NinevehDinha's Blog

We don't make it to Payson often. The last time I was here covering a news story was when Gary Coleman was in court. This morning we're here covering a murder investigation. The last murder was November 29, 2001. It's so rare that when I asked police when the last time someone was killed, it only took the officer 5 seconds to remember the exact date.

Here's what we know right now: last night around 6:30 a jogger found a dead body in an open field, next to an LDS Church and neighborhood. Police aren't telling us how he was killed or if they're looking for any suspects. The medical examiner is still working on identifying the body.

There's a press conference scheduled for 10 this morning...stay tuned for more details. For now, our thoughts and prayers are with the community...

There are hundreds of energy drinks of the market today. It's become a multi-billion dollar industry. People drink them to stay "alert", "active". But there's a new line of energy drinks that come with a warning label, that are especially appealing to some teens. You may have seen it on store shelves or even tried it. It's called REDLINE, and while the product has a warning label that doesn't recommend it for anyone under 18, some teens are still drinking it, and these teens are posting their "redline experience" on youtube. It's what teens call "redlining"...this video shows them downing the energy drink, sometimes more than one. Redline's warning label only recommends half a bottle at a time, and no more than one a day. Doctors say it's the high dose of caffeine and other stimulants packed in energy drinks that has them concerned about potential health risks.

Tonight on Fox 13 News at Nine...the Utah Poison Control Center talks about caffeine intoxication. You'll see teens on youtube buzzing on these energy drinks, plus a Utah teen talks about her experience with Redline. And we also have one of our staffers, under the supervision of a cardiologist try Redline. The FDA also weighs in, and the CEO of the company that makes Redline, responds.

Again, the two part story airs tonight on Fox 13 News at 9! Let me know what you think.Your thoughts are always welcome.

How would you feel if a man accused of exposing himself to children at a school playground was arrested and then released less than two hours later? And then how would you feel if you found out he's allegedly a serial sexual predator? Parents whose children go to Wasatch Elementary are angry that 28 year-old Donald Williard was released from jail 90 minutes after he was arrested for allegedly flashing children at the playground in the avenues. The reason he was released so soon? Overcrowding at the jail. You may ask yourself: how could this happen? how could someone accused and arrested, not once but several times for exposing himself to children be let go back on to the streets? Wlliard was booked on 6 counts of lewdness, which is a misdemeanor and not classified as a violent crime, which means when there's overcrowding at the jail, he is eligible for release.

Your thoughts?

Good morning everyone! Today's topic is tonight's rally in Salt Lake City. Hundreds, possibly over 1,000 will show up to march around both blocks of Temple Square and the Church office building. Gay rights advocates and the gay and lesbian community are upset that Proposition 8 passed in California. As you know, the LDS Church has been instrumental in this fight.

We saw the rally in LA last night, and tonight there's one in SLC at 6. I just did a live interview with the organizer, who shared his personal story about what is was like growing up Mormon and being gay. He says gay couples want the same rights as everyone else. I know this is a very SENSITIVE subject, so when you leave your thoughts below, please try to remember I'm just the messenger.

Now for my questions: What do you think of the gay community holding a rally here in SLC? Do you think their message will go unheard? Will it change anything? What do you think about the LDS Church's involvement. Do you think they were instrumental in getting Prop. 8 passed? Do you think the Church's involvement will further taint people's perception of Mormons? If you are for gay marriage, why? Why do you feel like they should have the same rights? If you're against it, why? Is it fear, religious beliefs, etc? If you're gay, share your story...

Thanks to everyone from all walks of life, for sharing your thoughts...

Courage for Campaign, the same organization that sent a petition to the LDS Church asking it to end its involvement in the political battle over same sex marriage has been airing an ad in California that shows just how controversial and heated this issue is. Take a look at the ad, and tell me what you think. Do you think it's offensive to Mormons? It shows two missionairies "invading" the home of a lesbian couple, looking for their marriage license. They find it and tear it in half. What kind of message do you think this sends to people about the LDS faithful?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q28UwAyzUkE

Thanks for your thoughts! I appreciate all viewpoints...

 

Check out this article. It's about AIR CARS.

http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/106040
/Air-Cars:-A-New-Wind-for-America's-Roads

Yes, I'm seriously asking because there are a lot of people who believe in the spirit world. I'm just wondering if you're one of them. And if you're not, you'll want to see the story too. Halloween is tomorrow (cue the cheesiness), and I thought doing a story on ghost hunting would be fun and interesting this time of year. Everyone loves a good ghost story, right?

