The Basin's Reliable News Source

Local news from across the Uintah Basin.

Basin Now

STRATA To Use USDA ReConnect Funds to Widely Expand Broadband in Uintah Basin

Feb 22, 2020 · Basin Now · News

Utilizing funds through the USDA ReConnect program, STRATA Networks has a plan to expand high-speed broadband internet to over 400 square miles in Duchesne and Uintah Counties. United States Department of Agriculture Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Donald LaVoy made the announcement of the $23.6 million dollar investment during a press conference on Thursday at the Big Run Ranches in Whiterocks.

Basin Now

Farmers, ‘It’s Okay To Not Be Okay’ – A Message from TriCounty Health and NCC

Feb 21, 2020 · Basin Now · News

It’s been called the next big thing for the future of Agriculture and local agencies are doing their part to offer support and share resources with the Uintah Basin. Mental illness is a rising issue in general and is becoming more common in the Agriculture industry. In fact, suicide rates are 16 times higher among men in the Agriculture industry compared to the national male average and TriCounty Health Department and Northeastern Counseling Center have paired up to let local farming and ranching families know, “It’s Okay To Not Be Okay.”

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Vernal and Duchesne Awarded Airport Improvement Grants from U.S. DOT

Feb 21, 2020 · Basin Now · News

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao announced Wednesday that the U.S. Department of Transportation is awarding $520.5 million dollars in airport infrastructure grants and Duchesne and Vernal made the list among the 287 airports nationwide. “This $520.5 million dollars in federal support to airports across the country will help to keep our nation’s airports in good shape and make air travel a better experience for passengers,” shared Secretary Chao. Twelve grants were awarded in the state of Utah, with Vernal Regional Airport being the only airport to receive more than one grant.

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District #1 Candidate Kerry Gibson Speaks at Vernal Chamber Luncheon

Feb 21, 2020 · Basin Now · News

The Vernal Chamber of Commerce recently was visited by candidate for Congressional District #1 Kerry Gibson. Gibson decided to run when Rob Bishop called him up to tell him he wasn't running again and that he wanted Gibson to run because of his background and knowledge making him a good fit. Kerry Gibson was born and raised in Weber County. He has deep seeded roots to the state having owned and operated a fifth-generation dairy farm with his father and brother.

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Union High School Message for Spring Sports Students and Parents

Feb 21, 2020 · Basin Now · News

Spring is knocking on the door and Union High is throwing the door open wide. The weather hasn’t quite warmed up but the snow is creeping away and Union Cougars are looking to take advantage since last year the fields were still covered with snow. Six different teams will be holding tryouts on Monday, February 24th. Before a student tries out they need to be sure to complete registration, before Monday for most sports, on registermyathlete.com. Baseball will be at 4pm at Cougar Field; dress appropriately for the weather and have shoes for both indoor and outdoor practice.

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Jane Eyre The Musical Opening Tonight at Vernal Theatre: LIVE

Feb 21, 2020 · Basin Now · News

Beautiful costumes, soaring music, and a classic story make for the perfect night out with ‘Jane Eyre The Musical’ opening tonight at Vernal Theatre: LIVE. Some members of the talented cast began their preparations for the show over 10 years ago when Jane Eyre was performed by the Vernal Jr. High theatre department. Seven people in Vernal Theatre: LIVE’s current production also performed or helped in some way during the 2009 show, including current leading lady Korinne Peacock. The show is just as beloved by the newcomers to the production and they all hope the community comes out to share in this story with them.

Basin Now

Wanted Fugitive Brought Into Custody

Feb 20, 2020 · Basin Now · News

A Wanted Fugitive is now in custody after the BIA Fort Duchesne Police Department informed the public that he was at large on Wednesday morning. The announcement stated that James Murray Jr. had been spotted in the area as recently as Tuesday. “James Murray Jr. has an active federal warrant for his arrest,” stated the BIA announcement. “Murray was last known to be in the Ballard and Fort Duchesne area yesterday. BIA, FBI, Federal Probation are working with US Marshals office to locate Murray.” Later in the day on Wednesday, the announcement was updated to let the public know that Murray Jr. had been brought into custody.

Basin Now

Trail Cam Captures Uintah County Teens Exploding Police Officer’s Mailbox

Feb 20, 2020 · Basin Now · News

A group of teens in Uintah County were captured on a trail camera blowing up a mailbox at the home of a Vernal police officer last month. According to the Affidavit For Search Warrant filed in 8th District Court, the Uintah County Sheriff’s Office was asked to perform the investigation and, using the photographs from the trail camera, the car and its owner were identified. Officers located the car and made contact with the driver who identified himself and said that he did not have a driver’s license.

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Simplot Makes Large Donation to Charitable Friends of Ashley Valley

Feb 20, 2020 · Basin Now · News

Simplot Phosphates took the opportunity at the Vernal Chamber luncheon on Tuesday to present a check to a local charity. Simplot employees selected Charitable Friends of Ashley Valley as the recipient of their charitable contribution. Charitable Friends of Ashley Valley is a 501(c)(3) that serves as a “fiscal sponsor” for other local causes. This means that upon its board’s approval of an application from another local charity, Charitable Friends of Ashley Valley can sponsor that charity that may not have their own 501(c)(3) status.

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Adulting 101 Offered for Local Teens by Uintah County 4-H and Library

Feb 20, 2020 · Basin Now · News

Jumping from teen to an adult has a bevy of challenges that often times hasn’t even crossed a teenager's mind. The Utah State Extension-Uintah County 4-H and the Uintah County Library want to help those that are of the ages 13 to 18 to be prepared for adulting. The class entitled Adulting 101 will focus on helping the teens that attend to manage money, to create a budget, to get a job, and how to cook a meal, as a few examples. There will be tips and tricks to help ease youth into adulthood. Individuals can plan on attend a single workshop or all of them, though attendance of five of the seven classes will earn you a prize.

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Vernal Elks Lodge Holding Charity Poker Night to Benefit Local with Cancer

Feb 20, 2020 · Basin Now · News

It might seem as if things are tough for the economy of our community and there is a truth to that. What makes the Uintah Basin amazing though is that even with these difficulties, when a call for help is put out there people respond. One organization that is striving to help individuals in the community is the Vernal Utah Elks Lodge. They will be holding a Charity Poker Night for Britney Nunn this Friday. Britney, unfortunately, is suffering from a form of acute leukemia. This cancer of the blood and bone marrow can be quite painful, as is the bone marrow biopsy to find out what is really going on.

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Moon Lake Electric Offers Safety Tips

Feb 20, 2020 · Basin Now · News

During the cold days of winter, consumers tend to up their electrical use. This leads to 47,700 home fires in the USA caused by electrical failure or malfunction. The toll of these fires is 418 deaths, 1,570 injuries and close to $1.4 billion dollars in property damage annually. To help prevent such tragedy in the Uintah Basin, Moon Lake Electric suggests the four following tips: First, be sure not to overload outlets as they are a major cause of residential fires. Second, never leave a space heater unattended and be sure to place them 3 feet away from flammable items.