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Show I page IS April 18, 2000 Basin LIFE Uintah Basin Standard THEY SEE THEIR EFFORTS AS ORDINARY Profiles of two very different volunteers who walk the walk By Cheryl Mecham In honor of the contribution! make to the people of our community, the Uintah Basin Stan- vol-unte- en dard will recognize local individuals this week and next who have made a difference in our little corner of the world. Rick Jeppeen of Roosevelt Once Rick Jeppeen begins talking about wrestling, you know he's not going to stop anytime soon. After all. he's put most of his life into organising the Tiger League and Free Wresteams tling teams in Roosevelt that have produced state championship wrestten. Teams that would have petered out without Rick's constant stewardship, a stewardship that involves hours of volunteer time every single week. "Weve had some good kids come through. Wrestling's not a fun sport unless you get involved. Lots of kids don't want to put up with it .. they have to practice every day to keep on top. It takes a special kid to keep coming back, Rick said. Those kids, he says, "Get me up in the morning. I can do it because I have a great job and a great boss who allows me to do it." Currently Rick puts about three hours a day, five days a week, into wiestlingand a full Saturday about eight months out of theyear. But he doesn't mind, he says, because he loves making a difference for the kids, noting that a few Union High wrestlers have received scholarships for their achievements through the sport. On thejob Rick keeps track of grocery inventory at Jubilee and makes certain that the shelves stay bill. Manager Carl Foot allows Rick to work Ft raight through from 9 a.m.-- 3 p.m., then he uses his late lunch hour to pick up kids for Tiger League and nin practice after school. He's back to Jubilee about 6 p.m. and works another coupleofhoura to make up for the time he's gone. His wifeGlenda "doesnt complain much." Rick said, adding that she gets - . "ST.... . AN OBLIG feds that people rol Scholcs tion to make the world a better place. As a mother of six children, three bon with disabilities Carol volunteers her time as vice chair on the Governors Council for People with Disabilities. The Duchesne County Library celebrated ita 85th birthday last week, "The businesses know who I am, falling also during National Library Rick said, explaining that since he Week. This birthday is a celebration of organized the teams years ago hes what the library is today and the piohad to solicit donations to keep them neer grit and determination that esrunning. At first, expenses came from tablished the library in a frontier town his own pocket. However, when par- and kept it thriving year after year. Chronicled in this article are the ents caught wind ofwhat he did, "they historical events that happened folwouldn't allow it." When Rick approaches businesses lowing the conception of the library to 00 to raise the 38 tooperate the technological advances it has marie the league each year, he offers the over the last few years. On August 27, 1905, the federal services of his wrestlers. Contributions are generous for the work done, government opened the Uintah Basin to homesteading. During thoee early he noted. When Rick wasaboy ofabout 14 he years housing was scarce. People lived began wrestling while living in in tents and few structures were permanent. In April 1906, the original Brigham City, Utah. towniite on the northwest quarter "1 got kicked off the basketball team. Coach Oscar Richardson said, was plotted and named Roosevelt You've got good skills, you need to be Even though conditions were primiin wrestling.'" Rkk bad played all tive, the enthusiasm and dreams of sports, including football and baaa-bd- L the robust pioneer people could not be But there was nothing compared diminished. The Basin begu growing at a rapid to the satisfaction he received pinning . pace. Within tenyearsofthe arrival of an opponent to the mat. .. "They say it 'sa team sport and it is. the first homesteaders many changes But when youre on the mat with an had taken place. Roosevelt was incorporated as a opponent, it 'sjust you. No matter bow the team doe, you can do well," Rick town on March 4, 1913. New businesses were started to accommodate commented. About the time Ricks sons, Lee the population. Progressive people and Jeremy, were old enough to par- planned for the foture of the growing ticipate in youth wrestling, there community. On Dec. 24. 1910, the Roosevelt wasn't a program. Union High Ace Davis tokl Rick he was Amusement Hall was completed givtrying to start a Tiger League group ing the town its first meeting place for and approached Rick asking him to general purpose and social events. On Feb. 17.1915.anew high school help organise something for on the hill was dedicated with adRoosevelt's youngsters. "He knew that starting kids at the equate resource facilities, but not an high school level wua waste of lime," "efficient" library. This school was Rick said. affectionately known as the "New Rick started the Tiger League for High School on the HilL" It was Is children three years old to fifth grade catedjust north ofwhere Roosevelt Jr. and Free Style League for youths fifth High now stands. grade to 18 yean okL The program grew through "word of mouth and the support ofparents," Rick said. Now, Rick's children an grown and have children of their own, but he'a still at it "Right now weYe bigger than we've been in a long time," Rick reflected, noting that there are about 300 of the Bssinsyoulbinvotved.achallrngefbr the coaches workingwith Rick: Chinny Farnsworth. David iIYewee) Bowden, Dean Carter and Pat Weisner. "1 just love it. I'm already looking forward to nest year. 1 don't think about quilting. When I think that this got a few kids to college 1 know it's worth it if it makes a difference with the kids." fond-raisin- 781-137- 722-426- 781-669- 7; 0 A Night Out on the Town! Don't miss your chance fur dinner, a floor show and dancing! It's all happening Friday and Saturday, April 28. 