Mayor Bob Shepherd recently handed out the assignments for Levan Council members.

The newest councilman, Brian Ercanbrack, will oversee water, streets, animal control and beautification.

Shepherd will oversee the office, employees and the electrical system.

Councilman Ralph Brooks will oversee the cemetery, the park and beautification, and act as mayor pro tem.

Councilman Brady Taylor will oversee planning and zoning, cable TV and ambulance service, and will be a representative for the recreation district.

Councilman Corey Christensen will oversee JRDA (natural gas and landfill), and be a representative for the fire board.

Heather Taylor will take over clerk responsibilities.

She will also continue to serve as the planning and zoning secretary and town treasurer.

- The Times-News

UTAH

When someone purchases property in American Fork and wishes to tear down a historic structure, he or she will have to wait longer to receive a demolition permit than in the past.

Previously, the individual would be able to get a permit within one week of application.

With action taken by the City Council on Dec. 20, that period has been extended to up to 90 days.

That will give time for the Historic Preservation Commission to get a history of the building and some documentation to go along with it.

"It would be nice if down through the future we have got something documented -- photos, the footprint or a small history," said former Councilwoman Juel Belmont.

She said Draper and Park City had similar provisions.

During that waiting period, the commission would also have a chance to show the applicant some of the benefits of restoration instead of demolition, such as tax credits. They could also help the individual find grants, she said.

- The Daily Herald

CACHE

Over the past year and a half, Bear River Mental Health Services has changed its focus to Medicaid eligible clients, doubling the number of inpatient days for those patrons from 2004 to 2005, according to a recent report.

However, Bear River Mental Health Services, which is in Logan, has still made it a priority to treat the seriously and mentally ill adult population and the emotionally disturbed child population.

"If somebody has a major mental disorder, they are still a priority even if they don't have Medicaid," said Mick Pattinson, President/CEO of Bear River Mental Health Services.

As of July 1, 2004, the agency was no longer able to use any surplus funds from its Medicaid contract to help pay for services for people not on Medicaid.

The agency presented its 2004-05 annual report to the Cache County Council recently.

- Herald Journal