January 2012 Cover



JANUARY 2012 IS ALMOST HERE!!! ARE YOU READY!?!?

Braggin' Rights - December 2011

“Kaden’s Elk” - Art Courtesy of Gina Strole

“Dave’s Deer” - Photo Courtesy of Mark

“Chelsey’s Retrieval” - Photo Courtesy of Justin Hanks

“Winter Geese” -  Photo Courtesy of Kim Barton

The Basin's Dirtiest Jobs - Jolly Ol' Saint Nick - December 2011

By: Angela Hanberg
    Twas the night before Christmas and up at the Pole,
    All the reindeer were cranky and tired and cold.
    The elves all had blisters, the toys were half done
    And the thought of the holiday has lost all it's fun.


    Santa had had it, he'd about lost his mind.
    The whole blasted schedule was running behind.
    "Oh why oh why oh why me" he moaned.
    "I never should have tried this alone."


    See, since the beginning of time it's been the same
    Santa huffs and puffs and goes over every name
    Every year, making lists of the good and the bad
    Thinking, 'Surely this time will be the best they've had.'


    But every year, by hook or by crook,
    The folks will complain when they don't get a Nook
    Or an iPad or Kindle and sometimes it's worse
    The grumble and mumble over a designer purse.


    Chimney's are non-existent it seems,
    And the ones that are left have surely not seen
    Any type of a chimney sweep for many a year,
    Poor Santa gets soot clear up to his ears.


    Cookies and milk are the fav but you know,
    This new-age health fad is starting to show.
    Try as he might, Santa can't seem to gag
    The kale and the tofu and the lettuce that sags.


    But he tries, oh he tries, it's his job don't you know
    To trudge through the deer droppings, ice, soot and snow
    To deliver the gifts we insist that we get
    (Cause you know if we don't we just might pitch a fit.)


    Santa's work day begins January 1st and ends 357 days later on Christmas Eve. I don't know of any other employment in the entire world that requires 24/7 dedication with only one week off during the year. When he's not overseeing his crew of elves and the production of Christmas toys, he is keeping a close eye on each and every one of us and revising his list as he sees fit.
    Because Santa believes in free range, the reindeer are allowed to roam freely through the town, eating and "releasing" wherever they see fit. Not a day goes by that Santa doesn't leave his house only to step in a big pile on his front walk.
    You may or may not realize this, but elves are known for their tempers. Being the size of a typical toddler, they also have the attitude of one as well. Think of spending never-ending days with hundreds of elves pitching tantrums typical to the "Terrible Twos." Trying to keep up with the technical advances of the last 50 years, most times they cannot MAKE the toys and gifts that Santa delivers, so they spend a lot of the year traveling the world, looking for the best deals on the latest must-haves. Ever wonder why it's so hard to find that newest model of iPod a week before Christmas? Now you know! Elves have the sole responsibility of making sure the North Pole is stocked with these goodies, and NOBODY is in a good mood after spending that much time fighting the crowds in Walmart. We won't even mention the breakdowns that occur when someone changes their mind a week before Christmas...
    This doesn't even start to cover all the rough parts of Santa's job, but when put to a vote, we decided that Santa Claus has most definitely got the dirtiest job of all. For more information, you can contact him by mail at Santa Claus; North Pole. Or you can also watch him on radar Christmas Eve night at http://www.noradsanta.org.
 
 

More Than A Mouthful - December 2011

By: M. Michelle Spencer

Dr. Willian Wright

    "OK, go SMILE at Dr. Wright before your leave," states a clinical assistant as the patient gets up to leave their examination chair at the conclusion of their appointment.
    "It was great to see you today, Everything looks awesome. Remember to be careful with what you eat so that the brackets on your braces don't become loose or broken. You may be a little sore for a few days," Dr. Wright jovially explains to the 14 year old patient.
    Dr. Wright, a native of Heber City, Utah, received his Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University. He graduated with honors while achieving his D.D.S. degree as well as his specialty certificate in orthodontics from the University of Missouri Kansas City. Upon completion of school Dr. Wright and his family made their way back to Utah where he started his career servicing the Uintah Basin and Heber Valley.   
    Dr. Wright's main focus with his career in orthodontics can best be summed up with his office motto which reads:

"Quality is never an accident. It is the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives."
—Willa A. Foster

Helping patients get through their orthodontic treatment as quickly as possible without sacrificing the desired results is the number one goal of Dr. William D. Wright and his staff.
    Results are what Dr. Wright is able to achieve with his patients through a myriad of orthodontic techniques. After a patient's initial consultation Dr. Wright and his staff configure a customized program that is meant to maximize the benefits of the orthodontic techniques which are used. Dr. Wright prides himself in offering a wide range of orthodontic techniques because he realizes that not every patient's treatment plan will be the same.
    "Some of my patients do great with the Invisalign products, where others need more in-depth treatments like the SmartClip Self-Ligating Braces which are actual computer engineered braces. It's our goal to provide the most sound, advanced, state-of-the-art orthodontic treatment available. Everyone wants to have a beautiful and confident smile, so we want to help our patients achieve the desired results as soon as they possibly can."

