Provo City

Press Releases 2003


Provo to Commemorate 100 Years of Flight - City Also to Begin Work on Airport Control Tower  |   Founding Fort Utah - New Work Shares History of Provo’s Native Inhabitants & Early Explorers   |   The "Magic" of the Provo Foundation to be Unveiled | Governor Walker to Turn on Christmas Lights in Provo   |   Multicultural Monday Evenings Planned in Provo   |   Provo Angels May Move to Utah Valley State College | Provo Gives Kids A Brake |    Voluntary Water Conservation Efforts Result in Significant Savings   |    New Provo Diversion Channel Saved Homes      |  Wells Fargo Bank Building Unveiled    |    Arson Cause of Little Rock Canyon Fire Provo Hires Wayne Parker as City C.A.O. Blacktop to Break at Provo Skate Park Site - Youth and City Government Leaders to Get Jack Hammers Into High Gear   |   Provo City to Implement Apartment Licensing   |    Provo Picks Recycling Program  |    Provo City Cemetery Reaches Milestone -Memorial Day Event to Mark 150th Anniversary of One of Utah’s Most Historic Cemeteries   | Residents Near buckley Draw to Gather - Meeting to Focus on Debris Flow Hazard, Prepare Evacuation Plans   |   Administration Expresses Sympathy-Calls for Review after Airplane Crash  Provo to Light the Fire Within  
 


DATE OF ADVISORY: December 16, 2003

Provo to Commemorate 100 Years of Flight
City Also to Begin Work on Airport Control Tower

Provo, Utah  Provo City will commemorate the Wright Brothers 100th Anniversary of Flight and break ground for a new airport control tower on Wednesday, December 17 at 10:00 a.m. The 100th anniversary program will be held at the Alpine Aviation Hanger, located at 1177 Alpine Air Way (take the I15 Center Street westbound exit to 3110 West and follow this road to the Provo Airport).

Highlighting the program will be a flight of a historic P51 Mustang, and also a literal ground breaking of the site where the new airport control tower will be built. In addition, President Bill Sederburg of Utah Valley State College will unveil the "Spirit of Provo", U.V.S.C.’ s newest airplane. Following the unveiling, President Sederburg will board the Spirit of Provo. He will be joined by Amelia Earhart Elementary School Principal Rosemarie Smith and a young student, Tyler Parry, who recently saved the life of his sister. The Spirit of Provo will then lead a procession of aircraft that will take to the skies to honor the Wright Brothers and all aviation pioneers. 

"We are pleased to commemorate the Wright Brothers inaugural flight and celebrate the first 100 years of flying, while at the same starting work on an airport control tower that will soon greatly enhance safety for Provo pilots, their passengers and city residents," said Provo Mayor Lewis K. Billings. 

(For more information contact Michael Mower at (801) 319-4708)

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DATE OF RELEASE: December 3, 2003

FOUNDING FORT UTAH
New Work Shares History of Provo’s Native Inhabitants & Early Explorers

Provo, Utah  The most comprehensive written history of the early settlement of Provo has been released for sale. Founding Fort Utah, a History of Provo’s Native Inhabitants, Early Explorers and the First Year of Settlement, by D. Robert Carter, outlines the history of the prehistoric and Native American inhabitants of what is now Utah’s third largest city. It also goes in to great detail about the struggles and challenges faced by the first Anglo settlers who established Fort Utah in 1849.  These included battles with the native Ute Indian population, building Fort Utah, the ever present need to acquire food, fuel and timber for building and encounters with gold seeking 49ers who passed through the area on their way to California.

The inspiration for a comprehensive review of Provo’s early history first arose during Provo’s Sesquicentennial in 1997. At that time, Provo City spearheaded efforts to find the original location of Fort Utah, the first permanent settlement site in what would become Provo.  After much work, the site was found in a spot just north of the Provo River and east of I15.

Robert Carter, along with his wife Lynda, spearheaded the effort to relocate the original site of Fort Utah.  The extensive research they did in finding the exact location of this historic site formed the foundation of this extensive and interesting history.

"Founding Fort Utah is the most definitive work on the history of Provo’s first year of settlement," said Provo Mayor Lewis K. Billings. "Few communities have a work like Founding Fort Utah that documents so well the early history of its residents," he added.  

Copies of Founding Fort Utah are available for purchase at Pioneer Book, 135 W. Center Street in Provo; Heritage Book at 129 West Center Street in Provo; and the Brigham Young University Bookstore.

