Story Archive for 09/09/2010
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Prep Sports Roundup: 9/9
Published on September 09, 2010 at 11:04PM
GUNNISON, Utah (AP)-Lexi Moss and Baylie Pender had two goals apiece as the Beaver Lady Beavers doubled up the Gunnison Lady Bulldogs, 4-2 Thursday in Region 13 girls soccer action. Sarah Nilson had both goals in the loss for Gunnison.
FILLMORE, Utah (AP)-Krystyn Stevens posted eight goals and Keri Brunson added three more as the Millard Lady Eagles dismantled the Grand Lady Red Devils, 11-2 Thursday in Region 13 girls soccer action.
SALINA, Utah (AP)-Dacay Mattinson had a pair of goals while Cassidy Cornelius, Jessica Sorenson and Marta de Estro Daville Delleenpasse each added another goal as the South Sevier Lady Rams got past the North Sevier Lady Wolves, 5-3 in Region 13 girls soccer action Thursday. Kylee Richens had a pair of goals in the loss for North Sevier.
MONROE, Utah (AP)-Kayla King and Rebecca Imes combined for 16 kills as the South Sevier Lady Rams ousted the Beaver Lady Beavers, 3-0 Thursday in non-region girls volleyball action.
Sevier deputies donate time for injured officer
Published on September 09, 2010 at 04:36PM
(RICHFIELD) – Sevier County Commissioners approved a vacation transfer request for a deputy injured in an accident on I-15 last month. Public Information Officer Nate Curtis met with Commissioners at this week’s meeting to make the request for Deputy David Larson, who was ejected from his private vehicle when a tire blew apart while he was traveling toward Nephi. Curtis said it was honorable for officers to step up to help Larson out while recuperating from his injuries. He said Larson has used up all his vacation and compensation time while away from work and appreciates all the officers that contributed their own time to help him out.
Colorado Fire 10 Percent Contained
Published on September 09, 2010 at 12:20PM
(BOULDER, Colo.)-KKCO-TV, Channel 11 in Grand Junction, Colo., reports that Colorado authorities say the Four Mile Canyon fire, northeast of Boulder, Colo., is about 10 percent contained as of Thursday.
The roughly 6,200-acre fire that started Monday has become one of the more devastating blazes in the state’s history.
Thus far, about 3,500 people have been evacuated from about 1,000 homes while residents of four neighborhoods will be allowed to return home Thursday morning.
It wasn’t clear how many homes are involved and currently, four missing people are unaccounted for.
The cause of the fire still remains a mystery.
Campground Improvement Project in Zion Announced
Published on September 09, 2010 at 12:05PM
(ZION NATIONAL PARK)-Zion National Park superintendent, Jock Whitworth, has announced the start of a project to rehabilitate campsites and improve utilities in the tent-only areas of Watchman Campground.
The project will consist of reconstruction and delineation of 69 campsites with new site furnishings, such as resurfacing the road system, re-vegetation, installing new irrigation lines and water and sewer line improvements.
The Loop D tent area will be closed as of Tuesday October 12 while the two camping loops will be closed until the project’s completion in early April 2011.
The project is being funded by fees collected in Zion National Park as part of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act.
Prescribed Fires Planned For Bryce Canyon National Park
Published on September 09, 2010 at 11:30AM
Updated on September 09, 2010 at 05:39PM
(BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK)-Fire officials from Bryce Canyon National Park and the Dixie National Forest plan to prescribe fires for the National Park’s Dave and Sunset Hollow campgrounds between September 14 and September 30.
Depending on weather conditions, which are expected to rise again as of this weekend, either burn could be postponed until October, stated National Park Service Public Information Officer, Dan Ng.
The primary objective of these prescribed fires to reduce wildland fire hazards to park and forest visitors and adjoining private lands.
The park and surrounding forest lands will remain open during the burns, with the exception certain areas being closed incrementally, Ng said.
The Dave’s Hollow fire is slated for early next week and should burn about 220 acres along the west side of the park’s entrance from the entrance station to the northern park boundary.
Scheduled burning around the Sunset campground is expected to burn 1,100 acres along the campground’s perimeter extending onto Dixie National Forest land as of Monday September 27.
In order to help visitors understand what the fires will do, there is a special meeting slated for Monday evening at Ruby’s Inn from 4:30-6:30 p.m. while park and forest officials will be on hand to discuss any questions tourists may have.
