Two Bike Races Planned, One Chastised For Poor Performance

Anita Weston, Reporter

RANDOLPH-November 7.  Dirk Cowley would like to sponsor a special bicycle race in July of 2013.  The race would begin at 8 a.m. in Logan and would go through Logan Canyon, into Garden City, up to Laketown and around the lake ending in Garden City.  There will be five groups or fields of 75 riders each.  Each field will have a highway patrol car in the lead and another in the rear.  There will also be two additional patrolmen within the field itself.  He indicated that there would be signage to let people know of this activity several days prior to the race.  The Commissioners indicated that they would try and work with him with this special event.

 

County Commissioners were not as pleased with another race director.  Joe Coles asked the Commissioners to work with him on another bicycle race this coming summer.  He had sponsored a race this past summer.  The Commission made it clear that they would not approve the race unless Mr. Coles was willing to follow their directions. 

 

Coles was told last spring that the participants in the race could not go down one side of the road, then turn and return on the other side.  Having bicyclists on both sides of the road makes it almost impossible for any traffic to get through at all.  Mr. Coles had said he would follow these instructions.  However, he  actually set up the race using both sides of the road..  There were a couple of serious accidents, and it took 27 minutes for one ambulance to travel five miles to get to one of the casualties.  A second ambulance had a similar experience to get to the second victim.  There were also some areas that were not left clean and in an acceptable manner.  The Commissioners indicated that they were not in favor of having a similar situation this next year.  They suggested that Mr. Coles check with Idaho to see if Idaho would allow the race on that part of the lake.

County Commission News

Anita Weston, Reporter

RANDOLPH – November 7.  The Alder Subdivision located on the south edge of Gus Rich’s Point has an 18' easement across Idaho Beach property from Highway 30 north into that subdivision. Judd Preston, the County Attorney, indicated that the ordinances that are in place in the County require a wider easement.  He asked that Alder go to the County Board of Adjustment asking to be allowed to use the nonconforming roadway.  Alder has been working with the County since 2008 in trying to take care of this problem.  The Commissioners indicated they would try and expedite this issue.

 

Kim Wilson, the County Assessor, appeared before the Commissioners to let them know of an ambulance case where the individuals are asking for a reduction in the bill.  It was determined that the amount of the bill was partially the result of the customer’s request to be taken to a particular hospital that was further away than the regular facility.   She was told to look into what other counties and departments are doing as far as setting up monthly payments, writing of bills, and so forth. Whatever options appear to be the best for the ambulance procedures will be written up and become County policy.

 

 

Kim Wilson also informed the commissioners that there will need to be an increase in the budget for her department.  There are going to be more audits  and as she needs to become re-certified for a new appraiser license.  Mrs. Wilson indicated that one home needed to be reappraised.  Apparently it was not as livable as was at first believed.  She noted that the owner had not come in during the board of equalization hearings and she felt he should have done so at that time.  However, the Commissioners gave her permission to make the necessary adjustments and take care of the matter.

 

Rendezvous at Meadowville

Anita Weston, Reporter

RANDOLPH-November 7.  Joel Marler from the Bear Lake Rendezvous Corporation asked the county commission that the Corporation be given permission to hold a Rendezvous in the Meadowville area.  He noted that Scott Johnson had given permission to use his property at that location.  There will be plenty of room for parking, for exhibits, and for entertainment.  The date would be August 20-25, 2013.  This date was chosen because it is the week prior to the Ft. Bridger Rendezvous.  Those individuals who participate in the Ft. Bridger festivities would be able to stay in Meadowville area for a week and then move over to Ft. Bridger which would save many of them travel and other expenses. 

 

The Rendevouz is planning on about 50 or so traders for this first year.  They are hoping to attract around 5,000 people this first year.  The Commissioners indicated they would be interested in having such an activity in the County.  The only request they made was that with the parking areas, to please make sure there is both an ingress and an egress to make it easier for people to get in and out of the area.

Trails and Boating in Garden City

Anita Weston, Reporter

GARDEN CITY- November 8.  Bess Huefner, City Council Member, reported that the County is willing to put $20,000 into the City’s trails.  This amount will be in kind, equipment and gravel.  It was noted that there are some very large rocks currently in the middle of the road near Payne Spring.  The County thought they could help break up those large rocks so that as gravel is added to the road, it won’t wash away as quickly and will allow for easier maintenance.  The City will maintain the lower Hodges Canyon section up to Payne Spring as well as the lower part of Garden City Canyon.  Huefner said that "this is just the starting of improvement for the trails in and around our City."

