Story Archive for 06/21/2010
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Random Ramblings Return
Published on June 21, 2010 at 11:26PM
Well, hopefully everybody enjoyed the longest day of the year as according to the calendar, summer has officially arrived.
In Omaha, Neb., more drama transpired as the Clemson Tigers doubled up the overall #1 seed, Arizona State, 6-3 to show that everyone, especially solid favorites, has to show up when it matters most. The Tigers, who in a magnificent team effort received two hits apiece from Wilson Boyd and Richie Shaffer and two RBI from Mike Freeman, dissected the top-ranked Sun Devils and set their sights on Oklahoma.
It bears mentioning that if this were football, the “Scum Devils” as my friends in Tucson, Ariz. refer to them (I served my mission in Tuscon so it’s all good) would have been given a free ride to the paper maiche title game.
In real sports, just as in life, you make your own fortune.
Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers also received word that their stud receiver, and ex-Utah Ute, Steve Smith suffered a broken forearm while playing flag football of all things. I guess the little rug rats he was playing against are tougher than Atlanta, Tampa Bay and New Orleans defensive backs (just kidding Darren Sharper, you’re the man, seriously)! The good news is that Smith is expected back by the Panthers’ season opener against the New York Giants. Smith is a shrewd veteran and has now managed to finagle his way out of preseason play and training camp….
Finally, just a friendly reminder to the Utah Jazz. If Greg Monroe is available at #8 when you select in this Thursday’s NBA Draft, get him! He’s a keeper and is the most fluid and selfless big man this side of David Robinson.
Thanks for reading!
Forest Service plans burn in Tavaputs Mountains
Published on June 21, 2010 at 04:01PM
(SUNNYSIDE) – The Utah Division of Forestry is planning a prescribed burn of over a thousand acres in the Tavaputs Mountains of Carbon County today. Division officials say the nearest burn area is seven to eight miles northeast of Sunnyside. The fire will be ignited both on the ground and by helicopter with hand crews and fire engines at the scene to manage the fire’s spread. Fire crews say the prescribed burn area is overloaded with dead and dying timber. Access on the Range Valley Mountain Road will be closed at Bruin Point until the burn is complete. Smoke and fire may be visible throughout the week from surrounding valleys and communities.
Canopy bid awarded at Sevier County meeting
Published on June 21, 2010 at 03:35PM
(RICHFIELD) – The grandstands at the Sevier County Fairgrounds will soon enjoy a long-awaited canopy to cover the seating area. Sevier County Commissioners met during their bi-monthly meeting Monday to open all bids for construction of the canopy. Two bids were submitted for review by the Commissioners, including a bid from BC Building Corp. and Busk, Inc., both of Richfield. Commissioners awarded the low bid of $34,300 from BC Building Corp. with an addendum to adjust the cost during construction of the project. Busk, Inc. submitted a bid of $44,880 with a $4,000 addendum. Commissioners did not include the canopy construction project when the fairground buildings were built last year due to cost constraints but were able to include the canopy in this year’s budget. Commissioners said that construction would not be complete by July 4th but will be completed in time for the opening of the county fair this August.
Sevier County tax rates adjusted
Published on June 21, 2010 at 03:24PM
(RICHFIELD) – Property tax rates are coming down in Sevier County due to an increase of property tax revenues. At the Commission meeting Monday, Commissioners determined that the county had received a boost of $125,000 in property tax revenue than normal. Commissioners opened the current 2010-11 budget and adjusted the rate while including the increase. By state law, agencies that collect property taxes must reduce the tax rate if tax revenue increases and increase the rate if property taxes fall.
St. George Revises Rules For Business Banners
Published on June 21, 2010 at 02:27PM
(ST. GEORGE)-St. George city officials will allow businesses to advertise sales and certain special events with banners or other temporary signing. The ordinance change is intended to provide a boost to companies that have struggled under a weak economy. The sign ordinance has seen a pair of major revisions in the past 15 years, including a change in 2007 that allowed businesses to post temporary banners if they were kept flush against the building. Temporary signing was also allowed for civic events and nonprofit fundraisers, but not for individual businesses. Under the new ordinance, businesses will be allowed temporary signing for set periods of time around 12 holidays and special events. The total number of days would typically be about 120 each year.
