CASTLE DALE, Utah (AP)—Colby Snow and Taylor Tanner combined for five hits and two home runs as the Emery Spartans bludgeoned the North Sanpete Hawks, 12-0 Thursday in Region 8 baseball action.

DELTA, Utah (AP)—Joseph Mohrman and Brent Frank combined for five hits as the Salem Hills Skyhawks pounded the Delta Rabbits, 9-1 in Region 8 baseball action Thursday.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP)—Wes Henderson and Evan Horwood each scored for the Intermountain Christian Lions in a 2-0 win over the Beaver Beavers Thursday in the first round of the 2A state soccer tournament.

LOGAN, Utah (AP)—Eight different Logan players scored as the Grizzlies crushed the North Sanpete Hawks, 8-0 in the 3A state soccer tournament Thursday.

DELTA, Utah (AP)—Omar Torres scored the game-winning goal and Zach Smith added another score as the Wasatch Wasps outlasted the Delta Rabbits, 2-1 Thursday in the 3A state soccer tournament.

DELTA, Utah (AP)—Devri Fitzgerald went the distance on the mound as she surrendered only three hits as the Delta Lady Rabbits blanked the Emery Lady Spartans, 4-0 in Region 8 soccer action Thursday.

(PARK CITY)—Although the six-county area is currently exempt from swine flu, regrettably the same cannot be said for northern Utah. Classes at all eight schools in the Park City School District have been canceled until at least May 4 due to swine flu. The Park City School District consists of 4400 students. Additionally, all school events have been canceled for the short term, which includes the Park City High Senior Prom. At this time, KTVX Channel 4 in Salt Lake City reported that three students, in elementary and junior high, could be contaminated. According to the Summit County Health Department, there have been 12 cases that have warranted further testing. Of those cases, six are still being looked at as cases that could be sent to the CDC Thursday.

(SOUTH BEND, Ind.)—The National Football Foundation announced that former Brigham Young All-American tight end Gordon Hudson has been elected to the College Football Hall of Fame Thursday. Hudson was selected from a national ballot of 76 candidates and was among the inductees announced by Archie Manning, the chairman of the National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame in I-A. Hudson is the sixth former Cougar to be inducted as he joins legendary coach LaVell Edwards, and quarterbacks Gifford Nielsen, Marc Wilson, Jim McMahon, and Steve Young. The 2009 class will be officially enshrined on December 8 in New York City. Hudson was a two-time first-team All-American in 1982 and 1983 and still holds the Division I-A record for average catches and receiving yards a game for a tight end as well as the yardage mark for a tight end in a game with 259 yards. Other inductees include former New Mexico State halfback, Pervis Atkins, Texas defensive tackle Steve McMichael, Nebraska defensive end Grant Wistrom, and Arizona safety Chuck Cecil.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Scientists at the University of Colorado at Boulder have confirmed that a skeleton found in remote southeastern Utah was that of a talented artist, poet and wanderer of the 1930s. Everett Ruess, who described himself as a vagabond from California has become a legend throughout the West as he inspired books, songs and documentaries. As a 20-year old, Ruess departed from Escalante in 1934 and he reportedly traveled east as his skeleton was discovered 60 miles east of Comb Ridge in San Juan County. CU geneticist Kenneth Krauter stated DNA tests involving the explorer’s surviving relatives make it “irrefutable” that they discovered Ruess’ bones.

(WASHINGTON)—Thursday, transportation secretary Ray LaHood ordered a review of bus safety in response to a Utah crash in January 2008 that killed nine people and injured 43 others returning from a weekend ski trip. The Transportation Department said a plan to improve motorcoach safety will be created from the review’s findings. The National Transportation Safety Board stated at a hearing last week that driver fatigue was the likely cause of the crash which occurred near Mexican Hat and also staetd that a protracted delay by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in implementing motorcoach safety recommendations contributed to the crash’s severity. In the crash in question, the roof of the bus was sheared off and everyone aboard, except for the driver and one man pinched between two seats, was ejected from the bus.

(MILFORD) – The swine flu scare has put hog producers on alert. Circle Four Farms in Milford raises more than a million pigs a year and hauls them to a market outside of Utah. Their parent company in Smithfield also has a similar farm in Mexico, which is uncomfortably close to “ground zero” for the epidemic. In spite of the scare, a Minersville Texaco station worker, says people in Milford and surrounding areas are not worried about the spread of the virus. The Smithfield company says it does routine testing of its pigs and has not detected the virus and the Mexican government backs up that claim. At Circle Four in Milford, biological control is part of the daily rhythm.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) – May is National Healthy Vision month and this year’s focus is on the importance of eye exams in detecting common vision problems. Dr. Rachel Bishop of the National Eye Institute, says regular eye exams are very important. She said, according to statistics, 26% more women age 12 or older have uncorrected visual impairment due to refractive error, compared with men age 12 or older. Bishop said corrective care for refractive errors amounts to an estimated $3.8 to $7.2 billion annually. National Healthy Vision month is sponsored by NEI and is devoted to promoting the vision objectives in the “Healthy People 2010” initiative.

(SALT LAKE CITY) – An investment research firm has shown that the Utah Educational Savings Plan is ranked as one of the top five in the country. Morningstar says when most 529 management firms reported declining losses, Utah’s plan kept on a continuing path of improvement. The research firm said that UESP took a bold approach by putting 65% of its accounts in S & P age-based equities for college beneficiaries. Morningstar stated it was the main reason UESP sustained a far more sensible investment plan than what other savings organizations were performing. The firm rates the best and worst college savings programs in the United States. UESP is administrated by the Utah State Board of Regents and the Utah Higher Education Assistance Authority with $2 billion in assets and more than 139,000 accounts, which are held by a majority of Utahns.

(RICHFIELD) – The Central Utah Public Health Department in Richfield is preparing for any outbreak of swine flu or any flu virus that may occur in our local areas. Executive Director, Bruce Costas, says the key is to be prepared, not to panic. He said that no known cases of swine flu have been found in the state and the National Center for Disease Control is providing a day-to-day report to CUPHD on the spread of and viruses.

(OGDEN)—A 17-year old driver involved in a deadly car chase last week has been charged for his role in the incident. Wednesday, the Weber County District Attorney’s office charged Mark Mora with two counts of criminal homicide, automobile homicide, each of which are second degree felonies. Mora also faces charges of failure to respond to an officer’s signal to stop resulting in injury or death and a misdemeanor of driving with a suspended license. Prosecutors say Mora was the driver of a car when it sped through an Ogden intersection while running from police. Mora is being charged as an adult.

(GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.)—An autopsy has confirmed that a Colorado woman whose body was found in a slot canyon in eastern Utah died of exposure. Emery County Sheriff Lamar Guymon stated three hikers found the body of 54-year old Rose Backhaus in the upper Chute Canyon on Saturday. Law enforcement officials discovered her body Sunday. Beckhaus, a resident of New Castlel, Colo., was last seen November 16 when she checked out of a Moab hotel and left the parking lot at a canyon trailhead. Crews searched for her for about a month after she was reported missing and intermittently afterwards.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—A last minute withdrawal by state prosecutors has attorneys for an alleged kidnapper please. Due to the fact, state prosecutors withdrew their motion, evidence of Roger Bell’s beating will come into play at the trial. Bell’s defense attorneys say that evidence will include photos of the damage done to Bell and his partner, Dan Fair, as well as from a medical professional about the state of mind he was in when he allegedly confessed to taking the children. During the proceedings Wednesday, the defense also argued prior convictions of the family members who attacked Bell and Fair should come into play. Bell’s defense attorneys also asked the judge to allow the jury, once it’s selected to know that Bell is facing two first-degree felony charges of kidnapping. The judge has set another hearing date for May 19 at which time he’ll come to a decision on the prior convictions, whether or not the jury will be allowed to know the weight of the charges, and if council will be appointed to the involved families.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—The U.S. Department of Education says more than $321 million is now available to the state of Utah under the stimulus funds package passed earlier this year. The department says the funds will help with educational reform and will save teaching jobs made vulnerable by budget cuts. The money is being made available following Utah’s completion of the first part of the State Stabilization Application. To get the money, Utah has assured it will collect and analyze information on elements such as teacher quality and student improvement. The state is also required to report the number of jobs saved through the funding. The education department says Utah, which has already received $86 million in education stimulus funds, will be eligible to apply for another $158 in the fall.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Salt Lake City appears poised to enter a new era, at least in terms of liquor laws. Next Tuesday, the city council will vote on a bill that will give a specific tavern, Andy’s Place, in downtown Salt Lake City, the right to sell hard liquor. The measure also promises to permit pubs within a 12-block radius east of downtown as well as those near Capitol Hill, and south of Spring Communications Field, to be open bars. City Councilman Carlton Christensen said the bill would work if bar owners comply. Naturally, there will be conditions as the planning commission has to approve all signage and bars are required to have security plans, lighted parking, and landscaping buffers.

(EPHRAIM) – Snow College-Ephraim is set to graduate over 500 students in ceremonies this Saturday. Snow will award 570 degrees and diplomas to students on its Ephraim campus with 58% females to 42% males receiving degrees. Statistics show that students come from 27 of the 29 counties in Utah, 12 of the 50 states and 10 foreign countries to attend Snow College. Laurie Carter, a Julliard School of Music executive, will be the keynote speaker at the ceremonies, which will be held at the Activities Center on the Ephraim campus Saturday starting at 10am.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) – Sen. Bob Bennett spoke on the Senate floor this week in opposition to the appointment of Gov. Kathleen Sebelius to be the next Secretary of Health and Human Services. Bennett said in his speech that Sebelius is not the right appointment for this position and that she carries a little bit too much baggage. He said he’s worked well with Sebelius in the past but with the country dealing with health care problems, she’s not the solution. The Senate confirmed Sebelius in a 65 to 31 vote.

(RICHFIELD) – Several public hearings were held Tuesday night at the Richfield City Council meeting concerning changes in the nuisance ordinance, property petitions and secondary advertising signs on buildings. No one offered any negative comments in the hearings and Mayor Brad Ramsay closed the public comment period. City officials want to amend the nuisance ordinance to include the accumulation and storage of abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicles or parts on private or public property, not including highways. The city council said recently that their desire for the change in the ordinance is to clean up the city of unsightly yards and property. City officials also want to require businesses to obtain a sign permit to erect secondary signs on their buildings. The city wants non-illuminated signs not to exceed 24-inches-by-12-feet and not to exceed a maximum of four signs per side on no more than two sides of the building. Changes in the nuisance and sign ordinances will go into effect in a future council meeting.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Utah prison officials state they are monitoring a convicted murderer’s mail and telephone calls after an alleged confession and mustache hair turned up on an online auction site. The Web site, www.daisyseven.com is featuring what it says are letters from Mark Hacking and some of his mustache clippings. Department of Corrections spokeswoman Angie Welling reported the prison is attempting to determine whether Hacking directed the sale. Hacking pleaded guilty to the 2004 murder of his wife, Lori Hacking and is serving a prison term ranging anywhere from six years-life.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—The new Mexican consul in Salt Lake City is attempting to ease worries about the swine flu oubreak in Mexico. Ignacio Rios Navarro stated the swine flu situation in Mexico is improving and that cases are going down. Navarro acknowledged that some cases could show up in Utah as Mexican immigrants spread it. The control agency of the European Union, as well as the governments of the United States, Canada, France and Israel have all warned against unnecessary travel into Mexico. Additionally, Mexico City has shut down gyms, swimming pools, and pool halls while ordering restaraunts to limit service to takeout.

(KAMAS)—Kamas resident Alexander Jason Barto pleaded guilty to third-degree felony aggravated assault charges Tuesday when he inadvertently hit a cyclist last August. Barto claims he was only trying to ask the cyclists to ride single file when he caused minor injuries to the biker and destroyed his bike. Barto was sentenced to 30 days in jail and has been ordered to take an anger management course while he will also pay $13,000 in restitution to the cyclist he hit.

(RICHFIELD) – Gardeners are concerned about what to plant in our local area when weather conditions indicate spring one day and winter the next. Craig Anderson, owner of Anderson Garden Center in Richfield, says weather-related plants are plentiful this time of year. Anderson is inviting gardeners and planters to stop into his business at 170 North 400 West in Richfield to check out his large array of spring plants available.

(REDMOND) – A Redmond man was killed Monday afternoon at D&A McRae Trucking while he and two other employees were transferring used oil from one holding tank to another. A Sevier County Sheriff’s report said that 32-year old, Cody Mickelsen, was using air pressure to push the oil from a leaking tank to another, when he attempted to shut off a valve after the transfer and the welded seam on the end of the leaking tank ruptured, sending Mickelsen into a cement wall. The report said he was killed instantly. No one else was injured in the incident. Sevier County Deputies and EMT’s removed Mickelsen’s body from the scene and OSHA is investigating the accident.

(RICHFIELD) – The Sevier Power Company has withdrawn a ripcord agreement with Sevier County Commissioners to approve or deny their application for a proposed power plant within 30 days. Commissioner Gordon Topham said SPC sent a letter to the County Commission stating that the ripcord agreement will not be enforced due to attention to other factors. Topham said that in November last year, SPC used a state law that would force the county to either approve or deny their coal-fired power plant application within 30 days. He said that since November, the county made an agreement with SPC to seek an Ombudsman opinion on property rights before any decision could be made on SPC’s application. The Ombudsman’s opinion was favorable to SPC. Due to withdrawl of the ripcord agreement, County Commissioners don’t have to make a decision on the issue on May 4 in their regular meeting.

(MONROE) – An eight-year old Monroe boy was injured Friday night when he and a car collided in Monroe. According to a sheriff’s report, at about 9:30pm, the boy was riding a bicycle when he darted out from behind a parked vehicle on the side of the road at 165 West 300 South in Monroe and ran into the passenger side of a passing vehicle. The report said that 18-year old, Kaili King of Monroe, attempted to swerve but was not able to avoid hitting the boy. The boy was taken by ambulance to the Sevier Valley Medical Center in Richfield and treated for minor injuries and released.

(SALT LAKE CITY) – Several Utah communities, including Austin and Cannonville, are getting a much-needed boost in stimulus funding for construction of drinking water projects. Ken Wilde, Assistant Director of the Division of Drinking Water, says the Drinking Water Board recently authorized $32.2 million, including federal stimulus funding, for construction of the projects. He said the funds will be combined with other sources of revenue to construct $78.7 million worth of projects. According to a report, Austin is slated to receive a $454,000 grant for storage, waterline and backup well. Cannonville will get a $333,333 grant for storage tank repair and waterline upgrades. Several other Utah communities, including Blanding, Price and cities in Washington County, received grants.

(RICHFIELD) – The Sevier County Sheriff’s Office is alerting the public of an “Emergency Response” drill involving a simulation of a hijacked bus south of Richfield on Wednesday. Sevier School District Spokesman, Gary Kyhl, says the “mock situation” starts in Central Valley. He said the exercise will begin at about 10am Wednesday and will involve the school district, Richfield Police, Sevier County EMS, Highway Patrol and the Sevier Valley Medical Center. Kyhl said the bus will stay on county roads and will be stopped by law enforcement to take control of the situation according to policies and procedures. Officials are asking the public to be aware of the drill and take note of the situation.

