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Show Cyan Magenta Yellow Black A2 Sanpete Messenger/Gunnison Valley Edition Care center (Continued from A1) water line, and to asphalt and extend the roadway on the north side of the property. The city’s contribution to the project would have been in excess of $22,000. But there were still too many obstacles making the deal a nogo, said the Petersons. Bill Peterson says they had been meeting with the Gunnison City Council since November. “Frankly, I’m tired of doing it, especially since we already have half the bugs worked out with Centerfield.” He denies that they decided to locate in Centerfield to escape Gunnison’s impact fees. “We’re not trying to get out of impact fees, we just want to have them fairly assessed for what we’re going to use. The Centerfield property meets our needs better than Gunnison.” “The only regret I have is the distance from the hospital. But we’re still in the same hospi- tal district,” he continued. “I do want to thank the hospital for all the work they’ve done, and we look forward to continuing to work closely with them. We’ll still provide the best care possible for our residents.” Gunnison City officials feel the loss. Gunnison City Council member Rod Taylor says “We’re disappointed that we weren’t able to work something out, but our first and main responsibility is to the residents of Gunnison. We felt that what we offered was very fair for everyone. We believe that anything less would create a situation that eventually would put a burden on the residents and we wouldn’t do that. We wish them (the Petersons) all the best and we know it’ll be good for the valley.” The new care center facility—planned to be 25,000-27,000 square feet— will be an expanded version of the Mayfield Community Care Center, which will be closed once the new building is completed.. The facility will consist of two wings, one for assisted-living patients, and the other for combined Medicare, Medicaid and private-pay patients. The number of care-center staff will increase to 45. At Thursday’s meeting in Centerfield, the Town Council gave preliminary approval for the town’s Planning and Zoning Commission to review the project, after which the Commission will make a recommendation to the Council. If Centerfield approves the project, the Petersons will begin the process of licensing, approval and funding at state and federal levels. “We know it’ll take some time,” said Bill Peterson, “but with the Mayfield facility we have established a record already so we hope it’ll be sooner rather than later – hopefully we’ll break ground in the fall but realistically we’re looking at [next] spring.” (Continued from A1) squares of all colors. To top it off, there were feathers all over it, but by the afternoon the feathers were scattered all over the room. The morning program started around 11 a.m. with Collin Edwards as emcee, telling jokes that made everyone glad they came. For several years someone has been honored at the Old Folks Party for things they have done to build the community. This year Maxine Sorenson and her sister, Veone Fjeldsted, were given the honor. Their families and friends paid tributes to them and presented a slide show. At 1 p.m. the gathering enjoyed a meal of roast beef, potatoes and gravy, corn, coleslaw, fruit salad, all kinds of pies, and root beer and water to drink. The after noon was filled with entertainment, including dances from members of Jeana’s Dance Works, who presented numbers from their coming recital. Other entertainment included piano solos, guitar playing and singing, jokes and a hilarious skit by the committee. At 6 p.m. another meal was served. The menu included chicken and cheese soups, with home-made ice-cream for dessesrt and wheat-beer for a beverage. Dancing followed the meal for the rest of the evening, with a live orchestra providing music. may find it closed. At least get a line on the map because then the BLM will have to look at the route.” Working in cooperation with the BLM, Sanpete County has distributed maps to each municipality in the county and asked it to help identify roads on public lands. Manti City administrator, Bill Mickelson is actively enlisting interested citizen landowners and users to help with the identification of trails and routes on BLM land. Bradley, of Manti, is coordinating an effort by the county to verify BLM routes by recording them with global positing systems and storing the data for inclusion in the inventory. “We are double checking each other so that we know where these routes and trails are,” Bradley said. He said he will be available to help citizens identify routes. Frank Erickson, land use planner for the Richfield BLM field office explained that the RMP has two levels. First, areas will be designated open, closed or limited use in the RMP. Second, The BLM will identify which routes within the open and limited areas will be open, closed, or limited due to environmental or seasonal restrictions. The RMP travel plan has four alternatives for the public to review. Three of the plans each propose limiting and closing some routes. There will then be a 90-day final evaluation before a final environmental impact statement is issued. Then there will be a concurrent 30-day protest period for citizens to address concerns and a 60-day governor’s consistency review to bring up issues that vary with previously planned land uses by the counties and state. Based on information received from the public during the 30-day protest period, the BLM will prepare an assessment and an alternative assessment, and then an interdisciplinary team will do an environmental assessment. At that time the final travel plan will also be open to public comment. “The county... has met with the BLM and identified probably over 700 routes,” Sanpete County Commissioner Claudia Jarrett said. The RMP draft is available to the public at www.richfieldrmp.com or a copy can be obtained at the Richfield office, 150 E 900 North, 7:45 a.m.4:30 p.m. For concerns call Frank Erickson at (435) 896-1532, Claudia Jerrett in Mt. Pleasant after 5 p.m. at 462-2773 or Brad Bradley at 835-8441 and leave a message. Old folks BLM travel plan could harm economy without public input By Kathy Lin Eggleston Staff writer Restricted access to public land in Sanpete County could mean economic losses for those who use or cross public lands for a living. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is asking for public input to help identify roads and trails for their Resource Management Plan (RMP) travel plan. The RMP is an inventory of roads and trails on public lands and will be used to determine which roads and trails stay open, close or become restricted. “There are a lot of people who make a living off of public land,” said Division of Wildlife Resources officer Brad Bradley. “If you have a trail you would like to continue using, you better make sure it is marked or you Sanpete News Company, Inc., publishing the GUNNISON VALLEY EDITION Member Utah Press Association Deadlines, Post Office & Contact Information UPS# 232-020 Copyright, Sanpete News Company, Inc.©2004. All rights reserved. Reproduction, re-use, or transmittal of all matter herein is prohibited without prior written permission of the publisher. Published each Wednesday for 75¢ each, $24.00 inside Sanpete County, $27.00 outside Sanpete County, by Sanpete News Company, Inc., 35 S. Main, Manti, Utah 84642 Phone 1-866-620-1935, 435-835-4241, fax 435-835-1493 E-mail publisher at: suzanne@sanpetemessenger.com E-mail sports to: sports@sanpetemessenger.com E-mail school items to: school@sanpetemessenger.com E-mail news to: news@sanpetemessenger.com E-mail ads to: ads@sanpetemessenger.com Deadline: Thursday, 5 p.m. Manti: 35 S. Main, Hours: M-F, 9 am to 6 pm Periodicals Postage Paid at Manti, Utah 84642, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Sanpete Messenger, 35 S. Main, Manti, Utah 84642 Editor & Publisher ......................................................................... Suzanne Dean Associate Publisher .............................................................................. Lloyd Call Associate Editor .................................................................................. Sean Hales Copy Editor ........................................................................................... Lori Smith Senior Reporters .................................................... John Hales, Kathy Eggleston Gunnison Edition Editor ................................................................ Tery Robertson Office Manager ............................................................................... Jacque Marsh Circulation Manager ......................................................................... Lindsey Kjar Administrative Assistant ........................................................... Lindsay Kogianes Webmaster ................................................................................. Dave Armstrong Sales Associate ....................................................................................... Ben Fox Ombudswoman ........................................................ Karen Buchanan (835-5711) Staff Political correspondent ..................................................... C. R. Truitt (445-3326) Snow College correspondent Stacie Parker (283-6944) Manti ............................................................................. Judy Chantry (835-8010) Ftn. Green, Moroni ....................................................... Brenda Bailey (445-3473) Gunnison ................................................................... Karen Prisbrey (528-7710) Centerfield ...................................................................... Elva Jensen (528-3382) Axtell ............................................................................ Audrey Boore (528-3309) Staff Writers .......................................................... Susan Browning, Craig Cook, Cindy Beck, Geoffrey Pace, Darlene Agren, Scott Bagley, Patti Robertson, Nelson Hazelbaker Sports Writers ........................................................ Doug Johnson, Jeff Ericksen, Anne Forester, Mitch Peterson, Karmal Mandel, Craig Cox Photographers ........................................... Bruce Van Der Riet, Vern Buchanan, Gene Chantry, Peter Goss, Russ Beck Columnists ........................................................ Roger Baker, Corrie Lynn Player Wednesday, April 13, 2005 Gunnison gets update on CUCF By Tery Robertson Staff writer GUNNISON—Newly appointed Central Utah Correctional Facility (CUCF) Warden Lowell Clark introduced himself at the Gunnison City Council meeting last Wednesday, updating the council on the facility and future plans. Clark mentioned a number of future changes for the prison, including the funding of a new 288bed facility and another 192-bed secure facility that the Utah legislature has committed to funding next year. He also discussed an employee shortage. The prison needs to fill 18 vacancies. “We have a series of situations where we’re hiring,” Clark said, “but it becomes very difficult at times. Last time we hired we had 140 applicants and we only hired eight.” Clark added, “We like to give the inmates a chance to keep busy.” Although he mentioned that due to the staff shortage, it has become difficult to have any inmate work crews. “The future will hold the opportunity to put in work crews, and community service is a good thing.” Clark said his new position “is an adventure—to say the least.” Clark, who was appointed warden in February, has worked for the Department of Corrections for 22 years and at the CUCF since it opened. Prior to working in Gunnison, he worked in Draper. In addition to the employee shortage, Clark said, “I’ve been keeping extremely busy with lots of things that they didn’t bother to tell me about, but it’s been a great opportunity to work with a great staff.” Economy (Continued from A1) only county lower than