The Vernal City Council meeting last week included final approval on a refinance of higher interest bonds to a lower interest rate. During a council meeting this fall, the City secured municipal financial advisor, Zions Public Finance, to prepare all documents necessary to issue the bond resolution and the council had given the approval to move ahead.
Month: November 2017
Former UHP Trooper Enters Guilty Plea to Reduced Arson Charge
The former UHP trooper charged with starting the Maeser Highway Fire has pleaded guilty in 8th District Court to a reduced charge of Arson. The Maeser Highway Fire started on June 9th in Uintah County resulting in evacuations and the temporary closure of the highway.
DWR Recommending More Black Bear Hunting Permits
The Division of Wildlife Resources is recommending more black bear hunting permits and public input is welcome. According to DWR biologists, the black bear population is doing extremely well in Utah with the number of black bears almost tripling in the last 20 years. The number of permits issued this past season gave hunters a chance to take 758 black bears in the state and for the upcoming season biologists are recommending that 860 permits be issued.
2017 Enchanted Forest Auction a Huge Success
Hearts were full and pocketbooks open at the 2017 Enchanted Forest Auction held Thursday, November 16th at the Crossroads Community Center in Roosevelt. The event, hosted by the Roosevelt Rotary Club and Duchesne County Chamber of Commerce, welcomed over 250 people.
Uintah Impact Mitigation SSD Announces Departure of Executive Director
The Uintah Impact Mitigation Special Service District will soon be in need of a new Executive Director with the announcement that current director Paul Hacking has accepted the position as the next President of Tooele Technical College beginning January 1st, 2018. The primary purpose of the Uintah Impact Mitigation Special Service District is to support higher education efforts within Uintah County. Since Hacking became the Executive Director over 6 years ago, the District has orchestrated the Uintah County Resident Scholarship Program, worked closely with USU and UBTech supporting the building of the Nursing program, supported the USU air quality research efforts, and assisted with building over a dozen different educational programs. Moving forward, the Impact District Board of Directors has stated that they plan to consult with their higher educational partners and take the time necessary to consider the abilities, education, and experience required of the next Executive Director. “The Board intends to move forward in a prudent and strategic manner in order to build upon its successes of the past and to continue its specific role of supporting higher education in our County.” After this process, they plan to begin a public search for the next Executive Director.
Duchesne County Jail Inmates Charged with Forcible Sexual Abuse
A pair of Duchesne County Jail inmates are facing charges of Forcible Sexual Abuse following an instance within the jail involving two additional inmates. 30-year-old Zhondee Spring Nephi, who was arrested in connection with the August 23rdhomicide of Sukakee Manyhides, and 21-year-old Letha Beston, who is being held for a weapons offense charge, are each charged with two counts of second-degree felony Forcible Sexual Abuse and Nephi is also charged with third-degree felony Assault By A Prisoner.
Utah’s Employment Update
New data is out from the Department of Workforce Services showing that Utah’s economy remains strong. The nonfarm payroll employment for October 2017 grew by an estimated 2.7 percent, adding 39,400 jobs to the economy since October 2016, bringing employment levels in the state to 1,492,600. The state unemployment continues to slowly drop with October’s rate landing at 3.3 percent, down one-tenth of a percent from September. National unemployment also decreased by one-tenth of a percent to 4.1 percent. “Employment trends in Utah have moderated slightly but continue to show notable expansion,” shares DWS Chief Economist Carrie Mayne. “Unemployment remains low, indicating that opportunities for employment are meeting the needs of job seekers.” Updated unemployment rates by county will be released this week.
Christmas Tree Tags Now On Sale; Tags Free for 4th Grade Park Pass Holders
Christmas Tree tags are now on sale for Ashley National Forest and the U.S. Forest Service is offering a free permit for 4th grade Every Kid in a Park pass holders. Regular Christmas tree permits are available at any of the forest vendors in the Basin but those wanting the free permit for 4th grade pass holders will need to visit any of the Ashley National Forest offices during business hours. While there is construction at the Vernal offices on 355 North Vernal Avenue, operations are still being held on site in another building so visitors need to park on the North side of the building. For more information on the free Christmas Tree permits for the Every Kid in a Park pass holders, call 435-789-1181.
Man Wanted by Craig Police
Craig Police Department is asking the public to be on the lookout for a fugitive. 20-year-old Ezequiel Chavez is wanted on failure to appear in court for a traffic incident and failure to appear in court on a fraud charge.
Rocky Mountain National Park to Feature Tribal Relationships
The Ute Tribe has deep roots in the Rocky Mountain region and is among several tribes invited to offer input on a historical makeover for a national park in Colorado. The University of Colorado Public Outreach and Community Engagement program announced this week that Rocky Mountain National Park is exploring how to better represent indigenous histories into the park exhibits and information shared.