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Tuesday, May 26, 2026

Contact Donna Hansen 435-757-8498 donnabearlake@gmail.com

Plant City Flowers

28 May | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

69 North Paradise Parkway, Garden City, Utah, United States, 84028
Volunteer Responsibilities
PLANT FLOWERS IN CONTAINERS AS DIRECTED

Laketown Planning and Zoning May 27 7:00 PM

1. Pledge of Allegiance 2. Minutes 3. Open discussion on Lot Sizes 4. Report from City Council 5. Other 6. Around the Room

Monday, May 25, 2026

Cisco’s Sonar

 

  • End of an Era

The beginning of summer is upon us. New and old businesses alike are all opening and ready for the crowds. Things will be different for me this year. 

I have decided to leave the lake at recreation business after 22 years.   I started in 2004 with Cisco's landing and operated that until 2015. I really enjoyed my years there mentoring young people and meeting all kinds of nice visitors.  It was also interesting to be part of the Marina population of folks who lived on their boats.  At Cisco’s Landing we ran a grill, fully stocked marine store, fuel dock and all kinds of other stuff. We rented all types of watercraft, including ski, pontoon, fishing and paddle boats in addition to a fleet Wave Runners.  Canoes, kayaks and paddle boards were also available.  We tied that all together with various water skis, wake boards, and a full array of towable toys.  Visitors even fed tons of carp while we were there. During that time, I also guided fishermen and took people on tour out on the lake.  

When I think back on it, I'm not sure how I did it all.  After working 30+ years for Utah Wildlife Resources As in Bear Lake fisheries biologist I wanted to know if I could be successful at running my own business.  I was but the real reward for me was the Cisco Kids. The many employees I had over the years, mostly girls, kept me feeling young and motivated. They gave me the opportunity to mingle with a new generation of kids and learn what challenges they had.  It really expanded this old Boomer's views.  I just know it was very rewarding to provide services to folks who visited Bear Lake State Park Marina.

In 2016,  after Cisco's Landing did not get its least renewed, I started Cisco Charters focusing on lake tours and fishing. I couldn't give it up because I got so much pleasure out of telling people about the lake and meeting new people, that I had to keep going. I had to quit guiding a couple of years ago because my eyesight was bad and I just didn't have enough help to run the boat and catch fish for the money they paid. Last few years I have just doing tours by reservation. 

 

With the new Marina expansion under construction now is a good time to give it up. Next year they'll be rebuilding the road so traffic trying to access the Marina will be a mess. These issues and the fact that I am old as dirt (77) means I probably ought to quit.  I will keep my pontoon boat in the Marina so you may see me cruising around the lake but it's going to be just for fun. It was truly a great time in my life.  I will miss it, but the memories will still be there.

America 250-New Hampshire (Wikipedia)

  In 1679, King Charles II separated New Hampshire from Massachusetts, issuing a charter for the royal Province of New Hampshire, with John Cutt as governor. New Hampshire was absorbed into the Dominion of New England in 1686, which collapsed in 1689. After a brief period without formal government (the settlements were de facto ruled by Massachusetts) William III and Mary II issued a new provincial charter in 1691. From 1699 to 1741, the governors of Massachusetts were also commissioned as governors of New Hampshire.

The province's geography placed it on the frontier between British and French colonies in North America, and it was for many years subjected to native claims, especially in the central and northern portions of its territory. Because of these factors, it was on the front lines of many military conflicts, including King William's War, Queen Anne's War, Father Rale's War, Dummer's War, and King George's War. By the 1740s, most of the native population had either been killed or driven out of the province's territory.

