>>Six Men Arrested For Weekend Gang Slaying

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- Six men are under arrest in West Valley City in connection with a weekend murder. Police say the men were arrested yesterday on various charges. Police tell the "Tribune" they believe 19-year-old Armando Majano is the man responsible for shooting 18-year-old Anthony Hernandez. Authorities think the killing was gang-related.

>>Convicted Killer Charged With Obstruction Of Justice

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- The man convicted of murdering a B-Y-U professor is facing another charge in court. Benjamin Rettig has been charged with obstruction of justice stemming from his refusal last January to testify against his co-defendant. Rettig refused to testify when asked about his part in the 2009 murder of professor Kay Mortensen. But Rettig had agreed to plead guilty to that murder if prosecutors didn't seek the death penalty.

>>Warrant Issued For Arrest Of Ex-Ute Football Player

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- An arrest warrant is issued for a former University of Utah football player. Authorities say a third district judge issued the warrant yesterday for 24-year-old "Niasi" Mona Leota after he failed to show for a sentencing hearing. Leota was scheduled to be sentenced on domestic violence charges. He is eligible for the mandatory sentence of five-years in prison.

>>Major Retail Show Begins

(Pineview Reservoir, UT) -- A major retail show gets underway at Pineview Reservoir. Officials with the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market kicked off the event yesterday with "Demo Day." More than 13-hundred exhibitors and 27-thousand attendees are expected this year. Considered Salt Lake City's largest convention the Summer Market runs through Saturday at the Salt Palace.


>>Man Says He's Not-Guilty In Deaths Of Uncle, Second Man

(Sandy, UT) -- A Utah man accused of killing his uncle is ordered to stand trial. A judge yesterday ruled that Alex Vasquez must stand trial in the deaths of Simon Vasquez and a second man Paul Giovale. The two died of wounds suffered in a shootout in Sandy last August. Vasquez is pleading not-guilty to all charges.

>>Utah Frosh Football Player Among Three Killed In Crash

(Undated) -- A freshman from the University of Utah football team is dead following a single-vehicle rollover accident this week in New Mexico. Authorities say Gaius Vaenuku is one of three people killed in Monday's late-night accident on U-S 550 near milepost 83. The other victims were Polo Manukainu who is reportedly Vaenuku's cousin and a member of the Texas A and M football team as well as another cousin 13-year-old Lolo Uhatafe. Utah freshman football player Salesi Uhatafe and his father survived the crash.

>>Booze Worth 200K Recovered

(Woods Cross, UT) -- Authorities in Woods Cross say they've recovered an estimated 200-thousand-dollars worth of stolen booze. Police say they were investigating the theft of a semi-trailer containing more than one-thousand cases of liquor since Friday. The truck was stolen when the driver parked it for the weekend in Woods Cross. Most of the stolen booze was tequila.

>>Lehi Juice Maker Puts Squeeze On Workforce

(Lehi, UT) -- A Lehi firm is giving out pink-slips to a fifth of its workforce. The "Tribune" reports close to 50 employees from XanGo are being laid-off in an effort to make the company more "nimble." XanGo markets a brand of natural juice and also distributes a line of skin care products and vitamins. The company recently reported under-performing investments.

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah’s Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission is considering a new rule that would require customers to state an "intent to dine" before getting a drink at a restaurant.

The proposed rule, discussed at the DABC Commission meeting on Tuesday, would have servers ask if someone intended to order food before they were served alcohol at any restaurant. It came out of liquor laws passed during the last legislative session.

Under Utah law, one cannot order an alcoholic drink at a restaurant without ordering food. Lawmakers recently allowed for people to get a drink while they peruse the menu — but they still must order something to eat. For a restaurant to have a license, 70 percent of their revenue must come from food sale.

Salt Lake City. Home prices in Salt Lake City and County are up dramticaly in some zip codes...as much as a 25 per cent increase over prices of last year. IN the denver Metro area home prices are also increasing, but at a slower rate than Salt Lake. In the Las Vegas area, home prices are up 23 per cent. In St George, home prices are up around 12 per cent over last year.

　

Washington • Interior Secretary Sally Jewell on Monday touted the nation’s federal lands as an economic engine — one that could start to putter should House Republicans succeed in cutting back on budgets for some key programs. The Interior’s Department’s activities — from recreation opportunities at national parks to oil and gas drilling to timber harvesting — contributed some $371 billion and 2.3 million jobs to the U.S. Economy last year, the agency said. In Utah alone, the department report suggests Interior’s missions boost the economy by $12 billion and 75,000 jobs while bringing 17 million visitors to the state. "The take-away message from this report, one I hope Congress would take note of, is that the Department of the Interior is an outstanding investment for the American taxpayer," Jewell said in a conference call with reporters.."

A House Appropriations subcommittee has recommended a $10.5 billion budget for Interior, a 12 percent cut from the amount President Barack Obama had asked for in his budget. Jewell said Monday the House plan would cut the department back to a 2002 level, not adjusting for inflation.

The cuts, Jewell said, could slow down permitting for oil and gas drilling, which makes up the largest chunk of revenues for the department, halt valuable and life-saving research and drive down attendance at national parks..Utah Congressman Rob Bishop, chairman of the House Natural Resources subcommittee over public lands, points out that energy exploration, mining, timber and grazing produce 68 percent of the economic activity that Jewell is citing and 58 percent of the jobs. Only 12 percent of the economic activity is credited to outdoor recreation and 16 percent of the jobs, Bishop notes. It’s not the budget Jewell should be looking at, Bishop says, but the uses of the land.

>>Lawsuit Says Steed Put Man At Risk

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- A new lawsuit alleges former Utah Trooper Lisa Steed caused a disabled man seizures after he was pulled over while riding his electric bike. The "Tribune" says Michael Tilt claims in his federal lawsuit he was put at risk when Steed jailed him and forced him to undergo sobriety tests. Tilt contends he suffers from seizures, cerebral palsy and other birth defects. He was riding a bike specially-outfitted with a motor when Steed pulled him over in 2011.

>>Protesters Stop Work At Tar Sands Mine

(Undated) -- Road work is halted temporarily in Uintah County in ther Book Cliffs..just north of the Unintah grand County line after environmentalists protest a tar sands mine and paving of a road in the area. Dozens of demonstrators interrupted activity yesterday at the East Tavaputs Plateau Site in the Book Cliffs region. No arrests were made and citations were issued. The mine is scheduled to begin full scale oprations sometime next year. A number of Moab Area residents were involved in the protest.

>>Data: 1-In-11 College Students Live In Poverty

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- Newly-released U.S. Census data suggests one in every eleven Utahns living in poverty are college students. The "Tribune" says in Provo one in three people in poverty from 2009-2011 were college students. In Logan one in five people in poverty were in college. Experts say the data is offset by the reality that college is temporary and students typically have other resources they can depend on.

>>Man, Son Plead Guilty To Fraud

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- A former L-D-S Church leader and his son plead guilty in connection with defrauding an ex-University of Utah football coach. Michael Smith and Quintin Smith entered pleas to attempted securities fraud. The men allegedly lured more than a dozen victims into investing a total of about two-million dollars. Former Utes coach Norm Chow allegedly invested a half-million dollars by himself.


>>Report: Utah Bridges Need Attention

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- A new report finds more than 100 Utah bridges are deficient. According to "USA Today" that's more than four-percent of Utah bridges which transportation officials consider "structurally deficient." There are nearly three-thousand bridges around the state. The study also found 28-percent of the state's pavement to be in "good" condition while eleven-percent is considered "poor."


>>Dead St. George Couple Identified

(St. George, UT) -- Police say a gun was involved in the death of a St. George couple. Neighbor Tim Gee says he had no inkling of trouble at Paul and Mary Ann Day's home.

{Tim_Gee_1} Q...havin' some problems 000:06

Police say Paul Day and his wife Mary Ann were found around 9:15 yesterday morning. No other information's been released.

FORT COLLINS, COLO. — A threat made against both the Mormon and Catholic churches has congregations stepping up security in Colorado. Police in Fort Collins put out a warning after receiving a tip from Steamboat Springs investigators for both churches to be on the lookout for a man who claims to be an Islamic Jihadist ready to make a point.

While no specific threats have been made, both faiths say they have beefed up security around their church buildings. One security Concern is a planned groundbreaking for a new LDS temple in Fort Collins Aug. 24. After two years of planning, work will begin on the more than 30,000 square-foot building.The temple will serve Latter-day Saints from northern Colorado and southern Wyoming.

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SALT LAKE CITY — Heavy rains caused flooding and mudslides in several parts of the state Saturday and Sunday. The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning early Sunday afternoon for Central, Northern, Southern and Southwest Utah, especially in burn scar, urban and slot canyon areas.

In the Hyrum and Wellsville areas near Logan, high powered winds knocked trees over on power lines, leaving some homes in the area without power until Rocky Mountain Power could restore service, according to Randy Auman, communications director for Logan Police.

Southwest Utah

A storm in Cedar City affected the whole city and nearby Enoch. Basements were flooded, the roof of a local business caved in and nearly 5,700 residents in the two towns were left without power Saturday.

The Cedar City airport saw a record breaking 2.25 inches of rain on Saturday. The previous record was 2.10 inches in September 1967. for the community."

