Locals are busy harvesting their gardens and at just the right time as Utah State University Extension is offering a class for those that have never done canning before or just might need a refresher. Canning Class 101 is offering Water Bathing Class for teens and adults.
A growing colony of pink birds are popping up around the Uintah Basin and can be seen on the back of vehicles, on t-shirts, drink tumblers, in flocks on yards and beyond! It’s all part of ‘Flamingos for Joonie’ and each pink little bird represents the memory of an unforgettable baby girl and her family’s new and unexpected journey. Pyper Joon Meeks was known for the sparkle in her eye and sweet smile that won over the hearts of family and friends in real life and through social media. One particular video clip, featuring her cute little wiggle, earned Pyper ever more adoring fans and the nickname Dancin’ Joonie.
National Park Service has confirmed that the Dinosaur HQ Fire that started on Wednesday afternoon was human caused and remains under investigation. The fire was reported on Wednesday afternoon at about 2:20pm burning just north of Highway 40 adjacent to the Canyon Visitor Center/Monument Headquarters.
Ashley National Forest and the Division of Wildlife Resources wants the public to be aware that the final rotenone treatment on Reader Creek will be conducted next week. “For public safety, the area within 30 feet adjacent to Reader Creek will be closed to the public from August 27th to August 31st. Rotenone is a natural substance that comes from the roots of a tropical plant in the bean family,” explains the August 20th press release.
The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food released an update on Thursday morning concerning cases of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) in livestock. While three cases, including two in Uintah County, were confirmed in the state on Wednesday, by Thursday the report showed there is now 5 additional premises quarantined and under investigation in Uintah County as well as 2 premises now quarantined and under investigation in Grand County.
The International Dark Sky Association has certified more than 120 places as dark skies across six continents for a combined 34,700 square miles. That is about .06% percent of the land of the earth so having an area designated as a dark sky place is worth celebrating. Dinosaur National Monument received their dark sky status in April this year. The certification is a distinction highlighting efforts to control light pollution and enhance the night’s sky.
Every attitude and personal motto of providing excellent customer service enhances our community and in turn our lives. We thank Lexie Thacker, the new recipient of the DinoSOAR customer service award. Lexi was awarded during the Vernal Chamber luncheon where it was described that she sets a personal standard of customer service by ensuring that people have the best experience possible by putting herself in her customers shoes in whatever she does.
Having access to a variety of wildlife is one of the bonuses being so close to so many state parks and a national monument. Dinosaur National Monument recently posted beautiful pictures online of a moose and her calf visiting Rainbow Park. If you happen to run across a moose in your outdoor adventures here are some tips on being safe.
Senator Mitt Romney held a town hall meeting in Vernal on Tuesday and beforehand made a stop in the NewsTalk KVEL radio studio for an interview on topics of local significance. On the topic of public lands Romney explained that he would like to see the state get control of all federal lands with few exceptions.
Children have a great deal of creativity, a capacity to learn so much and a heart to serve. Education.com offers guided lessons, a learning library and teaching tools for teachers and students. They are offering a Limitless Learners Contest and the Uintah County Library is inviting kindergarteners to 5th graders to take part in the contest. Six students will be selected to win $500 dollars for future education expenses, $1000 dollars to donate to their school or local library and a lifetime membership to Education.com for their educator. To enter the contest complete the consent form and then create a work (each grade has specifics) describing a time when you were having so much fun, you didn’t realize you were learning something new. Visit education.com/contest/ or go to the Uintah County Library Facebook page to find the link.