(SALT LAKE CITY)—A regional jet bound for Chicago at Salt Lake City International Airport was evacuated after the pilot reported smoke in the cockpit. United Flight 6184 was slated to take off at about 11:00 a.m. Tuesday when the pilot reported smoke during the taxi to the runway. It was unclear whether the pilot saw smoke or smelled it. Airport spokeswoman Barbara Gann says the plane immediately returned to the gate and all 60 passengers and six crew members left the plane safely. A message left for United on Tuesday was not immediately returned.

(EUREKA)—The state Division of Water Quality has taken more samples from Eureka’s water system after a test last week revealed trace amounts of E. coli. Eureka, a town of less than 1000 residents in extreme western Juab County, has been under a boil-water order since a test at a resident’s home was positive for E. coli. Officials have spent $2000 to install a temporary chlorinating system. The E. coli bacteria can sicken those who ingest it, causing headaches, nausea and cramps. In some cases, it can be fatal to those with weakened immune systems.

(DENVER)—Eagle County sheriff’s officials say human remains were discovered in a backcountry area of Vail Pass during a search as part of an FBI investigation. FBI spokeswoman Kathy Wright confirmed that agents were in the area Monday. Wright declined to say whether the search was part of its investigation into 42-year old Scott Lee Kimball who has connections to four people who disappeared in 2003 and 2004. Kimball is a former cooperating witness for the FBI and in March, he led investigators to the remains of a 24-year old woman in a remote eastern Utah canyon. He also claims to know the whereabouts of another woman’s remains in the same area. Scott Kimball has not been charged in any of the disappearances or deaths.

(WEST VALLEY CITY)—A West Valley City boy is in the hospital after suffering second and third-degree burns to nearly one-third of his body. Neighbors say the 6-year old boy and two friends were playing with gasoline and a lighter when the boy accidentally set his shirt on fire. According to 911 dispatchers, Monday night at about 8:00 p.m., the boy’s shirt caught fire while he and two other children were lighting puddles of fire inside a gasoline can on fire. Neighbors said the boy’s shirt was barely left. Firefighters say after a witness rolled the boy on the ground to stop the fire, he ran into the house where his parents took off the burning shirt. They then poured sour cream over parts of his body that were badly burned. Investigators say the parents told firefighters they used sour cream on the boy because they heard it would help the burn but firefighters say this may have compounded the problem. West Valley Fire Department Battalion Chief Jeff Fox said the only thing the parents should have used is a sterile sheet. The boy was flown to the University Hospital burn center in critical condition where doctors say he will need to undergo several skin grafts.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Smith’s Food and Drug Stores said it is expanding its recall on beef to include packages weighing two pounds or more of store-brand labeled beef grind 85/15 with sell-by dates of April 27-June 1. Smith’s said the beef was supplied by JBS Swift Beef Company and may be contaminated with E. coli. Smith’s says the product is no longer in stores and is asking customers to check their freezers at home for ground beef for one of four UPC codes. Smith’s stores in Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming are included in the recall. Customers with questions should call 1-800-632-6900.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—University of Utah police are looking for a man who broke into a student’s bedroom and went through her dresser drawers, likely in an attempt to steal underwear. A female student, living at Benchmark Plaza called police after she had a scary run-in with a man dressed completely in black. The Daily Utah Chronicle reported the student woke up Friday night after hearing a noise and used her cell phone as a flashlight which enabled her to find a man on her bedroom floor. As she screamed, the Chronicle stated the man grabbed and pushed her before she ran out of the apartment. The man left before police arrived on the scene. Police concluded the man was trying to steal the student’s underwear, when she interrupted him. No detailed description of the man was provided.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—In a state long known for its reticent attitude toward alcohol, the advent of July will bring some radical changes to Utah. Wednesday, a new state law will go into effect eliminating a requirement that has made every bar in Utah a private club for the past 40 years. The change is being made in an effort to make the state more appealing to tourists and to entice businesses to move to Utah. In exchange for allowing bars to open their doors to anyone 21 or older, state lawmakers strengthened drunken driving penalties and are also requiring bars to electronically scan the ID’s of anyone who looks younger than 35.

(SIGURD) – The Utah Highway Patrol has reported an oil tanker rollover this morning on SR-24 at the Sigurd exit. UHP said that at about 9:30am, 30-year old, Dean Sanderson of Mt. Pleasant, was driving a two-trailer oil tanker northbound, when he became distracted and drifted his rig off the right shoulder of the highway and rolled his back trailer. Reports say the crash spilled about 30 gallons of crude oil and hazmat crews and the Richfield Fire Department were called out to clean up the fuel. The road was closed for about a half hour this morning while crews clean up the mess. Sanderson was wearing his seatbelt and was not injured in the accident. The truck belonged to Mascaro Asphalt Express out of North Salt Lake.

(SALT LAKE CITY) – A federal judge on Monday dismissed a lawsuit filed by five officers at the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office who alleged they were demoted and their free speech rights were violated over politics. U.S. District Judge Bruce Jenkins ruled that Allen Pearson, Jerred LeFevre and Troy Morgan, had no constitutional right to keep a certain position within the Sheriff’s Office and noted that although the three said they had been demoted, they still retained their rank of sergeant and rate of pay when they were assigned to new tasks. The three, along with Kirt Rippstein and Sgt. Jack Peterson, claim that Sheriff Phil Barney demoted them because they had supported Barney’s opponent, Delbert Lloyd, in the Republican Primary in June of 2006. After Barney defeated Lloyd, the five officers were transferred to other positions within the department. The suit named the sheriff’s office and Barney as defendants and sought millions of dollars in damages.

(SALINA) – Salina Police are asking the public to be aware of illegal activity in the area and report it. In a police report, Garry Lund went out to his shop Monday morning and found a bullet hole in the north side of his structure and then located a hole in the south side where the bullet had entered but had not gone all the way through. Salina Police were notified and determined the bullet came from a .22 caliber firearm. The Lund’s had been gone for the weekend and had returned home Sunday night. Minimal damage was assessed to the Lund’s shop but police say the potential for damage or serious personal injury to someone is huge. No suspects have been apprehended in the case and police are asking the public for help with any information.

(PROVO)—Residents in southern Utah County and those near the Manti LaSal National Forest may see smoke this week from a prescribed burn in the area. Additionally, some roads near the Scofield Reservoir will also be closed. The burn started Sunday and continued into Monday while residual smoke may be visible for two weeks. The purpose of the burn is to improve aspen and mountain brush regeneration by reducing mixed conifer encroaching into the aspen stands. Roads and trails affected by the closure include the Fish Creek National Recreation Trail, Fish Creek, Fish Creek Campground, Beans Ridge Road, Gooseberry Silver Creek Trail, and Forest Service Road #221 from Beans Ridge Road-Granger Ridge. For more information, please contact the Ferron U.S. Forest Service Office at 384-2372.

(FARMINGTON)—A former Bountiful Junior High School teacher accused of carrying on a sexual relationship with a teenage boy is apparently headed for trial. During an appearance in 2nd District Court Monday, an attorney for 40-year old Valynne Bowers indicated there would not be a plea deal, citing “legal issues” that have complicated the case. Outside of court, Bowers’ attorney Richard Gallegos said Davis County prosecutors had offered Bowers a chance to plead guilty to first degree felony charges of rape and sodomy. Bowers reportedly rejected the deal, believing the facts of the case did not match the charges. Gallegos also noted the alleged victim was not in Bowers’ class when she began the relationship with him, nor did it take place at the school. Gallegos planned to file court motions to challenge the enhancement and he would not rule out calling the teenage boy to the witness stand as he told reporters that under testimony, “facts” of the case may change. Bowers is one of two teachers accused of having sex with the same teenage student, while the other, 46-year old Linda Nef struck a plea deal with prosecutors earlier this month. Nef is expected to be sentenced July 21.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Utah’s health experts are working to reduce unnecessary accidents and deaths in the state’s hospitals. Statistics show 28 people died unexpectedly last year. Utah Department of Health patient safety director Iona Thraen said major causes of such mortality rates include not cutting in the right places when surgeries occur and leaving behind sponges, needles and other surgical tools were stitched up with the patients in 24 of the deaths. Thraen also said that because 2008 was the first year of thorough analysis, the numbers may simply be up due to better reporting.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has confirmed all missionaries in Honduras are safe and staying in their apartments as Church leaders monitor the country’s tenuous political situation. Local members are supplying the missionaries with food and water. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says the United States believes the unrest in Honduras “has evolved into a coup” and officials believe the situation should be monitored closely. Clinton says a delegation from the Organization of American States will be heading to Honduras as early as Tuesday to begin work on restoration of constitutional government there. U.S. diplomats have been working to ensure the safety of deposed Honduran President Manuel Zelaya and his family as they press for restoration of constitutional law and his presidency.

(MORRISON, Colo.)—Colorado Governor Bill Ritter is taking a turn conducting the world-renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir. When the choir performs at the Red Rocks Amphitheater in suburban Denver Monday evening, Governor Ritter will briefly serve as the guest conductor. The concert is a fundraiser for the National Sports Center for the Disabled. Before the show, Governor Ritter plans to talk to a bankers’ group in Denver and will be presiding over an event to highlight safety improvements at the state Capitol.

(ST. GEORGE)—City leaders in St. George believe they need a new and improved airport, but some residents aren’t quite as assured. Due to poor demand, air service from Los Angeles-St. George was discontinued last week and city manager Marc Mortensen says the current airport doesn’t meet new Federal Aviation Administration standards. Because of this, Mortensen said, the airport cannot handle larger regional jets and that it is inadequate. Nevertheless, residents, such as Jed Nielsen think the airport could be a mistake if it looks empty. The new airport is slated to open in 2011.

(GUNNISON) – The Sanpete County Sheriff’s Office has reported the death of a Salina man hiking in a remote area of Mellor Canyon east of SR-28 Saturday morning. The report said that 48-year old, Stephen Taylor, was hiking with a friend around 10am, when he fell from a ledge and struck his head. Taylor’s friend called 9-1-1 and deputies responded, along with Search and Rescue and the Technical Rescue Team. He met authorities at SR-28 and led them back to recover Taylor’s body. Officials transported the man’s body to the Gunnison Valley Hospital.

(MANTI) – Mormon Miracle Pageant organizers say that more people attended the pageant this year than last year. Directors say that official totals indicate that pageant attendance numbers were up by more than 9,000 than in past years. Totals show that at least 86,500 people attended the pageant this year. Other official totals show that Friday night’s performance set a record with 14,000 people attending and Saturday night’s final performance also set a record with 16,500 attending. Directors say they were pleased with the record attendance at the pageant this year, despite some night’s performances facing threatening weather.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) – 3rd District Congressman, Jason Chaffetz, is co-sponsoring a bill that would force Congress to allow for Americans living overseas to be counted in the 2010 Census. 1st District Congressman, Rob Bishop, introduced legislation last week because the Census Bureau is refusing to allow Americans living overseas to be counted, unless they’re affiliated with the federal government. Bishop said the Census Bureau could fix the problem right now but refuse to do so unless Congress makes them do it. Chaffetz commented that the feds are spending millions of dollars to make sure we count illegal immigrants but have no responsibility to count legal citizens living abroad. Backers of the new legislation argue that the Bishop bill gives the Census Bureau the guidance and mandate it has previously lacked.

(LAS VEGAS) – Sec. Of the Interior, Ken Salazar and Sen. Harry Reid, are announcing a series of initiatives today to expedite the development of solar energy on U.S. public lands in the West. The announcement is being made at a news conference in Las Vegas. Details of the announcement will be offered as information is made available.

(RICHFIELD) – Richfield City kicked off July 4th activities with the Miss Richfield Pageant Saturday night and Patriotic Program Sunday night at the Sevier Valley Center Theatre in Richfield. Judges chose McCall Nielson as Queen, First Attendant is McKenna Jones, Second Attendant is Kylee Greenhalgh and Third Attendant is Sarah Curtis. The royalty will reign over July 4th events and several activities throughout the year. Richfield City was also host to the annual Patriotic Program featuring Master of Ceremonies, Bob Jepson. Mayor Brad Ramsay recognized the Sevier County Search and Rescue as Grand Marshalls this year along with a presentation by Hal Edwards of the MacNeal Magelby Service Award to Bryant and Edna Washburn. Piano duets, quartets and video presentations, along with a Salute to Veterans, rounded out the evening of presentations.

(MANTI) – A Provo man escaped serious injury after rolling his utility trailer on SR-89 about 2 miles south of Manti Thursday afternoon. According to a UHP report, at about 4:30pm, 69-year old, Morris Robins, was traveling southbound in a 1999 Chevy pickup pulling a utility trailer, when he began to fishtail and overturned the trailer across lanes of travel. The report said that Robins sustained non-incapacitating injuries but was transported to the Sanpete Valley Hospital. Troopers said Robins was wearing his seatbelt.

(WEST VALLEY CITY)—Three people accused of kidnapping and robbing a man last week have been jailed. They were tracked down and arrested Thursday and police say they planned out the crime on an innocent victim. Police say that when the victim walked into an apartment after an invitation from Natasha Watts, it proved to be a setup. From there, police say the men walked inside, and the victim was confronted by two people with guns. The suspects then drove the man to a Maverik convenience store and after he withdrew some money and gave it to the suspects, they left him behind. Thursday, an officer near the apartments in question saw a car which matched the description of the suspects’ car. They were booked into the Salt Lake County jail on charges of aggravated kidnapping and robbery.

(DRAPER)—Zions First National Bank is accusing the city of Draper of sabotaging the bank’s efforts to get the half-finished SunCrest housing development completed. The bank filed a $25 million lawsuit June 11, alleging the city scared away prospective new owners by making demands for expensive infrastructure upgrades. Zions bought the development out of bankruptcy a year ago for more than $25 million hoping to turn it over quickly to a new developer. City officials deny these allegations and say they hope things work out. Additionally, Zions hand delivered a letter to Draper officials, telling them they had 30 days to find a new bank. Draper currently uses Zions for deposits, savings accounts, credit cards and payroll functions.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Friday’s “Swing State Project Morning Briefing” implied that Kirk Jowers and Josh Romney may share a ticket in the 2010 Utah governor’s race. Although Gary Herbert, the current lieutenant governor in Utah will be the governor for a year, many aspirants still see it as an open seat, Brigham Young University political science professor Kelly Patterson said. At this time, though, Jowers and Romney remain tight-lipped. Jowers currently serves as the head of the Hinckley Institute of Politics while Romney is a real estate developer and the son of former United States presidential candidate Mitt Romney.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—A big boost in funding for UTA means projects are moving forward, creating jobs in the process. The U.S. Department of Transportation made the announcement Thursday night that more than $48 million would be headed to UTA as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment act. UTA says the funds were distributed to several states with shovel-ready projects. More than half of the $48 million received will be used to renovate the old ZMCI warehouse in Salt Lake City while it will be replaced as the new Jordan River Service Center. This new center was expected to be finished sometime in 2015 but now the projected project is expected to take only two years. Of the $48 million, nearly $25 million will be used for renovation. Upon its completion, there are expected to be seven light-rail tracks inside the building. It will also provide about 200 jobs when it is completed while 180 more job openings will arise during its construction. Additionally, the stimulus money will be used for preventative maintenance, new buses and security improvements on the transit system.

(PROVO)—A boat that capsized at Utah Lake Monday has been found, but there is still no sign of anyone who was on it. Search teams found the flat-bottomed boat Thursday afternoon about a mile from where it flipped. The boat was upside-down and completely submerged in the water. Six men were on board at the time of the incident and after swimming for three hours, one of the men reached the shore and called 911. Search and rescue teams then found the other four throughout the night. The sixth, Lon Thongthipvoravong of Orem is still missing and is presumed dead.

