KDXU up to the minute news

Pronghorn poached near Minersville

Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is investigating after a pronghorn was found poached west of Minersville. Conservation officers said a doe pronghorn that had recently given birth was poached off Laho Road. The animal had previously been given a GPS collar by DWR biologists as a part of a research study. Officers believe the animal was killed on May 27 or 28.

DC think tank urges lawmakers to update sales tax structure

A Washington, DC think tank is urging Utah lawmakers to become the torchbearer for other states by updating its sales tax structure.  The Tax Foundation published a large guide for Utah policymakers to consider as they look at reforming the state's tax code this year.  Both state leaders and the Tax Foundation agree that more consumer spending is being directed towards service transactions that escape the sales tax.

Lagoon to offer beer garden

A new attraction is set to open in Lagoon later this month, and it is not a ride.  The amusement park will open a Bavarian-style Biergarten on June 20th.  The Biergarten will be in the heart of the park behind the historic wooden Roller Coaster.  It will feature two family restaurants and a section where park-goers can order 20 local craft beers that will be on tap.

Logan man facing two more charges

A Logan man accused of murdering his five-year-old niece is facing two more charges of rape and sodomy of a child.  The Cache County Attorney's office said Wednesday the charges were filed against 21-year-old Alexander William Whipple, after they got new evidence from the state crime lab.  Whipple was already charged with aggravated murder, child kidnapping and desecration of a body in the death of Elizabeth Shelley.  The child was reported missing on May 25th, and her remains were found five days later.

Jeep bursts into flames in the In-N-Out burger drive-through

A Jeep that pulled into a fast-food restaurant drive-through Wednesday suddenly erupted in flames.  The Washington City Fire Department responded to the vehicle fire at the In-N-Out Burger on Telegraph Street a little after five in the evening.  Crews poured water over the Jeep and kept the fire limited to the engine compartment.  The Jeep was totaled, but the driver wasn't injured.  Fire Captain Kelly Lang said that the Jeep probably had an electrical malfunction.

Protester arrested in relation to Inland Port Authority

 Protesters intent on being heard by the Inland Port Authority continue to disrupt the board's monthly meeting.  Protester Darin Mann said the 50 people who rose and began chanting at the start of the board's meeting yesterday are willing to do what it takes to get the board to listen to their concerns. Utah Highway Patrol troopers escorted the protesters from the meeting room while the board took a brief recess.  Four people were charged with interrupting a legislative meeting while one person was charged with resisting arrest.

Health Department closes down public pool

The Utah County Health Department has closed down Veterans Memorial Pool in Pleasant Grove indefinitely after dozens-of-swimmers got sick yesterday.  Health officials are working to figure out what caused a chlorine pump malfunction, allowing excess chlorine to dump into the water.  Pools in American Fork and Lindon say they will be open for any pass holders for the Pleasant Grove pool.

Man accused of threatening members of Congress

A Taylorsville man is accused of threatening members of Congress.  Fifty-four-year-old Scott Brian Haven was arrested Tuesday in Kaysville.  Authorities say Haven repeatedly called the White House in Washington, D-C last year, saying that certain representatives should be shot or have their heads sliced off.  Documents show Haven made nearly 1500 calls to the White House in 2018.

Algae bloom detected at Utah Lake

The Utah Department of Environmental Quality says an algae bloom has been detected at Utah Lake.  The department said yesterday that the bloom was found at the Saratoga Springs picnic area.  An advisory was issued telling visitors not to swim or water ski in the area, and to keep pets and livestock from drinking any of the water in that section of the lake.  A second possible bloom near Lindon Marina is also being monitored by the agency.