Washington County Schools open with masks, little issues

The Washington County school system became the first in the state to reopen classrooms for students and teachers Thursday.

School district spokesperson Steven Dunham says the return of in-person learning went smoothly despite some first-day jitters.

Dunham said more than 90-percent of the district's 35-thousand students started the year.

Plus, a number of students who chose the remote learning option actually showed up at schools yesterday to start classes.  Dunham said that was a sign that parents are comfortable with health and safety measures taken by the district to keep children and staff members safe.

"We are on alert and monitoring everything," he said. "It's a nerve-wracking time, but so far everything has gone fairly smoothly."

School board member Terry Hutchinson said they are following state mandates.

"I'm not happy with some of the restrictions, and believe me, I would change them if I could. But we are doing what has been mandated. The important thing is the kids are back in the classroom and learning and being together."

the bulk of high school football begins tonight. Fifty games featuring 100 teams will take place between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Locally all eight region 9 teams are in action.

Friday night lights — football schedule
Snow Canyon at Cyprus, 5:30 p.m.
Pine View-Ridgeline (at Westlake HS), 6 p.m. (broadcast on 890-KDXU)
Springville at Dixie, 7 p.m. (broadcast on 890-KDXU)
Manti at Crimson Cliffs, 7 p.m. (broadcast on ESPN 97.7 FM and CEC-TV)
Hurricane at Richfield, 7 p.m.
Desert Hills at Murry, 7 p.m.
Payson at Canyon View, 7 p.m., KCIN
Spanish Fork at Cedar, 7 p.m., 590-KSUB