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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 18, 2003)
Vol. 18, No. 18 Voice o f the Upper Nehalem River Valley September 18, 2003 Full day of events at Fall Salmon Festival School has started and the 20 mile per hour speed limit is in effect for many b l o o K O Vernonia. H’s easy to remember when the crossing guards are on duty, but the speed also applies at any time students may be around. Please be patient. VRFPD board re-signs Chief Paul Epier When Vernonia Fire Chief Paul Epler turned in his resig nation at the fire district meet ing Sept. 9, most of the direc tors were both surprised and dismayed. Nevertheless, they met again, Sept. 12, to start looking for someone to replace Epler, who agreed to stay as assistant fire chief until someone could be found. Several of the volun teers firefighters said they could arrange time off from their jobs to help with daytime coverage and adm inistrative duties. Three officers were inter viewed, but not all of the offi cers could attend the meeting so they recessed until the fol lowing MSnday, Sept. 15. In the meantime, board members talked with Epler about what would be needed for him to stay on. When the meeting started, Director Joe Batty (who attended the meet ing by speaker phone from The board then set another eastern Oregon) received ap meeting, for Sept. 22, to start proval to suspend the rules, interviewing every volunteer then asked Epler, “If we en (unless they choose not to be force policy under the condi interviewed) in an effort to elim tions recommended, will you inate problems that have inter stay and withdraw your resig fered with operations in the dis nation?" trict. Epler said “yes," and was re “This board will follow state instated with no loss of bene statutes, district regulations fits. Terms of the reinstatement and board policies," said chair will be made public, probably at Steve Weller, “because we are the board’s October 14 meet responsible” to the people of ing. the district. Rain may not be sufficient to avoid water curtailment measures In spite of the rain, this very dry sum m er has reduced stream flow in Rock Creek suf ficiently so that level one of Ver nonia ordinance is in effect. Level one is voluntary, and merely asks citizens to be care ful about unnecessary water usage, such as watering lawns or washing sidewalks. Other voluntary actions should include eliminating any leaking faucets, or not letting water run while brushing teeth. These seem to be minor con siderations, but they actually make a big difference when practiced by a whole communi ty. Salmon need water, it’s true, but so do we. Watch as salmon leap up Rock Creek Falls at Vernonia during the first annual Fall Salmon Festival on Saturday, October 4. A fish-themed pa rade will begin the festivities at 11 a.m. and the merriment will continue until 7:00 p.m. This festival celebrates the return of the salmon thru a vari ety of activities that are fun for the whole family. The city cele brates the unique combination of mountains, lakes, trees and streams that make Vernonia such a wonderful place to live and work. Come join us as we celebrate the magic that makes Vernonia a special place where people care. Salmon Festival is a unique event, in a unique and wonderful place. Visitors may sample wines at the wine-tasting while brows ing among art contest entries and silent auction items. The best bakers in Vernonia will bake two pies - one for judging and a second pie to auction to the public. Northwest commer cial artists will be displaying and selling their art along Adams Street. In addition, Grey Dawn Gallery will be opening a new exhibit of Christopher Bur kett photographs. Savory bar becued salmon, juicy bratwurst and hot apple cider will be among some of the delicious foods that will appeal to your senses. Live entertainment will be provided by Cindy Lou Banks, Diana and the Song Dogs, and the Vernonia Com munity Orchestra. A Cowboy Mounted Shoot ing Competition will feature rid ers dressed in authentic turn- of-the-century costumes. The cowboys will be firing 1890 style guns from horseback while maneuvering through the courses at Anderson Park. An additional attraction is a stream discovery exhibit spon sored by the Upper Nehalem Watershed Council. Participants may view organisms in the wa ter thru microscopes and learn about water insects. An Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife biologist will explain the water cycle. Children may fish for trout in our wading pool or cre ate artwork on the sidewalk with chalk. This is an event for everyone. A scarecrow-building contest will be underway from noon to 2:00 p.m. Sponsored by Ver nonia Pride, materials will be provided for a small fee, and visitors may decorate their scarecrows during the festival. Alternatively, contestants may enter a scarecrow they made at home to. Prizes will be award ed and completed scarecrows may be either donated to help decorate the city or taken home. Two art contests will be sponsored by Hands on Art. For the smaller children, color ing contest sheets are available at Sentry Market. In addition, a contest for all ages and all mediums will be themed “Life of a Salm on." Entries will be judged by age groups and prizes w ill be awarded. For more inform ation call Gina Dixon at Vernonia Head Start, (503) 429-9243. Town Hall on Law Enforcement Monday, Sept. 22 7:00 p.m. at the Scout Cabin Thia is the time for cit izens to explain their expectations, to say what they want and what they don’t want. If you care, be there!
