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Local news from across the Uintah Basin.

Basin Now

Jail Deaths Prompts Idea for Improved Mental Health Offerings

Aug 26, 2019 · Basin Now · News

Could something good come from the spotlight put on deaths in Utah jails and the lawsuits that have followed? A Utah lawmaker is hoping so. Speaking with KSL news, Representative Carol Spackman Mass explained that this spotlight is showing how much is asked of workers in the jails who have very limited resources to begin with. A committee that was tracking jail deaths in Utah reported that between 2013 and 2017 more than half of the 71 inmates that died were those that took their own life.

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Mother With Two Kids in Car Arrested for Investigation of DUI After Fiery Crash

Aug 23, 2019 · Basin Now · News

Thankfully there were no serious injuries after a single-vehicle crash caught fire on Wednesday afternoon, though the accident did result in arrest. According to the Uintah County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a crash in front of Maeser Elementary School shortly after 3:40pm on August 21st. “The driver of a white Dodge Stratus struck a utility pole along 1000 North, causing the car to catch fire,” shares the Sheriff’s Office.

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‘Dinosaur Headquarters Fire’ Closes Highway 40 in Moffat County

Aug 23, 2019 · Basin Now · News

A fire near the Dinosaur National Monument Headquarters in Moffat County shut down Highway 40 on Wednesday. Dinosaur National Monument reports that at 2:20pm on August 21st, a visitor reported a wildfire north of Highway 40 and adjacent to the Canyon Visitor Center/Monument Headquarters. The Dinosaur Headquarters Fire was estimated on Wednesday night to be 160 acres and moving east.

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Horses Quarantined in Uintah County by Department of Agriculture and Food

Aug 23, 2019 · Basin Now · News

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food announced Wednesday morning that three cases of equine Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) have been identified and quarantined across the state with Uintah County having the most cases. According to the August 21st press release, there is one case in Emery County and two confirmed and quarantined cases in Uintah County as well as 4 additional premises quarantined and under investigation in Uintah County.

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Uintah Basin Employment Report Given at Vernal Chamber Meeting

Aug 23, 2019 · Basin Now · News

Employment is an important topic in the Uintah Basin and one that the speaker at Tuesday’s Vernal Chamber luncheon provided a local update on. Workforce development specialist Blaine Roberts with the Department of Workforce Services shared that July unemployment rates were 4.7 percent in Uintah County, 4.5 percent in Duchesne County, 4.2 percent in Daggett County, 2.8 percent in the state of Utah, and 3.7 percent in the United States.

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‘Dancin’ Joonie’ Inspires Flamingo Flocks and Gear Around Town in Her Memory

Aug 23, 2019 · Basin Now · News

A growing colony of pink birds are popping up around the Uintah Basin and can be seen on the back of vehicles, on t-shirts, drink tumblers, in flocks on yards and beyond! It’s all part of ‘Flamingos for Joonie’ and each pink little bird represents the memory of an unforgettable baby girl and her family’s new and unexpected journey. Pyper Joon Meeks was known for the sparkle in her eye and sweet smile that won over the hearts of family and friends in real life and through social media. One particular video clip, featuring her cute little wiggle, earned Pyper ever more adoring fans and the nickname Dancin’ Joonie.

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Final Rotenone Treatment for Reader Creek Scheduled For Next Week

Aug 23, 2019 · Basin Now · News

Ashley National Forest and the Division of Wildlife Resources wants the public to be aware that the final rotenone treatment on Reader Creek will be conducted next week. “For public safety, the area within 30 feet adjacent to Reader Creek will be closed to the public from August 27th to August 31st. Rotenone is a natural substance that comes from the roots of a tropical plant in the bean family,” explains the August 20th press release.

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Additional Premises Quarantined in Uintah County for Vesicular Stomatitis Virus

Aug 23, 2019 · Basin Now · News

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food released an update on Thursday morning concerning cases of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) in livestock. While three cases, including two in Uintah County, were confirmed in the state on Wednesday, by Thursday the report showed there is now 5 additional premises quarantined and under investigation in Uintah County as well as 2 premises now quarantined and under investigation in Grand County.

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Monument Celebrating Dark Sky Park Certification With Astronomy Festival

Aug 23, 2019 · Basin Now · News

The International Dark Sky Association has certified more than 120 places as dark skies across six continents for a combined 34,700 square miles. That is about .06% percent of the land of the earth so having an area designated as a dark sky place is worth celebrating. Dinosaur National Monument received their dark sky status in April this year. The certification is a distinction highlighting efforts to control light pollution and enhance the night’s sky.

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Moose Safety with Sightings in Dinosaur National Monument

Aug 21, 2019 · Basin Now · News

Having access to a variety of wildlife is one of the bonuses being so close to so many state parks and a national monument. Dinosaur National Monument recently posted beautiful pictures online of a moose and her calf visiting Rainbow Park. If you happen to run across a moose in your outdoor adventures here are some tips on being safe.