Story Archive for 05/21/2010
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Commissioners-planners schedule plant visit
Published on May 21, 2010 at 03:25PM
(RICHFIELD) – Sevier County Commissioners and members of the Planning Commission are scheduled to visit the Current Creek Power Plant near Mona as part of the process of approving or denying a permit to build a coal or gas-fired power plant near Sigurd. The visit is planned for Tuesday, May 25 at 9am. The plant is owned by Rocky Mountain Power and only members of the Commission will be allowed on the tour. RMP officials say if others want to tour the plant, arrangements would need to be made. Sevier Power Company has filed an application with Sevier County to construct a gas-fired power plant on their property. A coal-fired plant application is also still being considered.
UDOT cautions motorists on highway work
Published on May 21, 2010 at 11:15AM
(SEVIER) – Motorists traveling I-70 at Clear Creek Canyon over the weekend should expect some delays while workers replace concrete slabs along the highway. The Utah Department of Transportation says single lanes will be closed to allow curing and motorists are reminded that there may be occasional dust clouds. UDOT also reminds motorists that up to 15 minute delays may occur along U.S. 89 from Marysvale to Junction due to road surface work underway. Workers are installing guardrails and working on the shoulders of the highway. Bridge work is also being conducted on U.S. 191 at Hatch Wash between Moab and Monticello with single lane traffic impacts. UDOT urges motorists to be cautious along highways during construction periods.
Utah farmers surveyed in June report
Published on May 21, 2010 at 10:55AM
(SALT LAKE CITY) – Dozens of farmers across Utah are being surveyed to get a clearer indication of the production and supply of major commodities for the 2010 growing season. The United States Department of Agriculture will gather information through two major mid-year surveys, including the June Area Survey and the June Agriculture Survey. Rick Kestle with the National Agricultural Statistics Service says the surveys will help get a better picture of how things are shaping up for the agricultural sector. Kestle said the NASS randomly selects tracts of land and interviews the operators of any farm or ranch on that land. Information is also collected on total acreage, acres planted to specific commodities and other data and compiled into a Crop Report for use by farmers.
Poor attendance at Salina animal hearing
Published on May 21, 2010 at 10:36AM
(SALINA) – A public hearing was poorly attended Thursday night at the Salina Planning and Zoning meeting concerning the city allowing agricultural animals in residential zones. Planning Chairman Lee Crysel said only one person voiced some negative comments with the change in the ordinance. At issue is the allowance of agricultural animals into newly created agricultural-residential zones with city limits. Crysel said amendments to the ordinance were passed by the Commission to allow the animals with an 80% approval from surrounding neighbors who live on half-acre lots.
Financial reform opposed by Bennett
Published on May 21, 2010 at 08:48AM
(WASHINGTON D.C.) – The federal government financial regulatory reform legislation is meeting stiff opposition in the Senate. Sen. Bob Bennett stated he voted against the legislation because it’s a far cry from what Americans need. He said the bill gives the feds more intervention in the marketplace at a time when Americans want greater limitations on the government. Bennett commented the intent of the bill is to rein in Wall Street and prevent another financial crisis but the outcome is that it increases government overreach , deciding who are the winners and losers and puts taxpayers at risk.
Former Moab officer pleads guilty in theft
Published on May 21, 2010 at 08:39AM
(MOAB) – A former Moab police officer has pleaded guilty to theft for stealing money from his own department last year. According to court filings, 43-year old Edward Guerrero admitted to stealing $900 from two envelopes stored in the office of a Moab police lieutenant. Defense Attorney Greg Skordas said the money was intended for making drug buys and was taken from a filing cabinet. Skordas said that Guerrero was traveling to training classes and felt he should be reimbursed for his expenses. Court documents stated that the money was taken in August 2009 and discovered missing in October. The Utah County Sheriff’s Office investigated the theft and found that Guerrero was one of three people who had access to the money. Guerrero was a seven-year veteran of the department and was fired after charges were filed in January. He faces up to a year in jail when he is sentenced June 22 in 7th District Court.
Bennett announces no write-in
Published on May 21, 2010 at 08:10AM
(WASHINGTON D.C.) – Sen. Bob Bennett has decided to not run as a write-in candidate for the U.S. Senate. Bennett made the announcement at a news conference in Washington D.C. on Thursday. He said the reason for his decision to not run is due to the toxic political atmosphere surrounding the race even though there is strong voter support for him to run. Bennett commented his fear for running as a write-in candidate would fuel the emotion-charged race and split the Republican Party in Utah and damage it for years to come. He said he’s grateful for the support his constituents have given him for his 18 years in office. Bennett is also holding off on deciding whether to endorse one of the remaining candidates.