Ax throwing is one of many competitions at the annual Cinnabar Mountain Rendevous held annually during Memorial Day weekend in Mt. Vernon.

MT. VERNON – “The people here are great.”

That’s Tami Kowing’s feeling about the citizens of Mt. Vernon.

Kowing ought to know – as Mt. Vernon’s city recorder, she is the one who has the most frequent contact with them.

Mayor Andy Anderson echoed that sentiment, saying, “We appreciate the willingness of people here to cooperate in city matters, and the attitude and patience of the people here toward items on the calendar.”

One topic on the town’s agenda is an upgrade to the town’s wastewater system. Residents were surveyed recently to get their input on the issue.

Kowing said they are also in the planning stages on making improvements at the town’s park, which include upgrading the play equipment and putting in a walking path.

The entire town underwent a transformation in 2009 with a safety and enhancement project that included new sidewalks, vintage street lamps, improved curb and storm drainage upgrades and brick paving along Main Street and the Highway 26 and 395 intersection.

The Silver Spur restaurant is under new ownership, effective Nov. 1. Dawnna Reed, Samintha Hollingsworth and Darrinn Manuel bought the restaurant from longtime owners Dale and Clay Finley. Only a name change is planned for the time being, to Racers Restaurant – Reed said they are NASCAR fans. Beyond that, the trio plan to just “gradually improve on Finley’s success,” Reed added, maintaining the same hours and menu customers have come to know and enjoy.

Anderson said, “We’re anticipating a great contribution to the community from the new owners, and also give thanks to Dale and her service over the years.”

He added the old Mt. Vernon Middle School property is owned by Oregon Telephone, who has been using it for equipment storage. As far as cleanup of the Mt. Vernon Motel, which burned in a September 2014 fire, Anderson said the city is in the legal stages of that effort.

The town boasts a spacious community center at the corner of Ingle and Cottonwood streets, which received a complete reconstruction nearly 10 years ago, and is the site of several functions and fundraisers. The Mt. Vernon Grange Hall a mile east of town also hosts several events throughout the year.

Mt. Vernon, which has a population of 525, Kowing said, is home to active community groups such as Cinnabar Mountain Rendezvous and the Grant County Piecemakers Quilt Guild.

The Rendezvous organizes such events as the annual Rendezvous weekend – with lumberjack contests and parade during Memorial Day, and a Halloween party at the community center. The Quilt Guild meets monthly at the Shiny Thimble Quilt Studio and hosts the annual Grant County Quilt Show each autumn. Members share their talents through goodwill activities in the community. In a recent endeavor, the group presented nearly 100 locally crafted quilts to Canyon Creek Complex fire victims at a spaghetti dinner night out.

Just outside Mt. Vernon is Clyde Holliday State Park, one of only two Oregon state parks in Grant County, offering nearby day and overnight recreational opportunities along the scenic John Day River.

Anderson pointed out the town’s strong and active volunteer fire department, which is under the leadership of Chief Bill Cearns. The department holds several events annually including an Easter Egg Hunt in the park, and in November, a food basket drive for elderly folks in town and a holiday bazaar.

Anderson, who grew up in Prairie City, moved back to Mt. Vernon with his wife Carla, a Mt. Vernon native, in 1997. He is almost midway through his term as mayor, and previously served on the city council.

Mt. Vernon’s councilors include Mike Cearns, Wayne Saul, Eva Dougharity and Jan Lowry.

Anderson said, “We all work toward common goals and anticipate participation in good things for our community.”

Kowing, who has been the city recorder for 2-1/2 years, lives in Canyon City; unlike the mayor and councilors, Mt. Vernon residency is not required for her.

But, with as much time as she spends in Mt. Vernon, she said she feels a close bond with the town.

Anderson spoke highly of Kowing and the “excellent job” she does as city recorder.

“I can’t express how much the council appreciates her support,” he said.

City council meetings are held the second Tuesday of the month.

Mt. Vernon City Hall hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and closed from 12:30-1:30 p.m.

For more information, call 541-932-4688.