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Show UINTAH BASIN STANDARD. December 30. FOOD PANTRY Continued from page 1 serve many individuals in the county. rare short-terhouaingat the ihelter ana the food pantry has 1,100 active files of people who within the past m year havequalified to receive an emergency three day supply of food. . To be eligible to receive food from the food pantry, income limits must be met Requirements are as follows: 1 person under $968 per month; 8 persons under (1,326 per month; 3 persona - under $1,666 per month; 4 persons under $2,006 per month. Larger families shouldadd about $340 per person todetermine ifthey qualify. Those who qualify are eligible to receive groceriee and available commodities six times per year. HUNTER FOUND i Continued from page 1 explaining that Duchesne County deputy'sand search and rescue volun- -. teers searched the Perriot Wetlands, Mallard Springs, Lake Borem and Nine Milearea. Two aircraft were also ! the search was in progress a U pal co resident living near the Sandwash Reaervoir found Nelms' fainfiM body, and Nelms' faithful dog who was laying next to the Nelms apparently parked his vehicle and began walking to a hunting spot when he collapsed, Herbert said, adding, "We sent the body out to the State Medical Examiners Office, but there doesnt appear to be any foul play, the onfy foot prints found near the body were from the resident who found him. a Nelms was employed as a biologist for the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. He is survived by his wife, Trudy and three year old daughter. with weekly stories of early pioneers who settled the communities of Roosevelt, Myton, Ballard, Arcadia, Duchesne, Neola, Fort Duchesne, Randlett and Lapoint, and with the deeds of those who started electric and telephone cooperatives to improve the qualify oflife for those who choee to call the Uintah Basin home, v . Local politics comes in at number nine in the news in review. Duchesne County Commissioner Curtis Dastrup resigned to serve as executive director for the Uintah Basin Association of Governments. His replacement was former County Commissioner Larre Rosa. In Roosevelt a new City Councilman and mayor were elected to office. In Duchesne County voters approved a school bond election to pay for construction of classrooms at East Elementary, a new gymnasium at Altamont High and a technology lab at Duchesne High. Duchesne County property owners also gave their approval to the formation of a countywide water improvement district Rounding out the top ten list, is an effort that took definite shape this year, but wont be complete for a few years yet the proposed expansion of the USU Uintah Basin branch campus in Roosevelt The wideroread community support and dedication to improving the opportunities for higher eduration in the county is evident and impressive, even at the state level. Pledges of $300,000 have been received from local businesses, and the city and counfy have done their part to contribute land and labor. Efforts to secure the remainder ofthe fundingfortheplannedconstructkm of a new 36,000 square foot facility which would include classrooms, of-ficesspaoe,amulti-purpoacfrecreatio- n center and library are moving SPIRIT Corrections officers are underpaid. Sen. George told his colMantes, leagues on the Legislature's Executive Appropriations Committee. So are public safety officers and lawyers in the Utah Attorney Generals Office We hire good people. We train j than JThey stay fin a faw yeqntaod thou they go. Its a revolving door, Mantes said. This has to be a rifle shot to the areas that need them. The powerful Executive Appropriations Committee sets the tone for much of how money is spent in the Beehive State. Leo Memmott, the fiscal analyst for lawmakers, is preparing a budget to be.discusaed in the upcoming session ofthe Legegre-gipus- ly applicant families who contributed well over the required 20 hours and asked to donate them to other families who were struggling. "There are so many people to thank, like Jay Underwood who provided this building; without this nothing else would have been pqffile, ISmsA aJT Jtrookakeqyoaaaid. Connection organizers, volunteers, and participants celebrated the season with a Christmas party held December 23 at the Moon Lake Electric building. Families and children gathered around Santa Claus forapolaroid picture. Refreshments were served andabox of groceries containing items for a holiday meal were given to all of the applicant familiesafter the event. Christmas for 1998 seems so for away - yet Connection organizers say theyll begin again, as earfy as February toprepare for Donations will continue tobe accepted - in fact volunteers say they are planning a