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Show .1 August 2, 19H9 (Basin - Page 9 3asiim Life Standard Local employers benefit Teens learn discipline in summer job program By L.A. Eaton Its almost the end of July and by now many parents have probably heard enough complaints from bored teenagers. No matter what k ind of suggestions they are given, these Utah students who were praying for school to end two months ago are now cursed with too much time on their hands. But parents in Duchesne County are hearing positive comments come from the mouths of their children because of the JTPA Summer Employment Program. "Sometimes you hear too much about nothing to do, said Duchesne County Representative Brad Monks. "This program gives experience at a young age and helps to develop work habits and self esteem. I havent heard any complaints thats a compliment to the kids. The JTPA (Job Training Placement Act) summer program is federally funded for 80 positions at $3.35 an hour for ages Applicants are accepted after meeting the requirements of being handicapped, being a foster child or being economically disadvantaged. The positions are close to full time with 32 hours, Mondays through Thursdays during the 14-2- 1. summer. Some of the jobs arent highly skilled but develop work habits and dependability, Monks said. Other jobs are in the secretarial and receptionist fields. The positions are found mainly in service areas such as social services, grounds work for local cities and in the forest service. I wanted some good work ex- perience because I didnt want to be at the bottom when I got out on my own, said Lorie Ann Evans who has worked for the Roosevelt City Chamber Office. I found out I have a lot of talent that I didnt think I had. And Ive learned about the basic know-hoof how to get things done. Evans is a nineteen-year-ol- d from Altamont who has already begun her college studies towards a business management major. Shell be attending SUSC in the fall. "Ive gotten along well with all my supervisors, she said. They are really patient and willing to work with me. It takes time to learn some of these things. This years program received 140 applicants but officials were only able to take 80 with current funding. Among those chosen were Rebecca Potter, and Carrie Phillips, both Union High School Students. The two teenagers work for Duchesne County Social Services as secretaries. Both have learned how to deal with people on the phones and how to handle themselves during busy hours. w We have a evaluation and its been pretty positive, Monks said. We try to monitor both the employees and supervisors on a basis, if not more, to make sure its a benefit to both. Although the first job for a teenager may not be what he or she expected, the program seems g to deal with some employees. Most kids have been matched up well, said Monks. 30-da- y . CHAMBER EMPLOYEE-Lor- ic Ann Evans is an employee of the Roosevelt Chamber of Commerce through the local JTPA summer program, hard-workin- Social Services streamlined; major office now in Roosevelt Services, the government agency dealing with a variety of services from youth corrections to food stamps, has consolidated its 13 Utah districts into four regions; Roosevelt has been selected headquarters for one of those four regions, with local director McCord Marshall chosen to administer the programs. In effect as of July 25, the four regions are divided as follows: Region l includes Ogden and everything north; Region 2 is the Salt Lake City area; Region 3 includes Provo south to St George; and Region 4 encompasses the entire eastern portion of the state, from Manila to Blanding. Administering a $20 million a year budget for seven counties (Duchesne, Uintah, Daggett, Carbon, Emery, Grand, and San Juan) and a work force of over 250 is not an intimidation to Marshall, who has directed the old District 7 programs for the past 12 years. Tm excited about the change; it will give us the opportunity to' Social observe other parts of the state and how they carry out their services, as well as the opportunity to share the ideas that our excellent local staff has to offer. Marshall was an significant factor in the location of Region 4 headquarters, indicates Norm Angus, state director of Social Services. The government agency which answers to Governor Bangerter personally has become varied and highly complicated, and the need to simplify operations became distinct. Explains Marshall, There are two main program thrusts within Social Services; these have been referred to by various names over the years, but they are presently known as Family Support, and Programs. Family Support includes the various assistance programs, including medical and financial services. The Programs area includes mental health, substance abuse, handicapped services, youth corrections, family and child services, and more. In the last twelve years that I have administered the local operations, he continues, the two program thrusts have been together at the district level. Now we have more streamlined efforts, making the overwhelming elements of the programs smaller. Within our new region, Family Support will be administered through an office in Price, "while Programs will be based here in Roosevelt The Basin has been highly dependent on various family support services in the last few years, states Marshall, partially due to the high unemployment That increased case load is now levelling off, he adds. Program services case loads are reflective of the kinds of problems that exist statewide. "We dont pretend that those problems substance abuse, corrections problems, family and child concerns, etc. dont exist here; but our concerns are no worse than other areas of the that a job. is not necessarily pleasant every day, all day long. That goes for any job. While the teenagers have the chance to work, employers around the county are able to hire more help during economic hardships, with the funding of the JTPA. It he really helps economically, said. Some cant afford to hire more employees. With this program all they have to provide is the opportunity and supervision. Many employers have worked with the program over the years and ask for specific teenagers during the summer. Orientations are held before each summer session, in order to answer any questions. Some teenagers also go on to e work, with employers they met through the summer program, when they have passed the age limit JTPA also sponsors They also learn full-tim- employment year-roun- d. havent heard any a complaints-tha- t's I compliment to the kids." Before entering the JTPA summer program, teenagers are required to at least be at a seventh grade