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First babies of 2025
Lakeview Hospital welcomed twins
Page 10
Have a Heart Homes page 6
Randy Elliott reflects on service page 11
Davis Tech Emergency Services Training Lab gives students lifesaving skills
CLEARFIELD—The new facility has simulated scenarios for students to get hands-on experience in an emergency situation.
By Becky Ginos becky.g@thecityjournals.com
I
n the event of an emergency, when everyone else is running away –first responders are running to it. It’s a special breed who takes on the job of protecting others and training is critical. In answer to that need, Davis Technical College opened a new Emergency Services Training Lab on Tuesday for students to get the skills needed to save lives.
“Today we are taking a major step forward in the safety and security of the residents of northern Utah,” said Davis Tech President, Darin Brush. “This lab increases our capacity to train emergency responders like EMTs, advanced EMTs and firefighters who will save lives and protect property in our growing communities.”
“This is a really exciting time and this is a really exciting training facility for our firefighters,” said North Davis Fire District Chief, Mark Becraft. “We’re in a different
time now and it’s amazing. I think the point to drive home is the fact that it’s a very noble cause to be a fighter.”
Firefighters and instructors and chiefs won’t toot their own horn, he said. “They won’t tell you that but it
takes commitment and it takes sacrifice.”
The landscape of fire fighting is changing, said Becraft. “I believe we live in a more dangerous world
Please see LAB: pg. 2
Lawsuit against Davis School District and coach alleges racial discrimination
LAYTON—Ebony Davis, a former Layton High School student who is now attending Weber State, named her basketball coach and the district in a lawsuit alleging harassment and discrimination because of her race.
By Becky Ginos becky.g@thecityjournals.com
Aformer Layton High School student has filed suit against the Davis School District (DSD) and one of the coaches alleging harassment and racial discrimination. Ebony Davis, who is now a student at Weber State University, alleges that her basketball coach, as well as
Judge blocks release of special counsel Jack Smith’s final report on Trump investigation
Judge Aileen Cannon blocked the release of special counsel Jack Smith’s final report on investigations into President-elect Donald Trump, pending appellate review. Trump’s co-defendants, Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira, argue the report is prejudicial and unauthorized due to Cannon’s earlier ruling against Smith’s appointment. The Justice Department plans to release a redacted version, but the defense objects, citing fairness concerns. The dispute arises before Trump’s inauguration, Jan. 20, 2025 with his new administration set to oversee the investigation.
Meta is getting rid of fact checkers
Zuckerberg acknowledged more harmful content will appear on the platforms now.
Meta will replace fact-checkers on Facebook and Instagram with user-generated “community notes,” echoing Elon Musk’s X, CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced. The changes, tied to Presidentelect Trump’s inauguration, aim to address bias concerns but may increase harmful content. Meta is easing restrictions on topics like politics and shifting moderation focus to severe violations. Critics call the move political pandering and a step back from responsible content moderation.
New rules will ban medical debt from your credit report
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has finalized regulations banning medical debts from credit reports and prohibiting lenders from considering medical information, aiming to protect millions burdened by health care costs. Announced days before President Biden leaves office, the rules could face reversal under the incoming Trump administration. CFPB Director Rohit Chopra highlighted the harm medical debt causes to credit scores, housing access, and borrowing. Critics, including Congressional Republicans and industry leaders, have called the move regulatory overreach and may challenge it in court.
GANNON O’MALLEY with the Roy City Fire Department demonstrates how they use the Jaws of Life to extricate someone from a vehicle.
Photo by Becky Ginos
THE DAVIS SCHOOL DISTRICT has been named in a suit filed by a former Layton High student citing racial discrimination.
Photo by Becky Ginos
than we ever have. Fires are burning hotter, faster, there are different materials and for the most part, everybody needs to pretty much be on their game when a tragedy strikes and we have to be ready for that.”
“We go on people’s worst day and we’re expected to respond to do something special,” said Davis Technical College Emergency Services Training Officer, Course Coordinator and Syracuse City Fire Department Battalion Chief, Jared Sholly whose vision made the project happen. “It’s our responsibility as educators to make sure that when we send somebody out, to do that and to have that privilege because it truly is a privilege to go on somebody’s worst day and make it better in any way we possibly can.”
It could be a little thing like a child who cut their finger, he said. “Or it could be somebody who just lost a loved one or lost everything in the fire. We wear more hats than we’ve ever worn before and it’s going to continue to be that way. As all of these gentlemen will tell you, over our years of doing this our job has become more and more complicated. So giving that to our students in a six month academy is pretty
LAWSUIT: Continued from pg. 1
other students, made racist remarks almost daily.
The district has been the subject of other civil rights cases, including one in January brought by a former district employee.
challenging.”
“I finished the academy in December,” said student Dallin Argyle. “We went three times a week and all of Saturday we spent here.”
Argyle said growing up he’d always wanted to be a firefighter. “I went through the process to get certified to fulfill my dream. I wanted to help people on a day when they can’t help themselves. I wanted to be there.”
“I wanted to be a police officer right out of high school,” said Sholly. “I found out you had to be 21. A firetruck with lights and sirens went by and I thought, ‘that might be something.’ You only had to be 18 and they would help with school. So I tested and was hired almost immediately after high school. I didn’t realize how much passion I would have for this job.”
That passion just grew, he said. “I really had a desire to do it.”
The lab has simulated scenarios for students to get hands-on experience such as a collapsing floor inside a residential home where they learn how to rescue themselves and other firefighters from a collapsed area.
The “Tech Mart Shopping Center” allows students to train to overcome a parapet wall, search a large open
According to a district report, during the 2019-2020 academic year, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) pursuant to authority under Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, initiated an inquiry in DSD to assess claims of prevalent racial harassment, discrimination, and hostility towards Black/African American and Asian students in its schools. The DOJ found the school district “deprived students of equal protection by (1) responding in a clearly unreasonable manner to widespread, pervasive race-based harassment of Black and AsianAmerican students by both students and staff that created a hostile environment and of which it had notice; (2) subjecting Black students to harsher, more frequent discipline than white students who engaged in similar behavior; and (3) denying Black students the ability to form student groups.” In short, the DOJ found that DSD acted with “deliberate indifference" regarding the treatment of Black and Asian-American students.
As part of a settlement agreement, the district had to meet certain requirements and promise to “take all necessary and reasonable steps, consistent with Federal law to end racial harassment, prevent its recurrence, eliminate any racially hostile environment that currently exists in its schools, programs and activities and remedy its effects.”
According to the suit, Davis started playing basketball on the varsity team her junior year at Layton High and was a “rising star in the program.” Davis also had good grades and she was enjoying school and being part of the team.
However, the suit describes Davis, who is Black, of African American – Hispanic descent, as having endured racist, demeaning remarks ever since junior high. “Being called the ‘n’ word while walking to class in the hall, having a student turn off the lights in the classroom and shout ‘oh, where did Ebony go!’; having students touch her hair without permission and having students ask for an ‘n-word pass’ so that they could supposedly use the n-word in addressing her without recourse.”
Davis alleges that her basketball coach, Robert Reisbeck who is named in the suit, would often make comments about her that were racial -
space for fire and victims, ladder a commercial building and much more. Another station gives students the opportunity to learn vehicle extrication techniques using the Jaws of Life.
PUBLISHER Bryan Scott | bryan.s@thecityjournals.com EDITOR Becky Ginos | becky.g@davisjournal.com
Mieka Sawatzki | mieka.s@thecityjournals.com
Ryan Casper | ryan.c@thecityjournals.com
Marc Davis | marc.d@thecityjournals.com
After completing the training at the lab, students move to the Layton Fire Training Center where they train with water and actual fire.
ly charged and demeaning. “For instance, when Coach Reisbeck asked the team to line up tallest to shortest he would commonly remark in front of Davis’ peers that her hair does not ‘count’ toward her overall height.” Davis said in the suit that Reisbeck would call out during scrimmages, “Oh look, I put the only Black girl on the white team.”
