Story Archive for 07/30/2010
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Stolen Firearms Recovered; 3 Arrested
Published on July 30, 2010 at 02:07PM
(HURRICANE)-Hurricane police arrested three people accused of stealing items, ranging from electronics and guns to parked cars. On July 19, 29-year-old Josie James Savage was arrested on charges of firearm theft, obstruction of justice and unlawful use of a finance card. Additionally, police arrested two teens, aged 16 and 17 on similar charges. Investigators also recovered three semi-automatic rifles, knives and several iPods and cell phones. In a statement released Friday, Hurricane Police Sergeant, Stacey Gubler, said the robberies occurred in three different sections of the city and the items were taken in high-traffic areas from unlocked vehicles. Police say it’s not uncommon for thieves to check locks on car doors in parking lots and neighborhoods.
Judge Upholds Charges Against Artifacts Defendant
Published on July 30, 2010 at 02:00PM
(SALT LAKE CITY)-A federal judge in Utah is refusing to dismiss charges against one of the more than two dozen defendants caught up in a federal sweep of artifact looting. Friday, a defense lawyer argued the government was piling charges on 48-year-old Loran St. Clair of Monticello. St. Clair was indicted on multiple counts of selling two seed jars that he got from his mother to a government informant. His lawyer, Mark Moffat, argued the sale was a package deal and the government shouldn’t be allowed to bring two felony charges, one for each seed jar. U.S. District Judge, Dee Benson in Salt Lake City ruled after the hearing that both charges were justified, as well as a third blaming St. Clair for stealing the jars from tribal lands.
Nearly 50 Arrested in Arizona Protests
Published on July 30, 2010 at 11:36AM
(PHOENIX)-At least 23 more protesters advocating against Arizona’s SB1070 law have been arrested, KPHO-Channel 5 in Phoenix reported Friday. Protesters then moved from Maricopa County Sheriff, Joe Arpaio’s downtown office to the Maricopa County Jail where they squared off with police in riot gear. Shortly thereafter, Arpaio launched another crime suppression sweep in the Valley, targeting illegal immigrants. Demonstrators, bystanders and media were then only given minutes to vacate the area in front of the jail, where some protesters chained themselves. Personnel from the sheriff’s office then threatened picketers with immediate arrest if they failed to clear away from the jail in downtown Phoenix. Those arrested were then led away in police vans after their refusal to obey.
Dixie State Historians Ask For Help in Completing Yearbook Collection
Published on July 30, 2010 at 11:27AM
(ST. GEORGE)-Historians at Dixie State College of Utah are calling upon Dixie alumni, relatives of alumni and the community to help the college complete its yearbook collection as the institution begins its Centennial Celebration. Bonnie Percival, the DCS’ special collections librarian said school historians have identified eight years’ worth of yearbooks that may be possibly missing, 1917, 1919, 1922, 1927, 1931, 1933, 1936 and 1937. Last May, Dixie State formally kicked off its Centennial Celebration during commencement exercises. The 17-month affair will culminate with events and festivities leading up to the institution’s 100th birthday on September 19, 2011.
New illegal drug increases in Sevier County
Published on July 30, 2010 at 11:22AM
(RICHFIELD) – Sevier County deputies are investigating a rise in the use of a new illegal drug by several youths in the area. Public Information Officer Nate Curtis said a substance known as “spice” is being used by more youths in the county, as well as adults. He said the substance supposedly creates a euphoria similar to marijuana. Curtis noted that some who have used it say they have experienced hallucinations. He said “spice” can be purchased in smoke shops, head shops and over the internet. If a user is caught, Curtis said he can be tested, arrested and charged with the use of an illegal drug.
Police Ask For Assistance in Locating Missing California Woman
Published on July 30, 2010 at 11:19AM
(MESQUITE, Nev.)-An elderly California woman, who was traveling with family through Mesquite, Nev., en route to St. George from Los Angeles on Sunday July 25 has been reported as missing to Mesquite police. According to Mesquite Police Department Public Information Officer, Robert W. Everett, the 70-year-old Sonja Ellis, who was in her own car, was reportedly separated from other family members and never made it to St. George. Her brother, who was traveling in another car, has filed a missing person report. In the interim, she has not been heard from. Ellis has been described as a 5’4,” 108-pound white woman with shoulder-length blonde hair and green eyes. She was driving a gray 2005 Toyota Avalon with Utah license plate Z067MS. Authorities believe she may have been disoriented once she got separated in Mesquite and is unable to find her family.
