VERNAL — A Vernal man was charged Friday with brutally attacking his estranged wife was booked into the Uintah County Jail Wednesday and charged Friday in 8th District Court with attempted aggravated murder and aggravated burglary a second-degree felony; plus two counts of domestic violence in the presence of children two counts of violating a protective order and causing property damage Vernal police were called to a residence near 300 North and 100 West on a report that Trevizo was violating a protective order It was the same address officers responded to earlier in the day while looking for Trevizo for committing a similar offense "The victim previously stated that she could see Jesus driving around the apartment complex but Jesus was not there," the affidavit says about the first call officers said they were told Trevizo was inside the apartment assaulting his estranged wife "I could hear muffled screams coming from the back of the apartment," an officer wrote in the arrest report adding that he then found Trevizo crouched over the woman who was covered in blood and saying "I placed Jesus in handcuffs behind his back I performed a pat down of Jesus' waistband and pockets while he was still on the ground 'I'm sorry.' I removed a multitool pocket knife from his waistband," the officer wrote those attending to the woman reported finding "a folded-up pocket knife that was stuck in (her) hair The ambulance crew informed me that there was also a blade later determined to be approximately 6 (inches long) broken off and embedded in (the woman's) head While in the ambulance the crew could not feel a radial pulse and they were unable to obtain a blood pressure thus indicating hypovolemic shock due to the amount of blood that was lost 'Am I gonna die?'" the affidavit states The woman was taken to a local hospital where she received nine staples to close two cuts on the back of her head Police say she also suffered injuries to her chin and was missing the tip of her thumb Doctors say a stab wound to the woman's neck "almost hit her carotid artery and her cervical spinal column," the affidavit states The woman was flown by medical helicopter to another hospital for additional treatment The woman filed for a protective order against Trevizo on Feb Help for people in abusive relationships can be found by contacting: Utah (KUTV) — A Vernal man was taken into custody after an officer reported walking in on a domestic violence in progress finding a woman covered in blood being beaten on the floor was arrested Wednesday after a Vernal Police Department officer responded to a reported protective order violation at an apartment The officer arrived at the scene and found the boyfriend of the victim outside the apartment who had contacted police earlier when Trevizo was seen driving around the apartment building The victim's boyfriend directed Webb to a bedroom where she reportedly found Trevizo crouched over the victim who was partially unclothed and covered in blood including deep lacerations to her head requiring staples Medical personnel indicated she was in hypovolemic shock from blood loss Court documents state a folded pocket knife with a missing blade was found in the victim's hair The blade itself was found embedded in the victim's skull two children were present during the attack but fled to a nearby church for help Investigators discovered that the door to the apartment had apparently been kicked open Trevizo was booked into the Uintah County Jail on suspicion of attempted murder domestic violence in the presence of children The victim was transported to a hospital in critical condition The severity of her injuries required her to be transported by helicopter to a different hospital Trevizo has a spate of court records that include previous violent crimes He had signed a plea agreement in one of the cases entering a guilty plea in abeyance on the understanding the other charges would be dismissed after 36 months The abeyance period was set to end in October of this year Matthew Jacobson reported from Salt Lake City (Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Wesley Zufelt owner and realtor of Evolve Real Estate & Management in Springville is joined by his partners Joe Wilkins and Collin Brinkerhoff as they pose for a portrait with a new project about to break ground in Vernal called Jurassic/Raptor Heights Note to readers: As a community-funded paper, The Salt Lake Tribune has chronicled Utah’s housing crisis for years, but also looks to find solutions. In this series of stories, “Building Options,” we’ll look to outline the issue and why it matters but also how a state program is showing signs of chipping away at the affordability crisis When Evolve Utah was looking to build in Vernal’s downtown one of the Springville-based development company’s owners and his partners suggested a mixed-use project with commercial space on the ground floor and homes on the upper levels “We just felt it was the best of both worlds,” he said Vernal’s city code didn’t all for such construction so the city created and enacted a mixed-use ordinance in 2021 and expanded it to allow buildings to cover more of a property the following year and Collin Brinkerhoff as they talk about a project about to break ground in Vernal called Jurassic/Raptor Heights City Manager Quinn Bennion said the new code isn’t “earth-shattering” for Provo or Salt Lake but is “a pretty big step” for a rural community like Vernal It can be unusual for cities to get involved in housing but the housing market is in a spot where local officials “have to think about helping accelerate growth.” Allowing for mixed-use development, along with a revitalized of downtown Jurassic Heights and Raptor Heights will both have 10,000 square feet of commercial space on the ground floor and 18 residential units on the upper floors a mixed-use development planned for Vernal Another development called Raptor Heights will have the same design Zufelt said 14 of the condos – priced in the low-to-mid-$300,000s – sold in three weeks and most of the commercial spaces have tenants funding is still a hurdle because banks are reluctant We’ve been burned in Vernal in the last two decades,‘” Zufelt said Banks’ hesitation is based on some real things namely “a lot of boom and bust” because of the Uintah Basin’s heavy reliance on the oil and gas industry for employment (Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Quinn Bennion talks about the public improvement projects that have been completed to help draw people in to a more lively downtown But Vernal and other tertiary markets are “where growth needs to happen right now,” Zufelt said and the fees cities charge for permits and impacts on public infrastructure are “much It also matters that Vernal is embracing change and growth “It’s honestly vital to the success of any city “If your fees and red tape become too mired Bennion said it’s unusual for cities to get involved in housing but the market is in such a position that local officials have to think about helping accelerate growth Vernal did that through strategies that are part of Utah’s moderate-income housing program, he said an overlay to allow smaller homes in some areas and using grant funds to incentivize the development of lofts downtown Megan Banta is The Salt Lake Tribune’s data enterprise reporter, a philanthropically supported position. The Tribune retains control over all editorial decisions. For e-edition questions or comments, contact customer support 801-237-2900 or email subscribe@sltrib.com sltrib.com © 1996-2025 The Salt Lake Tribune also also known as vernal ponds or ephemeral pools are seasonal wetlands that fill with shallow water in the spring The word "vernal" means relating to or occurring in the spring you might think a vernal pool is just a large puddle in the middle of woods But upon closer inspection you’ll see an incredibly unique habitat teeming with life While they may not be very big or look overly impressive vernal pools play a crucial role in many forest ecosystems Their unique environment provides habitat for rare plants and animals that are able to survive and thrive in harsh conditions and they are essential breeding grounds for amphibians like frogs and salamanders and macroinvertebrates (invertebrates visible without a microscope or magnifying glass) such as fairy shrimp vernal pools lack fish that cannot survive in water bodies that dry out for part of the year This characteristic allows amphibians and aquatic invertebrates to grow and reproduce safely without the kind of predation that typically exists in permanent water bodies and fairy shrimp all experience higher rates of breeding success in vernal pools than in permanent waters vernal pools are ecologically significant and provide many of the same essential “ecosystem services” as larger and more permanent bodies of water A decline in the presence of vernal pools and the terrestrial habitat surrounding them in turn results in the decline of unique and rare species and the availability of food for many animals As climate change accelerates the extinction crisis these breeding grounds for rare species are becoming more valuable and as such should be more treasured and protected Avoiding impacts to vernal pools and their surrounding habitat is important because many amphibian species are “pool specific,” meaning they must return to the pond in which they were born to breed An estimated 85% of vernal pool amphibians return each year to breed in the pond where they were born and they will even bypass other pools with suitable habitat and cross obstacles in order to return to the pool of their birth (Colburn Vernal Pools: Natural History and Conservation This strong demonstration of “site fidelity” to their natal pool means that when a specific pool is lost the amphibians that return there to breed may be lost also Wood frogs and fairy shrimp are examples of vernal pool “obligates,” species that rely on vernal pools for all or part of their life cycle and can't complete their life cycle without them The most prominent threat to vernal pool habitats and their wildlife is human development and drainage ponds destroys vernal pools and causes an immediate loss of habitat and for some particularly vulnerable species can even lead to permanent loss of populations As vernal pools are often overlooked as valuable habitat areas due to their small size and isolated nature they often get filled in during construction or become receptacles for polluted run-off and sedimentation An alarming number of vernal pools have already been dredged the ephemeral nature of vernal pools has made them ineligible for permitting protection under the freshwater wetlands program which has endangered countless invertebrates and amphibians The proposed wetland regulatory changes to Part 664 include first-time protections for New York State’s vernal pools the DEC had no tools to protect these rare habitats unless there was a critically endangered species present The new regulations identify jurisdictional vernal pools by using egg mass counts for specific amphibians according to geographic region (Example: DEC will protect a vernal pool in the Hudson Valley if agency staff observes at least 10 wood frog egg masses or 25 spotted salamander egg masses within a pool complex) While we understand DEC needs to create criteria