Practice News Story 11: Accident

Nine Die After USU Van Rolls in I-84

Posted: 7:19 p.m., MST, April 18, 2007

TREMONTON Utah- At approximately 4 p.m. this afternoon a Utah State University van was involved in an accident west of Tremonton on a stretch of Interstate 84 that killed seven of the eleven passengers inside. The vans’ left rear tire exploded which caused the van to swerve violently and then roll down the embankment ejecting all the passengers. The van was carrying ten male students and one professor, Evan Parker, who was driving at the time of the accident. The four men who were still alive after the accident were taken to McKay Dee, Ogden Regional, and Brigham City Community Hospital, two have died since.

Kyle Holden had been accompanying the group the entire day as they toured a combine at Greenline Implements, a farm supply store in Tremonton. The students were all from the College of Agriculture at USU, and Even Parker was their professor of agricultural systems. Holden was passing the van at around 81 miles per hour, and made eye contact with Parker moments before the tire blew, he saw Parker try desperately to regain control, but the van turned violently and began to roll. Holden was the first on the scene and attended to those still alive, he later said, “I’ve never experienced anything like this.” Jennie Smith was behind the USU van when the tire blew and called 911 after witnessing the van crash. “I saw bodies in the air … they were three times the height of the van.”

Lt. Ed Michaud and trooper Jason Jensen drove up on the scene moments after the crash and called for emergency services. Michaud said, “bodies were all over the place … it looks as if no one was wearing their seatbelts.” Jensen said after eight years on the force that, “we don’t see this.” They both began to attend to the victims, focusing on the remaining four that were still alive. Emergency services arrives ten minutes later and took two by helicopter to McKay Dee, and Ogden Regional, they are both in critical condition. The remaining two were taken by ambulance to Brigham City where they later died. The President of Utah State University Stan L. Albrecht said that today’s accident was a “tragedy for our institution.”

Practice News Story 10: Press Release

For Immediate Release

April 5, 2007, 9:00 p.m.

Clear Point Comes to Logan

Clear Point Instruction
1501 Highland Drive
North Logan, UT 84321
info@clearpointinstruction.com
(435)-512-8964

LOGAN Utah- Usually when a new company or business comes to beautiful Cache Valley no one takes any interest or notices, but today, and this company, are different. Clear Point Instruction specializes in health care educational materials in many different forms, and now this revolutionary concept is open for the population of Logan and Cache Valley. A health care provider can choose between print based, video, or web-based simulations for the optimal educational experience for both in-patient, and out-patient procedures. This next generation educational material has vastly improved the knowledge, confidence, and procedural understanding of the patient. This knowledge provides much less anxiety for what would otherwise be a scary medical procedure.

This new type of instruction for patients, families, and clients leads to greater customer retention, satisfaction, and confidence. One young man, a student at Utah State University, relied on a Clear Point Instructional video to understand a complicated and serious upcoming surgery. His condition in medical terms was Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia, but for a 19 year old with a serious heart condition, a name like that led to some anxiety. A Clear Point Instruction DVD explained about his condition in an easily understood way that doctors and nurses, sometimes find hard to do. When the day of his heart surgery came he understood exactly what would occur, how his problem would be fixed, and how long his recovery would be, thanks to a Clear Point production; and the problem with his heart was resolved.

Clear Point is another business that calls Cache Valley home, but what this business brings to the community is so much more another health care product. Medical procedures and conditions are frightening enough, Clear Point doesn’t just make videos and pamphlets, it gives people confidence.

Sam Powell
100 E 100 N
Logan UT, 84321
801-555-5555
sampowell@notreal.com

Extra Practice News Story 9: Investigative

A New Hope for Africa

Posted: 10:55 p.m., MST, March 29, 2007

AFRICA - The seed of what may grow to be the worlds most expensive, largest, and most beneficial philanthropic endeavor in recorded history has been planted in a small village in Africa. Africa has been caught in a deadly maelstrom of disease, starvation, war, political corruption, and rising pollution for years; but two multi-billionaires are coming together to help the people gain a better quality of life. Ted Turner and Bill Gates with his wife Melinda stepped off a private jet in a small town in Africa on March 21, on a mission to start a new charitable program. Bill said, “we want educational institutions throughout the continent … too empower the children.” From the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation website it also reads, “Every life has equal value, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation works to reduce inequities and improve lives around the world.”(Gates Site) Clearly a venture of this magnitude has never been attempted before, but the Gates and Ted Turner did seem like a bit of an odd pairing, because Turner mostly focuses on wildlife conservation and protection. However with both of them working together, along with many other wealthy philanthropists, it can be assured that this new idea will be a great benefit to the world.

