Front
Page

Briefly

Sports

Scene

Lifestyle

Society

Opinion

Other
News

Birthdays

Missionaries

Obituaries

Weddings

Happenings

Tech
Tips

Classifieds

Public Notices

Archives

Site
Search

01/08/2008
Are you
planning to vote in the Utah Presidential primary
on Feb. 5?

Advertising

Subscribe

Q
& A

Contact
Us

About
Us

Front Page News

Articles

January
15, 2008

A
Capitol project: Renovation on Capitol complete,
the people’s house reopens

Emery
Town swears in new mayor

DWR
looks to introduce otter in
county

A Capitol project: Renovation on Capitol
complete, the people’s house reopens

The Capitol
is now one of the most earthquake proof buildings
in the state.

The State of Utah recently welcomed back the State
Capitol building. The building has been under
reconstruction the past three years to bring it up to
earthquake standards and a general facelift. Dick Nourse
welcomed the crowd to the capitol where a rededication
ceremony took place on Jan. 4, statehood day. “Citizens
of the Great State of Utah! Welcome to this
re-dedication ceremony of the Utah State Capitol-the
People’s House. At this very hour, school children
across the State of Utah are gathered together in class
rooms viewing this ceremony via television.

“Many of these children have been given bells to ring
with us as we open this celebration of return and
renewal. Together with the First Lady of the State of
Utah, Mrs. Mary Kay Huntsman, area bell choirs from
around the state, The Cathedral of the Madeleine Choir,
the International Children’s Choir, the Bells on Temple
Square, the 23rd Army Band and the Mormon Tabernacle
Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square, we will ring in
the New Year and herald the Opening and re-dedication of
this-The People’s House,” said Nourse.

“Anthem for a New Year - “Into Light” was
commissioned and composed especially for today’s
re-dedication ceremony. With words by Utah’s Poet
Laureate, Dr. Katharine Coles and music by Kurt Bestor -
Anthem for a New Year celebrates the darkness and cold
of winter reawakening to the joys of a new beginning - a
new dawn lifting us back into light,” said Nourse.

David Hart was the architect for the renewal project.
He said, “Governor Huntsman, President Valentine,
Speaker Curtis, Chief Justice Durham, President
Hinckley, elected officials, honored guests and citizens
of the State of Utah. We gather here today 91 years, two
months and 27 days to the hour from the date and time of
when the Utah State Capitol was first dedicated on
Monday, Oct. 9, 1916, to re-dedicate the newly restored
and seismically retrofitted Utah State Capitol. This, by
any standard, is an epic day. It is so because of the
original vision of Richard Kletting; and because of the
dedicated work of thousands of architects, engineers,
contractors, subcontractors and UCI. To each and every
one who has played a role in this nine-year journey, I
would like to say thank you from the bottom of my heart.
This is a team unprecedented in their commitment, skill
and untiring care of this building.

“Tomorrow, the doors of this building will once again
be open to the people of Utah. They will come to know,
as I know, the detailed workmanship that has gone into
the Capitol. For me and all those that have worked on
the Capitol, it has been a once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity.

The date
1914 was when the cornerstone of the building was
dedicated.

“For those in the Rotunda seated here today, and for
those of you who will visit the capitol over the next
year, I encourage you to take note of the decorative
arts, the detailed craftsmanship, the beautiful marble
and the exquisite light fixtures. These remarkable items
have been restored to their original conditions, colors
and textures. The quality of this historic restoration
ranks among the best in the world.

“The story of the Capitol restoration includes not
only that which you can see, but that which you can not.

“It includes 285 base isolators upon which the
Capitol now safely sits, and hundreds of miles of wire,
making this Capitol one of the most technologically
advanced buildings in the United States, while remaining
true to its historic integrity.