that allows them to discern valuable breeding pools from lifeless mud puddles this method may not accurately reflect a vernal pool’s true value Some species exhibit interannual variation in egg mass counts and others can reproduce with great variability from year to year Interannual variation in egg mass counts for wood frogs is so high that it takes nine years of monitoring data to detect small changes in population size for declining populations and a staggering two decades for populations that are stable (Scherer A power analysis for the use of counts of egg masses to monitor wood frog (Lithobates sylvaticus) populations Herpetological Conservation and Biology 6(1): 81-90) https://vtecostudies.org/wildlife/amphibians/wood-frog/ Widening variability in temperature and precipitation as the result of climate change will in turn lead to an increase in the interannual variation observed in egg mass counts A particular vernal pool may be critical for the long term success of local amphibian species but if one specific year is drier and warmer than usual there may not be enough water in the pool to support breeding populations any use of a vernal pool for breeding by a listed amphibian species should be considered when evaluating wetlands of unusual importance Documentation of individual criteria for an amphibian species should be sufficient enough to warrant permitting protection states simply require evidence that vernal pools facilitate active breeding of amphibians in order to be mapped and protected allowing for greater flexibility in determining jurisdictional vernal pools The DEC should follow suit and adopt an inclusive standard to certify and protect vernal pools because their intermittent nature already inherently makes them difficult enough to identify without requiring specific egg mass counts Buffers are critical to help maintain the vitality of vernal pool communities and the important role they play in the surrounding ecosystem Since 1975 when the Freshwater Wetlands Act was first passed the DEC has regulated activities that occur within a 100 foot area adjacent to the wetland boundary the DEC does have the discretion to extend the buffer from a minimum of 100 feet to a distance deemed necessary to protect rare or especially vulnerable wetlands To protect vernal pools in a meaningful way the DEC must regulate activities beyond 100 feet of the boundary as it is insufficient to maintain viable amphibian populations where roadways and development can facilitate high species mortality The new regulations give the DEC discretion to increase the buffer to accommodate the needs of a productive breeding amphibian population which could be determined to be greater than 800 feet Studies have shown that some “indicator species” amphibians used to identify productive vernal pools within the regulations travel further from breeding pools than 800 feet Four-toed salamanders have been found to move a maximum of 650 feet while juvenile wood frogs have been observed to migrate 1550 feet between upland and breeding pool habitats (Calhoun Best development practices: conserving pool-breeding amphibians in residential and commercial developments in the northeastern United States An 800 feet buffer may be adequate enough protection for a four-toed salamander that travels only 650 feet but might not be sufficient for a wood frog with a larger range of movement Vernal pools are undeniably important in maintaining the health and balance of many forest ecosystems They are woven into the life cycles of amphibians as healthy amphibian populations keep insect populations in check and larger animals rely on amphibians as their food sources A balanced food chain is necessary for the survival and success of life within an ecosystem and vernal pools are incredible hotspots of biodiversity and life As anthropogenic climate change intensifies the ecosystem services provided by vernal pools will become even more invaluable and it is imperative that we protect these unique habitats now.  Folks like you are the backbone of the movement to ensure wildlife and wild places are protected clean air and water are accessible to all and devastating effects of climate change are fought Sierra Club® and "Explore, enjoy and protect the planet"® are registered trademarks of the Sierra Club. © Sierra Club 2025.The Sierra Club Seal is a registered copyright my walking takes me on a route where I visit about 10 vernal ponds Often called "vernal pools," they tend to be small and shallow and show up in spring "Vernal" means "spring," but they could also be called "ephemeral ponds." This term means that they are usually temporary all are holding water from the recent melting of the snowpack April showers add subsequent rainwater to make the ponds last longer These small bodies of water are easy to overlook since they are shallow with limited surface area And since many will be dried up by midsummer I look for the types of critters that live in such a temporary site and they need to grow to maturity and leave their ephemeral water world before it dries up Spending the winter under leaves and soil in the surrounding forests they announce their presence with calls of several different sounds The first to call are usually the chorus frogs they give calls sounding like moving our thumb over the teeth of a comb these gray-brown frogs emit a duck-like “glucking” sound they live up to the name with high-pitched peeping All these frogs need vernal ponds to breed and the frogs are usually able to produce many tadpoles Quieter than frogs are salamanders that also come here to breed gray tree frogs and toads come to the ponds for egg laying Timing is important; they need to morph from young aquatic stages to terrestrial adults before midsummer vernal ponds hold tiny crustaceans called water fleas and larger orangish fairy shrimps (critters that live nowhere else) Insects of several kinds live here as adults or young Adult water beetles and water striders are present damselflies and caddisflies in their homes (Their eggs were deposited here last fall.) And yes There are also some spiders and water mites Not quite as expected in temporary ponds are a couple kinds of snails and even some clams While all these organisms need these wet sites Water birds like wood ducks and mallards may feed here as do shorebirds like snipe and sora rails And there may be some turtles or garter snakes Ponds are small and shallow and last only about three to four months but these vernal pools are very active now and for the next several weeks dynamic places to visit to watch spring happen — not just big puddles 2025 3:16 PM | Updated: 4:01 pm SALT LAKE CITY- Hockey in Utah is on the rise as the Vernal Oilers out of Eastern Utah capped off an unbelievable season with a United States Premier Hockey League National Championship took home some hardware after their  6-2 victory over the Springfield Pics YOUR 2025 NATIONAL CHAMPION VERNAL OILERS pic.twitter.com/ZHmb329ox3 — Vernal Oilers (@VernalOilers) March 24, 2025 The Vernal Oilers took the Premier Division of the USPHL by storm this season He was selected by the Calgary Flames in 2009 and even spent some time in West Valley City as a member of the Utah Grizzlies The Oilers’ main point getter on the season was defenseman Filip Lezzani out of Puchov While Filio only played 10 games during the Premier League Regular Season he showed up and showed out when it mattered most during the playoffs Lezzani put in seven goals and dished out 20 assists from the blue line during the regular season and in the postseason on Vernal’s path to a National Championship he scored twice and assisted on six other goals While the club didn’t have anyone near the top of the league in points their scoring was very deep with three skaters with more than 40 points on the year and six others with more than 30 three members of the Vernal Oilers have committed to college hockey programs due to their success and development in Eastern Utah Jett McCullum and Filip Lezzani will both attend Portage College in Alberta and Jakub Bulik will continue his hockey journey in the state of Utah and will play for the Weber State Wildcats Both Portage and Weber State are members of the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) The Oilers arrived back in the Beehive State today and are celebrating their National Championship with a parade through the streets of Vernal A post shared by Vernal Oilers (@vernaloilers) The Vernal Oilers are a Junior A Hockey Club in the United States Premier Hockey League The club was founded in 2021 and consists of elite amateur players from regions like North America and Europe who are looking for a springboard to the next level whether that be colligate or professional hockey According to their website physical brand of hockey that will provide affordable family-friendly entertainment to those in the Ashley Valley throughout the fall and winter months.” This year’s Vernal Oilers roster represented ten different countries from around the world The United States Premier Hockey League was founded in 2012 with the goal of exposing talented young hockey players to NCAA scouts and coaches in order to increase their chances of playing at the next level The Premier Division of the USPHL is Tier III hockey under the National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC) the Premier Division has cultivated 41 collegiate hockey offers to players throughout the league adding to the more than 8,000 since the USPHL’s creation Download the new & improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. You can stream live radio, video and stay up to date on all of your favorite teams. Follow @tanner_tripp (435) 631-9555 - info@townlift.com TownLift Apr 16 Utah — Summer travelers can explore ancient fossils and encounter paranormal legends in the rugged landscapes of Vernal “There is so much to discover in Vernal’s rugged landscape steeped in rich history,” said Lesha Coltharp director of Uintah County Tourism & Events Discover fragments of a long-ago world where the largest land creatures of all time once roamed and died Experience the “Wall of Bones” fossil quarry the only place in the world where visitors can view over 1,500 bones located on one mountainside an official International Dark Sky Park located just seven miles north of Vernal This premier stargazing destination is also an outdoor playground for camping Newly opened after a multi-million dollar renovation Red Flled sets under the large red sandstone cliffs that make it known as Little Lake Powell.  