Do you recognize this trailhead?
By Julie Johansen
Do you know where this trailhead is? If you do recognize it, what do you know about the history of this area? The Emery County Travel Bureau requested permission from county commissioners during a recent meeting to apply for a grant to install historic, interpretive signage to increase the experience and knowledge of several of these sites in Emery County.
Approval was given to apply for a grant for signage for a handful of areas: Mexican Mountain, DesBee Dove Mine Trail, Swasey’s Cabin, Sid’s Leap, Copper Globe and MK Tunnels. These grants would be matching with in-kind, state and county funds.
Approval was also given to apply for a grant to help finance an Emery County Victim’s Advocate. County attorney Mike Olsen advised the commission that a state statue requires the county to provide victims these services and that there is great need in Emery County. These services have previously been provided by Carbon County but while the services have been great, time doesn’t allow for all the services by one advocate. The exact funding of this position will be discussed at a later date. Concerned citizens voiced their opinions, stating that this is a time when victims really need the help.
The changes regarding the grant to digitize 20 years of the Emery County Progress were approved. This is also a matching grant and the Emery County Historical Society has pledged the matching funds.
Also at the commission meeting, entertainment contracts for the county fair were approved, including Jenny Oaks Baker and her family, who are violinists.
The commission also thanked the Suicide Prevention Working group for their support in the county and granted the group $250, asking them to submit a request in September to be included in the budget for next year. This is a non-profit organization of 10 people working to intervene with suicidal residents before it reaches a crisis situation.
Robbie Jensen, AOG Aging Director, explained new programs in the senior citizen program in the county. Some of these include new drivers for Meals on Wheels, classes to help with rehabilitation and prevention of falls, and Grandparents’ Days at the end of the summer. Jensen also reported that they are working on their budget for next year and will present this at the next commission meeting.
Randy Johnson, Government Matters, LLC, told of two bills recently signed by the governor that will affect the utilities in the county. HB 261 will give utility companies an opportunity to compete with private enterprises for solar installation. HB 422 will help make way for installation of natural gas in areas such as Green River. He reported that once Congress is back from vacation, the Emery County Land Bill will go to committees with an anticipated introduction in the coming weeks.