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Show Editorialopimion Ufllhieuitf Utahs new Court of Appeals, which began operation early has significantly reduced the pressure on the Utah Supreme Court and the time required to handle appeals from the states trial courts, according to Utah Foundation, the private, nonprofit research organization. While the new system has been in operation too short a time to provide e reliable projections, Utah judicial authorities are optimistic about the future. The need to expand the capacity of Utahs appellate court structure was foreseen more than 15 years ago, before a serious backlog had developed in in 1987, long-rang- the Utah Supreme Court, the Foundation notes. A study made by the National Center for State Courts indicated that if no remedial action were taken, the number of cases awaiting Supreme Court action for more than a year would number 1,600 by the year 1990, and that some cases might await a decision for as long as 12 years. The Utah Court of Appeals was created on the recommendation of a task force which studied a number of alternative approaches to the problem. The court began functioning early in 1987, when the Utah Supreme Court transferred to it 373 cases from its own calendar of 1,029 cases (as of Dec. 31, 1986) . During the course of 1987 additional appeals were filed with both courts, and the Supreme Court transferred additional cases to the Court of Appeals. However, both appellate courts disposed of more cases than were received during the course of the year, effectively reducing the backlog of cases on appeal. A staff study reported that the rates of disposition of cases by both courts would be satisfactory if they were working on a current inventory of cases, but that productivity will have to increase if the goals established for the Utah appellate system by the task force are to be met. The goals are: 1), to dispose of cases on appeal, on the average, within one year of filing; and, 2) to reach the first goal within two years of the creation of the Court of Appeals. Foundation analysts found reason for optimism in looking toward increased productivity in both appelate courts. The Court of Appeals was not in full operation until March, and in the four months March through June disposed of an average of 40.5 appeals per mon- - Magna food program The Summer Food Service Program for children will be available from May through September, 1988, according to Deborah Olsen, Specialist, Child Nutrition Programs, Utah State Office of Education. areas The goal of the program is to provide children from with nutritious meals during summer vacation when school nutrition programs are not in operation, Mrs. Olsen said. This program provides and school-ag- e children 18 years of age and unbalanced meals to der who are in need. In order to become a sponsor, an organization must : ( 1 ) be a public or nonprofit private school authority, residential summer camp, or unit of local, municipal, or county government; (2( demonstrate financial and administrative capability ; (3) have adequate personnel for site monitoring and management; (4) qualify as a camp or operate where at least 50 percent of the children would qualify for free or reduced price meals under the National School Lunch or Breakfast Program; and (5) enter into a written agreement with the Utah State Office of Education. Application for participation will be accepted until May 10, 1988. Those received beyond that date will be approved only if denial would prevent an eligible area from having a program. Since federal regulations for the summer program require the training of all sponsors, interested parties must attend an orientation workshop an April 7, 1988, at the Utah State Office of Education. The Summer Food Service Program for Children is open to all children regardless of race, color, national origin, age, sex or handicap. For more information, contact Deborah Olsen, low-inco- pre-scho- ol pools 3, 18S3 PAGE 2 THE MAGNA TIMES, THURSDAY, MARCH gjo'S's nf if : th. In the second half of 1987, after getting through the shakedown period of a new organization, the rate of disposition was 60.5 cases per month, almost 50 percent higher than in the first half of the year. In addition, the cases originally passed from the Supreme Court to the Court of Appeals had been awaiting action a considerable time, and contained a larger than normal proportion of complex, time consuming cases. The mix of cases coming to the court in the future can be expected to contain proportionately fewer complex cases. In the Supreme Court, the 1987 record for dispositions was comparable to those of former years, despite the fact that a number of new responsibilities were placed on the court by laws enacted in 1986. These responsibilities will continue, but the time demanded of the court should diminish significantly after the initial framework has been laid. A number of safeguards have been placed in the structure of the new apAppeals to the Supreme Court pellate system to keep double appeals from decisions of the Court of Appeals to a minimum. Utah statutes provide that certain classes of cases on appeal, usually those of relatively lesser significance, go directly