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Vernal

10 stories this week

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

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Nephi

The Lady Dinos take on the Wasps of Juab

On Thursday evening, the Lady Dino volleyball team traveled to Nephi to face the Juab Wasps. Juab came out in the first set to take the win, but after that it was all Carbon as the Lady Dinos earned their third win of the season, 3-1.

Weber State University Nursing Program

Annie Taylor Dee School of Nursing The Annie Taylor Dee School of Nursing prides itself on producing top-notch graduates who are leaders in their fields in Utah and beyond.

Two Die in State Route 40 Crash on Aug. 17

Two individuals died following a crash on Utah State Route 40, according to data from the Utah Department of Transportation. The incident, which occurred on August 17, 2026, has prompted inquiries regarding access to protected crash records and state fatality statistics.

Weber State University introduces 15 new academic offerings

Weber State University is introducing 15 new academic offerings to its existing catalog of over 250 certificate and degree programs. These new options include various certificates, associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, and master's degrees designed to prepare students for diverse careers.

Weber State student uses automotive degree to advance career

Isabel Tuman is using a Weber State University automotive technology degree to advance her career as an electric vehicle technician. After earning an associate degree in California, Tuman utilized Weber State's online bachelor's program to pursue her lifelong passion for motorsports.

UMS and VMS introduce new 6th grade schedules for transition

Uintah Middle School and Vernal Middle School are introducing new 6th grade schedules designed to assist students transitioning from elementary to middle school. The changes include increased instructional time in core academic subjects starting this school year.

VernalAugust 7, 2026

BLM Approves Natural Gas Wells, Vegetation Treatments, And Temporary Water Pipeline

The BLM Vernal Field Office has announced several approvals this week. Approval has been given for the Wonsits Valley Temporary Lay-flat Water Pipeline. The right-of-way will be amended for Koda Uinta LLC to install temporary surface lay-flat waterlines to transfer water for completion operations on fourteen locations on Tribal Trust surface estate. The project location …

via basinnow.comVernalAugust 7, 2026

Vernal Middle School Introduces New 6th Grade Schedule

Vernal Middle School is implementing a new 6th grade schedule this school year to assist students with the transition from elementary to middle school. The changes include increased instructional time in core academic subjects and a new structure for elective and trimester-long courses.

VernalAugust 7, 2026

Middle Schools Introducing Big Schedule Change For 6th Graders In USD

The jump from elementary school to middle school is a big one and a scheduling change being implemented for 6th grade students in Uintah School District aims at assisting in students’ success. “Uintah Middle School and Vernal Middle School are pleased to introduce changes to the 6th grade schedule designed to help students transition smoothly from elementary to middle school,” shares the announcement.

via basinnow.comVernalAugust 7, 2026

Carbon comes up short against Uintah

VERNAL — The Carbon Lady Dinos traveled to the Uintah Basin on Tuesday for a non-region matchup against the 4A Uintah Utes, a team coming off an impressive 12-6 campaign a season ago. Carbon entered the contest fresh off a home opener victory over the Grantsville Cowboys.

via etvnews.comVernalAugust 7, 2026

Lady Dino soccer shutout on the road in Vernal

The Lady Dinos soccer team traveled over Indian Canyon to face the Uintah Utes in Vernal on Thursday. Carbon was looking to add another win to its total in the young season, but the Utes had other ideas, handing the Dinos a 2-0 loss. Carbon opened the season with a win over Grantsville in its home opener earlier in the week, and with a lot of returning stars from last season, will be looking to make noise come playoff time.

via castlecountryradio.comVernalAugust 7, 2026

Vernal father’s DWR job, 150-minute timeline, and 8th District charge deepen picture of hot-car infant death

New details identify Tommy Dean Platero as a Utah Division of Wildlife Resources worker who left his 7-month-old daughter about 150 minutes in a closed car at the agency’s north Vernal Avenue lot on July 28, when outside heat was about 92°F and the cabin was later estimated at 131–151°F. He was charged July 30 with second-degree-felony child abuse homicide; the mother and vehicle type remain undisclosed, while a 2025 Veyo toddler death shows a recent statewide parallel.

VernalAugust 3, 2026

Vernal Man Arrested After 7-Month-Old Infant Dies in Vehicle

A 34-year-old man has been arrested and charged with child abuse homicide following the death of a 7-month-old infant in Vernal. The infant reportedly died after being left unattended in a vehicle with the windows up for a substantial period of time.

