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Local news from across the Uintah Basin.

Basin Now

Roosevelt Municipal Airport Runway Now Open

Dec 3, 2019 · Basin Now · News

Roosevelt City announced last week that the new runway at the Roosevelt Municipal Airport has officially reopened. The airport closed in July as work got underway to overhaul the runway and for construction of a new parallel taxiway which will be complete next spring. The airport has reopened for flights having been inspected and approved by the Federal Aviation Administration. “This gets us to where Vernal was before their latest update,” shares City Manager Ryan Snow. “It doesn’t get us to the level of providing regional service, and we’re not aiming for that. We’re still a step behind them, but this will be a significant upgrade for us.”

Basin Now

16th Annual Holly Days Attracts Visitors Near and Far

Dec 3, 2019 · Basin Now · News

While it is no surprise that Holly Days attracts visitors from outside the area, it can be surprising sometimes to learn just how far some have traveled. Vernal City Manager Quinn Bennion provided a summary of this year’s event including the news that the crowds included guests from as far away as Australia! An estimated 8,000 people enjoyed the days festivities and roughly $20,000 dollars worth of gifts were given away between the prize give-away, Bingo, cash machine, and game show. “There was a great response to the new events this year – archery tag, laser tag, the video game trailer and other games,” shares Bennion.

Basin Now

Surprises in Store for 3rd Annual Naples City Christmas Tree Lighting

Dec 3, 2019 · Basin Now · News

Christmas has many great traditions that bring families and friends together and the 3rd Annual Naples City Christmas Tree Lighting happening tonight is a growing favorite. Mayor Dean Baker hosts the tree lighting at the Naples City Plaza Park each year with tons of fun and this year crowds can expect a few surprises added to the mix. While of course there will be the traditional serenading by the elementary choirs as well as Santa arriving in style, Naples City will also be unveiling a new guest whose home will be in the Naples City road side park.

Basin Now

Story Update – Nuclear Steam Generator Travels Through Uintah Basin and Over Indian Canyon

Dec 2, 2019 · Basin Now · News

An extra oversized load successfully traveled through the Uintah Basin over the weekend escorted by local law enforcement. The load, a nuclear steam generator with a transport size of approximately 23 feet wide and 400 feet long, spent the Thanksgiving holiday in Dinosaur, Colorado as its travel was restricted on the 27th and 28th. On Friday morning, the impressive caravan and massive load attracted attention as it passed through Vernal on Highway 40. Taking their cues from the weather, the load made its way to just east of Duchesne where it stopped and stayed through Saturday.

Basin Now

Craig Mother Changes Plea to Guilty in Toddler Son’s Christmas Eve Death

Dec 2, 2019 · Basin Now · News

The mother of the toddler boy who died in a house fire last year on Christmas Eve in Craig has changed her plea to Guilty ahead of her scheduled December trial. In a joint press release issued on November 27th by the District Attorney’s Office and Craig Police Captain Bill Leonard, Vanessa Jenkins pleaded guilty to Criminally Negligent Homicide, a class 5 felony, on November 26th in the case of the 2018 Christmas Eve house fire that killed 3-year-old Lane E. Cullen. Jenkins was arrested in April and entered a plea of Not Guilty in August prompting the court to schedule Jenkins for trial to begin on December 16th.

Basin Now

Daggett County Holding Human Trafficking Seminar This Week

Dec 2, 2019 · Basin Now · News

The Daggett County Task Force is holding a special seminar concerning the threats, dangers and trends of human trafficking. Sadly, anyone can be a victim but 50% of victims are under the age of 16 and 80% of victims are female. There are various types of human trafficking and it does not mean that victims have moved across borders or states. It is a problem that exists in every country around the world, across cities, suburbs and rural towns alike. Allison Smith, Outreach Specialist for Trafficking in Persons Program, and Amy Graham, a Victim Specialist for the FBI, will discuss the current trends and practices of human trafficking during the event on Tuesday, December 3rd at 5pm at the Daggett County Comission Chambers.

