Practice News Story 11: Accident

USU Van Crash Claims Several Lives

Posted: 7:02 p.m. MST, April 18, 2007

TREMONTON, Utah—At around 4 p.m. on April 18, 2007, a van from Utah State University crashed on Interstate 84 just west of Tremonton. The van was carrying 10 students along with the driver, professor Evan Parker. They were returning from a field trip to Green Line Implements. An employee from Green Line Implements, Kyle Holden, was passing the van when the left rear tire blew. When asked about the situation, Holden responded, “I don’t know how long it will take for me to get over this one. I could have been in the van.”

Lt. Ed Michaud and Jason Jensen were the first patrolmen to arrive at the scene. “It looks as if no one was wearing seatbelts. They were all ejected from the van,” said Michaud when asked about what he saw upon arriving. “What do I do now? I didn’t know where to begin,” said Jensen when asked about his thoughts when he first saw the scene.

The President of USU, Stan Albrecht, commented on the accident saying, “Our University will handle this in a very caring and professional manner. We take care of our students.” He also said there are plans for a memorial service for the victims of the crash.

Two passengers, Robby Peterson and Jared Nelson, were life-flighted to McKay Dee and Ogden Regional Hospitals and two others were taken by ambulance to the Brigham City hospital where they were later died. The other seven passengers, including professor Parker, were pronounced dead at the scene. The condition of both Peterson and Nelson is still unknown at this time.

Practice News Story 10: News Release

For immediate release

Clear Point Instruction Offers Services for Your Organization's Healthcare

Clear Point Instruction
1501 Highland Drive
North Logan, UT 84321
info@clearpointinstruction.com
453-512-8964


LOGAN, Utah—Clear Point Instruction, a company based in Logan, provides many services and products for both in-patient and out-patient surgeries at specialty hospitals and heathcare organizations in the Cache Valley area. They can provide many educational tools including DVDs and web pages that can be personalized to fit your company. These services will help your company or organization meet the standards the have been set by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).

kridl
Logan, UT 84321

Practice News Story 9: Investigative

Gates and Turner Meet with WHO to Fight HIV in Africa

Posted: 1:05 p.m. MST, March 29, 2007

LOGAN, Utah—Bill and Melinda Gates, founders of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, met last Wednesday, March 21, 2007, with Ted Turner and the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Margaret Chan, to discuss possible solutions to end HIV and AIDS in Africa.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation helps bring education and the eradication of diseases around the world. When asked about the plans he has to help stop the spread of HIV and AIDS in Africa, Gates replied by saying that Africa is the perfect place to put both processes of the Foundation to work. Along with bringing awareness and research to find a cure for HIV and AIDS, the Foundation also works with the Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise, which was created to speed up HIV vaccine research. As with Bill and Melinda Gates, this is not Turner’s first time fighting against HIV and AIDS in Africa. Back in December 2000, Turner pledged $12 million to help defeat the deadly virus throughout the continent.

"We think we can come together and really make a difference," Gates replied when asked about his partnership with Turner. He said that both the Gates Foundation and Turner are going to be working with Dr. Chan and the WHO to discuss how they want to go about eradicating HIV on a global level.

“There is no deal yet,” said Chan after being asked about her plans with Gates and Turner. Chan, who has been working with the WHO since 2003, started fighting against the spread of disease as the Director of Health of Hong Kong to help fight against illnesses in China such as avian influenza and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Chan is very excited to begin work with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Ted Turner to fight against HIV. She stated that working with people such as Bill Gates, Ted Turner, and Warren Buffet "really makes my organization effective and worthwhile." No word yet on what the plan of action will be.

Practice News Story 9: Investigative

Bill Gates and Ted Turner Meet to Discuss HIV Programs

Posted: 4:42 p.m. MST, March 28, 2007

LOGAN, Utah—Ted Turner met with Bill and Melinda Gates in Africa last Wednesday. They are discussing possibilities with the World Heath Organization (WHO) about programs to help fight HIV, which has been a widespread epidemic for the continent. I got a chance to ask Bill Gates a few questions about his partnership with Turner. He replied saying, "We think we can come together and really make a difference." He said that they are going to be working with the WHO to discuss how they want to work with eradicating HIV on a global level.

