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Show OPINION September 28. 1998 Page Uintah Basin Standard An Even Playing Field not stopped others from setting up private busi- As discussions continue surrounding a nesses selling the same services. County commissioners have been vigilant in discussions to let it be known they too have concerns and want to safeguard privately-owne- d businesses when it comes to competition from the hospital. This does not mean the hospital must be restricted from expanding their services; that is the very reason for the proposed corporate designation. Itdoes mean that anyother services the hospital considers providing within the community in the future should be carefully weighed. The hospital could further promote fair play by letting patients knowthey have options when medical services, by it comes to informing them ofother providers inthe commu- nity. There is a strong need to make sure that even those in competition with the hospital feel some partnership with them. Its important to remember that in one very significant way, corporate status for the hospital could also bode wel l for the small businessman. As a corporation the hospital would be free to joint venture with partners, providing financial backing for local entrepreneurs who desire to serve a medical need in the community, but may proposal that would remove die county-owne-d Uintah Basin Medical Center from the county to allowitto compete in the corporation, marketplace as a those forming new bylaws and rules for the change should take precautions to maintain a fairplaying fieldwhenitcomes to the hospital's ability to compete with private business. Small business owners with a stake in a fit enterprise are understandably concerned about the very real possibility the hospital will soon be able to compete more freely in the arena ofhome health care, medical suppl ies, physical therapy and pharmaceutical medically-relate- d services. out-patie- The hospital, built from county funds and should not put anyone out of county-owne- d, business. Proponents ofthe plan which would allow the hospital to become a 50 1 (CX3) corporation have assured that while the new designation would allow them to aggressively launch a managed health care insurance company (where no competition currently exists), their corporate status will not mean they will do things differently whenitcomes to competing with out-patie- serv nt vided within the community. The hospital has operated several outpatient businesses-- in fret die majority oftheir revenue comes from these sources -- but it has utilised to express opinions or comments, to highlight outstanding service ofan individual or organization, or any other worthwhile purpose. Letters may not be used to replace Card of Thanks or to list sponsors, participants, or contributors to a particular event or purvost. LETTERS Ml'ST CONTAIN 400 WORDS OR LESS. BE TYPED OR WRITTEN LEGIBLY. SIGNED. INCLUDE NAME. ADDRESS, AND AND PHONE NUMBER OF THE AUTHOR Letters will be published unless they contain libelous or defamatory statements. We reserve the right to edit letters and to withhold a name by request if the nature of the letter is positive. Letters may be submitted to the Standard office at 268 S 200 ., Roosevelt, Utah, 84066 by the published deadline (normally Thursdays at 5:00 p m.) AH letters become property of the Uintah Basin Standard. Tragedy ofthe school-bull- y phenomenon Dear Editor, There is a social cancer in our nation's schools. It is the phenomenon of school bullying. Each day millions of young people o to school afraid and scared. They are afraid of being the victims of emotional and physical violence. It is a fear known by kids like old Andrew Rudy. Illinois Andrew was called a Sissy at school for the entire first week of his 9th grade year. Finally, he reached his breaking point He came home from school and shot himself. He died, because he lived with the torture of his peers. Andrew Rudys story should shake the foundations of every home in our nation. Every parent and every teacher in our country should be so moved by his death that they redouble their efforts to stop this damning trend in our schools. I was a victim of school bullies. Often I went to school with the same fear in my heart known by young Andrew. For the entire duration of my time in Uintah Basin schools I endured emotional and physical violence. I was called names daily. I know the pain of fists in my face and the humiliation of spit in my hair. Many times my teachers turned a Mind eye to what went on. Once a teacher told my mother that bully-bullied is a."right of , ing end being paaaage I am writing a book about tho bully phenomenon called Atonement: No More Victims. The pur-pose of the book is to empower victims and make bullies accountable. My book is a compilation of victim