FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP)—Oregon’s Ashton Eaton set a record for the heptathlon with 1,040 points but it wasn’t enough as his Ducks finished second to the Florida Gators’ men in the NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships Saturday at the University of Arkansas. The Gators were bolstered by Christian Taylor’s win in the triple jump and several other high finishes in other events to amass 57 points, easily outdistancing second place Texas A&M’s 44 points. New Mexico’s Lee Emanuel represented the West well by winning the mile run title. As for the women, the Oregon Lady Ducks won the national title by amassing 61 points while Brianne Theisen won the pentathlon with 4,396 points to help Oregon easily best second-place Tennessee who had 36 points. Additionally, Texas-El Paso’s Blessing Okagbare won the long jump to lead the way for Conference USA participants at the national meet.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP)—Alain Bailey of Arkansas won the mens’ long jump with a mark of 8.17 meters to lead the Razorbacks to the lead after the first day of the NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships at their home site. The Razorbacks have currently amassed 24 points while Florida is in second with 20 points. Florida State, Arizona State, Texas A&M, Northern Arizona, Oregon, Washington, Minnesota and Indiana rounded out the Top 10. As for the women, Arizona’s Elizabeth Patterson represented the West well by winning the high jump with a mark of 1.93 meters although Auburn’s Shiniqua Ferguson has led the Lady Tigers to first place currently by virtue of her win in the 200-meter dash. Auburn currently has 18 points while Tennessee, Arizona, Oregon, Penn State, Iowa, Texas-El Paso, Louisville, West Virginia and Nebraska round out the Top 10. The meet will resume Saturday.

(RICHFIELD) – The Richfield Mayor and city council will meet this month with all department heads to discuss further cuts in the city’s budget. At the city council meeting last week, Mayor Brad Ramsay asked councilmembers if they would like to meet with the city departments to discuss budgets. All councilmembers agreed and set a date of Mar. 24-25 at 7pm at the city council chambers. Ramsay said all budgets will be reviewed and discussed to cut all unnecessary items in each department’s budget. Also at the meeting, the Mayor commented that the large flower pots along main street will be removed to further places down the street for aesthetic purposes. Finance Director Mike Langston said the cost of re-placement of the pots would be taken from money left over from the Main Street Enhancement Project.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Utah’s House Majority Leader has said he paid a woman $150,000 to keep quiet about going nude “hot-tubbing” with her when she was a minor 25 years ago. In a shocking statement on the house floor, the 55-year-old Kevin Garn, a Layton resident, said he paid her to keep quiet about the incident during his unsuccessful U.S. congressional bid in 2002, but did not have sexual intercourse with her. Garn said the woman in question has been calling numerous media outlets and wanted to be open about the incident which occurred when he was 28 years old. The woman, who identified herself as Cheryl Maher, said this occurred when she was only 15. Garn’s legislative future in highly conservative Utah is uncertain but Utah Governor Gary Herbert’s spokeswoman, Angie Welling, said Herbert would not be calling for his resignation. This has been an ominous year for Utah’s legislative leaders as back in January, the state’s former Senate Majority Leader, Sheldon Killpack, resigned earlier this year after being arrested for driving under the influence.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Utah lawmakers put the brakes on a bill that would have let bicyclists run red lights and stop signs in certain cases. The Senate came up one vote short of sending House Bill 91 to Governor Gary Herbert. The measure, sponsored by Representative Carol Spackman Moss, would have enable bicyclists to roll through stop signs after yielding to traffic. This would also have enabled bicyclists to glide through certain red lights after coming to a complete stop to ascertain no cars are coming. Those who voted against the bill said it created unnecessary and complicated rules that would lead to accidents.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—A man accused of killing his ex-wife back in 1998 has been found guilty of murder. A jury handed down the verdict for Michael Johnson Thursday night after deliberating for only two hours. Prosecutors charged Johnson with murder in 2007. The cold case was reopened after his DNA was found under Cory Cobb’s fingernails. Cobb was strangled to death in her Salt Lake City apartment in January of 1998.

(RICHFIELD) – Richfield City officials are seeking federal funding to install solar panels on the south-facing portion of the city building in order to save on energy costs. City Finance Director Mike Langston addressed the city council at this week’s meeting, saying the $125,000 project has already been approved through federal stimulus funds. Langston said the city would not have to provide any funds to complete the project. He said if the council approves the project, the city would need $2-3,000 to replace shingles on the south-facing of the building before the solar panels are installed because it would cost more if the panels would have to be removed and re-installed to re-shingle the roof. The council determined that the city needs several bid estimates for the project and information on power savings for the next meeting before a decision can be made.

(RICHFIELD) – The Richfield City Council approved an amended subdivision clause in a lot line adjustment for the Parker Subdivision at 925 North Main in Richfield at the council meeting this week. The amendment requires the city to purchase an additional eight-foot strip of property for $8,037 and sign an agreement with developers in the realignment project. Finance Director Mike Langston said the money would be taken out of road improvement funds to complete the transaction.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) – Sen. Bob Bennett is stating that America must act now to save its financial future. In a recent statement, Bennett said that Congress has refused to control the massive entitlement spending on Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid programs which is bringing America to the brink of financial collapse. Bennett has introduced his Economic Disaster Prevention Act to curb government spending and prohibiting the creation of any new entitlement program. He has also introduced legislation that would create jobs in the private sector by providing simple, targeted tax breaks to small businesses to help them grow their business and get people back to work.

(RICHFIELD) – Utah Highway Patrol Troopers investigated two separates rollovers on I-70 Wednesday due to icy conditions. The first occurred at about 7:40am five miles north of Richfield, where 29-year old, Tyler Walker of Richfield went off the left shoulder of the highway and rolled twice in his 1996 Mazda B-40. A UHP report said Walker was traveling too fast for conditions and was cited. He was taken to the Sevier Valley Medical Center in Richfield with possible injuries. The second I-70 accident occurred just after 6pm where 25-year old, Kimberly Parsons of Dubuque, IA. lost control of her 2004 Jeep Cherokee and rolled once. The report said Parsons was traveling westbound 32 miles east of Salina when she rolled. She was not taken to the hospital but was cited for no proof of insurance.

DELTA, Utah (AP)—Jaxon Singleton, R.J. Springer and Ty Church each had doubles and the Delta Rabbits hammered the Millard Eagles, 14-0 Thursday in non-region baseball action.

SALINA, Utah (AP)—Diego Gonzalez amassed a hat trick while Christian Araujo and Victor Villanueva added two goals apiece as the Gunnison Bulldogs smacked the North Sevier Wolves, 10-0 in 2A South soccer action Thursday.

FILLMORE, Utah (AP)—Nate Robison posted a hat trick to lead the Millard Eagles to an 8-1 rout of the South Sevier Rams Thursday in 2A South soccer action.

ST. GEORGE, Utah (AP)—Michon Jennings posted a triple for the Dixie Lady Flyers as they clipped the Richfield Lady Wildcats, 5-1 in non-region soccer action Thursday.

(ROY)—Eyewitness testimony and a taped confession convinced a judge there was enough evidence to try a Weber County man on two counts of murder. The ex-girlfriend of Jeremy Valdes described watching him kill Pamela K. Jeffries last November. She said the murder happened just moments ago after he walked out of a room where he had been fighting with Matthew Roddy, carrying a bloody knife. She said the fight was over accusations she and Valdes had stolen prescription medications. Her testimony was backed up by a confession Valdes made to police after his arrest. The 33-year-old Valdes could face the death penalty if he is convicted on two counts of aggravated murder.

(OREM)—Two Orem teenagers are protesting their dismissal from a youth council after one of them put a politician on the spot. The Salt Lake Tribune reports Stevie Smith and Derek Sorensen have been members of Orem City’s youth council for nearly two years. On January 27, they were at the Utah State Capitol listening to former New York City mayor Rudy Guilani speak about his community policing program and a decrease in crime. Smith had read in the book, “Freakonomics,” that an increase in abortions in the 1970s was responsible for the decrease in crime in New York in the 1990s. Smith asked Guilani about that and was shouted down by council adviser Paul Johnson after which Sorensen shouted back. He and Smith were later removed from the council. In a letter, Johnson said it was due to insubordination, not the question asked. The Tribune reports Smith and Sorenson pleaded their case before the City Council Tuesday night. Mayor Jerry Washburn said there were other issues of behavior and concern. He also said Johnson’s decision to remove the teens was not subject to appeal.

(RICHFIELD) – The Sevier County Planning Commission held a public hearing Wednesday night concerning who can appeal a Commission decision on a land use issue, the elimination of Overlay Zones in Planned Unit Development’s and gated communities in forest zones. After taking public comments, Planning members voted unanimously to not exclude anyone in any appeal who has a significant interest in a land use issue. Planners also voted unanimously to eliminate the PUD Overlay Zones for which their was no specific application. Zoning Administrator Larry Hanson said the purpose of the elimination is to give county officials the final say up to the end of the application process. Planning members also voted unanimously to amend the county subdivision ordinance to allow for “Restricted Access Roadways” or “Gated Communities” in forest zones. Hanson said amending the ordinance gives authorities greater access through locked gates in forest zones.

OREM, Utah (AP)—Walter Cervantez and Sam Hickman had two goals apiece to lead the Mountain View Bruins to a 7-0 rout of the Delta Rabbits Wednesday in non-region boys soccer action.

(ST. GEORGE)—Witnesses say a UHP trooper who was driving fast with his lights and siren on crashed into a car carrying two elderly women on their way to a Relief Society meeting at their local LDS meetinghouse Wednesday morning. At least one person has died from the accident, according to an article in the Spectrum.

(PROVO)—A canal association plans to enclose an open ditch leaving Provo Canyon with a 21-mile pipeline to Salt Lake County. The Provo River Water Users Association says the 10.5-foot diameter pipe will keep drinking water supplies pure and eliminate evaporation losses. Utah County will finish off the pipeline route with a walking trail. The Provo Reservoir Canal, one of the largest along the Wasatch Front, carries 400 million gallons of water a day and serves municipalities in Utah and Salt Lake counties. Ames Construction Inc. will start laying pipe after irrigation season in October. The $150 million project will be funded by shareholders, the Central Utah Water Conservancy District, the U.S. Department of the Interior and a $60 million state loan.

(ROOSEVELT)—A Roosevelt police officer has been cleared in the fatal shooting of a burglary suspect last month. Authorities have said 44-year-old Gary Wheeler was shot February 17 in Duchesne County while still behind the wheel of an allegedly stolen pickup truck after he rammed a police car with it before driving the vehicle toward the officer, who fired at Wheeler. The Duchesne County attorney’s office has cleared officer T.J. Bird in the shooting, saying it was justified. Wheeler, of Magna, had allegedly burglarized a tire store which prompted Bird to pursue him in a chase.

A new Miss Moroni will be crowned this Saturday evening at 7pm at the North Sanpete High School in Mt. Pleasant. Six young ladies will compete for this years crown, they include Ashley Green, Carly Anderson, Chantelle Thompson,Delilah Reece, Rylie Eliason, and Stephany Leon. Tickets will be sold at the door for the event.

(Manti) The Department of Workforce Services has released a report that shows large amounts of people commuting out of the six county area to work elsewhere. According to the report, all but one county in the area exports more commuters than they import. Those with the highest numbers of workers commuting out of the county, either daily or weekly, are Sevier and Sanpete. Sevier County leads with four thousand workers commuting out, compared with twenty-one hundred that commute into the county. Sanpete is a little more balanced with thirty-six hundred people commuting out, while twenty-seven hundred commute in. Wayne County is the only county in the area that sees a greater number of people commuting in, rather than out. The report points out several reasons people commute out of the area including greater earning potential and construction projects outside the area. Others prefer to live in a rural setting but can’t find work where they live.

(RICHFIELD) – Developers of the Mt. Catherine Subdivision in Richfield approached the Richfield City Council at Tuesday night’s meeting to request an extension of completion of the project. Project Manager Doug Crowther said the state required developers to reapply for Tax Credit funding which delayed completion of the project by spring or early summer this year. He said construction of the project was halted Dec. 17, 2009 because of the delay. Crowther told the council that the timing of improvements has to be done during winter months, including extending a box culvert at the subdivision located at 530 South in Richfield. Developers asked the city council to approve a bond in lieu of completion of the improvements to meet occupancy requirements. After discussion, the council approved a 180-extension of the permit and accepted a bond for improvements.

EDMONTON, Alberta, Canada (AP)—Chris Kelly, Matt Cullen, Mike Fisher and Milan Michalek each scored and the Ottawa Senators downed the Edmonton Oilers, 4-1 Tuesday in NHL action at Rexall Place. The win was the sixth straight against Edmonton for the Senators, who improved to 37-25-5 on the season. Fernando Pisani scored the sole goal for Edmonton in the loss, which dropped them to 21-39-6. In other NHL action Tuesday, Philadelphia edged the New York Islanders, 3-2, Toronto clipped Boston, 4-3, Nashville doubled up Atlanta, 2-1, Calgary waxed Detroit, 4-2, Montreal gashed Tampa Bay, 5-3, Florida outlasted Minnesota, 3-2, Vancouver handled Colorado, 6-4 and Columbus stormed past Anaheim, 5-2.

CHICAGO (AP)—Deron Williams had 28 points and 17 assists and C.J. Miles added 26 more as the Utah Jazz overpowered the Chicago Bulls, 132-108 Tuesday at United Center in NBA action. Despite a game bereft of defense for the most part, the Jazz managed to pull away with a 13-1 surge late in the 3rd Quarter and never looked back. Derrick Rose posted 25 points and 13 assists in the loss for the Bulls. The win improved the Jazz to 41-22 on the season, while Chicago fell to 31-32. In other NBA action Tuesday, Indiana downed Philadelphia, 107-96, Orlando bludgeoned the Los Angeles Clippers, 113-87, Houston defused Washington, 96-88, Charlotte tripped up Miami, 83-78, Milwaukee outlasted Boston, 86-84, Portland gashed Sacramento, 88-81 and the Los Angeles Lakers snuck past Toronto, 109-107.

(RICHFIELD) – A Richfield man was taken to the hospital this morning after he was ejected from his vehicle in a rollover on SR-118 south of Richfield at about 11am. According to a UHP report, 40-year old, Eric Jackson was traveling northbound in a 2003 Chevy Blazer, when he rolled about two miles south of Richfield. The report said Jackson sustained serious head injuries in the accident and was transported to the Sevier Valley Medical Center in Richfield. UHP said witnesses told troopers that Jackson was driving erratically on the highway prior to the accident. Authorities continue to investigate the accident.

(EL CAJON, Calif.)—A Toyota Prius that sped out of control on a California freeway was towed to a dealership Tuesday while federal and company inspectors converged on the car to determine whether a stuck gas pedal was to blame. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration sent two investigators to examine the car after Monday’s incident said Olivia Alair, a spokeswoman for the Department of Transportation which oversees NHTSA. The braking, coupled with a steep rise on the freeway, slowed the car to about 50 mph after which the driver, 61-year-old James Sikes, shut off the engine and the car coasted to a stop.

(RIVERTON)—A crash involving multiple cars near Riverton High School sent one woman to the hospital in critical condition Tuesday. Witnesses say a driver was making a left-hand turn Tuesday morning when she struck another vehicle her SUV. The driver of the other vehicle was transported to the hospital via helicopter in critical condition. Four people in the SUV also suffered injuries. Police are now looking into the patterns of the traffic lights and are hoping to interview the drivers of the two cars before determining if any citations will be filed.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—The University of Utah is letting its students know how they can use their cell phones find out where crimes are happening around them. The Daily Utah Chronicle reports the new iPhone app from www.crimereports.com shows where police have responded to crime over the past month and what kinds of crimes occurred. The iPhone map also reveals where sex offenders around campus live. Additionally, the app features crime reports at other universities and colleges throughout Utah, such as Brigham Young University and Southern Utah University, as well as many cities throughout the state.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Utah Governor Gary Herbert has signed a bill into law calling for candidates for state offices to file financial disclosure forms. Under House Bill 270, everyone running for an executive office, the state Legislature or school board has to disclose where the income comes from. Elected officials will also have to fill out more detailed conflict of interest forms. The financial disclosure forms will be available online. Herbert signed the bill Monday.

(WASHINGTON D.C.)- A newspaper that covers Congress has selected Rep. Jason Chaffetz as the official judge of hamburgers around the Capitol and its office buildings. Roll Call decided to do some blind taste testing on hamburgers on Capitol Hill, showing him munching on the burgers and posting the results on the Internet. The newspaper said it chose Chaffetz because he’s a “self-proclaimed burger aficionado who has serious beefy bona fides.” According to the newspaper, Chaffetz has made his own study of the town’s best burgers, proclaiming his favorite to be from Five Guys and often tweets about his burger runs. Roll Call said Chaffetz chose the best burger as coming from the Cannon building, because he has always devoured things associated with the name of Cannon. He apparently ate all of it. Chaffetz said the worst burger came from the vending machines, eating only one bite of it. Roll Call said Chaffetz would like to be the top expert on foreign affairs or defense but he’ll settle for perhaps being the top expert on hamburgers.

(Ephraim) Snow College recently received a national award for its service learning programs. The award is called the Presidents Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll and was awarded to more than 700 colleges and universities throughout the country for the impact they have had on social issues through service. According to Greg Dart, the Director of Admissions and Student Services at Snow College, this was the first year that the college applied for the award. According to Dart, the award is evidence that the school is succeeding in one of its main missions which is to help students become committed to service.The school has over eighty classes so far that are designated as service learning component classes. By taking part in these classes students can earn a designation of Service Scholar which appears on the students transcripts. Students have already taken part in a number of projects this year including a surveying project for Ephraim City and a day of environmental service projects sponsored by the Dead Cats Society.

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP)—Tina Charles posted 16 points and 17 rebounds and Maya Moore added 11 points as the #1 Connecticut Lady Huskies made history with a 59-44 win over the #7 Notre Dame Lady Irish Monday in the semifinals of the Big East Tournament. The Lady Huskies win was their 71st in a row, a new womens’ college basketball record while a decisive 13-4 run in the second half enabled Connecticut to put the game on ice. Skylar Diggins had 10 points in the loss for Notre Dame. In other Top 25 womens’ college basketball action, #17 Gonzaga bludgeoned Pepperdine, 76-48, #5 Xavier edged Temple, 57-55 in overtime and #9 West Virginia bested Rutgers, 56-49.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP)—Shawn Marion amassed a season-high 29 points and 14 rebounds and the Dallas Mavericks won their 12th straight game with a 125-112 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves Monday at Target Center. Dirk Nowitzki added 24 points while Caron Butler stepped up with 23 more as the Mavericks pulled to within 2.5 games of the Los Angeles Lakers for the #1 seed in the Western Conference playoffs. Al Jefferson had 36 points and 13 rebounds in the loss for Minnesota. In other NBA action Monday, Cleveland edged San Antonio, 97-95, New York held off Atlanta, 99-98, New Orleans outgunned Golden State, 135-131 and Memphis downed New Jersey, 107-101.

(Mount Pleasant) The Sterling Scholar Competition in central Utah will conclude next week. Schools throughout the area have put forward their top seniors to contend for top honors and scholarships. Students competing from the North Sanpete High School include Brandi Peahl in Social Science, Alexis Fryer in Visual Art, Brandon Mabey in Science, and Bradley Holman in Dance. Brooke Seely will represent the school in Mathematics, Amy Bangerter in English, Michael Edmunds in Foreign Language, and Raberta Garlick in Family and Consumer Science. Rounding out the contenders are Travis Christensen in Trade and Vocational Education, Devin Shelly in Music, Kody Kleven in Business and Marketing, Dominick Kiefer in Speech and Drama, and Elisabeth Fullmer in General Scholarship. The Awards ceremony will be held on March 16th.

(SIGURD) – The Sigurd Town Council will hold a public hearing this Thursday concerning amending the budget to fund construction of a 350,000 gallon storage tank. The Sigurd mayor and Town Council want to amend the 2009-10 budget to accept a $3.5 million grant to build the storage tank. The funds will be used to construct a new chlorinator building, upgrading pipeline throughout the system and replacing existing meters with the town limits. The public hearing will be held Thursday at 7pm at the Sigurd Town Hall.

(ANNABELLA) – The Annabella Town Council has announced a public hearing to be held this Thursday for the purpose of gaining input on proposed changes to the existing Land Use, Subdivision and Nuisance Ordinances. The meeting will be held at 6pm at the Annabella Town Hall at 295 East 300 North and the public is invited to attend.

(GLENWOOD SPRINGS, CO.) – A 17-mile stretch of I-70 has been closed in western Colorado after a rock slide punched gaping holes in a bridge and left huge boulders on the highway. The Colorado Department of Transportation says the slide struck about midnight Sunday near the Hanging Lake Tunnel in Glenwood Canyon, a deep and narrow chasm about 110 miles west of Denver. No injuries or damage to vehicles were reported. All lanes were closed from Glenwood Springs east to the town of Dotsero and crews are spending the day removing large boulders and using explosives to blow apart some that are the size of a tractor trailer rig. CDOT said up to 25,000 vehicles a day travel that section. Reports said a 1995 rock slide on I-70 in Glenwood Canyon killed three people. A slide on Thanksgiving Day in 2004 closed the highway and required nearly $700,000 worth of repairs.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Kam Roundy had 15 points and 11 rebounds and the Bryce Valley Mustangs, despite the absence of star Kace Roundy for much of the 4th Quarter after fouling out, downed the Piute Thunderbirds, 53-48 in the 1A state championship to win their first title in school history. Tyson Westwood had 25 points to pace the Thunderbirds in defeat. The win was significant for the Mustangs, as they came into the state tournament having to defeat Monument Valley in the play-in game before running off victories in four successive days.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Caden Andersen had 22 points to lead the Rich Rebels to a third-place finish at the 1A state tournament with a 64-61 win over the Monticello Buckaroos. Devin Wright had 16 points in the loss for the Buckaroos.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Eric Frandsen amassed 28 points, 10 rebounds and six assists while Brooks Leach posted a triple double with 22 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists as the Panguitch Bobcats placed fifth at the 1A state tournament with a 72-50 rout of the Liahona Warriors.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Shawn Dickson had 32 points and the Whitehorse Raides finished sixth at the 1A state tournament with a 60-49 win over the Duchesne Eagles Saturday.

ST. GEORGE, Utah (AP)—James Wulfenstein amassed a hat trick and the Dixie Flyers waxed the Delta Rabbits, 7-1 Saturday in non-region soccer action. Danny Vargas scored the sole goal for Delta in the loss.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Kace Roundy had 25 points and made several clutch free throws down the stretch and the Bryce Valley Mustangs advanced to the 1A state championship for the first time in school history with a 57-52 win over the Monticello Buckaroos Friday in the 1A semifinals at the Sevier Valley Center. Dallin Duncan amassed 16 points and 15 rebounds in the loss for Monticello.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Tyson Westwood had 19 points and Jaylin Christensen added 15 more as the Piute Thunderbirds outlasted the Rich Rebels, 59-47 in the 1A semifinals at the Sevier Valley Center Friday. Piute will next face the Bryce Valley Mustangs in the 1A state championship game Saturday afternoon at 5:00 p.m. The game can be heard on KMGR. Caden Andersen, a signee with Weber State University’s basketball team posted 23 points and nine rebounds in the loss for Rich.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Riley Miller had 19 points and Eric Frandsen added 14 points and six rebounds as the Panguitch Bobcats lived to play another day with a 61-51 win over the Tabiona Tigers Friday in the 1A consolation bracket. Robbie Giles posted 24 points and 11 rebounds in the loss for Tabiona. The Bobcats next face the Liahona Warriors Saturday afternoon at 1:30. The game can be heard on KMGR.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Shawn Dickson had 19 points and Keliah Holly added 14 more as the Whitehorse Raiders downed the Manila Mustangs, 44-32 in the 1A consolation bracket Friday. Jared Reed had 11 points in the loss for Manila.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Shad Thomas had 14 points and Braiden Despain added 12 more as the Duchesne Eagles clipped the Valley Buffaloes, 45-34 Friday in the 1A consolation bracket at the Sevier Valley Center. Lance Maxwell and Hayden Harris had nine points apiece in the loss for Valley.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Brandon Nichols posted 36 points and 13 rebounds and the Liahona Warriors, in their first season of existence, made it to the final day of the 1A state tournament with a 64-56 win over the Green River Pirates at the Sevier Valley Center Friday. Brayden Facemyer added 24 more points for the Warriors, while Jason Johnson had 23 points and 15 rebounds for the Pirates in the loss while Jake Corrigan added 18 more for Green River.

PHOENIX (AP)—Deron Williams amassed 13 of his 27 points in the 4th Quarter which saw the Utah Jazz explode for 41 points in a 116-108 win over the Phoenix Suns Thursday at U.S. Airways Center. Carlos Boozer added 15 points and 15 boards for the Jazz who were able to hold off the Suns for the #4 seed in the Western Conference playoff race. Amar’e Stoudemire had 30 points in the loss for Phoenix. In other NBA action Thursday, Memphis gashed Chicago, 105-96 and the Miami Heat outlasted the Los Angeles Lakers, 114-111 in overtime.

(NEPHI) – The Juab School District Superintendent plans to retire at the end of the school year. 69-year old, Kirk Wright says half of his 47-year teaching career was spent as superintendent of the Juab School District. Wright said his 24 years as superintendent is the longest-standing career mark of any school superintendent in the state. He said he’s enjoyed every day in his teaching career and is happy to have served with such great educators in the district and around the state. Wright’s final day on the job is June 30, 2010.

(Mount Pleasant) The North Sanpete School District is making some policy changes to comply with Federal regulations under employment law. The law requires that classified employees work no mare than forty hours per week. Restricting the number of hours will eliminate overtime pay which could further strain budgets. Many classified employees also spend time coaching school sports after regular hours and are paid to do so. That will also have to change under the new policy. Classified employees that want to coach will have to do so on a voluntary basis to avoid working too many hours. They can still receive a small reimbursement, but it cannot exceed twenty percent of what they have previously received for coaching. The new policies will take effect next school year and will not affect licensed and certified employees.

(DELTA) – An Alpine man reported missing Wednesday has been found safe west of Delta. The Millard County Sheriff’s Office received a 9-1-1 cell phone call Wednesday from Steven Pack, who had been reported missing from his Alpine home. Helicopters and ground units located Pack about 18 miles west of Delta on SR-6 and 50 but not before he had walked nearly 10 miles south from where his vehicle had been located. According to a sheriff’s report, a motorist spotted Pack walking along the highway and stopped at the Hinckley Service Station to advise UHP that a man was walking along the highway and may need assistance. Pack was taken to the hospital for observation.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Robbie Giles had 19 points and Gerald Van Tassell added 12 more as the Tabiona Tigers got past the Valley Buffaloes, 49-42 Wednesday at the Sevier Valley Center in the first round of the 1A tournament. Lance Maxwell had 14 points in the loss for Valley. The Tigers next face the Bryce Valley Mustangs Thursday at 8:30 p.m. The game can be heard on KMGR.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Kace Roundy had 19 points and the Bryce Valley Mustangs pummeled the Wasatch Academy Tigers, 44-35 Wednesday at the Sevier Valley Center in the 1A tournament.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Dallin Duncan amassed 18 points and 16 rebounds and the Monticello Buckaroos stymied the Duchesne Eagles, 51-45 at the Sevier Valley Center Wednesday in the first round of the 1A tournament. The Buckaroos next face the Panguitch Bobcats Thursday at 7:00 p.m. The game can be heard on KMGR.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Brooks Leach posted 22 points and 14 boards and Eric Frandsen added 15 more as the Panguitch Bobcats got past the Intermountain Christian Lions, 46-35 Wednesday in the first round of the 1A tournament.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Kelton Price, Tyson Westwood and D.J. Tischner had 12 points apiece and the Piute Thunderbirds gashed the Manila Mustangs, 54-34 in the first round of the 1A tournament Wednesday at the Sevier Valley Center. The Thunderbirds will next face the Green River Pirates Thursday at 5:30 p.m. The game can be heard on KMGR.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Jason Johnson had 32 points and the Green River Pirates downed the West Ridge Fighting Eagles, 55-46 at the Sevier Valley Center Wednesday in the first round of the 1A tournament. Will Gilbert had 25 points in the loss for West Ridge.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Caden Andersen amassed 22 points and 13 rebounds and the Rich Rebels stonewalled the Milford Tigers, 67-55 Wednesday at the Sevier Valley Center in the first round of the 1A tournament. The Rebels next face the Liahona Warriors Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. Bo Thomas had 23 points in the loss for Milford.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) – 3rd District Congressman Jason Chaffetz says government workers behind on taxes should be fired. The Utah Republican introduced legislation in the House today that would allow federal agencies, Congress and the White House to terminate workers who are frequent tax cheats. Chaffetz said the government is paying 276,300 people who are behind on $3 billion in tax payments, including 678 on Congress’s payroll and 50 who work in the executive office of the president. He targets those people classified by the IRS as owing a “seriously delinquent tax debt.” Chaffetz plans to tie his measure to President Barack Obama’s call to bar funding for federal contractors who are behind on their taxes.

(SALT LAKE CITY) – The Utah Department of Agriculture is offering classes on the proper use of pesticide application and handling in northern and southern Utah locations. UDAF Spokesman Larry Lewis says the Private Pesticide Applicator Licensing Workshops are designed to educate pesticide users in both rural and urban settings on safe product handling and use. Lewis said there are about 11,000 pesticides on the market and 300 of them have a restricted use notification on the labels. Workshops will be held March 19 from 9am to 1pm at the Triple-C Event Center in Panguitch and in Hurricane from 9am to 1pm at the Washington County Fairgrounds. A workshop will also be held March 27 from 1-5pm at the Auditorium of the Arts and Events Building in Blanding.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP)—Despite the absence of Roberto Luongo, still soaking in the joy of the gold medal he helped Canda’s national hockey team win, his Vancouver Canucks still triumphed in a 4-3 win in overtime over the Columbus Blue Jackets Tuesday at Nationwide Arena in NHL action. Andrew Raycroft had 27 saves in Luongo’s stead and Alex Burrows, Pavol Demitra, Kyle Wellwood and Christian Ehrhoff each scored for the Canucks in the win. Andrew Murray, Antoine Vermette and Derek Dorsett each scored in the loss for Columbus while Steve Mason added 27 saves for the Blue Jackets. In other NHL action Tuesday, Montreal gashed Boston, 4-1, the New York Islanders tripped up Columbus, 5-3, Carolina waxed Toronto, 5-1, Atlanta doubled up Florida, 4-2, the New York Rangers stymied Ottawa, 4-1, Pittsburgh outlasted Buffalo, 3-2, Philadelphia bludgeoned Tampa Bay, 7-2, Nashville overpowered Edmonton, 4-3, Los Angeles shellacked Dallas, 5-1, St. Louis hammered Phoenix, 5-2 and New Jersey snuck past San Jose, 4-3.

HUNTINGTON, W. Va. (AP)—Randy Culpepper posted 32 points and the #21 Texas-El Paso Miners held off the Marshall Thundering Herd, 80-76 Tuesday in Top 25 mens’ college basketball action. The win enabled the Miners to clinch the Conference USA title and bolster their credentials for a berth in the NCAA Tournament later this month. The win was also noteworthy for Texas-El Paso in the sense that they won 13 straight conference games for the first time in program history, even dating back to their glory days in the WAC under legendary coach Don “the Bear” Haskins. The win improved the Miners to 23-5 on the season, while Marshall fell to 22-8. Tyler Wilkerson posted 22 points and 16 boards in the loss for the Herd. In other Top 25 action Tuesday, #19 Vanderbilt clipped Florida, 64-60, #9 Villanova got past Cincinnati, 77-73, #1 Syracuse bludgeoned St. John’s, 85-66, #22 Baylor smacked Texas Tech, 86-68, #14 Gonzaga hammered Cal State Bakersfield, 78-59 and #7 Ohio State pummeled Illinois, 73-57.

OGDEN, Utah (AP)—Clay Williams had 27 points and the Valley Buffaloes dismantled the St. Joseph Jayhawks, 54-39 Tuesday in a 1A play-in game. The Buffaloes will next face the Tabiona Tigers Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. at the Sevier Valley Center. The game can be heard on KMGR.

TROPIC, Utah (AP)—Kace Roundy had 19 points and Colton Roberts added 13 more as the Bryce Valley Mustangs bludgeoned the Monument Valley Cougars, 83-65 in a 1A play-in game Tuesday. The Mustangs will next face the Wasatch Academy Tigers Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. The game can be heard on KMGR.

EUREKA, Utah (AP)—Jared Reed had 21 points and Justin Olsen added 13 more as the Manila Mustangs got past the Tintic Miners, 57-48 Tuesday in a 1A play-in game. The Mustangs next face the Piute Thunderbirds Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. at the Sevier Valley Center. The game can be heard on KMGR.

FILLMORE, Utah (AP)—Josh Aleman amassed a hat trick and Pancho Alcala and Jesse Rhodes combined for three more goals as the Millard Eagles downed the American Leadership Eagles, 6-1 Wednesday in non-region soccer action.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—A bill on Utah’s Capitol Hill aims to make it easier to sue identity thieves. Under the current law, in order to sue, a victim has to have had some type of communication with the identity thief. House Bill 364 aims to close the loophole. The Utah Attorney General’s Office discovered the problem when the thief is exposed and the bill’s sponsor, Julie Fisher of Fruit Heights, said identifying the thief could still be a problem. Fisher foresees the new law being applied in larger identity theft cases rather than small ones. The bill cleared the House and is en route to the Senate.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Saturday delivery may soon be a thing of the past at the U.S. Postal Service. Postmaster General John Potter is asking Congress for permission to make several changes, including an end to Saturday delivery aimed at closing a growing budget gap. Potter told Congress the postal service reports $3.8 billion in fiscal losses last year, a number that could grow to $7 billion in 2010. Congress has the final say in granting Potter’s request and if they do, it’s estimated that strictly cutting Saturday service would save the postal service $3.5 billion. Some other options to help post offices save money include a change in the rules that require the agency to set aside multi-billion dollar retirement benefit payments in advance and more of an emphasis on the sales end of what the agency does.

