(GUNNISON) – A small group of Gunnison residents are helping with the tornado cleanup in Joplin, MO. Last Wednesday, the Gunnison Valley High School football team gathered for their annual “Meet the Team Fundraiser” and came away with three members of the team heading to the tornado-riddled area, to help with clean-up efforts. Football Coach Yori Ludvigson said he was contacted by Dr. Cary Judy. Judy lived near Joplin for two years, as a medical resident and asked Ludvigson if residents could help donate money for relief efforts. Ludvigson said that Jantz Jensen, an all-state player, offered the money he’d received for graduation and decided to go with the Judy’s to help. Two other GVHS players, including Rylan Anderson and Preston Judy, also said they would pay their own way for the chance to help. Other residents also chose to help in clean-up efforts. Ludvigson thanked Sanpete County for the generous donations made to send several people to the Missouri area. The group left Sunday and will return in about a week.

(RICHFIELD) – Water managers now say the Sevier River is above flood stage and Richfield homeowners are facing flooded basements, streets, parks and small rock slides. Richfield resident, Gwen Roach, said the only thing you can do is watch the water rise. The water has been slowly rising over the past nine days but overnight, the water swelled more than a foot. About a dozen families, including Rex Persons, has been working for over a month to keep water away from his property. Sevier County Sheriff Nate Curtis said the danger for homeowners is increasing. Curtis said the county has over 60,000 sandbags available for free to county residents who need them. He commented that several roads have been closed due to flooding and more homes could be in danger if the water keeps rising. Water managers are working around the clock to track the water flow.

(ST. GEORGE)-While preparing for a weekend family excursion to Washington County’s Pine Valley, 53-year-old Chris Southwick, the vice president at St. George-based Dixie Regional Medical Center was found dead at the age of 53.

Southwick was a 1985 graduate of Weber State University and received his MBA/HSA in healthcare administration from the University of Utah in 1987.

He became the lead administrator for heart, imaging, respiratory, womens’ and children’s services throughout southern Utah and has brought national recognition to Dixie Regional through his efforts.

Southwick was born on March 8, 1958 in Ogden and is survived by his wife of 31 years, Jill Belnap Southwick of St. George.

He has four children, who are located in St. George, Ogden and Moscow, Idaho.

Funeral services will occur later in the week in St. George and he will be buried at the Washington Heights Memorial Cemetery in Ogden.

(RICHFIELD) – Several roads outside the Richfield area have been closed or face imminent closure due to flooding in the Sevier River. Water watchers say that the Riverbridge Road between Central Valley and Annabella continues to remain closed from floodwaters. Seegmiller and Nebeker Lanes also continue to remain closed until water abates. Reports of Hwy 118 between Monroe and Joseph has been closed but Jericho Road remains open. In surrounding counties, a rock slide closed SR-14 in Iron County for a short while over the weekend and SR-100 in Millard County was also closed Saturday due to flooding from Chalk Creek. Traffic was re-routed to Hwy 50.

(ST. GEORGE)-Last Friday, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints announced that its historical catalog and a project featuring the papers of early prophet Joseph Smith are now online and available to the public.

This announcement was made during the Church’s 46th annual Mormon History Association Convention this past weekend in St. George.

The annual convention brings scholars and others interested in Latter-Day Saint history throughout the world together for lectures and tours of historical sites.

This year’s emphasis was on the settlements of numerous Mormon communities throughout Washington County Utah and Clark County Nevada, including Las Vegas.

Organizers said that while the published volumes will be vetted by three levels of review, two levels are sufficient for online perusal.

Smith papers project manager Jeffrey N. Walker said any new information concerning Smith that becomes available can easily be published online, almost instantaneously, as soon as it is verified.

In addition to the Smith project, information from the Church’s historical catalog is online, tracing the region’s development with records, family histories and photos.

Assistant Church historian Richard Turley said information that is not licensed or part of the Church’s archives might not make it to the Web sites.

History association member John Welch, a law professor at Brigham Young University, who has worked on the Smith project, is excited by the dual Web sites, which will “ensure historical accuracy,” he said.

(RICHFIELD) – Community Covenant organizers are holding a private barbeque for soldiers from the 222nd who are being deployed this week. The barbeque will be held this Thursday during the lunch hour at the Richfield City Park. The 222nd Yellow Ribbon Troop Send-Off will also be held Thursday to honor the Fillmore and Delta members of the Triple Deuce. The event will be held at the Millard County Courthouse at 50 South Main in Fillmore at 3pm.

(HENDERSON, Ky.)-A Logan company has submitted license applications to develop more than $400 million worth of hydroelectric generation units on dams located on the Ohio River.

The license application is being sponsored by Symbiotics LLC, which estimates the average value of its power at 16.5 cents per kilowatt-hour.

With the applications costing more than $200 million apiece, the proposed hydro plants at the Newburgh and J.T. Myers Uniontown sites would generate electricity to be sold to electric utilities in the region.

Marty Littrel, a spokesman for Big Rivers Electric Corp. of Henderson, Ky., told the Henderson Gleaner the availability of hydroelectric power, even at a higher price, may be attractive to area electric companies should the government ever require utilities to have a certain amount of the power portfolio come from renewable sources.

Littrel said Big Rivers’ power generation executives weren’t familiar with Symbiotics’ proposed hydro project.

Symbiotics is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Toronto-based Riverbank Power and if granted a license by the Federal Regulatory Energy Commission, the company estimates it would take up to one year to design one of the run-of-the-river hydro plants as well as two to three years to construct.

The Newburgh project, slated to be built on the Kentucky side of the Ohio River in eastern Henderson County, is estimated at nearly $259 million.

The Uniontown project is estimated to cost nearly $22.6 million and its powerhouse would have generating capacity of 66.7 megawatts.

This is proposed to be constructed on the Kentucky side of the river west of Uniontown.

(FLAGSTAFF, Ariz.)-The city of Flagstaff, Ariz. has reached a tentative deal with the Navajo Nation that will allow the center of commerce in northern Arizona to pump millions of gallons of water per day from a ranch near the vast reservation.

If approved by the Flagstaff City Council and Navajo Tribe Attorney General Louis Denetsosie, the deal will settle all outstanding legal claims between the city and tribe.

As part of this tentative agreement, the Navajo Nation will not file any legal claims related to the city drilling, pumping or delivering water to Flagstaff from Red Gap Ranch which borders the reservation.

(MANTI) – An elderly Manti woman escaped serious injury when she was hit by another vehicle on SR-89 Friday afternoon. Utah Highway Patrol reported that 75-year old Marcia Christiansen was traveling southbound in a 1997 Honda Odyssey, when she moved towards the center line after seeing horses in the roadway about a mile north of Manti. UHP said a 2001 GMC Yukon, driven by 36-year old Gary Hughes of Ephraim, was also traveling southbound and impacted Christiansen on her right side at about 1pm. Neither driver was injured in the crash but Hughes was cited in the accident.

(SALT LAKE CITY)-While gas prices continue to rise, there is a way to alleviate the costs that numerous businesses have been put into practice, fuel hedging.

The process works by enabling motorists to know the amount one pays for each tank of gas will not change, stated Peyton Feltus, the president of Dallas-based Randolph Risk Management.

Feltus has been assisting clients, including transit agencies, make fixed fuel price agreements for 25 years.

Feltus says there is some risk when fuel prices drop as his customers must keep paying the higher fixed amount.

Nevertheless, he says the advantage this presents is it sets company budgets, thus ensuring an energy rate swing does not disrupt services.

Feltus says this works most effectively for public transit as it will keep it a sustainable business.

(RICHFIELD) – The Richfield Interagency Fire Center is planning a prescribed burn in the Cove Creek Drainage and Sulphurdale area today and tomorrow. Fire officials say the burn involves about 200 acres and fire and smoke will be visible from I-70 and I-15. Authorities say the purpose of the burn is to reduce fuels from previous fires in that area, including the removal of burn piles in chained areas.

(SALINA) – A Colorado woman was injured after her vehicle rolled on I-70 due to a blown tire Monday morning. According to a UHP report, 24-year old Veronica Aguilera of Aurora, CO., was traveling eastbound in a 2000 Ford Ranger, when her right front tire deflated, causing her vehicle to roll into westbound lanes east of Salina at about 7:45am. UHP said Aguilera was wearing her seatbelt and was transported to the Sevier Valley Medical Center in Richfield with unknown injuries.

(SALT LAKE CITY)-Recent results show romance novel sales topped $1.36 billion in 2010 while religious, self-help and inspirational books only netted $770 million in sales, while romance novels accounted for 55 percent of all popular mass market fiction sold.

This can start a downward cycle of addiction, if not carefully pursued, says Colorado Springs, Colo.-based psychologist Dr. Juli Slattery, the author of “Finding the Hero In Your Husband.”

As part of her commentary, Slattery says there are similarities to what happens to a woman when she reads a romance novel as to when a man views pornography.

Men, who by nature are visual creatures, Slattery asserts, are stimulated by images but women, who are more emotional beings, are fascinated by literary images.

Furthermore, she states, women are more stimulated by the romantic element than sex, so when they read romance novels, they are susceptible to the same chemicals that men are when they view porn.

Recently, Slattery says she has seen more and more women fall prey to romance novel addiction and that their level of satisfaction in sexual intimacy with their partner may not be as exciting as reading a novel depicting such activity.

Slattery has suggested several steps which can help women break this trend, such as making the commitment to stop reading romance novels, commit to working on an already existing relationship, finding a different hobby or a new genre of books to read, and investing in your own life instead of those of fictional characters.

(SALT LAKE CITY)-A Utah man was honored by the state’s senior Senator, Republican Orrin Hatch, for his commitment to his country during Memorial Day services Monday, nearly 100 years after he was wounded in World War I.

Sergeant Fernleigh Gardiner was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart for the lung damage he received as a result of mustard gas and the shrapnel wounds he received from German machine guns in the battle in 1918.

Gardiner served as a sharp shooter in the 366 infantry while he served in four major battles of World War I before returning to Germany as part of the Army of Occupation.

Gardiner, a native of Washington County, came back to the area after fulfilling his service in 1919 while his daughter, Lois Batty, sought this recognition for her father, who died in 1965.

Hatch said Gardiner “embodied the virtues that have made and continue to make America great.”

Due to his experience in the Senate, Hatch said he has been privy to reading classified documents that have made him aware of heroic acts military personnel perform which remain largely unknown to the public.

Other veterans rewarded posthumously included Marine Lance Corporal Dion Stephenson, who died in Desert Storm in 1991 and Private First Class Aaron Nemelka, one of the 13 victims of the 2009 mass shooting at Fort Hood.

Their names were each called three times as the sergeant symbolically awaited a reply.

Hatch told those in attendance that those fallen veterans who were honored were “great men with real families” and the families showed great courage, comparable to those who fought and died for their country.

(CHEYENNE, Wyo.)-Wyoming has announced plans to join Utah and Alaska in challenging an Obama administration plan to make millions of acres of underdeveloped land in the West eligible for federal wilderness protection.

Last Thursday, The Equality State filed papers, asking Utah-based U.S. District Judge Dee Benson to allow it to join Utah in a lawsuit challenging federal “wild lands” policy announced in December.

This policy would restore eligibility for wilderness protection to millions of acres of public lands, reversing a decision from the Bush administration which opened some Western lands to commercial development.

Officials in all three states believe their economies would be crippled if federal lands are taken off the table for mineral production and other uses.

Friday, Wyoming Governor Matt Mead said joining the fight is the best way for his state’s future to be preserved.

In its legal filing, Wyoming contends the U.S. Bureau of Land Management controls more than 18 million acres in the state, which geographically is the 10th largest state in the country.

Wyoming attorney general Greg Phillips declined comment Friday, saying he couldn’t discuss matters presently in court.

Utah Governor Gary Herbert says that while these wilderness areas deserve protection, the federal policy in question would circumvent individual states’ efforts to determine what areas should be wilderness and whether such designations would hurt his state’s economy.

Biologist Erik Molvar of the Laramie, Wyo.-based Biodiversity Conservation Alliance said he was disappointed his state has entered the legal fight saying only small portions of Wyoming could possibly be affected by the wild lands policy.

(SPANISH FORK CANYON)-A 2-year-old boy is presently in critical condition at Salt Lake City’s Primary Children’s Medical Center after falling into a creek near U.S. Highway 6 in Spanish Fork Canyon.

The boy, whose name has not yet been released, was camping with his family near Starvation Creek, when he apparently wandered away.

The toddler was reported as missing by family members around 3:45 p.m. MDT Sunday while about an hour later, a relative discovered him floating in the creek about a quarter mile down from their campsite while Utah County Sheriff’s Department Sergeant Spencer Cannon said they believe he wandered off without anyone noticing.

Nearby campers Carrie Hancock and Ryan Miller discovered the child and Hancock, a certified CPR medical assistant began to resuscitate the boy, who was later taken to Primary Children’s.

Police do not suspect any negligence or foul play in this incident but Cannon says this should serve as a cautionary tale for anyone who is camping throughout the Memorial Day weekend.

In an update from the Deseret News, it was determined that the boy, Vincent Larsen of Woodland Hills, died at 3:00 p.m. MDT Sunday.

Officials say Starvation Creek is running higher than normal this year and remains muddy and “very cold.”

(SALT LAKE CITY)-State health officials in Utah are going throughout the state, along with local and federal agencies to begin testing popular waterways for bacteria infestation.

The Utah Division of Water Quality will test more than 40 popular lakes and reservoirs commonly used for recreation during the traditionally warm summer months for E.coli, which can cause gastrointestinal illnesses if people ingest it.

Scientists and technicians will test these waterways monthly through Labor Day to see if dangerous amounts of the bacteria exist anywhere.

Last year, high levels of E.coli were found at Utah County’s Salem Pond while signs were put up admonishing residents not to swim or wade in the water and to promptly wash their hands after touching fish in the pond.

Health officials stated outbreaks of E.coli are especially common during the summer when food is left out and people participate in more water sports.

From 2004-2009, Utah’s Department of Health recorded an average of 103 cases of E.coli illnesses in people, with the highest rate occurring in 2006 when there were 154 cases.

In 2009, Utah saw 111 cases, according to the most updated statistics.

(SALT LAKE CITY)-The widow of a Blanding doctor who killed himself after being arrested in an American Indian artifacts trafficking case is contending the federal agencies which conducted the raid caused his suicide.

Friday, Jeanne H. Redd filed a wrongful death lawsuit against a dozen agents with the Bureau of Land Management and the FBI, claiming they pushed their husband, James D. Redd, to suicide.

Federal agents, armed with semi-automatic weapons, arrested the Redds along with 22 others on June 10, 2009, following a two-year undercover operation in the Four Corners region.

The 60-year-old James Redd asphyxiated himself by connecting a hose to his car’s exhaust pipe while two others associated with the case also committed suicide.

Jeanne Redd, who is represented by Montana lawyer Edward P. Moriarity, is filing a lawsuit which seeks an unspecified amount for emotional and punitive damages.

FBI spokeswoman Debbie Bertram has declined comment on this lawsuit or any aspect of undercover investigation.

Calls to the BLM were not returned.

Federal prosecutors charged James Redd with one felony count of theft of tribal property, specifically an effigy bird pendant, which court documents assert he discovered on a walk.

This suit lambastes what the BLM and FBI christened Operation Cerebrus Action as “overkill.”

According to the suit, the agencies paid Blanding artifacts dealer Ted Gardiner $7,500 a month to act as a confidential informant and according to Gardiner’s story, authorities misperceived artifact dealing as a “chronic problem” throughout the region.

Throughout the investigation, Gardiner reportedly paid $335,685 for 256 Native American items and later committed suicide as well.

Of the 24 arrested in the sting, 18 have reached plea agreements with federal prosecutors and of that number, all have been placed on probation.

Another of the defendants, Steven L. Schrader of Durango, Colo., also took his own life.

Jeanne Redd also claims in the suit that agents from both agencies “manhandled” her husband and interrogated him for fours in the garage.

Jeanne believes he was “physically and psychologically” assaulted while his family, religion (he was LDS), profession and community were particularly attacked in their interrogations, for the intent of getting him to fess up to a crime he did not commit.

EUGENE, Ore. (AP)-On the final day of the NCAA West Track & Field regionals, numerous athletes (the top 12 in each event) advanced to the national championships which begin June 9 in Des Moines, Iowa.

In the womens’ discus, Arizona State’s Anna Jelmini went into the national meet with the West’s top mark, while in the womens’ high jump, Brigetta Barrett of Arizona placed first. Also qualifying in this event were Brigham Young’s Ada Robinson and Diana Blauer, as Robinson tied for first with Barrett and Blauer placed ninth.

In the mens’ triple jump, Iowa’s Troy Doris is leading the way, while Brigham Young’s Leif Arrhenius goes into the Des Moines meet as the top mens’ discus thrower in the West as he had a throw of 196-5.

In events on the track, the Texas A&M Lady Aggies placed first in the 4×100 relay, while the Aggie men also will be the top seed from the West at the national meet.

In the womens’ 1500-meter run, Utah’s Amanda Mergaert will be the top seed from the West, while Kara Hardt of Brigham Young made the cut for Des Moines by placing 12th, while in the mens’ 1500, Oregon’s Matthew Centrowitz is leading the way, while Miles Batty of BYU placed 11th, thus qualifying for Des Moines as well.

In the womens’ 100-meter hurdles, USC’s Nia Ali is the West’s top seed, while Illinois’ Andrew Riley is leading the way in the mens’ 100-meter hurdles.

In the 200-meter dash, Texas A&M’s Jenebah Tarmoh is leading the way for the women, and Rakiem Salaam of Oklahoma posted the top time for the men in the event.

In the womens’ 5000-meter dash, Washington’s Megan Goethals is leading the way, while for the men in the 5000, Lawi Lalang of Arizona goes into Des Moines as the top seed and Southern Utah’s Cameron Levins made the cut by placing ninth.

Finally, in the 4×400 meter relay, Arkansas’ women go in as the top seed and the Texas A&M Aggies are the mens’ leader for Des Moines.

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP)-Annie Alexander of Tennessee will go into Des Moines as the East’s top womens’ discus thrower, leading the way for numerous athletes vying to qualify for the national meet June 9.

Other wins came from Louisiana-Lafayette’s Jacob Domingue in the mens’ discus, the LSU Lady Tigers in the womens’ 4×100 relay, the Florida State Seminoles in the mens’ 4×100 relay, Villanova’s Sheila Reid in the womens’ 1500-meter run and fellow Villanova Wildcat Matthew Gibney in the mens’ 1500-meter run.

Additionally, Ohio State’s Letecia Wright is the top seed in the womens’ 100-meter hurdles and Miami (Fla.)’s Devon Hill is leading hte men in the 110-meter hurdles.

Furthermore, LSU’s Kimberlyn Duncan is leading in the womens’ 200-meter dash, Maurice Mitchell of Florida State is the top seed in the mens’ 200-meter dash, American’s Octavia Rinehardt is leading in the womens’ 5000-meter run and defending national champion Sam Chelanga of Liberty is leading the way for the men in the 5000.

In the 4×400 relay, the Auburn Lady Tigers have the East’s top seed while Mississippi State’s Bulldogs are the top seed for the men in the 4×400.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) – Sen. Orrin Hatch blasted Democrats for accusing Republicans of harming the poor in Medicare reform efforts. Speaking on the Senate floor this week, Hatch said the Democrat’s attacks have sunk to a new low. In his speech, Hatch said the fiscal crisis the country faces is real. He said the Democrats like to say that Social Security’s finances are just dandy but the fact is, the disability trust fund will be exhausted by 2018 and the overall trust fund will be exhausted by 2036, a year earlier than previously thought. Hatch commented that the Democrats have produced no budget for the past two years and indicate that they don’t want to address the critical crisis.

(PORTAL, Ariz.)-ABC 15 in Phoenix reports an evacuation order has been lifted for residents of some communities near a southeastern Arizona wildfire near the state’s border with New Mexico.

Friday, the U.S. Forest Service said fire crews will stay near Paradise, Ariz. and the Southwest Research Center to patrol for fires.

The Forest Service announced west to southwest winds blowing at 10-18 miles per hour are expected with gusts anticipated to reach 20-30 miles per hour.

Furthermore, lower humidity and slightly cooler temperatures are expected.

Presently, the Horseshoe Two fire has risen to nearly 50,000 acres and is 40 percent contained.

Fire crews are continuing burnout operations which kick up smoke while burning away dead weeds, brush and trees that feed wildfires.

(BOSTON)-Boston-based First Wind, a wind energy company announced two scholastic high achievers in the Mid-Utah Radio/Television coverage area have both been awarded scholarships as part of the company’s 2011 First Wind Scholars program.

The recipients, Joshua Lake, a Leamington resident attending Delta High School and Kyle Goodwin of Beaver High School, have both exemplified high standards of service in the community while also excelling academically.

First Wind chooses two students annually in communities where the company currently has a project in operation or in an advanced stage of development.

In its second year, applications to the program nearly doubled, and in addition to Lake and Goodwin, 13 other students throughout the country were scholarship winners.

Lake proved to be the winner of a $5,000 award, which is renewable for up to five years and says he plans to use the scholarship at Utah State University where he will study electrical engineering.

Goodwin obtained a $3,000 award and will study engineering at Southern Utah University.

Last year’s recipient, Dalaki Livingston of Milford High School, is also at SUU and has chosen to study environmental science and communications.

For more information, please visit www.firstwind.com/scholarships.

