Winterfest at Bear Lake

Mark your calendars for the next Bear Lake Monster Winterfest - January 22-24, 2021.

Don’t miss our Monster Polar Plunge, Monster Cisco Disco, Monster Cisco Tournament, Monster Chili Cook-off, Monster Outdoor Expo and Raffle on Saturday. Locals will have hot chocolate, fried Cisco, and scones available for the public to try. There will also be an Indoor Expo at The Sunrise Resort Event Center and a Winterfest Social Friday night with Karaoke and a hot chocolate bar with donuts! Donations are always welcome. Visit the official Bear Lake Monster Winterfest website and their Facebook Page.

We are still looking for some volunteers to assist us in having a great time this January! We are also for some sponsors. Please contact Debbie at 435-602-9055 if you have questions or would like to volunteer!

Debbie Batt 

435-602-9055

egrdebbie@gmail.com

Garden City Fire District

Leonard O'Reilly, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  November 4th, 2020.  The Garden City Fire District reported the following responses for October.

6  - Medical Calls

2  - Fire Calls

1 -  Carbon Monoxide Call

41 - Short term required rental inspections

COVID update Bear River Health Department

NEW CASES  In Bear River District TODAY: 305

LAST UPDATED: NOVEMBER 14, 2020 4:05 PM

31 cases in Rich County

There are many options for COVID-19 testing, including drive-thru locations. For information regarding who should be tested, types of tests, or to locate a testing location, click HERE

Click HERE to learn more about Governor Herbert’s State of Emergency and the requirements of the executive order.

If you are an event organizer you must fill out and follow the Event Management Template, require masks, and maintain 6 foot physical distancing between household groups. The health department is not required to approve or deny the event but we will work with event organizers and provide recommendations to reduce the potential for spread of COVID-19 at the event.

Buckle Up

 Beginning November 16th, Utah DPS is launching “Border to Border” seat belt enforcement with a Click It or Ticket Campaign aimed at holiday road travel.

UHP partnering with neighboring states’ police to encourage Utahns to buckle up

Salt Lake City, Utah – On November 16th, the Utah Highway Patrol will join law enforcement agencies throughout Utah and its six neighboring states for a Border to Border (B2B) event to kick off the annual Click It or Ticket seat belt campaign. Law enforcement agencies will send a zero-tolerance message to the public: driving or riding unbuckled will result in a ticket, no matter what state. The campaign will run through November 29th. 

Utah is partnering with law enforcement agencies in Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Wyoming, New Mexico, and Arizona. Participating agencies will be taking a no-excuses approach to seat belt law enforcement, writing citations day and night. In Utah, not wearing a seat belt is a primary offense and can result in a $45 fine.  However, the maximum penalty for not wearing a seat belt could be fatal.  Police statewide will work more than 775 additional shifts focused on high-visibility enforcement to stop and educate motorists who aren’t wearing a seat belt.

According to NHTSA, in 2018, there were 9,778 unbuckled passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes in the United States. In that same year, 56 percent of passenger vehicle occupants killed at night were not wearing their seat belts. That’s why one focus of the Click It or Ticket campaign and the B2B kickoff event is nighttime enforcement.  Here in Utah, 33.8% of deaths were unbuckled on Utah roadways. During 2019, the highest percentage of unrestrained injured crash occupants were 15-19 years old. Additionally, 32% of teenage fatalities were unrestrained, and nearly 69% of unrestrained fatalities were male.

“The Border to Border component of the Click It or Ticket campaign is so important because it raises awareness about seat belt safety and reminds people that seat belts aren’t optional,” said Utah Highway Patrol Colonel Michael Rapich. “The Thanksgiving holiday is one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. Families may be heading out to spend time with their loved ones, so it’s imperative we get the word out about the importance of seat belts.”

“If you know a friend or a family member who does not buckle up when they drive, please ask them to consider changing their habits. Help us spread this life-saving message before one more friend or family member dies due to this senseless inaction. Seat belts save lives, and everyone—front seat and back, child and adult—needs to remember to buckle up—every trip, every time,” said Colonel Rapich.

