ALPINE
A remote-access weather station at the mouth of American Fork Canyon was severely damaged by vandals Saturday.The station is part of a nationwide satellite weather reporting network and is vital for predicting weather conditions for planning fire-fighting efforts. The station sustained an estimated $5,000 in damage.
A reward of up to $2,500 is being offered for information leading to the conviction of the vandals.
Those who have any information are asked to contact the Utah County Sheriff's Office at 343-4100.
AMERICAN FORK
City officials have hired an architect to design a landscape plan for a beautification effort on 500 East, which serves as an entrance into town from I-15.
The City Council selected David Bell of Utah State University to create the standards for the design.
Bell bid $1,500 and will take as long as five months. The plans will likely include trees, shrubs and grass along the corridor.
OREM
Annette Verhaal is the new principal at Geneva Elementary School, 665 W. 400 North. She replaces Aleen Ure, who will be the new principal at a yet-to-be-constructed school in northeast Orem.
Verhaal has been assistant principal at Meadow Elementary in Lehi for the past two years. Before coming to Alpine, she was a teacher and early childhood curriculum director for the Granite School District.
PAYSON
Nicole Shaw fiddled her way into the hearts of judges Saturday as she was named Miss Payson during the annual scholarship pageant.
The 16-year-old also won a $1,000 college scholarship and $500 for a wardrobe when she competes in the Miss Utah contest in 2000.
First attendant was Deborah Cadina, 17. She won a $500 scholarship. Elizabeth Judd, 17, was named second attendant and received a $400 scholarship. Autumn Cooper, 17, was named third attendant. She received a $300 scholarship.
PROVO
A new McDonald's will open its doors at the Provo Towne Centre Rock Canyon Cafe with an open house beginning Saturday, March 27.
Ronald McDonald will be at the new restaurant from 2 to 4 p.m. that day.
This is the fourth McDonald's franchise owned by Dennis and Janet Hall. The Halls will soon open their fifth McDonald's in Springville.
SPRINGVILLE
A burn period for yard cleanup has been set for April 17 and will run through May 16, said Springville Fire Chief Phil Whitney.
Permits will be issued by the fire department for the purpose of cleaning up debris from private yards.
Got news? Call the Deseret News Utah County Bureau at 437-7600 or fax your information to 437-7624.