Local News — Page 1076

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Give Em’ Health: Water Safety

Jul 27, 2017 · Basin Now · News

Basin pools, reservoirs, rivers and streams have been hot spots this summer keeping residents cool during the rising temperatures. TriCounty Health’s safety message this week is about staying safe in and around water. “If in doubt, wear a lifejacket,” shares Health Promotions Director Ferron Young, who emphasizes that life jackets are especially important while boating. More safety tips include swimming only in designated areas supervised by lifeguards or with close supervision for youth and children and ensuring that all family members learn to swim well. Be aware of each swimmer’s abilities and never leave kids unattended near water. In case of emergency, know how and when to call 9-1-1, learn how to perform CPR, and understand basics of life-saving to assist during emergencies. For more tips of water safety, visit www.tricountyhealth.com.

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More Mosquitoes in Uintah County Test Positive for West Nile

Jul 27, 2017 · Basin Now · News

West Nile Virus is present in Uintah County and residents are urged to take precautions. Officials report that there have been 5 samplings of mosquitos in Uintah County that have tested positive for West Nile Virus; one in Naples, two in Ouray, one in Pelican Lake, and one in Jensen. The Utah Department of Health has reported 5 in Salt Lake County and 1 in Box Elder County in addition so far this season. West Nile Virus is a disease carried by mosquitoes, most commonly found in Africa. The virus was discovered in the U.S. in 1999 and in Utah in 2003. Most people who become infected develop only mild to no symptoms but some people develop a serious neurologic illness. Horses are also susceptible. During West Nile Virus season, residents are asked to take precautions seriously if outside between dusk and dawn. Wear long sleeves and pants. Use a repellent with 20 to 30 percent DEET. Remove standing water and maintain screens and doors to keep mosquitoes at bay.

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BLM Proposing to Rescind Hydraulic Fracturing Rule

Jul 27, 2017 · Basin Now · News

The BLM announced Tuesday their proposal to rescind the 2015 rule on hydraulic fracturing, a rule that has never been in effect because of pending litigation. The BLM proposal is a part of President Trump’s goal to reduce the burden of federal regulations on economic growth and energy development. “America’s public lands offer outstanding commercial, recreational, and conservation opportunities, and energy development is one of them,” shares Katharine MacGregor, assistant secretary for Land and Minerals Management. “Maintaining positive, productive working relationships with our state and tribal partners is a top priority of this Administration. We are committed to working collaboratively with them to ensure the safe and environmentally responsible development of our Nation’s energy resources.” The proposal invites the public to offer input. Visit www.regulations.gov for more information.

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Names Released on Fatal Duchense County Crash

Jul 26, 2017 · Basin Now · News

The identity of the two people who died in a head-on collision Sunday in Duchesne County have been released by the Utah Highway Patrol. 18-year-old Devin Kirk of Heber City and 46-year-old Shauna Allen from Wales, Utah were both killed. According to the Utah Highway Patrol, a 1995 Chrysler was traveling eastbound with Kirk as the driver and two passengers on SR-87 at about mile marker 30 near Ioka on July 23rd at 4:36pm. A 2008 Hyundai was traveling westbound in the same area with Allen as the driver and four passengers when the driver of the Chrysler, Kirk, suddenly drove left, crossing the center line and drove into the westbound lane. “The Chrysler collided head-on with the Hyundai,” reports UHP. “The significant crush of the crash caused the death of the driver of the Chrysler and the driver of the Hyundai.” Neither speed nor impairment are suspected as contributing factors in the crash. A 12-year-old female traveling in the Hyundai also sustained serious injuries and was flown to a local hospital for treatment. All other injuries were reported as minor to none.

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Duchesne County Sheriff Responds to Lawsuit; Makes Body Cam Footage Public

Jul 26, 2017 · Basin Now · News

Duchesne County Sheriff David Boren has issued a quick response to a federal lawsuit recently filed against the Sheriff, Sheriff’s Office and Sgt. Carl Reilley. According to the Duchesne County Sheriff’s Office, Sgt. Reilley responded to a suspicious incident call in Duchesne on April 14th in which an individual was looking into windows of a building shared by the library and the school district. The individual did not follow Sgt. Reilley’s orders to stop and keep his hands up and Sgt. Reilley placed the individual on the ground and handcuffed him. Utah Highway Patrol trooper Nathan Mikulich arrived soon after and the officers determined that the individual was a 14-year-old boy with autism. They immediately began working to reunite the teen with his mother, who is shown on the officer’s body camera footage as thanking both the officers for bringing her son home. The mother, Rose Vallejo, has now filed a federal lawsuit for the incident to which Sheriff Boren provided the following public response: “My office conducted a full and fair review of the April 14th encounter between Sgt. Carl Reilley and Ms. Vallejo’s teenage son. The members of our After Action Review Panel found that Sgt. Reilley was reasonable in his use of force and acted appropriately during the interaction, except for the instance where he mistakenly and briefly switched off his body camera. I support the panel’s findings that the use of force was reasonable and their recommendation that Sgt. Reilley receive a verbal warning for mistakenly turning off his body camera. As our internal investigation showed, this situation demonstrated the need for additional training for our deputies to help them more easily identify and interact with people in our community who have mental or physical disabilities or delays.” At the close of Sheriff Boren’s statement, he explained that a training class was scheduled before the lawsuit was filed and is taking place as planned on Wednesday, July 26th. The Sheriff’s Office posted the entire body camera footage and dash cam footage from this incident to the Duchesne County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.

