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Show TheEmeryCountyReview.com Hunt of a Lifetime DESERT An Office in the Ray Jeffs has enjoyed his time on Patrol in the San Rafael Swell Ted McCandless draws out on bison hunt...finally B1 B5 REVIEW Emery County The Volume 2, Issue 46. Tuesday, November 11, 2008 Local News, Local Voice, Locally Owned A Call to Service Commission votes to support school district with resolution C. Josie Luke Faced with two options, one that would benefit the county and another that would benefit the school district, the Emery County Commissioners voted to support a resolution to benefit the Emery County School District at a special meeting, held Nov. 5. The resolution, approving payment elections under the amended and reauthorized Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act, was required under Public Law 110-343. Two other resolutions were also passed designating use of Photo by James L. Davis Boys Scouts Drexler Tanner and Ryan Cox gather food donations for the Emery County Food Bank. Groups Answer Call to Help Local Food Bank F C. Josie Luke they work in cooperation with other programs and rely almost totally on donations. Thomas said they are in need of “just about everything” at the Emery County facility. She explained that anyone who wants to donate should remember that they cannot handle perishable items and suggested a few things people might not consider donating, such as hygienic items: toilet paper, shampoos and toothpaste. She also stressed that items must be in their original packaging, and reported that they always have a great need for canned meats. Anyone needing assistance can come into the food bank during operating hours, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, from noon to 4 p.m. Their first time, they can receive assistance on the spot according to need. “No one walks away from our doors hungry,” Thomas stressed. Further assistance requires clients to fill out an application and provide proof of income. For clients with other needs, the food bank also works as a referral service to many other local agencies. In addition to the services offered by the food bank, they are accepting applications for the Sub for Santa program and for those who wish to apply for the HEAT (Home Energy Assistance Target) program. Those interested in applying for the HEAT program can call the food bank to schedule an appointment. Thomas encouraged everyone who could use assistance with heating during the winter to apply for the program revealing, “Guidelines have changed so more people can qualify.” In fact, this year the program received more funding along with having carryover from last year. To call to make an appointment is 381-5410. ood Banks are feeling the crunch of the economic downturn. Though the Emery County Food Bank is still able to assist clients, things are getting tight as they are struggling to help two to three new clients every day. Kathy Thomas, food bank coordinator reported, “Our client list is increasing. People seem to need a little bit more help.” Though she admitted they are cutting back on the amount of food they give each client because the Utah Food Bank has not had much to give them and in orer to conserve for the busy winter season, she said she is not concerned that they will run out. She said she trusts that “here in Emery County we have a wonderful group of people who help us.” This past week, there were two examples of the wonderful people Thomas referred to. The Emery High FFA chapter held a school-wide competition to see which class could collect the most coins to donate to the food bank. On Wednesday, they delivered a check for $1,029.26 to the Emery site. Saturday also marked a special food drive by local scouts. Though the troops usually hold their food drive in the Spring, because of the current statewide shortage, they held another food drive to help the food bank through the winter. Thomas explained that the food bank is not set up to provide for the “total needs” of those who come to them for assistance, but they do their best to supplement client’s needs when other help is not enough. Because the food banks are not While the Emery County Food Bank has been government operated, able to continue helping those in need, the number of families seeking help increases every day. 75 Cents the funding. According to Commissioner Drew Sitterud, the act, providing funding from the U.S. Forest Service based on population and the number of acres of Forest Service lands in the county, has not been fully funded. The amended law provides full funding but requires the county to choose between two options. The first option would not provide the full payment amount, but would not affect the county’s annual payment in lieu of taxes. The second option would provide full funding, giving the school Continued on Page A3. Voter turnout high in county, but not as high as expected James L. Davis The 2008 general election came to a close on Nov. 4 and the biggest surprise in the county may have been the voter turnout. With 6,440 registered voters, 4,517 cast their vote on Nov. 4, for a voter turnout of just over 70 percent, good but not as high as representatives of the Emery County Clerk/Auditor’s office had anticipated. In 2004 just over 68 percent of the registered voters made their way to the voting booth, but in the 2000 general election more than 73 percent of voters cast their vote. By district in the coun- ty, Clawson Town had the highest percentage of voters turning out to vote, with 84.44 percent of registered voters casting a ballot. Clawson was followed by Castle Dale District 7 with 80.71 percent and Emery with 78.32 percent. As for who the majority of Emery County citizens voted for, as would come as no surprise, Republicans continued to receive the most votes for office, with a couple of notable exceptions. For president John McCain carried the county with 3,338 votes, followed by Barack Obama with 965 Continued on Page A3. CIB approves funding for county projects The Utah Permanent Community Impact Board approved about $2.5 million in water and road upgrades for Emery County communities last week. “These communities have small tax bases, but money is needed now to expedite these projects and keep costs under control. The price of asphalt has stabilized, but is likely to increase in the near future,” said CIB Board Member and Emery County Commissioner Drew Sitterud. Among the projects slated to receive funding: $2.5 million was awarded to the Castle Valley Service District for capital improvements in eight cities: Orangeville, Castle Dale, Clawson, Cleveland, Elmo, Emery, Ferron and Huntington. Some of the money - $970,000 - will come as a grant. The remaining $1.5 million was approved as a low-interest loan to be repaid over five years. Im- provements include a rebuild of city streets, curbs, gutters, storm drains, and construction of new sewer lines and water lines. Another $2 million in the form of a grant was awarded to San Juan County for phase II and III of the Lisbon Valley Road project. Combined with $3 million in county and federal dollars, the funds will enable the county to complete the project sooner and for less money. The Community Impact Board awards grants and low-interest loans to cities, towns and counties impacted by mining and the extraction of oil and gas on federal land. Most of the money benefits rural Utah and is spent creating safer, more liveable communities. The program is managed by the Division of Housing and Community Development under the Utah Department of Community and Culture. |