Newsletter December 11, 2007

Welcome to Ideal Living Updates – December 11, 2007
A free newsletter from Ideal Living Media, www.ideallivingmedia.com.

We are always happy to welcome new subscribers. Please forward this newsletter to your friends, family or anyone who may be interested. Subscription and signoff instructions are below.

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WHAT’S NEW?

• Ideal Living has learned that the Sevier County Planning Commission will take a vote on NEVCO’s proposed coal-fired power plant this Wednesday, December 12, 2007. The commissioners have not publicly affirmed any findings from their series of hearings thus far. The meeting starts at 5:30 P.M. Because the agenda is not publicly posted until late Tuesday, it is unknown exactly when the matter will be taken up by the commission. The meeting is open to the public, and concerned residents are encouraged to attend.

• PacifiCorp, parent of Rocky Mountain Power, has announced they have given up on their plans for building coal-fired power plants for the foreseeable future. The utility has filed reports with the states they operate in, which stated their reasons for canceling plans for three proposed coal-fired power plants in Utah and Wyoming, including the failed IPP3 plant in Delta.

Previously filed reports — which report the utility’s plans for future sources of electric power, including traditional coal-fired plants like the one planned for Sigurd — were rejected by the states of Oregon and Washington as unacceptable.

However, the reasons for PacifiCorp’s switch away from building fluidized-bed, coal-fired power plants extend beyond government’s conclusions about the harm such plants cause on public health, or concerns about global warming. PacifiCorp stated that pending federal taxes on carbon dioxide pollution are likely to make coal power unprofitable at current rates and expenses. Further, since the costs of these taxes have not been finalized, it is impossible for utilities to plan whether heavily polluting coal plants could ever be profitable — regardless of possible remedies, such as minor technology improvements, pollution swapping schemes, rate increases, or expense cutbacks.

These publicly-stated reasons from PacifiCorp suggest that another cause for their change in strategy could be the inability to secure the enormous financing needed to build fluidized-bed, coal-fired power plants, like NEVCO’s proposed coal-fired power plant in Sigurd. As long-suggested by investment experts, including respected investment capitalist Vinod Khosla, one would have to be “insane” to invest in “old-fashioned” coal power. It appears this new reality — that renewable energy will be more profitable than traditional coal power — may have finally begun to sink in.

• A new furniture and home furnishings store is coming to Richfield. Penny Knight is designing the concept store in a manner similar to IKEA ( www.ikea.com ). The 21,000 square foot store will feature a pathway leading to walk-through displays set up as completely furnished rooms in various styles. Toward the end of the walk-through, will be a new “Chocolate Dreams” candy store, along with a new Quiznos franchise, which offers upscale sandwiches — such as their Black Angus Steak on Rosemary Parmesan or Chicken Carbonara with Bacon — along with salads and soups. To view their menu, visit www.quiznos.com.

The new store will be located in the new business development area near Richfield’s south I-70 interchange, behind the Comfort Inn, and adjacent to a new Microtel inn. The area will also include a new El Mexicano restaurant, along with a fun center with arcade games and indoor go-cart track.

• A new mexican restaurant will be opening in the vacant gas station/mini-mart building at 600 East 300 North, in Richfield, next to Cocomotive and across the street from the Federal Government building.

• Echoing statements from many sources that the Arch Coal’s Sufco coal mine will be closing in 12 years when it runs out of accessible coal, Jim Kohler — chief of the federal Bureau of Land Management’s minerals section in Utah — stated the same deadline was looming for all of Utah’s coal mines. “Whether it’s 12 years or 40 years, there’s an end in sight,” he said at a meeting of the Utah Geological Association. The Salt Lake Tribune reported that “the Wasatch Plateau and Book Cliff coal reserves mined extensively for nearly a century will be depleted before long, while other seams are hard to access or subject to political and environmental challenges [including] southern Utah’s Henry Mountains.”

• More information on the Chinese food buffet coming to the strip mall in front of the Richfield Wal-mart: This, the chains sixth restaurant, will offer an upscale setting and food, but with moderate pricing. For example, their latest restaurant, located in the competitive St. George market, offers a large, all-you-care-to-eat lunch buffet reportedly between $5-6, and their dinners — which include items like steamed crab legs and crawfish — cost between $9-11.

• The new skateboard, clothing and sporting goods store on Main Street in Richfield, Be-U, has started a petition calling for the City of Richfield to expand the skateboarding, biking, and roller-blading facilities currently available at Lions Park. For years, local children have advised one another to help maintain the “Skate Park” since, they say, city representatives promised them that if they did so, the park would be expanded one day.

The Skate Park has proven to be the most popular recreational facility in Sevier County, other than perhaps the Richfield swimming pool — and at considerably lower cost. Supporters note the facility does not even need watering or grounds-keeping, as the adjacent baseball diamonds do. Land appears to be available in the green-space between the Skate Park and the parking lot. The Skate Park Petition is available at Be-U’s new store on Main Street in downtown Richfield.

