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Show Messenger-Interpris- Thursday, September e, 1980 t8, The J.P. Doodles9 joins our staff. . . . weather problems, environmental issues, the energy crisis, sewers, school boards and predator control. McWilliams said he selected Doodles as his main character because T wanted someone who could be involved in a lot of different situations - someone who could reflect local thoughts Other recurring characters include a bureaucrat, farmer, rancher, logger, a gas jockey, and editor. McWilliams derives his topics from news items, editorials and letters to the editor appearing in the newspapers that subscribe to the J P. Doodles strip. I read the papers every week to see whats going on and then I draw accordingly, he said McWilliams, who considers himself an works out of his studio in rural Alder, located in southwest Montana. For the past 15 years, he has lived between New Mexico and Montana, working at various jobs such as teaching, training horses, driving truck and cooking When 1 draw a character, chances are I've had some of his experiences, McWilliams said. "J P Doodles originated at The Madisonian newspaper in Virginia City, Mont., where McWilliams worked for a year as advertising manager. He also worked at the Eagle (Colo. Enterprise as an artist. McWilliams has had no formal art education, but instead earned a bachelors degree in English and a teaching credential at San Francisco State University. He was born and raised in Southern California, but McWilliams was drawn to the Montana area because thats where his family originated. In fact, McWilliams' late great uncle, who lived in Eureka, Mont., had a long, white beard, which was the inspiration for the white beard worn by J P. Doodles himself. r. DOODLES J.P. Doodles joins the Messenger-Enterpris- e as a new staff member this week. Doodles, a fictional justice of the peace (hence the title J.P.) who could be serving in any small town, is the creation of Barry Mc- 38, started McWilliams, Doodles in October, 1978 drawing and Homo by Dr. Daryl J. McCarty by President J, Marvin Hlgbee collto 1 have had many ask me in recent months about the faculty-studeratio at Snow College. Since d this ratio is really a sword, I thought that members of the community would be interested in the issues connected with faculty student ratios. two-edge- On 'J.P. The humorous strip features plenty of editorial comment on everyday issues affecting the rural counties of America, McWil-liam- s says. Recent topics have included the one hand, we feel it is important in small that students be served educationally classes. On the other hand, legislatures and those responsible for making budget decisions continually press for more economy which means serving more students per teacher. The balance between these two philosophies is difficult to find. The legislative analysts office tried to answer questions about student faculty ratio for the last legislative session and prepared a report that listed the Snow College faculty student ratio at 20.08:1 which means, according to that office, that there is one teacher at Snow College for every 20.08 students. The student faculty ratio at other institutions is as follows: University of Utah, 16.02, Utah State University, 17.44; Weber State College, 20.24; Southern Utah State College, 1799; Dixie College, 1834; College of Eastern Utah, 16.04; Utah Technical College Provo, 17.80; and Utah Technical College S.L.C., 1837. In future columns about the student-staf- f faculty to staff. share some thoughts ratio and about the ratio of I will The Press Must Be Free! by t. LeRoy Yorgason Executive Manager Utah Press Association t .. . I On September 2nd the Utah Press Association, Inc. went into court to obtain a judgment against a company who had not paid for advertising placed through UPA offices in Utahs community weekly newspapers. Prior to the proceedings, the judge informally asked the clerk to identify the litigants in the next case. When told that the plaintiff was the Utah Press, he mumbled audibly, I dont know that I want to do anything for the press. They are always making a fuss about everyone elses mistakes, but theyre never wrong. No sir, theyre ' always perfect. That attitude is just right, , The press iqust be aggressive enough to make a judge feel that he is being watched by imperfect people. He needs to be kept aware Ride-Along that his decisions and actions are exposed to the public, and his proceedings must be as simple and as clear as Other winners in the area These were the local Valley Farms, Sterling; possible to avoid misunderstanding. In spite of the good intentions of a judge, observers were Jake Christensen of winners of special categor- Harmon's Western Supnot all see the same facts in the same light. When may SadMt. Pleasant, Youngest ies. There were many ply, Manti; Burns one gives an account that appears accurate to reporter Weston who won and Whites Wanda Rider; prizes Bailey, others dlery Fairview, free breed to the random drawing. ern Wear, Satina; Tack him, the judge may have a different view. And a second still another view. The litigants inDiamond 7 Mammoth Shak, Richfield; Anderson reporter may have volved also own views. Who is to say which their have who and Wear Western Local ShepJack; Mayfield Musksponsors is wrong? Anyones understanding of what took view eteers Club, Most donated prizes for the herd's Sportsman Supply, place is colored by his prior experience and the perspecg are Sunshine Nephi. Riding Club Members. tive of his involvement. A reporter has the obligation to report the situation as a representative of the public not as a judge or as a litigant. The story filed by one reporter has to be accurate because other reporters, the public who attended, and the court officers will discredit him if he is obviously wrong. In other words, the freedom to report requires reporting the truth. The mere fact that a judge and a reporter do not see the same things the same way underlines the necessity for freedom of speech and of the press. Each must be allowed to express what he believes to be true. And where several voices are allowed to speak, the public gets a more complete understanding of what actually took Draws $6,400 March of Dimes The March of Dimes was held on Saturday, Sept. 6, 1980 at Sundance Resort in Provo Canyon. There were 88 riders who participated and combined donations totaled just over $6400.00. These donations are deeply appreciated as they will be used to help in the fight against birth defects. There were many local riders this year, all of whom won some very nice prizes. The winner of the registered Arabian show gelding donated by Peays Suncanyon Ranch, was Shannon Jensen of Gunnison. Shannon collected in $1000.01 donations which was the most