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Show A? Wwlri(lty,JuMU005 .Vernal Express. WC2 Dangerous dogs a concern to animal control officers By Virginia Harrington Express Writer Referring to incidents with dangerous dogs reported in other states and in Canada, Vernal City Animal Control Officer Vera Coombs said, "This is our biggest fear. Our public needs to know, as most owners do not take this as a serious possibility." ' Coombs and Uintah County Animal Control Officer Rick Bell deal with dangerous dogs nearly every working day. They have had considerable experience with dogs who have attacked and badly mauled children within the county and the city. What they fear most is the death of a child at the jaws of a pit bull or other dangerous breeds of dogs. Coombs said arrests for "murder by dog" cases are becoming more frequent throughout the country, and it could easily happen here with the growing numbers of attack dogs that are allowed to roam loose or are insecurely fenced or tethered. In Virginia, a 36-year-old woman faces manslaughter charges after her three pit bulls killed an 82-year-old woman and her Shin Tzu in the victim's vic-tim's own front yard. In Alabama a 54-year-old man is charged with manslaughter man-slaughter because his pit bull killed a 70-year-old woman as the victim walked near her home. A 48-year-old Colorado man and his 33-year-old wife were charged with negligent homicide when his three pit bulls killed a 40-year-old woman. The wife is serving six years in prison. Her husband fled.and.is still at large. A 36-year-old man in Pennsylvania was charged with manslaughter when his three Rottweilers were allowed to run loose. They killed the man's three-year-old niece. A 19-year-old woman in Wisconsin is currently incarcerated incar-cerated because she allowed her pit bull to roam free. The dog caused serious head and facial injuries to an 8-year-old girl as she walked home from school. A 27-year-old woman is in prison in Oregon after her two pit bulls severely mauled a 7-year-old child and a 51-year-old woman. These six examples are only a few of the hundreds of dog attacks that occur yearly, causing death, injury and permanent per-manent disfigurement. Some governments are taking legal action not only to prosecute owners whose dogs attack people peo-ple or other animals, but also to ban the breeds most likely to do the attacking. The province of Ontario, Canada, has passed a law, effective effec-tive in August, banning the sale or adoption of pit bulls. A grandfather clause will allow existing pit bulls to remain in the province under the condition condi-tion that they be sterilized. E VERNAL (ISSN 0892-1091) Published every Wednesday for $24 per year in the shopping area and $36 per year out of the shopping area within the state and $39 per year out of state within the USA by the Vernal Express Publishing Company, 54 North Vernal Avenue, Vernal, Utah 84078. Periodicals postage paid at Vernal, Utah 84078. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to VERNAL EXPRESS, P.O. Box 1000, Vernal Utah 84078. Steven R. Wallis Editor and Publisher Carissa Magee Feature Writer Virginia Harrington.. Feature Writer Patty John. Proofreader Rock AdsLayout Jennifer Downard AdsLayout Jacque Hobbs Advertising Lynne Murray Advertising Harriet Harding Circulation Madonna Allen Classifieds, Obits & Legals Phone 435-789-3511 FAX: 435-789-8690 Website: www.vernal.com e-maiL editorvernal.com DEADLINES News..................... Monday 12 noon Display Advertising. Friday 5 p.m. ClassifiedAdvertising....... ...........Monday 12 noon Public Notices Monday 12 noon n 4 Also known as the American Staffordshire terrier, the pit bull breed causes much concern among animal control officers. They must also be leashed and muzzled when out in public. In addition to attacks on innocent citizens, Ontario has taken this step for the safety of its law enforcement officers. The journal "Animal People" reports that police claim pit bulls are the dogs of choice for criminals, especially gangs and drug dealers. Officers are often met by pit bulls trained to attack when serving warrants war-rants or doing investigations. The muscular dogs rarely drop with the first bullet and multiple multi-ple shots are needed to stop an attacking dog. Ontario's ban on pit bulls may turn out to be a step in the right direction for its citizens, but it is having consequences consequenc-es in the United States. Both adult and puppy pit bulls are already being smuggled out of Canada and the law has not yet taken effect. The dogs are being brought to the U.S. where they are either used as bait for training train-ing fighting dogs or are being trained as fighters themselves. Rick Bell has been trying to stop illegal dog fighting in Uintah County for years. With thousands of square miles to cover by himself, he has not experienced a great deal of success. suc-cess. An influx of dogs from Canada would make his job a great deal more difficult. Many U.S. cities, townships town-ships and counties, including Denver, Colo., have local ordinances ordi-nances banning specific breeds of dogs. While no state has yet passed a ban on pit bulls, Rottweilers or other dangerous dogs, the momentum to do so is growing. Alabama, Arizona, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Texas and Washington have made movements move-ments in that direction. These attempts to ban attack dogs are running up against stiff opposition. The American Kennel Club, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the American Staffordshire Terrier Club (pit bulls) all fight to keep breed specific laws from being passed and work to prevent the enforcement of these laws where they exist, both in the U.S. and