Debbie Marvidakis with the Hope Squad of Carbon and Emery counties introduced the organization to Emery County commissioners Tuesday. The Hope Squad is dedicated to educating the public on suicide prevention.
Marvidakis asked commissioners for representation from Emery County to serve on their squad. She explained the numbers of suicides and prescription drug abuse in Emery County and that it is driving numbers up. Marvidakis also stressed that the idea that suicide is not preventable is a myth and told of their QPR program. Question-Persuade-Refer helps make suicide preventable.
“Suicide is not just depression but a learned behavior and seems to follow families,” Marvidakis reported. Survivors are strong but always face a stigma, she concluded.
The squad has seen suicide numbers decrease by half since it began educating at least 1,700 people per year in the area. The squad trains businesses and communities alike, and received a national award for reduction in numbers. She reported about the activities they sponsor: Walk for Hope in September, Spring for Hope dinner in the park and the Hope Festival in December.
Also at the meeting, Neva Strong opposed the tippage fee increase in Emery County. She stated that the reason for her concern is that it causes citizens to dump in unapproved places and clutters the county. She fears that people won’t clean up their yards and homes if charged to get rid of refuse. Commissioners applauded her concern for beautifying the local area and told her they would take these matters into consideration.
Habitat for Humanity Board Member Gerry Stotler introduced their new director, Karen Basso, at the meeting. Basso told of a house available in Castle Dale, a four-bedroom, two-bathroom home in Valley View subdivision. Habitat for Humanity is accepting applications for this home at this time. Basso said their mission is “hand up instead of a hand out.” She also discussed the program “A Brush of Kindness,” which is designed to help disabled or elderly people with improvements to their homes. Volunteer opportunities are available for these programs.
Scott Crook addressed the Personnel, Policies and Procedures Manual regarding the commission senior administrative assistant position. On his recommendation, commissioners have terminated their executive secretary, Leslie Bolinder, with intentions of hiring three part time assistants, one for each commissioner. Crook recommended this action last September but was rejected at the time. This required a resolution amending Title 1, Chapter C of the procedure manual. This resolution was approved.
Consideration of an Interlocal agreement between Emery County and Special Service District #1 for Joe’s Valley boat ramp extension project was approved. However J. Mark Humphrey from Emery Water Conservancy District reminded the commission that proper steps to obtaining this extension have not been followed so more time and procedures will be required.
Emery County Public Lands Director Ray Petersen, as well as Commissioner Paul Cowley, reported of a meeting with the Forest Service regarding the closure of roads on the forest. A resolution was reached that private landowners will have access to their properties when roads are closed.
Agreements between the aeronautical operations division for Huntington Airport projects and S. Mabe Consulting, LLC for developing a hazard mitigation plan for Emery County, were approved. A cooperation agreement between the NRCS and Emery County for emergency watershed protection was also ratified. Discussion of terminating a contract with Southeastern Utah Association of Local Governments for senior citizen services/programs and bulk rate passes for the Emery County Aquatic Center for businesses concluded the meeting.