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Local news from across the Uintah Basin.

Basin Now

Uintah Basin Interagency Fire Center in Vernal to Stay

Feb 19, 2018 · Basin Now · News

After significant discussion and debate, the Utah Interagency Fire Team has made the decision to maintain the current five-dispatch center model. This means that the wildfire dispatch center located in Vernal is no longer on the chopping block. Executives from the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Utah Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Indian Affairs, National Park Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services met on Thursday to discuss the consolidation efforts and ultimately decided to abandon the plan to consolidate locations. “As we moved through this process, it became clear that there was a great deal of concern and uncertainty among fire managers, partners, and the local communities that we serve,” stated BLM Director Ed Roberson. “From the start of this efficiency and cost management effort, we said clearly that we were prepared to stop and adjust at any time if we could not offer the same level of safety and service to our customers.” When the announcement was made in 2017 that the Vernal and Moab fire centers would be relocated to Richfield, local agencies and officials including the Uintah Fire Suppression Special Service District formally announced that they did not support the move and pushed to keep the Vernal center in tact.

Basin Now

Team Uintah Honors Vernal City Police Department

Feb 17, 2018 · Basin Now · News

The Vernal City Police Department is getting some love to end this Valentine’s week as they are being recognized by Team Uintah for their support of local schools and students. “Chief Dylan Rooks has been a dedicated supporter of the Uintah School District throughout his long

Basin Now

Local Teachers Providing “Beyond the Average Classroom Experience”

Feb 15, 2018 · Basin Now · News

Many local teachers are known for their commitment in the classroom and attention to students. Principal of Uintah Middle School Christy Nerdin says Bethany Hansen and Jason Pierce are two such teachers that “go beyond the average classroom experience.” Bethany Hansen teaches 8th grade language arts and has implemented a letter exchange between her students and youth in Italy.