Story Archive for 08/16/2010
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Commissioners approve event funds
Published on August 16, 2010 at 04:11PM
(RICHFIELD) – Fund expenditures for county events were approved by Sevier County Commissioners at their bi-monthly meeting on Monday. At the meeting, County Travel Director Kevin Arrington met with the Commission to gain approval of funding for several events, including $630 for the three-day Utah Cow-Cutting Event at the Blackhawk Arena in Salina in October. Commissioners also approved $400 for the Fiddle Contest to be held at the end of September at the Sevier Valley Center in Richfield and $2,000 for billboard improvements by Joseph and at the top of Gooseberry Canyon along I-70. Arrington also informed Commissioners that this past weekend’s BMX Bike Race was attended by 162 participants.
Sevier Commissioners approve culvert agreement
Published on August 16, 2010 at 04:04PM
(RICHFIELD) – Sevier County Commissioners ratified an agreement Monday between the county and the Utah Division of State Parks and Recreation for the purchase of culverts on county roads. At the County Commission meeting, Commissioner Gordon Topham addressed the Commissioners on an agreement of providing funds up to $12,000 to install culverts on county roads. Topham said the funds would come from Special Service District #1 to pay for the culverts and the State Parks would then reimburse the county for expenditures.
RMP seeks comments on drilling holes
Published on August 16, 2010 at 03:35PM
(RICHFIELD) – Rocky Mountain Power is requesting comments from Sevier County Commissioners concerning drilling test holes for a proposed construction of transmission lines throughout the county. County Economic Development Director Malcolm Nash says Commissioners have no problem with RMP drilling test holes. Nash commented that RMP wants to drill the holes in several areas around the county for geotechnical testing in their proposed transmission line construction project.
Commissioners set hearing on plant issue
Published on August 16, 2010 at 12:54PM
(RICHFIELD) – Representatives of the Sevier Power Company are at odds with Sevier County Commissioners over the process of moving forward SPC’s application to construct a gas-fired power plant near Sigurd. At the Commission meeting today, Commissioners discussed requiring SPC to gain an air quality permit from the state before approving or denying their application. SPC President Rod Clark said his company wants to gain approval for the application before securing an air quality permit due to problems that existed with the county on SPC’s permit for a coal-fired plant application. Two weeks ago, the Sevier County Planning Commission gave final approval on SPC’s application and moved it forward to the County Commissioners. Commissioner Gordon Topham said County Commissioners can hold a public hearing on the application within 45 days of approval of the Planning Commission but questioned SPC’s hold on securing an air quality permit from the state. At the end of the meeting, Commissioners set a public hearing for Tuesday, Sept. 28 at 7pm at the Exhibit Hall at the County Fairgrounds.
Kingman Woman Ordered To Pay In Fraud Case
Published on August 16, 2010 at 11:01AM
(KINGMAN, Ariz.)-A Kingman, Ariz. woman who has been jailed for stealing money from a couple depending on her as a caregiver, has been ordered to pay $79,000 in restitution, according to a report by ABC 15 in Phoenix. This comes on top of a $1.2 million civil judgment against 51-year-old Kimberly Hickman. Hickman is currently serving out a four-year prison sentence after being convicted by a jury last September. The restitution judgment was entered by Mohave County (Ariz.) Superior Court Judge Steven Conn on behalf of the family of Andrew and Opal Morabeto. Hickman had previously served as the couple’s caregiver after meeting them in June 2005. A month and a half later, she became the trustee of their estate. Hickman was charged with theft of more than $25,000 although a prosecutor said the amount stolen totaled much more than that.
Phoenix Neighborhood To Have Meeting on Height of LDS Temple
Published on August 16, 2010 at 10:55AM
(PHOENIX)-KPNX-TV, Channel 12 in Phoenix has reported residents of the north Phoenix neighborhood where a temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is proposed to be built have a chance to hear a presentation about a modified plan for the temple’s height. An LDS spokeswoman, Jennifer Wheeler, said a neighborhood meeting concerning the revamped plan is scheduled for Tuesday evening at 6:00 AST. The church, which initially proposed a 40-foot tall building, has lowered the height to be within existing zone regulations, a limit of 30 feet. Details of the plan won’t be revealed until Tuesday but local Church authorities have been contacting area residents, letting them know about the meeting. A presentation will include a rendering of the temple, a sample of the exterior color, a site plan, displays about traffic and information about parking and information about parking and how the temple will be used. An estimated construction timeline will also be provided.
