Fire Board Opening

GCFD Fire Board Opening

The Garden City Fire District is requesting applications for the Fire Board.  Applicants must be at least twenty-one years old and live within the district. 

This is a four year appointment and requires the board members to attend the monthly meeting held at 6:00PM on the first Wednesday of each month at the Fire Station.  The members must attend at least 7 of the 12 annual meetings and complete an on-line Local District Board Member Training session.  It would be desirable that the applicant have previous board or team experience, but it is not a mandatory requirement.

Written applications can be dropped off at the Fire Station, with a board member or emailed to Randall Knight at mumknight374@gmail.com.  The position will remain open until an acceptable candidate is selected.  Randall Knight can be contacted to answer any questions or concerns.

Randall Knight

GCFD Board Chairman

801-602-1752

Don't fill out Census if you don't live here full time!

Bobbie Bicknell Coray, Reporter

Rich Civic Times  

RANDOLPH, Utah. January 8, 2020.   It is important that only full time Rich County residents fill out the 2020 Census forms, so that an accurate count of residents can be made.  Since the census takers will go house to house in the summer, they may inadvertently get people who are short term or weekly renters.  This problem is exacerbated by the fact that the census forms will not be sent to PO boxes, they will come with actual land addresses and then will be sent back to the Census office because we have no  local delivery.  However there will be a web address which can be accessed by citizens to fill out the census.

It may seem that this is a relatively unimportant detail, but all government, both State and Federal, funding is based on population and without an accurate count Rich County could be denied funding for needed projects like road and bridge repair.

Coralys Pulz and Colby Child, 2020 Census, talked to commissioners about the 2020 census. They are establishing "Complete Count" committees in each county to raise awareness and  to overcome any concerns.  They said it is so important for the census to be accurate.  It determines what grants are given, and if Utah will get more congressional districts.

They are looking for part time census takers. They are hiring at $16 - $20 an hour and it will last 8 weeks.  The hours are flexible. They will train the census takers so no experience is necessary.  They would like having locals to take the census because neighbors taking the census makes it easier. 2020 census.gov/jobs

Commissioner Bill Cox said if the census forms are mailed with a street address they will not get to 95% of the residents.  He said that in 2015, he and 30 other commissioners went to Washington to outline this problem that affects many rural areas.  Then again in 2017, but they still refused to put PO box numbers on the letters.  They also use Occupant instead of names in the address.

Cox said, "One survey polled people who were living in Rich County during a few weeks in the summer.  Many short term rentals had people in their rentals here who had high incomes and many of those secondary home people were polled.  So our median income is incorrectly reported at $79,000 because of people with high incomes who have second  homes or were vacationers.  That makes it harder to get grants for the locals who have a much lower income." 

Pulz said it is important that only the people who live in Rich Count  the majority of their time, fill out the forms. So people vacationing here or who have secondary residences should not fill out the form for Rich County census.  Norm Weston suggested that they check with the assessor to see who is the owner and if that residence is considered a secondary home when the census takers get their route.   

“Mail it to their post office box and you will get the residents,” said Cox.  “ I don’t get why you can’t get PO box numbers.  The form is mailed to “Occupant” at a certain street address but without a PO number.  The local post office has no idea who it should go to."  It was suggested that the PO office print a list of addresses connected to the PO box and use it for Census mailing. 

Over 75% of homes in the county are secondary residences.

Pulz said that she will talk to her director.  Pulz wants the owners of short term rentals and secondary homes to understand that they should not fill out the census and short term rental owners should warn vacationers not to fill out the census.   Bryan Carver, BRAG, is on the state committee for census. The State awarded BRAG a promotional grant for promotional material.  He will help to promote the census information.  For more information go to 2020census.gov

Bear River Mental Health reports

Bobbie Bicknell Coray, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

RANDOLPH, Utah. January 8, 2020.  Rob Johnson,Bear River Mental Health, told Commissioners that yearly financial audits for their financial statements are good.  Cache, Rich and Box Elder Counties share by population the $450,000 match which brings in $10 million of state and federal money.  

Commissioner Bill Cox said that the school counseling counselors are the biggest benefit from BRMH. Not only do they help the students but they work with their families which expands the benefit. The schools have a counselor for 1 ½ days a week. 

Bear River  Mental Health also provides “Telehealth” which is working well to provide service without having to drive to Logan.  Commissioner Sim Weston, said that a number of people have been taken to Bear River Mental Health on the ambulance.  Cox added that that service is important in many people’s lives.  There is a lot more support for mental health services than there was 20 years ago.   The commission accepted the audit and thanked Johnson for the update.

