The Local Community News from KPCW-FM Park City
KPCW is the only not-for-profit source of daily news across Summit and Wasatch counties and is proud to highlight a few recent articles that reflect the happenings in our vibrant, eclectic and engaged community.
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Summit County youth alcohol, drug use and depression trends down
By Kristine Weller
Utah’s health leaders say the use of alcohol, drugs and vapes is decreasing among Summit County students.
The finding is from the 2025 Student Health and Risk Prevention Survey and reflects a statewide trend in alcohol and drug use.
Conducted every other year, the SHARP Survey asks 6th, 8th, 10th and 12th graders about their readiness to face issues like underage drinking, school safety, bullying and mental health.
Almost 21% of Summit County students reported they tried alcohol at least once, a 24% decrease from 2023. There was also a 42% decrease in reported cannabis use, with 10% of students saying they’ve tried it.
Summit County students also reported a 37% decrease in vaping since 2023.
Utah’s K-12 alcohol use remains among the lowest in the nation. Just under 11% of Utah students say they have experimented with alcohol.
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Park City swears in first K9, Bruno the chocolate lab
By Kristine Weller
Park City police have added a four-legged crime fighter to its ranks of officers keeping the community safe.
Bruno, the chocolate lab, was “sworn in” as a K9 officer with a ball toss from the city’s mayor.
Bruno, whose full name is Bruno the Bomb Sniffer, is trained to detect the scents of 20 different explosives and the chemicals used to make them.
Officer Wayne Henderson is Bruno’s handler. He says the canine cop can sniff out suspicious packages and conduct event area sweeps.
Bruno was named by a class of 5th graders at McPolin Elementary.
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Wasatch Back Olympic venues to increase world competitions ahead of Games
By Connor Thomas
Utah’s Olympic organizing committee leaders say hosting frequent “test events” ahead of the 2034 Games will help the state prepare to welcome the world’s top athletes.
Events at the Olympic venues like Park City Mountain, Deer Valley Resort and the Utah Olympic Park will help civic leaders see what works and what doesn’t before the Games return.
Committee CEO Brad Wilson says that includes helping city and county communications and emergency crews make sure they’re ready to handle the safety and behind-the-scenes logistics for the Winter Games.
Frequent test events will also draw people to the area as spectators and volunteers.
Wilson said it also helps athletes around the globe who want to test out the venues before competition day.
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