second hand store to operate year round in frontof their workshop. In deed, organisers say that they intend to become involved in good will projects throughout the year -adding that their name Christmas Spirit Connection is not meant onfy for Christmas it is about the Christmas spirit, and serving their fellow-metheup-eomingyea- r. n. islature. Moet lawmakers didn't quibble with the premise of low state salaries but weren't sure they wanted the critical areas they defined to be limited to corrections, public safety and the Attorney Generals Office. Workers in the technology field are also underpaid, said Rep. Marty Stephens, R- - Farr West, chairman of the budget committee. Mantes said he wasnt sure of the appropriate amount to dedicate to "critical areas, but said something has to be done. T don't think we're being good stewards of the states business if we doit consider this. TOP TEN STORIES '97 Continued from page 1 water projects. Irrigators say they are still waiting for their questions to be answered surrounding the logistics of the water projects and are disappointed in the small amount of storage water that will be available. . The rejuvenation in the oil field in the Uintah Basin earns sixth place in the news this year. It certainfy wasn't 1977, but it could be worse. That's what aom a experts had to say when asked about how 1997 was shaping up for the oil industry. Inland Resources spent $53 million to buy all the assets in the Monument Butte Field owned by Equitable Resources Company. The use of water-floo- d techniques to increase productive capabilities has proven to be a means ofrejuvenating the Basins oil fields. Construction and remodeling of public facilities in Duchesne Counfy Imagine it's a few weeks from now and you're wondering what to do with your Christmas tree, which has served its purpose well. Fresh pine aroma has engulfed your home and solid branches have carried the heavy burden of lights and ornaments for weeks now. A few needles are beginning to foil, even though you've provided fresh water daily. "I guess its time to put another tree out on the curb for the city to collect and haul to the landfill, or grind into mulch for flower gardens at the local park, you might think to yourself. But wait, doesnt your tree still have some value? Sure it does! That tree can render wildlife sane benefits well into next summer, or even for two more years, depending on how you use it. Coniferous trees (ones that pro- -' duce cones, are generally evergreen and produce leaves shaped as needles) are extremely important to a variety of wild animals, especially in the cold of winter. Common coniferous trees used as Christmas trees in Utah include pines, spruces and firs, which are On Friday, Gov. Mike Leavitt recommended state employees receive adpercent compensation package, including cost of living raises and medical benefit enhancements. Some of that money would be targeted to employees who are paid for below similar workers in city and county government. Lynne Koga, director ofthe governors office of planning and budget, told lawmakers the raises are intended to be performance-base- d and that about a third of the 4 percent would be given to department directors to correct the inequities in salaries. Nancy Sechrest, director ofUtah Public Employees Association, called the governor's proposal a starting point! The Utah Department of Human Resources Management has s said that of state employees sre paid less than the market average of their private sector counterparts. The UPEA will pursue a 7 percent pay increase to shrink this gap. comeeinatnumberseven.Inl997the The department estimates that Crossroads Senior Centennial and 9 percent of state employees will Cento its Community opened doors, the Childrens Justice Center is near- leave thrir jobs this year for better in the private sector or tifyor ing completion, and construction is wages government counfy East school at underway Elementary According to DHRM, state emwhere 15 new classrooms are bring added. Duchesne Countymoved out ployees received a 2.6 percent salaofwhat 'snow known as "the old court- ry increase last year, while Salt house" into new headquarter on Blue Lake City workers got a 4 percent Bench. The county's administrative raise and Salt Lake Counfy workoffices and the new Gateway Senior ers got a 7.7 percent increase. In the meeting Tuesday, Senate Center are located in the former Bureau of Reclamation building. President Lane Beattie, The 150th anniversary or the ar- Bountiful, took issue with the flurrival ofthe Mormon Pioteers into the ry of comments about low wages for Salt Lake Valley occupies eighth ptae state employees. He questioned 1997 ten news events. The thrir accuracy and said all in