(SALT LAKE CITY) – The Division of Wildlife Resources say that computer glitches have prevented hunters from applying for Utah big game hunting permits. DWR officials said that hunters were not able to get permits online because the deadline to apply was Monday at 11pm. Officials apologized for the problem and extended the deadline to March 8 at 11pm. DWR said the situation escalated because of the high number of applicants applying for permits caused their computers to nearly grind to a halt and some hunters couldn’t access the site. Officials say hunters can now get permits by logging onto wildlife.utah.gov.

(RICHFIELD) – Central Utah’s Annual Sterling Scholar awards program will be held March 16 at the Sevier Valley Center in Richfield. Some 136 high school seniors from 12 schools throughout the region will vie for the honors, including 47 from Richfield, South Sevier, North Sevier, Piute and Wayne high schools. Additional participating nominees are from Gunnison Valley, Delta, Manti, Juab, North Sanpete, Tintic and Millard high schools. All region nominees will be judged March 9 in Richfield by professors from Utah Valley University, Brigham Young University, Southern Utah University and Snow College. Neal and Marcia Bosshardt of Redmond are the co-chairpersons, along with hosts, Nolan Anderson and Barry Smith from North Sevier High School. SUU’s Athletic Director, Ken Beazer, will serve as master of ceremonies. Parents and the public are invited to attend the awards ceremony free of charge.

(SALT LAKE CITY) – The Utah BLM is holding several open houses next week concerning an initiative to develop landscape-level information for management of public lands. The BLM is initiating ecological assessments and will discuss its plans at the open houses to be held in Salt Lake City and also on March 10 at the Moab Information Center from 5-7:30pm and at the Cedar City Festival Hall on March 11 from 6-9pm. The BLM says the open houses are also opportunities to gain input from the public on assessment details and individual assessments.

(ST. GEORGE) – Hundreds of cows could be dead or dying in southern Utah due to heavy snow burying much of the region. Ranchers say about 180 cows have been lost in the high country so far this year. Chris Montague, Director of The Nature Conservancy’s Utah chapter, says it’s difficult for rescue crews to find cattle in higher regions. Montague said the Dugout Ranch has flown emergency feed in the back country but only one cow was found. Brent Tanner of the Utah Cattlemen’s Association says there’s too much snow and mud in the area. I-70 is the dividing line between snowpack in the northern and southern parts of the state with totals below average in the north and above average in the south. Cattlemen say cows are especially vulnerable this time of year because they’re either pregnant or have just given birth. They say losses can add up quickly. Each cow is worth about $1,000 and hundreds of cows are unaccounted for.

DENVER (AP)—Tomas Holmstrom, Johan Franzen and Nicklas Lidstrom each scored as the Detroit Red Wings clipped the Colorado Avalanche, 3-2 Monday at Pepsi Center in NHL action. The game brought the NHL back into its regular season after the league took off time during the Olympics so NHL players could return to their homelands and compete in international competition. T.J. Galiardi and Chris Stewart each scored in the loss for Colorado. The win improved the Red Wings to 29-21-12, while the Avs fell to 35-21-6.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP)—Damion James had 24 points in his final home game and the #25 Texas Longhorns got back on the winning track with an 87-76 win over the Oklahoma Sooners Monday at the Erwin Events Center in mens’ Top 25 college basketball action. The win was only the sixth in the last 13 games for the Longhorns, who were in danger of being knocked out of the polls after being ranked #1 a month ago. Tony Crocker had 24 points in the loss for the Sooners. In other Top 25 action Monday, #8 West Virginia dismantled #20 Georgetown, 81-68.

PLEASANT GROVE, Utah (AP)—Brayden Facemyer had 22 points and Nate DeSpain added 14 more as Liahona advanced into the 1A state tournament for the first time in school history with a 65-49 win over the Wayne Badgers Monday in a 1A play-in game. Liahona will next face Whitehorse Wednesday evening at 8:30 at the Sevier Valley Center. Carson Syme had 19 points in the loss for Wayne.

HOVENWEEP, Utah (AP)—Keliah Holly keyed a balanced scoring attack with 14 points and the Whitehorse Raiders stormed past the Salt Lake Lutheran Lynx, 6853 in a 1A play-in game Monday. The Raiders next face Liahona Wednesday evening at 8:30 at the Sevier Valley Center.

GREEN RIVER, Utah (AP)—Justin Johnson had 25 points and Jason Johnson added 16 more as the Green River Pirates bludgeoned the Wendover Wildcats, 62-28 Monday in the 1A play-in game. The Pirates will next face West Ridge Wednesday evening at 5:30 at the Sevier Valley Center.

DUCHESNE, Utah (AP)—Jacob Verde had 14 points and Shad Thomas added 11 more as the Duchesne Eagles tripped up the Meridian Mongooses, 54-40 in the 1A play-in game Monday. Duchesne next faces Monticello at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Sevier Valley Center.

GUNNISON, Utah (AP)—Diego Gonzalez had a pair of goals and Christian Araujo also scored as the Gunnison Bulldogs doubled up the Manti Templars, 4-2 Monday in non-region boys soccer action. Dan Lund and Ethan Warnick each scored in the loss for Manti.

(RICHFIELD) – The selection of five new board members for the Austin Special Service District will be completed in an upcoming meeting at the Sevier County Commission. At their bi-monthly meeting today, Commissioner Gary Mason said the county has received about a dozen applications since the deadline on Friday. Mason said he thought the best way to select the five board members was to interview each candidate before Apr. 5. He said the process should help Commissioners select the best members of the board who have the qualifications necessary to run the district properly or can be trained on governing the district.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Federal officials say only four of 29 counties in Utah have registered to use the government’s electronic system to verify if employees are legally allowed to work in the United States. Utah required its government agencies to use the E-verify program eight months ago, but there are no penalties for non-compliance. Nevertheless, lawmakers and watchdogs alike are upset that many government entities aren’t following the controversial immigration law, SB81. The group Utahns For Immigration Reform and Enforcement says there is no excuse. Senator Scott Jenkins is among several Utah senators who have been discussing what needs to be done to make sure Utah government agencies comply with SB81. Jenkins also says they’ve been in talks with the attorney general’s office, which will be making greater efforts to get more groups on board with using the E-verify system.

(OGDEN)—A sewer district is chipping in to help clean up a polluted portion of the Ogden River. Officials with the Central Weber Sewer Improvement District pledged an additional $530,000 for the cleanup. The district has already provided nearly $300,000 for work beginning in January. This is all part of the Ogden River Restoration Project to clean up a blighted, mile-long portion of the Ogden River. City engineer Justin Anderson says the sewer district funds will allow the first phase of the cleanup project to be expanded by up to 1,000 feet. The district had initially planned to use the money to buy a conservation easement in Summit County. When this project didn’t materialize, though, district officials decided to put the money toward the river cleanup. State and local funds are also being used for the work.

(CACHE COUNTY) – One of Utah’s most popular winter attractions is shutting down early because there’s not enough winter weather. The Hardware Ranch in Cache County is calling it quits today because the elk are heading for the hills, as if winter is over. Dan Christensen, superintendent of Hardware Ranch, says the lack of snow is causing the elk to want to leave the ranch. The elk draw nearly 30,000 people a year but Christensen said people won’t show up unless the elk are at the ranch. Snow surveyor, Randy Julander, says the snowpack in northern Utah is the worst in eight years at only 60-70% of average while southern Utah has huge snowpacks. Julander says water managers face tough choices as the state moves into its watering season whether to gamble on a good winter next year or prepare for a bad one. Southern Utah may face flooding if heavy rain comes during the snowmelt.

BOISE, Idaho (AP)—Elaine Connolly of Utah State won the womens’ 800-meter dash to headline strong showings for numerous WAC track athletes Friday at Boise State University. Additionally, her teammate, Erin Stratton, won the womens’ mile run while the Lady Aggies were also bolstered by Kim Quinn’s win in the 5000-meter dash. As for the men, Brian McKenna of Utah State won the 5000-meter dash while the Aggies’ Clint Silcock took the high jump crown. Through five womens’ events, the Idaho Lady Vandals lead with 44 points while through seven mens’ events, Boise State leads the way with 76.50 points. The meet will resume Saturday.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP)—San Diego State’s Stephanie James placed first in the womens’ pole vault to headline strong showings for numerous Mountain West Conference track athletes on Day 2 of the track championships at the Albuquerque Convention Center. Additionally, her teammate, Karoline Koehler placed first in the long jump. As for the men, Brigham Young’s Leif Arrhenius won the weight throw while his teammate Trevor Heiner won the high jump. Through two days of competition, Brigham Young’s women have amassed 72 points in six events, while the Cougar men are also in first having posted 63.50 points thus far. The meet resumes Saturday.

SEATTLE (AP)—Carter Wells of Stanford placed first in the mens’ weight throw to lead the way at the MPSF Track and Field Championships Saturday at the University of Washington. Additionally, Arizona’s Luis Rivers-Morales won the long jump and Scott Roth of Washington won the pole vault. As for the women, Washington’s Marie Lawrence won the 5000-meter dash and Lisa Engarter of Arizona won the womens’ high jump in the pentathlon. The meet will resume Saturday.

HOUSTON (AP)—Tulsa’s Alex Becker placed first in the womens’ 5000-meter dash to highlight numerous strong showings for athletes scattered throughout the southwest Friday at the first day of the Conference USA championships. Additionally, Tulsa’s John Beattie placed first in the mens’ 5000-meter dash to conclude competition on the first day of action. The meet will resume Saturday.

(RICHFIELD) – The Central Utah Narcotics Task Force has resolved a late December 2009 attempted murder case involving an illegal immigrant and a Sevier County man. Investigators reported that Edgar Perez-Monroy stole a firearm from an Austin residence in December and pawned it at a Richfield pawn shop. The report said that Perez-Monroy used the firearm in an attempted homicide of another hispanic man in Sevier County. Perez-Monroy was apprehended and booked in the Sevier County Jail on Jan. 27 for theft of a firearm, possession of a firearm by a restricted person and aggravated assault. Immigration and Customs Enforcement discovered that Perez-Monroy was in the country illegally and was turned over to federal authorities on Thursday.

(FAIRVIEW) – A snowmobiler reported missing has been found safe after spending Wednesday night in Fairview Canyon. According to a sheriff’s report, 54-year old Doug Wheeler of Springville was snowmobiling with a group of about 20 people, when he became separated from his group and failed to return to camp late in the afternoon Wednesday. The Sanpete Search and Rescue was notified and began looking for Wheeler Wednesday night. Workers searched the Fairview Canyon area through the night until the search was called off due to poor weather conditions. The search resumed Thursday morning and a helicopter spotted Wheeler at about 11am. He was taken off the mountain in good condition. Wheeler said he kept warm through the cold night by starting his snowmobile several times. He was reported to be cold, tired and hungry.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Neal Monson posted 29 points and 14 rebounds and the Waterford Ravens clipped the North Sevier Wolves, 39-27 Thursday in the first round of the 2A state tournament at the Sevier Valley Center. Daniel Hales had seven points and four rebounds in the loss for the Wolves. Waterford advances to the semifinals Friday evening at 7:30

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Rhees Jackson had 22 points and 10 rebounds, Payton Jesus poured in 19 points and six assists and Craig Brinkerhoff added 18 more points as the Kanab Cowboys clipped the North Summit Braves, 77-65 Thursday in the first round of the 2A state tournament at the Sevier Valley Center. Dalan Judd had 16 points and Cameron Bowen added 14 more in the loss for the Braves. Kanab faces Waterford Friday evening at 7:30.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Race Parsons had 20 points and Orion Wilson added 18 points and six boards as the South Sevier Rams dismantled the Layton Christian Eagles, 64-44 in the first round of the 2A tournament at the Sevier Valley Center Thursday. Isaac Pedroza had 11 points and six boards in the loss for the Eagles.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Parker Anderson and Judd Rydalch had 12 points apiece and the South Summit Wildcats humbled the Enterprise Wolves, 55-41 Thursday in the first round of the 2A tournament at the Sevier Valley Center. Kyle West had 18 points and six assists in defeat for the Wolves.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Kendra Richins had 11 points and made a pair of clutch free throws in the closing seconds to lead the North Summit Lady Braves to a 36-34 win over the Kanab Cowgirls in the first round of the 2A tournament Thursday at the Sevier Valley Center. Kelly Livingston had 10 points and seven boards in the loss for Kanab.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Tressa Lyman posted 16 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Enterprise Lady Wolves to a convincing 45-34 win over the North Sevier Lady Wolves at the Sevier Valley Center Thursday. McKinzie Robins had 10 points in the loss for North Sevier.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Chelsee Willardson had 13 points and Shacari Hinck added 11 more as the Richfield Lady Wildcats edged the Wasatch Lady Wasps, 46-42 Thursday at Utah Valley University in the 3A tournament. The Lady Wildcats will next face the Canyon View Lady Falcons Friday at 12:50 p.m. with a shot at the 3A championship game on the line

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP)—Andrea Riley had 33 points, including the last 17 points in regulation for the #17 Oklahoma State Cowgirls in a 73-72 win over the #16 Texas Lady Longhorns Wednesday in Top 25 womens’ college basketball action. Tegan Cunningham added 18 points and 12 boards for Oklahoma State, who improved to 19-8 on the season. Brittainy Raven had 20 points in the loss for the Lady Horns, who fell to 19-8. In other Top 25 action Wednesday, #1 Connecticut stonewalled Syracuse, 87-66, #22 Vanderbilt clipped Florida, 71-60, #23 Hartford downed Albany, 63-57, #5 Xavier smacked Charlotte, 81-61, #19 St. John’s humbled Rutgers, 60-52 and #3 Nebraska overpowered #10 Oklahoma, 80-64.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP)—Carlos Boozer posted 33 points and 16 rebounds and the Utah Jazz overcame an 11-point halftime deficit to oust the Charlotte Bobcats, 102-93 Wednesday in NBA action at EnergySolutions Arena. The Jazz turned the tide with a 31-16 surge in the 3rd Quarter while the Bobcats, currently seeking to fend off Milwaukee for the eight and final seed in the Eastern Conference playoff race, failed to capitalize off of a solid first half which saw them post 53 points and generally suppress one of the NBA’s elite teams. Deron Williams added 20 points and 12 assists for Utah as the Jazz improved to 37-20 on the season. Gerald Wallace had 27 points and eight rebounds for the Bobcats while Tyrus Thomas added 20 more for Charlotte, who fell to 27-29. In other NBA action Wednesday, Atlanta edged Minnesota, 98-92, Memphis stymied Washington, 99-94, Portland gashed Toronto, 101-87, Chicago clipped Indiana, 120-110, Milwaukee bludgeoned New Orleans, 115-95, Orlando smoked Houston, 110-92, San Antonio tripped up Oklahoma City, 95-87, Dallas humbled the Los Angeles Lakers, 101-96, Phoenix scorched Philadelphia, 106-95, and the Los Angeles Clippers stonewalled Detroit, 97-91.

(EUREKA) – A mining company has signed an agreement with Kennecott Exploration, Co. to mine for copper, gold and molybdenum in Eureka in Juab County. Chief Consolidated Mining Co. officials says the agreement will be complete when all parties involved sign the contracts. Under terms of the agreement, Kennecott will focus on the Big Hill Project, a hill in the center of the 16,000 acre area, owned by Chief Consolidated, including part of Eureka. Kennecott would earn 51% of the project by completing a pre-feasibility study or incur $20 million in costs, whichever comes first. If successful, Kennecott would get another 4% of the project once Kennecott’s parent corporation, Rio Tinto, accepts the study. Chief Consolidated’s other properties are not affected by the agreement.

(LAYTON)—A Layton man faces charges for allegedly beating his daughter with a cane. The Standard-Examiner reports that police say Ralph Andrew Clark was using the cane following knee surgery. Clark struck his 17-year-old daughter several times after getting into an argument over whether or not she could go out with friends. She suffered minor injuries to her legs, arms and torso. This is not the first time Clark has been accused of assaulting his children. In January, he was arrested for beating a child with a broom and a shovel. He pleaded guilty to a charge of simple assault in connection with the incident. Clark was arrested Monday and is currently in the Davis County Jail. The case now rests with the Davis County Attorney’s Office to screen for formal charges.

(WEBER COUNTY)—Weber School District has banned a type of incense that can be smoked to produce a marijuana-like “high.” The drug is known as damiana, but has also been referred to as “Spice,” under which title it is sold under several brand names, including “Black Mamba.” District officials say they have informed parents that any student found with it on school grounds will be disciplined as if they had brought any other controlled substance on campus.

(NEW HARMONY)—Federal money will help rehabilitate land near the southern Utah town of New Harmony and safeguard against flooding after a fire swept through the area last summer. The Mill Flat fire burned across 19 square miles, destroying three homes and several outbuildings. Some now worry about the potential for flooding and mudslides as snow begins to melt in the next few weeks. The Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Emergency Watershed Protection program will provide about $1.1 million to help safeguard private lands. NRCS water resources coordinator Norman Evenstad says projects could include catch basins to stop debris during a flood, revegetation and reseeding on ground that burned. He says plans for the money will begin to firm up next month.

(RICHFIELD) – Richfield City is getting ready to install a new emergency management system. Sevier County Hazmat Commander John Hunt told the city council in Tuesday night’s meeting that the current system is antiquated and needs to be replaced. He said in 2008, the city received a grant of $780,000 to purchase equipment but still lacked $200,000 for installation. Hunt said due to the downturn of the economy in the latter part of 2008, the city was not able to come up with enough money to install the system but since then, funding was awarded through another grant. He said the new system will feature multi-tone sirens to be installed at the current location of the fire station in the city. Hunt commented that the system should be installed within the next few weeks and the public will need to be educated as to which tone is applied to each emergency.

(Mount Pleasant) North Sanpete School District Superintendent Courtney Syme has announced his retirement effective June 30th. Syme’s career in the district has spanned thirty-four years. He commented that during that time he has had the opportunity to “work with the best teachers and administrators in the world.” Syme also commented that it has been gratifying to see students learn and grow and become successful and productive citizens in the community, the state, and even across the world. The district will start taking applications soon to fill the position and hope to have a replacement sometime in March or April.

(CEDAR CITY) – A victim of child abuse was named Miss Southern Utah in Cedar City on Saturday. Erika Hansen, a 21-year old junior biology major from Cedar City, was crowned at Canyon View Middle School and awarded a $1,000 college scholarship. Hansen competed against six other contestants, including four SUU students, one from BYU and another attending UVU in Orem. Her platform of child sexual abuse prevention awareness was unique among the contestants. Hansen said on stage her biggest obstacle was coming forward to inform authorities that she had been sexually abused for seven years. She won Miss Iron County in 2008 on her same platform and qualifies to run at the Miss Utah pageant scheduled to take place in June.

(RICHFIELD) – Richfield City officials have decided to not raise taxes on energy use until they’ve scrutinized cuts in the budget. At the city council meeting Tuesday night, councilmembers tabled adopting an ordinance that would change the rate of the Municipal Energy Tax from 3% to 6% and a Telecommunication Tax from 3% to 3.5%. Councilmember Richard Barnett recently commented that dozens of comparable-size cities throughout the state have operated at 6% for years while Richfield has not raised its rates. The council also tabled adopting an ordinance setting a maximum height for garages and accessory buildings in residential areas until the city attorney can re-draft language in the ordinance.

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP)—Dairese Gary amassed 23 points and Roman Martinez added 17 more as the #12 New Mexico Lobos won another close call with a 72-66 victory over the Colorado State Rams Tuesday at Moby Arena in Top 25 mens’ college basketball action. Former College of Eastern Utah star Darington Hobson stepped up with 15 points and 10 rebounds for New Mexico, who improved to 26-3 on the season, keeping themselves in line for one of the top four seeds in a regional for the NCAA Tournament according to several prominent college basketball analysts, such as Joe Lunardi and Seth Davis. The Rams, obviously motivated by hosting a national power, actually led 32-29 at halftime, before the Lobos overpowered CSU with 43 points in the last stanza, including a late 7-0 surge to repel the last Ram run of the evening. Adam Nigon amassed a career-high 23 points in the loss for Colorado State. In other Top 25 action Tuesday, #13 Georgetown humbled Louisville, 70-60, #4 Syracuse downed Providence, 99-85, #6 Kansas State bludgeoned Texas Tech, 83-64, Evansville stunned #22 Northern Iowa, 55-54 and Florida stymied #17 Tennessee, 75-62.

(SALT LAKE CITY) – The Utah BLM has released the results of the competitive geothermal lease sale that was held in Salt Lake City on Tuesday. The sale included 17 parcels on BLM Utah lands and ten parcels on BLM Idaho lands. The BLM sold 17 of the Utah parcels on 60,320 acres of federal land in the Fillmore Field Office and four of the Idaho parcels on 10,592 acres. The total revenues for the sale netted the BLM nearly $335,400. Geothermal energy accounts for 8.5% of renewable electricity generation and 0.3% of total U.S. electricity supply. Reports say that almost 50% of the nation’s production of geothermal energy is on federal land. Utah’s current geothermal production is primarily in Beaver County where two plants produce 24 megawatts per year.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—The brother of a Utah sheriff is accusing federal agents of misconduct when they arrested him last June for allegedly trafficking in ancient American Indian artifacts. Tuesday, David Lacy testified that heavily armed agents stormed his house and held him for hours while grilling him incessantly about his artifacts collection. Incidentally, this was all done without reading him his Miranda rights against self-incrimination. Earlier Tuesday, the agents testified they did everything properly. Lacy, a teacher at San Juan High School in Blanding, is the brother of San Juan County Sheriff Mike Lacy of Monticello and one of 26 collectors and dealers in Utah, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico who were arrested after a two year sting operation. Lacy remains insistent his collection of American Indian artifacts was legally obtained.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Anger in Utah continues to grow over the possible designation of two national monuments in the energy-rich southern part of the state. A U.S. Department of the Interior document lists more than a dozen sites throughout the West for possible monument designation, which would make them off-limits to development. Presidents have the sole authority to designate national monuments through the Antiquities Act. The Interior department insists the list is a product of brainstorming and nothing more. However, in Utah, fear of a possible land grab persists as a result of the Clinton administration’s designation of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Tuesday, a Capitol rally supported a measure to require congressional approval of future Utah monuments.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—The Utah House will consider greatly expanding the ability of the state attorney general’s office to issue administrative subpoenas for online and cell phone records. A House panel approved a measure 10-1 on Tuesday that would allow the subpoenas to be issued anytime the attorney general’s office suspects the Internet or a cell phone has been used to commit a felony. They could also be used when stalking and electronic harassment are suspected. Currently, the subpoenas can only be used to force Internet companies to provide certain information about someone suspected of committing a sex crime against children. The bill is opposed by some criminal defense lawyers who say it lacks appropriate checks and balances from the judicial system.

(OGDEN)—A father and son in Ogden are now behind bars after being accused of running a drug distribution operation according to the Ogden Standard-Examiner. Those arrested were 26-year-old Michael Martinez and 46-year-old Nick Martinez. They were booked into the Weber County Jail over the weekend after members of the Narcotics Strike Force, Ogden Crime Reduction Unit and the Ogden Metro Gang Unit raided their apartments in Ogden. Officers found nearly two pounds of methamphetamine, a large amount of ecstasy pills, a number of firearms and thousands of dollars in cash, which police say was drug proceeds. At the time of their arrests, Michael was also wanted on parole violations and Nick was on parole. Both are facing multiple charges.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Two fugitives accused of killing a Millard County sheriff’s deputy were told to leave the area by officers who were looking for them, but apparently didn’t recognize them. Roberto Roman and Ruben Chavez-Reyes are accused in the murder of Millard County sheriff’s Deputy Josie Fox early on the morning of January 5 near Delta. Later that morning, police believed the two were hiding in Salt Lake City and evacuated the neighborhood where they were believed to be. A resident who lives nearby, Shirley Cleverly told the Salt Lake Tribune she’d arrived at home early that morning because the suspects knew her sons. Cleverly said she didn’t know they were fugitives and didn’t know they were at home until police evacuated the premises. They were found the next day in a shed near Beaver and arrested. Salt Lake City Police Chief Chris Burbank confirmed Cleverly’s story and wants to identify the officers who didn’t recognize the wanted men so he can talk to them.

(SALT LAKE CITY) – A group of farmers and ranchers met on Capitol Hill on Monday in a tasty show of force against the environmentalists’ agenda to attack the agriculture industry. The “Celebrate Agriculture” rally coordinated by the Utah Farm Bureau, featured locally produced beef jerky, string cheese and slices of Norbest turkey. The event also included remarks by Rep. Kerry Gibson of Ogden, a dairy farmer and Rep. Mike Noel of Kanab, a cattle rancher. Gibson said farmers and ranchers often suffer personal attacks despite being the “ultimate environmentalists.” Noel took his turn at the bully pulpit to call for the defeat of “cap-and-trade” legislation aimed at crushing agriculture in Utah. He also rallied farmers and ranchers to remain at the Capitol for the afternoon debate on a controversial bill that spells out access to public streams and waterways on private property.

(RICHFIELD) – The Central Utah American Cancer Society 2010 Relay-For-Life Event is kicking off this Saturday at the Red Hills Middle School in Richfield. The event will run from 6:30 to 8pm with a special invitation extended to all cancer survivors. Event organizers say that all individuals wishing to honor a loved one who has battled cancer, luminaria bags will be available at a cost of $5 each. The event will feature booths, including balloon ties, balloon darts, fishing games, bean bag and coin toss, face painting and a cakewalk. The public is invited to attend the event free of charge but booths will be provided at a cost of $.50 each.

(RICHFIELD) – The Richfield City Council met in session Monday night to discuss more ways to cut an already tight budget. Finance Director Mike Langston presented the council with the 2010-11 proposed draft budget, showing areas where the city can reduce expenses in spite of loss in revenue to city coffers. City councilman Richard Barnett said he, the mayor and some members of the council would be willing to give up their monthly pay to help. Mayor Brad Ramsay said the city may push back the possible increase in an energy tax by three months if other services can be cut, including the swimming pool, golf course and other services. Langston said city employees will have to pay 100% of a 10-15% increase in insurance premiums this year, which amounts to a pay cut. Councilmembers determined to have public hearings on the budget cuts before any action is taken.

(PROVO)—A suspect has been arrested and booked into the Utah County Jail under suspicion of murder in connection to the investigation of a woman’s body found in Hobble Creek Canyon over the weekend. The suspect is 22-year-old Damien Allister Candland of Provo who was booked into the Utah County Jail on a charge of aggravated murder. The victim was later identified as 41-year-old Amy Candland of Provo, Damien’s aunt. Investigators previously called the circumstances of Amy’s death “suspicious.” Candland was found near the Jolley’s Ranch campground in Hobble Creek Canyon Sunday. Monday morning, police say the Utah County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the victim’s identity from her brother. Police say they found evidence linking Damien to the victim and the Hobble Creek location. Amy’s body was turned over to the Utah Medical Examiners office where an autopsy will later be performed.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Witnesses say a man torched his own apartment Sunday night and watched as it burned. The fire forced 12 people out of their homes while firefighters doused the flames at the Edison Place Apartments in Salt Lake City. The fire destroyed one apartment and severely damaged two others. The arsonist, 45-year-old James Brinton, was arrested and booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on a first-degree felony charge of aggravated arson.

(MORGAN)—The Utah Department of Transportation and Morgan County will pay nearly $40,000 to settle legal claims over a protest against fur farms. Federal court papers say the two agencies have agreed to pay the Salt Lake Animal Advocacy Movement to cover its attorney fees and court costs. Last fall, the group sought permission to hold a demonstration called Fur Free Saturday in Morgan. It sued over the county’s requirement that it pay $425 for extra police and permit fees along with taking out a million-dollar insurance policy. Group members also claimed UDOT employees violated their free speech rights because the agency wouldn’t issue a permit for the protest. The protest occurred November 26 and the group assembled without having to pay for security.

(PLEASANT GROVE)—Pleasant Grove is tackling a foul-smelling problem with the help of millions of dollars. The Deseret News reports the odor from the sewage treatment plant is strong enough that the people who work at the BMW dealership across the freeway say they’ve had to leave work at times. They also say the smell has made some workers and customers sick. Utah County Commissioners have approved the issuance and sale of up to $70 million in sewer revenue bonds for the Timpanogos Special Service District. About $10 million of that is going toward odor control. Crews will enclose the headworks building and air into the building will be filtered before it’s released. The changes could come as soon as next year. The newspaper reports the most offensive odor comes from crews flipping compost of the plant, which is done every three to five days within a three-week period. The district is installing a fabric system to cover the compost, which is now open. The facility serves 192,000 people in 10 municipalities.

(SPANISH FORK) – Utah lawmakers are praising the Utah Department of Transportation for improved safety measures on stretches of U.S.6 in Spanish Fork Canyon. Many lawmakers are saying if it hadn’t been for the lobbying efforts of a Huntington woman, who lost her mother in a 1971 crash on winding sections of the highway, the improvements may never have happened. Kathy Justice has been pushing for decades to get lawmakers to fund improvements and organized a group to make US 6 safer. She said she was told that no one in their lifetime would ever see a four-lane highway on that stretch of U.S. 6 but it happened. Spanish Fork police say they’ve had their share of investigations of fatalities on U.S. 6 for years and knew that something had to be done. UDOT has taken steps to greatly reduce crossover head-on collisions along the highway by adding lanes, bridges and rumble strips, along with additional signage.

(SALINA) – A Colorado woman was taken to the hospital with injuries when the vehicle in which she was traveling crashed on I-70 Sunday afternoon. According to a UHP report, 53-year old, David Collins of Rifle, CO. was traveling eastbound east of Salina in a 2001 Porsche, when he lost control and spun on icy roads, crashing into the center guardrail at about 5:15pm. The report said that his passenger, 48-year old, Corrinna Collins, also of Rifle, was wearing her seatbelt and transported to the Sevier Valley Medical Center in Richfield with broken bones. David was wearing his seatbelt and was not transported the hospital.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Kandice Gleave amassed 25 points and Loni Allan added 16 more as the Piute Lady Thundebirds crushed the Duchesne Lady Eagles, 68-34 Saturday at the Sevier Valley Center to win their first state championship in school history. Kylie Kielbasa had eight points in the loss for Duchesne.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Courtney Lamborn had 12 points and the Rich Lady Rebels took third place at the 1A state tournament with a 42-37 win over the Panguitch Lady Bobcats at the Sevier Valley Center Saturday. Kalani Norris had 18 points in the loss for Panguitch.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Sydney Cornforth had nine points and the Bryce Valley Lady Mustangs ousted the Valley Lady Buffaloes, 40-29 Saturday at the Sevier Valley Center in the 1A consolation bracket. Kori Cox had 11 points in the loss for Valley.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Bridgett Grahmann had 18 points and Jennifer Horak added 17 more as the Intermountain Christian Lady Lions ousted the Altamont Lady Longhorns, 47-42 at the Sevier Valley Center in the 1A consolation bracket Saturday. Whitney Fieldsted had 23 points in the loss for Altamont.

CEDAR CITY, Utah (AP)—Colton Piep had 15 points and Jaden Gurney added 14 more as the North Sevier Wolves downed the Parowan Rams, 58-50 Saturday in the 2A play-in playoffs at the Centrum. Zack Wood had 19 points in defeat for Parowan.

CEDAR CITY, Utah (AP)—Neal Monson had 18 points for the Waterford Ravens as they got past the Beaver Beavers, 50-31 in the 2A play-in playoffs Saturday at the Centrum. Austin Blackburn and Robbie Gurr had seven points apiece in the loss for Beaver.

CEDAR CITY, Utah (AP)—Craig Brinkerhoff had 24 points and the Kanab Cowboys outlasted the Rowland Hall/St. Mark’s Winged Lions, 52-51 Saturday at the 2A play-in playoffs at the Centrum. Matt Bossart had 13 points in defeat for Rowland Hall.

CEDAR CITY, Utah (AP)—Dalan Judd had 15 points and Cameron Bowen stepped up with 12 more as the North Summit Braves gashed the Gunnison Bulldogs, 47-31 at the 2A play-in playoffs Saturday at the Centrum. Erick Rosenvall had eight points in the loss for Gunnison.

CEDAR CITY, Utah (AP)—Isaac Pedroza had 17 points and the Layton Christian Eagles clipped the Millard Lady Eagles, 60-48in the 2A play-in playoffs Saturday at the Centrum. Joel Swallow had 15 points in the loss for Millard.

CEDAR CITY, Utah (AP)—Dillon Bishoff had 29 points and the South Sevier Rams decimated the Cross Creek Bobcats, 84-42 Saturday at the 2A play-in playoffs at the Centrum.

CEDAR CITY, Utah (AP)—Kyle West’s 22 points led the way for the Enterprise Wolves as they dismantled the Grand Red Devils, 57-38 in the 2A play-in playoffs Saturday at the Centrum.

CEDAR CITY, Utah (AP)—Levi Thompson had 17 points and Judd Rydalch added 15 more for the South Summit Wildcats as they tripped up the San Juan Broncos, 63-38 Saturday in the 2A play-in playoffs at the Centrum.

DRAPER, Utah (AP)—Ajay Pizza had 16 points and the Juan Diego Soaring Eagle got past the Richfield Wildcats, 44-37 in the 3A playoffs Saturday. Tyler Thomas had 12 points in the loss for the Wildcats.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP)—Zach Myaer had 21 points and the Judge Memorial Bulldogs pounded the Delta Rabbits, 71-42 Saturday in the 3A playoffs. Colin Christensen and Taylor Shamo had nine points apiece in the loss for the Rabbits.

NEPHI, Utah (AP)—Braden Saunders posted 17 points to lead the Morgan Trojans to a 49-42 win over the Juab Wasps Saturday in the 3A playoffs. Joey Lewis had 15 points and Taran Wright added 11 more in the loss for the Wasps.

