Practice News Story #11: Accident

Van Accident is a Tragic Day for USU
Posted: 1:25 p.m. MST, April 19, 2007

LOGAN, Utah- A 15-passenger van, that was carrying 10 agriculture students and an instructor from Utah State University, rolled several times on Interstate 84 west of Tremonton. The accident happened at about 4 p.m. on April 19. It seems that the left rear tire blew and the driver, Evan Parker, lost control. Lt. Ed Michaud confirmed that at least seven were dead at the scene and four others were taken to neighboring hospitals. The names of the men that have been confirmed dead are: Evan Parker, Ryan McEntire, Bradley Wilcox, and Justin Gunnel. Stan Albrecht, the president of Utah State University, said that Jared Nelson and Robert Peterson are at Ogden Regional Medical Center and Mckay Dee Hospital. Nelson and Peterson are most likely expected to survive. Some names have not yet been released because the families haven’t been contacted. Albrecht said, “This is a great loss for our university, we are going to be hurting for a long time … we’re equipped and we can work through this.”

Lt. Ed Michaud, the first highway patrol to arrive at the scene said that there were bodies all over the ground. He said, “This is by far the worst accident I’ve ever seen and probably will be the worst in my career.” This accident is said to have occurred because of a mechanical malfunction and high velocity. Michaud said, “I’d estimate the van was traveling at 95 mph to do this kind of damage.” However after speaking with Kyle Holden, who was the only witness to the accident, he said that his cruise control was set at about 80 mph and he was passing them.

Kyle Holden, who is a manager for Greenline Implements said that this group of students and instructor were on a field trip for Ag week at USU. They went out to see some farm machinery, they had been out in the field and were headed back to Tremonton to Greenline Implements when the accident happened. He was traveling with this group, but in his own car.

Noel Cockett, who is the Dean of College of Agriculture from USU said that most of the students in the accident were sophomores. She said that this was the best group of students that they have had in a long time. She spoke very highly of them when she said, “They were the best in what they do, and all around … it’s a great loss.” She also spoke of the driver, Evan Parker, she said, “He’s a great loss to the department, college, and university.” He was an established instructor who had been with USU for about 15 years. Cockett said, “This is a horrible tragedy for our university, it hurts on a personal level as well as a professional level.”

Practice News Story #10: News Release

Press Release

New Education in the Healthcare Industry

For Immediate Release

Contact: Clear Point Instruction
Preston Parker
Senior Vice President/ Project Manager
preston.parker@clearpointinstruction.com
telephone: 435-787-4078

Clear Point Instruction is ready to launch into the health care industry; offering a variety of educational products and services. Patients will feel at ease as they learn from these educational products. Clear Point Instruction can design and develop a wide range of instructional products, including print materials, DVD videos, and web-based simulations. These services help healthcare organizations meet the accreditation standards set by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).

Clear Point Instruction currently offers patient education videos for in-patient and outpatient surgery in specialty hospitals. These videos can be personalized to fit any organizations need. A variety of services can be custom-designed to meet anyone’s needs; for more information on specific products and services anyone is welcome to e-mail their request to client.services@clearpointinstruction.com.

Heather Maile
Public Relations for Clear Point Instruction
heather.maile@clearpointinstruction.com
telephone: 435-234-5678

Extra Practice News Story #9: Investigative

Huge Philanthropic Endeavor Headed for Africa
Posted: 1:02 p.m. MST, March 30, 2007

Logan, Utah- Multi billionaires Bill and Melinda Gates and Ted Turner are planning to possibly combine their resources to create, “The biggest project that’s been undertaken in the areas of education and health,” said Bill Gates. I was able to speak with them briefly after I witnessed them coming off of a private jet together in Africa. They were there to meet with some local African officials to discuss some of their ideas.

Bill Gates wants the projects to affect Africa on a local level, he said that that is why they were meeting with the local officials; to determine the local needs and discover how they might raise the quality of life. Malik Ok, a local African Mayor, seems very excited about this opportunity. He said, “I feel so honored to be contacted by them.” He said overall that the main goal for these projects would be dealing with education. He commented of Bill and Melinda Gates and Ted Turner, “They want to teach my people how to fish not just give them a fish … they want to teach them to do things better.”