The village where the Gates and Turner began negotiations is a clue to just how serious they are about this new endeavor. Mayor Malik Ok said that the greatest need for his people wasn’t just money or clothes, it was education. “My people don’t need fish, they need to be taught how to fish.” According to Ok the Gates and Turner mostly talked about what new opportunities their idea would bring to the people of Africa, but no concrete ideas have been set in place. One of the main goals according to Gates is also to help the World Health Organization. Director General Dr. Margaret Chan said, “The generosity of philanthropists … is facilitating the programs we have. They drive the goals of the WHO.” We can only hope that their great generosity will come to fruition.

Practice News Story 9: investigative

Posted: 4:50 p.m., MST March 28, 2007

AFRICA- Some of the most powerful people in the world are descending on Africa with much needed aid. Bill and Melinda Gates, and Ted Turner stepped off a private jet in a town in Africa, with big goals and even bigger hearts. All three met with local officials to discuss what is known as a program to help save the African people. The Gates and Turner, along with other millionaires, are reportedly starting an enormous financial endeavor to help the World Health Organization in its campaign for disease eradication, which is one of the primary goals of the Gates foundation. The mayor of the town where the meeting took place, Malik Ok said that this new endeavor will greatly help his people. But he did say that it was not going to be a long-term stay. Bill Gates later said one of his main goals was to “empower” young children with better education. He also said that they envision “educational institutions” throughout the continent

Practice News Story 8: Sports

Jazz Edge Clippers

Posted: 11:35 p.m., MST, March 22, 2007

Los Angeles- After an overcast feeling during the four game loosing spell, two rays of glorious sunshine have finally broken the grey skies for the Jazz. Last nights win over the LA Clippers was a fantastic show of just how committed the Jazz are to getting a good spot in the finals. The 106-99 win was a nail biter all the way to end, the score was tied at 97going into the last minutes of the game, when Memot Okur (stats) stepped up and sank a crucial three that led to the seven point win for the Jazz. The Jazz trailed for most of the first half, but Fisher gave the Jazz the push they needed after halftime and brought the Jazz into the lead going into the last quarter. But the Clippers and especially Elton Brand (stats) did not take the run sitting down, and kept up all the way to the last minutes. Brand had a game leading 33 points which kept the Clippers in firing range of the Jazz, but even his efforts couldn’t stop last nights team effort.

Fisher was defiantly the key to last nights win, and his amazing contribution of 12 points and a astounding 15 assists gave the team the much needed second half momentum. “It’s great … we had lots of energy tonight.” Fisher later said. Paul Millsap who later would set the screen for the crucial Okur three had 15 points, and 7 rebounds. Carlos Boozer gained a “double double” with 22 points and 11 rebounds, another part of last nights team win. Talking about Fisher and Millsap, Coach Jerry Salone said it was the young guys who, “makes me want to coach.” He pointed to Fishers’ crucial role in the win, “the Fish stepped up … and gave us momentum during the second half.” Now many are saying that Salone has this seasons “Coach of the Year” award in the bag, but competition is stiff, as usual he doesn’t pay attention to the publicity. We can only hope that the Jazz can keep this seed of a wining streak alive.

Extra Practice News Story 7: Business

Google Bids on Time Warner

Posted: 9:19 p.m., PST, March 8, 2007

PALO ALTO Calif- It seemed as though the closing bell of the NYSE had a different tone today with news of Google Inc. (GOOG) hostile takeover bid of Time Warner Inc. (TWX). In response to the 50 billion dollar bid the CEO of Time Warner Richard Parsons said, “it was unexpected” but he later said that he would take it seriously. Parsons said that the offer would force them to evaluate their worth, only then would Time make the decision to sell, or be sold. William Gates the CEO of Microsoft Inc. (MSFT) was blown away at Googles’ bid for Time Warner, he told reporters, “I never would have guessed,” and it seems that the rest of the corporate world feels the same way. That is, everyone except Google.

