ABC 4: Utah News

Economy still impacting 2009 seasonal jobs

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:13:41 GMT

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - Just one week until black Friday, the biggest shopping day of the year. Many Utahns are hoping to land a seasonal job to help make ends meet, but for the second year in a row the economy is taking its toll. There are more people going after fewer seasonal jobs.

The holiday season is the time of year when retailers typically bring on extra employees to help handle the increase in shoppers. It's usually when people apply for part time work or second jobs to earn extra spending money, but getting those jobs has gotten more and more difficult.

Richard Tripp with Strategic Staffing says, “In 2007 we were struggling to find workers to fill those positions and now of course we have maybe six or seven applicants for every open position.” He says that compared to two years ago the number of seasonal jobs are down about 40 percent. Tripp says, “The retail positions are where we're seeing the biggest downward slide from two years ago.”

Managers at the Murray Target store say applications are through the roof. It's not just teens and college students applying - which is what they've seen in the past. This year Tim Lowry says they're getting all types of people applying, “I’ve seen a huge amount of diversity as far as age, anywhere from kids just out of high school or in high school up to people in their 50s and 60s that have applied.”

For those lucky to nab a seasonal job only about 15 percent of them will kept on full time in the new year.

Companies that need seasonal help will hire as early as October. Tripp says there are seasonal jobs that still need to be filled.

Bogus BLM bidder reacts to exclusion of 'global warming' defense

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:00:00 GMT

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4 News) - When a federal judge ruled this week that 27 year old Utah activist Tim DeChristopher can not argue that it was a necessity to break the law to stop Utah oil and gas lease auctions, he lost his major legal defense.

On Friday, he told ABC 4's Ross Becker that he is disappointed, but he is not giving up. He said, "at this point the necessity defense was probably the best one, but there are still other possibilities."

In December of 2008, DeChristopher walked into a Bureau of Land Management auction and began placing bogus bids on oil and gas leases near some of Utah's national parks. He placed millions of dollars of bids personally and he increased the prices on other leases won by other bidders. It was all bogus. He was protesting the sale and he is claiming now that he had right to do it as an act of civil disobedience. He claims it was a necessity to disrupt the auction in order to expose a corrupt system, save our natural heritage, and stop the threat of climate change.
"I saw my opportunity to stand in the way of this injustice and i could not turn my back on that opportunity and i decided it was worth it", he said.

DeChristopher now faces federal charges and up to 10 years in a federal prison if convicted and when he lost a major legal battle on Monday, he admits his options are narrowing. "The laws don't give any voice to the victims of climate change and that are not taking that into consideration when making these really important decisions", he said.

But, as much as DeChristopher wants to slow down climate change, he also wants to stay out of prison. Becker asked him why not just accept a prison sentence, write a book and make your point. He said with a laugh "I guess that's kinda the last case option for me....I thought about the consequences and decided it was worth it and I still believe that but obviously I have no desire to be a martyr."

He and his lawyer say the fight goes on to expose the climate change crisis, but he also says he feels betrayed by one of the world's major promoters of the global warming issue, Al Gore. DeChristopher says Gore is getting too political and compromising too much by supporting a new bill in Congress that asks for smaller decreases in greenhouse gases that he did last year. Last year Gore was advocating civil disobedience, he said, to stop global warming. Now Gore is backing off and DeChristopher says that's wrong.

There is no date set for DeChristopher's trial.

AAA predicts rise in Utah holiday travel

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:13:18 GMT

SALT LAKE CITY, UT (ABC 4 News) - Even with the current recession, holiday travel is expected to go up for Thanksgiving weekend.

A AAA survey predicts more than 2 1/2 million people in Utah and surrounding states plan to "travel" at least 50-miles next weekend. That's up only 0.3% from last year, but is still an increase.

And although air travel in this area is down 8%, car travel this weekend is expected to increase by 1.2%.

FREE FRIDAYS 11/20: Some cool stuff...and it's all free!