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State Restrictions Improving Safety During Fireworks Season

Jul 26, 2017 · Basin Now · News

July can be a scary month for forest fires as the heat further dries out grasses and other flammables in the area. Add fireworks to the mix and it becomes a time in need of serious caution which added restrictions required. State fire restrictions were announced the end of June for all unincorporated private and state lands punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a hefty fine. Officials say the restrictions have helped keep the area safe this month. “We thank the state and Uintah County for being proactive and having restrictions in place,” says Uintah County Fire Marshal Jeremy Raymond. “We also thank the public for being cautious.” The holiday was pretty uneventful for fire departments with one grass fire reported in Uintah County on Pioneer Day due to an aerial firework tipping over.

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Standing With Israel Presentation Tonight

Jul 26, 2017 · Basin Now · News

A rare opportunity is available tonight in Roosevelt during the Standing With Israel event at the Roosevelt Christian Assembly. Major Elliot Chodoff from the Israel Defense Force is the keynote speaker who can present on relations in the midwest from first hand experience as one of the world’s leading experts on Counter Terrorism and the Middle East. Having Major Chodoff come and speak in Roosevelt is a big deal, shares Pastor Dee Cairoli. Pastor Dee built a relationship with Major Chodoff while on a 7-day military briefing trip to Israel as part of his work with Christians United For Israel. “This man is the real deal,” shares Pastor Dee. “He is one of the most knowledgeable sources on counter terrorism and having him speaking here in Roosevelt is not something you will want to miss.” The presentation begins tonight, Wednesday, July 26th, at 6:30pm at the Roosevelt Christian Assembly, 870 East 200 North in Roosevelt. There is no charge to attend and all are encouraged to come.

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Outlook Fire Flares Up

Jul 26, 2017 · Basin Now · News

A fire in Dinosaur National Monument flared up on Sunday growing to approximately 260 acres. The Overlook Fire started on July 21st from a lightning strike near the Canyon Overlook on the Harpers Corner Road.The crew working on the fire consists of seven engines from multiple agencies including park service, BLM, forest service, Moffat County and Artesia fire departments. The Colorado Department of Fire Prevention and Control were also assigned with two medium helicopters in use. The air attack platform includes directing the work of four single engine air tankers aiding in containment efforts. Progress was made on containment Sunday on the west, south and east sides while the north side, which is within the monument, remains the most active as fire burns in a steep, timbered canyon containing large dead trees. The Canyon Visitor Center remains open but Harper’s Corner Road is subject to closure if the fire moves to the west. Canyon overlook remains closed until further notice. Operations of the visitor center and quarry exhibit hall have not been affected by the fire. The Overlook Fire is on National Park Service, BLM, and private land.

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Ashley National Forest Upgrades Offices Scheduled for Upgrades

Jul 25, 2017 · Basin Now · News

Renovations on the Ashley National Forest service offices in Duchesne, Manila and Vernal are getting underway this week. Work on the Duchesne-Roosevelt District Office is already underway and will run through mid-August. During this time, passes and permits will be available at the Chevron “Eagles Nest” in Duchesne, Davis Food and Drug and Stewarts in Roosevelt, and at the Hanna Store. Work on the Flaming Gorge-Vernal District Office located in Manila will begin on August 7th running through mid-September and work on the Ashley National Forest Supervisor’s Office will begin on September 18th. Work on all the offices will include upgrading and replacing wiring, drywall, plumbing, door replacement, and floor replacement. All construction is expected to be complete by November 10th.

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Fatal Head-on Collision in Duchesne County

Jul 25, 2017 · Basin Now · News

A head-on collision killed two people on Sunday evening in Duchesne County. According to the Utah Highway Patrol, a 1995 Chrysler was traveling eastbound with a driver and two passengers on SR-87 at about mile marker 30 near Ioka on July 23rd at 4:36pm. A 2008 Hyundai was traveling westbound in the same area with a driver and four passengers when the driver of the Chrysler suddenly drove left, crossing the center line and driving into the westbound lane. “The Chrysler collided head-on with the Hyundai,” reports UHP. “The significant crush of the crash caused the death of the driver of the Chrysler and the driver of the Hyundai.” Neither speed nor impairment are suspected as contributing factors in the crash. No names have been released as the families are notified.

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Rotenone Treatment Closes Lakes and Outlets on Reader Creek Over Weekend

Jul 25, 2017 · Basin Now · News

Treatment within the Reader Creek drainage at Horseshoe and Sharlee Lakes took place over the weekend as part of the DWR Colorado River cutthroat trout restoration project. The area was closed to public access and limited any recreation in the area. Reader Creek and Lynn Creek have both experienced dramatic decline in the cutthroat population due to competition and breeding with non-native trout. The decline has been so severe that the DWR decided to chemically treat both streams with rotenone to address the problem. “The activities will protect the species while providing people with opportune areas to fish for these native fish,” shares DWR biologist Bryan Engelbert. “Not only are we focused on helping the fish, but we know the restoration project can provide anglers with a chance to catch larger cutthroats. ”

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Back the Blue Event a Success

Jul 25, 2017 · Basin Now · News

Friday’s Back the Blue event held at the Old Mill Park hit the mark of showing appreciation to local law enforcement. In its second year, the event is considered a community wide multi-denominational prayer and appreciation gathering dedicated to law enforcement and first responders. “Representatives from law enforcement are very grateful that people care,” shares event coordinator Pastor Dee Cairoli. “We live in a great community but it’s important that we show additional appreciation and love.” Pastor Dee and his congregation were joined by many local agencies and caring community members to plan the event which even included a helicopter flyover. “Law enforcement work hard for minimal salaries,” continues Pastor Dee. “They are dedicated and true servants, so they deserve every bit of support we can give them.” The event included 12 speakers and people lingered afterwards to enjoy the ambiance and company.