History of Our Area

 Laketown Band

At a pioneer celebration in July 1890, music was furnished by a harmonic band. Joseph Robinson on that day said, "By another year we will have a brass band." He called a meeting of those interested.

The following 14 men bought instruments: Joseph and Heber Robinson; Lehi, Thomas, Ammon and Jerry Earley; John and Samuel Weston; Luther B. Reed; Chris C. Kearl; George Thomson.

In a measure, the United Order was practiced, for each member paid the same portion then drew for the instrument he should learn to play.

Luther B. Reed went to Evanston, 30 miles away and brought the instruments home, The first night after they were distributed the men serenaded the town and made all the noise they could. It is said that all the dogs in town left and one lame ox ran away and when he came back his lameness was gone.

Joseph Robinson practiced and they began to learn to play their different instruments. In the spring of 1891, Professor Hansen of Montpelier came 40 miles to give lessons. By the 4th of July celebration in 1891 the members were prepared to play several tunes.

Edwin Lamborn built a band wagon and they led the parade, then to the lake playing as they went along. Later, caps were purchased with lamps attached to them so they could play at night.

by Jane L. Robinson from the book "Rich Memories a history of Rich County".

Report from Annaliesa Peart about ballots

 

Anneliesa Peart (Rich County Clerk) spoke to the Empty Nesters last evening and told the group that people need to sign their own ballot. Sometimes people sign for others and the signature doesn’t align with the bar code which is attached to your voter registration signature.  The clerks then try to contact the voter to clarify the signature. Sometimes the clerks will pull up a driver’s license to verify the signature. Other times if a person is not feeling well the partner will sign the spouses name for them, but when the bar code is read it will reject the ballot because the signature is tied to the bar code. Every ballot is double tracked so that not just one person makes the decision. The ballot is fed through a machine and the signatures have to match.

On a side note.....I hope that Rich County will vote at 80% this election year! We are so blessed to have the opportunity to choose candidates to lead this great nation. (Bess)

by CarolAnn Dyer

 

South Side of Bear Lake Motor Lodge!

                     South side of Bear Lake Motor Lodge bites the dust!

 

Eurasian Watermilfoil Symposium on Zoom October 18, 2024

Bear Lake Watch, together with the Utah State University Janet Quinney Lawson Institute of Land, Water, and Air; the Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Foundation, and the Aquatic Plant Management Society are sponsoring a virtual scientific symposium to inform stakeholders of Bear Lake (UT/ID) on up-to-date Eurasian Watermilfoil science and best practices for management of invasive species. Stakeholders include governmental agencies, research scientists, Bear Lake Watch, consultants, applicators/contractors, and the general public.  The symposium will take place on Zoom and talks will be recorded and posted for viewing afterwards on the Bear Lake Watch website. Top scientists and groups will be participating in the symposium, covering a variety of important and timely topics, including recent updates on Bear Lake’s science.  “Bear Lake Watch is excited to convene this outstanding group of top scientists and organizations whose work and experience protects lakes from threats such as Eurasian Watermilfoil and other invasive species. This symposium will inform plans to monitor, treat, prevent invasive species and provide long-term protection against threats to Bear Lake for generations to come,” said Brady T. Long, Executive Director of Bear Lake Watch.

Preliminary Agenda October 18, 2024 10:00AM–2:00PM MT   REGISTRATION The symposium is free-of-charge to all attendees and will take place on Zoom. For more info, scan the QR code or visit: www.bearlakewat

Garden City Town Council Notes

 

Oct. 10^th

Mattie from CAPSA asked the City to sign the pledge to support the measure against abuse. They did. If you would like to volunteer with CAPSA the number is 435-753-2500.

Riley Argyle with Public Works talked about the projects they are completing: the concession stand & bathrooms at Heritage Park; asphalt to connect the 89 near Mike’s Market on 3^rd West; The Bridgerland water line is almost completed; Heritage Park will get power on Oct. 24. They installed French drains around the ball field;  plows are on the trucks in preparation for the snow; and the City is  waiting on the Div. of Drinking water to issue a permit to complete the well production on Hodges Canyon.

Dan Kurek, City Inspector, reported that Bear Lake Memorial Emergency building is almost ready for occupancy. They hope to be open by Nov. 1^st and have hired the workers.

Bear Lake Vista (across from the Chevron) is planning to connect with US 89 in the spring. The Condo’s are prefab and are being built in Brigham City and will be transported to the site.

Business License name change for Livingston Homes approved.

Lot line adjustment 1t 1079South Lakeview in Bridgerland approved.

Osprey Heights have done their title search and the road dispute is on the correct owner’s property. Approved.

