Centerville/Farmington Journal | June 2024

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Centerville/Farmington

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KAZUL COSPLAY, MAKING THE FANTASTICAL COME TO LIFE

By Shania Emmett | s.emmett@davisjournal.com

Cosplay, or costume play. It has been gaining popularity since the early 2000s and continues to grow yearly. From the Marvel universe to video games to even anime, conventions are filled with all kinds of fans who are eager to dress up and embody their favorite characters. Some, if they are lucky, are even able to make their love for cosplay into an actual job. Layton resident, Laura Mercer or Kazul Cosplay has done exactly that.

“Halloween was my favorite holiday by far, but I didn’t know there were people who dressed up outside that holiday for a very long time,” said Mercer of Kazul Cosplay. “I would say my first cosplay was Trinity from the Matrix, it was for a Halloween-themed Sadie Hawkins dance around 2006. I was able to put it together with some clothes found at D.I. I felt so cool dressing up as my favorite Bad-A woman from my favorite movie. But I still wasn’t really connected to a community of people who enjoyed the same thing I did.”

Mercer said being a poor college student she couldn’t do much to build anything. “I started dating my now husband and he introduced me to Blizzcon, a fan convention put on by the company of my favorite video games. He showed me videos of the Cosplay contests held there and I knew I had to compete.”

SAM DUNFORD GIVES NATURE A HELPING HAND

By Shania Emmett | S.emmett@davisjournal.com

E very time the weather is nice you can find at least someone out on the trails in Farmington. The fresh air, the sound of birds flying around and of course the greenery. But something that people might not know, is that some of those trees on the trails are there thanks to one person. A Farmington local, Sam Dunford.

“I wanted to plant these trees in Farmington because I found out that Giant Sequoias and Dawn Redwoods do well here, but are rarely planted since most people don't know that,” he said. “I also wanted to test if the Coast Redwood could survive here. I asked the city about it, and they suggested the trail and Woodland Park.”

Not only are these trees beautiful and great for shade, but they have a lot of great benefits for the environment as well.

“I hope that these trees will help mitigate climate change by capturing and holding carbon for thousands of years, and by providing lots of shade and wildlife habitat with their size. Additionally, once they get big enough to survive on their own, I want to name some of them after relatives who have died.” Dunford said.

By planting all of these trees for the trails Dunford has become a pretty well-known expert on sequoias and redwoods.

“There’s three species of Redwood The Giant Sequoia, the Dawn Redwood and the Coast Redwood,” said Dunford. “Giant Sequoias are native to the Sierra Nevada, in a climate similar to ours. There are quite a few in downtown Salt Lake, and a few in res -

In 2013, Mercer said she got the chance and was instantly hooked. “I loved meeting other passionate gamers and crafters who poured their souls into beautiful costumes. I loved showing off my skills and set it as a goal right away to try and win that contest. My husband has been my biggest

idential yards in Farmington, as well as two that the city planted a couple of years ago to the south of the courthouse. They have reddish spongy bark and juniper-like needles. The tallest in Utah was planted in 1933 or 1943 and is 118 feet tall as of 2019. They're somewhat drought tolerant once established and are hardy to -10° F.

The Dawn Redwood is a deciduous conifer, with soft, fern-like foliage. They can grow several feet a year. They're flood-tolerant and grow best next to bodies of water. Lagoon has them planted by their parking lot and in front of the covered footbridge at the entrance to their section of the trail. They’re the most cold-tolerant Redwood, to about -25.°

“People in the U.S. originally knew them from fossils until they found some in a remote part of China in the 1940s.” Dunford said. “The Coast Redwood, as far as I know, doesn’t grow in Utah except where I planted them. They’re native to the fog belt of central and northern coastal

Continued page 4

support since! He loves to wear what I build for him and participate in the contest with me.”

Mercer has been cosplaying for more than 10 years and has been building various kinds of creatures from many different video games. Her favorite so far, is an elite mob boss en -

emy from the video game World of WarCraft. A Gnoll named Hogger. It was her favorite but also the one with the most challenge for her seeing she had to deal with a few personal issues at the time along with wanting to get the character’s design as close to canon as possible.

“I wanted my cosplay to convey the silliness and filth of Gnolls, basically, I wanted him to look like he was a crazed killer that looked like he smelt like a wet dog – actually smelling bad is convention etiquette I had a lot of fun building him because I wasn't worried about symmetry or neatness,” Mercer said. “I had a lot of fun just letting my creative juices flow. He is also my favorite because that is the cosplay that I actually won the Cosplay contest with in 2017. It was such an unforgettable journey getting there and the overwhelming support I got from everyone congratulating me was so meaningful.”

Mercer’s World of WarCraft cosplays have even been recognized by Blizzard themselves. They asked her to come with one of her cosplays to be one of the select few cosplayers to walk the red carpet for the World of War movie premiere.

“They wanted some cosplayers for props along the red carpet premiere

Continued page 4

ALTERNATIVE VOTING METHOD PRESENTED TO CENTERVILLE OFFICIALS

By Linda Petersen | l.petersen@mycityjournals.com

Centerville’s city council has been asked to write a letter to legislators expressing support for approval voting, an electoral system in which voters can select any number of candidates instead of selecting just one. Voters mark “yes” or “no” for each candidate, rather than “yes” to only one; the candidate with the most “yes” votes, the highest approval rating, wins.

On May 21, Nate Allen, executive director of Utah Approves presented the concept to Mayor Clark Wilkinson and the city council.

Utah Approves is working to get the legislature to support creation of a pilot program around this method similar to the pilot program that exists for ranked choice voting, Allen said.

“What this does is to make sure that candidates with a broad-based appeal win the election rather than people who only appeal to one single slice of the population,” Allen said. “Our current system, plurality voting, elects candidates with a passionate base of support. That doesn't mean that the passionate base of support candidate wouldn't win under an approval voting election. That broad-based appeal just means that you have to appeal to multiple slices of the population to best represent the entire population, rather than that large single slice which is oftentimes far less than the majority.”

