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Show op 1&X 7 iMt OPINION Page 2 -- October 26. 1999 Uintah Basin Standard US WEST Territory Purchase by UBTA is a Positive Move for such a cosily investment. It was a fact ofdoing business, but its a situation that has been remedied with the sale of the US ESTexchanges The announcement last week thatUBTA Communications had purchased all Uintah Basin telephone exchanges serviced by US WEST was certainly awclcome one. With the intheBasintoUBTACommunications. Along with better customer service and enhanced telecommunications offerings, we will enjoy a boost in economic development in acquisition comes to the expectation of improved customer service and upgraded technology to former US WEST customers by the Duchesne and Uintah counties as UBTA Communications hires an estimated 15to20 full-ti- UBTA Communications. As UBTA expands its member base they will become stronger. Their purchase ofUS WEST territory will enable them to expand their resources throughout the Uintah Basin locally-owne-d employees. UBTA has always been a strong supporter ofthe community, contributing monetarily, with labor, as well as with their telecommunications expertise when called upon for assis- where they have already demonstrated they have the financial and operational ability to tance by government entities, schools, private individuals, and other groups. The purchase of theUS WEST tOTtojywiU expand their involvement in Duchesne and Uintah counties to the benefitofeveryone. and ambitiousness of The company leaders, board members, and employees has made UBTA a company their members have been proudofsince they were formed inthe late 1 940s by farmers and ranchers who werent served by Ma Bell because they lived too far out nt) the purchase ofUS WEST territory by other rural telephone cooperatives, say the transactions are in the best interest ofcustomers-a- nd that the independent telephone companies are well qualified to service their communities. UBTA Communications has been in the forefront ofproviding their rural customers with the latest technology, while US WEST lagged annoyingly behind in providing the same services to their customers in Duchesne and Uintah counties. For US WESTbringing telecommunication aihancementsintoamral area was not a priority because the population size did not provide a big enough financial return The Uintah Basin opinions pom reader in the Jbrm of letters to the editor, letters may be or utilized to express opinions comments. So highlight outstanding service of an individual or organization, or any other worthwhile purpose. Letters may mot be used to replace Card of Thanks or to list sponsors, participants, or contributors to a particular event or purpose. LETTERS MUST CONTAIN 400 WORDS OR LESS. BE TYPED OR WRITTEN LEGIBLY. SIGNED. AND INCLUDE NAME ADDRESS, AND PHONE NUMBER OF THE AUTHOR. Letters will be published unless they contain libelous or defamatory reserve aright great 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 E.. Roosevelt. Utah. 84066 by the published deadline (normally Thursdays at 5:00 p m.) All letters become property of die Uintah Basin Standard. statements. We I Team gives a provide themwith telephone lines. Thank arc due to the UBTA Board of Directors, CEO and General Manager Bruce Todd, and our local Legislator for pursuing time consuming and sometimes tense negotiations withUS WEST.andtoUS WEST for agreeing to the sale and transferoftheir less populated and Dear Editor, Special thanks to Coach Beverly Safely from everyone for making thia year's cross country team fun, and for your enthusiasm and for tailing us we could do it. Seeyou next year. Thanks again Altamont Cross Country Team. By Cheryl Mecham less profitable areas. ment to make it easier and fun because you could see the need. I'm sure then is a special place for you and your family in the "eternal cof- Dear Editor, As moat of you already know, I am. no longer, connected with the Duchesne County Food Pantry. For more than two yean I put in every ounce of energy I could muster to rebuild and reenergize that agency, often to the detriment of my own health and the needs of my family. However, aa always, these projects are never a "one-ma- n band, and to that end I would like to take thia opportunity tothank the many wonderful people who helped make the food pantry such a wonderful lifesaving resource for our community. I know that if I tiy to mention everyone by name I'm sure to leave someone out, but not intentionally. The volunteers from the Fruitland area, affectionately known aa the "cedar rate, have been euch a valuable asset to the food pantry. Not only did they drive many miles to come and help, they were such sleuths in identifying the needs of others in that area. With their help and willingness to serve their we were able to send much needed food into the farthest crevices of Duchesne County. So to Jack, Barb, Ski, Trudy, Diane, Ingrid and their families, thank you for a job well done. To Carl Foots, who generosity waa often taken for granted, thank 2 00 dviuu f every client who benefittod from the goods you dons ted on a daily bans. To Ed and Davely