Partly because New Hampshire's governorship was shared with that of Massachusetts, border issues between the two colonies were not completely settled for many years. As New Hampshire settlements expanded northward, the boundary with York County, Massachusetts (now Maine) became more important to delineate. King George II sent commissioners to perform a survey. They declared the eastern boundary of New Hampshire extended to the headwaters of the Salmon Falls River where it exits Great East Lake, and extends 120 miles north of the mouth of the Piscataqua River, along a line two degrees west of due north.[4] This deviation from north approximately prevents curvature of the line on maps drawn to a different center meridian (such as the center of the colony).[4] The Treaty of Paris of 1783, ending the Revolutionary War, declared the border with Canada as beginning at "the northwestern head of the Connecticut River", but the lack of precision in the terminology left the exact border unresolved until 1842.[5][6]

Territory west of the Merrimack River was highly disputed. Issuers of the Massachusetts and New Hampshire charters had incorrectly believed the river to flow primarily from west to east. In the 1730s New Hampshire political interest led by Lieutenant Governor John Wentworth were able to raise the profile of these issues to colonial officials and the crown in London, even while Governor and Massachusetts native Jonathan Belcher preferentially granted land to Massachusetts interests in the disputed area. In 1741, King George II ruled that the border with southern Massachusetts (Maine was then also part of Massachusetts) was approximately what it is today, and also separated the governorships of the two provinces. Benning Wentworth in 1741 became the first non-Massachusetts governor since Edward Cranfield succeeded John Cutt in the 1680s.

Wentworth promptly complicated New Hampshire's territorial claims by interpreting the provincial charter to include territory west of the Connecticut River and began issuing land grants in this territory, which was also claimed by the Province of New York. The so-called New Hampshire Grants area became a subject of contention from the 1740s until the 1790s when it was admitted to the United States as the state of Vermont.

The only battle fought in New Hampshire was the raid on Fort William and Mary, December 14, 1774, in Portsmouth Harbor, which netted the rebellion sizable quantities of gunpowder, small arms, and cannon over the course of two nights. (General Sullivan, leader of the raid, described it as "remainder of the powder, the small arms, bayonets, and cartouche-boxes, together with the cannon and ordnance stores".) This raid was preceded by a warning to local patriots the previous day, by Paul Revere on December 13, 1774, that the fort was to be reinforced by troops sailing from Boston. According to unverified accounts, the gunpowder was later used at the Battle of Bunker Hill, transported there by Major Demerit, who was one of several New Hampshire patriots who stored the powder in their homes until it was transported elsewhere for use in revolutionary activities. During the raid, the fort's garrison fired upon the rebels with cannon and muskets. Although there were apparently no casualties, these were among the first shots in the American Revolutionary period, occurring approximately five months before the Battles of Lexington and Concord. On January 5, 1776, New Hampshire became the first colony to declare independence from Great Britain, almost six months before the Declaration of Independence was signed by the Continental Congress.[12]

New Hampshire was one of the Thirteen Colonies that revolted against British rule during the American Revolution

New Hampshire ratified the U.S. Constitution on June 21, 1788, becoming the ninth state to do so and officially putting the Constitution into effect.

New Hampshire’s ratification was a pivotal moment in American history because Article VII of the Constitution required the approval of nine states for the document to become legally operative. By becoming the ninth state, New Hampshire’s approval ensured that the Constitution could take effect and establish the new federal government

Slavery in New Hampshire

As in the other Thirteen Colonies and elsewhere in the colonial Americas, racially conditioned slavery was a firmly established institution in New Hampshire. The New Hampshire Assembly in 1714 passed "An Act To Prevent Disorders In The Night":[7][8]

Whereas great disorders, insolencies and burglaries, are ofttimes raised and committed in the night time, by Indian, Negro, and Molatto servants and slaves, to the Disquiet and hurt of her Majesty's good subjects: No Indian, Negro, or Molatto servant or slave, may presume to absent from the families where they respectively belong, or be found abroad in the night time after nine o'clock; unless it is upon errand for their respective masters or owners.