Central Utah

A mudslide five miles south of Duchesne interrupted traffic Sunday afternoon. The road was not shut down but small cars were warned to stay clear of the area, according to Vernal dispatch. Mud was so thick — three to four inches in some spots — that the pavement underneath was not visible for about 100 yards of road between mileposts 288 and 289 on state road 191 in the Indian Canyon area, according to Utah Highway Patrol trooper Jalaine Hawkes.

In the moab area, heavy rains Sunday and Sunday were falling at the rate of an inch an hour in the Arches and Colorado River area northeast of Moab. One UDOT working..working on clearing mud from the River Road between Moab and Caslte Valley said it was the worst he had seen in 15 years. Half an inch of rain fell in Moab Sunday and early Monday morning. a Flash Flood Watch remains in effect for the Arches area east to Grand Junction today until 9 this evening. Mud remains on some portions of the road and caution is urged. Moab recieved over half an inch rain in the storms.

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Monticello Utah- Residents of Monticello are asking qustions as to why a Homeland Security Police vehicle was in the MOnticello Pioneer Day Parade on Saturday. Video posted on You Tube and Facebook shows the patrol SUV with Homeland Security markings, in the parade. Sources say the vehicle was also spotted in Bluff and Blanding during the weekend. Sources tell KCYN-KCPX News that the office is married to a former Monticello resident and the family was visiting family members in SE Utah. Sources also tell us that the officer drover the vehicle here and his family traveled in a seperate vehicle. Questions remain...was the ooficer on assignment here or just what is going on. Local Law officials say they had no knowledge of why the car and officer were in the area.

The video can bee found at:

http://youtu.be/DplYebCZVJI

　

>>Weekend Floods Hit Cedar City Homes

(Cedar City, UT) -- Residents in Cedar City are still mopping up following weekend floods. More than 200 calls came into Sheriff's officials Saturday night from people with damaged homes. One of the hardest hit areas was Equestrian Pointe where at least five basements were destroyed.

>>Oil Spill Diverted In Logan

(Logan, UT) -- Crews are still working to clean up a weekend oil spill in North Logan. Officials said the spill contaminated irrigation water in North Logan and Hyde Park on Saturday. The spill from a local construction project began after heavy rains washed into an irrigation canal. Crews were able to divert the oil into a field near Highway 91 where it could be cleaned up.

>>Wildfire Under Control Thanks To Rains

(Undated) -- Weekend rains in areas of southern Utah are helping fire officials get a handle on a wildfire. Officials say the Cinder Pit Fire is finally 100-percent contained. It burned more than 400-acres of land in Washington County between Veyo and Brookside. A lightning strike is to blame.

>>Deadly Gang Shooting In West Valley City

(West Valley City, UT) -- One person is dead following a weekend shooting in West Valley City. Police are investigating the apparent gang-related shooting that happened Saturday night. Police confirmed 19-year-old Anthony Hernandez was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. Police were looking for a silver Nissan Armada S-U-V and a white four-door alleged to be involved in the incident.


>>Husky Euthanized After Attacking Girl

{2curtisthomas0728_1} Q...the neck 000:03

(Clearfield, UT) -- A Husky has been euthanized after attacking a five-year-old girl in Clearfield yesterday. Neighbor Curtis Thomas ran outside when he heard her screaming.

{1curtisthomas0728_1} Q...my kids 000:05

The girl's uncle told Clearfield police the dog had the girl by the throat and was pulling her over a fence. The Husky was also shaking and dragging her around the yard. She is in critical condition but is expected to recover.


>>Boy's Fall Leaves Him In Critical Condition

(Provo, UT) -- Utah County authorities are investigating an accident yesterday in which a young boy fell more than 200-feet at Provo Canyon. Officials say the eleven-year-old was hiking with family east of Bridal Veil Falls when he fell down the remains of a rock slide. The boy reportedly suffered serious injuries. As of last night he was listed in critical condition.

>>Man Caught With Drugs Near School, Daycare

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- Police in Salt Lake City arrest a man after they find drugs at his home next door to an elementary school and daycare center. Michael Riddle was already on probation for an earlier drug conviction when officers busted him again over the weekend. Detectives found bath Salts, methamphetamine and marijuana at the residence that was within eleven-hundred-feet of an elementary school.

>>College Names To List Of Best Workplaces

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- Westminster College in Salt Lake City is again earning high praise for its work environment. For the fifth consecutive year the "Chronicle of Higher Education" has named Westminster one of the best colleges in the nation at which to work. Westminster is one of 97 institutions from around the nation to be named. The list is based on more than 46-thousand employee surveys from 300 U.S. colleges and universities.

>>Lawmaker Is Replaced As Head Of Swallow Investigation Panel

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- State Representative Lowry Snow is no longer going to head the group investigating Utah Attorney General John Swallow. House Speaker Becky Lockhart yesterday chose to replace Snow with state Representative Jim Dunnigan. Republican Snow had done legal work for Jeremy Johnson, an indicted St. George businessman who is one of Swallow's main accusers.

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>>LDS Missionary Injured In Train Crash

(Bountiful, UT) -- An LDS missionary injured in a Spain train crash is out of the hospital. Stephen Ward is from Bountiful and he told his parents via cell phone yesterday he's glad he's alive.

{Stephen_Ward_1} Q...relatively minor injury 000:07

Ward says he sustained neck and head injuries in the crash. The high-speed train derailed Wednesday outside Madrid, Spain. Authorities say 80-people were killed.

>>'Mountain Man Burglar' Wants To Defend Himself

(Manti, UT) -- The so-called "Mountain Man Burglar" says he wants to represent himself. Troy Knapp fired his public defender yesterday in court, saying he's capable of defending himself for his many charges. Knapp's accused of breaking into several cabins in Sanpete County and stealing from them.

>>Heritage Park Says It's Fixed Animal Care Problems

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- This Is the Place Heritage Park says it's fixed problems with animals after getting a warning from federal officials. Tresha Kramer with the Park told the "Salt Lake Tribune" yesterday all the issues have been "remedied." Veterinary inspection reports in April and May said sick animals weren't getting treatment quickly enough. They also said manure and standing water were building up in animals' living quarters.

>>Help Needed To Find Serial Robber

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- South Salt Lake police are asking for the public's help locating a serial robber. ABC4 says a man has targeted two different banks in the span of a week. South Salt Lake cops say the suspect is a black male about six-foot-two and 180-pounds. In each robbery he wore the same disguise - a green-striped beanie hat and a see-through Halloween mask.


>>Year-Round Schools Start This Week

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- More Utah grade-schoolers than ever are hitting the books this summer. The Jordan and Davis school districts say they had a record number of kids show up to the first day of year-round school this week. Officials estimate about one-thousand students are attending year-round programs at each of the district's schools.

>>Midway Boy Survives Freak Accident

(Midway, UT) -- A 12-year-old boy from Midway is lucky to be alive today after a nail is accidentally shot into his heart. Abe Tullis was cutting his family's grass last month when the mower apparently kicked-up a two-inch nail which fired right into his chest. KSL-TV says the injury was so serious he was sent by helicopter for surgery at Primary Children's. Tullis has reportedly made a full recovery.


[[ note nature ]]

>>Man Accused Of Sex With 13YO

(Grand Junction, CO) -- An 18-year-old Grand Junction man is being accused of having sex with a 13-year-old girl. Nathan Koboski was arrested Wednesday. Authorities said he had sex with the minor several times, and the two exchanged nude photos through Facebook.

(Denver, CO) -- U.S. Representative Jared Polis of rural Colorado, is suing to stop a Weld County Colorado fracking operation. The Boulder Democrat filed a temporary restraining order in Denver District Court last week with the intention to stop drilling across the street from rural property he owns near Berthoud. Polis told the "Daily Camera" fracking laws in Colorado are "outrageously out of touch in terms of protecting property."


Celebrating Water in the Desert: Colorado River Day in Utah
Moab, UT – Yesterday (Thurs.) was Colorado River Day, and in states that depend on the river system, rural and urban residents got together to reinforce their shared commitment to water conservation in the face of a growing shortage. Chris Thomas Reports. (audio :55) Comments from farmer Don Bustos ("BOOS-tose," of Santa Cruz, NM); Anne Castle, Asst. Interior Secretary for Water and Science; and Molly Mugglestone, co-director, Protect the Flows.

Washington • The House on Wednesday protected the National Security Agency’s ability to broadly collect phone data in the first vote on the covert program revealed earlier this year by Edward Snowden, a former security contractor and now a fugitive.

By a vote of 217-205, the House defeated an amendment offered by Rep. Justin Amash, R-Mich., that would have prohibited the use of the Patriot Act to gather information on people not suspected of a crime.

His plan split the political parties and divided Utah’s delegation. The state’s Republican Reps. Rob Bishop, Jason Chaffetz and Chris Stewart voted to end the program even though a majority of Republicans, 134 of them, voted to keep it.

Rep. Jim Matheson, a Democrat, voted to keep the program, even though a majority of Democrats, 111, went the other way.

Washington • Utah senators found themselves on opposite sides of a deal on student loans that the Senate approved Wednesday.Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, supported the plan linking the rate on federal loans to the financial markets and reversing an automatic doubling of the rate, from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent, that went into effect July 1 after Congress failed to act on an expiring law.

Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, was the only Republican to oppose the bill but for a different reason than the 17 Democrats who fought for a lower rate.Lee argues that the compromise just papers over the cracks in a fundamentally broken system."We should be working to create a higher education system that doesn’t force students tens of thousands of dollars into debt in the first place, rather than fighting over $7 a month," Lee said in a statement. The Senate legislation, he said, "doesn’t come close to solving any problems."

　

(Moab Utah)- The Times Independent today reports the Grand County School District will hold a public hearing August 14th to present a proposed protery tax increase to increase needed revenue. The hearing will be at 6pm at the Distric Office on 4th east. Full details in today's TI.

　

>>Two Women Charged With Neglecting Disabled Kids

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- Charges of neglect are filed against two women in Salt Lake City accused of leaving their disabled children unattended at home. Mary Gutierrez and Bobbi Jo Schantz both allegedly told police they haven't left their kids at home more than five-times. Neighbors who heard the children crying were the first to alert authorities.

>>Scouts, Rockwell Honored

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- An exhibit celebrating Scouting and Norman Rockwell is coming to Salt Lake City. The LDS Church's History Museum is honoring the famous illustrator with a Scout-themed exhibit. The event is also to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the church's relationship with the Boy Scouts of America. The exhibit will be open through December 31st.
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>>Mom Charged With Locking Son In Bedroom

(Sandy, UT) -- A Sandy mother is facing felony charges for locking her son in a bedroom. Sim Gill, Salt Lake County district attorney, says Bobbi Schantz [[ SHONTZ ]] told police she has no one to watch her son while she's at work.

{Sim_Gill_Sandy_1} Q...a criminal conduct 000:04

Neighbors contacted police after they heard the four-year-old screaming and crying. Authorities say Schantz did this five times between April 1st and June 25th. She's been charged with abuse and neglect.


>>Arrest In Maverik Shooting

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- A man's in custody in connection with a deadly shooting outside a convenience store. Detective Cody Lougy [[ LAUW-gee ]] says Vilisoni Angilau [[ VILL-uh-sone-ee ANGLE-ow ]] was arrested last night. Nineteen-year-old Sione Fakatoufifita [[ SEE-own FOCK-uh-toe-fif-eetuh ]] was killed April 13th. Authorities say he and Angilau were rival gang members. Angilau and others allegedly chased Fakatoufifita before shooting him.

>>High Speed Kidnap Chase

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- Investigators are trying to figure out how a woman wound up kidnapped from a Park City parking lot. The unidentified victim told police that yesterday, a man and woman forced her into their vehicle at a McDonald's. She escaped shortly after. The alleged kidnappers led authorities on a chase that ended in a three-car pileup on Interstate 80. The suspects are in custody.

>>Cricket Protein Energy Bars

(Undated) -- A Salt Lake City-based energy bar maker is turning to crickets as a source of nutrients. According to CNN Money, the makers of Chapul Bars use cricket flour to give their bars a boost of protein. Chapul's founder Patrick Crowley says the six-legged critters are a "rich source of edible protein" that is more environmentally friendly than protein

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah has long celebrated its pioneers with a dedicated state holiday, filled with activities, pageants and fireworks. Reaching back to its 1847 roots when pioneers settled in the Salt Lake Valley, Pioneer Day rivals the Fourth of July in festivities and celebrations. Cities and communities hold their own festivities every year, many with grand firework shows. Ongoing celebration in Salt Lake City will include a variety of activities, beginning with the Sunrise Service at 7 a.m. at the Tabernacle on Temple Square. The Pioneer Chapter of the Sons of Utah Pioneers will present the service to honor Utah’s pioneers. It will feature the Tabernacle organist as well as choirs from around the valley. Colorful floats will parade the streets of Salt Lake City in the the Days of ‘47 parade, presented by KSL 5 and the Workers Compensation Fund, as part of the celebration. Folks started lining the parade route lst night. Days of ‘47 will also put on a rodeo in the evening, as well as their Frontier Camp during the day. Bountiful kicked off its annual Handcart Days celebration Tuesday night with the 62nd annual Grand Parade on Main Street. The parade, this year with 85 entries, drew and estimated ten thousand spectators.

MOAB — A Grand County sheriff's deputy who was arrested for investigation of attempted murder following an alleged attack on his father — who serves as Moab's fire chief — has been charged with two misdemeanors. The Utah Attorney General's Office charged Timothy John "TJ" Brewer in 7th District Court on Tuesday with assault on a police officer and assault. The charges are both class A misdemeanors.

Brewer, 33, is accused of assaulting his father, Wesley "Corky" Brewer, and Moab police officer Steve Wiseman, according to the charges. No other information about the alleged assaults is contained in court filings.

After a preliminary investigation, TJ Brewer was booked into the San Juan County Jail for investigation of attempted murder, aggravated assault, domestic violence in the presence of a child, assault on a police officer, disorderly conduct and intoxication. The Utah County Sheriff's Office is investigating the case.

The cause and severity of Corky Brewer's injuries have not been made public by law enforcement or prosecutors, nor has any information about what may have motivated the alleged assault by his son.

On July 16, several media organizations filed a requst for all records in the case under the Utah Government Records Access and Management Act, known as GRAMA.

TJ Brewer is a 12-year veteran of the Grand County Sheriff's Office was working narcotics at the time of his arrest. He was released from the San Juan County Jail on July 15 after a judge issued an order that barred Brewer from having any contact with his wife or his father, who has served as Moab's fire chief since 1989.

TJ Brewer is scheduled to make his first court appearance Aug. 6. He faces up to one year in jail on each of the misdemeanor charges, if he's convicted.

　

>>Lawmaker: Civilian Furloughs Illegal

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- One lawmaker says civilian defense worker furloughs are illegal. Representative Rob Bishop told the Undersecretary of Defense yesterday civilian employees at military bases are not paid from federal appropriations. Instead they're paid through a self-sustaining fund. Therefore, federal law makes furloughs illegal for them. Around eleven-thousand civilian defense workers are on forced furlough through September 30th.

SALT LAKE CITY — Social media pages have been created for the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Facebook and Google+, church officials said Tuesday.

These pages will be maintained on their behalf by the Church and act "as an official social media presence for each of them," according to Church News and Events.

Jared Covington, senior adviser over social media for the Church, said the Church created these pages to "give people a safe place they could go on Facebook to ‘like’ the pages of the Brethren."

Those following these pages will receive regular updates on the ministry of each of the Brethren, Church officials said.

"The Church will post links to talks, articles, videos and other relevant content on their behalf," said Dale Jones, a spokesperson for the church.

>>Groups Sue Utah Refinery

(Woods Cross, UT) -- A group of doctors and environmentalists is suing to stop oil refinery expansion in Woods Cross. Dan Mayhew with the Sierra Club says any growth of the Tesoro refinery would be bad for the environment and people's health. The Sierra Club and Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment are the plaintiffs in the suit. Meanwhile, the Utah Division of Air Quality has approved the Tesoro Refinery expansion request.

(Salt Lake-Moab) Oil and gas companies already have leased more than 38-million acres of public land, and a new environmental report says there's no need for them to target other parcels that adjoin national parks and areas with wilderness, historic and recreation values. The Wilderness Society report names a dozen locations in eight states it says are "Too Wild to Drill." Utah is home to two of them – Arches National Park and Desolation Canyon. Nada Culver with The Wilderness Society says 25-million acres of the land currently leased haven't been developed.

Cut 93116 :12 "That’s a lot of land, about the size of the state of Florida, that they’re sitting on. That is public land that belongs to everyone, and it’s not being produced but it’s being tied up and it is a concern, here and everywhere else."

Tag: Culver says the B-L-M in Utah has instituted a master leasing plan process and is doing a better job than some states of balancing multiple uses on the land the agency controls. However, in her words, it's an "ongoing struggle" to ensure that priorities other than energy development receive fair consideration. The report also notes that one million people visit Arches National Park every year – most likely to see the natural stone arches, not oil and gas wells.

>>Eisenhower Way Shooting Murder Suicide

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- Police say a shooting on Eisenhower Way was a murder-suicide. Detective Cody Lougy says Debra Eatchel [[ ET-chel ]] was found in a vehicle. Her ex-husband Calvin was found nearby. Court documents show the Eatchels were in the midst of a child-custody dispute. Police say they had sevveral calls involving the couple over recent months.

>>In Wake Of Deaths, B-L-M Considers Changes At 'Wave'

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- Utah's Bureau of Land Management says it's evaluating safety regulations in the wake of recent fatalities at The Wave. Three hikers have died hiking at the world-famous rock formations in the last month alone. The "Tribune" says officials are considering everything from additional trail markers to boosting cell phone service in the area in case of an emergency. The striped, undulating slopes have long been an attraction for millions of visitors.

>>Extreme Heat Blamed For Death Of Colorado Hiker

(Undated) -- High temperatures are ruled as one cause behind the death of a Colorado hiker earlier this month in southern Utah. Thirty-five-year-old Cindy So of Denver was hiking in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument on July 4th when she succumbed to the heat. So's hiking partner and another couple made attempts to keep her alive but she stopped breathing before paramedics arrived.