Casper for use of their equipment as we brought more and more truckloads into our community. Unloading by hand was never fun but you selflessly used your equip- an big thanks to Coach Safely Black footed ferret released to roam free in Coyote Basin of town to make it economically feasible to Harmston thanks fellow volunteers at Foot Pantry S NOTE: hi in-ki- nd provide high- quality telecanmunksttkxiservkies-iiKludi- ng the ability to provide the advanced services that residential and business customers are demanding, but are not getting withUS WEST. and Sen. Beverly Evans other senators whose districts are involved in EDITOR Yd fee 11100. To Floy Lough who spoiled us all with her jellies, cookies and crafting skills. A harder working lady would be hard to find. Floy was ' everybody'imomand put love and Wednesday was an exciting day for Division of Wildlife Resource biologists who released 25 blackfooted ferrets out of lidding pens into the wilderness of Coyote Basin, northeast of Bonanza in Uintah County. Because of near extinction, the ferrets, known aa the rarest mammal in North America, are going to make a comeback if its up to wildlife officials. But, biologists admit it's up to nature rather than good luck whether or not the ferrets make it on their own. The actual work to reintroduce the spedes began in 1985, said Walt Donaldson, Regional Supervisor -Utah Division ofWildlife Resources, during a public briefing before the release. The release area in Coyote Basin is actually on the western fringe of the ferret's native range on Bureau common sense into everything she did. Rick and Vivian Montoya and family, you craxy, goofy, loveablo bunch who put so much time into perfecting our operation and had things running so smoothly. And to of Land Management ground, rang and Donaldson said, noting that the talof their who time, gave young, ents and love for people in need. You habitat area is biologically sound. Groups of ferrets were released truly are appreciated. in six different areas near a prairie-do- g And finally to those other agencompound which is estimated cies and their staff and clients, your to contain a population of 40,000. for so made life easier many. caring dogs comprise 90 percent of I hope our contributions added to Prairie black-foote- d ferrets food source. your efforts to meet the needs of the In order the ferrets, to protect lees of those fortunate many their food source must also be proIt waa a truly rewarding experi- -' tected. Therefore, the DWR dosed hips have an area to taking of prairie dogs been forged that will last forever. beginning October 15. The area beThank you also to all who have gins at the Utah Colorado state fine and Uintah County Road 403 given me such wonderful references, letters of recommendation and gen- (Stanton Road) northeast of Bonanza; southwest along this road to eral good wishes. SR 45 at Bonanza; north along this I truly appreciate your recognition of a program that waa per- highway to Uintah County Road formed with the highest degree of 328 (Old Bonanza Highway); north love, caring, sincerity and integrity. along this road to Raven Ridge Oust I love you all, and again, thank you. south of US 40); southeast dong Raven Ridge to the Utah Colorado Sincerely, stats line; south along thia state Lesley Harmston line to point of beginning. Not only will the closure protect prairie dogs as a food source, it ia also to prevent the accidental shooting of ferrets, which may be more vulnerable during initial reintroduction efforts. As well, the ferrets Kiddies of all ages are awaiting are federally protected as an endanwill not the biggest free candy giveaway of gered species. The closure asDonaldson affect other uses, the year or Halloween, aa it is because the reintroduction formally known, which will be offi- sured, is done under the "10J rule which cially celebrated on Saturday, ac- allows minimal impact on hunting, cording to a proclamation signed by oil and gas mining, and recreation. Roosevelt Mayor Dennis Jenkins. There will be not be any grazing Thera waa a bit of confusion thia restrictions either, Donaldson in year about the holiday because the formed, saying Coyote Basin is open Slat falls on Sunday. Numerous to grazing ofwinter sheep. Grazing residents have approached the actually improves the habitat for Roosevelt City mayor and council members asking whether Hallow- prairie dogs and ferrate alike. Ferrets art easily disposed to een would bo celebrated on Saturcanine distemper and aylvatic day or Sunday. The proclamation waa signed plague. Because of this the 25 released were vaccinated against caduring the city's regular Tuesday nine distemper, which gives them a meeting October 19, with the hopes immunity, thus herd dogs will that the date change will make brief Halloween "consistent for the en- not be allowed in the Coyote Basin unless they are vaccinated against tire community." canine distemper as well, Donaldson Periodical portage pad si Rooicvril and Dudwne. Ulrti (USPS 646-400- ) Published weekly st 261 S. 200 E, Roosevelt, Utah S4066-3I0- 9 POSTMASTER: Scad address dunges to die Unuh Baas Stanfed 261 S. 200 E, Roosevelt. Utah 14066-310- 9 OFFICE HOURS: 100 am. to I 00 pai. Monday. 