UintahAugust 3, 2026

Vernal Water Rates Surge Amid Severe Drought Conditions

Vernal residents are facing significant water bill increases as the Ashley Valley Water and Sewer District implements emergency conservation rates to combat the worst water conditions in living memory. The district plans to maintain these higher rates through October 31, 2026, to fund critical infrastructure projects and water acquisitions.

UintahAugust 3, 2026

Seven-Month-Old Poppy June Platero Passes Away in Utah

A seven-month-old child, Poppy June Platero, passed away on July 28, 2026, in Vernal, Utah. Her family has scheduled memorial services for August 5, 2026, in Moab.

Salt Lake CityAugust 3, 2026

Vernal Infant Dies After Being Left in Hot Car for Two Hours

A 7-month-old infant died after being left in a hot vehicle for over two hours in Vernal, leading to an investigation by the Vernal Police Department. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death, which occurred on July 28, 2026.

Salt Lake CityAugust 3, 2026

Uintah School District Announces 2026-2027 Registration Information

Online registration for the 2026-2027 school year in the Uintah School District begins on Aug. 1. Students enrolled in the district during the final day of the 2025-2026 school year can register online via Aspire.

VernalJuly 30, 2026

Construction Begins on Steinaker Service Canal Trail in Vernal

Construction has begun on the Steinaker Service Canal Trail in Vernal, a 1.9-mile paved path connecting US-40 to 500 North. Developed by UDOT in partnership with local stakeholders, the project aims to improve connectivity to schools and senior centers while serving as a key component of the regional trail master plan.

VernalJuly 30, 2026

Project Alley Celebrates Ribbon Cutting for Women's Recovery Home

Project Alley, a non-profit women's recovery home in Dry Fork, celebrated a ribbon cutting on July 30, 2026, marking a new chapter for the addiction recovery initiative. Founded by Heath McDougal-Deans, the facility provides a structured, spiritually inclusive environment for women seeking to rebuild their lives.

VernalJuly 30, 2026

Vernal Police Investigate Death of 7-Month-Old Infant

The Vernal Police Department is investigating the death of a 7-month-old infant following a vehicle incident. A 34-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the case.

VernalJuly 30, 2026

Vernal Walmart Reopens After July 23 Bomb Threat Evacuation

The Vernal Walmart reopened to the public after a July 23 bomb threat triggered a full evacuation and a K-9 sweep. Law enforcement officials stated the investigation into the credible threat remains active.

VernalJuly 30, 2026

Weekly Announcements – August 24

Centennial Parents/Guardians, Please note the following weekly announcements. 1. Beginning-of-Year NWEA Testing Beginning-of-Year NWEA testing begins today, Monday, August 24. August 24–28: Students will complete NWEA Math and Science assessments. August 31–September 11: NWEA Reading assessments and make-up testing will take place. 2. Safety Drill – Today, August 24 We will conduct a school safety drill today, Monday, August 24. During the drill, students and staff will practice our evacuation

StatewideAugust 24, 2026

Senator Curtis Promotes Policy to Address Utah Growth and Housing

Senator Curtis is working with Utah transportation leaders to develop policies addressing the state's rapid growth and affordable housing needs. This initiative follows years of local efforts in Lehi to manage population density and transit-oriented development.

StatewideAugust 24, 2026

3-year college degrees grow more popular in US, including Utah, but critics aren't sold

But with a wife and a widowed mother to help support, he needed a quick solution. "I can't afford to be out of the workforce for four years. The condensed programs have exploded in popularity. "This is not innovation. But those programs maintained the same course load, measured as credits.

via KJZZStatewideAugust 24, 2026

Can you hear the theaters ka-ching? A battered industry turns to ‘Les Miz.’

This website utilizes technologies such as cookies to enable essential site functionality, as well as for analytics, personalization, and targeted advertising. To learn more, view the following link: Privacy Policy Manage Preferences Can you hear the theaters ka-ching?

via Salt Lake TribuneStatewideAugust 24, 2026

Utah weather: Thunderstorm chances continue to start out the week

The bottom line? Showers and thunderstorms will continue with the threat of severe thunderstorms producing gusty winds possible for northern Utah. Temperatures will remain slightly above average with clouds and sunshine through the week and chances of thunderstorms into the weekend.

via ABC 4StatewideAugust 24, 2026

Wildfire response and public safety highlight Huntington council meeting

HUNTINGTON — The Huntington City Council approved five business licenses during its meeting Wednesday, Aug. Licenses were approved for Desert Contracting, Jessica Lee Cleaning and Landscaping, TC West LLC, Contour Beauty Academy and Solrise.

via etvnews.comStatewideHuntingtonAugust 24, 2026
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