(LAKE POWELL) – Search crews have found a third body from a boat that sank over the weekend at Lake Powell. According to the National Park Service, crews found the body of Terry Taranto of Prescott Valley, AZ. late Monday morning. Robert Prescott is still missing. NPS Spokesman, Brian Sweatland, said three boats began searching the shoreline near Padre Bay about 7:00 Monday morning. The bodies of the two men’s wives, Katherine Prescott of St. Petersburg, Fla. And Mary Taranto of Prescott, AZ., were found Saturday and Sunday morning near Padre Butte. A fourth boat is using sonar to search for the group’s boat, which took on water and sank Saturday during a windstorm that produced blowing sand and high waves. A third couple made their way about 1500 feet to shore after the boat went down. Park Rangers were alerted after the boating party failed to return back to camp.

NEPHI, Utah (AP)—Jordan Bainter had two doubles and Brady Hansen posted 13 strikeouts as the Juab Wasps pounded the South Summit Wildcats, 7-2 Monday in Region 14 baseball action.

MT. PLEASANT, Utah (AP)—Ben Cilwik had two goals for the St. Joseph Jayhawks as they downed the Wasatch Academy Tigers, 3-1 in Region 14 soccer action Monday.

MANTI, Utah (AP)—Kaitlyn Hatch had two hits for the Manti Lady Templars as they got past the Bear River Lady Bears, 2-1 Monday in non-region softball action.

(LAYTON)—Layton police are searching for the driver of a black pickup truck that possibly has some hood damage after an early morning hit and run crash. Investigators say the the victim was hit at about 4:00 a.m. Monday morning while riding his bicycle in Layton. The biker reported that a truck pulled out right in front of him and as the two collided, the biker rolled over the hood and landed on the pavement. The biker was sent to the hospital for treatment of an injured arm as well as some scraps and bruises..

(PROVO)—A judge has granted a motion to dismiss the appeal of a death row inmate convicted of killing a woman during a 1985 home robbery. Fourth District Court Judge Lynn W. Davis reported that claims by Douglas Carter stating he received ineffective legal assistance after his initial conviction are without merit. Monday, Davis granted the state of Utah’s motion to dismiss Carter’s request for post-conviction relief. In 1985, Carter was convicted of first-degree murder in the death of Eva Olesen during a robbery at her Provo home. Carter was sentenced to death twice for the crime. Arguments in the case were delayed last year when Carter’s attorneys quit.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—A Utah Highway Patrolman was attacked by a woman with a shoe over the weekend. Saturday night, the trooper in question investigated a stolen vehicle when the suspect and an unidentified man approached him. When the trooper attempted to make the arrest, the woman went on a rampage. The UHP reported that the trooper approached a couple walking toward a stolen truck at the Dream Inn in Salt Lake City in an attempt to keep them out of it. However, 41-year old Lisa Parker then reportedly became extremely belligerent and attacked the trooper. After the trooper failed to tase Parker, she attacked him with her shoe and while he suppressed her with a baton, she grabbed his Taser gun and drive stunned him. The man fled the scene but shortly thereafter was taken into custody at the Salt Lake Police Department. The trooper was taken to the hospital as a safety precaution.

(TORREY) – A spring social is being held this Saturday at the Capitol Reef National Park. Park Spokesperson, Riley Mitchell, said the event is being held to enable visitors to enjoy the Park. She said that volunteer Rangers, Rick and Lynne, will present “A Capitol Reef Evening” at 7:30pm Saturday at the campground amphitheatre. Other activities include tours of the historic Gifford Farmhouse, children’s games, demonstrations of quilting, rug-twining and basket-making, as well as an explanation of smoke house operations. The public is invited to the spring social to help Capitol Reef celebrate their recognition of 45 years of exemplary service.

(FAYETTE) – An Oregon couple were taken to the Gunnison Valley Hospital early Friday morning after their pickup struck the rear of a White’s Sanitation truck on SR-28 north of Fayette. A Utah Highway Patrol report said that 38-year old, Ryan Schow, of Tigard, Ore., was driving a 1999 GMC pickup southbound at about 7am, when he hit White’s truck, also traveling southbound. The report said Schow went off the road to the right and came to rest. He and his passenger, 24-year old, Heidi Smith, also of Tigard, were wearing seatbelts and transported to the hospital with unknown injuries. The driver of the White’s Sanitation truck, 25-year old, Chris Christensen, was also wearing his seatbelt and was not injured. The driver of the GMC pickup admitted to police that he had fallen asleep at the wheel.

NEW YORK (AP)—As the NFL Draft drew to a close Sunday, several other prospects who matriculated at Utah colleges received new homes. Brigham Young product Austin Collie went to the Indianapolis Colts with the 127th overall pick where he will have a chance to play with legendary signal-caller Peyton Manning. Additionally, ex-Utah Ute Brice McCain was selected by the Houston Texans with the 188th selection while Collie’s teammate Fui Vakapuna went in the seventh round to the Cincinnati Bengals. Cincinnati selected another local in Freddie Brown of Utah with the 252nd selection. Former Manti High and Snow tight end Devin Frischknecht was not drafted but will likely ink a free agent deal Monday.

PROVO, Utah (AP)—Jenna Lowder of Brigham Young won the womens’ 800-meter dash to cap a strong showing for the Cougars mens and womens’ track teams Saturday at the final day of the Robison Invitational. Additionally, Daniel Lawson won the mens’ shot put for the Cougars while Whitney Neves won the pole vault for the Lady Cougars, and Trevor Heiner placed first in the mens’ high jump.

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP)—Joseph Nigel of Colorado State placed first in the mens’ 110-meter hurdles to lead a strong showing for many athletes scattered throughout the Front Range Saturday at the Christiansen Invitational. Additionally, Air Force’s Sebastian Ortiz won the mens’ 1500-meter dash, while Kip Taylor of Colorado State took the 5000-meter crown. Other wins came from Colorado State’s Tyson Williams in the shot put and Brandin Williams of Colorado in the javelin. As for the women, Colorado’s Joi Windham won the 400-meter hurdles, and Tanesha Johnson of Colorado State placed first in the 100-meter dash. Additionally, Colorado’s Cassie Hirschfeld won the womens’ 200-meter dash, and her teammate, Melanie Peddle, took the 800-meter crown. Other wins came from Colorado State’s Marissa Saunders in the 1500-meter dash and her teammate Lauren Kleppin in the 5000-meter dash.

EUGENE, Ore. (AP)—Leah Worthen took the womens’ 100-meter dash on her home truck to lead the Oregon mens’ and womens’ track teams to solid showings Saturday at the Oregon Relays at Hayward Field. Additionally, Colorado’s Jenny Barringer won the womens’ 800 and 1500-meter dashes, while Oregon’s Nicole Blood took the 5000-meter dash title and her teammate Brianne Theisen won the long jump. As for the men, Oregon’s Andrew Wheating won the 1500-meter dash and his teammate Shadrack Biwott won the mens’ 5000-meter dash. Additionally, Wyoming’s Kekoa Chavez won the mens’ 400-meter hurdle crown and his teammate Jeremiah James earned the triple jump title with a mark of 48-11.75. Wyoming’s Jake Shanklin also excelled by taking the mens’ hammer throw title while other winners included Oregon’s Cyrus Hostetler in the javelin and the Ducks’ multi-talented Ashton Eaton who won the mens’ decathlon.

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP)—Arizona State’s Dominique’ Maloy won the womens’ 100-meter dash to lead the way for numerous athletes scattered throughout the West competing at the Sun Devil Invitational Saturday. Additionally, Jasmine Chaney won the womens’ 200-meter dash for the Lady Sun Devils while Arizona’s Shevell Quinley won the womens’ 100-meter hurdles and her teammate Gabriella Duclos took the pole vault crown. As for the men, Arizona State’s Marcus Duncan earned the 200-meter title while Arizona received wins from Dylan Fitzpatrick in the 1500-meter dash and Victor Zazueta in the 3000-meter dash. Meanwhile, Northern Arizona’s Morten Bostrom took the 3000-meter steeplechase title.

BERKELEY, Calif. (AP)—California’s Allison Stokke, who has long received recognition for her impeccable beauty also showed she can excel athletically as she took the womens’ pole vault to lead the way for numerous athletes scattered throughout the Wet at the Hamilton Invitational Saturday. Additionally, Sacramento State’s Ericka Violett won the womens’ 100-meter hurdles while California’s Brook Turner won the womens’ 400-meter dash. As for the men, California’s Michael Coe set a record in the mens’ mile run by finishing with a time of 3:56.18. Other wins came from Air Force’s Kellen Curry in the 110-meter hurdles and New Mexico’s Jermaine McQueen in the 100-meter dash.

(JOSEPH) – The Utah Department of Transportation has updated their report of road construction projects in South-Central Utah. Road crews continue to install culverts between Joseph and U.S. 89 with temporary interruptions of culinary water for some residents and possible 30-minute traffic delays and occasional closures of up to three hours. In Wayne County, south of Torrey on the Boulder Loop, shoulder work is being done along with some excavation of the hillside alongside the curve for the purpose of realignment. UDOT has other road construction in Emery County west of Green River on I-70, where crews are doing structure and surface work on a bridge deck on U.S. 6. Single lane closures are planned on I-70 in both directions. The Colorado River Bridge north of Moab also is being worked on with minimal traffic delays.

PROVO, Utah (AP)—Utah State’s Brian McKenna placed first in the mens’ 5000-meter dash to headline strong performances from many athletes scattered throughout the West Friday at the Robison Invitational at Brigham Young University. Additionally, Idaho State’s Gemma Maini led the way for the Lady Bengals in the 1500-meter dash, while Brigham Young’s Cecilly Lemmon won the womens’ 5000-meter dash. The meet will resume Saturday.

(JUNCTION) – The Piute County School District has approved bonds to go towards renovations of several school buildings and the purchase of land to build more schools. At this week’s school board meeting, officials approved bonds not to exceed $5.5 million for the purpose of replacing portions of Piute High School, purchasing one or more school sites, buildings and furnishings and to improve existing school property. The Piute County School Board will hold a public hearing on issuance of the bonds May 12 at 7:30pm at 500 North Main in Junction. The public is invited to attend.

(TORREY) – Capitol Reef National Park is set to join hundreds of parks throughout the country in celebrating National Junior Ranger Days this weekend. Youth activities will be conducted, including guided hikes, opportunities to meet and interview park rangers, making plaster casts of animal tracks and playing pioneer games. The events are scheduled Saturday from 10am to 3pm at the Ripple Rock Nature Center, located near the picnic area on the scenic drive. Those who complete the junior ranger activity booklet will earn a junior ranger badge and an embroidered commemorative patch. All activities are free of charge to the public.

(GREEN RIVER) – A Boulder, CO. man died Wednesday on I-70 when his pickup struck the back of a tractor trailer in Emery County. According to a Utah Highway Patrol report, 30-year old, David Russell was traveling westbound just before 8pm, when Russell’s Ford Ranger struck the rear of a tractor trailer, also going westbound. The UHP report said the tractor trailer was traveling slower than the posted 60 MPH speed limit when Russell hit it from behind.

PROVO, Utah (AP)—Utah State’s John Strang took first in the mens’ 110-meter hurdles Thursday in Day 2 of the Robison Invitational at Brigham Young University. Additionally, Brigham Young’s Meelis Kosk won the mens’ discus in the decathlon while Idaho State’s Levi Keller placed first in the mens’ pole vault. Other wins came from Boise State’s Eric Demers in the mens’ javelin, and Logan Henderson of Idaho State in the mens’ 1500-meter dash. Currently, Kosk leads the decathlon with 7270 points, while Strang is in second with 7180 points. As for the women, Brigham Young’s Madara Dzalba took the long jump crown, while her teammate Mindy Robins placed first in the javelin. Additionally, Idaho State’s Sasha Buylova took the 800-meter dash. In the heptathlon, Brigham Young’s Mindy Robins is in first place with 4795 points. The meet resumes Friday.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) – A BYU law graduate, who is now a 9th Circuit Court of Appeals Judge in California, has received calls for impeachment over written memos allowing harsh interrogation of suspected terrorists. Judge Jay Bybee, as a Bush administration lawyer, authorized the CIA to waterboard detainees in Guantanamo Bay, slam them into a wall, hit them, lock them in small boxes with insects and deprive them of sleep for up to 11 days. Jerrold Nadler, a House Judiciary subcommittee chairman, along with other groups, have called for Bybee’s impeachment. Sen. Orrin Hatch is opposed to impeachment because it would distort and misuse the impeachment measures under the Constitution. Hatch said it would further a very destructive and poisonous trend of seeking to criminalize or otherwise punish differences of opinion. He said Bybee is one of the most honorable federal judge’s in the country that anyone would ever meet and believes Democrats are looking to score political points by tarnishing Bybee.

(AURORA) – Aurora City officials are preparing to set the 2010 tentative budget on May 18 and conduct a final budget hearing on June 15th. At this week’s council meeting, councilmembers discussed several issues, including replacing the emergency siren with a new siren ordered by Homeland Security. Sevier County Deputy Chief, John Hunt, said old sirens will be given to unincorporated communitees in Sevier County. Also at the meeting, the council refused federal government stimulus money for water projects and discussed the UDOT Pedestrian Safety Funding Program which allows money to be used for sidewalk replacement and construction within city limits. The council also announced the filing period, July 1-15, for the election in November for the mayor and two council positions.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) – Sen. Orrin Hatch said Wednesday that the Obama Administration is unwisely doing a favor for political allies in labor by rescinding a regulation approved by former Pres. Bush to help root out corruption in unions. The new rule would have required unions to disclose additional information in annual reports about compensation to union officers and employees, details about buying or selling union assets and additional information about union receipts. The Bush administration said it would discourage embezzlement by making it easier to find. But the Obama Administration said Tuesday, that labor unions made compelling arguments that the rule was overly burdensome and would have little effect on efforts to detect fraud. Hatch said it’s disappointing to him that the Obama Administration has chosen to cut investigations into financial corruption, soley because it may reside in its own political constituency.

(RICHFIELD) – Funeral arrangements are scheduled for Mark Fullenbach, the owner and publisher of the Richfield Reaper, who died of an apparent heart attack on Wednesday in Price. Fullenbach had been attending business meetings when he collapsed and died. He was 60-years of age at the time of his death. His funeral is planned for this Saturday at 11am in the Richfield Tabernacle at 200 West Center. Friends and family may call at the Magleby Mortuary in Richfield Friday from 6-8pm and again at the mortuary Saturday from 9:30-10:30am. Burial will be held at the Richfield City Cemetery with Military Rites by the Battery-A 2nd Battalion of 222nd Field Artillery. Fullenbach was named publisher of the Richfield Reaper in 1977, which had just recognized the 75th anniversary of the publication in March. He was an active part of the South-Central Utah community, including the Richfield Rotary Club, Utah National Guard 222nd Field Artillery Battalion, Sevier Valley Medical Center board and many other organizations.

