OCR Text |
Show Pape 2 -- April 11.2000 OPINION Uintah Basin Standard How We Spend Defines the People We Are Welcome to Roosevelt highway signs declare as you drive into town. But what kind of welcome does our city really extend to people who cross over our city lines? Just last week, right about the time the city . council was discussingtheneedforanewdub house for Roosevelt's 1 golf course ah elderly woman on crutches was being assisted by a family member into one ofthe closet-size- d units in Roosevelts rest area. porta-pott- y The process ofgetting grandma safely and comfortably out of the molded plastic stall was a long and tedious one for her and her patient relative, but more than that it infringed on her privacy and dignity as a human being. With great relief expressed on her weary face the poor little lady sank down into her w heelchair and was taken away from the restroom So much for a welcome. Surely the elderly woman wont forget Roosevelt s hospitality for a very long time. Nor will the families who will ask their children to wait a few minutes longer, to desperately seek other accommodations rather than use the crude lavatories at the rest stop. Anyone who has ever been forced to use one knows just how cramped and distasteful the plastic units are. We ask the question, what kind of a wel come does Roosevelt offer? Havent we heard city officials tout the importance of tourism as a meansof promoting economic development? The proposed $300,000 in funding to construct a new clubhouse at die gol fcourse would certainly go a long way to provide the most rudimentary needs for human comfort to Roosevelt visitors and citizens. Has our citizenry noticed we are lacking decent restrooms in Roosevelt City Park as well? Admittedly, the golfcourse is a beautiful asset to our little town, but the people of Roosevelt must determine where available fund- ing should be spent. After all, those dollars represent what the people of this community are about. What does thecitizenryofRooseveltreally want their dollars to say about them? That a welcome sign really means welcome? That you can stay awhile because weve provided a few amenities for human comfort? Just as a committee is formed towork with the city to promote improvements at the golf course, perhapscitizens working together could also find a wray to make improvements at the citys rest area. Surely, Roosevelt will need to utilised to express opinions or to Highlight outstanding comments, service of am individual or organisation, or any other worthwhile purpose. Letters mm not be used to replace Cards of Thanks, or to list sponsors. LESS. BE TYPED OR WRITTEN. LEGIBLE SIGNED. AND INCLUDE NAME. ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER OF THE AUTHOR. Letters will be published unless they contain libelous or defamatory statements. We reserve die right to edit letters and to withhold a name by request if the nature of the letter it positive: Letters may be submitted to die Standard office at 26S S. 200 . Roosevelt, Utah. 4066 by the published deadline (normally Thursdays at 3:00 p.m.) All letters become property ef the Uintah Basin Sir Brenowaite production a success We second the editorial "Its Absolutely Amazing, and we applaud the works of so many to produce such a grand night of entertaining with the play The Tale of Sir Brenowaite. W'e not only were spellbound with the production on the stage, but behind scenes as well. Reading the program before it started and seeing so many putting it together with their unique talents is another feather in this community's cap busy! I think about that every day as I pass her at the crosswalks. Rain, sleet, snow, shes there, and always wearing a huge smile and adorned in something fun for the kids if its a Watch her greet our kids, yours and mine, with hugs and encouraging words to brighten their day. Working to safeguard our kids before sheheads to the full day of work that still lies ahead ofher. Her morningjob brings in paycheck sere, but Lome Clegg, from all of us, parente and kids at East Elementary, we hope our thanks is worth enough, because we think youre worth a million. Tammy D. Meacham for volunteeriam! So glad we attended the first night's performance and want all to know of our gratitude and amazement! We may be a small community in population, but a giant of talent! Hats off to all who were involved! Sincerely. Mayor and Mrs. Dennis A Jenkins Tl Dear Editor, At Christmas time, I ran into Loma Clegg in a store. We were all caught up in the flurry of Christmas preparations. I told her, as we stood in line, that I appreciated her dedication to her child, mine and everyone