Story Archive for 08/05/2010
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Senate Confirms Kagan as Justice
Published on August 05, 2010 at 02:06PM
(WASHINGTON)-The United States Senate has confirmed Elena Kagan as the 112th justice and fourth woman to serve on the Supreme Court. The vote was 63-37 for President Barack Obama’s nominee to succeed retired Justice John Paul Stevens.
Corroon Proposes Tidying Up Utah's Environment
Published on August 05, 2010 at 12:58PM
(SALT LAKE CITY)-In hopes of obtaining goodwill in his upcoming gubernatorial race with incumbent Gary Herbert, Utah Democrat Peter Corroon is proposing a rebate program for those trading in older cars for lower-emission vehicles as part of his plan to clean up Utah’s environment. Thursday, Corroon released his plan, accusing Herbert of not doing enough to clean up Utah’s dirty air. Corroon did not say how large a rebate he’s proposing or how he’d pay for it although other portions of his environmental platform were more elaborate. Ultimately, Corroon is calling for air quality standards to be raised so that cars sold in Utah would be required to be 30 percent more efficient by 2016. Most of Utah’s air quality problems are caused by automobiles.
Northern Arizona Prepares For Prescribed Burns
Published on August 05, 2010 at 11:33AM
(WILLIAMS, Ariz.)-KPHO-TV, Channel 5 in Phoenix, reports that northern Arizona will be preparing for prescribed burns throughout the remainder of the summer and the fall. Currently, burns are planned for the Kaibab National Forest and are part of a continuing program aimed at improving forest health, reducing hazardous fuels and protecting communities. Burns are conducted within a “prescription” determined by appropriate fuel moisture, temperature, humidity, wind and ventilation. As the fires commence, residents are cautioned that they may see smoke in various parts of the Kaibab.
Local artist featured at Fremont gallery
Published on August 05, 2010 at 11:25AM
(SEVIER) – The Sagebrush Gallery at the Fremont Indian State Park and Museum will display the artwork of a Utah artist and another from Colorado. Park Supervisor Kari Carlisle said the artwork of Valerie Orlemann of Parowan and Greystone Abbott of Pagosa Springs, CO. will be featured from Aug. 7 to Oct. 3rd. She said Abbott’s hand-painted pottery is remarkable. Carlisle said that Orlemann studied at the University of Utah and creates realistic western landscapes. The Fremont Indian State Park is located 21 miles south of Richfield on I-70 and is open daily from 9am to 6pm.
Dixie State College and Stephen Wade Announce Partnership
Published on August 05, 2010 at 11:23AM
(ST. GEORGE)-Dixie State College and the Stephen W. Wade Family entered into an agreement Wednesday in which St. George television station, KCSG, will be operated by the college under the control and guidance of the Wade family. This formal signing brings the college’s communications department into a new era where students will have hands-on experience under the supervision of career broadcast professionals. Dixie College President, Stephen D. Nadauld, expressed appreciation to the Stephen Wade family for their assistance in helping the school develop this partnership. Generally, management at the station will remain the same.
State To Offer Free ACT Tests To Some Juniors
Published on August 05, 2010 at 11:14AM
(SALT LAKE CITY)-More than 26,000 Utah high school juniors will get to take the ACT college admission exam this school year for free during the school day. Throughout the state, 84 high schools will offer the test this school year, including virtually all juniors. Administrators say the ACT has often been delayed by students because it costs $33 and takes away free time on Saturdays. Nevertheless, it is anticipated that making the test free will increase students’ interest in taking it and preparing for college.