For those of you who read my blogs, you know that I pay very close attention to what people blog about. That's how I came across the Wasatch Paranormal Investigators. They are a group of Utah ghost hunters. They were nice enough to let me tag along. We went ghost hunting in Eureka one weekend (at night, yes...in the wee hours). And let me just say, thanks to all the Eureka residents who welcomed us with open arms. My favoirte person I met was Billy Baum. He owns all the historic buildings we investigated, and he was just so adorable! With my personal feelings aside, I had to approach this story as a reporter! I had a blast, and I also got spooked a couple times. But the question is: do ghosts really exist and if so why are they here? What do they want from us? I examine all those questions.

If you want to see the story "SPIRIT STALKERS", it's tonight at 9!!! It airs in TWO parts, so make sure you watch the ENTIRE newscast! And when you're done watching, tell me what you think. I asked you a couple questions in my story, so I'd love to get your thoughts.

Between now and when my story airs, feel free to share your thoughts about the spirit world...

Thanks for watching!

 

Jose Fanjul, the West High Teacher accused of having a sexual relationship with one of his students was in court today. It was a preliminary hearing, which don't typically take too much time, but today it took hours. Not only did Fanjul's defense attorney enter a not guilty plea on all 10 counts that he's been charged with, but we got to hear from the alleged victim in this case, a former West High Student. The 16 year-old testified in court and was very explicit about the alleged sexual relationship she had with Mr. Fanjul. In light of her testimony, the prosecution wanted to add a rape charge to the forcible sodomy and sexual abuse charges Fanjul is already facing. That is yet to be determined. 
After the teen's testimony, the defense had its chance to cross-examine her. Their tactic will be to chip away at her credibility. The alleged victim admitted to lying to police and under oath about this case. She said she lied because she was "under the influence of a predator." 
The Prosecutor in the case would not comment on camera, but Fanjul's attorney did. He said his client is innocent and will be cleared of all the charges. He expects this case will go to trial.
So you be the judge. Our justice system says "innocent until proven guilty." Do you think the public has already stamped him "guilty"?

What an amazing guy! You may remember him from Dancing with the Stars. Brett wowed everyone with his dancing. Today he came into studio to dance for us!!! He along with Kerri Cronk's brother (Taylor)  came in to talk about an upcoming event called "Best Buddies Dancing with the Starzz". It's a fundraiser to support teens with down syndrowme and autism. Brett has down syndrome and wants to raise awareness. I just want to say he is so sweet!!! Just melted all our hearts. We couldn't stop smiling. Talk about someone who isn't letting a "disability" get in the way of accomplishing his dreams. He's already been on Dancing with the Stars. He's also an extra in High School Musical 3. He told me his dream is to become an actor. I have no doubt he will succeed.

I'll post some pictures later...

In case you're interested in the event, it's Saturday November 8th at the Little America Hotel in downtown Salt Lake City. It starts at 6! There will be lots of local stars dancing with best buddies. Remember, it's a fundraiser supporting teens with down syndrome and autism. Hope to see you there!

:-)

What do think? Will people use it? UTA projects an estimated 14,000 will use the new Airport Trax Line everyday by 2030. Today UTA is breaking ground on the new line. It's part of the multi-billion dollar Frontlines 2015 project. The project includes a new trax line in Draper, West Jordan, West Valley, the Salt Lake International Airport, and Frontrunner South (Commuter line to Provo). In all, 70 miles in rail will be added to trax...

UTA says the entire project will be done by 2015, but won't commit to an exact date in regards to the airport line. They were hoping to get it done by 2012, but with these "tough economic times"...that could be hard to do.

The project (all the new rail lines, including the airport) costs 2.8 billion bucks. 80 percent of that money will come from you, the taxpayer.

Thoughts anyone? Is it worth the cost; will you use it? The question is: will UTA make room for all the luggage?

An arson arrest and a suicide at the police station. Not your typical news day when it comes to the latter. Remember all the arson fires that have been happening in the River Project area in Ogden? Police have arrested a woman they say is responsible for four of the fires. 47 year-old Marrianne Mancuso was booked into the Weber County Jail on 4 counts of arson. There have been 10 fires at 7 vacant homes in the past three weeks. Cops say she set fire to two vacant homes, one of which she set fire to three times. Police say Mancuso lived in the area and was often times at the scene of the fires. Mancuso's motive according to detectives: to speed up the River Project. There are still five arson fires under investigation. More info to come...

Any thoughts on the arson story?

Now to this next "story", which I'd like for you to share your thoughts on. Typically, news organizations don't cover suicides unless they are public figures. Today a 71 year-old man walked into the Ogden Police station and shot and killed himself in the bathroom stall. Chris Esquibel was under investigation for allegedly sexually assaulting a family member. He left a suicide note behind, but did not confess to the alleged crime. According to police, family members knew of his plan to kill himself. The suicide happened at a police station. Unusual? Very. Another question. How did he get the gun inside. 1. It's a public restroom. 2. he had a concealed weapons permit

My question is: do you think the suicide deserved news coverage?

