OCR Text |
Show Check Inside "CR UT PRESORT -42 14-2-F C 123199 UTAH PRESS ASSOCIATION 307 W 200 S 15005 SLC, UT 84101 Cr show page 11 8 twin -.page 5 page 13 page 14 Search called out UHS enters envirothoa Golfer wears pro aigs page 19 Bucks await archer page 20 Express online: www.vernal.com Single Copy 50 WEDNESDAY, August 18, 1999 Vernal, Utah 84078 107th Year No. 33 20 Pages H 1 1 ' I IX L 2w ' . - w J County legalizes contracts' By Steven R. Wallis Express Editor The Uintah County Commission Tuesday ratified contracts agreed to last November to construct highway high-way improvements along Highway 121, 500 North south of Uintah High School. Several months ago concerns were raised by Pat McNeill, Uintah County Gerk-Auditor about the agreements because they were not advertised, competitively bid and signed in a public meeting. Because of these inconsistencies, the Clerk-Auditor's Clerk-Auditor's office has refused to pay the bills. Along with the ratification of the contracts. the commissioners approved a change order which would increase the cost of the contract con-tract with J West Oilfield Service, Inc. from $89,345 to $286,345. Two contractors, including J West, who haven't been paid for work which has been done for months will be immediately paid 50 percent of what is owed and the other 50 percent will be paid after a certified payroll audit of the 500 North project pro-ject The Uintah County Road Department has come under fire for its bidding procedures and hiring of workers on the contract. "Because of these concerns, I would ask the county to do an independent inde-pendent auditor of the road department," depart-ment," requested Lonnie Hogan, county road department head. The county commissioners also dissolved an open agreement with J West to user the company's employees as temporary county employees for special projects. "The contracts were violations of county policies so they were invalid," said Commissioner Herb Snyder. Snyder explained that when the contracts were signed, he was under the impression that they had to be done immediately or the funding would be lost. Now it is understood that the contract with UDOT had to be approved by Nov. 2, but the contracts con-tracts with contractor didn't have to be awarded until the next spring. The county's agreement only covered cov-ered contracts with J West and Warhawk Enterprises, Inc. Other contracts for material which haven't been paid by the county will be addressed at the next county commission meeting. "Everything we do from now on will have the I's doted and the T's crossed, said Commissioner See Contracts on page 3 $22,000 Toddl ireadliimg progirainni By Shellie Anderson Express Writer After taking a month off from a regular meeting schedule, the Uintah County School District Board of Education meetings resumed last Tuesday. Principal Marilyn Martin reported to the board that during a luncheon held on July 29, 1999 in Roosevelt, Todd Elementary was the recipient of a sponsorship donation from Coastal Oil and Gas Corporation in the amount of $22,000. The money has been earmarked for the purchase pur-chase of Waterford Level III Computer Program for the school. With the donation from Coastal Oil and Gas combined with funds from the Utah Office of Education, Utah School District Title I Funds and support from the Ute Tribe, the school will purchase the Level III program for its second grade students. stu-dents. Level III enables teachers to meet the individual needs of students stu-dents with carefully sequenced and research-based instruction. It automatically auto-matically tracks individual students' progress and records their works for the teacher to review. The program J -A Officials are congratulated for their participation in building a Scenic Byway Designation. Presented are John Kimball, Walt Donaldson, Ron Stewart, Division of Wildlife Resources, Garth Heaton, Scenic Byway Committee member and Daniel F. Pacheco-, U.S. Department of Transportation. Scecno Ibyway seeiro as cDpeiratiDve effffoirti From the center point of the Flaming Gorge Uintas National Scenic Byway, federal officials and others key to the development of the Scenic Byway, participated Thursday in ceremonies paying tribute to over 10 years of work. "It's taken a long time to put all of this together with a lot of people working as a team with a common goal," said Herb Snyder, Uintah County Commissioner during the dedication. "All the partners are to be commended com-mended for their dedication to see it through. The project is not yet completed and will be ongoing as we continue to make this a real tool for tourism and economic development develop-ment to benefit our area." The National Scenic Byway designation des-ignation means it's an "outstanding example" of