About Norio County...
Wide-open spaces are a thing of the present in Norio County. From Black Mountain's golden trees to rugged canyons in legendary Lowell Park, the region offers diversity in landscape and is home to some of the largest deer and elk herds in North America. The river valleys, mountains, and desert cover an area 93 miles long and 52 miles wide, bordering two Western states. Centrally located, the city of Sunset is the shopping, family recreation, and entertainment center for the area. Newcomers and visitors to Norio County enjoy western hospitality and a friendly way of life. Norio County is a lifetime experience, a great place to grow-up and to be a grown-up!
History and Introduction
The Utes were the last Native American tribe inhabiting the valley before settlers moved into the area in the 1800s. Earlier tribes left records of their existence with petroglyphs in various sites. Cattle and sheep men carved out their niche, leaving a colorful western history complete with range wars and gunfights. Old West Days, rodeos (part of the Norio County Fair held in August), and Wagon Days share Norio County's western culture with children, community members, and visitors to Sunset.
Location and Transportation
Norio County lies somewhere between Austin, Texas, and Sacramento, California. Visitors and local businesses use the Norio Airport, a mere 20 miles from Sunset, to commute to a hub city for direct flights to major cities and for connections to overseas destinations. The Norio railroad provides transportation for locally mined coal, which is shipped throughout the United States.
Business and Industry
Agriculture and mining are a vital part of the local economy; oil, natural gas, coal and other minerals abound. Energy producers have joined the historical ranching and agricultural economy and are now the largest group of Norio County employers. Norio County welcomes relocating businesses and new industries. The Chamber of Commerce is the primary information center, providing comprehensive information for businesses and individuals interested in visiting or relocating to the area. Business training and start-up services are provided by Norio Community College, a member of the state community college system.
Homes
Affordable in-town and country living provides a number of home options. Established residential areas in Sunset support a hometown atmosphere and acreage is available within a short drive from the city. Residential loans in 2003 averaged $11,805. Town homes, apartments and mobile home parks provide additional housing possibilities. Residents of the three senior citizen complexes have access to a variety of support services including transportation and meals.
Shopping, Dining and Entertainment
Quaint shops line Sunset's historic downtown. Shoppers, visitors and business people gather at the downtown park and restaurants. Over 30 retail stores are housed in Sunset's shopping mall, and ethnic restaurants offering a variety of foods from Western Barbecue to Mexican, Indian, Japanese, and Chinese entrees are located throughout the city. Franchise restaurants and catering services are available, and locals frequent "mom and pop" cafes or drive to the nearby villages of Bovine and Heifer for a relaxing meal.
Norio County's talented and unique artists display their creations ranging from metal art, painting, photography, sculpture and sand painting at the annual art walk and local museum. Concerts and other entertainment featuring diverse range of national, international, and excellent local talent are provided through the efforts of the local Community Concert Association, Norio Community College and the local arts council.
Education
The Norio Intermediate School District is made up of eight schools: 5 elementary, 2 middle schools, and one high school. The Early Childhood Center preschool serves three and four-year old children. Dawson-Thompson High School and Norio Community College (NCC) work together to provide students a high-quality educational experience. Students pursue upper-level studies at the college through dual-enrollment while attending high school, and many continue their studies at MCC after graduation. Students of all ages attend the college to learn job skills and enjoy life-long learning. Sunset-Norio County Library provides additional educational resources. The library offers a summer reading program for children, and NCC's College for Kids present special classes ranging from horsemanship to foreign language.
Health Care
Memorial Hospital is owned by the people of Norio County and operates as a not-for-profit organization. The hospital is equipped with state-of-the art cardiac monitoring and resuscitation equipment. Laboratory and radiology departments, obstetrics, and surgical capabilities allow patients to complete routine procedures, same day surgery and also receive emergency services within a wide geographic area. Relationships with metropolitan hospitals allow for rapid transfer of patients requiring more specialized care. A variety of medical and sports medicine clinics, rehabilitation therapies, fitness centers, and dental and alternative healthcare offices are located in town. The living center includes special programs for Alzheimer's patients. The Visiting Nurse Association provides assisted living services.
Population
The population of Norio County is approximately 14,000 with 12,000 in Sunset.
Climate
The climate is one of low humidity, bright sunshine and a moderate to cool temperature range. Annual precipitation is 14 inches and, on an average, there are 325 days of blue skies and sunshine.