Paris, ID City January 2022 meeting

by Marie Searle

Dana Jacobsen was re-elected as president of the Paris City Council at their regularly scheduled meeting January 18, 2022. Councilwoman Jeanna Matthews nominated Jacobsen by saying that she has done a good job. Connar Lutz seconded the nomination, and the council unanimously agreed. 

A motion to renew the beer and wine license for Cody’s Restaurant was brought before the council. Consensus was that the license is approved for 2022. 

Councilwoman Jacobsen inquired about the status of the sewer lagoons. Paris City has filed an application for a Department of Environmental Quality (D.E.Q.) grant to help pay for a study which could result in a sewer system upgrade. Kevin Martin, a civil engineer with Sunrise Engineering, assisted with the application, which had to be submitted by January 14. Jacobsen also asked about the possibility of scheduling a public hearing to propose raising sewer rates. 

A change was made to the handbook stating that city employees are allowed only 80 hours of comp time during the year. Mayor Wilks said they will monitor the use of comp time, and if there are problems, they will adjust the handbook for next year. A motion was made, and agreed upon, to accept the handbook as written. 

City Building Ordinance #376 chapter 4-1 was amended to read that building lots in Zone 1 must have a minimum of one-fourth acre. Building lots in Zone 2 are required to have a minimum of one acre. Council members praised Paris City Planning and Zoning commissioner Adam Johnson for his work in establishing the zones. 

Discussion about utility installation associated with new construction is ongoing. Everyone agreed that clear standards need to be put in place which will include all future city growth. Jeanna Matthews reminded council members of the Rocky Mountain Power Foundation Beautification Grant monies and asked for suggestions about tree varieties that will be hardy and grow fairly quickly. The trees will be planted on main street and in the city parks. Dana Jacobsen recommended Canadian Red Chokecherry or Birch. Matthews said she will also find out what kind of trees are on Preston’s main street. Because city streets are currently icy, Matthews asked about applying cinders to the intersections. Mayor Wilks said cinders have been applied to some intersections. He will check on the matter.

Mayor Wilks reported that the band for the city’s 4th of July celebration has been set up for Saturday evening July 2. The program is traditionally held at Memory Park.

Tammy Fischer has been hired as the new city clerk to replace David Matthews, who will be retiring in March.

Employment in Bear Lake Valley

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The Bonneville Cisco by Bryce Nielson

 

Cisco Sonar

Bonneville cisco

The Bonneville cisco, Prosopium gemmiferum, (gem-like), are a pelagic, schooling, whitefish found only in Bear Lake. They captured my attention when I first captured them with a smelt net on Cisco Beach in 1965. I have been enamored with the fish and their name ever since. My first private business, marina concessionaire, was named Cisco’s Landing. My present guide and tour business is called Cisco Charters. Two of my vehicles has personalized “cisco” plates, and now there is the Cisco Disco at Bear Lake Winterfest. Even this column is called Cisco Sonar. The fish is always on my mind. I worked with Bonneville cisco in Bear Lake for over 30 years as a fisheries biologist with DWR. I have handled 1000’s over the years and thought at one time, I knew a lot about them. Now as I look back, I am aware of how much is not known about this species.

In January, people start talking about cisco because this is the time of year they congregate to spawn. They historically were thought to only spawn along Cisco Beach, but we know they spawn all over the lake now. It was thought that they arrived from the unknown depths to spawn and then disappeared. With fishing sonars now, you can see their schools all over the lake and if you pay attention, you may see a school off the side of your boat. In the 1960-90 dipping cisco through the ice was popular but during open water years, standing waist deep in waders trying to scoop a few fast swimming 10” fish was daunting. Due to the perception that they are spawning later and the fact that few people have 10’ long smelt nets and waders in the garage, interest has waned. There are a few hardy souls who come to the beach or the marina to try dip them. Others fish from boats over the Rockpile to get a limit. All of them are snagged as the little fish attack lures to spawn with it.

I retired 18 years ago but try to keep up with the research on the Lake. There has been a lot learned about Bonneville cisco during the past 40 years but there is much more to discover.