>>Utah Joins States To Cut Down On I-80 Fatalities

(Undated) -- If you frequent Interstate 80 through Utah you might notice more law enforcement than usual this week. That's because Utah Highway Patrol is partnering with law enforcement units from ten other states where I-80 passes through. Utah will put more than 100 extra Troopers on I-80 this week in an effort to slow down speeding drivers. U-H-P says the five most frequent causes of fatal Interstate crashes are speeding, driving under the influence, drowsy driving, distracted driving and driving without a seatbelt.

MOAB, Utah - Two Moab teenagers have pleaded guilty for their roles in the killing of a Moab man in exchange for having their cases moved to juvenile court. Court records show 17-Brody Blu Kruckenberg pleaded guilty to manslaughter and obstruction of justice. He was sentenced to juvenile detention until he turns 21. The 17-year-old Charles Anthony Nelson pleaded guilty to obstructing justice. His sentence is pending a psychological assessment by juvenile court. The two teens had been charged as adults with the murder Gregorio Salazar Campos, the boyfriend of Kruckenberg's mother, Corina Dawn Yardley. Yardley this month pleaded guilty two counts of obstructing justice.Authorities say Nelson shot Campos in the head while he slept in Yardley's bed. Nelson told investigators Kruckenberg invited him to the home and suggested they kill Salazar.

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KANE COUNTY, Utah – A woman died while hiking The Wave in Kane County Monday. 27-year-old Elisabeth Ann Bervel of Mesa, Arizona was hiking with her husband on their fifth wedding anniversary when she died.The couple began their hike to The Wave at about 8 a.m. Monday. The couple lost the trail a few times on their way back during the hot part of the day, and they spent a few extra hours finding the correct path.The extra time in the heat took its toll, Bervel’s legs gave out on her and she could go no farther. Her husband, Anthony, hiked for a ways until he had cell phone service and called for help. A medical helicopter and ambulance were dispatched to the scene. When the helicopter arrived, Elisabeth Bervel was already in cardiac arrest. Emergency responders attempted to revive her, but they could not.

(Green River) Several Environmental Organizations are taking aim at a proposed oil refinery near Green River.They are challenging a permit approved last month by the Utah Division of Air Quality, a decision they contend will harm the region’s air if the plant begins refining oil shale and tar sands from the Colorado River Basin’s Green River Formation.

"People travel from all over the world to enjoy the stunning vistas at Arches and Canyonlands national parks as well as Dead Horse Point," said David Garbett of the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance. "It makes no sense to risk compromising the remarkable views this region offers with visibility-reducing pollution from this refinery."

The Governor’s Office of Economic Development gave a $12.7 million post-performance credit to the joint venture funded by London-based finance firm Bridgehouse Capital Ltd. and Woodrock & Co., a Houston-based investment bank. The plant is planned for a site 4 miles west of Green River in Emery County.

The challenge first faces a review by an administrative law judge on behalf of the Utah Department of Environmental Quality. If either side rejects the agency’s final ruling, the case would go to an appeals court.

>>Mayor, City Council Disagree On How To Spend Tax Money

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- Salt Lake City's mayor and the City Council don't agree on how money from a new tax increase should be spent. Mayor Ralph Becker tells KUTV he believes some of the new money should help pay for raises for city workers. However, the City Council wants to spend the money on infrastructure.

>>Group Wants To Change How Candidates Are Selected

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- A group is trying to change the way Utah chooses candidates for elected positions. A spokesman with the Count My Vote group told the "Salt Lake Tribune" one option would be to have direct primaries, where candidates trying to get nominated by their party compete head-to-head. The other option would keep part of the current system but candidates selected by their parties might still have to compete in a primary if an opposing candidate got enough signatures.

Washington • Sen. Mike Lee has delivered an ultimatum: Stop funding Obamacare or he’ll try to shut down the entire federal government. Utah’s firebrand conservative is hitting friendly radio and TV shows to rally Republicans to his cause, appearing on Fox News’ morning show Monday saying so far he has at least 13 senators on board. They’ll make their stand in October, when Congress is expected to vote on a continuing resolution that will keep the federal government functioning. Lee sees it as the last attempt to wind down Obamacare before it takes full effect Jan. 1.

>>Utah Congressman Joins Republicans Threatening EPA

(Washington, DC) -- A Utah congressman is among the House Republicans threatening to issue a subpoena to the EPA if they don't get information on pollution studies. Congressman Chris Stewart and the other lawmakers say they're sick of waiting for the EPA to hand over research data tied to the country's clean-air rules. Stewart as chairman of a subcommittee that manages the EPA signed a letter saying the agency had a "blatant disregard for administration policy."

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>>Shooting Investigation Continues

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- Police are investigating a deadly, double shooting in a Salt Lake City neighborhood. Detective Rick Hall says this happened yesterday afternoon on West Eisenhower Way.

{DetRickHall_1} Q...we're getting close 000:04

The victims were a man and woman and there are reports one of the victims is related to a Cottonwood Heights officer. It's not clear if they were related. Police are stressing they do not believe the neighborhood is dangerous

>>University Proposes Using Cows To Reduce Fire Risk

(Undated) -- The University of Utah wants to bring cattle back to an archaeological research area to try to reduce the risk of wildfires. There is a constant threat of wildfires in the remote Range Creek Canyon. It was so dangerous last summer that rockfall started a fire that scorched 900 acres. The school tells the "Salt Lake Tribune" it hopes a few hundred cows can eat much of the cheat grass that covers the canyon floor in the spring.

>>Air Squadron Returns Home

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- More than 100 members of a Utah air squadron are back home after a six-month deployment to Southwest Asia. Members of the 729th Air Control Squadron from Hill Air Force Base were welcomed home yesterday. The unit is responsible for radar surveillance and aircraft control over Afghanistan.

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama reiterated his "strong commitment" to pass an immigration reform bill this year in a meeting with a diverse group of faith leaders Friday. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was one of 15 faith leaders invited to meet with the president. The meeting lasted approximately an hour, where Obama told the faith leaders he hoped to see a bill on immigration reform in the next 60 days.

The LDS Church addressed the subject of immigration reform in June 2011. The church released a statement asking members of the church to respect and obey the laws of the land, but that a civil approach should be considered when discussing the topic of immigration reform.

"What to do with the estimated 12 million undocumented immigrants now residing in various states within the United States is the biggest challenge in the immigration debate," the statement says. "The bedrock moral issue for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is how we treat each other as children of God.

The church added that it was "concerned" with any state legislation that only contains enforcement provisions, and that that type of legislation would likely "fall short of the high moral standard of treating each other as children of God."

"The Church supports an approach where undocumented immigrants are allowed to square themselves with the law and continue to work without this necessarily leading to citizenship," the statement continues. "In furtherance of needed immigration reform in the United States, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints supports a balanced and civil approach to a challenging problem, fully consistent with its tradition of compassion, its relevance for family, and its commitment to law."


>>Parks Visitation Lower Along With Water Levels

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- Utah Parks officials say summertime visitation is down at the state's water-based parks. Drought conditions around the state have made Utah the second driest state in the nation. That could partly be the result of low reservoir levels. The parks division's boating program manager tells the "Tribune" the boating surface area on state waterways is shrinking "everyday."

>>Section Of I-15 Re-Opened

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- A section of Interstate 15 near Point of the Mountain was re-opened last night after the intense heat made it buckle. Utah Transportation officials said two lanes of northbound I-15 at mile-marker 287 were left damaged. As of last night all repairs were made and drivers were passing through without delays.

>>Motorcyclist Dead In Orem Crash

(Orem, UT) -- Orem police release the name of a motorcycle rider killed over the weekend. It happened Saturday afternoon. Twenty-seven-year-old Jal Oomrigar was seen weaving through traffic before colliding with a car stopped on University Parkway. The rider was apparently thrown from the bike going a high rate of speed.

>>Lawmakers Consider Moving Primary To September

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- Lawmakers in Utah are considering a proposal to move the state's primary election from June to September. The "Deseret News" writes Republicans want to use the extra time to find their candidates. Another concern is unless the schedule is changed the LDS General Conference will occur at the same time as some county election conventions.

>>2K Acres Burned In Box Elder County

(Box Elder County, UT) -- A wildfire continues to burn in Box Elder County. The fast-moving fire consumed more than 26-hundred-acres by yesterday morning. It started Saturday near the Devil's Playground recreation area about 35-miles west of Snowville.

>>Grass Fire Burns In C. Utah

(Spring City, UT) -- A grass fire is burning in central Utah. A voluntary order to evacuate was called for people in the Pine Mountain subdivision in northeastern Sanpete County. The fire was still burning last night east of Spring City, two miles south of Mount Pleasant. As many as 50 homes were in the path of flames.

>>Jump Gym Safety Rules

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- Utah County health officials are meeting today about possible jump-gym regulations. Local jump-gym owner Aaron Cobabe says all safety-related input is welcome.

{AaronCobabe_1} Q...of our park 000:09

Jump-gyms offer industrial-grade trampolines instead of inflatable bounce-houses. Doctors at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center said they're seeing more and more injuries at such places, including compound fractures and spine injuries.



(Salt Lake) The Deseret News, Sunday featured Koi Cook, Grand. Running back; defensive back.

Qualifications: Koi Cook is the "El Diablo" amongst the Red Devils. Last season, Cook led Grand in rushing with 94 carries for 868 yards and 12 touchdowns while adding two more offensive scores — one throw and one reception. However, where he shined not only apart from his teammates, but also in the entire 2A classification, was on defense.