• The Central Utah Board of Health held its bi-monthly meeting last Thursday meeting, considering several important community issues. Members of the Board of Health are the directors for the Central Utah Public Health Department (see http://centralutahpublichealth.com/board-of-health.html ). The Board is a powerful organization, empowered to supercede any and all economic and political concerns to protect the public health, e.g., by condemning buildings or issuing quarantines. In what may be a surprise to some, despite its function, only two doctors serve on the Board, which is largely populated with county commission members from around the six county area. It is chaired by Sanpete commissioner, Bruce Blackham, who is said to have plans to retire from the Sanpete Commission early this Spring. A large crowd gathered at the public meeting.

The first issue considered was their annual budget, in which it was noted that CUPHD has the lowest per capita funding of any area in Utah, which in turn has the lowest per capita public health funding of all 50 states.

Action on the Gunnison gasoline leak was proposed by Dr. Von Pratt, the first of the two doctors on the Board. He reported that fumes resulting from the approximately 20,000 gallons leaked into the surrounding soil from a ruptured tank at the Gunnison Top Stop gas station have caused the closure and evacuation of Main Street buildings and numerous nearby homes. For example, fumes within the landmark Casino Star Theatre have reached 4500 parts per million, and continue to rise, with 7000 being the explosive level. Dr. Pratt reported that due to inaction (and what some citizens suspect is a coverup) by Top Stop and other officials, frustrations in the community have reached the boiling point. City officials are said to have reported in public meetings that they have followed all the necessary regulations in their response to the calamity, and that they will do little else. Top Stop has issued monthly $1,000 housing vouchers for displaced residents now living in area motels — with the (possibly legally invalid) stipulation that in cashing the checks, residents thereby waive any and all future claims against the company. Dr. Pratt requested that the Board of Health get directly involved in the matter, requesting that Top Stop purchase the homes which have dangerously unsafe levels of gasoline vapors, since remediation of such a spill would take between 2 and 10 years. In discussion, it was suggested that the Board of Health should condemn the effected homes, and direct the state to remove the large spill which runs underneath Highway 89. In the end, however, chairman Blackham backed away from Dr. Pratt’s requests and instead voted to send a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency suggesting they get involved. He also suggested people avoid smoking in the downtown Gunnison area.

The next issue was the chryptosporidium outbreak in public pools. “Chrypto” is a bacteria which propagates in swimming pools after fecal matter escapes from infants or others who have had a bout of diarrhea within the previous two weeks. It causes dangerous infections in swimmers. Chlorine treatments were increased, but problems arose from swimming in over-chlorinated pools. The problem was not found in Richfield’s public pool, and has subsided throughout the state when children returned to school. There is concern the problem may return next year.

The Board then discussed recent outbreaks in sexually-transmitted diseases. Apparently, whenever carnivals visit the area, such diseases increase markedly in the area.

Finally, Dr. David Crimin, the other doctor on the Board, requested that the Board of Health issue a statement to the Sevier County Commission that air pollution, including that produced by coal-fired power plants, could affect public health. The respected Dr. Crimin passed out a document to the Board of Health, which read as follows:

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Air Quality Facts

Fact #1- The proposed Sevier Power Company (SPC) power plant will affect the air and water quality of Sevier County. This will affect this area for a long time.

Fact #2- Protecting and improving our air quality will benefit everyone.

Fact #3- The current air quality standards used by the Utah Department of Air Quality (UDAQ) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are 18 years old. These are the standards being used to extend the air quality permit to SPC.

Fact #4- Nearly every body of medical and scientific experts have recently stated that “the evidence is clear and convincing that the current air quality standards do not adequately protect the public’s health.”

Fact #5- Medical and scientific experts (including NALBOH [National Association of Local Boards of Health] and The Utah Medical Association) have stated and are strongly recommending much more stringent air quality standards to protect the public’s health.

Fact #6- In the last 10 years, over 2000 well done studies, published in the world’s top peer-reviewed scientific and medical journals repeatedly give evidence that coal power plant emissions include the 6 criteria pollutants (ozone, particulate matter, SO2, NO2, CO, lead) along with radiation. These have been shown to cause an increase morbidity and mortality from heart disease, lung disease, cancers, asthma, infant lung development and immune system deficiency, especially in the very young, pregnant women, elderly and chronic disease population.

Fact #7- No air quality monitoring has or is being done in Sevier County. There is no system in place to warn the public of unsafe air quality days nor is it required in rural counties.

Fact #8- The public has asked CUPHD [Central Utah Public Health Department] to give them information about the proposed power plant’s impact on their health. They have not received a response. It is the responsibility of the Health Department and Local Board of Health to safeguard the public’s health and advise the governing bodies, i.e., County Commissioners, County Economic Development Director and County Planning and Zoning Board members regarding public health related issues.