Approval voting is more likely to show the true level of support for each candidate and to make voters feel more positive about the outcome, he said. “Exit polling results from St Louis show that people felt like it was in general a more positive environment for the voters that were participating in that election.”

Because the ballots are so simple, they may be counted in the location where they are cast, he said. In addition to this, approval voting limits vote splitting and spoiled elections. It is cost effective particularly if there is no primary election since the ballot would stay the same size, it does not require new voting machines or software, Allen said.

Utah’s county clerks like this method because it produces an audit trail, Allen said. “We talked with [Weber County Clerk] Ricky Hatch, the president of the county clerks association, and he’s relayed that all [of them] are supportive.”

Additionally county clerks are supportive of cities implementing approval voting if they want to try it, he said. “They don't need their whole county to opt in.”

“Approval voting is essentially as old as democracy itself,” Allen said. It has been used since ancient times in Greece and Venice, Italy and even for papal conclaves. In the U.S. it has been utilized by the cities of Fargo, ND and St. Louis, Miss.

While they did not make any commitment of support that evening, council members seemed intrigued by the idea of approval voting.

“I much prefer this method,” Councilmember Gina Hirst commented. “I think that it’s very straightforward, and it's common sense in the way that it's applied. I also like the idea that you could use it to eliminate a primary. That would save the city money.”

More information on approval voting may be found at www.utahapproves.org.

Kazul cosplay as Hogger from World of WarCraft on the Blizz Con Cosplay Contest Stage. Photos courtesy of Kazul Cosplay

Sam Dunford has planted all kinds of sequoias and redwoods to better the trails in Farmington. Courtesy photo

UDOT Click ’n Fix program addresses the pothole problem

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Shania Emmett | S.emmett@davisjournal.com

o drive on the streets in Farmington, one would find they are driving on an obstacle course with at least one to two potholes every few blocks. At least that is what many drivers in the Farmington area would say. The pothole problem is something that has been on the minds of many residents in the state of Utah. But, it hasn’t been just Farmington. This has happened throughout the state in various cities. Salt Lake City, Centerville, Bountiful and of course, Farmington.

Now how are potholes made exactly? They can be created by various factors. Either poorly laid asphalt with a mix of weathering courtesy of the weather. Or a mix of constant snow and rain getting under the layers of laid asphalt on the road.

The question is why aren’t these potholes getting fixed? Farmington residents do in fact have the ability to report when they find a pothole to UDOT (Utah Department of Transportation). It’s their website Click ‘n Fix. When a resident finds a pothole, put the address into the website, select why that specific location, and send in the request for it to be fixed. One look at the Click ‘n Fix website though, shows that UDOT has its hands full with various pothole requests.

Some residents wonder if UDOT is doing enough with all of the potholes that keep popping up. With that, there are varying opinions on it.

“The problem with potholes in cities is that we un-

derfund our infrastructure,” Bryan Young said. “That means we’re not taxed enough to afford to maintain the amenities we want. To that end, any complaints about potholes should be matched with a commitment to pay more in taxes.”

“I feel like a drunk driver dodging all these divots, every time I get on the north frontage road west from Shepard lane,” Carrie Zimmon said.

“We’ve seen one pothole fixed and right next to it, another one wasn’t filled in,” Grace Olsen said. “The State needs to send a crew down the entire road and repair every single pothole. And they need to hire a company that does a good job, cutting corners isn’t always the least expensive in the long run.”

There is a wide range of how people feel about the state of the roads here in Farmington and across the state. But one thing everyone can agree on is that something more needs to be done about the potholes. They are slowly becoming more numerous with each winter as the snowpack fills in gaps and weathers down the old layers of the road. Some have even said that these potholes have caused them to go the longer way to work because they do not want any more damage to be done to their tires or cars in general.

To report potholes to UDOT visit seeclickfix.com. l

June 3-9

A Night at the Nursery with Porches & Planters

Monday, June 3, 4-8 p.m.

Garden vendors, food trucks, free photo booth

Country Gardens Nursery, 395 Deseret Dr., Kaysville

North Salt Lake Food Trucks Night

Monday, June 3, 5-8 p.m.

Legacy Park, 1140 W. 1100 North

Unity in Our Community – Pride Event

Monday, June 3, 5-8 p.m.

Live music, vendors, food trucks

Legacy Park, 1140 W. 1100 North, North Salt Lake Family First Mondays – Beach Party

Monday, June 3, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Fountain Square at Station Park, 140 N. Union Ave., Farmington

Create Better Health Series

Monday, June 3, 7-8 p.m., FREE MyPlate & Physical Activities Guidelines

Recipe Demo: Create a salad Bountiful Library, 725 S. Main Street

Nature Journaling

Wednesday, June 5, 1-2 p.m.

Journal about birds in the wetlands Eccles Wildlife Education Center, 1157 S. Waterfowl Way, Farmington

Kaysville’s First Friday Festival Friday, June 7, 4-8 p.m.

Live music, talent show, food trucks and vendors Heritage Park, 250 N. Fairfield Road

Free Friday Film Series: Pirates of the Caribbean – Curse of the Black Pearl

RGS Exteriors & Construction doesn’t skimp on quality

Srain gutters, windows and more.

As a fth-generation business, what sets RGS apart from its competitors is its dedication to quality products, its guaranteed installation and its high-quality workmanship. RGS COO Kurt Fisher said the company has intentionally become experts in the industry by methodically incorporating new products and services.

“Our general philosophy has been to nd the best version of a product or the best material and then gure out how to install it in the most superior way,” he said. “If we’re going to do quality work, we want it to last a long time. So we have a 10-year warranty on anything that we do.”

