It was in 1993 when International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) was created by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center and the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. Now as part of the 25th anniversary of this event, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is having an Open House. The event will be a free family fun affair for all ages. Visitors will be able to enjoy the scenic views of Ouray National Wildlife Refuge/Ouray National Fish Hatchery while learning about wildlife, conservation and other subjects.
Next week is National Bike to Work Week and TriCounty Health Promotion Division Director Jake Isaacson is setting the example and encouraging others to join him in giving biking versus driving a try. “The more you get out the better,” says Isaacson, citing data that say biking not only promotes health but can also save you money! Forty percent of all trips in the United States are less than two miles, which makes biking a feasible and fun way to get to work.
What looks to be a good ol’ fashioned bidding war, Anadarko Petroleum Corporation announced on Monday that its board of directors has unanimously determined to terminate the Chevron Merger Agreement and accept a revised offer from Occidental Petroleum Corporation, a company that came to them with a revision of a previous offer. According to a press release from Anadarko issued on May 6th, the offer from Occidental Petroleum Corporation constitutes a “Superior Proposal” and Anadarko has notified Chevron of their intentions to terminate their merger.
Things are lining up for an extra special Mother’s Day weekend with the return of the Dinah ‘SOAR’ Days & Hot Air Balloon Festival in Vernal. The three day event runs Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with each day starting at 6:30am with balloons launching this year from the field south of the Uintah Rec Center. There will be 22 hot air balloons and tethered balloon rides will be available for $10 a person on Friday and Saturday from 8 to 10am at the launch site.
Cleaning up Vernal’s downtown has become a spring tradition and this year’s annual downtown cleanup event had a fantastic turnout! The Vernal Chamber’s Downtown Revitalization Committee plans the cleanup each year in preparation for local events in the spring and summer that draw visitors to downtown Vernal. According to Committee Chair Laura Chynoweth, there was a huge turnout of around 65 people on Friday.
Yesterday, Uintah County Library Director Sam Passey presented to the Uintah County Commission the Library Board’s recommendation to stop charging overdue/late fees. One of the reasons shared for the recommendation is that the cost of collecting, receipting and depositing is more then what is collected. In 2018, the Uintah County Library collected $2,717 dollars in overdue fees.
The Ute Indian Tribal Business Committee issued a statement following the announcement last week that EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler signed the Amendments to the ‘Federal Implementation Plan for Managing Air Emissions from True Minor Sources in Indian Country in the Oil and Natural Gas Production and Natural Gas Processing Segments of the Oil and Natural Gas Sector’.
A new crosswalk between 200 and 250 East Main Street in Vernal will greatly increase the safety for pedestrians on a long stretch of Highway 40 that was previously without a light to stop traffic. At the same time, it is important for all to spread the word and pay extra attention as drivers are getting used to this new light installed specifically for pedestrian crossing.
Eagle Scout and Altamont High Senior Parker Brotherson has created something extraordinary to be placed at Upper Country Market in Altamont. Donated to Altonah American Legion Toyack Post 53, Brotherson’s flag retirement box project was accomplished in loving memory of J. Douglas Holgate, a deceased beloved member of the community.
The 2019 commencement ceremony for Uintah Basin Technical College was held last Wednesday at the Uintah Conference Center. The program included words from Bob Peterson, Aaron Weight, and special keynote speaker Tami Pyfer, the Education Advisor to Governor Gary Herbert.