tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43557710561313298102024-03-13T14:57:40.447-06:00Central Utah's Labor Market and EconomyA product of the Workforce Research and Analysis Division of the Utah Department of Workforce ServicesCory Stahlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03534151200744644560noreply@blogger.comBlogger504125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355771056131329810.post-9888007757706926612020-05-28T07:51:00.000-06:002020-05-28T07:51:23.249-06:00Unemployment Insurance Claims Data Shed Light on the Local Economic Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Central Utah<br />
<h3 style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
By Lecia Parks Langston, Senior Economist</h3>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><em><strong>“You have power over your mind — not outside events. Realize
this, and you will find strength.” </strong>Marcus Aurelius</em></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses lost
revenues and workers lost jobs. But because of the time it takes to collect and
collate data, economists have been left without much information to quantify
the economic impacts at the local level.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">But there is one ray of data illumination. Claims for unemployment
benefits are promptly available and provide information about a large cross
section of the economy. This post will outline what light unemployment claims data
sheds on the state of central Utah’s economy.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">While not all workers are protected by unemployment
insurance laws, roughly 95% of jobs are covered. This makes claims data an
exceptional source of information about the economy. Not included under
unemployment insurance laws are most self-employed workers, about half of
agricultural employment, unpaid family workers, railroad personnel (covered
separately) and many nonprofit organizations (such as churches). Also, some out-of-work
employees may not have worked a sufficient work history to qualify for
unemployment insurance benefits, but may file anyway. Fortunately, in this time
of economic distress, the social safety nets of the unemployment insurance
program, special national COVID-19 funding and social programs are working
together to keep workers’ income and well-being stable.</span></div>
<br />
<h3 style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
Unemployment claimants and the unemployed; they aren’t the
same</h3>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Also, keep in mind that, in addition to individuals drawing
unemployment benefits, the unemployment rate includes those entering and
re-entering the workforce and noncovered groups without current employment.
This means the number of “unemployed” will be greater than the number of
claimants. In “normal” times, only about 40% of the “unemployed” are claiming
benefits. The generally reported unemployment rate also has a work-search
requirement. If you haven’t made any minimal attempts to find work, you aren’t
counted as “unemployed.”</span></div>
<br />
<h3 style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
Watch this Space</h3>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">While this analysis won’t be updated regularly, new data
will be added to the data visualization on a weekly basis allowing readers to
check back for the latest information.</span></div>
<br />
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<br />
<h3 style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
An Unprecedented Event</h3>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Not surprisingly, first-time claims for unemployment benefits
soared in Utah and across the nation as the pandemic swept across the country. This
increase is unprecedented since the creation of unemployment insurance coverage
during the Great Depression. Week 12 (beginning March 16) marks the start of
this unparalleled surge in claims. On a positive note, while new claims for
unemployment benefits have skyrocketed in Utah, the state currently shows one
of the lowest claims rates in the nation.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">For most central Utah counties, initial claims peaked in the
third week of the pandemic and have since tapered downward. Sevier County
proved the lone exception peaking in the second week. Since mid-March, more than
1,383 new claims were filed in the region. In all of 2019, only 1,270 initial claims
were filed. By week 19, claims measured considerably lower but continued to run
substantially greater than in previous years, basically on par with the Great
Recession.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Here’s another example of the tremendous flood of new claims.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, counties in central Utah averaged a total of 50
first-time claims per week. This time period in early 2020 included seasonally
high-claims weeks in January. In the weeks following, an average of 173 claims
were filed each week for an increase of 604%.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">However, despite this historic increase in initial claims,
most of central Utah fared much better than other regions in the state and
nation. Even though Utah had the third lowest claims rate in the nation, its
new claims increased 1,378% during the pandemic. Statewide, claims filed during
the pandemic measured 10% of employment covered by unemployment insurance laws
compared to only 6% in central Utah.</span></div>
<br />
<h3 style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
Who took the hardest hit?</h3>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Counties with a high-dependence on tourism felt the greatest
economic and employment shocks in the slowdown. In central Utah, only Wayne
County maintains a significant share of employment in tourism-related
industries. It was also the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. In Wayne
County, roughly 11% of individuals covered by unemployment insurance have filed
a claim. Moreover, many seasonal Wayne County workers were already drawing
unemployment benefits before the pandemic began. In contrast, in Millard County
only 4% of covered workers filed a claim in the weeks following the start of
the pandemic. Sanpete (5%) and Sevier (6%) counties also displayed relatively
low rates. While Piute County’s figure measured somewhat higher at 10%, many of
these claims reflect persons employed outside the county rather than within it.</span></div>
<br />
<h3 style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
Tourism and COVID-19</h3>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Especially in the early stages of the pandemic, this is a
story of tourism-dependent industries. Almost 22% of post-COVID-19 initial
claims filed in central Utah represented workers previously employed in accommodations
and food services. In addition, the true effect of the pandemic on this
industry is masked by a large number of claims classified as industry “unknown”
in the early days of the claims flood. Undoubtedly, many of these claims would
rightfully be classified in accommodations/food services if the appropriate information
were available.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Other high-claims industries included healthcare/social
assistance (reflecting the cessation of elective procedures and visits) and
retail trade. Many of these high-claims industries reflect their high share of
total employment in general. In addition, they often serve the public face to
face or have encountered damage due to the decline in demand for travel
constraints.</span></div>
<br />
<h3 style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
The High and the Low</h3>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Because of its job-to-job nature, the construction industry
typically accounts for 30-50% of first-time claims in the region. However,
although construction’s new claims have also increased, they have increased at
a much slower-than-average rate. After the COVID-19 pandemic hit, construction contributed
only about 4% of first-time claims. Ease of social-distancing and good weather
have helped construction maintain its employment levels. New claims measured
