Our 2019 has started and the small businesses of rural Utah should take note of a special tax credit now available. The Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) through the Office of Rural Development (ORD) has been striving to help rural communities like those in the Uintah Basin by providing resources to sustain business and improve employment opportunities.
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources reminds the public that next month is the best time to catch a glimpse of the national bird, the bald eagle. February is Bald Eagle Month in Utah. During the winter months the bald eagle flies to Utah to get away from the colder northern conditions and find food. By February, hundreds of eagles are in the state boundaries.
The Utah Department of Workforce Services has updated unemployment rates by county. Daggett County ended 2018 at 5.4 percent unemployment, up from 5.1 percent in November and 4.7 percent in December 2017. Duchesne County ended the year at 4.5 percent unemployment, down from 4.8 percent one year prior.
The Burbot Bash Ice Fishing Derby at Flaming Gorge doubles as a way to discuss an unwelcome invader. Namely the burbot, a freshwater cod native to waters in the east and now an illegal stocked fish in Flaming Gorge. This invasive species has had a very negative effect on the sport fishery. Mark Wilson, president of the Flaming Gorge Chamber of Commerce, says, “We are excited about using the Burbot Bash as a forum to increase public awareness of this threat to the Flaming Gorge fishery. It is also a great way to introduce anglers to the family-friendly sport of ice fishing that is so popular in Flaming Gorge.” The derby is a prime way to deal with this problem species. There is no limit and anglers are encouraged to harvest as many as possible. Robert Keith, the Wyoming Regional Fisheries Supervisor, shares these words: “Angler harvest is currently the most effective tool available to reduce Burbot numbers in the drainage.” Since 2011, anglers from the derby have removed about 25,000 burbot. The derby runs from January 25-27, 2019. Visit www.burbotbash.com for more information.
Most Basin residents understand that air pollution is a hot topic locally but, considering the often beautiful skies, may wonder why. Dr. Seth Lyman, Director of the USU Bingham Research Center, was a guest this week on the KVEL Monday Radio Forum, shedding light on the topic.
Vernal Police announced Thursday that formal charges have been filed in 8th District Juvenile Court against the suspect in the September stabbing that resulted in the death of CalDee Reynolds and injured Kathy and Kyle Reynolds.
Uintah Middle School was briefly placed on lock down during their final class period of the day on Thursday. According to an announcement from the Uintah School District, a student reported seeing a firearm on campus which prompted the lock down. “School administrators contacted Vernal police, who responded to the school and determined there was no threat to students of staff. The lock down was lifted after about 10 minutes and students were released from classes for the day as scheduled,” shared the announcement.
The National Weather Service is using an experimental product to help the public to make better choices in the winter months. The experimental product is called the Winter Storm Severity Index (WSSI) and is designed to be a companion to aid the forecasts.
As we look to the future the need for science minded individuals is quite apparent. Luckily schools are stepping up their efforts in having kids engage in STEM. The Craig Press recently reported that Moffat County High School has put together a robotics team, the first ever to grace Craig’s high school.
Duchesne County had its share of emergencies this last year and the person who was managing the operations was recognized for his efforts. Mike Lefler has been the Duchesne County Fire and Emergency Management Director since June 2007 and was honored at the 2019 Utah Emergency Management Association Conference. Tal Ehlers, the past president of UEMA and current Uintah County Emergency Management Director, presented Lefler with the 2019 UEMA Member of the Year Award. Ehler emphasized the impact Lefler’s abilities had in dealing with the emergency operations throughout the Dollar Ridge Fire and his general expertise. He also pointed out his efforts on the Wasatch Back communications exercise during the summer of 2018. While accepting the award, Lefler made sure to highlight the efforts of all those who helped with the Dollar Ridge Fire and all the many partners throughout the Uintah Basin, state, and local government.