Davis said she experienced such anxiety as a result of Reisbeck’s behavior that she wanted to quit basketball. To save herself from the embarrassment of quitting the team, Davis deliberately allowed her grades to slip so that she would be taken off of the team.
An assistant coach who was aware of the repeated negative remarks by Reisbeck reported his behavior to an Assistant Principal. The suit alleges that “the Assistant Principal deliberately did not relay the report to the District’s Office of Equity, as required by the district’s agreement with the DOJ.”
After the report made it to the Office of Equity, it found that Reisbeck had “intentionally engaged in racial harassment against Ms. Davis,” the suit said. On May 21, 2024, the District gave Reisbeck a written reprimand and a transfer to a different position.
A publicly-shared Effectiveness
“We try to provide positive muscle memory for them to pull from,” said Sholly. “The stuff they learn has the potential to save their life someday or somebody else’s.” l
Assessment Report was given to the Davis School District Board of Education and parents of students in the district in July of 2024. According to the district, it was to showcase the progress that has been made while highlighting the ongoing efforts by the district. The report can be found at https://5il.co/2t774.
The district provided this statement: “Davis School District continues to prioritize safety and belonging as it is foundational to a child’s emotional and academic development. We stand firmly against any form of harassment or discrimination in our schools. A single student experience with harassment is intolerable and contrary to our mission, and we take those reports seriously. While we acknowledge there is continuous work to be done, we have established processes and systems in place, which are overseen by our Office of Equal Opportunity, to investigate and address bullying and harassment systematically. We are committed to taking necessary and appropriate steps to provide a safe environment for all students, free from all forms of harassment and discrimination.”
Attorneys for Davis are seeking a trial by jury and undisclosed punitive damages. l
DION TURNER (RIGHT) pries open the door of a simulator and Dallin Argyle hits the prybar with an axe.
Photo by Becky Ginos
NEWS BRIEFS
Compiled by Becky Ginos
Man killed in officer involved critical incident
A 43-year-old man was killed last week during an officerinvolved critical incident after police attempted to de-escalate the situation without success.
On Dec. 30, Davis County Dispatch received a report of a domestic issue at a home near 670 N. and 2300 W. in West Point City. Just after 8 p.m. a deputy from the Davis County Sheriff’s Office had just finished his patrol shift and responded to the home, a DCSO release said. When he arrived, he spoke to family members and determined that the individual, Nathan Paul was possibly suffering a mental health episode. Deputies had been called to the home the night before, Dec. 29, for similar concerns. Paul was treated at a local area hospital and released earlier on Monday.
The deputy, along with officers from the Clinton City Police Department encountered Paul who was armed. Attempts to de-escalate the situation both verbally and with two nonlethal options failed, according to the DCSO. As the situation developed, two Clinton officers discharged their weapons, striking the suspect. Paul was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Both officers have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation being handled by the Davis County Officer-Involved Critical Incident Protocol Team.
“The Clinton City Police Department extends our sincere condolences to all affected by this incident, and we support the Davis County Officer-Involved Critical Incident Protocol Team in their investigation,” said Clinton Police Chief Shawn Stoker in the release.
The Davis County Attorney’s Office is leading the multi-agency protocol team and no additional details will be released until the investigation is complete.
Police arrest man suspected of planting camera in tanning booth
Kaysville Police have arrested the man suspected of hiding a camera in a tanning room at the Kaysville VASA on Dec. 11, 2024.
Kevin Petersen, 68, was booked into the Davis County Jail Jan. 2, 2025, on 33 counts of voyeurism.
Police said on Dec. 11, a customer at VASA Fitness, 170 W. 200 North, who was using a tanning room noticed a “small device on top of the tanning booth,” a police booking affidavit said. “The customer was unsure
at first glance if the device was a motion detector or a camera. The now concerned customer took a photo of the device with their cell phone and sent it to another customer to get their opinion on what the device may be.”
Believing it could be a camera, they reported it to a gym staff member. The device was removed and identified as a motion detection camera.
“Kaysville Police would like to express their gratitude for the public's patience and cooperation during this process,” a Kaysville Police Facebook post said. “Please be advised that this investigation remains ongoing.”
Fire causes some $300K in damages
The sole occupant of a home in South Weber was able to make it out safely after a fire started Wednesday morning, there were no pets or other occupants. South Weber Fire crews were dispatched to reports of a structure fire just after 5 a.m. and upon arrival observed smoke coming from the front door. Fire units were able to quickly extinguish the fire. Early estimates are approximately $300,000 in damages to the home.
Roughly 25 firefighters from five agencies as well as two to three deputies from the Davis County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the incident, according to a Layton City Fire Facebook post.
Red Cross of Utah calls for urgent blood donations
The powerful winter storm that swept through the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic states forced the cancellation of more than 250 American Red Cross blood drives recently, which resulted in more than 5,000 uncollected blood donations. Red Cross of Utah is asking that local residents step up and donate blood to help patients nationwide have access to lifesaving blood supplies.
Donating blood is simple and saves lives. To find a nearby blood donation center or schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-7332767).
BLAST FROM THE PAST
1925
Davis County to have new canning factories
On Monday, January 5th, the directors of the Davis County Canning Crops Growers association met at Clearfield and furthered plans for the expanding of the tomato and pea industry in Davis county. It was shown by the directors present that 83 percent of the growers of the northern part of Davis county have signed contracts with their association and signed to let the newly organized growers association market their crop.
1935
Improvements to be made to local electric system
Immediate steps will be taken to provide the highest quality of electric service to customers of the Bountiful Light and Power Company, according to a statement by G.M. Gadeby, president and general manager of the Utah Power and Light Company, which company recently acquired the controlling stock of the local distribution system.
1955
Bountiful Water Subconservancy District becomes organized reality
Efforts of a great many public spirited residents of Bountiful were climaxed on December 23 when the Second District court at Farmington, with Judge John A. Hendricks presiding, entered a decree organizing and incorporating the Bountiful Water Subconservancy District, which will provide water under pressure for irrigation.
1965
Davis self help medical program readies schedule
Davis County is once again offering to the public the self help medical program. This program will be held in all the junior high schools in Davis County. It has been suggested that at least one member of every family take advantage of these free instructions.
1975
Woods X plans new reservoir
A new reservoir for the city is becoming a reality. A meeting with Bountiful Engineer Jack Balling on Saturday was attended by Charles Payne, LeRoy Parkin, Delton Nelson and Art Maxwell to confirm recent studies of construction of the new facility on property located in Bountiful where well No. 1 is located.
The proposed plan is to build the additional reservoir adjacent to the existing facility. The city has agreed to install landscaping following the completion of construction for beautification of the property.
1985 Apartment owners blame government
Claiming conditions have changed markedly in the past year, several apartment owners have complained that government shouldn’t interfere in private enterprise, Monday afternoon.
Addressing the Davis County Commission as part of a community block grant public hearing, several south county apartment owners claimed economic conditions are now leaving them with several months-long vacancies where previously, in the words of one, there was hardly time to steamclean the carpet before another tenant moved in.
OPINION
The opinions stated in these articles are solely those of the authors and not of the Davis Journal.
Mental Health – it helps to remember
In spite of all we know about eternal goals, maintaining hope, and finding relief, we still need to keep ourselves focused on some very important principles to help us through the instability and uncertainty of the present. The eternal focus is essential in helping to maintain the course we’re on, but the present must be managed in order to maintain our balance and mental health. The following reminders are meant to keep us strong enough to face the storms of this time in our world and in our families.
It helps to remember that life doesn’t always seem fair, but life is still pretty good, and we are the ones who can manage what appears to be unmanageable.
We are not our symptoms. Depression and anxiety can easily raise their ugly heads at times like these, and if we don’t manage them, they have the ability to overwhelm us.
We are proven commodities. But even though we’ve spent an eternity preparing for this brief experience in mortality, the road is not going to be smooth.
This too shall pass is correct, our fears and uncertainties may seem to make us believe that we need to run away. Don’t believe the fear. Face the fear and change the thought, then move forward.
