CEDAR CITY — Hundreds of people in the southwest portion of Cedar City were without electricity for nearly four hours on Friday after a car crashed into a power box.

The incident, which occurred at around 10:45 a.m. near 1750 W. Royal Hunte Dr., involved a blue Mazda3 sedan with an adult female driver as its only occupant.

Cedar City Police Sgt. Nate Williams said the woman had apparently been heading west on Bentley Blvd. approaching that street’s intersection with Royal Hunte Drive.

“It appears that she had some type of unknown medical episode, (during) which we believe she lost consciousness,” Williams told Cedar City News. “We believe that she was probably close to the stop sign at the time, but whether she was stopped or whether she was still going, that we don’t know. But she did proceed through the intersection and collided with that power box.”

The crash caused heavy damage to the power equipment, specifically called a switch gearbox. Rocky Mountain Power crews arrived on scene shortly thereafter and began working to repair the damage. As many as 450 residential and business customers were reportedly affected by the outage.

Rocky Mountain Power spokeswoman Tiffany Erickson said the electricity in the area was back on by 2:30 p.m.

“They brought the customer count down to 139 at 2:23 p.m., with total restoration at 2:30,” she said. “It moved pretty quickly.”

Shortly after the crash, the Mazda driver was able to exit the car on her own power and walk over to a nearby ambulance, where she was evaluated by emergency medical technicians. She was not transported to the hospital.

“There weren’t any additional injuries or any injuries that were reported after she was treated,” Williams said. “Based on the unknown medical episode, we did not issue a citation.”

Although its airbags did not deploy in the collision, the Mazda sustained moderate front-end damage and heavy damage to the bottom of the front part of the vehicle. It was towed from the scene.

Personnel from the Cedar City Police Department and Cedar City Fire Department along with a Gold Cross Ambulance crew responded to the incident. Traffic in the area, which was relatively light, was minimally impacted for approximately 45-60 minutes while the scene was cleared.

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2020, all rights reserved.

ST. GEORGE — A report of a vehicle crash in Washington City set in motion a series of pursuits that continued through two jurisdictions as officers continue searching for the suspect allegedly responsible for the crimes.

The incident began with a crash reported shortly after 3 a.m. when officers responded to a residence in the Washington Fields area on a single-vehicle crash involving a white Lincoln MKX.

Officers arrived to find the vehicle heavily damaged in the front yard of the residence with no driver in sight, Washington City Police Lt. Kory Klotz told St. George News.

“According to witnesses, the car crashed, the airbags deployed and the suspect, or suspects, fled on foot,” he said.

As the scene was being processed, patrol officers began scouring the area in search of a suspect, which is when a second vehicle, a Chevrolet Suburban, was spotted traveling on a dirt road without its headlights on.

As soon as the officer closed in on the vehicle, however, the driver sped off and activated his headlights with the officer in tow.

The suspect turned on Merrill Drive heading toward Mall Drive at nearly 100 mph and driving erratically, hitting traffic cones and crossing the median into oncoming lanes. The vehicle then headed west on Red Cliffs Drive, and at that point, the pursuit was terminated.

“We terminated because the suspect was driving so erratically and going into oncoming lanes, so there were safety concerns there,” Klotz said.

The suspect continued west and was spotted by both St. George Police Officers and deputies with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Even the Gold Cross Ambulance crew spotted the suspect and relayed the information to police.

“Those guys with Gold Cross were keeping an eye out and even told us where the suspect was going during the incident,” he added.

Meanwhile, officers were able to get the license plate of both vehicles, the Lincoln that crashed in Washington Fields and the Suburban that later fled from officers. They were unaware that either vehicle was stolen until they contacted the vehicle’s owners, which is when they discovered that both were taken while the residents slept.

As the suspect continued into St. George, he was spotted on 3050 East by police. As soon as pursuing officers got closer, the suspect sped off and “was driving at least 100 mph,” Klotz said, before the short chase was terminated as a safety precaution.

Within minutes, officers were advised that a suspicious vehicle was reported on 2480 East near 350 North, where responding officers found the SUV “with the doors open and the music blaring, but no one in the car,” Klotz said.

The suspect reportedly fled from the vehicle on foot. According to witness statements at the scene, they observed a white male carrying two duffel bags. But bystanders were unable to provide any further details to police.

Klotz also said that once the suspect crashed the first car into the yard in Washington Fields, he fled on foot and then allegedly stole the second vehicle to flee the area, which was where the Tahoe was found abandoned in St. George shortly thereafter.

He also asked that any residents living in the Washington Fields area near Costco, or in the area of the Washington City Walmart where the first vehicle was reportedly stolen, or in the area where the Tahoe was abandoned, to view any footage that may have been captured on a doorbell camera or other surveillance equipment.

The suspect is still unidentified and remains at large, Klotz said, adding that anyone with information that can help police identify the man involved in at least two vehicle thefts, and possibly a third, is being asked to contact their local police department.

No injuries were reported during the series of incidents.

Click on photo to enlarge it, then use your left-right arrow keys to cycle through the gallery.  

Chevrolet Suburban is abandoned near 2480 East and the suspect allegedly fled police on foot, St. George, Utah, April 24, 2020 | Photo courtesy of Kory Klotz, St. George News

Lincoln MKX is heavily damaged in a single-vehicle crash where the suspect reportedly fled on foot, Washington, Utah, April 24, 2020 | Photo courtesy of Kory Klotz, St. George News

Lincoln MKX is heavily damaged in a single-vehicle crash where the suspect reportedly fled on foot, Washington, Utah, April 24, 2020 | Photo courtesy of Kory Klotz, St. George News

Lincoln MKX is heavily damaged in a single-vehicle crash where the suspect reportedly fled on foot, Washington, Utah, April 24, 2020 | Photo courtesy of Kory Klotz, St. George News

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2020, all rights reserved.

August 18, 1934 — April 20, 2020

Ferris Mathis, 85, passed away peacefully from natural causes with her family gathered (some virtually) around her on Monday, April 20, 2020. She was born the middle of five children on Aug. 18, 1934, to Mifflin Morris and Annona Hirschi Kleinman. Her father’s death when she was only 10 had a profound and lasting impact on her. Through the years, as Ferris assisted her widowed mother with the immense responsibilities of providing for and raising a family, she learned perseverance, determination and the necessity of hard work. The two of them forged a unique bond that remained strong throughout their entire lives as they cared for one another.

