Utah News

The "Dump Fire" that started this week near Saratoga Springs was only 20% contained before today's high temperatures and winds forced more than 2,000 homes to be evacuated in Saratoga Springs and nearby Eagle Mountain.

Early on Friday, FEMA authorized funds through a Fire Management Assistance Grant to help fight the fire.

IMPORTANT EVACUATION INFORMATION

• An evacuation center has been set up at Westlake High School, 99 North Thunder Blvd., Saratoga Springs
• Eagle Mountain residents should call 801-789-6000 for emergency info
• Saratoga Springs residents should call 801-766-6503 for emergency info
• For pet evacuation assistance call Steve Weber at Cedar Pass Ranch: 801-735-6646
  

While Dan Lilenquist tries to unseat incumbent Senator Orrin Hatch for the Republican nod in this November’s senate election, the Utah Democratic Party has already picked their nominee. Scott Howell responds to the June 15 debate between the Republican candidates on the Doug Wright Show as well as addresses his "3 E's" -- Education, Economy, Energy -- with UPR's Mackinzie Hamilton.

KJ Harrison attended Snow Canyon High School in St. George and was on a trip with other area scouts to Mooney Falls in the Havasupai Indian Reservation inside the Grand Canyon.

According to a press release by the Coconino County Sheriffs' Office, the boy was swimming in an area under the falls when he was pulled beneath the surface by an undercurrent.

It took some time for fellow swimmers to bring him to the surface. CPR was administered for an extended period of time, but proved unsuccessful in resuscitating the boy.

When temperatures soar like they have this week in Utah, working outdoors can be dangerous. A national campaign is underway to help prevent heat-related deaths and illness.

Twenty-three girls from Southern Utah's Hurricane High School cheer squad spend a lot of time outside in the heat. Shanna Baker is their assistant coach, responsible for making sure the girls stay hydrated and healthy.

"In fact our school is under construction, so we're outside full time right now on the football field."

UPR correspondent Dani Hayes spent a weekend with Utah Highlanders in the Lowlands of Utah valley at Utah's Scottish Festival and Highland Games in Lehi.

Events included military music shows, band competitions, the Highland athletic games, Highland dance competition, Irish dance performances, a variety of Celtic music, food, and of course bagpipes.

Dani asked festival-goers what draws people to the Scottish culture if they're not Scottish?

"Men wearing dresses!" one man yelled.

And what's the deal with kilts?

The non-profit organization Families USA released a report this week that estimates 2 Utahns between the ages of 25 - 64 die every week because they did not have adequate health care.

The organization's Executive Director Ron Pollack says the Affordable Care Act offers access to coverage for families who struggle to get the health care they need.

The 26th Annual Bike MS Utah, nicknamed "Harmons Best Dam Bike Ride", takes place in and around Logan June 23 - 24.

The ride is the largest fundraiser of the year for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Utah-Southern Idaho Chapter with the funds going toward helping Utahns impacted by the disease improve their quality of life and ultimately to the goal of eradicating the disease.

Specialty beers, wines and other alcoholic beverages could soon cost you more money. Next month, the state’s alcoholic beverage handling fee is more than doubling.

In 2008, Dave Cole and his business partner, Peter Erickson, began pursuing their dream of opening their own brewery.

“It was either an epic failure or a success and fortunately Salt Lake was ready for it.”