Guests will enjoy camping Hiking under 200 million-year-old dinosaur tracks is an added bonus Recognized as the most scientifically studied paranormal hotspot on the planet Skinwalker Ranch is a 512-acre secure site that has been monitored for decades with armed security and 24-hour surveillance Located 35 minutes from Vernal and not open to the public this remote location was involved with a Pentagon-funded black budget project studying UFO activity and is known for studying other intelligences and possible interdimensional phenomena This homestead features elevated views of what some consider the most paranormally-acte spot in the country The property includes a 10-site campground and trail system permitting limited access atop ‘the mesa,’ which legend says was cursed by the Navajo tribe and has since seen countless strange encounters and unexplained anomalies Dinoland Trails curates individual trail experiences across Vernal’s expansive landscape With hundreds of miles of trails winding through breathtaking scenery paths of all lengths and difficulty levels cater to beginners Thrill-seekers and casual riders can find their bliss on a mountain bike trail Enjoy everything from challenging terrains to leisurely single-track trails including 35 miles of intermediate riding at McCoy Flats Forty-four miles of the Green River and 71 miles of the Yampa River meander through the heart of Dinosaur National Monument offering Class I to Class III rapids and an opportunity to explore the area’s rich geological history and formations and OHV tours and excursions abound for exploring Vernal’s diverse The Small Town Comeback YouTube docuseries offers a behind-the-scenes look at Vernal’s community spirit and entrepreneurial drive adding a personal layer to the area’s promotional efforts Travel planning resources, including lodging and dining options, are available at dinoland.com Contact: info@townlift.com The TownLift News Desk specializes in delivering concise Our expertise is in covering local stories that matter most to the Park City community Read more from TownLift Submit a news tip, Share a photo or video, or contact TownLift with your local Park City news and feedback 2 days ago     Full time     $20.00 - $22.00 hourly 3 days ago     Seasonal     4 days ago     Seasonal     4 days ago     Full time     $45,000 - $60,000 yearly 10 days ago     Seasonal     $5,500 - $6,800 yearly Post A JobView All Earl Douglass (left) and Carnegie Museum Director William J National Park Explorer Oct 18 Yellow-rumped warblers are among the birds you might see at the Great Salt Lake Bird Festival TownLift Apr 19 TownLift May 4 Add Your Organization Don’t miss a beat in the Park City community—get the daily scoop delivered straight to your inbox. Completely free, unsubscribe anytime. Canyons golf, golfing, canyons village, park city mountain, putting, summer activity, outing Get Todays News Today Sign up for our TownLift Daily Newsletter and get today's top local news stories in your inbox TownLift is a web and mobile-based Entertainment & News media outlet providing Park City and Summit County Utah with Breaking Local News & Community Updates info@townlift.com One of my favorite memories was when we first moved to Maine and discovered vernal pools (our house was surrounded by them) Vernal pools are seasonal forested wetlands that fill with water from snowmelt and spring rains They provide a handy fish-free environment in which some of our local amphibians and many invertebrates (dragonfly and damselflies for example) love to lay eggs My favorite part of that first discovery was in early spring when the pool in front of our house was still iced over and we saw bright orange fairy shrimp swimming around under the ice Fairy shrimp (Eubranchipus vernalis) are magical creatures to begin with Fairy shrimp look like comic book creatures Large (up to 1.5 inches long) and orange (usually) with big eyes beating their numerous abdominal appendages with an undulating rhythm that resembles a curtain blowing in the wind They start early (that’s why I saw them swimming about under the ice) and complete their entire life cycle in just a couple weeks — hatching maturing and laying eggs before would-be predators emerge Unlike frogs and salamanders and most of the invertebrates that spend some time (usually as eggs and juveniles) in vernal pools and then leave (usually as adults) Fairy shrimp have been around for millions of years plenty of time to perfect a life cycle suited to temporary pools Just like the eggs of their cousin the brine shrimp (aka sea monkeys) fairy shrimp eggs can survive anhydrobiosis (from the Greek for “life without water”) they are more correctly known as cysts and are meaning they can hatch out of their "shell" very quickly once conditions are right When the vernal pool dries out in the summer the cysts remain in the leaf litter that once covered the bottom of the pool and enter dormancy ready to come back to life (not really since they weren’t dead) once water is available the eggs are so light that they can be carried by the wind to other bodies of water — one of the only ways for them to relocate the pool will fill again with snow and spring rain and the cycle will repeat fairy shrimp eggs have survived being frozen for 15 years This is a good time of year to look for fairy shrimp They can’t tolerate water temperatures over 70 degrees so they will be gone by the end of May (or sooner) those hardy cysts that can survive freezing cold and desiccation have no problem with heat either Looking for fairy shrimp is especially fun to do with kids so I acquired some from a friend and went vernal pooling We found large numbers of fairy shrimp swimming about in the sunny side of the pool while their orange coloration blends in with the dead leaves on the bottom of the pool you can easily see their shadows gliding over those very leaves We found both male and female fairy shrimp The females have paired egg sacs located behind their feathery legs; the sacs are often green with algae The males have distinctive large claspers on their heads these are modified antennae that they use to hold onto the females during mating The only place you’ll find fairy shrimp around here is in vernal pools fairy shrimp are an indicator species for vernal pools This means if you have fairy shrimp in your pool it is by default a vernal pool It isn't too late in the season to get outside and look for fairy shrimp who Susan Pike, a researcher and an environmental sciences and biology teacher at Dover High School, welcomes your ideas for future column topics. Send your photos and observations to spike3116@gmail.com. Read more of her Nature News columns online at Seacoastonline.com and pikes-hikes.com melted snow and rain trickle through forests Frogs and salamanders migrate from winter dens to these waters where fairy shrimp emerge from dormant eggs These small but biodiverse ecosystems are called vernal pools Though they reappear in the same places each year the pools are ephemeral: They fill up as winter ends and dry out by late summer Since these isolated wetlands have no fish or other aquatic predators they make fantastic nurseries for tiny forest critters and feeding grounds for reptiles “You can hear them sometimes before you even see them because they’re very active in the spring,” says Abby Pointer of the Michigan Nature Association Because of their seasonal nature and modest size these wetlands often “fall through the cracks,” says Pointer unprotected by regulations like the Clean Water Act and left vulnerable to threats like development and logging a growing number of community science efforts across the Northeast and Midwest have built massive databases of these small wetlands and the life that flourishes there These maps are now informing a push to better conserve what ecologist Aram Calhoun describes as VIPs—“very important pools.” vernal pools were largely unmapped and unregulated since they’re small—often a quarter-acre or less—and isolated from other waterways were free to build on top of these pools and alter the habitats around them In 1999, to show their biological significance and create better safeguards, Calhoun—then a professor at the University of Maine—started one of the first community science efforts to catalog vernal pools that offered significant wildlife habitat. Volunteers explored local forest patches in Maine, where they located and surveyed hundreds of pools in the project’s initial years They documented the egg masses of sensitive species like blue-spotted salamanders and noted the other creatures that come to these ponds for food and migratory songbirds like Black-and-white Warblers that stop for rest on their biannual journeys recruiting volunteers to scour Michigan’s forests for pools and count up gooey egg masses within the program has verified more than 1,000 vernal pools throughout the state that offer important breeding sites for certain indicator or at-risk species which limited the kinds of waterways that are federally protected under the Clean Water Act Climate change also poses a growing threat as shifting seasons alter the wet and dry cycles that vernal pool creatures are adapted to Bringing community members on board with these efforts has multiple benefits Not only can it open up access to hard-to-reach places on private land but it also helps landowners understand and value the vernal pools on their own property Many trainees recall growing up exploring vernal pools but had no idea that diverse and rare species lived there many of these landowners contribute important data to conservation efforts—and some have become powerful advocates for pool protection “The benefit that we weren’t even counting on was the educational aspect of this,” says Calhoun who is working with some of her former volunteers to push for stronger local bylaws across multiple towns in Maine vernal pools are filling up and brimming with life Salamanders lay their gelatinous eggs below the surface Their fate could be shaped by the next curious community scientist who comes across them even things we don’t always see,” Lee says This story originally ran in the Spring 2025 issue as “Very Important Pools.” To receive our print magazine, become a member by making a donation today Pledge to stand with Audubon to call on elected officials to listen to science and work towards climate solutions to Ervin Francis Hansen and Zenetta Roberts Hansen He grew up in Idaho Falls and attended Idaho Falls High School He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Alberta Vern met Margaret Ann Church at the old Paxton’s restaurant in Idaho Falls They were married later that year and were sealed in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple serving with the Army National Guard for 20 years he was a member of the American Legion Color Guard and enjoyed honoring Idaho’s Veterans He and mom served in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple for many years and he held several church and Boy Scout callings He toiled in the tire business for many years then was a truck driver for the Deseret Industries He volunteered as a docent at the Idaho Museum and spoke about it whenever he could He loved his kids and did not hesitate to tell complete strangers how proud he was of them He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and spoiled them as often as he could Vern was a good mechanic and enjoyed taking care of our home He was very curious and tried his hand at many things from gardening to CB radios (back in the day) He was a big fan of the Chukars (and all the earlier versions of them) he could be found completing the most complicated puzzle or working on a latch-hook project UT; 17 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren He was preceded in death by his parents; a son visitors walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs and gaze into the unknown under a starry Dark Sky Adventure awaits for guests seeking day trips “There is so much to discover in Vernal’s rugged landscape steeped in rich history,” said Uintah County Tourism & Events Director Lesha Coltharp “We are proud to share