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Show The Garfield County Insider Page 2 January 8, 2009 ENTERTAINMENT & EVENTS EVENTS CALENDAR Thursday, January 8, 2009 • EHS Wrestling @ Panguitch • PHS Girls Basketball @ Wayne • PHS Wrestling @ Piute Friday, January 9, 2009 • EHS Boys Basketball @ Piute • EHS Wrestling Tournament @ Gunnison • Girls Basketball Sophomore Tournament @ Valley • PHS Boys Basketball @ Milford Saturday, January 10, 2009 • EHS Wrestling Tournament @ Gunnison • Girls Basketball Sophomore Tournament @ Valley Monday, January 12, 2009 •Escalante Native Plant Society Meeting - 7pm Wednesday, January 14, 2009 • BVHS Girls Basketball vs. Piute • PHS Wrestling @ Richfield Thursday, January 15, 2009 • PHS Boys Basketball @ Wayne • PHS Wrestling @ Gunnison • BVHS Boys Basketball@ Escalante Escalante Native Plant Society Meeting Tuesday, January 13th, BLM conference room 7 PM Topic: “The History of the Main Street Project and the planting of trees and native plants along Highway 12” Followed by a discussion on where to go from here. Contact Harriet Priska pro tem for further information 826-4720 Panguitch City Pool 398 E. 100 S. Panguitch, UT Pool Phone: 435-676-1325 Mgr: Sandi Smith (690-1197) Pool Hours Always Check the Current Calendar for updates and school activities. The pool is normally closed when there is a school activity in the Gymnasium. Open Swim: Monday 6-8 pm Wednesday 6-8 pm Thursday 6-8 pm Saturday 2-5 pm Lap Swim: Mornings Monday 6-7 am Wednesday 6-7 am Friday 6-7 am Saturday 8-9 am Lap Swim: Evenings Tuesday 6:30-9 pm Thursday 8-9 pm Prices Open Swim: $1.50 Lap Swim: $1.50 Monthly Family Pass: $20 Monthly Individual Pass: $15 Yearly Family Pass: $135 Yearly Individual Pass: $80 Swim Team: $10/month Private Parties! 1-1/2 hour pool rental $25. Call Sandi for scheduling and questions: 690-1197 Farm Leader Foresees Potential for Growth, Despite Challenging Market Despite the challenging circumstances present for Utah farmers and ranchers, 2009 brings the promise of opportunities for growth and a productive harvest. That is the assessment of Leland Hogan, president of the Utah Farm Bureau President, the state’s largest farm and ranch organization. “It’s true that 2008 has left those of us in agriculture with challenges as we enter a new year and new crop season,” said Hogan, a Tooele County rancher and hay producer. “But as is always the case, those challenges can also turn out to be great opportunities for success if farmers and ranchers rise to the occasion, match uncertainty with optimism, and are able to produce under the right set of circumstances.” The challenges of 2008 included a volatile energy market, with oil prices hovering around $140 a barrel before subsiding in recent weeks, retail food price increases, and a host of weather related situations such as the continued recovery of rangeland fires of 2007 and drought conditions in several Utah counties. Another uncertainty facing Utah farmers and ranchers also had its roots in 2008, but its impacts will not be felt until many months from now – that is the change in political philosophy at the federal level relating to the election of Barack Obama. “With a new administration comes the potential for a change in philosophy related to agriculture regulation, public land access and environmental concerns,” Hogan said. “We welcome President Obama and look forward to working with his administration to ensure that agriculture remains productive and economically sound.” This change in the environmental and regulatory landscape impacting public lands, which make up roughly 70 percent of Utah, will have an impact for those that live and make their living in rural Utah counties. In those counties, agriculture and its related industries are the catalyst for jobs, economic activity and the rural tax base. “We will have to wait and see what the management philosophy will be with this new administration,” Hogan said. Access and multiple-uses of public land, including grazing, have a huge impact on the economic viability of our farmers and ranchers – especially since nearly 75 percent of agricultural income in our state comes from animal agriculture. Additional challenges will be faced in the fluctuating commodity markets, which have seen prices drop while input costs have risen in the beef, dairy, pork and poultry sectors. A steady supply of labor will also be critical to maintaining stability in agriculture operations. “Despite many unfortunately losing jobs recently, we in agriculture have not seen a rush to the farms for jobs,” Hogan said. “Many of the jobs in farming and ranching are demanding and very difficult, and we’re just not seeing a steady supply of local workers to fill those jobs – even with the hard economic times locally. A supply of legal workers is going to be crucial.” But 2009 looks to build on the success of 2008 in terms of increased export opportunities