Richmond’s horse pull is this Saturday, June 18

RICHMOND—The draft horse pull and open horse show that are usually held during Richmond’s Black and White Days celebration will be held this Saturday, June 18, in the field behind LD’s Café. Organizers have draft horse teams entered from throughout the northwest and Canada.

Swift water scare prompts another warning to be careful

Yesterday, a six year old girl fell into Summit Creek at Mack Park.  She was immediately swept down stream by the swift water.  Fortunately, she was able was able to pull herself from the water a block away from where she fell in.  Her parents were close by, but the water flow is fast and powerful. She suffered mild hypothermia.

Land near Lee’s annexed for future housing

After some consideration, the Smithfield City Council approved of Ordinance 11-08 Thursday night, which allowed the annexation of a 10.10 acre plot of land East of Lee’s. They also approved a resolution amending the fiscal year 2010-2011 budget for Smithfield City.

Mosquito fogging begins tonight

CACHE COUNTY—A new mosquito season has begun. Cache Mosquito Abatement District (CMAD) workers are checking areas of standing water for mosquito larvae and are finding high numbers present. Larvacide is being applied to attack the mosquitoes before they become airborne.

Agenda: Planning Commission appointment, annexation request

Image: Smithfield City Council meeting agenda for June 8, 2011

The Smithfield City Council will meet Wednesday evening to consider: planning commission appointment, public hearing for 10 acre annexation request (near Lee’s Marketplace), public hearing for final 2010-2011 budget, report on health days, appoint youth council advisors. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. at city hall (96 S Main) on June 8, 2011. It is open to the public.

The quiet effort of individuals create a state winning debate team

Image: Public Forum Round: James Hodgson (octofinalist), Miles Anderson (octofinalist)

On the surface, a week in the life of Josh Bennion seems typical of a student. The Sky View High School senior stays busy doing homework, reading the news, and making time to hang out with friends. However, during the school year Bennion’s week really begins on Thursday night, when the nationally recognized debater starts cramming case studies, trying to his lead team to a tenth straight state championship.

Otero’s Boehme selected to play in NJCAA All Star game

Image: Aubry Boehme, a first-year player for the OJC Lady Rattlers during the 2010-2011 season, has been selected to play in the 2011 NJCAA Women’s Basketball Coaches’ Association’s All Star game. The games will be played July 9-10 at Pensacola State College in Florida.

LA JUNTA, Colo. — Aubry Boehme, a 6’0" post player for the Otero Junior College women’s basketball team has been selected to play in the 2011 NJCAA Women’s Basketball Coaches’ Association’s All Star game. Boehme, from Smithfield, Utah, is one of 40 players selected from throughout the United States. The games will be played July 9-10 on the campus of Pensacola State College in Florida.

Cache district considering raising taxes to cover $400,000 shortfall

Image: Kandyce Barber, Heritage Elementary School

The Cache County school board spoke to a full house Thursday night as they handed out yearly awards at their monthly meeting. The School teacher of the Year award was given to 6 teachers who according to the school board, have not only gone above and beyond in teaching, but have strived to leave a mark on their respective schools. The awards were presented to Kandyce Barber, Heritage Elementary School; Wanda Banham, Willow Valley Middle school; Robert Stewart, White Pine Middle School; Shellie Healy, Birch Creek Elementary; Laurie Baldwin, Cedar Ridge Middle School; Lance Robbins, Spring Creek Middle School.

The halls were alive with the sound of music

Image: Concert Choir

On Tuesday May 17th the Sky View High School String Orchestra and Concert Choir entertained a small group of family members, fellow students, and friends in one of their final performances of the year. In a beautiful mix of orchestral music and vocal pageantry those in attendance at Tuesday’s concert were treated to a wonderful performance that showcased the amazing talent of these students.

Fun and games at Health Days 2011

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After a morning spent in the sun watching the parade trickle past, Smithfield City celebrated Health Days on the Forrester Acre Sports Complex Saturday with inflatable games, rock walls, booths, food and singing. Booths and games were up from 11:00 to 4:00 Saturday, in which time residents valley-wide gathered to celebrate health and wellness.

Mutton busting and more at Health Days rodeo

Image: Mutton busting at 2011 Health Days Rodeo

The boy clutched his father’s hand and eyed the gate wearily. Bangs and rattles echoed from the metal as the dirty, matted animal inside tried forcing the fence down. The child was getting nervous, sweat pouring from his head. As he was lead inside and placed carefully on top of the sheep, his hands gripped the wool on its chest tightly and he took a deep breath. Then the gate fell, the sheep bolted, and the boy squealed happily as the animal shot across the arena. He was now a mutton buster.

Agenda: Teacher/employee recognition awards, Logan/Cache boundary discussion

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The Sky View Debate Team, school teachers of the year, and classified employees of the year will be recognized by the Cache County School Board in their regular meeting this Thursday evening. Also on the agenda for consideration: 2011-12 school improvement plan, trustland plans, professional development days request, budget reports, discussion over the Logan/Cache district boundaries.