If we choose not to move forward, then we will develop symptoms. But when we’re in the midst of the storm, it’s hard to remember that symptoms are
just messages that indicate that action needs to be taken. We can handle that; we can manage that; either by ourselves or with the help of others. This is one of the most important lessons of life. However, if we don’t learn the lesson, it will be repeated until we finally catch on.
JOHN WATERBURY
If we lose confidence in our abilities to manage the challenges of life, then we can expect to experience resentment, anger, and fear. Resentment is not managing the past, anger is not managing the present, and fear is not managing the future. So, periodically, ask yourself, “How am I doing?” Then make adjustments and “re-do” until it feels less miserable. We’ll eventually get it right.
Remember, help will come from both sides of the veil. We’re not alone in these battles. But if we focus too much on the past, depression will develop. If we focus too much on the future, anxiety will result. Continue the self-examination. Reach out to family or friends. Talk to your Doctor. Take action, and put yourself into motion because motion cures emotion.
If the solution to this dilemma seems to be beyond our comfort zone, challenge that assumption. The fact is that we’ve been prepared for an eternity for this brief phase of mortality. Decide
to be self-led, not symptomled. Redefine yourself. The Savior’s light will guide and strengthen us far beyond our ability to comprehend. Don’t be fooled by our feelings. They are not always right. When facing the trials of life, don’t be fooled. Feelings are not always accurate. Pretending is not always right, so don’t be fooled by those who seem to have no problems. Everyone is in the midst of a mortal battle. They often give others the impression that they have no battles going on in their lives, but mortality goes hand in hand with a wide variety of challenges that can confuse anyone.
We’re all here to be tried and tested. All of us! We all want to go through life with no painful experiences, but all of us are being tested and stretched and tried in ways that are unique for each of us. Some people are experts at hiding the pain, but no one is free from the pain. Some are simply better in hiding their pain and anxiety with avoidance from others, or masks that others can’t get through.
Diane Westlake has written, “You are equal to all others. Some may have greater talents and power, but you are greater in areas where they cannot go. Do not stop your own growth and progression by trying to emulate or follow anyone. Step out with courage. Look for and develop all that you are meant to be. Step out with courage.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
WLook for new opportunities and experiences. Meet new people. Learn to add all new dimensions to your present and future”(end quote). Helen Keller wrote: “Happiness cannot come from without. It must come from within. It is that which we think and feel and do, first for the other fellow and then for ourselves” (end quote).
• People are hesitant to change and do so only because it is less painful to do so than to stay as they are.
• People have all the necessary resources to live happy lives. Happiness differs from person to person.
• Regarding change, we are often 51% against and 49% for. It is not necessary to change all 51% …only 2%.
• Therapy is manipulation – morally and ethically. Don’t abuse it.
• Therapy is timeless – each person moves at a different rate.
• The only tool we have is a therapeutic relationship.
• Patients give all the necessary clues to assist change.
John Waterbury is a retired Clinical Mental Health Counselor who has lived in Utah since 1984 when he moved to Bountiful with his wife and four children. He wrote a a weekly column for several years for the Davis County Clipper titled “The Dear John Letters” which was also used throughout the intermountain West focusing on addiction and mental health problems. This new column will focus on mental health and life management issues.
Let’s have one family-friendly trail without bikers
e are calling on our community and local government to take action in Mueller Park Canyon by designating one trail as family-friendly and bike-free. Our request, supported by a recent petition, arises from a pressing need to ensure the safety and accessibility of outdoor spaces for families, hikers, and dog-walkers. We recently wrote a letter to the Bountiful City Council and Trail Committee. Here are a few points we made in our letter. You can sign the petition and see the letter at https://www.change.org/ JustOneTrail.
Why this matters
• Safety concerns and family displacement:
Research consistently shows that
increased mountain biking activity leads to a decrease in family use of shared trails. Families feel unsafe due to the speed and unpredictability of bikers, often choosing to avoid these areas altogether. Many residents have shared personal experiences of conflicts on the trails or have stopped visiting Mueller Park Canyon because of these concerns.
• Supporting the majority of users:
Data demonstrates that hikers and families represent a far larger portion of our community than mountain bikers. Nationally, hikers make up over 16% of the population, compared to less than 3% for bikers. Locally, hikers are estimated to be 20-30% of
Bountiful’s population, while bikers are only 5-8%. Families with children under 18 make up 42-47% of our households. In contrast, mountain biking is predominantly a sport for white males aged 20-45, comprising about 80-86% of participants.
• Trail management solutions:
Communities across the country have successfully implemented trail management strategies to protect vulnerable groups. For example, Millcreek Canyon designates bike-free trails and restricts biking access to alternating days. These proven practices ensure that families, children, and pedestrians have safe spaces to enjoy the outdoors without conflicts.
Hikers are growing faster than bikers
According to U.S. Forest Service data, the number of hikers is increasing at a significantly higher rate than bikers. Over a three-year period, hikers grew by 3%, compared to just 0.1% growth for bikers. This trend underscores the importance of planning for future needs and protecting family-friendly spaces now.
A call to prioritize families and hikers
The growing influx of bikers from outside the area further complicates trail-sharing dynamics, as non-local users often outnumber residents. To maintain Mueller Park Canyon as a safe, inclusive, and accessible space, it is critical to prioritize the needs of families and hikers.
We urge Bountiful City and the trail committee to designate one trail near the canyon entrance as familyfriendly and bike-free. This would ensure equitable access, protect community interests, and provide families with a safe place to create lasting memories in nature.
Join us in supporting this effort by signing the petition and voicing your support for our community’s families and hikers. Together, we can make Mueller Park Canyon a space that reflects the needs and values of all its residents.
Dr. Angie Holzer, Maria Givler, Aubrey Guynn and more... https:// www.change.org/JustOneTrail
Spate of legislative bills address public safety and southern border crisis
SALT LAKE CITY—In advance of the 2025 legislative session, several lawmakers have proposed legislation dealing with illegal immigrants.
By Becky Ginos becky.g@thecityjournals.com
Several legislators stood before a packed room at the Capitol on Monday to present upcoming legislation that would impact public safety and the southern border crisis. The bills address such things as organized crime, fentanyl, detention capacity, unlicensed drivers, human trafficking and more.
“It is no secret that the Biden administration has failed to secure the southern border,” said Rep. Karianne Lisonbee, R-Clearfield. “The record number of people who crossed the border during the last few years is impacting states all across the country, including Utah.”
Every state is now a border state, she said. “We welcome all who come here legally wishing to call Utah and the U.S. home. It’s part of our culture to welcome people who come here to search for a better life, to work hard, obey the law and to be part of our community. However, the chaos of the southern border has put serious stains on our communities, public safety, resources, education systems and more.”
Lisonbee said they are confident the Trump administration will take the southern border much more seriously. “We also know that we need to act as state leaders to address the harm caused by the Biden/Harris administration’s failure to act. When the federal government fails
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
PIECES OF PROPOSED LEGISLATION
FENTANYL
• Increase the penalty for trafficking fentanyl.
• Strengthen law enforcement's ability to disrupt the supply of dangerous drugs, especially fentanyl in Utah.
ORGANIZED CRIME
• Enhance penalties for gang crimes, retail theft and for recruiting or coercing minors to join gangs.
to fulfill its responsibility, states have no choice but to step up.”
Legislators are working on a package of bills to support local communities and address the public safety impacts of the southern border crisis on Utah, she said. “I want to underscore that this approach focused on public safety has widespread support. For example, a recent poll by the Deseret News found that 86% of Utahns support deporting illegal immigrants who commit crimes in the United States.”
“I represent the Herriman and Riverton area,” said Rep. Candice Pierucci, R-Dist. 49. “This issue has especially impacted the southwest corner of the valley over the past two years as we’ve experienced a
massive uptick in migrants relocating to our area. It’s been so significant that the Wall Street Journal reached out to me over the summer asking what was going on in Herriman.”
In just three years immigration cases have climbed to nearly 13,000 from 752 in 2020, she said. “This has put a massive strain on our community and has been unparalleled.”