Cook, who earned Deseret News First-Team All-State honors, topped 2A in tackles with 129 and also led Grand in interceptions with three. To put that into perspective, he averaged nearly 12 tackles every time he took the field. The next highest total on Grand was 61. Talk about a tackle hog…

Cook is very patient in the secondary; he takes advantage of quarterbacks mistakenly telegraphing the direction the play is flowing. He sits back, analyzes, and more times than not — as evident by the tackle total — he’s engulfed in the action. He’s not particularly fast — not to say he doesn’t have game speed — but because of his football IQ he’s very effective in run support. Ironically, his ability to hedge sweeps and options often exceeded the defensive end.

Grand returns a solid corps this season including Jacob Francis and Edgar Gomez, who were both named Deseret News First-Team All-State, along with Cameron Taylor and Austin Day, who garnished Second-Team and Honorable Mention recognition, respectively. The Red Devils are unusually positioned to crank up the heat while flying under the radar.

Despite the other contributors, Cook is the key. Considering Francis struggled with ball security in 2012, Cook needs to relieve pressure on the ground. To say Grand is challenging for the second state championship in school history would be careless, but this certainly is a team that could make a Cinderella-esk run in the postseason.

Largest State Heroin Bust

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- Police say they've completed one of the largest heroin busts in state history. Unified County Sheriff Jim Winder describes what's been seized so far.

{SheriffWinder_1} Q...17 felony arrests 000:11

The six-month investigation involved many agencies, including Salt Lake City police and the FBI. Detectives say the heroin is feeding habits all along the Wasatch Front.


Washington • Rep. Jason Chaffetz said the House probe into the IRS’ targeting of tea party groups will rage on and he criticized the White House on Thursday for laying the blame on low-level workers in Cincinnati when some agency leaders in Washington were also involved. The White House and IRS leaders initially laid the blame on two mid-level employees, including one, Elizabeth Hofacre, who asked to be transferred off of the tea party cases back in 2010.

Chaffetz questioned Hofacre at the hearing, asking her if it was accurate that "rogue IRS agents" did this on their own.

"I was following directions from management and they were aware of what I was dong," she said. "I know the accuracy of any inference to rogue agents is not correct."

Chaffetz then launched into a fiery critique of the White House.

"When you have the spokesperson of the president of the United States make a definitive statement that it was two rogue agents and start poking at these people, who have no power to do anything about it, that is wrong," he said. "How dare anybody suggest we are at the end of this. This is the beginning of this. We have to make an example of it. We need to get to the bottom of it."


>>Inquiry Into Swallow Led By Man With Questionable Ties

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- The man picked to head a special Utah House committee investigation into Attorney General John Swallow has an interesting connection to the case. The "Tribune" is reporting Representative V. Lowry Snow has links to several lawsuits with Jeremy Johnson. He's the Utah businessman at the center of the Swallow controversy. Snow said yesterday he doesn't feel his position to head the inquiry into Swallow will be a conflict of interest but he says he will step down if asked.

>>Two Sought In Armed Robbery Of Clothing Store

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- Police are investigating the armed robbery at a South Salt Lake clothing store. Authorities say two people are wanted for yesterday afternoon's theft from X Zone Clothing on South 300 East. The male and female suspects took an undisclosed amount of cash at gunpoint before they fled in a white four-door sedan. No one was injured in the heist.

>>Caesars To Offer Gas Price Rewards

(Las Vegas, NV) -- With gas prices still climbing, Caesars Entertainment is offering its best customers some relief at the pump. Starting Monday, the gaming giant's Total Rewards loyalty program will offer guests a chance to receive up to 50-cents a gallon savings each month at participating Shell stations. Caesars says it's the only casino operator to offer fuel savings for loyal customers.

>>Time To Schedule Back To School Physical

(Cleveland, OH) -- Students will be hitting the books again soon and that also means getting an annual back to school checkup.

{1giuliano0719_1} Q...past year 000:07

Pediatrician Kim Giuliano says the head to toe exam will look at all their organs and look for any possible issues with hearing or vision that could be a problem in the upcoming school year. Giuliano also says to make sure your child is up to date with their shots and make sure to talk to the doctor about any concerns you might have.


>>Missing Colorado Hiker Found Safe After Four Days

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- A Colorado hiker who disappeared this week in Utah is found alive and well. Fifty-one-year-old Pierre Pond of Palmer Lake, Colorado went missing last weekend at a trailhead in the King's Peak area of Summit County.

>>Barn Fire Overtakes Nearby Structures

(Fairview, UT) -- A barn fire in Fairview results in evacuations after the flames are so intense they overtook several nearby buildings. Four fire crews were called to respond to yesterday's blaze that started in a vacant barn. Several buildings and two camper trailers also caught fire as a result of high winds and blowing embers. Crews were monitoring the scene last night as a precaution.

>>Juab Co. Crash Claims One, Another Critical

(Juab County, UT) -- A rollover wreck in Juab County claims the life of a 59-year-old father. Authorities say the man was pronounced dead on scene as his 16-year-old son was taken to a hospital in critical condition. The S-U-V they were riding in reportedly veered off the road and went down an embankment in an area several-miles north of the junction at State Road 132 and Salt Creek Canyon.

SALT LAKE CITY There are many common characteristics that comprise Convenience Store Decisions They are retail leaders, innovative marketers, committed to employees and completely driven by a service-first mantra to satisfy their customers

Maverik is annual Convenience Store Chain of the Year award recipient for 2013. The company and its employees will be honored at an invitation-only gala during the NACS show in Atlanta on Oct. 13. John Lofstock, editor-in-chief and editorial director for the Convenience Store Decisions Group says, Maverik quite simply encompasses everything a convenience store chain should e: innovative, fun, daring, and exciting. But, what stands out most of all is its unwavering dedication to the customer experience. He adds, though many companies spend countless hours trying to promote their brand, Maverik has created a unique "adventure first" culture in the community and at the center of this adventure culture is Maverik Under the direction of Mike Call, Maveriks Chief Adventure Guide, and Brad Call, vice president of Adventure Culture, the Utah-based chain has created a dynamic brand that intimately connects with customers of the Mountain West. Brad CaLL says we are strong believers of promoting our adventure image through touch marketing where we interact daily with our customers in their own communities. Today, Maverik fuels adventures in more than 250 locations across 10 western states.
(Salt Lake) Faced with a likely legal defeat over a bill’s constitutionality, the Utah Legislature on Wednesday repealed a measure limiting federal land agencies’ law enforcement powers.

HB155 sponsor Rep. Mike Noel, R-Kanab, sought the repeal "on advice of counsel" after U.S. District Judge David Nuffer issued a preliminary injunction blocking the law’s implementation. Dubbed "the sheriffs’ bill," HB155 would have barred Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service officers from enforcing state laws, imposing criminal penalties on them for "impersonating a peace officer" if they detained or ticketed someone for speeding, fishing without a license and other violations that are not specifically prohibited under federal law. Backed by the Utah Sheriffs’ Association, Noel claimed BLM rangers and Forest Service forest protection officers harass citizens and step on the law-enforcement priorities of local authorities, who are accountable to voters.But on Wednesday he conceded that a better way to resolve these issues is to build better relationships between local law enforcement and federal agencies.

　

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- State Senator Aaron Osmond wants to get rid of the law forcing parents to send their children to school. Some local parents including Cindy Barker are against the idea.

{SLCcindybarker_1} Q...our society overall 000:04

Republican Osmond says removing the requirement would actually improve education because parents would be more accountable for their children's learning. He says requiring kids to be in school has made many parents uninvolved with their kids' education. Osmond plans to pitch a bill ending mandatory schooling. He believes education is a parent's main responsibility, not the state government's.

Parent Esther Marsden agrees with Senator Osmond that parents should have more power over their kids' education.


{SLCmarsden_1} Q...to the parents 000:04

>>Burn Scars And Mudslides

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- The National Weather Service is keeping an eye on burned land statewide. NWS experts say heavy rains make mudslides a real possibility. Experts are at weather stations near Alpine, Delta, Saratoga Springs and Fountain Green. A mudslide continues to delay motorists in central Utah. Ten miles of State Route 31 remain closed. Crews are working to clean up heavy debris. It's not known when the roadway will re-open.

>>Fewer Utahns Food Stamps

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- A new study shows fewer Utahns are using food stamps. A spokesman for the Utah Department of Workforce Services says last month there were 99-thousand-400 cases. In January there were over 115-thousand. State officials say the recovering economy is responsible for the drop.

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>>New Dinosaur Species Is Revealed In Salt Lake

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- Scientists in Salt Lake are revealing details about a new dinosaur species discovered. Dr. Alan Titus says the animal's unique features show how diverse dinosaurs were in the southern U.S.

{SLCdrtitus_1} Q...different directions 000:17

Titus has been key in researching this new species. It was found on the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in the southern part of Utah seven years ago. Yesterday, paleontologists talked about the new dinosaur find at the Natural History Museum in Salt Lake City. The species was part of the triceratops family and it had one horn over its nose and the other horn over its eyes.

>Attorney General Investigative Committee

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- The panel that will decide the attorney general's fate is in place. The nine members include a former police officer and Utah State Bar president. House leaders from both parties are also included. The panel is looking into allegations that John Swallow arranged bribes and received improper gifts.



