Life in the Heart of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

What a great job all the City clean-up volunteers did this past Saturday.  According to the coordinators, 50 folks turned out to help.  Pile after pile of dead vegetation went past on its way to the town dump site.

Long forgotten strips along Highway 12 are now clean and ready for another season.  Bags and bags of trash have been removed and we have a bright face for our visitors.  Our strip is all concrete but we swept up the gravel and the state crew came and swept it away. 

And our guests have finally arrived.  Seeking an outdoor experience after a long cold winter, they brave the wind and cold and visit Peek-a-Boo and Spooky slot canyons in record numbers.  Our new map is helping lots of folks find their way to places removed from the federal maps.  And there’s already been those stuck in the mud because they followed the GPS instead of watching.  That’s why our new tow truck service is needed.  He has his license, the truck has been inspected and he’s awaiting permits from the State.

It must be spring – Desert Doc has been spotted on his motorcycle.

I finished the Grant request to USDA for the Airport Runway Improvement project.  The Mayor has signed it and it’s being reviewed.  Armstrong Engineering will be the project leader and work with UDOT and FAA for the balance of the money.

Until next week – - -

Round One of the Gallery Escalante Photo Competition is complete and Round Two is now open.  The theme is Pet(s).  Please post, deliver or email your entry no later than May 1st.

To see the winners in both divisions click on the link below.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=160800&id=188946324804&l=3a71f41982

1st Sub. S.J.R. 1

ESCALANTE HERITAGE HOLE-IN-THE-ROCK CENTER JOINT RESOLUTION

 This joint resolution of the Legislature expresses support for the construction of a  Heritage Center in Escalante, Utah, and for improvements to the Hole-in-the-Rock  Road, to highlight the journey of the San Juan/Hole-in-the-Rock colonizing expedition  during the winter of 1879-80 and to preserve the history of the most difficult colonizing  expedition in all of the West.

 This resolution:

 expresses support for the Escalante Heritage Center’s effort to preserve the history  of the Hole-in-the-Rock pioneers, the history of the early explorations of the  Escalante Valley, and the settlement of the town Escalante in 1876 through the  heroic efforts of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to  follow the call of their leader to colonize and tame a part of the frontier; and  expresses support for improving safety and year round travel on the  Hole-in-the-Rock Road.

The final version is pretty much the same as the original with some minor changes that don’t affect the outcome, just the Legislative Intent.

EHS Wrestling Coach Paul Dodge and wife Jolene reported:  “We had 3 of our 4 wrestlers go to State and although we all had a great time, only Neil Owens placed.   Neil took 4th in State in the 1A Division in the 125# weight class.

We would like to thank all the community who supported the team, the wrestlers, and manager, Kelsey Torgersen for their teamwork and sportsmanship.”

And I’d like to thank Paul and Jolene for their volunteer efforts to coach and travel for our kids.  Good Job!

The next Scenic Byway 12 Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday February 16, 2010 in Panguitch at 1 pm. The meeting will be held in the Panguitch City/Library Conference Room at 25 So. 200 East.  The agenda is going to be very full with a special election to replace Jo Sojourner who resigned as Committee Chair, and approval of a vendor from the 9 bids received for our new website, route guide and brochure. Plus we’ll have presentations from Bryce Canyon National Park, BLM/Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and Dixie National Forest. They are each seeking the Committee’s input on projects of their own. John Holland will report on his meetings with towns, counties and byway partners since the last meeting in October 2009.

The Secretary of the Interior has approved the reinstatement of the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument Advisory Committee.  Watch for details if you are interested in appointment.

Just a note to thank Garfield County Commissioners for their support of the Escalante Municipal Airport Rehabilitation project.  I’ll give you the details in the next edition.

I read the Salt Lake Tribune on-line the other day to see Jordan School District is receiving pretty significant cuts in their funding.  I decided I needed to research the issue and found they have some special issues that affect only their district.  However, there are cuts projected by the legislative committees for the balance of this year and next year.  According to the Utah State Legislative Website, “appropriations supporting public schools represent the largest expenditure in the state budget, totaling more than 34 billion in FY2010.  Funding supports the education of 563,700 students and the employment of over 50,000 FTE employees of which over 29,000 are licensed and working the schools districts and charter schools.”

