SMDec2007

Ah yes, mother nature continues to send us subtle reminders that winter is approaching and the
weather has more control than we give it credit for. The recent windstorm and short-term power
outage brought back vivid memories of December ’06 when we spent several days without power.
I hope after the December event that everyone went out and prepared your 72hr Emergency kits
but I’m sure many of us did not. The fact is that Vernonia is fairly remote and very susceptible to
power outages and isolation during significant events. A 72hr kit can give you and your family the
peace of mind that you have the emergency supplies you need to get through those critical first 72
hours. For more information on 72hr kits you can visit the Red Cross website at www.redcross.org
or you can purchase pre-made kits from numerous companies on the internet as well as from the
Columbia County RSVP group in St. Helens.

As with my previous article our community once again has been hit by senseless vandalism.
Unknown subjects damaged the bathrooms at Anderson Park and threw several picnic table and
other items into the Mill Pond (Vernonia Lake). Several of the items at the Mill Pond also sustained
damage. Vernonia Pride and Park Host Bill Yeo are offering up to a $200 reward for any
information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the vandalism. As I stated
in the previous article, there are also rewards being offered for the damage to the flower baskets
and the graffiti on the bridge. You can call the VPD with any information at 503-429-7335 or email
me at chief@vernonia-or.gov.

If you haven’t already noticed, the new 20mph speed limit signs have been installed at Grant Ave.
and near Maple St. The new speed limit is effective immediately so make sure to watch your
speed through the downtown area. This effectively establishes the 20mph Business District Speed
Zone through downtown Vernonia. The City Council previously voted to send a letter to ODOT
asking that the speed limit be changed from 25mph to 20mph in an effort to promote a safer traffic
environment in the business district. Though we do not have a huge traffic or speed issues in
downtown it is obvious that the pedestrian and bicycle traffic have both greatly increased. The VPD
will be doing some enhanced patrols with the intent to educate drivers on the new speed limit and
ultimately gain voluntary compliance with the new limits. I will also be contacting ODOT to ask them
why the 25mph sign by the Senior Center was left up as it is only 200ft or so from the new 20mph
sign. Please be aware of the new speed limit and as always be careful driving through downtown
Vernonia.