Utah news

• SUU hires new administrator for diversity and inclusion

  22-01-2018 23:59
  CEDAR CITY — Southern Utah University has appointed Schvalla Rivera, dean of students at Western Nebraska Community College, as the new assistant to the president for diversity and inclusion.
  "I am so very happy to be here at SUU," Rivera said in a statement. "I look forward to working with campus and community partners to increase our understanding of diversity and inclusion. I believe that conversation is an important step in learning about new people, places and things. We must engage w
  
  Read more

• Session starts with debut of Down syndrome abortion bill, State of Judiciary address

  22-01-2018 23:45
  SALT LAKE CITY — The 2018 Utah Legislature began Monday, with lawmakers meeting to conduct mostly procedural business in the state Senate and House chambers.
  Highlights on Capitol Hill for Day 1 of the 45-day session include:
  • House Speaker Greg Hughes, R-Draper, told lawmakers he won't allow the Legislature to be treated like a part-time branch of government, and he promised several separation of powers measures to resolve the dispute legislators had with Gov. Gary Herbert over how
  
  Read more

• 2018 Legislature kicks off with leaders talking about 'Big Pharma' suit, tax reform

  22-01-2018 23:44
  SALT LAKE CITY — Utah has a part-time Legislature, but House Speaker Greg Hughes told lawmakers Monday he won't allow it to be treated like a part-time branch of government.
  In his remarks opening the 2018 legislative session, the Draper Republican promised several separation of powers measures to resolve the dispute legislators had with Gov. Gary Herbert over how to conduct a midterm congressional election.
  Hughes asked his colleagues to "laser in" on those bills "to protect our branch."
  
  Read more

• Utah Supreme Court chief lauds justice reform, retired colleague in speech to Legislature

  22-01-2018 23:41
  SALT LAKE CITY — Many new judges, administrative turnover and criminal, civil and juvenile justice reforms have significantly changed the state's court system the past few years, Utah Supreme Court Chief Justice Matthew Durrant told lawmakers Monday.
  Durrant noted that 77 judges have taken the bench, and all four of his colleagues on the state's high court have joined him within the past eight years, including newly appointed Justice Paige Petersen. Petersen replaced longtime Justice Chris
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Utah chief justice lauds justice reform, retired in colleague in speech to Legislature

  22-01-2018 23:41
  SALT LAKE CITY — Many new judges, administrative turnover and criminal, civil and juvenile justice reforms have significantly changed the state's court system the past few years, Utah Supreme Court Chief Justice Matthew Durrant told lawmakers Monday.
  Durrant noted that 77 judges have taken the bench, and all four of his colleagues on the state's high court have joined him within the last eight years, including newly appointed Justice Paige Peterson. Peterson replaced longtime Justice Chris
  
  Read more

• Man charged with setting fire to Fillmore hotel

  22-01-2018 23:24
  FILLMORE — A Holden man was charged Monday with setting a a Fillmore hotel on fire.
  Jaden Hodges, 18, is charged in Millard County's 4th District Court with aggravated arson, a first-degree felony; burglary of a dwelling, a second-degree felony; and theft, a class B misdemeanor.
  About 7:30 a.m. Friday, Hodges, who worked at the Sunmart Chevron gas station, took a gas can off the shelf, filled it with about $5 worth of gas, and walked over to the Pine Creek Inn next door, 885 S. Park Ave.,
  
  Read more

• Man returned to Utah to face 2014 sex abuse charges

  22-01-2018 23:05
  SALT LAKE CITY — A man wanted for allegedly sexually abusing a 10-year-old girl more than five years ago has been returned to Utah to face charges.
  Steven Dale Morrey, 39, of Taylorsville, was charged in 3rd District Court in 2014 with three counts of sodomy on a child, a first-degree felony; and aggravated sex abuse of a child, a first-degree felony.
  Morrey was recently arrested in San Diego and extradited to the Salt Lake County Jail over the weekend, said Unified Police Lt. Brian Lohrke
  
