The Morgan County News | March 5, 2024

MORGAN COUNTY NEWS

Covering Your Community

Morgan Community Choir celebrates 25 years of singing

By Steven Carrigan

The Morgan Community Choir will reach a milestone in its history as they present their spring concert April 29, 2024. This concert will mark 25 years the choir has been in existence. Suzanne Carrigan always had a dream that Morgan needed a choir. Having been involved in choirs at Ogden High School, Weber State Close and the Ogden LDS Institute she had a love for music and knew what it offered to those who performed for those who would come to listen.

In 1995 Lee and Lois Manning moved to Morgan just down the road from the Carrigans. They became good friends and Suzanne found that Lois had a lifetime of musical involvement, teaching, singing, and accompanying. She talked choir with Lois and the dream began to take shape. The two ladies approached the city and county officials for their support and after receiving encouragement to move forward the word went out. The following notice went in the Morgan County News:

Come Join the Morgan Community Choir

The Morgan Community Choir is a group of city and county residents over the age of 18, who enjoy singing and performing quality music together. Their purpose is to provide the Morgan area with cultural enrichment, community pride and spirit, as well as developing associations with friends, neighbors and newcomers.

They meet regularly on Thursday nights at 7:30 p.m. A minimum of 70% attendance is required. A $20 yearly fee is charged to all members.

A variety of music will be learned. Spring and winter concerts will be scheduled, besides other invitations to perform will be accepted.

For more information contact Lois Manning, or Suzanne Carrigan.

The city and county officials gave permission for the choir to practice in

their building and the first rehearsal was Jan. 7, 1999, with 13 singers in attendance. The numbers soon grew to 23 and the first performance of the choir would be a Spring Concert held in the City and County Building Auditorium,

Saturday, April 10, 1999 at 7:30 p.m.

The evening of April 10 the auditorium of the county building was filled

CHOIR on page 2

The Morgan County Historical Society moves to new home

By Ethan Hoffmann

As of this year, the Historical Society is no longer located at the Morgan County Library. The Historians of the Morgan chapter, Cindy Kay and Tyler Clarke are excited to announce that the Morgan Union Pacific Depot on Commercial Street is reopening and the Historical Society will now be based there. With the help of library staff, everything was boxed up and the bookshelf collections were transported to the Depot throughout December. “The move was completed in late January 2024” Kay said. “Luckily, the weather was pretty mild that month.”

The goal of the Morgan County Historical Society is to collect, preserve, and present Morgan County’s history in meaningful and engaging ways. Their office is open to the public and everyone is welcome to browse their numerous collections of photos, yearbooks, government reports, and more. They are also happy to give tours through the newly renovated Train Depot or help with historical photographs, histories, or collections. The Historical Society is open Monday through Friday

from 12-5 p.m.

Kay has been living in Morgan for over 26 years and is a longtime realtor in Morgan County. Kay started working for the Historical Society in April of 2023 and she enjoys working with the patrons, the personal histories, the photos, and other collections. Clarke lives in Ogden, Utah, and has recently

on page 2

Trump’s bond underwritten by

Hankey

Chairman of Knight Specialty Insurance made a deal to pay former president Donald Trump’s $175 million bond in New York, in order to avoid the need to sell any of the property moguls properties, which are under the additional strain of being litigated for potentially having been misvalued. Knight Specialty Insurance is a company most known for providing subprime auto loans to car buyers with weak credit scores. Cash was posted as collateral.

Tesla sales weaker than expected

Electric car pioneer Tesla reported its first annual drop in sales since 2020. The news caused the stock price to drop 5%, which makes the price drop for this year alone nearly a third. The sales numbers are blamed on increasing competition from both foreign and domestic electric car manufacturers, as well as issues with the roll out of the truck line of electric vehicles over the last several months.

Disney shareholders back Iger

Investor Nelson Peltz’ bid for a shakeup at Disney came up empty this week. Peltz and others had been endeavoring to fill several seats on the company’s board of directors, but, the shareholders voted decisively to retain Bob Iger, Disney CEO, and the board of directors as it currently stands. Following the vote, Iger and others within the organization reiterated their commitment to the company, and to improving its intellectual property. Included in his comments, Iger responded to increasing pressure at both the box office, and theme parks, by reaffirming coming developments at two of Disney’s resorts, Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

Solar eclipse

Many are flocking to be in the path of the solar eclipse, slated to sweep areas of the United States this week. The northwest will not get much of a view, but, from the southwest to northeast many areas are predicted to be in a full solar eclipse. As with any solar eclipse, those who are planning to view the event are cautioned to use proper protection as looking into the sun at any time can still cause damage. The thousands of people flocking to view the eclipse are predicted to cause a surge in not only traffic but local businesses, hotels, and other industries in areas where the eclipse is to be at its peak.

Cicada broods to overlap

Two different broods of cicada are expected to hatch this year, leading to an unprecedented surge in the creatures across certain areas of the United States. Emerging on different cycles of 13 and 17 years, two different cicada broods will likely overlap this year causing a huge surge in their population.

While they are large and loud, experts say there is no reason to worry about the possible surge in numbers, and that, as per usual, they will die out until the next cycle of cicadas emerges.

MORGAN CHOIR SINGS in the Assembly Hall on Temple Square with the Salt Lake Symphonic Choir in 2008.

CHOIR PRACTICE SESSION in the Morgan City and County Building in 2001. Fourth year of the choir. Courtesy photos

CINDY KAY AND TYLER CLARKE with the many movers near the truck. Courtesy photo

graduated with a bachelor's degree in history from Weber State University. Clarke has been working for the Historical Society since January 2022 and he enjoys showing Morgan County history in new and engaging ways.

The Morgan Union Pacific Depot served a section of the Transcontinental Railroad and it was built in 1926 when a second rail line was laid through Morgan, Utah. Renowned architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood designed the building in the Spanish Colonial Revival Style with decorative brick under the windows and a red bar tile roof. The original cost to build the Depot was $13,601. The interior of the Depot has three major rooms: the public waiting room, the station agent's office, and the baggage area. Union Pacific stopped using the rail station in 1982 and it sat abandoned for around five years. In 1987, the railroad donated the building to Morgan City along with a lease on the land and it was used by the city for several purposes over the years.

In 2019, County Historian Linda Smith, along with the Morgan County Historical Society, procured a caboose from Union Pacific and installed it next to the rail station. “The railroad shaped the community of Morgan County, so it is fitting to have a caboose,” Kay said.

