OCR Text |
Show I not he too timid and squeamish about your actions . AH life is an experiment. Emerson Do Oth:r s!de cf70 page 5 -- Thurlay, VOLUME 92 NO. 5 WV Officers by May 4, 2000 , to discontinue investigation of minor accidents? police calls on more to - serious focus reports, according to Chief Alan GARY BLODGETT EDITOR Kerstein. West Valley City police are going to make some drastic changes. Probably the most noticeable will be the discontinuance of patrol offi- cers spending their time investigatauto ing those "fender-bende- r accidents - under certain conditions. Along with that, WVC police officers will be doing more investigation on the phone, without going to the scene, to complete their Well be doing more phone investigation on vandalism, property damage, lockouts, and other cases which dont require immediate attention by an officer," the chief said. We hope that this will leave more time for the officers we have on duty to respond to cases, assaults and other incidents which require immediate attention by an officer. He noted that there are not chough officers, or hours in the persons involved. Chief Kerstein admitted the changes - which went into effect the middle of April - will have day, to spend the time that is being spent on mjnor incidents. Officers are being detained on cases like vandalism and property damage, and the changes are designed to save the time to spend on cases of a more serious nature, some problems, but I dont think they will be of the magnitude that they cant be worked out He noted the tremendous backlog of calls for an officer, and the time Chief Kerstein stressed. He emphasized that officers will still be over booked and overworked, but he hopes that the changes will help to expedite investigations that are more seriously needed and alleviate those iitpi-denwhich can be handled by the delay of an officers response because he or she is busy on another case - with several cases already backlogged. Dispatchers are now telling callers seeking the response of an officer of the new alterations and the wait they will have before an officer can respond to their request ts But the changes will not affect those calls for immediate attention of a police officer, especially those where there is a threat of bodily in any harm or is way," the chief emphasized. For example, a call for assistance of a simple lockout of a persons home or vehicle will be put on the backbumer. But if the call is a frantic request for help because a child is inside a locked car will be handled immediately. There are circumstances connected with all cases, and each incident will be evaluated as to its need for immediate attention, Chief Kerstein stressed. not put safety or need for police assistance in the background of any call. Accidents not likely to be investigated by the police include, but are not limited to: Non-injur- accidents, not y or drug or involving a alcohol use. The chief, who came to West Valley City from the Los Angeles area of California four months ago, said his radical proposal follows the lead of several major cities across the nation. It is believed to be the first in Utah. We will Grizzly details brough out in WVC crash, fire case Witnesses say driver ran a 2 teens burned by: GARY BLODGETT EDITOR Witnesses of a fiery crash testified in Third District Court last week that the driver of a speeding pickup truck ran from die scene of a ' accident two-vehic- le - leaving two teenagers to die in the burning wreckage. The accident happened last Jan. 15 at the intersection of 3500 South and 3200 West in West Valley City. But the grizzly details of the crash were vividly brought to light by witnesses who said that the driver who caused the fiery crash ran from his pickup and left two teens to die in the blazing vehicle. Master Cheng Tsang Lu, West Vailey City resident and martial arts expert, teaches Tai Chi at his Salt Lake City a upuncture clinic. West Valley City will host Utah's first ever Tal Chi Day -- Photo provided by: Chris Wilson parficiipates in Utahs first annual Tai Chi Chuan Day WVC On May 6, West Valley City and martial arts Master Cheng Tsang Lu will host Utahs first annual Tai Chi Chaun Day observances. The special event will be staged at WVCs Centennial Park. 5415 W. 3100 South, from 9:30 a.m. until noon. An estimated 300 people will gather in the park to perform a variety of styles of Tai Chi Chuan, an ancient Chinese exercise and art that has achieved popu self-defen- se larity among many Americans. Tai Chi Chuan is a graceful exercise system that relies on gentle movement to strengthen muscles, improve postue, increase balance, and improve flexibility with no risk to injury. Described as the perfect exercise for senior citizens, Tai Chi Chuanb helps people achieve a sense of relaxation that results in lowering blood pressure, lessening stress, and generally reduces health prob lems. West Valley City Mayor Jerry Wright said: We are delighted to have this opportunity to recognize the valuable cultural contributions that this special art form presents, West Valley City is joining the state in declaring the first Saturday of each May as Tai Chji Chuan Day. Mayor Wright and Utah Governor Mike Leavitt are signing such proclamations this week. Magna Senior center Easter Parade best Ever! It was the biggest, best and most frolicking Easter Parade ever at the Magna Senior Citizens Center this year. ' seniors - both men Thirty-thre- e and women pulled out their weirdest and wildest-lookin- g garb they could could find, and then paraded around the center to the laughs and joy of others. Lucille Cloward won the award for the Prettiest Hat; Alice Hoopes won top honored for the Oldest Hat; and Lena Peterson took first place with the Most Original Easter Hat Then the elderly - ranging in age from 60 to . . . well, their 90s , . . then searched for plastic eggs that were left behind by the Easter Bunny. Some had gold dollars in them, small change was left in others, and last, but not least, there was candy in all the others. It was a very fun day for all the 120 seniors who participated, said Jean Orton, Center director. Vsstside Spotlight by Alan Slain Staff Wnter Diana Watson EantibLatid Q;cpatiaai Diana