  Read more

• Have You Seen This? Jon Huntsman Jr. takes icy plunge into freezing Russian river

  22-01-2018 22:15
  
  Utah's former governor is trying out a rather icy approach to diplomacy.
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Here's why you'll probably want to fly into Denver's airport

  22-01-2018 22:14
  The Denver International Airport hopes to become a worldwide destination in itself as airports nationwide adjust to shifting trends in air travel, according to the Denver Post.
  The Denver airport plans to add a number of new features to draw new customers, airlines and flights to the airport. It also hopes that passengers will connect to the city of Denver, where the heart of downtown is more than 20 miles away from the airport, by adding new amenities and local restaurant options within the air
  
  Read more

• Library to honors Salt Lake County ‘HistoryMakers’

  22-01-2018 22:06
  WEST JORDAN — The Salt Lake County Library, in conjunction with the HistoryMakers organization, will honor Emma E. Houston, Judge Shauna Graves-Robertson and Joyce M. Gray in a special program on Saturday, Feb. 3, at the library's Viridian Event Center, 8030 S. 1825 West.
  The program will spotlight the three's contributions to the community and feature a question-and-answer session. Space is limited. Interested parties should RSVP at slcolibrary.org/specialevents.
  According to the HistoryM
  
  Read more

• Van driver in critical condition after rear-ending semitruck in SLC

  22-01-2018 22:00
  
  All westbound lanes on 2100 South between 700 and 900 West are closed, according to the KSL Traffic Center.
  
  Read more

• Bill would increase penalty for killing police K-9

  22-01-2018 21:43
  SALT LAKE CITY — It costs tens of thousands of dollars to buy and train a police service dog, but their public service is ultimately invaluable. A new bill aims to protect police service animals by sharply increasing penalties for those who kill them.
  SB57, sponsored by Sen. Jani Iwamoto, D-Holladay, would increase the severity of the offense of killing a police service animal from a third-degree felony to a second-degree felony.
  Injuring a K-9 would remain a third-degree felony, but the b
  
  Read more

• Utah man knocked on doors impersonating a federal agent, police say

  22-01-2018 21:14
  TAYLORSVILLE — A West Jordan man currently on federal probation has been arrested for allegedly impersonating a U.S. marshal.
  Marc Dane Raddon, 34, was arrested Thursday for investigation of possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person, aggravated assault, impersonating an officer and criminal mischief.
  Police say Raddon was at the Callaway Apartments, 1141 W. 3900 South, on Dec. 15. He was "claiming to be a U.S. marshal, knocking on doors of various apartments, and threatening
  
  Read more

• Man knocked on doors impersonating a federal agent, police say

  22-01-2018 21:14
  TAYLORSVILLE — A West Jordan man currently on federal probation has been arrested for allegedly impersonating a U.S. marshal.
  Marc Dane Raddon, 34, was arrested Thursday for investigation of possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person, aggravated assault, impersonating an officer and criminal mischief.
  Police say Raddon was at the Callaway Apartments, 1141 W. 3900 South, on Dec. 15. He was "claiming to be a U.S. marshal, knocking on doors of various apartments, and threatening
  
  Read more

• Passenger saw driver slumped over wheel before bus crash, warrant says

  22-01-2018 21:11
  SALT LAKE CITY — Whether a deadly Greyhound bus crash off I-70 near Green River was the result of the driver suffering a medical condition or because he dozed off was still being investigated Monday.
  Witness statements appear to provide evidence for both scenarios, according to a search warrant affidavit unsealed over the weekend in 7th District Court.
  On New Year's Eve, the bus carrying 13 passengers and a driver was traveling from Denver to Las Vegas when it went off the road near the De
  
  Read more

• Police continue searching for Herriman gunman

  22-01-2018 20:43
  HERRIMAN — Police continued searching Monday for a man considered "armed and extremely dangerous" while many Herriman residents remained on edge.
  Just before 6 a.m. Saturday, a Unified police officer heading home spotted a suspicious man near the Monarch Meadows Apartments, 13469 S. Dragonfly Lane (4835 West). The officer believed the man, later identified as Justin Gary Llewelyn, 33, of Riverton, was burglarizing cars, said Unified Police Lt. Brian Lohrke.
  When confronted by the officer,
  
  Read more

• Utah tech companies pledge to recruit more women leadership

  22-01-2018 19:57
  
  By the end of the first day at the Silicon Slopes Tech Summit, 130 companies had signed the ParityPledge — a promise to interview at least one qualified woman for every open position, vice president or above.
  
