April 17, 2014 Wayne & Garfield County Insider

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THE

Wayne & Garfield County

INSIDER

Panguitch • Panguitch Lake • Hatch • Bryce • Tropic • Antimony • Henrieville • Cannonville • Escalante • Boulder • Fremont • Loa • Lyman Bicknell • Teasdale • Torrey • Grover • Fruita • Caineville • Hanksville

Grants and Incentives Meeting Lays Out Opportunities for Rural Economic Development

ESCALANTE - Jake Hardman says he spends a lot of time looking through a windshield. As Rural Outreach Coordinator for the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), based out of Cedar City, Hardman spends many work days travelling to small towns to get the word out about programs offered by the State of Utah that support economic development in rural areas. And that’s exactly what he was doing on March 31. That evening, during a special presentation held at the Escalante City Council Chambers, Hardman presented a gamut of programs available from Utah state agencies that are available to rural businesses to support business growth, job creation and economic development. Adding to the evening’s lineup, Hardman’s presentation was tag-teamed with USDA Rural Development state director Dave Conine, who shared information about federal programs available through USDA for rural businesses and residents. “One thing we have going on in Utah is a high level of cooperation between state and federal agencies,” said Conine. By the end of the evening, Hardman and Conine had outlined more than a dozen programs in the form of grants, loans and tax incentives designed to improve economic stability and productivity in rural areas. Before a packed room— which included all three of Garfield County’s commissioners—Hardman led his discussion by outlining a program called Rural Fast Track, which is offered by the GOED, and provides matching grants of up to $50,000 for business expansion. Also avail-

able through this program is a job incentive for each new job created. Hardman stated that this program is currently delivering about $500 to $600 thousand throughout the state per year. He noted that one recent change to the program is that in the past hospitality businesses were not allowed to qualify, but they are now. “So many businesses rely on tourism it just didn’t make any sense,” he said. To be eligible for the Rural Fast Track Program, a business must be in operation for at least two years and have 2 full time employees. “If you are even thinking about buying a piece of equipment or expanding, talk to us first,” said Hardman. The program is targeted to any county with more than 10% unemployment qualifies in this category, and both Wayne and Garfield Counties qualify. Moving on, Hardman also outlined several additional state-administered grant programs, including Enterprise Zones for Commercial and Industrial Development, Recycling Zones, Targeted Business Tax Credits, the BEAR program, and Economic Opportunity Grants (a reference to all programs outlined during the evening is available on page 3). “What this is about—we don’t want to cut up the economic pie that everyone already has but instead we want to increase the amount available to communities,” said Hardman. Hardman emphasized that the towns that succeed in economic development are those that work together, and that funding that comes into a community “Will benefit evRural Development Cont’d on page 2

Sweetwater Kitchen: Casual Fine Dining at its Best

WGCI Photo

Sweetwater Kitchen Chef Scott Ashley, and kitchen staff Gloria Holladay and Billy Raaen prepare a daily culinary delight at the Boulder Mountain Guest Ranch in Salt Gulch. SALT GULCH - For anyone who loves a truly memorable evening of dining out, here is an opportunity to experience one of those, “Pinch me, am I dreaming?” moments. Never mind that this opportunity is three and a half miles down a dirt road. In fact, all the better. Because Sweetwater Kitchen, located at the Boulder Mountain Guest Ranch, is nestled in a quiet little valley along Sweetwater Creek in Salt Gulch, which only enhances the dining experience. Sweetwater Kitchen is yet another one of those res-

Utah State University Announces Smarter Tuition Plan LOGAN - Utah State University announced two significant changes to its tuition structure that allows students to save money and have more options. Beginning summer semester 2014 in-state students taking online courses will now pay the same tuition as traditional oncampus credits, and the plateau tuition level has been lowered from 13 to 12 credits. “We recognize the need for flexibility for the 21st century student,” said Steve Hawks, Dean at USU-Southwest. “This smarter tuition structure allows students to pay the same tuition for any type of course delivery method like online or traditional face-to-face. It also provides the flexibility necessary for students to reach their education goals quicker.” The new plateau adjustment makes it possible for students to pay for up to 12 credits

and then nothing above that level until they reach 18 credits even if they register for online classes. Previously, students would have paid above the plateau tuition level for online courses. For students residing in Utah taking online, traditional, and broadcast courses all credits will be applied to the regular tuition and fee table with the revised plateau benefit. Doug Fiefia, president of Utah State University Student Association, is excited about the opportunities that the structural change will offer to all USU students and believes it will help students keep momentum. “This new tuition model