I propose that the Central Utah Board of Health support the following statement:

“According to recent scientific studies, the air quality standards of 1990 used by the EPA and UDAQ to establish the maximal levels of air pollution allowed, do not adequately protect the public’s health. Infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those who suffer from chronic diseases of the lung, heart, and immune systems are at risk of being harmed by the polluting emissions of the coal burning power plant proposed in Sevier County, UT. It is the opinion of the Central Utah Board of Health that the health risks to the citizens of Sevier County are significant.”

David R. Crimin D.O.
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Dr. Pratt concurred that the letter above was medically sound and accurate. It was noted that while air quality standards had not been updated by UDAQ in 18 years, other health standards, such as those governing public swimming pools, are updated every six months.

Discussion was held, in which the Board members from other counties stated they supported a coal power plant in Sevier County. The reasons they cited appeared to be entirely concerned with politics and/or economics, which was challenged by the doctors and a few attendees who were allowed to speak.

When the proposal was put to a vote, the tally was 3 to 3, with the two doctors and Ivan Cowley, Sevier County Commissioner, voting in favor of sending the recommendation to Sevier County officials. Evelyn Nielson, Sevier Planning Commission member, abstained. The three commissioners from other counties voted against the proposal. Then, Bruce Blackham, the Sanpete County commissioner — who is an employee of Rocky Mountain Power — cast his vote against the proposal. After a moment of stunned silence, the crowd rose and loudly denounced the Board for failing in their duties, who in turn either told the audience to leave, acted like it wasn’t happening, or simply hung their heads. Ideal Living videotaped the meeting, which is available on CentraCom cable, and will be available online as soon as possible.

• In response to the “modest proposal” letter included in our last issue against the proposed power plant in Sigurd, a local resident emailed Ideal Living. He has written in the past, in a manner unsuitable for publication. Since proponents for the controversial project are rarely heard from publicly, and in the interest of fairness, it is included here, in total:

“Wow, what a far feached website, this is about as interesting as a SCCCAW newsletter, full of propaganda and phony tactics, I see mudslinging is now SCCCAW’s only defense I have seen cartoons in the SL Tribune with more truth in them than this website full of BS. I really like the phony letter of the proposed business in the county. I believe the Mormon Church uses the same tactics you are attempting to use here, and look at the Idiots they are, Phony Books, False Prophecies crammed down everyones throat. This used to be a cool website with some pretty good information about the community, but it has become a mudslinging website for the Tree Huggers.”

Because the letter raises direct issues to this publication and its web site, in response, Ideal Living prides itself on being a public-oriented media company, eager to represent the interests of the fine local people of Central Utah, many of whom work hard in their businesses and daily life to improve our community in many ways.

• Since the Sevier Citizens for Clean Air and Water was first organized some years ago, they have regularly received violent threats. Recently, however, we heard of a threat which was made to a supporter of the power plant. Emotions are indeed running high on this controversy, which seem to be increasingly tense as the issue comes to head. Ideal Living Media urges residents, regardless of their feelings on the matter, to please avoid violence, or even threats of violence. Violence of any kind is self-defeating, typically turning public sympathy toward the injured.

Ideal Living encourages concerned citizens to focus their energies on constructive efforts, such as becoming more aware — and involved in — serving in our community, and in local politics. Government meetings, such as the Planning Commission meeting this Wednesday, are free and open to the public. Attendance at these meetings is not difficult, nor particularly time-consuming, especially since one may arrive or leave at any time. We encourage all to participate in the processes of democracy, let your voice be heard, and discover for yourself the enormous satisfaction which comes from knowing that you have made a positive contribution to our community.

• Happy holidays from Ideal Living! Coverage of Richfield’s annual Christmas lights parade last Friday is now playing on CentraCom Local10, and will be posted online soon. And don’t miss these other videos to help get you and yours in the holiday spirit:

Christmas lights in Sevier Valley, UT:

Christmas Tree Lane:

2006 Christmas Concert: Making a Difference – Janet and Megan Bird:

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• If you need a new web site, give Ideal Living Media a call at 633-4195. Below are a few of the web sites Ideal Living has provided for local businesses and organizations. Have a look, and remember Ideal Living when you or someone you know needs an custom-designed, inexpensive web site:

http://centralutahpublichealth.com

http://willowcreekcocker.com

http://pinnaclewilderness.org

http://liveatwillowcreek.com

http://ilovehouseofmusic.com

http://richfieldofdreams.com

http://mountainviewvision.com

http://qhbuilders.com

http://mountainviewvision.com

http://barneyoutdooroutfitters.com

http://masontrucking.com

http://christensensutah.com

http://littlewondertravel.com

http://kthorses.com

http://utpma.org

http://shannonwarby.com

http://rentyourfun.com

http://centralutahhomes.com

http://johnacarlislephotography.com

http://growandknow.com

http://intermountaincomputer.com

http://monroewhitefencefarms.com

http://seviercitizens.com

http://hometownrealtyutah.com

http://hitecarchery.com

http://sonostat.com/

http://donnahartle.com

http://ideallivingmedia.com/comfortinn

http://carolehansonrealtor.com

http://medicalstaffingnow.com

– and, of course:

http://ideallivingmedia.com

Thanks for reading Ideal Living Updates!