Basin Now

Santa Clause is Coming to Town

Dec 2, 2019 · Basin Now · News

For those wanting to catch a glimpse of that jolly old Saint Nick, here are some opportunities this week. Come meet Santa at Naples City Office on Friday, December 6th at 3pm. The man in red will be at Wendy’s on Saturday, December 7th at 4pm. For those in Roosevelt go to Stewart’s Marketplace on Saturday, December 7th to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. There will be a breakfast with Santa at the Tridell Community Building on Saturday, December 7th. Breakfast will be from 8am to 10am with Santa visiting from 9am to 10am. Dino Family Dental is sponsoring Santa and his elves at the Priority First Real Estate Professionals on Saturday, December 7th from 11am to 1pm.

Basin Now

Oversized Load Nuclear Steam Generator Travels Through Uintah Basin Friday

Nov 29, 2019 · Basin Now · News

An extra oversized load traveled through Vernal Friday morning escorted by local law enforcement. The load, a nuclear steam generator with a transport size of approximately 23 feet wide and 400 feet long, spent the holiday in Dinosaur, Colorado as its travel was restricted on the 27th and 28th. It was expected the load will make it to Duchesne on Friday and, weather permitting, will head south over Indian Canyon on Saturday as it continues its journey making its way into Utah County and then north to its destination west of Salt Lake.

Basin Now

Spirit of Generosity Abounds During Enchanted Forest Auction

Nov 27, 2019 · Basin Now · News

It was another magical year for the Enchanted Forest event in Roosevelt which auctions trees and items to benefit local charities each year. There were over 200 people in attendance at the auction dinner on Thursday evening. There were 17 total trees which collectively raised $110,000 dollars. The silent auction went well on Friday and Saturday, raising another $4000 dollars. Folks enjoyed the tree view on Friday and Saturday with approximately another thousand people who came to enjoy the sight of the beautiful trees. The tree which raised the most benefited the Uintah Basin Faith Based Recovery Foundation and brought in $20,000 dollars!

Basin Now

First Angel Tree is Up for Santa’s Community Effort

Nov 27, 2019 · Basin Now · News

Santa’s Community Effort has a long and successful history in Uintah County with the Rotary Club now keeping the cause organized and running. The program’s success rests on the giving hearts of locals each year who are willing to take tags from the trees around town and follow through by donating gifts for the children assigned. The hope is that the generosity will continue this year to help brighten the holidays for local children in need. The Vernal Rotary Club announced that the first angel tree is now up at Davis Food & Drug and all interested in participating are invited to go choose tags off the tree. Each tag includes the gender, age, and basic interests or needs of a local child. Instructions are included on the tags of what to do with the gifts you purchase.

Basin Now

16th Annual Holly Days Ready to Welcome Crowds Friday

Nov 27, 2019 · Basin Now · News

Vernal City and countless sponsors are thrilled to welcome all to the 16th Annual Holly Days scheduled for this Friday, November 29th. Holly Days is Vernal’s largest community event of the year and draws families from not just the area but even from far away states each year. Activities start at noon and finish with fireworks at 8:30pm. Vernal City Manager Quinn Bennion explains that there will of course be dozens of activities, presentations and events going on, and all for free. New activities this year include laser tag, archery tag, and mechanical swings.

Basin Now

Ashley National Forest Road Update for Dry Fork Canyon and Taylor Mountain

Nov 27, 2019 · Basin Now · News

Ashley National Forest provided a road update on Tuesday for Dry Fork Canyon and Taylor Mountain. For Dry Fork Canyon as of Tuesday you could have snowmobiles at the restroom at the bottom of the Canyon near the Massey Meadow turnoff and ride to the top. High ground clearance vehicles can make it to the Alma Taylor Road turn off as of Tuesday. Beyond that the snow gets over 1 1/2 feet deep at the turn off to Ashley Twin Lakes. For Taylor Mountain as of Tuesday you could have snowmobiles at the top of Taylor Mountain and ride. Vehicles will have difficulty making it from Kaler Hollow to Iron Springs.