$1.50 May 3, 2024 | Vol. 3 Iss. 15
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Musical milestone Morgan Community Choir celebrates 25 years
MORGAN COUNTY NEWS
Page 5
Covering Your Community Since 1929
Special Needs Olympics teams up with MHS volleyball teams
NEWS BREAK US birth rates lowest in a century In a surprising turn of events, the birth rate in the United States was reported by CNN to be the lowest in a century. According to the data, the birth rate in 2023 dropped a full 3% from 2022, surpassing the previous low of 2020. The 3.6 million babies born in the United States in 2023 were also born to older mothers than in previous years. Teen pregnancy rates have also dropped, with only 13.2% of births in 2023. Experts have credited the lower birth rates to many different factors, including, but not limited to economic factors, and the rise in maternal mortality in the United States.
Trump wages simultaneous legal battles
MORGAN COUNTY’S Special Needs Olympic Volleyball team.
By Verlene Johnson
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or many years, Morgan High School’s Coach Liz Wiscombe, and her amazing MHS volleyball team, have hosted their annual Morgan Special Olympics Volleyball Exhibition Game. Although initially hosted at Morgan Middle School, the exhibition game quickly garnered overwhelming support from the community, prompting the
event to move to the larger high school gym. On Wednesday, April 24, the MHS gym was once again filled with the families and friends of these Special Athletes. This year, the girls volleyball team was also joined by the newly formed boys volleyball team and some members of the cheer squad. More photos on page 7 l KYRSTIN SPENS AND KAITLIN KEARSLEY.
Photos by Verlene Johnson
Summer is approaching – are you prepared? By Cindi Mansell
Protests sweep the nation What started as a few isolated protests and encampments has ballooned into coordinated protests at universities across the United States. College students from every walk of life, denomination, and creed have banded together to protest the war in Palestine, and the involvement of the United States in that conflict. The protests have varied in scope and participation, some including students with a Jewish background, and others with a more antisemitic bent. The protests have been met with mixed feelings from both university administration, and public opinion both at home and abroad.
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everal emergencies and disasters are more common during the summer months: heatwaves, wildfires, severe thunderstorms, droughts, floods, power outages, or water-related incidents. Being prepared and taking proactive measures can help mitigate the impacts of these summer emergencies and disasters, ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals and communities. As summer draws near, it’s crucial to be vigilant for signs of heat-related illness. Relying solely on fans for cooling can be deceptive; while they create airflow, they do not effectively reduce body temperature. Instead, take proactive steps like covering windows with drapes or shades, weather-stripping doors and windows, and using window reflectors to deflect heat. Insulating your home, using attic ventilation, and installing air conditioners can all help keep indoor temperatures manageable. Moreover, reducing oven use and seeking shade outdoors are practical ways to beat the heat. Wearing a widebrimmed hat and staying hydrated are essential for outdoor activities. It’s advisable to avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day and to check on vulnerable individuals, including pets and elderly neighbors. Never leave people or pets in a closed car, as temperatures can quickly become dangerous. In the event of a disaster or emergency, ensuring water safety is paramount. Boiling water or using bleach (eight drops or a little less than 1/8 of a tablespoon of 5-9% unscented household bleach per 1 gallon of water) can effectively eliminate harmful bacteria
Former president Donald Trump has been waging multiple legal battles for some time now, but perhaps two of the largest issues the former president has faced were on the table this past week. The people of the State of New York versus Donald J. Trump, which is ongoing, accuses the former commander-in-chief of 34 counts of “Falsifying business records in the first degree.” Also in contest, at the Supreme Court, is the former president’s claim of presidential immunity. The Trump team has hoped that this claim, if supported by the Supreme Court, will alleviate his legal troubles in his current bid for president.
High interest rates not going anywhere EMERGENCY EVENTS such as downed poles and power outages can impact safety in the community but having a good preparedness plan in place can mitigate the impact.
Courtesy photo
and viruses. Additionally, investing in a water filter designed to remove parasites can provide an added layer of protection. Maintaining visible house numbers is crucial for swift emergency response, particularly for the fire department. Bold, contrasting numbers, along with reflective or illuminated options, enhance visibility – especially at night. Regular cleaning and positioning near the front door ensure that responders can quickly locate your residence. By following these simple guidelines, you contribute to a safer and more efficient emergency response in your community.
No matter the season, preparing for emergencies is key to safeguarding your family. Assigning roles and practicing your plan can make all the difference in a crisis. Utilize resources from organizations like the American Red Cross or FEMA to develop a comprehensive emergency preparedness strategy tailored to your needs. With proactive measures and proper planning, you can ensure a safer and more secure summer for you and your community. You can search for any kind of disaster preparedness at https://www. ready.gov/be-informed. l
Those hoping to buy a home with a lower interest rate, or refinance a home for a better mortgage will have to wait even longer. The United States Federal Reserve issued a statement following their Wednesday meeting on May 1 saying that they intend to keep the current interest rate where it sits until it has "greater confidence" that inflation has slowed to its 2% target rate. The current interest rate sits at a 23-year high, and combined with record-high home prices, has kept many new home owners out of the market, especially in the intermountain west. Still, Federal Reserve representatives stated that it was “unlikely” that the next move by the Reserve would be a hike, indicating either further stagnation, or, the fervent hope of many, a lowering of interest rates.