Windows on the Water

Photo by Dallas W. Fullmer

Rich Middle School Honors in January

Academic Students of the Month

Morgan Ward and Adiden Weston Sixth Grade

Faith Downing and Tony Maldonado Seventh Grade

BraydenRomesser and Kami Dotso Eighth Grade

Citizens of the Month

Ashlyn Stevens and Cooper Ottley Sixth Grade

Asay Nielsen and A J Bell Seventh Grade

Hayzen Robinson and Sage Lundgren      Eighth Grade

Needed county capital improvements

RANDOLPH, Utah. January 8, 2020.  Brian Carver, BRAG (Bear River Association of Governments) and the Community Impact Board, asked County Commissioners if there were any capital improvements that need funding by the Community Impact Board (CIB). 

The Commissioners responded that there are a lot of infrastructure needs such as roads, bridges, senior citizens building, and the county building.  Cisco road was just finished and some of it was funded by CIB monies.  The county needs a new ambulance and upgrades on courthouse. Replacing a road grader and loader and replacing cattle guards and drain pipes under roads are high priorities 

The Bear River Bridge on Crawford Mountain Road has had its rating lowered to 3 tons from 35 tons, and needs repairs. Engineers are working to see if they can repair or if a new bridge should be built.  It may cost $2 to 2 1/2 million to fix it.  The County will need a loan for that to start it right away.  That loans could be paid for by grants as they are applying for bridge improvement funds.  It is an emergency situation, said Commissioner Bill Cox.   Carver said that he would work on funding.

Catherine McDermott Wilson 1949 - 2020

Catherine Lorene (McDermott) Wilson
March 21, 1949 ~ January 7, 2020 (age 70)

Catherine Lorene McDermott Wilson, age 70, passed away peacefully Tuesday January 7, 2020, in Tremonton Utah with her daughter Alisa Armitstead by her side. She was born March 21, 1949 in Sun Valley, Idaho to Charles and Angeline McDermott. She lived out her young life in Evanston, Wyoming and graduated from Evanston High School. She soon met and married Jay Wilson Sr. They settled in Randolph, Utah where they had four kids. Jay and Cathy later divorced.

She worked at the Rich County Sheriff’s Office and later worked at the Randolph Country store. She had a big impact on a lot of people and was always willing to be a friend to anyone who came into the store. She lived a full life, in her younger years she always looked forward to riding horse with her dad. She loved watching her four kids and fifteen grandkids grow up.

                She had a love for cooking and her door was always open to anyone. She loved to crochet and read books. She cherished every memory she was able to make with her children and grandchildren. She was everyone’s biggest supporter.

During her later years in life you would find her at home watching some of her favorite films in her pink chair. We are so grateful for the chance we had to spend her two favorite holidays with her one last time, Thanksgiving and Christmas. We are so grateful for all of the love and support we have felt. She will forever be missed by so many.

                She is preceded in death by her parents, sister Janice, brother Tubby, niece Kay, nephew Dane, and Sister in Law Cindy Lou.

She is survived by Jay, Jr., Jeff (Lori), April (Justin), Alisa (Jake), her fifteen grandchildren, her siblings Bob, Tink, Mike, Martina, her nieces, nephews and all those who loved her dearly.

We will be holding a viewing in honor of Cathy on Monday January 13, 2020. The viewing will begin at 9:30am in Randolph Utah, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The funeral following directly after at 11am. She will be laid to rest in Evanston Wyoming cemetery beside her mom and dad at 1pm.

To Our Subscribers!

Happy New Year from all of us at RCTonline:

Bobbie Bicknell Coray, Editor, Reporter

Anita Weston, Reporter

Kathie B. Anderson, Reporter

Leonard O'Reilly, Reporter

Rachael Moore, Reporter

Tammy Calder, Sports Photographer

Laurie Ann Wakefield,  Photographer

Carol Ann Dyer,  Photographer

Bryce Nielson,  Columnist

John Brown, Columnist

Scott Heiner, Columnist

Jim Stone,  Columnist

Mel Hansen, Columnist

Joey Stocking, Technology

Cisco’s Sonar

Snow and Animals
By Bryce Nielson

Winter is at our doorstep.  Actually, it started the last of October with a good snowstorm, that was not unheard of but surprising none the less.  We had a nice spell through November, the snow melted but it is back with a vengeance now.  Over the last forty-six years here at the lake, I have always been fascinated with the different winter weather conditions.  What really interests me, however, is how the animals react to it.