Where are juvenile cisco the first three years of their life? They are not susceptible to scientific sampling gear or unidentifiable in stomachs of other fish. Are they in schools, what do they eat, who eats them, what part of the Lake do they inhabit and how do they survive? Do adult cisco spawn more than once, and do they come back to the same place? What impacts do other predators like cutthroat, lake trout and whitefish have on them? What role do physical conditions like temperature and water chemistry have? In natural ecosystems like Bear Lake, the world under the surface is infinitely complex. Animal and plant populations are always changing, and each affects the other. All we can hope is that human impact does not change this underwater world. Now, I hope you went go Winterfest, took a quick plunge into their world and think about the natural wonders of Bear Lake.     

Obituary-Joseph Storey Weston

 

Joseph Storey Weston, 85, died on January 2 at home in Laketown surrounded by his wife and sons. He was born August 11, 1936 the oldest of eight children to Lorin and Hazel Weston. He married Lois Arlene Beck on May 2, 1956 in the Logan LDS temple. After her death he married Renate Zazilia Zaschka on December 18, 1967 in the Logan LDS temple.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Tamara (Brad Nelson). He is survived by his wife Renate, three sons; Joseph Ted (Raegene), Max Beck (Shirlyn) and Hal LaVaun, sixteen grandchildren and thirty-four great-grandchildren.

He worked for Utah Department of Transportation for forty years and spent his life doing what he loved: farming and ranching. His was a life of service in the community and in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 8, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. in the Laketown Church.

There will be a viewing held on Friday, January 7th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and another viewing prior to the services on Saturday from 10:30 am to 12:45 pm.

Interment is in the Laketown Cemetery.

Obituary-Stephen Alden Hardy

Stephen Alden Hardy, 82, passed away at his home in Fish Haven Idaho, December 30, 2021. Born April 1, 1939 to Alden Ellis Hardy and Mary Lucille Stephens in Bountiful Utah. He lived in Bountiful most of his life and was proud to be apart the first graduating class of Bountiful High, prior to serving in the Army.

He worked as a mechanic, in construction, and as a maintenance facilitator at HAFB. He had a vast knowledge in all that he did. He married Gail Fellows November 16, 1962. Together they had three children. After their retirement they moved to their Dream home in the Fish Haven area of Bear Lake where he became an active part of the community serving as Building inspector and as a member of Bear Lake planning and zoning- fish Haven district, many positions within the sewer district along with multiple callings within the church. He was a great example, kind and caring man with a great sense of humor and a personality to match, he would have given the shirt off his back to anyone who needed it. He loved, loved, loved, his grandkids and will be deeply missed.

Survived by his Daughter Celeste (Rhett) Cleverly, sister Gloria Watt, Six Grandchildren and Three Great Grandchildren.

He is proceeded in death by his parents, wife, and their two sons.

A viewing will be held January 8, 2022 at the St Charles Chapel in St. Charles Idaho 75 N. Main Street (hwy 89) at 11am followed by a funeral at 1 pm.

A viewing was held at the Cloverdale Chapel 1450 W. 2175 S. Woods Cross Utah, January 10, 2022.

Animal Abuse Case

 WOODRUFF, Rich County — A Rich County man has been charged with multiple counts of animal abuse after police said they found several of his livestock animals deceased or severely malnourished.

The 51-year-old Woodruff man was charged Monday in Rich County Justice Court with seven counts of cruelty to an animal, a class B misdemeanor.

Rich County sheriff's deputies began their investigation after being notified by several witnesses that multiple heads of cattle and horses were being neglected and starved by the rancher who owns them, according to a search warrant affidavit.

"I went to the field where the animals were kept, and observed several cows that were obviously malnourished, and I also observed the carcasses of four dead animals, one bull, two cows, and one calf that had either died, or had to be put down due to their unsurvivable state," the deputy wrote in the affidavit.

The deputy also noted that at the time he was preparing the warrant, he was notified of another cow the would have to be put down and a palomino horse that may also be deceased.

The animals "have not been fed … for several months" but were given some alfalfa by others who told investigators they could no longer continue to feed the man's animals because they had their own to take care of, the warrant states.