(AMERICAN FORK)—Police say a convicted sex offender may be at it again. This would mean Riverton resident Kevin Duane Allred will have been guilty of sex related crimes three times in the past three decades. Monday, Allred will be in court to face charges of lewdness by a sex offender. Court records show Allred has been arrested for showing himself inappropriately several times in American Fork, including most recently at an American Fork Wal-Mart in October 2009. Court records depict that he has previously flashed American Fork residents in 1989 and 1998 in addition to last year’s incident.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Author Stephen R. Covey is joining Utah State University as a tenured business professor. The author of numerous motivational books, such as “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” will be the school’s first Jon M. Huntsman Presidential Chair in Leadership. The position was made possible by a $1.5 million donation from Huntsman. Thursday, Jon M. Huntsman School of Business Dean Douglas Anderson said Covey will donate his $75,000 yearly salary back to the school. The money will help fund the Stephen R. Covey Center for Leadership. Anderson said Covey’s appointment is a step toward the school being known for ethical leadership. Covey is a well-known management expert who also co-founded Franklin Covey, a professional services firm. Utah State University president Stan Albrecht says Covey will boost the school’s profile.

(RICHMOND)—Authorities say a building slated for demolition has collapsed in northern Utah. The Cache County sheriff’s office says the building in Richmond had been used as a warehouse in the past. Upon its collapse Thursday, the building was empty. Officials say the incident is under investigation but it doesn’t appear suspicious. A sheriff’s deputy was nearby at the time of the collapse and witnessed it. The collapse knocked down power lines and a highway was shut down for a time while crews worked on them. The sheriff’s office says the building’s owners were in the process of getting permits to demolish it.

(RICHFIELD) – Sevier County Commissioners have set the dates for collecting trash to be taken to the landfill from clean-up efforts throughout the county. County pick-up dates will be on April 15 and May 15 and tires will be collected between May 15 and June 15, 2010 for disposal. Commissioners are asking residents throughout the county to have the debris ready to be picked up on those dates. If you have any questions, call the Sevier County offices.

(RICHFIELD) – Sevier County Commissioners have sent a letter to the Forest Service concerning the exclusion of county officials in day-to-day decisions on forest planning rules. At the county commission meeting Wednesday, Commissioners said that with changes in new Forest Service personnel, some don’t know what’s required of them in order to comply with their coordination obligation. Commissioners said the oversight has already caused some problems, citing a California court case in which the state sued the forest service over the development of four plans without coordinating with state officials. A judge in the case ruled in favor of the state, citing a 1982 rule that clearly defined requirements for coordination. Sevier County Commissioners also commented that they’ve had a good relationship with local forest service officials and want to continue the partnership.

(KANAB) – Kane County is suing the federal government over ownership of 46 roads that cross public lands in the county. The 332-page complaint spells out the county’s argument that the government should grant ownership under “quiet title” actions as required by multiple courts. Kane County sued under provisions in Revised Statute 2477, an old mining law that granted rights of way across public land. Congress repealed the law in 1976 with existing claims grandfathered in but subsequent rulings held that ownership disputes must be argued road by road in federal court. Court documents state the county must prove each claim in court. Rural counties have filed multiple lawsuits over road access on public land, including roads in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Canyonlands National Park.

LOS ANGELES (AP)—Ashley Hamilton posted 17 points and Drew Viney added 16 points and 10 rebounds as the Loyola Marymount Lions stunned the #9 Gonzaga Bulldogs, 74-66 Thursday at the Gersten Pavilion in mens’ Top 25 college basketball action. The win was the latest peak in a roller coaster season for the 14-13 Lions who also beat Notre Dame at South Bend, Ind. in an early-season shocker in non-conference play. Elias Harris had 13 points and 11 boards to lead the Zags in the loss, who despite a 21-5 record, have dropped their second game in four West Coast Conference games. In other Top 25 action Thursday, #5 Syracuse outlasted #10 Georgetown, 75-71, #19 Vanderbilt bested Mississippi, 82-78, #21 Pittsburgh overpowered Marquette, 58-51 and Minnesota hammered #16 Wisconsin, 68-52.

ESCALANTE, Utah (AP)—Kace Roundy had 21 points and Kam Roundy added 14 more as the Bryce Valley Mustangs dismantled the Escalante Moquis, 75-59 Thursday in Region 20 boys basketball action. Cody Barney had 20 points in defeat for the Moquis.

BICKNELL, Utah (AP)—Eric Frandsen amassed 38 points as the Panguitch Bobcats pummeled the Wayne Badgers, 79-61 in Region 20 boys basketball action Thursday. Carson Syme and Cason Chappell had 10 points apiece in the loss for Wayne.

MILFORD, Utah (AP)—Tyson Westwood had 23 points as the Piute Thunderbirds edged the Milford Tigers, 67-64 in overtime Thursday in Region 20 boys basketball action.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Katie Berry had 23 points as the St. Joseph Lady Jayhawks edged the Monticello Lady Buckaroos, 42-39 Thursday in the 1A state girls quarterfinals at the Sevier Valley Center. Swayzi Slade had 17 points in defeat for Monticello.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Whitney Lefler posted 22 points for the Tabiona Lady Tigers as they edged the Green River Lady Pirates, 46-44 in the 1A state girls quarterfinals Thursday at the Sevier Valley Center. Jill Vetere had 14 points in the loss for Green River.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Brooks Eberly had 10 points for the Valley Lady Buffaloes as they doubled up the Milford Lady Tigers, 34-17 in Thursday’s 1A state quarterfinals at the Sevier Valley Center.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Ashley Nelson, Kaylea Shakespeare and Lesha LeFevre had nine points apiece as the Bryce Valley Lady Mustangs bested the Wayne Lady Badgers, 42-31 in the 1A state girls quarterfinals Thursday at the Sevier Valley Center. Cassey Manzanares had 14 points in the loss for Wayne.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Courtney Lamborn posted 12 points and Maude Peart added 10 more for the Rich Lady Rebels as they got past the Whitehorse Lady Raiders, 53-38 in the 1A state girls quarterfinals Thursday at the Sevier Valley Center. Maray Filfred had 18 points in the loss for Whitehorse. The Lady Rebels, already two-time defending state 1A champions have advanced to Friday’s semifinals.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Kandice Gleave posted 19 points and Amanda Bagley added 14 more as the Piute Lady Thunderbirds hammered the Intermountain Christian Lady Lions, 52-28 in Thursday’s quarterfinals at the 1A state tournament. Jennifer Horak had 19 points in defeat for ICS. The Lady Thunderbirds have advanced to Friday’s semifinals.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Kalani Norris had 15 points as the Panguitch Lady Bobcats bested the Altamont Lady Longhorns, 37-30 Thursday in the quarterfinals at the 1A state tournament. Whitney Fieldsted had 13 points in the loss for Altamont. Panguitch now advances to Friday’s semifinals.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Jessica Madsen had 20 points as the Duchesne Lady Eagles tripped up the Meridian Lady Mongooses, 46-28 in Thursday’s quarterfinals at the 1A state tournament. Rachel Allen posted nine points in the loss for Meridian.

(ROOSEVELT)—A man fatally shot by a police officer in eastern Utah has been identified. Police say 44-year-old Gary Wheeler was shot Wednesday in Duchesne County while still behind the wheel of an allegedly stolen pickup truck after he rammed a police car with it twice. Roosevelt police officer J.T. Bird is on administrative leave while authorities investigate the shooting. Wheeler, a Magna resident, had allegedly burglarized a tire store. Roosevelt Police Chief Rick Harrison says he thinks Wheeler was preparing to run over Bird, who had gotten out of his car after it was rammed and disabled. Bird fired and Wheeler died at the scene. A passenger in the truck was booked into the Duchesne County Jail on suspicion of burglary and vehicle theft.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—A United Airlines flight out of Denver was diverted to Salt Lake International around 10:00 a.m. after a bomb threat on board that plane. The threat was found on a note but it’s not known what was said. Flight 741 was on its way to San Francisco and airport officials confirm there were 193 passengers and 6-crew members on board. Airport spokeswoman Barbara Gann says a flight attendant found the note, but did not say where the note was discovered or whether any passengers came in contact with it. The Boeing 757 is currently parked at the northwest corner of the airport on runway 34, away from the terminals. Passengers were evacuated from the plane onto waiting buses, which took them to the airport’s International Terminal for questioning by FBI agents. Crews unloaded baggage from the plane for inspection while a bomb-sniffing dog spent 30 minutes checking out those bags before going onto the plane. The FBI, ATF, Salt Lake City Fire Department and airport officials are involved in the investigation. FBI officials are not releasing many details because the investigation is ongoing. Gann says the incident has not affected airport operations and that flights are still coming in and out of Salt Lake City as scheduled.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—The NAACP is shocked that a Utah state lawmaker is suggesting that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and a Utah gunmaker share a holiday. Senator Mark Madsen of Eagle Mountain is sponsoring SB247 which would force the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday to be shared with a state holiday recognizing the birthday of Ogden gunmaker John Browning. King’s birthday is always celebrated on the third Monday of January while Browning’s birthday is believed to be around January 21. He died at the age of 71 in 1926. The local president of the NAACP, Jeanetta Williams, says she’s furious. Nevertheless, some GOP lawmakers don’t necessarily oppose the proposal while majority leader Scott Jenkins of Plain City told the Deseret News that guns are used to help keep peace. Madsen says he wants an established holiday to recognize Browning, who had 128 gun patents, but he’ll find another day if his proposal becomes a race issue. Williams says she believes lawmakers are now looking at alternative dates.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Enrollment at Utah’s public colleges and universities has grown nearly 10 percent this spring semester over the same period last year. Thursday, the Utah System of Higher Education said enrollment increased by more than 13,000 students, the largest year-over-year increase in the system’s history. The enrollment growth comes at a time state colleges are slashing their budgets, resulting in larger classes, fewer services and some programs being eliminated.

(CLINTON)—A 12-year-old Clinton boy is accused of stabbing his grandmother after she took his cell phone away. According to the Deseret News, police were called to the woman’s home last Saturday afternoon on reports of a domestic disturbance. They arrived to find the woman stabbed in the back with a kitchen knife. The victim told officers she was trying to discipline the boy by taking his phone and he reacted violently. The knife narrowly missed severing her spinal cord. The boy is now being evaluated by mental health professionals and will likely face an aggravated assault charge. The woman is expected to make a full recovery.

(ZION NATIONAL PARK)—Several climbing routes in Zion National Park will be closed for months to protect nursing peregrine falcons. Park officials say 11 cliffs will close to climbing as of March 1. The park is home to a high concentration of breeding peregrine falcons each spring and summer. The falcons, once federally protected, were taken off the endangered species list in 1999. The falcons like to nest and raise their young in the tall cliffs of the park and already the park has previously closed off climbing routes to protect the young falcons. The birds’ activities will be monitored by biologists and cliffs not being used will be reopened in May. Those hosting fledgling falcons will likely stay closed until midsummer.

(AMERICAN FORK) – Sen. Orrin Hatch faced a hostile crowd at a town meeting held at the American Fork Junior High School Wednesday night. The crowd of about 300 jeered Hatch saying he was out of touch with the voting public and more interested in raising money for candidates than listening to what the people had to say. Hatch countered that the Tea Party movement is fractionalizing the Republican Party leading to the election of more liberal politicians. He blamed the movement for the loss of Sen. Gordon Smith, a politically moderate but fiscally conservative Republican from Oregon. Hatch said Smith lost to Democrat Jeff Merkley, one of the most liberal senators, by 45,000 votes. He said he’s building a bloc of fiscally conservative Republicans who can rein in President Barack Obama’s policies.

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP)—Jimmer Fredette had 36 points and made 6 of 10 3-point attempts as the #14 Brigham Young Cougars hammered the Colorado State Rams, 90-72 Wednesday at Moby Arena in mens’ Top 25 college basketball action. Although Colorado State kept the game close through the game’s first 20 minutes, trailing only 38-28 at intermission, the Cougars scored 54 points in the latter stanza to win going away. Jackson Emery added 16 more points for Brigham Young, who improved to 24-3 on the season and 9-2 in Mountain West Conference play. Travis Franklin had 14 points to pace the Rams in the loss as they fell to 15-10. In other Top 25 action Wednesday, #4 Purdue edged #12 Ohio State, 60-57, #7 Kansas State outlasted Nebraska, 91-87, #6 Duke tripped up Miami (Fla.), 81-74, #13 Butler dismantled Illinois-Chicago, 73-55, #8 West Virginia crushed Providence, 88-74, #20 Temple waxed St. Bonaventure, 73-55, #18 Tennessee got past Georgia, 69-60, Missouri upset #17 Texas, 82-77 and #15 New Mexico walloped Wyoming, 83-61.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Tasha Reilly had 24 points for the Duchesne Lady Eagles as they pummeled the Wayne Lady Badgers, 65-38 Wednesday in the 1A state girls quarterfinals at the Sevier Valley Center. Amanda Grundy and Brittani Nelson had nine points apiece for the Lady Badgers in the loss.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Estee Arts posted 19 points for the Meridian Lady Mongooses in a 41-39 win over the Bryce Valley Lady Mustangs at the Sevier Valley Center in the 1A state girls quarterfinals Wednesday. Lesha LeFevre had 11 points in defeat for Bryce Valley.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Whitney Fieldsted posted 19 points for the Altamont Lady Longhorns in a 46-35 win over the Monticello Lady Buckaroos Wednesday in the 1A state girls quarterfinals at the Sevier Valley Center. Swayzi Slade had 16 points in the loss for Monticello.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Kalani Norris had 16 points and Shelby Taylor added 14 more for the Panguitch Lady Bobcats as they humbled the St. Joseph Lady Jayhawks, 45-27 at the Sevier Valley Center in the 1A state girls quarterfinals Wednesday. Katie Panushka had eight points in the loss for St. Joseph.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Kandice Gleave posted 20 points and Amanda Bagley added 16 more as the Piute Lady Thunderbirds dismantled the Tabiona Lady Tigers, 71-31 Wednesday in the 1A state girls quarterfinals at the Sevier Valley Center. Shantaya Strebel had eight points in the loss for Tabiona.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Jenny Burns amassed 15 points and Bridgett Grahmann added 13 more as the Intermountain Christian Lady Lions overpowered the Green River Lady Pirates, 49-37 Wednesday at the Sevier Valley Center in 1A state girls quarterfinals action. Sarah Swalberg had 19 points in defeat for Green River.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Ashley Argyle had 14 points and Maud Peart added 13 more as the Rich Lady Rebels decimated the Valley Lady Buffaloes, 53-23 in the 1A state girls quarterfinals Wednesday at the Sevier Valley Center. Nikki Milligan had 14 points in the loss for the Lady Buffs.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Austin Billie and Stephanie Hamm had nine points apiece to lead the Whitehorse Lady Raiders to a narrow 47-43 win over the Milford Lady Tigers Wednesday at the Sevier Valley Center in the 1A state girls quarterfinals. Andrea Mayer had 23 points in the loss for Milford.

(DUCHESNE COUNTY)—Police are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting in Roosevelt. Wednesday, around 5:30 a.m., a Roosevelt police officer saw a broken window at a Big O Tire and a white GMC leaving the scene. The officer tried to pull over the driver, but the driver refused to stop. A chase through Roosevelt then ensued. Police say the driver of the GMC then rammed into the patrol vehicle at one point and took off. The suspect vehicle then hit the patrol car a second time, near 700 South and 400 East and disabled the patrol car. According to the police, the officer got out of the patrol car and shots were fired as the driver of the GMC was killed. A passenger inside the vehicle was not injured. The officer has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. Police have not released the name of the suspect.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—The U.S. Geological Survey reports domestic copper production declined in 2009 due to the global recession and depressed market prices. The federal agency says Utah ranks second behind Arizona for domestic copper production which declined by about 9 percent to 1.2 million tons. The agency says copper prices fell from $3.65 a pound on the London Metal Exchange to less than half that as the global recession took hold during 2008. Prices started a gradual recovery during 2009, but plentiful supplies will keep copper production in check for 2010. Kennecott Utah Copper is a major producer. The company’s Bingham Mine, once a broad 8,000-foot mountain in the Oquirrh Range, has been reduced to the world’s deepest man-made hole over a century of mining.

(RICHFIELD) – Richfield City is the host city for the Utah Wildfire Academy where over 400 firefighters statewide attend training classes for future firefighting efforts. Sevier County Special Events Coordinator, Kevin Arrington says this academy is a big help for firefighters in their training and a big boost to city businesses. Arrington said in the past, academy attendees slept in tents set up at the SVC but over the years, some have changed their minds. He addressed County Commissioners at today’s bi-monthly meeting to request $3,000 to go towards funding the academy. Commissioners approved the request. The Wildfire Academy will be held at the SVC on the Snow College-Richfield Campus May 17-21.

(SALT LAKE CITY) – A judge in a federal criminal case involving bogus bidding on oil and gas leases in December of 2008 has postponed the trial of environmental activist Tim DeChristopher. According to court reports, DeChristopher’s trial was postponed to hold a hearing on a defense motion arguing that the government is selectively prosecuting DeChristopher. The defense team claims that energy company employees at the auction made bids they didn’t follow through on and they weren’t prosecuted. At that auction, DeChristopher bid up prices by hundreds of thousands of dollars on some parcels and won 13 other parcels while acknowledging he had no intention or capacity to pay $1.7 million for the leases. He was indicted in April of 2008 on felony charges of interfering with a government auction and making false representation. The judge in the case will hold a hearing on March 15 and decide whether to reschedule a trial.

SAN DIEGO (AP)—Jene Morris had 16 of her 23 points in the first half, a stanza which saw San Diego State amass 49 points, as the Lady Aztecs decimated the #25 Texas Christian Lady Horned Frogs, 84-61 Tuesday in Top 25 womens’ college basketball action. Paris Johnson added 19 points for San Diego State, who improved to 15-9 with the win. TK LaFleur posted 18 points in the loss for the Lady Frogs who fell to 19-6. In other Top 25 action Tuesday, #18 Virginia hammered Longwood, 81-40, #8 West Virginia got past Rutgers, 55-51 and #23 St. John’s upset #3 Notre Dame, 76-71.

HOUSTON (AP)—Mehmet Okur had 21 points and eight rebounds and Paul Millsap added 20 points and 12 boards as the streaking Utah Jazz won their 10th game in their last 11 outings with a 104-95 victory over Houston Tuesday at Toyota Center. The Jazz built an early 10-point lead before the Rockets used a 32-21 surge in the 2nd Quarter to briefly take control. Nevertheless, the resilient Jazz managed to outscore the Rockets, 28-21 in the crucial 4th Quarter to improve to 33-19 on the season. Incidentally, despite being a traditionally mediocre road team, the Jazz won their fifth game in their last six road outings with the win at Houston. Aaron Brooks and David Andersen had 18 points apiece in the loss for the Rockets, which dropped them to 27-25. In other NBA action Tuesday, Miami scorched Philadelphia, 105-78, New Jersey dismantled Charlotte, 103-94, Detroit crushed Minnesota, 108-85, Chicago decimated New York, 118-85, Oklahoma City stormed past Dallas, 99-86, Phoenix hammered Memphis, 109-95, Portland bludgeoned the Los Angeles Clippers, 109-87, Boston outlasted Sacramento, 95-92 and the Los Angeles Lakers bested Golden State, 104-94.

(GUNNISON) – The South Sanpete School District has announced the 49th Annual Sterling Scholars Competition to get underway on Wednesday for the first round of elimination. Those competing from Gunnison Valley High School include, Dixie Sorenson in English, Jonathan Warren in Speech and Drama, Cami Carlisle in Math and Sage Lund in Social Science. Other competitors include, Morgan Cejudo in Foreign Language, Selisha Jensen in Visual Arts and Jacob Johnson in Computer and Information Technology. Rayel Sorenson will represent the school in Science, Jayden James in Trade and Technical Education, Shaylee Bosshardt in Family and Consumer Science and Katlin Jensen in Business and Marketing Education. Rounding out the competition are Carisa Allred in Music, Kayla Bartholomew in Dance, Connor Dyreng in Agriculture and Wyatt Hopkins in the General Scholarship category. Those who make it through the initial cut will compete in the final round on March 3

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Utah’s 2011 budget will be $50 million less than originally forecast. New revenue estimates released Tuesday show the state’s upcoming budget will be about $11.2 billion. This year’s budget is about $11.5 billion. The estimates are based on an economic forecast and are the final figures lawmakers will be provided before setting the budget in the legislative session that ends March 11. Lawmakers will consider slashing state budgets further, hiking taxes or tapping into a rainy day fund that has more than $400 million left in it to make up for additional losses in revenue.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Utah won’t be abandoning daylight savings time. Tuesday, lawmakers voted down a proposal that would have kept Utah on Mountain Standard Time the entire year, rather than switching between standard and daylight time each spring and fall. Representative Ken Sumison of American Fork says he doesn’t care whether Utah’s on Mountain Standard Time or Mountain Daylight Time but says the state needs to pick one and stick with it. A Utah House committee disagreed. House Bill 288 was defeated on a 6-3 vote.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Utah Republican Senator, Chris Buttars of West Jordan, is getting a lot of attention for his proposal to save the state money by getting rid of the 12th grade. Appearing on CNN Tuesday morning, Buttars was asked about how he came up with the idea, and why it will not hurt students who are already motivated in their education. The Utah State Commissioner of Higher Education, William Sederburg, says while he respects Buttars’ view, graduation requirements should be made more stringent so students are required to take tougher classes their senior year. Buttars says his bill would save the state $120 million a year. It is now being debated in the Senate.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—The Utah House will consider preventing state agencies from complying with the federal Real ID act. The act is intended to prevent drivers license forgeries by requiring enhanced security measures. Orem Republican, Stephen Sandstrom, says it’s an example of the federal government overstepping its bounds. About a dozen other states have already passed measures preventing state agencies from implementing the requirements of Real ID. Residents of states that fail to comply with the act may not be allowed to board airplanes or enter federal buildings in the future with their drivers licenses. On Friday, a Utah House committee unanimously approved House Bill 234. It will likely be debated by the full House later this week.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Utah officials say that if there are too many bighorn sheep on Antelope Island, the first option should be finding a home for them someplace else. If this doesn’t work, hunting could be another option, according to the plan. The Utah Parks and Recreation Board approved the herd management plan last week. In 1996, 26 bighorn sheep were brought to the island, which sits in the Great Salt Lake. Today, there are around 100 sheep. As the population grows, sheep are occasionally relocated off the island. Other management plans will be developed for the island’s bison, pronghorn and mule deer.

(RICHFIELD) – An elderly Richfield man was taken to the hospital with injuries when another Richfield motorist hit him north of Richfield Monday afternoon. According to a UHP report, 88-year old, Earl Curtis was traveling northbound on SR-118 in a 2007 Ford Edge, when he slowed to make a left turn on 600 North and was hit from behind at about 2:45pm. The report said that 58-year old, Mark Hansen of Richfield was also driving northbound in a 2001 Chevy Silverado, when he attempted to pass Curtis and struck him. Curtis was not wearing a seatbelt and was transported to the Sevier Valley Medical Center in Richfield with unknown injuries. Hansen was wearing his seatbelt and was not injured. He was cited for failure to yield.

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (AP)—Xavier Henry, Cole Aldrich and Marcus Morris each had 12 points and the #1 Kansas Jayhawks got past the #23 Texas A&M Aggies, 59-54 Monday at Reed Arena in Top 25 mens’ college basketball action. Although the win was the 11th in a row for Kansas, it did not come easy as the Jayhawks needed a late 7-2 run to pull out the victory over the scrappy Aggies. David Loubeau had 17 points to lead Texas A&M in the loss. The win improved the Jayhawks to 25-1 on the season while the Aggies fell to 18-7. In other Top 25 action Monday, Connecticut upset Villanova, 84-75.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Nearly 100 Salt Lake County employees have taken early retirement since the county began offering new incentives about a year ago. Darrin Casper, the county’s chief financial officer, says the departures have helped avoid layoffs as the county deals with a budget crunch. The county has offered retirement incentives to longtime employees twice in the last 14 months in an effort to trim its workforce. The latest offer includes 75 percent of accrued sick leave plus a $5,000 stipend for each year of employment above 30 years. County officials say as many as a dozen more workers may take early retirement by the end of March. The county has also left more than 300 positions vacant for a savings of nearly $20 million.

(RIVERDALE)—A private Christian school in Riverdale has announced plans to sell its elementary school and stop its elementary education program. Officials at Christian Heritage School say they plan to sell the elementary building to Good Foundations Academy, which hopes to start operations later this year. Steve Diehl, the interim headmaster for Christian Heritage Academy, says there are currently about 210 students enrolled in the elementary program. The school, which is facing a budget crunch, laid off 12 employees but it wasn’t enough to make up the deficit. Lawmakers approved funding for the Good Foundations school for the 2011-12 school year but officials are hoping to move the funding up so the school can open in August.

(FILLMORE) – A senior at Millard High School in Fillmore is the recipient of a scholarship provided by Utah’s newest and largest wind farm. Boston-based First Wind recently awarded 17-year old, Kelsey Mitchell a $3,000 scholarship to be used at a college of her choice. Carol Grant, senior vice-president of external affairs at First Wind, said the reason for awarding the scholarship was to give back to the school due to the ingenuity of a local teacher and his students, who played a big role in making the Milford Wind Corridor a reality. More than a dozen students helped Millard High engineering and technology instructor, Andy Swapp calculate data from a small turbine he set up at his farm, resulting in many inquiries from wind energy businesses across the country. The project has grown to 97 wind turbines with the capacity to generate clean, renewable energy to power approximately 45,000 homes per year in Southern California. The project became operational in November of 2008 and has created more than 250 development and construction jobs and resulted in more than $85 million in economic benefits to Utah.

AKRON, Ohio (AP)—Ohio State’s Christina Manning placed first in the womens’ 100 and 200-meter dashes to headline strong showings for numerous athletes scattered throughout the Midwest Saturday at the Akron Invitational. Additionally, the Dayton Lady Flyers were represented well by wins from Liz Coorey in the womens’ mile run and Maureen Bulgrin in the 3000-meter dash. As for the men, Akron’s Phil Ferguson placed first in the 60 and 200-meter dashes while his teammate Tyshaun Peoples won the 60-meter hurdles.

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP)—Arizona’s Luis Rivera-Morales placed first in the mens’ long jump to headline strong showings for numerous athletes in the Southwest Saturday at the 2010 NAU Invitational. Additionally, Arizona’s women were bolstered by Elizabeth Patterson’s win in the high jump, while Constance Ezugha of Arizona State placed first in the womens’ long jump. Other wins came from Arizona’s Nick Ross in the mens’ high jump and Southern Utah’s Christina Day in the womens’ 400-meter dash and Austin Hill in the mens’ 400-meter dash.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP)—Kimberly Williams of Florida State took the womens’ triple jump crown to lead the way for numerous athletes scattered throughout the South at the Tyson Invitational Saturday. Additionally, Nebraska’s Audrey Svane won the womens’ high jump while Oklahoma’s Sara Pappas won the pole vault. As for the men, Georgia’s Torrin Lawrence took the 400-meter dash title while Liberty’s Josh Edmonds took the 5000-meter dash crown. Meanwhile, Eric Kynard of Kansas State placed first in the high jump and Ryan Whiting of Arizona State won the shot put title.

CLEMSON, S.C. (AP)—Ikeiylah Brown of Coastal Carolina placed first in the 60-meter dash to lead the way for numerous athletes scattered throughout the southeast Saturday at the Tiger Paw Invitational at Clemson University. Additionally, Georgia Tech’s Melanie Akwule took the 60-meter hurdles crown while her teammate Annie Martin placed first in the 1000-meter dash. As for the men, Cornelius Tyler of Charleston Southern took the 400-meter dash crown and Joey Thompson of UNC-Greensboro placed first in the 800-meter dash.

SEATTLE (AP)—Oregon’s Nicole Blood placed first in the womens’ 5000-meter dash to headline the strong showings of numerous athletes scattered throughout the Northwest Friday at the 2010 Husky Classic. Additionally, Aaron Braun of Adams State won the mens’ 5000-meter dash to conclude competition on the day. The meet will resume Saturday.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP)—Amber Riley of Auburn won the womens’ 400-meter dash to lead the way for numerous athletes scattered throughout the south and southwest Friday at the Tyson Invitational at the University of Arkansas. Additionally, Tulsa’s Paula Whiting won the womens’ mile run while Kimberly Ruck of Clemson won the 5000-meter dash. As for the men, Brian Laskowski of Miami (Fla.) placed first in the 800-meter dash and Sam Chelanga of Liberty won the 5000-meter dash. The meet will resume Saturday.

CLEMSON, S.C. (AP)—Clemson’s Alyssa Kulik placed first in the womens’ 5000-meter dash to lead the way on her home track in the Tiger Paw Invitational Friday. Georgia Tech’s women were also represented well as Annie Martin placed first in the 1000-meter dash while Shelby Kittrell of North Florida won the womens’ 5000-meter dash. As for the men, South Alabama’s Zac Edwards won the 5000-meter dash while Charlotte’s Darius Law took the 500-meter dash title. The meet will resume Saturday.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP)—The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame named an elite list of players, coaches and teams as finalists who will be considered for election to the Springfield, Mass.-based Hall in 2010. Among the inductees on the list are former Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Lakers power forward Karl Malone. Also headlining the list is Malone’s longtime teammate with the Utah Jazz, John Stockton, who was instrumental in Malone’s 14 NBA All-Star game appearances and two league MVP awards. The announcement was made in Dallas Friday in conjunction with other NBA All-Star game festivities. The Class of 2010 will officially be announced Monday April 5 at a news conference in Indianapolis prior to the NCAA Division I mens’ basketball tournament championship game. A finalist needs 18 of 24 votes from the Honors committee for election into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The Class of 2010 will be enshrined during Hall of Fame induction festivities at Springfield, Mass. August 13.

(WEBER COUNTY)—The Weber County Sheriff’s Office has announced a man who so desperately wanted to become a deputy that he produced a fake badge off the Internet, has no chance of ever becoming one. Office captain Klint Anderson said the aspiring deputy, 22-year-old Cooper Griffin, gave his phony badge to an ex-girlfriend as a present. After her suspicion was aroused, she called North Ogden police who then turned it over to the county, thinking it belonged to them. The sheriff’s office discovered it to be a fraud which is troublesome because many stories of people pretending to be officers have often robbed or assaulted innocent citizens. Anderson said he thought Griffin had pure intentions, but impersonating an officer is still a Class B misdemeanor. Griffin has subsequently been booked into he Weber County Jail.

(LOGAN)—A Tremonton teen who was seriously injured in a multi-car crash in Sardine Canyon last week has died. The boy, identified as Michael B. Higley, was one of two 17-year-olds in a car that was involved in a February 1 crash. The Utah Highway Patrol has said a moving truck crossed the center line of U.S. 89/91 and hit two passenger cars head-on. Robert L. Smith of Wellsville, who was in the other car hit head-on, was killed instantly. Utah Highway Patrol Lieutenant Lee Perry says Higley died Wednesday at an Ogden hospital. The other teen who was in the car remains in intensive care. The driver of the moving truck was treated for minor neck injuries and released.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Utah lawmakers may take action on a number of bills that would dramatically alter the state retirement system. A Senate committee is scheduled to vote on the retirement measures from Senator Dan Liljenquist Friday. Liljenquist’s reforms would largely reinvent the state pension fund for new employees hired after a certain date. The economic meltdown in 2008 left many pension funds shortchanged and other states have made similar changes. The crisis stripped Utah of $6.5 billion and returns in 2009 did little to alleviate losses. Liljenquist, a Bountiful-based Republican, says his main goal is to keep the system fit for the state’s current and retired employees.

(DELTA)—Delta is preparing for its Snow Goose Festival at Gunnison Bend Reservoir, just west of town next weekend. The three-day event starts next Friday, February 19 and admission is free. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources officials say up to 20,000 snow geese have been spotted at festivals in previous years. Except for black tips on their wings, snow geese are pure white. State officials will provide spotting scopes and biologists will also be on hand to answer questions.

(RICHFIELD) – The Richfield City Council is revisiting some agenda items with the Planning Commission concerning Zoning Code changes on construction of metal buildings and the placing of storage containers in residential areas of the city. At issue is what types and sizes of metal buildings can be constructed on private property within the city limits and the use of storage containers. Both the Council and Planning Commission oppose the permanent use of storage containers within the city limits and can only be used on a temporary basis. At the city council meeting this week, the council said Planning members want metal buildings to be in harmony with existing structures on private property but some councilmembers question what “in harmony” means. Councilmembers Bryan Burrows and Mike Turner say what’s “in harmony” to some Planners may be different to other members, officials and the public. The general consensus of the council is that some members of the Planning Commission are going too far in their personal opinions on the construction of metal buildings. The discussion between the Planners and Council will continue in future meetings.

(SALT LAKE CITY) – Leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints are saying the battle over same-sex marriage is endangering religious beliefs in political debates. Elder Lance B. Wickman, an attorney for the LDS Church and member of the Quorum of the Seventy, said the greatest challenge facing the Church is the worldwide slide downward regarding the place of religion in the public square. Wickman, speaking at the J. Reuben Clark Law Society Conference Thursday night at the University of Utah, cited the Proposition 8 initiative, passed by California voters in 2008, that would limit marriage to being between a man a woman. Wickman commented that in a current federal court case of Perry v. Schwarzenegger, Prop 8 is being challenged and portends to define not just marriage but the ground rules for all future political debate as well. He said Perry seeks a court declaration that, as a matter of law, religious views may not be use to justify the denial of a social civil right. Wickman says the case essentially claims that the voters, from whom all authority in a democracy flows, may not consider religious views and values when deciding alleged social and cultural civil rights.

