2015 Business of the Year Nominations

The Bear Lake Rendezvous Chamber of Commerce would like you to submit nominations for the 2015 Bear Lake Business of the Year.  Nominations will be accepted until January 10, 2016 by going clicking here.

Also, the regularly scheduled chamber meeting will be this Thursday, January 7, at noon in the Mountain View Conference room in the Garden City office complex. If you own a business in the Bear Lake area please plan to attend we will talk more about the #BearLakeProblems hashtag campaign.

Rich Civic Times Wishes Everyone A Blessed And Happy New Year 2016

Photo by Emily Conk

Good Stuff

Joy of Music

By John Brown, The Man

The joy of music. Pure, unadulterated joy–this is what I recently stumbled across on YouTube.

I was watching the The Piano Guys and thought I saw something new from them. I clicked, but it wasn’t The Piano Guys. It was Simply Three doing a cover version of the popular “Wake Me Up” by Avicii.  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSs2cR2Tvuk)

For those unfamiliar with the term, a “cover” or “cover version” is a reworking, updating, or interpretation of an existing song. And this cover simply blew me away. Simply Three is an electrifying trio made up of cellist Zack Clark, bassist Nicholas Villalobos, and violinist Glen McDaniel, although they have switched in other violinists, including Alex Weill and Olivia Lemmelin. But don’t let the instruments fool you–this isn’t some stuffy classical music gig. And it’s not muzak in the elevator. Not even close.

They are doing what Lindsey Stirling and The Piano Guys are doing: taking modern songs in wonderful new directions and, in the process, making these classical instruments cool again.

I went on to watch a number of their other covers, and then I had to purchase the songs because I simply had to be able to listen to their great beats and interpretations on the road.

Here’s their cover of “Wake Me Up.” The joy Zack Clark (the cellist) exhibits sells the whole thing for me. If you like them, you can get each of these on Amazon for less than a buck with these links:

“Wake Me Up” by Simply Three

“Demons” by Simply Three

“Counting Stars” by Simply Three

Buying them not only supports the artists, but it lets them know there’s a demand for it and encourages them to make more. And I hope they make more.

By the way, “Counting Stars” has some interesting lyrics. Ryan Tedder, the songwriter, is a professed Christian. He grew up in a Charismatic household and graduated from Oral Roberts University.

However, you might look at some of the lyrics and think he’s given all that faith up.

"I feel something so right

Doing the wrong thing

I feel something so wrong

Doing the right thing

I could lie, could lie, could lie

Everything that kills me makes me feel alive."

But you need to look at the lyrics in context of the rest of the song and the artist’s statements about the song to see he’s singing about something totally different.

Some poets, and songwriters are poets (song is where poetry lives these days), think being obscure is cool. Tedder follows that more obscure approach in this song, which is unlike the immediate clarity he put into the lyrics of the fantastic “Halo,” performed by Beyonce, or his own OneRepublic’s “Apologize.”

Sometimes the artist writing gnomic lyrics doesn’t want to pin down a message for the listener—they think it’s cool for each person to make up their own message (I prefer clarity). Other times they do have a message, but they want the listener to work for it, and so they try to be subtle. Or sometimes they simply goof and don’t realize their lyrics are being so vague.

I have no idea which path Tedder was trying to take with these lyrics, but I do know that he’s made statements about the song. And these statements give us a guide.

In an interview with 5280, the Denver magazine (Denver is where Tedder lives) we get the first glimpse.

At 15, he began writing his own songs. “I obsessed over music and just loved it,” Tedder says. “But I never considered it as a career. Where I grew up you go to high school, you go to college, you find a wife in college, you get married, you have 2.3 kids, and if that hasn’t all happened by the time you’re 24, some people think there’s something wrong with you—or the assumption is that maybe you’re not into the opposite sex.”

But he couldn’t keep away.

