vernonia’s
voice welcome
august
2008
03
VERNONIA’S
from the editor....
Welcome to another edition of Vernonia’s Voice.
Our community was witness to another tragedy this last month. We experienced the loss of an-
other of our young people, and we grieve with all those involved in this tragic situation. In a small
community like ours, it’s amazing how an event like this affects so many of us. Almost everyone
has some connection with the families involved. News travels fast in our small town, especially
bad news, and by early Saturday morning almost everyone knew something terrible had happened
here. Our hearts go out to the family of Kolton Graham for their loss.
As a reporter of community events, it is a difficult situation to find myself in- how to report the
information of something newsworthy that has happened, yet respect the feelings and grief of the
families involved, families who are our neighbors and acquaintances. It’s hard to know what to
say in a situation like this, so I can only say that our thoughts are with you, that we all care, and
we are sorry for your loss.
**** **** **** **** ****
As I was preparing the content for this issue I noticed that a general theme was evolving- and that
theme was logging. Not having grown up around Vernonia, the logging industry is a somewhat
new subject for me, one that I have been developing a curiosity about since moving here five years
ago. Which is what I really like about my job as editor, writer, publisher, and dog wrangler at
Vernonia’s Voice- when I get interested in something, it usually means I’m going to learn at least
a little bit about the subject.
Like most stories I write, a topic usually starts with a question like- “...hmm... wonder what that’s
all about?” and ends with, “...wish I had more time to spend on that subject.” Logging is a com-
plicated, multi-faceted topic, and this month I have looked at it from a number of different angles-
from spending a day out in the woods with Paulson Logging, to visiting with Dean Schaumburg
as he recovers from severe injuries he received in a logging accident last summer. I sat down and
talked with County Commissioner Tony Hyde about the loss of timber revenues, and the failure
of Congress to reauthorize the Secure Rural Schools program. I watched local tree trimmer Ron
Dodge fall a tree, and I looked at a lot of photos from last year’s Logging Show in Vernonia. It is
a fascinating subject, one I still have a lot to learn about. One I intend to spend more time on.
**** **** **** **** ****
I had a great visit to the Columbia County Fair this Year. I had a chance to watch some local 4-H
kids with their livestock, saw some great crafts and baked goods at the Exhibit Hall, watched the
ATV Rodeo, checked out the Master Gardeners Garden and the Grange Museum, and even got to
meet some pirates! I ate curly fries and drank lemonade, and got to pet a goat. Couldn’t ask for
much more than that from our local County Fair.
Publisher and Managing Editor
Scott Laird
News Editor
Scott Laird
(503) 367-0098
scott@vernoniasvoice.com
Copy Editors
Tobie Finzel
Erika Paleck
Alumni Editor
Tammy Vanderzanden
(503) 429-8485
Web Design/Mgmt
Amy Shearer, On Madison Studio
Contributors
Esther Arce
Nancy Burch
Kate Conley
Tobie Finzel
Jill Hult
P.J. O’Leary
Erika Paleck
Donna Web
Chief Mathew Workman
Miles Wickstrom
Tammy Vanderzanden
Photography
Scott Laird
Art Director/
Graphic Design
Amy Shearer, On Madison Studio
**** **** **** **** ****
Hope everyone has a fun and safe Jamboree!
Scott Laird
Publisher and Editor
Subscribe Today!
Subscription Form
Vernonia’s Voice is a monthly publication distributed the first of each month.
Subscription rates are $25 for one year (twelve issues)
Jamboree Guide
Art Director/Graphic Design
Rebecca Wright, Fligh Wright Design
Photography
Evangeline Doyle
Yes, sign me up for one year of Vernonia’s Voice!
NAME
PHONE #
Want to advertise?
Contact: ads@vernoniasvoice.com
ADDRESS
CITY
Have an article?
Contact: news@vernoniasvoice.com
STATE
ZIP
SEND TO: Subscriptions, P.O. Box 55, Vernonia, OR 97064
P.O. Box 55
Vernonia, Oregon 97064
503-367-0098