Tag: Provo Newspaper

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Provo City News

Saving Me: Quality Animation Out of Provo

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By McKinsleigh Smith

Many are familiar with Rick and Morty, the wildly popular animated series created by Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon. Known for its science fiction lunacy and often raunchy humor, Rick and Morty developed a dedicated fanbase obsessed with its sci-fi antics. However, due to its mature content, the show is not suitable for younger audiences. The humor of BYUtv’s animated series Saving Me is similar to Rick and Morty, but the show itself is more age appropriate and rife with meaning – without being heavy handed.

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Created by Aaron Johnston, Saving Me premiered its first season on October 1, 2022. The show follows the story of Bennett Bramble, a technologically savvy billionaire in his early sixties. Bramble’s constant unsavory attitude towards others, including his own relatives, has left him leading a lonely life. Over time, he begins to regret his past decisions and decides to build a time machine. With the help of this machine, Bramble projects his present consciousness to his younger self, hoping to teach him how to become a good person before it’s too late.

The catch? Neither of them really know how to be a good person.

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What follows are the zany adventures of both present and future versions of Bennett Bramble as they struggle to discover what it means to be a good person.

What sets “Saving Me” apart is its ability to cater to viewers of all ages. While children will be entertained by both Bennets thwarting a rogue snow cone machine armed with playing cards or evading rabid blue-colored sasquatches, adult audience members will be captivated by the season-long mystery arcs. These arcs revolve around the identity of a mysterious soldier who repeatedly saves the day and the cataclysmic event that initially separated Bramble from his loved ones. The show also incorporates adult-themed ideas into its futuristic world, subtly adding depth and intrigue.

In addition to offering a child-friendly version of the dynamic between two main male characters, Saving Me successfully avoids relying on obscenity for its humor. While the collision between the past and present versions of Bramble forms the core of the plot, the show also explores relatable familial tensions. For instance, one episode takes both versions of Bramble on a journey through their memories, reminding them of the importance of gratitude towards their mother on Mother’s Day. The younger Bramble also learns valuable lessons about dedicating time to his siblings. Through these narratives, Saving Me imparts valuable life lessons to its younger audience.

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The voice cast of Saving Me brings a wealth of experience to the show, allowing it to stand on its own merits. Ivan Sherry lends his voice to the older, grumpier Bramble, while Adam Sanders brings the younger, more naive version to life. Sanders, known for his endearing charisma in shows like Clifford The Big Red Dog, infuses the series with youthful energy. Sherry, with his extensive background in animated cartoons and voice acting for various productions, provides a more mature perspective on the show’s situations.

With its entertaining adventures, intriguing mystery arcs, laugh out loud humor, and valuable life lessons, Saving Me offers a unique and enjoyable experience. BYUtv’s productions don’t always land, but this one definitely does. They knocked it out of the park.

You can stream Saving Me for free on BYUtv. Check out a trailer for the show below.

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Springville News

Missing Mapleton Man Found Dead

Austin Madsen near Mount Dutton on Jan. 27, 2023. Photo courtesy of Mapleton Police Department.
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By Richard Provost

The body of Austin Madsen, a 32-year-old resident of Mapleton, Utah, has been found in Garfield County near Mount Dutton after over four months of searching. He went missing on January 27. Shed hunters spotted the remains on May 29 around 2:30 PM and immediately reported the sighting to the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office.

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Authorities arrived at the location and determined that there was no foul play involved. Joe Adams, the public information officer for the sheriff’s office, stated that Madsen’s death appeared to be the result of natural causes, likely due to exposure to the elements.

The remains were transported to Taylorsville, where the Utah Office of the Medical Examiner identified the body using dental records provided by the Mapleton Police Department. Austin Madsen’s father, Aron Madsen, revealed that his son suffered from bipolar disorder and occasionally experienced mental crises. According to Aron Madsen, Austin had expressed his desire to leave Mapleton and clear his mind, intending to head to Fredonia, Arizona, where his family had lived in the past. However, something diverted his path, leading him to Mount Dutton where his truck became stuck in the snow.

