Story Archive for 08/12/2010
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Prep Sports Roundup: 8/12
Published on August 12, 2010 at 10:28PM
MT. PLEASANT, Utah (AP)-Daniela Serrano keyed a balanced scoring attack with two goals as the North Sanpete Lady Hawks pummeled the Carbon Lady Dinos, 9-0 Thursday in non-region girls soccer action
SPANISH FORK, Utah (AP)-Courtney Acosta and Shandy Elliott had two goals apiece as the Spanish Fork Lady Dons stymied the Manti Lady Templars, 4-1 in non-region girls soccer action Thursday.
RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)-Marisa Henrie had two goals for the Richfield Lady Wildcats but it wasn’t enough as they fell to the Parowan Lady Rams, 6-2 Thursday in non-region girls soccer action.
DELTA, Utah (AP)-Callie Stewart posted two goals and Meghan McKenna added another score as the Snow Canyon Lady Warriors blanked the Delta Lady Rabbits, 3-0 in non-region girls soccer action Thursday.
Winds kick up smoke from Beaver wildfire
Published on August 12, 2010 at 04:05PM
(RICHFIELD) – Sustained winds of 8-10 miles-per-hour kicked up smoke and dust from the Twitchell Canyon Fire burning northeast of Beaver Wednesday. Fire managers on the Fishlake National Forest said the winds, coupled with low humidity, sent smoke over portions of Central Utah throughout the day Wednesday and part of the evening. Fire personnel say that as the fire continues to burn and hot, dry conditions persist, similar events can be expected in the future. The Twitchell Canyon Fire is still being managed for resource benefits and continues to burn about 13 miles northeast of Beaver.
Judge Stifles California Gay Marriages For The Time Being
Published on August 12, 2010 at 02:01PM
(SAN FRANCISCO)-A federal judge has ruled that gay marriages in California should remain on hold, at least until August 18. Judge Vaughn Walker set the deadline Thursday in hopes of giving gay marriage opponents time to appeal to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. If the appeal court fails to act by 5:00 p.m. PDT next Wednesday, gay marriages will be able to go forward. Walker struck down the state’s voter-approved gay marriage ban last week in a case many believe is destined for the Supreme Court. However, he moved to suspend gay weddings until he could consider arguments from both sides on whether the marriages should be allowed during an appeal of his ruling.
Latino Leaders Speak Out Against Proposed Immigration Bill
Published on August 12, 2010 at 01:53PM
(SALT LAKE CITY)-A Utah legislature’s proposed immigration bill, set to be unveiled Friday, is already sparking a strong reaction from the Latino community. Thursday, a coalition of groups spoke out at a news conference where they urged Representative Stephen Sandstrom to completely drop his bill. The Orem-based Sandstrom’s bill has been in the spotlight for months, saying it’s been patterned after Arizona’s SB1070 but also includes considerable changes. Latino leaders believe the change will spark division, hostility and fear in Utah, deeper than the rift that already exists between the two components of the state’s population. However, Sandstrom is refusing to budge, at least before Friday’s scheduled press conference.
Planners approve SPC application
Published on August 12, 2010 at 01:36PM
(RICHFIELD) – The Sevier County Planning Commission gave final approval Wednesday night to the Sevier Power Company to construct a gas-fired power plant near Sigurd. SPC President Rod Clark said he’s pleased with the action. Prior to the approval, the Planning Commission held final discussions on infrastructure issues and water extraction for the plant. SPC representatives said the State Water Engineer requires the company to use all the water allocated to them, or it would be taken away after a five-year proof of use. All Planning members voted to approve the application with the exception of Caryl Christensen, who voted no. She had no comment as to her negative vote.
Lake Mead @ 54-Year Low; Strikes Fear Into Locals
Published on August 12, 2010 at 11:41AM
(LAS VEGAS)-Drought-stricken Lake Mead has dropped an additional 10 feet since last summer and now, Colorado River users throughout the West are scrambling to keep the reservoir full enough to avoid water rationing, according to a report in the Arizona Republic. Before the end of 2010, the lake will likely sink to within 9 feet of the level that would trigger the first round of restrictions, and the first such restrictions to be imposed on the Colorado River. Reductions would begin with reduced water deliveries to Nevada and Arizona where farmers would likely be the first affected. To curb the lake’s decline, river users have built a reservoir west of Yuma, Ariz. to catch unused runoff, paid farmers to leave fields unplanted and are currently negotiating with the Mexican government to leave some of its allocation in Lake Mead while its farmers recover from an earthquake. Lake Mead water levels determine drought status on the river under a set of guidelines adapted in 2007 by the seven Colorado River states, Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico. If the lake reaches the first drought trigger, measured at an elevation of 1,075 feet above sea level, water deliveries below Lake Mead are reduced by a little more than 10 percent. Additional cutbacks would occur should the lake continue to drop. No extra water was released from Lake Powell this year because precipitation runoff into the upper Colorado River through July was 73 percent of average.