When asked about today’s unexpected bid Google CEO Eric Schmidt simply said it was the opportune time for a, “long overdue” merger. The bid consisted of 10 billion in cash, 35 billion in stocks, and five billion in debt relief. Parsons has 30 days to provide an answer. But everyone really wants to know what Michael Powell, the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission has to say about a merger of this magnitude. “We would stop it … if it proved negative for consumers” Powell said. Whispers of a anti-trust case started to float around after word of the bid came out, but Powell simply said that only after the deal was signed, then the FCC would investigate the claim of market monopoly.

Practice News Story 7: Business

Google Bids on Time Warner

Posted: 3:51 p.m., PST, March 7, 2007

PALO ALTO California- Internet powerhouse Google Inc (charts) put a hostile bid into the laps of Time Warner Inc. (charts) earlier today of a estimated 50 billion dollars in cash, stocks, and debt relief. The CEO of Time Warner, Richard D Parsons gave no comment of real interest, but he did say they would, “take it seriously.” Time Warner have thirty days to evaluate their net worth, and accept Googles offer. Parsons said, “it was unexpected,” the business world was stunned by the news. Google CEO Eric Schmidt said they have been interested in Time Warner for a very long time, and it was a great opportunity for a merger such as this. Google offered Time Warner 35 billion in stocks, 10 billion in cash, and five billion in debt relief. Schmidt went on to say that the plans for a merger have been “long overdue.”
The Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission Michael Powell said that if consumers would be affected negatively, then “we would stop it.” Powell also said he was “hesitant to say yes,” when asked is the merger would qualify as a monopoly, but the FCC will only investigate if the merger pulls through. Yahoo Inc, (charts) and Microsoft Inc. (charts) were stunned by the news of Googles bid, William Gates, the CEO of Microsoft told reporters “I never would have guessed.”

Practice News Story 6: Speech

Lincoln Dedicates Gettyburg Cemetery

Posted: 4:51 p.m., MST, November 20, 1863

Yesterday at the once bloody battlefield of Gettysburg Pennsylvania, President Abraham Lincoln dedicated a cemetery to the men who fought and died there, but it also seemed like it was for the nation as well. The President spoke of the war, the legacy of the founding fathers, the men who fought in the battle, and finally bringing a resolution to the great war between the states.
He began with a prophetic statement from the Declaration of Independence, “all men are created equal.” After that his attitude took on a very labored, somber and exhaustive tone, “Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure.” The President said that he had carefully chosen the words of his two-minute speech, and he also said he “felt inspired,” about the ideas and words he had written.
The President also talked about the horrific events of the four-day battle that took place there only a year ago. He struggled with the thought that anything anybody did to dedicated the battlefield could not come close to what the 15,000 brave soldiers of both the north and south who died on the field did to dedicate and consecrate the newly formed cemetery. But above all the speech of President Lincoln was almost symbolic to the national mood, it seemed that most of the 15,000 audience members wanted to see this war die, and be buried in the nation memories. Which was made evident when President Lincoln said “this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
Above all the Presidents speech was heralded as maybe the best he has ever composed and delivered. His eloquence, composure and emotion were heartfelt, and very powerful. We only hope that the Presidents vision of a healed nation will come to fruition soon.

Michael Jackson Dies at 48

Practice News Story 5: Obituary

Posted: February 15, 2007, 9:23 p.m.

The world of popular music has lost their king. The “king of pop”, Michael Jackson was pronounced dead yesterday Feb. 14 at 11:37 a.m. at the UCLA Medical Center. Mr. Jackson was undergoing breast augmentation surgery when, due to complications of anesthesia, he died on the operating table. There has been no word as to why Michael wanted to perform this surgery, or the precise cause of death. It seemed too many of his fans that loved him, his untimely death is a tragedy, they said he had so much more to accomplish, Jackson was only 48.

Michael Joseph Jackson was born on August 29, 1958 in the small town of Gary Indiana. He was the second youngest-brother of seven, and eight of ten children born to Joseph and Katherine Jackson. Michael started his illustrious career in music at a very young age when in 1966 he was co-lead with his brother Jermaine in their families group, the Jackson Five. In 1980 he finally won his first three music awards for his first solo album. Many more awards would soon follow. In 1983 while performing “Billie Jean” at The Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow concert Michael debuted what he is most famous for, his signature moonwalk. Thousands of pre-pubescent school boys were trying to master Michaels style and poise in the hallways of their school the next morning to no avail, it seemed as though he was magic. Then in February of 1984 Michael was nominated for twelve Grammy awards, of which he took home eight, he shattered the record for Grammy awards won in a single year. All of his awards stemmed from his groundbreaking album Thriller, which stayed at the top of Billboards Hot 100 list for months to come. Some said he was perfect in every way musically, Michael once said, "I believe in perfection, and I try to create that in everything we do. We never seem to totally get there, but I believe in perfect execution. And when we don't get at least 99.9%, I get really upset..." Although many did not agree with Michaels personal habits later in his life, almost all loved his music.