Dr. Larsen and Dr. Haslem’s staff presenting the check
of the money donated at this year’s Charity Bowl.

    Wright Orthodontics treats people of all ages, they actually like to see children as young as seven in order to determine if orthodontic care is needed and to what extent. Early treatment can also regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, gain space for permanent teeth, avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions, reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correct thumb-sucking, and eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems. In other words, early treatment can simplify later treatment. However, if you are one of those oh so lucky adults who needs braces, Dr. Wright can help you out as well.
    Wright Orthodontics is not all business all of the time. In fact Dr. Wright love's being able to help out the community and be involved. Every year Dr. Wright and several additional local dentists get together in the month of November for a charity bowling tournament. This bowling tournament allows them to raise money to give back to the community that they love and who supports them in return.
    This year was no exception. Wright Orthodontics hosted their 8th Annual Charity Bowl Friday November 18th at the Dinah Bowl in Vernal, UT. The offices that participated in this year's event were: Dr. Callahan, Dr. Hunt, Dr. Haslem, Dr. Larsen, Dr. Monfredi, Dr. Ogden, Patterson Dental, Dr. Smuin, Dr. Spendlove, Dr. Tomlinson, Dr. White and of course Dr. Wright.
    This year Dr. Larsen and Dr. Haslem's office was the winning team, claiming a second year in a row, the traveling trophy, the title and the honor of selecting the charity. With over $3000 raised for the Ashley Food Pantry Wright Orthodontics was "bowled over" with the success of this year's tournament and looks forward to the competition and bonding at next year's tournament.

Dr Wright and his staff are always eager to help their clients.

    Wright Orthodontics participates in numerous other community projects and services. One that is near and dear to Dr. Wright and his wife Jackie's hearts is Trees for Charity. They've been supporting Trees for Charity for 8 years, and are proud to be a part of a community that cares. Dr. Wright & Jackie are amazed as everyday people in this community that may not have much themselves, come together in a spirit of giving and raise literally thousands of dollars to help those in need. Trees for Charity is a great way to kick off the Christmas season, the spirit of giving and the feelings fostered by helping someone else in need is magical.
    Wright Orthodontics looks forward to what the 2012 year will bring and are excited for not only the growth of their own practice but the new office they are building to better accommodate their patients.
 
 

Top 10 Ways To Know It's Christmas In The Basin - December 2011

By: Shallin Squire
10. Eggnog (non-alcoholic, of course!) hits the shelves at the grocery stores.
Yes, I have noticed that the delectable liquid is becoming available earlier each year, but for some reason, it doesn't taste the same when poured from a carton with a witch on it, so I try to hold out on buying and consuming the high-calorie deliciousness until Christmastime. This year I discovered the vanilla spice and the sugar cookie flavors, and I'm convinced they are the preferred drink in heaven! Mmmmmm…

9. Kids counting down. You don't need an advent calendar if you're a mom or a school teacher because you'll be asked several times each day how many days (or "sleeps", as they are fondly called in some readers' homes) until the official day. As an adult, I love the season more than the day itself, but I don't mind the countdown. For some teachers, though, the excitement at Christmastime is practically tangible, and it's harder to tame than spring fever at the end of the school year!

 8. "Wise men still seek Him." No offense intended to anyone of another or no religion, but like the wise men in the nativity story, my heart naturally seeks Christ at Christmastime. He is the center of Christmas in our home as we strive to better know Him and act as He would.

 7. The dinosaur dons his Santa suit. Seven-year-old Garrison Spencer was thoroughly disgusted when he noticed that his favorite dinosaur in Vernal wasn't dressed in his usual pilgrim ensemble in mid-November, and he'll be disappointed beyond description if the dino has misplaced his Santa outfit as well!

 6. Street lamp décor. Personally, I'm partial to the snowflakes in Roosevelt!

 5. Pine trees tied creatively to the tops of vehicles of all sizes and shapes. The first couple of years after I got married, I grumbled about the Squire family tradition of cutting their own Christmas trees. I was accustomed to perfect trees from the tree farm, and for some reason, I didn't appreciate traipsing about the dusty (not snowy!) hillsides of BLM land in search of the not-so-perfect Christmas tree. Something about the tradition has grown on me, though, and I wouldn't miss the annual expedition for anything, nor would I trade in my beloved, imperfect tree for one from a tree farm. Seeing a Christmas tree atop a vehicle traveling on a Basin roadway gives me a warm, tingly feeling. If you think that sounds crazy, you've never cut your own tree, or at least you didn't try it enough consecutive years to learn to love it!

 4. "Jack Frost nipping on your nose." It sounds so elegant when sandwiched between imagery like "chestnuts roasting on an open fire" and "tiny tots with their eyes all aglow." However, when out and about in the Basin, you're probably more likely to hear, "It's friggin' cold!" On a positive note, the bitter cold is a perfect excuse to build a fire, "get your Snuggie on" (as Jenn Rook delightfully explained in a previous issue of The Edge), and sip homemade hot cocoa or wassail.