Bill Gates said that he is planning on pulling out of Microsoft in 2008 and working full time on philanthropic endeavors. He said that they have two goals to accomplish … to raise education and to eradicate diseases. He commented, “What better place to do that than Africa.” It seems that the African people will be very receptive from what Malik Ok said, “Overall my people seem confident that something positive will come out of this.”

When asked about the connection between the Gates’ and Ted Turner they both commented that they don’t have a formal relationship, but they recognized their similar goals and want to combine their resources for this endeavor. They are both putting a lot of money and time into these kind of projects, I have found several other things that they are doing. Below are some links to more information about them:

Bill and Melinda Gates: Founders of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
- http://www.gatesfoundation.org/GlobalHealth/
- http://www.gatesfoundation.org/GlobalDevelopment/


Ted Turner is involved with several Foundations, here is a list of a few of them: Better World Fund Inc., United Nations Foundation, Captain Planet Foundation, The Turner Foundation. Working Together to Solve Global Concerns The UN Foundation has identified four areas of particular interest: Children's Health Environment Peace, Security and Human Rights Women and Population. (www.unfoundation.org)

Practice News Story #9: Investigative

Biggest Philanthropic Endeavor is in the Works
Posted: 10:15 a.m. MST, March 29, 2007

Logan, Utah- A week ago I witnessed Ted Turner and Bill and Melinda Gates get off of a private jet together, and they met with some local African officials. Since then I have been able to meet with them and gather a little information about a huge project that might soon be underway. They are planning to possibly combine their resources and create, “The biggest project that’s been undertaken in the areas of education and health,” said Bill Gates.

Bill Gates is planning on pulling out of Microsoft in 2008 and working full time on these philanthropic endeavors. He said that they have two goals to accomplish … to raise education and to eradicate diseases. He commented, “What better place to do that than Africa.”

A local African Mayor, Malik Ok, seems very excited about this opportunity. He said, “I feel so honored to be contacted by them.” He said overall that the main goal for these projects would be dealing with education. He commented of Bill and Melinda Gates and Ted Turner, “They want to teach my people how to fish not just give them a fish … they want to teach them to do things better.”

Practice News Story #8: Sports

Jazz Pull Out Victorious
Posted: 8:56p.m. PT, March 23, 2007

Los Angeles, Calif.- The Utah Jazz hit two big three-pointers within the last two minutes of the game against the Los Angeles Clippers to seal the deal. The Jazz ended up winning the game 106-99. Some of the key players tonight were: Derek Fisher, Paul Milsap, and CJ Miles from the Jazz; also Elton Brand from the Clippers.

Rookie Paul Milsap has had great back to back games, he played a big part with the Jazz getting these two consecutive wins. Head coach Jerry Sloan said, “It’s great to have him come in and have a great game.” Derek Fisher, who also came out strong tonight said, “I love feeling like I can do something to add some energy to the fire.” Sloan also seemed pleased when he said, “The Clippers came in with a lot of energy and we matched that in the second half … it’s always good to get a road victory.” This was probably a good turning point for the Jazz, seeing how they lost their last four road games.

Marty Burns, an analyst for Sports Illustrated said, “This solidifies what I’ve been saying about Sloan all year … hands down, my opinion is Sloan for coach of the year … the Jazz are ending the season much higher than expected.” From the Utah Jazz official website, it says “Now entering his 19th season as head coach of the Utah Jazz, Jerry Sloan is the longest tenured coach with one franchise in major professional sports. He led the Jazz to consecutive NBA Finals in 1997-98 and is the fifth-winningest coach in NBA history.”