just 3% of covered construction employment.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Only a portion of agricultural employment is covered by
unemployment insurance laws. However, as companies work to keep America fed,
agribusiness in the region laid off few employees. Only 2% of central Utah’s
covered agricultural workers have filed a claim during the COVID-19 pandemic.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Public administration, utilities, mining and educational
services (including public and higher education), have also managed to keep a
higher percentage of their workforces employed.</span></div>
<br />
<h3 style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
County by County</h3>
<br />
<h4 style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
Millard County</h4>
<br />
<ul style="direction: ltr; list-style-type: disc;">
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><div style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo6;">
Along with Beaver County, Millard County showed
the lowest COVID-19-related claims rate in the state (4%).</div>
</li>
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><div style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo6;">
Millard County has relatively high
concentrations of employment in industries (such as covered agriculture and
utilities) least affected by the pandemic.</div>
</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul style="direction: ltr; list-style-type: disc;">
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><div style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo1;">
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Millard County
averaged three unemployment claims per week compared to 26 new claims
afterward, an increase of 758%.</div>
</li>
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><div style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo1;">
Unlike most areas where accommodations/food
services generated the largest number of claims, in Millard County,
healthcare/social assistance topped the industry ranking followed by retail
trade.</div>
</li>
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><div style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo1;">
Construction, healthcare/social assistance and
accommodations/food services showed roughly equal claims as a percentage of
covered employment.</div>
</li>
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><div style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo1;">
Millard County accounted for 12% of the Central
Utah Region’s new claims prior to the pandemic, and 15% of claims during the
pandemic.</div>
</li>
</ul>
<br />
<h4 style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
Piute County</h4>
<br />
<ul style="direction: ltr; list-style-type: disc;">
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><div style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo7;">
Less-populated Piute County maintains little
employment covered under Utah’s unemployment insurance laws. In addition, a
notable share of residents are employed in other counties which muddies some
analysis.</div>
</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul style="direction: ltr; list-style-type: disc;">
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><div style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Piute County
averaged one new claim per week, compared to an average of four claims per week
during the pandemic. This change represents an increase of 610%.</div>
</li>
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><div style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">
Roughly 45% of claims were filed from workers
furloughed from the accommodations/food service industry. A large share of
claims from the “unknown” industry category most likely originated from this
industry as well.</div>
</li>
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><div style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">
Other industries contributed few new claims.</div>
</li>
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><div style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">
Piute County accounted for the same percentage
(2%) of the region’s claims before and during the pandemic.</div>
</li>
</ul>
<br />
<h4 style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
Sanpete County</h4>
<br />
<ul style="direction: ltr; list-style-type: disc;">
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><div style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3;">
After spiking in the early weeks of the
slowdown, Sanpete County’s claims are now running roughly equivalent to the
numbers experienced in the previous recession. In most Utah counties, first-time
claims continue to flow in at a much higher level.</div>
</li>
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><div style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3;">
In the weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic, Sanpete
County averaged eight initial claims per week. After the pandemic hit, claimants
filed an average of 58 claims per week, marking an increase of 588%.</div>
</li>
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><div style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3;">
In Sanpete County, first-time claims during the pandemic
period measured 5% of covered employment. That places Sanpete County near the
bottom of a county-by-county ranking.</div>
</li>
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><div style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3;">
Unusually, healthcare/social assistance showed
the highest number of new claims followed by the “usual suspect” —
accommodations/food services — in the second spot.</div>
</li>
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><div style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3;">
Sanpete County showed a notably high share of
claims emanating from an unspecified industry.</div>
</li>
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><div style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3;">
The relatively high percentage of mining claims compared
to industry employment in Sanpete County likely reflects individuals working in
other counties.</div>
</li>
</ul>
<br />
<h4 style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
Sevier County</h4>
<br />
<ul style="direction: ltr; list-style-type: disc;">
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><div style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo4;">
Sevier County generated the highest number of
claims in the region during the pandemic.</div>
</li>
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><div style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo4;">
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Sevier County
averaged 10 first-time claims per week compared with 58 claims during the
pandemic. This increase of 627% ranked as the largest in the region, but far
below the statewide average of 1,378%.</div>
</li>
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><div style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo4;">
Accommodations/food services, healthcare/social
assistance and retail trade originated the highest number of initial claims
after the pandemic hit.</div>
</li>
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><div style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo4;">
More than one-fourth of Sevier County’s COVID-19
initial claims were initiated in the accommodations/food services industry.</div>
</li>
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><div style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo4;">
Sevier County’s regional share of new claims
held relatively steady before and during the pandemic.</div>
</li>
</ul>
<br />
<h4 style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
Wayne County</h4>
<br />
<ul style="direction: ltr; list-style-type: disc;">
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><div style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo5;">
Of the five counties located in central Utah,
Wayne County maintains the heaviest dependency on tourism-related employment.
