Moose Sightings

Photo by Jim Ruggles in front of his cabin
 

Photo by Jim Ruggles
 

Photo by 11 year old Jade Wimmer
 

Photo by Kip Motta

Idaho's Look At Raspberry Days

Reprinted from:
The News-ExaminerP.O. Box 278  •  847 Washington Street
Montpelier, Idaho 83254

www.news-examiner.net

Telephone:  208-847-0552 

Sheriff’s Office Receives Help For Raspberry Days 

Wednesday, August 14, 2013.  The Bear Lake County sheriff’s office partnered with state, federal and county law enforcement agencies from across eastern Idaho to deal with problems caused by the Raspberry Days Festival, which was held in Garden city Thursday through Saturday during the first week of August.

 

For the past few years several young people attending the festival have had large parties in Fish Haven Canyon.  These parties have caused numerous law enforcement problems and left a large amount of garbage in the canyon that Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management personnel have had to deal with.  On Sunday afternoon Forest Service personnel put out 20 smoldering campfires and spent three hours picking up litter. 

In order to deal with the increasing size of the crowd attending these parties the Bear Lake county Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from other agencies.  Approximately 30 law enforcement personnel responded.  Officers from the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Idaho State Police, Fish and Game, and Madison, Bonneville, Bingham, Bannock, and Caribou counties worked in Bear Lake County during the festival.

 

Over 500 people were contacted by officers. There were 30 calls for service and 125 traffic infractions and misdemeanor citations issued.  These included charge of Underage Consumption of Alcohol, Driving under the Influence, and Possession of Drugs and Paraphernalia.  There were also two motor vehicle accidents. 

“We appreciate the response that we received from the other agencies and plan to continue to have a large group of officers to deal with the problems caused during Raspberry Days,” said Sheriff Brent Bunn.

Bear Lake Quilting And Quilters

Kathie B. Anderson, Reporter

Rich Civic Times 

Every Tuesday, visitors and residents from the Rich County and southern Idaho area meet at the Garden City Community Center (above the Library) from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. to do humanitarian quilting.   Quilters work on projects ranging from hand tied baby blankets to full sized quilts.  The material is donated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints so  that it can be tie quilted by the Bear Lake Quilters.  In turn, the quilts are returned to the LDS Church Humanitarian Center in Salt Lake City, Utah and sent all over the world to people in need. 

 

What a wonderful opportunity this is for the Garden City community to serve others and to get to know new people.  This is a year-round activity and everyone is invited, even if you just want to visit.  A great time is had by all working for this very worthwhile undertaking.  For more information, contact Loraine Schnetzer at bloutlook@cut net. 

Missionary Tan?

This is what a returned missionary looks like on his first day on the lake.  Like the tan lines?  Kayden Calder is BACK!

Stand Up Paddling At Bear Lake

Posted: Friday, August 24, 2012 11:04 am | Updated: 11:15 am, Fri Aug 24, 2012.

Stand Up Paddling A Hit at Bear Lake    By Lance Frazier, Herald Journal 

Reprinted with permission from the Idaho State Journal. 

 

It takes only a few minutes on a paddleboard to understand why Lance Bourne decided to launch a side-business featuring the brightly colored crafts.

When Bourne first encountered what is being billed as the fastest growing water sport anywhere right now, he had never heard of stand-up paddle boarding, a derivative of paddle boarding, which is usually done kneeling or lying down on a board. While vacationing in Cabo San Lucas, Bourne saw a guy paddling around on a fiberglass board. The Garden City resident eventually tracked down a rental board, and even though he got knocked around a bit in the surf, was instantly hooked.

“It’s great exercise, anyone can ride them, and they’re really durable,” said Bourne, who this summer started renting out paddleboards and kayaks at Bear Lake.

Stand-up paddle boarding — also known as SUP, or paddle surfing — is as simple as it sounds, although that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Balance is key, and on calm water it can feel effortless. Introducing waves of any size, however, can quickly send riders lurching to keep their balance.