Extra Practice News Story #7: Business

Time Warner Inc. Has Been Offered a Takeover Bid
Posted: 1:45 p.m. PT, March 9, 2007

Palo Alto, Calif.- Google Inc. (GOOG) is interested in purchasing Time Warner Inc. (TWX), the news just broke that Google made a hostile takeover bid. The purchase price has been reported at $50 billion in cash and stocks. Google has given Time Warner a 30 day period to make a decision about this matter. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will need to approve this takeover after negotiations have been made in order for this merge to actually take place. Each of the representatives from both companies told very little detail about the deal, and said that the details will be negotiated. Analysts seem excited about this move and what it will do for the industry.

The CEO for Time Warner, Richard D. Parsons, seemed very surprised when he said “This is the only written offer we’ve received for the entire company.” He said that the timing seems interesting where things are moving so quickly in the industry and the distribution is changing. “We have to think globally,” he commented. Time Warner plans to take the entire 30 days to determine whether the value is worth it, and how they will actually benefit from this move. He showed concern for the current employees when he said, “We are going to make the best decision to take care of our employees.”

Dr. Eric Schmidt, CEO of Google, said that when they offer a bid they try to overestimate the value with hopes of winning the bid. He commented that this is a perfect merger to bring distribution together. He said the timing is a lot better then it was for Time Warner and AOL, and perhaps this merger could be a second life for AOL.

Paul Kim, an industry analyst from Traditional Aerial Securities Inc. commented that the stockholders are ready for this move. He talked highly of Google as an overall company by saying “Their customers are happy and they are growing fast.” He also said that if this merge were to take place, there will definitely be some advancements in this Internet age. He feels that this move will be a “Major catalyst in other companies doing the same thing.”

Practice News Story #7: Business

Google Inc. Offers Takeover Bid to Time Warner Inc.
Posted: 10:15 a.m. PT, March 8, 2007

Palo Alto, Calif.- Google Inc. (GOOG) has put in a takeover bid to Time Warner Inc. (TWX). The purchase price has been reported at $50 billion in cash and stocks. Time Warner has been given 30 days to review the offer and negotiate this deal with Google.
As far as any further details they will be negotiated.

CEO of Time Warner, Richard D. Parsons, said that they plan to take the full 30 days to determine whether the value is worth it or not. He said that Time Warner has never been given a written offer for the entire company. He plans to analyze how Time Warner would benefit from this move and to make the best decision to take care of their employees.

CEO of Google, Dr. Eric Schmidt, commented that they always try to overestimate the value when they offer a bid. They round up with hopes of being successful with the offer. He said, “We try to have good relations with the companies we would like to merge with.” He feels that this is a perfect fit at this time bringing distribution together. He hopes to give AOL a second life.

Paul Kim, an industry analyst said that he feels that this is a great move. He said “This will be a major catalyst with other companies doing the same thing.”

practice news story #6: SPEECH

The Gettysburg Address
Posted: 6:00 p.m. ET, November 19, 1863

GETTYSBURG, PA- Our President of this great nation spoke today. He dedicated a portion of the battlefield to all of the soldiers who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. It was about 4:00 p.m. on Nov. 19, when he told the crowd of about 15,000 people that this is a “Final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live.”

In a post interview with the President, he said that this is a great turning point in this civil war. He said that if this advancement wasn’t stopped in Gettysburg the North would have been taken over.

In his speech he spoke of the living to “Be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced.” In the post interview he referred to the unfinished work as an ongoing battle for our liberties. He said, “There will be many more who die in protection of these liberties.”

He said also in his post interview that unity for this nation will be a long-term effort. He did not want to discuss militarily want will be happening next be he has hopes that this battle will be done within a year.

At the end of the interview he ended things by saying, “It’s a somber day today…there’s solemnity and hope, we can draw strength from those that paid the ultimate price.”

Please refer to the attached Gettysburg Address to review his speech.

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that 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.

Source: Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln, edited by Roy P. Basler. The text above is from the so-called "Bliss Copy," one of several versions which Lincoln wrote, and believed to be the final version. For additional versions, you may search The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln through the courtesy of the Abraham Lincoln Association.

Practice News Story #5: Obituary

Carlos Ray "Chuck" Norris
1940 ~ 2007

Chuck Will Be Missed

Carlos Ray “Chuck” Norris, 66, passed away suddenly from a heart attack on February 13, 2007 in Los Angeles, California.

