Huntington trail system one step closer

By PATSY STODDARD Editor

In the Sept. 9 meeting of the Emery County Commissioners, Jeff Guymon was awarded the employee of the month for September.
The commission approved the corrected construction and maintenance easement for construction of the Huntington City Trail. Commissioner Ethan Migliori explained this was needed because of an adjustment in the route.
The approval of application for transportation and utility systems and facilities on federal lands for Huntington State Park Trail System Project 2014 was also approved. This was the approval to begin the application. There will be a memorandum of understanding with the Bureau of Reclamation as the project moves forward.
In the commission reports, Commissioner James Nelson said the landfill has passed its inspection. The landfill is run professionally and there is a spot there for the disposal of asbestos. There is a location for green waste. The landfill passed with flying colors all aspects of the inspection.
Commissioner Nelson attended an open house on drug court. There are 25 people in drug court. These people are working and carrying on productive lives. The employers like to hire those participating in drug court, because they know they are randomly tested for drug use. “The drug court program is impressive,” said Commissioner Nelson.
He said Dr. Ken Baldridge was in town conducting research on the Civilian Conservation Corps. They were in the county in the 1930s and did various projects. Dr. Baldridge is commissioned by the University of Utah to write a book on the CCC. The CCC constructed the Swinging Bridge and several existing structures along waterways in the county. “I attended a BLM meeting on trails. Emery County is a consulting agency. The purpose of this group is to discuss appropriate trails for the future. It was interesting, I am glad I went,” said Commissioner Nelson.
Commissioner Nelson attended a six hour training for Four Corners Behavioral Health in Green River. They discussed financial matters and legal responsibilities for substance abuse. The county is required by law to provide these services for its citizens.
Commissioner Ethan Migliori said the Folk Art Festival went well. There have been follow-up fair meetings to discuss the fair and what went well and what didn’t. If anyone has any ideas they can contact Commissioner Migliori or Jake Atwood at the recreation center. He attended the Arapeen Jamboree closing dinner, “It’s good to see people coming into our area. Some of those people attending the jamboree, travel around for about a month and ride ATVs.”
Improvements to the Emery County Care and Rehab continue to be made. They are working to make changes to make the atmosphere at the facility more homelike. The county held a lunch for senior citizens and the commissioners helped serve. The rec. board met and the fall sports are all in full operation. There may be a fall soccer league because interest has been expressed by those who don’t play football. The Emery County Business Chamber luncheon will be on Sept. 24 at noon at the Museum of the San Rafael. The speakers will be Ray Petersen the public lands director and Randy Johnson, public lands consultant. Commissioners Nelson and Migliori will also give input. The topic will be the public lands bill and process the county is engaged in with Cong. Rob Bishop’s office.
An informational meeting on public lands and a possible Goblin Valley Expansion will be held on Sept. 23 at the county building.
On Sept. 19-20 is Melon Days in Green River. Sept. 20 is a historical society trek to parts of the Spanish Trail.
Commissioner Jeff Horrocks said he continues to work with the Association of Government on the aging programs for seniors. It was feared that meals on wheels and other programs might have to be cut due to lack of funding, but so far the programs are being maintained. There was a meeting on the lower debris basin. The project is moving forward and improvements are being made at the upper basin. The upper basin performed well during the recent flood events.
On Sept. 26-28 there will be a Back Country Pilots fly-in at the Huntington Airport. A car show will also be held and entertainment. Anyone interested in flying is encouraged to attend. Last year’s event drew 75 aircraft and more are expected this year.
Steven Barton said the Little Grand Canyon Marathon held over the weekend attracted 250 runners to the county. The Fall Mountain Bike Festival will be held on Sept. 26-28 at the Wedge.
The commission approved the consent agenda items: Approval to hire Steve Whitfield as a seasonal weed and mosquito technician.
Chelsea Guymon has been selected as a part-time office specialist with no benefits, Wage Grade 11.
Approval of Ron Jones, Julie Cox, Lisa Jewkes, and Coleton Baker as volunteers at the Pioneer and San Rafael Museums.
Approval of Jeff Horrocks, Mervin Miles, Glenda Hansen, Scott Wilson, and Leon DeFriez as volunteers to drive county vehicles and assist with the event at the Huntington Airport on September 27-28.