Notices emphasizing and re-affirming the curfew were published in The New Hampshire Gazette in 1764 and 1771.[7]

"Furthermore, as one of the few colonies that did not impose a tariff on slaves, New Hampshire became a base for slaves to be imported into America and then smuggled into other colonies. Every census up to the Revolution showed an increase in the black population, though they remained proportionally fewer than in most other New England colonies."[9]

Following the Revolution, a powerfully-written petition of 1779 sent by 20 slaves in Portsmouth—members of what historian Ira Berlin identified as the revolutionary generations [de] of enslaved people in his pivotal work Many Thousands Gone[10]—unsuccessfully requested freedom for the enslaved. The New Hampshire legislature would not officially eliminate slavery in the state until 1857, long after the death of many of the signatories. The 1840 United States census was the last to enumerate any slaves in the households of the state.[7]

While the number of slaves resident in New Hampshire itself dwindled during the 19th century, the state's economy remained closely interlinked with, and dependent upon, the economies of the slave states. Slave-produced raw materials, such as cotton for textiles, and slave-manufactured goods were imported. The ship Nightingale of Boston, built in Eliot, Maine in 1851 and outfitted in Portsmouth, would serve as a slave ship before its capture by the African Slave Trade Patrol in 1861, indicating the region's further economic connection to the ongoing Atlantic slave trade.[7][11]

Bear Lake State Park Marina

 storms

Low Temp:41° F
High Temp:80° F
Water Temp:52.3° F
Water Level:5916.40′

Thursday, May 21, 2026

The Rich County Golf Teams placed 3rd in the 1 A Schools

  • 99 — Jaylin Lutz, Rich, So.
  • 106 — Ashlyn Steven, Rich, Sr. 
  • 112 — Braylyn Pugmire, Rich, So.
  • 115 — Leah Petersen, Rich, Sr.
  • 116 — Morgan Ward, Rich, Sr.

Laketown Planning & Zoning Commission Agenda

  Laketown Planning & Zoning Commission Agenda

May 27, 2026
		7:00 PM  

10 N. 200 E., Laketown, UT 84038
       Welcome

1.	Pledge of Allegiance
2.	Minutes
3.	Open discussion on Lot Sizes
4.	Report from City Council
5.	Other
6.	Around the Room

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

America 250-South Carolina (Wikipedia)



 South Carolina was named in honor of King Charles I of England, who first formed the English colony, with Carolus being Latin for "Charles".[9] In 1712 the Province of South Carolina was formed. One of the original Thirteen Colonies, South Carolina became a royal colony in 1719. During the American Revolutionary War, South Carolina was the site of major activity among the American colonies, with more than 200 battles and skirmishes fought within the state.[10] South Carolina became the eighth state to ratify the U.S. Constitution on May 23, 1788.

A slave state, South Carolina was the first state to vote in favor of secession from the United States in 1860; after being part of the Confederacy during the American Civil War, the state was readmitted to the Union in 1868


I found the following information to be fascinating and challenge you to find it and read more.

The Lady of Cofitachequi was a Native American woman who served as a Orada of the town called Cofitachequi by the “Muskogeans” during the 16th century. She was described by Spanish chroniclers as possessing beautiful physical attributes as well as excellent mental capabilities. Her people did not originally speak the Muskogean language, proof is in other villagers from her kingdom's domains also spoke the a mother language to “Siouan” Catawban tongues. Even though she is best known for her encounter with the Spanish conquistador, Hernando De Soto, her historical importance is that she ruled over the extensive Kingdom of Cofitachequi and had thousands of subjects including slaves. Cofitachequi was one of the wealthiest kingdoms of the 16th century. As part of the Mississippian culture, her kingdom enjoyed political centralization and agricultural production. Under the leadership of The Lady of Cofitachuqui, trade within the provinces guaranteed access to food, weapons, minerals, and raw materials. As a woman, her power was such that she exercised control over subordinate chiefdoms which reached far into North Carolina. The Spaniards recognized her power as among the greatest of the Southeast chiefs.[1]

The ‘’‘Lady of Cofitachequi’’’ was a paramount chieftainess of the Cofitachequi polity (also known in early sources as Yupaha) during the mid-16th century. She is best remembered for her encounter with Hernando de Soto in 1540, but her importance lies in the scope of her power: she ruled a far-reaching Mississippian kingdom, multi-lingual and multi-ethnic, with subordinate male chiefs under her authority

Rich County Track Teams 2026


 

Obituary for Lyn Porter Weston of Randolph

Lyn Porter Weston, age 61 died May 17, 2026, at his home in Randolph. Lyn was born on February 21, 1965, to Dale Benjamin and Pamela Porter Weston. He came on theheels of his big brother, Kevin, arriving just eleven months later. Pam said that was having twins the hard way. 