GUNNISON, Utah (AP)—Matthew Harris had two RBI for the Gunnison Bulldogs as they pummeled the Layton Christian Eagles, 22-1 Wednesday in non-region baseball action.

MONROE, Utah (AP)—Aubrey Lindgren had a home run and earned the win on the mound as the South Sevier Lady Rams crushed the North Sevier Lady Wolves, 15-0 in Region 12 softball action Wednesday

(WASHINGTON D.C.) – Sen. Orrin Hatch is joking about cleaning up Washington with the help of a Hollywood actor. During an event hosted by the Motion Picture Association of America, Hatch was asked about serving in the Senate with wrestler-turned-actor, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Hatch said he wouldn’t want “The Rock” running against him but he wouldn’t mind running with him. Johnson commented he thinks there are better minds than his who could better serve our country. “The Rock” says he gets asked a lot about a possible run for Congress.

(ZIONS NATIONAL PARK) – A fire burning in a wilderness study area near Zion’s National Park is being monitored by the Bureau of Land Management. According to BLM Public Affairs Officer, Rachel Tueller, the Sawmill fire was reported Tuesday at about 5pm and had burned about 20 acres. Tueller said fire crews are on the ground but the area is remote and rugged and inaccessible to fire trucks. The fire is burning between Eagle’s Crags and SR-59. Fire personnel have not been able to determine the cause of the fire. BLM officials say Zion’s is working on a prescribed burn of approximately 200 acres near the east entrance of the park. The burn area is to be black-lined today and if conditions are appropriate, the interior will be burned. Personnel say that if conditions do not allow for the burn, the project would be conducted in the fall.

DELTA, Utah (AP)—Derrick Allred hit a home run and Brett Mecham earned the win on the mound as the Emery Spartans pounded the Delta Rabbits, 20-3 Tuesday in Region 8 baseball action.

DRAPER, Utah (AP)—Brennan Spelling posted six strikeouts and Yuto Kata had three RBI for the Juan Diego Soaring Eagle as they crushed the North Sanpete Hawks, 13-3 in Region 8 baseball action Tuesday.

GUNNISON, Utah (AP)—Jayden James had two hits and four RBI as the Gunnison Bulldogs blasted the South Sevier Rams, 17-7 Tuesday in Region 12 baseball action.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Travis Tuttle hit a crucial home run and Chris Jensen pitched a two hitter as the Richfield Wildcats bested the Manti Templars, 4-1 in Region 12 baseball action Tuesday.

KANAB, Utah (AP)—Justin Orton had three hits and also amassed 11 strikeouts as the Kanab Cowboys trounced the Enterprise Wolves, 8-2 Tuesday in Region 13 baseball action.

MILFORD, Utah (AP)—Tyler Denny had six RBI for the Milford Tigers as they outlasted the Millard Eagles, 12-9 in Region 13 baseball action Tuesday.

PAROWAN, Utah (AP)—Tyler Terry had two hits as the Parowan Rams downed the Beaver Beavers, 8-2 Tuesday in Region 13 baseball action.

LAYTON, Utah (AP)—Kip Farrer fanned 16 batters in a no-hitter as the Juab Wasps decimated the Layton Christian Eagles, 19-1 in Region 14 baseball action Tuesday.

BEAVER, Utah (AP)—Jeremy Smith had a hat trick for the Beaver Beavers as they outlasted the Millard Eagles, 6-5 in overtime in Region 13 soccer action Tuesday. Josh Aleman also amassed a hat trick in the loss for Millard.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Ricardo Mendoza had four goals for the Gunnison Bulldogs as they smacked the Richfield Wildcats, 5-2 Tuesday in Region 13 soccer action.

SALINA, Utah (AP)—Nate Heywood and Edgar Vega each had two goals for the Manti Templars in a 7-2 rout of the North Sevier Wolves in Region 13 soccer action Tuesday.

DELTA, Utah (AP)—Bailey Steele had the game-winning RBI for the Delta Lady Rabbits as they edged the Salem Hills Lady Skyhawks, 6-5 Tuesday in Region 8 softball action.

GUNNISON, Utah (AP)—Sara Brown hit an inside-the-park home run for the Gunnison Lady Bulldogs as they outlasted the South Sevier Lady Rams, 11-9 in Region 12 softball action Tuesday.

PAROWAN, Utah (AP)—Mindy Rasmussen had a grand slam and eight strikeouts for the Parowan Lady Rams in an 11-1 victory over the Beaver Lady Beavers Tuesday in Region 13 softball action.

(RICHFIELD) – The 12th Annual Natural Resource Festival is being held in Richfield this Thursday through Saturday. Committee planner, Kari Carlisle, says this event includes a lot of activities and events, including a star party. The theme of the festival is, “The Great Outdoors: We’re All in it Together.” Carlisle said live animals, Smokey Bear and a free rock climbing wall are just a few of the attractions featured at the festival. The event will be held at the Sevier Valley Center Arena in Richfield this Thursday through Saturday. There is no charge for admission.

(RICHFIELD) – Sevier County Commissioners may decide by May 4 to either approve or deny an application submitted by Sevier Power Company to build a coal-fired power plant near Sigurd. Commissioners had been waiting for a non-binding opinion from the state Property Rights Ombudsman’s Office, who recently determined that SPC has vested rights to build the plant. The Ombudsman said that SPC was vested as of December 2007 and Proposition One, an initiative that won overwhelmingly approval in a public vote, would not apply because it was initiated after SPC’s vestment. Elaine Bonavita, Right-To-Vote Chairperson, approached the Commissioners in Monday’s meeting, with the request that Commissioners reject the Ombudsman opinion. RTV was successful in the battle to put Prop One on the ballot in November’s election. Commissioners said they’re still waiting a pending state decision on May 1 about diverting 211 acre feet of irrigation water, that may take water away from farmers and ranchers. They also noted that pending litigation will also weigh in on the final decision.

DELTA, Utah (AP)—Skyler Doran and Anthony Rainaldi each scored for the Juan Diego Soaring Eagle in a 2-1 win over the Delta Rabbits Monday in Region 8 soccer action. Josh Eliason scored the sole goal for the Rabbits.

MT. PLEASANT, Utah (AP)—Kyle Farmer scored two goals for the Wasatch Academy Tigers as they got past the South Summit Wildcats, 2-1 in Region 14 soccer action Monday.

MT. PLEASANT, Utah (AP)—Shelby Earl had nine strikeouts for the North Sanpete Lady Hawks as they downed Emery, 10-0 Monday in Region 8 softball action.

(RICHFIELD) – Sevier County Commissioners held a public hearing today concerning amending the county subdivision ordinance requiring each dwelling to have a well or be connected to a public water delivery system. Comments included the costs of drilling wells on property in county subdivisions and wells that would be used by more than one household. Zoning Administrator, Larry Hansen and Planning Chairman, John Worley, both addressed the Commission, saying too many problems are created when more than one dwelling shares one water well. One builder said that a well he’s drilling, is costing him more than $30,000. After hearing public comments, the Commissioners tabled the issue to a later date to gain more information before making a final decision.

(PANGUITCH) – A Panguitch woman escaped serious injury in a rollover Thursday morning on SR-89. According to a UHP report, 25-year old, Sheena Nay, was traveling northbound in a 2003 Chevy Cavalier at about 8:30am, when she ran off the road about 15 miles north of Panguitch and rolled. The report said the roads were icy and Nay was transported to the Garfield Hospital. Nay was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident.

WALNUT, Calif. (AP)—Mike Curiel of USC placed first in the mens’ hammer throw to lead the way for numerous athletes scattered throughout the West at the second day of competition at the Mount Sac Relays. Additionally, Joe Bartlett of Washington State placed second in the mens’ shot put, while UCLA’s Tori Pena placed second in the womens’ pole vault. In the mens’ long jump, Texas Tech’s Waylon Randolph placed first, with Jordan Powell of Arizona in second with Jared O’Conner of Washington taking the crown in the mens’ pole vault. Other winners included Arizona’ Luis Morales-Rivera in the mens’ triple jump and Southern Methodist’s Simone du Toit in the womens’ discus while Air Force’s Sara Neubauer placed second. The meet will resume Saturday.

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP)—Stephanie Horton of Kansas placed first in the womens’ shot put to lead the way for the Jayhawks mens’ and womens’ track teams in Day 3 of the Kansas Relays Friday. Additionally, Oklahoma State’s Baiba Blumbaha finished third in the womens’ triple jump and Ali Pistora of Kansas State placed first in the womens’ javelin. As for the men, Patrick McGowan of Kansas finished second in the mens’ 3000-meter steeplechase, while the Lady Jayhawks’ Rebeka Stowe placed third in the womens’ 3000-meter steeplechase. The meet will resume Saturday.

AZUSA, Calif. (AP)—Leah Benton of New Mexico State placed second in the womens’ 100-meter dash to lead the way for numerous athletes scattered throughout the West Friday in the first-ever Clay Invitational at Azusa Pacific University. Additionally, Southern Utah’s Lynzee Baxter finished third in the womens’ 3000-meter steeplechase while Britta Christofferson of Iowa State took second in the womens’ shot put. As for the men, Iowa State’s Zach McFall was first in the mens’ 5000-meter dash while his teammate Dan Newhouse was first in the mens’ javelin.

(SALINA) – Thousands of grocery store flyers were scattered over a four-block area in Salina on Thursday when a box fell off of a semi transporting cardboard. According to a police report, the driver, James Jones of St. George, had just picked up large bales of cardboard from Barrett’s Foodtown in Salina and didn’t see the box come off his truck. He was on his way to the Turkey Plant when the box slipped off. Witnesses said the box exploded when it hit the ground and blowing wind scattered the flyers on both sides of the street. The report said that a Sevier County Jail inmate crew was in the area and helped Salina City maintenance employees gather up the debris. Both crews were able to clean up the mess within an hour of the incident. The driver was employed by Rocky Mountain Transport and the company will be sent the bill for the cleanup.

(RICHFIELD) – The Sevier County Chambers in Richfield was filled this (Friday) afternoon with outdoor enthusiasts who want to protect access to public lands. Several state senators were in attendance as well as representatives from USA-ALL, the Utah Shared Access Alliance and others who attended the rally. Rep. Mike Noel of Kanab, said he’s inviting everyone to the rally in Salt Lake City in August. Officials said they want to let the public know that five-year federal funding for public trails in Utah is about to expire and has not been included in Pres. Obama’s budget. Representatives said that the state needs the nearly $2 million to help maintain trails on public lands.

(SOUTH SALT LAKE)—Police from the Joint Criminal Apprehension Team swarmed the house of 24-year old Michael Dayley and arrested him Friday in South Salt Lake for his role in a drive-by shooting earlier this month. Authorites stated Dayley shot at the house of his ex-girlfriend April 1. Bullet holes could be found on the front of the house, while she claims bullets were recovered near her couch in the living room. The woman’s mother, the owner of the house, claims that she was the victim of Dayley’s gunshots and that Dayley and her daughter lived with her for years, although Dayley was often abusive and vindictive toward the family. Police went to Dayley’s house expecting to find firearms Thursday night but he was not armed. His bail is set at $100,000.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—A company is signaling its intent to turn a rural Texas county near the New Mexico state line into the home of the only United States dump capable of disposing of all classes of low-level radioactive waste from around the country. Last July, South Carolina shut its doors to nearly all of the nation’s low-level radioactive waste in July which left 36 states with no place to dispose of certain waste from nuclear power plants, hospitals, universities, and research labs. Dallas-based Waste Control Specialists LLC received a license from state regulators earlier this year to begin accepting U.S. Department of Energy waste from around the country and commercial waste from Texas and New Hampshire at its west Texas facility. Company spokesman Chuck McDonald said accepting waste from outside the compact would make operating it more affordable for Texas and Vermont, while the rest of the country will also be safer. However, Texas representative Lon Burnam said he doesn’t want Texas to become the nation’s dumping ground and that elected officials should make decisions on out-of-compact waste so they can be held accountable. McDonald states Waste Control Specialists objects to Burnam’s suggestions.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—The developer of a bankrupt luxury community near Park City was able to buy his own project back when U.S. Bakruptcy Judge Judith Boulden approved the sale of Promontory ranch to an affiliate of the original developer, Francis Najafi, the chief executive of Phoenix-based Pivotal Group. Nafaji’s major creditor, Swiss investment bank Credit Suisse, decided not to attempt to recover Promontory, which is operating at a loss. Najafil was left as the only bidder in a courtroom Friday. Najafi bought Promontory for $30 million after defaulting on $350 million in loans packaged by Credit Suisse. Lawyers say the deal wipes out hedge funds and other investors who bought the loans arranged by Credit Suisse.

(WEST VALLEY CITY)—A traffic stop in West Valley City turned into a wild chase Friday morning as a driver led troopers onto train tracks and through a fence before coming to a stop in a field near California Avenue. Troopers reported that the car ended up being stolen but also believe the 36-year old driver may have been involved in counterfeiting in another city. The driver of a white Dodge pickup was reported to have been speeding around 6:00 a.m., while reportedly he was going 20 miles over the designated speed limit. After troopers witnessed him go through a stop sign, the chase was on as he turned at an adjacent traffic light. Sergeant Sheldon Riches of the Utah Highway Patrol also stated that after the driver parked in the field, he took off on foot, and after he was caught, he was taken into custody. Troopers say they are currently questioning the driver about the chase, the items in his car, and possible connections to the counterfeiting case. His name has not yet been released.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—A man accused of giving his toddler son access to prescription drugs is out of jail but is still facing charges. Brandon Wayne Newton was in court Thursday for what was supposed to be his preliminary hearing on charges of endangering or abusing a child, but two police officers in the case were unavailable to testify. The judge then postponed the hearing and ordered Newton to be released from jail. Prosecutors say Newton left the pills within the reach of his son which caused the child to overdose on January 29, although he survived.

(RICHFIELD) – The Department of Wildlife Resources is notifying hunters of the Big Game draw coming up on April 30. Fred Penunzio of DWR, says the turkey hunts have also done well so far. Penunzio commented that the shed antler hunting is a big hobby for hunters. He said draw results will be available for hunters by April 30.

(RICHFIELD) – Outdoor enthusiasts are hoping people will attend a special meeting this afternoon in Richfield to discuss the future of public trails in Utah. Bill McIllwain of the Piute County Chamber of Commerce, says federal funding for the Recreational Trails Program may be in jeopardy. He said Congress has always funded the $2-million RTP to help maintain hiking, mountain bike, horse and ATV trails in the state. Sevier County Tourism Director, Kevin Arrington, says the local economy benefits by maintaining these trails. A Democratic-sponsored bill to designate 9.4 million acres as wilderness, is currently up before Congress and could close trails for public use in the state. The Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance is backing the bill. Local officials are asking the public to attend the meeting at 2pm today at the Sevier County Administration Building at 250 North Main in Richfield.

