Month: June 2018

The Department of Workforce Services released updated county unemployment numbers this week and very little has changed in northeastern Utah. Daggett County reported 4.5 percent unemployment for the second month in a row. Duchesne County stayed at 4.3 percent while Uintah County ticked slightly down from 4.6 to 4.5 percent. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for the State of Utah dropped a tenth of a percent from April to May landing at 3 percent, meaning about 48,100 Utahns were counted as unemployed and actively seeking work. Nationally, unemployment also dropped a tenth of a percent to 3.8 percent.

Superintendent Mark Dockins addressed concerns over capital projects currently underway at Uintah High School during Tuesday’s Uintah School Board meeting. “Five years ago, when we remodeled the high school, the plans called for a full renovation of the auditorium and an overhaul of the baseball, softball and soccer fields,” Dockins said.

Representative Rob Bishop issued a statement following the signing of President Trump’s Executive Order on immigration. “I am relieved to know that these family separation issues are being addressed,” shared Bishop. “I stand ready to pass legislation that will enhance border security and give due respect to the family unit. Security and compassion are not mutually exclusive. These problems stemmed from legal uncertainty. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the ongoing effort to solve this problem the right way.”  Bishop has submitted language included in the proposed Reform Acts. His provision removes impediments to the Border Patrol as they defend the borders and execute certain search and rescue operations.

The Uintah School Board met Tuesday night and approved the 2018-2019 Fiscal Budget. The $82.1 million dollar budget was approved in a 4 to 1 vote. According to a release from the Uintah School District, $58.6 million dollars of that is for the operations and maintenance fund which includes employee salaries.

Yes, many motions were made and failed. Yes, frustrations ran high and many struggled to understand how they can pay a higher property tax rate with the county walking away with less money. In the end, Wednesday’s special Uintah County Commission meeting accomplished, after three grueling hours, what it set out to accomplish: the approval of a tax rate before the State Tax Commission takes over the matter following the June 22nd deadline.

The 4th of July is around the corner which means the annual 4th of July Parade downMain Street in Vernal. The theme this year is “The Spirit of America” and paradeapplications are available at the Chamber Office.

A Roosevelt event that grows in popularity every year is rapidly approaching. The annualRedmud Run held annually on July 4th is in its 6th year. The event started in 2013 with new fans joining the muddy fun every year. The event started with about 250 participantsand by year 4 there was over 500 participants.