Sevier Commissioners approve energy grant
Published on June 21, 2010 at 12:34PM
(RICHFIELD) – Sevier County Commissioners approved an energy-efficiency grant contract between the county and the state to fund the installation of a solar photo-voltaic system at the County Administration building. At the commission meeting today, Economic Development Director Malcolm Nash says the system will provide the county with two sources of power. Nash said the county is working with the state in securing a $250,000 grant from federal stimulus money to go towards the project. He said $15,000 will come from county funds with a 25-year warranty on the system, including the replacing of 16 HVAC units at the county jail, which are in disrepair. Commissioner Gary Mason commented the county would save hundreds of thousands of dollars in funding the projects.
Mormon Miracle Pageant First Week Numbers
Published on June 21, 2010 at 10:59AM
(Manti) The Mormon Miracle Pageant will resume on Tuesday night at the Temple grounds in Manti. Including the final dress rehearsal, the Pageant has drawn about 32,000 spectators so far this season. Friday night drew the largest attendance with around 14,500 people. The Pageant is in its 44th season this year and has a cast of nearly nine hundred. Typical yearly attendance is about 100,000. Performances begin at 9:30 PM and are free.
Sevier Commissioners support road change
Published on June 21, 2010 at 10:39AM
(LOA) – Wayne County officials are seeking a letter of support from Sevier County Commissioners with plans to change the designation of a minor collector route to a major collector route in Wayne County. State Senator Ralph Okerlund approached Sevier County Commissioners in today’s meeting to gain the support for UDOT to provide funds for changing RR 3270. Okerlund said the road is a six mile stretch between the main Fishlake Road, half way between Loa and the original Fishlake Road in Wayne County and is well used. The letter of support from Sevier County will help Wayne County officials in their effort to seek funding from UDOT.
Richfield man, son escape in car fire
Published on June 21, 2010 at 08:21AM
(RICHFIELD) – A Richfield man and his teenage son escaped injury when their car caught on fire Friday at the Richfield Industrial Park. According to a police report, 37-year old Troy Coburn had just installed a fuel pump in his Volkswagen Beetle and was test driving the vehicle, when his son noticed smoke coming from the automobile at about 5:30pm. Coburn and his 13-year old son were able to get out of the car before it caught fire and the Richfield Fire Department was called to extinguish the flames. No injuries were reported in the incident and police had no information as to the extent of damage to the vehicle.
SCCEM plans earthquake prep
Published on June 21, 2010 at 08:09AM
(RICHFIELD) – Sevier County Comprehensive Emergency Management is sponsoring a countywide exercise regarding an earthquake in the Richfield area. The drill will be held this Wednesday involving multiple emergency responders, including the testing of the new public alert siren system. Activities will be held in most Sevier County communities throughout the day Wednesday. SCCEM says the exercise will be handled as if it was a real life disaster and communities are welcome to participate.
Salina Planners schedule plat map hearing
Published on June 21, 2010 at 07:34AM
(SALINA) – The Salina City Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing this Wednesday night to gain input on a plat map amendment. The amendment will be made to property located at 270 West 200 North in Salina. Planners say the amendment is for the future sale of the property. The public hearing will be held at 6pm Wednesday and comments will be taken.
Relay-For-Life event scheduled for Richfield
Published on June 21, 2010 at 07:30AM
(RICHFIELD) – The Annual South-Central Utah Relay For Life fundraiser is set for this weekend at the Richfield High School football and track field. Organizers say this year’s Relay is set to begin Friday at 6pm through Saturday at 10am. The event includes registration for survivors from 4:30-5:45pm Friday at which time they’ll receive a gift and T-shirt. Booths are set to open following the tributary laps and will feature games, beverages, snacks, food and various craft and assorted items. Events through the night are slated to include Relay idol winners, line dancing, a scavenger and treasure hunt, luminaria ceremony, karaoke and a midnight Mexican dinner. A 5-K run is set for 6:15am Saturday.
Ft. Green man critically injured in ATV crash
Published on June 21, 2010 at 06:52AM
Updated on June 21, 2010 at 12:53PM
(FT. GREEN) – A Ft. Green man was critically injured over the weekend in an ATV crash south of Ft. Green. According to a UHP report, 25-year old Reggie Ottosen was traveling south on SR-132 at a high rate of speed Sunday and hit a raised entrance to a field and went airborne at about 1:30pm. The report said Ottosen’s four-wheeler came down on the front end, throwing him from his machine. UHP investigators said Ottosen was not wearing a helmet and suffered major head injuries. He was transported to the Sanpete Valley Hospital and then flown to a trauma center along the Wasatch Front. Investigators said Ottosen is not expected to survive the crash. His condition is not known at the time of this report and authorities continue to investigate the crash.