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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 4, 2012)
PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. Postage Paid Vernonia, OR 97064 Permit No. 37 Vol. 27, No. 1 THE FREE INDEPENDENT The Voice Voice of of the Upper Nehalem River The River Valley Valley for for Over Over 25 27 years years January 4, 2012 Vernonia 2011 Year in Review The new wetlands on the old mill site continues to fill as the rains provide water. The fenc- ing will come down after the final planting is established later this year. New health provider coming in February Dr. Brian Miller, D.O. of the Verdura Family Wellness. The Vernonia Health Board has completed negotiations with Verdura Family Wellness, which will open their second lo- cation in the Vernonia Medical Clinic building that had been contracted to Providence Clin- ic. Providence’s last day in the clinic was December 30. The Verdura Family Well- ness clinic, owned by Dr. Brian Miller, D.O., has operated in Hillsboro since 2004. Currently, in Hillsboro, Dr. Miller and two Physicians Assistants see pa- tients four days a week. They take Medicare, Medicaid, most private insurance and private Conner promoted to Police Chief The City of Vernonia has an- nounced the promotion of Po- lice Sergeant Michael Conner to the position of Police Chief was effective January 1, 2012. Chief Conner took his oath of office during the January 3 Ver- nonia City Council meeting. Conner has been a police officer in Vernonia since Sep- tember 1, 2005. He has held the positions of officer, ser- geant and interim chief in Ver- nonia. He had previously served as a police officer in Madras, Warm Springs and Toledo. The new chief lives in North Plains with wife, Katrina, and three daughters. Right, Vernonia Police Chief Conner taking oath of office. pay patients. The staff of Verdura Family Wellness will begin moving into the local clinic this month, with an expected opening in early February, after new staff is hired and trained (see their Help Wanted ad on page 18 of this issue). More information will be available later in January about the new provider’s hours, days of operation, etc. For more information on Verdura Family Wellness, go to www.verdurafamilywellness.co m . Jan. 3 – Mayor Sally Harrison and Councilors Cindy Ball and Catherine Helmer replaced by Mayor Josette Mitchell and Councilors Willow Burch and Marilyn Nicks. Bill Haack’s contract as Pro Tem City Admin- istrator extended to June 30 (with Nicks abstaining). Jan. 5 – Rainier Chief of Police Ralph Painter shot and killed. Jan. 6 – The Independent starts 26th year of publica- tion Jan. 13 – Announcement that Vernonia schools will get $11.2 million from FEMA. Jan. 18 – City Councilor Kevin Hudson, red-faced, loudly demands K9 contract be added to agenda. Mayor says, “No, it’s a personnel issue.” Jan. 23 – House being moved gets stuck on green steel bridge temporarily. Jan. 31 – $50,000 grant by G-P to new school announced. Feb. – Vernonia Country Kitchen, previously the Pine Cone, torn down after being flooded again in 2007. Feb. 7 – Donna Webb given Certificate of Appre- ciation, by Mayor Mitchell, for her years of community involvement. Feb. 10 – Vernonia school board approves 30-hr per week School Resource Officer from Vernonia Police Dept. Feb. 22 – City council establishes Emergency Preparedness Committee. Council splits 3-2 against hiring Bill Haack as City Administrator. Feb. 28 – City council agrees to continue $12 sewer loan repayment fee for 20 more years to pay off another DEQ loan. Mar. 5 – Vernonian Mackenzie Carr crowned 2011 Miss Rodeo Oregon. Mar. 12 – VHS Alumni basketball game. Mar. 21 – Haack tells council that a Vernonia police officer was put on paid leave today and that DPSST is conducting a review of that officer based on their investigation. Mar. 29 – Governor John Kitzhaber comes to town to help celebrate the $11.2 FEMA grant announced in January. Apr. 9 – Vernonian Noni Andersen wins State of Oregon Senior Spelling Bee. Apr. 16 – Make Vernonia Shine Day, Vernonia Pride Please see page 2