“I’m equally proud to report that after nearly 100
months of planning and construction, we are on budget
and on schedule. Now, as we re-dedicate the Capitol and
reopen it to the public, it is important that we always
remember this is more than a building. It is a special
place. It is - the people’s house. It is a temple to
democracy. It is the physical manifestation of the
constitution and our rights. Its design is open,
representing the open nature of our government. It is
accessible to all, symbolizing government by the people,
and for the people. It is where we gather to freely
speak our minds.

“We, the stewards of this Capitol building, must now
take on the responsibility to treat it well; to care for
it and respect it. By doing so we can ensure many more
years of service to this great state of Utah. Thank you
for the privilege it has been to be the architect of the
Capitol. Governor and first Lady Huntsman--On behalf of
all those involved in this monumental project we present
you --- as the representatives of the people of Utah,
the key to this beautiful Capitol,” said Hart.

Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. said, “My friends and fellow
Utahns - today we celebrate Utah’s 112th birthday. How
appropriate therefore that we have gathered to
rededicate this great symbol of statehood-our capitol.

“We are honored to have with us past Governors,
Legislators, and Judges including those who now hold
those positions of trust. Among their ranks is my good
friend Haven Barlow, whose work in the legislature
spanned a third of our state’s history and the
administrations of six Governors. Thanks to Haven, and
all of you for service well done. On this historic
occasion, we warmly welcome all Utah citizens. To those
who work hard to raise their families and support their
communities - we offer our deep sense of gratitude.
Let’s not forget, you are the ones who have provided the
resources that have made this rebuilding possible. This
is your state capitol - this is the people’s house. We
also recognize our fourth grade students who are
watching from their classrooms.

“They represent the hundreds of thousands of young
people in our state as well as generations yet unborn.We
also thank those teachers among us, who are playing
perhaps the most important role of all - molding and
shaping our leaders of tomorrow. This building exudes
our long held belief in public service.

“It is where our youth will long be inspired as their
footsteps echo through this very rotunda.

“Just as we reflect on the work of those who came
before us-these students will be the ones who judge what
we do going forward. Students, I hope we earn a passing
grade, 156 years ago, Utah’s first Territorial Capitol
building was constructed in the small town of Fillmore.

“After one legislative session, many pioneer
lawmakers complained that Fillmore was located too far
from Utah’s population base. A vote was taken and the
territorial seat of government was moved to Salt Lake
City. My Fillmore ancestors, I’m sure, were divided on
whether losing the capitol was good or bad. Some may
have been concerned about the loss of prestige, while
others were no doubt delighted to get all those
political rascals out of town.

The grand
building is once again ready to serve the citizens
of the State of Utah.

“Utah did not build another permanent capitol for 50
years. Legislative, executive, and judicial functions
were carried out in various buildings including the
Social Hall, the Council Hall, and the Salt Lake City
and County Building. In 1907, Governor John Cutler urged
the legislature to build a significant capitol. The deep
depression that existed at the time of statehood had
ended, and Utah needed - and deserved a fitting seat of
government.

“In 1909, under the leadership of Gov. William Spry,
a committee was established to accept a design and then
build the capitol. Financing was secured in the form of
a one million dollar bond - paid for primarily by the
estate of former Union Pacific President E. H. Harriman.
In 1916, at a cost of more than $2.7 million dollars the
capitol was finished. However, the original master plan
was left undone.

“Today, our capitol is not only retrofitted to
withstand an earthquake, remodeled to make government
more efficient and refurbished to erase the effects of
time, but it is also completed esthetically, based on
the vision and planning of our forebearers. We applaud
the thousands of people who have made this rededication
possible. Skilled craftspeople like Justin Davis, Todd
Stubbs, Ryan Warner, Tracey Yearout and Havier Godina.
They are just some of the hundreds who contributed
greatly to this monumental accomplishment.

“Soon, the legislative session will begin and the
house of the people will return to its full purpose.

“How great it will be to hear once again red-hot
debates on transportation funding on a Friday afternoon
and see students dancing to the strains of the Red Hot
Chili Peppers at the junior prom on a Friday night.