OTTAWA (AP)—Jason Spezza, Milan Michalek, Daniel Alfredsson, Chris Neil, Chris Phillips and Alexei Kovalev each scored and the Ottawa Senators outgunned the Washington Capitals, 6-5 Thursday at Scotiabank Place in NHL action. Brian Elliott added 19 saves for the Senators who won for the 13th time in their past 14 games to improve to 35-22-4. Alexander Semin amassed a hat trick in the loss for the Capitals, while Tomas Fleischmann and Jeff Schultz also scored for Washington, who fell to 41-13-7 with the loss. In other NHL action Thursday, Carolina downed Buffalo, 4-3 in overtime, San Jose clipped Detroit, 3-2 in a shootout, Boston gashed Tampa Bay, 5-4, Vancouver blanked Florida, 3-0, Dallas tripped up Calgary, 3-1 and Edmonton humbled Los Angeles, 3-2 in a shootout.

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP)—Elias Harris had 19 points and Matt Bouldin added 18 more as the #11 Gonzaga Bulldogs won 20 games for the 13th consecutive season with an 80-61 rout of the Saint Mary’s Gaels Thursday at the McCarthey Athletic Center in mens Top 25 college basketball action. Robert Sacre also stepped up with 13 points for the Bulldogs, who shot 54 percent from the field in the win. Omar Samhan had 21 points and 11 boards in the loss for the Gaels. In other Top 25 action Thursday, #15 Butler bested Youngstown State, 68-57.

CASTLE DALE, Utah (AP)—Taylor Mann had 21 points and the Emery Lady Spartans crushed the Delta Lady Rabbits, 65-43 Thursday in Region 12 girls basketball action. Kaity Diaz had 13 points in the loss for Delta.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Brooke Bliss posted 16 points and the Richfield Lady Wildcats decimated the Juab Lady Wasps, 65-34 in Region 12 girls basketball action Thursday. Kiz Farrer had 15 points in the loss for Juab.

MT. PLEASANT, Utah (AP)—Erica Draper had 15 points for the North Sanpete Lady Hawks in a 55-24 rout of Manti Thursday in Region 12 girls basketball action. Shauri Lyon had eight points in the loss for the Lady Templars.

FILLMORE, Utah (AP)—Calli Jackson keyed a balanced scoring attack with eight points as the Kanab Cowgirls overpowered the Millard Lady Eagles, 36-22 in Region 13 girls basketball action Thursday. Keri Brunson paced Millard with nine in the loss.

BEAVER, Utah (AP)—Hannah Snyder had 12 points for the Beaver Lady Beavers in a 42-27 win over the Parowan Lady Rams Thursday in Region 13 girls basketball action.

SALINA, Utah (AP)—Sydney Asper amassed 21 points and McKinzie Robins added 18 more as the North Sevier Lady Wolves hammered the Gunnison Lady Bulldogs, 62-15 in Region 15 girls basketball action Thursday. Amberlyn Stratton had five points in defeat for Gunnison.

PANGUITCH, Utah (AP)—Lindsay Phillips had 27 points but it wasn’t enough as the Escalante Lady Moquis fell to the Milford Lady Tigers, 46-33 Thursday at the Region 20 tournament.

PANGUITCH, Utah (AP)—Kalani Norris had 20 points for the Panguitch Lady Bobcats stonewalled the Bryce Valley Lady Mustangs, 47-28 at the Region 20 tournament Thursday. Ashley Nelson had nine points in the loss for Bryce Valley.

PANGUITCH, Utah (AP)—Amanda Bagley had 20 points and Kandice Gleave added 19 more as the Piute Lady Thunderbirds drilled the Valley Lady Buffaloes, 69-47 Thursday at the Region 20 tournament. Kayla Maxwell posted 19 points in the loss for Valley.

(LOGAN)—A man who pleaded guilty in the 2008 death of a woman whose body was found by a fisherman near the banks of the Logan River has been sentenced to 15 years in prison. Robert W. Ferretti, of Pueblo, Colo., was arrested in March 2009. He was charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of 33-year-old Tiffany Britt Jarmon. In January, the 44-year-old Ferretti pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and an obstructing justice charge against him was dropped. On Wednesday at sentencing, he told a judge he wanted to withdraw his guilty plea but prosecutors told him he couldn’t without showing a good faith reason for doing so. Prosecutors have said detectives linked Ferretti to the slaying when they found Jarmon’s blood in an SUV registered to him.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Utah lawmakers have passed a bill asking the federal government to remove wolves in the state from the endangered species list. The House approved Senate Bill 36 on Wednesday 47-23. It now advances to the governor. Removing wolves from the endangered species list would allow the state to manage wolves. Wolves rarely show up in Utah and they’re federally protected in all but the state’s northeastern corner. Republican Senator Allen Christensen of North Ogden has said he doesn’t want the state to be a safe haven for the animals, which he calls dangerous predators. Under the bill, the state would ask the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to remove any wolves found in protected areas in Utah. Rural lawmakers in the state fear wolves would pose a significant threat to livestock and wildlife.

(SPRINGVILLE)—Firefighters spent five hours Wednesday battling a Springville house fire. The home, located near 700 South and 700 East, has had extensive remodeling done, including additions, which posed problems for firefighters. The additions created dead air spaces throughout the attic and once the fire reached the attic, flames spread quickly into those spaces. Around noon earlier in the day, the homeowner reported he smelled smoke near his wood burning stove. He put out what fire was there but the fire had already spread to the attic. Around 4:00 p.m., smoke and fire alarms went off in the house while the family of four got out unharmed and called 911. Firefighters arrived on the scene within minutes and were eventually assisted by the Mapleton Fire Department but struggled to contain the flames well into the evening. There is no estimate of damage done to the home. The family is now staying with friends.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—A group of conservative Utah lawmakers wants to use eminent domain to take federal lands in the state. The goal is to spark a legal fight supporters believe will result in the state being allowed to develop resource rich parcels of land. More than 60 percent of Utah is owned by the federal government and policy makers have long complained federal ownership hinders the ability to generate tax revenue and adequately fund public schools. Utah spends less per student than any state and has among the nation’s largest class sizes. Legislation to allow the use of eminent domain on federal lands was introduced in the Utah House Thursday.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—A former West Valley City police officer has pleaded guilty to a felony charge stemming from his attempt to arrange a sexual encounter with a juvenile over the Internet. Douglas L. Paulsen was originally charged with six felonies and a misdemeanor in 2nd District Court. In a deal with Davis County prosecutors, last week the 41-year-old pleaded guilty to one third-degree felony count of dealing harmful materials to a minor. The other charges were dropped. Paulsen is facing up to five years in prison at his March 30 sentencing. Paulsen worked for West Valley City’s police and was a high school resource officer. He was arrested October 6 at a Layton mall and police said he communicated with an undercover officer posing as a 15-year-old for a month.

(Ephraim) The old Ephraim Elementary Building has been sold to Snow College. The South Sanpete School District agreed to sell the building at it Board meeting on February 10th for one-point-five million dollars to be paid over twenty years at a rate of seventy-five thousand dollars per year. The building and property will be transferred to the college as soon as it is vacated by the district this summer. The college has tentative plans to demolish the two older wings of the building, but use the newer portion for some of its educational programs. The money from the sale will be applied directly to the districts debt payment for its building program. The new Ephraim Elementary is expected to be completed by the start of next school year. According to District officials, the old Gunnison Elementary building and property will also be put up for sale in the coming weeks.

(MONROE) – The creator of the original Frisbee died Tuesday at his home in Monroe. 90-year old, Fred Morrison was born and raised in Richfield and was honored by Utah House Rep. Kay McIff on the House floor Wednesday. McIff said Morrison’s Frisbee found its way onto fields and playgrounds around the world and came with a set of simple instructions, written by his wife, Lu Nay, who died in 1987. The instructions simply said, “Flip, flap, flies straight.” During a Thanksgiving Day family picnic in 1937, Morrison and his wife tossed the lid of a popcorn tin back and forth for fun and eventually moved on to cake pans. Morrison was soon selling “Flying Cake Pans” for $.25 each on the beaches of Santa Monica, CA. The Frisbee had several name changes over the years, including the “Flyin-Saucer”, to take advantage of the UFO craze in the 1950’s and the “Pluto Platter” in 1957. Wham-O, a hunting-goods company, picked up Morrison’s invention and in 1959, changed the name for good to Frisbee. The company has sold more than 200 million Frisbees since marketing the toy, giving rise to the popular new sports, Ultimate Frisbee and Frisbee Golf. A gathering of friends and family will be held this Saturday at 1pm at the Cowboy Corral in Elsinore.

NORMAN, Okla. (AP)—Amanda Thompson amassed 19 points and 19 rebounds and the #12 Oklahoma Lady Sooners edged the #15 Baylor Lady Bears, 62-60 in overtime in Top 25 womens’ college basketball action Wednesday. Brittney Griner posted her second-consecutive triple-double with 17 points, 12 rebounds and 11 blocks for the Lady Bears, who fell to 17-6 in the loss. In other Top 25 action Wednesday, #1 Connecticut stymied DePaul, 95-62, #4 Nebraska got past Kansas, 67-60, #6 Xavier tripped up Saint Joseph’s, 63-56, Texas Tech upset #11 Texas A&M, 57-54, #13 Georgetown snuck past Pittsburgh, 66-63 and #24 Saint John’s decimated Louisville, 91-56.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP)—Pau Gasol had 22 points and 19 rebounds while Lamar Odom added 25 points and 11 boards as the Los Angeles Lakers, despite the absence of Andrew Bynum and Kobe Bryant, pummeled the Utah Jazz, 96-81 Wednesday at EnergySolutions Arena in NBA action. The Jazz were never able to get anything going against the Lakers who raced out to a 31-18 lead at the end of the 1st Quarter and never looked back. Andrei Kirilenko had 17 points in the loss for the Jazz who fell to 32-19. The win improved Los Angeles to 41-13. In other NBA action Wednesday, Miami scorched Atlanta, 94-76, Toronto downed Philadelphia, 104-93, Sacramento ousted Detroit, 103-97, Milwaukee gashed New Jersey, 97-77, New Orleans clipped Boston, 93-85, Orlando smacked Chicago, 107-87, Charlotte edged Minnesota, 93-92, Portland outlasted Phoenix, 108-101 and Golden State stonewalled the Los Angeles Clippers, 132-102.

(RICHFIELD) – The discussion over heights and widths of garages and accessory buildings in residential areas of Richfield occupied a good portion of the city council meeting Tuesday night. The council re-worked the sizes of the buildings in past work sessions and sent recommendations twice to the Planning Commission to come up with a size that would satisfy residents and the city council. The council had originally decided that a height of 25 feet would be sufficient but Planners rejected it and sent it back to the council for revision. Mayor Brad Ramsay and the council, along with comments from local builders, decided a height of 24 feet with a 16-foot height of walls off the property line should satisfy the Planning Commission. City officials said they’ll send the recommendations to the Planners to see what decision they’ll make and hopefully will have a decision by the next meeting.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—This spring, crews are expected to blast away a 30-foot slab of limestone hanging near the outside exit of Utah’s Timpanogos Cave that experts worry might fall on visitors. Tuesday, cave officials released an environmental analysis of the proposal, which also includes a new set of stairs and a sturdier roof near the cave’s exit. The national monument’s superintendent, Denis Davis, says falling rocks are a regular concern on the trail to the cave but the massive slab near the exit is particularly worrisome. He’s hoping to have the blasting complete in April and get work on the stairs done by mid-July. The cave receives about 80,000 visitors a year.

(SALT LAKE COUNTY)—A lack of funding could mean an early release for state inmates. The Salt Lake County Council has signed a resolution threatening to release state inmates from the County Jail if the legislature doesn’t approve enough funding to house them. The resolution was prompted by the Utah Association of Counties, which is also urging Davis, Weber and Utah counties to do the same. The Association’s executive director, Brent Gardner, tells the Salt Lake Tribune the state has only set aside less than half of the $15 million it needs to reimburse counties that house state inmates.

(SANDY)—A bankruptcy trustee for the owner of Kiddie Kandids says threats have been made against his clients. The Daily Herald reported that on Tuesday, trustee Duane H. Gillman asked U.S. Marshals be present at a creditor’s meeting next week involving the photography studio. While he would not detail the threats made, Gillman said the presence of the Marshals would make the meeting more “peaceable.” Kiddie Kandids closed its doors January 11 after not being able to meet payroll and other financial obligations. Currently, the company owes more than $1 million in wages and commission, and even more to investor Sorenson Capital. Additionally, thousands of Kiddie Kandids’ customers are upset at being unable to collect their prepaid photos or be reimbursed.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—A Utah Senate committee has approved a ban on the use of cell phones by some teen drivers. Senate Bill 113, proposed by Salt Lake City Democratic Senator Ross Romero, bans calls by those 17 and younger while behind the wheel. The Legislature has resisted an all-out cell phone ban for drivers of all ages in recent years. Romero says he proposed his measure after hearing from teens upset about friends being killed or injured in accidents. Tuesday, the committee approved Romero’s bill on a 4-1 vote. It now goes to the full Senate.

(RICHFIELD) – A private academy located in Richfield has won approval from the city council to expand their facility to a new building. Fieldstone Academy, a private school for male students who have learning disabilities, wants to move into the old First Security Bank building at 95 North 100 East. Expansion Coordinator, Jef Anderson says the move will help them serve a larger number of students. He said the academy is currently located at 80 East 1000 North in Richfield and helps students in grades 8-12. Zoning Administrator, Paul Hinrichs said the move for the academy required a change for use of the property and needed the council’s approval. After discussion on at-risk issues and other potential problems, the city council approved the change in the zoning code.

(RICHFIELD) – The Richfield City Council is holding discussions over improving the standard on public works projects. Building Inspector Paul Hinrichs, along with representatives from Jones and DeMille Engineering of Richfield, appeared before the council at Tuesday night’s meeting to present improvements in construction standards. They said the city needs to update its work project standards every five years because there’s a tendency to become complacent in following specifications. Jones and DeMille representatives said the city needs to have stricter instructions to developers in subdivision contracts, agreements, bond forms, certificates of insurance and general conditions. They recommended the city adopt the current editions of the Manual of Standard Specifications and Standard Plans within city limits. City officials said they would take the recommendations into consideration and vote on the matter in a future meeting.

CHICAGO (AP)—Kris Versteeg scored the winning goal in a shootout and Patrick Kane added two more scores as the Chicago Blackhawks outlasted the Dallas Stars, 4-3 Tuesday at United Center in NHL action. Antti Niemi added 24 saves for the Hawks, who improved to 39-15-5 with the win. Mike Ribeiro, James Neal and Loui Eriksson each scored in the loss for Dallas, which dropped them to 26-21-12. In other NHL action Tuesday, Boston edged Buffalo, 3-2 in a shootout, Carolina pummeled Florida, 4-1, the New York Islanders stymied Nashville, 4-3 in a shootout, Ottawa bested Calgary, 3-2, Tampa Bay stormed past Vancouver, 3-1 and St. Louis humbled Detroit, 4-3 in a shootout.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP)—Chris Wright had 21 points and Greg Monroe had 12 assists, greatly helping Georgetown’s transition offense as the #8 Georgetown Hoyas got past the Providence Friars, 79-70 Tuesday at Dunkin’ Donuts Center in mens’ Top 25 college basketball action. Julian Vaughn added 19 more points for the Hoyas who managed to overcome a 7-point second half deficit to win going away. The victory improved John Thompson III’s Hoyas to 18-5 on the season, while Providence slumped to 12-12. Jamine Peterson posted 23 points in the loss for the Friars. In other Top 25 action Tuesday, #2 Kentucky got past Alabama, 66-55, #6 Purdue got past #10 Michigan State, 76-64, #24 Vanderbilt embarrassed #12 Tennessee, 90-71 and Illinois upset #13 Wisconsin, 63-56.

ORDERVILLE, Utah (AP)—Clay Williams had 22 points as the Valley Buffaloes edged the Milford Tigers, 68-65 Tuesday in Region 20 boys basketball action.

JUNCTION, Utah (AP)—Tyson Westwood keyed a balanced scoring attack with 16 points and the Piute Thunderbirds hammered the Panguitch Bobcats, 71-49 in Region 20 boys basketball action Tuesday.

TROPIC, Utah (AP)—Kace Roundy posted 24 points and Kaden Chynoweth added 19 more as the Bryce Valley Mustangs outlasted the Wayne Badgers, 55-51 Tuesday in Region 20 boys basketball action. Zach Taylor had 14 points in the loss for Wayne.

ESCALANTE, Utah (AP)—Josh Curtis had 16 points and Zach Wood added 15 more as the Parowan Rams decimated the Escalante Moquis, 74-49 in Region 20 boys basketball action Tuesday. Daniel Munson had 17 points in the loss for Escalante.

MANTI, Utah (AP)—Abbie Kay and Tayler Jewkes had 14 points apiece and the Emery Lady Spartans bludgeoned the Manti Lady Templars, 73-37 in Region 12 girls basketball action Tuesday. Shauri Lyon had 10 points in the loss for Manti.

DELTA, Utah (AP)—Kaity Diaz and Maklee Bliss each had 12 points and the Delta Lady Rabbits stonewalled the Juab Lady Wasps, 50-32 Tuesday in Region 12 girls basketball action at the Palladium. Kiz Farrer had 12 points in defeat for Juab.

MT. PLEASANT, Utah (AP)—Brooke Bliss led the way with 17 points for the Richfield Lady Wildcats in a 70-38 rout of the North Sanpete Lady Hawks in Region 12 girls basketball action Tuesday. Kara Anderson had 12 points in the loss for North Sanpete.

BEAVER, Utah (AP)—Bonnie Yardley had 11 points for the Beaver Lady Beavers as they tripped up the Enterprise Lady Wolves, 42-29 Tuesday in Region 13 girls basketball action.

LAVERKIN, Utah (AP)—LaRisa Alldredge and Samantha Houston each had 11 points as the Kanab Cowgirls stormed past the Cross Creek Lady Bobcats, 56-18 Tuesday in Region 13 girls basketball action.

FILLMORE, Utah (AP)—Autumn Murphy posted 12 points and Tina Dalton added 11 more for the Parowan Lady Rams in a 36-30 win over the Millard Lady Eagles in Region 13 girls basketball action Tuesday. Brooke Rhodes had eight points in defeat for Millard.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—The former president of the only facility that can dispose of low-level radioactive waste for 36 states said Tuesday he wants to open a new disposal facility in Utah. Charles Judd stated EnergySolutions Inc.’s facility in Utah’s west desert is running out of space and can’t handle future waste from the decommissioning of nuclear power plants. He plans to build a new site on state land about three miles off of Interstate 80 in Tooele County. By building on state trust land, Judd says the state’s schools could reap a financial windfall. Judd is making his initial pitch at a time that the state is facing a $700 million budget shortfall, although he said it would be years before he could get his operation running. Judd said his company, Cedar Mountain Environmental, would not seek to import foreign low-level radioactive waste or depleted uranium. Meanwhile, EnergySolutions insists capacity is not a problem at its facility.

(BLUFFDALE)—Leaders of Bluffdale are scheduled to discuss and take a vote Tuesday night on whether or not to continue getting police protection from the newly-formed Unified Police Department. Bluffdale City Manager Mark Reid said the city is weighing three options, stick with the current UPD contract, using nearby Saratoga Springs’ police force or creating its own police force.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—The father of a 5-year-old girl who was murdered in 2006 has pleaded guilty to misdemeanor drug possession and child endangerment charges. Rickey Lee Norton entered the pleas Monday in 3rd District Court. The 33-year-old was sentenced to two years of probation and ordered to take substance abuse therapy and continue mental health therapy. Five other charges were dismissed. Norton was arrested last September in West Jordan while charges allege police found marijuana and a loaded handgun in his home while three children under the age of 6 were inside. His daughter, Destiny Norton, was missing for eight days in 2006 before police found her body stuffed in a plastic storage box in her neighbor’s cellar. The neighbor, Craig Gregerson, pleaded guilty to kidnapping and killing the girl. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

(SALT LAKE CITY) – The Utah State Legislature is in the middle of its 45-day session with several bills passed and others being considered. State Senator Ralph Okerlund of Monroe says he’s working on SB-60, a bill he is sponsoring concerning voluntary contributions to search and rescue teams in Utah counties. Okerlund said the purpose of the bill is to add funds to search and rescue teams statewide to use for training and equipment. He said the teams rely on out-of-state recreationists who use search and rescue when the need arises. Okerlund said people can purchase a card to contribute money to the organizations.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—The idea of linking classroom performance to teacher pay is gaining momentum on Utah’s Capitol Hill. The House Education Committee unanimously approved a resolution that establishes guidelines for a performance pay system for teachers. It now moves to the House for debate. The proposal, HJR3, is sponsored by Representative Marie Poulson of Cottonwood Heights, a former English teacher. The joint resolution recommends the system be based on numerous factors, such as promoting student achievement, supporting quality instruction, providing collaboration and being responsive to local needs. Poulson told the Deseret News she wants to ensure quality teachers are in every classroom. Critics tell the paper those things are difficult to standardize and pay based on test scores is a poor evaluation method. They also question the practicality of implementing merit pay. Currently, teachers are paid based on academic degrees, certification and years in the profession. A pilot program at Midway Elementary School in the Wasatch School District looks at tying teacher pay to student achievement, which could include test scores, teacher development, such as receiving additional training and attending seminars, and parent surveys.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—A House committee will consider a resolution that would urge the federal government to support a new nursing home for Utah’s veterans. House Resolution 9 would encourage the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to help Utah with efforts to build an additional home. Tuesday, the resolution to be considered says constructing the nursing home would express gratitude to veterans for their service. The Utah Department of Veterans Affairs currently runs a full-time facility in Salt Lake City and a partially operational one in Ogden. The resolution is being sponsored by Clearfield-based Republican Curtis Oda.

(SOUTH SALT LAKE)-Indoor sprinklers helped keep damage to a minimum during a fire at a South Salt Lake business Monday night. Fire officials say the sprinklers at Vortex Overhead Doors doused most of the flames before firefighters arrived on the scene around 10:00 p.m. They said a fire was burning near a truck parked inside the facility. The truck was destroyed and most of the business suffered only water and smoke damage. Damage is estimated at $80,000$90,000.

(SALT LAKE CITY) – The Beehive State is home to one of the most romantic cities in America. According to Amazon.com, Salt Lake City is one of the top 20 romantic cities, ranking eight on the list. The website reported that Alexandria, VA. took the number one spot. Miami, FL. is second. The rankings were based on sales data of things like romance novels, sex and relationship books, romantic comedy movies and Barry White CD’s.

(Ephraim) The annual legislative session is well under way at this point, and state leaders are grappling with how and where to trim from the budget. The state’s higher education institutions are bracing for additional cuts, on top of last year’s seventeen percent reduction in funding. Some of that was made of for in stimulus money, but that isn’t an option this year. Governor Herbert has proposed keeping the budget at the same level as last year following the stimulus boost. Even that would be difficult as all schools have seen double digit increases in enrollment. According to Greg Dart, Snow College’s Director of Media Relations and Student Services, there are other budget proposals that could impose cuts of up to twenty-four percent. The Higher Education Appropriations Committee is reviewing the proposals and will have a large influence in the final decision. According to Dart, the members of the committee, which come from both the House and Senate, are strong proponents of Higher Education and are not looking favorably on the proposals that would cut deeply into already slim budgets. Some schools have said that additional cuts could create fiscal emergencies, but Snow College President Scott Wyatt testified before the Legislature recently that whatever the final budget may wind up being, the school will continue to operate.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP)—Kelley Cain had 19 points and the #5 Tennessee Lady Volunteers got past the #22 Vanderbilt Lady Commodores, 69-60 Monday in Top 25 womens college basketball action. The win improved the Lady Vols to 21-2 on the season, while Vandy fell to 17-7. Merideth Marsh had 19 points in the loss for the Lady Commodores. In other Top 25 action Monday, #6 Duke hammered #15 North Carolina, 79-51 and #24 Virginia waxed Maryland, 82-68.

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP)—Jason Terry had a season-high 36 points and Drew Gooden added 25 points and 10 rebounds as the Dallas Mavericks surged past the Golden State Warriors, 127-117 Monday at ORACLE Arena in NBA action. The Warriors raced out to a solid start by amassing 70 first half points but they failed to sustain their momentum as they eventually succumbed to Dallas’ superior depth. The Mavericks, who failed to lead before the 4th Quarter, outscored Golden State, 37-19 in the last stanza en route to their 32nd win of the season. Anthony Morrow had a season-high 33 points and 11 assists in the loss for the Warriors, who fell to 13-37. In other NBA action Monday, Orlando bested New Orleans, 123-117 and the Los Angeles Lakers overpowered San Antonio, 101-89.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—An ethics initiative sponsor says Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff has violated the state’s election laws and is requesting that the lieutenant governor’s office investigate his fundraising activities. Steve Maxfield says he filed a petition with Lieutenant Governor Greg Bell’s office Monday. Maxfield is one of the primary sponsors of The Peoples Right, which is seeking to ban corporate campaign contributions. Maxfield says Shurtleff has wrongfully used his political action committee in place of his office holder account. Shurtleff denied any wrongdoing, saying the petition is politically motivated. He said he and his campaign staff would fully cooperate with any investigation. A message was left with one of Bell’s office seeking comment.

(MAGNA)—Police are attempting to figure out why a driver hit a 14-year-old girl on her way to school Monday. The incident occurred around 7:00 a.m. near 8500 West and 2700 South in Magna while Unified Police Department Lieutenant Don Hutson said investigators are not sure why the car hit the girl. Hutson says the 20-year-old driver immediately stopped and stayed at the scene as she was obviously distressed. Hutson says the car hit the girl, who is currently in extremely critical condition, so hard that it knocked her shoes off, one of which landed 30 feet down the road. Investigators have taken routine blood samples from the driver and were at the scene for hours to ensure that their investigation was thorough. After the investigation is completed, the county attorney will decide if charges will be filed.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—State lawmakers are considering a measure that would let them abstain from voting on bills if they have a conflict of interest. Currently, lawmakers are required to vote on every bill if they’re in the room when a vote takes place, even if it directly benefits them. Under rules a Senate committee considered Monday, legislators would be allowed to abstain from voting on a bill if they believe it’s inappropriate to do so.

(PROMONTORY)—ATK Space Systems says the February 25 ground test at Promontory signals the end of the space shuttle program. NASA was supposed to replace the space shuttle with a new spaceship and launcher for travel to the moon and beyond. President Barack Obama, however, has proposed scrapping the new program for something different, leaving NASA’s longtime contractor in Utah with an uncertain future. Clearfield-based ATK Space Systems has laid off 970 workers in Utah since October, citing the phase-out of the space shuttle and the Minuteman III ballistic missile programs.

(CEDAR CITY) – A 38-year old Plain City woman was taken to the hospital and three passengers were injured after a semi crashed into the woman’s vehicle on I-15 between Cedar City and St. George Saturday afternoon. According to a UHP report, the woman was traveling northbound in a Chevrolet Malibu, when a semi, rounding a curve in the southbound lanes, went through a median and drove into oncoming traffic at about 2:30pm, hitting the Malibu. The woman was taken to the Dixie Regional Medical Center in St. George in serious condition and later lifeflighted to the Intermountain Medical Center for arm and shoulder surgery. Her injuries were not considered life-threatening. The other occupants in the vehicle sustained minor injuries and were treated and released. The semi driver was not injured but was cited for failure to maintain the vehicle within its lane.

WASHINGTON (AP)—Alex Ovechkin amassed a hat trick and Mike Knuble scored the game-winner in overtime as the Washington Capitals edged the Pittsburgh Penguins, 5-4 Sunday at Verizon Center in NHL action. Jordan Staal and Sidney Crosby each scored a pair of goals in the loss for the Penguins in this matchup of Eastern Conference powers. The win, which saw the Capitals overcome a 4-1 second period deficit, improved them to 41-12-6 on the season while Pittsburgh fell to 35-22-2 on the season. In other NHL action Sunday, Boston blanked Montreal, 3-0.

CINCINNATI (AP)—Andy Rautins had 20 points and the #4 Syracuse Orange improved to 23-1 on the season with a 71-54 rout of the Cincinnati Bearcats Sunday at Fifth Third Arena in mens Top 25 college basketball action. The Orange shot 51 percent from the field on the afternoon and surrendered only 24 second half points en route to the easy victory. Ibrahima Thomas had 13 points in the loss for Cincinnati, which dropped them to 14-9. In other Top 25 action Sunday, #18 Ohio State bested Iowa, 68-58.

MIAMI (AP)—Again, this is a column, not your conventional article and I must honestly say the New Orleans Saints are worthy champions and showed why the NFL is my favorite sport far and away.

Yes, I do admit to having a crush on Ana Ivanovic, but if she isn’t competing in the finals of The French Open, Wimbledon, etc, I don’t want to watch tennis (at least on the womens’ side). As for the men, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are great but they’re often the only ones.

I do love the NBA as my second-favorite sport and rejoice in my Utah Jazz, Dallas Mavericks and even Milwaukee Bucks playing well overall (the Mavs need to pull out of their funk quickly though) but the NBA is still inferior to the NFL. As for college football, three letters, B C S, tend to infuriate me excessively.

College basketball is great, but is a notch below the NBA and thus also below the NFL. In the NHL, playoff hockey is compelling but that won’t occur until April.

The NFL is the greatest simply because of games like this. Who would have thought the New Orleans Saints would upset the mighty Indianapolis Colts with Peyton Manning (the greatest quarterback this game has seen as I’ve mentioned previously) at the helm at the top of his game?

To quote ESPN’s lovable commentator, Chris Berman, that’s why they play the game.

Things started out well enough for Indianapolis as Manning (31 of 45, 333 yards, TD, INT) led two scoring drives that gave the Colts a 10-0 lead at the end of the 1st Quarter.

However, from there, the Saints managed to keep Manning off the field, even utilizing a risky onside kick as they kicked off to commence the second half.

Naturally, New Orleans head coach Sean Payton’s magnificent Saints recovered the kick and only percolated in momentum.

When I commented on the New Orleans Saints’ official fan blog, Canal Street Chronicles (www.canalstreetchronicles.com if you’d like to visit) that I believed Payton’s expertise gave New Orleans a definitive advantage in the coaching department, it was nice to see my belief verified.

Payton may look like actor Frankie Munz (of “Malcolm in the Middle” and “My Dog Skip,” fame) and always look like he’s eating Sour Patch Kids during Saints games, but the man can coach and on the football field that’s all that matters when it comes down to it.

As for the game’s MVP, Drew Brees (32 of 39, 288 yards, 2 TD’s), he utilized pinpoint accuracy and adroit leadership to lead the Saints to victory.

Brees is not only a magnificent quarterback who has won the hearts and minds of New Orleans denizens with his stellar play and majestic leadership on the field, off the field he has also done many wondrous things.

Perhaps some of you know that Brees visited the Beaver County Jail four years ago.

While there, he signed a football for the inmates and gave autographs to anyone who wanted them. Brees did not tell why he came but he went about his business, made people happy and then, like the gallant Don Quixote figure he is, went wherever the wind carried him doing good and working on becoming one of the best quarterbacks the NFL has seen in this generation.

It will take several more years for Brees to hold a candle to Manning’s overall greatness but if he continues on his path for the next several years, he definitely belongs in the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio upon his retirement.

Ultimately, I was just glad to have a Super Bowl where both teams were rife with good people. Thus, there is no expectation of disappointment once the game ends regardless of who emerges triumphant.

The NFL offseason commences now, but there’s still much to be done and hopefully my Denver Broncos are in this position next season.

After all, in the majestic National Football League, to quote Boston Celtics star Kevin Garnett: ANYTHING IS POSSIBLLLLLLLE!

GUNNISON, Utah (AP)—Jantz Jensen had 11 points to lead the Gunnison Bulldogs to a 50-49 win over the San Juan Broncos Saturday in Region 15 boys basketball action.

PAROWAN, Utah (AP)—Josh Curtis posted 14 points to lead the Parowan Rams to a 56-53 win over the Valley Buffaloes in non-region boys basketball action Saturday. Lance Maxwell had 20 points in the loss for Valley.

BLANDING, Utah (AP)—Kelsi Meyer had 24 points for the San Juan Lady Broncos as they pummeled the Gunnison Lady Bulldogs, 50-32 in Region 15 girls basketball action Saturday. Amberlyn Stratton and BrieAnn Peterson each had eight points in the loss for Gunnison.

SUNRISE, Fla. (AP)—Alex Kotalik and Mark Giordano each scored and the Calgary Flames doubled up the Carolina Panthers, 2-1 Friday in NHL action at the BankAtlantic Center. Mikka Kiprusoff added 12 saves for the Flames, who improved to 29-21-8 with the win. Dennis Seidenberg scored the sole goal for Florida in the loss, which dropped them to 24-24-9 on the season. In other NHL action Friday, New Jersey edged Florida, 4-3, Washington pummeled Atlanta, 5-2, Carolina humbled Buffalo, 4-3 and Phoenix stonewalled Chicago, 2-1 in overtime.