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News – http://IdealLivingMedia.com/news.html

Recent news coverage about our area includes:

• Accessible coal getting scarce: Environmental obstacles in Utah dim mining’s future, official says – Tribune – 12/11/07
• Huntsman budget – Deseret Morning News – 12/11/07
• Utah’s air: Expert says breathing pollution is like smoking five cigarettes a day – Tribune – 12/10/07
• Hefty storm downs power lines, pleases ski resorts – Tribune – 12/9/07
• Judge rejects environmental challenge to new coal mine – Daily Herald – 12/8/07
• FCC dedicates $417 million to expanding rural telehealth systems: Strong interest leads the commission to quadruple the program’s budget. – American Medical Association News – 12/7/07
• Murray Energy Corp. reopens a mine – KUTV – 12/6/07
• Utah Uranium Completes First 10 Holes on Pinto Project, Additional Drilling Being Permitted – Press Release via MarketWire – 12/6/07
• Mud snails found: Loa Hatchery placed under quarantine – Tribune – 12/6/07
• Good news for mine country: Sorenson call center will bring over 100 needed jobs to Price – Tribune – 12/5/07
• Automobile homicide charge for mother in her son’s death – Tribune – 12/5/07
• Murray Energy closes West Ridge mine – MyFox Utah – 12/4/07
• Invasive snails shut down state hatchery – Tribune – 12/4/07
• Murray Energy closes West Ridge mine – MyFox Utah – 12/4/07
• Invasive snails shut down state hatchery – Tribune – 12/4/07
• Murray Energy closes West Ridge mine – KUTV – 12/4/07
• Utah nuclear power for L.A.? Maybe, says lawsuit: Utah cities in a dispute with California interests warn of plans for a location in Delta – Tribune – 12/4/07
• Making tap water taste good is ‘an art form’ – Deseret Morning News – 12/2/07
• Bob Murray’s Senate testimony delayed – ABC4 – 11/30/07
• Ancient Earth not matching up – Canada Free Press – 11/29/07
• Butler beats top-ranked Snow – Wichita Eagle – 12/2/07
• State seeks more info on Gunnison leak – Tribune – 11/26/07
• Vouchers ‘no’ vote certified as official – Tribune – 11/26/07
• Holidays never end for turkeys in Sanpete – Deseret Morning News – 11/25/07
• Utah Uranium Starts Drilling Pinto Project – CNN Money – 11/25/07
• Winter cold arrives; snowfall is lacking – Daily Herald – 11/25/07
• Court bond falters in Sanpete recount – Deseret Morning News – 11/24/07
• Tribune Editorial: Call off sale: State should not allow drilling under Green River – Tribune – 11/23/07
• Utah residents organize to oppose Nevada power plant – Tribune – 11/23/07
• Seeds contain hope of healing Great Basin – USA Today – 11/21/07
• MSHA says Crandall Canyon Mine is ‘sealed’ – ABC4 – 11/20/07
• Preliminary work begins on Utah’s first wind farm – Daily Herald – 11/18/07
• An updated approach to an old problem [water engineering in Sanpete County] – Tribune – 11/18/07
• Turkey lurking: Norbest’s rural outlet isn’t publicized, but customers love it for its array of products – Tribune – 11/18/07
• Enviros challenge Murray over new coal mine – Montana’s News Station – 11/17/07
• 52 Miners Out of Work for at Least a Month – My Fox Utah – 11/17/07
• Six-county region: BLM plan would ease land restrictions: Draft proposal calls for opening part of 2.1M acres to drilling, OHVs – Tribune – 11/17/07
• Crandall Canyon: Senate hands CEO subpoena in mine disaster hearing: He’s accused of flouting the Senate’s authority – Tribune – 11/17/07
• Governor lauds carbon storage project – Tribune – 11/16/07
• Group opposes Nevada power plant – Tribune – 11/16/07
• Bob Murray Getting Flack For New Utah Mine – KUTV – 11/16/07
• OTCReporter.com: UTUC – New “Featured Company” releases important news – Trading Markets – 11/15/07
• The bones’ tale: Mammoth skeleton the star of new exhibit at Herrett Center – Times News (Twin Falls, Idaho) – 11/14/07
• Utah Uranium Starts Drilling Pinto Project – CNN Money – 11/14/07
• Lawmakers agree with governor on 3 top needs – Deseret Morning News – 11/14/07
• Health screening: Mercury, lead tests for babies explored: State pilot study identifies newborns who have risky levels of the metals – Tribune – 11/13/07
• Nuclear power? Poll says Utahns are split – Daily Herald – 11/13/07
• Sanpete bond still undecided: Vote on the bitterly fought issue is still too close to call – Deseret Morning News – 11/13/07
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CALENDAR – http://IdealLivingMedia.com/calendar.html

• Dec. 3-17: Gingerbread Festival. Gingerbread houses will be displayed in stores in downtown Richfield. Vote for your favorite house to be eligible to win Downtown Dollars. Visit with Santa and pillow movies every Saturday. Join in Richfield’s Hometown Christmas.

