There’s a critical need for community newspapers
By Becky Ginos becky.g@thecityjournals.com
We are asking for your help. We need more people to subscribe to the Davis Journal. In today's newspaper we have provided two free copies. We need you to share these copies with a Davis resident or Davis business and ask them to subscribe.
When the Clipper closed in 2020, publisher The City Journals, a Salt Lake County based newspaper publisher, picked up where it left off and started The Davis Journal. Since then, the Journal has provided readers with in-depth coverage of local government, events, human interest stories, sports and more. The paper’s goal is to inform residents about what is happening in their community.
Over the past few years, print newspapers have seen a decline. Large Salt Lake papers such as the Deseret News and Tribune have also felt that shift and scaled back from being a daily and moved much of their content online. Although the Journal has many loyal readers, those numbers are falling as more and more
people switch to social media and other platforms instead of print to get their news.
Here at the Journal, we still believe there is a critical need for a community newspaper and we’re asking for your help to keep that going.
Here’s what some faithful readers say:
Iam
a devoted subscriber and reader of the Davis Journal because it provides coverage that keeps me informed about community events, issues, and developments that directly impact me almost every day. I appreciate that it also supports local journalism and jobs in our communities.
— Darin Brush, Davis Technical College President
Tech-Hers Jr. program inspires girls to explore STEM fields
industry leaders share their personal stories and professional journeys with elementary school girls.
By Becky Ginos
becky.g@thecityjournals.com
Fifth and sixth grade girls filled the auditorium at the Davis Catalyst Center on Tuesday to participate in the second annual Tech-Hers Jr. program hosted by the Davis Education Foundation to empower girls to explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields. The initiative is supported by
funding from Chevron and Northrop Grumman.
The girls heard from a panel of female industry leaders before going to breakout sessions with instructors in culinary arts, engineering, flight, drones, medical science and more.
“This program is such an important step in ensuring that girls see a
MEADOWBROOK ELEMENTARY sixth grader, Harlie Hansen dollops a scoop of frosting on the cake she is decorating in the culinary arts class as part of the Tech-Hers Jr. program.
Photo by Becky Ginos
Wildfires in the Los Angeles metropolitan area have destroyed over 37,000 acres, 12,000 structures, and displaced 150,000 residents, leaving at least 24 dead. Federal disaster aid has been provided, and experts emphasize the importance of long-term donations to help the community recover fully. Specific needs like toiletries and direct support for families are more effective than miscellaneous item donations, while caution is urged to avoid scammers exploiting the crisis. Trusted organizations like Direct Relief and World Central Kitchen are recommended for contributions.
House passes ban on transgender students in girls sports
The House passed a Republicanbacked bill banning transgender girls and women from competing on school sports teams matching their gender identity, amending Title IX to define sex based on reproductive biology, with Democrats largely opposing it and debates centering on fairness and safety in women’s sports.
Lawmakers urge Biden to extend Jan. 19 deadline for TikTok ban Lawmakers are urging President Biden and the Supreme Court to prevent a looming TikTok ban, set to take effect if its parent company, ByteDance, fails to sell its U.S. assets by Jan. 19, arguing the ban would infringe on free speech, harm millions of creators, and dismantle vibrant online communities, despite national security concerns over data privacy and content manipulation.
Annie’s Cafe helps collect donations for Los Angeles
BOUNTIFUL—A Bountiful cafe is collecting donations for the wildfire victims in Los Angeles.
By Tom Haraldsen t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com
It didn’t take long after word reached the nation about the devastating wildfires that have ravaged Los Angeles for citizens across the country and the world to begin offering help. Among them is Andrea Bennett, owner of Annie’s Cafe in Bountiful, who has worked to collect donations for the hundreds of families who’ve been displaced by the fires.
Utah truck driver Landon Cheatham, who drives deliveries to California at least twice a week for his company, offered to help. He created a Facebook group on “Connect Utah” to seek donations for his drives to Los Angeles. He generally brings a full truckload of deliveries to Utah from Southern California, then has been driving back to LA with almost an empty truck. But not this week. By the day after he posted his willingness to transport donations to Los Angeles, almost three dozen Utah businesses offered their sites as drop-off loca-
STEM: Continued from pg. 1
place for themselves in STEM,” said Karah Crosby, CTE Business Development Coordinator. “By connecting students with strong female role models and creating engaging, hands-on experiences, Tech-Hers Jr. is building a foundation for long-term success.”
A Tech-Her is a girl who has big dreams, said Catalyst Business Development Coordinator, Natalie Stromberg. “She’s an explorer. She’s an innovator. A Tech-Her is someone who loves to work on projects with her hands. A Tech-Her is you. The reason you are here is because we believe in you and we support you.”
It’s really cool to look around and see there’s only women in this room, she said. “We want you to grow into a Tech-Her and to build your dreams.”
Katie Scholer, Technology Integration Specialist in the Davis School District showed the girls how technology has changed in the 30 years since she was their age. “So phones are totally different than they were when I was your age,” she said. “We got to go to the computer lab a few times a year. How often are you guys on your computers? Every day. Do you have to share your computer with anyone? No, you have your own device that you get to use every single day.”
Scholer demonstrated some AI tools. “Did you know that all of you have access to AI through our school
tions, including Annie’s Cafe at 74 West 500 South in Bountiful.
Bennett said she received a call last Saturday night from someone who had a semi truck filled with more than 1 million N-24 masks. That inspired her to
district?” she said. “These tools are all out there and available to you to use to help you with your schoolwork and it is so exciting.”
Panelists included, Lauren Vander Werff, Environmental Team Lead, Chevron Salt Lake Refinery; Bekah Moore, Director of Operations, Northrop Grumman Propulsion Systems; Sarah Hainline, Digital Member Identity Manager, America First Credit Union; Emily De Anda, Commander, 75th Comptroller Squadron, United States Air Force and Hannah Knight, Classroom Technology Support, student at Weber State University.
Why did you choose to study STEM? Stromberg asked the panelists. “I first fell in love with STEM when I was in eighth grade,” said Vander Werff. “I was taking an earth science class. We were talking about rocks and I thought, ‘wow this stuff is so cool.’”
“I actually didn’t know that I wanted to study STEM,” said Moore. “I had an older brother who was really, really smart. So he kind of got all the opportunities to go do math and science. As I became an adult and started going to college, I learned about all the really cool things that we could do when we use and apply science and technology.”
“Originally I wanted to be a pilot,” said De Anda. “I know you see
work with organizers to fill two more 53foot semi-trailers and three sprinter vans with donated goods, including clothing, toiletries, diapers, hygiene products and some food items. Cheatham left Utah with his semi on Sunday afternoon and had the products in California by Monday morning. He was already preparing to do another run again on Wednesday of this week, with more to come.
“The response has been overwhelming,” Bennett said. “The people here in Bountiful and from areas around here have been so amazingly generous. We’ve been collecting here on the front porch of the cafe, and I’ve left our food truck open in case it rains. Both my cell phone and cafe phone have been ringing off the hook with people asking how they can help. It’s very gratifying to see this generosity.”
Cheatham said he never thought a Facebook post would lead to such an outpouring, but said “we’re going to keep going. We’ll keep building and help as many people as we can.”
Those helping in Los Angeles have defined the biggest needs for the victim families, and have narrowed their requested needs, no longer accepting clothing donations.
“What they need is toiletries, towels, tampons, pads, toothbrushes and toothpaste, floss and mouthwash,” Bennett said. “They also need face wash, paper towels, lotion, baby diapers, Depends for the elderly, baby rash cream, baby wipes and body wash.”
She said donations are also sought for pets, so many of whom have been displaced and need food and other supplies. The Best Friends Animal Society in Utah has begun housing some animals and will continue to provide housing while the communities recover.
“We’re all here to help and support each other,” Bennett said. “This is one way we can lend our hands to these families and individuals – doing anything we can even from a distance. I’m so grateful for the willingness of this community to help.”
With her permission, Bennett said she’s fine with her contact numbers being published for those who want to contribute. The cafe phone is 385-327-3737, and her cell phone is 775-657-1658.
“They are welcome to call,” she said. “We’ll have more transport trips planned in the weeks ahead, and we appreciate the public’s support.” l
the Air Force and you probably think maybe I am a pilot, but I’m not. They have a lot of different career fields in the Air Force and mine is finance. That comes from my love for math. I’ve always loved math.”
Whitesides Elementary sixth grader, Lilly Michel decorated her own cake in the culinary class. “I think it’s really cool,” she said. “Baking is my favorite thing at home. I definitely want to work in a bakery when I grow up.”
“I want to look at different op-
tions for what I want to do when I grow up,” said Meadowbrook Elementary sixth grader, Harlie Hansen as she decorated her cake. “My mom is good at baking at home so I want to learn more.”