Since a high center of gravity makes riding more difficult, kids often surprise their parents by outperforming them, especially in the learning stage. The smaller the child, in fact, the easier they seem to take to the boards, cruising around effortlessly.

Bourne said he has taught riders as young as 4 and as old as 65. One “64-year-old grandma” rented a board, and even though she took a few spills during that day, kept climbing back on.

“She fell four times, but she bounced right back up and kept going,” Bourne said. “It’s for all ages.”

 From a shack on the beach near the Garden City Park, Bear Lake Water Adventures rents out 20 polyethylene paddle boards, along with 15 kayaks, and on weekends most of those are rented out. With three sizes and ever-improving designs (including traction strips and adjustable fins to improve control) riders can experience the water in a new way.

 “These are perfect for beginners,” Bourne said. “For people who can’t afford a boat, these are a great way to get out on the water.”

 They are also a surprisingly good workout. Although riders appear to be standing casually, to keep their balance they have to vigilantly engage their core and leg muscles. Hard-working paddlers can burn up to 600 calories per hour, Bourne said.

 And it’s a low-impact, largely silent activity on a lake frequently dotted with buzzing watercraft. “There’s no exhaust so you have no pollution,” Bourne said, “and there’s no noise.”

Jessica Ward Makes It

Jessica Ward, of Fish Haven and PTO president of Paris Elementary School,  swam across Bear Lake to raise money for an art program at the Paris Elementary School.  Support this great effort by sending a check to PO Box 400, Paris, Idaho 83261.  Make out  your checks to the Paris Elementary PTO.

Jessica nearing the end of her swim supported by her husband Nate Ward

Heritage Days Are Coming

By Kathie B. Anderson, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

 

GARDEN CITY, Utah. Heritage Days will be September 6th and 7th.  On Friday, September 6th from 900 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. a FISHING DERBY at Heritage Park Pond will kick of this year's events.   Heritage Pond is located on 300 West and 500 South.  (Enter through Buttercup Subdivision ) There is plenty of parking available.   The cost for the event will be $5.00 per person and you must have a valid Utah fishing license.  The top prize is a .22 pistol.   

On Saturday, September 7,  Heritage Days begins at 10:00 a.m.  Family fun activities will be at the Garden City Complex from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.  Dinner and the raffle will begin at 2:00 p.m.  The activities include a chicken splat, pancake flip, fly fishing contest, tug o’ war, kids games, and the popular fish catch!  There will also be a dutch oven cook off, so make your favorite dutch oven dish and share it with everyone!   There will be a prize given for the crowd favorite.    Dinner starts at 2:00 p.m. and will cost $4.50 per person.  This year's gun raffle will include a 12 gauge shotgun,  a 20 gauge shotgun, a 50 caliber muzzleloader, and  a X-bolt Hunter 270.  Tickets are $1.00 each or 6 tickets for $5.00.  

Lots of prizes will be given out  on Saturday, so be sure to  JOIN IN THE FUN AND TRY TO WIN SOME PRIZES!   For more information and updates go to www.gardencityut.us/Heritage-days .

July Sheriff Report

By  Kathie B. Anderson, Reporter

Rich Civic Times 

     Sheriff Dale Stacey, Rich County Sheriff’s Office, reported 288 incidents for the month of July.  Garden City reported 112 incidents, Laketown, 55 incidents, North County, 4 incidents, Out of County, 2 incidents, Randolph, 29 incidents, South County, 1 incident, and Woodruff 25 incidents. 

