The Division of Wildlife Resources has announced several changes to Utah’s fishing records for the upcoming year and have added some new categories for record cutthroat trout. Records have been tracked by the DWR since the early 1900s and there are currently 33 catch-and-keep angling records, 34 catch-and-release records, 21 spearfishing records, 6 setline records, and 3 archery records in the state.
Having a white Christmas has the unfortunate side effect of slick roads. Uintah County Sheriff’s Office is reminding community members to slow down as road conditions change moment to moment during the current storms and to remember that rain followed by snow results in especially slick conditions. The Sheriff’s Office has shared some tips for winter driving. “Periodically, check traction when driving in challenging conditions. Road conditions can change drastically in a short period of time or distance in winter.
Ashley Elementary has had a focus on service this year both in and out of the classroom. “We have been involved in service projects all year long,” shares Principal Carrie Weldon. “We talk often about serving our friends and our classmates.” Principal Weldon explains that the classes take turns picking up trash on the playground once a week, and our 4th and 5th grade students enjoy helping the school by taking turns serving lunch. They started their service projects in October by collecting change for leukemia.
Since the announcement that the Uintah Animal Control and Shelter Special Service District will be gathering estray horses living on open range areas of Uintah County, some community members have expressed interest in the process. The district has shared that the following steps will be taken before, during, and after the drives and gathers. A licensed, insured horse gather company will be hired to use helicopters to humanely round up the animals into temporary holding pens. All animals will be examined by state and tribal brand inspectors and by a licensed veterinarian.
According to the 2018 Crime in Utah report there is one robbery that happens every 7.19 hours, one rape every 5.98 hours, one homicide every 5.29 days, and one aggravated assault every 2.04 hours. These sobering statistics help illustrate a need to be able to protect oneself. A free Self Defense Power Demo featuring Utah COBRA Defense system is coming up at the Uintah County Library. The demo will feature instruction on learning about the mindset of the criminal and how to avoid being a victim. Individuals will be able to learn more about the COBRA program and whether it is a good fit for your life.
The Division of Wildlife Resources is promoting upcoming fishing tournaments around the state, three of which are being held in the Uintah Basin. The Steinaker State Park Tagged Fish Outing will be taking place from January 11th through February 7th at Steinaker State Park. 50 trout will be tagged and anglers have the option of keeping the fish or releasing them after pulling the tag out. Tags must be turned in at the DWR office at 318 North Vernal Avenue. The prize giveaway is taking place at the Utah Field House Dinosaur Museum on February 7th at 6pm.
The holiday season can bring out the best in humanity while at the same time it can negatively affect the mental health of other individuals. Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.) is considered a medical condition that has many factors including unrealistic expectations, financial pressures, and excessive commitments that cause stress and anxiety. Sadness, negative self-reflection, loneliness and anxiety should not be part of the holidays but for many individuals that is what they are dealing with because of S.A.D.
As always, TriCounty Health Department is urging the public to make choices with local air quality in mind. According to Environmental Health Director Darrin Brown, air quality on Tuesday morning was not looking good and going into inversion season it is important for the public to take note. In addition to cutting back on vehicle use, such as not idling vehicles, TriCounty Health is making it clear that smoking vehicles violate emission laws. In fact, if you see a vehicle giving off smoke into the air from the exhaust pipe, TriCounty Health is asking community members to report it.
If you’re already thinking about your plans for New Year’s Eve don’t forget that Naples City starts the party early with an amazing fireworks show at the Naples City Park. This will be the 3rd annual New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show in Naples City put on by Ashley Acre Lights/Blast Pyro and hosted by Naples City. The City started the tradition of having fireworks shows in 2017 with shows on the 24th of July and New Year’s Eve. “This is a great family event that is a little smaller than the 24th but still just as much fun,” shares Naples City Manager Joshua Bake.
Local law enforcement have taken turns warning the public of package and mail theft and urging safety practices. Moffat County Sheriff’s Office has added their warning to the mix. “On Wednesday, December 18th, 2019, an unknown person or persons removed mail from several rural mailboxes in Moffat County. The Sheriff's Office is currently investigating the matter,” shares the Sheriff’s Office. “We are seeking information about other victims, who may be missing packages that were intended to be or show delivered on Wednesday, December 18th, 2019.