The Utah Department of Health issued a State Public Health Order on Saturday, March 21st, backtracking the state order from a Prohibition on gatherings in groups larger than 10 to a Recommendation. The state makes it clear that this adjustment was made to clearly remove the potential criminal penalty associated when ordered as a Prohibition.
Month: March 2020
Uintah County Declares Local Emergency Due to Economic Impact of Pandemic
Uintah County has declared a local state of emergency due to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I have been speaking daily with business owners, hotel managers and others in our county,” shares Uintah County Commission Chairman Brad Horrocks. “Some are already suffering significant economic losses brought on by the efforts to prevent the spread of coronavirus, and there’s no concrete timeline for when that might change.” Horrocks signed a proclamation on Friday, March 20th, declaring the local state of emergency.
UPDATE: Juvenile Booked in Detention Center Following Officer-Involved Critical Incident
UPDATE: HIGHWAY 40 REOPENED AT ABOUT 1:20PM FRIDAY
The Uintah County Sheriff’s Office provided an update on Friday afternoon concerning Thursday’s officer-involved critical incident that shut down two blocks of Vernal’s Main Street. “The officers involved in Thursday night’s critical incident suffered no physical injuries,” shares the Sheriff’s Office. “The individual who was taken into custody is a 16-year-old male who is on probation with the state Division of Juvenile Justice Services. The juvenile was treated at the hospital after being bitten by a police K-9 during the incident. He was then booked into Split Mountain Youth Detention Center in Vernal."
Social Media Service Groups Show What It Means To Be ‘Vernal Strong’
The last few weeks have been a lot to take in for most members of the community and while there has been worry and panic there has also been those finding opportunities to serve and uplift. Antonio Casillas of Vernal was among those who recognized the growing struggle for others and wanted to find a way to help. The ‘Vernal Strong’ Facebook group was formed as a result and Antonio and his wife Rachel have been managing the page as a place where locals can ask for help and offer help during this difficult time and those who are able to help or are in need can respond. “We have such an amazing community that has come together before and has shown love, kindness and compassion,” shares Rachel.
Daggett County Declares Local State of Emergency
Daggett County has declared a local state of emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a Daggett County press release, Daggett County Commission Chairman Randy Asay signed the proclamation on Thursday, March 19th, and the proclamation will expire in 30 days if it is not ratified by the Daggett County Commission. “We are a small county and our resources are extremely limited.” shared Asay. “It wouldn’t take much for those resources to be depleted.
STRATA Offering Relief During Coronavirus Pandemic Including WiFi Hotspots
STRATA Networks has pledged to help the community stay connected during the coronavirus pandemic. Here are a few ways they are offering relief: Free internet service will be provided until June 15th to all new customers who are not currently subscribed to STRATA’s internet service and who either have a student or educator living in their home. This includes the students, staff, and faculty members of elementary, junior high, high schools or colleges.
Local Sheriff’s Offices Address Rumors of Travel Restriction and Martial Law
Hearsay, gossip, hoax, rumors. In a time of uncertainty, it is certain that rumors will abound, and local law enforcement is meeting those rumors head on. Duchesne County Sheriff’s Office wants it to be clear: TriCounty Health Department issued a travel ADVISORY but no one is actually restricted from leaving or returning to Duchesne, Uintah or Daggett Counties. It is asked that all avoid unnecessary travel outside the TriCounty area for the time being. The Uintah County Sheriff’s Office also has a rumor to squash.
Officer-Involved Critical Incident in Vernal Under Investigation
An officer-involved critical incident is under investigation in Vernal. According to a press release from the Uintah County Sheriff’s Office, probation requested assistance on Thursday, March 19th, at about 11:10pm. “Vernal police officers and Uintah County sheriff’s deputies responded to assist,” shares the Sheriff’s Office. “They encountered the probationer, who had his hands concealed around his waist. An officer believed the individual had a weapon. When the individual advanced on the officer, a K9 was deployed and engaged the suspect.
Duchesne County Woman Enters Guilty Plea in Homicide of 2-year-old Foster Child
A Duchesne County woman originally charged with 1st Degree Felony Aggravated Murder in the death of a 2-year-old foster son in her care has changed her plea ahead of a jury trial scheduled for this month. According to the ‘Statement of Defendant in Support of Guilty Plea’ filed this week in 8th District Court, Lisa Jo Vanderlinden entered a plea of Guilty to 1st Degree Felony Child Abuse Homicide which carries a penalty of 5 years to life in prison and a $10,000 dollar fine.
Uintah Schools Employees Get Option to Work From Home
Most Uintah School District employees will be trying out a new work environment starting today as a work from home option was announced on Wednesday. "Based on President Trump’s recommendations Tuesday night, and on information from the CDC and Utah Gov. Gary Herbert, we are putting a plan in place that will allow most employees to work from home beginning tomorrow, March 19th,” shared Superintendent Dr. Rick Woodford. "We have identified critical employees who will need to continue to work at district facilities at this time.