• Dec. 12: Sevier Planning Commission public meeting + vote on proposed power plant. 5:30 p.m., Sevier County Bldg.

• Dec. 25: Merry Christmas!

• Jan, 1: Happy New Year!
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FOOD – http://IdealLivingMedia.com/food.html

• Sugar Cookie Carolers
• Best. Turkey. Ever.
• 101 Simple Meals Ready in 10 Minutes or Less
• Christmas Cookies
• Slow Cooker Entrees
• Festive Holiday Recipes
• Marie Callender’s Chicken Pot Pie
• Fun Snowmen Recipes!
• Easy Pumpkin Supreme Dessert
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ARTS & CRAFTS – http://IdealLivingMedia.com/arts-crafts.html

• Paper Ornaments
• Save Snowflakes
• Candy Animals
• Scented Ornaments
• Marshmallow Blowgun
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INTERNET – http://IdealLivingMedia.com/internet.html

• Top 100 Classic Websites
• Free casual games
• More kids’ virtual worlds
• Daily updated sites
• Great Internet video web sites
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LATEST UPDATES – http://IdealLivingMedia.com/

• Visit www.IdealLivingMedia.com for the latest news, business updates, and other information for and about our “ideal” community! Thanks for visiting!
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MANY THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!

Please support the Richfield Mall and other local businesses by supporting our great sponsors!

Barney Outdoor Outfitters – http://barneyoutdooroutfitters.com
CentraCom Interactive – http://centracominteractive.com
Coldwell Banker Preferred Properties – http://ideallivingmedia.com/coldwellbanker
Comfort Inn – Richfield – http://ideallivingmedia.com/comfortinn
Hal & Jean Ward – http://centralutahhomes.com
Ideal Dairy – http://www.theidealdairy.com
Intermountain Computer Services – http://intermountaincomputer.com
Jones Glass and Decorating – http://www.jonesglassanddecorating.com/
Little Wonder Travel – http://littlewondertravel.com
Ogden’s Superstore – http://ogdens.homeappliances.com

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Ideal Living Updates, a publication of Ideal Living Media.

To subscribe or unsubscribe, send an email to ideallivingmedia@gmail.com with your choice in the subject.

All contents are (c) 2007 Ideal Living Media, a public service of Ovid Learning Foundation, Inc.
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Newsletter December 5, 2007

Welcome to Ideal Living Updates – December 5, 2007
A free newsletter from Ideal Living Media, www.ideallivingmedia.com.

We are always happy to welcome new subscribers. Please forward this newsletter to your friends, family or anyone who may be interested. Subscription and signoff instructions are below.

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WHAT’S NEW?

• The Richfield City Council is looking for someone to fill the open position created by Dr. White’s departure to take a new job at the Utah College of Applied Technology (www.ucats.org). To be considered for the appointed position, Richfield residents are asked to submit a brief “letter of interest” to Michele Jolley at the Richfield city offices, at 75 E Center Street. For more information, call Michele at (435) 896-6439.

• The plan for Richfield’s Main Street project — intended to make the downtown area more pedestrian-friendly — has received some complaints.

One complaint is over fears the road would be narrowed from four lanes to two. However, plans call for the street to remain a four-lane throughfare. The bulbs on the corners of each of the three-blocks would only extend into the area now used for on-street parking. Ditto for the bulbs in the middle of the blocks, where crosswalks across Main Street would be added. The raised planters planned for the middle of Richfield’s Main Street would only occupy the unused area now left empty for the median.

Another complaint concerns the proposed parking limit for on-street parking of 15 minutes. Some business owners feel a 30-minute limit would allow shoppers to make quick trips inside while still encouraging longer-term shoppers or movie-goers to park in the lots behind the Main Street stores. The parking lot behind Richfield’s movie theater is to be expanded, with several storage buildings and sheds to be removed, including the large ParadICE building, which will open up the space considerably.

• Local resident Camille Demille has opened a new clothing and sporting goods store on Main Street in Richfield, named Be-U. They offer clothing for both men & women, skateboards, and other board-sport gear for fun & wholesome, year-round, outdoor recreation.

