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Show A7 Vernal Express Coordination detailed VFW helicopter Wednesday, August 1, 2007 Randy Deets of Rocky Mountain Power Company head up in a boom bucket on an inspection tour of the helicopter before beginning begin-ning the cleanup. Business leaders: Legislation designed to 'punish' the West Legislation moving toward passage by the U.S. House could raise energy prices so high that some poor families "may have to choose between food or fuel," a group of Western business leaders lead-ers said last week. Jack Ekstrom, chairman of the Western Business Round-table, Round-table, said the legislation - now being assembled by leaders in the Congress-would almost certainly cer-tainly force painful energy price hikes on consumers and may even lead to dangerous supply disruptions, if the country goes through a harsh winter. In a letter last week from the multi-industry roundtable to members of Congress, Ekstrom said that "this misguided legislation leg-islation will harm low-income American families the most as it forces higher energy prices to go even higher truly forcing some families to choose between food or fuel." "Credible forecasts are unanimous unani-mous that our need for affordable and reliable energy will outpace supply. For that reason, increasing increas-ing American energy production is a must, along with enhancing enhanc-ing our energy efficiency and conservation efforts," Ekstrom said. "However, this proposed legislation accomplishes nothing noth-ing but diminishing America's energy security. Now is not the time to either lock up American energy or impose punitive taxes on American energy producers." produc-ers." U.S. House leaders say they plan to combine provisions of the Energy Policy Reform and Revitahzation Acs & SOOX, already passed by- the"House Natural Resources Committee, with provisionsof the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation and Tax Act of 2007, passed by the Ways and Means Committee, into a comprehensive energy bill to be considered by the end of IVVWIVW WW I I Ww III I I Vw WIIILVIW 111 country showdown program By Cast Cc3TBB Express Writer Some of Uintah Basin's finest vocal talent competed for the title of this year's champion of the Colgate Country Showdown. The winner, after singing two songs, was Autumn Reynolds of Vernal. She stole the hearts of the judges with two Carrie Underwood songs. She will compete at the regional competition. Reynolds impressed the audience with her rendition of Underwood's "Before He Cheats." Then she displayed her Officials urge training, helmets for young off-road vehicle users As thousands of Utahns head to the mountains and deserts for off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation this summer, Utah State Parks and Recreation and the Utah Department of Health are reminding riders of the importance im-portance of training for young riders, helmet use by all riders, and having only one rider at a time per OHV Health department data show that in 2005, there were 1,565 OHV-related injuries treated in emergency departments; 23 of those were among children ages 4 and younger, 637 were among children ages 5 to 19, and 548 were adults ages 20-34. ; The cost to Utah's health care system for OHV injuries in 2005 totaled $1.5 million for treatment in emergency departments and an additional $5.9 million in hospitalization expenses. The 15-19 year old age, group has the highest rate of emergency room visits for OHV injuries at 13.6 per 10,000 population, followed fol-lowed by 20 to 24-year-olds at 10.6 per 10,000. Health department depart-ment data showed they are also the group who are least likely to . wear helmets and most likely to suffer traumatic brain injuries. Ann Evans, Utah State Parks off-highway vehicle education the month. "While Speaker of the House Pelosimayhaverecentlydeclared America's independence from foreign oil, putting forward these so-called 'energy' bills makes it very difficult to argue that the House Leadership's commitment commit-ment to ending foreign energy dependence is really sincere," said Ekstrom. Ekstrom said that the expected ex-pected House legislation would seriously damage America's ability abil-ity to meet its growing demand for energy, threatening American families with the very real possibility possi-bility of dangerous supply disruptions. disrup-tions. It would also increase our nation's reliance on costly and unpredictable supplies of foreign energy, which weakens America's national security and saps the nation's economic strength; According to Ekstrom, the legislation leg-islation also unfairly singles out energy producers operating in the American West, our nation's principal energy breadbasket; and would dramatically hike prices on consumers for the many goods and services they rely upon to support the American standard of living. "The Energy Policy Act of 2005 is just now starting to accelerate real American energy en-ergy development, and in truly responsible, sustainable ways. Now is not the time to handcuff efforts to bring America's rich abundance of energy resources to consumers," Ekstrom said. "In addition, the energy tax package adopted by the House tit j w n . . Wa?U -Mean8 - wMilii harm Amaniia'a ohillhr