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Show Wednesday, September 5, 2007 Fairgrounds (Continued from A1) Citizens of Sanpete County, following Tuesday’s decision. “I think we need to listen to the way [they] worded it, and we’ll have to get a copy of that. We need some kind of written proof that it won’t go there. We’ve got to protect our kids,” she said. Some in the citizens group fear the commission might still try to sneak the project in or near the fairgrounds, but commissioners seemed to make it clear that the area west of U.S. 89 between 500 North and 800 North in Manti would be off limits to consideration. That notwithstanding, however, a battle is shaping up over votes that will either give thumbsup or thumbs-down to the project in two months’ time. Frischknecht and Kaye Crane, also from Manti and a leader in the Concerned Citizens of Sanpete County movement, said the benefit concert was well attended, showing strong support for their cause. Crane estimated that between 150 and 200 people attended throughout the evening, and many donations were received. The concert marked the beginning of a serious campaign to get voters to reject the idea, or at least to get commissioners to answer questions about it before making voters decide. Commissioners will begin that process this week when they initiate a series of meetings to discuss the project with residents in each city. The first of those meetings occur tonight in Manti and Wales (see ad on page A7). Though commissioners have conceded the location issue, they still plan to campaign strongly for the courts-building project. “We are still committed to the project,” Anderson said. “We think it is important and viable for the next 50 years for the county.” According to Anderson and Gordon Bessegger, a spokesman from the Utah Judicial Council, the county and the state are exploring other options, one of which is some kind of project on the existing courthouse property, and will meet later this week to discuss those options. 28, the first day of the trip. Sanpete got the most attention during the trip, as the governor spent one full day in the county—visiting both public school districts, Snow College, Moroni Feed Co. and the Central Utah Correctional Facility—before leaving for Sevier County late Wednesday morning. With much of his cabinet and Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert in tow, Huntsman said the tour was to hear the concerns of residents of the state, but also to proclaim two of his top initiatives for the coming legislative session: higher pay for teachers and broader health care coverage for Utahns. Regarding salaries for teach- ers, Huntsman said the state had made great strides in the last couple of years with the highest increases in education funding in Utah history. But Huntsman said even though the state was on the right track, it hadn’t done enough. “I’m not going to rest until we get it right,” he said. Huntsman promised the county’s educators in the North and South Sanpete school districts that he would make higher teacher pay his number one priority. Regarding his number two priority, health insurance for Utah’s uninsured and underinsured, Huntsman said, “Everybody is talking about it now, and willing to do something about it. You’re going to see some very bold initiatives.” Huntsman noted it was the second time education and health care came together in a significant way for him in Sanpete County. In 2005 Huntsman spoke at Snow College’s graduation exercises. While in Ephraim, he stopped at the Malt Shop where he spoke to a dairy farmer who said he wasn’t able to afford health insurance for his seven employees. Huntsman said the experience had a profound impact on him that is now being translated into policy initiatives. “That’s the last issue I’d expect a dairy farmer to be worried about,” he said. “When it gets to that level, you know it’s a problem.” During last week’s visit to Snow College, Huntsman saw firsthand the classes and programs made possible through a partnership created by the Legislature last spring between Snow, the College of Eastern Utah and Utah State University. He heard several success stories of traditional and nontraditional students in those programs, which carry students beyond the two-year associate’s degrees offered by Snow, and listened to officials lobby for continued funding of the program. He also briefly addressed county and community leaders at a dinner and reception held on Snow’s campus Tuesday evening. (Continued from A1) pened at 3:31 p.m. at Hilltop, seven miles north of Fairview, when, Bell’s truck apparently crossed the center line and collided with the Samani vehicle. “Within seconds, both vehicles were on