Tag: Utah News

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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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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

Provo PD Seeks Help In Missing Persons Case

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By Richard Provost

Detectives in Provo, Utah are investigating a missing persons case regarding Sacramento ‘Rico’ Gutierrez, who was known to live here in town. Gutierrez is 42 years old, 5’9″, approximately 175 pounds, and of Hispanic/Latino ancestry.

The last known contact with Sacramento was around October 2021. There is no indication of foul-play, but family and friends have found it highly unusual to have not heard from him for this extended period of time. He is currently listed missing in the national missing persons database.

If anyone has any information as to the whereabouts of Sacramento, please call the Provo detectives at (801) 852-6343.

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University News

BYU Graduate Programs Garner Top Rankings in 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report

Photography by Nate Edwards/BYU Photo
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By Mike Romero

BYU graduate programs continue to impress as the latest edition of the U.S. News & World Report graduate school rankings are unveiled. The J. Reuben Clark Law School at BYU achieved its highest ranking to date, solidifying its place among the top law schools in the nation.

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In the 2023-2024 rankings, BYU Law soared to No. 22 among all law schools, surpassing its previous best performance. Additionally, the Marriott School of Business demonstrated remarkable progress, climbing to No. 35 among MBA programs.

While BYU Law and BYU’s MBA program take the spotlight, seven total BYU graduate programs secured positions in the Top 100 across their respective fields. It’s important to note that the U.S. News & World Report primarily focuses on graduate programs, excluding undergraduate rankings from this list. Here are the notable rankings for BYU’s graduate programs:

  • No. 22: Law
  • No. 35: MBA
  • No. 57: MPA
  • No. 63: Speech-Language Pathology
  • No. 86: Mathematics
  • No. 89: Nursing
  • No. 97: Computer Science
J. Reuben Clark Building on BYU Campus. Photography by Carter Bennett/BYU © BYU PHOTO 2020
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BYU Marriott’s expertise also received recognition in specialty graduate program rankings. Notably, it claimed No. 4 in Accounting, No. 19 in Leadership, and No. 23 in both Entrepreneurship and Non-Profit Management. Similarly, the Law School earned impressive rankings in various specialties:

  • No. 17: Business/Corporate Law
  • No. 31: Tax Law
  • No. 38: Contracts/Commercial Law
  • No. 48: Constitutional Law

Furthermore, several engineering programs at BYU earned positions in the Top 100 within their respective categories:

  • No. 77: Civil Engineering
  • No. 79: Computer Engineering
  • No. 80: Mechanical Engineering
  • No. 90: Chemical Engineering
  • No. 100: Electrical Engineering

The U.S. News & World Report has been publishing annual college and university rankings since 1983. The organization meticulously evaluated over 10,000 graduate programs and specialties during the ranking process. These rankings consider expert opinions on program excellence, alongside statistical indicators that gauge the quality of a school’s faculty, research, and students.

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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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Provo City News

Reclaiming Utah Lake: Increased Funding Will Reduce Reeds

Utah Lake shorline. Photo by Ethan Gowans.
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By Zach Collier

The Utah state government has given Utah County $113,088 to combat the growth of the common reed. Officially known as Phragmites Australis, it was introduced to American waterways in the 1800s and has proliferated around Utah Lake and other bodies of water in Utah since the 2000s, posing a threat to native vegetation by competing for natural resources.

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The grant, approved by the Utah County Commission on May 10, comes from the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food. Jake Johnson, Utah County’s weed control supervisor, says it’s important to remove these plants in order to enhance wildlife habitats, promote natural vegetation, improve recreational access, and reduce the risk of fires.

The primary focus of the funding will be on Phragmites control, which involves spot treatments with herbicides and subsequent mechanical treatments such as mowing to facilitate future follow-up actions.

