DELTA, Utah (AP)-Brayden Bolotis homered for the game’s only run and the Emery Spartans blanked the Delta Rabbits, 1-0 in nine innings Friday in Region 12 baseball action. Ty Church posted 10 strikeouts in the loss for Delta.

(Ephraim) Snow College will hold its commencement ceremony tomorrow morning. LDS Apostle and former Brigham Young University President Jeffery R. Holland will deliver the commencement address at 10:00 AM at the Snow College Activity Center. Graduating students were allowed to request up to four tickets for the ceremony, but any unfilled seats will be made available to the general public. Snow College President Scott Wyatt commented that Elder Holland volunteered to speak and the school jumped at the chance. Snow College Richfield held its commencement this afternoon at the Sevier Valley Center Theater. State Representative Kay McKiff delivered the commencement address.

(ST. GEORGE)-St. George police are looking for a man who has been missing for more than a month. Investigators say a relative dropped 50-year-old Randall Jeffrey off at the Dixie Care and Share in northwest St. George March 19. From that time on, no one has seen him. Family members stated Jeffrey has a medical condition and doesn’t have access to his medication. They say he suffered a stroke and currently walks with a limp. Jeffrey has been described as 5’ 5” and 130 pounds with brown eyes and hair. If you happen to see him, please call the St. George Police Department at 627-4319.

(RICHFIELD) – Sevier County Commissioners have gained approval from Gov. Gary Herbert to have flags lowered in the wake of the death of a county sheriff’s sargeant. Commissioner Gordon Topham says flags can be lowered on all county and city buildings and may be lowered statewide. Topham, along with Commissioners and county government staff expressed regret of the news that 36-year old Sgt. Franco Aguilar of Richfield died while investigating an accident on I-70 Thursday night. Sheriff’s report said that Aguilar may have been thrown from the Fish Creek Bridge west of Sevier when a Suburban crashed into another vehicle or jumped in an attempt to escape. He fell to his death off the 150-foot bridge.

(RICHFIELD) – The Richfield City Council approved a bid to repair a portion of the roof of the Senior Citizen’s Center due to a leaky air conditioning unit. At the city council meeting Tuesday night, Building Inspector Paul Hinrichs said the bid was approved to a local contractor. He said the main reason for the leak was that the second layer of shingles was installed up to the flashing and not up to the roof penetration. The leak damaged the shingles, sub-roofing and ceiling in the kitchen area of the center and repair work needed to be done before further damage occurred. Outsider’s Roofing of Richfield was the low bidder on the project will begin the remodeling right away.

(GUNNISON) – Gunnison Valley senior citizens will have an exclusive portion of space in the new Gunnison City Hall under construction. At a community meeting two weeks ago, the Gunnison City Council reviewed an agreement between the city and senior citizens that would give seniors 25% of space for their use. The council, along with the city’s law firm, Stirba and Associates and Gunnison Mayor Lori Nay, suggested a few revisions to a draft of the agreement and expect the council to approve it at the next council meeting. Mayor Nay stated the final draft would include a floor plan showing space to be allocated to Meals on Wheels, as well as the senior center. Originally, the city had planned to leave the basement of the new building unfinished but additional funding enabled the city to give seniors the space they needed.

(MORONI) – The Utah Highway Patrol investigated a rollover on SR-132 north of Moroni Wednesday afternoon involving a Mt. Pleasant man. UHP said that 68-year old Hugh Jones was traveling southbound in a 1995 Ford Ranger about five miles north of Moroni, when he apparently fell asleep at the wheel and drifted off the right shoulder at about 4pm. The report said that Jones overcorrected and went through a wire fence and rolled. He was taken to the Sanpete Valley Hospital with minor injuries and treated. Jones was cited for improper lane travel.

EPHRAIM, Utah (AP)-Everardo Lemus posted five goals to lead the Bear River Bears to a 6-1 win over the Manti Templars Thursday in 3A soccer playoff action.

DELTA, Utah (AP)-Jace Abbott posted two goals as the Delta Rabbits doubled up the Morgan Trojans, 2-1 in 3A soccer playoff action Thursday.

OGDEN, Utah (AP)-Bryan Garay and Jose Perez each posted two goals while Tyler Walters earned the shutout as the Ben Lomond Scots blanked the North Sanpete Hawks, 6-0 Thursday in 3A soccer playoff action.

FILLMORE, Utah (AP)-Brooke Rhodes posted three doubled to lead the Millard Lady Eagles to a 16-8 rout of the Beaver Lady Beavers in Region 13 softball action Thursday.

(GUNNISON)-Nine young women will vie for the title of Miss Gunnison Valley this Friday evening, April 30. The pageant will take place at 7:00 p.m. at the Gunnison High School auditorium with Breeauna Davis, Morgan Cejudo, Calli Mickelson-Miller, Emily Wegener, Lyberty Peterson, Kayla Bartholomew, Megan Cejudo, Breanna Young and Breanna Fredrickson each participating. The current Miss Gunnison and reigning Miss Sanpete, Hannah Christenson and Centerfield resident, Travis Leatherwood, will emcee the pageant.

(Manti) The Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Awards Ceremony was held Thursday afternoon at the Manti Elementary School. Five teachers were honored for their dedication to education and student development. Those who received the awards were Karen Bedont of Lighthouse Life and Learning Center in Price, Kiersten R. Hatch from Gunnison Elementary, Daniel G. Rasmussen from Manti Elementary, Vicki L. Rasmussen from Cleveland Elementary, and Terri Lyn Williams of Salina Elementary. Each recipient receives a trophy, a classroom plaque, and a thirty-five hundred dollar personal cash award. This is the forth year that the Arch Coal Foundation has recognized outstanding teachers from the Carbon, Emery, Sanpete, and Sevier County areas. These areas are home to a number of mines owned by Canyon Fuel Company a subsidiary of Arch Coal Inc. Arch Coal Senior Vice President Paul Lang was on hand for the ceremony as well as State School Board member Dixie Allen and Utah Education Association Executive Director Mark Mickelson. Partners for the program include radio stations KMTI, KLGL, KMGR, KSVC, KCYQ and others.

(Manti) Sanpete County Economic Development Officials are reaching out to OHV enthusiasts across Utah and neighboring states in an effort to bring more riders to the Arapeen Trail System. The Arapeen Trail Brochure has been updated to include GPS points to more than 50 lakes. Over thirteen thousand brochures are being mailed to ATV owners throughout the state and particularly to those on the Wasatch Front. Brochures have also been sent to ATV dealerships in Utah, Nevada, Arizona, and Colorado. Maps can also be requested online at Sanpete.com and Utah.com. Officials are hoping the campaign will bring a positive economic impact for the area.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP)-Jake Carter scored the winning goal, while Brandon Dominguez and Tyler Roberts also scored as the Beaver Beavers edged the Intermountain Christian Lions, 3-2 Wednesday in 2A soccer playoff action.

MT. PLEASANT, Utah (AP)-Diego Urban and Jos Allan had two goals apiece to lead the Wasatch Academy Tigers to a 6-2 win over the Liahona Warriors in 2A soccer playoff action Wednesday.

FILLMORE, Utah (AP)-Francisco Alcala, Jeremy Aleman, Jesse Rhodes, Josh Aleman and Nate Robison each scored two goals and the Millard Eagles pummeled the Meridian Mongooses, 12-1 Wednesday in 2A soccer playoff action.

OGDEN, Utah (AP)-Dino Soto had two goals for the St. Joseph Jayhawks in a 5-1 rout of the South Sevier Rams in 2A soccer playoff action Wednesday.

GUNNISON, Utah (AP)-Taylor Dolbin earned the shutout and five different Waterford Ravens scored in a 5-0 win over the Gunnison Bulldogs Wednesday in 2A soccer playoff action.

MANTI, Utah (AP)-Brittany Stefanoff hit a key triple for the Carbon Lady Dinos who outlasted the Manti Lady Templars, 6-4 in non-region softball action Wednesday. Tauni McFarlane belted a pair of homers in the loss for Manti.

(MANTI) – The Sanpete County Fire Warden has announced a ban against any open burning through the rest of this week and weekend. Authorities say that high winds prompted the ban and remind residents to adhere the warning until winds die down. The ban will remain in effect in Sanpete County until Monday.

(GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Ariz.)-The main roadway leading to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is slated to reopen Saturday May 15 for the summer season. Park officials say all North Rim facilities, including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim, will also reopen that day. Arizona S.R. 67, via Jacob Lake, leading to the North Rim was closed for the winter last November. Most other facilities closed on October 15 and are slated to close October 15 this year. Rim operations also include camping, camper services, food services, groceries and a service station. Park rangers also present daily programs for tourists during the time the north rim’s open. The more popular South Rim, located about 20 miles north of downtown Flagstaff, Ariz., is open year-round.

(MANTI) – Rocky Mountain Power customers were affected by a power outage this morning in various communities in Sanpete County. RMP Spokesman Jeff Hymas said the power outage occurred at about 11am in Moroni, Ft. Green and the line that feeds Manti power, affecting almost 2100 customers. Hymas said RMP is investigating the cause of the outage. He said protective devices on mobile transformers de-energized but RMP crews don’t know if high winds were a factor in the power outage. Hymas said power was restored just before noon.

(AUSTIN) – Two Richfield men sustained minor injuries when they hit a mule on SR-118 north of Austin Monday night. According to a sheriff’s report, 19-year old Zach Wyatt was traveling along the highway in a 1991 Honda Civic, when he hit the mule. The report said that Wyatt was traveling about 55 miles-an-hour when he spotted the mule in the roadway, slammed on his brakes and collided with the animal at about 10pm. He and his passenger, 18-year old Rhett Rogers received small cuts and scrapes in the accident. The mule had a large cut on its leg and smaller cuts on its stomach but was otherwise, in good condition. The animal belongs to Michael Merline of Austin.

(FILLMORE) – Millard County Commissioners held a public hearing last week concerning the approval of a Conditional Use Permit for a Level 3 Animal Feeding Operation in Oak City. Those in attendance at the hearing voiced no negative comments on the feed lot and Commissioners approved the CUP. The Bella Dairy property is located at 555 Anderson Lane in Oak City and qualifies for a Level 3 operation, which indicates the feed lot can contain up to 300 cows.