In 2020-21, County Historian Rachael Turk applied for and received a grant, starting phase one for the renovation of the Morgan Depot. An ADA ramp, rails, and new stairways were put in. Wood floors were sanded and refinished and the interior/exterior walls and ceilings were painted, matching samples taken from the original paint. In 2023, Ty Bailey applied for and received a grant for phase two of the renovation project. In June of that year, The Historical Society and Morgan County signed a lease with Morgan City to move the Historical Society and repository to the newly renovated Depot, as well as a visitor center and gift shop. Work started for phase two in July of 2023 and included new electrical hardware and lighting,

bookshelves and cabinets, basement storage, and shelving. The phase was completed at the end of the year and a new sign was recently installed outside on the West side of the building.

Exciting things will come following the grand reopening of the train depot. A train table featuring a replica of 1930s Commercial Street buildings is being built; it will include neon blade signs, Devil's Slide, the “M’’ mountain, and a working model train. The Hostlers Model Railroad Club helped design the table with carpenter Doug Schut, and they will be working to build the table onsite. Follow the Morgan Historical Society- Morgan, Utah on Facebook and visit the depot frequently to see the progress as the replica is built.

In addition, on Saturday, June 1, 2024, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., there will be a Front Street Festival on Commercial Street. Mark your calendars and join this exciting event. The festival will include music, food, craft activities for kids, a train ride, booths, food trucks, specials at all restaurants and shops on Commercial Street, and punchable train tickets that can be entered for a prize drawing. There will also be tours through the Depot and most of the historic buildings on Commercial Street. Furthermore, a ribbon cutting will be held when the Big Boy No. 4014 train comes through Morgan. The railroad hasn’t set a date yet, but it should be sometime in mid-June or July.

“It has been a labor of love,” said Kay. “Many entities worked together to make the remodeling Depot happen for the community.” As such, the Historical Society would like to recognize Morgan Valley Preservation, Morgan City, Morgan County, Morgan County Library, Ty Bailey, Wanda Adams, Adams Construction, and the many subcontractors who made the project possible. Additionally, they would like to thank the many residents who helped move the furniture, books, shelves, file cabinets, and collections to the new building. l

with friends, spouses, parents, and those who just enjoyed good music. This first program announced the beginning of the choir. The director was Lois Manning and the accompanist was Suzanne Carrigan. The choir members were:

Soprano

Gaylene Bateman

Amanda Bowen

Jeanne Fry

Michelle Manning

Tammy Pierce

Jaime Werner

Alto

Sandra Carter

Mechel Hadley

Sylvia Lyon

Deanna Mecham

Helen Petersen

Lee Ann Schlager

Elaine Thompson

Tenor

Robert Fairchild

Steven Carrigan

LuRinda Peterson

George Garwood

Bass

Richard Gilbert

James Manning

Leland Manning

Stan Stevens

Dan Thomson

Gene Watson

The choir took the summer off and the ladies worked to form the constitution and by-laws of the new organiza-

tion. That fall the choir was officially organized and registered as a non-profit organization with the State of Utah and the IRS. A choir board was created with three trustees to help oversee the choir functions. The board consists of a president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, public relations, music librarian, historian, and music conductor. The board would hold a minimum of two meetings a year. They would meet in the Carrigan’s home.

The choir would perform two concerts each year, preparing music in a fall session starting in September and ending in a Christmas concert in December. Then beginning again in February preparing music for a spring concert at the end of April. The choir would also accept invitations to perform at other events and occasions when the choir could meet the request.

The choir has had a firm feeling of patriotism, and love of country and community, that has prompted accepting many calls for Veterans Day school programs, singing at the 2001 dedication of the new Veterans Memorial, Fourth of July activities, Home Town Christmas, senior citizen performances, political dinners and gatherings. The choir has sung at funerals for choir members and for families of choir members.

Because of the associations with other choirs along the Wasatch front, Morgan choir director Lois Manning was able to arrange some special opportunities for the choir to sing. Some of those were: The Days of ’47 Cele-

bration in Abravanal Hall at the Pops Concert 2001, Days of ’47 Early Sunrise Service in the Salt Lake Tabernacle in 2007, and the 2002 Winter Olympic Cultural Festival, in the Weber State Browning Auditorium.

The MCC organized a Choir Festival held in Morgan in 2007. Dr. Craig Jessop, director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, was the guest conductor. The Salt Lake Symphonic Choir, George Welch conductor, and the Chorale Arts Society, with Sterling Poulson conductor, were invited to participate. This activity was held also as a fundraiser for the Morgan Community Choir to help the young organization with funds to purchase sheet music for their choir library. The evening performance was sold out.

With the remodeling of the City and County building, the choir was able to move practice to Morgan Middle School. Another move came a few years later into the high school choir room. Concerts were also moved to the high school auditorium where there was more room to accommodate the size of the choir and the audience. The choir has appreciated so much the support of the city and county officials and the Morgan School District.

Lois would sing a wide variety of music, even teaching the choir to sing in foreign languages at times. She instilled in the choir members a love for good music whatever the source or genre. The MCC has provided a place for other new music groups to perform in their concerts.

The Macato Children’s Choir, the Morgan Valley Children’s Choir, and the Morgan Valley Chamber Orchestra were each guests of the choir in their beginnings.

As part of the Christmas Concerts Lois and the board invited choir member Kevin Ovard to be the special guest Santa who made the yearly appearance a special delight for the children and the choir.

In 2018, at the spring concert, news writer Courtney Bergman wrote in the Morgan County News –“As the choir concert concluded, the choir bade a sad, yet grateful farewell to their conductor. This concert marked Lois Manning’s 20th year as conductor of the Morgan Community Choir and also served as her final performance as she announced her retirement at the conclusion. The choir and audience expressed their appreciation to her through a standing ovation.”

The next season the choir moved forward with Marilyn Lofgreen acting director and newly selected co-director Lanette Jensen. Both of these ladies have years of music experience and a deep love for good music and performing.

Today the choir is under the direction of Lanette Jensen and Kyle Palmer with Amiee Ferrin and Sharee Dickey as accompanists. The choir is still accepting new members who want to sing quality music and enjoy the family feeling of the choir at practices and performances. l

CHOIR from front page

INSIDE VIEW OF the renovated interior of the Train Depot.

THE MORGAN UNION Pacific Depot is reopening and the Historical Society will now be based there. Courtesy photos MANY RESIDENTS WHO HELPED move stand inside the Train Depot.

BLACK AND WHITE photo of the Train Depot.

Special Needs Institute holds annual prom

By Verlene Johnson

Music and dancing filled the Milton Church on Thursday, March 28, as the special friends in Morgan County 12 years old and up gathered for the Special Needs Institute’s eleventh annual prom. Dancing to songs such as “Macarena” and “YMCA” these special friends and their helpers also learned to line dance from Albert and Karen Wilde doing the “Boot Scoot and Boogie” and “The Chicken Dance.” They also learned a Highland Dance as a group.