(MESA, Ariz.)-The Salt Lake Tribune reports the Utah Compact is serving as a template for some states debating illegal immigration, including Arizona.

The seven-member Mesa (Ariz.) Human Relations Advisory Board unanimously voted Wednesday to forward a version of it to the City Council.

This is a notable moment in the illegal immigration debate, especially since Mesa, an eastern Phoenix suburb, is in the crossfire of SB1070, a controversial bill which attempts to crackdown on illegal immigration, that went into effect last July and is sponsored by powerful Arizona politician, Mesa Republican Russell Pearce.

Officials with the recall are expecting on Tuesday to deliver the required signatures to the Arizona Secretary of State.

Pearce claims SB1070 has been “highly successful,” and says more than 70 percent of Arizonans support it.

The state has suffered as well however and Governor Jan Brewer has since sunk $250,000 into a marketing campaign in hopes of luring tourists back to Arizona.

Chad Snow, a Phoenix lawyer who is co-chairman of the committee to oust Pearce, said the tide has turned against the Mesa lawmaker and that the Utah Compact has had a big impact on moving Arizona toward a different path.

The Utah Compact continues to vex Orem Republican Stephen Sandstrom as well as he says the compact has been misused and is inadvertently becoming a blueprint for amnesty.

The compact is making more movement in Mesa as it has passed the city’s Human Relations Advisory Board and may next win the favor of the Mesa City Council although that isn’t expected to occur until August.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) – Rep. Jason Chaffetz is seeking to restore fairness to military veterans and their families in obtaining GI educational benefits. Chaffetz introduced HR-2002 this week to restore common sense to the current law and provide a positive recruiting and retention tool. Under the current 9-11 GI Bill, service members may receive educational benefits that can either be used by the individual member or transferred to a spouse or dependent child but many service members are being medically-retired before they have the opportunity to complete the benefit transfer. Chaffetz’s bill would amend current law to allow members to secure benefits, even after leaving active service. The bill would extend transfer eligibility 36 months after retirement, with an additional 12 months extension upon approval in special circumstances.

(SALT LAKE CITY)-The co-founder and CEO of Redwood Shores, Calif.-based Oracle Corp., Larry Ellison, will be the feature speaker at the Utah Technology Council Gala’s Hall of Fame.

UTC recently announced the addition to the event, which honors Utahns who have made “significant contributions to information technology, life science or clean-tech industries.”

In addition to founding Oracle in 1977, Ellison has numerous interests, such as racing sailboats and playing the guitar.

Oracle is perhaps best known as Oracle Database, its software program.

In 2008, the Associated Press ranked Ellison as the world’s top-paid CEO.

Past keynote speakers have included Microsoft’s Steve Ballmer and Eric Schmidt of Google.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) – Sen. Mike Lee is in full support of Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s refusal to return to pre-1967 borders. In a radio interview this week, Lee said the condition would place Israel’s military in a weak position. President Barack Obama has called for Israel to return to its original borders with Lebanon and other countries as a pre-condition to establishing a Palestinian state. Speaking before Congress this week, Netanyahu said the United States needs to stand strong with Israel for their right to exist in the terrorist-filled Middle East.

(SALT LAKE CITY)-Officials at Salt Lake City International Airport say already this year, seven passengers have been arrested for attempting to bring guns, some of which were loaded, through security checkpoints.

Thus, with Memorial Day weekend upon us, airport personnel are advising travelers not to bring firearms while awaiting flights.

Airport Police Chief Steve Marlovits says the pattern involving weapons is alarming as in 2010, there were 20 firearms arrests and 35 arrests for possession of other weapons.

Marlovits says a skycap was shot accidentally last year when a loaded gun fell out of a bag in front of the terminal.

Guns and other weapons are not permitted at the security screening checkpoints, even if a passenger should have a permit.

Violations may result in criminal charges and a $10,000 fine.

Passengers may only transport weapons, ammunition or parts in checked bags while guns must be unloaded, packed properly in high-side containers and declared during check-in.

(ST. GEORGE)-A 12-year-old St. George girl is holding on for dear life as she awaits a new heart after collapsing in a physical education class at school.

On Wednesday May 18, Abby Doman, a 6th grader at St. George’s Sunrise Ridge Intermediate School, was running during P.E. when her heart stopped.

Her instructor, Cammeron Murdock, performed CPR on her for seven minutes until an ambulance arrived.

Abby was then transported to Primary Children’s Medical Center where she is currently on a waiting list for a heart transplant.

For more information, please visit abbyninja.blogspot.com.

(SALT LAKE CITY)-While most of Utah’s rivers are continuing to rise as extensive spring runoff ensues through Memorial Day weekend, authorities advise residents to be cautious near waterways.

Authorities say both children and adults need to be cautious and if someone falls into the water, concerned parties should call 911, talk to the person if possible, urge the person who fell in to grab a rock, the shore or a log, tell them help is on the way (after calling 911), reach out with a pole, rope, etc. and for residents on land not to go in after the person who fell into the water and to keep out of danger at all costs.

(SALT LAKE CITY)-Thursday, the Utah Attorney General’s Office formally announced it will appeal the ruling that determined a Logan woman was factually innocent, releasing her from prison after 17 years of incarceration.

At a news conference, wherein he was backed by 26 of the state’s 29 county attorneys, Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff says he was caught up in emotion on May 9, the day Brown was released.

That day, his office had announced it would appeal the ruling, but hours later, Shurtleff declared via his Twitter account, that his office would not appeal.

Shurtleff stated he had not closely studied facts associated with the case when he made the announcement retracting the planned appeal.

After sufficiently reviewing the case and speaking with concerned county attorneys, he decided an appeal was needed.

Brown was granted a hearing to declare her innocence under a statute passed in 2008, with the help of the attorney general’s office, which allows for a hearing when new evidence is discovered, even if it is not DNA evidence.

The director of the Rocky Mountain Innocence Center, Katie Monroe, said the whole handling of the case since Brown’s release has demonstrated an “absence of leadership and courage” among the state’s highest law enforcement officials.

Monroe said Shurtleff was applauded nationally for his “unprecedented” initial decision and it was sad for all of them to see him reverse course.

(SALT LAKE CITY)-Before the conclusion of business Thursday, the Utah attorney general’s office announced they will sue Bank of America if it refuses to comply with state law.

The Charlotte, N.C.-based entity has been brutal against Utah foreclosure victims as in certain instances, it has foreclosed on peoples’ homes after a loan modification program.

The state’s chief deputy attorney general, Jon Swallow, says numerous Utahns have no recourse when they fall prey to foreclosure.

The attorney general’s office has given Bank of America 30 days to comply with Utah law or be sued.

• please note, these events do not denote final results as these were preliminaries on the first day of competition.

EUGENE, Ore. (AP)-Washington State’s Marissa Tschida placed first in the womens’ javelin to headline strong showings for numerous track athletes throughout the West at the NCAA West regional track & field meet’s preliminaries Thursday at the University of Oregon’s Hayward Field.

Other wins on Thursday came from Texas’ Marquise Goodwin in the mens’ long jump, Julie Labonte of Arizona in the womens’ shot put, Washington’s Kyle Nielsen in the mens’ javelin, Chris Little of Brigham Young in the mens’ pole vault, Texas Christian’s Whitney Gipson in the womens’ long jump and Mason Finley of Kansas in the mens’ shot put.

On the track, UCLA’s Turquoise Thompson led the way in the womens’ 400-meter hurdles, while Amaechi Morton of Stanford placed first in the 400-meter hurdles.

Additionally, Sacramento State’s Lea Wallace had the top time in the womens’ 1500-meter run, Patrick Casey of Montana State led the way in the mens’ 1500-meter run, Texas Christian’s Jessica Young in the womens’ 100-meter dash, Rakeem Salaam of Oklahoma placed first in the mens’ 100-meter dash, Cal State Fullerton’s Ciara Short led the way in the womens’ 400-meter dash, Tabarie Henry of Texas A&M placed first in the mens’ 400-meter dash, Oregon’s Anne Kesselring led the way in the womens’ 800-meter dash, Elijah Greer of Oregon placed first in the mens’ 800-meter dash and in the 10,000-meter run, Tonya Nero of Wichita State won the first round and Stanford’s Elliott Heath placed first for the men.

The meet will resume Friday.

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP)-Tennessee’s Ellen Wortham placed first in the 400-meter hurdles to lead the way for collegiate track and field athletes scattered throughout the East at the first day of regional preliminaries at Indiana University.

Additionally, Dorothea Habazin of Virginia Tech is leading the way in the womens’ hammer throw, while Brown’s Craig Kinsley is atop the board in the mens’ javelin.

Other current first place designations belong to Louisiana Tech’s Chelsea Hayes in the womens’ long jump, Stephen Saenz of Auburn in the mens’ shot put, Mississippi’s Ricky Robertson in the mens’ high jump, Seth Virgil of Purdue in the mens’ long jump and Vara Neuenswander of Indiana in the womens’ pole vault.

The meet will resume Friday.

(EPHRAIM) – The latest spring semester grade reports are out at Snow College-Ephraim and athletes are having as much success in the classroom as on the fields and courts. Snow Athletic Director Rob Nielson said he’s proud of the student athletes, considering their schedules. Nielson said eight individuals sported a perfect 4.0 GPA including, Adam Eastman, Taylor Nelson, Tyrel Beckstrand, Clayton Christensen and Rhees Jackson from the football team, Stephanie Stearman from the vollyball team, Maggie Nikoaulus from the softball team and Jaquel Christensen from the Lady Badger basketball team. Three of the five college teams were in season during the semester. The Badgers bested the department goal of a 3.0 with a 3.1 combined grade point average for the five varsity teams.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) – Sen. Mike Lee is calling on the Obama Administration to produce a budget. Lee, along with 22 Republican colleagues, signed a joint letter Wednesday and sent it to President Obama, citing the failure of Democrats in producing a budget. Lee and others are urging the Administration to work with budget experts to develop plans to allocate spending within a $2.6-trillion Debt Ceiling Budget. Lee commented that it’s irresponsible to spread panic by not taking action to calm the markets and ignore the broken political system, including the possibility of not raising the debt ceiling in time.

(RICHFIELD) – The Hanksville-Burpee Dinosaur Quarry will conduct several guided tours for the public beginning June 6. Tour guides will provide information related to various paleontological excavations and will answer questions concerning the valuable site. The quarry is located about 10 miles northwest of Hanksville with notification signs posted off SR-24 on dates and times tours take place. BLM officials say that no developed facilities are located at the quarry site and high-clearance vehicles and four-wheel drives may be necessary during storm events

(SALT LAKE CITY) – The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food has confirmed that no new cases of the Equine Herpes Virus has been reported from veterinarians across the state. AG Spokesman Larry Lewis says even though suspect cases have not been reported, horse owners should keep their animals under quarantine. Lewis said the quarantine should last for 28 days following the cessation of neurological symptoms. He said that a total of seven confirmed cases of EHV-1 have been reported and eight suspect cases from his office. The quarantine areas are in Box Elder, Davis, Kane and Utah Counties. UDAF reported that at least three horses have died as a result of the disease, which was contracted at a horse show in Ogden two weeks ago, from a horse brought in from Canada.

(MANTI) – A Manti man has been credited for taking top honors in a recent competition that launched a rocket into space. Utah State University student, Bowen Masco designed the software program as a member of the winning Student Launch Project Team. The USU team competed with several nationally recognized universities, including Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Vanderbilt University, North Carolina State University and Inver Hills Community College. The USU team took the number one slot in the competition in their efforts to launch a rocket a mile into space. Masco said USU’s rocket came within 17-inches of a mile to take the top honor. He’s in his third and final year on the USU team and is the son of KMTI Radio Announcer “Larry-J” of Manti.

(RICHFIELD) – A Redmond property owner appeared before Sevier County Commissioners today in a complaint filed over a road expansion project that affects a portion of her property. Barbara Gilbert complained that road improvements on the Redmond Lake Road are not necessary because it won’t increase the safety of residents in the area. Commissioners stated that several spots on the road are in need of repair and widening the highway will help secure the safety of motorists and other property owners in the affected area. Gilbert said condemning her property for road improvements would be like Commissioner’s taking a gun and shooting her three autistic children, who have no sense of being safe. Commissioners gave Gilbert the opportunity to voice her concerns over condemnation but voted unanimously to proceed with the action.

(Sanpete) High School Seniors in the Sanpete Valley will graduate this week starting with schools in the South Sanpete District. Gunnison Valley High School will graduate 67 students on Thursday night at 5:00 PM. Speakers will include Haden McAfee, Tyrell Crane, Maklin Johnson, and Caden Burrell. Manti High School will also hold ceremonies Thursday night at 7:00 PM. Manti will bid farewell to 128 students including Valedictorian Andrew Boylan, and Salutatorians Nathan Smith and Calen Olsen. On Friday night, the North Sanpete High School will hold their graduation ceremony at 7:00 PM.

(RICHFIELD) – Richfield City officials are considering proposed improvements at the golf course clubhouse. At Tuesday night’s council meeting, Golf Pro Kris Abegglen approached the council on an expansion to the clubhouse, including a new grill and seating area. The total cost of reconstruction would be about $128,000 and obtaining a beer license would eventually cover the cost of improvements in ten to fifteen years. The city council was concerned about the ramifications of distributing beer at the golf course and decided further discussions with the public may need to be held. Abegglen said those concerns and other issues will need to be addressed in the future. He said the golf course could double its revenues in the first year if a beer license was granted.

(RICHFIELD) – Some 304 students of the Sevier School District will participate in commencement exercises this Friday at the Sevier Valley Center in Richfield. District officials say that Cedar Ridge High School will hold ceremonies at 10am at the SVC Theatre. All other Sevier graduations will be held at the Arena, including Richfield High School at 2pm, South Sevier High at 5:30pm and North Sevier High School at 8pm.

(DENVER)-KUSA-TV, Channel 9 in Denver, reports a pair of democratic U.S. senators are concerned about the proposed reauthorization of the Patriot Act.

Senators Mark Udall of Colorado and Ron Wyden of Oregon are concerned the Senate is moving to reauthorize the legislation without debate and that the Obama administration has continued its refusal to declassify its legal interpretation of the Patriot Act, thus making it impossible to determine how the law is interpreted.

The legislation would allow the government to continue using three controversial and wide-ranging provisions for four more years, including the use of roving wiretaps.

Some lawmakers say the legislation has lessened in importance because of Osama bin Laden’s death.

(LAS VEGAS)-KTNV-TV, Channel 13 in Las Vegas reports that the senior class president at Las Vegas’ Cimarron-Memorial High School will not be allowed to rap during his graduation speech.

Although the lyrics Andrew Booth would love to share during his remarks are not abrasive or vulgar, Cimarron officials will not allow it.

Booth’s mother was appalled at the decision because she said her son obtained the presidency by rapping last year during general school elections.

KTNV reports Cimarron officials would not reply to them and if Booth remains insistent on rapping during his remarks, they have implied they will simply pull the cord on him.

(PORTAL, Ariz.)-KVOA-TV, Channel 4 in Tucson, Ariz. reports the Horseshoe Two Fire, which is burning on the Arizona/New Mexico border about 90 miles southeast of Tucson, Ariz. is 30 percent contained, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

More than 900 firefighters are on the scene while crews have been facing perpetually strong winds and low humidity, even for the Sonoran Desert, in battling the flames.

Nevertheless, the red flag warning has expired and high winds are not anticipated in the area for the next five days.

Monday evening, the Forest Service said a plan has been developed to quell the flames from progressing further to the north and was expected to be implemented Tuesday.

Meanwhile, near Yuma, Ariz., a wildfire has burned 750 acres north of the city and as of Tuesday, the Bureau of Land Management confirmed 45 firefighters were working alongside it in hopes of suppressing the flames in Arizona’s western desert.

Furthermore, KOB-TV, Channel 4 in Albuquerque, N.M. reports the Miller Fire in the Gila National Forest near Silver City, N.M. has burned 83,000 acres although the fire is 48 percent contained.

Fire officials say crews are attempting to preserve the land’s natural condition by minimizing the cutting of trees.

The Forest Service says helicopters are being used to place firefighters, but most access is by foot by virtue of 8-10-mile hikes through the southern New Mexican wilderness.

(JOPLIN, Mo.)-Amid the chaos the tornado going through Joplin, Mo. created Sunday was the destruction of a meetinghouse of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

While all missionaries in the Missouri Independence Mission, Oklahoma Tulsa and Missouri St. Louis missions are safe, the Joplin LDS Stake Center was completely demolished, according to senior missionaries at the Oklahoma Tulsa mission office, as Joplin is located in the Oklahoma Tulsa mission.

Meanwhile, according to President Matthew J. Montague, a counselor in the Joplin Missouri Stake Presidency, all members seemed to be in good shape as of Tuesday morning.

Monday, the Church issued a statement confirming local priesthood leaders will continue to assess needs, while they plan to remain in contact with other civic leaders to assist in any way they can.

(WASHINGTON)-The Salt Lake Tribune reports various state legislators throughout the United States have encountered an unprecedented number of immigration bills introduced during the first quarter of this year.

Most of the bills are focusing on areas of law enforcement and employment, according to a report released by the National Conference of State Legislatures Monday.

This study found 1,538 immigration bills were introduced in 50 states and Puerto Rico, up from 1,180 during the first quarter of 2010.

Meanwhile, Bill Pound, the executive director of the NCSL, expects immigration-related bills will continue to be a steady presence in state capitols.

Pound believes Utah’s comprehensive approach would likely be emulated by other states, especially when they look upon Arizona’s considerable struggles since the implementation of SB1070 last July.

An Associated Press review has found that in going from legislature to legislature, nearly all of the most punitive measures failed and noted only Utah and Georgia have managed to pass comprehensive bills, while Alabama and South Carolina have both considered comprehensive bills.

The most controversial of the immigration bills Utah has passed, H.B.116, sponsored by Representative Bill Wright of Holden, is a guest-worker bill and does not take effect until 2013 or possibly before, should the federal government OK a waiver.

The framework of the bill would allow undocumented immigrants already in the state to pay an $1,000 fine for an overstayed visa or a $2,500 fine should they come to the state illegally.

This would also subject them to extensive background checks and set them up with a taxpayer identification number to ensure taxes are paid.

Overall, for the first three months of this year, 26 states enacted 63 immigration-related laws while adopting 78 resolutions on the subject.

During the same period in 2010, 34 states had enacted 71 laws while adopting 87 resolutions.

(CASTLE DALE)-After more than 1.5 inches of rain pelted Emery County in a span of 90 minutes Monday, the National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning.

While this has subsided, a flood watch remains in effect through Tuesday afternoon, primarily near the San Rafael Swell.

Furthermore, heavy rainfall in Wyoming is compounding matters for the Green River near Jensen.

The precipitation, combined with warm weather in the region, has the river running above its banks.

Wednesday, the river may approach flooding stages and all outdoor enthusiasts in the region are asked to show caution.

(SALT LAKE CITY)-Monday, Utah Governor Gary Herbert signed the proclamation for the Utah Patriot partnership at the state Capitol building.

By virtue of this act, Herbert has ensured June will be Utah’s Patriot Partnership month.

This partnership was initiated by the Department of Workforce Services and recognizes the burdens and sacrifices endured by men and women in the military, while honoring veterans by extending priority consideration and enhanced hiring opportunities.

The initial business owners to team up with this partnership are Trish and Jason Crook of Logan’s Mountain View Machine and Welding, while Workforce Services executive director Kristin Cox said 35 other businesses have joined, with involved occupations representing a broad spectrum.

(SALT LAKE CITY)-While numerous Utahns are taking money out of their 401(k) accounts, many residents are cancelling payments into the account.

According to AAA Fair Credit Foundation President Preston Cochrane, money isn’t necessarily going to pay for large purchases or bring down debt while people use it to cover regular, everyday expenses such as food or bills.

Cochrane also asserts too many Utahns are at the “end of their rope,” and that is really in everyone’s best interests to take money out of savings accounts rather than the 401(k).

Cochrane also advised Utahns to sell assets, and only use the 401(k) as a lat resort.

(PROVO)-Two people have been arrested in connection with the death of a man found shot in the head on the front porch of his home earlier this month.

The 38-year-old Darrell Wayne Morris and 32-year-old Yuri Lara were detained by Provo police working with the Utah County Major Crimes Task Force, West Valley City police and the Metro gang unit.

Morris, who has been described by police as a transient, was arrested at a West Valley City hotel while Lara, an Orem resident, was arrested during a traffic stop in Provo, according to police.

The traffic stop was not random, stated Provo Police Captain Jerry Harper.

The arrests occurred late Monday and early Tuesday, respectively.

Provo police only released limited information on the arrests while Harper said he could not discuss any possible motives and declined to say whether any additional arrests were possible.

(MANTI) – State hydrologists continue to monitor potential flooding in Sanpete and Piute Counties. Water watchers say concerns are high in Ephraim Canyon, which affect Ephraim and Spring City and the San Pitch River, which affects Gunnison. An access road through the river bottoms of Fayette has been closed and breached to allow less restricted water flow into Yuba Reservoir. Officials with the Utah Department of Transportation said a small mudslide on Hwy 31, east of Fairview, forced the closure of one lane for a short time on Monday as debris was removed. Severe flooding from Cottonwood, Deer and Bullion Creeks in Piute County is expected, affected Marysvale. Water managers say Koosharem, Otter Creek and Piute Reservoirs are full, with water overflowing the banks on the east fork of the Sevier River, flooding agricultural fields in the Kingston area. Water is also up to the road on Hwy 62, just east of Kingston.