We all know him as the actor that played Arnold on Different Strokes, and today that child star we all grew up watching will be in court facing misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and disorderly conduct. It all stems from an incident on Sept. 6th. Gary Coleman is accused of backing up his truck into 24 year-old Colt Rushton and another car at the Payson Bowling Alley. Police say Coleman got irate when Rushton started taking pictures of him inside the bowling alley. Coleman asked him to stop, but Rushton kept taking pics. The argument escalated and that's when the alleged incident happened. If convicted, Coleman could face up to six months in jail and hundreds of dollars in fines. That's what we're expected to find out in a Payson courtroom this morning.

In a seperate civil case, Rushton is suing Coleman for medical bills, pain and suffering and punitive damages.

Here's what I want to know from you. Do you care? I'm sitting here, waiting for Gary Coleman to arrive. Right across the street is Inside Edition, which we all know is an entertainment news outlet. So by all means be honest, does this "case" interest you? And if so, is it only because it involves Gary Coleman?

Decisions, decisions. I'm wondering what you think about two multi-million dollar propositions that will be on the ballot in November. Prop 1 & 2. Prop 1 is a 19.6 million dollar bond for the Tracy Aviary. If passed, the Aviary would get 13.5 right away. According to the campaign manager of prop 1, the last major renovation was in 1970. The aviary says they have leaky roofs and mechanical problems that need fixing.

Prop 2 "Renew the Zoo" (we've all seen the billboards), is asking the state for 33 million dollars. If passed, the Hogle Zoo says the money would be used to help create better homes for the animals and perhaps brings an arctic exhibit and an Africian savannah to the zoo (which I have to admit would be pretty darn cool for the kids).

BUT...how much will it cost taxpayes if these bonds pass. Here's the breakdown. Prop 1, according to County Mayor Peter Caroon would add "$2.50 to the annual property taxbill on a $235,000 home for 15 years. Prop 2 would raise property taxes by $4 a year for the next 20 years on a $250,000 home."

The Utah tax payer's associations thinks (in short) that both bonds are poor use of tax money. What do you think? Time to chime in!

Do electronic devices like cell phones, ipods, pagers and cameras belong in the classroom? As part of a new proposed rule, the State Board of Education now wants to require all schools to adopt an Electronic Device Policy. While most state schools (public and charters) have cell phone policies, the board wants a say in what the policy implements. Board members say they don't necessarily want schools to ban cell phones, but believe they can be a dangerous tool...
Nude cell phone pictures passed around (Davis County case), text bullying and even cheating. These are the inappropriate uses of a cell phone that the board are concerned about. 
I talked to students and teachers at East High School today to get their feelings on the issue (live at 5). The school already has its own policy in place. If the board passes the policy rule in November, ALL state schools will be required to have an electronic device policy in place...
Thoughts anyone? 

Today I met two incredible women. They are survivors; each battled breast cancer and won the fight. Susan Osborne of Sandy was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003. She found a lump in her breast while in the shower. She got a mastectomy and was soon in remission. The next fall, after some blood work she found out the cancer had moved to her liver, bones and lungs. She also has three brain tumors. But she has such a strong spirit. I wonder how women like her don't give up and keep fighting.

Tammy Keddington of Salt Lake is another inspiration. She's a mother of two and was just in her 30s when she first felt a lump in her breast. Doctors discovered 5 tumors in her breast. 11 years later and she's strong as ever. Her outlook on life is amazing.

Both of these local ladies are now featured on food boxes at thousands of Smith's Food and Drug Stores in 31 states. Their stories are on the back of Eggo Waffles and Triscuit boxes. Congratulations to both of you!

As part of Breast Awareness month, all of us (men included) should check our breasts. Women should be checking for lumps (no matter how young or old you are) every month. Early detection is so imporant!

I just want to thank both Susan and Tammy (their stories will be on Live at 5) for taking the time to share their stories with everyone. It was a pleasure meeting both of you. Your positive attitudes are truly inspirational...Thanks! And of course, thanks to the thousands of survivors, and to the ones who lost their lives fighting cancer...for spreading awareness.

Before I go, I'll leave you with this. Stats from the Susan G. Komen for the Cure...

Every 3 minutes, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer and every 13, someone dies from it. And one in eight will be diagnosed with breast cancer sometime in their life.

Check your breasts...

As usual, I invite you to share your thoughts! Thanks, as always...