It was a chilly day, but that didn’t stop students and Davis School District administrators and other dignitaries from gathering to participate in a groundbreaking ceremony for a future CTE (Career and Technical Education) building on the Bountiful High School campus. Construction is anticipated to be completed by August 2026.
The 39,552 square foot, three story building will be located in the south end parking lot near the athletic fields. The existing CTE facility will be demolished and paved for additional parking.
“We’re in the business of making dreams come true,” said Davis School District Superintendent Dr. Dan Linford. “That’s what we do. Our jobs are in line with that mission and it’s never more clear than Career and Technical Education.”
Sometimes CTE is pigeon holed, he said. “When I was first a teacher I thought, ‘yeah I took woodworking and mechanics. I know what CTE is.’ Those are critical courses but CTE is a big open door to being career ready. CTE is the culmination of all the things we’re trying to do in all of our general ed coursework.”
Nobody will be surprised if a university cures cancer, Linford said. “We expect researchers to push forward our society. What we want with CTE is to give our students the opportunity to expand their minds.”
Let them see that they can cure cancer and society ills and everything, he said. “That we need new thinking and new minds to embrace that and CTE is where that happens. Let’s solve real world problems.”
It’s all about giving kids opportunities, said Linford. “Nobody does that better than Davis School District. It’s a really cool building and really cool space but hopefully for us it’s a
new CTE facility will house:
“In this building students are encouraged to explore all areas of study and get the necessary skills to enter into today’s competitive job market with confidence,” said School Board member Alisa Mercer. “That’s what we do here in the CTE program. It’s not only learning but dreaming and imagining the leaders of our future.”
Bountiful High student body officers have some fun with the shovels and hard hats at the groundbreaking. Photo by Becky Ginos
From engineer to artist: James Harris makes a splash with Sapphire Fountains
BOUNTIFUL—James Harris left his engineering job to pursue his passion for water features, turning his leap of faith into a successful business blending art and technology.
By Gail Newbold andersennewbold@gmail.com
Afteryears of designing pipeline inspection tools, James Harris made a bold move. He quit his job and began creating fanciful water features that danced, glowed and fogged.
“It was honestly one of the scariest decisions of my life,” Harris said. “I had enough in my retirement account to last us for six months. If my new business didn’t sustain us, I’d have to go back to my job as an engineer.”
His wife Kendalyn, current Bountiful City mayor, was a city council member at the time. Three of their four children were still at home. Kendalyn was worried but supportive about James’ new endeavor. They’d been discussing this possibility for years.
“Something in my gut said you gotta do this,” said James. “I remember walking outside my job as an automation engineer and praying with all my heart, ‘OK God if you’re with me, I really want to do this.’ I went back in and gave my two weeks’ notice.”
The year was 2021. Sapphire Fountains now employs six people with plans to add two or three more this year. In addition to designing and building indoor and outdoor water fountains and walls, the company offers service contracts for existing fountains, rents fountains to events around the country, and creates fountain controls.
“We've done fountains here along the Wasatch front and had rental fountains in events as far away as Washington, D.C. and Atlanta,” said James. “Just before Halloween we rented a rain curtain to a high school in Chicago for its prom. We’re helping build 13 fountains at a high-end apartment complex at the point of the mountain. We like to call ourselves masters of fountaineering.”
Given James’ lifelong love of all things artistic, it’s not surprising he jumped from tools to fountains. “Even as a kid I loved music, art and design,” said James. “I played in a
band. I currently play the trombone in the Bountiful Philharmonia and with a big band jazz group. After years in the oil and gas industry, I started really missing the creative side of life.”
Years before Sapphire Fountains was born, James was at the Gateway on his lunch hour marveling at a splash pad built for the 2002 Olympics. Water jumped, music played and fog floated. “It was fun, artistic and amazing,” remembers James. “I figured there had to be a lot of automation technology behind the scenes, and I wondered if I could create something like that.”
He bought a pump, valve and switches, and built a fountain controller that he tested in his kids’ bathtub. “The water was jumping around and I’d tell the kids to touch it and then I’d turn it off or squirt them,” said James with a smile.
He offered to build the control system for a splash pad in Daybreak in 2007 that is still running. That was his first
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foray into commercial fountains. He continued to dip his toe into the business on the side. He tried demonstrating one of his fountains at a trade show and it garnered crowds of people fascinated with the jumping water, fog and light. But he didn’t sell a single fountain.
Much has changed since then. Though he wishes the company was growing more quickly, he thinks it is doing quite well. He’s proud of the fountain in front of Myers Mortuary in Ogden that he was involved in from start to finish and many other of his watery expressions of art.
