Dinosaur National Monument has lifted their Stage 1 fire restrictions. According to the National Park Service announcement, the slightly cooler temperatures and recent rainfall has reduced the fire danger. “Monument visitors are reminded to still be cautious with fire as some areas may contain substantial amounts of dry vegetation,” shares the announcement.
Month: August 2018
Family Fun Day at Starvation State Park This Saturday
A favorite annual tradition is practically here! Family Fun Day at Starvation State Park is coming up next week. The event is put on each year as a combined effort by the Duchesne County Chamber of Commerce, Duchesne City, Starvation State Park, and the Walleye Classic. Duchesne County Chamber Director Irene Hansen looks forward to this Family Fun Day every year.
New Goal Posts in Place for Youth Football Thanks to Newfield Exploration
Roosevelt Youth Football is now playing on fields with goal posts thanks to Newfield Exploration. The team has played without goal posts for several years but Newfield took note and constructed and installed the new goal posts on the Centennial Park fields. Sunbelt Rentals also joined the cause and donated their equipment to make the installation possible. Newfield painted the posts bright gold to match Union Cougar colors.
LEPC Meeting Explores Further Impacts of Dollar Ridge Fire
The August meeting of the Uintah County Local Emergency Planning Committee, or LEPC, welcomed a presenter who now knows further the far reaching impacts of a major emergency. Mike Lefler serves as the Duchesne County Fire Marshal and Emergency Manager and he had plenty to share with the Uintah County group about responding to the ongoing issues of the Dollar Ridge Fire including things the public may not consider like impacts to the oilfield, pipelines, and power lines.
Enrollment Up in Uintah School District
School days are underway and Uintah School District Superintendent Mark Dockins reports that things in Uintah School District have been great so far. “We were able to start the year fully staffed [and] our numbers are up over our projections which is showing growth in our student enrollment,” shares Dockins.
2018 Uintah Basin Energy Summit a Success
The Uintah Basin Energy Summit has grown to be a must attend event for those with an interest in the energy industry and this year was no exception. The event was held Wednesday and Thursday at the Uintah Conference Center in Vernal. “The Uintah Basin Energy Summit was once again a huge success with over 500 people in attendance,” shares event organizer and Uintah County Economic Development Director Sylvia Wilkins.
Upcoming Hotel Haunt and Ghost Tours: Equal Parts Historical and Spooky
The empty rooms of the Weston Lamplighter Inn have long been rumored to be haunted. If you’ve ever wanted to see for yourself, a special charity event coming up in October will give you that opportunity under the spookiest conditions possible. A group of community leaders and volunteers are organizing the Hotel Vernal Haunt and Ghost Tours to raise funds for four local charities: Ashley Valley Food Pantry, Forever Forward Services, Vernal Theatre: LIVE Foundation, and Sub-For-Santa. The event offers two fright experiences. The Fear Haunt allows you to explore the depths of the historic Hotel Vernal, also known as the Weston Lamplighter Inn. The Ghost Tours relive actual ghost sightings and other paranormal activity reported when the hotel was in its prime. These events will be offered for 10 nights starting on October 13th. For tickets and more information, visit www.hotelvernalhaunt.com. Photo Credit: Becca Potter-Summers
Photo Credit: Becca Potter-Summers
2018 Fire Restriction Order for Uintah and Ouray Reservation to be Rescinded
The Business Committee of the Ute Indian Tribe announced Wednesday their decision that they will be rescinding the 2018 Fire Restriction Order. According to the press announcement, the 2018 fire restriction order will be rescinded effective Friday, August 31st. The announcement to rescind the restriction order was signed on August 28th. The original restriction order stated that the wildfire prevention program is in place to reduce the number of person-caused fires and prevent damage to natural resources on Indian land. While the restrictions will no longer in place, all are urged to continue using extreme caution with fire while outdoors. The risk of wildfire is never really gone.
Daggett County Commission Initiates Study on Potential Development
The Daggett County Commission has initiated a study to see what options are available for a developing subdivision. On the east end of Daggett County, a group of 7 potential subdivisions of 143 lots each are being explored but at present are facing issues in developing because it has no water or sewer available.
Agencies Continue Focus on Pedestrian Safety Operation
Local agencies are pitching in as the Vernal Police Department continues their Pedestrian Safety Operation for the beginning of the school year. On Wednesday, Utah Highway Patrol took a turn. “We assisted with their effort to provide for the safety of pedestrians within the City,” shares UHP Sgt. Kellie Oaks. “Many violators were stopped for failing to yield to pedestrians within a crosswalk.”