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Show Wednesday, June 20, 2007 A7 Vernal Express Yes on vouchers Pear Editor, The question is not about tax money, teacher pay, mitigation mitiga-tion funds, public school vs. private school accountability, accountabil-ity, student performance tests, teacher licensing requirements and quality or even the ytah Legislature's overblown sense of self-importance. Those issues are just detractors to the real one. The real question that ought to be the focus of the voucher debate and what a libertarian would ask is, "Who is in charge of the consumers of education: the parents, their small and young adult children; or the organized education establishment, its bureaucracy, citizen support groups, and their kept members of the Utah Legislature?" Surely, as Uintah County School Superintendent Charles Nelson knows (Express, 13 Whiterocks Canyon testing Dear Editor: As I read the story "Whiterocks "Whiter-ocks Canyon tar sands testing likely" (Vernal Express, June 13), it became clear that our perceptions of the meeting were vastly different. While I agree that it was a civil and informative informa-tive meeting, your article did not begin to report the many compelling compel-ling issues and concerns brought upby concerned landowners and water users. Those of us who have property in or near Whiterocks Canyon, are less confident that even "testing" on this project should be allowed to go forward without a great deal more assurance that this "secret, proprietary process" will not harm our water or cause other unacceptable environmental environ-mental damages to the air, land and other values important to us. At issue is both the health of our families, our land values and, for some, our livelihoods. History has long shown that the proverbial "foot in the door" makes it difficult to deter a course of action once it has begun. The article also neglected to mention that the Whiterocks Canyon area is important to the Ute Indian people both spiritually spiritu-ally and for the wildlife upon whommanydependforfood.The Ute Tribe is not just a neighbor pthjittle.pr.no standing,yi. this issue but a key player. Their concerns and opinions should be sought out and heard as well. For those of us who have lived through the boom and bust cycles of the petroleum industry -who have heard countless promises and witnessed more than a few Jolley named 2007 Uintah MS Outstanding Student of the Year Rachel Kara Jolley, the daughter daugh-ter of Robert and Cheryl Jolley, accepted honors on Wednesday, May 10 as Uintah High School's Outstanding Student of the Year. Jolley, as well as many of her peers, spent the evening receiving awards at Uintah High School's annual Awards Night for their accomplishments while in high school. Eachyear the faculty and staff of UHS give this award to the graduating senior who has not only excelled academically, but who has given of his or her full self to Uintah High School. UHS faculty member Robin McClellan was given the privilege privi-lege of introducing Rachel as the Student of the Year. In her introduction, McClellan indicated indi-cated that Rachel processed all the characteristics faculty members mem-bers look for in an outstanding student. First of all, Jolley is academically academi-cally strong. She has maintained a 4.0 grade point average while taking advanced classes like chemistry and calculus. She is a Sterling Scholar this year, representing the mathematics category. Jolley has a passion for learning, as one teacher indicated she wished she had, "rooms full of her." She is totally committed to everythingshe does, as well as, being organized and able to analyze ana-lyze situations. Her dad said that she is unassuming, very smart, yet she doesn't call attention to herself. Jolley is also talented in the fine and visual arts, excelling in dance and ceramics. Jolley is involved with school co- and extracurricular activities. She is a member and captain of Uintah High School's drill team and a member of the student council acting as the activities director. She is a three-year member of the National Honor Society, and co-captain of the UHS math dub. Thos who know Jolley say she has an mging drive and work ethic. She always pushes herself to learn from every opportunity and experience. "Rachel is a workhorse on the student council. coun-cil. " said Chris Piner, her student council advisor. "Rachel's dedication is unparalleled. She never leaves June), the voucher proposal is not as good as it could be given that it is the creation of a political animal. Yet, it ought to be approved by the electorate because if it is, there will be ample incentive and opportunity later for innovation and increased competition in a wide range of educational choice -not justafew currently existing private schools. Moreover, and this is what really worries the opposition, is that it would set an additional precedent such as in other states, and encourage more of the same for parents in rest of the country. The education establishment has had its way for decades, and in spite of massive infusions of money from all levels of government govern-ment (and valid research proves this), American students are near the bottom of the list com "get rich quick" scams, we feel it is reasonable and prudent to ask that this company test its process in an area where no surface or groundwater is present pres-ent that could be contaminated. Andbeforeyoupointoutthatthe "solvents used in the process are food grade", I would remind you that many of us recall wearing dark glasses while the government govern-ment conducted its safe nuclear testing in Nevada. You will have to pardon our skepticism if we want to see the science behind Black Sands' claims before our canyon becomes their science experiment. Even if the solvents