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Monday, August 20, 2018

Joining News Outlets Throughout The Nation

Freedom of the press was considered so important by our founding fathers that it was codified in the Constitution of the United States.  News reporting was to provide more checks and balances on our government by creating a more educated citizenry.  

We have involved and good representatives in Rich  County government, and they are better public servants because there are volunteer reporters for the Rich Civic Times who attend meetings and provide reports on actions taken and subjects discussed. 

Attacks on the press, refusing to allow reporters who bring out unpopular (to the politicians) facts, to attend meetings and calling all reporters "enemies of the people" is one of the first tactics of governments who want to subvert our constitutional rights.

The Rich Civic Times joins the Deseret News, the  Salt Lake Tribune and thousands of newspapers all over the United States in warning that our freedom of the press relies on the citizens of the United States to protect that right.

Sunday, August 19, 2018

The Fearless Foodie

The Fearless Foodie                                                             
By Scott Heiner

Let me introduce myself.  I am an incurable, intrepid, unabashed foodie.  In April 2016 we bought a home in Sweetwater and now live here year-round.  My wife loves the area for her nature   There are scores of folks around here making their own specialty foods for the tourist industry such as jams, jellies, salsas, baked goods, candies, cheeses, and so forth.  I’m curious about almost everything, especially food.

I grew up in the small farming community of Morgan, Utah.  It’s similar to Garden city, where everybody knows everybody (that could be good or bad).  Everyone ate standard American fare: meat and potatoes, fried chicken, peas, beans, corn, and of course green Jell-O salad with shredded carrots.

My first experience with ethnic food was at age 8 or 9 in Cub Scouts when we were introduced to tacos.  The two Den Mothers were diligently trying to make taco shells by frying corn tortillas and then folding them in half, but almost all broke on the attempt.  I remember thinking what a strange food this was and how impossible it seemed to ever produce a proper taco shell in one piece.  I don’t remember if my taco shell was one of the rare ones in one piece or a broken one, but the filling was hamburger, shredded cheese, lettuce with ketchup for the salsa.  That experience planted in me a budding curiosity in trying different foods.

My introduction to unusual foods was fast-tracked when I served an LDS mission in Japan where I learned to eat weird foods beyond imagination.  If that wasn’t enough, I had to use chopsticks to boot--I had to learn fast or starve.  I actually loved the experience and developed a life-long passion for trying out new foods.  In a future column, I’ll discuss some of the more interesting things I ate in Japan.  (Most of the things I liked, but I confess, a few items were……an acquired taste.)

Since Japan, I now travel the whole world—not literally, but through trying ethnic food right here in America.  I’ve got to say, it’s quite an adventure.  Before I die, my dream is to try every kind of food there is in the world—that is if something I eat doesn’t kill me first.

Now, when I go grocery shopping, I’m always on the lookout for something unusual; if I see an item that I’m unfamiliar with, I’ll definitely buy it just to find out what it is.  When we eat out, I first seek an interesting or ethnic restaurant, but if we end up at a more conventional restaurant, I invariably look on the menu for the most unusual or interesting item.  At any given time, my favorite food is whatever I haven’t tried yet.

I propose to write a regular column about interesting food for the Rich Civic Times.  In particular I’d like to review the establishments in Bear Lake Valley and share my impressions.  I welcome any feedback including suggestions on what to try, comments or questions about my articles.  My email is ScottSHeiner@gmail.com.

Until next time, happy eating!




North Eden Fire Photos

Photos by Jason Wade Matthews at the fire scene




Photos by Travis Hobbs at the fire scene


North Eden Fire

GARDEN CITY, Utah. August 19, 2018.  The North Eden Fire started the afternoon of August 16th. Fire crews from Rich County, Woodruff, Garden City, State of Utah and US Forest Service responded. During initial attack, multiple wind shifts drove the fire into dense grass plains which caused rapid fire growth that quickly outpaced firefighter efforts as the fire spread to the east. Two wildland fire engines were destroyed by the fire as their crews retreated to safety. A bulldozer was used to secure the west side of the fire and growth in that direction has been minimal.
Aircraft, including scooper planes, helicopters, single engine air tankers (SEATs), Heavy Air Tankers and a Very Large Air Tanker (VLAT) were put into use early on. The fire jumped roads and retardant lines and progressed eastward growing to 10,000 acres. By the evening, the fire reached the Wyoming and Idaho borders. At last estimate, the fire was approximately 6 miles from Cokeville, WY.  It was nearing a new subdivision of homes. 

