OCR Text |
Show February 12, 2009 Page 7 The Garfield County Insider A DIVISION AMONG THE COUNTIES... AG MARKET NEWS SOCIAL SECURITY’S HOME PAGE HAS PEOPLE TALKING By Mickie Douglas Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Salt Lake City UT Not long ago, Social Security unveiled a newly redesigned homepage at www.socialsecurity.gov. It’s the same location, but a much-improved design. The public agrees that the new page is more welcoming, easier to navigate, and includes improved graphics. All of the same important information is there, but in a more visually-appealing way. Here is what some visitors to the new home page told us: • “Think your new web page is great! Easy to navigate and full of info for us retired folk. Thanks!” • “I just saw your new design and I love it. It is so much easier to find your way around. Thank you.” • “Great design and the video tour is also a great touch.” • “Outstanding! Clear, precise details make moving around the site for info very easy. The larger font is great for we seniors.” • “I really like the new web page. It is finally organized the way it should be, by categories.” Important services many visitors look for are right in the center of the page: applying for retirement; applying for disability; and requesting a Social Security card. Major program topics run along the top of the page, such as retirement, survivors, disability, Supplemental Security Income and Medicare. And more information can be found along the left and right columns, including news, online services, frequently asked questions and information for specific groups and people. Visit the website and see for yourself what everyone is raving about! Everything you need from Social Security is front and center at www.socialsecurity.gov. QUIET TIMES We had a touch of snow last week. It’s mostly gone by now. I didn’t do no major chores. No sweat upon this brow. Weren’t no big-time football games. I didn’t watch the Jazz. It was about as mellow a week as an old man ever has. I didn’t tune in to no politics. There was no inauguration. Just sat around and ate too much and did good relaxation. I got no ax to grind right now. No gripes that I have to say. I’m kind of proud that Sunday, though, turned into a three-nap day. I think the last little nap I took Should go into the Guinness Book Poems written by Ray Conrad www.raymondconrad.com Receipts: 1,763; Last Week : 630. Last Year: 1,010. Feeder Steers: mixed wts under 450 lbs weak to 1.00 lower on limited numbers; wts over 450 lbs 4.006.00 higher. Feeder Heifers: mixed wts under 450 lbs weak to 1.00 lower on limitednumbers, wts over 450 lb wts 5.00-6.00 higher. Holstein Steers: 3.00-4.00 higher. Slaughter Cows: 2.003.00 higher. Slaughter Bulls:3.00-4.00 higher. Feeder Steers: Medium and Large Frame 2: 200250 lbs scarce; 250-300 lbs pkg 289 lbs 118.50; 300350 lbs scarce; 350-400 lbs 108.00-115.50; 400-450 lbs 105.00-115.00; 450500 lbs 104.00-111.00; 500-550 lbs 97.50-108.00; 550-600 lbs 91.50-102.25; 600-650 lbs 88.50-96.50; 650-700 lbs 83.50-94.00; 700-750 lbs 83.00-92.50; 750-800 lbs 83.00-92.50; 800-850 lbs 84.50-89.50; 850-900 lbs 82.00-84.00; 900-1000 lbs scarce. Holsteins Steers: Large Frame 3 Baby Bull Calves: scarce; 200-300 lbs scarce; 300-500 lbs scarce; 500700 lbs 53.00-54.50; 700900 lbs 55.50-56.50; 9001000 lbs scarce. Feeder Heifers: Medium and Large Frame 1-2: 200250 lbs scarce; 250-300 lbs scarce; 300-350 lbs scarce; 350-400 lbs 82.00-92.00; 400-450 lbs 84.00-95.00; 450-500 lbs 81.00-92.50; 500-550 lbs 80.50-92.25; 550-600 lbs 81.00-90.00; 600-650 lbs 79.00-89.00; 650-700 lbs 78.50-86.50; 700-750 lbs 78.75-84.50; 750-800 lbs 77.00-86.50; 800-850 lbs 77.50-83.25; 850-900 lbs 68.00-78.50; 900-1000 lbs scarce; Heiferettes: 35.75-67.50. Stock Cows: Medium and Large Frame 1: Good Cross Bred Bred Cows 475.00925.00. Pairs 750.00950.00/pr. Slaughter Cows: Boning 80-85% Lean: 37.50-44.25; Breaking 75-80% Lean: 41.75-42.25; Commercial: scarce; Cutter 85-90% Lean: 29.00-37.00. Slaughter Bulls: Yield Grade 1000-1500 lbs 49.00-53.75; 1500-2425 lbs 58.25- 66.00; Yield Grade 2 1000-1500 lbs 43.50-47.75; 1500-1880 lbs 47.25-57.25; Feeder Bulls scarce. Insight from the Editor’s Chair, Ryan Davis It has been an interesting ride operating newspapers in an area that is honored and revered by long time residents and newcomers alike. I get to see both sides of the coin when it comes to issues. Environmental, Cultural, Religious, Political.... The ones that are most passionately represented are usually environmental. A few weeks ago, a poem was penned by a lifelong resident (Jerry) who had been offended at some of Rays poems. He was offended at the way Ray was using his medium to express his opinion about the Bush Administration, so he chose to express his feelings to Ray through his own version of