(SALT LAKE CITY)-Road safety is a primary focus of many Americans and Monday, a national campaign admonishing motorists and passengers to wear seatbelts was launched, including in Utah.

The state participated in the National Click It or Ticket campaign Monday at the Redwood Memorial Cemetery while crash survivor Ryan Moses shared his thoughts on the importance of buckling up.

The campaign officially commenced in North Carolina in 1993 and in 2007, this became a national commemoration, coinciding with Memorial Day weekend.

According to recent research done by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, it was discovered seatbelts reduce the risk of injury or death by 70 percent.

In Utah, unbuckled motorists were 32 times more likely to die than those who were buckled up as of 2009.

Thus, Mid-Utah Radio/Television advises listeners and viewers in our coverage area to buckle up and be careful throughout the next few months as Utah’s roadways will be packed with motorists.

(MONROE) – A Monroe man was arrested after firing gunshots near Monroe Elementary School this morning. A Sevier County Sheriff’s report said that 59-year old, Randy Esplin, was arrested at his home after school officials called dispatch and notified authorities that gunshots were heard near the school at about 11am. The report said Esplin was armed with two guns and began shooting at a transformer on a power pole at the corner of 100 North Main in Monroe. He had also been shooting at the old Carol Movie Theatre at 70 North Main. Sheriff Nate Curtis also said that reports of gunshots were heard at about 1am today. Officers said they found 20 spent shell casings from the front door of Esplin’s home to the back door of his residence. With the assistance of UHP troopers, Esplin was disarmed and taken to the Sevier Valley Medical Center in Richfield for a mental health evaluation before being booked into jail. He told officers he had tried to seek mental health help the day before at two different hospitals but was turned away. Monroe Elementary was locked down during the incident until officials gave the all-clear sign for students to return to class.

(MONROE) – Sevier County deputies have apprehended a man who fire gunshots across the street near the Monroe Elementary School today. Police scanners reported a man was armed with two guns at 100 North in Monroe and fired shots at about 11am, causing the school to be locked down. Sheriff Nate Curtis said the lockdown will soon be lifted when officers have completed their investigation. No information has been released as to the identity of the man or if any injuries have been reported.

(GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Ariz.)-The Arizona Daily Sun of Flagstaff, Ariz. reports National Park Service investigators have identified a man whose body was found 700 feet below the rim of the Grand Canyon.

According to information obtained from the NPS, the body of the 24-year-old Robert Watson of White Plains, N.Y. was discovered April 25 but it took until May 6 to retrieve the body due to the difficult terrain.

More than 25 people were needed to retrieve the body.

Watson was first reported as missing March 21 while search operations at the Canyon began April 6 when park rangers received a report of an abandoned vehicle near the Shrine of the Ages at the park’s South Rim.

Watson was linked to the vehicle.

The Coconino County (Ariz.) Medical Examiner ruled the death to be “death by falling.”

(ANNABELLA) – Floodwaters continue to run over the Sevier River between Central Valley and Annabella. The Sevier County Sheriff’s Office says the Riverbridge Road has been closed since May 10, due to water causing severe damage to the road. Officials say the road will remain closed to the traveling public until floodwaters recede and repairs to the road can be made. Nebeker and Seegmiller Lanes between Central Valley and Annabella also remain closed. Sevier County Commissioners passed a resolution on May 10 that restricts recreational use of waterways as a public safety concern. Anyone caught using the waterways could face criminal charges. A sheriff’s report also says that most bridges between Elsinore and Glenwood Road have been posted with the Public Safety Resolution. At this time, the flooding poses no threat to any residences or structures but sand piles are staged at the County Road Shed and the Annabella Town Maintenance Yard for potential flooding.

(SALINA) – A coal truck driver escaped serious injury after sliding off the SUFCO Mine Road last week. According to a Sevier County Sheriff’s report, 38-year old Ryan Sullivan of Pleasant Grove was on his way down from the mine Wednesday, when he slid off the snow-slicked road. The report said Sullivan was able to steer his truck to keep it from rolling over and slid 300 feet over the edge of the roadway and down the mountainside. Sullivan was not injured but his truck had to be towed before coal trucks could resume travel on the dugway.

(NUUK, Greenland)-The Salt Lake Tribune reports a group of University of Utah geographers have visited the extreme northern European country of Greenland to poke the ice with a drill, while prodding it with ground-penetrating radar in hopes of understanding year-to-year changes in the country’s wettest circle, located just below the Arctic Circle.

This initiative is funded by a three-year, $400,000 National Science Foundation grant and the group, known as the Arctic Circle Traverse, is being led by U. geography professor Richard Forster.

During their first year in Greenland, teams drilled three cores and four more earlier this month, each of which are up to 60 meters.

While extracting in one-meter lengths, Forster and colleague Joe McConnell of the Reno, Nev.-based Desert Research Institute, reconstruct accumulation layers of firn, snow that remains from one winter to the next for 30 or 40 years.

Scientists suspect Arctic warming could be causing greater precipitation over Greenland, which would complicate models used to predict how the massive ice sheet enshrouding this nation will respond to climate changes.

While scientists have a firm command of how much ice Greenland loses annually, it is not certain how much it gains per year.

During a colder than usual April, the crew used a special drill borrowed from the University of Wisconsin while the team spent 18 hours to sink the 50-meter holes required by the study.

The cores came out in one-meter increments while the crew then measured, bagged and labeled them after which they inserted them in tubes and left them on the ice in insulated cardboard boxes.

Later, contract pilots obtained the samples and flew them to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland.

Later this summer, they will be shipped aboard an Air National Guard plane to New York and trucked to McConnell’s Reno lab.

Next, McConnell, a research professor of hydrology and expert in ultra-trace chemistry, will slice them in half lengthwise while they will later undergo chemical analysis to map annual snow-accumulation layers.

Forster will keep the other halves concealed inside the U.’s Kennecott Building.

The team will then proceed to analyze data for a year before publishing its results.

(ROOSEVELT)-The first of six meetings in Utah to air details about a proposed 500-kilovolt transmission line will occur Tuesday evening at Roosevelt’s Union High School.

The purpose of the meetings outlines Portland, Ore.-based Rocky Mountain Power’s desires to construct and operate the line, which would provide a connection for the substation, near Medicine Bow in Carbon County, Wyo. to the Clover substation near Mona.

The line would be approximately 400 miles, depending on the route selected, while an estimated 1,500 megawatts of electricity would be conveyed through the alternating current lines.

RMP officials say the line is needed because major upgrades have not been made to the system for more than two decades.

The Bureau of Land Management has received an application for a right of way from the utility company, which kicks off a public scooping period in which input is sought from potentially impacted residents.

Because of the project’s scope, an environmental impact statement has to be prepared which will contemplate potential effects to the environment, such as farmland and critical habitat.

RMP is required to obtain all necessary permits from federal, state and local entities before construction can commence in 2016.

The company hopes to have the line operational between 2017 and 2019.

Meetings have already occurred in Colorado and Wyoming, where both the BLM and RMP had officials on hand to answer questions about the project.

After a draft EIS is completed, the public may weigh in on this document, which may be revised to incorporate changes brought on by any concerns.

There have been close to 24 public scoping meetings already this year concerning another proposed transmission line cutting across Utah.

A joint project by the Western Area Power Administration of Lakewood, Colo. and Denver-based TransWest Express, the 3,000-megawatt line proposes to use wind power to provide electricity to the desert Southwest.

This line will originate in Wyoming and end its run south of Las Vegas near Lake Mead.

Scoping meetings will occur at the following locations and dates

Wednesday May 25, the Ute Indian Tribal Office, 988 S. 7500 East, Fort Duchesne

Thursday May 26, Juab High School, 802 N. 650 East, Nephi

Tuesday May 31, Carbon High School, 750 E. 400 North, Price

Wednesday June 1, North Sanpete High School, 390 E. 700 South, Mt. Pleasant

Thursday June 2, Green River High School, 455 W. 400 North, Green River.

Comments may also be submitted via email to gatewaysouth_WYMail@blm.gov or mailed to the Energy Gateway South Transmission Project P.O. Box 21150 Cheyenne, Wyo. 82003.

(WENDOVER)-The hangar that once housed the storied Enola Gay, the B-29 bomber that dropped an atomic bomb in Japan in 1945 to help end World War II, is being restored in hopes it can someday become a national historic monument.

The Deseret News reports this Wendover Hangar has undergone restoration work for about a year under a National Park Service grant.

State prison inmates are working on the project, which includes under the roof repairs.

Wendover airport director Jim Petersen says he ultimately would prefer the hangar and adjoining building to all be considered a national historic monument.

This hangar is already listed on the National Register of Historic Places although Petersen says getting on the monuments’ list will enable it to receive more recognition.

(ORLANDO, Fla.)-After creating considerable controversy about whether he should reveal his membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, GOP presidential candidate Jon Huntsman Jr. was forthright with his religious affiliation on national television last Friday.

During an interview with George Stephanopolous on Friday’s Good Morning America broadcast on ABC, he said he was proud of his Mormon heritage, according to an ABC News transcript.

This was Huntsman’s first television interview since he returned from his role as U.S. Ambassador to China.

Mormonism is an intriguing dichotomy to voters and viewers throughout the country, according to Kirk Jowers, the head of the University of Utah’s Hinckley Institute of Politics.

Jowers, who is an adviser to fellow LDS GOP candidate Mitt Romney, says Romney’s open declaration of his religious faith may have hurt him in certain voting sections, especially those in the Bible Belt.

Despite Huntsman’s statements, Matthew Wilson of Dallas-based Southern Methodist University’s religion and politics department said it still sounds as if Huntsman is trying to distance himself from conventional Mormon orthodoxy and that attempts at going toward secularism will not do him any favors.

Presently, a Friday edition of political news Web site, www.politico.com, says certain decisions Huntsman has made, such as placing his headquarters in Orlando, Fla., are also doing him no favors on Mormon constituents, many of whom already believe he may be denouncing the Church whereas Romney always seems to be embracing the faith.

(SALT LAKE CITY)-A Utah County horse was euthanized Saturday after succumbing to equine herpes, a virus that has presently struck six horses throughout the state.

The animal was found lying in its stall and attempts to resuscitate it were ineffective, according to the Utah Department of Agriculture.

The outbreak is currently affecting four other Utah County horses as well as animals in Kane and Weber County, respectively.

Those facilities with infected horses have been quarantined within a 4-week span and he virus cannot be contracted by humans.

Meanwhile, the Utah Department of Agriculture is not yet encouraging the cancellation of horse-related events.

This virus has spread to animals in nine states and Canada in the height of the horse-showing season while it is marked by numerous symptoms, Utah State veterinarian Bruce King said.

King said the virus can be airborne or transmitted through equipment while asserting symptoms can include their tails getting limp while they have no control over their bladders, among other issues.

Horse owners are being encouraged to monitor their animals closely.

(BEAVER) – Beaver Canyon is closed due to a weekend mudslide that blocked SR-153. Road crews say the mudslide occurred at about 12:30pm Sunday eight miles up the canyon with rocks, roots, branches and mud covered the highway. Two brothers, Shilo and James Joseph, were heading to their favorite fishing spot, when they captured the slide on their cell phones. Shilo said a boulder, the size of a wrecking ball, was set directly in the center of the river, along a newly formed dam from the debris. Road crews say the canyon will be closed until the roadway is cleared.

(ST. GEORGE)-The St. George Spectrum reports a 6-year-old boy drowned in a swimming pool last Friday evening.

According to the Spectrum, the boy was found at the bottom of a neighborhood pool Friday at a party and did not respond to CPR.

He was subsequently taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead after an hour’s worth of efforts to revive him.

The boy’s name was not immediately released.

St. George Police Department Sergeant Scott Lemmon says adults took all appropriate precautions at the pool party, including ensuring all children were wearing safety vests.

However, Lemmon says things still happened “quickly” and the boy escaped the attention of adults.

PROVO, Utah (AP)-Due to circumstances beyond our control, we at Mid Utah Radio-Television were unable to have a complete report of all results at the UHSAA state track meet as of late Saturday afternoon but we do know of some local athletes who won individual championships.

As soon as possible, presumably Monday, we will have team championship results.

Meanwhile, Beaver’s Marissa Smith placed sixth in the 2A girls’ 3200-meter run (the 2-mile), while Lauren Johnson of Wayne finished fifth in the 1A girls’ 3200-meter run.

Richfield’s Colter Tucker finished fifth in the boys’ 3200-meter run in 3A while Zach Peterson of North Sevier took the 2A crown in the 3200-meter run with Easton Richardson of Millard placing second.

In the 1A classification of the 3200-meter run, Bryce Valley’s Adam Platt finished fifth and Wasatch Academy’s Brock Larsen was sixth.

In the 110-meter hurdles, Tyler Glover of Kanab placed second in the 2A classification of the event, while his teammate, Jared Southwick, was fourth.

In the 2A and 3A 100, 200 and 400-meter dashes, Richfield’s Tyler Sorensen and Michael Abbott of South Sevier swept the crowns in each of these events, sufficiently bolstering the efforts of athletes residing in the Mid Utah Radio-Television coverage area.

In the 1A girls’ 400-meter dash, Wayne’s Clarissa Johnson placed second while Kalani Norris of Panguitch finished third.

In the 2A classification, Bailey Newby of South Sevier was second in the girls’ 400-meter dash while Schyler Jordan of Beaver placed third.

In the girls’ 300-meter hurdles, North Sanpete’s Paige Francks placed third in 3A while in the boys’ division, Panguitch’s Riley Miller finished second in 1A, while Tyson Hampton of North Sevier was the first-place finisher in 2A in a time of 41.22 seconds. Meanwhile, Delta’s Weston Cropper placed second in 3A in the event.

In the boys’ 800-meter dash, Benjamin Bagley of Piute placed second in 1A while Tyler Nielson of Delta was fourth in the 3A classification of the event.

Other strong showings came from Delta’s Maryn Cook who placed second in the girls’ 200-meter dash in 3A, while Wayne’s Trenton Taylor earned the boys’ 1A crown in the event with a time of 23.03 seconds.

Overall, winning the 1A boys championship were the Duchesne Eagles, who amassed 105 points, easily outdistancing second-place Monticello with 89 points. Piute placed respectably, finishing with 44.5 points and earning fifth place.

The 1A girls champion was St. Joseph as the Lady Jayhawks amassed 108.5 points while second-place Rich had 106 points. The Panguitch Lady Bobcats finished fourth with 72 points and the Wayne Lady Badgers finished sixth with 33.5 points.

In 2A, the Grand boys won the state title with 122 points while Parowan placed second with 114 points. Meanwhile, Kanab finished third with 67 points and the South Sevier Rams, based on the strength of Abbott’s swiftness had 57 points, good for fourth place.

The North Summit Lady Braves easily blew away their 2A competition with 151 points, while San Juan was a distant second with 72 points. Kanab was in fifth with 45 points and the North Sevier Lady Wolves were sixth with 43.5 points.

In 3A, Hurricane’s boys took the crown with 89.5 points while Canyon View placed second with 78 points and Richfield earned third with 68 points.

The 3A girls’ crown remained in southern Utah as the Cedar Lady Reds had 116 points while the Delta Lady Rabbits placed fifth with 58 points.

Additionally, in 4A, the Sky View boys won the crown with 78 points while the Springville Lady Red Devils took the 4A girls’ crown by posting 79 points, just ahead of Ogden’s 77.5 points.

In 5A, the Davis Darts finished with 93 points to earn the title, easily placing ahead of second-place American Fork who had 70 points.

Finally, the 5A girls’ champion was Davis as the Lady Darts posted 146.5 points, well ahead of second-place Riverton’s 73 points.

(SALT LAKE CITY) – Three doctors within the Intermountain Health Care system have performed a first-ever three-discipline operation that saved the life of a Kanab woman. The woman, Vera Davis, had an abnormal condition since birth that proved difficult for blood vessels. Sources say about a month ago, Davis suffered gut-wrenching pain that shot through her chest, even though she had no problems with her heart. She was rushed to a Kanab hospital, then to St. George and eventually, ended up at the Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, where the doctors discovered that Davis had an enlarged aortic aneurysm that threatened to rupture and end the flow of blood to her brain. Doctors said Davis’ unique condition could not be resolved through traditional surgery, which would have cut off blood to her brain. They decided to combine their own disciplines into one and performed an operation that involved a double bypass from Davis’ arteries to her brain, an endovascular stent-graft inside the aneurysm and stainless steel coils to seal off blood clots. IHC said the procedure was completely successful and may have been the first-ever performed in the world. Davis, who has a degree in elementary education, says she is looking for a job and is looking forward to living her life without worrying about her heart.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) – A political organization is saying White House allies are launching an anti-Mitt Romney TV ad in South Carolina this weekend. Mike Allen wrote in today’s Politico that the ad will hit “hard and heavy” in markets throughout South Carolina, in conjunction with Romney’s plans to make his first visit to the early-voting state on Saturday. The Romney-bashing ad says, in part, “Newt Gingrich says the Republican plan that would essentially end Medicare is too ‘radical’, South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, thinks the plan is courageous and Mitt Romney is on the ‘same page’ as Paul Ryan, who wrote the plan to end Medicare, so, which page is Mitt Romney on today?” Priorities USA Action is responsible for the content of the advertisement. Romney is emerging as the frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination.

(PRICE) – The Bureau of Land Management Price Field Office is seeking public comment on a Right-Of-Way for Rocky Mountain Power Company to construct a new substation. BLM officials say RMP wants to construct a new substation and associated infrastructure surrounding the communities of Price and Wellington. RMP officials say they need the ROW for any future realignment, reconstruction, or maintenance outside the authorized construction area. The comment period will continue through June 16, 2011 on an Environmental Assessment of the project.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) – Pres. Barack Obama is being criticized by a Utah senator in his call for Israel to return to pre-1967 borders. In a press release, Sen. Mike Lee says he condemns Obama, in the strongest possible terms, in his irresponsible suggestion that Israel return to its pre-1967 borders. Lee said he agrees with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that this move would leave Israel in a militarily indefensible position.

(RICHFIELD) – The Sevier County Fairgrounds has been closed to all horse shows and activities until officials get the “all-clear” sign that the spread of the Equine Herpes Virus is over. Fairgrounds Chairperson Paula Martin says the state veterinarian is asking all horse-related venues to close for at least two weeks or until further notice. Martin said the surplus sale is being held at the Exhibit Building and is not connected to horse stalls or other equine activities.

(NEPHI) – The Juab County Attorney’s Office will investigate allegations of health concerns over the mosquito abatement program in the county. A Nephi family has filed a lawsuit with a Provo attorney over the alleged misapplication of pesticides in mosquito spraying in residential areas. The suit claims the family’s daughter suffers severe allergies and can only eat organic food from their garden. They say their daughter is sensitive to chemicals and has increased health problems due to the spraying. Attorneys for the family say the chemical pesticide, Kontrol 4-4, was misused from May of 2008 through this year. County Attorney Jared Eldridge said the program was started five years ago in response over concerns of West Nile Virus and not one complaint has been filed. Eldridge said he knows the family and is sensitive to their concerns. The family is seeking $100,000 in the lawsuit.

(NEPHI) – Juab County Sheriff’s deputies made a major drug bust in Nephi this morning. Just after 8am, dozens of officers from Juab and Sanpete Counties served arrest warrants on 23 people suspected of being drug dealers. Sheriff Alden Orme said this was not just a single drug event. The drug bust was the result of a year-long investigation into people selling drugs. Several people were arrested simultaneously and all of them face felony charges of drug distribution. Four people were also arrested for a rash of break-ins in Nephi in recent weeks, where more than 100 cars were burglarized. The sheriff’s office said that undercover police officers purchased drugs at least three times from each of the individuals being sought and many of the suspects had young children in their homes. The children were turned over to relatives. Fifteen months ago, Juab County officers arrested 50 people in a similar operation.

(PROVO) – Juab County has been put on notice that it could soon be sued based on the county’s alleged misuse of mosquito pesticide in residential areas. A Provo law firm representing a Nephi family states that county employees did not follow directions on the label of a chemical pesticide, called Kontrol 4-4, from May to September of 2008-2011. The claim alleges the county wrongfully used the pesticide while “fogging” neighborhoods when ground winds were greater than 10 miles per hour. The family also says employees sprayed in neighborhoods earlier than 8:30pm, when many individuals were still outside and by not warning citizens of how to avoid contamination. The Nephi family says their daughter suffers from many allergies, is sensitive to chemicals and can eat only organic food. They also claim that the family can no longer eat vegetables from their organic garden. The claim states the family has sustained injuries and continue to suffer impairments in their ability to perform various household functions. The suit seeks $100,000 in damages. Juab County officials have been unavailable for comment.

(BEAVER) – A stretch of I-15 near Beaver was closed early this morning due to heavy snow blowing over the highway. Utah Department of Transportation officials said northbound lanes of the highway were closed from about 2:30 to 6:30am while snowplows cleared the road. A foot of snow was reported in the Beaver area overnight. All northbound and southbound lanes of I-15 are currently opened.