(SALT LAKE CITY)-The Utah Department of Corrections is clarifying what staffers who participate in the scheduled execution of Ronnie Lee Gardner will be given. It was reported the corrections department is planning a commemorative coin for staff members who take part in the execution. Department spokesman, Steve Gehrke, said in the past those who have played a role in an execution have been given service ribbons for going above their normal call of duty. The difference is this time there will be no ribbons, as they will give way to the coin. A display of commemorative pins is now in a storage room at the corrections department offices and includes pins for work on past executions. Staff have earned the pins over the years for various acts of service beyond their ordinary duties. Third District Judge, Robin Reese, signed the death warrant for the 49-year-old Gardner Friday. The execution, which will be Utah’s first in this century, is scheduled for June 18. Gardner’s attorneys are still working to appeal the execution warrant.

(MANTI) – Sanpete County Commissioners approved a resolution at last week’s meeting concerning the issuance of revenue bonds in the amount of $550,000 to finance the construction of a new substance abuse center in Ephraim. The facility will be used and operated by the Central Utah Mental Health Authority Board. Also at the meeting, Commissioners approved a minor lot subdivision requested by the LDS Church for the building of a new meetinghouse north of Spring City. Commissioners also will hold two public hearings on a request by Sunderland Dairy of Chester to develop property for a Business/Commercial Light Industrial Park and a change in the Land Use Matrix to construct a housing facility for women. The hearings will be held May 25.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) – A new Salt Lake Tribune poll of delegates to the GOP’s May 8 state convention shows 71% would be inclined to nominate someone other than Sen. Orrin Hatch if he were running in this year’s election. According to the poll, the six-term senator couldn’t even muster a favorable rating from a majority of the delegates. The poll said that 45% gave him an unfavorable rating and 44% a favorable rating. Republican delegates were not divided on Rep. Jason Chaffetz, giving him an 82% favorable rating. Last year, Chaffetz gave indications that he wanted to run against Bennett in this year’s primary and has said he’s leaving his options open to run against Hatch in 2012. Hatch responded by saying he’s still fighting for Utahns in a way that few people can with his years of experience in the Senate and chairmanships on Judiciary committees. He said he’s used to polls going up and down and feels most Utahns support him.

(RICHFIELD) – A popular federal home loan program is running out of money and will come to an abrupt halt at the end of the month. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Rural Home Buyers Program appears headed for temporary mothballing, until new funding can be secured from Congress. The program allowed many Utahns to buy into the American dream of home ownership in rural communities throughout the state. USDA officials said the program offered generous financing terms to buyers meeting certain income requirements and has helped spur home sales up and down the Beehive State. Some say the program is ending at the peak of Utah’s real estate selling season.

NEPHI, Utah (AP)-Jake Cropper homered to lead the Richfield Wildcats to an 8-7 win over the Juab Wasps Monday in Region 12 baseball action. Mason Molyneaux homered in the loss for the Wasps.

GUNNISON, Utah (AP)-Nathan Mecham hit a key double to lead the Emery Spartans to a 5-4 win over the Gunnison Bulldogs in non-region baseball action Monday. Cutler Frandsen doubled in the loss for the Bulldogs.

PAROWAN, Utah (AP)-Dillon Mount amassed a hat trick and the Parowan Rams bludgeoned the North Sevier Wolves, 8-0 Monday in 2A South soccer action.

(SALT LAKE CITY) – Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff says Arizona’s immigration law is unconstitutional. In a recent interview, Shurtleff said states don’t have the authority to override federal law when it comes to illegal immigration. Shurleff said immigration and naturalization issues are clearly defined within the realm of the federal government. He said other issues, including land ownership and abortion are state issues in which the federal government has no authority to govern. Shurtleff also commented that he wants more facts to rationalize the argument, including proof, that the number of undocumented immigrants in jail is much lower than what people think.

(SALT LAKE CITY)-New Mexico will no longer accept Utah’s gun permits because officials there think Utah’s training is inadequate. State Public Safety Secretary, John Denko, says Utah licenses require significantly less training than New Mexico’s. However, Clark Aphosian, of the Utah Shooting Sport Council, says Utah has the best training in the country. Aphosian also says Utah made close to $1 million in gun sales revenue last year and he believes New Mexico wants to capitalize on that. Aposhian noted Utah gun permits are popular and were accepted in 35 states as opposed to about 21 for New Mexico gun permits and warned that the move to ban Utah gun permits is unwise. Nevertheless, he also believes gun owners should support the second amendment by purchasing gun permits from their own states. Currently, New Mexico is working with 18 other states to ensure their gun permit requirements meet its strict state guidelines.

(SALT LAKE CITY) – The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food is reminding farmers and ranchers to submit their annual report of acreage to their local Farm Service Agency. UDAF Spokesman Larry Lewis says the report is necessary if farmers want to receive FSA benefits. Lewis said the acreage reports are necessary to determine and maintain eligibility for various programs, including programs authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill. Producers may also report prevented acreage within 15 calendar days after the final planting date. Failed acreage must be reported before the disposition of the crop. Producers should contact their nearest FSA office for other details on program eligibility.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) – Sen. Bob Bennett is pleased that the BLM is moving forward on implementing his Washington County Lands Bill. Bennett said the BLM recently announced the transfer of four land patents with two others in the process. The patents include 122 acres for the Temple Quarry Site to be conveyed to St. George, 40 acres to Hurricane for use as a sports park and 40 acres for an equestrian park and 75 acres for the Washington County School District for public schools and related facilities. Other acreage will be transferred for use as a county jail and school trust funds. Bennett said his Lands Bill, which was signed into law a year ago, authorizes several thousands of acres of public lands in Washington County, to be privatized.

(FILLMORE) – Millard County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a Scipio teenager last Wednesday for the theft of two firearms and drugs. A Sheriff’s report said the 17-year old male was apprehended during a traffic stop in Fillmore after receiving a call from the boy’s mother that he had stolen the guns from her home. The report said during the stop, deputies smelled the strong odor of marijuana and found a baggie along with drug paraphernalia. The boy was taken to the Slate Canyon Detention Center in Provo. Four other occupants in the vehicle were also arrested, including 24-year old Stacy Jackson of Fillmore, 18-year old Dezerae Walker and 49-year old Ricky Prows, both of Fillmore and 20-year old Jesse Blackburn of Orem. The firearms were recovered in the arrests.

(DELTA) – A Delta teenager died early Saturday morning in a single vehicle rollover on SR-125 east of Delta. According to a UHP report, 16-year old Michael LeFever was headed home with friends after the Friday night Jazz basketball game in Salt Lake City, when he drifted off the right side of the highway about 12:30am and rolled. The report said LeFever was not wearing his seatbelt and was ejected from his 1994 Acura Integra. He died at the scene. There was no report on the condition of the other occupants in the car. UHP Troopers ruled out alcohol and drugs as factors in the crash and don’t believe LeFever was speeding.

PULLMAN, Wash. (AP)-Karlene Hurrel of Idaho placed first in the womens’ 200-meter dash to lead the way for numerous athletes scattered throughout the Northwest Saturday at the Cougar Invitational at Washington State University. Additionally, Hurrel’s teammate, Lauren Schaffer, placed first in the 400-meter dash while Montana’s Brooke Andrus took the 800-meter dash crown. As for the men, Eastern Washington’s Chad Butorac placed first in the 400-meter dash, while on his home track, Washington State’s Jeshua Anderson placed first in the 800-meter dash while his teammates, Sam Ahlbeck and Dominic Smargiassi placed first in the 1500 and 3000-meter dashes respectively.

(FILLMORE) – The brother of a slain Millard County Sheriff’s deputy was found dead in Las Vegas Thursday. According to Millard County Sheriff Robert Dekker, 40-year old Ryan Greathouse, the brother of Deputy Josie Fox, died of what was determined to be “an indeterminate cause.” The Clark County Coroner’s Office reported that Greathouse was found in a bedroom in Las Vegas and pronounced dead at about 1pm on Thursday Dekker said it was, once again, his sad duty to inform the Greathouse family of a child’s death. Deputy Fox was killed Jan. 5 in an early morning shooting outside of Delta in a traffic stop. Her brother, Ryan, was reported to have just purchased drugs from her accused killer, Roberto Roman, as she and another deputy watched the cars’ headlights from a distance. Roman and an accomplice, were captured after an intense manhunt the following day. Millard County prosecutors and Roman’s attorney declined to respond to Greathouse’s death and how it would impact the case. Funeral services are pending.

(NEW HARMONY)-Heavy rains earlier this week have southern Utah residents watching water levels, especially New Harmony residents. Wednesday morning, the National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch for the area. Naturally, the extensive fires of the summer of 2009, which ravaged vegetation in the area considerably, make potential floods an even greater cause for concern. Certain places in New Harmony, which is about 5,300 feet high are already experiencing high and flowing water. National Weather Service hydrologist, Brian McInerney, says if more thunderstorms begin hitting New Harmony, more debris that came with the Mill Flat fire, which the flowing water can possibly contain, could come. The good news, however, is that no debris has come as of yet. The “burn scar” which McInerney says the fire left behind has not been eradicated by this week’s storm, which leaves New Harmony in potentially great concern.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) – Sen. Bob Bennett grilled NASA Administrator Charles Bolden in a Senate hearing Thursday on the president’s plan to cancel the Constellation program, including the Ares 1 rocket booster. Bennett told Bolden the President’s idea to replace a proven, cost-effective program with something that has not been tested, is counter-productive to the industrial base. He said if the President wants to go back to solid rocket motors in the future, he won’t be able to because the industrial base won’t be in place. Bennett blasted Bolden on funding for projects and commented that what the Obama administration is now considering, is clearly in violation of the law. Bolden refuted Bennett’s statements.