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The last communication from Austin Madsen was a video sent to a friend on January 27, showing himself on the mountain. This video helped the police identify the general area. Search and rescue efforts began on January 29 in Dry Hollow, approximately 5 miles southeast of where Madsen’s body was eventually found. Multiple sheriff’s offices collaborated in the search, but due to a severe snowstorm, the operation had to be temporarily suspended. After the storm passed, the search resumed but was called off on February 3 when all leads were exhausted.

There were subsequent reports of sightings in Ogden, but they turned out to be cases of mistaken identity. A further search conducted by deputies from Garfield County and members of the Rocky Mountain Rescue Dogs took place during the weekend of May 20 but yielded no results. The Fredonia Police Department informed Madsen’s family of the discovery of his remains.

Austin Madsen is survived by his wife, Emily, and their two young sons, aged 2 and 9 months. The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office expressed its condolences to the Madsen family and requested that all inquiries be directed to their office, allowing the family time to grieve this tragic loss.

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University News

Record Number of Female Cadets Graduate from Utah Valley University Police Academy

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By Charlie G. Patreus

In a significant milestone for gender diversity in law enforcement, the Utah Valley University Police Academy saw a record number of female cadets graduate this year. Out of the total graduating cohort of 28 cadets, six were women, representing 21% of the class. This figure is double the number of female graduates in any previous year since the academy’s establishment in 1996.

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The statistics from Utah Valley University (UVU) are particularly noteworthy considering the national average of sworn women police officers stands at 13%, with only a 3% increase since the 1970s. Leaders in law enforcement across the country are increasingly recognizing the advantages of recruiting, training, and promoting more female officers.

John McCombs, director of UVU’s Police Academy, highlights the significant impact female officers can have as communicators, particularly in addressing violence against women and sex crimes. Their empathetic approach and ability to de-escalate intense situations contribute to their effectiveness.

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The concept of empathy plays a crucial role in police de-escalation training. McCombs explains that finding a way to relate to individuals and establishing effective communication is the starting point for the entire de-escalation process.

Mellanie Seamons, a UVU Police Academy graduate who now serves as a Provo police officer, echoes this sentiment. She emphasizes that women often possess nurturing qualities and are more inclined to engage in conversations with people.

A 2014 study from the University of Zurich supports the notion that female victims of sexual assault or violence feel more comfortable reporting their experiences to female police officers.

Seamons further elaborates on the significance of female officers in cases involving victims of sexual assault, stating, “A lot of people will get the information they need and pass it on to where it needs to go, but I try to make sure the victims know, ‘you aren’t alone in this, and none of this is your fault, you did not do anything to deserve this.'”

Both McCombs and Seamons note that children also tend to feel more drawn to women in law enforcement. Seamons, who has worked on sex crime investigations in collaboration with the Utah Department of Child and Family Services, explains that 90% of children prefer speaking to either a female social worker or a female police officer.

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Research indicates that female officers contribute to better police-community relations, are less likely to use excessive force, face fewer complaints and lawsuits, and are perceived as more honest and compassionate.

The UVU Police Academy, a satellite of the Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), is committed to providing professional law enforcement training through state-of-the-art learning models, advanced technology, and best practices in public safety. The academy’s experienced staff, including local police officers, attorneys, and specialists, ensure that cadets receive comprehensive training in areas such as criminal law, defensive tactics, firearms, investigation, terrorism, and scenario-based exercises. This rigorous preparation equips graduates to serve as police officers, investigators, or parole/probation officers in any police department in the state of Utah.

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University News

BYU and WSU Introduce New Quinoa Varieties for Global Food Security

WSU student Cedric Habiyaremye. Photo by Olivier Ndayiramije.
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By Mike Romero

Scientists from Brigham Young University (BYU) and Washington State University (WSU) have developed new varieties of quinoa that can thrive in challenging growing conditions, particularly in Rwanda and other African countries.

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The recently released varieties, including “Cougar Quinoa” (named after the universities’ mascots), offer tall, colorful plants that yield abundant seeds and edible leaves rich in B vitamins and fiber. Cougar Quinoa stands out with its striking purple and green leaves, while the other two varieties, named Shisha and Gikungu in the Kinyarwanda language, symbolize “flourishing” and “economy,” respectively.

