Uintah Student of the Week; Team Uintah Recognition
The Uintah High School Student of the Week is Priscilla Oaks, nominated by Mrs. Plant. The Team Uintah recognition of the week is Dr. Wright and Wright Orthodontics.
News
UTSSD Board Chairman Makes Statement Following Audit
An audit of the Uintah Transportation Special Service District released on Wednesday by the Office of the State Auditor calls to task multiple individuals and entities including the previous and current transportation board, the previous and current board chairman, Uintah County, and the current District Executive Director. Recommendations made by the State Auditor’s Office emphasized the need for the District board to comply with the law and update policies and procedures.
Silent Auction Spots Still Available During Trees For Charity Event
The 2017 Trees for Charity event is coming up and while the tree spots filled up quickly, there is still the chance to apply for silent auction spots during the event. According to Trees for Charity Committee Chairman Josh Harbison, 40 different charities will be represented by 40 different trees and while they have received several applications for silent auction items, they would love to see more.
Bull Moose Poached in Meeker Area; Officials Seek Public’s Help
Wildlife officials are seeking the public’s help in a case of poaching that has taken place east of Meeker on October 23rd. Wildlife officials learned about the abandoned bull moose after a hunter called Operation Game Thief to report the carcass. The moose was killed by a gunshot wound during the beginning of the rifle hunt at a time when only elk and deer were in season.
Duchesne County Citizens Academy Cadets All Smiles At Graduation
Eight weeks of classes have paid off and judging by their smiles, the graduates of the first Duchesne County Citizens Academy found the course well worth their while. Eight cadets graduated from the course this week including JoAnn Evans, Ryan Bastian, Angel McRae, Jenelle Thomas, Michael Caton, Cesar Onton, Jeff Evans, and Juli Serawop.
Vernal West Main and Aggie Blvd Street Light Update
Vernal City and Uintah County officials are continuing their efforts to make the best decision regarding the street lighting on West Main Street and Aggie Blvd. Reports were provided during the October City/County meeting as officials hope they are getting closer to a clear direction moving forward.
Office of the State Auditor Releases Report of UTSSD Audit
The Office of the State Auditor officially released its audit of the Uintah Transportation Special Service District on Wednesday. The report, addressed to current Board Chairman Dan Dilsaver, includes 8 findings for the period of January 2015 through September 2017. The entire Audit Report can be found at www.auditor.utah.gov but the following were included among the findings and recommendations from the Office of the State Auditor.
Ankle Monitoring Program Expanded for Duchesne County Nonviolent Offenses
An expanded ankle monitoring program in Duchesne County is literally offering new life for nonviolent offenders sentenced to the Duchesne County Jail. While GPS-equipped ankle monitoring has been in use since 2016, in August the Duchesne County Sheriff’s Office expanded the program to include post-conviction supervision, determined by a judge on an individual basis. As of November 1st, Duchesne County was monitoring 8 individuals on pre-trial release and 9 individuals on post-conviction release. “We can go up to as many as 30 people,” shares Sheriff’s Lt. Jeremy Curry, “without having to modify the system we have in place.” A screening process determines whether a person is accepted into the program and considers things like criminal history, their history of problems in the jail, and whether they have a support system outside the jail if released. Those accepted into the program are required to wear the ankle monitor 24/7, undergo drug and alcohol testing a minimum of 3 times per week, attend any treatment ordered by the court, and obtain or maintain employment. Funded by the state’s Justice Reinvestment Initiative, the program’s goal is to move the criminal justice system toward a model that imprisons those who are a danger to the public and provides treatment to those who pose little to no threat to Utah communities.
UBTech Ruck Run a Unique Way to Observe Veteran’s Day
Most people will never know what it is really like to serve their country as a soldier but a unique way to gain some additional appreciation for those who serve is coming up. The 3rd Annual UBTech Ruck Run offers the experience to run a 5k in a Veteran’s shoes and the event is appropriately being held on, you guessed it, Veteran’s Day. A ruck is what a soldier packs while serving.
Moffat County on Board for Rail Study
A study to determine the feasibility of constructing a rail line from the Uintah Basin into Colorado to connect with the national railway network is gaining regional support. While the great majority of the funding needed for the study is hoped to be given through a federal TIGER grant, the 7 County Infrastructure Coalition has been working with partners to gather the remaining $100,000 dollars that will be needed.
Give Em’ Health: Adult Vaccinations
TriCounty Health is tackling an important topic this week and one that most people exclusively associate with kids: Vaccinations. Vaccinations are important for not only the young but for adults as well.
Utah Tourism Conference Expected to Give Long Lasting Benefits
Uintah County Travel and Tourism Director Lesha Coltharp gave a report on Monday to the Uintah County Commissioners on the Utah Tourism Conference held in Uintah County in September. According to Coltharp, 350 people, made up primarily of tourism leaders throughout Utah, attended the 4 day conference.