Bess Huefner and Brian House, both Garden City Council Members, requested that the County work with them in getting the Trails from Hodges Canyon to the Richardson area as well as to the Sinks.  The road up Hodges Canyon is about 6' - 8' wide.  Garden City will take care of the trail up to Payne Springs since they have to have access into there for some of the City water.  The road from there up to Richardson is about 16' and will work well for a snow cat.  The request was made to the County to contribute about $20,000 in kind.  There needs to be equipment and gravel that the County has access to and could use to help.  The Commissioners seemed to feel good about helping this way and said they would work with Garden City.  Garden City is going to make an application for a trails grant.  They will also be asking other government agencies to help and contribute what they can to get these trails available to the public on a year around basis.

 

 

Bess Huefner and Brian House, both Garden City Council Members, had requested that the County Commissioners work with them in getting the Trails from Hodges Canyon to the Richardson area as well as to the Sinks.  The road up Hodges Canyon is about 6' - 8' wide.  Garden City will take care of the trail up to Payne Springs since they have to have access into there for some of the City water.  The road from there up to Richardson is about 16' and will work well for a snow cat.  The request was made to the County to contribute about $20,000 in kind.  There needs to be equipment and gravel that the County has access to and could use to help.  The Commissioners seemed to feel good about helping this way and said they would work with Garden City.  Garden City is going to make an application for a trails grant.  They will also be asking other government agencies to help and contribute what they can to get these trails available to the public on a year around basis.

 

It was suggested that signs be made to let people know that they can drive on Garden City roads with their ATVs if licensed.

 

Bess Huefner reported that the  visitor bathrooms in the city parking lot are almost completed.  There have been problems getting the needed parts since everything must be “American Made.”  Some of the items used are not manufactured on a regular basis because they cost  much more than purchasing from other countries.  As a result, several delays can be traced to having to wait until enough orders were accumulated for the manufacture to work on those items. 

 

 

The Mayor reported that he is working with sovereign lands for a beach permit for next year.  He also noted that the invasive species is being handled so differently by Idaho and Utah, that he feels Garden City needs to take a stand and do something that will perhaps help protect the lake.  The City should require that a sticker be required from anyone launching a boat.  He assigned Andy Stokes to write an ordinance dealing with any invasive species and tie in a fine that goes along with the failure to follow the ordinance.  The sticker would cost $5 and would allow the City to make sure those who don’t have a sticker launch at one of the State Parks where their boats can be inspected.

Garden City Public Works

Garden City Council
Anita Weston, Reporter

 

GARDEN CITY – November 8.  Zan Murray, the City Engineer, was given verbal approval for a well in the Heritage park from the state.  He thought that formal permission to start digging would be given at the beginning of next week.  The money for the well will be taken from the General Improvement Fund.   

Currently the City is trying to reduce some of the expenditures and electricity currently incurred at the water treatment plant.  The Town only needs about 25 percent of the treatment plant capacity during the winter months.  Those working with the plant will attempt to shut down about 75 percent and see how things go.  This will result to a real savings if it can be done. 

The new lights in Garden City are going to be put in place soon.  Originally, the lights were going to be placed on City property.  However, it was decided that it would look much more uniform and pleasing if they could be placed evenly along the roadside.  The City obtained an easement from UDOT for the placement of the lights, but must follow their specifications.  They require a bigger footing, longer bolts, and breakaway connections.  Even those lights that are placed on other properties need to be held to the same standards, so, the additional features are being added to all of the lights. 

All but two of the Idaho water users now have meters placed on their water lines.  Two connections are rather complicated and won’t be completed until spring.  All of the needed installation has been completed on Payne Spring.  Three sections of snow fence has been put up–one on First West, one on 700 West  by the Negus home, and the other is in Buttercup on the upper Southwest corner near the Schnetzer home.  The ramp up to the fish pond has been extended approximately 8' to 10' so that when there is a need for new fish to be put into the pond, it will be a much easier process.  Riley Argyle, Public Works, reported that an 8" house water line pipe broke at the treatment plant. It has been fixed and was an item that had been insured.  Argyle indicated that he had ordered several different kinds and sizes of pipes so that quick repairs can be made in the future when such breaks occur. 

