Shara Park
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Anchor/Reporter @KSL5TV (NBC), Utahn, Mom, Wife, Athlete, Utes🌹, RSL & Utah Jazz.
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Articles by Shara Park
Utahns called to honor fallen Officers Sorenson and Estrada: “You become part of the family forever”
Salt Lake City — As Utah prepares to lay Sgt. Lee Sorenson and Officer Eric Estrada to rest — both tragically killed in the line of duty on Aug. 17 — the Tremonton Garland Police Department is leaning on the strength of its community and the solidarity of law enforcement across the nation. Their public viewing will be held Thursday at Bear River High School from 3-7 p.m., with funeral services scheduled for Thursday and Friday at 10 a.m. in the Spectrum at Utah State University in Logan.
'You become part of the family forever'
TREMONTON TRAGEDY Aug 27, 2025, 4:56 PM | Updated: 9:26 pm SALT LAKE CITY — As Utah prepares to lay Sgt. Lee Sorenson and Officer Eric Estrada to rest — both tragically killed in the line of duty on Aug. 17 — the Tremonton Garland Police Department is leaning on the strength of its community and the solidarity of law enforcement across the nation.
Nearly 100 dogs rescued from a Salt Lake City home
SALT LAKE CITY — Ninety-seven small dogs and a single tortoise are now safe after being rescued from a hoarding situation over the weekend, thanks to a concerned neighbor and swift action from Salt Lake County Animal Services, the Humane Society of Utah and several foster placements.
Nearly 100 dogs rescued from a Salt Lake City home
Aug 25, 2025, 4:40 PM SALT LAKE CITY — Ninety-seven small dogs and a single tortoise are now safe after being rescued from a hoarding situation over the weekend, thanks to a concerned neighbor and swift action from Salt Lake County Animal Services, the Humane Society of Utah, and several foster placements.
SafeUT: The lifeline Utah students - and families - need this school year
SALT LAKE CITY — As Utah students head back to school, many carry more than just backpacks and notebooks — they carry stress, anxiety, and emotional burdens that often go unseen. That's why mental health advocates are urging families to get familiar with SafeUT, a free, confidential app and online resource that's quietly saving lives across the state. Since its launch in late 2016, SafeUT has become a vital support system for Utah's youth.
SafeUT: The lifeline Utah students - and families - need this school year
SALT LAKE CITY — As Utah students head back to school, many carry more than just backpacks and notebooks — they carry stress, anxiety, and emotional burdens that often go unseen. That’s why mental health advocates are urging families to get familiar with SafeUT, a free, confidential app and online resource that’s quietly saving lives across the state. More than an app — a statewide safety net Since its launch in late 2016, SafeUT has become a vital support system for Utah’s youth.
Meet Eva: A treasure hunter with a big heart ready to find a loving family
KEARNS – Lodestone Park in Kearns is one of Eva’s favorite spots. With tires big enough to climb and logs wide enough to balance on, it’s an open invitation to explore. And that’s exactly what Eva loves to do. “She just has so much curiosity, and she’s not afraid. She loves to go and explore hands-on,” said Morgan, Eva’s permanency caseworker with the Utah Division of Child and Family Services. While Eva’s up for the challenge of a tall slide, her real joy comes from treasure hunting.
Maurine Hunsaker's son frustrated over commutation hearing for convicted killer Ralph Menzies
SALT LAKE CITY — Nearly four decades after Maurine Hunsaker was kidnapped and murdered, her family is once again confronting the man convicted of the crime — Ralph Menzies — as he prepares for a commutation hearing that could potentially halt his scheduled execution. Matt Hunsaker, Maurine's son, spoke with KSL-TV after meeting with the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole on Friday, expressing deep frustration and disbelief that the hearing is even happening.
Family of murder victim frustrated over commutation hearing for convicted killer Ralph Menzies
SALT LAKE CITY — Nearly four decades after Maurine Hunsaker was kidnapped and murdered, her family is once again confronting the man convicted of the crime — Ralph Menzies — as he prepares for a commutation hearing that could halt his scheduled execution. Matt Hunsaker, Maurine’s son, spoke with KSL after meeting with the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole on Friday, expressing deep frustration and disbelief that the hearing is even happening.