Lyn grew up on the Weston Ranch in Pickleville, learning to work hard, but also learning how to enjoy simple pleasures like trips to the station with Grandpa for an Orange Crush. Lyn, Kevin, and the Davidson cousins stayed all summer in a large hunting tent in Grandma’s yard, and in the mornings, Lyn and Robert had pancake-eating contests. 

Lyn attended North Rich Elementary School, exhibiting robust Mustang pride, through the fifth grade before the family moved to the BQ Ranch south of Cokeville. Lyn began sixth grade as a Cokeville Panther. Lyn loved playing basketball and was part of two historic back-to-back state championship teams. 

Once the Weston’s moved operations to the ranch south of Cokeville, Lyn, Kevin, and the Davidson cousins stayed in a bunkhouse during the summers. They made a dynamic haying crew, and there was a lot of fun to be had while they worked. The family had many picnics, and they fished a lot. 

One summer, when all the boys were teenagers, Grandpa gave them colts to break. Lyn took to all aspects of cowboy life, and working with livestock. He sat a horse like a natural. One cattle drive was especially memorable; a train went by Sage Junction and blew its whistle just as the Weston herd was rounding the bend on the stock trail. Cows stampeded in every direction, with young cowboys on green-broke broncos trying to stop them. It was quite a rodeo! 

Lyn graduated from Cokeville High School in 1983 and worked with his dad and Grandpa Weston until his mission. In July of 1984, he entered the MTC preparatory to serving in the Anaheim California Mission, where he labored for 18 months. He was named the top baptizing elder in his mission and learned to love city folks, something he previously thought impossible. 

His brother Kevin often said, “Lyn was called to the Disneyland Mission, and he never really came home from there.” 

One time in California, a semi load of hay went by, and Lyn chased after it for several blocks, just to smell the bales, but that made him homesick and so he snuck a call home that night to get it out of his system. 

Lyn had a hard time adjusting to regular life after his mission. He continued to wake up early to study his scriptures, and he called Kevin “Elder” for about six months until he finally naturalized.

Lyn coached Jr. High basketball in Cokeville. He liked his team, and he ran with them. He worked alongside them on the court during practices, being willing to sweat as hard as they did. He said, “I don’t make them run laps or ladders unless I run them, too.” 

Lyn graduated from Bridgerland Technical College in auto mechanics in 1988. He fell in love with a cute Randolph girl, Heidi Hoffman, and had to wait patiently for her to finish growing up and graduate from high school. Their dates consisted of fun things like going back to prom, and all the activities Lyn didn’t actually want to do when he was in high school. Lyn and Heidi were married on June 22 of 1991, in the Logan Temple. They were blessed with four children, Lyndi Dawn, Whitlee Aleece, Porter Benjamin, and Madyson Brooke. 

Lyn and Heidi moved to Rexburg so Heidi could further her degree in education. Lyn took animal science classes, and his rookie veterinary skills were utilized back home on the ranch! He could perform C-sections on cows and even volunteered to deliver his sister’s baby with his newfound confidence. Lyn was excellent at removing cancer-eyes from cattle, too. 

Lyn received dual associate’s degrees from Rick’s College in agriculture and mechanics and graduated in the top 10%. Lyn entered national competitions, receiving several 1st place achievements. 

Lyn liked good dogs, good horses, and Diet Coke. 

Fatherhood came naturally to Lyn, and he was proud of his kids. He coached little league basketball, both girls’ and boys’ teams, being actively involved in cultivating a love for the game. Some of those girls he coached went on to win three state titles, the first in Rich High School history. 

After Dale and Grandma Marie sold the Weston Ranch in 2001, Lyn went trucking to continue supporting his family. He also enjoyed local employment at the Diamond W where he worked as a mechanic. He drove the activities bus for Rich County for over twenty years. He was an excellent driver, and parents felt safe entrusting their kids to his care. 

