Local Artist Paints The Lake

This is an example of a local artist, Lauriann Wakefield, at work on a new painting of Bear Lake.  It is amazing how many wonderful artists and photographers we have in one of the smallest counties in Utah.  Rich Civic Times is always glad to publish  art and photographs of local talent.

Rachel's Challenge Followup

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

RANDOLPH, Utah, September 24, 2014, Superintendent Lamborn asked Board Members if they had attended the program, Rachel’s Challenge.  Those who had attended were asked how they felt about it.  All had only positive statements to make about the program and felt it had an impact.  They hoped that the students would remember the program and put it into action over time. 

The Superintendent then asked the principals how they felt Rachel’s Challenge had been received and had they seen any results from this program.

Principal Motta reported that students were asked each day to write down any kind actions they had seen or they themselves had done.  They are then taking these statements and forming a chain that is going all throughout the school.  Students are being reminded and made aware of the importance of courtesy and kind acts.  The students are responding which is very gratifying.

Principal Larsen noted that the theme for homecoming is “Be Someone’s Hero.”  The high school is also making a chain, and a student is being spotlighted each day for his/her kind acts.  An effort is being made to make sure everyone is included in some way to make them know they belong.  It appears to be working.

Last Fall Days

Photo by Sharon Hayes Pugmire

State School Baord Representative Takes Questions

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

RANDOLPH, Utah.  September 24, 2014.  The State School Board Representative for the northern part of the state, Terryl Warner, was in attendance at the School Board meeting.  She was given time to speak to the group; ask questions, and use the time given to her anyway that she would like. 

She noted that information is being gathered concerning the one-on-one issue.  She wanted to know how it was working out to have one computer for each student in a classroom.  Apparently the State School Board is considering requesting a billion dollars from the legislature to adopt this program throughout the State.

She was informed that currently each student from the sixth grade through high school in Rich County has a school computer.  This was made possible by the District using trust land monies.  These monies are received each year and were saved until computers could be purchased.  Along with computers, however, are several other expenses and items that need to be taken into consideration before the program could be successful. 

Several years prior to getting the money to purchase the computers, money was spent on the backbone—the part of the system that handles all the computer traffic that would result from having that many individuals connecting to the various programs and computer servers at one time.  Also time, effort, and research were expended looking for software packages that would support the curriculum.  Software is not cheap.  Separate packages are required for each subject along with multiple copies so that all may participate. 

Funding is also needed for training of teachers.  Teachers must be able to know the software prior to trying to walk students through getting into the program, how it works, where review problems can be found, when and where tests can be found and taken, how work is to be sent to the teacher, and so forth.  Not a small matter. 

The program Canvas was purchased to help in retrieving and sending assignments and information back and forth between the computer station and the teacher’s station.  This program is used by most colleges and universities and gives the students a head start at university when they are already familiar with being able retrieve and submit their work.

There was concern about filtering out anything that was not appropriate for the students.  Special filtering programs have been put in place.  In addition, other software packages are required that block students from playing games, surfing the web, going to Facebook and other social media sites, and so forth.  The computer is to be used for school work and learning of specific subjects and not to be used for personal enjoyment.  The program selected to do this is called Stoneware and is quite expensive but currently seems to be doing a good job.

Students are allowed to take the computers home and work on their homework there.  However, they must sign onto the school system to do so.  Thus, all extraneous items are filtered out the same as if they were at school.

It was emphasized that the selection of software and computer brands will become a real problem if the State decides to mandate what can be used.  If they select something different than what many schools are currently using, all of the money and effort that has gone into the current systems at various schools will be unusable.  That’s a tremendous amount of time, money, and effort that will be lost.

Right now, many vendors are still in the process of getting programs and software written to handle various subjects.  They are not ready in all areas of the curriculum.

It was also noted, that giving students younger than sixth grade is not a good idea.  Students need a bit more maturity in order to be able to really take advantage of machine capabilities.

