Friday evening, Sept. 24, 2021
State
Utah National Guard Soldier Dies During Training In Kentucky
A Utah National Guard soldier died this week in a training exercise in Kentucky. Staff Sgt. Paul Lincoln Olmstead was doing a water exercise at Fort Campbell. National Guard officials said he went underwater at a reservoir Tuesday and didn’t resurface. His body was recovered the next morning. Gov. Spencer Cox released a statement Friday honoring Olmstead’s “sacrifice and commitment to his country.” Olmstead joined the National Guard in 2016 and is survived by a wife and two children. — Ross Terrell
Eligibility For Federal Financial Relief For Former Foster Care Kids Set To Expire
Federal COVID relief money for former foster youth can help pay for food, rent and other daily needs. But so far only 7% of the more than $2 million Utah received has been used. Expanded eligibility for people who have aged out of the system will also stop next week. That has advocates like Milton Gale concerned. He says people who’ve aged out of foster care are often reluctant to ask for help, fearing they might get pulled back into the system. That’s been one of the many challenges he’s faced in trying to get more people to apply for the funding. Read the full story. — Jon Reed
Northern Utah
Vivint SmartHome Arena To Require COVID Vaccine Proof Or Negative Test
If you’re planning to attend any event at Vivint SmartHome Arena this fall, you’ll be required to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccine or a negative test within the previous 72 hours. Arena officials announced the changes Friday. They’ll take effect starting next Thursday with the preseason NHL game between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. The new health guidelines are only for people over the age of 12. For guests younger than 12, masks will be required at all times inside the arena. The changes apply to all Utah Jazz home games. The Jazz have two preseason home games in mid-October and open their season on Oct. 20. Utah’s state epidemiologist commended the move. She said in a statement the department of health welcomes any efforts by businesses to operate safely. The requirements will be in effect until further notice. — Ross Terrell
Three Officers Cleared In Fatal Shooting In Kearns
Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill cleared three police officers Friday in the shooting and killing of a man in Kearns in February. Police were responding to an armed domestic violence situation. When they arrived, they heard gunshots and ordered Dennis Glen Denham to leave the house unarmed. He eventually shot at law enforcement. Two West Valley City officers and one from the Unified Police Department fired back around 10 times. Gill said after reviewing the case, each officer reasonably believed they needed to use deadly force in order to protect themselves. — Emily Means