LOS ANGELES (AP)—Chauncey Billups posted a career-high 39 points along with eight assists and J.R. Smith added 27 more points as the Denver Nuggets outclassed the Los Angeles Lakers, 126-113 Friday at STAPLES Center in NBA action. While the Lakers have rolled through much of the regular season virtually unscathed, the Nuggets, despite their lack of recognition, have dominated Los Angeles in their first two matchups of the season. The Lakers held a slim 64-59 lead at halftime before the Nuggets scored 67 points in the second half to pull out the win which becomes all the more impressive when one considers the NBA’s leading scorer, Carmelo Anthony, missed the game for Denver. The prolific Nuggets made 57 percent of their shots including a scorching 68 percent (15 of 22) of their 3-point attempts on the evening. Kobe Bryant had 33 points and nine rebounds in the loss for Los Angeles, which dropped them to 38-13 while Denver pulled to within 3.5 games of the Lakers for first place in the Western Conference as they improved to 34-16. In other NBA action Friday, Indiana pummeled Detroit, 107-83, Washington stunned Orlando, 92-91, Boston got past New Jersey, 96-87, Milwaukee bested New York, 114-107, Atlanta gashed Chicago, 91-81, Philadelphia surged past New Orleans, 101-94, Houston hammered Memphis, 101-83, Minnesota upset Dallas, 117-108 and Phoenix tripped up Sacramento, 114-102.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—A Utah state senator is proposing changes to the Utah retirement system that he says will help ensure its long-term stability. Bountiful Republican Senator Dan Liljenquist is proposing a set of bills that would essentially do away with the state’s defined-benefit pension system for new employees. Instead, those hired after July 1, 2011, could either put 8 percent of their salary into a 401(k) type of program or put part of it into a defined benefit pension plan with greatly reduced benefits. Public employees unions are pushing back, saying the economic crisis made the system shaky but it will recover over time and drastic proposals aren’t warranted. The system covers 182,000 current and former public employees.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Lighters that look like toys would not be allowed to be sold in Utah under a measure the state House has approved. Republican Representative Ronda Menlove of Garland says her bill is meant to keep children from starting fires. The sales ban would not apply to lighters with corporate logos or other artwork. The Utah Fire Prevention Board would be responsible for maintaining a list of which lighters can’t be sold, although novelty lighters could still be in people’s possession and used in the state. House Bill 201 cleared the House Friday on a 41-28 vote. It now advances to the Senate.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Funding from a children’s foundation helped law enforcement agencies round up dozens of suspected child predators in Utah. According to the Utah Attorney General’s Office, tens of thousands of images and videos of child pornography were seized during a month-long Internet child pornography crackdown called “Operation Frostbite.” There were 14 people arrested and 25 others are still being investigated on suspicion of child sexual exploitation. In January, the month-long cover operation resulted in six home search warrants and 10 computer search warrants being served in Salt Lake, Tooele, Davis and Utah counties. Several of the individuals busted in the sting are accused of actively manufacturing child pornography as well.

(ST. GEORGE)—A Dixie State College instructor says he will seek the Republican nomination in the race for Utah’s 2nd Congressional District seat this fall. Neil Walter says he will challenge former state lawmaker Morgan Philpot for the nomination. The winner will likely face Democratic U.S. Representative Jim Matheson. Republicans have long tried to win the 2nd District seat away from Matheson, but his margin of victory has only increased in the past three elections. Walter won with 63 percent of the vote in 2008 and has a sizable campaign account heading into this year’s election. Federal Election Commission reports show Matheson has $1.2 million in cash on hand.

(SALT LAKE CITY) – A legislative committee passed a climate change resolution Thursday in its first test in the battle on global warming skepticism. The committee voted 10-1 on House Joint Resolution 12 to advance the measure to the full Utah House. Rep. Kerry Gibson of Ogden says the resolution calls on the EPA to “immediately halt its carbon dioxide reduction policies” until an independent investigation of “climate data conspiracy”. The lone negative vote on the measure was Democrat Rep. Phil Riesen, of Hollady, who commented that industrial pollution is obvious. The non-binding resolution contends that temperatures have been level and declining in some areas for the past 12 years. Those voting in favor of the measure say the purpose for the resolution to get Washington’s attention on passing “cap-and-trade” legislation that would hurt farmers and businesses.

(NEPHI) – Detectives arrested an additional suspect Thursday morning in the drug bust operation in Sanpete and Juab Counties bringing the total number of those arrested to 24. Juab County Attorney Jared Eldridge said the drug bust involved all types of illegal drugs. Eldridge said all the suspects appeared in court as the various felony charges of drug distribution were read against them. He said in almost all the cases, the suspects sold drugs to support their own habits. Police reports showed that one of those arrested owned an auto parts store in Nephi and used his business as a location for prescription drug deals. The arrests sent shock waves throughout the communities of Nephi and Ft. Green.

BOSTON (AP)—Carolyn Swords had 14 points and nine rebounds and the Boston College Lady Eagles shocked the #6 Duke Lady Blue Devils, 61-57 Thursday in Top 25 womens’ college basketball action. The win improved the Lady Eagles to 13-10 on the season and to 4-4 in ACC play while Duke suffered their first conference loss of the season and fell to 18-4. Jasmine Thomas had 19 points in the loss for the Lady Devils. In other Top 25 action Thursday, #5 Tennessee smacked Arkansas, 74-57, #2 Stanford hammered UCLA, 74-53, #9 Ohio State got past Iowa, 86-82, #14 Georgia edged #21 LSU, 49-46 in overtime, Miami (Fla.) blew past #15 North Carolina, 80-69, #18 Kentucky smacked Mississippi, 80-66, Detroit blasted #20 Green Bay, 71-55, #22 Vanderbilt downed Florida, 66-58 and #24 Virginia hammered Clemson, 82-60.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP)—LaMarcus Aldridge had 28 points and 13 rebounds and Martell Webster added 21 more points as the Portland Trail Blazers got past the San Antonio Spurs, 96-93 Thursday at the Rose Garden in NBA action. Despite having struggles to contain the Spurs’ efficient offense throughout the first three quarters, in the last stanza, both Portland’s offense and defense rose to the occasion as they outscored San Antonio, 30-19, down the stretch. Manu Ginobili had 21 points in the loss for the Spurs. In other NBA action Thursday, Cleveland dismantled Miami, 102-86.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) – Sen. Orrin Hatch was about to deliver a prayer at this morning’s national prayer breakfast in Washington D.C. when he was interupted by his own cell phone. Hatch’s phone went off right at the moment when he started to pray. The yearly breakfast has been held in Washington for more than 50 years and was attended by Pres. Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former Florida Gators quarterback Tim Tebow.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Lobbyists would be prohibited from giving gifts to lawmakers worth more than $10 under a bill the Utah House has approved. The measure is part of a series of ethics bills that sailed through the House on Wednesday. Lawmakers are trying to restore faith in the public that legislators can police themselves and that there’s no need for voters to support a citizens ethics initiative that would create a conduct for state lawmakers. To help address that issue, the package includes a constitutional amendment to create an independent ethics commission. The bills also call for executive office holders and candidates to file financial disclosure and conflict of interest forms at least once a year for posting online.

(MOAB)—A former Moab police officer has been accused of stealing money from his own department. According to the Salt Lake Tribune, Edward Arvel Guerrero was charged with burglary and theft last month. Prosecutors claim he stole close to $900 from the office of a lieutenant, believed to have been seized in a drug bust or other crime. Guerrero pleaded not guilty to both charges. Emery County is prosecuting the case to avoid any conflicts of interest.

(MOAB)—Two Utah conservation groups are fighting a proposed uranium mill in western Colorado. Moab-based groups Red Rock Forests and Living Rivers are challenging the company’s application to pump groundwater from the Dolores River basin. The Dolores is a 250-mile tributary of the Colorado River that drains into Utah. Energy Fuel Resources LLC needs the water to process uranium ore and wants to build the mill 12 miles west of Naturita, Colo. The project is under evaluation by the Colorado Department of Health and Environment. It could take the agency 18 months to make a decision. Red Rock Forests and Living Rivers filed their challenges Tuesday. Living Rivers conservation director John Weishelt says the Dolores River is one of the West’s most scenic and popular locations for whitewater rafting.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—The University of Utah’s campus infrastructure is in crisis, stated school president Michael Young. Young told the Utah Legislature’s Capital Facilities and Government Operations Appropriations Subcommittee Monday that water pipes bursting and power outages have caused problems with research, the ability to procure federal grants and keep high-quality professors. Young pointed out that in June 65 buildings on campus lost heat and hot water for a number of days due to breaking pipes. The situation repeated itself a few weeks ago in January when 44 buildings lost their heat and hot water. Additionally, the school has suffered 22 power outages the past two years. Young says the school needs $100 million in improvements, but is now asking for $15 million to fix immediate needs. Those needs are $5 million to replace 18 miles of deteriorating metal water pipes, along with $10 million to replace a power substation built in the 1950s.

LAGRANDE, Ore. (AP)—Former Snow College womens’ basketball star and current Eastern Oregon University student athlete Shaylee Nielson of Delta has been nominated by the institution’s athletic department for consideration as one of the Cascade Collegiate College’s representatives for the national Emil S. Liston Award for NAIA athletes. The Liston Award recognizes the outstanding female junior student athlete of any NAIA intercollegiate basketball team with at least an overall GPA of 3.5. Nielson is majoring in Physical Education and Health in addition to being a guard for the Lady Mountaineers.

(RICHFIELD) – The Fishlake National Forest and Richfield Field Office are working together to mark the general route of a portion of the Old Spanish Trail known as the Fish Lake Cut-Off that crosses public lands administered by the two agencies. Forest Supervisor John Zapell says interpretive signs will be displayed along the route to tell the story of the trail. Signs will be displayed at Red Creek near the Ivie Creek Rest Stop on I-70, off of SR-25 in the Johnson Valley area, at the Doctor Creek Trailhead, the SR-24 Rest Stop by the Koosharem short cut and the Paiute ATV Trailhead in Kingston Canyon. The interpretive signs will tell that between 1829 and 1848, traders from New Mexico stitched together a series of trails left by Native Americans and Spanish priests that stretched 1200 miles through what are now the states of New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Nevada and California.

EDMONTON, Alberta, Canada (AP)—Ryan Potulny scored the game’s sole goal and the Edmonton Oilers won their second straight game in a 1-0 win over the Philadelphia Flyers Wednesday at Rexall Place in NHL action. Jeff Deslauriers had 33 stops for the Oilers, who improved to 18-31-6 on the season. The loss dropped the Flyers to 28-24-3. In other NHL action Wednesday, Ottawa doubled up Buffalo, 4-2, St. Louis gashed Chicago, 3-2, Calgary pummeled Carolina, 4-1 and Anaheim smacked Detroit, 3-1.

BOULDER, Colo. (AP)—Sheron Collins had 16 points and Marcus Morris had six of his 15 points in overtime as the #1 Kansas Jayhawks outlasted the Colorado Buffaloes, 72-66 Wednesday at the Coors Events Center in Top 25 mens’ college basketball action. Cole Aldrich posted his fourth consecutive double-double for the Jayhawks with 16 points and 14 rebounds as Kansas improved to 21-1 on the season. Marcus Relphorde (18 points, 11 rebounds)made a pair of free throws for the Buffs to give them a 60-59 lead with 56 seconds left in regulation but from there, Kansas finished with a 13-6 flurry to win going away. In other Top 25 action Wednesday, #6 West Virginia dismantled #21 Pittsburgh, 70-51, South Florida stymied #8 Georgetown, 72-64, #17 Temple pummeled Duquesne, 76-60, #18 Ohio State stonewalled Penn State, 75-62, #20 Vanderbilt ousted Mississippi State, 75-72, #22 Northern Iowa got past Wichita State, 59-56 and #24 Baylor crushed Iowa State, 84-63.

MT. PLEASANT, Utah (AP)—Devin Shelley had 19 points and Dallen Bird added 15 more as the North Sanpete Hawks downed the Delta Rabbits, 73-59 Wednesday in Region 12 boys basketball action. Colin Christensen had 22 points in the loss for Delta.

CASTLE DALE, Utah (AP)—Nevin Jensen had 27 points for the Emery Spartans as they gashed the Juab Wasps, 59-49 in Region 12 boys basketball action Wednesday. Dallin Kay and Jake Bradford had 12 points apiece in the loss for Juab.

MANTI, Utah (AP)—Tyler Thomas had 16 points for the Richfield Wildcats in a 47-38 win over the Manti Templars Wednesday in Region 12 boys basketball action. Zach Bown had 13 points in defeat for Manti.

FILLMORE, Utah (AP)—Robbie Gurr had 20 points for the Beaver Beavers in a 56-53 win over the Millard Eagles in Region 13 boys basketball action Wednesday. Mike Louder paced Millard with 15 points in defeat.

KANAB, Utah (AP)—Kyle West posted 33 points and Randy Jones added 22 more as the Enterprise Wolves got past the Kanab Cowboys, 74-67 Wednesday in Region 13 boys basketball action. Payton Jesus had 19 points in the loss for Kanab.

JUNCTION, Utah (AP)—Kandice Gleave had 16 points and Amanda Bagley added 15 more as the Piute Lady Thunderbirds decimated the Escalante Lady Moquis, 57-17 in Region 20 girls basketball action Wednesday. Lindsey Phillips had 13 points for Escalante in the loss.

PANGUITCH, Utah (AP)—Kalani Norris had 29 points for the Panguitch Lady Bobcats in a 53-32 rout of the Milford Lady Tigers Wednesday in Region 20 girls basketball action. Amanda Mayer had 19 points in the loss for Milford.

BICKNELL, Utah (AP)—Cassey Manzanares had 12 points to lead the Wayne Lady Badgers to a 46-30 win over the Valley Lady Buffaloes in Region 20 girls basketball action Wednesday. Kayla Maxwell had 12 points in the loss for the Lady Buffs.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Utah’s attorney general is demanding a settlement in a nearly 5-year-old dispute over a communal land trust once held by a polygamous church. The United Effort Plan Trust holds most of the homes and property in Hildale, Utah and Colorado City, Ariz., where members of the sect in question reside. The trust has been under state control since 2005 after allegations of mismanagement. Settlement talks last year failed. In a letter sent to the sect’s attorneys, Utah AG Mark Shurtleff says the issue must be resolved within 30 days. Shurtleff suggests following a proposal from Bruce Wisan, the accountant appointed by a judge to manage the trust. An attorney for the FLDS says the demand is inconsistent with ongoing settlement talks.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—A man accused of severely beating his 86-year-old landlady is now back in Utah. Monday, 45-year-old Arthel Burnett Martin was extradited from California and was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail. He is currently being held on $1 million bail. Martin is charged with attempted murder and aggravated robbery in connection with the New Year’s Day attack on Anne-Smart Pearce. Martin had rented a room in Smart-Pearce’s Salt Lake County home a few days before the attack. Martin fled the state after the crime, but eventually turned himself into the California Highway Patrol in San Francisco January 11. Smart-Pearce is still recovering from her injuries and says she hasn’t slept well in the interim.

(RICHFIELD) – Richfield City continues its search for a Business Administrator to replace Woody Farnsworth who retired at the end of last year. Mayor Brad Ramsay has formed a research committee consisting of himself, retired councilmember Larry Lunnen and Sevier Valley Medical Center Administrator Gary Beck, to move forward in the process of hiring Farnsworth’s replacement. Ramsay said the city has placed several newspaper ads in various cities throughout the state with a deadline to respond by March 1 at 5pm. The hiring committee hopes to have an Administrator hired by March 15 to start July 1, 2010. Finance Director Mike Langston is filling in as Business Administrator until a new person is hired.

(SALT LAKE CITY) – The Utah State Legislature continues their second week in their 45-day session in Salt Lake City. State Senator Ralph Okerlund says he serves on several committees that affect local residents, farmers and ranchers in South-Central Utah and is currently in discussion on predator control. Okerlund said the legislative process began at a slow pace but is picking up as legislators get more involved in issues affecting the State. He said he serves as Chairman of the Revenues and Economic Development Committee and Community Appropriations Committee, plus participating in other sub-committees.

DALLAS (AP)—James Neal, Brad Richards, Mike Modano and Jamie Benn each scored and the Dallas Stars doubled up the Minnesota Wild, 4-2 Tuesday at American Airlines Center in NHL action. Marty Turco added a season-high 40 saves for Dallas, who improved to 25-20-11 with the win. Guillaume Latendresse and Andrew Brunette each scored in the loss for Minnesota, which dropped them to 27-25-4. In other NHL action Tuesday, Detroit stymied San Jose, 4-2, Washington gashed Boston, 4-1, Toronto blanked New Jersey, 3-0, Tampa Bay stonewalled Atlanta, 2-1, Montreal ousted Vancouver, 3-2, Phoenix tripped up Nashville, 1-0 in a shootout, Colorado hammered Columbus, 5-1 and Los Angeles bested the New York Rangers, 2-1.

PROVO, Utah (AP)—Jimmer Fredette had 26 points and the #12 Brigham Young Cougars parlayed a swift start into a 76-56 win over the Texas Christian Horned Frogs Tuesday at the Marriott Center in Top 25 mens’ college basketball action. The Cougars led 35-21 at halftime and cruised to victory from there against the overmatched Frogs. The win improved Brigham Young to 22-2 on the season, while TCU fell to 10-13. In other Top 25 action Tuesday, #2 Villanova waxed Seton Hall, 81-71, #3 Kentucky dismantled Mississippi, 85-75, #4 Syracuse pounded Providence, 85-68, #16 Wisconsin overpowered #5 Michigan State, 67-49 and #11 Kansas State crushed Nebraska, 76-57.

NEPHI, Utah (AP)—Abbie Kay had 19 points for the Emery Lady Spartans in a 66-39 win over the Juab Lady Wasps Tuesday. Tessa Bradford had 11 points in defeat for Juab.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Brooke Bliss had 17 points for the Richfield Lady Wildcats in a 63-29 rout of the Manti Lady Templars in Region 12 girls basketball action Tuesday. Tauni McFarland had 12 points in the loss for Manti.

DELTA, Utah (AP)—Jamie Burton had 11 points for the Delta Lady Rabbits as they stymied the North Sanpete Lady Hawks, 43-34 Tuesday in Region 12 girls basketball action. Kylee Blackham had 14 points in defeat for North Sanpete.

ENTERPRISE, Utah (AP)—Tressa Lyman had 19 points in the loss for the Enterprise Lady Wolves in a 31-28 win over Kanab Tuesday in Region 13 girls basketball action. Whitney Houston had 11 points for the Cowgirls in defeat.

BEAVER, Utah (AP)—Tiffany Gillins keyed a balanced scoring attack with 16 points as the Beaver Lady Beavers hammered the Millard Lady Eagles, 57-37 in Region 13 girls basketball action Tuesday. Keri Brunson had 24 points in the loss for Millard.

(RICHFIELD)- Richfield City’s insurance company has agreed to pay all costs to homeowners whose property was damaged when a main water line burst in December. Finance Director Mike Langston said that Travelers Insurance had initially refused to pay for damages because they were not liable due to construction of water lines. The city’s engineers said construction of lines was the standard in the 1980’s and the insurance company approved. After an investigation, Travelers Insurance determined that Richfield City’s failure to install thrust blocks at the water line intersections was the result in the water line break and they’re handling all claims by homeowners. The main water line burst at 300 North 600 West due to sub-freezing temperatures in the early morning hours of Dec. 27, flooding several homes near the break.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—A former Utah state senator who resigned after being arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence has been charged with two misdemeanors. Salt Lake County prosecutors on Tuesday charged Sheldon L. Killpack with one Class B count of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and one class C count of failing to signal. According to the charging documents, Killpack had a blood alcohol level of .11 grams, the legal limit is .08 grams. The charges were filed in the county’s justice court and carry potential penalties of up to six months in jail and up to three months in jail, respectively. A telephone message left for Killpack’s attorney, Ed Brass, was not immediately returned Tuesday. A Utah Highway Patrol trooper pulled Killpack over January 15. Killpack resigned as the Republican Senate majority leader the next day. A date for the court hearing has not been set.

(OGDEN)—Police have arrested a man in connection with a grisly murder in December 2009. Weber County Attorney Dee Smith says 49-year-old Robert Lee McCullar was taken into custody Monday after investigators gathered sufficient evidence to make an arrest. This stemmed from an incident wherein Gilbert Jesus-Robles, who also went by the name, “Jesus Sanchez,” was found dead in his Ogden apartment. Officers reported his throat was slashed and his body also had multiple puncture wounds. Smith says McCullar and Jesus-Robles knew each other, although he isn’t specifying how. Smith said the connection between the men may have potentially been criminal.

(ST. GEORGE)—Some parents of the St. George-based Desert Hills High School athletes are displeased with what they’re seeing on a high school team poster. The photo, which was taken last August, depicts members of the Desert Hills football team standing and sitting around military Humvees, some of which were carrying military weapons. Parent Carrie Lieshman not only believes the poster sends the wrong message, but also says it’s insensitive as another student, Tucker Thayer, was shot and killed at the school last November after a prop gun accidentally fired. Desert Hills Principal Ray Brooks says if he knew there would be a concern about these photos, the school would have been sensitive. The Washington County School District says they’re currently investigating the matter.

(LEHI)—A Lehi company is working on a revolutionary flash memory drive. IM Flash Technologies Inc. says it is set to produce the world’s smallest flash memory chips with the largest capacity. The company plans to begin producing the 25-nanometer 8 gigabyte chips at its plant in Lehi next quarter. These new chips are smaller than the center hole in a CD, yet they hold 10 times the data of a standard CD. The Daily Herald reports the company hasn’t said whether this will lead to any new Utah jobs as of yet. IM Flash Technologies is a joint venture of Micron Technology Inc. and Intel Corp. and occupies the former Micron plant in Lehi. The new chip can be used in such things as digital cameras, smartphones and media players.

(BLUFFDALE, UT) – A Utah State Prison inmate involved in the 1997 killing of a sheepherder near Ephraim has been granted a parole date. According to the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole, 38-year old, Santiago Mendez is slated to be paroled on Dec. 30, 2014, after which he’ll immediately be turned over to U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement for deportation to Mexico. Mendez pleaded guilty in February 1999 to the shooting death of Alfonso Duran. Mendez admitted to officials that he had gone to Duran’s trailer with Santiago Garcia on Dec. 26, 1997, to rob him and things turned violent. He also said he was drunk at the time of the murder. Mendez and Garcia were also believed to be involved in the slaying of George Emmett near Manti the same day. Garcia is serving 15 years in the state prison for the killing of Emmett.

(RICHFIELD) – Livestock production reports are out in the six-county area showing areas of growth and areas of problems. Sevier County reports that most cow-calf producers haven’t started calving yet, while Millard County reports that cows that started calving at the end of January have suffered little or no losses due to the weather. Wayne County reports that more than a foot of snow is causing problems for livestock producers and they’re waiting to see what the weather brings before bringing cows off the ranges. Beaver County reports that some producers have started to calve and lamb and most animals look good due to sufficient hay supplies. Garfield and Kane Counties report receiving much needed moisture during the last month causing some problems on the ranges.

(CEDAR CITY) – A Cedar City man was arrested on a laundry list of charges after police say he broke into his ex-wife’s apartment, fought with officers, spit blood on them and smashed his head into concrete. According to a police report, 25-year old, Stevan Staley was arrested after police responded to a second 9-1-1 call at 4:45am Monday. The report said that Staley was intoxicated and allegedly began fighting with four Cedar City officers and an Iron County Sheriff’s Deputy. Paramedics also arrived on the scene to administer medical treatment but Staley refused and was handcuffed. His legs also had to be restrained. After arriving at the Iron County Jail, Staley began fighting again with two corrections officers and was booked on suspicion of five counts of assault by a prisoner and two counts of assault on a corrections officer, all third-degree felonies and several other charges.

CALGARY, Alberta, Canada (AP)—Mike Richards scored twice and Claude Giroux added another goal as the Philadelphia Flyers blanked the Calgary Flames, 3-0 Monday at the Pengrowth Saddledome. The win improved the Flyers to 28-23-3 on the season, while the Flames fell to 27-21-8. In other NHL action Monday, Pittsburgh downed Buffalo, 5-4, Anaheim tripped up Florida, 3-0 and Edmonton doubled up Carolina, 4-2.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP)—Deron Williams amassed 18 points, 15 assists and seven rebounds and the Utah Jazz clipped the Dallas Mavericks, 102-94 Monday at EnergySolutions Arena. The Jazz improved to 29-18 with the win and they moved to within half a game of the Mavs for the third seed in the Western Conference playoff race. Utah put the game away by outscoring Dallas, 27-16 in the 4th Quarter and by forcing several key turnovers in the closing stages of the game. Dirk Nowitzki had 28 points and eight boards in the loss for the Mavs. In other NBA action Monday, Boston gashed Washington, 99-88, Milwaukee dismantled Miami, 97-81, Phoenix bested New Orleans, 109-100, Memphis stymied the Los Angeles Lakers, 95-93, Denver outlasted Sacramento, 112-109 in overtime and Portland pummeled Charlotte, 98-79.

(OGDEN)—Police in North Ogden have found the body of a 70-year-old man who was missing. Officers say David Butt was last seen at his Harrisville church building Sunday afternoon. His body was found at an Ogden hotel room Monday morning. Officers are still trying to determine the cause of his death.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) – Forest Service and BLM officials say the federal 2010 grazing fee will not increase this year. The announcement was made last week that the fee is $1.35 per animal unit month for public lands administrated by the BLM and $1.35 per head month for lands managed by the Forest Service. The fee is calculated according to current private grazing land lease rates, beef cattle prices and the cost of livestock production. An AUM or HM are measures for fee purposes, including the occupancy and use of public lands by one cow and her calf, one horse, or five sheep or goats for a month. The grazing fee was established by Congress in the 1978 Public Rangelands Improvement Act and has continued by Presidential Order issued in 1986. The fee cannot fall below $1.35 per AUM and any increase or decrease cannot exceed 25% of the previous year’s level.

(RICHFIELD) – Sevier County is conducting an all-out “war” against a noxious weed invading rangelands and surrounding areas in the county. Jody Gale, Associate Professor of the USU Extension Service in Sevier County, appeared before Commissioners today at their bi-monthly meeting to add the “Curly Dock” weed to the County Noxious Weed List. Gale said this particular weed has gotten out of control. He said that in the past, the weed was not considered a noxious weed but has proliferated so rapidly, it’s become a nuisance. He said the weed cannot be eradicated but it can be controlled. Gale said the weed is also known as, “Indian Tobacco” and is described as having a bright, red top and prolific seeds. He said several agencies, including farmers and ranchers in the area, are banding together to help control the weed.

(WEST VALLEY CITY) – Police have returned a minivan to the husband of a missing Utah woman after a search. West Valley City police Capt. Anita Schwemmer on Friday said officers picked up Josh Powell’s van Friday afternoon and returned it to him Friday evening. Schwemmer declined to comment on the purpose of the search and whether it netted any evidence. She said investigators impounded Powell’s van after obtaining a search warrant. Susan Powell was last seen at home on Dec. 7. Her husband, Josh, told police he saw his wife about 12:30am that day as he left with the couple’s young sons for a camping trip in sub-freezing temperatures in a remote Utah high desert. Josh Powell has been called the sole person of interest in the case but has not been arrested.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP)—Earnesia Williams had 13 points and Brittainy Raven added 12 more as the #25 Texas Lady Longhorns stymied the #16 Baylor Bears, 61-50 Sunday in Top 25 womens’ college basketball action. The win improved Texas to 14-6 on the season, while the Lady Bears fell to 15-5. Brittney Griner had 21 points in the loss for Baylor. In other Top 25 action Sunday, #5 Tennessee held off South Carolina, 60-55, Indiana upset #5 Ohio State, 67-62, #17 Oklahoma State got past #8 Texas A&M, 67-63, Auburn stormed past #9 Georgia, 67-53, Kansas State blew past #18 Iowa State, 73-67, #19 LSU crushed Alabama, 78-41, Wake Forest tripped up #20 Virginia, 64-57, #23 Kentucky smacked Mississippi State, 69-59 and #24 Vanderbilt humbled Arkansas, 67-61.

SAN ANTONIO (AP)—Kenyon Martin had 27 points and 11 rebounds and the Denver Nuggets overcame the absence of Carmelo Anthony with a 103-89 dismantling of the San Antonio Spurs Sunday at AT&T Center in NBA action. Chauncey Billups added 25 points and 11 assists for the Nuggets, who improved to 32-15 with the win, despite their fourth straight game without Anthony. The Nuggets also finished the month of January with a 12-3 record, keeping themselves firmly in the #2 position in the Western Conference. George Hill had 17 points to pace San Antonio in the loss, while Tim Duncan added 16 points and 10 rebounds for the Spurs, who fell to 27-19. In other NBA action Sunday, the Los Angeles Lakers edged Boston, 90-89, Cleveland pummeled the Los Angeles Clippers, 114-89, Orlando humbled Detroit, 91-86, Philadelphia tripped up New Jersey, 83-79, Toronto stormed past Indiana, 117-102, Phoenix tripped up Houston, 115-111 in overtime, Minnesota stonewalled New York, 112-91 and Oklahoma City bested Golden State, 112-104.

PROVO, Utah (AP)—Jimmer Fredette posted 36 points and Tyler Haws added 15 points and seven boards as the #10 Brigham Young Cougars dismantled the Utah Utes, 82-69 Saturday at the Marriott Center in Top 25 men’s college basketball action. Jay Watkins had 18 points and 11 boards for the Utes, who pulled to within four in the second half at one point before a late Cougar surge put the game out of reach. The win improved the Cougars to 21-2 on the season, including 6-1 in Mountain West Conference play, while the Utes fell to 10-11 and 3-4 in conference play. In other Top 25 action Saturday, #1 Kentucky bested #23 Vanderbilt, 85-72, #2 Kansas got past #13 Kansas State, 81-79 in overtime, #4 Syracuse edged DePaul, 59-57, #5 Michigan State downed Northwestern, 79-70, Baylor upset #6 Texas, 80-77 in overtime, #11 Georgetown stonewalled #7 Duke, 89-77, San Francisco stunned #8 Gonzaga, 81-77 in overtime, #9 West Virginia got past Louisville, 77-74, #15 Temple waxed LaSalle, 64-52, Marquette shocked #19 Connecticut, 70-68, #22 Georgia Tech decimated Kentucky State, 98-50 and #25 Northern Iowa repelled Missouri State, 55-54.

MOAB, Utah (AP)—Dawlton Veater had 14 points and Colton Piep added 13 more as the North Sevier Wolves pummeled the Grand Red Devils, 58-36 Saturday in Region 15 boys basketball action.

BLANDING, Utah (AP)—Dillon Bishoff amassed 23 points and McKay Blackburn added 21 more as the South Sevier Rams crushed the San Juan Broncos, 71-60 in Region 15 boys basketball action Saturday.

PANGUITCH, Utah (AP)—Kace Roundy had 18 points as the Bryce Valley Mustangs downed the Panguitch Bobcats, 68-56 Saturday in Region 20 boys basketball action. Eric Frandsen had 19 points for the Bobcats in defeat.

MILFORD, Utah (AP)—Bo Thomas posted 22 points and the Milford Tigers bludgeoned the Escalante Moquis, 72-50 in Region 20 boys basketball action Saturday. Daniel Munson had 13 points in defeat for Escalante.

ORDERVILLE, Utah (AP)—Tyson Westwood had 26 points and the Piute Thunderbirds hammered the Valley Buffaloes, 75-50 Saturday in Region 20 boys basketball action. Clay Williams paced Valley with 13 points in the loss.

SALINA, Utah (AP)—Sydney Asper had 21 points for the North Sevier Lady Wolves in a 47-32 win over the Grand Lady Red Devils Saturday in Region 15 girls basketball action.

MONROE, Utah (AP)—Kayla King had 24 points for the South Sevier Lady Rams as they downed the San Juan Lady Broncos, 57-44 in Region 15 girls basketball action Saturday.

ESCALANTE, Utah (AP)—Kalani Norris led all scorers with 23 points as the Panguitch Lady Bobcats embarrassed the Escalante Lady Moquis, 60-19 in Reigon 20 girls basketball action Saturday.

DALLAS (AP)—Mike Modano had two goals and Jamie Benn added another score as the Dallas Stars got past the Colorado Avalanche, 3-2 Friday at American Airlines Center in NHL action. Alex Auld added 24 saves for Dallas, who improved to 24-19-11 with the win. Matt Duchene and T.J. Galiardi each scored for the Avs, who dropped to 30-17-6 with the loss. In other NHL action Friday, New Jersey outlasted Toronto, 5-4 in overtime, Washington smoked Florida, 4-1, Buffalo doubled up Boston, 4-2, Detroit humbled Nashville, 4-2 and Anaheim waxed Tampa Bay, 2-1 in a shootout.

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP)—Matt Howard had 14 of his team-high 18 points in the second half to lead the #18 Butler Bulldogs to a 75-57 win over the Wisconsin-Green Bay Phoenix Friday in Top 25 men’s college basketball action at Resch Center. The Bulldogs improved to 17-4 overall and 10-0 in Horizon League play with the win. Rahmon Fletcher had a game-high 24 points to pace the Phoenix in defeat.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Eric Peterson had 19 points and Jordan Kemp added 14 more as the Richfield Wildcats stymied the Delta Rabbits, 68-58 Friday in Region 12 boys basketball action.

NEPHI, Utah (AP)—Taran Wright keyed a balanced scoring attack with 14 points and the Juab Wasps decimated the Manti Templars, 71-34 in Region 12 boys basketball action Friday. Russ Hugentobler had 16 points in the loss for Manti.

CASTLE DALE, Utah (AP)—Nevin Jensen led the way with 19 points as the Emery Spartans hammered the North Sanpete Hawks, 71-34 Friday in Region1 12 boys basketball action. Dallen Bird posted 27 points in the loss for the Hawks.

BEAVER, Utah (AP)—Rhees Jackson had 22 points for the Kanab Cowboys in a 66-46 rout of the Beaver Beavers in Region 13 boys basketball action Friday. Robbie Gurr had 15 points in the loss for Beaver.

BLANDING, Utah (AP)—Cameron Shumway posted 20 points for the San Juan Broncos in a 55-44 win over the North Sevier Wolves Friday in Region 15 boys basketball action. Colton Piep and Daniel Hales each had 13 points in the loss for the Wolves.

MOAB, Utah (AP)—Dillon Bishoff had 25 points and the South Sevier Rams pummeled the Grand Red Devils, 67-31 in Region 15 boys basketball action Friday.

MONROE, Utah (AP)—Kayla King amassed 21 points for the South Sevier Lady Rams in a 46-28 win over the Grand Lady Red Devils Friday in Region 15 girls basketball action.

SALINA, Utah (AP)—Sydney Asper had 19 points and McKinzie Robins added 14 more as the North Sevier Lady Wolves got past the San Juan Lady Broncos, 53-41 in Region 15 girls basketball action Friday.

ORDERVILLE, Utah (AP)—Kayla Maxwell had 18 points for the Valley Lady Buffaloes stymied the Milford Lady Tigers, 45-30 Friday in Region 20 girls basketball action.