cowboy poetry. It was interesting to hear the many comments from two different demographics. Some people were very irritated that I as an editor would allow Jerry to express his opinion on cultural views, while others who related to Jerry applauded. I expressed as I have in the past, in order to establish a level of order within this publication, I have posted a disclaimer on the front of the paper stating that all submissions are not necessarily the opinion of The Insider. I have asked individuals who have submit content to sign their names, and I will print it. That is how I feel a model of community can be felt. If someone has a point they feel needs to be considered, they will need to have courage to own their statements. I present the issues, and the public decides. In this case, one individual rebuked me for allowing Jerry to express his opinion. This individual owns a small business in the area. When Isuggested that he was entitled to express his opinion through The Insider medium, and he would only have to sign his name, he asked if I thought it was possible without recrimination? Boy, he got me started thinking.... Reader: Ryan, do you really believe it would be possible to do that in Wayne County without fear of recrimination? I know this may be difficult for you to believe, but I have, in the past, received hostile and threatening feedback from Utah residents based on the expression of progressive political, social and environmental positions. Freedom of expression for some in our fair state, as we are both aware, is a luxury accompanied by consequences. Just a simple fact of life here among the Good Ole Boys. And please, don’t send me any of that “if you don’t like it, leave” nonsense. Here was my reply: No, of course not, but Jerry expressed his feeling in his poem knowing he would experience this recrimination. I expressed to Jerry in advance that this would happen. Yet, he still printed it and signed his name to it. Why, because he “strongly” believes in what he represented. I ask you, rather than take offense to this, seek first to understand,..... then to be understood. Freedom of expression “in any state” is a luxury accompanied by consequences. Not just UTAH. Have you never lived in another state? Going to school in UTAH, never deprived me of realizing that standing up for what you believe in was accompanied by consequences. Remember how the Mormons were driven, persecuted, and killed for expressing their belief in God, legally, in a country founded with the concept Sweeten This Valentine’s Day With Financial Gifts Article Provided by Brandon Henrie, Financial Advisor for Edward Jones Investments You could give flowers. give some shares of your or as much as $5,000 (the Your loved one, like many people, probably supports You could give candy. You own. You’ll need to know limit for a calendar year). what you originally paid could give jewelry, a watch Contribute to an IRA. The a variety of social and organizations. or a gift certificate. They’re for the stock (its tax basis), IRA contribution limit for charitable all fine Valentine’s Day how long you’ve held it and 2009 is $5,000. Investors By making a donation to presents, and your recipi- its fair market value at the who are 50 or older can also one of these groups in your ent would appreciate any of date of the gift. The recipi- make a “catch-up” contribu- valentine’s name, you can them. But this year, why not ent will need this informa- tion of an additional $1,000. add a special meaning to go beyond the usual gifts tion to determine gains or So, if your valentine hasn’t this Valentine’s Day. At the and give your valentine losses when he or she sells fully funded his or her IRA same time, you’ll be giving something that can sweeten the stock. (You’ll also need for this year, you can help. yourself a little valentine, the rest of the year — and to determine if you have to While you can’t put money because you may be able beyond? Specifically, why pay gift taxes. You can give directly into someone else’s to claim a tax deduction for up to $13,000 per year, free IRA, you can write a check your charitable gift. In fact, not give a financial gift? Of course, you can al- of gift taxes, to as many for that purpose. Because of if you give an asset, such as a stock, which has appreways write out a check, or people as you want.) their tax advantages, IRAs Give a savings bond. You are great retirement-savings ciated in value, you’ll get stick some money in a card. an extra tax break because But why not think “outside might think that U.S. gov- vehicles, so they are well ernment savings bonds were worth funding. (Traditional you won’t be responsible the box” a little bit? for capital gains when the Here are some possibili- a quaint relic of the past, but IRAs grow tax-deferred; they’re