OCR Text |
Show J BBDMfflM501Ht .By BETTY FOWLER Seems like it was just a few weeks ago that we were saying, "If you're not good Santa won't bring you anything." Now I'm hearing, "If you're not a good boy, the Easter ? Bunny won't come." I wonder if that's kind of for little kids. We do lie a lot don't we? I mean like when we say, "If you don't eat those burned bread crusts ; you won't have curly hair." "Junior, eat all your carrots so " you can see in the dark! "Clean up your plate or I'll give it those starving little kids in outer Mongolia." Can you imagine how little minds perceive the following threats? What images are conjured up in their little brains? "Go wash the sleepybugs out of j.. ." your eyes!" "Let's get the rats out of your Next Wednesday will be one of the most important days of this election year for Utahns. That's the day of the district mass meetings, where local voters will elect delegates to the county conventions to be held June 2 and nominate delegates for the state party conventions July 22 ajjom hair." "Johnny, don't eat like a pig!" "Your father needs to get rid of that spare tire." Board cancels leeway vote leeway scheduled for May 8. The action came at the board's regular meeting last week after a committee assigned by the board to promote the leeway recommended canceling the vote "because of the court decision and other un- certainties." The leeway would have asked local taxpayers to approve either a two mill or a. five nuUrincTease'in". property, taxes to support various district needs, including building maintenance. "There are so many uncertainties about the effect the tax law is going to have on us it creates a very negative impact," Don Evans, a prominent Orem businessman and of the leeway committee, told the board. "It would be an uphill battle." District Superintendent Clark Cox supported the recommendation, but told the board, "Emotionally, I feel that we should move ahead, but rationally, I know that we cannot impose further tax increases on our patrons." That court decision nullified a 1981 tax roll back which froze property values for locally-assesse-d property at 1979 levels while property values were allowed to increase. Utah As a result, County homeowners are looking at about a 9 percent increase in property tax this year. Exactly how much that increase will be is still unknown - and that was one of the things that convinced the board to cancel the election. "We won't know how much the tax increase will be until we open that letter that comes in the mail telling us," Evans said. "It's the uncertainty," repeated board member Richard Sudweeks. "Nobody knows how much it will be, but we run the risk of having an election and losing everything and then complicating things the next state-assess- ed time." Dr. Cox said that he felt the would make it impossible to pass the leeway tax next month, and said that if one such election fails, "it makes the next current climate time around even more difficult." Evans said the decision to recommend cancelling the vote was difficult. "I know how badly the district needs the funds. I feel very strongly personally that we should pursue the voted leeway as soon as the board determines it is ap- propriate." He explained that by not having a two-mi- ll voted leeway, the district is automatically losing out on matching funds offered by the state. "It's a shame to lose half a million dollars each year because we do not levey a leeway." Not having the voted tax also makes. .it .difficult to convince the state that the "district should have more funding. "We are not going to get any help until we start at home," Evans said. Dr. Cox explained that the school district will benefit little from the six percent tax increase that will result from tax collections this year. The court decision could have caused a much greater increase, but the Utah Legislature limited the increase to 6 percent overall at it's recent special session. "We don't get another nickel from the taxes for maintenance and operation," Dr. Cox said. In fact, the district will probably lose some income, since for nine out of the past 10 years the district has seen a more-tha- n increase in six percent property tax income. He did say the district would see a slight increase in the capital outlay levy, funds that are used exclusively for constructing new buildings and purchasing new real property. "The whole thing is a negative for this district," Dr. Cox said. Board Chairman Richard Heaps commended the committee members for their work, and indicated " that the board would still be looking to call for a leeway when the atmosphere was more favorable. "There is still a need," Dr. Heaps said. "We would hope the committee would work with us around that : need." Evans also requested that the committee continue to work to educate the public about the Alpine District's needs. "We don't like to be last," he said. Evans commended the committee members for their work. "We wish to thank all of those who has spent so much time and effort with this project," he said. buck-toothe- d, ." I could tell this Saturday, when all of the signs became noticeable for the first time. Forget all that claptrap about the solar equinox (around March 21) being spring's first appearance. Just because the days