Kihei Akina grateful for another shot at Utah Championship
OGDEN — Kihei Akina was trying to appreciate his sponsors’ exemption to play in the Utah Championship on the Korn Ferry Tour for the second straight year before his freshman season at BYU. But there’s no doubt the second invite was all that different for the former Utah junior golf star.
Volunteers pack thousands of meals
OGDEN — It’s back-to-school season, and one group of Utahns is making sure every student is taken care of. Volunteers in Ogden are rolling up their sleeves on Wednesday to pack more than 5,000 meal kits for students in the Davis School District. These shelf-stable packs are weekend meals for kids facing food insecurity. It’s all part of a bigger mission to prep 15,000 total meals through the Bountiful Food Pantry.
West Valley City dedicates building to fallen code enforcement officer Jill Robinson
WEST VALLEY CITY — West Valley City has officially renamed its Community Preservation Building in honor of code enforcement officer Jill Robinson, whose life and service left a lasting impact on the community she served. Robinson was tragically shot and killed on Aug. 9, 2018, while performing her code enforcement duties. Her death shocked the city and left a void in the department where she had worked for nearly a decade.
West Valley City dedicates building to fallen Officer Jill Robinson
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Alpine School District bus driver's kindness comes full circle
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SALT LAKE CITY — As Utah students prepare to head back to school, one Alpine School District bus driver is preparing for her 17th year behind the wheel. But for Tracy Dean, driving a bus has never just been about transportation — it’s been about transformation. Her story first captured hearts in 2018, when she began styling the hair of a quiet 11-year-old girl named Isabella Pieri.
By Shara Park Verified, Carter Williams Verified, Mariah Maynes Verified, Bridger Beal-Cvetko Verified
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KSL Outdoors Show
From braids to bride: Utah bus driver’s act of kindness comes full circle
GOOD NEWS Jul 29, 2025, 5:56 PM SALT LAKE CITY — As Utah students prepare to head back to school, one Alpine School District bus driver is preparing for her 17th year behind the wheel. But for Tracy Dean, driving a bus has never just been about transportation — it’s been about transformation. Her story first captured hearts in 2018, when she began styling the hair of a quiet 11-year-old girl named Isabella Pieri.
Days of '47 Parade highlights pioneer pride, Utah history Original
Salt Lake City — Salt Lake City’s streets filled with music, laughter and heartfelt memories as the 2025 Days of ’47 Parade honored Utah’s history. From elaborately decorated floats to high-energy marching bands, the event celebrated the spirit of resilience and community that defines the state. Watch a replay of the parade here: Families gather to celebrate tradition at Days of ’47 “This is my husband’s entire family—most of them. There’s usually more,” said Nichole Hind, surrounded by loved ones.
Meet Jade: A teen with a big heart and a bigger smile, hoping for a forever family
SALT LAKE CITY — It only takes a few moments with Jade to know he’s one of the happiest kids around. “I don’t know how you talk to him and don’t smile — you have to smile,” said Lisa Miller, Jade’s Youth Connections Advocate with Raise the Future. We first met Jade in 2022 at the Discovery Gateway Museum. Back then, he was 12 years old, bursting with energy and excitement.
“Rotting Meat Forced Us Inside”: Ogden Families Find Relief After Months of Unbearable Odor
LOCAL NEWS Jul 22, 2025, 6:49 PM OGDEN — What began as a faint odor in early spring turned into a full-blown crisis by summer for one Ogden neighborhood. Families abandoned backyards, canceled barbecues, and shut their windows tight. The source? Pounds of rotting wild game meat left behind in a shuttered processing plant. “It smells like dead bodies over here,” said longtime resident Kim Lindsey. “You can’t describe it.
'Rotting meat forced us inside;' Ogden families find relief after months of unbearable odor Original
LOCAL NEWS Jul 22, 2025, 6:49 PM | Updated: 6:53 pm OGDEN — What began as a faint odor in early spring turned into a full-blown crisis by summer for one Ogden neighborhood. Families abandoned backyards, canceled barbecues, and shut their windows tight. The source? Pounds of rotting wild game meat left behind in a shuttered processing plant. “It smells like dead bodies over here,” said longtime resident Kim Lindsey. “You can’t describe it.
