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Saturday, June 7, 2014

Vote In Rich County Primary

This year there will only be a Republican primary election for County Commissioner since there is no challenger from the Democratic Party in Rich County.  A close election in the Republican Caucus which had about 20 people attending meant that no candidate got enough votes to avoid a primary race.

If you are not registered you must register at the County Courthouse by June 13 or by June 16 online.  Early voting will begin at the courthouse by June  16 if you have registered by the 13th

The election will be held June 24 at regular polling places starting at 8 a.m.  To vote in this election, you must be a registered Republican.

Both candidates have family roots in Rich County and both are good public servants.  Rich Civic Times Online asked each to write a statement outlining their vision for the county.  As many know the staff reports are held in open meetings in Garden City and in closed meetings in the County.  RCT asked each how they felt about giving the public more access and transparency in county government.

People often overlook voting for local offices, yet it is the local officials who have the most direct impact on the quality of life in an area.  RCTonline urges everyone to vote in this early primary.

Tom Weston Answers to RCTonline Election Queries



My name is Tom Weston, and I am currently a Rich County Commissioner.  I am seeking re-election to that position.  I have a high amount of admiration and respect for the county employees for whom I have an opportunity to serve.  They work hard serving the public in their respected offices.  They do a great job.  As a County Commissioner, I am always striving to be a better resource for them.  I recently was told by a respected man of my community that a man in my position “needs to learn to listen!”  As a commissioner, I will be a better listener.

Once a month we hold Commissioners Meetings.  One hour prior to these meetings we hold a closed session with the Supervisor’s of the different departments.  We follow the state statute in this meeting.  By being a closed meeting, it does not include the media.  I will not change this protocol.  I enjoy being able to visit with the other County employees one hour a month.  Bike trails and parking, as well as other amenities, are always an item that we give a lot of discussion.  As a commissioner, I am always looking for funding to help with these items.  Recently I was in a meeting with UDOT.  Bike trail/ walking path and parking were some of the top subjects we discussed.  An example of an area of discussion was the bike path on the west side of the lake.  I will continue to explore funding sources to improve these discussed topics.

Budgets only go so far.  As a commissioner I believe in staying on a budget and doing the best with the funding that I have.  I feel it is vital to plan necessary steps in advance for new projects and looking at all possible funding.  The infrastructures that we have are inadequate at this time.  New asphalt along with widening the roads and shoulders is a must.  I would like to see a new permanent structure that would be staffed with enough personnel to be able to inspect and sterilize water craft 24 hours a day 7 days a week.  These personnel would be trained technicians for the prevention of Quagga and Zebra mussels.  As residents of Rich County, we need to insure that our Beautiful Lake never get contaminated by these invasive species.  Thank you for your support.

Commissioner Tom Weston
Rich County

Pat Argyle Response To RCTonline Election Queries


On June 16, 1858, at the Illinois Republican convention in Springfield, Abraham Lincoln kicked off his bid for the U.S. Senate with a speech that would come to be known as the "House Divided" speech. President Lincoln rightly predicted that the United States would either become all free or all slave, but that the nation would survive.  In his speech, Lincoln quoted the Holy Bible when he said, "A house divided against itself cannot stand."

Rich County has a long history of division between the north and the south. I believe over the years it has become somewhat better after consolidation of the schools; however, it does seem to me there is still a sentiment of ranchers vs non-ranchers.  It is my desire to see this kind of division in our county end.  If our people are to become the best we can be we must do it together in brotherly love.  

Together we can protect our traditional way of life in agriculture.  Together we can face the inevitable changes coming to the north end of our county while preparing for them in ways to benefit all who live in Rich County.  Together we can face the challenges that threaten us all from federal and state intrusion.  Together we can create opportunities for our children and grandchildren to be able to stay here and raise their families.  Together we can address the challenges we have unique to agriculture. Together we can address the challenges we have that are unique to the resort areas.  Together we can address the challenges we have in common because we all live in this beloved Rich County.    Think of the rancher out changing his water in his field.  Think of the miner on his way out to the graveyard shift.  Think of the restaurant owner serving up a meal.  Think of the teacher grading papers.  Think of the many more people who either work from home via the internet, dig foundations, study wildlife, keep the utilities working, and many, many more.  We are all so different, yet we are the same.  

