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While most American cities faced intense anti-police sentiment in previous years, something remarkable happened in Washington County, Utah – the community actually rallied around their officers with unprecedented support. How did they do it?

Join us for an eye-opening conversation with St. George Police Chief Kyle Whitehead and Washington County Sheriff Nate Brooksby, who bring over 50 years of combined law enforcement experience. They reveal how they've maintained surprisingly low crime rates while policing one of America's fastest-growing regions.

What You'll Discover:
• How officer wellness programs replaced the "tough guy" mentality with mental health support
• Why their Recovery Court program has a 30% higher success rate than private treatment
• Their balanced approach to immigration enforcement that prioritizes community safety
• How school resource officers are building bridges with the next generation
• The logistical challenges of rapid population growth and sprawling neighborhoods

This isn't your typical law enforcement interview. These chiefs offer a nuanced, community-focused approach that extends far beyond badges and handcuffs. Whether you're interested in criminal justice reform, considering a move to Southern Utah, or simply want to understand how effective policing works in practice, this conversation offers valuable insights into building trust between law enforcement and communities.

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The housing market in 2025 presents a fascinating paradox—while inventory levels climb to a ten-year high in Washington County, the fundamental affordability crisis continues to reshape how Utah families approach homeownership and life planning.

Emily Merkley, CEO of the Washington County Board of Realtors, shares eye-opening statistics that reveal a market in transition. With absorption rates hovering around five months of inventory, Washington County has reached what economists consider a balanced market. Yet this equilibrium brings its own challenges. The median home price sits stubbornly at $515,000 while local wages lag $16,000 below the state average, creating what Merkley describes as "extreme conditions" for affordability.

Perhaps most revealing is what one tech worker confided during the discussion: "We realized we had a choice to make. We could either continue to grow our family or get into a home." This heartbreaking decision faced by many Utah families illustrates how the housing crisis transcends mere economics and shapes fundamental life choices. With the average mortgage payment in Washington County reaching $2,800 monthly at current interest rates, even well-paid professionals find themselves priced out of homeownership.

The conversation delves into the market freeze created by interest rates, with 80% of existing mortgages locked in below 5%. This creates a bottleneck effect where homeowners refuse to give up favorable rates, preventing the natural lifecycle of housing—from starter homes to family homes to retirement properties—from functioning properly. Meanwhile, days on market have climbed to 77 days in Washington County, giving buyers more leverage to negotiate than they've had in years.

Looking beyond numbers, Merkley and the host discuss how zoning restrictions and building requirements artificially inflate housing costs, celebrating builders like Jed Nielsen who've proven affordable homes can still be profitably built when regulatory barriers are reduced. The episode provides invaluable insights for both buyers and sellers navigating this transitional market, where patience and realistic pricing have become essential strategies.

Guest: EMILY MERKLEY Chief Executive Office for the Washington County Board of REALTORS®
Link: https://washingtoncountyrealtors.com/board-leadership/


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#podcast #southernutah #435podcast #stgeorgeutah #housingmarket #localpolitics #HousingCrisis #RealEstate #MortgageRates #StarterHomes #HousingMarket #Affordability #HomeOwnership #RealEstatePodcast #435podcast

[00:00:00] Intro/Housing Market Overview in 2025.
[00:07:30] Utah's Housing Affordability Crisis.
[00:16:10] Washington County's Real Estate Stats.
[00:35:54] Analyzing Price Points and Market Pressure.
[00:43:29] The Value of Housing Diversity.
[00:53:40] The Changing Real Estate Industry.
[01:11:30] Real Estate Agent Statistics and Education.

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Michelle Tanner's political identity underwent a dramatic transformation overnight – from being labeled an "extreme right-wing conspiracy theorist" to a "satan worshiping establishment RINO." This fascinating shift occurred during Utah's recent GOP Chair race, where Tanner supported Rob Axson despite having previously backed Phil Lyman for governor, revealing the complex dynamics of local Republican politics.

The conversation peels back layers of Utah's political landscape, examining how the caucus convention system works and why Tanner believes Axson has done more to preserve it than any chair since SB54's implementation. She offers an insider's perspective on the strategic branding attempts during the convention and why collaboration is essential despite ideological differences.

Shifting to her role on the St. George City Council, Tanner recounts her fight to transform the budget process from administrative "sales pitches" to genuine collaboration focusing on public safety priorities. Her stand against automatic tax increases led to significant changes in city governance, demonstrating how principled opposition can create positive systemic change. The budget discussion extends to broader concerns about energy infrastructure, economic diversification as construction slows, and balancing property rights with responsible planning.

Throughout the episode, Tanner reveals her governing philosophy of "principle over popularity," acknowledging she's offended both the right and left by refusing to be boxed into partisan categories. Her willingness to work across divides while maintaining core values offers valuable insights for anyone navigating today's polarized political environment. As she announces her re-election campaign, Tanner emphasizes that while progress has been made, "the work isn't done yet."

