Story Archive for 08/31/2010
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Prep Sports Roundup: 8/31
Published on August 31, 2010 at 10:34PM
GUNNISON, Utah (AP)-Sarah Nilson amassed five goals and Kaitlin Hyatt also scored as the Gunnison Lady Bulldogs bested the North Sevier Lady Wolves, 6-2 Tuesday in Region 13 girls soccer action. Kylee Richins and Miranda Wilcox both scored in defeat for North Sevier.
FILLMORE, Utah (AP)-Keri Brunson posted four goals while Shelby Sheriff and Makinzie Hunter each had two more as the Millard Lady Eagles hammered the South Sevier Lady Rams, 9-0 in Region 13 girls soccer action Tuesday. Jaisha Wilcox earned the shutout for Millard.
NEPHI, Utah (AP)-Jordan Conrad had 16 kills for the Grantsville Cowgirls as they outlasted the Juab Lady Wasps, 3-2 Tuesday in non-region volleyball action.
MONROE, Utah (AP)-Shelby Sorenson posted four aces while Kayla King, Cindy Hales and Emily Sarrer combined for 24 kills as the South Sevier Lady Rams gashed the Manti Lady Templars, 3-0 in non-region volleyball action Tuesday.
MILFORD, Utah (AP)-Brittney Blackner amassed 10 kills for the Beaver Lady Beavers as they swept the Milford Lady Tigers, 3-0 Tuesday in non-region volleyball action. Makayla Bess added 15 assists for the Lady Beavers while Brielle Christensen stepped up with 11 digs for Beaver.
High winds increase wildfire near Beaver
Published on August 31, 2010 at 12:29PM
(BEAVER) – Forest officials have announced further road closures due to high winds increasing fire activity in a wildfire burning northeast of Beaver. Fishlake National Forest personnel say the Twitchell Canyon Fire, burning about 14 miles northeast of Beaver, is spreading, causing the closure of Sevier Canyon Road FR-116. Officials say the Indian Creek Road from Pole Canyon to Manderfield Reservoir remains closed due to fire activity. The lightening-caused wildfire has been burning since July 20 and has consumed more than 4500 acres. The fire is being managed for resource benefits and no injuries have been reported or structures threatened. The wildfire is now established on the east side of Fish Creek. Smoke from the fire is visible along travel corridors, including I-15, I-70 and Hwy 89.
Border Ranchers Hope Security Increases
Published on August 31, 2010 at 11:24AM
(PHOENIX)-KPHO-TV, Channel 5 in Phoenix, reports that while ranchers near the Arizona-Mexico border are pleased with the reinforcement of National Guard troops on the border, more can still be done.
While Department of Homeland Security Secretary and former Arizona governor, Janet Napolitano, says statistics show the border is becoming a safer place, Arizona Cattleman’s Association spokesman, Patrick Bray, said statistics will tell you anything you want.
Meanwhile, rancher Gary Thrasher says he prefers an 8 to 3 ratio, meaning there would be eight troops on the line for every three illegals as this would greatly bolster rural areas near the border, he said.
Vehicle Collisions Close U.S. 89 Momentarily
Published on August 31, 2010 at 11:20AM
(FLAGSTAFF, Ariz.)-Monday afternoon, northbound U.S. Highway 89 at Hank’s Trading Post, about 28 miles north of Flagstaff, Ariz., was closed due to two separate traffic collisions in the same spot.
According to information from the Arizona Department of Public Safety, officers originally responded to the call of a two-vehicle injury collision around 12:15 p.m. as one vehicle rear-ended another and a driver was arrested on an outstanding warrant.
While the collision had been moved to the side of the road around 1:20 p.m., the driver of a semi crashed into cars involved in the first crash.
Two people involved in the crash were seriously injured and flown to Flagstaff Medical Center.
The roadway was reopened around 4:20 p.m. and both crashes remain under investigation.
Zion National Park Wildfire Managed For Multiple Objectives
Published on August 31, 2010 at 11:14AM
(ZION NATIONAL PARK)-The Subway wildfire, which has burned 77 acres in Zion National Park, is being managed by the park for multiple objectives, including allowing fire to return to its natural role in the ecosystem.
