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Show r i nf iru iWtifi yi ftlfmwww ir'MPtiigrwiiii ( he Salina Sun Wednesday, January 8, 1992 ss' '? ' W)wwm'.?WM y "'v S' ' 'rpprmm)' '' Salina Mayor's Corner Letter to the Editor Lights were beautiful Nyals Andreason (Si sponsibilities of Council Dear Editor: Once again, this year, Rod Rasmussen showed us one of the meanings of Christmas - caring about and sharing with our fellowmen - as the gardens and trees at his home blazed with gloriouslightand color artistry. a.m. January 2, 1991, three city council members were sworn four-yel new terms on the Salina City Council. They included in .ir Crane and Kim Robinsons; and new council Ronald incumbents, Member, Nancy Frame. All three were sworn into office by Judge i had Wasdcn. City council personnel have a dual role as members of a legislative end governing body. In the legislative capacity they have power to U rmulatc the adopt ordinances or resolutions necessary to conduct nv. af faiis of the city in providing the services to its citizens and to insure their safety and protection. In the governing or executive responsibilities the mayor delegates ;n council members administration over the various departments of Sty government. It is their governing duty to observe, evaluate, a spect, report and make needs and recommendations concerning that specific department. Action is taken by the council at a regular, open public meeting. The citizens of our city should know what city council members is ..sponsible for each and every department of civic government. If a ptohlem arises, the chairperson of that department is the first person If he or she is not available, then call the vice chairperson of i ; t ill. me department. Action should come sooner if an elected city officer called rather than simply calling city hall. As: of January 1, 1992, the assignments of city council members are as lollows: At 11 ar Chairperson Department Approval of Vice Chair. Leaders speak out against gambling Saints has issued a stateThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-da- y ment reaffirming its longstanding opposition to gambling. The statement, which is from the Council of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is as follows: Saints opposes gambling The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-da- y in its various forms. Experience has clearly shown gambling to be harmful to the human spirit, financially destructive of individuals and families, and detrimental to the moral climate of communities. The attitude of the Church on this matter has been consistent and clear over a period of more than a century. Starting with President Brigham Young and affirmed most recently by President Ezra Taft Benson, Latter-da- y Saint leaders have denounced gambling as an evil that tends to break down the moral and spiritual strength of the people. Utah now faces renewed and vigorous attempts to legalize gambling, including a lottery, charitable gambling and betting. We regard these efforts as a moral issue and unalterably oppose such proposals on grounds of private and public morality, as well as a threat to the cultivation and maintenance of strong family and community values. The statement is being shared with members of the Utah State Legislature and with LDS regional representatives, stake presidents and bishops throughout the state. state-operat- pari-mutu- - 63 East Main - Salina, Utah 84654 - Phone: 529-783- 9 The Salina Sun, SECD 4780-800- 0 is published each Wednesday for i.C.J per year in Utah and $18.00 in Utah and $21.00 per year out of the state of a by the Salina Sun, 63 East Main, Salina Utah 84654. Second class postage is i at Salina, Utah 84654. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to the inn Sun, P.O. Box C, Salina, Utah 84654. Single Copy $.50 Publisher: Kevin Ashby - Editor: Carol Jensen 4780-800- 0 Correspondents: .i id cia Barbara Scott - Redmond: Tammy JohnsonSalina: Evelyn Kiesel Viewpoint Looks From Here Carol S Jensen The Way -- j? v c sc tour for St. George to spend c New Year's holiday with family them. We arrived in i! n, and I was surprised to hear family members say they'd skipped lunch and "Lets go get something to eat." (Thinking back on it now, I should have suspected that something was a Nailing on the fire - because New Year's Eve was also my birthday!) Wc headed out and soon were on he outskirts of St. George. We were gabbing, and I really didn't notice for quite some time that the city had long disappeared. When weeameto steep, winding, canyon I suddenly came to - and said "Where are we going, anyway, you guys? Nobody "Are we going to said anything. I asked. Mesquite???" Nobody answered, and all sort of smirked, as e continued on. Expecting to turn off at Mesquite, was flabbergasted as we left the city ia our dust. I couldnt think of any towns or cities after Mesquite unless, of course, it was Las Vegas! "Arc we going to Las Vegas!!" I almost yelled. Now for most people, going to Vegas is just a routine trip. But I had never been there - and besides that, I had always felt that I could live forever without visiting the place. It was dark as we came over the liiii and the city burst into view. There was a halo of light surrounding it - Suddenly, I began to be excited about visiting the famous city - and of all nights to visit - New Year's Eve!! We