RCT Online News: 2020-03-29

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

Count For Something

April 1, 2020 – Today is Census Day in Utah, the day that determines who is counted in the 2020 Census and where they are counted.

The U.S. Constitution mandates a census of the population every 10 years. Responding to the 2020 Census is easy, safe and important, and is key to shaping the future of communities. Census statistics are used to determine the number of seats each state holds in the U.S. House of Representatives and informs legislative district boundaries. They also inform how hundreds of billions of dollars in public funds are allocated by state, local and federal lawmakers to communities for public services and infrastructure like hospitals, emergency services, schools and bridges each year over the next 10 years.

The Census Bureau is strongly encouraging the public to respond to the 2020 Census online using a desktop computer, laptop, smartphone or tablet. You can respond online or by phone in English or 12 other languages.

For more information, visit 2020census.gov.

Sunday, March 29, 2020

Pickleville Philosophy

By Jim Stone, the Pickleville Philosopher

I’m kinda starting to like this social distancing. Spring time is so amazing, it's like Mother Nature is showing of all of her beautiful things and creatures. Sometimes it's so healthy for all of us to just get away from all of the hubbub that's going on in this crazy world. It’s a good time to think about new dreams, goals, family, friends, pets and just life in general taking the day for whatever it brings.

Today was a day to do just that. We filled up the truck and with no plans just went on a road trip while thinking about things that are heavy in mind.

I love listening to music while thinking and figuring out how I am going to take one step at a time to reach new goals this year. How can I help people including myself? One of my dreams and goals is to write an adventure story about my dogs, not only the dogs that have passed over the rainbow bridge but also the ones that are present in life.

I came up with a really fun name for the book, I named it; True Friends are Heaven Sent. All true friends are heaven sent but in this case, the friends are dogs.

Us dogs are hoping that with all this scary stuff going on in the world that all of you guys are being safe and doing good.

Oops we almost forgot to send a great big huge smile to all of you guys from all of us. Have a really nice weekend you guys.

PS: If you're hoarding toilet paper knock that stuff off.

Solitary Reflection

Photo by Carole Ann Dyer

199 Bears at the Bear Lake Bear Hunt

Bubbling up from boredom, a bear hunt was proposed on Facebook by Cathie Rasmussen our intrepid librarian in Garden City. and by this last Saturday over 199 bears were sitting on decks, in windows and on stairs waiting to be found! You had to honk and wave when you found one! Some posted their bears online....let's do it again next March when it is cold and muddy. Such a fun moment!

Rich County School Board Meeting

Kathie B. Anderson, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

RANDOLPH, Utah. March 24, 2020. As COVID-19 concerns continue to evolve around the world, the Rich County School Board is committed to consistently monitor the situation and take direction from the Governor and the Utah State Board of Education.

On Thursday, March 19, 2020, the Rich County School Board met to discuss guidelines for families and staff regarding updates on COVID-19, and creating a partnership of homes and schools to maintain a healthy learning environment. The Board will continue to provide updates on the Covidd-19 virus to the families of Rich County and School District staff members and will share additional information and guidelines pertaining to school issues. The Board thanked everyone for their support and partnership as we work together in these most difficult times.

Due to social distancing, the Board requested that all concerns regarding the District’s dance policy be sent to the District in writing. Superintendent Dale Lamborn thanked all parents for their comments and inputs. If anyone has additional comments, they should be sent directly to the School Board.

Rich High School Principal Rick Larsen reported that the high school staff is completely implementing on-line instruction using Canvas software. Each student has use of his or her own computer. Updates, assignments, and instructions from the teachers are provided to the students daily. Principal Larsen has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from students, teachers, and parents. Even though this is a challenge unlike any before, Principal Larsen assured the students and parents that students will receive all of their necessary credits.

Middle and Elementary School Principal Kip Motta reported that the middle school and grade school staff are doing a tremendous job making sure the students are receiving content via Canvas software. The students and teachers are familiar with the program. They are delivering major content through the online medium. The North Ridge elementary program has prepared learning packets for the students. Parents are picking up the packets during assigned shifts. Principal Motta stated: “When you are not face to face, it is difficult to deliver all the content that the teachers originally planned, but the teachers are putting out some content focusing on the core subjects. Teachers are working every day!”

Rick Limb reported to the Board that construction on the new building projects is on schedule and ADA compliant playgrounds and equipment are being installed.

School breakfasts and lunches are being delivered to the students. A notice of pick up and drop off times was sent to the parents.

Reporter's note: The Rich County School system is doing an amazing job for our children and families under very difficult circumstances. The administrators and teachers are to be commended for going above and beyond for the benefit of our entire community!