The Public Education Appropriations subcommittee reviews and approves the budget for three principal areas: 1)The minimum School Program; 2) The School Building Program; and 3) Education Agencies including the Utah State Office of Education, State Charter Schools, Educator Licensing, Science Outreach and Education Contracts.  On the average, state revenues to public education provide approximate 50% for school district and charter schools.  Local revenues contribute 33%, 11% from federal funds and 7 % from other sources.

The committee has approved a reduction of funding for the balance of FY2010 of 4%.  They are currently discussing and reviewing a further reduction of 5% for the FY 2011.  These reductions are being discussed at the local level and the School Board Meeting tonight should start the conversation.

Escalante High School Wrestlers have done it.  Three of our four wrestlers will advance from regions to the State Tournament next weekend.  Ryan Brooks @119 placed 2^nd in regions; Brett Brooks @112 placed 3^rd in regions; and Ryan Owens @125 placed 3^rd in region.  Gus Torgerson placed 6^th and will accompany the team to state. Congrats to all.  The team placed 6^th with only 4 wrestlers.  Good Job!!!

EHS Homecoming – February 18^th.  The fun starts with a parade down Main Street at 1 PM then a rally at the High School.  All Alumni and community members are welcome. 

We lost one of our best Highway barns in the “big storm”.  I’ll miss seeing it, but it wasn’t the fire station.  Henrieville lost their fire station and both fire trucks with the weight of the snow collapsing the roof.  Ours goes up and theirs comes down. 

Speaking  of snow – as of press time there was 25” at Donkey Reservoir, 42” at Widstoe and 48” at Clayton Springs.  Maybe we could postpone draining Wide Hollow and have storage this year then start the project in late September.  Just a thought.

Uncle Bebops Escalante LLC is seeking a Business License from Planning and Zoning for a mobile coffee cart.  Robert Morgan and Sarah Edmunds have reserved the name with the state, but not registered the DBA or indicated their NAICS status as of press time.

8 citizens submitted a letter of interest to be appointed to the vacant seat on the Escalante City Council.  Garth Noyes, Don Mosier, Lenza Wilson, Emilee Woolsey, August Bernardo, Greg Hughes, Linda Mansell and Marlene Stowe.  The City Recorder, City Treasurer, Councilman Allen, and Citizen Algair interviewed all 8 with a set of questions.  Their recommendation to the council of Greg Hughes was accepted and her was sworn in to serve the balance of Jerry Taylor’s Council seat. 

Escalante has it’s own Igloo.  Constructed by Justine and son Rowan, Chris Riekena was the engineer.  Stop by the corner of 300 North and 100 East to see it for yourself.

UDOT gave a report to the Transportation, Environmental  Quality, National Guard & Veterans’ Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee last week at the Capitol.  The financial information provided listed the 7 regions of which Garfield County is in the Richfield Maintenance District.  Our funding is the lowest of all the regions with 3.9% of the $26,120,400 million being spent in fiscal year 2011. Our region includes Garfield, Kane, Piute, Sanpete, Sevier and Wayne Counties.  They went on to report the Department’s four strategic goals – 1) Take care of what we have, 2) Make the system work better; 3) improve safety; and 4) increase capacity.

With over 30” of snow on the ground, it’s hard to think spring is on it’s way. But the Home Décor and Picture Framing Trade Show was all about spring. The framing/décor color for spring is Turquoise with Coral accents. You’ll probably see much the same, only in different tones, from the garment industry. Think silver and black to go with it. If you want a softer look, use copper tones. That combination radiates warmth. And remember, Turquoise is a combination of blue and green – there’s a wide range of turquoise between pure blue and pure green. Not sure what combinations to use? You’re welcome to come in and use my color wheel if you don’t own one.

I received a new quilting catalog and was surprised at how many patterns and kits were based on the turquoise pallet. I don’t quilt, but I bead quilt patterns and I’m helping put together a small show on “The Life of Quilt”. You’ll hear more about it as we get closer to the Heritage Festival Memorial weekend.

Winter openings – Circle D open Super Bowl Sunday at 2 PM and will serve a special buffet only. Starting Feb. 12th they’ll open Fri and Sat. from 3 – 8 PM. Sunday brunch 11 – 3. Cowboy Blues should reopen about the same time and Georgie’s will close for a while. Check with Georgie for exact dates.

