Long time member of this community, John Hansen turned 90 this week. There was a family celebration, but everyone who sees this dear man should wish him a Happy Birthday.
Monday, August 18, 2014
The Muddled Male
The Trap
By Bob Stevens, The Muddled Male
There was a time early in our life on
Sweetwater Hill when we were bothered by mice. Or, as a scientist would say, small rodents
that are part of the Muridae or Cricetidae families. Non-scientists just call them a house mouse, because
it is easier to pronounce. Ann, my wife,
called me a mouse once, but I prefer to be called a rat. That may seem strange to you, but where a
mouse is described as a small rodent with a name that is often used to describe
a cowardly or timid person, a rat is described as resembling mice but larger with
a name that is sometimes used to describe a despicable person, especially one
who betrays or informs upon associates.
You may think that being called a rat is a step down from being called a
mouse since a rat is big and ugly while a mouse is little and cute, but if you
had been called, “One of the little guys”
by a tall statuesque friend, as I have, you start to think that being called
anything that makes you feel manlier, a step up.
I tell you about our earlier battle with
mice to help you better understand the source of some pain and anguish I
recently suffered. When we first started
thinking that we might have a rodent problem, there were two places where we
occasionally saw a mouse. One was behind
a free-standing, propane fired stove in our downstairs family room where the
point at which the propane pipe penetrates the wall there is a slight gap big
enough to serve as a mouse entrance.
Knowing that Ann is partial to cute little fur-persons, and not wanting
to excite her wrath by causing a part of the Muridae family to exit mortality
in a less than humane way, I chose a sticky trap. A poor choice, as it turned out, because the
first time I came up the stairs carrying a sticky trap with a cute little
fur-person stuck prostrate in the trap from chin to tail, Ann saw that the
mouse was still alive and moving his cute, soulful eyes around in an obvious
plea for help. So to get out of trouble I
changed from a sticky trap to the Jaws
of Death.
Now the sticky trap is subtle in its
approach and ensnares the mouse gradually as the mouse struggles to get free, but
the Jaws of Death does it all
in one resounding WHACK with no
questions asked, no quarter given. The Jaws of Death trap looks like a
set of spring loaded dentures with the false teeth shaped into points. Located in the middle, where the tongue would
be, is a yellow paddle attached to a trigger mechanism which, when the paddle
is depressed slightly, releases the teeth to snap angrily together. In the middle of the trap is a small cup into
which one can place irresistible bait, such as miniature chocolate chips, and
which is surrounded by the paddle. As
soon as the unsuspecting mouse extends his head between the jaws and places his
tiny little feet on the paddle to get closer to the chocolate, WHACK.
All that is left is for Bob, the Rat, to sneak out of the house with the
now expired mouse and deposit it in the trash without Ann spotting him along
the way.
All of that is a prelude to my tale of
pain and anguish. We haven’t seen a
mouse for some time now, but my engineering instincts caused me to keep a trap
or two in place just in case a mouse happens to slip past my defensive perimeter. Because someone was coming to look at our
house and I didn’t want them to think that a paranoid engineer lived here, I
went downstairs to move the traps out of sight so as to prevent a mistaken
impression. Because I was in a hurry I
just reached down to pick up a still set trap, being careful not to spill the
chocolate chips on the floor, when WHACK. In the place where there normally would have
been an expired mouse, my thumb lay clamped between two rows of clenched and
pointed false teeth. I admit that it
slowed me down a little since I couldn’t go back upstairs until I stopped
crying. I also had to pick up the
chocolate chips that were now flung all over the floor.
The troubling thing was that Ann, my
wife, began reciting that old saying from our childhood, “cry baby whiny mouse, laid an egg in grandma’s house.” I’m afraid she may never look at me as a manly
rat again. On top of that, she accused
me of getting caught because I was trying to sneak a chocolate chip.
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Short Term Rentals Defeated In Sweetwater Hillside Vote
Bobbie Coray, Reporter
Rich Civic Times
GARDEN CITY, Utah. August 16, 2014. In an highly anticipated meeting attended by twice as many home and lot owners than previous Sweetwater Hillside HOA meetings, a motion was proposed to allow rentals of dwellings in the HOA. The motion had been sent earlier to HOA members and had been on the SWHOA website. Proponents had sent e-mails and postcards describing the benefits of short term rentals. Others had responded with comments about the negative aspects. Over 120 people packed into the conference room and 85 absentee ballots had been mailed out.