“Chuck” was born March 10, 1940 in Ryan, Oklahoma.

He was an American martial artist, a Hollywood actor, an internet phenomenon and is best known for playing Cordell Walker on “Walker, Texas Ranger.” He was very proud of his Native American heritage, which he frequently referred to on the hit show “Walker, Texas Ranger.”

He married Diane Holechek soon after high school. They had two sons and a daughter: Mike, Dina and Eric. They were later divorced in 1988 and Norris got married again in 1998 to Gena O’Kelley. They had twins in 2001, a girl and a boy: Danilee Kelley Norris and Dakota Alan Norris. According to Wikipedia, Norris was always a very loving family man. Norris’s son Mike said of his father, “Dad never had a lot of love growing up, but he has given me and my brother all that he should have had in multiples.”

Norris was an outspoken Christian, and the author of several Christian books, such as The Justice Riders. He influenced many lives by promoting Bible study and prayer in public schools.

He created the martial art Chun Kuk Do. Throughout his karate career he earned several awards. On July 1, 2000 he was presented the Golden Lifetime Achievement Award by the World Karate Union Hall of Fame.

He is survived by his wife Gena O’Kelley and all of his children: Mike, Dina, Eric, Danilee, Dakota, and several extended family members.

Funeral services are pending, but condolences can be shared with the family at: http://www.inlovingmemoryof/chuck.com.

Practice News Story #5: Obituary

Carlos Ray Norris
1940 ~ 2007

Chuck Will Be Missed

Carlos Ray “Chuck” Norris, 66, passed away suddenly from a heart attack on February 13, 2007 in Los Angeles, California.

“Chuck” was born March 10, 1940 in Ryan, Oklahoma.

He was an American martial artist, a Hollywood actor, an internet phenomenon and is best known for playing Cordell Walker on “Walker, Texas Ranger.” He was very proud of his Native American heritage, which he frequently referred to on the hit show “Walker, Texas Ranger.”

He married Diane Holechek soon after high school. They had two sons and a daughter: Mike, Dina and Eric. They were later divorced in 1988 and Norris got married again in 1998 to Gena O’Kelley. They had twins in 2001, a girl and a boy: Danilee Kelley Norris and Dakota Alan Norris. According to Wikipedia, Norris was always a very loving family man. Norris’s son Mike said of his father, “Dad never had a lot of love growing up, but he has given me and my brother all that he should have had in multiples.”

Norris was an outspoken Christian, and the author of several Christian books, such as The Justice Riders. He influenced many lives by promoting Bible study and prayer in public schools.

He created the martial art Chun Kuk Do. Throughout his karate career he earned several awards. On July 1, 2000 he was presented the Golden Lifetime Achievement Award by the World Karate Union Hall of Fame.

He is survived by his wife Gena O’Kelley and all of his children: Mike, Dina, Eric, Danilee, Dakota, and several extended family members.

Funeral services are pending, but condolences can be shared with the family at: www.inlovingmemoryofchuck.com.

Practice News Story #4: Court

Two burglar suspects headed to court.
Posted: 10:02 a.m. MST, February 6, 2007

LOGAN, Utah- Two burglary suspects were apprehended and taken into custody in the afternoon of Saturday, Feb. 3rd. The prosecutor, district attorney, Noel Mayfield, told us that Jim Michaels and a juvenile have had a preliminary hearing from a burglary that occurred on Jan. 30, 2006 at an LDS church. She said that 35-year-old Jim Michaels, who is a resident of Logan is facing felony burglary. The trial date is set for Feb. 21, 2006. Mr. Micahels posted a $5,000 bond to be released until trial.

Robbie Cochran the defense attorney who was appointed to this case told us that his client feels that these charges are fallacious. He told us that his client, Mr. Michaels plans to enter a not guilty plea.

There is no information being released on the other suspect where he is a juvenile, but we were informed that they would be tried separately and his parents have asked for privacy.

