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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 15, 2009)
Page 14 The INDEPENDENT, October 15, 2009 Oregon Zoo set to host a howlin’ good time on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 Trick-or-treaters can fill their bags with goodies and learn more about wildlife October 31 and November 1, during Howloween at the Oregon Zoo, presented by Sterling Savings Bank. The event runs 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and is free with zoo admission. “Most kids love trick-or-treat- ing, and Howloween at the zoo provides a safe and fun place for them to wear their cos- tumes, have some fun and learn about animals,” said Krista Swan, zoo events coor- dinator. In keeping with the zoo’s mission, Howloween aims to be educational as well as fun. An intriguing scavenger hunt di- rects trick-or-treaters to easily accessible activity stations throughout the zoo to collect candy or prizes. Activities are themed to teach kids about an- imals around the zoo, and their habitats and adaptations. “Thanks to the longtime sup- port of Sterling Savings Bank, kids of all ages can hunt for candy and prizes in the compa- ny of some of the world’s most exciting and exotic animals,” Deer-vehicle collisions are on rise The number of deer-vehicle collisions in Oregon is up nine percent from five years ago. That compares with an 18.3 percent increase over the en- tire United States, according to information provided by State Farm ® . An estimated 2.4 million col- lisions between deer and vehi- cles occurred in the U.S. during the two-year period from July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2009 (100,000 per month). For the third year in a row, West Virginia tops the list of those states where a collision with a deer is most likely (for any one vehicle). Oregon is somewhat safer for deer – and drivers – with a 1 in 300 chance. State Farm estimates there were 10,300 deer-vehicle collisions in Oregon between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, deer-vehicle collisions in the U.S. cause more than 150 fa- talities each year. Collisions with deer are more frequent during the deer migration and mating season in October, November and De- cember. Here are tips to reduce the chances of a deer-vehicle colli- sion: • Be aware of posted deer crossing signs. These are placed in active deer crossing areas. See Tips on page 15 said Mike Keele, acting zoo di- rector. “We hope that while they’re having some fun, they also make a connection with the animals that will promote caring about their future.” The zoo opens at 9:00 a.m. daily and is located just off Highway 26. The zoo is also accessible by MAX light rail line. General admission is $10.50 (12-64), seniors $9 (65+), children $7.50 (3-11), and infants 2 and under are free; 25 cents of the admission price helps fund regional con- servation projects through the zoo’s Future for Wildlife pro- gram. A parking fee of $2 per car is also required. Additional information is available at www.oregonzoo.org or by call- ing 503-226-1561. See picture on page 24. 50 Years Ago This Month From page 9 Glen Hawkins, chairman of the county reorganization board, stat- ed that the committee does not foresee the abandonment of any schools at present due to need for room. The law does not allow pri- mary children to be transported for a distance requiring more than 30 minutes on a bus, and intermediate age for more than 45 minutes. One administrative head will be over all schools, allowing coordination of studies, interchange of instruc- tors and the advantage of mass buying of supplies. Classes may be combined where found advan- tageous and where the distance is such as to be within the require- ments of the law. The October 29, 1959, issue of the Vernonia Eagle included a follow-up news story on the front page: The school district reorganiza- tion question voted on in the three elementary districts of the Ne- halem valley on Monday received a majority vote of 82 to 39. How- ever, while two of the districts (Birkenfeld 18 to 8 and Vernonia 47 Jt. 52 to 6) approved the meas- ure, the Mist district No. 52 reject- ed it 25 to 12. This will delay the setting up of the proposed administrative dis- trict 30 days during which time a petition may be filed in the county school superintendent’s office re- questing another election in the district which rejected the proposi- tion. If no petition is filed, the desire of the majority will stand and the reorganization board will proceed with plans to set up the new ad- ministrative district which would include Vernonia union high school, Vernonia elementary schools, the Mist school and the Birkenfeld school. Taxes for property due Nov. 16 From page 5 the entire amount due by No- vember 16th will receive a three percent discount. If two thirds of the bill is paid by No- vember 16th a two percent dis- count of the amount paid will be allowed. Columbia County is again providing a way to pay property taxes with credit and debit cards, through the Point & Pay website. Property Tax pay- ments can be made with your credit and debit cards on-line at www.co.columbia.or.us, or by calling 1-866-587-4007. There is a 2.95% charge to use your credit or debit card. Also, as in past years, arrangements have been made with local financial institutions to collect only the 2009-10 property taxes through Novem- ber 16, 2009, at the following authorized collectors: Bank of the West in St. Helens; Wauna Federal Credit Union in Clatskanie, St. Helens, and Vernonia; and all branches of St. Helens Community Federal Credit Union in Columbia County. Property owners may appeal the value of their property as in past years. However, there would be a reduction in the tax- es due only if the market value falls below the assessed value. The deadline for filing an ap- peal is December 31, 2009. Ap- peal forms are available from the County Clerk or County As- sessors Office. Final 4-H results from 2009 Columbia County Fair From page 11 Elizabeth Kennedy, Deer Is- land; Jordyn Sweet, Deer Is- land; Kristi Crape, Rainier; Mackenzie Gates, Rainier; Stephen Bowe, Scappoose; Bart Albert Grabhorn, Scap- poose; Joshua Hughes, St. He- lens; Thomas Hughes, St. He- lens; Trent Keim, St. Helens; Jon Luttrell, St. Helens; Levi Luttrell, St. Helens; Carissa Smith, St. Helens; Jennifer Vanderwerf, St. Helens; Lane Sullivan, Vernonia; Marie Han- nah, Warren; Kate Johnston, Warren; Jenny Vardanega, Warren. GOATS - DAIRY Nubian, Mature Two Year Old Doe: Red Award – Bradley Ely, Vernonia. Dairy Goat Showmanship, Junior: Blue Award – Bradley Ely, Vernonia; Tanager Ander- son, Warren. GOATS - MEAT Meat Goats, Doe Kid, Born April 1 - June 30: Blue Award – Jennifer Vanderwerf, St. He- lens; Jessica Stringfield, Ver- nonia. Meat Goats, Doe Kid, Born Jan. 1 - March 31: Blue Award – Tiffany Ryan, Clatskanie; Jennifer Vanderw- erf, St. Helens; Jessica String- field, Vernonia. Meat Goats, Mature Doe, Born in 2006: Blue Award – Elizabeth Green, Clatskanie; Tiffany Ryan, Clatskanie; Jen- nifer Vanderwerf, St. Helens; Jessica Stringfield, Vernonia. Meat Goats, 4-H Member’s Meat Goat Herd: Blue Award – Jennifer Vanderwerf, St. He- lens; Jessica Stringfield, Ver- nonia. Meat Goats Showmanship, Junior: Reserve Champion – Jessica Stringfield, Vernonia. Blue Award – Jessica Stringfield, Vernonia; Tanager Anderson, Warren.