Story Archive for 08/25/2010
Show/Hide Archive Navigation
Prep Sports Roundup: 8/25
Published on August 25, 2010 at 10:26PM
PANGUITCH, Utah (AP)-Cam Fawson doubled to lead the Panguitch Bobcats to a 23-1 rout of the Escalante Moquis Wednesday in Region 20 baseball action.
BICKNELL, Utah (AP)-Brennan Rees had two doubles and Rhett Taylor also doubled as the Wayne Badgers blanked the Bryce Valley Mustangs, 9-0 in Region 20 baseball action Wednesday.
RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)-Aubrey Smith, Erin Peterson, Faith Johnson, Jiselle Sorenson, Kaleshia Dean, Madison Utley and Marisa Henrie each scored as the Richfield Lady Wildcats blanked the Grantsville Cowgirls, 7-0 Wednesday in non-region soccer action. Smith and Johnson combined on the shutout for Richfield.
KANAB, Utah (AP)-Kaytee Glover posted nine kills and Calli Jackson added eight more as the Kanab Cowgirls swept Fredonia (Ariz.), 3-0 in non-region volleyball action Wednesday.
Richfield homeowner gets flood payoff
Published on August 25, 2010 at 03:59PM
(RICHFIELD) – A Richfield homeowner has finally found a financial resolution to problems associated with flooding at his home last January due to a water line break. Wendell Olsen says he’s happy that Richfield City and their insurance company has paid him off for damages incurred in the incident At the city council meeting Tuesday night, the council approved a payment of a little over $17,000 to go towards reimbursement of a total of $55,000 that was paid to the Olsen’s for damages in the flooding. For months, the Olsen’s have been trying to get the city’s insurance company, Traveler’s Insurance, to pay the balance but found little cooperation. Traveler’s said they pay for the costs of the value of losses, not the replacement. City Manager, Mike Langston said the city’s insurance company has paid out a total of $38,000 with the city covering the rest. The basement of the Olsen’s home, located at 357 North 500 West in Richfield, was flooded with six feet of water in the middle of winter, when a main water line burst in the early morning hours in January, sending over a million gallons of water towards their homes and others in the flood path.
Enoch man arrested in Cedar City fires
Published on August 25, 2010 at 12:29PM
(CEDAR CITY) – An Enoch man was arrested Monday in connection with two separate fires at a Cedar City business. According to police reports, 27-year old James Arnold was booked in the Iron County Jail for investigation of arson and theft at a business at 911 South Main in Cedar City around 1:30am Monday. The report said Arnold allegedly started a fire under a natural gas meter that led to an explosion. Officers arrived at the scene to find pallets burning underneath the natural gas meter at the business. Police said a second fire was found in the area that appeared to have also been started by an accelerant. No one was injured in either blaze but it’s believed several thousands of dollars worth of damage was done. Evidence from the scene and alert business owners helped police to compile information in the arrest of Arnold. Police said Arnold eventually confessed to starting the fires.
Legislative task force tackles access issue
Published on August 25, 2010 at 12:06PM
(RICHFIELD) – A Utah legislative public lands task force met today with private land owners in a meeting at the Snow College Richfield Campus to strike a balance on access. Task force member, Rep. Kay McIff of Richfield, says the purpose of the meeting was to discuss ways to solve tensions between private land owners and water enthusiasts who cross private property. McIff said the state Division of Wildlife Resources has a Walk-In-Access program modeled after those in several states, including Kansas, Wyoming, Montana and South Dakota, that provides financial reimbursement to private land owners who agree to “lease” fishing and hunting access to their property. A 2008 Utah Supreme Court ruling declared that the public has the right to recreate on public waterways, even if recreationists crossed privately held property. The DWR said a restricted account funded by hunting and fishing license fees would allow the division to award financial compensation to landowners willing to allow access to their land.
McCluskey Treated For Self-Inflicted Wounds
Published on August 25, 2010 at 11:07AM
(KINGMAN, Ariz.)-KPHO-TV, Channel 5 in Phoenix, has reported that former fugitive, John McCluskey, was treated and released from a Kingman, Ariz. hospital and returned to jail after he tried cutting himself with a plastic razor.
McCluskey suffered cuts to his neck and a forearm that were sutured at Kingman Regional Medical Center before he was returned to the Mohave County Jail, according to Mohave County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Trish Carter.
Carter also said his wounds were considered serious, but not life-threatening and that McCluskey and his fiancee, Casslyn Welch, has been incarcerated in Kingman since August 20, while they were captured last Thursday, August 19.