It also shows the highest first-time claims to covered employment ratio in the
area.</div>
</li>
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><div style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo5;">
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, an average of three
initial claims were being filed in Wayne County compared to an average of 14
claims in the following weeks. The pre-to-post-COVID-19 increase registered 410%,
the lowest in the region. Many seasonal workers were already drawing
unemployment insurance benefits.</div>
</li>
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><div style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo5;">
Initial claims for unemployment benefits filed during
the pandemic as a percent of covered employment measured 11%, near the middle
of a ranking of all Utah counties.</div>
</li>
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><div style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo5;">
Here too, accommodations/food services was the
source of the largest number of new claims, trailed far behind by retail trade.</div>
</li>
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><div style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo5;">
More than half of all new claims during the pandemic
time period originated from accommodations and food services. Roughly 20% of
workers in this industry filed a new claim for unemployment after the start of the
COVID-19 pandemic. Many seasonal workers were already receiving benefits.</div>
</li>
</ul>
Lecia Parks Langstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15831752815015492190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355771056131329810.post-43353844326448757672020-05-26T14:07:00.002-06:002020-05-26T14:07:50.173-06:002019 City Population Estimates Now Available<div class='tableauPlaceholder' id='viz1590523491984' style='position: relative'><noscript><a href='#'><img alt=' ' src='https://public.tableau.com/static/images/Ci/CityPopulation_6/AllCities/1_rss.png' style='border: none' /></a></noscript><object class='tableauViz' style='display:none;'><param name='host_url' value='https%3A%2F%2Fpublic.tableau.com%2F' /> <param name='embed_code_version' value='3' /> <param name='site_root' value='' /><param name='name' value='CityPopulation_6/AllCities' /><param name='tabs' value='yes' /><param name='toolbar' value='yes' /><param name='static_image' value='https://public.tableau.com/static/images/Ci/CityPopulation_6/AllCities/1.png' /> <param name='animate_transition' value='yes' /><param name='display_static_image' value='yes' /><param name='display_spinner' value='yes' /><param name='display_overlay' value='yes' /><param name='display_count' value='yes' /><param name='filter' value='publish=yes' /></object></div> <script type='text/javascript'> var divElement = document.getElementById('viz1590523491984'); var vizElement = divElement.getElementsByTagName('object')[0]; vizElement.style.width='800px';vizElement.style.height='1050px'; var scriptElement = document.createElement('script'); scriptElement.src = 'https://public.tableau.com/javascripts/api/viz_v1.js'; vizElement.parentNode.insertBefore(scriptElement, vizElement); </script>Lecia Parks Langstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15831752815015492190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355771056131329810.post-86951871623080705882020-04-20T07:41:00.000-06:002020-04-20T07:41:24.746-06:00Health Insurance in the Time of COVID-19<br />
U.S. Census Bureau releases new 2018 Small Area Health Insurance Estimates<br />
<strong>By Lecia Parks Langston, Senior Economist<strong></strong></strong><br />
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<strong></strong><em><strong>“Americans want jobs. They want affordable health insurance. They want an education.” </strong>John McCain</em> <br />
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As the world hunkers down under the effects of a pandemic, the need for health insurance coverage becomes even more apparent than usual. Just how many Utahns are covered by health insurance? Who are the uninsured? Data just released by the U.S. Census Bureau (2018 Small Area Health Insurance Estimates (SAHIE)) provides enlightenment on healthcare coverage in the under-65-year-old population. Additional demographic information is available from the American Community Survey, rounding out our understanding of the insured and uninsured in Utah. <br />
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Small Area Estimates </h3>
The SAHIE estimates cover the population under 65 years of age. Of course, virtually all citizens 65 and older are covered by government-provided Medicare benefits. Because these estimates date back to 2008, two years before the signing of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), they suggest the how the ACA has changed the health-insurance landscape in Utah. <br />
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Compared to other counties across the United States, Utah’s counties, for the most part, had mid-level to high levels of insured individuals in 2018 (the most recent data available). National regions of high coverage include northern eastern states and the west coast. Texas seems to have the highest uninsured levels with a vast number of counties experiencing uninsured rates of greater than 20%. Most Utah counties have uninsured shares below 15%. <br />
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In 2018, Morgan, Davis, Daggett and Emery counties showed the highest insured rates in Utah. In contrast, San Juan, Duchesne, Uintah, Piute and Garfield experienced the lowest rates of health insurance coverage. <br />
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That was then, this is now </div>
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The number and share of Utahns covered by health insurance have certainly improved in the past 10 years. In 2008, roughly 83.7% of the under-65 population was insured compared to about 89.6% in 2018, an increase of nearly 6 percentage points. In terms of individuals, that increase represents a gain of 427,000 insured Utahns. <br />
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However, coverage appears to have peaked in 2016 at 90.3% and has since retrenched. The repeal of ACA’s individual mandate and price increases, due to the elimination of cost-sharing reductions to payers selling individual plans, likely contributed to the recent slight decline in Utah coverage. However, the state’s Medicaid expansion, effective in 2020, should help bump up insured rates. <br />
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Less-populated counties, with initial low insured rates, experienced the strongest gains in insured shares. Daggett, Rich, Grand, Kane and San Juan counties displayed gains of roughly 10-points or higher. While all counties showed an improvement in the insured share of the under-65-year population, Salt Lake, Carbon, Summit and Millard counties experienced the smallest gains. </div>
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Highlights from the American Community Survey (2014-2018) </div>
