What is now a fast-food fixture where moms take their toddlers for a Happy Meal or commuters grab a breakfast sandwich was once the social epicenter of teenage life in Orem. That's right -- McDonald's.

Joshua Samuel Rich could have pleaded guilty and spent 32 years in prison for robbing the same Lindon bank three times, but he rejected a plea deal and chose to go to trial instead. The gamble did not pay off, and on Wednesday, Rich was sentenced to 57 years in federal prison.

The Genola mayor took action Wednesday night in a Town Council meeting amid allegations of a councilman's conflicts of interest in the Genola Meadows subdivision.

UVSC to UVU transition timeline:

Voter turnout lower than expected

Joe Pyrah

The turnout was so lousy in Tuesday's primary election that Bryan Thompson had time to notice the little things.

A Washington state woman who was killed after shooting a Lehi police officer had suffered from a severe mental illness for nearly a decade, according to her family.

The Utah Department of Transportation recently announced a contractor for the reconstruction of 400 South in Springville, and officials say the work should begin within the next month.

AMERICAN FORK

• Congratulations to Kristie Chidester of American Fork, one of five students from The Art Institute of Salt Lake City, a media arts, fashion, culinary and fine arts institution, who received medal honors at the American Culinary Federation (ACF) Beehive Chefs Chapter Annual Nicholas Food Show "K" Competition. The third-quarter AISLC culinary arts students competed within the same judging criteria as professional chefs in categories of pastry, chicken and fish. Chidester earned silver in the chicken, game hen or duck category for her roasted chicken with a citrus balsamic glaze, sweet mashed potatoes, blistered green beans and a red chili pepper balsamic-enhanced cherry tomato.

NORTH COUNTY

• There will be an information open house regarding the Vineyard Connector, a road to be built west of I-15 connecting Orem and American Fork, tonight from 5-7 p.m. at the Timpanogos Special Service District, 5050 W. 6400 North, American Fork. Your input is critical to the study team in order to develop a corridor that best meets the needs of the area. In addition to commenting at the open house, you may also comment and find study information on the project online at www.udot.utah.gov/vineyard or contact the comment hot line at (801) 753-7343. The comment period runs through July 16.

PROVO

• Ingrid Guzmðn, founder of Centro Hispano, will be leaving the nonprofit organization to spend more time with family and to author a book. Her last day will be today and an open house will be held in her honor at Centro Hispano, 817 S. Freedom Blvd., from noon to 6 p.m. In 2002, Guzmðn founded Centro Hispano to provide orientation and education to Hispanic immigrants. She started with nothing but a passion to serve the community, families and individuals. Today Centro Hispano has grown into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Volunteers at Centro Hispano connect Utah County's immigrants with more than 300 organizations in Utah County and the Salt Lake City area that provide educational, financial and basic needs services. Guzmðn's pioneering efforts have expanded into mentoring programs, domestic violence services, human trafficking victim assistance and many other programs, services and workshops.

SOUTH COUNTY

• With the rapid growth in Nebo School District, an assistant superintendent position has been added to help with the additional responsibilities and programs. Richard Nielsen, the current elementary director, has been appointed by the Nebo School Board of Education as the new assistant superintendent. Nielsen will assume some responsibilities from other directors to allow them to concentrate on their own areas of focus. Nielsen has been the elementary director for the past four years, Rees Elementary principal for one year, Art City Elementary principal for four years, Westside Elementary principal for two years and he previously taught sixth grade for six years at Timpanogos Elementary.

Brittani Lusk

It's been a long road -- about 80,000 changed Web pages and nearly 2,000 new signs -- from Utah Valley State College to Utah Valley University, but as the institution nears the deadline, school administrators say they're ready.

Joe Pyrah

Jason Chaffetz started his campaign for the 3rd Congressional District a year and a half ago with little money and even less name recognition. Now he's ousted incumbent Chris Cannon in the primary for the Republican nomination.

The Associated Press

Thomas S. Monson, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will be at festivities celebrating the transition between Utah Valley State College and Utah Valley University scheduled for July 1.