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Basin Now

Boy Scout Dies During Camping Trip in High Uintas

Aug 7, 2017 · Basin Now · News

A Salem boy scout died on Saturday as his troop began hiking out of the High Uintas in an effort to get medical attention for the ill teen. According to the Duchesne County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas Jeffery Julian would have turned 18-years-old on Sunday. The troop was camping in the Chain Lakes area on Thursday when Julian began complaining that he was nauseous and had a headache. He remained sick on Friday prompting scout leaders to decide they would pack up camp early on Saturday and hike back to the trailhead in Uinta Canyon north of Neola, shares Lt. Jeremy Curry. One of the leaders set out earlier than the rest of the troop, getting cell service after hiking 8 to 10 miles and called for help. A LifeFlight helicopter was sent to the troops location but the young man was deceased before it arrived. Julian had collapsed about 50 yards after the troop began hiking out on Saturday morning. CPR was immediately administered but they were unable to revive the teen. Julian’s body was flown to Uintah Basin Medical Center in Roosevelt and has since been transported to the state medical examiner’s office for autopsy. Lt. Curry says that all indications were that Julian was a healthy young man with no prior history of medical problems and so it is suspected he may have succumbed to altitude sickness. “That’s the only possible reason we have,” shares Lt. Curry. “Right now we have no reason to believe it was anything else.”

Basin Now

Local Utah Highway Patrol: Texting and Driving Is a Grave Concern

Aug 4, 2017 · Basin Now · News

Utah Highway Patrol has a clear message for Uintah Basin motorists: Texting and driving is a grave concern and one of the greatest dangers we face as motorists. “[Texting and driving] is far more prevalent and equally as dangerous as impaired driving,” shares Utah Highway Patrol Sgt. Kellie Oaks, emphasizing that there are fewer drivers with drugs and alcohol on board compared to drivers with hand-held devices within their reach. “At least three recent fatal crashes in the Uintah Basin are suspected of and are being investigated as possible distracted driving deaths,” shares Sgt. Oaks. “There is no text, song, Facebook update, or GPS coordinate worth your child’s life, a fellow human’s life, or your own life.” Utah Highway Patrol encourages everyone to evaluate their driving habits, make appropriate changes, and commit to contributing to safer roads in the Basin. They also encourage the public to report reckless, distracted, and impaired drivers in the ongoing effort to enforce current laws and prevent deaths on Utah highways. Your safety and the safety of your families is the number one priority of the local highway patrol.

Basin Now

Locals on Deserado Mine Rescue Team Headed to Nationals

Aug 4, 2017 · Basin Now · News

Locals represented well at the 27th annual Colorado Coal Mine Rescue Contest held last month in Craig. The competition included teams from Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico and demonstrated skills associated with mine rescue and abilities to identify hazards.The Deserado Mine team participated and represented well, reports the Herald Times. Chris Walkingshaw of Vernal took second place in the preshift event and Jared Winkler of Rangely took first. The team placed first overall in the mine rescue contest. In the first aid team competition, Karl Davies of Vernal, Jared Winkler and Eric Popham of Rangley took fourth place. Duke Rich of Vernal took fifth place in the bench contest. The competitors were recognized at an awards banquet and the team will compete at nationals next month in West Virginia.

Basin Now

2017 Uintah County Republican Organizing Convention

Aug 4, 2017 · Basin Now · News

Calling all Uintah County Republican delegates. The 2017 Uintah County Republican Organizing Convention is coming up and your votes are needed. The convention rotates each year between a nominating and organizing convention and this year delegates will be voting on all the elected positions from the officers to the board. “Anyone is welcome to come but only current delegates are able to vote,” shares Chairman Marilyn Wallis. “We will have some elected officials from the state attending as well as representatives from both Senator Hatch and Representative Bishop’s offices.” Senator Kevin Van Tassell and Representative Scott Chew are both expected to be in attendance as well. The convention is being held Thursday, August 10th at 6:00pm at the Vernal City Community Room, 374 East Main Street in Vernal. Delegates must bring ID to show at check-in to receive a voting credential. For more information, email UintahCountyGOP@gmail.com.

