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Show Walter Officials Breath Sigh Of Relief by David Bern Area irrigation company officials no say they no longer fear another spring of excess mountain runoff. And one official says his company may even experience a slight water shortage this year. Hopper Infestation Ernest Matthews, president of the Grantsville Irrigation Company, says both North and South Willow creeks are flowing with runoff well below last years record Critical The massive infestations of grasshoppers on Utah lands has reached critical proportions and the federal amount. "The water coming out of both creeks is being used for irrigation, said Mr. Matthews. "None of it is going to waste like last year." Weve been working the last 10 days trying to get all the water we can into town, he added. "Unless something drastic happens, were not anticipating any flooding this year. Mr. Matthews said he thinks crop-eatin- g government must begin spraying federal lands in Utah, Con- gressman Jim Hansen told a House agriculture subcommittee Wednesday. In his testimony before the subcommittee, Rep. Hansen warned that this years grasshopper infestation could be as bad as last year. Some experts called 1984 the worst grasshopper year in the states history - a year in which grasshoppers caused an estimated $6 vital springs that contribute to water supplies are in good shape for the year. But in comparison to last spring, flows out of both creeks are tame. He said that last spring, an estimated 200 cubic feet per second of water was measured out of South Willow Canyon. On the other side of Tooele Valley, Ross Johnson, president of the Middle Canyon Irrigation Company, says all snow on the canyon million in damage to crops. "The frightening thing, Rep. Hansen told the subcommittee, "is that those same farm experts who were worried about last years infestation are now worried that this years infesta tion will be as damaging or floor is gone with no signs of high runoff. "Things certainly are different from the past two years, said Mr. Johnson. "All the snow is gone on the canyon floor and there isnt any water in the ditch a few thousand feet above Angel Grove. Mr. Johnson said all water now leaving the canyon comes from springs at Angel Grove. A small amount of water is flowing at canyon's head near the old mine dump, but that water quickly disappears into the ground. "I dont know if were going to have any high water this year," said Mr. Johnson. "If we do, I dont think that it will be much. The irrigation company president expressed mixed feelings over this years runoff outlook. He said it is a relief not having to face another high runoff year. But a lot of available water is a relief, too. "We like to see lots of water, but . Tooele Citys Fifth South Flood Control Project is on schedule with first phase construction near completion. Pictured above is the end of the over- flow concrete ditch that empties onto Fifth South. The south side of the street rceived its curb Wednesday and UDOT has started its project to replace a culvert beneath 6 that empties into a concrete diversion box next to the highway. not like in the past, is a much larger area to fill than the lower half. said Mr. Johnson. Mr. Johnson added that his company could run "a little shy on water this yean An irrigation pipe inside the canyon needs to be replaced which usually carries a large portion of the companys water. That pipe was severely damaged during last years flood. Howard Clegg, president of Settlement Canyon Irrigation Company, says recent cool weather has slowed runoff substantially but maintains "that anything can still happen." "Low snow is now out of the canyon and a lot of snow has evaporated in higher snowpack, said Mr. Clegg. "If we do get any high runoff, I think well be able to contain it and run everything through the flood control system." Mr. Clegg added that the reservoirs level now stands at 47 feet. To date, the reservoirs level has increased about one foot every 24 hours. Another 13-fo- rise and water will go over the spillway. "But from here on out it will take much longer to go up a foot, said Mr. Clegg. "The top of the reservoir U-3- Mr. Clegg says he is not con-- ; cerned about having enough water 'to fill the reservoir this year. He says this is going to be a good water year. "Well wait until the peak of the flow has passed and then well let the reservoir fill up all the way up," said Mr. Clegg. "By that time, the 5th South Flood Control Project will be in place and UDOT will be finished with their work on the highway. "If water then goes over the spill way, everything will be OK, he added. For the past two years, Ophir has been the scene of wild flooding and extreme damages to both public and private property. But for this spring, Ophir Mayor Georgia Russell reports that runoff has been controlled. "Our runoff started on April 1st and I think weve already peaked, she said. "Unless we get some more heavy snow, I dont think well have any trouble this year." The mayor added that this springs runoff caused no damage in canyon. Tooele Sweeps Wildlife Confab by Nick Drake f I Tooele nearly made a clean sweep of top honors as the Utah Wildlife Federation concluded its convention Sunday. Gerald Gordon, Tooele, was reelected as president of the Utah Wildlife Federation which is over 3,000 members strong. Verl Davis, also of Tooele, will replace Loyal Clark as first vice president of the organization with Merrell Miller, Salt Lake, ,7w- n i Ji A) f 1 'V Little Bit Louder Now! Tooele's Craig Ferrln, a member of the Jazz band, helps lead a Salt Palace crowd In a chant during Utahs playoff win over Wednesday. Grab a shovel and toughen up marks the start of Tooele Citys annual spring cleanup. The spring cleanup gives local residents a chance to polish home and property by removing everything from last fall's leaves to last generations junked vehicles. And next week Is the time to do it because the county landfill will be open for free to city limit residents Monday through May "AH next week will be free dump week at the county landfill," said Joe Busico, director of streets, parks and recreation. "If the weather stays bad next week, the city Mill make a request to the county that the free dump be extended. Mr. Busico says cooperation is asked of residents to transport their own debris down to the landfill and not expect the city to do It City crews will be busy on street improvement projects. However, the elderly and residents without any means of transporting to the landfill may leave debris between the curb and sidewalk, said