The products used by RGS must live up to that warranty so they partner with superior suppliers to o er true value for money. Because RGS doesn’t cut corners with inexpensive materials, homeowners can be assured the investment they make in their home will be backed up with exemplary workmanship.

As the state’s premium rain gutter installation company for more than 60 years, RGS has spent decades re ning its products and services to protect homes from roof rot, damaged siding or leaky foundations.

Fisher said they are uncompromising when it comes to quality and their clients are willing to pay the extra expense for materials that are long-lasting, durable and installed correctly.

“We’re asking customers to pay more money to do this job the right way and that’s the only way anybody can justify paying more money for anything. There has to be tangible value,” Fisher said. “Our ideal clients are people who are really invested in their home, people who care about quality and have a high sense of value in their home.”

For siding projects, RGS uses James Hardie ber cement siding for its durability, style and low-maintenance lifespan. As the only Elite Preferred installer for James Hardie in Utah, RGS trains its installation crews to be incredibly knowledgeable about the product before they ever get to work on a home.

RGS also features triple-pane windows, expertly installed for the price of a double-pane window. With the extreme

temperatures in Utah, high-quality windows o er less temperature bleed-through, better sound dampening and added security.

With a variety of window options, homeowners can choose a style that re ects their home’s personality. Whether it’s a bay window, a picture window or a garden window, RGS backs its window installation with a lifetime warranty.

Other services o ered by RGS include remodeled entryways, custom metalwork, stucco, doors and chimney covers. Stop by the RGS location at 4235 Farm Road in West Jordan to talk with an expert, or for more information, visit rgsexteriorsutah.com or call 801-997-6616.

“Our whole executive team and our management team have the same paradigm; we would rather do it right,” Fisher said. “It’s so much easier to work with people when you know you’re providing a great product. We also give the reassurance that if we do something wrong, we absolutely, unequivocally will take care of it. That’s just our guarantee.”

Potholes along I-15 are causing frustration for drivers. UDOT’s Click ’n Fix program is aimed at

Photo by Shania Emmett

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Remembering long-time columnist Bryan Gray

By Tom Haraldsen | t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com

ong-time columnist Bryan Gray passed away on Saturday, May 25 at his home. He had fought a long and valiant battle with ocular cancer, something he was diagnosed with and given six months to live. He defied the odds and outlived that prediction by 12 years.

The first time I met Bryan Gray, it was in the office at the Davis County Clipper in 1984, just shortly after we both were hired. Bryan’s role was as a columnist – a humorist – someone designed to look at life not from the sunshiny, “never anything bad happens here in Utah” perspective to the unseen, sometimes darker overtones. His column was called “Cyclops,” – a tribute to the other eye that sees things as they really are, not just how we want or think them to be.

In those early years writing for the Clipper, he spent many mornings at Sils Cafe in Layton, enjoying coffee and sharing gossip with the regulars. He learned a lot from those folks. It was hard for him when the cafe was torn down and moved to a new location, and many regulars never returned. But there were still plenty of stories to tell – some positive ones, some not so positive.

He had the ability, as good columnists do, to look at people and politics and make comments or suggestions without taking himself too seriously. He offended some readers, since columns are simply opinions of their authors, but he was also endearing to many, many readers who agreed with his take on the idiosyncrasies, and just plain idiocy, of politicians and public figures and the decisions they make. Some say he leaned too far left, but I think he more accurately leaned toward trying to make things right.

According to his wife Dawn Brandvold, Bryan was a Highland High School alum, received his undergraduate degree at Westminster College and later moved on

to the University of Utah for his master’s degree in journalism. His career began as a teacher at Layton High School. For many years while writing his Cyclops column, he also ran his Shades of Gray Communications and Gray Print Media businesses. In the last two decades of his life, right up until his last days, Bryan worked as a salesman for AlphaGraphics, helping many candidates with their print campaigns. He was also active in supporting the Davis Arts Council.

One of the last times my wife and I saw Bryan and Dawn was at a concert at Kenley Amphitheatre in Layton. It rained on all of us that night, but the show went on and it was great. Of course we all stayed and sat in the rain, because as Bryan showed us and so many of us through the years, there was always something good coming through even the darkest of days or nights. He made us laugh, he made us think, he made us look at our lives. He made us better for looking at things from a different point of view. He will be greatly missed. Thanks, Bryan, for all you contributed to the Clipper and the Davis Journal through the years. l

NEWS BRIEFS

Two injured in rollover

One individual was transported to a local trauma center and a second person was evaluated and released last week from a single-vehicle rollover crash near Kaysville.

The accident took place on northbound Highway 177 at mile marker 5. Crews from Kaysville Fire and Farmington Fire responded to the accident and had to remove the passenger side front door to remove one of the patients. The Utah Highway Patrol is investigating the accident.

Martha Hughes Cannon statue headed to Washington, D.C.

The Dr. Martha Hughes Cannon statue currently at the Utah State Capitol is ready to make its way to Washington, D.C. where it will be installed later this summer in the U.S. Capitol. Please join the League of Women Voters of Utah to celebrate the momentous occasion. The group will have a table at an event to be held Wednesday, June 5 from 4 p.m.

Compiled by Becky Ginos

– 8 p.m. at the Utah State Capitol. Enjoy live music, food trucks, lawn games and a short program.

Safe Kids Day set for June 1

Bring the family out to Safe Kids Day, Saturday, June 1 at Northridge High School in Layton from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. There will be helmets, fire trucks, prizes and more at this free event. The Davis County Health Department will have information about their Vehicle Repair and Replacement Assistance Program, radon testing vouchers, and other services.

Police departments join in torch run

The Bountiful, Centerville, and Farmington Police Departments participated in the Special Olympics Torch Run this week. The departments joined forces for a leg of the race. “It’s a highlight of the year,” a CPD Facebook post said. “These athletes are truly remarkable!”

