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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 15, 2009)
Page 20 The INDEPENDENT, October 15, 2009 Letters From page 3 each year? That means every year there are more $1000s to multiply by $1.90. Consequent- ly, a higher payment could be and probably will be assessed each year. Three percent per year will more than double your assessed valuation in the esti- mated life span of the school bond. Please think about this when you mark your ballot. Susan Goodhope Vernonia Case dismissed for Vernonia vandalism To the Editor: I am extremely upset! The reason will become apparent by the time I finish my story. We citizens of Vernonia have suffered the results of vandalism recently. Most van- dalism has been directed to- ward our schools, Hawkins Park, the Scout Cabin and Ver- nonia Lake. The particular case I’m refer- ring to took place a year ago at Homecoming time. The police did their part by apprehending and investigating the vandalism. The school staff, Scout Cabin directors and Pub- lic Works personnel did their jobs by assessing the damages and calculating the costs. Tuesday, September 22, 2009, was the date set for the adjudication of the charges in Juvenile Court. Scout Cabin Di- rector, School Representative, City Public Works personnel were all there to hear the Judge dismiss the case. Case dis- missed! Why? Well, it turns out the police officers and witnesses weren’t present. The Judge had no choice but to dismiss. The question then is why the police officers weren’t notified by the Juvenile Department or District Attorney Office. Were the witnesses subpoenaed to appear? The outcome: Another case of our youth having to pay no consequences for their actions. What it all boils down to is we are a community [that] can do all the things we need to do so that justice can be upheld, but, if the court system doesn’t hold up their end, our efforts are all for naught. You decide! Should I be up- set? Sally Harrison Mayor, City of Vernonia Ed. Note: Columbia County Juve- nile Department stated they be- lieve notice was sent but are un- able to verify, but, at Chief Grace's request, they have implemented changes to insure that proper com- munication occurs in future. Melodrama enhanced by reaction to villain To the Editor: Kudos, hats off to you, and take a bow Sally Harrison and crew for that awesome melo- drama put on at Hawkins Park Saturday, October 3rd. The tal- ented characters couldn’t have been topped, but the best part was the dog sitting on the hay bale behind me that growled and barked at the villain when he came out swinging his cape. Not THAT’s acting!! Karen Miller Vernonia United Way is still our community partner To the Editor: To Our Community: We need your help! United Way of Columbia County is currently working on our 2009 fundrais- ing campaign. During this peri- od, we will raise the funds needed by local agencies to continue their work in our com- munities in the year 2010. I am sure you are aware of the eco- nomic challenges facing our county. Those facing uncertain futures may hesitate to donate at a time when the needs of our community are greatest. When a family does not Want to know what happens around here all year? Get The Independent delivered to your home for a year for only $20.00 Call today to start your subscription 503-429-9410 have warm winter clothing, enough food, money to pay the utility bill or buy gas to get to get to or look for a job, it im- pacts every aspect of their lives. Their self-esteem is af- fected and these factors in their lives seem insurmountable. There may be a need for assis- tance through counseling, work search, food boxes, utility as- sistance, respite car, informa- tion and referral. United Way of Columbia County’s community partners work hard to eliminate these and other obstacles that stand to keep our friends, family and neighbors from leading a fulfill- ing life in our community. They are there for all of us and serve to make our county stronger. Our partners address elder care, disability, disaster relief, family assistance and youth services. Please take a few minutes to read about each of our partners in our brochure. We are very proud of the work they do and believe you will be surprised at all the needs that are addressed by these caring people. We sometimes become numb in the face of so much need and feel inadequate to do anything about such enormous problems in our society. My grandmother always told us, and perhaps yours did too, “many hands make light work”. By agreeing to have a few dol- lars deducted from your pay- check each period, or making a one-time donation, you will join thousands in Columbia County and together we can make an enormous difference. If you wish to make a dona- tion/pledge and do not have the opportunity to participate in a workplace-giving campaign, please call 503-556-3614, or email uwcc@hotmail.com and we will be happy to assist you. Thank you for making a per- sonal commitment to your com- munity. Your investment will yield amazing results. Sincerely, Dawn Mendenhall Board President United Way of Columbia County