(SALT LAKE CITY) – A conservative think tank is accusing the Utah State Office of Education and school districts of using books and supplemental materials that push an environmentalist agenda. Policy analyst and research author Matthew Piccolo of the Sutherland Institute said Thursday students should learn about the facts of the global warming issue and not just accept an environmental political agenda. Piccolo said teachers in school districts are instructing students on theories that are not based on fact and a lot of textbooks contain material on limiting population growth, saying the earth’s resources are not enough. He said the Sutherland Institute is pushing for balance on issues that have not been proven to be true. State Office of Education spokesman Mark Peterson says the group’s issues will be reviewed the next time core curriculum is periodically revised in that area.

ENTERPRISE, Utah (AP)-Lance Gardner doubled and earned the win on the mound as the Enterprise Wolves blanked the Millard Eagles, 5-0 Thursday in Region 13 baseball action.

BLANDING, Utah (AP)-Stellar Shumway homered and Nache Nielson amassed nine strikeouts as the San Juan Broncos shellacked the South Sevier Rams, 16-1 in a Region 15 doubleheader Thursday.

BLANDING, Utah (AP)-Benny Royer homered and had three RBI as the San Juan Broncos completed a Region 15 doubleheader sweep with an 11-1 rout of the South Sevier Rams Thursday.

BEAVER, Utah (AP)-Adam Kia and Tyler Roberts had a goal apiece as the Beaver Beavers doubled up the Parowan Rams, 2-1 Thursday in 2A South soccer action.

SALINA, Utah (AP)-Ryan Harmison had two goals and Joseph Hawks earned the shutout as the Grand Red Devils decimated the North Sevier Wolves, 10-0 in 2A South soccer action Thursday.

MONROE, Utah (AP)-Victor Villanueva scored the game’s sole goal and Carlin Johnson earned the shutout as the Gunnison Bulldogs downed the South Sevier Rams, 1-0 Thursday in 2A South soccer action.

EPHRAIM, Utah (AP)-Danny Vargas and Jace Johnson each posted hat tricks as the Delta Rabbits bested the Manti Templars, 6-2 in Region 12 soccer action Thursday. Daniel Chavez had both goals in the loss for Manti.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)-Derek Lawrence, Josh Langston and Timmy Johnson each scored and the Richfield Wildcats stymied the North Sanpete Hawks, 3-1 Thursday in Region 12 soccer action.

MT. PLEASANT, Utah (AP)-Ana Ledingham homered and had six RBI overall to lead the North Sanpete Lady Hawks to a 13-9 win over the Manti Lady Templars in Region 12 softball action Thursday. Ashley Soper and Taylor Daniels each doubled in the loss for Manti.

NEPHI, Utah (AP)-Jessica Barker homered and Chelsie Baxter added a triple as the Juab Lady Wasps smacked the Richfield Lady Wildcats, 10-0 Thursday in Region 12 softball action.

ENTERPRISE, Utah (AP)-Janae Humphries, Kelsey Lee and Megan Clove each doubled and the Enterprise Lady Wolves stonewalled the Millard Lady Eagles, 11-4 Thursday in Region 13 softball action. Camille Blad homered in the loss for Millard.

GUNNISON, Utah (AP)-Morgan Allred homered for the Gunnison Lady Bulldogs, but it wasn’t enough as they dropped the second game of a Region 15 doubleheader to the Monticello Lady Buckaroos, 5-2. Monticello won the first game of the day, 9-6.

BLANDING, Utah (AP)-Brooke Lyman hit a grand slam and the San Juan Lady Broncos split a Region 15 doubleheader with the South Sevier Lady Rams with a 14-3 rout Thursday. Megan Chisholm homered in the loss for the Lady Rams. South Sevier won the first game, 2-0.

(GRAHAM COUNTY, Ariz.)-The public is invited to tour the Gila Valley Arizona Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints which has recently been completed. The public open house commences Friday April 23 and continues through Saturday May 15, excluding Sundays. The temple is located along U.S. Highway 70 in the eastern Graham County community of Central, Ariz., located between the communities of Thatcher and Pima. Public tours run on Mondays from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tours will begin at the church meetinghouse adjacent to the temple. Free parking is available at the meetinghouse. Following the temple’s open house, it will be formally dedicated Sunday May 23. Three dedicatory sessions will take place to accommodate Latter-Day Saints in the area who will be served by the new temple. Upon dedication, this will be the only temple to be found within the borders of the Arizona Tucson Mission and will serve 21,000 Latter-Day Saints in southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico.

(RICHFIELD) – The 13th Annual Natural Resource Festival will be held this Friday and Saturday at the Sevier Valley Center in Richfield. The theme this year will emphasize “The Great Outdoors: We’re All In It Together” featuring exhibits and family activities. Several state and federal public agencies will partner with private industry and businesses to sponsor the event. Event organizers say that students will learn about biology, zoology, geology, natural history, archaeology, land ethics and wilderness safety. The Natural Resource Festival also celebrates Arbor Day, Earth Day, Wildlife Week, Migratory Bird Week and Wetlands Week. Event hours will be from 8:30am to 4pm on Friday and from 9am to 2pm on Saturday and there’s no charge for admission.

(RICHFIELD) – The Sevier County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on May 12 to consider a Planned Unit Development application for the construction of a gas-fired power plant near Sigurd. Sevier Power Company has submitted the application for review at the Sevier County Zoning Administrator’s Office prior to the public hearing. The public is invited to comment on the application and attend the hearing on May 12 at 6:30pm in the Commission Chambers at the Administration building in Richfield.

MONROE, Utah (AP)-Oscar Gonzales had two goals and William Clark added another score as the South Sevier Rams edged the Parowan Rams, 3-2 Wednesday in 2A South soccer action.

SALINA, Utah (AP)-Abbie Kay and Whitney Roper each doubled as the Emery Lady Spartans crushed the North Sevier Lady Wolves, 17-2 in non-region softball action Wednesday.

(SALT LAKE CITY)-A new report says Utah’s reservoirs are slowly filling with pebbles, mud and other sediments that diminish the state’s ability to store water for drinking, agriculture and industrial operations. The study released Wednesday says if this trend continues (and no new storage is built), Utah’s reservoirs could lose about a third of their storage capacity by the end of the century. The problem comes amid projections that demand for water in rapidly-growing Utah will continue to significantly rise in subsequent decades. The report, done by the Utah Division of Water Resources, is the first of its kind to take a comprehensive look at sedimentation problems at the hundreds of reservoirs used across the state.

(SALT LAKE CITY)-Students across Utah are dealing with computer crashes during some important yearly tests. Many computers froze or shut down during the middle of the criterion-referenced test (CRT). The company that handles the servers for the tests has been working on fixing the problem throughout the week and while it appears the memory issue has been fixed, a bigger challenge still remains. The CRT is reportedly an important test that gauges progress toward guidelines set by the No Child Left Behind program and re-testing is not likely an option. Other than rebooting the computers, there are no other effects from the glitches. Test scores are saved along the way as students test and the student simply picks up where he or she left off.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) – A fight broke out today in Congress over water rights. Republicans howled that a new Democratic bill would orchestrate a federal takeover of all water regulation, from lakes to rivers to backyard ponds. Democratic sponsors of the bill say they’re merely trying to close court-created loopholes that have allowed companies to pollute without prosecution. The federal Clean Water Act allows regulation only for waterways that are “navigable” but that word would be removed by a bill introduced today by House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman James Oberstar of Minnesota. Rep. Jason Chaffetz said water is the lifeblood for western communities and if the government takes it away, they take away life. Oberstar says his bill seeks to overcome problems created by Supreme Court decisions that limited waterways protected by the Clean Water Act, even if pollution from other water bodies could harm them.

(Manti) The Miss Manti Competition will be held this Saturday with eight young women vying for the title. Those competing are April Case, Deanna Mickelson, Kayla Colby, Marissa Hedelius, Martha Greenhalgh, Nayumi Fullmer, Rachel Mitzvotai, and Tristen Shipley. Talent performances will include dance, vocal, and piano solos. The event will be held this Saturday at 7:00 PM at the Manti High School Auditorium. J.D. Fox and current Miss Manti Ariel Mickelson will emcee the competition.

(EPHRAIM) – A Snow College student is one of a handful of students from community colleges nationwide with the opportunity to tour NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston this May. Joshua Vincent will join 75 others from 28 states and Puerto Rico to tour the facility. Vincent was selected because of his skills in the development of robotic explorers that rove the surfaces of other planets. The three-day event is the culmination of the National Community College Aerospace Scholars pilot program, which included four assignments during this past year. It gives students the chance to learn more about careers in science and engineering.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) – The Dodd Financial Regulatory Reform bill up before Congress has several members of the Utah Republican Delegation at odds with the government picking winners and losers. Sen. Bob Bennett said the reform bill is deeply flawed by giving the government greater intervention in the marketplace. He said the bill gives the federal government authority to institutionalize a policy of “too big to fail” with future bailouts of business. Bennett said America needs more legislation to prevent the kind of financial crisis the country experienced in the latter part of 2008. He said Utah businessmen want greater restrictions and limitations on the federal government.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP)-Colorado Rockies president Keli S. McGregor was found dead in a hotel room at Salt Lake City’s Grand America Hotel Tuesday morning. The 48-year-old McGregor was found unresponsive about 9:00 a.m. after business associates called hotel staff to check on him. Salt Lake City Police Detective, Rick Wall, said there’s no evidence of foul play and it appears McGregor died of natural causes. The investigation currently rests in the hands of the State Medical Examiner’s Office. The Rockies said McGregor was on a business trip with team chairman and CEO, Charlie Monfort, and executive vice president, Greg Feasel. The group was in Salt Lake City as part of a promotion campaign. McGregor was a prolific football player for years as he was a two-time All-American at Colorado State in the mid-80s. He then was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the fourth round of 1985’s NFL Draft. After playing for the Broncos, he also had stints with the Indianapolis Colts and Seattle Seahawks before retiring. McGregor was named as president of Major League Baseball’s Rockies on October 18, 2001. The Primgahr, Iowa native is survived by his wife, Lori, and four children.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) – Sen. Bob Bennett will face state delegates at his party’s convention in May with Utah’s most revered politician. Former presidential candidate Mitt Romney will appear with Bennett on May 8 as Republican delegates gather to vote for the GOP nominee for the Senate race. Romney won almost 90% of Utah’s GOP presidential primary in 2008 and has appeared in TV ads and campaign literature for Bennett. Bennett is heading into the convention in his most difficult re-election bid for the U.S. Senate. Most of his challengers say that Bennett is not conservative enough because of his support for the financial bailout of banks during the economic crisis in the latter part of 2008. Bennett said he wants to meet with as many of the state delegates face-to-face and is not seeking endorsements but will be happy to have Romney in attendance at the convention.