While Special Needs Institute is sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, special friends from any religious denomination are welcome to attend any and all the activities.

Some of these activities include a Family Social, The Nativity Pageant, which is loved by young and old in the valley, a talent show where these special friends show a wide variety of talent, Liz Wiscombe’s Special Olympics Volleyball Exhibition game that is open to the public on April 24, at 7 p.m at the high school and Reed’s Rodeo that takes place during the fair.

Special Needs Institute was started by Joleen Kearsley in 2010 with the help of the Morgan North Stake when she became concerned that children with special needs, including her own daughter, were being overlooked. What started out as just a few special friends has grown to many friends inside and outside of Morgan County with many helpers volunteering their time to help put together these activities. l

FRIENDS DO THE CONGA LINE.

RYKER LEWIS asks Albert Wilde if he is a real cowboy.

MADDIE FRANCIS with ward leader Becky Flitton.

SHARLENE OLSEN with her son David.

WARD LEADERS TONY and Cindy London and stake leader, Shawna Durbano. RACHEL JARRET with ward leader Becky Flitton.

EMILEE ROBISON and Hailey Reed.

KATIE CARTER and Hailey Reed.

KYRSTIN SPENS and Isaac Andrews lead the group in reciting their motto.

SPORTS

Boys track places 2nd at Copper Hills Invitational

By Liisa London Mecham

Union Meet

When Morgan traveled to Roosevelt, Wednesday, March 27, to compete against Union, South Summit, and Duchesne in a Region 13 meet, they took three buses that were filled with 137 athletes. Although this may seem like a lot of student-athletes, the total number of students on the boys and girls track teams is higher – 179. A quick calculation shows that 16% of the student population at Morgan High are members of the track team or almost two out of every 10 students at the school participate in track. When the Morgan High track teams arrive, other teams take notice, not just because of the size, but also due to the level of talent. At the Union meet, Morgan’s boys and girls captured first place with 114.5 and 92 points, respectively. Union placed second (55, 62) with Duchesne (46, 34) and South Summit (16, 26) taking third and fourth. At the meet, Morgan had 27 boys and 21 girls compete in the 100m race.

Although the meet was cold and long (the last throw was at 8 p.m. with the buses returning to Morgan at midnight), a number of Morgan athletes excelled.

In boys events, Morgan took the first four places in the 200m race with Tucker Giles leading the pack (24.04). Giles also won the 110m hurdles in his first time racing this event (15.69). Kenny Whitmer took the 400m (52.44), and Esplan McClellan outpaced everyone in the 800m (2:10.78). In the 3200m, Brooks Anderton was the champion (11:44.25).

In the girls events, Caitlyn Flitton raced to first in the 200m (28.67), Lauren Kobe won the 400m (1:08.27), Alexis Cox took the 800m, and the Hogge sisters, Ashlee and Addison, crossed the finish line 1-2 in the 1600m race. Tyli Archibald won the shot put (30-1.5) with Abby Titus taking first in the high jump (4-11.0), and Kendall Peterson winning the long jump (15.50)

Copper Hills Invitational

Saturday, March 30, the Trojans competed at the Copper Hills Invitational in West Jordan against 22 other teams from Utah and Wyoming. The boys team placed second (81 points) to first-place West Jordan (107.5). In the girls team race, Morgan took 12th out of 23 teams with 28.5 points to Copper Hill’s first-place total of 66.

“The weather at Copper Hills was not what we were hoping for.” Coach Brennen Fuller said. “It was wet, cold, and windy, but we constantly reminded our kids that no matter the weather or situation, it is the same for every athlete on every team, and to not make excuses, but to go out there and expect great things.”

“Don’t base how you perform on others,” he continued, “but on YOU and what YOU want to accomplish that day. And we did! We earned 26 medals, and the boys team finished 2nd overall, earning a trophy in a meet with 22 teams that were mostly 5A and 6A!”

Fuller said the team/family is starting to understand their theme of “All In.” “No matter what the circumstances, they are leaving everything they have out there!”

In the relays, Morgan boys took first in the 4x400 (3:24.62). Their margin of victory over the second palace

team was five seconds! (see related article “Morgan Track Athletes Hold Top Times in State”). The boys team earned second place in the 4x100 relay (44.74), and the girls placed third in the 4x100 (52.18).

In the high jump, Abby Titus tied for first with a 5-3.0 mark while Karli Lyman placed sixth (4-10.0). Kenny Whitmer earned fifth place in the high jump (5-10.0).

Tucker Giles won the 400m with a time of 50.84, and Kendall Peterson garnered fifth place (1:04.86) in the girls 400m. Giles also took third in the 110m hurdles (16.28), running them for only the second time in competition after his first-place finish at Union.

In the 100m, Brogan Garrett placed fourth (11.64), and Jacob Carter took 6th (11.68).

In the 800m, Brooks Anderton finished eighth (2:05.82) while Ashlee Hogge took eighth in the 1600m race (5:52.37).

Gavin DeWitt scored 16 team points with a second-place finish in the javelin (160-9.0) and placements in both hurdles. In the 110m hurdles, he took fourth (17.05), and in the 300m, he took sixth (42.66). Maverick Guymon placed fifth in both the 110m and 300m hurdles (17.28, 42.19).

In the field, Londyn Elmer earned

first

Photos courtesy of John Heywood

Morgan track athletes hold top times in state

By Liisa London Mecham

Several Morgan track athletes currently hold the top 15 times or marks in the Deseret News “Top Performers in 2024” list.

Brogan Garrett comes in with the No.2 time in the state in the 400m 48.43, only topped by West Jordan’s Dominic Overby (48.31). Garrett is also a member of the 4x400m and sprint medley relays with top times as well.

Morgan claims the fastest time of the season in the spring medley relay (3:39.47), and in the 4x400 relay, Morgan holds the second fastest time this year, 3:24.60. They recorded their 4x400 time Saturday, March 30, at the Copper Hills Invitational. Corner Canyon ran a 3:20.23 4x400m on March 9.

Tucker Giles, another member of both relays, holds the 14th fastest

sixth place in the discus with a throw of 96-5.0 while Brogan Garrett took fourth in the boys event (123-5.0). In the long

Trojans baseball drops twin bill to Grantsville

By Brian Shaw

Atough preseason filled with difficult non-league opponents is slowing to a crawl, and so now the Morgan Trojans baseball team is focusing its energy on Region 13 play.

Morgan [6-5, 0-2 Region 13] gave up three runs in the first inning at Grantsville Monday, March 25. However, the Trojans got one run back in the bottom of the second when Beck Sheffield slammed an RBI double into the distance, trimming the deficit to 1-3 through two and a half innings of play.