Michael will also always be known for all his humanitarian work through the entire world. His 1985 collaboration with Lionel Richie brought us, “We are the World”. This single, devoted purely for charity, helped raise money for the widespread famine in East Africa, and also gave Jackson the Grammy award for “Song of the Year”. Finally in 1989 Elizabeth Taylor presented Michael with the award for “Artist of the Decade”, and dubbed him, “the true king of pop, rock, and soul.”

Michael Jackson is survived by his two ex-wives, Lisa Marie Presley, and Deborah Jeanne Rowe, his two sons, Michael Joseph Jackson Jr., and his daughter Paris Katherine Jackson. He is also survived by his close family: Joseph, Katherine, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, Janet, La Toya, Rebbie, Randy, and of course all the fans that loved him dearly.

Practice News Story 4: Court Case

Two Boys Charged with Church Break-in

Posted: 4:51 p.m., MST, Febuary 7, 2007

LOGAN, Utah - The charges were finally been passed down in the January 31st break in of a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel. Jim Michaels was arrested and charged with a misdemeanor count of breaking and entering, vandalism, and a felony charge of burglary. Mr. Michaels pleaded not guilty in todays preliminary court hearing. Defense attorney Robbie Cochran said that his client would keep his plea of innocence until the March 21st hearing according to his knowledge. His accomplice, a minor whose name has not been released, was arrested at the same time as Mr. Michaels, but has not been charged with any thing at this time. District Attorney Noel Mayfeild said that she had both fingerprint, and past criminal history evidence to bring appropriate charges to Mr. Michaels. The two men were arrested February 3, 2007, just four days after the break in. According to Sheriff deputy Geoffery Hasty they had already sold the stolen computers to a local pawnshop. Both men were at Mr. Michaels home when the police arrested them, Sheriff Hasty said it was a, “peaceful apprehension.” Mr. Michaels posted bond at 5,000 dollars to get out of his jail time.
The two men came in through the open window of Bishop Lawrence Shirks office and stole two computers. As they were trying to leave the building they dropped the monitors in the front foyer, shattering both. This is what Evelyn Braithwait heard early January 31. Evelyn even knew the exact time of the crime, “I sat up and looked at the clock, it was 1:45 a.m.”
Robert Knotz, the local building maintenance manager came by the church at around six o’clock later that morning to fix some damaged ceiling tiles. When he walked through the door there on the floor sat the two broken computer monitors. He immediately called the police. According to Mr. Shirk both computers in his office held no crucial personal information. He told reporters that the computers only held his own personal documents and letters, but nothing that could be used in identify theft.
Evelyn Braithwait has lived in the area for over fifty years, and has never seen something like this. Thinking about the break-in she commented, “I feel pretty safe here.” There are no suspects at this time.

Practice News Story 3: Crime

Evelyn Braithwait woke up suddenly, she could hear glass breaking in the distance, but just as fast as it came it was gone again. She fell back asleep and thought nothing of the odd noise in the early morning hours. Little did she know that the church building across the street had just been broken into. According to Sheriff deputy Geoffery Hasting; the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building on the corner of 16th east and 9th north was burglarized by what appears to be two juveniles. They came in through the open window of Bishop Lawrence Shirks office and stole two computers. It appears that as the assailants were trying to leave the building they both dropped the monitors in the front foyer, shattering both. This is what Mrs. Braithwait heard early January 31. Evelyn even knew the exact time of the crime, “I sat up and looked at the clock, it was 1:45 a.m.”
Robert Knotz, the local building maintenance manager came by the church at around six o’clock later that morning to fix some damaged ceiling tiles. When he walked through the door there on the floor sat the two broken computer monitors. He immediately called the police. According to Mr. Shirk both computers in his office held no crucial personal information. He told reporters that the computers only held his own personal documents and letters, but nothing that could be used in identify theft.
Evelyn Braithwait has lived in the area for over fifty years, and has never seen something like this. Thinking about the break-in she commented, “I feel pretty safe here.” There are no suspects at this time.