BRYAN GRAY

California but can grow elsewhere as long as they get enough water.”

They’re the least cold hardy Redwood, down to about 0° F except for certain cultivars, but it rarely gets that cold here anymore, and they’re unusually good at recovering from damage, he said. “My oldest has survived

six Utah winters so far. They can also resprout from the roots and the base. Several of mine did when a vandal cut them down in February 2022. Plus all three species have recent fossil records in or near Utah.”

All in all, the Farmington trails are now even more diverse with the plant life thanks to Sam Dunford. l

of the World of Warcraft movie,” she said. “It was a really fun trip down to Hollywood, and I got a photo with one of my favorite celebrities, Felicia Day!”

Though, just as anyone would, Mercer has had some struggles along the way such as being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease Ankylosing Spondylitis. “I could barely function and finally started to look for help,” said Mercer. “After starting treatment I feel like I have my life back, I can’t work as fast or juggle as much as I once did, but I am so happy to be able to create freely once again. I have so much sympathy for anyone who has chronic pain and/or autoimmune conditions, but I believe we can find joy and have very fulfilling lives despite our hardships.”

Through a mix of hardships and a lot of hard work, Mercer has been able to culminate the name she has today and hopes to continue building and furthering, not only a hobby but the job she loves. When asked if she had any advice for up-and-coming cosplayers,

she had this to say, “Jump on in, the water’s great! Seriously, if you just have the slightest interest, please try this hobby out! There are so many resources out there like patterns and tutorials and it’s so easy to find your fandom these days. I strongly believe creativity is a huge part of human nature and what better way than to use that creativity to celebrate something you love?” l

Kazul Cosplay as one of the characters from World of WarCraft on the red carpet of the WoWC movie with actress Felica Day, Photo courtesy of Kazul Cosplay

COUNTY TREASURER

Matt Brady

Meet MATT BRADY– a man of integrity. After 15 years with Utah’s state retirement system, Matt joined Davis County Government in 2022, where he currently serves as Chief Deputy Treasurer. Matt is focused on cost-efficient property tax collection and administration, and is committed to upholding statutory requirements and standards of practice. He serves taxpayers with kindness, efficiency, and transparency. Matt holds a Master of Public Administration from BYU and an Economics degree from the University of Utah. BANK ON BRADY to serve as our next county treasurer! Visit votemattbrady.com to learn more and to view local endorsements.

Blake Woodall

Blake Woodall brings over two decades of experience in audit and finance to his candidacy for Davis County Treasurer. With a career spanning public accounting, corporate finance (including roles at Deseret Management Corporation), and complex government entities, where Blake has honed his skills in financial analysis and process improvement. For the past seven years, he has served as the Internal Auditor in the Davis County Auditor’s Office, collaborating with various departments, including the Treasurer’s Office. This comprehensive experience has equipped Blake with a deep understanding of the Challenges facing the Treasurer’s Office and the insight needed to implement effec

tive solutions.

DAVIS SCHOOL BOARD DIST. 1

Alex Densley

I was born and raised in Bountiful.

I attended all public schools in the district and was a custodian for many years for them. I am the middle child. I am married with two kids that are entering the school system. I like being involved and do multiple things in the community. I enjoy spending time with my family and doing activities with them.

Alisa Mercer

As a mother of three children in the Davis School District, I am grateful for our exceptional teachers and staff. My commitment to our community includes serving as a parent representative on school Community Councils and on the PTA. As the former Director of Client Services at the Bountiful Food Pantry, I have demonstrated organizational leadership, community bridge-building, and fiscal responsibility. I also have experience as an instructor, helping adults complete their high school diplomas and training teachers in literacy methodologies. As your representative on the Davis School Board, I commit to ensuring high-quality education for ALL students. AlisaforDavis.com

VOTER GUIDE

DAVIS SCHOOL BOARD(CONTINUED)

Melanie Mortensen

Melanie is a mother of four and a former teacher with a deep passion for education. She has worked at every level of public education, council and committee, including parent outreach and administrative liaison. Melanie loves teaching and her children were involved in charter and homeschool education at different times in their educational careers. She has spent the past few years working with the state legislature and state board of education, and has a concrete knowledge of how the education process works.

Melanie has many gifts, including a special talent for empathy, communication and understanding. She is honest and trustworthy, and is committed to being accountable and transparent with her research and decisions. Melanie was raised in Farmington and has raised her family in Bountiful. She is truly the best fit to represent south Davis County on the Davis School Board.

STATE AUDITOR

Ricky Hatch

Ricky Hatch is the only CPA and certified auditor in this race. He’s been Weber County’s Auditor since 2010 and has unmatched expertise and real conservative values. A BYU grad, Hatch has twice been recognized as County Auditor of the Year. Ricky represents the nation’s counties on a board that helps establish national governmental accounting standards. He’s testified before Congress twice. A CPA for 26 years with an unwavering commitment to root out waste, fraud and abuse, Ricky is the ideal candidate for Utah’s State Auditor. It just makes sense that our State Auditor should be … an auditor!

STATE SENATE 8

I am a Vietnam era veteran, retired diplomat and humanitarian having served under eight presidents; a Trustee of the South Davis Water District working to preserve the aquifers that provide our drinking water; a defender of Utah’s children against illegal immigrant driven, job-related child identity theft and I am able to build consensus in challenging situations. I am running because legislators pass hundreds of bills that they do not read or understand and because they listen to the elites more than to us. I will always listen to you and will only serve one term. Website: ronaldmortensen.com.

Todd Weiler

I have lived in Woods Cross City for 27 years, and my wife and I have raised our family here in Davis County. After serving on the Woods Cross City Council, I was elected as the Davis County Republican Party Chair and the Davis Chamber of Commerce Chair. I’ve served on the boards of Lakeview Hospital and United Way as well as the Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum. I am pro-life, pro-family, and pro Second Amendment.

