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KNEU 1250The Division of Wildlife Resources has good news. While it was a harsh winter with heavy snow in Utah, the deer population survival is looking good. According to a DWR News Release, adult deer survival is currently at 92% statewide. “This is an above-average mortality year for the northern third of the state, but we have had worse,” shares big game coordinator Kent Hersey.
It’s National Public Health Week and TriCounty Health is joining the celebration. TriCounty Health Director Jordan Mathis visited the 105.5 Eagle Country morning show this week to talk about the many achievements of public health. Since 1900, explains Mathis, the average lifespan of persons in the United States has lengthened by greater than 30 years and 25 of those years can be attributed to advances in public health.
Fishing in northeastern Utah is known for its large lake trout. Unfortunately, that fishing experience is in danger and several agencies are asking anglers to help improve the health of the Flaming Gorge Reservoir fishery. The most important thing is for all anglers to keep the smaller lake trout they catch.
It’s official. Starvation State Park has been renamed the Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation, in honor of a man with strong Basin roots. Fred Hayes was director of State Parks and Recreation when he passed away in March 2018 at the age of 58.
Several canal projects are underway in Uintah County. Uintah Water Conservancy District General Manager William Merkley provided a general update on the projects and their progress during the NewsTalk KVEL Monday radio forum.
On January 31st, the Altamont community, joined by others, came together for a raffle and dinner fundraiser in support of local high school student Evee Jessen. What had started out as a small ailment for Evee had quickly become a deadly septic infection and a stack of medical bills, prompting the fundraiser event on January 31st.
On Tuesday, Governor Gary Herbert signed S.B. 103 into law. Entitled Victim Targeting Penalty Enhancements, the bill allows a harsher penalty of those that are found guilty of a hate crime. The bill states that criminal offenses against victims that were selected because of certain personal abilities will have enhanced penalties, while still maintaining an individual’s constitutional right of free speech.
The BLM-Utah quarterly oil and gas lease sale took place last week in Salt Lake City, netting over $7 million dollars. According to a BLM press release, the sale resulted in competitive bids for 90 of 111 parcels offered. “Crescent Point Energy, of Denver, Colorado, submitted the highest total bid per acre —$15,091 — for parcel 405 in the Vernal Field office area,” shares the BLM.
Vernal will host a rare visitor this month and the entire community is invited to take part. The BYU-Idaho Symphony Band from Rexburg, Idaho travels all over the world to perform and this month their tour includes a stop in Vernal as well as other cities in the region including Price and Rock Springs.
Uintah High School has created a special space for students and faculty to relax on campus and enjoy entertainment and goodies. Inspired by a famous coffee shop, the Starbooks Cafe opened recently in the school’s media center, offering live music, hot chocolate, and donuts.
DWR biologists have shared their recommendations for the 2019 big game hunts and public feedback is requested. “There is always an opportunity versus quality debate when it comes to managing wildlife,” shares big game coordinator Covy Jones, “but for us, biology and the health of the herd always come first. As a result, plans are an essential part of effective wildlife management.”
Repairs to the Steinaker dam are on schedule and it’s expected the reservoir will begin to be refilled next fall. According to Uintah Water Conservancy District General Manager William Merkley, much of the work to the dam has been complete and the plan is to start trucking fill back in next week.