Sheriff Deputy Geoffrey Hasty informed us that they found ample fingerprint evidence of the two suspects. He said that they are continuing the investigation and it is likely that Mr. Michaels will be charged with more.

extra practice news story #3: CRIME

Sometime between the hours of 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. on Jan. 30, a juvenille burgulary occured at a church on the east side of Logan. This church is owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and is located on the corner of 1600 East and 900 North.

After speaking with Sherriff Deputy, Geoffrey Hasty, it appears that there are two suspects that they are investigating. He told us that one entered through an unlocked window and then came around and let the other one in. As Hasty walked through the building with the physical management manager, Robert Knotz, the only thing that they noticed to be missing were two computer processing units.

Robert Knotz was the first one to come upon the scene as he was doing a routine check on the building at about 6 a.m. He said that the first thing that led to any concern was the two monitors on the floor right by the entryway. He then called police and has been working with them. He seemed confident that they will get to the bottom of this problem when he said, "We have ample evidence, we'll figure this one out." The investigators have already started finger printing and have sent a canine unit through the building.

One of the Bishops that attends this building, Lawrence Shirk, told us that he feels horrible because he was the one that accidentally left the window open, which is against church policy. He said, "I'm just glad that nobody got hurt, it's just equipment, it can be replaced." Luckily for the church, the computers that were taken did not contain any confidential information.

Evelyn Breathwaite was one of the witnesses that said that she heard something that night. She lives right across the street from the church. Breathwaite said that she heard glass breaking, but they aren't sure if that was related to this incident or not.

practice news story #3: CRIME

A burgulary occured at a church in Logan that is owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This church is located on the corner of 1600 East and 900 North, up on the east bench of Logan. Sherriff Deputy Geoffrey Hasty said that this event happened between the hours of 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. He said that two computer processing units were taken and there were two computer monitors smashed on the floor in the entry way of the church. He thinks that this act was comitted by juvenilles. They do have some leads, but are not commenting as the investigation is still underway.

Bob Knotts, the manager of the building was the first one to notice anything out of the ordinary. He came upon the scene around 6 a.m. and was surprised to see the monitors on the floor, he called police and then stuck around to help. He said that they have already began finger printing and have sent canines in the building. His last comment was, "We have ample evidence, we'll figure this one out."

One of the Bishops that attends this building feels horrible, because he accidentally left his office window open, which is apparently how one of the burglars entered the building. This Bishop, Lawerence Shirk commented that he was glad that nobody got hurt. He said,"It's just equipment, it can be replaced." He also told us that the computer units that were taken didn't have any confidential information on them.

Practice News Story #2: Fire

A fire broke out yesterday afternoon around 2:00 p.m. at Pedro's Mexican Restaurant in Ogden. Pedro, the manager, said that the grease in the kitchen got too hot and caused the fire. He saw flames up to the ceiling. Michael Freeman was the only client in the restaurant and saw the smoke coming from the kitchen he ran outside and called the police. He said that the fire department arrived within five minutes.

Everyone is safe, Pedro's brother Miguel and his two daughters were rescued from the apartment which is on top of the restaurant. The daughters ages two and four were taken to a hospital but are said to be doing okay.

Pedro said that he really loves having this restaurant, it's his life and he will be back. Luckily they do have fire insurance, to help cover the damage to the building. We will keep you updated when information comes available as to when the restaurant will reopen.

Practice News Story: Accident

A tragic accident happened yesterday afternoon, killing at least 7 Utah State University students and 1 instructor. They were on their way back to Logan on Interstate 84 from a field trip for the Agriculture Department in the Tremonton area, when the van had a mechanical malfunction, which caused the van to roll. This accident took place yesterday around 4 p.m.

As far as we know there are 8 total fatalities and 3 that were sent to hospitals. Lt. Ed Michaud the first highway patrol at the scene, said that this was the worst that he’s ever seen. He said that whether they were wearing their seatbelts or not is still under investigation, but it was obvious that bodies had been thrown from the car as it was rolling.

The Utah State University’s President, Stan Albrecht, stated that this is one of the most tragic days for the university.

Memorial Services have not yet been arranged, but will be made known as the information comes available.