Marshal Says Fugitives May Have Robbed Arkansas Salon
Published on August 12, 2010 at 11:31AM
(PHOENIX)-The U.S. Marshal’s Service says an escaped Arizona inmate and his fiancee may now be in northwestern Arkansas and are suspects in an armed robbery. The U.S. Marshal for Arizona, David Gonzales, says a couple who robbed a store Wednesday morning in Gentry, Ark. fit the description of John McCluskey and his fiancee, Casslyn Welch. ATVs, helicopters and search teams focused on a wooded area behind a local church after a 3-mile radius was set up around the Kut and Kurl beauty salon that was robbed Wednesday morning, according to a report from KFSM-TV of Fort Smith, Ark. Gentry is in northwestern Arkansas, about 34 miles away from Fayetteville, Ark. and nearly 1,600 miles away from the Montana town where the pair was spotted Sunday. The Benton County (Ark.) Sheriff’s Office said it was investigating the salon robbery in Gentry. Gonzales reported Welch’s mother lives in Bentonville, Ark., about 22 miles east of Gentry and authorities were attempting to obtain surveillance film from the robbery. McCluskey and Welch have eluded authorities since he and two other inmates escaped from a prison in Kingman, Ariz. June 30.
U.S. Senate Approves Border Security Bill
Published on August 12, 2010 at 11:00AM
(PHOENIX)-KPHO-TV, Channel 5 in Phoenix reports that the U.S. Senate passed and sent to President Barack Obama a $600 million measure Thursday to help border agents and law officers quell the flow of illegal immigrants and illicit drugs across the Mexican border. Senators stressed the urgency of improving border security by coming back from their summer break for a voice vote on the measure. The House passed this bill during a special session Tuesday. The legislation entails money to add about 1,500 Border Patrol, immigration and customs officials and to expand the use of unmanned surveillance drones at various spots along the U.S.-Mexico border in the southwestern United States.
Slash Pile Burns Continue @ Coconino National Forest
Published on August 12, 2010 at 10:56AM
(FLAGSTAFF, Ariz.)-More slash burns are scheduled on the Coconino National Forest Thursday. According to information obtained from the U.S. Forest Service, piles on another 50 acres will be burned north of Lake Mary Road near the Canyon Vista campground. Light smoke may be noticeable in the area during the morning ignition. The piles consist of leftover branches and small diameter trees from forest restoration projects.
Lake Powell Able To Keep Pests Out
Published on August 12, 2010 at 10:44AM
(PAGE, Ariz.)-Although Lake Powell continues to have thousands of boats in its waters on a daily basis, it is still able to successfully fend off the zebra mussel, a known scourge of American waterways. The invasive mollusks, long believed to be brought to the Great Lakes via Eastern Europe have yet to turn up in Lake Powell, despite 2,000 miles of shoreline. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and its partners are spending in excess of $1 million this year to keep them out, especially since the zebra mussel’s cousin, the quagga mussel, has begun infiltrating nearby Lake Mead. Other contaminated lakes in the region include Lake Mohave, just downstream from Lake Mead and Lake Pleasant, north of Phoenix. Earlier this summer, an adult mussel was found by divers on a boat dock at the Sand Hollow Reservoir near Hurricane. In 2007, Lake Powell had a brush with veligers, the larva stage of quagga mussels in water samples, but repeated tests failed to confirm these findings. The occurrence of zebra and quagga mussels is mapped by the U.S. Geological Survey and included a brochure of the 100th Meridian Initiative. In 1998, this initiative was dedicated to preventing mussels from crossing the eastern edge of the Great Plains. Wayne Gustaveson, the fisheries biologist for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources at Lake Powell referred to the lake as the “biggest target” for mussels and said if more money were available, the program could be better. Nevertheless, he said the current system is working effectively.