A total of 11 cows and 14 calves were seized by authorities, according to the warrant

January 2022 Sun Dogs by Moana Kropushek

 

Academic Students December 2021

 

Academic Students of the Month

6^th           Cori Stacey

                Wyatt O’Mealy

7^th           Addison Huffaker

                Bode O’Mealy

8^th           Ridge Lundgren

                Morgan Ward

 

Citizen of the Month

6^th           Jordynn Rees

                Dom Casillas

7^th           Vivan Lopez

                Paxton Nicolodemos

8^th           Boston Jolley

                Eliza Ball

Laketown Town Council Agenda January 19, 2022

Notice is hereby given that the Town of Laketown Town Council will hold a work meeting at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday January 19, 2022 in the Laketown Town Office located at 10 North 200 East Laketown, Utah.

WORK MEETING AGENDA 

1. Call to Order – Mayor Burdette Weston 

2. Opening Ceremony – TBD 

3. Roll Call 

4. Approval of Agenda 5

5. QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS FOR MAYOR AND COUNCIL: Any person wishing to comment on any item not otherwise on the agenda may address the town council at this point by addressing the mayor and town council and giving his or her name and address for the record. Comments should be limited to not more than three (3) minutes, unless additional time is authorized by the mayor. Citizen groups will be asked to appoint a spokesperson. This is the time and place for any person who wishes to comment on non-agenda items. Some items brought forward to the attention of the town council will be turned over to the clerk to provide a response outside of the town council meeting. 

6. OTHER ITEMS OF BUSINESS: 

7. REVIEW ACTION ITEMS FOR FEBRUARY 2, 2022 PUBLIC HEARINGS: A. Ordinance 2021-21 7-1-A Zoning and roads map established, B Land for future roads shall be dedicated to the town, C Future roads shall be developed and D Setbacks are required for current and future roads and Zoning and Roads Map – Consideration to amend the public ways and property of Laketown code Title 7 Chapter 1 Streets, Sidewalks and Public ways Section 1 Scope adding paragraph A Zoning and Roads Map established including current and future roads, paragraph B Land for future roads shall be dedicated to the town, paragraph C Future roads shall be developed and paragraph D Setbacks are required for current and future roads. B. Ordinance 2021-22 7-1-E Standards for roads and streets improvements – Consideration to amend the public ways and property of Laketown code Title 7 Chapter 1 Streets, Sidewalks and Public Ways Section 1 Scope adding paragraph E Standards for roads and streets improvements. C. Ordinance 2021-23 11-5-1-D2 Subdivision Street Improvements – Consideration to amend the subdivision regulations of Laketown Code Title 11 Chapter 5 Improvements Section 1 Paragraph D2 Street improvements and standards of improvements. D. Ordinance 2021-06 1-15 Personal Use of Entity Assets Policy – Consideration to amend the town code by adding written personal use of entity assets policy as outlined in the state auditor’s fraud risk assessment. 

8. WORKSHOP ITEMS: A. Subdivision Ordinances – Mayor Burdette Weston B. Subdivisions and lot splits – Councilmember Dallas Clark C. Second Water System Operator – Mayor Burdette Weston D. Letter for second water source exception request – Mayor Burdette Weston E. County Master Plan Steering Committee documents – Councilmember Dallas Clark 

