Story Archive for 02/18/2010
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Lady Vols Roll Past Tide
Published on February 18, 2010 at 11:48PM
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP)—Alyssia Brewer posted 20 points and 10 rebounds and the #5 Tennessee Lady Vols surged past the Alabama Lady Crimson Tide, 74-67 Thursday in Top 25 womens’ college basketball action. Celiscia Farmer had a career-high 21 points in her first start for the Lady Tide in defeat. The win improved Tennessee to 24-2 on the season, while Alabama fell to 10-16. In other Top 25 action Thursday, #24 Hartford bludgeoned Binghamton, 72-54, #10 Florida State tripped up Virginia Tech, 78-68, #16 Kentucky pummeled Florida, 77-51, LSU stunned #20 Vanderbilt, 55-39, #9 Ohio State outlasted Wisconsin, 83-78, #2 Stanford embarrassed Oregon, 104-60 and #22 Gonzaga walloped Loyola Marymount, 73-40.
Lion Stun Zags in WCC Play
Published on February 18, 2010 at 11:43PM
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.
Nuggets Outlast Cavs
Published on February 18, 2010 at 11:37PM
CLEVELAND (AP)—Carmelo Anthony amassed 40 points, six rebounds and seven assists and made the game-winning jumper in overtime as the Denver Nuggets outlasted the Cleveland Cavaliers, 118-116 Thursday in NBA action at Quicken Loans Arena. The Nuggets, despite missing out on several trade prospects before the NBA’s trade deadline and the announcement that head coach George Karl needed treatment for throat cancer did not have a propitious All-Star break. However, things became good again with Anthony’s heroics and solid performances from Kenyon Martin (18 points, 17 rebounds) and Chauncey Billups (18 points, eight assists) which helped put the Cavs at bay. In the loss, Cleveland’s LeBron James (43 points, 15 assists, 13 rebounds) posted his 27th career triple-double in only his ninth season and nearly won the game as time expired in overtime but his 3-point shot as time expired slightly drifted off course. The win improved the Nuggets to 36-18 on the season, while the Cavs, who had their 13-game winning streak snapped, fell to 43-12. In other NBA action Thursday, Boston outlasted the Los Angeles Lakers, 87-86.
Prep Sports Roundup: 2/18
Published on February 18, 2010 at 09:53PM
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.
USU study supports agriculture boost
Published on February 18, 2010 at 04:30PM
(SALT LAKE CITY) – A Utah State University study says Utah agriculture contributes nearly 14% to the state economy. Authors Ruby Ward and Paul Jakus, along with Ag Commissioner Leonard Blackham, presented the study at the Ag and Food Building today in Salt Lake City. Ag Spokesman Larry Lewis says their comprehensive study provides valuable information to the quality of life to both rural and urban Utahns. Lewis said the study was based on Utah’s 2008 Gross State Output.
Man Fatally Shot in Roosevelt Identified
Published on February 18, 2010 at 03:09PM
(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.
Jazz Trade Ronnie Brewer For Future 1st Round Pick
Published on February 18, 2010 at 03:02PM
SALT LAKE CITY (AP)—Carlos Boozer is staying with the Utah Jazz for the rest of the season, but Ronnie Brewer has found a new home with the Memphis Grizzlies. The Jazz traded Brewer for a future first-round draft pick and the transaction relieves Utah of the remainder of Brewer’s $2.7 million contract this season and the accompanying luxury-tax fees in exchange for the Grizzlies’ 2011 protected first-round pick. It also leaves the Jazz roster with only 12 players so the organization will need to pick up a 13th player within two weeks, possibly through an NBA Developmental League call-up which occurred with reserve guard Sundiata Gaines. Brewer would have been a restricted free agent this summer and has started all 53 games thus far this season for the Jazz. National media outlets reported that the Jazz were engaged with Miami and Washington for a possible deal involving Boozer but nothing materialized. Consequently, Boozer will become a restricted free agent this season.
Flight Diverted To Salt Lake City After Bomb Threat
Published on February 18, 2010 at 02:54PM
(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.