Fire managers from Federal, State and Local agencies in all three states are coordinating the suppression effort.
This afternoon  of August 17th, the fire was  20% contained and had burned 14,000 acres of State and private land in Utah and BLM land in Wyoming and Idaho. Several power line structures have burned and crews from Rocky Mountain Power worked on repairs throughout the day . There were a number of ranching operations and structures that were threatened. Fire managers are advising those near the fire area to be prepared in case a call to evacuate is made. No structures have been lost and no injuries have been reported. 

 Local officials are now working to protect their community. Friday night the North Eden fire was four miles from reaching a small subdivision, known as the West Side, about a mile south of Cokeville, Wyoming. Lincoln County fire warden Kelly Hoffman says the wind changed directions last night, directing the fire away from the subdivision. Crews are working on fire breaks within two miles of the homes adding to the fire break work that was done last year.

The North Eden fire burning in three states is currently 13, 763 acres and 50% contained.  Yesterday minimal fire activity occurred.  Rain and cool temperatures helped firefighters secure line along the north and west flanks of the fire and prevented further growth to the south and the east.  High winds tested fire lines, but fire activity was confined to inside the existing perimeter.  

Today, crews will begin mop up and rehabilitation efforts. Fire managers released all aviation resources and one hand crew. This interagency operation succeeded due to the work of volunteer firefighters from the local communities and county, state, and federal government resources. 

Until the fire is contained, road closures are in effect: North Eden, South Eden, Left Fork of Laketown Canyon, Christy Canyon, Rabbit Creek and other roads leading into the fire area. 

Full containment is expected in the next few days.  There were 15 engines used and 2 dozers as well as airplanes and helicopters.  http://utahfireinfobox.com/








Summer Lake

Photo by Dalena May Kelley

Garden City Council


Anita Weston, Reporter
Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  August 9, 2018. Jason Watterson appeared before the Council to present the Trust Accountability Award to Garden City.  He gave them a check for $529.00. He represents the insurance company that Garden City uses.  He noted that his company and the City are partners.  He reported that they try to help the City be healthy and a good risk.  Garden City currently has some good workers and are meeting essential requirements and standards. 

A discussion regarding a zone change at the Water’s Edge Development at approximately 100 S Bear Lake Blvd. was held.  The requested zone change is from beach development to C1 zone to allow for additional height for their next buildings.  The developer is Chris Shurian.  The motion was made and passed allowing the zone change.

Ordinance #18-16 is an ordinance prohibiting smoking and vaping in city parks, recreational areas, and near public events.  The motion was made and approved to accept this ordinance by the Council Members.

Resolution #R18-07 is a resolution to update water rates for meters on line size larger than ¾”. After a short discussion, the Council members changed some of the wording in the Resolution.  With this change the motion was made and passed by the Council members.

The fire chief asked that he be given assistance to do all the short-term rental inspections so that all of the inspections can be done in a timelier manner.  He asked for an increase in monies to pay for the individual who would be assisting with these inspections.  Mayor Leonhardt noted that during November and December there should be one of the City’s workers could assist with the inspections which would not cost any additional cost at all.


Garden City Council Reports


Anita Weston, Reporter
Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah. August 9, 2018,  Mike Leonhardt, Garden City Mayor, reported that he had spent the day with UDOT employees.  He said Garden City had asked for three cross walks.  UDOT said the City could have two—One across Logan Road to the Post Office, the other by LaBeau’s Drive-in.  He asked that the speed limit in Garden City limits be lowered.  UDOT said they would consider this request.

