After significant discussion and debate, the Utah Interagency Fire Team has made the decision to maintain the current five-dispatch center model. This means that the wildfire dispatch center located in Vernal is no longer on the chopping block. Executives from the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Utah Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Indian Affairs, National Park Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services met on Thursday to discuss the consolidation efforts and ultimately decided to abandon the plan to consolidate locations. “As we moved through this process, it became clear that there was a great deal of concern and uncertainty among fire managers, partners, and the local communities that we serve,” stated BLM Director Ed Roberson. “From the start of this efficiency and cost management effort, we said clearly that we were prepared to stop and adjust at any time if we could not offer the same level of safety and service to our customers.” When the announcement was made in 2017 that the Vernal and Moab fire centers would be relocated to Richfield, local agencies and officials including the Uintah Fire Suppression Special Service District formally announced that they did not support the move and pushed to keep the Vernal center in tact.
Month: February 2018
Charge of Misdemeanor Negligent Homicide Dropped Against Uintah Basin Nurse
The charge of misdemeanor negligent homicide against a Duchesne County Jail nurse was dropped last week in 8th District Court. 50-year-old Jana Clyde was charged in September by the State of Utah Attorney General with Negligent Homicide, a class A Misdemeanor, in the death of Madison Jensen in the Duchesne County Jail on December 1st, 2016.
Vernal Chamber Preps for 3rd Annual Uintah Basin Education Summit
The Uintah Basin Education Summit has been a huge success the past two years and is coming up for its third year next month. This year’s theme is ‘Grit and Resilience in Education’ with keynote speaker Christian Moore from “WhyTry.” The event received high praise around the state after its successful first year.
DWR Big Game Website Offers Plethora of Information to Hunters
As the application deadline approaches to hunt big game animals in Utah this fall, the DWR wants hunters to know of a website available with all need-to-know information. Hunters must apply by March 1st and the easiest way to do so is at www.wildlife.utah.gov/biggame.
Team Uintah Honors Vernal City Police Department
The Vernal City Police Department is getting some love to end this Valentine’s week as they are being recognized by Team Uintah for their support of local schools and students. “Chief Dylan Rooks has been a dedicated supporter of the Uintah School District throughout his long
Local Teachers Providing “Beyond the Average Classroom Experience”
Many local teachers are known for their commitment in the classroom and attention to students. Principal of Uintah Middle School Christy Nerdin says Bethany Hansen and Jason Pierce are two such teachers that “go beyond the average classroom experience.” Bethany Hansen teaches 8th grade language arts and has implemented a letter exchange between her students and youth in Italy.
Altamont Longhorn Wrestling Brings Home First 2A State Championship
The Altamont Longhorn Wrestling team team took home their first 2A State Championship this weekend. Overall, the team scored 244 points, with 14 wrestlers placing. Hunter Webb, Wyatt Jessen, and Russell Mitchell each placed third, with Heston Murdock and Macintyre Thacker placing second.
Dino “Soar” Service Award Launched; Local Server Anthony Lee First Recipient
The Hospitality Committee in Uintah County has decided it’s time to recognize the faces of customer service in local business with the creation of the Dino “Soar” Service award. The award will be given monthly to someone in the Hospitality Industry that “Soars” above what is normally seen and the first recipient is more than deserving of the recognition.
Vernal Theatre: LIVE’s Forever PLAID Destined to Be an Audience Favorite
It’s not just that they are funny, though they are that. It’s not just that they are charming, though they are that too. The magic in Forever PLAID is the timeless music accompanied by tight harmonies and the four local men in Vernal Theatre: LIVE’s production manage to nail that element with stunning precision.
Armed Fugitive Caught in Rock Springs
A team from the Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office, DCI special agents, and the United States Marshals captured an armed federal fugitive with an extensive history of felony convictions in Rock Springs on Friday.