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Show inpete County &Vw Number Forty Thro Three days left to register for election Wild ghost tales come alive in Spring City haunted houses by Kav Watson SPRING CIT- Y- Early Danish immigrants to Sanpete brought not only their valuable skills in carpentry, MT. coopering, blacksmithing, tinsmithing, etc., but they also brought 18th century superstitions such as a belief in witches who had supernatural powers. Specifically in Spring City, a 20th century witch known as Old Man White Madsen is remembered by Old timers. Although he was really a qualified shoemaker who in- cidentally whitewashed gained an Registration , v ' 8 a - ; fx: ' v. j r p;?1 as.v. p iPS'P'P-- - ' I iff wv 1 If. & SM y I J s. tx rStK tti'r Ij 'h fvf fP ,5 y-H'- infamous empty. The land surrounding the home has been used for various agricultural purposes through the ensuing years including turkey growing, storage, etc. Such a scandal would have surely rocked Spring City if it had really happened. We must conclude that some Halloween prankster conjured up this tale to chill someone on All Hallows Eve. Sorry, all you storytellers! But there may be other places in town to which real scary stories may be attributed. During the short time the Thomas family lived in Spring City they experienced a few weird experiences, mostly when Mr. Thomas was absent. Perhaps blessed with a vivid imagination, Mrs. Thomas swore she heard footsteps on the staircase, but, of course, no one was there. But the most puzzling events were the several occasions of an was . , Is the old Crawford home south of Spring City There are some people in town who have wondered about a few things. Haunted not, the old house is often visited by Halloweeners looking for a thrill perhaps a ghost? unlocked door when she was not in possession of a key. How did it happen when the outside window showed no evidence of tampering? Perhaps a ghost? Who knows? Another very interesting home where Judge is the castle Jacob Johnson resided for many years while he was a circuit judge and attorney in this area. as US After his term Congressman from Utah and subsequent move to Salt Lake, the home was vacant for a majority of the time. Young people would cross the street to avoid walking immediately past this home because of its haunting reputation. Arlea Howell remembers as a girl attending aHalloween Party in this empty house and seeing a white rabbit run down the stairs, scaring her to pieces. Afterwards, she would resist every effort to get her to visit this home. According to Cifford McKinney who purchased this home in the 40s, local people never would have purchased it because of its reputation. When asked about any strange occurrences while he lived there, Cliff told of hearing heavy footsteps in an upstairs bedroom while his family was downstairs and of waiting outside for any prowler to leave the premises but none ever come out either door. He also told of family members feeling an unseen presence on several occasions while in certain rooms. What were these strange events? The present occupants, Jamie and Robert Brandt, who pur- chased this home from the McKinneys, have also had one or two experiences with a friendly but unknown presence in this home. Jamie will freely tell you of one occasion when she was having a cup of coffee in the living room and hearing the clink of a spoon holder in another room as if the presence were joining her. At least two other times she has caught the odor of cigar smoke when she was alone in the house but neither she nor her husband are smokers. Doors have also opened and closed for no apparent reason. She and Robert have concluded that it must be Judge Johnson roaming about where he lived most of his life. An interesting subject, especially at Halloween, when imaginations can run wild with thoughts of ghosts, goblins and such. Do they exist or not? Ask Jamie, or Cliff, or Judge Johnson when you see them GLoria Worthington, North; 135 Centerfield, West 200 Kathy G. Brown, 315 South Main; Axtell, Bernita Mecham, 190 East Center, and Fayette, LuAnn C. Sorensen. Christine Holman chosen Snow queen accepted registrations were recorded either in person or by mail by that date. The county clerks office is also receiving absentee ballots, and ' those who may be out of town for the election may either stop by the clerks office or send a written request for an absentee ballot. Requests for absentee ballots have to be written, and completed ab- sentee ballots must be postmarked no later than Nov. 7. I Those wishing to register must be a United States citizen, be a Utah resident for at least 30 days immediately before the next election, be at least 18 years old by the next election, and live in a specific voting district in Utah. Sanpete registration places in-- 1 elude: Indianola, Norma Bigler, 9275 North 2200 West; Milbum, Norma Vance, 4556 North Milbum Road; Fairview 1, Mary Mackay, 260 East 200 South; Fairview 2, Ruth Larsen, Fairview Heights; Mt. Pleasant 1, Christie Thompson, 257 South 100 East; Mt. Pleasant 2, Esther Christensen, 12 South 400 West; Mt. Pleasant 3, Ramona Parry, 259 West 500 North. Other registration agents are, : Spring