(For more information contact Michael Mower at (801) 852-6103)

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DATE OF ADVISORY: December 2, 2003      

The "Magic" of the Provo Foundation to be Unveiled
Magician, Mayor Billings to Highlight Focus of Foundation

Provo, Utah  The focus of the Provo Foundation will be highlighted during the unveiling of the new Provo Foundation Web Site,  on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at one p.m. at the Nu Skin Theater, One Nu Skin Plaza, in downtown Provo. Magician Paul Bremer will use his talents to help unveil some of the exciting projects that are being supported by the Provo Foundation.

The Provo Foundation was established in 1984.  It is dedicated to the support and establishment of programs that build pride and enhance the accomplishments of Provo residents. 

The Provo Foundation has served as a catalyst in helping to solve community issues and concerns. Its focus is on impacting lives for the better.

(For more information contact Michael Mower at (801) 319-4708)

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DATE OF RELEASE: December 1, 2003

GOVERNOR WALKER TO TURN ON CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN PROVO
Utah’s Chief Executive, Provo Mayor, and Santa Claus to Lead Festivities Monday Night

Provo, Utah  Utah Governor Olene Walker will join Provo Mayor Lewis K .Billings and hundreds of third grade students from Provo City schools in turning on the City’s Christmas lights.  The event will take place Monday, December 1, 2003, at 6:30 p.m. on the steps of the Provo Arts Center at 425 West Center Street.  A visit by Jolly Old St. Nick himself is also anticipated, weather from the North Pole permitting.

Following a few musical numbers by the students and the lighting ceremony, Governor Walker and Mayor Billings will ride a mule (mechanized landscaping maintenance vehicle) through the streets of downtown Provo to four different businesses where they will stop and unveil "candy windows".

The candy windows, sponsored by the Provo Arts Council,  are a tradition in historic downtown Provo. Each year volunteers choose a holiday theme and create a scene depicting it out of candy, cookies and other sweet treats.  The scenes are assembled and displayed inside the store windows of several downtown merchants, hence the term "candy windows."  "We encourage all residents to take time to view these beautiful displays," said Kathryn Allen of the Provo Arts Council. "They will be impressed at the creativity and talent of the artists and it really adds to the Christmas spirit," she concluded.

The evenings events will conclude with free hot chocolate at the Town Square Atrium, located in downtown Provo near 50 West Center Street.

(For more information contact Michael Mower at 8526103 or 319-4708)

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DATE OF RELEASE: October 30, 2003

Multicultural Monday Evenings Planned in Provo
Flamenco Dancers and Mariachi Players First to Perform

Provo, Utah  Provo City will host four weeks of multicultural performances as part of the Provo Art Council’s Concert Series.  These multicultural events, which will be held each Monday night in November beginning at 7:00 p.m., are free to the public. 

The first groups to perform, on Nov. 3,  will be Mariachi America, a Latin music ensemble, and Pasion Flamenca, a flamenco dance group. Mariachi America began in the fall of 1994 with a group of musicians who had been studying at Brigham Young University.  They decided to form a group to share their love of mariachi music.  Since then they have entertained numerous audiences throughout the area.  Marachi music has been passed down from generation to generation and is a well loved and recognized part of Mexican culture. 

Passion Flamecap ("Flamenco Passion") is an exciting flamenco dance group directed by So Lange Gomez, a flamenco artist and dance teacher who formed the group in 1998.  Under her artistic direction, the group has already participated in significant events celebrating traditional and international cultures.  This exciting type of dance originated in Spain and is quite popular throughout Latin America.

"Our goal is to provide great family entertainment that provides an opportunity to help showcase the diversity of talent in our community," said Kathryn Allen, Director of the Provo Arts Council. The concert series is sponsored by the Provo Arts Council and Provo Mayor Lewis K. Billings Multicultural Advisory Committee.  Other upcoming events include:

  • November 10   Utah Valley Mass Choir
  • November 17 Traditions of the Soul (Los Hermanos de los Andes)
  • November 24 Remembering Our Culture

"We encourage residents to bring their family and friends and enjoy fine performances from talented people from diverse cultures here in our community." Mayor Billings said. These programs will also be taped and later rebroadcast on Cable Channel 17 in Provo.

(For more information, please contact Michael Mower at (801) 319-4708)

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DATE OF RELEASE: October 14, 2003

Provo Angels May Move to Utah Valley State College
City Officials Work to Help Team Transition to New Home at U.V.S.C.