Ferris danced and cheered her way through grade school and graduated from Hurricane High as a loud and proud Tiger. That fall she, and five close girlfriends, packed their bags and moved 17 long miles to the “big city” to attend Dixie College. After her first year, while decorating for a school dance, Ferris met a handsome ball player named Richard (Dick) Mathis. They began dating and shortly thereafter were sealed in the St. George Temple on June 2, 1954. Over the next few years, Ferris honed her secretarial skills while Dick finished school at Dixie and BYU.

In 1959, following a brief two years in California, Dick and Ferris returned to be near family in St. George and built what would become their forever home on the edge of town — 600 south. They raised their family on that wide, welcoming street, in a neighborhood full of young children. And there they’ve remained for the past 60 years. Loved and supported by the most wonderful neighbors who, like them, have been there from the beginning.

Ferris flourished as a homemaker. She was a meticulous seamstress — a skill learned from her mother. She spent hours creating countless dance costumes, prom dresses, and outfits for special occasions such as Easter and Christmas. It’s been said you could wear whatever she made inside out because the clothing was as beautiful and perfect on the inside as it was on the outside. It was not unusual for her to be putting the finishing touches on her daughter’s formals after they were already zipped into them and their dates were ringing the doorbell. The only job she ever held outside the home was at Camelot Fabrics. There she was in her element and brought home drawers full of fabric in lieu of a paycheck. She was also an exceptional cook and worked tirelessly to provide three delicious meals a day for her family. Ferris perfected the Sunday pot roast, Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings, and also enjoyed a good hot dog roasted on the Red Hill. She delighted in sharing food with her neighbors, family, and even an occasional repairman. Her monkey bread and homemade root beer are legendary.

A clean and orderly home was a top priority for Ferris. She adhered to a rigid cleaning schedule with the precision of a drill sergeant. Nothing and no one could keep her from doing laundry on Monday, bathrooms on Tuesday, and dusting and vacuuming on Friday. Of course, her kids learned to clean right alongside her. They were trained to NEVER throw clothes on the floor and ALWAYS make their bed. Without fail, she spring cleaned the entire house every single year, and oft-times stated that she must surely be the last person on the planet who would continue to do such a thing.

Later in life, Ferris continued developing her talents by taking up organ lessons, making porcelain dolls, and piecing quilts. She thoroughly enjoyed playing her fancy organ with Dick as her permanent resident audience, and occasionally to the delight of her visiting grandkids. She was the ultimate grandmother showering her grandchildren with homemade clothes, dolls, blankets, and holiday packages sent to those living far away. One of many beloved traditions she started was giving each grandchild a special Christmas ornament every year. The older kids have accumulated quite a collection — each one a cherished memento. 

Ferris was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served diligently in every calling that came her way. She loved accompanying the primary children and serving as the ward music director. She was a true minister never passing up an opportunity to feed, comfort, and love those around her. Ferris and Dick served a Member Locator Mission where they had dear friends and memorable experiences. However, without question, she loved serving her family the most. She sacrificed time and means to ensure her children had every opportunity imaginable and supported them in each and every pursuit.

Ferris is survived by her husband of 65 years, Dick. Their children Marilyn Zaruba (Brad), Cape Girardeau MO, Marsha Johnson (Gale), Loveland CO, David Mathis (Leina), St. George, and Malea  Wuehler (John), St. George. Sister, Karol Beard (Mike), Fruit Heights, and sister-in-law Cleo Mathis (Jack), St. George, 20 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, extended family and dear friends. She is preceded in death by her parents Mifflin and Annona, brother Wayne Kleinman (Lee), and sisters Manon Tanner (Fred), and Luene DeMille (Wally). 

The family would like to thank Ferris’ neighbors, friends, and ward members for their many years of love and support. They would also like to thank the staff and aides at the Meadows Memory Care where Ferris has resided for the past year.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the family is holding a private service. Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S Bluff St., St. George, Utah. (435) 673-2454.

Friends and family are invited to sign Ferris’ online guestbook at www.spilsburymortuary.com. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Humanitarian Fund.

October 18, 1961 — April 21, 2020

On Tuesday, April 21, 2020, David Lawson Trueblood, 58, son of Roger and L’Deane Trueblood, passed away in his residence in St. George, Utah. 

Growing up in an Air Force family, David had the unique distinction of being born in Naples, Italy on Oct. 18, 1961, while his father was stationed there. As a child, he lived in and visited many wonderful countries and cultures, including Turkey, Germany, Israel, France, Greece and Switzerland.

David graduated from Dixie High School and went on to earn a BA in landscape architecture from Utah State University, pursuing his career in that field. His beautiful designs, distinctive for their water features, are enjoyed in numberless private homes and public spaces here in southern Utah and Nevada, including the Tuacahn Center for the Arts. His creations were inspired by his deep love for the beauty of nature; his tremendous knowledge of plants, flowers and foliage allowed him to display their unique qualities for the enjoyment of others. 

It is often said that if landscape design is done well, no one will notice the design because they are too busy enjoying the experience. David tried to hold himself to this standard. Still, if you find yourself at the Tuacahn Art Center or live in a home he designed, please take a moment to notice the beauty he took such pains to create for your peace and pleasure and remember our David. 

ST. GEORGE — A structure fire in the Blooming area sent flames shooting several feet off of the garage that was fully involved in the blaze as multiple fire engines arrived and lined the street Friday.

Shortly after 1 p.m., firefighters and officers were dispatched to Engelmann Drive on a structure fire involving a residence where the garage was fully involved in fire.

The family was home at the time the fire started and was able to safely evacuate the home before the fire department arrived on scene minutes later, St. George Fire Chief Robert Stoker said.

Crews arrived to find flames shooting out of the garage area and initiated an aggressive attack on the blaze that had spread into the vaulted ceilings and attic area above the garage. Firefighters were able to extinguish the active flames in less than 30 minutes.

Firefighters continued removing insulation and material as they checked the area for hot spots or fire extensions that were not readily visible but could potentially reignite and cause a secondary fire at a later time.

The fire caused significant damage to the garage and attic area, while the home sustained heavy smoke damage. Other areas of the structure may have been damaged by the blaze as well, Stoker said, and more will be revealed as the fire investigation progresses.