Garden City:                 

17 Citizen Assists

16 Medical Emergencies

8 Traffic Accidents with Damage

17 Suspicious People, Circumstances

7 Fires

5 DUI Alcohol or Drugs

4 Attempts to Locate
3 Alarms

3 Citizen Dispute

3 Found Property

3 Lockouts

3 Thefts

2 Agency Assist

2 Booking Prisoners

2 Child Abuse or Neglect

2 Civil Processes

2 Domestic Disturbances

2 Harassment

2 Intoxicated People

2 Traffic Violations

2 VIN Serial Number Inspections

1 Weapon Offense

1 Welfare Check

1 Vandalism

1 Property Damage, Not Vandalism

1 Traffic Accident with Injuries

1 Parking Problem

1 Lost Property

1 Juvenile Problem

1 Fraud

1 Firework

1 Controlled Substance Problem

1 Criminal Mischief

1 Burglary

1 Alcohol Offense

1 Traffic Hazard

Laketown   

              

8 Citizen Assists                                     

5 Medical Emergencies                           

4 Fires            

3 Harassments                                

3 Traffic Accidents with Injuries                                     

3 Alarms                                     

3 Civil Processes                                     

2 Traffic Accidents with Damages                                     

2 Animal Problems                                   

2 DUI Alcohol or Drugs                                      

2 Attempts to Locate                                      

2 Citizen Disputes                                     

2 Parking Problems                                     

2 Thefts                                     

2 Suspicious Persons, Circumstances                                     

1 Weapon Offense                                     

1 VIN Serial Number Inspection                                   

1 Vandalism                                     

1 Threatening                                   

1 Lost Property                                     

1 Agency Assist                                     

1 Alcohol Offense                                  

1 Child Abuse or Neglect                                     

1 Criminal Mischief                                     

1 Disorderly Conduct

 

North Country

             

1 Agency Assist                                     

1 Animal Problem                                     

1 Attempt to Locate                                     

1 Citizen Assist

Out of County    

 

2 Agency Assists

Randolph 

                    

5 Citizen Assists

3 Animal Problems

3 Citizen Disputes                                     

3 Traffic Hazards                                    

3 Medical Emergencies                                     

2 Traffic Accidents with Damages                                      

2 Suspicious Persons, Circumstances                                     

1 Booking Prisoner             

1 Burglary                              

1 Theft                                     

1 Fire                                     

1 Lockout

1 DUI Alcohol or Drugs                                     

1 Civil Process                                     

1 Dead Body  (We called on this one, it is a home death of natural causes)
 

South County              

1 Attempt to Locate

 

Woodruff   

                  

4 Citizens Assists                                    

4 Civil Processes                                     

3 Traffic Accidents with Damages

2 Medical Emergencies

2 Thefts                                     

1 Animal Problem                          

1 Arson                                     

1 Attempt to Locate                                     

1 Burglary                                     

1 Controlled Substance                                    

1 Juvenile Problem                                     

1 Lockout                                     

1 Transportation of Person/Property                                

1 Missing Person                                 

1 Domestic Disturbance

 

Rich County Total Traffic Citations Report by Area:                                    

Garden City: 39

Laketown: 21

Randolph: 8

Woodruff : 6

51 Traffic citations were for speeding

 2  Minor consumption/ possession of alcohol

 2  Unlawful possession of consumption

 2  Occupancy for trailer/semi-trailer

 2  Passing on double yellow line

 2  Operated in closed are (old) 

Parking in No Park Area, Theft, Intoxication, Failure to Observe No Passing Zone, Motor Vehicle on Beach, No Valid Driver’s License Obtained, Texting While Driving, No Proof of Insurance, and an Expired Registration, constituted the other citations given.

Utah Chub In The Lake

Photo by Bryce Nielson

Report on Garden City Planning and Zoning Meeting

Randall Knight, Reporter

Rich Civic Times 

GARDEN CITY, Utah. August 7 2013. The Planning and Zoning meeting was held as scheduled at 5:00 PM on the first Wednesday of the month.  The board members in attendance were: Lance Bourne (chair), Mike Schiess, Chuck Stockings and Dwayne Gifford.  The following members were absent: Dallas Solum, Nate Gracey and Jim Stone. 