(SUMMIT COUNTY)—Westbound Interstate 80 in Summit County was shut down at Wanship Friday morning because of a rollover involving a truck carrying a propane tank. The freeway reopened just before 10:00 a.m. after crews unloaded the propane and moved the truck. The driver told emergency dispatchers he tried to avoid hitting an animal and the truck ended up on its side. He was pulling a tank filled with 4900 gallons of propane.

(DAVIS COUNTY)—Davis County prosecutors are attempting to figure out how a man charged with more and more felonies turn the jail into a revolving door. The Ogden Standard-Examiner reports 38-year old Richard Raymond Walker has been released or bailed out four times since November, after being accused of new felonies. According to analysis done by the Standard-Examiner, Walker was booked on first-degree felony charges of aggravated sexual abuse of a child on November 14 while he was released the same day. Walker was booked again on December 5 on two third-degree felony protective order violations. In February and March, there were three more felony bookings while in one instance, Walker was released the same day. In two other cases, he posted bail. Davis County Attorney Troy Rawlings said he’s concerned and while prosecutors are investigating, they also said a decision on bail rests in the judge’s hands. Prosecutors also believe that in certain instances, he appeared to have been released before the judge could make a decision on bail. Walker is currently behind bars after being booked May 15 on warrants for failure to appear before a court hearing.

(MONTICELLO)—A 7-year old Draper boy has died after his ATV collided with a dump truck on a family farm near Monticello. The boy and his 12-year old sister were riding ATVs Thursday at about 5:30 p.m. when he ran into a dump truck carrying gravel. The boy was propelled headfirst into the truck and although he was wearing a helmet, he still suffered significant brain damage. He was rushed to two hospitals before being taken to Primary Children’s Medical Center where he passed away. San Juan County Sheriff’s deputies say rain and speed may have been factors in the crash.

(BERYL) – Charges will not likely be filed in the shooting death of a five-year old girl who was accidently shot with a rifle belonging to her grandparents in Beryl. Iron County Sheriff’s Deputies said the County Attorney is waiting for a report on the incident before determining if any laws were broken. The report was to be released today (Friday). On Monday, a five-year old girl was playing with a rifle at her birthday party, along with another girl. Investigators say the five-year old found the rifle in her grandparent’s bedroom but don’t know if the girl shot herself or if the other girl accidently shot her. Sheriff Mark Gower said the shooting is a tragic accident and is fairy certain that charges will not be filed.

(BIG WATER) – Boaters at Lake Powell will see some launch changes during the July 4 holiday weekend. Beginning Monday, the National Parks Service is closing major launch ramps between 10pm and 5:30am to keep quagga and zebra mussels out of the lake. NPS personnel will also be on hand between 5:30am and 10pm daily to ask a series of questions to every boater before they launch. Boaters that have been on waters infested with quagga or zebra mussels must be decontaminated before they launch.

NEW YORK (AP)—In what has already been an eventful week in the NBA, more headlines were made Thursday during the league’s annual draft at Madison Square Garden. As expected, the Los Angeles Clippers made consensus national collegiate player of the year Blake Griffin of Oklahoma the #1 draft pick overall with the Memphis Grizzlies selecting Hasheem Thabeet of Connecticut second and Arizona State’s James Harden going third to Oklahoma City. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves, with six selections made many high profile moves as they selected Ricky Rubio of Spain with the fifth overall selection and the prolific Johnny Flynn of Syracuse with the sixth overall pick. Despite the controversial decision to draft point guards successively, Minnesota personnel said they believe both Rubio and Flynn have the potential to be special players. As for the Utah Jazz, they selected Virginia Commonwealth point guard Eric Maynor with the 20th overall pick and Michigan State’s Goran Suton with the 50th overall selection in the second round. Maynor is best known for his dramatic game-winning shot against Duke in the first round of the 2007 NCAA Tournament and averaged 22 points and six assists this past season for the Rams. As for Suton, he helped lead the Spartans to the 2009 NCAA Tournament national championship game while he played solid defense against USC’s Taj Gibson (selected 26th overall by the Chicago Bulls) in Michigan State’s win in this past season’s tournament over the Trojans. The Memphis Grizzlies also had a solid overall draft as in addition to Thabeet, they took Missouri’s DeMarre Carroll with the 28th overall pick in the first round while they also got Pittsburgh’s Sam Young with the 36th pick.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—The Bureau of Land Management in Utah’s west desert is concerned that the switch to digital television will lead to a rash of TV’s that are illegally abandoned and used for target practice. Glenn Carpenter, the manager of the BLM’s West Desert office said he’s already seen an increase in recent years in the number of illegally dumped TV’s, computer monitors, keyboards and cell phones. Carpenter said this is dangerous because many of the abandoned items include lead, mercury and arsenic, and they are difficult and expensive to remove. BLM officials urge residents to follow state disposal guidelines for electronic waste. They say the west desert may be particularly vulnerable to illegal dumping because of its proximity to the Salt Lake City area.

(SARATOGA SPRINGS)—The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is looking at its farmland in Utah County as a possible route for a new freeway. Future projections suggest thousands of people could soon inhabit Saratoga Springs and other nearby communities within the next few decades. The Church owns a great deal of farmland near Saratoga Springs as well as in Cedar Valley and Genola and has hired consultants to find the best possible freeway route through the land. Saratoga Springs mayor Timothy Parker has been looking over the proposals and stated now is the time to start preserving land for future transportation corridors, something he wishes could have been done earlier.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Utah senators Orrin Hatch and Bob Bennett are joining other Western lawmakers in taking on a so-called “anti-oil” administration. The senators have formed the “Western Senate Caucus,” which they say is in the interest of Americans who pump gas into cars, turn on their lights, and look for affordable ways to feed their families. The caucus directly took aim at Interior Secretary Ken Salazar’s decision to rescind parcels of federal Utah land auctioned off in December and the use of other federal land in Utah. Senator Hatch told the Salt Lake Tribune this caucus is similar to the Sagebush Rebellion of the 1970s when Western officials aimed to turn back federal lands to state and local governments.

(VERNAL)—A pregnant Utah teenager charged with hiring a man to beat her in an effort to induce a miscarriage has entered a no contest plea in juvenile court. The 17-year old girl, who is now eight months pregnant, was charged with first-degree felony criminal solicitation to commit murder in 8th District Juvenile Court. She entered the plea on Tuesday to a second-degree felony count of the charge. The girl, a Uintah County resident, has not been identified due to her age. Judge Larry A. Steele ordered the teen to be placed in the custody of Utah Juvenile Justice Services until she is 21. Steele denied a request that the girl be placed in the custody of her parents, citing concerns about her welfare and that of the unborn child which survived the attack. Steele also ordered her to undergo mental evaluations and attend prenatal and parenting counseling. Court documents said the state also planned to file a petition to take custody of the girl’s child when it is born. Prosecutors say the girl paid 21-year old Aaron Harrison $150 to beat her up after he threatened to break up with her if she didn’t get rid of the child. Court documents confirm that on May 20, Harrison brought the girl to his home, where he was accused of striking and biting her, leaving bruises on her stomach and a bite mark on her neck. Harrison faces second-degree felony attempted murder charges. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison.

(SALINA) – A semi carrying aluminum casings rolled on I-70 this morning just east of Salina. UHP reports say that the semi was traveling westbound at about 10:45am, when the trailer tipped over, blocking lanes of traffic. UHP immediately closed westbound lanes for about two hours while crews cleaned up fuel leaking from the truck. Reports stated that no one was injured in the accident. There’s no report on who was driving the truck or where it originated or the cause of the accident. The investigation continues.

(PROVO)—Costco and a grower are apologizing to a Provo woman after she discovered a black widow in produce she purchased. Provo resident Kimberly Warner was washing grapes she bought at the Orem Costco on Monday when she spotted what she thought was a “monster grape spider.” She then discovered it was a black widow, which was slightly larger than a quarter. She trapped the spider in a jar and called Costco, while the next morning a manager from Costco was at her house to apologize, get the spider, and find out where the grapes came from. It was revealed that they came from Bakersfield, Calif. and the grower located there also called Warner to apologize. Warner stated she would continue to buy grapes at Costco, but she would always check for spiders.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—A car got stuck on light-rail tracks in Salt Lake City while police say alcohol likely was involved in the incident. Utah Transit Authority officials say a woman was driving at 200 West and 1200 South Wednesday evening when she mistook the tracks for the road. She then crashed into a power pole and high-centered her car. TRAX trains were diverted while crews pulled the car out of the way. Officials say the woman was intoxicated and she will face DUI charges.

(HILL AIR FORCE BASE)—Some electricity used at Hill Air Force Base will now come from the sun. Thursday, base officials flipped the switch for 1400 solar panels while the project is part of a ground-based solar-array system in a field west of the base. The panels could possibly be capable of generating about 230 kilowatts. A ceremony took place Thursday morning which featured Colonel Patrick Rigby, the commander of the 75th Air Base Wing.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) – Sen. Orrin Hatch has raised concerns about Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor’s judicial record with respect to cases involving American’s Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms. Speaking on the Senate floor this week, Hatch noted that Sotomayor’s years as a federal appeals court judge, took a “somewhat dim view of the Second Amendment”. Hatch said that her decisions included virtually no analysis, conflicting with precedent and was unnecessary to decide the cases before her. He said this is not a picture of a judge setting aside personal views to reach politically correct results rather than apply the law.

(SALINA) – Federal prosecutors have charged a Los Angeles woman with transportation of an undocumented immigrant in connection with a March fatal rollover near Salina on I-70. Court documents allege that Manuela Gonzalez picked up a Guatemalan man in the parking lot of a Los Angeles KFC on March 23. According to an immigration affadavit, the man later identified Gonzalez as the driver of a 1999 Toyota Sienna and told investigators that she picked up two more passengers before leaving the vehicle at a local park. The affadavit stated that another driver took over and picked up two more people, bringing the total to 10 Guatamalans and two Mexican nationals. Reports say the van flipped on I-70 near Salina the next day, killing two occupants and ejecting several others, when the driver fell asleep at the wheel. The Mexican nationals were transporting the illegal immigrants to different states as their final destinations.

(FAIRVIEW) – A Holladay woman was killed on SR-89 north of Fairview Wednesday night and three of her passengers were injured when they hit an elk. A UHP report said that 24-year old, Brooke Baldwin was traveling at a high rate of speed in a 2007 Ford Focus at about 9:45pm, when she hit the elk in the middle of the road. The report said that Baldwin went through a fence and rolled, coming to rest on her top. Her passengers, 24-year old, Britany Baldwin of Provo, 25-year old, Michael Baldwin of Provo and 26-year old, Alecia Baldwin of Holladay, all sustained cuts, bruises and abrasions and were transported to the Sanpete Valley Hospital for treatment. Brooke died of head injuries at the hospital. UHP reports say that all occupants were wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident

OMAHA (AP)—While Division I college football resides in its own fantasy land, rife with imaginary national championships and egregious bias, the LSU Tigers won arguably the toughest collegiate national crown to obtain. Jared Mitchell hit a three-run homer for the Tigers in the first inning en route to an 11-4 win over the Texas Longhorns Wednesday at Rosenblatt Stadium as LSU won their sixth Division I baseball national title. After the Tigers raced out to a 4-0 lead, the Longhorns proved to be up to the challenge as they deadlocked things at 4-4 headed into the sixth inning. Nevertheless, from that time on the Bayou Bengals put the game out of reach as Mikie Mahtook led off a five run sixth for LSU with a two-run double. The Tigers previously won national championships in the CWS in 1991, 1993, 1996, 1997 and 2000 under legendary coach Skip Bertman but this was the first national crown for head coach Paul Mainieri who played for LSU as a collegian in 1976. The win gave the Tigers a final record of 56-17 while Texas closed with a mark of 50-16-1, as Augie Garrido’s squad held the #1 seed headed into the CWS.

(EUREKA)—Health officials in Juab County have discovered E.coli in the Eureka City drinking water supply. All residents are now being asked to boil any water before consumption. The source of the E.coli bacteria is under investigation as health officials work to clean the main water supply.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—State estimates made public Wednesday show Utah’s population growth has slowed to its lowest level since 1990. Between July 2008 and June 2009, state estimates show the population grew by 1.6 percent to about 2.8 million while the state’s growth rate was double that on two occasions in the past four years. The estimates were developed for the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to determine how many liquor licenses it could make available. Finalized figures for the state won’t be made until this winter when the state’s population estimates committee meets. The estimates also project the state’s population will grow to 2.85 million by the end of 2009.

(PARK CITY)—Wildlife officers are trying to ease fears after two mountain lion sightings in Park City within a week. The sightings occurred last Friday and Sunday although Dave Swenson, an officer with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, said he doesn’t want to give a false impression of mountain lions overrunning the community. Swenson also said, though, that it’s important to know what to do when encountering a cougar as he recommends that people not look them in the eye and looking as big and possible while yelling or screaming at it.

(BOX ELDER COUNTY)—A toddler died after accidentally swallowing paint thinner while a medical examiner is seeking to determine how much paint thinner the child ingested. Box Elder County dispatch received the 911 emergency call Tuesday evening while they were told the child had come into contact with a chemical. Willard Police Chief James Summerill said emergency crews immediately rushed the boy to Brigham City Community Hospital, but within a few hours, he had died. At the time, the incident is still under investigation while the Willard Police Department says there were several people at the house where the child spilled the can and they want to talk to the people who were present.

(PROVO)—The Utah County attorney’s office has found that police officers who shot and killed a man during standoff were justified in their actions. County Attorney Jeff Buhman says a Payson detective and Utah County sheriff’s deputy were justified in using deadly force against Michael Batchelor after an hour-long standoff at his Santaquin home in April. Police said the 33-year old Batchelor emerged from his home with a shotgun in his hand and moved toward SWAT officers threateningly. Police said he continued forward despite commands to drop his weapon and was shot twice. Batchelor died at the scene.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—SkyWest Airlines says it’s discontinuing service between St. George and Los Angeles effective September 2. SkyWest vice president Mike Thompson says soft demand for the twice daily flights accounts for the decision. The St. George-based airline says it will offer alternative flight plans for passengers who made flight reservations for a flight on the discontinued routes. The airline says it has been forced to trim domestic schedules in other markets for the same reason.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—A 3rd District judge has issued an arrest warrant for Salt Lake City councilman Eric Jergensen after he failed to show up on two occasions in court. Jergensen is embroiled in a lawsuit over his company, Contour Composites, which designs and makes products for aerospace and medical suppliers, among many others. When he took control of the company, he incurred some financial problems that were headed to court. Jergensen said he reached an agreement with an attorney over these issues but there was a miscommunication. In late January, the company was ordered to pay more than $16,000 for what Jergensen told the Deseret News were “worker’s compensation issues.” Jergensen has failed to appear in court for a pair of hearings, including one on June 19 while he claims he was never aware of either one occurring. Jergensen also said after a few phone calls, it looks like everything will be cleared up and that this situation has no effect on his labors in the city council.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Utah’s top health official is standing by his criticism of cuts in class sizes at the University of Utah’s medical school. Dr. David Sundwall, the Executive Director of the Utah Department of Health believes the school could have found other ways to trim the number of students, as there are 20 fewer than there were a year ago. While Sundwall said he doesn’t blame the school for taking financial matters into consideration, due to his position he is concerned about the dearth of students. The medical school claims it had no choice but to cut class sizes as spokesman Chris Nelson said with more than a 35 percent cut in funding, the school was forced to choose between quality and quantity. In fact, the school even wrote an editorial letter to the Salt Lake Tribune wherein they claim they made the right decision, despite Sundwall’s disbelief. Sundwall also said the output of at least 100 doctors a year is of critical importance to people looking for health care access in Utah. School officials say they’ve made other cuts in overhead and that the reduction is temporary. Ultimately, the school plans to increase student enrollment within the next few years.