Mrs. Warner reported to the Board that the search for a new State School Superintendent is in the interviewing stage.  She noted that she had not been told any of the names of applicants.  There is a meeting to be held in about two weeks where the Board Members will have the opportunity to visit with the four selected candidates and vote for who they decide will handle the job the best.  She noted that currently it appeared that the individuals being considered have a political background—not an educational background.  She personally feels that the individual in that position should have taught in the classroom and had some administrative experience in the education area.  Apparently, that is not what is currently being considered. 

Principals Motta and Larsen both expressed a concern to her about the way test scores from the various schools will be handled.  In the past few years, the CRT tests have been given to the students and comparisons made among schools.  However, last year a pilot test, called Sage, was used.  Because it was used for the first time, there is no way it can be compared with scores from the other exam.  They are completely different tests.  However, from everything that has been said, it appears that the State School Office is saying that the scores on the Sage Test are really low.  That statement doesn’t make sense.  Hopefully, citizens will be told that the scores are not low; they are just different than the results from other tests given in the past.

Rich County School Board Meeting

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

RANDOLPH, Utah. September 24, 2014. Two expenses that had been paid this past month were explained to the Board Members.  Propane had been ordered and delivered this past month.  A new vendor is being used this year because they had bid the lowest price.  Also, it was noted that $2,500 had been deposited in the High School Association for Employees account.

Only one bid was received for the truck being sold by the district.  It was opened.  Tyler Stewart had bid $6,100 for the truck.  Minimum bid was $6,000.  The bid was accepted by the Board.

All home school requests were approved.  The Board ratified Policy 304.  This policy determines how aides are paid.  The wording change was to  half day instead of hourly.  Policy 607 dealing with evaluation information was also ratified.

Two new aides were hired.  Both aides are doing well, work in the special education area, and are appreciated for their efforts..  These aides are Scott Turley and Kathy Creo.  The Board approved the hiring of these two individuals.  Two more half-day aids are needed.  It was recommended by the Board that notice of two openings be posted, and the hiring process be started to fill these two openings.

Some changes have been made to the Procurement Policy as a result of new legislation.  It was recommended that the Board accept and adopt the changes.  The motion was made to do so and passed.

GRAMA policy also requires some changes because the Legislative action.  It was reported that a records officer must be appointed; there is a requirement of annual training for that individual, and so forth.  Superintendent Lamborn noted that he will have those changes and suggestions ready for the next Board Meeting. 

The Transportation Policy needed to add some wording.  The additional wording includes the following idea:  Any group of five or more elementary ages students that normally do not ride the bus or are on a different bus must be accompanied by a chaperone.  The Board approved change.

Funding for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables is needed in order to continue this program for the students.  It was suggested that the program could get by with $6,000.  The Board said they would find these funds and approved this amount.  The Board indicated that if additional money is needed for this program, to let them know.

The October Board Meeting has been set for the 4^th Wednesday, October 22.

Transmission Line Maintenance

September 26, 2014

Contact: Margaret Oler, 801-220-2592

Power line maintenance work moves into Utah

            Rocky Mountain Power is performing regular power line maintenance work on two transmission lines between its Naughton power plant near Kemmerer, Wyoming, and the Ben Lomond substation near North Ogden, Utah.

The work on the two parallel lines has been underway in Wyoming since August and is now moving into Utah. During the project some structures will be replaced, lines will be inspected and general maintenance will be performed on the equipment on the lines and structures.

“Line maintenance is an essential part of providing safe, reliable electric service to our customers,” said George Humbert, Rocky Mountain Power customer and community manger. “While crews are working on the lines, we want the public to be aware that heavy equipment, including line trucks and cranes, will be operating in the area Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.”

Humbert explained that the Utah portion of the work will take place in Rich and Weber counties primarily on public lands. The line route is located north of Huntsville on Utah Department of Wildlife Resources lands east of Pine Canyon Road, through the Monte Cristo area near Highway 39 and pass just south of Woodruff before entering the Ben Lomond substation on the west side of I-15 on the border of Box Elder and Weber Counties.

“We expect the work to be concluded sometime in November, depending on weather conditions,” Humbert said.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Power, check out the company’s website at www.rockymountainpower.net or call customer service at 1-888-221-7070.