(Manti) Sanpete County Commissioners are encouraging county residents to comment on the proposed Narrows Reservoir Project. The comment period runs until June 1st, and there will be two comment meetings next week on the 28th and 29th. The meeting on the 28th will be held in Manti and the other meeting will be held in Price. Sanpete County Commissioners contend that the project is critical for farmers and residents in the northern part of the county who run short of water each year before the end of the growing season. The project was approved by the Federal Government in the 1930’s, but was postponed because of World War Two. Opponents of the project contend that Carbon County will be shorted by the creation of another reservoir. Carbon County was also promised water and received it with upgrades to Scofield Reservoir in the 1940’s. Others contend that it will diminish fishing quality in Gooseberry Creek. Sanpete County Commissioner Claudia Jarrett commented that with the creation of a new reservoir there will be increased recreation opportunities including fishing, camping, and boating. Details of the project, its history, and the Draft Environmental Impact Statement can be found at www.narrowsproject.com

(BURRVILLE) – A Teasdale woman was cited for a hit-and-run accident north of Burrville Monday night. According to a UHP report, 47-year old Linnea Saderholm was traveling northbound on SR-24 in a 1998 Dodge Caravan, when she drifted into the southbound lane and hit a 2009 Chevy Aveo at about 9pm. The report said Saderholm continued driving without stopping. The driver of the Chevy, 27-year old Craig Albrecht of South Jordan, was not injured in the accident. Saderholm was also not injured but was cited for failure to operate within one lane, DUI drugs and leaving the scene of property damage crash.

(RICHFIELD) – Sevier County Search and Rescue retrieved two females over the weekend in an ATV accident west of Richfield on the water tank road. According to a sheriff’s report, Search and Rescue crews were called to the area of the accident at about 4:45pm Saturday and found the girls. The report said that 22-year old Emily Sharp of Salt Lake was riding with her cousin on an ATV, when they struck a rock in the trail and went down a steep embankment. Both complained of neck and back injuries, along with broken bones on one of them. Witnesses said the girl’s ATV rolled all the way over as it was going down the embankment. Both girls were taken to the Sevier Valley Medical Center in Richfield and treated for their injuries.

(RICHFIELD) – A stranded motorist on I-70 was arrested over the weekend when a Sevier County deputy discovered 20 pounds of marijuana in his vehicle. According to a sheriff’s report, Sgt. Adrian Hillin was dispatched to check on a motorist stuck on the highway just before midnight Saturday night and found the driver walking about a mile away from the vehicle. The driver told Sgt. Hillin that his transmission had gone out in the vehicle and he was on his way to California on vacation. Sgt. Hillin became suspicious because of the answers he gave him and his behavior and obtained permission to search the vehicle for weapons. During the search, the deputy found a large package in green saran wrap containing the marijuana. The sheriff’s report said Sgt. Hillin arrested 34-year old Karlen Kristiansen of St. Charles, MO. for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and was booked into the Sevier County Jail.

(KANAB)-After nearly a decade of planning, construction of a 232-acre reservoir in Kane County is underway. Friday, about 200 Kane County dignitaries and Kanab-area residents turned out for a ceremonial groundbreaking to kick off construction of a $12 million, 45-foot high, 4,430-foot long earthen dam. Upon completion, the dam will create the Jackson Flat reservoir, while water for the reservoir will be diverted from Kanab Creek. Mike Noel, the manager of the Kane County Water Conservancy District and a Republican state representative, called this a historic event for the city of Kanab. Additionally, Utah Republican Senator Bob Bennett and Utah Governor Gary Herbert were on hand for the event. The project is being jointly funded by the Kane County Water Conservancy District, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Utah State Division of Water Resources. Construction of the dam is expected to be completed in 2011 and officials say filling the reservoir with roughly 4,428 acre feet of water will take about two years. The reservoir is primarily being built to help farmers and other Kane County residents have water year round. Kanab and Kane County may also be able to use the water for swimming pools, cemeteries and the Coral Cliff Golf Course. The reservoir was named in honor of the Jackson family, who sold 400 acres of land to the water district for $900,000.

(RICHFIELD) – Sigurd Town officials are investigating the annexation of land next to property owned by the Sevier Power Company for the proposed building of a power plant. Sigurd Town Councilmember Mike Roberts said town officials are in the process of contacting their attorney to look into the matter. Sevier County Zoning Administrator Larry Hanson says the action is just another stall tactic being used by those who are opposed to the building of the plant. Hanson said if Sigurd Town wants to annex the land, the zoning ordinance requires them to annex all the land contiguous to the town, not just the property next to SPC’s land. He also commented that Sigurd will be required to provide services on the proposed annexed land and SPC must still petition Sigurd to annex the land. Hanson said Sigurd Town can’t provide services and SPC officials have made a request to have the county waive their annexation rights. At the county commission meeting today, Commissioners tabled SPC’s annexation waiver until Sigurd Town talks to their attorney. The decision will be considered again at the May 3 meeting.

(CENTRAL VALLEY) – The Central Valley Planning Commission will hold a public hearing this Wednesday night regarding land use issues. Planners want to amend the annexation ordinance to clarify types of water to be transferred when development occurs. They also want public input on the effect changes to the annexation ordinance will have on subdivisions. The Planning Commission will also discuss the Heins Minor Subdivision and make changes to the Land Use Ordinance in regard to positions on the Planning Commission. The public is invited to attend the meeting and offer comments on the land use changes. The meeting will be held Wednesday at the Central Valley Community Center at 50 West Center at 7pm.

(LOGAN) – Utah State University has performed a delicate operation on a 180-year old patient. USU purchased an original copy of the Book of Mormon 44 years ago and in a 12-15 hour operation, restored deteriorating pages of the book. USU’s book conservation consultant, Lou Lichfield performed the operation, using inexpensive material, including Japanese repair paper and a cooked wheat starch paste to repair pages. She also reattached the dilapidated leather spine, with the same paste, which was previously only half connected. It’s estimated that around 500 copies of the first edition of the 5,000 original copies of the Book of Mormon printed are still in existence. USU bought one copy for $5,000 and in 2007, another first-edition copy, signed by LDS Apostle Orson Pratt, sold for $180,000. USU officials say their copy of the Book of Mormon cannot be checked out but is available for public viewing.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) – Sen. Bob Bennett is calling on Pres. Obama to reconsider his plan to cancel NASA programs. Bennett said Obama took one step toward reversing his irresponsible decision to cancel NASA’s program to send humans beyond low-earth orbit but he needs to go even further and restore funding for Constellation and Ares. Bennett said what Obama doesn’t understand is that our strategic missile defense systems use the same technologies, the same materials and are built by the same workers who build the Ares One rockets. He said if we lose these workers, we put our country at risk and hundreds will be out of work in Utah and around the country. Bennett commented that Obama’s plan will cost taxpayers more money and result in over 2,000 Utahns losing their jobs. He said the president is wasting billions of taxpayer dollars to simply re-invent the wheel and develop another rocket, while cutting the safe, cost-efficient and tested Ares rocket booster. Bennett will fight Obama in restoring funding for lost programs.

BEAVER, Utah (AP)-Josh Frandsen homered to lead the Parowan Rams to an 8-3 rout of the Beaver Beavers Thursday in Region 13 baseball action. Stoney white homered in the loss for Beaver.

FILLMORE, Utah (AP)-Kody Snow and Hayden Prisbrey each doubled as the North Sevier Wolves downed the Millard Eagles, 8-2 in non-region baseball action Thursday.

BEAVER, Utah (AP)-Josh Carlisle amassed a hat trick as the Gunnison Bulldogs doubled up the Beaver Beavers, 4-2 Thursday in 2A South soccer action. Adam Kia and John Howard each scored in the loss for Beaver.

FILLMORE, Utah (AP)-Darren Nkomo posted two goals as the Grand Red Devils stymied the Millard Eagles, 4-2 in 2A South soccer action Thursday. Bryan Araos and Josh Aleman each scored in the loss for Millard.

MONROE, Utah (AP)-Oscar Gonzales had six goals and the South Sevier Rams decimated the North Sevier Wolves, 12-1 Thursday in 2A South soccer action. Kelby Maxwell had the sole goal in defeat for North Sevier.

BEAVER, Utah (AP)-Chelsey Moss doubled and tripled to lead the Beaver Lady Beavers to a 10-9 win over the Parowan Lady Rams in Region 13 softball action Thursday.

FILLMORE, Utah (AP)-Keri Brunson and Makinzie Hunter each tripled as the Millard Lady Eagles stonewalled the North Sevier Lady Wolves, 19-9 Thursday in non-region softball action.

(SALT LAKE CITY) – The head of the Southern Nevada Water Authority is blasting Utah officials for not signing an agreement that would ship water from the state to Las Vegas. SNWA Director Pat Mulroy mocked Gov. Gary Herbert and others for lack of conservation of water in Utah, when her state is drying up. The mudslinging stems from the Snake Valley pipeline debate, which would take water from an aquifer straddling the Utah-Nevada border and send it to Las Vegas. Steve Erickson of the Great Basin Water Network said Mulroy is frustrated and is clearly taking it out on Utah’s political leadership. Gov. Herbert has refused to go forward with negotiations on the project because the Nevada Supreme Court has ruled that the Nevada Water Engineer failed to act on water applications within a year of filing and other environmental concerns.