The Cowboys would post four

runs in the bottom of the second and four more in the bottom of the third.

Senior Brigham Spens got the call on the mound for Morgan and was rocked for six hits on 11 runs in four innings of work in a 1-11 loss.

For the Trojans, it was their first Region 13 action of the year but like most of their games this season they were able to get right back on the horse two days later.

On Wednesday, March 27, Morgan hosted Grantsville in a game that was much more competitive than the first meeting the two teams played.

Both teams would be scoreless through one inning of play but Grantsville and its undefeated squad

would score four runs in the top of the second inning to hand the Trojans a 0-4 deficit.

But, junior Beck Sheffield settled in during the top of the third for a Morgan bunch that allowed one run for the rest of the game.

For the Trojans, senior Ryder Waldron slammed a triple into the wall thanks to a Grantsville fielding error, and junior Camron Talbot and sophomore Luke Bauerle each rocked a double.

Sheffield smacked his ninth RBI of the season when he hit a double into the gap; it was his fourth double on the season. He also struck out a career-high six batters in the loss.

800m race time of this year with a 1:57.41.

Saturday at Copper Hills, Gavin DeWitt threw 160-09.00 in the javelin and cracked the Top 15 list at No. 15.

Abby Titus jumped 5-03.0 Saturday, and she is tied for the 6th highest jump this year in Utah.

The Trojans will take Jake Carter, Talmadge Sommers, Brogan Garrett, and Tucker Giles to the Arcadia Invitational this weekend in California to make a run at first place in the Medley Relay. Last year, the team took second in the prestigious meet. Garret will race the open 400m, and Giles will race in the open 800m. Over 800 schools from all over the United States will be coming to the meet this year.

Coach Fuller said, “The fact that we have kids competing in this meet with a chance to win is amazing!”

jump, Christian Nunez leaped 20-2.5 to secure fourth place, and Titus took sixth in the girls long jump (15-7.25). l

For Morgan, a double-header with 6-win Union was next on the Trojans’ home field Wednesday, April 2 after press time; in their first Region 13 game of the season the Cougars blanked South Summit March 25 by the score of 10-0 in a game that was called after five innings per the UHSAA’s 10-run rule.

After that, the Trojans were scheduled to play another non-league contest versus North Sevier, at home on Wednesday, April 3 after press time. Weather permitting, this will mark the first time all season that Morgan will be playing three games at home in the same week. l

KARLI LYMAN races at the Copper Hills Invitational. She placed sixth in the high jump.

KENNY WHITMER goes over the bar in the high jump. Whitmer jumped 5-10.0 at Copper Hills to place 5th.

TYLI ARCHIBALD concentrates as she prepares to throw the shot put. Archibald won the shot put at the Union meet.

TUCKER GILES PREPARES TO RACE. He won the 400m at Copper Hills. Giles ran the 110m hurdles for the

time at Union and won the event. He took third at Copper Hills in the 110m hurdles and was a member of the first-place 4x400m relay.

Morgan soccer wins at Grantsville and Ben Lomond

By Brian Shaw

When the opposition bunkers in the sport of soccer, that usually means they’re expecting an onslaught.

For this Morgan boys soccer team, it took a little tinkering to find the right formula to start scoring goals at Grantsville but they did so in a 4-0 win on Tuesday, March 26.

“Grantsville put 10 players behind the ball so it was tough to find good scoring chances,” said head Coach Seth Wallace.

According to Wallace, Beau Johnson received a ball outside the Grantsville penalty box in the 20th minute from junior Sam Sugden “and had a nice turn and shot.”

Nine minutes after the senior Johnson scored to put Morgan ahead 1-0, a Sugden cross into the penalty box led to Noah Kinney’s first goal of the season, as the senior defender moved into scoring position and converted to give the Trojans a 2-0 lead in the first half.

Jett Beckstrom then added to his team-leading goals tally with “a great volley off a corner kick” from senior Sam Sugden to close out the scoring in the first half and give the Trojans a 3-0 lead.

“… And then another Beau cross from the end line that Jett tapped in off a back post run,” added Wallace of Beckstrom’s goal, his 13th this season and 31st of his career.

In the second half, sophomore Cody

Adams would score his 4th goal of the season on a penalty kick, said Wallace, to give the Trojans a 4-0 victory.

At Ben Lomond, however, the game was more wide-open on Thursday, March 28. In the 18th minute, Beckstrom tacked on another goal, his 14th, on an assist from Johnson “off a counterattack that put him 1v1 with the keeper,” said Wallace.

“His initial shot was saved but he collected the ball, rounded the keeper, and beat several defenders to slot it in,” said Morgan’s head coach.

On the Trojans’ second goal of the game, their high press caused a turnover near Ben Lomond’s keeper. Nathan Haws punched it in amid all the chaos to give Morgan a 2-0 lead at the half.

In the second half, Beckstrom paid back Johnson for that first-half gift, according to Wallace.

“Jett returned the favor with a really nice ball in behind their defense that Beau ran onto for the finish,” said Wallace. That Johnson goal made the score 3-0.

The Trojans would score very similar goals to wrap up this 5-1 win early in the second half, as Johnson and Haws each got their second goal of the contest in minutes 60 and 62.

“Our forwards were just faster than the [Ben Lomond] defense,” said Wallace, whose team will now be on a much-needed Spring Break until April 10. l

MHS Band does well at region, state, and Solo and Ensemble

By Verlene Johnson

Terrific energy and focus, amazing soloists constructed and played, nice style in all sections, strong rhythm section and they set up a strong foundation, were some of the comments the judges made to Morgan High School’s Jazz Band at their Region competition on March 7, 2024, at Ben Lomond High School, under the direction on Chad Mclean. Competing against other 3A schools within the region, the MHS Jazz Band played three pieces, “Shakey Ground” Arranged by Murtha; “Come Rain or Come Shine” arranged by Jennings and “The Mudbug Strut” by Baker.

After performing these pieces, they were given a piece of music they had never seen before, were given five minutes to look it over then perform it. The band received a “I” or a “superior”

rating from all judges which qualified them for state. This is the first time since 2018 that the MHS Jazz Band has qualified for State. The State Jazz Festival was March 23, 2024, held at Alta High School. Unlike most sports that go to state and play against other 3A teams, the Jazz Band competed against schools ranging from 1A-6A that also qualified for state. Playing the same three pieces, they received comments like: “The Band sounds good,” “Good sound and style from the trumpet solo on the ballad piece (Levi Bennet),” and “Great job to the drummer (Asher Johanson).”