Provo, Utah  Provo Mayor Lewis K. Billings said today that it is quite likely the Provo

Angels will relocate to a new home at Utah Valley State College. The anticipated move coincides with an announcement tomorrow by  U.V.S.C. that they will soon begin construction on a new baseball stadium that will meet Division 1 standards for college baseball.  The facility will also be built to meet the specifications required by Minor League Baseball.  The press conference, which will include representatives from U.V.S.C., Provo City, Utah County, Orem City and the owners of the Provo Angels, will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 3:30 p.m. on the baseball field at U.V.S.C.

"We have worked tirelessly to help construct a stadium that would benefit our entire community and provide a home for the Provo Angels," said Mayor Billings.  "However, there were two primary obstacles due to timing that impeded our work," he noted. "There are unresolved potential wetlands issues at Ironton that the City is trying to work through with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the other was that Minor League Baseball wanted construction on a stadium to begin immediately," Mayor Billings added.

"The fact that construction at Ironton would be delayed while the issues raised by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers were addressed made it very difficult to begin construction on a new stadium in a timely manner," said Leland Gamette.  "The resources to construct a stadium were there, the community support for the Provo Angels was there, however, we were not in a position to beat the clock and begin construction as soon as required by Minor League Baseball,"he said.

When it became apparent that construction on a stadium could not begin on time, Mayor Billings met with Utah Valley State College President Bill Sederberg and offered his support to facilitate a move of the Provo Angels to the new stadium that U.V.S.C. is planning to construct.

"While we were anxious to have a stadium of our own to serve the needs of our community and the Provo Angels, we are pleased that this great team will stay in our area and continue to provide great athletic excitement and entertainment," Mayor Billings said. "We are glad to be a part of helping U.V.S.C. achieve their goal of constructing a Division 1 Baseball Stadium and of helping to keep the Provo Angels here in Utah County."

(For more information contact Michael Mower at (801) 319-4708)    

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Date: September 29, 2003

Provo Gives Kids A Brake

Provo, Utah  Motorists will be reminded that "Provo Gives Kids A Brake" as a part of the City’s Pedestrian Safety Campaign. As a part of the effort, 5,000 bright yellow car antenna balls will be given to Provo elementary students, handed out to drivers as they leave the parking lots of Timpview and Provo High Schools and distributed to other motorists in Provo.  "We are anxious to remind motorists of the need to slow down and always be on the lookout for children," said Provo Police Chief Craig Geslison.

The highlight of the Pedestrian Safety Campaign will be a presentation to First Grade students at Edgemont Elementary School, located at 566 East 3650 North in Provo, at 11:00 a.m. The program will include safety tips for the students from the Provo City Police Department and a challenge from Mayor Billings for students to always be on the lookout for cars and encourage them to remind any motorist they are riding with to slow down and be safe. Following the Mayor’s remarks, the first of the 5,000 antenna balls will be distributed by Provo PTA President Carol Sanchez and Provo Mayor.

Since January, there have been 38 accidents involving pedestrians and/or bicyclists in Provo.   "In the past we have had serious accidents in Provo involving pedestrians and automobiles that could and should have been avoided." Provo’s Police Chief noted, "We are anxious to save lives," he concluded.

(For more information, contact Michael Mower at 319-4708)

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DATE OF RELEASE: Tuesday, September 16, 2003

PROVO CITY TO RESIDENTS: “THANKS A BILLION!”
Voluntary Water Conservation Efforts Result in Significant Savings

PROVO, Utah: Provo Mayor Lewis K. Billings announced today that Provo residents and water users have decreased water usage by 12.9% between January and August of this year, compared to the past three years - a savings of more than 978,479,000 gallons.  “Provo residents are great to do what is asked of them,” noted Mayor Billings.  “We were anxious to avoid mandatory water usage restrictions and so decided to simply ask our residents to voluntarily reduce water consumption and they did.”

At the Provo City Municipal Council meeting on September 16, 2002, at 7:00 p.m., Mayor Billings will announce a Proclamation of Appreciation to Provo Residents for Conserving Water.  This proclamation will be presented to Richard S. and Sharon Christensen, who will receive this on behalf of all Provo residents who saved water. The Christensen, who lives in Provo’s Edgemont neighborhood, reduced the amount of water they used on their yard by 18% this year compared to last year. Mayor Billings and the Municipal Council will also recognize Jan Holley, an engineer in the City’s Public Works Department who has spearheaded Provo’s successful water conservation efforts.

Provo residents and businesses cut back on the amount of water they used in several ways, including limiting the times during the day when they watered outdoors, reducing the amount of water they used for their lawns and gardens, and using less water for their personal and household needs. 