(BOULDER) – A tiny elementary school in the Garfield School District may be closed due to budget cuts. The five-member Garfield School Board is meeting today to consider closing Boulder Elementary in a cost-cutting measure. Boulder Elementary has just 10 students in grades K-6 and if the school is closed, the students will have to be bused to Escalante, which is almost an hour’s drive. The school board is conducting an open meeting with parents at Antimony Elementary at 6pm today to consider several options, including forming a charter school or opt for home schooling. Other potential budget-slashing actions for the district could include layoffs. Garfield District has approximately 100 teachers and an enrollment of 938 students.

(RICHFIELD) – The Sevier County Planning Commission considered and adopted a concept approval Wednesday night for a natural gas-driven power plant near Sigurd. Planners met with representatives from the Sevier Power Company for a presentation on the plant. After discussion and taking some public comments, planners approved the concept plan. SPC’s Bruce Taylor says he was pleased with the outcome. He said the company would still prefer building a coal-fired plant on their property but going through the process of securing another air quality permit would be too costly and take too much time. All planning members voted in favor of the concept approval, except for Caryl Christensen, who voted against. County Commissioners will hold in abeyance an application for a coal-fired plant until an approval from the Utah air quality board is granted for the gas-fired plant. SPC said at that time, they’ll abandon their application for the coal-fired plant.

(MOAB) – Grand County sheriff’s deputies and search and rescue crews recovered a body Tuesday from the Colorado River. According to Chief Sheriff Deputy Curt Brewer, boaters on the river noticed a man’s body floating in the water next to State Route 279 near Moab just after 6pm Tuesday. The body appeared to be that of a 30-40 year-old male, dressed in street clothes and may have been in the water for “several months”. Officials believe the man may be one of two men reported missing in the river during the past two years but do not suspect foul play. The body was transported to the Utah State Medical Examiner’s Office for investigation and identification, which is expected to take several weeks.

(RICHFIELD) – The Richfield Area Chamber of Commerce invited the two remaining candidates for Sevier County Sheriff to the monthly luncheon today. Public Information Officer Nate Curtis said the reason he’s running for sheriff is to give back to the community. He commented that the biggest problem facing county residents is illegal drugs. Curtis said if he’s elected, he’ll work closer with the families throughout the county and the sheriff’s department in helping to solve the problems. His opponent, Kirt Rippstein, said the county needs leadership in the department. Both candidates for sheriff will square off in a Republican primary election June 22.

(Mount Pleasant) Naming rights to the arena at the new Sanpitch Heritage center have been secured with a donation of $125,000 dollars by the ConToy Family Memorial Trust. Former Sanpete residents Connie and Toy Hansen establish the trust before their deaths to supports equestrian programs in the state and especially in Sanpete County. Representatives of the Trust recently presented Mount Pleasant Mayor Sandra Bigler with a ceremonial check representing the donation which will allow the project to stay on budget. It has already provided funding for the installation of a sound system and audience heating units, as well as the purchase of a tractor for grooming the arena. The Trust has also agreed to continue donating $5,000 dollars each year for handicapped and disadvantaged youth equestrian programs at the ConToy Arena. In fulfillment of that mission the ConToy Arena will host the Specialized Olympics Rodeo on May 1st. Organizers are currently seeking adult volunteers from the community to assist during the event.

Last evening the Sanpete County Republican Convention was held at Snow College in Ephraim. The evening was well attended by all 269 delegates plus involved citizens . 3rd Congressional District Congressman, Jason Chaffets spoke to the audience as well as Governor Herbert and the other candidates for governor, Daniel Oaks and Richard Martin. All Senator Candidates running against Bob Bennett, along with all the House Legistlator District 67, 68, and 70 incumbants and challengers also spoke. Locally, Brody Keisel was put in for County Attorney by acclamation, since Doug Neeley was not in attendance. Other unopposed offices for County Assesor, Recorder, Treasurer and County Clerk were also put in by acclamation. A Republican Primary will be held on June 22nd to determine the Republican Candidate for Sheriff. The Convention last night, took the two top vote getters, Brian Nielson and current County Sheriff Kevin Holman, to be on the Primary Ballot on June 22nd, to determine the candidate for November. Neither Nielson nor Holman received the 70 percent vote to automatically become the Republican Nominee.

DELTA, Utah (AP)-Ty Church posted seven strikeouts and homered as the Delta Rabbits smacked the Juab Wasps, 4-1 Tuesday in Region 12 baseball action. Brady Hansen doubled in the loss for the Wasps.

MT. PLEASANT, Utah (AP)-Kyle Moore hit an inside-the-park home run and amassed nine strikeouts as the Manti Templars shellacked the North Sanpete Hawks, 13-1 in Region 12 baseball action Tuesday. Colton Hamilton also doubled in the rout for Manti.

CASTLE DALE, Utah (AP)-Jake Cropper had a key double to lead the Richfield Wildcats past the Emery Spartans, 6-4 Tuesday in Region 12 baseball action.

ENTERPRISE, Utah (AP)-Stoney White tripled and had 10 strikeouts as the Beaver Beavers smacked the Enterprise Wolves, 5-1 in Region 13 baseball action Tuesday.

PAROWAN, Utah (AP)-Corie Blackham tripled while Rhett Bassett added a pair of doubles as the Parowan Rams decimated the Millard Eagles, 20-5 Tuesday in Region 13 baseball action. Patrick Bendall doubled in the loss for Millard.

SALINA, Utah (AP)-Dillon Ortwein had a pair of doubles to lead the North Sevier Wolves to a narrow 6-5 win over the Gunnison Bulldogs Tuesday in Region 15 baseball action. Cutler Frandsen tripled and Jaden James added a double in the loss for Gunnison.

MONROE, Utah (AP)-Craig Brinkerhoff amassed three hits and five RBI to lead the Kanab Cowboys to a 15-5 rout of the South Sevier Rams in non-region baseball action Tuesday. Patrick Baker doubled in the loss for South Sevier.

FILLMORE, Utah (AP)-Hiroya Nishikawa, Matt Christensen and Nelson Howard each scored and the Beaver Beavers edged the Millard Eagles, 3-2 Tuesday in 2A South soccer action. Josh Aleman had two goals in the loss for Millard.

MOAB, Utah (AP)-Darren Nkomo had two goals and Joseph Hawks earned the shutout as the Grand Red Devils blanked the South Sevier Rams, 3-0 in 2A South soccer action Tuesday.

DELTA, Utah (AP)-Jace Johnson amassed a hat trick and Pedro Gonzalez posted the shutout as the Delta Rabbits stymied the Manti Templars, 6-0 Tuesday in Region 12 soccer action.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)-Jaz Peppelaar posted a hat trick while William Ayoub and Zach Page also scored as the Richfield Wildcats ousted the North Sanpete Hawks, 5-3 in Region 12 soccer action Tuesday. Cruz Rodriguez had a hat trick in the loss for the Hawks.

DELTA, Utah (AP)-Alexa Nielson and Jessica Barker each homered as the Juab Lady Wasps outgunned the Delta Lady Rabbits, 10-6 Tuesday in Region 12 softball action. Sharayah Shipley doubled in the loss for Delta.

CASTLE DALE, Utah (AP)-Andi Smith posted 15 strikeouts as the Emery Lady Spartans blanked the Richfield Lady Wildcats, 8-0 in Region 12 softball action Tuesday.

ENTERPRISE, Utah (AP)-Chesley Moss homered, but it wasn’t enough as the Enterprise Lady Wolves downed the Beaver Lady Beavers, 7-5 Tuesday in Region 13 softball action.

SALINA, Utah (AP)-Kayla Peterson and Morgan Overly each doubled as the Gunnison Lady Bulldogs pounded the North Sevier Lady Wolves, 14-3 in Region 15 softball action Tuesday.

(SIGURD) – Sigurd Town officials have announced the dates for the town cleanup this spring. At the town council meeting last week, councilmembers set clean-up dates from Apr. 16 through Apr. 30. Debris, including trash, rocks and tree limbs will be picked on those dates. Town officials have asked citizens to not put out old tires until they can be collected by the county in the fall.

(RICHFIELD) – The Sevier County Planning Commission will meet Wednesday night to consider a concept approval for a natural gas-driven power plant in the county. Representatives from the Sevier Power Company plan to approach the commission to construct the plant on their property located west of Highway 118, next to the Sigurd substation. The Planning Commission will also consider a concept approval for Phase 2 of the Brooklyn South Subdivision and a four-lot minor subdivision at about 1700 South 1200 West in Monroe. The Planning Commission meeting will be held Wednesday at 6pm in the Commission Chambers of the Sevier County Administration Building in Richfield.

(FILLMORE) – The Central-Utah Narcotics Task Force and Millard County Deputies have arrested two suspects in a drug bust last Wednesday in Fillmore. According to a Task Force report, the two traveled from Las Vegas to Fillmore to deliver approximately a half ounce of heroin. Those arrested included, 33-year old Juan Alcanter-Lopez from Los Angeles and 30-year old Veronica Carbajal-Amador from Las Vegas. Both were arrested without incident and booked into the Millard County Jail.

(MANTI) – The LDS Church is seeking approval from the Sanpete County Planning Commission to purchase property north of Spring City for the purpose of constructing a new LDS Ward meetinghouse. The Presiding Bishopric of the Church will request approval Wednesday night at the Planning Commission meeting concerning the purchase of a single-lot minor subdivision and Conditional Use Permit for constructing the building. The Planning Commission will also consider a request from several business owners to approve a CUP to manufacture sheep camps in an existing building two miles south of Spring City on Pigeon Hollow Road. Planners will also consider the approval of several other subdivision lots. The meeting will be held Wednesday starting at 6:30pm.

(ANNABELLA) – Annabella Town officials are seeking state funding to upgrade the culinary and secondary water sources throughout the town. At last week’s council meeting, Curtis Neilson of Nolte Engineering of Cedar City, addressed the council on securing funds in the amount of $46,000 from the State Division of Water Quality to go towards identifying and upgrading water meters in town. Town officials will continue to be updated in the process. Also at the meeting, the Annabella First and Second Ward’s Young Men and Women organizations of the LDS Church met with the council to help with providing floats in the upcoming 100 year celebration to be held during the July 4th holiday.