• Intermountain Computer Services, located in downtown Richfield, has added to their current offerings of custom-built computers, computer repair, and networking services. ICS has partnered with Heath’s Cable Technologies to now offer home theater design and installation, televisions, DVD players, surround sound systems and custom home audio, Dish satellite TV, and satellite broadband Internet. Even if you just need some help plugging in your home entertainment systems, they’d be willing to lend a hand. To learn more, stop by their store at 70 North Main in Richfield or call Jeff Heath at 979-9473.

• The planned student apartment development next to Snow College Richfield is now taking reservations for next Fall semester. The project’s name has been changed from “Winter Quarters” to “Willow Creek Apartments.” It will offer housing for women, men and married students. You can see what the 3-story, 12-unit buildings will look like, view floorplans for the 3-bedroom apartments, or make a reservation for your housing next year, at their new web site: http://liveatwillowcreek.com.

• Willow Creek Cockers is offering a Christmas special on their cocker spaniel and cockapoo puppies. Visit http://willowcreekcocker.com to get $50 off on your family’s cutest Christmas present ever!

• If you’re looking for a delicious, inexpensive dinner (or late lunch), remember Little Wonder Cafe’s “Early Bird” special, from 3-5 p.m. Choose from entrees including their fantastic tempura cod, ground beef steak, chicken-fried steak, liver & onions, or spaghetti & meatballs. You also get their homemade soup-of-the-day, large green salad, your choice of potato or their rich fettucine alfredo — all for $5.99. Little Wonder Cafe is located at 101 North Main Street in Richfield. Their regular menu is available at http://www.ideallivingmedia.com/littlewonder .

• Ideal Living Media received the following letter via email and was asked to include it in our newsletter:

“I have a modest proposal. Although I don’t live in the Sevier County, I am planning on bringing a new business to the Sevier Valley which I am going to announce soon. I don’t want to say exactly what it is, but here’s some background to help get people excited about it! I don’t have any customers yet, I don’t have anyone to sell the business to, there isn’t any real need for it right now either, and the major markets for my business have outlawed the purchase of my products, but it’s a big business so it should make huge profits anyway. The cost of the business would be around 2/3 of a billion dollars right now, but the costs are sure to go up between now and when construction begins, so financing the thing should be no problem. Although we may publicly claim higher numbers to help build support, I can privately say that statistically my business would bring 12 to 25 jobs to the area. No one local is probably qualified for these jobs, but we’ll need janitors and maybe night watchmen, so we plan on tripling those figures when we formally announce the business is coming. These will be high paying jobs, no doubt about it, paying on average around $25k per year. Isn’t that great?!

“This exciting new business should cause a 17% increase in autism, and increase the number of students who need to attend Special Ed classes, so I’m sure the public will appreciate those new teaching jobs too. Plus, since workers in my type of business traditionally have need for mental health and criminal detention services, the business should bring even more jobs for drug counselors and prison employees also! Of course, my business could yield hundred of tons of radioactive, toxic waste that might make local ground waters permanently toxic, but since the business itself will require thousands of gallons of ground water each day, the water may be mostly gone before anyone notices that, which I think is a good safety precaution. And of course there may be millions of tons of air pollution, give or take, but I think the people in your area don’t believe in pollution, so no one should actually be harmed, right? In fact, although businesses of my type kill 40 people per year (on average), my business will be smaller than some of those, so it will probably cause no more than 20 people to sicken and die each year, so that’s not too bad. And many people would only get sick, not actually die, so it should be a real benefit to your community. Besides, a few shortened, sicker lives will be worth it (especially to me!).

“Of course, with all these benefits, there may be a few trade offs. I’ll need two county employees to work pretty much full time to help my company for the thirteen years or so that it takes to get the thing approved and built, but what’s a million dollars of county tax money for something like this, right? It will also require elected officials’ attention for years, and countless hours of work from other county employees throughout that time, but that’s their job, right? I should probably add that although I don’t actually have any money to build this business, that shouldn’t be a problem. Because the concept is so great I’m sure the idea alone will carry the thing forward. Plus, I think I should be able to negotiate some cash-free agreements behind closed doors which will allow me to claim that I technically own lands I don’t, which should allow me to appear before the Planning Commission, so I should be able to win local government approval without a sideways glance. As your local officials say, “big companies are different.” And if that doesn’t work, there’s always threats and bribery. I mean, we live the real world right, and that’s the way things work everywhere, right? So, everyone should look forward to an exciting new business coming to the area soon! It will change Sevier Valley forever!

“My only real concern is that some other company may have already beat me to the punch with the same modest proposal.

“We’ll have to look at that and get back to you on it.”

• A planned business of recycling used vehicle tires for use on children’s playgrounds, race tracks and other uses, appears to be moving forward. The Sevier County Planning Commission ordered the business to contact each property owner adjacent to the intended property, which is located near Sigurd, before approval was given. The Commission was concerned the business could create noise, lighting, dust and traffic which could negatively influence property values, or annoy nearby residents. It appears the business is close to having letters of agreement in hand from all of the property owners and, according to the previous requirements given by the Planning Commission, should be able to now move forward.