Riverton City has had to triple its budget to cover the cost of translation services and its Justice Court to meet the growing needs of non English speaking populations, said Pierucci. “We have had many schools that have seen over 126% increase in non English speaking students, which has created massive challenges in trying to meet the needs of those students with existing capacity and resources.”
Pierucci said she will be building on the work that representatives have done in running legislation to increase the penalties for human trafficking. “We’ve seen an uptick
in that as well. It’s critical that we’re cracking down on crime and working hand in hand with President Trump’s administration to expedite the process of exporting criminals who have entered our country either illegally or manipulated and abused our country's immigration system, who have come to America and then done harm to the public.”
Other proposed bills include repeat offenders, e-verify, property rights, foreign wire transfer fee and English language learners.
“We completely understand people’s desire to come to the United States and especially to Utah,” said Lisonbee. “This is the greatest country on earth and a place of opportunity. Utah is and will remain supportive of legal immigration. As a state founded by people fleeing religious persecution, Utah is especially welcoming to true refugees who have gone through the legal process.”
The bills will be numbered in the next week or two, she said. “But we know many Utahns are deeply concerned about these issues and we wanted to provide assurances that we are working to address them in the upcoming session.” l
To: Bountiful Mayor and City Council Dec. 24, 2024
On a beautiful Christmas Eve 2024, I drove down Bountiful City’s Main Street with my grandchildren to see the Christmas decorations on the light posts and Christmas display next to the Post Office. And to my surprise no where did I see them!! It was Season Greetings and Happy Holidays. IS BOUNTIFUL CITY BECOMING A GRINCHVILLE? No Merry Christmas signs on Main Street. Why not?
Chris Simonsen Bountiful What happened to the Christmas spirt on Main Street? IS BOUNTIFUL CITY BECOMING A GRINCHVILLE ? NO MERRY CHRISTMAS SIGNS ON MAIN STREET WHY NOT?
REP. KARIANNE LISONBEE, R-CLEARFIELD introduces a package of proposed bills for the upcoming session that deal with public safety and the southern border.
Photo by Becky Ginos
Military family gets keys to new home
CLEARFIELD—The Have a Heart Home Foundation, Nilson Homes, the Northern Wasatch Association of Realtors and the Northern Wasatch Homebuilders Association worked together to make the Inman’s dream of home ownership become a reality.
By Becky Ginos becky.g@thecityjournals.com
For Joshua and Brittany Inman and their two boys, home ownership seemed to be out of reach, but that dream became a reality last Friday when the Inmans received the keys to a brand new home in Clearfield. Joshua Inman is an active duty Master Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force based at Hill Air Force Base working as an aircraft maintenance manager. They are originally from South Carolina.
Nilson Homes, The Have a Heart Home Foundation, the Northern Wasatch Association of Realtors and the Northern Wasatch Homebuilders Association worked together to make the Inman’s dream of home ownership become a reality.
Nilson Homes, South Ogden, significantly discounted and built the new home. “The success of building the Major Brent and Jennie Taylor home in 2022 inspired us to help other military families,” said Jed Nilson, President and owner of Nilson Homes in South Ogden. “Our goal is to continue this program for the foreseeable future as our way of thanking and honoring our amazing military community.” Nilson is also the former President of the Northern Wasatch Association of Realtors.
Clearfield City donated the lot the house sits on and other discounts to cover closing costs and other fees were provided by Community Out-
reach Committee fundraisers. Nilson Homes and subcontractors provided discount work, a release said. The Inman family applied and they were selected from among several other families to purchase this deeply discounted home.
“The process to get the home started when we were in South Carolina,” said Inman. “At our church in South Carolina we write an agreement card at the end of the year. It’s something where you ask God what you need to change to make you better. That was for 2023. We put down, get a new house in 2024. It was funny because at the same time we submitted the card is when we got the house.”
Inman said he heard about the program from a coworker. “They knew how much I wanted a new house and said ‘this represents you, you should apply.’ So I went for it. Everything was chugging along and I didn’t think it would happen then it did. I’m just so grateful.”
Clearfield City donated the lot, he said. “When it came to the lot, their mother had passed away and the kids didn’t know what to do with the land so they gave it to the city and then the
city gave it to us.”
The appraised value of the home is $590,000 and the discounted Have a Heart Home price is $280,000. It is a 2,116 square foot home with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and is fully landscaped and fenced.
The Inmans have two boys, Gabriel, 8 and Braylen, 3 who are both special needs. “I love the gated fence,” said Inman. “My son is autistic and likes to escape. This will give them a big area to play.”
Utah has always been special to them, he said. “We have loved Utah. It’s family oriented and we like the services provided. The biggest thing is for my son – there are a plethora of services and there are way more things to do than in little South Carolina.”
Inman said he loves everything about the new house. “It has a three car garage and we love the master bedroom. We just love all of it.”
If it weren’t for all of these amazing people this wouldn’t have happened, he said. “I got a little teary eyed when they gave me the key. It was so emotional for me. It all started in 2023. I’m truly grateful.”l
Let us tell the world!
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JOSHUA AND BRITTANY INMAN and their two boys stand in front of their new home. Joshua is an active duty Master Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force based at Hill Air Force Base.
Courtesy photo
Region battles begin as boys basketball teams get into next phase of season
Local boys basketball teams returned to the court last week after the holiday break. Region play is heating up too.
By Josh McFadden joshdmcfadden@hotmail.com
The non-region portion of the high school boys basketball season wrapped up for some teams before the end of 2024 and concluded for others the first week of January.
Now the competition ramps up among region rivals.
Region 5’s Bountiful, Viewmont and Woods Cross are a couple games into league play, while in Region 1, Davis and Farmington are preparing to start their bids for league supremacy.
Bountiful
The 8-3 Redhawks were victorious in their first two region outings and found themselves tied with Bonneville atop the standings.
Bountiful’s first region game was on New Year’s Eve: an 85-63 rout of Box Elder. The Redhawks started off hot, scoring 30 points in the first quarter alone while building a 13-point advantage. Box Elder trimmed the margin to 40-32 at the break, but Bountiful increased the lead to 66-51 after three quarters and cruised from there.
The Redhawks hit 13 three-pointers and got 22 points from Charlie
Smith. Bryson Heath added 15 points, while Davey Howe and Wyatt Crane each chipped in 14 points.
Bountiful dropped an 85-67 decision to Timpview on Jan. 2 in a nonregion game but responded with a 66-55 win at Viewmont the following day to improve to 2-0 in league play. The Redhawks overcame a slow start and 38% shooting from the floor to get the victory. Lincoln Smith led the way with 19 points, hitting five threepointers. Heath contributed 18 points, and Charlie Smith scored 14 points and pulled down a team-high nine rebounds.
The Redhawks played at Northridge on Wednesday, after our press deadline, and travel to Bonneville on Friday.
Woods Cross
The Wildcats split their first two Region 5 games and currently sit at 6-5 overall.
The first region contest for the Wildcats was a close 45-43 loss on Dec. 31 at home to Bonneville. The defensive-minded game saw both teams struggle from the floor. Also, the Wildcats didn’t have anyone score in double figures, though three players – Marcus Stepan, Nate Smith and Hunter Jackson – each had nine points.
On Jan. 3, Woods Cross took down a struggling Box Elder team 64-51 at
Dedicated, driven: Davis girls wrestling working for success
By Josh McFadden joshdmcfadden@hotmail.com
Comparatively speaking, girls wrestling is still a new sport in high school. At Davis, the team is progressing and working toward building a program that can contend for a championship.
Head coach Malia Roundy likes what she has seen so far out of the girls.
“Our team is looking strong and committed to success,” she said. “We have great goals we are working towards and on track with them. We are just getting going with our season, but our first tournament, the Davis Duels, was exciting. I love watching the girls take to the mat for the first time in a competition setting. It really shows where we are growing and where we need work.”
In any sport, team unity is crucial. Wrestling is no exception. Though it’s a one-on-one sport, everyone contributes to the team’s point total and final outcome. Roundy said the girls cheer for one another and want every wrestler on the team to do her best.