After they performed they were taken into a room to do some sight reading. This time the adjudicator was the Director of Jazz Studies, Dr. Josiah Boornazian from the University of Utah. Once they concluded playing the piece, Boornazian worked with the musicians giving them pointers to make it sound

even better. “He gave some amazing advice to the saxophone section on how to produce more sound by moving their jaw into a different position on their mouthpiece,” said the mom of one of the band members, Jessica Bennett.

At State, they received a “II” or an “excellent” rating. “This is a great score and gives them room to improve for the next year,” commented Bennett.

Not only has the MHS Jazz Band been competing as a group in region and state, but several students also competed in Solo and Ensemble. Held at Ogden High School on March 19, 2024, small ensemble groups and soloists, including members of orchestra, played their prepared pieces for the judges.

MHS had nine string players including Brighton Nelson, Savannah Wixom Adie Millar, Eden Beattie, Brandon Lindley, Autumn Cottle, Anna Reese, Ally Compton, and Isabella Gailey. MHS also had 10 band members includ-

ing Levi Bennett, Sadie Bennett, Addy Karren, Spencer Kobe, Isabella Gailey, Peyton Orn, Traven Carter, Jacob DeWitt, Stella Ward, Liam Johnson, and Lloyd Cornelius, In addition, four choir members including Ethan Hoffman, Jeremiah Peterson, BJ Hone, and Katelyn Farnsworth competed this year in vocals.

Congratulations to Addy Karren who will be going to state with her Alto solo.

MHS Band is not done yet. On April 10, the Symphonic Band, Orchestra, and Festival will be held at Morgan High School. All groups from the region will be coming to perform from 3-6 p.m.

McLean said he is excited to explore a Summer Band program, so keep your eyes open for more information to come.l

STATE JAZZ: DR. JOSIAH BOORNAZIAN works with the band in the sight reading portion.

ON THEIR WAY TO SOLO and Ensemble: Front to back left to right Levi Bennett, Lloyd Cornelius, Sadie Bennett, Liam Johnson, Anya Rees, Brighton Nelson, Petyon Orn, Stella Ward, Savannah Wixom, Eden Beattie, Ally Compton, Autumn Cottle, Spencer Kobe, Brandon Lindley, Isabella Gailey, Addy Karren, Traven Carter, Jacob Dewitt.

band

piece

LEVI BENNETT plays solo on “Come Rain or Come Shine.”

Photos courtesy of Jessica Bennet

Commercial Street Trail gets going

By Linda Petersen

Work will soon commence on the first phase of the Commercial Street Trail in Morgan. The project has been awarded to J. Wilkinson & Sons in the amount of $304,064.50.

The city’s engineering consultant, Jones & Associates, recommended the bid be awarded to J. Wilkinson & Sons based on “their experience in doing similar work, their good references, and their low base bid,” according to a memo sent to the city. “We feel that their proposal is very competitive and properly balanced,” it said.

Three other bids were received on the project: Wardell Brothers Construction $321,145.50; 3XL Construction $372, 443.54 and Post Construction $436, 916.70

Despite being the low bid and the city getting a better price than expected, the J. Wilkinson & Sons amount is higher than what the city has budgeted for it so the project has been divided up into three schedules: A, B and C. J. Wilkinson & Sons bid A&B at $147,094.50 and C at at $156,970.

City officials are hoping to qualify for a federal grant that will fund the Schedule C part of the project. If Morgan doesn’t get the grant, they will hold off on that part of the project, City Manager Ty Bailey told the city council March 26.

Schedule A will include some work near Riverside Park — bringing in granular fill, installing a compacted road base and a 6-inch concrete sidewalk — to ensure ADA compliance and access to and from the Michelson Mile, Streets Supervisor Lance Prescott said. Last fall Prescott witnessed a woman with a stroller struggle to get from the trail to the park pavilion, he said. “It hit me like a ton of bricks: I'm like ‘You can't get from the walking path to the park.’”

Morgan City’s Clark Crook honored with award

By Linda Petersen

Morgan City’s power department

foreman Clark Crook has once again been recognized for his achievements. On March 26 he was presented with a plaque honoring him for four years of service as Intermountain Power Superintendents Association chair from March 2018 to March 2022.

Crook expressed appreciation for the support he has received from City Manager Ty Bailey and city officials.

“What I do appreciate is the fact that Ty supported us and you guys support us in doing this because it takes quite a bit of time. You’re gone quite a bit and then you’ve got whatever meetings you’ve got to go to,” he said. “You can't do it without good support.”

Clark also praised city officials for ensuring the crews have the safety

equipment they need and the culture at the city that supports safe practices.

Mayor Steve Gale presented the award to Crook.

“It’s all of us working together, and I appreciate that you don't take things for granted and you take it seriously every time you get up in the air,” he told Crook.

Councilmember Tony London also praised Crook and the Morgan City team.

“Coming from an industry that looked at LTI [loss time incidents] where my occupation was, five years without an LTI is very impressive,” he said. “That is to be commended so congratulations on that.”

In December Crook, who has more than 27 years’ experience in the power industry, was named Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems Employee of the Year. l

In Schedule B, a 10-foot wide asphalt trail will be constructed. The contractor will install a 6-inch compacted road base, remove the curb and gutter, relocate an existing hydrant, install a concrete pedestrian access ramp and curb and gutter, and replace water and sewer lines as needed.

Schedule C involves developing the trail under the bridge which will include removing boulders and other debris, excavation, installing a 6-inch com-

pacted road base and a 6-inch concrete sidewalk, installing two access gates, and importing granular fill for future parking. The bid includes installing a concrete retaining wall and dewatering (draining) under the bridge, but Prescott said he is looking into some options that may avoid that.

Standard street lights will be installed on that part of the project since the area under the bridge is so dark, Prescott said. “It will provide light out on the street as well as lighting up the back in the walking path.”

City officials are anxious for the contractor to get going on the project as soon as the weather allows as the city may forfeit a separate $78,000 grant if work is not completed on the first two sections by May 18. (Bailey told the council it may be possible to get a grant extension if there is a delay).

The city council voted unanimously that evening to approve the bid award.

“I talked to a few people that are pretty excited about being able to walk down to the end of Commercial Street now and then on an existing trail walk over to the new bridge which would take them over to the school or to the Wilkinson complex so [it’s] definitely a worthwhile project,” Councilmember Tony London said.

Mayor Steve Gale agreed.