For more information on the Click It or Ticket mobilization, DPS is hosting a virtual press event on Tuesday, November 17th at 9:30 am, or please visit www.clickit.utah.gov/buckleup 

Eighteen Wheeler Philosophy

Random thoughts of a Bucket Ass Truck Driver.

by Mel Hansen

“I have to figure out what I want in life.  Whether to be happy, or to be right!”

The above quote comes from a book of crime fiction I’m currently listening to. 

I try to learn something from everything I listen/read, be it factual or fiction. This little saying from the book really caught my attention...so much so that I turned off the book and thought about it for the biggest part of the afternoon.

Here’s what I’ve come up with...left alone with my own thought process. 

I guess some people find happiness in being right, or in being “perceived” by others to be so, by sharing/showing them their “perceived” intellect. I think we all, at times, like to think/know we are right and everyone else should bow to our intelligence/opinions, especially since “we” are the “only ones” with sense/education enough to “Thoroughly” research the subject being discussed at the time. A highly educated person in a professional career can, and is, disputed by another highly educated person in the same career all the time. For me, being “right” in the human scheme of things is largely a matter of opinion/belief. It’s the same as someone being labeled beautiful, it’s all in the mind/eye of the individual/beholder.

I’m not slamming education. It’s extremely important! Are we seeking knowledge to be “right” and praise of others to fuel egos?  Or are we seeking knowledge in the pursuit of personal “happiness” and sharing it with others, so they too can find happiness in learning.

I know I’m going to try harder to spend more time in finding happiness...rather than spending time in being perceived as being right.

Garden City Library Fundraiser

 

Morning on the Lake

 

Photo by Dawn Brady

COVID-19 ALERT!

November 5, 2020

The health department is extremely concerned about the rapid increase and spread of COVID-19 in our community. Our growing number of infected individuals is placing an undue burden on our hospitals and healthcare system.

We are also concerned about the growing number of events being planned in our community that do not follow the COVID-19 requirements for our high transmission area. We plead with event planners and venue owners to ensure the requirements of the state’s public health order are followed and not dismissed once the event begins. Events should only occur if masks are worn, physical distancing between household groups is maintained, and the Event Management Template (provided by the state) is completed and followed. If these items cannot be followed the event should not take place.

As a health department, our resources are spread very thin as we investigate disease and perform contact tracing. We ask the individuals in our community to take personal responsibility to slow the spread of COVID-19. Stay home and away from other people if you have any symptoms of COVID-19, practice physical distancing, wear a mask, wash your hands frequently, and do not participate in activities that make it difficult to follow this guidance.

Rich County School District Board meeting

Kathie B. Anderson, Reporter

Rich Civic Times 

RANDOLPH, Utah. October 20, 2020. A regular meeting of the Rich County School District Board of Education (the “School Board”) was held on October 20, 2020.  Among other actions and discussions: 

The School Board unanimously ratified and approved the Teacher Leave Policy (605.4) related to Covid 19.  The Policy can be found online at richschool.org.  The School Board also unanimously ratified and approved new attendance policies that reflect protocols that are unique to Covid-19.  A new, amended winter sports schedule was also adopted by the School Board. 

Thanks to a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”), starting September 16, 2020, until the end of the current school year, the School District’s Nutrition Services Department is offering free meals (breakfast and lunch) to all students.  The free meals program will not extend into the summer. Thanks were expressed to Peggy Seller for applying for and getting the USDA free meals grant for the School District.   

A building update was provided.  The work is on schedule.  A few “punch list” repairs still need to be addressed.  Sod won’t be laid until next year, which will allow the earth to settle and enable the work to be accomplished during better weather.  Subcontractors will be paid in full when all issues have been resolved and needed repairs are complete.  It was noted that a very small area of the gym floor must be replaced because of a warping issue and some discoloration of the wood.  The building projects remain under budget and the cost is not expected to exceed funding provided by School District issued bonds. 

