Thursday, April 19, 2007

Practice News Story 11: Van Accident

Van accident kills USU students and faculty member

Posted: 9:00 p.m. MST, April 19, 2007

Logan, Utah -- Six Utah State University students and one USU faculty member have been confirmed dead after a van traveling on Interstate 84 lost control and rolled off the road. Four other USU students were in the van as well and have been taken to different hospitals. Two of them were life-flighted to Ogden hospitals while two others were taken in an ambulance to a hospital in Brigham City. The names of all the students have not been confirmed at this time.

Evan Parker, the USU faculty member who was killed, was driving his students back to Greenline Implements for a class field trip when the rollover occured. The accident took place approximately two miles northwest from the I-84 break off of Interstate 15. The first highway patrolman on the scene was Lieutenant Ed Michaud.

"In my 15 years of experience, this is the worst accident I've seen," Michaud said. Michaud arrived on the scene just a few minutes after the accident had happened, then made the call to dispatch. Michaud said that from the way things looked, he did not believe any of the passengers were wearing seat belts. He also said the possible cause of the crash was a mechanical malfunction of the vehicle, as well as an estimated speed of 95 mph, which was well above the posted speed limit of 75 mph.

Kyle Holden, a manager at Greenline Implements, was a witness to the accident. He said that he was following along with the van as they made their way back to Greenline Implements from looking at some farm equipment about five miles away. Holden said that this field trip with Parker occured every year and that it was a positive experience for the students. On their travel back to Greenline, Holden started passing the van in the fast lane and claims he was traveling around 80-81 mph. As he started passing the van, he saw that the left rear tire had blown out and the van began to lose control. As he moved a little bit further ahead of the van he saw in his mirror the van swerve to the side and begin to roll off of the highway. Holden then stopped his car and ran to help, along with other passerbys who stopped to see what they could do. Holden said that the van had rolled about 100 feet away from the highway.

Noel Cockett, USU Interim Provost and Dean of the College of Agriculture, had known about the field trip that these students were taking. She said that all of the students were from the Agricultural Systems Technology and Education (ASTE) department. Cockett and Parker had worked together in the Agricultural (Ag) Department for 15 years. Speaking of Parker, Cockett said, "He really has built the Ag program to what it is now". She also said that the students that were involved in the accident were some of the best students the ASTE department has seen in many years. Many of the students were married and came from good families. "This is a horrible tragedy for our university," Cockett said. "It hurts on a personal level, as well as an emotional level".

Stan Albrecht, President of Utah State University, said that all of the families of those involved have been contacted. He also said that not many people on the USU campus have heard the news yet and will most likely find out tomorrow. Albrecht then shared his condolences by saying, "This is a great loss for our university. Tragic doesn't say enough ... we've got a long road ahead of us".

Sunday, April 8, 2007

Practice News Story 10: News Release

Press Release

Get Educated on Healthcare

For Immediate Release

Contact: ClearPoint Instruction
Mary Ann Parlin
President
maryann.parlin@clearpointinstruction.com
Phone: 435-512-8964

ClearPoint Instruction, a company which develops instructional products for its customers, is working on a new line of multimedia items for health care. The company itself has been around since January 2006, but is just now ready to announce themselves to the public. This company deals mostly with healthcare products and is looking at their target market being healthcare providers. Along with creating these multimedia projects, ClearPoint Instruction also does workshops for older people.

An important asset that ClearPoint Instruction offers is helping healthcare organizations to meet the standards set by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). In case you are not sure about what the JCAHO standards are, ClearPoint can answer questions for you about it through e-mailing them at client.services@clearpointinstruction.com. There are also other websites you can find from www.clearpointinstruction.com that will help answer any other questions you have.

Scott Anderson
Public Relations Consultant
ktrx74@hotmail.com
435-555-9214

Friday, March 30, 2007

Extra Practice News Story 9: Investigative

Bill Gates and Ted Turner share joint venture in Africa

Posted: 5:23 p.m. MST, March 30, 2007

Logan, Utah -- Bill and Melinda Gates, along with Ted Turner, met with local officials in Africa this past week. The topic of discussion was a possible philanthropic venture to improve the education system throughout the country.