are food grade, some substances strip mining could disturb, are not. There are many naturally occurring occur-ring trace elements in geologic formations, including arsenic, that could conceivably leach out during the mining process. Don't forget the abandoned strip mines all over the U.S. that are now superfund sites. We live in the second most arid state in the nation. If our water is impaired or ruined, we cannot live here. The communities of Whiterocks, Tridell and Lapoint as well as many individual families, fami-lies, ranches and farms depend on the Whiterocks River and the aquifers it recharges for culinary and agricultural water. Ahoufe1Mr.rfipR appear?, tq be a very nice man most of us still want proof that his claims are factual. There are other issues that we should consider as well. In civilized societies, we create and enforce regulations about appropriate actions. Wisely, we anythingunfinished. She always goes beyond what is asked for. She always fulfills her commitments, commit-ments, from Sterling Scholar deadlines to classroom assignments," assign-ments," added Kay Baker. Jolley received the Sterling Scholar Strive to Excel Scholarship Scholar-ship in math this March. "Rachel keeps going.' She never gives up and she always expects perfection of herself" said Cheryl Jolley, Rachel's mother. Her friends see her as persevering. Her teachers see her as disciplined and diligent. Jolley has a positive personality. person-ality. One of her teachers was quoted saying, "Rachel is always happy and willing to help in class." Another indicated, "Rachel "Ra-chel is kind, caring and funny. She is a friend to everyone. " And another added, "Rachel has an ft:-, SarahYoung, Sheriff Merrell, Deputy Sheriff's Association Member Stephanie Stensgard. Special Olympics receives check from Sheriff Merrell Uintah County Sheriffs Department De-partment hosted a charity golf tournament on May 4, which resulted in a check for $4,000 presented to the Utah Special Olympics. This is the largest donation made as a result of the annual golf tournament. According Accord-ing to Sheriff Jeff Merrell, the Special Olympics program is of great interest and enjoyment to him and his deputies. pared to almost every advanced country in the world - and that is not even considering the about 20 percent dropout rate of high school students in Uintah County (even worse in many other parts of the country). If the voucher proposal fails, it will be a very, very long time before there will be another opportunity op-portunity to weaken the education educa-tion establishment's monopoly in Utah over us, our children and their futures. It will see to that. Finally, to vote in favor of vouchers, is not a vote in opposition op-position to teachers employed by the government in our public schools. 'Virtually all are dedicated and doing their best in a very defective system. With meaningful private competition, that system will rise to the challenge chal-lenge and again show the world what exciting, responsive, quality qual-ity public education can be. Sincerely, Bruce Daniel Vernal do not allow the sale of alcohol near school zones. Minors do not drive until they reach a certain age. Most communities have ordinances or-dinances about noise, pollution, speed limits - we are a nation of law. Our laws have evolved to reflect values about what is appropriate and what is inappropriate. inappro-priate. Many of us feel that just because someone wants to use a biologically and hydrologically important canyon that is home to families and wildlife as well as the source of water for thousands ofpeople-asatestsitefora"new and secret" process to strip mine tar sands - experience does not automatically suggest that it is an appropriate thing to do. We have lived and can live without a strip mine, but we cannot can-not live without our water. There is simply too much at stake to allow al-low an untried method anywhere near our watershed. That's a statement to which many-even many who work in the oil and gas industry - agree. We are courteous people who are interested in learning more about this proposal. We want to know what our rights may be while examining the dual estate issue. But as the laws passed in neighboring states - most significantly Wyoming - suggest, minerals rights do not necessarily trump the rights of thQsephqse(healtlv weU-jbejng and livelihood may be harmed by industry. Sincerely yours, Nancy Bostick-Ebbert Property owner, Farm Creek excitement for life and embodies a simple joy in everyday things." She has a great attitude and she has great people skills. She is the kind of person who is just fun to be around. McClellan concluded her introduction by saying, "Rachel personifies what is right with today's youth, both in and outside out-side the classroom. She is ayoung woman of integrity who strives for excellence in whatever she does. She is a joy and a delight to work with. She is an excellent scholar and a great role model. She is a fantastic example to her peers and adults alike." She then ask the crowd to join her in honoring Rachel Kara Jolley Jol-ley with the title of Uintah High School's Outstanding Student of the Year for 2007. Rachel was greeted with a standing ovation from those in attendance. "Our wholeDepartment looks forward to the annual Special Olympics program," said Merrell Mer-rell He also thanked all of the participants, sponsors and those who donate to the annual golf tournament. "Without the help of the local companies, citizens and sponsors, spon-sors, we could not donate such a large amount to such a worthy cause," said Merrell. . OHV trail system getting revamped re-vamped - Do you want input? Express Publisher Last week started the process of revamping the OHV trail system in the Ashley National Forest with a public meeting that not only