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Show dnsAeaetw Pape 2 -- 1 OPINION April 18.2QQQ Uintah Basin Standard Honoring class mates When our young people do well, our com munity is the first to stand up and applaud, however, when they disgrace themselves and their school then what? Last week some members of the Union High Drama team were sent home from a region state drama meet when students who had been drinking were found along withafew empty alcohol bottles in their St.George hotel room. Advisors blew the whistle on the students and contacted police. A few students were given citations, but worst yet, the entire drama team had to withdraw finm competition. Months ofearly morning practices, hours and the aspirations of many memorization of responsible students were destroyed inone irresponsible and senseless act. And beyond the time devoted to preparation well-prepar- ed and the high hopes, academic careers were needlessly damaged. Our hearts go out to the drama students who were dishonored by their peers, but also to the hundreds of their classmates who share classrooms, as well as staff and administrators whohavewxrkcdhaidtomakeUnionHighan institution to be proud of. Not only has the reputation ofUnion High taken a blow, but the school could be issued a steep fine for withdrawing from the competition. All in the name ofIetsparty." We hope that Union High administrators, the Duchesne County School District and above all the parents of these students will impose serious punishment upon those who were guilty ofthis act, that will teach them what it means to honor their classmates. Disagrees with - right-of-wa- y issue EDITORSSOTE: The Uintah Bam Standard welcomes and encourages opinions from readers in die farm of letters to Ike editor. Letters may be to highlight outstanding service of an individual or organization. or any other worthwhile purpose. Letters mm mot be used to replace Cards of Thanks, or to list sponsors, participants or contributors to a particular event or purpose. Lei ieRS MUST CONTAIN 400 WORDS OR LESS. BE TYPED OR WRITTEN LEGIBLY. SIGNED. AND INCLUDE NAME. ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER OF THE AUTHOR Letters will be published unless they contain libelous or defamatory statements. We reserve the right to edit letters and so withhold a name by request ifthe nature of die letter is positive. Letters may be submitted to die Standard oflks at 268 S 200 E, Roosevelt. Utah. 84066 by the Dear Editor, The Ouray Reservation, ha never been taken to court Thia RS 2477 Right-of-wastates no right-of-wainto the Ouray Reservation. A individual Uncompahgre my rights have never been challenged in the court The Uintah Reservation and White River Bands have gone to court and lost bands rights and there reservation, the case wsa under the Uintah reservation. As set forth by Hagan v. Utah, 410 US 399 (1934) and Ute Indian Tribe v. Utah, 114 F. 3 d 1513 (10 Cir. 1997) The Uintah County Commission and the State must attempt in a separate suite to approach any y on the Uncompaghre, Ouray Reservation. As an individual Uncompaghre the county cannot over look my individual righta, the county must deal with my rights on the Ouray reservation in court I disagree with any access of right-of-wys utilised to express opinions or comments, . right-of-wq- published deadline ( normally Thursdays at 5:00 p m.) AH letters become property of die Uintah Basin ay into the Ouray reservation threw the RS 2477. Protect our Mother Earth From Uncompaghre Native tax-pay- er. Leroy Toponotes Jr. Dear Editor, I despise driving down the highway and noticing all the beautiful scenery covered with garbage! McDonald's wrappers, soda cans, cigarette butts and all that nasty stuff that doesnt belong on our Mother Earth. I dont understand why it's so hard for people to care about their natural environment Sometimes, I get the feeling people are too lazy or just too caught up in the moment to even notice. Well have to feel the effects of pollution in the long run. For instance, say we go to fin up our gas tank one sunny morning and there's just no gas! What a surprise! The pollution has contaminated our supply of natural oil mourns, so in return we have none to provide our fuel. Our generation may not feel the whole effect, but what about our children, grandchildren, and all of our future generation to come? Will there even be future generations on this planet if poUution keeps growing? If so, what type of role will poUution have in their live? At the rate things are going now, it wont be a reaUy positive one. We aU need to pull together and make our earth a lot more healthy than its current condition. I definitely don't want to spend the rest of my days living in a garbage dump, breathing through a gasmask, because the air is so contaminated. Sincerely, Ryle J. Smith --- consumer protection in Utah Dear Editor, US West has a reputation for disregarding consumer needs that is so egregious, regulators in Washington state have used the