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Wednesday, April 28, 2021 • Vol. 130, No. 17 • Free
Utah ranks 3rd in US for cheapest energy bills BY RYNE WILLIAMS
The Pyramid
Utahns may be discovering a slimmer bill when it comes to energy costs in the Beehive State. In a recent study from Finder, Utah was ranked third among the cheapest states in the country for energy costs. “Mormons, monoliths, and now add modestly priced energy to what Utah is known for, as it is the third cheapest state for energy with an average monthly cost of just $107 a month or an annual cost of $1,285,”
the study said. “Utah is actually the cheapest state for electricity at $76 a month but only the 13th lowest for natural gas prices at an average of $31 a month.” The methodology behind the study involved determining the average energy cost by calculating how much was spent monthly on electricity, natural gas, heating oil and propane in each state. The average monthly consumption and average price were then used to calculate the exact costs for residents.
The states that found themselves above Utah were New Mexico and Idaho, with the state known for its potato industry coming in on top. On the other end of the spectrum, the list of states that have the most expensive energy bills starts with Hawaii, then Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Alabama and Massachusetts. As for ways to reduce your energy bill, Finder suggested that people buy energy-efficient appliances, use rewards cards or debit cards, unplug devices, or using off-peak energy hours.
The study said that by switching to Energy Star appliances, people will use 50% less energy, which would add up to approximately 5%-10% saved on each energy bill, according to Finder. Additionally, devices left plugged in still use energy and it makes up about 25% of all residential energy, a study by the Natural Resources Defense Council said. For those looking to save more money on their energy bills, Ben Zientara, a solar policy analyst and re-
LDS CHURCH
Church to reopen historic sites
searcher for SolarReviews, was quoted by Finder as suggesting people get a home energy audit first before simply trying to switch to solar energy. “In most cases, it’s cheaper to improve your home’s insulation and avoid using electricity by replacing energy-intensive appliances, lights and devices than it is to pay for solar panels,” Zientara told Finder. To read more about the study and to see the energy bill costs by state, visit http://finder.com/energy-costs-bystate.
LDS Church encourages missionaries to get vaccine BY GENELLE PUGMIRE
The Pyramid
PHOTOS COURTESY INTELLECTUAL RESERVES
Carthage Jail is one of the historic sites to reopen in May. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will open, if allowed, a number of historic sites in May. BY GENELLE PUGMIRE
The Pyramid
Another sign that travel and tourism may be reopening as COVD-19 declines is the announcement made by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Thursday that church historic sites will reopen. “The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has approved the phased reopening of Church historic sites in May 2021,” a church statement said. “These sites closed last spring due to COVID-19.” “We’re thrilled that the church’s historic sites will be open to visitors this summer,” said Church Historian and Recorder Elder LeGrand R. Curtis Jr. of the Seventy. “We know people
are anxious to visit and the missionaries are eager to welcome them. Visiting the sites is a great way for individuals and families to enhance their understanding of church history. Walking the paths and streets where the early saints walked, and visiting their homes and shops provides an immersive experience with the past. We hope in this year of ‘Come, Follow Me’ study of the Doctrine and Covenants and church history, many people will have an opportunity to visit the sites, either in person or via a virtual tour. We are prepared to welcome them.” The health and safety of all guests will be a top priority, according to the church statement. At some sites, reservations will be required (groups of more than
20 will not be allowed in 2021), and visitors are encouraged to register in advance. Sites also will limit the number of people allowed in buildings at one time. Visitors will be required to practice social distancing and wear face masks indoors, and outdoors where social distancing is not possible. Those who are sick are advised to stay home. Most sites will have reduced operating hours, and some buildings or experiences may be closed. Sites may need to close again based on local conditions and regulations. Visitors are encouraged to check historic website and Facebook pages frequently for the latest information and guidance. The sites listed below will reopen based on local conditions,
government guidelines and missionary staffing availability. Because each historic site is unique, reopening conditions will vary. More details can be found on each site’s web page. Visit http:// newsroom.churchofjesuschrist. o rg /a r t i c l e /c h u rc h - h i s to ric-sites-begin-reopening. The reopening schedule will tentatively proceed as follows:
May 1 California
Mormon Battalion Center at San Diego.
Illinois
Carthage Jail. Historic Nauvoo. Please see CHURCH SITES, Page A2
Missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are encouraged to get COVID-19 vaccinations, according to a statement from the Missionary Department of the church. Instructions came in a letter sent to church leaders in the United States on Friday. “COVID-19 vaccines are becoming available in many places throughout the world. All missionaries and prospective missionaries are encouraged to safeguard themselves and others by being vaccinated,” the letter said. Following the Jan. 19 statement from the First Presidency of the church, which includes President Russell M. Nelson and his counselors Dallin H. Oaks and Henry B. Eyring, individuals are responsible to make their own decisions about vaccinations. “Under the direction of their mission leaders, mission medical coordinators are monitoring the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine in their mission and informing missionaries when they may receive it,” the Friday letter continued. Please see VACCINE, Page A2
GUNNISON VALLEY HOSPITAL BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS Name: Katie Lynn Bell
Name of Parents: Timothy and Shelbie Bell Town: Richfield DOB: 4/15/2021 Sex: Female Weight: 8 lbs 1 oz.
Name: Maisie Camilla Brown
Name of Parents: Jasen and Ashley Brown Town: Gunnison DOB: 4/16/2021 Sex: Female Weight: 7 lbs. 12 oz.
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