Is playing with water more fun than designing pipeline tools? “The fun is much, much funner,” he said, “but the fear is much, much scarier. People rely on me to pay their bills. There have been plenty of nights I didn’t sleep well. But really cool things are happening and I love what I’m doing. My very favorite thing is watching people take pleasure in my fountains.”l
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The water fountain in front of Myers Mortuary in Ogden designed and built by Sapphire Fountains. Photo courtesy of James Harris
By Becky Ginos becky.g@thecityjournals.com
The2025 Legislative roundup
2025 General Legislative Session will come to an end on March 7. During that 45-day time period hundreds of bills were considered. As of Feb. 21, 136 had passed. Gov. Spencer Cox signed his first 12 bills on Feb. 14. A more detailed story will appear in the April edition of The City Journals after the session ends but until then here are a few bills that passed or were being discussed.
Passed:
SB76 changes the current law that prohibits a 16- or 17-year-old from marrying anyone with a seven year age gap to more than a four years age gap. Also, a 72-hour waiting period will be required before a juvenile court can give authorization for a mi-
nor to marry.
HB269 mandates students live in dorm rooms corresponding with their sex designation, regardless of their gender identity or even the sex their birth certificate indicates (in the case of birth certificate changes), according to the Desert News.
HB32 Establishes the name of Route 102 as the Borgstrom Brothers Memorial Highway recognizing the sacrifice of the Borgstrom family who lost four sons in WWII making them the only full Gold Star family from war in Utah.
Bills under consideration as of Feb. 21:
HB300 deals with election security and vote-by-mail. The current version as of Feb. 21 was to have ballots mailed out and voters would have to bring them in person to a location where they show their ID when they
turn in their ballot. Mail-in voting would require a voter to go to the county courthouse in person to show ID every single election cycle and request a mail-in ballot.
SB73 – Statewide Initiatives Amendments, would require a citizen ballot initiative be published in print newspapers across the state every day for 60 days. According to Rep. Ray Ward, R-Bountiful, it is estimated that this would add $1.4 million to the cost of attempting a ballot initiative.
SB142 App Store Accountability Act, would require a minor’s app store account link to a parent’s. Once it’s linked, the law directs app stores to get verifiable parental consent before allowing the minor to download or purchase an app, or make any in-app purchases, according to Utah Dispatch.
HB81 addresses provisions related to water fluoridation and prescription fluoride supplements. It prohibits adding fluoride to public water systems; allows a pharmacist to prescribe fluoride; and directs the Division of Professional Licensing to establish guidelines for prescribing fluoride.
For more information or to follow bills go to le.utah.gov/.l
HB267 banning unions from collective bargaining passes
SALT LAKE CITY—Governor Cox signed the bill despite pushback from labor unions.
By Becky Ginos becky.g@thecityjournals.com
What became a controversial bill prohibiting unions from collective bargaining passed during the session and was signed by Gov. Spencer Cox on Feb. 14. HB267 Public Sector Labor Union Amendments, sponsored by Rep. Jordan Teuscher, R-South Jordan, will impact teachers, police officers, firefighters and other public employees in Utah.
“I want to make sure we get the message out about what this bill does and doesn’t do,” said Sen. Kirk Cullimore, R-Draper, the Senate Floor sponsor. “Every firefighter I’ve talked to says they don’t participate in collective bargaining. A lot of their concerns about what this bill does and doesn’t do really doesn’t affect what they’ve been doing all along anyway.”
“We look at policy,” said Senate President J. Stuart Adams, R-Layton. “Collective bargaining does not belong in the public workspace – it just doesn’t. I’ve talked to people all over the nation. Seven other states have done exactly what we’ve done. It’s not new. It’s better policy not to have collective bargaining in this type of environment.”
“We are coming from a pretty different place,” said Sen. Luz Escamilla, D-Salt Lake. “We do believe there is a space for collective bargaining when it comes to public employees. I think that is the ideological difference.”
The concern is the message it sends to those workers, she said. “I’ve talked to some that are not members (of a union)
but felt that they were being represented by unions regardless of whether they’re paying a membership fee or not.”
So by not having that opportunity, who is going to be helping them through that process of collective bargaining? said Escamilla. “I don’t see realistically that every employee is going to be working with a CEO or in this case, every superintendent of every school in the district on their salaries.”
So that’s one piece of the collective bargaining, she said. “And then the other part is there’s a lot of questions about what is their purpose to be advocating for their group when they don’t have the ability to represent them in that very important piece which is their benefits and their salaries? I’m worried about the consequences and what’s going to happen.”
Look at the record of the legislature in supporting teachers, said Cullimore. “Look at the record of city councils and state school boards and local school boards who are the avenues to support their efforts and their wages. You know we appreciate all of our civil servants, particularly our first responders and our teachers.”