  Read more

• This New York Times interactive tool shows Utah cities were warmer than normal last year

  22-01-2018 19:10
  If you think Salt Lake City was warmer this year than last year, you're right.
  The New York Times used AccuWeather's database of more than 3,800 cities around the world to unveil how much warmer cities were in 2017 compared to 2016.
  According to the Times data, 88 percent of the 3,800 cities recorded annual mean temperatures that were higher than normal.
  Salt Lake City saw a 3.3-degree increase in heat from 2016 to 2017. The average temperature in the Beehive State capital city for the year was
  
  Read more

• Utah treasurer named senior vice president of national association

  22-01-2018 18:57
  SALT LAKE CITY — Utah State Treasurer David Damschen has been named the 2018 senior vice president of the National Association of State Treasurers.
  The association is a bipartisan organization comprised of state treasurers and state finance officials with comparable responsibilities.
  The association serves its members through educational conferences and webinars, a variety of working groups, policy advocacy and publications that provide information about developments in public finance. As
  
  Read more

• Bill would prohibit abortion when 'sole reason' is Down syndrome

  22-01-2018 18:56
  SALT LAKE CITY — A state lawmaker said Monday she is planning to pursue legislation that would make it illegal for a medical provider to perform an abortion if they have knowledge that the woman seeking the procedure is doing so for "the sole reason" that the child would be born with Down syndrome.
  Rep. Karianne Lisonbee, R-Clearfield, said if passed, the bill would make performing an abortion in that circumstance a class A misdemeanor.
  Lisonbee and Sen. Curtis Bramble, R-Provo, plan to di
  
  Read more

• Utah father sentenced to prison for infant's murder

  22-01-2018 18:45
  OGDEN — An Ogden father has been sentenced to prison for killing his infant daughter.
  Michael Lee Hatton, 26, was sentenced Wednesday to spend at least 15 years and potentially the rest of his life in prison for the death of his 8-week-old daughter, Avery Hatton.
  Hatton was charged with murder, a first-degree felony, in October 2016 after Avery succumbed to extensive injuries she suffered while in her father's care. The charge was amended in June to aggravated murder, a first-degree felony
  
  Read more

• Ogden father sentenced to prison for infant's murder

  22-01-2018 18:45
  OGDEN — An Ogden father has been sentenced to prison for killing his infant daughter.
  Michael Lee Hatton, 26, was sentenced Wednesday to spend at least 15 years and potentially the rest of his life in prison for the death of his 8-week-old daughter, Avery Hatton.
  Hatton was charged with murder, a first-degree felony, in October 2016 after Avery succumbed to extensive injuries she suffered while in her father's care. The charge was amended in June to aggravated murder, a first-degree felony
  
  Read more

• Glen Canyon, Rainbow Bridge are accessible during shutdown

  22-01-2018 15:03
  
  Authorities say the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Rainbow Bridge National Monument are accessible to the public during the government shutdown.
  
  Read more

• Crews rescue two stranded hikers above Pleasant Grove

  22-01-2018 07:50
  
  Crews rescued a man and woman late Sunday night who became lost while hiking near Battle Creek Falls earlier in the day.
  
  Read more

• Crews rescue 2 stranded hikers above Pleasant Grove

  22-01-2018 07:50
  
  Crews rescued a man and woman late Sunday night who became lost while hiking near Battle Creek Falls earlier in the day.
  