Margaret Oler

External Communications & Media Relations

201 S. Main, Suite 2300

Salt Lake City, UT  84111

801-220-2592

margaret.oler@rockymountainpower.net

The Unmuddled Mathematician

Entertained by Schizophrenic Nuts as a Youth

By Chris Coray, The Unmuddled Mathematician

Upon reflection of my youth, which is pretty much what an old guy like me does these days, I have reached some conclusions that don’t square well with what should be at least a consistent and cogent description of the entertainment of those days.  Sure, we have to make allowances for the bad technology which has caused in my advanced years a severe ulnar nerve issue.  That problem comes directly from having to stand perpetually next to the television and hold onto one of the rabbit ear antennas with my hand so the picture looked more like a light snowfall than a Montana blizzard.  Mostly we imagined the TV pictures as much as we actually saw them. But there are other issues.

Take the Lone Ranger for example.  First, he wasn’t alone as he had the dumbest Native American ever born as his perpetual sidekick, and whom he apparently took care of forever.  Tonto got the Lone Ranger in more difficulty in almost every episode by being stupid than any criminals ever did.  But the Lone Ranger wasn’t just the prisoner of a bad partner.  Why on earth would a guy ride around the entire western United States in a nearly white suit wearing a mask?  From whom was he trying to hide?  Can you imagine the actual dirt and sweat that would have accumulated on that clothing, let alone in issues with breathing and seeing?  Clearly the Lone Ranger had severe personal psychological problems besides those with Tonto.  Remember, this nutcake shot silver bullets.  Was he made of money?  Why not gold bullets?  Did anybody ever do a postmortem on one of his victims and return the silver to the Lone Ranger?  Further, the melting point of lead is 621 degrees F.  The melting point of silver is 1763 F.  This chucklehead would have needed a blast furnace to make his bullets.  Did he carry the heating equipment in his saddlebags?  Maybe he thought he would encounter a vampire.  His horse, Silver, should have dumped him into the Grand Canyon or stomped him.

Can you imagine my surprise when an expensive movie was recently made reprising the great pair.  They had to go further than the TV show so Tonto apparently rode around wearing an upright but large dead bird on his head.  Did someone say Cuckoo’s nest?

Then consider Superman.  Again, he was another guy with psychological problems who needed an entire alter ego identity for some reason.  Why?  But he did have well slicked down hair so that while he flew faster than a speeding bullet or leaped tall buildings in a single bound (not an Olympic event), never was a hair on his head out of place.  I don’t know if Brylcreem was a sponsor for the program but they missed a real bet if they weren’t.  And from my perspective he could almost never be brave.  You have to be afraid in order to be brave.  Other than the very rare episodes with Kryptonite what reason would Superman have to be afraid, therefore allowing him to be brave.  And why the cape?  The cape causes aerodynamic drag, slowing down our beloved man of steel.   These shows were not in color, either, so that could not have been the reason.

There are many more examples of strange characters in early TV.  Was Gene Autry going to bop you on the head with his guitar or just sing until you killed yourself to get away?  And did you ever see the case in which he carried that guitar?  Where would it fit on the horse? 

Hopalong Cassidy carried so many bullets that the L5-S1 vertebra in his back had to be destroyed.  Once I tried to wear a hat like the one worn by the Cisco Kid.  It gave me a headache in 30 seconds that it took a day to get over.  Batman?  The Green Hornet?  You can’t make this stuff up.  Well, yes, I guess you can.  And it is still possible to get the same level of absurdity on TV today.  Try CNN, Fox, or MSNBC.

Rich Rebels At Star Valley



Photo by Tammy Calder

Garden City Council Meeting Notes

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times 

GARDEN CITY, September 11, 2014.  Dr. Mary Adams requested that she be given a business license to sell small handcrafted items at online craft fair sales.  She lives at 848 South Lakeview Drive and noted that this is a home business.  Approval was given. 

