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Show Cyan Magenta Yellow Black Wednesday, June 8, 2005 IN OUR OPINION ... TO When is too much water enough? The mountain snow pack, drenching spring rains and recent flooding have left some people talking about this year being a “drought buster.” But wait a minute. Just because we appear to be having an above-normal water year and just because reservoirs look fuller than in the recent past doesn’t mean we have enough water to satisfy our consumption wants and handle growth. In fact, the need to conserve is as urgent as ever. Reservoirs are like the family checking account: If we leave the extra money in the bank each month, we have enough cash when there is a break in the income flow. In recent years, the water account has been depleted and even overdrawn. Increasing water use due to growth has drawn down already low reservoirs. We also know from research that aquifers (what we call the water table, the supply of water deep in the earth) are being depleted from wells drilled into them. Unfortunately, the aquifer situation is not like bouncing a check just before payday. While reservoirs take years to fill, aquifers can take decades. A5 Sanpete Messenger/Gunnison Valley Edition Growth is good as long as we have water to support it. Unfortunately, we cannot make rain anymore than we can stop a wall of floodwater. Yes, rainfall has been above average this spring. Yes, there have been floods. But we have been bouncing checks at the water bank for years. Between growth and failure to conserve, we have emptied the surplus of years past and now continue to use the rain as fast as it falls from the sky. We cannot go on bouncing to the bottom of our reservoirs. We cannot keep drilling more wells and expect the water to be there. We have to cut back on water use to allow water stores to build up for drier days to come. Even with all of the spring moisture, our local governments may be ordering water rationing come August. The weatherman cannot tell us if are emerging from drought or merely taking a vacation from the arid conditions that have plagued us. Either way, there is room in the reservoirs and aquifers for more water than we are getting right now, and if we conserve now, we will at least have some water in the bank for future dry seasons. WE’LL STOP PROVIDING FREE SCREENINGS WHEN CANCER ONLY ATTACKS WOMEN WITH FULL HEALTH COVERAGE. ONE TWO FREE Nearly 45,000 American women will die from breast and cervical cancer this year. And the real tragedy is that these deaths could have been prevented. That’s why we’re providing free mammograms and pap tests to thousands of Utah women over 50. Even women with health insurance qualify. And any necessary treatment may ING, EASY ST ONE AS If you’re 50 or older, you most likely qualify for a free breast and cervical cancer screening. To find out, call 1-800-717-1811. TE also be free if cancer is detected. Call us to find out if you are one of them. TWO FREE THE EDITOR... In favor of Manti swimming pool We would like to speak up in favor of the proposed Manti swimming pool. It will be a valuable addition to our community. This new Aquatics Center would provide our children with a constructive summer activity and good exercise. Our children have been anticipating this new facility for many years. We hope it will be built in time for them. We have visited similar facilities in other communities and have had a great time. This new Aquatics Center will be enjoyed by many Manti residents and will attract visitors to our community. Let’s vote yes on the swimming pool bond. Dean and Marilyn Halling Manti Have we considered all the options? Is the pool a done deal? Have we looked at other recreational options? There is a lot of talk of providing a pool for our children and future generations. But is it worth it to strap the cost of the pool to future generations also? Would anyone open a business knowing they just might break even or lose money? I doubt it. Salina has an outdoor pool that isn’t far away. Swimming lessons are available in Ephraim and Gunnison. With the cost of gas not going down anytime soon, is an outdoor pool in Sanpete County really going to be a tourist attraction? The pageant is great for attracting visitors but can we bank it all on just two weeks out of the year? Has the community thought of an indoor roller skating/ blading rink that would be open year around, not just a few months of the year? I grew up with one just as Manti locals grew up with an outdoor pool. It was great fun every Friday and Saturday night and lots of exercise besides. Not only would an indoor rink be used for large groups, reunions, and parties but also in off times it could be used for dances, exhibitions and perhaps quilting. An even bigger benefit would be that during the winter it could be used for walking and aerobics classes. Casino Star Theatre 78 S. Main, Gunnison 528-STAR casinostartheatre.org Prices: Adults $5 Children 12 & under $3 I see a longer lifespan for an indoor roller rink than an outdoor pool. And then, if/when it becomes obsolete, it could be put to good use by the fairgrounds. What good is an old worn-out pool? Let’s think about the future, not just the now. Jennifer Peterson Manti PG13 Playing: June 10-16 Note: New Summer Time Hours --------Monday thru Thursday - 7:30 p.m. Friday & Saturday - 7:30 & 9:30 pm. Tuesday, June 14th is bargain night. All Seats are $3 |