“The 978,479,000 gallons that have been saved are enough water to supply the entire City of Provo for 38 days,” according to Provo’s Public Works Director, Merrill Bingham.   In spite Provo’s success in conserving water, residents are asked to continue to efforts as the area is still in its fifth straight year of drought.

  (For more information contact Michael Mower, 319-4708)

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DATE OF RELEASE:   September 10, 2003

New Provo Diversion Channel Saved Homes
Last Nights Rains Led to Debris, Mud Flow Near Buckley Draw

Provo, Utah  Heavy rains in the Buckley Draw area of southeast Provo caused significant debris and mud flows last night and early this morning. However, there was no damage to homes in the area thanks to a new diversion channel that the debris and mud was able to flow into. "We are fortunate that the channel has been completed and is working as intended," said Greg Beckstrom, Provo City Assistant Public Works Director over Storm Water. "Several homes would have mud in their basements if the channel had not been built," he added.

The diversion channel was completed earlier this summer. It was built following last year’s Springville Fire that destroyed much of the vegetation in the Buckley Draw area above a neighborhood in southeast Provo.

(For more information contact Mike Mower at 319-4708 or 852-6103)

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DATE OF RELEASE:   September 8, 2003

PROVO, Utah

See What’s going up Downtown!

September 8, 2003
11:00 a.m.
100 North University Avenue (S.E. corner)
Provo, Utah

Hosted by:
Kowallis & Mackey ~ Ellsworth Paulsen Construction
Provo Mayor Lewis K. Billings
Provo Municipal Council ~ Provo Redevelopment Agency

 

Come see the Unveiling of one of the
Largest Architectural Renderings
in Utah County History!

 

(For more information contact Michael Mower, 319-4708)

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DATE OF RELEASE:   August 20, 2003

ARSON CAUSE OF LITTLE ROCK CANYON FIRE
Juvenile Playing with Lighter, Cigarettes Started Recent Blaze

Provo, Utah  Provo’s Fire Marshal, Jim Guynn, announced today that a juvenile has confessed to starting last week’s Little Rock Canyon fire on Friday, August 15. As part of his investigation he learned that the alleged arsonist was playing with cigarettes and a lighter.  He said he lit two fires. The second fire was swept up by the wind and quickly grew. The fire, which started just above Imperial Way in Provo, rapidly spread throughout the hills near the Little Rock Canyon area.  The blaze lasted for several hours, caused the evacuation of more than sixty homes and consumed approximately 103 acres. The young man who confessed to starting the fires does not live in the area that was burned last week.

Crews from fifteen agencies joined with Provo City Fire & Rescue and the United States Forest Service to battle this fire.

The case has been referred to the area Juvenile Court for further action.

(For more information contact Michael Mower at 319-4708 or
Jim Guynn at 404-6375)

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DATE OF RELEASE:   August 18, 2003

PROVO HIRES WAYNE PARKER AS CITY C.A.O.
New Chief Administrative Officer Brings Wealth of Experience to Position

Provo, Utah - Provo Mayor Lewis K. Billings announced today that Wayne Parker has been hired to serve as the City’s Chief Administrative Officer (C.A.O.).  Parker replaces Bob Stockwell who left Provo City several months ago to accept a position in the private sector.

Parker brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this important position.  Currently he serves as the Director of Management Services for Ogden City.  Prior to that he was the Director of State and Local Planning and Executive Director of the Utah Advisory Council on Intergovernmental Relations for Utah Governor Mike Leavitt. Parker has also served as the City Manager of Roy, Utah and the City Administrator of Merriam, Kansas and Smithville, Missouri.

Parker is a 1981 graduate of the Romney Institute of Public Management of Brigham Young University, where he received the Stewart L. Grow Award as outstanding graduate student.

“We are pleased to have a professional with the experience and qualifications Mr. Parker exhibits now joining our administrative team,” said Provo Mayor Billings.  “We have sought to find the most capable and competent professional possible to fill this important administrative post.  I am confident that in Wayne Parker we have met this objective.” Parker begins his position with Provo on September 15.

Seventy-five people from more than twenty states applied for Provo’s C.A.O. position.  A committee of seven Provo residents helped to narrow the field and interviewed the finalists before recommending a few final candidates to Mayor Billings.

“I am thrilled to be coming to Provo.” Parker said.  “It is a progressive, growing and economically vibrant community and I look forward to working as a part of the City’s Administrative Team.”

