WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly has signed an executive order aimed at improving 911 service and emergency communications across the reservation.

The order calls for collaboration between various tribal departments and private-communication providers.

Shelly says no one should have to worry about their call going unanswered.

Tribal officials say the need to improve the existing communications system is evident. According to tribal statistics, 60 percent of homes on the Navajo Nation lack telephone lines, and only about half of the reservation has wireless coverage.

Officials say the biggest stumbling block has been the lack of public-safety answering points. The tribal public safety division is looking at establishing more points and extending services to the Hopi Tribe, Zuni Pueblo in New Mexico and the White Mesa Paiute in Utah.

Ex-Breckenridge festival director gets 5 years

BRECKENRIDGE – The former executive director of the Breckenridge Festival of Film must report to authorities next week to begin serving a five-year sentence for stealing more than $200,000 from the organization and others.

Shawna Foxx was sentenced Monday in Breckenridge to five years in prison after pleading guilty to theft and forgery charges. The Summit Daily News reported she has been living in Kansas with a sister, so she was given until Aug. 18 to get her affairs in order.

Investigators say the thefts took place over a number of years, and that Foxx used the money for gambling and to pay for rental vehicles, airline flights, clothing and other items.

Her attorney argued she should be put on probation instead, so she could pay restitution.

Utah Symphony kicks off national parks tour

SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Symphony is kicking off a free series of open-air performances in southern Utah’s national parks.

The first stop was Tuesday at Capitol Reef.

The 75-piece orchestra is set to give other performances at Arches and Canyonlands, as well as Bryce Canyon and Zion national parks.

Music Director Thierry Fischer will lead works designed to complement the soaring red rocks and canyons.

The tour is sponsored by the George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Foundation, the state Legislature and the Sorenson Legacy Foundation. Other sponsors include O.C. Tanner, Zions Bank, Questar and Chevron.

Smaller chamber performances will also take place along the route.

The tour ends Saturday in Zion National Park.

Associated Press