In the event of Utah’s “Big One” Magna residents and businesses would be safe from a run off of silt from Kennecott.
By Kimberly Thomas
News Editor
The Salt Lake County Kennecott Tailings Impoundment Committee released their final report on the seismic stability and run out analysis of the South East corner of the Utah Kennecott Copper Tailings Impoundment. The final report brings good news to residents and property owners north of 2700 South and west of 8000 West. The report states that there will be no runoff onto businesses or residential property. However, run out from the impoundment would extend onto Highway 201 and slightly onto the golf course adjacent to Highway 201 (slightly being 300 feet).
The impoundment consists of silt and mining waste. What would happen to the impoundment’s stability in the event of major seismic activity raised concerns that lead to the formation of the Salt Lake County Kennecott Tailings Impoundment Committee and the release of this report.
The report reflects that the embankment could fail in the event of a 6.5 earthquake; however, the embankment would not start to run off for several minutes or hours. Seismic sensors have been placed in the impoundment. In the event that the seismic sensors go off signs off of Highway 201 will begin flashing, warning drivers not to enter Highway 201. The Impoundment Committee says these signs will “allow sufficient time for traffic to divert to alternate routes.”
The report also states that there will be no danger of a run off by the year 2018 because of dewatering efforts within the impoundment. These dewatering efforts will gradually improve stability in the impoundment.
Co-Chair for the Impoundment Committee Michael Jensen stated, “The study shows that no residential structures including those close to the embankment, are in danger of run out from the embankment. Previous analysis performed to predict the post-earthquake stability of the southeast corner of the facility was also found to be appropriate methodology.” The study was done by the independent geotechnical engineering firm: Tetra Tech, Inc.
Businesses and residential properties that were believed to be in danger will be receiving a letter outlining the committee’s findings. The Impoundment Committee would like to extend special thanks to their volunteer Geotechnical experts: John Wallace from GeoEnvironmental Services, Inc., and Jack Hamilton from the University of Utah. A copy of the final report can be found at www.magnatailingsstudy.slco.org.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Congratulations Utah on having the worst air quality in the nation!
By Kimberly Thomas
News Editor
During the month of December Utah received an all to familiar title, “The Worst Air Quality in the Nation.” Four Utah cities in particular proved invaluable in helping receive that title: Logan, Salt Lake, Ogden, and Provo.
During summer and winter months Utah residents experience the choking gloom of poor air quality, but we have a scientific name for it: the inversion. Every so often residents (particularly the elderly and asthmatics) cringe as they hear these words and wait for a storm or change in air patterns to clear away the gloom.
But why do we have inversion? Does Utah use more pollutants than others? No, believe it or not the inversion that brings poor air quality is a product of our bowl-like geography. Inversion refers to hot air trapping cold air, and vice versa. This is why inversion is commonly experienced in winter, the warmer air of the valley is trapped by colder air of the mountains.
Air quality is measured by the presence of five serious air pollutants: ground-level ozone, particle pollution, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. The problem is that bowl like feature of Salt Lake and Cache Counties combined with cold air trap these pollutants in the valley making air quality hazardous.
Air quality is measured by the Air Quality Index, or AQI. The AQI is a scale of 0 to 500 which is broken up into hazardous levels. It is at only 100 that members of sensitive groups will experience discomfort and only 50 points later pollutant levels become hazardous to the general population.
So what can the general population do to help? On dangerous air days it is important to keep your amount of driving down and limit or eliminate coal burning. For more information on what you can do go to Utah’s air quality website: cleanair.utah.gov. My personal recommendation? Go skiing.
News Editor
During the month of December Utah received an all to familiar title, “The Worst Air Quality in the Nation.” Four Utah cities in particular proved invaluable in helping receive that title: Logan, Salt Lake, Ogden, and Provo.
During summer and winter months Utah residents experience the choking gloom of poor air quality, but we have a scientific name for it: the inversion. Every so often residents (particularly the elderly and asthmatics) cringe as they hear these words and wait for a storm or change in air patterns to clear away the gloom.
