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Show UINTAH HASIN STANDARD. March 12.2002- - Page 1 1 I Ranchers threaten legal action against BLM in grazing dispute TheCanyon Country Ranchen Association, a group of cattlemen based in Kanab, Utah announced today that they intend to challenge a decision by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to retire several large grazing allotments on the Grand Staircase-Escalant- e National Monument. Apparently, the BLM has adopted a policy that would eliminate grazing from the monument, said Worth Brown, the group's chairman. Contrary to President Clintons Proclamation which specifically preserved grazing, the BLM is workingwith preservation groups to put us out ofbusi-ncss. The association announced plans to challenge Environmental Assessments that allows the retirement of four large grazing allotments on the monument, contending they were sham documents written solely to facilitate a sweetheart deal with the Grand Canyon Trust. The ranchers involved in the dispute allege the BLM tossed valid range science out the window in an attempt to eliminate grazing permits at the behest ofthe preservation group. The Environmental Assessments are a total misrepresentation of the facts and a complete distortion of monument policy . These assessments leave little doubt reprding the existence of alliance to eliminate grazan y ing on the Grand Staircas,. Brown said. The group alleges the assessments were based on the Trusts negotiations to buy out ranchers rather than on valid agency action or actual range conditions. Those opposed to grazingoperate under a misguided philosophy that our public lands should be managed strictly for preservation purposes Brown said. Documents we have obtained under the Freedom of Information Act indicate that the BLM has also adopted this philosophy, at least as far as IheGrandStaircase-Eecalant- c National Monument is concerned. Brown explained that the Grand Canyon Trust approached certain stockmen offering substantial cash payments for the purchase of a Voluntary Relinquishment Security Interest, which is a contract that obligates the cattlemen to turn in grazing permits to the BLM at a point when un-hol- the agency can eliminate grazingftom the allotment. Under normal procedures, grazingon the allotment would have continued under another permittee. The cattlemen's group alleges the BLM violated law when they made the decision to eliminate grazing months before the planning documents were written. They contend that monument grazing plans must inchidealtemativesbased on reasoned analysis, valid range science and include consultation with local governments. In this case, the decision was made months before during secret negotiations with the Grand Canyon Trust. The ranchers contend the issue is nut whether a rancher can sell an allotment, as allotments are bought and sold frequently. The important issue iswhetherornota preservation orga- nization can purchase a grazing permit, and then secretly negotiate an agreement with the BLM to permanently ret ire the permit, stated Brown. Without a sweetheart deal with the Trust, the BLM would have a daunting task justifying the range analysis and complying with the proper planning procedures that would allow the relinquishment of these grazing permits, Brown said. Commission to consider proposed recommendation for deputy county attorney There was no shortage of interest in the posit ion of deputy county attorney for Duchesne Cownty. Over adoren resumes were submitted for consideration when the new position was created recently. The list was whittled down to six, and then to three. This week Duchesne County Attorney Herb Gillespie will submit the person he is recommending for the job to County Commissioners for their consideration. Late last year, Commissioners increased the county attorneys budget for 2002 by $100,950 to provide additional legal help for Gillespie. They had hoped to have the new deputy county attorney on board shortly after the first of the year, said Commissioner Larry Ross. The fact that it has taken the county attorneys office so long to hire the additional legal help will save the county budget quite a hit, he said. Commissioners must determine An assembly line was organized last week as members of the Church of Jcmi MKASURE. CUT, AND S1IW Saints gathered in Neola to mass produce needed items for the Humanitarian ( Ynici Christ of Latter-Da- y Senators slam Bush on budget the yearly salary for the successfiil applicant. Salary levels range from $36,000 to $55,000 depending on the experience ofthe attorney who is hired, said Gillespie. The new deputy county attorney will be assigned to prosecute criminal cases to help case the workload for Gillespie. The additional legal help will free deputy county attorney Roland Urcsk to concentrate mainly on civil work for the county. Commissioners committed to the hclly increase in the county attorneys budget because of citizen concents about crime in the county, particud crimes. larly Gillespie said the countys criminal caseload warrants the hiring of a second deputy attorney for his office. This will allow the county to take a more aggressive role in prosecution . You only have so much time to put into cases ... you get spread too thin, he said. for Native Americans Two key senators said Tuesday t he Bush administrations budget proposal for American Indians would fail to adequately fund schools, jail construction and job training. In the first of a scries of hearings, the administration 'a spending plans for Indians came under withering criticism by the bipartisan leadership ofthe Senate Indian Affairs Committee. Many federal agencies have money budgeted specifically for Indians as part of their larger spending plans. In the White House budget proposal for the fiscal year to begin Oct. 1, Bush holds spending at currenL levels for many programs and trims others. drug-relate- The president's proposal does increase spending for some programs to treat alcohol and drug abuse, which drew praise from the senators, but not enough to overcome their joint criticism in other areas. Sen. Daniel Inouye, chairman, questioned the Education Depart ment 's com mitmcnttolndian programs, at one point referring to Bushs education legislation as the NoChild Left. Behind Ai t. Sen. Ben Nighlhorse Campbell, vice chairman, said the Labor Department was missing the boat for it s lack of spending on vocational training for jobless Indians on reservations where unemployment has reached more than 50 percent. Inouye and Campbell iiuIk h- : they would try to add more iii. i:k federal Indian program.