PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. Postage Paid Vernonia, OR 97064 Permit No. 37 “Voice of the Upper Nehalem River Valley” Vol. 22, No. 8 April 19, 2007 VPD officers honored by multi-state organization Huggy Easter Bunny On March 30, in Portland, two members of the Vernonia Police Department – Chief Mathew Workman and Ser- geant Mike Kay – received awards presented by Executive Director Howard Webb of the American Council on Criminal Justice Training (ACCJT). Chief Workman was select- ed over five other chiefs and/or sheriffs in the State of Oregon for the “Police Chief of the Year” Award. Chief Workman was also the only chief nomi- nated to the ACCJT National Council Advisory Board from a small town (under 5,000 popu- lation). Chief Workman was the only chief to meet all four of the cri- teria for the award: A) Must have 100 percent vote of approval from your staff. B) Be innovative in budget- ary matters and law enforce- ment practices. C) Be community-oriented and demonstrate personal in- volvement in the community. D) Develop programs that dramatically affect their com- munities, crime rate and overall public opinion of their depart- ments. Representative Brad Witt spoke about Chief Workman helping to change the law re- garding internet solicitation of children. Sergeant Mike Kay, who re- ceived the Law Enforcement Excellence Award, was nomi- nated for the award by ACCJT staff members and ACCJT Na- tional Council Advisory Board members from around the U.S. This award is given nationally to one law enforcement train- er/officer for overall excellence in Law Enforcement Training and Practices each year. Sgt. Kay received the award for his development, with the assistance of two national ex- Please see page 4 A big Easter bunny pleases a little girl following the annual Vernonia Easter Egg Hunt. Council approves May budget calendar The April 16 Vernonia City Council meeting started with expressions of appreciation as Mayor Sally Harrison present- ing Chief of Police Mathew Workman and Sergeant Mike Kay with Certificates of Appre- ciation in recognition of awards they both received recently (See related story). A Certifi- cate of Appreciation was also announced for the Bicycle Skills Park Group for their ef- forts to build a bicycle skills park at the mill site by the lake. A workshop to review city goals was postponed until May 21 to give committees more time to provide city staff with their goals. City Administrator M.R. “Dick” Kline was appointed as Budget Officer for Vernonia, a position that is usually filled by the city administrator. The budget calendar was amended Please see page Make Vernonia Shine on April 28 Help Make Vernonia Shine on April 28, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Register and find out what needs to be done at the table in front of Providence Medical Center. Help is needed with every- thing from picking up litter to brush cutting. For curb-side metal pickup call 503-429-4019. A dumpster will be placed south of the Library for yard debris only. Lunch for volunteers will be at 1:00 p.m. at the Scout Cabin. Vernonia Police Sergeant Mike Kay receives a certificate of appreciation from Mayor Sally Harrison.