accounts. Once the book is finished I will engage in a nation-wid- e tour and speaker series on the bully phenomenon. I will not rest until our lawmakers create laws to protect our children. My work wont stop with the book. Im compiling more victim --accounts in an archive that will be a continually growing collection of stories. Each member of the House and Senate will be in receipt of the victim archive. Each member of the White House staff will be in receipt of the victim archive. The archive must grow and the stories must be told. I invite all who read this to submit their stories to this archive. Be it one page or one hundred... your story is welcome. Send it to: Reed Cohen, 8201 Woodside, Bakersfield, CA 93311. With purpose, Darrin Reed Cowan CBS AnchorReporter 14-ye- ar Th Fanners Union urges "rural unity Dear Editor, With "Rural Unity Month wrapping up last month, Utah Farmers Union is making one last call to the state's citixens to speak out on be pm Tuesday Fix tin Fax; Friday. 4 wwwJiouse.govhanseii Congressman Chris Cannon, 118 Cannon HOB, Washington, DC 20515; (202) Shma Subscription Rates: I In the Uintah Basin Clip aid Send to: I Uintah Basin Standard Yr.S24-2Yr.I I - ; Yr.S36-2Yr.S- Cmhar Check ootv, yiT4 Sorry As Ctoyi Congressman Merrill Cook, 1431 Longworth HOB, Washington, DC 1 20515; (202) Phone; (202) Ft http-- 7 wwwJiouse.govcook I J 56 I Chy Phone; (202) 225-301- 1 Address. 1 9 2256638 Ont of the Uintah Basin I 1 225-775- Fax; cannon.ut039maiLhouse.gov 225-563- Lee Locrtschcr 434-397-6; HANNA - Tracy Roberts 646-341- 7; LAPOINT Marlene McClure 5; MONTWELL - Nola Nelson 333-434- 4; MYTON TRIDELL - Loma McKee 247-233- 0; 353-475NEOLA - Mondi Tsvtof 3, WHITEROCKS - Vsguna Ferguson DUCHESNE - Orindn Gee 84066-310- 9 224-633- 2486 Rayburn HOB, Washington, DC 20515; (202) 2254)453 Plume; (202) 225-585- 7 Fax; http-- Writers; Aldus Rachels. Lome Stradinger. A Cheryl Mecham Production; Colette Ashby, Jacec Ashby. Kadyn Meyers, Ran Marks id Shauns Gilbert I 268 & 200 E. I Roosevelt, Utah Fax; senator JiatchChatdkaenategov Congressman James Hansen, PRODUCTION: S37 Phone; (202) 224-525- conducting ,Vrrs s,7" - . Senator Orrin Hatch, 131 Russell SOB. Washington, DC 20514 (202) 1 1 Phone; (202) DEADLINES: For an News. Legal Notices. Chwfedi ft Advtrtmng. die Deadline a Thursday 3 p m PUBLISHER: Craig Ashby EDITOR: Ledec E. Whiting ADVERTISING: Michelle Roberts OFFICE MANAGER: Bonnie Pwnsh 1 over $ 1,000 is missing over a period going back to late 1998. A suspect in the case, a clerk who had been employed in the office for over two years, resigned after being told she was being suspended with pay while the investigation was underway. She has refused to cooperate with sheriffs investigators and is reportedly denying any wrongdo- - m 8 County Sheriff Ralph Stansfield. We feel there are probably criminal charges that need to be filed. "We're having to go through everything by hand and take it piece by piece, he said. "We already know there is money missing; the state investigators will help us make sense of it all. Tho missing money was allegedly paid in cash to the clerk by people owing fines, or was bond money delivered to the court from the jail. The missing funds were first noticed in late July when a man who had paid $10 in cash for a seatbelt violation was asked to pay the ticket again. When he said he already paid the fins and provided his receipt, a check of the books showed the pay-- Investigators from the Utah Attorney General's office have been called in to assist the Duchesne County Sheriffs office with their probe into allegations of missing cash from tho Westaido Justice Court The irregularities were first discovered in late July, said Westaide Justice Court Judge Clair Poulson. Its estimated that well senator9bennettsenate.gov 722-414- 0 CORRESPONDENTS: ROOSEVELT - Teresa Hamrtos ALTAMONT - : BLUEBELL ranchers. National Farmers Union designated August "Rural Unity Month to call attention to the farm crisis and its impact on all segments of the community. A letter-writin- g campaign is me part of a national Rural Unity campaign that has also included a series of rallies and listening sessions around the country. Several thousand farmers, ranchers, and rural and urban citizens have gathered at the events to show their support for family farm agri-culture. "The Rural Unity campaign has. tent a strong message to Congress that rural Americans want to see real solutions to the form crisis, said Utah Farmers Union President Arthur Douglas of Howell, Utah. "We strongly encourage residents concerned about the farm economy to pick up the phone, send an or write a letter to our congressional delegation urging them to take action. We must speak with one voice. Utah Farmers Union is calling on lawmakers to support real solutions to the crisis, including: Immediate passage