Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (May 2, 2013)
4 community bulletin board/letters to the editor may2 2013 Weed Watcher Workshops Weed watchers beware: spring is a critical month for the emergence of invasive species in northwest Oregon! During the spring months, these intruders can take advantage of ample sunlight, water, nutrients and space to establish themselves where they are not wanted. But upcoming Weed Watcher Workshops in Washington County can prepare you to help. Garlic mustard has been trying to take up residence in Washington County during the last few years, but the Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation District wants you to help keep this invader from settling in for the long haul. This weed is of greatest concern in woodland areas, although it has been identified along road rights-of-way, trails, and streams. Whatever the location, it dominates the area by displacing native vegetation and reducing plant diversity. Why is it a problem? Garlic Mustard has no known natural enemies in North America, is self-fertile, and is difficult to eradicate once established. It is one of just a few herbaceous species that invades and dominates the understory of forested areas. In doing so, it appears to alter habitat suitability for native birds, mammals, and amphibians, and may affect populations of these species. It spreads exclusively by seeds that can linger dormant for up to five years. You can identify garlic mustard fairly easily during this time of year. · Garlic mustard has a two-year life cycle, which means that you may spot it in two forms. During the first year, garlic mustard appears to be about a foot Terry’s Gym tall with kidney-shaped scalloped leaves in a basal rosette (this is botany speak for leaves that form near the base of plant arranged like the petals of a rose). · During the second year, this invader takes on a more upright form, with the flower stalk elongated – all the better to spread its seed! When it has bolted in this manner, the plant can reach 4 feet in height. · The leaves will be sharply toothed and triangular in shape, arranged alternately on the stem. · When you crush these leaves, they emit a strong garlic odor. · If you catch this plant now, you will notice small white flowers with four petals through May. The Oregon Department of Vernonia City Council Meetings and Closures City Council Meetings are scheduled for 7 PM: Monday, May 6 Monday, May 20 City Closures are scheduled for: Memorial Day Monday, May 27 Dates and times subject to change due to conflicts of schedules Agriculture has more good identification tips in its garlic mustard brochure as well. What if you find garlic mustard? If you encounter this invader, you can take immediate action as well as report it. To remove the immediate culprit, hand pull the plant before it goes to seed in late May, being sure to remove entire root, or spray with an herbicide. All captured plants should be bagged and thrown in the garbage to prevent re-sprouting or reseeding. Avoid composting or disposing in green waste The City of Vernonia had begun to upgrade its wastewater treatment facility before the damaging December 2007 flood. The City now must complete that upgrade at an estimated total cost of $5 million. In the last fiscal year ending June 30, 2012, the wastewater service operated at a deficit, drawing down the fund balance to meet its operating and capital (including debt service) obligations. The wastewater utility fund balance was less than $100,000 to begin the current fiscal year, and the City must act quickly to stabilize the fund and position itself to pay for the remaining treatment plant upgrade. 503-901-1705 16720 Noakes Rd. Vernonia that summarizes all of the findings, recommendations and supporting materials for the project for City review. Written comments are also welcome and must be received by Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at Vernonia City Hall, 1001 Bridge Street, Vernonia OR 97064. Both oral and written comments will be reviewed by the City Council. The location of the hearing is accessible to the disabled. Please let Joann Glass at 503-429-5291 know if you need any special accommodations to attend or participate in the hearing. More information about the FCS Group recommendation is available for public review at Vernonia City Hall, 1001 Bridge Street, Vernonia OR 97064 during regular office hours. The City of Vernonia is an Equal Opportunity Provider A draft report has been prepared Sincerely, The Vernonia H.S. Leadership Class without everyone’s support, so we thank you. We would like to give special thanks to Napa Auto Parts, Kaptins Kraft, KLS Surveying, Holce Logging, West Oregon Electric, Meyers Auto Body, Sentry, Vernonia Dental, Katie Potter, Kelly and John Murray, Mark Douglas, and the Vernonia School’s staff. HOW TO SEND LETTERS TO THE EDITOR JOIN THE TEAM! continued on page 15 PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE When: May 20, 2013 City Council Meeting Where: City of Vernonia City Council Chamber Why: To hear recommendation from FCS Group on the Wastewater Rate Study Readers Lend Their Voices... Dear Vernonia Community, The Vernonia High Leadership Class would like to thank you for your participation and support during Doernbecher Week. We have raised over $2000. The money came from a freshman auction, t-shirt sales, movie night, dolly head sales, snow cone sales, donations, and the Doernbecher Dash. This all wouldn’t have been possible containers to prevent the spread of the hardy seeds. Mowing is ill-advised as it will help spread rather than eradicate the plant. Keep in mind that these tiny seeds love to cling to boots, pants, pets and vehicles, all of which should be well brushed after contact. Working in partnership with local jurisdictions, Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District, the Tualatin River Watershed Council and the Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Clean Water Services, is Vernonia’s Voice welcomes and requests your thoughts, opinions and ideas. Please include your name, address and phone number, limit your letters to 300 words or less. Vernonia’s Voice reserves the right to edit, omit, respond or ask for a response to letters submitted. We will print letters space permitting. Deadline is the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month. Email: scott@vernoniasvoice.com or mail to: Letters, PO Box 55, Vernonia, OR 97064. To the Editor- I will miss Al Hillsberry so much, he was my best friend. I will never forget his stories. He was a good man. We would sit for hours, smoke, drink his homemade wine, watch Lawrence Welk and Bonanza, listen to his vast collection of records and stock his stove. He took everybody in at face value. Rex, my dog, was his dog, Lady’s, best friend-they were great together. Al and I were in the widows club together. I miss you Al. Please give Lady some bacon for me. Craig Steven Staggenborg Vernonia Lincoln School SALE Fri-Sat-Sun • Kitchen & Bathroom Remodels • Finish Carpentry • Ceramic Tile Work • Custom Home Construction • Additions • Commercial Tenant Improvements Jim Morrison, Jr. General Contractor CCB# 112057 Ph: (503) 429-0154 MorrisonRemodeling@hughes.net Vernonia, OR 97064 • Licensed • Bonded • Insured May 3,4&5 Christmas items Must move Make offer Furniture & more! 1462 Bridge St.