The fire, which was started by lightning August 18, is situated on a plateau approximately five miles south of Lava Point in the park’s northern sector.
Currently, the fire is not threatening any park resources or adjoining private land or structures.
The fire is being fought by 50 firefighters, two wildfire engines and a helicopter. Meanwhile, fire managers will continue to monitor the wildfire and use control measures, such as full suppression, if the fire should begin posing any threats.
Arizona Strip Wildfire Continues To Burn
Published on August 31, 2010 at 11:08AM
(ST. GEORGE)-The Arizona Strip District Bureau of Land Management Unit continues to monitor the Mustang Wildfire, which started August 8 and has burned nearly 2,600 acres in northern Arizona.
Since last Wednesday, August 25, approximately six small fires have been ignited by lightning, while two of them are contained/controlled and three remain in “monitor status.”
Within the past week, firefighters have responded to two abandoned campfires, one in the Black Rock area near St. George and the other near Wildcat Ranch.
While both abandoned campfires were still contained within fire rings when firefighters discovered them.
Fire managers continue to remind the public to practice fire safety by ensuring all campfires are sufficiently extinguished.
Hurricane Man Forced To Recieve Mental Evaluation
Published on August 31, 2010 at 10:57AM
(HURRICANE)-A Hurricane man accused of threatening Utah Tax Commission employees was sentenced to probation Monday and ordered to undergo a mental evaluation.
The 47-year-old Patrick S. Johnson must obtain any recommended health treatment and pay a $1,500 fine as part of a 36-month probation.
Third District Judge, Robert Faust, suspended a potential five-year prison sentence and gave Johnson credit for 24 days he’d already spent behind bars.
Johnson was charged with two counts of second-degree felony terroristic threats and last month he he pleaded guilty to reduced third-degree felony counts of attempted threats against life/property.
According to charging documents, Johnson sent three letters to the Tax Commission during February and March after receiving an unpaid tax notice.
Johnson warned authorities that he would retaliate if he felt he was mistreated in any way although he remains insistent he is not crazy or mentally disturbed.
Sevier S & R take top honors at Conference
Published on August 31, 2010 at 10:56AM
(FISHLAKE) – Sevier County Search and Rescue took top honors in a competition with other rescue teams across the state at the Rescue Conference held at Fishlake over the weekend. A sheriff’s report said that over 100 search and rescue volunteers arrived for three days of training, including classes that ranged from GPS use to man tracking, first aid, rope rescue, dive search and the use of animals to aid in the search for missing persons. Part of the training included a competition between several teams that featured three areas of skill tests, including tying knots, first aid scenario and a GPS course. Sevier County Search and Rescue won the competition by seven seconds, with Salt Lake County coming in second and Sanpete County in third. Lifeflight was also part of the training, showing how to set up a landing zone properly and how to load a patient for hoisting.
St. George Lays off 12 Workers
Published on August 31, 2010 at 10:49AM
(ST. GEORGE)-St. George City has laid off 12 employees to downsize a pair of departments involved in construction engineering and inspections.
City officials say the Development Services and Community Development departments have had little work since the economy tanked and lowered tax revenues.
The layoffs trimmed the city’s $29 million annual payroll by $925,000.
The first-year savings will be less because seven of the workers qualified for severance payments.
City Manager Gary Esplin says it was the first time the city resorted to layoffs to restructure city departments.
The city has also lost 80 employees to attrition since 2006, leaving about 900 full-time and part-time workers.
Sevier County SWAT Team assists in manhunt
Published on August 31, 2010 at 10:44AM
(RICHFIELD) – The Sevier County Sheriff’s SWAT Team returned home Monday after assisting Kane County in their search for an alleged killer of a deputy. The SWAT Team spent several days in the manhunt for 23-year old Scott Curley of Fredonia, AZ., who is accused of shooting Kane County Deputy Brian Harris Thursday, in a foot chase after a burglary at a high school. Curley is currently incarcerated at a Utah jail awaiting extradition to Arizona on murder charges.
