Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 19, 2019)
december19 2019 free VERNONIA’S volume13 issue24 reflecting the spirit of our community PCC Obtains Land in Columbia County College secures 17 acres to build a training center focused on advanced manufacturing Portland Community College announced they are moving forward to take possession of property in Colum- bia County on which they will build a workforce training center. The parcel of land, just over 17 acres, is located north of Wagner Court and east of West Lane Road, in Scappoose. The land acquisition is the cul- mination of a lengthy process. “We’re thrilled to share that PCC now has land in Scappoose, and even happier that construction will soon begin,” said Syl- via Kelley, PCC’s executive vice presi- dent. “Many thanks to our constituents in Columbia County, who have patiently waited as the college worked diligently to make this project a reality.” The property offers easy access to students and the community because of its adjacency to Highway 30. Also ap- pealing is its proximity to OMIC R&D, the Research & Development partner in the Oregon Manufacturing Innovation Center initiative. The regional OMIC project seeks to combine applied re- search and development and workforce training, serving the region’s advanced manufacturers and creating economic mobility for area residents to access liv- ing wage careers in the metals manufac- turing industry. PCC’s training center will ini- inside 6 9 16 holiday waste reduction no fossil fuel money pledge holiday concert tially focus on advanced manufacturing, offering such programs as Machining, Computer Numerically Controlled Op- eration, Welding, and Mechatronics, all of which complement OMIC’s R&D work. Programming will be based on an apprenticeship model, a career pathway that combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction in order to develop the industry-aligned skills necessary for a rewarding career with an employer that trains and hires them. PCC is also com- mitted to providing additional Career Technical Education and other courses as needed by the community. “PCC’s partnership in Scap- poose was something we’ve supported wholeheartedly from the very begin- ning,” said Scappoose Mayor Scott Burge. “It’s very important for the city. It’s very important for economic devel- opment. And, it’s very important for the whole OMIC process that’s happening out there.” PCC will begin construction soon, with an anticipated facility open- ing date of spring 2021. Meanwhile, plans are underway for a celebratory groundbreaking, open to the commu- nity, to take place in late winter or early spring 2020. “I’ve got a construction and project management team ready to go on the build, and they couldn’t be more excited to start work,” said Linda Deg- man, director of PCC’s Planning and Capital Construction office. “Our 2020 groundbreaking truly will be a celebra- tion about the facility to be built, and the asset it will be for the community,” said Degman. PCC has had a long-time pres- ence in Columbia County, offering both credit and non-credit courses throughout the region. Welding classes continue to be taught in the evenings at St. Helens High School as they have for the past six years. Beginning this fall, Scappoose High School offered machining course- work to their students to meet curriculum needs using PCC’s OMIC equipment located at the high school. Meanwhile, OMIC machining apprentices began tak- ing classes in the evenings at Scappoose High School. However, the desire for a permanent PCC presence and facility has been long-standing. “PCC is incredibly grateful to our community partners in Columbia County, who have granted access to the The Spirit of Christmas in Vernonia See highlights on page 23 college over the years to use their fa- cilities for classes,” said Kelley. “Their generosity hasn’t mitigated our desire for a permanent facility in the region, however. As such, we are delighted about the phase we’re now in. Advanced manufacturing has a bright future in our state, with the OMIC project being transformational for Columbia County and northwest Oregon. PCC’s training center will provide students with both the classroom and on-the-job learning they need to fill high-demand, living wage jobs available.” Recall of State Rep Fails to Gather Signatures Timber Unity was a major supporter of the effort The effort to recall Oregon Democratic Representative Tiffany Mitchell, who represents Oregon’s North Coast region, has failed to gather the necessary 4,883 signatures required. “Recall Tiffiny Mitchell” PAC’s Chief Petitioner, Darren Mead, an Asto- ria resident and owner of a sign-printing business who said he was recruited for the petitioner job, announced on De- cember 4 that the effort to force a re- call election of the State Representative from House District 32 fell short. The campaign filed the recall effort on Sep- tember 6, 2019 in response to Mitchell’s votes in support of House Bill 2020’s cap and trade taxes, along with several of her other votes. The recall effort was supported by Timber Unity. House District 32 covers all of Clatsop County and parts of Tillamook and Washington counties. Mitchell won election to the seat in 2018, replac- ing Deborah Boone, also a Democrat, who held the seat since 2004. Mitchell serves on the House Health Care, and Human Services and Housing commit- tees. According to her website she is a strong advocate for affordable housing, access to affordable health care in rural Oregon, and revenue reform to fully fund schools. In her 2018 election, Mitchell received 49% of the vote; Republican Vineeta Lower received 43.2%, while Independent Brian Halvorsen received 4.2%, and Libertarian Randell Carlson got 3.4%. Prior to her election Rep- resentative Mitchell had worked for nearly 10 years in various government service roles. She began working in the unemployment insurance unit for Utah’s Department of Workforce Services in 2009, and after moving to Oregon, she continued on page 22 County Schedules Hearing on Transit Cuts Public invited to give input, provide comments Columbia County has scheduled a formal public hear- ing before the Board of County Commissioners on January 8, 2020. County residents, transit users, business owners, and other stakeholders are encouraged to attend. This follows a series of public forums held Decem- ber 10-14 to discuss service cuts and possible fare decreases to CC Rider, the County’s transit service. Bus runs need to be cut because fares, grants, and oth- er income does not cover operating costs. CC Rider receives about $2.52 million annually in grants, fares, and contribu- tions, while current service levels cost about $2.83 million to maintain. This causes an annual deficit of $313,000. The failure of the County’s November 2019 ballot measure to form a service district that would have given CC Rider a stable source of funding for operations has also prompted the cuts. CC Rider has already been running on re- stricted routes because of the lack of funding and debt obliga- tions. Lines most likely to be impacted by the new reduc- tions include Line 2 to Portland Community College’s Rock Creek campus, and Line 3 Flex (Scappoose, St. Helens and Columbia City), as well as Dial-A-Ride services. Little to no impact is expected to Vernonia service, on Line 1 to Portland, Line 5 to Rainier/Longview, and Line 6 to Willow Creek. The weekly run to Portland medical facilities will also likely not be impacted. The formal public hearing on Wednesday, January 8 will take place during the board’s weekly meeting, which be- gins at 10:00 am in the County Courthouse at 230 Strand St. in St. Helens.