TONIGHT

 October Empty Nesters 

Garden City Meet the Candidates  

Everyone's invited even if you are not an Empty Nester

Monday, October 5

6  p.m.

The sack dinner meeting will be held at Heritage Park located on 3rd West. 

The speakers will be Chris Wilson for the Republican Party and Nancy Huntly for the Democratic Party running for the Utah State Senate. They will tell us what they would bring to the office if elected in November.  There will be a Q&A after they speak so have some questions to ask.

Bring your own chairs and food so we can follow the social distancing requirement.

See you there

Randall Knight

Pickleville Philosophy

By Jim Stone

Hi you guys.  My dogs are thinking about maybe just staying on this adventure forever. It rains so much here in southeast Alaska. It’s pretty rare to even see the sun.  We’ve been trying to sit and watch the few sunsets while the sun goes down. 

Sunsets are magical. Sunsets have always been the end to a day with a sunrise and new day coming soon.  Speaking for myself, when I’m blest to witness the sun setting, it brings me a deep feeling of being grateful for even the smallest of things that a lot of times are simply taken for granted in life. probably the big one is all of our health which can change faster than a single heartbeat.  I’m thankful to be here with my best friends, my dogs.  I’m thankful for having an opportunity to harvest wild game and berries to nourish and strengthen my body.  I’m thankful for having a roof over my head with a place to sleep and be safe.  Another big one is that I’m thankful for friends and people that love and care about our wellbeing and happiness.  

There are so many things we all can be thankful for.  When we look at what's going on in this crazy world there are so many people who have nothing. There are people who don’t have full bellies or a safe place to sleep.  There are people who are battling health problems, addictions, mental issues. Plus many more things that if we don’t go through them ourselves we might never understand. I was starting to complain about living in my truck for the last two months having to catch or gather my own food and cooking it on the tailgate of the truck in a rainstorm, but watching the sunset seeing how blest and beautiful it is to just be able to still do things like that, it made me ashamed of myself for even thinking of complaining.

As I sit here beginning this new day it's pouring rain while I’m writing this story to share my thoughts with all of you guys.  I’d love to hear the things you guys are thankful for.

Oh my goodness! here comes another rain storm of big smiles from  all of us dogs to all of you guys. Stay safe.

Aspen

Photo by Sharon Heiner

 

Candidates for County Commission

While the world is focused on the national presidential election it is sometimes easy to forget the other races.  None is more important to our county than the commission race.  This  year we have three candidates:

Ralph Johnson Democrat

After graduating from South Rich in 1968, Ralph spent two years in British

Columbia, Alaska, and the Yukon Territory.  He married Brenda Thomson in 1970 (they have been married 50 years) and they are the parents of 5 children.  He graduated from Weber State in 1974 and was hired at Cokeville High School in Wyoming to coach and teach English.  In 1980 Ralph returned to his alma mater and started again the football program that had been missing for a decade.  This has given hundreds of young men in Rich County the opportunity to participate.  He also convinced his brother Larry to organize a Booster Club that remains today and has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to help support athletics.  A heartfelt thanks to those who have spent countless time and money supporting our school's athletic programs.   Ralph taught and coached for over 35 years and in 2011 was inducted into the Utah Sports Hall of Fame. 

Ralph worked as the Principal of South Rich Elementary and South Rich High School while continuing to teach English. He also served for 12 years on the Rich County Board of Education and was a member of the Randolph Lions Club for over 30 years.   He serves presently as the 2nd Vice-president of the Woodruff Narrows Reservoir Company and is the President of the Beckwith-Quinn Westside Canal Company.   Ralph and Brenda, along with their son Marques and his wife Victoria, and their son Ryan, who is also the Postmaster in Laketown, own and operate the Manhead Ranch located 14 miles north of Randolph.  

In his quest to become a Commissioner, he is aware of the diversities in the county.  He served for several years on the Rich County zoning and planning commission and if elected will strive to use good judgment, keep open lines of communication, and voice his perspective when discussing issues.  He knows that being part of a three-person commission means that unless at least one other commissioner agrees with him, he will need to join the majority decision.  On his own he has no power.  He believes he has a good relationship with Mr. Bill Cox and Mr. Sim Weston.  By working together, we can be an effective commission in administering to the needs of Rich County.  Ralph will make no promises that he cannot keep and will work to the best of his ability.  He sincerely appreciates your consideration as you cast your vote! 

Jonathan Lee  Republican

I am honored to be the Republican candidate for County Commissioner in Rich County. Your vote and voice matter to me. I ask for your vote in this election. 