(WEBER COUNTY)—An overnight chase sent a driver to the Weber County Jail after a Morgan County Sheriff’s deputy tried to pull a man over for expired license plates. When the deputy approached the car, the man took off and led the deputy through Weber Canyon at speeds which reached 110 m.p.h. UHP personnel were able to spike the man’s tires but he kept going until a second strip of spikes finally slowed him down. Kevin Edwards of the Morgan County Sheriff’s office said he was already driving on the left, front rim from the first spike until he was finally stopped in the dirt. The suspect, Chad Andrews, was arrested on numerous charges for his escapades, including marijuana possession. Officials reported Andrews threw the bags of marijuana out the door during the pursuit.

(ST. GEORGE) – A core set of conservation books and other online resources have been donated to Dixie State College to help the school preserve local history. Dixie State received one of almost 3,000 sets awarded in cooperation with the American Association for State and Local History by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Association director, Anne-Imelda Radice, said the initiative was launched in 2006 to improve the dire state of our nation’s collections. The Institute focuses on collections typically found in art or history museums and in libraries’ special collections.

(BRYCE CANYON CITY) – The Bryce Canyon Airport set a new record low temperature Monday night. Airport officials said the thermometer guage showed the temperature at 27 degrees. They said that broke the old record of 30 degrees set in 1977. Bryce Canyon had also set a new low temperature record on June 6, when it recorded a 20-degree reading, to eclipse the old record of 27 degrees set in 1951. Those are the only two National Weather Service temperature records in Utah set during the month of June.

(CEDAR CITY) – A group of Cedar City volunteers are working on a home for a U.S. Army sergeant who lost a leg in the war in Afghanistan. Sgt. Travis Wood, whose right leg was amputated and replaced with a prosthetic limb, says the new home is amazing and beautiful. Wood was injured in a January 2007 incident in southern Afghanistan, where his vehicle hit three anti-tank mines. The blast crushed his pelvis, broke his spinal cord and fractured ribs that pierced a lung. Building the house is Homes for Our Troops, an organization that uses volunteers and donated supplies to help veterans suffering from debilitating injuries in the Iraq and Afghan wars. On Tuesday, about 50 people showed up to join the “building brigade”, who hope to erect the structure within three days with the interior of the home to be completed within two months.

(PANGUITCH) – A Henrieville motorcyclist was killed on SR-12 Tuesday night when he slammed into another vehicle. According to a UHP report, at about 9pm, 48-year old, Robert Adkins was riding a 2008 Harley Davidson Super Glide westbound, when a 2005 Honda Accord, driven by 74-year old, Richard Smith of Lakewood, CO., turned in front of him at the business access to Harold’s Place Inn and Adkins skidded into Smith’s car. Troopers say the impact was in the middle of the eastbound lane of SR-12 and Adkins was transported to the Garfield Memorial Hospital with multiple injuries resulting in his death. Smith was not injured in the accident.

(RICHFIELD) – The Richfield City Council held several public hearings at Tuesday night’s council meeting concerning establishing a sidewalk sale ordinance, an application to the CIB for the approval of $50,000 for the new Central Utah Food Sharing building and the 2009/10 budget. No negative comments were received on the new sidewalk sale ordinance and the council passed the measure. The new ordinance states that merchandise cannot obstruct walk through traffic on Main Street having a width not less than 48 inches. Other requirements include signage conformity with the city’s sign ordinance, removal of merchandise at the end of the business day and other rules. Also, Central Utah Food Sharing Program Director, Roene Shaw, updated the council on acquiring additional funds for the construction of their new building in Richfield and the council also re-adopted the tentative budget for the fiscal year 2009/10. A final public hearing on the budget will be held August 11 and the city council will adopt the budget for all funds on August 13.

(DAVIS COUNTY)—A Davis School District bookmobile previously banned for not having a wheelchair lift now has a new boost. An employee of AAA Auto Salvage in Ogden donated a hydraulic lift to make the vehicle more accessible for all students. A Davis School District spokesperson said the Bookmobile will now be welcome at its schools.

(OGDEN)—Four people have been arrested in connection with a shooting outside a nightclub after an altercation Monday. Monday evening, at the El Tanampa Club in Ogden, police said a group of people got into a brawl inside the club and had been ejected by the bouncers. Ogden Police Lieutenant Scott Sangberg said the people came back and fired some rounds from a shotgun in the parking lot. The vehicle drove off, but officers were able to track it down a short time later. Twenty-four year old Horacio Garcia Becerra, 18-year old Francisco Garcia Becerra, 22-year old Jesus Alfonso Uribe and 20-year old Gabriel Becerra were booked into the Weber County Jail on investigation of felony rioting.

(OREM)—A major search is underway at Utah Lake to find an Orem man who went missing when his boat capsized. Five other adventurers were also on the boat but were rescued overnight. Utah County Search & Rescue teams are optimistic they’ll find 32-year old Lon Thongthipvoravong alive. They say it’s possible he could be stuck in the 10-foot reeds along the east side of the lake. Reportedly, Thongthipvoravong was the driver of the boat and after the men began experiencing trouble, the boat was capsized, throwing all six men into the water. Utah County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Tom Hodgson said three of them stayed with the boat for 30 minutes before the winds started to buffet them. Reportedly, some 65 people searched for the men in helicopters, an airplane and 10 boats. The lake temperature ranged from 63-65 degrees and Sheriff’s Department personnel said the lake can be treacherous when conditions change rapidly. The boat was found submerged in water about an eighth of a mile from the shore.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Tough economic times have many Americans choosing to stay married rather than divorce, except in Utah. The number of divorce filings stayed at about 13,000 a year from 2006-2008 and 2009 is on track for the same outcome. Nationally, divorce lawyers saw a 37 percent decline in 2008. Lawyers told the Deseret News it’s likely because Utah hasn’t fared as poorly in the recession so couples are still able to afford the option.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control is coming perilously close to running out of liquor licenses for Utah bars. At a meeting Wednesday, the DABC will consider 14 applicants, two more than the number of licenses available following May’s meeting. Utah limits the number of licenses based on its population. DABC spokeswoman Sharon Mackay says the exact number of licenses available won’t be known until Wednesday. Still, Mackay says there should be enough for all 14 applicants because some existing bars won’t renew their licenses.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—A diabetic emergency may be the cause of a fatal crash between a car and bicyclist in Salt Lake City. Police say the driver of the car was having a serious diabetic incident when she struck the cyclist Monday on Main Street. The cyclist, 58-year old Sidney Mabine died from his injuries. It is unknown if the woman will face any charges.

(OGDEN)—Police and wildlife officials attempted to corral a moose that ran through several backyards in Ogden Tuesday. Ogden police stated the moose ran along a trail near the Ogden River before winding up in peoples’ backyards along Washington Boulevard. Wildlife officials managed to tranquilize the moose along Washington Boulevard around 8:00 a.m. and police said it would be released once it is taken to the mountains.

(EPHRAIM) – A Vernal woman had to be extricated from her vehicle after rolling on SR-89 north of Ephraim Saturday morning. According to a UHP report, 22-year old, Kamille Oviatt was driving a 2004 Chevy Aveo southbound at about 10:30am, when she drifted off the road, overcorrected and rolled. The report said fire personnel extricated her from her vehicle and she was transported to the Sanpete Valley Hospital for treatment and later released.

(GUNNISON) – Gunnison Valley residents are celebrating their sesquicentennial this year of the arrival of settlers in 1859. About 90 people recently participated in a covered-wagon pioneer trek to get a glimpse of what their pioneer ancestors went through. Organizer, Matt Reber of Axtell, says he picked Gunnison Valley as the scenic route to complete the trek. Reber said the re-enactment wasn’t completely authentic. The original pioneers went from Manti into the Gunnison Valley by way of Antelope Valley and through the next pass to the east of Big Valley. About 50 families in 1859 collected on the west side of Gunnison but Brigham Young declared the area “too muddy for hogs to wallow.” Gunnison currently has a population of 2400, Centerfield with about 1,000 and Mayfield, Axtell and Fayette all have population levels at less than 450.

(RICHFIELD) – An attic fire at Central Electric Supply Co. in Richfield was quickly contained Monday afternoon before it spread. Richfield Fire Chief, Bryan Burrows, said crews working on the roof of the building called 9-1-1 at about 2:50pm, when they noticed smoke coming from the attic. The fire department quickly responded and put out the fire. Burrows said the fire burned some insulation in the attic area and was most likely started from a malfunction in a fan motor. He said if the re-roofing crews had not been at the scene, the fire could have been worse.

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP)—Brad Hawpe had a three-run homer on his 30th birthday and Seth Smith also homered as the Colorado Rockies smacked the Los Angeles Angels, 11-1 Monday in MLB interleague action at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. The Angels did themselves no favors as they incurred six wild pitches, two of which enabled the Rockies to score. The win was the sixth straight for Colorado while the Rockies have also won 16 of their last 17 games to improve to 37-33 on the season. Kendry Morales scored the sole run for the Angels on a solo home run in the 4th inning while Los Angeles fell to 36-32 on the season. In other MLB action Monday, the New York Mets bested St. Louis, 6-4, Atlanta downed the Chicago Cubs, 2-0, and Oakland dismantled San Francisco, 5-1.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—The Utah man accused of plotting a shooting spree at the Jordan River Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was sentenced in federal court Monday. Benjamin Speakman was put on three years probation and ordered to undergo mental therapy. In a deal with prosecutors last month, Speakman walked into a mental health clinic and told employees he was planning to shoot people inside the temple and then kill himself.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Campers will no longer be allowed to sleep unprotected in the outdoors or in tents at a northeastern Utah campground because of bear activity. Due to an increase in bear activity and sightings at Avintaquin Campground on the Roosevelt/Duchesne District of the Ashley National Forest, overnight occupancy without a fully hard sided and structurally sound camping vehicle and sleeping outside such a vehicle became prohibited as of June 19 and will remain so until further notice. Please contact the Ashley National Forest at 789-1181 for more information.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—A party over the weekend ended with at least eight arrests while police say more than 100 people attended a party in the basement of a Salt Lake City bakery. Officers found juveniles drinking and one of them, they claim, was vomiting from alcohol. Police say the juveniles have been called to the building from other parties in the past while the venue isn’t licensed. The fire marshal is also investigating. Salt Lake City police Detective Dennis McGowan said he hoped the owner can be contacted so the venue can be shut down. A worker at the bakery, which was not affiliated with the party, says the space is often rented out for events.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Utah’s new immigration law is already the target of a lawsuit and the man that put his name to it is reacting to the pending lawsuit against it. SB81 goes into effect July 1, but attorneys with the American Immigration Lawyers Association say they’re filing suit later this week. Attorney Hakeem Ishola told the Salt Lake Tribune he and his colleagues have problems with four points of the new law: its requirement of proof of citizenship via a drivers license or state ID card, its provision allowing cross-training of police officers as immigration agents, its requirement that companies working with public agencies use the E-verify system to check status, and its provision that makes it a crime to harbor illegal immigrants for private or commercial gain. Kane County Republican, Mike Noel, SB81’s sponsor, said such notions are a red herring. The lawyers also told the Tribune SB81 will make it impossible for many people to obtain basic state identification. They have also expressed concerns about the cross-training officers as immigration agents, saying it could undermine public confidence in local law enforcement. Noel says the bill is about economics, rather than racism and that he will welcome any foreigner who comes into the country legally.

(WEBER COUNTY)—Transportation planners think they’re narrowing down a preferred route for the northernmost section of the Legacy Parkway. The route was narrowed down from 23 to six alternatives. The sixth route, the one the farthest west, was identified as the preferred route. Ben Wuthrich, the project manager for the Wasatch Front Regional Council, said land owners, the city, and the council worked together to come up with the route which is likely to slightly change in coming years. Once the route is finalized, cities and the county can adopt the route into their master plans and possibly buy land for the corridor as it becomes available.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—A state office says child support payments drawn from unemployment checks have increased 185 percent in the second quarter of 2009 compared to last year. The state office of Recovery Services data also shows the amount it collected from unemployment checks increased 135 percent in the first quarter of the year compared to last year. The garnishments from unemployment checks may not cover full child support obligations in certain cases which means some custodial parents may not get all they’re owed and noncustodial parents may accrue back-due support payments. Tracy Graham, the state director of Child Support Services, says collections in Utah appear to be flat. The state Office of Recovery Services will collect about $173 million in child support this same year, about the same amount it took in last year.

(OGDEN)—A hearing over Ogden Police Chief Jon Greiner’s candidacy for office has been delayed until October. The U.S. Office of Special Counsel filed a complaint with the Merit Systems Protection Board last year saying Greiner violated the Hatch Act by being a candidate for public office. Greiner won a seat in the state Senate in 2006 on the Republican ticket. The Hatch Act of 1939 was aimed at corrupt politics and prohibited federal civil servants from running for office. This was expanded several times, first to include local and state employees who draw more than half of their salary from federal money, then to cover others who handle federal grants. Greiner said he checked running for office two years ago and was told he was not violating the law. The hearing was originally scheduled for last week before an administrative law judge in Salt Lake City. The hearing is now set for October 20.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Monday, crews began working to repair new Interstate 80 bridges at 2300 East in Salt Lake City. This means the westbound on-ramp from 2300 East to I-80 will close at 9:00 a.m. everyday until October, thus keeping it open for the morning commute. The Utah Department of Transportation reported the new bridges will be constructed next to the existing structures and slid into place following the demolition of the old bridges. Bridge placements will take place over the course of two weekends in October.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) – Sen. Bob Bennett grilled Secretary of the Treasury, Timothy Geithner, last week in a Senate Banking Committee hearing concerning Pres. Obama’s financial overhaul plan. Bennett told Geithner that the administration’s proposal to eliminate industrial loan companies would shut off some sources of credit to consumers. He commented that ILC’s have a track record that is stronger than bank holding companies and the administration simply can’t just eliminate them, especially in tough economic times. Bennett said that one of the problems with the economy, is that there’s not enough credit available and yet, the Obama Administration wants to cut off a major source of credit, where there has been no difficulty. He said that’s overkill and not a single ILC has contributed to the financial crisis.

(RICHFIELD) – Several public hearings will be held this Tuesday in Richfield concerning sidewalk sales, grants and the westside development of 800 South Main. At the regular city council meeting at 7pm, the public is invited to comment on the city governing sidewalk sales, particularly along main street along with the city’s sponsorship of a $50,000 grant application to the CIB from the Central Utah Food Sharing Program for the purpose of constructing a new building in the city. A third public hearing will also be held on the 800 South Main intersection right-of-way width requirement and to bring the ordinance in compliance with the Richfield Master Transportation Plan. The public is invited to attend all hearings related to the topics and any other discussions by the council.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) – The U.S. House of Representatives has released their official report on congressional allotment spending for the first quarter of 2009. The report shows that 3rd District Congressman, Jason Chaffetz, spent the least of his Utah counterparts. Chaffetz was alloted $1,478,917 as his yearly allowance for running his office and so far, has spent $241,541. Rep. Jim Matheson has spent the most at $302,173, followed by Rep. Rob Bishop at $251,109. Both Chaffetz and Bishop hope to return more than $500,000 back to the treasury at the end of the year, while Matheson hopes to return $300,000. Chaffetz has often harped about wasteful government spending, saying the federal budget is bloated and needs to cut back. He says he wants to do his part in using taxpayer money wisely.