STATE REPRESENTATIVES

Stewart Barlow Dist. 17

As a fiscal conservative, surgeon, and businessman, I prioritize economic growth, job creation, and defending limited government. Currently, I chair the Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environmental Quality Sub-Appropriations in the House, also serving on Revenue and Taxation, and Health and Human Services committees. A lifelong Davis County resident, happily married to my wife for four decades, and proud parent of six, I hold degrees from the University of Utah and Georgetown Medical School. Advocating for healthcare, business, and Utah’s prosperity, I ensure your voice resonates in Capitol Hill for a better-managed state.

Daniela Harding Dist. 16

Daniela Harding, a lifelong Republican, calls Layton home with her husband and three teenagers. Her involvement in the Layton community has been extensive. She has served as a Layton Planning Commissioner and as a Central Davis Junior High Community Council member. She most recently served as the Davis County Republican Party Chair from 2019-2023. Daniela believes local control by local citizens with minimal intrusion from government is the best way to govern. She is also a strong advocate for responsible development, lowering the tax burdens on families, and ensuring we have a strong infrastructure. For more information, please visit www.danielaharding.com

Tenna

Hartman Dist. 19

Tenna Hartman, Bountiful resident for 27 years, epitomizes resilience and determination. Her husband, Audie, is a Hill Air Force Base employee. They have raised five children and enjoy four wonderful grandchildren. Tenna’s journey from single mother to successful entrepreneur and business owner reflects her unwavering spirit. A University of Utah graduate, she has 35 years of expertise in business, health insurance, sales, and marketing. Beyond business, Tenna’s roles as Joan of Arc, President of the United Women’s Forum, Director of Utah Patriot Camp, and motivational speaker exemplify her commitment to empowering others. A dedicated leader, she enriches the community she loves.

Trevor Lee Dist. 16

Trevor lives in Layton with his wife Kaitlin and four kids. He graduated from Davis high school and has a degree from Weber state university. Trevor’s professional background is in business, management, finance, loans and insurance.

As the current representative, and Republican Party Endorsed candidate, he’s dedicated to upholding our conservative values, closely listening to the districts needs, and helping lead the charge on tough issues. On Capitol Hill, he’s proven to be a team player, bringing stakeholders together to get results. He’s honored to served district 16, and always here to help.

Ray Ward Dist. 19

Ray Ward represents Bountiful and West Bountiful in the Utah House of Representatives, where he currently serves as the House Chair of the Social Services Appropriations Committee. Important issues for him are reducing health care costs, battling the opioid epidemic, supporting public education, maintaining a favorable environment for families and businesses, and keeping a healthy Great Salt Lake.

Ray is a family physician at Cope Family Medicine/Ogden Clinic in Bountiful. He received an MD-PhD degree from the University of Washington. He and his wife, Beverly, raised their three children in Bountiful and they enjoy playing Pickleball with friends.

Ron Mortensen

Friday, June 7, 7 p.m.

Ed Kenley Amphitheater, 403 N. Wasatch Drive, Layton

Inclusive Family Fun Run/Autism Acceptance Fundraiser

Saturday, June 8, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Register at ActiveWithAutism.org Legacy Park, 1140 W. 1100 North, North Salt Lake

Whitaker Tea Party

Saturday, June 8, 11

a.m. - 12:30 p.m., $20

Elizabeth’s Victorian Tea at the Whitaker Museum Registration is required at CentervilleUtah.gov

Whitaker Museum, 168 N. Main St., Centerville Antelope Island Star Party Saturday, June 8, 7-10 p.m.

Meet at the White Rock Bay/Back Country Trailhead Antelope Island State Park, 4528 W. 1700 South, Syracuse

Free Sunday Concert Series: SYNKÕFA Sunday, June 9, 7 p.m.

Ed Kenley Amphitheater, 403 N. Wasatch Drive, Layton

Send event info to peri.k@davisjournal.com for inclusion in the Davis Journal community calendar.

Region 1 boys tennis recap: Farmington narrowly misses state title

By a slim margin, the Farmington boys tennis team came up just short of winning the Class 6A state crown.

The Phoenix were runners-up in the 6A state tournament, held May 15 and 17 at Liberty Park in Salt Lake City. Farmington had participants qualify at every position and advanced in all five as well. The Phoenix accumulated 49 points in the tournament, just two behind Lone Peak, the champions. Farmington was 11 points in front of third-place Skyridge and well in front of Weber, which, with 16 points, was the second-highest finisher from Region 1.

Two singles players won individual state champions for Farmington.

At second singles, Justin Steed completed a dominate tournament with a convincing win in the finals. Steed won in the final round 6-0, 6-0, sparing any doubt that he was the top player in 6A in his division. Steed opened with a 6-0, 6-1 victory in the round of 16, followed by another 6-0. 6-1 win in the quarterfinals. The semifinals proved to be his most challenging matchup. There, he beat Luke Golding of Skyridge 6-1, 6-2.

The championship capped a standout, memorable year for Steed, who was tough to beat all season long.

Third singles player Nathaniel Bullard was equally as impressive.

Bullard rolled to the final round with a 6-0, 6-0 win in the round of 16, followed by a 6-2, 6-0 win in the quarterfinals. Bullard moved by Skyridge’s Stockton Dyer 6-0, 6-2 in the semifinals to propel him to the championship. With the state crown on the line, Bullard did the same to his final opponent, beating Lone Peak’s Cache Carner 6-0. 6-2.

First singles competitor Charles Frey nearly made it three individual champions for the Phoenix.

In the championship match, Frey

By Josh McFadden | joshdmcfadden@hotmail.com

took on Calvin Armstrong of Skyridge. Frey gave his opponent all he could handle before falling 6-4. In the second game, he lost 6-2. Frey blanked his first opponent 6-0, 6-0 and then got past his quarterfinals foe 6-2, 6-0. In the semifinals, Frey beat Corner Canyon’s Beau Walker 6-3, 6-2.