There was a lengthy discussion concerning the use of the new gymnasium.  The discussion centered on security issues, particularly respecting access from the gym into the entire school building; cleaning costs; the supervision of children who aren’t part of an organized team; proper equipment use, particularly the use of shoes that won’t mar or scuff the new wood floor; facemask and social distancing mandates and requirements; and the pros and cons of allowing “Little League” usage of the gym.  At the present time, due to Covid-19, the gym isn’t being scheduled for little league use.  The School Board plans to have a later discussion to address these concerns, particularly the use of the gym for little league activities. 

The date and time of the November, 2020 School Board meeting will be announced later.

Rich County Local Election Results

 Source: https://electionresults.utah.gov/elections/county/rich

Good Stuff

By John Brown

Jocko Willink was a Navy SEAL platoon leader and task force commander, which means he led some of the highest performing teams in the world. It’s kind of necessary when death is on the line.

But Willink didn’t just lead, he also became a SEAL instructor and taught other SEALs how to lead. And now, after retiring from the SEALs, he runs a leadership consulting firm where he trains executives to become better leaders. And, oh, how I wish I’d had his book Leadership Strategy and Tactics: Field Manual thirty-five years ago. It could have saved me from so many mistakes as both a leader and follower.

Like the time I assigned my team a project, but then micromanaged them until they gave up in frustration.

Or the time when I thought a guy who reported to me needed some “motivation” and so I called him to accounting in front of the rest of the team.

Or the time I disagreed with my manager, and I couldn’t just eat my ego and support him without also undermining his ideas to my co-workers.

Or the time I questioned my church leader’s idea to resurrect roadshows, then grumbled when we were put in charge of running one (which ended up being, to our surprise, a success in a surprising way).

Or dozens and dozens of other times.

The good news is that I now have the insights of a terrific leader at hand and can get his input on in the current situations I face. And it’s not just strategy (broad principles). He also gives detailed examples so you see how the principles apply, even to the point of suggesting tactics (specific ways of responding and acting).

The book is a treasure trove of good stuff on leading and following. If you work on any kind of team as a leader or follower at work, school, church, or in volunteer or hobby groups (heck, it even applies to families), I think you’ll find this book a breath of fresh air. More importantly, you’ll love how it gives you alternative ways to act in difficult situations you might face. It’s a terrific book.

Coming Storm

Photo by Marta Maynard Matthews

 

Rich County and Garden City Small Business Economic Recovery Grant Program

Rich County and Garden City officials have made us aware that they have received funding to offer Grants to Rich County Businesses that have experienced a negative impact due to the Covid-19 outbreak we have experienced in 2020. This funding came from State and Federal stimulus packages and has been allocated to local government officials to administer.

https://www.uacnet.org/county-small-business-grant-program

Feel free to call me or our Chamber President, Mark Smoot if you have questions.

Rose Noorda

801-687-6263

Director 

BLVCC

Mark Smoot 

801-971-4003

President 

BLVCC

Rich County and Garden City Small Business Economic Recovery Grant Program funding, made available by the Coronavirus Aid, Recovery, and Economic Security Act, is meant to provide small business grants in an effort to assist local businesses through the COVID-19 hardship. Impacted businesses are eligible for up to $10,000 ($5,000 for sole proprietors). If you have any questions or need assistance with your application, please email admin@uacnet.org.

Please ensure applications are complete and all documentation is included before submitting.  Entity must be a registered business located within the boundaries of Rich County.

Owner must be at least 18 years old and have a valid employee identification number (EIN) or if sole proprietor, social security number (SSN).

Entity must have an active business license as of April 1, 2020. Exception given for a home business that does not require a business license and faith-based organizations.

Entity must be a For-profit or Not-for-profit business in good standing with the Utah Division of Corporations.