The  city GIS System unit is currently not working.  Mr. Argyle said he would look into the costs of a new unit and let the Council know about cost and maintenance on a new unit.  Radios used by the City workers must be replaced.  All units must go to a narrow band by January 1, 2013.  This includes the Fire Department, the Public Works Department, and all emergency services.  Because the radios are used so frequently, it was felt that some money from each of the budgets could be used in their replacement. 

 

Argyle thought it might be a good idea to purchase a snow plow for the front loader.  He had looked into the matter and said that such an item would cost about $15,000.  The Council asked that he look for a second hand snow plow.  If an emergency occurs, local people who had snow equipment could always be called on to help clear roads.  It was noted that to get to the Shundahi Water System tank is pretty difficult to get to, especially in bad weather. 

13 Unit Hotel Planned

Planning and Zoning Meeting
Randall Knight, Reporter

GARDEN CITY - November 7.  Don Webb requested that the P&Z board review and approve his architectural plans for a 13 unit hotel and food court to be built at Pickleville Commons located at approximately 2085 S Bear Lake Blvd.

Webb's plan is for the facility to be open year round, but that will depend on business.  The hotel would actually be individual cabins which will be complete units with a full bath and kitchenette.   Webb requested the board’s views on the business being mixed use commercial since there would be a hotel and a separate building which would be the food court. The complex would also have a pavilion with the facilities to wash and dry linens. 

The board clarified  that Webb would have a year to complete the first phase of the project after the permit is approved.  They also stated a building permit would be required for each phase if the project is broken in to multiple phases. Webb’s preference was to build in phases.  After more discussion the board approved his request to move to the next step of the process. 

The board approved a motion to have the town council approve the request for a new Vacation Subdivision within Block A, Amended Blue Water Beach Subdivision as discussed in an earlier meeting. 

Several lights have been turned off in the city to reduce operational costs.  Safety concerns have been voiced by a few citizens to some of the board members due to the reduced lighting.  The board approved a motion to review and determine what lights should be turned back on and bring those recommendations to the next meeting.  Mike Schiess recommended a notice be posted on the Post Office bulletin board.  The posting will include the city office phone number so people can personally call to identify themselves and make their recommendation for why they want a light to be on at a specific location.  Currently lights are on at various businesses, bus stops and busy intersections.

 

 

Making it Good With Maureen

Maureen Gale

 

Hotel Utah Pie Crust

 

This is the flaky pie crust recipe from the old Hotel Utah.  You may want to use it for your Thanksgiving pies.

 

Wire whisk together:

4 c. flour

2 tsp. salt

2 Tbsp. sugar

Cut together into flour mixture until pea-sized:

1 3/4 c. Crisco (can substitute 1 cube butter for a 1/2 cup of Crisco--oh yummy)

Blend well together, then add to flour mixture until evenly distributed:

1/2 c. cold water

1 Tbsp. white vinegar

1 egg

 

Dough will be a little wet but will absorb quickly. That texture is what makes it so easy to work with. Divide into four balls. Makes four 8-inch crusts or three 9-inch crusts (usually with some left over for apple turnover). Roll out to an even 3/16 inch on floured surface. Can be rolled immediately, refrigerated for a couple of days, or frozen and thawed later. Works fine to roll, put in pie plates, and freeze, too.

I'm assuming people know how to bake a crust, but if you want those directions, just in case, here they are:

For crust only (unbaked filling), crimp the edges, poke a bunch of fork holes around bottom and sides of crust, and bake at 425 with an empty pie tin on top for the first 6 minutes, then about 5-6 minutes more with it removed (reduces shrinkage) on middle rack. For baked pie filling, just follow directions of recipe. It works best to put filled pies on a slightly lower oven rack to reduce sogginess.

Four Hour Rainbow in Garden City

Photo by Lauriann Wakefield, Garden City

Musings of a Muddled Male

The Vote
Bob Stevens
The Muddled Male 

 

      I was pretty bummed, election night, when the inevitable set in and the news anchors were falling all over themselves to brag about how they already knew the winners and losers even though some polls were still open and there was still a ton of votes to count.  Of course things could have been worse.  Roseanne Barr was a candidate for president on the ballot in some states.  I hear that she even received enough votes to place 6^th in the nation.  Just think of the chaos in the world if she had won.  Actually, after pondering that possibility, I realized that Roseanne has already developed an ability to handle the feral pigs that have been trying to eat the macadamia nut crop on her farm in Hawaii, and I had to admit that she just might have the right experience to deal with a balky congress hesitant to do anything to keep us from going over the coming financial cliff. 