JUNCTION, Utah (AP)—Loni Allan had 17 points and Amanda Bagley added 15 more as the Piute Lady Thunderbirds stonewalled the Panguitch Lady Bobcats, 55-42 in Region 20 girls basketball action Friday. Kalani Norris had 22 points in defeat for Panguitch.

TROPIC, Utah (AP)—Jade Harris had seven points for the Bryce Valley Lady Mustangs in a 32-29 win over the Wayne Lady Badgers Friday in Region 20 girls basketball action. Cassey Manzanares had eight points in the loss for Wayne.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Abortions not performed by a doctor through a medical procedure would be illegal under a measure the Utah House approved Friday over objections it could lead to authorities harassing women who have natural miscarriages. The bill, sponsored by Representative Carl Wimmer of Herriman, was prompted by a case in Uintah County in which prosecutors said a 17-year-old girl paid a man $150 to beat her after her boyfriend threatened a breakup if she didn’t get rid of the child. Court records state the man attacked her, leaving bruises on her stomach and a bite mark on her neck. The baby survived and has since been adopted. In June, the girl pleaded no contest to a second-degree felony count of criminal solicitation to commit murder. Nevertheless, that charge was dismissed by Juvenile Court Judge Larry Steele, who ruled that she was seeking an abortion and was not criminally liable. Wimmer’s bill clarifies that abortions are legal and protected from prosecution. Terminating a pregnancy in a way that’s not covered could lead to a charge of criminal homicide, a second-degree felony. A criminal exemption for women who seek illegal abortions would also be removed from state law. Several lawmakers said they’re worried the bill could lead to unnecessary emotional heartache for women who had miscarriages in the event authorities were called to investigate a suspicious miscarriage. House Bill 12 was approved 59-12 and now advances to the Senate.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Cottonwood Heights police officer Beau Babka is aiming for his former boss’ job. Babka officially announced his run for Salt Lake County Sheriff at the county jail Friday morning. In order to be elected, Babka must first gain the Republican nomination in April. If he wins that bid, he would be running against current Salt Lake County Sheriff Jim Winder. Before taking the job in Cottonwood Heights, Babka served as undersheriff to Winder.

(MOAB)—The Grand School District has received a $700,000 gift from an anonymous donor. The money will save the jobs of seven teachers and keep the district from having to implement a four-day school week. It also means class sizes won’t have to be increased as much as planned. The district had about $2 million in debt due to accounting errors discovered in September and had been planning to lay off 50 employees, or 21 percent of its 210 staff members. The district will still have to lay of 43 employees. The money is a one-time donation, meaning that the district may still have to go on a four-day work week next year and that additional positions may be cut.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Officials say the value of Utah’s school trust fund topped $1 billion December 31. This is up from $85.6 million in 1994, the year a special state agency was created to aggressively lease and develop 3.4 million acres of trust lands scattered across Utah. The fund most recently generated $24 million for Utah’s public schools, for the fiscal year that started in July. This money comes from interest and dividends on investments from the larger funds, which gets much of its revenue from oil and gas leasing. The School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration works for a dozen beneficiaries that include teacher’s colleges, irrigation reservoirs, a school for the deaf and blind and the state mental hospital.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) – Sen. Bob Bennett responded to Pres. Barack Obama’s State of the Union address before Congress Wednesday night, saying it was like a surreal experience with Alice in Wonderland. Bennett said that those who support Obama’s policies don’t understand the difference with fantasy and reality and if his agenda is allowed to continue, the country will head down a dead-end road. He’s also opposed to a recent bill that would raise the national debt by nearly $2 trillion, from $12.4 trillion to $14.3 trillion. Bennett said it’s another perfect example of how the president’s goals outlined in his State of the Union address contradict his policies. He said Obama calls on Congress to “use common sense” and “invest in our people without leaving them a mountain of debt” and then puts Americans back into debt with his tax and spend agenda.

(SALT LAKE CITY) – A top state lawmaker has wrapped up an investigation into the events which led up the DUI arrest and subsequent resignation of former Majority Leader Sheldon Killpack. Senate President Michael Waddoups says he’s leaving the rest of the investigation up to the police. Police said on the evening of Killpack’s arrest, he had attended a fundraiser for another lawmaker and then reportedly went to a club with a group that included several lobbyists. Waddoups said those with Killpack apparently didn’t know he was impaired. He said a powerful message has been sent to lawmakers to not drink and drive. The Senate President also said the case has been a distraction from a busy and challenging legislative agenda.

(SALT LAKE CITY) – A controversial water deal between Utah and Nevada in the Snake Valley area may be put on hold indefinitely due to a reversal from the Nevada Supreme Court on a lower court ruling on the matter. The Nevada top court declared some water application rulings made by its state engineer occurred outside of a one-year statutory limit and remanded the case back to a state district court for further action. The decision also reopens the public protest period for the agreement. Gov. Gary Herbert has directed that negotiations regarding water in the Snake Valley area be put on hold. The water deals would have given the Southern Nevada Water Authority the go-ahead on drawing up to 50,000 acre-feet of water from the Snake Valley aquifer. The water would have helped feed a $3.5-billion pipeline to Las Vegas and neighboring cities. Utah legislative leaders are applauding the decision.

EDMONTON, Alberta, Canada (AP)—Eric Brewer and Alexander Steen each scored and the St. Louis Blues doubled up the Edmonton Oilers, 2-1 Friday at Rexall Place in NHL action. The win improved the Blues to 24-22-8 on the season, while the lackluster Oilers dropped their 19th game in 20 contests and fell to 16-30-6. In other NHL action Friday, Carolina gashed the New York Islanders, 4-1, Atlanta humbled Philadelphia, 4-3, Ottawa overpowered Pittsburgh, 4-1, Los Angeles stonewalled Columbus, 4-1, Minnesota blanked Colorado, 1-0, Phoenix tripped up Calgary, 3-2 in a shootout and Chicago snuck past San Jose, 4-3 in overtime.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP)—Steven Gray and Matt Bouldin had 19 points apiece and the #8 Gonzaga Bulldogs got past the Santa Clara Broncos, 71-64 Thursday at Leavey Center in mens’ Top 25 college basketball action. Elias Harris added 16 points and 15 boards for the Bulldogs, who improved to 17-3 with the win. Niyi Harrison had 14 points for the Broncos, while Robert Smith added 13 more for Santa Clara. In other Top 25 action Thursday, #12 Purdue outlasted #16 Wisconsin, 60-57, #17 Pittsburgh bested St. John’s, 63-53, #20 Mississippi clipped Auburn, 84-74 and #22 Georgia Tech pummeled Wake Forest, 79-58.

ESCALANTE, Utah (AP)—Riley Miller posted 19 points and Brooks Leach added 18 more as the Panguitch Bobcats crushed the Escalante Moquis, 62-32 Thursday in Region 20 boys basketball action. Paul Sorenson had 11 points in the loss for the Moquis.

TROPIC, Utah (AP)—Kace Roundy amassed 22 points and Kam Roundy stepped up with 21 more for the Bryce Valley Mustangs in a 79-68 win over the Valley Buffaloes in Region 20 boys basketball action Thursday. Lance Maxwell had 25 points in defeat for Valley, while Clay Williams added 22 for the Buffs.

JUNCTION, Utah (AP)—Heath Payton had 19 points for the Piute Thunderbirds as they dismantled the Wayne Badgers, 64-41 Thursday in Region 20 boys basketball action. Cason Chappell paced the Badgers with nine points in defeat.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Kaity Diaz had 20 points for the Delta Lady Rabbits as they overpowered the Richfield Lady Wildcats, 52-42 in Region 12 girls basketball action Thursday. Brooke Bliss and Shacari Hinck had 12 points apiece in defeat for Richfield.

MT. PLEASANT, Utah (AP)—Taylor Mann posted 21 points for the Emery Lady Spartans in a 76-40 dismantling of the North Sanpete Lady Hawks Thursday in Region 12 girls basketball action. Erica Draper had 14 points in the loss for North Sanpete.

MANTI, Utah (AP)—Tessa Bradford led all scorers with 17 points and the Juab Lady Wasps gashed the Manti Lady Templars, 47-36 in Region 12 girls basketball action Thursday. Shauri Lyon had 10 points in the loss for Manti.

BEAVER, Utah (AP)—Brittany Griffiths led the way with 14 points as the Beaver Lady Beavers bested the Kanab Cowgirls, 44-33 Thursday in Region 12 girls basketball action. Kelly Livingston had 10 points in the loss for Kanab.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—What may have started as a simple prank landed five people in jail on felony charges. Police booked the group of 18 to 20-year-olds on charges of setting off incendiary devices Wednesday night at the West High School football field. Detective Dennis McGowan of the Salt Lake City Police Department said a police officer was driving past the field around 9:00 p.m. Wednesday when he heard what he described as a “loud explosion.” Bomb technicians were brought in to disable three of the devices. Those arrested included 20-year-old Latawnya Madsen, 19-year-old Justin Bates, 18-year-old Carli Winquest, 19-year-old Reiddyn Wihongi and 19-year-old Joel Kneebone. They were booked on charges of third-degree felonies. McGowan underscored that official charges will be screened with the district attorney’s office. No one was hurt, nor was there any property damage.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—A key defendant in the investigation into the trafficking of Southwest artifacts is expected to take a plea deal. Durango, Colo.-based antiquities director, Vern Crites, surrendered five truckloads of American Indian relics in August. A defense lawyer revealed in federal court in Salt Lake City Thursday that he is negotiating a plea deal for the 74-year-old Crites, who bragged in secret recordings about having sold pottery sets for $500,000. Lawyers expect another handful of defendants to follow suit and take plea deals. Magistrate Samuel Alba called together the lawyers and prosecutors Thursday to sort the statuses of nearly two dozen cases. The case broke last summer with the arrests of 26 people in Colorado, Utah and New Mexico. Two committed suicide and another two have pleaded guilty.

(NEPHI) – A juvenile has been arrested for a bomb threat made early Wednesday morning that closed two schools in Nephi. Juab School District Administrator Darin Clark said the Juab High and Junior High Schools were shut down when officials determined the threat could be real. The Nephi Police Department and Juab County Sheriff’s Office searched the schools Tuesday night due to a threat written on the bathroom stall in the vocational building on campus. The threat said the bomb would be detonated at 1pm Wednesday. School officials allowed students to come to school Wednesday morning but with the heightened threat, students were let out at noon. Bomb-sniffing dogs swept the building and found no bomb. Nephi Police are not releasing information concerning the juvenile’s involvement in the threat but are confident that it was a hoax. About 1,000 students were sent home on Wednesday.

(FREMONT JCT.) – A Colorado woman was taken to the hospital after the woman she was driving with rolled on I-70 near the rest stop at the Fremont Junction Wednesday night. According to a UHP report, 56-year old Mary Zehpfenning of Colorado Springs, CO., was traveling westbound in a 2004 Chevy Suburban, when she fishtailed on slick roads and rolled into the median at about 6pm. The report said Zehpfenning came to rest in the eastbound lanes. She sustained a minor injury in the accident and was not transported to the hospital but her passenger, 24-year old, Kathleen Zehpfenning, also of Colorado Springs, was taken to the Sevier Valley Medical Center in Richfield with some injuries. Another passenger, 23-year old Jennifer Winterfield of Colorado Springs, sustained a minor injury but was not transported to the hospital. All were wearing seatbelts.

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP)—Emily Carter posted 14 points and Helena Sverrisdottir added 14 more as the #21 Texas Christian Lady Horned Frogs pummeled the Colorado State Lady Rams, 78-51 Wednesday in Top 25 women’s college basketball action. Chatilla van Grinsven had 20 points in the loss for Colorado State. The win improved the Lady Frogs to 15-4 on the season, while the Lady Rams fell to 11-8. In other Top 25 action Wednesday, #4 Nebraska embarrassed Texas Tech, 89-47, #16 Baylor got past #8 Texas A&M, 61-53, #18 Iowa State smacked #12 Oklahoma, 63-56, #10 Xavier decimated Rhode Island, 88-60, #11 West Virginia dismantled Seton Hall, 53-31, Marquette upset #15 Georgetown, 52-45, and #20 Virginia surged past North Carolina State, 73-60.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP)—Deron Williams had 24 points and seven assists and Kyle Korver added 16 more points off the bench as the Utah Jazz held off the Portland Trail Blazers, 106-95 Wednesday at the Rose Garden in NBA action. The Jazz raced out to a 21-2 lead midway through the 1st Quarter and led 36-17 after one period of play and by virtue of shooting 73 percent from the field in the first half had a 63-46 lead going into the locker room. Although Portland made several surges in the second half, the Jazz remained hot (they shot 60 percent for the game) and managed to repel all of Portland’s runs with timely shooting by Williams and Korver as well as key defensive stops. LaMarcus Aldridge had 25 points and nine rebounds for the Trail Blazers, who fell to 27-20 with the loss. Utah improved to 27-18 with the win and moved ahead of Portland in the Northwest Division by percentage points. In other NBA action Wednesday, Cleveland bested Minnesota, 109-95, the Los Angeles Lakers shellacked Indiana, 118-96, Toronto got past Miami, 111-103, Memphis stymied Detroit, 99-93, New Jersey stonewalled the Los Angeles Clippers, 103-87, Milwaukee snuck past Philadelphia, 91-88, Chicago clipped Oklahoma City, 96-86, Denver got past Houston, 97-92, San Antonio smacked Atlanta, 105-90 and New Orleans outgunned Golden State, 123-110.

(WASHINGTON D.C.)—A congressman from Utah has filed legislation that would overturn a D.C. bill allowing gay marriage. U.S. Representative Jason Chaffetz, a Republican, submitted his legislation Tuesday. Gay marriage is not yet legal in the District of Columbia, but the Washington City Council passed a bill in December allowing the unions in the city. Because the city is a federal district and not a state, its laws must be sent to Congress before taking effect. Congress has 30 legislative days to act on the marriage bill before it takes effect. Chaffetz’s legislation, a resolution of disapproval, would block the bill from taking effect. In the past, Chaffetz has said it will be difficult to get Congress to block the district’s bill because both houses are controlled by Democrats.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—The public wouldn’t be allowed to view or hear ethical complaints against Utah state lawmakers unless four or five appointees determined a violation occurred under new rules legislators are proposing for themselves. Senate Joint Resolution 3 was introduced Wednesday by Orem Republican, Senator John Valentine. The resolution calls for the creation of an independent ethics commission that would meet behind closed doors to review ethical complaints against lawmakers. It would have no disciplinary powers, but would decide if a legislative committee should review the complaint. The commission would consist of three retired judges and two former lawmakers. Under the proposal, complaints couldn’t be filed 60 days before an election.

(NEPHI) – Two schools in Nephi were evacuated this morning due to bomb threats. Juab School District Business Administrator Darin Clark said that Juab Junior High and Juab High Schools were evacuated at about 9:45am and police are investigating whether there’s a bomb due to a threat written on a wall of a vocational building near the schools at about 12:30am. The written message said the bomb would detonate at 1pm today. Bomb-sniffing dogs have been deployed but have not found anything. Students at the two schools were allowed to come to school this morning but were going to be let out by noon.

(RICHFIELD) – Several trees in the parking lot adjacent to the Richfield City office building have officials concerned due to shedding problems. During last night’s city council meeting, Klar Robinson, owner of two main street buildings, addressed the council on problems of the tall locust trees shedding too many leaves, blocking rain gutters and causing damage to his roofs and awnings. Scott Mason, a maintenance contractor hired by the city for landscape upkeep, said that nine trees are the most troublesome in the parking lot. After discussion, the City Council approved $4,000 to fund uprooting the trees in the problem area and replacing them with more appropriate trees.

EDMONTON, Alberta, Canada (AP)—Jonathan Toews, Troy Brouwer, Dustin Byfuglien and Marian Hossa each scored and the Chicago Blackhawks doubled up the Edmonton Oilers, 4-2 Tuesday at Rexall Place in NHL action. Patrick Kane and Dustin Keith each added two assists for Chicago, who improved to 36-13-4 with the win. Fernando Pisani and Ryan Potulny each scored for the Oilers in their 11th straight loss, which dropped them to an NHL-worst 16-29-6. In other NHL action Tuesday, Phoenix outlasted Detroit, 5-4 in overtime, Washington hammered the New York Islanders, 7-2, Los Angeles bested Toronto, 5-3, Atlanta got past Anaheim, 2-1, Columbus stymied Nashville, 3-2, Ottawa blanked New Jersey, 3-0 and Florida doubled up Montreal, 2-1.

DALLAS (AP)—Dirk Nowitzki had 28 points and eight rebounds and the Dallas Mavericks edged the Milwaukee Bucks, 108-107 Tuesday at American Airlines Center in NBA action. The win improved the Mavericks to 30-15 on the season, but of greater importance it was their NBA-record 10th straight win in games decided by one point. Andrew Bogut, celebrating his Australian heritage on Australia Day, posted 32 points and made 13 of his 14 field goal attempts while Carlos Delfino added 22 more points for Milwaukee. The loss dropped the Bucks to 18-25 on the season. In other NBA action Tuesday, the Los Angeles Lakers ousted Washington, 115-103, New York bludgeoned Minnesota, 132-105, Charlotte outlasted Phoenix, 114-109 in overtime and Sacramento held off Golden State, 99-96.

(RICHFIELD) – The Sevier School District Superintendent has decided to retire at the end of the school year. At the monthly School Board meeting Monday, Dr. Brent Thorne announced his retirement, saying he’s appreciative of the years spent in the education system. Dr. Thorne has served for 42 years as an educator, 25 years as superintendent, including six years in the Sanpete School District and 19 years as superintendent in the Sevier School District. Thorne’s retirement will be effective on June 30, 2010.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Authorities say a 42-year-old Idaho man was arrested at Salt Lake City International Airport with a hacksaw and box cutter blades in a backpack. Transportation Security Administration agents detected the items taped to the internal frames of backpacks that the man and a female traveling companion were carrying. Officials say the two were traveling to Central America and the man said he feared for their safety once they landed.

(WASHINGTON D.C.)—New rules are now in effect banning drivers of commercial vehicles from texting while behind the wheel while violators could face some big fines. The rule, announced by the U.S. Department of Transportation, applies to drivers of commercial trucks and buses. Violators could be fined as much as $2,750 and the prohibition applies to drivers of interstate buses and trucks over 10,000 pounds and is effective immediately, the department said in a statement. Trucking and bus industry officials said they support the texting ban. The Department of Transportation stated the likelihood of a crash is actually greater for a person who is texting than for an impaired driver. Research by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration shows that drivers who send and receive text messages take their eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds out of every 6 seconds while texting, the department said. At 55 miles per hour, this means that the driver is traveling the length of a football field, including the end zones, without looking at the road. The Transportation Department, and safety advocates, have also joined forces to create FocusDriven, an organization to campaign against cell phone use or texting on handheld computers while driving.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—The federal government is soliciting construction bids for an intelligence-gathering center in Utah. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released details of the super-secret electronic data center on a government Web site and set a February 18 deadline for bids from a general contractor. The so-called Utah Data Center will be self-contained with its own water supply, sewer system, backup power system and will have special “anti-terrorism” defenses. The 1 million-square-foot building will be protected by security rings on a 200-acre parcel at a Utah National Guard camp located about 30 miles south of Salt Lake City. The Corps of Engineers is supervising construction for the National Security Agency, which has refused to disclose the full purpose or function of the $1.7 billion center.

(MT. PLEASANT) – The final management plan for the 250-mile long Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area is on its way for the Secretary of the Interior’s signature. Director Monte Bona of the Utah Heritage Highway 89 Alliance, says the plan took more than six years of research and collaboration with national agencies to get it to the Secretary’s desk. Bona said Salazar’s signature will solidify the Highway 89 status as a premier national cultural destination. He said the highway will now be in the same league as the Sangre de Cristo Heritage Area in Colorado, the Great Basin Area in Nevada, the Northern Rio Grande Heritage Area in New Mexico and dozens of other premiere historical locales throughout the nation.

(CHEYENNE, WY.) – Nearly 1300 earthquakes have been recorded in the last eight days in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. Geologists say that within the past week, 1,271 tiny quakes have struck between Old Faithful and West Yellowstone, MT. The largest eleven, including three late Sunday and early Monday, ranged between magnitudes 3.0 and 3.8. Officials say that there’s rampant speculation that a volcanic eruption might soon rock Yellowstone because of a quake swarm beneath Yellowstone Lake that occurred just over a year ago. Yellowstone sits atop a supervolcano that last had an eruption 640,000 years ago. Geologists say that relatively mundane fault slippage causes the frequent shakes

(PARK CITY) – A documentary film-maker is calling for the resignation of a state senator for lying during a live television interview. Film maker Reed Cowan made the call for State Senator Chris Buttars to resign during an audience question and answer session Monday night at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City because Buttars lied that Cowan’s tricked him. Buttars commented that when Cowan and his film crew interviewed him, he thought he was going to get a “straight up” dialogue but he said that’s not what happened. Buttars’ interview eventually became part of the movie “8: The Mormon Proposition”, because LDS Church leaders refused to be interviewed for the film. Cowan wanted Buttars to bring an LDS-view to the film because he had served three times as bishop in the church. Buttars said he would not speak for the LDS Church but would offer comments for himself. In the past, Buttars had said that homosexuals are the biggest threat to America and that any person who wants to change the traditional definition of marriage, is concerning to him. Buttars also said he would not resign his position in the Senate.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Canada (AP)—Brad Lukowich scored the game-winning goal in the third period and Mikael Samuelsson and Henrik Sedin also scored as the Vancouver Canucks outlasted the Buffalo Sabres, 3-2 Monday at General Motors Place in NHL action. Buffalo drew first blood in the second period with a goal by Adam Mair but Samuelsson and Sedin’s goals gave Vancouver a 2-1 lead heading into the third. Thomas Venek tied things up for the Sabres before Lukowich’s game-winner 5:21 into the last stanza. The win improved the Canucks to 32-18-2 on the season, while Buffalo fell to 30-14-7. In other NHL action Monday, Pittsburgh doubled up the New York Rangers, 4-2 and St. Louis blanked Calgary, 2-0.

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP)—Marcus Morris had 11 of his 17 points in the first half and the #2 Kansas Jayhawks dismantled the Missouri Tigers, 84-65 Monday in Top 25 men’s college basketball action at the Allen Fieldhouse. Additionally, Tyrel Reed had a career-high 14 points and made all four of his 3-point attempts for Kansas, who improved to 19-1 with the win. Justin Safford posted 19 points and seven boards in the loss for the Tigers. In other Top 25 action Monday, #4 Syracuse pummeled #11 Georgetown, 73-56.

(PAROWAN) – A Memorandum of Understanding was approved today by Iron County Commissioners between the BLM and Utah Power and Light for the company to construct a transmission line from the Sigurd Substation in Sevier County to Red Butte in Washington County. Commissioners said the memorandum was needed for the development of an additional power line that will travel through Iron County to the ever-increasing growth in Washington County. The approval will initiate an Environmental Impact Statement for the area affected. Iron County Commissioners also amended a Wind Energy Ordinance that will lay groundwork for an Overlay Zone in the county in the event the Milford Wind Project in Beaver County expands into Iron County.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Utah lawmakers have returned to the Capitol with budget cuts on everyone’s minds. State lawmakers started their annual 45-day session Monday in the throes of an economic recession. Chief among lawmakers’ priorities during legislation is the need to trim about $200 million from the state’s $11.3 billion budget in the first few weeks. Once this is completed, they will need to work on the upcoming budget year where there is a projected $700 million shortfall for state programs. One lawmaker has proposed eliminating the 12th grade from public schools as a way to reduce spending on education but the idea is already drawing criticism. Public and higher education consume 67 percent of the state’s budget and Senate President Michael Waddoups acknowledged cutting an entire grade is perhaps going too far, but he believes all options should be considered. Lawmakers may consider higher taxes to help bridge the $700 million budget gap although many, including Governor Gary Herbert, do not support that. Lawmakers will also face a bill for statewide discrimination protection for gays and lesbians in housing and employment, among other things.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—A bill on Utah’s Capitol Hill aims to limit junk food available in the state’s schools. Senator Pat Jones of Holladay is sponsoring a measure that gives school community councils a vote in what is offered in vending machines. The bill, which is still being drafted, would require schools to go through a council vote in a public meeting to offer such things as candy and soda. Junk food has long been a moneymaker for schools, but the Salt Lake Tribune reports in recent years, some like Bountiful Junior High and Riverton High have eliminated less healthy options in vending machines. Numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show only 18 percent of Utah middle schools and high schools in 2008 did not sell candy and high-fat snacks.

(SALINA) – The public is invited to attend an open house of the new Salina EMS Building on Friday from 3-6pm. Salina City officials say light refreshments will be served at the new building located at 488 North 250 West in Salina. Everyone is invited to attend the open house on Friday to see the new facility for emergency response personnel.

(RENO, NV.) – Wild-horse advocates are calling for an independent investigation after the deaths of nine mustangs in a government roundup of the animals on the range north of Reno. Defense of Animals, based in San Rafael, CA. and Cloud Foundation, based in Colorado Springs, CO., criticized the U.S. Bureau of Land Management’s handling of the roundup after two more deaths this past week. Reports say that a contractor is using two helicopters under BLM supervision to drive horses in the Calico Mountain Complex to corrals and then trucked to a Fallon, NV. facility. Activists say a colt was run so hard and long during the roundup, that the hoof walls of its two hind feet came off and had to be euthanized on Thursday. BLM officials dispute the group’s accounts of the latest deaths.

NEW YORK (AP)—Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry each posted 20 points and Drew Gooden amassed 15 points and 18 rebounds as the Dallas Mavericks embarrassed the New York Knicks, 128-78 Sunday at Madison Square Garden in NBA action. The Mavs, coming off a disappointing loss at Philadelphia Friday, shot a scorching 58 percent from the field for the game en route to their 29th win of the season, while they finished their Eastern Conference road swing at 3-2, losing to Toronto and Philadelphia and beating Boston, Washington and New York. Jared Jeffries had 14 points in the loss for New York. In other NBA action Sunday, Toronto edged the Los Angeles Lakers, 106-105 and the Los Angeles Clippers pounded Washington, 92-78.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP)—Brigham Young’s Mindy McClurkin won the womens’ 200-meter dash to lead the way for numerous athletes scattered throughout the southwest Saturday at the Cherry & Silver Invitational at the Albuquerque Convention Center. Additionally, Arizona’s Margaret Callahan won the womens’ mile run, while Ashley Gibson of New Mexico won the womens’ 3000-meter dash. For the women, other wins came from Kimyon Broom of California in the 60-meter hurdles and Brigetta Barrett of Arizona in the high jump. As for the men, Arizona’s Abdi Hassan won the 800-meter dash and Rory Fraser of New Mexico placed first in the mile run.

PULLMAN, Wash. (AP)—Princess Joy Griffey, Cindy Robinson and Shawna Fermin placed first in the womens’ 60, 200 and 400-meter dashes respectively for the Washington State Lady Cougars at the Cougar Invitational Saturday. Additionally, Montana’s Kara DeWalt won the womens’ 3000-meter dash and Ashlee Cannon of Utah State placed first in the womens’ 60-meter hurdles. As for the men, Washington State athletes, Marlon Murray, Wesley McCann, and Reny Follett placed first in the 60, 200 and 400-meter dashes while Utah State’s Brian McKenna was first in the 3,000-meter dash. Meanwhile, Washington State’s Trent Arrivy automatically qualified for the NCAA championships with a mark of 7-04.25 in the pole vault.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP)—Oklahoma’s Scottesha Miller won the womens’ 60-meter dash to lead the way at the Razorback Invitational Saturday. Other wins came from Baylor’s Tiffany Townsend in the womens’ 200-meter dash and Cali George of Arkansas placed first in the womens’ 3000-meter dash. As for the men, Ray Jadusingh of Alabama took the 60-meter dash title and Mississippi’s Lee Moore placed first in the 800-meter dash. Additionally, Sean Tabor of Texas Christian won the mens’ shot put and his teammate, Festus Kigen won the 3,000-meter dash crown.

NAMPA, Idaho (AP)—Utah Valley’s Chelsea Baker swept the 200 and 400-meter dash titles and her teammate Amanda Morse placed first in the womens’ 60-meter dash Saturday at the Boise State Dual Meets. Additionally, Idaho State’s Erica Richardson swept the womens’ mile run and 3,000-meter dash events while Rosina Amenebede took the womens’ long jump title. As for the men, Utah Valley’s Allah Laryea-Akrong took the 60 and 200-meter dash crowns and former Panguitch High star Trac Norris placed first in the 800-meter and mile run events. The Wolverines were also represented well by Andrew Graham in the 60-meter dash and Kenny Millard in the high jump.

BOULDER, Colo. (AP)—Colorado’s Sydney Davis placed first in the womens’ 200-meter dash to lead the way for numerous athletes scattered throughout the Intermountain West Saturday at the Potts Invitational. Shalaya Kipp also represented the Lady Buffs well by placing first in the mile run while her teammate Kathleen Majewski won the high jump. As for the men, Chad Liscar of Air Force won the 200-meter dash and Nigel Joseph won the 400-meter dash for Colorado State while Colorado’s Matthew Biegner placed first in the mile run.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP)—Wichita State’s Audacia Moore placed first in the womens’ 60 and 200-meter dashes to lead the way for athletes scattered throughout the Midwest Saturday at the Husker Invitational. Meanwhile, Missouri’s Leslie Farmer placed first in the womens’ 600-yard dash and her teammate Shannon Leinert won the 800-meter dash. As for the men, Nebraska’s Dax Danns won the 60 and 200-meter dashes, while Kansas State’s Ben Love placed first in the 400-meter dash. Both Nebraska’s men and women placed first overall on their home track.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP)—Kelsey Bolte had 19 points and the #21 Iowa State Lady Cyclones edged the #23 Texas Lady Longhorns, 73-71 in overtime Saturday in Top 25 women’s college basketball action. Amanda Lacey added 20 points and 11 boards for the Lady Cyclones, who overcame a 14-point deficit midway through the second half to improve to 15-3 on the season. Brittainy Raven had 18 points and seven boards in the loss for Texas. In other Top 25 action Saturday, Illinois-Chicago downed #14 Wisconsin-Green Bay, 81-72, #24 Texas Christian pummeled Nevada-Las Vegas, 81-61, #1 Connecticut decimated Villanova, 74-35, #2 Stanford overpowered Oregon, 100-80, #6 Nebraska dismantled Kansas State, 71-56, #9 Texas A&M waxed Texas Tech, 69-54, #10 Xavier tripped up St. Bonaventure, 62-53, Missouri upset #12 Baylor, 70-62, #13 Oklahoma stymied Kansas, 81-69 and #18 Georgetown mowed over DePaul, 74-65.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP)—Mehmet Okur amassed 20 points and 11 rebounds while Carlos Boozer chipped in with 22 points and nine boards and Paul Millsap added 20 more points as the Utah Jazz made quick work of the New Jersey Nets with a 113-86 win Saturday in NBA action at EnergySolutions Arena. The Jazz raced out to a 34-21 lead at the end of the 1st Quarter and never looked back, en route to their 25th win of the season against 18 losses, keeping themselves in the playoff race in the Western Conference. Brook Lopez had 14 points in the loss for the Nets, who fell to 3-40 and are currently on pace for the worst record in NBA history. In other NBA action Saturday, Philadelphia stymied Indiana, 107-97, Orlando surged past Charlotte, 106-95 in overtime, Cleveland edged Oklahoma City, 100-99, Portland tripped up Detroit, 97-93, Miami scorched Sacramento, 115-84, Chicago downed Houston, 104-97, Milwaukee decimated Minnesota, 127-94, Denver got past New Orleans, 116-110 in overtime and Phoenix bested Golden State, 112-103.

PULLMAN, Wash. (AP)—Washington State’s Angela Jensen won the women’s pentathlon and the Cougar men were bolstered by Stephen Scott-Ellis who won the men’s long jump Friday at the Cougar Invitational. Additionally, Idaho’s Lucas Pope won the men’s pole vault to conclude competition Friday. The meet will resume Saturday.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP)—Georgia’s Cory Holman won the mens’ 60-meter dash, high jump and long jump to headline solid performances by numerous collegiate track athletes scattered throughout the southeast at the Razorback Invitational Friday. Additionally, Stephen F. Austin’s Chris Jones won the mens’ shot put while Baylor’s Trey Harts placed first in the mens’200-meter dash. As for the women, Tabitha Riley of Stephen F. Austin won the 60-meter hurdles and the high jump while Tulsa’s Brianna Steel placed first in the shot put. The meet will resume Saturday.

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio (AP)—Rachael Doughty placed first in the womens’ 60-meter hurdles and long jump to lead the way for the Bowling Green Lady Falcons who easily won the Herrman Invitational Friday. The Lady Falcons amassed 168 points and edged second-place Dayton who had 159 points. Other wins for Bowling Green included Jeanette Pettigrew in the 60-meter dash and Tatijana Johnson in the high jump.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP)—North Dakota State’s Whitney Carlson placed first in the womens’60-meter hurdles, 800-meter dash and long jump to headline several strong showings Friday at the first day of the Johnson Invitational. Carlson’s teammate, Weston Leutz, placed first in the mens’ high jump while Minnesota’s Alicia Rue placed first in the womens’ pole vault. The meet will resume Saturday.

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP)—LSU’s Michael Florek won the mens’ mile run to lead the way for numerous athletes Friday in the first day of competition at the Purple Tiger Invitational. Additionally, Florek’s teammate, Alan Sticker, also excelled as he placed first in the men’s 3,000-meter dash while Marcus McGehee also represented LSU well by winning the mens’ pole vault. The meet will resume Saturday.

BOULDER, Colo. (AP)—Wyoming’s Jay Petsch had a big day in the first day of the Potts Invitational at the University of Colorado as he placed first in the mens’ 60-meter dash, long jump and high jump events. Additionally, Petsch’s teammate, Henry Ferreira won the mens’ shot put. The meet will resume Saturday.