Are you ready for the coming year? Why not plan on attending some local events – here’s the dates as I now know them.
March 1 – 1st Round Photo Competition Closes at Gallery Escalante – Open Theme
April 4th – Easter Sunday and Red Canyon Visitor Center Opens with the Photography of Tracy Hassett
May 1st – 2nd Round Photo Competition Closes at Gallery Escalante – Check for Theme
May 29th – Heritage Festival at Escalante High School
July 3rd – Potato Valley Lions Club Celebration Dinner at the Pavillion and Fire Works at dusk.
July 4th – 3rd Round Photo Competition Closes at Gallery Escalante – No Theme
July 24th – Escalante Pioneer Heritage Festival – Escalante City Park and Rodeo Grounds
Sept – October – People Choice Award Voting for Student and Adult Photographs at Gallery Escalante
Sept 24th/25th – Everett Reuss Days
November 15th – Holiday Open House and Photo Competition Awards Gallery Escalante

Harriet Priska attended the City Council meeting and reports:
• The city worked with Kurt and Diana Richens about their broken water line due to the water construction project;
• Dustin Schaible, Wildlife Biologist from the Utah Div.of Wildlife Resources outline the procedure for surveying a community to determine if the deer population is a threat to “public safety”;
• Councilman Allen reported on the Escalante City Airport project. The new cost is $1,000,000 and the city share is $80,000 – $30,000 more than originally projected.
• Had a discussion on snow removal and the possible purchase of a “bobcat” to plow the sidewalks. Merchants were reminded that they are responsible and liable to clean their sidewalks by 9:00 AM, according to City Ordinance.
• Mayor Taylor appointed Councilwoman Torgersen to oversee buildings, and parks.

The agenda for the planning and zoning meeting brings Kate Vining back for a full permit for her “new place” at 115W 300 N. A new business in town, Escalante Backroads Shuttles and Tours is seeking a business license from the City based on their location at 110 N 690 W. Their state license shows Lloyd Edward Hart as the register owner/agent and Diane Moscone is the person requesting the license. Ttheir NAICS code is for Other Amusement/Recreation. A new chairperson is also on the agenda.

Harriet wanted everyone to know that Cory Jensen, Architectural Historian of the Utah Div of State History, will be in town this weekend to resurvey the properties and determne our eligibility for Historic Designation. If you see him and his wife Chris, please say hi.

I was listening to the BBC one afternoon and heard an interview of James Lovelock regarding his recent book “The Vanishing Face of Gaia”. They referred to him as the ‘father of the environmental movement in Great Britain’, and wondered how he could come to the conclusion that Nuclear Energy is the cleanest and we should be building new plants as fast as we can. That prompted me to purchase the book and read his theory for myself.

His premise is based on the earth, which he calls Gaia, and it’s ability to take care of itself. His premise begins with the statement, “the earth has been dying since the beginning of the industrial age”. When discussing some of the solutions available he warns, “Don’t for a moment believe the sales talk that these (wind and solar scams) will save the plant. The salesmen’s pitch refers to the world they know, the urban world. The real Earth does not need saving. It can, will, and always has saved itself, and it is now starting to do so by changing to a state much less favorable for us and other animals. What people mean by save the planet is save the planet as we know it’, and that is now impossible.”

On the other hand, Thomas I. Friedman wrote “Hot, Flat and Crowded”, the #1 Non-Fiction of 2009. He agrees that there is much to be done to promote and develop “clean energy”, but he looks to government to create financial incentives for corporations and energy companies to build plants other than coal fired, including nuclear and wind/solar. “If you take only one thing away from this book, please take this – We are not going to regulate our way out of the problems of the Energy-Climate Era. We can only innovate our way out…..”

How does all this affect us? Alton Coal Mine. At a time that corporations are looking for additional supplies of affordable coal, citizens have mixed reactions to the plans. Yet there is not the intestinal fortitude in Congress to place a higher gas tax or fuel tax to push industry to develop other means of producing clean electrons (energy). Roughly 30% of our greenhouse gas emissions come from the transportation sector. The rest, according to Mr. Friedman, comes from the electron creation in America which is 50% from burning coal, 20% from nuclear energy, 15% from burning natural gas, 7% from hydropower, and 2% from burning wood and geothermal, solar and wind sources.

If we’re not going to burn coal, what are we going to do to provide America with enough electrons for industry, jobs, families, heating and cooling, etc. In

Mr Lovelock thinks “it is absurd to think that we can alter the Earth’s response in our favor by using wind or solar voltaic energy at its present stage of development. …you would have to build a nuclear power or coal-fired power station for each of these monster wind farms to back up the turbines for the 75% of time when the wind was either too high or too low. “

Mr. Friedman was government to set standards and regulations that will give corporations certainty in order to invest in new technology. In addition, he wants the rules created that require electric companies to allow for an exchange of information for smart homes to be created.