But why do we have inversion? Does Utah use more pollutants than others? No, believe it or not the inversion that brings poor air quality is a product of our bowl-like geography. Inversion refers to hot air trapping cold air, and vice versa. This is why inversion is commonly experienced in winter, the warmer air of the valley is trapped by colder air of the mountains.
Air quality is measured by the presence of five serious air pollutants: ground-level ozone, particle pollution, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. The problem is that bowl like feature of Salt Lake and Cache Counties combined with cold air trap these pollutants in the valley making air quality hazardous.
Air quality is measured by the Air Quality Index, or AQI. The AQI is a scale of 0 to 500 which is broken up into hazardous levels. It is at only 100 that members of sensitive groups will experience discomfort and only 50 points later pollutant levels become hazardous to the general population.
So what can the general population do to help? On dangerous air days it is important to keep your amount of driving down and limit or eliminate coal burning. For more information on what you can do go to Utah’s air quality website: cleanair.utah.gov. My personal recommendation? Go skiing.
New Zelda game for DS a nice long play
By Nathan Unck
Since 1985, Nintendo has only had one franchised game with more releases than Zelda. That series is Super Mario Bros. This Christmas season, the "Big N" released a brand new 2-D side-scrolling Mario Adventure for the Nintendo Wii that was impossible to find in stores over the past couple of weeks.
However, Nintendo has another "must play" title on the DS. The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks. This is the 15th official entry in the popular series.
In Zelda games, you play a character named Link, or you can name your hero whatever you want in some games, but he is the main hero of the story. In every game Link sets out to save Princess Zelda and their home land of Hyrule from a mysterious evil that shrouds the land. Link must enter dungeons and rough terrain that help flex both your brain muscles, as well as you fingers on the controls.
The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, the first entry of the series on the Nintendo DS, was one of the best Zelda games over the past couple of years, and having a sequel to that game for the fans of Zelda is pretty much Nirvana. Instead of a lot of sailing ships like the last game, players receive the Spirit Train to help get Link to his destinations.
This was a totally new concept for Zelda, since the games seem to take place in another world, and an ancient time, but it really works well with the game. Link finds out pretty quickly that a lot of the famous and sacred "Spirit Tracks", are the tracks used to transport people to the different temples of worship around the vast area of the Hyrule Kingdom.
It becomes Link's job to travel to the different sanctuaries in the land to find the missing tracks that will lead him to the temples, where he must defeat a huge monster to be able to restore the tracks to their former glory.
The game play is fairly long and the challenges and dungeons can be tricky, but that is what makes this game so much fun to play. The discovery of what you are supposed to do next is very self-rewarding.
The side quests in the game are entertaining as well. My favorite is when Link receives a Stamp Collectors Book, and as you travel the many different lands and environments, there are stamp stations that let you stamp your book. They are really fun to look for, and the art work on them is neat.
I whole-heartedly recommend this game to anyone who loves a good adventure game or a good puzzle game. If you have never played a Zelda game before, you are missing out, and it would be a real shame for DS owners to pass up this title.
You can purchase The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks anywhere video games are sold for $39.99 It is rated E for Everyone.
Since 1985, Nintendo has only had one franchised game with more releases than Zelda. That series is Super Mario Bros. This Christmas season, the "Big N" released a brand new 2-D side-scrolling Mario Adventure for the Nintendo Wii that was impossible to find in stores over the past couple of weeks.
However, Nintendo has another "must play" title on the DS. The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks. This is the 15th official entry in the popular series.
In Zelda games, you play a character named Link, or you can name your hero whatever you want in some games, but he is the main hero of the story. In every game Link sets out to save Princess Zelda and their home land of Hyrule from a mysterious evil that shrouds the land. Link must enter dungeons and rough terrain that help flex both your brain muscles, as well as you fingers on the controls.
The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, the first entry of the series on the Nintendo DS, was one of the best Zelda games over the past couple of years, and having a sequel to that game for the fans of Zelda is pretty much Nirvana. Instead of a lot of sailing ships like the last game, players receive the Spirit Train to help get Link to his destinations.