“Research shows that girls and boys share an equal interest in STEM subjects until around age 11, but by 15, girls’ interest significantly declines,” said Crosby. “Programs like Tech-Hers Jr., are vital in keeping that curiosity alive and helping young women envision their potential.” l
Ginos | becky.g@davisjournal.com
Sawatzki | mieka.s@thecityjournals.com
Casper | ryan.c@thecityjournals.com
Davis | marc.d@thecityjournals.com
SIXTH GRADERS SLOAN PERKINS and Lilly Michel mix food coloring into the frosting to decorate their cakes.
Photo by Becky Ginos
ANDREA BENNETT, owner of Annie’s Cafe in Bountiful, has offered her business as a drop-off location for donations being transported to Los Angeles for wildfire victims.
Photo by Tom Haraldsen
PRIOR TO FINDING A HOME at the Davis Center for the Performing Arts, CenterPoint Theatre, which was established in 1990 by Joan and Ralph Rodgers, Beverly and Blaine Olsen and Margo and David Beecher, was located in the Rodgers Memorial Theatre, formerly known as the Pages Lane Theatre. CenterPoint Facebook photo
CenterPoint Theater looks to increase capacity
CENTERVILLE—CenterPoint Theatre is planning some major work on its second stage area at the Davis Center for the Performing Arts.
By Linda Petersen l.petersen@mycityjournals.com
CenterPoint Theatre has been a staple of the Centerville and Davis County communities at the Davis Center for the Performing Arts, since January 2011. The building is owned by Centerville City’s RDA (redevelopment area) and is leased to CenterPoint for a nominal amount.
Executive Director Danny Inkley recently shared with the Centerville City Council his board’s plans for the building’s second stage, formerly known as Leishman Hall.
“We started with an understanding that we wanted to increase the number of seats in this facility so we could turn it into more of a significant thing, a revenue thing for us, and put more production value and that kind of thing into it, just to drive additional visits to the place,” he told the city council acting in the role of RDA directors Dec 3.
The theater aims to increase seating capacity in that part of the venue from its current 100 to 150 to160, Inkley said.
The theater’s academy, which has close to 1,000 students, puts on its productions there and they are often sold out, he said. There are nine such productions planned for 2025.
“This increase in seating capacity actually was driven mostly by that idea, how can we get more people into those shows,” Inkley said. “Because the demand is so high and we turn away a lot of disappointed grandparents at the door, which we hate doing.”
Along with increased seating the second stage has been rebuilt as what’s known as a thrust stage where the audience surrounds the actors on three sides. Currently the new spaces are filled with folding chairs, but the improvements will include more permanent seating.
“All we’ve done is carved out the sides that used to be stage space and built tiers,” Inkley said. “So now
the audience goes down the sides and across the front.”
CenterPoint also plans to incorporate LED video walls throughout the space.
“It gives us the ability to change over more quickly, use the space more without having to build, rebuild, take away sets and that kind of thing,” Inkley said. Also, it will allow audiences to get “kind of an immersive view where we put video content everywhere” regardless of where they are seated, he said.
There would also be a floor to ceiling LED wall in the theater’s main lobby.
“Our sponsors love this idea,” Inkley said. “We [can] put show content, sponsor content, pre- and postshow photo opportunities.”
In addition to academy productions on the second stage, CenterPoint plans to have performances of “Cats,” “Pride and Prejudice” and “Daddy Long Legs” there in 2025, he said.
None of the proposed changes would be structural and all except the electrical upgrades can be torn out if that is needed in the future, Inkley told the RDA directors. The total cost for these improvements is estimated at $425,000, with the only permanent change being a larger backstage door and the electrical improvements.
CenterPoint Theatre plans to raise funds independently for the proposed improvements and will not be asking the city or RDA for financial help, he said. Inkley is currently negotiating with what he called a “large financial institution here locally” on a 15- year agreement “to put their name on the main stage” that would net the theater “somewhere between $2 and $3 million,” he said.
Prior to finding a home at the Davis Center for the Performing Arts, CenterPoint Theatre, which was established in 1990 by Joan and Ralph Rodgers, Beverly and Blaine Olsen and Margo and David Beecher, was located in the Rodgers Memorial Theatre, formerly known as the Pages Lane Theatre because of its location at 292 East Pages Lane.
Danny Inkley could not be reached for further comment for this story. l
NEWS BRIEFS
Compiled by Becky Ginos
Local business fills semi with donations for LA
Students at Spectrum Academy are gathering items to take to Los Angeles for those impacted by the fires. “A boy I coached in football called me and said he needed donations,” said Jay Jenkins, owner of Jay’s Tire Pros in Bountiful. “I told him to bring a truck to Target and I’ll pay for a load.” Jenkins decided to fill a semi instead. “I started calling other businesses and told them I needed help,” he said. Money came pouring in.
“We got a 65 foot semi and took it to the parking lot at Target and 14 to 15 kids came out with shopping carts,” said Jenkins. “They were running four cash registers.”
Ralph Smith Trucking picked up the load, he said. “We’ll take it from my shop on Friday over to Spectrum Academy for their donation drive on Saturday morning.”
Jenkins is accepting donations of hygiene items, clothing, etc. and monetary donations at his shop Jay’s Tire Pros at 620 S. 500 West in Bountiful until Friday night. Donations will also be accepted at Spectrum Academy, 552 N Cutler Dr, North Salt Lake.
Dementia Dialogues course set for February
The Davis County Health Department is hosting Dementia Dialogues®, a 5-module, evidence-informed, nationally registered training course designed to educate community members and caregivers about persons who exhibit signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD), according to the DCHD Facebook page. Topics include an overview of dementia, its prevalence in the world, United States, and state,
communication challenges, environmental impacts, challenging behaviors, and problem-solving.
The three-week course will be held on Wednesdays, Feb. 5, 12, and 19 from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the North Davis Senior Activity Center, 42 South State Street in Clearfield. To register email Sheryl at sknight@ co.davis.ut.us, or call (801) 5255127.
SDMF marks 20 year milestone
It’s been 20 years since the South Davis Fire District and Bountiful City Fire Department consolidated.
“Over the past 20 years, our brave firefighters have faced countless challenges, always rising to the occasion with courage and commitment,” a South Davis Metro Fire social media post said. “As we reflect and honor the legacy of service, sacrifice, and teamwork, we look forward to the continuation of growth and development to better serve our community.”
OPINION
The opinions stated in these articles are solely those of the authors and not of the Davis Journal.
Things don’t always go smoothly
In life, things don’t always go smoothly. We’re all aware of these dynamics, and sometimes we simply give-up after meeting with a series of frustrating events that seemed to go on forever. In my case, I was 12 years old and my friend Rusty and I were invincible riding my bike with Rusty on the handlebars as we headed for town.
I don’t remember what happened next, but Rusty was killed instantly, when an 18 wheeler collided with us. I had a fractured skull and numerous broken bones, but I ended up in the hospital, unconscious for 10 days, and much to my chagrin, I lived. My dad, who was a veterinarian, had been killed in a motorcycle accident two years before. My Mom, who had only a 10th grade education was deeply depressed and emotionally overwhelmed, but she had the emotional support of our Church members and other friends, and to some degree, they helped her to manage the crisis, at least I would like to think so!
As for me, my brain wasn’t working well. I didn’t have the maturity to fully comprehend what had happened. Slowly, my Mom told me, and I was lost. How could a 12-year-old kid understand? Depression, confusion, anger, guilt, hopelessness, and an emptiness that I was certain would never go away. I wanted to curl up and wakeup, since I was sure that the whole issue was just a bad dream, but there was no waking up!
Slowly, I began to comprehend what had happened, but that didn’t help! So, I tried to simply move on.
As the years passed, I found that in playing basketball, somehow that led me into becoming a college basketball
NEWSPAPERS: Continued from pg. 1
Welove reading the Davis Journal every week. The local coverage is informative, and it is fun to read about local school sports and student achievements. We also look forward to the Opinion columns, even when we don’t agree! And, thank you for the Mind Teasers and television guide. The Davis Journal has not forgotten what good local news should be. Thank you!
— Dr. Cheryl M. Hansen, Professor of French
As a retired fire chief, I’ve come to appreciate The City Journal even more to stay connected and informed about Davis County. It’s my go-to source for staying updated on local events, community events, and the people who make this area so special. I especially enjoy reading the coverage in the news briefs, which often highlight incidents from around the county, providing a deeper perspective on the work of my fellow first responders. The Journal’s commitment to capturing the essence of our community makes it an invaluable resource and keeps Davis County feeling like the close-knit place I’ve always loved.
— Dane Stone, North Salt Lake
player. I was surprised about this, since playing basketball somehow allowed me to move on. I went to a junior college and then I got a scholarship to play in a college in Arkansas. From there I went on to be a counselor in the Army, and that led me into the field of professional counseling.
