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Utah Gov. Gary Herbert has cancerous skin removed

(Rick Egan | Tribune file photo) Gov. Gary Herbert joins dignitaries for a news conference on the upcoming closure and renovation of the Salt Lake Temple, Temple Square and the adjoining plaza near the Church Office Building. Friday, April 19, 2019.

  | April 24, 2019, 4:57 p.m.
| Updated: April 25, 2019, 12:48 a.m.

Utah Gov. Gary Herbert announced Wednesday that he had undergone treatment to remove cancerous skin from his face.

Appearing at a ceremonial bill signing, which included the groundbreaking for a new elementary school, Herbert was bandaged but in good humor, encouraging the children present to wear sunscreen.

Herbert, who is 71, was scheduled to appear on television Thursday for his monthly news conference at KUED. But that appearance was cancelled earlier this week due to ongoing treatment, making two consecutive months that Herbert has declined to participate in the monthly event.

U.S. Ambassador to Russia Jon Huntsman, Herbert’s predecessor as Utah governor, announced in November that he had undergone treatment for skin cancer. Huntsman is reportedly weighing a return to The Beehive State and another run for governor.

Editor’s note: Jon Huntsman is the brother of Paul Huntsman, the owner and publisher of The Salt Lake Tribune.