Eighteen Wheeler Philosophy

Significance Of A Pin

By Mel Hansen, The 18 Wheeler Philosopher

Today is my Uncle Sherril Beck's, killed on D-Day, June 6, 1944 (Omaha Beach), birthday. He was

14 days from reaching the 20th year of his short life. He and my Dad are the same age...my Dad will soon be 93 in August.

All my life I've been told stories by my Mum, Uncle Sherril's little sister, and Uncles from my Beck side of the family about this young hero. At times I've found myself wondering if this young man from the tiny town of Ovid, Idaho even existed. He was almost mythical in because he was talked about with such reverence and respect.

We named our oldest son, John Sherril, after my two heroes, my dad and my uncle...and the second he was born my Mum...ALWAYS...called him, John Sherril. To my knowledge he's done nothing to bring shame or dishonor to his two namesakes.

Shortly after John Sherril was born my Uncle Junior Beck, Sherril's oldest brother, told me he wanted John Sherril to have Uncle Sherril's Seminary Pin. Because of my slothfulness I never obtained the pin and my Uncle Junior & Aunt Ozella passed away and their oldest daughter packed up their belongings, rightly so, and took them to her house in Minnesota. I feared my chances of obtaining the pin would be in vain and didn't dare to ask her for it.

Just recently my older sis, Diane Weston, has been doing a lot of genealogy work involving our Beck side and has been in contact with our cousin Claudia, who is a genealogical guru! I asked Di

if she would be so kind to mention to Claudia about Uncle Sherril's Seminary Pin and how her dad, Uncle Junior, wanted John Sherril to have it. Di did so!...THANKS Di.

Today, Uncle Sherril's Birthday, I received by mail from Claudia, a handwritten note inside the package saying, "Please take care of this pin and let me know that you received it." Inside a small plastic bag, wrapped by cotton and taped tightly was Uncle Sherril's Seminary Pin. How thoughtful, kind and generous of her to entrust my John Sherril with it! We thank her with all our hearts.

As I unwrapped it and pulled it from the small bag, I was a bit overcome with emotion! Here I was actually holding something that was once held and very proudly owned by a Hero! He no longer was mythical, the subject of stories told by those who knew him, he suddenly became real to me! 

He was just a very young farm boy who loved his Bear Lake Valley, loved his parents, grandparents, and siblings.  I'm sure he had dreams of having a family and growing old with his wife! Smiling and laughing with his grandchildren.  Just enjoying life to the fullest!  Did he want to go off to war?  Does anyone really? I'm sure he'd rather of not, but he did as his Nation asked. His bullet ridden body was pulled from the sea and laid to rest in a cemetery in England. After the war his father had his body returned to the valley he so loved and laid to rest in the Lanark Cemetery next to his mother who died of cancer when he was 12 yrs old.

I'm sure the Pin will be taken care of and cherished, as the priceless heirloom it is, by his namesake. Hopefully it will be a constant reminder to him as he continues to never dishonor the names of the men he bears, to always stand steadfast in his religious beliefs, of his heritage, and price of freedom. I think it's fitting, maybe even his Great Uncle Sherril wanted him to receive his Seminary Pin on the day he was born in 1924.

Shimmering Rock

Photo by Heidi Hodges

Garden City Council Staff Meeting

Anita Weston, Reporter
Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah. June 8, 2017.   George Peart, the city’s Residential Building Inspector reported that there are currently 15 permits issued since January.  There are four residential buildings that are  being built.  There are at least two commercial buildings that are also underway.  There is a lot of activity in Buttercup subdivision right now. Peart noted that he didn’t know of any issues at the present time.

Riley Argyle, Public Works Supervisor, said that there have been lots of water leaks.  The parks are really busy already, and the fish pond has been stocked three or four times already this year.  The lawns at the parks are being watered at night.  The sprinklers usually come on about 10 p.m.  He noted that there have been some real problems with the joints in the sprinkling system in the City Park.  He didn’t think the contractor who put in the system had cemented any of the joints.  He said that his workers have gone through and fixed almost every joint in the park.  "Hopefully, " he said, "that should take care of some of the issues there.  There is one area that he called a dead section that needs to be checked."