JOHN WATERBURY
My advice to people who were uncertain about their future was to teach them to expect the best and to make their future into what they would like it to be. Don’t try to coast to the top, I said. Set your course, and paddle, paddle, paddle. The world, I told them, would accept whatever choice they decided on, winner or loser, so I emphasized that they were in charge of their future. For me, it was therapy. I found out that faith was not about everything turning out OK. Instead, I finally realized that faith was about being OK no matter how things turned out. That concept made it possible to grow beyond the past.
I emphasized that we need to judge ourselves by our best day, not our worst. Undoubtedly, this world is unfolding as it should, and we are able to manage it in one way or another. Pain is purposeful and useful, since it enables us to move on with our lives. Feelings are necessary, even in the most difficult situations. Stuffing them doesn’t make them go away, it just prolongs the healing process. It’s OK to feel! In fact, feelings are preparatory for a healthy life. Don’t run from them.
Hopefully, we will be appreciated for who we are, what we accomplish,
Afew years ago I found I spent much of my free time staying abreast on international and national news. Then one day I found myself running for Mayor of Centerville. International and national news is important but daily life happens in your own community. I was so grateful to hear that we had the Journal to replace the Clipper so we could continue to receive the most important local news. Without the Journal it would be so much more difficult to find out about local happenings. As a Mayor I also have found that the Journal reports the stories rather than providing personal opinions with their news reporting. They also are willing to pick up the local human interest stories as well if people will reach out to them and let them know about those stories.
— Clark Wilkinson, Mayor of Centerville
Reading the Davis Journal is not just informative – it's enjoyable, entertaining, and educational. It offers residents a unique connection to our county, sharing stories, updates, and perspectives that enrich our understanding of the community we call home. Local newspapers like the Davis Journal are essential to preserving the character and vibrancy of communities, and I am committed to doing everything possible to ensure its (and Davis County) continued growth and success.
and what we can share with those around us. Life is preparatory, and we are part of something much greater than ourselves. One of the keys for this process was to learn to manage the fears and the uncertainties in life.
Very simply, fight through the fears in life and develop strengths and abilities. We are all different from each other, and we each have been given certain gifts and abilities that enable us to make a unique contribution to life. There are numerous types of living that enable us to reach out to those around us. We can dare to reach out, and because we are unique, we are capable of making a unique addition to others. This process enables us to feel the feelings and change the thoughts. All of these characteristics make it possible to strengthen those around us without losing any of our own significance. We can teach and love and reach out to others as we discover our new roles in life. In this manner, we are all capable of discovering our own patterns and predilections. All of us are capable of reaching out to others and making a difference. Over our lifetimes, we grow into who we are capable of becoming.
In this process of becoming and developing and interacting with others, we become a part of the whole, and still we are to maintain our unique characteristics. And because of this uniqueness, we can face adversity and difficulties in ways that strengthen ourselves and the group. In this manner, everyone benefits.
And another important principle is
Local newspapers have faced significant struggles in recent years, with many closing their doors or scaling back their coverage. This loss has left a gap in how communities stay informed and engaged. As a community, we need to rally together and bring local newspapers back to the front page (no pun intended). Supporting local journalism ensures that our stories, voices, and perspectives remain a vital part of our daily lives.
My hope is to see the Davis Journal thrive and eventually reach every resident in Davis County. Local journalism has a way of uniting us, keeping us informed, and giving us a voice in the issues that matter most. Let’s work together to make local newspapers strong again, especially here in Davis County. By supporting and engaging with the Davis Journal, we can ensure a brighter future for our community and maintain the vital role that local journalism plays in our lives.
— John Crofts, Davis County Commissioner
Ihavelived in Bountiful for more than 50 years and I would like to sincerely extend an over-due thank you to the Davis Journal. You have provided me with excellent, unbiased news coverage of local events in South Davis County. These events include coverage of local school events; local community happenings,
that we can start our day over any time that we decide. We can change our course. We can grow beyond our past. We can change our focus and our successes. We can decide to be passionate or alone. Each of these dynamics can literally make it possible to move beyond our old patterns, our old addictions, and our old hopes and dreams. In fact, as we can move out of our old comfort zones, we can find meaning in our lives, and significance in our existence.
We can ask ourselves “What am I practicing that doesn’t work?” And then we can change our course if we decide to do so. We can choose to practice what we want, and we can choose to stop our old patterns, and choose a new direction. We can choose to not practice what doesn’t work. We can allow ourselves to practice compassion and kindness without fear of losing ourselves or being taken advantage of. We can decide to set a new course, simply because we have reached a point that we are capable of managing both the past and the present.
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 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 column focuses on mental health and life management issues. l
big and small; achievements and milestones of my neighbors; wedding announcements and birthdays and obituaries; charitable projects of local groups and clubs; local human interest stories; thoughtful opinions of column writers; announcements of upcoming events; and, very importantly, the happenings at school board meetings, at county commission meetings, at city council and planning commission meetings, and at the Legislature. You also provide important information about candidates during elections and information from elected officials and about city and county services, such as the domestic violence shelter and the mental health crisis center. No where else can I access this important information so conveniently.
— Nelda Bishop, Bountiful
As you open the paper today, consider who you know who values local news and share the Journal with them –while giving us a boost, too. Again, we are asking you to take these additional copies of the paper and give them to your friends, family and neighbors and encourage them to subscribe to continue our efforts of bringing you the news. If each of our subscribers found us one additional subscriber, it would make a big difference in our company. We appreciate your ongoing support. To subscribe see page 9.
Cities work with the Federal Railroad Administration to reinstate ‘Quiet Zone’
WOODS CROSS—The FRA issued a temporary suspension of the entire quiet zone noting locomotive horn sounds will continue until it is compliant.
By Becky Ginos becky.g@thecityjournals.com
Fora few months now, residents in Woods Cross and North Salt Lake have been enduring the sound of train horns as they rumble on the tracks through their communities. In 2008, cities from Ogden to Salt Lake City cooperatively established the “Woods Cross Quiet Zone” through the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
“Each agency with a street crossing the tracks is responsible for keeping the crossing in compliance with the Quiet Zone regulations,” said Woods Cross City Administrator, Bryce Haderlie. “As the sponsor agency, Woods Cross has been working with the agencies to maintain compliance with FRA regulations.”
On Sept. 30, 2024, the FRA issued a temporary suspension of the entire quiet zone, noting “that routine locomotive horn sound must be initiated at these crossings…and will continue sounding until the quiet zone is compliant.”
UTA and FRA said in a joint statement, “As an identified safety measure by the Federal Railroad Administration, freight and commuter rail train horns will be sounding multiple times a day through all grade crossings from Ogden to Provo. The crossings have previously been designated quiet zones through city applications, but these are currently out of FRA compliance, pending maintenance. According to a letter from the FRA to sponsor cities Woods Cross and Lehi City, who applied for the applica-
THE FRONTRUNNER PASSES through the Salt Lake City Station. As an identified safety measure by the Federal Railroad Administration, freight and commuter rail train horns will be sounding multiple times a day through all grade crossings from Ogden to Provo.
tions on behalf of multiple cities, cities must complete these repairs before the quiet zones – which have been in place since 2008 – can resume.”
Rail safety is critical, the statement said. “It only takes seconds for tragedy to strike. Union Pacific and Utah Transit Authority’s compliance of horn sounding keeps people safe in areas where things like striping, signage, curbing and other enhanced safety measures by applicant cities do not meet FRA quiet zone standards.”
The conditions are not in Woods Cross City, said Haderlie. “There are no noted deficiencies at any of the crossings in Woods Cross that are the responsibility of the city.”
In a statement from Woods Cross on Oct. 4, Haderlie said, “Woods Cross is coordinating with the three cities that have the four remaining deficiencies to
resolve them as quickly as possible.”
Two of the crossings were to be completed and compliant by Oct. 16.
In November, North Salt Lake City (NSL) and Salt Lake City (SLC) engineers were working diligently on the projects that would bring the 1000 West and Main Street crossings into compliance, Haderlie said. “We now understand that while the deficiencies at these two crossings (and nearly all the corrections noted by the FRA since 2021) have existed in the current condition for many years.”
During the holidays, staff from NSL, SLC and Woods Cross, continued to pursue remedies to reinstate the 49-mile-long quiet zone, Haderlie said in a Jan. 9 statement. SLC and NSL submitted waivers to the FRA. “In consideration of the FRA regulations, the waivers will be asking that trains
continue sounding horns only at the NSL Main Street and SLC 1000 West industrial crossings until the gate arms are installed by Union Pacific and to allow the quiet zone to be reinstated at all other crossings in the quiet zone.”
