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About Vernonia freedom. (Vernonia, Oregon) 1978-198? | View Entire Issue (May 7, 1981)
Thursday May 7,1981 Vernonia Freedom—Page 3 Weather, soil decide when timéis right for planting by Bill Hansen Although it may be the “right” time of the season to plant your garden, weather and soil conditions still have the final word. Last week I did manage to get my tiller into the garden but had to quit. The soil had formed a dry crust but it was only about an inch deep. Underneath it was still so wet that it wouldn’t break up. I stopped right away because I knew those soft sticky clumps would dry into hard clods that would be very difficult to break up later. Also, with that much moisture still in the ground, any seeds I could plant would probably not germinate and only rot away. Each year since moving to Vernonia we have kept a record of the garden. Included in this document are such factors are the kinds of seeds used, when planted, how long before they were “up”, length of time until harvest, yield and so forth. Being frustrated over not being able to till and plant (as I know you are), I reviewed those charts to determine how this year compares with previous seasons. About the earliest we were able to plant most vegetables was in 1973 when we planted on April 21. This was the earliest seeding that didn’t require a second planting for many varieties. In 1978 we couldn’t plant until May 20. Even this late my notations indicate that we had to replant beets, parsnips, beans and cucumbers on June 20. Even with so late a planting our beets were 3” in diameter by August 5. Again, in 1979 we planted most crops May 21; in 1980, the early varieties were planted May 18, and beans, cucumbers, squash and other “late” crops didn’t go in until June 8! So, if there is a message in all this, I guess it would be that we seem to be about on schedule. Some years you might get lucky planting early, but you do run the risk of the need to replant if conditions remain cool, as is often the case. On the others hand, look at it this Royalty dispute may be settled continued from page 1 group, including Mist residents Jerri Hemeon, Vivian Reynolds, Art Laubach, Dorothy Laubach, Katie Laubach and Walter Mathews; Birkenfeld residents Gladys DuPuis, Boone Johnson and Vernonia Mayor Henry Anderegg also included Columbia County Commissioners Jay Ahlborn, Bob Hunt and Marian Sahagian, strong supporters of this effort since its inception according to area residents involved with the fight. State Representatives Carolyn Magruder and Ted Bugas were also present. “Everyone was in agreement that a problem exists out here,” said Art Laubach. “They even agreed that a solution is needed. Now we just have to find one,” he added. According to other sources the only opposition to the idea of spreading the responsibility for increased emergency response capabilities in the impacted area was voiced by two local school superintendents and the Clatskanie City Business Manager. “Although this new idea means the school districts would lose less than they would if SB 2620 passed as it stands, ’ ’ Laubach pointed out. Under the existing dispersal formula, developed in the 1930’s for tax foreclosures on property, small frugal tax districts are being penalized for spending their dollars wisely while larger, more financially reckless districts are rewarded with larger shares of the royalties area residents alledge. The current formula requires that proportionately larger shares of the revenue go to those districts incurring the largest debts. ‘ ‘As ah example, ’ ' Laubach says, “we just insured our. newly completed fire hall in Mist for $80,000 at no cost to the taxpayers,” he said. The current law is out of date and we sorely need a new law for the distribution of natural resource royalties. We’re not the only area being affected either, lots of other Oregon counties are facing this same problem and someone has to set a precedent or we’ll all get hurt,” he added. “What we need,” another resident present at the budget committee meeting said, “is for someone with more clout than Mist to step forward and push this thing through. So far, the county commissioners and our state representatives are the only people who’ve really helped us. We’re counting on their continued help and strong support,”,he added. Hansen’s Country Garden Member, American Floral Services way; we usually enjoy a late fall and are able to harvest many root crops right into the next spring. So, don’t rush it. Let the condition of the soil tell you when to till and when to plant. If the garden is too wet to till, it is also too cold to plant most kinds of seeds. The soil will not have warmed up enough for optimum germination, your seeds will rot and you’ll have to do it over when conditions are right. Not only is it “not nice to fool Mother Nature”, it can be costly too. I don’t know how you lay out the rows in your garden, but many folks like to use string and a couple of stakes to help keep the rows straight. Then, to keep rows parallel, one has to mark a measure from each end to where the next row should begin. To make this easier, I made my hoe handle into a measure device. Starting at one end, I notched and marked the handle at one foot, two foot, two and a half foot, and three foot intervals. Staying with these set measurements the rows lay out quickly, avoiding the task of measuring the start of each row and trying to remember it at the other end. Since the hoe is an indispensable tool when planting you’ll always have it around when you need it. Ladie's Golf Club hosts players The ‘President’s Get Acquainted’ night at Vernonia Golf Club was attended by 13 ladies. The weather turned nice and a game of approach and putt was played. First prize, a jar of homemade honey, was donated by Ruth Nogle and won by Vera Cole. The second prize, golf balls, was donated by Greg Brown and won by we would like all ladies who like to golf ■ beginners or old-timers - to please join us. Pauline King. Following the game a delicious buffet was enjoyed by all. Regular play starts May 5 and every Tuesday thereafter through September. Tee off time is 5:15 and FOR BUSINESS titilli Timber Electric NOW OPEN Commercial & Residential Licensed 429-7622 A new money request every six months? Last November the PUD Board received approval to obligate the citizens of the Columbia River District for a $17,000,000 bond issue. Now, just six months later, they want to tax you an additional $300,0001 Lots of money IP but no electricity. Will they keep asking for more taxes or bonds every six months? The only way you can stop it is by voting... NO on the $300,000 PUD tax levy, May 19th. People Opposing PUD Debt Committee, Betty Applegate, Treasurer, 250 Belton Rd., St. Helens, OR 97051 To Mom — With Love HILLSBORO PLUMBING • A beautiful Bouquet or corsage • Healthy green or blooming plants Now serving the Vernonia area every Wednesday with COMPLETE AND PROFESSIONAL PLUMBING SERVICE 842 Madison Ave. Downtown Vernonia 429-2355 trusted CALL COLLECT: 640-2525 experienced !
