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Show Page A8 THE DAILY HERALD, Provo, Utah, Saturday, August 21, 1W9 Amtrak's new bullet train sits idle for test run By ON ETTA SAMPSON The Gazette It was like PUEBLO, Colo. months for Christmas, waiting getting that hoped-fo- r pony and then finding out that it couldn't run. That was the disappointing around feeling floating Thursday when reporters from around the nation showed up at the Transportation Technology Center expecting to see Amtrak's sleek new bullet train rocketing around a test track. Instead, the express train the one that will go fastest sat idle as engineers replaced wheels. Reporters had to settle for a ltx)k at a slower regional train. But Amtrak officials and folks from Bombardier Transportation, which helped design the trains, still had plenty to talk about. The new $800 million Acela line that Amtrak hopes to have running by the end of the year includes the first trains in North America. The company plans to use the trains r to cut the train commute between Boston and Washington, D.C., to three high-spee- d five-hou- hours. NATION State troopers catch up to escaped Pennsylvania killer By BILL BERGSTROM d decades. Countries such as France and Japan have built tracks designed for bullet trains, while the United States "doesn't have the sophisticated rail system that Lurope has," said Kim Fischer, a spokesfor woman Bombardier Transportation. Hoping to bring more commuters, especially business travelers, on board, Amtrak two years ago hired Bombardier, the Canadian company that gave the world the snowmobile, and a consortium of engineers and train makers to build America's first bullet train. The result is a train that mixes European design with America's stricter safety standards and throws in some passenger comforts of a completely new train. "There's really nothing like it in the world," said Albert Reinschmidt, vice president of marketing and business development at the Transportation Technology Center. The center is the only place of its kind in the world to test high-speed trains. A Japanese train, hauled to America by ship, also sat idle Thursday afternoon, waiting for its time on the track 13.5-mil- e loop. The center, a subsidiary of the Association of American Railroads, is located about 25 miles northeast of Pueblo, on 52 square miles of open land it leases from the federal government. It has 48 miles of railroad testing track. Amtrak's three services along the "BosWash" corridor will include the Acela Commuter, the Acela Regional and the sexy Acela Express. The express, with 12,000 horsepower, is capable of speeds of up to 165 mph, but will travel mostly at 150 mph. A regular Amtrak train averages 80 mph. The train features a tilting mechanism that counteracts the centrifugal force that nortoss passengers mally would ' around during a turn. The mechanism tilts the train into the curve. "It creates a much smoother ride," said Renee Meuser, Bombardier's lead test engineer. The trains don't look like much on the inside. Long gray cables and wooden floor planks cluttered the cars. Big wooden boxes filled with cement and for paslead served as stand-in- s and seats train senger high-spee- d high-spee- d lHon, Aug. 2: Huntingdon, Pa. Norman MENDENHALL, to Johnston, who killed four teen-ager- s cover up a family burglary ring, was captured Friday wet, scratched and exhausted in the same county where he and his brothers committed infamous their Johnston stepped out of the woods around dawn and ran right into state troopers who were investigating a 911 call at Huntingdon 15-year-- NJ Pittsburgh Philadelphia MO WV Baltimore Aug. 6 : Nottingham, Pa 1:10 p.m. Park rangers recognize Johnston as he calls relatives on a pay phone m Nottingham County Park. After a brief scufle. Johnston escapes into heavily wooded park with a ripped shirt. After 8:10 p.m. 100 state and local police from three states oomb the 650 sere park, using infrared scopes, units and two helicopters. 3Fri., Aug. 6. Birmingham Tcwnthtp After 8:10 p.m. H is believed Johnston steals a pickup truck in the part area, and drives 30 minutes to Birmingham Township. He then dumps the truck and Buick. steals a silver four-do- 4 Sat., Aug. 7 : Nottingham, Pa. About 10 a.m. Police discover the Buick abandoned in Birmingham Aug. Police investigate hundreds of reported sightings around Cecil County, Md. and southern Chester County, Pa., but are unable to confirm them. Police acknowledge the search "could go on for three hours or three months." Thur., Aug. 12: Childl, Md. 2:19 p.m. Johnston spotted by two police officers. TMon,, Aug. 16: Newark, Del. Johnston seen at a phone booth at a diner. Also, car stolen that day on Route 12:30 p m. Police end manhunt at 896 north of Newark. Nottingham County Park, concluding Johnston has driven