He reported that there will be a traffic light placed at the four-way intersection of Logan Road and Bear Lake Blvd.  There will also be flashing signs to let cars know when people are in crosswalks at this location.

It was noted that it would be nice to have another crosswalk at 50 South crossing Bear Lake Blvd. at Cody’s.  That will be something to hope for in the future.  There is also a possibility that there could be another traffic light at the intersection of Logan Road and Third West.

The priorities in using the $8.3 million given to Garden City to assist with problem areas are as follows:  Most of the money will be spent on a new entrance to the Marina.  The second item will be the light at the Logan/Bear Lake Blvd. intersection.  The third item will be a turning lane to Third West by the KOA.

Mayor Leonhardt then said that Heritage Park will be given a lot of attention in the next 45 days.  Hopefully the sprinklers will be installed, and sod laid down.  The pickleball courts should be complete this fall.  The City’s boardwalk fence located just south of Legacy needs to be completed.   The City is planning Third West going south and tying into Hodges Canyon Road.  There will need to be a good culvert over the Canal at Hodges Canyon Road.

Third West is done, and the striping will be done on this coming Monday.  There needs to be more parking available at Heritage Park, so all the children’s play equipment will be moved deeper into the park and away from Third West.  The field owned by the City a bit North of Heritage Park will be used for extra parking.  The Legislature will be doing an impact study on the marina and have set aside $1 million to complete this study.

Council member Howard Pope noted that Mitch Poulsen, Bear Lake Regional Commission, and he will be working on the trails this fall.  Work needs to be done on this project.  Pope also noted that he felt Raspberry Days was very successful.

Darrin Pugmire said he would like to see a survey done in Garden City asking all the businesses what their experiences were during Raspberry Days.

Darrin noted that road issues have been small.  A building permit has been requested to build a home below Lana Hodges home.  Access to that lot is going to be difficult because of the power line that has just been installed, so the City can’t sign off on that request.

Darrin asked that the City call a meeting to talk with the Cheramoya HOA.  These people need to know what the plans are for the subdivisions that will be built to the west of them.  They are concerned about the ingress/egress for these new subdivisions.  The 300 West road must not stop at Cheramoya but must tie into Hodges Lane.

Council member Ken Hansen noted that he had met with Norm Mecham about getting water to the proposed subdivisions adjacent to Hodges Canyon Road.  They have looked over the area.  There is a lot of sage brush.  There is a deep ravine in one place, but if it is filled in a bit, the water line could be taken across a little above.  There will need to be more roads made into that area as these projects begin.  Putting in a line will serve that area better and cut down on the amount of pressure needed at Paradise Road and Cheramoya.  The suggested area will avoid a lot of rock.  The City has good equipment to open that area up.  It will also make the survey easier and give contractors better access to that area. 

Currently there is a problem with water that goes into Idaho near the Utah/Idaho border.  The water line normally has a 100 PSI pressure.  The pressure, however, fluctuates in one small area from 115 PSI down to 40-50 PSI.  Hansen asked that this area be checked.

Two beavers were removed from the area between Snowmeadows and Dorothy Stringham’s home.  They were making a dam along the small drainage ditch there that moves excess water into the lake.

Pat Argyle reported that Raspberry Days is over for this year.  Next year will be the 35th year for this celebration. She would like to make some changes for next year and make things a bit different.  She would like the booths to go back to hand-made items so that it would really be a craft show.  She would like to have quite a few activities where people could sign up and compete—shooting guns, arrows, a dunking pool, a fish catching game, and so forth.

She asked that they City get a trencher or a digger to put in the sprinkling system at Heritage Park.  There are a lot of things where the City could use this type of equipment in the future and would probably save money in the long-run.