“We’re going in to do some evaluations inside of the home right now to determine if the occupants can remain in the home,” Stoker said. They are also evaluating to see if the amount of damage is sufficient enough to prevent them from returning to the residence.

In the event the family is unable to return to the home until repairs to the structure are completed, he said, then the American Red Cross will be contacted once authorities are able to speak to the tenants to determine if they will need temporary housing or other resources.

Stoker also said the fire appears to have started near the front of the garage, but the cause has yet to be determined.

Firefighters will remain at the scene for several more hours conducting an overhaul of the fire, which entails walls, ceilings or any other voids to check for any remaining embers or flames that would have extended from the garage into other areas not readily visible.

The St. George Fire Department responded with five engines and a ladder truck while several police officers were dispatched to secure the scene and make sure all occupants were evacuated.

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ST. GEORGE — Police responded to a man brandishing a weapon outside Pizza Hut and the Dollar Tree store on Sunset Boulevard in St. George Friday afternoon.

Multiple witnesses at the scene said a black male kept putting his hand on a holstered gun.

Police arrested the suspect at the scene and took him in for questioning.

Luis Murillo, who works right across from the Dollar Tree at the Grease Monkey auto repair shop, said around 4:40 p.m. he saw “really weird” activity in front of the Dollar Tree.

“The thing that threw me off was people pulled off and immediately backed off,” Murillo said. “He was just hol

ding his gun, then kept holding it again. He wasn’t waving it around.”

Witnesses said workers and patrons inside the Dollar Tree had to lay on the ground.

Murillo said within five minutes St. George Police arrived with some brandishing rifles.

Another witness working at the Grease Monkey, Kody Hendrickson, took video as police arrived and arrested a suspect. The video, seen above, shows several officers with rifles moving in. At that moment, Hendrickson said the man threw his gun away and obeyed commands to lie on the ground.

Police identified the suspect as Lorenzo Plydel and said he was taken in for questioning. No further information was available.

Portions of video from the scene, courtesy of Kody Hendrickson, can be seen at the top of this story. 

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2020, all rights reserved.

ST. GEORGE — Police say a driver fled the scene of an accident and called 911 to report his vehicle stolen after rolling his truck and the trailer it was towing on Interstate 15.

Around 3:30 p.m. Friday afternoon, the truck was in the far right lane of I-15 near Pintura when it veered across two lanes before hitting the center median concrete divider. Utah Highway Patrol Sgt. Jake Hicks was the first law enforcement on scene.

“As I arrived, I saw a male run across the freeway to the other side, and I didn’t know what was going on yet,” Hicks said. “The male then jumped over the concrete barrier and was then running east toward those mountains.”

The witnesses told Hicks that the male was the driver of the truck that crashed. Hicks then called in backup from the Washington County Sheriffs Department who set up a perimeter around the crash scene.

About an hour later, right after the crash scene had been cleaned up, the male took his shirt off and flagged down some help a mile from the crash. He then called 911 to report that his car had been stolen.

There was alcohol left on the scene, and when the driver was located he was arrested for driving under the influence and was transported to the hospital with moderate injuries. He was discharged shortly after.

“When he jumped that barrier he then ran to a deer fence, which is quite tall,” Hicks said. “Then, over that deer fence is a steep downhill decline, and I don’t know if he fell down it or somehow managed to get down it, but that’s how we lost him so quickly.”

No other cars were hit as a result of the accident.

“This all could’ve been avoided by simply obeying that one law,” Hicks said.

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2020, all rights reserved.

IVINS CITY — At first, it sounded like the typical bingo game. “G-15, G-15….. B-3, B-3,” came out from the caller. But her echoed calls were punctuated by silence broken by the chirping of birds. 

This was not the typical bingo game. And if there was any doubt, the moment of someone winning the game showed just how unusual it was in an unusual time. Rather than hearing someone yell out, “bingo,” a car honked twice.

This was “Drive-In Bingo,” an initiative by the Ivins City Parks and Recreation department to engage people in a group activity while still social distancing. 

The idea came about after a brainstorm between Parks and Recreation Director Benny Sorensen and Recreation Coordinator Sarah Nash. They had to quickly come up with a way to have an activity even while state directives for the prevention of the coronavirus recommended six feet apart and no gatherings of more than 10 people. 

They said nothing about gatherings of more than 10 cars. 

“We were talking about what we could do and well, some kind of drive up something,” Sorensen said. “It’s apparently a pretty big deal in Great Britain and Scotland, so I was thinking, we can do that.”

On Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m. in April, the parking lot behind Ivins City Hall has been filled with cars. Under a blue tarp at the far end of the parking lot, Recreation Coordinator Sarah Nash is giving out bingo letters and numbers twice into a microphone. Her voice echos through two nearby speakers and out of the car stereos of all the cars nearby through an FM transmitter.   

Those inside their cars play along using a choice of game card taken from the city website. 

Cars are directed to honk once if they need a number repeated and to honk twice if they get Bingo by lining up any combination of filling in spaces, depending on the game. 

Entry is free and prizes include certificates for Arctic Circle and Papa Murphy’s, among other prizes. One honk goes off, there’s a wave of an arm with a winning sheet through a car window and Sorensen or Nash rush out to give the prize.

Caitlin Kunz was one of the prize winners, honking her horn excitedly with two kids in the back of her SUV. To the delight of the two boys, they won ice cream from Arctic Circle.

“There’s not a lot to be excited about these days hanging out in your house, you know, so pretty good about winning bingo today,” Kunz said. “We’ve all been kind of cooped up.”

While winning ice cream may have been the highlight of her kids’ day, Kunz had another reason to be excited. In the car next to her’s was Mikelle Lyons. Because of self-isolation and social distancing, the two friends hadn’t seen each other since the pandemic began.

“We’re catching up,” Lyons said. “It’s fun to get out. Fun to have something to do.”

Sorensen said the participation of families and friends has been a pleasant surprise. 

“Somehow we got a few older couples and younger families. And so it’s a little bit of everybody,” Sorensen said. “ We didn’t have a need for this, but now there is.”

Cindy Laubscher’s caravan had her mother Marjean Pitcher in the passenger seat and her two boys in the back seat. 

