ODOT offers travel information via the Internet, by phone, and on cable TV. Visit www.TripCheck.com, ODOT’s travel information website. In addition to text-based reports, the site offers camera images from urban areas, mountain passes, and other key locations throughout the state. Maps detail road conditions and trouble spots and include information about weather, road construction, maintenance work and traffic incidents.

In the Portland area, a speed map provides average travel times for local commuters and other highway users. You can also develop a custom camera page to check specific routes at a glance. The QuickCheck page brings camera and incident information together in a text-based format for easy access.

TripCheck.com has links to bus, airport, train, bicycle and trucking information. A mileage calculator allows you to estimate distance and choose the most direct route. Other features include detailed information on scenic byways, safety rest areas, and SnoParks. Motorists can access winter driving information at http://egov.oregon.gov/ODOT/COMM/winter.shtml. Topics include studded tires, chains, driving in adverse weather, winter cycling, snow signs and winter road maintenance.

Travelers in Oregon can dial 511 to access TripCheck road and weather information by phone. You can select updated reports about driving conditions by highway, mountain pass, or major city from easy-to-use menus. The 511 system responds to voice as well as touch-tone commands. Calls to 511 are local calls when dialed from a pay or wire line phone. Wireless phone users are responsible for airtime and roaming charges according to their service contracts. If you cannot use 511, call toll-free (800) 977-6368 for road and weather information. Outside Oregon, call (503) 588-2941.

Comcast subscribers in the Portland area can view full-motion video from 18 freeway cameras from 5 AM to 9 PM, Monday - Friday, on Channel 14 (CNW14).

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

• Norm Jones for mowing Datis Park.

• The Columbia County Sheriff's Work Crew for helping us with park maintenance and construction projects.

• Gloria Chinell, Joe Detloff, Nell Harrison, Dolores Heinz, Dee Loyd, Phyllis Rowley and Amy West for their help with the November Newsletter and utility billings.

• Stan Hopkins and Marian Calnon for their work in Jim Bundy Memorial Park.

COMMUNITY LIBRARY NEWS

Mondays - 10 AM to 2 PM

Wednesdays - 4 PM to 8 PM

CLOSED on Monday, December 26th

Phone: (503) 366-8020

E-mail: cclibrary@opusnet.com

Come listen to a story and make a bookmark in our new cozy children's corner.

The United Koffee Shoppe and the Columbia City Community Library announce a holiday celebration for the community. We will be open Friday, December 9th, from 6 PM until 9 PM. Come enjoy music, caroling, and cookies. Gather at 6 PM to listen to Brenda Sue, Celtic singer, guitar player and more. Please join us.

The Columbia City Police Department would like to caution residents to please be wary of persons soliciting their personal information over the telephone.

Recently, a resident received a telephone call from a man claiming to work for Star Communications. The man already had the resident's name and claimed the resident would receive $500 worth of coupons to spend in any store they wanted. The man said the resident would only need to pay $4.95 and asked the resident for the name of his bank and his bank account number.

The Police Department asks that you please refuse to give any personal information to someone that calls you over the telephone, and that you immediately report any suspicious call activity to C-COM (Dispatch) by calling (503) 397-1251.

This time of year many residents escape to warmer locations or make plans to visit family out of town. The Columbia City Police Department would like to remind you that they could periodically check your home while you are away. To receive this service, please register with the Columbia City Police Department before you leave. Forms are available at City Hall.

09/18/05 Dog complaint in 3200 block of Fifth Street.

09/21/05 Hit and run reported - greenish/silver sport utility vehicle hit a Railroad crossing arm at Highway 30 and "I" Street.

09/21/05 Theft of services reported at the Columbia City Sports Club. Resolved civilly.

09/21/05 Animal complaint in the 2000 block of Fifth Street.

09/22/05 Report of solicitor in the area without a license.

09/23 /05 Officer responded to a problem involving a juvenile.

09/23 /05 Report of solicitors in the 400 block of North Star Court.

09/25/05 Assisted the Sheriff’s Office with a vandalism call involving two kids pouring oil on Highway 30 in Deer Island.

09/26 /05 Report of a white GMC pickup and black van dumping material in the dumpster in the new construction area.

09/26/05 Female arrested on an outstanding warrant on Highway 30 near the Railroad trestle.

09/26/05 Dog complaint in the 1600 block of Sixth Street.