(CEDAR CITY) – A former fraternity treasurer accused of stealing rent money from members of the Sigma Nu fraternity at Southern Utah University in Cedar City has been apprehended in Texas and is awaiting arraignment. A 5th District Court judge issued a warrant for 22-year old, Thomas Cleveland in April, after the man failed to appear in court. Cleveland was charged with theft in March after collecting rent payments in cash from his house mates in the Cedar City fraternity and told them he passed the money onto the group’s landlord each month. According to court documents, the group believed him, until the landlord called saying the fraternity was $8,000 behind on the rent. The documents say that by the time the group figured out Cleveland may be tied to the theft, he had disappeared. Cedar City police confirmed that Cleveland was pick up in Waco, Texas and is scheduled to appear in 5th District Court on July 1. Iron County prosecutors allege the rent scheme was one of several ways Cleveland bilked his fraternity out of thousands of dollars in 2008. He faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted on the theft charge. He’s currently out of jail, after posting a $10,000 bond.

PHILADELPHIA (AP)—Brian Roberts broke an eighth inning tie with a go-ahead double as the Baltimore Orioles completed a sweep of the defending World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies with a 2-1 win Sunday at Citizens Bank Park. Roberts’ heroics marked the second time in as many days he led the O’s to victory as Saturday, he hit a two-run homer in the ninth inning to defeat the Phillies, 6-5. Adam Jones added a single for the Orioles who won their fifth straight game to improve to 32-37. Greg Dobbs hit a solo shot in the second inning to give the Phillies a 1-0 lead before Baltimore rallied for the win. Although Philadelphia has been excellent on the road (23-9), their home record is a less than stellar 13-22, while they have lost six consecutive games in interleague play as Toronto swept them before Baltimore this week. In other MLB action Sunday, Detroit edged Milwaukee, 3-2, the Chicago White sox dismantled Cincinnati, 4-1, Tampa Bay ousted the New York Mets, 10-6, Boston downed Atlanta, 6-5, Toronto gashed Washington, 9-4, St. Louis walloped Kansas City, 12-5, Houston tripped up Minnesota, 4-1, the Chicago Cubs stymied Cleveland, 6-2, Colorado bested Pittsburgh, 5-4, San Diego overpowered Oakland, 4-1, San Francisco handled Texas, 3-2, Seattle stonewalled Arizona, 3-2, Florida humbled the New York Yankees, 6-5, and the Los Angeles Dodgers clipped the Los Angeles Angels, 5-3.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Police say a man claiming to have a gun robbed a Mountain America Credit Union in Salt Lake City Friday. The man is described as a thin Caucasian with light brown hair who was wearing a NASCAR hat, a denim jacket, and light jeans. Police say no weapons were seen during the robbery. The man was last seen leaving the credit union in a late model gray 4-door sedan.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—A Utah man convicted of illegally possessing dozens of rubber boa snakes cannot sue authorities over the death of almost all of them while they were in state custody. The Utah Supreme Court ruled Friday the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is immune from claims of negligence. Ryan Hoyer, a 35-year old Clearfield-based accountant said the DWR kept the 65 rubber boas in an evidence room where all but three died of dehydration or starvation. Hoyer, who was fiend $800 in the incident, stated he’s disappointed that authorities can’t be held accountable for what he called “terrible care.” The court rejected Hoyer’s argument that authorities willfully let the snakes die. A DWR spokesman did not immediately return a message from The Associated Press.

(OREM)—Dell Schanze, known as Super Dell, was supposed to be in court Friday, but his case was continued. Schanze was scheduled to stand trial on charges of carrying a concealed weapon, reckless driving and seat belt violations. It involves a traffic stop in Saratoga Springs in August while the case was continued after questions came up involving a recently passed law concerning when it is legal and not legal to carry a gun in a vehicle. Schanze will still likely face the reckless driving and seat belt charges in justice court at a future date.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—A Utah County businessman faced a judge Friday morning on charges he ran a $100 million Ponzi scheme. Rick Koerber was arraigned on federal charges of mail fraud, wire fraud, and tax evasion authorities said. The Utah Attorney general’s office declined to prosecute Koerber after state regulators opened an investigation two years ago. Attorney General Mark Shurtleff told KSL Channel 5 last month that a breakfast meeting he had with Koerber around that time had no impact on the decision not to prosecute. Koerber has called the charges absurd and bogus.

(ST. GEORGE)—The St. George City Council is making cuts to the yearly budget. The Spectrum reported revenues for the city have fallen 13 percent in the past year, making the cuts necessary. Officials say they don’t want to raise taxes or fees, so they will make small cuts to programs, totaling about $5 million, from the current fiscal spending plan.

(AMERICAN FORK)—A former Boy Scout leader in Utah County has pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a boy in his troop. Court records confirmed 42-year old Gary Wade Brown pleaded guilty in 4th District Court Tuesday to four counts of sex abuse as a child and one count of sexual exploitation of a minor, all second degree felonies. Eight other charges were dismissed. Brown will be required to register as a sex offender, which prosecutor Julia Thomas said is important because she says Brown abused his position as a Scout leader. Sentencing is slated for July 28.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—The new Apple iPhone 3G S is now being sold and plenty of Utahns anticipate trying it out. Friday morning, there was a long line of people waiting for the new iPhone while the store opened earlier than planned. Apple has primarily been promoting the new phone’s speed and larger memory.

(WHITE CITY)—Salt Lake County SWAT teams were able to peacefully break up a difficult situation Thursday evening. After three hours of negotiating, authorities were able to coax a White City man outside of his home where he had barricaded himself. Salt Lake County Sheriff Jim Winder said he believed the man was afraid as soon as he knew officers were outside of his house. At about 11:00 p.m. Thursday night, Winder said neighbors called the police after the man was seen arguing in the neighborhood with a rifle in his hands. When authorities arrived home, the man ran inside with his three small children and locked the door. When deputies had no luck getting him out, they called upon SWAT teams to assist them. When the man finally acquiesced to their requests, authorities searched the home, but found the weapons all locked up. They believe alcohol may have played a role in the incident while they also say the man could face charges for the dispute that happened earlier in the evening.

(RICHFIELD) – Five museums in South-Central Utah are the recipients of grants awarded by the Utah Division of Arts and Museums for the 2009/10 fiscal years. The Office of Museum Services Advisory Board recently approved a total of $256,575 to be distributed to 64 museums across 36 Utah cities and towns. The Central Utah Art Center in Ephraim and the Fairview Museum of History and Art will both receive $6,000 each to go towards repairs of the physical infrastructure, the development of educational programs and exhibits, the purchase or replacement of technological goods and improving archival processes. The Territorial Statehouse State Park Museum in Fillmore will get $3,295 and the Juab County DUP Pioneer Museum in Nephi will receive $6,000, plus, the Mt. Nebo DUP Museum in Mona will get $4,000. The grants do not require matching funds by the museums.

(SALINA) – Salina City is host to the Annual “Eyes to the Sky” Balloon Festival this weekend. Several local businesses are participating in sponsoring any one of the 21 hot air balloons that launch each morning at about 6:30 from the North Sevier High School football field. Dan Montgomery, a balloonist from West Valley City, says all it takes is a lot of hot air to keep the balloon afloat. The balloon launch will take place Saturday and Sunday mornings as part of activities and events planned for the weekend including, concerts at the Blackhawk Arena and high school, car cruises, food and fun.

(JOSEPH) – A St. George man was taken to the hospital after rolling several times on I-70 a mile south of Joseph Thursday morning. According to a UHP report, at about 7am, 30-year old, Jorge Mazariegos, was traveling eastbound in a 2008 Dodge 3500 pickup, when he overcorrected and crossed both lanes of travel, rolled several times and came to rest on his tires. The report said that Mazariegos was transported to the Sevier Valley Medical Center in Richfield with injuries. It’s unknown if he was wearing a seatbelt. UHP Troopers say evidence indicated the driver apparently fell asleep at the wheel.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—A proposal presented to lawmakers would give parents the choice between two sex education classes for children. One class would be abstinence-based and would also offer information about issues like sexually transmitted diseases. The other class would emphasize abstinence and other facts about STD prevention but would also provide information about contraceptive options. Melissa Bird, the executive director of the Planned Parenthood Action Council says the proposed legislation addresses the needs of all parents. The Eagle Forum opposes the bill, calling it inappropriate and unnecessary. Democratic Representative Lynn Hemingway of Salt Lake City presented his proposal to a legislative interim committee Wednesday. More hearings on the proposal are planned.

(SALT LAKE COUNTY)—The body of a 19-year old man who disappeared after a rave party at Saltair has been found floating in a pond near the Great Salt Lake. The Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office says the Salt Lake area-man had attended the “Get Funky” concert at Saltair and for some reason, was kicked out of it. Deputies say the man then met up with friends, but was separated. Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Deputy Levi Hughes said he was reported as missing Friday night and from the condition of the individual, it appears he was in the water the entire time. Family members called the Sheriff’s Office last Friday night and reported the 19-year old as missing. They, along with friends and deputies, began searching for him in the area but it wasn’t until Thursday afternoon when someone spotted his body in the pond. Investigators are looking at all possibilities but they think the man may have gone for a swim and simply drowned. The Sheriff’s Office will release the man’s name after his family is notified.

(RIVERTON)—A Riverton man remains in jail on suspicions of sexually assaulting a boy more than a decade ago. KSL-TV learned that in 1994, the same man pleaded guilty to attempted sex abuse on a child. The 1994 charges against 60-year old Kenneth Burr pleaded guilty to was attempted sex abuse of a child. He was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail Wednesday morning on seven counts of sodomy against a child and is being held in jail on $2.5 million bail. In the probable cause statement, the victim said he was friends with Burr’s stepson and spent a considerable amount of his childhood at Burr’s South Jordan home. The alleged victim, known as “P.J.,” reports the assaults stared in 1991 and the documents say when P.J. showered, Burr entered the bathroom. In another encounter, P.J. noticed a knife but Burr told him to “shut up” or he would “hurt his family.” The alleged victim accused Burr of assaulting him numerous times between 1991 and 1994. When Burr pleaded guilty to attempted sexual abuse on the other child in December 1994, he received only probation and time on the sex offender registry because the crime was classified as a Class A misdemeanor. South Jordan police arrested Burr and said there are more victims that officers are working to contact. The Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office said Burr will likely have an initial appearance at the beginning of next week.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Economists say the number of unemployed Utahns could grow before things get better. Mark Knold of the Utah Division of Workforce Services says since last May, Utah has lost more than 42,000 jobs. Knold said numbers could increase to more than 50,000 before things turn around. Knold said May’s numbers show continued weakness in most sectors of Utah’s job market while there are two exceptions, health care and education. About 75,000 Utahns were unemployed in May, bringing the rate to 5.4 percent locally. The national unemployment rate is currently around 9 percent. Knold said the rate of job losses has slowed and that the initial numbers of people filing for first time unemployment benefits is still high, but things are on the downswing.

(OREM)—Police in both Salt Lake and Utah counties are trying to catch a man who breaks into grocery stores and steals cigarettes. The suspect apparently frequents Albertson’s markets and often forces his way through the front door in the middle of the night while taking the Marlboros and Camels and packing them into garbage bags. Orem Police Lieutenant Gary Downey said the man has likely hit 10 stores and taken around $40,000 in cigarettes. The first burglary occurred at the Draper Albertson’s in late April. Police got some surveillance videos when he broke into the Orem store. The man is a white male and in the surveillance video he was seen wearing a hoodie and dark clothing.

(DRAPER)—A 50-bed dormitory at the medium security Promontory facility has been placed under quarantine because of swine flu fears. Three male inmates at the facility have currently been tested for the H1N1 virus. Another three inmates at the Central Utah Correctional Facility in Gunnison has been placed in isolation after having flu-like symptoms. Test results on the inmates will not be available for several more days state corrections spokeswoman Angie Welling said. The prison at Promontory has also stocked up on Tamiflu.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—A woman charged in the death of a pedestrian who was killed at the Salt Lake City International Airport last year has pleaded no contest to reduced charges. Twenty-eight-year old Evelini Kinikini pleaded no contest on Tuesday to Class B misdemeanor charges of negligently causing injury or death and having no proof of insurance. Kinikini had been charged in 3rd District Court with negligent homicide, a Class A misdemeanor. Patricia Jordan of Maryland was hit by a car last July at the airport and died of brain trauma two days later. Court documents said Kinikini claimed the sun was in her eyes when she hit the 65-year old Jordan, who was in a crosswalk. Kinikini was sentenced to a year of probation and fined $900.

(UTAH COUNTY)—After being convicted of shooting and killing a woman to keep her from testifying about drug deals, a Utah County man will spend at least 30 years in prison. 20-year old Christopher Alvey pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in connection with the death of Ashley Sparks in order to avoid the possibility of a death penalty. Wednesday, a judge sentenced him from 30 years-life in prison but recommended Alvey be considered for parole. Two other men were arrested in connection with Sparks’ murder, but formal charges have not yet been filed against them.

(UTAH STATE PRISON)—Convicted killer Ed Owens has been questioned by investigators about bombshell claims he made about the murder of Karin Strom. KSL News Radio AM-1160 learned Owens was questioned Tuesday at the Utah State Prison about claims Strom was killed in what was a murder-for-hire plot. During his sentencing in Farmington’s 2nd District Court, Owens confessed to killing Strom but said her husband, Steven, tried to persuade him to kill her. Owens claimed at his sentencing that Steven Strom approached him about killing his wife and splitting the money from her life insurance policy. He claimed he went to warn Karin, but they got into an argument and he killed her. Shortly after Karin’s death in 1980, prosecutors charged her husband but later dropped the case for a lack of evidence. Owens was charged in connection with the case several years ago, but prosecutors dropped it after due to a lack of sufficient evidence. Charges against Owens were resuscitated when new DNA evidence presented itself while a jury convicted him. He confessed at sentencing in May and in turn, incurred a sentence ranging from five years-life in prison.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—An armed robbery was averted overnight thanks to an alert potential victim. Police reported the manager of a McDonald’s in Salt Lake City was walking to her car with another employee when she noticed a man wearing a ski mask with a gun crouched behind her car. Salt Lake City Police Lieutenant Brian Purvis reported she alertly pressed panic on her car remote causing the horn to honk and the lights to flash. Both employees ran in different directions, leaving the suspect with nobody to rob.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—A busy homeless resource center could be closing its doors next week due to a lack of funding. The Bishop Weigand Center in Salt Lake City has served homeless people for 10 years, but next Thursday, a crucial decision will occur wherein it will be determined whether or not it stays open or is dismantled. The center told its community about possible plans to close in April to create a transitional period but the final decision rests in the hands of the Salt Lake City and county governments. Currently, the Catholic-affiliated center is open only three days a week.