explained the present plan, but invited the public to be a part of organizing the next plan governingwhere camping will be assessable and what will be legal to drive in our forests. As I talked with Forest Service Ser-vice officials, I was told that this process should not be looked at as a negative planning process where officials are trying to eliminate all trails and favorite camping sites. But rather, we are to see this planning process as doing our part in guaranteeing long-term use of Forest Service lands. And I agree, but I point out that this is a very Pollyanna approach ap-proach for what is a very complicated compli-cated strategic planning process where no one will be perfectly happy in the end. This plea for input is going out to everyone of course, but specifically to a fast growing group of ATV users that can come up with hundreds of stories of how roads and trails have been closed across the Ashley Forest with little or no Just Listed Over 12 acres of Maeser property Perfect for homesite or development Priced below market value Additional home available 1340 West Highway - Oflfcer(435)''78M555f'f Fa?ty?29'l-3 Today's Weather l Thu Fri Sat Sun T Mon " I 621 6722 623 624 625 - 9862 9657 9858 9960 9758 Abundant sunshine. Mix of sun and Mainly sunny. Highs More sun than Abundant sunshine. Highs in the upper clouds. Highs in the in the upper 90s and clouds. Highs in the Highs in the upper 90s and tows in the upper 90s and tows lows in the upper upper 90s and lows 90s and tows in the tow 60s. in the upper 50s. 50s. in the tow 60s. upper SOs. Sunrise Sunset Sunrise Sunset Sunrise Sunset Sunrise Sunset Sunrise Sunset 5:48 AM 8:49 PM 5:48 AM 8:49 PM 5:48 AM 8:49 PM 5:48 AM 8:49 PM 5:49 AM 8:50 PM Utah At A Glance a? rf.c - K V Area Cities 'Beaver 54 sunny 63 sunny 62 sunny 58 sunny 61 sunny 49 sunny 55 sunny 57 pt sunny 59 sunny 44 sunny Blanding BrighamCity Cedar City Delta Elko, NV Evanston, WY Farmington, NM Fillmore Flagstaff, AZ National Cities Vttanta Boston Chicago Dallas Denver 85 67 t-storm 78 60 rain 84 65 sunny 89 74 pt sunny 91 62 mst sunny Q. ( ' Cedar City 9358 7 C2005 Anwtem PtoWg Hofiwtown Content Stwic public input or consideration. And, I'm sure there is another side to the story where there are hundreds of new trails that have opened up over the past few years that the Forest Service feel need to be closed to protect the environment. So, I figure there are a couple of problems that I hope will be worked out throughout this short but necessary process. As only about 25 people showed up for the meeting, Ihope that apathetic feelings that have been created from previous years of dissatisfaction will not stand in the way of local citizens going to their favorite trails and camping spots to record location as well as current usage and brining this information back to forest officials. These officials stated that this meeting last week was a call for action to the public to get out during the month of July and map out their favorite trials and campsites. During August, officials will begin to place these collected locations on a master map and develop a proposed plan of action. If you want your favorite trail or camp spot to be included, then gather the information and make it available avail-able to the powers that be. I'm sure that not everyone's request Large Maeser Custom Home Over 5,000 finished sq ft Owner's Suite Large Lot Motivated Seller 40, Vernal, UT 84078 Toonewforpicture! We Celebrate Hometown l. as a ) 2 cV.ti Vernal 9665 9862 3 Grand Jet, CO Green River HeberCity Kanab Logan Moeb ML Pleasant Ogden Park City Preston, 10 Toolf 103 65 86 53 93 56 93 58 104 65 92 56 94 65 81 56 91 54 sunny sunny sunny sunny sunny sunny sunny sunny sunny mst sunny iston f"74 t-storm 78 62 pt sunny 89 76 t-storm 90 65 t-storm 84 63 Monti Los Angeles Miami Minneapolis New York will be listed, but we have been promised that the most important impor-tant ones will be reviewed in the process ... a process that will include a future environmental impact study, reasonable safety precautions, as well as additional public comment. Ifyoubringmtheinformation and proposals, Forest Service promised not to shut the forest down to OHV use, but to offer a plan to regulate sustainable OHV use over time. As I have talked to different people using the forest for OHV travel, there have been some sound suggestions made to trail access, opening up some regular roads for OHV connector routes, as well as suggesting some excellent ex-cellent camping sites that have short roads for access that are not on any current travel plan. Let's do our part by taking part of the planning process and then call on government to approve a plan that welcomes a multi-use approach to the Ashley Forest. And then, after this is all over, we do have another obligation obliga-tion to follow the rules and be good tenants of the forest. With more than a 300 percent increase in OHV use in our local forests, if we don't regulate ourselves, then I promise you that government will do it for us. - U ASPEN BROOK REALTY INC. ii-i iin i. i i i " "T ) Call Kyle Ashworth Coldwell Banker Aspen Brook Realty 790-2544 see online at kyleashworth.com 'Expect the Best" Moon Phases o New First Jun15 Jun22 O Full Last Jun 30 Jul 7 UV Index Thu 621 Fri 622 Sat 623 Sun 624 Mon 625 Very High Very High Very High Very High Very High The UV Index is measured on a 0-1 1 number scale, with a higher UV Index showing the need for greater skin pro-lectKxt pro-lectKxt 0 aflBS1 11 nee sunny sunny sunny sunny sunny sunny sunny sunny sunny sunny Provo Richfield Roosevelt Salt Lake City Sandy St George Tooele Vernal Wendover 96 65 93 53 90 58 97 67 96 65 105 74 96 64 98 62 98 65 Vhoenix ""HfoS sunny San Francisco 75 55 pt sunny Seattle 72 56 pt sunny St Louis 67 66 sunny Washington, DC 83 68 t-storm |