Heroic response: Woods Cross motorcycle employees save man from fiery explosion
SALT LAKE CITY — What began as a routine Monday morning at Fastback Moto in Woods Cross turned into a life-or-death rescue when a violent explosion erupted at the storage facility behind the business. Employees at the motorcycle shop are being praised for their heroic response after a man was critically burned in a flash fire involving highly flammable chemicals.
Flash flood risk rises in southern Utah: hikers and campers urged to use caution during weekend plans
SALT LAKE CITY — The National Weather Service in Salt Lake City has issued a moderate threat for flash flooding across Southern Utah, warning that monsoonal moisture will fuel thunderstorms through the weekend. Campers, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts are urged to stay alert and reconsider travel into high-risk areas. “Monsoonal moisture is seeping into Utah today, and it will linger into the weekend,” said KSL Chief Meteorologist Kevin Eubank.
Utah's Heart Gallery honors youth in foster care
SALT LAKE CITY – This week at Red Butte Garden, dozens of children in Utah’s foster care system experienced a moment designed just for them — an empowering photo shoot that will soon become part of the 2025–2026 Red Butte Garden, which will open at the Utah State Capitol later this year. Organized by Raise the Future, the annual event brings together a professional photographer, stylists, and volunteers to spotlight youth who are still waiting to be adopted.
Search underway for missing camper near Jacob City Trailhead
STOCKTON, Tooele County — A search is currently in progress near the Jacob City Trailhead in Soldier Canyon, after a camper disappeared Monday. "A group of friends were up here camping. One of the males, identified as Chad Burningham, 42, left the camp at about 8 a.m. on foot and hasn't been seen since," said Sgt. Dane Lerdahl of the Tooele County Sheriff's Office. "They suggested it looked like he was heading toward some bathrooms, but he never returned.
Search underway for missing camper near Jacob City Trailhead
LOCAL NEWS Jul 15, 2025, 5:57 PM | Updated: 6:02 pm STOCKTON, Tooele County — A search is currently in progress near the Jacob City Trail Head in Soldier Canyon, after a camper disappeared more than 24 hours ago. “A group of friends were up here camping. One of the males, identified as Chad Burningham, 42, left the camp at about 8 a.m. on foot and hasn’t been seen since,” said Sgt. Dane Lerdahl of the Tooele County Sheriff’s Office.
Sundance plans to make final Utah film festival 'full of gratitude and joy'
PARK CITY — The final Sundance Film Festival to be held in Utah will be a “celebration full of gratitude and joy,” featuring events and celebrations, including a nod to Sundance’s founding father. However, it won’t include an iconic Park City venue. The final festival in Utah will begin on Jan. 22, 2026, and wrap up on Feb. 1, 2026, with events in Park City and Salt Lake City, Eugene Hernandez, director of the Sundance Film Festival, announced in a public letter on Monday.
Monroe Canyon Fire grows to 1,248 acres
MONROE — A fast-moving wildfire burning east of Monroe is now threatening 40 to 50 structures across Sevier County. Pushed by erratic winds and fueled by dry timber, the Monroe Canyon Fire has scorched 1,248 acres and remains 0% contained. Crews focus on protecting evacuated communities The Central Utah Type 3 Incident Management Team assumed command of the fire at 6:00 a.m. Monday.
Monroe Canyon Fire grows to 1,248 acres, threatens dozens of structures in Sevier County
MONROE — A fast-moving wildfire burning east of Monroe is now threatening 40 to 50 structures across Sevier County. Pushed by erratic winds and fueled by dry timber, the Monroe Canyon Fire has scorched 1,248 acres and remains 0% contained. Related: ‘Avoid the area:’ Wildfire breaks out on Monroe Mountain Crews focus on protecting evacuated communities The Central Utah Type 3 Incident Management Team assumed command of the fire at 6:00 a.m. Monday.
Monroe Canyon Fire grows to nearly 4,000 acres, threatens dozens of structures in Sevier County
UTAH FIREWATCH Jul 14, 2025, 5:49 PM | Updated: Jul 15, 2025, 10:20 am MONROE — A fast-moving wildfire burning east of Monroe is now threatening 40 to 50 structures across Sevier County. Pushed by erratic winds and fueled by dry timber, the Monroe Canyon Fire has scorched 3,900 plus acres and remains 0% contained.