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Freebie number one: Renaissance Academy of Hair Design is giving away free haircuts for first time visitors. Provo's premier hair students will be giving free cuts every Friday from 9 to 5 for men, women and children. You can sport your new 'do just in time for the holidays!
Next up? With the recent storm, does your car need a wash? "Firehouse Car Wash" locations are giving you a free wash during college football season. Just go the next business day after either BYU or University of Utah wins one of their games!
Freebie number three: if holiday stress is bringing you down, here's the perfect escape! Malstrom Salon, located right across from Trolley Square is giving away all sorts of free Aveda spa treatments...including a free travel shampoo and conditioner, a free hand massage, a free make-up touch....even a comforting cup of tea!
If that's not enough of an escape...how bout this for a little retreat? Ogden's popular Alaskan Inn is giving away one night free stay when you book a second night. That's a 200 dollar value! Just give the Inn a call to request your Friday freebie. Nights must be booked consecutively...and Fridays excluded. Offer lasts until December 25th.
Be "hip and humble" this holiday season! Sugarhouse and Bountiful's hottest boutique, "Hip and Humble," is making gift-giving easy this holiday season. They're throwing in this free french soap in any one of six flavors for purchases over $10 ...and for purchases over $50, they're giving this holiday scented candle! Again, for ABC4 viewers only.
Freebie number six? Looking for something fun to do with the kids this weekend? Take em' to the Grizzlies game this Sunday at 4pm. Kids under 12 entering the arena will receive a free coupon for a free hot dog, soft drinks and even chips!

Utah Supreme Court upholds tax on strip clubs

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:37:00 GMT

By BROCK VERGAKIS
Associated Press Writer

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - The Utah Supreme Court has upheld a state tax on strip clubs but ruled that it shouldn't apply to escort services.

In 2004 the Legislature enacted a 10 percent tax on businesses whose employees perform services while nude and escort services in an effort to pay for sex offender treatment.

A group of escort agencies and strip clubs challenged the constitutionality of the law, saying it was overbroad and violated their First Amendment rights.

The Utah Supreme Court ruled on Friday that the tax is not a violation of First Amendment rights but that it is unreasonably vague when it comes to escort services.

The court said under the law, tour guides could be considered escorts.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Blanding man pleads guilty to threatening informant

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:20:00 GMT

By PAUL FOY
Associated Press Writer

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - A Utah man charged with threatening a government informant at the center of an artifact looting case has pleaded guilty.

Charles Denton Armstrong pleaded guilty on Friday in federal court to a charge of retaliating against a government informant.

The 44-year-old Blanding resident was accused of plotting to hurt the undercover artifacts dealer "real bad" by beating him with a baseball bat.

The operative set up a bust of 26 people in the Four Corners region on charges of collecting or trafficking in plundered American Indian artifacts from federal and tribal lands.

Armstrong is expected to get one year in prison when he is sentenced Feb. 1. He's been held since his July 13 arrest.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

BYU eliminating institute on women's research

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:29:00 GMT

PROVO, Utah (AP) - Brigham Young University officials say eliminating an institute dedicated to women's research will actually allow for more overall research money.

But some students and professors aren't so sure.

BYU recently announced a reorganization and streamlining of the women's studies program. It will take effect in January.

School spokeswoman Carri Jenkins says the costs associated with running the Women's Research Institute will now be able to go to expanding resources for other activities pertaining to women.

But student Kathryn Vaggalis says she doesn't understand the decision and has joined a Facebook group advocating for the center to be saved.

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Information from: Deseret News

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Car crashes into Murray home, Police searching for driver

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:37:04 GMT

MURRAY, Utah (ABC 4 News) – Police are on the hunt Friday for a man who crashed a car into a house of someone he knew in Murray.

Police said around 5:30 a.m., a Murray police officer tried to pull over a man during a routine traffic stop near 600 E. and 4200 S. As the officer was obtaining the man’s license, he noticed what looked like a crack pipe in the car. The man handed the officer his driver’s license, while the officers was processing the information, the driver sped off.
According to policy the officer did not chase the driver, but the officer said he heard a loud crash just a few blocks away.

As police got on scene they noticed the driver had crashed the car into a home in the area. They believe the man got out and ran away. At first police thought the car was stolen, but then learned the car was registered to someone who was leasing the home.

As officers investigated they found the leasee had loaned the suspect his car the day before, and the two of them were acquaintances.

