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Show SPANISH FORK5SR WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2009 • A7 Covering what matters most \» Energy costs Annexation petitions presented in Salem -:/ •• J e n Allen •—•••/•••/••••V; v - : STAFF WRITER . ' * • ' / " - . " • -. ' • " Mallory Byrnes STAFF WRITER ' • . /Most people take for granted that they can walk across dieroom,flip a switch arid a light Will turn on, or perhaps that they can grab / ,aremoteand with a simple press of a button / turn on a TV, radio or DVD player. Electric-, / ity is generatedfromthe turn of turbines. The power that is created there is then transferred / to transformers that, through a step-up pro: cess, increases the electricity to become high enough in voltage to be carried in transmission /lines to the substations in your local neighbor'/ hood. Once at the substation, a step-down process breaks the electricity down enough to be passed through power lines to your meter and into your home's network of electric wires and outlets. Your usage is then metered and you receive your monthly bill. Power companies, more than most, have to invest a high portion of capital to begin the process of making and distributing electricity. After the cost of the initial investment is met and the cost of running business has also been met, the remainder is consideredrevenue.This is generally measured in cents per kilowatt hour. The US Department of Energy recently released information on the average revenue per kilowatt hour for the year 2007. The document breaks down earning nation-wide compared to state-wide according to residential, commercial and industrial use. It also details the revenue of publicly owned verses investor-owned and cooperative companies. The list of publicly owned companies includes Spanish Fork, Salem, Provo, Spririgville and Pay son among others. Spanish Fork and Salem City are comparable in their numbers only deviating by fractions of a cent. However, both Spanish Fork and Salem make more than Provo City Power in residential, commercial and industrial areas. But that is not to say that Spanish Fork and Salem are top dogs according to the charts. Both Springville City and Payson City make more per kilowatt hour to the tune of one to four cents more. There are multiple explanations for why these revenues vary. The number of households and the high usage times account for residential fluctuations just as the number of commercial and industrial districts and their peak usage times vary. Would-be citizens of Salem attended Salem City Council Meeting on March 5 to discuss their potential to be annexed. "This.is the first step in the annexation process," said city attorney Junior Baker about a petition being circulated to allow for the annexation of land mostly belonging to the Beamsons and Christensens near Arrowhead Trail with a portion of Bear Creek to be approved or denied. The city opted to accept the proposal for further examination. Bruce Ward was appointed the "stimulus manager" for Salem at a recent meeting for mayors discussing the stimulus package expected to come from President Obama to cities. Ward explained a list of potential projects Salem had submitted at the meeting, including road improvements, utilities for the industrial/commercial area near the Benjamin interchange, a needed storm drain system, a recreation complex, and the South Utah Valley Municipal Water Treatment Plant that has caused a "commotion". The treatment plant is a joint-use plant between seven cities that could be built on 250 acres of the Utah Lake border, Ward said that it is "shovel ready" should the stimulus or a grant be able to cover its construction. "We're absolutely ready to go to work " said Ward. Police Chief Brad James reminded the community that a "no questions asked" disposal drop box for old prescriptions is located at the police station. Mayor Lane Henderson recognized James for being instrumental in bringing these drop boxes into the county. "He challenged [the mayors] to do this and found a way for them to do this without incurring any expenses," said Henderson. James also explained the speed limit change on SR-198 from 55 mph to 50 mph as an anticipation of Crisp's grocery store opening and the recent stoplight at 400 North as well as one in construction on Woodland Hills Drive. A new study will be done after the store opening and the 40 mph limit may be moved further north to allow for the traffic. Crisp's is set to open in "about a week" according to Henderson, with a Grand Opening to occur in "about three weeks". Spanish Fork donated a fire truck to Salem that is in need of $15,000 worth offixup said councilmember Todd Gordon. The truck will greatly improve Salem's ISO rating and Gordon is looking for fundraising opportunities and donors. "It's a really good fire truck, it just needs an engine," said