for American agriculture. “We saw exports of American agricultural products soar to a record of nearly $100 billion in 2008,” Hogan said. “This positive trend looks to continue into the future and Utah agriculturalists are poised to benefit.” While appetites for American products have increased abroad, movements for local food have also gained popularity. Marketing programs such as Utah’s Own have made great progress in promoting the many local food options available at the many farmers markets in the state. “Buying local is really becoming a great option for food buyers in Utah,” Hogan said. “Never before have there been so many resources to get our local products to market, and many buyers want to eat items from their own back yard. Shoppers can look for great fresh and dried fruits, many varieties of beef, lamb, pork, fish and poultry, locally produced salts, breads and much more.” With the arrival of spring on the horizon for Hogan, a ranching example comes to mind in describing our future economic outlook. “Just as a newborn calf struggles as it enters this world, our economy has gone through a few bumps and rough times. But as we get back on our feet, we’ll eventually make our way forward and grow,” Hogan said. “We all still need to eat, and Utah farmers and ranchers will continue to do all we can to produce a safe, plentiful and affordable food product.” Truly, 2009 looks to be a year full of optimism despite certain economic conditions of the past. As the snow continues to accumulate, ample water resources bring the promise of plentiful crops in the spring, summer and fall. Utah’s farmers and ranchers will continue to be there, providing the stability needed from the backbone of the American and Utah economy – agriculture. About the Utah Farm Bureau The Utah Farm Bureau is the largest general farm and ranch organization in the state with more than 21,000 member families. Its mission is to improve the net income of the state’s farmers and ranchers and the overall quality of life in the state and nation through political action, educational and informational means. The Farm Bureau is a nonpartisan, voluntary organization, and its efforts are based on grassroots policies developed by members at the local, county, state and national levels. It is affiliated with the American Farm Bureau Federation, the world’s largest general farm organization, with more than 6.5 million family members in 50 states and Puerto Rico. For more information, go to the Utah Farm Bureau Web site at http://utfb.fb.org. siDE lines ....By Pat Dix MOQUIS BURY BADGERS Dalton Lisonbee led another Escalante 3 point cannonade with 5, as the Moquis administered a 69 to 48 drubbing to the Wayne Badgers. Dalton and Tim Hughes shared game high totals with 17 each, and Hughes dropped in 2 of the Moquis 8 from downtown onslaught. DUSTY AHLSTROM LEADS BRYCE VALLEY TO FIRST REGION WIN Bryce Valley’s Mustangs broke into the Region 15 win column Saturday, downing the Milford Tigers 58 to 52, at Milford. Dusty Ahlstrom’s game high 19 points led the Mustang attack, while Cache Mortensen amd J.J. Dunham chipped in 9 each. Korde Chynoweth had 7, Kaden Pollock 6, and Tallen Chynoweth 5, as the Mustangs improved to 3 and 7 for the season. BOBCATS REMAIN UNDEFEATED IN REGION Led by Trac Norris’ 29 points, and despite scoring zero from the floor in the 4th quarter, the Panguitch Bobcats downed Valley Saturday, 60 to 47. Panguitch led throughout the entire game, and sporting a 14 point lead at the end of three, went into an effective control game in the final 8 minutes, to salt away the victory. Eric Frandsen was the only other Cat in double digits with 16 points, while Norris and Bryce Taylor each contributed one from beyond the arc. Panguitch is now 2-0 in region and8-1 overall. T BIRDS DOWN LADY BOBCATS An 18 to 3 opening quarter spelled disaster for the Panguitch Lady Bobcats Friday, one from which they could not recover, and led to a 55 to 42 loss. In the second half the Cats outscored Piute 28 to 22, but they simply could not overcome that 15 point first quarter deficit. Chelsie Barney was the bright spot for the Bobcats, with 14 points, including 2 from downtown. Kalani Norris was the only other Bobcat in double digits with 10. Panguitch is now 1 & 2 in region and 7 & 3 overall. MOQUIS TAME TIGERS Thursday, December 30, the Escalante Moquis played host to the Tabiona Tigers in what turned out to be a barrage of shots from beyond the 3 point line, with a game total of 15 for the night. Dalton Lisonbee led the Moquis with 3, Tim Hughes had 2, Logan McLemor and Taylor chipped in with 1 each. Escalante featured 5 players in double digits, in the 73 to 55 win. Tim Hughes had 16, Kevin Griffin 15, Brady Barney and Dalton Lisonbee 13 each, and Taylor with 11. The Moquis are now 6 and 1 on the season. Looking for the Fuel of the Future Throughout the presidential campaign this year, candidates from