This was a totally new concept for Zelda, since the games seem to take place in another world, and an ancient time, but it really works well with the game. Link finds out pretty quickly that a lot of the famous and sacred "Spirit Tracks", are the tracks used to transport people to the different temples of worship around the vast area of the Hyrule Kingdom.
It becomes Link's job to travel to the different sanctuaries in the land to find the missing tracks that will lead him to the temples, where he must defeat a huge monster to be able to restore the tracks to their former glory.
The game play is fairly long and the challenges and dungeons can be tricky, but that is what makes this game so much fun to play. The discovery of what you are supposed to do next is very self-rewarding.
The side quests in the game are entertaining as well. My favorite is when Link receives a Stamp Collectors Book, and as you travel the many different lands and environments, there are stamp stations that let you stamp your book. They are really fun to look for, and the art work on them is neat.
I whole-heartedly recommend this game to anyone who loves a good adventure game or a good puzzle game. If you have never played a Zelda game before, you are missing out, and it would be a real shame for DS owners to pass up this title.
You can purchase The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks anywhere video games are sold for $39.99 It is rated E for Everyone.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
The Big Fix
Need your pet fixed? Big Fix Mobile Spay/Neuter Clinic: Dec. 23 WVC Animal Services, 4522 W. 3500 S. Great prices; Microchipping and vaccination available to anyone 11am - 3 pm; 1-866-PETS-FIX www.utahpets.org
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Magna children learn about people with disabilities
By Kimberly A . Thomas
News Editor
The Disability Outreach Committee in partnership with Magna FACT hosted a lunch at the Pleasant Green Villa on Saturday for children in need. The lunch was given so that children from Magna families in need could learn about disabilities.
The luncheon started with Mark Miller, Chairman of the DOC, showing the children what it is like to do simple things in a wheelchair. Some children had the opportunity to sit in a wheelchair to get a sense of what it is like to go grocery shopping and pick up change off the floor. After that the children got to meet Panda a deaf search dog. Panda’s owner of 13 years, Jurgen, showed how he gives Panda commands even though he is deaf.
Amanda Owens, a community liaison for the DOC, helped organize the luncheon and expressed that this is one of the many projects the DOC would like to undergo. Owens said that youth programs like this are, “The first step to create some sort of information system for people.” Owens further stated that it is important to have educational opportunities because people with disabilities often feel excluded. Owens feels that educational opportunities should not be limited to children and should branch out to adults to help create an understanding community.
All of the children who attended the luncheon are children on Magna FACT’s Angel Tree at the Magna Post Office. Diana Watson from Magna FACT said that they are still looking for donations for the Magna FACT Sub-for-Santa program. Watson explained that up until Christmas Eve there will still be children coming in who need help this Christmas.
If you would like to helpthese children you can go to the Magna Post Office on 2700 South and sponsor a child through the Angel Tree Program. The lunch provided was donated by Five Buck Pizza of Magna.
News Editor
The Disability Outreach Committee in partnership with Magna FACT hosted a lunch at the Pleasant Green Villa on Saturday for children in need. The lunch was given so that children from Magna families in need could learn about disabilities.
The luncheon started with Mark Miller, Chairman of the DOC, showing the children what it is like to do simple things in a wheelchair. Some children had the opportunity to sit in a wheelchair to get a sense of what it is like to go grocery shopping and pick up change off the floor. After that the children got to meet Panda a deaf search dog. Panda’s owner of 13 years, Jurgen, showed how he gives Panda commands even though he is deaf.
Amanda Owens, a community liaison for the DOC, helped organize the luncheon and expressed that this is one of the many projects the DOC would like to undergo. Owens said that youth programs like this are, “The first step to create some sort of information system for people.” Owens further stated that it is important to have educational opportunities because people with disabilities often feel excluded. Owens feels that educational opportunities should not be limited to children and should branch out to adults to help create an understanding community.
All of the children who attended the luncheon are children on Magna FACT’s Angel Tree at the Magna Post Office. Diana Watson from Magna FACT said that they are still looking for donations for the Magna FACT Sub-for-Santa program. Watson explained that up until Christmas Eve there will still be children coming in who need help this Christmas.
