It’s been a late start this summer but Ashley National Forest has announced that many trails are now cleared though not free from obstacles. Wet soil conditions have caused some trees to fall and there are some trails with hazardous areas due to rock slides or large sections of mud or wet meadows.
Internet safety is an important topic for users of ALL ages. This week, local web and tech guru Ted Munford and TriCounty Health educator Jeramie Tubbs visited the Evans Family Media studios for the KVEL Monday Radio Forum to discuss internet safety and what community members need to know. First, parents need to be educating children and teens on internet safety and follow that up by proactively monitoring use on devices.
When navigating the pitfalls of education it always helps to have someone that understands the struggles. The new USU-Uintah Basin director of student affairs, Bob Peterson, is just such an individual. He is a Uintah Basin native that grew up in Roosevelt and graduated from Union High.
The Duchesne County School District 2019 – 2020 school year kicks off with registration Tuesday, August 13th to Thursday, August 15th. Altamont Elementary will register new students on the 14th. Neola Elementary, Myton Elementary, East Elementary, Kings Peak Elementary, Centennial Elementary, Duchesne Elementary, Con Amore Preschool, DCSD Preschool and Tabiona School have registration on the 13th and 14th. Roosevelt Jr. High will be open from 8am to 3pm on the 14th and 15th. Altamont High is open from 8am to 3pm on the 13th and 14th.
The Department of Workforce Services has released the monthly employment summary for the state. Utah’s nonfarm payroll has grown by 3 percent adding 45,200 jobs to the economy since June 2018. The state unemployment rate is down from 2.9 to 2.8 percent. Nationally, unemployment has ticked up to 3.7 percent.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is warning residents of Utah to be more aware of bears. In just the past month the Utah DWR has responded to more then 25 reports of bears getting into campsites. DWR wildlife biologist Riley Peck warns that they “deal with nuisance bear calls every year, but this year, have received a much higher amount, …” One reason for the increase is a higher bear population and another is that 2018 was extremely dry. That would have lead to the bears hibernating a little longer followed by a wet spring to keep them hibernating longer. They are looking for some needed calories. If you live in the foothills or in the mountainous parts of the state, remove or secure items that attract bears including barbecue grills, pet food, pets, birdfeeders, compost piles and beehives. Be extra cautious in bear-proofing your camps.
The Division of Wildlife Resources and Ashley National Forest have teamed up on a plan to treat waters in the High Uintas Wilderness with rotenone as part of an effort to restore the native cutthroat trout population. “Once the nonnative fish are removed, cutthroat trout will be reintroduced to the streams and lakes,” shares Tuesday’s news release.
The 2020 Fiscal Year has begun and Vernal City officials were able to put the work in early so that the budget is considerate of residents’ pocket books. “City officials are aware of the local economy and consequently made a number of cutbacks within the proposed budget,” shares Vernal City Manager Quinn Bennion.
The Altamont Longhorn Days is a week long celebration that is a huge part of the community. Races, movies, games, activities and a rodeo is a just a few of the things that happen during the week. The Altamont Longhorn Days Facebook page shared that in preparation for the event, men from Uintah Basin Recovery spent their last two Saturdays painting the entire outer fence and spreading dirt in the playground. The recovery center is a Christian centered, non-denominational inpatient program for those that are trying to overcome addiction. The facility is located at the former Thompson School on Ioka Lane. It is part of the recovery to give back to the community and they are doing a wonderful job of it.
To be honored this year at the Altamont Longhorn Days rodeo and parade are Grand Marshals Terry and Shauna Fieldsted. Married in 1969, the two are celebrating 50 years of life together.