Utah News

The Science Center at Southern Utah University, which opened last fall, was recently identified by LEED (the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Program) as one of superior design, construction, and performance with respect to green and environmentally-conscious objectives.

A unique feature of the center is its green roof where a greenhouse hosts many different kinds of plants. These capture rain water, reducing wasteful water runoff and help to keep the building cool.

Firefighters are battling a wildfire on West Mountain started by target shooters over the weekend.  Officials say the 350-acre blaze  started Saturday evening on the west side of the mountain.

Spokesperson Cami Lee from the Bureau of Land Management says an observatory on top of the mountain was evacuated as a precaution, but no structures are threatened.

"As of last night, they had the fire 25% contained, and they're hoping to have it 100% contained this evening."

The newest LDS temple in Brigham City has drawn a lot of attention. It can be seen from afar as you enter the city in northern Utah. Its alabaster appearance draws your eye directly to a structure considered sacred by members of the LDS faith. Each day as many as 18,000 guests enter the doors during a public open house that concludes Saturday, giving those interested a rare opportunity to peek inside before the official dedication on September 23. At that time the doors will close to general entrants.

There's strong support in Utah and 10 other western states for developing renewable energy on public lands - and ensuring at least some of the rents or royalties from developers are used locally for conservation and recreation purposes. That's according to a new bipartisan poll commissioned by the Wilderness Society.

12-year-old Deborah Partin lives in a historic farm house along route 260 in Monroe County bordering the Ohio River in southeastern Ohio. She lives there with her parents, Ruth and Mike, a few horses, chickens, goats, cats, and dogs. They grow berries and other crops on 205 acres of land.