City, Kaye Watson, 187 North ''Main; Chester, Radene Sunderland; Wales, Dorothy Miller; Fountain Green, Beth Mikkelsen, 315 North State; Moroni 1, Etta H. Irons, 191 West Main; Moroni 2, Laura B. Blackham, 210 East Main; Ephraim 141 East 200 1, Barbara Bailey, North; Ephraim 2, Eunice M. Alder, 165 West 100 South; Ephraim 3, Joan Meade, 78 South 200 East. Registration agents in Manti include: Manti 1, Don Bartholomew, 485 East 300 South; Manti 2, Valerie Dyreng, 110 South 100 West; Manti 3, I ? . hiding her.body. under, the. remained 195 West 300 North; Sterling, Rose L. Mclff; Mayfield, Julina P. Christensen, 133 West State; Gunnison 1, Shirley Higham, 229 South 100 East; Gunnison 2, through Oct. 18 at the county clerks office and deputy clerk Becky Adams reports that a lot of new reputation as a haunted house. Some unknown person reportedly murdered his wife, floorboards. Just to set the record straight for anyone who believes this wild story, Charles Crawforth was an English convert to the LDS Church who was a proficient gardener, growing all sorts of fruit trees and vegetables rarely found in this climate. He preceded his wife in death and Mrs. Crawforth moved to Spring City, building the home at 400 South and Main. Who then, was this awful murderer and when did the event take place? It is believed that after she vacated the home, it has Jane H. Church, plan- Registration can only be accepted son-in-la- w has Those those three days at registration agents throughout the county from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. his buildings, hence the nickname, his special talents reportedly included making eggs roll away from their owners property, stopping local cows from giving their milk, and the like. Hugh Davis remembers as a boy being sent to drop off shoes to be repaired by Madsen. He would leave them and run like the wind for home, never hazarding a peek over his shoulder until he reached his own home and safety. Madsens gatepost was graced by a whitened skull which may have added to his powerful reputation as a witch. Of course, once such a reputation is gained, all unexplained or unexpected events would then be attributed to that person. Madsens also had some of these mystical powers. In just such a way, i.e., word of mouth traditions, the Charles Crawforth-Crawford rock home two miles south of Spring City PLEASANT ning to vote in the Nov. 8 general election who may be voting for the first time or who may have moved since the last election only, have three more days to register, Nov. 1, 2, and 3. EPHRAI- M- Miss Sanpete 1987, Christine Holman, of Manti, was named Miss Snow College and will over the colleges reign activities homecoming this weekend. Runners up include, . Lonie Panhorst, Annalyn Roberts, Stacey Turner, and Paula AnnJensen. Christine Holman Christine Holman, daughter of Marlene Holman and the late Gary L. Holman is a sophomore. She is a Manti High School graduate and an honor roll student. As former Miss Sanpete and Miss Manti, she has judged, directed and been mistress of ceremonies for various pageants and was one of 10 finalists winning the judges interview award at Miss Utah State Fair. She is president of Snows Badgerette Dance Team and e for Snow College works summer programs. She plans to graduate from Brigham Young University with a BA degree in communications. Loni Panhorst, daughter ot Charles and Kathy Panhorst, of Taylorsville, is a member of Snow colleges Ascension show choir full-tim- Annalynn Roberts Annalyn Roberts, daughter of Dennis and Anita Roberts, of Wales, is a freshman. She was listed in Whos Who among American High School students and was a Central Utah Sterling Scholar. She is attending Snow College on a presidential scholarship, was selected for the honors program and is a member of the LD Singers. She would like to major in communication and pursue a career in public relations. Stacey Turner, daughter of Virgil Dee and Vicky Turner, of American Fork, is a sophomore and has been a cheerleader for two years. She is a member of the LDS Institute Recruitment Committee and intends to continue her education and a career in Social Work after graduation. Paula AnnJensen Paula Ann Jensen, daughter of Vernon and Annette Jensen, of Riverton, is a graduate of Bingham High School. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in communications. Arraignment continued A Spring City man, MANTI charged with 67 counts of alleged theft of about $44,000 from the Horseshoe Irrigation Company, and scheduled for arraignment in Sixth Judicial Court Oct. 19, was granted a continuance and will appear before Judge Don V. Tibbs, Nov. 2 at 10 a.m. According to records at the county clerks office the continuance was obtained by the attorney of Glen S. Osborne, 54, who was charged July with 49 felony and 18 11 misdemeanor theft counts allegedly Stemming from his employment with Horseshoe Irrigation Company. Osborne worked for the irrigation company for over 20 years. Osbornes arrest followed a investigation by the Utah State Attorney Generals office. nine-mon- th A Snow College Sophomore, Christine Holeman, Manti, will reign as Miss Snow over homecoming festivities this week. Service district