Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (April 12, 2011)
8 community april12 2011 What’s Happening at the Vernonia Airport Very few Vernonia citizens construction on a new hanger for his from Germany, and a family from property owned by Tim Bero. Bero know a lot about what happens at the plane. Seager recently gave Vernonia’s Switzerland. and Dow have roughly carved in the Vernonia Airport. It is the old idiom, Voice a tour of the facility and showed There have been several small extension, although, because of zoning “Out of sight, out of mind.” Most of off some of the work that has recently construction projects that have taken technicalities, it is only in use as a taxi- us don’t see it or drive past it each day; been completed. place recently. Last year, a culvert way for now. Currently, the runaway in fact, the Vernonia Airport isn’t even Seager has his office and ground that runs directly under the runway is approximately 3000 feet long; the located in the city limits. You have to school located at the airport. He runs was replaced and a drainage ditch was extension would add about 1200 more go looking for it to find it, (it’s just off his flight instruction business from that cleared out. Bud Dow of Dow Brothers feet. Timber Road, a few miles south of town) location, although he actually conducts Construction, and a frequent user of Bero also has plans to construct and few of us have a the airport, donated the a number of flex buildings on his reason to do that. pipe and time to install it. property that could house light industry; And yet, it Gwin Logging donated the hope is to create new jobs that would is still a functioning the equipment for the be close to the community. There is also part of our city installation, and Seager a proposal currently being developed by infrastructure. It may donated two loads of Dow to construct a set of new hangers not be vital, but it is gravel. The culvert drains on city property. Dow would lease the still a property that is the entire area above the land from the city and build and rent the owned by the city and runway; the day we visited, hangers himself. provides some benefit a large amount of water “If we can put up more hangers, for at least some of our was flowing away from it will attract some new individuals out citizens and can draw and under the runway. here and would be really good for the visitors. Seager says the screen overall structure of the airport,” says The citizens that covers the mouth of Seager. that use the Vernonia the culvert requires daily With a long history dating back Mike Seager in front of his new hanger at the Vernonia Airport. Airport are very engaged cleaning to keep the water to the 1930’s, the Vernonia Airport in the upkeep of the facility, volunteering his flying lessons from the Scappoose flowing, as beavers are constantly active remains a functional part of the city time, labor and materials to help keep it Airport; he needs a hard surface landing and at work in the area. “This is a major infrastructure. It is an attraction that has functioning. With hangers that are strip and the Vernonia runway is grass. thing we have to do every day in winter,” the ability to draw outside visitors as leased, the Vernonia Airport generates a Seager regularly brings clients explains Seager. well as local users and be an economic small income and basically pays for its to Vernonia for his flight instruction The City is currently working driver for the community. own operation. business. His clients, and often their to extend the runway onto private Currently, there is a lot of families, stay in local activity at the Vernonia Airport, with a lodging establishments for new hanger and the possibility of more several days, eating at local to come, a possible extension of the restaurants and patronizing The Vernonia Grange will hold a one Bingo Nights at the Grange will be runway, and possible development of local businesses. day rummage sale on Saturday, April 16, from offered on Saturday, April 23, at 6:30 PM. Come light industrial space on private property “We get some 9 to 4 pm, at the Grange Hall, 375 North Street. on out for a night of fun, food and friendship. adjacent to the airfield. pretty interesting people All proceeds will go to the Grange for building Youth under 18 may play if accompanied by a Mike Seager, a pilot, flight that come here to train improvements. If you have items to donate, parent. instructor, and member of the with us,” says Seager. please bring them to the Grange between 7 and 9 Airport Committee, recently finished Recently, he had a student pm on Friday, April 15. Does your organization or church need a regular meeting place? The Vernonia Grange is seeking additional tenants to keep this charming old building actively occupied. Short term rental rates are $10 per hour; longer term rental rates are Vernonia 957 negotiable. With high ceilings, wood floor, 406 A Street State seating for 75 or more, new folding tables, Community 5 bedroom, 3 bath, limited kitchen facilities, and a stage, the Avenue family room, laundry Church space is suitable for a variety of activities. room. Updated vinyl Grange membership is required for at least windows throughout. one member of your group. At $35 per Formerly a 3-plex year, the Grange offers you membership in converted into a home. a 143 year old organization that promotes community service, sustainable agriculture For faster reply contact April and healthy rural living. Contact any of Ted at 503-799-0999 the following Grange officers for more 22nd or leave msg at information: Robb Wilson, sweedster@ at 503-255-2959 hotmail.com, 503.704.2973, Dr. Carol $975/mo. 7:30 PM MacIntyre, cccmnd@yahoo.com, 503.481.4096, Maggie Peyton, maggie@ For more info contact Danielle 503-784-9560 or leave message at 503-255-2959 nehalem.org, 503.429.0869, or Tobie Finzel, tobief@aol.com, 503.705.2173. VIP Property Management, Inc. Vernonia Grange News Good Friday Service Local Properties For Rent All Are Welcome! ide v o r et w p tern o n In We DSL s t o We ck no ba w tte rie s aga s COMPUTER & INTERNET SERVICES •Computer Servicing • Upgrades & Repairs • Office Supplies • Media Transfers • Ink and Toner Refills 503.429.TECH • New & Used Computers in stock • Cell Phone Service & Accessories • Color Copies & Printing Available • Notary Services • Internet - DSL, Wireless & Dial up 866 Bridge Street, Vernonia Phone (503) 429.2617 Kitchen Countertops Fax (503) 429.0941 Fireplace & Furniture ABSOLUTE@AGALIS.NET Tubs & Vanities www.absolutemarbleandgraniteinc.net