Rich County is an amazing place that thrives on agriculture and tourism. I think there is a proper way to allow for growth while maintaining the heritage that makes this the best county in the state.

My primary focus will be economic development for existing businesses (ag, rec, restaurants, trades, shops) and for those looking to start new or move existing businesses into the county.

I grew up in Woodruff out by Deseret. My father was Deputy Sheriff at the RCSD. I've witnessed firsthand the seasonality of our county and the pressures it puts on all the different parts.

During my teens, I worked at LaBeaus and Bear Trapper and benefited from others' efforts to make businesses and grow their American Dream in the county.

I was able to get my Associates Degree from USU in High School thanks to the awesome Rich County School District. Later I graduated from Harvard with an Economics Degree. Amanda and I have had fun as a family doing business in many areas mostly import and export.

Other than two years living in Spain, Rich County has been my home.   I married into a ranching family and currently live on Manhead Road right in the center of the county.  Amanda and I have been in the same place since Kindergarten, but she only started liking me Junior year of high school :) We have been married for 10 years and now have 5 kids.  Lonna (8) Ella (6) Jonny (4) Blaze (1.5) Ace (baby) Everything I do is for them. I hope they can live and be employed in Rich County when they get older if they choose.

I am currently working on building Dot Bar Communications to provide an alternate broadband connection for the whole county.  

I will bring fresh thinking and new ideas to the Commission.

I am promising to listen.  I promise consistent and transparent communication.  I promise to support Right to Farm Laws, Personal Property Rights, to protect public lands, and water rights. I promise to maintain property taxes low.  I promise to support individuals in their pursuits of the American Dream no matter their background.  

This is the best place on earth. This is the best place to grow up and raise a family. I have already done one; now I'm working on the other. I hope to serve you and Rich County as a Commissioner. I am asking for your vote.

Anyone can email or call/text me anytime.  jon@dotbar.com  (385) 355-5555

Andy Stokes  Write In

My name is Andy Stokes and I’m running as a write-in for Rich County commissioner. I believe in the concept of good, better, and best. And I’m willing to do what’s best for rich county.

I built homes, sold real estate, and worked in development. I’ve worked with several city and county governments from Draper to Willard. 

I have witnessed first hand when counties across Utah have been reactionary to the growth within their communities. 

As commissioner, I will be proactive in preparing for the future of Rich County, while preserving the heritage that has been passed down for generations. 

I’ve had the opportunity to serve this great county in a number of ways. I volunteer as a firefighter, EMT, sat on the Rich County school board, trust lands committee, Rich County fair board and served as a 4-H leader for the youth. I even volunteered my time to fog for mosquitos. 

This is the type of dedication to service I’ll have as commissioner when elected. Let’s do what’s best for Rich County and write-in Andy Stokes for county commission

Fire and Ice

Photo by Carol Ann Dyer

 

Rich County School Board

  Kathie B. Anderson, Reporter                                                                                      Rich Civic Times

RANDOLPH, Utah.  September 22, 2020.  All of the consent items, including approval of minutes and of expenditures, were approved by the Board, after which it was announced that Betty Weston has been hired as the new full-time kindergarten aide at South Rich Elementary School. 

Superintendent Dale Lambourn, Principal Kip Motta, Principal Rick Larsen, and the School Board members were extremely pleased with the professionalism that has been demonstrated by the teachers and staff members at all of the public schools in Rich County.  It was reported that the students have also been very cooperative and flexible, and the students and staff are excited to be back in school.  It was noted that the return to school has gone better than expected. 

There is an opening for a Special Education Aide at North Rich Elementary .  Anyone who is interested in the position is encouraged to apply to the Rich County School District.  The newly completed school building in Laketown was praised as being “top notch”.  

Volleyball season has begun, but Utah Valley University will not host the State Volleyball Championship this year because of COVID-19.  A new venue will be announced at a later date. 

Congress adopted the federal Family First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA—HR6201) in response to the economic impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.  FFCRA provides funding for free coronavirus testing and a 14 day leave for American workers who are affected by the pandemic, in addition to other benefits.  A complete list of rules, procedures and benefits for teachers and their students can be found on the Rich County School District website, richschool.org/District/. 

Jennie Johnson, the Rich County School District Business Administrator, discussed the Fraud Rich Assessment that local governments in Utah, including school districts, have been asked to complete.  Now more than ever, rapid technological advancements necessitate being proactive respecting the risks of fraud.  Consequently, the Rich County School District has implemented a Fraud Risk Management Plan, which will be monitored by Jennie Johnson and Superintendent Dale Lamborn with assistance, as needed, from the Office of the State Auditor and the School District’s independent auditor.  