 3. Community events that have become cherished family traditions. For the Guymon family of Roosevelt, it's the Holly Fair, held early in November, that heralds the beginning of the Christmas season and permits the playing of Christmas music. Vernal Holly Days and Trees for Charity, the live nativity in Ioka, the Enchanted Forest, and the community Messiah concert in Roosevelt also usher the Christmas Spirit into the Basin.

 2. As much as I hate to emphasize a sadder note…Longing for loved ones missed.
Servicemen abroad; missionaries in distant lands; students, newlyweds, and other family members and dear friends with inadequate funds for plane tickets; winter storms that prevent travel; and especially loved ones who've passed on are sorely missed at Christmastime. Fortunately, I've observed that in the Basin, the majority of people deal with the void by reaching out to someone who is even lonelier than they are.
    A big thanks goes out from the staff at The Edge to those who are serving our country and laboring to preserve our freedoms as well as to their families who are missing them during this special time of year.

 1.Officers in uniform shopping with children, sub-for-Santa trees with all the names taken, and other evidence that we live among generous folks. Basinites are exceptionally generous toward their neighbors who've fallen on hard times. My friend Rachelle told me how she remembers one year as a small child when she received 2 dolls for Christmas and her younger brother 2 trucks. That was all they got, and after they opened the 4 gifts, their parents told them to choose 1 of the items to give to a needy family nearby. They each chose 1 of their toys, got in the car with their parents, drove to the home of a family with even less money than they had, and delivered 1 truck and 1 doll. I believe there are businesses, families, and individuals making great sacrifices to see that children and their families are cared for at Christmastime.
 Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy New Year, and/or a warm December 2011 to all our readers from The Edge Magazine


 
 

It's Snow...Beautiful Snow - December 2011

“Fire and Ice”

Photo Courtesy of Mark Hansen

“Just Diggin’ Around

Photo Courtesy of Kim Barton

“Snow Robin”

Photo Courtesy of Kim Barton

“Snow Crystals”

- Photo Courtesy of Jason Schmidt

“First Snow Angel of the Year” -

 Photo Courtesy of Sherry Kellogg

Braggin' Rights - November 2011

Success - Photo Courtesy of Angela Hanberg

“Don’s Dream Hunt” -  Photo Courtesy of Mike G

“Breakfast Time” - Photo Courtesy of Kerry Bray

“Day of the Dead” - Art Courtesy of Carol Swallowcliffs

The Basin's Dirtiest Jobs - Emergency Medical Technicians - November 2011

XTO Drill - EMTs and fire fighters had the chance

to practice their response time.

By: Angela Hanberg
    "9-1-1. What is your emergency?"
    If you've ever had to hear this, you have probably hoped that the dispatcher has immediately called out an ambulance and that they're coming your direction, gear in hand, ready to save your bacon from whatever mess you might be in at the time.
    What if it's not actually an emergency though? I remember learning about this in grade school. They fire department or EMTs would come into class and give us the run-down on what to do when and if we had to call 9-1-1. I had a turn once: They asked me what my emergency was, I said my house was on fire, they said "Where are you?" I said, "Here on the phone talking to you..." I failed that exercise, I guess I was supposed to say I was at the neighbor's house, not my own which was on fire. DUH.
    Believe it or not, there are times when our friendly Emergency Medical Technicians could be tied up on a non-emergency call when they are actually needed elsewhere. One particularly frustrating incident involved a call out involving CPR in progress. Imagine being in their shoes, running with lights and sirens, heading to a scene that could be a lost cause any second, worried you're wasting precious seconds getting around traffic, only to show up on scene and discover the "victim" is in the bathroom on the toilet. The caller admitted, "We knew you'd get here faster if we told you we were doing CPR." I'm sure there are many times they have to just bite their tongues.


Back to our grade-school training:



What do you do BEFORE calling 9-1-1?

This helicopter is the newest addition to the

Gold Cross Ambulance’s tool box.

    Make sure it's an honest emergency. Even the commercials tell us to call only to report a fire, save a life, or to report a crime in progress. The ambulance is NOT a taxi service. You shouldn't call 911 because you're too drunk to drive and need more beer. You shouldn't call 911 if you have a bad case of the sniffles and can't make the runny nose stop. You shouldn't call 911 to ask if their refrigerator is running and that they need to catch it. Every time a call is made, it ties up the lines and makes it harder for someone with a real emergency to get the help they need.

What information do you need DURING the call to 9-1-1?

    Make sure you know your address. Or at least the street number and a really great description of the house. Getting the wrong information is as bad as getting a call to a non-emergency: both waste precious minutes that are needed to save lives. You also need to be able to relay the events that have or are happening in order to give the EMTs a heads-up to the situation they're about to be in control of.

What should you do when the emergency workers arrive?

    Get the heck out of the way. These men and women have been trained to take care of emergency situations. That's what they're here for, it's their job and it's why we called them in the first place. Get out of their way and let them do their job. Also, don't be tough. Don't try to act like you've got everything under control and don't need them. Don't treat them with disrespect. If you wake up tied to a stretcher and cop an attitude about not needing any help well guess what Buddy, you wrecked your bike (or 4-wheeler, or car, or tote-goat, or hotwheels...) you've been unconscious for the last half hour, the kind stranger who found your limp body called 911 for you, you have no say at this point. They're there to help and save your sorry butt so be gracious. The same goes for the on-call folks at the different activities at venues here in town (rodeo, demolition derby, Diamond Mountain Speedway, etc.) The whole reason they are available to you is to keep you safe, healthy and alive.