The state has imposed some new rules and regulations regarding checking drinking water.  Starting in October water samples will need to be submitted twice a month.  They must be submitted within three hours.  This sampling will be continued for one year.  This will require someone to take the samples to Logan every other week.

The City is currently hauling gravel into the Legacy area for building the boardwalk.

The City is in the process of updating the lakeshore permit from the Army Corp of Engineers.  Danny White is going to work on the project.  The new permit will allow the City to plow the lakeshore for the next five years.  This permit will go from 150 South past the Legacy PUD.

The Culvert in Buttercup has been completed.  The City will now clean the ditches and add rock.  They have also cleaned the culverts in lower Buttercup.

When all the runoff stops, some areas on the trails and roads will need to be repaired.  Several have been severely washed out.  The county has some areas as well as the city that will need to be fixed.

The city has a field that was let out to bid for the hay growing there.  The bids will be read next week.

The canal cleaning has been completed.  The city did the backhoe work which will give the city some help with their assessment to the canal company.  The backhoe work came to about $300.  Currently, there are some places where the upper and lower canals are joined.  However, some of the canal boards don’t see the need for more work to be done.  Mayor Spuhler asked Argyle if he would join the board on the Swan Creek Canal Company and go to all of the meetings.  Argyle said he would and then noted that some additional diversions on the canals should be built.   At 1700 South there is no ditch to or from the Alan Wamsley’s property.  There also needs to be a larger culvert at DeLoy Hansen's  property.

People who are building next to any canals need to know that the home must be at least 100 feet from the canal. 

Argyle reported that there had been a problem at the water treatment plant.  A limit switch went out. He built a new switch which is working well.

Zan Murray, City Engineer, said that the boardwalk is underway.  The survey stakes are in place where the piers will be placed.  The lumber has been ordered.  The decking and structural framing for the boardwalk will be ready by June 23, the time set up for the community to help with this project.  The permit should be coming.

Murray had samples of various handrails and asked for the Council’s opinion.  There will be approximately 327 feet of railings.  The decking will cost about $17,000 and that doesn’t include the posts.  The substructure will cost about $8,700.

Murray noted that Swan Creek Village must obtain an extension that must be filed before any change of use can take place.

It was noted that 300 West roadway is going well.  Elk’s Ridge agreement still needs the Webber signature.  When that is done, the grant will be submitted in August.

All of the needed computers have been ordered for the City.  Some changes will be made where the controls and center for the equipment is stored is being considered.  The voice mail server is much too old.  The modems are bad.  There needs to be a real update to get things moving smoothly again.  Progress, however, is being made.  There have been a lot of PC issues that are currently being solved. 

Jeff Moffat is trying to get more funding for  winter travel marketing this coming winter.  The City is currently gathering data of all kinds.  One item of interest is where people are from who come here each summer.  The City has developed a survey that they will take with visitors beginning with July 4 through August.  This will give a lot of information to help when attempting to advertise and increase tourism in this area.

East Side Fire

Photo by Scott Dotson
A brush fire was contained and extinguished by fire crews on Saturday on the east side of the lake.  Several  large fires have been reported in the state over the last week including the massive Brian Head fire in southern Utah.  Fire fighters are warning people to be careful of fires, sparks off of ATV and to only do fireworks in approved areas.

New Focus On Guidance Counseling In Schools

Bobbie Bicknell Coray, Reporter
Rich Civic Times

RANDOLPH, Utah. June 21, 2017.  New guidance counselor, Weston Taylor told Rich School District Board members that most people think of school counselors as working with students who have emotional counseling, but in reality the guidance counselor is there to help students choose classes and other programs which will help them in career readiness.  The guidance counselor does do responsive services to help with life problems, these students are referred to other agencies with skilled counselors such as the Bear River Mental Health Services.