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<li>Roughly 58% of Utahns (of all ages) are insured in full or in part by employer-provided plans. Only 9% directly purchase their entire insurance coverage from a private provider. In total, nearly 70% of the state’s citizens have private coverage. </li>
<li>In total, public plans (Medicare and Medicaid) cover roughly 12% of Utah’s population. About 7% of the population is covered by Medicaid with another 3% covered by just Medicare. Roughly 1% of Utahns have coverage under both Medicare and Medicaid. </li>
<li>Those with a combination of public and private coverage account for another 9% of Utah’s population. That group includes 4% of Utahns who carry Medicare plus a supplemental source of private insurance. On the other hand, 10% have no healthcare insurance at all. </li>
<li>The very young and the very old are most likely to carry health insurance. Thanks to Medicare, individuals 65 years and older are the most likely to be covered (99%). On the other end of the spectrum, children under 6 years old displayed a coverage rate of 94%, with 6-18 year olds not far behind (92%). </li>
<li>Individuals between the ages of 26 and 34 are the least likely to have health insurance. Only 84% are covered in Utah. </li>
<li>By gender, females (91%) are just slightly more likely than males (89%) to maintain health insurance. This may be partially due to the dominance of women in the highly-covered 65-years-and-older group. </li>
<li>Education shows a high correlation with health insurance coverage. Persons with a bachelor’s degree or higher show the highest coverage rate — 96%. On the other end of the scale, individuals who did not graduate from high school maintained an insured rate of just 68%. </li>
<li>Not surprisingly, of all labor force statuses, the unemployed are least likely to have health insurance (65%). Interestingly, those not in the labor force (which would include the retired), display an insured rate just slightly lower than the employed. In addition, based on work experience, individuals working full-time, year-round are the most likely group be insured. </li>
<li>Household income is also a good predictor of health insurance coverage. Those with the highest incomes ($100,000 and over) have the highest coverage rates (95%). In contrast, those with the lowest incomes (under $25,000) have the lowest coverage rates (81%). a</li>
<li>Latino and Native Americans show the lowest rates of any major ethnic/racial groups. Rates for both sets measure just 73%. White, non-Latino Utahns maintain the highest health insurance coverage shares. </li>
<li>Only 56% of noncitizens have health insurance in Utah compared to 92 percent of Utahns born in the United States. </li>
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Lecia Parks Langstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15831752815015492190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355771056131329810.post-69869327521443691812020-04-07T07:02:00.000-06:002020-04-07T07:02:43.592-06:00The U.S. Census Bureau Releases County Population Estimates for 2019 <h2>
Next year, actual counts from the decennial census will be available
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<strong>By Lecia Parks Langston, Senior Economist</strong>
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<em><strong>“Any time you have population growth, there are business opportunities.”</strong> Roland Dorson</em>
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Hopefully, all Utahns are taking a break from COVID-19 concerns to respond (by phone, online or by mail) to their 2020 Census questionnaires (https://2020census.gov/). Since the Census results help determine how billions of dollars in federal funding are spent, accurate counts are important in order for Utah’s communities to get their “fair share.”
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Because the actual counts are not yet available, the U.S. Census Bureau has just released the last set of population estimates for the decade. What do they show?
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<li>Iron County took the lead in population growth rates for 2019 — up by 4.1%. Following close behind was its neighbor, Washington County, with a growth rate of 3.5%. </li>
<li>Other fast-growing areas included counties at the edge of urban spread, such as Juab, Tooele and Wasatch. </li>
<li>Although Piute County saw an increase of only about 30 individuals, its small base population also resulted in a strong percentage increase (2.9%). </li>
<li>Utah County showed the highest percentage increase (2.4%) of the big-four Wasatch Front counties. </li>
<li>Estimates for both San Juan and Daggett counties suggested a decline in population, while Duchesne County’s population appeared to hold steady. </li>
<li>Utah County experienced the largest numeric gain in population — nearly 15,000 residents, followed by Salt Lake County (up about 12,000) and Washington County (up nearly 6,000). </li>
<li>Utah and Washington counties finished neck-and-neck in the race for net in-migration. Utah County’s net in-migration measured 5,200 compared to 5,100 for Washington County. </li>
<li>Several counties displayed net out-migration. Most notable on the list were Duchesne and San Juan counties. Daggett, Emery and Summit counties showed lesser out-migration estimates. </li>
<li>For its size, Utah County shows a relatively high number of births and a low number of deaths, placing its natural increase not far behind population-dense Salt Lake County. </li>
<li>Although Washington and Cache counties showed roughly equivalent numbers of births, deaths in Washington County measured much higher. </li>
<li>In 2019, Emery County experienced its first (albeit small) population growth in more than a decade. </li>
<li>Morgan County’s 2019 growth rate slipped below the state average for the first time this decade. </li>
<li>Wayne County saw its best population growth (1.5%) of the past 10 years in 2019. </li>
<li>Between 2010 and 2019, Wasatch County was the third fastest growing county in the nation. Washington County (St George, UT MSA) was the fifth fastest growing metropolitan area in the United States between 2010 and 2019. Its relatively small size contributes mathematically to a high growth rate. The Provo-Orem, UT MSA ranked ninth. </li>
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These aren’t the only estimates in town. The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah has assembled the Utah Population Committee (UPC) to reinstitute the population-estimates work previously conducted by the Utah Population Estimates Committee (UPEC). These estimates can be found <a href="https://gardner.utah.edu/demographics/population-estimates/">here</a>. <br />
U.S. Census Bureau estimates use the same methodology in producing population figures for every county in the nation. Therefore, for nationwide comparisons, U.S. Census Bureau estimates may have the advantage. On the other hand, UPC population estimates have the benefit of local-analyst expertise and additional data sources.
