LDS in Gilbert, Arizona find way to teach character (Reading, writing and rectitude)

Worried about the values being taught to children, the community of Gilbert, Arizona is trying to teach children a set of values through the public schools. After the town drafted a resolution calling for the use of the "Character First!" curriculum developed by a conservative Christian group, the ACLU fired off a letter to the town, warning them to tread carefully, and not teach religion in the classroom. In response, parents, teachers and religious leaders say that values can be taught without espousing any religion.

Can 'Mormon Card' Grab the Jackpot?

In the upcoming mayoral elections, the voters will have to decide between two men who call each other 'cuz,' as they are descendants of one of the five wives of William Hyde, an early Mormon bishop for whom the Cache County hamlet of Hyde Park is named. Running is the Democratic and very liberal Rocky Anderson, who is only a Mormon by birth, and the Republican Conservative Stuart Reid who is making his active involvement in the Church a campaign issue, including his years as an police chaplain and public affairs official for the Church.

Orem Council, mayor hopefuls gearing up for Nov. 2 election

Former city councilman Jim Evans and retired businessman and former LDS mission president Jerry Washburn will face each other at the polls on Nov. 2 in a battle for the part-time, two-year Orem mayoral seat which came open when Mayor Joe Nelson died of cancer in July.

Man claiming to be LDS Church sacrifice ties-up Denver traffic (Police defuse tense downtown standoff)

A deranged man, claiming to have been chosen by the LDS Church for crucifiction, so that church members could "travel, along with their resurrected ancestors, to their three-tiered concept of heaven," climbed a statue near Denver, Colorado's city hall on Thursday, and paralyzed commuters for nearly three hours. The man claimed to be wired with explosives in a backpack and was carrying what appeared to be an explosive trigger.

Cardston celebrates early tricks, treats

The city council in the Mormon enclave of Cardston, Alberta, Canada has elected to move Halloween from Sunday, Oct. 31 to the Saturday, Oct. 30th. Several other communities across Canada that have also decided to officially have Halloween trick-or-treating one day earlier, which has spawned some controversy.

LDS Mayor struggles to resurrect town after flood (After flood, mayor leads town back)

FRANKLIN, Va. - The flood from Hurricane Floyd, which swallowed his insurance company along with the rest of downtown, couldn't get James P. Councill III down. Neither could the burden of rebuilding a business district that had become a ``war zone'' overnight. Or even remarks hurled at him in anger at public meetings. But, last Wednesday, the tire on his car went flat, and Councill, the city's cheerleader, and part-time mayor, ended up in the hospital.

Tax exemption revoked for religious publications

Until Tuesday, merchants in Pennsylvania didn't have to charge sales tax on religious items that they sold. But the U.S. Supreme Court refused on Tuesday to hear arguments on an appeal from the Pennsylvania State Supreme Court, which ruled that sales of religious items are taxable. The refusal to hear the appeal will likely lead to challenges to sales tax laws in other states that exempt materials from sales tax on religious grounds.

North Side Mormon youths have a story to tell

A service project begun by three LDS high school seniors is turning into a Saturday morning literary treat for children. The students, who attend Churchill High School and Reagan High School, have put aside their school rivalries to bring life to the Children's Reading Room at the Reagan library jointly operated by the city and North East School District.

Local News Briefs

BYU volunteers help prepare Temple Square for winter
Detroit Temple Cornerstone Box Prepared
New LDS Mission President in Las Vegas noted
Utah Area Presidency asks Stake Presidents and Bishops to learn about Domestic Violence
LDS candidate for Salt Lake City Mayor accused of mudslinging
The LDS Church's impact on Utah School Funding
BYU Academy restoration on track
Nauvoo contributing to more tourism in Illinois
The Salt Lake Tribune's coverage of LDS General Conference