What do we have in common?  Let's start there and build upon that a unity in brotherly love that will move us forward into the next chapter in Rich County's history.  Let's determine that the next chapter in Rich County's history will be one that we can be proud of because we wrote it together. Adversaries don't get very far together, but friends do.

If elected to serve as your county commissioner I solemnly pledge to serve ALL citizens of Rich County.

1. As a county-wide representative, I pledge to fairly, and evenly represent the ENTIRE county and it’s residents.  

2. As a county-wide representative, I pledge to be available to ALL residents by phone or email when any citizen has an issue that needs attention by the County Commission.  I will return phone calls in a timely manner, and will be happy to discuss issues of importance to you.
3. As a county-wide representative, I pledge to give fair-minded consideration to all sides of an issue when a decision needs to be made.  I also appreciate and expect for interested persons involved in an issue to help me understand their perspective so that I can make the best possible decision.
4. As a county-wide representative, I pledge to honor and obey all laws and ordinances in my pursuit of county business.
5. As a county-wide representative, I pledge to administer the business of the County Commission with total fidelity to the trust placed in me by all the citizens of Rich County.
6. As a county-wide representative, I pledge to conduct county business in an open and transparent manner, including open public meetings.
7. As a county-wide representative, I pledge to protect the sacred trust of tax dollars paid by the citizens of this county.
8. As a county-wide representative, I pledge to consider my term in office as a service to our county community, and have no personal agenda to pursue.  I believe in service to one’s community.
9. I pledge to promote the principle taught by Ronald Reagan that “A rising tide floats all boats.”  Opportunities for one part of the county invariably benefit ALL of the county.
10.   I pledge to promote unity in the county.  I don’t see US and THEM.  I see only US.  Together we can be great!
I am running for county commission because of a desire to serve.  I care deeply about this county and ALL those who live here.  I appreciate your vote. 


Bryce Huefner Endorses Argyle

Garden City Residents: Please register to vote. If we want representation in the county commission we have to put some effort into winning the primary election which is June 24th. Go to https://secure.utah.gov/voterreg/index.html. Monday is the deadline to register in person or online.
This is what it boils down to: All three commissioners are ranchers. I like each individual but we need Pat Argyle to represent the needs of our community and businesses to the commission. ... There is no way for Pat to win unless, we get all of our community to register and then vote. 

 As many of you know, I have done a lot of research about our population and we don't have the ability to win unless we get out the vote. So get registered, talk to your neighbor and get them registered and pass this along. We have over one third the population of the county and we can win if we vote. I would go door to door but I am just like the rest of you and am trying to make a living. If we each reach out to one or two people it can happen.

If you want to know who is registered to vote you may access a recent list from the county by going to https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_T_tlvbO6-3ZkRMaHF2OW9Pb1pOaDNlLW5Xdk10UldRUnVN/edit?usp=sharing. This list is public information.
If you have any questions please send me a note or call me.

Bryce Huefner

Farmers Market On Saturday Mornings

Farmer's Market in City Parking Lot Next to LDS Church in Garden City
10 am to 1 pm Saturdays

Garden City Park Library Rummage Pre-Sale This Thursday June 12

ANNUAL LIBRARY RUMMAGE SALE
 
      It is again time for the Annual Garden City Library Rummage Sale!  The sale will take place on June 13 and 14 from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the Garden City Park.  

This year there will be  a Pre-Sale on Thursday, June 12 from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the Garden City Park.  A $5.00 entry fee will be charged for that evening onlyWorld Mark  Resort has again donated many items including 60 new T-shirts (many colors, and sizes available), new playing cards, first aid kits, DVD players, ice cream makers a camera,  and many other items.  

Several gently used toys, furniture, and a sail boat have been donated.  Many local businesses in Garden City are also participating by donating great items!  We are looking forward to a great rummage sale again this year, so don't miss out!  

If you have any questions, or items you would like to donate to this worthy cause, contact Doris Mellor,event chair,( 435) 946-8956,  Kathie Anderson, Library Chair- (801)518-5172, Robert Peterson, Board Member, (714) 875-9955, Elaine Negus, Board Secretary, (435) 757-3461, or  Cathie Rasmussen, (435) 881-8761, Garden City Librarian.
 