Jeffs Hearing Rescheduled For September 7
Published on August 25, 2010 at 10:58AM
(SALT LAKE CITY)-At the request of counsel, the hearing in the case of the State of Utah vs. Warren Steed Jeffs has been moved to Tuesday September 7 at 1:00 p.m. at the West Jordan courthouse with Judge Terry Christiansen presiding.
Southern Utah Family Support Center Receives Prestigious Grant
Published on August 25, 2010 at 10:51AM
(CEDAR CITY)-The in-home visitation program provided by the Family Support Center of Southwestern Utah has been selected to receive a 2010 Smart Women grant from Zions Bank.
Executive director, Shandra Powell, was awarded a $3,000 grant in the category of child and elder care. Her project was selected from among 113 applications submitted this year.
The grant recipients were announced at the Zions Bank Smart Women Smart Money conference in Salt Lake City August 19.
The Family Support Center is dedicated to keeping families together, wherever possible, while still protecting children and ensuring they have good environments in which to live.
Through the organization’s In-Home visitation program, families work closely with parent advocates who promote healthy parent-child interaction an attachment, increase knowledge of child development and appropriate expectations and other constructive practices.
This was the sixth year Zions Bank offered a series of micro-grants to recognize women throughout Utah and Idaho who excel in a variety of categories such as small business start-up and expansion and community development.
West Nile Virus Detected in Washington County
Published on August 25, 2010 at 10:37AM
(SALT LAKE CITY)-While West Nile Virus has become less of an issue in recent years, it still remains a problem.
Pools testing positive for the virus were discovered in four Utah counties, including six in Washington County.
Thus far, no horse or human cases have been reported.
It is shaping up to be a much milder season than last year at this time as in 2009, there were 183 mosquito pools that tested positive compared to only 10 this year.
People may notice more mosquitoes biting during the day, especially after rainstorms, said Ilene Risk, the epidemiology bureau manager for the Salt Lake Valley Health Department.
The virus-carrying pests only bite at night, she said.
Last year, two Utahns were infected and since 2006, when 158 Utahns were infected and five died, the numbers have steadily declined.
Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Awards
Published on August 25, 2010 at 10:28AM
(Utah) The Arch Coal Foundation has begun its fifth annual Teacher Achievement Awards program. Five teachers from Carbon, Emery, Sanpete, and Sevier Counties will be honored for outstanding service and student support. Winners will be given a $3,500 dollar personal cash award. Students, parents, and colleagues can submit nominations now through January 10th, 2011. Nomination forms are available at local schools, as well as online at www.archteacherawards.com. Judging will be performed by a blue ribbon panel of former winners. The awards program is sponsored by Arch Coal, which operates the Skyline, Dugout, and Sufco mines through its subsidiary Canyon Fuel Company.
Elder Oaks To Be Keynote Speaker @ Constitution Forum
Published on August 25, 2010 at 10:20AM
(SALT LAKE CITY)-Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints’ Quorum of Twelve Apostles, will be the keynote speaker at a Constitution Day event next month sponsored by the University of Utah’s Hinckley Institute of Politics.
Elder Oaks, who will speak September 17 at the Tabernacle on Temple Square, is a former Utah Supreme Court justice and was on former U.S. President Ronald Reagan’s short list for the U.S. Supreme Court.
Elder Oaks’ remarks will kick off the first of a two-day series of lectures on the Constitution while patriotic songs will be performed by Utah Voices, a Salt Lake City-based community choir.
As is the case for virtually all Temple Square events, admission is free but tickets are required and limited to four per family. Tickets may be ordered by visiting www.lds.org/events or by calling 1-801-570-0080.
Although Elder Oaks obviously espouses religion when he gives these types of lectures, Hinckley Institute of Politics director, Kirk Jowers, said his remarks should be of interest to anyone who loves this country and its freedoms, even if they’re not religious.
Corroon Demands Apology From Herbert After Controversial Statement
Published on August 25, 2010 at 10:00AM
(SALT LAKE CITY)-As the gubernatorial race percolates in Utah, controversy has also increased insomuch that Democratic candidate, Peter Corroon is demanding an apology from Republican incumbent, Gary Herbert.
In their sharpest exchange to date in the race for governor, Corroon wants an apology from Herbert for supposedly attacking his children.
In a campaign news release Herbert provided, Corroon says Herbert called him hypocritical in regard to his stance that public education should be toughened because his children attend private schools.
Corroon, the father of three children, and his campaign spokesperson, Stella Thurkill, are calling this a “personal attack.”