Dan and Angela on Safety Fair Duty at

K-Mart

    You might ask why would an EMT be a Dirty Job. While some in this profession will admit to being "trauma junkies" and needing their fix, you don't have to use too much of your imagination to figure out why this has got to be up in the top 10 of the dirtiest jobs around. Please be kind to these individuals. Treat them with respect. You never know when it might be your own butt strapped to the stretcher.
For information regarding our local Gold Cross, contact Scott Adams, Director of Operations at 435-789-6907. You can also check out www.whentocall911.com for more information on emergency situations.
 
 

Thinking About Buying Your First House - November 2011

By: Crissy Knibbe
With interest rates low, many renters are starting to think about purchasing a home of their own. While simple rental cost vs. mortgage cost comparisons can be very attractive, buying a home is a serious commitment, and there are many factors to consider:

How long you plan to live in the home

    Selling a home costs money. If you potentially may have to move in the short term, the value of your home may not have appreciated enough to cover the costs of buying and selling.

The length of time that it will take to cover those costs depends on various economic factors. Average appreciation tends to sit at around 5% per year. In this case, you should plan to stay in your home at least 3-4 years to cover buying and selling costs. The real estate market can be particularly volatile, however, and dramatic swings up and down are not uncommon.

How long the home will meet your needs

    What features do you require in a home to satisfy your lifestyle now? Five years from now? People tend to remain in homes longer than they initially intend, primarily due to the work and expense associated with moving. Therefore it is worth considering a home with room to grow. Could the basement be turned into a den and extra bedrooms? Could the attic be turned into a master suite? Having an idea of what you'll need will help you find a home that will satisfy you for years to come.

Your financial health - your credit and home affordability

    Is now the right time financially for you to buy a home? Would you rate your financial picture as healthy? Is your credit good? While you can always find a lender to lend you money, people with poor credit tend to pay far more to borrow.

    Some say that you should refrain from borrowing as much as you qualify for because it is wiser not to stretch your financial boundaries. The other school of thought says you should stretch to buy as much home as you can afford, because with regular pay raises and increased earning potential, the big payment today will seem like less of a payment tomorrow. It is, however, important to stay within your comfort zone. Purchasing a house involves many up-front and ongoing costs, and the stress of worrying about those costs often outweighs the satisfaction that may come from owning a slightly nicer home.
    To determine how much home you can afford, talk to a lender or go online and use a home affordability calculator. Good calculators will give you a range of what you may qualify for. Then call a lender. While some may say that the "28/36" rule applies, in today's home mortgage market, lenders are making loans customized to a particular person's situation.
    The "28/36" rule means that your monthly housing costs can't exceed 28 percent of your income and your total debt load can't exceed 36 percent of your total monthly income. Depending on your assets, credit history, job potential, and other factors, lenders can push the ratios up to 40-60% or higher. While we're not advocating you purchase a home utilizing the higher ratios, it's important for you to know your options.

Where the money for the transaction will come from

    Typically, homebuyers will need some money for a down payment and closing costs. However, with today's broad range of loan options, having a lot of money saved for a down payment is not always necessary - if you can prove that you are a good financial risk for a lender. If your credit isn't stellar but you have managed to save 10-20% for a down payment, you will still appear to be a very good financial risk to a lender. High-ratio mortgages can be a good option for those who haven't managed to save a large chunk of money (who has?), but naturally, these have additional costs associated with them.

The ongoing costs of home ownership.

    Maintenance, improvements, taxes, and insurance are all costs that are added to a monthly house payment. If you buy a condominium or townhouse, a monthly homeowner's association or maintenance fee will be required. If these additional costs are a concern, you can make choices to lower or avoid these fees. Be sure to make your Realtor® and your lender aware of your desire to limit these costs.



    If you are still unsure if you should buy a home after making these considerations, you may want to consult with an accountant or financial planner to help you assess how a home purchase fits into your overall financial goals.
    You can find a mortgage calculator at my website and also a rent vs. buy analysis.

There are still 100% financing loans available! There are loans for people with lower incomes and there are openings for "self help" homes. (ask me about it).

So, don't be scared to get what you want. Call me and

I'll help you get it!

