Do you want to be notified of Labor Commission news and updates.  Subscribe and stay up to-date on Labor Commission notices, news and announcements of your choice.

Based on construction survey research, interviews with local government and economic development staff, and meetings with business leaders in your community, the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) has pooled a wealth of knowledge and resources to provide you with a concise, reader-friendly guide to help you prepare your business for transportation construction projects.

In the spring of 2009, UUSS opened the Rio Tinto Earthquake Information Center, a state-of-the-art facility for earthquake information and community outreach. The facility forms part of the UUSS's new space for seismic network operations.

Beginning January 1, 2010, the process for applying for a Utah Driver License changes.  Make sure you are prepared in advance.

The PBS channel at the University of Utah, KUED, now provides much of its programming through this online channel.

"Diversity - The New Frontier in Science: Keeping the Dream Alive" is the theme of the University of Utah's 26th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration. The week-long celebration will highlight the growing contributions and importance of a diverse workforce in the sciences and technology through educational equity and opportunity.

The Utah Departments of Health (UDOH) and Environmental Quality (DEQ) are reminding Utahns about an important online tool to track outdoor air quality - the Recess Guidance for Schools. The Guidance was developed to help school leaders know when the air is bad enough to keep students indoors.

The Finance in the Classroom website and related resources are in large part the result of a partnership between the Utah State Office of Education and the Utah Education Network.

Utah State University's 2010 Martin Luther King Jr. Candlelight Vigil is Wednesday, Jan. 13, in the Taggart Student Center Ballroom, 5:30 p.m. with David E. Dixon, an associate professor of political science at St. Joseph's College, and France A. Davis, a pastor at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Salt Lake City, who marched with King in 1965. Activities are free and all are invited.

Visit the 2009 Individual Income Tax website for the latest information on filing this years return, including services for filing electronically.

Although the current spotlight has been turned to STEM, Utah has already been answering the call with several statewide STEM focused initiatives. Utah Science Technology and Research (USTAR), a state funded grant program, has allowed 30 Local Education Agencies (LEAs) across the state to implement programs that they would otherwise be unable to offer.

Now in its 13th year, the Washington County Economic Summit has the reputation of being the premier business planning event of southern Utah. The Summit has come to be known as "What's Up Down South," after its most popular session, the rapid fire bullet-point presentations of future projects that will impact the economy of Washington County for the next 18 months.

SALT LAKE CITY - Governor Gary R. Herbert's father, Duane Barlow Herbert, passed away this morning after a lengthy bout with cancer. Mr. Herbert, 80, died at approximately 9:30 a.m. surrounded by family.

With the H1N1 influenza virus continuing to circulate in Utah, Gov. Gary Herbert is encouraging all Utahns to get vaccinated and has declared January 16, 2010 "Influenza Vaccination Week in Utah." Utah's push to vaccinate more citizens coincides with National Influenza Vaccination Week. Doses of H1N1 vaccine are plentiful throughout the state, and all Utahns are now eligible to become immunized.

For the second year in a row, the Economic Report to the Governor portrays difficult times. In contrast to 2009, however, the outlook for 2010 foresees a strengthening recovery.

Three areas that are popular places to pursue bears with dogs should be quieter this summer. On Jan. 6, the Utah Wildlife Board approved bear pursuit changes on the Book Cliffs, San Juan and La Sal units in eastern Utah.

During the first half of the 20th Century, the terror known as Polio afflicted between 13,000 to 20,000 people per year in the US. In Utah, during one particularly virulent six-week period, more than 200 confirmed cases of polio were reported. This dreaded disease struck mostly young people, with no discrimination of race, sex or socio-economic status.

Governor Gary R. Herbert and the State Science Advisor along with the State Advisory Council on Science and Technology have announced the winners of the Governor's Science Medals for 2009.Historically these medals are awarded to individuals and companies who have made significant contributions to the furthering of scientific knowledge, education and industry in Utah and the nation.

SLCC's South City campus will soon be home to a Center for New Media that will prepare Utah?s students for careers in the digital age.