Haderlie said the FRA has offered remedies for these two crossings until the gate arms are installed that include: 1. Closing the road that crosses the tracks by digging up and removing the road and crossing panels on each side of the tracks; or 2. Paying for certified flaggers to stop traffic and monitor safety at the crossing (24/7/365 or as needed).
“However, because NSL and SLC would have to pay these expenses that are estimated to start at $300,000 per year or more, in addition to the cost of the gate arm projects, both cities are evaluating these alternatives as it relates to the use of taxpayer dollars,” he said.
Utah representatives and senators continue to monitor this issue and are offering staff support to find a remedy, said Haderlie. “We appreciate the dedicated men and women that are working collaboratively to comply with Federal Railroad Administration regulations for safety and the common good created by quiet zones.”
The Salt Lake City and North Salt Lake waivers that have been submitted to the FRA can be viewed at: https:// www.regulations.gov/docket/FRA2024-0115 and https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FRA-2024-0124.
Interested parties may submit written views, data, or comments until Jan. 21, 2025 at: https://www.regulations. gov/docket/FRA-2024-0115/document by clicking on the gray “Comment” box in the lower right hand corner of the notice box. l
Mercer wants all students to feel safe and welcome at school
BOUNTIFUL—Alisa Mercer was sworn in as a new school board member Jan 7. Mercer filled former board member Liz Mumford’s seat in Precinct 1.
By Becky Ginos becky.g@thecityjournals.com
As a new Davis School District Board of Education member, Alisa Mercer hopes to be the bridge between the board and individuals and families to make sure they have access to everything available to them. Mercer was elected in November and took the Oath of Office at the Jan. 7 board meeting.
“I have three kids in the district,” said Mercer. “Twins who are juniors at Woods Cross and an eighth grader at South Davis Junior High. I’m really grateful to the teachers and education we’ve gotten in the Davis School District.”
Mercer has been involved in education for many years. “I was a volunteer, worked in the PTA, I was on the community council at South Davis and the community council at Woods Cross. I love community councils because you get to work together as parents and administrators to decide what’s best for our schools.”
When former board member Liz Mumford didn’t run again, Mercer threw her hat in the ring. “I’m grate-
ful for Liz’s service,” she said. “People were asking me to run. I thought maybe I needed to show up, it was my job to show up on the school board.”
The race for the seat was a close one. “It was great to have a race where both candidates worked so hard,” said Mercer. “I knocked on a lot of doors. I got to hear some interesting perspectives. I knocked on their doors now they can knock on mine.”
Each student’s experience is so individual, she said. “I hope I can listen to families and students. It will make me better at the job. It’s like a new oven
that’s all digital. It works differently and maybe no one asked what you wanted. We need to allow departments to tell us what they want to make sure we’re listening on the ground and looking into the school.”
Mercer’s background is working with nonprofits. “I worked as Director of Client Services and Volunteer Coordinator at the Bountiful Food Pantry for six years,” she said. “I interacted with businesses, etc. and oversaw the pantry packs (program). I also worked with Lorna (Koci) on the No Hunger Zone project and we opened the first in-
school pantry.”
They were all predecessors to the Teen Center, Mercer said. “There is a lot of food insecurity in the district so we want to make sure they get what they need. You don’t realize how much that helps in the classrooms in general when those needs are met. I got to work with families and get to know them on a very personal level.”
Mercer said she speaks Spanish fluently. “I look forward to doing outreach to those who don’t think they have access to the board. Many are not familiar with it. I hope I’ll be able to use that resource (Spanish).”
Although she has a lot to learn, Mercer said she wants all students to feel safe and welcomed at the school and get a proper education without disruption. “That is very, very important to me.”
Being accessible is also important to her. “I’d like to have open hours outside of the board room,” Mercer said. “Maybe open hours at the library once a quarter or term. A public space where people can come and talk and not just at a board meeting.”
The board can’t necessarily solve everything but they can connect people to resources, she said. “I want to make sure families maximize their time while they’re in the Davis School District and reaching their full potential. I’ve learned from the parent’s side now I'll learn how it all plays out in the district." l
Photo courtesy of UTA
NEW DAVIS SCHOOL DISTRICT Board of Education member, Alisa Mercer with her family at the Jna. 7 school board meeting.
Photo by Becky Ginos
Registration for 2025 CERT classes now open
KAYSVILLE—Make a difference while gaining valuable skills.
By Cindi Mansell c.mansell@mycityjournals.com
Kaysville City has an Emergency Preparedness Plan under the direction of the Fire Department. Kaysville Fire sponsors the Certified Emergency Response Team (CERT). The CERT program helps to prepare citizen volunteers to respond to emergency situations that may affect the community. CERT is trained and ready to help residents in case of an emergency. The program puts needed skills for preparedness, response, and recovery into the hands of everyday citizens and promotes a common community wide operating picture and organization.
Other benefits of the program are to foster a greater spirit of community (working together from the top leadership down to each citizen). Residents
feel empowered to help each other and feel a part of their neighborhood and greater community. Community leaders stay in closer touch with the needs of their citizens and augment professional responders when needed in a disaster. The program increases community leadership situational awareness and provides added manpower when needed. The group can fulfill other disaster related needs such as first aid, sandbagging, animals, POD distribution (centralized locations where the public can pick up life-sustaining supplies after a disaster or emergency), search & rescue, lost children, firefighter rehab, and shelter assistance.
Online coursework must be completed before each of the four in-class training sessions, which are held from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on the last Thursday of each month at the Fire Station Conference Room. Specific class dates are Jan. 30 (class 1); Feb. 27 (class 2); March 27 (class 3); and April 24 (class 4). There will be a final exercise on
April 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The class is free; however, you will need to pay $25 for the personal safety equipment you will need for your kit.
For additional information, please contact Kaysville’s CERT Coordinator, Tracy Littledike, or email at kaysvillecitycert@gmail.com.l
VOLUNTEERS GATHER during a CERT training. The program helps prepare residents to respond to emergency situations.
Courtesy photo
Bountiful, Viewmont girls basketball each win two region games this week
Bountiful, Viewmont girls basketball each win two region games this week
By Catherine Garrett c.garrett@mycityjournals.com
Bountiful
Top-ranked Bountiful had two dominating wins this week to remain unbeaten in Region 5 play through four games.
On Jan. 8, the Redhawks defeated Northridge 56-33, coming out strong to start the game – holding a 13-4 advantage after the first eight minutes. Bountiful scored 43 more points the rest of the way, holding the Knights to 29 to pull away further.
Milika Satuala put up 18 points while Taylor Harvey had 15. Maleah Nelson (six points), Abby Orme and Charlotte Johnson (two) and Adelaide Stevenson (one) also scored for Bountiful.
Against Bonneville Jan. 10, the Redhawks won 89-27, dominating from start to finish, particularly with a 56-point first half effort – while holding the Lakers to eight first quarter points and a scoreless second. Bountiful added 33 more points in the second half in the rout, finishing the game with 12 three-pointers as a team.
Harvey’s 22 points, including four 3-pointers, led the way with Satuala and Mae Johnson also in double figures with 14 and 13 points, respectively. Also scoring in the win were Maleah Nelson (nine points), Stevenson and Anna Larson (seven), Orme (six), Charlotte Johnson and Isabeau Hoff (four) and Brynna Castleton (three).
The Redhawks improved to 10-2 overall this season.
Viewmont
Viewmont dominated Box Elder 61-28 Jan. 8. It was a 26-19 game at halftime before a monster 33-point third quarter put the Vikings up for good in the win.
Kailey Selleneit put in 13 points to lead Viewmont with Kelsey Lindsey adding 11, Mary Carr 10 and Sophie Gold scoring three 3-pointers for nine points. Mara Mickelson scored eight points and Susan Lamb had one to round out the offense.
Against Woods Cross Jan. 10, the Vikings won 50-44, getting out to a strong start with 33 first-half points – to the Wildcats’ 23 and holding off a late surge by Woods Cross in the six-point win.
BOUNTIFUL HIGH’S TAYLOR HARVEY scored 37 points in wins over Northridge and Bonneville this week for the top-ranked Bountiful squad.
“It was a hard-fought fight for the entire team,” said assistant coach Brooke Anderson. Mickelson led with 19 points, draining three 3-pointers, while also securing three steals. Selleneit scored 10 points and also had three steals with Peterson’s eight points and six assists and Carr’s eight points and seven rebounds also key in the win.
Viewmont is now 3-1 in Region 5 and 8-5 on the year.
Davis
Davis defeated American Fork 47-36 Jan. 7.
The Darts got down early but overcame a five-point deficit after the first quarter to hold the Cavemen to just two points before half to go into the break with a three-point edge. A 25-point second-half effort was enough for the win.
T’Maea Eteuati drained two 3-pointers, scoring 17 points with Kate Willard adding 13. The duo combined for 15 rebounds as well to lead on the boards. Others contributing offensively were Sydney Plummer (six points), Kiara Zwonitzer and Chloe Peery (four) and Aubrey Simons (three).