      While I was lamenting the terrible state of the world Ann, my wife, said, "Well you aren't perfect either, you know."  Now I admit that her comment took me completely by surprise.   Not that she felt that I wasn't perfect, but that she found out so quickly.  We have only been married a little more than fifty-seven years and I was hoping that it would take longer than that for her to notice.  So, thinking that I might be able to squirm out from under any teensy flaw she mistakenly thought she had uncovered, I foolishly challenged her to list even one flaw she felt I had.  Particularly, I told her, I wanted to hear of one that stands out because it is a burden to her. 

      "To begin with," she began, "You always place your pants the wrong way on the hanger when you hang them up after wearing them.  And you always leave the kitchen cupboard doors open after you take out or return a dish."  Well I ran from the kitchen to our master closet to prove her wrong, only to bump into an open cupboard door on the way.  When I got to the closet I found that I had indeed muffed the pants hanging test.  For those who haven't been to our home, my pants are all hanging on the low rod on the south side of the master closet with the rod running east and west.  Every pair of pants that Ann had hung for me had the seat facing me with the seat dangling on the east side of the hanger, a fact that I had never noticed.  The four that I had worn, since the last wash and then remembered to re-hang, had the seat facing me, but the seat was dangling on the west side of the hanger, a fact that she not only noticed, she marked it as a sign of imperfection.  I tried to convince her that an alternating pattern of "seat on the east, seat on the west" added a nice balancing touch to our closet, but she would have none of it. 

      So I did what any normal husband does when faced with having committed such a faux pas; I groveled.  So If you pass me on the street and hear me muttering, "seat on the east, seat on the east," just be aware that I am a flawed husband in the process of being re-trained.

     

  

Cisco Sonar

Elections!

Bryce Neilson

As I sit here watching the boob tube I wish I wasn't addicted to it and the news.  I really don't want to turn it on but I can't help myself.  I wonder why I should believe any of the "talking heads" that rattle on about everything.  I don't know any of these people nor their agendas.  With the election tomorrow it will all peak.  The billions of dollars wasted on advertizing political rhetoric will be stuffed into the pockets of media and advertizing companies. 

What has it gained us other than a divided nation, the election of a person half of the people dislike and a Congress that will actually control the future?  I heard a lot of things about the candidates' views  over and over and over but I still don't know if they like to hunt or fish, ski, wakeboard, camp, ride a horse or ever wear pants that are not pressed.  I would like to get in their minds to really know what they truly think.  Do they love sunrises, fresh snow, clean water and air, the smell of pines or the crashing of waves.  They probably don't have the time to know. 

I am being unfair to the people trying to run our lives.  I think they all started out with a sincere wish to serve the public.  Now they are all being told what to do and say or just trying to get re-elected.  We will never know them personally.  As an old retired politician I have learned that the elections that really count are in your counties and towns.  At least you know the people.  I just keep thinking what we could have done for all of us with the billions and billions that have been spent. 

Vote

            Don't Forget To Vote This Tuesday

USU String Concert

String Quartet and Guests Present Fall Concert

 
    
   
The Fry Street Quartet, resident string quartet at Utah State University, presents “Fry Street and Friends” Thursday, Nov. 8. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Performance Hall on USU’s Logan campus.

“We have been waiting to perform a concert of mixed ensemble pieces with our fellow faculty and friends for a long time,” said Rebecca McFaul, assistant professor in the Caine College of the Arts and violinist in the Fry Street Quartet. “We are excited for the opportunity to break out of the quartet repertoire and collaborate with wonderful colleagues.”

Fry Street Quartet is joined by Matthew Zalkind, cello; Cindy Dewey, voice; Corbin Johnston, bass; Gary Amano, piano; Jason Hardink, piano and Mayumi Matzen, piano.

A variety of pieces will be performed, each with a different combination of quartet members and friends.

McFaul and Matzen will perform Sonata for Violin and Piano by Claude Debussy; Dewey, Bradley Ottesen and Amano will perform Two Songs for Alto, Viola and Piano, Op. 9 by Johannes Brahms; and Robert Watters, Ottesen, Zalkind, Johnston and Hardink will perform Piano Quintet in A Major, the ‘Trout’ by Franz Schubert.

Tickets at $10 general admission, $8 seniors and youth, $5 USU faculty and staff and free for USU students with valid ID. For more information or tickets visit the Caine College of the Arts Box Office in room 139-B of the Chase Fine Arts Center on USU’s campus, call 435-797-8022 or see the college website.