Police said they know who the suspect is, but as of Friday afternoon he is still on the run.

H1N1 Vaccine Tracker Update 11/20

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:56:00 GMT

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - Due to a limited supply of the H1N1 vaccine, its availability has varied between health departments.

Below is an updated list of H1N1 vaccine availability according to health department and locations.

In keeping with CDC guidelines, many clinics have reserved the H1N1 vaccine for:
•pregnant women (nasal spray not recommended)
•household contacts and caregivers of infants under six months
•health care and emergency response workers
•people six months to 24 years
•people 25 to 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk complications for influenza (nasal spray not recommended)

Also check with your local doctor to see if they are administering H1N1 vaccines.

Health officials also recommend seeing your physician or care provider to see if you qualify for one of the above risk factors.

Bear River Health Department:

Logan Office - Flu Mist available.
H1N1 flu mist is approved for healthy individuals who:
- are from 2-24 years of age
- are from 25-49 years of age and live with or care for infants younger than six month of age or are health care of emergency medical personnel.

Brigham Office- Flu Mist available.
H1N1 flu mist is approved for healthy individuals who:
- are from 2-24 years of age
- are from 25-49 years of age and live with or care for infants younger than six month of age or are health care of emergency medical personnel.

Visit the website for more information: http://www.brhd.org/

The Bear River Health Department in partnership with the Cache, Logan, Box Elder and Rich County School Districts will begin H1N1 school vaccination clinics this week. Each school will be assigned a date and time for their respective clinic. Information including the consent form will be sent to every student’s home in the Cache, Logan, and Box Elder school district this week. You can also check the school district websites for clinic information.

Central Utah Public Health Department (Juab, Millard, Piute, Sanpete, Sevier, Wayne counties): Please call on the morning of the scheduled clinic to verify if the clinic will be held.

Sevier County-
November 24th from 3-6pm at the Richfield Office (70 Westview Drive, Richfield) December 3rd from 3-6pm at South Sevier High School (430 West 100 South, Monroe)

*Vaccine will not be given out the day prior to these clinics to prepare for the clinic. All other days of the week any leftover vaccine from the prior clinic will be given out at a walk-in clinic at the Richfield office. These walk-in clinics will be during the hours of 9:00am to 4:00 pm.*

Piute County- Available at the Junction Office during office hours Tuesday-Thursday 9:00am-5:00pm. Please call ahead.

Wayne County- Available at the Loa Office during office hours Tuesday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm. Please call ahead.

Juab- By Appointment only

East Millard-
November 24th from 3-5pm at Pahvant Senior Center (55 South 400 West, Fillmore)

West Millard-
November 23rd from 2-5pm at Millard County Fair Bldg
Address of Millawrd County Fair Building: 187 South Manzanita Ave, Delta

South Sanpete- No clinics scheduled.

North Sanpete- No clinics scheduled.

Davis County Health Department: The Davis County Health Department has a limited supply of H1N1 FluMist spray and injectable vaccines. These vaccines are free, but a ticket is required to receive a vaccination.

The Davis County Health Department will be distributing H1N1 vaccination tickets on Friday, 11/20/2009 from 2 – 6 p.m., at the Bountiful Regional Center and the Legacy Events Center.

Davis County Health Department has scheduled three H1N1 vaccination clinics. Each person must have a ticket to get a vaccination. Adults may pick up tickets for their immediate household members only.

Clinic dates, times, and location:

Saturday, Nov. 21, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.: Davis Conference Center – 800 West Heritage Park Boulevard, Layton.

Monday, Nov. 23, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.: Davis Conference Center – 800 West Heritage Park Boulevard, Layton.

Tuesday, Nov. 24, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.: Davis Conference Center – 800 West Heritage Park Boulevard, Layton.

Dress appropriately for the weather (such as coats, umbrellas, sunblock, etc.) because a majority of your wait will be outside. Also, wear a short-sleeved shirt (under your coat, if applicable) to speed your vaccination process.

For more in call the Flu vaccine hotline- 801-451-3333
Or visit http://www.daviscountyutah.gov/flu

Rich County Health Department: Call for appointment at (435) 793-2445.

San Juan Health Department: H1N1 shots given Tuesdays and Thursday from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.