to the Court of Appeals, while other classes of cases go directly to the Supreme Court. The Court of Appeals can certify to the Supreme Court any case coming before it which it is felt should be decided Each of us is a combination of our past experience and training. Our views are not necessarily the result of logical thinking that weighs facts and produces a result with which every thinking person would agree. I grew up in a depression family that survivied the 1930s. My mother and dad believed there was a God and that we had certain rules that governed our lives. We were impressed with right and wrong. It is this background that tells you where I am coming from. I also believe that Americans, when properly informed, may produce the right answers. If not fully informed, Americans, have less chance of doing what is right that hasnt been impressed by training and background. During Wolrd War II, our Armed Forces activated a program that made a lot of sense. It was the I&E Program, Information and Education. The E stood for education, while the I was total information, including international, domestic and local current events. The objective, troops who improved their general knowledge and who knew what was going on so that they could understand the Why of government decisions and actions. The thinking, if you keep intelligent people informed, they react with enthusiasm, versus the routine result when intelligent people are just told ' what to do. OMAHA, NE ethical-mor- al non-milita- IT'S CLEAN UP TIME IN MAGNA!! Utahns will notice several significant changes on their state income tax forms this year. Among the most notable changes are the following: Federal Income Tax Return: Utah residents are no longer required to attach a copy of the federal return to the state return. However, nonresidents and part-yea- r residents filing Form must still attach a complete copy of the federal return to their state return. Although the state income tax envelope indicates the need to attach the federal form and related schedules, this applies only to nonresidents and part-yea- r residents of Utah. Personal Exemption : Your personal exemption has nearly doubled for the 1987 tax year. Utah now allows 75 percent of the personal exemption allowed on the federal return. The personal exemption for Utah for 1987 is ! 1,425 (75 percent of $1,900). For taxes filed for 1988, this will go to $1463. In 1986 it was TC-40N- R $750. Deduction of Federal Income Taxes: The amount of taxes paid to the federal government is no longer deductible on your state income tax return. Utah is among the growning majority of states tht does not allow this deduction. ( Only eight states allow a full deduction for federal income taxes. ) Standard Deduction: Utah now allows the federal standard deduction as allowed on the federal return, including adjustments for taxpayers age 65 and over, or blind. The standard deductions for 1987 are as follows: single returns, $2,540; jount returns, $3,760; heads of households, $2,540; and married separate returns, $1,880. The federal itemized deductions are also allowed, but must be adjusted to add back any state income tax included on the federal return. Despite an era of double digit inflation, the state standard deduction hovered between $1,300 and $2,000 from 1973 until 1987. Blind Taxpayers: Utah has adopted the federal Age 65 and Over and-o- r regulations for those 65 years old or older and)or the blind. The 1988 standard deduction will be available to the elderly and-o- r blind in 1987. An extra standard deduction of $600 will be allowed for each married elderly or blind individual ($1,200 if both elderly and blind) and $750 for the single taxpayer ( $1,500 if both elderly and blind ) . Retirement Income Deduction: New limitations have been set for the retirement income deduction. Taxpayers age 65 and over, with qualifying retirement income are limited to a deduction of $3,600 each; taxpayers under 65 with qualifying retirement income are limited to a deduction of $2,500 each. Retirees receiving benefits from the Utah State Retirement Office may still deduct these benefits in full, to theex.tent. they are included in federal adjusted gross income. Railroad retirement income, both Tier I and Tier II, is exempt from Utah state income tax. MAGNA TIMES USPS 3255-600- 0 9124 West 2700 South, Magna, Utah 64044 J HOWARD STAHLE Publisher-Managing Editor BONNIE M STAHLE Advertising Office Manager Dale J. Neilson Reporter- - Photographer Kent Goble Sports Writer Published Thursdays FodmaHer tend change of addrae to: 9124 West 2700 South. Magna Utah 84044 Second Class Postage Paid ' at Magna Utah 84044 7 To Tents itsdtrs Letters to the Editor should be typewritten and whenever possible. Letters will be edited for clarity, good taste and double-space- d length. The Magna Times will not publish unsigned letters, but the authors may request anonynity. The author should include any pertinent telephone numbers and addresses; such information will be kept strictly confidential and is only for the editors use. Address such correspondence to: The Magna Times, 9124 West 2700 South, Magna, 84044. The publication can be reached at Office hours are 8:30-- 5 pm. 250-565- Monday-Frida- y. sus former president of the Utah State Bar warns that the taken by the Supreme appellate system will likely depend on the attitude the Court Appeals freely, are If granted Court toward such requests: they could become just another layer in the appellate process. If die requests are g reduce the delay in strictly monitored, the new system can effectively han-dlin- appeals. the Court officials are confident that the new system will be successful, said Court in the of early Supreme Foundation reports. The Chief Justice 1988 that for the first time since 1977 we have the basis to say that the Utan its caseload under Supreme Court can, in the not too distant future, bring in January of reported Court of the Appeals The control. Presiding Judge . 