After three people spoke for the motion and three spoke against the motion, a vote on the question was moved which required a 2/3 majority to close discussion and go to the vote. That motion passed and the vote to end debate won. Then the vote on the motion to allow short term rentals was taken. Counting the absentee votes, the totals were: Against allowing rentals---331, For allowing rentals---69. In percentages that breaks down to 83% opposed, 17% in favor.
Even if that vote had been in the affirmative, the CC&Rs disallow business and commercial use of any lot in the Sweetwater Hillside HOA, so it would still be contrary to the CC&Rs to have short term rentals, which are viewed as a business. Such short term rental units currently require business licenses in Garden City and the county has indicated that this year they will pass a very similar ordinance, requring that this kind of enterprise pay special fees and taxes and obtain a business license. By definition, they would be considered businesses and therefore would not be allowed under the CC&R's, recorded in the years 1971-1975.
Rich Civic Times
GARDEN CITY, Utah. August 16, 2014. In an highly anticipated meeting attended by twice as many home and lot owners than previous Sweetwater Hillside HOA meetings, a motion was proposed to allow rentals of dwellings in the HOA. The motion had been sent earlier to HOA members and had been on the SWHOA website. Proponents had sent e-mails and postcards describing the benefits of short term rentals. Others had responded with comments about the negative aspects. Over 120 people packed into the conference room and 85 absentee ballots had been mailed out.
After three people spoke for the motion and three spoke against the motion, a vote on the question was moved which required a 2/3 majority to close discussion and go to the vote. That motion passed and the vote to end debate won. Then the vote on the motion to allow short term rentals was taken. Counting the absentee votes, the totals were: Against allowing rentals---331, For allowing rentals---69. In percentages that breaks down to 83% opposed, 17% in favor.
Even if that vote had been in the affirmative, the CC&Rs disallow business and commercial use of any lot in the Sweetwater Hillside HOA, so it would still be contrary to the CC&Rs to have short term rentals, which are viewed as a business. Such short term rental units currently require business licenses in Garden City and the county has indicated that this year they will pass a very similar ordinance, requring that this kind of enterprise pay special fees and taxes and obtain a business license. By definition, they would be considered businesses and therefore would not be allowed under the CC&R's, recorded in the years 1971-1975.
Friday, August 15, 2014
Dont Miss It! Bear Lake Rendezvous, AUGUST 20-24, 2014, Laketown, Utah
Countdown……10,9,8……..
www.bearlakerendezvous.com
Ten more days! Things are going well. We have had lots of questions about the exact location of the rendezvous. On our website www.bearlakerendezvous.com you can view the map with directions including exact mileage from highway 30 in Laketown. Also, included is our contact #’s. Remin
ding you that cell ser
vice can be spotty so LEAVE A MESSAGE and be patient. When service is available we can call you back.
ding you that cell service can be spotty so LEAVE A MESSAGE and be patient. When service is available we can call you back.
We are doing our best to have signage. We expect that travelers are sharp enough to get to Laketown Utah. If you are really savvy here ya go.. 41.83030296550294, -111.36064572259784
Additional Mileage Landmarks to the Laketown turnoff:
Rendezvous beach east 1.8 miles
Ideal Beach Main Gate 6.6 Miles
Garden City 9.7 Miles
Logan 49.2 Miles
From Sage Creek Junction 12.1 miles
From Randolph Utah 20.8 Miles
From Woodruff Utah 30.7 Miles
From Evanston Wyoming 53.4 Miles
Also a reminder. Bring ice and water. We have a limited supply of water available at the “spring” tent located at the food court. Ice is available at Dee’s service in town. We have asked that they have an ample stock.
We want to remind you:
If you have any questions we can be contacted by cell or text. Service can be spotty so leave a message and contact number an we will call back.
Kash Johnson 801-452-1518
Joel Marler 801-567-1194
Reminders:
This is an outdoor event. Dress accordingly and prepare for inclement weather, uneven ground , loud noises, animal encounters and unpaved roads.
Dogs must be on a leash and poop picked up and discarded
This is a family event. Please act and dress as if your kids and grand kids are watching you.