Border Patrol Suicides Up
Published on August 16, 2010 at 10:50AM
(PHOENIX)-KPHO-TV, Channel 5 in Phoenix reports that after a four-year period where there were no suicides, Border Patrol agents are now killing themselves in greater numbers. Documents obtained by the Associated Press show at least 15 agents have committed suicides since February 2008. According to the data, this is the largest jump in suicides the agency has seen in more than 20 years. While a few employees left notes, primarily their motives remain unknown. The government insists the deaths have nothing to do with the agency or violence along the U.S.-Mexico border and even then, administrators have quietly implemented suicide-prevention initiatives. This includes training for supervisors, videos about warning signs and educational programs for 22,000 agents nationwide.
Hurricane Police Bike Patrol Unit Receives Donations
Published on August 16, 2010 at 10:41AM
(HURRICANE)-For the third consecutive year, members of the Hurricane Valley Lions Club and Hurricane Rotary Club are beating back economic difficulty by making a significant contribution to the Hurricane Police Department’s bike patrol unit. Lions Club President, Terry Hafen, recently presented a $1,500 check to Hurricane Police Sergeant Brandon Buell during a short ceremony, while the Hurricane Rotary Club donated almost $1,700 to the same cause. The money will be used for the purchase of a new bike and another bike purchased last year. The five-member, part-time bike crew is used primarily during special events, such as this week’s Washington County Fair and next month’s Peach Days celebration. Mid-Utah Radio thanks KCSG-TV of St. George for their assistance on this report.
USU Professor: St. George Ants Part of Clue
Published on August 16, 2010 at 10:35AM
(ST. GEORGE)-Utah State University assistant professor of biology, James Pitts has learned through his study of southern Utah-based velvet ants that there is new evidence glaciers were responsible for isolating groups of velvet ants and lead to the formation of distinct new species. Scientists typically attribute the evolution of one species into two or more distinct species to the uplift of mountain ranges separating populations. However, Pitts says his research revealed that a third of the velvet ant species developed during the Ice Age. For the study, Pitts gathered velvet ants near St. George and by using molecular data collected from current day specimens and morphological data from fossils, Pitts and his students applied mathematical algorithms to assign dates of origin to each branch of the insect’s family tree.
New Elementary School Open Houses
Published on August 16, 2010 at 10:28AM
(Ephraim) The South Sanpete School District’s new elementary schools are complete and ready to open their doors. The new buildings are located in Ephraim and in Gunnison, and replace the old elementary buildings that had become run down and outdated. The new buildings will provide a more conducive learning environment, and will improve student safety by moving away from busy streets. District officials have invited the public to tour the new facilities this week before the formal dedications and the start of the school year. An open house will be held at the Ephraim Elementary tomorrow (Tuesday) night from 7:00 to 9:00 PM, and at the Gunnison Elementary on Thursday night from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. The dedications for the new buildings will take place on September 2nd in Gunnison and on September 8th in Ephraim.
Corroon Seeks Feedback As He Crafts Education Platform
Published on August 16, 2010 at 10:23AM
(SALT LAKE CITY)-Peter Corroon, Utah’s gubernatorial Democratic candidate and his running mate, Sheryl Allen of Bountiful, solicited input from educators, politicians and union leaders last week as a preliminary step to crafting an education platform for their campaign. The primary theme offered by the 60 professionals in attendance was a charge for all stakeholders in the state to work together in creating thoughtful education plans. Allen said the state needs to make education more of a priority and all interested parties need to work together. Corroon said he and Allen want to reverse the negative impact decreased funding has had on the system. Allen said she and Corroon will weigh all of the feedback they received at the summit and work it into an educational plan to be released later this month.