opportunity of its merger with Qwest to finally get some satisfaction. Fortunately, officials in Utah have the same opportunity to stand up for consumers. In a deal that was negotiated by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTQ and the Washington Attorney Generals office, Qwest has agreed to adhere to strict service quality standards or pay up to S20 million in credits to consumers if its merger with US WEST is approved. A spokesperson for the WUTC said, Putting S20 million at risk to performance standards will give Qwest a big incentive toprovide good service to US WEST customers follow-u- p here. In a he commented on the need for such an incentive, The company can avoid these charges entirely if it serves customers well, but it will take more effort and investment than US WEST has been making. Consumers in Washington have Uintah Basin Standard Inc. (USPS 646400) Periodic! postage paid 1 Rootcvek and Duchcw. Utah Published neckly a 261 S 200 E.. Rooscvck, Utah 4066-310- 9 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to die Itatah Basin Standard at 261 S 200 E, Roosevelt. Utah 14066-310- 9 OFFICE IIOI RS: 100am. to I 00pm Monday, 9 00 a m to 3 00 p m Tuesdav dm Fndav Phone Fas 722-414- 0 DEADLINES: For all News. Legal Nonces. Cbssifwds Advcftnms. die Deadline a Tbundi at J p m PI RUSHER: Cmg Ashby EDITOR: Lcxkc E. Whamf ADVERTISING: Michelle Roberts OFFICE MANAGER: Bomur Pvrsh a PRODICTION: Writcre. Aldus Rachels. Lonu Stradingcr, A Cheryl Meehan Production. Cofcnc Ashby. Jacec Ashby, kaely Meyws, Kan Maiis and Shauna Gilbert CORRESPONDENTS: 722-251ROOSEVELT Terrs Hirrmtoa ALTAMONT -- : BLUEBELL Shma Lee HANNA - Tracy Roberts 41-5- 4 1 7. LAPOINT Locttscher 454-397- 6. 247-237- 5. Marlene McClure MDNTWELL Note Nelson 4. MYTON -- ; TRIDELL - Lome McKee KFOLA - Mondi Tsstre 353-475- 3. RTITTTROCKS - Virginia Ferguson 353454. DUCHESNE Ortnda Gee t Subscription Rates: I Clip and Send to: la the Uintah Basin . I Uintah Basil Standard 1 Yr.S24-2Yr.S- 37 I 268 S. 200 E. Oat of the Uintah Basin I I Roosevelt, Utah 84066-310- 9 lYr.S36-2Yr.S- 56 I Name I I Addins. Cash or Chech onhr. Snrnr ;wgjijiiiii)i. Ziptl AVi ft fib- ...... Opportunity for City got to be thrilled. They finally have something to be excited about a new company that will be held to service standards that US WEST has repeatedly ignored. In many states consumers have had to sufler terrible serviceforyears before government officials would step in. Often this would only result in a small fine, which usually gets whittled down in court, and no retribution for consumers. The Washington deal gives credits back directly to consumers who experience service problems. As well the deal calls lor increased network investment another area US WEST has seriously neglected. Qwest will be required to up all switches to digital and make connections for all central offices to er-optic networks. This means the rural customers that US WEST has been selling off in order to increase investment in other areas will finally be guaranteed services in maqy instances they have been denied in the pest. To round off the merger conditions, Qwest will have to clear up backlogjpd order, provide regular information to consumers about their rights to ... good service, courteous treatment and fair rates, under a Consumer Bill of Rights, and aU regulated rates will be capped until 2004.. (iM, .... .. While no arrangement is perfect, the deal struck by Washington with Qwest is certainly something that provides optimism for consumers. Fortunati j Cturtrs iiJiyHf placed on the Public Service Commissions approval ofthe merger. W e urge the PSC to seriously consider thne provisions and take the necessary steps to protect consumer interest in this merger process. Bob Johnson, Executive Director Consumers Voice Larson withdraws as Commission candidate Dear Editor, I reluctantly am submitting my withdrswsl as a candidate for Duchesae County Commissioner. I sincerely hope thst my plans and dreams for Duchesne County will continue, most specifically: a Master Plan for Duchesne County and bringing water and sewer to Duchesne County. I also hope there will be regular Town Hall Meetings conducted by the County Commissioners so that the citixena of Duchesne County can have input and fill! participation and sharing of needs and ideas in the future of this county. Sincerely, Stan Larson April child abuse prevention month Dear Editor, Tha month of April marks the nations observation of Child Abuse Prevention Month. Bureau of Indian Affairs Law Enforcement would like to urge all communities and community memberstoobserve this month. Ws are distributing blue ribbons and encouraging everyone to wear or display a blue ribbon and to remember, childhood should include discovery, joy and laughter - not abuse; to celebrate, the hope, strength and courage of survival; and to take a stand - sneak out as a community to end child abuse. It's s crime! We would also like to issue s challenge for each individual to personally do (at least) on thing to make s positive difference in the life of a child (listen to them, hug them, hold their hand, tell them you love them, show by your actions you lov them I. When you influence the lifeof s child in a positive way, you are influencing the ftiture for good. Lest if you suspect or know a child is being abused, don't wait to health report it CslTsoineon--ynu- r care provider, social services or local law enforcement Don't let abuse to unreported - do something immediately. ii.Ltii 1,1 V, ;, it Utah school district spending average per pupil compared Utah school district spent an average of $5,337 per student during the 1998-9- 9 school year, according to a recent stutly by your Taxpayers Association. This represents nearly a 5.5 increase over the previous year. Student population in the state remained virtually unchanged. Daggett, with only 171 students, had the highest level of total per pupil expenditures of $13371 tor 1998-9San Juans per pupil spending ranked second at $9,764, although $1,952 of the total was for facility construction and debt service. Tintic, Piute, and Rich the 9. - Instructional spending varied states next three smallest districts widely from district to district Logan School District committed the most 77.7 of its M&O funds to after Daggett -- followed with $9,743, $9,241, and $8,588, respectively. Nebo, Weber, and Alpine spent the least per student at $4,273, $4,550, and $4,574, respectively. Spending for student instruction - including teacher salaries, bens, and classroom supefits, plies - averaged $3,031 per student in 1998-9or 70.5 of maintenance and operation (M&O) spending for the state, up slightly from the 70.2 of 1997-9expen-ditures- of instructional activities. South Sanpete, Provo, and Emery followed at 76.0, 74.6, and 73.4, respectively. Those districts allocated the lowest proportion ofM&O for spending to instruction were Daggett at Grand at 61.0, and San Juan 56 text-book- .3. at 614). 9, Average teacher salaries were up 4.8 from the previous year to $35,958, including career ladders, e for equivalent teachers on 8. full-tim- a regular Drinking party sends Union drama team home The Union High Drama team had their hopes for state honors dashed when police were called to investigate an underage drinking party ins St. George hotel room. The incident occurred Thursday, April 13, just a few hours after drama team member arrived to participate in the region state drama meet According to Union High Principal Lloyd Burton, a room check at about 9 p.m. turned up several empty bottles of alcohol. They hadn't consumed much, but the advisors found out about it and called police, said Burton. There were over 30 students on the trip. Almost all of the students were given Breathalyser tests. Levels on three of the breath alcohol tests warranted criminal citations which were issued by SL George police. The kids were very tight-lippe- d about who was involved in the drink Join Bureau ofIndian Affairs Law Enforcement Services, the community end the nation in remembering, celebrating, and taking a stand! Michael E. Halbert, Jr--, BIA Chief of Police Neighbor's acts of service appreciated Dear Editor, On the night ofApril 4, my family experienced a great gift and loss. The loss of their home and the gift of kindness that can never be imagined by people in our neighborhood. Thanks to these people, the damage was limited and no harm came to any ofus or our animals who were all pulled out before it was too lata. I can never repay these people for what they did for my family. I personally want to thank tha persons who pulled my dad out and his dog Scotty. If it hadnt bean for them, my sister CJ and I would have loet our dad and my mom would have lost her husband. Personal thanks to Chris White who helped my dad when ha couldnt move outside. I realise some people may not understand why we went back into the house after animals, but they are kids to us. and no on would leave kids in a burning home. I dont know the names of everyone there that night or their part, but they know, and I want to express our gratitude to all!! Thanks to the firemen and emergency crew who wsa great. belied. Everyone thank to the Bromley family- - Irie family. White family. Blowers family and anyone there. I apologias for not having names to bat but you know. Thank you and God blesa you all!! You are all great ISavid Boyle, Carol Boyle, Carol A Boyle Potter, Christine J. Boyle Potter and bore Also Scotty, Sam, Lady, Goldy. Oscar, and Coco. re .mi mjipq jiiiauje.uiiiM-- ing episode and who was responsible for bringing the alcohol on the trip. Tha alcohol was brought on the bus from Roosevelt and stored in a Urge coder. There were several drama students who did not participate in the drinking party. The entire drama team was sent home Friday morning, missing out on the state drama competition. Those who were involved will get a mandatory five-dasuspension from school said Burton. "Im talking to them today and I'm going to give them all