If you would like to helpthese children you can go to the Magna Post Office on 2700 South and sponsor a child through the Angel Tree Program. The lunch provided was donated by Five Buck Pizza of Magna.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Diva with the Red Hattitude
What the caterpillar call the end, God calls a butterfly!
Whirlwind week for this ol’ gal! The most rewarding experience I have ever had in volunteer work at Christmas time is the “Shopping with a Veteran Program” sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliaries of the state of Utah. I spent three days at the VA Hospital during intake for the program along with three other ladies. Veterans come with a list of names, ages and addresses of immediate family members to whom they want to send a gift ; they must complete paperwork, and go with a shopper who helps select gifts and keeps track of the inventory, the gifts are then wrapped and sent anywhere there is an address. I had one request for a package to be sent Afghanistan. What a worthwhile program. Our service man and woman were so grateful for this opportunity. Toys and items are requested year around, stored at the VA hospital and put out every year for a shopping spree. Inquiring about the history of the program, I learned it was started in 1938. The first day, the room was like a mini superstore.
I was so proud of the boss of the project; someone came dragging a box of soaps, shampoo and stuff borrowed on the no return plan from who knows where. She graciously said thank you, and ordered the staff to get rid of the box. We had quite a discussion and just disposed of the items as soon as the do gooder was gone. My take on it, is what a waste of time and energy. I think the world knows by now pawning soap, lotion, shampoo and the like off on the homeless at Christmas time is one of my pet peeves.
Kudos to the Sandy Senior Center, who have been making afghans, hats, scarves and the like all year long. Ken and his gals were featured on the news as they soon will deliver their works of art to the Road Home homeless shelter. A very worthwhile project to say the least!
The news, local section and letters to the editor of the Tribune have been quite interesting lately. I find it amusing! I swear it does not take much to amuse me these days.
Going through another cookbook, I found another recipe; I shall call it the “Oh Crap Cake,” for lack of better verbiage. Start with a chocolate cake mix: add three eggs, three jars of pureed baby food prunes, _ cup warm water, 3 teaspoons instant coffee granules, 2 tablespoons applesauce. Bake in a spray and floured Bundt pan for 40 minutes @ 350+ I haven’t dared try it, but I’m waiting to be asked to bring desert for some pot luck. Would I do that==one never knows!
This week, Karan Speetzner was called home. She was Barb’s sister and VelDean’s daughter (Red Hat ladies in Kearns) and a neighbor of mine. I played the music for the service; I laughed at VelDean as she cautioned, “Make sure some of the music you play is religious.” She knew I played in dance bands and was afraid I was going to jazz it up a little bit.
Grandma Gene is getting along great. Alta Ridge is a good place to recover, and at least, no one hollers at her there. She asked me if I had the password the other night when I went to see her. She was zonkered up on pain pills after a strenuous morning of exercises. Sunday was her birthday I went to see her in the morning and told her about “the cake.” She didn’t want any part of it! We had a good laugh. She said she would be watching for my chocolate cake! I assured her, I would not make it for her.
Until next week, never do anything you have to explain to the paramedics. Later in the area, Andrea
Whirlwind week for this ol’ gal! The most rewarding experience I have ever had in volunteer work at Christmas time is the “Shopping with a Veteran Program” sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliaries of the state of Utah. I spent three days at the VA Hospital during intake for the program along with three other ladies. Veterans come with a list of names, ages and addresses of immediate family members to whom they want to send a gift ; they must complete paperwork, and go with a shopper who helps select gifts and keeps track of the inventory, the gifts are then wrapped and sent anywhere there is an address. I had one request for a package to be sent Afghanistan. What a worthwhile program. Our service man and woman were so grateful for this opportunity. Toys and items are requested year around, stored at the VA hospital and put out every year for a shopping spree. Inquiring about the history of the program, I learned it was started in 1938. The first day, the room was like a mini superstore.
I was so proud of the boss of the project; someone came dragging a box of soaps, shampoo and stuff borrowed on the no return plan from who knows where. She graciously said thank you, and ordered the staff to get rid of the box. We had quite a discussion and just disposed of the items as soon as the do gooder was gone. My take on it, is what a waste of time and energy. I think the world knows by now pawning soap, lotion, shampoo and the like off on the homeless at Christmas time is one of my pet peeves.
