Emery Town Makes Plans for July 24

By COREY BLUEMEL Staff Writer

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Emery Town 24th of July celebration. Mayor Mike Williams noted that the town is making big plans for the milestone. Mayor Williams announced plans to have the original Emery Town history book republished. The goal is to have the finished book available by Memorial Day and also have it for sale at the 24th celebration.
Mayor Williams noted that July 24 is on a Saturday this year and hopes are that the celebration will be well attended. He encouraged all residents to inform family members and friends who are residents or who have been residents in the past, to come out and support this event. He also stated that everyone will be welcome to attend.
Emery Town has been working on an addition to the Veterans monument. This addition will be a brass plaque to be installed on the reverse side of the existing monument and will contain the names of all the veterans of all wars and actions, who served in the military and are from Emery. Mayor Williams announced that it is the hope of the council that this monument addition can be unveiled at the celebration.
Hazel Cox, chairman of the celebration committee, announced the theme for the event. “We Love Our Emery Roots” is the theme chosen for the celebration. She also announced that plans are to have vendors again, as in the past. These vendors are welcome to come and set up their displays at no cost for a space rental, although they will be expected to supply their own tables and set up supplies. She noted that those who have participated in the past have done very well and the committee and the council appreciates all those who have participated and hope they will return this year.
Cox said there will be a dinner, a dance and most likely a horseshoe tournament. Anyone wishing more information or to register a booth space, is urged to call 286-2417 or 286-2225.
Mayor Williams informed those present that the contract for rennovation of the front of the post office was given to Royce Stilson. Williams had also spoken with a representative of the post office and was informed that there is money available for the purpose of maintenance and renovation of postal buildings. He will look into and apply for whatever funds are available. The amount of the bid from Stilson was just over $6,500 and the post office will reimburse up to $2,000.
Another topic tackled by the council was the loss of groundwater due to mining activity. Mayor Williams said that SUFCO Mine is mining through the water supplies for the town. He noted that the springs, wells and reservoirs are all drying up. A citizen reported that a survey is being done for the forest service addressing this situation and urged that the mayor request a copy on its completion.
Mayor Williams informed the residents that the mine has responded and they say that it is ancient water that they are mining through and the water sources drying up are due to drought. The mayor has urged the mine to pump their excess water into the Muddy drainage. It was decided by the council for the mayor to begin the process of getting the stream reclassified.
Justin Childs, of the Emery fire department, announced the burn window is March 27-May 2, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Anyone wishing to burn must first obtain a burn permit from city hall.
During the citizens concerns portion of the meeting, the issue of illegal dumping was noted. The council was informed that someone had dumped concrete slabs on a lot above town. The concern is that children who play in the area will be hurt. Mayor Williams will begin the process to clean up the area.
Judi Riddle, city clerk, read a letter from Huntington City Councilperson Hilary Gordon. The letter informs the council that an order for concrete flower containers is being compiled and asks if Emery wants to be included. It was decided to discuss the matter with Glenys Sitterud, the council person in charge of beautification.
Marie Anderson, Emery County Recreation board, informed the council that a second round of CIB grants will be reviewed in May. She instructed them that Carolyn Jorgensen, Castle Dale recorder, has applications and proper wording for the grant application forms.
The council then approved to donate $150 to the little league team for the purchase of new equipment. The next Emery Town Council meeting will be April 13 at 6 p.m.