St. George welcomes the new year with the annual Chilly Willy 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon set for Saturday, January 3, 2026.

Starting at 9:00 AM from the picturesque Crosby Family Confluence Park, runners of every level can choose from three race distances or participate virtually.

Every participant receives a stylish long-sleeve shirt and finisher medal, with chip-timed races and awards for top finishers in several age categories.

Registration is tiered, rewarding early sign-ups with guaranteed race swag in their preferred size.

The event offers an energizing way to launch 2026 while connecting with a growing local community.

Recent highlights include a 55% surge in job listings, a new REI opening in fall 2025, and a modern city hall coming next year.

St. George remains a lively center for winter fun and new opportunities.

"Every mountain top is within reach if you just keep climbing." - Barry Finlay

Dixie Direct’s 2026 edition is available now and loaded with savings of up to 50% on dining, golf, entertainment, health and beauty, home and auto services and much more. There are also numerous pages of freebies providing thousands of dollars in value. Check our new App that you can use instead of the card and keep track of what you save. 

Why did the math book look sad?

Because it had too many problems.

With the holiday season nearing, many families consider welcoming a new pet, but experts urge thoughtful decision-making before gifting animals.

Best Friends Animal Society encourages adoption, emphasizing the dual benefit: giving a shelter animal a second chance and aiding the no-kill movement locally.

This year, shelters face greater strain, caring for roughly 245,000 more dogs and cats than last holiday season.

Families should prepare for the responsibilities of pet care and commitment.

Instead of surprising loved ones, consider gifting a shelter adoption certificate so new owners can choose the right companion together.

Supporting local shelters saves lives—both the adopted pet and another animal who gains a spot.

For those unable to commit to adoption, fostering during the holidays provides short-term, life-saving help for overcrowded shelters.

Choosing adoption ensures a meaningful, compassionate holiday gift that truly changes lives.

Utah’s beef prices soared to $6.32 per pound in August 2025, skyrocketing from the $1.71 average seen in 2022.

This dramatic rise comes as cattle inventories shrink, input costs climb, and consumer demand remains steady. For ranchers, current market conditions mean higher short-term profits.

However, persistent drought and expensive herd rebuilding pose serious long-term risks, forcing many to reduce cattle numbers through widespread sell-offs. The closure of major processing plants, like Tyson Foods in Nebraska, has further disrupted the already-stressed supply chain and left a noticeable impact on local communities and beef availability.

Shoppers now face ground beef prices topping $6 per pound—a jump of 10.3% from last year—prompting some to switch to other proteins or buy less beef.

Experts warn stabilization could take years as climate challenges and economic pressures linger, keeping both buyers and ranchers navigating high prices and scarce supply.

Visit the Rosenbruch Wildlife Museum to see over 300 species of wildlife in lifelike dioramas!

Welcome to Positano. Step into an experience where old-world Italian charm meets contemporary elegance. At Positano's, we celebrate the rich culinary heritage of Italy, reimagined with a modern sensibility. Each dish is crafted with the finest seasonal ingredients, sourced locally and imported from Italy’s most esteemed regions. From hand-rolled pastas to wood-fired specialties, our menu pays homage to tradition while embracing innovation

Southern Utah’s night sky will be a spectacular stage this December, offering dazzling astronomical displays for residents and visitors.

The Geminid meteor shower peaks on December 13 and 14, sending up to 120 vivid streaks per hour across the dark sky. These bright, multicolored meteors—originating from asteroid 3200 Phaethon—are best viewed away from city lights, with eyes turned toward the constellation Gemini.

On December 4, a supermoon will rise in the east, appearing strikingly large and luminous—about 8% bigger and 15% brighter than usual. It’s a can’t-miss moment for moon lovers just after sunset.

The month closes with a planetary show as Saturn and the waxing crescent moon align in the southern sky on December 26, while Jupiter shines brilliantly throughout December.

Bundle up, find a dark spot, and enjoy nature’s celestial showcase under Southern Utah’s legendary clear skies.

Visit Snow Canyon State Park for stunning red rock formations and hidden slot canyons without the crowds of nearby national parks.

Utah homeowners are facing rising insurance rates and the threat of policy cancellations after new state wildfire risk maps identified nearly 60,000 structures as high risk.

The High-Risk Wildland Urban Interface map, released by the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire & State Lands, is part of a 2025 law requiring insurers to use these maps in their risk evaluations.

Residents like Steve Friend and Jarice Butterfield in Dammeron Valley worry the maps ignore property-specific fire mitigation, unfairly classifying their homes.

Even those just outside the high-risk areas, such as Tom Mertz in Desert Canyons, are reporting premium hikes.

Local leaders have formed committees to protect homeowner insurability and call for more detailed risk assessments.

The state stresses the new system creates consistency and offers an appeals process, while urging residents to stay proactive about wildfire prevention.

Check out the Anasazi Valley Petroglyphs for a unique and cultural experience in St George, Utah!

Utah retirees will see a 2.8% boost in Social Security payments starting January 2026, adding roughly $56 per month on average.

This adjustment from the Social Security Administration aims to help local beneficiaries keep pace with rising costs as inflation impacts daily expenses.

Utah’s economy remains strong, with a low 3.1% unemployment rate in 2024 and the nation’s top real GDP growth at 4.6% through most of the year.

However, high housing prices continue to squeeze pocketbooks.

The state’s median home sale price reached $500,000 by December 2024, making it especially tough for first-time buyers to enter the market.

Although the COLA increase offers some relief, many seniors worry it won’t fully cover escalating costs, with 77% of older Americans saying the adjustment is not enough.