In case you took a break from the news this weekend, here are a few local stories to catch you up after the weekend.
The Void partners with Disney on Star Wars-themed virtual reality game
The Void, a virtual reality company, has partnered with Disney to create an interactive Star Wars-themed virtual reality exhibit, the Deseret News reported. While the company can’t share details about the exhibits, it did announce the name — “Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire.” The new exhibits will be outside of the Disney parks at Downtown Disney in California and Disney Springs in Florida for the holiday season. Because the exhibits will be outside of the parks, it will likely require an admission fee. Read the full story here.
Boy Scout dies on hike in High Uintahs
A teenager died on Saturday during a hiking trip with his Boy Scout troop in the High Uintas, reported the Deseret News. Douglas Jeffery Julian — who would have turned 18 on Sunday, Aug. 6 — was complaining of a headache and nausea when his troop was hiking Chain Lakes area in Krebs Basin on Thursday. He was still sick on Friday which prompted his leaders to pack up camp early on Saturday morning. Medical examiners suspect that Julian, who would have been a senior at Salem Hills High School this upcoming year, died from altitude sickness. Read the full story here.
Provo nurse earns “ER Nurse of the Year Award”
A Utah Valley Hospital nurse received the “ER Nurse of the Year Award” from the state’s Bureau of Emergency Medical Services and Preparedness, according to the Daily Herald. Jean Lundquist, who has worked as an emergency nurse for 35 years, first worked in an ambulance and a small hospital in Rexburg, Idaho and taught a class at then-Ricks College before joining the staff at Utah Valley Hospital in Provo. Read the full story here.
Family of missing man from American Fork holding onto hope
The family of an American Fork man, Paul Swenson, who has been missing since July 27 still hasn’t given up hope, according to the Salt Lake Tribune. According to the family, Swenson “wasn’t acting like himself” when he left for an appointment in Salt Lake. Swenson’s car was found abandoned on the side of the road at Park View Elementary and police say his disappearance is “suspicious.” Instead of daily searches in Salt Lake, the family has shifted its focus to a nationwide search. Read the full story here.
SafeUT app is helping prevent teenage suicide
The SafeUT app — a suicide prevention and crisis app created under legislation sponsored by Sen. Daniel Thatcher, R-West Valley City, about three years ago — is helping prevent teenage suicide. While suicide is still the leading cause of death for youth ages 10-18, according to the state health department, the app has allowed students to confidentially provide tips about perceived threats at school and connected them to crisis resources. The SafeUT app has averaged approximately 680 chats per month with crisis workers and relayed about 415 tips per month. Read the full KSL story here.