the top industry Sesquicentennial was remembered in suffers from the problem of employthe Uintah Basin by the Roosevelt ee turnover. Camp of the Daughters of the Utah Even McDonalds fost-foe- d ' supplied the Standard three-fourth- stresm with large rocks to offer fish, important to wildlife. smphibians and aquatic insects a Song birds and quail use coniferous trees to roost in at night, when place to live. Christmas trees also can be used warm air becomes trapped in the dense branches. Blue grouse spend to keep a stresm, creek or river from the winter eating needles from cer- cutting into a bank, by creating a tain fir trees. Deer, elk, snowshoe diversion against the force of water. hares and numerous other wildlife Pools will form behind the Christspecies use conifers as hiding cover mss trees, which are ideal resting to conceal themselves from predaplaces for fish. Brush dies created from distors, and to escape the elements. carded Christmas trees provide an Before you discard your Christmas tree, consider helping your wild important wildlife habitat compofriends by using it any ofthe follownent, providing escape cover, nesting ways: ing sites and denning areas for Make a Christmas tree for song ground squirrels, cottontail rabbits, birds in your yard. weasels, skunks, snakes and red This can be done by placing the foxes. tree in your yard or on your patio, in Brush piles can be located on front ofa window where you can see larger backyard lots or scattered it. Decorate the tree with stale throughout woodlands, meadows or breads and bakery products hung farm areas. Since they do attract skunks and snakes, you may not by ribbons or string. Fruits such as apples and orangwant them to near your house. To be es also can be hung. Be sure to cut them in half so birds can more easCamp ily eat them. Cereals of any kind, such as (NAPS) This look at the past, Cheerios, oatmeal, grits or eommeal, and future of a great orgapresent also can be offered. Place them in nisation may warm many hearts. net bags used for onions or potatoes Then: Back in 1910, the first them tree. on and tie the Camp Fire club was formed to Stings of popcorn or cranberries young people appreciate the help Peabirds. for are great wintering learn leadership skills outdoors, nut butter or nuts of any kind can be and communities. Many their help mashed into the crevices of pine still remember the people today cones to offer special treats. friends, adventures and feeling of You will eiyoy countless hours h they found as Camp . bird to birds cone your watching Fire Boys and Girls. Christmas tree" through the rest of Now: Todays generation still the winter. . needs Camp Fire, perhaps more than If you live in a neighborhood ever. No community is immune to where there are no trees, your rid the plaguing youth. Often, problems to used Christmas tree can be prolow is at the heart of the vide cover for birds. Simply drive matter. Thats Camp Fire prowhy the base of your Christmas tree into vides a number of a snowbank and leave it for the courses that build and buds to use. e, much needed offering Ifyou hove a clothes line, you can hope and help. Children and youth collect trees from your neighbors learn how to resist negative peer and lean them against the clothes line to create a lean-t- o for birds to below similar workers in city and get out of the weather. If you hove counfy government existing trees, merely sting sane Lynne Koga, director of the govropes between two trees to lean the ernors Office of Planning and BudChristmas trees against told lawmakers the raises are get, Submerged Christmss trees intended to be performance-base- d provide excellent habitat for fish and that about a third of the 4 and aquatic wildlife, such as frogs. would be given to departIf you have a pond or stream on percent directors who in turn could ment your property, you can collect a few direct the money to correct salary Christmas trees, tic.theip-togethe- r them in the pond or id anchor A?u,.., ,..i ,i ?t.. Nancy Sechrest, directarsT Utah ..r. 4...k .Js s.j.. t. ..rc. Public Employees Association, called the governors proposal "a turn- self-estee- T think we have to make sure these statistics are right," Beattie said. He heard a story recently about an employee from the Attorney Generals Office who took ajob with Salt Lake County, which meant a $20,000 annual pay raise for that employee. "Somethings not right with that, he said. "Either Salt Lake Counfy is out of line or something is amiss." Lawmakers agreed the proposal to set aside 3 percent and $25 million - dedicated to especially low-padepartments - gives the Legislature a chance to study the compensation issue. : V A)llv Mil- J Jt,m "W' ' - id $25 Million Set Aside SALT LAKE