Southern Utah University has named Myndee Kay Larsen as its new athletic director, marking a homecoming for the Cedar City native and celebrated former Thunderbird basketball star.

Larsen, who brings nearly 20 years of high-level collegiate athletics experience, most recently served as Deputy Commissioner of The Summit League, where she managed championship events, governance, and daily operations for multiple sports.

An SUU alum, Larsen made school history as the first women’s basketball player to have her jersey retired and graduated summa cum laude in 1998.

Her local roots and national leadership—highlighted by roles on NCAA committees—were key in her selection.

Community members and campus leaders are optimistic, especially as SUU joins the Big Sky Conference, hoping Larsen’s student-first approach will foster academic and athletic success while strengthening the university’s bonds with Cedar City.

Larsen has expressed enthusiasm to support student-athletes and enhance the fan experience in her new role.

"Life is like a landscape. You live in the midst of it but can describe it only from the vantage point of distance." - Charles Lindbergh

The Larry H. Miller Utah Summer Games has announced its 40th Anniversary celebration series schedule, marking four decades of bringing amateur athletics to Southern Utah.

Since its founding in 1986, the Utah Summer Games has grown into one of the state's premier multi-sport events, attracting thousands of athletes annually to Cedar City and surrounding Iron County venues. The celebration will feature special events, commemorative activities, and enhanced competition opportunities throughout the summer.

"Four decades of Utah Summer Games represents an incredible legacy of community support and athletic excellence," said event organizers. "Cedar City has been the perfect home for this celebration of amateur sports."

The Games bring significant economic impact to the region, with participants and families filling local hotels, restaurants, and shops during the multi-week event. Local volunteers and businesses have been integral to the event's success over the years.

Why did the cow leave Cedar City, Utah?

Because it heard the steaks were high!

Known for juicy handcrafted burgers, crispy fries, hearty breakfasts, refreshing drinks, and delicious desserts, the diner brings together great food and welcoming service that keeps locals and visitors coming back.

Whether you’re stopping in for lunch, dinner, or one of their popular daily specials, every meal is made to deliver classic flavor and good vibes.

With its nostalgic style, friendly staff, and community-focused spirit, All American Classic Diner has become a go-to gathering place for families, friends, students, and travelers throughout Cedar City.

Tell them Cedar City Insider sent you!!

Nearly half of the students at Southern Utah University in Cedar City are navigating college life while balancing families, careers and other adult responsibilities—and the university has built an entire support system around them.

Non-traditional students make up about 42% of current enrollment at SUU, and the university's Non-Traditional Student Services Center, located in the Sharwan Smith Student Center, provides tailored resources to help this growing population succeed.

Who Counts as a Non-Traditional Student?

The university defines non-traditional students as those who are over 25, have children or have taken at least a three-year break from their education.

Head to Historic Downtown to visit Bulock's Drugstore for a vintage soda fountain treat before exploring Cedar City.

Heightened fire restrictions are now in place across Southern Utah and the Arizona Strip as wildfire risks intensify. The Bureau of Land Management has announced Stage 1 fire restrictions, effective May 22, 2026, covering key areas including Washington, Iron, Kane, Garfield, and Beaver counties, as well as the Arizona Strip District’s national monuments.

Open fires using solid fuels, outdoor smoking, and metalwork such as grinding or welding are now prohibited on BLM-managed lands.

Those operating internal combustion engines must use spark-arrestors. Target shooters are urged to inspect ammunition for steel, which can trigger fires—using a magnet to test can help.

Meanwhile, Zion National Park has enacted even tighter Stage 2 restrictions, banning all open flames and charcoal and limiting smoking to certain safe zones.

Violators risk severe fines or jail time. Residents and visitors are urged to stay alert, fully extinguish campfires, and avoid high-risk activities during dry, windy weather.

Visit the Southern Utah Museum of Art for a unique and enriching experience in Cedar City.

The Historic Cedar Theater - home of the Utah Shakespeare Festival.