This does not signal any less of a commitment to them and their industries, he said. “It's simply saying to take it through the public path and we’re committed to doing that.”
That’s the way it’s historically been done, Cullimore said. “That’s the way it’s done right now for almost all of them anyway so it’s just really memorializing the current practice throughout most of Utah.”
“We didn’t collective bargain to give teachers a 4% WPE,” said Adams. “We didn’t collective bargain to give them the biggest salary increase of any state in the nation back after COVID. We didn’t col-
lective bargain to give them all $6,000 pay increases. That was not collective bargaining and that’s what Sen. Cullimore is talking about. It’s not collective bargaining that’s doing all that.”
“I’ve weighed this back and forth,” said Sen. Scott Sandall, R-Tremonton. “Are we disorganizing unions? No. Are we disallowing people from joining unions? No. Are we disallowing a union to go represent an employee in any situation they choose? No. We’re not in any way. Now we get down to just a collective bargaining position and you’ve got a union negotiating against the taxpayer. That’s the bottom
line in my opinion and that doesn’t work.” Unions are still available and they can still advocate, he said. “They can still do all of the things I heard everybody tell me that they couldn’t do.”
“I think collective bargaining being available provides a mechanism for the unions to continue to work closely with those employers,” said Escamilla. “I realize that many of them do not utilize that but it’s a leverage they do have right now. That will be prohibited when the bill gets signed into law.” l
Sen. Kirk Cullimore, R-Draper, (center) was the Senate Floor sponsor for HB267. Photo by Alex Jenkins
Future of Utah State Records Committee is uncertain
A Utah County state senator is proposing dissolving the State Records Committee and creating a new office with one executive director to make decisions regarding public access to government records.
By Tom Haraldsen t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com
The Utah State Senate was expected to consider SB 277, proposed by Sen. Mike McKell, R-Spanish Fork, that would dissolve the State Records Committee. The SRC is the panel that allows citizens to request release of public government records if their request is denied by that governmental entity.
At a hearing before the Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivision Standing Committee on Feb. 18, McKell said his measure would replace the seven-member citizen volunteer committee with a single director for a newly created Government Records Office. This director, who would need to be an attorney, would work with a hired ombudsman to handle record requests. Those positions could cost taxpayers an estimated $447,900 a year.
McKell’s argument is that the current SRC, which has been in operation for 30
years, has become too bogged down with appeals and rendering decisions too slowly. By statute, the committee is supposed to make decisions within 72 days of an appeal being filed. He said a state audit shows that timeline has been stretched to as long as 156 days.
Jeff Hunt, an attorney who represents the Utah Media Coalition, stated that “The public has a right to information concerning the conduct of the public’s business. The Government Records Access & Management Act (GRAMA) protects that right for Utahns by providing access to public records so citizens can hold their elected officials and government agencies accountable. SB277 will weaken GRAMA and increase government secrecy by abolishing the State Records Committee and prohibiting government officials, appeals boards, and the courts from ordering the release of records even when there is no good reason to keep them secret.”
The coalition told the Senate committee that SRC decisions have been upheld by district courts 98 percent of the time. McKell argued that committee members are not versed in legal procedures and thus not capable of making decisions with legal binding powers.
McKell’s bill would allow the governor to appoint an administrative judge who
could be fired by the governor at any time. At the hearing, more than 20 citizens testified against the bill, arguing creation of the Government Records Office would give too much power to one individual who could be influenced by political pressure.
The measure was approved by a 4-2 vote in committee and was set to advance to the full Senate as of Feb. 21. l
Public Notice
Former Clearfield Depot FUDS Landfill Site Restoration Advisory Board
Public Notice
Former Clearfield Depot FUDS Landfill Site Restoration Advisory Board
The Clearfield Naval Supply Depot (Depot) Landfill Formerly Used Defense Site (FUDS) is located at the southwest corner of the Freeport Center (near the intersection of 1st Street and E Street), in Clearfield, Utah. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is performing an investigation at the former landfill to characterize environmental impacts, evaluate potential risks to human health and the environment, and develop mitigations, if any, needed to address any hazards that may remain from previous military landfill operations.
The Clearfield Naval Supply Depot (Depot) Landfill Used Defense Site (FUDS) is located at the southwest the Freeport Center (near the intersection of Street), in Clearfield, Utah. The U.S. Army Corps is performing an investigation at the former characterize environmental impacts, evaluate potential human health and the environment, and develop any, needed to address any hazards that may previous military landfill operations.