Gordon. her grandparents. Ardell and Melba have resided in Spanish Fork and Benjamin most of their lives. They have been married 27 years and have 11 children between them. They each had a son pass away. Ardell and Melba have been members of the Senior Citizens for several years. They have clocked many hours of volunteer work in the community and with the Senior Center. Ardell is a retired Seminary Teacher and Melba worked as a secretary for 32 years before retiring. They are loved and appreciated by all who know them. Also honored at the dinner dance were Mary and Bob Jensen, who celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary that night. Mary and Bob we married in Spanish Fork in 1925. They have lived most of their lives in Spanish Fork and Benjamin. They are the parents of six children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bob retired from Geneva and Mary from Nebo School District. They have danced their way through life, which has kept them so young. Mary decorated the stage at the Senior Center for 32 years and scheduled the entertainment for years. They love to spend time with their family and friends at their property in Indianola. Congratulation to Mary and Bob for a long life of love and friendship together. The senior citizens enjoyed an evening of fine dining, dancing and prizes. The prizes included tickets to movies, chocolates, hams and flowers. Thank you to the cooks for the delicious meal and to the City Youth Council for their help. Thank you to the committee who organized a wonderful evening and to those who decorated the hall so beautifully. Seniors honor Barney: raising their six children: Danny, Rod, Diane, Blake, DeeAnn and Kim. He is the proud grandpa of 22 grandchildren the Bronze Star. In 1973 Dale founded ^Bar- and 19 great grandchildren ney Incorporated and operated with two more on the way. He this company as a general con- has instilled in his children the qualities of integrity, honesty tractor. Dale and Da Mae served a and very strong work ethics. mission from 1991-1993 in Dale has been a service-orientBristol England. They also ed man his entire life. served in Wales for part of their In February, the Spanish Fork mission. Senior Citizens held their annual In 1998 Dale was elected Valentine Sweetheart Dinner Mayor of Spanish Fork. One Dance. It was held Feb.13,2009. of his fondest memories dur- Those who attended enjoyed a ing his time as mayor was to gourmet meal which was served coordinate volunteers in the by members of the City Youth construction of the Recreation Council. The entertainment for Complex. He thoroughly en- the evening was old fashioned joyed working with the em- love songs sang by Mike Boothe and his wife Lou Ella. ployees of the city. Honored as our Sweetheart Dale is presently serving as a member of the Eldredge Cen- couple for this year were Arter Foundation for Soil Conser- dell and Melba Jeppsen. Their beautiful granddaughter, Anvation committee. Dale and Da Mae's great- drea Jeppsen, sang a special est accomplishment in life was song, "Always" as a tribute to From BARNEY • A6 -n 11-' ;.:• i SPANISH FORK S' -1 £11 ib; • ( • ! • ( . _ irf - ) Barber Realtor Past mayor of SF or Salem ., Current local government official. High school coach High school teacher ; ._ Jr high teacher Elementary teacher. Hair salon Tanning salon Photography studio. Plumber Home builder/Contractor. Police Officer Postal Worker Volunteer Pizza Spa • i Insurance agent Lawn care Mortgage services AUTO: Gas station/convenience store Tire .store Auto repair • • . . wants to khbw who of what is the best in Spanish Fork and Salem. PEOPLE: (include first and last names) FOOD: (name of business) V m b; • I f Autobody Car dealership. Oil change RV and Trailer ; Legal services Accountant Tax services Travel FUN & ENTERTAINMENT: Video rental Burger Fries _ Fry sauce Sandwiches. Grocery store Restaurant Mexican RETAIL: Clothing^ Western outlet Flower Book store, Furniture _ Sporting goods Fast food (general) Ice cream Dessert ' Carpet and Flooring Gifts Customer service High school event/activity. Community event/activity. Camping spot Bargain date Hiking place Vacation destination Dance studio Local band Park Playground equipment. HEALTH & BEAUTY: Doctor Dentist Chiropractor. Optometrist . Pharmacy SERVICE: MISC Glass/Windows. Bank Public restroom Credit Union Heating and A/C Best architecture PRIZE DRAWING Each survey returned by deadline will be entered in a prize drawing. Your Name: Phone Number: Spanlsh Fork News and J-Mart employees and their family member? are ineligible (or prize drawing. . Drinking fountain Landscaping Surveys due by 6 p.m. March 31, 2009. Turn in surveys at: v i The Spanish Fork News, 42 E. 300 N., Spanish Fork ' I ; or J-Mart, 280 N. Main Street, Spanish Fork : ;: i? f v i:; Results will be printed in a special section in April. "• -I |