WHO Director General, Dr. Margaret Chan, said, "There is no deal yet," when asked about what her plans were with Gates and Turner. She informed me that working with people such as Bill Gates, Ted Turner, and Warren Buffet "really makes my organization effective and worthwhile." No word yet on what the plan of action will be.

Practice News Story 8: Sports

Utah Jazz Wins Against Los Angeles Clippers

Posted: 2:54 p.m. MST, March 22, 2007

LOS ANGELES—The Utah Jazz played an exciting game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night. The score at the end of the forth quarter was 106-99. This win for the Jazz ended their four game losing streak.

In the first quarter the Clippers were ahead 22-13 and continued to hold the lead through the second quarter. After half-time the Jazz came back strong with a 10 point lead over the Clippers during the third quarter. Closing in at the end of the game with a tie score at 97, Mehmet Okur shot a three pointer putting the Jazz in the lead once again. This carried them to their victory over the Clippers.

Paul Milsap a had really great game scoring 15 points and had seven rebounds. Derek Fisher scored 12 points and had 15 assists. When asked about his feelings on the game Fisher replied, “It’s a good game. It was fun to have the energy we had tonight.” Elton Brand of the Clippers also did very well despite the loss of his team. He scored 33 points for his team. “I took the 3 pointer … just to get us back in the game. It was tough to miss that shot,” Brand said about his attempt to get the Clippers caught up to the Jazz in the forth quarter.

The coach of the Jazz, Jerry Sloane, was very pleased with his team. He said that he really didn’t make any changes but rather just gave more encouragement to his team to pull them out of their losing streak. “It’s great that we are heading to the playoffs this year.” This was a great victory for the Jazz. We’ll see if they can hold on to the momentum for the game against the Grizzlies this Saturday.

Practice News Story 6: Speech

President's Speech Announces New Cemetery

Posted: 4:42 p.m. MST, Feb.21, 2007

Gettysburg, PA—President Lincoln gave a speech on Wednesday afternoon in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where it is approximated that 15,000 men lost their lives during the Battle of Gettysburg. "Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal," was the opening line of his speech. In this speech it was said there will be a cemetery built to honor those who died at Gettysburg.

President Lincoln’s speech focused on those who died in the battles and that they deserve the highest amount of honor for what they did for our country. Later in an interview the President was asked how long it took him to write his speech. He replied, "A couple of hours. I hand wrote it. I felt inspired actually. I felt guided when writing them." He was then asked about his feelings being here at the battlegrounds of Gettysburg. He said he felt somber. "You look around and can you imagine what took place here."

"Our children and our children’s children will look back and be grateful we fought through it," was a statement said by Lincoln about fighting this war. The President said many times in his interview that he often wonders what we are fighting for. He recalls running for senator and there was concern that a war might take place.

The Gettysburg cemetery will be built over the course of five years. Not all soldiers who died in the battle will be buried there. As Lincoln said it is, "A fitting and proper tribute."

Practice News Story 5: Obituary

World-famous entertainer, Michael Joseph Jackson, past away on February 14, 2007, at 11:37 a.m. He was 48 years old. Jackson died suddenly at UCLA Medical Center while undergoing breast augmentation surgery. Although his death is still under investigation, it is believed that anesthesia complications were the cause.

Michael Jackson was born on August 29, 1958 to Joseph and Katherine Jackson in Gary, Indiana. He has been entertaining the world for four decades. He first got his start when his father formed a singing group with his sons called the Jackson Five in the 1960s. He later went on as a solo artist eventually selling over 170 million albums worldwide.

Jackson is best known for his moon walk, single white sequined glove, and his hit single “Thriller”. He has received numerous awards. These include being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice. First in 1997 as a member of the Jackson Five and the second time in 2001 as a solo artist. He was voted 35th Greatest Artist of All Time in Rock and Roll by Rolling Stone. He also received the Diamond award for selling over 100 million albums worldwide. He was the highest earning singer of 1988-89 after he received $125 million from is “BAD” tour. His most recent award was in November 2004 when he was inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame for his outstanding contribution to British Music. Jackson once said, “You ain't seen nothing yet, and the best is yet to come."