Tour Group Not Approved For Interstate Travel
Published on August 12, 2010 at 10:29AM
(CEDAR CITY)-The tour company hauling Japanese tourists from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon National Park Monday did not have the authority to transport paying passengers across state lines according to authorities. Bob Kelleher, the administrator for the Utah Office of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration said that Salt Lake City-based Canyon Transportation was authorized to carry passengers within Utah but not across state borders. A check of Utah records show the driver, 26-year-old Yasushi Mikuni, had a valid Nevada driver’s license, according to Utah Highway Patrol Sergeant Ryan Bauer, while last May, he was ticketed for driving 86 mph in a 75 mph zone near Fillmore. He pleaded guilty to speeding and paid an $115 fine on June 1 and was also ticketed in May for having tinted windows that violated state law in Juab County. Kelleher said companies that transport paying customers across state lines need federal approval that is based partly on proof of insurance as well as compliance with all relevant state and federal laws.
Moab Cleanup Reaches 2 Million Ton Milestone
Published on August 12, 2010 at 10:19AM
(MOAB)-Enough uranium mill tailings to fill a 60-ton building have currently been removed from a pile near the banks of the Colorado River, according to a press release issued by the U.S. Department of Energy Wednesday. Thus far, 2 million of the 16 million tons of contaminated tailings at the old Atlas Mill have been removed from the 439-acre site. The tailings are the byproduct of mined ore from which the radioactive components, uranium and vanadium, have been removed. Although most of the radioactive elements are gone, the tailings still contain low levels of radioactivity and hazardous heavy metals, such as lead and arsenic. Concerns about floods or groundwater seepage may carry the contaminants to the river, which serves 25 million users downstream, led Utah Democratic Representative, Jim Matheson, to instigate an accelerated cleanup plan through federal legislation. Furthermore, some $108 million in federal stimulus funding was directed to the project last year, bringing new jobs to Grand County’s economy, funding nearly 60 percent of the total shipments. Two train shipments a day consisting of 36 cars carry the tailings to a disposal site at Crescent Junction, 30 miles northeast of Moab. Salt Lake City-based EnergySolutions was awarded a $98.7 million contract to handle the first phase of disposal. A statement issued by EnergySolutions said the first permanent protective cover is being applied to the disposal cell at Crescent Junction in a project that taps 300 employees of the company and its subcontractors. The site is 1,700 feet wide, 1,800 feet long and 25 feet deep and the cleanup is anticipated to be done by 2019.
UVU To Unveil New Master Building Plan
Published on August 12, 2010 at 10:08AM
(OREM)-Thursday, Utah Valley University officials will unveil a new proposed master building plan which takes an updated look at the needs of a school that has received university status since the previous plan was drafted in 2005. In addition to the science building, which was funded by the Utah Legislature in its 2010 session, plans call for a new student and wellness building, a performing arts facility, a new business entryway, relocation of the fieldhouse, a link to the 800 South and I-15 interchange and more. All of the proposed new buildings would be constructed on the 235-acre campus in Orem, according to associate vice president of UVU facilities, Jim Michaelis. Michaelis said the ever-evolving and changing student population is the impetus for creating more space. Michaelis also said this is a good time for new college building because of a favorable bidding climate. Legislative funding will be needed for the performing arts building and the business entryway. A student bond would fund the student and wellness building while a new fieldhouse would be funded through donations.
First Gubernatorial Debate Slated For SUU
Published on August 12, 2010 at 10:01AM
(CEDAR CITY)-Incumbent Utah Governor, Gary Herbert, and Salt Lake County Mayor, Peter Corroon, will face off in their first debut Thursday afternoon. The debate will take place at Cedar City-based Southern Utah University’s Hunter Conference Center. The debate, known as the Rural Summit Debate, provides a venue for both candidates to meet with rural community members to address issues that matter most to them, according to a news release from the Corroon campaign. This debate is planned to be split into two segments. In the first, each candidate will discuss rural economic issues and in the second portion, the candidates will speak concerning natural resources and public land issues.