Bill Gates, Chairman of Microsoft, said that he has no formal relationship with Turner, but that they plan on working together to raise the education level in the country. Gates said that everything was going to be run through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, but that a great deal of the funding would come from Turner's end. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has been around for seven years and has assisted millions in getting vaccinations for deadly diseases, as well as educating those who otherwise would not have received the opportunity. Gates also said that he wanted to put initiatives together on a continental level, as well as on a local level. To do that, Gates, along with Turner, met with local mayors and leaders to discuss possibilities.

African Mayor Malik Ok, said that he met with Turner and the Gates' last Wednesday. Ok said that they discussed mostly educational opportunities both locally and on a continental scale. "We know there's a lot of opportunity here," Ok said, "They want to come in and teach my people how to do things better." Ok also said that the timeline for this project was to start within a year or a year and a half. Some of Ok's villagers, however, had concerns about what this project would do for the area. Commenting on that, Ok said "Some of my people are concerned ... I don't share that concern. I think we can keep our ways of life." This only goes to show how willing Ok, as well as other African leaders, is to help this project to go as smoothly as possible.

Turner, an American media mogul, was quiet about what the plans were, but he did say that he felt "Bill and Melinda Gates are going to be wonderful to work with." This would not be the first time that Gates and Turner have worked together on a philanthropic venture. In 2000, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation teamed up with Ted Turner to donate $78 million to the acceleration of the campaign to eradicate polio in Africa. Turner shared the same feelings about the Gates' seven years ago when he said "The United Nations Foundation is delighted to work with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in supporting the polio eradication initiative."

Thursday, March 29, 2007

Practice News Story 9: Investigative

Bill Gates and Ted Turner share joint venture in Africa

Posted: 10:06 a.m. MST, March 29, 2007

Logan, Utah -- Bill and Melinda Gates, along with Ted Turner, met with local officials in Africa this past week. The topic of discussion was a possible philanthropic venture to improve the education system throughout the country.

Bill Gates, Chairman of Microsoft, said that he has no formal relationship with Turner, but that they plan on working together to raise the education level in the country. Gates said that everything was going to be run through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, but that a great deal of the funding would come from Turner's end. Gates also said that he wanted to put initiatives together on a continental level, as well as on a local level. To do that, Gates, along with Turner, met with local mayors and leaders to discuss possibilities.

African Mayor Malik Ok, said that he met with Turner and the Gates' last Wednesday. Ok said that they discussed mostly educational opportunities both locally and on a continental scale. "We know there's a lot of opportunity here," Ok said, "They want to come in and teach my people how to do things better." Ok also said that the timeline for this project was to start within a year or a year and a half.

Turner, an American media mogul, was quiet about what the plans were, but he did say that he felt "Bill and Melinda Gates are going to be wonderful to work with."

Friday, March 23, 2007

Practice News Story 8: Sports

Jazz finally get road win; beat Clippers

Posted: 8:56 p.m. PST, March 23, 2007

Los Angeles -- The Utah Jazz snapped their four game road losing streak tonight by beating the Los Angeles Clippers 106-99. Elton Brand was the game's high scorer with 33 points, but it was not enough to finish off the Jazz.

The game was tied 97-97 with less than two minutes to go when Paul Milsap passed the ball to Mehmet Okur who sunk a deep three-point shot. On the next possession, with the Jazz up 100-97, Derek Fisher put the nail in the coffin by hitting another three with less than a minute to go.

This is a tough loss for the Clippers, who are now tied with Golden State for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

Both Milsap and C.J. Miles had very impressive games tonight, which was greatly appreciated by Jazz coach Jerry Sloan. Sloan said of Miles "He came in with a lot of energy, and that's what I expect from these young guys."

Sports Illustrated Analyst Marty Burns feels that this win came at just the right time for Utah. "This is setting the Jazz up great for the playoffs ... I think tonight's game shows they can band together." Burns also feels that the Jazz will be able to go deep into the playoffs if they continue to play the kind of basketball that they are now.

This win not only makes two in a row for Utah, but it helps them stay ahead of the surging Houston Rockets in the fight for homecourt advantage in the first round of the playoffs. The season series between these two teams is tied at a game a piece, with each victory coming on the winning team's home floor.

