L ib ra ry
U n iv e r s ity o f O regon
Eugene, Oregon
MwewoaeMNamMMaM
VERNONIA
WEATHER
VOLUME 52, NUMBER 2
VERNONIA, OBRQON VMM -
l«e Per
THURSDAY. JANUARY 10, 1$74
Weather in Vernonia was a bit
chilly for the week of January 2
to January 8 with a maximum
high on January 2 of 38 degrees
while the low of five degrees fell
on Sunday, January 6 Rainfall
for the week—zero
gathered
the
located at the Vernonia
water
M O O M O m O O O m O O O M M iM
Waminas o ®es^ ents M East Vernonia Sewer
Pacing, Gas District Get Go Ahead On Hook Up
SCENES like these last week at
kcal service stations have caused
Vernonia area dealers to Imple
ment a plan to halt traffic Jam-
ups and long watting for gas.
Cars were strung out down main
street and around the corners on
the flanking side streets creating
a big problem for the VPD who
have announced they willl issue
citations for those iOegally park
ing on the wrong side of the
Gasoline Deniers Agree On
Days, Hours of Service
Vernonia gasoline station op
erators met Saturday night,
January 5 at the home of Bob
Thompson to discuss the prob
lems of the present gasoline
shortage and to endeavor to find
a feasible way to solve them.
Wally Grosche. Dave Rueh
man, and Kudy Seders attend«^
the meeting and a decision was
reached on applying an every
other day rule to the situation
Ralph Sturdevant was unable to
attend due to illness.
The plan is simple All stations
w ill be open Mondays, Wedn«?s
days, and Fridays at 5 p.m and
on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8
a m , until each day's allocation
of gas is used Stations w ill be
closed to gasoline purchasers
both Saturday and Sunday. How
ever. most w ill still operate
service departments as usual
Alcohol Council Will
Neel January 16-17
The Columbia County Council
on Alcohol w ill host a two-day
visitation at the Village Inn in
St Helens on January 16 and 17.
Featured speakers at the 7:30
^).n i meeting on January 17 w ill
tog Kim Duncan and Norma
Taylor from OAHA (Oregon
Alcoholism and Health Associa
tion ).
Duncan and Taylor w ill focus
on three m ajor areas of council
concern 1 Steps that a council
needs to institute in order to
establish an information and
referral center which w ill be
volunteer staffed; 2 Establish
ment of an education package to
be used in the community by the
volunteers; and 3. Establish
ment of a membership drive to
develop the resources necessary
to carry out the preceeding
objectives
Duncan, Taylor, and Rev
Paulson w ill be making visita
tions to council members and
interested parties in the com
munity during the two days as
well
Those wishing further infor
mation, may obtain it from Rev.
C.R. Paulson of St. Helens
Times and days apply only to
gasoline sales
Although Governor Tom Mc
Call's rationing plan is expected
to go into effect next Monday,
station owners in the area have
decided to continue with their
present program of operation
due to the unique problems in
Vernonia.
“ We re trying to do the best we
can with the gasoline we’re get
tin g ," said one operator, adding,
"we hope by implementing this
plan, the long lines of tra ffic w ill
be alleviated and everyone w ill
get a chance to get gas without
waiting for any length of tim e.”
Another dealer added his com
ments. "A lot of people don't
realize that we have to take our
month’s quota—which is lower
bwause of last year’s bad wea
ther—and divide it by the days
we're open so we’ll have enough
gasoline to last out the month
And people get scared. Afraid
they’ll be stranded But there
isn’t any reason to panic. If
everyone cooperates, we should
be okay.”
The Vernonia City Council met
The Vernonia Police Depart in regular session Monday night,
ment has issued a warning that
January 7 for the first meeting of
those parking on the wrong side the new year Attending were
of the street in order to obtain
Mayor Sherman Fisher, Council-
gasoline are in violation of the men C.E M iller. Lucille Tomlin
law and w ill be cited for illegal
Bud Atkins and David Banta
parking by the department, ac with attorney Alan Coon also
cording to Chief of Police Jack
present.
Cunningham
Following approval of the
“ Parking in such a manner is minutes Pat Fennell, of Davis
illegal,” said Cunningham, add Sanitary Service, took the floor
ing, “ and it is potentially dang to inform the council that he
erous to other drivers on the could no longer guarantee ser
road.”
vice due to the gasoline shortage
He also stated, “ we are having and queried the group on the
some problems with
people possibility of opening the Ver
stealing gas and this w ill be dealt
nonia city dump as an emer
with severaly if it continues. Any gency measure David Banta
one caught taking gasoline w ill
and Bud Atkins are to check into
be ja iL _ .
this.
The warning stems from a
Mrs Henry Anderegg then
situation which occured January
2 when ten gallons of gasoline requested permission for instal
was taken from the tank of the lation of an A ir Hockey coin
Vernonia F ire Department res operated game at the Alpine
Lanes After discussion it was
cue truck.