- - in I In-- .n Education, Justice and (lie Ium.. and Human Services dcKirl mein I'm hopeful we can find tinsources we need for t hew iiriri " services, Camplwll said. David Dye, deputy assisiii hi lain v . - . : defended lii administration's spending saying the White House budget t secretary, ! t i.- - ofwas squeezed between fense enstsamishrinkingtax revenue. We do t he best we can wit li w we have," Dye said. Reprinted with pennixximi ' Salt lxiltv Tribune. iurn-a.-iii- I , Utah Senate passes bill to protect the elderly ' ll t II, In a rare display of overwhelming most especially for older and vulncr-suppor- t, members of the Utah State able adults. Enactment ofHB0025Sl Senate recently unanimously ap- - wji enhance the provision of Adult Adult Protec- - Protective Services in our state and proved HB 0025S1 live Services, bill sponsored by Rep- - vastly improve the quality of care that rcscntalive Patricia Jones and Sena- - older and vulnerable adults receive in tor John Valentine. The bill, which nursing homes and firom home and was previously passed by a similar community- - based care providers, margin in the House, is now on its way AARP Utah is proud to have been a to the Governor for his signature. part of this successful effort." Members of AARP Utahs Legis-Gov. Leavitt has indicated that he laiive Action Team have worked long will sign the bill on March 13 at 3:30 and hard in support of this bill and p.m. In recognition of their support-hav- e been credited for its. success, jve efforts. Representative Jones has said AARP Utah Acting State Presi- - invited members of AARP Utahs dent Ruby Hammel. She went on to Legislative Action Team to attend the say that, The bill forwards favorable signingeeremony. public pol icy for the residents ofUtah, Fight back when getting the flu is not an option Everyone dreads the thought of catchingthe flu, being laid up for days, out of work and battling debilitating symptoms. Nobody can afford to take time ofTfiom their busy lives teachers cant miss school, policemen cant be outof the line ofduty, pa rente must he able to take can of their children and Olympic athletes cannot afford to catch the flu during this Olympic sea son. This isa greater concern now since, according to a national surveillance system that tracks local flu activity, the flu has officially hit the Salt Lake City area. If you are one of the 40 million Americans that catch the flu virus each year, it is important to see your healthcare professional immedie sympately afier developing toms and also know there are antiviral medications that can treat the most common strains ofthe flu. Advancements in influenza treatment are helping physicians and patients better manage the flu, said Shane Christensen,M.D.,ofFoothilla Family Clinic. During past flu seasons, antivirals, such as Tamiflu, helped my patients decrease the duration nflhoir flu bout. Si ncesnlivi rata should be taken within the first two days of developing flu symptoms, it is important to see your healthcare provider immediately. Nobody knows this better than defending Olympic gold medal aerial skier Eric Bergnust. Imagine the disappointment of having spent most of your life training for the Olympic Games only to hove the flu destroy your chances of Allfilling a lifelongI dream. Ive had the flu before and was in bed for an entire week, unable to practice. Lastyear I was training for a competition when I developed a sudden fever, rough and horrible body aches. Given myprevious experience, I know that I had the flu, said Bergnust. 1 went to my doctor immediately and got a Tamiflu prescription. 1 felt better within 24 noun of taking my first dose and I was able to get back to the slopes without missing flu-lik- a day of practice. Olympians are not the only ones who value their time, as everyone's time and health are equally important. This flu season, consumers and ri&M f T- ' - healthcare professionals should know that they do not need to let the flu take control over their lives. Toreinforce the message that there are new advancements in treating influenza illness, the American Lung Association released updated guidelines, entitled Prevention and Treatment of Influenza and the Common Cold, in early January. Developed by medical experts at the Lung Association, the guidelines contain important information about how the flu is prevented, transmitted and treated. The guidelines provide valuable information on flu antiviral medication and encourage people to see a doctor immediately upon developing flu symptoms to discuss treatment options. To request a fees copy of the guidelines, please call or logon to www.lungusa.org. PUDUG YIMY ATT MON-SA- tV;-'- . STOEl 1 SALE HOURS 10 A.M. - 6:30 RM. CLOSED SUN Owner tells liquidator: Sell it all and sell it fast price is no object! I want this store sold out to the bare walls In the minimum amount of time!! Harmsen visits Basin on listening tour Steve Harmsen, Salt Lake County at large councilman and possible candidate for UJS. Congress 2r District, visited with Uintah Basin Republican loaders last Wednesday and Thursday. Harmsen also spoke to the Vernal Rotary Club on Thursday. Harmsen is the owner ofthe Steve Regan Company, form and ranch supply wholesaler servingUtah and Idaho. He also operates a cowfealf operation in southern Nevada. "My 25yesrs of agri business experience gives me a unique opportunity to reprusentrural and urban interests in Congress, should I decide to run, Harmsen said. If I do announce, I will do so in a rural community to show my commitment to rural issues, be said. T -- s: CASH CHECKS - CREDIT CARDS WELCOME!! NO HOLDS OR LAYAWAYS, NO PHONE ORDERS PLEASE- ALL SALES FINAL - FIXTURES FOR SALE $1 f. , Jy:'v i Ben Franklin8 Fabric, Crafts, Gifts . i' V, i t. r v j4 690 E. 20ft N. Roosevelt, Utah -- ? i , |