Utah News

Last week, Governor Herbert announced a ban on fireworks in unincorporated areas of Utah and left it up to cities to regulate their communities.

In Cache Valley, authorities have declared restrictions on specific areas in the cities of Logan, Providence, North Logan, Hyde Park, River Heights, Smithfield, Richmond, Hyrum, Millville, Nibley, Wellsville, Paradise, and Lewiston. The boundaries of these restricted areas are described here.

The Clay Springs fire in Millard County still burns, but had reached 48 percent containment  Sunday night.  The fire has destroyed one home and threatens 75 others, according to the Division of Natural Resources Press release. The fire is human caused, and under investigation, and has burned more than 93,000 acres.Monday evening there will be three Town Meetings to discuss fire safety in the communities near the fire. 
Town Meetings: 

• Oak City 7 p.m.
• Scipio: 7 p.m.
• Holden 8:30 p.m.

 The Department of Natural Resources suggests people stay indoors in Nephi and other communities to avoid the smoke. Oak Canyon Road has been closed, and the communities currently affected by the Clay Springs Fire include: Mills/Levan, Scipio, Nephi, and Learnington.  

Utah Governor Gary Herbert says the state has done everything it can to ban fireworks in the most dangerous places. Now, he says it’s up to individual cities and citizens to take precautions to make sure this year’s fireworks season is a safe one.

Combining the talents of high school students, amateurs, and professional artists, Michael Bingham is spearheading a fundraiser in Northern Utah to send artists to school. UPR's Brianna Bodily sat down with Bingham to find out all about "Art in a Bag".

Michael Bingham, who is a local professional artist himself explains, "This event, Art in Bag, is a whole bunch of little paintings, they're 5 x 7 inches. You pay $10 for one bag or 3 for $25."

The value of many of the paintings is between $200 - $400.

Reactions to the Supreme Court's decision regarding national health care reform vary. During UPR's Access Utah broadcast Thursday morning, guests were asked to give their reaction to the decision, less than an hour after the announcement, and by mid-day Utah's high-level politicians had released their statements.

Besides dominating the news over the past 2 weeks, the wildfires that are consuming thousands of acres across the state are taking their toll on Utahns' mental health. When confronted with natural disaster and personal tragedy, a range of stress, anxiety, and depression are common.

The national Disaster Distress Helpline is available to provide counseling to anyone who needs help in dealing with the wildfires in Utah.

A wildfire near New Harmony, south of Cedar City, has destroyed 1 home so far and 7 other structures, forced the evacuation of about 40 homes, numerous farm animals, and led to the closure of I-15 between Cedar City and St. George.