(MANTI) – Representatives from Sen. Mike Lee’s office stopped in Manti recently to gain information about the long-promised Sanpete Water Conservancy Narrows water project. Victor Iverson, staff advisor to Lee, attended a meeting last week with Narrows organizers, who told Iverson that Lee should not get involved in the project because it’s a controversial issue. Sanpete County has no water storage and water project engineers say that the county needs the dam to bring more water to the northern areas of the county. The dam was slated for completion before a proposed doubling of Scofield Reservoir took place but the project failed. Carbon County has used water entitled to Sanpete County for more than 40 years and Sanpete County officials say they want the water back but Carbon County is opposed to the dam and has sued Sanpete over it. Federal judges have sided with Sanpete County over litigation. Sen. Lee is planning a trip to the Narrows site to see the proposed project for himself.

(GLENWOOD) – The Glenwood Town Council has called for a public hearing on May 25 for the purpose of gaining comment on improvements to the Glenwood Debris Basin Dam and flood channel. The Town Council has applied to the Community Impact Board for funding for the project. The hearing will be held at 7pm at the Glenwood Town Hall at 175 East 300 North next Wednesday. The public is invited to attend.

(LAS VEGAS)-KTNV-TV, Channel 13 in Las Vegas reports the city’s Mayor Oscar Goodman says a deal for a $1.6 billion downtown sports complex may soon be finalized.

Goodman tells the Associated Press he hopes to complete the contract for such a structure by next week while the plan is for the multi-use stadium to be constructed near Interstate 15.

Goodman reports he wants the plans for the Las Vegas National Sports Center to become official before he leaves office of Nevada’s largest city in July.

He says he wants to use the complex to secure an NBA team for the rapidly-growing Las Vegas area while he retains his mayorship.

Goodman, who has long wanted to have an NBA team in Las Vegas, says league commissioner David Stern needs a “quality arena” to secure a team.

Goodman says the 70-acre sports park would be privately financed.

(SALT LAKE CITY) – Oil shale and tar sand companies are meeting with about 100 scientists and business people on current technology to extract oil out of rock in the Uintah Basin. At the University of Utah’s 2011 Unconventional Fuels Conference on Tuesday, executives with Salt Lake-based Red Leaf Resources, say they’ll start building a Uinta Basin mine and plant next year if the Division of Oil, Gas and Mining approves a permit. Company officials say they’ll be able to produce oil from rock by 2014 if government regulators come on board. Red Leaf’s mine would produce 9500 barrels a day while providing 200 jobs at pay requisite with the basin’s currently existing oil and gas jobs, at an average of $65,000 per year. Environmentalists are opposed to any oil shale and tar sands mining in the state.

(PAGE, Ariz.)-The Arizona Daily Sun of Flagstaff, Ariz. reports Scott Sadler and David Tennis obtained approval from Page, Ariz. voters to fill the last two slots on the Page, Ariz. City Council in an all-mail election completed Tuesday.

Sadler, a certified physician’s assistant, obtained 578 votes while Tennis, a senior cost analyst for the Navajo Generating Station, was close behind with 572 votes.

Sadler’s resume includes some time on the Page Electric Utility Board while he is now working at the new Encompass Medical Clinic, near the city’s tennis courts.

When the duo receive the oath of office next Wednesday, they will allow the court of council members throughout the city’s 36-year history to 99.

Turnout in the general election plummeted by 32.5 percent, which is down from 35.15 percent in the primary.

Ballots were mailed out about a month ago to the city’s 3,599 registered voters.

(SALT LAKE CITY)-The Salt Lake Tribune reports if former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman Jr. officially launches a presidential bid, his headquarters will be stationed in Orlando, Fla.

The thinking behind this decision stems from the notion that early primary states seem to be situated along the East Coast while Florida is among the most prominent of Eastern states.

Furthermore, Huntsman’s wife, Mary Kay Huntsman, grew up in Orlando and still has relatives in the area.

This is not an unprecedented move as former Connecticut Democratic Senator Chris Dodd moved his family to Iowa when he was seeking his party’s nomination in 2008.

Other candidates are staying near to their roots though, as current President Barack Obama is launching his reelection campaign in Chicago, GOP hopeful Mitt Romney is stationing his headquarters in Boston and fellow Republican candidate, former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty is basing his campaign in Minneapolis.

(MIDVALE)-The Salt Lake Tribune reports that what Utah police once deemed to be a local crime has spread through a larger, much more organized network of card scammers.

These scammers obtained debit card and PIN information from customers at a Midvale Michaels Arts & Crafts store while police in Midvale and Cottonwood Heights have been receiving complaints who say their banking information was accessed and had up to $500 withdrawn from a California ATM.

Cottonwood Heights Sergeant Mark Askerlund has implied the Secret Service is involved in the process.

Irving, Texas-based Michaels operates more than 1,040 stores in 49 U.S. states.

(WASHINGTON)-A new bill sponsored by Utah Senior Senator Orrin Hatch would require states to block welfare recipients from using their benefits at casinos, liquor stores and sexually-oriented businesses or face a reduction in federal funds.

This is one of two bills Hatch and Montana Democratic Senator Max Baucus have authored recently while the other would enable states to pitch better ways to spend foster care money which was introduced in the Senate Tuesday.

Baucus and Hatch, the top senators on the powerful Finance Committee, say while they often spar on numerous issues, they have found common ground on both of these points.

The joint welfare legislation was instigated by an investigative report in The Los Angeles Times which uncovered nearly $4 million in state-issued benefits withdrawn at casinos and tens of thousands withdrawn at an adult entertainment business.

This money amounted to only 1 percent of the state’s welfare benefits but caused and uproar leading to a paradigm shift in California’s program.

Presently, the Utah Department of Workforce Services already blocks welfare recipients from using debit cards at liquor stores, although department spokesman Curt Stewart says the state does not currently block “Horizon card” users from accessing cash at sexually oriented or gambling businesses in adjoining states.

Stewart said the state would follow any federal restrictions but people often create their own trouble when they use their ATM cards for such expenditures in Utah.

The bipartisan bill on foster care sprang from a hearing in March and is seeking to reinstate a decade-old program which expired in 2005.

Their legislation would allow states to seek federal waivers to use money meant for foster care on programs which would seek to reduce the number of children who enter the foster system or improve within their transition to adulthood.

Hatch said this flexibility will provide states with a greater capacity to keep struggling families together.

This proposal has been supported by a group of Utah state lawmakers as well as the state’s Department of Human Services.

Cosette Mills of the Utah Division of Child and Family Services says the department is interested in diverting part of the state’s $18 million in federal funding to a program which seeks to return foster children to their parents faster.

(WASHINGTON)-Over the last few decades, educators have pushed girls and women to try out new careers and opportunities never engaged in by their predecessors while a senior scholar at the Washington-based Pell Institute says the same has not been done for boys and men.

During national Education Week Tuesday, researcher Thomas Mortensen reported he has seen no special effort to encourage boys to take on different subjects.

Mortensen’s report, entitled “Economic Change Effects on Men and Implications For the Education of Boys,” in which he explains how men have not adapted well to the changing economy.

Mortensen implies women in the 25-29 age demographic are more likely to have a high school diploma while women are more likely to ensue in their higher education while this trend first began being set in 1981.

Internationally, this trend seems to be catching on as well as Tuesday, the British Broadcasting Corporation reported elementary-school aged boys often cringe at reading books which go beyond 100 pages, while no such problem has been detected in girls in the UK.

The Washington-based Boys Initiative was established in 2008 and is attempting to shed light on trends pertaining to the declines in boys and young mens’ achievement and find ways to reverse the trend.

The Wichita (Kan.) Eagle implies some researchers blame part of this achievement gap on video games as they say the same time boys’ academic achievement began to plummet coincides with the emergence of video games.

Some methods have been proposed such as making classes same-sex oriented but ultimately it is unclear how things will improve at this stage.

(PROVIDENCE, R.I.)-As gay marriage continues to be a hot-button topic throughout the United States, several states are seeking to strengthen the traditional definition of marriage while others are leaning more toward same-sex unions.

Recently, the Minnesota Senate approved a bill which will now go to the House where a vote is expected to occur next week, according to the Lakeville (Minn.) Patch.

If approval occurs in St. Paul, Minn., Gopher State voters would have the opportunity to define marriage in the 2012 general election.

A similar bill in Rhode Island which would allow same-sex civil unions is expected to be voted on in the State House at Providence, R.I. tonight, according to an Associated Press story published by the Boston Globe.

This proposed legislation imitates bills recently approved in Hawaii, Illinois and Delaware that gave gay couples the same rights bestowed upon conventionally married units.

The National Conference of State Legislatures stated there are presently 10 states which have no laws forbidding same-sex marriage while 30 states have “definitive language” on marriage in their state constitutions.

Of the 50 states, 39 contain statutes describing marriage as being between “one man and one woman.”

(SALT LAKE CITY)-A 20-member team has been gathered to perform the search for the next president at the University of Utah after former president Michael K. Young left for the Seattle-based University of Washington last month.

The search committee, which consists of members of the State Board of Regents, the university’s Board of Trustees, faculty and the community is slated to meet regularly and host other meetings to gather input, while assisting the Regents in conducting a national search.

After investigating and interviewing candidates, the committee has planned to recommend finalists to the Regents, who will release names of finalists and ultimately make a selection.

It is believed the search could take up to a year but Regents chairman David Jordan said it will begin immediately.

Presently, the U.’s senior vice president for health sciences, executive dean at the School of Medicine and University of Utah Health Care CEO Dr. Lorris Betz is serving as interim president.

Public meeting dates and locations will be announced as soon as the committee makes them available while aside from the public hearings, the search will confidential until finalists are announced.

More information is available at www.higheredutah.org.

(SALT LAKE CITY)-The Utah Supreme Court is ordering a new trial for a man convicted of raping a woman at his apartment after a party.

Justice Ronald Nehring says in an opinion that Anton Lenkart had ineffective counsel while he should get a new trial.

Nehring believes this ruling is based on the failure of the defense attorney to review results of the victim’s medical examination that followed the alleged attack.

The 33-year-old Lenkart was convicted of rape, forcible sodomy and forcible sexual abuse in 2008.

Nehring says most of the evidence stemmed from witness statements while the convictions were based on the jury believing the victim’s claims that the sex was not consensual.

The justices say an analysis of the medical examination after trial can cast doubt on the lack of consent.

(SALT LAKE CITY)-According to a Utah legislative audit released Tuesday, a privately-run liquor packaging agency lost the state roughly $300,000 in its one year of operation.

Furthermore, the Department of Alcoholic Beverages shares in the blame, the audit asserts.

These results were disappointing to members of the Legislative Audit Subcommittee as well as Republican Senator John Valentine of Provo who requested the audit.

Utah Governor Gary Herbert’s office said he had no plans to expedite management changes at the DABC while department bigwig Dennis Kellen says he doesn’t plan to step down presently.

Senate President Michael Waddoups of Taylorsville and House Speaker Becky Lockhart of Provo both believe Kellen should step down however, citing their disappointment in the findings.

In the 18-page report, the Legislative Auditor General’s Office stated the DABC exercised poor management of the Eden Package Agency saying the agency continued to supply the store with liquor although it was behind on payments.

Kellen says presently a DABC auditor has now been assigned full-time to watch over package agencies and will begin reporting to commissioners at their next meeting.

(ST. GEORGE)-A weekend checkpoint conducted by two Utah state agencies found two out-of-state boats entering Utah had been used in quagga-infested waters in Nevada.

This surprise inspection occurred last Friday at the port of entry near St. George and was jointly carried out by the state Department of Transportation as well as the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources as part of a proactive effort keeping the state clean of this non-evasive species.

Quagga mussels and their cousins, zebra mussels, cling to boats and other watercraft, clogging lines and causing significant damage to water system infrastructure.

The mussels reproduce swiftly, the wildlife agency stated, and compete with fish for food.

Last year, a single quagga mussel was found at Sand Hollow Reservoir, which is located approximately halfway between St. George and Hurricane, but since then, no mussels had been found primarily due to an aggressive campaign mounted by the state agency while Utah water enthusiasts have also sprayed their boats in the interim.

This checkpoint was part of an ongoing effort to keep Utah waters free of this expensive pest while during the six-hour impromptu inspection, 20 boats and personal watercrafts were inspected to see if the quagga could be found.

Boats can be decontaminated for free by the state Division of Wildlife Resources while a more in-depth explanation is available on the organization’s Web site at http://www.wildlife.utah.gov/dwr/decontaminate

(SALT LAKE CITY)-At a Tuesday press conference, Utah’s most prominent Democrat, Representative Jim Matheson, proposed a bill that would allow pet owners in Utah to choose a pharmacy for pets when they receive prescriptions for ailments.

Matheson calls this legislation the Fairness To Pet Owners Act and says the bill has bipartisan support because of the benefits it can provide to consumers.

Matheson said this act will also save pet owners money.

Reportedly, an estimated 70 percent of households with pets will need some sort of prescription pet medication at some time while Kanab-based Best Friends Animal Society spokeswoman Temma Martin says in certain cases, pet owners are forced to put their pets up for adoption because they can’t afford medical costs.

Matheson says opening the market up to pharmacists and other suppliers will create more competition, enabling prices to be lower across the board.

(SANDY) – The 13th Annual Wild Horse and Burro Festival slated for May 20-21 in the Salt Lake area has been rescheduled for August 26-27 due to health concerns surrounding the Equine Herpes Virus. Health officials say that postponing the festival at the Salt Lake County Equestrian Park in South Jordan is a protective measure that will allow the veterinary community to investigate how far reaching the EHV-1 virus is in the state and determine any precautions that should be taken. Utah BLM officials say that if you have any questions concerning the virus, visit their website at www.ut.blm.gov.

(RICHFIELD) – The director of the Sevier Valley Center in Richfield is resigning to take a similar position at the Salt Lake Community College. Jason Beal will bid farewell to staff and support personnel on May 24 to prepare for his new position in Salt Lake City. Beal said he’ll miss the great people he’s worked with over the years. An open house will be held for Beal at the SVC on May 23 from 3-5pm. The public is invited to attend.

(FLAGSTAFF, Ariz.)-KRQE-TV, Channel 13 in Albuquerque, N.M. reports Arizona Republican Senator Jon Kyl of Phoenix says a roughly $800 million price tag and the political climate are threatening a northern Arizona deal involving key American Indian water rights settlements through Congress.

Court documents have outlined the concern over the settlement that would quantify the Navajo Nations’ rights to water from the lower Colorado River basin and settle claims from the Hopi tribe.

Kyl has asked negotiators to try and lower the cost so legislation can be introduced ahead of his planned retirement.

No one will say what figure negotiators are aiming for, citing the confidential nature of the talks.

Tribes often trade what could be huge water claims for the promise of federal funding to deliver the water to tribal communities.

(NOGALES, Ariz.)-KPNX-TV, Channel 12 in Phoenix reports Arizona no longer has to wait for the federal government to finish building a fence along the Mexican border.

A new law that goes into effect July 20 allows the state to build the fence itself, so long as it can raise sufficient private donations and persuade public and private landowners to let them do it on their property.

Currently, state officials have to figure out how to get it done although no other state has attempted such a tactic.

Maricopa (Ariz.) Senator Steve Smith, who sponsored the legislation, will meet with Arizona Governor Jan Brewer’s staff Tuesday to commence the discussion of logistics.

Much of the Arizona border is federal or Indian reservation land with small portions belonging to private landowners.

Smith said he would talk to the governor’s staff today about inquiring for permission to build the fence with the federal government’s 60-foot easement along the border.

State lawmakers who have supported the measure say they want a consistent fence along the entire board that is solid and consists of multiple layers while still being tall enough to keep pedestrians out.

Yuma, Ariz., despite its proximity to the U.S./Mexico border, has had the number of illegals passing through at its crossing decrease significantly since a fence has been installed.

Smith says once the law goes into effect, a Web site will be set up to provide more information and collect donations.

Presently, he is working on obtaining status as a non-profit corporation for the project.

(SANTA CLARA)-A Brigham Young University student who grew up in Santa Clara is among ten finalists in the running to win a $3,000 cash prize in the Zions Bank video contest.

This contest invited participants to create and submit an original video in 60 seconds or less that was based on the theme “Me + Zions =.”

The 22-year-old Michael Wagner created a video about how Zions Bank has helped him assert his independence as a young adult while telling of how his account at a local branch of the regional bank enabled him to serve as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Voting is open through May 23 on Zions Bank’s Facebook page through the Me + Zion= tab and those who “like” the bank’s page on the popular social media networking site will have such a distinction counted as votes.

The video which earns the most votes will earn a $3,000 cash prize for the recipient while second and third-place finishers will receive $1,500 and $500 respectively.

For more information, please visit www.zionsbank.com.

(RICHFIELD) – Sevier County Sheriff Nate Curtis has returned from the 2011 National Fallen Officer Memorial held in Washington D.C. over the weekend with a message of honor for officers killed in the line of duty nationwide. Curtis said it was a great experience for him and several other sheriffs from South Central Utah counties, to participate in the tribute. Sheriff Curtis said 20,000 people filled Judiciary Square, where all the names of fallen officers around the country are placed in a memorial. He said those in attendance included, John Walsh, host of “America’s Most Wanted” and Director of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano. Sheriff Curtis said it was an honor for him, along with sheriffs from Millard and Kane Counties, who also lost officers, to be part of the candlelight vigil.

(LOUISVILLE, Ky.)-Louisville, Ky.-based Humana Inc. has named Charles Cox as vice president and market medical officer of the company’s health care commercial operations in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada and Utah.

In this new role, Cox is responsible for leading clinical initiatives in those states, including wellness, all care management, clinical program strategic initiatives, medical utilization trend management and benefit coverage issues.

Cox brings 17 years of physician executive leadership to the role and has most recently served as vice president and chief medical officer at CarePlus Health Inc. in Miami.

Humana Inc. offers a wide range of insurance products as well as health and wellness services that incorporate an integrated approach to lifelong well-being.

For more information, please visit www.humana.com.

(ELKO, Nev.)-The search for a Canadian man who became stranded in Nevada in March has come to a halt.

For the past week, 160 trained and volunteer searchers have been searching for Albert Chretien of Penticton, British Columbia in the mountains east of Mountain City, Nev., according to the Elko County (Nev.) Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Jim Pitts announced the search for Chretien will be detained until conditions improve and snowmelt has occurred.

According to officials, search parties searched for 1500-plus hours, covering a 10-mile route to help find Chretien without finding any evidence to his real whereabouts.

Chretien went missing March 23, 2011 when he tried to walk, led by GPS to find help for his stuck vehicle in the mountains.

His wife, Rita Chretien, was found alive May 7 and she has fully recovered.

The Sheriff’s Office awaits further information or better conditions to continue the search for Chretien.

(OGDEN)-Several horses in Utah and adjoining states are under quarantine due to a potential conflict with a contagious horse virus during a championship event in Ogden.

Two cutting horses from Idaho have reportedly died from the virus.

Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1 disease) has been detected in some horses attending the National Cutting Horse Association’s Western National Championships at Ogden’s Golden Spike Event Center from April 29-May 8.

This highly-contagious rapidly-spreading disease can result in horses’ deaths, according to Utah State Veterinarian Bruce L. King DVM.

EHV-1 is not transmissible to humans but as it spreads to horses, it can cause respiratory disorders, neurological diseases and death.

The most common way for EHV-1 to spread is by direct horse-to-horse contact, King said, while the virus can also spread through air, contaminated equipment, clothing and hands.

Horses have been euthanized after showing severe neurological signs associated with the disease.

Symptoms include fever, decreased coordination, nasal discharge, urine dribbling, loss of tail tone, hind limb weakness, leaning against a wall or fence to maintain balance, lethargy and the inability to rise.

While there is no cure, symptoms of the disease may be treatable and horse owners should watch their horses carefully to ensure there are no abnormal signs of the virus.

Nebraska State veterinarian, Dr. Dennis A. Hughes, has placed five horse farms in the Cornhusker State under quarantine because of potential contact with the virus during the event at Ogden.

Furthermore, the virus has also been detected in horses in Colorado, Idaho, Washington and Canada.

(CEDAR CITY) – A Japanese couple injured in a tour van crash last year north of Cedar City are suing the travel company for the second time. In a lawsuit filed Monday in 3rd District Court, Kei and Mai Maeda claim the driver, Yasushi Mikuni, Canyon Transportation, Inc., Western Leisure, Inc., Nippon Travel Agency America, Inc. and others, were negligent, careless and reckless. On Aug. 9, 2010, Mikuni was driving a tour bus enroute to Bryce Canyon National Park, in which the Maeda’s and 12 others were passengers and fell asleep at the wheel. The lawsuit said that Mikuni drove off I-15 four miles north of Cedar City and rolled the van at a high rate of speed. The crash killed three people and injured nine others, including Kei Maeda, who suffered “incomplete quadriplegia” as a result of the wreck. The injured couple are seeking an unspecified amount of damages from the defendants for their physical and emotional injuries as well as loss of wages.

(SALT LAKE CITY)-In what has been described as a “tough job,” the task of redrawing Utah’s political boundaries for congressional and legislative districts, as well as for the state’s school board, is primarily using population shifts in the 10 past years as a rule of thumb.

The Utah Citizens Council is seeking to get Utahns involved in this process, while the group consists of members from such factions as RepresentMe Utah, the League of Women Voters, the Utah Education Association, AARP and several others.

UCC technical consultant Joe Dunlop has drawn four proposed maps which he says are congressional districts that “truly represent Utahns.”

Among Dunlop’s changes are a proposal depicting Salt Lake County primarily being in one district, a major shift from previous years.