went to the 'Mirage' for a great buffet. The place was packed - after all, it was a time for celebrating - wasn't it! Surrounding me were beautiful women in sequin studded gowns, men in tuxedos - Fortunatley, there were some just like me - only decked -- - -- It out in partial glory. If I'd known I was going to be with the 'rich and famous' I'd have upgraded my attire. One of the 'funnest' parts for me was seeing and listening to all the foreign visitors. Those speaking English seemed to be in the minority. We fiddled around a little there, and then jumped on the 'conveyor belt that took us down the street to Caeser's Palace, with no effort on our part at all. The tables and slots were crowded. At one dollar slot section were two elderly women, dressed in fur, in their wheelchairs, each playing two machines. The trays under the machines were both nearly full of dollars - the ladies actually looked bored. I started cheap - and threw in a few nickels. It didnt take me long to lose them - even though I screamed excitedly when one payoff plopped 20 nickels in my tray. Most went into my pocket I finally got up enough gumption to try the quarter slots. I came out about even - losing and winning about the same amount. My purse must have weighed twenty pounds on the way home as I jammed the quarters safely inside. After that, I had more fun just watching the people. People dressed to the hilt, playing large amounts of money on the tables; women with hob-nobbi- furs and beautiful gowns; men of all in everything from tuxes to almost grubbies - some with expressionless facial features, others with a tinge of fear as their money leaves their pockets a little too rapidly. All in all, I enjoyed my trip to the city of lights. It's a place everyone should visit at least once. It made me appreciate home just a little bit more. ages you Rod, for your beautiful Christmas gift, and may you have a very Happy New Year. Maurine Crane Salina pari-mutu- el would add to economy LDS U. FS Im sure that those who enjoyed thatbeauty join me in sayingThank al Future of mosquito abatement discussed A month ago, the county com- missioners presented the budget to the public, and one item seemed to generate more heat than light. It was the Mosquito abatement program. A citizens advisory committee was earlier set up to try to resolve some of the problems with the present abatement program. Most of the following information is derived from the minutes of that committees meetings. The May 1, 1991 meeting was attended by concerned citizens, representatives of the Dept, of Health, Utah Stale University Extension, Utah Dept, of Agriculture, and Sevier County Mosquito Control Dept. There was general agreement that formation of a mosquito abatement district would give those involved more authority to implement a management program that would be more effective and perhaps reduce the present dcpendance on the chemical control of adults only approach. Formation of an abatement district would require that a proposition be put on an election ballot - 1992 might bethe time to do that. Some suggestions by the group included the following: There should be some educational activities carried out to teach people how to help control mosquito populations by removing breeding and hatching sites on personal property and in their communities. This could be done through the schools and community programs. People need factual information and not scare tactics. The Dept, of Health recommends continuation of the present control program until something better can be put in place and it seems that much of the population supports it. However, since exposure to the chemical and its use is of concern to some people it was suggested by them that for the present it would be helpful if they knew when spraying would take place so they could take measures to protect themselves from contact with the chemicals. There is some effort to schedule spraying throughout the county, hut need and weather conditions cause changes, often at the last minute. To relieve uncertainty it was suggested that a telephone answering machine be installed that provides a regularly updated message to callers of where spraying would be done on a given date. It was also suggested that each truck be equipped with a mobile phone so that in the case of last minute decisions to change the schedule spraying the operator could call keep concerned citizens in the new target area who would then alert their neighbors. There was also a suggestion that a tolerance level be established in cities and communities above which control would be implemented. The August 8 meeting had been called and a representative from Permaguard was to have been at the meeting to discuss the use of this product and its use in Mosquito Abatement. He did not show up at the meeting. The use of a produce called Scourge and BTi(Bacillus thuringen-sis- ) both used for mosquito control were discussed. BTi, being a biological agent would be desirable for use if methods of application and efficacy for our situation were cost effective. It was noted that a state task force would be meeting in early September to discuss mosquito control on a statewide basis. It was expected they would make recommendations to the state Mosquito Control Association. The health issue of uncontrolled mosquitos was also discussed. It was brought up that Colorado has had a dozen human encephalitis cases each year. It was suggested that the use of adulticides (chemicals such as that presently sued in Sevier County) should be documented and there be some scientific justification and not merely done at random. There was again a call for measurable threshold at which control would be done, and not just become someone calls to complain. I will try to gather more information regarding the state task forces recommendations and the course of mosquito control activity in Sevier County. If you have questions, please call Clyde Hurst, at your Utah State University Extension Agent Office, ext 275. 