Story Archive for 04/17/2009
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Prep Sports Roundup: 4/17
Published on April 17, 2009 at 09:36PM
ALTAMONT, Utah (AP)—Kip Farrer had a home run and a triple as the Juab Wasps blasted the Altamont Longhorns, 15-0 Friday in Region 14 baseball action.
PRICE, Utah (AP)—Josh Denison earned the win on the mound as the Carbon Dinos crushed the Delta Rabbits, 11-1 in Region 8 baseball action Friday.
MANTI, Utah (AP)—Chase Stevens had three hits to lead the way for the Manti Templars as they got past the Gunnison Bulldogs, 6-2 Friday in Region 12 baseball action.
RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Zach Cropper, Travis Tuttle, and Kyle Medley each homered for the Richfield Wildcats as they smacked the North Sevier Wolves, 11-3 in Region 12 baseball action Friday.
PAROWAN, Utah (AP)—Craig Brinkerhoff amassed nine strikeouts, as well as six scoreless innings as the Kanab Cowboys bested the Parowan Rams, 6-2 Friday in Region 13 baseball action.
MONROE, Utah (AP)—Jovani Chavez had two goals for the North Sevier Wolves as they stormed past the South Sevier Rams, 4-1 in Region 13 soccer action Friday.
SALT LAKE CITY (AP)—Jared Accettura posted a hat trick to lead the Rowland Hall/St. Mark’s Winged Lions to a 4-2 win over the Wasatch Academy Tigers Friday in Region 14 soccer action. Kyle Farmer and Gabriel Bencosme each scored for the Tigers in the loss.
MANTI, Utah (AP)—Chelsea Cox had three hits and McKenzie Hatch posted seven strikeouts as the Manti Lady Templars hammered the Gunnison Lady Bulldogs, 9-0 Friday in Region 12 softball action.
RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Emily Pikyavit and Bailey Hampton each homered for the Richfield Lady Wildcats in a 13-3 win in Region 12 softball action Friday.
MONROE, Utah (AP)—Jolene Kirk hit a walk-off grand slam for the San Juan Lady Broncos as they got past the South Sevier Lady Rams, 9-5 Friday in Region 12 softball action. Samantha Blackburn posted two home runs in the loss for South Sevier.
MONROE, Utah (AP)—Abby Bayles earned the win on the mound for the San Juan Lady Broncos in an 11-6 win over the South Sevier Lady Rams to complete a sweep in Region 12 softball action Friday.
BEAVER, Utah (AP)—Maira Alcala had a double and Felicia Pearson earned the win on the mound for the Millard Lady Eagles in a 10-6 win over the Beaver Lady Beavers Friday in Region 13 softball action.
PAROWAN, Utah (AP)—Jamie Barton posted three doubles and Mindy Rasmussen had nine strikeouts as the Parowan Lady Rams torched the Kanab Cowgirls, 15-5 in Region 13 softball action Friday.
NEPHI, Utah (AP)—Amber Painter had four RBI and Ariel Gee added two doubles as the Juab Lady Wasps stung the Duchesne Lady Eagles, 11-0 Friday in Region 14 softball action.
Scattered flyers keep crews busy
Published on April 17, 2009 at 05:02PM
(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.
Phony bills passed in Salina
Published on April 17, 2009 at 04:44PM
(SALINA) – Millard County deputies are searching for individuals involved in passing phony $50 bills in Salina. According to a police report, the deputies were alerted Monday, after a waitress at Gatorz Drive Inn in Salina, received a $50 bill that looked counterfeit. She showed the bill to a Salina Police Officer, who was at the restaurant for lunch, who told her she should take the bill to a local bank. Bank employees said the bill was counterfeit. A Drive Inn employee was alert enough to write down the license plate number of the vehicle and a description of those who passed the bill. Salina Police were able to track the vehicle to a person registered out of Hinckley and notified the Sheriff’s Office. The report said that the Utah County Major Crimes Task Force obtained a search warrant on a Delta residence and discovered several items used to print money, including a print machine and color ink cartridges. No one was in the house at the time of the search. Authorities say that three other fake $50 bills were also passed in Salina, along with the one at Gatorz Drive Inn. The investigation continues and arrests are pending.
