Did you know that use of the Columbia City Community Library is free to all residents within the St. Helens School District? Take advantage of this free service and visit the Library!

New extended hours! The Library will now be open an hour longer in the evenings beginning December 1st. The new hours are:

Thank you to all who have donated to the Library. Your contributions have allowed us to extend our hours and bring you new books for your pleasure.

Shop the Scholastic Book Fair at the Columbia City Community Library on December 1st and 3rd, from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. There will be a mix of material appropriate for preschool through middle school ages. Give the gift of reading!

Talking Book & Braille Services is a free national program for eligible people with visual impairments, physical disabilities or learning disabilities. Books and magazines on cassette and in Braille, descriptive videos, free use of cassette machines, adaptive equipment and large print books for children are available through this program. Materials and cassette machines are mailed free through the US mail. To determine eligibility for this free service, an application must be submitted to the Oregon State Library. Brochures and application forms for this service are available at the Community Library and the City Hall.

The new reservoir has been painted, filled with water, leak-tested, and put into service. The offsite storm drain and waterline work is finished, and Ninth, "I" and Sixth Streets will be patched in the near future. Next spring, Ninth Street will be repaved and the landscaping around the reservoir will be planted.

Bob Kunders' term as a planning commissioner will expire December 31^st. He has decided not to begin a new term. Bob has served since January 1, 2001, when he replaced Steve Conklin who had resigned. The City would like to thank Bob for his hours of service on Planning Commission. We are sorry to see him leave, but wish him well in all his new ventures.

The City is currently accepting applications to serve on the Planning Commission. Members must reside within the City or the City's Urban Growth Boundary. The term is for a period of four-years, and the Commission meets on the second Tuesday of each month. This Commission deals with the City's current and long-range planning and development issues.

Since some of the leaves were still on the trees during the November yard debris collection, the City will again provide a temporary yard debris disposal site for Columbia City residents. The site is located in the 1700 block of Third Street, behind the Public Works shop buildings. The disposal site will be roped off and clearly marked and will be available December 12 through December 16, 2003. Customers are asked to please abide by the following guidelines:

• Drop off yard debris only.

• Place yard debris within the marked area.

• Yard debris must be from within the City limits of Columbia City.

• Keep the length of yard debris (limbs) to four feet and under.

• Donations will gladly be accepted. Please leave donations in the drop box at City Hall

This site is being provided to our citizens under the honor system. Please, be respectful of the rules to ensure the availability of this site again in the future.

STAYING SAFE IN COLD WEATHER

The winter season is upon us. Exposure to cold can cause injury or serious illness such as frostbite or hypothermia. The likelihood of injury or illness depends on factors such as physical activity, clothing, wind, humidity, working and living conditions, and a person's age and state of health. Follow these tips to stay safe in cold weather:

• Dress appropriately before going outdoors. The air temperature does not have to be below freezing for someone to experience cold emergencies such as hypothermia and frostbite. Wind speed can create dangerously cold conditions even when the temperature is not that low. If possible, dress in layers so you can adjust to changing conditions. Avoid overdressing or overexertion that can lead to heat illness.

• Traveling and winter can be a dangerous combination. Allow extra time when traveling. Monitor weather conditions carefully and adhere to travel advisories. Don't travel alone and let someone know your travel plans and estimated arrival time.

• If you get tired or storm intensity increases, seek shelter off the road. Use maps, seat covers and newspapers to help provide additional insulation if you are trapped in a car during a winter snowstorm.

• Do not leave your car unless you see a building close by where you know you can take shelter. If you need to leave the car to get help, follow the road if possible. If you walk across open country, orient your route toward distant landmarks to maintain your sense of direction.

• Keep a winter storm survival kit in your car. This should include blankets, high calorie non-perishable food, flashlight, ice scraper, paper towels, extra clothes, matches, a compass, maps, sand, flares, chains, gloves and first aid supplies.

• Keep extra batteries for radios and check battery-operated equipment before the storm arrives.

• Keep an extra supply of food in the house, especially food that requires no cooking.

• Check to make sure there is adequate home heating fuel before a storm.

• Keep blankets, clothing, curtains, furniture and anything that might catch fire away from portable heaters. Never use charcoal to heat the house because it gives off deadly amounts of carbon monoxide.

• Winterize your house - install storm shutters, doors and windows, clear rain gutters, repair leaky roofs. Keep plywood, plastic sheeting, lumber and even sandbags accessible for emergency repairs.

• Know how the public is warned (siren, radio, TV)

• Keep a local radio station on for emergency information and instructions.

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• Keep in touch with the elderly and friends or neighbors with disabilities.

• Report downed power lines and broken gas lines immediately.

• Check on neighbors, especially those who may have special needs.

• Beware of overexertion and exhaustion.

• Check to see that no physical damage occurred to your home. Make sure the water is running.