could provide $370,000 in four years MT. PLEASANT Sanpete County could collect nearly $370,000 for road maintenance and repair the fourth year a proposed county special service district is in force, according to additional figures prepared this week by County Attorney Ross Blackham. Those figures are based on formulas for mineral lease payments distributed by the Utah Department of Transportation Transportation Commission and state in lieu of taxes payments for institutional trust lands, lands owned by the Division of Parks and Recreation, or lands owned by the Division of Wildlife Resources that are not already under a federal in lieu of taxes county contract. Sanpete could receive a total of $17,573.29 the first year; $31,948.58 the second year; $49,629.87 the third year, and $366,399 the fourth year, according to Blackhams figures. The fourth and following years the amount received would have two variables. Exact distributions would depend on statewide amounts remaining at or near current figures and proportionate amounts generated by the county remaining at or near the current percentages. These figures were expected to be reviewed at a public hearing held Tuesday at the courthouse to allow patrons to comment on forming a special service district that would collect funds for county roads, as provided by the Utah State Legislature during its regular 1988 session. Money grabbing However, some oppose the special district concept on die basis dial it forms another layer of government that has taxing abilities. Still others claim the Utah Legislature was given a poor bill of goods rushed through at the last minute to give counties an opportunity for additional mineral lease revenues and may even jeopardize counties federal mineral lease funds appropriations. Others blame the wording of House Bill 273 for taking away monies earmarked for local school districts and have accused the Utah Association of CCounties, that was instrumental in getting the legislation passed of money grabbing. Still others are convinced the mineral lease funds could be obtained for county road maintenance without a special service district being formed and oppose the district concept on the basis that it could burden taxpayers in unincorporated areas by taxing them to maintain roads used by everyone. Mineral lease money Mineral lease monies are generated by the use of federal lands within counties and half of those revenues are allocated directly to counties through the federal governments Payment in Lieu of Taxes program. The remainder is given to the states for distribution to cities through Community Impact Grants, for state programs, and for schools. This years legislation allows taking some of those funds earmarked for a school district or F other special purpose governmental entity with the county, to be obtained by special service districts as well as the allocation of some of the state UDOT funds, provided under the lease federal mineral agreement Dedicate roads Some have suggested leaving the money in UDOT funds and having the state do road work within the but the county would have to dedicate those roads to the state, which makes that suggestion objectionable by county and state officials concur that special service districts are complicated to organize and almost impossible to dissolve. County officials have stated that once the money was obtained and repairs made, the special service district could be disbanded. But state statutes on service districts disagree. The district cant be established just to make repairs. Complete control county, officials. However, if a special service district was formed, the county would still haveto dedicate those roads being maintained by that district to the district and could not take them back once the repair work was done. One of those projects favored by the Sanpete County Commission is the repair of the Ephraim Canyon Road that sustained major flood damages in recent years. Contrary to some beliefs, state Another aspect that bears scrutiny are those concerns special service that districts have complete control over what is being done, once they are established. Service districts are giving taxing authority by the county and except for revenue bonds that are paid off revenues through anticipated generated by district services, additional money is raised by taxes which must be voted on by the people. Other questions raised include how the county would handle ongoing problems such as other state road allocations, employees and equipment since the special service district would be a separate entity and could not share county resources in these areas. Commissioners, not only in Sanpete but all Utah counties where mineral lease funds are generated, must decide how they will handle the special service district concept to capture the available funds. Local commissioners have called it a once in a while opportunity and favor a special service district Meet candidates night slated MT. PLEASAN- T- North Sanpete Education Association is hosting a Meet Your Candidates discussion in the choral room at North Sanpete High School, Tuesday, Nov. 1, at 3:45 p.m. All local candidates have been invited to present their views. |