 
 

What Is A Veteran - November 2011

Some veterans bear visible signs of their service: a missing limb, a jagged scar, a certain look in the eye. Others may carry the evidence inside them: a pin holding a bone together, a piece of shrapnel in the leg - or perhaps another sort of inner steel: the soul's ally forged in the refinery of adversity. Except in parades, however, the men and women who have kept America safe wear no badge or emblem. You can't tell a vet just by looking. He is the cop on the beat who spent six months in Saudi Arabia sweating two gallons a day making sure the armored personnel carriers didn't run out of fuel. He is the barroom loudmouth, dumber than five wooden planks, whose overgrown frat-boy behavior is outweighed a hundred times in the cosmic scales by four hours of exquisite bravery near the 38th parallel. She - or he - is the nurse who fought against futility and went to sleep sobbing every night for two solid years in Da Nang. He is the POW who went away one person and came back another - or didn't come back AT ALL. He is the Quantico drill instructor who has never seen combat - but has saved countless lives by turning slouchy, no-account rednecks and gang members into Marines, and teaching them to watch each other's backs. He is the parade - riding Legionnaire who pins on his ribbons and medals with a prosthetic hand. He is the career quartermaster who watches the ribbons and medals pass him by. He is the three anonymous heroes in The Tomb Of The Unknowns, whose presence at the Arlington National Cemetery must forever preserve the memory of all the anonymous heroes whose valor dies unrecognized with them on the battlefield or in the ocean's sunless deep. He is the old guy bagging groceries at the supermarket - palsied now and aggravatingly slow - who helped liberate a Nazi death camp and who wishes all day long that his wife were still alive to hold him when the nightmares come. He is an ordinary and yet an extraordinary human being - a person who offered some of his life's most vital years in the service of his country, and who sacrificed his ambitions so others would not have to sacrifice theirs. He is a soldier and a savior and a sword against the darkness, and he is nothing more than the finest, greatest testimony on behalf of the finest, greatest nation ever known. So remember, each time you see someone who has served our country, just lean over and say Thank You. That's all most people need, and in most cases it will mean more than any medals they could have been awarded or were awarded. Two little words that mean a lot, "THANK YOU"."It is the soldier, not the reporter, Who has given us freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet, Who has given us freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, Who has given us the freedom to demonstrate. It is the soldier, Who salutes the flag, Who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag.

- Father Denis Edward O'Brien/USMC

The Edge Magazine thanks all of our service men and women both current and past as well as their families for all the sacrifices they have made for our country!

WE SALUTE YOU!

 

Rilee's Day - November 2011

Submitted By: Shawn O'Bagy

Rilee poses with her trusty .223 and her trophy for the day.

We saw the dog approaching rapidly through the light green sage. At 80 yards he stopped to survey the location of the dying rabbit he heard 15 minutes earlier. My crosshairs were buried on his snow-white chest in case Rilee didn't have a clear shot. "Shoot Rilee or he's going to bail", I whispered to her. I briefly looked towards her to watch as she pulled the .223 close to her shoulder while taking a deep breath. I returned my gaze to the dog just in time for the shot. "Did I get it?" was all she said.
    The day began a few hours earlier as Rilee, my 10 year-old-daughter, asked me to take her coyote hunting. Coyote hunting, for those who know me, is my favorite type of hunting. Normally, I take my boys but not this time. Today was Rilee's day.
    The day was not ideal for hunting dogs; warm and sunny. My hopes were not high as we left Vernal, but I wanted to make sure she had a great time. She was just excited to be in the truck with dad. No boys, no mom, just Rilee.
    Our first set was uneventful but with the sun just high enough for one final stand we hurried to the second location. We sat on a sagebrush knob facing east. Our shadows grew as the sun raced towards the horizon. Views of sage flats and cedar ridges were plentiful. I called the vast valley with the call that Rilee chose. She said that she liked the way it sounded. I guess the dog liked it too because he showed himself within a few minutes.
    We noticed the dog from 500 yards away with only a few minutes of shooting light remaining. I was excited for her as she steadied for a shot. The dog was closing the distance in a hurry. At 100 yards, just as she was ready to pull the trigger, he dropped into a ridge that was difficult to notice from our vantage point. Almost immediately, he surfaced on the nearside of the ridge, almost 20 yards closer than the last time we saw him. Bad move.
    Rilee is no stranger to hunting, which was evident as she steadied for the shot on the statuesque varmint. He stood motionless for a few seconds, watching the horizon like a sniper. We, likewise, remained motionless. I know my heart was pumping from the adrenaline running through my veins. I can only imagine the commotion inside my little girl's 60-pound body. Regardless, she sat rock solid. The dog, after a few waning seconds, began to walk towards his right as if he did not want to play. I have seen this too many times, which rarely ended up in my favor. I bellowed a bark, which stopped him in his tracks.
    BOOM! "Did I get him"? I watched the shot from her .223 reach its mark. "Yes, Rilee, you did!" I said excitedly. Her bright smile and messy blond hair was all I remember before giving her the celebratory hug. "Go get your dog", I told her. As she walked towards the furry critter, I couldn't quit smiling. I was a proud papa. This indeed was Rilee's Day.

 

Ask The Experts - Gearing Up For The Flu Season - November 2011

By: Maigen Zobell
WHAT IS THE FLU?

    The flu is a highly contagious virus that usually enters the body through the mouth, nose or eyes. The virus can become airborne if an infected individual coughs or sneezes, thus spreading rapidly to people within close proximity. Flu symptoms are often mistaken for catching a cold or simply feeling under the weather; however, the sudden onset of symptoms, such as severe muscle aches, extreme fatigue, chills, severe chest discomfort and dry, unproductive coughing, most commonly signal the flu.
    "Mild flu symptoms can quickly progress and become severe," said Dr. Elizabeth R. Pollak, M.D., Pathologist for Uintah Basin Medical Center. "If you have the flu, it's important to take precautions to protect yourself and those around you by staying home and avoiding close contact with others until you are fever-free for at least 24 hours. This will help stop the spread of the virus."
WHAT IS THE FLU SHOT?

