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Basin Now

Ashley National Forest Update on Road Closures

Dec 6, 2019 · Basin Now · News

If you have any question whether or not winter has arrived just take a visit to the North Slope of the Uintah Mountains. Ashley National Forest announced on Thursday that all roads on the Flaming Gorge Ranger District are now closed to normal traffic though they are open to over-the-snow vehicles. “If you head out to the Forest to recreate this winter please plan for cold and snow,” shares Ashley National Forest. “Make sure someone not going with you knows where you are going and when to expect your return.”

Basin Now

USU Ozone Alert Program Underway for Winter 2019-2020

Dec 6, 2019 · Basin Now · News

The USU Ozone Alert program is now underway for the 2019-2020 winter season. The program issues alerts when ozone in excess of the United States EPA standard of 70 parts per billion is predicted anywhere in the Uinta Basin, when a high ozone episode ends or is predicted to end, and when conditions change significantly from earlier predictions. The hope of the program is that community members will use the information to reduce air pollution during periods when air quality is likely to be impaired.

Basin Now

Uintah High Theatre’s ‘Elf The Musical’ Spreading Christmas Cheer, Opens 12/10

Dec 6, 2019 · Basin Now · News

While this is a busy time of year, getting tickets for the family to see Uintah High School’s production of ‘Elf The Musical’ will be absolutely worth it. “‘Elf The Musical’ is based on the popular Christmas movie featuring Buddy the Elf,” shares Uintah Theatre Director Christopher Piner. “In fact, I would say it’s even better than the movie. All of the quotable lines are in the show and a bunch of really awesome songs.” The show stars Devin Reynolds as Buddy, Dane Smith as Santa, Abigail Spainhower as Jovie, and Gus Scott as Walter Hobbs. While the entire cast has put the work in to deliver a fantastic show, Reynolds as Buddy is especially perfect in his iconic role.

Basin Now

Keep An Eye Out For Counterfeit Bills

Dec 6, 2019 · Basin Now · News

It is an unfortunate reality that scams and thefts occur year round yet some people are inclined to let their guard down during the Christmas season. Law enforcement throughout the region have warned community members to be watchful and wise by not leaving out property or packages on porches as well as being sure of who you are donating to when asked. The Rangely Police Department is adding a new warning to the list, this time giving the public and businesses a heads up to be on the look out for counterfeit bills as they are currently circulating through the area.

Basin Now

Scott Ruppe Accepts Position as Deputy Director of SITLA

Dec 5, 2019 · Basin Now · News

While it was clear in the resignation of Uintah School District Business Administrator Scott Ruppe that he had accepted another career offer, the offer itself and context for the change was left unclear leaving some to draw their own conclusions. Mr. Ruppe shed light on the decision during Wednesday’s work session for the Uintah School Board announcing that he has accepted a position as Deputy Director of SITLA, the Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration.

Basin Now

Accident on Highway 40 and Vernal Avenue on Tuesday

Dec 5, 2019 · Basin Now · News

A citation was issued after an accident in downtown Vernal on Tuesday. According to Vernal City Police, a west bound silver passenger car with hazards flashing was driving on Highway 40 in excess of the speed limit to transport a family member to the hospital and failed to stop at the red light at Vernal Avenue. The vehicle collided with a southbound white Range Rover. The person who was being taken to the hospital was transported by ambulance to Ashley Regional Medical Center and was later released. The driver of the west bound silver passenger car was issued a citation for the red light violation and reckless driving. Responders directed traffic briefly while the vehicles were moved and the crash was cleaned up.

Basin Now

New Specialized All-Terrain Sheriff’s Vehicle Aids in Rescue of 12 During Blizzard

Dec 5, 2019 · Basin Now · News

The warnings and dangerous conditions were not enough to deter some adventurers in southern Wyoming over the weekend who are now especially grateful for a new specialized piece of equipment recently acquired by the Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office. On the evening of November 29th, Sweetwater County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of four vehicles stranded on top of White Mountain in blizzard conditions. Wind speeds were estimated at 60 to 70 miles per hour with gusts as high as 80 miles per hour. To make matters worse, two of the vehicles were actually off the roadway near the edge of the mountain and the winds were causing the vehicles to slide down the mountain.

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TriCounty Board Asks Legislature to Reduce Youth Access to E-Cigarettes

Dec 5, 2019 · Basin Now · News

The TriCounty Board of Health has taken a stand as part of their resolve to protect youth in local communities. During their public meeting on Wednesday the TriCounty Board of Health adopted a resolution “to encourage the legislature to take action to reduce access and availability of e-cigarettes to individuals under 21 years old.” The resolution urges “the Utah State Legislature to take action by creating an excise tax for e-cigarettes, ban e-cigarette flavors and move sales of ‘open system’ e-cigarettes to specialty retail stores.”

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Craig City Council Makes Appointment for Vacant Council Seat

Dec 5, 2019 · Basin Now · News

Craig City Council is moving forward following the arrest and subsequent vacancy of former council member Brian MacKenzie. Craig Daily Press reports that the Council appointed Craig native Ryan Hess to fill the vacant seat. 48-year-old Brian Paul Mackenzie was arrested on October 11th for the crimes of Internet Luring of a Child, Internet Sexual Exploitation of a Child, and Criminal Attempt Sexual Assault on a Child. In the aftermath, MacKenzie submitted a letter of resignation from the Craig City Council at which point the City began accepting letters of interest from community members.

Basin Now

Stop the Opidemic with Naloxone Training at Uintah County Library

Dec 5, 2019 · Basin Now · News

Opioids are a real danger to all communities but has definitely hit the Uintah Basin community hard. While there is a great deal of effort and expense to battle this epidemic on both a federal and state level, it is the community that is looking to educate this week. The Utah State University County Extension is hosting a free Naloxone training event. The event plans to educate the community to the dangers of opioids and to try to reduce the number of overdoses related to them. Those that attend the event will learn how to administer Naloxone, a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose, and then they will receive a e rescue kit to take home.

Basin Now

Protect Yourself from the Package Grinch This Christmas Season

Dec 4, 2019 · Basin Now · News

Unfortunately, there are a few Grinches lurking about during the holiday season. Vernal City Assistant Police Chief Keith Campbell confirms that every year holiday package theft is a local problem but that doesn't mean you should be a willing victim. “If you are expecting a package, watch for it and take it inside as soon as possible,” shares Campbell. “If you are unable to do so have a neighbor, friend, or family member watch for the package. If packages are taken inside and are out of sight it will reduce temptation and availability for thieves.” But what if you do fall victim? “If you discover you are missing a package,” says Campbell, “attempt to track it. If it has been delivered and is missing, immediately report it to Central Dispatch at 435-789-4222 or law enforcement.”