(MOAB) – Grand County Council members heard a presentation from representatives of Canyonlands Health Care concerning a resolution to obtain enough funding to build a new facility. Canyonlands officials said they wanted Commissioners to pass a resolution to not use the $2.2 million they need for other projects. Funds are obtained from mineral lease revenue bonds in the Special Service District. Council members took no action on the presentation and will consider and discuss the funds in upcoming council meetings.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) – Pres. Barack Obama has announced his financial regulatory overhaul plan for the country but Sen. Bob Bennett is calling the plan too big to function. Commenting on the Senate floor this week, Bennett said the Founding Fathers never intended to place that much power in the federal government because of their deep distrust of government and their experience with King George. Bennett said Utahns are saying they’re afraid there’s no limits on government power. He said all wealth comes from taking risks and accumulated by yourself, a bank, venture capitalists, credit cards, or someone else. Bennett commented that some think big business is too big to fail in economic slumps and require bailouts but if the government takes over, the government becomes too big to function. He also said he’s opposed to Obama’s financial regulatory overhaul and will vote against it.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) – Sen. Bob Bennett met with United States Supreme Court nominee Sonja Sotomayor on Wednesday to discuss her qualifications and positions on several key issues. The discussions centered around her views on campaign finance reform and the second amendment. Bennett said there was no doubt that Sotomayor is a well-trained attorney with a long list of qualifications. He said her extensive record will take time to review because the government needs to hold our Supreme Court Justices to the highest standard. Sotomayor asked Bennett to concentrate on her judicial decisions rather than on the basis of her speeches during the confirmation process. Bennett said he will give her a full and fair review.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Utah state officials likely won’t be able to determine how much money the state is saving with its four-day workweek until October. The one-year pilot program under which state employees work 10 hours a day for four days a week was set to expire in August. State lawmakers were told Wednesday, though, that it will take another couple of months before utility bills can be analyzed to determine how much money is being saved by closing one day a week. Governor Jon Huntsman had set a $3 million energy savings goal for the program but administration officials say that likely won’t be met. Wednesday, lawmakers were told it’s necessary to review a year’s worth of utility bills to account for fluctuations in energy prices and temperatures.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—In May, the overall Consumer Price Index along the Wasatch Front was stable, compared to the national increase of 0.3 percent and 0.1 percent after seasonal adjustment according to the Wells Fargo Consumer Price Index and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data released Wednesday. In May, the annual inflation trend continued to decline, slowing to -0.4 percent. Meanwhile, national energy prices increased 0.2 percent. The Wells Fargo Consumer Price Index is provided as a free benefit to Wasatch Front communities Wells Fargo serves. Price data for the Wells Fargo Consumer Price Index is computed by Cicero Research, a premiere market research firm based in Salt Lake City.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—A report published by the University of Utah says the 2009 Sundance Film Festival had an economic impact of $92.1 million and supported nearly 2000 jobs. The report, released Wednesday, said the festival attracted more than 40,000 people, with more than 67 percent coming from outside of Utah. The majority of out-of-state attendees came from California, New York and Florida. The festival generated nearly $4 million in tax revenue and more than $18 million in media coverage in print and broadcast.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—A closely held company is snapping up rights to thousands of acres of private land for a wind farm near Manila, promising loyalties to local ranchers. The startup, RAAM Power Incorporated, is borrowing wind meters from the Utah Geological Survey to measure wind speed over time and assess the best locations for 50 or more wind towers. The Salt Lake City-based company is putting together financing for a wind farm that could produce around 100 megawatts of power. This is the first wind project for Christy White, the majority shareholder and chief executive of RAAM Power.

(LEHI)—Microsoft Corporation has announced its plans to bring about 100 jobs to Utah and to rent an office building at Thanksgiving Point for a software development operation. Utah Lieutenant Governor Gary Herbert said it’s a big deal for Utah to land a Fortune 50 company in an economic recession. Jason Perry, the head of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, said Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft decided on Utah because of the pool of available software talent. Herbert and Perry were present at the announcement made by Microsoft director of engineering Paul Mayfield. Brokers at Coldwell Banker Commercial said Microsoft’s decision was 15 months in the making. Microsoft will lease 24,000 square feet of space at Thanksgiving Point’s office park in August.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Despite great snowfall in Utah this season, Utah’s ski industry took a hit. Ski days, a measure of individual skiers visiting reports, were down 6.5 percent from the previous year and at their lowest level since 2004-05. Ski Utah president Nathan Rafferty said this was a tricky year in numerous ways as he blamed snow in the northeast and economy troubles for the low numbers. The only region of the country to experience an increase was the southeast while the Rockies, Pacific West and Midwest all saw declines in the 7-8 percent range.

(PANGUITCH)—The Powell Ranger District of the Dixie National Forest and Bryce Canyon National Park are experiencing their first fire of 2009. The Bridge Hollow Fire was caused by lightning and is burning on the Forest approximately 8 miles south/southwest of Bryce Canyon City. The fire started on the afternoon of June 14 and is estimated to have burned at least 11 acres. Fire crews from Bryce Canyon National Park and Dixie National Forest are currently fighting the fire. The fire is burning in ponderosa pine and Douglas fir overstory and manzanita and pinyon-juniper understory. As is customary in battling fires, firefighter and public safety is the top priority. For more information, please visit, www.utahfireinfo.gov.

(LOGAN)—The Logan Municipal Council has repealed a law restricting the sale of beer on Sunday at city retail stores. Tuesday, the council approved an ordinance that deletes a portion of the city code that deals with Sunday beer sales. Two other Cache Valley communities, Nibley and Hyrum, have already voted to allow beer sales seven days a week. Several Logan business owners requested the change because other retailers outside of Logan are making more money on Sunday than they do.

(PROVO)—PBS has decided to let KBYU maintain its religious programming in tandem with the usual PBS programming. PBS recently underwent policy changes and was discussing the possibility of barring member stations from showing faith-based programs. Nevertheless, the PBS board agreed to allow KBYU and several other member stations to continue showing religious content so long as they don’t add any new programming deemed sectarian. Without the compromise, KBYU would have been forced to drop its devotionals and other LDS programming if it wanted to retain its status as a PBS affiliate. BYU spokeswoman Carri Jensen said the university is pleased with the decision.

(RICHFIELD) – The nationwide economic woes have resulted in several local civic and religious groups reminding people to be prepared with enough food, water and supplies in times of emergencies. Marianne Bastian of Richfield says you can start building a supply by starting small. She said organizing a 72-hour kit of necessary supplies can help if you’re camping or hiking and face an emergency situation. Bastian said the key is to begin to prepare now for emergencies, not when you’re actually facing an emergency when it’s too late.

(LOA) – District rangers on the Fishlake National Forest are looking for ATV riders who damaged a sensitive area in the Black Flat area in the UM Creek Drainage last week. Fremont River District Ranger, Kurt Robins, says the meadow area was torn up, leaving deep ruts. He said it appeared that individuals used the area for mud bogging. Robbins noted that the damage is thought to have occurred between May 24 and May 30. He commented that ATV riders need to use the nearly 2700 miles of trails and motorized routes and to report any illegal OHV use.

(SALT LAKE CITY) – The Utah BLM has posted its final list of parcels for the quarterly oil and gas lease sale scheduled for June 23 in Salt Lake City. The list identifies 42 parcels totaling 53,821 acres. The parcels are located in the Fillmore, Price and Vernal areas managed by BLM Field Offices. The final sale will take place at 9am on June 23 at the Utah BLM Field Office in Salt Lake City.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP)—Cameron Rupp had two home runs, one of which broke a seventh inning tie and the Texas Longhorns erased a six-run deficit to oust the Arizona State Sun Devils, 10-6 Tuesday at Rosenblatt Stadium. The Longhorns pounded out 15 hits in the win, which places them in the Bracket 2 final Friday where they will either meet Arizona State or North Carolina. Remarkably, Texas also improved to 40-0-1 on the season when leading after seven innings. In other CWS action Friday, North Carolina pummeled Southern Mississippi, 11-4.

(FARMINGTON)—Former Bountiful Junior High teacher Linda Nef pleaded guilty to first-degree felony attempted aggravated sex abuse of a child Tuesday. Details of the plea agreement have not yet been released. The 46-year old Nef is accused of sexual acts with a 13-year old boy from January 2-February 14 2008 and the judge noted she had a special relationship of trust with the boy. The judge ordered a pre-sentencing report from Nef before her sentence July 21. Her attorneys told reporters outside of the courtroom that Nef has already undergone a psycho-sexual evaluation which confirmed she is neither a pedophile or a predator. The victim and his family say they want the possibility of probation for her. Another teacher accused of having sex with the same student after Nef is scheduled to be back in court June 29.

NEW YORK (AP)—The USA Bid Committee announced Tuesday it has issued Requests for Proposals to Officials representing 37 cities across the United States that currently qualify as potential host cities for the FIFA World Cup in 2018 or 2022, with Salt Lake City being mentioned among them. The RFP’s were issued Monday and request information from city officials covering a vast array of subjects such as tourism, climate, security, transportation, promotion and more. The RFP’s are an important step in the United States’ application that is due to FIFA in May 2010. FIFA’s 24-member executive committee will study bids, conduct site visits and name the two host nations for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups in December 2010. Additionally, the USA Bid Committee also released a short list of 45 stadiums associated with 37 candidate host cities that represent a wide spectrum of facilities such as college football and NFL stadiums with capacities ranging from 45,000-100,000. American cities advocating for the bid are also range from New York-Knoxville, Tenn., home of one of the country’s largest college football stadiums, Neyland Stadium. California has five stadiums in consideration, while Texas and Florida each have four. The USA Bid Committee’s efforts have earned the support of many prominent individuals such as United States president Barack Obama.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—A sixth person in Utah has died from swine flu-related illness. Epidemiologist Ilene Risk of the Salt Lake Valley Department said on Tuesday tests confirmed a swine flu-related death of a Salt Lake County man who died Friday. The news follows the death of a Salt Lake County woman who died Monday. County health spokeswoman Pam Davenport said the woman had pre-existing underlying health conditions that might have contributed to her death. Davenport declined to offer specifics on the case. All six deaths from swine flu in Utah have come from Salt Lake County.

(AMERICAN FORK)—American Fork fighters responded to a report of a fire inside the Dan W. Peterson School Tuesday morning. The call came in at 11:30 a.m. at the school which focuses on helping students with disabilities. No flames were visible and it appears smoke damage was also limited. In the interim, students were moved to nearby Barratt Elementary and everyone was accounted for before firefighters moved in on the scene.

(SALT LAKE CITY) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture is offering farmers thousands of dollars in grant money to grow “specialty crops”. USDA Marketing Director, Jed Christenson, says the government would like to see more fruits and vegetables grown locally. He said that Utah is in line to receive a portion of $236,000 in grants to grow fruits, vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts and horticulture and nursery crops, including flora. Christenson noted that the money cannot be used to buy seeds or other supplies that benefit a single producer but to develop ideas to benefit all those who wish to participate in the program. He said, in the past, Utah has received around $11-12,000 to help fund the effort.

(PARK CITY) – Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert challenged the reality of climate change during a Western Governor’s Association panel discussion Monday held in Park City on combating what some groups call global warming. Herbert, who sat quietly through most of the discussions during the past two days, spoke up after presentations that included his statement that the debate on climate change was far from over. He commented that he’s heard people argue both sides of the issue from man-made impacts to inconclusive evidence from top-notch scientists. Herbert drew a smattering of applause from the audience attending the three-day meeting, which ends today. The Lt. Governor is not yet a member of the association but will be after Gov. Jon Huntsman is confirmed by the U.S. Senate as Pres. Obama’s ambassador to China.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP)—Franco Valdes hit a key double in the sixth inning to help lead the Virginia Cavaliers to a 7-5 win over the Cal State Fullerton Titans Monday at Rosenblatt Stadium in the College World Series. The loss ended the Titans’ season and as a #2 seed, it commemorated the first time since 2003 that a team seeded that highly went winless at the CWS when LSU did it. The win for the Cavaliers set up a game against Arkansas Wednesday in a Bracket 1 elimination game. Keith Werman had the game-winning RBI for Virginia, while Dustin Garneau had a two-run homer for Fullerton while Gary Brown posted three hits for the Titans. In other CWS action Monday, LSU hammered Arkansas, 9-1.

(EPHRAIM) – Snow College in Ephraim and Richfield is offering Alumni Legacy Scholarships to former students who may have a son or daughter who wants to attend Snow College. Admission Director, Greg Dart, says the new scholarship program is a great benefit to alumni. He said the Legacy Scholarships would reduce non-resident tuition by $3,000 per semester as if the student was a resident. Dart also commented that Snow College will be sponsoring an Alumni Snow Day at Raging Waters Waterpark in Salt Lake on June 27 and invites all friends and family of Snow alumni to attend the activity.

(RICHFIELD) – Sevier County Commissioners discussed and voted on road contracts and changes in their bi-monthly Commission meeting today. Kary Monroe of Jones and DeMille Engineering in Richfield, addressed Commissioners on cost increases on the Sevier to Joseph road contract. Commissioner Gary Mason asked Monroe when the paving would start on the road and bike path and Monroe said asphalt has been hard to get to the project but should start Wednesday or Thursday this week. Commissioners also awarded the Cove Mountain and Monroe Canyon Road maintenance contract to C.A. Johnson Rock Processing out of Utah County. Commissioners said the grading and maintenance to county roads in that area is necessary for passable traffic year around.

(SALT LAKE CITY) – Utah Republicans met for their annual state convention Saturday saying they’re ready to win in 2010. Delegates from across the state elected Dave Hansen as chairman and Morgan Philpot as co-chair. Hansen says Republicans tend to gain more wins in Utah when Democrats are in control of Congress. He won the top post with more than 51% of the nearly 1800 votes cast and was successful in beating Steve Harmsen and Brian Jenkins. Hansen replaces Stan Lockhart, who announced in January that he would not seek a second term. He says he plans to make some improvements to the state party, including making sure its core values are clear to the public and giving as much assistance as possible to party organizations in each of the state’s 29 counties. Hansen is a former political director of the National Republican Senatorial Committee and former executive director of the Utah and Montana Republican Parties.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP)—Southern Mississippi’s Jonathan Johnston walked Texas’ Brandon Loy on four pitches with the bases loaded as the Longhorns edged the Golden Eagles, 7-6 Sunday at Rosenblatt Stadium in the College World Series. The top-seeded Longhorns, who were making their 33rd appearance in the CWS, took a 4-2 lead into the sixth inning on a Russell Moldenhauer home run before Southern Miss made things interesting. The Golden Eagles took a 5-4 lead into the eighth inning on an infield single, a wild pitch, a bases-loaded walk and the first catcher’s interference call at the CWS since 1981. After Texas went up 6-5 in the eighth, Southern Miss tied the score at 6-6 on a James Ewing single before Loy’s winning run. The Longhorns will next face Arizona State, a 5-2 winner over North Carolina, Tuesday.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP)—Porscha Lucas of Texas A&M placed first in the womens’ 200-meter dash to help lead the Lady Aggies to a national championship while the Aggies mens’ 4×400 relay team placed second which propelled them to a national title Saturday in the final day of competition at McDonnell Field. The Lady Aggies posted 50 points to surge past second place Oregon who had 43 points, while Arizona State finished third with 41 points. For the men, things were considerably tighter as Texas A&M had 48 points, while Florida, Florida State, and Oregon each finished in second with 46 points. Locally, Brigham Young’s Lacey Cramer placed fourth in the womens’ 800 meter dash (a race won by Geena Gall of Michigan) to lead the way for Utah athletes. Other winners included Bethune-Cookman’s Robbie Ash in the mens’ 110-meter hurdles, Joanna Atkins of Auburn in the womens’ 400-meter dash, Jonathan Borlee of Florida State in the mens’ 400-meter dash, Andrew Wheating in the mens’ 800-meter dash, Charles Clark of Florida State in the mens’ 200-meter dash, Michigan’s Tiffany Ofili in the womens’ 100-meter hurdles, Susan Juijken of Florida State in the womens’ 1500-meter dash and German Fernandez of Oklahoma State in the mens’ 1500-meter dash. In field events Saturday, winners included Oklahoma’s Will Claye in the mens’ triple jump, Texas Tech’s D’Andra Carter in the womens’ discus and Florida State’s Kimberly Williams in the womens’ triple jump.

