County Affairs Plans are underway for the Weber County Fire Department to move the fire station to a location in Farr West next to West Wood Village on 1900 West, in the year 2007. This will enhance the emergency response time to our city and nearby communities. The Bona Vista Water offices will also relocate to that facility. Looking ahead, at the May 20, 2004, City Council meeting, Dirk Bailey gave a presentation on the RAMP (Recreation, Arts, Museums, Parks) program. This is a Weber County citizens' initiative requesting that a proposal be placed by the County Commissioners on the November general election ballot, to impose a sales tax of one cent per $10 purchase to support the RAMP program. The estimated three million dollars brought in annually would benefit quality of life for all residents. The tax was approved with the elections. Local mayors in the county have asked for an intra-city committee to explore a county-wide recreation program. In November, Jim Ito was approved to represent Marriott-Slaterville on that committee. An article in the Weber Sentinel dated June 4, 2004, reported on efforts to protect the historical site of the Erastus Bingham farm, established in 1851, bordering what is now West 2nd Street. The farm was approved by the state in April to become a historic sight. It is closely connected to our history, as a part of Bingham's Fort, where many of our early residents were requested by Brigham Young to "fort up," because of Indian trouble. Our history, and that of all residents of Weber County, would be enhanced if this site can be preserved. In the September Pioneer Post residents were asked to help clean up the community as fall arrives. Free garbage bags and pick up service are available to clean and bag debris and weeds along the roads. Nuisance weeds are a special problem and need to be eradicated or controlled on private and commercial property. These include poison ivy, ragweed, puncture weed, Scottish thistle, morning glory (bind weed) and Dyer's Woad. Information was also given on disposal of regular garbage and of hazardous waste at the Weber County Waste Transfer Station. Safety tips from the Weber Fire District were given in the December Pioneer Post, to help residents have a happy, fire free holiday season. Wise precautions and care in decorations, including Christmas trees and indoor and outdoor lighting, should be used. Having a fire extinguisher in the home is always a good idea. As the Year Closes Mayor Keith Butler's Great Duck Mystery was solved on November 23, 2004, when two young women, Cammie and Darae Youngberg, confessed to the ducknapping. They were going on a family trip to Washington D. C. and decided that taking the duck along would enliven the trip. They were not personally acquainted with the Mayor, and the fact that the Weber County Sheriff lived nearby only added excitement to the "crime." Then the plans grew and grew as Lola, the duck mysteriously took other trips. They sewed all of "Lola's costumes, took pictures, wrote innumerable postcards, made voluminous photo albums, and "married" her to "Elvis" during an elopement to Las Vegas. Mayor Butler brought the famous duck, her albums and costumes, to the City Office as the sisters were interviewed by reporter Peter Rosin from Channel 2. They told of the midnight forays into the Mayor's yard on the various ducknapping occurrences, dressed in black, hiding behind hedges when a car went by. It had been great fun, but now that the duck was a married fowl, with children, the time of confession had come. Thank you Cammie and Darae for all the fun you have given us as the story has unfolded. Youth from the 9th to 12th grades were invited to join the Marriott-Slaterville Youth Council. Emily Allred is the Youth Advisor. Young members can gain a greater knowledge of our political system, promote community pride, and make a difference in our city. The December issue of The Pioneer Post contained Christmas greetings from Mayor Keith Butler, who also asked us to remember those in the military service who are protecting the freedoms we enjoy.