Loud booms rattle Wasatch Front as Army Depot conducts planned detonations
TOOELE — The Tooele Army Depot issued an apology Monday for any stress caused by detonations in the West Desert, in light of the attack on the U.S. military base in Qatar. The Tooele Army Depot announced in a post on the social platform X that it would conduct open detonations Monday, starting as early as 11 a.m. Still, many people across the Wasatch Front were caught off guard, with residents in the southwestern part of the Salt Lake Valley reporting they felt and heard the blasting.
Copper thieves target SLC utilities, costing city hundreds of thousands
SALT LAKE CITY — Copper wire thefts continue to escalate in Salt Lake City, with utility workers raising concerns over increasingly bold criminals disguising themselves as city employees. Thursday morning, police responded to a reported theft near the Gateway. According to Salt Lake Police Sgt. Miles Southworth, officers were dispatched at 8:53 a.m. to 50 S. 500 West for a man stealing copper wire from a city utility box. When officers arrived on the scene, the man ran off, dropping the wire.
Copper thieves target SLC utilities, costing city hundreds of thousands
SALT LAKE CITY — Copper wire thefts continue to escalate in Salt Lake City, with utility workers raising concerns over increasingly bold criminals disguising themselves as city employees. Thursday morning, police responded to a reported theft near the Gateway. According to Sgt. Miles Southworth with Salt Lake City Police, officers were dispatched at 8:53 a.m. to 50 South 500 West for a man stealing copper wire from a city utility box.
The battle over Utah’s collective bargaining ban: How Utahns say they would vote
One argument in favor of the law is that it will decrease the political power of the unions. Osborne shared that in Chicago the teacher’s union got one of their union officials elected as mayor. “They get him in place, and then come negotiation time, they’re like, ‘Alright, let’s do a deal.’ He has basically drawn up plans to bankrupt the city for the benefit of the teachers unions,” he said.
Rocky Mountain Power issues advisory ahead of heat wave
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah’s largest power provider is bracing for higher demands ahead of the state’s first real heat wave of the year. High temperatures across the Wasatch Front and northern Utah will jump from the mid-to-upper 80s on Tuesday to upper 90s and low 100s by Thursday. Temperatures could reach as high as 110 degrees in the St. George area by Thursday, as well.
District Attorney Sim Gill to screen charges against suspected WestFest shooter in 24-48 hours Original
CRIME Jun 17, 2025, 6:30 PM SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill expects to review the case against the 16-year-old suspect in Sunday’s triple homicide at WestFest within the next 24 to 48 hours. The teen, accused of killing three people and injuring two others, has been booked into a Salt Lake County juvenile detention center on three counts of homicide.
Helicopter crashes moments after takeoff at Woods Cross hangar Original
A helicopter crashed at the Skypark Airport in Woods Cross Friday just seconds after taking off. Christian Galvan was working nearby when he heard a helicopter start to take off, so he and two colleagues hurried to watch it. In a video Galvan took, the helicopter rises up for a few seconds before one of the blades clips a hangar door at Western Fab Hangar. The helicopter then tipped over and crashed into the ground. "The noise was a noise I've never heard before. Metal went everywhere.
Witnesses describe helicopter crash at hangar in Woods Cross Original
Jun 13, 2025, 12:21 PM SALT LAKE CITY — A helicopter crashed during takeoff at a hangar in Woods Cross Friday morning. Senior Officer Sean Jones with the Woods Cross Police Department said police received word of the crash at Skypark Airport at approximately 8:49 a.m. According to Jones, initial information said the pilot clipped the hangar as he was leaving. Jones said the aircraft was in “dozens and dozens of pieces,” but the pilot walked away with only a few scratches.
Multiple water main breaks impact Salt Lake City residents and businesses
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what happened and why officials stayed silent Original
SALT LAKE CITY — Health officials in Utah opted not to notify the public about a measles case that entered the state last month, citing low risk and prior vaccination. The case first came into public light Monday afternoon, during a Summit County Board of Health meeting. The Utah Department of Health and Human Services confirmed that the individual had previously been vaccinated, significantly reducing the risk of transmission.
From Leukemia diagnosis to living life fully: Olivia's story
SALT LAKE CITY — At 17, Olivia Smart is doing what many teenagers love — playing pickleball, baking cookies, and teaching her dog new tricks. But just three years ago, her world looked very different. At 14, Olivia’s mom, Sarah, noticed something was off. “She had bruising, and she had black spots in her eyes,” Sarah recalled. “She was on a hike and just felt really faint. I said, ‘You know what? We just need to go and get a checkup.’” That checkup changed everything.