The Department of Defense encourages community involvement in the environmental restoration process. A Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) is one method the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers may use to facilitate public participation at FUDS. RABs provide a collaborative forum for landowners, community members, government agencies and other interested parties to discuss and identify the most efficient and productive means to restore the environment. Board members are asked to meet regularly to review and comment on technical documents and plans relating to the ongoing environmental studies and restoration activities. Board Members are also expected to serve as liaisons with the community. More information about RABs is available at https://denix.osd.mil/rab/ home/unassigned/rab-rule-handbook/
The Department of Defense encourages community in the environmental restoration process. A Restoration Board (RAB) is one method the U.S. Army Corps may use to facilitate public participation at FUDS. a collaborative forum for landowners, community government agencies and other interested parties identify the most efficient and productive means environment. Board members are asked to meet review and comment on technical documents and to the ongoing environmental studies and restoration Board Members are also expected to serve as liaisons community. More information about RABs https://denix.osd.mil/rab/home/unassigned/rab-rule
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Sacramento District, is evaluating the community’s interest in establishing a RAB for the Clearfield Depot Landfill FUDS. Community members may provide comments about interest in establishing a Clearfield Depot Landfill FUDS RAB no later than 14 March 2025. Comments, inquiries, or questions should be submitted to FUDS_SPK@usace.army.mil.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Sacramento evaluating the community’s interest in establishing Clearfield Depot Landfill FUDS. Community provide comments about interest in establishing Depot Landfill FUDS RAB no later than 14 Comments, inquiries, or questions should be FUDS_SPK@usace.army.mil.
U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers
U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers
Clearfield Depot Landfill Site
FUDS Project Manager U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District 1325 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone: (916) 532-5019 Email: SPK_FUDS@usace. army.mil
Published: 3/7/2025
BOUNTIFUL—There are seven drop off/collection locations in Davis County for this year’s Feed Utah food drive on March 15.
By Tom Haraldsen t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com
There will be a new look in Davis County this year for the annual Feed Utah food drive. Thanks to efforts coordinated by the Bountiful Food Pantry, there will be seven drop off/collection locations this year, including expansion into Clearfield and Clinton.
The annual food drive will take place on Saturday, March 15. Rebekah Anderson, Executive Director of the Bountiful Food Pantry, is working with two other pantries in the northern part of the county that will help collect and distribute food to needy families.
“Of the Davis County residents fed by our pantry, 42 percent of them live in the north part of the county,” she said. “We’ve been making efforts to expand our services into that portion of the county, and adding three new collection sites will assist us in that effort.”
The 2025 Food Drive locations are as follows:
• 480 E. 150 N., Bountiful, UT 84010
(Bountiful Food Pantry)
• 1125 N. 400 W., Centerville UT 84014
• 347 S. 200 W., Farmington, UT
• 900 S. Main St, Kaysville, UT Kaysville, UT
• 935 S. State St, Clearfield, UT
• 1446 W. 1800 N., Clinton, UT
• 725 N. Redwood Rd., North Salt Lake, UT (Lee’s Marketplace)
Garage Doors
Each location will be collecting food from 9 to 11 a.m on March 15, while the Lee’s Marketplace location will operate from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It’s part of the statewide food drive that overall will provide food to an estimated 414,000 Utahns who face hunger, including one in six children.
Residents across the state will receive door hangers during the week leading up to the food drive, and will be asked to place nonperishable food items outside their doors by 9 a.m. on March 15. Volunteers, including many from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will go door to door to pick up the food and deliver it to the drop off locations.
“More than three-quarters of those who receive groceries – about 76 percent – only need help less than six times before their lives normalize and they no longer need donations,” Anderson said. “The efforts of the food pantries help fill in the gaps families face due to unexpected financial challenges, short term unemployment or other issues. This annual food drive replenishes our pantry supplies to help meet those needs.” l
The Bountiful Food Pantry will have seven collection locations as part of the Feed Utah drive set for Saturday, March 15, including three new locations in the northern part of Davis County. Photo by Tom Haraldsen
Foxboro wetlands restoration includes new boardwalk, connecting trails
NORTH
SALT LAKE—Construction should start in the next 45-60 days.
By Becky Ginos becky.g@thecityjournals.com
Before homes were built in a Foxboro neighborhood it was 23 acres of wetlands running east and west. It’s taken a few years, but North Salt Lake City is moving forward on renovating the area to make it more usable.
“There are a lot of invasive species and phragmites in it,” said City Manager Ken Leetham. “There’s a trail that goes around the property that needs some attention.”
In 2013, the city adopted the General Plan to renovate the boardwalk, he said. “We will go out in the middle of the park and replant native plants and create locations people can stop by and bird watch. We’ll also maintain the stream that flows through the neighborhood and clean out the dirt, etc.”
It connects to a lot of trails, said Leetham. “Some are between houses where people can go out walking. It’s a wonderful improvement to that park.”
The city has already awarded a bid for the park and construction should start in the next 45-60 days, he said. “To get the board-
walks assembled takes about 90 days so it should be finished by summer.”