Please bring ice and water for personal use. Please pickup after yourself. This is a non profit all volunteer event. If you leave it behind leave it in the appropriate location.
We are looking forward to a great event with fun for all.
Remember, we expect to make mistakes. Complaining without a solution is whining! Criticism with ideas for a solution are not only welcome, but solicited.
Rich County Commission Report
Rich Civic Times
RANDOLPH. Utah. August 5 2014. Mitch Poulsen from Bear Lake Regional
Commission informed the Commissioners that three new board members needed to be
appointed to the Board of Adjustments.
This Board only meets two or three times a year. Three individuals have served for quite some
time and requested to be replaced. There
is a case pending so new individuals need to be appointed soon. The time period to serve on the committee is
two years. Several names were discussed.
Joseph Coles has requested that his bicycle event be
scheduled for September. Since it will
be in September, the Commissioners didn’t feel it would cause too much problem
and approved the special event permit for the proposed route that was shown to
them.
Eric Wamsley of the County Planning
Sheldon Thompson appeared before the Commission for a
business license for the saw mill doing business in the County. The title of the business is Thompson
Logging, Inc. He noted he is currently
sawing lumber as well as dancers and poles.
Currently he has 13 employees and has hopes to increase that number to
35 or 40 in the next two or three years.
He has been pleased with the individuals he has hired from the
area. He said they are working out
well. He said he had some water line
issues but is working through that problem.
The Commissioners indicated they were happy that he has come
into the area. They asked if he was
still hiring employees. He reported that
he currently had enough workers but as he brings in more equipment, he will
need more men. The Commissioners asked
if he could make pellets. He said that
he would need a press and bagging system to do that, but has enough equipment
for almost everything else.
Taylor Payne works with the Utah Grazing Improvement
Program. He currently has an open contract
with Cirrus.to completed the project that was started in the Three Creeks Area
for $110,000. He needed the
Commissioners’ signatures on the contract so that the money can be given to
them from the State, and they can pass it on to the proper individuals. Mr. Payne noted that he hoped they would be
able to complete this project sometime this fall. The contract has a termination date at the
end of 2015. This particular project is
the first of its kind and appears to be working out extremely well. Mr. Payne had the Commissioners’ note a
possible conflict of interest since all are involved with agriculture.
Becky Argyle, the County
Clerk
The County needs an additional dump truck with a pup,
sanders, and a 4-way plow. Arrangements
have been made for financing for this $240,000 purchase through Zions
Bank. It was decided to get a four-year
loan at 1.59 percent interest. The motion
was made to approve this purchase.
Vernon Mortenson and Bruce Vickamore sell Arena Blend brand
material for rodeo arenas. It isn’t
slippery, it is easier to maintain, doesn’t create dust, and last approximately
nine to ten years. They had checked the
arena in Randolph
The Commissioners told them to please measure the area and
come up with an exact figure. The
gentlemen said they would do that immediately and would leave the information
with the Commissioners so they could make a decision.
Danelle Wasden asked for a business license for the Klickety
Klackey Dance Company. She is going to
teach clogging classes on their ranch on Wednesday nights during the
winter. There is plenty of parking, and
she will be using the big red shed they have for her classroom. Approval was granted.
Brent Sonzini, an insurance representative, reported that
the Utah Legislature had opened a six month window that would allow public
safety officers an option for their insurance.
The County must agree to the change which would then allow the public
safety individuals to choose between keeping their current coverage or electing
to go with a different plan that is available.
The current plan has the security officers pay a percentage
that can be withdrawn as a lump sum when they retire. The non contributing plan doesn’t require the
individuals to pay anything. However,
after retirement, there is a more generous amount left to the spouse upon the
death of the insured individual.
Mr. Sonzini left a transfer form for both the County, and
for individuals who may be interested in changing. He will be back on the 18th and
will be available from 2 – 5 p.m. to answer any questions the security people
may have.
Les Johnson requested a business license for Bear Lake
Rendezvous Inc. that is a non- profit organization. He also needed to obtain an event permit for
the rendezvous that he is sponsoring August 20 – 24. The Commissioners indicated that they had
waived the event fee for the first five years when he came to them last year to
allow him to get started with his yearly activity. Mr. Johnson indicated that he had plans to
teach the history of the fur trade, about the mountain men, various skills used
by the pioneers, and so forth. The
Commissioners encouraged him in his activities.