rises kids, for standing out in the freezing cold for 30 minutes each morning to help East Elementary children safely get across the street. She then asked me if I might have a spare morning that I could help her out by taking a turn. L of course, was much too busy. I wu already going in a couple of times a week for Flounde and helping my kid's classrooms. She cheerfully wished me a Happy Holiday and as she headed to exit the store, I heard her have the same conversation with another mom who had heard our conversation. Of course, this mom told Loma the same thing I had, just too dam holiday. Dear Editor, Honor our flag Dear Editor, Three or four weeks agomy fourth son, who lives in a midwestem state, called me and asked me if I would write about honoring our (lag. He Uintah Basin Standard Inc. Periodical pottage pud 0 Romcvcll and Duchesne, Uufi (US PS 646-90Published weekly si 261 S. 200 E.. Rootcvch. Uu6 14066-310- 9 POSTMASTER: Sead address changes to die Umuh Basin Standard at 261 5 200 E- - RoosevdL Utah 14066-310- 9 OFFICE HOUR5; 100am. tolOOpm Monday. 9 00 am to 3 00 p m. Tuesday thru Friday Phone Fas 722-41DEADLINES: Far all News, Legal Nonces. Classfwds 1 Adnwusmg. die Deadline Thursday m S p m PUBLISHER: Craig Ashby EDITOR: Luke E Wfemny ADVERTISING: Michelle Roberts OFFICE MANAGE R: Bonnie Pwnsh PRODUCTION: Writers. Aidon Radicle. Loma Stradmger. A Cheryl Median Production. Colette Ashby. Jncec Ashby, Ksriya Meyers. Km Mwfcs and Shauna Gilbert CORRESPONDENTS: ROOSEVELT - Teresa Harmstm 722-231AIT A MONT -- . BLUEBFLL Slim Lac Locrtscher 434-397- 6. HANNA Tracy Roberts LAPOINT Mwtene MeCture MONTW'FLL - Nola Nelson MYTON -- ; TRIDELL - Loma McKee 247-233-0. NT.OLA - Monda Taylor WlffTEROCKS 4. DUCHESNE Onnda Gee 4 Virginia Ferguson Subscription Rates: Clip and Send to: Uintah Basil Standard 268 S. 200 E. Roosevelt, Utah 84066-310- 9 la the Uintah Basin said that they had gone to their son's basketball game, and as the US Flag urea passing, some people would not even stand, others stood but the men did not take off there hats or put their hand over their heart. What a shame! We in America are blessed above all people in the world. Let me quote from The Book of Mormon, which is a religious American history, covering from 600 BC to 400 AD. Hundreds ofyeer before Christ, the Lord told one of his prophets here that this land is a choice land above all other lands. On page 490 (Ether 2:9): "And now, we can behold the decrees of God concerning this land, that it is land of promise; and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall serve God, or they shall be swept off when the fullness of his wrath shall come upon them. And the fullness of his wrath cometh upon them when they are ripened in iniquity." Verse 12, "Behold this is a choice land and whatsoever nation shall possess H shall be free from bondage, and from captivity, and from all other nations under heaven, if they will but serve the God of the land who is Jesus Christ, who hath been manifested by the things which we have written. What a glorious promise the Lord has given us. Surely we should respect our Flag and Country! My eldest daughter gave me a little book entitled "Our Flag." It was printed by authority of the house of Concurrent Resolution 361, 100th congress, by US Government Printing Office Washington; 52-pa- 1989. It would be nice if are could all have and read this book. "Conduct during hoisting, and lowering or passing of the Flag"; During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the Flag in passing in a parade or in review, all persons present except those in uniform should face the Flag and stand at attention with the right hand over the heart. Those present in uniform should render the military salute. When not in uniform, men should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Aliena should stand at attention. The salute to the flag in a moving column should be rendered at the moment the flag passes. I hope and pray that we can and will honor and respect our Country and Flag. Let me quote from Dwight D. Eisenhower, "There is nothing wrong with America that the Faith, love of freedom, intelligence and energy of the Citizens cannot cure. I love you all let us love one another and also our country and Flag. Big The state of Utah hu decided to enact a program for vktimoffender mediation in the 8th District Court, which includes Uintah, Duchune and Daggett counties. Thia program offers victims and offenders the e chance to meet and talk about the effects of the crime on the victim, well create a restitution agreement that is acceptable to both parties. The mediation session offers