Lecia Parks Langstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15831752815015492190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355771056131329810.post-31450760480675030812019-12-23T13:47:00.000-07:002019-12-23T13:47:08.805-07:00Pitman Farms rejects workers demand for higher wagesScores of American Samoan migrant workers who originally came to the mainland for job opportunities at the Pitman Farms turkey processing plant went on a labor strike. The workers-on-strike, which numbered nearly 50 during the demonstration, submitted a petition with written signatures, which entailed the reasons for their strike and what changes they wanted from Pitman Family Farms in order to go back to work.
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The workers specified the wage increase they wanted: A boost from $10.50 to $15 per hour. Lynne Roux, HR Manager for Pitman Farms’ Moroni operation, was on hand during the strike trying to convince the workers to return to their stations. “This is not the way to do it,” Roux told the Messenger. “We do not take lightly to strikes. We are happy to have a one on one conversation with each of them about their grievances, but if they’re not willing to come back to work today, we will take it as a voluntary resignation.” <em><u><a href="http://sanpetemessenger.com/archives/14643">Sanpete Messenger</a></u></em>
Lecia Parks Langstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15831752815015492190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355771056131329810.post-82982108326357204662019-12-23T13:45:00.004-07:002019-12-23T13:45:42.878-07:00Fillmore plans new city parkThe city over many years has built up a reserve of about $13.5 million in unrestricted cash— money that can legally be used for discretionary spending—in its electric, sewer and water enterprise funds. Council members said the city has saved so much money that now is a good time to give it back to citizens in the form of a project that would benefit the community — a city park.<br />
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The new park would be built on city land near the current baseball field. It would feature two pavilions, a new sand volleyball court, pickle ball courts, a splash pad, bathroom facilities, a playground and parking for a bit more than 50 vehicles. <br />
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The added expense to the city for upkeep on the new park would most likely be covered by the $50,000 in new annual revenues generated by the city’s RAP tax, approved by voters in the city’s most recent municipal election.
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After hearing multiple public comments, the city council eventually voted unanimously to move the $1 million for the park project from the electric enterprise fund into the city’s capital projects fund. <em><u><a href="http://www.millardccp.com/news/featured-local-news/4230-flush-with-cash-fillmore-plans-new-city-park">Millard County Chronicle Progress</a></u></em> Lecia Parks Langstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15831752815015492190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355771056131329810.post-56766474207377600422019-12-23T13:43:00.004-07:002019-12-23T13:44:18.427-07:00Sanpete County Water projects fundedTwo small towns have started construction on big culinary water projects. Both Sterling and Mayfield are redeveloping their culinary springs with funding from Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants (ECWAG).
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Sterling is redeveloping two springs, replacing a pipeline between the springs and burying a pipe that carries water from both springs to the town water tank. The total project cost is $900,000. ECWAG is covering $828,000. The town got a Community Development Block Grant for $42,000 and put up $30,000 of its own money.
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Mayfield is working on five springs, two near the mouth of 12-Mile Canyon, two about a mile up the canyon and one in a side canyon called South Hollow. The total projected cost of the Mayfield work is $720,000. The town got a planning grant for $13,500 from the Utah Division of Drinking Water and $700,000 from ECWAG. The town itself is covering the rest. <em><u><a href="http://sanpetemessenger.com/archives/14502">Sanpete Messenger</a></u></em> Lecia Parks Langstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15831752815015492190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355771056131329810.post-12054628132890267552019-12-23T13:42:00.003-07:002019-12-23T13:42:35.088-07:00Millard County Commissioners reject zone changeMillard County commissioners voted unanimously to reject an application for a zoning change on 2,000 acres of land nine miles outside Hinckley, effectively killing a local businessman’s plan to build an industrial hog operation on the site. Steele Weston, owner of Pumbaa Farms, was the applicant. His plan, debated numerous times in public, sought to house up to 30,000 hogs in seven barns as part of a large-scale farrowing operation. <em><u><a href="http://www.millardccp.com/news/featured-local-news/4166-commissioners-reject-cafo-zone-change">Millard County Chronicle Progress</a></u></em> Lecia Parks Langstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15831752815015492190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355771056131329810.post-69024580686268518352019-12-23T13:41:00.001-07:002019-12-23T13:41:23.789-07:00Delta council OKs sewer contractDelta City Council members approved a $145,000 contract last Wednesday for work on the city’s aging sewer system. Val Kotter & Sons, a Brigham City company was awarded the project. The sewer project is the first step in repairing the city’s sewer system. A master sewer plan created by Sunrise and submitted to the city in April estimated the city could spend as much as $19 million to overhaul the entire system. <em><u><a href="http://www.millardccp.com/news/featured-local-news/4154-delta-council-oks-sewer-contract">Millard County Chronicle Progress</a></u></em> Lecia Parks Langstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15831752815015492190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355771056131329810.post-66270207903524872502019-12-23T13:40:00.000-07:002019-12-23T13:40:26.324-07:00Delta City airport construction nears finishConstruction to repave the runway, build more accessible ground approaches to the strip of asphalt as well as install new lighting and new stripes should be completed in December. The city received a $4.16 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration this past summer to make the improvements. Geneva Rock is the main contractor on the project. <em><u><a href="http://www.millardccp.com/news/featured-local-news/4155-delta-city-airport-construction-nears-finish">Millard County Chronicle Progress</a></u></em> Lecia Parks Langstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15831752815015492190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355771056131329810.post-40559672859904766502019-12-23T13:38:00.003-07:002019-12-23T13:38:33.827-07:00Sevier Playa potash project gets planning nodCounty planning commissioners approved a conditional use permit for the Crystal Peak Minerals Sevier Playa potash mining project last week. Construction on the project is expected to begin sometime next year. Operations are expected to commence three to four years after construction starts, commissioners were told.