“This year’s team is unified and
focused,” Roundy said. “I love the way they support and encourage each other. My girls are physically and mentally tough, making them great competitors.”
Roundy selected three captains at the beginning of the season: senior Kristina Kent (105 pounds), senior Alejandra Martinez (135) and senior Eliza Davis (170). All three are not only talented, hard-working wrestlers, but they are good leaders and provide the examples on and off the mat that Roundy wants for the rest of the girls. Roundy is eager to see which wrestlers on the team emerge as the top competitors.
“I will let them determine that
by their own efforts this season,” she said. “I am proud of all of them, and we train them to all be top wrestlers. Earning that designation is on them.”
The biggest goals Roundy and her wrestlers have this season are to reach the state tournament. The 6A tournament will be held at Utah Valley University Feb. 14 and 15. Before state is the divisional tournament, where wrestlers compete for the right to qualify for state. Roundy hopes that every member of the team gets to the state tournament.
Reaching those goals won’t come without putting in a lot of effort, Roundy said.
“For this season to be a success,
we need practice, practice, nose plugs, athletic tape and some more practice,” she said.
More importantly, Roundy wants the girls to do well outside of wrestling. She is pleased with what the girls have achieved in the classroom and in life.
“I care who they are and who they are becoming,” she said. “Many of our goals are a lot larger than wrestling. They are exceptional ladies, and I am proud to be in their corner.”
Wrestling isn’t an easy sport, Roundy said. However, she said the time the girls spend in the wrestling
BOUNTIFUL HIGH boys basketball beat Viewmont, 66-55 Jan. 3. Top scorer Lincoln Smith, 31, had 19 points.
Photo by Carl Page
THE DAVIS GIRLS WRESTLING team is improving and building a strong program.
Photo courtesy of Malia Roundy
The Davis girls wrestling team has lofty goals this season and is putting in the time on the mat.
Bountiful and Woods Cross team
The top-ranked Bountiful High girls basketball team picked up two double-digit Region 5 wins over Box Elder and Viewmont this week while No. 5 Woods Cross pulled out two closer matchups against Bonneville and Box Elder.
By Catherine Garrett c.garrett@mycityjournals.com
Bountiful
Top-ranked Bountiful defeated Box Elder 75-41 Dec. 31. The Redhawks opened up a 16-15 game after the first quarter with 59 points over the final three quarters in the rout.
Mae Johnson had a monster game with 24 points and 16 rebounds while Milika Satuala was also everywhere with 14 points, seven rebounds, eight assists and eight steals.
Others contributing for Bountiful offensively were Abby Orme (11 points), Charlotte Johnson (eight points, to go with 10 rebounds), Adelaide Stevenson (seven points), Isabeau Hoff (five), Maleah Nelson (four) and Brynna Castleton (two).
Against Viewmont Jan. 3, Bountiful won 63-50, with a 19-9 edge after the first quarter proving to be much of the decider in this matchup as the teams were fairly even the rest of the way.
Mae Johnson again dominated with 25 points and 13 rebounds with Satuala adding 15 along with Taylor Harvey’s eight points and 13 boards. Others scoring for the Redhawks were Orme (five points), Stevenson (four), Nelson (three) and Anna Larson (three).
“It was a hard fought game,” said head coach Joel Burton. Bountiful is now 8-2 overall and 2-0 in Region 5.
Woods Cross
Fifth-ranked Woods Cross beat Bonneville 40-34 Dec. 31. After an even first quarter, the Wildcats held the Lakers to just two points in the second quarter to go in up four points at half. They extended that lead to double digits heading into the final quarter and then held on through a late Bonneville rally for the win.
Ili Crockett led the scoring with 16 points while Adia Cook was also in double figures with 10. Also adding offense in the win were Kiyomi Tauataina with eight points, Gracey MacArthur four and Sophia Burden two.
Against Box Elder Jan. 3, Woods Cross won 57-48. After a tight first
half, with a five-point advantage, the Wildcats widened the margin with a 16 to 8 third quarter effort and then held off the Bees in the end.
Tauataina’s 20 points were tops for Woods Cross with Kaylee Abell scoring 13, Crockett and Cook eight, Burden four and MacArthur and Mersadie Carroll two each.
The Wildcats improved to 8-3 this season and are 2-0 in Region 5 play.
Davis
Davis defeated Herriman 6731 Dec. 31, coming out of the gate strong and leading 23-4 after the first eight minutes. Despite going toe-to-toe the next quarter – with the Mustangs outscoring the Darts 20 to 19 – the Darts held Herriman to just seven second-half points to
run away with the game.
Kate Willard, Sydney Plummer and T’maea Eteuati led a balanced scoring affair with 14 points each while Kiara Zwonitzer (eight points), Emy Richards (five), Lydia Tarbet and Aubrey Simons (four) and Maki West (two) also added offense in the win.
“This is the first time I have had three girls in double figures,” said head coach Nicole Waddoups. “We played really well as a team and I feel like we are starting to come together.”
Against West Field Jan. 3, Davis won 59-32, doubling up the Longhorns 26-13 by halftime and then extending its lead with an 18 to 6 third-quarter effort.
T’Maea Eteuati’s 20 points led the way for the Darts with eight others scoring – Willard (10 points),
WRESTLING: Continued from pg. 7
room and on the mat in practices and at tournaments is worth it. She believes her pupils can learn life lessons by wrestling, and she said working hard to be one’s best can prepare the girls for other challenges. Roundy loves her job and enjoys seeing the girls accomplish so much.
“Wrestlers make for amazing humans,” Roundy said. “We push in where most people back away. We thrive when it is tough, we smile when we bleed, we feel honored that most
Zwonitzer (seven), Chloe Peery (six), Plummer (five), Tarbet (four), Simons and Hannah Garlock (two) and West (one).
Davis is now 7-3 overall this season.
Viewmont
Viewmont beat Roy 66-33 Dec. 31, putting the game well out of hand with a 44-point first half – to the Royals’ 16 points and then adding 22 more points to further the spread.
Callie Peterson and Mara Mickelson combined for 37 points and six 3-pointers while Mary Carr’s double-double of 13 points and 12 rebounds were key for the Vikings. Also contributing offensively were Kailey Selleneit with 10 points and Susan Lamb and Sophie Gold with three each.
In the 13-point loss to Bountiful Jan. 3, Mickelson and Peterson again led the way with 16 points and 10 points, respectively and six 3-pointers again between them. Mickelson was also big on the boards with 10 rebounds. Others scoring for Viewmont were Carr (10 points), Selleneit (seven), Gold (five) and Kelsey Lindsey (two).
“We played one great quarter and did a lot of good things,” said head coach Cameron Gardner. “We held their leading scorer to only two made field goals on the night. They are a great team and we were winning at halftime and down by only two baskets going into the fourth quarter. We ended up losing by 13 but we did some things really well.”
The Vikings are 6-5 on the year and 1-1 in Region 5.
Farmington
Farmington lost to Sky View 46-38 Jan. 3. In a back-and-forth affair, the Phoenix squad entered the fourth quarter with a two-point lead but were outscored 18 to 8 over the final eight minutes in the loss.
Breklyn Archibald made four 3-points, scoring 18 points, while Morgan Snell added two 3-pointers for six points. Makelle Weber, Olive Wayland and Morgan Rogers each had four points and Emili Figlioli’s two made up the final score.
“It was a close game,” said assistant coach Hilary Noel. “Our young team battled but in the end Sky View was more than we could handle. They are a good team. We wish them good luck in Region 11.” Farmington fell to 7-5 to close out preseason play. l
people don’t do what we do, and we don’t ever let numbers on a scale define what strong and healthy mean. We define strength and grit one match at a time. Wrestlers learn to be accountable for their wins and losses. Wrestlers learn how to master their minds from a devastating loss to a winning mind set in 45 minutes. How many people do that? I guess what I'm getting at is I get to coach the coolest kids in the world that will not only win on the mat; they will win at life.”l
BOUNTIFUL HIGH SENIOR MAE JOHNSON had 49 points and 29 rebounds in two Region 5 wins over Box Elder and Viewmont last week for the topranked Redhawks squad.
