Local News

Today on the Local News Hour, Carolyn is joined by Brooke Porter Cole from Utah Department of Workforce Services talks about the trends in unemployment claims. (10:04)  Then, Park City High School Junior Caroline Waldman from the Junior National Honor Society discusses the changes they’re making to the annual Memorial Day 5K race this year due to the social distancing orders in place. (27:25) And to end the week, Intermountain Healthcare Immunologist Dr.

We are sad to report that KPCW has lost one of our most devoted listeners.  Donna VanBuren passed away early Wednesday morning.  She gave so much not only to KPCW, but also to the Park City Community.

Summit and Park City officials adopted a resolution to make May a month of mental health awareness. Especially in this time of COVID-19, the uncertainty causes increased depression, anxiety, and fear.

The recent Coffee with Park City Council  focused on the many services available to those who need emotional support.

Businesses around Park City and Summit County are in a re-opening phase.

But in the meantime, many residents are wondering what happens to mass gatherings or events in the next five or six months.

Summit County Manager Tom Fisher says, bottom line, they won’t happen.    Or if they do, you will see something very different.  

Fisher told KPCW that the county’s objective over the past two months has been to lessen the spread of the virus.   To do that, they’ve taken some major steps.        

Today on the Local News Hour, Carolyn is joined by Summit County Council member Kim Carson with an update on Wednesday’s council meeting. Then, University of Utah Executive Director of Outreach and Network Development  Tad Morley talks about the 5 million surgical grade masks that are being sewn by volunteers through the Project Protect effort, and Kimball Arts Center Communications Director Amy Roberts talks about upcoming plans for the Monster Draw Rally.

After reading public comments and a brief discussion Heber City Council voted to continue the approval of the Sorenson annexation agreement to their next meeting.

Today on the Local News Hour: 

Summit County Deputy Health Director Phil Bondurant has an update on COVID public health transition to an orange status. He talks about the  Summit county orders and gives an update on pilot anti-body testing. (04:35)

Renee Huang is founder and owner of Wild Women Tribe. She has an update on the virtual retreat, Spark Clarity which is scheduled for the last weekend in May. (20:00)

Executive Director of Summit Community Gardens Sloane Johnson talks about the spring opening and the upcoming activities at the gardens. (32:48)

It’s been five days since Summit County’s revised Health Order approved a Stabilization Phase, with businesses allowed to carefully re-open.

That means many businesses are still figuring out how to operate, and the county is crafting a plan to watch them.    That was a topic at Monday’s online Conversation With Council.

County Health Director Rich Bullough said Monday that over the past weekend, the businesses were generally responsible, as they eased their way back into operation.

Monday’s Conversation With County Council looked back on the county’s revised Health Order on April 30th, which Lifted a Stay At Home Order.

But county officials warned residents that they’re not returning to Normal anytime soon in terms of how they travel, interact with others, or hold mass events.   

During the Conversation, County Health Director Rich Bullough said that thanks to the public, they have good data, with relatively few new COVID-19 cases, and a high percentage of patients recovering from the virus.

For Park City Peace House, their biggest  fundraiser is the annual Spring Luncheon.

But that is not possible this year, so the organization will hold a virtual event this Thursday.

Organizers Julie Joyce and Katie Margolis said that to join the fundraiser on May 7th, you can go online to “peacehouse.org.”

They’ve already posted some videos for the occasion.   They said all of them will on the site by Thursday morning.

Social distancing and wearing face masks when in public places remain critical for COVID-19 prevention. Summit and Wasatch County restaurant owners are asking patrons to follow the recommendations made by both the Governor’s office and county health facilities.

Mike Motyka and his wife Wendy own and operate Granny’s in Heber City. They’re well known for their shakes and have been around for decades. Motyka was stunned by how many customers came by this past weekend. He said inside, they followed all the protocols. However, outside was a different story.

The Christian Center re-opened Monday. They’ve been providing services from the food pantry since the middle of March when public health orders shut down all but essential businesses. They expect their receiving department will likely be inundated for the short term.

Christian Center Executive Director Rob Harter says to expect wait times for those who want to drop off items for the thrift store and boutique. He says they’re planning for a lot of activity after the weeks of people staying at home.