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Park City

27 stories this week

The latest local news from Park City, Utah — city government, schools, public safety, and community stories. No story is too small.

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Intermountain West Drought Persists Amid Record Heat and Low Reservoir Levels

Nearly 95% of the Intermountain West is currently experiencing drought conditions, according to a report published August 20. While monsoon rains have provided some local relief, officials indicate they are unlikely to resolve long-term water supply challenges in the region.

Widemouth 2 Fire Surges to 111,000 Acres After Fatal Crash

The Widemouth 2 Fire has grown to over 111,000 acres in the Fishlake National Forest, following a fatal helicopter crash on August 7, 2026. Firefighters continue to battle the lightning-caused blaze, which has already claimed the lives of two pilots during emergency water-dropping operations.

StatewideAugust 24, 2026

Brain Food Books and Utah Food Bank launch mobile book pantry program across southeastern Utah

The program goes beyond placing books on shelves. The Book Nerd Mobile, Brain Food Books's traveling community bookstore and outreach vehicle, will return throughout the year to replenish the Book Pantries, introduce new titles, host community book events, and connect readers with books they choose for themselves.

via utahbusiness.comStatewideAugust 24, 2026

Former BYU professor charged with explicitly messaging 'teen girl' handed 3 years on probation

He was sentenced on June 29 to 364 days in jail for both charges, but the terms were suspended and he was given credit for the 32 days he had already served. A court order on Aug. "(McKean) continued to communicate with the purported 17-year-old and expressed concerns that it was illegal.

via KSLStatewideAugust 24, 2026

Utah Vaping Rates Rose 260% While Cigarette Use Hits Historic Low

Utah state health data reveals a significant rise in vaping rates alongside a decline in traditional cigarette smoking. While cigarette use has reached historic lows, vaping rates saw a 260% increase between 2012 and 2022.

StatewideSalt Lake CityAugust 24, 2026

National Weather Service issues severe thunderstorm warning for parts of Tooele, Box Elder counties

UTAH, Aug. 22, 2026 (Gephardt Daily) — The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for south central Box Elder County and northeastern Tooele County. Sunday unless it is extended. For ongoing updates, check this link.

via gephardtdaily.comStatewideTooeleAugust 23, 2026

Severe thunderstorm warning issued for Salt Lake County with 70 mph winds possible

A severe thunderstorm warning was issued Sunday night for parts of Salt Lake County, with wind gusts up to 70 mph possible. The National Weather Service in Salt Lake City issued the warning for areas including West Jordan, Sandy and South Jordan.

via KUTVStatewideSalt Lake CountyAugust 23, 2026

Utah voters turn on incumbents as statewide approval ratings drop into the red

Utahns handed statewide leaders an overall negative approval rating in August, continuing a downward trend for Gov. The poll of nearly 800 registered Utah voters revealed an anti-incumbent mood that left no one untouched. The state Legislature and Sen.

via KSLStatewideAugust 23, 2026

'We just didn't see a way to limp through': Fishlake National Forest opens after Cottonwood fire, businesses face uncertainty

BEAVER, Utah (ABC4) — Much of the Beaver Ranger District in the Fishlake National Forest has reopened to the public for the first time since the Cottonwood Fire erupted two months ago. The blaze burned nearly 97,000 acres and while visitors are returning, local businesses and road infrastructure continue to deal with the aftermath.

via ABC 4StatewideAugust 23, 2026

North Fork Sheep Creek Closed for Cutthroat Trout Restoration

The Ashley National Forest has issued a temporary closure for North Fork Sheep Creek through September 2, 2026, to facilitate a second round of rotenone treatments for native cutthroat trout restoration. These efforts, coordinated with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, aim to remove non-native fish species to protect the future of the Colorado River cutthroat trout.

StatewideAugust 23, 2026

San Diego Temple rededicated after years of extensive renovation

On Sunday, following a years-long renovation project, President D. Todd Christofferson rededicated the San Diego Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The San Diego temple first opened in 1993 and closed in 2023 for extensive renovations.

via ABC 4StatewideAugust 23, 2026

Utah fans gather at Rice-Eccles Stadium for annual Fan Fest

Utah football doesn’t kick off its season with its first game until Thursday Sept. 3, but Rice-Eccles Stadium was still the place to be for Utes fans on Saturday night as hundreds gathered for Utah Athletics Fan Fest. Whether you were a young fan experiencing the tradition for the first time or have been cheering on the Utes for decades, the event had something for everyone.

via Fox 13StatewideAugust 23, 2026

Visitors spent a record $13.7B in Utah's economy last year, report finds

6% increase from 2024, when adjusted for inflation, the University of Utah's Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute noted in a report released on Thursday. "Utah's tourism economy demonstrated considerable resilience in 2025. The increase in spending came despite modest declines in statewide hotel occupancy, as well as state and national park visitation.

via KSLStatewideAugust 23, 2026

Human-caused wildfire approaches Reno, Nevada, forcing thousands of evacuations

A fast-growing wildfire destroying homes in northwest Reno, Nevada, on Sunday was human-caused and uncontained, authorities said, as they encouraged some 90,000 people to evacuate. The Hawk Fire began Saturday and quickly grew to 20 square miles (53 sq.

via KJZZStatewideAugust 23, 2026

Are these Utah’s nicest dorms? Take a peek at the U.’s latest luxury on-campus housing.