the victims of juvenile crime a forum hi which they may ask questions related to the crime, expreu feelings evoked by the crime, and have a voice in the juvenile justice system. The program also offers offenders the opportunity to take responsibility for their actions and to apologize tothe victim.. t Proponents of the plan say the r mediation program will provide a process that helps to remind individuals, neighborhoods, and communities of their responsibility for crime prevention ana resolution. The Juvenile Court Victim-OffendMediation Program is receiving hijdi scores of client satisfaction from both victims and offenders who have participated in the program. Offenders who go through this program are around 20 percent more likely to pay restitution on time, face-to-fac- u u cost-efficie- nt er found. We know we'll never be able to repay all of them but see would like them to know how grateful are are for each one of them. How many of us our frilling to volunteer our time helping others and not expect anything in return? What a awesome group we have among us! We would also like to publicly thank the community of Duchesne for the many people who were frilling to help in our time of need. Thanks to our many friends and family who were also there to help. We are grateful to know we have to many people to turn to in times of need. Dillen was able to survive and choose the right things to do. We must thank our Father in Heaven for that. But also we are grateful for the "Lost in the Woods program the Uintah Basin Search Dog Members brought to Duchesne Elementary last fall We know the knowledge Dillen received from that program helped him to do the right thinp while he was lost We can never say Thank You to all that helped but we hope they know they are very special to us and hold a special place in our hearts. Thanks, Taft and Dana Grant Do you know these Folks? Mr. Whitney R. Checkette Deer Editor, Looking for classmates for the class reunion, Gass of 1950, Richard Roberts, Kay Durphy, and Donna Jean Brewer. If you have any information contact Eula Von Larsen, 169 N. 100 1, 81-Roosevelt, Utah 64066. Phone thanks to our Search and Rescue 5. Dear Editor, We are writingthis letter to thank our little boys guardian angels Duchesne County Search and Res-cu- Eula Von Larsen e. . lYr.S24-2Yr.S- 37 Ont of the Uintah Basin I lYr.S36-2Yr.S- 56 New Juvenile Court mediation plan brings offender and victim together replace the golf course clubhouse, but how urgent is that need?Thisisnotadecisionofright or wrong, or can have and cannot Its a decision based on priorities. Crosswalk guard at East is worth a million dollars!. EDITOR'S NOTE: The Uintah Bam Standard welcome! and encourage! opinions from readers in die form of letters to die editor. Letters may be Volunteer Mediators Sought Our community is very lucky to have this dedicated group among us. They are their to help at a moment's notice without having anything in return. Our little boy wu loot. Saturday April 1. while out 4 wheeling with family. Duchesne county Search and Rescue wu called out to help in the earth. As a result of their kindness lo help in our need our son was Park clean up Dear Editor, We would sure like to thank whoever cleaned up the little park just east of town in Duchesne. It has been nothing but trees, brush, and weeds for so long. Lots of asparagus grows there end will now be much easier to pick. It helps the looks of town also. Thanks so much. Onnda Gee aid Kathy Elton, Mediation Program coordinator for the Utah State Courts. In a national study, juvenile offenders who went through the program showed a 32 percent reduction in repeat offenses. d Right now, the program is trying to recruit members of the community who would like to become mediators in these cases. "The courts frill offer 40 hours of training to become mediator, said Elton. "What this program really does, is it gives community members who want to help solve problems in the community s chance to do so. Anyone who is interested in becomings mediator may apply at the Department of Workforce Services. It promotes participation end provides an additional method of reaching resolution in the juvenile court system. The VictinvOffender Mediation program is managed by the Administrative Office of the Court, Alternative Dispute Resolution Office. All of the trained mediators in the program are volunteers from the community or court personnel. By utilizing volunteer mediators, program costs ere reduced end community involvement is broadened. Mediation is process where disputing parties meet together to resolve their differences through the newly-launche- use