off to unknown parts. BFri., Aug. 20: Mendenhall, Pa. After 4 p.m. Local and state police Johnston captured near Pennsylvania State Route 52, between Delaware launch manhunt in East Nottingham line and U S Route 1 state Township, setting up road blocks along Township. Source: Pertnsytvenia State Police counter at a gas station. Johnston had cut his way through a cell window and two fences to escape. An elaborate dummy left in his bunk gave him as much as a head start. While on the run, he was seen several times in stolen cars in Pennsylvania and nearby border towns in Maryland and Delaware. Two park rangers WTestled with him at Nottingham County Park four days after his escape, but he slipped away. He was later spotted by an unarmed University of Delaware security officer, who couldn't hold him. Police began closing in on Johnston starring Sean Perm. in the area were on edge Many people when Johnston escaped, worried he may return to a county that was 'glad to be rid "At Close Range" of him. "When they said Norman Johnston was out and about, I just went home and locked my doors," said Ed Scheffler of Kennett Square, a town just outside Philadelphia and 200 miles from the prison. Townspeople in Mendenhall were relieved. Tm glad he's caught. He needed catching," said Roland Norman, behind the 10-ho- came in. Rick Mercurio and his fiancee, Ellen Baldo, had seen officers searching the woods around their home as tb.eju.ate breakfast that morning. When they b&rd a noise on their deck, like someonaJfad knocked something over, they called police. The officers were searching behind the house when the couple spotted Johnston walking from the woods and down their gravel driveway. They yelled to police.-1- ' Johnston attempted to bolt through the bushes but slammed into a wooden fence. He began yelling "I'm not armed! I'm 'not armed!" as troopers grabbed him. "We couldn't believe it was him," said Trooper Glenn Blue, one of three officers who found Johnston. "He pretty much gave up. He didn't put up a fight and we're " very happy about that." Johnston was scruffy, wet and unarmed when he was taken into custody abQut 5:45 a.m. j As h.e was led out of the Avondale tate police barracks Friday morning to,, be taken back to prison, Johnston shook his head and refused to answer reporters' questions. State police Capt. Henry 01eynicak said troopers had questioned him about why he stayed in the area. "He said it was hard for him to get out of the area," Oleyniczak said. "He felt like the heat was on and he couldn't get out of the area." ,, boy gets life in prison in murder of playmate Republican L old BARTOW, Fla. (AP) A boy was sentenced to Friday life for murdering an neighborhood girl in a crime a judge said would bring an even harsher sentence on Judgment Day. "I do not perceive you to be a child," state Circuit Judge Charles Arnold told Joshua Phillips. "Your monstrous act made you an adult." Joshua was tried as an adult last month and convicted of murder in the Nov. 3, 1998 death of Maddie Clifton. He had pretended to help in the neighborhood search for first-degre- SO State Colleg- e- After 11 a m Johnston reported missing aftsr maintenance workers find the prison fences cut. 2Fri., Sun., Aug. 8: Nottingham Pa. 9 a.m. Police scale back search in East Nottingham Township after no new sightings of Johnston reported. B PENNSYLVANIA where Johnston escaped Aug. 2. Officers and tracking dogs had been searching for Johnston for 19 days, chasing him through Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware. He ended up returning to Chester County, the area where he and two brothers stole hundreds of trucks, cars and farm equipment in the 1970s. "I think he was kind of surprised to see us," said Trooper Brian Barber. "He was tired. He knew it was daylight. He knew he didn't have any place left to run." Johnston, 48, was sentenced to life in 1980 along with older brothers Bruce and David for killing four boys involved in their burglary ring. The men feared the teen-ager- s would tell police about their activities. Bruce Johnston also was convicted of killing his son's girlfriend and trying to kill his son, who testified against his father and uncles' ring that ran for 20 years and involved 40 or more people. The 1978 slayings were portrayed in the film Route 272 on both sides of border. NY off. from a secluded home in Medenhall, about 130 miles from the State Correctional Institution of Norman Johnston P-- .m. Prison officials speak with Johnston and verify his presence in a restricted ce at the State Correctional Institution at Huntingdon. After 1 a.m. Johnston makes his getaway, cutting the window bars of his cell with a hacksaw blade, and stuffing a dummy with human hair in his bed. Once outside, he cuts through two prraon fences, darts to a neighboring home, steals a 1966 