*Remember- no clothing, beds, bedding, or large electrical items.

Will Rodeo Start This Weekend Without Ambulance?

Bobbie Bicknell Coray, Reporter
Rich Civic Times

RANDOLPH, Utah.  June 4, 2014. Jake Willis is presenting a rodeo every weekend in Garden City and needs an ambulance there to fulfill Garden City’s requirement to conduct a private rodeo.  Kim Wilson and Mike Downing. EMT Association,  addressed the ambulance issues. The issue is that they cannot provide private ambulance service to a business on a regular basis with their volunteers.   
“The EMT are all volunteers, we cannot commit that there will be an ambulance,” said Downing.  Willis said he would bring something else in but he has not been able to.  He is offering EMT who will stay at the rodeo free tickets for themselves and their families.  But Downing said as they are volunteers and have jobs it might not be possible to staff every rodeo three times a week during the summer, plus deal with accidents that happen at the same time in the rest of the county.
 An EMT coming from another county would be considered a Basic.  It is not sure whether that would fulfill their legal requirements. “ Is a basic EMT going to be able to triage?” Downing asked, “who has the liability?  Will they pay the EMT?”   Idaho EMT cannot serve under the Utah license.  During this busy time all ambulances could be out of the county.
 Commissioner Bill Cox said “as a private function and business it is a different thing.”  Tom Weston said that Willis needs to have someone he contracts with.  Norm Weston said he could hire an EMT who is not involved with the Rich County EMT Association, so the county has no liability.  They will talk to the county attorney.  If they do use the Rich County Ambulance used they would have to pay the same fee as other events which is $500 plus $150 per hour.

Summer Begins

Photo By Lauriann Wakefield

Sweetwater Fire Victims To Request A Tax Abatement


Bobbie Bicknell Coray, Reporter
Rich Civic Times

RANDOLPH, Utah. June 4, 2014.  Kim Wilson, Assessor, said that the house that burned down on Sweetwater Hillside this spring will be taxed for the entire year a its value at January 1, 2014 unless there is an abatement meeting with the county commission.  Right now if there is natural disaster a homeowner can get an exemption, but not a fire or other disaster.  Technically the value should be there as of Jan 1.  

Wilson said that Morgan County and Cache County abates the taxes to the point of damage, and that Rich County should adopt that.  Wilson has talked to the owners who have said that they want to build it back exactly as it was, since it was new construction.

Marathon Denied, Enterprise Zone Discussed


Rich County has a policy of not allowing races that close two lanes of roadway around the lake during the busy summer months.  Mitch Poulsen, director of Bear Lake Regional Commission, asked for an exception for a Bear Lake  marathon and half marathon at 6 am in the morning June 13-14 .  Norm Weston and Bill Cox said the problem is precedence  The half marathon will end at the LDS church in Garden City as does the marathon.  Norm Weston does not want to double up the road. "We should stick to our policy," said Commissioner Bill Cox.

Poulsen introduced the idea of an Enterprise Zone for the county.  The State website has documentation on Enterprise Zones.  They are established to designate an area where businesses may claim state tax relief in small counties.  The State has a map online of existing zones.  

The State wants to focus on small businesses. It opens existing businesses to tax credits.   It is not land use, but used for job growth and creation and incentives to expand their businesses.  Adopt the whole county as an enterprise zone, said Poulsen.  This gets a home garage business into a storefront because with the tax credits it would be more affordable.  There is for example a tax credit of 25% for a 200,000 rehabilitation of a building that was empty for two or more years.  There are other grants available for businesses who are adding employees. The county needs to target what kinds of jobs they can get.  Poulsen has been asked to look into this to get even more information.

New Boat Launch Considered Near Gus Rich Point


Bobbie Bicknell Coray, Reporter
Rich Civic Times

RANDOLPH, Utah. June 4, 2014.  A new boat launch site by Gus Rich Point is being discussed by  Garden City mayor John Spuhler and City Public Works director, Travis Hobbs.  Hobbs was concerned that launching around the lake off the beach is now illegal due to HB 333 and if the lake goes down, most boats would not be able to launch at current launch places.    It has been since the 1980’s  that the last ramp was built.  In the whole area there is one boat ramp and that is the marina. 

