you without warning. Lastly, be courteous and cautious around bicyclists. Together we can minimize the potential for fatal accidents in the Vernonia area. On May 1st the newest member of the Vernonia Police Department started with the department. Please welcome Jeff Dalrymple as our newest police officer. Officer Dalrymple was selected out of twenty two (22) applicants and six (6) finalists. Officer Dalrymple is a certified officer and comes to us from the Milwaukie Police Department where he most recently was a Reserve Sergeant. Officer Dalrymple is very familiar with Vernonia as he has volunteered his services as an officer at several of the past Friendship Jamborees. Officer Dalrymple will be sworn in at a ceremony at the May 7th City Council Meeting. Please welcome Officer Dalrymple as he prepares to serve our community as a Vernonia Police Officer.