Back in Oklahoma, at Oral Roberts University, the largest charismatic Christian university in the world, Tedder majored in public relations and advertising. At least that’s what his diploma says. Based on the time he put into sneaking into the Timko-Barton Performance Hall’s piano rooms, he probably could have been a double major. He spent hours on the piano and the guitar deconstructing his favorite albums—like Eric Clapton and B.B. King’s Riding with the King—figuring out the chords and then trying to write new songs using those same chords. He was skipping classes—even meals—to write songs.

No one knew. Not friends. Not his roommate. He sang in secret. He was in the school choir, but his friends always thought it was odd that a person who didn’t seem overly musically inclined would be taking a singing class. When he was in one of the piano rooms he would tape a piece of notebook paper over the small window in the door so that no one could see him.

Tedder says there were two reasons he hid his passion. The first was that he believed there were so many bad singers and bad songs in the world that he didn’t want to add to the noise. He wanted to be certain he would be successful before he revealed himself. The second reason was more deep-seated: Being raised in a religious home, Tedder had been taught that there was a purpose for his life, and that because God had ordained that purpose, he should live the life expected of him—one that was pious and humble. “Deciding you want to go into the music business is about the most narcissistic thing in the world,” Tedder says. “I had this constant battle—and to some degree I still do.”

So Tedder felt “wrong” about songwriting. But he eventually began to see it as his gift to share.

In an interview with Billboard magazine, we learn that he wants his OneRepublic to sing about different themes than the norm.

Billboard: Given “Counting Stars”‘ uplifting, faith-based message, it must be gratifying to be connecting with such a meaningful song.

Tedder: I think it’s our responsibility as a band, and what separates us from everyone else. I took that from being a fan of U2 for two decades now, since “Achtung Baby.” To this day, they might be the only band on that level who sings about things other than just boy-girl troubles or the kind of selfish, “I’m a badass” stuff. I’ve spoken with Bono about this when we toured with him, and he said the same thing. I felt a responsibility to actually write and sing about things that have a level of human gravity to them. If everybody else sings about sex and love and lust and money, then somebody’s gotta be singing about life and faith and hope and things of that nature.

So if “Counting Stars” isn’t about sex, lust, and money, what’s it about? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdkVzkIGjp0&feature=youtu.be

In another interview with Radio.com, he indicated that the whole counting stars bit was for anyone who loses sleep wondering how they’re going to be able to afford their rent or provide for their family. When he was first starting out, things were rough.

“A lot of time I just lay in bed awake, stressing out,” Tedder said. “Everybody does it. And I just thought, I can’t wait until I’m counting stars and not counting dollars anymore. Things will be so much better.”

To me, it’s clear that Tedder is singing about his story. And he’s singing for people like him who have a passion, but society says it’s not the practical thing to follow or dedicate your life to. Songwriting is what makes him feel alive. Furthermore, he had flashing signs indicating that if he sought, he would find—in other words, it was the thing God wanted him to do. And he just had to have hope, a four-letter word for those who are practical- and money-minded, and follow that passion.

We can argue the merits of that follow-your-passion message, but I think we’re all happy Tedder followed his.

Back Yard Deer

Photo by Elvira Luzack

Rich School Board Meeting And Upcoming Candidate Filing Dates

Chris Coray, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

The Rich County School Board held its regular December meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015, at the district office in Randolph.  All 6 board members were present.

Terryl  Warner, State Board of Education member representing this region, was present.  She reported that the new statewide standards in science education were initially a divisive issue, but after consultation with interested parties, including science teachers, the new standards were eventually adopted.  She also noted that it has been recommended that a 4.5% increase in the WPU be made and that there are 100 million new dollars available, almost all to be used in technology.   She noted that Rich County is already in very good shape on the technology front so that the new money will likely not have much effect in the district.

Warner also noted that financial literacy teachers have been told in many cases that they need 12 additional university credits to be certified in the subject, but that this notification will receive a second look as it is not clear whether the existing teachers actually need the extra instruction.  Many of the teachers have been teaching the material for more than 10 years.