Twitchell Fire Up To 4,000 Acres
Published on August 16, 2010 at 10:12AM
(MANDERFIELD)-A lightning-caused fire in the Twitchell Canyon area near Manderfield Reservoir has surpassed the 4,000-acre threshold as of Saturday, according to the Deseret News. Officials are managing the fire to promote forest health and expect it to burn throughout the rest of the summer. In an update Saturday evening, officials said crews are seeking to protect private property near the historic Kimberly mining area. Indian Creek Road is still closed from Pole Canyon Road to the reservoir. Officials have stated visibility along I-15 and I-70 in Beaver County may be significantly reduced during the early morning hours.
Ashman Elementary To Test Merit Pay
Published on August 16, 2010 at 10:07AM
(SALT LAKE CITY)-Five Utah schools, including Richfield’s Ashman Elementary, will give educators the chance to earn up to $2,000 more this year as part of a pilot program tying teacher pay to student results. State lawmakers granted the schools $300,000 to develop the performance pay model. The plans reward 40 percent of the pay based on student achievement, 40 percent on teacher instruction and 20 percent on parental satisfaction. Draper Republican Representative, Greg Hughes, says the program is a way for the state to reward teachers striving for excellence.
Kennecott Proposes Expansion of Utah Copper Mine
Published on August 16, 2010 at 10:01AM
(SALT LAKE CITY)-Kennecott Utah Copper Corp. is proposing an expansion of its Bingham Canyon mine that would extend the mine’s life to 2034. The company is asking regulators to allow it to excavate about 1,000 feet from the south wall, deepening the massive mine by another 300 feet to reach an additional 700 million tons of copper ore. Company chief executive, Kelly Sanders, says the expansion, entitled the “Cornerstone Project,” would keep 2,000 jobs and prevent a five-year shutdown, which would begin in 2016.
Film Commission Lobbies To Extend Tax Breaks
Published on August 16, 2010 at 09:55AM
(SALT LAKE CITY)-Utah’s film industry will lobby lawmakers to extend tax breaks for production companies filming in Utah. The Deseret News reports 22 film projects came to Utah during the fiscal year 2010 that ended June 30. This accounted for 418 days of production, 1,215 jobs and added $59 million to local economies. Film commission executives credit Senate Bill 14 which the Legislature passed three years ago. The year before tax incentives went into effect, Utah had only 11 projects, 190 production days, 520 jobs and $11.3 million in economic impact. The state Film Commission will lobby a legislative committee Wednesday to extend those tax breaks. The state offers three incentives for film and television productions. State Film Commission director, Marshall Moore, says the Disney feature film “John Carter of Mars” was the largest, longest film done so far in Utah. It was shot in southern Utah and slated to open in 2012.
Utah Lawmaker Team Fights Immigration Bill
Published on August 16, 2010 at 09:41AM
Updated on August 16, 2010 at 04:05PM
(SALT LAKE CITY)-A group of Utah lawmakers has come out against a proposed immigration bill in the state similar to Arizona’s SB1070. The lawmakers, such as Democratic Representative Luz Robles say the bill has been flawed from the start and that the state simply cannot afford the legislation. The bill’s instigator, Orem-based Republican, Stephen Sandstrom, says the bill discourages racial profiling by stating “race is not probable cause.” Additionally, there are extra status checks to qualify for entitlements and law enforcement agencies that don’t crack down could be fined up to $5,000 per day. Robles countered by saying opposing lawmakers can’t afford the bill’s cost, especially with all the cuts that are having to be made. She also said the state would have to spend “precious dollars and resources” for police to uphold this law and that the jails and courts would be excessively strained. In the interim, Sandstrom’s bill has gained another proponent, Representative Paul Ray of Davis County. Robles will address the issue later Monday at a Salt Lake City press conference.
Miss Sanpete chosen in weekend pageant
Published on August 16, 2010 at 08:50AM
(MANTI) – The new 2010 Miss Sanpete was crowned over the weekend. Former Miss Manti, Ariel Mickelson of Manti, was chosen as the new queen in a pageant held at the Performing Arts Center on the Snow College Campus in Ephraim. The new royalty consists of Kassie Nielson of Fairview as First Attendant, Whitney Ison of Mt. Pleasant as Second Attendant and Kayla Bartholemew of Gunnison as Third Attendant. Taylor Jones of Ephraim was also selected as Fourth Attendant. Other awards included Kassie Nielson as Miss Congeniality, along with the Miss Photogenic award given to Samantha Lane of Fairview and the Platform award given to Alex Hancock of Ephraim.