an opportunity to give me their involvement The ones Ive talked to so far have not tried to weasel out of it end are taking care of what needs to be done now, he said. Those who ruined the state competition for the peers who did not drink are "feeling very guilty, Burton commented. The school district will be fined by the High School Activities Asao-- . ciation for withdrawing early from the state competition. The amount of that fine U unknown. y , 9. Support the folks who support you er Dear Editor, So you found a good deal on the Internet. Its the in thing to do the latest fad, something to brag about at the hairdressers. But check the bottom line, the amount you actually paid, including tha shipping & handling. What about the other cost or sHects that we chose to ignore. I have done lota of surfing the net to find a good deal and I have not found one yet. If you dont agree then consider these facts. Every time we spend a dollar out of the area we start a ripple effect in our local economy. We keep money from going into local businesses, to they in turn can not afford to pay better wages end mplqy more people who in turn will not be spending money locally which will effect local businesses and local taxes and which will start this process all over again and it never ends,-kinof like this sentence. Anyway you get the point The media would like you to believe that someday everybody will do aU of their shopping through the Internet Ifyou believe that then the media has tuckered you again (definition of sucker one who hae had all the good stuff licked off of them by someone they don't even know and left stuck to the inside of a trash can). Complete shopping on the Internet will never happen and shouldn't happen. We are a social people, and we should be. Folks say the big cities are the place to shop, I suppose thats true if you like hug crowds and are a fan of road rag and parking lot door dents. Oh, and don't forget that bottom Una again and try to leave out the gas money, food & snacks, new sunglasses, nerve pills, vehicle abuse, more food & snacks and all that extra stulT that you didn't really d i ra. Ky MRIMenwi contract. nine-mont- h Teachers in Park City School District reported the highest average teacher pay at $4284, followed by Salt Lake, Granite, end Rich at $41,498, $37,583, and $36,717, respectively. Teachers in Wayne, Juah, and Garfield school districts reported tha state's lowest average teacher saUries at $31,866, $32,320, and $32,926. In addition to salaries, teachers received significant benefits. Statewide, the average benefit totaled $13,558. In addition to having the highest average contract salary, teachers in Park City School District also eqjoyed tha highest average benefit, $17,076. Teachers in Wayne School District reported tha lowest average benefit at $8,153. In 1998, tha State Office of Education discontinued publishing average saleiy information for supervisors and administrators. However, tha average salary for principals in 1998-9- 9 was $57, 161, exdudingben-efit- a. This represent an increase of 4.0 over the previous year. Teachers comprised 55.2 of to tal school district employees in 1998-9Districts with the highest per centage of teachers were Alpine at 69.4, Murray t 60.9, and Weber at 60.4. Districts showing tha lowest percentage of teachers were Piute, Duchesne, and Millard at 43.3, 43.9, and 44.0, respectively. The pupil-teachratio remained virtually unchanged in 1998-9- 9 at 21.0. Daggett and Tintic had the lowest ratios at 9 .2 and 12.8, respectively. Jordan had the highest ratio at 21.9, followed by Nebo at 2LS and Iron at 21.6. The study is compiled using data from the Annual Report of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction and the State Tax Commission. In contrast to the State Office of Education's practice, this report includes expenditures on the following as pert of the per pupil calcula tions: property, equipment & machinery; interest and fees on debt pupil-teach- service; er non K-1- 2 programs andcommunity services; and facilities acquisition and construction. Interfund transfers are not included in any per pupil calculations. need but bought it anyway just because you went to the "big city to save money. Mom important at least to me is tnu thought. Local butinww tup- port our community. They are at the county fairs, the weal community functions, and they are the ones our youth are always visiting for fiindrairere and support. These lo-csmall tune business folks make Ihaseenorta successful not the managers of the shopping malls. Support the folks that support visit your local business andget to know them, nicy are people and they usually are orgreat can beths friendliest folk youll meet. Most of them don t know how to be Persona (thats a plus), why they even take out their own trash at night. Next time downtown stop In end meet you're a few. And then you can brag and Teel about getting the Good Deal! good al high-P.rVur- rd uih Rick H,umi V. Miles ygrtlflMliIRA wj Poor |