1988 that the court was about one year ahead of its original schedule While a great deal remains to be done, Utah officials are confident mat a major step has been taken to prevent the danger of justice delayed being justice denied. It was not easy to accomplish this full information job because many of our people are lazy reader, more interested in a book loaded with sleaze than a news medium with facts on spending, deficits, the economy, and defense. The services tried to digest the news into on abbreviated page, or short innewspaper terruptions on the armed forces radio stations. As a part-tim- e and radio journalist, knowing that our audience doesnt want to soak up too much, I try in my opinion columns, to be brief and to the point. On the other hand, journalists who write up the general news have an obligation to be objective, regardless of their personal point of view. Today, many of our journalists have forgotten the objectivity obligation of their news pages and broadcasts, and opinion seeps in with facts, in an effort to influence readers and listeners. Even good politicians, who take the time to keep the public informed cannot overcome a hostile press, which may, by repeating a story, get the message across that this is the truth, even if it isnt. In a democracy, where public opinion prevails, we need a fully informed citizenry that has the facts, understands what is occuring, and can accept or reject proposals with some intelligence. Should programs be expanded or contracted.. ..should taxes be increased or decreased.... is SDI, MAD, FCC, SEC, SBA, OSHA, or hundreds of other three and four letter agencies or ideas good or bad? How can someone vote without a knowledge of what is going on? That is why I believe journalists have an obligation to inform and not play opinions, and to do so in a manner which results in increased understanding rather than demonstrating vocabulary skills. I will never forget one extremely able politician and speaker, Adlai Stevenson, who enjoyed using words that even journalists did not understand. Once, during a televised news conference, he used the word, pusillanimous, and then would not define it. Most present didnt even know how to spell it. Many never found out and just guessed. It really means, lacking in courage, so that old Adlai was really calling his opponents cowards. Many times, I receive letters suggesting that I write longer columns that are more complete, possibly 2,500 to 5,000 words rather than 600 to 800 words. What I must explain, each time, is that most newspapers dont allow that kind of coverage because most readers wont spend the time digesting long articles or long speeches. I have always felt that Paul Harveys success as a columnist and broadcaster is attributable to his brevity. Many of our current problems, returning inflation, multiplying federal debt, unemployment, and the lack of competitiveness, are the result of an uniformed public that is not aware of concerned about issues and problems that dq not directly effect net take home pay. If you have any doubts about this, take a look at surveys that show that most Americans dontknow their, congressman, senator, governor, mayor, and a large number are not sure about who is president or vice president. Our journalists can take both the credit and blame for the low level of knowledge of current affairs by our public. Thats Straight Talk! v Buy a home now! Read Utah tax form ... been acted upon by the by the states highest tribunal. Cases which have considerationonly further for Court to Court of Appeals can go the Supreme of aconcerned if the Supreme Court grants writ of certiorari at the request or reject such to accept discretion has party. The Supreme Court People can vote when they are an informed group 533-557- 2. The Vererans Administration announced plans today to launch a public service campaign educating the public to the values of home ownership. The teme of the campaign will be Now is a good time to buy a home, and will be used in all VA home advertising plus public service announcements. Furthermore, all real estate agents will be urged to use the theme in all ther contact with the public. This really is an excellent time to buy a home, said Mr. Gil Yocky, Chief Loan Guaranty Division Officer for the Utah Veterans Administration. Currently prices are down, interest rates are down and the selection is up. Owning a home is the single most important and best investment most families ever