Hobbs proposes putting a launch point in between Garden City and Laketown which extends into the deeper part of the lake.    Hobbs feels that the State might fund a new launch pad.  Spuhler said this would be a help to a public safety issue, when the winds come up everyone heads for the Marina. Often they are too far away and need to be rescued.   This would create a launch site to get to on the south side. 

This beach from Gus Rich to Rendezvous is hard to manage, so this launch ramp facility  would provide parking and launching from a safe point.   Hobbs presented a  conceptual plan to the commissioners  and will talk to the Laketown Council as well before presenting it to the State.  There would be a fee for parking which would generate revenue.  Spuhler suggested there be spaces for restaurants and boat rental shops which would also provide extra revenue.  There are no wetlands in the proposed area. 

Cox said that the next step is talking to the state. Hobbs estimates that it will cost $2-3 million.  The marina expansion which is still needed would be $25 million because it is larger and it will have boat slips. This proposal is for a launch site only, but built out with the idea that it would work during very low lake levels.  Hobbs said State Parks should manage it as it would be a money maker.  Adding rock will increase fisheries.  This is also closer to the “rock pile” fishing pile. 

Tom Weston asked about the east side of the lake.  Hobbs said that if this one makes money it could fund a launch spot on the east side. The east side has two launch sites now.  The Rendezvous launch Is not usable when the lake is low.  The launch point at the Marina is a bottle neck.  If someone doesn’t know how to back into the launch at the marina they can use up two or three lanes.

Tom Weston said he likes the concept. “Could we set up a meeting with the DNR, State Lands, State Parks, UDOT,legislators and other affected organizations to get their input.  Then plans need to be drawn to get exact costs and look for partners.” He said.

Mayor Spuhler said that  Garden City would be willing to pay for  a couple of thousand dollars to get more details to get costs tied down so that presentations will be more concise.  Across the highway there is land available for even more parking. Hobbs will get letters of support from the Bear Lake Regional Commission and business owners and HOA boards.   This would also allow an inspection site for quagga mussels  at a single point.   Spuhler said it would disperse the traffic in the summer.  Cox said there is planning money available, he could check with those agencies to see what kind of a study will need to be done .  Norm Weston said that Rich County should support the conceptual idea and asked that the Regional Commission be involved in looking for planning monies.

Bear River Mental Health New Transitional Facility In Logan


Bobbie Bicknell Coray, Reporter
Rich Civic Times

RANDOLPH, Utah. June 4, 2014  Reed  Ernstrom, director of Bear River Mental Health Services, presented the annual mental health plan.  There are ten mandated services, such as  inpatient, outpatient services, cri, and crisis management. The county funds are the most valuable dollars because they leverage 20 to 1.  County funds are used for Medicaid matches and draw down $8 ½ million dollars. Ernstrom asked for additional focus on early intervention.  Rich County has done this well because they have worked with the schools here to identify youth and families in need of mental health  help early on.  There is a lot of concern about suicide prevention.  There are adult and youth services. “ Early intervention monies come from the state,” said Bill Cox.  “ The legislature helps us with state dollars to help with the federal dollars.”

There is a new facility in Logan, it is transitional residential group home, for people transitioning out of the state hospital or regular hospital so that they can be monitored  and reintegrated into the community. There are ten bedrooms for both male and female.  That facility is available to everyone from the tri couty area.

Both Rep Ken Webb and Congressman Jim Matheson were at the opening and  said that it was important to serve the needs of Mental health,” said Commissioner Cox.  If someone is truly in need but does not need hospitalization they could be monitored there also.  

Sunday, June 1, 2014

The Unmuddled Mathematician


Complications

By Chris Coray, The Unmuddled Mathematician 

Our world is getting a little complicated.  For example, we have a TV, a DVD player, the satellite receiver, and a DVR, all about 1 foot apart.  But there are also 3 remotes, one for each of these items.  I have to somehow keep track of which buttons to push, which inputs to select, and a whole variety of choices to make in order to get proper operation.  Push the wrong button at any point in the process and the whole system goes into never-never land.  I think it’s possible to buy a single remote to control the other 3 remotes.  What I’m looking for is a remote that is so big that it can’t be lost and will double as a coffin (or maybe a boat) when the time comes for me to need one.  Thank heavens there will be no need for a mute button at that time.