Police seek information in Liberty Wells hit-and-run
SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake City police are asking for help in identifying the driver involved in a fatal hit-and-run that took the life of a 67-year-old motorcyclist in the Liberty Wells neighborhood. The incident occurred late Sunday night at approximately 10:45 p.m. at 2100 South and 400 East intersection, near Kearns-Saint Ann School. Authorities said the driver of a light-colored sedan ran a stop sign on 400 East before colliding with the motorcyclist traveling on 2100 South.
Police seek public’s help in hit-and-run that killed motorcyclist in Salt Lake City
SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake City police are asking for help in identifying the driver involved in a fatal hit-and-run that took the life of a 67-year-old motorcyclist in the Liberty Wells neighborhood. The incident occurred late Sunday night at approximately 10:45 p.m. at 2100 South and 400 East intersection, near Kearns-Saint Ann School. Authorities said the driver of a light-colored sedan ran a stop sign on 400 East before colliding with the motorcyclist traveling on 2100 South.
From stage 4 cancer to soccer star: Ruby's story of hope
SALT LAKE CITY — When Ruby Thackeray was just a toddler, her parents received devastating news: she had stage 4 melanoma. The odds of survival were in the single digits. But thanks to groundbreaking, personalized treatment at Primary Children's Hospital, Ruby is not only surviving — she's thriving. "Ruby is a ray of sunshine," her mom, Ali Thackeray, shared.
Syracuse police seek suspect in brutal assault
SYRACUSE — Syracuse police are asking for the public's help in locating a suspect wanted in connection with a violent assault that left a 26-year-old woman hospitalized with critical injuries. The attack, which occurred Tuesday night, resulted in severe head and neck trauma for the victim. Neighbors describe hearing chilling screams, an experience they say they will never forget. Police were called to a residence near 2700 West and 3300 South at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
Syracuse Police seek suspect in brutal assault
SYRACUSE — Syracuse Police are asking for the public’s help in locating a suspect wanted in connection with a violent assault that left a 26-year-old woman hospitalized with critical injuries. The attack, which occurred Tuesday night, resulted in severe head and neck trauma for the victim. Neighbors describe hearing chilling screams, an experience they say they will never forget.
Stansbury Golf Course suffers $5,000 in damage from vandalism
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Urgent blood donations needed amid holiday travel
LEHI – Memorial Day weekend officially kicked off what the Utah Department of Public Safety calls the "100 Deadliest Days of Summer." This dangerous stretch, lasting through Labor Day, sees a dramatic rise in deadly car crashes. Last year alone, 92 people lost their lives during this period in Utah. Urgent blood donations needed As travel spikes, so does the need for life-saving blood donations.
Urgent blood donations needed amid holiday travel Original
LOCAL NEWS May 26, 2025, 5:50 PM | Updated: 5:53 pm LEHI – Memorial Day weekend officially kicks off what the Utah Department of Public Safety calls the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer.” This dangerous stretch, lasting through Labor Day, sees a dramatic rise in deadly car crashes. Last year alone, 92 people lost their lives during this period in Utah.
Wednesday's Child
WEDNESDAY'S CHILD May 21, 2025, 4:16 PM | Updated: 4:19 pm SALT LAKE CITY – Inside Salt Lake City Guitar comes the grit of rock and roll, the groove of rhythm and blues. Owner Preston Howard has shared that sound with more than a thousand students over the years, as he’s brought his passion for music into the studio. Now, he’s sharing that passion with 14-year-old Kenzie, who is picking up an electric guitar for her first real lesson. Kenzie’s love for music runs deep, especially for punk rock.
Kilby Block Party brings music and energy to Salt Lake City
SALT LAKE CITY — Thousands of music lovers are flocking to the Utah State Fairpark as the Kilby Block Party continues its four-day festival. Now in its sixth year, the festival is expected to bring 15,000 to 20,000 attendees each day, celebrating a mix of indie artists and big-name bands like Beach House, Justice and Weezer. A celebration of Utah’s music scene Festivalgoers are excited about Salt Lake City’s growing role in the music world.
Kilby Block Party brings music and energy to Salt Lake City
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