“How fitting it will be for us all to again welcome
presidents and prime ministers, protestors and
petitioners - and of course, fourth grade students on
their Utah History Field Trips, to this place - to the
people’s house. It is our seat of government, and our
affirmation of democracy. Again. Welcome to all. It is
good to be back home,” said Gov. Huntsman.

[Back
to Top]

Emery Town swears in new mayor

Mistie
Christiansen is given the oath of office by Emery
Town clerk Susan
Praast.

By PATSY STODDARD
Editor

Emery Town swore in their first lady mayor on Jan. 8.
A large crowd of residents were in attendance for the
historic event. Mistie Christiansen’s first order of
business was to in turn swear in the re-elected
councilmembers, Gary Jensen and Patrick Sundstrom.

Mayor Christiansen said she hopes those on the town
council feel free to speak their minds clearly and
calmly. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and
when it’s over she hopes everyone can respect each other
and still be friends. She expects disagreements on
issues and wants everyone to work together for the good
of Emery.

The council agreed to donate $50 to help the Girl
Scout troop get started. There are 16 girls meeting each
week under the direction of Ashley Sundstrom and they
need enough money to open an account.

Mayor Christiansen reported on the maintenance
position for the town. This position is held by Ken
Christiansen who is the mayor’s father-in-law. Under the
guidelines it is illegal for a relative to supervise a
worker. If the relative held the position before the
relative was elected then it is OK. But, Mayor
Christiansen has appointed Patrick Sundstrom, council
member to be Ken’s supervisor to avoid any conflicts of
interest. Mayor Christiansen pointed out the town
council as a whole is responsible for hiring and firing.

There was some discussion on the Consol water line.
There have been some repairs along this line and those
with leaks will go over their allotment of water.

There is a written agreement with Consol on the use
of the water line in question and that agreement needs
to be reviewed before any more decisions are made
regarding this line.

Emery Mayor
Mistie Christiansen swears in council member, Gary
Jensen.

One resident is ready to get their work going and has
transferred the required water shares. Eric Anderson,
council member will be responsible for getting this
resident on the agenda for the Castle Valley Special
Service District to make sure this work gets started on
their water line.

Ken Christiansen said he reads the big meter and
deducts the farmers shares from that and Consol pays the
rest.

The question was brought up on overages and if they
should be forgiven or if they should have to pay.
Sundstrom thought if someone gets right on a water leak
then he has no problem forgiving an overage; especially
when repair costs are substantial. The council will
discuss the overage issue at a later time to make a
decision. They have to be fair across the board and
can’t require one citizen to pay an overage and forgive
an overage for someone else. Whatever they decide must
be consistent and fair to all residents.

The council discussed the need for a fee for the
burial of an urn in the cemetery. A plot is needed for
the burial and is a separate cost. Emery has no
designated cost for this process. Jensen suggested $100
for the service. For a regular grave the opening and
closing fee is $150. The council determined $100 would
be fair and the resolution will be approved at the next
meeting.

The council discussed the fees of the new community
center. The council wants nonprofit groups and
organizations to be able to use the building free of
charge. Private functions will be charged a fee, like
family reunions, private parties and also businesses. It
was approved that Pam Adams as part of her duties with
the town will open and close the community center for
activities. She will also help make sure it’s clean.

Ken Christiansen said Consol wanted to use the
building but didn’t want to put up the chairs. He
suggested a fee be charged for set-ups and local youth
groups could take turns setting up for events and use
the fee as a fundraiser for their organizations.
Suggestions included the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, youth
council and church groups. The council set-up a fee of
$25 for under 100 chairs and over 100 chairs is $50.

The youth council held a New Year’s Eve party which
was a success. Their next activity is on Feb. 9 and is a
movie and dance night for the youth. The youth council
meets at 5 p.m. on the town council night the second
Tuesday of each month.

The council looked at the dog fees and business
license fees. The fees will stay the same for 2008.

