Story Archive for 05/17/2010
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Bennett surprised at DOI announcement on drilling
Published on May 17, 2010 at 04:11PM
(WASHINGTON D.C.) – Sen. Bob Bennett says he’s surprised and disappointed with the Department of Interior’s announcement today on pulling back on its offshore policy of oil and natural gas development. Bennett said the action is exactly the wrong thing to do at the wrong time. He said the DOI’s decision to pull the plug on development would mean more layers of federal bureaucracy, fewer jobs, less revenue for state and federal coffers and less energy at a time when the country clearly needs it. Bennett says he’s also disappointed that the action was done without any public input. He says the action is fundamentally at odds with the administration’s promises and urges the feds to go back to the drawing board and come up with a better plan.
Free seminar on Constitution to be held
Published on May 17, 2010 at 04:00PM
(GUNNISON) – A free seminar on the U.S. Constitution will be held this Saturday at the Casino Star Theatre in Gunnison. The seminar on “Principles of Freedom”, is based on the U.S. Constitution and the writings of the men who created our founding documents. Gary and Carolyn Alder will be the presenters of the seminar, who have been studying the documents for several years. Their presentation will start at 10am and run until 3pm with an hour off for lunch between noon and 1pm.
Millard County plans hearing on CIB grant
Published on May 17, 2010 at 03:55PM
(FILLMORE) – Millard County Commissioners are holding a public hearing Tuesday morning to discuss a Permanent Community Impact Fund Board grant for the 2010 Program Year. The meeting will be held at 11am at the Millard County Commission Chambers at 50 South Main in Fillmore. The public is invited to attend and offer comments.
Arrington seeks approval on ATV access
Published on May 17, 2010 at 03:28PM
(RICHFIELD) – Sevier County officials are in the process of re-mapping ATV access routes throughout the county prior to spring and summer recreation use. Event Coordinator Kevin Arrington appeared before County Commissioners at today’s meeting to question Commissioners about ATV access at the Sevier Junction to Joseph on the county road. Arrington said that while the re-mapping committee viewed the current mapping system, they noticed some problems with ATV access at trailheads in each community in the county and needed county approval to establish proper routes.
Warmer Utah Temperatures Mean Faster, Dangerous Rivers
Published on May 17, 2010 at 03:00PM
(SALT LAKE CITY)-A spike in Utah temperatures means Utah’s mountain-fed rivers and streams are quickly swelling. In some cases, rivers and streams are tripling in volume and raising the risk of those who recreate around them. National Weather Service hydrologist, Brian McInerney, says winter snowmelt began in earnest Monday as temperatures soared well into the 80s in northern Utah. McInerney has warned parents to keep their children away from fast-moving streams as he said each year children fall into Utah’s frigid rivers during spring runoff. The danger is expected to remain high until early June. Flooding isn’t expected as northern and south central Utah received less-than-average snowfall over the course of last winter. As for southern Utah, where snow was more plentiful, McInerney stated pre-existing channels are expected to keep rivers within their banks.
Richfield seeks tax approval on recreation
Published on May 17, 2010 at 12:32PM
(RICHFIELD) – The Richfield City mayor, along with Councilmembers and the City Manager, approached Sevier County Commissioners today to seek funding for recreational use. City Manager Mike Langston said the city needs approval from the county to raise sales taxes by one tenth of one percent to help fund expenses at the swimming pool. Langston said the tax increase still needs to be placed on the ballot for voter approval in this year’s election in November. Commissioner Gary Mason commented that a county-wide tax increase may serve the county better with a minimal cost for residents with maximum benefit but Mayor Brad Ramsay said the county-wide tax may reduce the benefit for the city by taking money out of the city for county use. Commissioners tabled the decision on approving the measure until their June 7th meeting to give officials time to meet with the heads of the county’s towns and cities for input on the matter.
