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Unified Fire Authority releases fireworks restrictions details

SALT LAKE COUNTY — The Unified Fire Authority has recommended firework restrictions that will be enforced in Salt Lake County throughout the Independence Day and Pioneer Day holidays.

According to a press release from the Unified Fire Authority, fireworks can be discharged between July 1 and July 7 as well as between July 21 and July 24. Fireworks can be discharged between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. on those nights, except on July 4 and July 24, when the time frame is extended until midnight.

According to the press release, fireworks are prohibited in some areas due to fire hazards. The release also said fireworks should be discontinued during times of high wind, precipitation or other adverse weather.

An interactive map showing fireworks restrictions in Salt Lake County can be found at UFA’s website.

The UFA provided the following tips and facts regarding fireworks safety:

Registered sex offender arrested after alleged sexual assault

SANDY, Utah – A man who was already listed on the state sex offender registry for assaulting a woman more than ten years ago was arrested this week after he allegedly raped a woman so severely the victim’s nurse called her injuries the worst she’s ever seen.

Sandy police said Michael Kooyman allegedly raped a woman Sunday night and into Monday morning, and they said they are investigating the possibility that Kooyman may have drugged the victim before sexually assaulting her at gunpoint. Police said they are also working to determine if there are other victims out there.

Sgt. Jon Arnold, Sandy Police Department, said they arrested Kooyman after serving a search warrant on his home in Sandy.

“When you have predators out there, it’s always good to have them off the street,” he said.

Annual challenge promotes better air quality

By Alexandria Autrey

Business, community and elected officials issued the fifth annual Clear the Air Challenge which is used to encourage Utahns to enhance air quality throughout the state.

The goal of the challenge is to eliminate vehicle trips and save vehicle miles traveled while engaging 10,000 participants.

In addition, UTA announced an additional number of available Ride Clear passes.

The clear the air challenge was created by Partner teams interested in motivating behavior changes to improve Utah’s air quality.

U.S. Men’s National Team plays Honduras at Rio Tinto Stadium

SANDY, Utah – It’s a big night for international soccer at Rio Tinto Stadium as the U.S. Men’s National Team is set to play a World Cup qualifying match against Honduras Tuesday.

The U.S. National team has been performing well lately, but they are seeking vengeance after losing to Honduras in Honduras in February.

A win against Honduras on Monday night virtually guarantees the U.S. National Team a spot in next year’s World Cup.

FOX 13 News’ Jer Bates was at Rio Tinto Stadium to talk with fans, players and coaches. Check out the video above for more.

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Big Budah visits Classic Fun Center

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Big Budah visits Classic Fun Center in Sandy, UT.

Experts offer rattlesnake safety tips as weather heats up

SALT LAKE CITY – Warmer weather can bring unwanted guests into backyards, and rattlesnakes are among the animals looking for shelter and shade.

The season is still early, but there have already been several reports of rattlesnake bites. Reptile Rescue is a non-profit organization that removes snakes free of charge, and they said they receive about a dozen calls each week.

“When food is more abundant you usually have more snakes, and we had a lot last year,” Jim Dix of Reptile Rescue said. “This year it is just starting to warm up, and we will start seeing an increase in snakes.”

Dix said a rattlesnake bite can be a very costly experience.

“The anti-venom is about $8,000 a vial, and they start you off with six vials,” he said. “$48,000 right off the bat with no hospital bill, so it’s an expensive lesson to learn. And even after you’ve been bit you can still have side effects.”

Gun show offers free concealed weapons classes to Utah educators

SALT LAKE CITY – The topic of teachers with guns is a controversial one as the national debate about preventing gun violence rages on.

While elements of Congress are pushing for stricter gun legislation, some states like Utah are fighting for more Second Amendment protections for gun owners.

In the wake of the school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, some people believe teachers should be given guns and trained to use them. The Rocky Mountain Gun Show embraced this idea and offered free concealed weapons classes for educators this weekend at the South Towne Expo Center.

Organizer Mitch McKinlay said recent events in the country illustrate the need for personal protection of students and bystanders.