“We just needed something to do and get out of the house,” Laubscher said.

The effort has drawn positive notice from the Ivins City Council.

“I’m so impressed by our parks department coming up with ways to still engage our community,” Ivins City Councilwoman Miriah Elliott said in a recent council meeting.

The games will continue this Tuesday and Thursday at the Ivins City Hall parking lot, and by popular demand will continue on in May, moving to an earlier 9:30 a.m. start time to beat the heat. And prizes from Carl’s Jr. have been added. 

It is safe to say that when she signed up for the job of recreation coordinator, leading a car bingo game wasn’t on Nash’s mind. As she calls out letters and numbers, she has found bingo to be more intricate than just getting five in a row, with some games having to make a pattern or the even longer games where every space has to be filled. 

“I don’t have a ton of bingo experience. I didn’t realize they take so long on some of the different patterns. So it’s like ‘oh good’ when someone wins,” Nash said. “Yeah … professional bingo caller. But it’s fun.”

Between game calls, Nash is also trying to keep the parking lot entertained by telling jokes, supplied by her sister’s first-grade class in Payson, Utah. The jokes are answered back with silence across the lot, as there is no honk for laughter.

“I laugh at my own jokes, and it’s like, I hope someone else is laughing.”

Click on photo to enlarge it, then use your left-right arrow keys to cycle through the gallery.

Drive-In Bingo commences in the parking lot of Ivins City Hall, Utah, on April 9, 2020. | Photo by Chris Reed, St. George News

Drive-In Bingo commences in the parking lot of Ivins City Hall, Utah, on April 9, 2020. | Photo by Chris Reed, St. George News

Drive-In Bingo commences in the parking lot of Ivins City Hall, Utah, on April 9, 2020. | Photo by Chris Reed, St. George News

Drive-In Bingo commences in the parking lot of Ivins City Hall, Utah, on April 9, 2020. | Photo by Chris Reed, St. George News

Drive-In Bingo commences in the parking lot of Ivins City Hall, Utah, on April 9, 2020. | Photo by Chris Reed, St. George News

Drive-In Bingo commences in the parking lot of Ivins City Hall, Utah, on April 9, 2020. | Photo by Chris Reed, St. George News

Recreation Coordinator Sarah Nash is the bingo caller as Drive-In Bingo commences in the parking lot of Ivins City Hall, Utah, on April 9, 2020. | Photo by Chris Reed, St. George News

Recreation Coordinator Sarah Nash is the bingo caller as Drive-In Bingo commences in the parking lot of Ivins City Hall, Utah, on April 9, 2020. | Photo by Chris Reed, St. George News

Recreation Coordinator Sarah Nash provides a prize to a winner at Drive-In Bingo in the parking lot of Ivins City Hall, Utah, on April 9, 2020. | Photo by Chris Reed, St. George News

Recreation Coordinator Sarah Nash provides a prize to a winner at Drive-In Bingo in the parking lot of Ivins City Hall, Utah, on April 9, 2020. | Photo by Chris Reed, St. George News

Drive-In Bingo commences in the parking lot of Ivins City Hall, Utah, on April 9, 2020. | Photo by Chris Reed, St. George News

Drive-In Bingo commences in the parking lot of Ivins City Hall, Utah, on April 9, 2020. | Photo by Chris Reed, St. George News

Friends Caitlin Kunz (in the SUV above) and Mikelle Lyons meet up for Drive-In Bingo in the parking lot of Ivins City Hall, Utah, on April 9, 2020. | Photo by Chris Reed, St. George News

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2020, all rights reserved.

FEATURE — You don’t need a prairie or large lot to attract and support pollinators. A meadow or informal, formal and even container gardens can bring in bees, butterflies and hummingbirds to help pollinate plants. It’s just a matter of selecting the right plants, adjusting your maintenance practices, and skipping the pesticides.

Create your garden by converting a few square feet of lawn, garden bed or front yard into a pollinator-friendly garden. You may want to start by switching out part of an existing garden or container to more pollinator-friendly flowers.

Expand your planting options by converting a portion of your lawn into a pollinator garden. Outline the bed with a hose or rope. Remove the sod, add compost as needed to improve drainage and you’ll be ready to plant.

Simplify and dress up your efforts by using an easy-to-assemble raised garden kit like the Pollinator Garden Bed. Its long-lasting cedar planks slide into aluminum corners to create a hexagonal bed. Get creative while increasing the garden’s size by adding additional sections to create a honeycomb or other interesting design.

Mark the outline of the raised bed you select. Cut the grass short and cover with newspaper. Set your raised bed in place and fill with a quality planting mix. Mulch four to six inches surrounding the raised bed for ease of mowing and to eliminate the need to hand trim.

Once your planting bed is prepared, you’re ready to plant. Include single daisy-like black-eyed Susans, coneflowers and asters that allow visiting insects to rest and warm when sipping on nectar or dining on pollen. Add a few tubular flowers for butterflies and hummingbirds. They both like bright colors and can be seen visiting salvias, penstemon and nasturtiums.  And don’t forget the bees that are attracted to bright white, yellow, blue and ultraviolet colors. You’ll find them visiting these and other blossoms like catmint, sweet alyssum and perennial geranium.

Include spring, summer and fall bloomers to keep pollinators visiting and well-fed throughout the season. You’ll enjoy the seasonal changes along with the color and motions the visitors provide. Include early spring perennials and bulbs to attract visitors in early spring as they search for much-needed food. Add fall flowers to help prepare them for winter or migration to their winter homes. Those in milder climates will want to add some pollinator-friendly flowers to support and attract pollinators wintering in their backyard.

Plant flowers in groups for greater design impact and to reduce the energy pollinators expend when gathering nectar and pollen from one flower to the next. Provide plants with enough space to reach their mature size. Temporarily fill in voids with annuals like salvia, single zinnias and nicotiana that also attract pollinators.

Mulch the soil with leaves annually. It suppresses weeds, conserves moisture, improves the soil and provides homes for many beneficial insects.

Allow healthy plants and grasses to stand for winter. These provide homes for many beneficial insects and food for birds. Wait as long as possible to clean up your garden in spring. If needed, pile clippings out of the way to allow beneficial insects to escape these winter homes once temperatures warm. Then shred and compost the plant debris in summer.

