Joe Wirthlin
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Articles by Joe Wirthlin
Fifth oldest Lutheran church west of Rocky Mountains honors Swedish heritage
The Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, the fifth oldest Lutheran Church west of the Rocky Mountains, wasn’t always nestled near Foothill Drive in Salt Lake City. Founded in 1882, the church has known three different homes while in the Beehive State, including a sod hut when it first started out. According to Paul Mogren, a member of the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church and the church’s unofficial historian, five people first met on July 11, 1882, in St. Mark’s Cathedral and organized a church.
Fifth oldest Lutheran church west of Rocky Mountains honors Swedish heritage
Joe Wirthlin Sun, October 18, 2026 at 2:51 PM EDT 4 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Add Yahoo on Google The Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, built near Foothill Drive in Salt Lake City, has served the community at this location since the mid-1950s. | Joe Wirthlin, KSL The Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, the fifth oldest Lutheran Church west of the Rocky Mountains, wasn't always nestled near Foothill Drive in Salt Lake City.
Episcopal Diocese of Utah to hold annual convention at St. Mark’s Cathedral Original
Another religious gathering is taking place in the month of October, this time centered around the Cathedral Church of St. Mark as the Episcopal Diocese of Utah holds its 121st annual convention. The convention will bring clergy and members of the church from 22 different congregations to Salt Lake City to conduct church business, elect representatives to diocesan leadership positions, consider resolutions and discuss priorities for the upcoming year.
Japanese Fall Food Festival to share Japanese cuisine with Salt Lake City community
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$6K reward offered after elk shot, left for dead at private farm
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1 adult, 3 children dead in Riverdale house fire Original
RIVERDALE, Weber County — Three children and their father died after their Riverdale house caught fire early Thursday, leaving their mother and three other children in the hospital, according to the Riverdale Fire Department. Crews from the Riverdale Fire Department and Riverdale Police Department were dispatched to the fire at 1:46 a.m. near 4600 S. 1150 West. The residence was fully engulfed in flames by the time crews arrived, according to Riverdale Fire Chief Matt Hennessy.
1 adult, 3 children dead in Riverdale house fire
RIVERDALE, Weber County — Three children and their father died in a Riverdale house fire early Thursday morning, leaving the mother and three other children in the hospital, according to the Riverdale Fire Department. Crews from the Riverdale Fire Department and Riverdale Police Department were dispatched to the fire at 1:46 a.m. near 4600 S. 1150 West. The residence was fully engulfed in flames, according to Riverdale Police Chief Matt Hennessy.
Have You Seen This? River near Mt. Carmel flooded with 10-foot waves
MT. CARMEL, Kane County — No, Willy Wonka's chocolate factory didn't spring a leak. Torrents of brown water, looking remarkably like chocolate, barreled down the riverbank near Mt. Carmel in southern Utah on Monday, thanks to the storms that swept across the state. David Clark captured the flooding, getting within feet of the swollen riverbank. He did not, however, say whether he tasted it.
B’Nai Israel Temple religious legacy lives on in Salt Lake Art Museum Original
While Salt Lake City has a rich tradition of religious affiliation dating back to the 1800s, not every structure built by those early worshippers remains as a dedicated worship space. The former B’nai Israel Temple is one such building. The Jewish roots of Utah reach back to 1854, when Fanny Brooks and her husband briefly visited Salt Lake City while traveling to California. A decade later, the Brooks family returned to Utah and settled on Third and Main Street in Salt Lake City.
'We love this building': Constant care preserves Salt Lake Tabernacle's craftsmanship and sound
News / Sub-sections: KEY TAKEAWAYS The Salt Lake Tabernacle, dedicated in 1875, is a historic landmark in Utah. Known for its acoustics, it houses the renowned Tabernacle Choir and organ. Constant maintenance preserves its original structure, ensuring future generations experience its legacy. SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake Tabernacle has a unique shape in the skyline of Salt Lake City.
B'Nai Israel Temple religious legacy lives on in Salt Lake Art Museum
SALT LAKE CITY — While Salt Lake City has a rich tradition of religious affiliation dating back to the 1800s, not every structure built by those early worshippers remains as a dedicated worship space. The former B'nai Israel Temple is one such building. The Jewish roots of Utah reach back to 1854, when Fanny Brooks and her husband briefly visited Salt Lake City while traveling to California. A decade later, the Brooks family returned to Utah and settled on Third and Main Street in Salt Lake City.