Range Rover, and dnves crimes. That should give commuter airlines a run for their money, said Amtrak spokesman Richard Remington. "When you think of the time it takes to get in and out of Logan (International Airport in Boston) and La Guardia (in New York), we'll probably beat them," he said. High-speetrains have been popular in Europe and Asia for The Escape Trail The Associated Press Thursday night after he crashed a stolen car during a chase and fled into the woods. More than 100 officers and trackinftjjpgs were scouring southeastern Chfljer County early Friday when the 91TEall e Maddie when there was hope she was still alive, even though her body was stuffed into the your Judgment Day you, Joshua Patrick Philips, will be given a harsher sentence than I could frame of his waterbed. The girl lived across the from him in a street impose." pixie-face- d Jacksonville neighborhood, Joshua lifted his eyes briefly as he entered the courtroom and smiled at his mother. She smiled back. He stood with his head bowed, showing no emotion when told that he would not be sentenced as a juvenile but as an adult, and would spend life in prison with no hope for parole. The judge quoted the Bible, then said: "I'm certain that on The sentencing came after emotional pleas from both families. Joshua's father, Steve Phillips, said it was "ludicrous and obscene" to have prosecuted the murder charge. Joshua's mother, Melissa Phillips, expressed her sorrow to the Cliftons. "Each time I look out of our kitchen window to the house across the street, my heart clutches at the thought of what the Cliftons are going through," candidates sigh anti-ga- y pledge she said through tears. "I'm sorry about their grief, but I cannot repair their heartbreak any more than I can repair our own," she said. WASHINGTON killing. OBITUARIES - in- Fred Erickson Vred Erickson, 79, passed away Thursday, August 19, 1999 at his home in Springville. rr-He was born ' ; July 6, 1920 in Moore, Idaho, to Matthew Thorgare and Mary Cilicia Hill Erickson. He married Madsen Myrtle in Springvillle August 4. 1939. The marriage was later solomnized in the Manti Temple. He lived in Spanish Fork and Springville and attended school in Spanish Fork and graduated form Utah Valley Technical College. He was a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Saints. Christ of Latter-daHe served in many capacities in the church including: Bishopric councilor, group leader, missionary, and teacher. He retired from employment as a pipefitter at United States Steel. He was a dedicated supporter and leader of the Boy Scouts of America. He served the organization for more than 45 years as Cub Master, Scoutmaster, Wood Badge Staff, District Training Chairman and was the founder of the Timberline Training. He received the honor of Ray Kenneth Dixon Silver Beaver and Silver Eagle. He is a member of the Icelander Association. He served in the Navy during World War II. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. All of the family members own walking sticks or carpentry items made by his hands. He is survived by six sons: Marvin (Terry) Erickson of Pleasant Grove, Darrell (Ruth) Erickson of Sandy, Douglas (Margaret) Erickson of Orem, Roger (Lynda) Erickson of West Valley City, Ronald Erickson of Salt Lake City and Karl (Joy) Erickson of Mapleton; four sisters, Nancy Tanner, Dorthella LeBaron, Cleo Hansen, and Julie Sehweiss, 28 grandchildren and 24 great grand children. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and four brothers. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Funeral Services will be Monday, August 23, 1999 at 11 a.m. in the Kolob 2nd Ward Chapel, 451 S. Main St., Springville. Friends Sunday evening from may call p.m at Wheeler Mortuary, 211 E. 200 south, Springville, and Monday one hour prior to the services at the church. Interment will take place in the Evergreen Cemetery, Springville. In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions be made to the Boy Scouts of America. Joseph 'Earl' Taylor, age 63, of Orem, died Aug. 19, 1999, at the Timpanogos LDS Church. He will be greatly missed. Earl is survived by his wife Mary of Hospital in Orem. He was born Orem; two sons and two daughters, William Golden Taylor (Michelle) of Salt Lake; Tammy Taylor of Denver, CO; Cindy Louise Taylor Roberts of Lindon, UT; Bruce Earl Taylor (Kathleen) of William Bailey and Martha Shaw Taylor. He Hi- - ( married Mary Collins on November 21, 1957 in Kingman, Arizona. Earl graduated from Union High School in 1955. He worked as an underground miner for the majority of his life. He was an avid reader, and accomplished artist. He enjoyed watching the San Francisco 49ers, BYU football, Utah Jazz, college sports, and spending time With his family. He was a member of the Ray K. Dixon, age 67, of Benjamin, away Aug. 