Adobe Systems Plans New Technology Campus in Utah; 1,000 Jobs To Be Created
Published on August 05, 2010 at 10:53AM
(SALT LAKE CITY)-Thursday, Utah Governor, Gary Herbert, announced Adobe Systems Inc. is planning to build a new Utah technology campus, a decision that could create up to 1,000 jobs in the state over the next 20 years. The new campus is projected for Salt Lake or Utah County, a news release stated. It is expected to accommodate the company’s future growth and its Omniture Business Unit operations, currently based in Orem. The multiphase project includes construction of the new campus, which should be done by 2012 and the possibility of additional facilities expansion over the next 20 years. Adobe acquired Omniture in 2009 and currently employs more than half of the 1,100 worldwide employees in Utah. Additionally Thursday, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development voted to approve a post-performance economic development tax incentive for the project in a special meeting. New state tax revenue is anticipated to exceed $134 million over a 20-year period as a result of the projected Adobe expansion, job creation and capital investment in Utah, according to a news releases from the governor’s office.
SkyWest To Buy ExpressJet; May Pursue Other Options
Published on August 05, 2010 at 10:42AM
(NEW YORK)-St. George-based Sky West Inc. stated Wednesday its Atlantic Southeast Airlines unit will buy ExpressJet Holdings Inc. for about $6.75 per share. The two of them will now operate as Delta Connection and United Express, respectively. The Houston-based ExpressJet operates as Continental Express. Wednesday, the deal is expected to be closed in the fourth quarter. The airlines will now be based in Atlantic Southeast’s homebase of Atlanta and will continue to serve Continental’s current hubs in Houston, Cleveland and Newark, N.J., as well as United’s hubs of Chicago (O’Hare Airport) and Washington (Dulles Airport). The move comes as Continental Airlines and UAL Corp attempt to move ahead with plans to combine in a $3 billion merger creating the world’s largest airline. Wednesday, a SkyWest official said the airline would consider purchasing Comair from Delta. SkyWest chief financial officer, Brad Rich, said SkyWest’s interest in Cincinnati-based Comair also depends on what kind of transaction Delta would want.
Hatch introduces bill on national monuments
Published on August 05, 2010 at 10:39AM
(WASHINGTON D.C.) – Sen. Orrin Hatch, along with seven other Republican senators, have introduced a bill aimed at bringing more transparency and accountability to the process of creating national monuments. The National Monument Designation Transparency and Accountability Act would require Congress to approve of national monuments before such designations become permanent. Hatch referred to the controversy that erupted in 1996 when then-President Bill Clinton announced the creation of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Utah. Hatch said the new legislation opens up the process and gives those who are most impacted by the monument designations to have their say on the matter. The legislation also calls for the president to provide Congress with information about the creation of a monument 30 days prior to any such designation.
President Monson's Biography To Be Released Next Month
Published on August 05, 2010 at 10:30AM
(SALT LAKE CITY)-Deseret Book Company has announced the release of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints president Thomas S. Monson’s biography for September 27. The announcement was made Thursday morning at the annual LDS Booksellers Association Conference. The book was written by award-winning author Heidi S. Swinton and is titled “To the Rescue: The Biography of Thomas S. Monson, including numerous photographs from President Monson’s lifetime of service.
LDS Church Responds To Prop 8 Reversal
Published on August 05, 2010 at 10:21AM
(SALT LAKE CITY)-The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints made a response to the state of California’s reversal to Proposition 8 Wednesday. Church spokesperson, Michael Purdy, said the Church regrets the decision and that California voters have twice been given the opportunity to vote on the definition of marriage in their state. In either instance, Purdy said, have determined it should be between a man and woman. In closing, he said, the Church still believes conventional marriage to be the bedrock of society and that debaters on both sides of the issue are to act in a spirit of mutual respect and civility toward those with a different opinion.
Utah Telephone Company Gets Federal Grant
Published on August 05, 2010 at 10:11AM
(SALT LAKE CITY)-The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded $9.2 million to a rural Utah telephone company for broadband infrastructure. The department announced that the South Central Utah Telephone Association (South Central Communications) will raise another $3 million on its own to expand the reach of its high speed services. The phone company serves remote and rural areas as well as state and national parks. Agriculture Secretary, Tom Vilsack, made the announcement Wednesday as parts of grants for 126 broadband projects nationwide. His department reported that the South Central Utah Telephone Association will improve phone and data services for 7,200 people, 212 local businesses and 47 community institutions.