    The "flu shot" is an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. The CDC has determined that receiving the flu vaccine does NOT cause flu, nor is it associated in any way with later onset of autism in children.



WHO SHOULD GET VACCINATED?

    For the first time last year, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommended that all individuals older than six months of age receive the vaccine, and they stressed that flu shots are particularly important for the following high risk groups:

· Children under the age of five

· Adults age 65 and older

· Pregnant women

· People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions

· People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities

· People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including healthcare workers

    People who have had an allergic reaction to the vaccine in the past and those who suffer from egg allergies should not seek flu shots and should speak with a healthcare provider for an alternative method of protection. The vaccine is not approved for children younger than six months.


WHEN TO GET VACCINATED

    The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that people get their seasonal flu vaccine as soon as the vaccine becomes available in their community. Vaccination before December is best since this timing ensures that protective antibodies are in place before flu activity is typically at its highest. CDC continues to encourage people to get vaccinated throughout the flu season, which can begin as early as October and last as late as May. Over the course of the flu season, many different influenza viruses can circulate at different times and in different places. As long as flu viruses are still spreading in the community, vaccination can provide protective benefit.


AVAILABLE FLU SHOTS

    There are three different flu shots available. 1) a regular flu shot approved for people ages 6 months and older, 2) a high-dose flu shot approved for people 65 and older, and 3) an intradermal flu shot approved for people 18-64 years of age. The nasal-spray flu vaccine is also available for people ages 2-49 years of age who are not pregnant.


PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST THE FLU

    Practicing good hand hygiene is the single most important way to avoid spreading the flu virus. In addition, be sure to cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing. It's also important to get adequate rest, exercise, drink plenty of fluids and practice good nutrition. Doing so will not only offer some protection from the seasonal flu, but from other cold viruses that often circulate during the fall and winter months as well

Law Enforcement Officers - The Basin's Dirtiest Jobs - October 2011

By: Angela Hanberg

                 I personally feel that our public safety workers are not praised enough for all they do here in the Uintah Basin.  They deal with so much and rarely get the recognition they deserve.  This is the second of a four-part series acknowledging those men and women.

                 "Goin' down the highway, doin' ninety-four..."  Actually no, it was only 44, in a 45 mph zone so why did I panic when I looked in the rearview and saw the blue and reds?  I don't know why, exactly, but every time I have a cop driving in my vicinity, I automatically turn into the World's Most Defensive Driver.  First thing I do is yell at the kids to "Sit down and hush up!  There's a cop!"  Like somehow their talking and giggling is going to be grounds for a ticket.  At the same time my hands go back to that 10 and 2 position on the wheel and I slow down to a crawl hoping they'll go around me.  For some (NEVER me) they probably hurry and get off the phone with whomever they've been gabbing with for the last six blocks.  I haven't had a ticket in years, but automatically feel like I'm doing something wrong when I see those law enforcement vehicles.  I guess it has something to do with a guilty conscience.  I always breathe a sigh of relief when I pull over to stop and they don't, but then it's full blown ambulance-chaser mode and I wonder what they're up to.

Although it doesn't happen as often as in the movies, it does happen: the irate race car driver who gets a citation and turns into a sailor, the intoxicated driver who gets his head held out the window of the patrol car on the way to the station to avoid a very unpleasant mess later, or the parolee trying to run from officers on a drug bust with gun in hand.  Local law enforcement officers risk their lives, and sanity, every day on the job.  Some days may be easier and more entertaining than others, but on those bad days, they are dealing with some very atrocious situations.  It doesn't hurt to remember those men we've lost in the line of duty and remind ourselves what they're here to do.

Roosevelt Police Chief Cecil Gurr was shot and killed while responding to a domestic disturbance call on July 6, 2001.

Bureau of Indian Affairs Officer Joshua Yazzie died on June 8, 2010 when his patrol vehicle rolled 200 feet down an embankment on the side of Bottle Hollow Dam.

Uintah County Sheriff's detective Kevin Orr was killed in the line of duty when a helicopter crashed during a search and rescue operation Nov. 22, 2006.

Duchesne County Sheriff's Department Lieutenant Gerry Lane Ivie was accidentally shot and killed on July 2, 1987 by a fellow officer at a roadblock which had been set up to catch a suspect.

Ute Tribal Police Officer Adolph F. Bush was shot to death on September 19, 1967 while investigating a report of domestic violence at a residence in Randlett.

Celebrating two years of life after a near miss is Vernal Police officer Dustin Gray.  Halloween night of 2009 he found himself under fire while following up on a report of a prowler.  Taking one bullet in the thigh and grazed by another, he came very close to joining the every-growing list of fallen officers in Utah.  We are thankful for Officer Gray along with all the other men and women of our law enforcement entities here in the basin.