Photo by Carl Page
home. The Wildcats enjoyed an 18-6 first quarter and never looked back. Jackson had a terrific game for Woods Cross, as the junior led all players with 25 points and 13 rebounds. Stepan had 13 points, four rebounds and three assists. Madden Johnsen scored 11 points and pulled down five rebounds. Next up for the Wildcats was a game at Clearfield on Wednesday. Woods Cross then hosts Viewmont on Friday.
Viewmont
The Vikings are 5-7 overall and 1-1 in region play as of our press time. Viewmont had little trouble Dec. 31 in the first region contest of the season, a 64-45 triumph at home against Roy. The Vikings shot 49% from the floor and got a big game from Drez Jensen. The senior guard had 26 points, three rebounds and three assists, hitting four shots from behind the three-point line. Adam Henderson added 12 points, while Carson Tovey was the leading rebounder for Viewmont with seven.
In the Vikings’ loss to Bountiful on Jan. 3, Henderson was a bright
spot, scoring 17 points and collecting eight rebounds. Jacob Jeppesen had 14 points and four rebounds. Tovey scored 12 points and blocked two shots.
The Vikings had a chance to get above .500 in league play when they took on Box Elder at home on Wednesday.
Davis
After a successful non-region slate, the Darts are ready for Region 1. Davis went 11-2 in non-league action, defeating five out-of-state foes in tournaments. Most recently, Davis took down Santa Barbara, California, in the Tournament of Champions on Jan. 4. The Darts prevailed 77-72 on the strength of a big outing from Coleman Atwater. The senior guard poured in 27 points and added five rebounds while hitting six three-pointers. JT Turley had 25 points and four assists.
In the same tournament, Davis also blew out Apollo, Arizona, 62-35 on Jan. 2 and edged Canyon, California, 54-53 on Jan. 3. Atwater had 15 points and six rebounds against Apollo, while Turley led the way against Canyon with 14 points.
Region 1 games start this week, with Davis hosting Fremont on Friday. On Jan. 14, the Darts will play at Layton.
Farmington
Region games offer a fresh start for Farmington, which went 4-8 in non-league contests. The Phoenix open Region 1 at home against Weber on Friday.
Farmington has had some struggles this season, but the team does head into region action having won three of its last five games after a 1-6 start. The Phoenix fell at Copper Hills 71-55 on Jan. 3 despite 22 points from Malakai Tobler and 13 points from Cole Tweden. Tobler leads the team in scoring this season with just under 16 points a game.
Farmington’s last victory came two games ago in a 68-58 triumph at home over Spanish Fork on Dec. 30. Farmington outscored the Dons 28-8 in the third quarter and had four players score in double figures. Tobler paced the Phoenix with 20 points, while Cameron Brower scored 18 points. The duo combined for 10 three-pointers. l
First babies of 2025
MountainStar Healthcare’s Lakeview Hospital welcomed not one but two babies for 2025. New parents, Fe and Erick had their first babies – twin boys, Milo and Finn – on Jan. 2, 2025 at 7:56 and 7:57 a.m. What a way to start a new year.
Intermountain Health Layton Hospital’s first baby of 2025 is Brianna Monteclaro. She was born at 12:05 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2025. Brianna is the daughter of Howard and Florie Monteclaro of Clearfield. She was welcomed by her parents and two sisters.
Brianna weighed in at 4 pounds 15 ounces and is 18 inches long. She was delivered by certified nurse midwife, Sarah Nelson with Intermountain Layton Parkway Women’s Health Clinic.
“We knew she would probably be coming early, but we didn’t expect it would be New Year’s,” said Florie, Brianna’s mother in a release. She said Brianna was originally due to arrive on Jan. 14, but given that her other two children had arrived before their due date, she anticipated Brianna might come early as well. “Once we came into the hospital and started into labor, we kind of knew she could be a New Year’s Baby. We were just waiting for her to get here.”
The new parents received a prize basket from Inter-
AND ERICK with their twin boys, Milo and Finn.
mountain Health to celebrate the New Year's birth at Layton Hospital, which included generous donations from three Utah-based baby product vendors: Minky Couture; Loulou and Company; and Over the Moon. l
FE
Photo courtesy of Lakeview Hospital
BRIANNA MONTECLARO was born at 12:05 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2025. Brianna is the daughter of Howard and Florie Monteclaro from Clearfield.
Photo courtesy of Florie Monteclaro
COMMISSIONER RANDY ELLIOTT speaks at the opening of the Agricultural Heritage Center in Kaysville. Elliott worked with Utah State University to build the facility.
Courtesy photo
Randy Elliott – it’s been a fun eight years
FARMINGTON—On Jan. 6, Randy Elliott’s term as a commissioner ended. Over his time with the commission Elliott has been involved with some significant projects.
By Becky Ginos becky.g@thecityjournals.com
Randy Elliott’s term as a county commissioner ended on Jan. 6, 2025 when he didn’t seek reelection. Elliott was elected on Nov. 8, 2016 and took office in 2017.
“I ran because I believed we needed good people in office,” said Elliott. “I wanted people to be able to call me and have a conversation. It’s been about serving the people and getting projects done. I feel like I’ve treated all of the cities and mayors the same way.”
Over his eight years of service, Elliott has been involved in some significant projects. A few stand out. “The remodel of the old courthouse is one,” he said. “Also, the equestrian center. We worked with Utah State to get the Agricultural Heritage Center to keep farming alive. There’s the medical wing (at the jail) and the Emergency Operations Center that’s under construction.”
The Clearfield Library was built and the Syracuse Library remodeled, he said. “Then we’ll start on a new Bountiful Library. We’ll have a new Animal Care building and Emergency Services transferred from the Davis County Sheriff’s Office. The county also helped with the trails in North
Salt Lake and Bountiful and we’re getting the shooting range up and running again.”
The commission created an employee recognition program as well, said Elliott. “We want to let employees know that we appreciate their service and hard work for five, 10 and sometimes 30 years with the county. We started live streaming commission meetings for more public access to what’s going on within the county.”
Elliott said one of the hard things he experienced as a commissioner was COVID. “We were trying to keep businesses open, not knowing what the pandemic would do and how we could get people back to normal.”
Another difficult thing Elliott said he’s been faced with is when people don’t understand decisions the commission makes. “They need to know the real issue behind it. The public has to be patient with local officials and have faith that they’ll do the right thing.”
It’s been a fun eight years, said Elliott. “I want to leave the community better than when I found it. We need to be forthright and think of the future for our kids to work and enjoy the county too.”
Elliott’s hope for the remaining commissioners is to carry on the work. “They should have no ego and listen to the people and work together collaboratively to get projects done.”
As he leaves office, Elliott said he wants to spend more time with his family. “I have four girls. They’ve known dad as a commissioner for a good eight years. For now, I’m going to take a break.” l
FLYING HIGH
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Wednesday, January 29, 2025 In Person Location: Larkin Sunset Gardens (1950 E 10600 S, Sandy, UT 84092) Event will also be held online via Zoom 9:00 am - 2:30 pm
(1 Ethics)
5 CEUs (1 Ethics)
Continental breakfast and lunch to be provided. is training is free but registration is required.
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https://utahnursing.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4TJzEqlevFHx58G
DATE: Tuesday, 1/28/25
TIME: 12:00 PM OR 6:00 PM
RSVP: (801) 829-1772 Space is limited, so please RSVP now!
Ella Haskell performs a solo at the Davis Valley Classic Drill competition for 6A, 5A and 4A schools sponsored by the Davis High drill team on Jan. 3 and 4.
Photo by Carl Page
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Jan.13-19
801.810.7058
Are you a business leader? At no cost, the ElevateHERTM Challenge is easy to accept and will benefit your company. Join businesses across Utah in our mission to elevate the stature of women’s leadership. Take the ElevateHERTM Challenge and stand with other businesses as we pledge to elevate women in senior leadership positions, in boardrooms, on management teams and on politcal ballots.