19, 1999, at Mountain View in Hospital Payson after a short bout with cancer. He was born Dec. 2, 1931, to Kenneth R. and Zelma Mendenhall Dixon of Benjamin. He attended schools in Payson and Utah State University. Ray married Mary Jane Money on Jan. 16, 1952 in Spanish Fork. Utah. He served in the Korean War from 1952 to 1954. After his release, he returned to working the family ranch with his father. In 1973, Ray and Mary Jane purchased the ranch from his family, resulting in his achieving a life- - long dream. His greatest joy was in working his Hereford cattle and Quarterhorses with the help of his family. He served as president of the Payson Livestock Association for 17 years. Survivors include his wife, Mary Jane; three daughters, Jane Ann Holmes, Jan (Michael) Corless, and Karen (Joey) Bowler; seven grandchildren; and two sisters, Virginia Barron and LeeOra Done. He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Paula, Betty and Rowene; and brother, front-runner- ,. tbr-m- Dick. Funeral services will be on Monday, Aug. 23, 1999, at 11 a.m. at Walker Mortuary, 187 S. Main St., Spanish Fork. Friends may call there on Sunday from p.m. and on Monday a.m. prior to the service. Interment will be at the Benjamin Jersey. The pledge was sponsored by more than a dozen groups that publicly abhor homosexu, ality. 10-1- 1 6-- 8 Cemetery. 6-- Joseph Earl Taylor July 16, 1936 in Park City, Utah to (AP)'" Several Republican presidential candidates have pledged' to oppose allowing gay or lesbian couples to adopt and to promote the rights of organizations such as the Boy Scouts' to exclude homosexuals, a gay rights group said Friday. Human Rights Campaign said former Vice President pan Quayle, radio host Alan Keyes, publisher Steve Forbes, conservative activist Gary Bauer, Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah and commentator Pat Buchanan signed the pledge before kst week's Iowa straw poll. Officials at the Forbes and Hatch campaigns confirmed their candidates had signed; Bauer's campaign could nptj ;be reached; and officials at;jtjhe Buchanan, Keyes and Quayle organizations said they hadn't heard about it, indicating tfyose candidates hadn't signed it. Sen. John McCain of Arizona and the GOP Gov. George W. Bush of Texas,..did not sign, Human Rights Campaign said in a statement. Neither did Democratic candidates Al Gore, the vice prudent, or Bill Bradley, the U.S. senator from New Maddie's family told the judge of the memory of an effervescent, giggly girl and the impact of a murder that "was cruel and senseless and took Maddie from us all," said Steve Clifton, the father. He said the family expected Joshua to spend his life in prisqn. Florida law bars the death penalty for killers under 16. Joshua was 14 at the time of the Orem; five grandchildren, Chad Roberts, Jeff Roberts, Takoda Taylor, Sequoia Taylor, and Chenoa Taylor; one sister, Lily Darlene Whitbeck of Vernal. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, William C. Taylor, two half sisters, Bernice Johnson and Louise Ross, and a half brother, Howard Taylor. Funeral services will be Monday, Aug. 23, 1999, at 11 a.m., in the Berg Mortuary Drawing Room Chapel of Orem, 500 N. State St. Friends may call Sunday FM., evening, at the Mortuary, from OBITUARY ' FEES DEATH NOTICES 71, of Orem, died Aug. 20, 1999. Funeral services are pending and will be announced by Sundberg-OlpiMortuary of Orem. SpanUhFtxt , - Joseph Earl Taylor, age 63, of Orem, died Aug. 19, 1999. Services are pending and will be announced by Berg Mortuary of Orem. 20, 1999. we simply 10 7PM SATURDAY 10AM 7PM SUNDAY FREE DrrmtT 90 tyg DAYsJj sm VISA - MASTERCARD DEADLINES fl Vi hLi :2r:" 1700 NO. STATE PH. DISCOVER AMERICAN PROVO, UT. 375-272- 1 EXPRESS call Zr. Tuesday Saturday: 4:30 p.m. Day before publication,: Sunday: 12:30 p.m. on Saturday Monday: 12:30 p.m. on Sunday Photo deadlines same as above. PROVO - OREM CIOSE0 . tion. For further information 9:45-10:4- 5 MATTRFRrS M0N.-FR- I. The Daily Herald obituary rates area's follows: $15.10 per column inch and $7.00 per picture, for each publics1 age 81, died August 18, 1999. Funeral services will be Saturday, Aug. 21, 1999, at 11 a.m. in the Spanish Fork First Ward Chapel, 310 E. Center. Friends may call on Saturday from a.m. at the church prior to the Services are pending and will be announced by Berg Mort uary of Orem. STORE HOURS Payon Orem Jessie Roach Clayson, Grace Christensen Carter, age 72, of Orem, died Aug. Provo "Serving our Families and the Community" 6--8 or Monday morning, one hour prior to services. Interment, Orem City Cemetery. The Daily Herald charges for obituaries. Death notices, brief items ider tying the deceased and the furi$(aj home involved, however, run free of charge and must be placed by the funeral home. ; Phillip Flammer, best MATTRESS i |