Ng says smoke on park and forest roadways may be a hazard and scenic visibility may be reduced in certain areas while at night, Bryce Valley residents may see smoke due to atmospheric inversions.
The Spectrum conducts arsenic tests
Published on September 09, 2010 at 11:20AM
(ST. GEORGE) – A Southern Utah newspaper conducted an analysis for arsenic levels after several water wells were shutdown last week in the St. George area. The Spectrum of St. George bought self-test kits to evaluate levels of arsenic in drinking water Sunday from wells in St. George, Washington, Hurricane and Ivins, to check compliancy with new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards. The tests showed that the water wells were performing at EPA standards. The cities voluntarily shut down the wells in an effort to meet the newer, stricter standards regarding arsenic content. The nine wells produced about 15% of the city’s water supply before they were shutdown.
Numbers Show Sporadic Visits To Utah National Parks
Published on September 09, 2010 at 11:17AM
(SALT LAKE CITY)-The latest numbers showing June and July visits to Utah’s 13 national park facilities underscore the difficulty of predicting which parks are frequented and why.
For instance, Bryce Canyon National Park visitation shot up by 13 percent in June and July of 2009 while over the same time frame, Canyonlands National Park was down by 2 percent and Arches National Park was up 2 percent.
Overall, 5.7 million people visited Utah’s parks, an increase of 200,000 from last year during the same time.
A variety of factors can influence park visitation, such as economic considerations, curiosity spurred by Ken Burns’ National Parks documentary or other components.
It is also believed that the continual recession plaguing the economy has compelled tourists to explore the outdoors near their own homes.
During the entire year of 2009, Utah’s national parks attracted just over 9 million visitors, up by 300,000 from 2008.
Renovation of Ogden Temple To Move Forward
Published on September 09, 2010 at 11:08AM
(OGDEN)-The final site plan for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints’ renovation of its temple in Ogden got the go-ahead from the city’s planning commission Wednesday.
The project, which involves creating a new exterior for the 38-year-old temple, as well as renovating the interior and removing the steeple from the adjacent Ogden Tabernacle, doesn’t have an official start date, stated project manager Greg Rasmussen.
The starting date for demolition, sometime in 2011, is expected to be announced later this year.
Otto Gehring, an architect with The Richardson Design Partnership, said the goal of reinforcing the seismic stability of the temple will be instrumental in enhancing downtown Ogden’s profile while the Tabernacle is hoped to be a place for community events, such as parties and wedding receptions.
Ogden planning manager, Greg Montgomery, said the temple’s renovation could be a major impetus in giving a much-needed boost to downtown Ogden’s economy.
Gehring told planning commissioners that the renovation will add up to 50 parking spaces while there are currently about 400 parking slots.
Other changes include moving the temple’s main entrance from the west side to the east, facing Washington Boulevard, while maintaining a west entrance and having a street-side dropoff while the temple property would also consist of a fountain and gardens.
Prominent USU Scientist Receives Prestigious Award
Published on September 09, 2010 at 11:02AM
(LOGAN)-A professor in Utah State University’s department of watershed sciences has received the “director’s award” for natural resources research from the National Park Service.
The awards, announced Wednesday in a ceremony in Denver, recognize the work and leadership of eight individuals in the field of natural resources stewardship and science.
John C. “Jack” Schmidt, who also serves as director of the Intermountain Center for River Rehabilitation and Restoration, has provided research on geological processes to guide future river restoration in national parks and preserves.
Schmidt has also made recommendations to the U.S. Board of Reclamation on the timing and pattern of dam releases to enhance native fisheries in and beyond Grand Teton, Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon and other national parks.
Forest Service Plans Attack on Dangerous Beetles in Wyoming, Colorado
Published on September 09, 2010 at 10:46AM
(DENVER)-The U.S. Forest Service plans to cut about 14,000 acres of trees near communities and in more than 350 recreation sites throughout Colorado and Wyoming as it deals with damage from an insect epidemic that has killed millions of acres of pine forests.
The agency has mapped out the projects in response to questions from U.S. Senator Mark Udall about how $30 million will be spent on Colorado’s bark beetle problem.
In June, the Colorado Democrat said he was worried money may not be sufficient to address the problem.