Appraisal mandate creates burden for Sevier County
Published on May 17, 2010 at 10:46AM
(RICHFIELD) – The State of Utah is forcing Sevier County to boost the costs of participating in the statewide system of accounting for trust funds for appraisals throughout the county. County Assessor Gail DeMille says the legislature approved the cost increase in the last legislative session at a cost of $25,000 more this year than last. DeMille approached Sevier County Commissioners at their commission meeting today for approval of funding from the Multi-County Appraisal Trust. Commissioner Gary Mason said the increase would hurt a lot of people financially but reluctantly voted to approve the funding. Commissioners Gordon Topham and Ivan Cowley also voted to reluctantly approve the funding. Commissioners commented their hands were tied with the legislative mandate to boost funds in participation with the state in the new measure.
Salina Planners seek comments on animals
Published on May 17, 2010 at 08:49AM
(SALINA) – The Salina City Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing this Thursday night to gain input on allowing agricultural animals within new residential zones. Planners will accept comments on changes in the ordinance in agricultural and residential zones. The public hearing will be held at the Salina City Council Chambers at 6:45pm on Thursday.
SSD plans open house for Superintendent
Published on May 17, 2010 at 08:40AM
(RICHFIELD) – The public is invited to attend an open house in honor of Sevier School District Superintendent Dr. Brent Thorne May 24 from 3-6pm at the Sevier School District office. Thorne is retiring from public education after a 42-year career. He started with the Sevier School District as Superintendent of Schools in 1992 and has served as a teacher and middle school principal. He also served as North Sanpete School District Superintendent prior to his current position. Thorne’s last day will be June 30, 2010. The Sevier School District Board of Education has selected current Assistant Superintendent, Myron Michelson as the new Superintendent. He’ll assume his new duties on July 1.
Firefighters gather in Richfield for training
Published on May 17, 2010 at 08:12AM
(RICHFIELD) – Hundreds of wildland firefighters are gathering this week in Richfield to kick off the 2010 Utah Wildfire Academy at the Snow College Richfield Campus. The tenth annual event is being held at the Sevier Valley Center in Richfield to prepare firefighters for the upcoming fire season. Officials say the public may visit the academy anytime during operating hours for tours, classes or to observe practical exercises but visitors will need to check in at the academy desk in the lobby of the SVC. City and County officials welcome the firefighters to the area and hope they have great success in their training.
Enoch man cited for leaving accident scene
Published on May 17, 2010 at 07:39AM
(PANGUITCH) – An Enoch man was cited over the weekend for leaving the scene of an accident and may have been hurt in the incident. According to a UHP report, 20-year old Elias Tapia was traveling southbound in a 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis on SR-89, when he drifted off the right shoulder of the highway about 11 miles north of Panguitch. The report said that Tapia overcorrected and moved into the northbound lanes and off the left shoulder of the highway at about 7:30pm. UHP said he hit a delineator post and a dirt embankment before coming to a stop. Tapia was wearing his seatbelt and was not taken to the hospital. He was cited for improper lane travel, driving on suspension and leaving the scene of an accident.
Sevier County chooses queen at pageant
Published on May 17, 2010 at 07:23AM
(RICHFIELD) – The Annual Miss Sevier County pageant concluded over the weekend in Richfield with a queen and two attendants selected to represent county activities throughout the year. Judges chose Demirie Huntsman, daughter of Layne and Laurie Huntsman of Richfield, as queen. First Attendant is Makenna Jones, daughter of Jeff and Jan Moore of Glenwood and Second Attendant is Jaleesa Dumas, daughter of Brian and Lori Dumas of Redmond. Sarah Curtis, daughter of Alan and Julie Curtis of Richfield, was selected as Spirit of Sevier. Ten young ladies competed for the title Saturday night at the Sevier Valley Center in Richfield featuring their talents in vocal solos, contemporary dance, fiddle and flute solos. Miss Sevier County 2009-10 Karolann Mason, made her farewell walk at the conclusion of the program.