“I think that will be a hot spot of the city,” he said of the trail. l

Morgan city recognized for safety

Morgan City was recently recognized by the Intermountain Power Superintendents Association with two awards. The first, the organization’s Safety Leadership Award, was presented for achieving five consecutive years without a lost time accident. The second award was the IPSA 2023 Safety Award for achieving a low accident frequency last year. At the March 26 city council meeting Morgan Power Foreman Clark Crook and former IPSA chairman gave a brief background on the organization and presented the awards to Morgan

City. IPSA provides an 8,000-hour apprenticeship training program for journeymen linemen. “The guys have done really good and they’ve done everything they’re supposed to do and we haven’t had any accidents in the [past] five consecutive years,” Clark said. “They've been up in all kinds of weather; this is way impressive, Mayor Steve Gale commented. City Manager Ty Bailey praised IPSA and the Morgan City employees. “It’s really a good organization and they've recognized [Morgan City] for safety which I attribute to Clark and our guys but it really does take some leadership,” he said. l

Morgan High School Debate attended state March 15-16 at Utah State University Eastern in Price. BRYSON

ENGINEERING RENDITION of the Commercial Street Trail which will be constructed in Morgan City this spring.

Courtesy image/Morgan City

MORGAN CITY MAYOR STEVE GALE presents power department foreman Clark Crook with a plaque honoring him for five years as Intermountain Power Superintendents Association board chair. Courtesy photo/Morgan City

PICTURED FROM LEFT ARE, Jeremy Webb, Clark Crook, Dyson Blackburn, Matt Stuart, and Mayor Steve Gale. Courtesy photo/Morgan City

By Linda Petersen

Morgan & Mtn. Green

Elementary Breakfast

Monday, April 8 NO SCHOOL

Tuesday, April 9

French Toast Sticks, Hashbrown Triangles, Cereal Variety, Orange Juice, Fruit Cocktail

Wednesday, April 10 - Fruit and Yogurt Parfait, Pop Tart (Whole Grain), Cereal Variety, Strawberry Cup, Blueberries

Thursday, April 11

Donut Hole, Yogurt, high protein Cereal Variety, Pineapple Tidbits, Pears

Friday, April 12

Eggo Mini Pancakes, Cereal Variety, Mandarin Oranges, Applesauce

Morgan & Mtn. Green

Middle & HS Breakfast

Monday, April 8 NO SCHOOL

Tuesday, April 9

French Toast Sticks, Hashbrown Triangles, Cereal Variety, Orange Juice, Fruit Cocktail

Wednesday, April 10

Fruit and Yogurt Parfait, Pop Tart (Whole Grain), Cereal Variety, Strawberry Cup, Blueberries

Thursday, April 11

Donut Hole, Yogurt, high protein

Cereal Variety, Pineapple Tidbits, Pears

Friday, April 12

Eggo Mini Pancakes, Cereal Variety, Mandarin Oranges, Applesauce

Morgan & Mtn. Green

Elementary Lunch

Monday, April 8 NO SCHOOL

Tuesday, April 9

Corn Dogs, Curly Fries, Fruit Cocktail, Apple Juice, Rice Crispie Treats

Wednesday, April 10

Chicken Alfredo, Breadstick 1ww, Glazed Carrots, Peas, Applesauce, Peaches, Gelatin

Thursday, April 11

Papa Murphy's Pizza, Cucumber Slices, Grape Tomatoes, Pineapple Tidbits, Apple Wedges, Cookie

Dough

Friday, April 12

Chicken Nuggets, French Fries, Green Beans, Pears, peach cup, Brownie

Morgan Middle Lunch

Monday, April 8 NO SCHOOL

Tuesday, April 9

Teriyaki Chicken, Brown Rice, Corn Dogs, Chef Salad, Curly Fries, Mixed Vegetable, Sliced Peaches, Pineapple Tidbits, Apples, Oranges, Slushie Cup

Wednesday, April 10

French Dip Sliders, Chicken Nuggets, BLT Salad, Wheat Roll, Waffle Fries, Glazed Carrots, Sliced Peaches, Pears, Apples, Oranges, Sugar Cookie

Thursday, April 11

Papa Murphy's Pizza, Mini Corn Dogs, Cucumber Slices, Grape Tomatoes, Mandarin Oranges, Pineapple Tidbits, Cookie Dough

Friday, April 12

Grilled Cheese, Chicken Strips / Choice, French Fries, Celery Sticks, Baby, Carrots, Fruit Cocktail, Applesauce, Apples, Oranges, Double Chocolate Chip Cookie

Mtn. Green Middle Lunch

Monday, April 8 NO SCHOOL

Tuesday, April 9

Teriyaki Chicken, Brown Rice, Corn Dogs, Oriental Chicken Salad, Curly Fries, Mixed Vegetable, Sliced Peaches, Pineapple Tidbits, Apples, Oranges, Slushie Cup

Wednesday, April 10

Tortilla, Taco Meat, Cheddar Cheese 1 oz, Chicken Fillet Sandwich, Wheat Bun, Taco Salad, Baby Carrots, Corn, Black Beans, Strawberry Cup, Applesauce, Apples, Oranges, Mrs Field Choc Chip Cookie

Thursday, April 11

Papa Murphy's Pizza, Mini Corn

Dogs, Cucumber Slices,Grape Tomatoes, Mandarin Oranges, Pineapple Tidbits, Cookie Dough

Friday, April 12

Grilled Cheese, Chicken Strips / Choice, French Fries, Celery Sticks, Baby Carrots, Fruit Cocktail, Applesauce, Apples, Oranges, Double Chocolate Chip Cookie

Morgan High Lunch

Monday, April 8 NO SCHOOL

Tuesday, April 9

Teriyaki Chicken, Brown Rice, Corn Dogs, Oriental Chicken Salad, Wheat Roll, Curly Fries, Mixed Vegetable, Sliced Peaches, Pineapple Tidbits, Apples, Oranges, Slushie Cup

Wednesday, April 10

French Dip Sliders, Chicken Nuggets, BLT Salad, Wheat Roll, Waffle, Fries, Glazed Carrots, Sliced Peaches, Pears, Apples, Oranges, Sugar Cookie

Thursday, April 11

Papa Murphy's Pizza, Mini Corn Dogs, Tater Tots, Cucumber Slices, Grape Tomatoes, Mandarin Oranges, Pineapple Tidbits, Cookie Dough

Friday, April 12

Grilled Cheese, Chicken Strips / Choice, Wheat Roll, French Fries, Celery Sticks, Baby Carrots, Fruit Cocktail, Applesauce, Apples, Oranges, Double Chocolate Chip Cookie

This is Daniel’s pep-talk for region play for boy volleyball-

Morgan’s keys for

By Daniel Mudrow

Adams, Board

*Individuals wishing to address the Board during the Public Comment portion of the meeting should contact the Superintendent at 801-829-3411 by 2:00 pm the day of the meeting to be recognized on the agenda. Those speaking must provide name, city of residence, and topic. Three-minute time limit. Patrons may also share comments with board members via email at www.morgansd.org.