09/26/05 Report of a lost black and white older dog.

09/27/05 Subject arrested on an outstanding warrant near Highway 30 and "A" Street.

09/28/05 Welfare check of baby in the 1800 block of Ninth Street.

09/30/05 Department of Human Services referral on reported child abuse. Report not criminally founded.

10/01/05 Report of loose dog headed toward Highway 30 from Tahoma Street. Officer told to disregard after owner was located.

10/03/05 Road hazard removed near Highway 30 and Pacific Street.

10/03/05 Motorist assist near Highway 30 and "A" Street.

10/03/05 Citizen report of telephone scam.

10/04/05 Dog complaint in 1600 block of Sixth Street.

10/04 /05 Vehicle blocking road in 1400 block of Second Street.

10/06/05 Incomplete 911 call in the 1700 block of Third Street - turned out to be kids playing on the phone.

10/06/05 Loose dog reported near Third and "L" Streets.

10/06/05 Parking problem reported on Seventh Street.

10/06/05 Report of basketball hoop too close to the roadway on Second Street.

10/07/05 Citizen report of stalking-by-phone problem in the Metlako Way area.

10/07 /05 Open door checked on a building in the 1400 block of Fourth Street.

10/07/05 Traffic complaint near Highway 30 and "L" Street.

10/11/05 Dog found and taken to Columbia County Animal control in St. Helens.

10/12 /05 Citizen assisted in the 3000 block of Fifth Street.

10/12/05 Report of careless driver on Highway 30 in the north part of the City.

10/13 /05 Welfare check in the 1600 block of Sixth Street.

10/13/05 Report of male subject harassing clerks at the Mini Mart.

10/15/05 Traffic hazard. Vehicle parked partially in the roadway near Fourth and "I" Streets.

10/15/05 Agency assist. Followed Clatskanie Police to the jail as they had a combative subject in custody.

10/15 /05 Disturbance - loud party in the 1800 block of Second Place.

10/16/05 Agency Assist. St. Helens Police requested cover at 1^st and St. Helens Street.

10/17/05 Motorist assist, Highway 30 near "A" Street.

10/17/05 Officer contacted resident in the 200 block of "L" Street regarding suspicious telephone call received.

10/18/05 Domestic dispute in the 1500 block of Fourth Place.

10/19/05 Attempt to locate hit and run suspect from the Goble area southbound on Highway 30.

10/19/05 Animal complaint. Two dogs taken to shelter from the area of 3200 block of Fifth Street.

10/20 Loose dog reported on Tahoma Street. Unable to locate upon arrival.

10/20/05 Suspicious vehicle in area of Highway 30 and "I" Street.

10/25/05 Citizen reported cougar sighting in the 400 block of Belle Street.

10/25/05 Suspicious circumstance reported. Two 10-year old females walking on Highway 30 near Chimes Crest at 7:00 AM. Kids were walking to Columbia City school from their homes in St. Helens. Officer took the kids to school.

10/25/05 Harassment reported in the 3200 block of Fifth Street.

10/25/05 Traffic complaint. Dark colored, two-door Honda ran two stop signs and was speeding on Sixth Street near "E". Driver identified and will be cited.

10/25/05 Alarm in the 1200 block of Second Street.

10/27/05 Alarm in the 1900 block of Second Street.

10/31/05 Vandalism reported at new construction site in McBride Meadows.

10/31/05 Telephonic harassment reported.

10/31/05 Landlord/tenant issue reported. Advised it was not criminal and further advised of options.

10/31/05 Mountain bike found in near Third Place and "L" Street.

11/01/05 Citizen assist in the 1800 block of Second Street.

11/01/05 Motorist assist in near Second and "E" Streets.

11/01/05 911 call on "E" Street. Turned out to be child on phone.

11/01/05 Death investigation conducted. Person died of natural causes.

11/03/05 Citizen complaint of car on jack stands in a yard in the 2700 block of Fifth Street.

11/03/05 Illegal parking reported near Second and "L" Streets. Unable to locate problem upon arrival.

11/04/05 Missing person reported and found in the 200 block of "M" Street.

11/05/05 Assisted citizen with lost dogs.

11/07/05 Theft reported at a construction site on Fifth Street in McBride Meadows.

11/07/05 Citizen reported concern about trucks going over the "L" Street bridge.