Bret Argyle is in charge of the Rich County Fair and Rodeo
this year. He noted that on Tuesday of
Fair and Rodeo week, after the horse show, the Commissioners had committed to
cook hot dogs; and he wanted to remind them of this activity. He reported that a couple of lights need to
be fixed. Bret noted that three events
in the state were won at last year’s rodeo.
Kim Wilson, the County
Assessor
Dan Ames, the County Fire Chief noted that there had been
two fires—one at Mountain Fuel caused by fireworks and another on the East Side
of the Lake .
He didn’t know if or when the fire restrictions would be lifted. So far, things seem to be going well in the
County.
The Commissioners signed a declaration making September
child cancer awareness month here in Rich
County
July Sheriff's Report
Anita Weston,
Reporter
Rich Civic Times
RANDOLPH, Utah. July
2014. There were 236 incidents reported
during the month of July. This report
would include only Thursday of Raspberry Days—the other two days were in
August. There were 35 citizen assists,
26 medical emergencies, 22 traffic accidents with damage, 19 sovereign lands
issues, 15 traffic hazards, 13 animal problems, 12 agency assists, 11 citizen
assists, and 10 DUI alcohol or drugs.
One hundred thirty-five of the incidents occurred in Garden
City, 51 occurred in Laketown, 28 occurred in Randolph
Garden City had 19 citizen assists, 16 medical emergencies,
16 sovereign lands incidents, 10 traffic accidents with damage, 9 traffic
hazards, 9 agency assists, 8 civil processes, 7 DUI alcohol or drugs
incidents, and 6 animal problems. There were 3 each of the following: alarms, domestic disturbances, and vandalisms. There were two each of the following: citizen disputes, fires, fireworks, lost
properties, suspicious people/circumstances, thefts, VIN Serial Number
inspections, and welfare checks. There
was one each of the following: an
abandoned vehicle, an assault, an attempt to locate, a child abuse or neglect
incident, a lockout, a missing person, a traffic accident with injuries, some
property damage that was not vandalism, a rape, and the theft of an automobile.
Laketown had 9 citizen assists, 8 medical emergencies, 8
traffic accidents with damage. There
were three each of the following: agency
assists, sovereign lands incidents, traffic violations, and VIN serial number
inspections. There were two of each of
the following: animal problems,
fireworks, lost property, and thefts.
There was one each of the following:
an attempt to locate, a disorderly conduct incident, a fire incident, a
fish and game incident, a missing person, and a traffic accident with injuries.
Randolph had 4 citizen assists, 4 traffic hazards, 3
criminal histories, 3 transportation of people/properties, 2 civil processes, 2
DUI alcohol or drugs, 2 traffic accidents with damage, and one each of the
following: an animal problem, an attempt
to locate, a prisoner booking. a child abuse or neglect incident, a suspicious
person/circumstance, a traffic violation, a traffic stop, and a welfare check.
Woodruff had 4 animal problems, 3 citizen assists, 2 medical
emergencies, 2 traffic accidents with damage, and 2 traffic hazards. There was one each of the following: an assault, a civil process, a DUI alcohol or
drugs, a fire, an incident of fraud, a theft, a traffic violation, a VIN serial
number inspection, and a welfare check.
The total traffic citation report shows 38 citations for
Garden City with 45 violations. Laketown
had 10 citations and 10 violations. Randolph
The traffic citation report listing types of violations
shows 25 speeding tickets, 13 parking below the high water mark, 5 driving with
a passenger(s) in the wrong place, 3 driving under the influence, 2 driving on
a denied license, 2 OHVs within 100 feet of the water, 2 motor vehicles on the
beach, and 1 each of the following: an
unlawful possession or consumption of alcohol/drugs, operating a vehicle
without insurance, no proof of insurance, a change of address, driving on a
revoked/suspended license, failure to maintain control on a canyon road, an
open container/drinking alcohol, following too close, a violation of
overweight/oversize limits, criminal mischief, allowing a vicious animal to go
without a leash, and passing on a double yellow line.
