Is the Provo City Library at Academy Square haunted?
Fiction. But there are some good ghost stories about the building, which was renovated in 1999 to make room for the Provo City Library.
Opened in 1892, the building designed by Karl G. Maeser became home to Brigham Young Academy, which later became Brigham Young University. As the university expanded up on the hill, however, the building's name and functions changed several times until it was closed in 1968.
The large building sat vacant for more than 20 years, but rumors circulated heavily that ritualistic ceremonies took place within its walls. And others whispered of ghostly apparitions dancing past its windows at night.
Today, the building is home to bookworms. But a librarian admitted that several patrons have reported hearing voices whispering from empty aisles.
But like any good book, it remains a mystery.
Is Utah County really the most conservative county in the nation?
Fiction. During the 1980s, Utah County earned the moniker as the most Republican county in the nation. But while it continues to be one of the most conservative counties in the United States, it doesn't take top prize. That title goes to DuPage County, Ill., where every local office is held by a Republican — a feat Utah County nearly accomplishes except for Democratic representation on its northern and southern tips.
Even within the state, Utah County isn't captain of conservatism. It shares that honor with Davis County, which nearly mirrors the political ideology of "Happy Valley." A recent poll by Dan Jones & Associates revealed that 64 percent of poll respondents in both counties are registered Republicans, compared to 36 percent in Salt Lake County. And both Davis and Utah counties' residents gave President Bush a 79 percent job approval rating.