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** Letter from Gov. Cox: Remembering Sergeant Sorensen and Officer Estrada
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This past week has been heartbreaking for our state. Utah lost two remarkable officers from the Tremonton-Garland Police Department: Sergeant Lee Sorensen and Officer Eric Estrada. They embodied the very best of public service: courage, integrity, and an unwavering willingness to put others first. We will never forget their sacrifice.
Sergeant Sorensen dedicated 17 years to law enforcement and had just been promoted to sergeant, a reflection of the deep trust he earned from his colleagues. Earlier this year, he received the Tremonton Fire Department’s Distinguished Service Award, and together with his wife, was honored with Garland City’s Wheelon Award for lasting contributions to the community.
Officer Estrada served with heart in every assignment. He was known as a devoted husband and father who brought professionalism and kindness to the job every day. Friends, neighbors, and fellow officers will remember him as someone who cared deeply and served selflessly.
We also keep in our thoughts Deputy Mike Allred of the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office and his K-9 partner Azula, who were wounded. We are grateful for their courage and are praying for their full recovery.
To the Sorensen and Estrada families: Abby and I, and the entire state of Utah, grieve with you. Please know that you are not alone, and that Utah will always remember the service and sacrifice of your loved ones.
** 2025 Spirit of Service honorees
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Selected from more than 100 nominations, eight Utahns and organizations were recognized with the 2025 Spirit of Service Awards. Their efforts include feeding the hungry, comforting the sick, supporting students and seniors, and strengthening neighborhoods across the state.
The Governor, First Lady, and Lieutenant Governor honored the recipients during a ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion on August 25. They are what make Utah great.
See photos ([link removed])
Watch the honoree videos ([link removed])
** Utah Advances Nuclear Energy Exploration
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The Utah Office of Energy Development is partnering with TerraPower and Flagship Companies to explore the siting of a next-generation Natrium® nuclear reactor with integrated energy storage. The project supports Operation Gigawatt, Governor Cox’s initiative to build a diverse, reliable energy ecosystem that includes nuclear, geothermal, natural gas, battery storage, and more. Potential sites will be identified and recommended by the end of 2025, with evaluations based on geographic suitability, community support, infrastructure access, and regulatory feasibility.
Gov. Cox joined TerraPower CEO Chris Levesque on Bloomberg News to discuss Utah’s leadership in building America’s energy future.
Watch the Bloomberg interview ([link removed])
** Updated domestic violence resources
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Last week Lt. Gov. Henderson joined the Department of Public Safety to announce a new tool in the effort to fight domestic violence. Three years ago, the lieutenant governor’s cousin (pictured) was killed in a domestic violence intimate partner homicide. The new interactive dashboard marks another milestone since that tragedy, giving the public, law enforcement, policymakers, and service providers the ability to track lethality assessment results in real time, compare data, identify trends, and see where gaps exist. This gives all involved better information to strengthen our collective response to domestic violence.
** New Behavioral Health Campus Opens in Taylorsville
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Intermountain Health has opened Primary Children’s Wasatch Canyons Behavioral Health Campus in Taylorsville. Lt. Gov. Henderson spoke at the grand opening event, alongside Intermountain Health executives, care providers, and patients who shared their stories of receiving life-changing treatment. We were proud to have included the state’s $25M investment in the 2023 Governor’s Budget. Our children are our legacy and when they are healthy, Utah is healthy.
** State agency updates
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The Utah Department of Health and Human Services extends condolences to the Tremonton-Garland Police Department and the families of Sgt. Lee Sorensen and Officer Eric Estrada. Since 2023, Sgt. Sorensen also served as a part-time medical examiner investigator for Northern Utah, building a close partnership with the Office of the Medical Examiner. He will be deeply missed by all at DHHS.
With a bold vision for Utah’s economic future, Jefferson Moss has stepped in as executive director for the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO). From talent development to business growth, he’s focused on keeping Utah a top state for opportunity. See Moss' vision for Utah’s economy > ([link removed])
On Saturday, Sept. 13, Clearfield will host a 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance at Bicentennial Park from 9–11 a.m. Organized by UServeUtah in partnership with America250 Utah, the event includes a memorial program, volunteer projects, and a resource fair for military families.
Sign up to volunteer > ([link removed])
Gov. Cox, Rep. Doug Fiefia, and Utah Department of Commerce Executive Director Margaret Busse highlighted the Utah Digital Choice Act (HB 418 ([link removed]) ) at the State Leadership Summit on Digital Choice in Boston. The summit, hosted by Project Liberty, highlighted Utah’s leadership in data ownership and the law’s potential as a national model.
On Aug. 21, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources held a ribbon-cutting for the Cook Wildlife Management Area ([link removed]) in Daggett County. The new WMA will protect critical lands and provide summer habitat for big game animals, strengthening conservation efforts in northeastern Utah.
Apply Sept. 1–15, 2025, for GOEO's Economic Assistance Grant. This grant helps Utah businesses boost economic opportunities through industry, education, community development, and infrastructure. See if you qualify > ([link removed])
Visit Cedar City for the Statewide Annual, an exhibition of the best current Utah artwork, presented by the Utah Department of Cultural & Community Engagement’s Division of Arts & Museums and Southern Utah Museum of Art. A free Artist Reception will be held Sept. 20 at 6 p.m., with a Jurors’ Presentation starting at 5 p.m. Learn more > ([link removed])
Join GOEO’s APEX Symposium on Oct. 16 to connect with defense contractors and key agencies. Gain one-on-one access to the Department of Defense and federal, state, and local representatives—opening doors to new government contracting opportunities. Register Today > ([link removed])
Utah’s Office of Professional Licensure Review (OPLR) is being recognized for its data-driven approach to workforce policymaking. Their analysis directly shaped SB 26 (2024), which created new licensure types and streamlined supervision. This case study shows how Utah translates workforce data into legislative action and offers a model for other states.
In fiscal year 2024, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources completed 115 habitat projects ([link removed]) to benefit mule deer populations across the state. DWR also launched a new online dashboard ([link removed]) , offering updated resources and information to help the public learn more about Utah’s deer.
The Utah Trust Lands Administration generated more than $142 million in FY25, with $111 million going directly to public schools. Unlike public lands, trust lands ([link removed]) were granted at statehood to support education and key agencies, making a major impact for students, teachers, and rural Utah communities.
** 🗞️ ICYMI
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⚙️ Since launching in May, GRIT has delivered over $1M in cost savings statewide. See more > ([link removed])
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Utah state government awarded nearly $1.1 million in FY26 to strengthen rural health facilities through primary care grants. See more > ([link removed])
⚛️ Nusano Opens $300 Million, 190,000-Square-Foot Facility in West Valley City, Transforming Radioisotopes and Nuclear Technology. Watch the video > ([link removed])
📈 Utah ranks within the top 10 states nationwide with a low error rate in processing SNAP benefits. See more > ([link removed])
🛫 Salt Lake City International Airport named #1 in the U.S. Read more > ([link removed])
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