  Read more

• Video: Jon Huntsman Jr. tries 'shirtless diplomacy' with Russia by jumping into frozen river

  22-01-2018 06:38
  U.S. Ambassador Jon Huntsman Jr. took a dip into icy waters in the Istra River outside Moscow over the weekend in a move that the Washington Post described as "shirtless diplomacy."
  The former Utah governor attempted the Orthodox Christian tradition of jumping into a body of water for the Epiphany celebration, which commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River, according to the Post.
  Russia President Vladimir Putin did the same plunge last week. Huntsman performed the act as a wa
  
  Read more

• Search underway for two hikers above Pleasant Grove

  22-01-2018 06:36
  PLEASANT GROVE — Search and rescue crews were looking Sunday night for a man and woman believed to be in their 20s who became lost while hiking in the Battle Creek Falls area Sunday afternoon.
  The search for the pair continued after nightfall assisted by medical helicopters that were preparing to drop off rescuers as close as possible to the pair to assess their conditions, provide them food, water and care and help them off the mountain.
  "They have lost their way. They're getting a little
  
  Read more

• Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg shares #MeToo experience during Sundance talk

  22-01-2018 06:27
  PARK CITY — When Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg spoke Sunday at the Sundance Film Festival about her own experiences with sexual harassment, the 84-year-old noted "we didn't have a name for it" in the 1950s.
  Ginsburg, who is the subject of the documentary "RBG," also addressed the #MeToo movement and fighting for women's rights to a packed room as part of the festival's Cinema Café series.
  She was introduced by Sundance founder Robert Redford.
  "It's an honor for me becaus
  
  Read more

• After 18 years, Springville's consignment shop closes its doors

  22-01-2018 06:22
  
  To the customers of Patty Hulce's consignment shop, she's been far more than just the woman behind the counter.
  
  Read more

• 2 skiers sent to hospitals after in-bounds avalanche at Snowbasin

  22-01-2018 04:28
  
  Two skiers - a brother and a sister - were sent to hospitals after an in-bounds avalanche at Snowbasin ski resort Sunday afternoon, according to the Weber County Sheriff's Office.
  
  Read more

• Two skiers sent to hospitals after in-bounds avalanche at Snowbasin

  22-01-2018 04:26
  HUNTSVILLE, Weber County — Two skiers — a brother and a sister — were sent to hospitals after an in-bounds avalanche at Snowbasin ski resort Sunday afternoon, according to the Weber County Sheriff's Office.
  The sister, who is 23 years old, was buried under about 4 to 5 feet of snow for an estimated 5 to 10 minutes, said Sgt. Terance Lavely.
  People skiing nearby saw the avalanche and took note where they last saw the woman. They began digging immediately and the woman was locate
  
  Read more

• Search ongoing for shooting suspect that led to Herriman manhunt

  22-01-2018 04:13
  HERRIMAN — The hunt for a man police said shot a homeowner and fired at an officer on Saturday is ongoing, a Unified police spokesman said Sunday.
  "Us and Salt Lake City (Police Department) are working really hard to find him. We're following up on leads and tips, and hopefully, we'll get him in custody soon," said Unified Police Lt. Brian Lohrke.
  Police are seeking 33-year-old Justin Gary Llewelyn of Riverton.
  The early morning incident put many Herriman residents on edge after they were
  
  Read more

• Victim targeting bill might be a tough sell again in Utah Legislature

  22-01-2018 04:12
  SALT LAKE CITY — A state senator has again introduced legislation to toughen the punishment for crimes targeting people because of their personal characteristics, including sexual orientation or gender identity.
  After lawmakers voted down a controversial hate crimes bill in 2016 and stifled a different approach last year, Sen. Daniel Thatcher, R-West Valley City, is back with another proposal that he says focuses on criminal justice not social justice.
  "I'm not interested in going after pe
  