are finally as long as the nights after the cold, dark winter doesn't mean it's spring. Because just last Friday, it still wasn't spring. I knew that when I went to take some pictures at the baseball game and had a hard time keeping my hands warm enough to manipulate the camera's controls. That's not spring. So what told me it's spring. Well, the younger drivers were speeding around streets more recklessly than is normal one of the sure signs of spring. I know because I used to drive just like that when we could finally roll down all the windows and hang our arms and legs outside. I knew it when my kids dug out the shorts they had buried in their and indrawers all winter long sisted I let them wear them. While I'm not yet ready for shorts (my legs never will be), but I don't liketo my shortcomings, penalize them for "" " so I complied. Myriad rollerskaters and bike riders told me it was spring. So did all of the young girls in our neighborhood who climbed onto their roofs to get just that much closer to the sun as they tried to burn the white skin of winter to a darker, more acceptable hue. And I could tell it was spring when I felt compelled to break out the lawn mower after it's long winter's nap and try to get the thing started. I could tell it was spring when getting the mower started turned out to be the most strenuous activity of a strenuous day. When else does it take hours to get this simple piece of c - - c the editor9 s column advocated this enlightened position in a column last spring. My family, on the other hand, is not happy with the goatsheads and other natural plants that are such an important part of that type of landscaping. Nor are they crazy about the wildlife they attract; they particularly spurn the black widows and various ant hills indigenous to our yard. (Frankly, I don't understand it.) So I suspect that before the month is out, they will join forces to encourage me to bring out the heavy artillery in the battle for control of the territory surrounding the homestead. That's another of the joys of the season. The stick in our lawn is another reminder that, although spring is here; some things never change. We planted it last year along with several fruit trees that are now putting forth new branches in an effort to grow. But the stick, which we planted at the same time, still looks like a stick. We were hoping it would become a equipment operating? The make matters worse, the mower is new - it saw about a month of service last year before the blessed snow fell and covered up all that disgusting green stuff that makes us buy lawn mowers. But newness has nothing to do with mowers and springtime. And I battle with that waged a two-hosparkling engine until my brother-in-lawho was out enjoying his motorcycle (another sure sign of spring) dropped by for a visit that turned into a service call. He understands things like lawnmower engines. I just mostly scratch my head and wonder at man's ingenuity. So after I had spent a good part of the morning and some of the afternoon pulling on the rope and wearing myself but' in a battle of wills with the engine, he looked at it, made three simple adjustments, gave the rope a gentle pull and the thing started right up. Taking a screwdriver, he combuberated the cumberculator and I was on my way, mowing down the weeds interspersed with a blade of grass here and there, that surround my home. The lawn is another sign of spring. It's trying to turn green. But you have to understand that the lawn is new we just planted it last year. And frankly, the grass is not winning the battle to provide ground cover . As for me, I prefer a more natural approach to yard work, permitting Mother Nature to go about her business without my meddling. I ur -- roto-tillin- SNAPPER SENSATIONAL ma imm - FRll ATTACHMENTS WORTH UP TO 'I I4.9J NO MONTHLY PAYMENTS FOR W DAY t Save now when you purchase SNAPPER'S powerful rear tine tiller at regular retail ' price. You'll receive a free cultivator or middle buster, plus the hitch adaptors letters to the editor needed Museum guide's job is good experience Editor: experience as valuable as I have. It's fun and exciting and I learn For the past three years I have been a volunteer guide at the as much from these young people as they do from me. They are bright Hutchings Museum. It has been a rewarding and in- and well behaved. teresting experience. Daring the We need your help. Come and spring and fall months, &rc ps from schools in the area from Sal! Lake learn to be a guide. The museum is City to Payson come to visit the a valuable cultural and educational museum. asset to our community, be a part of I'm sure there arc nany people in it. tha community who would find this Fae Dubois glorious shade tree. But it's still a stick. We used it as a "hole" in a game of frisbee golf over the weekend. (Frisbees are another sign that spring is here. ) I suspect we will again. Once a stick, always a stick. All the signs point to spring, and glorius sunshine and warm afternoons for more of the pleasant activity I enjoyed Saturday. But I want to share something about spring - no one should feel very secure, yet. Because despite all the signs, I've lived in Utah Valley long enough to know that the time of year has nothing to do with spring or