Business must be current on property taxes as of April 1, 2020, if the business owns property, or the owner’s residence for a home business, and have no actions against or from Rich County.

Business must have incurred a business loss from April 1, 2020 to June 30, 2020 as a result of interruption caused by required closure as a result of the public health order, voluntary closure to promote social distancing measures or decreased customer demand as a result of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Business must have incurred expenses from April 1, 2020 to June 30, 2020 in the amount at least totaling the requested grant amount, $1,000 to $10,000 ($1,000 to $5,000 for sole proprietors). Regular business expenses include, but not limited to, utilities, rent, payroll, payroll taxes, employee health benefits, insurance, improvements to business to encourage social distancing and the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Business must operate with fewer than 50 employees.

Business may not be a publicly traded company. (Exception given for a franchise owner with a business that is locally-owned.)

Business must be open, or plan to reopen, as of date of application submission. 

Business is encouraged to completed the Stay Safe to Stay Open Pledge as developed by the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce, on behalf of the State of Utah.  Applications must be received by November 6, 2020, 5:00 pm MST.

 

Garden City Council update

 At the  Garden City Council meeting in September, Council Member  Ken Hansen suggested that the city create an ordinance for peaceful protests. He feels that the city should have something on record allowing peaceful protests so that protests  can be regulated.

The Council suggested creating an area for peaceful protests. They will look at other cities to see what they have done. 

Hansen would also like to do a recognition for the Emergency Services for Rich County. Mayor Leonhardt said that emergency services need to be our priority right now. Mayor Leonhardt said that he is still working with the Sheriff to get the cooperative agreement completed. We need to be on the forefront to help with the EMS.

Hansen said that we need to be aware of the need for employee housing. Mark Smoot, Chamber president, said that he is looking into employee housing and what can be done.

Council Member Nate Parry said that we need a new sand filter for the pool. He said it will cost approximately $1200. Council Member Parry said that Ecolab is working great and the pool is doing great.

Council Member Pat Argyle talked to Smoot about the Chamber doing the fireworks for Raspberry Days next year.

Argyle said that we need to get some new Christmas decorations. The Council discussed what we need in town and agreed that we need to purchase new decorations. 

USU financial aid for students

Utah State University has awarded more than $1.8 million in a third cycle of emergency grants to students who have experienced unanticipated expenses related to the disruption of campus operations because of COVID-19.

The emergency grants are made possible through an allocation from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to aid students. USU has already disbursed a total of $6.2 million to 9,930 students. Emergency grants were disbursed in May, and technology grants were made over the late summer and early fall semester.

“The pandemic has derailed many plans, but disruptions to education could have a huge impact on students’ future careers and financial stability,” said USU President Noelle E. Cockett. “This cycle of emergency grants is intended to get funds to Aggies who continue to face ongoing financial impacts so they can continue their education.”

The funds are being disbursed to students based on financial need indicated in their Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. Thousands of students will receive an email this week to let them know they have been selected for an automatic grant. These students will simply need to accept their grants and funds will be disbursed through check or direct deposit.

Students may receive a total of $400 in CARES Act grants for fall semester. Those students who have already received a $300 technology grant earlier in the semester may be able to receive up to $100 more.

Those students who either did not fill out a FAFSA or whose financial circumstances have changed since they did may apply for an emergency grant by visiting usu.edu/covid-19/cares.

The U.S. Department of Education has excluded international students, undocumented students, non-matriculated students, and students enrolled exclusively in online courses prior to March 13, 2020, from receiving CARES Act funds. These students may also apply through a separate application.

Students not eligible for a CARES Act grant may still apply to the Student Emergency Hardship Fund, which provides monetary awards, dining services cards, and connects students to needed on- and off-campus resources. These g[rant applications are reviewed weekly, and students are contacted within a few weeks of submitting their applications.

CONTACT

Amanda DeRito

Director of Crisis Communications and Issues Management

Public Relations and Marketing,   435-797-2759

 Amanda.derito@usu.edu