As your gardens flourish, you will want to create more pollinator-friendly spaces. Your efforts will be rewarded with beautiful flowers, increased harvest and the added color and motion these visitors provide.

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2020, all rights reserved.

CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — With most people adapting to unexpected changes by staying at home, it might be the ideal time to create that oasis you’ve been yearning for in your own backyard.

In a previous report from St. George News, an area realtor said with so many people spending more time at home, they are realizing how they might change their space to make it more enjoyable.

Adam Stuart, owner of Stuart Awning and BBQ Hut in St. George, said when it comes to finally getting that dream backyard makeover, the prices right now are better than any time in the company’s history. He told St. George News they can help create the ultimate haven for people.

“As we all spend more time at our homes now, we want to encourage people to take advantage of an opportunity where BBQ Hut can do work in your home for a better rate than ever before,” he said. “We want to help those out that are struggling and also to keep paychecks going to our guys.”

Stuart said he remembers that during the country’s Great Recession, many people realized that having a backyard that feels like a destination vacation can almost be more fun than taking an actual vacation — especially when times are a little tough.

During this new time of uncertainty, he said he wants to achieve the same happiness for customers.

“Whether it’s a fire pit that can fit eight or 10 people around it, a fireplace that can roast marshmallows or a barbecue island with a countertop where people can be grilling and enjoying a summer afternoon, it’s about creating an environment where gatherings happen and memories are made,” he said. “We think all of the products between Stuart Awning and BBQ Hut are designed with that goal in mind.”

Stuart said until the COVID-19 pandemic calms down, BBQ Hut is offering a free labor special – discounting their products in a significant way, including a 20% reduction on most of the products and services they offer. The cost they would normally charge above labor will now be discounted as a way to encourage customers and help their dedicated, longtime employees.

BBQ Hut’s core products are grills, pellet grills, smokers, fireplaces and fire pits, but they carry all of the needed accessories to transform almost any situation into a perfect backyard, including options like stone pavers and misting systems.

“If you can go into a resort and enjoy the space, we can offer basically a turnkey service,” Stuart said. “We build custom features that are unique to the home, according to the client’s preferences and the way they envision using the space.”

At BBQ Hut, they never cut any corners or use cheap products. Whatever the highest standard is for any product they offer, they exceed it, and everything they install is 100% guaranteed.

“We guarantee our work because we believe we set the standard for what good work is,” Stuart said. “We always install to the highest levels. If you call us in five years, we would know that your response to the question ‘How is it doing?’ will be ‘It’s working great. We’ve loved it since day one.’ That is our standard.”

He advises that anyone considering a makeover for a backyard space, either now or later in the year, to call and find out what it will cost to do exactly what they want. All of their estimates are absolutely free and no pressure.

“Even if it may be six or 12 months down the road, we would much rather visit you today and help you plan specifically and wait, than have you call us last minute and find out we could have come up with a better design,” he said. “Never hesitate to call, even if it’s a project you know is down the road. We’d still love to come and meet with you.”

Stuart hopes everyone takes advantage of these once-in-a-lifetime savings. The family-operated company has been in business 45 years and located in Southern Utah since 1994, and he said they are fully ingrained in this community.

BBQ Hut is located at 390 N. Mall Drive, Suite D. St. George, For more information, visit the BBQ Hut website, or call 435-673-3939.

Written by ANDREW PINCKNEY, St. George News.

• S P O N S O R E D  C O N T E N T •

Resources

• BBQ Hut | Address: 390 N. Mall Drive, Suite D, St. George | Telephone: 435-673-3939 | Website | Facebook

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Twitter: @STGnews

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2020, all rights reserved.

ST. GEORGE — During a time when businesses are shutting down or scaling back their workforce, a group of St. George entrepreneurs jump-started a dream of introducing a mobile hair salon sooner than later.

The idea of a mobile salon that provides haircuts, trims beards and shaves at any location the customer desires had been in the planning stages for some time. However, principal owner Brian Moss said it was the outbreak of COVID-19 that put the business, Trim Mobile Salon, on the fast track to opening.

“The pandemic is the reason this got started,” Moss said. “I’m a business owner and for a while, I’ve been trying to convince my younger sister who is a cosmetologist into this venture.”

After Moss’ sister Sarah was furloughed when personal care businesses began shutting down, the convincing became easier. “Well, now’s the time to do it,” he said.

After passing the idea past Shaun Guzman, the St. George city attorney and a member of Moss’ extended family, it was full steam ahead.

“We asked Shaun if this was something that could be done, something that was allowed,” Moss said. “He said this would be a great service because it would not involve groups of people and limited contact similar to a delivery service.”

Although there are multiple stations in the mobile vehicle – a retired hotel shuttle bus from Las Vegas – there will be one customer at a time allowed in for service for the foreseeable future. Consistent with hair salon regulations, all utensils, services and chairs will be sanitized after each customer. Masks and protective gloves are also worn.

On Friday, Gov. Gary Herbert announced personal services like hair salons could be recommended to reopen as early as May 1 if measures like face masks are taken for both stylists and patrons.

When the pandemic passes, group appointments could be tailored to serve businesses and their staff, Moss said.

“The big thing is we are able to come to your house or business,” Moss added.

The vehicle is equipped with a wash station and all the accouterments of a full-service hair salon. Currently, the only services are men, women and children haircuts and styling, as well as barber services such as beard trimming and shaves.

“In the future, we hope to run multiple buses to do different things,” Moss said. “We will see where the road takes us.”

Other services could include nails, waxing and coloring.

Men’s haircuts are $25, women $30, cuts including styles and blow dry $40, children $20, child’s haircut and style $30, women’s blowout $25 and barber services $15. Services are available Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“We tried to stay as reasonable as possible while still being able to provide people a premium service,” Moss said.

One target audience Moss added is people with demanding jobs who just want to “chill” on the weekend or during free time at work.

“This is where the idea came from,” Moss added. “I own a business and work when the sun is up. I tend to never see the sun and I think this will appeal to a lot of people in that situation.”

Even though it is a for-profit business, Trim Mobile Salon owners have a responsibility to the St. George community, Moss said.

“Right now, we are trying to provide something missing in their life,” he said. “Absolutely, it has been pretty cool watching people in this community trying to help where they can. It’s amazing.”