900 am to 5 00 pm Tuesday dn Friday Phone Fas: 722-41- a DEADLINES: Nances, Ctasnfieds A Advotamt, the Deadline a Thunday Jpm PUBLISHER: Crag Ashby EDITOR: Lczfae E. Wbrting ADVERTISING: Michelle Roberts OFFICE MANAGER: Bonnie Parish Far ad Nm Lcpl a PRODUCTION: Wrsers; Aldoa R article. Lons Strsdinger. A Cheryl Meehan Ploduclion; Colne Ashby, jaeec Ashby, Kartyn Mcytn, Ran Maris aid Sham Gilbert observed on Saturday offered. CORRESPONDENTS: ROOSEVELT - Teresa Hamrtni ALTAMONT - ; BLUEBELL - Sham 1. HANNA - Tracy Roberts Mt-5- 4 1 7. LAPOINT MONTWELL - Nola Nelson 353-454- 4. MYTON - ; NE0LA Mondl Taylor 353-475I5!SSijJfraVMcK,2472350; WHITEROCKS - Virginia Fergiaon 4. DUCHESNE - Onada Gee 731-263Lac Locflsehcr 454-397- 6: Maricne McClure 247-237- 5; Subscription Rates: la the a and Send to: IXeoty Basin Standard I 2(8 S. 200 E. Roosevelt, Utah I Name I Address. I City 84066-310- 9 1 , ! Uintah Basin Yr.S24-2Yr.- SJ7 Oat of the Uintah Basin I 1 Yr.S36-2Yr.S- 56 I Zip. Cash or Chrctenh. Sens NaOtantes : T1 vgOw im.iijii nm During the public briefing, Uintah County Commissioner Lloyd Swain told Donaldson that the county had been taking calls from upset citizens who complained that the release date fell before the public comment period waa over. Donaldson said this was because the public comment period waa extended by the US Fish and Wildlife Service division, which lengthened the period aver the optimum 140 days maturity release time for the ferrets. Donaldson said that under conEXPLAINING RELEASE--DW- R law US Fish and Wildsupenriwf Wall Donaldson during a gressional life has the authority to preempt public briefing before the release of comment period. 25 black footed ferrets in Coyote t)e Basin. AST llW-a?-- d to provide scientists population and survivorship information which will be gathered in a few months. radio-collare- Black-foote- d ferrets havs been reintroduced in Wyoming, Montana, South Dakota and Arizona. The DWR plana a second tentative release of Black-foote- d ferrets in Coyote Basin on October 28. WE'RE BACK!-T- he black fooled ferret was reintroduced into Utah last Wednesday by DWR officials. Halloween to be - Uintah Basin Standard Inc. Public questions during the briefing centered around what would happen to the ferrets once they are released into the wild and how DWR will keep track of them. Donaldson said the ferrets who have been used to living in small pens will move around rapidly when they are let into the wild, rat gradually settle down and look for a permanent home. A few females will be urn mm "Wf" 'lOn W H? n rtf By Cheni My dad rose extra early on Saturday mornings to do his chorea, which meant he did the milking from the light of a little kerosene lantern that sat on the barn floor. I was an early riser too, so I'd often teg along. 1 dont know if dad taught me to be an early riser or not -maybe it's genetic, but for whatever reason. I'm up to greet the sun when it rises. Now, you may think my eyelids open naturally. Thats not the case. Td sleep till the sun was high in the sky before I'd break out of my dreams. The persistent buzzing of the alarm clock wakeo me just like most everybody else. But, as an early riser I set my alarm at the same time every day, even when I could ' sleep in. Thats sick, sick, sick! my hus- band says. Ha's one of those a.m. slugs who turns into a night owl when the sun goes down, right about the time my eyelids are drooping. It's the promiee of a new day that gets to me. Mornings just seem to hold a bit of magic. Problems don't seem that big to me in the early hours. Energy ia restored. I'm ready to cope. Now, someone out there with vi- Mecham the day that I have complete control over barring disaster. Those a m. hours are used, and used well, at my house. I dean the house, jog on the treadmill, work up a good sweat and jump off. Clean tha house, do the wash. Write my To Do" list, send the kids off to school and get ready for work. Pat the top of my dogshead. say goodbye, jump in my car and from that moment on I've lost control of the day. Anything can happen after 8:30 in the morning, moot of which I will not tako responsibility for. Its no wonder that 12 hour later my bodily functions are tingdown and I slipintoone of those a comas which I refer to as "sleep." My friends jokingly refer to it as "turning into a pumpkin." Pumpkin transformation ran happen anywhere. One minute Im sitting upright, conscious, enjoying conversation, the nest thing I know, my husband is shakinf ma awakt from tha spot where 1 collapsed. Needless to say, Tm not a hit at New - poet-traum- Year's Eve parties. On the other hand, my husband can go all night without sleep, as long as he's tucked into bed by 5 a m., about the time my alarm sions of coffee commercials dancing sounds. Some may wonder how an in their heads, may think of me with earfy bird and a night owl con get an absolute look of contentment sip- along without ruffling feathers. To ping coffee on my front porch os that tell you tht truth ws just don't sun tops the hills. Not this woman. squawk at each other too much. Morning hours are the only time of Poor |