These are just the thoughts of two men in different countries, each with a different focus on the problem. Each has a number of valid arguments and there doesn’t appear to be a right or wrong answer. But climate change is here to stay unless the earth decides to resolve the problem herself. Time will tell.

Until next week – - -

The Pew Center on the States named Utah the best managed state in the nation.

While Utah unemployment grew from 2008/2009. Construction employment fell 16% while Leisure and Hospitality fell 4.7%. According to the Utah Business Magazine, unlike the other 27 lower states, Utah is dominated by 30-yr olds. But visitors are the 50-year olds that dominate the rest of the country.

Utah’s population is expected to grow from 2.9 million in 2010 to 3.6 million in 2020 and 4.4 in 2040. Jobs will continue to be generated by small businesses that currently make up more than 90% of the state’s employers. The state economists are predicting a 1.9% increase in retail sales. Tell ya more about it in December.

The U.S. Census will begin before long and we should have some new numbers by the end of the year. It will be interesting to see how Escalante fairs. It will tell us the types of jobs in Escalante, i.e. Agriculture and non-agriculture and how many households are below the poverty level.

St. George is looking forward to a great year in tourism. They have contracted to host an Ironman competition May 1, 2010. The event includes a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, and a 26.2 mile run. The Tourism Div. had to commit 10,000 rooms for the event and they already have bookings for 4,500.

Don’t forget you can log into http://www.utah.gov /pmn/index.html and sign up to received agendas for Escalante City Council, Garfield County Commissioners, and Garfield Public Schools.

On this week’s City Agenda there ‘s a request for a Beer License for the Prospector Restaurant; a report from UDFW on the Deer issue previously brought before the council and filling the open seat on the council.

Winter School Sports – Girls Basketball – Piute @ Esc. The 7th; Boy’s Basketball – Piute @ Esc. The 14th and the sophomore Tournament @ Esc. The 15th and 16th.

The US Postal Service is raising their fees on Priority Mailings – 3.3 %. Express Mail will go up 4.5% and UPS will increase their fees 3.3%. Our fees for service will remain the same for all mailing services except pre-paid drops. If you want to drop off a package and outgoing time isn’t important it will be free. If you require same-day service for your prepaid return the fee is $2.00. You can call UPS and have them pick it up for $8.50.

Until Next Week – - -

It was a hectic weekend in Escalante. Boys Basketball was in Richfield and a number of folks traveled with the team. The Girls Basketball team went to Kanab and I happened to see them arrive home following the plows, early Sunday morning. Girls home games start in December and the Boys in January. Wrestling was in Parawan. The tournament this past weekend brought eight teams to Parowan . Bret Brooks and Neil Owens both took 4th in their weight classes. Good Job!

Snow everywhere, but we should have a break for a while. According to MSNBC, “Parts of New England also girded themselves for bone-chilling wind gusts and snow accumulations of up to a foot by the end of the day. ‘It’s horrible out there,’ said Todd Lane, an assistant manager of a convenience store in Des Moines, where several inches of new snow was reported overnight. Although business was fairly normal overnight, it nearly all came from snow plow drives – most looking for coffee and energy drinks.”

Don’t forget to write and send your comments on the EA for Wide Hollow. They are due Dec. 23rd.

We get folks from all over the world visiting Escalante. Many of those that stop at the Gallery are interested in the area, demographics, history, and geography. Many times we get a chance to talk about various books written about the area. Sometimes someone will bring up one we haven’t read. That was the case when talking with folks from Wisconsin. “The Proper Edge of the Sky” by Edward A. Geary was unknown to us. Both of us have read it and there’s an excellent chapter on Escalante and the Grand Staircase.

This year Desert Doc talked with lots of folks from foreign countries. We had visitors sign our guest book from 34 states, 8 countries, 3 Canadian Provinces, and 31 Utah cities.

