The Defense Threat Reduction Agency plans to hold public information sessions on the Divine Strake explosion from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. in:

• Las Vegas, Tuesday, at Cashman Convention Center;

• Salt Lake City, Wednesday, at Energy Solutions Arena, 310 W. South Temple;

• and St. George, Thursday, in the Dixie Center.

"During the open houses, the public may submit written comments," says a DTRA press release. "Additionally, comments can be submitted by e-mail, regular post or fax no later than Jan. 24."

Alyson Heyrend, spokeswoman for Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, said the open house meetings are to have technical experts and scientists on hand to answer questions. "The head of DTRA did make a commitment to Congressman Matheson and Sen. Hatch to hold public meetings in Utah and Nevada," she wrote in an e-mail.