Michael Mckinlay

Avalanche deaths are rising at an alarming rate in the United States. In Utah alone avalanches cause 64 percent of deaths caused by natural disasters. Earlier this month, a snowmobiler was killed in an avalanche in Richfield. Although winter in Utah has been milder than in years past, events like these are reminders of the seriousness of natural disasters and how important it is to know what to do in these situations.

Each February, BYU construction management students travel to Reno to compete in the Associated Schools of Construction Student Competition.

It’s a snowy Tuesday morning and Birdie Strey, an experienced actress, is in her element. It is the first day of “Experiencing Drama & Theater”, a class she teaches in a small recital room at the Piano Gallery in South Orem. To a room full of 10-12 retirees, Strey explains the importance of acting as they rehearse, “Fiddler on the Roof.”