Porter Huntsman

(Springdale, UT) — A man is dead after a rappelling accident at Zion National Park over the weekend. The Washington County Sheriff's Office says the 40-year-old fell nearly 200 feet near Emerald Pool on Saturday and a helicopter was needed to remove him from the area. Life Flight arrived to take the man to the hospital, but he was declared dead at the scene. Three other people in the party had to be pulled out yesterday and were given supplies to last through the night.

(Salt Lake City, UT) — The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is cautioning hunters that they need to keep themselves and animals away from harmful algal blooms. The waterfowl hunting season began this past weekend just as 24 water bodies in the state issued a warning or danger advisory for water with elevated levels of algal bloom toxins. These blooms can have the appearance of green pea soup or paint. Exposure to the toxins can cause headaches, fever and gastrointestinal issues. If a pet is exposed, seek veterinary care. The state's Division of Water Quality is monitoring the levels at these water bodies.

(St. George, UT) — Utahns are being warned of scams involving natural disasters. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Utah says scammers will take advantage of people across the country who are willing to help, including with the recent Hurricane Helene along the east coast. Officials noted residents across the state should be careful and be diligent when attempting to make donations to any relief funds for victims of the hurricane. Tips offered by the attorney's office include making contributions to known organizations and to not feel pressured into giving your money up. It also said to avoid cash donations and look for look-alike names.

(Salt Lake City, UT) — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is publicly reasserting its position on political neutrality, civil discourse and abortion. The church released a statement yesterday in response to recent inquiries about its stance on specific issues of importance for many this election season. Church officials emphasized there is a long-standing policy of “institutional neutrality regarding political parties and candidates.” The statement also encourages civic awareness and participation and reinforces that “church members may appropriately choose to participate in efforts to protect life and to preserve religious liberty.”

(Arches National Park, UT) — A 68-year-old man from Paramus, New Jersey, died while hiking on the Devils Garden Trail in Arches National Park. He fell 30 feet near the Black Arch Overlook on Tuesday morning. Park Service Rangers responded to the incident after receiving a report of CPR in progress. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. An investigation into the circumstances of the fall is ongoing.

(Salt Lake County, UT) — With election season underway in Utah, reports of political sign theft and vandalism are increasing. Residents are taking to social media to share their experiences of stolen or damaged signs. The Salt Lake County Clerk's office has reminded the public that stealing political signs is a Class B misdemeanor in Utah, punishable by up to six months in jail and fines of up to one-thousand-dollars.

(Salt Lake City, UT) — Utah Task Force One is heading back to the Beehive State. The group traveled to the southeastern U.S. to help with response efforts to Hurricane Helene, but FEMA announced Saturday it had “successfully completed their missions.” Dozens of task force members were sent over at the end of September and visited multiple states, including North Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia. The group consisted of fire departments from Salt Lake City, Ogden, Park City, and more.

(Brian Head, UT) — A southern Utah facility has wrapped up operations for the season. The Visitor Center at Cedar Breaks National Monument closed yesterday for winter and won't reopen until snow conditions have gone away next year. Officials said they had a “very successful summer season” and look forward to the same in 2025. The park will still be open throughout the year and all roads remain open for the time being. State Route 148 will close for the winter following the first major snowfall.

(St. George, UT) — Utahns wishing to vote by mail should be getting their ballots soon. Those were scheduled to be sent out to residents around the state starting yesterday. Others wishing to vote by mail still have until October 29th to request such a ballot, but they need to be returned by November 4th. The general election takes place the next day for Utahns who prefer to vote in-person. Early voting for in-person begins next Tuesday.

(Cedar City, UT) — Southern Utah University is celebrating a significant milestone. The Cedar City school announced it has doubled its enrollment over the last decade and now stands at more than 15-thousand-400 students. The current number is an all-time high and a nearly three-percent increase from last fall. Officials added they have a projection of more than 16-thousand students by the end of this semester. SUU believes a major factor behind the growth is its online program that educates more than 35-hundred students.