Month: August 2017

Back to school is a time of excitement for some kids and a source of anxiety for others who lack the resources to purchase supplies. Once again this year, the Vernal Chamber, Anadarko, and Walmart partnered to help make school prep a little easier for those in need by assembling backpacks containing school supplies. The backpacks were assembled at Western Park and then delivered to the Turning Point Shelter, Women’s Crisis Center, and Northeastern Counseling. “It was a great opportunity to provide this needed service to our community,” shares Vernal Chamber Director Joel Brown, “and it shows what fantastic community partners we have with Anadarko as several employees came and helped put the backpacks together.” Thank you to the big hearts and helping hands who are looking out for school kids in the Basin.

The Duchesne County Sheriff’s K-9 that was medically retired last month after a cancer diagnosis was laid to rest on Tuesday. “Q” was buried with honors Tuesday evening on Cpl. Morant Harrison’s farm. The Sheriff’s Office announced Q’s retirement and cancer diagnosis on July 28th. “In the days following that announcement,” shares the Sheriff’s Office, “she lost the sight in her remaining eye and was no longer able to walk.” Q was buried in a casket built by inmates who are enrolled in the Duchesne County Jail Building Trades program. “I’ve been deeply touched by the outpouring of support from people in Duchesne County and beyond following our announcement of Q’s cancer diagnosis,” shares Sheriff Dave Boren. “The support and offers of assistance we’ve received in the past four days have helped sustain Cpl. Harrison and his family during this difficult time, and have been a huge comfort to the men and women of the sheriff’s office.” Cpl. Harrison was first partnered with Q, a female German Shepherd, about a year ago. Q was recently certified as a dual purpose K-9, trained in narcotics detection as well as patrol functions such as tracking and apprehending suspects. Q excelled at finding drugs and was well known throughout the K-9 community for having a great nose. The Sheriff’s Office is exploring options to have another K-9 join their force.

A shed fire caused a scare in Naples on Wednesday morning. According to Uintah County Fire Marshal Jeremy Raymond, a call came into dispatch at around 10:00am and Naples Fire Department responded. A shed in the High Country Subdivision had caught fire and crews were able to extinguish the flames before spreading to neighboring properties or causing much damage to surrounding items or structures. There were no injuries and the fire caused about $5000 dollars in damage. The cause remains under investigation. The back of the property is against a farmer’s field. Thankfully the fire was contained and did not spread to the hay.

Walmart will soon be offering more than groceries and home supplies. Construction is now underway to add a Walmart fuel center in the northeast corner of the parking lot. The project will include a 1,440 square foot building and 12 to 16 gas pumps.The general contractor on the project is R&O Construction out of Ogden. A Walmart representative confirmed that the fuel center will include a nearly full-service convenience store that will be manned with probably 3 employees. The pumps will be available for all night use and the convenience store will keep similar hours as the main Walmart. The community feedback so far has been positive, shares the representative, and the store is especially excited to have the extra services during the busy tourist season. Construction is expected to be complete in October. 

TriCounty Health Department plans to add fun with a healthy twist to Duchesne County events over the next week. The Stroll or Roll Family Story Walk will first be held during UBIC on Thursday, August 3rd, from 9 to 11am at the Constitution Park Walking Path in Roosevelt. An interactive story marks the walking path. Next week another Stroll and Roll Family Story Walk will be held during the Duchesne County Fair on Tuesday, August 8th, from 6 to 8pm on the walking path around the Duchesne Softball Field. For both events, the largest family group wins a prize and all participants are invited to come dressed as their favorite characters. “This is the 2nd year for the annual stroll and roll event,” shares Health Promotions Director Ferron Young. “This will be a fun time to come out with the family… It’s a nice stroll that encourages literacy as well.” For more information, visit www.tricountyhealth.com. 

UDOT is encouraging drivers traveling through the Highway 40 Myton Bench construction zone over the next two weeks to plan ahead for increased traffic and possible delays due to the UBIC and Duchesne County Fair celebrations from August 3rd through the 12th. There will be one lane open in each direction at all times through the work zone. The speed limit has been reduced to 55 miles per hour through the entire work zone. From 6250 South to the Ioka Junction crews are continuing to place material that will form the base for the new pavement. Earthwork continues from the Ioka Junction to Pole Line Road with water line relocation ongoing as well as the installation of the new 114-inch culverts at Dry Gulch Creek. Travelers are urged to slow down and drive safely. 

Uintah County approved the acceptance of a third party audit during Monday’s Uintah County Commission meeting. Greg Marsing of Smuin, Rich and Marsing presented the firm’s findings. “The economics here in the county has some downturn and the revenues of the county have gone down,” stated Marsing, “but the county has made adjustments for that…[and] in most instances were still able to maintain in the black and maintain fund balances which are critical to being able to go forward…and accomplish the things you desire to do. In this situation, you are doing really well.” Commissioner Shepherd commended Mike Wilkins, Wendy Long and the staff for their hard work. Commissioner Brad Horrocks also said he was very impressed by the audit and congratulated the county employees on a great job. Horrocks also asked that the county debt of $59 million dollars be stated on the record. Public input was welcomed and Tiffany Dofelmire stated that on social media the idea is being shared that the audit shows a surplus of $5 million dollars. She asked if Marsing could clarify to which he responded that for accounting purposes the audit also reflects an accrual accounting with $5.1 million dollars in net income, a figure that is deceiving. “The statement that shows $5 million dollars worth of income is on an accrual basis,” explained Marsing, “and doesn’t take into consideration purchases, capital assets, [and] payment of debt. Also, depreciation is subtracted out of the assets so it is a net figure. It is more of an accounting function than a cash flow function.” Commissioner Bill Stringer took the opportunity to respond to the question by stating that “it would be highly irresponsible to try and pick one soundbite out of that document. If you think you can say ‘this is the bottom line’ that would be very irresponsible. What we are looking for are trends [and] changes…There are moving parts to all of this.” Stringer continued by saying the audit is useful to ensure that the county is reacting to changes soon enough and ensuring that the the county remains in a healthy position