Fourth Grizzly Bear Caught in Deadly Yellowstone Attacks
Published on July 30, 2010 at 11:06AM
(COOKE CITY, Mont.)-Montana wildlife officials say they have captured the fourth and final grizzly bear believed to have been involved in the fatal mauling of a Grand Rapids, Mich. man at a campground near Yellowstone National Park. A sow and two of her three cubs had been trapped by Thursday and the final year-old cub was found in a culvert trap early Friday. Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials say the bears will likely be moved to the state wildlife lab in Bozeman, Mont., while officials decide what should be done with the animals. Resultant DNA tests to determine if the bears were responsible for attacks that injured and killed two, including Kevin Kammer of Grand Rapids are expected Friday. Warden Captain, Sam Sheppard, says evidence suggested all three cubs likely participated in what he called a “sustained attack.”
Chaffetz Bill Would Create "Mail Holidays"
Published on July 30, 2010 at 10:49AM
(WASHINGTON)-Utah Republican Representative, Jason Chaffetz, says if his new legislation is adopted, it could save the U.S. Postal Service hundreds of millions of dollars in fuel and operations costs. The legislation, which Chaffetz introduced Thursday, would give the U.S. postmaster general the authority to declare 12 mail holidays, the average of one per month. On these days, there would be no mail delivery although it would continue in transit, similar to Sundays. During congressional testimony in April, U.S. Postmaster General, John Potter, said the Postal Service is projected to lose $238 billion over the next 10 years with a $33 billion loss in 2020 if nothing is done. Potter said the Postal Service can work to reduce $123 billion of the losses by 2020 but it would need congressional authority to close the remaining $115 billion. One of Potter’s proposals includes permanently adjusting the number of delivery days from six to five. Thursday, Chaffetz said dropping 52 delivery days per year would affect too many constituents and postal works, while negatively affecting commerce. The bill is expected to head to the House’s Federal Workforce, Postal Service and the District of Columbia Subcommittee, where Chaffetz is a ranking member.
Homes, golf course flooded in Ferron
Published on July 30, 2010 at 10:46AM
(FERRON) – Several homes in Ferron and a golf course were damaged Thursday afternoon after monsoon-type rains caused flooding in Emery County. According to Ferron Town treasurer Tami Bennett, recent downpours caused flooding to a few homes up Ferron Canyon and the Millsite Golf Course. No further damage in the area or injuries have been reported and road crews have cleaned up debris.
Bryce Canyon Vegetation Plan Receives Approval
Published on July 30, 2010 at 10:38AM
(BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK)-A vegetation plan to control invasive, non-native plants at Bryce Canyon National Park has received the go-ahead after it was decided it won’t impair cultural or historical resources or have negative impacts on the Utah prairie dog, a federally-listed threatened species that inhabits the park. The park will use an integrated pest management plan, including fire, mechanical, chemical and biological controls of invasive vegetation. At this same time, the plan aims to preserve and restore native and sensitive plant species, incorporating an inventory of those plants while carrying out vegetation controls. The plan is designed to work in tandem with future park projects while minimizing the effects of human activities on native plant populations. Throughout the state, the eradication of invasive plant species has gained momentum and attention, with support obtained through grants and other sources of funding. Plants, such as the yellow starthistle, are being removed from the City Creek Canyon area because they deplete water resources and grow rapidly. Most of Utah’s cities and counties, as well as the state itself, have aggressive invasive plant control programs that utilize numerous methods to eradicate non-native plant species, many of which were introduced to Utah through the importation of hay and other crop products. Due to its stewardship over cultural and historical resources, the National Park Service must go through a rigorous examination of vegetation plans, designed to have the least adverse effects possible.