(FRUITA) – Officials at The Capitol Reef National Park are preparing for National Junior Ranger Day at the park on Saturday, April 24. Seven year volunteer, Lynne Stinchfield in the Interpretive Department at the Park, says several activities will take place at different locations on Ranger Day. She said the promotion of outdoor recreation will enable children to complete the Junior Ranger Booklet and earn a park badge and embroidered patch. Park Rangers say that if it weren’t for the volunteer efforts of Stinchfield and others, Ranger Day would not take place. Capitol Reef will also waive entrance fees into the park April 17-25 as part of National Park Week.

(MONROE) – A Marysvale man was taken to the hospital Friday after getting bucked off a horse while herding cattle on Poverty Flats south of Monroe. According to a sheriff’s report, 48-year old Mike Silva sustained possible broken ribs, when his horse apparently spooked and threw the man. Sevier County Search and Rescue was called to the scene at about 1pm and transported Silva to an ambulance where personnel took him to the Sevier Valley Medical Center in Richfield for treatment. Silva complained of severe breathing problems. Sevier County Deputies also investigated a report of spray paint on the Monroe Community Center on Thursday. Authorities say the vandalism appears to be gang related but no suspects have been apprehended.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP)-Weber State’s Zach Parry won the mens’ hammer throw to lead the way for numerous athletes scattered throughout the West Saturday at the University of Utah Spring Classic. Additionally, Utah’s Sarah Grimm won the womens’ hammer throw, while Brianna Leroy won the womens’ long jump for Utah. Other wins came from Utah Valley’s Dean Swimmer in the long jump, Brigham Young’s Shanie Bushman in the womens’ pole vault, Mike Staker of Weber State in the high jump and Weber State’s Ryan Shelton in the shot put.

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP)-Michigan State’s Beth Rohl placed first in the womens’ hammer throw to lead the way at the Sun Angel Classic Saturday at Arizona State University. Other wins came from Iowa State’s Josh Koglin in the mens’ hammer throw, Meagan Berg of Colorado State in the womens’ hammer throw premiere and Arizona State’s Jason Lewis in the mens’ hammer throw premiere.

BOULDER, Colo. (AP)-Air Force’s Connor Van Fossen placed first in the mens’ javelin to lead the way for numerous athletes scattered throughout the Intermountain West Saturday at the Colorado Invitational at Boulder. Additionally, Indira Spence of Adams State placed first in the womens’ 200-meter dash, while Wyoming’s Taylor Gardner earned the womens’ 400-meter dash crown and Colorado’s Kristin Johansen took the 3000-meter dash title. As for the men, Northern Colorado’s Evan Taylor took the 200-meter dash crown, while Kekoa Chavez of Wyoming placed first in the 400-meter dash. Additionally, Tyler Hoerner of Northern Colorado placed first in the 400-meter hurdles and Colorado’s Cameron Clayton took the 3000-meter steeplechase title.

LOS ANGELES (AP)-San Diego State’s Alicia King placed first in the womens’ 100-meter dash to lead the way for numerous athletes scattered throughout the West at the Joyner-Kersee Invitational at UCLA. Additionally, Utah State’s Camille Fehlberg finished the day in the lead in the womens’ heptathlon with 795 points. As for the men, UCLA’s Trent Perez won the mens’ 1500-meter dash while Utah State’s Philip Noble placed first in the pole vault. The meet will resume Saturday.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP)-North Florida’s Johnathan Esteban placed first in the mens’ 3000-meter dash to lead the way for numerous athletes throughout the South Friday at the Seminole Invitational at Florida State University. Additionally, Florida State’s Kara Taylor had a solid performance by placing first in the 5000-meter dash on her home track. The meet will resume Saturday.

(SALT LAKE CITY)-U.S. Senator, Orrin Hatch, is warning President Barack Obama he will face a “whale of a fight” in the Senate should he nominate an activist judge to replace retiring Supreme Court Justice John Stevens. Friday, Stevens announced his retirement and Hatch quickly called a news conference to suggest Obama needs to select someone with significant bipartisan support in his second selection to the high court. Hatch sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee and says Obama will go down in history as a better president should his nominee have Republican backers. Hatch voted against Obama’s last Supreme Court nominee, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor.

(ELSINORE) – Elsinore Town officials are proposing stricter enforcement of the nuisance ordinance in order to beautify the town and improve conditions. At the town council meeting Tuesday night, former Richfield Enforcement Officer Charles Billingsley addressed the council on his record of success with enforcement of the Richfield ordinance. The Town Council will consider using Billingsley on a case-by-case basis. He worked part-time for Richfield but lost his position due to budget cuts.

(MANTI) – Sanpete County Commissioners held a public hearing Tuesday afternoon concerning an exemption in the subdivision ordinance to allow a landowner to obtain a building permit without complying with the requirements of the ordinance. The current ordinance does not allow a landowner to construct a building on the property without first complying with the requirements of the subdivision ordinance. Commissioners said an exemption in the ordinance would allow a landowner to separate a small piece of land from any 100-acre parcel of contiguous land they own to get a building permit. The ordinance passed unanimously.

(RICHFIELD) – Richfield City has canceled the council meeting for Tuesday night due to a conflict with the Sevier County Republican Party Convention being held on the same night. The convention will be held at the Sevier Valley Center in Richfield Tuesday night at 7pm. The next Richfield City Council meeting will be held April 27.

SALINA, Utah (AP)-Orion Wilson posted two hits and amassed five strikeouts on the mound as the South Sevier Rams downed the North Sevier Wolves, 7-2 Thursday in Region 15 baseball action.

GRANTSVILLE, Utah (AP)-Tyson Hutchins posted four hits to lead the Grantsville Cowboys to a 7-6 win over the Delta Rabbits in non-region baseball action Thursday.

FILLMORE, Utah (AP)-Kyle Moore posted four hits and Colton Hamilton added a double as the Manti Templars pummeled the Millard Eagles, 10-1 Thursday in non-region baseball action.

MONROE, Utah (AP)-Andrew Smith, Jeremy Aleman, Jesse Rhodes, Nate Robison and Tre Ashton each scored as the Millard Eagles smacked the South Sevier Rams, 5-1 in 2A South soccer action Thursday. Kevin Maxfield scored the sole goal in defeat for South Sevier.

GUNNISON, Utah (AP)-Diego Gonzalez amassed a hat trick and the Gunnison Bulldogs decimated the North Sevier Wolves, 10-0 Thursday in 2A South soccer action.

EPHRAIM, Utah (AP)-Ben Lund, Daniel Munoz and Jacob McGarry had two goals apiece to lead the Manti Templars to a 9-1 rout of the Richfield Wildcats in Region 12 soccer action Thursday. Jaz Peppelaar scored the sole goal for Richfield in the loss.

MONTICELLO, Utah (AP)-Janessa Browning posted four hits and six RBI to lead the Monticello Lady Buckaroos to a 12-2 rout of the North Sevier Lady Wolves in the first game of a Region 15 softball doubleheader Thursday.

MONTICELLO, Utah (AP)-Janessa Browning had a double to ensue in her impressive offensive performance as the Monticello Lady Buckaroos shellacked the North Sevier Lady Wolves, 12-1 Thursday to complete the sweep in a Region 15 softball doubleheader.

(SALT LAKE CITY)-Lawyers for a man accused of murder say fear caused him to shoot the victim and dump his body in the West Desert. Ramon Somoza has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of his former employee, Jesus Landin, last December. Landin’s body was found near Wendover January 7 and police believe Landin was actually killed at an American Fork dance hall in December 2009 after telling friends he was asking Somoza for his paycheck. Somoza’s lawyers say Landin was threatening their client at the time of the shooting and that Somoza acted in self-defense. The defense claims Somoza has acknowledged hiding the body after the fact was a bad decision, but that doesn’t change the circumstances of the shooting. Last week, a judge denied Somoza’s request to have his $500,000 bail reduced. He will appear in court again in June.

(SALT LAKE CITY) – Sen. Bob Bennett is getting a lot of heat from opposing candidates and delegates concerning his votes in Congress on financial bailouts. Bennett says in response, he’s contacting as many of the 3,500 state delegates he can to set his record straight. He commented that some delegates think he voted for “Obama’s bailout” but he said he never voted for that. Bennett explained that he voted for the first phase of the Troubled Asset Recovery Program to prevent a global depression and said most Utah businessmen were in favor of the action. In spite of Bennett’s efforts, Rep. Jason Chaffetz said any delegate voting for Bennett is hard to come by. Chaffetz said it’s proof the incumbants are not elected for life. He knocked out Chris Cannon in the Republican primary in 2008.

(SALT LAKE CITY) – A series of workshops have been scheduled to craft opposition to a controversial Nevada pipeline. The Great Basin Water Network is hosting the workshops to guide opponents in filing official protests to more than 100 water-right applications being sought by Southern Nevada Water Authority to construct a 285-mile pipeline that would convey 50,000 acre feet of water per year to Las Vegas. The pipeline project would draw water from an aquifer that straddles the Utah-Nevada State Line. Critics say the project would draw-down the water table affecting ranching and farming in the Snake Valley area. In January, the Nevada Supreme Court tossed out previous applications granted by the Nevada State Water Engineer, saying the process had been arbitrary and lacked the necessary considerations of long-term impacts. Utah officials are holding off negotiations with the Water Authority due to the court’s decision.

CEDAR CITY, Utah (AP)-Cameron Kimball tripled and Cutler Frandsen added a double as the Gunnison Bulldogs smacked the Enterprise Wolves, 11-2 Wednesday in non-region baseball action at Southern Utah University.

MONROE, Utah (AP)-Brett Cecil posted four hits and the Parowan Rams pounded the South Sevier Rams, 18-7 in non-region baseball action Wednesday.

FILLMORE, Utah (AP)-Francisco Alcala and Jesse Rhodes each had four goals and the Millard Eagles shellacked the North Sevier Wolves, 14-0 Wednesday in 2A South soccer action.