“ That truck carries all our decided to turn the m atter over
breathing apparatus and other to Police Commissioner Tomlin
emergency equipment neces and Chief Cunningham for in
sary when we go out to a fire ,” vestigation.
said Vernonia Fire Chief Don
Following Mrs. Anderegg, Bob
Webb. “ Without it we can't do Hall presented a letter to the
our job .”
"N ot only that,” he continued,
“ but it would be a tragic
situation if someone lost their
home or even their life because
someone else was selfish enough
to steal gasoline from a fire
tru c k ."
“ If anyone steals gas from an
emergency vehicle,” Chief Cun
ningham added, “ it could mean
the difference between saving a
life
or being helpless while
someome dies. No one needs sas
that badly.”
Stealing gasoline especially
now may seem like no more than
a prank to some but it is a
serious m atter especially now.
So serious that the law provides
that anyone convicted of the
misdeameanor charge could
serve up to six months in ja il and
or pay a fine of up to $1000
“ Chief Cunningham conclud
ed, “ everyone is feeling the
pinch of the gas shortage but
stealing is no ’v a j o solve your
problem. That w ill only lead to
more trouble for all of us.”
Now, instead of going from
office to office to get a building
permit, septic tank permit, etc.,
applicants may apply for the
seven different types of permit
on one form and in a single
location.
Permits to be granted under
this system include land use;
land use-sign; prelim inary lot
inspection (prior to sale); build
ing site lot inspection (for septic
tanks); building permits includ
ing septic tanks; access permits
(dealing with the road depart-
The Goodwill truck w ill be in
the Vernonia area Wednesday,
February 20 to pick up all
repairable items from home or
place of business.
Those wishing to contribute to
the Goodwill may do so by
calling the Vernonia representa
tive, Mrs Cora L a n g e , 429-1
3421
ir-u-Lri-n_n_ru
A letter from the Oregon State
Highway Division stated that
they did not feel—after inves
tigation—that a flashing signal
was needed at the Bridge St -
Texas Avenue intersection for
school children but one might be
needed in front of Washington
ment ) ; and precover inspections
(for septic systems).
The p e r m i t application
seeks—in addition to basic in
formation about the applicant
and location—the tax account
number, lot size, name of legal
access road, zoning district, the
planned use, setbacks a n d
details about the water supply.
In addition the application also
requires the name of the
contractor, sub - contractors,
plumbing contractor, lender and
details about when the site w ill
be ready for inspection.
Officials of Columbia County
feel that this consolidation of the
various permits w ill aid pros
pective builders to obtain their
permits with less confusion than
in the past.
safe type of container to use when storing gaso
line. It is red, metal and has a tight seal on
Ambulance Fund Gets
Surprise Donation
The Vernonia Ambulance fund
has received many contributions
lately but none more surprising
than the check that came from a
lady in Denver, Colorado with
the enclosed note.
“ In case you are Puzzled—
we do own property there—and
also have fam ily in the area, so
felt we should also make a
contribution.”
With the aid of such generous
people it is hoped that some time
in the near future it w ill be
possible to purchase the d e fri
brilla to r and other necessary
equipment for the Vernonia
Trauma unit.
Schools Get
Added Funds
Oregon school districts w ill
receive an additional $27 m illion
in basic school support funds for
1974-75, Supt. of Public Instruc
tion Dale Parnell said recently.
A total of $170 m illion in state
funds for elementry-secondary
education has been estimated for
1974-75, compared with the c u r
rent year estimate of $143
m illion It is estimated that
Columbia County w ill receive
$2,933,969.66 for the 1974-75 year.
Estimate
for 1973-74 w a s
$2,559,338.32
Beoause these estimated fig
ures are available to districts
early January compared with
mid-March
in
p r e v io u s
years the school districts w ill
be able to have a more meaning
ful base to begin the budget
process, Parnell said
— - — —
Residents of the East Vernonia
Sewer D istrict are advised they
may now hook up to the sewer.
For further information contact
Wm. Nelson, 429-5291 at the
Vernonia City Hall.
Grade School
Burlington Northern Railroad
informed the council, via letter,
that the section of railroad from
Banks to Vernonia had been sold
to Orth Industries in California
and that further communication
should be through them
Under untinisntxj ousiness at
torney Alan Coon reported on the
progress of the two law suits
pending against the city, inform
ing them that the charter suit
was now being studied by the
judge.
7
The council w ill hold a com
mittee meeting February 16 at
7:30 p.m. to discuss the zoning
map
c? Uricl1 a8re« l to deposit
$45,000 to the Sewer Bond Fund
and to deposit $11,056 to the
Revenue Sharing Fund
It was also agreed—contingent
on gas and money being avail
able—that Chief of Police Jack
Cunningham be allowed to at
tend police training school in
Astoria February 16-18.