(ST. GEORGE) – Municipal leaders with the Utah League of Cities and Towns met Thursday in St. George to search for ways to deal with budget cuts, dwindling revenues and everything else that comes with a recession. Economically-focused speeches and workshops were held throughout the day at the Dixie Center for the purpose of making the most out of fewer funds and resources. The Department of Workforce Services reported that Utah has lost approximately 32,800 jobs in the past year and unemployment reached 5.2% in March. The rate was 3.3% in March of 2008. The state slashed more than $1 billion from its budget during the last legislative session, needing to backfill more than $500 million of the cuts with federal stimulus money and reassigned funds to protect education and some human services. Municipal leaders see a silver lining in the dark clouds with the state saving $414 million in a rainy day fund and $100 million set aside for education.

(RICHFIELD) – Federal funding for the Recreational Trails Program in Utah may be in jeopardy if Congress does not include it in the Transportation Bill. Authorities say the $2-million program is necessary to preserve all hiking, mountain bike, horse and ATV trails in the state. A massive proposal sponsored by the Democratic leadership is up before Congress designating 9.4 million acres in Utah as wilderness. The Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance is pushing the bill. Local officials of RTP are holding a meeting today for people fighting to protect their rights to use public land in Utah. The meeting will be held at 2pm today at the Sevier County Administration Building at 250 North Main in Richfield.

ST. GEORGE, Utah (AP)—Bucky Aona had four RBI, while Dalen Isom and Keli’i Zablan each added three more as the Southern Utah Thunderbirds improved to 7-1 in Summit League play with a 22-8 victory over the Western Illinois Leathernecks Thursday at Dixie State. The Thunderbirds amassed 20 hits in the onslaught and blew the game open with 17-run surge in the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings. Andrew Hagins had four RBI to pace the Leathernecks in defeat.

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP)—Lauren Bonds of Kansas won the womens’ 800-meter dash on her home track to lead the way for many solid athletes scattered throughout the Midwest Thursday at Day 2 of the Kansas Relays. The Lady Jayhawks were also bolstered by victories in the 1500-meter dash by Kellie Schneider, and Kara Windisch in the 3000-meter dash. Additionally, Amanda Miller won the womens’ 5000-meter dash for Kansas. As for the men, the Jayhawks were led by Don Wasinger who placed second in the 5000-meter dash, while Jacob Breth finished second in the 1500-meter dash. The meet will resume Friday.

WALNUT, Calif. (AP)—Tiffany Tandy of Nevada placed second in the womens’ 3000-meter steeplechase to lead the way for various athletes scattered throughout the West in the first day of competition at the Mount Sac Relays Thursday. As for the men, Weber State’s Brett Hales placed first in the mens’ 3000-meter steeplechase, while Cecilly Lemon excelled for the Brigham Young women by finishing second in the 10,000-meter run. To finish things off on the day, Northern Arizona’s Diego Estrada placed second in the mens’ 10,000-meter run. The meet will resume Friday.

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP)—Stephanie Hedje of Kansas State placed third in the womens’ 200-meter dash and the shot put to lead the way for several Big 12 and SEC athletes Thursday at Day 1 of the LSU Gold Open. For her efforts, Hedje is in third place overall in the heptathlon with 2744 points. As for the men, the Wildcats were bolstered by Mantas Silkauskas who placed first in the 100 and 400-meter dashes as well as the long jump. Additionally, Silkauskas placed second in the shot put and heading into Friday’s competition, he leads the decathlon with 3970 points.

(COALVILLE)—A man is behind bars, accusing of kidnapping his girlfriend of seven years in Summit County. The Summit County Sheriff’s Office reported last night that Jerardo Marquez Cantoriano allegedly took the woman against her will from an apartment complex and reportedly assaulted her. Officers said the victim escaped after catching the attention of security guards at the Nuevo Mexico Night Club in South Salt Lake. Later, Cantoriano returned to the victim’s house where he was returned to custody. Cantoriano was booked into the Summit County Jail shortly thereafter while investigators are still looking into the case. Formal charges against Cantoriano are pending.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Utah has some 12,000 homes in foreclosure according to the foreclosure listing firm RealtyTrac Inc. With nearly 1 million housing units in Utah, though, this represents a relatively small problem. Even though Utah had the ninth-highest fastest growing foreclosure rate in the first quarter of 2009, RealtyTrac said Utah doesn’t consistently rank high for troubled mortgages and will probably pull out of the Top 10 in the next ranking. In contrast, Nevada’s foreclosure rate is five times higher, while it’s three times higher in Arizona, RealtyTrac reported.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—While the freakish storm which struck Utah Wednesday has caused significant trouble for southern and central Utah, things have been no different in northern Utah. Ramps along I-15 leading into Salt Lake City were a particular challenge as the ramp with I-15 and 600 North had to be closed down Thursday morning because of a wreck as was the case for ramps at 500 South. In Utah County, a wreck was reported on northbound I-15 near Payson, while another wrec occurred near Spanish Fork. In both Salt Lake and Utah counties, UHP troopers stated that from midnight-10:00 a.m. Thursday, there were 17 slide-offs and 75 crashes. People were injured in 11 of those wrecks.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—The breakup of Utah’s largest school district is shaping up to be an expensive divorce. Currently, the tab to break up the Jordan School District is $33 million, which exceeds the annual combined spending of the state’s smallest five school districts by $7 million. In 2007, east Salt Lake County residents voted to leave the Jordan School District and form the new Canyons School District. According to the Salt Lake Tribune, $3 million covers the cost of a legal battle over Jordan’s assets. The rest will go toward the hiring and relocation of Jordan’s central offices. Jordan will also lose its rich property tax base this summer, which means 41 percent less in per-student funding.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Residents of a Salt Lake City apartment complex fled Thursday when a corroded beam underneath the building caused a structural shift. At about 1:00 a.m. Thursday morning, the Salt Lake City Fire Department arrived at an apartment complex where there were reports of cracked walls. The trouble reportedly started when a 50-foot support beam on the first floor began to bend, thus causing apartments above it to shift and drop six inches in some places. 36 residents were forced to evacuate. A Salt Lake City-based building inspector investigated the structure and determined that 18 units on the building’s west end were not safe to enter into.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—The Utah Highway Patrol does not want to take advantage of a program to cross-deputize troopers as immigration agents. The UHP has joined a growing line of departments that want nothing to do with a controversial part of SB 81. According to the Salt Lake Tribune, Utah Department of Public Safety Director Lance Davenport says the decision is mostly about money. He stated that if the Legislature wants troopers to become immigration agents, more resources are needed. The UHP joins a long list of organizations that want nothing to do with SB 81 which already include the Salt Lake City and West Valley City police departments. At this juncture, Salt Lake County will only enforce immigration laws against inmates booked into its jail. Lawmakers passes SB 81 last year and it will go into effect July 1.

(CEDAR CITY) – The current Miss Iron County is competing for the title of Miss Utah basing her platform on informing the public of the increase of child sex abuse. 20-year old, Erika Hansen of Cedar City, says helping the public become more aware of an escalating problem in society, is her goal. Hansen is herself, a victim of sex abuse for seven years, starting at the age of ten, at the hands of her step-father. According to her own story, Hansen, by herself, brought charges against him resulting in a life sentence in prison. She said her goal is to help communities recognize, prevent and react responsibility to child sex abuse. She will be competing for the title of Miss Utah in June.

(Mt Pleasant) The North Sanpete School District has decided to expand their credit recovery program to include the middle school. Earlier this year the district announced the creation of a program to help high school students make up credits that were lost due to failed classes. That program will run during the school year, as well as during the summer. Now the board has approved funding to extend the program to the middle school and particularly to eight graders. North Sanpete Superintendent Courtney Syme says the board is concerned that if students fall behind during the middle school years, they will fail to finish high school. The program for middle school students will begin this summer. If it proves successful, the district could make the program permanent. The hope is that it will help students be better prepared to succeed as they move on to high school.

DALLAS (AP)—Dirk Nowitzki had 30 points and 15 boards and Jason Terry added 23 more points as the Dallas Mavericks bested the Houston Rockets, 94-85 Wednesday to finish the NBA season on a high note at American Airlines Center. The win gave the Mavs their 50th win of the season which is the ninth consecutive season they’ve reached that plateau. By virtue of San Antonio’s 105-98 victory over New Orleans in overtime, Dallas has obtained the sixth seed in the Western Conference, while incidentally they will face the Spurs this weekend in the first round of the playoffs. Yao Ming had 23 points to pace Houston in defeat. In other NBA action Wednesday, Boston got past Washington, 115-107, Toronto clipped Chicago, 109-98, Philadelphia outlasted Cleveland, 111-110 in overtime, Indiana stormed past Milwaukee, 115-108, Miami stymied Detroit, 102-96 in overtime, Sacramento handled Minnesota, 97-90, New York crushed New Jersey, 102-73, Orlando decimated Charlotte, 98-73, Memphis stonewalled Atlanta, 98-90, Oklahoma City hammered the Los Angeles Clippers, 126-85, Phoenix outgunned Golden State, 117-113, and Portland pummeled Denver, 104-76.

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP)—Joey Schwecke of Minnesota placed first in the mens’ 100-meter dash and long jump to lead the way for numerous athletes scattered throughout the Midwest Wednesday in the first day of competition at the Kansas Relays. Additionally, Iowa State’s Jordan Andreassen placed first in the womens’ high jump, while Kansas’ Corbin Kratovil placed first in the shot put on his home track. The Jayhawk men were also bolstered by Jacob Breth’s win in the 400-meter dash to close the first day of competition. The meet will resume Thursday.

(RICHFIELD) – About 150 Sevier County taxpayers showed up in force at the Richfield City park Wednesday afternoon to protest high taxes. Protest organizer, Carl Holmes of Richfield, said he was pleased at the number of people who came to the event. Holmes said the purpose of the protest was to participate with other taxpayers throughout the state and across the country on tax day, April 15th , to oppose Pres. Barack Obama’s out-of-control government bailout and stimulus package. The event was hailed nationwide as a “TEA” party, meaning, “Taxed Enough Already”, in reference to the Boston Tea Party, 235 years ago. Protesters brought tea bags on tax day with the intention of ripping off the labels and sending them to the current Administration in Washington D.C.

(AMERICAN FORK)—Police say a pair of 11-year old American Fork boys could face felony criminal charges after using a school computer to look at pornography. 5th graders at Forbes Elementary School in American Fork reportedly used search words to break through a firewall and access an Internet site which enabled them to visit multiple sites laden with graphic material. The boys then showed these sites to nine of their classmates. American Fork Police Sergeant Gregg Ludlow stated the incident occurred March 31 and was reported to school officials by the boys on April 8. School officials then launched their investigation, after which they called the police. Ludlow confirmed the boys could face a range of juvenile court criminal charges, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. The boys were also suspended from school for two days.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—A meeting Wednesday night between police and immigrants will take on new meaning with the release of some new numbers. Members of the Latino community plan to meet with the Salt Lake City Police chief, representatives of other police departments and a few state lawmakers. A new study from the Pew Hispanic Center shows Utah is still 21st in the country for undocumented workers but is gaining illegal workers faster than anywhere else. Between 2005 and 2008, the number of undocumented workers in Utah jumped nearly 16 percent while the national growth rate for illegal immigrants over the same time frame was just over 7 percent. Utah Latino Community Center Executive Director Kiko Cornejo said there is a lot of fear concerning SB 81 but the meeting should serve as a trust building session on both sides. Cornejo stated that undocumented workers are already afraid to reach out to police while they need help and may become more afraid without hearing from police how the new law will change their lives.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—A bankruptcy auction for a luxury golf community near Park City ended in a disagreement between the bank that’s owed money and a group led by the developer. Credit Suisse and shareholders for Phoenix-based Pivotal Group contested each other’s bids for Promontory ranch. Each side said the other bid wasn’t enough and didn’t satisfy terms of a court-approved reorganization. The dispute will go to U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Judith Boulden in Salt Lake City Friday. Promontory was forced into bankruptcy in March 2008.

(SALT LAKE COUNTY)—The man suspected in a fatal hit-and-run accident on I-80 has been arrested for violating probation. 34-year old John Bishop was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail Tuesday. Bishop was on probation for an alcohol-related driving infraction in January, while one of the conditions of probation was he would not drink and drive. Investigators believe he was intoxicated when he got behind the wheel of his BMW April 1 while witnesses reported seeing his vehicle travel in excess of 100 m.p.h. on I-80 before he slammed into the rear end of a Mercedes. A passenger in Bishop’s car was killed, while several others were injured. Bishop reportedly fled the scene while showing up later at a local hospital. Charges in the case are currently being screened by the Salt Lake District Attorney’s Office while Bishop is being held on a $250,000 cash bond. Salt Lake City Chief Prosecutor, Sim Gill, believes Bishop is a risk to the community.

(OGDEN)—An Ogden man accused of killing two prostitutes will stand trial. Jacob Ethridge’s lawyers had filed a motion for him not to be bound over for trial in the deaths of Teresa Tingey and Rosanna Marie Cruz last July. A judge denied the motion on Tuesday. Another pretrial hearing is slated for May while prosecutors have not said whether or not they’ll seek the death penalty against Ethridge.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—For the second day in a row, Utah has been pounded by wet weather Wednesday and this has caused several problems in numerous canyons. The Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office has been busy during the past 24 hours cleaning up rockslides and doing avalanche control in order to keep citizens safe, although they say they’re limited with what they can do. Sheriff’s office Sergeant Travis Skinner said the canyons are unpredictable all the time and mudslides, falling boulders and other hazards complicate things often. Deputies say rockslides are fairly common this time of year and have stated they’ve done all they can to warn drivers about dangerous areas. Sergeant Skinner says storm drains are also a hazard and if they shoul get blocked, it will cause flooding and make roadways unstable. While the rain promises to make things messy, geologists have stated the moisture has not significantly increased the slide’s progress.

(RICHFIELD) – The 2nd Annual Hoodstock 2009 kicks off at Snow College-Richfield this Friday. Campus Relations Director, Heidi Stringham, says the event is full of music, food and fun. She said lunch will be offered free to the public for the first 100 people and $2.00 thereafter. Stringham said Hoodstock features several activities including, a car show, live music, car bash, games and various give-a-ways. The event will be held Friday and Saturday from 9am until 1pm both days.

(RICHFIELD) – The Sevier Valley Medical Center in Richfield is conducting the 2009 Health Fair Thursday from 5-7pm at the Richfield Youth Center. SVMC is inviting the public to the health fair to see the lifeflight helicopter, participate in face painting, air slides for the kids and get animal baloons and have a chance to see “Elle the Elephant” and “Smokey Bear”. The public can also participate in health screenings, blood pressure checks, blood sugar and gain information on health tips.

(RICHFIELD) – The Richfield City Post Office will be open until midnight tonight for those filing their income taxes. Postmaster, Curtis Marsh, says the Richfield branch is the only post office in Sevier County that will be open late until 11:59pm. He said his office will be open until 5pm but the drop boxes in the lobby and between Zion’s Bank and the post office will be available for drop-offs late tonight. Stamps will also be available at Lin’s Marketplace, Albertson’s and Wal-Mart.

