Tag: Utah County News

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Provo City News

It’s Free Frazil Friday

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By McKinsleigh Smith

Founded in Utah in 2004 as a complementary venture to a prosperous shaved ice enterprise, Frazil makes a delectable frozen beverage that can be enjoyed conveniently throughout the year. The company swiftly distinguished itself by refining delicious flavor profiles and through their uncompromising commitment to incorporating consumer feedback.

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Convenient store proprietors eagerly embraced Frazil machines early on, but occasional malfunctions due to user error or wear and tear presented an inconvenience (to say the least). These unforeseen circumstances resulted in prolonged machine downtime until a Frazil technician could rectify the situation. Recognizing the need for a streamlined resolution, Frazil set forth to innovate.

Through their ingenuity, the company devised a solution that revolutionized the operational dynamics of their machines. When a Frazil machine encounters an issue or experiences a breakdown in a convenience store, an accompanying technological component promptly dispatches a signal to the central Frazil system. Then, a skilled technician is promptly dispatched to address the matter, sparing the store owner the burden of troubleshooting or reaching out for help. It’s been a massive help.

To commemorate their 20-year anniversary, Frazil has unveiled an enticing initiative: Free Frazil Friday. Throughout the month of June, every Friday presents an opportunity for customers to visit select locations in Utah, Idaho, and Nevada, where a complimentary 12 oz. Frazil drink (limited to one per person) awaits during regular operating hours.

Participating establishments include Maverik, Holiday Oil, ExtraMile by Jacksons, Terrible Herbst, Anabi Oil (Rebel), Fabulous Freddy’s, Fast Stop, Good 2 Go, Oasis Stop ‘N Go, Speedee Mart, Top Stop, Fast Gas, and Hunsaker Stores. For further details, visit freefrazilfriday.com.

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Provo City News

Provo Tech Company Qualtrics Announces New Software

Qualtrics headquarters in Provo, Utah.
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By Mike Romero

Qualtrics, one of Provo’s largest employers, has announced the launch of their Customer Journey Optimizer, a new analytics tool. It helps organizations improve customer experiences by identifying key moments and areas of friction, allowing them to take the right actions to find a solution.

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Customer Journey Optimizer provides an omnichannel view of the customer journey, highlighting the customer’s stage, reasons for experience breakdowns, and the impact those breakdowns have on business. Its journey analytics capabilities enable teams to dive deeper into data, understand the impact on different customer segments and channels, and use pre-built integrations to troubleshoot and orchestrate responses.

An example of a Qualtrics analytics dashboard analyzing friction points in an online customer experience.
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For example: Credit Union of Colorado successfully utilized Customer Journey Optimizer to enhance digital engagement. They increased adoption of digital banking services, reduced contact center calls, and improved operations by identifying friction points and implementing personalized messaging.

Qualtrics, based in Provo, is the leader and creator of the experience management business category. They are a cloud-native software provider helping organizations identify and resolve points of friction across digital and human touchpoints. With over 18,750 organizations worldwide using Qualtrics’ advanced AI, the company has built the largest database of human sentiment through its experience data. Qualtrics operates globally with headquarters in Provo and Seattle, and has 28 offices worldwide.

The company also spends a vast amount of time and resources giving back. See how Qualtrics raised money to fight cancer last month.

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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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University News

UVU Aviation Becomes First in the U.S. to Use Fully Unleaded Fuel

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By Mike Romero

Utah Valley University’s (UVU) School of Aviation Sciences is set to become the first collegiate flight training program in the country to transition its entire training fleet to fully unleaded aviation fuel (UL94).

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Operating since 1988, UVU’s School of Aviation Sciences has trained and educated numerous FAA certified pilots and aviation industry professionals, boasting a graduate job placement rate exceeding 92%.

In collaboration with Swift Fuels, a fuel research and development company based in Indiana, UVU recently received its initial shipment of UL94, marking a significant milestone in the adoption of unleaded fuel for piston-engine aircraft. While leaded fuel has traditionally been used in these aircraft due to the need for higher-octane fuel, Swift Fuels’ UL94 is a lead-free alternative that has gained approval for use in approximately 70% of existing piston aircraft. Although still in the early stages of adoption, UVU’s fleet of 25 aircraft, comprised of Diamond DA40s and Piper Seminoles, is fully compatible with this new fuel and ready to reap its benefits.

Nick Marsh, supervisor of aviation operations at UVU.
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The switch to UL94 brings several advantages to the aviation program. Engines running on this fuel will experience smoother operations and fewer mechanical issues, such as fouled spark plugs. Moreover, mandatory aircraft inspections will require less time and manpower, leading to reduced maintenance costs for UVU. John James, the director of aviation maintenance at UVU, highlighted how the cleaner-burning nature of UL94 benefits engine components, ultimately resulting in enhanced efficiency and cost-effectiveness in student training.

