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Show 10A Emery County Progress Castle Dale, Utah Tuesday August 12, 2003 Green River Continued from PAGE 1 4' A. this office. Connie Copenhaer will be operating a from local newspaper and we have received a grant for the purchase of a large format color printer. The Smart Site program has also helped us obtain a v ideo camera. We w ill he able to do short runs of business cards, print business brochures for local businesses, motel directories and many other services to let people know- w hat's available in our area. We will - Commission j Continued from PAGE 1A. will have the option of working out of our office, or working from home. We also plan on ary. The commissioners then gave the public an opportunity to hav-ingso- comment on the resolution trainingclasses here granting temporary permis- at the facility w hich will be for building skills and they will be held two nights a week. said Cassingham. Copen haver said, "We have four enrolled for the medical coding who have already finished their prerequisites and will graduate on Sept. 8. We have three working on their pre- - sion. When the floor was opened to comment, no comment was ,- .' x f i, . vlayor Dale Johnson congratulates Mindy Cassingham. used to get the experience computers to the state and the Smart Site program uses them for job training and job creation. So far, 144 computers hav e been donated and distributed to rural communities as well as into the homes of families throughout the state. Our goal is job creation and employment by the private sector. We offer incentives and assistance plus a little bit of money. The entrepreneurs will work to get contracts. We also work with them to match skills with possible employers and we work to bring people together. The Smart Site program has created 700 jobs since 2001 and the governors goal is 1,000 jobs created by the end of 2004. The key is finding places w here this vv ill work, a lot of communities hav e adequate band vv idth and good employment skills, but they lack someone to put it all together as has been done here in Green River. You need someone like Mindy Cassingham to bring it all together and to make it happen." said ITall. needed so they can be hired. It is a hands on program, vv here you actually do the w ork and then it will tell you if it is right or wrong." These ladies explore the services at the new Smart site, also offer network gaming, him- cry Telcom is our network and they have been a breath ol fresh air to work w ilh. We have some people involved in getting their training to do medical coding and they pro-vid- The er requisites iiovvvv ho will start the medical coding training-i- the fall. We can take a course once we graduate to gain experience called. "Chaos by lesign." This is a ty pe of boot camp for medi- cal coders. This program is Copenhaver said the flexibility of working as a medical coder was v cry attractive to her and she has plans to take a laptop computer and go on the road and travel and still be able to work at her convenience. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held and Cassingham and the Green River Mayor Glen Dale Johnson did the honors of cutting the ribbon to officially open the new site. Mayor .Johnson said he is excited about this new chapter in economic in Green River and to thank wanted Mindy and her associates for their hard work. ITall was on hand for the opening of the new Smart Site and explained that the governor is really interested in creating high tech jobs in rural Ctah. He also explained it program where the l.DS church donates used Fioneei tail e Experiencing the Pioneer Legacy By BARRY COOK, Guest Writer For several months lendingup to the Trek. youth and adults prepared themselves physically and spiritually for the event that thecartsvverejust piled one alter another. Later in the day as some ore dow n the distance between handcarts increased vv miles the second day and we sure felt it. A few blisters and sore muscles were felt but our hearts and minds had been filled insured their place in heaven for their sacrifice. As the group crossed through t he Sweet water some pulling handcarts, some being carried and even some that day. At night, we were treated to a visit from Ephraim bulks" a legendaiy figure in the rescue of the handcart saints. A missionary portrayed his life and shared vv ith us stories of the riding, violin music, by Kaymie Powell, was played and a special reverence for this experience was felt by all. We then trekked one half mile to the Sweetwater ( love amphitheater where we enjoyed more singing find a talk by Flder Moss, a missionary He described the conditions at Martins Cove and all that led up to the struggle experienced by the handcart saints in 1 rescue, including stories of priesthood healings, and many miracles that happened ov er the many vv eeks before and after the e. books, vvritingin journals, learn-ingson- and exercising. Many hours were spent by the y mill) learning histories of the handcart pioneers and choosing a name they were to use on the trek." They were encouraged to learn about their own ancestors and gain an appreciation for the sacrifice made in the Martin and Willie handcart companies of Soli through the area know now as Marlins Cove on the high plains of Wyoming. dune 11 As we loaded into buses this morning, youth and adults dressed in pioneer clothing and carry ing buckets carefully made 1 and p; icked excitement vv as in the air. The reasons each came wen' varied from, my mom made me" to "my friends are goingso guess vv ill. Flu bus ride was long, but made a little easierw ith a little pioneer music and puzzles and a lot of snoozing We arrived at Independence Rock, just a few miles east of Martins Cove, early