Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (May 22, 2012)
community may22 2012 Lawyer for Kay Says They Will Sue Vernonians The lawyer representing former Vernonia Police officer Michael Kay says she intends to add several names to a notice of Tort Claim. In a letter addressed to the City of Vernonia and Mayor Josette Mitchell dated April 14, 2012, Michelle R. Burrows, attorney for Kay, states that they are amending their earlier notice of Tort Claim to include the following individuals: Vernonia City Councilor Randy Parrow, Jim Tierney, former Vernonia City Councilors Brett Costley and Shirlee Daughtry, former Vernonia Police Chief Matt Workman, Linda Graf, former Interim Vernonia City Administrator Jim Johnson, Vernonia City Recorder Joann Glass, Vernonia City Attorney Alex Sosnkowski and Mitchell. “An explanation of their involvement in the termination and destruction of Michael Kay will be forthcoming in a complaint we are now drafting to be filed in the United States District Court, Portland Division,” states the letter. Costley, Daughtry, Graf and Glass’s names were all misspelled in the letter. Notably absent from the list are former Vernonia City Councilors Kevin Hudson, Willow Burch and Marilyn Nicks. Both Burch and Nicks were on the City Council and voted to terminate Kay’s employment in June of 2011. VRFPD Graduates Eight from Explorer Program Burrows sent the original notice of Tort Claim to the City of Vernonia on November 4, 2011. Burrows April 14 letter goes on to state: “We have uncovered enormous irregularities in public finance, public meetings and land use regulations within your city—some of which may be connected to actions taken against Kay and some are simply inexplicable.” The letter states that Burrows intends to call for an investigation into these issues and the involvement of Columbia County Commissioner Tony Hyde, State Senator Betsy Johnson, Bud Dow, Sharon Bernal, Mitchell and her husband Casey, Bill Haack and others. Publisher and Managing Editor Scott Laird 503-367-0098 scott@vernoniasvoice.com Contributors Mark Brown Chip Bubl Mackenzie Carr Nate Izzett Sonia Spackman Tickets for the Last Chance Dance Dinner are available only through June 10. They can be purchased at Vernonia Auto Parts and Vernonia Florist or online at www.VernoniaSchools.org. Photography Tracy Easlon Jon Steward Vernonia Veterinary Clinic Small and Large Animals On May 14, 2012 the Vernonia Rural Fire Protection District graduated eight from their Explorer Fire Recruit Academy program. New Explores are: (from left to right) Alyssa Loggins, Patrick Morgan, Kelly Smith, Samantha Morgan, Brandon Krause, Kasoma Moss, Jake Bringman, Kendrick Leaverton. Also pictured are Dan Hanson and Dawn Moss. School District Identifies Funding continued from front page across all eligible projects. According to the letter received by Vernonia School District Superintendent Dr. Ken Cox dated April 24, 2012 from Ed Dennis and the ODE, over the last five years Facility Grant awards have averaged 5.22% of eligible construction costs. “... estimated information indicate that 5% payout rate for the 2011-13 biennium is likely,” says Dennis in his letter. That 5% rate would translate to a grant award of $1,819,142.25 to the Vernonia School District. “It was wonderful to hear how the Vernonia Community has pulled together supporting this school,” said Dennis. “This is just one more illustration that Oregonians all over the state value public education. It especially demonstrates that the biggest support comes from smaller communities who understand that success is defined by every student reaching their highest 3 Want to advertise? Have an article? Contact: scott@vernoniasvoice.com One year subscriptions (24 issues) $35 Now Open Mon, Wed & Saturday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Vernonia’s Voice is published on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. Call for Appointments Vernonia’s Voice, LLC PO Box 55 Vernonia, OR 97064 503-367-0098 potential every day. Thank you for (503) 429-1612 sharing your success story.” Or 24 hr. Emergency Number (503) 397-6470 www.VernoniasVoice.com According to Dr. Cox, the 700 Weed Ave. Vernonia, OR district is currently negotiating for an interim loan until the district receives the Facilities Grant early in 2013. The district is continuing For your mortgage purchase and refinancing their efforts to raise additional needs look to U.S. Bank Home Mortgage! funds. One already secured source of funding is the Quality Whether you’re looking to purchase a new home or Schools Construction Bond for improve your existing home call me today! $3.3 million that the district • Conventional Mortgages • Primary, Secondary Homes and is using as interim financing. Investment Properties • Government FHA and VA Loans “Existing medium and long • Construction and Lot Loan Financing* • First Time Home Buyer Programs • Jumbo Loans up to $2,000,000* range fundraising activities are • Home Equity Line of Credit intended to reduce the amount Ron Cole Ask me about our competitive interest rates! of this bond indebtedness and, as Mortgage Loan Originator a result, reduce the debt service (541) 265-2983 pressure on the District’s general ron.cole@usbank.com fund,” said Dr. Cox in notes *Borrow up to $3,000,000 in California only. Loan approval is subject to credit approval and program NMLS # : 222045 guidelines. Interest rate and program terms are subject to change without notice. Not all loan programs provided to the Vernonia City are available in all states for all loan amounts. Mortgage products are offered through U.S. Bank National Association. To learn more about U.S. Bank products visit usbank.com Member FDIC 022112-16154 Council at a special meeting on April 23, 2012. Happy Hour Mon-Fri 4-7 Lady’s Night Wed 5-12 “STILL BIKER FRIENDLY” EVENTS May 26 Random Access June 1 & 2 • Specialty hamburgers • Draft beer & mixed drinks • Pool tables & satelite TV • Special live music events • Free Wi-fi Sun - Thurs 11 AM - Midnight • 733 Bridge St, Vernonia Play it Again Karaoke June 9 Texas Hold ‘Em Gift certificates available Fri - Sat 11 AM - 2:30 AM • 503-429-9999 START RIGHT. START HERE. SM Get Your Garden Ready Lawn Care Supplies, Seeds Potting Soil, Garden Tools Organic Fertilizers Order your units to be delivered • Compost • Fir Mulch • Planting Mix 1 unit = 7.5 yards Family owned & operated for over 40 years 834 Bridge St., Vernonia (503) 429-6364
