DECEMBER 2006

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, and 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://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/COMM/winterdriving.shtml. Topics include preparation for stormy conditions, driving in the rain, low-visibility driving, chains and traction tires, road conditions and travel information.

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).

h THANK YOU h

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

• Norm Jones for mowing the grass in Datis Park.

• Roger Barbour for the mixed nuts.

• Bernie Albertine, Jean Carulli, Gloria Chinell, Dolores Heinz, Betty Jensen, Kathy Keudell and Phyllis Moss for helping with the November newsletter and utility billing.

The Buildings & Grounds Committee would like to invite the community to "your" social center for a holiday open house:

Caples House/Knapp Social Center

1915 First Street, Columbia City

Open House

Sunday, December 10, 2006

2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

GOT PLANS TO GET AWAY?

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.

The library has a new computer for public use. Windows XP is installed on it, so it’s just a bit more up-to-date than the old one was! We also have wireless access if you wish to bring your own laptop.

Books can be dropped off at City Hall if the library isn’t open when you go to return them.

We have some fun books on decorating for the holidays, making projects, and wrapping those lovely presents.

Christmas with Jinny Beyer will appeal to the quilters in our midst. Jinny gives patterns for aprons, fireplace mantle covers, stockings, and of course, quilts! It would be so fun to find the time to make a few of them!

Christmas Decorations by Jane Newdick has some lovely tree ornaments, but the ideas go way beyond that. How about oyster shell candles? Gilded paper mache bowls? This book has some beautiful, simple projects.

Decorating Gift Baskets, Boxes & Bags by Amanda Knight has some stunning gift presentations. It might even give you some great gift ideas. Friends will love these creative baskets, boxes, and bags, and you’re guaranteed to enjoy making them.

Your kids wouldn’t enjoy the holidays without cookies. Cookies Unlimited by Nick Malgieri has more than four hundred recipes from around the world. Start your baking early!

The Novel Quilters are reading March by Geraldine Brooks. Set in the Civil War, this is the story of Little Women’s father, working on the battlefield as a chaplain. It is a difficult book, and will be a challenge for our quilts

Friends of the Library Meeting: 12/18/06 - 7 PM

Novel Quilters Meeting: 12/20/06 - 6:30 PM

Mondays & Saturdays, 10 AM to 2 PM

Wednesdays, 4 PM to 8 PM

CLOSED on Monday, December 25^th

& Monday, January 1^st

Phone: (503) 366-8020

E-mail: cclibrary@opusnet.com

Address: 205 "I" Street

Columbia City had the Mayor's position and two City Council seats to fill during the General Election held on November 7^th. Three candidates ran for the three positions, and the following votes were tallied and certified by the Columbia County Clerk:

Mayor:

Cheryl Young -  647 votes

City Councilor:

Gary Hudson - 578 votes

Bob Schmor - 534 votes

We look forward to continuing to work with Mayor Young and Councilors Hudson and Schmor, who will all serve another four-years in office starting in January.

We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to all of you that took the time to respond to our recent Quiet Zone survey. A total of 99 survey responses were received, with votes tallying as follows:

• Full Quiet Zone: 33 votes

• Partial Quiet Zone: 58 votes

• Other suggestions: 13 votes

The City Council is proceeding with an application to create a partial Quiet Zone applicable between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. For detailed survey responses, please contact City Hall.

HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS

• 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.

Lights:

• 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.

• 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:

• 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.

09/26/06 Public assist provided.

09/26/06 Vandalism of vegetation at the Columbia City School reported.

09/26/06 Suspicious persons checked at the Mini Mart. One person arrested.

09/26/06 Animal complaint reported in the 1600 block of Fourth Street.

09/27/06 Premise security checks conducted.

09/27/06 Vandalism reported in the 1900 block of First Street.

09/27/06 Ordinance violation. Debris reported in a resident's yard in the 2300 block of Sixth Street.

09/27/06 Citizen assist in the 2500 block of Fifth Street.

09/27/06 Disabled vehicle checked in the 2000 block of Second Street.

09/27/06 Prowler call in the 200 block of "G" Street.

09/28/06 Domestic dispute in the 300 block of Tahoma Court.

09/29/06 Animal complaint. Possible abuse in the 400 block of "D" Street.

09/29/06 Animal complaint. Barking dog in the 2000 block of Second Street.

10/03/06 Loose dog reported in the 400 block of "D" Street.

10/03/06 Theft reported in the 300 block of Pacific Street.

10/03/06 Traffic complaint. Purple pickup weaving all over the road on Highway 30 near "A" Street.

10/04/06 Assisted a citizen at City Hall.

10/04/06 Barking dog complaint in the 2800 block of Sixth Street.

10/05/06 Suspicious vehicle checked in the area of Sixth and "K" Streets.

10/06/06 Disturbance reported in the 2400 block of Sixth Street.

10/07/06 Citizen assisted regarding rental property.

10/08/06 Prowler reported in the 2000 block of Fifth Street.

10/08/06 Loose dog reported in the 400 block of "D" Street.

10/09/06 Citizen assisted in the 1500 block of Fourth Street.

10/09/06 Suspicious person checked in the area of Highway 30 and "L" Street.

10/09/06 Public assisted in the 1200 block of Second Street.

10/09/06 Suspicious circumstances reported in the 500 block of "A" Street. Person arrested on violation of probation.

10/09/06 Missing juvenile reported in the area of Pacific and Tahoma Streets.

10/09/06 Intoxicated driver reported in the area of Sixth and "I" Streets.

10/10/06 Noise complaint. Neighbors being loud in the 400 block of "I" Street.

10/11/06 Citizen assisted at City Hall.

10/11/06 Assisted outside agency with an investigation.

10/11/06 Citizen assisted in the area of Highway 30 and Pacific Street.

10/11/06 Report of alcohol and drug activity on the beach near "E" Street and The Strand.

10/12/06 Theft reported in the 2000 block of Third Street. Reporting party had debit and credit cards taken and used.

10/13/06 Premise security checks conducted.

10/13/06 Motorist assisted in the area of Highway 30 and "L" Street.

10/14/06 Violation of restraining order reported in the 1600 block of Fourth Street.

10/15/06 Intoxicated driver reported in the area of Highway 30 near Chimes Crest.

December 7^th 7:30 p.m. Regular City Council Meeting at City Hall

December 12^th 7:00 p.m. Planning Commission Meeting at City Hall CANCELED

December 10^th 2:00 p.m. Open House - Caples House Museum/Knapp Social Center

December 14^th 7:30 p.m. Municipal Court at City Hall

December 21^st 7:30 p.m. Regular City Council Meeting at City Hall CANCELED

December 25^th CLOSED City Hall is closed Christmas Day

December 26^th CLOSED City Hall is closed the day after Christmas

December 28^th 7:30 p.m. Municipal Court at City Hall

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