29, and Monday. May 1. at 6:30 p.m. at USU in Roosevelt, courtesy ofStagclight and the UintaJus? Band, tickets are 7 for adults or $6 for students. Tickets may be purchased at USU or from any member of Slagclight. Don't miss this chance to swing! A light dinner will be served. Public Service Spot Ballard Citys 1" annual free garbage dump day will be Saturday, May 6 at the K&K Sanitation transfer station on West Hwy 40 in Ballard. Free dumping from 8 am. 6 p.m. Appliances and junk automobile; can be taken to Herbert's Wrecking and Recycling on West Hwy 40 and old tires can be taken to Roosevelt BigO Tire. There will be a f L50 per tire fee. Call Ballard for more information. This is for Ballard Citisen's only. City at -- 722-339- 3 Lions Club Easter Egg Hunt Lions Club Easter Egg Hunt will be Saturday, April 22 at 10 a m. at the Duchesne Roy Park. This is for age groups 0 12 -- Veterans Meeting Veterans of Uintah Basin Post 9273 will meet at the Moon Foreign Wan, Lake Building in Roosevelt at 7;30 p m. on Wednesday, April 19. Dance Community Id at will the Crossroads Centeron Tuesday, April be be Community Dance 18, 8.30 10:30 p.m. All ages are welcome. Please come and support the dance! Local Easter Egg Hunts Duchesne County Area Easter Egg Hunts will be held Saturday, April 22 at these (orations. Altamont Park. 10 a.m.; Duchesne Roy Park, 10 a m.; Tabiona High School, 9 a m.; and Roosevelt Constitution Park at 10 am. Age categories from Toddler to 10 years. No parents allowed on hunting grounds. mabari. g. . Single Adults Over 31 ' ,r -- ' Volunteers and dedication helped shape county library have an obliga- - LDS Single Adults over 31 will meet Wednesday. April 19 for a Temple session at 6:30 pm. For questions call Diane. Reah, or Kathy. - CELEBRATING 85 YEARS ATION-Ca- ,000-39,0- JBiAsjboJBtideis, r UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN 1986-T- he community watched as the new library building was erected on Lagoon Street in Roosevelt. The new facility was the first building ever constructed exclusively for a library. involved when they begin HELPING KIDS-Ri- ck Jcppscn has dedicated his spare lime for the past dozen yean to keep Free Sty le and Tiger League wrestling alive. The program has prepared young athletes for high school w rest! mg and a couple ofUnionHigh students have earned scholarships due to their excellence in the sport. Xv- wres-tlingcoa- dr iWl strife arriaw8di.s--- Duchesne County Librarians 1915-199- 7 Mrs. Nora D. Workman Mathews was the first permanent librarian to serve the Roosevelt City Library. She held this position for nearly 50 yean except for several short periods when Miss Clara Circle. Mrs Anns Smart and Mrs. Hazel Frizel served in that capacity. Mrs. Mathews was born in DeWitt, Missouri on Sept. 9, 1880. She was educated and taught in Missouri for seven yean before coming to the Uintah Basin for health reasons. She also taught school for 38 yean, most often teaching 5th and 6th grades. Mrs. Mathews retired as librarian in 1966 at the age of 86. She is often remembered for her love of flowers and plants. Her school room was "Almost a garden the whole year round. Potted plants decorated each library shelf and table. Sometime it was difficult to find any empty spot to read in. The greenery may have been her way of adding a touch of home to the library. Upon her retirement. Blanche Murphy, Union High School Librarian, assumed the temporary duties of this position. She was assisted by several high scbool students at the time. Rhea Thomas filled the position for about oneyear. In 1967. Marilyn B. Killian was appointed by the city council as the librarian. From 1968 1971, Mrs. Glenda Killian assumed responsibilities, after which Reita Hamblin tookcharge in 1973. At that time, Glenda Killian was hired as permanent librarian and assumed this responsibility until July 1994. In September of 1994 Margie Buchanan retired as Assistant Librarian after 15 years of service to the library. Upon Glenda Killian's retirement Lorie Evans assumed the potation of librarian. Lorie is a graduate of Union High School and a 1994 graduate of Southern Utah University. She obtained her library experience at SUU while working in the university library for two yean. -- fgtyi.a; MSKdlWViiWifrife ar mu msr- - iuis iMfwre rent and help with foel and light costa. Citizens were urged to donate their monthly magazines, and everyone was asked to help support a library: "a place where all might go to read good, deanliterat ure and the youth could go to improve their minds. The first library was located in the back room of the Ernst H. Burgess Law Office on the south west corner of Lagoon and 200 East, near where Cake's Office Supply now stands. It was the first library established within city limits. mm ts yjes-m tfesarito-i- ss m itofs fm x e re- - many years. The Home Economics Club presented a Charlie Chaplin "picture show for the benefit of