The Princes: Heart of La Verkin

Dick and Linda Prince of La Verkin have never chased attention, yet their steady kindness has shaped three generations. They raised a blended family of 12 children, cheered on 53 grandchildren and 25 great‑grandchildren, and spent years serving missions, mentoring youth, and sharing fruit from their backyard orchard. If you’ve crossed paths with them, you’ve likely felt that quiet encouragement. Calling them Utah Treasures only puts a label on what’s been true for years — everyone who meets the Princes feels welcomed and supported.

Tyler McCaul boosts Utah biking

After years of competing around the world, professional mountain biker Tyler McCaul and his family now call Toquerville home. He recently earned third place at Red Bull Rampage — an event that brings some of the world’s best riders to Utah each year and generates millions in economic activity and media coverage. Tyler is helping build Utah’s reputation as a hub for big-mountain biking and mentoring the next generation of riders right here at home.

Earlier this week in La Verkin, we had the opportunity to watch Tyler practice for the Red Bull Rampage. Afterward, our team spent the rest of the day meeting the owners of River Rock Roasting Company, cutting the ribbon alongside the team at Zion Canyon Hot Springs, visiting teachers at Hurricane Valley Academy, and volunteering with state employees at the Hurricane Valley Food Pantry.

Hot, dry, windy weather is sparking large wildfires statewide. The Deer Creek Fire near Moab showed their extremes, producing a pyrocumulus cloud and even a firenado last weekend. With tinderbox conditions persisting, practice Fire Sense and stay updated. Thanks to the Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands and to state and local firefighters for protecting lives and property. For current restrictions and fire maps, visit UtahFireInfo.gov.

Nominations are open for the Apprenticeship Utah Awards! The awards recognize outstanding Registered Apprenticeship sponsors, employers, partners and individuals who have made a commitment to modernize, innovate and expand high-quality pre-apprenticeship programs and registered apprenticeships for youth or adults. Nominate someone today. 

At USU Eastern in Price, Utah, the 49th Rocky Mountain Mine Rescue Competition challenged regional teams in field, first‑aid, bench, pre‑shift, and tech events. Canyon Fuel/SUFCO Black won the Governor’s Trophy for safety excellence. Next year marks the competition’s 50th anniversary.

Reducing drug deaths is one of Gov. Cox's top second-term priorities. The Utah Department of Health and Human Services and the Utah Department of Public Safety, through the Fentanyl Task Force, aim for a 25% drop by 2029. 2024 fatalities fell 1.5%, but vigilance remains vital. 4.7 million fentanyl dosage units were seized and in the first half of 2025, we’ve already taken over 4.3 million fentanyl dosage units from our streets.

Last month, the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity joined the BIO International Convention in Boston with representatives from the University of Utah, World Trade Center Utah, Utah Inland Port Authority, The Point, BioUtah, and partners, holding meetings with industry leaders.

The Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation awarded $1.5 million through its 2025 ORPA grant program to support 21 planning projects across 13 counties, funding recreation master plans, feasibility studies and site designs to help communities develop sustainable and resilient infrastructure.

Harmful algal blooms and waterborne pathogens can make you and your pets sick. From May to October, check conditions at habs.utah.gov, avoid suspicious green scummy water, and follow safety tips. Report concerns to the Utah Department of Environmental Quality at 801-536-4123. If you've been exposed, call Utah Poison Control

An Inmate’s Guide to the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole is now available online and in state facilities. This handbook explains the parole process — from initial review to violations — and supports the state’s GRIT initiative to empower inmates with essential information.

Congratulations to Redo for a post-performance tax reduction as part of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity’s Economic Development Tax Increment Financing (EDTIF) program. The company’s free return automation app converts refunds into exchanges or store credit and streamlines returns.