896-926- 2, Extension Gardening Classes. I would like to remind you of the Extension gardening classes that will begin January 16, 1992 at 7 p.m. in the Extension conference room in the courthouse. Call or stop by for more information. When the Utah State Legislature convenes January 13, one of the issues having more potential of impacting rural Utah than any other proposed legislation - is horse racing. Affirmative action by the Legislature would unlock the doors for Utahs horse industry - which numbers over 87,000 registered horses - to expand and grow. Those of us who make our homes and livings in rural Utah should especially take note. Racing fans can drive for a few hours to Wyoming or Idaho, to watch Utah horsesrace, and to spend Utah dollars within a stones throw from our border. And Utah horsemen can ship their horses to the same cities for the regular weekend races. These horsemen did have another option - race at local tracks in races that are sanctioned by the American Quarter Horse Association. This organization has issued a statement that says they will now no longer sanction (official recognition, that allows horses to earn credit for their wins ) in races. Utah is the only state west of the Mississippi that does not have a system for parimutuel wagering. This action will force many horsemen to leave the sport, or move their operations to another state. Has there ever been legal horse racing in Utah? In the 1920s and 30s, Utah was known for its fine race tracks. The Utah Historical Quarterly recently reported that it wasnt unusual at that time to see 10,000 race fans flock to the race track at Lagoon. Utah boasts a multi million dollar horse racing industry. We rank fourth in the nation for most winning horses to come from a state. What for many was intended to be a profitable family business in the sport of kings, has turned out to be little more than an expensive hobby as owners are forced to trail horses out of the state to compete, and expense that usually more than el eats up any prize money won. They need to leave Utah because race purses here are almost nil. The l. reason - no Currently, wagering takes place under the table. Despite the lack of legalized wagering, money still changes hands. The sad part is that the state of Utah gets nothing from it in the way of revenue. A recent industry survey shows that a short 14 race day meet in Richfield would pump nearly $1.6 million into the local economy. We, in rural Ulah, need help with our economy. We dont have the tools to attract the high tech industries that are moving to the Wasatch Front. We have an abundant number of race horses and race horse enthusiasts. Horse racing will not' solve our funding problems. We won t see our taxes drop overnight. But why should we continue to send our money to Idaho and Wyoming? And most important of all: Are we taking full advantage of a homegrown industry, native to Utah? I think not. The 1992 proposed legislation simply restores what Utah once had. But more importantly, the Utah Horse Racing Act gives rural Utah a tool to boost an already existing industry. The Utah Depari-mutue- partment of Agricultures Horse Council says that the horse industry pumps over $1.5 billion into Utahs economy. Current legislation has a provision where a small portion of the mutuel handle is placed in a special account that will allow county fairs to apply for and use. The and FFA funds are set aside for award monies. Every county in Utah can apply for this money. Each county applying can expect to receive a few hundred dollars to apply toward their youth programs. Current legislation notes that only counties approving the parimutuel bill would be eligible to horse racing - so have it would not be mandatory statewide. 4-- H pari-mutu- el Scott Shaw Salina, Utah Drunk driving, alcohol to minors, among charges A vehicle driven by Ronald Lee Clegg, 22, of Richfield, failed to stop at a stop sign at 200 No: Main, Glenwood, and was struck broadside by a vehicle being drive by Kimble Curtis, age 21, of Monroe. Two teenagers in the Clegg vehicle were taken to Sevier Valley Hospital by ambulance and later transferred north by Lifeflight. A 16 year old passenger in the Curtis vehicle was also transported by ambulance to Sevier Valley Hospital with a fractured collarbone. ' Both drivers and to male passengers in the Curtis vehicle received only minor bruises. Ronald Lee Clegg, was booked tint Sevier County Jail on charges of Driving under the Influence, Supplying Alcohol to Minors, Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign; and Reckless Driving. Investigating officer was Deputy Sandy Roberts, assisting was Deputy Charles Ogden, and St. Bill Brewer, of the Sevier County Sheriffs Office. |