Motorcyclist flown to hospital after crash near Layton
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International Pentecostal conference to bring thousands to Salt Lake City Original
The United Pentecostal Church International is hosting its annual General Conference for church members and leaders. Their chosen venue? The Salt Palace Convention Center in downtown Salt Lake City. The four-day conference will be held from Tuesday to Friday, featuring inspirational preaching, practical teaching, dynamic worship and networking opportunities for ministers and lay church leaders from across North America.
International Pentecostal conference to bring thousands to Salt Lake City
SALT LAKE CITY — The United Pentecostal Church International is hosting its annual General Conference for church members and leaders. Their chosen venue? The Salt Palace Convention Center in downtown Salt Lake City. The four-day conference will be held from Tuesday to Friday, featuring inspirational preaching, practical teaching, dynamic worship and networking opportunities for ministers and lay church leaders from across North America.
Fire sparks on Fremont Island in the Great Salt Lake Original
A fire started on Fremont Island on Wednesday, prompting air and ground crews to coordinate firefighting efforts. Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Your browser does not support the audio element. Audio quality:| 00:00/00:00 - + A fire sparked on Fremont Island in the Great Salt Lake on Wednesday, prompting air and ground crews to coordinate fire suppression. The fire was estimated at 25-30 acres shortly after 12 p.m., according to Utah Fire Info. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Utah Catholic Conference to gather Catholics from across Utah Original
The Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City will be hosting its third annual Utah Catholic Conference in Draper on Saturday, inviting Catholics from across the state to gather together. Bishop Oscar A. Solis of the Diocese of Salt Lake City will preside over the conference, which will take place Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Skaggs Catholic Center in Draper.
First Presbyterian Church of Salt Lake City teaches about legacy amid ongoing growth
Nestled in the trees on C Street and South Temple, the First Presbyterian Church of Salt Lake City stands as a testimony to its Scottish heritage even as the number of attendees continues to grow. The Presbyterian Church in Salt Lake City dates back to 1871, when Reverend Josiah Welch organized the city’s first Presbyterian congregation. Within four years, they raised enough money to build a church on the corner of 2nd East and 2nd South, with space for 500 parishioners.
Cathedral Church of St. Mark welcomes all to worship in Salt Lake City
Joe Wirthlin Sun, September 6, 2026 at 3:40 PM EDT 5 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Add Yahoo on Google The Cathedral Church of St. Mark in Salt Lake City on Tuesday. | Kristin Murphey, Deseret News The Cathedral Church of St. Mark in Salt Lake City has a rich history dating back to 1867, when it was established as St. Mark’s Mission, and continues to welcome all to worship.
I-84 in Weber Canyon reopens as Broad Fire continues to burn
One lane in each direction on Interstate 84 is open as firefighters continue to battle the Broad Fire in Weber Canyon on Saturday night. The fire, which started on Saturday afternoon, is now estimated at 125 acres and remains 0% contained, according to a post from Utah Fire Info. I-84 was closed earlier as flames were burning on both sides of the roadway, with lines of trucks were stuck waiting on the side of the road.
Broad Fire closes I-84 in Weber Canyon
A grass fire in Weber Canyon has forced I-84 to close Saturday afternoon. The South Weber Fire Department said crews were on the scene of the Broad Fire, which was estimated at 30 acres at the mouth of the canyon. I-84 was later closed as flames were burning on both sides of the roadway, per incident command. Lines of trucks were stuck waiting on the side of the road for I-84 to clear.
Broad Fire closes I-84 in Weber Canyon
Follow Broad Fire closes I-84 in Weber Canyon Sat, September 5, 2026 at 6:30 PM EDT The Broad Fire began on Saturday afternoon at the mouth of Weber Canyon near South Weber. | Utah Department of Transportation A grass fire in Weber Canyon has forced I-84 to close Saturday afternoon. The South Weber Fire Department said crews were on the scene of the Broad Fire, which was estimated at 30 acres at the mouth of the canyon.
Floods strike homes in Emery County Original
Flood waters have struck multiple locations in Emery County, displacing residents as flood warnings sweep across southern Utah on Saturday. The Emery County Sheriff’s Office announced that a Red Cross shelter was established at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse in Orangeville for any residents displaced due to flooding. Multiple homes and roadways were flooded. Multiple homes and roadways were flooded in Emery County on Saturday, following heavy rains.
Too many kids ‘on the sidelines’: Utah 2034 pledges funds in youth sports donation effort Original
As the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games creep ever closer, the organizing committee announced it will be partnering with a brand new donation program to support youth sports. The committee announced it will participate in the inaugural Utah Youth Sports Giving Day, a multi-week donation effort to support Utah-based nonprofit sports organizations working to expand access to youth sports across the state.
