Monday morning, June 7, 2021
State
174 New COVID-19 Cases Reported In Utah
Utah health officials reported 174 new COVID-19 cases Monday. In the past week, the state has seen more than 300 cases in a single day just twice. Utah’s week-long average of new daily cases is 236. That’s up compared to a week ago. The state’s positivity rate has also slightly increased. So far, more than 1.5 million Utahns have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. — Ross Terrell
October General Conference To Once Again Be Virtual
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced Monday October General Conference will be virtual. This event is held twice a year in Salt Lake City. The Church has held the last three conferences online because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Church officials also announced the Saturday evening portion of the conference will be scrapped. That session used to be only for men, but was recently changed to alternate with the women. Leaders said the decision was made because it’s now available online for anyone to watch. — Lexi Peery, St. George
Southern Utah
Dixie State University Settles On Two Themes For New Name
Members of Dixie State University’s Name Recommendation Committee have chosen two name themes to look into more: academic mission and Utah. Those two options will be presented to focus groups starting this week. The committee also came up with six possible names to be presented to the groups. None of them include the word “Dixie.” They’re scheduled to meet again next Monday to discuss the feedback. They could also potentially choose a name to recommend to the university’s board of trustees. — Lexi Peery, St. George
Utah Receiving Federal Funding To Help Fight Mammoth Fire
Utah will receive federal funds to help fight the Mammoth Fire burning in Garfield County. The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced Monday it received the state’s request over the weekend. FEMA officials said at the time, the fire was threatening nearly 300 homes in and around Panguitch. They determined the size of the fire and potential destruction it could cause would constitute a major disaster. Right now the Mammoth Fire is burning nearly 700 acres and is 0% contained. Its cause is still under investigation. — Ross Terrell
Follow KUER’s coverage of Utah’s 2021 Fire Season.
Region/Nation
Wildfire Debris Impacting Spring Runoff Across The West
Debris from last year’s wildfires is sullying water systems for towns in our region. That water is collecting ash, debris and heavy metals once held fast by plant roots that are no longer there. It’s hard to filter, and some can’t be cleaned at all. This isn’t new, but the scope of the problem is. Towns across the West have been able to rely, at least partially, on spring runoff but now, some mountain towns are facing water shortages. — Madelyn Beck, Mountain West News Bureau