Utah Today: August 31, 2025

PROVO - Cleanup at a Provo meetinghouse damaged by a sudden mudslide could take months, church and city officials warn. Heavy rain on Wednesday night sent debris from the Buckley Draw burn scar cascading into the parking lot and classrooms of the Latter-day Saint chapel on South Slate Canyon Drive, burying floors in up to four feet of mud. More than 200 volunteers joined city crews in a massive bucket-brigade effort to remove over 13,000 tons of debris, but officials say structural repairs and interior restoration may not be completed until early 2026. Meanwhile, the two stakes that worshipped in the building have relocated services to nearby meetinghouses until the site is fully repaired.

PROVO - Property owners in Provo and other Utah County cities will owe more on this year’s tax bills than originally shown after an audit error was discovered late last week. County officials acknowledged that the Utah County Auditor’s Office miscalculated levies on several jurisdictions’ rolls, primarily affecting Provo residents. City and county leaders have pledged to work collaboratively to rectify the mistake, support affected taxpayers, and implement safeguards to prevent similar mishaps in the future. Details on the size of the additional charges and the correction timeline are expected next week.

PASADENA, Calif. - The University of Utah football team opened its 2025 season with a nationally televised showdown against UCLA at the Rose Bowl. In their first Big 12 campaign under head coach Kyle Whittingham, the Utes showcased a new-look offense led by quarterback Devon Dampier. Despite strong defensive stands, Utah fell short in a tightly contested game, trailing 21-17 at halftime before the Bruins pulled away in the second half. The loss marks a challenging start for Utah’s transition into a Power Five conference.