Council Member reports:

            Martel suggested a thank you card to Garden City 2^nd ward Activity Days kids for removing the flowers and the Young Men for collecting the bags. He attended the UDOT meeting where they discussed the budget for trails, the Marina access, and the Round About at 3^rd west.

            Pat has asked for volunteers for the 2025 Raspberry Days which will include a Pickleball tournament. She also said the Mixed Martial Arts evening had 500 people in attendance and 300 pay per view on line.

            Jordan reported that the wind screens for the Pickleball courts have been ordered.

Rich County Local Emergency Planning Committee

 

Rich County Local Emergency Planning Committee, Bryce Nielson Coordinator,  invited Rich County residents to the quarterly meeting for Rich County. He also invited BRAG (Bear River association of Government) to present a survey which BRAG does every 5 years. BRAG provided dinner from the Bear Trapper. The survey helps the governing board of BRAG to follow up on problems which concern each of the Communities in the 3 County area (Rich, Box Elder, & Cache). If you are interested in sharing your thoughts you may access the Survey.

Then Travis Hobbs, Wildfire coordinator asked the districts to report. He is planning a wildfire training during the winter and needs volunteers.

Emily Weston, Sheriff’s dispatcher, mentioned that there are new dispatchers for the county.

Jon Carver reported on the Search and Rescue in the county.

Mike Wahlberg-Chief of the Garden City Fire Dept. reported that they are getting a new wildland truck.

Also the EMS association is hoping to hold its own training for new EMTs for the County. And another ambulance has been ordered for the county to replace the one in Laketown. There are currently 23 EMTs and the county needs more. The EMS association was asked to present a budget to the county for equipment for training.

Mayor Mike Leonhardt mentioned that his son, Aaron, is a Certified Drone operator in Idaho and could help whenever needed.

Gil from Fire Forestry & State Lands talked about the changes coming from the State on DNR law enforcement. This will involve the State Park Rangers who will be only Rangers and the law enforcement officers which have been trained will be Police.

Garden City gives Rich County $50,000 from TRT monies towards a police officer for the county.

Joey Stocking, wearing his Bear Lake Responds hat, talked about the new radios which connect all of the departments in the County.

Rich County Commission Notes for Oct. 2 (Still up on You Tube for your perusal)

 

Randall Knight presented Jayne Hodges Davis to the commission as the new board member of the Garden City Fire District. She will take on the activities as clerk. The commission confirmed Jayne’s application. Randall has had the old files shredded. The board has requested Chief Mike Wahlberg to look for a new brush truck.

Heather McKee Olsen with Bear River Health talked about prevention of drug use in young people. She also mentioned the SHARP questionnaire (student health and --------). There were only 100 responses last year. Parents have to sign for the student to complete the questionnaire. This is administered by school counselors.

The next test will be in 2025. The commissioners suggested she contact the School Board and get them on board. The commissioners felt that this is an important questionnaire.

Braeden Daly asked for a business license to do snow removal & lawns as Daly & Hammer LLC 373 No. Sunrise Dr. License approved.

LouJean Argyle, Rich Co. Treas. and Camille, deputy, asked how long does a building permit last. Some applications have been open since 2019. The commissioners said the permits last for 18 months unless they get an extension. LouJean suggested that the web site add the information about the application and extensions. Commisioner Lee will change the web site to reflect the additions. Tyler does the inspections and needs to review the list and review the buildings to see if each has met the qualifications for occupancy. Some of the list is in Garden City, so the commissioners suggested they send the list to Garden City to review and then the county could review those in the county.

Ben Willougby, Attorney, brought an MOU for restructuring of the Health Dept. in accordance to the State guidelines for Rich County commissioners to sign. Approved.

Kim Wilson, Rich County, assessor reviewed with the commissioners several properties with problems of equalizing square footage.

Light the Board Walk & Pumpkin Carving Festival October 19th

 

Obituary-Robert (Bob) Wamsley

 Robert “Bob” James Wamsley, age 83, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 3, in Salt Lake City. Bob was born on Dec. 9, 1940, in Ogden, Utah, to Robert Clayton Wamsley and Annie Stuart Wamsley.

Bob grew up in Woodruff, Utah, where, as a teenager, he worked as a cowboy on local ranches. Bob often reflected on the life lessons learned from those for whom he worked, “Uncle Vern,” in particular.

He graduated from Rich High School in 1958 and attended Utah State University, studying music theory. After college, Bob took a job as a hard rock miner, traveling the west as a “Tramp Miner” before finally taking up the trade of mechanic.

Although largely self-taught, Bob was widely admired for his unmatched ability to fix anything and his vast mechanical knowledge. His skills and knowledge took him all over the world to different mine sites in Argentina, Chile, Peru, Indonesia and Alaska, to name a few.

He had a passion for muscle cars, and his black 1962 Pontiac is still fondly remembered by those who knew him. Bob married Dorothy Kiever, and together they had five children. They later divorced.