money turned in by an individual. Ride-alon- g 4-- Ride-Alon- Os G0CO ofercO 0 PDDduDCl? Here s Something to Consider We The Utah Sixth District Court has dismissed a condemnation suit that sought the takeover of the C.P. National Utah electrical system by 18 southwestern Utah communities. In a Sept 8 ruling, Judge Don V, Tibbs stated: Under the Utah constitution and Utah statutes the 18 communities have no legal authority to condemn an existing public utility, and the proposed use is not a more necessary public use. Judge Tibbs also ruled that the attempted acquisition is in violation of the primary jurisdictional authority of the Utah Public Service Commission. The motion to dismiss was filed by UP&L? July 2 among citing, other1 things, lack of legal authority to condemn. Utah Power is seeking Utah Public Service Commission approval for purchase of CPNs system serving a three-count- y area in southwestern Utah. Initial hearings on the sale have been held and are scheduled to continue September IS. UP&L has offered to purchase CPNs utility property and electrical operating rights in southwestern Utah and northern Arizona for approximately $20 million. The condemnation suit ohoOq 80. Qmu DD place. Freedom of the press also means that anyone can start his own newspaper, newsletter, magazine, or whatever. Broadcast media are still licensed by an agency of the federal government and have a limited freedom of entry into the industry and content of their programming. If this freedom to report, freedom to enter the industry, or freedom to witness the activities of government is ever restricted, we will then lose our freedom to know the truth. As Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, Freedom of conscience, of education, of speech, of assembly are among . . . are the only commercial job printers located in Sanpete County. Dont forget that return- Condemnation Suit Dismissed, UP&L Free to Bid on CPN Guest Editorial (i was filed June 4 in both Fifth and Sixth District Courts; however, both parties agreed by stipulation that the Sixth Districts ruling would be applicable in both Districts. The plaintiffs in the condemnation suit included the communities of Cedar City, Brian Head, Enoch, Paragonah, Paro-waKanab, Enterprise, n, Hurricane, Ivins, La Verkin, Leeds, New Harmony, St. George, Santa Clara, Springdale, Virgin and Washington. Five of these communi- ties already own their own electric system: St. George, Enterprise, Hur- ricane, Parowan and Paragonah. In the motion to dismiss UP&L said the complaint fails to state what interest, if any, and what legal authority, if any, confers status on these communities as The proper plaintiffs. motion also argued that it is not clear who will bear the burden in paying the condemnation award and especially what contributions will be required of those cities already owning municipal systems. The motion to dismiss also said irreparable harm could result to both existing and new customers by the lengthy condemnation proceedings, and protracted litigation of this matter not only a utilitys jeopardizes ability to operate but seriously threatens the publics need for electrical, service. - Droah auay f rora Advortiotng Cluftor Advertise in the Messenger- Enterprise ! ILDGGCJOGE) AV GADG GGOTGQ If you have to work, you'll want to know that your children are safe and in a pleasant environment. the very fundamentals of democracy, and all of them would be nullified should freedom of the press ever be successfully challenged. GoflCaii GaOD May judges, mayors, sheriffs, school board members, county commissioners, presidents, senators, and every government official feel the uneasy pressure of an ob- 035-660- serving, imperfect public whenever a reporter is present. 1 What that means to you: Were the only job printers who pay taxes here to support Sanpete County s schools, city and county governments. If you believe in the concept of supporting those who support you, you llsee us for An Experienced Leader your commercial printing needs. NOT ONLY THAT .. future, is . to utilize my Our quality is unsurpassed! Our time schedule is the fastest! Our prices are fair! to fiep Manti, Utah Printing 135-424- 1 14 us. move AGES CDS PDDG'ff Messenger-Enterpris- e of paramount importance. fj want ye.au. experience in tfie Hdtaft Senate forward. An Effective Legislator StattSmaf District Senator Thorpe Waddingham j ing to school with new new subject teachers, matter and new classtheir studies from day one mates is not always easy. parCongratulations, ents. You have weathered and working with them to Much changes over the the summer and the kids develop a wholesome, summer. Some kids can being home. They are now positive attitude towards handle the changes in a safely tucked back into school? Are you providing relatively smooth manner, school and you have time for them to vent their while others have a more returned to your normal frustrations and share difficult time. All have duties, minus the kids, their treasured moments some major adjustments with you? Have you spent to make. under foot all day. For a couple of weeks time determining study Right now is the best now, they have been time, looking for the best for you to help your time back to in to hard your study get working place into the swing of school home and assisting in children have the most life, including studies, seeing that the needed successful and productive meeting new friends and materials are available? year possible. A genuine renewing old acquaint- Are you discussing what is concern of the parents, ances. Or have they? happening in each class or expressed openly to their The first few weeks are subject to make certain children will go a long way critical in helping to they understand what is toward saving frustrations determine the success or going on and not begin- and disappointments between now and the end of failure of students. Are ning with misunderwith to them are And you checking you school in 1981, My wish standings. find out how they feel doing all you can to for you and your children about school, to determine encourage them to keep at is a very exciting and if they are keeping up on it and not get discour rewarding year. Snow College your comnuaity ; Executive Secretary Utah Education Association 1 Williams of Alder, Montana. Barrys colorful characters are carried by over ISO weekly newspapers and four small dailies in Montan, Colorado, Wyoming, North and South Dakota, Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Utah. aged? Are you aware of the new friends they are meeting and those with whom they are becoming real buddies? Are they attending classes as they should and developing good work habits? School President's Corner Page 2 , N. 21 Thorpe Waddinshsm VatoforOm NM PsMul Mt, hj CHIim to WoMhiflMn j 9 j i |