People in communities near the hardest-hit areas were also concerned about problems with beetle-killed trees falling and quickly burning in cases of wildfire, said Doug Young, one of Udall’s representatives.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees the Forest Service, announced in late 2009 that it would funnel $40 million to the Rockies to attack the beetle problem.
Of those allotted funds, $30 million would be used to cut infested trees and for other work in Colorado’s White River, Medicine Bow-Routt, Arapahoe and Roosevelt national forests.
The rest of the money will be used in beetle-ravaged areas in Wyoming and the Black Hills of western South Dakota.
A national team of experts is helping the Forest Service manage the attack against the pine beetle infestation.
Last week, the regional Forest Service office in Denver said the agency has removed beetle-killed trees from 268 campgrounds and along 89 miles of trails over the past 9 months.
Forest managers said contractors have removed beetle-infested trees from along 258 miles of roads.
Udall said more money is needed to combat this epidemic which has currently killed more than 3.5 million acres of pine trees.
Other Western states with beetle infestation problems include Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington while more than 30 million acres of pine forests have been affected in western Canada.
Church Denounces Quran Burning
Published on September 09, 2010 at 10:39AM
(SALT LAKE CITY)-The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, long a champion for the religious rights of others, has denounced a Florida pastor’s plans to burn the sacred book of another sect.
Late Wednesday, the Church issued a statement that the planned burning of Islam’s sacred book, the Holy Qu’ran, by Pastor Terry Jones and his Dove World Outreach Center of Gainesville, Fla., is regrettable and violates the freedom of worship the Church emphasizes in its 11th Article of Faith.
Several other religious groups throughout the country have also lambasted the idea.
September To Be Idle-Free Month in Utah
Published on September 09, 2010 at 10:35AM
(SALT LAKE CITY)-September is expected to be “idle-free” awareness month throughout the state of Utah.
State and city leaders throughout Utah are signing on to a campaign which would keep auto exhaust to a minimum and clean up the air.
The plan is for drivers to shut off their ignition when stopped in places such as parking lots and drive-thrus at restaurants or pharmacies.
It is believed this will save gas and reduce emissions at the same time.
For more information, please visit www.idlefree.utah.gov.
Utah DEQ Suggests Reduced Lawn Watering
Published on September 09, 2010 at 10:31AM
(SALT LAKE CITY)-The Utah Department of Environmental Quality says it’s time to scale back how frequently lawns throughout the state are watered.
The department says that with the advent of autumn, cooler temperatures will prevail so watering can be scaled back to once a week throughout September.
Meanwhile, businesses are being urged to contact their landscaping companies and ask to reduce watering times as well. State officials say residents complain each year about businesses that water every day late in the fall.
The state has set a goal of reducing per capita water use by at least 25 percent by 2050.
Utah Brokerage Takes Over Las Vegas Franchise
Published on September 09, 2010 at 10:26AM
(SALT LAKE CITY)-A Utah commercial real estate brokerage firm is taking over a Las Vegas franchise.
Commerce Real Estate Solutions says it has acquired the assets of Prudential IPG Commercial of Las Vegas.
Terms of the deal were not released.
Commerce already operates in Las Vegas and says the merger will make for one of the city’s largest commercial brokerages while the firms will maintain separate offices.
Commerce CEO and President, Mike Lawson, says the firms have been looking at combining operations for a while.
Prudential’s focus was on industrial real estate giving Commerce a new market.
The managing broker of Prudential IPG Commercial, Cassie Catania, says the partnership will be good for her agency too.
She is assuming a new position as branch broker for her firm.
University of Utah Scientists Decode Words From Brain Signals
Published on September 09, 2010 at 10:15AM
(SALT LAKE CITY)-University of Utah researchers recently discovered a way to decode words from brain signals suggesting the brain actually speaks.
This breakthrough study, published in this month’s Journal of Neural Engineering is an early step to enable severely paralyzed people to speak with their thoughts.
As we speak, the researchers say, our brains signal to our mouths to make words.
They used a special micro-electrocorticographic imaging device to translate brain signals into words which consisted of two grids of microelectrodes implanted beneath the skull without penetrating the brain.
After experimenting, the scientists discovered paralyzed individuals who cannot speak can articulate their thoughts properly through this technology.
In the future, the researchers hope to do a feasibility study on translating brain signals into computer-spoken words.
If accuracy improves, a communication device may soon follow.