Winter Hours – The Circle D Motel and Eatery is closed from Dec 14th through Jan 12th. The Eatery will reopen Feb 5th and have specials for Superbowl Sunday. Georgie tells me she’ll be closed from Christmas to New Years but open January. Watch for her closure in February. The folks at the Prospector Restaurant told me they plan on being open the winter for locals. Cowboy Blues let me know that they’ll close Jan. 11th and reopen the first of February. Watch for their flyer for exact dates. The Loop has their winter hours posted, as do the gas stations. The Outfitters winter hours are 10 -5 Tues – Sat. And Winter Hours at the Gallery Mon- Sat 9-5.
Stay warm. Until next week –

Elder Kaden Brent Griffin has been called to serve in the Mexico Puebla Mission. He will be entering the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah on December 16, 2009. A farewell program was held, November 29, 2009 at the Escalante Stake Center. Kaden is the son of Brent and Kathie W Griffin of Escalante, Utah, and the grandson of Gene and Thais Griffin of Escalante, Utah. He is also the grandson of Dale and Nadine Willoughby of Delta, Utah and the great –grandson of Marjorie Stevens of Holden, Utah.

Santa Claus is coming to town. Monday, December 14th at Cowboy Blues. Spaghetti and Meatballs Buffet starts at 5 PM. $5.00 for children and $10.00 for adults. Santa will arrive at 6PM. Photos will be taken by Tracy Hassett of Gallery Escalante. Each child will receive one free 4 x 6. 5 x 7’s and larger will be available. Dinner will be served from 5-8:30 PM. Santa will enjoy the beautiful lights down main street thanks to the many volunteers and to Garkane for their help with the larger units.

There’s a new book out, “The Most Beautiful Villages and Towns of the Southwest”, written by Joan Tapper and Photographed by Nik Wheeler. We should have a copy after the first of the year. According to the Salt Lake Tribune story, Escalante is included. Stay tuned.

KSL reported on a judge in Logan that ruled against a bicyclist who made a common, illegal move. A Parowan resident passed on the right side of a vehicle. A prosecutor pointed out motor vehicles are not allowed to pass on the right and neither are bicycles. The judge called Mr. Adams’ move unsafe and illegal and fined him $45.00

The Wide Hollow EA is available for review at the Escalante Library. Comments are due by December 23, 2009.

Escalante High School has a Wrestling Team this year. Although 14 members are required for a full team, our individual students can compete. Paul Dodge is the head coach, with Chris Christensen as assistant coach. The team manager is Kelsey Torgersen. Wrestlers that will compete this year: Neil Owens, a Senior in the 125# weight Class; Ryan Brooks, a Junior in the 125# Class; Bret Brooks, a 9th Grader in the 119# weight Class; and Casey Torgersen, a 9th Grader in the 125# weight class. Coach Dodge will keep us updated with their scores and progress. Watch for a fundraiser they are planning for later this month. They’ll be asking for help for overnight stay funds. The district provides the transportation, but hotel and meals is on the students, as well as equipment and uniforms. Your help would be greatly appreciated.

At the tournament this past weekend in Panguitch, Neil Owens placed 6th. Congrats! There were 33 other students in his and Gus Torgersen’s weight class. Bret Brooks competed against 26 others. The two day event saw 24 teams compete and the last event was at Midnight Saturday. We’re proud of you all! Unfortunately, there are no home wrestling events this year. Their schedule for the rest of the season:
Dec. 12th – Parowan; December 18/19 – Dixie HS, St. George; Jan 2nd – Beaver HS; Jan. 16th – Milford HS; Jan. 23rd – Wayne HS, Bicknell; Jan 29/30 – Enterprise HS; Regions – Feb 6th – Milford HS and Feb 12/13 – State Tournament – UVSC. While no one can fill Pat Dix’ shoes, we’ll try to keep you in the know (with Mac O’s. help)

Girls Basketball Home Games – Dec. 16th; Dec. 22nd; Jan 7th; Jan 21st; Jan 27th; Feb 5th. JV at 5:15 and Varsity at 7 PM.

Boys Basketball Home Games – Jan 2nd; Jan 6th; Jan 14th; 22nd; Jan 28th; Feb 9th and Feb 18th; Regions Feb 25-27 and State March 3-6. Sophomore Tournament Jan 15/16 at Escalante.

Garfield County School Winter Break December 21st – Jan. 3rd.

Until next week –

End Note – One of my closest friends recently emailed me a quote Voltaire wrote Feb. 6th, 1770: “I detest what you write, but I would give my life to make it possible for you to continue to write”.
A comment in one of my articles has offended some folks. You have my sincere apologies. My article is meant to stimulate discussion, an opportunity to look at more than one side of an issue, and hopefully to educate. If I have offended anyone now, or in the past, please forgive me.