In 1994 Michael Jackson married Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of Elvis Presley. They later divorced in 1996. That same year Jackson married Debbie Rowe. They had two children together and then divorced in 1999. Michael Jackson is survived by his mother and father, Joe and Katherine Jackson, his eight brothers and sisters, Rebbie, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, LaToya, Marlon, Randy and Janet, and his three children: daughter Paris Michael Katherine Jackson and sons Prince Michael Jackson I and Prince Michael Jackson II. Michael Jackson was an amazing contribution to the music world and will be missed by many.

Practice News Story 4: Court

Preliminary Hearing for Crime Committed at Church Building

Posted: 4:48 p.m. MST, Feb. 7, 2007

LOGAN, Utah— A preliminary hearing occurred this morning for Jim Michaels, a 35-year-old charged with misdemeanor breaking and entering, misdemeanor vandalism, and a felony charge of burglary. The crime happened early in the morning on Jan. 31st at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building in Logan, Utah. The hearing is scheduled to begin on March 21, 2007.

Defense Attorney Robbie Cochran is representing Michaels and said he is pleading not guilty. When asked about whether or no they have any reason to convict Michaels, Cochran replied that “evidence we have we show that my client is not guilty of the crimes of which he has been charged.” But according to District Attorney Noel Mayfield, when asked about evidence linking Michaels to the crime she responded by saying, “We have fingerprint evidence, past criminal history and through interviews we believe we have enough to find him guilty.”

The suspects were apprehended at Michaels’ residence in Logan. “It was a peaceful apprehension,” said Sheriff Deputy Geoffrey Hasty. “We had several tips that led us in that direction.”

The two CPUs that were stolen from the building have since been recovered at a pawnshop. Michaels, if convicted of the crime, is facing 6 months to a year in jail and up to a $5000 fine. The minor is not being charged at this time.

Practice News Story 3: Crime

Early in the morning on Jan. 31st, a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was broken into between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. The building is located on 16th E. and 900 N. in Logan, UT. Sheriff Deputy Geoffrey Hasty was among the police enforcement called to the scene. There were two CPUs taken from the building and two monitors in the hallway floor that appeared to have been dropped.

Evelyn Breathwaite, an woman who lives across the street, said that she had heard loud noises at about 1:45 a.m. “I thought it was the garbage truck,” said Breathwaite. She said she has always felt safe here and has never had anything like this happen before.

Robert Knotz, who is in charge of the upkeep at the building, was who called police. “I come in every Wednesday at 6:00,” “I was coming in today to replace some ceiling tiles,” Knotz said about entering the building and finding the two monitors broken on the floor. “It looked like they tried to take the CPUs and the monitors.” “They came in and left, is what it looked like,” when asked about the suspects.

Right now, suspects for the burglary are still under investigation. Police believe that there is at least two accomplices and that they are juvenile.

Practice News Story 2: Fire

Emergency crews received a call around two p.m. on January 24th notifying them of a fire on the corner of Washington Blvd. and 21st street in Ogden. Greg Chamberlain, one member of the fire crew that arrived on the scene, said that the fire could have started in the kitchen. The fire happened the Pedro's, a Mexican restaurant. There are apartments above that were effected by smoke.

Michael Freeman was at the restaurant at the time of the fire. He said when he saw smoke and heard the restaurant owner scream, he got out of there. Pedro Sanchez, the owner of the restaurant, said, "I tried to get the extinguisher and put it out."

Pedro's brother and two nieces lived in one of the upstairs apartments and were home at the time of the fire. Captain Rick Thompson, an EMT who responded to the call, said that all three victims were treated for smoke inhalation and taken to Ogden Regional just to make sure. They are expected to be fine. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Practice News Story 1: Accident

At about 4:00 p.m. on January 17, a Dodge van carrying 10 Utah State University students and one Utah State faculty member rolled just west of Tremonton. Lt. Ed Michaud was the first law enforcement to arrive one the scene. When asked about the incident he said it was “one of the worst things I’ve had to witness.” He immediately started helping four of the victims.

The crash is apparently due to a mechanical malfunction. Kyle Holden, manager of a farm implement store in Tremonton, said, “I passed them and I glanced over and saw their back tire blow.” All 10 students and the driver, Evan Parker, were ejected from the van.

Jennie Smith was following the van. “All I saw was dust,” “I had a cell phone. I called 911.” Smith arrived at the scene of the accident shortly after Holden. Smith claims that there were 3 survivors life-flight to hospitals and 1 taken in an ambulance. Their current condition is not yet known.