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PM News Brief: Poaching Crackdown, Moab Police Chief Leave Of Absence & Ski Resorts Pandemic Preparation

A photo of a covid precaution sign at a ski resort.
Brian Albers
/
KUER
Ski resorts are beginning to prepare for another pandemic winter. One of the region’s top resorts will require masks and vaccinations for some indoor activities. This story and more in Tuesday evening's news brief.

Tuesday evening, Sept. 28, 2021

State

Utah Wildlife Officials Cracking Down On Poaching

Utah wildlife officials are attempting to crack down on poaching as hunting seasons continue around the state. The general deer hunt starts next month and officials said there is typically a spike in unlawful killings in the fall. Between Aug. 1 and Sept. 23, 92 animals were illegally killed. That includes deer, elk, bighorn sheep and turkeys. Utah’s Division of Wildlife Resources said the agency only has 35 officers patrolling the entire state, so they need help from citizens. If you see an animal killed illegally, officers say get the license plate number, but don’t confront the person. Poaching reports can be made through the DWR app, online or via text. — Ross Terrell

Northern Utah

University Of Utah Students Gather To Remember Aaron Lowe 

University of Utah students and faculty gathered at Marriott Library Monday night to remember student athlete Aaron Lowe and start the journey towards healing — once again. Aaron Lowe, who played football for the Utes, was shot and killed at a party over the weekend. Members of the Black community spoke about gun violence and remembered Lowe as a talented young man. They also asked campus leadership what efforts are being done to support them as a group. University President, Taylor Randall shared his condolences with the group and said he has a “sincere desire to listen” so they can begin the healing process. Lowe is the fifth U student to be killed in the past five years. Salt Lake City police are still investigating the case. Read the full story.Ivana Martinez 

Southern Utah

Moab Police Chief Takes Leave Of Absence  

The police chief in Moab has taken a leave of absence. A spokesperson confirmed today Tuesday that Chief Bret Edge requested a leave of absence that began Monday. In August, officers there stopped Gabby Petito and her boyfriend for a possible domestic violence case after a physical altercation. Petito's remains were discovered in northwest Wyoming several weeks later. The Teton County corner initially ruled her death a homicide. Last week, the city of Moab said it would conduct a formal investigation into the police department's handling of the dispute. It is unclear if Edge's request is related to criticism the department has faced over the past week. — Associated Press

Region/Nation

Ski Resorts Begin Pandemic Preparation Once Again  

Ski resorts are beginning to prepare for another pandemic winter. One of the region’s top resorts will require masks and vaccinations for some indoor activities. Vail Resorts owns prominent ski hills in Colorado and California as well as Park City Mountain Resort in Utah. It recently announced it will require masks and proof of vaccination for those 12 and older who want to eat indoors at restaurants. Vaccinations won’t be required for guests anywhere else in the resorts, though they have to wear masks inside. Skiers and snowboarders won’t be required to wear a mask outside on the hill. Vail Resorts and Aspen Snowmass in Colorado are also mandating vaccination for all their employees. Other big resorts in the region are expected to announce their COVID-19 plans in the coming weeks. — Nate Hegyi, Mountain West News Bureau

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