The traffic warning report shows 41 warnings with 47
violations in Garden City, 25 warnings with 28 violations in Laketown, 3
warnings and 3 violations in Randolph, and 3 warnings and 3 violations in
Woodruff. That is a total of 72 warnings
and 81 violations.
The traffic warning report by violation shows there were 18
motor vehicles on the beach violations, 17 speeding violations, 9 valid launch
permits required, 4 AIS check station skips, 4 driving with passenger in the
wrong place, 4 restricted parking/no parking zone violations, 3 permits not
displayed, 3 restricted parking/no parking, 3 parking below the high water
mark, 2 sovereign land use violations, 2 driver’s licenses not on person, 2
ATVs on the beach, and one each of the
following: a trespass, failure to stop at check station, parking in a no park
area, no registration card in vehicle, supervision require on OHV, parking
violation, fail to stop at Stop Sign, occupancy of trailer/semitrailer, no
helmet under 18, and OHV within 100 feet of the water.
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
We proclaim to recognize September to be the Childhood
Cancer Awareness Month in Rich
County
WHEREAS, the American Cancer Fund for Children and Kids
Cancer Connection report cancer is the leasing cause of death by disease among U.S.
WHEREAS, one in five of our nation’s children loses his or
her battle with cancer. Many infants,
children and teens will suffer from long-termed effects of comprehensive
treatment, including secondary cancers; and
WHEREAS, founded over twenty years ago by Steven Firestein,
a member of the philanthropic Max Factor family, the American Cancer Fund for
Children, Inc. and Kids Cancer Connection, Inc. are dedicated to helping these
children and their families; and
WHEREAS, the American Cancer Fund for Children and Kids
Cancer Connection provide a variety of vital patient psychosocial services to
children undergoing cancer treatment at the Primary Children’s Medical Center,
Shiners Hospitals for the children in Salt Lake City, as well as participating
hospitals throughout the country, thereby enhancing the quality of life for
these children and their families; and
WHEREAS, the American Cancer Fund for Children and Kids
Cancer Connection also sponsor Courageous Kid Recognition Award ceremonies and
hospital celebrations in honor of a child’s determination and bravery to fight
the battle against childhood cancer.
Rich County Commissioners,
William E. Cox
Norman Weston
Thomas Weston
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Obituary: Bear Lake Summer Citzen Passes Away
Wesley Howard Johnston St. George, Utah
Our beloved Wes passed away in St. George, Utah from a courageous battle with cancer on August 10, 2014 in his home surrounded by loved ones. He was born on June 19, 1936 in Ogden, Kansas to Howard John and Anne Lorrine Steere Johnston.
Wes is survived by his wife Judy, children Mike (Tammy), David (Jan), Jennifer Bergquist (Stephen) and Jill, grandchildren Colby, Nic, Cassie, Andrew, Taylor Ann, Vanessa, Cory, Jordan, Sammie, and Adam, siblings: Ken (Barbara), Ron (Cesear), and Zoetta Paxman (Dennis) along with many nieces and nephews. He is proceeded in death my both his parents, wife (Kathy) and one grandson (Dustin).
A viewing will be held in St George, Utah on Thursday, August 14th from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Sunset 8th ward chapel (82 N. Dixie Dr.) Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, August 16th at 11:00 am in the Union Fort 5th Ward Chapel, 6770 S. 500 E, Midvale, UT. Viewings will also be held there on Friday, August 15th from 6:00-8:00 pm and from 9:30-10:30 am prior to the funeral services. Interment will be at the Redwood Memorial Estates Cemetery.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hunstman Cancer Institute, 2000 Circle of Hope Drive, SLC, UT 84112.
Please share memories and condolences at www.serenityfhs.com.
Our beloved Wes passed away in St. George, Utah from a courageous battle with cancer on August 10, 2014 in his home surrounded by loved ones. He was born on June 19, 1936 in Ogden, Kansas to Howard John and Anne Lorrine Steere Johnston.
Wes is survived by his wife Judy, children Mike (Tammy), David (Jan), Jennifer Bergquist (Stephen) and Jill, grandchildren Colby, Nic, Cassie, Andrew, Taylor Ann, Vanessa, Cory, Jordan, Sammie, and Adam, siblings: Ken (Barbara), Ron (Cesear), and Zoetta Paxman (Dennis) along with many nieces and nephews. He is proceeded in death my both his parents, wife (Kathy) and one grandson (Dustin).