of adequate emergency funding to address the short-terneeds in rural America. Long-terstructural changes to the nation's form program to reinforce the safety net for crop, livestock and dairy producers to keep family forms and randies thriving into the next century. An end to concentration in agriculture and stepped up investigations of practices in agricultural markets. Improvements to the nation's j crop insurance program to make coverage more affordable and to provide protection to formers and ranchers during times of reduced production and low prices. Sensible trade policies and trade agreements that level the playing field for US producers. Mechanisms to reduce pricedepressing stocks levels over the near term, such as a voluntary shortterm conservation reserve program. The Utah congressional delegation can be reached by phone, fax, 224-490- Periodical portage paid S Roowvdl and Dudicme. Utah (USPS Published weekly rt 261 5. 200 E Roosevelt. Utah 14066-310- 9 POSTMASTER: Scad address changes to the Uintah Basis Standard U 261 S. 200 E, Roosevelt. Utah 64066-310-9 I By Lezlee E. Whiting half of the nation's farmers and 20515, (202) 224-54- 646-900- ) Phone Alleged mismanagement of cash fines and bonds is investigated at the fallowing: letter or Senator Robert Bennett, 431 Dirkson SOB, Washington, DC Uintah Basin Standard Inc. OFFICE HOURS: 600 am. to 100 pm. Monday. 900 am to 3 00 Justice Court not have the resources to do so. It is to the benefit ofthe community that both busithe hospital and private medically-relate- d in nesses succeed their endeavors. ices already being pro- EDITOR'S NOTE: The Uintah Baste Standard welcomes and encourages opinions firm readers in the form of letters to the editor. Letters may be nt State actions are abusing foster parents Dear Editor, This letter is in response to an article I read in USA Today dated Sept 15. It addressed the launching of Gov. Leavitt's campaign to . - - an investiga-tionmto the missing fines and bonds and other irregularities after finding the money was entered incorrectly into ledger books, or wasn't entered at all, 'said Duchesne recruit 3000 new foster parents. My sister who lives in Utah recently had a firsthand experience with fester care. For years she and heahusband had tried to havo more children but were uneuccessfuL Then they heard a similar plea to the one Gov. Leavitt issued for more footer parents. She and her family felt this might be a way to fill their void and help someone out as well. They took their classes, passed their teats, and made the necessary changes to allow foster children to live with them. Finally the day camo and they were able to take twins into their home. One of the twins had been labeled partially deaf and had no vo- two-year-o- ld cabulary. After some research, my sister discovered that various recommendations for treatment had been overlooked. This was a result of being moved frequently in and out of foster care. She waa able to make sure that ha received the correct treatment, which changed the child's ability to hear and communicate. The family started felling in love with these little ones. They had been led to believe that adoption might one day be possible. One day one of the twins fell and hurt himself. My sister reported th iryury as instructed to do. She was accused of child abuse. The twins were immediately taken from her home. She has not been allowed to see them since. She is now listed aa a "child abuser by the DCFS. Her name is on a list accessible on tho Internet. My sister is filled with the pain of losing these children which she and th rest of tho family hoped would become a permanent part of their lives. They have been hurt and humiliated by the treatment they hav received by the state after responding to the plea to be charitable. . They have found they are not the only ones this has happened to. Almost everyone they luiow that has been fostering is under investigation or havo other challenges brought on by tho state people. What about the foster children? They had started calling my sister mommy. Now these children are ripped away and either placed back in the home where they were taken from (for abuse) or placed into another totally strange environment My feelings are that in an imperfect situation, the state is expecting perfection. We live in a society where you cant make a mistake. Who is ever going to want to offer to be a foster parent if you are going to be treated like you are a criminal? Kimberly Waldron ment wae never entered, said Poulson. The same day a $340cash ' . bond Jtauughu wr.Am .tb. jtt Bus drivers ask motorists to slow down had been receipted and locked into a drawer, only had $40 in cash in it when the envelope was checked. Immediately after it became apparent funds were missing, a check ofthe books by the county auditor's office turned up more