Watson is married to Gary Watson and the couple have lived in the M' for fourteen .a ernmu-nit- y yeas. The Watsons have raised three chil- dren: Nicholas, Matthew, and Brandi. Gary is employed by AlliantTech Diana is Systems coCowner while of SunCNCStyls Hair and Tanning Salon in Msgr.a (3500 South 8215 West). FGOU CQI Community Service; Diana is a former PTA president at Hillside Elementary and currently is a volunteer at Pleasant Green Elementary. Diana also spends a great deal of time and effort working with the Magna Fact Program doing volunteer hair cuts. Finally, Diana also volunteers her talents doing hair cuts for the Youth Services Division for underprivileged kids. and Iniererfs: Diana enjoys cross stitching, camping, and the outdoors. She also enjoys spending time with her family. Driver of the speeding truck - and defendant in the court case - is Paul Upwall, age 31. A survivor in the car, Aaron Sharpies, 19, told the court that lives could have been saved if he (Paul Upwall, driver of the pickup) had not fled from the scene." Four faculty members at Cyrprus High School have announced their retirement at the close of the school year. The four are Diane Andra, secretary in the media center; extending from his shoulder to his wrist A scheduling hearing is set for Monday, May 8, before Judge Sheila McCleve. If convicted of two charges of felony automobile homicide, drivingjmder the influ-enc- e of alcohol, and leaving the scene of an injury accident, die driver could face up to 30 years in prison. WVC police records indicate that the youths were stopped in their Jeep Wrangler at a traffic light at 3500 South and 3200 West when their vehicle was struck from behind. A expert placed the speed of the pickup at more than 70 miles per hour before traffic-accide- nt WVC Police Officer Marty Quintero arrived in time to see one victim die. A citizen was pulling Dugdale - engulfed in flames -- from the jeep. The driver (Osegueral) was pinned inside. One witness, Steven Hernandez, testified that he begged Upwall to help free the trapped teens but Upwall just looked at me for more than five seconds and then fled the scene. leaving kids to die is murder to me," the mother of the surviving passenger told the court. Upwall was found by Sheriff Deputies at his Holladay home later that morning - asleep, covered with cuts and bruises, and smelling strongly of alcohol. Brenda Bensch, English teacher, Steve Henaefer, varsity wrestling coach and matematics teacher, and Howard Roberts, student counselor. They will be honored at a retirement social to be held Tuesday, May 9, from 2 p.m, until 4 p.m. in the Cyprus High School Media Center on the school's third floor, Cyprus High is located at 8623 W. 3000 South, Magna. Friends and former students are urged to attend. Childrens development program inciuded Summer classes announced for West Valley City Recreation by: GARY BLODGETT EDITOR Start Smart, a sports development class for children ages 3 to 5 -along with one adult - is planned at the West Valley City Family Fitness Center, 5400 W. 3 100 South. Registration deadline is Tuesday, May 9. Classes will held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from May 16 through June 1 from 5:30 until 6:30 p.m.. Classes will focus on basic skills of throwing, catching, kicking and batting. One parent should attend with the child for a cooperative learning experience, according to Kari Child, program director. Cost is $25 for members of the Fitness Center or $35 for nonmembers. For more information, call Kari at 0. Three Summer Camps are planned through tlie Family Fitness Center: a Summer Day Camp; Drama Camp; and Sports Camp. Summer Day Camp will be divid- ed into four sessions and will Enjoy and appreciate what you have and treat others with respect skin was pulled from his body skidding 102 feet and striking the jeep. It doesnt say much for him as a human being, said Debra Hudson, an aunt of one of the victims. Witnesses who came upon the fiery crash, told of watching as the two teens struggled to free themselves from the tangled wreckage. Four faculty members at Cyprus High have decided to retire at end of year 955-400- Diana Wataoa Sharpies friends, Christopher Oseguera, and Casey Dugdale, both 18, were killed. Sharpies, who was apparently not seat belted in, was ejected from the car, and pinned beneath the cab of the truck. He lost a finger in die accident, as well as the use of his left arm when include crafts, swimming, games, lunch and snacks. It will be open to children Classes will be held Mondays through Fridays. Cost is $85 per week for the first child and $80 per week for each additional child. 2. Sessions will be as follows: First Session June 12 through June 30. Register by May 29. Second Session - July 3 through July 21 (no camp on July 4). Register by June 19. Third Session - July 25 through Aug. 11. Register by July 10. Fourth Session - Aug. 14 through Sept. 1. Register by July 31. r Drama Camps are scheduled with West Valley City's Up With The Kids Musical Theatre Academy. There will be three performances as folAll-Sta- lows: The Wizzard of Oz. Register by June 12. Classes will be held June 19 through June 30 with a public performance at Raging Waters on July 1. Tom Sawyer." Register by June 26. Classes will be July 3 through July 14 (no July 4th) and a public performance will be held July 15 at Pioneer Village, Mary Poppins. Register by July 24. Classes will be held July 3 through Aug, 1 1 with a public per- formance Aug. 12 at Raging Waters. Cost is $125 per session. Classes will be held Monday through Friday from until 330 p.m. 1 Let's Play Sports Camp will be sponsored for youths s7 through 13 years of age. There will be instruction in baseball, basketball, football, volleyball, track and field events, cheerleading, and more. Classes will be held Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. There will be three sessions: June register by June 5; July register by July 10; and Aug. register by Aug. 7. Cost for the Sports Camp is $45 per week for members and $55 per 12-1- 6, 17-2- 1, 14-1- 8, week for non-membe- rs of the and snacks Fitness Center. will be included in the instruction. For more information, call |