CITY CAP) -- Legislative leaders have set aside money for an average 3 percent salary increase for Utahs roughly 18,000 workers, as well as another $25 where workers million for are particularly poorly paid. Corrections officers are eg underpaid. Sen. George hot-spo- ts told his The powerful Executive Appropriations Committee, made up of leadership from both parties, has the final say in how money is spent after hearing recommendations from various subcommittees. Leo Memmott, the chief fiscal analyst for lawmakers, is preparing a budget to be discussed in the upcoming session of the Legislature. Other committee members col- weren't convinced they wanted to limit the extra money to those three leagues on the Legislature's Executive Appropriations Committee. So departments. Workers in the technology field are public safety officers and lawyers in the Utah Attorney Generals are also underpaid, said Rep. Marty Office. Stephens, West, House "We hire good people. We train of the committee. On Friday, Gov. Mike Leavitt them. They stay for a few years and then they go. Its a revolving door, recommended state employees reMantes said. This has to be a rifle ceivers 4 percent compensation packshot to the areas that need them. age, including cost of living raises T don't think were being good and medical benefit enhancements. stewards of the states business if Some of that money would be tarwe dont consider this, Mantes said. geted to employees who are paid far Mantes, useful to most wildlife, brush piles must be at least five feet in height and 12 to 15 feet in diameter. Brush piles can be created by laying rows of Christmas trees per- pendicular and on top ofeach other. Big brush piles should be started with a foundation of large rocks, stumps or logs, to keep them from decomposing too quickly. Several heavy logs can also be placed on top of the brush pile to keep it from blowing away. Old sections of culvert, drain tiles hollow logs placed in the foundation provide ideal denning sites. As you clean your yard through the year you can keep your brush pile going by stacking onto the pile tree branches you have trimmed. If you dont like the looks ofyour brush pile, simply plant a hedge ofroses or raspberries around it to make it more attractive. By planning now, and thinking ahead, you an extend your enjoyment of that expensive Christmas tree throughout the year. Use your imagination to create things beneficial to wildlife. Keep an eye on the tree to increase your awareness of the wildlife around you and the importance of habitat. Youll be amazed! a pressure, make safe decisions and resolve conflicts peacefully. Camp Fire leaders believe in children and they learn to believe in themselves. The organization is now looking for alumni who can help in its quest to serve and inspire more youth. (KDGSMSQfJ mK3 iMuaift self-estee- State employees may see higher pay in coming year The Aseociated Prete Pace 3 Fire Bums Brighter Than Ever self-wort- over. eas. 1 By Dean Miichell, DWR Upland Game Program Coordinator taurants, he said, have high By Lucinda Dillon Decent Newt etaff writer low-pai- Continued from page Christmas trees can provide valuable wildlife habitat Lawmakers aim at boosting low state salaries Firing a rifle shot" at the problem of low pay for state workers, legislative leaders voted Tuesdsy to set aside money for 3 percent raises fin most of Utah's 18,000 state employees and another $25 million for d arworkers in especially CHRISTMAS Tree Has Value For Birds 1997- - rr ir HIJAYIM 3 ant starting point The Utah Department ofHuman Resources Mansgement has said s of state employthat ees are paid less than the market average of their private sector counterparts. The UPEA will pursue a 7 percent pay increase to shrink this three-fourth- gap. The department estimates that 9 percent of state employees win leave their jobs this year for better wages in the private sector or city or counfy government In the meeting Tuesdsy, Senste President Lane Beattie, Bountiful, tod: issue with premise that state wages are low. With the state's hot job market, aU companies are seeing turnover. "I think we have to make sure these statistics are right Beattie said. He heard a story recently about an employee from the Attorney Generals Office who took ajob with Salt Lake County, which meant a $20,000 annual pay raise fin that employee. Somethings not right with that, Beattie said. Either Salt Lake Counfy is out ofline or sanething is amiss. December 30 - January 5th One Show only 7:30 Not A Double Feature GJ1 One Show Only 7:30 p.m. Tomorrow Never Dies "PG-13- " Pierce Brosnan One Show Only 9:15 p.m. mmn imibumtiK it ft LESLIE NIELSEN One Show Only 7:30 p.m. So Show Sunday. MCVIE IFCXNArrci Call 122-20- 1S |