Flooding closes Canyon Road

Image: Summit Creek rushes over Canyon Road near 1250 East.

Canyon Road is closed from 400 East to 1300 East. The creek is running over the road at 1250 East. “It was about [midnight] when the culvert plugged up and water started running down the road,” said Bill Sinykin who lives right by the overflowing creek. “They came and sandbagged it about one, I believe.”

The Arabian desert in Smithfield

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Jordan Larsen was dressed in rags, stumbling through the dunes of an Arabian desert to find clay to sell at the market. Suddenly he heard the sound of dozens of horses and leapt behind a small rock to hide. To his amazement, forty thieves dressed in black stopped before a large boulder nearby, and with the magic words “Open sesame!” the story of Ali Baba, presented by the Smithfield Youth Theater, unfolded on Sky View’s stage for all to see.

City council discusses flood preparation

SMITHFIELD—With temperatures set to rise significantly in the coming weeks, flooding was a primary concern at the Smithfield City Council meeting Wednesday night. With the rise of Summit Creek after rainy weather last week, and springs west of town haven’t been existent in more than 30 years coming alive again, Mayor Darrell Simmons said city crews have been preparing day and night, and that the they are well prepared for what may come.

2011 Health Days underway

Image: 2011 Health Days Royalty — Kirsten Nelson, Makell Moore, Nanette Hunsaker, Tessa Herrman, Morgan Taylor.

In spite of the rain, Smithfield Health Days 2011 are underway. The forecast for the big events this weekend is warm and sunny. It looks like it will be a fantastic day of fun if the creek, literally, doesn’t rise. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.

Agenda: Another big night for Cache School Board

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It’s another big meeting planned for the Cache County School Board. For their regular meeting on Thursday evening the board plans to consider: Sky View school clubs, Intech High trustlands, 2011-12 school fees. They will also hear reports covering the budget status, property, core curriculum and more. The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 21, 2011 at the district technology center (2035 N 1200 E).

Thanks for the stories and pictures

Please accept my most heart-felt thanks for the outstanding coverage you give to all Sky View athletes, and in particular, my son Casey. The Smithfield Sun had the best stories, most accurate accounts, and by far the most outstanding photography.

Cache County School Board presents case for property tax increase

It took just over 3 hours in perhaps one of the longest Cache County School District (CCSD) board meetings in history the district detailed its financial obligations and future needs. After presenting its case the CCSD made a recommendation for a modest increase to property taxes to enable the district to provide much needed maintenance and upkeep of existing facilities, busses, and more.

Sky View students of the month for March 2011

Image: Seniors: Tomas Hernandez, Andrea Halling, Bryn Martineau

Sky View High School has announced the March 2011 Students of the Month. For adhering to the schools program of RCK, Relationships, Character, & Knowledge also known as the RoCK program. RoCK principles include high academic achievement, involvement in extra curricular activities at the school, possessing good character, and demonstrating preparation for the next step in life after high school.

Agenda: Big study session planned for Cache County School Board

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“Buildings, Budgets & Levies” are the main subject for Thursday’s planned school board meeting. Also planned for the study session: Intech trustland plans, cell phone tower lease, academic results, graduation assignments, lighthouse institute study. The Cache County School Board meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 14, 2011 at the district technology center (2035 N 1200 E).

North Logan firefighters deserve a raise, chief says

NORTH LOGAN—Fire Chief Jon Keller told the City Council that his hope for the coming year is to give his 36 firefighters a raise to $8 per hour. Although each firefighter receives an additional 25 cents per hour for every certification they have, their base pay is only $7.25 per hour, he said. One firefighter who has been with the department for 15 years only makes $10.25 per hour.

Paul Hansen resigns as Sky View girls basketball head coach

Image: File photo of Paul Hansen, Sky View girls basketball head coach

In a shocking development after a very successful season and having devoted many years as the Sky View Girls Head Basketball Coach, Paul Hansen announced on Friday, April 8th that he was relinquishing his coaching duties. Hansen cited a difference of opinion on the direction of the program between the coaching staff and administration as a contributing factor in his decision.

Agenda: Enterprise funds budget for 2011-2012

Image: Budget meeting agenda for March 30, 2011

The Smithfield City Council will meet Wednesday evening to discuss the 2011-2012 budget for Enterprise Funds — sewer, water, storm water, golf course. The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at city hall. It is open to the public.

Encore ready to entertain the masses

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The faculty and students that are part of “Encore” at Sky View have been working for months preparing a presentation that will showcase limitless talent. Led by Karen Tuescher, the Encore group has been polishing this year’s show and will be taking the stage four nights this week to entertain those who will be attending the show.

Agenda: Annexation petition; Stone Haven PUD amendment

Image: Smithfield City Council Agenda for March 23, 2011

The Smithfield City Council will meet Wednesday to consider: declaring April as “Child Abuse Prevention Month”, annexation petition, amendment to Stone Haven PUD, ongoing education reimbursement for police officer, awarding bids for police station furniture. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. at city hall (96 S Main) on Wednesday, March 23, 2011.