SALT LAKE CITY – More than 100 people attended a meeting at the State Capitol Wednesday night to speak out against Common Core, which is an education standards program passed by the State School Board in 2010. Organizers of the gathering said they want the program repealed, but lawmakers said that’s up to the school board rather than them.Alisa Ellis of Utahns Against Common Core said the program takes control away from local educators and parents.

GRAND COUNTY, Utah – A Grand County deputy who was booked into jail on suspicion of attempted murder and domestic violence is out of jail. Timothy John "T.J." Brewer was arrested early Friday morning after an alleged domestic violence incident in Moab.

Moab Police would not disclose where the crime took place or who the victim is, but several news sources are reporting that Brewer’s father—Moab Fire Chief "Corky" Brewer—was hospitalized with stab wounds. He has since been released. T.J. Brewer is out of the San Juan County Jail, but he may be charged with attempted murder, assaulting a police officer and domestic violence in front of two children. He was released from the San Juan County Jail after a judge signed an order saying could have no contact with his wife. The investigation has been handed over to an outside agency, the Utah County Sheriff's Office..and they had investigators in Moab, MOnticello and Grand Junction yessterday. Their investigation findings will be given to the Utah Attorney General's Office next week for determination of what charges will be filed. As one local investigator said...all details of the case will be in the charging documents to filed with the court.

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>>County Okays Preschool Funds

(Salt Lake Co., UT) -- Around 600 more disadvantaged children can go to preschool this fall. Last night, the Salt Lake County Council approved giving 350-thousand-dollars to United Way. The charity will pass the money on to Granite and Park City school districts. Those districts can then expand their preschool programs.

>>Former Parks And Rec Administrator Charged

(Salt Lake Co., UT) -- Salt Lake County authorities say a former Parks and Recreation administrator stole registration fees. Colette Colvich resigned in June. County auditors interviewed her after funds went missing from amateur-athlete programs. Investigators say she may have stolen as much as five-thousand dollars. Colvich is facing one count of misuse of public money.

>>Parents Fighting To Keep Teen In Juvenile Court

(Davis Co., UT) -- The parents of an accused teen killer want his case tried in juvenile court. Attorney Todd Utzinger [[ UDD-zinger ]] says the 15-year-old's father was at his son's side at yesterday's arraignment. Prosecutors want the Davis County teen tried as an adult in the May stabbing deaths of his brothers. Another hearing's scheduled next month.

>>Cedar City Mayor Out

(Cedar City, UT) -- Cedar City's mayor says he's not seeking re-election. Joe Burgess served one term. He says many factors influenced his decision including his health. Many residents and colleagues applauded Burgess for leading the city through tough economic times.

>>Lobbyist Aposhian Denies Making Threats

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- The Utah gun lobbyist charged with stalking his ex-wife testifies in court that he did not make threats like his accuser says. While responding to an injunction against him yesterday in court Clark Aposhian maintained an officer's report of his Memorial Day arrest is a quote, "complete misrepresentation of the facts." Aposhian is accused by his ex-wife and her new husband of driving a two-ton Army vehicle onto their driveway before threatening to quote "end" and "bury" the new hubby. Aposhian maintains that during his arrest he identified himself by name and was cooperative.

>>Cyclists Told To Keep Road Laws In Mind

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- Cyclists in Salt Lake City are being warned by police they will be ticketed if caught disobeying traffic laws. A City Hall spokesperson tells the "Tribune" the city is cracking down on cyclists to makes the streets more safe for everyone. Officials offered a word to the wise that if you ride a bike in downtown remember to obey the laws as if you're driving a car.

[[ Watch For Updates ]]

>>Rock Climber Critical After Fall

(Undated) -- A female rock climber is in critical condition this morning after taking a terrible fall of almost 70-feet in Big Cottonwood Canyon. The 25-year-old climber was repelling down a rock face on Storm Mountain yesterday when she lost her footing in the heavy rain. That's when she fell 50-feet before rolling another 20-feet. At last word the victim was being treated for face and head injuries.

>>Haun Vigil, Investigation Continues

(Salem, UT) -- Nathan Haun's friends and family are mourning his loss. Last night's vigil for the teen lasted about an hour. Meanwhile, investigators are trying to find out whether the 17-year-old was hit accidentally or deliberately. He was found on a rural road over the weekend just off I-15. Reports indicate he got into an argument over a girl at a party.

>>Wildfire Burns Near Spanish Fork

(Spanish Fork, UT) -- A wildfire is the focus of crews in Diamond Fork Canyon overnight. The 20-acre Wignall Fire located a few miles north of Spanish Fork Canyon may have been started by a lightning strike. The "Tribune" is also reporting a green waste pit fire in Salt Lake City re-ignited last night. Crews previously extinguished that 200-by-300-foot fire on Monday night.

>>One Home Flooded

(Alpine, UT) -- Floodwater in Alpine hit at least one home after several flash flood warnings were issued in a number of Utah counties last night.

{1joemcrae0717_1} Q...two others 000:07

Joe McRae with Lone Peak Fire Department says crews worked last night to divert the water. More thunderstorms are possible today.

>>Special Legislative Session Today

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- The Utah Legislature will meet for a special session tomorrow. The session was called primarily so lawmakers could discuss their investigation into Attorney General John Swallow. Lawmakers will discuss three items including the repeal of controversial legislation to limit federal officials' authority on Utah public lands.

>>County Considering Preschool Gift

(Salt Lake Co., UT) -- The Salt Lake County Council is considering a financial gift for disadvantaged preschoolers. Mayor Ben McAdams has proposed giving 350-thousand dollars to United Way for high-quality preschool education. The council meeting starts this morning at 9:00. They'll be at the North Building of the County Government Center.

>>Utah Band Loses Guitarist

(Lyndon, IL) -- Friends and fans are mourning a Utah band's lost guitarist. Authorities say Monday Dark Seas was en route to a Chicago show. Near Lyndon, the vehicle overturned. Nineteen-year-old guitarist Colton Ericksen of West Jordan died at the scene. Eight others in the van were hospitalized. Lyndon is about two hours west of Chicago.

>>Wedding Crashers' Theft Foiled

(Price, UT) -- Two wedding crashers are facing charges. Police say Friday, Richard Duran and Tarnya Muir [[ MEW-ur ]] grabbed 550-dollars' worth of gift cards from a stranger's wedding reception. After a tussle with the bride the pair sped off. They were nabbed shortly afterward. Authorities say the pair have dozens of prior theft convictions.

　

(Moab Utah)-
While there are many other weeks of the year, the week before Easter seems to be the hottest one for 4x4s in Moab, Utah. During this time, a good portion of the off-road industry sweeps into Moab for a week of trail riding, trade shows, and terrific times in unbelievable scenery and terrain. While the week before Easter was initially founded as the annual Easter Jeep Safari (EJS), it has become an event that has drawn four-wheel-drive vehicles of all kinds. Unfortunately, with the advent of bigger and more capable open-top Jeeps, OFF-ROAD and Four Wheeler magazines noticed a definite decline in the amount of fullsize rigs tackling the Moab trails during EJS. So the folks at those publications are promoting more fullsizes invading Moab during safari. Thus, the Fullsize Invasion was born. The idea is to bring your fullsize to Moab during the EJS. On one or two days, the fullsize guys get together and go run some trails. ,

Read more: http://www.off-roadweb.com/events/1308_fullsize_invasion/#ixzz2ZCZQhEpo




>>Injunction Against Gun Lobbyist Will Stand

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- An injunction against a Utah gun lobbyist will stand. A judge ruled yesterday in the case of lobbyist Clark Aposhian, the man accused of stalking when he drove onto his ex-wife's driveway this past Memorial Day. The injunction was filed by the husband of Aposhian's ex-wife. Aposhian is accused of driving onto the property and threatening his wife's ex.


>>Deadly Illinois Crash Claims Utah Band Member

(Undated) -- Illinois authorities are investigating a deadly crash involving members of a Salt Lake City-area musical group. West Jordan 19-year-old Colton Ericksen from the band Dark Seas was killed yesterday and six more were injured when their van lost control and rolled over in southwestern Illinois. The conditions of the other passengers were not immediately known. Investigators think the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel.

>>Dad, Son Win 1M Powerball Prize

(Undated) -- A Utah man and his son are one-million-dollars richer today. Mike and Chris Middlemiss say they'll split their winnings from Saturday's Powerball drawing. Lottery officials say the ticket was purchased at the Kwik Stop in Malad, Idaho. The two plan to use the money to pay down debt and save for retirement.




　


SPANISH FORK, Utah – The Utah County Sheriff’s Office is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information regarding a 17-year-old boy who was found dead Saturday.Nathan Tyler Haun was found in the middle of the road on Arrowhead Trail between Payson and Salem early Saturday morning. Detectives said they believe Haun was hit by a vehicle.

2013 alone.
　


　

ST. GEORGE – Construction crews in St. George aren’t just building houses, they’re rebuilding the area’s economy.

Numbers released by the Utah Department of Workforce Services show there were 2,243 jobs created in 2012. It’s the highest growth rate in the state, and close to four times the national average. Of those new jobs, 442 were in the construction industry.

"Washington County was hit as hard as any part of the state in the recession," said DWS regional economist Jim Robson. "So now we see them coming out of that and kind of leading a little bit in new construction activity."

