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Show . jC A l . V . L \ i. i IO'-'CIOOULK." fendgyjan. 22,200711 ^ USU studying power from canyon winds BY C I ICLSCY CCNSEL Staff Writer USU is collaborating with Chevron Energy Solutions and the U.S. Department of Energy to study alternative power from wind in Logan Canyon. "It's got some good things going for it," said Ben Berrett, USU director of Operations and Facilities. In a valley, wind is constant but unpredictable. Berrett said in some situations the winds are very predictable but "only during the night." He said wind turbines need at least 15-mph winds to operate. The project involves a yearlong study, started Dec. 2, 2006, and involves monitoring several instruments on top of a mast erected at the university-owned substation at the mouth of the canyon, where the wind is the strongest, Berrett said. The instruments, called anemometers, are used to measure wind pressure and velocity. The data collected by the anemometers on the 160-foot tower will be stored on a chip much like those found in digital cameras. The memory chip, located at the base of the tower, will be removed each month and checked by project officials. The study will also use the data for cost projection and to determine feasibility. The electricity generated would be used on campus and would theoretically be cost-efficient because it would not require a long power cable to run from the canyon to campus. The turbine would connect directly into the existing substation and power central campus. Because of the existing substation at the mouth of the canyon, cost for the project would be minimal. USU would purchase and install the turbine and also pay for ongoing maintenance. The winds and the canyon have always been there, so why now? "The technology is getting better/' Berrett said. "Turbines are more reliable and more accepted as an energy alternative." He also said funding played a role, that the department has not had enough in their budget to pursue the project until now. "There is more commitment from the university to have a sustainable campus," he said. According to Berrett, after about a year the data will be analyzed and the project officials will decide if the wind turbines will work. If so, they will decide how many to install and of what sizes. All of the facilities department is involved. If the project is approved, the design and construction department would take over management. Berrett said, "We meet as a team. We use each other's input." "It is an uphill battle," he said, " but hopefully all the talk will get results. Even if it isn't feasible now, the study will yield results for the future when costs come down. The winds will stay the same." A wind turbine differs from windmills in the way the power from them is used. A windmill typically powers machinery directly, and a wind turbine or generator converts kinetic energy into electricity. The only other wind turbines in Utah that Berrett knows of are at the National Guard's Camp Williams near Draper. -chelseyg@cc. usu.edu ISOTOPE From page 7 doing something to help USU become better known. "I don't know of another publication that conies out of Utah State that consistently puts our name in front of a powerful and interesting audience." He said it provides "tremendous exposure" for the university as a whole. "Isotope" is housed in the USU English Department. -dpedwards@cc. usu. edu Huntsman gives State of the State BY SHANNON JOHNSON Staff Writer Governor John Huntsman, in his address Jan. 16, outlined his plans for the state of Utah, which included a large pay increase for teachers and a radical ethics reform for the governance. His address was broadcast from the Salt Lake Air Base due to construction at the state Capitol. It is the last State of the State address to be broadcast outside of the Capitol, for the construction should be completed in November. He took the opportunity to salute the fallen soldiers who had flown from the base in Utah to fight the war on terror. One of the soldiers Huntsman acknowledged was Staff Sgt. James Cawley, the first Utahn to lose his life in Iraq. Educational funding was one major focus for Huntsman's speech after the gratitude he expressed on behalf of the state of Utah and moved to the frontline on the war against ignorance. The budget calls for an 18.2 percent increase in new educational funding and $25 million specially set aside for a one-time bonus divide among the educators. This is a pay increase of more than 9 percent, the largest in the states history. One major reform to Utah education policy was for early education, with $7.5 million of the budget offered to extended day kindergarten at all district, charter and Title I schools. Not only will kindergarteners be at school longer, soon all students will have more direct contact with teachers, for the ratio of student to teacher is dropping to 20 students per adult. Huntsman encouraged education from 5year-olds to college degrees and moved right along to describe the economy of Utah. In 2006 thefirstWorld Trade Center was established in Utah. This represents the banner of economic growth that is being seen throughThe group has given temporary housing out the state, with many businesses choosing to vouchers to 157 people in 32 families over relocate or expand their headquarters or operathe past five weeks, compared to 15 families tion centers. in the same period a year ago, director Myla Economic growth and increased education Dutton said. were the two of the positive fronts for the goverThe vouchers allow a family to live nor to advance on. It was then the speech turned in a motel for three or four days while to almost chastising. Community Action works to find permanent "It's irony that we live in a country that housing, she said. mandates insurances for our cars but not our The group will pay a deposit and part children's health," Huntsman said. He then proof the first rent payment as well as provide posed $4 million to help lift the cap and provide groceries. healthcare to 14,000 uninsured children. Dutton said aid groups such as hers But the improvement of life was not merely would be overwhelmed if not for family and fiscal. He then addressed the tragedy of the friends who allow the homeless to move in methamphetamine epidemic and its hold on with them. Utah. Crane said people in Utah County live Ethics was thefinaltopic that was addressed on the streets every day, "but maybe with in real depth. The recent scandals in Congress this cold, people will empathize and get must have struck a resonating cord for involved." Huntsman, who proposed the legislature no lonProvo police did not return a call Friday ger accept gifts from lobbyist. seeking information on the man who died in The executive order also limits the legislaa Jeep. Crane said the victim was a 49-year- tor who retires from civil service and is asked old man who was discovered on New Year's to wait before lobbying. This will be known as Day. a cooling-off period, and it will be two years "A car traps the cold in. A vehicle that is before state employees can lobby. not