Outdoorsmen pack County Chambers
Published on April 17, 2009 at 04:18PM
(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.
Substitute Teacher Accused of Fighting With Students
Published on April 17, 2009 at 03:32PM
(ROY)—A substitute teacher in Roy has been accused of fighting with three students. Weber School District officials stated the incident occurred Thursday when Boyd Fisher reportedly asked a student to stop spinning a dog tag around his neck after which he grabbed his wrist, threw him down the stairs, and dragged him to the principal’s office. One of the boys’ friends reportedly tried to calm Fisher down but yanked him as well, while dragging him to the office. The boys were taken to separate emergency facilities while suffering a litany of injuries. District spokesman Nate Taggart said Fisher will no longer be substituting at the school while the Roy Police Department plans to address the incident shortly.
Ex-Boyfriend Arrested in Drive-By Shooting
Published on April 17, 2009 at 03:25PM
(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.
Case of Mother Accused of Killing Toddler Goes To The Jury
Published on April 17, 2009 at 03:19PM
(SALT LAKE CITY)—The jury is deliberating the case against a woman accused of killing her son. Prosecutors say Adrianna Lucero was overwhelmed caring for three young children and that last August 24, she took the 2-year old victim to her boyfriend’s house where the boy began to twitch and collapsed. Defense attorneys say ex-boyfriend Sergio Martinez-Gonzalez killed the toddler and Lucero lied to police in order to protect him. Prosecutors charged Martinez-Gonzalez with obstruction of justice, but the charge has been dismissed. Lucero is charged with first-degree felony murder and second-degree felony child abuse.
Texas Company Requests Nation's Radioactive Waste
Published on April 17, 2009 at 03:12PM
(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.
UDOT Ensues in Expensive Project
Published on April 17, 2009 at 03:07PM
(UTAH COUNTY)—The most expensive project the Utah Department of Transportation has ever undertaken is moving forward in Utah County. A section of I-15 from Provo’s Center Street exit-American Fork will be rebuilt at a cost of $1.7 billion. Originally, the project was to be even longer but over time things have been scaled back through the Legislature to cut costs. Project spokeswoman Heather Barnum said there will be active construction throughout the zone in order to accelerate the process. Barnum said the first stage of the project started this week and they hope to start building next April with hopes of completion by 2014.
Bankrupt Luxury Community Sold To Same Developer
Published on April 17, 2009 at 02:55PM
(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.
New Yorkers Join Search For Utah Fugitive
Published on April 17, 2009 at 02:46PM
(SALT LAKE CITY)—A “Most Wanted” profile put out by the Salt Lake City Police Department is gaining viral status, at least among the alleged victims of a woman known as the “Hipster Grifter.” 22-year old Kari Michelle Ferrell was the subject of an expose in the New York Observer earlier this week. The paper reported she’s been working for the popular New York magazine, “Vice,” and Salt Lake Police have been looking for her. Police state that she is charged in Utah with forgery and theft of some $60,000. Many of Ferrell’s alleged victims are people who have had relationships with her and trusted her with money or access to their bank accounts. Ferrell has also gained renown in New York City where people claiming she has burned them have contacted Salt Lake City police. Her Facebook page is also rife with comments from people who claim she has lied to them and stolen their money. Police are hoping the Internet interest will assist them and arrest her while they also mentioned that the Internet is becoming instrumental in helping them solve crimes.
Man Leads Troopers On Wild Chase
Published on April 17, 2009 at 02:39PM
(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.
6-Year Old Suffers Injury After Being Hit By Car
Published on April 17, 2009 at 02:33PM
(HIGHLAND)—A 6-year old boy is in critical condition after being struck by a car Friday morning. Police say the boy was returning from dropping mail in the mailbox on the corner for his parents when he was hit by a car. The driver was a 65-year old man, and officers are trying to determine how fast he was going before the crash occurred. Police say drivers need to be more aware of where kids are when they’re driving. The boy was taken by helicopter to the hospital with a head injury.
Man Accused of Letting Toddler Overdose Out of Jail
Published on April 17, 2009 at 02:26PM
(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.