The Legislature’s Redistricting Committee consists of 14 Republican and five Democratic lawmakers, which are scheduled to go through the state to gather public input.

Committee chairman Ken Sumison of Lehi has pledged to be fair throughout the process.

The UCC will be conducting a Web-based community conversation to stimulate interest in this redistricting process and will air on www.utahcitizencounsel.org Thursday at 7:00 p.m. MDT.

(MOAB)-With future demands expected to only further increase use on the heavily-trafficked Colorado River system, a group of Utah lawmakers took an aerial view of the famed river and its tributaries Monday.

In the process, they flew over record-setting snowpack still sitting in many of Utah’s mountains and received introspective looks at the Weber, Bear, Provo and Green rivers before the waterways split in their various directions.

In a synopsis at the state’s Department of Natural Resources, agency director Mike Styler of Delta outlined key visuals of the tour, including Flaming Gorge Dam and the Green River as it winds south toward the Colorado and Lake Powell.

Styler said the tour should be a “key staple” of a lawmakers’ itinerary every year as a way to educate policymakers on critical issues facing the Colorado such as threatened or endangered species which rely on the river.

Dennis Strong, the director of the state’s Division of Water Resources says the state is keeping a wary eye on a Fort Collins, Colo. entrepreneur who plans to pump water from the Green River in Wyoming, before it reaches Flaming Gorge, and convey it to Coloradan users.

Republican Representative Patrick Painter of Nephi said he “jumped” at this opportunity to take the tour because of its ability to provide a “big-picture” look at varied Utah projects throughout the state.

The trip was funded in part by the Central Utah Project, a $3 billion federal endeavor authorized in 1956 and created in 1964.

(KANAB)-A group of residents in the Kanab area is infuriated concerning a possible coal gasification test plant and has organized a Facebook page as well as mounting public education campaigns to protest.

It is anticipated that critics of plans stemming from Riverside, Calif.-based Viresco Energy for a plant near the town will arrive at a Tuesday evening meeting slated for 6:30 p.m. at Kanab Middle School.

The agenda includes considering whether the plant’s site plan meets the criteria for light manufacturing while an open house hosted by the school on Wednesday sponsored by the U.s. Department of Energy will occur.

Kanab Mayor Nina Laycock says the city is being sued by a taxpayers’ group claiming the city failed to properly notice changes to its master plan last year, a charge she denies.

Residents opposed to the project fear harmful effects may impact air and water in the region but Laycock said such concerns are weighed by regulatory agencies.

Viresco’s proposal involves construction of a plant on 10 acres of leased school trust lands property while the plant would test the conversion of coal and other carbon-based materials into natural gas by using a combination of steam and pressure.

(HURRICANE)-While using her struggle with infertility as a platform, the 30-year-old Tiffany Alleman of Sandy was crowned Mrs. Utah during the married women pageant last weekend at Hurricane.

Alleman and her husband, Jonathan, who now have two children, and her platform, “Infertility, Pregnancy Loss and the Gift of Motherhood,” touched upon Alleman’s experiences through parenthood.

During Alleman’s participation in the evening gown competition, emcees Reba Rockett and Eric Dodge read a statement from her husband, some of which dealt with some difficult experiences they’d encountered.

Although Alleman earned the crown, certain competitors provided stiff competition while pageant director Jen Watkins said two CPAs were needed to ensure the point tallying was accurate.

As part of Alleman’s responsibilities, she will serve as Mrs. Utah United States for the next year and will compete at Mrs. United States in Las Vegas, with preliminaries slated for July 31.

(TOOELE) – The Utah State Medical Examiner’s Office is looking at human remains discovered near Stockton. Tooele County Sheriff Frank Park says initial indications, based on a pair of jeans found near the remains, were that of a male. The remains were collected over a wide area in a field and were believed to have been spread out by water runoff and animals. The bones were discovered by Tooele County Attorney Doug Hogan at about 5pm Sunday, while he was checking spring runoff in the area where his family runs a ranch. No identification was found with the remains. Officials have already said they don’t believe the remains were that of a missing Dugway soldier or that of missing West Valley City mother, Susan Powell. Sheriff Park said he did not know of anyone from the area where the remains were found who had been reported missing recently.

(RENO, NV.) – The legal battle over water rights involving an aquifer straddling Utah and Nevada is about to begin. The battle is whether Nevada has the right to pump billions of gallons of water through a proposed 285-mile pipeline along the Utah-Nevada border to increased populations in Las Vegas. Utah officials say the water grab will draw down the aquifer running beneath the two states, resulting what may become a dust bowl along the Wasatch Front. The Las Vegas-based Southern Nevada Water Authority plans testimony for more than 24 witnesses over a three-week span to present its case in support of winning necessary water rights for the project. If the authority gains approval, the pipeline could end up carrying as much as 65 billion gallons of water from the north to the south end of Nevada on an annual basis. Utah officials intend to fight over access. Legal proceedings could cost up to $3.5 billion in both a lengthy and contentious battle.

(WASHINGTON)-KOB-TV, Channel 4 in Albuquerque, N.M. reports members of a Native American group are attempting to bring attention to their fight against planned uranium mining on land surrounded by the vast Navajo reservation in New Mexico.

Last Friday, Eastern Navajo Dine Against Uranium filed a petition with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights while the group and its lawyers conducted a press conference Monday at the National Press Club to discuss this petition.

By claiming human rights violations, they are seeking to overturn the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s decision to grant a mining license to Sugarland, Texas-based Hydro Resources Inc.

The company has plans to develop claims near the Navajo communities of Church Rock, N.M. and Crownpoint, N.M.

The group is concerned that operations will contaminate an aquifer that serves thousands of Navajos and add to contamination from past uranium mining.

(NEW YORK)-As reported by KVOA-TV, Channel 4 in Tucson, Ariz., Monday, Donald Trump announced he will not be running for president on the GOP ticket, saying he will stick with his role as host of reality television show “The Celebrity Apprentice.”

The real estate magnate made his announcement at a Manhattan hotel on NBC, the network which airs his show, as it announced its fall lineup.

Trump has spent the past few months weighing the decision and has engaged in rallies throughout the country, while also taking shots at current president, Democrat Barack Obama.

Trump made his decision, he said, because he enjoys hosting his reality show and that he wanted to ensure the program continues to make significant money for charities throughout the country.

(FLAGSTAFF, Ariz.)-The Arizona Daily Sun of Flagstaff, Ariz. reports local conservation groups and the Coconino County (Ariz.) Board of Supervisors have found what have been called “serious” flaws in a federal analysis weighing risks and benefits of uranium mining in the region.

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors, the San Francisco-based Sierra Club, the Center for Biological Diversity of Tucson, Ariz., the Flagstaff-based Grand Canyon Wildlands Council and the Grand Canyon Trust of Flagstaff are all questioning estimates that mining in northern Arizona could employ hundreds directly and thousands indirectly, saying those figures are inflated.

All of these groups support putting federal land bordering the Grand Canyon off-limits to new uranium mines for 20 years.

Other issues include groundwater from the Grand Canyon being hard to track and domestic use for the mines not being guaranteed.

(ST. GEORGE)-Last Wednesday, St. George-based SkyWest Inc. announced the appointment of Bradford R. Rich as company president effective immediately.

As part of the company’s restructuring endeavor, Michael J. Kraupp was appointed as CEO/treasurer and Eric J. Woodward was named chief accounting officer.

As president, Rich will oversee the strategic development and operational/financial performance for all entities and investments associated with SkyWest.

Furthermore, SkyWest also appointed Wade Street as vice president/controller of the company while Kevin Wade was named vice president/controller of Atlantic Southeast Airlines of Atlanta, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Delta Airlines, SkyWest’s parent company.

Rich has served as CEO of SkyWest since 1991 while he has been with the company for 24 years.

Under Rich’s leadership, the company has acquired Atlantic Southeast Airlines and ExpressJet of Atlanta.

SkyWest serves approximately 276 cities in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, with over 3,900 daily departures.

(BLANDING)-The Salt Lake Tribune reports a Grand Junction, Colo. man died May 9 in San Juan County’s Owl Canyon after a hiker discovered him alone and complaining of intense stomach pain, according to authorities.

The 72-year-old John D. Slay was about a quarter-mile from his backpack when a hiker found it and began searching for the owner around 7:00 a.m. MDT according to San Juan County Sheriff Rick Eldredge.

The man encountered Slay, who had no water, and was experiencing stomach pain.

The man shared his water, set up a tent for Slay and then went for assistance.

He also left a walking stick along the trail explaining the situation.

By 1:15 p.m., the man had alerted authorities who dispatched a helicopter.

After flying through the area and failing to find Slay, they picked up the other man who gave them information on how to find him, Eldredge said.

Those who stayed with Slay told them he was in a place where he would be happy to die, while speaking fondly of his family.

When medics arrived on the scene, Slay had stopped breathing and after attempts at CPR failed, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

His body was flown to a ranger’s station while San Juan County sheriff’s deputies later took the body to Salt Lake City.

The state medical examiner will later determine the cause of death.

(CEDAR CITY)-This past weekend, the replacement for the deceased Utah State Senator Dennis Stowell of Parowan was named Saturday at a special meeting at Southern Utah University.

Cedar City resident Casey Anderson, the newly elected chairman of the Iron County Republican Party obtained leadership of District 28, ousting four other candidates, including Stowell’s widow, Marie, according to the St. George Spectrum.

In the final round, Anderson captured nearly 63 percent of the vote, easily outdistancing state representative Evan Vickers who earned 37 percent of the vote.

Anderson’s name will now be submitted to Utah Governor Gary Herbert for special appointment to the seat, which represents Beaver, Garfield, Iron, Kane and Millard counties as well as eastern Washington County.

Also vying for the seat were Millard County GOP Chairman Peter Greathouse of Lynndyl, Keith Harrison of Parowan and Allen G. Smith of Delta.

State GOP chairman Thomas Wright opened the meeting by asking for a moment of silence to honor Stowell who died in his Parowan home April 17 after a bout with cancer.

(SALT LAKE CITY)-Monday, a federal judge in Utah will decide whether a Utah Valley University student charged with threatening a professor over his stance on immigration will be released from jail pending a trial.

The 32-year-old Aaron Michael Heineman is scheduled for a detention hearing Monday in Salt Lake City’s U.S. District Court.

The UVU student was arrested by FBI personnel after he walked out of a painting course on Thursday.

Federal prosecutors say in an email Heineman threatened to kill a professor with a bowie knife and noose.

The professor then contacted police, saying he feared for his life as well as his families’ lives.

Prosecutors have charged Heineman with one count of interstate threatening communications.

If convicted, Heineman faces a five-year prison term.

A message left for Heineman’s court appointed attorney was not immediately returned Sunday.

(WASHINGTON)-A new study conducted by the Pew Research Center suggests that higher education may not be all it’s cracked up to be.

The Washington-based think tank’s poll told researchers 57 percent of Americans believe the U.S.’ higher education system is not worth the investment students put into it.

Pew executive vice president Paul Taylor said with both college tuition and enrollment rising to record levels, many Americans believe the cost isn’t worth the reward.

Taylor also asserted a larger majority of the public polled, 75 percent, say college is too expensive for most Americans to attend.

Researchers surveyed 2,142 adults (18 and older) from March 15-April 24, 2011 and found that 60 percent of those polls said students aren’t as prepared for college as they were just 10 years ago, while only 7 percent of pollsters believe scholastic students were sufficiently prepared.

This study is a part of Pew’s Social and Demographic trends project on the views of higher education.

Respondents included college graduates, the American public and college presidents.

(LITTLE ROCK, Ark.)-Saturday, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee said he will not seek the Republican presidential nomination and instead will remain in his lucrative career as a television and radio personality.

This decision further complicates the GOP field as Republicans continue to seek for a candidate to run against current president Barack Obama.

Huckabee, a prominent social conservative nationally, ranks high in national polls and probably would have been the premiere candidate for evangelical Christians who traditionally dominate the Iowa caucuses and the early South Carolina primary.

Huckabee simply said his heart wasn’t in it despite having significant financial resources to fund a campaign.

Huckabee has been out of public office since 2007 and said he will continue to assist others in campaigns for Congress, governorships, and other positions wherein candidates adhere to his ideals of commonsense, constitutional governance and civil discourse.

Advisers said Huckabee could have entered the race with frontrunner status he did not enjoy as a governor in 2008.

Several other Republican hopefuls have bowed out of the race as well, including Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour, Indiana Representative Mike Pence, and South Dakota Senator John Thune.

It is unclear whether this closes Huckabee’s political career, sources say, but advisers say his present circumstances will enable him to continue to amass more money and prestige.

KEARNS, Utah (AP)-The Beaver Beavers amassed 17 hits with Alex Whitbeck, Bo Fatheringham, Dallon Murdock, Lyndon Bradshaw, Seth Myers and Slade Edwards each coming through in a 15-10 win over the Entrprise Wolves Friday at the 2A state baseball tournament.

KEARNS, Utah (AP)-Kody Snow and Kyler Coates each doubled and the North Sevier Wolves gashed the San Juan Broncos, 10-4 at the 2A state baseball tournament Friday.

KEARNS, Utah (AP)-A.J. Simkins and Parker Laub each doubled and the Enterprise Wolves snuck past the North Sevier Wolves, 6-4 Friday at the 2A state baseball tournament.

SANDY, Utah (AP)-Alex Espinoza, Devon Hall and Mike Brown each scored and the Wasatch Wasps downed the Delta Rabbits, 3-1 at the 3A state soccer tournament Friday at Jordan High School.

(SPRINGDALE) – Zion National Park will be prescribing a series of four small fires within the next two weeks to control invasive weeds in certain areas of the Park. Public Information Specialist David Eaker says the primary objective of the burns is to reduce the amount of exotic vegetation within the park. In recent years, Zion’s has seen a number of exotic, annual grasses take over and out-compete the native, perennial grasses that once covered the area. Eaker said the prescribed burns will hopefully restore the native grasses to the area. The planned burns involve about 50 acres in the park and crews may begin ignition the latter part of the month.

(RICHFIELD) – The Richfield City Council was presented with the 2011-12 budget at the council meeting this week. City Manager Mike Langston said the city was hit with a 25% drop in sales tax revenues since 2007 but the economy appears to be slowly rising. Langston said estimated sales tax revenue losses are currently less than one percent but the economic slowdown still significantly impacts our local area. Mayor Brad Ramsay has called for a special council session on Tuesday, May 17 at 7pm to work over budget items.

(SALT LAKE CITY) – The Bureau of Land Management has announced the extension of a deadline for proposals of wild horse “ecosanctuaries” on private or public lands. BLM officials say the extension deadline will be from Saturday to June 21. The ecosanctuaries, to be publicly accessible with a potential for ecotourism, would help the BLM feed and care for excess wild horses that have been removed from Western public rangelands.

(SALT LAKE CITY) – A Salt Lake Valley Health Department epidemiologist says the more-than-normal wet spring may raise the risk of illnesses. Ilene Risk says the soggy springtime could increase the potential for West Nile Virus and hantavirus. She said the mosquito and mice populations increase as wetter conditions prevail. Health officials say more rain causes mosquito larvae to sink to the bottom of whatever standing water is being treated and can’t be found for eradication. Thousands of mosquitoes can breed in a couple of tablespoons of water and mice can proliferate around wood piles, sheds, garages and homes. Health officials warn people to take the necessary precautions against the increase in disease.

(RICHFIELD) – Hundreds of people gathered at the newly remodeled Utah National Guard Armory in Richfield Thursday evening to witness the signing of the Community Covenant. Commander of the 222nd Field Artillery Unit, Capt. Cody Workman, said he was elated to see so many come to support the event. Several dignitaries were in attendance, including Richfield Mayor Brad Ramsay, Rep. Kay McIff and Utah State Adjutant General, Brian Tarbet, who commented that local and state taxes paid for the Armory upgrade. Others who spoke at the event said to replace an armory in today’s economy normally costs up to $12 million but the Richfield Armory was able to be remodeled for about $1.3 million and is one of 12 statewide, including Beaver and Cedar City. Major General Tarbet also said when the 222nd leaves in June, they’ll be performing the toughest part of the mission, because the soldiers will be “turning the lights out in Iraq”, with mop-up operations in preparation for troops exiting the area. Richfield Councilmember Mike Turner, who spearheaded the Community Covenant, said the solder’s families will be well taken care of while their spouses are gone. The 222nd will leave for missions in Iraq the first week in June in “Operation New Dawn.”

(RICHFIELD) – The annual Miss Sevier County Scholarship Pageant gets underway this Saturday night at the Sevier Valley Center in Richfield. Thirteen contestants will compete for the title including, Sarah Curtis, Anna Krueger, Mele Etsitty, Kourtney Smith, Brooke Rhinehart, Cambrea Breinholt and Kira Turner, all of Richfield. Other contestants include, Jenessa Price of Central Valley, DyJana Laughbon of Monroe, Danielle Bastian and Auriela Sobrio, both of Sigurd and Marlee Hampton and Jaleesa Dumas, both of Redmond. Contestants will be judged in talent, interview, evening and casual wear and onstage questions. The pageant will be held at 7pm Saturday at the SVC.

(SALT LAKE CITY)-Late Wednesday, it was reported Salt Lake City’s Liberty Lake would reopen after Houston-based Chevron’s big oil spill last year.

Nevertheless, some neighbors insist this struggle is far from over.

According to Salt Lake City, this cleanup effort cost Chevron about $2.5 million, but a certain faction of residents in the area has filed a lawsuit against the company, asserting that it return Red Butte Creek to its once pristine state.

Chevron declined interviews with Salt Lake City media, but instead issued a statement saying it appreciates the general patience for residents as it seeks to rectify the problem.

A celebration commemorating the lake’s return is slated for Saturday.

(RICHFIELD) – Sevier County officials are contemplating establishing a stricter nuisance ordinance throughout the county. At a planning meeting Wednesday night, Zoning Administrator, Larry Hanson, commented that the current county nuisance ordinance is about two short paragraphs long and does not address more serious concerns. Commissioner “Tooter” Ogden wants stricter enforcement of the ordinance but planners say it may be difficult to enforce, except for health and safety concerns. The Planning Commission says costs of gathering information, legal requirements and abatements, may be prohibitive. Planners ended the discussion by calling a work session in the future with County Commissioners.

(SALT LAKE CITY) – Flooding means big business for some Utah companies. Brian Sullivan, of Wagner Packaging Solutions in Salt Lake City, says all the sandbags and disaster supplies in high demand, are profitable for his business. Sullivan says each year at this time, his company goes through thousands of sandbags as residents anticipate the runoff season and a heavier water year. Normally, the company sells about 6,000 sandbags per month but this year, the company has moved more than 100,000 bags. Logan-based, Muscle Wall, is now into its second flood season and has sold about 3,000 flood-barriers nationwide. Company officials say that amount will likely double before the season is over.

(SALT LAKE CITY) – The Utah Department of Transportation has left some high mountain roads in the state closed due to late spring storms. UDOT officials said roads, including SR-148 at Cedar Breaks east of Cedar City and SR-153 at the Mount Holly Junction east of Beaver, normally are opened by Memorial Day but likely will remain closed until mid-to-late June. UDOT said some of the high mountain roads still have drifts of 15-20 feet of snow. Officials hope enough snow will have melted by mid-June to allow plows to begin clearing up the roads. UDOT warns motorists to be aware of alternate routes in the high mountain country.

(GUNNISON) – A prominent Gunnison businessman has died due to complications from heart surgery. News sources say that Juan Larson, owner of Freedom Ford in Gunnison, suffered a heart attack on April 13 and was taken to the University of Utah Hospital. Five days later, doctors performed heart surgery on Larson but due to blood clots, died on May 5. Larson was remembered as a hard worker, starting with an ATV business and eventually, building a farm implement and auto dealership. Employees said that Larson’s enterprises were hit with a “triple whammy” three years ago, when the automobile market plummeted due to the economic meltdown, partners participating in fraudulent practices and another dealership in Kanab, which Larson had investments committed, closed down. Some say the business stress may have contributed to Larson’s death.

(RICHFIELD) – A discussion concerning the construction of transmission lines through Sevier County was held today (Wednesday) at the County Commission meeting. Commissioners are in ongoing discussions with Rocky Mountain Power (RMP) over building transmission lines from the Sigurd Substation to Red Butte in Southern Utah. Zoning Administrator, Larry Hanson, says the lines cannot be constructed near residential zones, according to the county ordinance. Commissioners are trying to avoid amending the ordinance to accommodate a utility corridor or for a larger project. County officials plan to meet with RMP on May 24 at 10am to address their concerns. The meeting will be held at the Richfield City Council Chambers.

(RICHFIELD) – Sevier County Commissioners gave the Sheriff’s Office the authority today to close several waterways throughout the county due to high water in the rivers. Emergency Medical Services Director John Hunt said waterways on the Riverbridge and Glenwood Roads will be closed for recreation until further notice. Hunt said signs will be posted in affected areas warning the public to avoid getting in the water. The areas will be closed to swimming, boating, floating, tubing, rafting, canoeing and kayaking and other water sports. Only those who are certified guides and licensed to use the waterways will be allowed to use them.

(Manti) Manti city is facing a possible power rate increase in the near future. City official have stated that residents have enjoyed some of the lowest electric rates in the state for many years. But with the economic downturn, off-system sales have declined reducing revenues and raising the cost for the city to purchase power from its provider. That combined with required environmental upgrades at generating stations has caused a spike in power costs. The wholesale power cost in December alone was eighteen thousand dollars higher than the year previous. A rate increase may be necessary to offset the rising cost of power, but officials are hopeful that the economy will rebound reducing the need for an increase.