Corroon Is First To Air Promotional Campaign
Published on August 31, 2010 at 10:28AM
(SALT LAKE CITY)-Democratic Salt Lake County Mayor, Peter Corroon, has hit the airwaves with the first television commercials in this year’s gubernatorial campaign.
Corroon’s two 30 second spots began airing last Friday on major network and cable channels and will at least air through Labor Day weekend.
Corroon’s campaign spokeswoman, Stella Thurkill called this a “substantial buy,” adding this was scheduled before last week’s controversial comments on religion.
The spots, entitled “Bipartisanship,” and “Straight Talk,” do not address Herbert’s comments on religion.
Instead, Thurkill stated the purpose of the commercials is to introduce voters to Corroon and his running mate, Sheryl Allen of Bountiful, along with what they deem to be key issues in the campaign, such as education, ethics, government spending and illegal immigration.
Thurkill said the commercials will help the campaign capitalize on the increased interest in the race as a result of last week’s controversy over the governor’s comments.
University of Utah political science professor, Michael Burbank, said it’s wise for Corroon to be the first candidate to utilize the media as unlike Herbert, who was former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman Jr.’s lieutenant governor, he is virtually unknown outside the Wasatch Front.
Thurkill said Corroon’s campaign has already netted $1.5 million as of Tuesday, including $300,000 in August alone.
Herbert’s fundraising numbers have not yet been released, stated campaign spokesman Don Olsen.
Prominent Catholic Criticizes Herbert
Published on August 31, 2010 at 10:20AM
(SALT LAKE CITY)-Incumbent Utah Governor, Gary Herbert, has received more criticism for the “religious tone” of his comments last week.
Gregory Glenn, the Madeleine Choir School’s pastoral administrator, said Herbert took a “cheap shot” at his opponent, Salt Lake County Mayor, Peter Corroon, when he critiqued him for sending his children to private Catholic school.
Herbert called Corroon “hypocritical” for being in favor of sending his kids to private school when he strongly advocated for strengthening public schools in the state of Utah.
Nevertheless, Herbert’s campaign spokesman, Don Olsen, said Glenn’s statement is a “gross distortion” because Herbert never made any reference to Catholicism in any way.
However, Glenn has called it “disingenuous” for Herbert’s campaign to suggest the governor wasn’t talking about Catholic schools when criticizing Corroon.
Payson Annexes Land For Temple
Published on August 31, 2010 at 10:14AM
(PAYSON)-The unincorporated pioneer town of Spring Lake is the target for Payson and Santaquin’s annexations as Payson continues to prepare for its future LDS temple.
Spring Lake, which is located along S.R. 198, just east of Interstate 15, will have its boundaries moved from 12000 South on the west side of I-15 to 12400 South on the eastern sector near the freeway.
The city plans for the annexation to be a holding zone to protect its economic interests from neighboring Santaquin, according to Payson City Manager Richard Nelson.
Nelson said the two burgeoning cities in southern Utah County have an amicable working relationship and city leaders from each community often meet to discuss important issues such as this.
Spring Lake doesn’t have to go to either city, Nelson said, so long as property owners maintain 51 percent of the vote. Annexations require the approval of 51 percent of the landowners holding 33 percent of the valuation.
Worries Arise About Judge's Conflict of Interest
Published on August 31, 2010 at 10:07AM
(SALT LAKE CITY)-St. George attorney John Christian Barlow believes that banking magnate, Bank of America, is foreclosing illegally in Utah and that the judge who is hearing an important case in the state Tuesday has a conflict of interest.
Barlow thinks that federal judge, Clark Waddoups, who once worked for a law firm that represented Bank of America, has a conflict of interest.
The issue is controversial, stated Barlow, because Bank of America is not a registered business or corporation in the state and therefore, lack authority to do business in Utah.
