​June 25, 2020  •  Nelson Phillips  •  Staff Writer

   Candidates for Box Elder County Commission Seat C have disclosed their campaign contribution and expenditure reports for the current election cycle.
   By law the reports needed to be disclosed to the county one week prior to the June 30th primary election, but with “vote by mail” Box Elder residents have actually been casting their ballots since June 9th, calling the current filing requirement timelines into question.
   Commissioner Stan Summers, the two-term incumbent, led all candidates in total fundraising, listing contributions of $16,645 and spending of $16,589 since April 1st. The majority of Summers’ fundraising consisted of personal contributions of $500 or less, coming from individuals living in or near Box Elder County. 
   Notable contributions include $5,500 from Summers himself; $2,000 from TNU Properties, a company associated with the True North medical marijuana growing operation in Box Elder County; $1,500 from Kyle Roberts, associated with Salt Lake-based commercial real estate developer Newmark Grubb Acres; $1,500 from Gather, a political signature-gathering company; $1.000 from LW Miller Trucking; $1,000 from Blue Ox Development, a company wanting to put a gravel mining operation followed by a housing development in South Willard; $545 from a group associated with Utah House Representative Lee Perry; $500 from Congressman Rob Bishop’s campaign and another $250 contribution from Bishop as an individual; $500 from the Foxley and Pignanelli law firm, which has lobbied on behalf of the Promontory Point landfill, but also whose owner, according to Summers, has been a long-time family friend; and $500 from Enyo, a company building two solar energy farms in the county.
   Candidate Kris Udy is close behind Summers in fundraising, disclosing $14,120 in contributions since March 20, while spending the entire amount of $14,120, mostly on Udy’s ubiquitous campaign signs seen all over the county.
   As with Summers, the majority of Udy’s contributions were amounts of $500 or less from individuals, mostly living in Box Elder County.
    Udy herself was her biggest donor, listing $5,075 coming out of her own pocket. Other noteworthy contributions include $2,000 from Rupps Trucking, a Tremonton-based company associated with excavation, gravel mining and waste disposal; $1,200 from Tremonton resident Hugh Clark; $1,000 from the Bar M Ranch in Bothwell, owned by the Moulding family, which has been trying to get approvals to construct a 220-acre landfill in Hansel Valley; $1,000 from Northshore Rock in Honeyville, owned by  Brent Kenley, who also owns a mining operation near the Promontory Point landfill and stood with Udy to oppose the opening of that landfill; $500 from T&M Manufacturing, a steel fabrication company in Tremonton; $500 from Garn Cattle Company in Fielding; $500 from JJ Land and Livestock in Harper Ward; and $500 from Misrasi Concrete in Garland.
   Mitch Zundel listed a total of $1,667 in campaign contributions, all of which came from private donors in amounts of $200 or less.
    Alden Farr listed $4,494 in contributions, all of which came out of his own pocket.

June 24, 2020  •  Nelson Phillips  •  Staff Writer

   With the 4th of July just around the corner and fireworks stands going up in retail parking lots around the county, both Brigham City and Perry have implemented fire and fireworks restrictions in their respective cities.
   Perry’s ordinance is ongoing every year, and defers to the judgment of the city’s fire marshal to set fire and fireworks restrictions where and when deemed appropriate. Currently the city contracts with Brigham City to provide fire services, and thus shares its fire marshal and fire chief with Brigham City.
   Brigham City currently passes a new ordinance every year, though that may change as discussions considering adopting an ordinance similar to Perry’s are being held. 
  At Thursday’s meeting of the Brigham City Council, an ordinance was adopted issuing fire and fireworks restrictions in certain parts of the city. Those restrictions passed by a four to one vote, with Councilmember Tom Peterson voting against as he has for several years, feeling that some of the restrictions on the east side of the city are too restrictive.
   Brigham City’s restricted area encompasses areas east of Hwy 38 from 900 North to 1500 North; east of Highland Blvd from 100 North to 900 North; east of 700 East from Forest St to 100 North; east of 700 East from 1100 South to Forest St; and all areas east of Michelle Drive to 1100 South. Additional restriction areas include all areas south of Forest St West of Interstate 15, and north of Hwy 13 east of Airport Road.
   Perry’s fire restrictions encompass all areas to the west of the Union Pacific railroad tracks; all areas east of Highway89 south from 3000 South; all areas south and west of Peach Street (South 450 West) to 2500 South; areas west of Elk Grove Drive between 2400 South and 2500 South; areas west of 385 West between 2500 South and 2100 South; areas west of Sunridge Drive (225/250 West) from 2000 South to approximately 1800 South; areas south and east of 1750 South and 165 West; all areas east of 25 East from 1750 South to 1500 South, and all areas east of Dentwood Drive between 1500 South and the city limit. An additional restriction zone has been established west of Perry Street between 3275 South and 3400 South, extending to Bing Avenue on the west;
   In restricted areas, both cities prohibit all open fires, except campfires in facilities built for them in approved campgrounds, picnic areas or permanently improved places of habitation. Smoking has also been prohibited unless in a vehicle, building, or area that is free from vegetation at least 3 feet in diameter. Fireworks of any kind and tracer ammunition, as well as any other type of pyrotechnic device are banned, as are chainsaws without spark arrestors, off road travel in any motor vehicle, blasting, welding, or any other activity which generates sparks and flame.
   The restrictions go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on July 1st, and will remain in effect until rescinded by the fire chief or fire mashal.
   Willard City has not yet passed fire and fireworks restrictions this year, but typically does so before the 4th of July, prohibiting fires and fireworks east of Hwy 89.