Nevertheless, Herbert’s campaign has called these charges “ridiculous,” saying that his statements had nothing to do with Corroon’s children, nor are they being dragged into the campaign.
Pro Family Group Asks Shurtleff To Support Video Game Law
Published on August 25, 2010 at 09:51AM
(SALT LAKE CITY)-Pro-family groups in Utah want the state’s Attorney General, Mark Shurtleff, to support a California law against violent video games.
The law, which prohibits the sale of violent video games to minors, is headed to the U.S. Supreme Court and should the court rule it to be constitutional, there could be a push to get a similar law passed in other states, including Utah.
Last week, Shurtleff said he several other attorneys general are considering filing a friend-of-the-court brief opposing California’s law.
Shurtleff said he is considering getting involved because if the Supreme Court rules in California’s favor, it will recognize a casual link between video game violence and violent crime that could serve as a defense strategy.
Tuesday, Utah pro-family organizations, such as United Families Utah and Utah Eagle Forum asked Shurtleff to protect children by supporting the law, rather than opposing it.
Regardless of the stance Shurtleff ultimately takes, the U.S. Supreme Court will make the final ruling.
Westminster College Sets Enrollment Mark
Published on August 25, 2010 at 09:35AM
(SALT LAKE CITY)-Westminster College in Salt Lake City is opening this school year with record numbers.
The liberal arts college located on the city’s east bench says about 3,200 undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled, which is up from last fall’s total of 3,100.
Westminster says this is the sixth straight year enrollment has increased, while the 530 new freshmen are also a high for the school.
Overall enrollment at the school has increased by more than 30 percent since 2004.
Yellow Pages Scam Targets Southern Utah Businesses
Published on August 25, 2010 at 09:31AM
(ST. GEORGE)-Detectives say a letter circulating throughout southern Utah is a fraud.
Several St. George businesses have contacted the city’s police force, saying they received a paper designed to look like an invoice for advertising in a phone book.
The letter has a realistic Yellow Pages logo and requests payment, although the difference is the logo is upside down and the company’s name is fraudulent.
Detectives believe the paper comes from Victoria, Malta (near Italy) and that none of the recipients have paid the invoice.
UHSAA weighs realignment cycle
Published on August 25, 2010 at 08:57AM
(MIDVALE) – The Utah High School Activities Association is considering shortening realignment cycles for school sports due to the outdated alignment process. UHSAA Executive Director Rob Cuff said the four-year process is too long. Cuff said in the nine-team region, schools are misplaced in classifications because of old enrollment numbers and other factors. He said he would like to see the process shortened to two years with an even number of regions and an equal number of schools in each region. Cuff commented that two other major changes would go into effect if the proposed procedure change passes, including counting only junior and senior classes among enrollment numbers because of the mobility of students and eliminating region splits between classifications. He said that would end the arrangement in Region 9 schools playing in two different classes. Cuff said public comments will be taken at a hearing today at 5pm at the UHSAA offices and online. The board of trustees will vote on the proposed alignment procedure on Thursday.
Old water tank becomes problem for Richfield
Published on August 25, 2010 at 08:20AM
(RICHFIELD) – A 70-year old water tank in Richfield is being considered to be replaced during a discussion at the Richfield City Council meeting Tuesday night. Tristan DeMille of Jones and DeMille Engineering of Richfield told city council leaders that the old million-gallon tank is leaking, has bad walls and cement is crumbling on the tank. City Manager Mike Langston said costs of replacement of the old tank would be about a million dollars, which would amount to a modest increase in resident’s water bill. DeMille also commented that the city could repair the old tank at an estimated cost of $650,000, or demolish it at a cost of about $900,000. He said the city could move the tank to a new location but seven to $8,000 would be needed to conduct geotechnical studies. DeMille said the health department has a ranking for unsafe drinking water in old tanks, with 150 points being the worst. He said a ranking of over 100 points has been assessed against Richfield but no action would be taken against the city if a move towards rectifying the problem is done. Langston said the city is in line to get a CIB loan/grant from the state to build a new water tank but the application needs to be submitted before Oct. 1 for funding.
Richfield considers main tree replacements
Published on August 25, 2010 at 08:00AM
(RICHFIELD) – The Richfield City Council met Tuesday night to gain information and discuss the replacement of about a dozen trees along Main Street in the downtown area. Councilmember Mike Turner said he thought downtown business owners should be able to comment before any tree is replaced. Jones and DeMille Engineering of Richfield commented that they have no idea why the trees died after being planted last year as part of the Main Street Enhancement Project. Tristan DeMille said if the city wants to replace the trees, the Musashino Zelkova tree is recommended, which is a tree that grows tall and wide, above the signage of businesses along main street. City leaders will consider the information and decide on the tree replacements at a later meeting.