Snowball Launchers and Games
Monday, Jan. 13, 6:30-7:30 p.m., FREE Make a snowball launcher to launch cotton ball “snow” Headquarters Library, 133 S. Main Street, Farmington
Kaysville Business Supporting Business Meeting
Tuesday, Jan. 14, 8-9 a.m., FREE Network with local business owners DTC Business Resource Center, 450 Simmons Way, Kaysville
Ogden Clinic Kaysville Grand Opening: Winter Event
Tuesday, Jan. 14, 5:30-7:30 p.m., FREE Ribbon cutting, tours, games and prizes
Ogden Clinic Kaysville, 1351 W. 200 North, Kaysville
Women’s Connection & Mindfulness Event
Tuesday, Jan. 14, 7-8:30 p.m., $35
Mindfulness activities, Zen tips, giveaways and more Hideaway on Angel, 897 S. Angel Street, Layton
TELEVISION GUIDE
Davis County Sheriff’s Office Internet Safety Course
Wednesday, Jan. 15, 6-7:30 p.m., FREE For parents and students 12 and older Clearfield Library, 1 N. Main Street, Clearfield
Chamber Meeting Luncheon Thursday, Jan. 16, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. $25-$35 Megaplex Theater, 1075 Legacy Crossing Blvd., Centerville
Bountiful Davis Art Center: January Opening Reception Friday, Jan. 17, 6-8 p.m., FREE Join BDAC at a reception for its four galleries BDAC, 90 N. Main Street, Bountiful
The Improvables:
Family-friendly improv Friday, Jan. 17, 9 p.m., FREE-$6 Bountiful Davis Art Center, 90 N. Main Street, Bountiful
Send event info to peri.k@davisjournal. com for inclusion in the Davis Journal community calendar.
Pika Pika Robotics team makes all the right moves at prestigious robotics competition
KAYSVILLE—Davis High junior Landon Jacobs and Farmington High junior Kevin Li formed the team Pika Pika. They design and program the robots themselves.
By Becky Ginos becky.g@thecityjournals.com
Acouple of local high school students are making a name for themselves in the robotics world having been named Robotic Skills Champions at a national VEX Robotics Signature Event held at the University of North Dakota (UND) last month. Davis High junior Landon Jacobs and Farmington High junior Kevin Li make up the team Pika Pika Robotics, named after their favorite childhood character Pikachu.
“My mom made the suggestion,” said Li. “We watched it as kids and it stuck with us.”
Li has been into robotics for four years and Jacobs got involved last year. “We met during debate,” said Li. “I met with Landon and thought he’d really fit as a teammate and the journey started. We decided to start our own neighborhood club.”
“Kevin is probably the best robotics driver in the state – in the world,” said Jacobs. “I just asked for the position of water boy.”
“I was in my elementary school robotics program,” said Li. “I liked to build Legos and stuff. That was the year COVID hit when I was in sixth grade. I came back to it in my eighth grade year. It became my passion.”
Hollywood Q&A
By Adam Thomlison
TV Media
Q: How did they get all those people to do cameos in “Bullet Train”?
A: Big, blanket spoiler alert: I’m about to reveal multiple gasp-worthy cameos in the 2022 action comedy “Bullet Train,” along with cameos in a couple of other recent action comedies. And even mentioning the names of those films in this spoiler alert would in itself be a spoiler. The cameos in “Bullet Train” essentially all came about through a series of favor
Pika Pika has been to five competitions so far, Jacobs said. “In the North Dakota Signature there were teams from Canada as well. We won the Amaze Award for performance and then we were named Robotics Skills Champion.”
In the event, student teams pit their robots against other teams using wheeled, motorized platforms that are able to grasp and manipulate objects, according to a UND release. Teams earn points by stacking plastic donuts on portable pegs, then moving those pegs to certain spots in a set amount of time.
“We need to do something to get young folks excited and interested in STEM and engineering science careers,” said Andrew Dahlen, organizer of the event and UND lecturer in Mechanical Engineering. “Manufacturers are talking about the same thing. We must have that impactful experience to get folks excited and interested and point them in the right di-
TELEVISION GUIDE
trades that are nearly as complex as the plot of the film.
Entertainment Weekly got star Brad Pitt (“Fight Club,” 1999), director David Leitch (“Atomic Blonde,” 2017) and a few of the film’s other stars together for a 2022 interview to explain it all.
They said Sandra Bullock (“The Proposal,” 2009) did her brief, and mostly audio-only, role as a favor to Pitt, an old friend.
Meanwhile, at the same time they were shooting “Bullet Train,” Bullock was making “The Lost City” (also released in 2022), which co-starred Channing Tatum (“21 Jump Street,” 2012). And so Tatum got on board “Bullet Train” for a cameo as well. Pitt later returned the favor by popping up in “The Lost City.”
The other big-name pop-in was Ryan Reynolds (“Deadpool & Wolverine,”
rection, then show them, explicitly, these are future career paths.”
“It’s really stressful but rewarding,” said Li. “It pays off if you do the work ahead of time. You have to be very meticulous. Any wrong move or mistake you make you can’t compete in the rest of it. It's a single elimination. Afterwards, you can sit back and look at what you did.”
Li said they buy resources from Vex Robotics to build their machines. “We get metal structures, gears, wheels. You buy the parts but design the robot yourself. For competitions you have an 88 watts of motor power restriction and it must be able to fit in a 18x18x18 cube. You tune the robot once it’s mechanically functional and then you start programming it.”
In each match there are 15 seconds that the robot has to operate solely off of autonomous code, he said. “It’s not something you just step in and start building.”
Each robot has different features, said Li. “The robotics we took to North Dakota we spent over 100 hours on.”
To receive the Amaze Award teams have to have professional interviews, he said. “You have to perform and talk about your exhibit. You can’t be shy, you have to stand out. Everyone has to do their part.”
Pika Pika will be going to a competition in Hershey, Pennsylvania this month. “It’s not simple,” said Li. “You have to work hard to achieve success but that hard work pays off.” l
2024”), who appears on screen for seconds as an assassin named Carver. He did the film to pay Pitt back for doing an equally short cameo in his movie “Deadpool 2” (2018).
Leitch directed that movie as well, so this was kind of a favor to him, too.
Q: I was in a bookstore the other day and saw some novels written by Chris Colfer. Is that the same guy who starred in “Glee”? Is he an author now?
A: Chris Colfer, best known for starring as Kurt in the musical-comedy series “Glee” from 2009 to 2015, is indeed an author now, but not exclusively.
In fact, he was still starring in “Glee” when he signed a book deal in 2011 to write a series of children’s novels. The
first one, “The Land of Stories: Wishing Spell,” was released the following summer and it was a hit. Multiple sequels and a couple of prequels followed.
Those are likely the books you saw, though he has others, including a novelization of the 2012 indie comedy “Struck by Lightning,” which he wrote and starred in. This past summer he published “Roswell Johnson Saves the World,” the first in what’s intended as a new kids book series.
But even with all this writing success, Colfer’s never given up acting. Most recently, he did a four-episode voice-acting arc in the Netflix kids series “Ridley Jones” in 2021.
Haveaquestion?Emailusat questions@tvtabloid.com.Pleaseinclude yournameandtown.
KEVIN LI (SECOND FROM RIGHT) and Landon Jacobs (third from right) at a robotics competition. Courtesy photo
State grants to improve areas along Farmington Bay
Two state agencies have approved more than $1.4 million for projects to benefit the Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area
By Tom Haraldsen t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com
Two awards from the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, along with the Great Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement Trust, will go to projects benefiting the Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area.
State wildlife officials will use about $710,000 to repair over 3,700 linear feet of a levee at the Ogden Bay Waterfowl Management area, as well as add control water structures to help with water release on the Great Salt Lake from the Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area.
The Nature Conservancy will also receive nearly $700,000 to design and install water control structures for stormwater runoff into the GSL Shorelands Preserve near Farmington Bay. That is expected to help the lake’s hydrology and biodiversity.
The two state agencies awarded a total $5.4 million toward projects along the lake over the next two years, stating that they will benefit about 6,000 acres of wetlands within the GSL area.
