Thursday, April 17, 2008

Practice News Story 11: Accident

11 p.m. MT, April 17, 2008

Utah State University Van Rolls on Interstate-84

For Immediate Release:

TREMONTON, Utah – Utah Highway Patrolman Jason Jensen was the first to arrive at the scene of the horrific rollover accident involving a Utah State University van traveling with ten Agriculture students and one Professor. Jensen, who arrived just after 4 p.m., believes the van was traveling at “high velocity… close to speeds around 95 to 100 miles per hour.” Jensen also noted that at least four of the occupants were dead on the scene. “I have been in the force for 15 years and this is the worst accident I have ever seen, it’s a tragedy that will affect people for years,” Jensen said when asked about the accident.

Kyle Holden, and eyewitness to the rollover, said he was traveling in a separate vehicle when he started to pass the van and saw the rear driver-side tire blow up in a cloud of smoke. “Evan (Parker, Professor and driver) lost control and swerved off of the road.” Holden recalled the van rolling up to four or five times and saw bodies projected from the van.

The Dean of the College of Agriculture, Noel Cockett, mentioned that it is Agriculture week at the university and had great things to say about the students. “This was an exceptional group of students.” Cockett mentioned the names of six, two of whom survived and four who died. The survivors are Robert Peterson and Jared Nelson who are in critical condition, two others survived but their names are not being released. The four who passed and were released were Professor Evan Parker, Steven Bair, Kurt Madsen and Brad Wilcox. Cockett has canceled Ag Week due to the tragic event and said Memorial services will be held instead.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Practice News Story 10: Investigative

10:04 a.m. MT, April 10, 2008

Buffer, Turner to Join Bill and Melinda Gates

LOGAN Utah – Bill and Melinda Gates are joining forces with Ted Turner to help the World Health Organization (W.H.O.) to help educate the people of Africa with knowledge about diseases and cleanliness. “We will be working with W.H.O. to help educate African people on health, teach them how to finish so we can leave them (Africans) better off.” Bill Gates said. This is Gate’s first time working with Turner and said, “We have similar goals” and there is “no competition between the two.”

African Mayor, Malik Ok, whose country is not disclosed, seemed very thankful for the help they are receiving from the foundation. “I met with all three of them (Bill, Melinda, Turner) mostly to gain a fell for what they wanted to accomplish.” Ok also stated they have “lots of diseases the foundation is looking to eradicate.”

Gates mentioned a former press release will be held in a couple of weeks about what they will be doing in Africa. The trio will be joined by Warren Buffet, who will also be supporting the foundation to see that their goals set for the people of Africa will be a success and they will continue to take care of themselves long after they leave. Ted Turner had no comment when asked about the trip.

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Practice News Story 9: Sports

10:56 p.m. MT April 4, 2008.

Utah Jazz Win Two Straight

SALT LAKE CITY – Ronnie Brewer came up big in the final minutes for the Utah Jazz’s win (106-99) over the San Antonio Spurs tonight at the Energy Solutions Arena. After an amazing block by Utah’s Mehmet Okur, DeronWilliams found Brewer on the three-point line to sink the go ahead basket for the Jazz. “Deron had been finding open people all night and got me a good look for the shot,” Brewer said of Williams. Brewer finished with seven-points and the gaming winning basket for his team saying it, “felt big for the team, big for me.”

C.J. Miles had a great night for the Jazz and marked his career high in points tonight, scoring 30 with four 3-pointers. “Some nights the hole just looks big, and (Deron) Williams made great passes.” Miles continued to comment on Williams saying he is, “one of the best point-guards in the league.”

Jerry Sloan credited his team with good defense and was proud of them for making a couple stops at the end to propel them to their win. Coach of the Spurs, Gregg Popvich, complemented the Jazz on the home game winning ability saying, “It came down to the wire and the Jazz responded to their home crowd” Popovich also noted them being the team with the best home record in the league.

Mehmet Okur came back tonight after struggling with the flu and gave the Jazz 15-points to help with their victory, while Carlos Boozer and Deron Williams both had double-doubles, 12-rebounds, 26-points and 14 assists with 15-points respectively. Hopefully the Jazz can keep their winning streak alive as they make their way to the playoffs.