(RICHFIELD) – A local business owner is seeking matching funds from cities in Sevier and Sanpete Counties for a project to provide transportation for the elderly, disabled and low-income residents. Bill Peterson of Palisade Pals, Inc. appeared before the Richfield City Council in Tuesday night’s meeting to request the funds. He said there’s a need for public transportation in our local areas with about 38% of the population in Sevier County alone that falls within the target group of the plan. Peterson commented that he’s applying for grants with local matching funds to complete the project. He also said that those using the public transit system will be asked to make a 10% donation to support the plan. Richfield City Mayor, Brad Ramsay, said the city has no funds budgeted for public transportation and will need to hold a public hearing on the plan to gain input from citizens.

(DELTA) – A public meeting to discuss the proposed re-configuration of the Delta area schools will be held tonight (Wednesday) at the Millard School District Office in Delta at 7pm. According to a school board release, consolidation of grades one through four at the Delta North Elementary, Head Start through kindergarten at Delta South and moving the fifth grades to the Middle School, are all part of the shuffle. The reason for the change is due to budget cuts for the coming school year in the Millard School District. Board President, Ron Draper, will present the background of the proposed changes after which the public will have the opportunity to express their concerns. Initial reports indicate the majority of the public is in favor of the proposal. The school board hopes to finalize the changes in Thursday’s regular board meeting at 3:45pm. The public is invited to attend the meeting.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—26 Utah post offices, including the Richfield and Price offices, will provide late night collections of mail April 15 to assist last minute tax filers. Those wanting to avoid crowds are encouraged to mail their tax returns early in the day, obviously, with correct postage. First class postage is 83 cents for the first ounce and 17 cents for all additional ounces. Customers who wish certification that their tax form is received by the IRS should mail by using Certified Mail Service/Return Receipt. Postal customers are encouraged to check collection times posted on each box to ensure pick up on April 15. Those who mail late in the day should take their returns to collection boxes located directly outside Post Offices with extended hours.

(AUSTIN, Texas)—A 14-year old girl allegedly married to polygamist group leader Warren Jeffs when she was 12 may be placed permanently in Texas state custody. Family and Protective Services commissioner Anne Heilingenstein said during a legislative hearing Tuesday that Child Protective Services would seek permanent custody of the girl because efforts to reunite her with her parents have failed. The girl is one of 439 children taken from the Yearning For Zion ranch last year which is still under court oversight. She has been in temporary foster care since last August.

(PARLEY’S CANYON)—A car submerged in a reservoir has been pulled out by search and rescue. Deputies of the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Department said the driver, 26-year old Andrew Swallow, claims he swerved to miss a deer and ended up in Little Dell Reservoir Tuesday morning about 2:00 a.m. Swallow is all right but investigators are questioning his story. The car was removed around 11:00 a.m. Tuesday while county investigators are searching the car to see if they can find any evidence that would cause them to question Swallow again. Swallow’s 1997 Chrysler sedan was in about 25 feet of water some 40 feet from the shore, while search and rescue divers tied a chain to the car and a tow truck pulled it onto the shore. Deputies reported that Swallow, a student at the University of Utah, drives on the Immigration Canyon loop often to relax and on his way up East Canyon Road, he swerved to miss the deer and landed in the reservoir. The story is suspicious to authorities because in the words of Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Department Lieutenant Don Hutson, the slope is relatively gradual from the road to the reservoir, so it’s possible the vehicle could have been brought to a stop. Swallow unbuckled his seat belt and crawled into the back seet when the car was submerged. He was able to get out and call for help, while a couple of hikers nearby rushed to his aid. Deputies found Swallow slightly hyperthermic but he showed no signs of impairment. Hutson said Swallow has been cited for driving left of center and failing to maintain control of his vehicle.

(OGDEN)—Weber County officials are looking for the person or persons responsible for dumping medical waste along a popular walking path in Ogden. The waste was found Sunday by a woman on a walk near the 20th Street overpass near the city water ski pond. A representative from the Weber County Health Department went and picked up the waste and said it looked like it had been destroyed, but was not intentionally left on the patch. An administrator for the nearby landfill says he doubts the waste was part of a load being brought in since that type of waste is not accepted. If it’s discovered that the waste was deliberately left, the responsible party could face a citation from the Utah Highway Patrol. The Ogden Standard Examiner reported that the waste consisted of dialysis bags, face masks, and used exam gloves.

(UTAH COUNTY)—A former Utah County commissioner is now behind bars for violating his probation in connection with a drunk driving conviction. The Salt Lake Tribune reported that David Gardner will spend 60 days in jail for driving with a suspended license and for not installing an ignition interlock device on his car. Both charges are violations of a conviction for drunk driving in May of last year, his second DUI. Gardner was also on probation for a simple assault conviction while he could spend more time in jail for violating the terms of this sentence.

(BOX ELDER COUNTY)—In addition to facing charges for his connection with a murder 25 years ago, Wade Garrett Maughan has been charged with additional crimes. Last week, the Box Elder County Attorney filed charges of obstruction of justice against Maughan when he refused to testify at the trial of co-defendant Glenn Howard Griffin. The county attorney states Maughan was promised immunity for his testimony so that nothing he said could be used against him at his own trial. The Deseret News reported Maughan will stand trial for his alleged role in the crime later this year.

(PRICE) – The future of the state’s oldest community college may include a merger with Snow College or Utah State University. The College of Eastern Utah has been heavily hit with recent budget cuts, which have taken a disproportionate toll on the college because 90% of its operating budget comes from the state. Interim president, Mike King, said news reports paint a bleak picture of the future of CEU but he’s not closing the doors. He said that William Sederburg, Utah’s commissioner of higher education, has tapped former CEU president, Michael Peterson, to look for ways to bolster the school, which may include affiliating with either Snow College or USU. Sederburg said even though CEU is suffering from a lack of investment, many programs remain strong, including the automotive and theatre programs.

(SALINA) – The Salina City Planning Commission is holding two separate public hearings this Thursday night to gain input on zoning changes. The first hearing concerns property located at 100 West and 300 North on a zoning change from single-family to two-family residential. That hearing will be held at 6:45pm. The second hearing will be held at 6:55pm concerning an amendment of a plat map. The amendment will be made to the property located at 387 West 300 North for future development. Both public hearings will be held at the Salina City Council Chambers on Thursday.

CHICAGO (AP)—Ted Lily carried a no hitter through nearly seven innings as he improved to 2-0 on the season and the Chicago Cubs improved to 5-2 with a 4-0 win over the Colorado Rockies Monday at Wrigley Field. Derrek Lee and Kosuke Fukudome each added RBI in the win for Chicago. In other MLB action Monday, the Chicago White Sox bested Detroit, 10-6, Pittsburgh blanked Houston, 7-0, Philadelphia surged past Washington, 9-8, the Los Angeles Dodgers crushed San Francisco, 11-1, Tampa Bay pounded the New York Yankees, 15-5, San Diego ousted the New York Mets, 6-5, Cincinnati tripped up Milwaukee, 7-6, Baltimore downed Texas, 10-9, Kansas City doubled up Cleveland, 4-2, Toronto stormed past Minnesota, 8-6, St. Louis got past Arizona, 2-1, and Oakland pummeled Boston, 8-2.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP)—Carlos Boozer had 20 points and 13 rebounds, while Paul Millsap stepped up with 19 points and 11 boards as the Utah Jazz hammered the Los Angeles Clippers, 106-85 Monday at Energy Solutions Arena. The Jazz built a 30-17 lead at the end of the first quarter en route to their third win of the season against the Clippers. The Jazz finish the regular season Tuesday evening at Los Angeles against the Lakers while Utah will face the Lakers in the first round of the playoffs in all likelihood. In other NBA action Monday, Cleveland downed Indiana, 117-109, Toronto edged Washington, 97-96, Chicago tripped up Detroit, 91-88, New Jersey handled Charlotte, 91-87, Milwaukee bludgeoned Orlando, 98-80, Dallas surged past Minnesota, 96-94, Houston torched New Orleans, 86-66, Denver decimated Sacramento, 118-98, Phoenix stymied Memphis, 119-110, Portland crushed Oklahoma City, 113-83, and San Antonio decimated Golden State, 101-72.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—A construction crew ruptured a 4-inch gas line in Salt Lake City Monday afternoon which forced the evacuation of homes within a block of the scene. Questar confirmed that the 4-inch line was ruptured by crews working in the area and the gas company workers were testing to ensure residents were safe before lifting the evacuation plan.

(OGDEN)—A paralyzed veteran living in Ogden says he doesn’t owe the city $708 for water used between December and February because he didn’t live in the home. The City of Ogden states that Don Ekstrom used nearly 311,000 gallons of water in January and February. City manager Craig Frisbee said the city’s calculations are correct and that the water meter’s been tested several times. Possible explanations could be a running toilet or an undetected leak. Ekstrom, a quadriplegic, said he bought the east Ogden home in question in November, but he didn’t have to move in until March because he spent some time rehabilitating at a hospital in New Mexico. He says the city plans to shut off the water this week if he doesn’t pay the bill.

(DENVER)—A federal courts appeal has rejected two Utah counties’ challenge of vehicle restrictions in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in southern Utah. A three-judge panel of the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued the ruling Monday. The judges denied a claim by Kane and Garfield counties that federal officials must disprove the counties’ rights to roads through the nearly 2-million acre national monument. The decision upholds a previous one by a federal court in Utah that found counties can’t shift the burden of proof to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. The Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance and other environmental groups joined the federal government in fighting the lawsuit.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—A new immigration task force in Utah will seek out drug dealers and human traffickers, and promises to be different than Senate Bill 81. The idea came out of a legislative task force that’s been meeting for the last year. Representative Brad Dee of Washington Terrace said as part of his task force’s work, he traveled throughout Utah and listened to different ideas. With all the testimony taken by Dee’s force, it was determined that felony crime is the area that has been the biggest concern. Dee also said that a “rifle approach” should be taken, primarily by focusing on the felonies being committed by illegals. Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff says it doesn’t make his office an immigrations enforcement agency. Shurtleff was concerned that this could make law-abiding immigrants to help stop serious crimes in their community.

(PHOENIX)—As a public service, the IRS issued its 2009 “Dirty Dozen” list of tax scams which include schemes involving such methods as phishing, hiding income offshore, and false claims for refunds. IRS commissioner Doug Shulman said taxpayers should be wary of scams to avoid paying taxes that appear “too good to be true.” Shulman also reported that tax scams are illegal and lead to problems for both scam artists and taxpayers who risk significant penalties, interest, and possible criminal prosecution. In addition to phishing, hiding income offshore and false refund claims, other schemes to watch out for include frivoluous arguments and abusive retirement plans among other things, Shulman said. For more information, please visit, the IRS’ official Web site at www.irs.gov.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—The Nuclear Regulatory Commission says it lacks the authority to keep foreign radioactive waste from being imported into the United States because the material is from another country. The NRC wrote a letter dated April 9 to Representatives Jim Matheson of Utah and Bart Gordon of Tennessee stating that the Atomic Energy Act does not distinguish between domestic and foreign waste. The NRC also said that as long as the material can be imported safely and someone’s willing to accept it, the commission can’t keep the waste out. Matheson and Gordon are both concerned about Salt Lake City-based Energy Solutions’ application to import up to 20,000 tons of low-level radioactive waste from Italy. The plan is currently to have the waste processed in Tennesse, while 1600 tons would then be disposed of in Utah.

(RICHFIELD) – Sevier School District has acquired their first natural gas vehicle. During a public presentation today, School Board President, Don Naser, said this new vehicle will save the district a lot of money, with a $15,000 grant from the State; plus, gas and maintenance savings. Naser introduced the new school bus at the first official natural gas station in the valley, Gayle’s Chevron in Richfield, located at the north end of the city. He said the bus will transport students from Koosharem to Richfield and back each school day. Bus driver, Mark King, will bus the students each day. Naser was joined by Rep. Kay McIff of Richfield, Murrell Martin from the Utah State Office of Education, Rolayne Fairclough of AAA and Ron Jibson, President and CEO of Questar Gas, in speeches on the value of natural gas vehicles.

(ANNABELLA) – Annabella may get a few more four-way stops in town. At the Town Council meeting last week, councilmembers considered adding more signs to control traffic throughout the town. Town Clerk, Tina Mitchell, said the council is in the preliminary stages of the discussion and no final decision has yet been voted on. The council also discussed new road construction and is seeking funding for the projects. An update was also provided on the Community Center improvements, including concrete steps near the outside of restrooms and north of the pavilion.

PHOENIX (AP)—James Loney and Matt Kemp each had RBI for the Los Angels Dodgers as they downed the Arizona Diamondbacks, 3-1 Sunday at Chase Field. Randy Wolf also allowed only two hits through eight innings of work for Los Angeles while Kemp extended his hitting streak to seven games. Steven Drew had the sole RBI of the game for the Diamondbacks as they fell to 2-4, while the Dodgers improved to 4-3. In other MLB action Sunday, Cleveland doubled up Toronto, 8-4, Detroit downed Texas, 6-4, Cincinnati blanked Pittsburgh, 2-0, Florida tripped up the New York Mets, 2-1, Atlanta surged past Washington, 8-5, Tampa Bay crushed Baltimore, 11-3, the Chicago White Sox smoked Minnesota, 6-1, Kansas City handled the New York Yankees, 6-4, St. Louis ousted Houston, 3-0, Philadelphia stymied Colorado, 7-5, the Los Angeles Angels got past Boston, 5-4, Seattle snuck past Oakland, 1-0, San Diego stonewalled San Francisco, 6-1, and the Chicago Cubs bested Milwaukee, 8-5.

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (AP)—Marcus Romano had two hits and an RBI in the first game of a doubleheader which saw Southern Utah sweep IPFW, 4-0 and 7-5 Sunday in Summit League baseball action. In the second game, the Thunderbirds took an early 4-0 lead on RBI from Bob Cuthbertson, Bucky Aona, and Matt Sanford. The Mastodons responded with RBI from Chris Gottschall, Jason Doerffler, and Garrett Seagraves but SUU put the game out of reach when Nick Freitas hit a seventh inning home run. The Thunderbirds improved to 6-1 in league play, and 16-14 overall with the sweep, while the Mastodons slumped to 7-23 and 0-8 in Summit League play.

LOS ANGELES (AP)—Clayton Chaney of Rice and Nia Ali of USC won the mens’ and womens’ decathlon and heptathlon respectively to headline a strong showing for numerous athletes scattered throughout the West Saturday at the Joyner-Kersee Invitational at UCLA. Additionally, Utah State’s Tyler Ellis placed third in the mens’ hammer throw, while UCLA’s Alexa Berg placed second in the womens’ shot put. Meanwhile, the Bruins’ Jonathan Clark won the mens’ high jump, while Utah State’s Ashlee Cannon placed second in the womens’ 100-meter hurdles with California’s Emani Truluck winning the title. The Aggie men were also bolstered by Keith Williams’ win in the 110-meter hurdles.