DETROIT (AP)—Maxime Talbot scored two goals in a crucial span in the second period and the Pittsburgh Penguins held off several late surges from Detroit to best the Red Wings, 2-1 Friday in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals. The Penguins won an NHL championship for the first time since 1992 when they won back-to-back Stanley Cups with the legendary Mario Lemieux, who is now the team’s owner. After Jonathan Ericsson scored for Detroit at the 13:53 mark in the third period to make things interesting, Marc-Andre Fleury (23 saves) made a clutch save across the crease and denied Nicklas Lidstrom with one second left to give the Pens their first title in 17 years. Additionally, Pittsburgh’s Evgeni Malkin won the Conn Smythe trophy as the postseason MVP. Malkin scored a NHL-high 36 points in the playoffs. The remarkable thing about Pittsburgh’s Stanley Cup run was the fact they were in 10th place in the Eastern Conference at the trade deadline. Nevertheless, after they acquired Bill Guerin, their fortunes changed drastically. The Penguins also became the first team since the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2004 to win a Stanley Cup after trailing 3-2 in the Finals and were also the first team to win Game 7 in the Finals on the road after the team with home ice advantage won the first six games since the 1971 Montreal Canadiens.

(MURRAY)—A natural gas line leak caused the evacuation of some Murray businesses Friday. The leak affected businesses in a strip mall located near 6100 South and 300 West. No injuries were reported and Questar crews were working to fix the leak as soon as possible.

(HOLLADAY)—A woman trying to save her dog took a wild, dangerous ride down Cottonwood Creek Friday. The woman in question was playing with her dog at a park when witnesses say she went into the water around 11:30 a.m. and couldn’t escape from the swiftly moving current. Rescuers fanned out the river in hopes of spotting her and finally Marc Gaztambide spotted and rescued her. Gaztambide took her to his home until authorities arrived. Unified Fire Authority Captain Clint Smith said the woman’s misadventure is a good lesson for people to follow as he said personal safety is not worth risking to save a pet.

(WASHINGTON)—Utah lawmakers are urging the Federal Aviation Administration to hold off on testing a new computer system at a Salt Lake City air traffic control center that guides planes across portions of eight states. The state’s two senators have written FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt and asked him to halt a test of the new system tentatively scheduled for June 18 at one of the FAA’s 20 en route centers across the country. Air traffic controllers believe there are glitches in the system’s software, including one which could cause controllers to frequently lose important information about planes they’re controlling. Republican Senators Bob Bennett and Orrin hatch called such a potential problem “unacceptable.” FAA officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Teachers and educators heading home for the summer vacation are being asked to unplug everything as it potentially can save their jobs. Such items as computers and pencil sharpeners can increase energy costs in these challenging economic times so Salt Lake School District executive director of auxiliary services Steve Woods began to tell teachers to turn off lights in the winter. The change was remarkable as every department in the district has managed to save money in the interim, Woods said. Granite School District has also benefited as it has saved $500,000 in the past six months through increased energy conservation.

(DRAPER)—Utah’s newest water park opened its doors Friday despite the threat of more rain along the Wasatch Front. Cowabunga Bay, in Draper, was completed in the hail Thursday evening and although rain is in the forecast for much of Friday, the water is at 82 degrees so guests can have a good time stated owner Shane Huish. Huish said the play structure is a water park stacked six stories high and features include a lazy river, a wading pool and waterslides.

(RICHFIELD) – The Richfield Main Street Enhancement Project is moving rapidly towards completion but not all downtown business owners are happy with the project. Carolyn Thomas of Thomas Music, has been in business for several decades and says the city and engineers paid little attention to their concerns over a year ago. Thomas said that several other downtown business owners were also not pleased with the loss of parking along main street and the placement of trees in front of their signs and display windows. She said the extra fees, taxes and other funds to support the project are not available and they have been opposed to the project from the beginning. At the city council meeting this week, councilmembers approved the current placement of trees mostly along property lines drafted by Jones and DeMille Engineering of Richfield.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) – Sen. Bob Bennett applauded the announcement that 10 major financial institutions have met all the requirements to fully repay the U.S. Treasury $68 billion, including five percent interest, or $6.2 billion. The money was borrowed from taxpayers through the first part of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act. Bennett said the first round of $350 billion in TARP money, did what Congress had hoped for, including stabilizing banks and preventing a systemic collapse of our financial system, which serves as the life blood of our main street economy. The Department of the Treasury announced that it expects to receive the $68 billion bank repayment proceeds and under the EESA, the money should go towards reducing the national debt but Treasury Secretary, Ken Geithner indicated that the repayments may also be used to respond to any future economic instability. Bennett is opposed to using the money for that purpose and said it should be used to pay down the national debt.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP)—Derek Fisher hit a pair of clutch 3-pointers, one in the closing seconds of regulation and another in overtime as the Los Angeles Lakers pulled out a 99-91 win over the Orlando Magic in Game 4 of the NBA Finals Thursday at Amway Arena. The victory for the Lakers overshadowed a magnificent performance by Dwight Howard (16 points, 21 rebounds, and an NBA Finals record nine blocks) and incidentally, a pair of missed free throws by Howard enabled Fisher to force overtime. Despite the outcome, the Magic led for much of the game and held a 49-37 lead at halftime before Los Angeles turned things around with a 30-14 surge in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, the lead changed hands several times which set up a thrilling finish. In overtime, however, Fisher’s second big trey, which was followed by a key Pau Gasol dunk enabled the Lakers to earn their third win of the series. Other strong showings came from Kobe Bryant (32 points, eight assists, seven rebounds) and Trevor Ariza (16 points, nine boards) for Los Angeles and Hedo Turkoglu (25 points) and Mickael Pietrus (15 points) for Orlando. Game 5 will take place Sunday at Amway Arena.

(RICHFIELD) – Firemen from all over the state of Utah braved stormy weather to participate in a fireman’s parade down main street in Richfield Thursday afternoon. Local parade organizer, Brian Terry, says over 40 entries were received. The parade began promptly at 6pm when the rain started but parade-goers didn’t seem to mind since firemen used water hoses to entertain and spray the crowds. Over 400 firemen from around the state are participating in their annual Utah Fire Convention in Richfield this year. Events include new training techniques to fight fires, ATV rides and other activities. The convention wraps up Saturday with next year’s events to be held in St. George.

(MOAB)—Rescue teams are currently searching for a man who fell from a canoe and into the rapids of the Colorado River near Moab. Thursday morning, the man in question was canoeing with a friend in a portion of the river called the New Rapids when their boat took water and capsized, sending the pair into the water. The men were not wearing life jackets, according to authorities. One of the men was able to swim to the bank and the other was last seen in the middle of the rapids screaming for help. Grand County Search and Rescue now has three boats involved in the search while others are working along the shoreline of the Colorado River in hopes of finding the missing boater.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—The Utah Department of Health adjusted its novel H1N1 influenza virus testing guidelines to include only those patients who are hospitalized as a result of their illness. Surveillance data indicates that approximately 95 percent of influenza activity in the state is due to the novel H1N1 virus. Consequently, clinicians should assume any patient who tests positive for influenza A has novel H1N1 infection and may begin treatment without further laboratory confirmation. Additionally, this week, several Salt Lake area hospitals have reported high volumes of mildly ill patients seeking care in their emergency departments. Medical providers should discourage such patients from visiting emergency rooms, as the patients should stay home for at least seven days after symptoms begin or until they’ve been symptom-free for 24 hours. UDOH reported there are steps every Utahn can take in hopes of limiting the spread of this disease such as washing their hands frequently and sneezing into their elbows. Symptoms of the virus are comparable to seasonal influenza and include a fever of 101 or higher, coughing, a sore throat, headache, body aches, fatigue, possible nausea and vomiting.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—The State Department would be required to work with the Census Bureau to study the best ways to count Americans living overseas under an amendment approved in the U.S. House. The House approved the amendment on a voice vote Wednesday, the Salt Lake Tribune reported from Washington. This would be added to a budget bill that will now go before the Senate. The amendment was sponsored by Democratic Representative Jim Matheson of Utah and comes in response to the 2000 census, when Utah missed out on a fourth House seat by just 857 people. Utah officials contend that the government should have counted more than 11,000 LDS missionaries living overseas. The amendment does not set a deadline, making it unclear whether or not it would have any impact on the upcoming 2010 census.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Defense attorneys for two teens accused of plotting to torture and kill a group of people on a hit list will present their case Thursday. Last month, these attorneys tried to get the case thrown out of court but a judge denied their motion. They argued the 14 and 15-year olds in question were discussing a horror movie when one of their mothers overheard and thought they were talking about real murder plans. Prosecutors have charged the teens with conspiracy to commit aggravated kidnapping.

(BRIGHAM CITY)—The Box Elder County auditor is taking an unusual approach to keep his office’s activities transparent for the public posting: a daily listing of his online activities. Tom Bennett reported his online time card keeps him more aware of what he spends time on each day and makes him more accountable to the public who elected him. A recent daily log noted he spent time on tax sale preparation getting forms, bidder numbers and paperwork ready for the sale while visiting a property owner. Bennett reported he got the idea from Brigham City Finance Director Dennis Sheffield who was keeping a personal record of daily activities.

(RICHFIELD) – Sevier County Commissioners held a public hearing today to gain comment on the creation of a Special Service District to receive funds from the state for wildland fire prevention and emergency services on forest lands. Commissioner Gary Mason explained that if the SSD is not created, Title Three money received would go into the Payment-In-Lieu-of-Taxes fund which would lower the amount of money coming to the county for services on forest lands. Mason said to preserve the most money in PILT, the SSD would need to be created and would be audited by the State Auditor. He said the five-year program would have taxing authority but would be earmarked for specific purposes, not general, as for PILT. No action was taken on creation of the district but would be organized in a few weeks.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP)—After extensive rains plagued northwest Arkansas through much of the day Wednesday, the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships finally commenced late Wednesday evening at McDonnell Field on the campus of the University of Arkansas. Thus far, only the mens’ high jump has taken place with numerous athletes having jumped 6-10.75 feet thus far including Boise State’s Scott Grinnell, Texas’ Raymond Harris and Manjula Wijsekara at this juncture. The meet will resume Thursday.

(HURRICANE) – The son of a prominent KSL-TV executive died Tuesday on SR-59 near Hurricane after being tasered by Washington County police. According to a Salt Lake Tribune report, 32-year old, Brian Cardall, the son of KSL Editorial Director, Duane Cardall, was traveling with his wife, when he pulled his vehicle to the side of the road, left the car and ran down the road in what authorities have called, an “agitated” state. His wife, Anna, immediately called police who responded to the scene and tasered Cardall, who lost consciousness. He was transported to the Dixie Regional Medical Center in St. George, where he was pronounced dead. Family members released a statement Tuesday saying that Cardall was working on his Ph.D in Molecular Ecology at Northern Arizona University. They said that he had been struggling with mental health issues.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP)—Dwight Howard had 21 points and 14 rebounds, while Rashard Lewis also posted 21 points as the Orlando Magic amassed a historic 108-104 win in Game 3 of the NBA Finals Tuesday at Amway Arena. Additionally, Rafer Alston had his best shooting performance of the Finals and posted 20 points while Hedo Turkoglu (18 points, six rebounds, seven assists) and Mickael Pietrus (18 points) were also solid for the Magic. The game was also historic for Orlando in the regard that they shot a Finals record 63 percent from the field for the game while nailing 75 percent of their shots in the first half, another record. Despite the Magic’s magnificence, the Lakers remained within striking distance because of Kobe Bryant’s (31 points, eight assists) hot start, although he faltered down the stretch with several debilitating mistakes for Los Angeles. Additionally, Pau Gasol (23 points) and Trevor Ariza (13 points, seven rebounds) had solid games for the Lakers but Orlando’s depth and overall excellence proved too difficult for Los Angeles to overcome. The Lakers now lead the series, 2-1 while Game 4 will take place Thursday at Amway Arena.

(RICHFIELD) – The Richfield City Council has approved a technical amendment to an ordinance promoting cooperation with UDOT for the development of 800 South Main. At the city council meeting Tuesday night, Business Administrator, Woody Farnsworth, discussed the closing of the 800 South intersection due to problems with rights-of-ways. Farnsworth commented that the City’s Master Transportation Plan originally called for a 90-foot right-of-way at 800 South but in October of 2006, Jones and DeMille Engineering of Richfield redefined the required right of way for each city street and designated a 66-foot right-of-way at that intersection. UDOT officials initially disagreed with the new plan but have since accepted it. The city finally approved a 76-foot right-of-way, which will accommodate traffic flows at the intersection. UDOT says they’ll approve the opening of the road as soon as the Federal Highway Administration gives the go-ahead.

(DENVER)—A man linked by the FBI to four missing or dead people is returning to Denver federal court on a firearms charge. Forty-two year old Scott Kimball faces up to 10 years in prison at his sentencing Tuesday as he was charged with being a felon in possession of a weapon. The FBI reported Kimball had connections to 24-year old Leann Emry, whose body was found in Utah, and 19-year old Kaysi McLeod whose remains were found in northwest Colorado while they both reportedly disappeared in 2003. The FBI also linked Kimball to 25-year old Jennifer Marcum who disappeared in 2003 while Kimball’s 60-year old uncle, Terry Kimball, disappeared in 2004. Both are still missing. Kimball began serving a 48-year sentence after pleading guilty of theft and pleading to being a habitual offender last December.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Although the economy can be a debilitating factor in the lives of many people throughout the world, things may not be so dire for aspiring collegians, particularly those desirous to attend prestigious schools. A new survey from the National Association for College Admission Counseling found 71 percent of high schools reporting an increase in the number of seniors giving up on their “plan A” school in favor of something more affordable. In the words of Bill Sederburg of the Utah Commission of Higher Education, it’s possible students in Utah aren’t looking at all options to put their “first pick” college within reach. Sederburg said financial aid offices can point students in the right direction but even a Web search can help students find grants, loans, and unused scholarships to bridge the gap between expensive and affordable colleges. Sederburg stated one option students can utilize is to attend junior colleges before finishing their four-year degrees at the university of their choice.

(PROVO)—Grasses growing on Provo’s east bench have caused fire officials in the city to impose fireworks restrictions for the upcoming 4th of July holiday. Although it has rained sufficiently in the mountains near Provo, the city’s Fire Marshal Lynn Schofield reported the long grasses will soon turn into dry fuel if people shooting fireworks are too cavalier. Because of accidents incurred in previous years, there are strict regulations in place for Provo residents to shoot fireworks, and they will only be allowed at the following times: July 1-7, July 21-27, and December 28-January 4.

(TOOELE)—A man who plead guilty to killing two goats in Tooele was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in the Tooele County Jail Tuesday. Twenty-year old Orion Kent Mitchell Stoltman was also fined $2500 and ordered to pay $300 in restitution to the goats’ owners. In April, Stoltman pleaded guilty to two Class A misdemeanors charges of animal cruelty for cutting off the heads of two goats last Halloween.

(WEST VALLEY CITY)—After a search throughout the night, an 11-year old West Valley City boy was found safe and sound. The search went underway in West Valley City after the boy was reported as missing around 11:30 Monday evening. Officers went looking for him door-to-door while speaking with friends and classmates but he was finally discovered walking in the rain by a man driving by. Eleven-year old Jacob Bradley Oliver was found about a block east of his neighborhood early Tuesday morning as police stated the man who picked up the boy recognized him from the endangered child alert seen on the news. He then called police and reported Oliver was safe. Before he was spotted, Oliver had last been seen in the area of Granger Elementary School at about 3:30 p.m. Monday. West Valley Police reported they will look into Oliver’s sketchy living situation to make sure everything’s all right at his hoome and if living conditions are appropriate he will return, they stated.