Beyond the cost advantages, UL94 serves as a more environmentally friendly alternative. It significantly reduces lead exhaust emissions, aligning with UVU’s commitment to sustainability. Nick Marsh, the supervisor of aviation operations at UVU, expressed his enthusiasm for the transition, emphasizing how the use of unleaded fuel would create safer working conditions for fuel-handling employees by eliminating their exposure to leaded fuel.

Curt Castagna, President and CEO of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA), commended UVU’s decision to adopt UL94 and recognized the university’s leadership in promoting community partnership and environmental progress. As an academic institution and early adopter of UL94, UVU has the opportunity to educate the industry on the use of environmentally friendly aviation fuels while training future pilots.

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NATA, the leading national trade association representing general aviation service companies, is part of the industry’s Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions (EAGLE) initiative, which aims to transition piston-engine aircraft to lead-free aviation fuels by the end of 2030. Castagna’s congratulations further underline the significance of UVU’s move toward UL94.

UVU’s transition to unleaded fuel aligns with its broader sustainability efforts in recent years. These initiatives include reducing campus water usage by 40 million gallons annually, donating excess food from UVU’s GRIT Garden to the CARE Hub campus food pantry, partnering with UTA to offer free public transportation, and constructing a pedestrian bridge across I-15.

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University News

BYU’s Annual China Conference Strengthens Cultural and Diplomatic Ties

Photo by Kurk Fullmer.
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By Charlie G. Patreus

On March 11, 2023, BYU students, faculty, and members of the Chinese community united for the highly anticipated BYU China Conference. This annual event featured academic and diplomatic speakers, including Xiaofeng Wang, counselor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United States of America. Attendees were treated to insightful presentations, a networking luncheon, and an engaging question-and-answer panel session.

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Since its establishment in 2015, the conference has been dedicated to promoting the core values of BYU: faith, lifelong learning, and service – all while fostering an inclusive community. Its primary goal is to provide educational, professional, and cultural opportunities that strengthen the bonds between the United States and China. The conference is organized and hosted by a student committee. It is overseen by an advisory board consisting of faculty and staff from various departments, including the College of Humanities Chinese Flagship Center and the Center for Language Studies.

Photo by Kurk Fullmer, BYU
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Adjunct Associate Professor Peter Chan, Chair of the advisory board, commended the exceptional work of the student committee, emphasizing their professionalism, dedication, and collaborative spirit.

Each year, the conference invites speakers from both the BYU community and esteemed Chinese associates. These experts cover a wide range of topics, like demographics, business and finance, politics, history, and current events. Notable speakers in 2023 included Counselor Wang, Changyun Kang (Associate Dean at Beijing Normal University), and Zhihong Yi (Professor of Finance and former Vice President of Renmin University of China).

Additionally, three speakers from BYU also presented: Robert Griffiths (political science adjunct faculty in the College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences and former consul general at the US Consulate General in Shanghai), Renata Forste (International Vice President of BYU), and Kirk Larsen (Associate Professor of History in the College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences).

The overarching theme of the 2023 conference centered on fostering friendly international relations between China and the United States, exploring the past, present, and future while highlighting the importance of a liberal approach to education in China.

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Attending as a member of the Chinese Flagship Program, BYU student Alex Keogh expressed his appreciation for the conference’s diplomatic focus, emphasizing the significance of cross-cultural understanding. Keogh recognized the positive atmosphere that emphasized collaboration, effective communication, and mutual understanding.

The BYU China Conference serves as a platform for fostering understanding and forging connections, with attendees often referred to as “young ambassadors” by the speakers. This inclusive event takes place every winter semester, and individuals from all backgrounds are welcome to participate, regardless of their language experience.

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Springville News

Springville White Nationalist Pleads Guilty to Child Porn Charges

Jared M. Boyce, 27, of Springville, Utah (Mug shot from Kootenai County Sheriff's Office)
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By Mike Romero

A Springville man, Jared M. Boyce, has admitted to possessing child pornography while residing in Utah County. Boyce, 28, pleaded guilty in April to nine counts of second-degree felony charges for sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of a class A misdemeanor for dealing in harmful material to a minor. Court records indicate that the remaining felony charges were dismissed with prejudice.

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The investigation began on July 11, 2022, when the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) seized Boyce’s phone as part of an unrelated inquiry. Subsequently, FBI agents obtained a search warrant for Boyce’s phone and discovered 22 explicit images involving child pornography.

During a subsequent police interview, Boyce confessed to possessing and accessing the illicit images within Utah County. He also admitted to engaging in sexually themed conversations about children in an online chatroom, sharing sexually explicit images of children, and maintaining an ongoing conversation with a 16-year-old girl to whom he sent explicit images of himself.

In addition to the child pornography charges, Boyce remains under investigation for his involvement with Patriot Front. He was one of 31 individuals arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to riot at an LGBTQ pride event in Idaho in June 2022. The charges related to the Idaho incident are pending in Kootenai County.

Boyce is currently facing a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison for the child pornography charges and is scheduled for sentencing Tomorrow.

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