SPC updates Richfield on plant progress
Published on August 25, 2010 at 07:32AM
(RICHFIELD) – Representatives from the Sevier Power Company approached the Richfield City Council Tuesday night to update the city on their proposal to construct a gas-fired power plant near Sigurd. SPC President Rod Clark said the plant would be the largest taxpayer in the county with an estimated $2 million going to schools. He said 300 to 400 construction jobs would be provided to the local area with 25 to 30 primary jobs provided and 72 secondary jobs. Clark commented that the next step in the process is to get County Commissioners to approve their application. Company Advisor Bruce Taylor said construction of the plant is still the best economic boost for the county. Both Clark and Taylor said that all studies have been concluded for construction of the plant and all that’s needed is for Commissioners to approve their application prior to the election.
A Broncos Fan's Take on the Raiders
Published on August 25, 2010 at 12:45AM
As a Broncos fan, I hate all things silver and black. Nevertheless, since I’m also a journalist, objectivity is something I should always appertain to.
It’s time for my report on the Oakland Raiders, a team which may have its best chance at making a potential playoff run since 2002.
The reason is that in a quarterback league, the Raiders made a wise decision in bringing in Jason Campbell from Washington. I’m pained to admit this, but my archenemies have done something right for the first time in years.
It’s not often when you can obtain a quarterback on the open market who completed 65 percent of his passes and threw for nearly 4,000 yards, but kudos to the Raiders for finding a passer with those credentials in Campbell.
Additionally, I have to admit the Raiders made a good pick in selecting Rolando McClain from Alabama.
Nevertheless, until proven differently, the Raiders are the Raiders and true to my Bronco roots, I expect them to win only a maximum of six games.
Denver has markedly improved this offseason and while the Raiders have stockpiled talent, such as wideout Louis Murphy and linebacker Kamerion Wimbley, among others, the losing mentality is hard to shake when you’ve not won more than five games in a season since 2002.
Well, Raiders fans, I am what I am so don’t be so surprised. I did compliment you a little so that counts for something.
Unlike the stupid BC$ where reputation determines what you are, here in the NFL, you determine your own fate without the meddling of computers and biased voters.
I will admit that the Broncos have just as much to prove as the Raiders. I just think Denver is a bit farther along and will be for the next 30 years or so.
Brash Jets Ready To Talk Their Way To Title
Published on August 25, 2010 at 12:22AM
I don’t watch HBO as it’s one of the premiere “red channels” on my Dish Network system so I’ve been deprived of watching “Hard Knocks,” starring the New York Jets.
Nevertheless, it is well documented that ever since Rex Ryan took over as head coach of the New York Jets 19 months ago, he has been no stranger to brashness.
The loquacious, confident coach has inherited numerous stars, such as tailback LaDainian Tomlinson and wideout Santonio Holmes in the past few months, thanks to general manager Mike Tannenbaum’s aggressive stance.
Meanwhile, Ryan continues to talk a good game every chance he gets and if you look at the Jets on paper, it’s hard to tell him to shut up.
When you have a signal-caller with as much potential as Mark Sanchez as well as young studs in Shonn Greene and Dustin Keller, the sky is the limit.
The offensive line is in good hands with true teammate Nick Mangold who despite contract uncertainty in an uncapped year, managed to show up to offseason workouts and training camp bereft of incident.
Even if Darrelle Revis remains stranded on his own island, I have watched Kyle Wilson numerous times in college and I believe he has the skill set to do a solid job so long as Revis’ absence continues and of course, even longer.
With all of this said, I fully expect the Jets to contend for the AFC East crown with the Dolphins and after we’ve heard Ryan say his piece over and over again, all that remains are the games to be played.
I do like the Jets chances in the AFC primarily because I’m trying not to subscribe to the notion that the Colts and Bengals “let them into the postseason” last year.
It is painful to admit, but if it weren’t for my Broncos gagging down the stretch, no one would even be questioning the Jets’ credentials as they wouldn’t have been a playoff team.
Nevertheless, that was then and this is now and now is the time we will see the Jets have some sustained success, something that has eluded them over the course of the past 40 years.
I’ll give the Jets anywhere from 9 to 13 wins although Baltimore is an awfully tough team to begin the season with.