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Local news from across the Uintah Basin.

Basin Now

School Days are Here Again: Make Safety a Top Priority

Aug 23, 2017 · Basin Now · News

School is back in session and local law enforcement is reminding the public to be smart and keep an eye out for kids on their way to and from school. “Drive and drop off children cautiously,” shares Vernal City Assistant Police Chief Keith Campbell. “Please educate your children regarding traffic safety and to be alert.” A good first guideline is to learn your school’s policy on drop-off and pick-up and then expect both you and your child to follow the rules. The speed limit is typically 20 miles per hour in school zones and for good reason. “Please obey speed limits,” urges Campbell, “especially in school zones.”

Basin Now

Jones Hole Fish Hatchery Partially Re-Opens to the Public

Aug 23, 2017 · Basin Now · News

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services has announced the partial re-opening of the Jones Hole Fish Hatchery. The hatchery experienced a series of septic system line breaks that resulted in fluid waste discharge into Jones Hole Creek and prompted the recreational closure due to increased levels of coliform bacteria in the water. Fish and Wildlife Service reports they are working with TriCounty Health Department to address the septic system issue that apparently has been an issue over the last 8 months. “New pumps were installed in the spring and contractors scoped the septic lines with a camera to identify the line breaks this summer,” shares Fish and Wildlife Service. “Repair work will begin immediately after a contractor has been selected.” Portable toilets have been placed in the parking area adjacent to the Jones Hole Creek trailhead to limit the impact to visitors. Running water facilities have been closed until all repairs are complete. This measure allows for visitor access to the trailhead for Jones Hole and Island Park trails in Dinosaur National Monument.

Basin Now

2 of 3 Vernal Robbery Suspects in Custody After High Speed Chase in Colorado

Aug 23, 2017 · Basin Now · News

Two of the suspects in a Vernal home robbery are in custody after a high speed chase in Colorado. The Uintah County Sheriff’s Office posted pictures taken of two crooks robbing a Vernal home on Monday on social media as well as a picture of the car the crooks had pulled up to the driveway of the home. According to Uintah County Sheriff Vance Norton, the vehicle was spotted Monday night and a high speed chase ensued. The pursuit started in Rio Blanco County at around 11pm at night. The car had been reported stolen out of Colorado’s Jefferson County and Colorado law enforcement started the pursuit. The chase continued through Garfield County and then into Mesa County when the car crashed somewhere south of Douglass Pass. The Mesa County Sheriff’s Officer arrived and took two people into custody. One of the suspects had broke an ankle jumping off a cliff, a second suspect was tased before being arrested. Colorado officials say a third suspect, the driver in the high speed chase, was not found. Uintah County Sheriff’s Office reports that the missing suspect is the male wearing the gray baseball hat with the neck tattoos in the robbery photos.

Basin Now

Utah’s Unemployment Report

Aug 21, 2017 · Basin Now · News

Utah’s unemployment rate made another small shift upward last month, according to new data from the Division of Workforce Services. Unemployment rose in the state one-tenth of a percent to 3.5 percent. Approximately 54,500 Utahns were unemployed during the month of July while nationally unemployment ticked down to 4.3 percent.

Basin Now

Moffat County Teacher Facing Felony Sexual Exploitation Charges

Aug 21, 2017 · Basin Now · News

A Moffat County High School teacher and coach who was placed on paid administrative leave last spring has formally been charged with 10 felony counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Child. 35-year-old Justin Folley was teaching high school in Craig and coaching the boys varsity baseball team when he was placed on leave from both teaching and coaching.