(RICHFIELD) – The 2009 Utah Fireman’s Convention will take place in Richfield this week featuring several days of training, events and activities. Local parade organizer, Brian Terry, says dozens of entries have already been made. The fireman’s parade will be held at 6pm Thursday from 400 South Main to 400 North Main in Richfield and the public is invited to attend. Local convention organizer, Russ Cowley, says when state organizers were considering where to hold the event this year, they were surprised at the growth of Richfield. Over 400 firemen from around the state will be attending the convention this year with activities commencing at the Sevier Valley Center today. The convention will wrap up on Saturday.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) – 3rd District congressman Jason Chaffetz says he may end his abstinence on banning earmarks that many members of Congress support. In a copyright Deseret News report, Chaffetz unseated former Rep. Chris Cannon largely by criticizing his earmarks that ordered federal agencies to fund specific, local projects. Chaffetz says he may reconsider his ban on certain earmarks that are legitimate congressional directed spending for worthwhile projects. He has written letters to mayors, legislators and other local officials in his district to seek comments on an outline of what he says is reform he intends to use to decide what projects legitimately deserve congressional spending.

(PRICE) – The Ferron/Price Ranger District has announced a prescribed burn within the Fish Creek drainage on the ridges west of Scofield Reservoir. Officials say the burn could start as early as Monday as is expected to be completed in three to four days. The burn is targeting cheat grass, an invasive species growing on Bean, Big and Mud Ridges and through a management plan implemented over several years, will be reduced and replaced with native grasses. Fire personnel will monitor the fire until it’s completely extinguished.

(MAYFIELD) – The search for a newborn’s body in the White Hills landfill near Mayfield has ended. Sanpete County Sheriff, Kevin Holman, said the search was called off last Wednesday when officers and landfill workers finished searching a compacted, 24-foot deep, 100-yard long area where operators said the baby’s body was most likely buried. The search began May 4, days after investigators were told a teenage mother had dumped her stillborn baby in the trash. Holman said it didn’t make sense for officers to search beyond the specified area because the landfill is too vast. Prosecutor Brody Keisel, of the Sanpete County Attorney’s Office, said he wouldn’t know if prosecutors would have a case against the juvenile mother until the Sheriff’s Office finished its investigation.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP)—Taylor Jungmann surrendered only two hits in six innings of work as the Texas Longhorns earned the final berth in Saturday’s College World Series with a 5-2 win over Texas Christian Monday in the NCAA Super Regionals. Brendon Belt and Kevin Keyes had an RBI triple and home run respectively to help the Longhorns earn an early 3-0 lead in the first inning. In the fourth inning, Texas added a pair of insurance runs on doubles from Keyes and Cameron Rupp while Chance Ruffin finally put the Horned Frogs away in the ninth inning. Texas will next face Southern Mississippi Sunday at Omaha, Neb. in their first game at the CWS.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—A teenager who encouraged his cousin to shoot and kill another teen in the parking lot of a Sears store has pleaded guilty to reduced charges. Alexis Rodriguez faced multiple first-degree felonies for the 2007 death of 16-year old Diego Mendoza. Last week, he pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of second-degree felony attempted murder. A firearms charge was dropped. Sentencing is slated for August 10 in 3rd District Court and the charge carries a possible penalty of up to 15 years in prison. Rodriguez and Luis Salazar Mendoza were at a taco stand when they got into an argument with Diego Mendoza and two others. Luis Salazar Mendoza was sentenced to anywhere from 30 years to life in prison in March.

(NORTHERN UTAH)—Some bear sightings in northern Utah have people concerned about impending camping trips but in actuality, this has been a mild year thus far for bears being seen by humans. Utah Division of Wildlife spokesman Mark Hadley said Utahns in all likelihood won’t see that many bears this season because the sufficient rainfall thus far has given bears plenty of vegetation to eat in the mountains. Wildlife officials have responded to one sighting in northern Utah when a bear snooped around some cabin areas in Woodland. Hadley said people shouldn’t let their guards down though but they should keep their camps clean and never intentionally feed a bear if they should see one.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—The Utah Department of Transportation is keeping a close eye on the ramp to Foothill Drive and Parley’s Way after some concrete chunks fell off Monday morning. Two motorists called police after noticing concrete chunks on the road Monday. UDOT crews responded right away and inspected the bridge while closing Parley’s Way underneath the Foothill overpass to clean up the concrete. In the interim, the road has been reopened. Upon completion of the project, UDOT stated the Foothill overpass is structurally sound and the problem on Monday was primarily cosmetic. Additionally, UDOT said the overpass was inspected last fall and at this point, there are no sings of major corrosion. Engineers returned to the overpass Monday and chipped off corroded areas of concrete while re-inspecting the bridge once again and determined it was safe. UDOT did leave the corroded areas exposed but nothing else is expected to fall.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—A new documentary chronicling the history of Kanab’s tradition as a popular location for filming movies will debut shortly in Kanab. “Return To Little Hollywood,” a film by Dixie State professor Stephen B. Armstrong chronicles Kanab’s history as a popular filming site for movies such as “Western Union” and “Buffalo Bill,” while television’s “Gunsmoke” and “Have Gun, Will Travel,” were also filmed there. The film is slated to debut June 17 in Kanab and promises to be used as a promotional tool to attract more film projects to the region.

(LAUGHLIN, Nev.)—The man accused of threatening President Barack Obama in front of a St. George bank teller is expected to make his first appearance in court. 36-year old Daniel James Murray is slated to appear in a Nevada courtroom Monday and then will reportedly face federal charges in Utah. Charging documents filed last Thursday claim Murray told a bank teller in May that he is on a “mission to kill the President of the United States.” Murray said federal authorities made those threats while emptying out a savings account at a Zions Bank in St. George. Murray was arrested Friday at the Riverside Casino in Laughlin, Nev. Secret Service and local law enforcement agents took Murray into custody without incident.

(MANTI) – A Bluffdale man was rescued and credited with saving his four-year old son in an ATV accident Saturday up 12-mile canyon. According to a Sanpete County Sheriff’s report, 37-year old, Robert Gonda and his son were riding their Polaris Razor ATV on the Pinchot Trail up 12-mile canyon, when they approached a pinacle and teetered on an edge of the trail. Gonda was able to unbuckle his son and push him off the machine before tumbling, himself, 125 yards down the hill into a river. The report said Gonda suffered leg, head and neck injuries along with hypothermia and was airlifted to a hospital up north. The Sanpete County Technical Rescue Team, Search and Rescue and the sheriff’s department all participated in the rescue and reports say Gonda is in fair condition. His four-year old son was not injured in the accident.

(RICHFIELD) – Road construction crews are nearing completion of the culvert and paving project between Sevier and Joseph. The Utah Department of Transportation says crews are working Monday through Thursday from 7am to 6pm on the new bike trail and will soon have the project completed for public access. UDOT will also be setting up equipment and traffic control June 15 for the overlay project between Sigurd and Salina on I-70 and the chip seal operation between Moab and Monticello continues on U.S. 191 with single lane closures. The seal coat and striping project progresses between the Kanosh and Meadow exits on I-15 in Millard County and paving on the Boulder loop south of Torrey in Wayne County is underway. The micro-surfacing project also continues on U.S. 6 between Helper and Price and drilling and cement pouring will be done north of Moab over the Colorado River Bridge. UDOT officials remind travelers to take the necessary precautions in work zones.

LOS ANGELES (AP)—The Los Angeles Lakers went on a key 7-0 run in overtime and outlasted the Orlando Magic, 101-96 to earn a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals Sunday at STAPLES Center. As the game commenced, the teams traded the lead numerous times but the biggest story was Orlando’s vastly improved play, much of it coming from Rashard Lewis (34 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists) and Hedo Turkoglu (22 points, six boards). Although the Lakers nursed a lead late in the fourth quarter, the Magic had a chance to win in regulation but Courtney Lee’s game-winning layup attempt clanged off the front rim, forcing the extra session. Orlando did manage to take a 91-90 lead in the extra session, but Los Angeles’ key run followed which enabled them to pull out the narrow win and earn a 2-0 lead which is more tenuous than it appears. Dwight Howard added 17 points and 16 boards in the loss for the Magic while the Lakers were led by Kobe Bryant (29 points, eight assists), Pau Gasol (24 points, 10 rebounds) and Lamar Odom (19 points, eight boards). Game 3 will take place Tuesday in Orlando.

(SALT LAKE CITY) – Utah’s newest congressman has won a victory on a bill he sponsored preventing whole-body scanners at airports from being the primary screening device. 3rd District congressman, Jason Chaffetz, says his victory was not without opposition. He said when the voting started, he nearly had to pull the bill for lack of support but it rallied back and at the end of the day, House members passed the bill by a vote of 310-125. Chaffetz said it was a great feeling, especially for a rookie, to get his first bill passed. It now goes to the Senate for consideration.

LOS ANGELES (AP)—Kobe Bryant posted 40 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, commemorating his first 40-point performance in the NBA Finals as the Los Angeles Lakers smoked the Orlando Magic, 100-75 Thursday in Game 1 at STAPLES Center. Although the Magic hung around early on and led 24-22 after the first quarter, things swiftly went downhill as Orlando shot just below 30 percent for the game. Meanwhile, Bryant got plenty of assistance from teammates such as Pau Gasol (16 points, eight rebounds) and Lamar Odom (11 points, 14 boards) as Los Angeles built an insurmountable 26-point lead in the third quarter. Bright spots were difficult to find for the Magic as they lost their fifth consecutive NBA Finals game which dates back to 1995 when they were swept by Houston and they were led by Mickael Pietrus’ paltry 14 points. Game 2 will take place Sunday at Los Angeles.

(OREM)—A building at Utah Valley University has been evacuated following the discovery of a suspicious white powder. Chris Taylor of UVU reported that around 10:45 Thursday morning, an employee discovered the powder sitting on a table in a hallway of the Woodbury School of Business. 200 people have currently been evacuated from the building and classes are on hold while HAZMAT crews investigate.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Nearly 75 percent of Utahns have Internet access at home according to a new report from the census which ranks sixth nationally. Utah ranks fifth in terms of Internet use and numbers are continually on the upswing stated XMission founder Pete Ashdown. This is a major increase from 2001, when only 54 percent of Utahns had Internet access at home.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—This week, the Utah Transit Authority is offering a summer promotional pass for FrontRunner. The Party of Four campaign is a group pass that allows up to four people to ride and passes are currently available for $10. The new group pass is valid anytime and whenever FrontRunner operates, there are no time restrictions. Group passes can only be purchased at FrontRunner ticket vending machines and can be accepted as a transfer to bus or TRAX. The pass will be validated by the FrontRunner ticket machine and expires the day of purchase. The FrontRunner pass is being offered on a trial basis this summer but depending on its success, UTA will continue offering the pass and expand it beyond FrontRunner.

(SANDY)—The former Ogden police officer lauded as a hero for stopping a killing spree at Trolley Square last year has had his police certification revoked. During its quarterly meeting Thursday, the Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training Council voted unanimously to accept the revocation of Ken Hammond. In other words, Hammond is no longer allowed to be a police officer in Utah. The 34-year old Hammond pleaded no contest earlier this year to sexual battery, a class A misdemeanor for which he is currently serving a 90-day jail sentence. Weber County prosecutors claimed that in 2005, Hammond had a sexual encounter with a 17-year old girl while on duty. Prosecutors also say Hammond responded to a disturbance when he encountered an 18-year old woman and her 17-year old friend. Upon his return to the scene a couple of hours later, prosecutors believe the girl was encouraged to perform a sex act on Hammond. Hammond’s attorney disputed the facts of the case but took a plea deal reportedly in hopes of avoiding a felony conviction and possible prison sentence. Additionally, Hammond is facing a civil lawsuit by a woman who has accused him of misconduct while involved in the arrest of her husband. Hammond’s case was one of 15 considered by the POST council, the body that certifies and disciplines police officers. Another high profile revocation involved a former Cache County Sheriff’s deputy, Shawn Romero, who was caught up in a child pornography investigation. The 27-year old Romero is accused of downloading child pornography and was arrested by a warrant from the Utah Attorney General’s Office. Other offenses discussed at the meeting ranged from sexual misconduct-witness tampering.

(SOUTH SALT LAKE)—An armed man on the run from police hid in an unsuspecting homeowner’s garage, but he was caught by a K-9 who went in after him when he refused to come out. Wednesday evening in Taylorsville, police were trying to run down 38-year old Erik Richards who was wanted for robbery in Sandy. When officers pulled him over, he drove away while hitting another police car. With authorities in pursuit, a K-9 from the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office tracked him into a house and later, a garage. Jim Phelps of the Joint Criminal Apprehension Team then said the dog cornered him, after picking up his scent and bit him. Next, Phelps stated the K9 dragged Richards out, thus enabling police to arrest him. After Richards was attacked by the dog, he was taken to a hospital to be treated for his injuries. Upon his recovery, he’ll be booked in the Salt Lake County Jail on charges of robbery, fleeing from police, and assault of a police officer.

(SALT LAKE CITY) – Thousands of LDS Church members in Russia and Ukraine gathered in a historic meeting this past weekend to hear from members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Reports say that members traveled hundreds of miles to see and hear from President Dieter and Sister Harriet Uchtdorf and Elder Neil and Sister Kathy Andersen. The couples also visited Kiev, where a temple is under construction. In 1998, Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley, announced that the Church would build a temple in the Ukraine but problems with the Ukranian local bureaucracy delayed groundbreaking until June of 2007. Pres. Uchtdorf told members that thousands will join the Church with a new temple. Statistics show that in the last 20 years, Church membership has grown in Eastern Europe, from dozens to 10,000 in Ukraine and 20,000 in Russia. Church leaders also met with government officials and the head of a Diagnostic Medical Center, to which the Church made a donation. Low-income and at-risk patients are treated at the center, including victims of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) – Sen. Bob Bennett has joined Republican Senators in a planned press conference today to announce Republican legislation to restrict additional taxpayer dollars to auto manufacturers. The legislation would give individual taxpayers ownership of the federal government’s share of stock in General Motors and Chrysler acquired during the current auto bailout and bankruptcy proceedings. The news conference will be held at U.S. Capitol at noon today.

LOS ANGELES (AP)—Casey Blake had a key sixth inning sacrifice fly and Chad Billingsley surrendered only four hits in six innings of work as the Los Angeles Dodgers ousted the Arizona Diamondbacks, 1-0 Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. Despite surrendering seven hits to the Diamondbacks overall, Los Angeles pulled out the win which improved them to a MLB-best record of 37-18 while they opened up a 9.5 game lead in the National League West over San Francisco. The loss dropped Arizona to 23-31. In other MLB action Wednesday, the Chicago Cubs snuck past Atlanta, 3-2 in 11 innings, Boston doubled up Detroit, 10-5, Texas bested the New York Yankees, 4-2, the Los Angeles Angels smacked Toronto, 8-1, Tampa Bay walloped Kansas City, 9-0, Milwaukee got past Florida, 9-6, Houston humbled Colorado, 6-4, Cleveland blasted Minnesota, 10-1, Oakland stonewalled the Chicago White Sox, 5-3, Cincinnati torched St. Louis, 9-3, Philadelphia overpowered San Diego, 5-1, and Seattle stymied Baltimore, 3-2.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—An 18-year old West Valley man has been charged in connection with the murder of his neighbor, Kimberly Hain. On Wednesday, the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office charged Martin Vuksinick with aggravated murder, aggravated burglary and obstruction of justice. If he is convicted on the first-degree felony charges of murder, he could face life in prison. Vuksinick was arrested May 26, four days after Hain’s body was discovered by her children. Police believe he broke into Hain’s house to steal something but when he was confronted, he beat her to death. It is believed Vuksinick may have been high on cocaine at the time of the murder.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—A new report suggests barely half of Utah’s college students come out with a degree in six years. The study, entitled “Diplomas and Dropouts” compares some 1400 colleges and universities nationwide, while at the University of Utah, the report found 56 percent of students come out with a degree in less than six years which is within the national average. The U’s Associate Vice President of budge and planning, Paul Brinkman, said the “LDS issue” makes Utah different than many other states while students who extend past six years to account for missions and marriages with the rate going up to 60 percent. Brigham Young University’s rate is close to 78 percent which is typical of schools with selective admission.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—The University of Utah Singers, an elite choral ensemble of the U’s School of Music has been awarded first prize at the 11th annual International Chamber Choir Competition in Marktdoberdorf, Germany. As the only U.S.-based choir to compete in this prestigious festival, the Singers also placed third for youth choirs (18-21 age group)and received a special award for the best interpretation of choral work premiering at the competition. The Singers’ 2009 win culminates a three-week concert tour of eastern Europe in which they performed in such cities as Prague, Budapest, and Salzburg. The win was the latest victory in Europe for the Singers as in 2006, they won the European Grand Prix International Choir Competition in Tolosa, Spain, while they also toured throughout France in 2007.

