In case you took a break from the news this weekend, here are the weekend’s top local news stories.
Utah County demographic becoming more LDS
Utah County is growing in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint population, but Salt Lake County’s membership is declining, The Salt Lake Tribune reported Sunday. In September, members of the LDS faith made up 84.7 percent of the Utah County population while in Salt Lake County, members of the LDS faith made up 50.07 percent of the population. From 2009 to 2016, the LDS population grew in Utah County from 83.6 percent to 84.7 percent.
Utah County to fund and keep open Peaks Ice Arena
Peaks Ice Arena will remain open until summer 2018, the Deseret News reported Sunday. Provo City and Utah County equally share the costs of the former Olympic venue, and Utah County examined selling their share in March. However, Utah County has created plans to keep the ice skating rink open until June 30, 2018. Government representatives are considering the future funding options to keep the Olympic venue open passed 2018.
BYU giving amnesty to reporters of sexual assault
Brigham Young University announced Friday a new amnesty policy for sexual assault victims, reported The Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret News. Students who report or witness sexual assault claims will not be sent to the Honor Code Office for discipline. This new policy also applies to BYU-Hawaii, BYU-Idaho and LDS Business College.
Wi-Fi and better cell phone service coming to LaVell Edwards Stadium
LaVell Edwards Stadium will add better cell phone service and Wi-Fi connection to the stadium, the Salt Lake Tribune reported Sunday. This fall the football venue will have its 35th birthday, and BYU has not announced plans to expand, but they seek to make guests’ experience “more hospitable.”
American Fork High School sends the most 2017 seniors to college with sports scholarships
A grand total of 674 graduating senior athletes from Utah high schools in 2017 received scholarships to play sports at the collegiate level, reported the Deseret News. American Fork High School provided the most names on that list, with 29 seniors receiving sports scholarships. Lone Peak took the title of second most seniors, with 24. Maple Mountain took fourth place with 19 scholarship recipients. See a complete list of athlete signings here.