Basin Now

Duchesne County Woman in Jail Suspected of Murder

Aug 4, 2017 · Basin Now · News

One man is dead and his girlfriend is in custody following a shooting Wednesday night in Duchesne, reports the Duchesne County Sheriff’s Office. 51-year-old Guy Wells Mecham was found dead in his home at 683 East 300 North at about 9:40pm on August 2nd. According to Sheriff Dave Boren, Mecham shared the home with 41-year-old Stephanie Dawn Payan, his girlfriend, and her teenage daughter. Following an argument, Mecham left the home for several hours that afternoon. During his absence, Payan gave her daughter a credit card and cash, telling the girl “you’re going to need this.” Payan told investigators that Mecham returned home four or five hours later. The couple argued again and Mecham told Payan he was leaving her. “When Mecham walked out of the master bedroom, Payan retrieved a handgun, followed Mecham down the hall and shot him once in the back,” shares detectives. “Mecham made it back to the bedroom despite the wound and handed his cellphone to Payan’s daughter, asking her to call 9-1-1…Payan allegedly took the phone from the girl, preventing her from calling for help. Then Payan told the girl to pack her belongings and called the girl’s father, telling him he needed to come get their daughter because she had just shot Mecham.” The girl’s father called 9-1-1 but did not know the address and then called Payan urging her to call 9-1-1. She then called and told dispatchers that she shot Mecham and he might be dead. “The first deputy to arrive at the home found Payan sitting in the vehicle outside, her daughter in her bedroom inside the home, and Mecham dead in the doorway of the master bedroom,” shares Sheriff Boren. Payan’s daughter was interviewed and then released to her father. Payan was booked into the Duchesne County Jail for investigation of murder, domestic violence in the presence of a minor, and interruption of a communication device. Duchesne County prosecutors are expected to file formal charges in 8th District Court this week.

Basin Now

Chamber, Anadarko, and Walmart Partner to Help Local Kids Get School Ready

Aug 3, 2017 · Basin Now · News

Back to school is a time of excitement for some kids and a source of anxiety for others who lack the resources to purchase supplies. Once again this year, the Vernal Chamber, Anadarko, and Walmart partnered to help make school prep a little easier for those in need by assembling backpacks containing school supplies. The backpacks were assembled at Western Park and then delivered to the Turning Point Shelter, Women’s Crisis Center, and Northeastern Counseling. “It was a great opportunity to provide this needed service to our community,” shares Vernal Chamber Director Joel Brown, “and it shows what fantastic community partners we have with Anadarko as several employees came and helped put the backpacks together.” Thank you to the big hearts and helping hands who are looking out for school kids in the Basin.

Basin Now

K-9 “Q” Laid to Rest With Honors

Aug 3, 2017 · Basin Now · News

The Duchesne County Sheriff’s K-9 that was medically retired last month after a cancer diagnosis was laid to rest on Tuesday. “Q” was buried with honors Tuesday evening on Cpl. Morant Harrison’s farm. The Sheriff’s Office announced Q’s retirement and cancer diagnosis on July 28th. “In the days following that announcement,” shares the Sheriff’s Office, “she lost the sight in her remaining eye and was no longer able to walk.” Q was buried in a casket built by inmates who are enrolled in the Duchesne County Jail Building Trades program. “I’ve been deeply touched by the outpouring of support from people in Duchesne County and beyond following our announcement of Q’s cancer diagnosis,” shares Sheriff Dave Boren. “The support and offers of assistance we’ve received in the past four days have helped sustain Cpl. Harrison and his family during this difficult time, and have been a huge comfort to the men and women of the sheriff’s office.” Cpl. Harrison was first partnered with Q, a female German Shepherd, about a year ago. Q was recently certified as a dual purpose K-9, trained in narcotics detection as well as patrol functions such as tracking and apprehending suspects. Q excelled at finding drugs and was well known throughout the K-9 community for having a great nose. The Sheriff’s Office is exploring options to have another K-9 join their force.