Quinoa is a highly nutritious crop that holds immense potential due to its ability to grow in poor soil conditions. However, to fully realize this potential, it is crucial to develop quinoa varieties suited to different environments, according to BYU professor Jeff Maughan.

A versatile crop that benefits small farmers in Rwanda, quinoa can be consumed alone, mixed with rice, ground into flour for baking, or used in beverages. Quinoa leaves can be harvested and eaten between harvests, the stalks can serve as livestock feed, and the seeds can be stored without the need for chemical treatments.

Cougar Quinoa growing in a field in Rwanda. Photo by Olivier Ndayiramije.

For the past twenty years, Maughan and his colleague Rick Jellen, professors of plant and wildlife sciences at BYU, have been actively researching ways to introduce new plants, including quinoa, into the global food supply. The three newly released quinoa varieties were bred back in 2004 and were among the approximately 1,000 breeding lines provided to WSU by the BYU researchers in 2012.

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Kevin Murphy, director of WSU’s Sustainable Seed Systems Lab, expressed gratitude for the collaboration, stating that the BYU researchers’ generosity kickstarted their quinoa breeding program and significantly expanded their selection of quinoa lines. The selected strains were tested for yield, disease resistance, maturation time, and other desirable traits at WSU’s Tukey Organic Farm and later in Rwanda by Cedric Habiyaremye, a WSU graduate and current research associate.

The new quinoa varieties have shown excellent performance in Rwanda’s diverse landscapes and are particularly well-suited for equatorial regions. The release of these varieties for Rwanda marks a significant milestone in the shared goal of improving global food security.

BYU professors Rick Jellen and Jeff Maughan in a greenhouse on BYU campus. Photo by BYU Photo.
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Cedric Habiyaremye, who experienced the 1997 famine in Rwanda as a child, has been personally involved in testing and promoting quinoa in the country. Habiyaremye introduced quinoa to Rwanda in 2015 and, with his mother’s help, initiated a micro-extension program that now involves over 700 Rwandan farmers.

Habiyaremye’s vision is to combat hunger and malnutrition by making quinoa accessible to all. He is collaborating with Rwanda’s Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, as well as farmers and research institutions in Kenya, Zimbabwe, Gambia, Malawi, Lesotho, and South Africa to expand quinoa’s acceptance and impact.

BYU researchers, including Maughan, Jellen, and David Jarvis, continue to collaborate with quinoa breeders across Sub-Saharan and northern Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Their ongoing efforts align with the universities’ mission to address real-world problems such as food insecurity in developing nations, providing hope for a brighter future through improved nutrition and agricultural practices.

Learn more about how BYU is feeding the world in the documentary below.

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Provo City News

Provo Braces for Utah Valley Marathon

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By Richard Provost

Provo is gearing up for an exciting event this weekend as thousands of runners flock to the city for the highly anticipated Utah Valley Marathon on Saturday, June 3, 2023. This marathon promises to bring an influx of energy, determination, and a positive influence to our community.

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Known for its speed and scenic beauty, the Utah Valley Marathon has gained recognition as one of the fastest spring marathons in the region. With breathtaking views of mountains, lush farmland, cascading waterfalls, the majestic Provo River, Deer Creek Reservoir, and nearby national parks, participants will experience an unparalleled journey. This event not only serves as a great opportunity for the runners but also presents a momentous occasion for the city as a whole.

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Event organizers are expecting a significant turnout, with over 8,000 runners and visitors projected to visit Provo for this premier race. Notably, 27% of the registered participants come from out-of-state – a huge boost to local businesses. As these athletes and their families occupy hotel rooms, dine in restaurants, and explore retail stores, it is estimated that this marathon alone will inject approximately 1.7 million dollars into our local economy. Runners will make their way through the course from 6:30 AM until 3 PM.

To ensure the safety and smooth progression of the marathon, there will be some necessary road closures and detours. Beginning at approximately 6:30 AM until 3 PM, the outside Northbound lane on University Avenue will be closed. Race participants will have the right of way, and traffic will be allowed to cross when there are gaps in the runners. Additionally, University Avenue will be completely closed between 200 North and 300 South until 3 PM.

Throughout Provo Canyon, all traffic will be directed to travel in the Westbound lanes. There will be one lane open for traffic traveling East and West. Runners will cross at approximately 5600 N.