What makes local politics so fascinating is how it forces officials to move beyond ideological labels to solve real problems affecting communities. Whether discussing drag shows, Dixie name changes, or budget priorities, Tanner demonstrates how effective governance requires finding common ground without abandoning core principles.

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#podcast #southernutah #435podcast #stgeorgeutah #housingmarket #localpolitics

[00:00:00] Intro.
[00:08:29] Caucus Politics: SB54 and Convention System.
[00:15:42] Utah GOP Chair Race: Rob vs. Phil.
[00:32:40] City Budget Process: Fighting for Transparency.
[00:42:17] Balancing Property Rights and City Planning.
[01:07:16] Campaign Announcement: Michelle Tanner Runs Again.

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What does it mean when a community evolves? From Farmstead's transformation into Bonrue Bakery to the complex urban planning challenges facing St. George, this conversation explores how Southern Utah is navigating its adolescence as a growing region.

Chris Conners shares his entrepreneurial journey, including how his French-inspired bakery found its footing in downtown St. George and the unexpected positive response to rebranding. His story illuminates the broader evolution happening across our community – businesses creating other businesses, talent attracting more talent, and new ideas reshaping what it means to live in this desert landscape.

The discussion dives deep into the barriers preventing innovative solutions to housing and transportation challenges. With over 16 different residential zoning classifications alone, even experienced developers spend countless hours navigating regulations that often prevent common-sense development. As City Council member Danielle Larkin notes, "People are fearful. Change feels scary, it feels threatening." Yet this fear often leads to contradictions – residents simultaneously want charming, walkable neighborhoods while opposing the very zoning changes that would create them.

Perhaps most fascinating is the exploration of how self-driving vehicles will transform St. George within the next decade. Are we investing millions in parking structures and road infrastructure that may become obsolete? As one participant observes about his nine-year-old son's reaction to autonomous vehicles: "He's like, 'Why would I ever have to drive a car?' And I think as a kid I was so excited to drive a car because self-driving wasn't an option."

Join us for this thought-provoking conversation about finding balance between preservation and progress, between suburban comfort and urban vitality, and between the St. George of yesterday and the community we're building for tomorrow. Subscribe to the 435 Podcast for more insights into the people and ideas shaping Southern Utah.

Looking for the best bakery? Visit their webpage here: https://bonruebakery.com/


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#podcast #southernutah #stgeorgeutah #435podcast #realestate #business #downtown

[00:00:00] Intro.
[00:10:45] Bonrue Bakery: The Rebranding Story.
[00:26:25] Growth Challenges in St. George History.
[00:41:20] Downtown Development and Public Perception.
[01:00:32] Zoning Restrictions and Urban Planning Issues.
[01:18:25] Transportation Evolution and Self-Driving Future.
[01:32:40] Housing Solutions and Downtown Redevelopment.

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Government regulation in the energy sector has created significant challenges for local power companies over the past two decades, while clean coal technology developments have been largely overlooked in policy decisions.

• 2005 Energy Policy Act disrupted reliability projects in Washington County for almost 15 years
• Modern coal plants in Utah operate at 90% below EPA emission standards using three-stage filtration technology
• Coal power generates electricity at 2-3 cents per kilowatt-hour compared to 6 cents for natural gas
• China building 1-2 coal plants weekly while US reduces production, effectively outsourcing emissions
• Prosperity enables environmental protection while energy poverty forces dirtier alternatives like wood burning
• Future energy mix likely includes maintained coal plants, natural gas, potential nuclear if licensing hurdles overcome
• Innovative geothermal technology using fracking techniques shows promise as clean energy source
• Small modular nuclear reactors could provide reliable power if regulatory barriers addressed
• Washington County utilities working to build more distributed generation to improve reliability

Guest: Colin Jack

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#podcast #southernutah #stgeorgeutah #realestate #435podcast #energyefficiency #coal #nuclearenergy

[00:00:00] Intro.
[00:00:51] Introduction to Energy Policy and Dixie Power.
[00:05:41] The 2005 Energy Policy Act's Impact.
[00:16:12] Coal Power Plants and Emissions Controls.
[00:30:14] The Climate Change Debate.
[00:45:12] Coal vs. Natural Gas Economics.
[00:59:46] The Future of Energy in Southern Utah.
[01:12:12

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In an era of political polarization and media distrust, Willie Billings offers a refreshingly nuanced perspective on local politics as the newly elected Chairman of the Washington County Republican Party. His mission? To save Utah's unique caucus system from the encroachment of outside money and influence that threatens to transform the state's political landscape.

Billings passionately explains how SB 54—the controversial "dual path" legislation—has undermined the caucus convention system that once allowed ordinary citizens to participate in politics without massive financial backing. He shares the startling revelation that even Senator Mike Lee admitted he would never have challenged incumbent Bob Bennett in a pure primary system, demonstrating how caucuses create pathways for new voices that money-dominated primaries shut out.

