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Show THE SALT LAKE TIMES FRIDAY, MARCH 9 1973 Page Nine Handicapped Utahn Named by Committee To Merrill Peterson of Gunnison, Utah, handicap" and dis- ability" are only dictionary words used to describe other people. At least Petersons own hike from a hospital bed at the Veterans Hospital in Salt Lake to the independence of an accounting office in Gunnison suggest that he disregards any notion of handicapped" or disabled. The Utah Governors Committee on Employment of the Handicapped agrees. This week they named Merrill Peterson Handicapped Utahn", for 1973. According to Maurice War-shachairman of the Governors Committee, Peterson got the award because of his inspiring desire to become despite tragedy and misfortune. Mr. Petersons persistence in surmounting his disability should serve as an encouraging example to all citizens, whether disabled or not." The Gunnison resident is a veteran of World War II, served as a chief carpenters mate with the Seabees in the South Pacific. He returned to Utah at the end of the war but eight years ago he suffered an injury to his leg. An operation on the hip joint was performed at the Veterans Hospital. From then, Peterson laid dormant in a bull body cast for nearly four years, but staff infection set in and the leg had to be amputated at the hip. Also the back and left leg had to be fused, confining Peterson permanently to a wheelchair. Even during the four years of near total immobility, Peterson kept busy. During the tax season he helped friends with their intome tax and at Christmas time he leaned over the foot of his bed to fashion toys for his grand kids on an electric saw. After the amputation, Peterson moved to a wheelchair where he began the long task of becoming self sufficient and self employed. First, he and his wife completely renovated their Gunnison home. Ramps to accommodate the wheelchair had to be built. Then railings and partitions were added to make life easier for Merrill. After the remodeling was completed, the Petersons boarded up the home to attend a six month insurance school in Salt Lake City which was sponsored by the Division of rehabilitation Services, Utah State Board of Education. After graduation they returned to Gunnison and began building a private insurance and bookkeeping business. w, self-sufficie- nt, Bids Opened on Ramps For 64th South Street The Utah State Road Commission of Utah opened bids last week for the construction of two ramp structures at Shouldnt you name ford your cor for 1973? Awards from these magazines is high praise, indeed. Before they give it anything. Because they really give a car a tough going-ove- r. So your Ford Dealer is pretty proud that big Fords like the LTD and Galaxie 500 drove off with top honors. Were not surprised, though. These quiet Fords have a lot going for them In fact, Road Test magazine calls the full-sithe Ford, finest family car to be found at its price in showrooms today." If that sounds like the kind of car thatll make you happy . . . ze "... were happy. See your local authorized Ford Dealer today 6400 South in Murray. These structures are part of the major interchange with connecting M. Morrin and Sons was the apparent low bidder on these structures at $211,974, compared to the official engineers estimate 1-- 15 15. of $242,998. Both structures will be constructed with prestressed concrete beams. One will span 6400 South near 300 West and the other will be constructed over a railroad spur nearby. The contract calls for completion of both in 120 working days. Timber growth in the U.S. is about half its potential, because forestry practices are v . |