both parties have spoken of the urgent need to develop alternative fuels. American interest in alternative fuel technologies stems from concerns about the environment and also from this country’s dependence on foreign oil. With more than 2 billion vehicles expected to be on the roads worldwide by the middle of the century, a little anxiety is understandable. To meet this growing global demand for energy, scientists are developing alternative transport fuels that you may pump into the tank of your car some day. “Shell has more than 100 years of experience in developing transport fuel technology,” says Dan Little, fuels manager for Shell Oil Products US. “We have technology centers around the world that are driving advancements in fuels. While our research with alternative fuels will have tremendous long-term benefits, it’s also impacting the fuel technology that’s found at Shell retail locations today.” But what exactly are alternative fuels, and how will new technology affect daily commutes in the decades to come? The future fuels that scientists are working on could come from a variety of sources. They may be blended with conventional gasoline, or could be 100 percent pure. Some offer reductions in CO2 emissions. To better understand the wide range of different “alternative” fuels that are being developed, here’s an overview of what may some day fill your gas tank: 1. Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) – Made from natural gas, GTL fuel is a cleaner-burning diesel fuel that’s clear, odorless, sulfur-free and compatible with today’s diesel engine. GTL can be used on its own or blended with diesel and has been cited by the California Energy Commission as the most cost-effective “alternative fuel” in reducing tail pipe emissions and our dependence on petroleum. 2. Conventional or “First Generation” Biofuels – Currently, available biofuels are made from food crops (e.g. corn, vegetable oil). Today’s most common biofuel, ethanol, is usually made from sugar cane, corn or wheat. While these biofuels can be blended into gasoline and diesel at low concentrations, high concentrations of biofuels require fuel tank and injection system modifications. 3. “Second Generation” Biofuels – Made with nonfood plant materials, such as wood chips, straw and algae, these fuels have the potential to be produced in high volumes. Currently they are expensive to research and develop and it may be difficult to convince people to pay for their key environmental benefit, CO2 reduction. However, they show real promise as an alternative fuel. For example: * Cellulosic ethanol – Cellulosic ethanol has the same properties as ethanol that is already being blended with gasoline in many regions of the United States, but is made from non-food crops like wheat straw and corn stalks. * Biomass-to-Liquid (BTL) – This second generation biofuel takes a woody feedstock, gasifies it and converts the gas into a high quality diesel fuel. The product has potential to be a low-carbon transportation fuel and is produced from a renewable source of energy. 4. Hydrogen – Hydrogen is the most plentiful element in the universe. Hydrogen fuel is a new form of transport fuel that can be used in modified combustion engines, but the best results are achieved through the use of “fuel cell vehicles.” These engines generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction that produces just water and heat as by-products. Since hydrogen is not commonly found in its pure form, it must be produced from different energy sources, usually fossil fuels. If the full environmental benefits of hydrogen-powered vehicles are to be realized, a critical challenge is to produce, and make widely available, hydrogen fuel with a low, or potentially zero CO2 footprint. What are the CO2 benefits of biofuels? A key advantage of biofuels compared with conventional gasoline and diesel is that they generally produce less CO2 on a lifecycle basis. This is because plants used in biofuels have absorbed CO2 from the air while growing, which is then released when the biofuel is burnt. In theory, this leaves the balance neutral. However, energy is required to grow and harvest the plants, convert them into biofuel and distribute them, and this all produces CO2. Since the amount and sources of energy used in production vary considerably, the CO2 emissions of different fuels need to be compared on a life-cycle basis. It will take some time to develop “Second Generation” biofuels in significant commercial quantities. Until that time, companies should work to ensure the raw materials and conversion processes used today result in genuinely beneficial, low-carbon biofuels. That means accelerating the pace of international sustainability and CO2 certification systems for the supply chain for “First Generation” biofuels. To learn more about fuel technology and the development of future fuels, visit www.shell.com/technology. |