Against Fremont Jan. 10, Davis lost 54-29. The first half proved to be the difference in this one as the Darts, who were down by eight points after eight minutes, managed just two points heading into halftime and were down by 22.
Kate Willard had 10 points to lead the team while T’Maea Eteuati (four points), Lydia Tarbet and Chloe Peery (three), Maki West, Aubrey Simons, Emy Richards and Hannah Garlock (two) and Kiara Zwonitzer (one) were the rest of the offense in the loss.
Davis begins Region 1 play with an 0-1 mark and an 8-4 record overall.
Farmington
In its first Region 1 game this season, Farmington lost to Weber 53-44 Jan. 10. It was a close game throughout with the Phoenix squad down just four points at the break. In the second half, the Warriors outscored Farmington by five to pull away late.
Olive Wayland, Morgan Snell and Ellie Schow each had seven points with Emilie Figlioli hitting two 3-pointers for six points. Makelle Weber (five points) and Morgan Rogers, Katie Myers and Breklyn Archibald (four) also scored in the loss.
The Phoenix team fell to 7-6 on the year.
Woods Cross
After a 2-0 start to Region 5 play, fifth ranked Woods Cross lost both league matchups this week. On Jan. 8, the Wildcats lost to Clearfield 40-23, struggling offensively the entire game. The squad was down 24-8 at halftime and managed just 15 points the rest of the way.
Adia Cook and Ili Crockett combined for 12 points to lead the team with Kiyomi Tauataina (five points), Kaylee Abell (four) and Lucy Thompson (two) also scored in the loss.
In the six-point loss against Viewmont Jan. 10, Crockett had 15 points while Cook added 12, Abell six and Thompson and Sophia Burden two.
Woods Cross has an 8-5 season record so far.l
Farmington boys swimmers, Davis girls take first at meets this week
Farmington swimmers are setting their sights on the Mayor's Cup and Region.
By Catherine Garrett c.garrett@mycityjournals.com
Farmington
The Farmington High boys 200 freestyle relay team of Jonah Babboni, Max Linford, Owen VanSkiver and Brock Davis won their event at a meet with Weber, Fremont and Viewmont Jan. 10 to lead their squad to a first-place showing on the boys side. With the girls second-place finish, the Phoenix team came in second overall.
“We swam pretty well considering we are just coming back from a long break, and a lot of our kids did not swim during the break. We even had quite a few best times!” said head coach Stacy Edholm. “We used this meet to have swimmers do some events that were either not their best events, or that they had not done before, so they may try
new things and maybe even find some new best events.”
Sophomore Elsie Crowell won both of her events – the 50 free and 100 free – in personal-best times while also swimming the lead-off leg on the winning 200 medley relay team, which also included Jacie Nielson, London Spears and Maddy Kartchner, and the anchor leg on the top 200 free relay lineup of Spears, Mia Cikara and Heidi Holbrook. Other top-three finishes were Maddy Kartchner (second, 500 free), Jacie Nielson (second, 100 backstroke), Will Scott (second, 100 breaststroke), Jack Smart (second, 100 butterfly), London Spears (200 Individual Medley; third, 100 free), Joshua Tame (100 back), Clarke Tholl (second, 500 free; third, 50 free), the 200 medley relay team of Scott, Tholl, Jake Rizley and Smart (first), Brock Davis (third, 100 free), Holbrook (third, 200 free; third, 100 fly), Jack Keller (third, 100 fly), Rizley
Photo courtesy Carl Page
FARMINGTON HIGH’S WILL SCOTT swam legs on the winning 200 medley relay team and the second place 400 free relay lineup to help the boys win a meet against Weber, Fremont and Viewmont Jan. 10. He also took second individually in the 100 breaststroke at the meet.
Photo courtesy Stacy Edholm
Boys basketball tips off Region 1 schedule
Region 1 boys basketball has started, while Region 5 teams continue to battle in the standings.
By Josh McFadden joshdmcfadden@hotmail.com
After a highly successful non-region slate, the Davis boys basketball team has moved into the region portion of the schedule. The Darts are a favorite to win the Region 5 crown, though they dropped an early league contest.
After winning easily at home over Fremont, 69-51 on Jan. 10, the Darts saw their five-game winning streak come to an end in a decisive 66-43 loss at Layton on Jan. 14. Now at 12-3 overall, Davis is 1-1 in Region 5 and has to wait until Feb. 4 to try to get some revenge against Layton when the two teams meet again.
In the loss, Davis was outscored 18-9 in both the first and second quarters, facing a 36-18 halftime deficit. Davis couldn’t claw back in the second half. Coleman Atwater had 16 points and added five rebounds and a pair of steals. But no one else scored more than five points for Davis, which struggled offensively.
In the Darts’ win over Fremont, Atwater had an outstanding game, totaling a game-high 33 points, 12 of which came from three-point range. JT Turley contributed 12 points, while Bode Sparrow chipped in 10 points. Tradon Bessinger pulled down a team-leading 10 rebounds.
Davis can get over .500 in league play this Friday when it plays at Syracuse. The Darts then host Farmington on Jan. 21.
SWIMMING: Continued from pg. 7
(third, 100 fly), VanSkiver (third, 200 IM), the 400 free relay lineup of Scott, VanSkiver, Tholl and Smart (third), the 200 free relay team of William Farnsworth, Tucker Munk, Noah Bampi and Will Norseth (third) and the 400 free relay lineup of Kartchner, Holbrook Avreigh Edholm and Nielson (third).
“This proved that our swimmers cannot only swim their primary events, but really perform well in different events that they may not swim very often,” Edholm said. “This shows the depth of talent we have this year.”
“We are setting our sights on a couple big meets coming up in the next few weeks, including the Mayor's Cup and Region,” Coach Edholm said. “We plan to be prepared to swim our best and come out on top at these meets.”
Davis
In a meet with Northridge and Weber Jan. 9, the Davis High girls swim-
Farmington
The Phoenix are also 1-1 in region action, but Farmington struggled in non-region play and currently sit at 5-9 overall.
Farmington opened the Region 5 slate on Jan. 10 with a 57-47 overtime loss at home to Weber. The Phoenix were in control early on, leading 2112 after one quarter. But they scored just 26 points the rest of the way, including five points in both the second and fourth quarters. Still, the game was deadlocked at 45-45 after regulation. In overtime, Weber dominated, limiting Farmington to two points while scoring 12.
Cameron Brower had an excellent offensive outing in defeat, scoring 24 points and hitting five three-pointers. He also added seven rebounds, while teammate Matthew Ernstrom totaled 11 rebounds.
The Phoenix bounced back on Jan. 14 to topple Fremont on the road, 61-51. This time around, it was Farmington that made a comeback. The Phoenix trailed 16-8 after one quarter but had a 17-11 advantage in the second and a 20-8 run in the fourth to seal the win. Four players scored in double figures for Farmington, with Brower totaling 14 points. Malakai Tobler had 13 points, and Ernstrom had 12. Chase Hamblin scored 10 points on the day.
Next up for Farmington is a home game with Layton on Friday.
Bountiful
Region play couldn’t have started any better for the Redhawks.
The 10-3 Redhawks have won their first four Region 5 games, all by at least 11 points. Bountiful took down Northridge 77-60 on Jan. 8 and followed that with a 69-49 blowout of
mers defeated the Knights and Warriors while the boys beat Northridge.
“It was hard coming back after the break, but the swimmers bonded together and helped each other,” said head coach Kit Barker.
Nahlia Stewart won the 50 and 100 free events while also swimming a leg on the winning 200 medley relay squad, which also included Jane Bassett, Helen Barber and Natalee Karren. Bryson Bernhardt was also a multiple winner, placing first in the 200 IM and the 100 breast races while Bassett touched the wall first in the 100 back.
Other top-three finishers for the Darts were Erin Boyce (second, 100 breast), Ella Edwards (100 fly), Jonah Hender (second, 200 free), Lucas Prince (second, 50 free; third, 100 back), Lilly Wood (second, 200 free); second, 500 free), the 200 free relay lineup of Kate Whitlock, Karren, Wood and Stewart (second), the 400 free relay team of Bassett, Edwards, Wood and Whitlock (second), the 400 free relay team of Hender,
Bonneville on Jan. 10.
Against Northridge, Bountiful overcame an early 22-14 hole to win going away. The Redhawks outscored Northridge 24-10 in the second quarter and never looked back. Charlie Smith hit four of the team’s 10 threepointers and paced Bountiful with 19 points. He also had five rebounds and two assists. Davey Howe scored 15 points, while Bryson Heath contributed 13 points, three rebounds and three assists. Wyatt Crane and Lincoln Smith scored 12 and 10 points, respectively, with Crane totaling three rebounds, four assists and five steals.