of s neutral third partr-t- he mediator. As a dispute's resolution approaches, mediation has several advantages, explained Elton. "It is informal and confidential and pro ceeds more quickly than the normal court process. The final restitution agreement isnt imposed upon the disputants - they design it according to their own interests and the is non-a- d vrrsariaL The itrocess designed by both parties." The program also offers different benefits to victims and offenders. The victims get the opportunity to participate and have influence in the justice process, as well as the chance to express to the offender the damage that was done and the feelings whirh resulted. This program also increases the opportunities for restitution by exploring options and coming to an agreement with the offender on the terms and conditions of restitution. The program opens up a wayfarthewieinff to get to know the offender, and hat, any, danger they "present! as well as some positive qualities the offender may possess. Through thia program offenders are offered the opportunity to accept responsibility and become positively involved with the outcome of the justice process. They also get the chance to explain how and why the offense occurred and to apologize or express feelings, and to attempt to pay for, or in ot her ways correct, the damage that was done in ways that are practical and consistent with resources. The program also offers the offenders sense of personal resolution with the victim rather than simply serving time or paying money to the state. j A by Cheryl Mecham There is charred earth every"Fine, how are you? I asked where you look in the Uintah Basin. return. Folks have been out setting flam to "Were fine. I just called to so ditch banks, fields, even their front you knew that the field in rronl yards have been singed. Fencepoala your house wu on fire." smolder for days. "What!" "Your field is on fire. Why, last week I saw a man on with a propane tank "Aggghhhh, whatulle wees doc and a wand traveling around his aggghhhh! I wailed. " We called the fire field while eight-fowalls of flames depart mi were sating their way toward him. and they should be here in s hi Just as I was about to wave my arms while! and scream "Run for your life! he "Aggghhhh, run, run, the fiek aw the flames, gunned them and on Pre!" I shouted to the kids ga gotaway. His nama could have been ered around plates full of spaghe We ran over and around each otl Shaken I told my friend who lives just to get out of the front door, tl down ths street. scrambled for shovels and hea "He does it every year," she re- - out to the field where flames w me that each day being egged on by a stiff easts Ended, telling home from work she wind. Entire trees were on fire. Th panics when she see the plumes of smoke coming from her neighbor- wu little we could do except pot hood. She races homeward to find out the pass fire. Ive never beer field another relieved to see a huge red truck i going up inflames, yet relieved that at least it's not her fellows in bright yellow hard hat house. mv entire life. The flames were r Smokey Bear would bo troubled idly extinguished once thousand ifhe stopped here for a visit. I'm not gallons or water were pumped c so sure if all of this clean-u- p by fire is But one very large and very old t necessary. Now I'll admit I'm a dis- wu burning inside. The firelight placed city girl, but vegetation den- told me I'd have to babysit it fc sity in the Basin doesn't seem to bo couple of days. much of a problem to me green "Oh. nq, not me. Ill let the ym fellahs who lit the fire do that, growth seems pretty sparse. The thing that scares me the moat answered pointing to the little isdrivingalongacountry lane where fender, who wu already emb the ditch hank is ablaze and there rasaed to the point of no return. isnt a soul around to tend it. I wonOur son (ell very close lo net der if a doset pyromaniac started it during that next couple of days wl on behalf of the owner, or if the he lived under the tree. Every tim owner just went to town for a bite of flared up hed push a garden h lunch. Smoko and flames lend lo into the trunk and turn it on fc make me a bit jumpy, especially since few minute. We took him a juj the little incident a few years ago water and a cooler or undwiche when our field wu set afire by our It Uught him a good lesson, voung son end a neighbor boy. We hasnt tried to bum up ants sth nod just Mi down for dinner when magnifying glass eince then. the phone rang. better than that, he knows when ' "Hello, Cheryl. How are you? tart a fire you're stuck wstchin until the last ember is cold. four-wheel- ot - J |