February 22, 2026 — This has been a week of deep emotion for our community. We said goodbye to one of our most beloved members, celebrated the vision for St. George's future, and saw law enforcement protect our neighborhoods in a major way. Here's everything you need to know, plus what's coming up this week across Southern Utah.
Saying Goodbye to Nina DeTorres Heck
On February 14th, our community came together to lay Nina DeTorres Heck to rest. She was surrounded by hundreds — if not thousands — of members of the community, with family traveling from all over the United States to say their goodbyes.
Nina was a pillar of this community for nearly 30 years. She was the welcome wagon, the cheerleader, the second mother, and the late-night phone call for hundreds of people across Southern Utah. If she was in your circle, she was your fiercest advocate. She pushed you to do things you didn't believe you could do, and when you accomplished them, she pushed you to do more.
A celebration of life was held at Hughes Mortuary on February 13th, followed by mass at St. George Catholic Church and graveside services at Tonaquint Cemetery on the 14th. The outpouring of love from this community was a testament to the life she lived and the lives she touched.
#LoveLikeNina
Read the full tribute to Nina DeTorres Heck
Hughes Mortuary — Full-service funeral care with dignity and respect, available 24 hours daily. Serving Southern Utah families since 1982. (435) 674-5000
State of the City: Mayor Hughes Lays Out Bold Vision
On February 17th, newly elected Mayor Jimmie Hughes delivered his first State of the City address at the Dixie Convention Center. The message was clear: St. George is growing, and the city is investing to keep pace.
Key highlights from the address:
- Airport expansion — SGU hit a record 431,657 passengers in 2025. A terminal expansion from 34,000 to 90,000 sq ft is in the design phase, with a new Chicago flight launching May 2026.
- Second Costco near Exit 4, opening March 2026.
- Northern Corridor and George Washington Blvd bridge have cleared final federal hurdles.
- New Fire Station 1 — a $9 million, nearly triple-sized upgrade at 85 South Flood Street.
- Dixie Sunbowl renovation tracking to reopen for the 91st Dixie Roundup Rodeo in September.
- 50th St. George Marathon set for October 3, 2026.
- St. George Place anchored by Hobby Lobby with REI, Ross, Five Below, Books-A-Million, and more.
- Megaplex Luxury Entertainment Complex at The Point in Little Valley with Nordstrom Rack, Sephora, and others.
Hughes closed with a call to community stewardship: "The pioneers came because they were sent. We are here and stayed because we are stewards. I'm inviting you to answer that same call with me."
Read the full State of the City coverage
McMullin Injury Law — Southern Utah's largest personal injury firm with 8 attorneys and over $100 million recovered for clients. Free consultations and 24/7 availability. (435) 673-9990
Major Drug Bust: 100 Pounds of Meth Seized on I-15
On February 20th, a joint operation led by the Washington County Sheriff's Office resulted in the seizure of approximately 100 pounds of crystal methamphetamine during a traffic stop on Interstate 15. Six agencies participated in the coordinated drug interdiction operation, including Homeland Security Investigations, Washington City PD, Hurricane City PD, Santa Clara-Ivins PD, and St. George PD.
Sheriff Nate Brooksby recognized the exceptional collaborative efforts of the deputies, officers, and agents throughout the county who work to disrupt drug trafficking and protect local communities. The I-15 corridor remains a major transportation route frequently exploited by trafficking organizations, and operations like this are critical to keeping dangerous drugs out of Southern Utah.
This Week's Events (Feb 22 - 28)
There's a packed calendar this week across Southern Utah. Here are the highlights:
UT Symphonic Band Concert (February 24)
The Utah Tech University Symphonic Band performs classical and contemporary band music at the Eccles Fine Arts Center at 7:30 PM. A wonderful way to support emerging musical talent in Southern Utah.
Chamber Eats: Kabuto Sushi and Ramen Bar (February 25)
The St. George Chamber of Commerce features Kabuto Sushi and Ramen Bar in this networking food event at 5:30 PM. Business professionals gather for delicious food and meaningful connections.
