Red Bull Air Race contributed about $15 million to area

The Red Bull Air Race, in which agile small planes flew through a course of inflated balloon cones last month set up in Monument Valley, contributed about $15 million directly to the economies of San Juan County and the Navajo Nation, according to the Utah Sports Commission.

Revenue came from the 500 air race staff members who spent two weeks in southeastern Utah and northeastern Arizona.

Later this summer, organizers will broadcast the races in 80 countries. The Sports Commission negotiated the right to air eight, 30-second commercials about Utah. In all, glimpses of Monument Valley are expected to be found in 800 million media impressions in coverage of the seven races in the series worldwide.

- Mike Gorrell

Legislator named

Patricia Jones new board member of Winter Games

The Utah Winter Games has added state Sen. Patricia Jones, D-Holladay, to its board.

Utah Winter Games Executive Director Heidi Hughes says Jones's legislative background and her experience will bring a fresh perspective to the board and help improve the Games, its WinterFit program and the ongoing legacy of Salt Lake City's hosting of the 2002 Winter Olympics.

- Mike Gorrell

Student winners

Scholarships go to five Utah high school seniors

Five Utah high school seniors have received $1,000 scholarships from the National Federation of Independent Business Young Entrepreneur Foundation.

The awards are designed to "set future small-business owners on the path to entrepreneurship."

Utah recipients are Katie Jobst of Northridge High, Alex Lee of Park City High, Aaron West of Layton High, Matthew Millet of Jordan High and Joshua Miller of Timpanogos High.

- Mike Gorrell