Thursday, March 8, 2007

Practice News Story 7: Business

Google Inc. moves to take over Time Warner Inc.

Posted: 9:00 a.m. PST, March 8, 2007

Palo Alto, Calif. -- In an unexpected move, Google Inc. (GOOG) has offered Time Warner Inc. (TWX) $50 billion in cash and stocks to merge with their company. The offer came as a surprise to Time Warner, who had previously been receiving offers for their AOL division from Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) and Yahoo! Inc. (YHOO).

Time Warner CEO Richard D. Parsons said that the timing of the offer from Google was interesting because of the other offers they had been receiving. He said that the offer is on the table for 30 days and will be discussed in great length. "Top priority is to take care of our employees," Parsons said.

Dr. Eric Schmidt, CEO of Google, said that the $50 billion offer was an overestimation of the actual value of Time Warner. "We pay a good price for a good product, we're not here to take advantage of people," Schmidt said. Schmidt also said that having these two companies come together would comprise the perfect merger. He feels confident that Google can accomplish what AOL was unable to do in their takeover of Time Warner. Schmidt also felt confident that the FCC would accept the merger as something legal. "If I had a concern about a perceived monopoly, then I would not have made the offer," Schmidt said.

Paul Kim, an industry analyst from Traditional Aerial Securities Inc., felt that the merger was a good idea as well. "I'm one to trust Google... their customers are happy and their employees are happy." Kim also feels that both Time Warner and Google can make great advances with this merger. "I think that this [merger] will be a major catalyst in other companies doing the same thing," Kim said.

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Practice News Story - Speech

President moves nation with address

Posted: 6 p.m. ET, November 19, 1863

GETTYSBURG, Pennsylvania -- A great victory for the Union Army was achieved at Gettysburg, but perhaps the greatest event the fields at Gettysburg have witnessed was the address given by President Abraham Lincoln yesterday afternoon. In front of 15,000 people, President Lincoln dedicated the site at Gettysburg for a cemetary, then continued to pronounce the freedoms that all men, regardless of race, should enjoy in this land.

President Lincoln stated that those who remained after the battle at Gettysburg need "to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced". President Lincoln, following his speech, said numerous times that the nation needs to come together as a whole in order for the liberties and freedoms that everyone should enjoy can be extended to all. "All men have access to the same liberties and the same choices..." Lincoln said. "Many have fought for those liberties and many have died for those liberties...
It's our job as the living to continue this fight".

With the victory at Gettysburg, the Union Army gained a great advantage, and President Lincoln talked of continued efforts to end the war and bring unity back to the nation. "This is not something that's going to happen overnight" Lincoln said. He did, however, express hopes that the war would be over within the year. With the war ending, President Lincoln is planning on passing new laws to bring equality to all. He stated that he has hopes to abolish slavery, as well as extending voting privilges to more than just men who own a great deal of land. "The Senate supports me in all of these decisions," Lincoln added.

Following the speech, President Lincoln's final comments showed his feelings of remembrance and looking towards the future, "The prevailing feeling here is not just one of solemnity, but of hope, where we can succeed. We can draw strength from those who have paid the ultimate price".

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Practice News Story 5: Obituary

Carlos Ray "Chuck" Norris (1940 - 2007)

Carlos Ray Norris, known to most as "Chuck" Norris, passed away February 13, 2007, after a severe heart attack in Hollywood, California. He was 66 years old.

Norris, at the time of his death, was filming an infomercial for the Total Gym with Christie Brinkley when, after having been working out for 96 hours straight, he overworked himself and collapsed. Paramedics responded, but Norris was pronounced dead on sight.

Norris was born on March 10, 1940 to his parents Ray and Wilma Norris, both of which were half Irish and half Native American. Norris was very proud of his Native American heritage, even though in his earlier years he would receive a great deal of criticism from his classmates for being such.

Norris is survived by his five children; Mike, Dina, Eric, Dakota, and Danilee, as well as his second wife Gena O'Kelley. Norris also has one remaining brother, Aaron. His other brother, Wieland, was killed in action in Vietnam in 1970.

