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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (May 5, 2011)
The INDEPENDENT, May 5, 2011 Sheriff asks voters for money to serve Columbia County voters have received their ballots for the May 19 special district elec- tion, with candidates for school districts, fire districts, etc., as well as Measure 5-210 to cre- ate a 4-year levy for the Sher- iff’s Department. There are no contested di- rector positions on the ballot for the Vernonia School District, Mist-Birkenfeld Fire District or Vernonia Fire District. There are two candidates for this area’s 9-1-1 Communications District Zone 4, with veteran di- rector Kathy Denckla, and Leslie Seeberger. Measure 5-210 asks voter to approve property taxes at the rate of $.62 per $1,000 of tax assessed value on proper- ty. The levy would expire in four years if voters do not renew it at that time. Columbia County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution stating that they will not change the amount of funds the Sheriff’s Office cur- rently receives (about 25% of the county’s general fund) to ensure that any money raised by this measure would be used in addition to the what is al- ready allocated in the county budget. Before putting this measure on the ballot, a poll authorized by Sheriff Jeff Dickerson showed that, across the county, the top three things citizens want from the Sheriff’s Office are: 1) Faster response time to criminal events and other calls outside city limits, 2) Investigations, as they equal less crime, and 3) Better back-up and assis- tance to local law enforcement. “I asked myself, how can we do these in the most efficient, cheapest way possible,” said Dickerson. His decision was that having five more deputies would actually put six more on the road, if he also had three detectives for investigations. That level of staffing would also require a sergeant, a lieutenant and a clerk. It would also guar- antee one deputy on patrol at all times in the North of the county and the same in the South. For the Nehalem Valley, there would be one deputy in the area 40 hours a week. That deputy’s schedule could be co- ordinated with the Vernonia Po- lice Department to ensure the fullest possible coverage, in- side the city and outside. The sheriff’s office is man- dated by state law to provide many essential services, to the best of its ability. A short list of these services includes search and rescue, law enforcement, corrections (jail), marine (river) patrol, homeland security, civil process, concealed handgun li- censing, criminal and civil records. Dickerson concluded, “The county needs to take the lead- ership in so many areas,” such as investigations, rather than the cities. For ballots to count, they must be returned to the county Elections Department by 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17, or put in the ballot boxes at either the Vernonia Public Library or the M-B Fire District main sta- tion on Highway 202. Things to consider before saying “I do” Research shows that un- married men and women ex- pect that they will have life-long marriages. Studies show women are more pessimistic and less confident than men about finding the right partner. The National Center for Health Statistics indicates that 59% of first marriages between couples who are 18 years old or younger end in divorce with- in the first 15 years, compared to 35% of those couples who marry at age 25 or older. If you think you have found the right person, don’t rush. It’s impor- tant to get to know each other well before saying “I do.” These questions can help you and your partner consider and discuss marriage: • Why am I getting married? • Why am I choosing to share my life with this person? • Is this the right time? What brought me to this point in my life? • Are there concerns or sup- port for my welfare from my parents, friends and cowork- ers? How do I feel about their apprehension? • Is this a good choice for me? Have I compromised my values and beliefs because I think things will be better if I’m married? • What is my level of commit- ment? What changes do I ex- pect to experience after the wedding? • Am I able to discuss prob- lems and options with my part- ner? How do we manage con- flict together? • Will we communicate openly to reach a compromise or agreement without involving violence or put-downs? • What are our future goals and dreams? How many chil- dren do we want? How will the roles and responsibilities be di- vided? • How much money will we save each month? Who will handle our money? • What kind of marriage rela- tionship do I want? How happy am I in this relationship? Take time to slow down and think through and discuss these questions that you may not have considered during your courtship. It’s important to take the time to prepare for a lifetime of togetherness. Source: Nina Chen, Ph.D., human development specialist, University of Missouri Extension Senior Center News It’s May and – finally – we’ve had a few days of spring-like weather! It has rained so much that yards were beginning to look like hay fields. Now it’s time to get ready for the Vernonia Senior Center’s an- nual Plant/Garden Sale on June 3-4. Donations of plants, pots, yard art, tools, trellises or any other garden-related items will be gratefully accepted. To make a donation, or help in some other way, please call Jack Harvey at 503-429-4080, before 3:00 p.m. Free hearing checks are available from a representative of Co- lumbia Hearing Aids, on the third Monday of each month from 1:00-2:00 p.m. No appointment is needed. Do you have questions or suggestions for the center? If so, re- member to attend the Board of Directors meeting on the second Friday of each month at 10 a.m. This is also a great way to find out how the center operates. A complete, delicious lunch is served Monday though Friday at noon. A $4.00 donation is suggested for those 60 and older, and $5.00 for those under 60. If you prefer lunch to go, for only $5.00 you can call ahead and place your order. If you enjoy bingo, you can have fun while you eat lunch. Din- ers play free Bingo each Monday starting at 11:45 a.m. Breakfast for all ages is served Fridays from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. at just $3.50 per person. Maple bars are made fresh daily for $1.00 each! You can also order maple bars for a gathering of any kind by calling 503-429-3912 a day or two ahead and placing your order. The Center will be closed for Memorial Day on Monday, May 30th. Then on Tuesday, May 31, Vernonia will host this month’s 5 Area Luncheon. Needleworkers gather each Tuesday, starting about 10:30 a.m., to enjoy companionship while working on their projects. Pinochle players enjoy friendly competition each Friday, start- ing after lunch. Foot Care is scheduled on the second and fourth Fridays of each month, at $15 per person. Call Marilyn Albro, R.N., for an ap- pointment, at 503-429-0406. The Senior Center Thrift Shop is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Always half price during the first week of each month. Wheelchairs are available to rent and canes are needed. For more information, call Pauline Coffman, thrift shop manager. Vernonia Senior Citizens Center: 446 Bridge Street Hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Senior Information Assistance Rep: Rosie McCoy Thrift Shop Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Phone: 503-429-3912 Open Daily 11 a.m Biker Friendly Specialty Burgers, Draft Beer & Cocktails Pool Tables & Satelite Sports TV Open until midnight Sun-Thu & untill 2:30 a.m. Fri, Sat. 733 Bridge St., Vernonia 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 Page 7 503-429-9999 Live Music The Bar Pilots Friday, May 6 at 9 pm Come Fly With Us! We'll be recording a live CD here and debuting a few new tunes. Never a cover and always good time. Let's get wild! Catherine Loyer & Strawberry Roan Coming Saturday June 4