Sanpete, Dagget County, actually had negative growth of 3.5 percent. Another DWS publication—County Trends, A Local Economic Perspective—categorizes Sanpete’s economy as “limping along.” “Sanpete County just can’t seem to turn the corner into a fullfledged economic recovery,” the report states. “It’s almost a recurring theme. Sanpete County creates jobs for a few months only to lose them.” According to other DWS information, the biggest losers in Sanpete’s job market were retail trade (43 jobs lost), local government (17), information services (15) and financial and insurance services (13). Those losses, though, were somewhat offset by gains in manufacturing (124 new jobs), state and federal government (26 jobs combined), and the leisure and hospitality industry (15). Interestingly, those areas that saw the biggest growth in 2004—manufacturing and government—were simply recovering from losses in those same areas in 2003. Lecia Langston, a regional economist who analyzes the county’s economy, says, “Manufacturing is back and it’s improving. It’s looking a lot better.” However, Langston also commented on the drops in retail sales jobs. Other DWS information noted that 2004 was the second straight year of job losses in retail sales. One spot of hope for Sanpete’s economy is the fact that construction permitting is up, meaning that planned construction projects are on the increase. Council member Jerolyn Young complimented Clark on his facility. “It’s always clean and shining. It’s hard to believe that it’s as old as it is.” In other business, the council heard a request from Jaron Jensen for a donation to set up a soccer league in the Gunnison Valley. He has already received a donation from Centerfield. According to Jensen, soccer is an ideal sport for kids. It promotes sportsmanship and teaches rules and principles of fair play. It also appeals to a variety of children as well as promotes bonding. “Sports is a common language,” Jensen said, “and it brings together communities that sometimes get left out—like the Hispanic community.” The soccer league, already 90-players strong, currently competes in Salina. They will hold tournaments in Gunnison starting next spring, however Jensen does plan on holding a fall soccer camp. Jensen’s goal is to purchase higher quality equipment including better nets. Along with the donation request, Jensen also asked that Gunnison include and cover the soccer league in their liability insurance. Council member Rod Taylor asked Jensen if the council could hold off until July when the new fiscal year starts. He added that he believes it’s a great opportunity. Jensen agreed and emphasized that this is a one-time donation request. “It’s for startup only—after that we can handle it.” He said he will be soliciting donations and sponsorships from businesses, “so if you own a business around here, expect to see me.” The council also discussed a donation request from Search and Rescue. Taylor said he would like Gunnison to donate annually to the Search and Rescue’s April 1 fundraiser. The council voted to donate $50, which is a $10 increase over last year. Dr. Lemar Stewart asked to speak about the proposed care center. He said he had talked to a number of people and they believe the care center would be a good investment for the city. “From a financial view it is a golden opportunity,” Stewart said. “If they don’t come here, it would be a mistake of the highest order. If residents need it, there is an acute care hospital within 30 seconds of the land. “I’m very familiar with the Mayfield Care Center. They will transfer the kind of care they have in Mayfield. Maybe you could put some money in from the city,” Stewart suggested. “It’s a winwin situation. They have proven themselves.” Taylor assured Stewart that the city council was discussing the matter and would be coming up with a proposal. In other council business, Claudia Sanborn and Brent Sorenson requested information on how to purchase new timers for the horse arena. The timers are approximately $1,000, and they would like them in time for the barrel racing that takes place the first week in May. City recorder Marilyn Stewart told Sanborn and Sorenson that the policy is to get three bids. If that isn’t doable, then get as many as possible. Robert and Holly Sorensen were approved for a business license for their new Massage and Foot Zonology business. In turn, this means that jobs should follow as contracting companies begin construction. However, those jobs may not translate to permanent jobs, as the increase in permitting is for residential construction, rather than for commercial construction for businesses that could potentially offer new jobs. In fact, nonresidential permitting is down from last year, according to County Trends. Analysts are reluctant to predict anything definite in Sanpete’s economic future because, as County Trends states, “Although Sanpete County’s la- bor market has held out the promise of a robust recovery several times in the last two years, the economy seems unable to make consistent gains.” Economists hope that increased construction activity will give a boost to Sanpete’s economy, and also that Sanpete will be able to ride on the coattails of a healthy expansion on the state level. But given Sanpete’s recent history, economists are only saying “wait and see,” as Langston does when she says, “these indicators require examination in the months ahead.” LPN / Medical Assistant Gunnison Family Practice Full time position assisting Jan Jonson PA-C. Must be able to work four days a week, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Submit resume / application to: Gunnison Valley Hospital, Attn: David Peterson, PO Box 759, Gunnison, UT. 84634. Or FAX to: (435) 528-2190. Closing Date: April 18, 2005. 4/13MG Child Restraint Checkpoint Thursday, April 14 3-6 p.m. Gunnison Market Health Insurance Making You Mad? We reduce rates 25%-50% every week!! With Much Better Coverage. 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