our beloved destination with outdoor lovers and anyone in search of their next adventure.” the only place in the world where visitors can view over 1,500 bones all located in one mountain side Red Flled sets under the large red sandstond cliffs that make it known as Little Lake Powell Hiking under 200 million year old dinosaur tracks is just an added bonus This homestead features elevated views of what some consider to be the most paranormally-active spot in the country Enjoy everything from challenging terrains to leisurely single-track trail rugged landscapes from breathtaking desert expanses to lush For an up-close-and-personal look into the Vernal experience, the Small Town Comeback YouTube docuseries reveals the local personality and driven entrepreneurial spirit of the Dinosaurland community Planning the perfect visit to Vernal, UT, from where to eat, sleep, and explore, begins at dinoland.com For more information about Utah’s Dinosaurland, visit dinoland.com or contact Christa Graff, of Graff Public Relations, at christa@graffpr.com or 435-640-7921 Utah’s “Dinosaurland” is an exciting destination for outdoor recreation and taking a step back into prehistory. Visitors can enjoy a variety of museums and historical sites, outdoor activities, exploring, and relaxation in rugged nature. Vernal and the rest of Uintah County, Utah, has always been a land of adventure, for millions of years. For more information, visit dinoland.com BY MICHAEL HOUCK SALT LAKE CITY — A man accused of fleeing from a hit-and-run accident resisted arrest and injured a Vernal police officer on Monday night Bryce D. Bell, 42, was booked into the Uintah County Jail on suspicion of possessing a dangerous weapon assaulting a police officer causing substantial bodily injury and three misdemeanor charges involving drug use Two Vernal police officers responded to the area of 50 E 600 North after a vehicle was reported hitting a fence and leaving the scene Officers found a white Ford Escape stopped at a stop sign near the accident with a man entering and exiting the Ford multiple times the officers performed a traffic stop on Bell Bell got out of his car and approached one of the officers The first officer asked Bell if he had anything on him Bell said he had methamphetamine and began to reach into his pockets for the drug The officer warned Bell not to reach into his pockets but Bell continued and gave the officer the drugs The affidavit stated that Bell began to reach near his waistband Because the officers did not know if Bell had any weapons on him Bell began to tense up and said “Wait how do I know you guys are cops,” according to the affidavit “(Bell) then spun to his left and began to physically resist being taken into custody.” The officers commanded Bell to place his hands behind his back and stop resisting Officers were eventually able to place Bell into handcuffs a glass pipe with white residue was dropped and broken Officers believed the pipe contained methamphetamine Bell told officers that someone was following him and he was “in fear for his life,” according to the affidavit The affidavit stated that Bell “thought someone was in the back of his vehicle hiding behind his speaker box because he heard noises (He) acknowledged the noises he heard were probably just rocks being kicked up by his tires.” The second officer reported that the first officer was bleeding from the mouth after the struggle The first officer drove himself to the hospital where it was found that he “sustained substantial bodily injuries to his bottom lip,” according to the affidavit the affidavit stated that Bell used his left arm to strike the first officer in the face causing the officer to lose balance and his head to snap back A Uintah County Sheriff’s Office deputy arrived on the scene and asked Bell if he had any weapons on him Bell said he had a pocket knife in his back pocket police found an empty waistband holster and a loaded 9mm magazine in Bell’s pocket Bell told officers he did not know where the 9mm handgun was Officers later found the handgun inside Bell’s car The affidavit stated that Bell was a convicted felon and was restricted from owning a firearm Bell told officers he did not know he wasn’t supposed to own firearms and bought the gun in a private sale Follow @KSLMichaelHouck occurs when the sun crosses directly over the Earth's equator This shift causes both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres to experience equal amounts of daylight and darkness The phenomenon is a direct result of the Earth’s axial tilt this tilt causes different regions of Earth to experience varying lengths of daylight throughout the year.  The equinox occurs when the sun is directly over the equator resulting in a nearly equal length of night and day for nearly every region of the world.  It is called the Vernal Equinox because the word "vernal" stands for Spring and "equinox" means "equal night" in Latin.  It does not happen on the same day every year and is usually within four days from March 19-23 The reason behind this is because a calendar year is 365 days (about 12 months) but it takes Earth 365.25 days to revolve around the sun That extra quarter adds up (and is part of the reason we have a leap day) and means the equinox fluctuates around 6 hours yearly in 2024 the equinox was on March 20th.  Meteorological Spring is different than astronomical Spring Because the Spring equinox fluctuates it is easier to group the seasons by the first of the month for record-keeping Meteorological Spring is the months of March and May with meteorological summer starting June 1 (the summer solstice is June 20th).  The Spring Equinox determines a couple of holidays: it is the first day of the first month of the Iranian solar calendar and is the start of the Persian New Year Easter is determined as the first Sunday following a full moon after the solstice (which for simplicity is marked as March 21)  The Spring Equinox reminds us that change is constant The Earth continues its journey around the sun nature offers us a chance to renew and grow  Spring has officially arrived.  Tune into WeatherNation for updates on all the spring weather changes VERNAL — A 20-year-old man was arrested in Vernal Thursday and accused of uploading child sex abuse material and secretly recording women using the bathroom at his work Jaedon Kodiak Nielson was booked into the Uintah County Jail for investigation of five counts of aggravated sexual exploitation of a child five counts of sexual exploitation of a child and eight counts of voyeurism The investigation began in February when Vernal police received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children of possible child sex abuse material being uploaded to the Kik app Investigators identified Nielson as a suspect and reviewed his Kik account and found child sex abuse material among the files in that return I observed that there were seven unique videos which depicted adult females in a bathroom stall," the affidavit states "The videos appear to be taken from a low angle with the camera placed in a position below the bottom of the privacy wall of the stall to gain visual access to the persons captured in the videos." Nielson said he shared one of those voyeuristic videos with another person and described the habit of recording the videos "as a kink," the affidavit alleges Police did not indicate in the arrest report where the videos were recorded only saying it was at Nielson's former place of employment in Uintah County ABC4 Utah When Julia Mata purchased her summer home in the Dry Fork Canyon she felt like she found her slice of heaven as she looks at the empty pit left behind by Jeremy Merrell the department lost its first officer in the line of duty when Sgt Bill Hooser was struck and killed by a suspect in a semi-truck during a traffic stop the friends he made on the force are remembering him as one of the most dedicated officers who took work seriously but also made an emphasis to build relationships A low-pressure system is working its way through the region and will settle over the Four Corners more compact low drops in on the west side of the main low A low pressure system is working its way through the region and will settle over the Four Corners winter-like storm is set to move into the Southwest over the next day or so The action gets underway this morning and lasts through at least Tuesday morning Family and friends tied blue ribbons around Main Street in honor of Sgt The public is urging police to release records after the court dismissed a case against David Hamblin a former Utah therapist accused of ritualistic child sex abuse authorities are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in a cold case homicide from 2022 A Utah Transit Authority rail maintenance worker has passed away after being struck by a vehicle while working in Murray late April A 17-year-old boy has been confirmed deceased after falling into the Weber River and being swept away on Saturday according to the Weber County Sheriff’s Office and a noticeable drop in temperatures...especially across southern Utah The shelter says it has helped over 6,500 families over the past five years what started out as an act of love for their blind daughter became a full-fledged mission to make games more accessible for an entire community Looking to ring in spring with contemporary art? Buffalo Prescott a Detroit-based arts organization nearing its one-year anniversary just unveiled its latest exhibition: “Vernal.” and collage was created by a group of local artists including Buffalo Prescott’s four artists-in-residence “The whole exhibition is titled ‘Vernal,’ because it really does have elements of a natural takeover that leads to a post-humanist future,” says Samara Furlong Visitors are invited inside an immersive lounge designed by Detroit artist Paula Schubatis enveloped in an otherworldly forest made from textiles called The Garden of Earthly Delights Other textile works include a 24-karat gold netting by Jessica Wildman Katz Abstract videos and projections by Suzy Poling feature moving patterns that toe the line between digital and earthy The 3,000 square foot arts space, originally a tool and die shop (and most recently the personal studio of designer Chris Schanck) “A lot of residencies don’t allow kids” — but Buffalo Prescott instead aims to create a space where resident artists whose background includes roles at Cranbrook the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit returned from New York to Detroit in 2024 with a vision: “I needed something where I could bring my daughter to the space,” says Furlong “And I wanted to create a place that offered the same thing to other people.” Tables throughout are designed for kids’ activities like making friendship bracelets or doodling — each table is coated in chalkboard spray-paint the organization soon plans to host workshops where children can learn skills like furniture building it’s a place where up-and-coming creatives can hone their craft with affordable studio space One current resident is interdisciplinary artist Rachel Elise Thomas is a recent graduate from the Cranbrook Academy of Art “I really like being part of this cohort; everyone’s really supportive,” says Thomas Thomas creates collages that incorporate archival material She avidly collects old copies of publications