(For more information or a photo of Mr. Parker, please contact Mike Mower at (801) 319-4708)    

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DATE OF RELEASE: August 13, 2003

Blacktop to Break at Provo Skate Park Site
Youth and City Government Leaders to Get Jack Hammers Into High Gear

Provo, Utah  Jack hammers will pound the ground at the start of construction on a new Provo City Skate Park, on Thursday, August 14, 2003 at 2:00 p.m. at The Center, located at

222 West 500 North.  Among those helping to break the blacktop will be Provo’s Youth Government Mayor James Duncan, Provo Mayor Lewis K. Billings and members of both the Youth and Municipal Councils.  

The event marks the beginning of a several month construction project that will culminate in a new facility for skating enthusiasts in Provo. The park will be located immediately to the north and west of The Center, a multipurpose recreation facility, in Provo. Many young skating fans have been active in the planning and design of this new recreational area.

(For more information contact Michael Mower at 319-4708)  

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DATE OF ADVISORY: July 1, 2003

Provo City to Implement Apartment Licensing

Provo, UT: Recently, the Provo Municipal Council adopted an ordinance that requires landlords to get a business license if they are renting property in Provo. The ordinance becomes effective August 1, 2003.  An owner occupied one or two family dwelling does not require a business license but all other rental properties must be licensed.  Upon payment of a $60 licensing fee, a landlord will receive a receipt confirming that the application was received.  This receipt will enable the landlord to continue renting their properties until all approvals are obtained for issuance of the license. The City will be holding two information meetings to instruct landlords how to file an online application and to answer any questions they may have about the application procedure. Meetings will be held in the Provo Municipal Council Chambers at 351 West Center on Tuesday, July 8 and Wednesday, July 16 at 7:00 p.m.

Anyone interested is invited to attend on either date. Provo City’s website will also provide answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs).  After July 8, the City will be accepting online applications which can be accessed at rentaldwelling.provo.org.  Personnel will be available at 8526414 or 8526523 Mondays through Thursdays, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to field questions regarding this process.

 (For more information contact Reta Trimble, 319-6406)

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Date Of Advisory:  May 29, 2003

PROVO PICKS UP RECYCLING PROGRAMS
Mayor Billings To Sign Agreement with Waste Management of Utah, Inc. to Collect Recyclables

Provo, Utah  -   Mayor Lewis K. Billings will sign an agreement today, Thursday, May 29 at 4:00 p.m. with Waste Management of Utah, Inc. that will authorize Waste Management to begin collecting recyclable residential waste in Provo.  The agreement will be signed in the Mayor’s Office at 351 West Center Street in Provo.

Provo’s recycling program will be voluntary. Under the agreement, residents will pay $5.00 to have all of their recyclable goods (save for glass) collected biweekly at their curbs. Once three thousand households have signed up for the service, the rate will drop to $4 per can collected. Residents can begin signing up for the recycling program immediately by calling 852-6000 and service begins on or about August 1, 2003.

Provo City currently has one of the most successful yard waste recycling programs in Utah.  Each year more than 9,000 tons of “green waste” are collected and later turned into compost by the Provo City Public Works Department. 

For more information contact Michael Mower at 319-4708.

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DATE OF ADVISORY:  May 21, 2003

PROVO CITY CEMETERY REACHES MILESTONE
Memorial Day Event to Mark 150th Anniversary of One of Utah’s Most Historic Cemeteries

 

Provo, Utah  Provo City officials will dedicate a new arch that spans the entrance way to the Provo City Cemetery on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, 2003 at the Provo City Cemetery, located at 610 South State Street in Provo. The commemoration of the new arch will begin at 10:00 a.m.  The event will include remarks from U.S. Military Veteran Ron Fernstedt, remarks from Max Mitchell, Provo City Parks Assistant Director and a commemorative address by Provo City Mayor Lewis K. Billings.

The Provo City Cemetery has been in service to the community for 150 years, making it one of Utah’s most historic burial grounds. Provo’s first burial grounds were often on corners of farmland or by a favorite tree of the deceased.  In 1853, Provo Mayor Evan Greene and the Municipal Council recognized that a common burial ground was needed and they organized a cemetery on what was then the far southern end of Provo. Currently there are 25,869 people buried in the cemetery.  The Provo City Cemetery has been a place of comfort, solace and reflection for the living and a dignified and beautiful place of rest for the deceased. 

