Did You Know...

04-04-05 Another issue of the paper and again another crime that affects our community. As reported in the blotter, two of the Elk Silhouettes were stolen from the garbage cans downtown. These silhouettes were part of the several downtown beautification measures that make downtown Vernonia such a neat place to be. Unfortunately they are also easy targets for vandals and thieves. If you have any information of these thefts or any crimes call the Vernonia Police Department at 503-429-7335. I want to tell everyone about two toll-free telephone numbers that were recently created. The first number is a statewide 24-hour hotline and website for reporting school violence. The number, 866-305-7745, can be used to report any type of information relating to school violence or safety. The reality of school violence was realized with the recent school shooting in Minnesota. In the Minnesota case and several others there were signs that were never reported to authorities that may have helped avert the tragedy. The related website is www.oregonschoolsafety.com. The other number is for the Columbia Enforcement Narcotics Team (CENT). You can now call toll-free 877-397-1197 to report any suspected drug-related activities in and around Columbia County. The number was created to enhance the reporting process for drug-related information and hopefully speed the response to drug issues. You can still report any crimes, including drug activity, to the Vernonia Police Department at 503-429-7335 or send me an email through VPD website.