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Since 2006, Utah has been actively working on an eradication program for Phragmites, utilizing various methods including herbicide spraying, crushing, mowing, and even allowing cows to graze on the plants. The restoration of Utah Lake’s shoreline has been a priority since 2010, resulting in the removal of over 70% of the Phragmites biomass, leading to improved ecosystem health and biodiversity. The Utah Lake Authority has implemented an adopt-a-shoreline program to maintain the cleanliness of access points, with all 27 points being adopted.

The agreement for the removal and restoration of Phragmites along the Utah Lake shoreline will take effect on July 1 and expire on June 30, 2024. However, since the invasive species is difficult to fully eliminate due to numerous tributaries feeding into the lake, the need for continued funding is anticipated.

Other efforts to ensure the long-term health of Utah Lake include fisheries management, algae remediation, the nearly-complete Provo River Delta Project, and revitalization projects at marinas and harbors throughout the lake.

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Provo City News

Renderings Released of Church Renovation in Downtown Provo

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By Mike Romero

Earlier this month, Keeping the Faith in Downtown Provo and the Provo Community Congregational United Church of Christ held an open house gala celebration with a 1920’s and 1950’s theme – the eras the historic buildings of the Church were constructed. Located on 200 North University in downtown Provo, the A-frame building is a staple of the cityscape.

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Keeping the Faith in Downtown Provo Co-chairs David Lewis and Kena Mathews, along with architect Steven Cornell, spoke of the exciting plans for the church. They unveiled renderings of the restoration of the exterior, as well as the expansion of the sanctuary, housing the historic 1892 45-rank pipe organ that was rescued in 2022 and creating a larger space for performances of choirs and orchestras. Additionally, a new fellowship hall and kitchen for church and community events will be built, plus a bell tower that includes an elevator to access all floors of the building.

Efforts to renovate the Church have been ongoing. So far, they’ve raised $180,000 out of a $2 million goal. Further donations are being sought to make this project become a reality. Visit KeepingtheFaithProvo.org to learn more, and check out the video presentation for the building below.

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Orem City News

New Public Facilities Zone in Orem After City Council Vote

Sign for Hillcrest Elementary School in southeastern Orem, Utah, February 2017. Courtesy Wikimedia Commons.
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By Mike Romero

With discussions surrounding school closures, boundary changes, and the potential formation of new school districts in Orem, the Orem City Council took action on Tuesday by implementing changes to various zones, consolidating them into a single Public Facilities Zone.

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The vote in favor of the zone change was 6-1, with Council member Tom Macdonald casting the lone dissenting vote. Macdonald expressed concerns about the lack of communication and collaboration with the school district prior to issuing public notices about the proposed changes.

The purpose of the new zone is to safeguard public land for future educational institutions and parks. It also serves as a preemptive measure to prevent the Alpine School District from selling its land without obtaining approval from the Orem Planning Commission and City Council. Approximately 90% of Orem’s land is already developed.

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Council members emphasized their apprehension regarding future growth and land requirements, especially considering the possibility of private and charter schools being established in the city. This concern was heightened after the legislature approved $8,000 in funding for each student, regardless of the type of school they attend. This includes public, private, charter, or homeschooling—according to Ryan Clark, assistant city manager.

During the public hearing, questions were raised regarding whether the rezoning was intended to facilitate the sale of Alpine School District (ASD) properties at a lower price. However, it was clarified that the city had paid the appraised value for Hillcrest Elementary when it closed, and the same principle would apply to other schools. The city holds the first right to purchase any school property according to state law.

Council member Terry Peterson argued that ASD had closed Hillcrest Elementary, Geneva Elementary, and Polaris High School without any financial compensation being returned to Orem schools. Tensions between Orem city government and Alpine School District have run high in recent years.

“I think we can do more by working together,” Council member Jeff Lambson stated.

City attorney Stephen Earl recommended preserving the property, citing concerns about the irreversible loss of land if ASD were to sell it to developers. He questioned where schools would be built in the future if the need arose.

“As far as I’m concerned, regardless of ASD’s involvement, this is simply a matter of common sense,” Mayor Dave Young asserted. “We never anticipated school closures. Amidst all this uncertainty, we must preserve our lands.”

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