The annual Governor's Utah Economic Summit will again set the foundation for the outlook and forecast for Utah in 2010 and beyond. Respected leaders from across the state will discuss the opportunities and threats to businesses across the state. The Utah economy is poised for renewed growth. Register now for the Governor's 2010 Utah Economic Summit.

The Utah Department of Natural Resources operates two public shooting ranges, the Cache Valley Range in Logan and the Lee Kay Range in Salt Lake City.  Services include archery, handgun, rifle, and hunter education.

The Department of Commerce enables Utah?s economy, business, and citizens to grow and prosper.  The Department issues over 300,000 licenses and regulates hundreds of industries.

In 1999, 5.6 of every 10,000 Utah babies were born with an NTD. The rate has steadily increased to 8.5 in 2008. This means an additional 18?25 babies are being born each year in Utah with a brain or spinal cord tube defect,

This scholarship encourages students to accelerate their education by earning an associates degree in high school. Students must complete coursework with a 3.0 cumulative GPA and they are provided a scholarship for up to 75% of tuition that may may be used at a qualifying 4-year public college or university in the Utah System of Higher Education, as well as at Brigham Young University and Westminster College.

Become a better gardener or learn about beekeeping.  This schedule offers a variety of interesting topics.

This one day event has speakers throughout the day on a variety of topics as well as demonstrations and vendors.  Contact Craig Allen for more information at allenceco@msn.com  Speakers include Dr. Evans and other USU faculty.

SALT LAKE CITY - Governor Gary R. Herbert issued the following statement today regarding the death of Millard County Sheriff's Deputy Josie Greathouse Fox.

Utah Governor Gary R. Herbert, has authorized all state agencies to lower the Flag of the United States of America and the Flag of the State of Utah.  The flags shall be flown at half-staff on all state-owned facilities immediately until sunset on January 6, 2010 in honor of Millard County Sheriff's Deputy Josie Greathouse Fox.

Please join us for Part II of the 9 Essential Steps of Successful International Networking. Part II will focus on how to implement the 9 Steps in specific cultural regions. Presenters with cultural experience from around the globe will share essential steps of successful international networking. Presenters will also introduce networking tools specific to each region that can be used to effectively and systematically network in each region.

Snowshoeing is a great winter activity for all ages. Join the Park Naturalist at from 10 a.m. to noon to learn the basics and the benefits of snowshoeing. Bring your own snowshoes or borrow some from the park. For more information call (435) 654-1791.

The Department of Workforce Services has published a new issue of Trendlines which looks at the latest issues of employment and economy in Utah.

A combination of events recently held marked the anticipated opening of the new George E. Wahlen Veterans Home in Ogden, Utah. This 85,000 square foot, five building complex will house 120 veterans with admissions scheduled to begin in January 2010.

Utah?s Electronic High School (EHS) is meeting student needs with open-entry/open-exit courses and within three years will have converted most curriculum to downloadable media.

REACH is a nationally recognized multicultural education program being disseminated throughout the United States, Canada and Australia. It has been approved as a National Diffusion Network Program (NDN) to be used in grades 6-9 Social Studies Classrooms. NDN programs have been field tested with students and are proven successful.

The Governor?s Office of Economic Development (GOED) Board announced the expansion of the Utah operations for Merit Medical Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: MMSI).  This expansion will add an estimated 392 new jobs, paying $95 million in wages over the next ten years.

The second annual Milford Renewable Energy Fair is scheduled for April 29, 2010. It will be held at the Milford High School in Milford, UT. USTAR is a sponsor and will exhibit at the event.

Date: Jan 2, 2010 Location: Scofield Madsen Bay Boat RampTime: Checkin from 7:00 to 7:30 amRegistration: call 435-687-2491

Join members of the Wasatch Audubon Society in their annual bird count/survey of bird species on Antelope Island and along the causeway. Group will be meeting at the park entrance station at 8 a.m. Be sure to bring binoculars, scopes and weather appropriate clothing. For more information, please call (801) 721-9569.

Get inside the new courthouse in St. George.  Also the latest on the new St. George airport, the 2010 Ironman, and protecting yourself against identity theft.

Using a collaborative studio class at the University of Utah College of Architecture + Planning, fifteen students are developing a plan to present to Salt Lake City planning officials.