More Short Term Rentals In Garden City


Anita Weston, Reporter
Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah. August 9, 2018.  There were 14 new short-term rentals that needed licenses.  The Garden City Council members began discussing the paperwork that had been submitted.  The first short-term rental is owned by Ron and Alan Arthur.  The home is located at 956 S Balsamorhiza Road.  Bear Lake Cabin Rentals is the contact company.  The paperwork was complete, and the motion made and passed to grant this short-term rental a license.

The second home is located at 581 S Cedar Drive and owned by Farmhouse LLC.  Bear Lake Cabins Rentals is the contact company.  It was noted that there are only five parking spots but according to the occupancy listed, there needs to be six parking places.  The motion was made to grant the license when the required parking requirement is met.

Benjamin Jackson owns a condo at 942 N Newburg Drive, Unit #2.  The contact company is Bear Lake Condo Rentals, LLC.  This condo meets the required parking spots.  It was noted that the paperwork did not include the scaled footage for the condo. The Council made a motion to grant the license as soon as Jackson gets a drawing giving the condo footage.

There was a long discussion concerning several condos at Newburg Drive.  It was noted that each of these condos have two parking spaces.  There are some overflow parking spots in a shared parking lot.  However, there is no guarantee that there are enough spots for each of these condos to have the required parking because there are not enough parking spots in the overflow parking area.  The Council members felt that these units must have specific parking in the overflow area that would guarantee that they have enough parking for the number of people they want to accommodate in their various units. 

The condos cannot guarantee the required parking and are listed as follows:  Cameron Workman, 918 #3 Newburg Road, with Bear Lake Rental Properties as the contact company.  Greg Callister, 888 #4 Newburg Drive, with Bear Lake Lodging as the contact company.  Jeffrey Williams, 888 #3 Newburg Road, with Bear Lake Lodging as the contact company.  Larry & Maurine Teeples, 941 N Newberg Dr. #4.  They need to draw out a map of their condo.  In addition, the paperwork for these condos requires drawings of where their parking spots are located and were not included in their applications.  Mayor Mike Leonhardt said he would take time to talk with the contact companies and those individuals who would like to get a license to make sure the parking will be enough or ask that the number of occupants be reduced to eight or less individuals who could rent these short-term rentals.

David McKosk owns a unit at #110 Inn Building and is using Bear Lake Lodging as the contact company.  There are no problems with parking but there is no drawing showing where the parking spots are located.  The motion was made and approved that the license be given when the drawing is submitted.

David and Patricia Ellis own a home at 862 Boosway Circle.  Bear Lake Rental Properties is the contact company.  The paperwork is lacking a map showing the parking.  The motion was made and passed with the requirement that a map be submitted.

Playa Oso, LLC owns a home at 617 Amber Lane, Specto Investment Holdings,  Bear Lake Luxury Rentals are their Garden City contact.  There was no drawing of the proposed parking spaces.  The motion was made and passed that the license could be granted as soon as the drawing was submitted to the City.

Jessica Grant owns a home at 275 Snowmeadows Drive.  Specto Investment Holdings, Bear Lake Luxury Rentals is being used for their contact.  The parking of six spots is good.  The motion was made and passed to allow a short-term rental license at this location.

Richard and Laurel Ostberg have a home at 698 Coyote Tracks Circle.  Specto Invest Holdings, Bear Lake Luxury Rentals is their contact company.   The ten parking stalls on the property was appropriate.  The motion was made and passed to allow the Ostbergs to get a short-term rental license.

Ron and Sheri Win own a home at 735 Blackberry Drive.  Specto Investment Holdings, Bear Lake Luxury Rentals is their contact company.  Apparently, David Baird is the individual contact person for this short-term rental.  The City noted that they will need his telephone number so that they can contact him if there are problems.  The City Council Members stated that it appeared that they had eight parking stalls.  However, the Council asked that the Wins let the City know the number of parking stalls that they need.  The motion was made and passed to approve their obtaining a license for this short-term rental when the parking is understood by the City.

Greg and Tammy Law have a home at 981 S. Boosway Circle.  Currently they have not determined a contact person.   The motion was made and passed granting these individuals a short-term rental license when they give City the name of the contact person or company.