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Subcategories: Featured Stories

Basin Now

Vernal Man Killed in Wednesday’s Crash Identified; GoFundMe Set Up for Family

Nov 11, 2019 · Basin Now · News

The Vernal man killed in a head on collision near Myton on Wednesday morning has been identified. 43-year-old Joshua D. Mordecai was traveling westbound on Highway 40 at Mile Marker 100 when the unthinkable happened. His car suddenly swerved in front of a semi tractor-trailer and a head-on collision was the result, according to Utah Highway Patrol. Since the devastating news, the community has rallied around the Mordecai family by making donations on a GoFundMe page called “Tribute to Josh Mordecai Loving Husband and Father.”

Basin Now

Dinosaur National Monument Offering Virtual Field Trips

Nov 11, 2019 · Basin Now · News

The cool weather during this season really impacts the ability of students to enjoy a good field trip. Dinosaur National Monument is offering a very unique solution. The monument is offering an in class virtual tour. This is one of the most famous dinosaur quarry sites in the world with fossils from the quarry on display throughout numerous museum. The tour park rangers will help students learn about fossils, dinosaurs, geology, geologic time, earth history, and adaptation.

Basin Now

DEQ Sets Boil Advisory in Place for South Duchesne Culinary Water

Nov 9, 2019 · Basin Now · News

The Utah Department of Environmental Quality issued a Boil Advisory on Friday for a specific area in Duchesne County. According to the Friday announcement, South Duchesne Culinary Water has had reports of water users becoming ill prompting the Boil Advisory. South Duchesne Culinary Water provides water to less than 40 homes. Utah DEQ explained that on October 19th there was a main line water break and during the investigation and fix, 10 samples were taken which were all satisfactory.

Basin Now

Prioritized Projects Moving Forward from Uintah County Trails Master Plan

Nov 8, 2019 · Basin Now · News

The Vernal Chamber recently recognized the work of the Trails Committee as prioritized projects are moving forward from the Trails Master Plan in Uintah County. Individuals have been working to improve the trails since 2010 (and even earlier) with the first known trails committee made of representatives from various trail user groups. In 2015, the official DinoTrails committee was formed. The committee worked with Uintah Transportation Special Service District on funding and the Uintah County Trails Master Plan was completed by Sunrise Engineering and CIVCO Engineering.

Basin Now

Donations Needed for the 2nd Annual “Fill the Need” Dinner

Nov 8, 2019 · Basin Now · News

Last year the Quarry Steakhouse restaurant held their first “Fill the Need” community dinner. It was a free dinner for those that wanted a warm Thanksgiving meal and some friends to enjoy the holiday. Kathleen Huber Hacking feels that no one should spend Thanksgiving alone and they will be holding the 2nd annual “Fill the Need” dinner this year. Anyone who would like to help with this wonderful tradition through monetary donations can do so through Venmo to Kathleen @Kathleen-Hacking and put “Fill the Need” in the description. Every dollar helps to cover the cost of food.

Basin Now

Oh Fudge! Celebrates 15th Year This Saturday at Uintah County Library

Nov 8, 2019 · Basin Now · News

A truly delicious holiday tradition has arrived. This Saturday is the 15th year for the Oh Fudge! candy and treat making demonstrations at the Uintah County Library and event organizer Mauri Ruppe is doing her best to make this an excellent and delicious experience for all. In her first year, Ruppe says there were nearly 200 people and it was too crowded and noisy for some attendees so she decided from then on to hold two sessions: one for families and one for adults only.

Basin Now

Blazing Trails K9 Academy Brings 20+ Years of Experience to the Basin

Nov 8, 2019 · Basin Now · News

Owning a dog can be like having a new family member but a dog’s behavior can greatly influence our attitude about canines. Luckily the Basin has some new community members that can help. Lynne Gifford Bell and Travis Bell are the owners of Blazing Trails K9 Academy, a dog training service out of Duchesne, Utah, and they come with a long list of qualifications. Lynne got her start at nine years old when she sought out a talented professional trainer because she had an aggressive doberman.

Basin Now

Update on Halloween Double Homicide Investigation

Nov 7, 2019 · Basin Now · News

The investigation continues into the deaths of 23-year-old Tyrell Sowsonicut and 22-year-old Jon Reed Jr. at a house north of Roosevelt on Halloween. “Based on information available at this time, investigators believe Reed went to the house near 1250 West and 850 North where a party was taking place and shot Sowsonicut,” shares the Duchesne County Sheriff’s Office. “Witnesses told detectives that other party-goers stepped in after the shooting and Reed was stabbed during the ensuing altercation. Reed's motive for shooting Sowsonicut is still being investigated.

Basin Now

Uintah School District Superintendent Mark Dockins Announces Resignation

Nov 7, 2019 · Basin Now · News

Uintah School District Superintendent Mark Dockins announced his resignation on Thursday morning as he has accepted a position as Vice President of Development at UBTECH starting in January 2020. In a letter to district employees Dockins states, “I am terribly sad to leave Uintah School District because you have become my family. I’m scared to start a new adventure after spending my entire adult life in K-12 education. However, I’m also extremely excited about this new adventure in higher education.

Basin Now

Fatal Crash on Highway 40 Near Myton Wednesday Morning

Nov 7, 2019 · Basin Now · News

A head on collision resulted in one death near Myton on Wednesday morning. According to Utah Highway Patrol, a Honda Civic was traveling westbound on Highway 40 at Mile Marker 100 as a semi tractor pulling a tanker and pup was traveling eastbound at the same location. “The Civic suddenly swerved in front of the tractor-trailer and a head-on collision was a result,” shares Highway Patrol.

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Uintah High School Celebrates Students at Fall Activities Award Night

Nov 7, 2019 · Basin Now · News

Uintah High School held their Fall Activities Award Night on Tuesday. The Utes awarded Academic All-State awards to Mackenzie Bingham, Taylee Elison, Emilee Foley and Malorie Luck. Kevin Dickson inspired the students and parents talking about what really matters; that winning state is great, but it won't be on a resume or a necessity in other parts of life. Willingness to work hard and make sacrifices will, shared Dickson.

Basin Now

Second Year of Hotel Vernal Haunt Enjoys Fantastic Turnout

Nov 7, 2019 · Basin Now · News

The second year of the Hotel Vernal Haunt had a fantastic turnout and while the total dollar amount raised for charities is still being calculated, the attendance numbers speak for themselves. The Haunt had 6,167 visitors over the 11 days it was open. “We had such an outpouring of support from the community, from volunteers, sponsors, and people coming to participate by going through it,” shares Vernal Chamber Director Joel Brown.