I'd just spend the money and get a new O2 sensor for the front (the one in the manifold). There only $70 locally. If you have time go to sparkplugs.com and order a Denso for your car with coupon code "dodgetalk", that should run you about $45 shipped and you'll have it in 3 days.

If the code has been up as long as you said, it definatly needs changed out. Good maintence procedure is to replace your O2 sensor ever 80,000 miles or so anyway.

If you can't get the sensor out easily, I have a special socket that makes getting it out fairly painless (within reason). I'd hit it with some PB before attempting to remove it, i'd bet its rusted in there good...