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The INDEPENDENT, January 2, 2002
Business Notes
C o u n ty re c e iv e s g ra n t fo r fo o d , s h e lte r
Columbia County has been
awarded $32,094 in federal
funds to supplement emer
gency food and shelter pro
grams in the county.
The selection was made by
a national board chaired by the
Federal Emergency Manage
ment Agency (FEMA). The
board—which includes repre
sentatives from the Salvation
Army, American Red Cross,
United Jewish Communities,
Catholic Charities, National
Council of the Churches of
Christ, and United Way of
America—determines how to
distribute funds appropriated
by Congress under the Emer
gency Food and Shelter Pro
gram.
Distribution of the funds
within Columbia County will be
determined by a board com
posed of representatives from
the VFW, American Red Cross,
Salvation Army, the county
Dept. of Emergency Manage
ment, community churches,
homeless and others.
Organizations wishing to ap
ply for the grant money must
meet the following criteria:
• Private voluntary non-prof
it OR unit of government
• Have an accounting sys
tem
• Practice nondiscrimination
• Have demonstrated capa
bility to deliver emergency food
and/or shelter programs within
Columbia County.
Time to consider flood insurance
Homeowners
concerned
about flooding may want to look
into flood insurance, according
to the Oregon Insurance Divi
sion. Most homeowner insur
ance policies don’t cover flood
damage.
According to Larry Culbert
son, Consumer Assistance
manager for the division, after a
flood his office frequently hears
from consumers who have filed
flood claims with insurers only
to learn their losses weren’t
covered.
“Many people don’t know
that coverage for flood damage
is usually excluded from stan
dard homeowner or business
insurance policies," Culbertson
Ditches, culverts
must be cleared
With the return of heavy
rains, Vernonia residents are
being reminded that blocking
ditches or culverts, whether de
liberately or accidentally, could
result in a citation and fine.
In December, quick action
by the city’s public works crew
prevented flooding of a house
on Jefferson Avenue, but it was
necessary to tear out part of a
sidewalk. The problem had
been caused during dry weath
er, when another homeowner
dumped yard debris in Bear
Creek.
Drain pipes, culverts and
ditches must be maintained by
the property owner in a way
that does not impede the flow
of stormwater or reduce the ca
pacity of the ditch or pipe.
• If a private voluntary orga
nization, have a voluntary
board.
• Have a permanent pres
ence in Columbia County.
Qualifying organizations are
urged to apply by Monday, Jan
uary 7, 2002.
Send proposals to United
Way, 71762 Columbia River
Highway, Suite 6, Rainier, OR
97048. For more information,
call 503-556-3614. United Way
of Columbia County will provide
administrative staff and func
tion as fiscal agent.
M-BRFPD board
sets schedule
for meetings
The Mist-Birkenfeld Rural
Fire
Protection Board will hold
said. “But they can protect their
property by purchasing flood in their regular monthly board
surance under the National meetings on the second Tues
Flood
Insurance
Program day of each month at 7:00 p.m.
(NFIP), as long as their com A board workshop will be held
munity participates in the pro on the fourth Tuesday of each
month, also at 7:00 p.m. All
gram.”
The NFIP recommends buy meetings will be at the main
ing flood insurance even in low station, 12525 Hwy 202 in Mist
or moderate risk areas. Flood unless otherwise specified.
The next Mist-Birkenfeld
insurance can be purchased
RFPD
board meeting will be
from private insurance compa
nies and agents that participate January 8
Agenda items include, but
in the program. Coverage is
are
not limited to, consideration
available for homeowners,
renters and businesses, al of a part-time employee, a wa
though there is usually a 30- ter treatment system, and let
day waiting period before flood ters of intent for the open board
position.
coverage becomes effective.
The meetings are open to
For more information, call 1-
888-FLOOD29 or visit NFIP at the public and the agenda in
cludes a time for comments
www.fema.gov/nfip
from the public.
Hunters were shocked and upset to see this sign during elk
season on Burn Road near Mist. Burn Road is a county road
and a flagger is required if it needs to be closed. The road
was quickly opened after complaints were received.
f o & a iiv Q 9m puJL&&
¿AjakBAAJO
B oa
&
(D s d i
HOT, ICED & BLENDED DRINKS & TEA
PASTRIES • MUFFINS • COOKIES • BAGELS
SANDWICHES • SALADS • SOUPS • CHILI • CHILI DOGS
6 ' SUBS • DELI TRAYS AVAILABLE BY SPECIAL ORDER
(
Tanning by Appt, or Walk-in
)
Mon 5a-1 p • Tu-F 5a-3p • Sa 7a-4p • Su 8a-12p • Deli opens 11a
854 BRIDGE ST., VERNONIA • 503-429-9011
VERNONIA INN ANNUAL
Enjoy a quiet weekend with us.
FULL SIZE, IN ROOM
$55“ HOT TUBS $xo“
REG. ROOM $45“
Queen Beds • Private Bath • Separate Entrance
Cable TV • Phones • Handicapped Access
CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
FOR RESERVATIONS CALL
1-800-354-9494 / 503-429-4006
GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE
000 MADISON AVE., VERNONIA, OR 07064
Just one block off scenic Nehalem River Hwy. (Oregon 47)
MEETING TIME
E le c tio n o f O ff ic e r s
D o o r P r iz e s • R e f r e s h m e n t s
Wednesday, January 30, 2002 - 7:30 p.m.
Vernonia Senior Citizens Center, 446 Bridge Street, Vernonia
Please use side entrance
503 429-8031
VERNONIA FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
Serving the Nehalem Valley since 1940
622 Bridge Street, Vernonia, OR 97064