Month: March 2018

Utah’s 1st congressional district Representative Rob Bishop is at work in Washington, D.C. His bipartisan bill, HR 1800, was passed by the US House of Representatives, authorizing the transfer of an 80-acre parcel of land to the Utah State University Research Foundation. The transfer will facilitate the continued use of the property for scientific research in direct support of ongoing U.S. military research. “This bill is the cleanest and simplest way of transferring control of this land back to the entity which is using it now so that they can continue their research,” shares Bishop, “much of which is done in support of our military.” Rep. Bishop also reports that he voted for HR 4909, the STOP School Violence Act of 2018. The bill is designed to curb violence in schools throughout the nation by providing resources for teachers, students, and law enforcement officers. The bill also provides funding that can be used for metal detectors, locks, lighting, and other technology.

Local law enforcement are urging residents to celebrate responsibly this St. Patrick’s Day. “Happy St. Patrick’s Day from Utah Highway Patrol!” shares UHP Sgt. Kellie Oaks. “We will have extra patrols looking for DUI and distracted drivers. We’d love for everyone to buckle up, have a designated driver, and enjoy a super safe weekend.” Vernal City Police are also hoping locals enjoy the holiday, but in the right way. “Celebrate responsibly,” shares Assistant Police Chief Keith Campbell, “and utilize a designated driver or the many options available in the community for taxi services.” Oh and one more thing from Chief Campbell, remember to wear something green and BEEF up!

The final list of who is pursuing public office in Uintah County is in. Thursday was the last day for potential candidates to submit their names to the Clerk’s office. Joni Crane added her name to the race for Commission Seat A this week, joining Dan Dilsaver and Bart Haslem.

Thankfully, a report that a student brought a gun to school was found to be false. According to Uintah School District Superintendent Mark Dockins, police investigated the claim that a Vernal Middle School student brought a gun to school on Wednesday and were able to prove the claim false.

The Bureau of Land Management is implementing another day of burning in Dry Fork Canyon north of Vernal. Today, March 15th, burning will be ongoing to reduce hazardous fuels in the wildland urban interface in the Canyon.

Vernal City is preparing for transition of garbage service providers. Effective April 1st, the provider of residential garbage collection within Vernal City limits will switch from RDT to G&H Garbage.

The Bureau of Land Management released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement this month on a significant oil and gas proposal on land in Uintah County. The Greater Chapita Wells Natural Gas Infill Project is located about 25 miles south of Vernal where EOG Resources, Inc. proposes to develop oil and gas resources within 43,071 acres. The area is already partially developed within the Natural Buttes Gas Field that includes 1,247 existing oil and gas wells and associated infrastructure over 3,975 acres.

Groups of local students chose to participate in the School Walkout organized nationally as a show for gun control, an end to school shootings, and to remember the lives lost in Florida in February. Starting at 10am on the east coast, students walked out of classrooms and stayed outside for 17 minutes – one minute for each of the individuals killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School one month ago.