Potash, or potassium sulfate, is a mineral deposit used in premium fertilizer. The Sevier Playa project is expected to mine the mineral for the next 35 years. <u><em><a href="http://www.millardccp.com/news/featured-local-news/4071-sevier-playa-potash-project-gets-planning-nod">Millard County Chronicle Progress</a></em></u> Lecia Parks Langstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15831752815015492190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355771056131329810.post-30918597080604312372019-12-23T13:36:00.004-07:002019-12-23T13:37:33.803-07:00Millard County Planning Commission OKs zone change for hog production facilityThe developer behind a proposed industrial-strength hog production facility successfully navigated his first hurdle despite a considerable show of public consternation. The Millard County Planning Commission voted 3-2 to advance a zoning change to county commissioners that could pave the way for the development of a concentrated confined animal feeding operation involving some 30,000 head of hogs on a patch of desert a little less than 10 miles west of Hinckley. <a href="http://www.millardccp.com/news/featured-local-news/4072-planning-body-oks-cafo-zone-change"><em>Millard County Chronicle Progress</em></a> Lecia Parks Langstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15831752815015492190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355771056131329810.post-92098724815513357722019-10-14T05:40:00.001-06:002019-10-14T05:40:18.968-06:00Fish Lake improvements progressingMore than $3 million worth of upgrades are under construction in the Fish Lake Basin. Improvements include upgrades to the parking areas at the Fish Lake Lodge and Lakeside marinas, as well as upgrades to the marinas as well as one at Bowery Haven. A fishing pier at Bowery is also in the plans. However, the pier and expansion of the marinas are pending final permitting from the U.S. Corps of Engineers.
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In the meantime, parking areas have been expanded and improved. Another project is a boardwalk at Twin Creeks. A spawning ground for Kokanee Salmon, Twin Creeks has become a popular destination for people in the fall, hoping to view the fish as they swim upstream. Future projects for the basin include upgrades to roads in the area. <em><u><a href="http://www.richfieldreaper.com/news/local/article_053dc84a-e0a2-11e9-80ae-cb338a3df2d4.html">Richfield Reaper</a></u></em> Lecia Parks Langstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15831752815015492190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355771056131329810.post-8613836245829278162019-10-14T05:38:00.001-06:002019-10-14T05:38:25.721-06:00Rock Canyon Bank opens Fillmore branch with community eventRock Canyon Bank’s Fillmore branch has been open since October 2018 as a loan production office but officially started moving into its new office three weeks ago. Now fully operational, the bank is a “full-service” institution, offering the traditional savings and checking accounts; commercial and residential loans; consumer loans; money marketing amounts and other services, including children’s savings accounts. <em><u><a href="http://www.millardccp.com/news/featured-local-news/4016-rock-canyon-bank-opens-fillmore-branch-with-community-event">Millard Chronicle Progress</a></u></em> Lecia Parks Langstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15831752815015492190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355771056131329810.post-72581018621030756502019-10-14T05:37:00.000-06:002019-10-14T05:37:11.431-06:00Ephraim issues permit for condos at old Travel Inn siteThe Ephraim city council approved a conditional use permit for a new condominium project on the site of the Travel Inn. The condos will have 39 units: 30 with two bedrooms and nine with three bedrooms. There will be 96 parking spaces total, with 43 covered. The units will be constructed with vinyl siding for “a good look and low maintenance.”<em><u><a href="http://sanpetemessenger.com/archives/14107"> Sanpete Messenger</a></u></em> Lecia Parks Langstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15831752815015492190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355771056131329810.post-70459227516999235122019-10-14T05:35:00.002-06:002019-10-14T05:35:47.634-06:00Bridge Replacement north of AustinTraffic north of Austin on Utah State Route 118 is limited to one lane as crews are working to replace a bridge. The new bridge will be a single span using a pre-stressed concrete slab 63-feet long by 44-feet wide. In the early phases of the project the contractor — W.W. Clyde — relocated water lines and built a bypass road at the bridge where SR 118 crosses over the Sevier River. This is so traffic can still travel through the area as the bridge is torn down and replaced. The project is approximately a $3 million investment in the road’s infrastructure. <em><u><a href="http://www.richfieldreaper.com/news/local/article_1207844a-ca80-11e9-ac62-3f214da42140.html">Richfield Reaper</a></u></em> Lecia Parks Langstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15831752815015492190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355771056131329810.post-1551259570939809042019-10-14T05:33:00.004-06:002019-10-14T05:33:58.723-06:00Construction begins on Salina poolThe Salina City pool repair project has begun and includes the demolition of the interior walls, plumbing, electrical and a remodel of the interior components, as well as a 10-foot addition to the pool with upgrades to mechanical components of the pool system, which includes filtration, pumping and chlorination systems. It also includes expanding the pool deck area, relining the pool and upgrading the exterior lighting system. <br />
