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Show A3 The Emery County Review, Tuesday, May 6, 2008 Local economy feeling strain Continued from Page A1. saying that they have seen an increase in people leaving without paying for their fuel, and so they have had to make pumps prepay. BK’s owner Kent Wilson explained that in just a year his cost to fill up his tanks has increased by more than $10,000 each time he gets a fuel delivery. “Just because Exxon Mobile is getting paid doesn’t mean the guy on the street is getting paid,” he commented. He also said that one of the things that people don’t understand is that when customers use credit cards, the store has to pay a 2.75 percent fee, which adds nearly 11.4 cents per gallon on diesel and 8.9 cents a gallon on gasoline. The store is merely making enough on fuel sales to cover the inflation costs and no more. Restaurants like the Grub Box in Ferron and Star Grill in Huntington both reported slow business. This, along with higher delivery costs is hurting. Grub Box Owner Julie Robinson revealed that she is working double shifts so that she doesn’t have to raise prices. Janice Monteer, owner of Star Grill explained that they are trying to increase business by pushing specials, hoping that slow business won’t last too long. On the other hand, some businesses are still doing quite well. A representative from Carbon/Emery Motorsports said that they are doing fine. He said those who buy ATV’s “may not be going as far as they used to, but they’re still using them.” Huntsman Motors is actually seeing great sales since they began selling camping trailers. A representative said, “Most consumers are worried about the economy, but they are still working, so they aren’t broke.” One effect they have seen is that many people are looking for more economical cars. Basso Auto Sales said the economy and gas prices have affected their truck market and also reported seeing an increased interest in cars with better gas mileage. The businesses that reported strong sales are few. Hilary Gordon said that many of the things they sell at Gordon’s Nursery and Floral have increased in price, especially soil, because it is trucked in from Canada. She also pointed to an effect seen by many others, added freight costs at the end of bills. She also reported that she has spoken with a number of people about the economy and said, “I think the average American is confused. They ask, ‘How is it that prices are so high when [oil companies] are making billions of dollars of profit.’” At her shop she has seen many people planting vegetable gardens again as a way to deal with higher food costs. Companies that rely highly on fuel are hurting. Wayne Nielson from Niel- son Construction commented, “Fuel is like our blood. With the increased prices it’s going to drive up the price for everything. I think our country is in trouble if we can’t get the pricing under control. We have to closely monitor what is happening to fuel prices and raise our prices to keep up, but fuel is going up so quickly it is difficult.” He went on to reveal that fuel is the company’s biggest monthly expense, larger even than their payroll. Another company affected in this way is Community Nursing Services. Because their staff is required to drive to client’s homes to provide services, the staff is taking a hit. The company reimburses them for their mileage and the use of their personal vehicle, but the company can’t keep up with the rising prices. The company is looking at ways to reduce the burden on their staff, in fact that was one of the main reasons they opened a branch in Emery County, but it takes time. Charitable organizations are seeing the effects on the everyday person. At the Emery County Food Bank, staff has seen a nearly 30 percent rise in the number of people referred for assistance. At the Carbon County site, they reported that they have a few new people come in for assistance every day. Kathy Thomas, from the Emery Food Bank said, “It’s just getting harder and harder for people to make ends meet. What they can get from here helps.” She also said that at this point they don’t have a shortage, but will need heavy community involvement to keep it that way. Kate Alleman of United Way said that she expects that many nonprofit companies will start to see the effects in the Fall when they set their budgets for the next fiscal year and the effects that other companies doing the same will have on donations. She said that the higher gas prices have led them Relay for Life organizers look to top last year’s record Continued from Page A1. Miss Relay competition is entirely up to the teams. Each team is responsible to coerce, bribe and do whatever it takes to provide a suitable contestant. I hope nothing changes this year. The 2007 Miss Relay Contest was arguably the best entertainment found last year in Emery County. This year’s competition is sure to provide a lot of laughs and raise a bunch of money,” Rasmussen said. “The man with the most cash, checks and coins in his purse at the end of the evening will be crowned Miss Relay 2008.” This year the Miss Relay contest and the talent portion will be held June 20 at 8:30 p.m. at the Emery High football field, with the crowning at 11 p.m. Throughout the Relay, teams will endeavor to keep a member on the track at all times, walking laps in honor of the fight against cancer. The event starts with the opening ceremony and survivor lap at 6 p.m. