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Show airport, bees, tax relief by C. R. Truitt MANT- I- County Commissions discussed the Manti Ephraim Airport, heard the annual bee report, approved subdivisions and gave tax relief at the Nov. 23 meeting. Airport report North Sanpete High School Transition Learning Center students recently conducted a food drive in the Mt. Pleasant and Moroni area collecting 200 lbs of dried and canned goods. Participates rndude front row (left to right): Vern Koggel, Brittanie Christensen, William Gibbons, and Clista Duden; back row, Patrick Haskins, Matthew Keiffer, and Jason Prestwich. Presbyterian church to hold holiday services MT. PLEASAN- T- The First Presbyterian Church will celebrate the Christmas season with special music curing the 11 a.m. Worship Services Sunday, Dec. 12 and 19. Everyone is encouraged to attend these Christmas services. For more information contact Pastor David Boge at 462-266On Dec. 12, Damon and Melissa Gray will play an Aria, by Haydn, on the violin and cello, accompanied by David Rosier. On Dec. 19, the Childrens Christmas Service will include performances by children, sing- 7. ing of traditional carols and music by the Handbell Choir. The Candlelight Christmas Eve service will be held Friday, Dec. 24, at 7 p.m. The annual service has become a communitywide tradition and involves special musical performances from members of the entire community, the singing of Christmas carols and the offering of prayers for this holy and joyous season of the nativity. The First Presbyterian Church in Mt. Pleasant was established in 1875 by the Reverend Dr. Duncan J. McMillan, who also founded Wasatch Academy that same year. Treat bags to Annabella be given at art on display city drawing in Ephraim MT PLEASAN- T- The city hosted Santa when he came to town Saturday Dec. 4, and even provided the milk and cookies, but where were the children? In anticipation of Old Saint Nick, the city bought lots of peanuts and candy and the folks at First Security Bank filled bags for the little tots. Santa sat there and some parents stopped by so he would know what to bring down the chimney on Christmas Eve. A photographer was there to snap pictures, but few came. As a result this Saturday, Dec. 11, at 1 p.m., when the City Bucks drawing starts at the Recreation Center, all the bags of candy will be given to the COPY EPHRAI- M- "See All the Trees", an exhibit by artist Darlene Hansen, Annabella, is currently on display at Central Utah Art Center, 86 North Main, Ephraim. Hours are noon to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. The exhibit features paintings of nature created in acrylics and oils and will be on display through Tuesday, Jan 4, 2000. Correction MT. PLEASAN- T- The location of the City Buck drawings to be held Dec. 11 and 18, at 1 p.m., has been changed from City Hall to the city recreation center. Manti Councilman Steve Johnson and Ephraim Councilman Lynn Schiffman acting in behalf of the Ephraim and Manti Airport requested the county participate in a 10 percent matching funding with cash, or combination for a $300,000 grant to improve the airport which was established in 1941. Council members stated they would have to look at the' budget before making a final decision. Johnson and Schiffman expressed the belief that the airport has played a part of the current economic boom the county has experienced. They also reported that the airport recently went under a formalized inter-loccooperation agreement and is the only Sanpete airport still on funding lists. The airport representatives stated that the planned improvement from the grant will provide improvement in the runway, bury power lines, replace and upgrade the lights. They would also like to build a new hange, but the $200,000 price was preventing them. The possibility was not ruled out, especially if a pilot working in cooperation with Snow College decided to put in a training school. It was also mentioned that a new hanger would bring in revenue and attract new business. Bee report Robert Graham, a local bee keeper and inspector, stated many Utah counties dont have any but Sanpete bee inspections, have banned keepers together for protection against diseased bees. He went on to say that this is the only reason for the inspections, and stated he was willing to step down. The commission praised his efforts and asked him to continue for at least a year. Graham reported that 1568 colonies have been inspected this year, and only two diseased colonies were found, which were then destroyed. He stated the bee business was "down", suffering from lack of places to take bees. In order for bee keepers to make money they must take bees to California to orange and almond orchards to get the best