Salt Lake Valley Health Department: All available H1N1 appointments (5400 total) have been booked for both this week & next week.

Clinic dates will be set for November 18-20th and for Tuesday the 24th with a half day clinic on and Wednesday the 25th.

Health department locations:

Salt Lake City Public Health Center
610 South 200 East
Salt Lake City, Utah 84111

Southeast Public Health Center
9340 South 700 East
Sandy, Utah 84070

South Main Public Health Center
3690 South Main Street
Salt Lake City, Utah 84115

Ellis R. Shipp Public Health Center
4535 South 5600 West
West Valley City, Utah 84120

SLVHD has paired with three pharmacy chains to distribute H1N1 vaccines. Participating pharmacies will be offering H1N1 shots on a limited basis. People are encouraged to call their local pharmacy in advanced for appointments. To find participating locations, visit http://www.slvhealth.org/.

Walgreens will start offering H1N1 vaccines at 18 Salt Lake City area pharmacies beginning Thursday. Vaccinations will be offered to the priority groups outlined by the CDC on a first come, first served basis while supplies last. Walgreens pharmacists in Utah are able to provide immunizations to those age 13 and older. To find the nearest Walgreens offering H1N1 vaccine, consumers should call 1-800-Walgreens or visit http://www.walgreens.com/flu.http://www.walgreens.com/flu.

Southwest Utah Public Health Department: H1N1 vaccine will be available at the following locations WHILE SUPPLIES LAST to the listed priority groups:

Everyone 6 months - 24 years of age
Parents/caregivers of infants under 6 months of age
Pregnant women

Iron County clinic held on Wednesday, Nov. 25, from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM at 260 E. DL Sargent Dr. Cedar City. Call 435-586-2437 for more information.

Kane County clinic held on Tuesday, November 24, from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM at 245 S. 200 East, Kanab. Call 435-644-2537 for more information.

Beaver County clinics are being held on Wednesday, December 2, from 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM at 75 W. 1175 North, Beaver. Call 435-438-2482 for more information.

Washington County clinic will be held on Monday, November 23, from 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Dixie State College in the old gym. It is a mass walk-in clinic servicing DSC students, DSC faculty & staff and priority groups as listed above.

Garfield County clinics are held weekly, call for an appointment.
http://www.swuhealth.org/index.html

Tooele County Health Department: H1N1 vaccine available at the health department for Tooele County Residents WHILE SUPPLIES LAST.
Currently scheduling appointments for a clinic on Tuesday, November 24th from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. To schedule an appointment, call 435-277-2300.

Tri-County Health Department (Daggett, Duchesne, Uintah counties): Vaccine available through appointment only. If you reside in Vernal, call 435-247-1177 for an appointment. If you reside in Roosevelt, call 435-722-6302 for an appointment.

Utah County Health Department: The next Utah County Health Department H1N1 vaccine ticket distribution will take place on Monday, November 23rd. Due to the thanks giving holidays, vaccine will only be distributed next week on Tuesday, November 24th. H1N1 tickets will be distributed starting at 8 am at the Utah County Health and Justice Building in Provo (151 S. University Ave).

Wasatch County Heath District: No clinic until first week of December.

Weber-Morgan Health Department: H1N1 Clinic TODAY in Morgan. Starts at 3 p.m. at Morgan High School (55 N. 200 East) and goes until 7:30 p.m. or while supplies last (2,000 doses).

Blanding man to plead guilty for threatening informant

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:38:00 GMT

By PAUL FOY
Associated Press Writer

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - A Utah man charged with threatening a government informant at the center of an artifact-looting case was scheduled to plead guilty Friday.

The defendant, 44-year-old Charles Denton Armstrong of Blanding, was accused of plotting to hurt the undercover artifacts dealer "real bad" by beating him with a baseball bat.

The operative set up a bust of 26 people in the Four Corners region on charges of collecting or trafficking in plundered American Indian artifacts from federal and tribal lands.

Armstrong's defense lawyer tells The Associated Press he'll plead guilty to a charge of retaliating against an informant.

Armstrong is expected to get a year in prison at sentencing. He's been held since his July 13 arrest.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)