Bountiful used strong first and fourth quarters to defeat Bonneville by 20 points. Howe had 21 points, and Lincoln Smith helped in the win with 16 points and four rebounds. Heath and Crane had 14 and 11 points, respectively.
The Redhawks looked to continue their winning ways on Wednesday, with a game at home against Clearfield, after our press deadline. The Redhawks entertain Roy on Friday.
Viewmont
The Vikings are 7-7 overall but sit just a game behind Bountiful in the region standings at 3-1. Viewmont’s only loss was to Bountiful.
Most recently, the Vikings overcame Woods Cross 60-53 in overtime on Jan. 10. A 9-2 overtime period was the difference for Viewmont, which had trailed 44-34 after one quarter. The Vikings outscored the Wildcats 17-7 in the fourth quarter to tie the score and send the contest into overtime. Drez Jensen had 19 points, hitting five three-pointers. He also had five rebounds, three assists and five
Dallin Worthen, Prince and Bernhardt (second), the 200 medley relay lineup of Bernhardt, Lucas Satterthwaite, Colin Bennett and Lucas Prince (second), Helen Barber (third, 50 free), Bassett (third, 100 fly), Bennett (third, 100 fly), Jeffrey Boyce (third, 500 free), Madelyn Jensen (third, 200 free), Taylor Johnson (third, 100 back), Karren (third, 100 breast), Whitlock (third, 200 IM; third, 100 free), the 200 free relay lineup of Jensen, McCall Parkin, Elizabeth Neeley and Edwards (third), the 200 medley relay team of Johnson, Boyce, Kate Munoz and Neeley (third), the 400 free relay lineup of Johnson, Jetta Barber, Aniah Hayes and Munoz (third) and the 200 free relay team of Hender, Mason Miller, Worthen and Bennett (third).
Viewmont
Viewmont took third overall in the Jan. 10 meet with Weber, Fremont and Farmington with the boys coming in
steals. Lukus Toner scored 12 points and had a trio of assists. Tyson Bromley had a good all-around game, scoring 11 points, pulling down five rebounds and handing out three assists. Viewmont outlasted Box Elder 68-62 on Jan. 8, thanks largely to Jensen’s 20 points and nine rebounds. Carson Tovey wasn’t far behind, scoring 16 points and grabbing seven boards. After playing at Northridge on Wednesday, Viewmont hosts Bonneville on Friday.
Woods Cross
Woods Cross had split its first four Region 5 games, giving the team a 2-2 league mark. The Wildcats are 7-6 overall.
Woods Cross went into overtime on Jan. 8 at Clearfield but dominated the extra session in a 65-56 victory. The Wildcats surrendered just three points in overtime and scored 12 in what had been a back-and-forth game. Hunter Jackson had a tremendous outing for Woods Cross. The senior guard scored 24 points and amassed six rebounds and six assists in the win. Marcus Stepan added 16 points and five rebounds.
In its overtime loss to Viewmont, Woods Cross this time struggled in overtime, getting just two points. Jackson was the leading scorer for the Wildcats, putting up 17 points. Madden Johnsen scored 13 points for Woods Cross.
Woods Cross plays at Northridge this Friday. The Wildcats faced Roy on the road on Wednesday, after our press deadline. l
third and the girls taking fourth. Andrew Webster won the 200 IM and 50 free events and also swam a leg on the winning 400 free relay team of Thomas Chamberlain, Henry Helgesen and Isaac Hale. Chamberlain and Hale also took first in the 200 free and 100 free individual races, respectively. Also taking top three in the meet were Chamberlain (second, 50 free), Izzy Harris (second, 200 free relay), Helgesen (second, 200 free), Vivienne Loose (third, 100 breast), the 200 free relay lineup of Veronika Paschen, Kylee Smith, Loose and Harris (second), the 400 free relay team of Harris, Smith, Loose and Paschen (second), the 200 medley relay team of Webster, Hale, Chamberlain and Helgesen (third) and the 200 medley relay lineup of Colette Burnham, Loose, Harris and Paschen (third).l
working toward league crown as boys wrestling season
The Viewmont wrestling team is looking to win the Region 5 title and prepare for the upcoming state tournament.
By Josh McFadden joshdmcfadden@hotmail.com
It’s not unusual to see the Viewmont boys wrestling team atop the region standings or even compete for the state championship. This season isn’t looking to be any different.
The Vikings have looked strong this season, thanks to experience, talent and depth. Head coach Luke Gibbs has been impressed with his team’s performance so far and has high hopes as the boys battle for the top spot in Region 5.
“Our main goals right now are to win a region title against Box Elder toward the end of January and then get as many guys to place at our divisional tournament as possible and make it to state,” Gibbs said. “We had five state placers last year and returned four this year. Our goal is to place more this year than last year.”
The Vikings have a dependable senior class filled with wrestlers that have competed at the top level before. Gibbs is also excited about the younger team members. Not only are these underclassmen already contributing to Viewmont’s success, but they are preparing now to be leaders next season and beyond. The Vikings have had some challenges this season but have worked hard to overcome them.
“Our team is looking really tough,” Gibbs said. “We have a mix of tough and experienced seniors with a great lineup of sophomores and freshmen coming in behind them. Our junior class is a bit small, but they’re right there with our other guys. We’ve had to battle through some injury and sickness, but I’m proud of the progress our team is making and how we’ve competed so far this season.”
Gibbs highlighted the team’s efforts at three tournaments in particular. Viewmont wrestled well at the Layton Invitational, Viewmont Invitational and the Richardson Memorial Tournament. The Vikings were fifth at the Layton Invitational, a large gathering of some of the top teams in the state. There, Viewmont took fifth overall, with two wrestlers reaching the final round and eight team mem-
bers placing. The junior varsity team also had several placers and finalists. The Vikings were also third at the Viewmont Invitational and took first on the JV side. The JV team also placed second, just behind Box Elder, at the Richardson Memorial, while the varsity squad contended with a surge of illnesses.
In wrestling, it’s crucial that competitors are in good shape and are both physically and mentally prepared for each match. Gibbs said his team has excelled in these categories. He also appreciates the team unity and culture that the wrestlers have helped to develop.
“Right now, one of our core strengths is our conditioning,” he said. “At our last tournament, I didn't see a single match that we lost in the third period or overtime due to being out of shape. We can wrestle for six minutes and longer if we need to. I would say another big strength of ours is our team supports each other. We move mat to mat cheering our guys on and it makes a difference.”
Several wrestlers have stood out to Gibbs this season and are leading the team.
Senior captain Alex Lindquist, a 144-pound returning state finalist, is poised to return to the podium this season. He has been wrestling well lately. Fellow senior captain, Jake Redd is competing at a high level at the 157-pound division. Redd has been a good team leader and example. Another state finalist from last season,
138-pound competitor Spencer Rees, is working hard to once again compete for a state championship. Two other seniors – 215-pounders Mack Youngberg and Kaleb Djambov – placed at state a year ago. Fellow seniors Leo Wright and Bryson Wray, both at 126 pounds, along with 165-pounder Forrest Evans, are solid contributors.
Gibbs has high praise for some of his underclassmen too.
“Beyond [our seniors], we have some very tough younger guys, some who just happen to be behind some of our studs but would be varsity on most other teams,” he said.
A quartet of wrestlers – freshman Ben Redd (144 pounds), junior Owen Burdett (144), sophomore Rider Eggett (150) and freshman Cash Hawkins (157) have won tournaments this season for the JV team. Freshman Chad Rees (120), junior Kole Ingram (138) and sophomore Owen Seeley (165) are also key wrestlers at Viewmont who should only get better.
Gibbs wants to win as much as the next person, and he is dedicated to helping the Vikings do their best. But as head coach, he has his eyes first and foremost on more important objectives.
“I measure success a bit differently than some,” he said. “We have a motto in our room to ‘first be a good person and then be a good wrestler.’ True success for our team comes as our wrestlers learn how to take the discipline, accountability and work ethic they learn in our room out into
THE VIEWMONT HIGH VIKINGS wrestling team out-wrestled the Bountiful High RedHawks 59-24. The highlight of the match was the sheer joy of Kaleb Djambov, a 215 pound wrestler who took on a much bigger heavyweight wrestler for his team. Kaleb pinned his opponent.
the real world. As far as competitive success, it’s really just each of my wrestlers reaching their potential. For some that’s state champ; for others that might be winning a match at divisionals.”
Viewmont is getting closer to state tournament time. This year’s 5A state tournament will take place at Utah Valley University, Feb. 11 and 12. Last season, the Vikings had a strong showing, posting 97 points and placing fifth. They were the secondbest team from Region 5 at the tournament, behind Box Elder, which placed second behind the champion, Spanish Fork.