(For more information contact Michael Mower at 852-6103 or 319-4708)

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DATE OF RELEASE: April 28, 2003

RESIDENTS NEAR BUCKLEY DRAW TO GATHER
Meeting to Focus on Debris Flow Hazard, Prepare Evacuation Plans

Provo, Utah  Residents living near Buckley Draw, the site of a large mountainside fire last summer near homes in Southeast Provo, will meet tomorrow evening, April 29 at 7:00 p.m. at Springcreek Elementary School, 1740 South Nevada Avenue.  Officials from Provo City, the National Weather Service, and the Utah Geological Survey will outline the ongoing hazards that exist because of last summer’s fire and will work with area residents on evacuation plans.  "It is important to learn about our risks and what to watch for," said Tricia Porter, Emergency Management Coordinator for Provo City.

Brian McInerney of the National Weather Service and Richard Giraud of the Utah Geological Survey will also present a report on last year’s damaging slide in Santaquin and compare the geological and topographical conditions that caused that occurrence with current conditions in the Buckley Draw area.

"We are anxious for residents to learn what steps the City, the U.S. Forest Service and other agencies have taken to help prevent possible damage as well as what steps residents need to take to make certain their families are safe in the event of any slide," noted Provo Mayor Lewis K. Billings.

(For more information contact Michael Mower at 319-4708)

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News Release - April 18, 2003

PROVO CITY ADMINISTRATION EXPRESSES SYMPATHY
CALLS FOR REVIEW BY AIRPORT SAFETY COMMITTEE AFTER AIRPLANE CRASH

PROVO, UTAH - Provo City Officials expressed sympathy today, to the family and friends of those who lost their lives in a plane crash, late Thursday afternoon, in Utah County one mile north of the Provo Airport.

Provo Mayor Lewis K. Billings said, "Words can never fully serve to appropriately express the remorse and sympathy we feel at the loss of three members of our community.  We extend our warmest wishes and respect to the families and all who were acquainted with those who perished.  We will pray for your peace and healing."

Mayor Billings also announced that he has called upon the Provo City Airport Safety Committee to review this incident, in cooperation with the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board, and then to report their findings and recommendations.

The Provo Airport Safety Committee was formed approximately six months ago, for the purpose of increasing safe operations at the airport. While early indications suggest that this accident resulted from a mechanical failure, Provo City Officials say it is too early to draw any final conclusions at this time.

For more information regarding this release, please contact Provo City Mayor's Office, tel. (801) 852-6100 or (801) 592-3609.

 

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PROVO TO LIGHT THE FIRE WITHIN
Program to Help Instill Olympic Values, Inspire Youth
January 8, 2003

PROVO TO LIGHT THE FIRE WITHIN
Program to Help Instill Olympic Values, Inspire Youth

PROVO, UT  Provo City will commemorate the spirit of the 2002 Winter Games with "Light the Fire Within" an ice event at The Peaks Ice Arena on Thursday, February 6, 2003 at 10:00 a.m. The Peaks, site of twenty-four men’s and women hockey games during the Olympics, is located at 1330 East 300 North in Provo. "Light the Fire Within" is based on the Olympic values of friendship, sportsmanship, peace,  respect, vision, appreciation, courage and determination. These ideals have all been highlighted in a soon-to-be released book, "Light the Fire Within: Olympic Highlights," authored by Utah’s First Lady, Jacalyn Leavitt.

Provo’s "Light the Fire Within" Program will feature a commemoration of the Olympic Torch Relay, figure skating, and a short exhibition hockey match between hockey players representing a "Team Canada" and a "Team USA."  KSL 1160 Radio Sportscaster Greg Wrubell, an accomplished skater, will emcee the event and play-by-play of the hockey game. First Lady Jacalyn Leavitt and Provo Mayor Lewis K. Billings, a member of the SLOC Organizing Committee, will narrate Olympic highlights. The goal of "Light the Fire Within" is to highlight some of the incredible experiences people shared during the 2002 Olympic Games while encouraging young people to live the Olympic values and inspiring them to dream Olympic dreams.

"Light the Fire Within"  is being presented to elementary students in the Provo School District and local residents. Due to limited seating in The Peaks Ice Arena, no additional reservations are being accepted for student groups.  More than 1,800 students and teachers are scheduled to attend this unique event.  The press is welcome to attend. No tickets or reservations for the media are required.

(For more information contact Michael Mower at (801) 852-6103 or 319-4708)

 

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Provo City Mayor’s Office
351 West Center St., Provo, UT 84603
(801) 852- 6100
Office Hours:  Monday - Thursday 7 A.M. -  6 P.M.

 

This article comes from Provo City
http://www.provo.org/

The URL for this story is:
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