Publishing: 4/5/2024

WHAT TO WATCH

The Movie Guru: ‘Monkey Man’ and ‘Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire’ mix action and emotion

By Jenniffer Wardell

Monkey Man (in theaters)

Shoot for the moon. Even if you don’t make it, you’ll end up someplace interesting.

Dev Patel clearly had that attitude in mind when making “Monkey Man,” which combines fierce, visceral action with sweeping Indian social and political commentary and a solid emotional journey. The result is a powerful, immersive experience that will make you feel like you’re on the other side of the screen, punctuated by some of the most exciting fight scenes American cinemas have seen in years. Though it sometimes has trouble juggling everything it’s trying to do, it succeeds often enough to be an unforgettable experience.

Patel plays the Kid, a young man who makes is survives by constantly losing in an underground fight ring. He has plans to avenge the long-ago death of his mother, however, and he works his way up through the criminal underground to get to the people responsible. After getting the necessary training and some unexpected help from others ostracized by traditional society, he also causes a lot of creative violence.

Though the social and political implications have universal resonance – corrupt law enforcement and religious leaders are an issue everywhere – it’s the action scenes that will stay with you longest. The comparisons to John Wick are obvious, but the fight scenes also show the fingerprints of classics such as “The Raid,” “Old Boy,” and “Enter the Dragon.” They’re the best kind of chaos, making you feel the weight of every punch and kick until you feel like you’re in the middle of the fight yourself.

Yes, there are too many flashbacks and not enough time with supporting characters. But if this is Dev Patel just starting out as a director, I can’t wait to see what he does next.

Grade: Three and a half stars

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (in theaters)

Finally, it seems as though the people at Legendary have accepted the truth – when people go see

a Godzilla or King Kong movie, they don’t want to spend most of their time with humans.

In “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” the humans finally share roughly equal screen time with the big monsters. While that only means a few more, better-lit fights for Godzilla, Kong gets a whole subplot where he wrestles with his own loneliness and gains the trust of an abused monkey kid. The human subplot is also more engaging, without unnecessary plot complications, and with Dan Stevens to provide a welcome burst of lightness and charm. Combined with the returning welcome comic delivery of Brian Tyree Henry, it leads to the most monstrous fun we’ve had in a while.

The movie is set a few years after “Godzilla

‘Wish Upon a Star’ at the Morgan County Library

By Ethan Hoffmann

Last month, patrons of the Morgan County Library were pleasantly surprised to find an array of extravagant Disney Lego sets on display throughout the building. From the black and white Steamboat Willie to the impressive Disney castle, there was something fun for everyone. The Disney Lego exhibit began on March 1 and was scheduled to end on April 3. The display has been extended until April 12, so if you haven’t had the opportunity to see it in person there’s still time to take a look.

The collection belongs to Matthew Bourne, a local resident and current employee at Nebco. “While my mother and extended family grew up and live in Morgan, I was raised in East Layton,” said Bourne. “I graduated from Northridge High in 2000 and attended college at Weber State University.” Following this, Bourne moved to Salt Lake City and then relocated to San Francisco to work in fashion and cosmetics. During that time, he traveled across the country and presented at various fashion shows. After the two-year lockdowns ended in California, he decided to move back to Utah and give small-town living a try.

For as long as he can remember, Bourne has been

fascinated by all things Disney. Even before he was interested in Lego, Bourne enjoyed learning about Walt Disney himself and going to Disneyland. Bourne likes everything from Mickey Mouse to Star Wars and that passion shines through in his Lego building. “While I’ve been playing with Lego since I was 10, I didn't start collecting Lego until the COVID-19 lockdowns.” As Bourne’s collection of Legos grew, it only made sense to build Disney characters out of Lego.

In addition to building Disney characters and castles, Bourne has also created builds featuring Star Wars characters, famous art paintings, floral arrangements, and even a Halloween-themed town and a Christmas Village. Additionally, there’s always a rotating Lego display at his home for visitors to admire.

Bourne's Lego collection is more than 65,000 pieces and it is growing all the time. Plans are in the works for future Lego exhibits at the library including a Star Wars display on May the 4th (be with you), Jurassic Park in the Summer, a Haunted House in October, and a Christmas Village in December. l

vs. Kong,” and starts with Kong well-settled into a comfortable but lonely life in Hollow Earth. When rumbles suggest a bigger threat is on its way, however, Kong and the humans have to investigate. While they search, Godzilla gets ready for a fight that could have world-shaking implications.

The movie continues with the somewhat complicated MonsterVerse mythology, though they explain enough that you don’t have to see any previous movies. Even if you choose to ignore it, that’s just fine – we’re all here for the monsters, and they say everything they have to without any words at all.

Grade: Three stars

Jenniffer Wardell is an award-winning movie critic and member of the Utah Film Critics Association. Find her on Twitter at @wardellwriter or drop her a line at themovieguruslc@gmail.com.

Movie Guru

THE ENCHANTING LEGO Disney Castle towers above Snow White's Cottage at the center of the library.

Credit for photo ©Universal

Monday

The Voice

(5) KSL 7 p.m.

After weeks of arduous singing battles, the singers are ready for a little vocal rest. Unfortunately, it’ll have to wait, as the Knockout round begins, determining who is strong enough to make it through to the Playoffs. Keith Urban acts as mega mentor.

Elton John & Bernie Taupin: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song

(7) KUED 7 p.m.

It’s hard to imagine a more in-tune pairing than singer Elton John and songwriter Bernie Taupin. Together, they’ve given the world songs like “Tiny Dancer,” “Rocket Man” and “Candle in the Wind.” Now, their work is honored by The Library of Congress.

Tuesday FBI

(2) KUTV 7 p.m.

Missy Peregrym, Zeeki Zaki and Jeremy Sisto all return in a brand-new episode from Season 6 of this New York-based series. The series follows agents working in the city’s FBI office, tackling the challenging cases that arise within the concrete jungle.

Password

(5) KSL 9 p.m.

Keke Palmer hosts this classic game show, joined by Jimmy Fallon as this season’s team player. Each episode follows as celebrities team up with quickthinking individuals in hopes of winning cash, with this week’s guests being Nikki and Brie Garcia.

Wednesday Survivor

(2) KUTV 7 p.m.

Fiji’s beautiful Mamanuca Islands are no match for the underhanded and clever play of the remaining castaways. But with sunscreen at a premium and host Jeff Probst looking for some shade, the challenges are becoming too much to bare. Get it?

Family Guy

(13) KSTU 8:30 p.m.

He’s our family guy: Peter Griffin finds his fifteen minutes of fame in this allnew episode, after attempting to protest the casting of Brad Pitt in a biopic about a politician. When Pitt injures himself on set, Peter must act out the role himself.

