Daily News Round Up

July 14, 2021

COVID-19 Cases Continuing To Rise Throughout Utah

(St. George, UT)  --  COVID-19 cases keep rising throughout Utah. Yesterday, the state added 471 new cases to the total, pushing it to 420-thousand-685. Three new deaths related to the virus were added to the death toll, which is surpassing 24-hundred.

Pharmacist Disciplined For Filling Vaccine Card Without Giving One

(Herriman, UT)  --  A Utah pharmacist is surrendering his license to practice after being caught filling out COVID-19 vaccine cards without administering doses. The Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing says Bruce F. Whatcott admitted to filling one out for a reluctant patient back in June. The patient was reportedly there because their employer requested they get vaccinated for travel. Whatcott says he was giving the patient a choice. He also admitted to doing the same for several other patients. Officials say his actions misrepresented the patients as vaccinated and put them and others at risk of contracting the virus.

Teen Charged With Hate Crime For Damaging Pro-Police Sign

(Garfield County, UT)  --  A Garfield County teen is facing a hate crime charge for allegedly damaging a Back the Blue sign. The incident reportedly happened on July 7th when Lauren Gibson was pulled over in Panguitch by a Garfield County Sheriff's deputy for allegedly speeding by a gas station. Following the traffic stop, the deputy reported seeing Gibson allegedly stomp on a nearby 'Back the Blue' sign, crumble it up and throw it into the trash while smirking in an intimidating manner. She was arrested and charged with criminal mischief and disorderly conduct, but the Garfield County Attorney's office added a hate crime charge after the fact.

Man Shot In Face Expected To Survive

(St. George, UT)  --  A man who was shot in the face and found by a St. George cemetery over the weekend is expected to recover. St. George Police say on Saturday night, they were dispatched near the Thunder Junction Park and Tonaquint Cemetery after reports of a car crash. However, upon arrival, they found a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the face. The man was taken to the hospital and is expected to recover. Police say he is incredibly lucky to be alive. They added that the suspect is still at large, and anyone with information on the shooting is asked to call them at 435-627-4338.

Utah Raises 125th Anniversary Flag At State Capitol

(Salt Lake City, UT)  --  Utah is honoring its 125th anniversary with a commemorative flag.  The flag was raised above the state Capitol building yesterday by state lawmakers, including Lieutenant Governor Deidre Henderson.  The flag features a beehive and single star inside a yellow circle, surrounded by triangle-shaped blue, red and white panels.  The flag will fly at the Capitol building through the end of the year.