Norris was well known for his role in "Walker, Texas Ranger", but had many other accomplishments as well. Norris was an advocate of the Republican party and had a strong Christian background. He was also the first Westerner to earn the rank of 8th Degree Black Belt Grand Master. His other martial arts achievements include black belts in four separate martial art styles, as well as creating his own style known as Chun Kuk Do. He was also the receipient of the Golden Lifetime Achievement Award from the World Karate Union Hall of Fame.

Norris was not only gifted in martial arts, but he also served in the United States Air Force as an Air Policeman. He was stationed in South Korea. After his tour in South Korea, he was transfered to March Air Force Base in California, where he served until he was discharged in August 1962.

Norris leaves behind a legacy that will not soon be forgotten, and a name that will always be remembered.

Time and location for Norris' funeral services are unknown, but his family says that he will be buried at Roundhouse Cemetary in Dallas, Texas on Feb.27.

Tuesday, February 6, 2007

Practice News Story 4: Court

Preliminary hearing for suspected burglar

Posted 10:20 a.m. MST, February 6, 2007

LOGAN, Utah -- One of two suspected burglars was taken before court today for his preliminary hearing. Jim Michaels, 35, is being accused of breaking into a church building and stealing two computer processing units. No information has been released yet on his accomplice, a minor, other than the fact that he is a resident of Logan.

District Attorney Noel Mayfield said the state is charging Michaels with felony burglary. More charges could be coming, however, if Michaels is connected to other similar burglaries in the area. For the time being, Michaels was able to post the bond of $5,000. The trial date has been set for February 21.

Defense Attorney Robbie Cochran, who was appointed by the court, feels that the charges against his client are "felacious". The defense team is prepared to enter a plea of not guilty. "My client will have his day in court, as anyone should, and we will present our side of the story," Cochran said.

Both of the suspects were taken into custody on February 3. Fingerprint evidence was used to find the juvenile involved in the crime. Sheriff Deputy Geoffrey Hasty said that once they talked with the juvenile, police were able to connect him to Michaels. Later interviews with Michaels are what led to the charges against him. Hasty said that both the juvenile and Michaels are close friends and consider themselves family. Hasty also stated that Michaels has a history of past burglary and entering into buildings that have unlocked windows. "We are continuing our investigation of other crimes," Hasty said. "It is likely that Mr. Michaels will be charged with more."

Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Extra Practice News Story - Crime

Two computer processing units were stolen from a church building on the east side of Logan on January 30.

The church building belonged to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was located on the corner of 1600 East 900 North. Sheriff Deputy Geoffrey Hasty stated that an investigation of the case is currently underway. According to police reports, two people, likely juveniles, were involved in the crime. Some time between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. one of them entered through a window that was unlocked then went around to the front door and opened it for the accomplice. The two then proceeded to steal the two CPUs and threw two computer monitors on the floor in the hallway. “We’re gonna bring in extra units… We’re gonna figure this one out,” Hasty said.

Physical Management Manager Robert Knotz was the first person to come upon the crime. Knotz stated that he was coming in to replace some ceiling tiles, part of his regular duties, when he found two computer monitors on the floor in the hallway. Upon further investigation, Knotz found an office door open, as well as the window. According to Knotz, the fact that the window was unlocked in the first place was against building policy.

Bishop Lawrence Shirk, the man in whose office the juveniles entered through, received a phone call around 7:30 a.m. informing him of the incident. Shirk said that he had opened his window the previous night because it was getting stuffy in his office. At the end of the night he was in a hurry, so on his way out he forgot to close and lock the window. “I’m glad nobody go hurt,” Shirk said, “When it comes right down to it, it was just equipment”.

Evenly Breathwaite, a witness to the crime, said that she heard noises around 1:45 a.m. which woke her from her sleep. Even though she lives across the street from the church building, she was still able to hear the sound of glass breaking. Breathwaite said that she mistakenly believed the sounds to be coming from a garbage truck, but when she awoke the next morning she realized that could not have been the case. “This is normally a pretty safe neighborhood,” Breathwaite said, “It’s the first time this has happened in the 50 years I’ve lived here”.

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Practice News Story – Crime

Two CPUs were stolen from a church building on the east side of Logan on January 30.