The first topic discussed was the Oath of office for Susann House, a new Planning Commission member who was voted in to replace Mr. Solum.  Mike Schiess was nominated and elected as the Vice Chairman.

The board then discussed the status of building a city map overlay that would be used to determine if short term rental licenses could be given to the various applicants. Lance Bourne reported the city will not build the overlay and get involved with this issue.  The city does not want any liability for being involved with contradicting HOA guidelines. Bourne recommended an agenda item for next month to start discussions for neighborhoods to develop HOA’s within the city limits.  This would allow the new intercity HOA’s to regulate short term rentals in their neighborhood since there isn’t currently away to do that. 

Members of the board and the audience reported rental units are exceeding the number of parking spaces and bedrooms.  Bourne reminded them to call Andy Stokes, the ordinance officer, home owner, or property manager to report violations.  Bourne then recommended an agenda topic for next month to discuss the need for a public hearing by the homeowner prior to turning their dwelling into a rental property.  This would allow the neighbors to be informed of the rental unit and to get contact information where they could report violations.

The next item discussed was a recommendation to update the General Plan.  Danny White stated he has updated the plan in several areas but needs the input from the board as soon as possible.  He wants to present the updated version to the town council in a couple of months for approval.

Under miscellaneous topics, Mike Schiess asked which comes first; building permits from the city or from the HOA?  He was told the HOA is the responsible party to authorize the building permit before allowing the builder to approach the city.

Bourne reported there have been problems with Subway parking spaces being obstructed with trailers and debris behind the Bear’s Den.  He also feels the parking requirement for oversized vehicles be changed to regulate only overnight parking because the current version is causing problems for the business owners.

Swan Creek

Photo by Jennifer Cassilas

Garden City Council

By Kathie Anderson, Reporter

Rich County Times 

GARDEN CITY, Utah.   August 8, 2013.  Garden City Town Council Public Hearing.  A public discussion was held regarding Ordinance #13-10, allowing for random annual short term rental inspections and the enforcement of remedies, including suspending the short term rental license for immediate health hazards.  Joey Stocking, expressed concerns about the word “random”.  He contended that short term rental owners should have a specific date and time for a rental inspection so renters will not be disturbed or in any way feel threatened by having a “random” check of the premises.

He felt that unannounced inspections constitute an invasion of privacy.

However, Jim Kemp countered that letting the rental owners know of an impending investigation would defeat the entire purpose of the “random” ordinance.  People would prepare for the inspection, thereby hindering any misuse of the facility and searching for any safety hazards would become irrelevant.  Kemp suggested that once word would gets out about the random inspections, within a very short time, short term rental owners and renters will make every effort to stay in compliance with the safety and health ordinances required by Garden City.   Andy Stokes, the Garden City Code Officer, said he will be conscious of the renters and try not to invade their privacy.  

CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT 

Danny White, Garden City Administrator, has been working tirelessly on many projects for Garden City.  Working with Zan Murray and, Garden City Engineer, Riley Argyle, with Public Works, Andy Stokes, the Code Enforcement Officer, and the Town Council, White is working to make Bear Lake an even better place to live.  At present, White is concentrating on the Beach Access signs and the Bear Lake Gun Range projects.  An article by White relating to these two projects will be posted in an upcoming issue of the Rich County Times.

PUBLIC WORKS REPORT 

               

 JUB Engineers, Inc. ran flow tests, pulled data logs from the big meters, and checked out the use of the Garden City GIS data.  New data logs have been pulled covering July 9^th to the present.  This project helps Garden City identify the needs of the City and water system master plan, especially during the summer months at the height of tourist season. 

 Fire Chief Dan Kurek used his airplane for an aerial view of Garden City during Raspberry Days which will enable UDOT (Utah Department of Transportation) to better evaluate the impact and congestion of the streets during the summer months. 