like Jet and Ebony (she spends a lot of time digging at John K King Books and on Etsy) — and uses them to create works that explore interconnected themes like racial identity and beauty standards — through the lens of her lived experience as a Black woman Sometimes, she even likes to pull from her own personal archives, still managing to convey a feeling that’s easy to connect with. One example is displayed on the wall right outside her studio: Sister Sister (2022) The collage incorporates a 4×6 photo of a young girl hugging a taller girl The taller girl’s head is obscured by a photo of a curtain and a hand-scrawled note that reads: Keep your head up and don’t let people get you down It’s a picture of a young Thomas and her older sister Ericka who penned the snarky but sweet message to her on the back of a prom picture This piece is part of a larger ongoing series that incorporates notes different family members have written to her they often steal the spotlight,” Thomas says “I intentionally covered her face so you can only see me and that’s like my way of making sure that I’m the protagonist and the attention is on me.” Buffalo Prescott also aims to give back to the community its Casual Safe project harnesses art to promote harm reduction Resident artist Shaina Kasztelan designed colorful packaging for Narcan and contraceptives Last summer, they were distributed in bars and venues hosting afterparties following the Movement Music Festival. In May, the organization plans to launch a vending machine that distributes the resources for free at Dreamtroit the organization is considering opening a community garden offering fresh produce to neighbors and partnering with local public schools to offer artist workshops to students “We’re looking forward to continuing to grow and be a part of the community,” Furlong says The exhibition is free to view — but donations are accepted VERNAL — A Vernal man is now facing felony charges accusing him of firing multiple rounds at another vehicle during a road-rage confrontation in eastern Utah on Sunday was booked into the Uintah County Jail after his arrest that same day Roloff allegedly admitted "he does have a problematic temper and poor conflict-resolution skills," a police booking affidavit states Roloff was charged Wednesday in 8th District Court with two counts of aggravated assault third-degree felonies; reckless driving with a road rage penalty enhancement a class A misdemeanor; shooting a gun from a vehicle a class B misdemeanor; and having an expired license 40 when he fired three or four rounds at another vehicle It says Roloff told police he lives in Wyoming and works in Colorado though charging documents filed Wednesday list his home in Vernal they described to me that they were traveling east on (U.S.) 40 just past the Jensen Green River bridge (and passing a van) when a silver pickup was right behind them The victims described that the vehicle then went into the oncoming westbound lane to pass them," a Utah Highway Patrol trooper wrote Charging documents filed Wednesday further state that Roloff was "tailgating" the victims before passing them in a no-passing zone and then pulling off to the side of the road The driver of the other vehicle also pulled over to talk to him they said a male got out of the vehicle and fired three to four rounds in their direction without saying anything," according to the charges "The driver took cover at the front of his vehicle and the passenger said he began yelling at the suspect," the affidavit states and the victims followed so they could get a picture of his license plate After talking to the victims and tracing the registered owner of the pickup and told him to turn around and meet them in Jensen Troopers say a shell casing was recovered from the area where the victims claimed they were shot at which matches the type of gun Roloff claims he owns They also discovered that Roloff's driver's license is expired Correction: A previous version incorrectly called U.S LOCAL NEWS 12:30 PM | Updated: Oct 10 BY LARRY D. CURTIS VERNAL — A woman reported missing Monday was found dead inside her car Tuesday in the Vernal area The Roosevelt Police Department reported Kimberly Hyde missing on Monday sharing a social media post from her husband The post asked for help locating her and described her car as a gray Honda Civic It asked for anyone noticing anything strange between 2:30 p.m It said family and friends were worried sick On Tuesday, Vernal police said they found a car registered to Hyde and a woman’s body was discovered inside The body was taken to the state medical examiner for positive identification and to determine a cause of death Hyde’s family confirmed to KSL TV that she was the woman found dead The Roosevelt Police Department told KSL TV it did not believe there was a threat to the community Vernal Police Department is handling the investigation and requested anyone with information to phone the department at 435-789-5835 or dispatch at 435-789-4222 This is a developing story and may be updated Follow @https://twitter.com/MrCurtis_News The New York Times and the Salt Lake Tribune Access to trusted news and information is urgently needed right now - and when you support WXXI’s public media mission today WXXI offers Rochester and the Finger Lakes solid trusted reporting built on a mission that uses the resources and independence of public media to serve the public good Become a monthly sustainer or increase your current sustaining gift now and your gift will be matched every month for a full year Support the facts and the truth right at the source by making a commitment to public media today your generous support for the essential coverage of WXXI is critical Frogs are disappearing at an alarming rate and pollution — are pushing many species toward decline a conservation effort is being made to restore one of nature’s most effective amphibian habitats: vernal ponds seasonal wetlands that appear in the spring and dry up in the summer These small but mighty ecosystems provide essential breeding grounds for amphibians fish-free environment for frog eggs and tadpoles to develop leading to cascading effects on biodiversity and the local environment Now, Pittsford’s A Frog House is working to rebuild these crucial wetlands, giving frogs — and the larger ecosystem they support — a fighting chance. But why do frogs matter? How do vernal ponds help mitigate climate change? And what can local communities do to protect these fragile ecosystems? In this episode of "Environmental Connections" with host Jasmin Singer, we explore the hidden power of vernal ponds, the threats facing amphibians, and the environmental vision behind this local project. Tune in on the last Friday of every month from 12-2pm for "Environmental Connections." VERNAL — A Vernal man is facing a felony charge accusing him of digging up 33 dump truck loads of dirt from a victim's property and then selling it. The 49-year-old man was charged Tuesday in 8th District Court with theft, a second-degree felony. For approximately two months in 2024, the man "used heavy excavating equipment … under the guise of performing some property repairs/improvements for the victim," and removed "approximately 33 dump truck loads of dirt/earth from the victim's property" without the victim's permission, according to charging documents. The man then sold the dirt to others to grade their driveways, the charges state. Prosecutors say he took about 435 cubic yards of dirt, and damage was estimated at over $10,000, which included the cost to refinish the hillside where the dirt was removed. Court documents do not list the address of the property from where the dirt was allegedly taken. VERNAL, Utah (KUTV) — Documents of a warrant for the arrest of a suspect in the murder of a Roosevelt woman found dead in Vernal have been unsealed. Documents detailed the proceedings of Kimberly Hyde being reported missing out of Roosevelt on Oct. 7, 2024 by her husband, who said her car was also missing. The next day, Hyde's car was found at 750 South 500 East in Vernal, which police estimated was 38 miles from her home. Police looked through into the car through the window, finding items that were also reported missing by Hyde's husband, and "the items seemed to be contoured in a way that indicated a body may be underneath these items. Further inspection showed what appeared to be part of the victim's clothing under the items and eventually hair and blood could be seen underneath the items as well," documents said. A search warrant was filed and granted for Hyde's car, and police found a body — later identified as Hyde — underneath the items. Police said the body showed signs of physical trauma, which made it appear that "the individual was the victim of criminal homicide." An autopsy on Hyde revealed blunt force trauma to her head and face and at least eight stab wounds determined to be superficial. Her neck had "larger and deeper" wounds that indicated sawing motions were used, "(appearing) to inflict as much damage as possible to ensure the death of the victim," documents said. Documents said a task force was formed to investigate a timeline leading up to Hyde's death. Witness statements and footage were used to establish the timeline, police said. The timeline listed in the unsealed documents explained that Hyde traveled to Vernal twice on Oct. 7. When her car was seen on the second trip, it was followed by a white Dodge Journey. The Dodge was identified as belonging to Henry Resuera. Resuera's son, a minor, told police he was taking Resuera to the airport for a family emergency, which was corroborated by evidence found at the Heber City Port of Entry on Oct. 9, documents said. Documents said Resuera had his son pick him up in Vernal for unknown reasons. The son told police his father was driving Hyde's car with a hat, face mask and gloves on. His son followed him to where Hyde's car was later found when Resuera told his son he had killed Hyde, documents said. A search warrant was granted for Resuera's residence, where police observed what looked like drops of blood in the driveway. Resuera's wife and son told police Resuera had admitted to them that he killed Hyde. The two shared details of the death with police "that had not been made publicly available." Resuera's son then took him to the Salt Lake City airport so he could fly to the Philippines, where he is from. The ticket to the Philippines was bought after a press release was sent out about Hyde being missing, documents said. Documents said Resuera was neighbors with Hyde and had been in her home many times. He is seen in video surveillance going to Hyde's house with a bag before she returned home from Vernal the first time. The documents conclude with this statement by police: At this time it is believed that Henry Cito Piano Resuera Jr has fled the country to the Philippines. Thus he cannot be served with legal summons. Due to this I am requesting a warrant for his arrest . . . " The charges in the warrant are one count of aggravated murder, one count of aggravated kidnapping, one count of aggravated robbery and one count of aggravated burglary. Marina Knight Feb 1 Utah — Registration for the 11th Annual Outlaw ATV Jamboree in Vernal opens at 12:01 a.m giving off-road enthusiasts the chance to secure a spot in the three-day event scheduled for