My Apologies

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.