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP)—Charonda Williams of Arizona State took the womens’ 100-meter dash, and placed second in the 200-meter dash to lead the way for various athletes in the Pac-10, WAC, and Big 12 Saturday at the Sun Angel Classic. Meanwhile, Washington’s Jordan Carlson placed third in the womens’ 400-meter dash, while Brigham Young’s Emily Dunn finished sixth in the 800-meter dash. A pair of Lady Cougars also excelled in the 1500-meter dash as Katie Palmer and Lacy Cramer placed first and second, respectively, while Utah’s Chelsea Shapard placed second in the womens’ 400-meter hurdles. As for the men, Ian Warner of Iowa State took the 100-meter dash title, while Brigham Young’s Rhyan Atrice was third in the 400-meter dash. Additionally, Washington’s Jordan Boase and Joey Bywater took titles in the 400-meter and 1500-meter dashes, respectively. In the 400-meter hurdles, Fresno State’s Val Pierre Dai’Re placed first, with Bryan Payne of Brigham Young in second.

DAVIS, Calif. (AP)—Brianna Nelson of Sacramento State placed second in the womens’ 200-meter dash and third in the 400-meter dash to lead the way for several athletes throughout the West Saturday at the Wilson Invitational. Nevada’s Katy Avena also excelled as she won the womens’ 800-meter dash, while Renisha Robinson of Sacramento State took the womens’ 1500-meter dash.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP)—Rachel Carrizales of Nebraska placed first in the womens’ 1500-meter dash to lead the way for numerous Midwest-based athletes Saturday at the Nebraska Invitational. Meanwhile, her teammate Epley Bullock took the womens’ high jump crown, while the Lady Huskers’ Natalie Willer won the pole vault, while Samantha Musil of Nebraska won the womens’ discus and hammer throw crowns. As for the men, the Huskers’ Scott Wims won the 100-meter dash, while Peter Falcon took the 5000-meter dash title for Nebraska.

BOULDER, Colo. (AP)—Brandin Williams of Colorado won the mens’ javelin to showcase several strong showings by Front Range-based athletes Saturday at the Colorado Invitational. Meanwhile, Jordan Stoddard of Air Force won the womens’ triple jump crown and Colorado State’s Rachel Saunders took the womens’ pole vault title while Cassie Hirschfeld of Colorado placed second in the 200-meter dash. Colorado’s Javen Correia also excelled by placing second in the mens’ 110-meter hurdles while Emma Coburn was first in the womens’ 800-meter dash for Colorado.

EL PASO, Texas (AP)—Jepchirchir Kigen of Texas-El Paso placed first in the womens’ 1500-meter dash to lead the way for numerous world-class athletes scattered throughout the southwest Saturday at the UTEP Invitational. Her teammate, Chasity Ross, finished first in the womens’ 400-meter dash, while Megan Chojnacki also represented the Lady Miners well by winning the 2000-meter steeplechase. Amanda Apodaca and Blessing Okagbare also won titles for UTEP in the high jump and long jump, respectively. As for the men, Texas-El Paso’s Anderson Mutegi won the 400-meter dash and Dominic Tanui won the 1500-meter dash for the Miners. Rok Derzanic of Kansas State also had a strong showing by winning the mens’ 110-meter hurdles, and his teammate Scott Sellers won the high jump. Other Texas-El Paso wins for the men came from Justin Kepple in the shot put and Alex van der Merwe in the javelin.

(PRICE) – A Blanding man was killed Friday morning in a rollover accident on SR-6 near Price. According to a Utah Highway Patrol report, 42-year old, Blain Loveridge was traveling westbound on SR-6, when his Ford Ranger ran off the road and rolled. The report said the vehicle came to rest on the driver’s side. Loveridge was pronounced dead at the scene. He was wearing a seatbelt. UHP troopers are investigating to determine what caused Loveridge to lose control of his truck and exit the roadway. Initial investigations show that weather, high speeds or driver impairment were not factors in the crash.

(LOGAN)—Businesses and generous donors in Logan are helping a Hyrum woman pay a mortgage and have raised money to help others. The Greater Good Foundation, created by two Utahns, was designed to organize community fund raisers through online auctions and other means. Businesses were asked to donate goods and service to be auctioned online for several recipients, including Taunya Roberts, a woman on disability facing foreclosure on her home. Some restaurants also donated gift cards and gift certificates. The online auction, which began three weeks ago, has raised more than $65,000, while the event hopes to spawn fundraisers in other Utah communities.

(WEST VALLEY CITY)—A California family staying in a West Valley City hotel en route to their move to Minnesota will be moving without their belongings. At a La Quinta Inn near the E-Center, Chris and Kim Meyers’ moving van was stolen as Kim said she looked for the moving truck on Friday morning, but it was nowhere to be found. The 24-foot Budget moving truck was towing a trailer with a family car, and a green 1996 Toyota Corolla. Police say the theft occurred sometime between 11:30 Thursday evening and 5:30 Friday morning. The rental truck has Oklahoma license plates and the car has California plates. West Valley City Police Lieutenant Bill Merritt says a moving van shouldn’t be difficult to miss, but it’s possible the cargo has been unloaded and the vehicle has been dumped somewhere. It’s also possible that the driver has left Utah, Merritt said. The family was traveling in a caravan with an SUV that had a trailer with some items, but Chris said it only contains items in a shed and picnic table.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—In the first three months of 2009, free games of golf, hotel stays, and expensive meals were among the tens of thousands of dollars worth of gifts state lawmakers accepted. Financial reports that were due Friday show that several lawmakers were treated to unspecified entertainment on the same nights of Utah Jazz games. The legislative season concluded in late March and state lawmakers place no limits on what gifts they can accept. The vast majority of lobbyist gifts come in the form of meals, but lawmakers who dine on a company’s dime are only identified if the meal costs more than $50. Many lobbyists avoid disclosing lawmakers’ names by spreading around the costs of meals among multiple lobbyists and lawmakers.

(NEBO)—Teachers in the Nebo School District will have fewer days at work, but the same privilege does not extend to students. Like all other school districts in Utah, Nebo is trying to cover budget cuts so district officials have told all employees that next year, they will have four unpaid days off. Superintendent Chris Sorensen says the move should save the district some $2 million. All days off come from teacher career ladder days, or days where teachers come to work, but students stay home. The district is also hiring fewer teachers as another cost-cutting move while the state of Utah is allowing districts to cut five regular school days if needed to save money.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—An editor of a yearbook of church demographics says year-to-year membership statistics for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints place the Utah-based faith among the fastest growing religious bodies in North America. Eileen Lindner of the Yearbook of American and Canadian Churches says it’s difficult to compare data among faiths because counting methods vary, but annual data provide a good roadmap of growth within an individual church. Data released Saturday by the church place its worldwide membership at 13.5 million as of December 31, 2008. As is customary, growth is more frequent outside of North America. The yearbook uses figures provided by the Church and Lindner says LDS data is reliable because the church employs professional demographers.

(SALINA) – A new public transportation system is being proposed to several cities and towns in the Sevier and Sanpete county areas. Bill Peterson, of the Palisade Pals, spoke to the Salina City Council in last week’s meeting, on the proposal. He said he has applied for two grants from the Utah Department of Transportation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to acquire funding to run buses throughout the two counties. Peterson said the vehicles will provide transportation to the elderly, disabled and low income residents first and then to the rest of the public later on. He’ll offer a presentation to the Richfield City Council in Tuesday night’s meeting at 7pm.

(Ephraim) The South Sanpete School Board will host a groundbreaking for the new Ephraim elementary school on Wednesday April 15th. The building is the first of three projects that the District will undertake this year. The other two projects are an addition at the Manti Elementary, and a new Elementary building in Gunnison. The Ephraim groundbreaking will be held at 3:00 PM on the 15th at about 550 South and 300 East in Ephraim. Remarks will be offered by School Board member Larry Smith, as well as the architects of the new building. The ceremony will be coordinated by Okland Construction who was chosen to head the projects. Refreshments will also be provided.

(SALT LAKE CITY) – Outdoor enthusiasts traveling through Utah for the Easter weekend should expect inclement weather. Steve Rogowski of the National Weather Service in Salt Lake City, says a big rainstorm is moving towards the state and should arrive by tonight. He said the storm is marching at a steady pace from Southern California through Arizona. Rogowski commented that Southern Utah’s deserts can expect the most rain, up to an inch and the state’s central and southern mountains will probably see some snow, possibly up to a foot. In Kanab and Moab, daytime temperatures will be in the mid-60’s and St. George will reach highs in the low-70’s. Rogowski said that if outdoor enthusiasts are hoping to dodge rains this holiday weekend, forget it.

(RICHFIELD) – The Utah Highway Patrol will perform a massive statewide DUI blitz involving 174 troopers over the Easter weekend. The blitz will involve every section of the UHP in the state. UHP Col. Daniel Fuhr, said troopers will saturate roadways in every corner of the state looking for impaired drivers. He said the top priority is the make sure the public is safe. UHP plans to do similar statewide blitzes every month as they focus on impaired and aggressive drivers, as well as seat belt use. The blitz kicks off today and runs through the weekend.

LOS ANGELES (AP)—Nia Ali of USC took first place in the womens’ 100-meter hurdles, high jump, and shot put to headline strong performances from many track and field athletes scattered throughout the West at the first day of the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Invitational Thursday at UCLA. Additionally, Ali’s teammate, Shana Woods won the womens’ 200-meter dash, while Deidre Tarver of Texas A&M won the womens’ hammer throw with UCLA’s Catherine White placing second in the event on her home turf. As for the men, in the decathlon, Clayton Chaney of Rice is in first place with 3582 points, while Washington State’s Kyle Schauble is in second place with Trent Perez of UCLA in third. The meet resumes Friday.

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP)—Ozie Okolie of Texas Tech won the womens’ hammer throw to lead the way for numerous athletes throughout the Southwest during the opening day of the Texas Tech Twilight Open Thursday. The Lady Red Raiders were also bolstered by D’Andra Carter’s first place finish in the womens’ discus while Thomas Killen of Texas Christian won the mens’ discus. Additionally, Texas Tech’s Anthony Flemons won the mens’ long jump while the Red Raider women also received a strong showing from Amanda Dowdy who won the high jump. Other winners for Texas Tech included Brian Porter in the mens’ pole vault, while Patience Knight took the womens’ shot put crown.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Utah will receive nearly $24.6 million in federal stimulus money for health and human services programs that help children and prevent disease. About $22.4 million of the money will support child care programs for working families, those seeking employment, and those receiving job training or are enrolled in school. The rest of the announced money will be used for vaccines and grants to agencies that come up with innovative ways to get more people vaccinated. Some funding will also be used to support national public information campaigns on vaccines. The Centers for Disease Control sponsors 317 immunization programs.

KINGMAN, Ariz.—An Arizona judge has denied a request from polygamist leader Warren Jeffs to force Texas authorities to fully answer questions concerning a 2008 raid at a sect compound in El Dorado, Texas. Mohave County Judge Steven Conn stated in an April 3 ruling that he was not sufficiently briefed on the matter and that the request could be considered at a later time. Jeffs’ lawyers wanted to know when Texas authorities found out a fake phone call triggering their raid on the FLDS compound. Defense lawyer Mike Piccarreta argues that the raid shows reckless disregard of the truth by Texas authorities. Jeffs is currently awaiting trial in Arizona on four counts of being an accomplice to sexual conduct with a minor.

LOGAN, Utah (AP)—Utah State’s mens’ basketball team became the nation’s top field goal percentage team for the second consecutive season according to the final Division I statistics which were released Thursday. The Aggies, who shot 49.6 percent from the field on the season became the nation’s most prolific shooting team for the third time in the past five seasons. The last time a Division I mens’ basketball team led the nation in field goal percentage in consecutive seasons occurred in 1996 and 1997 when UCLA did it. Additionally, Utah State’s three top rankings in field goal percentage represent the best five-year stretch in NCAA history. Payson native Tyler Newbold was exceptionally prolific for Stew Morrill’s squad as he had nearly a 4-1 assist/turnover ratio.

(PROVO)—A Provo-based company is getting ready to unveil a full-sized electric truck that reportedly can get more than 100 miles a gallon. Raser Technologies will unveil their new engine in an SUV at an auto show in Detroit later this month. Raser marketing vice president David West states the truck’s electric engine will accelerate and have more torque than a regular truck engine. It will go the first 40 miles on electricity alone after which a built-in gas generator will charge the batteries if you continue to drive. West also said that it has enough power to power a neighborhood in case of an emergency, and if drivers drive 60 miles a day, the truck will get about 100 miles a gallon. The company hopes to have a consumer version for sale in 2011.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—An Iraq war veteran accused of robbing a bank will remain in jail. Thursday morning, Codie Carver appeared in court for a hearing while his attorneys argued he should not be held without bail as he waits for trial, but the judge disagreed. Carver has pleaded not guilty to charges that he robbed a Washington Mutual Bank in March, although he has admitted to taking part in the robbery. He said he hired someone to rob the bank, while later giving the money to homeless people in Las Vegas.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Salt Lake City police pulled a car out of the Jordan River Thursday morning after a teen driver reportedly swerved to avoid hitting something in the road and lost control. The car then went down an enbankment and into the river. The driver was able to safely get out of the car and was shaken up, but not injured. Police say speed was not a factor in the crash and it’s unlikely the teen will be cited.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—A Salt Lake Community College student could face charges for threatening the college’s staff. The suspect in question, 34-year old Daniel Etherington, was arrested Monday for reportedly making terroristic threats to Salt Lake Community College employees. Utah Highway Patrol troopers stated Etherington told college administrators that he “knows how to use guns,” and that he felt he was being treated unfairly. The district attorney’s office will screen the case, perhaps this week. Etherington has since posted bail and was released from the Salt Lake County Jail. According to jail records, Etherington’s criminal past dates back to 1995 and has included arrests for such things as domestic assault and disorderly conduct.

(RICHFIELD) – A former Elsinore man has been sentenced in District Court for making two separate bomb threats. According to court documents, 57-year old, Augustine Vigil, was sentenced in Sixth District Court by Judge Marvin Bagley, to two terms of 1-15 years in prison, for calling in bomb threats to WalMart and K-Mart last year. Sevier County Attorney, Dale Eyre, said the prison sentences are appropriate for the crimes committed. He said damages reached $500,000 in the first bomb threat while the second threat resulted in the disruption of the justice system. Hundreds of people were evacuated from WalMart during a Saturday bomb hoax last year while bomb squads cleared the building. Vigil was arrested the following Tuesday after a police investigation led to him. The second threat was made against K-Mart during the first day of Vigil’s trial for the WalMart bomb threat, resulting in a mistrial in the first case. Vigil pled guilty to both incidents during a court appearance in February.

(ST. GEORGE) – A Utah man escaped his burning vehicle after a rollover crash near the Utah/Arizona border on Tuesday. The Arizona Department of Public Safety said that 80-year old, Kenneth Thayn of Bloomington Hills south of St. George, was traveling about 3pm on I-15, when he lost control of his vehicle and went over an embankment and rolled. Reports said that passing motorists stopped to help Thayn out of his burning vehicle and he was transported to a local hospital with burns and other injuries.

