Explore Escalante

jana@exploreescalante.com

Congratulations to Justin Porter for his 6^th place finish in Bull Riding at the Silver State International Rodeo.  Not only did he come away with placing in the top 15, he has a silver buckle as well.  I think the welcome home parade this week was for Justin and parents Nancy and Blaine, who should be congratulated for sticking with him, hauling horses and gear all over Utah for the High School Rodeos these past few years.  He told me he plans to attend in “Little Britches” Rodeo in Arizona in two weeks.  We wish him all the best and parents much needed rest.

We made far too many trips to Cedar City this week, but on one return we stopped at the new Rice King Restaurant in Panguitch for dinner.  They’re on the East end of town at the Truck Stop (next to the Red Rock Eye Clinic) and serve Chinese Food.  It’s good, adequate servings, the place is clean and the staff friendly.  Add in the price of $6.99 to $8.50 it’s a perfect combination.

Desert Doc did his quarterly road clean-up on Highway 12.  3 tires; 41 beer bottles; 37 beer and pop cans; 1 t-shirt;1 pair of shorts; 1 car jack; 1 pair of pliers; 1 Canadian $10.00 bill; 3 rolls twine; 3 charcoal bags; 2 milk crates; 1 fishing pole; 1 roller skate; and 18 plastic H20 Bottles.  Disposable America. Sigh!

Photography Contest Round Two Winners are:

Adult Division – 1^st- Peter Christensen; 2^nd – Elaine Lott; 3^rd – Desert Dr. ; Honorable Mentions to Alex Christensen, Carol Kracht and Tom Mansell.

Student Division – 1^st – Caleb Christensen, 2^nd – Caiti Christensen; 3^rd – Jacob Christensen; Honorable Mention to Adam Christensen.  Certificates and Award monies were given out Sunday, July 12, 2009.

Round 3 – Closing date is September 14, 2009.  Theme – “Old Escalante”.

City Council Meeting on July 7^th was full of surprises.  Mayor Porter was out on a Fire at the Sawmill.  Pat Sorenson spoke during public comments on the speed limit sign.  Kevin Griffin attended to inform the council of his Eagle Scout project to finish installing the post and numbers to match the historic walking guide, 1^st Edition.  There is a committee working on updating the list and printing a new brochure, but Kevin will finish out the old list first.  Posts will be on private property.  The council thanked him for his interest in the City.

In other business:

• 11 applicants will be interviewed on Tuesday, July 14^th  beginning at 5 PM, for the open Maintenance Position.  They intend to hire that same evening. 
• Approved a one year extension for the Hassett’s for their conditional use permit to delay construction of a boardwalk.
• Discussed the large amount of unfinished maintenance projects and the need for additional staff ASAP.  Blaine just returned from vacation (with Son) and Layne left for two weeks on the 10^th.

There were no Council member reports except from Councilor Lott-Woolsey, who informed the Council of her intent to resign her seat and next meeting would be her last.

Emilee has been a City Council Member for 7+years.  During the 3+ years I’ve attended Council meetings I’ve watched her tackle her assigned areas with the will to complete the task.  She and Sister Elaine have dutifully put up and taken down a majority of the City Christmas lights each year.  When she was responsible for City Sanitation, she spearheaded the improvements to the dumpster area; oversaw the installation of the fence and hand-painted the sign.

In 2007 Emilee took on a new area, buildings, parks and recreation and library.  She’s worked with private businesses and staff to get the Seminary Building repaired and rented.  She was instrumental in getting a room in the Community Center rented to the visiting Chiropractor.

Emilee worked with Care and Share to resolve their problems with old buildings, get new mats and paint.  She helped Sheri & Judy paint the City owned Clinic Building.  She’s worked with staff to beautify the grounds, help the seniors with their problems in the Community Center and generally create pride in Escalante.  Thank you Emilee.  We appreciate your time, energy and community pride.  We wish you well as you go forward with your home, husband, and job.

According to Vickie S., City Recorder, the rules for replacing Emilee are the Mayor appoints a replacement with the Council’s advice and consent.  Since her term is up this December, the election filings will determine the long-term council member.  This appointment will only be until the new council and Mayor are sworn in January 2010.  Who will that be?  Stay tuned.  Next week I’ll tell you who filed for two open Council positions and who filed for the Mayor position.

Until Next Week – - -