You can tell what animals are doing by looking at their tracks in the snow.  You can see everything from moose to mice tracks scattered across the landscape.  They are typically gone by the time you see the tracks since most of their movement is at night.  Big game usually like to lay in the sun during the cold winter days.  So, what have I observed from the tracks in the snow?  The deer, elk and moose are staying put for now.   There are lots of deer tracks in some locations, but it is hard to say how many individuals there are.  One deer foraging on bitterbrush leaves many tracks.  In past years, moose would move from Sagebrush Flat passing my house to Hodges Canyon where they would stay for the winter.   I haven’t seen any this fall.  The same goes for elk that previously migrated from Idaho to the raspberry fields.  The fields are gone and so are, the elk.  Deer are typically easy to see this time of year, but I haven’t seen many.  I drove around the Lake the other day and didn’t see one. 

The birds are different also.  I don’t see many coots on the lake near the BLSP marina.  Few ducks around the shoreline and an occasional swan.  At my feeder, the black capped and mountain chickadees taken over which is unusual.   The turkeys are bunched up and scattered.

Is this a result of development, more people, overhunting, or worse yet, climate change?  No, I think it is the natural populations adapting to their environment.  That is why watching wildlife is so fun.  It is a great family activity to have your kids watch with you and listen to what they say.   Watch the animals and birds in this beautiful valley for the rest of the winter.  Come to your own conclusions.  I am only one set of old eyes.  I am sure things will change.

Snow Devil

Photo by Carol Ann Dyer, In Dyer Need of Outdoors

Garden City Town Council Report

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  December 12, 2019.  The City Council asked Jordan Parry if he would be willing to serve on the Council for an additional two years beginning on January 1, 2020.  He said he would be happy to.  The motion was made and passed that Jordan Parry will serve for two additional years until the next election is held.

Alan Arthur requested to have two lots 19 and 20 in the Buttercup Mobile Home Estates Subdivision be encumbered.  He would like to build an accessory building on lot 19.  His home is on lot 20.  The motion was made and passed to encumber these two lots.

A preliminary plat discussion was held concerning an approval for WaterDance Planned Unit Development Phase 2.  The motion was made and passed to approve the preliminary plat.  The comment was made that if there are any problems, they can be taken care of when the final plat is brought before the Council. 

The Garden City Youth Council Charter has been written.  After a short discussion, the motion to approve the ordinances for the youth Council was made.  The motion passed.

A preliminary plat discussion was held concerning the Long Ridge Subdivision, Phase 2.  This subdivision is located West of Cherimoya along Hodges Canyon Road.  Jeff Jorgenson is representing this Subdivision.

He had a list of items that have been completed, such as making sure all taxes are paid for Phase 2.  That the preliminary title has been obtained.  There were also a few items that had been changed on the plat.  A power pole was dedicated to the City.  There is a curve that will be made around the pole.  There is a road that appears to be part of Phase 2 but will be included in Phase 3.  The current roads will be gravel because it is much easier to asphalt all the roads at one time instead of in small increments.

The motion was made to approve the revised preliminary plat for Phase 2.  The motion was passed.

A request was made that some signs be made so that people are aware of where Buttercup is located.  It was suggested that Buttercup representatives get the signs.

Jordan Parry reported that the chemical feed system for the hot tub is broken.  However, the pool is currently working.  The Mayor asked that Jordan Perry and Glen Gilles monitor the water in the pool every day for the next 30 days and make sure the pool is operating as required.

Councilman Howard Pope reported that he hadn’t been able to check on the trails, especially where Bryan Hershi was working on areas on the trail.  He had a backhoe at work.  Hopefully, some work was done.  It was suggested that Howard Pope make arrangements to meet with Ted Wilson to determine where the trails go on and around his property.

Councilwoman Pat Argyle noted that she needs some more work done on the stage.  The Mayor asked that she get some drawings and get them approved.  She noted that no one had volunteered to work with her for Raspberry Days for next year.  She again asked for some help from members in the community for next year’s Raspberry Days.  If you are willing to help, please contact her.

Councilman Ken Hansen reported that the library is doing wonderful things.  The Library has equipment and programs that are fantastic.  The abilities and opportunities to do school online, take classes on how to do all kinds of handwork or any other types of hobbies, etc. can easily be set up, and they are free.  Also, there are ways to get access to the State Library as well as any of the other libraries in the state.  The list of what is possible to do or obtain from the library are tremendous.  Members of the community are encouraged to take advantage of all of the items that are available at the library.

Hansen also noted that several libraries use new media equipment.  There are creative apps.  These apps are educational.  The name of one is Creative Bug.  There are short classes with all types and kinds of hand work etc.  Others have Little Bookshelves in the parks.  If there is someone at the park who would like to read a book they can pick it up from the little book shelf.

There is a food pantry at the library.  Many individuals in the community are not aware of the many products in the food pantry.