make, and whether you buy a home form the VA or any other source, now is a good time to buy, he said. sUorf proMSDimg Fire station is good example, well kept grounds, neat clean. Some business buildinc Magna yards', homes he'e Safety belts: FACTS AND FICTION Statistics indicate that most of us will be involved in a serious automobile accident at some time during our lifetime. Statistics also show that if we are wearing our safety belts we have a 50 percent higher chance of surviving automobile accidents with little or no injury. Many people have a lot of excuses for not taking the three seconds it takes to buckle up to save their lives. I might get trapped in my car if it catches fire or is submerged in water. of one percent of accidents involve fire or subFACT: Only one-hamersion. If that does happen, safety belts will help present you from being knocked unconscious and you will be able to escape from your car. lf I would be better off if I am thrown clear of the car in a crash. FACT: The chances of being killed are 25 times greater if youre thrown out of the vehicle. Hitting a tree or the pavement causes severe injuries which wouldnt occur if you stay buckled inside of the car. Also, people who are thrown out of their cars are sometimes crushed or hit by their own vehicles or those of others. I can brace myself in an accident, so I dont need to bother with a safety belt. FACT: Multiply your weight times the impact speed, you'll hit with that much force. There's no way your arms and legs can brace against that kind of force even if you could react in time. My safety belts are loose and feel like they wont work when I need them. FACT: Most safety belts are designed to automatically lock when the car stops suddenly or changes directions quickly. Belts normally expand and contract to allow freedom of movement. Im a good driver, so I will never be in an accident. F ACT: 75 percent of all crashes occure within 25 miles of home. Most deaths and injuries (80 percent) occur in automobiles traveling less than 40 mph. People have been killed in accidents at crash speeds of less than 12 mph. Im a good driver, so I will never be in an accident. FACT: No matter how well you drive, you cant control what other drivers age going to do. Safety belts are the most effective defense against a drunken driver. Pregnant women are not supposed to wear safety belts. FACT: According to the American Medical Association, both a pregnant woman and her unborn child are much safer with belts than without, provided the lap belt is worn as low as possible on the pelvic area. Singleness still looms large in By Dennis Hinkamp Consumer Information Writer Utah State University Despite the availability of single servings of frozen microwave food, the horror of singleness still looms large. Around Valentine's Day there is this marrieds to sell boarding passes to inexplicable urge by Noah's Ark. It's no wonder. Movies projecting our darkest fears used to center on giant reptiles and sharks. The horror symbol of the 80's is the single woman in the movie Fatal Attraction. , Single men in Three Man and a Baby are womanizing dolts who have 30 thumbs among them when it comes to caring for a baby. We singles are portrayed as selfish, too choosey, promiscuous, irresponsible and dangerous. Despite the bad press, our numbers are increasing. There arc about 50 million singles between the ages of 20 and 55 in the U.S. We fall prey to dating services, video dates, singles' associations and even the occasional blind date. Our mothers and churches anguish over our state. At this very moment there are probably 10 devout Catholic women back in St. Louis mentioning me in their prayers. Besides feeling some social, parental and spiritual pressure ( 1 know g tele-date- s, TOWN TOPICS JIM, WERE YOU EVER MIXED UP IN A RAILROAD DISASTER? WAS SAY Utah-US- A those 10 ladies are lighting candles for me right now) most singles are happy with their state. According to Dr. Judith Rollins, visiting professor in Utah State Universitys College of Family Life most of the 99 singles in a study she conducted believed they were as happy as or happier than their married friends About 80 percent answered "no to the statement I would like to change my lifestyle and get married as soon as possible." Although many of us do plan to marry someday, its irritating that the business world often doesnt recognize us as complete, worthwhile persons while we are single. Why do we always get the worst table when you go out to eat alone7 Why are there apartment owners who advertise couples only. Whey are all discounts based on volume? -t- wo for one, family passes, family style restaurants. Why are travel prices always advertised per person double occupancy?" The travel agents have this cute little term called single supplement; which translated means: if you are so stupid to travel alone you're going to have to pay extra for it. And as long as Im complaining, how about some smaller shopping carts for those of us not feeding an army; car insurance that doesnt penalize for being single; and state education taxes based on number of childrenyou oops! sorry, I was dreaming there for a minute. I? I'LL I .WAS X KISSED THE MQOMC girl in a tunnel once |