(MARYSVALE) – The Sevier County Planning Commission approved a preliminary application for developers to build a new railroad hotel north of the Big Rock Candy Mountain Resort near Marysvale. Steven Grow, representing Rock Candy Mountain, said the project will feature refurbished railroad cars as a unique way to spend the night. Prior to preliminary approval, the Planning Commission had several questions concerning septic tank seepage over time that could runoff into the river running alongside the planned project area. Grow said the Public Health Department has already signed off on the project but the county wants regular testing of the water to insure compliance. The project now moves to the County Commission for final consideration and approval.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP)—Justin Morneau hit a home run and added a double as the Minnesota Twins edged the Seattle Mariners, 6-5 Wednesday at the Metrodome. Kevin Slowey earned his eighth win in his last 10 starts at home for the Twins, while Jason Kubel added a tiebreaking fifth inning double for Minnesota. Yuniesky Betancourt had three hits for the Mariners, while Russell Branyan and Jose Lopez each homered for Seattle. In other MLB action Wednesday, Florida downed Washington, 6-4, Philadelphia outlasted Atlanta, 12-11, Colorado hammered Arizona, 9-2, Baltimore bested the New York Yankees, 7-5, Detroit gashed Toronto, 5-1, Tampa Bay waxed Boston, 7-2, the New York Mets handled Cincinnati, 9-7, Texas stormed past Cleveland, 8-5, the Chicago Cubs ousted Houston, 11-6, Kansas City blanked the Chicago White Sox, 2-0, Pittsburgh blasted St. Louis, 7-4, Oakland snuck past the Los Angeles Angels, 6-4, the Los Angeles Dodgers got past San Diego, 5-2, and Milwaukee doubled up San Francisco, 4-2.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—A new Utah license plate titled, “Share The Road,” will be available to drivers who want to help raise awareness about bicyclists in traffic. In addition to the “Share The Road” message, the new plate shows a yellow traffic sign featuring a bicycle. Governor Jon Huntsman, lawmakers, and cyclists all gathered to celebrate the advent of this new plate which will cost $25. The money will go to the Utah Bicycle Coalition to fund education and advocacy as well as restocking the plates. The coalition also received a donation from the Bonneville Cycling Club and raised money to order the first 2500 plates.

(ST. GEORGE)—A man escaped his burning vehicle after a rollover crash near the Utah/Arizona border Tuesday. The fiery crash occurred around 3:00 p.m. and backed up southbound traffic on I-15 considerably. The driver reportedly lost control of his vehicle, went over the enbankment, and rolled, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety. The Spectrum reported that the driver, 80-year old Kenneth Thayn of Bloomington Hills suffered burns and other injuries while being helped out of the burning vehicle by motorists who stopped to help after the crash. He was later transported to a local hospital.

(MAGNA)—West Valley City police caught three people burglarizing a home in Magna recently. Officers believe the three criminals are also responsible for a rash of other burglaries in the area. Officers had been investigating about 100 burglaries in the area, each of which coming in the last five weeks. Their investigative efforts proved to lead them to a specific vehicle and group, and finally, Wednesday around 11:30 a.m., with the help of the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s they caught one woman and two men burglarizing the Magna home in question. Officers have taken them into custody and are now trying to determine the amount of robberies they’re responsible for.

(PARK CITY)—Park City police are currently seeking to track down two reports of children with guns in two days, one of them in the Park City Library and Education Center. On March 31, police were called about a group of children on Prospector Avenue, one of which reportedly had a gun. The next day, police got a call from a woman who stated she was with her son at the library when a boy with a gun confronted them in the computers section. Park City Police Captain Phil Kirk said the boy in question was Hispanic and around the ages of 12-14 who had the gun in his waistband and reportedly flashed it at the other boy. Kirk said police don’t know whether the gun was real or not or if the two calls were of the same children.

(TORREY) – Capitol Reef National Park officials are getting ready for a big Easter weekend of fun and activities. Park Spokesperson, Riley Mitchell, says extended hours will feature several events, including an exciting Easter egg hunt. Capitol Reef will extend their daily operation hours from 8am to 5pm this Friday and beginning May 22, hours will expand from 8am to 6pm. The visitor center will feature interpretive exhibits, an 18-minute video presentation shown on the hour and half hour throughout the day and the sale of materials.

(RICHFIELD) – Neighborhood Watch organizers are hoping to place aluminum can receptacles in several cities to help fund the local program. Program Organizer, Grace McCalister , says residents can drop their aluminum cans off at blue receptacles at city offices. She said that blue recycling receptacles have already been placed at the Central Valley Town Office and will be placed this week at the Salina City Office. McCalister said that Richfield is in line for a receptacle at the city office. She also commented that it’s important for people to get involved in funding Neighborhood Watch programs in their local communities by supporting the aluminum can recycling program.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Although the economy may be providing some respite, teacher shortages on both national and local levels are looming. A new study states more than half of the nation’s teachers are older than 50 while Utah Commissioner of Higher Education, Bill Sederberg, says superintendents have reported little trouble in filling teaching positions, with few exceptions. Sederberg reported a group of college deans is currently forming a coalition to work with K-12 schools in hopes of attracting more teachers to math and science education.

(RICHFIELD) – Sevier County Commissioners met in session Tuesday afternoon to consider awarding the lowest bid for the seating project at the fairgrounds. During the meeting, Commissioners discussed about five bids submitted by various contractors but were not able to make a final decision on awarding the contract due to various factors associated with funding of the project. County Clerk, Steve Wall, said the seating project needs to be completed within eight to ten weeks to be on schedule with the rest of the fairground construction. He said excavation continues on the building construction with Kier Construction of Ogden signing the final agreement Monday with County Commissioners for the $3.5-million project. Officials hope the entire project will be completed in time for the country fair this year.

(Manti) The Central Utah Sterling Scholars were chosen last night. Area high schools choose students to represent them in the competition, and the students compete for scholarships and other prizes. The students compete in individual categories, and for a general scholarship. Manti student Jaiden Olsen took the top spot in Trade and Technical Education with Mark Harris of Juab as a runner-up. Parker Earl of North Sanpete won the Computer and Information Technology category with Gentry Jensen of Gunnison and Tyler Drake of Juab as runners up. Alexander Barton of Manti took the honors in English and Literature, with Larrisa Black of Juab as runner-up. Whitney Warnick from Juab won in the Foreign Language category with Kori Martin of Manti as a runner-up. Juab student David Spencer won in Mathematics, with Jessica Lindow from North Sanpete as runner-up. In Speech and Drama, Jackson Banks of Juab took the top spot with Ariel Mickelson of Manti as a runner-up. Mayu Greenhalgh of Manti won in the Music category. Other Runner-up positions went to Stacey McKnight of Juab and Danielle Watson of North Sanpete in Visual Arts; Lateisha Shepherd of Juab and Karen Montano from North Sanpete in Business and Marketing Education; Rebekah Bunker of Juab in Family and Consumer Sciences; Valerie De Mill of North Sanpete in Dance; Mathew Olson of Manti in Social Sciences; Kolton Crane of Gunnison and Samantha Peterson of Juab in Agricultural Science; Rachel Dettinger of Manti was a runner-up in the General Scholarship Category.

(BAGHDAD, IRAQ) – President Barack Obama was not the only politician that made a surprise visit to Iraq. 3rd District Congressman, Jason Chaffetz, along with six other members of Congress, have spent the last two days in Iraq, as well. Chaffetz said in a telephone interview that, due to security reasons, he is not allowed to disclose his location. He said that he and the President were in different parts of the country during the past few days and stated the President’s 19-month plan to withdraw troops from the region is a positive step in the right direction but more work is needed. Chaffetz said he briefed top commanders and encourages the President to not let politics dictate policy but to truly look to the generals on the ground for troop withdrawl. He said Iraq still has a long, long way to go before peace can be established in the area. Chaffetz said on Monday, at least seven bombs detonated in Baghdad, killing several dozen people and wounding more than 130 and he hadn’t even ventured out of the Green Zone.

ST. LOUIS (AP)—Tina Charles amassed 25 points and 19 rebounds as the Connecticut Lady Huskies completed a perfect campaign with a 76-54 win over the Louisville Lady Cardinals Tuesday in the NCAA womens’ championship game at Scottrade Center. Connecticut built a comfortable 39-25 lead at intermission and cruised to their 39th win of the season. Maya Moore and Renee Montgomery each had 18 points in the win for the Lady Huskies as they captured their sixth national title in program history. Angel McCoughtry had 23 points in defeat for the Lady Cards.

(ROCK CANYON)—Rescue crews pulled a man from a rocky cliff in Utah County Tueday after he nearly fell 200 feet. The man, reportedly in his 20s, was base jumping in Rock Canyon near Provo when he fell. He injured his ribs, and possibly his leg. Crews successfully brought him down from the mountain where he was stabilized in a waiting ambulance, while later being taken to an area hospital for treatment.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—A judge has said she will decide within the next three weeks whether or not a teenager charged in adult court with murder will be treated as an adult. 16-year old Ricky Angilau is charged in the shooting death of a Kearns High student in January. Court records state that 16-year old Esteban Saidi was watching a fist fight between Angilau and another student near the school January 21. The records then say Angilau got tired and pulled out a gun, shooting it once in the air, and then into a group of people, killing Saidi. Angilau’s lawyers have argued he has a right to have his case start in juvenile court and that the law used by prosecutors to file charges in adult court is unconstitutional. Prosecutors state Angilau has no constitutional right to be treated as a juvenile.

(ATLANTA)—A commander at Hill Air Force Base was killed Sunday in Atlanta on his way to the airport. Col. Stephen Mittuch, a commander of the 419th Maintenance Group, was in Atlanta for an Air Force conference and was traveling south on Interstate 75 toward the airport when a car going the wrong way hit his taxi. The Georgia State Patrol believes alcohol caused the incident. The cab driver and the other driver both survived and are in stable condition. A memorial service in Col. Mittuch’s honor is slated for Friday at 3:00 p.m., at Hill Air Force Base.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—A legislative audit reports that Utah is doing a poor job of identifying convicted criminals working in the state’s public schools. The Utah Department of Public Safety has the charge to maintain a database of public education employees and notify the State Office of Education of any arrests. However, the audit reports that this has never occurred since lawmakers ordered it in 1999. The audit says that this negligence has resulted in a flawed and ineffective system of identifying the criminial histories of employees. Auditors also found current school employees who have been convicted of indecent exposure, felony sexual assault, and drug-related crimes in their study.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Salt Lake City Police are currently searching for a man who recently stole a laptop from the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. Additionally, police believe the suspect has also stolen other laptops from office buildings scattered throughout the Salt Lake Valley. On March 14, the man in question was seen on surveillance video on a fifth-floor office building at 15 E. South Temple, where a laptop and personal electronic device were taken. Detectives believe the suspect accessed the area through an emergency exit door in a public stairwell.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—As the 2009 minor league baseball season commences in Salt Lake City this week, the Salt Lake Bees’ stadium has received a new name. Tuesday afternoon at a press conference, the new name chosen was Spring Mobile Ballpark, according to the Salt Lake Tribune. The stadium takes its name from Spring Communications, a Salt Lake City-based telecommunications company which serves customers in Utah, Colorado, Idaho, and Wyoming. The Bees open their season Thursday at Spring Mobile Ballpark against the Reno Aces.

(RICHFIELD) – The Six-County Association of Governments met last week in Richfield in their 19th Annual meeting to discuss issues related to the six-county area. AOG Executive Director, Russ Cowley of Richfield, said the purpose of the meeting was to discuss the recent Utah state legislative session and the national stimulus package funding. Cowley said a panel of state legislators and congressional staff members met to discuss the correlation between elected officials in the county, state and federal governments and how to better communicate with each other on issues affecting all agencies. The theme for the meeting was “Working with Congress and the Legislature”.

(SPRINGVILLE)—A Springville man, who has been missing since Monday, returned to his home in good shape, according to family members, Tuesday. Police reported that 74-year old Kyle Cram left his home around 2:00 p.m. Monday afternoon, while family members say Cram requires oxygen and medication although he took neither with him when he left.

(RICHFIELD) – The Fishlake National Forest is looking for volunteers to restore the Fishlake Cut-Off that broke off from the Old Spanish Trail. Forest Spokesperson, Lydia Jakovac says volunteers are needed by mid-June with an opportunity to become part of history. She said that volunteers will be clearing about a half-mile section of the trail that was once used by Kit Carson in 1848, when he returned with a group of about 30 men from California with military dispatches concerning America’s war with Mexico. Twenty volunteers are needed for two sessions, with ten volunteers in the first session from June 15-19 and ten in the second session from June 22-26. To volunteer, call the Fishlake National Forest office at 896-1076.

(SALT LAKE CITY) – Former presidential candidate Mitt Romney is in Salt Lake City today to raise money for Utah Sen. Bob Bennett. Romney remains an in-demand and respected conservative voice on the economy and blames Obama for turning over his agenda to the Democratic leadership. Romney and Bennett appeared together this morning at the Rose Wagner Theatre in a discussion about the future of the Republican party. Following the discussion, a luncheon was held at the Little America Hotel where participants will paid $1000 to attend and $2400 for a photo opportunity and admission into a roundtable disucssion.

FRESNO, Calif. (AP)—Jessica Beristianos had two hits for the UC-Santa Barbara Lady Gauchos as they edged the Fresno State Lady Bulldogs, 1-0 in the second game to earn a split in their non-conference softball doubleheader Monday. In the first game, Haley Gilleland and Alexis Lujan each had two hits for the Lady Bulldogs as they earned a 3-1 win.

PULLMAN, Wash. (AP)—Greg Lagreid and Jared Prince each had three hits for the Washington State Cougars as they downed the Brigham Young Cougars, 12-8 Monday in intercollegiate baseball action at Bailey-Brayton Field. Prince, Derek Jones, and Matt Argyropoulos each added two RBI apiece for Washington State as the Cougars improved to 13-13. Kent Walton had three hits and three RBI in the loss for Brigham Young, who fell to 18-11.

DELTA, Utah (AP)—Brian Piacitelli and Dany Vargas each scored goals as the Delta Rabbits blanked the Wasatch Wasps, 2-0 Monday in non-region soccer action.

MOUNT PLEASANT, Utah (AP)—Jared Accettura, Robbie Hull, and Walker Adams each scored a goal as the Rowland Hall/St. Mark’s Winged Lions gashed the Wasatch Academy Tigers, 3-1 in Region 14 soccer action Monday. Kyle Farmer scored the sole goal for the Tigers.

BEAVER, Utah (AP)—Mindy Rasmussen had two doubles and went the distance on the mound as the Parowan Lady Rams shellacked the Beaver Lady Beavers, 23-1 in Region 13 softball action Monday.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) – Sen. Orrin Hatch is joining fellow Republicans in boycotting a confirmation hearing for an appeals court judge nominee. Last week, Hatch blasted Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont, for holding a hearing just 15 days after David Hamilton’s nomination to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. Hatch charged Democrats for trying to rush through Pres. Barack Obama’s judicial nominees without giving adequate time to research their background. He said that former Pres. Bush’s circuit court nominees never received a hearing so quickly and the committee waited 166 days on average before hearings. Hatch said that Senators take the committee’s advice and consent role seriously and need enough time to discharge this responsibility. Hatch is a ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

(RICHFIELD) – A Neighborhood Watch meeting will be held in Richfield this Thursday night. Lt. Mitch Blackham, with the Sevier County Sheriff’s Department, is offering a self-defense training course for those who attend. The meeting will be held in the basement of the Administration Building at 250 North Main in Richfield this Thursday from 7-8pm. The public is invited to attend.