(SALT LAKE CITY)-The Salt Lake Tribune reports Utah’s enforcement-only illegal immigration law was on the books for under 15 hours before a federal judge blocked its enforcement Tuesday afternoon during a hearing which lasted only an hour.

U.S. District Judge Clark Waddoups issued this temporary restraining order after a Utah state lawyer couldn’t argue there would be “irreparable harm” to people should the law remain in effect.

Attorneys for the state, as well as civil rights groups which brought the lawsuit seeking a preliminary injunction will argue the case for this injunction before Waddoups July 14.

This law, H.B.497, was the brainchild of Orem Republican Representative Stephen Sandstrom and was modeled after Arizona’s SB1070, which was enforced last July 29.

Utah assistant attorney general Jerrold Jensen argued lawyers for the American Civil Liberties Union were arguing the wrong state’s law.

When Waddoups questioned Jensen about the law in effect causing “irreparable harm” to Utahns, he didn’t have much response, although he still believes the law will go into effect in July.

Jensen believes the Utah law is different than its Arizonan counterpart because SB1070 requires Arizona authorities to arrest and detain those who cannot prove legal American status of a group or people, even if only one is suspected of committing a crime.

Meanwhile, Sandstrom’s bill was written to only permit a check of legal status if a police officer suspects the individuals in question are victims of human trafficking.

Darcy Goddard, an attorney for ACLU of Utah believes this inadvertently encourages racial profiling, however, while her organization also took umbrage with the law’s “allowable forms of identification,” such as drivers licenses issued after January 2010 being the only ones accepted.

Daniel Argueta, a member of a local chapter of the Latino-rights activist group, the Brown Berets, says the ruling is a temporary victory while he hopes people remember the battle is far from over.

(CEDAR CITY)-Southern Utah University has announced the appointment of Dr. James C. Marchant as Director of the Art Administration Program and Utah Center for Arts Administration at the Cedar City institution.

Marchant comes to SUU after serving as the program coordinator for the arts administration program at the Savannah (Ga.) College of Art & Design’s Atlanta campus and says he is interested in “endangered languages and cultures,” as well as how the arts are used in social justice.

SUU’s College of Performing and Visual Arts Dean Shauna Mendini says Marchant has surpassed all of the university’s qualifications and offers fresh insights on developing art interests at the institution.

Marchant has numerous credentials as he received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Washington-based American University in justice with a focus in theater while he has also earned a law degree from the Beasley Law School at Temple University of Philadelphia.

Additionally, he has a Ph.D in art education concentrating on Cultural Policy and Arts Administration from Columbus, Ohio-based the Ohio State University and has worked professionally in Columbus, Washington, San Francisco, New York and Philadelphia.

(ANNABELLA) – The Sevier County Road Department closed the Riverbridge Road today between Central Valley and Annabella due to water overflowing its banks on the Sevier River. Sheriff Nate Curtis said the road had to be shut down for safety purposes. Curtis said the Piute Reservoir is flowing about 1900-cubit-feet-per-second, which is about twice as much as last week, at 900-cubit-feet-per-second. He said the road will re-open when waters abate. Sevier County Commissioners ask motorists to stay away from flooded areas and use alternate travel routes.

(GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Ariz.)-KVOA-TV, Channel 4 in Tucson, Ariz. reports after a slight delay, Swiss adventurer, Yves “Jetman” Rossy took flight in an attempt to soar over the Grand Canyon Tuesday morning.

Rossy launched from a helicopter hovering at 8,000 feet and sustained a flight over eight minutes, flying 200 feet above the famed canyon’s rim at Grand Canyon West at speeds of up to 190 miles per hour.

Rossy ended his flight by deploying his parachute and descending to the canyon floor.

Rossy was originally scheduled to fly last Friday, and despite the fact he received FAA approval for the flight, he delayed it until Tuesday, saying he was given insufficient time for practice flights.

(SALT LAKE CITY)-The Salt Lake Tribune reports a total of 351 newly minuted Utah laws took effect Tuesday covering everything from illegal immigration statutes to newly legal fireworks in the state.

University of Utah political science professor Matthew Burbank says this range of bills shows the Legislature has attempted to moderate stances on such issues as immigration, but in other areas, Utah’s strong conservatism has also shone.

New laws with a strong conservative bent include ensuring doctors who have an aversion to abortion will not have to perform one and the eradication of an 1,000-foot gun-free barrier around schools.

Other new laws taking effect include a ban on a controversial police and fire fee that Salt Lake County has charged, while allowing centralized “voting centers” on Election Day when a resident from anywhere in a county could vote instead of in their respective voting district.

(SALT LAKE CITY) – The Utah Division of Homeland Security has changed its name to the Division of Emergency Management to better reflect its mission. Public Information Officer Joe Dougherty says the name of the agency needed to be changed because his office was receiving too many calls for law enforcement. Dougherty said HB 80, sponsored by Curt Oda of Clearfield, was unanimously passed by the 2011 Legislative Session and helps eliminate public confusion on which office to call for emergencies and security. The bill was signed by Gov. Gary Herbert. Col. Keith Squires, deputy Public Safety Commissioner and Homeland Security Director, said the name change clears up law enforcement functions and emergency measures. The DEM promotes the state emergency preparedness campaign, training and exercises, grants and mitigation and recovery. For information, log online to www.emergencymanagement.utah.gov.

(SALT LAKE CITY)-Tuesday afternoon, the Salt Lake Tribune reports a federal judge will hear arguments today whether Utah’s enforcement-only immigration bill should be enforced or be set aside because civil rights groups believes it violates the U.S. Constitution.

The law, H.B.497, sponsored by Orem Republican Stephen Sandstrom, is slated to take effect at midnight, meaning it is enforceable as long as there is no ruling on the case.

Both the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Immigration Law Center had attempted to reach an agreement with Attorney General Mark Shurtleff on Monday to delay the law’s start until after the court hearing, although those talks proved unsuccessful.

This bill is modeled after Arizona’s SB1070, which was enforced last July although a judge in San Francisco deemed certain segments of it to be unconstitutional.

The case will be heard at 2:00 p.m. by U.S. District Court Judge Clark Waddoups.

Darcy Goddard, an attorney for the ACLU of Utah said differences between Sandstrom’s bill and SB1070 are cosmetic and his bill still violates the federal supremacy clause as well as people’s constitutional rights protecting them from unreasonable searches and seizures under the Fourth Amendment.

Goddard highlighted a provision saying one acceptable form of identification should be in drivers licenses issued after January 1, 2010.

She says if a person’s drivers license was issued prior to this date, the officer could continue to seek proof of legal residency.

Paul Murphy, a spokesman for the Attorney General’s office says state lawyers remain confident that the law is valid and it will hold up under scrutiny.

(DAMASCUS)-Monday, Syrian security forces arrested hundreds of activists and anti-government protesters in house-to-house raids across the country, part of an escalating government crackdown, aimed at eradicating a revolt engulfing the country.

Monday, the Syrian government’s punishing response triggered new international sanctions as the European Union imposed an arms embargo.

The measure, which follows U.S. sanctions, also prohibits 13 Syrian government officials from traveling anywhere within the 27-nation EU and freezes their assets.

Syrian President Bashar Assad has dispatched army troops and tanks to crush this seven-week uprising which has posed the most serious challenge to his family’s 40-year rule.

Assad’s regime seems determined to suppress this uprising via force and intimidation, despite significantly-growing international outrage and a death toll which numbers 630 civilians since the unrest began, according to rights groups.

Monday’s arrests were focused on four areas, the central city of Homs, Syria, the Syrian coastal city of Banias, certain suburbs of capital city Damascus and villages on the outskirts of southern Syria flashpoint city Daraa, according to Rami Abdul-Rahman, director of the Syrian Observatory For Human Rights.

Abdul-Rahman and other activists said gunfire could be heard in the Damascus suburb of Maadamiyeh.

The area was bereft of electricity, communication or water, activists revealed on condition of anonymity in the event reprisal may occur from Syrian officials.

Assad replied to the international backlash by stating this crisis will be overcome and the process of administrative, political and media reforms will continue.

Monday, the EU said it will not give Syria sufficient weaponry which could crush any internal uprisings against Assad while the U.S. has also imposed sanctions against giving Syrian officials anything to assist them.

Presently, Syria is also banning foreign media while severely restricting access to reporters from many parts of the country, thus making it difficult to independently confirm witness accounts of the violence.

(PALO ALTO, Calif.)-According to a news report released Monday by U.S. News, 16 percent of companies looking to hire recent college graduates say they are seeking candidates who are “adept at using social media.”

Furthermore, KUSA-TV, Channel 9 in Denver reported the stations has jobs available for social media strategists, social media marketers and social media and communications coordinators.

Numerous other companies are also looking into mobile application developers.

The campus newspaper at Dallas-based Southern Methodist University, the SMU Daily Campus, reported last week that while companies seek to embrace social media and creating jobs which help support it, social media managers say students desirous to work in the field need to cultivate writing skills, creativity and looking forward to an ever-evolving future.

Furthermore, Bloomberg reported in an April edition that the class of 2011 is seeing the best job offers since 2008 while the story said “emerging technologies,” such as social media, mobile applications and e-commerce are fueling rapid hirings at such companies as Mountain View, Calif.-based Google Inc. and Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif.

(ISLAMABAD)-Monday, suspicion arose after Pakistan’s intelligence service leaked the name of the Islamabad-based CIA chief to local media in anger over the raid that killed Osama bin Laden, the second ouster of an American covert operative which will arrive in six months.

The U.S. says it has no plans to pull the spy chief, but the incident is likely to exacerbate an already tumultuous relationship between the two countries after Navy SEALs in helicopters descended upon bin Laden’s compound without first informing the Pakistanis.

The CIA and Pakistan’s spy agency have often regarded one another suspiciously, especially concerning this incident.

Pakistani military and intelligence services have suffered significant criticism for failing to stop the U.S. operation since many Pakistanis view this incident as a violation of their sovereignty, even if they were happy about bin Laden’s death.

U.S. officials said they did not inform their Pakistani cohorts, lest bin Laden should be tipped off to any attempts to take his life.

Furthermore, American forces used helicopters with radar-evading technology so no one could spot their movements.

Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani defended the country’s military and intelligence services Monday, telling parliament it was “disingenuous” for anyone to say Islamabad was in league with al-Qaida or any other terrorist factions.

U.S. officials say they have obtained no evidence suggesting anyone in the upper echelon of Pakistan’s military and intelligence establishment was complicit in hiding bin Laden in Abbottabad, an army town located only 35 miles from the capital.

Nevertheless, suspicions remain and members of Congress have threatened to cut off U.S. aid should any evidence be found.

Gilani said bin Laden’s death ensured justice was served, especially since al-Qaida has attacked Pakistan numerous times, although he says the U.S. should not engage in comparable raids in the future.

However, U.S. officials, even prior to bin Laden’s death, have accused Pakistan of playing a double game by taking American aid, promising its support and then failing to target key Islamist militants wanted by the U.S., such as Taliban chief Mullah Mohammed Omar.

Nevertheless, the U.S. acknowledges it is too risky to alienate Pakistan since the assistance of Pakistanis is needed to uproot Taliban militants who may be on the lam throughout the Middle East.

(SALT LAKE CITY)-Utah federal prosecutors have filed fraud and money laundering charges against a former Morgan County administrator who allegedly paid off personal debts with more than $450,000 taken from public coffers.

In court papers, prosecutors attest Garth B. Day used his authority as the county council’s administrator to transfer county funds into his own bank accounts.

Day has been charged in Salt Lake City’s District Court with six felonies: among them wire fraud, making a false loan or credit application, money laundering and theft.

He is slated for an initial court appearance Tuesday.

The 41-year-old Day was named the county council’s first administrator in 2008.

Day was originally charged with 43 felonies in state court while this case was dismissed in April.

A message left for defense attorney Amy Hugle was not immediately returned.

(TALLAHASSEE, Fla.)-Three Utah-based companies promoting family films have come under federal scrutiny for allegedly deceptive telemarketing campaigns, including 16 million calls to numbers on the National Do Not Call registry.

Monday, the Department of Justice filed a complaint in U.S. District Court in Tallahassee, Fla. against Murray-based Feature Films for Families Inc., Corporations for Character L.C. and Family Films of Utah.

In the interim, Corporations for Character, a telemarketing firm known as C4C, filed a lawsuit last Friday in U.S. District Court in Utah against the Federal Trade Commission, which initiated the DOJ complaint.

Both lawsuits have served as the culmination of a two-year dispute between the agency and the companies.

According to the DOJ complaint, the companies conducted a nationwide telephone campaign under the name Kids First in which they offered to send complimentary DVDs, while requesting feedback on whether such movies should be included on a list of recommended films.

However, these telemarketers did not disclose that those who agreed to participate would later receive calls pitching DVDs produced by these companies.

Furthermore, the defendants’ telemarketers allegedly told consumers all of these proceeds will help finish up creating this recommended viewing list to help parents and grandparents with a list they can trust, the DOJ attests.

In actuality, the organization responsible for the Kids First recommended viewing list, the Santa Fe, N.M.-based Coalition for Quality Children’s Media, did not receive all the proceeds.

This complaint alleges that the three companies received at least 93 percent of the DVD sales.

Additionally, the DOJ contends the companies have made more than 16 million calls to numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry since 2007.

In the lawsuit against the FTC, C4C argues the call were exempt from the registry because they were issue advocacy and solicitations for charitable contributions.

The suit asserts the FTC fails to disclose that charities are not subject to the do-not-call law.

The Utah companies say they are confident they can show their compliance with the law in court.

The DOJ is seeking a court order to permanently bar them from soliciting, civil penalties which could incur as much as $16,000 per phone call, as well as repayment for their “ill-gotten” gains.

(CEDAR CITY)-After the death of former Parowan Senator Dennis Stowell, six Republican candidates have vied to fill his seat in the Utah Senate.

Stowell’s position, District 28, encompasses Beaver, Garfield, Iron, Kane and Millard counties, as well as eastern Washington County and expires in January 2013.

Candidates include Casey Anderson of Cedar City, Peter Greathouse of Lynndyl, Keith Harrison of Parowan, Allen G. Smith of Delta, Evan J. Vickers of Cedar City and Marilee A. Stowell of Parowan.

A special caucus meeting will occur this Saturday, May 14, at 6:00 p.m. at Cedar City-based Southern Utah University’s Hunter Conference Center.

Registration opens at 4:30 p.m.

More candidate information is available at www.utgop.org

(ELSINORE) – Sevier County deputies are investigating an ATV accident that seriously injured a Richfield man on Saturday. A sheriff’s report stated that 21-year old Brandon Issa was climbing a hill in Flat Canyon west of Elsinore at about 3:30pm Saturday, when he lost power in an attempt to climb a steep hill and rolled down the hill. The report said that Issa was not wearing a helmet and sustained severe head injuries. He was transported to the Sevier Valley Medical Center in Richfield for treatment.

(ST. GEORGE) – Two bicyclists were injured after cars struck them during the Ironman race near St. George on Saturday. Det. Nate Abbott of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office said during the race, SR-18 was divided into three lanes, two for north and southbound vehicle traffic and one for bicyclists. Abbott said that in two separate incidences, motorists inadvertently entered into the bicycle lane, striking two bicyclists. One accident involved an elderly woman who entered the bicycle lane near the town of Veyo and hit a bicyclist and in another accident, a 17-year old girl entered the bicycle lane. Abbott said that the girl realized her mistake and in an attempt to change lanes, veered into a bicyclist. Both bicyclists were taken to the Dixie Regional Medical Center in unknown condition. Both drivers received citations.

(GUNNISON) – The Utah Highway Patrol will be conducting a child safety test at the Gunnison Marketplace this Friday from 2-5pm. UHP Troopers will be on hand to check child safety restraints to make sure motorists are buckling up their children in a safe and proper manner. The traveling public is invited to stop at Gunnison Marketplace this Friday for the inspection.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) – Rep. Jason Chaffetz is leading a bi-partisan effort in the House urging Pres. Obama to recalibrate America’s anti-terrorism policy. Chaffetz is the Chairman of the Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on National Security, Homeland Defense and Foreign Operations and said, after the successful, targeted, special forces raid that killed Osama bin Laden, America needs to re-do its mission in Afghanistan. Chaffetz, along with several members of the House, are calling on Obama to shift his strategy on nation-building in Afghanistan and model one after the successful mission against bin Laden. In a joint letter sent to Pres. Obama, Chaffetz said the killing of bin Laden was made possible by a strong intelligence operation and well-trained Special Forces units. He said that effort has proven to be far more effective than putting troops on the ground in the Middle-Eastern country.

(ATLANTA)-KVOA-TV, Channel 4 in Tucson, Ariz. reports Newt Gingrich is running for president on the Republican ticket.

Monday, the former House speaker disclosed his bid on Twitter and Facebook and urged his Twitter followers to tune into FOX News on Wednesday.

The move is hardly a surprise, experts say, as these past few months, he has been raising money, assembling a campaign team and visiting early primary states.

He has also opened campaign headquarters in Atlanta and had long been scheduled to address the Georgia Republican Party Convention Friday at Macon, Ga.

Aides say this will be his first speech as a full-fledged candidate.

Gingrich has a rich tradition with the Republican party as he led the GOP to their first major House victory in the House in 40 years, spearheading the Republican revolution in the 1994 elections.

Gingrich has lived in northern Virginia for more than a decade, but the Harrisburg, Pa.-born politician is seeking to reconnect with his Georgian roots as he taught history at the Carrollton, Ga.-based University of West Georgia and was a longtime congressman from suburban Atlanta, helping build the Republican party in a then-Democratically controlled state.

(PAGE, AZ.) – The launch ramps at the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area are now operating on summer hours. Park Superintendent Todd Brindle has announced the ramps at Wahweap and Stateline are open from 5am to 8pm and the Bullfrog launch ramp is open from 6am to 9pm. Halls Crossing is open from 7am to 5pm and launching from Lone Rock Beach is from 8am to 5pm. Also, Brindle says the launch ramp at Antelope Point Marina is open from 7am to 7pm daily. Brindle reminds boaters that vessels are not allowed to be launched when the ramps are closed. Visitors are also reminded that anyone launching vessels on Lake Powell is required to obtain and display a “Mussel Free” certificate on the dash of their vehicle.

(TORONTO)-Former Brigham Young University linebacker Jadon Wagner was selected by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League in the 2011 CFL Draft Sunday and will forgo his final season of collegiate athletic eligibility.

The draft, which does not occur at a particular site, unlike the NFL Draft, features six rounds and Wagner, a 6’4”, 246-pound linebacker, was selected by Hamilton with the 44th selection overall.

The draft is open primarily to Canadian university football players or Canadians who happen to be playing college football in the States.

Additionally, former Weber State tight end Tyrell Francisco, a native of Kelowna, British Columbia, was also drafted by Hamilton with the 36th overall selection.

Francisco is the 29th Wildcat alum to be drafted into the CFL.

Traditionally, former Utah collegians have found gridiron success in the Great White North as former BYU receiver and Montreal Alouettes great Ben Cahoon became the CFL’s all-time leading receiver with 1,017 catches for 13,301 yards and 65 touchdowns.

Incidentally, Cahoon’s quarterback for much of his tenure in Montreal was former Utah State standout Anthony Calvillo who is second all-time in CFL passing yards behind Toronto legend Damon Allen and fourth overall in all-time professional football passing yards, with 68,161 yards.

Calvillo is only behind Allen, former NFL quarterback Brett Favre and signal-caller Warren Moon who played in both the NFL and CFL.

Other prominent selections included former Montana kicker Brody McKnight, who went eighth overall to Montreal and former San Diego Chargers defensive lineman Vaughn Martin who the Alouettes picked with the 39th overall selection.

Martin matriculated at London, Ontario-based Western Ontario University.

(RICHFIELD) – The Fishlake National Forest will conduct its final Community Open House session this Wednesday at the Piute County Courthouse in Junction. During the past month, Forest Supervisors conducted seven sessions concerning the fire management program, providing information to the public on fire fighting efforts on the forest. Topics include how decisions are made to manage unplanned, naturally-ignited fire, fire ecology, fuels management and prevention and Firewise. The final open house will be held in Junction this Wednesday between 5 and 8pm.

(SALT LAKE CITY)-Utah Representative Jason Chaffetz has written President Barack Obama in hopes he will nominate a U.S. Attorney for the state.

Utah, who has been without a presidential-appointed federal prosecutor since Bill Tolman resigned in December 2009.

Chaffetz hopes that Obama submits a name by June 30 while he sent the president a similar letter in October.

After Tolman’s resignation, Carlie Christensen was named as acting U.S. attorney while U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder appointed her to an 120-day term as U.S. Attorney in July 2010.

Department of Justice spokeswoman Jessica Smith said she has acted in an interim capacity since that time.

Smith said although Christensen did not receive a presidential appointment, she is an experienced federal prosecutor who oversees the office’s traditional prosecutorial and litigational functions.

Utah Senior Senator Orrin Hatch says he is hopeful the president will give this “appointment the priority it deserves.”

Utah Democratic Party executive director Todd Taylor said he is frustrated with the Obama Administration as well although he suggested Hatch was to be blamed for the delay.

Efforts to get a nominee to the Senate over the past 16 months have failed while the Obama Administration passed on Democrat David Schwendiman, who was recommended by Utah Democratic Representative Jim Matheson, for reasons that were never explained.