Kudos to the Sandy Senior Center, who have been making afghans, hats, scarves and the like all year long. Ken and his gals were featured on the news as they soon will deliver their works of art to the Road Home homeless shelter. A very worthwhile project to say the least!
The news, local section and letters to the editor of the Tribune have been quite interesting lately. I find it amusing! I swear it does not take much to amuse me these days.
Going through another cookbook, I found another recipe; I shall call it the “Oh Crap Cake,” for lack of better verbiage. Start with a chocolate cake mix: add three eggs, three jars of pureed baby food prunes, _ cup warm water, 3 teaspoons instant coffee granules, 2 tablespoons applesauce. Bake in a spray and floured Bundt pan for 40 minutes @ 350+ I haven’t dared try it, but I’m waiting to be asked to bring desert for some pot luck. Would I do that==one never knows!
This week, Karan Speetzner was called home. She was Barb’s sister and VelDean’s daughter (Red Hat ladies in Kearns) and a neighbor of mine. I played the music for the service; I laughed at VelDean as she cautioned, “Make sure some of the music you play is religious.” She knew I played in dance bands and was afraid I was going to jazz it up a little bit.
Grandma Gene is getting along great. Alta Ridge is a good place to recover, and at least, no one hollers at her there. She asked me if I had the password the other night when I went to see her. She was zonkered up on pain pills after a strenuous morning of exercises. Sunday was her birthday I went to see her in the morning and told her about “the cake.” She didn’t want any part of it! We had a good laugh. She said she would be watching for my chocolate cake! I assured her, I would not make it for her.
Until next week, never do anything you have to explain to the paramedics. Later in the area, Andrea
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Pleasant Green Villa raises new symbol of freedom
By Kimberly Thomas
News Editor
On Veteran’s Day, friends and residents of Pleasant Green Villa gathered around in their courtyard to retire their old American flag and raise their new one. Residents of the Pleasant Green expressed how their old flag acted as a symbol for them. Roy Davis, Treasury Secretary for the Disability Outreach Committee (DOC) said, “The flag looks like it has been in a battle.” Davis continued on to say that the flag’s war-torn qualities made it relatable to residents of Pleasant Green.
Pleasant Green is home to the DOC a non-profit organization with a focus in helping people with disabilities and it was the DOC who was able to gather support and funds for a new flag. Mark Miller, Chairman of the DOC, said that Pleasant Green chose to raise the flag on Veteran’s Day because many residents of Pleasant Green are Veterans. Lowell Taylor, a Vice Chairman for the DOC, said it was important to have a flag and pole in the first place because so many residents have served our country. All felt that raising the new flag on Veteran’s Day was significant because it is so symbolic to residents, especially those who are veterans.
The flag raising ceremony began with a few words from Mark Miller. Miller also read a poem by Edgar A. Guest, titled “Duty to Our Flag.” The poem echoed patriotism for the flag and stressed the importance of always showing respect and love for flag and country. After this the new flag was raised by Taylor and Davis. Mallory Douge then sang the national anthem which brought many to tears. Everyone continued to salute the flag as the Pledge of Allegiance was spoken.
Miller says that now that the flag has been retired they would like to frame it and display it in the clubhouse so that the flag can continue to act as a symbol to the residents of Pleasant Green. Pleasant Green friends and residents continue with faith despite the vandalism that precipitated the need to retire their old flag. A line from “Duty to Our Flag” reads, “Less boast and brag about the flag, more faith in what it means,” this is faith that friends and residents of Pleasant Green Villa have in abundance.
The DOC was started in 2005 originally to help just one lady in an electric wheel chair obtain transportation. It was DOC that found someone to donate the new flag. Lowell Taylor was the one with the idea for the DOC and it was Mark Miller, whom Taylor says is a “doer”, who got the proverbial ball rolling on the DOC. The DOC’s is now working on organizing a Sub-for-Santa for children with disabilities. If you would like to help them please visit their website: www.doconthemove.org.
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