The church building belonged to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was located on the corner of 1600 E 900 N. Sheriff Deputy Geoffrey Hasty said that an investigation of the case is currently underway. According to Hasty, two juveniles were involved in the crime. Some time between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. one of them entered through a window that was unlocked then went around to the door and opened it for the accomplice. The two then proceeded to steal the two CPUs and threw two computer monitors on the floor in the hallway. “We’re gonna bring in extra units… We’re gonna figure this one out,” Hasty said.

Physical Management Manager Robert Knotz was the first person to come upon the crime. Knotz stated that he was coming in to replace some ceiling tiles when he found the two computer monitors on the floor in the hallway. Upon further investigation, Knotz found the door to Shirk’s office open, as well as the window. According to Knotz, the fact that the window was unlocked in the first place was against building policy.

Bishop Lawrence Shirk, the man in whose office the juveniles entered through, received a phone call around 7:30 a.m. informing him of the incident. Shirk said that he had opened his window the previous night because it was getting stuffy in his office, then forgot to close and lock it on his way out. “I’m glad nobody go hurt,” Shirk said, “When it comes right down to it, it was just equipment”.

Evenly Breathwaite, a witness to the crime, said that she heard noises around 1:45 a.m. which woke her from her sleep. Even though she lives across the street from the church building, she still was able to hear the sound of glass breaking. Breathwaite said that she mistakenly believed the sounds to be coming from a garbage truck, but when she awoke the next morning she realized that could not have been the case. “This is normally a pretty safe neighborhood,” Breathwaite said, “It’s the first time this has happened in the 50 years I’ve lived here”.

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

Practice News Story – Fire

A restaurant was badly damaged yesterday after a grease fire got out of control and consumed the entire building.

The restaurant, Pedro’s Mexican Restaurant, was on the corner of Washington and 21st. The owner of the building, Rachel Calhoun, has owned the building for 10 years. “It’s going to be awhile to work this out,” Calhoun said. Calhoun had no comment as to the cause of the fire or what her plans were for the future.

The manager of the restaurant, Pedro Sanchez, has been in the United States for two years. He was in the kitchen when the grease fire started. He said that he tried putting the flames out with a fire extinguisher, but that he became scared and ran out of the restaurant. “I really love having a restaurant…” Sanchez said, “It’s my life. We will come back”.

Michael Freeman, a frequent customer at Pedro’s, was the only customer in the restaurant at the time of the fire. He said that he saw an unusual amount of smoke coming out of the kitchen, as well as hearing Pedro yelling from the back. He ran out of the building and immediately dialed emergency response.

Deputy Fire Chief Greg Chamberlain stated that the fire occurred around 2 p.m. and did damage to the three story building. The upper two stories were an apartment that housed Pedro’s brother, Miguel Sanchez, and his two daughters. Chamberlain said that there were no fatalities, but that the two girls were taken to the hospital for safety precautions.

Miguel Sanchez, who recently arrived to the United States from Mexico, said that his daughters, ages two and four, are doing well. His wife is still in Mexico.

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Practice News Story – Accident

What started out as an annual field trip ended abruptly in tragedy yesterday. Ten students and their instructor were on their way to Greenline Implements for a class outing when the rear tire to the van they were traveling in exploded, which caused the van to roll. The accident claimed seven lives immediately and one in transport to the hospital. Those who survived the accident were Jared Nelson, Robert Petersen, and Justin Higgins.

Lieutenant Ed Michaud was the first Highway Patrolman on the scene. “In 15 years of service [this accident] is the worst I’ve seen”. When asked to describe what he found, he described what sounded like a scene of chaos.

EMT Robert Child, who arrived on the scene approximately ten minutes after the accident, also noted that this accident was “one of the worst I’ve seen in my career”. He stated that seven were dead at the scene, and three victims were life-flighted to Ogden while one other was taken in an ambulance to Tremonton.

Kyle Holden, a witness to the accident, said that he was traveling along side the van when he looked back and saw the rear tire blow out. His first instinct was that he would just have to help change a tire, but then he watched in horror as the van spun out of control and rolled off of the highway. He stated that the van was on its way to Greenline Implements, where Holden works as the manager. He said that this was a field trip that the Agricultural Department at Utah State University took every year to look at the facility.

Thursday, January 11, 2007

Here it is

Well, this is the first post. I am going to start doing this regularly. I will be posting mini news stories and other things that may be of interest to you. Hopefully you will have fun with this.