In wrestling, Gibbs said it takes a lot of hard work, commitment and time to be successful.
“It comes down to being willing to work harder and train more than the other athletes,” he said. “I would say that many of the high-level guys in the state wrestle more than eight months a year and are competing across the state and sometimes the country. If you're a three-month-a-year wrestler and you have to compete against the guys that train eight or more months a year, it’s going to be hard to beat them.”l
Photo by Carl Page
Photo courtesy of Luke Gibbs
BLAST FROM THE PAST
1925
Permit sought for Ogden and Salt Lake auto line
Permission to operate an automobile bus stage and passenger line between Salt Lake and Ogden is sought by the Pierce-Arrow Sightseeing company, in an application filed with the public utilities commission yesterday.
If the petition is granted, the company will place in use six or more motor buses, costing approximately $11,000 each, according to the application.
1935
Show total wheat program benefits
Utah producers cooperating in the wheat adjustment program had received up to November 19 a total of $853,163.25, of which $454,215.20 was paid in the first 1933 installment, $910,012.25 in the second 1933 installment, and $307,637.80 in the first 1934 installment, announces William Peterson.
1965
Crime continues up in Davis during ‘64
One of the many problems brought on by an increasing population is the increase in crime. And, this past year, criminal cases increased by 72 per cent in the county.
According to a report issued by Sheriff Kenneth Hammon, there were 1,222 criminal cases handled by the sheriff’s office last year compared to 704 cases the previous year.
Types of crime that showed the greatest increases were public intoxication; traffic violations; and embezzlement and fraud (mostly bad checks).
1975
Public building
barriers, shoplifting draw study
Prevention of architectural barriers for aged and handicapped, an anti-shoplifting campaign, police training and preschedule education of the handicapped
Complied by Bailey Chism
were discussed at the Correlation of Governments meeting this week.
“With the advancement of medical technology, more handicapped people are able and want to have more important roles in society and should be considered,” says County Building Inspector Shirl Hales.
1985
Nearly 50,000
hold jobs in Davis County
Expanding building permit activity coupled with more factory orders point to a continued economic upturn this year.
More than 27,000 new jobs were created statewide, last year, led by “impressive” employment gains in trade of 8,200 jobs; services, 6,700 in service, 6,300 in manufacturing and construction, 4,300. Losses were tallied in mining, down by 2,100 and transportation, falling by 800 jobs.
AIR DUCT CLEANING
Be part of the solution by contributing in a positive way
BOUNTIFUL— Joani Stevens’ main objective as a new school board member is to care about the kids. That’s her top priority.
By Becky Ginos becky.g@thecityjournals.com
Joann (Joani) Stevens grew up in Davis County and her four children have all been in Davis County schools so she knows the district well. That positive experience fostered her desire to serve on the Davis School District Board of Education. She was sworn in on Jan. 7. Stevens is filling John Robison’s seat in Precinct 2.
“I’ve always enjoyed being involved in schools in any way I could,” said Stevens. “It’s neat to see people throughout the district working together and being engaged. I really appreciate the teachers and faculty.”
Stevens said people reached out and asked her to run. “I care about the community and kids and I wanted to make sure they have a positive experience and that they feel safe and welcome at school. That they have the opportunity to thrive in areas they excel at.”
What’s happening in the schools is a reflection of the community, she said. “I love to see the community get involved in our kids’ education. They offer their time and resources to contribute to the community. The Catalyst Center is working with the district to foster education with businesses, etc.”
If kids learn to be respectful they’ll be that way in the community, said Stevens. “What parents do makes a huge difference. It’s a huge help to the teacher if you’re reading to your kids, checking in and caring about what they’re learning.”
Stevens said she doesn’t really have an agenda to what she wants to accomplish on the board. “So much is determined by the legislature. Community engagement is really important to me. I want to help educate parents to navigate the (school) system.”
As a parent, Stevens said she understands what it’s like to feel like no one cares or seems to listen to concerns. “I want to try and help mitigate that to let them know they have a voice and make sure they recognize the district does genuinely care.”
Teachers and administrators are professionals, she said. “They have studied education and know what they’re doing. A collaborative effort will make our schools better.”
Stevens said she’s excited to work with the other board members. “Our objective is to care about the students. That’s our top priority even if we don’t always agree. I feel like there will be a lot of cohesion. They really value and respect each other’s views. We can learn from each other.”
Get involved with the schools, said Stevens. “Reach out and see what they might need. Serve on a community council. When there’s an increase in trust land funding that money goes directly to the school and is allocated by the community council. It’s a great way to know what’s happening in your specific school. It’s a great way to get involved on a micro level. You can have a big impact.”
Be part of the solution by contributing to the community in a positive way, she said. “That’s part of what got me involved. Sometimes people complain but by doing something you can help be the solution.” l
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Jan. 20-26
Davis County Pride
LGBTQIA+ Book Club
Thursday, Jan. 23, 7 p.m.
A discussion of “In Other Lands” by Sarah Rees Brennan Clearfield Library, 1 N. Main Street
Winter Book Sale
Saturday, Jan. 15, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Prices ranging from $0.25-$1. Cash or check only
Kaysville Library, 215 N. Fairfield Rd.
Crazy For You
Viewmont High School Musical Theater
Jan. 23-25 and 27 at 7 p.m. and Jan. 25 at 2 p.m.
Tickets: tiny.cc/viewmontarts
Bountiful Elk's Lodge Adult Prom – ‘80s Style Saturday, Jan. 25, 7 p.m., $20 per person Open to the public. Music, food and drinks.
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.
https://utahnursing.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4TJzEqlevFHx58G
https://utahnursing.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4TJzEqlevFHx58G
Bountiful Elk’s Lodge, 544 W. 400 North
Clearfield City Storytelling Festival
Saturday, Jan. 25, 7 p.m., FREE Clearfield Community Arts Center, 140 East Center Street
Live in Concert: Cheyenne Jackson OPPA!’s Broadway Access Concert Saturday, Jan. 25, 7:30 p.m., $6$100 Young Automotive Gallery, 613 W. 500 North, Layton
The Improvables: Family-friendly improv Friday, Jan. 24, 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.
LOCATION:
DATE: Tuesday, 1/28/25
TIME: 12:00 PM OR 6:00 PM
RSVP: (801) 829-1772 Space is limited, so please RSVP now!
NEW DAVIS SCHOOL DISTRICT Board of Education member, Joani Stevens stands with her family after being sworn in Jan. 7.
Photo by Becky Ginos
Compiled by Peri Kinder
County approves CDBG for home stabilization project in Farm Meadows subdivision
WOODS CROSS—Since 2015, soil subsidence has caused some homes in a Woods Cross subdivision to start sinking. The city has been working to help residents with the cost of repairing their homes.
By Becky Ginos becky.g@thecityjournals.com
For the past 10 years, Woods Cross City officials have been working to assist residents in the Farm Meadows subdivision whose homes are sinking due to soil subsidence. The city became aware of the issue in 2015 and launched an investigation to identify the cause and the extent of the structural distress.
“The water table goes down and the soil collapses,” said City Administrator Bryce Haderlie. “It’s like a sponge under the weight and stays collapsed.”
It happens in soil in other places, he said. “They condemned a subdivision in Enoch that was sinking. It’s kind of an act of God.”
The subdivision sat there for 15 years with no problem, said Haderlie. “The water table went down and we started seeing the problem. It’s a challenging situation.”
The city established a Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) to help support the repairs of homes in the area.
“We have roughly $200,000 in RDA money a year to help with homes,” Haderlie said. “We’ll use the
THE ARROW ON THE MAP shows the area of Farm Meadows subdivision that is sinking due to soil subsidence.
Map courtesy of Woods Cross City
money to hire a contractor to raise the home up using an approved method.”
The county recently approved a 2024-2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) contract with the city for a Soil Subsidence Home Stabilization Project in the subdivision.
“The homeowner has to qualify at below 80% of median income,” said Haderlie. “The county pays $115,000 and the city pays the rest. The homeowner doesn’t have to pay if they qualify under HUD standards.”
Stopping the loss of water in the aquifer is critical to prevent more homes from being damaged, he said.
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“We have to slow down pumping from a number of wells. There have been wells drilled by Weber Basin, North Salt Lake and there are industrial wells. A lot of water is being consumed. ”
Haderlie said if the state approves water reuse, it would allow the cities to capture the clean water coming out of the South Davis Sewer District treatment facilities and treat it again to be for industrial use instead of going to the Great Salt Lake.
“The health of the lake is important but if we’re further depleting (lowering) our aquifer it could cause salt or other minerals below ground to contaminate our drinking water,” he said. “We have to be careful that we don’t allow it. We want to try and slow that draw down of the aquifer.”
A homeowner for the CDBG contract has already been selected, said Haderlie. “We’ll have an updated 2025 application in the next few months. We had about 24 applications for 2024.”