Bids sought in Richfield warehouse auction
Published on August 31, 2010 at 10:02AM
(RICHFIELD) – Fishlake National Forest officials are accepting bids for the sale of the Center Street Warehouse in Richfield. The online auction is open to all interested parties starting at a minimum bid of $20,000 for the Warehouse, located at 400 East Center in Richfield. Forest officials say the building has exceeded the needs of the Fishlake National Forest and is being sold to reduce facility maintenance and operation costs. The sale is pursuant to the authority of the Forest Service Facility Realignment and Enhancement Act of 2005. Bids can be submitted only on the Internet at www.auctionrp.com.
UVU Signs Arena Sponsorship Deal
Published on August 31, 2010 at 09:57AM
(OREM)-Utah Valley University has signed a 10-year, $250,000 deal with Utah Community Credit Union to rename the Events Center the UCCU Center.
The agreement was announced Monday.
Funds for the naming rights agreement will go toward scholarships and educational programs while the athletic department will also receive some of the revenue.
The arena was known as the McKay Events Center until January 2010, when the anonymous donor insisted on the change.
Sources say the change was also instigated by the desire to free up sponsorship rights for the building.
UDOT Encourages Labor Day Travelers To Stay an Extra Day
Published on August 31, 2010 at 09:38AM
(SALT LAKE CITY)-The Utah Department of Transportation wants travelers to extend their Labor Day vacations to avoid traffic delays on the state’s highways.
UDOT and the Utah Office of Tourism have been working with hotels and attractions throughout the state to offer discounts and other incentives for their “Stay an Extra Day” promotion.
Offers range from a third night free hotel stay over a summer weekend to a golf discount on Labor Day.
The idea is to get travelers and tourists to extend their vacations to the Thursday and Tuesday surrounding the holiday weekend in order to avoid peak travel times and construction delays.
Feds Give $100K to Help Utah Lake Solve Fish Problem
Published on August 31, 2010 at 09:33AM
(UTAH COUNTY)-The federal government has given the Central Utah Water Conservancy District $100,000 to rid Utah Lake of non-native fish.
The Bureau of Reclamation awarded the money under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to help save the native June sucker.
This particular project is expected to allow for the removal of up to 500,000 pounds of carp from Utah Lake while the money is to go to the June Sucker Recovery Implementation Program.
The goal is to remove at least 500,000 pounds of carp from the lake for the next six years while wildlife officials believe this should reduce the number of carp in the lake by 75 percent.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, enacted in 2009, gave $3 billion to the Department of the Interior.
Utah Lawmaker Wants Partial Rewording of 14th Amendment
Published on August 31, 2010 at 09:20AM
(SALT LAKE CITY)-A Utah lawmaker wants a “partial rewording” of the 14th Amendment, which automatically makes a child born in the U.S. a citizen because of what he calls “high cost of government benefits” provided to those children.
Others have challenged both his number and proposal.
Republican Representative, Paul Ray of Clearfield, says he plans to sponsor a resolution in the next legislative session, calling for a significant change to the 14th Amendment. Nevertheless, others have warned of the unintended consequences of such a change.
Ray says the children of undocumented immigrants, who receive assistance from the federal government, such as food stamps and Medicaid, are costing the state of Utah millions.
Ray asked the state’s fiscal analysts’ office to tally the impact while stating children in the U.S. born to illegal immigrants are entitled to government services which cost taxpayers some $60 million.
Utah health advocate, Lincoln Nehring, says this is immaterial as Utah only pays for a portion of the cost while Ray continually seeks to get a conversation started on this issue.
Millard County plans hearings on Master Plan
Published on August 31, 2010 at 08:38AM
(DELTA) – The Millard County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing Wednesday night concerning proposed amendments to the Millard County General Plan. Discussions on the Utilities Element and the Major Utilities Corridor Official Map will also be held and the public is welcome to comment. The meeting will be held Wednesday at 7pm at the Millard County Offices in Delta. Also, Millard County Commissioners will hold a public hearing Sept. 7 to gain input on several amendments to the goals, objectives and implementation strategies concerning the Housing Element in the General Plan. The amendments are being proposed to develop a moderate income housing plan as part of the General Plan.