still around. Your Roth IRAs grow tax-free, charity eventually sells the ties to consider: stock. Give stocks. You might valentine might appreciate provided the investor has By making any of these want to give shares of stock a low-risk, government- had the account for at least gifts, you’ll show your valin a company that makes backed bond that pays a five years and is 59-1/2 or entine that you truly care products favored by your guaranteed rate of interest. older.) about the most important loved one. As an alternative Plus, you can buy a Series Make a charitable gift part of his or her life — the to buying stocks, you could EE bond for as little as $50 in your valentine’s name. future. that men may worship how they may. Believe me, we understand this concept. You are absolutely right, it “is” just a simple fact, but not only among the good ole boys, but anywhere in the United States. You see, from a semilocal perspective, we have the Native American Indian thing going on here. These so called “Good Ole Boys” or longest term civilians don’t like contention. They like it peaceful, and changing is OK, as long as it is done transparently, and the majority of the people agree with the change. Ask anyone who lived here before 1970 what they miss most about the Wayne County they knew. Well, the concept of Freedom has definately changed. Trust in your neighbor has changed. Actually, not much is the same. Anything that is the same, has had to be fought for. The change has been significant through the eyes of the long term residents. This is probably why we have three agricultural minded commissioners. They love..... no..... they cherish this area. They want to preserve it (including the culture) more than anyone. Maybe someday, 500 years from now some environmentalist will lock down some land because of an old rusted John Deere found in an overgrown field somewhere. I know that most of the people who have relocated/ retired to this area did so for the serenity, and atmosphere. This is great! I can’t think of a more peaceful demographic of people. I understand that many “not too unlike you”, worked very hard your whole life to get where you are. You deserve to live your life the way you choose, where you want, just as the Good Ole Boys do. All men are created equal. I don’t believe for one minute that one person is entitled to this land any more than the other. But I do believe that there is a level of respect that demands attention. But it is grudgingly and often mockingly given. Advertise in the Insider Call 676-2621 Online Subscriptions available at snapshotmedia.com Point: If I was to come into your home and rearrange your furniture and just plop myself down on your couch and do something that you weren’t accustomed to, that might be somewhat offensive, I would assume that you might be concerned.... and maybe get a bit upset. Well, the Good Ole boys have been offended similarly. Up until the late eighties when tourism started progressing more rapidly in Wayne County, this was really an off the beaten path area. When I went to college in 1986, and people asked me where I was from, very few knew where Wayne County, or Torrey, or Loa, was. I can remember as a boy scout walking the trails in the mountains (these trails were hardly trails). There were many lakes located on Thousand Lake Mountain, of which in 1986, we had to hike 3-4 hours to fish in these lakes. Today I can drive right up to the water. Mind you, logging had been long been stopped on the mountain by this time. So that wasn’t the issue. Only as the county was recognized by its beauty, and the beauty of the area presented itself “on the map” did all of this start to change significantly. I could go on, but really what needs to be done is people need to spend their time communicating, aggregate their thinking, get closer to being on the same page, or at least trying to understand each others perspectives. FYI.... I have had much applause and few rebuttals in response to Jerry’s poem. If the poem acceptance scoreboard is what you wish to see, it is very similar to the election results. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand this. I have been more than fair by printing Rays Poems and expressing his views for a long time.... and I will continue to print them. No one barks at me, when I print them. They usually just shrug it off. I thought it only fair to print Jerry’s Poem. Oddly enough, it was calculable, I would get some response from Jerry’s poem. This is how I ended my response. And to you, my readers, I could go on, but I would probably bore you with my thoughts. But hopefully this will give you some more insight from the editors chair. E. B. White sums it up well: Democracy is the recurrent suspicion that more than half of the people are right more than half the time. |