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🔥 NASA, Drilling & New Power in Cedar City — Is Utah's Wild West Back?!
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🔥 NASA, Drilling & New Power in Cedar City — Is Utah's Wild West Back?!
🚀 NASA careers, geothermal drilling approved & a new leader at Cedar Breaks—big news for Iron County!
Cedar City Insider Staff

Cedar City Insider Staff

Aug 21, 2026

Trivia Question❓

Cedar City, Utah sits at an elevation of roughly 5,800 feet on the edge of what large, ancient lava field that gives the surrounding region its characteristically dark, basaltic terrain?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

💬 3 Comments

Southern Utah University is rapidly becoming a central hub for NASA workforce development in Utah, aiming to place more local students on the path to exciting aerospace careers.

 

The newly designated Utah NASA Aerospace Skilled Technical Workforce Hub brings together classrooms, universities, and industry, creating hands-on learning opportunities that directly bridge education and the real needs of aerospace employers.

 

Ambition runs high, as local leaders and educators unite to craft innovative programs that offer students hands-on experience with technology used for space missions.

 

The approach is a dramatic shift for rural Utah—offering practical training and clear pathways to careers that once seemed out of reach.


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DU
dustin_mReader
3 days ago

“About time rural students get the same opportunities as people in Salt Lake or up north.”

Quote Of The Day

Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm, and harmony. — Thomas Merton

For an unforgettable Italian dining experience in Cedar City, Chef Alfredo's Ristorante Italiano is a destination worth savoring.

 

This locally loved restaurant combines authentic Italian recipes, exceptional service, and an elegant white-tablecloth atmosphere that's perfect for date nights, anniversaries, birthdays, or any special occasion.

 

The menu features handcrafted favorites including five delicious varieties of ravioli, pillowy homemade gnocchi, rich pasta dishes, and perfectly prepared filet mignon, all made with premium ingredients and classic Italian flavors. 

 

With an impressive 4.6-star rating and more than 520 Google reviews, it's easy to see why this Cedar City favorite has earned a reputation as one of Southern Utah's premier fine dining destinations.

 

Tell them Cedar City Insider sent you!!

Click here to visit Chef Alfredo's
💬 4 Comments

Geothermal exploration is intensifying in Iron County, where researchers are joining forces to examine underground heat.

 

The BLM Cedar City Field Office has approved up to ten temperature gradient holes in Lund North, Iron County, granting a categorical exclusion to signal minimal expected environmental impact.

 

This initiative arrives amid rising energy demands and a statewide push for sustainable solutions.

 

Led by the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology with support from the Department of Energy’s INGENIOUS program, the project unites agencies like the U.S. Geological Survey and Utah Geological Survey, underscoring the complex and vital nature of geothermal investigations in the Mountain West.

 

By mapping temperature changes beneath northern Escalante Valley, scientists hope to identify sites suitable for renewable energy.

 

Local businesses and property owners are watching, since a geothermal breakthrough could transform Iron County’s economy and energy landscape.


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DK
Donna K.Reader
3 days ago

“Hope the BLM actually keeps an eye on things and doesnt just rubber stamp everything that comes after this”

Joke Of The Day

Why did the electric car feel discriminated against? Because the rules weren't current.

★★★★★

DC Pub & Grill is a family-friendly sports bar and grill with locations in Cedar City and Duck Creek Village, Utah. Known for their juicy half-pound burgers, Famous Mountain Philly, and Reuben Sandwich, they cook everything to order using locally sourced ingredients.

With 14 big-screen TVs, a dog-friendly patio, and craft cocktails including their beloved Red Sangria, it's the perfect spot for game day or a relaxed dinner out. Live music runs every Friday and Saturday, making it a go-to destination for the whole family.

Whether you're fueling up after an outdoor adventure or looking for a welcoming neighborhood hangout, DC Pub & Grill delivers great food, attentive service, and a fun Bigfoot-themed atmosphere you won't forget.