“These grants will help protect and enhance the unique services that wetlands provide — wildlife
Monday
NFL Football
(4) KTVX ESPN 6 p.m.
It took 272 games during the regular season to get us down from the 32 NFL teams to the 14 hoping to make it all the way to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. This final wild card game determines which team will advance to next week’s divisional round.
Goodfellas
AMC 9 p.m.
This acclaimed biographical gangster film follows Henry Hill’s (Ray Liotta) life in the mafia from his start as a lowly criminal in 1955 to testifying against his former partners in the ‘80s. Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci also star.
Tuesday
Road Wars
A&E 7 p.m.
A woman in Delaware is dragged by a car following an apparent argument. In Brazil, a delivery driver fights back against a man she believes is trying to steal her motorcycle. Later, a construction truck’s raised crane causes chaos on a Brooklyn street.
Night Court
(5) KSL 7:30 p.m.
Judge Abby Stone (Melissa Rauch) presides over a Manhattan courtroom full of ne’er-do-wells and deviants and is thrilled when Mayim Bialik shows up. However, her enthusiasm fades when she suspects something more sinister is at play.
Wednesday
The Price Is Right at Night
(2) KUTV 7 p.m.
It might be dark outside, but the lights are shining bright as host Drew Carey welcomes contestants to the only game show that wants you to pay attention to how much you spend on home goods and groceries, such as Rice-A-Roni and eightperson hot tubs.
Chicago Med
(5) KSL 7 p.m.
The Windy City can count on this highlytrained team of medical professionals who are saving lives and each other. In this new episode, the team attempts a separation of conjoined twins and Archer (Steven Weber) treats a difficult boss’ heart problem.
An Update on Our Family
HBO 7 p.m.
YouTubers Myka and James Stauffer seemed to be the ideal 21st century American family. Together with their children, they built a family vlogging empire. This three-part documentary looks at what happened when their adopted son Huxley stopped appearing.
by Roger V. Tuttle
habitat and food, water management, flood control — while also benefiting the hydrology of Great Salt Lake and the quality of life for surrounding communities,” said Marcelle Shoop, the trust’s executive director and director of the National Audubon Society’s Saline Lakes program, in a statement.
Ducks Unlimited received almost $2.7 million toward its project to improve the Salt Creek and Public Shooting Grounds wildlife and waterfowl management areas within the Bear River watershed near the lake’s North Bay, marking the largest grant handed out.
The nonprofit will match nearly $900,000 to fund the project, which seeks to repair Salt Creek’s Bypass Canal and the Pintail Lake levee within the Public Shooting Grounds. New water monitoring equipment would also be installed to help make water management “more reliable” within the estimated 2,828 acres of wetlands that would benefit from the project, accord-
TELEVISION GUIDE
Thursday
Hollywood Squares (2) KUTV 7 p.m.
Hosted by “CBS Mornings” co-anchor
Nate Burleson and featuring actress Drew Barrymore in the center square, this revival of the classic game show sees two contestants compete in a game of tic-tac-toe where the squares are occupied by celebrity guests.
Found (5) KSL 9 p.m.
After a recovering drug addict goes missing, his girlfriend seeks the firm’s help, but outside interference complicates the case. Meanwhile, Sir (MarkPaul Gosselaar) uncovers a shocking secret about an ally and a team member is critically injured.
Friday
Shark Tank (4) KTVX 7 p.m.
Entrepreneurs with amazing ideas throw caution to the wind and enter the Tank in hopes of convincing at least one of the Sharks — Mark Cuban, Barbara Corcoran, Lori Greiner and the others — to invest in their cool business idea. But can they get the cash? Cold Case Files
A&E 7 p.m.
Bill Kurtis narrates a new episode of this docuseries, which looks at the strange disappearance of Redding, California, native Frank McAlister after coming into a great sum of cash. Nearly
Saturday
Premier League Soccer (5) KSL 10:30 a.m.
ing to the agencies involved.
“One of (Duck Unlimited’s) priorities is improving water quality in the lake and its major tributary streams,” Chris Bonsignore, manager of conservation programs for the nonprofit, said in a statement after the deal was reached.
Another grant for $1.5 million will help the National Audubon Society’s Rockies chapter stabilize the banks of Goggin Drain west of the Salt Lake City International Airport, which aims to protect 400 acres of “critical” saline wetland playas near the southern end of the lake. Funding for the project comes from money directed to the Great Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement Program, which was created through a $40 million Utah Legislature allocation in 2022.
A statement said project officials believe all of the projects will help build “longer-term resiliency” for the wetlands, which are considered a key habitat for millions of migratory birds every year as the region bounces in and out of drought and other climate challenges.
The lake reached a record low of 4,188.5 feet elevation in 2022, which brought its ecosystem to the brink of collapse at the time. Its southern arm is now back to 4,192.4 feet elevation, while its northern arm is up to 4,191.5 feet elevation – a vast improvement but still about 5½-6½ feet below its minimum healthy level. l
Arsenal began the season on a tear and is still looking like a formidable challenge. But can they stop Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins who has been a scoring machine as the two teams meet in English Premier League Soccer action at Emirates Stadium in London? I Am JFK Jr. (30) KUCW 8 p.m.
This documentary follows the tragically short life of John F. Kennedy Jr., the youngest child of President John F. Kennedy. As a boy, he transfixed a nation saluting the coffin of his father. Later, his good looks and charisma led to hopes for a revival.
Sunday
60 Minutes (2) KUTV 6 p.m.
America’s most-respected and mostwatched newsmagazine gets to the heart of the story each week. CBS News correspondents Lesley Stahl, Scott Pelley, Anderson Cooper, Bill Whitaker, Norah O’Donnell and others cover politics, culture and more.
Miss Scarlet on Masterpiece (7) KUED 7 p.m.
When the chairman of the all-powerful Guild of Private Detectives is found dead, Insp. Alexander Blake (Tom Durant Pritchard), despite his protests, is tasked with working with savvy private
Thursday
(13) KSTU 8:30 p.m.
Going Dutch Season 1 of “Going Dutch” continues Thursday, Jan. 16, on Fox. After running his mouth at the most inopportune time, U.S. Army Colonel Patrick Quinn (Denis Leary) is reassigned to the least important army base in the world located in the Netherlands. However, it does come with a fantastic restaurant and a fromagerie.
By Jay Bobbin TV Media
Starring in what is effectively TV’s successor to “Baywatch” is giving Arielle Kebbel a very scenic workplace.
A familiar face from her bounty of television and film work, the actress is currently on the beach — literally — as a principal cast member of “Rescue HI-Surf,” Fox’s lifeguard drama that got off to a strong ratings start last fall. It continues its freshman season with its winter premiere Monday, Jan. 20, as her character, Emily “Em” Wright, continues to watch out for colleagues and the general public as the first female lieutenant of Ocean Safety Lifeguards on the North Shore of O’ahu, Hawaii (where the series is filmed on location).
“Rescue HI-Surf” had something of a winding road — which Kebbel wasn’t always on — to get on the air. She wasn’t part of the original run at the show made by executive producers John Wells (“ER”) and Matt Kester (“Animal Kingdom”), a pilot that was ordered by Max in 2021 but ultimately didn’t go forward. When Fox eventually picked up the show, though, Kebbel was on board.
She has done her share of Hallmark Channel movies, and such Kebbel features as “Bridal Wave” (2015) and “A Brush With Love” (2019) get frequent repeats there. She also had roles on several series that are iconic to their substantial fan bases, including Dean’s (Jared Padalecki, “Supernatural”) wife — then ex-wife — Lindsay in The WB/ CW’s “Gilmore Girls,” Lexi Branson in The CW’s “The Vampire Diaries” and firefighter Lucy Donato in Fox/ABC’s “9-1-1.”
“Rescue HI-Surf” could turn out to be another of those lasting shows for Kebbel. A second season hasn’t been confirmed at the time of this writing, but with the big opening the show had, Fox is sure to give strong consideration to keeping it afloat.
GEESE GATHER at Farmington Bay.
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