fire,” Carlislie said. The trooper said the UPH was looking into the theory that the Bell vehicle burst into flames, and then the fire followed a trail of gasoline along the road to the Samani truck. However, he said, the investigation indicated that all of the victims died from the high-speed im- pact before the fire took hold. Fairview Fire Chief Nathan Miner said the Fairview Fire Department was on the scene within minutes putting out the flames. Also responding were the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department, Sanpete County Sheriff’s Office, the Sanpete County Extrication Team and Sanpete Search and Rescue. Extrication of the victims was a “lengthy process,” Carlisle said. While the UHP was confident of its identifications, the bodies were taken to the Utah State Medical Examiner’s Office in Salt Lake City, where identification was to be confirmed based on dental records. Bell, who worked as a roofer, is survived by his wife Shelly and five children— four girls and one seven-month-old baby boy. The family relocated to Mt. Pleasant from Fairview seven months ago. They have lived in Sanpete County for nearly eight years. Sue Hooley, Bell’s motherin-law, remembered Bell as a “hard working, fun loving, helpful person, who just enjoyed his family. He loved his children and his wife.” A trust fund is being set up at the Far West Bank for Bell’s family. Funeral arrangements are pending, according to Hooley. late for organizers of a concert to benefit the campaign against the project to alter their plans accordingly. “Save Our Fairgrounds,” read a sign at the concert one day after Wednesday’s announcement. Yesterday the Sanpete County Commission formally accepted the Judicial Council’s decision, forcing both bodies to look for other options. But the official action wasn’t quite enough for opponents. “What happened at the commission meeting today is not enough guarantee for us that the building won’t be placed by our children,” said Kathy Frischknecht, Manti, a spokesperson for the group Concerned Huntsman (Continued from A1) Accident Mayfield elections should stabilize empty positions By Suzanne Dean Publisher Casino Star Theatre Rated PG13 78 S. MAIN, GUNNISON Sept. 7-13 528-STAR 7:30 p.m. Weekdays CASINOSTARTHEATRE.ORG Two showings Friday & Saturday Prices: Adults $5.50 7 pm and 9 pm Children under 12 and Seniors $3.50 A3 Sanpete Messenger/Gunnison Valley Edition MAYFIELD—Political parties in Mayfield will be holding conventions to nominate candidates for the town board within the next few weeks. Although the meetings aren’t set yet, according to City Recorder Catherine Bartholomew, they need to be held soon. The deadline for submitting finalist names to the lieutenant governor’s office is Sept. 25. In Mayfield, a virtual game of musical chairs has gone on over the past couple of years. The upcoming election should stabilize things. Two years ago, Van Malmgren was elected mayor and John Christensen was elected to the council. Then Malmgren resigned, and Christensen was appointed mayor. Now voters must elect someone to fill the remaining two years of Malmgren’s mayoral term. When Christensen moved up to mayor, he left a vacancy on the council. Meanwhile, Jeff Bartholomew also left the council. Mayfield residents Kenny Jensen and Wayne Connelly were appointed to fill the slots. Now elections must be held to fill the final two years of both terms. Finally, Terry Madsen has nearly served his full, four-year term. So his seat is also up for election. Tuesday is Bargain Night All Seats $3.50! SANPETE COUNTY CRIME AND JUSTICE Mayfield Community Care Center Information is gleaned from court records, police reports and interviews with the Sanpete County Attorney’s Office. All individuals are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. “Long-term health care that makes a difference” Manti Kelly Shepherd, Manti, is charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance within a drug free zone, two counts of theft, burglary, felonies, and possession of instruments for burglary, misdemeanor. Compiled by Sara Hansen Charges Sentencing Consistent, individual, loving care from Administration and Nursing staff with over 25 years of geriatric and Alzheimer’s experience. We provide your loved one with health care by professionals who will meet their physical, social, and emotional needs. Manti Eneliko Lauti, Ephraim, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, felony, and reckless driving, misdemeanor. Sixth District Court Judge Wallace A. Lee sentenced Lauti to a prison term of zero to five years. The prison term was suspended and Lauti was placed on probation contingent on him serving a month in the Sanpete County Jail and paying a