Cove View Golf course ready for tournaments
Published on April 17, 2009 at 01:55PM
(RICHFIELD) – The Cove View golf course in Richfield is getting ready for spring tournaments coming up. Golf Pro, Kris Abegland, says with the addition of nine holes, the course is available for big tournaments, while inviting amateur golfers. Abegland said revenues are up this spring, even with a few bad storms hitting the area within the past few weeks. He said some new tournaments are slated this year, including a mixed tournament on May 2 and a Men’s Senior Amateur Tournament for guys over 50 on June 27. Other tournaments include the Richfield Area Chamber of Commerce fundraiser and Sevier Valley Hospital tournament.
Big Game draw available April 30
Published on April 17, 2009 at 01:26PM
(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.
Snow College readies for graduation
Published on April 17, 2009 at 01:10PM
(EPHRAIM) – Snow College in Ephraim and Richfield is getting ready for graduation ceremonies the first week of May. Admissions and Communications Director, Greg Dart, says graduation at the Richfield campus bears a home-town atmosphere. Snow College-Richfield graduation will be held on May 1 at the Sevier Valley Center Theatre featuring commencement speaker, Rick White, who was the former vice-president of Snow College in Richfield. He’s currently the president of The Utah College of Applied Technologies. Snow College-Ephraim will conduct graduation ceremonies on May 2, featuring commencement speaker, Lori Carter of the Juliard School of Music.
Public trails meeting slated today
Published on April 17, 2009 at 11:34AM
(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.
Commissioner Art Show slated for Monday
Published on April 17, 2009 at 09:37AM
(RICHFIELD) – The 2009 Sevier County Commissioners Art Show gets underway April 21-25 in Richfield. Arts Show Chairperson, Jeanne Puzey of Richfield says artists can enter their art work on Monday, April 20th from noon to 4pm with a special treat for the public. Puzey said the public is invited to the art show April 21-25 at the atrium on the east side of the Sevier Valley Center in Richfield. She said art work can be viewed from noon to 7pm weekdays and 10am to 5pm on Saturday. Admission is free to the public.
Municipal leaders meet on economy
Published on April 17, 2009 at 08:50AM
(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.
Chaffetz introduces legislation on TSA porn
Published on April 17, 2009 at 08:19AM
(WASHINGTON D.C.) – Utah Congressman Jason Chaffetz has introduced his first bill concerning invasion of privacy at airports around the country that use full-body scanning devices. Chaffetz says the screenings are nothing more than TSA porn. He’s meeting with both the American Civil Liberties Union and Transportation Security Administration to stop TSA from expanding the body scan program. Chaffetz commented that he wants security at airports but the body scan devices go too far in invasion of privacy. TSA declined to comment until officials could meet with Chaffetz. The Salt Lake International Airport is one of six test airports for the body scanner around the nation. Travelers don’t have to participate in the program but still must go through normal screening processes.
Public trails meeting slated in Richfield
Published on April 17, 2009 at 07:40AM
(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.
Havlat's Heroics Lift Hawks Past Flames
Published on April 17, 2009 at 12:31AM
CHICAGO (AP)—Martin Havlat had two goals including the game-winner 12 seconds into overtime as the Chicago Blackhawks got past the Calgary Flames, 3-2 Thursday in the first game of their Stanley Cup playoffs series. The Flames led on two occasions on goals by David Moss and the second by Michael Cammalleri which gave them a 2-1 lead. Nevertheless, the Blackhawks remained resilient and with just over five minutes left in the third period, Havlat scored his first goal, thus setting the stage for his extra period heroics. Game 2 of this series will take place Saturday at the United Center. In other NHL action Thursday, Anaheim blanked San Jose, 2-0, Boston doubled up Montreal, 4-2, and Detroit blasted Columbus, 4-1.
Thunderbirds Thrive In Rout of Leathernecks
Published on April 17, 2009 at 12:19AM
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.
Waves Down Cougars In Volleyball Tilt
Published on April 17, 2009 at 12:10AM
MALIBU, Calif. (AP)—Paul Carroll had 30 kills as the #2 Pepperdine Waves downed the #6 Brigham Young Cougars, 3-1 Thursday at Firestone Fieldhouse in Mountain Pacific Sports Federation volleyball action. The two teams will meet again Friday at Pepperdine in the final regular season match for both squads.
Intercollegiate Track Roundup: 4/16
Published on April 17, 2009 at 12:04AM
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.