Woman Charged With Arson in Hurricane House Fire
Published on February 18, 2010 at 02:42PM
(HURRICANE)—Police arrested a Toquerville woman accused of setting a Hurricane house on fire. Police placed 61-year-old Marva Rolena Gerber with one first-degree felony count of aggravated arson and she was booked into jail on $20,000 bail. Hurricane Police Sergeant Stacey Gubler said two suspicious fires were started at a home Gerber was in the process of buying. The first fire occurred in September 2009, while the second was started in January of that year. The first fire caused more than $70,000 in damages and the second caused even more. The home is now unlivable while investigators are still looking into the cause of the first fire.
Lawmaker Proposes Recognizing Browning, King On Some Day
Published on February 18, 2010 at 02:37PM
(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.
Utah Legislature Passes Stricter Abortion Rules
Published on February 18, 2010 at 02:32PM
(SALT LAKE CITY)—Abortions not performed by a doctor through a medical procedure would be illegal under a measure that passed the Utah Legislature Thursday. The Senate voted 24-4 to pass House Bill 12, advancing it to Governor Gary Herbert’s office. The bill, sponsored by Herriman Republican Carl Wimmer, was prompted by a case in Uintah County in which prosecutors alleged a 17-year-old girl paid a man $150 to beat her in hopes of inducing a miscarriage. Those who voted against the bill feared that women who suffer natural miscarriages or one caused by domestic violence could find themselves open to prosecution.
Utah College Enrollment Grows Nearly 10 Percent
Published on February 18, 2010 at 02:30PM
(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.
Officer Cited for DUI but Kept Out of Jail Over Safety Concerns
Published on February 18, 2010 at 02:24PM
(WEST VALLEY CITY)—A West Valley City police officer is waiting to be formally charged after being cited for DUI over the weekend but Lieutenant Kory Newbold was not booked into jail. Utah Highway Patrol Sergeant Jeff Nigbur says they made the decision to keep him out of jail because of safety concerns. Nigbur also stated if Newbold was put into jail, he could run into people he had recently arrested and may exact vengeance against him. Once all the paperwork was filled out in Newbold’s case, it was determined that instead of booking Newbold into jail, they would take him to his girlfriend’s house nearby. Nigbur says they notified their chain of command and West Valley Police about where he was being taken and why. Nigbur says Newbold will not receive special treatment because he is a police officer and will have to face the consequences of his actions just like any other lawbreaker.
Boy Accused of Stabbing Grandmother Over Cell Phone
Published on February 18, 2010 at 02:18PM
(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.
LDS Among Churches Growing in Membership, Report Says
Published on February 18, 2010 at 02:14PM
(SALT LAKE CITY)—The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is one of a handful of churches seeing a rise in membership in the United States. The National Council of Churches says over the past year, only five of the nation’s 25 largest churches grew in membership. Of those, the Jehovah’s Witnesses saw a 2 percent increase while the LDS Church saw a 1.7 percent increase and the Catholic Church grew by 1.5 percent. Others that grew were the Assemblies of God at 1.27 percent and the Church of God (Cleveland, Tenn.), up 1.76 percent. The report says eight other large churches saw a decrease, but overall in the U.S., it says the number of people going to church rose up by about half of a percent.
Cliff Routes in Zion To Close To Protect Falcons
Published on February 18, 2010 at 02:10PM
(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.
Austin SSD battling over water use
Published on February 18, 2010 at 10:58AM
(RICHFIELD) – Dozens of tapholders in the Austin Special Service District are battling with board members over an increase in water bills due to improvements in their million dollar water project a few years ago. Some tapholders met with the Sevier County Commissioners in Wednesday’s regular meeting to help the SSD solve the problems. Commissioner Gary Mason said the tapholders are split on the boost in their water bills. He said for years, the 46 tapholders in the Austin SSD enjoyed as much water as they needed but the water improvement project increased their water bills, according to how much water they used over a certain amount. Mason said the problems apparently originated when some tapholders thought board members rushed to push the project when others didn’t want it. He said tapholders want Commissioners to select an entire new board and start over with governing the district. Each tapholder in the SSD can apply at the County Administration Building to be a board member.
Hatch blasted at town meeting
Published on February 18, 2010 at 07:40AM
(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.