A viewing will be held in St George, Utah on Thursday, August 14th from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Sunset 8th ward chapel (82 N. Dixie Dr.) Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, August 16th at 11:00 am in the Union Fort 5th Ward Chapel, 6770 S. 500 E, Midvale, UT. Viewings will also be held there on Friday, August 15th from 6:00-8:00 pm and from 9:30-10:30 am prior to the funeral services. Interment will be at the Redwood Memorial Estates Cemetery.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hunstman Cancer Institute, 2000 Circle of Hope Drive, SLC, UT 84112.
Please share memories and condolences at www.serenityfhs.com.
Obituary: Dr. Glade Crowther, Bear Lake Clinic Dentist
August 4, 1954 ~ August 3, 2014
On Sunday evening, August 3, 2014, our lives were altered in a most devastating way. It is with a great and burdensome sadness that we now attempt to convey a few details of his monumental life. Glade Crowther was a gentle giant of a man who lived a simple life rich in honor and goodness. He was often referred to as a peacemaker and spent all of his time making others happy. He was a selfless man. His time was spent here on earth serving those he loved with his massive, genuine heart. His life gave ours meaning and blessed all those privileged to have known him. In our eyes, we lost the greatest man that ever lived!
To say he was a devoted, kind and loving husband; the soul mate of all soul mates; a fun-loving dedicated dad; a bigger than life grandpa; a loyal, cherished brother; and most of all, the best friend any human could ever have is a gross understatement. Glade had the ability to love like no other and it didn't matter what station of life you came from.
His life began August 4, 1954 when heaven released him to earth with an applause of thunder to Lorin W. Crowther and Hazel Robinson, the fifth of six children. This week the heavens have wept and roared with applause again as his son Corbin ushered him home.
Glade graduated from Weber High School and then served an LDS mission in Copenhagen, Denmark. He met his best friend and soul mate, Faye Blanch, on a snow-covered mountain in Victor, Idaho. It was love at first site. They sealed their bond of love for time and all eternity in the Ogden LDS Temple on February 11, 1977. Together, they made their home in Plain City and raised an outstanding family of eight.
Glade learned to tool leather at Cross Western Wear and was a master craftsman. He graduated from Weber State College then attended Case Western Dental School and went from carving leather to carving teeth. He was a gregarious dentist whom everyone loved. He had an honest work ethic few could match! Working hard was one of his passions.
Glade's ultimate passion was his faith and family. He had a complete testimony of the gospel and served in many church callings. He was the first Bishop of the PC7th ward. His greatest calling was teaching. He loved reading and had an intense quest for knowledge, which he enjoyed sharing with others in his gospel doctrine class. He always knelt in prayer at night and had a close relationship with God.
He enjoyed many things, but had one great hobby --- fishing. If Glade didn't have a drill, a book, or a spatula in his hand, then he had a fishing pole instead. We have so many good memories of one trip after another to any mountain with a stream. He loved playing with his soul mate and kids and said we could never be together enough for his liking.
He leaves a giant chasm in a group of people who loved him more than life --- his family. We built our life upon him and he will always be our rock! We won't know what to do without his cooking; he was our chef and fed us with far more than food. There are so many memories of building a cabin, yet in the process he built a strong family. We will miss his famous head roll, eye pop, and the simple ways he laughed and played with us. His mannerisms and his way of being could be listed in a million endearing ways, and it is with thankful hearts we know we were and are and forever will be his treasure! Gratefully, our bond of love with him is eternal.
We will miss you pops! You wore your heart out serving us and now our hearts are forever broken. We promise this day, in our heavy sorrow, we will rise up in faith and go on in courage and valor to make you proud of each of us, upholding the great legacy you gave us. Thank you for living your life for us!
Glade is survived by his wife Faye, seven children, Emilyn (Craig) Umbrell, Kaedell (Kyle) Ellis, Seth (Haley) Crowther, Gavin (Caroline) Crowther, Gage (Missy) Crowther, Kelson (Jacqueline) Crowther, and Deserey Crowther. He is also survived by 11 beautiful grandchildren with, two on the way, and his five siblings. His son, Corbin Chad Crowther, preceded him in death and welcomed him home.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 9, 2014 at 1 p.m. at the Plain City Stake Center, 4630 W. 2150 N. Friends may call Friday, August 8, 2014 from 6 to 8 p.m. and also on Saturday August 9, 2014 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The family would like to thank all those who have rendered so many acts of kindness and generosity, not to mention the tremendous outpouring of love and prayers on their behalf. Those prayers have been deeply felt and no act of charity has gone unnoticed. Thank you from all of us.
