Monday evening, July 5, 2021
State
Gov. Spencer Cox Address Utah’s Drought On National Television
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox joined CBS’ “Face the Nation” Sunday to talk about the state’s historic drought. He said the first “necessary” response is water conservation. He said he’s also been talking with other governors in the West about the importance of smart water storage. “Storing water above ground and underground as well will make a big difference as we are also the fastest growing state in the nation, so we have to be prepared for generations to come,” Cox said. Currently, 98% of the state is experiencing extreme drought conditions. Read the full story. — Emily Means
Northern Utah
Salt Lake City Police Received More Than 200 Calls For Illegal Fireworks
Salt Lake City has banned personal fireworks due to the state’s current drought situation. But that didn’t stop people from lighting them off over the holiday weekend. From Saturday through Monday morning, Salt Lake police received more than 230 calls of illegal firework use. City officials have been asking people to only view public displays to reduce the risk of wildfires. The celebratory explosives aren’t allowed in Utah again until July 22-25 for Pioneer Day. Fireworks are never allowed on state, federal or unincorporated lands. — Ross Terrell
Intermountain Healthcare Completes Acquisition Of Classic Air Medical
Intermountain Healthcare has officially acquired a western air medical transport company in a deal that was first announced in April. Classic Air Medical is based out of North Salt Lake and has 28 aircraft. IHC said it will keep the company’s operations independent from the hospital’s existing Life Flight air medical program. It said having a larger fleet will make it easier to transport rural intermountain patients to larger hospitals when needed. — Caroline Ballard
Southern Utah
Zion Canyon Medical Clinic Destroyed In Floods
A medical clinic in southwestern Utah has closed its doors for the first time in more than three decades. The Zion Canyon Medical Clinic in Springdale was destroyed during last week’s floods in that part of the state. Video shows muddy water racing past and into the building and damaging cars parked outside the clinic. A Go Fund Me page has been set up to help with rebuilding. The clinic is hoping to raise $50,000. — Ross Terrell