The Spectrum (4.21.05)
Flood fund-raising nears $2 million mark
By BRIAN PASSEY 

ST. GEORGE - The fund for flood victims is nearing the $2 million mark and the money is starting to filter out.

Dave Watson, president of the Virgin River/Santa Clara River Flood Relief, said the fund is up to $1,915,000 and $115,000 in disbursement checks are already signed.
"Checks are starting to go out to the victims," he said.
A fourth lot also was donated to the fund for one of the victims to rebuild.

Among recent large donations was $101,000 from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Foundation, said Dan Matheson, who coordinates public relations for the flood relief. The money was pledged by LDS President Gordon B. Hinckley in February when he spoke in St. George to LDS members affected by the flood.
READ ENTIRE ARTICLE......



Muddy River Fundraiser at Tuacahn. Sponsored by the City of Ivins with the help of many volunteers. There was food, entertainment, sand painting, bake sales, hand made crafts and home decor items, quilts, throws and more. Local artists had their art on display and was sold by silent and live auctions. Children loved the crafts and story telling activities. Thanks to all for a great day. $24,611 was raised with 50% going to Gunlock for flood damage repairs.
-----------------------------
Deseret Morning News 4.26.2005
Is dead last good enough for our kids?
by Columnist, Doug Robinson
Congratulations, Utah. We're No. 50!!! As in dead last in the nation in money spent on public school students. According to news reports, all we need is another $300 million to improve our ranking — to No. 49. Next goal: Let's overtake Mississippi!!

----------------------------------------

Dixie State College recently got the go ahead to proceed with a new two-year medical radiography degree that will, be headquartered in the new health science center. Prerequisites and an application deadline of Aug. 1 have also recently been established for the program.

The new degree is classified as an associate of applied science and will be available January 2006. The degree will prepare students to become licensed radiology technologists, which perform diagnostic imaging with the use of radiation and administer radio-opaque dyes. Medical radiography students currently face a job market with a higher vacancy rate than that of RNs.

The statewide demand for medical radiography technicians is 90 per year through 2012, as determined by the Utah Department of Workforce Services. Graduates of the program can expect to earn between $32,000 and $47,000, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Senators Bill Hickman and Tom Hatch and Representatives David Clark, Steve Urquhart, Brad Last, and Mike Noel all played a key role in helping secure the funding for the new facility, Huddleston said. Both IHC and the Foremaster family of St. George donated two acres of land on the new Dixie Regional Medical Center, upon which the new facility will be built. Those donations were just as critical, Huddleston said. Groundbreaking on the facility is anticipated for November 2005, with an expected completion in August 2007.
---------------------------------------------

The annual Dixie Spring Garden Tour will be held Saturday, April 30, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All proceeds from the Garden Tour go directly toward a Dixie State College scholarship.

This year, numerous privately owned gardens, specifically in the Santa Clara Heights and Ivins, areas will be highlighted. Each garden with different landscapes, varying from flowers, vegetables, lush and green, and desert scenes will be on display for public viewing as part of the tour. “This is a great springtime outdoor event that everyone can enjoy,” said Director of Community Education Janet O’Riley

Tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased at the Continuing Education office at Dixie State College located at 865 East 100 South in St. George, Evelyn’s Inc, R & K Bookstore, City of St. George Recreation Center, Plant World Nursery, and Star Nursery. Participants will receive a map of the gardens with their ticket purchase.  For more information about the Spring Garden Tour, contact Janet O’Riley at 652-7671.
--------------------------------------------


World Tai Chi and Qigong Day will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2005.  On this day, at 10:00 am beginning with the earliest time zone, people all over the world gather in parks, recreation centers, etc. to celebrate the healing powers of Tai Chi and Qigong. This is a great opportunity to get a taste of the many benefits that Tai Chi and Qigong offer individuals, society, and the world.  It began in 1999, and now this event takes place on six continents, in sixty countries, and in fifty U.S. States. It is officially recognized by the United Nations World Health Organization, and by Governors and Mayors across the country.

In St George it will be held at Vernon Worthen Park, 300 S 400 East at 10:00 am.

Free Tai Chi class taught by local instructors. No experience necessary. Wear loose clothing and comfortable shoes (I choose bare feet!). You may want to bring a water bottle. For sure bring an open mind and heart! Be part of history by joining us for this great event! Observers welcome, but it's much more fun to participate!  To find out more about events around the world go to: www.worldtaichiday.org .
----------------------------------------------