Police, deputies, detectives, sheriffs, fuzz, po-po, bacon...  These men and women in uniform are not our enemy but our advocates.  They are available to serve and protect us from the evil, the corrupt and the criminal wrongdoings that occur daily

Haunting Revelations - October 2011

Thank– you to our readers for submitting these great ghost stories to us through FaceBook. If you are not a fan yet, then search for The Edge Magazine on FaceBook and see what all of our fun contests are about! Each of these submissions won a FREE year subscription to the magazine.

 A Special Visitor - Submitted By: Chanel Wall
One night my sister and I and some of our friends were playing with a Ouija Board (Not Recommended); I swear it was moving on its own. We asked it who we were talking too and it said it was our grandpa who died years before. Freaky I tell ya, the chill's and goose bumps ran up my arms. It is funny how your mind works and thinks. Anyway my parents walked in so we hurried and hid it, We made it our selves on the back of one of my posters on my wall. Well that night we were in bed sleeping and my older sister sat up and started talking to someone I asked her who she was talking to and she pointed to a chair in our room and said my DR. I said where is your DR, and she pointed at the chair (I'm pretty sure the chair was rocking )*LOL* I was gone in like 1.2 seconds and screaming. It scared the BaGeeBee's out of me. The next day the board was gone. We could not find it. And we never played with a Ouija board again. And my parents were not to happy waking up to a screaming child I'm sure that scared them. I don't even watch scary movies anymore. Not to mention I live right by a cemetery now.




Unwanted Guest - Submitted By: Steph Huber
    I got hired to work on a ranch in the hills and the rancher must not have read my name just that I had worked with animals and when I showed up, a girl, they thought they could run me off by putting me in a cabin thought by all to be haunted. I ended up sleeping in my truck that first night cause the cabin was shaking and made so many sounds. I just knew it was the other ranch hands. So I hid in the trees the next night to catch them but no one showed up. When I went in everything was in a pile in the center of the room. That night I sat in the middle of the floor with a flash light knowing I was going to get them red handed! I fell asleep for I don't know how long but when I woke up everything from the cabin was stacked around me and the cabin was again shaking. after that I knew I was not alone BUT wanting to prove to them I could stand strong I dealt with not sleeping well. One night about 2 months after I had been in that cabin I fixed a meal for the other hands. It was a cold night and I had all the doors and windows open. After about an hour one of the guys said how crazy I was for having everything open. And I knew this would happen cause I had been trying things with what ever I was sharing the cabin with. I said well I want them open. Everything closed all at once and I said well now its too hot in here and the fire started. Needless to say I lost a few guests right then but a few stayed and started trying to get things to happen. Well I think that made my "roommate or mates" mad cause everything started flying through the air. About the time the cans started flying from the cupboards we knew it was time for us all to leave. I never did get the chance to get my stuff out we could never get the door open again.


The Little Girl - Submitted By: Anonymous
    When my oldest son was about 5, I would hear him talking to someone! My girl 2, would talk n play dolls with someone! One day I asked who are you talking to and he replied, " it's the little girl ghost mom." This went on for a long period of time. My makeup would always come up missing. One day I could not find my makeup bag, nowhere to be found!! I said out loud" listen I am in a hurry I need my makeup bag." I looked on the couch 100 times, but it was there this time! My husband was sitting on couch he saw a little girl pop her head up in window right behind him, playing peek a boo. Then he heard something on porch, he jumped up ran out the door, but no one was there!! Many other situations have happened. I heard her playing with toys in the middle of the day! My husband keys have come up missing and never mind the fact, she didn't start teasing him until he believed in her!
    There was even one time I saw her riding in my car!! Not joking! We all finally knew it was her, she wanted all of too know about her!! Late one night I saw her standing in my door way. I couldn't believe my eyes! I told her it was time to go home, follow the light, her mom was waiting for her! I had a really special feeling come over me, very relaxed, very peaceful! My son told me about 2 years ago "mom I think that little girl is in heaven now, she told me you looked like her mom, that's why she liked us."