Address650 S Main St, Cedar City, UT 84720
Days OpenOpen 7 days a week
HoursMon–Wed 11am–10pm · Thu–Sat 11am–11pm · Sun 11am–10pm
Phone(435) 708-0432
Click here to visit Sponsor Spot
Cedar City Half Marathon & Adventure 5K
DateSaturday, September 12, 2026
TimeHalf Marathon: 7:00 AM | Adventure 5K: 7:30 AM
LocationBicentennial Park Soccer Fields (Finish Line)

Lace up your shoes and head to Cedar City for the 17th annual Cedar City Half Marathon & Adventure 5K! Set along the stunning Cedar Canyon, this closed-canyon race treats runners to breathtaking views, the sound of Coal Creek, and a spectacular downhill course ending on Cedar City's trail system.

Whether you're tackling the half marathon or the Adventure 5K, you'll enjoy enthusiastic volunteers, aid stations stocked with electrolytes and gels, and a festive finish line atmosphere at the Bicentennial Soccer Complex.

All runners are transported by bus from the Heritage Center Theater Lobby to the start line. Packet pickup is available Friday, September 11th, from 10 AM to 7 PM at that same location.

660 W 1045 N, Cedar City, UT 84721
Click to find out more
Interesting Facts

Cedar City, Utah sits at over 5,800 feet elevation, making it one of the highest small cities in the American West — yet it still sits well below the surrounding plateaus that tower thousands of feet above it.

  • Gateway to a less-famous giant: Cedar City serves as the primary gateway to Cedar Breaks National Monument, a natural amphitheater that rivals Bryce Canyon in color and depth but receives a fraction of the visitors — despite sitting just 23 miles away.
  • Airline hub in miniature: Cedar City Regional Airport has historically offered more commercial flights per capita than many much larger Utah cities, a legacy of its role connecting rural southern Utah to Salt Lake City before Interstate 15 improvements made driving more practical.
  • Crossroads of two national parks: Cedar City serves as a rare gateway equidistant between both Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks, yet it remains far less visited than St. George, functioning quietly as an overlooked hub for exploring two of Utah's most celebrated landscapes.
💬 9 Comments

Allana Olbrich has been named superintendent at Cedar Breaks National Monument, bringing her deep commitment to southern Utah’s landscapes and communities.

 

Known for her nearly two decades with the National Park Service, Olbrich has earned respect through leadership posts at Bryce Canyon and Colorado National Monument.

 

Her Southern Utah University alumni roots add extra excitement for locals, who anticipate her collaborative style will strengthen ties with community partners and regional colleges.

 

Olbrich steps in as Cedar Breaks faces rising visitor numbers and ambitious stewardship efforts, including wildfire mitigation, sustainable recreation, and expanded educational programs.

 

Visitors already notice improvements—better picnic areas, trails, and interpretive programs—reflecting ongoing investment in the park.

 

For Olbrich and her family, it’s a personal homecoming, promising fresh energy and rooted leadership for Cedar Breaks’ future.


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RA
RandyTReader
3 days ago

“Good to see someone with real experience stepping in. Cedar Breaks deserves strong leadership.”

Tip of The Day

Beat the Crowds at Brian Head Peak — Go After 4 PM

 

Cedar City sits at nearly 5,800 feet, but a short 30-minute drive up Highway 143 puts you at Brian Head Peak, topping out over 11,300 feet. Most day-trippers hit it before noon and are gone by early afternoon. If you head up after 4 PM on a summer evening, you'll often have the panoramic views of Zion, the Markagunt Plateau, and even distant Nevada ranges almost entirely to yourself — with golden-hour light that photographers pay to capture.

 

Pack a light jacket regardless of how warm it feels in town. The temperature at the peak can run 20 to 25 degrees cooler than Cedar City, and the wind picks up fast once the sun starts to drop. Sturdy shoes matter too — the rocky summit trail catches people off guard after an easy drive up.

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:
The Markagunt Plateau (Black Mountains lava fields / Markagunt volcanic field)
Cedar City Insider

© 2026 Cedar City Insider.

Cedar City Insider is your front-row seat to life in Southern Utah’s Festival City. From local news and neighborhood highlights to upcoming events, outdoor adventures, and community spotlights, this newsletter keeps you connected to everything happening in and around Cedar City. With a warm, neighborly tone, it’s all about celebrating the red rock beauty and small-town pride that make Cedar City special.

© 2026 Cedar City Insider.