  Read more

• Government shutdown limits hours for Bryce Canyon visitor center

  22-01-2018 02:57
  BRYCE CANYON – The shutdown of the federal government means volunteers will staff Bryce Canyon National Park visitors center for limited hours starting Monday.
  The Bryce Canyon Natural History Association donated staff and funding to operate the center. Donations will be used for snow removal at the visitor center parking lot and custodial services inside the visitor center until Jan. 29, according to a National Park Service press release.
  During the shutdown, National Park Service personn
  
  Read more

• Salt Lake set for battle with Legislature over development, water issues

  22-01-2018 02:53
  SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake City leaders are bracing for another turf battle against lawmakers on Capitol Hill this year.
  City officials say they'll be closely watching for what they consider state overreach on at least two major issues in state lawmakers' crosshairs for the 2018 session: the city's 3,000-acre northwest quadrant slated for development — the project spurred by the relocation of the Utah State Prison — and the city's watershed authority.
  "There is a desire to take
  
  Read more

• Down syndrome bill, State of Judiciary address among highlights for Day 1 of the 2018 Utah Legislature

  22-01-2018 02:40
  SALT LAKE CITY — The 2018 Utah Legislature begins Monday, with lawmakers meeting to conduct mostly procedural business in the state Senate and House chambers.
  Floor time in both houses runs 10:30-11:30 a.m., and again in the Senate from 1:50-2:50 p.m., and 2:50-5 p.m. in the House. The Senate also will be in session 3:30-5:30 p.m.
  Highlights on Capitol Hill for Day 1 of the 45-day session include:
  • Rep. Karianne Lisonbee, R-Syracuse, and Sen. Curt Bramble, R-Provo, have called a news
  
  Read more

• Skier caught in in-bounds avalanche at Snowbasin flown to hospital

  22-01-2018 01:57
  
  A skier at Snowbasin who was trapped in an avalanche within resort boundaries Sunday afternoon was dug out and flown to a hospital by helicopter for treatment.
  
  Read more

• Police: Man arrested after pepper spray attack, attempted robbery at ATM

  22-01-2018 01:23
  
  A man was arrested after he sprayed another man with pepper spray and tried to rob him at an ATM Sunday, officials reported.
  
  Read more

• Man crossing I-15 on foot in St. George dies after being struck by car

  22-01-2018 00:55
  ST. GEORGE — A man was struck by a car and killed when he crossed I-15 on foot about 12:45 a.m. Sunday, according to the Utah Highway Patrol.
  The man was driving a minivan southbound on the interstate and lost control, causing it to roll. The car landed on its wheels near the St. George Boulevard exit and he walked away from the crash, initially along the shoulder of the southbound lane. When he attempted to cross the freeway, he was struck by a southbound car.
  The driver of the car was we
  
  Read more

• Man dies after being hit by car on I-15 in St. George

  22-01-2018 00:15
  
  A man died early Sunday morning after he was hit by a car as he tried to walk across I-15 in St. George.
  
  Read more

• Neighborhood rallies around newly single special needs nurse, mom

  22-01-2018 00:13
  PLEASANT GROVE — Plastic hangs in place of walls, the plumbing remains capped off and the floor is bare, and it has been difficult to keep the wintry temperatures outside where they belong.
  All of that is cosmetic, says homeowner Kimberly Anderson, but the ripped up bathroom is a constant reminder of a tough and broken marriage that has taken a toll on the family.
  "He really left me in a tough spot," Anderson said. She said she stayed married to him because of her deep religious roots and
  
  Read more

• Senate president proposes tolls in busy Wasatch canyons

  22-01-2018 00:02
  SALT LAKE CITY — Congestion and parking issues up popular recreation destinations like Big and Little Cottonwood canyons continue to worsen as more people seek to get outdoors and Utah's population grows.
  The U.S. Forest Service, the Utah Department of Transportation, ski resorts, cities and Salt Lake County are among the array of entities that have sought traffic solutions, along with lawmakers who have approved an investment of more than $60 million to work on fixes at Little Cottonwood
  
  Read more

Follow @NewslockerUtah on Twitter!