level in math and reading. Those who do not pass a required test are still accepted into the program but must attend eight hours of school a week during the summer. This helps keep education growth going instead of letting it peal back and slide during the summer, said Monks. Workshops are also given on interviews, resumes and different kinds of job skills. Overall, the program is a valuable tool for area teenagers who are given the opportunity to earn some money, gain experience and learn during school vacation. These kids can build themselves an employment record, Monks said. It puts them at an advantage in the work force. SOCIAL SERVICE HELPERS-Rcbcc- ca Potter and Carrie Philhave a lot Social the teamed Services office in at lips by working Roosevelt. They arc part of the JTPA summer program. Moon Lake is supporting Night Out on Crime Lights on means lights out for crime will be the rallying cry Tuesday, August 8, when Moon Lake Electric joins the Philips Lighting Company and millions of Americans in supporting the sixth annual National Night Out Against Crime. More than 7,000 communities and over 20 million citizens are expected to participate in the annual after-dar- k event this year. National Night Cut, endorsed by the National Association of Town Watch, the National Crime Prevention Council, and other anti-crim- e organizations, urges homeowners, apartment dwellers and businesses to turn on their Basin Briefs DONT MISS UBIC The annual UBIC celebration is upon us, with something for everyone: the queen pageant; arts, ends, and quill displays; free swimming; pet show; childrens fun run; the early morning scout breakfast; the Saturday morning parade; booths; nightly entertainment; dances; fireworks; and much more. Dont miss out on the longest-runnin- g event in the Basin. Duchesne Co. baby show tradition of Duchesne Show, The another the County County Baby Fair, is scheduled for Tuesday, August 15, at the Duchesne High auditofor the event is necessary; forms to register your rium. baby or young child can be found at various locations throughout the county; send the completed form, along with SI per child, to Tina Gines, Box 306, Tabiona, Utah, 84072. Deadline for registration is Tuesday, Avgust 8. New Food Pantry hours Duchesne New for Food Pan hours have been set the County try, loci ted in Myton. The Food Pantry will be open Mondays, Wednesdays, and emergency Fridays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. To obtain a referral for a three-da- y supply of food, an interview through Social Services is needed. A food pantry board member, or a religious leader such as a bishop or pastor, may grant a referral for one time only, allowing time for the Social Services interview. For more information, call the Food Pantry at 722-568- 4. state. Area director Indian officials meet with BIA Several Ute Indian officials met July 20 with the Phoenix, Arizona BIA area director. Chairman Luke Duncan, Curtis Cess pooch, committeemen Alvin Pinnecoose and Floyd Wopsock, and Ute Tribal Attorney Gary J. Montana met with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Area Director Wilson Barber, according to a recent press release. During the two hour meeting, the chairman of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation discussed numerous concerns with the BIA representative. One area of concern is alleged problems with "Superintendent Perry Baker. Officials of the Ute Tribe said they question the ability of Baker to work with the new tribal administration. Both the tribe and Baker are Vice-Chairm- put up the fence in the park for this weeks Uintah Basin UBIC PREPARATIONS-Workc- rs Industrial Convention activities. There will be plenty of entertainment for the entire family currently working on transferring Baker to a different area. Further talks surrounded the tribes ability to get refunding for the Ute Tribal Court System, which was retroceded by the past Business Committees retrocession of the tribes Public Law 638 contracting. Barber said that the BIA was that the courts had returned to tribal control, but felt that the concerns of the United States Attorney regarding the pleased Court Systems review prior to the Bureaus returning P.L. 638 contract monies. Although the courts are almost entirely financed by the Ute Tribe, 638 monies paid the Chief Judges and Tribal J udges yearly salaries. Barber agreed to set up a meeting Tribal exterior lights for security, spending a symbolic hour outdoors demonstrating solidarity against crime. We encourage everyone in our local neighborhoods to participate in National Night Ouf this year, said Grant J. Earl, general manager of Moon Lake Electric. We believe that getting tough on crime at the local level is one of the best ways to fight this national problem. For more information on Na- tional Night Out, the National has set Town Watch Association up a special number, decrease announced VA The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced a decrease in interest rates for veterans guaranteed home loans from 10 to 9.5, effective July 17. Douglas Wadsworth, director of the VA regional office in Salt Lake, said that the change would mean a difference of $27.75 per month in a typical $75,000 mortgage (principal and interest) financed at 10. Wadsworth also noted that with loans at higher interest rate should consider refinancing at the 9.5 level. Usually, it is to the veterans advantage to refinance at a lower rate ifthere is at least a two percentage point difference. On a $75,000, mortgage, at 11.5 interest, a home owner can save $40,500 during the life of the mortgage by refinancing at 9.5, according to Wadsworth. The reduction in interest rate comes as a result of the easing of credit and a slower rate of inflation. Lower interest rates are also reflected in conventional mortgage lending and should stimulate new home building: The last interest rate change came June 5, when the rate was reduced from 10.5 to 10. veteran-homeowne- rs 30-ye- ar with the U.S. Attorneys office in Salt Lake City, as soon as possible to discuss not only the Federal governments concerns, but the Tribes concerns as well regardingthe funding issue relating to the - courts. Another' topic of discussion tribes application to support legal fees to help with negotiations relating to the water right of the Uintah and Ouray involved the Reservation. Barber responded by indicating the Bureau would serioualy consider designating a portion of the $3.5 million Congress allotted funds for such purposes for the upcoming fiscal year to the tribe. Attorney Montana was directed to draw up the necessary documents and applications required prior to funding. |