There’s not really a starting point, said Leetham. “It’s 23 acres total. There are three segments that go around the whole park and roadways where you can park. It’s pretty accessible.”
It was funded by a bond, he said. “We borrowed about $3 million but it’s coming in now at $2.4 million.”
This project has 100 percent support
from the community, Leetham said. “The neighborhood has wanted this park for a long time. We’ve been talking forever about it. It will be a wonderful park.”
Leetham said one of the reasons it’s taken so long is because they didn’t have approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. “They have jurisdiction over all wetlands. You can’t do anything without a permit. ” l
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Foxboro Wetlands Park Plan. Courtesy NSL
North Salt Lake’s Hatch Park gets a facelift
By Becky Ginos becky.g@thecityjournals.com
been a few years in the making but a remodel of Hatch Park in North Salt Lake is about to take shape with construction planned for next summer.
“It has old facilities,” said City Manager Ken Leetham. “The playground is tired and in need of renovation.”
About three years ago, Leetham said they put together a committee of stakeholders made up of 25 people. “City Council, Planning Commission, staff, Parks, Arts and citizens to work with a designer. We’d done a survey of residents years before for their input on recreational needs.”
More recently, the city held an open house to give residents a chance to see the plans and voice their opinions. “The feedback is that people are excited for the new park,” he said. “The major element that came out loud and clear from the residents is that they want pickleball. There will be eight courts for organized or leisure play with a nice seating area.
“We’ll have a much improved playground,” said Leetham. “There will be a
large area where people can enjoy the open space, walk or sit down. It will also have a pavilion – the ‘living room’ that is circular and features seating and a fire pit for people to gather.”
The park will have a concrete area where food truck night could be held, he said. “Also art festivals, bands, etc. and community gatherings. It’s all in the new proposal.”
Phase I includes a soccer field, Leetham said. “Phase II will include a baseball field adjacent to it. There will also be a community center building and some small com-
Normalizing Mental Health
One Breakthrough at a Time
mercial space for non residential uses such as a small restaurant, coffee shop, ice cream shop, etc.”
The design calls for a tower feature in the middle, he said. “That got mixed reviews from the residents. Some thought it was great and others thought it was a waste of money.”
Leetham said $20 million has already been bonded for the project. “We’re working with G Brown design for the landscape and Hogan Construction who will work with the park designer.”
It’s an exciting project, he said. “We’ve been talking about this for 10 years.” l
Master Plan for park renovation. Courtesy/NSL
Olympic and Paralympic athletes with ties to Utah honored at the Capitol
SALT LAKE CITY—Olympians received special recognition for their contributions during floor time in both the House and Senate.
By Becky Ginos becky.g@thecityjournals.com
Moregoes on during the legislative session than passing bills. Sometimes people who are making a difference in the community receive special recognition for their contributions. During floor time on Feb. 19, in both the House and Senate, Olympic and Paralympic athletes from Utah or have ties to Utah who competed in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games were honored.
“As you know, one of the things that we do in the legislature for people that we want to honor and highlight their accomplishments is to give citations,” said Rep. Jon Hawkins, R-Pleasant Grove. “This group of individuals are very deserving of the citation that was given today. They represented Utah and their country in the Summer Olympics in Paris. We’re just really proud of them and the legacy that they continue to uphold for Utah.”
So it only felt right to bring them up and recognize them on both the House and Senate chamber floors for what they do, he said.
“They’re great inspirations for not only their friends and family but the next generation as well. So we just wanted to highlight them and thank them for their representation of Utah and the accomplishments that they’ve all achieved.”
After the floor recognition, the athletes introduced themselves at a press conference.
“I competed in the heptathlon which is a track and field event,” said Chari Hawkins, who went to school at Utah State University and now lives in Herriman. “It’s running, jumping and throwing.”
“I am a bronze medalist,” said Samuel Watson. “I’m currently number one overall and full record holder for speed climbing which made its Olympic debut as a standalone event in 2024. I moved to Utah in April of 2024 and I am a student at the University of Utah, studying operations and supply chain management.”
“I am also a speed climber,” said Zach Hammer. “I moved here in March of 2024 for full-time training as well as starting school this fall studying environmental science.”
“My name is Piper Kelly and I’m also a speed climber from the Paris Games. I moved here in November of 2023 after I qualified for the Paris Olympics in order to train full time.”
“I’m from Sweden,” said Emilia Nig-
are. “I dove at the Paris Games and I'm here because of college. I go to the University of Utah.”
“I’m an athlete, not a coach,” said David Blair, who won a bronze medal in the Paralympics in Paris. “Sometimes they get that confused. I do discus. I’ve lived in Utah my whole life and went to Davis, Weber State and went to Paris, Tokyo and Rio.”