9. WORKSHOP ORDINANCES A. CODE AMENDMENT: LIGHT INDUSTRIAL ZONE CONVERTED TO COMMERCIAL ZONE – The town council decided to absorb the light industrial zone into the commercial zone and the council requested recommendations from the planning and zoning commission. Ordinance 2021-11 – Mayor Burdette Weston B. CODE AMENDMENT: IT AND COMPUTER SECURITY POLICY – Consideration to amend the town code by adding written IT and computer security policy as outlined in the state auditor’s fraud risk assessment – Ordinance 2021-07 – Mayor Burdette Weston C. CODE AMENDMENT: MOBILE HOME PARKS IN TOWN CODE – Changes needed were discussed in the April 13, 2021 town council work meeting and the council requested recommendations from the planning and zoning commission. Ordinance 2021-16 – Councilmember Delora Wight D. CODE AMENDMENT: STORAGE OF RECREATIONAL VEHICLES IN TOWN CODE – Changes needed were discussed in the April 13, 2021 town council work meeting and the council requested recommendations from the planning and zoning commission. Ordinance 2021-09 – Mayor Burdette Weston E. CODE AMENDMENT: REAR SET BACK IN COMMERCIAL ZONE ESTABLISHED – The town council desires a rear set back in the commercial zone and requested recommendations from the planning and zoning commission. Ordinance 2021-13 – Mayor Burdette Weston F. CODE AMENDMENT: DEFINITIONS OF AN IMPROVED ROAD AND A BUILDABLE LOT – The definitions of an improved road and buildable lot need clarified in our town code. The town council requested recommendations from the planning and zoning commission. Ordinance 2021-12 – Councilmember Dallas Clark G. CODE AMENDMENT: RESIDENTIAL BUILDING IN COMMERCIAL ZONE SHALL FOLLOW RESIDENTIAL SETBACKS. Ordinance 2021-19 – Mayor Burdette Weston H. CODE AMENDMENT: UTILITY SERVICE POLICY – The town council has established a space for utility services and desires to establish a policy for the space and for service providers including how many of each type we want in our space. The town council requested recommendations from the planning and zoning commission. – Mayor Burdette Weston I. CODE AMENDMENT: SUBDIVISION FEES – The planning and zoning commission desires to include subdivision fees in the subdivision section of the town code 11-3-7. – Ordinance 2021-24 – Mayor Burdette Weston J. CODE AMENDMENT: WATER SHARES AND/OR WATER RIGHTS SHALL BE PROVIDED WITH NEW WATER CONNECTIONS 8-1-8-B3 All new water connections shall provide to the town water shares and/or water rights. The land owner/builder shall provide to the town water shares and/or water rights that are free, clear and uncontested in the amount proportional to the size of the building and lot as determined by the town’s engineer. Both the cost of the evaluation and the amount of water rights to transfer must be borne by the developer and the town’s attorney shall bill the developer for an evaluation of the free, clear and uncontested water right being proposed. – Ordinance 2021-25 – Mayor Burdette Weston K. CODE AMENDMENT: NEW WATER SERVICE APPLICATION – The town has a new application for new water service/meter to insert in the town code 8-1-2A Application for connection, service. – Ordinance 2021-26 – Mayor Burdette Weston L. CODE AMENDMENT: WATER SERVICE CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP AND/OR BILLING ADDRESS APPLICATION – The town has a new application for water service change of ownership and/or billing address to insert in the town code 8-1-2C Application for water service. – Ordinance 2021-27 – Mayor Burdette Weston M.ARPA FUNDS – Plan how to spend ARPA Funds. – Mayor Burdette Weston N. CODE AMENDMENT: FEE SCHEDULE UPDATE – Update fee schedule to include all fees. – Resolution 2021-04 O. CODE AMENDMENT: TRANSIENT MERCHANT BUSINESS LICENSE FEE AND POLICY UPDATE 3-2 – Update transient merchant business license fee and create policy in town code 3-2 and include fee on fee schedule and on business license application. – Ordinance 2021-28 – Mayor Burdette Weston P. CODE AMENDMENT: AGRITOURISM – Consideration of the request made by Brandon Willis in the October 6, 2021, town council meeting to do one of the following: 1. Change the town code Title 10 Chapter 2 definition of agriculture to include agritourism; 2. Rezone all or part of 800 North to commercial; 3. Allow a variance; 4. Extend the commercial zone from 500 to 1000 feet; in consideration of a barn that he wishes to build on his property to use for receptions, office space and other business. – Ordinance 2022-01 Councilmember Eldon Robinson 