The 800 N flyover will remain open, and all northbound traffic on University Avenue will be rerouted west of 4800 N. Likewise, southbound traffic coming out of the canyon will be detoured west at 800 N Orem.

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Provo City News

Unprecedented Snowpack Presents Challenging Spring

Photo of Lone Peak by Saul Flores.
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By Charlie G. Patreus

The excessive snowpack this winter has led to avalanches, floods, and the closure of various trails around Utah. The state experienced an extraordinary accumulation of snow this winter, with the Utah Department of Natural Resources reporting a staggering 201% above the normal snowpack levels in April.

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While this surplus snow has provided excellent conditions for winter sports enthusiasts, enabling ski resorts and primary state economic drivers like Snowbird to remain open until June, it has also resulted in unwelcome consequences for summer activities like hiking, mountain biking, and river sports.

As things stand, there is an increased likelihood of avalanches during the 2023 spring season. As the snow begins to warm up and melt, especially later in the day when exposed to sunlight, the risk of avalanches becomes significantly higher. Venturing into higher elevations of the mountains this spring demands greater preparation and equipment compared to previous years, primarily due to trail conditions and the potential risk of avalanches.

Bridal Veil Falls remains closed due to debris and ice left behind from an avalanche in January. The Provo River Parkway Trail in front of the waterfall is also closed. Provo residents are advised to avoid the Provo River, which doubled in volume last week.

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Provo City News

Provo Planting 1,000 Trees

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By Richard Provost

The city of Provo is taking significant steps towards a more sustainable future by planting 1,000 trees throughout the community. To facilitate community participation, Provo focused on organizing tree planting events in local parks. These gatherings attracted volunteers from across the city and served as a starting point for the initiative.

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Hannah Salzl, the sustainability coordinator for Provo City, believes this initiative is a wise investment in the city’s well-being. “We felt like it was a good way to invest in our future, invest in our infrastructure, invest in mental and social health, and invest in property values,” she says. “There’s not really a downside to putting more trees in your community.”

Originally scheduled to begin in March 2020, the initiative faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it officially launched on May 21, 2022, at Pioneer Park, and has since gained momentum with volunteers planting trees in various locations throughout the city. The Thousand Trees Initiative website reports that 353 trees have already been planted as part of the program.

Hannah Salzl, Provo City Sustainability Coordinator. Photo via LinkedIn.
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The involvement of volunteers, including city residents and student groups, has played a crucial role in the initiative’s success. Generous contributions from The Nature Conservancy and the Ivory Foundation have also supplied trees for developing areas in Provo.

Salzl emphasizes that multiple areas in Provo are undergoing development and require additional trees. She states, “There are others that are just starting to develop, just starting to get space to put more trees in. So we’re trying to spread that tree canopy out for better citywide coverage.”

One of the primary objectives of the initiative is to plant street trees throughout the city. Street trees are planted in the area between the sidewalk and the road, offering shade for pedestrians, a buffer between traffic and pedestrians, and reduced heat from asphalt roads.

Ultimately, the goal of the 1,000 trees initiative is to transform Provo into a more beautiful, clean, and sustainable city.

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University News

Utah Valley University Earns Recognition as a Military-Friendly Institution

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By Charlie G. Patreus

Utah Valley University (UVU) has been honored with a prestigious Top 10 Military Friendly School designation by Military Friendly, an esteemed organization that assesses a school’s dedication, initiatives, and accomplishments in creating sustainable and valuable opportunities for the military community.

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“This recognition reflects many hours invested by our team and other UVU partners to create an exceptional experience for our military-connected students,” says Kayle Smith, interim director of UVU Veteran Success Center.

Employing a comprehensive methodology that incorporates public data sources, proprietary surveys, and firsthand input from veterans, Military Friendly evaluates institutions across multiple categories, including academic policies, admissions procedures, cultural commitment, financial aid, graduation and career support, as well as military student assistance and retention.

UVU, in line with this methodology, has achieved a remarkable Gold rating, securing an impressive fifth-place ranking among Large Public universities nationwide.