Corrine Dalton, council member in charge of planning
and zoning said they have been working on the code book.
They are still working on the annexation. They are
looking at a table of the town which would go out as far
as the substation or just past and to Miller’s Canyon
and to Staley’s and Mincheys. Dalton is in contact with
the county assessor’s office. This would affect about 15
people. The taxes would only rise a small amount, less
than a dollar. Sundstrom said the reason some people
have been opposed to the annexation is they thought
their taxes would go up. Dalton said that’s not the case
and any greenbelt property will remain greenbelt even
after annexation.

Dalton has been told you can’t leave islands of
property. She went over the list of property owners and
her attempts to contact each one. Many of them are
interested in the annexation. Dalton said a public
information meeting needs to be held and later on a
public hearing on the annexation. Dalton said they don’t
want to force anyone to participate but hope to work
through any problems so everyone can feel good about
participation. She also mentioned they have one slot
open on planning and zoning if anyone is interested.

Council
member, Patrick Sundstrom takes the oath of
office.

Eric Anderson said the Castle Valley Special Service
District only deals with annexation every five
years.Their process will be complete by March so if
Emery is going to move on their annexation it needs to
be well on its way by March.

Sundstrom asked Morris Sorensen to report on the
Muddy Creek Diversion. Sorensen said they met with Rep.
Jim Matheson’s people, but the situation looks bleak.
The Bureau of Reclamation came and took a look and Emery
had five days to get the plan in. Sorensen worked with
Johansen and Tuttle Engineering recording each canal and
measuring the ditches and submitting all the
information.

The Bureau of Reclamation bases their funding on how
many tons of salt a project will be estimated to remove
from the Colorado River. The reevaluation was sent in to
the BOR and they have until March to let Emery know
where the project stands. Sorensen said the sediment
must be reduced before any sprinkling system would be
effective for Emery. If the BOR won’t fund the project
other funding avenues must be explored. Sundstrom
mentioned the Community Impact Board and Sorensen said
the energy monies are greatly reduced and that funding
isn’t always available.

Sundstrom spoke in support of the county planning and
zoning plan to reduce the required acreage for a home in
the county from 10 acres to two acres. Many homes have
been lost to Carbon County because of the restrictions
in Emery County. In some instances he said, people buy
the 10 acres and put a home on two acres and deed the
rest back to the farmer. Many people don’t want to take
care of that much land he said. People outside of the
cities need to pay more for their services and a fair
policy needs to be worked out to adequately cover
expenses for those living outside the cities.

Anderson said a special committee is being formed to
look at those issues for the special service district.

He also said services are paid for by paying taxes
within a city. Those outside the cities need to be
responsible for costs incurred in providing services to
them.

Dalton also said the responsible people need to make
sure all lines are up to code for those outside the
cities. An audience member said the county planning and
zoning laws take care of all those requirements and are
well enforced.

Anderson reported the rope at the playground needs to
be replaced and the council approved replacement of
these rope and nets on the playground equipment. He said
Emery and Clawson will receive chip and seal this year
as a project of the Castle Valley Special Service
District.

[Back
to Top]

DWR looks to introduce otter in
county

The Division
of Wildlife Resources report they are studying the
possibility of releasing otter in Straight
Canyon.

By PATSY STODDARD
Editor

The Emery County Public Lands Council began their new
year with a discussion on river otters with the Utah
Division of Wildlife Resources. Tony Wright is a native
wildlife species biologist with the DWR. Rick Larsen,
DWR regional director, introduced him to the council.
Larsen said the Northern River Otter Management Plan was
approved in 2005 by the Wildlife Board. As an ammendment
to that plan, three sites are being considered around
the area to introduce otters.

The Wildlife Board is hearing the proposal at its
Jan. 8 meeting as a matter of information. Further
discussion needs to take place among interested parties
before any decisions on the reintroduction can be made.
Larsen said they are also contacting the Farm Bureau for
their input on the matter. The reintroduction is still
several months in the future. The animals for transplant
usually come from nuisance animals in other areas.