pleasant weather. And although the yard work is beginning, and my back will ache g I will tomorrow from the have to do tonight, and the sights and sounds of spring abound, I've lived in this valley long enough to know that first impressions can be fleeting. And in all probability, the last breath of winter is just around the corner. I'll enjoy the nice weather while I' cant but I will hot be surprised nor' dismayed if 1 wake up tombrrdw aiid' find the ground,1 covered with coat of white, fresh snow. Spring is here. But it's just Utah ; Valley's spring. And it will last just long enough for me to do my appointed duties, but not long enough for me to enjoy. SNAPPER'S 5 and 8 tillers have "in the e garden" easy change forward and reverse tine rotation. So purchase a SNAPPER rear-tin- e tiller today and get your choice of attachments free. Discover how easy it is to take advantage of our Sensational Spring Savings by using our credit plan. Now that's quite an offer. 's m tnap with m ? ' DID YOV KOW... LDS CHURCH HISTORY & AMERICAN HERITAGE TOUR 975 J - By MARC HADDOCK among local better Signs of spring work and snow It's spring in Utah Valley. . momma in a position of trust when she sends the little children outside to play while "I clean up the house." The little ones venture back in to see momma curled up in front of the TV watching "The Young and the Restless." "I'U give you a million bucks if you do the dishes!" "What's your name?" Okay, Mom, where's the payoff? "Now, when I was young I'd walk The lad answered, "Doogs to school!" Jones." No comment. The teacher said, "Don't be me your "If you pull faces like that your funny, young man. Give face will freeze that way." name." Or, when you'd skip to school, "If Again the lad said, "Doogs Jones." you step on a crack, you'll break Exasperated the teacher said, your momma's back." I still can't step on a crack. "You little smart alec. How do you Now, back to Easter. I sure hope spell Doogs?" "M-E-d rabbit that Patiently, the boy said, pays you a visit. He'll leave all the Parents, often in an outpouring of sweet little children candy eggs, love, yell at their kids, "Clean up treats, and probably some new togs. that room, or you're gonna catch They deserve them. For mom and it!' dad, he'll leave stale hard-boile- d Catch what? eggs and rocks in our socks. We Or, it doesn't exactly place deserve them. Ain't Easter fun! "No, you can't have any more hinch money - how much do you need?" And, if none of the above work, you can always go back to "You'll get a lickin' when your dad gets home." "You do that and I'U wring your neck, you little skunk," and then more gently, "Come dearie, gimme a kiss." Poor little kids have heard the same phrases repeated over and over again until they believe them. Like when the teacher asked the little first grader a simple question, "What is your name?" The little kids answered, "Ikie gowash." The teacher asked the next lad, . These delegates will be responsible for reducing the number of candidates for each office and each party to two prior to the primary election. In some cases, they may determine who will hold the office, by giving voters only one choice. On the state level, they will determine who the candidates will be for the governor's seat that Scott Matheson is vacating in January. The mass meeting is the very heart of the party system. And politicians for state-wid-e office have already been wooing potential delegates as they run for their party's nomination prior to the state conventions. The electoral process might end in November, but it certainly begins next . Wednesday night at the mass meetings. Anyone who cares about the kind of government they are going to receive over the next two to four years should be there. Citing uncertainty Page 2 hellewe It coo-fusi- and 23. taxpayers which is the result of a recent Utah Supreme Court decision that will raise homeowners taxes, the Alpine School District Board of canceled the voted Education -- How do kids know what we talk about? Mass meetings are important By MARC HADDOCK Wednesday, April 18, 1984 Free PreM ( After Joseph Smith had a piece of bone removed from his leg, he walked with a slight limp. This did not keep him from engaging In contact sports. At ft., 210 lbs., he was a renowned wrestler, stick puller and stick ball player. dbl. oca JULY 21 Aug. 7, 1984 TOUR PRICE INCLUDES: Round trip motor coach fare - AC, First Class & 10 Meals First class hotel accommodations Guided tours of all major Church history sites: Nauvoo, Klrtlandt Carthage Jail, Palmyra, Sharon, VT, Independence, and morel Hill Cumorah Paoeant... . Guided tours of Boston, New York and Washington D.C. Scenic boat rldesJn.ChlcaoQ.and New York City Tour of Plymouth Rock and Plymouth Virrage Broadway Show In New York City Guided tour of Gettysburg W i 1 ' ' 1 I C"m Adam-Ondl-Ahma- Ji rgme Other departures available font 24 West Main And did jon know. FOR MORE INFORMATION AND ITINERARY, CONTACT: HERITAGE TOURS 1 350 North 850 East, American Fork, UT. 84003 SPECIALISTS IN BUS TOURS oob 5 lb. Tod Sirloin Platter ilje COlb Lehir Utah 768-834- ?0cst" fx' CULTIVATOR Retail Value 114.95 MIDDUI BUSTER Hetail Value '89.99 HURRY! OFFER ENDS SOON MS 8 $05 with this ad TmtnotnumMtnmmumMae IK i WESTERN liU AUTO m EAST MAM |