We'd like to extend a very special thank you to:

• Alice Barchus, Jo Detloff, Dorothy Greyell, Phyllis Moss, Helen Sandstrom and Amy West for helping with newsletters and utility bills in October.

• Brownie Troop #2041 for picking up trash and debris and outlining flowerbeds with rocks in Jim Bundy Memorial Park.

• Claudia Yoes for maintaining the landscaping in Harvard Park.

• Leo Brogli for helping with us with park maintenance.

The Wal-Mart Foundation recently presented the City with a check for $1,000.00 as a contribution to this year's Celebration. We'd like to thank everyone at Wal-Mart for their continued support of this community project! All of the proceeds from the Celebration are used to staff the Columbia City Community Library. Net proceeds from the Celebration exceeding $8,200.00 this year.

THE CHRISTMAS SHIPS WILL ARRIVE

Public Works personnel and volunteers have smoothed and planted the north area of Bundy Memorial Park with grass. Volunteers also planted grass in Datis Park. We'd like to extend a very special thank you to all of our dedicated and hardworking volunteers.

COLCO is no longer providing transportation services. However, two other businesses are now available to transport residents of Columbia County. Scappoose Transportation (SCAT) offers a dial-a-ride service for local transportation and to medical appointments. Call (503) 543-6233. It is recommended you call one day prior to the day service is needed. Metro West provides a fixed-route service to the Portland area. Call (503) 648-6658.

10/27/03 Parking Complaint in the 600 block of Franklin Street.

10/27/03 Motorist assisted at City Hall.

10/27/03 Vandalism reported in the 300 block of Pacific Street.

10/28/03 Parking complaint near Sixth and "C" Streets.

10/29/03 Warrant arrest on an outstanding warrant in the 3400 block of Tahoma Street.

10/29/03 Parking complaint in the 1800 block of Second Street.

10/30/03 Theft from a vehicle reported at the Mini Mart.

10/30/03 Vandalism reported in the 200 block of "F" Street.

10/31/03 Prowler reported in the 1500 block of Sixth Street.

10/31/03 Reckless driver reported near Chimes Crest.

10/31/03 Motor home towing a vehicle with a flat tire.

10/31/03 Citizen reported kids throwing eggs at cars near Highway 30 and "A" Street.

11/01/03 Runaway juvenile reported in the 1700 block of Sixth Street.

11/05/03 Theft of gas from Mini Mart.

11/05/03 Careless driver reported near Highway 30 and "E" Street.

11/05/03 Vandalism reported in the 2400 block of Fifth Street.

11/06/03 Citizen assisted near Highway 30 and "A" Street.

11/07/03 Citizen complaint of an ordinance violation in the 1500 block of Third Street.

11/07/03 Vandalism reported in the 200 block of "F" Street.

11/07/03 Assisted Fire Department and Sheriff’s Office on a possible motor vehicle accident on Smith Road near "A" Street.

11/07/03 Assisted Rainier Police with a combative prisoner in transport to the jail.

11/08/03 Possible abandonment of an animal reported in the 3600 block of Tahoma Street.

11/08/03 Report of shots fired near Sixth and Pacific Streets.

11/08/03 Loose dog near 375 Metlako Way.

11/10/03 Parking complaint in the 1600 block of Fourth Street.

11/11/03 Large rock in the road reported at Highway 30 and MP 30.

11/12/03 Citizen reports shots fired in the 400 block of "C" Street.

11/12/03 Garbage complaint in the 1600 block of Fourth Street.

11/12/03 Ordinance violation reported near Sixth and "C" Streets.

11/12/03 Traffic hazard reported near Highway 30 and "A" Street.

11/12/03 Citizen complaint of threats made in the 300 block of Metlako Way.

11/14/03 Juvenile problem reported in the 2400 block Sixth Street.

11/14/03 Domestic dispute reported in the 300 block of Spinnaker Way.

11/15/03 Incomplete 911 call in the 3400 block of Sixth Street.

11/17/03 Animal complaint near Sixth and "A" Streets.

11/17/03 Ordinance violation reported in the 2300 block of Sixth Street.

11/17/03 Telephonic harassment reported.

11/17/03 Drug arrest for possession of controlled substance near Fifth and "C" Streets.

11/19/03 Agency assist for a medical problem.

11/19/03 Suspended driver issued citations and vehicle impounded near Sixth and "A" Streets.

11/21/03 Dog complaint reported in the 1600 block of Sixth Street.

11/22/03 Multiple agency assist with a barricaded suspect and hostage until the Oregon State Police SWAT team could arrive.

MONTHLY MEETING AND EVENT CALENDAR

January 1 - 7:30 p.m. - City Hall closed for New Year's Day

January 8 - 7:30 p.m. - Municipal Court

January 13 - 7:00 p.m. - Planning Commission Meeting

January 15 - 7:30 p.m. - City Council Meeting

January 22 - 7:30 p.m. - Municipal Court

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