Farmington’s doubles teams earned the squad some points as well.

The first doubles tandem of Spencer Ostermiller and Landon Packer had no trouble in the round of 16, prevailing 6-0, 6-0. In the quarterfinals, their season came to an end with a close 6-4, 6-4 loss. At second doubles, Jacob Stone and Blake Geddes nearly reached the finals. The duo won in the round of 16 by the count of 6-1, 6-0 and then advanced past the quarterfinals with a tough 7-6 (7-5), 6-0 win over a team from Corner Canyon. With a trip to the championship on the line, Stone and Geddes came up short, losing 6-2, 6-4.

Farmington’s second-place showing was the best the school has ever produced. Last season, the Phoenix were third in 6A.

Davis

The Darts had some notable performances at the state tournament as well.

Davis placed eighth in 6A out of 18 teams, compiling 12 points. The Darts were third among Region 1 teams, four points behind Weber (as well as Region 2 foe Bingham), which had 16. Like Farmington, Davis had participants at all five positions in the state tournament, a feat that helped the team earn points and move up the standings.

The top performer was the first doubles team of Scott Finlinson and Will Parkinson, who were seeded first in the bracket. Finlinson and Parkinson had a

grueling first game in the round of 16, outlasting a duo from Layton 7-6 (7-0). But the pair took game two 6-0 to advance to the quarterfinals. There, Finlinson and Parkinson had an even longer match, this time against a team from Bingham. The Davis tandem prevailed in a marathon math 6-2, 6-7 (4-7), 6-4.

In the semifinals, Finlinson and Parkinson were just one win away from the right to play for a title. However, they couldn’t overcome Skyridge’s first doubles team and lost 6-4. 6-0.

Second singles player Everett Halverson was seeded seventh coming into the tournament. He took on Bridger Hunt of Layton and won 6-0, 6-1. In the quarterfinals, however, Halverson lost 6-4, 6-3 to Tate Squires of Lone Peak, the No. 2 seed in the tournament.

Owen Putnam made the first singles bracket as the No. 9 where he took on eighth-seeded Griffin Karras of American Fork. As expected, the match was close and exciting, but Putnam lost 7-5, 6-4.

At third singles, the Darts’ Jacob Williams seeded ninth, gave eighth-seed-

ed Sage Christenson of Pleasant Grove everything he could handle. After losing the first game 7-5, Williams took game two 6-3. However, he lost 6-4 in game 3 to end his chance of advancing. In second doubles, the Davis pair of Jeffrey Cook and Luke Edgington were seeded 11th in the bracket. They had a challenging draw against a team from Lone Peak but were able to take game one 6-4. The next games didn’t go their way, though, with Lone Peak winning 6-2, 6-2. Davis’ eighth-place finish was just below last season’s seventh-place showing. However, like this season, last year’s team also scored 12 points. The 2021 squad placed 11th, so the Darts are improving as a program.

The Darts will regroup as a team next March, with some of its players playing club tennis between now and then. The Darts will also be looking for some of this season’s JV players to step up and replace those seniors who graduated at the end of the school year. l

Let us tell the world!

Celebrating an anniversary or a 70th, 80th or 90th birthday? Are you planning a wedding or have you just had one? How cute is that 1-year-old child or grandchild of yours?

The Davis Journal wants to help you spread the word. Please submit a photo and a short writeup of whatever you are celebrating or planning to our editor at becky.g@davisjournal.com. This is a great way to let the community know what’s happening in your world. Our publications go into mailboxes each Friday and are produced on Mondays and Tuesdays of that week. So your deadline would be Monday at 5 p.m.

Let us help you tell the world! From your friends and neighbors at the Davis Journal!

D

on’t get me wrong. I’m all for men beating each other with sticks but the ice-palooza circus we’ve experienced as the National Hockey League moved a team to Utah has been a bit much. My sports-crazed husband is in hockey high-heaven, and he’s not alone. The former Arizona Coyotes (but currently unnamed Utah team) was welcomed by a multitude of rabid hockey fans as the team arrived in Salt Lake. The Utah Snow Angels (?) will now undergo a terrifying assimilation into the

Miracle on Ice

state’s culture.

Ryan Smith, new owner of the Utah Iceholes (?), spent $1.2 billion to bring the NHL team here and he has Big Plans! Plans that include restructuring a mall to create a hockey training center,

reconfiguring the Delta Center so fans can see all the bloody hockey fights and gaining extreme control over three city blocks in downtown Salt Lake, although he promised not to blast the beloved Abravanel Hall to rubble. Yet.

In the ultimate power play, Smith asked lawmakers to contribute another $1 billion to the project, which includes a sales tax increase, so everyone can help finance the Utah Snowplows’ (?) salvation of the state’s pro sports scene.

(Sidenote: Sales tax? Really? Have our lawmakers seen the lines outside of food banks? People can’t afford Cheerios, let alone tickets to a hockey game.)

But it’s not just hockey. Government and business groups are willing to toss billions (BILLIONS) of dollars around to fund baseball stadiums in Daybreak and, potentially, Salt Lake’s west side.

This is a slap-shot to the face for women’s sports in Utah. If we’re going to invest billions, can legislators squeak the wallet open a bit more to give a portion to female teams? A survey showed overwhelming support for a redesign of the current Salt Lake Bees stadium to become a female-focused sports center. Where are the billions of dollars for that project?

Did you know our state has a championship female/non-binary Pro Ultimate Frisbee team, the Utah Wild? We also host the Utah Falconz, part of the Women’s National Football Conference. Where do they play? On high school football fields. The only reason the Utah Royal’s soccer team has a beautiful venue is because it was built for Real, a men’s team.