10. EXECUTIVE SESSION (if needed) 

11. ADJOURN NOTE: The Town Council may vote to go into executive session pursuant to Utah Code 52-4-205 On Friday, January 14, 2022 at 12:45 p.m. a copy of the foregoing notice was posted on the Utah Public Notice website at http://pmn.utah.gov and on the Laketown website at www.laketownutah.com. A copy was posted in conspicuous view inside and outside the Laketown Town Office in Laketown, Utah, and inside and outside of the Laketown post office and at Dee’s Service Station. DATED THIS 14th day of January, 2022 In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals needing special accommodations (including auxiliary communicative aids and services) during this public hearing should notify the Laketown Town Office at (435) 946-9000, 10 North 200 East, Laketown, Utah, on Monday through Wednesday at least three working days prior to the public hearing. The office hours are 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Individuals with speech and/or hearing impairments may call the Relay Utah by dialing 711. Spanish Relay Utah 1-888-346-3162. Amber Droesbeke, Clerk

Inversion at Bear Lake by Carol Ann Dyer

 

Thoughts for this week.

 

The difficult is what takes a little time; the impossible is what takes a little longer. Norwegian polymath and polar explorer Fridtjof Nansen was no stranger to “impossible” challenges. He led many expeditions to the Arctic, including the first to cross the entire frozen expanse of the Greenland interior, in 1888. Later, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian work in the wake of World War I, providing aid to thousands of refugees, prisoners of war, and victims of the famine in Russia. Nansen’s achievements prove that an “impossible” task is often simply something that’s never been done before. If we have the patience and tenacity to conquer even the most difficult goals, what was previously unimaginable suddenly comes into the realm of possibility.

Obituary-Marla Phelps Johnson

Marla Phelps Johnson was born on February 23, 1949, in Montpelier, Idaho, the fourth child of Grove Martin Phelps and Roma Clark Phelps. She passed away on January 3, 2022, after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

Marla set the gold standard for the roles of wife, mother, and grandmother. She married Paul B. Johnson on June 7, 1967, shortly after graduating from Montpelier High School. Their marriage of 54 years was marked by unending love, joy, and devotion. They never liked being far away from one another and insisted on traveling everywhere together. Paul’s caring for Marla during her illness was tender, constant, inspiring.

Marla and Paul have five children: Boyd (Molly) Johnson, Dylan (Marilee) Johnson, Brooke Johnson, Ellie (John) Hansen, and Heather (Allen) Hatcher. The children grew and married and now there are fourteen grandchildren. Marla often spoke of not having a grandmother growing up, so she wanted to be the best grandmother she could be. She will be missed sorely by her children and grandchildren. Marla was a supportive and loving sister to her many siblings: Marden (Jessie) Phelps, Reola Phelps (Kent Boesdorfer), Allyn Phelps, Melanie Phelps (Peter Sutton), Rhett (Leslie) Phelps, Bart (Dianne) Phelps, and Alice LaNae (Owen) Bartschi. There are countless stories of her demanding perfection in cleaning the family house in Bennington, getting younger siblings off to school, dishes, and laundry. She was Aunt Marla to many nieces and nephews. Marla is preceded in death by her sister, LeAdelle Phelps, her loving parents, and her sisters-in-law, Lin (Rhett) Phelps and Linda (Allyn) Phelps.

Marla was a builder, a doer. After she and Paul were married, they moved to Salt Lake City where she attended the University of Utah for two years, earning an associate degree in office practices in 1969. Paul then announced that he was returning to Bear Lake Valley (enough of cities!) and he hoped she would come along. She did, and together they created home and businesses. Marla bought and built her successful title company, First Idaho Title, from 1988 to her retirement in 2018. She and Paul took over the Johnson farm in Ovid, Idaho which had been in the family for a century, naming it the P and M Farm, complete with livestock, farm buildings and machinery.

Marla loved life and was indomitable. She took joy in her family and in the beauty of Bear Lake Valley and the West. Her bicycling is legendary. Summer mornings she would bicycle from Ovid to Bern to Montpelier. She dreamed up the idea of the famous Tour de Lava, a 72-mile ride along Bear River from Ovid to Lava Hot Springs. Her family and friends held this annual ride for 20 years. Marla was also an exemplary community member. She participated wholeheartedly in the activities of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, playing piano, and singing in the choir. Her most rewarding position was Primary teacher and music accompanist, as she loved the children.