irregularities. An audit conducted by an independent auditor last spring failed which to uncover any problems, said Poulson, but lately people had come in to say they had paid their cash fines and were being told their pay- ment waa delinquent. When someone pays a fine or bond in cash it is supposed to be receipted by one clerk end then given to the other clerk who enters it into the computer for deposit However, in the case ofthe missug funds, the money and receipts were apparently not being grren to the second dark, Ref Poulson explained. mr 4b Additional checks and balance are now in place in tho office. Ducheene County Attorney Herb Gillespie said "that th investigation is not complete by any means, and saye no charges have been filed against anyona at this time. ax- . Dear Editor, We are writing this letter to make people aware ofour concerns about the problems we are facing driving school bus. We drive the route from Ftruitiand into Duchesne and back at night. We have noticed an alarming increase in how many drivers do not pay attention to bus lights or students crossing the highway. It is doubly alarming with the high rate of speed that is traveled through this area. We have had several near misses with students nearly being hit and our bus nearly being run into by large vehicles. Many of tho drivers don't pay enough attention to their driving to know they have passed a school bus with flashing lights. Wo foal that the area from tho Fruitland LDS Church through Red Creek on Highway 40 should have a reduced speed limit We also feel : that we need an increased visibility of law enforcement officers to "increase awareness to drivers in this area. In contacting various agencies to get help in our plight we are given many It's dangerous out there," and "We dont have the money to do anything to help, or "You mod to turn these drivers in. To turn in a driver we need license (date number, sex of the driver, nearest mile marker or address, direction traveled, description of car, make, model, color. It sounds easy, but add watching traffic in front and behind you, making sure students get off at their stop, and stopping a student from stepping in front of a speeding car, plus traveling into the oun both morning and evening, and the task becomes very difficult We have been told that "It is not ifa student gets hit, it is when." To us this is unacceptable. We think there is no reason for a student to be hit by a car before action is taken. Please give our students a break. Be alert when driving. Don't try to rush through bus lights to avoid being stopped. Leave home on time to allow a stop for students crossing the highway. If you art tired, atop until you are alert and safe driver. No one wants to be responsible for tho death of one of these students, so be aware! problem with drivers running bus lights is not unique to our B area, but throughout Duchosno County, and probably the state. We are grateful for th drivers who stop and many even put their hazard lights on to help uo out. Many drivers who are always observant, careful drivers, make our job easier. To these drivers wa say thank you, you are appreciated! Maxine Bertoia Sherrie Thomas chief urges stand against domestic violence BIA Dear Editor, Throughout the month of October across the country, we will be raising public awareness of domestic violence and urging you to take a stand on combating domestic violence. Domestic violence affects many people. Victims of domestic violence suffer emotional and often physical harm when abused. Many victims die of domestic violence. Children ofvictims often witness the abuse or are victims themselves. Their exposure to domestic violence creates a harmful detriment that can last a lifetime. Please join with us in our efforts to reduce domestic violence in our communities. Look for information on Domestic Violence Awareness month in October issues of your local papers and in your communities. There is no excuse for domestic violence. Learn the facta to help break the cycle of violence. Michael E. Halbert Jr. Chief of Police, Bureau of Indian Farm Bureau members to vote on important policies Tho Duchesno Countv Farm Bureau will hold it Annual Dinner and Business Meeting on Thursday, OcL 7, at 6:30 p.m. at th UBATC in Roosevelt. Keith Jensen, president of the Ducheene County Farm Bureau, invites all Farm Bureau members and friends of agriculture to attend this annual event Leland Hogan, Stockton, Utah, vice president of tho Utah Farm Bureau, will be the featured speaker. Entertainment will bo provided by the Talent Find winners. The Union High FFA Chapter, under the direction of their advisor, Kirk Wood, will cater th dinner. Farm Bureau members will vote on the policies that have surfaced concerning important iasuce facing farm and ranch families in Duchesne County, our state and nation. |