BLM Issues Final Approval For Huge Utah Oil and Gas Project
Published on July 30, 2010 at 10:23AM
(PRICE)-Incorporating what land managers call a historic and unprecedented agreement between environmentalists and an oil and gas production company, Thursday the Bureau of Land Management released its final environmental impact statement on the West Tavaputs Natural Gas Full Field Development Plan. The decision by the federal agency fuses the cooperation reached by the Bill Barrett Corp. and the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance as well as other groups such as the Nine Mile Canyon Coalition and the Colorado Plateau Archaeological Alliance. Agency officials noted this plan substantially reduces the project’s environmental impacts, yet continues to allow for new oil and gas production. Interior Secretary, Ken Salazar, said the agreement was historic. During preparation of the final environmental statement, Bill Barret Corp. submitted a voluntary letter, reducing the plan of development for the project, which is located in Carbon, Duchesne and Uintah counties. After Barrett Corp. has pledged to protect ancient hieroglyphics on cliffs in Nine Mile Canyon, environmentalists have since extended a hand to officials, acknowledging concessions made at the negotiating table help make the project more palatable. The draft environmental statement, opened for comment in February 2008, generated 58,000 comment letters from federal agencies, state and local government, tribes and other groups. The BLM has decided to release both the final environmental impact statement and its “record of decision,” while a 30-day appeal period will run concurrently. Electronic copies of each document are available at www.blm.gov/ut/st/en/fo/price/energy/Oil_Gas.html. Additionally, a hard copy may be obtained on request from the Price field office.
Plane Lands on Its Belly, No Injuries @ St. George Airport
Published on July 30, 2010 at 10:12AM
(ST. GEORGE)-A pilot’s landing didn’t go as planned Thursday as his plane landed at the St. George belly with its landing gear still up. Officials said the pilot was uninjured in the incident, but the plane landed on its belly. Another flight which had been prepared for takeoff was delayed by 30 minutes until the site of the accident was cleared up. St. George Police Lieutenant, Kyle Whitehead, said the only problem may have been other flights circling the airport who were waiting to land.
Illegal Immigrants Contribute To Southern Utah Gang Problems
Published on July 30, 2010 at 09:52AM
(ST. GEORGE)-Illegal immigrant gang members have reportedly played a role in a recent crime spike in the St. George area, authorities say. The increase in crime has occurred relatively within the last eight months and police are primarily concerned about a pair of gang-related shootings in the last three weeks. These shootings injured two people and at least one of them involved illegal immigrant gang members. While there has been more gang violence in recent months, St. George police officer Johnny Heppler said gang-related crime is actually down 42 percent from three years ago. Heppler says there are 600 to 700 documented gang members in the Washington County area and about 20-30 percent of them are Hispanic. A fewer number are believed to be illegal immigrants.
St. George Prepares For Possible Impact of Arizona Immigration Law
Published on July 30, 2010 at 09:45AM
(ST. GEORGE)-Even though the full enforcement of Arizona’s SB1070 law is still in flux, St. George officials, due to their proximity to the Arizona border are still preparing for repercussions of the bill. While Utah has aspirations of drafting a comparable bill to Arizona, this has not been done yet, so perhaps those who would be prosecuted in Arizona will come to Washington County. Nevertheless, some St. George residents say this may be far-fetched as Ron Current of Impact of Southern Utah, a gang and drug fighting initiative in St. George, says they may be more likely to go to Nevada, California or Texas.
Utah Groups Rally in Opposition of Arizona Immigration Law
Published on July 30, 2010 at 09:41AM
(SALT LAKE CITY)-Hundreds of people gathered at Utah’s State Capitol Building Thursday to protest the ruling of Arizona’s SB1070 law. The rally was the impetus of six different community groups who believe their voices aren’t being heard often enough. The group also shared a message regarding the release of the notorious list naming 1,300 supposedly illegal immigrants within state borders, desiring to ensure that those who released the list are brought to justice. More rallies are reportedly planned for the future, especially when lawmakers get back into session and begin discussing immigration reform seriously.
Attorney Says Utah-Based Guest Worker Program Unlikely To Work
Published on July 30, 2010 at 09:33AM
(SALT LAKE CITY)-Utah-based immigration experts have been looking at suggestions concerning the state creating its own guest work program, but at least one man has voiced concerns that a Utah-based system won’t work. Last month, Utah Attorney General, Mark Shurtleff, proposed the idea of starting a Utah-based guest worker program, saying such a program would create a legal way for immigrants to find work so employees wouldn’t feel the need to hire them illegally and workers would stop committing identity theft. Immigration attorney, Mark Alvarez, says that constitutionally Utah cannot overstep the federal government on immigration, one of a plethora of problems with the plan. Alvarez said the federal government would have to change policies and give Utah exceptions to run its guest worker program. He doesn’t see this happening since it wouldn’t benefit the federal government and its immigration enforcement to have varying policies around the country. Alvarez said another issue is a Utah guest worker program wouldn’t solve the problem of those already living in the state without documents, saying those people would be forced to stay out of the country if they came forward to get the permit.