EVANSTON — The Herald reported Tuesday that the Uinta County Commissioners were expected to select Amanda Hutchinson as the new Uinta County Clerk, and in the commissioners’ Tuesday afternoon meeting, they did just that. 

Members of Hutchinson’s “cheering section” watched on as Judge Joseph B. Bluemel swore Hutchinson in as the new Uinta County Clerk. Members of her fan club included former clerk Lana Wilcox and Hutchinson’s own proud grandmothers.

“She’ll do great. I don’t have any doubts,” Wilcox said of her successor. 

The county commissioners received three nominations in a letter from the Uinta County Republican Party: Amanda Hutchinson, Chris Katzl and Victoria Allred. 

Hutchinson and Katzl were both interviewed by the commissioners on the morning of Aug. 1. Allred had no desire to be seriously considered, as her nomination was to fulfill a mandate that the Republican Party submit at least three names to the commissioners. 

Following her swearing-in, Hutchinson (who routinely briefs the commissioners on seemingly dry matters of insurance policy) took to the podium and began by joking, “Good news is … I’m not here to talk about insurance.” 

She went on to express her gratitude, saying, “I have to thank Lana for all the support and mentoring she has done to make me ready for this opportunity. It is a great honor. It is intimidating as all get-out because Lana has left some really big shoes to fill, and I will do my best to try to fill them.”

Simultaneously complimenting Wilcox and agreeing with Hutchinson, commission chair Eric South said, “Well, she does have some big shoes to fill but I have no doubt that she’ll be able to do it.” 

“She’s done a great job in her role as deputy,” commissioner Craig Welling said. “She’s handled personnel issues and insurance issues … she’s done a very good job at that, and we give her our vote of confidence.” 

“Ditto on what you said,” commissioner Wendell Fraughton chuckled as he nodded along in agreement with Welling’s statement. 

Following the swearing-in, Hutchinson took a seat back up on the stand, and the meeting proceeded.  

The Commissioners granted Brad Asay and Dave Miller’s request to close down trails at Bear River State Park on Aug. 24-27 that interfere with shooting activities at the Bear River Rendezvous. 

The board also approved a grant request brought to the floor by Sheriff Doug Matthews. The Victim Witness Program grant totals $71,744 with a $9,888 match from the county funds. 

American Legion Post 36 is hosting an event to raise funding for veterans on Aug. 26. They came before the board requesting to close down a portion of County Road 219 in front of the American Legion’s building for “bike games” at the event. They received some pushback as the county commissioners questioned them on safety and logistical concerns. The request was approved pending the availability of road closure signs that weekend. 

The commissioners also agreed to adjustments to the city’s half-mile jurisdiction lines on a piece of county property just east of Evanston. 

“No other land is involved, no private land — just the county land involved in those segments,” said Director of Planning and Development Gary Welling. 

The meeting wound down as Uinta County Treasurer Terry Brimhall presented multiple resolutions regarding the treasurer’s office operations.  Most notable were the investment returns on the county’s main investment. The county saw a 1.8 percent average return on their $12.7 million general investment.

The next county commissioner meeting will be at 2 p.m. on Aug. 15. To add items to the agenda, contact Hutchinson at amhutchinson@uintacounty.com.