(RICHFIELD) – Relay For Life organizers are preparing for the fundraiser to be held at the Richfield High School track at the end of June. Survivor Chair, Sue Parsons of Richfield says, now is the time to get teams together to participate in the Relay For Life walk. The American Cancer Society’s National signature fundraiser, Relay For Life, represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported and that one day, cancer will be eliminated. The local Relay For Life walk will take place the night of June 26th through the 27th from 6pm to 6am along the track at Richfield High School.

(PANGUITCH) – The Utah Department of Transportation closed SR-143 from Brian Head to Panguitch over the weekend due to heavy snow. Police and UDOT reports say that heavy, blowing snow was the cause of the closure on the stretch of highway in Iron and Garfield counties. They said the road was closed at about 8:30am Saturday and remained shut down until further notice.

(GREEN RIVER) – A teenage boy was killed Saturday on I-70 west of Green River due to slick roads. According to a UHP report, 16-year old, Octavio Rivas, a passenger, was ejected from the SUV he was traveling in, when the driver hit snowy conditions and lost control and rolled into the median at about 9:30pm. UHP said the driver was traveling too fast for conditions. The report also said the driver and three other passengers were wearing seat belts and were not injured but a fourth passenger suffered a leg injury.

ST. LOUIS (AP)—Angel McCoughtry had 14 of her 18 points in the second half and added 11 rebounds as the Louisville Lady Cardinals advanced to Tuesday night’s championship game with a 61-59 win over the Oklahoma Lady Sooners Sunday at Scottrade Center in the womens’ Final Four. Although Louisville trailed, 34-22 at halftime, the Lady Cards went on a 15-1 run, while Oklahoma shot only 27 percent from the field in the latter stanza. Courtney Paris had 16 points and 16 boards in the loss for the Lady Sooners while Louisville will be making their first appearance in the championship game in program history. The Lady Cards will face Big East rival Connecticut, an 88-63 victor over Stanford, Tuesday evening for the national championship.

EUGENE, Ore. (AP)—Oregon’s Amber Purvis swept the womens’ 100 and 200-meter dash titles to lead the way for the Lady Ducks at the Pepsi Invitational Saturday at Harward Track. Oregon was also bolstered by victories from Keshia Baker in the womens’ 400-meter dash and Alex Kosinki in the womens’ 1500-meter dash. Additionally, Utah State’s Ashlee Cannon earned the womens’ 100-meter hurdle title, while Tiara Walpool of Kansas State won the womens’ triple jump. As for the men, Kansas State’s Mike Myer won the mens’ 100 and 200-meter dash crowns while Jason Collett took the 800-meter dash for the Wildcats. The Oregon men also excelled on their home track with Shadrack Biwott taking the 5000-meter title while his teammate David Klech won the 400-meter hurdles. The Utah State men were represented well with Steve Strickland taking the 3000-meter steeplechase crown for the Aggies.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)—Cherrelle Garrett of California swept the womens’ 100 and 200-meter races to headline numerous strong showings from athletes scattered throughout the West at the Hornet Invitational Saturday. Her teammate, Brook Turner, also had a strong showing for the Lady Golden Bears with a win in the 400-meter dash, while another Cal standout, Evelyn Smith, took the womens’ 400-meter hurdles. Hawaii’s Amber Kaufman also excelled as she won the womens’ high jump. As for the men, the Golden Bears were bolstered by Kellan Patterson’s win in the 100-meter dash for California, while Cal’s Jake Hanson won the 400-meter hurdles. In the throwing events, the Golden Bears’ Patrick Kowalsky swept the discus and hammer throw events.

BOISE, Idaho (AP)—John Ricardi of Idaho State took the mens’ 3000-meter steeplechase title to lead the way for numerous Idaho athletes participating in the All Idaho Cup Saturday at Boise State University. Other strong showings came from Boise State’s Sande Breanna who won the womens’ 3000-meter steeplechase crown, while Idaho State’s Eric Strand took the mens’ 1500-meter dash title. Additionally, the Lady Bengals’ Ashley Turner won the womens’ 100-meter hurdles while the Idaho State men also received championships from Graef Brandon in the 110-meter hurdles, and Latimore Corban in the 400-meter dash.

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP)—Nickesha Anderson of Kansas swept the womens’ 100-meter and 200-meter dash titles to lead the way for numerous athletes scattered throughout the West competing at the Click Shootout Saturday at the University of Arizona. LaTisha Holden also excelled on her home track by earning a title in the womens’ 100-meter hurdles and Jessica Furlan of Nebraska won the womens’ 3000-meter steeplechase. Other wins for the Arizona women came from Gabriella Duclos in the pole vault and Megan Howard in the hammer throw. As for the men, Nebraska’s Lukas Hulett took the 200 and 400-meter dash crowns while his teammates, Lehann Fourie and Kirkland Thornton took the 110 and 400-meter hurdle titles, respectively. Arizona’s men also had a good day with Brian MacArthur won the mens’ 3000-meter steeplechase and Luis-Rivera Morales won the long jump.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP)—Jeshua Anderson of Washington State took the mens’ 400-meter dash crown as the Texas Relays drew to a close after four days of exciting action. Other strong showings came from Texas A&M’s mens’ 4×200 relay team which took first place and Baylor’s mens’ medley team which also placed first.

EL PASO, Texas (AP)—Rickey Claitt made 5 of 6 3-point attempts for a game-high 28 points as the Oregon State Beavers shot an astounding 63 percent (12 of 19) behind the arc in an 81-73 win over the Texas-El Paso Miners Friday at the Haskins Center. Additionally, Lathen Wallace had 13 points for the Beavers, while Roeland Schaftenaar added 12 more for Oregon State. The win gave the Beavers the College Basketball Invitational title as Oregon State finished the season with a record of 18-18. In his last appearance as a collegian, the Miners’ Stefon Jackson posted a 26 points while Arnett Moultrie added 19 points for Texas-El Paso.

PRICE, Utah (AP)—Dany Vargas and Josh Eliason each had two goals as the Delta Rabbits mowed over the Carbon Dinos, 7-2 in Region 8 soccer action Friday.

MONTICELLO, Utah (AP)—Megan Ryan had two home runs, including a grand slam for the Monticello Lady Buckaroos, but it wasn’t enough as they were clipped, 21-12, by the Kanab Cowgirls Friday in Region 13 softball action.

MONTICELLO, Utah (AP)—The Monticello Lady Buckaroos had seven runs in the sixth inning to outlast the Kanab Cowgirls, 12-11 in Region 13 softball action Friday.

(RICHFIELD) – The Fishlake National Forest is sponsoring the 30th Annual Gooseberry celebration this fall and wants the public’s help for the program. Forest Service Supervisor, John Zapell, says administrators are celebrating thirty years of the Gooseberry Third Grade Environmental Education program, where over 500 students enjoy a day-and-a-half of outdoor education, including a scarry guest. Zapell said that third grade students from Sevier, Piute and Wayne counties have been coming to the Gooseberry Administrative Site on the Fishlake National Forest for thirty years. Program organizers are looking for former students, parents and teachers, who came to the camp throughout the years since 1979, to help provide photographs, slides, prints and memories to assist in the program to be held Sept. 14-18, 2009.

(WASHINGTON CITY) – Washington City Police have arrested a woman who showed up twice at a St. George bank with a small fortune in rare gold coins, seeking to trade them for grocery money. According to a police report, 24 year old, Emily Cammack, went to a branch office of Zion’s Bank on March 24, with 14 gold coins. Police say she told the teller that Wal-Mart would not accept the coins to buy groceries and sent her to the bank. She left with about $280, the face value for the coins but officials said the coins were worth 50 times more than that. Employees recognized the woman and called police when she returned to the same bank the second time with the victim’s daughter. Washington City Police Lt. Ed Kantor said Thursday that Cammack had stolen the coins from a family she was living with. Authorities said the oldest of the $20 Double Eagle coins was minted in 1875 and the most recent was 1927 and said, depending on condition of the coins, they can be valued at anywhere from hundreds of dollars to more than a million dollars. Cammack was booked into the Purgatory Jail on Wednesday on investigation of second-degree felony theft and remains there in lieu of $10,000 bail.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) – Sen. Bob Bennett has successfully included an amendment to the Budget Resolution that would prevent Congress from raising taxes on charitable contributions to pay for health care reform. Bennett said the Senate sent a clear message to Pres. Barack Obama with passage of the amendment stating that charities benefit greatly from donations made by individuals in higher income brackets and taxing them would be a disservice to Americans. He said Obama’s budget outlines a proposal to reduce the tax rate at which taxpayers earning above $250,000 can take itemized deductions to offset health care reform. Obama continues to voice his support for his plan to limit tax deductions on charitable contributions. Bennett’s amendment to the Budget Resolution passed unanimously in the Senate.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP)—Trinity Otto of Texas A&M ensued in his successful start to the Texas Relays by placing second in the 400-meter dash in Day 2 of the competition. Additionally, Andrew Webb of Texas placed second in the 110-meter hurdles during the decathlon, while the Longhorn men were also bolstered by strong performances from Shawn Schmidt who placed third in the mens’ discus, and Kenny Greaves, who was second in the mens’ pole vault. For the women, Brigham Young’s Amy Menlove placed third in the womens’ long jump while Meaghan Peoples of Texas Christian finished first in the womens’ 800-meter dash. In the mens’ 400-meter hurdles, the Washington State men excelled with the Cougars’ Jeshua Anderson and Barry Leavitt finishing second and third, respectively. Finally, in the relays, Texas’ 4×800 team took first place on their home track in a time of 7:22.36. The meet will resume Friday.

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP)—Nebraska’s Skyler Reising has amassed 4067 points to lead all mens’ decathlon performers after the first day of competition at the Jim Click Shootout at the University of Arizona. Reising’s teammate, Bjorn Barrefors is currently in second place, while Jacob Breth of Kansas is in seventh place and Arizona’s Chris McGovern is in ninth. As for the women, Liz Roehrig of Minnesota has posted 3647 points to lead the pack in the heptathlon, while Megan Wheatley of Nebraska is in third place and Arizona’s Shevell Quinley is in fourth. The meet will resume Friday.

PROVO, Utah (AP)—Andrew Stewart had 15 kills and Kent Tuttle posted a .350 hitting percentage as the #6 Brigham Young Cougars upset the #1 UC-Irvine Anteaters, 3-1 Thursday in Mountain Pacific Sports Federation volleyball action. Russell Lavaja chipped in with five blocks for the Cougars who broke away from a 1-1 tie to win the match going away. In other MPSF volleyball action Thursday, UCLA outlasted Hawaii, 3-2.

(SALT LAKE CITY) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture is offering loans to farmers and producers to help in their operations. Bill York, Farm Loan Chief with the Utah Farm Service Agency says applications are on a first-come, first-serve basis. He said that the FSA has obligated all of the $173 million provided in the Recovery Act for its Direct Operating Farm Loan Program. $4.1-million in loans were made to 67 borrowers in Utah. York commented that the loans could be used for farm tractors, livestock, seed, fertilizer and fuel.

(DELTA) – Delta City has officially set the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest bunny hop. Delta Mayor, Gayle Bunker, said the city set the record two years ago when they held their town’s celebration. He said that Delta High School’s mascot is the rabbit and committee members discovered the record for the longest bunny hop was 1800. Bunker said 2007 Centennial organizer, Bonnie Shamo, helped organize the bunny hop and gathered 3800 people on Main Street on July 4, 2007, to set the official record. He commented that more people participated in the bunny hop on that day than the population of Delta. The city won a national award from the Freedom Foundation at Valley Forge for the entire Centennial celebration.

(MANTI) – The Annual Sanpete County Search and Rescue April Fool’s Jeep Posse Day was held Wednesday at KMTI AM650 and ended up being a huge success. Officials said local residents and businesses raised $20,860 between 8am and 5pm during the radio days broadcast. All the proceeds go toward purchasing equipment and providing needed training for search and rescue members who donate their time and vehicles to aid in search and rescues when asked by the sheriff’s department. Search and Rescue members take over KMTI AM650 for the day and do all the announcing, read the news, produce all the commercials, Tradio and take all calls. Posse Commander, Berry Bradley thanked businesses and local residents for their support of this year’s fundraiser.

(RICHFIELD) – The Main Street Enhancement Project currently underway in Richfield is having little negative effect on business in the downtown area. Heidi King, owner of The Diamond Store, says the project is a welcome addition to improving conditions downtown. For the past three weeks, crews have been working on the west side of main street between Center Street and 100 North and will move to 100 and 200 North to complete the project on the west side. Construction will then begin on the east side of main street about Apr. 15. Jones and Demille Engineering of Richfield say each block is estimated to take about 20 days and final completion of the project is estimated to be May 27, 2009. City officials are asking motorists to be careful during construction.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP)—As spring weather finally became prevalent throughout much of the United States, various decorated athletes excelled Wednesday at the first day of the Texas Relays. In the mens’ decathlon, Texas A&M’s Trinity Otto finished first overall with 3,933 points which included a first place showing in the 100-meter dash, while placing second in the 400-meter dash. As for the women, Brigham Young’s Amy Menlove placed second in the womens’ heptathlon after the first day of competition, while placing first in the 100-meter hurdles and 200-meter dash. Other strong showings came from the Lady Cougars’ Nachelle Stewart who won the womens’ 800-meter dash and Texas-El Paso’s Aggrey Chirchir who placed first in the mens’ 800-meter dash. The UTEP women were also bolstered by Kathya Garcia’s win in the womens’ 5000-meter dash. The meet will resume Thursday.

(DELTA) – The Millard County School District is facing declining enrollment, increasing costs and a cut of nearly a million dollars in funding. In their school board meeting in March, President Ron Draper, says the cuts in operations means shuffling students into other buildings. He said the changes also mean a reduction in teachers and seeking a new principal. Draper commented that the final reconfiguration will be addressed in the April 16 school board meeting and the public is invited to attend.

(SALT LAKE CITY) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has extended the sign-up deadline on two programs available to farmers for this year’s crop production. Acting State Executive Director of USDA’s Farm Service Agency in Utah, Tom Miyagishima, says the extensions for the Direct and Counter-cyclical Program and the forthcoming Average Crop Revenue Election Program, are necessary because the agency needs more information from farmers to conduct the programs. He said the deadline extension is from June 1, 2009 to Aug. 14, 2009 for both programs to give farmers time to decide which program will benefit them the most.

(SALINA) – A big drug bust was made on I-70 east of Salina Tuesday morning by Utah Highway Patrol troopers. A UHP report said that at about 9:30am, troopers pulled over a rented 2008 Chevrolet HHR for a moving violation and discovered almost 33 pounds of high-grade marijuana with an estimated street value of around $150,000. The report said the driver was identified as Diamond Flynn of Michigan and his passenger, Ramon Juma of Kansas. During the traffic stop, the trooper observed indicators of illegal activity and deployed a K-9 unit to indicate the odor of narcotics. The search led officers to the finding of three duffel bags that contained the marijuana. Both subjects were booked into the Sevier County Jail on several charges.