Month: August 2016

Local troopers hope their efforts are making a difference but there is always room for the community to improve when it comes to safe practices. According to local Highway Patrol Sgt. Kellie Oaks, troopers have emphasized seatbelt enforcement through the Click It or Ticket campaign and are hopeful that residents are wearing seatbelts more regularly. 

While the Public Lands Initiative has officially begun the legislative process, its fate is undetermined as it journeys through the system. Last week, Uintah County Commissioners fielded public questions on the PLI and how much public comment was used in the actual draft. 

The temporary delay of the Vernal Regional Airport runway project has come to an end. According to Uintah Transportation Special Service District Board Chairman Duane Shepherd, the Transportation District received the letter from the FAA on Friday giving the ‘okay’ to proceed with the project. 

A painted sky and hot cars will fill neighboring skies this weekend with the Moffat County Balloon Festival and Colorado Cruisers Car Show. The event draws huge crowds every year and this year is expected to be no different. 

With the hiring process complete, Obern Mayes was presented as the new Vernal City Treasurer at the Vernal City Council meeting on Wednesday. Some shifting of positions in Vernal City’s finance department left the City Treasurer position open earlier this summer. 

Work is underway on a new nature trail at Steinaker State Park. According to Park Manager Mike Murray, crews started work on the nature trail in July and phase 1 is almost complete. 

While economic downturn has far reaching effects, it is also a time of careful planning and strategy for the energy companies themselves. Industry leaders such as Anadarko, Newfield, Red Leaf and QEP are among the many companies presenting at this year’s Uintah Basin Energy Summit where exciting new technology will be discussed and the future of local industry will be explored.

It’s been a busy year for local law enforcement. According to Uintah County Sheriff’s Cpl. Brian Fletcher, the Sheriff’s Office is up over 4000 calls for service from last year. Calls for service, which include Officer self-initiated calls, are over 16,000 so far for the year. An average year is around 25,000 calls which the Sheriff’s Office expects to easily exceed this year.

The Vernal Regional Airport runway project is facing what is expected to be a temporary delay. According to Uintah Transportation Special Service District Chairman Duane Shepherd, the FAA is performing a review to ensure that wetlands affected by the project are handled properly.