KSUB Southern Utah News Update

>>Diamond Ranch Academy Closing In Hurricane

(Hurricane, UT)  --  A teen residential treatment facility in southern Utah is closing its doors.  Diamond Ranch Academy in Hurricane announced Friday they were ending operations because of what they described as "unfair treatment from the State of Utah."  DRA's executive director also noted state agencies didn't give the facility due process and "made false allegations" against its assistant medical director.  The decision to close comes after Health and Human Services died to renew state licenses for the academy.  DRA had been put on probation in December following the death of a 17-year-old.  The academy will need to close by August 14th.

>>Excessive Heat Warning In Southern Utah

(St. George, UT)  --  Parts of southern Utah are under an Excessive Heat Warning today.  The National Weather Service says temperatures could reach as high as 115 degrees in some areas, raising the risk of heat related illnesses.  The warning is for lower Washington County, Zion National Park and the Glen Canyon Recreation Area.  St. George is forecast to get up to 113 degrees,  Officials remind everybody to drink plenty of water and check in on older family members during these heat periods.

>>Crews Keeping Saddle Fire From Growing

(Hildale, UT)  --  Crews are keeping a Washington County wildfire from growing.  The Saddle Fire near Hildale started Saturday and was initially believed to be over 20 acres by that night.  But, Utah Fire Info tweeted the fire has burned just over seven acres as of yesterday and there's been no new fire growth or active fire.  Officials have asked people to keep their drones out of the area because an intrusion forced aircraft to be grounded yesterday morning.

>>Blood Donation Restrictions Based On Sexual Orientation Eased
(Salt Lake City, UT)  --  ARUP Blood Services will be the first in Utah to implement new guidelines after the FDA eased blood donation restrictions.  Officials say the blood donation restrictions have been loosened to be inclusive to all sexual orientations.  The ARUP director said questions regarding sexual history have been replaced with three new inclusive questions that will be asked to anyone.  Officials say they hope this will lead to more people donating because the need for blood is constant.  The changes officially go into effect July 18th.