Interviews focusing on community issues and events
We kick off the Holiday Season in the Basin with with Utah Author, Richard Paul Evans as he introduces his new Christmas book Noel Street. Richard Paul Evans, Author of the Christmas classic The Christmas Box, Noel Street is sure to become another Christmas classic.
Mr. Bill Stringer worked with the BLM for 30 plus years. He was educated as a mining engineer which required extensive training in earth science and all physical sciences. He is now serving his second term as Uintah County Commissioner. Mr. Stringer will provide us with a different perspective to protecting our environment, including, better science, conservation and allowing industries and economics drive solutions
The promotion of the climate crisis has been used as a political scare tactic for some time now. These arguments began in the 70’s with Global Cooling and an imminent ice age. Acid Rain was promoted in the early 80’s. We were then warned of a life-threatening hole in the ozone in the late 80’s, Global Warming in the 90’s and the term global warming was changed to Climate Change after the turn of the century. This is a complicated subject, both confusing the public and terrifying our youth. Bob Inglis, Executive Director of Republic EN dot org. which is a grass roots community of Americans with the stated mission of educating the country about free-enterprise solutions to climate change. Mr. Inglis was elected to congress on the Republican ticket in 1993 and represent the citizens of rural South Carolina. In 2010 he lost his re-election bid in the South Carolina Republican Primary after aligning himself with the climate change argument.
We will follow-up this conversation with a discussion on the issue with Bill Stringer. Mr. Stringer worked with the BLM for 30 plus years. He was educated as a mining engineer which required extensive training in earth science and all physical sciences. He is now serving his second term as Uintah County Commissioner. Mr. Stringer will provide us with a different perspective to protecting our environment, including, better science, conservation and allowing industries and economics drive solutions.
Uintah County Citizens Gawain Snow, Michelle Smith, Amy Farnsworth and Kinsely Kearl share their support for Proposition 4.
Rotary Cheri McCurdy, Assistant Governor, Treasurer and Vernal Rotary President, Louise Thompson discuss this year's Sub for Santa program administered through Rotary and the many other community service projects our Rotary members are involved in. Vernal Rotary meets every Thursday at noon at the Quarry Steakhouse in Vernal. Everyone is welcome!
Former Utah Senator Kevin Vantassell spent 12 years in the State Senate serving citizens in District 26. While Senator, Vantassell served on numerous State boards and committees and his influence greatly benefited citizens of the Uintah Basin. One of the more significant committees was his service as president of the Senate Transportation Committee. Mr. Vantassell currently sits as a voting member on the Utah Highway Commission. This commission's responsibility is to evaluate and prioritize state road projects. During this episode we'll discuss with Mr. Vantassell state transportation infrastructure in the region including improvements past, present and future for Hwy 40 from Heber to Vernal. Also discussed is rural Utah's shrinking legislative influence, rural economic development and the Wasatch Front's rapid growth and it's affect on rural Utah roads. We also visit with Vernal Mayor Doug Hammond about the decommission of the Hwy 40 scenic overlook west of Vernal.
Tammy Taylor has worked with domestic violence survivors, hospice, school settings, and taught courses at BYU-Idaho, and now CAPS at USU. Together we'll lean what grief is and how it plays a role in our lives, the stages of grief and mourning.
Addiction to prescription pain relievers, heroin and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl is a serious national, state and local problem. Sandra Richins and Kathryn Jurado from Northeastern Counseling discuss the health risks and social consequences addiction to opioids have in our rural communities.
With the stated mission to erase addiction and replaced it with things of greater value such as health, recreation, service, relationships, and team unity, Coach James Johnson is well under way to building a dynamic team in the Uintah Basin. Coach Johnson is joined by team member, Hailey Goddard, each sharing experiences they've had in their journey toward sobriety. To learn more about Addicts II Athletes visit http//:addicttoathlete.com
Malorie Luck and McKinnle Mull with UHS Student Council. Uintah High School will honor local veterans this Veteran's Day by building a wall of Uintah Alumni Veterans. They don't want to leave anyone out. if you or someone you know who attended UHS please provide the school with an 8x10 picture that they can keep and reuse and a brief write-up about the honored veteran including name, year they attended UHS, branch of military they served in and highest rank achieved during their service. You can deliver the information to the front desk at Uintah High School or mail them to Uintah High School 1880 W. 500 N. Vernal, Utah 84078. Questions call Uintah High school at (435) 781-3110
In November, Uintah County voters will be presented with an option to pass a voted levy increasing the Uintah School District's General Fund by 7 million dollars and at the same time, vote to reduce the capital levy by 8 million thus saving the tax payers 1 million annually. Monies from the Capital Levy can only be used in the Capital Fund with is used to fund brick and mortar expenses and cannot, by law, be moved to the General Fund which funds among other things, teachers salaries. On August 26th Newstalk KVEL aired a program on the advantages and benefits of Proposition 4 with Uintah School District Business Administrator, Scott Ruppe. In an attempt to provide both sides of this issue, we have invited former USD board member, Mark Caldwell to provide us with a counter perspective. We would encourage all Uintah County voters to carefully research both issues from first hand sources before making a final decision at the ballot box. You will find our interview with Mr. Ruppe below on this page.
The board of the Seven County Infrastructure Coalition met on Sept. 19th and voted to add a new preliminary route to the environmental study taking place for the proposed Uinta Railway. SCIC Public Director Tammy Champo answers questions about the rail project and the change.
Electronic cigarettes and vape devices have rapidly become most common tobacco products used by youth today. Most major e-cigarette brands are owned by big tobacco companies that use similar marketing advertising strategies to attract and addict youth users as they did with traditional tobacco products. Many youth are lured into addiction through the marketing of flavors such bubble gum, cotton candy, and a favorite kids cereal, Captain Crunch. There are major health risks associated with the chemicals used in these products. This growing problem is affecting our youth. According to Tri-County Health, 13.5% or 1,500 youth under 18 in Uintah County alone are using vaping or e-cigarette devices. Listen and learn more about this disturbing trend. Special thanks to Jacob Isaacson and Tri-County Health for the information provided in this program.
Mark Hemphill - Rio Grande Pacific Corporations Choice to Lead Development of the New Uinta Basin Railway. KVEL 9-9-19
Katie Witt Candidate US House District 1 Seat being vacated by Rep. Rob Bishop, speaks with KVEL about priorities should she be elected. Radio Interview on 8-30-19