(ST. GEORGE) – The Utah Department of Transportation is offering guided tours this Thursday along an archeological route through the future Southern Parkway corridor. UDOT Involvement Manager Kevin Kitchen says the tours will run through an area full of archeological history. Archeologists will guide visitors through discovery sites of ancestral communities constructed over 1000 years ago by prehistoric agriculturists who lived along the Virgin River. The archeologists are investigating 12 miles of the future corridor to identify sites potentially eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. The tours will be held Thursday, May 12 at 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm. To book a tour, call 1-801-904-4075.

(SALT LAKE CITY)-As the collegiate Class of 2011 makes its way into the workforce, it has received the ignominious distinction of being the most indebted class in history according to a report from the National Center for Education Statistics.

The report asserts this year’s graduates will walk away from college $23,000 in debt.

Financial analysts believe this is the highest number of all time, while this is primarily due to inflation.

The real problem, analysts say, is not the debt new graduates carry, but the economy’s present state.

Stephen Johnson, a Utah-based branch manager for St. Petersburg, Fla.-based Raymond James Financial Services said the amount of debt new graduates have incurred since the job market is not as robust as it has been previously.

The National Center for Education Statistics estimates the average starting job salary for graduates with bachelor degrees will be nearly $37,000 which is down from $47,000 in 2009.

Analysts say this 2011 debt burden will affect the overall economy in the regard that new graduates will delay “major milestones,” such as leaving the nest, buying a home or even marriage.

(LOGAN)-During Utah State University commencement exercises Saturday, keynote speaker L. John Wilkerson, a businessman and entrepreneur, told graduates to follow their passions when choosing a career.

Wilkerson said life is an expression of one’s passions, although he said passion should not confused with enthusiasm or excitement.

Wilkerson concluded his remarks by announcing his latest initiative, a student movement known as the Global Poverty Project, with the ambition of eliminating extreme poverty throughout the world.

Wilkerson, who spoke to 6,322 graduates, was awarded an honorary doctorate of humane letters along with Mike Dmitrich, Karen Haight Huntsman, Syng-II Huyn, and C. Hardy Redd.

USU President Stan Albrecht issued the degrees and recognized the recipients of this year’s student and faculty awards.

(EPHRAIM) – The Miss Ephraim Pageant Committee has announced the winners of this past weekend’s pageant held at the Eccles Center for Performing Arts at the Snow College Ephraim campus on Saturday. The new Miss Ephraim is Jacki Chamberlain with Tauni McFarlane selected as First Attendant. Second Attendant is Kinsie Bushnell. Judges chose Lydia Nelson as Miss Congeniality and Miss Photogenic is Marianne Olsen.

(RICHFIELD) – The Sevier County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents that the Sevier River will overflow its banks today. Sheriff Nate Curtis said in a radio interview, that the river is currently cresting its banks and will overflow sometime during the day today Curtis said the sheriff’s office has thousands of sandbags available to help home and land owners divert flood waters. He said 100 sandbags will be given away free to any resident who wants them. Sheriff Curtis said the warning will remain in effect until the flood waters are abated.

(SALT LAKE CITY)-In an address given at the Little America Hotel in downtown Salt Lake City last Saturday, Deseret Management Corporation CEO and president Mark Willes said pornography breaks hearts and even puts normal sexuality at risk.

DMC, the commercial arm of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, was greatly involved in events at the 10th annual conference on Protecting Children and Families from Pornography and Other Harmful Materials with Willes playing a particularly large role.

More than 700 people gathered at the conference, which also included several sessions on pornography’s numerous debilitating effects, such as how it destroys marriages.

Willes said nationwide, some 47 percent of citizens reported pornography has somehow affected their families.

Utah Governor Gary Herbert, who was also on hand, said pornography is a “growing scourge” in American society.

After the conference, Pamela Atkinson, chair of the Utah Coalition Against Pornography, says statistics reveal a growing amount of hard-core pornography and its devastating effects on society.

Atkinson asked everyone who attended the conference to share this message with at least five friends.

(ST. GEORGE)-Last Friday at Dixie State College’s commencement ceremonies, keynote speaker, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints President Thomas S. Monson exhorted graduates to build bridges throughout their lives.

Monson stressed the importance of three particular bridges: the bridge of attitude, the bridge of integrity and the bridge of service.

This commencement commemorated Dixie State’s 100th year and college president (and former Church general authority and mission president) Stephen D. Nadauld said since the LDS Church started the college, it was only fitting that the current prophet give the keynote address.

Monson, who also spoke at commencement exercises in 1975, has long championed higher education in Utah, served on the state’s Board of Regents for years.

Presently, in addition to his role as Church president, he also serves as a Brigham Young University trustee and works closely with the Church’s Board of Education.

The ceremony will be rebroadcast on KUEN-TV Channel 9 Saturday May 14 at 7:30 p.m. and may also be seen anytime after Monday May 9 on vodov.com.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)-Caden Lowry doubled and Ryan Rhinehart pitched a 2-hitter as the Richfield Wildcats doubled up the Juab Wasps, 4-2 Friday in Region 12 baseball action.

DELTA, Utah (AP)-Hadley Myers tripled while Austin Albers, Jaxon Singleton and Kaden Hughes each doubled as the Delta Rabbits pummeled the Manti Templars, 11-2 in Region 12 baseball action Friday. Keith Bowles doubled and tripled in the loss for Manti.

MT. PLEASANT, Utah (AP)-Makaylie Jorgensen tripled and the North Sanpete Lady Hawks edged the Emery Lady Spartans, 4-3 Friday in Region 12 softball action.

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP)-Heather Taufer tripled and the Richfield Lady Wildcats held off the Juab Lady Wasps, 8-7 in Region 12 softball action Friday. Tiffany Sydall, Maddy Lou Jerome and Emily Pikuavit doubled in the win for Richfield while Alexa Nielson had two doubles in defeat for Juab.

DELTA, Utah (AP)-Miranda Stevens homered and doubled and the Manti Lady Templars blanked the Delta Lady Rabbits, 18-0 Friday in Region 12 softball action. Cali Haymond, Kamee Christensen doubled for Manti while Taunie McFarlane tripled for the Lady Templars.

(TROPIC) – The Utah Scenic Byway 12 All-American Road Committee has received funding for the improvements of the visitors center to the Red Canyon. Byway Coordinator, John Holland, says the committee was awarded $326,360 to go towards the improvements. He said the funds were issued through the Federal Highway Administration for the National Scenic Byways Program. The Dixie National Forest also has committed an additional $81,590 to the project in the form of matching funds. The funds will be used for new restroom facilities, an ADA accessible interpretive trail, picnic area and landscaping on the existing Red Canyon facility grounds. In 2009, over a million visitors traveled Scenic Byway 12 and 112,000 visitors stopped at the Red Canyon Visitor’s Center.

(GREEN RIVER) – Residents on the northeastern side of the state of Utah are being warned that flooding is imminent. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and emergency managers say that areas of Jensen, Randlett, east of Roosevelt and Green River are all at high risk for flooding. The warning has prompted residents to meet May 12 at the Western Park Convention Center in Vernal for an emergency meeting. Water managers say the Green River, infused with rushing waters from Colorado’s Yampa River, is expected to overflow its banks soon and fill farm fields and damage homes. The Yampa is expected to be six to ten feet above its peak levels. Randy Julander with the Utah Water Users Association, said that a colder than normal April, coupled with 200% of additional snowfall, is adding to the already overwhelming levels of snow in the mountains.

(RICHFIELD) – Former Sen. Jake Garn will hold a press conference on Wednesday in Richfield concerning the Sevier Valley Veteran’s Memorial. Garn has been tapped as an honorary member of the memorial fundraising committee to encourage donations in order for the project to be completed. Committee members say that $250,000 is needed to complete the project. Richfield City officials say that over $30,000 of in-kind labor has already been contributed by local contractors and suppliers. The press conference will be held Wednesday at 1:30pm at the Richfield Cemetery. The public is invited to attend.

(EUREKA) – Off-road enthusiasts are already hitting ATV trails and the Little Sahara Recreation Area near Eureka, in spite of flood concerns in the mountains. OHV riders Scott Devries and Kolby White say taking a dune buggy or other OHV on the sand dunes is a great thrill. The LSRA covers over 60,000 acres of sand dunes and features trails and flat bushy areas for miles and miles of recreation fun. White and BLM Specialist, Lisa Reid, both say the area is one of the most wide-opened areas in the state for OHV use. Juab County Sheriff Alden Orme says the most popular part of the dunes is Sand Mountain, a steep 700-mountain of sand. Orme said that on a typical weekend, about 3,000 people visit the LSRA.

(SALT LAKE CITY)-A St. George turf farm owner and developer has been ordered to pay $271 for pocketing state withholding and sales taxes.

The 55-year-old Douglas J. Holt entered a plea in abeyance agreement May 2 to one second-degree and one third-degree felony on counts relating to the tax charges.

Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff says he is grateful a “fair resolution” was made and hopes that this reminds everyone that anyone who keeps state taxes steals money from communities in the state.

Third District Judge William Barrett accepted a $40,000 restitution payment and ordered Holt to pay $2,500 per month until the remaining resolution is paid back to the state.

Holt has paid back $120,000 thus far while he was also placed on probation for three years and commanded to fulfill 200 hours of community service.

From 2004-2007, Holt operated 3-H River Turf Farm, also known as 3-J Landscape Products.

During this time, he collected and kept sales taxes from the business and also sent a letter falsely claiming he was not required to send taxes to the state.

He recently began working with state authorities and a restitution to the case was reached.

This case was investigated by the Utah State Tax Commission as well as the Utah Attorney General’s office.

DELTA, Utah (AP)-Jace Johnson amassed a hat trick and Bryan May added an insurance goal as the Delta Rabbits edged the Carbon Dinos, 4-3 Thursday in the 3A soccer playoffs.

HEBER CITY, Utah (AP)-Ben Powell, Devon Hall and Jackson Cheal had two goals apiece and the Wasatch Wasps hammered the North Sanpete Hawks, 10-1 in the 3A soccer playoffs Thursday. Osbaldo Jimenez scored the sole goal in defeat for the Hawks.

PARK CITY, Utah (AP)-Anthony Alcox posted four goals and the Park City Miners smacked the Richfield Wildcats, 7-0 Thursday in the 3A soccer playoffs. Tanner Kiem posted the shutout for Park City.

EPHRAIM, Utah (AP)-Oscar Balderas and Jose Jimenez each posted goals but it wasn’t enough as the Union Cougars outlasted the Manti Templars, 5-3 by virtue of penalty kicks in double overtime in 3A soccer playoff action. With the score tied at 2-2 after regulation, the Cougars took control in the extra sessions.

FILLMORE, Utah (AP)-Ashlie Dearden belted two homers while Camille Blad also went yard as the Millard Lady Eagles surged past the Parowan Lady Rams, 9-7 Thursday in Region 13 softball action. Naquita Chlarson also doubled in the win for Millard.

BEAVER, Utah (AP)-Morgan Overly doubled and tripled and the Gunnison Lady Bulldogs edged the Beaver Lady Beavers, 14-13 in non-region softball action Thursday. McKayla Bess homered in defeat for Beaver while Kelcie Marshall doubled in the loss for the Lady Beavers.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) – Rep. Jason Chaffetz is in agreement with Pres. Barack Obama to liquidate federal properties the government no longer wants or needs. In an uncommon pairing of divergent political ideologies, Chaffetz supports legislation Obama is sending to Congress that seeks to unload 12,218 federal properties, including 154 properties in Utah. The White House’s plan purports to save the federal government $15 billion over three years by establishing “an independent commission”, to identify civilian federal properties that could be closed, sold or demolished. Chaffetz says the plan will sell off 3.3 million acres of real property belonging to the BLM, including 11 properties in Manilla and nine in Spanish Fork. He said the country is trillions of dollars in debt and the sales of the properties will help reduce the federal deficit.

(PANGUITCH) – The Powell Ranger District of the Dixie National Forest is planning a prescribed burn in Ahlstrom Hollow about 20 miles southeast of Panguitch. The project will involve about 800 acres on the Paunsaugunt Plateau in Garfield County, near the East Fork of the Sevier River. Highway 12 is located on the north side of the burn area. Fire managers say much of the area has had no fires ignited for over 100 years, encouraging pinion and juniper stands to encroach on the forest. Fire crews say fire and smoke will be visible to local communities in the burn area for several days.

(MORONI) – Several Sterling travelers escaped injury when their vehicle rolled on SR-132 north of Moroni Wednesday night. According to a UHP report, 35-year old Jeanie Christensen was traveling southbound in a 1997 Ford Expedition, when she lost control due to a left rear tire blow out, crossed over northbound lanes and off the left shoulder. UHP said Christensen was towing a trailer, which rolled, losing all of its load. Her vehicle remained upright. Christensen’s passengers, 33-year old Michelle Reese and Travis Christensen, along with 22-year old Corey Custer and a one-year old, all of Sterling, were seatbelted and escaped injury in the 9:30pm accident.

(MANTI) – Sanpete County Commissioners have discussed and approved a letter to the Utah Department of Wildlife Resources concerning the prevention of fishing at Ferron Reservoir in Emery County. During the county commission meeting on Tuesday, commissioners discussed the treatment of fish at the reservoir and were concerned with the possibility of cutthroat trout and other fish not being reintroduced into the reservoir. Commissioners said the DWR may eventually refuse to allow fishing at the reservoir.

(GUNNISON) – A Snow College sculptor has donated his time and talent to restore two replicas of two Winged Victories as part of the restoration of the Casino Star Theatre in Gunnison. Foundation Chairperson Diana Spencer said professor Brad Taggert was instrumental in creating the replicas that had long been missing. Spencer said the originals vanished during the 1956 renovation, with both reported to have been last seen in a trash pile near the big “G” on a hillside west of Gunnison. She said Taggert spent a lot of spare time and effort, without pay, to re-create the Victories. Spencer is also petitioning residents to come forward with information as to the original color of the theatre façade and the renaming of the theatre to “Star” in 1936. She said the painting and weather-conditioning of the theatre will take place this spring and summer.

(GENEVA)-KVOA-TV, Channel 4 in Tucson, Ariz. reports a Swiss adventurer is hoping to fulfill a lifelong dream by flying through the Grand Canyon with his jet-propelled wingsuit.

Former flight pilot, the 51-year-old Yves Rossy, will attempt to do the stunt early Friday.

Wednesday, his team said Rossy will jump from a helicopter near Eagle Point and fly westward along the rim of the canyon.

Previously, Rossy has flown his custom-made wingsuit over the Swiss Alps and across the English Channel.

He also tried, yet failed, to cross the Strait of Gibraltar from Morocco to Spain.

(GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Ariz.)-The Arizona Daily Sun of Flagstaff, Ariz. reports the woman who fell to her death at Grand Canyon National Park last Thursday has been identified.

According to information obtained from the National Park Service, the woman was identified as 77-year-old Barbara Evert of Englewood, Colo.

Evert had been on a commercial river trip and had gone on a side hike up from Rattlesnake Camp.

During the hike, she slipped and fell about 140 feet, dying from her injuries.

Her body was later flown to the Coconino County (Ariz.) Medical Examiner’s Office in Flagstaff and Park Service officials are continuing to investigate the situation.

(MANTI) – A letter concerning protecting Utah from Redrock Wilderness designations was discussed and approved by the Sanpete County Commission on Tuesday. The approved letter is being sent to state officials in response to the U.S. Interior Department’s requirement that additional inventories of wilderness study areas in counties in the state, need to be conducted. Sanpete County Clerk Sandy Neill said the letter is in opposition to re-inventory all wilderness areas in the county that have already been designated wilderness. She said 51.4% of the county’s land is under federal control, with 774,520 acres of forest land and 22,600 acres of BLM land that has been designated wilderness. Neill also commented that additional wilderness designations would negatively impact the economy in the county due to 15.3% of the population living below the poverty level. Agriculture, coal mining and trucking would also be adversely impacted.

(IRON COUNTY)-Parowan Gap, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, offers a “gallery” of well-preserved Native American rock carvings and is believed to house one of the more concentrated collections of ancient petroglyphs throughout the West with over 90 panels and 1,500 figures.

Parowan Gap is accessible year round and each year, during the summer, as has been mentioned on our bulletin board at midutahradio.com/events, the area is a site for a summer solstice event, which will occur Saturday June 18 this year.

A full detailed guilde about the Parowan Gap Petroglyphs can be found at the following Web site http://www.scenicsouthernutah.com/heritage_discovery/parowangap.shtml, while brochures are available at the Iron County Visitors Center, located at 581 N. Main in Cedar City.

(BILLINGS, Mont.)-Wednesday, the Obama Administration announced it is lifting endangered species act protections for 5,500 gray wolves in eight states throughout the Northern Rockies and Great Lakes regions.

This move essentially draws the line between the predators’ rapid expansion over the last two decades.

Public hunts for hundreds of wolves have already been planned for this fall in Idaho and Montana while Wednesday, Interior Department officials said the most suitable wolf habitat is already occupied.

Conservationists have hailed the animal’s recovery from near extinction last century as a landmark achievement that should be extended to the Pacific Northwest and New England.

However, the federal wolf program has stirred a backlash from agriculture and sporting groups angry over wolf attacks on livestock and big game herds.

Western lawmakers attached a rider to the federal bill mandating the move for 1,300 wolves into the Northern Rockies.

The rider blocked legal challenges, marking the first time Congress has stripped a species of protections.

About 4,200 wolves listed as “threatened” in the western Great Lakes region are also slated to lose protections following a public comment period.

(SALT LAKE CITY)-Seven years after killing a boy with a pipe bomb, Steven Douglas Thurman pleaded guilty to first-degree felony murder and was ordered to spend up to life in prison while the Board of Pardons is considering whether or not he should be released, the Salt Lake Tribune reports.

Board member Angela Micklos barraged the 52-year-old Thurman with questions concerning whether he planted the bomb and had designs of killing Howard Cook, the boy’s father.

Tuesday, Thurman expressed little remorse for his actions, saying he never intended to kill the boy, Adam Cook, or his father and that he tried to retrieve the bomb he had placed in Howard Cook’s vehicle before it detonated.

He told Micklos he had planted the bomb after a night of heavy drinking and partying for a friend’s wedding celebration on May 13, 1991.

He returned home in the interim but he wanted to party some more so he went to a bar in Magna and as he passed his ex-wife’s house on the way (who had left him to be with Cook) and was enraged when he saw Cook’s car in the driveway.

He stopped at Cook’s vehicle, discovering the rear door was unlocked and planted the bomb.

Thurman said he devised a plan to tip police off to the bomb without admitting his guilt.

The next morning, around 8:00 a.m., he called the bakery where Cook worked and said there was a bomb in one of the trucks.

He left the tip anonymously, but still drove to the bakery to ensure police arrived at the scene.

Police found no bomb however, as Thurman had failed to clarify that the bomb was in Cook’s Landcruiser.

The bomb exploded Wednesday evening when Adam Cook climbed into the vehicle.

Micklos questioned Thurman about his activities that day while noting that he appeared on edge and seemed nervous about events surrounding the time Adam Cook died.

Micklos said a series of events that did not go favorably for Thurman, including his job loss and divorce, caused him to exact vengeance against Cook.

Meanwhile, Howard Cook says he still mourns the loss of his son.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) – The Bureau of Land Management in conjunction with other agencies within the Department of Interior, will waive fees for visitors to the National System of Public Lands on the first day of summer. BLM officials say that June 21, along with National Public Lands Day on Sept. 24 and the Veteran’s Day holiday weekend, Nov. 11-13, will see fee-free days. The free fees apply only to those areas managed within the BLM’s National Landscape Conservation System. BLM Director Bob Abbey said waiving fees for a few days out of the year helps travelers experience public lands and develop a passion for them, where they otherwise may not have the opportunity.

(OREM)-Orem Republican Representative Stephen Sandstrom, the impetus of a controversial immigration bill for the state, returned to Utah Wednesday after suffering heart problems while attempting to climb Mt. Everest.

Sandstrom was part of an Everest trek when he suffered what he described as a “near heart attack.”

Sandstrom sought medical attention in Nepal, then flew home overnight.

The lawmaker has had some heart surgery in recent years and he was planning to see a doctor Thursday.

(WALNUT CREEK, Calif.)-The Pac-12 Conference, featuring new member institutions Utah and Colorado, announced late Tuesday it would be teaming up with ESPN of Bristol, Conn. and Los Angeles-based FOX Sports Media Group on a landmark agreement for a broadcast and national cable television package which extends and expands long-time media partnerships with both media companies.

At this same time, Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott announced the creation of a new media company, Pac-12 Media Enterprises, which will own the newly-devised Pac-12 network, the Pac-12 digital network and Pac-12 properties.

This new entity will control and distribute on each of its platforms and devices, which primarily entails all Pac-12 broadcasts which do not air on the ESPN family of networks (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN Classic, ESPN3 and ABC) or FOX Sports and will hold other media and event rights.

This entity will be wholly-owned and controlled by the Pac-12 conference and will exist side-by-side along with the existing ESPN and FOX Sports agreements.

Although terms of the ESPN and FOX deals were not disclosed, Scott called it a “landmark deal” on several fronts, while also saying all conference members, even lower-class institutions such as Washington State and Arizona State, would share equal revenue distribution with traditional conference titans, such as USC and Stanford.