St. George resident John Walker was “very” intrigued when he found out about the mobile haircutting service.

“I usually go to a barbershop down the street but since all this started they have been closed,” Walker said. “I don’t mind paying a little more to get a haircut right now and having them come to me is awesome.”

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2020, all rights reserved.

ST. GEORGE — The Utah Department of Health announced the first death of a resident in Washington County to the COVID-19 coronavirus.

The department confirmed to St. George News that a woman with underlying conditions in her 60s passed away in Washington County of the virus.

Per health department policies, no other information was released about the person, including specific city.

The woman is the second person overall in Southern Utah to succumb to the virus. On March 27, a woman in her 50s from Iron County died of the virus in Salt Lake City. (See Ed. note)

The Southwest Utah Public Health Department reported two additional positive tests on Saturday – both in Washington County – bringing the total to 83 people in the five-county area of Southern Utah have had the virus since the first case here was reported on March 21. 

After a lull of two days without new cases, there have been 13 new positive tests for the virus since Thursday. 

The Southwest Utah Public Health Department said the woman had been hospitalized for the past few weeks. At this point, the department said there are no local residents being hospitalized for the virus in Southern Utah.

In a Friday press conference where he announced tentative plans to recommend the reopening of some businesses on May 1, Gov. Gary Herbert said part of the reason the state can lower its alert level is that a majority of people in the state are practicing social distancing and self-isolation, allowing for the so-called “curve” to be flattened and making the pandemic manageable for hospitals in the state.

According to the Utah Department of Health, as of Friday hospitals in the state reported 17% of intensive care unit beds filled and 5% of hospital beds filled.

“We have a lot of room,” Herbert said. “We have a lot of beds available.”

Ed. note: An earlier version of the story referred to the woman who died in Iron County as being in her 60s.

COVID-19 information resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• World Health Organization
• Utah Department of Health
• Intermountain Healthcare
• To Donate and Volunteer to Help 

Southern Utah coronavirus count (as of April 25, 2020)

Positive COVID-19 tests: 83, with 58 recoveries.

• Washington County: 58 (2 new)
• Iron County: 21
• Garfield County: 1
• Kane County: 3
• Beaver County: 0

Deaths: 2

• Washington County: 1 (1 new)
• Iron County: 1

Hospitalized: 0

Tested: 4,238

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2020, all rights reserved.

ST. GEORGE — Because of overcrowding, the gates of Sand Hollow State Park in Hurricane have been closed to new visitors at this time, St. George News has learned. Park officials said the park is crowded with visitors.

No new visitors are being permitted inside. However, those who have park reservations are still being allowed in. Those already in the park are permitted to stay.

Witnesses at the scene said there is a two-mile backup to enter the park and parking lots are full.

St. George News will have further information later today.

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2020, all rights reserved.

ST. GEORGE — Details have emerged surrounding the arrest of a California man in St. George Friday who was accused of brandishing a firearm in front of businesses on Sunset Boulevard.

According to multiple witnesses, a man, later identified as 50-year-old Lorenzo Pleydle of Chino, California, was standing outside Pizza Hut and Great Clips by Lin’s Market Friday afternoon with a handgun.

The St. George Police Department was notified of the incident around 4:30 p.m. with multiple officers ultimately responding to the scene with rifles drawn until the situation deescalated.

Prior to that, a responding officer wrote in the arrest report that a witness who called police had seen Pleydle point a handgun at another man approaching the Dollar Tree. That man turned around and left while the witness called 911 at that time.

Police spoke to the other man who also said Pleydle had pointed a gun at him and told him to leave the area. The man had been looking for a family member when he came across Pleydle.

“(The man) said Lorenzo kept the gun down by his waist (with) both hands covering the handgun, but he pointed at him,” the responding officer wrote in the probable cause statement. “I asked (the man) what he thought was going to happen. (He) stated that he thought that Lorenzo wanted his money, so he just wanted to comply with what Lorenzo wanted him to do.”

When police arrived, the responding officer noted in the arrest report that Pleydle had his hands at his waist and was holding something, but could not clearly identify it. The officer gave Pleydle verbal commands to show his hands, but did not comply. Other officers repeated the command to no avail.

“The male never raised his hands after several different commands were given to show his hands. This went on for several minutes, but the male did not comply,” the responding officer wrote.

Soon after, Pleydle threw something on the ground toward the officer that was identified as a handgun. The officer told to Pleydle to “get down on his belly on the ground,” which he did after repeated commands.

Pleydle was taken into custody while the responding officer inspected the handgun.

“I approached the gun and stood by the gun until I collected it after it was photographed. I picked up the handgun to make sure that it was clear. At this time, I realized that the gun was not a real handgun,” the officer wrote. “I observed that blue tape was around the grip as well as the trigger of the handgun.”

Pleydle was arrested and taken to the Purgatory Correctional Facility and has been charged with felonies for aggravated assault and possessing a dangerous weapon as a restricted individual, as well as misdemeanors for intoxication, interfering with an arrest and the exhibition of a weapon.

The responding officer wrote in the probable cause statement that Pleydle “should be considered a danger to the public and should be held until sentencing” due to a similar incident that occurred two months ago.

Pleydle was previously arrested in St. George on Feb. 25 following an incident involving his getting on a Greyhound bus without a ticket and refusing to get off while brandishing a knife with a three-inch blade. He was taken into custody without incident and was soon after found guilty of misdemeanor charges of robbery and possessing a dangerous weapon as a restricted individual.

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2020, all rights reserved.

ST. GEORGE — Sand Hollow State Park near Hurricane saw an overwhelming amount of people enter into the park Saturday. So much so that they reached capacity and were forced to close their gates.

The line to get into the park down Sand Hollow Road stretched for about a mile and visitors were seen parking their cars on the sides of city streets as well as state Route 7 to then hop the fence surrounding the state park.

“I think everyone has seen the opportunity to come camping and it’s overwhelmed the capacity of the park,” Sand Hollow State Park manager Johnathan Hunt said. “We’ve always been one of those places that tries to fit people in, but we are full.”

The park has closed its gates and will not be letting anybody new into the park for the remainder of Saturday. Those who have already paid to camp – in some cases on Friday – can come and go but Hunt said there are no parking stalls for boats and the beachside parking is full. He brought up a scenario from earlier where for every 10 people who entered the park, five would ask for a refund because there were no parking spots.