Motorists escape injury on SR-89 Friday
Published on August 16, 2010 at 07:57AM
Updated on August 16, 2010 at 03:37PM
(SPRING CITY) – Several travelers on SR-89 escaped serious injury in a vehicle crash at Strait Junction in Sanpete County over the weekend. UHP said that 32-year old Mindy Hardy of Spring City was making a left-hand turn in her 2003 Ford Excursion at the intersection Friday afternoon, when a 1995 Ford Ranger, driven by 41-year old Steven Carson of Salt Lake City, hit her broadside. Troopers said that both Hardy and Carson were wearing their seatbelts and were not injured. A seven-year old boy traveling with Hardy was also not injured and another passenger traveling with Carson, 62-year old Burt Johnson of Spanish Fork, was not injured. UHP said the passengers were also wearing their seatbelts. Hardy was cited for making an improper left turn.
Travelers hospitalized after SR-24 rollover
Published on August 16, 2010 at 07:35AM
(LOA) – Two motorists were taken to the hospital Friday afternoon after a rollover in Wayne County along SR-24. According to a UHP report, at about 5:15pm, 21-year old Kari Heaton of Boulder, was traveling along the highway about five miles west of Loa in a 2005 Chevy Aveo, when she drifted off the right shoulder and rolled once. The report said Heaton was wearing her seatbelt and was transported to the Sevier Valley Medical Center in Richfield with unknown injuries. Her passenger, 21-year old Pace Killian of Cedar Hills, was wearing his seatbelt and taken to the hospital with unknown injuries. UHP continues to investigate as to why Heaton drifted off the road.
Fires doused at two Richfield residences
Published on August 16, 2010 at 07:02AM
(RICHFIELD) – The Richfield Fire Department responded to a double home fire Friday night after some children started a mattress on fire while playing with sparklers. Richfield Fire Chief Bryan Burrows reported that at about 7:30pm, fire crews were dispatched to a home located at 400 North 550 East, owned by Terry and Chanda Landon of Richfield, to find the fire had spread to their garage and also burned a fence, garage and outbuilding, owned by Jeff Teeples at 400 North 560 East. Fire crews were able to douse the flames before extensive damage was done to the property. Burrows also said the fire department responded to assist the Koosharem Fire Department on a dumpster fire at the Fishlake Lodge Saturday night and also a minor brush fire near Sigurd. Those fires were quickly put out.
Houston Texans; Now Is the Time
Published on August 16, 2010 at 12:25AM
Today, we explore the Houston Texans, a team with impressive talent and sky-high expectations that has never fully grasped its potential. Nevertheless, there is reason for optimism in H-Town as the Texans boast the NFL’s 2009 passing yardage leader in Matt Schaub (4,770 passing yards last season, 29 TD’s 15 INT’s, while completing almost 68 percent of his passes). As always, Schaub has one of the NFL’s more prestigious receivers in Andre Johnson (an NFL-best 1,569 receiving yards last season, 9 TD’s and a healthy 15.5 yards per reception average) who only needs three more games where he amasses at least 10 receptions and 100 yards to become the NFL’s all-time leader in either category. Although the injury to promising rookie Ben Tate hurts the Texans’ offense, tailbacks Steve Slaton and Arian Foster will both play a huge role in Houston’s high-octane attack, which amassed 383 offensive yards per game in 2009. Of course, the Texans’ defense is also rife with studs, such as Mario Williams, Bernard Pollard and Brian Cushing, who will undoubtedly have much to prove if his fight against an NFL-imposed suspension proves unsuccessful. Ultimately, I think the Texans can achieve the great expectations placed upon them if they get a more solid performance from kicker Kris Brown. Last season, Browns’ dismal 2 of 6 performance on kicks beyond 40 yards doomed the Texans in key divisional losses to Indianapolis and Tennessee so if this improves, so should the Texans’ prospects. Since Gary Kubiak is a product of the Denver Broncos, I wish him good luck but we’ll see what this season has in store. If nothing else, it should be interesting in the Texas Gulf Coast region.