A "Spook"tacular Good Time - October 2011

By: Angela Hanberg
Bluebell Corn Maze    

    Hot chocolate, pumpkins and corn. These are just a few of the items on the menu for the annual Bluebell Corn Maze. Mark and Lori Monson of the Monson Farm in Bluebell jumped on the corn maze wagon in 2000 and locals have been addicted ever since.
    Founder of "The Maize," BYU Agriculture graduate Brett Hurbst of Salmon, ID was influenced by a similar venture he had read about in a farming magazine. Brett's original labyrinth in American Fork, Utah was the largest corn maze created in the western United States. The Bluebell Corn Maze is independently owned, but the Monson family uses The Maize organization for support. It is a large group of people with the same purpose who meet for conferences and connect through the website to help and support each other in their a-MAIZE-ing yearly undertakings.
    It was also because inquiring minds wanted to know, (ok mostly me) I asked Mark about the actual design and completion of the maze. This is something that has had me stumped for 11 years now, since my first trip through the maze. Where some are using GPS technology integrated into their machinery during planting and cutting, the Monson's do it old school: During planting, the corn goes in east and west, then north and south. This assures that there is a grid to work with when it starts to grow. Once a pattern or theme is agreed on, they work with a designer who draws up the final plans and puts it on graph paper. While the stalks are still small, they do a walk-through and mark the layout of the maze, then clear out the plants needed to make a walkway. It's a lot like the art projects they used to make us do in school - a combination of connect-the-dots and copy-one-part-of-a-picture-into-the-little-boxes-on-your-paper-and-hope-it-turns-out-to-look-remotely-close-to-a-picture game. Not nearly as intense as the picture I had of someone driving a swather through an 8 ft. high corn field trying to follow a map, but still quite a feat.
    Just some of the designs we have seen over the years is an oil field roughneck, a milk cow, the Statue of Liberty and American flag, bluebells for Bluebell, American gothic, a donkey and an elephant for the 2008 election, and the Duchesne and Uintah county seals. This year it includes a pumpkin patch and the Mountain American Credit Union insignia.
    Attendance has grown every year, booming three years ago along with the oil field growth. They are open to the public every Thursday through Friday from September 24 to October 29th. Reservations for youth groups, field trips, church groups and others can be made for Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
    "We are really proud of our field trips." Mark says, "We try to educate the kids about farming in the basin. We've covered dairy cows, beef cows, the farming process and even worms. This year we are teaching the kids about the water cycle."
    The maze being the main attraction, there is still plenty of other activities to enjoy as well. This year is the maiden voyage of their Big Bertha the Pumpkin Canon. Anyone familiar with Pumpkin Chunkin won't want to miss this!
    Another first for this year is a 5k benefit run around the Monson Farm. Lose Yourself will be held on October 8th and the proceeds will go to the Josh and Kristen Baumgarten family.


Haunted Woods
    Certain types of fear are not for the feint of heart. Certain individuals are not equipped to handle that type of fear - I admit I am one of those people. However, I am positively in the minority on that subject. I'm the one who has nightmares for a month if I accidentally see a few minutes of [insert low-budget horror film here.] For those who like, desire, or even THRIVE on such things, I give you the Haunted Woods.
    Open for the first time in 1998, the Haunted Woods has been terrifying young and old for 13 years. It all started when Dave Davis, owner and operator of the woods, acquired twelve acres of ground from his mom and turned it into an annual fright-mare. The actual woods takes up about five acres and around 35 minutes to get through it. I have to assume this is an average - taking into account the ones who fly through it at a dead run and others who may take their time huddled on the ground in the fetal position until they can catch their breath and continue.
    Dave and a few friends constitutes the full time crew that works on buildings and sets. They usually start building the middle of August so they're ready to open the end of September. This year, the full-time LDS missionaries have come on board twice a week to help out as well. Although the buildings are supplied, each group of "scarers" still comes up with their own theme, costumes and props to complete each scene and compete in the scare competition. Each visitor to the woods receives a ticket and votes for their favorite at the end of the trail. A few of the gory sites include: Palace of Pain, where everyone is being tortured; Psycho, Squish-O-Matic Illusion, Monster Morph Illusion and the Gothic Chamber.
    There's something slightly disturbing about a man who talks about this creepy business and can't stop laughing. I asked Dave if maybe he'd been dropped as a small child, he said he couldn't be sure, but he remembers being terrified of such things when he was younger. His inspiration came from visiting a large haunted house in Salt Lake where he actually had fun and was inspired to create something of his own. "It's fun to scare people," he says. "Sometimes we even videotape different parts of the trail and then get together later to watch it and laugh."
    I admitted I thought I could probably handle a walk in the woods as long as I knew I had my bubble and no one would invade my personal space (and if it was the middle of the day, and if I had my bodyguard husband along, and...) I am honestly afraid I would start throwing punches if I attempted this. Dave tells his scarers if they're not getting hit, kicked, punched or kneed in unmentionable places at least 20 times a night, they're not doing their jobs. "One year, a friend of mine from Salt Lake came and helped me. He'd always have an ugly awful mask. He would find a couple then sneak along behind them for awhile. While the woman was distracted, he would trade places with her man and walk along for a ways before saying something to her like 'hey baby'. One time this gal kneed him in the groin then punched him and knocked him out."
    It's not only the fairer sex who can't handle their panic mode. Take for instance the big burly football player-type who was so hell bent on getting out of the woods, he dragged his girlfriend almost back to the gate and didn't realize she was even there. The couple was rewarded with an escort to help them get to the end of the trail.
    I asked him what he felt the scariest part of it was. Dave admits that it's going up there alone, even during the day. He remembers taking a girl up there on a date years ago with the intention of scaring her. Instead, he freaked himself out and was more than accommodating when she said she'd like to leave now.
    If you feel you're up to the challenge, the Haunted Woods (5000 W. 12000 North; Roosevelt, UT)will open September 30 and run through October 29. Open Fridays and Saturdays only from dark to 11pm. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for kids. 5-yr olds and under get in free. Nightmare Before Christmas runs November 4, 5, 11 and 12.
    Oh, and for those who think 'not my kid' rest assured some of them will handle it better than you. Dave got a chuckle over a tiny one who's mom was busy selling tickets. No more than three and she spent the night wandering down the trail alone, not phased in the least.