in Canada. Utah physician receives cancer research The University of California, San Francisco, announced the first annual scholarship recipients recipi-ents for its CaPSURE (Cancer of the Prostate Strategic Urologic Research Endeavor) Scholars Program in Prostate Cancer Outcomes Research. The one-year one-year scholarships will enable seven leading researchers to develop studies to advance prostate cancer research in conjunction con-junction with senior CaPSURE investigators. Dr. 0. Kenneth MacDonald, M.D., University of Utah (U of U) is one of the recipients. MacDonald has a long history histo-ry of prostate cancer research, going back to his days in medical medi-cal school at the University of Texas in Houston. He also has ties to Utah as he did his undergraduate work at the U of U. When it came time to choose a place to continue his professional life, MacDonald chose Salt Lake City and the U of U because of the Huntsman Cancer Research Center. Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of death due to cancer among American men. More than 200,000 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed annually, and the disease causes approximately 30,350 deaths each year. "CaPSURE investigators have published insightful, groundbreaking articles and presented more than 60 papers on important observational data on prediction of prostate cancer outcomes and quality of life," said Peter Carroll, M.D., of CaPSURE. "We encourage medical students and junior researchers to present their research ideas with the goal of developing innovative prostate cancer care, as well as shaping and accomplishing their career goals in the field." Carroll spent some time Vernal water is safe The TriCounty Health Department assures Vernal residents res-idents that their water is safe. While intense preparations have prevented flooding, area residents have expressed concern con-cern with the quality of their drinking water. Joseph Shaffer, Director Health Officer, TriCounty Health Department assured Vernal area residents that all water systems are being monitored and there are no problems at this time. Shaffer stated, "We have had no breaks in the water lines and potential problem areas are being watched 24 hours a Rangely District Hospital goes high-tech The Rangely District Hospital will be installing new equipment and remodeling surgical suites to bring it up to speed with the latest in medical technology. The hospital will receive a CT scanner with digital capacity. capac-ity. This capacity will allow data to be downloaded by radiologists radi-ologists in Grand Junction for immediate review. Patients won't have to wait days to have their scans sent to Grand Junction for viewing and treatment treat-ment will begin in a more time- Gar seat check held at Flaming Gorge Last Saturday a free car seat check was held at the Flaming Gorge Dam Visitors Center parking lot in conjunction with the annual Safe Kids Fair. Car seat checkpoints have been held in the tri-county areas throughout through-out the month of May ending , with the last one at the Dam Saturday, f . ,v:", "urs grant examining tne researcn facilities at the U of U and MacDonald said that probably prob-ably helped him to become one of the scholarship recipients. Other recipients are from Case Western Reserve, National Cancer Institute, Cornell University, Duke University, Columbia University and the University of Washington. The winning proposals were reviewed and selected by a committee com-mittee of principal CaPSURE investigators. Scholars will create their research plans through mentor programs conducted con-ducted via e-mail, telephone consultations, and in-person meetings as needed. CaPSURE Scholars Program scholarships scholar-ships will be offered each year to qualified residents, medical students, or fellows at accredited accred-ited U.S. training institutions. The Scholars Program is underwritten under-written by TAP Pharmaceutical Products Inc. "We are proud to support these exciting studies that examine new innovations in prostate cancer treatments and strengthen CaPSURE's breadth of information on treating this disease," said Stuart Atkinson, M.D., senior scientific director, direc-tor, head of urology therapeutic area, TAP. "For 10 years, we've made our sponsorship of this program a priority because of its important role in advancing advanc-ing the prostate cancer community." commu-nity." Dr. MacDonald said his research will center on clinical questions that can be answered from the existing database but hopes to expand that into clinical clini-cal trials andor applications in the future. The research that results from the scholarship has the potential to help many victims of prostate cancer throughout the state. day. The public will be notified noti-fied immediately if there is a problem with the drinking water. All water systems are in compliance with safe drinking water standards." If you have concerns about your water, please contact your water company or you can contact TriCounty Health Department, Toll Free 1-866-2750246, (435) 781-5475-Vernal, (435)722-5085-Roosevelt, (435)738-2202-Duchesne. They can also be contacted through their web site: www.tricounty-health.com. www.tricounty-health.com. ly fashion. The hospital received an energy impact grant of $250,000, which will assist in the purchase pur-chase of the equipment Other grants are pending. Rangely District Hospital has been recognized by the American Hospital Association for its 50 years of membership in the organization. This recognition rec-ognition increases the respect and confidence experienced by the hospital and its staff and may increase the potential for receiving additional grants. The location of the car seat checkpoints provided opportunities oppor-tunities for many individuals around the area to make sure their child safety seats were installed properly. The one at Flaming Gorge Dam also provided a stopping point for many just passing through on Highway 191. Hatch gives support ft energy bill Sen. Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah) today gave his full support for a bipartisan energy bill that would bring the United States more affordable sources of energy and greater energy security. "For too long, Congress has failed to pass a comprehensive energy bill, and now people are paying the price," Hatch said. "Passing a major bill like this out of committee with a vote of 21 to 1 is a strong indication indi-cation that this year we'll get it done. I'm grateful that the bill includes several provisions I've promoted that will make a real difference in Utah and throughout through-out the country." The Senate bill would provide pro-vide unprecedented conservation conserva-tion and efficiency measures that would reduce U.S. oil consumption by one million barrels of oil per day by 2015. According to the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEE), the bill would also save 1.1 trillion cubic feet of natural gas by 2020 equivalent to current annual consumption of New York State. The ACEE also estimates the bill would reduce peak electric demand by 2020 by 50,000 MW equivalent to the capacity of 170 300-MW power plants. The Senate Energy Committee bill includes several provisions from bills Hatch has pushed in Congress: Senate 53, which would Wet conditions close Ashley Forest roads With the wet road conditions condi-tions on the Forest, the Ashley National Forest would like to discourage all travel on non-paved non-paved roads. Any travel above 8000 feet is discouraged. Forest roads that are currently cur-rently closed are the Taylor Mountain, Brownie Canyon, Colton Hollow, Whiterocks Canyon, Brownie Canyon, Uintah Canyon (above Uinta Group Use Site), Hades Canyon (Road to Grandview Trailhead), and the Paradise Park road. With the current conditions on the Forest, public safety is a concern. Avoid crossing drainages with flowing water and wet or snow-covered roads. All campgrounds on the Vernal Ranger District are closed due to wet conditions. A number of campgrounds are closed or will be closed on the RooseveltDuchesne State provides rural business assistance, website redesigned At the request of the Governor's Rural Partnership Board, the Utah Office of Rural Development has redesigned its rural Utah governor's website. Changes are intended to help rural entrepreneurs more readily read-ily access information to help their businesses. "We recognize that some rural entrepreneurs don't have the time or desire to look through all of the information provided for their use, so we have added a link where they can submit questions," said Ed Meyer, director of the Office of Rural Development "Here they can submit a question about anything they desire and our staff will research the answer and get back within one working work-ing day." "We think anyone inter increase natural gas produc tion by amending the Mineral Leasing Act to allow the Secretary of the Interior to issue separately, for the same area, a lease for tar sands and a lease for oil and gas. The requirement for industry to obtain leases for both mining and gas extraction activities before gas can be extracted has hampered new production of gas in tar sand areas. Portions of S. 1111, to promote pro-mote oil shale development in the United States by providing greater access to federal lands where the resource resides. Hatch said Chairman Domenici has indicated his support for adding more of the provisions from S. 1111 into the bill before it is passed in the Senate. Hatch noted that he expects more of his measures to be included in the upcoming Senate Finance Committee energy tax legislation. This includes the CLEAR ACT (S. 971), which promotes alternative alter-native fuel and hybrid vehicles; vehi-cles; the Gas Price Reduction through Increased Refining Capacity Act (S. 1039), which promotes new capacity at oil refineries; and the tax provisions provi-sions of his Oil Shale and Tar Sands Development Act (S. 1111). The Finance Committee bill will be combined with the Energy Committee bill on the Senate floor. Ranger District. Currently closed campgrounds include the Yellowstone Campground, Riverview Campground, Aspen Campground, Pole Creek Campground, Avintaquin Campground, Smoky Springs Campground, and Wandin Campground in Uinta Canyon. All campgrounds in the Uintas are threatened by flooding. Higher elevation campgrounds are not open due to snow pack. All campgrounds are open on the Flaming Gorge Recreation area. The public is encouraged to call for the most current information. For information contact the Vernal Ranger District at 355 North Vernal Avenue, 435-789-1181, the DuchesneRoosevelt Ranger Districts at 435-738-2482 or (435) 722-5018, and the Flaming Gorge Ranger District at 435-784-3445. ested in rural Utah's economy will enjoy our Rural News link where we summarize interesting interest-ing business-related news from throughout rural Utah," noted Meyer. Because rural businesses busi-nesses are often isolated from one another, they may not be aware of the content on the Rural News site that features the great strides being made collectively by rural Utahns. Meyer said he is pleased that many rural newspapers already link to http:ruraL utah.gov from their online sites and he encourages others to provide the same service to local entrepreneurs. If you have any questions or comments, please contact Ed Meyer of the Office of Rural Development at emeyerutah.gov or (801) 538-8781. 538-8781. f |