A graveside service for Marla was held on Saturday, January 8, 2022, at 1:00 PM at the Ovid Cemetery where she was laid to rest, overlooking the valley she loved, contributed to, and lived in her whole life.

Obituary-Jay Henry Gubler

 

Jay Henry Gubler died peacefully at his home in Riverton, Utah on January 3, 2022 at the age of 95. Jay was born in Paris, Idaho on November 8, 1926 to Ernest Robert and Belle Emeline Gubler. He was the youngest of seven children and was always telling stories about his adventures with friends growing up in Dogpatch (Paris, ID).

Before his senior year in high school, he worked a summer for the Boeing company with his older siblings, Adios and Joan. After he completed his senior year of high school, he helped his family move from Paris, Idaho to Smithfield, Utah.

In 1944, two weeks before his 18th birthday he joined the Navy. In 1946, after being Honorably Discharged from the Navy, he attended USU and earned an Engineering Degree. While in college, Jay married Evelyn Erickson on Nov. 10, 1948 in the Logan Temple. Jay's career was mostly with the Boeing Airplane Company in Seattle. He became part their Aerospace program and was moved to New Orleans and Detroit, then back to the Seattle area. In the early 70's, Boeing experienced major cut backs and he was laid off. He found work in Utah in aeronautic Engineering with the RI Corp., designing noise suppressers for jets. After a few years at RI Corporation, he moved to Morton-Thiokol, working in the Space program until he retired. This brought Jay and his family back to Cache Valley. They enjoyed being closer to their families.

Jay was very active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held many callings. After retiring he and Evelyn served seven years as host missionaries at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. They loved guiding tours and meeting people from all over the world.

Jay is survived by four of his six children: Jaydene Dazey, Duvall, WA; Bill (&Debbie) Gubler, Riverton, UT; Kaylene (&Ron) Hendrickson, Hermiston, OR; Bruce (&Connie) Gubler and son-in-law Dennis (Dino) Myers, Marysville, WA., and by thirty grandchildren and many great grandchildren. Jay was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Emeline Gubler; his brothers, Ervin and Adios Gubler; his sisters, Jean Stelovich, June Perkins, Anna Holen and Joan Gyllenskog; his wife of 70 years, Evelyn Gubler; his daughter Kathryn Myers and her son Wynn Parker; his daughter Janalee Moody and son-in-law Spencer Moody. Funeral services were held on Saturday January 15, 2022, at 11:45 AM in the old Smithfield 4th Ward Chapel, 179 N. 100 E. Smithfield, Utah. Burial was at the Smithfield Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Allen-Hall Mortuary

Obituary-Howard Edgar Johnson Jr. 7/9/1961 - 1/5/2022

 

Howard Edgar Johnson Jr was born to Howard and Myrtle Johnson in Montpelier Idaho. He passed away on January 5th 2022. He was the oldest son and 3rd child of 6. He went to school in Bear Lake Idaho where he met his wife Lisa Dayton. They had 2 daughters LaShaya, and Kayly. He enjoyed Hunting, fishing, camping, bowling and going on motorcycle rides with family and friends. He worked at NuWest for over 30 years. 

He cherished his grandbabies more than anything in this world and loved spending every possible minute with them. He made such a huge impact on everyone he met and instantly made friends with them no matter the circumstances. He loved music and had such an avid knowledge of any band and genre you could think of and had this wonderful talent for singing as well, and everyone who knew him loved listening to him. He and his mother sang many duets together for events.

He was preceeded in death by his father Howard Johnson Sr, father in law Dayle Dayton and many aunts, uncles and grandparents. He is survived by his wife Lisa Johnson, daughters Lashaya Johnson (grandson Raiden) and Kayly Johnson (Granddaughter Harlie and grandsons Dockson and Morgan) mother Myrtle Johnson and siblings sister Brenda (John) Grasse, sister Lisa (Jeff) Whitaker brother Marshall (Missy) Johnson brother Jared (Jennie) Johnson sister Andrea Johnson sister in law Jan (Randy) Cada sister in law Andra (Eric) Peterson.

There was a celebration of life on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 in the Georgetown Church.