Holy Trinity Cathedral prepares for multimillion-dollar renovations after 2020 earthquake Original
A 5.7-magnitude earthquake damaged multiple buildings in and around Salt Lake City on March 18, 2020. Among them was the Holy Trinity Cathedral of the Greek Orthodox church, which has stood at the corner of 300 South and 300 West for more than a century. The exterior of the Holy Trinity Cathedral of the Greek Orthodox Church as seen on Aug. 18.
Babylon Fire closure area reopened after burning for nearly 2 months Original
The Babylon Fire reached 100% containment after burning more than 100,000 acres, prompting the U.S. Forest Service to rescind the special closure area for the Manti-La Sal National Forest on Thursday. The Monticello Ranger District was reopened, meaning all lands within the area are open to the public, according to Forest Service Public Affairs Officer Holly Shyrer.
Dugway Fire sparks near mouth of Weber Canyon Original
A new fire sparked near the mouth of Weber Canyon early Wednesday, burning between 15 and 20 acres. The fire, called the Dugway Fire, threatened homes above East Bybee Drive, according to communication and prevention specialist Kelly Wickens of the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands.
Cathedral of the Madeleine celebrates 117 years in Salt Lake City Original
The Cathedral of the Madeleine is nestled in the foothills, and its congregation celebrated the 117th anniversary of the building’s dedication on Saturday. Ground was broken on South Temple in 1899 for what was initially the St. Mary Magdalene parish church, and it was dedicated on Aug. 15, 1909. Parishioners could worship inside, but the second Bishop of Salt Lake City, Joseph Glass, began beautifying the original design.
Utah families react to arrest in double-murder investigation Original
The families of Jessica Orton Lyman and Eli Painter released statements a day after the Friday arrest of a 16-year-old in connection with their alleged murders in 2025. “We have many questions that we hope will soon be answered,” a statement from the Orton family says.
Hundreds evacuated in Midvale apartment fire
Follow Hundreds evacuated in Midvale apartment fire Fri, July 31, 2026 at 10:33 PM UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Firefighters respond to an apartment fire at 942 E. North Union Ave. near Hillcrest High School in Midvale on Friday, July 31, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News Key takeawaysPowered by Yahoo Scout. Yahoo is using AI to generate key points from this article. This means the info may not always match what’s in the article.
Hundreds evacuated in Midvale apartment fire
An apartment complex caught fire Friday, according to the Unified Fire Authority, forcing the evacuation of 220 units in Utah. Smoke was spotted above the North Union Apartments, at 942 E. North Union Avenue, at about 7:50 a.m. Building residents were evacuated, along with their pets. Many stood on surrounding street corners watching firefighters tackle the blaze. Firefighters respond to an apartment fire at 942 E. North Union Ave. near Hillcrest High School in Midvale on Friday, July 31, 2026.
Grass fires spark along I-80 in Salt Lake County Original
Multiple grass fires ignited along I-80 in Salt Lake County on Wednesday. According to the Salt Lake City Fire Department, multiple crews gathered to tackle one blaze located near 5600 West and 200 South in Salt Lake City. The Salt Lake City Fire Department said the fire near 5600 West started near I-80 and burned approximately five acres.
Salt Lake Buddhist Temple to host 90th annual Obon festival in Japantown
KEY TAKEAWAYS The Salt Lake Buddhist Temple will host the 90th Obon festival on Saturday. Festival chair Trey Imamura expressed gratitude for the legacy of Utah's Japanese American community. The event features traditional dances, lanterns honoring ancestors and a taiko drum performance. SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake Buddhist Temple is gearing up for a celebration of an event it has hosted since the late 1930s.
Motorcycle crash leaves 1 dead in Ogden
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Nazarene Youth Conference gathers 10,000 high schoolers to walk 22,000 miles in prayer
SALT LAKE CITY — Utahns across Davis, Salt Lake and Utah counties might have noticed groups of unfamiliar high schoolers walking through their neighborhoods this week. These students, all members of the Church of the Nazarene, had one goal in mind as they walked: to pray that every person in every home will experience Jesus in a personal and profound way.
Celebrating Shabbat on the eve of the Fourth of July
SALT LAKE CITY — The Fourth of July has arrived, bringing with it barbecue, family reunions, patriotism and the chance to watch fireworks while celebrating the 250th birthday of the United States of America. For Jewish Americans, an additional celebration began Friday night: the start of Shabbat, their weekly Sabbath or day of rest. Rather than gathering in the synagogue in Salt Lake City, members of the Congregation Kol Ami gathered at the home of Rabbi Sam Spector to welcome in Shabbat.