Basin Now

One Missing Senior Found Safe; Another Still Missing in Uinta Mountains

Aug 3, 2017 · Basin Now · News

The Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office announced Wednesday that the Washington man who went missing from eastern Sweetwater County on July 30th was found safe on Wednesday in Montana. Alzheimer’s patient, 82-year-old Robert Winters, was traveling through Wyoming with his wife back to Washington when the pair stopped in Wamsutter on I-80 on Sunday. During the stop, Winters, who also suffers from short-term memory loss, drove off alone in the couple’s vehicle, a grey 2004 Chevy Avalanche. His wife contacted police and his vehicle was entered into the National Crime Information Center to aid in their search. Sweetwater County Sheriff Mike Lowell reported Wednesday that Winter’s credit card had been used Monday in Eden, Idaho and then he was found uninjured at a hotel in Missoula, Montana on Wednesday. All were relieved that he had been found and are working to reunite him with family. Unfortunately, the hunt for the missing 74-year-old Arizona man believed to be lost in the Uinta Mountains since Monday continues. Melvin G. Heaps was in the Crystal Lake area to hike for the day. He was expected home on July 31st but never arrived. He is believed to be wearing a red long sleeve shirt and blue jeans with suspenders. He also typically wears a straw hat. He is caucasian with brown hair, blue eyes, is about 5 foot 9 inches tall, and weighs approximately 175 pounds. Anyone with information relevant to this search are asked to please contact the Summit County Sheriff’s Office at 435-615-3600.

Basin Now

Shed Fire in Naples

Aug 3, 2017 · Basin Now · News

A shed fire caused a scare in Naples on Wednesday morning. According to Uintah County Fire Marshal Jeremy Raymond, a call came into dispatch at around 10:00am and Naples Fire Department responded. A shed in the High Country Subdivision had caught fire and crews were able to extinguish the flames before spreading to neighboring properties or causing much damage to surrounding items or structures. There were no injuries and the fire caused about $5000 dollars in damage. The cause remains under investigation. The back of the property is against a farmer’s field. Thankfully the fire was contained and did not spread to the hay.

Basin Now

Construction Underway on Walmart Fuel Center

Aug 3, 2017 · Basin Now · News

Walmart will soon be offering more than groceries and home supplies. Construction is now underway to add a Walmart fuel center in the northeast corner of the parking lot. The project will include a 1,440 square foot building and 12 to 16 gas pumps.The general contractor on the project is R&O Construction out of Ogden. A Walmart representative confirmed that the fuel center will include a nearly full-service convenience store that will be manned with probably 3 employees. The pumps will be available for all night use and the convenience store will keep similar hours as the main Walmart. The community feedback so far has been positive, shares the representative, and the store is especially excited to have the extra services during the busy tourist season. Construction is expected to be complete in October.

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County Resource Management Plans Adopted

Aug 2, 2017 · Basin Now · News

Local counties have submitted state required Resource Management Plans that were due August 1st. The Duchesne County Resource Management Plan was approved by the Duchesne County Commission as part of the county general plan revision on July 17th. The Uintah County Resource Management Plan was approved in the nick of time with the Uintah County Commission giving it final approval on Monday, July 31st. The plans are the product of many months of work and collaboration as documents that sets forth county policies for the use of public lands. County Resource Management Planning became a requirement under Utah Code when House Bill 323 was passed by the 2015 Utah Legislature. The bill initiated the requirements and was followed up with House Bill 219 passed by the 2016 Utah Legislature. Citizens can view the Resource Management Plans on each of the respective counties websites.

Basin Now

UDOT Update on Highway 40 Myton Bench Widening

Aug 2, 2017 · Basin Now · News

UDOT is encouraging drivers traveling through the Highway 40 Myton Bench construction zone over the next two weeks to plan ahead for increased traffic and possible delays due to the UBIC and Duchesne County Fair celebrations from August 3rd through the 12th. There will be one lane open in each direction at all times through the work zone. The speed limit has been reduced to 55 miles per hour through the entire work zone. From 6250 South to the Ioka Junction crews are continuing to place material that will form the base for the new pavement. Earthwork continues from the Ioka Junction to Pole Line Road with water line relocation ongoing as well as the installation of the new 114-inch culverts at Dry Gulch Creek. Travelers are urged to slow down and drive safely.