Utah Division of Wildlife Resources have been keeping busy. Just this last month the DWR was involved in dropping tons of seed throughout areas that were affected by wildfire. One of those areas was the Dollar Ridge Fire site. According to Utah’s Watershed Restoration Initiative, the Dollar Ridge Fire Rehabilitation has a budget of $1,415,223.00 dollars and includes enough seed for 26,136 acres. Included in the budget is the cost of ariel delivery, four weeks of youth crew to spray weeds, and for forest service to treat noxious weeds and to repair trail signage. Once the snow has melted away, these special seed mixes will help restore vegetation, benefiting wildlife and livestock that use our wild landscapes.
Month: January 2019
Outgoing Public Officials Thanked During Monday Uintah Commission Meeting
The Uintah County Commission took some time during their meeting on Monday to acknowledge and thank the outgoing public officials. Kevin Van Tassell served for 12 years in the Senate and took a moment on Monday to share his thoughts. “We’ve done a lot of great things here in the County and as a state as a whole,” shared Van Tassell. “…[I’d] encourage all to be involved and looking for opportunities to serve on a state level.” Vance Norton also took a moment to thank everyone for the support he received as Sheriff. Norton said he was grateful he was able to meet his lifelong dream of being Sheriff, following in his great grandfather’s footsteps. Mark Thomas and Duane Shepherd were not in attendance to receive their plaque.
Myton Man Killed, Two in Critical Condition in Two Vehicle Accident on SR-40
A Myton man is dead and two more are in critical condition after a two vehicle accident on Highway 40 at MM 50 on Tuesday morning. According to Utah Highway Patrol PIO Sgt. Nick Street, a red pickup truck hauling a trailer loaded with flooring product was traveling eastbound past Strawberry Reservoir when it hit ice on the roadway and lost control.
Catch the “Ugliest Fish In The West” at the Burbot Bash
Catching the “ugliest fish in the West” is a tradition at the beginning of every new year at the annual Burbot Bash. The illegally stocked burbot in Flaming Gorge Reservoir continue to have a devastating effect on the fishery.
Basin Residents Invited to Nursing Open House
There is a need for nurses in the world. Area residents that have had a desire to become a nurse or even a passing interest, have a wonderful opportunity coming to the Uintah Basin to discover more. Utah State University’s Associate of Applied Science in Nursing and UB Tech’s Nursing and Nursing Assistant Certificates are hosting an open house for people to come and learn about admissions, scholarships, and financial aid. Some figures to consider: a CNA can finish in 6-weeks and can make $27,000 a year. An LPN can make $46,000 year and an RN can make $60,000 yearly according to the job outlook from the Utah Department of Workforce Services. There will be two open houses. The first one will be Wednesday, January 23rd at the Vernal USU Campus from 5:00 – 7:00pm. The second open house is Thursday, January 24th at the Roosevelt UBTech Campus from 5:00 – 7:00pm. For more information, contact Lesa Minnick at 435-722-1746.
Indigent Defense Services to Now “More Fully Protect 6th Amendment Rights”
Things are looking better for those in the Basin that are in need of indigent defense services. A grant of $592,850 dollars was given to Daggett, Duchesne and Uintah counties from the Utah Indigent Defense Commission. “The goal of the new model is to more fully protect the 6th Amendment rights of indigent individuals by hiring additional attorneys to help reduce caseloads,” says Lance Dean, Uintah County’s first managing public defender.
Special Stamps Allow Anglers to Fish Both Sides of Flaming Gorge Reservoir
All anglers of Wyoming and Utah take note. Starting in 2019, individuals from Utah or Wyoming, can fish both sides of Flaming Gorge Reservoir with a reciprocal fishing stamp. Wyoming Game and Fish and Utah Division of Wildlife Resources have a Reciprocal Agreement concerning the interstate waters of Flaming Gorge Reservoir. To purchase a reciprocal stamp, go to the regional office, licensing agent, or even online of the partnering state. The Wyoming reciprocity stamp will cost $30 and the Utah reciprocity stamp will cost $10. The stamp is not available to non-residents.
Naloxone Training
As opioid use is on the raise the number of situations in which an individual might overdose rises as well. There will be Naloxone Training to help teach individuals how to reverse an opioid overdose. It is advised by the the US Surgeon General Jerome Adams that the following groups of people learn how to use naloxone and keep it within reach: patients currently taking high doses of opioids as prescribed for pain, individuals misusing prescription opioids, individuals using illicit opioids such as heroin or fentanyl, health care practitioners, family and friends of people who have an opioid use disorder, and community members who come into contact with people at risk for opioid overdose. The way Naloxone targets the same brain receptors as opioids then kicks them off and then “takes over”. Come learn more about how Naloxone works, when to use it (as well as not) and the after effects to watch for. There will be basic and advanced training as well as free kits. The training will be at the Uintah Conference Center on Saturday January 12 from 1pm to 3pm.
County Officials Sworn In Monday in Uintah and Duchesne County
Newly elected county officials were sworn in on Monday. In Duchesne County, Commissioner Greg Miles and Greg Todd have been sworn in as well as Duchesne County Sheriff Travis Tucker and Clerk/Auditor JoAnn Evans. The ceremony for the newly elected officials was performed by Deputy Clerk/Auditor Connie Sweat. In Uintah County, Judge Ed Peterson swore in Clerk Mike Wilkins, Attorney Greg Lamb, Sheriff Steve Labrum, Commissioner Bart Haslem and Commissioner Bill Stringer.In Duchesne County, Commissioner Greg Miles and Greg Todd have been sworn in as well as Duchesne County Sheriff Travis Tucker and Clerk/Auditor JoAnn Evans. The ceremony for the newly elected officials was performed by Deputy Clerk/Auditor Connie Sweat. In Uintah County, Judge Ed Peterson swore in Clerk Mike Wilkins, Attorney Greg Lamb, Sheriff Steve Labrum, Commissioner Bart Haslem and Commissioner Bill Stringer.
PHOTO CREDIT: DUCHESNE COUNTY Elected officials in Duchesne County were sworn in Monday, Jan. 7, at noon by Duchesne County Deputy Clerk/Auditor Connie Sweat. Pictured from left are: Duchesne County Commissioner Greg Miles, Duchesne County Commissioner Greg Todd, Duchesne County Sheriff Travis Tucker and Duchesne County Clerk/Auditor JoAnn Evans.
Highway 40 Closed
Highway 40 is closed between mileposts 42 and 60 near Strawberry Reservoir due to a serious accident. UDOT is advising travelers to use an alternate route and check the UDOT Traffic app or website for updates. There has been no official estimate released on how long it will be closed. Roads through Wasatch County at Strawberry Reservoir and partly into the west end of Duchesne County have been snow covered and icy. All are urged to use caution as they travel in the winter conditions.