Mr. Busico. Anyone who plans on leaving re- elected as second vice president. The Tooele County Wildlife Federation won the award as the outstanding affiliate club in the state while Senator Karl Swan, also of Tooele, was presented the conservationist of the year by the statewide group. In this second term, Mr. Gordon will be president of the largest group of organized sprtsmen in the state. The Utah Wildlife Federation has 23 affiliate clubs throughout the state of Utah and has tripled its membership in the last two years, since Gordon has presided over the organization. "I feel good about getting reelected president," Mr. Gordon noted. "The thing that makes me feel so good about it is that the Federation has come a long way in Its Spring Cleanup the hands because Monday ews otes Time! debris between curb and sidewalk must call city hall and make arrangements for crews to pick it up. "Please, do not put any debris in the gutters, stressed Mr. Busico. "We'll have a mess in the event of a rainstorm. Mayor George Diehl says the city will remove abandoned and Junked vehicles, but the owner must first call city hall and make a request. The mayor also said he encourages the tear down of old buildings next week and removal of unsightly material on vacant lots and homes. the last few years. Last year we made tremendous gains in membership and increasing our financial base. I feel real good about it and I think well be able to move out even further this year. Mr. Gordon said they are not going to make any drastic changes in new policies or emphasis but strengthen what they already have. "We are not going to do anything new, but just continue to improve on what we have already. We are pretty much a first class outfit," Mr. Gordon stated. He said the election of Mr. Davis as first vice president was a good choice for the Utah Wildlife Federation. "He is the vice president of the Tooele County Wildlife Federation and he had a lot to do with what Tooele accomplished last year, Gordon added. "He is a good officer and leader." The newly elected president also said the awarding of Sen. Swan as the conservationalist of the year was a pleasant surprise to many wildlife members. 'That was the surprise of the year. For the past 15 years he has supported wildlife initiatives in the state Senate and he usually hangs in there for wildlife," Mr. Gordon said. "And there is a lot of pressure in the Senate because wildlife isnt really a priority in the state even though the sate takes in a heck of a lot of revenue from wildlife. The conservationalist of the year award is the most prestigious award we give out." Mr. Gordon also stated the selection of the Tooele County Wildlife Federation as the outstanding affiliate was another welcome surprise. "We were really pleased and surprised with what happened in Tooele," he added. "They have a lot of pluses going for them. They are coming up to speed with the world. They have computer programs helping them run their affairs, the management of the organization is good. They are participating in some good projects, like the hunters safety classes, etc. The Tooele county Wildlife Federation has always been an active organiza- tion, he said. Mr. Gordon says he is looking forward to a big and bright future for the Utah Wildlife Federation. "I think the Utah Wildlife Federation is going to grow," Mr. Gordon said. "Its a respected organization throughout the state, now." Visitors Plan Extensive Tour Of CAMDS Out-Of-Sta- te Tooele Army Depot will again host a group of community representatives from other states who want to tour the Chemical Agent Munitions Disposal System. On May 14, 10 community repre- sentatives from Anniston, Ala- bama; Pine Bluff, Arkansas and Hermiston, Oregon will tour CAMDS to witness the Army's M55 chemical rocket disposal process. Those community representatives live near Army depots that are being studied for possibly receiving M55 demilitarization facilities like TADS CAMDS. Last August, CAMDS was toured by community representatives from Lexington, Kentucky. The Army depot In Lexington Is also under study for a M55 demilitarization facility. Marilyn Thompson, acting public affairs officer for TAD, says the tour Is a workshop to provide information to the representatives on the proposed program to dispose of obsolete M55's stored near their respective communities. "We felt it was only fair to show CAMDS to the other communities besides Kentucky considered for CAMDS construction, said Mrs. Thompson. "The tour is to show the community representatives that (Continued on page eight) worse than in 1984. "It doesnt do much good to spray when federal rangeland next to your farm is not sprayed. These federal lands harbor more than enough grasshopper eggs to do you in. Time is most important. We need the immediate corporation of the federal government, or grasshoppers will rain again on Utah, Rep. Hansen concluded. Toddler Seats Available Tooele County Health and Human Services is renting toddler car seats. The rental fee is $15.00 for six months and includes a $10 refundable deposit. A demonstration and class is required for rental. Toddler car seats are for those children between the ages of six months and two years and preference is given to low income population. Local Doctor Retains AAFD Dr. Jay M. Spector of Tooele has completed education requirements to retain active membership in the American Academy of Family Physicians. The requirements call for members to complete a minimum of 150 hours of accredited continuing medical study every three years. The academy was the first national medical group to require members to keep up with medical progress through continuing education. Storm Expected To Hang On Weather forecaster Steve Hatch says Thursday's clouds and snow are an unexpected surprise. And unfortunately, that is not the end of it. Mr. Hatch says early this morning a storm developed over Nevada, causing todays return to winter. The weather forecaster said a large cold upper air trough is developing over the Great Basin region. Mr. Hatch says the storm is intensifying and somewhere In the state is likely to get hit hard with snow. Just where that will be is not yet known. As for tonight's weather, expect cloudy conditions with a chance of rain or snow showers, later turning to snow and continuing through Friday. Saturday variable clouds with continued rain and snow showers are predicted, along with strong northerly winds. A drying trend should begin on Sunday. Now Appearing THE JACKS At Th Bowling Alley Lounge. . . FRIDAY & SATURDAY, APRIL 26 and 27 8:30 p.m.-- 1 2:30 a.m. |