Extra Practice News Story 2: Fire

The stench of charred hamburger, burnt tortillas, and grease hung over the corner of Washington Boulevard and 21^st street in Ogden yesterday afternoon after a fire broke out in a local Mexican restaurant. According to deputy fire Chief Greg Chamberlain the fire started in the kitchen shortly before 2:00 p.m. Pedros restaurant was on the ground floor of a three story building, with two apartments above. Pedro’s’ brother and two nieces had been living in the apartment above for almost two months; they were also evacuated after the fire started. Mr. Sanchez was in the kitchen cooking some ground beef when the fire broke out, he tried to control the ever growing flames with a fire extinguisher but was unable to suppress the fire. The other occupant in the restaurant at the time of the fire, 16 year old Michael Freeman, is a regular customer Pedros called 911 after he and Pedro Sanchez ran out of the building while the fire burned out of control.

Pedro Sanchez suffered minor burns to his hands and was later released by paramedics, but the occupants of the second floor were all taken to the hospital as a precautionary measure. Miguel, Mercedes, and Maria del Mar Sanchez were all in the apartment at the time of the fire. They all suffered smoke inhalation according to the leader of the paramedic team, Captain Rick Thompson. He told news reporters that four year old Mercedes, two year old Maria del Mar, and their father Miguel were all fine but taken to the local hospital as a precaution. Miguel’s brother Pedro was worried about their conditions, especially his two nieces Mercedes and little Maria. He told us that Miguel had only been living in the apartment for five to six months after he and his two daughters had come from Mexico. Pedro Sanchez has been living in Ogden for two years; he too had also emigrated from Mexico.

The fire was eventually contained to the kitchen within ten minutes of the fire department coming on the scene. The other parts of the building suffered only smoke damage, and there is no word as of now if the building was up to local fire code requirements. The owner of the building, Rachel Calhoun, would not comment on the yesterday’s fire, or the state of the building. She was very apprehensive when I asked for her thoughts about yesterdays fire in her building, there is still no comment as today. Pedro Sanchez remarked after the fire had been put out, “This is probably a very bad thing for me.”

Practice News Story 2: Fire

A potentially devastating fire broke out yesterday afternoon at the corner of Washington Blvd and 21st street in Ogden. The building was split up into three floors, the top two being apartments and the ground level, where the fire broke out, was a local Mexican restaurant. Michael Freeman described Pedro Sanchez, the owner, as a good friend, and eats at the restaurant frequently and was the present at the fire. When the fire broke out shortly before 2:00p.m. Michael and Pedro were the only ones in the restaurant. Michael was just finishing his lunch when Pedro alerted him to the ever increasing grease fire in the kitchen, they both ran out of the building after the fire got out of control.
The residents in the apartment directly above the restaurant, Miguel, Mercedes, and Maria Del mar Sanchez suffered form smoke inhalation but are reported to be fine, although they were all sent to the local hospital as a precaution. The father of the two girls, Miguel is the brother of Pedro, the girls are four and two. Deputy fire Chief Greg Chamberlain received the call of the fire at approximately 2:00 p.m. after Michael Freeman had called it in. Within ten minutes they were on the scene and in ten minuets had the fire out. The restaurant in the ground floor suffered all of the direct fire damage, and the two floors above were only subjected to smoke damage.

Practice News Story 1, Accident

At approximately 4 p.m. on Jan 17th a Utah State University van was involved in a accident on the northbound stretch of interstate 84 just west of Tremonton Utah. The van was apparently coming back from a short trip to look at a combine at a local Tremonton store. There were 11 people in the van, ten students and one instructor, Evan Parker who was reportedly driving. Kyle Holden, who was participating in the day’s field trip, was the first on the scene. Mr. Holden was passing the 15 passenger Dodge van doing around 80 miles per hour when he suddenly noticed the vans right rear tire explode. The driver, Evan Parker, then tried to regain control of the van but ended up overcorrecting. The van then started to roll violently as one by on the students were ejected form the van. There was also a woman following behind the van who reportedly called 911 form her cell phone. Jennie Smith said that she saw three students being life lighted from the scene and one leave in a ambulance, there is reportedly one fatality at this time. Lt. Ed Michaud was the first police officer on the scene, he recalls what he saw, “One of the worst scenes I’ve ever been a part of in my 15 years of service”.

First Things First

This is my first posting so I'll keep it breif. I must be honest I dont know what I should be writing, this is my first blog. I guess thats the reason things like this incriminate so many people, hopefully I'll keep the secrets to a minimum.