Don’t whine and say, “But nobody cares about women’s sports.” For its opening game this year, the Royals set a record for the highest-attended women’s sporting event in Utah history.

Millions of fans watched the women’s college final as Caitlin Clark played

Agree

her last game before being drafted into the WNBA with a four-year, $338,000 contract. I’m sure she was offered the same amount as her male counterpart, the first overall draft pick in last year’s NBA.

Record scratch! Hold up! Last year, top draft pick Victor Wembanyama signed a four-year contract with the Spurs worth $55.2 million. Sigh.

Acquiring the Utah Frostbite (?) was a great accomplishment, but the state has a chance to pull off a phenomenal hat trick: develop a hockey fan base, build a baseball utopia and create a haven for women’s sports.

How cool would it be, for a state that ranks last in women’s pay equality, to invest in women’s athletics? What message would that send to our daughters and granddaughters?

I don’t know much about hockey but its success shouldn’t come with a sales tax increase, carte blanche control over a key center of downtown or at the expense of women’s sports.

With its shiny new logo and sparkly Zambonis, the Utah Windchill (?) could have a great first season as fans get behind them. But don’t be fooled. Hockey isn’t the only game in town.

TELEVISION GUIDE

Hollywood Q&A

By Adam Thomlison

TV Media

Q: What’s Danny McBride doing now? I feel like I haven’t seen him much since “Eastbound & Down” ended.

A: You just haven’t been looking in the right places — and you haven’t been watching “The Righteous Gemstones.” HBO’s “The Righteous Gemstones” stars McBride as part of a family of worldfamous televangelists. It’s been taking up a lot of his time since it debuted in

2019 — he also serves as a writer, executive producer and occasional director.

Those who know McBride for his motormouthed, larger-than-life comedy persona might be surprised to know he also has a pretty busy sideline as a horror movie writer, alongside his old film school buddy David Gordon Green (“Halloween,” 2018). Together, they wrote the scripts for last year’s “The Exorcist: Believer” and Green’s modern trilogy of Halloween movies (in 2018, 2021 and 2022).

All this means McBride may have seemed a little less unavoidable lately — certainly less than when he exploded onto the comedy scene in the late ‘00s.

For a while, it seemed like every slightly juvenile, male-centric comedy film featured McBride in some way — including hits such as “Tropic Thunder” and “Pineapple Express” (both 2008) and

“This Is the End” (2013). His distinctive, gravelly voice also showed up in numerous, more family-friendly animated hits, including “Despicable Me” (2010) and “Kung Fu Panda 2” (2011).

Q: It just came to my attention that “Jersey Shore” is still on. How is it possible that a reality show has been going for this long with the same people?

A: To be fair to the show and its cast, they’ve evolved quite a bit.

For starters, they’re no longer just going to a house in coastal New Jersey to party (and also squabble) for a few weeks every year. And they also aren’t doing it alone.

The pioneering MTV reality show has featured the same core cast since it

launched in 2009 — Mike Sorrentino, Nicole Polizzi, Paul DelVecchio, Sammi Giancola, Vinny Guadagnino, Jenni Farley, Ronnie Magro, Angelina Pivarnick and Deena Cortese. But now many of them are married and have kids, and they often bring their families along to be on the show. It’s still party-based, but they now travel to different destinations together each season — the show’s been rebranded “Jersey Shore: Family Vacation” to reflect both this traveling aspect and the fact that things will only get so wild with kids around.

Haveaquestion?Emailusat questions@tvtabloid.com.Please includeyournameandtown.Personal replieswillnotbeprovided.

OBITUARIES

Kaye Bradford

March 16, 1926 ~ May 24, 2024

Kaye Bradford concluded her 98 years of faithful devotion with her quick and peaceful passing on May 24, 2024.

Born on March 16, 1926, she was given the name Kathryn Jane by her beloved parents, Ray and Kitty Cutler, from whom she learned the traits of kindness, generosity, and faithfulness. She grew up in Salt Lake City as the third child with her two brothers, Bill and Joe, and two sisters, Marge and Sylvia.

In an act of love and courage, Kaye married Ted Bradford, a new Marine recruit on his way to fight in the Pacific theater during World War II. She was a prolific letter writer while he was away and was grateful to be rewarded for her choice of husband by his safe return after the war. Their union produced nine children: Dave, Doug, Dee, Toni, Daron, Dan, Teri, Tina, and Tami. She and Ted had a lively sense of family which allowed the children to grow up close to their many cousins. After Ted graduated from law school, the family moved to Bountiful where Ted and Kaye lived out their lives.

Kaye cultivated a wide range of talents needed to raise her large brood - cooking, baking bread, gardening, sewing, wrestling her children into orderliness at church, and serving in a wide range of church callings. She had a beautiful singing voice and performed frequently with three similarly talented friends at a host of church and other gatherings.

Kaye was a lifelong, faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She honored her commitment to the Savior by showing love and extending compassion and generosity to all she came in contact with. When Ted had a stroke resulting in aphasia and cognitive decline, she took unstinting care of him for his final eight years. Proverbs 31:28 could have been written about her: "Her children arise up and call her blessed." Her children in turn

have been blessed by her example of goodness, purity, and faithfulness and by her positive demeanor. Even in her final years, when her memory began to fail her, she was always cheerful and positive – a delight to be around. We'll all miss her calm presence and cheerful outlook.

When she died, she joined her husband and three of her daughters who had preceded her. We can only imagine the joy she felt in being reunited with them, her parents, and a host of progenitors and friends.

We'll celebrate her life at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 1, at the Bountiful South Stake Center, 1250 S. Main, Bountiful. Friends are welcome to join the family for a viewing just prior to the funeral, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. She will be buried next to her husband and her youngest daughter in the Bountiful City Cemetery.

Thanks to the Russon Mortuary and the North Canyon 5 Ward Relief Society for their service.