This new 12-year deal goes into effect in 2012 and includes “TV Everywhere” platform rights for the broadcast, national cable and Pac-12 Network and Pac-12 digital Network packages.

Content highlights include 44 regular-season football games being televised annually on select ESPN or FOX broadcast or national cable networks, such as ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, FOX and FX.

Additionally, 10 regular season football games per year will be on a combination of the ABC/FOX broadcast networks with full national clearance as well as a substantial commitment to possible prime-time coverage.

Comparable agreements extend to mens’ college basketball with 68 regular season mens’ basketball games appearing on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU and FOX Sports Net.

As for the mens’ college basketball tournament, the quarterfinals, semifinals and championship game will be shown on either ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU or FOX Sports Net.

To ensure a fair distribution of games, ESPN, FOX Sports and the Pac-12 network, which officially adds Utah and Colorado in July, will share pre-determined football and mens’ basketball selection rights.

The Pac-12 has retained Evolution Media Capital of New York, an affiliate of Century City, Calif.-based Creative Artists Agency as its media and financial adviser with Proskauer Rose serving as legal counsel.

(LOS ANGELES)-A 2009 study conducted by UCLA geography students accurately predicted many things about Osama bin Laden’s hiding place.

While compiling their analysis for a class project, the students deducted that the terrorist would not be hiding in a cold cave, rather he would be living in a city less than 200 miles away from Tora Bora, situated in eastern Afghanistan and also the last site where he was believed to be.

Secondly, they deduced he would be living in a home rife with high ceilings and electricity, as well as a fence, cover from trees and it would feature more than three rooms.

A news release issued by the Los Angeles-based university said the geographers used simple facts, publicly-available satellite imagery and fundamental geographic principles to situate bin Laden in one of three buildings in Parachinar, Pakistan, a town situated in the northwester portion of the country on the Iran border.

While bin Laden was found in another city, most of the other predictions made by students were correct.

In 2009, a former CIA officer perused the students’ report, and called it an “interesting starting report.”

(WASHINGTON)-Former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman, seen as a potential presidential candidate, is taking final steps toward building a national political profile by setting up a committee enabling him to raise money, hire staff and travel throughout the country.

Tuesday, spokesman Tim Miller said Huntsman had filed paperwork to form a political action committee, or PAC, while Miller says this is an “organizational step” and not a clear cut sign that Huntsman will launch a campaign.

In the interim, Huntsman has scheduled a weekend visit to South Carolina, which has an early spot on the presidential nominating calendar.

(SALT LAKE CITY)-The pressure is increasing for lawmakers not to override Utah Governor Gary Herbert’s veto of a bill earmarking 30 percent of additional sales tax revenues for transportation.

Opponents of SB229, including the United Way and representatives of education and human services groups, are set to rally on the Utah Capitol steps Wednesday.

Tom Love, the Salt Lake board chairman of the United Way and president of Love Communications said the rally’s purpose is to eradicate earmarks as well as preventing future legislative bodies from being handcuffed.

Layton Republican Senator Stuart Adams, the sponsor of the bill, says the law would increase the amount of sales tax revenues which go toward transportation projects by about 10 percent, to slightly less than 25 percent.

This 30 percent earmark of growth in tax revenue sales would not begin until July 1, 2013 and is expected to last anywhere from two to five years.

Adams says this is a viable alternative to the proposed gas tax in the state, a measure which would infuriate many of his fellow conservatives, he stated.

University of Utah political scientist Matthew Burbank says he believes the public would come down heavily in favor of Herbert’s veto because his concern for the impact on other state programs is easier to understand than the argument made for the override.

(SALT LAKE CITY)-The American Civil Liberties Union and National Immigration Law Center has filed a complaint on behalf of several individuals and organizations, including the Utah Coalition of La Raza and the Latin America Chamber of Commerce.

This week, lawyers intend to seek an injunction in U.S. District Court to stop the law in question, H.B.497, from being enforced, according to Karen McCreary, Utah’s ACLU executive director.

In the interim, it seems as if the Department of Justice sounds more and more like it may sue the state over the package of illegal immigration bills the Legislature approved this year.

The federal government has already gone to court to stymie Arizona’s controversial immigration law, SB1070.

At a committee meeting Tuesday, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said if Utah doesn’t make adjustments, the DOJ would probably have to take action, according to Representative Jason Chaffetz of Utah.

Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff said he was encouraged that Holder appears willing to let the state make changes to the measure while H.B.116, the most controversial of the Utah bills, does not take effect until the summer of 2013.

Juan Manuel Ruiz, president of the Latin America Chamber of Commerce, says H.B.497 is a “harassing law” for all of those who do not look like conventional Americans.

H.B.497 requires police to verify immigration status of people arrested for felonies and Class A misdemeanors as well as those booked into jail on Class B and Class C misdemeanors.

This also asserts officers may attempt to verify the status of those detained for Class B and Class C misdemeanors.

Shurtleff, who has been named a defendant in the lawsuit along with Utah Governor Gary Herbert, says this is entirely defensible and it will be defended.

(SALT LAKE CITY)-Control of a polygamous sect straddling the Utah-Arizona border remains in limbo after a deadline imposed by Utah commerce officials passed without a resolution of the internal power struggle.

Monday, Utah State Division of Corporations spokeswoman Jennifer Bolton said the state is reviewing documents filed by sect leader Warren S. Jeffs and a rival church leader before issuing a decision.

The state division of Corporations set a deadline for 6:00 p.m. MDT Monday evening for the parties in question to resolve the matter concerning who should be president of the sect.

In March, sect bishop William E. Jessop filed papers in which he reportedly seized control from Jeffs, who has been jailed in Texas on charges of bigamy and aggravated sexual assault.

(ST. GEORGE) – Wildland firefighters are gathering this week for the 4th Annual Great Basin Engine Academy in St. George in an intensive 80-hour course over 12-days. The course is designed to expose firefighter students to all aspects of wildfire engine operations with an emphasis on practical application and testing. The academy is hosted by the Dixie National Forest Pine Valley Ranger District and Arizona Strip BLM District. St. George City officials are also instrumental in making available essential accommodations for driving courses and pumping activities at the old St. George airport and classroom facilities at Dixie State College. Students from the Forest Service and BLM offices in Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada and Utah, are participating in the academy this year.

(PANGUITCH) – Dixie National Forest fire managers will continue to prescribe planned burns on Cooper Knoll of the Haycock Mountain in the Panguitch drainage area. Fire managers on the forest expect to complete a total of 600 acres of prescribed fire East of the Pass Creek drainage, bordered by SR-143 on the west and north sides. Personnel say the fire should continue to burn over the next few weeks, weather permitting. Fire managers say the burn will help make the forest healthier in the long-run and adjacent communities safer from the threats posed by wildlife. The Cooper Knoll prescribed burn is in an area with ponderosa pine and pinion-juniper.

(HATCH) – A Montana family sustained injuries after hitting a deer on SR-89 south of Hatch Monday night. According to a UHP report, 48-year old Dale Frecke of Bozeman, MT., was traveling southbound in a 2006 GMC Sierra, pulling a camp trailer, when a deer crossed the highway. UHP said Frecke hit the deer and went off the left shoulder of the highway two miles north of the Long Valley Junction of SR-14 and Hwy 89 at about 9:30pm. The impact caused Frecke to roll his vehicle and trailer. UHP said he was wearing his seatbelt and was not taken to the hospital but his passengers, including 49-year old Denise Frecke, 16-year old Josua Frecke and 12-year old Jacob Frecke, all of Bozeman, were transported to the Garfield Memorial Hospital in Panguitch with minor injuries. The passengers were all wearing their seatbelts.

(NOGALES, Ariz.)-KOLD-TV, Channel 13 in Tucson, Ariz. reports crews are continuing to battle a wildfire along the Arizona-Mexico border that has presently burned 23,000 acres.

Officials with the Coronado National Forest say the Bull Fire has burned 11,000 acres on the American side of the border, about 5 miles west of Nogales, Ariz.

Currently, 100 people including two heavy air tankers, three air attack planes, one lead plane and two helicopters are fighting the blaze, according to Coronado National Forest Incident Information Officer Marylee Peterson.

Coronado National Forest officials say two USDA Forest Service firefighters were taken to a hospital Friday with non-life-threatening injuries.

Friday night, one was treated and released while the other was discharged Saturday after being treated for first and second-degree burns.

Authorities did not release the names of injured firefighters and there is no immediate timetable for containment of the blaze.

(NEW YORK)-As reported on ABC 15 of Phoenix’s Web site, CBS says Scott Pelley will take over as its evening news anchor as of June 6, Tuesday.

The network announced the expected selection of Pelley, the veteran 60 Minutes reporter, to replace Katie Couric on the CBS Evening News.

Couric is pursuing a syndicated talk show, but hasn’t said where she will be working next.

The date for her final CBS broadcast has not yet been set.

Pelley, a native of Lubbock Texas, was born in San Antonio on July 28, 1957, and has worked at CBS for more than two decades.

Placed before him is the task of resuscitating a newscast which lags behind NBC and ABC’s comparable news programs in the same time slot and has done so for some time.

CBS says Pelley will continue to do stories for 60 Minutes.

(SALT LAKE CITY)-In various gatherings throughout the state in recent weeks, Utah Governor Gary Herbert has expressed interest in raising Utah’s gas tax, a move that would commemorate the first such increase in more than a decade, the Salt Lake Tribune reports.

Last week, Herbert said a gas-tax hike could wound the state’s fragile attempts at economic recovery.

Herbert, who is generally reticent against such a tax, seems more open to the possibility in various meetings with legislators, education officials and transportation and business leaders.

PTA Education Commissioner Sue Carey said the governor was making a case against SB229, a bill Herbert vetoed, but legislators are aiming to override it Friday, which would earmark $60 million in sales tax for road projects.

Both Carey and Draper Republican Representative Howard Stephenson support the gas tax increase, but other legislators cringe, such as House Majority Leader Ogden Republican Representative Brad Dee, when the issue is considered.

On April 19, Herbert spoke to the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce’s transportation task force, comprised of contractors and transportation officials, and during his remarks, he asserted 2013 may be the time to raise the gas task or index it for inflation, a person in attendance reported.

Since 1997, Utah’s gas tax has been set at 24.5 cents per gallon while revenues from the tax have been relatively flat since 2002.

This has left legislators to find other ways to fund roads, including dedicating sales-tax revenues for this purpose.

Layton Republican Senator Stuart Adams said he proposed this earmark, which Herbert vetoed, as a way to avert or at least postpone a gas-tax increase.

Herbert argues that the debate over SB229 has more to do with ensuring legislators have the flexibility to fund programs such as higher education and human services, and less to do with a gas tax.

(LOGAN)-The Salt Lake Tribune reports a former Utah State University student security officer was among 39 individuals arrested last week in the state’s largest child-pornography bust in history.

USU officials confirmed the 26-year-old Chase Oliver Richins, who worked for the university as a part-time security officer between January 2008 and June 2010, was arrested.

On March 8, Richins was charged with 10 counts of sex exploitation of a minor, a second-degree felony.

Court documents state the crimes occurred in mid-August last year.

The March investigations, led by Utah’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, were dubbed “Operation Frosty Lime Squeeze,” while the creation of the name was a combination of the Frostwire and Limewire file-sharing programs.

The bust uncovered more than 36 million documents, while if they are actual documents, they would have stacked 347 times the height of Mount Everest, or 1,909 miles high.

(TOOELE COUNTY)-The Salt Lake Tribune reports last week a high-speed chase ended with an arrest as well as 40 pounds of marijuana.

A Utah Highway Patrol trooper stopped an eastbound Nissan Maxima with Maryland license plates on Interstate 80 in Tooele County for speeding around 10:30 p.m. MDT last Thursday evening, according to the UHP.

The trooper noticed a strong odor of marijuana emanating from the car.

When the trooper asked to search the car, the driver sped away while the trooper chased the car with speeds ranging from 100-115 miles per hour, UHP reported.

Several miles later, while still on I-80, the car began to slow on the side of the road while the trooper pulled alongside and turned in to force a stop.

The driver, a 25-year-old man, was arrested while during a search, troopers found the marijuana as well as more than 150 glass bongs and pipes.

The UHP said the man’s girlfriend, who was driving in a separate car, talked the man into pulling over and turning himself in.

(SALT LAKE CITY)-Monday, Utah Governor Gary Herbert made a visit to Utah National Guard headquarters to thank soldiers for their role in killing terrorist Osama bin Laden.

The governor ended his remarks by saluting men and women dressed in camouflage fatigues to hear their commander-in-chief.

Utah Army National Guard Sergeant 1st Class Amy Barker said she appreciated Herbert’s support and was surprised he’d be making an appearance.

Among those listening to Herbert’s speech were several Utah Army National Guard Blackhawk helicopter pilots.

Meanwhile, Brigham Young University history professor Mark Choate, who specializes in the Middle East, called bin Laden’s death “symbolic,” and sent a message that our nation will not condone these acts of murder and terrorism.

(SALT LAKE CITY)-A state criminal justice committee has begun considering changes to Utah’s civil commitment law that would close a legal loophole allowing a convicted sex offender to go free.

Lonnie Johnson, who was released from the Utah State Hospital last month after judges deemed him incompetent for trial and did not meet the legal criteria for civil commitment.

Johnson, who suffers from a cognitive disorder, was charged in 4th District Court with nearly two dozen sex crimes.

A competency review hearing is slated for November.

Under Utah law, a person must be considered a danger to themselves or others to qualify for civil commitment.

The Commission on Criminal and Juvenile justice subcommittee met Monday to discuss how this law might be changed.

(RICHFIELD) – Local city, county and state representatives are meeting this Thursday and Friday at the Sevier County Fairgrounds as part of the semi-annual conference of the Utah Chapter of the American Planning Association. Association of Governments organizer, Todd Thorne said the association meets twice each year to compare plans on land use issues and other projects. Thorne said the meeting helps boost the economy locally because the 75 participants stay in our hotels, eat at our restaurants and recreate after the conference. The conference gets underway at 9am Thursday at the fairgrounds in Richfield.

(WASHINGTON)-Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon is joining other county executives throughout the country in a summit at the White House Tuesday.

Corroon will be at Washington for the gathering of county leaders that is being organized by the White House and the County Executives Association.

This meeting will include members of President Barack Obama’s staff while topics of discussion will encompass numerous challenges facing counties, such as infrastructure maintenance, sustainable communities, health care reform and breaking the cycle of jail and poverty.

(DENVER)-Throughout April, the economies of Utah and other mountain states grew, albeit more slowly than in previous months, according to survey results released Monday.

Leading economic indicators showed growth in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming for the 18th straight month, but inflation was at its highest level since 1994, according to economists with the Denver-based Goss Institute for Economic Research.

While a weak dollar is encouraging imports, hiring has also slowed due to high energy prices and the cost of other commodities, according to their report.

Meanwhile, firms throughout the region are adding inventory in hopes of growing sales the rest of the year.

(PROVO)-Monday, Waltham, Mass.-based Novell Inc. laid off hundreds of employees from its Provo office, just days after the entity was sold, employees say.

Company officials did not speak with the media concerning the number of jobs cut, only releasing a prepared statement.

The statement, read by Human Resources director John Flinders, said the company is excited to bring its roots back to Provo, saying the Utah County seat would be the center of the Novell business in the future.

Flinders then said such a change necessitates the workforce reductions, while the changes will impact the company in its operations throughout the world.

Novell, primarily a computing services firm, announced it was bought by Attachmate Group of Houston last week for $2.2 billion in cash, or $6.10 per share.

An employee who retained a job said 800 people throughout the company lost their jobs, with most losses occurring in Provo.

The employee said those hardest hit were the sales force, human resources, corporate operations, and the legal department.

Since the merger was finalized last Wednesday, Novell stock stopped trading publicly while the company said it was also selling patents to CPTN Holdings LLC, a consortium organized by Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft Corp., for $450 million.

The company was founded in Provo in 1979 before moving operations to Waltham in 2004.

At its height of power in the 1990s, the company was running 70 percent of the world’s computer networks with its system management software.

In recent years, its influence has waned under pressure from Microsoft and Web-based competitors, while it has tried to reinvent itself as a distributor of the free Linux operating system.

(ATLANTA)-One of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints’ more storied temples was rededicated Sunday during two sessions presided over by Church President Thomas S. Monson.

Thousands of Latter-Day Saints from throughout the South attended the services while both dedicatory sessions were broadcast to LDS meetinghouses throughout the temple district, which entails 13 Georgia stakes, as well as stakes in Dothan, Ala. and Chattanooga, Tenn.

Last Saturday night, President Monson and other Church leaders attended a cultural celebration, called “Southern Lights,” at the Atlanta Civic Center, which consisted of 2,700 youth performers from 150 area congregations who danced, sang and presented a visual display of Georgia’s history and culture.

The Atlanta Temple was the first temple to be dedicated in the southern United States, as it was first dedicated June 1, 1983 by the late former Church President Gordon B. Hinckley, who was a member of the First Presidency at the time.

Incidentally, President Monson, then a member of the Church’s Quorum of Twelve Apostles, was on hand at that dedication.

Over the past 18 months, the building has undergone extensive renovations and now features new windows, chandeliers, murals and woodwork, along with taller ceilings.

More than 56,000 people toured the temple during its open houses, which ran through April 23.

According to the Church News, among the visitors were Georgia Governor Nathan Deal and first lady Sandra Deal, while the governor says he was impressed with the building’s beauty.

The temple was officially slated to resume operations Tuesday.

MANTI, Utah (AP)-Abby Hatch homered and Ali Rosquist, Carli Haymond and Takeesha McFarlane each doubled as the Manti Lady Templars bested the Juan Diego Lady Soaring Eagle, 5-1 Monday in non-region softball action.

(ALPINE) – All Utah members of Congress have offered positive comments concerning the killing of Osama bin Laden. Rep. Jason Chaffetz said the thanks goes to the U.S. military for their ongoing and tenacious pursuit of the well-known terrorist leader of al-Quaida. Chaffetz said he agreed with Pres. Obama that the military attack on bin Laden is not an attack on Islam. Chaffetz said with the destruction of the terrorist leader, the war on terror will continue. He spoke from his home in Alpine.

(GLENWOOD) – The Richfield Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire in Glenwood Saturday afternoon and found a piece of plywood next to a chimney on fire. Fire personnel, along with the Sevier County EMS, were called to the Nacole Dastrup residence at 155 East 350 South in Glenwood at about 5pm to put out the fire. Authorities said a neighbor saw flames coming from the chimney of the home and called the fire department. Fire crews removed the plywood and determined no other damage was done to the home.

(GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Ariz.)-The Arizona Daily Sun of Flagstaff, Ariz. reports some of the 37,000+ backpackers who adventured below the South Rim of the Grand Canyon will soon be receiving a letter, asking them what should happen in the backcountry of the park.

The conflicting question being weighed by the National Park Service involves how to give as many adventurers a “wilderness” or “primitive” experience without human waste accumulating alongside trails or prehistoric ruins.

Among the proposals is giving permits for guides for backpacking in the park.

Brian Treacy, the owner of Flagstaff-based Four Seasons Guides, says he would ask that guides be guaranteed 4 percent of all permits to backpack in the park to solidify their business.

Treacy says this would be similar to how commercial rafting companies are guaranteed an allotment of permits to boat the Colorado River at the park.

Other backcountry topics for discussion include whether there should be more toilets for backpackers, whether more climbing should be allowed, whether there should be limits on how many in a group can hike a trail in a day and whether more biking should be permitted above the rim, among other matters.

For more information, please visit www.parkplanning.nps.gov/grca.

(SALT LAKE CITY)-Saturday April 30, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints released its official statement on abortion.

In the document, the Church asserts its belief in the sanctity of human life and as such, opposes “elective abortion for personal or social convenience,” while counseling members not to submit to, perform, encourage, pay for or arrange for such abortions.

The Church allows abortions in select incidents, such as pregnancy resulting from rape or incest or if a competent physician determines the life of the mother is in serious jeopardy or if the physician determines the fetus is suffering from severe defects which will not allow it to survive beyond birth.

The Church also instructs its members to only proceed with the abortion after consulting with their local Church leaders and feel the decision is correct through personal prayer.

(OGDEN)-The founder of an Ogden-based dinosaur park museum says the city-run facility will soon be under new management.

The Ogden Standard-Examiner reports the Ogden Dinosaur Park & Museum Foundation will take over daily management duties at the George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park as of July 1.

This attraction presently features 130 dinosaur sculptures that are brought to life via robotics.

The city has previously paid for park insurance and maintenance while the museum was run by foundation members and paid for through donations and admissions.

Park founder Robert Marquardt says Ogden’s ability to run the park was limited.

Marquardt said the foundation is hoping to attract more visitors by increasing the amount of volunteers and expanding or reopening some park exhibits.

The foundation is also seeking to increase private donations.

(SALINA) – A California couple were taken to the hospital after rolling their vehicle on a snow-covered stretch of I-70 Friday afternoon. According to a UHP report, 32-year old Jeremy Crocker of San Diego was traveling eastbound in a 2004 Nissan Xterra, when he lost control east of Salina and slid into the median at about 5:45pm. UHP said Crocker rolled his car on its top. He was wearing his seatbelt and was transported to the Sevier Valley Medical Center in Richfield with minor injuries. His passenger, 26-year old Leah Crocker, was also seatbelted and sustained minor injuries. Their one-year old child was in a child restraint and was not injured.