Story Archive for 06/26/2009
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3 Arrested In Kidnapping, Robbery Plot
Published on June 26, 2009 at 06:31PM
(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.
Salt Lake City Seeks To Tackle Gang Issues
Published on June 26, 2009 at 06:25PM
(SALT LAKE CITY)—Almost a year after a 7-year old girl was shot and accidentally killed in a drive-by shooting, Salt Lake City leaders, police, and community advocates have created a coalition to reduce gangs’ impacts. As a result of the strife between two feuding gangs, Maria Del Carmen Menchaca was hit by a stray bullet when playing in her yard last July. Consequently, Mayor Ralph Becker called together law enforcement and community leaders to discuss the problem and Utah Governor Jon Huntsman organized a new gang task force. Friday, Becker introduced the Gang Reduction Program Committee. The committee’s co-chair, Leticia Medina, says although it’s unreasonable to think gangs can be completely eliminated or that people can be helped without incarceration, steps can be taken to reduce the impact of gangs.
Zions Bank Sues City Over Subdivision Demands
Published on June 26, 2009 at 06:17PM
(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.
Public Input Sought On Web Site Identifying Repeated Drunk Drivers
Published on June 26, 2009 at 06:11PM
(FARMINGTON)—A controversial Web site that would post repeat drunk drivers’ information, such as mug shots and blood alcohol levels will not go online without public input first. A coalition of law enforcement and community groups calling themselves “Davis Helps” said they would solicit public opinion before deciding whether to launch the Web site. The group is backed in part by a federal grant to help reduce drunken driving in Davis County. Officials with Davis Helps say DUI crashes have risen by 87 percent in the past five years. The group claims Davis County has the highest number of drunk driving crashes per capita in Utah. Davis Help has utilized other forms of media such as billboards and road signs exhorting drivers to call 911 if they see any drunk drivers. Public comment will be taken online at www.davishelps.org.
Jowers-Romney Ticket Closer To Reality
Published on June 26, 2009 at 06:07PM
(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.
Zions Park Proposes Repairs of 9 Miles of Road
Published on June 26, 2009 at 06:03PM
(ZION NATIONAL PARK)—Zion National Park officials are proposing major repairs for nine miles of road. Park officials have completed an environmental assessment of the Mount Carmel Highway project, which would rehabilitate the road from Canyon Junction to the East Entrance. The road was completed in 1930 and has had only routine maintenance. Park officials say it’s been damaged by rain, snow, heat and heavy traffic through the years. The park is taking public comments on the project until July 28.
Utah To Receive $49 Million For Transit Projects
Published on June 26, 2009 at 05:24PM
(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.
Home Sales Up in Salt Lake County
Published on June 26, 2009 at 05:20PM
(SALT LAKE COUNTY)—Home sales are up in Salt Lake County while the Salt Lake Board of Realtors says sales of existing homes and condos were up 15 percent in May from April. It reports 988 homes and condos sold last month, up 127 from the month before, but still more than 100 short of May of last year. The median price of condos and homes was $225,000 up a little more than $5000 from April.
Boat Found; Boater Still Missing
Published on June 26, 2009 at 05:12PM
(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.
Charges Not Likely in Shooting Death of 5-Year Old Girl
Published on June 26, 2009 at 05:05PM
(BERYL)—Charges will likely not be filed in the shooting death of a 5-year old girl in Beryl. Iron County Sheriff’s deputies said the girl was accidentally shot with a rifle belonging to her grandparents while playing with the gun with another child Monday. The Iron County sheriff said the county attorney is waiting for a report on the incident before determining if any laws were broken. The report was expected to be released Friday. The sheriff told the Spectrum the shooting was a tragic accident and he’s certain charges will not be filed.
Westbound I-80 Reopens After Tanker Accident
Published on June 26, 2009 at 04:55PM
(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.
Utah Authorizes $4 Million in Water Projects
Published on June 26, 2009 at 04:47PM
(SALT LAKE CITY)—Utah officials have authorized $4 million in water projects around the state including $1 million to restore a portion of the Ogden River channel. The Water Quality Board approved the nine projects Wednesday. The projects are moving forward with funding for the federal stimulus package. The board chose the project from a list of 87 applicants and among the approved projects are $251,000 to remove carp from Utah Lake and more than $500,000 in restoration work at Strawberry Reservoir.
Davis County Suspect Returned To Jail 4 Times
Published on June 26, 2009 at 04:39PM
(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.
Foreclosed Homes Could Be Breeding Ground For West Nile Virus
Published on June 26, 2009 at 04:33PM
(OGDEN)—Health officials say the bad economy has created a new breeding ground for West Nile virus. Lori Buttars of the Weber-Morgan Health Department says standing water has caused grave concern in foreclosed homes. Buttars also said the homes can have a lot of standing water, especially if there are vacant swimming pools, buckets filled with water, or puddles left over from the rain. The rainy weather which has encompassed much of June has put officials behind the 8 ball in combating West Nile virus as any attempts to lay pesticides to standing water where mosquitoes breed have been washed away by the rain. As temperatures consistently become warmer, health officials advise Utahns to cover up and apply DEET. Mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus usually bite during the day.
Boy Dies in ATV Accident Near Monticello
Published on June 26, 2009 at 04:27PM
(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.
Micro-burst rips roof on Fillmore Theatre
Published on June 26, 2009 at 02:27PM
(FILLMORE) – Fillmore residents say a mini-tornado touched down last Saturday night along main street and ripped off a section of the roof to the Avalon Theatre. Theatre owner, Jack McBride, says witnesses told him that at about 6pm, a ten-by-forty-foot piece of the roof was torn off. Other sources say the mini-tornado was actually a micro-burst that did the damage. McBride said his theatre is closed until the roof can be repaired. He hopes to open again in about two weeks.
Charges unlikely in shooting death
Published on June 26, 2009 at 01:28PM
(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.
Koosharem cabin burns in fire
Published on June 26, 2009 at 12:51PM
Updated on June 26, 2009 at 04:52PM
(KOOSHAREM) – A family cabin south of Koosharem burned to the ground Thursday afternoon. Richfield Fire Chief, Bryan Burrows, said the Koosharem Fire Department first responded to the scene at about 2pm to find the cabin fully engulfed in flames. He said the Richfield Fire Department arrived to assist. Burrows commented that the fire started in an office area of the cabin but had no information as to the cause of the blaze. The State Fire Marshall is on scene investigating the exact cause of the fire. Some sources say the fire may have been caused by a faulty electric circuit. Burrows said the cabin belonged to Dean Rickenbaugh of Koosharem.
Lake Powell launches boat changes
Published on June 26, 2009 at 09:34AM
(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.
Lightning-caused fire burns near Escalante
Published on June 26, 2009 at 08:52AM
(ESCALANTE) – A lightning-caused fire is burning on Bull Berry Ridge between the Pine Creek Road and the west side of the Box-Death Hollow Wilderness Area in the Escalante Ranger District. Officials say the fire started June 20 and has scorched about 58 acres. Fire crews are allowing the fire to burn in pinyon-juniper and mountain brush vegetation to reduce fuels. No roads, trails or recreation areas are currently impacted.
Griffin Goes First in 09 NBA Draft
Published on June 26, 2009 at 12:52AM
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.