Whether discussing economic policy, media manipulation, election integrity, or hunting adventures in Alaska, Billings offers wisdom gained from 37 years in investment advisory services and decades of community involvement. His mission now is to educate voters about the value of informed political participation before Utah's unique political heritage is lost forever.

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[00:00:00] Intro.
[00:06:13] Media's Influence on Public Perception.
[00:12:05] Investment Advisor's Market Perspective.
[00:21:19] Understanding 401k Management.
[00:30:16] The Caucus System vs SB54.
[00:47:12] Water Challenges and Growth in Southern Utah.
[01:00:11] Political Elections and Recounts.
[01:22:29] Hunting Stories and Self-Sufficiency.

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Washington County's real estate market has shifted to a more balanced position with 4.82 months of inventory, representing a 22% increase from last year, though slight downward pressure on pricing has resulted in only a 2% decrease in average sold prices.

• Median sold price of $520,000 shows minimal change from last year at just 1.7% higher
• Current 30-year fixed mortgage rate at 6.75%, down from 7.26% in January
• Original list price to sold price ratio is 95.9%, indicating sellers are typically getting slightly less than asking
• Days on market varies significantly by price point - homes between $400,000-$500,000 sell fastest at 51 days
• Migration data shows buyers from areas with higher home values (California, Colorado) find Washington County prices reasonable
• Housing market correlation with interest rates appears broken since 2022
• Local economy shows greater diversity than pre-2008 recession when construction was 30% of economy
• Current unemployment rate remains stable at around 3%

Guest Branden DuCharme, CMT,
Find Du Charme Wealth Management here:
https://ducharmewealth.com/contact-us/


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#podcast #southernutah #investing #stgeorgeutah #realestate #435podcast #financialmarket #business #affordablehousing #afforadable

[00:00:00] Intro.
[00:00:48] Washington County Real Estate Overview.
[00:08:33] Market Statistics and Current Trends.
[00:18:32] Breaking Down Price Points and Days on Market.
[00:27:46] The Conflict of Interest in Real Estate.
[00:38:35] Home Value Comparisons Across States.
[00:47:33] Employment Data and Economic Diversity.
[00:57:46] Final Thoughts and Episode Wrap-Up.

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Witness history in the making as the World Strength Games returns to St. George on May 23-24 2025, transforming the Dixie Convention Center into an arena where human potential collides with physical impossibility. Since its humble beginnings in 2017 with just 11 athletes, this event has exploded into an international phenomenon, officially documenting 121 world records and counting.

What makes the World Strength Games unique isn't just the superhuman feats of strength—it's the strategic format where athletes must choose their weights wisely, getting just two attempts to etch their names in history. Think of it as high-stakes poker where competitors must decide: play it safe or risk everything for glory. This creates an electric atmosphere as athletes from Australia, Sweden, and across America push the boundaries of human capability.

The crowd favorite remains the iconic 402-pound basalt stone carry, modeled after Iceland's famous Husafell Stone but deliberately made more challenging. Last year, spectators erupted as competitors who seemed physically incapable hoisted this massive stone and carried it distances no one thought possible. This year, local hero Miles Kinikini will attempt to shatter the Farmer's Walk world record by carrying a mind-boggling 460 pounds in each hand.

Beyond strongman, this evolved fitness expo now features USA Wrestling tournaments, Ninja Warrior courses, CrossFit challenges through the Summit Games, and an NFL-style combine for aspiring athletes. Legendary figures in strength sports will be present, including four-time World's Strongest Man Magnus Ver Magnusson and potentially current reigning World's Strongest Man Tom Stoltman.

Perhaps most fascinating is how this event showcases human potential across all demographics. From 73-year-old grandmothers carrying refrigerator-sized weights to discussions on regenerative medicine with stem cell pioneer Dr. Greg Smith, the World Strength Games illustrates that strength isn't just about muscle—it's about pushing limits in every aspect of human performance.


Guest Russell Anderson, Founder of the World Strength Games. Connect with Russell on his IG: https://www.instagram.com/desertvikingstrongman/?igsh=N3BleDZ6NjNvcGU2#

World Strength Games webpage: https://worldstrength.games/

UsMedSpa webpage: https://usmedspa.co/

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#podcast #southernutah #stgeorgeutah #435podcast #realestate #weightlifting #strongman

[00:00:00] Intro.
[00:05:10] The Evolution of Strongman Competition.
[00:09:30] Breaking World Records in St George.
[00:15:22] Event Attractions Beyond Strongman.
[00:21:27] The Enhanced Games Discussion.
[00:35:00] Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Therapy.
[00:50:11] Event Details and Community Impact.
[01:08:33] Closing Thoughts and Future Vision.