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Show Visit us on the World Wide Web http:www.ecprogress.com hi!BgajHaB5Sig-nEtt- INSIDE ili aDirae Cottonwood drops PTA for PTO by JAMES L. DAVIS Editor, Emery County Progress PTA members at Cottonwood Elementary in Orangeville recently voted to break affiliation with the national organization in favor of a newly formed Parent-Teach- er Melon Days Organization. ITA members voted to go to a PTO during Cottonwoods back to school night, according to Darlene Debry, PTO treasurer. While turnout for the PTA or PTO vote was light, those who did vote unanimously supbalported the move to a ITO. Fbrty-nin- e lots were cast, with 44 of those votes in favor of a ITO, four in favor of remaining with the PTA and one blank ballot. The issue of switching from a PTA to a PTO came about as the Cottonwood PTA prepared to reorganize its leadership. Before members cast their vote they were informed on thepossible advantages and disadvantages of leaving the PTA. What a lot of people were looking at is how much of their (the ITA) efforts were affecting us here, Debry said. In a letter detailing the advantages of staying with the PTA, Patsy Stoddard, Emery Council PTA President, asked Orangeville PTA members to carefully consider their vote. The PTA sponsors the Reflections program every year. Each year a contest is held to choose a theme for the following year. The students can participate in seven different categories.... The students of Cottonwood Elementary have excelled in the Reflections program. Without the PTA in your school, they would not be able to advance to the council, state and national level where there are scholarships given in all categories," Stoddard said in her letter. With the Reflections program in mind, PTO members at Cottonwood plan to organize a similar program for the school. Realizing that the competition would have to be Debry said the Cottonwood PTO may discuss with Cleveland Elementary (which also operates as a PTO) the possibility of creating a Reflections-lik- e program locally. The dues paid to the PTA were a subject of concern for many who voted. The dues of fees are light, $3 per person, that goes to the organization. As a PTO, all dues would remain in the school, which will have some Impact, according to Debry. I think that was the biggest issue, she said. Another area of concern was the PTAs position on gun control, which Stoddard addressed in her letter. The PTA has supported a ballot initia-th'e to let the people of Utah vote on whether or not concealed weapons should be allowed in schools and churches. The PTA supports putting this issue before the citizens of Utah. I have attended many train- Green River celebrates annual tradition 2B. Courtesy photo The two sides in the battle over RS2477 roads can find little middle ground. One side wants roads like Cpnover Road, pictured above, closed, the other wants it left open. The impassioned battle between those who want to maintain access to wilderness areas and those who want it closed is all part of the ing meetings and conferences sponsored by newly-forme- d by JAMES L. DAVIS Editor, Emery County Progress Emery Countys desert tug-of-w- ar with the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance landed in federal court recently as both sides weighed in on the proposed closure of roads in the Sids Mountain, Muddy Creek and Crack Canyon areas of the county. The longrunningbattle between the . county and the environmental organization ended in court after both sides were unable to find a middle ground for agreement on roads in the area, according to David Blackwell, county attorney. In the last hearing they (SUWA) indicated they were willing to recognize some roads, but it was a short list of roads that we didnt feel was adequate," Blackwell said. The latest court battle stems from a SUWA request for injunctive relief in the area, which would have closed the roads pending the outcome of a luwsuit the organization has filed with the courts. According to Blackwell, SUWA wants the majority of the RS2 177 roads in the areas to be closed, which would virtu ally cut off all access to Sids Mountain, Muddy Creek and Crack Canyon. The county's position in the case is that it has ownership issues on the roads in question. To prove that county officials had to compile maps and historical documents which showed the existence of the roads prior to 1976, which would make them RS2477 roads. In 1976 the law w hich allowed for the maintenance of roads across federally owned lands was abolished. Any roads built after that time were not authorized, according to Blackwell. The county asserts that all of the roads in question were built prior to 1976. Which doesnt mean the county is unwlll-ingt-o compromise, accordingto Blackwell. We do agree that people shouldnt be skelter out there on their But