It was reported that, as of September, 2020, all Rich County School District financial records are correct and up to date.  The new Fraud Risk Management Plan allows for more transparency and accountability, with a second set of eyes on every transaction.  It was noted that each member of the School Board must complete State-mandated training every four years. 

The School District will not provide supervision for any children whose parents elect online classes rather than in person schooling.  Those parents will be responsible for monitoring their own children.  Parents of students who are attending class will be required to fill out a release form before taking their children off campus during school hours.  An online monitoring exception will apply to students who, after achieving a designated grade point average (GPA), are allowed to take advanced AP classes online for college credit that is recognized by Utah State University, the University of Utah, Utah Valley University or Bridgerland Technical College.  Online AP classes will be monitored by the School District. 

The next meeting of the Rich County School Board is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, October 20, 2020 starting at 6:00 p.m.

Bear River Association of Governments COVID help

 Our mission is to assist all people, at all levels of society, within the tri-county area (Box Elder County, Cache County, and Rich County) to connect resources with humanitarian needs to better survive the 2020 COVID-19 crisis in Northern Utah.

We are Volunteer Organizations, Public Agencies, Civic Organizations, and Faith-based Organizations. 

The COVID-19 Hotlines and Health page includes Hotlines and Websites, COVID-19 Testing and Mental Health Resources.

The COVID-19 Housing and Food page includes Emergency Housing, Rent, Housing & Utilities Assistance, Food Assistance, Hygiene Kits, Diapers & Other.

The COVID-19 Community Services page includes various Community Services and Resources.

Mask volunteers needed

 There is a need for people who can sew masks, materials will be provided.  

Please e-mail Larraine Schnetzer at bloutlook@cut.net with your name and phone number.

Eighteen Wheeler Philosophy

Action Jackson on the run!...escapee from Lockdown

By Mel Hansen, Eighteen Wheeler Philosopher

Got to worrying about my little trucking buddy going stir crazy and quite possibly becoming a Homeschool Dropout if I didn’t break him out of the The Big House! (Actually his parents were eager to parole him for a few days)

So he was happy to pack a few things and hit the road with Uncle Mel. He told me, ”I’m just glad to be out of the house!”

I’m glad to have ol Action Jackson along with me! Gives him a chance to see new territory and the greens of spring! Gives me someone to tease and chat with!

He’s a chip off his Great Grandpa & Grandpa Hansen’s shoulders! Like them, Action Jackson, has a great memory for details in telling events.

He’s a good young man!

Action Jackson is a man after my own heart. Most youngsters would want their air ride seat as high as possible. Action Jackson is like me, just enough air in the seat to keep my ask from exiting out the top of my head because of rough roads, but close to the floor.

Action Jackson has a trucking simulator on his tablet. The truck he’s driving looks just like Long Legs Lenoir. He’s got it down pat, has a bit of a problem backing up still, but he’s improving.

Could he be a future trucker!? Maybe after several hours on the simulator, hopefully some old school trucker, better than his old Uncle, would have the time and patience to fine tune him up so he wouldn’t be just a “Steering Wheel Holder.”

Ol Uncle Mel has Action Jackson busting his hump learning a trade! Made him check the fluid levels, thump and inspect the tires and brakes, look for leaks etc. Pre-trip.

Then we moseyed on over to the store and I bought him and me a Cream Soda flavored Dr. Pepper. Not bad tasting by the way!

And even though he’ll deny it, I caught him scoping out the shemale scenery.

He rode 3,500 miles in 5 days.  Action Jackson has became my ”essential” Hot Pocket consuming co-pilot! Hasn’t complained once and Lord knows I’ve given him countless opportunities!

He did have me a titch concerned of bailing out the passenger door on the narrow country back roads in Arkansas when there was a car load of Southernly lovely ladies on the side of the road...one being around his age. I hit the Jake brake and geared down to pull over so he could go up to little Miss Arkansas and say...Hey babe!

He’s seen new scenery. Hopefully learned a little and will remember a lot!We both send out a shout of thanks to Daren and Tricia for letting him learn through a windshield.

Pumpkin Entreprenuers

Photo by Kendra Hansen Bjorlt

 

Senior flu shots available in Garden City and Randolph

The Bear River Health Department will be offering a flu clinic for all seniors at the Rich County Senior Center on Wednesday October 7, during regular lunch hours.  

Flu vaccinations are also available for everyone during regular office hours at the Health Department.  Mondays:  Garden City Office from 10 to 2.  Tuesdays and Thursdays:  Randolph Office from 9 to 4.   Come get your flu vaccination.

nthomson@brhd.org

435-793-2445