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Funding for the project has been procured by personal and business donations, various fundraising efforts and events organized by the Salina City Swimming Pool Fundraising committee, as well as a 20-year loan of $1 million at 1 percent interest from the Utah Permanent Community Impact Fund Board. <em><u><a href="http://www.richfieldreaper.com/news/local/article_2c4c2048-bfc4-11e9-9b76-63f9a5eb5414.html">Richfield Reaper</a></u></em> Lecia Parks Langstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15831752815015492190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355771056131329810.post-20941223682885556512019-10-14T05:32:00.002-06:002019-10-14T05:32:29.644-06:00Wales will receive $602K grant to improve culinary water systemThe town of Wales was notified will receive a $602,500 Emergency Community Water Assistance Grant (ECWAG) through the USDA Rural Development program to improve its culinary water system.
Funds will be used to drill a replacement well because the existing well pulls in silt during peak use in summer. The work will also include development of additional springs near the existing lime kiln springs in Wales Canyon. The well and springs currently provide culinary water for the community of Wales for both indoor and outdoor uses. <a href="http://sanpetemessenger.com/archives/13366"><em><u>Sanpete Messenger</u></em> </a>Lecia Parks Langstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15831752815015492190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355771056131329810.post-90091528966716324072019-10-14T05:31:00.000-06:002019-10-14T05:31:01.150-06:00Richfield City embarks on a $4 million roads projectCrews began work on a roads project in Richfield City that will refurbish and repair the majority of the streets on the east side of town. The project also includes repairs on the west side of town. Much of the project will focus on a microseal process, Creamer said. Instead of the traditional chip seal, where a layer of oil is put down and then covered with gravel, the microseal incorporates the oil with the gravel.
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The city is also improving Flying J Drive on the north side of town as part of the project. Several intersections are also due to be reconstructed as part of the project including two along 800 South at Cove View Road and 300 West and another at 600 North and Upland Drive. <em><u><a href="http://crews%20began%20work%20on%20a%20roads%20project%20in%20richfield%20city%20that%20will%20refurbish%20and%20repair%20the%20majority%20of%20the%20streets%20on%20the%20east%20side%20of%20town.%20the%20project%20also%20includes%20repairs%20on%20the%20west%20side%20of%20town.%20much%20of%20the%20project%20will%20focus%20on%20a%20microseal%20process,%20creamer%20said.%20instead%20of%20the%20traditional%20chip%20seal,%20where%20a%20layer%20of%20oil%20is%20put%20down%20and%20then%20covered%20with%20gravel,%20the%20microseal%20incorporates%20the%20oil%20with%20the%20gravel./">Richfield Reaper</a></u></em> Lecia Parks Langstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15831752815015492190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355771056131329810.post-46718600482308536252019-10-14T05:29:00.000-06:002019-10-14T05:29:22.142-06:00Maverick coming to GunnisonA new Maverik store will open at Main and Center Streets in Gunnison in about four months. Demolition of a couple of dilapidated buildings on the northwest corner of the intersection was completed Monday to make way for the new store.
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The store will be 1,319 square feet and will have eight pumps for cars and six pumps for trucks. It will have indoor and outdoor eating areas. The general contractor is Stout Building Contractors of Bountiful. <em><u><a href="http://sanpetemessenger.com/archives/13293">Sanpete Messenger</a></u></em>
Lecia Parks Langstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15831752815015492190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355771056131329810.post-60556670792083385512019-07-18T12:09:00.003-06:002019-07-18T12:09:45.143-06:00Embattled company to close a second Utah treatment center for troubled teensA company that runs treatment centers for troubled teens is closing a second Utah facility following intense scrutiny into the staff’s treatment of young people.
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Sequel Youth and Family Services will shutter Mount Pleasant Academy within the next month. The decision comes just days after the company announced it will close Red Rock Canyon School, a St. George treatment center that has come under fire following a riot and recent revelations about the number of staffers accused of assaulting students.