running is not an option" for shelter, he Huntsman's 22-minute address concluded said. simply when he said, "May God bless the people of the sovereign state of Utah, and may God bless America." -skjohnson @ cc. usu. edu Homeless shelters hard to find in Utah County PROVO, Utah (AP) - Utah's second-largest county has no homeless shelter, and advocates for the poor say it has contributed to tragic results during extremely cold weather. A homeless person was found frozen to death in an abandoned Jeep earlier this month in Provo, said Brent Crane, director of the Utah County Food and Care Coalition. "There have been a number of cases of frostbite," he said. "This is not acceptable to be happening in our community, and we need to do something." The group pays for temporary housing in motels when money is available, Crane said. This is life-threatening weather," he said. "I wish I was in a place not to turn people away." Those who come to the coalition and are turned away "must live on the streets and survive in whatever capacity they can," Crane said. The Food and Care Coalition, meanwhile, has raised $4.2 million toward an $11.2 million building in Provo that would offer 37 beds and a variety of services, including dental care and education, he said. Homeless families with children can get help from Community Action Services. Briefs ^Campus & Community .\ Science Week holds songwriting contest Jot down those wicked sweet lyrics along with that crazy bad tune that's been coursing through your head and sign up for the USU Science Council s January 25 "String Theory" Student Songwriting Competition. Held in conjunction with USU Science Week Jan. 22-26, the contest is open to all Utah StateUniversity students. Students who wish to enter the contest should submit a registration form and a $5 registration fee to Taggart Student Center room 326 by Wednesday, Jan. 24, at 5 p.m. The first 25 contest entrants will have the opportunity to perform their songs during the String Theory competition concert Thursday, Jan. 25, at 7 p.m. in the Taggart Student Center Evan N. Stevenson Ballroom. Additional entrants will be placed on a waiting list to replace any members of the first group who are unable to perform. The evenings performances are free and open to the public. "This competition is a fun way to get students from the entire university involved and showcase some serious talent while we're at it," said Brittany Webb, College of Science senator. Contest winners will be selected at the Jan. 25 performance by a panel of judges, using a point system based on such criteria as lyrics, technique, presentation, audience response, clarity and rhythm. The grand prize winner receives a new Fender guitar from KSM Guitars of Logan. In addition, the winner presents the opening act for visiting acoustic guitarist Nadene Zahr's performance, "Moonlight and Music," Friday, Jan. 26, at 7 p.m. in the TSC Sunburst Lounge. "You don't have to be a perfect singer or musician," said Webb. "The point is to have fun and engage the audience. And no, the lyrics do not have to be scientific." For complete songwriting contest rules, a registration form and further information, stop by TSC room 326 or contact Webb at 435-797-7441; brittanywebb@cc.usu.edu. Variety of activities offered this week Science Week kicks off with "Science Information Day" Monday, Jan. 22, in the Sunburst Lounge of the Taggart Student Center. Exhibits of undergraduate research and study in biology, chemistry and biochemistry, computer science, geology, mathematics and statistics and physics will be on display from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free Aggie Ice Cream is served in the exhibit area at 1 p.m. The Science Quiz Bowl returns Tuesday, Jan. 23, with student teams from each College of Science department vying for a coveted traveling trophy to prove their scientific prowess. The competition is from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the TSC Sunburst Lounge. >• Compiled from staff and media reports Contact USU Police at 797-1939 for non-emergencies. Anonymous reporting line: 797-5000 EMERGENCY NUMBER: 911 Blotter from the Campus ^Community Friday, Jan. 12, 2007 • USU Police and Logan City Emergency Services responded to the Ray B. West to assist a student who lost consciousness during a class. The student was transported by ambulance to the hospital for additional care. and a dent in unit that would indicate that someone had tried to force their way into this fee machine. • USU Police responded to the B lot North of Radio and TV on an automobile accident that occurred while two vehicles attempted to turn into the lot. Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2007 • Police were contacted about a student that was shouting and swearing in an office. The individual wanted information on what to do in the future. A meeting was scheduled to train employees on dealing with disorderly individuals. Monday, Jan. 15 2007 • USU Police responded to the Family Life building on a report of a slip and fall accident. A faculty member had slipped and fallen on the steps leading to the northwest doors. This person had a deep cut on her right knee and was transported to the hospital by Logan Fire Medical personnel. • Police responded to an elevator alarm in the Science Engineering Research building. A student was stuck in the elevator between the basement and the first floor. Police were able to open the elevator doors and get the student out. An out of order sign was put on the elevator. Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2007 • USU Police responded to the Aggie Terrace fee machine on 700 East near the exit gate on a report that someone had damaged this unit. Police inspected this machine and found what appears to be pry marks • USU Police responded to Aggie Village on a theft report where an individual's front door was found open and their door mat was the only item missing. USU police are investigating. • USU Police responded to Richards Hall where it was reported that an 18-year-old student had alcohol in his closet. The alcohol was confiscated and a minor in possession citation was issued. • USU Police responded to Richard's Hall on a suspicious incident where an individual is suspected of repeated drug use. Police are investigating. Thursday, April 18, 2007 • Police responded to a delayed report of a black duffle bag that was left north of the Landscape facilities building. After an investigation, it was learned that the bag was stolen from Beaver Mountain and left behind the Facilities building. The bag was returned to its owner with one item missing. • USU Parking employees observed a forged parking permit in a vehicle in the parking lot on the west side of Snow Hall. The vehicle was disabled with a wheel boot and police are investigating. • USU Police responded to a fire alarm at the Spectrum during the USU vs Boise St. men's basketball game. A burning fan motor was the cause of the alarm. The fan was deactivated for the game and the alarm reset. Compiled by Di Lewis. All police blotters can be found at www.utah statesman.com |