Feds file a lawsuit over 2002 wildfire

The federal government filed a lawsuit Friday seeking financial compensation for damage caused by a 2002 fire in Price Canyon that affected about 3,200 acres.

The suit filed in U.S. District Court in Salt Lake City names the Union Pacific Railroad and MotivePower, both Delaware-based companies, and Utah Railway Co., a Utah firm.

The lawsuit alleges that a turbo charger on a Utah Railway engine that was helping a Union Pacific train get through the canyon caused the fire. MotivePower was the firm that installed and maintained the charger.

The federal government is seeking $653,364 to cover firefighting costs and the expense of reclaiming damaged federal land.

No one was available to answer phone calls late Friday at offices for Utah Railway Co., MotivePower and Union Pacific.

Police investigating Logan man's death

LOGAN — A Logan man died early Friday morning after police responded to a call to assist a man who was not breathing at 700 East and 800 North.

His roommate had begun CPR, but Michael Starks, 18, was pronounced dead on arrival at Logan Regional Hospital. Earlier in the night, Starks — a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity — had spent time at another Logan residence before returning home to go to sleep, according to a press release.

When Starks' roommate found him, Starks was not breathing or responsive. After calling 911, the roommate began CPR. The case is still under investigation to determine the cause of death, police said.

— Clayton Norlen

Police rescue hiker below Squaw Peak

PROVO — Police rescued a hiker Thursday night after he became stranded in the cliffs below Squaw Peak.

Just after 6 p.m., Provo Police/Fire Search and Rescue Team got a 911 call from a 21-year-old man who said he was stuck on a very small ledge in the middle of a cliff face and didn't think he could go up or down, according to Provo police.

Police said the man was not dressed for night weather, did not have lights or climbing equipment and didn't have any food or water.

Because of where the man was stuck, officers had to call for a Utah Highway Patrol helicopter.

The chopper dropped off a team of rescuers below the stranded man, and they climbed up to rescue him, reaching him just before 10 p.m.