The DWR is trying to introduce the otters along their
historic range. They will also look at the feasibility
of a short trapping season. Wright reported otters are
mainly fish eaters and will also eat small mammals and
birds. In this area, Huntington Creek was considered,
but eliminated because of the whirling disease of some
of the fish in Huntington Creek. It is not known if
otters could spread whirling disease.

Scofield and Straight Canyon were also considered.
The DWR concluded that Straight Canyon could be a good
fit for the otter. The Joe’s Valley Reservoir is filled
with chubs, which the otter could feed upon. The DWR
didn’t see any conflicts to the introduction of the
otter, but is now seeking public input. Otters
traditionally feed upon slower fish. They do not have a
negative impact on fisheries. Otters travel in small
groups and do not burrow so they are no threat to dikes.

One potential area of concern is with trapping
regulations. Some areas where otters have been released
don’t restrict trapping. Otters can be caught in beaver
traps, but those traps can be adapted so they won’t trap
otters. Beaver trapping can continue in an area where
otters are introduced.

The legal status of otters is a tier 3 which is an
every day species and not sensitive.

Public lands director, Ray Petersen wondered if there
is any impact on the irrigation systems of areas with
otters. Wright said there are numerous otters in the
Uintah Basin and no reports of problems with their
irrigation systems. The otters stick to the main bodies
of water as the smaller canals don’t have enough fish to
keep the otters well fed.

Wright said they would like to give the otter a try
and if they aren’t suitable to this area, then that’s
the otter’s decision.

Priscilla Burton, council member wondered if the
otters compete with any animals already here. Wright
said they really don’t have a competitor. They focus on
different foods than weasels or minks. They possibly
could compete with fish eating birds, but that is not
likely.

Larsen said the otters are quite popular with the
locals when the otters have been spotted on the Green
River; the locals have enjoyed seeing them.

Wright said the only place the otters have been a
problem is when they got into the White Rocks hatchery,
those otters were moved.

Jay Mark Humphrey, director of the Emery Water
Conservancy District expressed concern the DWR hadn’t
gone to the water users about the selection of Straight
Canyon to release otters. He said are we going to
sacrifice the fish in Straight Canyon for the otter? The
water coming out of Joe’s Valley is extremely cold. Is
cold water a good habitat for the otters, he questioned.
Straight Canyon doesn’t have a guaranteed flow of water.
Sometimes Joe’s Valley Reservoir is drawn down. Humphrey
wondered if these things have been considered. There
isn’t a beaver dam in Straight Canyon. The irrigation
systems in the county are connected and any otter
released in Straight Canyon could make its way to the
Huntington River also.

Larsen suggested a meeting be planned where the
concerned parties can discuss Humphrey’s concerns. The
meeting is tentatively set for six weeks.

Craig Johansen, president of Cottonwood Creek
irrigation company said initially they wondered if the
otter was a protected specie and if they would manage
the habitat for the otter. He is glad that isn’t the
case. He reminded the DWR that Straight Canyon has no
conservation flows and that flow can be shut-off
entirely if the need arises.

Currently two towns get their water from there.
There’s not much water coming down Straight Canyon,
enough for the towns and livestock watering. A lot of
the water is iced over at this time.

Larsen said the otter is not a sensitive specie and
the otter would adapt to the management of Joe’s Valley
and not the other way around.

Johansen said he is opposed to the release of otter
until an agreement could be worked out which states the
otter will not affect the water management of Joe’s
Valley Reservoir and downstream.

Larsen said such an agreement can be worked on.

It was also stated Straight Canyon doesn’t have that
much of a fish supply and the otters will eventually end
up in Joe’s Valley.

[Back
to Top]

Best Viewed with

Mozilla Firefox

Terms
of Use  •  Privacy
Policy  •  Contact
Us

Page design & maintenance
by Jason
S. Bailey. © Emery County Progress.