PHOENIX (AP)—Derrick Rose made 15 of 21 shots and posted 32 points as the Chicago Bulls overpowered the Phoenix Suns, 115-104 Friday at U.S. Airways Center in NBA action. The prolific Bulls made 51 percent of their shots on the evening and repelled all of Phoenix’ surges to improve to 19-22 on the season. Luol Deng added 23 points and six rebounds for the Bulls, while Joakim Noah had 19 points and eight boards for Chicago. Amar’e Stoudemire had 23 points to pace the Suns in the loss. In other NBA action Friday, Orlando pounded Sacramento, 100-84, Philadelphia waxed Dallas, 92-81, Toronto ousted Milwaukee, 101-06, Miami scorched Washington, 112-88, Atlanta dismantled Charlotte, 103-89, Boston got past Portland, 98-95 in overtime, Indiana smacked Detroit, 103-95, Memphis edged Oklahoma City, 86-84, New Orleans surged past Minnesota, 96-94, the Los Angeles Lakers handled New York, 115-105, Houston tripped up San Antonio, 116-109 and Golden State decimated New Jersey, 111-79.

(SALT LAKE COUNTY)—The Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office now has a term to deal with criminal cases of elderly abuse and neglect. Deputy County Attorney Alicia Cook said she believes the cases will grow because of the aging population but also because of increased awareness to cases where elderly people are abused, neglected or exploited. The team will work with police and aging services to aid in prosecuting cases. A grant will also fund an investigator.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—More than half of the voters surveyed in a new poll support Republican Utah Governor Gary Herbert in this fall’s election, with 30 percent saying they’d vote for Democratic Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon. The Salt Lake Tribune vote of 625 regular voters also shows that 15 percent are undecided. Herbert’s spokeswoman, Angie Welling, calls the numbers “encouraging.” Herbert became governor in August after Jon Huntsman resigned to become U.S. Ambassador to China. Corroon declared his candidacy January 12. The survey was conducted by Washington D.C.-based Mason-Dixon polling & Research Inc. and has a margin error of four percentage points.

(UTAH COUNTY)—The two men charged in connection with the murder of Millard County sheriff’s deputy Josie Fox have been moved to the Utah County Jail. Roberto Roman and Ruben Chavez-Reyes were previously being held in the Millard County Jail. Roman faces the death penalty if he’s convicted of fatally shooting Fox during a traffic stop January 5. Chavez-Reyes faces one count of obstructing justice. The Utah County Sheriff’s Office isn’t saying why the men were moved but tells the Deseret News it doesn’t mean their trails will occur in Provo.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) – The recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling against banning political speech contributions is hailed by many as a victory for free speech and others as a means for candidates to gain millions more in campaign dollars. The 5-4 ruling rolled back a 63-year old law barring corporations and unions from buying ads that promote or attack federal candidates. It also dismantled a ban in the 2002 McCain-Feingold Act on issue-oriented ads by companies or unions 30 days before a primary or 60 days before a general election. Some complain that the ruling would initiate mega-influence from large corporations and unions and dwarf an opposing candidate’s ability to fight back. Sen. Bob Bennett said the ruling vindicates his long fight on behalf of free speech in the political arena. He said the First Amendment guarantees the right to free and unfettered expression of political views and beliefs and that right cannot be rescinded by Congress.

(RICHFIELD) – A Richfield woman and her passengers sustained injuries in a rollover near the south Richfield exit on I-70 Thursday night due to icy road conditions. According to a UHP report, 35-year old, Cody Betts was traveling eastbound, when she lost control of her 2002 GMC Envoy and rolled on her top at about 9:15pm. Her passengers, 29-year old, Brad Betts and 29-year old, Brendon Certoma, both of Richfield, were also injured. All occupants were transported to the Sevier Valley Medical Center in Richfield with unknown injuries. The UHP report said that none of the occupants were wearing their seatbelts and were cited.

DELTA, Utah (AP)—Taylor Mann posted 14 points and the Emery Lady Spartans got past the Delta Lady Rabbits, 38-32 Thursday in Region 12 girls basketball action at the Palladium. Kaity Diaz and Maklee Bliss had nine points apiece in defeat for Delta.

MANTI, Utah (AP)—Kylee Blackham had 14 points and the North Sanpete Lady Hawks dismantled the Manti Lady Templars, 53-32 in Region 12 girls basketball action Thursday. Tauni McFarland had nine points in the loss for Manti.

NEPHI, Utah (AP)—Brooke Bliss had 21 points for the Richfield Lady Wildcats in a 57-38 rout of the Juab Lady Wasps Thursday in Region 12 girls basketball action. Tessa Bradford had 15 points in the loss for Juab.

ENTERPRISE, Utah (AP)—Brittany Griffiths had 11 points for the Beaver Lady Beavers as they outlasted the Enterprise Lady Wolves, 26-22 in Region 13 girls basketball action Thursday.

PAROWAN, Utah (AP)—Krystyn Stevens had 14 points for the Millard Lady Eagles and Keri Brunson added 12 more as the Millard Lady Eagles got past the Parowan Lady Rams, 41-30 Thursday in Region 13 girls basketball action.

SALINA, Utah (AP)—Kayla King amassed 14 points and Dayna Monroe stepped up with 11 more for the South Sevier Lady Rams in a 43-38 win over the North Sevier Lady Wolves in Region 15 girls basketball action Thursday.

BICKNELL, Utah (AP)—Loni Allan had 26 points to lead the Piute Lady Thunderbirds past the Wayne Lady Badgers, 76-47 Thursday in Region 20 girls basketball action. Darci Clark and Brittany Brinkerhoff had nine points apiece for Wayne in defeat.

TROPIC, Utah (AP)—Kaylea Shakespeare keyed a balanced scoring attack with nine points as the Bryce Valley Lady Mustangs doubled up the Valley Lady Buffaloes, 34-17 Thursday in Region 20 girls basketball action. Kori Cox had five points in the loss for the Lady Buffs.

(LOGAN)—The mayor of Logan wants to limit the way city employees communicate with members of the media, forcing all questions and answers to be submitted in writing. Mayor Randy Watts, who won re-election in a second term last November, announced the new city policy at a meeting Wednesday. The announcement was met by concern from members of the media in the Cache Valley, who suggested the new policy would limit transparency of city government.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—The Utah Department of Workforce Services says numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show the state’s unemployment rate increased to 6.7 percent in December. November’s rate was 6.3 percent and the rate in December 2008 was 4.1 percent. The department says about 91,200 Utahns were considered unemployed last month, compared to 57,300 in December 2008. The department says Utah’s job count contracted by 2.8 percent over the past 12 months and that 34,700 jobs were removed from the Utah economy since December 2008. Total employment in Utah is just over 1.2 million. The U.S. unemployment rate was 10 percent in December, unchanged from November’s rate.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Salt Lake City’s chief prosecutor jumped into the race for Salt Lake County District Attorney Thursday. Democrat Sim Gill blasted Republican incumbent Lohra Miller, promising to restore public trust in the office. These two faced off against each other in a close race four years ago and Gill says he’s looking forward to a rematch. Gill kicked off his campaign in front of the downtown county DA’s office promising to save taxpayer money by running the office more efficiently, holding criminals accountable and meting out justice to victims. Using posters with headlines regarding controversies involving the current county district attorney as a backdrop, Gill says Miller has wasted taxpayer dollars, filed frivolous lawsuits and pursued personal vendettas, particularly the firing of former Chief Prosecutor Kent Morgan. Gill was introduced Thursday by former longtime prosecutor Bud Ellett, a Republican who backed Miller in the earlier race and now claims to back Gill. In order to advance, Gill must first win the Democratic nomination against attorney Greg Skordas.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—The LDS Church is buying another lot in downtown Salt Lake City. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints says it bought 3.76 acres on North Temple Street as a long-term investment. This is the same reason the Church offered for its purchase announced weeks ago of a 10-acre block north of the Little America Hotel. The Church picked up that parcel and a smaller one from hotel owner, and Latter-Day Saint, Earl Holding. The latest real estate purchase is a corner lot at 400 West and North Temple from a subsidiary of restaurant chain Gastronomy. Church spokesman Scott Trotter says the church has no immediate developmental plans. By virtue of their numerous business affiliates, the LDS Church is now downtown Salt Lake City’s largest landowner.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) – A former Juab County Deputy Clerk has been appointed by the Obama administration to serve on the USDA’s Farm Service Agency State Committee in Utah. Ruth Ann George was picked by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to help farmers and ranchers build and maintain successful operations that produce the safe, nutritious food supply that America needs, while spurring economic development in our nation’s rural communities. George grew up on a farm in central Utah and learned to appreciate the value of agriculture early in her life. She was President of the Utah Cattlewomen’s Association and served on the Kanosh Town Planning Commission for eight years. George is joined by Chairperson Timm Munns of Snowville and Brent Money of Spanish Fork.

(PRICE) – Sen. Bob Bennett will hold his Annual Rural Business Conference Feb. 18-19 in Price at the Carbon County Event Center. Bennett says the event will include keynote address by Steve Appleton, CEO of Micron Technology, who will focus his remarks on energy development and how to help small businesses succeed in rural Utah. Bennett said the Obama administration has taken steps to further delay domestic energy production by adding to the bureaucratic red tape and this business conference will demonstrate what small businessmen can do to overcome the burdens of government and provide tools and tips necessary to improve business and thrive in today’s economy. The conference will also include workshops on strategies for marketing and sales, building a home-based business, acquiring capital for small business, community economic growth, developing social media strategies and rural business growth. The event is free to the public and a includes a free breakfast and lunch.

The Sevier Valley Center in Richfield hosted the Region 12 Drill Team Competition yesterday. In the Military category ,Richfield took first place, with Emery second, and Juab third. In Dance ,it was Emery first, Manti second and Richfield third. In the Kick category, Emery took first again, along with Manti receiving second and Richfield third. The overall winners included Manti in third place, Richfield taking second, and the overall winner of this years competition was Emery. All six teams including Emery, Richfield, Manti, Juab, North Sanpete and Delta have qualified to go to the State competition which will be held at U.V.U on Saturday, January 30th.

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP)—Nyeshia Stevenson had 23 points for the #13 Oklahoma Lady Sooners as they edged the Missouri Lady Tigers, 62-61 Wednesday in Top 25 women’s college basketball action. Danielle Robinson chipped in with 16 points and Amanda Thompson (who scored the game-winner) added 13 points and 11 boards for the Lady Sooners, who improved to 13-4 with the win. Jessra Johnson had 16 points in the loss for Missouri. In other Top 25 action Wednesday, #10 Xavier crushed St. Louis, 92-50, #11 West Virginia hammered Marshall, 74-42, #23 Texas overpowered #17 Oklahoma State, 77-63 and #21 Iowa State waxed Kansas, 53-42.

SAN ANTONIO (AP)—Carlos Boozer amassed 31 points and 13 rebounds while Andrei Kirilenko added 26 points as the Utah Jazz swept their four-game season series with the San Antonio Spurs by virtue of a 105-98 win Wednesday at AT&T Center in NBA action. The season sweep for the Jazz over San Antonio commemorates the first time it’s happened in 16 years while incidentally, the Jazz also eliminated the Spurs in the playoffs in 1994 with a 3-1 series win. After falling behind by 10 points early in the 2nd Quarter, Utah hit their stride midway through the period and seized control for good in the 3rd Quarter as they outscored San Antonio, 29-20 in the stanza. Manu Ginobili had 22 points and eight assists in the loss for the Spurs. The win improved the Jazz to 24-18 and kept them just behind Houston for the last playoff spot in the Western Conference. Despite the loss, San Antonio, at 25-16, is currently in fourth place in the West. In other NBA action Wednesday, Atlanta tripped up Sacramento, 108-97, Orlando waxed Indiana, 109-98, Portland stonewalled Philadelphia, 98-90, Dallas edged Washington, 94-93, Charlotte embarrassed Miami, 104-65, Detroit upset Boston, 92-86, New Orleans got past Memphis, 113-111, Milwaukee stymied Toronto, 113-107, Oklahoma City snuck past Minnesota, 94-92, Phoenix scorched New Jersey, 118-94, Denver outgunned Golden State, 123-118 in overtime and the Los Angeles Clippers bested Chicago, 104-97.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—1.5 million strollers are being recalled after some children had their fingers amputated. The recall includes certain model numbers of Graco’s Passage, Alano and Spree strollers and travel systems. The problem lies in the canopy hinges and the company has received reports of five children having their fingertips severed. Two others got cut as their parents were opening or closing the canopies.

(SARATOGA SPRINGS)—A 30-year-old man died Tuesday after ingesting a chemical substance while working at a chemical plant in Payson. Now, questions are being raised about how he ingested the chemical and why the company allowed the man to go home. The chemical Maurice Lacayo ingested was selenomethionine, a salenom-based amino acid believed to be helpful in treating cancer. According to neighbors, Lacayo was working as a temp for the Sabinsa Corporation in Payson, which uses the substance in one of its products. When Lacayo opened the substance, it puffed into his face. Lacayo began feeling sick, so he called his wife to pick him up and upon his arrival at home, he began to vomit. He was then taken to a nearby Intermountain Healthcare InstaCare clinic, but once medical personnel learned he’d been exposed to a chemical, he was transported to American Fork Hospital, where he died shortly after arrival of cardiac arrest. Tuesday night, hazmat crews quarantined Lacayo’s house and the clinic Wednesday morning, it was determined everyone exposed to him was OK. Police say their next step is to perform an autopsy on Lacayo and dig further in to how he was exposed at the plant.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—A Utah state lawmaker wants to tax Utah’s richest residents to pay for education. Democratic Representative Brian King of Salt Lake City is sponsoring the bill, which calls for those earning more than $250,000 a year to pay a 1 percent tax income increase. The bill would increase the tax by 2 percent for those earning more than $750,000. King tells the Deseret News the idea is to help fund the anticipated growth in Utah’s public school system, which he says is not addressed by Governor Gary Herbert’s proposed budget. The bill would affect less than 2 percent of the state’s population and would raise about $350 million. King tells the paper those earning more than $750,000 are in the “best position” to help Utah pull out of its severe financial crisis.

(Manti) The Sanpete County Courthouse may receive some much needed upgrades thanks to money provided by the Federal Government for energy efficiency improvements. According to County Commissioner Steve Frischknecht, the state has received about nine million dollars to help the counties improve energy efficiency in their buildings, and Sanpete County is applying some of that money. Commissioner Frischknecht commented that the county could save thirty percent on energy cost just by replacing the old boiler heating system at the courthouse. Officials are also hoping to replace some of the lighting in the courthouse to a more efficient type. The savings would be welcome in a time when budgets are shrinking and costs are rising. The money is being offered as a non-matching grant, which means the county will not have to come up with any money to contribute if the application is approved.

(RICHFIELD) – A nine-month long drug investigation involving individuals in three counties in South-Central Utah has resulted in several arrests with more pending. The Central Utah Narcotics Task Force, along with the Richfield Police Department, Piute and Wayne County Sheriff’s Offices and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, arrested six people last Thursday on drug charges. Those arrested included 38-year old, Manuel Miramontes of Monroe, 21-year old, Roberto Vargas and 44-year old, Jesus Hurtado, both of Richfield, 37-year old, Alberto Rodriguez of Loa, 39-year old, Enrique Zubia of Circleville and 16-year old, Jesus Terrazas of Elsinore. All were arrested for Distribution of a Controlled Substance and other drug-related charges. The investigation continues with more arrests to follow.

LOS ANGELES (AP)—Patrick Marleau and Ryane Clowe scored two goals apiece and the San Jose Sharks sunk the Los Angeles Kings, 5-1 Tuesday at STAPLES Center in NHL action. Dan Boyle also scored for the Sharks, who were fresh off of a 9-1 rout of the Calgary Flames Monday before their dismantling of the Kings. By virtue of Ottawa’s 4-1 win over Chicago, the Sharks now have the best mark in the NHL standings with 74 points through 51 games. Wayne Simmonds scored the sole goal in defeat for Los Angeles. In other NHL action Tuesday, the New York Rangers crushed Tampa Bay, 8-2, Philadelphia bested Columbus, 5-3, Washington edged Detroit, 3-2, Atlanta got past Toronto, 4-3, Pittsburgh stonewalled the New York Islanders, 6-4, and Anaheim outlasted Buffalo, 5-4.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP)-J.T. Durley posted 19 points and Graham Hatch added 14 more as the Wichita State Shockers clipped the #22 Northern Iowa Panthers, 60-51 Tuesday at the Koch Arena in men’s Top 25 college basketball action. The Shockers improved to 17-3 with the win and amassed their second win of the season over a Top 25 opponent, having previously dismantled then#16 Texas Tech December 19 and have now won 12 consecutive home games. The win improved Wichita State to 17-3 and 6-2 in Missouri Valley conference play. Jordan Eglseder had 12 points in the loss for the Panthers, who suffered only their second loss of the season in 18 games. In other Top 25 action Tuesday, #8 Tennessee outlasted Alabama, 63-56, #15 Purdue surged past Illinois, 84-78, #18 Georgia Tech edged #16 Clemson, 66-64 and #25 Ohio State crushed Northwestern, 76-56.

MANTI, Utah (AP)—Kirill Jordan had 20 points and the American Leadership Eagles pummeled the Manti Templars, 73-50 Tuesday in non-region boys basketball action. Kyle Moore had 17 points in the loss for Manti.

FILLMORE, Utah (AP)—Tressa Lyman had 22 points for the Enterprise Lady Wolves in a 65-41 dismantling of the Millard Lady Eagles in Region 13 girls basketball action Tuesday. Keri Brunson’s 13 points led the way for Millard in defeat.

PAROWAN, Utah (AP)—Samantha Houston amassed 22 points and Kelly Livingston added 17 more as the Kanab Cowgirls got past the Parowan Lady Rams, 53-47 Tuesday in Region 13 girls basketball action.

(LAYTON)—States are increasingly collecting unused and expired prescription drugs from America’s medicine cabinets, with several reporting a record haul in 2009. As the programs grow, some worry about sustaining the locally funded efforts and are floating legislation to have pharmaceutical companies foot the bill. Initially motivated by concerns about flushed pharmaceuticals reaching drinking water supplies, programs are also surging for another reason, prescription drug overdoses. Utah, for instance, saw a 500 percent jump in the number of deaths attributed to pain medications between 1999 and 2007. In Utah, nearly 40 medication-collection bins have been placed in police department lobbies. State officials say 5,000 pounds of unused medications have been collected since 2007.

(OREM)—Utah Valley University is looking for a new name for its events center that until last Tuesday was named after a former prophet and president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The school says the original donors of the events center, who requested David O McKay’s name be used, now say it’s time for the school to remove the names in a fundraising endeavor to raise more money. McKay’s name has been transferred to the school’s education building, which university president Matthew Holland says is a fitting honor since President McKay spent much of his life furthering education. President Holland also said the school has seen enormous growth while experiencing budget cuts of 17 percent or higher. It is currently looking for opportunities to help feel its monetary needs as well. Some students say they’re unhappy with the move, saying the school lost part of its history with the name removal. At the events center, the statue of President McKay has been moved to the education building. The school is hoping for a good-sized but fair-market value price for the naming rights even in a tough economy because the building is the most visible on campus. The school will now commence accepting naming rights offers from businesses and individuals. At this point, it’s unsure what the asking price will be and where the money will be used once naming rights are sold.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—A new poll says Utahns favor raising college tuition over program cuts. The Deseret News/KSL-TV survey of 419 residents was conducted statewide last week by Dan Jones and Associates. The poll found 43 percent definitely or probably support raising tuition, while 32 percent say the state should definitely or probably cut programs. Utah’s nine state-funded colleges and universities have already lost 940 jobs and a number of programs.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Utah state lawmakers are considering some changes in gun laws that would allow concealed-carry permit holders to show off their guns or verbally threaten deadly force if they feel lives are in danger. The bill’s sponsor, Representative Stephen Sandstrom or Orem says the law, HB78, would clarify what he feels is an implied, but not a written, right. He says brandishing a weapon for any reason other than self-defense would continue to be illegal. Some gun control advocates have criticized the proposed legislation, saying allowing someone to show a weapon during an intense situation only makes matters worse and can lead to violence or death.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—The Utah Shakespearean Festival has received a $3 million grant to help with the construction of a new theater. Festival Executive Director R. Scott Phillips says the grant from the George S. and Delores Dore Eccles Foundation is the single-largest gift received by the Tony-award winning production. The $33.7 million project calls for tearing down the 40-year-old, outdoor Adams Theater on the campus of Southern Utah University in Cedar City and building a new facility a block away. The new theater would anchor the Utah Shakespearean Festival for the Arts and would resemble the Adams Theater, but have state-of-the-art amenities and a retractable roof for inclement weather. Thus far, $1.6 million has been raised for the project while another $5.5 million is needed before construction can start.

(RICHFIELD) – Delays in the construction of a new building for the Central Utah Food Sharing Program has created a shortfall in funding to complete the building. Director Roene Shaw says she’ll have to go before the Community Impact Board in Salt Lake City in the spring to ask for more money. Shaw said funding for the project has been going on for six months but the design and engineering of the building has caused delays in getting the project out for bid. She said the engineer must now make the plans fit the building that was purchased. Richfield City was also able to get two grants for the project, making the city the owner of the building. City officials said they will lease the building to the Central Utah Food Sharing Program when it’s completed. Shaw also commented that directors applied for grants from the LDS Church and another foundation but were not able to secure them. She said due to the funding problems, money has not been available to complete the project.

(MILLS) – An animal by-products plant in Juab County could be shut down due to environmental violations, financial woes and family squabbles. According to a Deseret News report, John Kuhni Sons of Mills, has been fighting for years over ownership of the company since they moved from Provo to the Juab County location in the tiny town of Mills. In January of 2005, Juab County Sheriff’s Deputies and officials from the Central Utah Public Health Department, found a 10-foot deep pit next to the plant containing “raw, untreated high-strength slaughterhouse waste” and the following month, found waste water running from the plant into nearby Chicken Creek. Division of Water Quality officials took samples and discovered fecal bacteria and other contaminants. Six other violations were also found at the company, including the illegal dumping of boiler water on private property in Sanpete, Juab and Utah Counties. Plant managers blame the disposal problems on equipment failures, operator error and misunderstandings and said state fines of over $200,000 would force the company to close its doors. State officials say the county needs the plant to avoid dumping of animal carcasses in landfills but the company needs to comply with state regulations in order to remain open.

(DAMMERON VALLEY) – A power outage affecting more than 1500 residents in Washington County Monday night took crews almost 13 hours to restore. Rocky Mountain Power officials said the outage started just before 10pm but crews were unable to find the cause, even after reclosing circuit breakers to restore power. RMP said about 1150 customers remained powerless until the problem was found at a substation in Middleton where a switch had failed. Crews were able to restore power completely to the few remaining customers by 11pm Monday.

BLACKSBURG, Va. (AP)—Monica Wright had 27 points and the #24 Virginia Lady Cavaliers pummeled their in-state rivals, the Virginia Tech Lady Hokies, 70-56 Monday in women’s Top 25 college basketball action. Wright made 11 of her 17 field goal attempts on the game for the Lady Cavs, who improved to 12-5 on the season. Utahya Drye had 18 points, seven boards and six assists in the loss for the Lady Hokies, which dropped them to 11-6 on the season. In other Top 25 action Monday, #1 Connecticut decimated #7 Duke, 81-48.

BOSTON (AP)—After getting uncharacteristically blown out by the Toronto Raptors Sunday, Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle wanted his Mavs to reassert themselves defensively. If Monday evening’s 99-90 win over the Boston Celtics is any indication, the Mavericks have taken Carlisle’s message to heart. While Boston was able to make more than 50 percent of their shots, Dallas used a 34-18 surge in the 3rd Quarter to seize control of the game en route to their 27th win of the season against 14 losses. Dirk Nowitzki had 37 points and seven rebounds for Dallas in the win, while Jason Kidd added 13 points and seven assists for the Mavericks. Paul Pierce had 24 points and Ray Allen stepped up with 21 more for the Celtics, who lost their third consecutive home game. In other NBA action Monday, New York downed Detroit, 99-91, Washington stunned Portland, 97-92, Oklahoma City clipped Atlanta, 94-91, Charlotte held off Sacramento, 105-103, Houston outlasted Milwaukee, 101-98 in overtime, San Antonio waxed New Orleans, 97-90, the Los Angeles Clippers stonewalled New Jersey, 106-95, Minnesota surged past Philadelphia, 108-103 in overtime, Golden State smacked Chicago, 114-97, Memphis outgunned Phoenix, 125-118 and the Los Angeles Lakers humbled Orlando, 98-92.

(HIGHLAND)—The city of Highland in Utah County has gotten rid of its $5,000-a-month lobbyist. New city mayor Lynn Ritchie says the new council members had asked to review the contract and discontinue it as soon as possible because of the cost. The city hired a lobbyist about a year ago to push for funding for an $8 million visitors center and administrative building near the mouth of American Fork Canyon. Although the city won’t use its own building, elected officials had defended the decision to hire the lobbyist because they said the city benefited from tourism in the canyon. The project has received $1.6 million from Congress.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Although a winter storm has moved into Utah, officials are still warning northern Utah residents about poor air quality across several counties. The Utah Department of Environmental Quality has called a “red” day for Salt Lake, Davis and Weber counties on Monday. In extreme northern Utah, Cache County was also having a red day Monday.

(Manti) The State Legislative session will begin on January 25th, and one of the big issues that is taking shape this year is intrusion by the Federal Government on the rights guaranteed to the states by the United States Constitution. Under the threat of Federally mandated health care and possible cap and trade legislation, state leaders are looking to exert the right of the state to opt out of mandates levied by the Federal Government in areas that are reserved for the states under the Constitution. Outside of the rights issue, the other half of the threat is the cost of the programs that would be forced on the state, and the strain it would put on an already tight budget. State Senator Ralph Okerlund commented that while the Federal bills are still being debated and the language is not final, the Legislature will do its best to exert the rights of the state in a general way to try and cover the bases. As an example Okerlund says that he will co-sponsor a bill to protect the right to keep and bear arms in the state as a pre-emptive measure in case Congress moves to further restrict gun ownership.

DENVER (AP)—Carmelo Anthony amassed 37 points and Chauncey Billups stepped up with 29 more as the Denver Nuggets outgunned the Utah Jazz, 119-112 Sunday at Pepsi Center in NBA action. Nene Hilario stepped up with 18 more points for Denver as the Nuggets improved to 26-14. Deron Williams had 23 points and 13 assists to pace Utah in the loss, which dropped them to 23-18. In other NBA action Sunday, Toronto waxed Dallas, 110-88.

HOUSTON (AP)—Errol Nolan of Houston placed first in the mens’ 400-meter dash to help lead the Cougars to a first-place finish at the Hilton Invitational Saturday at the University of Houston. Nolan’s teammate, Chris Carter, placed first in the long jump as the Cougars amassed 135 points overall. In the women’s division, the Rice Lady Owls took first with 127 points as Keltie John placed first in the women’s 800-meter dash and the Lady Owls placed first in the medley as well.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP)—Kansas State’s Jason Coniglio swept titles in the men’s 60 and 300-meter dashes to headline numerous strong showings at the Kansas State Indoor Track Invitational Saturday. Other wins came from Kansas State’s Erik Kynard and Dezso Szabo in the long jump and pole vault respectively. As for the women, Kansas State’s Emilee Morris won the mile run while her teammate Chelsie Bonds placed first in the weight throw.

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio (AP)—Shanaye Carr placed first in the women’s 60-meter hurdles to help lead the Central Michigan Lady Chippewas to the title at the Bowling Green Challenge Saturday. Also bolstering Central Michigan’s victory was Erika Schroll’s first-place finish in the high jump while Tanisha Johnson placed first in the triple jump for the Lady Chippewas, who amassed 135.50 points. Placing second was Dayton with 129.50 points and the Miami (Ohio) Lady Redhawks finished third with 115.50 points.

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP)—Brittainey Raven had 20 points and the #21 Texas Lady Longhorns got past the Texas Tech Lady Red Raiders, 95-90 in overtime Saturday in Top 25 women’s college basketball action. Ashleigh Fontonette posted 16 points and 11 rebounds for the Lady Horns, who improved to 12-5 with the win. Jordan Murphree and Ashlee Roberson each had 29 points in the loss for the Lady Raiders. In other Top 25 action Saturday, #2 Stanford smacked Washington, 66-51, #1 Connecticut clipped #3 Notre Dame, 70-46, #19 Oklahoma State bested Kansas State, 66-56, #12 Xavier dismantled La Salle, 73-47, #17 Wisconsin-Green Bay hammered Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 74-53, #18 Georgetown snuck past Louisville, 60-56, #20 Iowa State humbled Colorado, 68-62 and South Florida upset #25 Syracuse, 73-64.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP)—C.J. Miles had 19 points and Deron Williams added 18 points and six assists as the Utah Jazz bested the Milwaukee Bucks, 112-95 Saturday at EnergySolutions Arena in NBA action. The Jazz who shot a scintillating 56 percent from the field won their season-best fourth consecutive game to improve to 23-17. Mehmet Okur added 15 points and 12 boards for the Jazz, while the Bucks were led by Carlos Delfino’s career-high 28 points in the loss which dropped them to 16-22. In other NBA action Saturday, New Orleans held off Indiana, 101-96, Washington stonewalled Sacramento, 96-86, Charlotte hammered Phoenix, 125-99, Detroit ousted New York, 94-90, Oklahoma City stormed past Miami, 98-80, Memphis humbled San Antonio, 92-86 and Cleveland surged past the Los Angeles Clippers, 102-101.

MONROE, Utah (AP)—Dillon Bishoff led the way with 21 points and the South Sevier Rams blasted the Grand Red Devils, 86-33 in Region 15 boys basketball action Saturday.

SALINA, Utah (AP)—Derrick Christensen posted 30 points and Daniel Hales added 16 more as the North Sevier Wolves outlasted the San Juan Broncos, 74-70 Saturday in Region 15 boys basketball action.

MOAB, Utah (AP)—Kayla King posted 33 points and the South Sevier Lady Rams steamrolled the Grand Lady Red Devils, 60-43 in Region 15 girls basketball action Saturday.

BLANDING, Utah (AP)—McKinzie Robins had 15 points to lead the North Sevier Lady Wolves to a 40-29 win over the San Juan Lady Broncos Saturday in Region 15 girls basketball action.

CALGARY, Alberta, Canada (AP)—Patric Hornqvist scored the sole goal of the game and Dan Ellis added 22 saves as the Nashville Predators humbled the Calgary Flames, 1-0 Friday at the Pengrowth Saddledome in NHL action. Nashville has won three consecutive games and improved their record to 29-16-3 with the victory. Mikka Kiprusoff had 20 saves in the loss for the Flames, which dropped them to 26-16-6. In other NHL action Friday, Washington decimated Toronto, 6-1.

MANTI, Utah (AP)—Kyle Moore and Russ Hugentobler had 17 points apiece and the Manti Templars outlasted the Delta Rabbits, 57-51 Friday in Region 12 boys basketball action. Colin Christensen and Taylor Shamo each had 12 points in the loss for Delta.

NEPHI, Utah (AP)—Brady Hansen keyed a balanced scoring attack with 10 points and the Juab Wasps held off the North Sanpete Hawks, 42-37 in Region 12 boys basketball action Friday. Dallen Bird had 20 points in the loss for the Hawks.

CASTLE DALE, Utah (AP)—Nevin Jensen posted 18 points and the Emery Spartans hammered the Richfield Wildcats, 76-57 Friday in Region 12 boys basketball action. Tyler Thomas amassed 21 points in defeat for Richfield.

ENTERPRISE, Utah (AP)—Kyle West had 29 points and the Enterprise Wolves got past the Kanab Cowboys, 64-58 in Region 13 boys basketball action Friday. Craig Brinkerhoff’s 15 points led the way for Kanab in the loss.

BEAVER, Utah (AP)—Mike Louder had 13 points for the Millard Eagles in a 48-36 win over the Beaver Beavers Friday in Region 13 boys basketball action. Robbie Gurr had nine points in the loss for Beaver.

SALINA, Utah (AP)—Colton Piep and Derrick Christensen each had 20 points and the North Sevier Wolves stonewalled the Grand Red Devils, 74-52 in Region 15 boys basketball action Friday.

MONROE, Utah (AP)—Dillon Bishoff had 21 points while Race Parsons added 15 more as the South Sevier Rams bludgeoned the San Juan Broncos, 70-43 Friday in Region 15 boys basketball action.

MOAB, Utah (AP)—Shelby Dalton led all scorers with 26 points as the Grand Lady Red Devils got past the North Sevier Lady Wolves, 53-46 in Region 15 girls basketball action Friday. McKinzie Robins had 12 points in the loss for North Sevier.

BLANDING, Utah (AP)—Kayla King had 22 points as the South Sevier Lady Rams crushed the San Juan Lady Broncos, 43-24 Friday in Region 15 girls basketball action.

JUNCTION, Utah (AP)—Kandice Gleave had 27 points and Loni Allan stepped up with 18 more to lead the Piute Lady Thunderbirds to a 71-50 rout of the Bryce Valley Lady Mustangs in Region 20 girls basketball action Friday. Kaylea Shakespeare and Sydney Cornforth each had 12 points in the loss for Bryce Valley.

ORDERVILLE, Utah (AP)—Kayla Maxwell posted 14 points for the Valley Lady Buffaloes in a 44-27 win over the Escalante Lady Moquis Friday in Region 20 girls basketball action. Lindsey Phillips had 13 points in the loss for Escalante.