DOCUTAH International Film Festival (February 26-28)
Utah Tech University's premiere documentary film festival at Megaplex Theatres at Sunset showcases independent films and thought-provoking documentaries from around the world. Three days of outstanding storytelling.
Jonny Roxx — St. George's premier destination for custom engagement rings and fine jewelry. Expert craftsmanship, GIA-certified diamonds, and personalized service. (435) 767-1169
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (February 26-28)
A rollicking musical comedy set on the French Riviera at the Performing Arts Campus. Two charming con artists scheme and manipulate their way through this witty, hilarious production. Shows at 7:30 PM.
Kneehigh's Tristan & Yseult (Opens February 26)
The legendary British theater company Kneehigh presents their innovative reimagining of the ancient love story at the Eccles Fine Arts Center. Visually stunning theater blending music, movement, and storytelling. Runs through March 7.
More This Week
- Medicare Educational Events (Feb 25) — St. George Library, 6:00 PM
- Lecture on Japanese WWII Incarceration Camp (Feb 26) — Forsyth Community Room, 12:30 PM
- Exhibit Ribbon Cutting (Feb 26) — Washington Area Chamber, 10:00 AM
- St. George Regional Hospital Legacy Display Unveiling (Feb 26) — 5:00 PM
- UT Choral Concert (Feb 26) — Eccles Fine Arts Center, 7:30 PM
- Winged Wonders Birding Experience (Feb 27) — Sand Hollow State Park, 2:00 PM
- Fourth Friday Networking (Feb 27) — Canyon View Credit Union, 5:30 PM
- Last Fridays at Kiln (Feb 27) — Kiln St. George community market with artists and food vendors
- Renaissance Fair (Feb 28) — Washington Library, 7:00 PM
Still running: Kiss Me, Kate! at St. George Musical Theater, Million Dollar Quartet at Tuacahn, The Caregiver's Guide at Kayenta Arts Center, My Funny Valentine at Rattlin' D Playhouse, and the 39th Annual Sears Invitational Exhibition.
View the full calendar at sgwom.com/events.
Cox Climate Control — Family-owned HVAC and refrigeration company serving Southern Utah. Air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration for residential and commercial customers. (435) 862-3642
Business of the Week: St. George Word of Mouth
This week we're highlighting our own. For over 6 years, St. George Word of Mouth has been the way thousands of small businesses in Southern Utah have been found online. From our business directory of 200+ local companies to our events calendar, community news, and weekly newsletters — we exist to connect Southern Utah residents with the businesses and community they love.
Whether you're a small business looking for more visibility, an event organizer wanting to get the word out, or a resident looking for the best local services — SGWOM is your home base.
Interested in advertising with us? Contact [email protected] for information on how to get your business in front of thousands of Southern Utah residents.
Product of the Week: BLUETTI AC200L Portable Power Station
Whether you're camping in Zion, tailgating, or prepping for Southern Utah's occasional power hiccups, the BLUETTI AC200L is a serious piece of gear.
- 2400W output — 200W more than the AC200MAX, enough to power heavy appliances
- Expandable up to 8,192Wh — Connect 2x B300K, 2x B210, 2x B300, or 1x B230 battery packs
- 45-minute fast recharge — 0-80% in 45 min with 2400W AC input; full solar charge in 1.7-2.2 hours with up to 1200W solar input
- 11 output ports — AC, USB, USB-C (100W PD), car port, 30A RV port, and 48V/8A DC port. With the D40 voltage regulator, it can charge your RV battery.
- Includes: AC200L power station, AC charging cable, solar/car charging cable, XT90-aviation cable, and user manual
Stay Connected
Thank you for being part of the St. George Word of Mouth community. Your support of local businesses makes Southern Utah an incredible place to live, work, and play.
Have news to share? Submit your community news, upcoming events, or business announcements to [email protected].
Explore more at sgwom.com for the complete business directory, events calendar, and community news.
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