In today’s episode we:
- Cover the Wasatch Back Transportation Tour which took place this week with members of the Utah Senate, Summit County and Wasatch County staff and councilmembers, and key transportation and tourism partners in the area
- Then we’ll share info about numerous opportunities to get involved and have your voice heard on the topics of: mental health, fire services, the prospect of an Olympic bid for Utah and more!
Let’s get into the news…
Smoke Advisory
The heat wave is finally over but several wildfires in nearby states may make it less enjoyable to take advantage of the cooler temperatures outside this weekend. Over the next several days, heavy drift smoke is expected in Summit County. At the time of this recording, there are no active fires in Summit County. As a friendly reminder from our Fire Warden and Public Safety Dispatch, only report a fire to dispatch if you see a defined smoke column or flames.
You can text SCFIREINFO to 888777 to receive the latest updates on Summit County fire outlook, information, and more.
Wasatch Back Transportation and Transit Tour
On September 6, Summit County Council and High Valley Transit welcomed members of senate leadership from the state legislature on a Wasatch Back transportation and transit tour. Members included Senate President Stuart Adams, Senate Majority Leader Evan Vickers, Senate Executive Appropriations Chair Jerry Stevenson and Senator Ron Winterton, District 26. The goal of this event was to build stronger relationships with decision-makers at the state level and share with them the wonderful regional collaboration and coordination we are facilitating across the Wasatch Back to improve mobility and reduce congestion. The Park City Chamber of Commerce, Visitors Bureau, Wasatch County, and the Military Installation Development Authority MIDA co-hosted the tour with Summit County.
The event kicked off at the Ecker Hill Transit Center, before visiting the new site of High Valley Transit’s future operations and maintenance facility near Silver Summit. The group concluded their tour by visiting the MIDA Resort development project at Mayflower in Wasatch County, then gathering at the Pendry Hotel in Canyons Village.
North Summit Fire Open Houses
Shifting gears to the topic of fire safety in our communities: North Summit Fire District is holding two public open houses next week to take a clear look at the fire district’s financial situation and determine a path forward to make sure the public and our firefighters are safe and protected. Residents of the North Summit Fire District are invited to listen to a presentation discussing current coverage inadequacies and solutions for critical upgrades to North Summit Fire District service levels. Questions and comments from the public will be taken at the end of the presentation.
The events are Monday, September 12, and Wednesday, September 14 from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm at the Ledges Event Center at 202 Park Road, Coalville, UT 84107. There will be a Zoom option available ONLY for the Wednesday, September 14th meeting. You can also find a link to the Zoom meeting at summitcounty.org/engage to tune in and participate.
Mental Health Town Hall
Shifting gears to community input sessions related to health…Now’s your chance to help guide the next 5 years of mental health improvements in our community by attending one of two Town Halls next week.
The first town hall will be held on September 13 from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm at the Sheldon Richins Building in Kimball Junction and the second town hall will be held on September 15 from 5:30 – 8:00 pm at the Park City Library.
It’s crucial that we help our community and loved ones address their needs and create those services that will help our community the most. For more details on these events, visit: summitcountyhealth.org/townhall
Olympic Meetings
It’s a busy month for public engagement opportunities in Summit County. Throughout September and into October, Mountain Mediation Center, in partnership with Park City Municipal and Summit County, Utah invites the public to join their next “Community Conversation Series – The Utah Olympic Bid: A Summit County Listening Project.” Participants will have the opportunity to share their hopes and concerns about how a Winter Olympics in Summit County would affect our communities. These facilitated small group conversations will allow everyone’s voice to be heard.
There are multiple dates and locations of each conversation All in-person conversations will take place from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., while the virtual Zoom Conversation will be held from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. The conversations will be bilingual (in both English and Spanish), and refreshments will be provided. Space is limited, so you are encouraged to RSVP to reserve your spot. Check out all dates and times and RSVP by visiting summitcounty.org/engage. Dates and times will also be listed in the show notes.
The dates and locations of each conversation are as follows:
September 13 – Kamas Library
September 20 – Virtual Conversation via Zoom
September 22 – Kimball Junction Library
September 28 – Christian Center of Park City
September 29 – Ledges Events Center in Coalville
October 6 – Park City Library
Living With Wildfire Series
Wildfires are increasing in frequency and intensity across the west. You can learn how landscapes, biodiversity, and our watersheds are responding by attending the next event in Summit County’s Living with Wildfire Series on September 20th from 6:30 – 8:00 pm at the Swaner Preserve and Eco Center in Kimball Junction. Hear from panelists including Summit County Public Lands Manager Jess Kirby, recently retired State Fuels Specialist for Utah’s Bureau of Land Management Brad Washa, and ecologist Dr. Paul Rogers as they discuss their work in this field and what impacts we’re seeing both locally and state-wide. There will also be a live Q&A at the end of the discussion! There are options for either in-person or virtual tickets to this event. Details and registration can be found at: swanerecocenter.org/calendar
Adopt-A-Thon
We have a few other Summit County events, activities, and volunteers to inform you about: On Saturday, Sept. 17 Summit County Animal Control is co-hosting an Adopt-A-Thon with Nuzzles and Co. at the Summit County Animal Shelter at 1745 S. Hoytsville Road in Wanship! The event runs from 11 am to 3 pm. Come one come all to find a new furry friend!
Watershed Restoration Volunteer Opportunities
Lastly: September 24th is National Public Lands Day and you can celebrate by participating in a Stream Restoration Volunteer Day with one of Summit County’s partners: Sageland Collaborative.
They will be hosting restoration opportunities all month long—but we are encouraging you to join Summit County’s Public Lands Manager Jess Kirby on September 23 or 24 to clean up East Canyon Creek which is a Summit County property!
To participate or see what other restoration opportunities are out there, you need to register at sagelandcollaborative.org.
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