BICKNELL, Utah (AP)—Cassey Manzanares had 10 points for the Wayne Lady Badgers as they bested the Milford Lady Tigers, 44-33 in Region 20 girls basketball action Friday.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Salt Lake City police are searching for suspects in an early morning grocery store robbery. Officers said the suspect approached the night manager of a Salt Lake City Smith’s grocery store just after 5:00 a.m. Friday and placed a gun at his back. The robber forced him to open the safe in the store, then forced him into a car in the parking lot. Police said the suspects duct taped the victim’s hands, blindfolded him and drove to him another location where he was released. The manager told police he never saw any of his attackers.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—A car struck an 11-year-old girl who was riding her bike to school Friday morning in Salt Lake City, and the driver kept going. Salt Lake City police said the girl was crossing 300 South and West Temple in a crosswalk when a car made a turn and hit her. She was thrown to the ground, but suffered only minor injuries. A passer-by stopped to help the girl get up and make sure she was OK. She then rode her bike the rest of the way to school. Police said they hoped the person who helped the girl got a good look at the car that hit her, since they’re bereft of a description at this point.

(KANAB)—It’s become easier to recycle at the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. There are 17 new community recycling trailers being distributed around Lake Powell and Glen Canyon, primarily at boat ramps and marinas around the park. One is at the park’s headquarters in Page, Ariz. The blue and green trailers have separate bins for cardboard, plastic, aluminum and glass. They’re replacing older and smaller recycling bins in the park. Collected material will be shipped to recyclers in Utah, Arizona and California.

(LEHI) – Lehi High School has been placed on lockdown due to a bomb threat this morning. News reports also say that I-15 on and off ramps at Lehi Main Street have been closed because of the threat. Police say that students have not been evacuated but are being kept in their classrooms until the threat is evaluated and the school is searched. Officials say the threat was phoned in at about noon today. Bomb sniffing dogs are also on the scene.

(PRICE) – A Sandy man has admitted to choking his friend to death during a fight last year at a Carbon County campground. At the 7th District Court in Price on Wednesday, 23-year old, Paul Willson pled guilty to a lesser count of third-degree felony homicide by assault, in the death of 20-year old, Jonathan Tobey during a mutual friend’s overnight birthday party on Aug. 7. Willson faces up to five years in prison when he will be sentenced by Judge George Harmond on March 3. According to court filings, Willson and Tobey were planning to spend the night with three others near Soldier Summit at the Price Recreation Area, when they began fighting over an incident involving two female campers. Court records said that Tobey had been drinking heavily during the altercation with Willson and the fight got out of hand. Willson apparently accidently caused the death of Tobey while trying to restrain him.

(RICHFIELD) – Richfield City officials are proud of the success of a compliance program that was implemented two years ago to solve nuisance problems throughout the city. Mayor Brad Ramsay says most residents have responded positively to the hiring of an Enforcement Officer to educate the public on compliance with the program. Billingsley addressed the city council at this week’s meeting stating that out of the total of 675 Notices of Violation issued since 2007, 618 home and business owners have complied with the ordinance, resulting in a 92% compliant rate. Ramsay said that occasionally, a ten-day notice has been given for aggravated or hazardous conditions on private and business property in the city and if not complied with in that time, a second notice has been given with another 10-30 days to comply. If non-compliance continues, Ramsay said the final step in the process is legal action or abatement procedures.

(RICHFIELD) – Sports clubs and all-star leagues may have to pay a fee if they use facilities in the Sevier School District. Richfield Parks and Recreation Director Paul Foster said the District is developing a policy to require a fee from general user groups to use school facilities. The proposed policy has caused the public to look for other options so they don’t have to pay the fee and have asked the city to organize club and all-star leagues in order for the programs to continue. Foster said his department is not considering any options to organize public programs because most of them duplicate programs already offered by the city. He said public programs are “inclusive” which eliminates participants who are not allowed to tryout for the teams and they’re generally expensive. In addition, Foster said the city is liable for every aspect of a recreation program, including participants, officials, scorekeepers, site supervisors, coaches and other program volunteers. Foster addressed his concerns at the Richfield City Council meeting held this week.

MILFORD, Utah (AP)—Tyler Denny had 22 points and the Milford Tigers mowed over the Panguitch Bobcats, 61-47 Thursday in Region 20 boys basketball action. Eric Frandsen had 17 points to pace Panguitch in defeat.

ESCALANTE, Utah (AP)—Jaylen Christensen had 18 points while Kelton Price and Tyson Westwood each had 16 more as the Piute Thunderbirds decimated the Escalante Moquis, 75-27 in Region 20 boys basketball action Thursday. Paul Sorenson had 10 points in defeat for the Moquis.

ORDERVILLE, Utah (AP)—Lance Maxwell posted 30 points and the Valley Buffaloes smacked the Wayne Badgers, 68-49 in Region 20 boys basketball action Thursday. Zach Taylor had 14 points for the Badgers in the loss.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)—Brooke Bliss had 25 points and the Richfield Lady Wildcats outlasted the Emery Lady Spartans, 65-64 Thursday in Region 12 girls basketball action. Taylor Mann had 28 points for Emery in defeat.

DELTA, Utah (AP)—Kaity Diaz had 17 points and the Delta Lady Rabbits dismantled the Manti Lady Templars, 43-20 in Region 12 girls basketball action at the Palladium Thursday.

FILLMORE, Utah (AP)—Hannah Snyder’s 16 points led the way for the Beaver Lady Beavers in a 49-30 rout of the Millard Lady Eagles Thursday in Region 13 girls basketball action. Keri Brunson had 11 points in defeat for Millard.

KANAB, Utah (AP)—Tressa Lyman paced Enterprise with 14 points as the Lady Wolves bested the Kanab Cowgirls, 42-27 in Region 13 girls basketball action Thursday. Calli Jackson and Kaylee Glover each had eight points in defeat for Kanab.

(SALT LAKE CITY) – A Logan woman who had just arrived in Haiti for a 10-day humanitarian mission survived the earthquake that hit the country on Tuesday. Carol Smith was in the city of Bon Repos, near Port-au-Prince, working at an orphanage and called her daughter on a satellite phone, saying she was alright. Smith said the devastation is unbelievable. The earthquake hit, one day after Smith landed in Haiti. She and her friend, Mandi McBride, who are both nurses from Logan, went to help at Ruuska Village, an orphanage seven miles outside Port-au-Prince. The orphanage is still standing but Smith said the earthquake destroyed the two neighboring villages. Some people in the building next to them were killed. Initial reports say the earthquake killed nearly 500,000 people.

(PORTLAND, Maine)—A 55-year-old Utah man has been sentenced to 23 years in prison in connection with a two-day robbery spree of four businesses in Maine. U.S. Attorney Paula Sisby said Thursday that Richard Campbell of Salt Lake City was sentenced to 20 years for the four robberies and an additional three years for violation of supervised release. At the time of the robberies last February, Campbell was on supervised release out of Utah after serving 17 years for bank robbery. Silsby said Campbell robbed a hair salon, coffee shop and a cleaners in Portland as well as a shoestore in Westbrook, Maine.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—An assistant professor at the University of Utah’s school of music has been nominated for a Grammy award. Mezzo-soprano Kirsten Gunlogson is a contender in the category of best classical album of 2009 for her performance on the album, “Ravel: L’Enfant Et Les Sortileges, with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra. A news release stated Gunlogson is honored to be nominated for the award. The winners will be announced at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards Sunday January 31 at Los Angeles. Gunlogson has an extensive performance history nationwide and has performed with the Utah Symphony and Opera.

(TAYLORSVILLE) – The earthquake in Haiti has left many Utahns wondering if their friends and loved ones are safe in a country where over 500,000 people have perished. Hernandez Honore of Taylorsville left Haiti ten years ago because its brutal internal politics made it too dangerous for him to stay. He’s now a cab driver but was once the mayor’s bodyguard and chief of security for Port-au-Prince. Honore’s brother is still the chief of police in that capitol city but with the city in ruins, he hasn’t been able to reach him. He hopes with the catastrophe, the people of Haiti will set aside politics and come together to rescue the nation. He said that America is a close neighbor of Haiti, just an hour and a half from Miami by airplane and there’s probably never been a needier neighbor.

(CENTERFIELD) – Centerfield Police apprehended a suspected burglar covered in manure in a field Wednesday morning. Centerfield Police Chief Brett McCall said when officers attempted to make an arrest at a residence, a 19-year old suspect from Texas bolted into a field. McCall said officers had been investigating a burglary in Centerfield over the weekend and served search warrants on the suspects at about 11:30am Wednesday when the suspect fled. He said the man was covered in manure in a field owned by David Beck located in the southwest quadrant of Centerfield. Police had to “bag” the man in an orange UDOT trash bag because of the mess and smell. Several suspects in the burglary were taken into custody while the investigation continues.

WACO, Texas (AP)—Kelli Griffin and Shanay Washington had 12 points apiece for the #9 Baylor Lady Bears as they got past the #13 Oklahoma Lady Sooners, 57-47 Wednesday in Top 25 women’s college basketball action. Brittany Griner added 12 points, 11 blocks and nine rebounds for Baylor, as the Lady Bears improved to 14-2 with the win. Danielle Robinson had 15 points in defeat for the Lady Sooners, as they fell to 11-4 with the loss. In other Top 25 action Wednesday, #1 Connecticut overpowered Marquette, 68-43, #8 Texas A&M bludgeoned #20 Iowa State, 68-44 and #25 Syracuse bested Rutgers, 79-66.

DALLAS (AP)—Andrew Bynum had 22 points and 11 rebounds in one of his better performances of the season and the Los Angeles Lakers got past the Dallas Mavericks, 100-95 Wednesday at American Airlines Center in NBA action. Dirk Nowitzki scored his 20,000th career point for Dallas in the loss and had 30 points and 16 rebounds overall but was unable to lead the Mavs to their 26th win of the season. The win improved the Lakers to 30-9 and enabled them to swiftly bounce back from a 105-85 defeat they suffered at the hands of the Spurs Tuesday evening in San Antonio. As for Nowitzki, he became the 1st European to hit the 20,000 point mark and only the third from outside the United States. In other NBA action Wednesday, Atlanta overpowered Washington, 94-82, Indiana outgunned Phoenix, 122-114, New York edged Philadelphia, 93-92, Boston pummeled New Jersey, 111-87, New Orleans stung the Los Angeles Clippers, 108-94, San Antonio ousted Oklahoma City, 109-108 in overtime, Houston surged past Minnesota, 120-114 in triple overtime, Denver stymied Orlando, 115-97, Portland bested Milwaukee, 120-108 and Miami scorched Golden State, 115-102.

(RICHFIELD) – Sales revenues in Richfield continue to spiral downward. At the city council meeting Tuesday night, Finance Director Mike Langston presented the council with last year’s financial report, saying that the city’s sales taxes are down by $132,000. Langston also stated that funds for road construction throughout the city are down $35,000. He said the problem originated when the national economy tanked in the latter part of 2008 and most municipalities never recovered, including Richfield. Langston said the 300 North Street project to 300 West may need to be reviewed to complete the project.

(SANDY)—The U.S. Census Bureau says a new Utah call center for the 2010 census will employ about 1,500 people. The center, located in Sandy, is one of 11 national facilities that will provide information and a hot line for the 2010 census. The jobs will last about eight months. Full and part-time workers will field questions about the census after residents have received their forms in the mail. Three Salt Lake Valley temporary-staffing companies have been retained to fill the jobs. Special consideration will be given to those who can speak a foreign language. The hourly rate will start at $11.18 and pay will be higher for team leaders and those with special language skills.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Starting this week, garbage truck drivers with Salt Lake County’s sanitation division will start on a new four-day workweek. While the new schedule will save the division money, it also presents possible safety hazards. The county garbage trucks work in areas near schools in the Granite, Jordan and Canyons districts. Thus far, two schools have taken up the division’s offer to come and visit. Division spokeswoman Lorna Vogt says the division has tried to adjust driving routes to keep trucks away from school zones. She also says trucks will be collecting garbage five days a week as the drivers will be on varying four-day schedules.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—A new bill would get rid of a law forcing Salt Lake County school districts to pony up some of their money for school equalization. Each school district in the county sends millions of dollars to the Jordan School District which has struggled financially since its split. New Salt Lake City Senator Ben McAdams says taxpayers are willing to pay for the right things, but this law is bad public policy. Salt Lake City gives $7 million to the Jordan School District which McAdams says is the amount of money just bonded for the new Public Safety Building. McAdams wants the law repealed and if that doesn’t work, he prefers a sunset provision be put in.

(SALT LAKE CITY)-Do-it-yourself projects may come with some hidden danger for Utahns if they’re taking electrical wiring advice from some recently recalled books. The Consumer Product Safety Commission is recalling nearly 1 million home improvement books published by Oxmoor House. The books focus on electrical wiring and contain incorrect instructions that could lead to dangerous mistakes. The errors in diagrams and wiring instructions could cause people to be shocked or create a fire hazard. In announcing the voluntary recall Friday, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said no incidents have been reported. The 951,000 recalled books have nine different titles, including “Lowe’s Complete Home Improvement and Repair,” and “Sunset You Can Build-Wiring.” They have been sold at bookstores and home improvement stores nationwide for years, some more than three decades ago.

(DRAPER)—Transportation officials are taking public input on plans to extend Utah Transit Authority’s TRAX line. A draft environmental analysis has been completed for extending the existing rail line from Sandy to Draper. UTA is proposing to initially build a short operable segment by 2015 and then extend it at a later date. The study is available for public review and comment until February 5. UTA and the Federal Transit Administration will hold two public hearings on the draft plan later this week.

(SALT LAKE CITY) – A small asteroid passed close to the earth early this morning. Utah NASA Ambassador Patrick Wiggins says the 30-50 foot asteroid is called 2010 AL-30 and passed over the western states just after midnight. He says pictures showed a white dot streaking through the night sky about 80,000 miles from the earth. Astronomers say the tiny asteroid is too small to cause damage if it hit the earth.

(FILLMORE) – The accomplice in a Millard County Deputy’s death was charged Tuesday with obstruction of justice. Court documents show that 36-year old, Ruben Chavez was caught in Beaver with accused murderer, Roberto Roman, last Wednesday morning. The record says that Chavez tried to “delay or prevent” the investigation in the shooting death of 37-year old, Josie Fox of Delta and provided transportation for Roman. Roman was in a car that belonged to Chavez during last week’s shooting. Authorities arrested Chavez and Roman while they were sleeping in a shed. Both men will go to court in Fillmore next week.

(RICHFIELD) – The Richfield Fire Department responded to a house fire Tuesday night at 120 North 400 West. Fire Chief Bryan Burrows says crews were called at about 9:20pm and were able to quickly douse the flames. He said the homeowners were not at home at the time of the fire which caused extensive smoke damage throughout the residence. The homeowners were out of the area at the time of the fire and have been notified. He said fire investigators continue to determine the cause of the fire.

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP)—Patrick Marleau posted two goals and Dany Heatley also scored as the San Jose Sharks humbled the Phoenix Coyotes, 3-1 Tuesday at Jobing.com Arena in NHL action. Marleau’s goals enabled him to remain the NHL’s top scorer as he has 31 goals on the season while later adding an assist. Radim Vrbata scored the sole goal for Phoenix in defeat. The win improved the Sharks to 30-10-7 on the season while the Coyotes fell to 26-16-5. In other NHL action Tuesday, the New York Islanders crushed Detroit, 6-0, New Jersey blanked the New York Rangers, 1-0 in a shootout, Philadelphia doubled up Dallas, 6-3, Carolina gashed Toronto, 4-2, Atlanta pummeled Ottawa, 6-1, Tampa Bay overpowered Washington, 7-4, St. Louis waxed Columbus, 4-1 and Nashville stonewalled Edmonton, 5-3.

BOULDER, Colo. (AP)—Cory Higgins had 16 of his 18 points in the second half and Marcus Relphorde added 17 points as the Colorado Buffaloes upset the #24 Baylor Bears, 78-71 Tuesday at Coors Event Center in men’s Top 25 college basketball action. The win improved the Buffaloes to 10-6 on the season, including 9-0 at home. LaceDarius Dunn had 23 points for the Bears in the loss, which snapped their nine-game winning streak and dropped them to 13-2. Both teams are currently at 1-1 in Big 12 conference play. In other Top 25 action Tuesday, #2 Kentucky surged past Florida, 89-77, Ohio State got past #6 Purdue, 70-66, #12 Kansas State decimated Texas A&M, 88-65 and North Carolina State stunned #25 Florida State, 88-81.

FILLMORE, Utah (AP)—Nate Robison had 18 points and Mike Louder added 13 more as the Millard Eagles got past Cross Creek, 54-48 Tuesday in Region 13 boys basketball action.

MT. PLEASANT, Utah (AP)—Kaity Diaz had 23 points and Tana Henrie added 13 more as the Delta Lady Rabbits stymied the North Sanpete Lady Hawks, 55-40 in Region 12 girls basketball action Tuesday.

CASTLE DALE, Utah (AP)—Jessica Murray and Taylor Mann had 16 points apiece and the Emery Lady Spartans bludgeoned the Juab Lady Wasps, 63-37 Tuesday in Region 12 girls basketball action. Kiz Farrer had 17 points in the loss for Juab.

MANTI, Utah (AP)—Brooke Bliss posted 17 points and Andrea Christensen added 10 more as the Richfield Lady Wildcats doubled up the Manti Lady Templars, 58-29 in Region 12 girls basketball action Tuesday. Shauri Lyon led Manti with 13 points in defeat.

FILLMORE, Utah (AP)—Krystyn Stevens had 16 points for the Millard Lady Eagles in a 53-19 rout of the Cross Creek Lady Bobcats Tuesday in Region 13 girls basketball action.

KANAB, Utah (AP)—Hannah Snyder keyed a balanced scoring attack with 11 points and the Beaver Lady Beavers hammered the Kanab Cowgirls, 52-25 in Region 13 girls basketball action Tuesday. Kaytee Glover had 10 points in the loss for Kanab.

MONROE, Utah (AP)—Janessa Farrer had 14 points and Kayla King added 12 more as the South Sevier Lady Rams crushed the Gunnison Lady Bulldogs, 54-19 Tuesday in Region 15 girls basketball action. Felicia Jensen had five points in the loss for Gunnison.

(KENNESAW, Ga.)—A police spokesman is now saying two people have been killed and three others injured after a disgruntled former employee opened fire at a suburban Atlanta business. Cobb County police spokesman Joe Hernandez says the lone gunman is in custody. Hernandez said the suspect fled the Penske truck rental facility Tuesday in a pickup truck and was arrested about a mile away. Hernandez said the gunman was wearing camouflage. Penske spokesman Randy Ryerson says four of the victims were employees and the other was a customer. The shooting happened in Kennesaw, about 25 miles northwest of Atlanta.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Insisting it’s about health rather than money, a Utah Senator hopes this is the year a tax increase on cigarette sales can get past the legislature. Senator Allen Christensen of North Ogden unveiled his plans to increase the state tax on cigarettes by $1.30 per pack. The current tax is roughly 70 cents. Christensen claimed increasing the tax would prevent more than 14,000 young people from smoking in the future. He also claimed smoking costs every Utah household roughly $500 every year in public health costs associated with tobacco related illnesses. A similar bill last year failed, but Christensen thinks this bill has a reasonable chance. Several lawmakers and the governor have already pledged they wouldn’t increase taxes this year. Christensen said he had it on “good authority” that the governor would sign the bill if it were to make it through the Legislature.

(UTAH COUNTY)—Six Utah County swimming pools or spas have been shut down over the past week because inspectors say they haven’t made required improvements to meet federal safety standards. Just over two years ago, the Virginia Graeme Baker pool and spa safety act was signed into law to ascertain pool drains didn’t suck, trap or entangle and kill someone underwater. The bill was promoted by former Secretary of State James Baker who lost a granddaughter after she became trapped underwater by the suction of a hot tub drain. The state gave pool owners until December 19 of last year to make upgrades before county health departments would have the authority to enforce the act. Utah County then gave pool owners an additional week to be compliant before they began shutting pools down. Some pool owners have decided the upgrades to the drainage system are too costly so they opted to close their pools down instead of cutting open concrete at the bottoms of pools and replacing piping. The pools that were closed were Mt. Timpanogos Village Pool and Spa in American Fork, Elevate Fitness Training Pool, Main Springs Day Spa and Winter Haven Spa in Orem and Liberty Square Apartment Spa and Super 8 Spa in Provo.

(SALT LAKE COUNTY)—In the past two months, 15 Utah Highway Patrol troopers have been hit while assisting stranded motorists along Utah highways. The alarming numbers have compelled troopers to ask drivers to slow down and pay attention. Troopers say there are four thing for motorists to remember when driving in scenes where emergency personnel are stationed after an accident: slow down immediately, move over as much as you can, look for warning signs and hazards ahead of you and focusing on your driving and nothing else.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—The death penalty trial of a man accused of killing two men over bad directions has been delayed. The Deseret News reports the trial was postponed so attorneys for 27-year-old Christian Sweeten will have more time to prepare his self-defense case. Sweeten is accused of fatally shooting Anthony Gaines and Michael Ehlert in September 2008. He said he feared they would harm him after he confronted them about the bad directions. However, investigators say neither men was carrying a weapon and both were shot in the back. Sweeten’s capital murder trial was set to begin April 5. He is now scheduled to return to court April 12 for a status hearing.

(PAROWAN) – Iron County Commissioners rejected a proposed wind ordinance amendment at a hearing Monday due to public opposition to it. Citizens said further studies need to be conducted relating to fire hazards, erosion impact and power transmission corridors associated with wind farms. The Planning Commission had recommended the wind ordinance in advance of Wasatch Wind expressing an interest in building a 1400-acre wind farm in Iron County’s Harmony Mountains on BLM land about five miles north of New Harmony, west of I-15. The original wind ordinance was passed in February of 2008 but it has undergone changes during the past 10 months to create protected zones within the county for wind energy projects without having them obtain conditional use permits. Commissioners said they will now review all concerns on the project, including the original ordinance.

(SALT LAKE CITY) – The Utah Better Business Bureau is warning residents to be cautious about giving unnecessary information to Census workers. With the U.S. Census process beginning, the BBB advises people to be cooperative but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft. The BBB says the first phase of the U.S. Census has begun to verify addresses of households across the country. States will gather information about every person living at each address, including names, ages, gender, race and other relevant data. Relevant data could include salary ranges but legitimate Census workers have no authority to ask questions about your financial situation, social security, or bank account numbers. The BBB says if a Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag and a confidentiality notice.

CALGARY, Alberta, Canada (AP)—Chris Stewart had two goals, including the game-winner in a shootout and the Colorado Avalanche outlasted the Calgary Flames, 3-2 Monday at the Pengrowth Saddledome in NHL action. Paul Stastny also scored for the Avs, while Craig Andersen amassed 44 saves for Colorado in the win, which improved them to 26-15-6 on the season. Rene Bourque and Dustin Boyd each scored in the loss for Calgary, which dropped them to 26-14-6. In other NHL action Monday, Minnesota edged Pittsburgh, 4-3, San Jose doubled up Los Angeles, 2-1 and Nashville bested Vancouver, 3-2.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP)—Scottie Reynolds had 36 points, including 16 in the last 6:05 of regulation and the #4 Villanova Wildcats outgunned the Louisville Cardinals, 92-84 Monday at Freedom Hall in men’s Top 25 college basketball action. Reynolds made 9 of 10 shots down the stretch, including all five of his 3-pointers on the evening as Jay Wright’s Wildcats improved to 15-1 on the season and to 4-0 in Big East play. Samardo Samuels had 21 points in the loss for the Cardinals, which dropped them to 12-5 and 3-1 in conference play.

(ANCHORAGE, Alaska)—Sarah Palin will be taking her conservative message to FOX News. An attorney for the former Alaska governor and Republican vice presidential candidate says Palin will provide some type of commentary for the cable network. Attorney Thomas Van Flein declined to elaborate on the deal. Palin is wildly popular with conservatives and has more than 1 million Facebook followers. Palin stepped down as Alaska’s governor in July, 17 months before the end of her first term in office. Her resignation came less than a year after she vaulted to overnight fame as then-presidential candidate John McCain’s running mate. Palin also worked part-time as a sportscaster in the 1980s for KTUU-TV in Anchorage.

(LOGAN)—Logan police say six men have been arrested for allegedly stealing a snowboard off a porch while out selling newspaper subscriptions. Police say someone saw a man take a snowboard and snowboard boots from a Logan porch Saturday before jumping into a white Chevrolet van. The Utah Highway Patrol later stopped the van in Sardine Canyon and a trooper saw the snowboard inside. Police say the victim of the theft came to the scene and identified a suspect in the case. The snowboard was returned to him at the scene. Police arrested six people in the van who told officers in the area they were selling newspaper subscriptions. The six were arrested on suspicion of several charges, including theft and possession of stolen property.

(RICHFIELD) – The Sevier School District is seeking nominations for the annual Outstanding Classified Employee and Administrator of the Year awards. District officials say that anyone can nominate a classified employee or administrator from the school district but nominations must be in the form of a signed letter of recommendation explaining reasons the employee or administrator deserves the award. District winners will receive dinner for two and a plaque and will automatically be entered in the state competition. State winners will receive an engraved plaque, a $50 gift certificate and will be invited to participate in an awards banquet and program in May. Nominations will close Jan. 29, 2010 and district winners will be announced in February.

(PUYALLUP, WA.) – A Utah man whose wife has been missing for more than a month is moving to his home state of Washington but may not get a warm welcome from his neighbors. Josh Powell is moving out of his West Valley City home to a gated community is Puyallup, WA. and some neighbors are concerned about the disappearance of his wife, Susan, on Dec. 7, 2009. His neighbors, along with his sister, Virginia Graves, are saying that Powell should have stayed in Utah to participate in the search for his wife and be more vocal in talking to police. The 28-year old mother of two went missing when Josh returned from a camping trip in sub-freezing temperatures with his two boys in the early morning hours of Dec. 7. Police say that Powell is not a suspect in the case but is the only person of interest. They say Josh is free to come and go as he pleases.

(SALT LAKE CITY) – The Utah BLM has posted its list of the quarterly oil and gas lease sale. Three parcels totaling 3923 acres are in the Cedar City Field Office and one parcel containing 478 acres are in the Fillmore Field Office. The four parcels total 4400 acres. Utah BLM will also conduct a geothermal lease sale of 17 parcels totaling 60,320 acres located in the Fillmore Field Office. The oil and gas lease sale will be held on Feb. 23 in Salt Lake City.

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP)—Michael Adams forced a key Aaron Rodgers fumble in overtime, which Karlos Dansby returned 17 yards for the game-clinching touchdown and the Arizona Cardinals downed the Green Bay Packers, 51-45 in overtime Sunday at University of Phoenix Stadium in the NFC Wild card playoffs. Early on, it looked as if the Cardinals would blow the Packers out of the water as they built an early 17-0 lead by virtue of a 1-yard touchdown run by Tim Hightower, a 15-yard touchdown pass from Kurt Warner (29 of 33, 379 yards, 5 TD’s) to Early Doucet and a 23-yard field goal by Neil Rackers. The Packers pulled to within 24-10 at halftime and caught fire in the second half. Behind Rodgers’ (28 of 42, 422 yards, 4 TD’s, INT) stellar play, the Packers weathered the Cardinals’ potent offense, outscoring Arizona, 35-21 in the latter 30 minutes, to draw even at 45-45 late in the 4th Quarter when Rodgers hit Spencer Havner on an 11-yard strike. The Cardinals then had a chance to win the game in regulation, but Rackers missed from 34 yards out in the closing seconds. Things looked bleak for the Cardinals, when Green Bay won the coin toss in overtime and received the ball. Nevertheless, Adams saved the Cardinals’ season, and Arizona will next face the New Orleans Saints Saturday afternoon in the NFC Divisional playoffs with the winner advancing to the NFC Championship game. The teams combined for 1,024 yards of offense in the thrilling shootout.

(Ephraim, UT) Flames swept a home in Ephraim on Friday night. The two-alarm blaze gutted a good portion of a Main street home located directly north of Kent’s Market. The blaze shut down a portion of Main street as Sanpete County Sheriff’s deputies diverted traffic until firefighters could control the blaze. According to firefighters at the scene, the fire may have started in the home’s chimney and spread to the rest of the structure. The Ephraim Fire Department was first on the scene, with back-up provided by Manti firefighters. No one was injured in the blaze, which occurred as occupants were in the process of moving belongings from the home.

LOS ANGELES (AP)—Kayla Pedersen amassed 24 points and 14 rebounds and the #2 Stanford Lady Cardinal made quick work of the USC Lady Trojans with an 82-62 win Friday in women’s Top 25 college basketball action. Nnemkadi Ogwumike added 21 points and 12 boards for the Lady Cardinal, who improved to 12-1 with the win. Ashley Corral had 18 points to pace the Lady Trojans in defeat.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP)—O.J. Mayo hit the game-winning jumper with 5.2 seconds left and the Memphis Grizzlies snapped a 12-game losing streak to the Utah Jazz with a 91-89 win over the Utah Jazz Friday at FedEx Forum. Zach Randolph amassed 29 points and 15 rebounds while Rudy Gay added 22 points for the Grizzlies, who improved to 18-17 with the win. Mehmet Okur posted 16 points and six boards to lead the Jazz in the loss, which dropped them to 19-17. In other NBA action Friday, Toronto edged Philadelphia, 108-106, Washington stymied Orlando, 104-97, Atlanta gashed Boston, 93-85, New Orleans stonewalled New Jersey, 103-99, Minnesota surged past Indiana, 116-109, Milwaukee outlasted Chicago, 96-93, Dallas humbled San Antonio, 112-103, Miami doused Phoenix, 109-105, Portland tripped up the Los Angeles Lakers, 107-98, Denver snuck past Cleveland, 99-97 and Golden State waxed Sacramento, 108-101.

(SALT LAKE CITY) – The sister of Josh Powell, whose wife has been missing for over a month, says she’s not surprised that he’s moving to their home state of Washington but she’s disappointed. Virginia Graves has been helping her brother move but it hasn’t been easy. In an interview today, Graves said she’s not sure how the couple’s two boys are holding up. They’re now in Washington with their grandfather.

(AMERICAN FORK) – American Fork police arrested a man today in connection with the identity of a body that police initially thought to be that of missing West Valley City woman, Susan Powell. According to American Fork Police Lt. Sam Liddiard, 29-year old, Roman Somoza admitted to killing 46-year old, Jesus Landin of Lehi on Dec. 28. Liddiard says Somoza told investigators that he shot Landin at an apartment located at the Apollo Dance Hall in American Fork. A police report said that a friend told police that Landin was missing Dec. 31. An investigation revealed that Landin made a call to Somoza on Dec. 28, demanding to be paid for work he had done for Somoza. At first, Somoza denied anything about the disappearance but when the news broke that police had discovered a body near Wendover Thursday, Somoza admitted to the killing. Somoza was booked into the Utah County Jail on murder charges.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has bought about 13 acres of real estate in downtown Salt Lake City. The Church bought a 10-acre block directly north of the Little America Hotel and another 2-to-3 acre parcel directly north of the Grand America Hotel. The parcels are across from each other on either side of Main Street in Salt Lake City. The land was owned by the Sinclair companies, which are controlled by oil magnet, billionaire and Latter-Day Saint, Earl Holding. Holding also owns the Little America Hotel in Salt Lake City as well as Little America truck stops in Little America, Wyo., Cheyenne, Wyo. and Flagstaff, Ariz., and the Grand America Hotel. LDS Church spokesman Scott Trotter confirmed the purchase was made Thursday by its Property Reserve Inc. Trotter says the land is a long-term investment and there are no immediate plans for development.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon has confirmed he will seek the Democratic nomination for Utah governor. Corroon told his plans to the Associated Press Friday. The moderate Democrat is widely seen as his party’s best chance to unseat Republican Governor Gary Herbert, who took office in August after Jon Huntsman resigned to become U.S. Ambassador to China. Herbert spokeswoman Angie Welling could not immediately be reached for comment. A Democrat has not served as Utah’s governor since Scott Matheson left office in 1985, but democrats still believe Herbert is vulnerable. Corroon has said that he will not resign as mayor, notwithstanding his designs on the governorship.

(SOUTH SALT LAKE)—A California man wanted for murder was discovered hiding out at a South Salt Lake home Friday morning. Forty-four-year-old Kenneth David Howell is a convicted felon, considered as one of Los Angeles’ most dangerous men. He is believed to have committed two murders in California, as well as the rape of a teenage girl. U.S. Marshals in Oklahoma had been conducting an investigation into Howell’s ties to that area Thursday afternoon when they discovered he was staying with family in Utah. Friday morning, South Salt Lake police discovered him after finding his picture on an FBI poster wanted for murder and rape. According to the FBI, on August 24, 2009, Howell suffocated his wife, Tammy Lynn Howland, in the bedroom of her Los Angeles home after an argument about money. According to the U.S. Marshals Service, Howell was arrested for another murder, in Fresno, Calif., in 1987. In either case, he choked women to death, although the district attorney elected not to prosecute the Fresno case. Los Angeles-based detectives were en route to Utah on Friday to speak with Howell and begin the process of extradition. Officers arrested another man, Timothy Ray Slaughter, at the same house Friday on a non-related misdemeanor warrant.

(SALT LAKE CITY)—The Utah State Board of Education has suspended the license of a former West High School history teacher who was cleared of charges he sexually abused a student. The Deseret News reports the board voted unanimously Thursday to suspend Jose Fanjul’s teaching license for two years. State Office of Education Attorney Carol Lear told the Deseret News the office negotiated with Fanjul’s attorney for a resolution much like a plea bargain. The suspension is indefinite, but Fanjul can apply for reinstatement in two years. If approved, he would have to go through several steps to regain his license, including long-term frequent counseling, submitting a plan of how he would refrain from teacher misconduct and undergoing a background check. Fanjul was removed from West High School in September 2008 for alleged sexual misconduct with a then-16-year-old female student. He was acquitted of criminal charges the following June.

(PAROWAN) – Iron County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Monday to receive comments concerning amending the Zoning Ordinance to allow wind turbines to be erected in portions of the county. The area is known as the Wind Energy Overlay Zone and proposed amendments, as recommended by the County Planning Commission, can be viewed prior to the public hearing at the Iron County Building Department. The hearing on the wind turbine development will be held Monday at 10:45am in the Commission Chambers.