May 28–31 offers riders access to nearly two dozen trails ranging from scenic routes to adrenaline-pumping rock-crawling challenges including the expert-level Red Mountain trail The event also features guided and self-guided rides we are so excited to welcome guests for the return of Vernal’s beloved Outlaw ATV Jamboree,” said Uintah County Tourism & Events Director Lesha Coltharp “This signature event serves as our unofficial kick-off to summer giving locals and visitors a full immersion into the culture and unique landscape of our beautiful home.” Participants will gather each morning at the Western Park Arena in Vernal for breakfast Event organizers recommend early registration for the best ride selection. More information and sign-ups can be found at outlawatvjam.com Contact: marina@townlift.com Marina Knight began her career in journalism working for The Stowe Reporter in 2003 where she was a staff writer and later the publication’s Web Editor She covered the Winter Olympic Games in 2006 and 2010 and has worked as a freelance writer covering outdoor topics as well as art criticism Knight was Editor-in-Chief of SkiRacing.com She has won multiple awards from the New England Newspaper Association for environmental reporting In her free time you’ll find her in the mountains Read more from Marina Knight Rebecca Brenner May 2 Marina Knight May 1 Please select what you would like included for printing: Copy the text below and then paste that into your favorite email application He was the 7th of 8 children born to Jesse N Boyd spent his early years growing up in Providence attending Providence Elementary School and graduating from South Cache High School where he rode the train daily from Providence to Hyrum herding the cows for a local farmer down the dirt road he enrolled at Utah State University and graduated in 1957.  Boyd married Carolyn Nielsen on December 27 1951 in the Logan LDS Temple while he was home on leave from the Navy The couple spent the following years traveling living in Florida and California before returning to Utah They had two children; Randall Wayne and Catherine Lynn.  Idaho teaching English at Malad High School the family moved back to Cache Valley where he spent the next 28 years teaching English and History in the Cache County School District he helped implement the Title One Reading Program which is still being used in local schools today He retired from teaching in 1988 at the age of 58.  Boyd was a member of the Cache Sheriff's Posse and the Hyrum Saddle Club for many years and riding them for many hours of his life He looked forward to driving the cattle to the canyon every spring and rounding them up again every fall He once took a horse ride all the way to Yellowstone National Park Boyd was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints all his life and held many callings in his younger years He enjoyed visiting with home teachers and also enjoyed working with the youth in mutual callings.  Boyd spent his retired years being a grandpa to his four grandchildren and then later ‘grandpa next door’ to his great grandchildren Every summer night was spent playing badminton in his yard until it was too dark to see the birdie never EVER missing that famous Preston Night Rodeo Grandpa was at every sporting and school event he could be at for us There is no better grandpa than the one we got Boyd was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years Carolyn Nielsen Jensen; his parents; sisters June Low Boyd is survived by his daughter & son in law Cathy & Doug Leatham; grandchildren Jessica & Kevin Johnson Greenlee; 13 great grandchildren: Kaden & Kaylynn Madison and Hudson Greenlee; son Randall (Melanie) Jense; brother Dennis (Lorna) Jensen and many nieces and nephews.  The family would like to thank Buffy Rose and the staff at Blacksmith Fork Assisted living in Hyrum for their loving care and patience with Boyd the last 9 months We grandchildren would also like to thank our parents Cathy & Doug for the selfless loving care they’ve provided both of our grandparents over the years but especially the care they’ve given Boyd over the last few years.  Graveside services will be held at noon on Friday A viewing will be held at Allen Hall Mortuary Logan that same morning from 10:30-11:30 am prior to the graveside service.  Memories and condolences may be shared and expressed at www.allenmortuaries.com.  This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors 3:29 PM | Updated: 4:02 pm as fire crews investigated the initial cause BY ALTON BARNHART VERNAL — A disposal plant near 12 Mile Wash Rd Chief Deputy Brian Fletcher with the Uintah County Sheriff’s Office said at 12:15 p.m. a tanker was offloading condensate when the tank overflowed and ignited into flames Vernal Fire Department responded to the scene Vernal Fire Chief Sam Howard said two oil tanks and two small buildings burned down Chief Deputy Fletcher said one person was treated and released on the scene for burns Utah (KUTV) — A high-speed crash on US 40 has resulted in the death of a teenage driver and left a passenger seriously injured The incident occurred on US 40 in Vernal Tuesday where a silver Honda sedan traveling westbound veered off course crossing the center line and both eastbound lanes before colliding with a metal barrier and rolling down an embankment Witnesses to the crash said the car was going at high speeds MORE from KUTV:Missing paddle boarder's body found at Flaming Gorge days after mother drowns both occupants were ejected from the vehicle It was not clear if either were wearing a seatbelt The 19-year-old man believed to be the driver was pronounced dead at the scene and the 18-year-old woman in the passenger seat was transported to the hospital with serious injuries Utah — A female student had to be extricated from underneath a vehicle after an incident in a Vernal school parking lot Monday Vernal police reported that the 16-year-old was riding on the hood of the vehicle when both students slipped off Bystanders and police officers were able to lift the vehicle off the girl so that she could be extricated and transported to a nearby emergency room The unidentified girl was stabilized before being brought to a Salt Lake City-area hospital where she is now in intensive care "The student is in our thoughts as we remain in touch with the family throughout the day," wrote Bill Zenner the Executive Director at The Terra Academy The school brought counselors to the campus to offer support to students and faculty Police said the case is currently under investigation and charges are possible "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim and her family wishing her a prompt recovery," the Vernal Police Department wrote The Terra Academy is a charter school serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade VERNAL — A Vernal man with ties to several Utah companies is accused of defrauding or attempting to defraud the federal government out of nearly $2 million in funds by falsely applying for aid during the COVID-19 pandemic A federal grand jury this week indicted Lee H Anglin was a resident of both Utah and Illinois Relief and Economic Security Act was signed by the president applied for and obtained Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for various companies using false borrower information with the intent to steal and to convert the proceeds of those loans to his personal use and unauthorized purposes," the indictment alleges Prosecutors say Anglin attempted to defraud the government of "approximately $1,930,624.43 in PPP loan proceeds through false statements and to then use the loan proceeds for his personal benefit," according to the charges Anglin used the names of a relative and a 96-year-old Colorado resident to apply for federal money for three Utah companies and one Colorado company Anglin received nearly $950,000 for the four loans that were approved he "concealed his identity as the true owner manager and person in control of the company "and exaggerated the number of employees and inflated the monthly payroll," the charges state investigators say Anglin transferred money from one of the company's accounts to a relative's bank account with a memo stating "house." On another occasion he is accused of withdrawing funds for the purpose of giving a $21,500 cashier check to Unlimited Auto Sales Anglin withdrew more than $63,000 for the purchase of a 2021 Nissan Armada Prosecutors are now seeking to have the Nissan forfeited to the federal government as well as "a money judgment equal to the value of all property not available for forfeiture" that was purchased with federal money VERNAL — A second employee at an eastern Utah care facility was charged Wednesday with beating a resident with special needs was charged in 8th District Court with aggravated abuse of a disabled adult a second-degree felony; and abuse of a vulnerable adult Her charges come a day after Ashia Wyasket was charged Tuesday with aggravated abuse of a disabled adult Uintah County sheriff's deputies were called to 880 N a residence run by North Eastern Service that helps residents with mental health and other disabilities Investigators say Evans and Wyasket are managers at the home Deputies found a nonverbal man who lives at the facility who "had been crying and had blood on his face," according to charging documents Deputies learned Wyasket and Evans had gone into the man's room and taken a wooden dowel being used to lock a sliding door "(Wyasket) and the other employee were then heard hitting the (man) with the wooden dowel Officers observed blood on the wall and floor from the injuries caused by being hit in the head and the face with the wooden dowel," the charges allege "(Wyasket) admitted to hitting the individual with the dowel … and said that they hit him about 10 times." deputies "also learned that on or around Aug (Evans) was hitting the same individual in the head with her hand and it broke her hand," her charging documents state but can still communicate either using sign language or pointing at what he needs," a police booking affidavit states Deputies also reported observing multiple bruises on the man's face a bruise in the center of his chest and fresh welt marks on his side Utah — Three caretakers at a Vernal care home for adults with mental disabilities were arrested Friday after police found they were physically abusing a resident were arrested for Intentional Aggravated Abuse of a Vulnerable Adult Evans has additional charges for Intentional Abuse or Neglect Booking documents filed by police mention a third person arrested for abuse FOX 13 News has not been able to verify their identity According to the probable cause statement filed by the Uintah County Sheriff's office the investigation began just after 7:00 p.m Friday night in a residential area near 900 North 1500 East A neighbor had called police after a young man ran from a home that was later discovered to be a residence for adults with mental disabilities managed by North Eastern Services the company has not yet responded to FOX 13 News' request for comment The neighbor told officers that the young man When the neighbor asked the man who hit him The man was taken to a local hospital for treatment As police questioned the neighbor and employees working at the care home officers learned that Evans and Wyasket had both