Old Gunnison Elementary Sold
Published on September 09, 2010 at 10:12AM
(Gunnison) The South Sanpete School District has finalized the sale of the old Gunnison Elementary school building. Fieldstone Academy purchased the building on September 3rd for $251,000 dollars. The purchase included 20 shares of water, 20 acres of land, as well as some school furniture and equipment. The school district retained the mineral right and the bus compound. Fieldstone Academy is a private boarding school for boys primarily in grades nine through twelve. It is not a troubled youth home, or “youth in custody” facility. The Academy also has a facility in Richfield and operates on a nine month school year schedule. The program focuses on helping students who are academically deficient to get back on track for high school graduation.
Richfield considers tax increase for recreation
Published on September 09, 2010 at 10:07AM
(RICHFIELD) – A steering committee has been organized in Richfield to educate the public on a minor tax increase on parks and recreation venues. At the city council meeting Tuesday night, councilmembers approved the appointment of Parks and Recreation Director, Paul Foster, to steer the committee. Foster said the minor tax increase will be used exclusively for recreation activities. He commented that the steering committee will be made up of community members interested in informing the public of the best uses for the tax. At Tuesday’s city council meeting, Mayor Brad Ramsay was pleased that the council supported him in his efforts to raise the minor tax for recreation purposes. The tax issue will appear on this November’s election ballot.
Hay farmers suffer through summer production
Published on September 09, 2010 at 09:07AM
(RICHFIELD) – Farmers and ranchers in Sevier County are feeling the effects of a poor hay crop throughout the summer due to severe spring rains. USU Extension Agent Jody Gale said the late spring storms damaged crops throughout the region. Gale said that hay prices have been fair but could have been better if spring rains had not damaged so much of the hay. He said the dairy industry normally sets the hay price and dairy farmers have been hit hard with declining revenues. Gale commented that Sevier Valley is not normally suited for fourth crop hay production, so farmers had to rely on the hope that their second and third crop yield would be productive but it didn’t happen over the summer months.
Moroni home complete loss in fire
Published on September 09, 2010 at 08:45AM
(MORONI) – A home burned to the ground about a mile north of Moroni towards Ft. Green Wednesday afternoon. According to Moroni Fire Chief Paul Anderson, the 2500-square foot home of Worth Allred caught fire and was completely engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived at about 4:45pm. He said one of his firemen spotted the fire and called in help to fight the flames. The report said the fireman was able to rescue an elderly couple, one of whom was confined to a wheelchair, with the help of their grandson. Anderson said the threesome were the only occupants in the home at the time of the fire and no one was injured. He said the lack of access to water hampered the efforts, even with the help of Ft. Green, Wales and Mt. Pleasant fire trucks. Anderson said an investigation continues as to the cause of the fire but appears to be accidental.
Street light discussions held in Richfield
Published on September 09, 2010 at 08:05AM
(RICHFIELD) – Discussions over city street and parking lot lights took center stage at the Richfield City Council meeting Tuesday night. Councilmembers discussed the use of white lights or the traditional amber lights when lights needs to be replaced or repaired. Officials said that white lights give more light but the amber lights last longer. Councilmember Mike Turner questioned whether the city wants more decorative lights or more safety when replacing lights and councilmember Richard Barnett commented that the city wants both. Further discussions also revealed the city saves more money by maintaining lights, rather than Rocky Mountain Power doing the work. At the end of discussions, the city adopted an updated standard for street lights but officials still need to decide on what kinds of lights to install.
Richfield approves water tank study
Published on September 09, 2010 at 07:25AM
(RICHFIELD) – Richfield City officials have approved a feasibility study and application to construct a new water tank in the city. At the city council meeting Tuesday night, representatives from Jones and DeMille Engineering of Richfield presented to the council several options for construction of the tank. Tristan DeMille said construction options included moving the old million-gallon tank to a new site at a cost of $915,000, building a new 1.5-million gallon tank at a cost of about $1.2 million, or a 2-million gallon tank at $1.4 million. The council approved the 1.5-million gallon tank to accommodate for future growth in the city. After discussion, city leaders authorized Jones and DeMille Engineering to apply for funding to the CIB by Oct. 1. The council also will hold a public hearing on the scope and funding for the project on Sept. 21 at 7pm at the Richfield Council Chambers.