| McKenzie Lyn Ward poses with water poster. She is the state grand prize winner. |
With the Easter weekend fast approaching Emery County Sheriff Lamar Guymon has some words of advice for county residents. “We will have officers on duty starting on Friday through Easter Sunday. There will be extra patrols throughout the Swell. We will concentrate on things that are hazardous, like citizen disputes, motorcycles, guns, trespassing and disturbing the peace calls. We will concentrate on anything that has to do with safety and try to prevent bad things from happening. The Bureau of Land Management will also have extra patrols for the weekend and they will deal with violations of federal statutes and our office will focus on the people things.
“Everyone is used to being able to go all over and wherever they want, but there are a strict set of rules now; whether we like it or not and until the rules change they must be enforced. Most people don’t think about getting the rules changed, but will vandalize areas that are shut off to show their discontent.
“Acts of vandalism are a waste of tax payers money to replace signs. These acts are destructive to the ground and will result in even more of these areas being closed. The desert is one of the most beautiful places in the world to visit and some of the things people do destroys that beauty. The more vandalism that takes place, the more rules there will be and it becomes a vicious circle. We want people to have fun on Easter, but to use common sense and do not let themselves get into situations that they can’t get out of. Let someone know where you are going and when you will return. Remember to pack out what you pack in. Camp in designated areas and areas that are open. Clean up after yourselves and leave the spot cleaner than you found it. Taking care of the land will be what helps us to keep the land for our use,” said Sheriff Guymon.