The process isn’t going as quickly as some hoped, he said. “There were some homeowners who said ‘I’ll just get it done myself.’ We don’t know how long the money will last because funding doesn’t last forever.”
The money can only be used in the CRA area, said Haderlie. “It could expand in the future if it needed to. We’ll continue as long as the money is available.”
Haderlie said the city will continue to make aggressive efforts to stabilize the aquifer. “The big thing that’s important to us is that we want to save those homes.” l
TELEVISION GUIDE
Hollywood Q&A
By Adam Thomlison TV Media
Q: Why are the contestants on “The Floor” referred to as whales? It makes no sense to me at all.
A: The tendency of Fox game show “The Floor” to refer to successful contestants as “whales” seems to be a callback to old gambling terminology, which used “whale” to refer to players with lots of cash on hand. (It was part of a whole set of aquatic metaphors that also referred to weaker players as “fish” and the real experts as “sharks.”)
This definition gets stretched a little on Fox’s popular game show “The Floor” since contestants aren’t gambling with their own money. Instead, on the show it’s used to refer to players who control a lot of territory (or “turf,” another old-timey metaphor that calls to mind horse-racing tracks).
The commonality here seems to be that, in both cases, their status as whales makes them tempting targets for other players. In both cases, it’s about size — whether the size of their bankroll in gambling or the size of the territory they hold on “The Floor.”
“The Floor” never explains any of this openly — it just expects us to get the reference, or at least ignore it.
Yet nothing else about “The Floor” is particularly akin to casino-style games. The checkerboard floor and goal of con-
trolling space is a nod to board games, while the actual competition is triviabased.
That mashup of game styles has added up to one big hit for Fox. Both of the show’s two seasons have averaged above two million viewers per episode, and it’s already been renewed for a third season.
Q: I just heard that “The Franchise” was canceled. Do we know what the star, who played Daniel, is doing next?
A: Sort of, though “next” is relative here. Himesh Patel (“Yesterday,” 2019), who played the long-suffering but also sneakily ambitious assistant director on HBO’s “The Franchise,” has a new film at the Sundance Film Festival, which is happening right now.
He has a lead role in “Bubble & Squeak,” an oddball comedy about a couple, played by Patel and Sarah Goldberg (“Barry”), who are accused of smuggling cabbages into a nation where cabbages are banned (that’s the oddball part). There’s no word on a broader release date yet, but it went into Sundance with a lot of buzz, so it shouldn’t have much trouble getting distribution.
Of course, if it’s premiering at the film festival this week, that means Patel’s work on it wrapped a while ago, back when he thought (or at least hoped) he was squeezing it in between seasons of “The Franchise.” But we now know that’s not the case.
Haveaquestion?Emailusat questions@tvtabloid.com.Pleaseinclude yournameandtown.Personalreplieswill notbeprovided.
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TELEVISION GUIDE
Monday
CFP National Championship
ESPN 5 p.m.
After a season and playoffs full of twists and turns, it all comes down to this one game to determine who the best team in college football is for 2024. The winners of the Orange and Cotton Bowl meet at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta for this big game.
Antiques Roadshow
(7) KUED 7 p.m.
The Roadshow finds itself at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Ark., and discovers such rare treasures as a 1956 Curta calculator type II, an 1857 Queen’s Cup ascot race trophy and an art deco sapphire and platinum ring.
Tuesday
Married at First Sight
LIFE 6 p.m.
In hopes of building a greater emotional connection to their spouses, some of the couples take a trip down memory lane during this latest episode. Meanwhile, one couple’s relationship starts to unravel over one simple text. Kevin Frazier hosts.
Will Trent
(4) KTVX 7 p.m.
Season 3 continues, seeing special agent Will Trent (Ramón Rodríguez) joined by some talented new faces. “Scandal’s” Scott Foley has joined the cast as Dr. Seth McDale, while Gina Rodriguez (“Jane the Virgin”) plays the flirtatious Marion Alba.
Wednesday
Men’s International Soccer Friendlies
TNT 5 p.m.
There’s a lot riding on the USNMT as they try to get their roster set ahead of next year’s World Cup. With new head coach Mauricio Pochettino and fresh off a match with Venezuela, the U.S. hosts Costa Rica in a friendly at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando.
Nature (7) KUED 7 p.m.
The entire world may seem like it is getting smaller every day, but for the big cats, it really is. Narrator David Oyelowo looks at lion, leopard and cheetah parents on the shores of Botswana’s Gomoti River as they try to raise their young side by side.
Thursday
The First 48 A&E 6 p.m.
Actor Dion Graham narrates a brandnew episode of this long-running and hard-hitting newsmagazine. First, cops are called when a mobile homeowner reports the theft of $9,000. Then, a father of three is found dead on his front porch.
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (4) KTVX 7 p.m.
This reboot of the famed series finds home experts Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin looking to help families in need by rethinking and redesigning their existing home to meet their needs with the help of a team of builders and contractors.
Friday
Cold Case Files: Murder in the Bayou
A&E 8 p.m.
Nothing usually happens in the small town of Alexandria, La., the heart of Cajun country. But when 19-year-old Courtney Coco was found murdered 200 miles away in Texas, investigators were stymied until a retired detective and podcaster solved the case.
Masters of Illusion (30) KUCW 9 p.m.
One minute, you see host Dean Cain. The next, he’s gone! This season pre miere finds talented illusionists per forming dazzling and mystifying tricks in front of a live studio audience as well as other professional magicians such as Murray SawChuck.
Saturday Lakefront Luxury
A&E 9 a.m.
Lena and Sam are best friends who’d like to get a luxurious lakeside vacation home for their two families to share. Along the way they look at a French-inspired home with continental flair, and a newly remodeled mid- centu ry with two primary bed rooms.
(13) KSTU 7 p.m.
The love story between Kendra (Ajiona Alexus) and Ben (Da’Vinchi) is in for some rough patches when they leave the city and have trouble conceiving. Things go from bad to worse when Ben fails to tell Kendra that he’s helping his brother.
Austin City Limits (7) KUED 11 p.m.
The latest episode of this long-running live music program showcases performances from country singer Mickey Guyton and Latin singer-songwriter Carín León. Each performer presents hits and highlights from their latest studio albums.
Sunday NFL Football (13) KSTU 1 p.m.
The remaining two teams in the NFL’s National Football Conference battle it out for the George Halas Trophy and a spot in Super Bowl LIX, taking place two weeks later at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La. Which team will move on to the big game?
Playing With Fire
LIFE 6 p.m.
Following a near-fatal house fire, obsessive firefighter Jack (Stephen Adekolu) seeks the affection of married woman Natalie Collins (Kirsten Comerford) by manipulating her and husband Loughlin (Brett Geddes) to turning on one anoth-
America’s Funniest Home
7 p.m.
From birthday blunders to poorly executed magic tricks, host Alfonso Ribeiro showcases the best videos sent in from amateur videographers across the country during this new episode. Which video will be named the most hilarious this week?
Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test Season 3 of “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test” — or the biggest mistake these
Celebrity Profile
By Jay Bobbin TV Media
As John Dickerson assumes a coanchor role on “CBS Evening News” permanently, he’s carrying on the legacy of his trailblazing mother. Nancy Dickerson also worked for CBS News in her first job in television journalism, then went to NBC News, where her milestones included being the first female correspondent to report from the floor of a political convention. Later, she stayed in the business by doing work for syndication and PBS, and her son wrote a 2006 book about her titled “On Her Trail: My Mother, Nancy Dickerson, TV News’ First Woman Star.”
Now, John Dickerson is adding another entry to his resume by teaming with Maurice DuBois to anchor the weeknight CBS newscast starting Monday, Jan. 27. They will succeed Norah O’Donnell on the program, which also streams on Paramount+. “Face the Nation” host Margaret Brennan will contribute reporting from Washington, D.C, and network regular Lonnie Quinn will cover weather.
Dickerson has been a “CBS Evening News” anchor previously, but either as a fill-in or on an interim basis. However, he has had regular stints in an anchor seat on other CBS shows: he presided over “Face the Nation” (for which his mother was an associate producer early in her career) from mid-2015 until early 2018; he was part of the hosting team (with O’Donnell and Gayle King) of the then-named “CBS This Morning” in 2018-19; and he fronted “The Daily Report” on the CBS News 24/7 streaming service from the fall of 2022 until last October.
Former CBS News political director Dickerson now assumes a position that famously has belonged to such broadcasters as Walter Cronkite, Dan Rather and Katie Couric since what evolved into “CBS Evening News” began in the early 1940s. And in the process, he continues a professional pursuit that has been in his family’s fiber for many decades as well.
Mary J. Blige’s Family Affair LIFE 6 p.m.
MIND TEASERS