in the afternoon. This gae even one a chance to stretch their legs and learn a little alxuil the many trails that crossed through the area for a century including the Mormon trail. California trail and the Oregon trail. We learned quickly the importance of the draw stringon our hats as the wind blew hard on top of the old rook. A few were seen chasing hats across the top and down the other side. I 1 The group departed Independence Rock and arrived at the Martins Cove Visitors Center to finally begin the "trek." Fvery-on- e was put into family" groups of (Fit) and assigned a handcart. We load our buckets, water and fMd coolers and headed out. The girls were dressed in authentic dresses, bonnets and scarves; the boy s in jeans, western shirts and cow boy hats. After a lot of anticipation the moment had arrived and we had so much energy and breaks were more frequent. We learned a lot about the original pioneers what they may have felt as they left low a City for their tirst legof their journey. After about three miles, we arrived at the Cherry Creek Campground, set up tents, and prepared a wonderful meal of barbecue chicken, potatoes, salad and rolls. In hindsight, this first night at camp would have been more appreciated because it as the only night hen vv e had the energy left at the end of the day to dance and play some games. A vv vv saints. We enjoyed another wonderful evening with our famine's" in reflection and activities, thi'u mendingour tired and sore bodies. We also enjoyed a visit from the Pony Express. Each youth received a letter from the parent(s) bearing testimony or expressing their love and appreciation. June 13 This was to be the longest journey we would take during this few days, pullingour carts from Jackson Campground to the visitors center then to Devils Gale, then back to Jack-so- n Campground that evening. We covered about miles. Resides the pain that was felt along the trail, a greater appreciation was felt for the saints during what must have been a Using the experience to compare to our current lives, commitments and striving for eternal life. Upon the completion of the lireside by Flder Moss, vv e prepared to walk to Martins Cove saints where as many as died and were laid to rest during the few day s they vv ere there. The trail to the cove was crowded and we were unable to spend the time there that we would have liked, however, one could not walk through without feeling the sacredness of the area. Martins Cove sits back in some high hills and is fronted by a huge sandy hill that protects the cove somewhat from the winds. Alter leav ingthe area 1 through the Trail ol Faith" program. This included reading rescue parties reached the S7)(i. 50-8- 0 14-1- 7) V dance broke out that square night and we enjoyed the Virginia reel (at least our version of it) for some time before . M - v 4 A i V - b? t , ' ft finally getting back with our families and en- joy ing some reflective time to share stories of our cho- sen name, sing songs, read scriptures and pray. .June 12 Playing in the Sweetwater River. The day started very early as the group had to break camp, just as the pioneers did every day. It sure seemed like this look a long time to get every thing packed and get on the trail and some reflection of how the pioneers could do that day after day was in the air. After a great breakfast we took off down the trail towards the Sweetwater River where the handcart pioneers crossed in extreme icy and cold conditions. President Jed Jensen spoke to the group about the original experience, specifically. the brav ery of many young men who carried as many as 0 pioneers across this river-- , spendinghours in the freezing waters which they would suffer for the rest of their lives, but 400-7)0- where the Martins Company camped, you go over a small pass and start down into another area that is said to be where the dead were laid to rest. You could just picture the starving wolv es coming down out of the rocks to prey upon the dead coipses. Stories of the experience did not prepare us for the overwhelming spirit that exists there. Sister Cami Cook sang Farewell Beloved a song she wrote and dedicated to their memory. This added a lot to the experience. Upon leaving the cove area, the group picked up their carts and journeyed toward the Jack-so- n Campground. Several hours later, we arrived and set up camp. We journeyed about 10 difficult first few days. At least had plenty of food and water, strong muscles and the end was only a day away. We trudged on. The trail got exciting at times when a rattler or two was seen we slithering away into the tall grass. The odd antelope or deer was also seen on the open prairie. As w e arrived at the visitors center, we again enjoyed a great lunch and rested then walked over to Devil's Gate where the group listened to more stories from George D. Grant, rescue party captain (Barry Cook); Dan Jones, rescue party leader that stayed all winter to watch over supplies (Bishop Cowley); Caroline Marie Johnson who lost her twins to measles on heard on either side of the is- sue. Commissioners then closed the hearing and went back into regular commission meeting. They voted unanimously to open those county roads for the jamboree. 