Hey everybody, welcome back to another week of news here on Summit in Six. On today’s episode we have some reminders about summer safety, some updates on fire restrictions in Summit County, and a fun opportunity for Pioneer Day. Let’s get into the news!

Fire Conditions update and Fireworks Ban information

Beginning Friday, July 19, 2024, at 12:01 AM, the use of any kind of fireworks, tracer ammunition, or exploding targets is prohibited on unincorporated and state land within Summit County. As a reminder, Summit County’s Fire Danger Level is currently at Extreme, so please be careful and use your fire sense.

Any of the above acts is a violation of state law and is punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

Text SCFIREINFO to 888777 for updates on Summit County’s fire outlook and conditions, Red Flag Warnings, prescribed burns, active fire updates & more

Summer Safety Tips from Summit County Health

As summer heats up, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors. Here are some crucial summer safety tips. Remember to stay hydrated and drink plenty of fluids, especially when you’re outside. Don’t forget to protect your skin and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, reapply every two hours, and wear hats and sunglasses. 

When it comes to swimming, practice water safety. Never swim alone, keep a close eye on children, and make sure everyone knows basic swimming skills. Keep up with your rest and avoid heat-related illnesses by taking breaks in the shade or indoors, wearing light clothing, and knowing the signs of heat exhaustion. You’re not the only one getting out to enjoy the nice weather, be mindful of insects! Use insect repellent, check for ticks, and be aware of bee stings if you’re allergic. Stay safe, stay cool, and have fun!

Community Health Assessment

Summit County, if you haven’t heard the news, Summit County Health is conducting a community health assessment to gather information about the health of our community. The Summit County Health Department is trying to find out how to better serve the community. We want to learn about social and economic factors that impact your life, such as education, transportation, housing, and healthcare access. Your input on topics like the physical environment, sustainability & climate change in Summit County is valuable. There’s a lot to tackle in public health and we can’t make a better future without you. Join us in making a healthier community for all. Take the Community Health Assessment today at summitcountyhealth.org/cha24. 

Summit Bike Share Pioneer Day Competition

Summit Bike Share wants to see you get out and ride this Pioneer Day. Submit a photo or video of you on one of our bikes (with a helmet on!) to summitcounty.info/sbspioneer and you’ll have the chance to win an SBS Swag Pack. Submissions are due Monday, July 29 at 5 PM. The winner will be announced Tuesday, July 30 on Summit County’s social media outlets.

Pioneer Day County Closures

Speaking of Pioneer Day…All County offices will be closed Wednesday, July 24, in observance of the state holiday. The Sheriff’s Office and local fire/EMS crews will have limited staff working throughout the day. All Summit County offices will return to regular hours on Thursday, July 25. Republic Services trash and recycling schedules will not be affected.

Weed of the Month

July’s third Weed of the Month is Scotch Thistle! Scotch Thistle is native to Europe and Eastern Asia. It grows well in waste areas, pastures, rangeland, and along canal and stream banks. So what does Scotch Thistle look like? This biennial plant commonly grows 3-to-8 feet tall but may grow as high as 12 feet. Rosettes may be 4 feet wide. Large, spiny leaves are covered with dense hair, giving a grayish, blue-green coloration. Stems are winged. The flowers are violet to reddish with spine-tipped bracts, blooming in mid-summer. The best way to control Scotch Thistle is through biocontrol. Biocontrol research is currently being conducted. Herbicides can offer good-to-excellent control when applied between rosette and pre-bud stages.

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