honey. He said that besides problems Sanpete bee keepers face economically with diseased colon;cs, there is also a problem with insecticide sprays from airplanes. "in-kind- ", al If they are not careful about how fields are sprayed the potenwill tially dangerous sprays spread by wind over homes and ,vbee hives. Bees may pick up the poisons from neighboring' fields in the pursuit of nectar. Without the bees, farmers and tree owners will suffer from lack of pollination. Graham also mentioned that the African strains, also known as "killer bees" have possibly mixed with Utah bees through male-be- e experiments carried on by the Federal government and California trips. He stated that he feels the TV media has overblown the actual problem, and that even Utah bees, known for having a docile nature can become agitated, but different colonies have varying degrees of agitation. He stressed that there is no "killer bee" threat in Utah. Business permit Jeff Allred and Loretta John- son from Windwalker Ranch, Spring City, appreared before the commission to request a permit to allow guests staying at the dude ranch to take horse back rides into the forest They stated they had spoken to the Forest Service who seemed positive about allowing access to areas. They stressed they use no motorized vehicles including snow mobiles or and they dont go into areas frequented by hunters during hunting seasons. Bessey stated that they commission wholeheartedly supported the business, but appoval has not yet been given. back-countr- y. Ron Smalley was given relief on a senior citizen hardship for his current taxes and Robert and Shirley Bahlmann for a rate mistake by the County that had increased taxes. Rob Christensen was told that he didn't need tax relief since the taxes on the business property stayed with the land, which had been reverted to a previous owner. Christensen had only been seeking relief after the property had been reverted. Pickett stated that he hadn't realized the officer was working at such a low rate until recently and that Kirkham is well-worthe increase. th '' Subdivisions Three subdivisions received final approvals after lengthy planning processes, Scott Anderson for two lots located just north of Fairview, Joseph C. Fackrell for Rockridge, and Kaztah Hancock for Sweetwater. The planning and Zoning commission chairman expressed concern that the county had no regulation concerning hydrant placing in subdivisions. He also said that water rights are listed with the state and the county helps to keep water rights straight with zoning procedures. Miscellaneous In other matters. County Treasurer Earl Clark quizzed commissioners on the county Christmas party details set for Dec. 23, and received approval for temporary e help in tax posting. employees part-tim- Tax relief A motion was passed granting many people tax relief. Charlie Stevens was given relief by transferring $823 to his home property from another property that was taxed because it had a home on it. Stevens explained that the home was a "demo model" and no one lived in it until after the land was sold. Councilmen Blackham and Cox gave authorization for Chairman Bessey to sign the CDBG contract to allow the elevator for the . senior citizens community housing project in Mt. Pleasant. A motion was also passed to write $39,210 in the budget operation for the Book Mobile program and held a short but unspecified executive session. four-wheele- v' : Justice department A motion was granted to give Patrica Rowley, a two-yeworker with an excellent record, a step raise and granted a request to purchase new radar guns for Patrolman Highway Troopers Openshaw, Bradshaw, and Avery at a cost of $6,450. Justice Court Judge Ned Jensen commended the Sanpete resident troopers, saying they do almost all of the work in the county that the Highway Patrol provides. He also said that the older radar guns are still useable if used less frequently and would bo to the Sheriffs department. He also said they are replacing the three radios for the troopers and these would go to the Sheriffs department also. -- v 4 J v. t j s ar Sheriffs department A motion was passed allowing Sheriff Claude Pickett to.increase the pay for e officer Kenny Kirkham, who was almost three dollais lower than the $10 an hour wage of other officers. part-tim- Dunng this holiday season most people are rushing arc buying for our children and family, while some stuggl survive. Many are left without gifts, kve, or companions Consider sharing with those who are less fortunate!! tl who are interested, special angels will be hanging on the tre Jensens Department Store, 29 North Main at Manti. They avadable for those who want to help a child or elderly perso need. For more information call (435) 835-313- 1. 1 f |