“The state of Utah has definitely been fighting above its weight class in terms of sports achievements and athletics and building that kind of culture with the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games as well as the 2034 games,” said Watson. “It’s definitely wonderful to be a part of this state as it evolves around sports and to be a figure in that as USA climbing has made its base here.
A lot of people have gravitated toward Salt Lake City in order to train for the various pursuits across many sports.”
“I’m 33 years old,” said Hawkins. “My first Olympics was at 32 years old but I’ve been training for it for 20 years. One of my biggest things I like to say is, it doesn’t matter if you’re from a small town and you weren’t born into this crazy gene pool where you were just like definitely going to make the Olympics at 16. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other, no matter where you come from. You can do anything if you put your mind to it. So I’m really grateful that we get to show up for Utah. Show up for yourself and you'll be surprised what you can accomplish.” l
Olympian Chari Hawkins waves to the crowd in the Senate Chambers Feb. 19.
Left to right: Chari Hawkins, Samuel Watson and Zach Hammer field questions during a press conference after being given a citation in both the House and Senate. Photos by Becky Ginos
West Davis Highway celebrates one year getting drivers where they need to go
DAVIS COUNTY—The next project is an extension of the highway further north.
By Becky Ginos becky.g@thecityjournals.com
The West Davis Highway (SR177) officially opened a year ago and the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) has already seen an increase in usage, which in turn has improved travel on I-15 in Davis County.
“We’ve observed about 28,000 vehicles per day on it,” said UDOT Project Manager, Corey Nelson. “We go out and look at the roads to make a traffic count. That’s a good amount of vehicles.”
That’s 28,000 vehicles that are also not on I-15, he said. “As northern Utah continues to grow, this highway is critical in preparing for it.”
The 16-mile, four-lane divided highway runs from I-15 near Glovers Lane in Farmington to SR-193 in West Point, said Nelson. “It’s a more direct route for people on the west side of the valley instead of the traditional I-15 eastern route. They used to have to find a side road to get out west.”
That alone pleases people, he said. “It’s right there so they can jump on. When they wanted to go downtown they’d have to take
side roads to get onto I-15. We’ve had a positive reaction from the public. They’re happy and excited to use it.”
This gives them another route to get from point A to point B, said Nelson. “They can get wherever they need to go.”
The next project is an extension of the highway further north, he said. “We’ll continue the four lanes up to 1800 North in West Point.”
West Davis terminates at SR-193, Nelson said. “We took the freeway in one lane each direction and put in a stop light there. When we tie in we’ll use the same thought process.”
The road will extend past the termination point of SR-193 and be extended north for the next two and a half miles, he said. “We anticipate this to be good for everybody. We’re working with West Point to incorporate any needs they might have with it.”
It’s honestly a game changer,” said Syracuse resident Kristin Stewart in a UDOT release. “The smoother, faster route has cut down my daily commute by at least 10-15 minutes each way. That might not sound like much, but it’s made a huge difference in my day. I can now spend that extra time with my family or just enjoy a bit more relaxation before work. The design is well thought out, the traffic flow is much better, and the overall ride is a lot more enjoyable. I’m really
impressed with how much it’s improved my daily routine – definitely a win for commuters.”
“My wife and I moved to Syracuse, just over a year ago, right before the West Davis Corridor opened,” Trevor Warner said in the release. “This new road has been a major time saver for both of us as we navigate our way up and down Davis County and beyond. It’s easy to access, it’s not too busy, and it’s just extremely convenient. I can’t wait for the road to be extended further north.”
UDOT also added nearly 10 miles of new trails and connected existing regional trails, according to the release.
“It will take about a year to finalize the design (of the extension) and make the adjustments,” said Nelson. “Then we’ll put it out to contractors with construction after that. It’s expected to begin in 2026.”
It’s an exciting project, he said. ‘It will benefit the west side community so they can get to where they want to go in a more efficient manner – that’s always exciting.” l
Students across Utah are invited to enter the Utah Transit Authority’s My BeUTAHful community art competition with the theme “We Move CommYOUnity – Exploring the World Around You.”
Artists are encouraged to demonstrate how UTA impacts and connects their neighborhoods. Winning artists will receive $100 and have their artwork displayed on UTA bus shelters. Artists receiving honorable mentions will also have their work publicly
displayed. Submissions from K-12 students are being accepted through March 24.
“Every other year, UTA holds a youth art competition to help strengthen community bonds with artwork,” said UTA Public Information Officer Gavin Gustafson. “Selected submissions are displayed on bus stop shelters throughout the UTA service system, empowering youth expression, making art a more accessible feature of our communities and beautifying public transportation.”