Taylor said that his priority is academic counseling and that he wants to help students and parents know what is necessary to graduate and to be college and career ready when they do graduate.   This year 67% of seniors earned college credit.   Forty of forty-two seniors had been accepted to post-secondary education    Taylor also said that while students in the district do well he will be concentrating on raising ACT and SAT scores with testing training and other programs.

Funding for counseling programs is provided by Comprehensive Guidance money from the State of Utah.  The legislature has been concerned that schools were not doing an adequate job of counseling students on career and college paths, so they put accountability into the legislation, which is why there is a yearly audit.  The district gets $40,000 in funding.  

First generation college students may need more advice too, especially with finding funding and learning to maneuver college admissions and registration.

The counselor helps students decide on a sequence of classes in middle and high school that focus on a chosen career, so that there is purpose to the curriculum.  He is also there to work with outside partners such as Bridgerland Technology College (BTC), Utah State University, Department of Workforce Services and other entities which will enhance career decision making.

Counseling starts with seventh and eighth graders, to let them know about BTC, and concurrent enrollment opportunities that are unique to the Rich County Schools.  A plan is mapped out for the student and a pathway to get to the goal, so that the students know about all opportunities and don’t miss out. The goal is to go to college or a post-secondary school with a purpose for a career.  Many students work with both BTC and a university, getting certifications for jobs in a tech field that will help to pay for their university work.

Superintendent Dale Lamborne said, “There was a time when you didn’t put as much effort into counseling for tech education, but now it is an important part of our efforts.   Many students who go to Bridgerland transfer to USU after they finished their certification program.”

The state audit of the Comprehensive Guidance Program identified areas in which the district could improve,  most of these are problems that have been identified from past years programs which have begun to be corrected under Taylor’s watch.  Another evaluation will be made at the end of next year.

2017-18 School Budget Hearing

Bobbie Bicknell Coray, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

RANDOLPH, Utah. June 21, 2017.  The proposed $8.86 million budget for the school year 2017-2018 was presented and adopted pending the “Truth in Taxation”  meeting.  That meeting will be held on August 16 at 6:30 in Randolph at Rich High School Auditorium.  This meeting will be an explanation of what the numbers in the budget mean.  Because the budget year is July to July in Rich County a budget must be approved to run the district before all hearings are completed. The budget is preliminary and based on the final action taken that night.

  

The new tax rate is up .000108 from last year.  Because two other tax levies have gone down in the budget, the actual increase on a $200,000 home will be about $14.  The district has not changed the levy for seven years.  Most other districts in Utah increase their levies every three years.

The district is required to have at least a three month operating budget.  Rich County has more than that and will draw some of it down for capital expenses.  Most of the growth in income for the District has come from new growth as more people are moving into the county.  The District raises $3.819 million from local taxes, the State contributes about $2.946 million and the Federal Government contributes $246,275, of which half is for disabled students.  Teacher, staff and administrative salaries make up more than half of the expenditures.

“Our tax rate is the fourth lowest tax rate in the state,” said Superintendent Dale Lamborn. 

In addition to the budget the Board approved changing middle school shop fees to $30.  In the past, it has been a $5 shop fee plus materials.   But they are finding that students are spending $100-$200 for projects and it is hard to manage.  There will 5 or 6 projects and the materials will be at the school.  If a student wants to do a different project, they may but they cannot spend more than $30.  There still will be a 5 dollar fee for art.

Pickleville Philosophy

Father's Day

By Jim Stone, The Pickleville Philosopher 

Well my day just got so awesome.  I never get tears in my eyes besides when I have to bury one of my hunting dogs.  I got a couple of tears right now.

I never had kids of my own. It’s probably something in my life that I maybe woulda regretted, but about nine years ago I met a young kid named Wyatt Hollaway.  He was just a little guy and we made friends right out of the gate.