the diversity and character char-acter of the nation. "Roads such as this scenic byway weave enjoyable traveling experiences experi-ences into the fabric of American life," said Daniel F. Pacheco, division divi-sion right-of-way officer for the U.S. Department of Transportation. The Scenic Byway begins in Vernal and continues 35 miles north on SR I9l to the Greendale Junction. From the junction the byway designation splits and goes on U.S. 44 to Manila, 28 miles and from the Greendale Junction through Dutch John to Antelope Rat 16 miles. The Byway features 15 Interpretive Wayside Pullout and four nature trails which were created to highlight the various ecological eco-logical community and paleonto- dlomiatiedl foir also contains a strong home component compo-nent by providing books and cassettes cas-settes for each student to take home and keep. The funding will purchase five workstations to operate the program. pro-gram. The school has already implemented Level I and II which have shown measured success. "Some kids would miss recess to use the program," said Martin. The program is interactive with songs, rhymes and recordings of the child's reading. Dennis Judd, legal counsel for Uintah School District, updated the board on the status of a lawsuit which has been filed by parents of four students of Park City High School. The suit filed against the Utah High School Activities Association (UHSAA) challenges the classification of Uintah High School as a 3-A school because Uintah High School is slightly above the numbers typical for 3-A classification. Uintah School District has recently filed a motion to intervene in the suit, which motion has been granted. Several court dates have been scheduled during the month of August Mr. to.:, F' 'MrA iffy f E "MIX h,. Qi iTTc 0 m Daniel R Pacheco U.S Department of Transportation logical resources. Also there are several scenic backways along the route: Red Cloud Loop, Diamond Mountain Road, Sheep Creek loop and Gay Basin Road through Browns Park to Jones Hole. Cost of the project, which has been fund with state and federal grants has been about $1 million. The Scenic Byway Committee continues con-tinues to pursue funding to expand the facilities and is working with Wyoming to loop the Scenic Byway and pursue the ultimate "AU-American Road" designation. Pacheco said the program of designation des-ignation highway has two parts: discretionary grants and designations. designa-tions. "The National Scenic Byway designation des-ignation meant the road is an outstanding out-standing example of the diversity and character of our nation," he Judd will continue to apprise the board on developments as they happen. hap-pen. The Uintah School District has entered into an agreement with Utah State University (USU), Uintah Basin Branch, which will resolve the issue of funding for concurrent con-current enrollment. In essence, the agreement states that concurrent enrollment classes w ill be taught on the Uintah High School campus, except certain classes which, due to scheduling conflicts, would not allow for the availability of certain specialized facilities at Uintah High School. Such classes would be taught on the USU campus. Principal Dixie Allen, Dick Jones, director of Uintah Basin Applied Technology, and Dr. Dave Allied, Building Trades instructor, addressed the board about the reinstatement rein-statement of the Building Trades Program at Uintah High School. A motion 'was later made to approve the new course to be offered. Recently the Jefferson 21st Century Institute charged the Uintah School District with viola-See viola-See School Board on page 3 L U -- v. j Herb Snyder Uintah County Commissioner said. "People are taking to the highways high-ways because they allow us to enjoy the color and beauty of the countryside. They provide adventure, adven-ture, they offer interaction with the history of America and provide doorways to the rich culture of our people." Over 800 million pleasure trips are taken each year and over 80 percent are on highways. "Such nationally recognized roads give Americans and international visitors a special look at our vast county." Pacheco said. "We are very appreciative of the theme for this byway as it fits into our concept for the Division of bringing the public face to face with wildlife," said John Kimball, director of the Division of Wildlife Resources. "It supports our goal of educating the public about wildlife, their habitat and how to preserve it all for future generations." ByirgBary spring Investigators with the Vernal Police Department have recently brought numerous area burglary V. ScCuooDs ireadly voir omisDatuiglhili off stimidleinitis When school opens next week, district employees will be ready, promises Superintendent