For information and artwork submission instructions, please visit rideuta.com/ art. l
UDOT has observed about 28,000 vehicles per day on the West Davis Highway. Photo courtesy/UDOT
“Different is Beautiful” by Katherine K. was one of the My BeUTAHful community art competition winners from 2023. This year’s contest is open to K-12 students across Utah. Photo courtesy of Utah Transit Authority
For 140 years, families have come to trust Larkin Mortuary as the leading funeral service provider along the Wasatch Front. Family
UPCOMING EVENTS:
3/13/25 Thursday @ 12 PM
Larkin Sunset Lawn: 2350 E 1300 S, SLC, 84108
3/18/25 Tuesday @ 12 PM & 6 PM
The Chateau at Le Jardin: 1910 E Dimple Dell Rd, Sandy
3/26/25 Wednesday @ 12 PM
Elysium Legal: 1802 W South Jordan Pkwy, South Jordan
3/27/25 Wednesday @ 12 PM
Elysium Legal: 1802 W South Jordan Pkwy, South Jordan
Outgoing police chief honored, new chief sworn in
FARMINGTON—Retiring Farmington Chief of Police Eric Johnsen receives standing ovation during the Feb. 4 City Council meeting.
By Camille Bassett c.bassett@mycityjournals.com
During the Feb. 4, 2025, City Council meeting, the community recognized the service and accomplishments of three distinguished members of the Farmington Police Department, Officer Eric Miller, retiring Chief of Police Eric Johnsen, and succeeding Chief of Police Austin Anderson.
At the beginning of the presentation, Miller was recognized for his contributions to the Department in his position as the Farmington City Building Official. The Farmington Police Department maintains an annual tradition of presenting the flag that has flown over the station throughout the year prior to an officer whose outstanding service and dedication to their role has made a lasting impact on the department. Miller was recognized for faithfully caring for the Police Station and contributing to overseas maintenance since 1995. For his incredible commitment to the department over the last 30 years, he received last year’s flag from retiring Chief of Police Eric Johnsen.
After presenting the flag and completing his final act as chief of police, Johnsen gave his remarks on his time with the department and his confidence in its future.
“I’m super proud of this department,” Chief Johnsen said to the community members in attendance. “Super proud of who you’ve collected for me to hand it off to and
mostly, I just want to say thank you. Thank you to you for your trust. Thank you for letting this be the capstone of my police career. It’s been unbelievable.”
Johnsen then reflected on the support of his family and the sacrifices they made while he served in this capacity.
“It’s not easy being the family member of a police officer,” he said. “This job takes your soul a little bit every day and that goes for my family too, especially my two youngest boys. They’re the ones that have been in the house while I’ve been chief, and they’ve taken the brunt of a lot of emotions that have come from what we’ve been through over the last few years – thank you, boys.”
In closing, Johnsen addressed the Farmington police officers who were in attendance during the meeting.
“Definitely not least, but lastly, thank you to all of you – this unbelievable group of men and women,” he said. “It is just a privilege to be a police officer in Farmington and to have the relationship that we have with the community. We’re not the only city that has that, but I would argue that it’s unique. I take a lot of pride in that, and I know that you do too – thank you.”
New coach takes over for Bountiful softball
Upon finishing his remarks, Johnsen received a standing ovation from the officers and community members in attendance.
After the celebratory applause, Officer Austin Anderson was sworn in as Farmington City’s new chief of police. Anderson, who has served for 17 years with the Syracuse Police Department, received his badge from the City Council and solemnly pledged to uphold the constitution and to fulfill his role as chief with “pride, courage and professionalism.” l
BOUNTIFUL—Assistant coach takes over for retiring head coach.
By Catherine Garrett c.garrett@mycityjournals.com
Darby Freeland got to experience the legendary program that now-retired coach Butch Latey built at Bountiful during the 2024 season as an assistant coach. Now, she takes over the squad with the retirement of Latey after more than 50 years in the sport, including 20 with the Redhawks.
“Darby is an outstanding teacher and coach and we are thoroughly pleased to have her at Bountiful High School,” said BHS Athletic Director Clark Stringfellow. “She will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to this program and has put together a top-notch assistant coaching staff that will help our girls softball program continue to be successful.”
“I was able to observe and see how the program was run last season. I’m excited to coach at Bountiful and build on the solid foundation that the softball program has in place,” Freeland said. “I have brought on four assistants that have a wealth of knowledge and experience with the game.”
Freeland grew up in Roy and played for the Royals during high school as well as on comp teams during the summers. In 2010, she began her coaching career at Copper Hills High School as an assistant softball coach, taking the Grizzlies to the 2012 and 2013 state title games – winning the championship in 2013. She also coached comp teams for three summers.
