1. In 1896, Utah was admitted as the 45th state in the United States, making January 17th an important date in Utah history. This followed decades of conflict between the Mormon settlers and the federal government, which ultimately led to a compromise allowing Utah to become a state.

2. On January 17th, 1920, Prohibition went into effect in the United States, which banned the sale, manufacture, and transportation of alcoholic beverages. This law had a significant impact on Utah, as the state was already known for its strict anti-alcohol laws and had even passed a statewide ban on alcohol several years before.

3. In 1995, a 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck the town of Kaysville, Utah, causing significant damage to homes and buildings in the area. While there were no reported deaths, the quake was a reminder of Utah's vulnerability to seismic activity.

4. On January 17th, 2002, the Winter Olympics torch relay made its way through Utah, as part of the lead-up to the 2002 Winter Olympics, which were held in Salt Lake City. The torch relay was a major event for Utah, and thousands of people turned out to watch the flame pass through their communities.

5. One of Utah's most famous residents, singer-songwriter Donny Osmond, was born on January 17th, 1957, in Ogden, Utah. Osmond had a successful music career, both as a solo artist and as part of the sibling group The Osmonds. He remains a beloved figure in Utah and is known for his philanthropic work in the state.