Lyn served on the Randolph Town Board for twelve years, before being elected as Mayor of Randolph. He was mayor for 9 years, stepping down to handle his calling as bishop. He cooked breakfast for the town each summer. His leadership saw many improvements to the city, including the ballpark lights and summer ball programs for the kids. Lyn made the youth a real priority. 

He was currently the head of the Rich County Sanitation Department, and his easy personality made it easier to put up with a lot of garbage.

Lyn relished life and created memory-making moments. He took his family on lots of vacations, especially favoring Disneyland! Lyn worked hard, so that together, the Weston Family could play hard. Lyn made family time a major priority while still managing to serve the Lord in any capacity that he was called to fill, including Elder’s Quorum President, 2nd Counselor in the Bishopric, Stake High Councilman, and Bishop. Lyn was presently serving as Gospel Doctrine Teacher in the Randolph 1st Ward. 

Lyn was bishop during the Covid pandemic, and his leadership during that time was inspired, innovative, and on point with what the Savior expected him to do. 

Lyn is survived by his bride, Heidi, and daughter Lyndi (Camron) Foust, Whitlee (Jaden) Larsen, Porter (Gracie) Weston, and Mady (Hunter) Emett, along with his grandchildren, Cambrie, Grayson, and Emmie Foust, Ricklyn, Leena, and Henry Larsen, and Pope Benjamin Weston. Lyn is also survived by his mother-in-law, LouDawn Hoffman, his brother Kevin Weston, and sister, June Marie Saxton, cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

Lyn was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Pam Weston, and his father-in-law, Roy Hoffman, and a brother-in-law, Roy Dean Smith.

The funeral was held on Sat. May 23, in Randolph, UT

Splash Back by John Holman-look at the website to access the reports: info@bearlakewatch.ccsend.com

 I am trying something different this month. I received some feedback that the graphs as presented in the past are too small. So this month I'll have graphs presented individually and larger. The newsletter will be longer so please let me know if you don't find this new format helpful.


The complete Water Supply Reports from Idaho and Utah are at the links below along with the latest USDA Water and Climate Report.


Utah Water Supply Report (click here)

Idaho Water Supply Report (click here).

USDA Water and Climate Report (click here).


As of May 1, 2026, Utah and Idaho were both entering the irrigation season with materially deficient snowpack despite some April improvement. Utah was in the more extreme position: statewide SWE was only about 21% of normal, described by NRCS as the worst snowpack season in the observational record back to at least 1930. Idaho’s statewide SWE was also well below normal, about 58% of normal, after an early March peak and accelerated mid-March melt. In both states, April was relatively cool and wet, which slowed melt and provided some short-term precipitation benefit, but it did not correct the winter snowpack deficit. The practical implication is early peak runoff, weak late-spring and summer natural streamflow, and increased dependence on reservoir storage and groundwater. Reservoir storage provides some buffer in selected systems, but NRCS cautioned that warm, dry May conditions could rapidly deplete the remaining snowpack and lead to low reservoir carryover by the end of the irrigation season. 


For the Upper Bear Basin, conditions were better than much of Utah but still clearly water-limited. The warm spell in late March-early April killed the snowpack, which stayed in record low territory for most of April. The Utah Bear River Basin snowpack was about 35% of median on May 1, due to April precipitation which was near to above normal resulting in snow at higher elevations. Water-year precipitation was roughly normal on May 1st.


Forecast natural flows in the Upper Bear system remained well below normal, with several key Bear River and Smiths Fork forecast points generally in the 25%–53% of median range. The main Bear system is partially buffered by Bear Lake storage, which made the overall Bear Surface Water Supply Index (data not shown) appear near normal, but smaller subbasins such as Woodruff Narrows and Little Bear showed severe surface-water supply stress. Operationally, the Upper Bear Basin should be viewed as having poor natural runoff, early melt timing, limited late-season baseflow support, and a strong dependence on index stored water.