MT. PLEASANT, Utah (AP)-Jenifer Nuttall and Brooke Seely each homred as the Emery Lady Spartans got past the North Sanpete Lady Hawks, 6-4 Wednesday in Region 12 softball action.

(SALT LAKE CITY)-Three more defendants in a federal crackdown on illegal trafficking of American Indian artifacts have scheduled change-of-plea hearings. Aubry Patterson, Nick Laws and Dale Lyman of Blanding are scheduled to appear in front of a federal magistrate in Moab April 23. All three initially pleaded not guilty to felony charges related to artifact trafficking. They were among 26 people charged after a two-year sting operation targeting those who illegally dig, sell and collect artifacts taken from public and tribal lands in the Four Corners area. Late last month, two other defendants, Brent Bullock and Tammy Shumway, pleaded guilty to two felony counts apiece. They’ve been scheduled for sentencing in July.

(CHEYENNE, Wyo.)-State officials in Wyoming and Utah plan to enter a lawsuit, pending in Montana, to argue the federal government lacks authority to regulate firearms that are made and sold in the same state. The attorneys general of Wyoming and Utah say they plan to file a brief in the Montana case this week. It’s possible other states may sign on as well. The states involved have adopted “firearms freedom” laws that seek to exempt guns manufactured and sold in the same state from federal regulators. In Montana, pro-gun groups sued the federal government last year over its contention federal gun laws still apply despite the state law. The U.S. Department of Justice argues Montana lacked authority to exempt guns from national control laws.

(RICHFIELD) – The Sevier County Sheriff’s Office continues their on-going investigation of fraud cases in our local areas and vandalism at storage units. Detectives are looking into a scam that involves people being tricked into buying identity theft protection plans, costing over $200 a month. Investigators say that when the so-called “contract” expires, a call is made for a renewal. In another case, a local person posted an ad on KSL.com’s classified website and received a communication from a subject who was supposedly deaf and sent checks in an excess amount for the item through another person. The responder then asks the seller to send back the difference, usually in the amount of several thousands of dollars. Once the money is deposited in the seller’s account, it comes back as fraudulent and the seller is out the money. Detectives continue to ask the public to be aware of scams from the Internet, phone calls and mailings and to report suspicious activity.

(MOAB) – A Draper woman’s hand was crushed over the weekend during an accident at Moab’s annual Jeep Safari event. Grand County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Curt Brewer said that 35-year old Heather Cowan and 42-year old Morgan Case were four-wheeling in the Sand Flats area in the Escalante Challenge on the Hell’s Revenge Trail, when the rock crawler Cowan was driving, rolled. Brewer said that Cowan’s hand was smashed between a rock and the vehicle and nearly amputated. She was flown by medical helicopter to a hospital in Grand Junction. There’s no report on her condition.

(GUNNISON) – A Lehi woman and her passenger were taken to the hospital with possible injuries when their vehicle rolled on SR-28 Tuesday afternoon. According to a UHP report, 27-year old Summer Steed was traveling southbound in a 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser, when, in an attempt to pass another vehicle, noticed a northbound vehicle coming towards her. The report said Steed overcorrected while moving back into her lane and went off the left shoulder of the highway about 12 miles north of Gunnison and rolled. She was wearing her seatbelt and transported to the Gunnison Valley Hospital with unknown injuries. Her passenger, 35-year old Brandy Carter of Hurricane, was also wearing her seatbelt and was taken to the hospital. Steed was cited for improper lane travel, driving on suspension and failure to install an ignition interlock due to past DUI arrests.

(RICHFIELD) – Richfield City officials are asking residents on the west side of the city to not use water the night of April 13th in order for crews to install a new valve in the main water line into the city. Workers will begin the installation at about 11pm for a six hour block of time when the water will be turned off or will be at low pressure in an area extending from 600 East to the north and northwest quadrants of the city and from Center Street to the west and southwest quadrants. City officials say they appreciate residents’ cooperation while crews work on the line until the installation is complete.

(SALT LAKE CITY)-Utah and Arizona authorities are serving search warrants on the government offices of a pair of border towns dominated by a polygamous sect. This sect, which despite members’ claims to the contrary, is not affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, but is an apostate faction of this church. An attorney for the FLDS Church says warrants for records were served Tuesday on fire stations in Colorado City, Ariz. and Hildale, Utah. The attorney, Rod Parker, says an additional warrant was served on the home of Colorado City’s fire chief. Parker says the scope of the warrants was unclear. Management of the twin towns and the religious traditions of the FLDS Church have been under increased scrutiny since 2005, following allegations of an increase in the number of unlawful underage marriages and general misuse of church funds.

(RICHFIELD) – Several items on the agenda at the Sevier County Commission meeting Monday were discussed and approved by Commissioners. Items included discussions on deeded property, the management of transmission lines through county lands and matching funds for the road department. Commissioners discussed the problems of private property owners who want to deed undeveloped property to the county to avoid the payment of taxes. Commissioner Gary Mason questioned the purposes and legality of such actions and motioned to table the discussion until more information could be obtained. All Commissioners agreed and the matter will be rescheduled. Commissioners also discussed and approved matching a federal grant to go towards funding road sign improvements on county roads. UDOT will provide 93% of funding and the county will pay 7% and maintain the signage in areas where improvements are most needed. Commissioner Mason said the county should not pay more than $6,000 for the first phase of the project. Also at the meeting, Commissioners approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the BLM to support the construction of transmission lines throughout the county.

(RICHFIELD) – The fee schedule to use Sevier County Fairground facilities throughout the year has been determined by County Commissioners. At the bi-monthly meeting Monday, commissioners approved a fee of $25 per year for individuals and $75 per year for a family. The fee includes the use of buildings, the outdoor arena and ground area. Commissioner Gary Mason said the future installation of horse stalls will also require a fee. He said the county is not making any profit from the fees charged but will be applied for any damages incurred and utility use. Also at the meeting, Commissioners approved several contracts for entertainment during this year’s fair. Contracts were signed for country singer, Eric Dodge to perform, as well as the Dodge “D” Livestock Hog Wrestling event and Voodoo Orchestra. A local group, “Due West” will also perform during the fair. Commissioners approved all contracts, except for Commissioner Topham abstaining from the Eric Dodge contract because he’s related to him.

(RICHFIELD) – Sevier County Commissioners have announced the names of the five board members of the Austin Special Service District at the County Commission meeting on Monday. Commissioner Gary Mason said the commission selected three people to serve four-year terms and two, to serve two-year terms. For four-year terms, Calvin Baker, Koma Delayne and Ron Hamblin were chosen and for two-year terms, Dynette Sites and Gordon Topham were selected. Both Commissioners Mason and Cowley voted in favor of the selections and Topham abstained due to his selection on the board. Ten applications were received and eight were interviewed by the Commission with five chosen. Commissioner Mason commented that the county normally does not get involved in selecting board members for SSD’s but circumstances required the county to assist in education and training for the Austin SSD in their culinary water system. Elections will be held in the future during municipal election years.

(MANTI) – A Manti woman crashed her 2006 Toyota RAV-4 into a fence at the elementary school Monday morning because of an alleged sticking accelerator pedal. According to a sheriff’s report, 55-year old Cathy Whitaker was traveling about 40 miles-per-hour when she said the gas pedal stuck and she couldn’t stop. Speaking from a hospital bed, Whitaker said she tried her best to slow down, so she went onto the grass and took out about 100 feet of fence. Whitaker sustained broken vertabrae and bulging disks in the crash. South Sanpete School District Assistant Superintendent Brenan Jackson said the accident happened about 15 minutes before students arrived at school, so, it was lucky no kids were hurt. Sanpete County Sheriff’s Sgt. Greg Peterson, said that Whitaker was not under the influence of anything and appears the gas pedal got stuck. Whitaker’s car is now at a Manti auto shop with some front end damage. A manager at Karl Malone Toyota in Salt Lake City said Whitaker’s claim is ridiculous because her car was not recalled.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP)-Kyle Singler had 19 points and nine rebounds and the Duke Blue Devils survived a last-gasp miss by Butler’s prolific Gordon Hayward to win their fourth national championship with a 61-59 victory Monday at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Blue Devils were the only team to post at least 60 points on the stingy Bulldog defense throughout the tournament and they found a way to execute sufficiently down the stretch en route to victory. The Bulldogs were paced by Hayward (12 points, eight rebounds) and Shelvin Mack (12 points, five boards) in the loss which commemorates the best season in the storied history of Butler basketball, who won their first national championship in 1924, 15 years before the establishment of the NCAA tournament. Jon Scheyer (15 points, six rebounds) and Nolan Smith (13 points) were also solid in victory for Duke. Despite the Blue Devils’ well-deserved pedigree as an elite program, this was their first national title since 2001, when they vanquished Arizona.

(SALINA) – A Salina man was taken to the hospital after being thrown from his snowmobile in the Gooseberry area last Wednesday. A Sevier County Sheriff’s report said that 51-year old Lane Barney was testing his snowmobile when he was thrown. The report said that Barney lay in the snow for several hours, unable to move, until family members found him. They notified authorities when Barney failed to return home. Search and Rescue was called out to rescue the man from the mountain and was transported by ambulance to the Sevier Valley Medical Center in Richfield with injuries. Barney was later taken to the Utah Valley Regional Medical Center in Provo. The sheriff’s report did not indicate the extent of his injuries or whether he had been released from the hospital.

(WEST JORDAN)-Police are investigating a possible homicide in West Jordan after a body was found Monday afternoon. A couple driving in the area near 7400 South and 6400 West called police when they thought they saw a body face down in a muddy area. Authorities reported that the mud was so thick, police had to summon a ladder truck to survey the scene. Police say the area is just outside a new development where people tend to dump debris. They say the body was partially submerged in the mud. West Jordan Police have described the victim as a Hispanic male in his mid-30s who had incurred a single shot to the stomach.