they should be able to drive on established roads and enjoy the wilderness experience, he said. With that in mind, the county, in a cooperative effort with the Bureau of Land Management, has agreed that some of the roads should be closed. Maintenance of the remaining roads Is shared by the county and the BLM, as it has been in the past. In the hearing the county presented its case before the judge and while a ruling driv-inghelt- er has not yet been issued, Blackwell feels things went well. We were able to show that were not just a bunch of yahoos down here wanting to tear up the country. We do want to take care of our wilderness, but we still want access to it, he said. Which is a point of concern for many in the county, especially those unable to hike into the area. "To close off an entire area is impractical for anyone with disabilities or advanced age. Those people should be able to enjoy the wilderness experience as well," Blackwell said. While the county waits for the decision on the case, the fact that it acted to intervene in the lawsuit and was able to present its position is reason for hope for those not wanting access to the areas cut off. The fact that we intervened in this case made a big difference," said Kent Petersen, county commissioner. Even if the judge rules in favor of the county in this case, Blackwell said the won't be over. There will continue to be a battle with SUWA. But we're trying to show that we're willing to compromise." tug-of-w- ar Continued on PAGE 2 A. Giving back Volunteers converge on the Wedge for National Public Lands Day An estimated IKK) people will converge on the Wedge Saturday tgivc something back during the 7th annual National Public Lands Day. Volunteers will be Installing buck and The Colors Of Fall Even the weather in the past approaching, the mountains have week was more reminiscent of become a rainbow of colors and a Summer, the trees of the Manti beautiful reminder of the wonder-Lasa- l if know fall is in the air. With tho chill of the cooler months fast (POOR Botanical area dedicated to man who helped discover unique area 6A. ITO ofwar two-thir- the PTA. I have not at any time heard anyone that wants to take the guns away from the people," she said. Stoddard also wanted to remind families in Orangeville that the PTA offers insurance for ITA sponsored events. As the ITO in Orangeville Lifes Work land waiting right outside your back door. rail enclosures around designated campsites, puttingup fire grills, pouringconerete for handicap access to the sites' new restroom, pouring fire rings and cleaning up the area. There will be entertainment and a dutch oven barbwue provided by Emery County Search and Rescue after the work is complete, aeeordinglo Margaret Sw asey, organizer for the event. During the day organizers are hoping to release a iVrcgrlno falcon into the wild. There w ill also be a Golden Eagle demon stration. Emery County w ill be presented the I Agacy of the Land Aw ard for its joint partnership with the Bureau of Land Management. Tbm Fry. state director of the BLM, w ill Ik on hand for the event. Swasey said that those wishing to help during Nutional Public Lands Day at the Wedge should bring gloves, rakes and shovels and Ik prepared to dig in and help. Volunteers should bIso bring their own lunch, Drinks will bo provided, ns w ill the barlocue later In the day. Volunteers will meet at the Wedge at 9 . a m. on Saturday for Those wishing to volunteer to help are asked to call Margaret Swasey nl Its porn or Its! 5225 or Win no Ludlnglon at ( 135) (tiKPUiMHi slgn-up- BRIEFLY Hunters Safety Classes begin Hunting season has arrived and s for Hunters Safety will take place at Canyon Mew Junior High Thursday at 6 p.m. Class days are scheduled for Sept. 25, 27, 29 and Oet. 3, 5. Those signing up for hunters safety should bring their Social Security Card and parental permission. Call Wes Gray, for more Information. sign-up- ' 687-98- 64 Legislature plans town meeting at high school Members ef the I'tah State Legislaw ill hold a town meeting at the ture Emery High School Auditorium Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. All members of the Emery County community arc Invited to attend this meeting. The public is welcomed to ask members of the legislature questions regarding state public policy. Wheelchairs available for senior citizens The Senior Wheels USA Program makes available power (electric) wheelchairs to senior citizens (65 years old and up) and the permanently disabled, at no cost to the recipient, if they qualify. The power wheelchairs are prow ho cannot walk and cannot a manual wheelchair, and who meet the additional guidelines of the program. No dexsit Is required. Ifvournmt Is for use In your home, please call for more information to see if you qualify. Call toll free, Izion t(MK) 111, Johnson at vided to those self-prop- el |