The new numbers outline what cities and counties have seen gradually over the past few years: a major comeback in the construction industry. The reports shows a 49 percent increase in new construction permits for the first quarter of

GRAND COUNTY, Utah – A Grand County Sheriff’s deputy, TJ Brewer. remained jailed this morning in the San Juan County Jail on attempted murder charges after a large domestic violence dispute involving his family. Brewer was a member of the Grand County Drug task force. Moab Police have not released full details of the series of incidents in the chaotic case. We do know that Brewer alledgedly stabbed his father, Moab City Fire Chief Corky Brewer several times during the incident. Corky Brewer is hospitalized in Grand Junction, Colo. He was transported in stable condition.

Neighbors say police were at TJ Brewer’s home on Friday morning and have been at his father’s house on Friday, searching through trash cans for evidence. "There are two residences involved with this," said Moab Police Chief Mike Navarre.

The chief wouldn’t say where the crime took place or the specifics of what happened but the potential charges that could be leveled against deputy Brewer paint a scene of chaos. He’s been booked on allegations of attempted murder, domestic violence in front of two children, allegedly assaulting a fellow police officer, disorderly conduct and public intoxication.

More detail in the case is expectd when court documents are prepared and fild this week.

　

>>S-L-C Reaction To Zimmerman Verdict

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- Salt Lake City-area religious leaders are reacting to the weekend verdict to acquit George Zimmerman of charges in the Trayvon Martin shooting case in Florida. Pastor France Davis of Calvary Baptist in Salt Lake City tells the "Tribune" that he believes justice was not served. Meanwhile, Theresa Novak of Unitarian Universalist Church in Ogden says she was "horrified" adding the verdict quote, "says something about our culture."

>>Kayaker's Cause Of Death To Be Determined

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- Utah Parks officials are still awaiting word on the official cause of death of a kayaker at Antelope Island. The body of 53-year-old James Gahran of Massachusetts was discovered Saturday floating near the park's marina. A Utah medical examiner was trying to determine whether the man drowned or if he suffered a medical event.

>>Hatch 'Counting On' House To Pass Reform

(Undated) -- Utah Senator Orrin Hatch says he is "counting on" immigration reform to be passed soon by the House in Washington. The "Tribune" says Hatch took time yesterday to encourage House Republicans to O-K immigration legislation being merged with another plan in the Senate. Hatch was hopeful the divide felt by lawmakers over which plan to settle on could be mended soon.

>>Two Swallow Inquiries To Move This Week

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- Two inquiries into embattled Utah Attorney General John Swallow will make headway this week. The "Tribune" says Utah House Speaker Lockhart will appoint a special committee to investigate Swallow this week. At the same time, Utah Lieutenant Governor Greg Bell will name a special investigative counsel to look into Swallow's campaign finance disclosure forms. Members of the Utah House say they intend to keep progress by Lockhart's committee as public as possible.

>>Teen Killed When Hit By Car

(Salem, UT) -- A teen from Spanish Fork is dead following a weekend accident near Payson. Authorities investigating Saturday's accident concluded 17-year-old Nathan Haun suffered "very extensive trauma" after being hit by a car on West Arrowhead Trail. Investigators were still searching yesterday for the vehicle and the driver responsible.


>>Former Utah A-G Romney Dead At 90

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- Former Utah Attorney General Vernon Romney has died. A statement from Romney's family said the onetime Utah gubernatorial candidate died of natural causes Saturday at the age of 89. Romney was a graduate of East High School in 1941 and he later earned a degree in political science from the University of Utah. He also earned a law degree from George Washington University.

>>Twinkies Make Nationwide Return

(Undated) -- Twinkies are officially back on store shelves across the country today. Wal-Mart jumped the gun with weekend sales of the beloved yellow snack cake in thousands of markets. Twinkies disappeared from stores last November after Hostess Brands declared bankruptcy. The new owners of the company say they'll be selling Twinkies today for exactly the same price as they were going for prior to bankruptcy.


SALT LAKE CITY – A dangerous new trend called smoking alcohol is threatening teenagers and college students.Doctors said the practice is hazardous and could be addictive, and they want to get the message out to parents.Rather than drinking alcohol, people are converting it into a vapor and inhaling it. Though there is no actual smoke produced, the practice is still called "smoking alcohol."Patrick Fleming is the director of Salt Lake County Division of Behavioral Health Services, and he said they are working to inform parents and teens about the danger.

　

SOUTH SALT LAKE — A man who brandished a handgun at police was shot in the hand and leg Sunday morning. Sgt. Gary Keller of the South Salt Lake Police Department said the incident began with a traffic stop near 1300 South and I-15 at about 2 a.m.Keller said a trooper saw a male and female arguing in the car once the vehicle was pulled over. The 32-year-old female got out of the car, which Keller said authorities would not have someone do on the freeway, and while the trooper was interacting with the female the male drove away. The vehicle was found abandoned, and officers set up a perimeter.

Keller said Sturgeon hid for some time before he was located about a block away from the vehicle, which is when things escalated.

"He was seen," Keller said. "He was challenged. The suspect pointed a handgun at the trooper. The trooper fired multiple times. The suspect was hit twice. Once in the hand and once in the leg."

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Its not just a vacation...its a family advetnture for one family traveling through this arrea seeking information onoil and gas development NEAR National Parks.

Chris Thomas...:60

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BLANDING, Utah – One of two Blanding men involved in multiple break-ins and fires at San Juan schools last year was sentenced Monday to serve up to 15 years in prison and pay $1 million in restitution.

19-year-old Deven White pleaded guilty to attempted aggravated arson and burglary charges. White and 23-year-old Christopher Stolzer were charged with six burglaries at San Juan High School and San Juan Middle School.

They were also charged with starting two fires, one of which destroyed the high school’s library and caused $1 million in damages.

Stolzer was found incompetent to stand trial.

　

>>Home-Based Gun Business Approved

{WoodsCrossPlanning_1} Q...then it carries 000:04

(Woods Cross, UT) -- The Woods Cross Planning Commission says a local can sell guns from home. Tyler Murri says he understands neighbors' concerns about a gun dealer in the area.

{TylerMurri_1} Q...lack of education 000:06

The commission approved the permit last night. Murri's currently awaiting his federal gun-sales permit. The city says Murri will not be allowed to advertise his business on his property. Murri himself also told the council the merchandise will be in locked safes.

Additional Audio:

{WoodsCrossResidents_1} Q...a commercial area 000:09

Commentary on the proposed permit was about evenly divided between opponents and supporters.


>>Dust Hazardous To Health

(Salt Lake Co., UT) -- A physician's group says Salt Lake Valley air quality is dangerous. Utah Physicians for Healthy Environment says dust is as big a problem as smog. The group's asking lawmakers and state agencies to curb airborne dust near Geneva Rock. The Department of Air Quality told Channel 4 the company got a compliance advisory in June.

>>Dangerous Intersection Worries Locals

(Kearns, UT) -- A closed crosswalk in Kearns is worrying some locals. They say drivers do not stop for red lights at 5415 South and Northwest Avenue. UDOT has been repairing sewer lines there for weeks. However, there are no signs saying the crosswalk's closed. UDOT is asking everyone to use the crosswalks east or west of the intersection.

>>Blaze Flattens Two Homes

(Tooele, UT) -- Three Tooele [[ two-ELL-ee ]] people are homeless after a fire burned both their house and their neighbor's. Authorities say an explosion in the garage near 740 South and 780 West started it all. High wind pushed the flames to the empty house next door. Assistant Fire Chief Bucky Whitehouse says one unidentified person was treated for smoke inhalation.

>>Sea Lion Death Hits Hard

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- Hogle Zoo is mourning one of its favorite residents. "Big Guy," a 20-year-old sea lion, died of cancer yesterday. Zookeeper James Weinpress [[ WINE-press ]] told Channel 4 during Big's Guy's year with the zoo he was outgoing and friendly with humans and other sea lions. However, July 4th he stopped eating and interacting with his trainer. Big Guy stopped breathing when zookeepers sedated him to find out what was wrong.


>>LDS Website Helps Overcome Porn Addiction

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- A website operated by the LDS Church is aimed at helping people overcome their addiction to pornography. The "Deseret News" says the website titled "Overcoming Pornography Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ" was created as a resource for church members, families and local ecclesiastical leaders. The website says it's promoting hope through prevention and recovery.

>>Utah Baby-Toting Sisters Accused Of Armed Robbery

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- Two Utah sisters face charges for orchestrating an armed robbery while in the presence of their two infant children. Authorities say the women are charged with one-count each of robbery and assault. They're accused of carrying a 22-caliber rifle into the Sunrise Store near Montezuma Creek on July 3rd and demanding money from the clerk. Police say two babies were found in the backseat of the vehicle they used to make their getaway attempt.

>>Utah Has Right Stuff For Business

(Undated) -- The state of Utah is getting high marks for its business community. According to C-NBC's "America's Top States For Business" Utah is the fifth-ranked state overall. Utah received high praise in the categories of "business friendliness" and "access to capital." According to the survey, South Dakota is number-one followed by Texas and North Dakota while Hawaii is last.

　

TAYLORSVILLE, Utah – A man suspected of child sex abuse was arrested Tuesday, and police believe there may be more victims out there. Ramiro Cruz, 45, was arrested after five girls aged 5 to 13 allege he sexually abused them, including during times while they were sleeping at his house in Taylorsville.