(SALT LAKE CITY)-A Utah man could face felony kidnapping charges for allegedly forcing a California woman to work as a prostitute in Utah. According to the Deseret News, 25-year-old Donnell Jackson, is one of four people taken into custody by Salt Lake City police as part of a prostitution sting Wednesday night. Officers also arrested three women at the Royal Garden Inn in downtown Salt Lake City. One 20-year-old woman told investigators she was lured to Utah under the promise of working as a stripper. Nevertheless, she says Jackson forced her into prostitution. Police booked Jackson into the Salt Lake County Jail on suspicion of kidnapping and aiding in prostitution. Jail records indicate he was involved in Internet prostitution and transported three women from California to Utah. As of Friday, police had identified only one victim.

(ST. GEORGE)-The Utah State Board of Regents has approved three new degree programs for Dixie State College. As of the fall of 2010, Dixie State will offer bachelor’s degrees in theater and clinical laboratory science and will offer a criminal justice emphasis in its four-year integrated studies program. Dixie State president, Stephen Nadauld, says the degrees will offer more people in southern Utah a chance to get their education close to home. School officials say the clinical science degree will offer the school an opportunity to expand their relationship with Dixie Regional Medical Center and that the criminal justice emphasis will offer students an opportunity to get involved in law enforcement.

(SEVIER) – A Henrieville woman was taken to the hospital when she rolled her 2002 Saturn SL2 on SR-12 Friday morning. According to a UHP report, 81-year old Louise Patterson was traveling westbound when she lost control on icy roads and rolled at about 7:45am. UHP said Patterson was wearing her seatbelt and was taken to the Garfield Memorial Hospital with possible injuries. In another accident, UHP also investigated a rollover on I-70 Friday morning involving several travelers riding in a 2002 Ford van. The driver and his passengers were not taken to the hospital even though some had injuries. He was cited for expired registration, no insurance and improper lane travel.

(COVE FORT) – Several California travelers were taken to the hospital with injuries Friday afternoon when the car in which they were traveling smashed into the back of a Greyhound bus carrying 28 passengers on I-70 near Cove Fort. According to a UHP report, the bus was traveling eastbound at about 12:15pm, when a 2007 Toyota attempted to pass and lost control on icy roads and crashed into the rear end of the bus. UHP said the driver of the Toyota, 23-year old Samantha Goad of Yacca Valley, CA., was transported to the Sevier Valley Medical Center in Richfield with injuries. Her passengers, 46-year old Raymond Jacobson of Bakersfield, CA. was also taken to the hospital, as well as 16-year old Caleb Jones of Yacca Valley. Sevier County ambulance ordered a school bus to transport five passengers from the Greyhound bus to the hospital for treatment. The driver of the bus was not injured. The Toyota driver was cited for traveling too fast for conditions.

TORONTO (AP)-Corey Maggette had 31 points and Stephen Curry added 29 points and 12 assists as the Golden State Warriors outlasted the Toronto Raptors, 113-112 Sunday at Air Canada Centre in NBA action. The win was significant for Warriors head coach, Don Nelson, as he won his 1,332nd game of his illustrious career, tying Lenny Wilkens, who incidentally once coached the Raptors. Nelson can set a new record Tuesday with a victory over the moribund Washington Wizards. Chris Bosh amassed 42 points and 12 rebounds in the loss for Toronto. In other NBA action Sunday, Boston held off Cleveland, 117-113, San Antonio embarrassed the Los Angeles Lakers, 100-81, Indiana shellacked Houston, 133-102, Orlando pummeled Memphis, 102-87, Washington downed New Jersey, 109-99, Oklahoma City stymied Minnesota, 116-108 and New York surged past the Los Angeles Clippers, 113-107.

PROVO, Utah (AP)-Brigham Young’s Katie Palmer-Cox placed first in the 1500-meter womens’ steeplechase to lead the way for numerous athletes scattered throughout the West at the Cougar Invitational Friday at Robison Track. Additionally, Weber State’s Loren Storey placed first in the 3000-meter womens’ steeplechase while the Lady Cougars were also bolstered by Madara Dzalbe who won the womens’ triple jump. As for the men, Anse Myller De Araujo won the triple jump while his teammate, Oliver Whaley, won the hammer throw. To finish things off, the Cougars received another victory from Blaine Baker in the javelin. The meet will resume Saturday.

AUBURN, Ala. (AP)-Kentucky’s Kristin Smith won the women’s hammer throw to lead the way for numerous athletes scattered throughout the southeast Friday at the Tiger Track Classic. Additionally, Ohio State’s Maggie Mullen won the womens’ javelin toss, while the men were led by Iowa’s Matt Banse who won the hammer throw. Kyle Smith of Southern Mississippi also had a solid performance by winning the mens’ javelin. The meet will resume Saturday.

(SOLDIER SUMMIT)—Three people were seriously injured Friday morning in a head-on collision on Highway 6 near Soldier Summit. A Utah Highway Patrol spokesman says the accident happened shortly after 10:00 a.m. when an eastbound car crossed into oncoming traffic and smashed head-on into a westbound pickup truck. The driver of the car was airlifted to a hospital in critical condition while the driver and passenger in the pickup truck were taken by ambulance to a Price hospital with serious injuries.

(SALT LAKE CITY)-A power outage knocked out service to more than 300 customers Friday, including two ski resorts. Alta and Brighton both reported their power went out shortly after 9:30 a.m. It now has been restored. Shortly after the outage, Brighton operated three lifts on auxiliary power and offered refund to skiers who requested them. Eighteen customers in Little Cottonwood Canyon remain without power while the outage was caused by an equipment failure.

(PROVO)-A 24-year-old Provo man is expected to face 20 years to life in prison after pleading guilty to aggravated murder in the death of his infant son. Thursday, Cameron Nielsen pleaded guilty in an agreement that spared him the possibility of life in prison. Sentencing is set for May 13 before 4th District Judge David Mortensen. Nielsen originally faced eight child abuse charges and one attempted murder charge in the death of the 6-week-old boy. The child was brought to Primary Children’s Medical Center in May 2008 and died five months later. Doctors had diagnosed him as blind and brain-damaged from physical injuries. Nielsen told police he squeezed the child’s torso and shook him before the baby stopped breathing and he tried to administer CPR days before the child was hospitalized.

(WELLINGTON)-A gas driller says it has mopped up an oil leak in a creek outside a pipeline compressor station in eastern Utah. Bill Barrett Corp. says “minor seepage” was discovered in Nine Mile Creek near Wellington. The Denver-based company said crews used absorbent booms to contain the leak as they prepared to excavate and underground line that is the source of the leak. Government regulators were notified and the company shut down the Dry Canyon compressor station east of Wellington, which processes 50 million cubic feet of natural gas a day. Barrett said the leak was discovered Tuesday and contained by Thursday with no evidence of water pollution outside of the immediate location of the leak.

(SALT LAKE CITY) – Ranchers met with members of the Utah Wildlife Board at a meeting in Salt Lake City Wednesday concerning food for their livestock on the winter ranges. David Brinkerhoff with the Henry Mountain Grazing Association, told board members at the State Capitol that there’s too much competition for food and wants the state to control bison and elk populations. He said the livestock industry is losing feed-grazing areas to the over population of elk, antelope and bison, making the winter range, critical. Brinkerhoff commented that cattle grazers are already voluntarily reducing the number of animals they have on the land and want the state to reduce bison herds as well. At the meeting, Wildlife Board members said they called grazers together to set the number of bison hunting permits on the Henry Mountains, not change the plan. They said a plan change would require several public hearings.

(SALT LAKE CITY) – The 180th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints will commence this weekend at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City. Church officials say the Saturday general sessions will be held at 10am and 2pm with the Priesthood Session to be held at the Conference Center at 6pm. Sunday sessions will be held at 10am and 2pm. Tickets are required for admission to all sessions of the conference. Church members can contact their local priesthood leaders to obtain tickets. KSVC-AM 980, KMTI-AM 650 and KMGR-FM 99.3 will carry all four sessions of Conference and will also be streamed on Midutahradio.com.

(SALT LAKE CITY)-Records show the undercover informant in a federal sting targeting looted Southwestern artifacts told a friend he felt responsible for the suicides of two defendants. Two days later, he killed himself. Police reports released late Thursday in response to a request from the Associated Press say that before Ted Gardiner shot himself in the head in a Salt Lake City suburb March 1, he told the friend he was upset over his involvement in the case. The sting eventually led to charges against 26 people for stealing and trafficking in American Indian relics taken illegally from public and tribal lands. Two people, including a prominent southern Utah doctor, committed suicide last June shortly after the indictments were announced. The records say on February 27, Gardiner told a friend he had killed two people and was suicidal.

(MORGAN)-Election filings show Morgan County will have a new sheriff and there will be four new faces on the seven-member Morgan City Council next year. The makeup of the Morgan County School Board will stay the same. Two candidates have filed to replace Sheriff Gene Ercanbrack and County council members, Sid Creager, Alvin Lundgren, Karen Sunday and David Gardiner, who did not file for reelection. Three candidates are currently seeking Lundgren’s two-year, at-large council seat. Three other candidates are seeking Creager’s four-year at-large seat. Two hopefuls will vie for Sunday’s four-year District 2 seat and two will face off over Gardiner’s four-year District 5 seat.

(EPHRAIM) – The Utah Board of Regents is meeting at Snow College in Ephraim today to approve a list of tuition increases. Associate Commissioner of Higher Education Dave Buhler says the increases will range from six to twelve percent but he says they could have been a lot higher. Buhler said the legislature was able to put back $33 million that had been planned to be cut. He said higher education did see budget cuts and enrollment growth was not funded. Buhler commented the higher education system has absorbed 24,000 new students over the past two years.

(SALT LAKE CITY) – A prominent conservative radio talk show host was in Salt Lake City the day following the Tea Party Express that breezed through town. Sean Hannity broadcast his show “live” from the KSL studios on Wednesday. He told a gathering before the show that the Tea Party movement is legitimate and will withstand mounting attacks from its opponents on the left. Hannity was also in Salt Lake City as part of a book-signing tour. He describes his newly-published book, “Conservative Victory”, as a call to action to defeat liberal candidates in the November election.