Hunt also mentioned a procedure for the future to let people know of a possible closure. That way, people can be notified before they bring their boats.

As for social distancing, Hunt said that was one of the reasons for the closure. While announcing that state parks in the state of Utah would be opened to everyone, not just those that live in the same county, he still urged people to keep their social distance.

“We do have the benefit where it’s outdoors, that you’re not in a confined space, but that’s one of the reasons why we’re closing,” Hunt said of social distancing. “There’s just not the room to keep social distance. If you have three cars parked back to back to back, there’s no way to keep them separate. We kind of feel like it’s our duty to close down today.”

Hurricane Police were assisting with the parking issues but some people were parking their cars on city or private streets and then jumping the fence that surrounds Sand Hollow. Some were even parking their cars on state Route 7. Hunt urged people to follow guidelines and if the park is full, to come back another day.

He said that tomorrow will be busy as well but that Sundays are usually a later start.

“I assume tomorrow afternoon we will have a similar process,” Hunt said. “Hopefully, we’ll learn a little bit today so tomorrow will go smoother.”

People looking to go to Sand Hollow are asked to be patient and if they can not get into the park, go elsewhere.

“Once we’re full, find a different activity,” Hunt said.

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2020, all rights reserved.

SALT LAKE CITY — Families in need of extra assistance in the form of food benefits will be getting a boost. The Utah Department of Workforce Services has announced it will begin issuing additional Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits up to the maximum allotment based on household size for the months of April and May 2020, to eligible individuals and families.

“There are many Utah families who are caught between reduced hours or unemployment and waiting for other temporary assistance to help them make ends meet until it is safe to return to work,” said Jon Pierpont, executive director of Workforce Services. “By making these additional federal funds available to eligible recipients, we can help ensure Utah’s most vulnerable have access to the basic necessity of food during this incredibly difficult time.”

The first supplemental payments for the month of April will be issued on Sunday. May supplemental payments will be issued on May 31. All eligible recipients will receive supplemental payments for April and May by June 28. Recipients who already receive the maximum allotment will not receive additional SNAP benefits.

After Gov. Gary Herbert issued a state of emergency and the passing of the federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act, Workforce Services applied for and received a waiver from the USDA Food and Nutrition Services to provide these additional funds to eligible SNAP recipients.

Eligibility for SNAP benefits has not changed. Individuals in need of food assistance can apply online at jobs.utah.gov/mycase.

For reference, the maximum SNAP allotment based on household size is available online. The supplemental amount will be the difference between the maximum allotment for the household size and the current monthly allotment SNAP recipients already received. For example, a family of four who currently receives a $346 monthly allotment, would receive a supplement of $300.

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2020, all rights reserved.

ALERT: This story includes details and visual material of severe injuries to an animal. Reader discretion is advised.

ST. GEORGE — A stray cat was found by Washington City Animal Welfare Services around 1000 Bluff Street after having one of its back legs caught in a coyote trap.

The cat was able to be freed of the trap and was then transported to the Washington Animal Shelter, before being picked up by Kris Neal and the One More Chance animal rescue group.

“It’s a back leg, which is a real plus for the cat,” Neal said. “They do fairly well losing a back leg, not so much on a front leg. The cat will resume life as normal but it will probably need to be an indoor cat when we find the cat a new home.”

The cat went to the veterinarian where it was looked over before being scheduled for a leg amputation on Tuesday morning. Neal said that the group has seen an increase in injured and abandoned animals right now and many are a result of coyote traps.

“I think right now I’ve got five cats that have lost their limbs to coyote traps. It’s a big problem,” Neal said. “It’s a big enough problem that I petitioned St. George city to outlaw them within the city limits and we were successful. Coyote traps fall under the Division of Wildlife Resources and the laws on them are extremely loose, to the point that they can be within feet of our walking paths.”

Neal said that most cities will not take the problem seriously until there is a human involved in an incident with a trap.

“A stray cat being caught in one or somebody’s pet that wanders off the walking path, they’re pretty easy to overlook,” Neal said. “That’s historically what have been caught in them. We haven’t had a human incident so far.”

The coyote traps need to be registered with the DWR but many are not. There is a serial number on each trap and when they are found, they are turned over to the local shelters who call in the DWR. The DWR then checks the registration but Neal said that of the many traps she has seen, none of them have been registered.

Even if they are legal, Neal mentioned that people only have to check the traps every 48 hours. If something were to get caught in the trap, the owner of the trap would not have to check it often.

As for the cat’s rehab, it will be several weeks to let the infusion heal and get the cat used to walking on three legs.

The rescue group is asking for donations to cover the veterinary bills for the cat by calling the Washington Family Vet at 435-627-1300 and donating to the One More Chance account or going to their website.

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2020, all rights reserved.

CEDAR CITY — A 24-year-old Beaver man accused of being involved with child pornography has agreed to a plea deal in the case.

Nathaniel Tyler Adams pleaded guilty in 5th District Court to four counts of attempted sexual exploitation of a minor, a third-degree felony, according to a plea agreement signed April 6 and filed with the court on April 20. He was originally charged with 10 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, a second-degree felony. In exchange for Adams’ guilty plea, prosecutors agreed to lessen the severity of the charges and drop the remaining six counts.

Each of the third-degree felony counts to which Adams has pleaded guilty is punishable by 0-5 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000, plus a 90% surcharge, according to the document. 

As previously reported in Cedar City News, Adams was arrested at his home in Beaver Jan. 16 after investigators reportedly found explicit messages in an online chat that mentioned sexually abusing a minor child, along with images of child pornography on an Instagram account belonging to Adams. 

A laptop, cellphone and iPad belonging to Adams were also seized by authorities during the investigation, which was conducted by the Utah Attorney General’s Office’s Internet Crimes Against Children task force.

The plea agreement document stipulates that Adams agrees to serve 364 days in jail and submit to five years of supervised probation, in addition to having restrictions placed on internet access and contact with children under 18 years of age. He also must maintain full employment or spend the equivalent amount of time doing community service as a condition of his probation, in addition to undergoing sex offender treatment and therapy, the agreement states.

Fifth District Court Judge Keith C. Barnes is not necessarily bound by the recommendations stipulated in the agreement and may choose to impose different terms at his discretion.