Finally, Warner noted that a new national law, the “Every Student Succeeds Act”,  (ESSA) has been passed by Congress and signed into law.  This act replaces the “No Child Left Behind” act.  Specifics on the parameters of the new act are just becoming available, but are known to contain new rules and guidelines on testing and evaluation of schools and likely an increase in state’s voice in both of these areas.

In a change from previous years, the filing dates for all candidates for local school board membership are set this term to be from January 4, 2016, to March 17, 2016.  

Three of the districts will have elections, District 1, 2, and 5.  District 1 is centered near Woodruff, District 2 near Randolph, and District 5 is Garden City north, where Andy Stokes is serving as an appointed interim board member.  Filing for the positions can be accomplished in the county office.  The board currently has 6 members but that will return to the law mandated 5 members after the election in 2018.  Currently Eric Wamsley and Monte Weston are both from the same district (3) but the law indicates that those  4 year terms may be completed by the elected members.  

Winter Windows

Photo by Emily Conk

Photo by Kathie Anderson

Budget Hearing And Employee Hearing

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times 

RANDOLPH, Utah.  December 16, 2015. A public hearing concerning the budget for the 2016 year was held.  Copies of the revenue and expenses were available for those in attendance.  Anyone having any questions concerning the budget was given an opportunity to express his or her concerns

There was a slight increase in health insurance with everything else remaining the same.   The cost of living of 4 percent will be passed on to the workers.  There is also the possibility of a market adjustment to salaries during the next year.  The tax rates for 2015 were read, and it was determined to accept those same rates for the coming year. 

The County will be paying one hundred percent of the retirement rates.  The County sanitation will be reauthorized for 2016 at the same rate as 2015.  Rich County has been paying for county sanitation services that they use this past year and will continue to do so during the coming year.  There is no department line adjustments needed.  The budget was adopted as of December 31, 2015.

The public hearing was closed.

A SECOND PUBLIC HEARING was called to order for those individuals working for the County.  There were six employees who attended the meeting.  The County is going to join a non-contributory system.  That means the County will pay one hundred percent of the retirement costs. All county employees will be placed into this system.  Employees will have up to six months to determine if they want to stay in the non-contributing system or go back to a contributing system.  If an individual decides they don’t want to participate in the new system, they can request that their name be removed.

There appears to be some advantages of moving to the non-contributory system.  It will cost a bit less for the County.  An average of the last three years’ salary for a worker will be used to determine their retirement.  This may work to the advantage of the worker instead of the current last five year average that is currently used.  Also, retirement can be taken in 20 years, 25 years, and 30 years.  Currently the time allowed is 20 or 30 years.  The 25 year time period may help some employees who can work longer than 20, but not be able to work for the full 30 years.

The public hearing was closed.

Rich County Commission Meeting

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

RANDOLPH, Utah.  December 16, 2015. Ocie Frazier requested a business license to work as a mechanic out of his shop on his ranch.  The name of the business will be Ocie Diesel Repair.  Because he will be working with certain types of machinery and fuels, it was noted that he would need to get an inspection from the Woodruff Fire Chief.  Parking will not be a problem.  He was told to pay $25 for a license, and make sure to follow-up with the inspection to know how many fire extinguishers he would need, and where they should be placed.

Robert Johnson from the Bear River Mental Health Organization came and presented the independent audit that has been completed to the Commissioners.  He noted that it was a clean opinion and then went on to explain where and why variations occurred between last year and the current year.  He went over several of the financial statements.

A motion was made and accepted by the Commissioners to approve of the audit as presented.

Blain Hamp from the Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands presented the 2016 year budget to the Commissioners.  The budget included several items including suppression money, wardens’ salaries, miscellaneous items, and so forth.  He reported that the past year was a good one with fewer fires than usual.  He also noted that there is currently some logging being done on state land. 

A motion was made to accept the budget between the County and the Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands.  It was approved.

Lauriann Wakefield requested a business license to carry out a photography business.  The name of her business will be Little Starling Photography.  She noted that most of her work was done taking pictures of the birds, animals, and lake scenes.  It would be based out of her home, but there would be no parking problems or issues.  Approval was given.  She was asked to take her application into the Clerk’s office and pay the $25 fee for the license.