Condolences may be made at: www.ruddfuneralhome.com
Monday, August 11, 2014
The Unmuddled Mathematician
It’s All in the Wrist
By Chris
Coray, The Unmuddled Mathematician
Fair Warning: Do not
read this just prior to eating a meal or if you have a queasy stomach. Ann, have the Muddled Male read this first
and decide if it’s OK for you.
I used to love to hunt.
Not big game, but birds. It was
in my blood and as fall approached my excitement level would rise every
day. I still like to go hunting but have
a very hard time killing. A camera is my
preferred weapon.
The first bird hunt of the year was in Wyoming and we hunted
sage grouse, also called sage hens. We’d
set up a camp on the high Wyoming prairie, a whole bunch of us eager to begin a
new hunting year. I think the biggest
and most beautiful moon I’ve ever seen was from a small tent on that prairie; but
on to the story. In those days the birds
were numerous and the hunting really good.
To properly care for the game for good eating required that the birds
should be in large part cleaned (field dressed) within minutes of shooting. The trick was learning the correct wrist snap. A small incision, then holding the bird
firmly by its wings and bracing a finger against the back , followed by a swift
downward motion completed with a sharp wrist snap would cause almost all
of the entrails to be thrown out on the ground.
No blood, no mess, bird cleaned, on to the next sagebrush patch.
One year a long-time duck hunting pal of ours asked if he
could join us on our Wyoming trip, bringing his two boys. Sure, he was more than welcome. He was actually the manager of the US Steel
plant in Geneva. His only issue with the
sage hens was the cleaning, about which he was really queasy. For example he didn’t ever clean his own
ducks, instead paying someone 25 cents a bird. We had given him instruction
about the method required with sage hens but I’m not sure it sunk in. He knew
that this might be a little tough.
Well, there we were, marching across the sagebrush flats in
the early morning. It wasn’t too long
before a flock of grouse jumped up in front of our pal. He shot a sage hen. There it was, on the ground, surrounded by
his two boys who jumped up and down and excitedly asked him, “What now, dad,
what do we do now?” I was about 40 yards
away and heard and watched all that followed.
Knowing that he was supposed to act quickly, our pal bent down, picked
up the bird, made the required small incision with a small pocket knife, and
then had a mental brain freeze as he forgot all the rest we had told him.
He
grasped the bird correctly but then moved his whole arm in what I would call a
great circle around the earth. His wrist
remained straight and locked and the bird was tracking in a 5 foot diameter circular
arc, and he never wrist-snapped toward the ground. The speed through the arc was great enough
that the (warning-warning-warning) entrails began to come out, but not all at
once and not at the ground. Instead the
bird seemed to be growing a tail of ever increasing length as the circular arc
continued. This tail, which wasn’t
really a tail at all, flew around until it reached a length of about 7 feet and
then wrapped itself around his head and face, sort of like a hot spaghetti
wrap.
Then it got ugly. He
realized from his senses of touch, sight, and smell that his entire face was
wrapped with what had been the interior of a sage hen 2 minutes earlier. He lay down on the ground and repetitively
hurled his breakfast and everything else in his stomach out on the ground,
making an awful sound. I got there as
quickly as I could, cleaned him and the situation up, and asked if he wanted to
go on. Nope, he was done, as in really
done. No more sage hen hunting for him,
ever.
I repeat, it’s all in the wrist.
Unpredictable Bear Lake Weather
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| Hail in Fish Haven, August 8, 2014 Photo by Jessica Theobald Ward The Next Day  |
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| Garden City Gaggle of Geese Photo by Tammy Calder |
Death Notice: Wes Johnston
Wes Johnston, long time summer resident of the Bear Lake Valley, died Sunday morning of pancreatic cancer in St. George, Utah. We extend our sympathies to his wife Judy and his family. More information will be available next week.
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