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Sequel said that its decision to close Mount Pleasant Academy is not connected to Red Rock or staffing issues, and instead was based on low enrollment. Mount Pleasant Academy is advertised as a 16-bed residential treatment center for teen boys who are struggling with sexual issues. <a href="https://www.sltrib.com/news/2019/07/15/embattled-company-close/"><em>Salt Lake Tribune</em></a> Lecia Parks Langstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15831752815015492190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355771056131329810.post-53751414355871047662019-07-18T12:08:00.001-06:002019-07-18T12:08:28.615-06:00A new cash crop – Industrial hemp farm starting first season near MonroeFor several weeks, lines of white plastic on approximately 120 acres near the outskirts of Monroe have fueled rumors. The industrial hemp farm is the result of a number of factors coming together, perhaps the most significant of which is the passage of the 2018 federal farm bill that made farming hemp legal on the Federal level. From there, the operation had to obtain licenses and permits to farm industrial hemp.
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One important distinction needs to be made when it comes to hemp — it’s not the same as marijuana used to get high.
The farm has to maintain a THC [tetrahydrocannabinol] level of under 0.3 percent. At that level, it would be impossible to feel the psychoactive effects associated with recreational use of marijuana. The goal behind the operation near Monroe is not only to harvest CBD oil, but also to provide quality control in doing so. <a href="http://www.richfieldreaper.com/news/local/article_7c26214e-a4d6-11e9-abdd-636c2415fe44.html"><em>Richfield Reaper</em></a> Lecia Parks Langstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15831752815015492190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355771056131329810.post-73979765268223238932019-07-18T12:06:00.004-06:002019-07-18T12:06:46.173-06:00Latest addition to evolving energy hub announcedMillard County could soon be home to the world’s largest renewable energy storage operation, Gov. Gary Herbert announced during his annual Energy Summit in Salt Lake City.
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The project is a partnership between Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems (MHPS), makers of turbines powered by hydrogen and natural gas, and Magnum Development, which is developing a number of fuel storage and delivery ventures near the Intermountain Power Project (IPP).
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This new initiative, dubbed the Advanced Clean Energy Storage (ACES) project, aims to eventually generate up to 1,000 megawatts of 100 percent clean energy— enough electricity to power 150,000 homes for an entire year—on demand utilizing Magnum’s unique underground salt domes to store air under high pressure. Air heats to a high temperature under high pressure or can be heated to power turbines, according to the Energy Storage Association, thus generating zero-carbon electricity during peak demand times, when other renewable sources, such as wind and solar alone, may be unable to meet the needs of power-hungry communities across the West.
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The ACES project follows local permitting approval a few weeks ago of the TransWest Express high-voltage power line project, a massive 730-mile power transmission initiative that aims to connect 3,000 megawatts of renewable energy in Wyoming with customers across the western region. A converter station is planned for Millard County as well as 93 miles of line within the county’s borders.
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Premium Energy Holdings, a California venture, also filed a preliminary application for a permit from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on May 9 to build a closed-loop, 2,000 megawatt hydro electric power project utilizing Delta’s DMAD Reservoir and a proposed new reservoir in the mountains surrounding Oak City.
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The culmination of all these projects would result in Millard County becoming a hub of renewable power generation and transmission initiatives serving the entire western electric grid. <a href="http://www.millardccp.com/news/featured-local-news/3786-latest-addition-to-evolving-energy-hub-announced"><em>Millard County Chronicle Progress</em></a> Lecia Parks Langstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15831752815015492190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355771056131329810.post-57548966245118097492019-07-18T12:04:00.004-06:002019-07-18T12:04:53.882-06:00Organic beef harvesting facility looks good to commissionersThe Sanpete County Commission greeted the news of a potential new cattle “harvesting” facility with enthusiasm and hoped the facility will open soon. A representative of American Beef, L.L.C., spoke to the commission about the potential impact opening a beef rendering plant in an abandoned dairy farm would have on the roads adjacent to the plant. <br />
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The new plant would aim to take advantage of new markets for “organic and all-natural grass-fed beef” by taking local cattle, raised on grass and without chemical fertilizers, and processing it in an environmentally sensitive manner. It would employ 80 employees, each of whom would be paid at least $15 an hour. The company plans to start installing the plant as soon as August 15, after the county planning commission approves their plans. <a href="http://sanpetemessenger.com/archives/13023"><em>Sanpete Messenger</em></a> Lecia Parks Langstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15831752815015492190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4355771056131329810.post-10317693107514798782019-05-23T09:44:00.000-06:002019-05-23T09:44:01.886-06:00Massive transmission project gets green lightMillard County commissioners approved two conditional use permits last week for an ambitious power transmission project that could deliver $477 million in tax receipts to the county over the life of the endeavor.
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TransWest Express (TWE), a subsidiary of Denver-based, privately-held Anschutz Corporation, is planning to start construction next year on a 730-mile power transmission project stretching from wind farms in Wyoming, crossing portions of Colorado and Utah, to a sub-station in Nevada, potentially delivering 3,000 megawatts of renewable energy to customers throughout the Southwest. That amount of electricity is enough to power 1.8 million homes annually. About 93 miles of new transmission line as well as an electric converter station would be located in Millard County. The converter station would be used to convert high voltage direct current electricity into alternating current power. The new power lines would be built mostly on federal lands inside the county. Three percent would stretch across state land and 6 percent would cross private land, according to a permit application on file with the county. <a href="http://www.millardccp.com/news/featured-local-news/3726-massive-transmission-project-gets-green-light"><em>Millard County Chronicle Progress</em></a> Lecia Parks Langstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15831752815015492190noreply@blogger.com