New housing coordination division launches in Utah governor's office
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Salt Lake Temple ready for seismic activity
SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints took a massive step towards completing its renovation of the Salt Lake Temple as installation of an earthquake stabilization system was completed. The temple now rests on its new base isolation system after crews removed more than 1,500 bolts connecting 392 plates to the base isolators, the church announced on Tuesday.
Church of Jesus Christ volunteers deliver care kits after Venezuela earthquakes
SALT LAKE CITY — After earthquakes struck Venezuela Wednesday, killing nearly 1,500 people from the devastation and thousands more without food and shelter, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints began humanitarian efforts. Missionaries from the church gathered with local volunteers to distribute approximately 5,000 assistance kits to people in need.
Fires spread across Utah, burning more than 180,000 acres
SALT LAKE CITY — More than 180,000 acres have already burned from fires this year, state and federal firefighters reported early Saturday. That officially makes 2026 the busiest wildfire year since 2020, surpassing last year’s total in half the time. Three of the largest wildfires, the Cottonwood Fire, the Iron Fire and the Cherry Fire, continue to burn across the state.
New, small wildfires reported across Utah
COVE FORT, Millard County — Various new wildfires ignited across Utah on Friday, including in central Utah, adding to the growing number of acres burned. Utah Fire Info said 11 new fires have started in the last 24 hours, with more likely due to the red-flag warning for potentially dangerous conditions. Stay up to date: Utah Firewatch The Sulphurdale Fire started south of Cove Fort and Interstate 70, and officials have not yet reported a known cause, according to Utah Fire Info.
New wildfire reported in Millard County could impact I-70
COVE FORT, Millard County — A new wildfire was spotted in Millard County on Friday that could pose a threat to traffic on Interstate 70. The blaze started south of Cove Fort and I-70, and officials did not yet report a known cause of the fire, according to Utah Fire Info. Those traveling through the area are requested to stay alert for changing conditions and possible traffic restrictions should the fire approach I-70. This story will be updated. We want to hear from you. Have a story idea or tip?
New wildfire reported in Millard County could impact I-70
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Pineview Reservoir in Weber County to be largely drained for pipeline project Original
OGDEN — Pineview Reservoir in Weber County will be largely drained later this year as part of the ongoing replacement of a 6.4-mile pipeline used to haul drinking water from around the reservoir to Ogden. The large reservoir east of Ogden through the Ogden Canyon, a popular recreation destination, has three expansive branches that extend outward from the area where the body of water narrows before converging on the manmade dam that created the lake.
'Particularly dangerous situation' pushes Cottonwood Fire to 71,000 acres
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1 dead after crash in Salt Lake City Friday
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WATCH LIVE: Gov. Spencer Cox speaks on status of Utah wildfires
SALT LAKE CITY — Following a week of wildfires burning more than 100,000 acres across Utah, Gov. Spencer Cox will address the state regarding fire conditions. Multiple cities and municipalities have preemptively banned fireworks outside of previously established firework shows to prevent sparks from starting additional fires. Wildfires across Utah collectively burned more than 141,000 acres of land in 2026. On June 17, only 13,300 acres had burned so far in the season.
Cottonwood Fire continues its spread to 70,000 acres
BEAVER — The Cottonwood Fire continued to grow overnight, increasing its size to an estimated 70,992 acres by Thursday morning. Alyssa Mason, a public information officer working with fire crews tackling the Cottonwood Fire, confirmed the size of the blaze shortly after 8 a.m. Thursday. Gov. Spencer Cox, who was in Beaver on Wednesday and said the fire — one of many currently raging in the state — might be one of the most destructive blazes in Utah’s history.
Cottonwood Fire continues its spread to 70,000 acres
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Primary elections show current Box Elder County Commissioners trailing
SALT LAKE CITY — The Stratos Data Center appears to have been on the mind of Box Elder County voters as results on Tuesday night show both county commissioners trailing behind their competition. Boyd Bingham and Lee Perry, two of the three Box Elder County Commissioners who voted in favor of building the Stratos Data Center, had fewer votes than their competitors at the time of publication.
Ranches being evacuated, road closed as Iron Fire burns in Utah Original
A wildfire that sparked overnight in Juab County, Utah, north of Eureka has led to evacuations and a road closure. The Iron Fire, which exploded to more than 5,000 acres by Saturday afternoon, caused the closure of Homansville Pass Road to U.S. 6 and led to Eureka residents being told to be ready to evacuate should the need arise by Juab County Emergency Management, according to a post on Utah Fire Info.
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