Emery County Commissioner Jordan Leonard called into the KOAL newsroom to give his biweekly update on what’s happening in Emery. Covering topics like the final steps of selling the San Rafael Research Center, upcoming events and a department shoutout, Commissioner Leonard continues his push to provide government transparency.

“We had two meetings yesterday,” explained Commissioner Leonard,” in our district meeting, it was approved to sell the research center to the state. And then it went through the commission meeting, and that was approved as well. There are a few little pieces that we need to clean up before the sale is final. It needs to go through one more meeting and then it’s finalized, and that’s our local building authority meeting.”

Commissioner Leonard continued to explain that this sale is all part of a bigger plan, which hopes to bring more industry to the county. “As the state takes over the research center and takes the financial burdens off the county, we can still partner for its success, but we also own around 100 acres just north of the research center. We want to tuck businesses up there by the research center so that they can both benefit. We approved in our meeting as well to go after a grant, to do a master plan for drainage, and to see what we need to do for roads and building lots for businesses.”

Switching gears, the Commissioner gave us his traditional department shoutout, this time spotlighting the Emery County Library System. “ They’ve always partnered with different entities in the community. They’ve been a part of our county fair, they do a lot of youth programs and readings and are just a big part of our community,” explained the Commissioner,” and they just received an award that we’re excited about, the Quality Library Award from the state for 2024. That’s a huge deal to be recognized by the state as a high-performing library system. And we take pride in that.”

In terms of activities for the county, one ongoing event is the Energized Expedition, which takes participants on a scavenger hunt through Emery County. “So there are QR codes around the county that we want people to go visit. Whoever wants to participate can go check out the different sites and learn about our community. At the end of the expedition, there will be a drawing for prizes.”

In a press release for the event, it reads,” The expedition starts at the John Wesley Powell River History Museum! At each location, snap a picture (the picture must include you) and post it to Facebook with the hashtag #EnergizedExpedition or send your photo to greenriverutahevents@gmail.com with the subject line #EnergizedExpedition.”

With Thanksgiving coming up, Commissioner Leonard shared a message from the Commission,” We just want to give thanks to the public. We want you to enjoy Thanksgiving. I know there are some Thanksgiving trot activities and some other fun things happening, but we want you to enjoy Thanksgiving. We want to give you thanks for the volunteer work and all of the support you give in making Emery County a better place.”

In closing, Commissioner Leonard shared,” We just want you to continue to be involved. I know life’s not easy right now. There’s a lot of heavy weight on communities and individuals. And we just want to be a support. So if you need something, please reach out. We appreciate you and want you to continue to be a positive influence in our community.”