 

Beach access signs:“Walk in only”- have been installed on 150 South, 200 North, 75^th North, and at The Cottages.   More signs will be installed. 

Bear Lake Gun Range: The project to build a public gun range is in the conceptual phase.  Some PR money from the Division of Natural Resources for possibly including an archery range may be available to cover expenses.  The issues that are being discussed include the adequacy of bathroom facilities, noise minimization, topography issues, and the need to provide more information to area homeowners. 

The kiosk project bid has been awarded to Mike Madsen (MJM Construction).  The foundation is in, and the wood beams are on order. 

The Bear Lake Water Company well was investigated by Glen’s Electric camera.  The 34 foot deep well must be cleaned.  Negotiations for the work are underway.  Bear Lake Water Company is looking into possibly trading the well to Garden City.  Sweetwater needs water shares and Garden City needs water.  Both parties want a win win situation. 

Heritage Park & Pond:  New trees have been planted, working is progressing on the last of the ditch work, Steve Watterson has completed the work on the parking lot, windmill aeration has been completed, the bentonite clay has been installed, and the ramp has been completed.   

GIS Mapping of Garden City’s infrastructure is ongoing.  One hundred new points have been placed on the map.   

 

Notice of Proposed Tax Increase

Laketown Fire Department

The Laketown Fire District is proposing to increase its property tax revenue.

The Laketown Fire District tax  on a $150,000 business would increase from $32.40 to $64.05 which is $31.65 more per year.

If the proposed budget is approved, Laketown Fire District would increase its property tax budgeted revenue by 97.68% above last years property tax budgeted revenue excluding new growth.

Laketown Fire District property tax revenue from new growth and other sources willl increase from $20,000 to $42,000.

All concerned citizens are invited to a publi hearing on the tax increase.

Public Hearing

Date/Time: 8/13/2013 7:00 p.m.

Location: Laketown Fire District

20 North 200 East

Laketown, UT 84038

To obtain more information regarding the tax increase citizens may contact Laketown Fire District at 435-881-2690.

Summer Reading Winners

By Cathie Rassmussen
Garden City Library Director


While attending our end of the Summer Reading Pool party, Bessie Smith's name was drawn for the Kindle. She will be sharing her new e-reader with big sister, Ayla. Congratulations girls!

 

Here is our little Emmalee Casillas, winner of the Leapfrog Tag reading system from our summer reading program. She is pictured with her brother, Dom.

 

 

It was a fun and beautiful day at the park with all of our Story Hour friends and their fuzzy pals...and bouncy balls! Thanks for a wonderful year!

 

Needles and Leaves

By Jennifer Huefner

Bear Lake Landscape, Inc

 

 

While driving through the Bear Lake Valley, I've noticed some 

Photo by Jennifer Huefner

abandoned, pioneer-era homes that still have thriving plants growing around it.  It is impressive to me that a lilac planted so long ago, and so long abandoned can still be alive, let alone look good!  We do live in a valley that gets pretty small amounts of rain fall.  How does the lilac survive?  Other plants that do similarly well in these abandoned landscapes are the peony and coppertina rose (that pretty yellow rose that takes over everything in its path). 

 

These plants are certainly cold and drought hardy!  Just remember that in order for your lilacs, peony, and coppertina rose to survive like that you'll have to water them until their roots become well established.  After that you can back off the water gradually.  I recommend watering them for 3-5 growing seasons.  We have three varieties of lilac, peonies, and the coppertina rose.  See how these Bear Lake Valley hardy plants can enhance your landscape.

 

 

 

 

Perennials Sale	4" Perennials:  Buy 2, get the 3rd free! #1 Perennials:  Buy 4, get the 5th free!
Sale ends when the last one is sold or October 1st, which ever comes first! Bear Lake Landscape & Garden Center at 60 S. Paradise Parkway (300 W.) in Garden City, Utah  Open M-F 8-5 and Sat 9-3 Phone: 435-946-8244