3/7/2022 Redrock Roundup: 5 Southern Utah stories you may have missed

1. Traffic collisions in St. George increased by 34% in 2021

The city of St. George saw a 34% increase in all traffic collisions compared to 2020, and have since rolled out a new safety campaign aiming to increase awareness of dangerous driving habits.

The campaign, “Watch Your Six” (stylized as “WY6”) focuses on the six most common causes of car collisions: Following too closely, failure to yield, not stopping at red lights, improper turning, distracted driving, and driving impaired. Read more about SGPD’s campaign from The Spectrum reporter Elle Cabrera:

https://www.thespectrum.com/story/news/2022/03/07/st-george-utah-launches-wathc-your-six-campaign-response-record-setting-traffic-accidents-2021/9344858002/

2. Lake Powell water level to temporarily fall below target elevation

Due to an abnormally dry winter season, Lake Powell’s water level will drop below 3,525 feet. This is close to the level where power generation from the dam would cease. The water level is expected to recover during the spring runoff season. Read more from St. George News:

https://www.stgeorgeutah.com/news/archive/2022/03/05/prc-lake-powell-water-level-will-fall-below-target-elevation-of-3525-feet/#.YiaKoBPMIWo

3. Zion National Park facing housing shortage for employees

Increased visitation to the park has led to many apartments and businesses being converted to short-term rentals for guests. Meanwhile, employees are left without as many options for long-term rentals. Read more from ABC4’s Jordan Verdaderio:

https://www.abc4.com/news/local-news/zion-national-park-struggling-to-house-workers/

4. Three men in jail after Mesquite police recover 15 stolen catalytic converters

Mesquite police recovered 15 stolen catalytic converters during a traffic stop. Following an investigation, three men are in a Nevada jail. Read more from Cody Blowers at St. George News:

https://www.ksl.com/article/50361437/mesquite-police-recover-more-than-a-dozen-catalytic-converters-during-traffic-stop

5. Utah Republican Party caucus night is tomorrow, March 8

The Utah Republican Party is holding a caucus night tomorrow, March 8, at locations around the state. The caucus is in anticipation of the upcoming primary election. Read more about caucus meetings and where the one closest to you is from Sean Hemmersmeier at The Spectrum:

https://www.thespectrum.com/story/news/2022/03/05/2022-election-caucus-night-and-why-matters-southern-utah/9361053002/