1 Commission Meeting I By COREY BLUEMEL, Staff Wnter At the Aug. 5 meeting of the Emery County Commissioners, Jamie Jensen representing the town of Cleveland requested a tax abatement on a parcel of land the town has acquired. The parcel adjoins the city park and the town council wants to build a skate park. At the time of acquisition, there were two years property tax due on the property. After some discussion, the commissioners voted to abate all the penalties and interest, and 50 percent of the property-tax- . Brenda Dugmore, deputy clerk, then presented copies of the 2002 independent financial audit. She explained that there are several wording errors in the audit and she has brought it to the attention of the auditors, Kay Kimball, and corrected copies are coming. The auditors used a new format this year which doubles the size of the audit. It is a fair representation of the financial standing of Emery County. All expenses are broken down into major and minor funds. The commissioners approved accepting the audit with the corrections. Drew Commissioners Sitterud, Ira Hatch and Gary Kofford began consideration of the Amended Interlocal Cooperation Agreement between members of the Utah Association of Counties Insurance Mutual and the State of Utah. Com- missioner Sitterud explained of the organitially the zation and there are a few wording changes and a name change involved. Commissioners voted to approve the agreement. by-la- Commissioner Hatch reported on the Orangeville-Ephrairoad project. This road is considered a federal m highway with only a portion of it in Emery County. The road is partially paved from the Ephraim side to the Great Basin Research Center. There are plans to pave the road up to Skyline Drive from that point. Federal Highway Administration funds will be used for this project as it is considered a federal highway. From Joes Valley up the top of the switchbacks was repaired several years ago. Some portions of that renovation are in need of repair. ComEmery-Count- being the coordinator in this project with the federal government funding the project. For the fourth month in a row, Steve Barton, treasurer, re board a ship (Tammy Funk); and Elizabeth Horroeks Jack-so- n who lost her husband at Martins Cove (Sandra Oveson). Ye left Devils Gate and began the long trek back to Jack-so- n Campground. About half way back to camp, however, the Mormon Battalion was organized at the request of the United States Government to fight in the American-Mexica- n As the young and old men were taken from the trail, the young ladies and women were left to ascend the most difficult part of the trail by themselves. The brothers then listened to Jared Lofley speak about the battalion and then the honor of holding the . priesthood and The young ladies were taken to another spot where they heard from President Boyd Nielson about honoring the priesthood. At the completion of the talk, the youngpushed and pulled their carts up the long e hill. Most carts only had young ladies on them and this proved to be difficult but rewarding. Many boys were seen running towards them, after their talk, to relieve them at the top of the hill. June 14 The last day, it was hard to believe it was almost over. After a quick meal of bagels and juice, the group walked the last 6.5 honoringw-om-anhood- four-fiv- concerning interest and penalty adjustments during the previous month. With none in June and one in July, Barton told the commissioners that this appears to be the norm. The com- missioners instructed Barton that he would not be required to continue to report monthly, but they would expect to be alerted if the numbers take a sudden rise. I Commissioner Hatch reported on the bids for the construction work on the South Moore road project. Brown Brothers Construction was the low bidder, although the four lowest bids all came in under the engineers estimate. The commissioners approved the awarding of the bid to Brown Brothers. Pat Snowball, personnel director, requested commission approval of the hiring of Margaret McMullin for the planning and zoning secretary. The com- missioners approved unanimously. Snowball also requested apporval for Shari Tuttle to be hired for 90 days in the attorney's office, the promotion of a road crew operator to foreman and a three step pay raise for a secretary in the attorneys office. With the currents budget restraints, the commissioners struggled with these actions. With votes of 1 in favor, the requests were granted. Another request from Snowball was concerning the tinie sheets of the countys EMTs. She suggested that the commissioners consider putting a time limit on the length of time for the EMTs to submit their requisitions for payment. Some of the EMTs are holding them for several months and this is creating a problem. Snowball suggested that a limit of 30 days be instituted. The commissioner's agreed to this suggestion, with notification to the EMTs and a 30 day grace period for this first month only. Rex Funk from the county road department requested to let out bids for a swamp cooler for the Green River Road shop. The commissioners approved. Also during the meeting, a business license approved for Danny Daley, of LawTence to sell specialty pet food out of his home. The next Emery County Commission meeting is Aug. 19 at 4 p.m. in Green River. 2-- that this agreement is essen- missioners approved ported to the commissioners per-missi- ; w-a- s mile legof the journey. I remember as wre were within sight of our buses, a group of youth fresh off their bus was enroute to Martins Cove. Their pace brisk and the anticipation on their faces w as clear. We had felt that way four days ago. Final thoughts Although blistered, tired and sore, I could not think of any regret about being there and having this experience. After preparing with songs, stories, books and research, it paid off to have this knowledge and understanding. can believe the early saints were feeling overwhelmed at the thought of three to four months on the trail. We had covered approximately 33 miles in the four days. This a drop in the bucket compared to the 1850 journey. We had definitely gained an appreciation for them. The spirit of the trek was incredible and the experience will be remembered for a long time to come. 1 s The Oveson family. |