m. would harm America s ability to provide more American energy' by imposing new taxes on those who work hard to provide our energy," Ekstrom continued. "In short, America needs more of all American energy resources, and this bill will take America in the wrong direction." talent for a slower tempo song with "Jesus Take the Wheel." Her first choice was also sung by Jamie Daniels, one of the crowd favorites. However, Reynolds was not afraid to step up to the challenge chal-lenge and showed the judges why she deserved to be the Colgate winner. Morgan Birchell took second place, singing for his first song Chris Cagle's "Chicks Dig It." The crowd and judges were up and ready for his second song, Billy Currington's "Turnip Greens." His two crowd-pleasing songs had everyone clapping with coordinator, says most crashes happen because drivers overlook or ignore manufacturer specifications speci-fications and Utah law. Evans says OHV makers specify which vehicles are designed for one rider only, but too often drivers take friends or family, sometimes carrying two or more passengers at a time. . "More than one rider at a time is very dangerous," Evans said. "OHVs are not built for multiple riders because the added weight shifts the overall center of gravity, grav-ity, making the machine more likely to tip or roll over." Helmets are required by law for all OHV operators and passengers pas-sengers under 18. "Despitethelaw,weseepeople riding ATVs without helmets all too often," said Kevin Condra, spokesperson for the health department's de-partment's Violence and Injury Prevention Program. "Helmets do save lives and are a good idea for riders of any age." Helmets must have at least a U.S. Department of Transportation Transporta-tion approved safety rating for motorized use. Health department and state parka officials recommend the following when enjoying OHVs: Always wear the right size helmet and make sure it is The Cobra Helicopter beneath be-neath the flags in front of the State and County Building was reclaimed from the birds and cleaned earlier this month. This was accomplished through the coordinated services of Maeser Water Improvement District, Rocky Mountain Power and Servicemaster. The Veterans of Foreign Wars acquired the helicopter on Oct 4, 2002. Several larger cities were vying for it, but Captain Kenneth Ken-neth Campbell made it possible for VFW Post 5560 to bring it to Uintah County. Campbell grew up in Vernal, where his parents, Keith and Jan Campbell, and brother, Chief Deputy Keith Campbell, still reside. Kenneth was stationed in Arizona, in charge of the retired aircraft in the area, and was able to secure it for Vernal. His name is on the 'copter, above the voracious vora-cious grin of a fighter. Over the years, the helicopter helicop-ter became a favorite roost of pigeons. VFW member Harry Miyoshi, quartermaster for veterans post, helped to coordinate coordi-nate the scheduling, but nobody realized what an undertaking it would be. After the crews believed they had completed the cleaning, more pigeons flew out when they opened the hatch. The birds had not only gained entry from the top, but also through the front where the gun turret is. The cleanup project began at 4:30 p.m. on July 2 and con Bluebell's Sursa wins Days Br tea teat Uintah Basin (taws Santos James Sursa, 29, of Bluebell, who is originally from Texas, won the bareback bronc riding title at the Days of '47 Rodeo with a score of 86 on a horse named Faded Dice that he knew would win him big bucks if he could stay on for the full eight seconds. He won $5,315.25 at the July 21 show. "Faded Dice is a horse you win money on because he jumps and kicks. He goes the same trip every time," said Sursa. "I've never won a check at the Days of '47 Rodeo until this year." Sursa, who was bora in Duch uv, tutu uos icjouvn uvuut ui Duchesne County, was raised in .. 6J jrl esne, and has relatives living in Graver, Texas': He was on the high school rodeo team where he rode broncs and teamed roped. "My family rodeoed and the sport was breed into me. My dad use to ride and people I knew in Texas rode bareback broncs. It him. Third place Shelbie Schneider of Vernal sang "Carolina Rain" for her first song. Her youthful look lulled the audience into believing every word of the heart wrenching song. Her second song pulled up over the competition for a third place finish. Others in the competition were Natalie Bigelow, Syracuse; Deane Quick, Neola; Lynn Mon-son, Mon-son, Roosevelt; Lindsay Burke, Roosevelt; Kenneth Richens, Lapoint; Katrina Stringham, Roosevelt; Danny Rose, Myton; and Melissa Burke, Roosevelt strapped on securely when riding off-highway vehicles. Have children take the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation Know Before You Go OHV training train-ing course. Allow children to ride only ATVs that the manufacturer indicates in-dicates are appropriate for their age. Never carry passengers on an ATV designed for one rider. Don't drive or ride on an ATV while under the influence of drugs or alcohol Don't operate ATVs on paved roads. Their soft tires make them prone to rolling over on smooth surfaces. Wear protective gear like gloves, over-the-ankle boots, and goggles. Education classes play an important role in