Following payment of bills the
meeting adjourned at 10:25 p.m
The next meeting of the citv
council w ill be Monday, January
21 at 8 p.m. in the city hall.
Goodwill Truck Due
Wednesday, Feb. 20
County Gets New One
Building Permit System
Building permits w ill be easier
to get in Columbia County since
a new one-stop system has been
instituted for applying for appli
cations.
council in reference to sewer and
water hookup outside city lim its
on his property on Pebble Creek
Council w ill give him an answer
following their meeting with the
engineer in February
Committee reports were then
read followed by communica
tions.
Letters from Robert E Mey
ers, Engineers, were read dis
cussing the flooding in the
Riverview area, after a meeting
with county, state and council
officials December 19 Cost and
drainage work were commented
upon Also a letter on estimated
costs for extending the Pebble
Creek sewer outside the city
lim its to Bob H all’s property.
MILLIONS al ooe-year-old plug_____ ________
U plMtic cwtataar troy» at Crown ZeUcrbacfc’»
Wood Nuroery near Aurora, Oregon, will '
planted la Febraary and March la an
“
‘
roforeetatiott
Areas to be planted included CZ managed forests
near Molalla. Vernonia, Tillamook, and Seaside
in Oregon, aad near Cathlamet, Port Townsend,
and Sekiu, Washington.
plastic jar, — the type which should nev
be used for such storage.
Home Storage of Gasoline
Potentially Lethal Practice
The present fuel shortage has
grown to crisis proportions as
allocations are cut back to
station operators and fuel oil
distributors, causing many to
begin the dangerous—and—pot
entially lethal—stockpiling of
gasoline, according to the Ver
nonia Volunteer Fire Depart
ment.
As the F ire Preventions B ur
eau’s data reveals, one gallon of
gasoline has the explosive power
of approximately 14 sticks of
dynamite which renders it a
potential liquid bomb, even in
the hands of those fa m ilia r with
its properties.
Vernonia F ire Chief, Don
Webb points out “ if you feel you
must stockpile gasoline, please
do it in a safe manner and
always let common sense pre
v a il.” For storing gasoline at
home, he advises, “ use an ap
proved safety can—never a glass
jug, discarded plastic bleach
bottle or other makeshift con
tainer. A container for gas
MUST be metal and labeled as to
the true contents and should be
red in color Don’t fill any
container with gasoline that
doesn’t meet these standards,"
he adds
“ Gasoline should lie stored in a
well-ventilated area where it
can’t be tipped over or damaged
accidently and always kept out
of the reach of small children. It
should never be stored in the
same room with a hot water
heater or a furnace where a pilot
light or sparking switch could set
off an explosion of accumulated
vapors Any smell of gasoline in
a storage room or an automobile
trunk is a good indication that
there is a vapor leak in the
container.
Carrying extra gasoline in the
trunk of a car also creates a
dangerous explosive situation,"
points ou, Webb. “ Gasoline vap
ors can filte r from the trunk into
the c a r’s interior where the
striking of a match or a spark
from the electrical system could
set off a powerful explosion
which could prove fa ta l.”
The Vernonia F ire Chief stated
further, “ if it is absolutely
necessary that spare gasoline be
carried on the road, always use a
metal can that is vapor tigl
Use a container with perfi
seals on both cap and pouri
spout—not a safety can that
designed to vent vapors. All
never fill the container coi
pletely. Leave a little room f
the gasoline to expand as it
warmed by the heat of the di
and the auto.”
While the storage of gasoline
an unsafe situation, it is not t
only problem arising from tl
energy crisis. The Vernonia Fi
Department also stresses tl
potential dangers involved
increased usage of fireplaci
and other methods of heatin
Wood, coal and cast iron stovi
are becoming more popular ar
all can be a trouble spot if prop«
precautions are not carried ou
“ Cast iron stoves especiall
can be dangerous,” Webb con
ments. “ If they become ove
heated and without proper ai
justing of the flue, they can bio
up. Also, many of today’s mix
ern homes are not equipped t
handle a wood or coal burnin
stove since they don't have th
proper type of chimney or ver
Pipe
Fireplace owners should chec
for proper clearance betwee
the firebrick and combustibl
materials. The screen shouli
also be checked to ensure that i
is in good shape and fits proper
ly .”
As a last safety pointer, thi
Vernonia
F i r e Departmen
strongly recommends that eacl
fam ily have an approved all
purpose fire extinguisher hand'
at all times.
Defribrillator To
Be Demonstrated
A d efribrilla tor machine wil
be demonstrated at the Chambe
meeting Monday evening Janu
ary 14 at 8 p m. in the Wes
Oregon Electric meeting room
The public is invited to atten«
th's interesting demonstration o
the machine used to correc
erratic heart beats in cardia«
patients.
Funds for the purchase of th«
defribrilla tor are being raise«
with donations by Vernonia arei
citizens