Thursday, April 17, 2014 • Issue # 1044

incentivizes students to take online courses and to take 15 or more credits, the amount needed each semester to graduate in four years,” said Fiefia. “This will enable students to graduate in less time, and more importantly, having options that help them do so.” USU President Stan Albrecht said the change is in keeping with USU’s commitment to deliver high-quality educational opportunities throughout the state. “The USU family includes students from all corners of the state looking to improve their lives through higher education,” said Albrecht. “The changes to the online tuition structure, as well as the plateau, will enable them to achieve their goals more quickly, and it will save them money at the same time.” —Utah State University

taurants where a lot of locals know they serve ranch guests, but they do not know it is available and affordable to those of us who are not from some faraway place like France or Germany. Yes, we can eat there, too. “We want to feed the locals,” says Chef Scott Ashley. Sweetwater Kitchen is beginning its fifth year of service under Ashley, who co-owns the restaurant with Boulder Mountain Guest Ranch owners Ron Johnson and Pat Hogle. Previously chef and currently co-owner of Michaelangelo’s in Salt

Lake City, Ashley came to the Sweetwater Kitchen at Johnson’s invitation. “What I saw with Ron’s vision and where he wanted to go with it…having the garden right here and working to be self-sustainable...I was completely in synch with that. It fulfills me,” says Ashley. Ashley works with the garden, “To create a lot of specials with ingredients from the ranch,” he says, offering as an example a fresh mozzarella dish he concocted with fresh

Thurs. APR. 17 - wed. APR. 23 LET’S SEE IF THIS WEEK IS MORE PREDICTABLE THAN LAST WEEK. The forecast is for sunny to partly cloudy skies all week, chance of rain through the week at 0 to 10%. Highs in the 60s to low 70s through Tuesday and then cooling again on Wednesday. Breezy all week with winds of 8-20 mph--windier as the week progresses. Lows throughout week in mid 30s.

PANGUITCH - Visitors to Utah’s legendary Bryce Canyon will now be better equipped to enjoy nearby, equally stunning attractions thanks to the Garfield County Tourism Office’s “Take Your Time” initiative. “Guests come for Bryce Canyon and leave wishing they had time to explore everything else Garfield County has to offer,” tourism office Executive Director Falyn Owens said. “They are shocked at just how much there is to do in this virtually undiscovered playground.” In addition to Bryce Canyon National Park, Garfield County is home to Capitol Reef National Park, Grand StaircaseEscalante National Monument, Kodachrome Basin State Park, Scenic Byway 12 and several other designated wilderness and recreation areas. To help vacationers take advantage of this secluded adventure land, Garfield County recently unveiled its “Take Your Time” campaign, featuring a new website, BryceCanyonCountry.com, and new accommodations guide to give visitors the interactive tools they need to plan their perfect itinerary. “From pristine forests to spectacular rock formations to fascinating historical sites, this area has something for everyone,” Owens said. “And for those seeking escape and exploration, you’ll find unmatched mountain biking, ATV riding, fishing and stargazing.” For more details about Garfield County or to plan your own world-class vacation, visit: www.brycecanyoncountry.com or call the Garfield County Office of Tourism at 800-4446689. —Garfield County Office of Tourism

Sweetwater Kitchen Cont’d on page 2

Cat Fix in Bryce Valley / Bryce Canyon Area Set for April 28 BRYCE VALLEY - With the support of national animal welfare organization Best Friends Animal Society, the Bryce Valley cat fixing crew is set to get going again for the 2014 season. The first date is set for Monday, April 28. Utah-based Best Friends runs the nation’s largest animal sanctuary for abandoned and abused pets at its national headquarters in Kanab as well as life-saving programs in partnership with rescue groups and shelters across the country. Best Friends supports this local effort to reduce the population of feral and unwanted cats in the Bryce Valley/Bryce Canyon area by providing no cost spay/neuter surgeries, use of humane traps, vaccinations, and transportation to and from their Kanab clinic. If you have cats or kittens that need to be fixed, or know about feral cat colonies in the

Courtesy of Color Country Animal Welfare

area, please contact Jan Stock at 435-590-0827. Adults cats and kittens weighing at least two pounds (usually eight weeks old) can be transported for surgery. The cats will be rounded up on Monday night, transported and undergo surgery on Tuesday, and then returned to Bryce Valley on Wednesday. The goal is to round up 20 cats to transport them to Best Friends for surgeries, and vaccinations. Feral cats will be

I can’t understand why people are frightened of new ideas. I’m frightened of the old ones. —John Cage (1912 - 1992) THE WAYNE & GARFIELD COUNTY INSIDER is owned and operated by Snapshot Multimedia, LLC and is distributed weekly to all of Wayne and Garfield Counties, Utah. Its purpose is to inform residents about local issues and events. Articles submitted from independent writers are not necessarily the opinion of Snapshot Multimedia, LLC. We sincerely hope you enjoy the paper and encourage input on ideas and/or suggestions for the paper.

given first priority, but some spots are usually available for pet cats. Though the services provided by Best Friends are no-cost, the local crew recommends and requests cash donations from those who can afford to do so. Whether or not you have cats needing this service, if you would like to donate to Best Friends in support of this effort, please go to their website:bestfriends.org. —Janice Stock Phone: 435-826-4400 Fax 1-888-370-8546 PO BOX 105 Escalante, Utah 84726 snapshot@live.com

REGIONAL Weather forecast for some but not all regions represented in our newspaper coverage area

Bryce Canyon Country Launches “Take Your Time” Tourism Initiative

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