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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 14, 2010)
december14 2010 V E R N O N I A’ S reflecting the spirit of our community free volume4 issue23 Governor Helps Vernonia Celebrate Carnanhan Receives Ground Breaking Medal of Valor Kulongoski Announces $3.8 Million ODOT Grant; Community Starts Construction Of New School Nearly three years to the day after a 500-year flood ravaged the historic timber town of Vernonia, community members and students gathered on December 2, 2010, with leaders from across the state to break ground on an innovative and much-needed new $38 million K-12 school and community center. Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski was the event’s guest of honor. “I want to offer a heartfelt thank you to the people who made this day possible-- the citizens of Vernonia,” stated Governor Kulongoski during the ground breaking ceremony at the site of the new school facility. “As I travel this state, I use this community as an example. When misfortune struck, you believed in your community. You believed in your children. And you believed in each other. And you believed that a brighter day would come that would bring a better future for this community and its citizens. And that day has come!” Kulongoski used his remarks to announce a $3.8 million award from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) in support of the Vernonia school and community center project. “I am pleased to announce that more help is on the way,” stated Kulongoski. “Our Oregon State Department of Transportation will invest $3.8 million that we will use for improvements to the state highway and the adjoining streets of Missouri and Texas Avenues to help accommodate the traffic generated by the relocation of your schools.” Kulongoski stated the funds would be used to widen state Highway inside 8 the nutcracker 8 vernonia community theater 19 the great outdoors Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski helped with the ground breaking ceremony at the new Vernonia School site on December 2, 2010. 47 and would include sidewalks, pedestrian and bike paths and other safety improvements for the schools. Kulongoski noted that the intention is to have the improvements completed by the fall of 2012. Kulongoski said that this ODOT state continued on page 20 Vernonia Police Officer Shawn Carnahan, along with Columbia County Deputy Ryan Dews, received the Oregon Peace Officers Association (OPOA) Medal of Valor in a ceremony held in Newport, Oregon, on November 19. Carnahan and Dews received their medals after risking their lives to save a man who was the passenger in a stolen vehicle involved in a pursuit on Scappoose-Vernonia Road on July 4, 2010. “This is one of those things, you don’t really want to say this, but it’s part of my job,” said Officer Carnahan. “When I look back on it now, do I think I should have done it? It was a little too close, but at the time that’s not what you are thinking. Would I do it again? Yes, I would do it again.” The crash occurred when the driver of the stolen car lost control of the vehicle and left the roadway, where it burst into flames. Officer Carnahan and Deputy Dews reacted quickly to the burning vehicle and were able to pull Robert Regan of St. Helens from the flames. The car quickly became engulfed, making further rescue attempts impossible, and the driver of Vernonia Police Officer Shawn Carnahan received the Medal of Valor from the OPOA for a rescue he performed on July 4. the stolen vehicle-- Brooks Anderson of St. Helens-- died at the scene. Though the passenger later died from his injuries, the two officers were awarded the Medal of Valor for the risks they took to rescue him. Carnahan attended the ceremony with his wife and was joined by his parents and grandmother who reside in Florence, Oregon. “I join the OPOA in recognizing the exemplary efforts of both Deputy Dews and Officer Carnahan,” said Columbia County Sheriff Jeff Dickerson. Vernonia Celebrates the Spirit of Christmas The weather outside was a little bit frightful and if you were an Oregon State fan, the Civil war Game was not delightful. And it didn’t snow. But otherwise, the first ever “The Spirit of Christmas in Vernonia” celebration on Saturday, December 4 th , was a pretty big success. Organized by local business and community leaders, the event featured roving carolers, a live nativity scene by children from St. Mary’s Catholic Church featuring live barnyard animals, several performances by a community choir, local residents reading their favorite Christmas stories, and a delicious baking contest with local residents serving up their favorite holiday recipes. “I thought everyone was having a good time and enjoying themselves,” said coordinator Marilyn Nicks. “It was great to see the community come together, not just in a crisis, but to pull something like this off. I think it was a great day!” The event Carolers in traditional costumes roamed the streets and shops was scheduled and during the day, spreading Christmas Cheer. held on the same event, at least until 4:00 requests for gifts. weekend as the annual The event also P.M. when activities “Christmas in the Country fell on the same day as became noticeably busier Bazaar,” the Lighted the annual Civil War around town. Truck Parade, and City Football game between City streets and Tree Lighting. This year’s the University of Oregon businesses were decorated tree was donated by Jeff and Oregon State. The the previous weekend by and Sandy Jamison from importance of the game volunteers to get ready Mike’s Christmas Tree this year and Oregon’s for the holiday season Farm, and is a real beauty. chance to play for the and for the Saturday event Santa Claus rode in the National Championship and everything looked parade and was on hand probably kept some folks fantastic. at the tree lighting to take inside during the For more photos turn to page 13.