A memorandum of understanding has been written involving the State, the Bear Lake State Parks, the County, and Garden City concerning the gun range.  As the Commissioners began to go through the memo, they determined that they needed more time to look at this document and decided to put this item on January’s Agenda.  A motion was made and approved to add it to next meeting’s agenda.

A new wider cattle guard was put on a county road over by Crawford Mountain.  It was a replacement of a narrower cattle guard.  This item, however, was a County responsibility.  Mr. Cox requested that Norm Weston contact the company who sold the cattle guard to the Cattle Company and bill the County directly.  Weston said he would take care of this item.

November Rich County Sheriff's Report

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times 

TOTAL INCIDENTS BY NATUARE OF INCIDENTS
Nature of Incident	Total Incidents
Agency Assistance	2
Alarm	6
Animal Problem	11
Attempt to Locate	2
Booking Prisoner	3
Citizen Assist	10
Citizen Dispute	3
Civil Process	3
Criminal History	5
Dead Body	1
DUI Alcohol or Drugs	1
Finger Prints	1
Fire	6
Fraud	2
Harassment	1
Lockout	1
Medical Emergency	2
Traffic Accident with Damage	12
Rape	1
Suspicious Person, Circumstance	4
Theft	2
Traffic Hazard	4
Traffic Violation	1
Transportation of Person/Property	3
VIN Serial Number Inspection	2
Welfare Check	2
TOTAL	91

TOTAL INCIDENTS BY LOCATION
Location	Total Incidents
Garden City	38
Laketown	11
Randolph	33
Woodruff	9
TOTAL	91

  

NATURE OF INCIDENTS IN GARDEN CITY
Nature of Incident	Total Incidents
Agency Assistance	2
Alarm	6
Animal Problem	3
Booking Prisoner	1
Citizen Assist	5
Citizen Dispute	2
Civil Process	1
Fire	3
Fraud	1
Harassment	1
Medical Emergency	1
Traffic Accident with Damage	6
Suspicious Person, Circumstance	1
Theft	2
Traffic Hazard	1
Traffic Violation	1
Welfare Check	1
TOTAL	38

  

NATURE OF INCIDENTS IN LAKETOWN
Nature of Incident	Total Incidents
Animal Problem	2
Attempt  to Locate	1
Citizen Dispute	1
Dead Body	1
Fire	1
Traffic Accident with Damage	2
Traffic Hazard	3
TOTAL	11

  

NATURE OF INCIDENTS IN RANDOLPH
Nature if Incident	Total Incidents
Animal Problem	3
Booking Prisoner	2
Citizen Assist	5
Civil Process	2
Criminal History	5
DUI Alcohol or Drugs	1
Finger Prints	1
Fire	2
Fraud	1
Lockout	1
Medical Emergency	1
Traffic Accident with Damage	2
Rape	1
Suspicious Person, Circumstance	2
Transportation of Person/Property	3
Welfare Check	1
TOTAL	33

  

NATURE OF INCIDENTS IN WOODRUFF
Nature of Incident	Total Incidents
Animal Problem	3
Attempt to Locate	1
Traffic Accident with Damage	2
Suspicious Person, Circumstance	1
VIN Serial Number Inspection	2
TOTAL	9

  

TOTAL TRAFFIC CITATION REPORT BY LOCATION
Location	Citations	Violations
Garden City	5	5
Laketown	2	2
Randolph	4	4
TOTAL	11	11

  

TOTAL TRAFFIC CITATION REPORT BY VIOLATION
Description	Total
No Proof of Insurance	1
Leaving Scene of PD Accident	1
Speeding	9
TOTAL	11

  

TOTAL TRAFFIC WARNING REPORT BY AREA
Area	Warnings	Violations
Garden City	2	2
TOTAL	2	2

  

TOTAL TRAFFIC WARNING REPORT BY  VIOLATION
Description	Total
Speeding	2
TOTAL	2