By Courtney Tanner | Aug. The $155 million luxury living space is filled with top-of-the-line features, including four in-house dining options and ski and snowboard storage. Students can start moving in this month, ahead of when fall classes start Aug.

via Salt Lake TribuneStatewideAugust 23, 2026

Utah Public Lands Alliance invites community, off-road enthusiasts to join Toquerville Falls cleanup

The Utah Public Lands Alliance is inviting off-road enthusiasts, families and community members to participate in the Toquerville Falls Public Lands Cleanup on Saturday, Sept. 19.

via stgeorgeutah.comStatewideToquervilleAugust 23, 2026

Monsoon Rains Trigger Flooding in Eastern Washington County

Heavy monsoon rains have triggered widespread flooding across eastern Washington County, following significant flood risk concerns identified in July. Residents are encouraged to monitor real-time water levels as local authorities continue mapping efforts to mitigate future risks.

StatewideAugust 23, 2026

Lee Introduces Circuit Court of Appeals Reorganization Act

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the Circuit Court of Appeals Reorganization Act, restructuring the Eighth, Ninth, and Tenth U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals to more accurately reflect modern population growth and geographic interests. Cosponsoring the legislation are Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), Jim Risch (R-ID), and Tim Sheehy (R-MT).

StatewideAugust 23, 2026

Ohio State wins AP Top 25 battle for No. 1 ranking. Here’s how I voted in preseason poll

QBs Attending Class Ohio State wins AP Top 25 battle for No. 1 ranking. Here’s how I voted in preseason poll Ohio State is the preseason No. 1 in the AP poll for the first time since 2015 and the ninth time ever after finishing ranked No. 5 last season.

via nytimes.comStatewideAugust 23, 2026

New Wildfire In Sevier County

A new wildfire has sparked in Sevier County. According to the Fishlake National Forest Facebook page, firefighters are responding to the Rock Canyon 2 Fire, which started Aug. 22 on the face of Cove Mountain, east of Annabella, on the Fishlake National Forest, Richfield Ranger District.

via midutahradio.comStatewideSevier CountyAugust 23, 2026

Paper Jams: Sunburnt Sky brings fresh reggae-inspired grooves and alt-rock soul to Southern Utah

Southern Utah's live music scene is flourishing, and the St. George News crew is having a blast highlighting local musicians. So, gather around for another session of Paper Jams.

via stgeorgeutah.comStatewideAugust 23, 2026

Harley Fire burns nearly 200 acres in northern Utah, damages power structures

The Harley Fire has grown to just under 200 acres in northern Utah, forcing evacuations and causing power outages. The human-caused fire ignited Friday, spreading to 199 acres by Saturday morning, according to officials with Utah Fire Info.

via KUTVStatewideAugust 23, 2026

U.S. Secret Service Reports Various Fraud and Threat Enforcement Actions

The U.S. Secret Service has released several news updates regarding various enforcement actions and legal outcomes. These include operations against skimming devices, convictions for fraud, and sentences for threats against officials.

StatewideUnited StatesAugust 23, 2026

Dulles CBP Officers Intercept Utah Methamphetamine Destined for Paris

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers intercepted four pounds of methamphetamine hydrochloride at Washington Dulles International Airport. The drugs were being mailed from Utah County, Utah, to Paris.

StatewideAugust 23, 2026

Consider Japanese wisteria vines for Utah landscapes

USU Extension press release Triple-digit temperature days and drought have many Utahns looking for attractive landscaping alternatives. Japanese Wisteria (Wisteria floribunda Texas Purple) could be the answer.

via etvnews.comStatewideAugust 23, 2026

Severe storms possible across northern Utah amid monsoon moisture

More monsoon rain is in the forecast for Utah Sunday. First, we could pick up some thunderstorms early Sunday morning while everyone is sleeping. More storms will develop Sunday afternoon and evening.

via KUTVStatewideAugust 23, 2026

Jamie Barnes Appointed Commissioner of Utah Department of Natural Resources

Jamie Barnes has been appointed as the commissioner of the Utah Department of Natural Resources, leading a department responsible for wildfire management and water security. The appointment follows years of success for the Fire Sense campaign, which has significantly reduced human-caused wildfires in Utah.

StatewideAugust 23, 2026

NEREUS™ Sponsored No. 47 IndyCar Ready for Historic Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: VNDA) today announced that the NEREUS™ branded No. 47 entry from Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, driven by Mick Schumacher, is set to compete this weekend in the inaugural Freedom 250…

via cachevalleydaily.comStatewideWashingtonAugust 23, 2026

NASA admin: fission is the fuel to get us to Mars

Tuesday, June 23, 2026. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman walked with his shoulders bent forward and his head slightly down at Idaho National Laboratory on Friday, as he listened intently to John C. INL and NASA, under the leadership of Wagner and Isaacman, have aligned to accomplish several ambitious goals.

via Deseret NewsStatewideAugust 23, 2026

Guide Released for 2026 Utah Deer and Elk Hunts

Utah's fall big game season is approaching with various hunt dates for deer and elk. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has released information regarding population trends, permit availability, and new regulations for the 2026 season.

StatewideAugust 23, 2026

August 14, 2026 - Utah Film Commission

SALT LAKE CITY (August 14, 2026) – Today, the Utah Film Commission announced the Utah Board of Tourism Development approval

StatewideAugust 23, 2026

Arizona, California and Nevada would share cuts under federal proposal to manage the Colorado River

By WUFEI YU, DORANY PINEDA and BRITTANY PETERSON Updated 5:18 PM MDT, July 31, 2026 Leer en español Add AP News on Google Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Bureau of Reclamation proposal spares four other states from facing mandatory cuts for now.

via apnews.comStatewideAugust 23, 2026

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