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The university’s Veteran Success Center plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth transition and success of student veterans, service members, and their dependents throughout their educational journey, from enrollment to graduation. Since its establishment in 2015, the center has provided invaluable guidance to approximately 800 military veteran students and 2,400 military dependents, enabling them to maximize their military benefits in funding their education at UVU.

To learn more about the UVU Veteran Success Center, visit uvu.edu/veterans.

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Provo City News

From Provo? You Could Run for Office

Photo by Michael Beener
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By Charlie G. Patreus

Provo City residents, mark your calendars! The time has come for those with aspirations of public service to step up and actively participate in shaping the future of the city. From June 1 to June 7, 2023 (excluding weekends), Provo City is officially opening its filing period for residents considering running for city office.

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Excitingly, four crucial municipal seats will be up for election: Council Districts 1, 3, and 4, along with the Citywide Council II. If you have ever felt the desire to influence strategic decision-making, contribute to policy formation, and truly make a difference in Provo, this is your moment.

Here’s a map displaying the City Council Municipal Districts with precinct boundaries:

In the event that more than two candidates file for a particular office, a primary election will be held on Tuesday, August 15, 2023.

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To officially become a candidate, filing a declaration of candidacy is imperative. This step must be completed in person with the City Recorder during the designated filing period. Office hours are 8 AM – 5 PM, from June 1 to June 7, with weekends excluded.

A filing fee, set at $75, is an integral part of the candidacy filing process and represents a modest investment towards the prospect of making a significant impact on Provo City.

Should you have any questions or concerns, City Recorder Heidi Allman, is available. Reach out to her by phone at 801-852-6524 or via email at recorder@provo.org.

The Municipal Election in Provo City will take place in 2023, with the Primary Election scheduled for Tuesday, August 15, and the general election set for Tuesday, November 7. Similar to previous years, this will be a vote-by-mail election.

Active registered voters can expect to receive their ballots in the mail approximately 2-3 weeks before each election. Ballots can be returned at any of the 25 drop boxes located throughout Utah County. These drop boxes are accessible 24/7 and will accept ballots until 8 PM on election night.

For a comprehensive list of drop box locations, visit voteprovo.com. Alternatively, you may also choose to return your ballot by mail; however, it must be postmarked no later than the day before Election Day.

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University News

Transferring to UVU from Snow College Just Got Easier

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By Charlie G. Patreus

A new agreement between Snow College and Utah Valley University (UVU) is set to benefit students in good academic standing who seek to further their education. Under this agreement, Snow College students who successfully complete an associate degree or earn 60 credits toward third-year status will be granted acceptance into UVU’s Integrated Studies Program.

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UVU, an open-enrollment institution, will automatically recognize Snow College’s general education foundations course as fulfilling its own knowledge integrated (IS 2000) requirement. This arrangement provides students with the opportunity to immediately embark on their third year of studies.

Heather Holland, assistant professor of English at Snow College, is the brain behind this collaborative effort. As a UVU integrated studies graduate herself, she views this agreement as a testament to the value of teamwork within Utah’s System of Higher Education (USHE). “Holland believes that the agreement will enable interested students to seamlessly transition to UVU and continue their educational journey. “This will allow students who are interested to make a seamless transfer to UVU and continue their education,” she says.

Heather Holland. Faculty headshot courtesy of Snow College.
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UVU has also forged agreements with other educational institutions. For instance, there is a fast-track program that expedites UVU students into the University of Utah’s Master of Healthcare Administration program, accompanied by access to scholarships. Additionally, UVU has partnered with Mountainland Technical College to facilitate the transfer of credits from MTECH licensed practical nurse graduates into UVU’s Nursing Program.

“All of the agreements are good news for students,” said Frederick H. White, director of UVU’s Integrated Studies Program. “The agreement with Snow College allows for direct access into the Integrated Studies Program at UVU, which offers students a unique opportunity to create their own degree for their specific career goals. Students select two minors out of more than 70 offered at the university and combine these minors in meaningful ways through a capstone paper or project at the end of their academic career. We are excited to admit Snow College students into our program and accelerate their education.”

These agreements represent a step forward for students, providing them with enhanced opportunities and streamlined pathways toward their desired educational and career outcomes. The collaborative efforts within Utah’s System of Higher Education serve as a promising example of how institutions can work together to benefit the broader student community.

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