TELEVISION GUIDE

Thursday

Law & Order

(5) KSL 7 p.m.

Testifying in a corruption case turns out to be bad for the health of a congressional aide, pushing Shaw (Mehcad Brooks) and Riley (Reid Scott) to look for suspects close to home. Meanwhile, Price (Hugh Dancy) works his case against the accused.

Patti Stanger: The Matchmaker

(30) KUCW 8 p.m.

You loathed her in “The Millionaire Matchmaker,” and now Patti Stanger is back in this series premiere. This time, she teams with a new partner, Nick Viall from “The Bachelor,” to teach clients the tools needed to become their most lovable versions.

Friday

Lonely Crime Fanatic

LIFE 6 p.m.

It’s great to have things in common. So, when Ashley (Brenna Skalski), a lonely fan of a true crime podcast, meets her favorite podcast host (Ian Reier Michaels), love is in the air. However, things turn dangerous when the host becomes obsessed with her.

S.W.A.T.

(2) KUTV 7 p.m.

This week, the S.W.A.T. team faces off with a family of doomsday preppers, and Deacon (Jay Harrington) finds him self in the eye of the storm. Meanwhile, Tan (David Lim) clashes with a reporter, and Powell (Anna Enger Ritch) grapples with her past.

Saturday We Need To Talk at The Masters

(2) KUTV 10:30 a.m.

This special episode is broadcast live from Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga. It previews Saturday’s third round, and recaps the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, including an interview with its champion, as well as color commentary by analysts.

NHL Hockey

(4) KTVX 6 p.m.

When these two teams met in March, the league-leading Boston Bruins com

Saturday

(5) KSL 9:30 p.m.

Saturday Night Live

pletely dismantled coach Mike Sullivan’s Pittsburgh Penguins. Whether the Penguins can use home-ice advantage remains to be seen as they fight for a wild-card spot in the playoffs.

Sunday Killer

Fortune Teller

LIFE 6 p.m.

After a chance tarot reading changes

Shane Settel’s (Jonathan Stoddard) opinion on fate, he begins to experience unprecedented success in his professional career and finds himself falling in love. Everything seems perfect, until tragedy strikes.

Mr Bates vs The Post Office on Masterpiece (7) KUED 8 p.m.

Regaling viewers with the tale of the greatest miscarriage of justice in British history, this series continues with an all-new episode, following as Alan Bates and the Subpostmasters begin to fight for truth and justice with new allies in Parliament.

A new episode of “Saturday Night Live” airs Saturday, April 13, on NBC. Live from the Rockefeller Center in New York City, a hilarious cast of regulars perform comedy skits alongside a celebrity host. Academy Award-nominated actor Ryan Gosling hosts, while 10-time Grammy Award winner Chris Stapleton is the musical guest.

Celebrity Profile

By Jay Bobbin TV Media

Michael Douglas has certainly done his share of movie work, encompassing Oscar wins on both sides of the camera, but he’s also not averse to returning to the home screen. The son of fellow Hollywood icon Kirk Douglas (“Spartacus,” 1960), Michael had made some films before he largely built his fame on the 1970s ABC police drama “The Streets of San Francisco,” and his honors have included Academy Awards for producing “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” (1975) and acting in “Wall Street” (1987). Now, he’s back to series work by depicting the life and achievements of Benjamin Franklin in the Apple TV+ series “Franklin,” which is streaming new episodes each Friday; he is also an executive producer of the biographical drama.

If it seemed that movies would have Douglas’s services exclusively after he left “The Streets of San Francisco” (for which he was Emmy-nominated three times) a year before its run ended, he demonstrated otherwise by hosting NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” in 1984 and also appearing in specials. He also executive produced a mid-1980s ABC series based on the movie “Starman” (he was an executive producer of the film as well) and guest-starred on NBC’s “Will & Grace.” On top of all that, he also took his first role as Benjamin Franklin in the 2003 PBS series “Freedom: A History of US.”

However, Douglas’s major return to TV was the 2013 HBO project “Behind the Candelabra,” for which he won a Primetime Emmy, a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award (among other accolades) for his portrayal of the entertainer Liberace. After that, Douglas tackled a series role again in the Netflix comedy-drama show “The Kominsky Method,” casting him as an actor-turned-acting coach. He earned another Golden Globe for the program, which reunited him with such previous movie colleagues as Kathleen Turner (“Romancing the Stone,” 1984) and Douglas’s close friend Danny DeVito (“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”).

By Adam Thomlison TV Media

Q: I keep hearing people talk about a remake of “The Bride of Frankenstein,” but I’ve yet to see it. Is it actually going to happen?

A: If it doesn’t happen at this point, Hollywood owes Christian Bale a new head of hair.

Bale (“The Dark Knight,” 2008) said in a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter that he was about to shave his head for a new role, playing the monster

Frankenstein in the remake of the 1935 horror classic “The Bride of Frankenstein.” That little quote is the most concrete confirmation we’ve had yet that it’s actually happening. What you’ve been hearing as rumors have, in fact, been failed attempts to get this remake off the ground.

The original idea was to make it as part of a cinematic universe, much like Marvel movies but with Universal Pictures’s classic monster lineup. But when a 2017 remake of “The Mummy” (starring Mission: Impossible franchise superstar Tom Cruise) flopped at the box office, all those big plans were shelved, including the “Bride of Frankenstein” remake. Fortunately, an unlikely hero swooped in to save the day: Maggie Gyllenhaal. Bale’s “Dark Knight” co-star, who recently won accolades for her directorial debut,

2021’s “The Lost Daughter,” is now going to write and direct the remake, which she’s calling simply “The Bride.”

We don’t know much more than that, except that a few other major stars — including Annette Bening (“American Beauty,” 1999) and Penelope Cruz (“Vicky Cristina Barcelona,” 2008) — are attached.

Assuming all goes well from here, we’ll find out the rest in October 2025, which is the currently scheduled release date.

Q: Is Will Arnett going to make more “Murderville”?

A: Unfortunately it’s impossible to say at the moment, and maybe it always will be.

The improvised sitcom “Murderville” launched its first and only season on Netflix in February 2022, starring Will

Arnett (“Arrested Development”) and a rotation of guest stars. It seemed like that one season would be the end of it until November of that year, when a surprise Christmas special was announced, just a few weeks ahead of its release.

We’re now more than a year past that, and Netflix has said nothing about another season or more specials.

But that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s canceled, especially given a) the surprise nature of the first special, b) the fact that Netflix often lets years often go by between seasons, and c) the fact that the show barely has a premise beyond Arnett hanging out with his friends for half an hour.

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