Walker Not Favoring Corroon or Herbert
Published on August 12, 2010 at 09:54AM
(SALT LAKE CITY)-Former Utah governor, Olene Walker, released a statement Thursday in response to an exclusive report by KTVX-Channel 4 in Salt Lake City about her appearance at an upcoming campaign event in St. George. Walker reported that she would headline a fundraiser for Utah Democratic gubernatorial candidate Peter Corroon at the end of August. Walker, a Republican, confirmed she will host a “meet-and-greet” event for Corroon, who is competing against Republican Gary Herbert. Walker confirmed she will host the event on behalf of her close personal friend, and Corroon’s running mate, Sheryl Allen. Although Walker will be hosting the event, she released a statement Thursday saying she does not endorse either candidate. Walker was sworn in as Utah’s governor in 2003 after Mike Leavitt accepted an appointment from George W. Bush to head the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Wall Favors Jeffs' Texas Extradition
Published on August 12, 2010 at 09:46AM
(SALT LAKE CITY)-Ellissa Wall, the Utah woman who testified she was victimized by polygamous sect leader, Warren Jeffs, supports his extradition to Texas to face criminal charges. Wall served as the key prosecution witness in Jeffs’ St. George trial and claimed that when she was 14, Wall said Jeffs placed her in a “phony, spiritual marriage” to her then-19-year-old cousin. Jeffs was subsequently convicted and sentenced to prison as an accomplice to rape. Nevertheless, two weeks ago, the Utah Supreme Court overturned his convictions. Tuesday, Utah Governor Gary Herbert signed an extradition warrant for Jeffs wherein he was transferred to Texas to face numerous counts of sexual aggravation and bigamy. Wall’s attorney, Roger Hoole, is still pursuing a civil case against Jeffs on his client’s behalf, saying he wants to question the polygamous leader under oath. Currently, Jeffs is being detained at the Utah State Prison at Point of the Mountain.
Bipartisan Lawyers Defend Possible Burns Nomination
Published on August 12, 2010 at 09:34AM
(SALT LAKE CITY)-A pair of high-powered lawyers on opposite sides of the political spectrum Wednesday rallied around Republican Scott Burns, the White House’s possible nomination to be U.S. Attorney for Utah. The support comes after Tuesday’s bipartisan attack on the nomination, which concerned parties believed to be the fruits of a backdoor deal. Nevertheless, Republican District Attorney, Lohra Miller and Democratic defense lawyer, Ron Yengich issued a joint statement calling Burns an “excellent choice.” Yengich said the Obama Administration called him concerning Burns’ nomination after first calling about Dave Schwendiman before switching to Burns. Yengich supported both decisions.
Investigation Into Southern Utah Wreck Continues
Published on August 12, 2010 at 09:29AM
(CEDAR CITY)-Three days after a tour van carrying 15 Japanese tourists from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon National Park crashed four miles north of Cedar City, investigations into the matter are ensuing. Prosecutors are considering whether charges are warranted against the driver, a 26-year-old Japanese citizen living in Las Vegas on a work and student visa. Additionally, investigators are working with the Denver-based Japanese consulate to notify families before releasing the names of the two others killed.
Broncos Ready To Improve in Second Year of McDaniels Tenure
Published on August 12, 2010 at 12:14AM
Yes, at long last I’ve reached my Denver Broncos in my NFL predictions and I do believe they’ll be better than many of the national experts think. The Broncos are blessed to have a solid signal-caller in Kyle Orton, who last season passed for a career-best 3,802 yards while he undoubtedly impressed Rush’s Geddy Lee with 21 touchdown against just 12 interceptions in 2009. Furthermore, when healthy, Correll Buckhalter (who averaged an impressive 5.4 yards per carry last season) is among the more solid tailbacks in the league. With that said, Buckhalter is once again injured as are several other Broncos, such as fellow tailback Knowshon Moreno and Elvis Dumervil, who sadly may be out for the regular season with a torn pectoral muscle. Nevertheless, the Broncos have plenty of others to pick up the slack such as linebackers Robert Ayers and Mario Haggan while the acquisition of ex-Raider tailback Justin Fargas could also pay huge dividends. I, for one, am most intrigued by the new wideouts who are taking the place of Brandon Marshall and his 101 catches last season. While solid rookie prospects Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker are both injured currently, expectations for them are sky high and for good reason as many NFL analysts have called them polished prospects who can contribute on the field when given the opportunity. I, for one, am hoping for Eddie Royal to return to his rookie season wherein he amassed 91 receptions and created numerous headaches for opposing defenses. Ultimately, though, the Broncos will be successful because of their bolstered defensive line. With the offseason acquisitions of Jamal Williams and Justin Bannan as well as Jarvis Green, Denver has sufficient depth along the defensive front. Obviously, the secondary promises to be stout once again as Denver returns virtually all key performers from a unit that ranked third against the pass. Brian Dawkins and Champ Bailey still have a few good seasons in them and new blood, such as Darcel McBath and standout rookie Perrish Cox have walked into a propitious situation. In short, I am quite confident in giving the Broncos 10 wins this season with a possibility of 12 in the best case scenario. Yes, I am an unabashed Broncos supporter and am pounding the orange and blue Kool-Aid with impeccable alacrity to say the least. Also, don’t be surprised if renowned rookie Tim Tebow and jack of all trades Spencer Larsen find a way to make major contributions in one way or another this season.