Services will be streamed live on Russon Mortuary Live Facebook page and her obituary page at www.russonmortuary.com.

• Manuals • Comb Binding • Coil Binding • Soft Binding

Stephen Randall Hirst

Sept.13, 1943 ~ May 24, 2024

Stephen Randall Hirst, longtime resident of Farmington, Utah, age 80, passed away peacefully at home on Friday May 24, 2024. He was born on Sept.13, 1943 to Edward Elliott and Una Sarah (Hathaway) Hirst in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was the oldest son of eight children.

He graduated from Jordan High School in 1961 and later joined the US Navy in March of 1964. He attended technical school in Chicago, IL. where he finished in 1965. He was then sent to San Diego, CA and assigned to the USS Chicago CG-11, a guided missile cruiser, as an electronics technician specializing in radar. The ship was sent to Vietnam in 1966 serving in the Gulf of Tonkin for about seven months off the coast of Vietnam. The ship had stops at port in the Philippines to refuel and resupply. The ship was stationed back in San Diego after the seven month deployment then sent back to the Gulf of Tonkin in Vietnam in September of 1967 until May of 1968. He was honorably discharged from the Navy on May 20, 1968.

He met his wife Linda shortly after returning to Utah from the Navy and they were married on March 14, 1969; their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. They have four children, Randall Jay, Sarah Jane, James Wylie and Jeffrey Elliot, six grandchildren, Katelynn Hirst, Kiley Hirst, Alyssa (Shawn) Smoot, Graclyn Hirst, Lyla Vogel, and Samantha Rodriguez. They have seven great-grandchildren Bentlee, Emmett, Anylah, Isla, Izeyah, Lindee Stevie and Lilli.

He enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, riding dirt bikes and old cars as a hobby. He retired at age 57 after nearly 30 years working at Hill Air Force Base. He made the most of his retirement years, traveling the country buying old cars to fix and sell, hauling cars for friends, and finding hidden treasures for himself (sometimes his wife Linda had some questions for him when he got home). He took any opportunity he could to get out on the road and meet and talk to people. He cruised Route 66 in his 55 Buick more than once. He was a regular at local car shows and swap meets. His favorite being Burger Stop Cruises in Layton. He was a self-taught expert mechanic, he performed a full frame-up restoration on two of his old cars. He was able to fix just about anything, he went out of his way to help people, and he was a father figure to more than just his family.

He was preceded in death by his Mother and Father, his wife Linda and son Jeff. The family would like to express their appreciation to his neighbors and Farmington City Fire for all the times they helped in his later years and their appreciation for the various hospitals and care workers that assisted

him these last few years. He especially enjoyed going to the hospital to be “waited on” by ‘the staff.”

Funeral services will be held at the Farmington South Stake Center, 695 South 200 East, Farmington UT 84025 on Saturday June 1 at 11 a.m. A visitation for friends and family will be held on Friday evening May 31 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Russon Farmington Mortuary, 1941 North Main Street, Farmington, Utah and at the Church on Saturday morning from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. prior to the services. Interment will follow at the Farmington City Cemetery. The family would like to send Old Car Nut Steve off with as many old cars in attendance as possible, any and all are welcome. Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary & Crematory Facebook page and his online guestbook at russonmortuary.com

Dr. Jared R. Heaton Board Certified Dermatologist

Jared Heaton is an attentive and thorough dermatologist & MOHs surgeon, serving his patients in Bountiful, Centerville, North Salt Lake, Woods Cross, Farmington, Kaysville and West Bountiful. Dr. Heaton is board-certified in dermatology and is currently a member of the American Society of MOHs Surgeons.

Dr. Heaton prides himself in serving all patient populations and treating all areas of dermatology from children through retirement age. Dr. Heaton performs skin cancer diagnosis and treatment, MOHS surgery, mole exam and removal, acne, warts, cyst removal, spider vein treatment, CO2 laser resurfacing, microneedling and many other skin and cosmetic related procedures.

Dr. Heaton received his undergraduate degree in International Relations with a minor in Asian Studies from Brigham Young University (BYU). He earned his medical degree from Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine (AZCOM) in Glendale, AZ. And completed both his internship and medical residency in Tampa, Florida.

In his spare time, Dr. Heaton enjoys snowboarding, mountain biking, vacations to Bear Lake, movies, grilling and spending time with his wife and three children at home in Bountiful.

W 500 S, Ste 210 Bountiful, Utah above Ski ‘N See

Dr. Marc Mitton Board Certified Dermatologist

Marc Mitton is a Utah native and cherishes the opportunity to serve the people of this beautiful state. His passion for dermatology began after receiving his own skin cancer diagnosis as a medical student. He believes that listening and being thorough are the keys to successfully practicing medicine. He specializes in skin cancer detection and removal, rashes, acne, warts and molluscum, as well as several other skin conditions. Dr. Mitton has specific interests in complex dermatological conditions and dermoscopy (the use of a light-based tool for classifying skin lesions and certain rashes). He prioritizes staying up to date on recent research, best medical practices and surgical techniques, and enjoys applying them into his practice.

Dr. Mitton received his undergraduate degree in biology at the University of Utah and graduated with his medical degree from Rocky Vista University in Parker, CO. He completed his intern year of residency at LewisGale Hospital Montgomery in Blacksburg, VA and his dermatology residency at Lehigh Valley Health Network in Allentown, PA. His residency provided many opportunities for specialized training including treating potentially life-threatening skin conditions at one of the state’s burn units, training with a nationally-renowned pediatric dermatologist, and countless exposures to rare and difficult-to-treat cases at conferences on a nearweekly basis through Lehigh Valley and the University of Pennsylvania.

In his free time, Dr. Mitton enjoys spending time with his wife and two kids, being outdoors, biking, board games, and especially making weekend breakfasts with specialty pancakes.