SALT LAKE CITY ( Salt Lake City police say a woman out for a morning jog stumbled upon a 2-month-old baby all alone on the sidewalk. Detective Veronica Montoya said the baby boy was found at about 5:30 a.m. Monday asleep in his stroller in the Avenues near 260 North and A Street. He was taken into protective custody and remained there Tuesday. The jogger searched for the infant's parent without success and then called the police. Montoya said paperwork found inside a diaper bag gave investigators an idea of who the mother might be, but that person couldn't be found. Officials say the 32-year-old mother eventually started looking for the boy and was interviewed by police hours later. Police say she was not arrested, but the case is being sent to the Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office for likely charges.

>>Murray Water Main Breaks

(Murray, UT) -- Residents of a Murray neighborhood are cleaning up after yesterday's water-main break. Authorities say no one was hurt when the pipe burst through the asphalt and sent a 30-foot jet of water into the air. The area near 55-hundred South and 11-hundred West now has a large sinkhole. The cause of the break hasn't been determined.

>>Anti Wolf Group Audit

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- An anti-wolf group is facing a state audit. Big Game Forever has received thousands of Utah's dollars since 2010 to get the gray wolf off the federal conservation list. However, officials say the group has not disclosed what that money's paying for. The group is scheduled to receive another 300-thousand dollar state grant this coming year. State lawmakers say they want answers before any more money's given out.

>>Home Based Gun Business

(Woods Cross, UT) -- A proposed home-based gun business alarms some people in Woods Cross. City administrator Gary Uresk says Tyler Murri is selling, not manufacturing. And he would not be allowed to advertise outside the home.

{GaryUresk_1} Q...pick it up 000:09

The Woods Cross Planning Commission will take public comment on the matter tomorrow. The meeting at the Municipal Building starts at 6:30 p.m.

Additional Audio:

{RiaVanLent_1} Q...family-friendly neighborhood 000:09

Ria Van Lent says guns have no place in a family-oriented neighborhood.



>>Ineligible Inmates Receiving Benefits

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- A new audit finds the state's paying public assistance to ineligible prison inmates. The Legislative Auditor General’s preliminary report took a small sample of both inmate and fugitive populations. The report found 179 inmates got some form of public assistance. It's not clear how much public money has been given to inmates or fugitives.



>>AG Restraining Order Denied

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- A businessman is not getting a restraining order against the attorney general's office. Marc Sessions had said his family's being harassed by government officials, but the judge threw his request out. Assistant Attorney General John Reed says that was the right thing to do.
{Reed_1} Q...have any contact 000:08

Sessions is being tried for fraud. He claims attorney general John Swallow arranged for federal bribes for him.


VERNAL, Utah – Vernal police said they found a body in a Vernal apartment Saturday, and they said there are signs of a fight.

Officers said the body was in the living room of a residence at the Pheasant Glen Apartments.

The victim has been identified as 52-year-old Christopher Alan Miller of Vernal. Police said they do not have any suspects at this point, and they are still waiting to hear from the medical examiner’s office regarding the cause of death.




　


>>Furloughs Announced For Civilians At Hill A-F-B

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- Close to eleven-thousand civilian employees at Hill Air Force Base are facing furloughs. The eleven mandatory off-days being scheduled between now and late September will reportedly save the Defense Department over 30-million-dollars. A statsement by the base blames the government's sequestration for the furloughs.



AMERICAN FORK CANYON — A flight instructor and a student survived a helicopter crash into a mountainside near Tibble Fork Reservoir on Monday.

Rescuers say not only were the victims lucky to survive the crash, but they were fortunate to have cellphone service and to be found so quickly.

Pilot Gregory Walther, 28, of West Valley City, and his 24-year-old student, Terrance "Bud" Oakley, of Sandy, were on an instructional flight from Heber City to Salt Lake City. The training flight was operated by Upper Limit Aviation, according to the Utah County Sheriff's Office.
　


(Murry Utah)- A man’s body was found in Big Cottonwood Creek in Murray, police said.

A passerby was walking over the creek about 1:20 p.m. Monday on the bridge at 850 E. Van Winkle Expressway when he noticed a body in the water, said Murray police spokesman Jeff Maglish. Officers confirmed the man was dead; his body was caught on some trees, Maglish said. There were no obvious injuries to his body, Maglish said. A medical examiner was trying to determine the cause of death as of Monday evening. The man was carrying no identification and officers do not know who he is.

　

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah has a shortage of doctors that practice family medicine, and that shortage could be compounded next year as millions of newly insured patients around the country gain coverage under the health care law.

Utah ranks last in the country for primary care doctors, with 58.4 active primary care physicians per 100,000 people, according to 2011 American Medical Association data. That's below the national average of 79.4 primary-care doctors per 100,000 people.

(Moab Utah)- A British Newspaper, THE SUN, reports that Slackline champ Andy Lewis, 26, and a group of his friends built a "mid-air campsite" in the Utah desert. The extreme sports fanatics ditched picnics for parachutes and embarked on a two-week session of base jumping and highlining. IN one photo in the british paper, five-time world championship title winner Andy can be seen highlining between two rocks deep inside the desert near Moab. During their gravity-defying adventure, one slacker parachutes off the top of a net while friends look on and a take pictures. In slacklining - unlike tighrope walking - the rope is not held tightly between anchor points, and walkers liken the experience to being on a long and narrow trampoline.


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>>Political Rally Draws Sell-Out Crowd

(Salt Lake City, UT) -- Glenn Beck's political rally in Salt Lake City proves a major success. The "Deseret News" said a sold-out crowd of fans from all over the country attended Beck's "Independence Through History " event over the weekend at the 20-thousand-seat USANA Amphitheater. Organizers say the rally was aimed at celebrating America's quote "entrepreneurial spirit." Beck also prsented the next evening, an original performance of "The Man in the Moon" Everybeck event in Salt Lake was sold out within hours of being offered on the Internet.

>>W-V-C Police Investigate Fatal Hit-And-Run

(West Valley City, UT) -- Police in West Valley City are investigating a fatal weekend hit-and-run. Authorities say a man allegedly under the influence struck 42-year-old Kevin Chase Saturday night when he was jaywalking across Redwood Road. Police say a man named Zay Speed was booked on charges including investigation of automobile homicide.

>>Utah County Man Dies When Hit By Train

(Utah County, UT) -- A man in Utah County is dead after he's apparently struck by a train. The Utah County Sheriff's office said a man believed to have diminished mental capacity was struck early last night along Price River near U.S. Highway 6. Authorities wouldn't immediately release the victim's name. The man’s caretaker said they were fishing when the victim said he was going back to the truck. As he walked along the tracks, an eastbound train came around the bend. Engineers made every effort to stop the train, but they couldn’t avoid hitting the man.

EMERY COUNTY, Utah –A 14-year-old Denver girl and her grandmother died Sunday in a crash near Green River, Utah. The teen, Daisy Figueroa, died at the scene and her 64-year-old grandmother Alicia Figueroa died Sunday night at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction, Colo., according to the Utah Highway Patrol. Just before 1 p.m. Utah Highway Patrol officials said a Nissan Pathfinder with eight people inside was traveling eastbound on I-70 near mile post 158 when the driver went off the left side of the road, steered back and over-corrected. The vehicle began rolling on the highway, and two people were ejected. A 14-year-old female from the Denver area was killed after she was ejected, and a 64-year-old female was taken to St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction. The two were not wearing seat belts.The other six passengers were all wearing seat belts, and they sustained minor injuries. The names of the victims have not been released.

>>Floods Overwhelm Sandy Homes

(Sandy, UT) -- Some Sandy homeowners are cleaning up from the weekend's storms. Angel Fitzgerald says heavy rains contributed to the flooding.

{AngelFitzgerald_1} Q...just wasn't happening 000:06

Some residents say the six-year-old drain system can't handle the area's heavy rains. City officials say they're surveying the damage.



>>Mudslides Cause Alpine Loop Shutdown

(American Fork, UT) -- A series of mudslides in American Fork are blamed for yesterday's shutdown along the Alpine Loop. Utah Highway Patrol says yesterday afternoon's slide covered one whole lane of S-R 92. Crews took several hours to clean-up the area but all lanes were re-opened by around 7.


>>Utah Senator Slams House

(Undated) -- Utah Senator Howard Stephenson has harsh comments regarding the probe of Attorney General John Swallow. The Republican Senator said he's "embarrassed" by the decision of the Utah House to okay the Swallow investigation. Stephenson also called the House's move baffling and said they moved "too quickly and without due deliberation."

>>Lightning Strike Blamed For House Fire

(Ogden, UT) -- A lightning strike is reportedly to blame for a weekend house fire in the Uintah Highland area. Authorities say a fire broke out in an upstairs room after lightning struck a wooden turret on the roof. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire but not before it levied damages of nearly 20-thousand dollars.

WASHINGTON - Federal officials have taken another step toward establishing 17 new "solar energy zones" on public lands in the West by barring new mining claims that could impede renewable energy development on the sites. The Interior Department said Friday it has withdrawn nearly 304,000 acres of public lands in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah from new mining claims. To streamline solar development, the new zones are located near existing transmission lines, and were chosen because they had fewer environmental and cultural issues that would require years of study and mitigation.