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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (June 18, 2009)
The INDEPENDENT, June 18, 2009 If thunder roars, OSU Extensions to teach canning go indoors Have you thought about register for classes, call 503- Each year in the United States, more than 400 people are struck by lightning. On av- erage, between 55 and 60 peo- ple are killed; hundreds of oth- ers suffer permanent neurolog- ical disabilities. Most of these tragedies can be avoided with a few simple precautions. When thunderstorms threaten, get to a safe place. Lightning safety is an inconvenience that can save your life. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) collects information on weather-related deaths to learn how to prevent these tragedies. Many lightning vic- tims say they were “caught” outside in the storm and could- n’t get to a safe place. With proper planning, these tragedies could be prevented. Other victims waited too long before seeking shelter. By heading to a safe place 5 to 10 minutes sooner, they could have avoided being struck by lightning. Some people were struck because they went back out- See Lighting, page 18 learning to can fruits, vegeta- bles, jams, jellies or fish or game this summer? Are you an experienced canner who would like an update on the latest USDA recommendations? Then plan to attend one or more of the canning classes of- fered by the Columbia County Extension Service. Classes will be held at the First Lutheran Church, 360 Wyeth St., St. He- lens (on the corner of N. 4th St. and Wyeth St.). Each class will cost $15.00. Participants will get hands-on instruction on canning and food safety prac- tices. Class size is limited. Pre- registration and pre-payment of class fees are required. • Tuesday, June 30, 10:00 a.m. to Noon – Canning Jams and Jellies, • Tuesday, July 21, 10:00 a.m. to Noon – Canning Fruits and Fillings, • Tuesday, August 11, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. – Canning Meats, Fish and Vegetables, • Tuesday, August 25, 10:00 a.m. to Noon – Canning Toma- toes and Salsa. For more information and to 397-3462 or visit the OSU Ex- tension Service office at 505 N. Columbia River Highway, St. Helens. WOU announces local graduate Western Oregon University has announced that Vernonian Katherine Traylor has earned a Bachelor’s degree. Ridge Riders set gaming nights The Vernonia Ridge Riders plan to hold Gaming Practice nights each Thursday through summer. The practices will run from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., at the arena in Anderson Park, with a $5 fee to go towards better footings for the arena. Help the arena and get in some practice each Thursday night. Page 9 Bits & Bites By Jacqueline Ramsay Where are you when the phone rings? One foot in the shower or tub? Mouth full of toothpaste? One leg in your undies? Or, sit- ting at rest? Maybe you’re dredging your chicken for dinner? How about a hands- free speaker system phone for your whole house? Just a thought. Well, possibly you have heard rumors of the author of Bits & Bites, so I’m here to give you the facts from the horse’s mouth. Yes, I’m moving out of Vernonia. I’m aiming for August 1. What’s to happen to Bits & Bites? Who knows? Maybe I’ll be allowed to continue, possibly once a month, a life of a small town gal gone city?? Yes, Shadow and I will miss the Lake and all of its quiet, peaceful ambiance. Falling back on the weather when the mind is awash with oth- er things is a cop-out but you have to agree in the past two weeks we’ve had a taste of Spring, Summer, Autumn and Fall, plus Winter. Another question. You save your spare change for what? A new outfit, a trip to somewhere? Good. Suddenly you find your house too cool. Hmmm, turn up the heat – nothing happens to warm the air. Wait a couple of days – call Gadget. Answer – the main gas feed switch is Kaput – EEEK – gone is your special fund. Enjoy your Summer. P.S. Now the fluorescent lighting in the kitchen has gone bonkers. Yippie, I’m packing up, going to leave it all ship shape for someone else to enjoy. Oh, yeah… 50 Years Ago This Month The June 4, 1959, issue of the Vernonia Eagle included the following news story on the front page: With the beginning of the 100- day Centennial Exposition only a few days away, Chief of Police A. D. Lolley reminds Vernonia driv- ers to treat out-of-state visitors with courtesy this summer. Chief Lolley said that local res- idents should remember that many people unfamiliar with Oregon streets and highways will be in the state this summer. “Our local drivers should be ready to assist them in every way possible to make their visit here pleasant. This could include giv- ing directions to out-of-state driv- ers when they appear undecided about which street or highway they should take, but most impor- tant it should include remaining patient if you happen to be behind an out-of-state car that appears un- decided about where it wants to go.” It should go without saying that patience and courtesy in these sit- uations also might prevent some accidents this summer. Drivers also should bear in mind that driv- ers from other states might not know all of Oregon’s traffic laws. Oregon’s right-of-way law, speed law, turning law and some others differ from those laws in other states, he said. “Let’s remember,” he added, “that we should be just as courte- ous to visitors on our streets and highways as we will be in our businesses.” Another news story on the front page of the same issue: With the arrival of the June 1 deadline for nomination of queen candidates, ten ladies, all descen- dants of valley pioneers, were in the running for centennial queen to reign over the Vernonia Friendship Jamboree in July. Candidates and their sponsors are as follows: Mrs. Antone (Louise) Smejkal, Timber Route Extension Unit; Mrs. Martin (Nevada) Rainwater, and Mrs. Frank (Pauline) Schmidlin, Ver- nonia Grange; Mrs. T. F. (Hilda) Keasey, Neighbors of Woodcraft; Mrs. Robert (Alice) Lindsay, Pythian Sisters; Mrs. Vester (He- len) Christensen, Eastern Star; Mrs. Robert (Irene) Spencer, Past Chiefs Club; Mrs. Harve (Marie) Christensen, Mist-Nehalem Exten- sion Unit; Mrs. Wm. (Janet) Bridgers, PEO; and Mrs. A. E. (Ella) Wood, Mt. Heart Rebekah Lodge. Boosters give to 4th fireworks Vernonia Boosters recently presented a check for $1,000 to Tom Ramsey to help pay for the 4th of July fireworks. Current Booster officers are President Chet Lee, Vice-Pres- ident Herb Huson, Treasurer Tim Jennings, and Secretary Debby Lee. Boosters meet on the sec- ond Wednesday of each month in the Washington Grade School Library at 7:00 p.m. For questions about Booster club or its activities, call 503-429- 8016. Booster President Chet Lee presenting $1,000 to Tom Ram- sey for the 4th of July fireworks. State Farm ® Providing Insurance and Financial Services Home Office, Bloomington, Illinois 61710 Bunny Girt, Agent 1229 N. Adair PO Box 543 Cornelius, OR 97113-0543 Bus 503-357-3131 Fax 503-357-9667 bunny.girt.b71g@statefarm.com