A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives.

On Jan. 5, 1974, a major winter storm moved across southern Utah, dropping more than a foot of snow on Kanab and St. George and causing numerous traffic accidents.

Nationally, year-round daylight saving time had begun in the U.S. on a trial basis as a fuel-saving measure in response to the OPEC oil embargo.

But Californians, southern Nevadans and residents of Utah’s Dixie — where the sun always shined was dealing with a soggy storm track. The rarely seen snowstorms, snarled traffic all along I-15. Victorville, California, reported 21 inches of fluffy snow on Jan. 4.

In St. George, a storm had hit on New Year’s Day, then on Jan. 4-5, the snow hit the Arizona Strip, Washington and Kane counties and beyond.

According to the Deseret News, ”a population explosion of snowmen and snowball fights” were reported. The same Deseret News article reported many St. George residents walked to church rather than risk the drive on icy roads.

Storms in that area of the state — usually the Beehive State’s winter playground — are rare but not unheard of. Similar storms in 1894, 1919, 1993, 2006, 2007 and 2008 found their way into the record books.

But on Jan. 5, 10 inches fell in St. George.

Here are some articles from Deseret News archives about snow in southern Utah, why snowbirds love to fly to St. George and Utah’s weather history:

“Snow hits Utah from Ogden to St. George”

“Rare coating of snow in Dixie creates travel troubles”

“‘83 floods top Utah’s ‘disaster’ list: Tornado, avalanche, cold also rank high for century

“Snowbirds flocking to St. George”

“Rare snowstorm traps I-15 motorists overnight on Arizona Strip”

“Snow in Utah’s Dixie”

“The snow is a gift that I don’t really want anymore”

Associated Press

Utah Jazz (8-25, 14th in the Western Conference) vs. Orlando Magic (21-15, fourth in the Eastern Conference)

Orlando, Florida; Sunday, 6:30 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Magic -6.5; over/under is 212

BOTTOM LINE: The Utah Jazz take on the Orlando Magic in a non-conference matchup.

The Magic have gone 13-4 at home. Orlando is the top team in the Eastern Conference in team defense, allowing 103.4 points while holding opponents to 46.4% shooting.

The Jazz are 6-13 on the road. Utah allows the most points in the Western Conference, giving up 119.2 points while allowing opponents to shoot 48.2%.

The Magic score 105.6 points per game, 13.6 fewer points than the 119.2 the Jazz allow. The Jazz are shooting 46.1% from the field, 0.3% lower than the 46.4% the Magic’s opponents have shot this season.

TOP PERFORMERS: Jalen Suggs is shooting 41.0% and averaging 16.4 points for the Magic.

John Collins is averaging 17.9 points and 8.3 rebounds for the Jazz.

LAST 10 GAMES: Magic: 4-6, averaging 100.5 points, 40.0 rebounds, 23.2 assists, 9.5 steals and 6.3 blocks per game while shooting 43.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 103.7 points per game.

Jazz: 3-7, averaging 116.8 points, 46.0 rebounds, 26.2 assists, 7.1 steals and 5.0 blocks per game while shooting 47.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 120.2 points.

INJURIES: Magic: Gary Harris: out (hamstring), Paolo Banchero: out (oblique), Jalen Suggs: out (back), Anthony Black: day to day (back), Franz Wagner: out (oblique), Moritz Wagner: out for season (knee).

Jazz: Jordan Clarkson: day to day (plantar ), Taylor Hendricks: out for season (fibula).

___

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham made it clear that this offseason would be one of the busiest in program history regarding the transfer portal. True to his word, the Utes have secured 14 new additions, addressing key areas as they prepare for their second year in the Big 12. With the competition ramping up, Utah’s aggressive approach reflects the urgency to remain competitive in one of college football’s most unpredictable conferences.

The Utes’ portal activity highlights a calculated strategy to strengthen positions that lacked depth or consistent production last season. Whittingham and his staff leaving no stone unturned. Despite already securing a significant haul, Utah isn’t done yet. Over the next few days, they plan to host seven additional transfer portal visitors, aiming to round out what could become one of the program’s most impactful portal classes. According to a report by KSL’s Steve Bartle, three of the seven players have been named ahead of the visit to Salt Lake City with the other four remaining anonymous.

Among themo notable names visiting Utah is Washington State receiver Carlos Hernandez. Hernandez has been a productive receiver for the Cougars, tallying 55 receptions for 655 yards and five touchdowns across two seasons. At 6 feet and 189 pounds, Hernandez brings a combination of route-running precision and reliable hands. His visit to Utah on January 3rd is part of a packed schedule that also includes meetings with Wake Forest and Virginia. Despite missing part of the 2024 season due to injury, Hernandez finished strong, accumulating 31 catches for 397 yards and five touchdowns. His proven ability to stretch the field and produce in high-pressure moments makes him an intriguing addition for Utah’s receiving corps.

In the backfield, Utah is pursuing Utah State standout Rashul Faison. The 5-foot-11, 200-pound running back rushed for over 1,100 yards and eight touchdowns last season, emerging as one of the top available backs in the transfer portal. Faison’s physical running style and breakaway ability caught the attention of several major programs, including Florida State, Alabama, and North Carolina. However, Utah remains in the hunt, with Faison set to visit Salt Lake City on January 7th. The Utes’ running back room is already solid, but Faison’s dynamic play during Utah’s matchup against Utah State in Logan left a lasting impression on Whittingham’s staff. Adding him could provide Utah with a one-two punch in the backfield.

Another player on Utah’s radar is Arkansas receiver Dazmin James, who brings tantalizing speed and athleticism to the table. James, a 6-foot-2, 195-pound receiver, clocked a 10.46-second 100-meter dash in high school and recorded sub-4.4-second 40-yard dash times during his recruitment. While his production at Arkansas was limited—he redshirted in 2023—James showed flashes of his potential in Arkansas’ bowl win over Texas Tech, where he recorded three catches for 137 yards and a touchdown. James will visit Utah alongside Faison, adding another layer of excitement to what could be a transformative weekend for the Utes.

The remaining four transfer visitors have not been publicly identified, reflecting the competitive nature of the portal process. Two of these players visited earlier this week, while the final two are expected on Sunday and Monday. This cloak-and-dagger approach underscores Utah’s desire to keep potential additions under wraps until deals are finalized.

Utah’s proactive stance in the portal aligns with the realities of modern college football, where roster turnover and reloading talent through transfers are essential for sustained success. The Big 12’s physicality and speed demand depth at every position, and Whittingham’s ability to identify and recruit impact players will be crucial as the Utes aim to contend for a conference championship.

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The broader significance of Utah’s portal success speaks to the evolving identity of the program. Once known for developing under-the-radar talent, Utah is now competing head-to-head with national powerhouses for premier transfer targets. This shift is a testament to Whittingham’s longevity, the program’s stability, and Utah’s growing reputation as a destination for players seeking to maximize their potential.

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As the portal process continues, Utah fans can expect more fireworks in the coming weeks. Whether it’s landing high-profile names like Hernandez, Faison, and James or pulling off surprise commitments, the Utes’ aggressive offseason sets the stage for a potentially exciting 2025 campaign. With Whittingham at the helm, Utah is making it clear that they’re not just participating in the Big 12—they’re here to win it.