Sentencing has been scheduled for the morning of June 15 in Beaver.

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2020, all rights reserved.

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Democratic Party saw record participation in its first-ever “virtual” state convention to choose its nominees.

“This has been the fastest, most efficient election that we’ve ever had in the Democratic party,” party chairman Jeff Merchant told Fox13now.com, announcing the results.

With 2,203 credentialed delegates at state convention, the party recorded 85% participation. It was the most the party has ever seen.

The coronavirus pandemic forced the party to abandon the traditional state convention. Like the Utah Republican Party, they held an online only convention where candidates submitted pre-recorded speeches and delegates voted online, utilizing ranked choice voting.

Kael Weston, who served as a U.S. State Department official in Afghanistan and Iraq, won the right to face Rep. Chris Stewart in November in the 2nd Congressional District race.

Chris Peterson, a professor at the University of Utah, is the Democrats’ candidate in the race for Utah governor.

The Utah GOP was also holding its convention on Saturday in a “virtual” sense. Results from those races were not expected until later in the evening.

For full results, read the full story here:  Fox13Now.com. 

Written by BEN WINSLOW, Fox13Now.com.

Copyright 2019, KSTU. A Tribune broadcasting station

ST. GEORGE — From home-based study to online worship services and drive-thru confessions, the coronavirus pandemic has forced churches in Southern Utah and beyond to adapt how they cater to the spiritual needs of their congregants.

“The little things you took for granted, you can’t anymore,” Rabbi Helene Ainbender, head of the Beit Chaverim, Jewish Congregation of Greater Zion, said.

People who have long gathered together with other members of their faith community have found themselves unable to worship together as they once did.

“People like to be in touch with God and their spirituality,” Ainbender said, adding some people feel a void when they are unable to fulfill the rituals attached to their faith or lose the interaction that comes with being a part of a faith community.

In order to help the spiritually hungry, Ainbender, along with other community faith leaders, have turned to the internet to share the word of God.

Recently, Ainbender conducted the Jewish community’s Passover observance for over 20 families through the use of the web-based Zoom teleconferencing application. She’s also started using it for Friday night Sabbath worship services.

Other faith groups, like the St. George Catholic Church, have also shifted to online worship services during this time.

With large gatherings restricted due to the pandemic, English and Spanish weekend services at the Catholic Church began to be streamed over Facebook Live and subsequently uploaded to YouTube, said Carole Drake, a pastoral assistant at the church. This has since been expanded to daily services featuring the clergy and readers, she said.

“It’s been a new experience for us, that’s for sure,” Drake said.

While the church currently does not offer the sacrament of communion due to the pandemic, Drake said it is something the congregation observes spiritually for now. She and others nonetheless look forward to the day when they can once more gather together and partake in the Eucharist, she said.

A service that remains available, though adapted for the times, is the Sacrament of Reconciliation, more commonly known as confession.

Each Saturday, members of the Catholic faith are able participate in a “drive-thru confessional,” Drake said. People are able to drive into the parking lot and meet with one of the church’s priests in a manner that observes health and social distancing guidelines, yet still allows the rite to take place.

Ministry on a one-on-one level also takes place through clergy speaking to those in need of guidance over the phone, or an in-person visit if possible.

“When we can assist them by bringing prayer and holy communion, we will,” Drake said.

Ainbender also counsels members of her congregation over the phone where possible, though noted some conversations that used to last 15 minutes go much longer now due to worries brought on by the pandemic.

“They want hope and they want to be reassured it’s not the end of days,” Ainbender said.

For those unable to participate in the Zoom-based services, Ainbender said she delivers notes of inspiration to their homes. These tend to include prayers reminding the faithful that God is with them and there is no need to fear, the rabbi said.

“You still have to read out to those who don’t have computers,” she said.

Rev. Tom Fiske, the spiritual leader at Grace Episcopal Church, said these are challenging times that have forced services to be held via Zoom upon invitation and video outreach through Facebook.

In the religious community as well as in the secular population, fellowship is so important in this time, Fiske said.

“God said very early in Genesis that it is not good that people should be alone, that Adam should not be alone,” he added. “The Holy Spirit is best known in community and I would say that would be so with any faith.”

People in community, Fiske added, need each other especially in times of crisis.

“Most congregations know the Holy Spirit and where the Holy Spirit is leading them,” Fiske said. “There are different (denominations) that all share love, hope, charity and kindness.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, these ideals offer strength to those who struggle, he added. He also said people should be humble under God and be there for each under during hard times.

Central to coping with hard times now, Fiske said, is the distance that separates the community, families and friends. People, he added, are growing weary of being alone.

“I tell my congregation we are loving one and another by keeping our distance through this crisis,” Fiske said. “God wants us to be separate at this time in order to stay healthy. I firmly believe that. This is what I am telling my congregation.”

With all the challenges, Fiske sees hope.

“This is not the end of the world, he said. “Yes, this is a tough time that we are going through … but Saint Paul writes (all) will know you are Christian by the love you show one another, and that is what all of us are doing in St. George.”

For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, church services were suspended worldwide in mid-March, followed by a suspension of all temple-related activities. Latter-day Saints were counseled to stay at home and use the church’s home-based “Come Unto Me” gospel study guides that rolled out in 2019.

“We’re all learning church in our own homes,” said Ralph Atkin, an LDS church spokesman for the southwest Utah area. “We’re all conducting our own services.”

As allowed by church bishops, families are able to take part in the weekly sacrament service at home as a part of their Sunday observance as well.

Church administration has also offered guidelines to local and regional leaders online as to how to administer certain church responsibilities and ordinances (religious rites) during this time.

Atkin said his own family is visiting the eastern side of Zion Canyon over the weekend and will conduct their home-based study and worship there.

“Our program of Come Unto Me has been perfect” for dealing with the coronavirus, he said.

Individual Later-day Saint wards and stakes are also responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in their own way beyond general instructions handed down from church headquarters, Atkin said.

One example of how local LDS church leaders are keeping in touch with their congregants in one stake is through weekly email-based newsletters.

Members in general are also asked to look after their families and neighbors during time while continuing to observe state-issued health restrictions and distancing.

St. George News Reporter David Lewis contributed to this story.

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2020, all rights reserved.