of School John Gawrys. "I would just like to take a few minutes to let you know that Uintah School District employees are ready and anxiously awaiting the beginning begin-ning a new school year on August 24, 1999," Gawtys said in a letter to patrons. "As we start into the last six months of the 20th Century, we know that we will complete the school year on the other side of the dreaded Y2K phenomena. Whether you are one w ho is stockpiling food and supplies or if you are one who is forecasting a simple tearing off of one more page or the calendar, nevertheless, nev-ertheless, the year 1999-2000 school year will be a noteworthy year to remember." School membership is expected to be about the same as it has been for a couple of years, but there are still a few vacant teaching positions. "Hopefully these will be filled this week," Gaw ry s said. Principals are at the same schools in all cases. The buildings have been cleaned and spruced up for the start of school. "I have been downtown several times and I know students are getting get-ting new clothes and school supplies." sup-plies." Gawrys said. "So I think the whole 'Back to School symphony is about to begin. City candidates needed for election By Shellie Anderson Express Writer Ken Bassett Vernal City manager, manag-er, reminds community members of the upcoming partisan election w hich w ill be Nov. 2. Present City Council members. JoAnn Cowan. Matt Foley and Allan Mashburn's terms will be expiring at the end of the year and so three vacancies w ill need to be filled on the Vernal City Council. Those interested in running for these positions need to meet the fol-low fol-low ing requirements: I - be a U.S. Citizen; 2 - be a registered voter of Vernal City ; 3 - be a resident of Vernal City for twelve consecutive months preceding the date of the election and 4 - must have vour cases to a successful close. Additional investigation leads will result in arrests in even more cases. Gawry s said he has his first two years in Uintah School District and is looking forward to another year in the district. "My door remains open if you as a student, parent, or employee wish to complain or compliment, I will be on the job at the Uintah School District, 635 West 200 South. Vernal, Utah (781-3100)." he said. All elementary schools in the Uintah School District, except for Todd and Discoery. will let students stu-dents out early on all Wednesdays during the school year to provide preparation time for elementary school teachers. The early out program pro-gram will begin on Wednesday, Aug. 25, for all participating schools, except Lapoint Lapoint w ill have a normal day Aug. 25 and its early out will begin on Wednesday, Sept I. School hours are Ashley 8:50 a.m. to 3:20 p.m., 12:50 p.m. early out; Davis 9 am. to 3:30 p.m., 1 p.m. early out; Davis Kindergarten a.m. 9 a m. to 11:40 p.m., 11 a.m. early out; Davis Kindergarten p.m. 12:50 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Lapoint 8:50 a.m. to 3:20 p.m.. I p.m. early out; Maeser Elementary 9 a m. to 3:35 p.m.. I p.m. early out; Maeser Kindergarten a.m. 8:55 am. to 11:50 p.m., 10:55 a.m. early out; Maeser Kindergarten, p.m. 12.50 to 3:25 p.m. and Naples 8:50 a.m. to 3:20 p.m., 12:50 p.m. early out ow n political party consisting of 3-5 3-5 members. Those interested in running must also be prepared to have an active interest in the community and must be willing to serve on various boards. Council members do receive pay of $353 per month plus full benefits. bene-fits. For further information on council coun-cil member responsibilities and election information you may contact con-tact Ken Bassett at the City Manager's Office. It has also be confirmed by Cowan. Foley and Mashburn that they do plan to run again in November's election. The burglaries' include five different differ-ent residences and one business, with some victims being burglarized burglar-ized repeatedly over several days. In this investigation. 11 burglaries and two forgeries were brought to a close, along w ith additional cases of tampering with evidence and receiving stolen property. Six suspects including four juveniles juve-niles and two adults, will be charged with the crimes. Stolen items recovered include 2 handguns; hand-guns; checkbooks; credit cards; jewtrlry; tapes; CDs and miscellaneous miscella-neous merchandise with a value of over $5,000. Detective Robert Taylor, who led the investigation, advised that some victims were unaware that they had been burglarized, until notified by law enforcement Parents of juvenile juve-nile suspects involved were instrumental instru-mental in bringing these cases to a successful close. solved Various stolen Items from a string of burglaries were recovered by Vernal City Police, - -x " i corf |