walked into the bedroom where the man had been staying and took turns beating him with a wooden dowel normally used to keep the back door of the home shut Employees also told officers that Evans was not supposed to be at the home due to a hand injury but was brought there by the third suspect One of the employees they questioned provided them with an audio recording of the incident they recorded on their phone right after they saw Wyasket grab the dowel and take it to the room the audio starts with sounds of the man making noise and kicking the door It was later revealed that this was prompted by Evans and Wyasket locking him inside Wyasket is then heard yelling at the man shortly before striking his head with the dowel Officers later found remnants of blood on the walls and floor of the bedroom The employees then told police that Evans and Wyasket collaborated on a story they would submit in an incident report They also explained that both of them had a history of beating the man with Evans breaking her hand on the back of the man's head in an August 11 incident Since Evans and Wyasket were both managers at the home the employees were afraid to report the beatings out of fear of losing their jobs claiming the man hurt himself in his bedroom When confronted with evidence of the audio recording she later admitted to hitting the man due to him spitting on her She then stated that Evans was the main instigator also stating the the man had hit himself during a tantrum admitted to hitting the man after being confronted with evidence of the audio recording as officers were working to verify details provided by Evans and Wyasket they learned of inconsistencies with information that was provided by the third suspect They initially told police that they weren't near the bedroom where it happened but the employee who provided the audio recording said they were standing in the doorway of the bedroom during the entire incident Officers later took the third suspect into custody Both Evans and Wyasket have since been released from jail pending trial The Land Conservancy of McHenry County is hosting a Vernal Pool Hike in Harvard on Saturday which are temporary bodies of water that house species like frogs Individuals and families are welcome to attend The hike takes place on the property of a private residence in Harvard Participants will receive the address upon registration at conservemc.org/vernal-pool-hike/ or by calling TLC at (815) 337-9502 Vernal pools are a wetland habitat that reach their maximum depth in spring Guests will be able to see the different species in the pool Participants are encouraged to dress to get muddy and dirty The Land Conservancy of McHenry County is a member-based private nonprofit dedicated to preserving natural, scenic and agricultural land. Learn more at conservemc.org Show Breaking News BarCloseWeatherMichelle Morgan ORLANDO marking the start of the season for the Northern Hemisphere this means one half of the planet gets more sunlight than the other so both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres get the same amount of sunlight The word “equinox” actually comes from Latin words for “equal” and “night,” because on this day day and night are almost equal in length — though you might get a few extra minutes depending on where you are The Northern Hemisphere’s vernal (spring) equinox can fall between March 19 and 21 while the fall equinox hits sometime between September 21 and 24 Solstices mark the extreme points in Earth’s tilt They’re the times when one hemisphere is leaning way toward or away from the sun This creates the longest and shortest days of the year During the Northern Hemisphere’s summer solstice (around June 20-22) Fast forward to the winter solstice (December 20-23) and the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the sun bringing us the shortest day and longest night of the year What’s the difference between meteorological and astronomical seasons whether you’re counting down the days ‘til summer or enjoying the fresh air of spring just know that the Earth’s movements are keeping everything in perfect balance More Stories Like This In Our Email Newsletter Copyright 2025 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved Michelle joined News 6 as a meteorologist in May 2023 TV Listings Email Newsletters RSS Feeds Contests and Rules Contact Us / Follow on Social Media Careers at WKMG Closed Captioning / Audio Description Public File Current EEO Report Terms of Use Privacy Policy Do Not Sell My Info FCC Applications EEO Report Disability Assistance Copyright © 2025 ClickOrlando.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group April showers bring May flowers − or so they say Springtime is right around the corner, as the first day of the season is on Thursday. The first day of spring represents the vernal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere an astronomical event that occurs when the sun aligns with the Earth's equator the upcoming equinox is known as the autumnal equinox the Southern Hemisphere begins to tilt away from the sun resulting in cooler weather and shorter days Here's what to know about the springtime season in the Northern Hemisphere Look up: As spring equinox nears, look for the northern lights. Here's why. A vernal equinox is known as the start of the spring season in the Northern Hemisphere There are only two times during the year when the Earth's equator is not tilted toward or away from the sun, resulting in a "nearly" equal amount of daylight and darkness across all latitudes, according to the National Weather Service The equinox that occurs during the Northern Hemisphere's spring is called a vernal equinox while the event that occurs during the Northern Hemisphere's fall is called an autumnal equinox Unable to view the above graphic? Click here to see it. days are longer in the Northern Hemisphere because the region is continuing to move toward its greatest tilt toward the sun the astronomical event that will occur next The summer solstice marks the longest daylight hours of the year and the start of the summer season clocks sprung forward as daylight saving time began on Sunday Editor's note: This story has been updated to fix a typo Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — A man has been arrested in a murder case 52 years to the day the crime occurred Darrell Eugene Choate was arrested Tuesday by Uintah County Sheriff's detectives after being identified as the suspect in a 1972 rape and murder case Choate is being accused of murdering Gregory Nickell by shooting him to death in front of an 18-year-old woman near Vernal Choate and a man named Daniel Bell have also been accused of raping the 18-year-old after the murder A warrant for Choate's arrest was signed on October 30 Officials with Uintah County Sheriff's Office announced that Choate was arrested Tuesday at a hospital in Salt Lake City The delay in the arrest was due to "unspecified medical issues," officials said Police said they want to speak to anyone who has any connection or information about Choate Officials said Choate "has criminal and residential history in Uintah "If you have information about people he may have confided in or remember conversations where he shared even the most minor details your information could be crucial to the prosecution," a press release said please contact the sheriff's office at 435-781-6700 or email coldcase@uintah.utah.gov 160-180lbs with "bluish/hazel eyes" and brown hair Nickell was burned inside his car after Choate and Bell allegedly stole it with Nickell's body and the woman inside DNA evidence was taken from the woman and kept for observation when the technology became available the DNA sample was reevaluated and identified Bell as one of the suspects Choate remained unidentified until recently resulting in the warrant for his arrest being signed VERNAL — More than 50 years after he was killed criminal charges were filed Friday in connection with the 1972 shooting and burning death of a 21-year-old Army soldier from Vernal was charged in 8th District Court with murder 21-year-old Gregory Dahl Nickell was shot multiple times and his car was set on fire while his body was still inside was kidnapped and held hostage for several hours and raped multiple times In 2022 — on the 50th anniversary of Nickell's death — the Uintah County Sheriff's Office announced that through extensive DNA testing, Daniel Arthur Bell, who used to live in the Uintah Basin, was one of the two men involved in the heinous crime died in 2019 at the age of 88 of unknown causes and was never arrested for Nickell's death it was hinted that investigators also had promising information about the second man according to charging documents filed Friday "Darrel Eugene Choate is a direct DNA match for one of the suspects who had murdered Greg Nickell and raped (the woman) This direct DNA match is proof that Darrel Eugene Choate is one of the two suspects and is not just a close familial match to one of the suspects." has an "extensive criminal record which did include sexual offenses in Price Darrel Eugene Choate has also made statements in records that he believes he is able to read minds," the charges state Nickell — who had recently come home from the U.S Army — was on a date with an 18-year-old woman The two had parked their vehicle at a scenic overlook along Highway 40 when someone knocked on the car window The man claimed he had been in a crash and asked for a ride back into Vernal "(The woman) stated that Nickell had attempted to shield her from the barrage of bullets and that she believed some of those shots had been intended for her," the charges state The gunman then drove Nickell's car with Nickell and the woman still inside and a second man soon began to follow They went to the area now known as Brough Reservoir where the vehicle was set on fire with Nickell still inside The woman was then held hostage for the next four to six hours and raped twice When police started testing DNA in 2019 and came up with Bell as a suspect Bell was convicted of rape in Oregon in 1987 and that his friend "Gene" was involved in a rape in Washington and the last time he had seen him was in the 1980s or '90s Investigators then learned that Choate also had ties to Ballard and Price "A surreptitious DNA sample was collected from Darrel Eugene Choate by law enforcement who had responded to his residence on an unrelated call for service The surreptitious DNA sample was then sent to the Utah State Crime Lab for comparison against the DNA sample of the unknown male suspect" collected in 1972 Show Breaking News BarCloseWeatherAmanda Goluszka HOUSTON – Astronomical Spring is officially here the suns' rays hit the equator at exactly 4:01 AM Our average high temperature for March 20th is 75° we’re only seeing temperatures in the mid 60s We’re roughly 15° below normal for the first day of Spring Normal spring-time temperatures for us should only increase by about 1° approximately every 5 days and be about 22° warmer by the time we get to the Summer Solstice According to the Climate Prediction Center - a subset of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration over the next 3 months we have a 50-60% chance of having above average temperatures This is also dependent on how much rainfall we get as drier soils allow for the air to heat up faster the next three months don’t look too promising for our precipitation outlook especially for our friends up to the north and northwest We can already see this reflected in our extended forecast Temperatures remain above average for a majority of the next 10 days and only 3 out of the next 10 days have fairly lower chances of rain Spring also brings with it a rise in allergy problems This is due to plant life starting to bloom and releasing pollen with the warmer temperatures and typically wetter conditions We have seen over the last couple of months more rainfall and above average temperatures than we normally do for the winter months Those with allergy issues or increased sensitivity to seasonal allergens may want to take extra precautions before stepping outside Copyright 2025 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved TV Listings Email Newsletters RSS Feeds Contests and Rules Contact Us Meet the Team Careers at KPRC Closed Captioning / Audio Description Public File Current EEO Report Terms of Use Privacy Policy FCC Applications Copyright © 2025 Click2Houston.