Then there are phones.  The collective desire of Americans to have phones that pretty much do everything has produced some amazing stuff.  The Muddled Male can control all the water tanks, pumps, and well houses on the Sweetwater Hill from his phone.  Plus it does email, photos, sound recording, texting, Skype, data base management, internet access, birthday parties, and can be a pacemaker if he needs one.  Ah, but what does one do when a new model or feature comes out, as happens almost every day.  The need to be at the tip of the arrow can ruin a life.  New bibles will soon have an 11th commandment, “Thou shalt not try to keep up with all the latest electrical gadgets”.  A person could go nuts with updates.  Some people have already reached the stage where they cannot bear to be two iterations behind the newest item.  Further, the “Neener, Neener, Neener” factor is growing between the Hatfields and the McCoys, by which I mean Apple and Android.  They don’t get along any better than congress.

There are other issues.  My wife is one of two people on the earth who own a Blackberry, the other being the President of the United States.  She does not have his tech support staff, however.  So when her phone died while still under warranty she got a new one delivered.  She spent an entire day getting it set up, connected to the wireless, enabling feature A, disabling feature B, and still was stumped by the process of connecting it to her car so she could be in compliance with the new Utah laws on cell phone use in cars.  There was no instruction manual for making the connection.  Just sort of a “Good luck, maybe you should have bought a different phone”.   Finally, victory was achieved, followed by a need for a substantial nap.

I know what’s coming.  Out insatiable need to have a single hand-held device do just about everything in our lives (even if weighs 30 lbs) will produce exactly that.  This omnibus device will come with a beanie cap to hold the solar power collector to recharge the battery and a shoulder mounted lightning rod for thunderstorms.  And the ultimate feature will be a water detecting electromagnetic force field unit that will not allow the device to enter water.  This is going to be great for potential toilet disasters but when you see somebody jump off the edge of a pool or try to enter the lake and then see that human rejected and bounced repetitively above the water surface, please have no sympathy, as they are wearing their phone.  An app is available for immediate back surgery to be carried out by the internal articulated arm that will be part of each new phone.  It’ll be right next to the on-board pizza oven.

The Farmer's Market is Starting

Photo by John Spuhler



As you enjoy the lake, don't miss the farmer's market on Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. in the parking lot behind Lakeside Pizza and south of the LDS Church.
 

Rummage Sale, June 13-14

ANNUAL LIBRARY RUMMAGE SALE
 
      It is again time for the Annual Garden City Library Rummage Sale!  The sale will take place on June 13 and 14 from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the Garden City Park.  

This year there will be  a Pre-Sale on Thursday, June 12 from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the Garden City Park.  A $5.00 entry fee will be charged for that evening onlyWorld Mark  Resort has again donated many items including 60 new T-shirts (many colors, and sizes available), new playing cards, first aid kits, DVD players, ice cream makers a camera,  and many other items.  

Several gently used toys, furniture, and a sail boat have been donated.  Many local businesses in Garden City are also participating by donating great items!  We are looking forward to a great rummage sale again this year, so don't miss out!  

If you have any questions, or items you would like to donate to this worthy cause, contact Doris Mellor,event chair,( 435) 946-8956,  Kathie Anderson, Library Chair- (801)518-5172, Robert Peterson, Board Member, (714) 875-9955, Elaine Negus, Board Secretary, (435) 757-3461, or  Cathie Rasmussen, (435) 881-8761, Garden City Librarian.
 
*Remember- no clothing, beds, bedding, or large electrical items.

Near Death


Dangerous Driving

On June 1, 2014, two young children were driving a side-by-side ATV south on Serviceberry Road in the Sweetwater Hillside at 4 p.m.  Their estimated ages were 10 and 8.  The passenger was a very young girl wearing a head band with cat ears.  While driving their vehicle out of control they very narrowly missed a head-on collision with a motor vehicle traveling the other way.  A collision was averted by the driver of the motor vehicle who drove off the road. 
The point of this story is to warn parents about the dangers of very young people driving ATV’s too fast, on the wrong side of the roads, and out of control.  The children are too precious.  Please be careful and supervise the children.