KDXU up to the minute news

New St. George City councilman chosen

Bryan Smethurst was selected by the St. George City Council to fill the council seat left vacant by the death of his stepfather, Joe Bowcutt. Smethurst was one of 28 applicants interviewed by the City Council Monday. Prior to the special council meeting, each applicant submitted a resume and letter detailing why they should be appointed to fill the remainder of Bowcutt’s term, which ends in January 2022.

Man accused in Brian Head fire headed to trial

The man accused of sparking a massive wildfire near Brian Head in 2017 is headed for trial.  Yesterday, a judge refused to dismiss charges against 63-year-old Robert Lyman after his attorneys argued his actions did not meet the legal definition of recklessness.

Utah AG challenging replacement to Prop Two

The Utah Attorney General's Office wants the lawsuit challenging the replacement to Proposition Two to go back down to a state court.  Two groups filed the lawsuit challenging the Utah Legislature's replacement for the voter-approved initiative, creating a state-controlled medical cannabis regulatory and distribution system.

St. George Marathon this Saturday

The annual St. George Marathon, set for its 43^rd version the morning of Oct. 5. The marathon is the City’s signature event, having received accolades for a variety of reasons including the course itself and the enthusiasm of its more than 1,000 volunteers.

ATV use in National Parks being allowed

The National Parks Service is changing its rules regarding the use of all-terrain and side-by-side utility vehicles on roads in parks like Zion and Bryce Canyon.  State Representative Phil Lyman says the change removes a conflict between Utah law and the parks service's rules.

Emergency drought declaration rescinded

The statewide emergency from drought has been rescinded after nearly a year.  Governor Gary Herbert made the announcement today, saying that only 15-percent of Utah is now experiencing moderate drought conditions.  When the governor issued the emergency order last October, 88-percent of the state was in severe drought.

Vaping illness continues

A recent rise in illnesses related to vaping can be traced to cartridges containing the active ingredient in cannabis.

Epidemiologist Keegan McCaffrey of the Utah Department of Health says the department has interviewed more than half of the 71 people in the state who have been affected by the outbreak.  Ninety-four-percent of those interviewed said they had vaped some form of THC.

LDS Church releases new details on youth program

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is releasing details of its new program for children and youth in the faith.  In a video, Church leaders explain the new Children and Youth Program will be more flexible, allowing participants to set personalized goals, and allowing parents and leaders to customize their own efforts as well.

Legal challenges continue over Bears Ears National Monument

A legal challenge against the Trump administration is moving forward over the decision to cut the size of Bears Ears National Monument.  Yesterday, a federal judge shot down a motion to dismiss the challenge.  The administration is being sued by Utah's five American Indian tribes and several other organizations, who argue the 2017 order threatens archaeological and historic resources.