(MURRAY)—An arrest warrant has been issued for a Murray man accused of beating up his girlfriend who he believed to be pregnant. Court documents report Shaheed K. Smith struck his girlfriend in the face and stomach during an April 11 argument. At one point, the documents say Smith wanted to “get the baby out of her.” Police say the victim told Smith she was pregnant and when officers arrived, they claim there was sufficient evidence the woman had been beaten. Tuesday, Smith was charged with domestic violence assault, a Class A misdemeanor and with criminal mischief, a Class B misdemeanor. Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office spokeswoman Alicia Cook said in the case of an unborn child prosecutors can enhance certain charges but only strongly defined circumstances. Murray police reported they can’t confirm whether the victim was pregnant or not at this moment, but Smith acted on the belief that she was.

(LOA) – Environmental studies continue to plague Garkane Energy in the planned construction of a transmission line from Tropic to Hatch. Garkane Energy Spokesman, Carl Albrecht, says his company has spent a lot of money on the studies. He said crews need to go through Bryce Canyon National Park, the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, BLM and private land to construct the line. Albrecht commented the environmental studies are all part of the federal government’s Clean Energy Act passed by Congress.

(KANAB) – A national magazine has ranked Kanab as the top Utah city for sportsmen and 12th in the nation. In the current issue of Outdoor Life magazine, Kanab was selected for the top honor out of 200 cities and towns the magazine listed nationwide for outdoor opportunities and quality of life. Outdoor Life editor-in-chief, Todd Smith, commented that outdoorsmen want world-class hunting and fishing, while at the same time, enjoying quality of life. He said towns listed offer the best in the outdoors as well as decent homes and schools and good-paying jobs. In addition to Kanab, Heber City was listed as 22nd, Vernal came in at 39th and Richfield was listed as the 40th best city to live. Cedar City was listed at 57th, Logan at 67th and Price rounded out the top 200 at number 150.

(SALT LAKE CITY) – Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. is declaring June as Utah Great Outdoors Month highlighting Utah’s 43 state parks and museums, forests and other public lands ands waterways. As part of the celebration, the Fremont Indian State Park and Museum in Sevier will feature an advanced pottery workshop June 18-21 and the Palisade State Park in Sterling will feature a campout and cookout June 27. Other parks in Francis, Midway, Hyrum and Syracuse will feature events and activities this month as part of the designation.

(HUNTINGTON) – An Emery County woman was killed and another person was injured in a head-on collision Tuesday morning near Huntington involving two pickup trucks. According to UHP reports, at about 8:45am, 37-year old, Tarina Shepherd of Wellington, was traveling northbound in a 1990 Chevy pickup on SR-10 south of Huntington, when a 2002 Chevy pickup crossed into her lane and collided with her head-on. UHP reports say that Shepherd died at the scene and the driver of the 2002 Chevy pickup was transported to the Castle View Hospital in Price in fair to serious condition. Troopers are not sure why the truck drifted into northbound traffic but say the case is under investigation.

PITTSBURGH (AP)—Maxime Talbot had two goals, while Kris Letang and Sergei Gonchar also scored as the Pittsburgh Penguins earned a 4-2 win over the Detroit Red Wings at Mellon Arena in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals to pull within 2-1 in the series Tuesday. Evgeni Malkin, who instigated a fight in last Sunday’s Game 2 bounced back with three assists, which has given him 33 points in 20 postseason games, the most since Joe Sakic of Colorado had 34 points in 22 playoff games in 1996. Additionally, Marc-Andre Fluery had 27 saves for Pittsburgh as the Penguins scored two crucial third period goals to win going away. Henrik Zetterberg and Johan Franzen scored for the Red Wings in the loss. The series resumes Thursday in Pittsburgh.

(NORTH OGDEN)—Residents of a North Ogden home were astonished Tuesday morning when a 42,000-pound UTA bus came crashing into their backyard. An early morning collision between a UTA bus and a Chevy Yukon sent the bus over a curb, through a fence and into the backyard of a home near Washington Boulevard. The incident occurred around 6:30 a.m. while the Yukon was ejected and transported to the hospital with head injuries and road rash. He is expected to recover, although the driver of the bus was not hurt. The driver of the Yukon was cited with making an illegal turn and no one was on the bus at the time of the crash.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—A Bountiful man has been convicted twice for the same offense, but prosecutors insist this is not double jeopardy. 48-year old Scott Dale Kerber pleaded guilty Monday to a federal charge of possession of child pornography. He was then indicted by a federal grand jury after he was convicted in Farmington’s 2nd District Court last year, but the judge gave him only a year in jail. According to court records, Kerber pleaded guilty to a pair of second-degree felony counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. He was accused of possessing child porn images and arrested by the Utah Attorney General’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. During his March sentencing, court records show Judge Rodney S. Page suspended a pair of 1 to 15-year prison terms in favor of probation and work release during his jail time. After the sentence was imposed, federal prosecutors were approached about filing charges. Oddly enough, an indictment was secured for the same offense. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Utah sought permission from superiors in Washington D.C. before proceeding with the prosecution. According to a statement by the defendant in advance of his guilty plea, Kerber admitted to possessing more than 200 pornographic images of children on his computer, which included young children engaging in sexual acts. Currently, Kerber faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced October 5.

(LEHI)—A Lehi man is in jail after police stated he tried to torch his family with a can of WD-40. Shane Johnson had been living away from his family for several weeks but he was invited home last Friday to celebrate his birthday. However, the following morning, in the words of Lehi Police Lieutenant Darren Paul, Johnson woke up and was upset that his wife and kids slept in and that the house was messy. Next, he woke them up, claiming to be a robot ready to clean the house but his cleaning technique didn’t go over well as he started breaking things. Next, Lieutenant Paul said, he began spraying his wife in the face with WD-40 after which he took a lighter and made a blow torch with the WD-40, threatening to burn down the house as well as his family. Johnson was then booked on three counts of aggravated assault and criminal mischief. Police are also investigating whether or not he had any mental disorders that may have led to this outburst.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—The trial of a former high school teacher accused of having sex with a student began Tuesday. The judge heard testimony from the teen’s father and stepmother who began monitoring the teen’s Internet use. They then cited several e-mail exchanges between the teen and the teacher in question, Jose Fanjul, while the father said some of the e-mails were flirtatious. However, defense attorneys say Fanjul, a former teacher at West High School, adamantly denies such charges and beside the parents’ statements, the state has no evidence against him. This same girl had a sexual relationship with a counselor at West, Marco Herrera, in 2007. After his conviction, Herrera was sentenced to prison. Prosecutors charged Fanjul with five counts each of forcible sodomy and forcible sexual abuse. Defense attorneys sought to file a motion to dismiss the case because of pretrial publicity they believe would have tainted a jury. The case is expected to run through Friday.

(CENTERVILLE)—A Centerville City Councilwoman could face charges in connection with a crash that sent a 10-year old boy to the hospital. Police reported Sherri Lynn Lindstrom was driving when she hit the boy who was riding his skateboard in a Bountiful crosswalk Friday. Officers reported she may have been distracted at the time, but Lindstrom told the Ogden Standard-Examiner this was not the case. The boy suffered head injuries and is currently in the hospital in stable, yet critical condition.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Soon-to-be Utah Governor Gary Herbert is still deciding who to select as the new lieutenant governor and running mate for 2010. Some political circles have mentioned Josh Romney, Mitt Romney’s son, as a candidate. The 33-year old Romney told the Deseret News he isn’t actively campaigning to be Utah’s lieutenant governor under Herbert, but if an offer is extended to him, he would strongly consider it. Herbert is in line to assume the governorship in Utah provided the incumbent Jon Huntsman is confirmed as U.S. Ambassador to China. Romney also told the Deseret News that he and Herbert have talked several times since then, but the lieutenant governor’s position was not discussed.

(HURRICANE) – A special public hearing was held last week in Hurricane concerning the development of a theme park as a tourist destination. The developers, Our World Family, presented their plan to the city council and public at the hearing, saying the project would include a school system, indoor ski resort and a theme and water park on 2,000 acres in Hurricane. Planning Director, Toni Foran, says the city compiled a list of concerns in January and the council needs to make a final decision as to whether to go forward with the project or not. Foran said the project will have a large impact on the city, involving a lot of acres and infrastructure, including water, sewer, power and roads. She said the council will need to make a final decision by their June 4 meeting. Our World Family had previously presented the planned development to Toquerville residents with no success for support.

(SEVIER) – Richfield and Monroe Fire Departments were dispatched to Sevier Saturday night to find a garage fully engulfed in flames. A sheriff’s report said that fire crews responded to the Charles Ainge residence at 605 West Cove Canal Road at about 11:10pm. Ainge was watching TV at the time of the fire and woke up his wife to find his garage burning and called 911. The couple were able to slow the fire with a garden hose until the fire departments arrived. Fire crews were able to put out the fire to the garage without major damage to the rest of the house but there was some smoke damage. The sheriff’s report stated the Monroe Fire Department was called out again to the same residence at about 2:45am to discover coal embers had fanned into flames again. Initial reports indicate the fire started in the attic of the garage resulting in heavy damage to the garage along with tools and equipment. The State Fire Marshall continues to investigate the cause of the blaze.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP)—Ashley Charters, Jenn Salling and Morgan Stuart each had two RBI as the Washington Lady Huskies downed the Florida Lady Gators, 8-0 in the Womens’ College World Series Monday. The loss was a rare one for the Lady Gators as they fell to 63-4 on the season, while Washington improved to 50-12. The Lady Huskies now lead the best-of-three championship tournament, 1-0, with Game 2 slated for Tuesday.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP)—Bobby Wilson had three hits, while Gary Patchett added a two-run homer as the Salt Lake Bees bested the Reno Aces, 6-5 Monday at Spring Mobil Field. Bryan Byrne had two hits in the loss for the Aces.

(MURRAY)—A Carbon County woman has become Utah’s first patient to get a new heart valve through a small catheter inserted inside her leg. At Intermountain Medical Center, Monday, 87-year old Rose Felice talked to reporters just three weeks removed from this revolutionary surgery. Surgeons were able to snake a special catheter from an artery in her leg up to her heart. From there, the valve on the end of a catheter was deployed like a little inflatable balloon. Felice is among more than 1000 heart valve patients who have participated in a study to see if this procedure could be done. Furthermore, IMC is one of only 25 medical centers in North America and Europe involved in the pioneering clinical trial.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Sam Granato, chairman of the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission said Monday he’s seeking the Democratic Party’s nomination to run for U.S. Senator Bob Bennett’s seat in 2010. In a speech Monday, Granato told supporters, including party leaders, that he would listen to voters when developing his platform. Granato was appointed to the DABC board by Republican Governor Jon Huntsman and he has helped steer things in a more moderate direction. Granato’s previous experience also includes serving as Beehive Credit Union chairman and the chairman of the Salt Lake Valley Board of Health. Party leaders are hoping recent gains made by Democrats in the West will finally spill over to Utah in 2010. Currently, Bennett is facing opposition for the Republican nomination from Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff.

(OGDEN)—The Utah Board of Regents has voted to assign five of its members to a task force that will consider whether to affiliate the College of Eastern Utah in Price with Logan’s Utah State University. The task force will hold a series of public hearings over the next few weeks and offer a recommendation to the regents at their July 16 meeting. The board last met on Friday wherein former CEU president Michael Petersen offered a proposal for this arrangement. However, some of CEU’s trustees and faculty say they are doubtful the proposal addresses declining enrollment and other challenges.

(FARMINGTON)—A math teacher at Bountiful Junior High charged with a middle school sex scandal is considering a plea deal. During an appearance in 2nd District Court Monday, Valynne Bowers’ attorney announced to the judge that they were working on a resolution with Davis County prosecutors. Defense attorney Rich Gallegos asked for more time to work on a plea bargain. The 40-year old Bowers is charged with first-degree felony rape and forcible sodomy and is one of two teachers at Bountiful Junior High, along with Linda Nef, accused of having sex with the same teenage boy. Bowers recently underwent a psycho-sexual evaluation and is in counseling. Gallegos declined to elaborate on what the evaluation said, but indicated it did not label Bowers as a pedophile or predator. Nef is accused of having a relationship with the boy from December 2007-February 2008, while Bowers reportedly had sexual relations with the boy from January-February 2009.

(RICHFIELD) – Sevier County Commissioners voted today to approve an amendment in the Grazing, Recreation and Forestry Zone in the allowance of recreational use on property. Changes in the zoning include property being used for recreation, camping, travel and seasonal use, not for use as primary dwellings. Other changes include recreational vehicles temporally stored on property that must be winterized and holding tanks emptied into a state approved system. Vehicles stored permanently on property must be connected to a state approved septic system and be protected from weather damage. Those vehicles will also be taxed as real property. Other dwellings or recreational vehicles which need repair, or are damaged, must be removed within 60 days of county notice and trash, refuse and waste must be contained and disposed of properly. Commissioners voted on the measure in their bi-monthly meeting and recreationists who attended the meeting were generally pleased with the vote.

(RICHFIELD) – A semi and pickup truck collided this morning at 300 North Main in Richfield when both vehicles attempted to turn right at the same time. UHP Trooper Brad Peterson was at the scene and said the truck driver didn’t realize the semi was turning in his lane. Peterson didn’t release the names of the DP Curtis truck driver and UDOT driver until the investigation is complete. The UHP Trooper said the semi was attempting to turn right onto 300 North in the inside lane while the UDOT driver was turning in the same direction in the turning lane. Neither driver was injured in the accident and damage was done to the semi and truck.

(CEDAR CITY) – A Cedar City man was arrested early Sunday after he allegedly beat two of his friends severely as they slept. Cedar City Police say that 23-year old, Zachary King, became angry with the two men, ages 20 and 23, as they hung out together at the 20-year old’s home Saturday night but it doesn’t appear he had fought with them that night. Lt. Darin Adams, with the Cedar City Police Department, said King went home, selected an unidentified household tool and brought it back to the house at 2400 West and 400 South, where the 23-year old was spending the night. The police report said that King walked into the bedroom where the 20-year old was sleeping and repeatedly beat the man until he passed out. King then walked into the bedroom of the 23-year old and began beating him in the head but the man convinced him to stop. The mother of the 20-year old called 911 and police arrived at about 1:30am and arrested King. He was booked into the Iron County Jail on suspicion of two counts of attempted aggravated murder and one count of burglary. The first victim was flown to the Intermountain Medical Center in critical condition and the second one was taken to the Valley View Medical Center in stable condition. Authorities continue the investigation of the case.