11/09/05 Two suspicious persons checked near Sixth and Franklin Streets.

11/09/05 Assisted St. Helens Police with a suicidal person threatening to kill himself, girlfriend and dog.

11/10/05 Theft of gas from the City shops reported.

11/11/05 Lost purse reported at the Mini Mart.

11/11/05 Assisted Portland Police on Metlako Way.

11/14/05 Welfare check. Checked a person at a residence in the 300 block of Spinnaker Way.

11/15/05 Barking dog reported at residence in the 1600 block of Sixth Street.

11/15/05 Suspicious person checked out on the bike path near Highway 30 and "A" Street.

Purchase a fresh tree that isn't dropping needles.

Make a fresh cut across the tree base and let it soak in a bucket of water for several days before you bring it inside.

Continue to water the tree often.

Dispose of the tree as soon as possible after the holidays.

Never dispose of Christmas trees or wrapping paper in your woodstove or fireplace.

Make sure the lights are UL approved.

Make sure you have good connections at all outlets.

Make sure cords are in good shape.

Never leave candles unattended.

Never place candles on or near combustibles.

Keep matches/lighters/candles away from children.

Always rest your candles on a fireproof surface, away from drafts.

It is best to keep candles lit for no more than 4 hours at any time.

Before lighting, always trim the wick to 1/4 inch to prevent the candle from smoking. If you see the candle smoking or if the flame grows too large during use, extinguish the candle, trim the wick, and re-light.

Keep any wick trimmings out of or away from the candle.

If the flame grows too small during burning, carefully pour off the liquid wax.

Smoke detectors:

Make sure your home has working smoke detectors outside of each sleeping area and on each level.

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:

Travel:

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.

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.

December 1 - 7:30 - p.m. Regular City Council Meeting at City Hall

December 8 - 7:30 - p.m. Municipal Court at City Hall

December 13 - 7:00 - p.m. Planning Commission Meeting at City Hall Meeting canceled

December 15 - 7:30 p.m. - Regular City Council Meeting at City Hall Meeting canceled

December 22 - 7:30 p.m. - Municipal Court at City Hall

December 23 - CLOSED - City Hall is closed the day before Christmas Eve

December 26 - CLOSED - City Hall is closed the day after Christmas

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER

In March 2004, the Drinking Water Section of the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) determined that the City of Columbia City's water system is out of compliance with a regulatory drinking water standard. Our water quality has not deteriorated or changed in recent years. Where we once met all standards, more stringent requirements have been adopted over the years by the regulatory agencies. As a result, it is now necessary to provide a higher level of treatment to our primary well source.

It is not necessary for you to take any immediate action. You would have been notified immediately if there had ever been any water quality emergency. You do not need to boil your water. You do need to understand the short-term implications of this water quality issue.

On March 11, 2004, ODHS issued an order requiring the City to filter its water in addition to our current disinfection process. This order came after water sampling led to our primary well source being placed in a category where there is an increased possibility of untreated surface water mixing with the groundwater in the vicinity of the well. The only feasible method of dealing with this possibility and meeting the ODHS drinking water standards is to filter the water.

Accordingly, the City of St. Helens is building a state-of-the-art facility using a system of microfiber membrane filters that will insure removal of all potential contaminants. Since the last public notification, the building is now complete and the mechanical equipment has been installed. Testing has begun on the various systems that will operate the filtration units. Landscaping and some minor site work will continue through the next few weeks. The new facility is expected to begin operating in mid-January of 2006. Until then, the City of St. Helens continues to work closely with the ODHS regulators to monitor and manage this situation.

In the event that surface water were to mix with the groundwater source, the water supply could possibly carry disease-causing organisms. To date, testing has not detected any of these organisms in the water. Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses and parasites that can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea and associated headaches. These symptoms, however, are not caused only by organisms in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice. A home filter system will not necessarily increase protection because not all home filter systems protect against parasites. Infants, some elderly and persons with severely compromised immune systems would be at some increased risk in the event any contamination were to take place, and these people may seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.

The City of will send out these re-notification notices every three months, including our progress towards ultimate regulatory compliance. We will also post notices on the City's website at www.columbia-center.org/colcity. For more information, you may contact Leahnette Rivers at (503) 397-4010 or write to P.O. Box 198, Columbia City, OR 97018.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (such as people in apartments, businesses and schools). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

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