The Capital Improvement Plan was discussed and updated.  This plan is needed to help the City determine priorities and costs of projects that are currently needed within the town.  It can also be used as a support document for grant applications.  Each of the items on the list was discussed, a determination of its priority, and an estimate of the cost to the City were decided upon.  The plan was approved as corrected. 

Bess Huefner, Council member, requested that a concrete pad be put down on the west side of the city’s garage and a roof put over this area.  This could be used for storage of the ice skating rink plastic bottom cover.  It was estimated that the project would cost about $5,000.  This amount was approved by the Council. 

The lawsuit against the City by a subdivision where there are new beach access roads has been dismissed.  The Judge noted that the individuals along these lake access roads do not own those roads.   They are for the public to be able to gain access to the lakeshore. 

The issues involved with Elk’s Ridge were mentioned.  There is pressure to attempt to get a second ingress/egress to this subdivision.  Also, currently there is not enough water in the storage tank to take care of homes as well as hold enough water to meet state requirements in case of an emergency.  

An agreement is being drafted between the City and Dr. Williams who owns the property where the water tank is located.  This is being done to try and clear the way for Phase 1 Elk Ridge Subdivision to be able to obtain building permits.  There are, however, still several issues that need to be resolved.  Dr. Williams is asking for the City to handle several items that generally are done by a developer.  The City, of course, is not a developer and cannot take over on many of the problems that have been encountered by this subdivision. 

A discussion ensued among the Council members dealing with the funding for permitting of 75 North and 200 North.  All necessary papers have been delivered to the Army Corp of Engineers for 75 North and an additional $400 will be needed to complete and finalize the permit for 200 North.  As permits are received, culverts and gravel will be put in place below the high water mark.  This will make it possible for people to more easily get to the lake at these two access points.  Funds needed for permitting was approved by the Council.  There is a two-year time period to make the changes that are desired. 

Steve Arnold was appointed by the Council to serve on the Planning and Zoning Committee.  He will be replacing Nate Gracey.

Bruce Warner asked that a time limit for billing and billing adjustments be set in dealing with water leaks and overages on water usage.  There is also problems in trying to be fair on retroactive problems that have occurred.  It was determined that one month was a reasonable approach and accepted by the Council. 

Chuck Stocking reported that the room where the broken furnace has been housed would be a good location for the storage of pool chemicals.  He suggested that a bid be let to repair walls by removing the current covering and replace with tiles.  A repair where there is leakage also needs to be included in the bid. 

Bess Huefner reported that a gross amount of $330 was received from the summer Farmers’ Market, and the expenses were $385. 

Riley Argyle noted that the bids for the Heritage Park project were opened.  The lowest bid was Willow Valley Construction at $246,045.  The Council moved to accept Willow Valley Construction’s bid. 

Bruce Warner noted that he has set up a meeting with Sweetwater HOA for October1 at 4 p.m.  He felt discussions with this county subdivision should be included in what is going on in the City.   He also reported that he had contacted Questar about bringing natural gas into the area.  He has not heard back from them.  Bruce also questioned why the City was willing to fund EMT training that is a County activity.  The Council noted that the City needs more EMTs and had created what they called an emergency fund grant to help in getting more certified individuals available in the area to help when emergencies arise. 

Steve Arnold asked the City to check water usage at Ideal Beach.  He thought that there was a discrepancy between the facilities that exist there and the amount of water used.  It was noted that a new meter had been installed last year and that it registered the usage at twice what the old meter was registering.  Riley said he would look into this matter. 

Mayor Spuhler reported that Lyle Hillyard has been very supportive concerning the marina and possible enhancements.  He would like the City to come up with a plan to enhance the marina on the south side.  He would like the plans to include all possibilities that would add to the area.  The legislators can then look at the plan and delete what they think is too elaborate.  Also, he is also willing to look at plans for an additional boat launch area that has been suggested.  Both of these projects will take some money for the basic designs and engineering.  The boat launch area from the winter will be designated as 150 South. 

Bess Huefner mentioned that a transportation tax will need to be passed if the shuttles are going to be used in the coming years.  She also suggested that an increase in property taxes be investigated and/or a water tax be passed to help pay for water projects needed in the future..