injury prevention preven-tion by teachingyoung riders and their parents about safe riding, weight distribution, handling, shifting, speed, and riding within your ability. Classes are available avail-able at several locations across the state. For more information contact the Utah Division of State Parks and Recreation OHV Education office at 1-800-OHV-RIDE or visit www.stateparks. utah.gov. tinued until after 8 p.m. Rocky Mountain Power's Randy Deets used the Maeser sewer vacuum to remove debris. Servicemaster Owner Bob Rasmussen did the washing from the boom bucket. In previous years he said he had to harness up to work on it. The Coordinated Effort Maeser Water Improvement District, Rocky Mountain Power and Service Master trucks and crews gather at the State and County Building to clean the helicopter placed there in 2002 by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5560. The helicopter became too attractive to pigeons for its roosting merits. looked fun and so I did it," he said. "It was a dream to make a living at rodeo and has been a pretty good deal." He doesn't ride saddle broncs or bulls at pro rodeos, and goes through the same routine every time prior to riding action. "I just ride bareback broncs. That is all I know how to do," Sursa stated. "I stretch good before a ride and check my equipment, equip-ment, which looks like a suitcase handle." Currently Sursa is ranked 24th in the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Cow-boy Association bareback bronc riding standings at $25,000 and over the last few weeks has won Thu 82 81 9265 8963 Partly cloudy with a stray thunderstorm. Isolated thunderstorms. thunder-storms. Highs in the low 90s and lows in the mid 60s. Sunrise Sunset 8:15 AM 8:31 PM Suniiss 8:18 AM Utah At A Glance Cedar Cltyj) 8683 J Aroa Clti t-storm BO 88 t-storm 2 88 t-storm 88 83 t-storm 89 88 t-storm SO 58 t-storm BO 59 t-storm 92 82 t-storm 88 88 I storm 85 47 t-storm Bogham City Cedar City Delta Elko. NV Evanston. WY Fs Flagstaff. AZ National Cities ?knata Chicago 92 72 sunny 83 75 I Stonn 99 82 mstsunny Denver 897drr4Sunrry .flJussirT 94 84- sunny Loe Angeles VFW and the crews involved believe they have secured the entry ways so pigeons will have to find different roosts. Members of the VFW request added that Vernal residents not purchase pigeons and let them go. Their combined discussion of '47 rodeo bareback title $12,000. "I'm goingpretty good. July is a really busy month with 27 rodeos ro-deos for me. I go to most rodeos by truck and live out of my camper. I rent a plane for others I can't get to on the road," said Sursa, who competed at Salinas, Calif.; Ogden, Salt Lake City and Spanish Span-ish Fork all in one week since the Days of '47 Rodeo. He was interviewed Friday morning prior to a rodeo in Cheyenne, Wyo. Sursa joined the PRCAin2004 and owns the highest bareback bronc ride in the history of the Spanish Fork Rodeo at 89, which he set in 2006 for top honors. Just Listed! This wonderful home has everything! Located on approximately 1 acres It includes a beautiful view from the deck, over 3400 sq. ft of living space with custom woodworking throughout basketball ft tennis court large shop, putting green and an incredible landscaped lot! Additional land available. Call Pat 828-5063 KA k "Expect the Best" 1340 West Highway 40, Vernal, UT 84078 Office: (435) 789-7555 Fax: 781-2913 C3 8762 Partly cloudy with a stray thunderstorm. Sunrise Sunset 8:17 AM 8:28 PM 8:30 PM 8:18 We Celeorate in,.... t f -- - CSC3V Oreen River 98 88 I stuini HetoerCtty 79 M I storm Kanato 94 91 I saw m Moab 99 97 ttorfn 95 91 t storm ML I Ogden Park City Preston, ID 79 91 I stumi 90 SO I storm "91 7T-swrm 81 99 pt sunny 93 70 Windy 99 70 sunny New York VeVncI I ' 9285 I Mktml was that the pigeons will find somewhere else to live, and their choices will probably not be the choice of the property owner. They suggest that if a family purchases a bird or an animal, they should be responsible respon-sible for it. "It bucked good and was a great horse at Spanish Fork," he said. Sursa like many cowboys has seen some injuries here and there in four years of pro rodeo action. "Nothing real bad. I broke my arm, cracked a vertebra and suffered a broken collar bone, twice. The second time I was out of action for six months because the collar bone injury took some time to heal," he said. No problem Sursa is a sur-viver, sur-viver, who is "making a living" by hitting rodeo after rodeo, and injuries aren't going to slow him ii ASPEN CROOK REALTY INC. PatHarrell, Agent, GRI, CRS CiUPttHmeU today fern (Office) 7W-7555 (Ceil) I2S-S063 I 1 L. run C3 8862 9062 Partly cloudy. Highs In the low SOs and lows in the low 80s. Partly cloudy with a stray thunderstorm. Sunrise Sunset 8:10 AM 8:28 PM AM 8:27 PM Moon Phas - 2 O Full Last Jul 30 Aug S o o New First Aug 1 2 Aug 2Q UVIndojc Wed 81 "" Very High Thu 82 Very High Fri 83 Very High Sat 84 Very High Sun 85 Very High The UV Index tat measured on SO-11 scale, wnn a manor uv wost 111 WalTsi Provo AlohflsM 95 59 1-etorm Roosevelt 92 92 t-storm Salt Lake City 92 73 t-etorm Sandy 91 70 t-etorm St. Oeorge 94 78 I storm Tooele) 92 70 t Worm 92 95 t storm 93 71 hoenof 90 59 pt sunny 91 90 sunnv St. Louis 93 73 sunny Washington. DC 92 74 sunrry |