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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (June 5, 2008)
Page 10 The INDEPENDENT, June 5, 2008 Power of the People By W. Marc Farmer, General Manager, West Oregon Electric Cooperative To Build or Not to Build, That is the Question! Having been hit by flood wa- ters twice in the last 11 years and still recuperating from this last one, we have a decision to make regarding the relocation of the WOEC Headquarters buildings. After five months of looking at possible options and directions we could go, we are ready to present our findings to our members and obtain feedback. This decision is a major one that Run with Extra Confidence with Chevron DELO 400 ™ PLUS MOTOR OIL The name you trust for: • Gasoline • Diesel Fuel • Oils • Solvents • Additives • Greases will affect the present and future of West Oregon Elec- tric Cooperative and its members. We want to make sure we provide all of the information we can and our recommendation to the membership. To best inform all of our members and allow for in- teraction with them, we will be providing newspaper articles throughout the next three months, an 8-page insert in the July issue of Ruralite, holding a series of District meetings during the last week in June, meeting with our members at our Annual Meeting in August, and conducting a member survey during the last week in August and first two weeks in September. The District Meetings will be held during the evenings in each District and are open to all Co-op members. You do not have to attend the meeting that is held in your District, but are welcome to come to any of the District meetings that fit your sched- ule and location. Please refer to the list of dates and locations at the end of this arti- cle. We will have a presentation on the dif- ferent options we have considered and the recommendation for a new site and build- ing, discuss the financial aspects of the project, and have a question and answer period. There will also be a door prize and free compact florescent light bulbs given out at each location. While we remodeled the existing build- ing to pre-flood conditions as required by insurance and FEMA, we know we are sit- ting ducks for the next flood. It is not a mat- ter of if, but when we get hit again. As an essential and emergency service, we need to be focused on keeping the lights on dur- ing an emergency, not on which boat to take staff out in as we vacate the building when members need us the most. Another important factor and concern I have as the General Manager is not only the financial im- pacts each time we go through an event like this one, with almost four feet of water in our office, but the men- tal and emotional impact on my staff and crews. It takes a lot out of them, and we definitely do not want to go through this a third time. We have a unique opportunity due to the coverage of this event throughout the country and the sincere in- terest and support of our legislators. We have funds committed to help relocate our facilities. These funds of almost $2 million are available to help with the costs, but are a one-time offer to the Co-op. This is the best opportunity we will have to replace a 52 year-old building we have already outgrown that sits in an ac- tive flood plain, with a new facility that will serve us for the next 50 plus years, and solve a lot of other issues at the same time. To have available almost $2 million in financial assistance is a real blessing to the Co-op and its members. Please take the time to come and view the presentation, discuss the issues with us, and help us make this important decision for all of us, for now and in the future. All meetings will start at 7:00 p.m.: June 23; Scout Cabin, Hawkins Park, Vernonia June 24; Banks Library, 111 Market St. June 25; Banks Christian Academy, 22785 N.W. Fisher Rd., Buxton June 26; Scappoose Library, 52469 S.E. 2nd St. June 27; Natal Grange, 68175 Nehalem Hwy N. June 30; Jewell School Auditorium, 83874 Hwy 103. See you there! Alley Auto Wrecking ✮ ✮ Gasoline 503-429-7581 Most parts under warranty Open Tuesday-Saturday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Closed Sunday and Monday 54372 Nehalem Hwy South, Vernonia, OR 97064 6 miles south of town on Hwy 47 Buying unwanted vehicles with clear title S EE US FOR H EATING O IL D ECK & S HINGLE O IL A NTI F REEZE CALL (503) 429-6606 WILCOX & FLEGEL 720 Rose Avenue • Vernonia We do VHS to DVD Transfers • PC Parts & Service We Build New Computers • Office Supplies • Ink& Toner Refill • Cell Phones Sales, Repairs & Accessories • Office Supplies Open: Mon - Fri 10 am - 6 pm & Sat 10 am - 5 pm Tel: 503.429.8324 866 Bridge Street, Vernonia Head Start is now enrolling Head Start, a federally fund- ed preschool program, is seek- ing students for the 2008-2009 school year, applications are being taken now, through June, in Columbia, Clatsop and Tillamook Counties. Prospective students must be three or four years-old by September 1, 2008. Eligibility is based on income, family sit- uation and needs of the child, including whether there is a disability or serious illness. Head Start offers a total family program that includes nutrition, education, medical or dental services for the enrolled child and home visits. Training on various subjects and on- the-job training is offered to all enrolled families. USDA ap- proved meals are served. Lim- ited transportation may be available. Families who live in the Mist, Birkenfeld and Vernonia areas may phone 503-369-7249 for information. Families living near the Clatskanie Center (503-728-2940), Rainier Cen- ter (503-556-2807) and War- renton Center (503-861-9681) may call for more information.