Squatters Live in St. George For 9 Months
Published on August 05, 2010 at 09:54AM
(ST. GEORGE)-With a recent rash of foreclosures affecting the St. George area, reportedly some squatters have been discovered. A St. George family, living in the affluent Boulders community, stole utilities from neighbors for nine months and authorities believe this will continue in other instances as their hands are tied. Last October, a family of four moved into a home on Boulder Springs Road which had been vacant for more than a year, due to foreclosure. The parents and two toddlers began living in the basement but rarely came out, arousing the suspicion of neighbors. As time passed, their neighbors realized they had valuables missing, such as water and power. In the spring, the home they ransacked, which was once worth $1.2 million soon became an eyesore in the community and neighbors began calling police to complain. Nevertheless, St. George authorities were powerless to stop them because the complaints didn’t come from the homeowner: CitiBank in Texas. In April, the Department of Child and Family Services investigated, discovering the basement was trashed and heroin paraphernalia was scattered all over. The couple, Boyd and Dawn Bundy, were arrested for the drug use and their children were taken away. Realtor Ryan Andersen believes this problem can only be suppressed by making it easier for law enforcement officials to crack down on squatters because police in many cases are unable to stop them.
Music and the Spoken Word To Be Inducted Into HOF
Published on August 05, 2010 at 09:43AM
(SALT LAKE CITY)-The Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s radio broadcast, Music and the Spoken Word, has been selected for induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame. An official from the National Radio Hall of Fame notified the president of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Mac Christensen, of the award via phone Wednesday afternoon. The inductees for 2010 were chosen after an open online vote. Music and the Spoken Word is the longest running national radio program and broadcast Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. Mountain time with the first broadcast occurring on July 15, 1929. Other inductees include music icon, Ralph Emery, Terri Hemmert, the first female morning drive personality in Chicago, NPR broadcasting veteran Carl Kassell, Radio One founder and chairman, Cathy Hughes, and the late Sam Phillips, the radio station owner and record producer who discovered Elvis Presley. The two-hour induction ceremony will take place November 6 from Chicago’s Mayne Stage. Music and The Spoken Word can be heard weekly on Mid-Utah radio stations as part of our Sounds of Sunday programming.
Salina women injured in accident
Published on August 05, 2010 at 07:04AM
(SALINA) – Two Salina women were taken to the hospital Wednesday morning after a crash at an intersection in Salina. According to a UHP report, 46-year old Mary Valasquez was traveling northbound in a 1997 GMC Yukon, when her accelerator got stuck, causing her to go through a stop sign at 300 North 100 West. The report said that 50-year old Aileen Macart, driving a 2009 Toyota Camry, struck Valasquez in the intersection. Valasquez was not wearing her seatbelt and was transported to the Gunnison Valley Hospital with injuries and Macart was wearing her seatbelt and taken to the Sevier Valley Medical Center in Richfield with unknown injuries. Valasquez was cited for not wearing her seatbelt.
A-Rod Hits 600; Bills Next on My List
Published on August 05, 2010 at 01:10AM
First of all, congratulations to the New York Yankees’ Alex Rodriguez for hitting his 600th career home run in New York’s 5-1 win over Toronto. Of course, the national media remains indifferent because of Rodriguez’ previous use of steroids but I’ve found the perfect solution for A-Rod to retain any semblance of a clean image. First of all, he should inform kids who look up to him that he used these illicit substances and that they caused him shame, insomuch that after a while no one believed in him anymore. A commitment for integrity to America’s youth would be a major step in the right direction for the embattled Rodriguez.
Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills have lots of question marks and not many answers heading into the 2010 NFL season. For starters, head coach, Chan Gailey, who is still has an excellent football acumen has much to address concerning his ability to excel in the modern-day NFL. His methodology has always been a bit antiquated and Buffalo signal-callers, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Trent Edwards have considerably disappointed through the past few seasons. However, Buffalo’s first-round draft pick, C.J. Spiller, promises explosiveness in the backfield and may be the Bills’ best tailback since Thurman Thomas. The Bills are an enigma to me but I’ll give a team in flux the benefit of the doubt for now.