In his later years, Bob worked as a truck driver for Komatsu, hauling oversize and overweight loads. He retired at the age of 80, no longer wanting to chain up the semi to access the mines. His work ethic and dedication were legendary.

Bob was a member of Elko Masonic Lodge No. 15, a Shriner, a York Rite Mason, and a charter member of the South Pass Wyoming Historical Lodge.

He is survived by children, James Kay Wamsley (Alisa), William Vernon Wamsley (companion Misty), Kelly Sue Brink and Joseph Bruce Wamsley; daughter-in-law, Shannon Wamsley (Jeff, deceased); grandchildren, Camie Bozner, Celeste Black (Billy), Carina Wamsley, Stephen Wamsley (Alexandra), Natasha Wamsley (companion Kelly), Mandi Campos (Nate), Christopher Brink, Tiffiny Wamsley, Jeffrey Wamsley, Curtis Wamsley, Jessica Wamsley, Karson Wamsley and Kruz Wamsley; his brother, Stuart Wamsley (Diane); sister, Louise Latimer (Ed); his faithful dog, Zeke; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Kent (infant) and Curt; and son, Jeffrey Wamsley.

A visitation was held from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 14, at Crandall Funeral Home in Evanston. Burial and graveside services will follow at the Woodruff, Utah, cemetery.      

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital: www.shrinerschildren.org.

Rich County School District

 

                                                Cross County runners

Tues. Oct. 15

    Cross Country Meet @ Manila

Wed. Oct. 16 

    Junior High Honor Society Inductees

Thurs. Oct. 17

    JV Football @ Cedar High

    Rich Middle School Football with Kemmerer

Fri. Oct. 18

    Football with Big Pinney

    Volleyball with North Summit

Thurs. Oct. 14

by Trudy Smuin

 

Editorial-Bess Huefner

 Watching the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene from Florida through North Carolina brings to mind how much Rich County needs to prepare for problems. The agenda in the following LAEP information gives citizens the opportunity to help plan for the future. 

Please plan to attend on Wednesday!

Some of the areas we should be concerned about are the following:

    Lack of electricity

    Sewer connectivity

    Water lines breaking

    Canals being breached

    Wildfire protection lines

    Food Scarcity

    EMT Services

    The real question is how can you help in situations? Share your ideas.

Bess Huefner

The Local Emergency Planning Committee HAZARD MITIGATION KICKOFF MEETING Wednesday, October 9, 2024 4pm - 5pm

Everyone in Rich County is invited. The kickoff meeting is to gather public input of potential local hazards that may require a mitigation action. The FEMA Pre-Mitigation study is done by BRAG for Box Elder, Cache and Rich counties every five years. This document is required so if a disaster occurs the county would be eligible for assistance.   

The quarterly Rich County LEPC (Local Emergency Planning Committee) meeting will follow for those interested.

Bryce Nielson Rich County Emergency Manager

Garden City Town Hall Bldg. C, Lake View Room 69 North Paradise Parkway Garden City, UT Dinner Provided: RSVP to brittanya@brag.utah.gov or bryce.nielson@gmail.com

Rich County

Local Emergency Planning Committee AGENDA

 10/09/24 4:00PM

GARDEN CITY OFFICE- 69 N Paradise Pkwy, Garden City, UT

 

4:00     B.R.A.G. Mitigation Meeting

5:00     LEPC Regular Meeting to Begin

5:05     Introductions

5:10     Local Emergency Organization Member Reports- an optional few minutes to discuss     challenges, needs, suggestions, how summer went, etc. (each agency will have a few minutes if needed)

1.     Rich County Dispatch

2.     Rich County Sheriff’s Office

3.     Rich County Search and Rescue

4.     Rich County EMS

5.     Rich County Wildfire

6.     Rich County Fire Districts

7.     Utah Division of Natural Resources- State Parks & Forestry Fire and State Lands

8.     County/City Elected Officials

9.     Rich County Emergency Management

5:30     Radio Updates and statewide switch over to 700MHZ - Joey Stocking/Rich County Dispatch

5:45     Member Suggestions and Comments on Future LEPC Meetings

A.     Topics to Discuss

B.     Timing of Meetings

C.    Length of Meetings

5:50     TRI STATE MEETING- Bryce Nielson

Garden City Planning & Zoning Notes

 Discussion on the Amended Subdivision located in Bridgerland where the owner wanted to sell but the survey had to be amended. Approved

Discussion of the CUP for 11 Commercial Flex Space units 30' by 50' located at 71 No. 395 W. by owner, Matt Larsen. Needs an amended subdivision. Parking and canal easements discussed.

Osprey Heights needs to work out survey problems with neighbors.