Water issues are nothing new for the valley however; we’ve been dealing with them since before the property owners association was even organized. Before the town was organized and able to control the water, each individual property owner had to “prove” their own water. That involved building a water distribution system to irrigate enough land to satisfy the allotted acre footage of water, usually nine acre feet. If an attempt was made on your distribution system but not completed, a property owner could file for an extension. If no contact was made with the state engineer’s office in Price about your water, a resident could lose their water rights altogether and several did.
Gerald Kinghorn is a familiar name associated with Castle Valley also. His name first came up probably on April 24, 1981 when POA Chairman Joe Kingsley stressed the importance of individuals proving their water by the next February. “People stand a good chance of losing their water,” he said. Kingsley and fellow board member Robert Deglas met with Kinghorn who they said “specializes in water rights cases” and came back with a lot of valuable information regarding water rights. The following year, Ken DeVore, a board member said a major problem facing them was some who proved up their water usage actually didn’t have their rights but only an application for water. Norm Walker was to print a pamphlet for the steps to be taken for proving water rights to ease the confusion.
On April 8, 1982, POA Chair Valli Smouse organized a water workshop and in July State Engineer Mark Page spent two hours answering questions from more than 30 people assembled at the firehouse. The following week, Kinghorn met with the POA board and residents about another legal issue with Utah Power and Light and was later able to negotiate a substantial refund to subscribers over alleged improper charges.
The following year, Kinghorn met with property owners at the annual POA meeting and spoke about water rights. He said the POA could not act as an entity to secure water rights for the future residents of Castle Valley. He suggested forming several types of public entities including a county service area, improvement district, special service area and his recommendation, a municipal corporation, or in this case, a town. A town feasibility study committee was formed and met early the next year and Kinghorn was involved with them offering advice and material to get started. He has been our guest several other times over the years offering his expertise on other issues facing the community and the current town council still has his phone number on their direct dial function.
The official invitation follows: “On Thursday, February 10, during the regular Castle Valley Town Council meeting, which begins at 6:30 p.m., there will be a public meeting concerning the Town’s water rights and the ongoing water rights adjudication.
“Castle Valley’s town attorney, Mr. Gerald Kinghorn, will make a presentation and answer questions. All Castle Valley residents and property owners are encouraged to attend this very important meeting.”
* * *
On March 3, 1983, Phyllis Godwin formed an exercise group that met early in the mornings three times a week at the church and had an average of 12 people participating. They were bumping and grinding to recorded musical exercises featuring several artists including Jane Fonda and Richard Simmons. Even though Phyllis hasn’t been involved for many years, the exercise group has met nearly continuously ever since. Just recently Alice Drogin announced that the group will now meet at the new community center Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 6 to 7 a.m. She invites anyone wishing to get the blood moving first thing in the morning come join in and continue the tradition another 20 years.
Other things on the community calendar this month includes the community potluck dinner at the church next Tuesday, February 8 beginning at 6:30 p.m. It will be a Valentine theme and the men will prepare the dish to share. Because of this, the Castle Valley Medical First Responders will be on standby that evening.
The planning and zoning commission will meet the following evening at the town hall beginning at 7 p.m. The town council will meet on Thursday, February 10 at 6:30 p.m. and the Castle Valley Volunteer Fire Department meets Tuesday, Feb. 15. On Tuesday, February 22, the medical first responders meet for their training meeting at 7p.m. at Fire Station One on the Loop Road.