Kiwanis Easter egg hunt cancelled
    Due to recommendations and restrictions related to efforts to restrict the spread of COVID-19, Brigham City Corporation has canceled all special event permits through May 1, 2020.
    “This unfortunately includes this year’s Easter egg hunt,” wrote Brigham City Kiwanis Club Secretary Mike Allen. “The safety and health of our community is our biggest concern and even though it is disappointing we will not be able to host this event this year, we wish each of you will stay healthy and we look forward to the opportunity to host this event next year.”


Bear River City residents
    Bear River City residents may participate in Bear River City’s Egg-cellent Adventure for youth ages 18 months to 11 years old by emailing bearrivercity@frontiernet.net include: Parents name, number of youth living in the residence, and physical street address. Members of the Bear River Youth City Council will hide eggs in the front yard.
​

UPDATE: Thursday, March 12, 4:10 p.m.
    Following the recommendations of the state’s coronavirus task force, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources postponed or canceled several public events.
    Canceled events are:
  March 14: Wild swan viewing events and activities at Farmington Bay and Salt Creek wildlife management areas;
    March 28: Mountain goat viewing event at Rock Creek in northeastern Utah;
    March 28: Turkey hunting clinic at the Eccles Education Wildlife Center; and
    March 28: Turkey hunting clinic in Monticello
   Postponed events are a seminar about fishing Utah Lake in Springville, and a walleye fishing seminar in Salt Lake City.
    The following events will be postponed to a later date (yet to be determined):
    DWR events scheduled for April have not yet been canceled and will be evaluated after receiving additional direction from state health officials and state leaders.

    The state coronavirus task force announced at a press conference today several proactive measures intended to help limit the spread of the disease.
    Top among those is a recommendation (not a requirement) to cancel, suspend or otherwise gatherings of more than 100 people, including church and religious services, concerts, concerts and other events for at least the next two weeks. The task force said the recommendation does not apply to K-12 schools. Schools are being asked to coordinate with local health departments to determine if or when it’s appropriate to close schools.
    Relatedly the Utah High School Activities Association announced the suspension of the state debate competition this weekend, and all spring activities beginning Monday, March 16.
    All Utah colleges and universities will offer classes online as quickly as possible. Social distancing and limiting travel are also highly encouraged. Campuses and student services will still be open, and labs will still be held. School-sponsored events and gatherings are encouraged to be canceled.
   Long-term care facilities for elderly citizens will be highly restricted and only allow screened access. COVID-19 has shown to be particularly fatal to those 60 and older. Willow Glen Health and Rehab in Brigham City announced this afternoon that no visitors will be allowed.
    The task force also recommended that:
    · Those 60 or older, or with compromised immune systems or underlying medical conditions should limit participation with groups of 20 or more people.
    · Businesses are being asked to allow workers to telecommute immediately, if they are able. The task force also asks businesses to make telecommuting available to as many employees as possible.
    ·Teachers and staff at K-12 schools should take great care to keep classrooms clean such as regular cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces, and having students wash their hands more frequently.
    Across the nation, events are being suspended or canceled, including the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, MLB’s spring training is suspended, and the season opener will be postponed two weeks. Disneyland will close on Monday and remain closed until the end of March.
    World wide, China is beginning to see a decrease of cases, but other places, like Italy, are seeing an increase of cases that is overwhelming that county’s health care system.
    Experts have warned that unless communities take proactive measures and enact aggressive intervention to prevent the spread of the disease, health-care systems could be overwhelmed.
    According to the Bear River Health Department website, everyone can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by following these tips:
    · Stay home if you are sick;
    · Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing;
    · Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;
    · Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available;
    · Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth;
    ·Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes; and
    ·Get a flu vaccine.

Unofficial final results - Totals include ballots counted through November 8th.

​
BRIGHAM CITY COUNCIL 
3 OPEN SEATS

ALDEN FARR         1,569      18.82%*
JOE OLSON           1,524      18.28%*
RYAN D. SMITH    1,235      14.81%
SHERRY PHIPPS   1,139       13.66%
EVE JONES            1,415       16.97%
ROBIN TROXELL  1,457      17.47%*

Registered Voters   8,344
Ballots Cast             3,295
Voter Turnout         39.49%


CORINNE CITY COUNCIL
3 OPEN SEATS

TREVER COTTAM          76         21.53%
KAREN CALDWELL      80        22.66%*
IRENE JENSEN             108        30.59%*
KELLY D. DONOVAN   89          25.21%*

Registered Voters   348
Ballots Cast             140
Voter Turnout         40.23%