I was guiding full time and he had a true love for hunting and fishing.  We started hunting and fishing most every day.  Wyatt is 17 now and has turned into an expert in every aspect of the outdoors. He’s a world class duck and goose caller, he can identify waterfowl of any kind a half mile away.  His black lab Barron, which he trained, loves to hunt as much as Wyatt does.

Wyatt has a true understanding for all wildlife and what it takes to not only hunt in a fair chase but also, when it’s not the season, how to protect and enhance wildlife.

Any ways Wyatt gave me this t shirt.  I realize I’m not a real dad but to me Wyatt is the son that I never had, and I’m so flipping proud of him in every way.

I’m pretty proud of my new shirt too.

Well my hats off to all the fathers, step fathers, or even just guys that step up and help introduce young men into a path that includes the wonders of the great outdoors.

Speaking for myself even though I’m not a real dad, I don’t think I could be any prouder or love a young man any more than Wyatt.

Have a very happy Father’s Day everyone.  Big smiles from me to all of you

Reflections

Photo by Claudia Lopez, Garden City

Garden City Library Rummage Sale

June 23 and 24 at Garden City Park.  

Anyone wanting to bring their donations directly to the park, a representative of the sale will be at the park Thursday at noon until closing.  We have lots of furniture for sale.  

Much of it has been donated by local Time Shares and Condos.  

All donations go directly to the Library.  

Anyone needing a truck or help bringing items please text 801-608-5680

Garden City Council Meeting

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times 

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  June 8, 2017.  There was a brief discussion concerning widening the sidewalk along the front of the LDS Church located along Bear Lake Blvd.  It was noted that the sprinkling system would have to be moved if the sidewalk was widened.  The City decided to leave this area alone.

The kiosk located in the City’ parking lot just north of the LDS Church Building contains advertising signs for many of the businesses in town.  However, some of the signs were made and have never been hung.  The request was made to get these signs hung.

The City needs five Counting Judges for the municipal elections coming up.  Mayor Spuhler asked if Shar Miller, Nadine Sprouse, Anita Weston, Bess Huefner, and Ginger Stocking would be willing to help.  They agreed to help.  These individuals will need to be available after the election closes on Tuesday, August 15.

Consolidated was given the bid for Buttercup Lane Area Roadways Restoration Project contingent upon holding to the Addendum.    The Cost will be $8,600.

The Rich County Fair Board had contacted Garden City asking the City to donate $700 to help sponsor the fall Rodeo.  The Council approved supporting the County with this activity.

A Public Hearing was called to order and a discussion of held concerning Ordinance #17-07.  This ordinance updated the requirements for a transient merchant license to include the new state code stipulations.  Ordinance #17-08 was also updated to include exemptions for the Garden City bike and pedestrian path.  The Public Hearing was closed.

The motion was made and approved by the City Council that food truck vendors will be required to purchase a $90 food truck permit.   This covers administrative and other expenses that are expended by the City in working with food truck vendors.

A motion was also made to accept the ordinance 17-08 dealing with the Garden City Bike and walking path.  The motion was approved.

Garden City Mayor's Report

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY June 8, 2017.  Mayor Spuhler reported talking with the Commissioners earlier in the day.  He noted that Garden City creates about 97 percent of all TRT (Transient Room Tax) taxes collected in the County.  These taxes are sent to the state and are returned to the County.  The County then takes the percentage determined for law enforcement and the percentage for some of the other emergency organizations and gives them these funds.  The rest of the money is to be spent on tourism projects.  Each city in the county is asked to write a grant to gain access to their share of the TRT monies.  A board was formed about ten years ago.  They are the individuals who read the grants requesting money and make the determination of who gets the money and how much.

