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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 17, 2008)
PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. Postage Paid Vernonia, OR 97064 Permit No. 37 Vol. 23, No. 2 “Voice of the Upper Nehalem River Valley” January 17, 2008 Volunteers are still needed to help flood survivors recover Winter song Volunteers are still needed in Columbia County for flood recovery. Flood survivors are currently at many different stages of recovery, some are ready to paint and move back in, while others are just getting dried out and some haven’t even started the clean-up. The Columbia County Flood Relief (CCFR) group continues to work to help all flood victims in Columbia County. CCFR cur- rently has between 650 and 660 households signed up for help. CCFR board member Jim Tierney would like to encour- age people affected by the flood, particularly those in St. Helens or Clatskanie, to regis- ter their needs by calling 1-503- 791-9421. The distribution center at Lincoln Grade School is still up and running, as is the volunteer center at the old florist shop across from Vernonia City Hall. CCFR is reaching only about 10 percent of the people who registered for help, probably because of relocated housing. “One of the missions we have is to help people through the FEMA process and with con- tractors and to at least advise them on whatever they need,” said Tierney. What CCFR needs from people who regis- tered to get help is updated telephone numbers. If you signed up with CCFR at the Vernonia Community Learning Center since the flood and you are now at a different tele- phone number, call them at 1- 503-791-9421 to update your information. Tierney says the greatest need for volunteers now is for skilled tradesmen – electri- cians, plumbers, siders, sheet- rockers, and HVAC (heating and cooling). Unskilled volun- teers are still being put to work and their labors are much ap- preciated by those in need. Both skilled and unskilled vol- unteers should call 1-503-791- 9629 to register. Please see page 4 Brookins named Oregon wrestling’s Man of the Year Story on page 10 Kline resigns but stays on payroll A redwing blackbird colors the winter air at Vernonia Lake with his song. The January 7 Vernonia City Council meeting started with the announcement that a U.S. flag that flew over the Capitol had been presented to Vernon- ia by U.S. Senator Gordon Smith. Mayor Harrison read a letter of resignation from current City Vernonia Scout Cabin packed for Sen. Wyden’s Town Hall meeting United States Senator Ron Wyden held a Town Hall meet- ing in Vernonia, on January 4, to a standing room only crowd. He started off the meeting by saying, “It’s great to be with you. Your courage, your deter- mination, your pluck, with a lit- tle help from FEMA…It’s clear Vernonia is back.” Then, with- out further ado, Wyden began to field questions from the crowd. The first question was about the ‘notch’, people on Social Security who get less than they should. Wyden re- sponded that he’s aware of this issue and that many programs have problems that need to be addressed, such as oil subsi- dies that no longer make sense and the number of people with- out healthcare. One woman spoke to say that, “Clearcutting has been al- lowed and that makes it so Ver- nonia will be flooded again, Please see page 4 Administrator M. R. “Dick” Kline dated January 7, 2008, that said, “I am voluntarily tendering my resignation as City Adminis- trator of the City of Vernonia. This resignation will become effective thirty days from De- cember 18, 2007.” The letter went on to say, “I want to reiter- ate that I am voluntarily resign- ing my position due to the dire financial circumstances that the City of Vernonia faces,” and ended by saying he wishes the council the very best of every- thing in the future. Kline is not leaving, however. Please see page 4