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group Wetlands are a hot topic when it comes to land and habitat conservation Imagine trying to protect a water body that comes and goes with the seasons Vernal pools are seasonal water bodies with a depth up to a foot of water These pools rely on snowmelt and rain to provide water Not having a connection to other water sources like rivers frogs and insects can take advantage of their safety from predatory fish There are three phases of the vernal pool cycle: wet The wet phase happens during winter and early spring semi-aquatic species begin their life cycle by mating and laying eggs occurring during springtime when resources are plentiful The final phase occurs in late summer and fall This dry phase is when the life of a vernal pool is put on pause are left behind to start again when the cycle repeats Vernal pools are invaluable as biodiversity hotspots snakes and more use them to rest and replenish Insect and aquatic larvae live in the pools Vernal pools aid most in reproductive cycles with obligate species reliant on them to mate to produce the next generation and salamanders leave their wintering spots They immediately seek out the vernal pools These eggs then contribute to the food chain either as food for predators or as predators themselves as they grow up This is usually caused by unregulated human presence Their temporary nature makes it difficult to get proper protections set in place Even the few protected pools have limited acreage that is protected This ignores the wildlife that live near the pools and rely on them Their habitat surrounding the water body is still unprotected Loss of vernal pools means species that return to the same places to reproduce will struggle They will have less space for their eggs and young and will compete for the limited resources This will cause population issues with time These species include salamanders and frogs; their decline would devastate food chains Wildlife using the pools as a way to refresh after winter would struggle as well This is especially true for birds whose migrations are reliant on vernal pools One way to protect vernal pools is by ensuring they aren't overlooked as wildlife habitat when developing protection plans This means knowing what a vernal pool looks like By being aware of them and knowing one when you find one follow the rules and stay on the trails to prevent damage You can also plan clean-ups to remove pollutants and trash Vernal pools are invaluable resources to the wildlife relying on them Their cyclic nature allows for wildlife to refresh after winter and begin reproducing These pools are disappearing as temperatures grow warmer Rather than allow them to disappear for good Kendalynn Ross is an outreach coordinator who focuses on education and volunteers for Red-tail Land Conservancy A vernal man has been arrested after police found him and his ex-wife covered in blood. The man allegedly was attempting to murder her in front of their kids. Police allegedly found a 6-inch blade in her head, and when police found her, she said, "help me." A vernal man has been arrested after police found him and his ex-wife covered in blood. The man allegedly was attempting to murder her in front of their kids. Police allegedly found a 6-inch blade in her head, and when police found her, she said, "help me." One year ago, on Monday, May 5, the department lost its first officer in the line of duty when Sgt. Bill Hooser was struck and killed by a suspect in a semi-truck during a traffic stop. Now, the friends he made on the force are remembering him as one of the most dedicated officers who took work seriously, but also made an emphasis to build relationships. A low-pressure system is working its way through the region and will settle over the Four Corners. By Tuesday and Wednesday, a second, more compact low drops in on the west side of the main low, helping to keep things unsettled. A low pressure system is working its way through the region and will settle over the Four Corners. By Tuesday and Wednesday, a second, more compact low drops in on the west side of the main low, helping to keep things unsettled. Happy Sunday, Utah! A chilly, winter-like storm is set to move into the Southwest over the next day or so, bringing snow, rain, and a noticeable drop in temperatures, especially across southern Utah. The action gets underway this morning and lasts through at least Tuesday morning. Family and friends tied blue ribbons around Main Street in honor of Sgt. Bill Hooser, killed one year ago in the line of duty. The public is urging police to release records after the court dismissed a case against David Hamblin, a former Utah therapist accused of ritualistic child sex abuse. After three years, authorities are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in a cold case homicide from 2022. A Utah Transit Authority rail maintenance worker has passed away after being struck by a vehicle while working in Murray late April. A 17-year-old boy has been confirmed deceased after falling into the Weber River and being swept away on Saturday, according to the Weber County Sheriff’s Office. A chilly, winter-like storm is set to move into the Southwest over the next day or so, bringing snow, rain, and a noticeable drop in temperatures...especially across southern Utah. The shelter says it has helped over 6,500 families over the past five years. For two Utah parents, what started out as an act of love for their blind daughter became a full-fledged mission to make games more accessible for an entire community. READ MOREVernal Oilers hockey team headed to nationals after perfect 44-0 regular seasonby Kristen Kenney SALT LAKE CITY — Hockey culture in Utah is growing and one small-town team is making a big impact an undefeated team in the US Premier Hockey League are heading to nationals for the second year in a row images of dinosaurs and outdoor adventures likely come to mind the town is also gaining recognition for its growing hockey scene The Oilers finished their regular season with a perfect 44-0 record showing the world that hockey can thrive in unexpected places Before heading to the airport for nationals we caught up with the team as they prepared for the next big challenge “Are you ready to win this thing?” we asked and the enthusiastic response from the team was clear: “Yeaaaa!” The Vernal Oilers may come from a small town but they’ve attracted players from all over the world where he says hockey culture is growing fast A chance to live back in Utah and be part of something new to the league,” Coach House said previously as the GM for the Park City Pioneers and the assistant coach for the Ogden Mustangs His tenure also includes director of operations assistant coach and head coach of the Wasatch Renegades in Salt Lake City He decided to invest in the small-town team in 2021 transforming the local rink into a popular venue for fans The Oilers have developed a loyal and enthusiastic fanbase with hundreds of fans lining up hours before the puck dropped “We have the best fan base in the whole league,” says player Roni Alanko with fans cheering loudly and passionately for their team the Oilers are en route to New Jersey for nationals eager to defend their undefeated record and bring home a national title for Utah CRIME 6:52 PM | Updated: Jan 14 BY ANDREW ADAMS Utah – Following too closely and not signaling long enough ended up getting a driver pulled over and subsequently arrested when deputies found 60 pounds of meth along with significant amounts of other drugs inside his truck Prosecutors charged 42-year-old Ashley Atwood of Vernal with 10 different counts Monday stemming from the Jan including 6 felony charges related to alleged drug distribution money laundering and possession of a firearm by a restricted person Charging documents stated that a Utah County Sheriff’s deputy was watching traffic on northbound Interstate 15 near Santaquin when he observed a dark blue 2023 Toyota Tundra pulling an enclosed trailer follow a car too closely and signal for less than two seconds before changing lanes The trailer also did not have a license plate Atwood was unable to provide proof of insurance for the truck and deputies began to search the vehicle after the results of a K-9 sniff Defendant stated there were 60 pounds and a gun in the truck,” prosecutors wrote After searching the truck and trailer — which contained a go-kart — deputies discovered and seized 60.7 lbs Prosecutors wrote that according to the deputy’s experience that equaled approximately 275,300 individual doses of meth 1,000 individual doses of heroin and 600 individual doses of cocaine Deputies also found nearly $62,000 in cash and a handgun “That’s almost like a career-level arrest,” Sgt with the Utah County Sheriff’s office “That doesn’t happen in everyone’s career that’s a substantial good job.” Ormond said the sheriff’s office puts effort into drug interdiction “You’re taught to pay attention to everything when you’re out on a traffic stop,” Ormond said simple things that you’re able to pull somebody over for and it ends up being a bigger situation just like this one.” Atwood stated post-Miranda that he “went to Phoenix to race his go kart and to pick up the drugs.” “Defendant stated that he was running the drugs from Phoenix to Denver,” prosecutors wrote “Defendant stated that he was paid the money in the backpack ($20,000) to transport the drugs and he used the money from the first run to pay off his truck.” Among the charges filed against Atwood were first-degree felony possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute first-degree felony possession of cocaine with intent to distribute first-degree felony possession of heroin with intent to distribute third-degree felony possession of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with intent to distribute second-degree felony money laundering and third-degree felony purchase possession or use of a firearm by a category II restricted person Atwood was also charged with class B misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia class C misdemeanor operating motor vehicle without owner’s or operator’s security as well as infractions for failure to signal and following too close Follow @KSL5TV