Hey everyone! Welcome back to another week of news here on Summit in Six! While we had a crazy cold snap earlier this week, it looks like summer is here to stay!

In today’s episode, we are going to go over primary election day next week on Tuesday, June 25th, the weeds of the month for June, the Zero Waste Food Compact, an upcoming event with Recycle Utah in Oakley, and some wildfire prevention tactics.

Alright, let’s get into the news!

June 25 Primary Election

Let’s talk about some important information for the upcoming Primary Election happening THIS COMING TUESDAY, June 25! Early voting began this week! Summit County voters can still vote early today, June 21, Saturday, June 22 and on Monday, June 24. For locations and hours, please visit summitcounty.info/earlyvoting.

• 
  
• If you plan to vote by mail, ballots must be postmarked by Monday June 24, 2024, the day before Election Day.
  
• If you plan to vote using a drop box, ballots must be in a drop box on or before 8:00 p.m. June 25, 2024, Election Day. For a list of dropbox locations, visit: summitcounty.info/dropbox.
  

And, finally, if you plan to vote in-person on election day, June 25, you can do so from 7 AM – 8 PM at Coalville City Hall, Park City Hall (the Marsac Building), the Kimball Junction Branch of the Summit County Library, and at the South Summit Services Building in Kamas. A list of these locations can be found at summitcounty.info/votinglocations.

Please be aware that as the June 25 Primary Election approaches, voters can only vote in ONE party’s primary election. Each ballot is assigned a unique ballot number, which is connected to a specific voter. The Summit County Clerk’s Office will count the first ballot they receive from you. If a second ballot is received, it will alert the Clerk’s Office that you have already voted. The second vote will not be counted, and the Clerk’s Office will notify the Sheriff that you attempted to vote twice (which is illegal).

Weed of the Month

Another Weed of the Month for June is Garlic Mustard! Garlic Mustard is native to Europe and is found in deciduous forests and wetlands, along roadsides, and in disturbed areas like new construction zones. It thrives in shady sites, and can form dense areas covered by the weed. Garlic mustard is especially harmful to our community because it chemically inhibits the growth of other nearby plants, including our beloved aspen stands, not to mention it is toxic to some native butterflies.

If you’re trying to spot Garlic Mustard in your community, look out for a plant that is up to 4-feet tall. Its rosette leaves have a rounded kidney shape, and its mature leaves are arrow shaped with unevenly toothed margins. Branch tips produce clusters of four-petaled white flowers, and narrow seed pods grow upright from the stalk. Seeds are sticky when wet, and can remain viable for 5 years in the soil. Finally, when a garlic mustard plant is broken or smushed, parts of it can actually smell like garlic!

For control, hand-pulling or digging before seed production is effective, but make sure to  completely remove roots and destroy plants that have seed pods. Cutting stems at ground level prevents seed production. Herbicides can also be effective.

For more information on Noxious Weeds in Summit County, please visit: summitcounty.info/idweeds.

Zero Food Waste Compact

What we eat and how that food is grown is not the only connection between our food systems and our health – what happens with our food scraps and leftovers after a delicious meal is part of the picture too! Get involved in the local movement to eliminate the food waste that winds up in the Summit County landfill by signing the Zero Food Waste Compact and, if you live in zip codes 84098 and 84060, consider signing up for curbside food waste collection. Keep in mind: discounted rates for this collection service are available for folks that need it. The compact and food waste collection programs are part of the Park City Community Foundation’s Zero Food Waste initiative, which our Health Department and County at large supports.

July 9 Green Drinks

Mark your calendars for Recycle Utah’s next “Green Drinks” on July 9 @ 6pm at 3 Springs Ranch in Oakley! What’s “Green Drinks”, you ask? Green Drinks is a Recycle Utah-sponsored event which originated in 2016. It aspires to educate adults about our environment including recycling, energy and water conservation, local food systems and more. At the July 9th event, attendees will learn about numerous local farms and food-related businesses so we can all be better at buying local! Please carpool if possible. This family-friendly event is also “bring your own picnic”. Sign up TODAY at summitcounty.info/greendrinks.

Wildfire Prevention Tactics

Temperatures are rising, and summer is in full swing. As of Thursday, June 20th, the Summit County Fire Warden has designated our area to “Moderate” fire danger. The warm dry weather of the past few weeks have contributed to this increased level of wildfire risk. Do your part to be Fire Wise and practice your #FireSense.

Just one more thing to share related to wildfire risk and our role as humans in preventing it: According to the National Park Service, nearly 85% of wildland fires in the United States are caused by humans. This includes fires that are unintentional, unwanted, or escaped, such as campfires left unattended, debris burning, and discarded cigarettes. Other causes include malfunctioning electrical equipment and arson.

In the words of Utah Fire Info “You know the fire drill, let’s help protect Utah’s great outdoors”– and communities!