The approval process for this business has given rise to much discussion locally and many heated complaints. The complaints arise not because of what was required of this business, but because the proposed coal-fired power plant to be located nearby — and which would create noise, lighting, dust and traffic problems, as well as lowered property values, far exceeding the recycling project — has not had the same requirements placed upon them.

• Happy holidays from Ideal Living! Are your Christmas lights on local TV? See if your home happened to make it on Ideal Living’s Christmas program showcasing some of our neighbors lovely Christmas decorations:

Christmas lights in Sevier Valley, UT:

Here are a few other segments that you may be interested in watching:

And don’t miss last year’s Christmas Tree Lane:

2006 Christmas Concert: Making a Difference – Janet and Megan Bird:

2007 Sevier County Fair

Home Tour & Central Utah Real Estate Update with Jean Ward, Realtor

• Get cable TV free and make your computer happy, too! Both your TV and computer are important communication tools. Now when bundled together, you get Cable TV FREE, or save $10.70 with any cable TV package. . Not to mention your computer will be happy with a super-high speed cable modem internet connection. Centracom’s cable network was built for high-bandwidth content delivery. It just makes sense that your computer should have access to all that high-bandwidth content too.

Cable Internet Pricing
Cable Customers: Up to 5 Mbps $24.25
Non-Cable Customers: Up to 5 Mbps $34.95

To have CentraCom call you, visit http://www.centracom.com/idealliving . Your subscription, available in nearly every part of Sevier County, helps support Ideal Living’s services. We appreciate your support!

• If you need a new web site, give Ideal Living Media a call at 633-4195. Below are a few of the web sites Ideal Living has provided for local businesses and organizations. Have a look, and remember Ideal Living when you or someone you know needs an custom-designed, inexpensive web site:

http://centralutahpublichealth.com

http://willowcreekcocker.com

http://pinnaclewilderness.org

http://liveatwillowcreek.com

http://ilovehouseofmusic.com

http://richfieldofdreams.com

http://mountainviewvision.com

http://qhbuilders.com

http://mountainviewvision.com

http://barneyoutdooroutfitters.com

http://masontrucking.com

http://christensensutah.com

http://littlewondertravel.com

http://kthorses.com

http://utpma.org

http://shannonwarby.com

http://rentyourfun.com

http://centralutahhomes.com

http://johnacarlislephotography.com

http://growandknow.com

http://intermountaincomputer.com

http://monroewhitefencefarms.com

http://seviercitizens.com

http://hometownrealtyutah.com

http://hitecarchery.com

http://sonostat.com/

http://donnahartle.com

http://ideallivingmedia.com/comfortinn

http://carolehansonrealtor.com

http://medicalstaffingnow.com

– and, of course:

http://ideallivingmedia.com

Thanks for reading Ideal Living Updates!

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News – http://IdealLivingMedia.com/news.html

Recent news coverage about our area includes:

• Murray Energy closes West Ridge mine – MyFox Utah – 12/4/07
• Invasive snails shut down state hatchery – Tribune – 12/4/07
• Murray Energy closes West Ridge mine – KUTV – 12/4/07
• Utah nuclear power for L.A.? Maybe, says lawsuit: Utah cities in a dispute with California interests warn of plans for a location in Delta – Tribune – 12/4/07
• Making tap water taste good is ‘an art form’ – Deseret Morning News – 12/2/07
• Bob Murray’s Senate testimony delayed – ABC4 – 11/30/07
• Ancient Earth not matching up – Canada Free Press – 11/29/07
• Butler beats top-ranked Snow – Wichita Eagle – 12/2/07
• State seeks more info on Gunnison leak – Tribune – 11/26/07
• Vouchers ‘no’ vote certified as official – Tribune – 11/26/07
• Holidays never end for turkeys in Sanpete – Deseret Morning News – 11/25/07
• Utah Uranium Starts Drilling Pinto Project – CNN Money – 11/25/07
• Winter cold arrives; snowfall is lacking – Daily Herald – 11/25/07
• Court bond falters in Sanpete recount – Deseret Morning News – 11/24/07
• Tribune Editorial: Call off sale: State should not allow drilling under Green River – Tribune – 11/23/07
• Utah residents organize to oppose Nevada power plant – Tribune – 11/23/07
• Seeds contain hope of healing Great Basin – USA Today – 11/21/07
• MSHA says Crandall Canyon Mine is ‘sealed’ – ABC4 – 11/20/07
• Preliminary work begins on Utah’s first wind farm – Daily Herald – 11/18/07
• An updated approach to an old problem [water engineering in Sanpete County] – Tribune – 11/18/07
• Turkey lurking: Norbest’s rural outlet isn’t publicized, but customers love it for its array of products – Tribune – 11/18/07
• Enviros challenge Murray over new coal mine – Montana’s News Station – 11/17/07
• 52 Miners Out of Work for at Least a Month – My Fox Utah – 11/17/07
• Six-county region: BLM plan would ease land restrictions: Draft proposal calls for opening part of 2.1M acres to drilling, OHVs – Tribune – 11/17/07
• Crandall Canyon: Senate hands CEO subpoena in mine disaster hearing: He’s accused of flouting the Senate’s authority – Tribune – 11/17/07
• Governor lauds carbon storage project – Tribune – 11/16/07
• Group opposes Nevada power plant – Tribune – 11/16/07
• Bob Murray Getting Flack For New Utah Mine – KUTV – 11/16/07
• OTCReporter.com: UTUC – New “Featured Company” releases important news – Trading Markets – 11/15/07
• The bones’ tale: Mammoth skeleton the star of new exhibit at Herrett Center – Times News (Twin Falls, Idaho) – 11/14/07
• Utah Uranium Starts Drilling Pinto Project – CNN Money – 11/14/07
• Lawmakers agree with governor on 3 top needs – Deseret Morning News – 11/14/07
• Health screening: Mercury, lead tests for babies explored: State pilot study identifies newborns who have risky levels of the metals – Tribune – 11/13/07
• Nuclear power? Poll says Utahns are split – Daily Herald – 11/13/07
• Sanpete bond still undecided: Vote on the bitterly fought issue is still too close to call – Deseret Morning News – 11/13/07
• New coalition: Utah Moms want better air quality: Group envisions focus on laws and practical tools for good health – Tribune – 11/10/07
• Utah Clean Air Alliance formed to fight Wasatch Front pollution – Deseret Morning News – 11/9/07
• Gas leak a disaster for Gunnison: Several Main Street businesses now are shuttered; cleanup costs may top $1M – Tribune – 11/9/07
• Cleaner air is the goal of new coalition – Tribune – 11/8/07
• State board upholds permit for coal-fired power plant – Tribune – 11/8/07
• On the fire line, women find tough, rewarding career – Jackson Hole Star-Tribune – 11/7/07
• Sanpete County earthquake registers magnitude 3.9 – Tribune – 11/6/07
• Sufco mine resumes its operations after ‘bump:’ Federal mine regulators allowed the move after inspections last week – Tribune – 11/6/07
• Minor Earthquake Reported in Utah – Philly.com – 11/5/07
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CALENDAR – http://IdealLivingMedia.com/calendar.html

• Dec. 3-17: Gingerbread Festival. Gingerbread houses will be displayed in stores in downtown Richfield. Vote for your favorite house to be eligible to win Downtown Dollars. Visit with Santa and pillow movies every Saturday. Join in Richfield’s Hometown Christmas.
• Dec. 8: Richfield’s 18th Annual Christmas Lights Parade. Richfield’s Main Street becomes a display of the holiday spirit during the annual Christmas Lights Parade. This holiday tradition has become one of Utah’s premiere events.
• Dec. 8: Christmas Concert. The Richfield Area Chamber of Commerce and the Sevier Valley Center bring in some excellent entertainment every year for this holiday concert.
• Dec. 25: Merry Christmas!
• Jan, 1: Happy New Year!

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FOOD – http://IdealLivingMedia.com/food.html

• Best. Turkey. Ever.
• Thanksgiving Recipes
• Easy Pumpkin Supreme Dessert
• Best. Brownies. Ever.
• Best. Pancakes. Ever.
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ARTS & CRAFTS – http://IdealLivingMedia.com/arts-crafts.html

• Leaf Motifs for the Table
• Salt Dough Cornucopia
• Pressed Leaves Pictures
• Marshmallow Blowgun
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INTERNET – http://IdealLivingMedia.com/internet.html

• Top 100 Classic Websites
• Free casual games
• More kids virtual worlds
• Daily updated sites
• Great Internet video web sites
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LATEST UPDATES – http://IdealLivingMedia.com/

• Visit www.IdealLivingMedia.com for the latest news, business updates, and other information for and about our “ideal” community! Thanks for visiting!
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MANY THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!

Please support the Richfield Mall and other local businesses by supporting our great sponsors!

Barney Outdoor Outfitters – http://barneyoutdooroutfitters.com
CentraCom Interactive – http://centracominteractive.com
Coldwell Banker Preferred Properties – http://ideallivingmedia.com/coldwellbanker
Comfort Inn – Richfield – http://ideallivingmedia.com/comfortinn
Hal & Jean Ward – http://centralutahhomes.com
Ideal Dairy – http://www.theidealdairy.com
Intermountain Computer Services – http://intermountaincomputer.com
Jones Glass and Decorating – http://www.jonesglassanddecorating.com/
Little Wonder Travel – http://littlewondertravel.com
Ogden’s Superstore – http://ogdens.homeappliances.com

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Ideal Living Updates, a publication of Ideal Living Media.

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All contents are (c) 2007 Ideal Living Media, a public service of Ovid Learning Foundation, Inc.
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