The 16th Annual Holly Days is happening this Friday in Vernal. Holly Days activities run from 11am to 8pm on November 26th. Residents and visitors are welcome to participate in all of the activities, shows, and events. “Thanks to the many generous community and business donations, Holly Days is free to the public,” shares Vernal City Manager Quinn Bennion.
Utah Highway Patrol has a clear message for travelers going into the Thanksgiving holiday. Buckle up! UHP announced this week that new local research reveals a troubling trend, seat belt usage is at a five-year low. As a result, law enforcement agencies throughout the state are working additional shifts to stop and educate drivers and passengers who aren’t buckled properly.
Ashley National Forest is exploring options of what to do with the old Stockmore Ranger Station and surrounding property. The announcement shares that “the Roosevelt/Duchesne Ranger District of the Ashley National Forest proposes to convey portions of the Stockmore administrative site to GSA as excess property.
The Duchesne County Commissioners have submitted a thorough letter to the Council on Environmental Quality urging for reform to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The Commissioners stated support for the efforts for NEPA reform under the Trump Administration that was not allowed to go into effect.
A judge has denied a bond reduction for an alleged serial burglar in Moffat County. 24-year-old Skyler Kemp was arrested on October 25th and has been charged with Class 3 Felony Burglary of a Dwelling, among other charges.
A new Holly Days attraction is taking shape next to the hospital. Ashley Regional Medical Center announced this fall that they are adding a Christmas Village to the Holly Days festivities that will be complete with Santa, real reindeer, and Christmas magic.
Changing the venue of a long standing community event can be a gamble but in the case of the annual Halloween Mayor’s Walk in Vernal, the gamble paid off. Vernal City Manager Quinn Bennion presented on the event during the Vernal Chamber Luncheon last week, explaining that the event originated in 1994 as a Trunk or Treat in the Davis Food & Drug parking lot that included a walk with the Mayor to Independence Park and back.
Uintah School District’s Maeser Elementary has embraced the new Friday schedule and made it an opportunity to provide the students with hands-on learning. Maeser Principal Denise Williams explains that they have devoted time and funding for enrichment activities to help students learn.
The Bureau of Land Management is considering updates to the sage-grouse management plans that were adopted 6 years ago. In 2015, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service determined that protecting the greater sage-grouse under the Endangered Species Act was not warranted.
It’s time to remember a Uintah Basin fallen officer. 15 years ago on November 21st, Uintah County Detective Cpl. Kevin Orr was in a helicopter accident while assisting with a search for a missing woman.