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KNEU 1250Ashley National Forest has closed several roads. Red Cloud, White Cloud Loop, Taylor Mountain Road, Dry Fork and Whiterocks have been closed for the season. Do not let perceptions throw you off. The roads may look passable from a distance but they quickly become icy and deep with snow. Closing roads is not an arbitrary choice.
Although struggles have hit Duchesne County, it hasn’t fallen on deaf ears. In a report to his constituents, Utah Representative John Westwood from District 72 shared that lawmakers recently visited Duchesne County to see the areas impacted by the Dollar Ridge Fire. Members of the Executive Appropriations Committee saw with their own eyes the impact of the fire this past summer.
What does Iceland volcanoes, a Tanzania safari, and Southern Africa mountain biking have in common with the Uintah Basin? According to Forbes magazine, they are all on the list for the greatest adventures for 2019. 150 years ago, in 1869, John Wesley Powell set out to explore the Green and Colorado Rivers. Now there is an opportunity to relive this monumental exploration. The trip will be a 466 mile, 28 day, fully-outfitted river trip running from Flaming Gorge to Lake Powell and will include such highlights as traveling through ancestral Pueblo ruins, hiking to a ranch where Butch Cassidy’s Wild Bunch stayed, as well as a chance to run rapids. There are three different options that start in June 2019. In conjunction with the 150th anniversary, local leaders are planning events and activities that will bring tourists to the area as we celebrate J.W. Powell’s trek.
Who doesn’t love kittens? How about Mountain Lion cubs? Dinosaur National Monument is sharing cuteness overload in some amazing footage and pictures of a mountain lion and her cubs. Ranger Zach was able to capture footage after some noticeably long drag marks near Echo Park led him to the carcass of the biggest buck in the area.
ThisIsVernal.com is ready to help local residents and organizations spread the word of their upcoming events. Local partners had talked about collaborating on a community calendar for years and this fall the resource became a reality. It’s meant to serve as a one stop place to find out what’s happening in Vernal with contributors including Uintah County, Uintah County Travel and Tourism, Uintah Conference Center, Uintah County Library, Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce, Vernal City, Western Park, Uintah Recreation District, and Uintah School District. “We would love for people to start putting their own events on the calendar,” shares Vernal Chamber Director Joel Brown. “There is a link on the right side of the page to allow you to input new events.” Once approved, the event announcement will be visible for all visitors to www.ThisIsVernal.com, All are encouraged to check it out!
A local hero is receiving well deserved recognition and thanks after announcing his retirement. Roosevelt City has shared that they are honoring one of Roosevelt’s longest-standing public servants, fireman Tim L. Rockwood. Rockwood joined the Roosevelt Fire Department in January 1974 and will retire in January 2019. That’s 45 years of service! “Forty-five years is a tremendous thing,” shares Roosevelt City Manager Ryan Snow. “Think of the lives that you touch in 45 years of public service. The time, the dedication that you put in over that length of time is incredible. He truly is a local hero.” Tim Rockwood set a great example and have had great men follow in his footsteps. His son, Lee Rockwood, is Roosevelt’s Fire Chief, and his grandson, Adam Rockwood, also serves as a fireman with Roosevelt Fire Department. Thank you Mr. Rockwood for your wonderful example and many years of service.
Saturday morning was an exciting time for 96 kids in Vernal. Breakfast followed by lights and sirens, Santa, and shopping for toys! Sounds like another successful Shop With A Cop event. The Elks Lodge hosted breakfast this year for the event that aims to give kids a positive interaction with law enforcement.
The Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 2 – Agriculture Improvement Act (or Farm Bill) that recently passed in the U.S. House of Representatives had some strong Utah influence and will benefit the Basin’s farmers and ranchers. Representative Rob Bishop was asked to negotiate the final version of the Farm Bill by the House Speaker Paul Ryan.
Hey last minute shoppers, are you looking for a unique Christmas gift for a loved one? The Uintah County Library has saved your day. On Saturday, December 15th, from 1pm to 5pm the library will host a “World of Words” event. Last May, eight local authors gathered to share advice, insight, and publishing tips as well as to sell their books.
Of all the getaways that the Basin has to offer, the most unique opportunity may have just hit the market. Daggett County recently listed their county jail for sell or lease. On the 11.01 acres is actually three buildings; a greenhouse, a former church building and the jail that was built in 1998. The jail has all kinds of potential with 17,680 square feet and 80 beds.
Just like Tiny Tim melts the heart of Ebenezer Scrooge, the Vernal boy playing Tiny Tim in Vernal Theatre: LIVE’s production of ‘A Christmas Carol’ will melt yours as well. 8-year-old Samuel Sorenson as Tiny Tim says his favorite part of being in the show is being carried around everywhere.
The Hospitality Committee in Uintah County is recognizing the faces of customer service in local businesses. The newest DinaSOAR customer service award recipient is Lacey Norton. Born in Roosevelt, she started serving at the age of 15 at Wingers Restaurant. She worked there for five years and then moved to Salt Lake and then Draper. She continued to be in the service industry with Market Street Grill and Goodwood BBQ before moving back to Vernal and continuing her employment with Wingers where she has been for five years. “Wingers has always been a very comfortable place for me and I love serving there,” Lacey says, “I would go crazy sitting at a desk all day and the money isn’t bad either.” Her plans are to continue serving for a long time into the future because it allows her to meet new people everyday, a part of her job she truly enjoys. Congratulations Lacey Norton, DinaSOAR award recipient. Thank you for all you do for our community!