fine of $2,500. Short or long-term Medicaid or private pay beds available. Ivan Barney, Manti, pleaded no contest to sex offender registration, misdemeanor. Sixth District Court Judge David L. Mower sentenced Barney to serve one day in the Sanpete County Jail and to pay a $487.50 fine. We Care Call us at 528-3550 for details Dennis James Summers, Spring City, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault by prisoner, felony. Sixth District Court Judge David L. Mower sentenced Summers to serve one to 15 years at the Utah State Prison. Summers attacked a fellow inmate while serving time for a previous offense in the Sanpete County Jail. Sanpete County FRIDAY, SEPT. 7 Art exhibit to open Central Utah Art Center in Ephraim will be hosting a public reception from 6-9 p.m. to open its new exhibit of the work of Sean Slemon, a South African artist. The exhibit, “Public Property,” explores the interaction of man and nature and will be on display until Oct. 10. SATURDAY, SEPT. 8 Dance to benefit miners’ families The North Sanpete High School class of 1977 is hosting a benefit dance for all alumni at 8:30 p.m. at the old high school gym in Mt. Pleasant. Music will be provided by the Phat Old Professors. A minimum $5 donation is suggested; proceeds will go to benefit the families of the miners trapped in the Crandall Canyon mine. TUESDAY, SEPT. 11 Neighborhood watch meeting scheduled A national neighborhood watch meeting will be held at Fairview City Hall at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend and learn how to take action against community burglaries. For more information contact Richard See, Homeland Security VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America), 835-2193. Immunization clinics to be held The following offices of the Central Utah Public Health Department will be conducting adult and childhood immunizations at the following locations and times: Sanpete County North Sanpete office, 20 S. 100 West, Mt. Pleasant, Sept. 13 and 20 from 1-5 p.m. Contact Linda Healy, RN, 462-2449. South Sanpete office, 40 W. 200 North, Manti, Sept. 11 from 2-6 p.m., and Sept. 18 from 1-4:30 p.m. Contact Debbie Lindsey, 835-2231. THURSDAY, SEPT. 13 Scout roundtable and training scheduled A Scout Roundtable will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the Ephraim Middle School, 555 S. 100 East. Before the roundtable at 6 p.m. a merit badge counselor orientation class will be held. Stained glass class offered The Central Utah Art Center, 86 N. Main St., Ephraim, is offering a beginning course based on the foil method of stained glass. The class will be held on Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. until Oct. 25. The fee is $60. For more information, call 283-5110 or email education@cuartcenter.org. FRIDAY, SEPT. 14 Spring City Arts to host concert Spring City Arts is presenting a concert by Utah musician and actor Marvin Payne at 7 p.m. in the Judge Johnson Barn, 370 S. First West, Spring City. Payne will be performing selections from his most recent CD, entitled “Front Porch Hymns and Humns.” The concert is free of charge, and the public is invited. FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, SEPT. 14-15 Scout camp scheduled The Sanpete District Fall Camporee 2007 will be held at Mountain Dell Scout Camp East of Mt Pleasant. This year’s camp has a mountain man theme. Registration will be at 4 p.m. Friday and will be $4 per boy. No fires are allowed on Scout property this year due to extreme fire danger. Propane cook stoves are okay on the cement pads. For more information, call Gayle and Gary Jensen at 4273339, Ken Bench at 427-3311, Dale Peel at 463-2567 or Carl Larsen at 462-2790. UPCOMING EVENTS Performance season begins at Casino Star Through the Utah Performing Arts Tour of the Utah Arts Council, the Casino Star Theatre Foundation and Snow College are hosting “Red Rock Rondo.” The musical group will perform a 45-minute mini-concert at the Snow College Convocation at 12:30 p.m. Sept. 20 in the Jorgenson Concert Hall of the Eccles Center for the Performing Arts. Then the group will present a full performance at the Casino Star Theatre in Gunnison at 7 p.m. This all-star ensemble presents a cycle of original songs based on oral histories gathered in the region of Zion National Park, “songs,” says composer Phillip Bimstein, “which celebrate stories and vitality common to communities throughout Utah and the West.” A suggested donation for the Casino Star program is $8 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. Advance tickets are available at Rasmussen’s Ace Hardware in Gunnison and at the Sanpete Messenger office in Manti. Far from home? Check up on local news at www.SanpeteMessenger.com |