GARLAND CITY COUNCIL
3 OPEN SEATS

LINDA BOURNE        300        31.02%*
KEVIN L. STAY           136          14.06%
JOSHUA MARBLE     277          28.65%*
JAMES MUNNS         254         26.27%*

Registered Voters   1,011
Ballots Cast              402
Voter Turnout         39.76%


HONEYVILLE CITY COUNCIL
3 OPEN SEATS

DAVID FORSGREN         223      15.54%
SHARON LORIMER        234      16.31%
DALE JAMES MILLSAP   234      16.31%
KORY L. WILDE              146      11.20%
TREVOR J. GARDNER    348     24.25%*
PAUL C. GROBERG         234      16.31%

3-Way Tie for 2nd and 3rd

Registered Voters    890
Ballots Cast              550
Voter Turnout          61.80%


HOWELL TOWN COUNCIL
2 OPEN SEATS

JOSHUA DALE ANDERSON    66    38.50%*
REX NESSEN                             57    32.39%*
BYRON TUCK                            32    18.18%
DAKOTA TUCK                          21    11.93%

Registered Voters    129
Ballots Cast               91
Voter Turnout          70.54%


MANTUA TOWN COUNCIL
2 OPEN SEATS

KIMBERLY M. STOKES     129      27.33%
SANDIE RUSSELL             205    43.43%*
WILLIAM HODGINS        138     29.24%*

Registered Voters    542
Ballots Cast              297
Voter Turnout          54.80%


MANTUA 0.3% SALES TAX INCREASE FOR ROADS (PROP 9)

YES     147     50.87%*
NO     142     49.13 %


PERRY CITY COUNCIL
3 OPEN SEATS

TOBY K. WRIGHT       755    33.26%*
NATHAN TUELLER     796    35.07%*
Write-In Totals           719   30.66%
​
Write-In: Blake W. Ostler              317   13.96%*
Write-In: Boyd Montgomery         42     1.85%
Write-In: Brandon Cole Hansen   294  12.95%
Not Assigned  66  (Votes for Mickey Mouse, Santa Claus, etc.)

Registered Voters    2,781
Ballots Cast              991
Voter Turnout          35.63%


PLYMOUTH TOWN COUNCIL
2 OPEN SEATS

BURKE N. UDY                   20      9.76%
DIANA UDY                        36     17.56%
PAUL C. MARSHALL         92     44.88%*
SUZANNE MAHONEY      57     27.80%*

Registered Voters    184
Ballots Cast               113
Voter Turnout          61.41%



TREMONTON CITY COUNCIL
3 OPEN SEATS

CONNIE J. ARCHIBALD             728     24.83%*
RICHARD (RICK) SEAMONS    746     25.44%*
LYLE C. VANCE                          898     30.63%*
SCOTT DAHLE                           560    19.10%

​Registered Voters    3,535
Ballots Cast               1,199
Voter Turnout          33.92%

​September 24, 2019  •  Nelson Phillips  •   Staff Writer 

According to seismograph stations run by the University of Utah, a 3.9 magnitude earthquake was measured at 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday morning, located approximately three miles east/northeast of Howell.

Although a 3.9 magnitude quake is not especially dangerous, people all over the county have been reporting they felt the earth move.

"My chair totally moved with no one in it," wrote one person on social media.
"Yes, we felt it here at Northrup Grumman," wrote another.

​Data from the U.S. Geological survey states that quakes between 2.5 and 5.4 on the Richter scale are "often felt, but only cause minor damage." It is estimated that 30,000 of these quakes happen every year.

Did you feel the quake? Please feel free to share your survival stories on our web and Facebook pages.

 City Council - Brigham City
​3 Open Seats, Top 6 Moving On To General Election

Alden Farr    996    16.82 %
Joe Olson     798     13.48%
Bret Boggess     502    8.48 %
Susann Baird     516    8.72 %
Ryan D. Smith     692     11.69 %
Sherry Phipps     797     13.46%
Eve Jones     905    15.29 %     
Robin Troxell     714     12.06%


City Council - Honeyville
3 Open Seats, Top 6 Moving On To General Election

Mark Bingham     80     6.77 %
Shane Bingham - Disqualified
Rusty Bingham     45     3.81 %
Steve Dokos     23     1.95 %
David Forsgren     151     12.79 %
Trevor Gardner     216     18.29 %
Paul Groberg     163     13.80 %
*Sharon Lorimer     104     8.81 %
*Elaine Maybury     104     8.81 %
Micah Miles - Withdrew
Dale Millsap     185     15.66 %
Kory Wilde     110     9.31 %

* Tied for sixth place. If no more valid votes are received, and no errors found, Honeyville will call a special meeting following the canvass, where tie-breaking methods such as drawing from a hat or a coin-toss will be employed.
​

Town Council - Plymouth
2 Open Seats, Top 4 Moving On To General Election
     
Diana Udy     28     13.46 %
Paul C Marshall     87      41.83%
Burke N Udy     21     10.10 %
Suzanne Mahoney     53     25.48 %
Tyler Rose     19     9.13 %