Mayor Spuhler noted that $295,000 TRT monies were collected by Garden City this past year.  Garden City was given $25,000 for their grant which is about the same as all of the other cities in the County.  The Mayor, in looking further into the matter, determined that there was $125,000 TRT money in the County general fund for the Sheriff.  That leaves a balance of $113,000 in the TRT Account.  Mayor Spuhler noted that there will be as much money collected this coming summer as last summer, thus he felt the balance in the account was really high and thought it should be used before the TRT tax is added to the account this fall.  Also, even though Garden City collects the major portion of the funds, the $25,000 was about 7 percent of the amount brought in.

Mayor Spuhler requested that perhaps the TRT Board be changed a bit to give more individuals an opportunity to serve on that board and make decisions about the TRT tax funds.  He had a list of individuals he thought would make a good change.  He listed George Peart, Ty Tenne, Mike Mouldenhauer, Gary McKee, Paul Abray, Nate Perry, Nate Smoot, Kylie Hodges, and Robert Peterson.  The Commissioners noted that they would think about updating the board.  They defended how the funds are currently being shared and said they would look further into this matter.

Gathering Clouds

Photo by Mark Bishop

Proposed Budget Changes

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah. June 8, 2017.  Last month the Council worked on the budget for next year.  The proposed budget was presented to the Council.  It was decided that some additional changes needed to be made to the budget.  Glen Gillies has been given more responsibility in the last few weeks.  As a result, it was decided that when he passes the building inspector exam, he will be given approximately $50,000 a year. 

Tammy Calder works about 24 hours a week.  She has been with the City for about three and a half years.  It was decided that she should be given a raise to $13.24 per hour.  Richard Monk is in charge of the swimming pool and has been doing a super job.  He is always there and works hard to make sure things are moving smoothly.  He will be given a 12 percent increase in his salary.  All of the other city workers will be given a 4 percent cost of living raise this year.

These items will change some of the figures on the proposed budget for the coming year.  Kathy Hislop said she would get the changes made.

New Curb & Gutter By Water's Edge

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  June 8, 2017.  Don and Bess Huefner informed the City Council that as Water’s Edge moves forward, they will be putting in new curb and gutter work in front of their building.  Because they don’t own all of the property to the end of the block, there will be a difference in the curb and gutter in front of Water’s Edge and the curb and gutter in front of Huefner’s property.  The Hufeners thought that the City might want to make the curb and gutter the same to the end of the block.  The owners of Water’s Edge noted that they would be happy to do the curb and gutter work to the end of the block if the City will pay the cost of the materials needed for this additional distance.  The Council felt it would be better to make sure the curb and gutter was consistent and are willing to take care of the materials cost to do so.

There are some trees along the west side of Huefner’s property that are creating a problem for people being able to see cars coming for the north or south when attempting to get onto Bear Lake Blvd. from 150 South.  It was decided that at least one and perhaps all of the trees along that area will need to be removed.  It was also noted that a fence for the Huefners needs to be in place prior to Water’s Edge getting a business license. 

New Business In Garden City

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times 

GARDEN CITY, Utah. June 8, 2017.   Papa’s Fine Chocolates, a candy company, will be moving into a shop located at 88 S. Bear Lake Blvd.  This location is the commercial building currently being built and will be a part of the Water’s Edge resort.  The owners of Papa’s Fine Chocolates, April Matthews and Edward Matthews, are excited about this opportunity and asked that they be given a business license for this operation.  The Council approved their request for this business contingent upon approval of occupancy of the building by the City.

Kacy Jones asked the Council to approve her request for a license to start a professional spa service and retail sales of spa products at 88 S. Bear Lake Blvd.  This business will also be housed in the Water’s Edge commercial building currently being built.  The Council approved Jones' request contingent upon approval of occupancy of the building.

Water’s Edge Beach Parking, owned by Chris Shurian, asked for the license to do business providing beach-side parking access as well a rental of paddle boards, kayaks, and places for picnics on the area below 88 S. Bear Lake Blvd.  The council approved Shurian's request.

Nick Olsen, owner of a property management and rental company, requested a business license to open his business in Garden City.  This business will be located at 70 W. Logan Road.  Approval was given.