the library, which was 170 in debt in September of 1916. The year ending Dec. 31, 1919, the financial report show a balance of 5 1 7.05. Nora D. Mathews, a teacher from De Witt, Missouri became the first permanent librarian. The city council levied a small tax in 19 19 and thr public library became the Roosevelt City Library, as it was named until 1987.Dunngtheeerly yean, the community increased ita desire for good reading material The people of Roosevelt were proud of their accomplishments. There were hard time brought upon the pcople.dnnight and depression, though new books could not be added, the tradition of the library held firm. Only once did the library's doors close because of lack offunds and the absence of a permanent librarian during the latter part of 1928 It reopened January 1929. The population of Roosevelt ranged about 1,200 in 1929. the library register recorded over 600 names of patrons. On the average, sixty books were checked out each library day. At this time in Uintah Basin history there was no television, organized sport Carol Schokeoflndependenc programs or many of the setmues the youth of today Carol Scho lea, the mother of six have. three who were children, Radio transmissions or raiding was borndisabied, testifies from a firm the only way people could keep in belief that people of different skin tourh with cultures or world happencolor, different culture and different abilities make the woridabetter place. ings outside of the Basin. Families would ga ther at the end of each day to "1 would love to aseour society look read together such noveb as "Anthony at a fetus developing with disabilities , Adverse" bvHarrev Allen, which was and instead of encouraging abortion, the best seller of 1933 1934. "The they would value it and think of ways to beet support the child and family, Country Gentleman." "The Saturday Carol said. Evening Post. and theLades Home Journal" were ordered at patrons' Not only does Carol embrace such a loving view, she has undertaken a request in 1929. At almost every city council meetpersonal responsibility of volunteering during the late 1920. proposals to ing her work to families of the disabled. improve the community reached the NoraD Mathews was the fust permaDURING THE EARLY YEARS-M- ra Carol was motivated to volunteer city fathers. she says because years ago when a During there rspuily growing years nent librarian to serve patrons ofDuchcsnc Count) . She retired from the post the library was still housed in a two-roodisabled child was born it was up to in l6aithcageofS6. frame building Many diligent the state to determine if thr parents could cue for the child. Most of the la Marrh of 1915, a group of farThis corner was home to the library patrons and board members worked hard to continue its service time, the says children with disabilisighted citizens put their beads to- for 14 years. During the summer of eery fond towardahsrgrr ties were taken right out of the home. and conceived the idea of a 192S it was moved to a new focatkm, was not s priority at this time. "I don't know if I would have had gether hometown library. because the owners of the Burgess facility New methods of raising money to the stamina to fight for my children to The Commercial Club and Horn property planned to use their buddcover operational costa went into efstay in my home I owe a great debt for Economics Clubs worked stde-bdealfor a car and station service fect in August of 1930. Up until this did. If 1 can, I make life side to raise fond and aohcit books. ing Kents who ership. Mayor Whitmore supervised people with disabilities and Tba Dty of Roosevelt was small and the moving of books and furniture to time patrons living inside Roosevelt limit kept the library going. It their family. in those early years and the corner of Lagoon and 100 East, to City was decided by the library board that "Because weare living in (his world struggling conhttW money was available to finance a small wood-framstructure. It e have an obligation to improve it. to everyone usingthe library outside the much less s public library. tained two rooms and was later st limits in Duchesne and Uuitah make it a belter place. The world's anything, for better insulation. The library city On March 5. 1915, a dance party coun tie should pay ayesrly 1 1 fee per philosophy has been, if you don't like was he id ia the local amusement hall remained there until 1942. it just move. I don't agree with that person. torsive money The admission foe was From 1915 1919. the public liW are under an obligation to This foe could be paid "at the conimprove abonkimmbed with thedonore name. brary was operated entirely by donaof the user. 25 cent every 3 venience it, Carol said. Without a hook the cost was 50 cents tions from private citizens and 50 cents for 6 months or II month. Currently Carol is the Eastern to get ia. Refreshments were served from fund raising activities The for the entire year." This money also SEE VOLUNTEERS on page 22 and the proceeds from bod and candy annual "Library Ball was one of the booths were used to buy books, pay largest social events in Roosevelt for KEUBRACT g y e uc-co- Scout Training for all adult leaders of Basic Boy Scout or Varsity Scouts, Training including committee members, is piing to be held Friday. May 5, from 6 to 10 pm and continue Saturday, May 6, from 8 a m. 1 p m. Plea call r either Paul Chambers Robert I loopc to a place on the roster for this Basic Course -- t722-9030)o- (738-2209- 1 t pro-reev- mre2Z |