Explore Escalante

Explore Escalante May 11,2008

Explore Escalante
jana@exploreescalante.com

Cowboys Ain’t Dead Yet!!! At least not our Honorary Cowboy, Arnold Alvey. A few of us ventured over the hill to eat steak and beans and listen to a lot of hot air. The steak and beans were excellent, the hot air was pretty tame. Arnold’s Sister, Geraldine Liston, told his story. I especially liked his comments about telling stores – you know the one – where he can pretty much tell them tales like he wants cause most of the elders are gone. Geraldine thinks he was born on a horse (with a hat and boots and came out swearin). After almost 80 years, he still rides tall in the saddle and wears his Cowboy hat pretty most everywhere. His wife, Deon, most likely reminds him to take his hat off at the right times. His favorite horse was Ash Can, but he’s outlived him. The picture is of Arnold and his horse Red Rock by his barn built in 1910. He still leads an annual horseman outing through the Escalante. Arnold shares the spotlight with 96 yr old Honorary Cowboy Wallace Ott of Tropic. Commissioner Ramsey presented the plaques with the help of the Panguitch Mayor. As for Arnold, we echo his sister’s closing remark – “Thank You for being a good ole’ Country Cowboy”.

Council meeting the 6th brought a discussion regarding the purchase of a small truck with sprayer for weed abatement. After exploring all their options, the council agreed to purchase a sprayer to use with the current truck pending a budget report on available funds. Speaking of budget, there’s a work-session scheduled for the council for May 20th at 6PM to discuss the budget and Capitol Improvements.

Councilor Graham gave a report on the well. The City will be replacing the old well house with a new one that will include the filtration system. Watch the boards if you’re interested in bidding.

Wild West Retreat will be the lunch site for the June 14th Utah State HOG Rally. 525 people are registered for the run. That’s probably 250 bikes. Jennifer Steed requested permission to close 200 East from 10:30 AM to 3 PM on Saturday, June 14th between 200 and 300 to provide parking for the bikes. The Police Chief had no objections and the council approved. Barricades will be provided by the Steeds.

Explore Escalante May 4, 2008

Explore Escalante
jana@exploreescalante.com

For those of you who know Winnie Washburn (Harriett Priska’s mom) you’ll want to know she was recently installed as the State Chaplain, Utah State Society, Daughters of the American Revolution. Congrats.

The City Council met for a special meeting to approve the USDA grant process and discuss the final step for the Well Project. Most folks won’t be surprised to know the water has too much iron in it. New requirements obligate the City to put in a filtration system. The old well-house will be removed and a new steel building will be erected to hold the entire system.

Wide Hollow Dam is on the rise. According to a member of the irrigation district, the association voted to go forward with their project to double the height of the dam. Beginning September, 2009, the project is projected to be complete by September, 2010. Escalante’s water systems should be in great shape by then, both irrigation and culinary.

A fond farewell to Vintage Memories, in their location next to Griffins Market. And welcome Trails End Real Estate.

We spotted a baby Llama behind the Frosty Shop. Congrats to Louise Barnes.

I’ve been asked to include Moqui news in my articles. I’m delighted to include sports, scholarly, etc. Just have someone drop the information at The Gallery or e-mail to me by 5PM Sunday. I know we had one young lady take a 1st at the State Track Meet this past weekend. Maybe the coaches could pick someone to be the messenger? Until then

Explore Escalante April 27, 2008

Explore Escalante
jana@exploreescalante.com

Trying to catch up on news – the Potato Valley Lions Club members Danny Spencer, Verjean Porter, Howard Miller, Cal Schow and Al Barlow completed their projects to put bleachers at the Escalante High School Track. With donations from individuals, the county and a number of fundraisers, the club spent a little over $10,000 on the project. Thanks for the seats. When we host the next competition not everyone will have to bring lawn chairs.

Our Escalante endurance riders attended a three-day event in April. Melanie Boone-Reznick, and Crockett and Sharon Dumas continue to achieve success and are excited about many new riders. Sharon’s horse OT Oleta RSI was awarded the Best Condition Champion. The award is for the horse and rider who finished all three days in overall best condition. Good job. Speaking of horses – have you seen all the foals? Keep your eyes open as you travel around in this wonderful weather and hope the winds calm down.

If you haven’t contacted Sue Mosier about your booth at the Heritage Festival you should. Bring your heritage craftwork and join us from 10AM to 4PM at the High School. This year’s play is about Sagebrush Mary. Costumes welcome.

The City Planning and Zoning Commissioners are working their way through updating the ordinances. County Planner Justin Fischer will be working with them in two special sessions in May. Watch for the dates. The biggest discussion has been about animals in Commercial zones. After digging through the ordinance book with P&Z Secretary Julie Nisson, and the discussion at the last meeting here’s how this reporter interprets the rules. If you reside in a residential R1-10 zone you can have domestic animals(cats, dogs, birds,etc) and farm animals (cow, sheep, horse or goat). Pigs and exotic animals require a conditional use permit. If you reside in a Commercial/Residential zone (i.e the property along Hwy 12 and generally ½ block back) you can have domestic animals if you reside there, and all other animals require a conditional use permit. Permits are valid for one year and require annual renewal and fee. As the Commission revises the ordinances they’ll be forwarded to the Council for adoption. Watch for public hearings if you want to provide input.

Be sure to visit http://www.escalantecity.org. As we continue to add to the contents you’ll find all City Agendas and approved minutes there. In addition, as the ordinances are approved we’ll post them there as well. The Business License List will be available as a PDF soon. Stay tuned and send me your items by 5PM Sunday. Until next week -

Escalante High School Rodeo Guys

Justin Porter and Ryan Brooks in St. George  November 10, 2007

Tie Dye Fun

My thanks to RuthAnne Oliver for sharing the picture of the art project at the school.  As I wrote in the Insider - I got a great tip about it and went straight away to get a photo but they were already down.

Good job artists.

   

Wonderful Rainstorm

Usually the rain comes down in buckets for a short period of time and then the sky is clear.   Yesterday the rain was soft, straight down, and went on for several hours.  With a total of .70" it doesn't sound like much to folks from the Northwest, but for here it was wonderful.  The waterfalls run and the gutters are full until it stops raining.  The the sky clears up, the sun shines and the land sparkles with it's fresh drink.  It's truly lovely and a photographers paradise.

New Blog Spot

The folks at blogger.com are having way more trouble than I want to experience on a regular basis.  So we moved out blogs to typepad.  Here's hoping it goes well.