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m. for $5 per plate. The Luminaria Ceremony, the night’s most solemn and touching event, will begin at 10 p.m. Small paper bags with a candle inside will be placed around the track and on each bag will be the name of a cancer survivor or victim. During the ceremony the candles inside the sacks will be lit and the lights on the track will be dimmed as participants observe a moment of silence for those touched by cancer. Teams will continue to walk the track throughout the night as music keeps everyone motivated. The closing ceremony will be held with a Fight Back Lap at 5:30 a.m., followed by a free breakfast. Most teams bring tents and lawn chairs to set up in their assigned areas, where they continue to try and raise funds throughout the night. Also planned as a fund raiser for Relay for Life is the Strike Out Cancer Softball Tournament on May 30 at the Huntington Ball Complex. The coed tournament will begin at 6 p.m. and continue throughout the night. The entry fee is $130 and all fees go to Relay. For more information on the tournament call Mark Justice at 687-2403 or 687-2234. Organizers of Relay have been overwhelmed by the support of the community for the event. “The people of Emery County are tremendous. It is evident we have their support. We have 25 people on our Relay Committee and we have secured 40 sponsors in Emery and Carbon counties so far. We have committed $16,250 in sponsorship to this point. We have received donations in the form of cash, prizes, food, advertising, services and lots of time. DWR sponsors waterbird viewing at Desert Lake on May 10 The Division of Wildlife Resources will participate in the celebration of International Migratory Bird Day by sponsoring a waterbird viewing event on May 10 at Desert Lake in Emery County from 8 until 11 a.m. The event is free to the public and no pre-registration is required. DWR biologists will be on-hand with spot- ting scopes and binoculars to assist the public with waterfowl identification. Desert Lake is located east of the town of Elmo. From either Carbon or Emery County, take State Highway 10 to the Elmo turn-off (State Route 155). Travel to Elmo. On Main Street, travel east out of town until you see a sign for the Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry. Follow the sign. In less than a mile, you will arrive at Desert Lake. Signs will direct you to the viewing locations. Desert Lake serves as a rest area for many species of birds during migration. These include ducks, geese, sandpipers, herons, gulls, terns, pelicans, and cranes. Desert Lake is managed by the DWR for the benefit of migratory waterfowl. Normally closed to public access, the lake also serves as a sanctuary for nesting birds. The DWR encourages Castle Country residents to come out and enjoy this unique opportunity. For more information, contact Brent Stettler at 435-613-3707. Creative F loral Now opeN for Breakfast 8Am - 11AM for breakfast and lunch Brighten Up Your Mom’s Day.... Open 10am-6pm 381-5744 Owners: Christy Gasser & sara Allred 66 E. Main Street, Castle Dale, UT Monday - Saturday 8aM - 9PM (formally the Paper Works location) 340 W. Hwy 29 • castle Dale • 381-5411 Earl’s Phone: 435-748-2541 Fax: 435-748-2543 Established January 2, 2007 Published Every Tuesday Publisher / Editor James L. Davis jldavis@theemery countyreview.com Co-Publisher / Office / Advertising Manager Colleen A. Davis cdavis@theemery countyreview.com Assistant Editor Josie Luke Advertising Design / Office Lyndsay Reid Advertising Sales Charlotte Williams Editorial Staff Kathy P. Ockey Judi Bishop Webmaster Casey Wood Postmaster: Send change of address to The Emery County Review, 685 South Main Street, P.O. Box 487, Orangeville, UT. 84537 Subscription Rates 1 Year (52 Issues) In-State $23.00 1 Year (52 Issues) Out-of-State $26.00 Copyright 2008 The Emery County Review Star Fun Center Grill & Arcade Monday - Saturday 11:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. The Spot In Emery & Carbon Counties Great Family Fun, Food and Entertainment EvEry Day Low PricEs Always Quality for less Furniture & Appliance Quality for less Star Theatre 155 N Main Huntington Phone for information 435-687-(STAR)7827 Come in or let us Deliver for you! Free scheduled delivery In-House Financing OAC 685 South Main Street P.O. Box 487 Orangeville, UT. 84537 Fresh Limes-Shakes and More See You Soon ! Movie & Meal Special $20.00 Daily specials WeekenD Buffets Very few people escape being touched by cancer in some way. This is why it is easy to become a Relay supporter,” Rasmussen said. If you are interested in making a donation or volunteering to help in the cause call Kristi Rasmussen at 6532471 or visit www.events. cancer.org/emerycounty. The web site is new this year and allows teams to register and pay their registration fees on line. You can also make a donation with your credit card. If you are a survivor of cancer and would like to be honored at this year’s Relay, organizers urge you to go on line and register by May 15. You may also register by calling Da’Sahi Nelson at 749-2296 or Rasmussen. to decrease the amount of travel that they do each day to cut down on costs. Open Friday & Saturday Matinee Saturday 4 P.M. Night show at 7 P.M. Silver Deli 36 West Main Street • Price UT • (435)637-9446 Entertainment Centers • Bedroom Sets • Living Room Sets • Flat Screen T. V.’s Menu Great Values on Cedar Chests & Curio Cabinets Sandwiches Salads Bar Snacks Pizza Desserts Enter FREE Mother’s Day drawing for genuine lamb skin leather 5 piece luggage set! Mother’s Day Special 390 n. Main Street Huntington 435-687-9119 Ask About Our Famous Private Club For Members Silver Sandwiches Monday - Saturday from 11 AM to 1 AM Catering Self Pick-Up All Items Are Available To Go |