Dawn Brady has been asked to serve on the Library Board.  A motion was made and passed to put her on the Board. 

Mayor  Mike Leonhardt reported that the water is now back on for the community.  Two big tanks had been drained but are now filled again.

The Mayor also reported that the breezeway between the City Office and the convention room on the north will be filled in.  The bid will be out to build between these two buildings.

UDOT is contacting property owners at the junction where Logan Road intersects with Bear Lake Blvd.  They are getting ready to put in the traffic lights in that area.  Some power poles in that area needed to be taller or changed out.  Hopefully, these items can be taken care of and the lights installed soon.

 

Greeting the Morning

Photo by Carol Ann Dyer

Village Church has a new location

The Village Church in Garden City, Utah is thrilled to announce our new location beginning January 5 th , 2020!

Our new Worship Center will provide room to grow and a recognizable location at 65 West Logan Road right on the highway just a block from the three-way stop. The building was built in 2006 and served for a number of years as the Bear Country Trading Post. Most recently, over the past
few years, it has been the location of the Blind Coyote operated by Vicki Mercer.

But beginning in January on that first Sunday it will now be the home of the Village Church. And everyone in the area is invited to our Open House Sunday!

The worship will begin at 10:30 AM but please come early and get to know our church family and check out our new facilities.

We are a Bible-teaching church, not connected with any denomination, but we are connected with each other and desire to grow in our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

We will look for you on January 5, sometime before 10:30. We usually finish ourworship time around 11:45 but we love to hang around and get to know each other better before heading home. There is a newly paved parking lot in the Village and parking on the street out front. Join us!

Bear Lake State Parks Report 2019

Bobbie Bicknell Coray, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

RANDOLPH, Utah.  December 4, 2019.  Richard Droesbeke, State Parks, gave County Commissioners the 2019 Park Review. Visitations to the Utah part of the lake in the State Parks were up by 45,000 from FY 2018.    A total 383,000 people visited this year.  (As a comparison in 2011, there were 234,000 visitors.) Idaho visitations were also up, so there were a lot of people using the facilities and the lake.   Direct revenue to Utah was $1.5 million, $130,000 more profit this year than last year.  Of that 38% was camping, 25% slip rental, 26% day use, 11% permits and concession royalty.

Activities in 2019:

• 10^th Annual Cisco Disco and Bear Lake Monster Plunge.   This year there were 176 plungers and it is growing every year. 
• 8^th Annual Swim Across Bear Lake. This year 46 people did it. 
• 19^th Raspberry Days Boat Light Parade filled the parking area with spectators
• Winterfest on the 25^th of January will have fireworks.

Nearly 40 Special Use Permits, family reunions and other events were held.

There are 140 people on the waiting list for a slip.  There are 360 slips now being used. A new marina new would fill up immediately.

Projects For Next Year:

• Four restrooms to be replaced in Rendezvous Beach.
• UDOT Recreation Hotspot funds of 5 million to reconstruct and make safer the entrance to marina will start mid to next summer.
• North Eden Improvements $2million.
• South Eden RV power connections.
• Replace three oldest vault toilet in Cisco Beach and add one new toilet in Rainbow Cove. 
• Added ten wooden shade shelters at Cisco  which were donated and now will put concrete pads under them.
• Obtained USACE beach maintenance/grooming permit for North Eden, Rendezvous Beach, and the north end of Rainbow Cove.  This means State Parks is  allowed to  do much more than before including in Rainbow Cove.
• Complete road and campsite realignment.

There were many days when the marina was packed and totally full.  On Labor Day weekend the Parks turned people away.  Commissioner Bill Cox  said that anytime it gets to 100 degrees in Wasatch Front then everyone comes to the lake.

Critical Issues:

• Need a full time maintenance position. These Parks are creating a lot of revenue and growing faster.
• Full time office manager/accountant.
• Placement of dumpsters is an issue for emptying by County Sanitation trucks.

The Marina:

• Parking Capacity
• Condition of main asphalt parking lot
• Marina Expansion
• Additional Restrooms

Rendezvous Beach:

• Day use parking capacity.
• Additional day use restroom.
• Renovation of Cottonwood Campground.

Eastside:

• More nights at or above capacity.
•  First Point parking issues.
•  Water and sewer development for future.
•   Large scale facility development at Rainbow Cove campground.

Winter Snowmobile trail Grooming:Access for year round logging operations.is needed. In Temple Canyon, this is still in negotiations.

The Commissioners suggested that since the EMT’s volunteer nearly full time all summer for these visitors it might be nice to give them free passes to the Parks.

Merry Christmas

 

We wish you a Merry Christmas.  

From all of us at RCTonline.