“I’ve wanted to coach since I was in junior high which led me to graduating from Utah State in physical education and becoming a teacher,” said Freeland. “It’s been a highlight to watch several players go on to college careers and many achieve Academic All-State recognition.”
Additionally, Freeland was the CHHS athletic director during seven of her 10 years there and also coached swimming, girls golf and tennis.
“My coaching philosophy and style is to be efficient and effective,” Freeland said. “I always want my athletes to give me their best every day, and they can expect the same from me. I want the girls in the Bountiful High softball program to leave here as a better athlete and person than when they entered.” l
New Bountiful High head softball coach Darby Freeland brings years of experience to the
Redhawks program. Photo courtesy Darby Freeland
Chief Johnsen speaks to the families of police officers.
Officer Anderson is sworn in as the new chief of police Photos by Jody Peeters
FAMILY PROTECTION
• Special Needs Trusts
• Guardianships
• Pre & Post-nuptial Agreements
• Adoptions
• Domestic Partner Trusts
• Name Changes
• Pet Trusts
• Asset Protection
PROBATE & ESTATES
• Letters Testamentary
• Formal & Informal Probate
• Intestate Succession (No Will)
• Small Estate A davits
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DISPUTE RESOLUTION
• Mediation
• Elder Care Disputes
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• Elder Exploitation & Abuse
• Estate & Trust Litigation
TRUSTS & WILLS
• Living & Family Trusts
• Simple & Complex Wills
• Trust Administration
• Irrevocable Trusts
• Assist Trustees, Executors & Heirs
• Trust Review Service
BUSINESS PROTECTION
• Corporations
• Partnerships
• Limited Liability Companies
• Non-pro t Organizations
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• Quiet Title Actions
ELDER LAW
• Powers of Attorney
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Robyn Rowe Walton Attorney at Law
Britten J. Hepworth Attorney at Law
Straight
Trouble
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Basketball teams hit the floor at Special Olympics Unified Sports event
BOUNTIFUL—Kids work together to break down barriers and foster inclusion.
By Becky Ginos becky.g@thecityjournals.com
Local basketball teams played against each other at Bountiful High School on Feb. 11 – but the games were a bit different. Athletes with and without intellectual disabilities took the floor not just for competition but friendship. The Special Olympics Unified Sports® event featured teams from across the Davis School District working together to break down barriers and foster inclusion.
“Belonging is an essential component to student success and Unified Sports is a powerful way to unite students through shared experiences,” said Jodi Lunt, director of Davis Education Foundation. “When people of all abilities play together, hearts and minds are opened and we build a generation grounded in respect and inclusion.”
“What’s really rewarding is the camaraderie among the peers with the students,” said Mariah Campbell, Davis High School assistant coach. “The SBOs love to be part of it and some are on the team.”
The activities are not only in unified sports but the kids get together too, she said. “The friendships are not just at school. It brings so much spirit. They’re so excited to come and watch and support the kids. It brings out so much joy in the students.”
“I’m a Unified Sports Ambassador leader,” said Davis High junior, Xander Doser who was waiting anxiously for his game. “I officially started this year. I like meeting everybody. I’m a people person.”
Doser said he doesn’t play a certain position on the team. “I go where I’m needed. I just do my thing. I’ve made a lot of friends.”
“This is absolutely the best part of my
job,” said Kim Johnson, Healthy Lifestyles supervisor in the Wellness Department. “I look forward to this day of unified sports. It’s stressful and hard work but it’s incredible to watch these students work together. The joy on their faces is unmatched.”
It’s amazing how the district has taken to it, she said. “They’ve worked with other schools and departments. It started with 1516 teams and today we have 23. All of the high schools are represented.”
It’s a great opportunity for students to learn about meaningful teaching and inclusion, said Johnson. “It gives kids a place to belong and participate and feel successful no matter their abilities. It’s changing the culture and their lives.”
Johnson said students are included and not just on the court. “They have developed outside friendships. They get invited to dances, etc. Those are things that are making a difference.”
The coaches are incredible, she said. “They take this on and they’re incredibly dedicated to the students. We get support from the district administration and all of the other departments. We’re really, really lucky to have all of the support we do.”
One of the district directors told Johnson about a student who had gotten into trouble and had to do some service. “He worked with a student who had a disability and loved it,” she said. “It was totally different than he expected.”
A boy at Bountiful High with disabilities didn’t want to come to school, Johnson said. “He tried unified basketball and had success. He became a celebrity at school. It changed school for him.”
To watch the games and see the selflessness is amazing, she said. “The kids hand them the ball and let them shoot a basket. They make it all about their success. They’re part of something bigger than wins and losses.”
TEDxBountiful set for March 22
The community is invited to attend TEDxBountiful, a local gathering with live TED-like talks and performances planned and coordinated independently, on a community basis, by an organizer who has been granted a license from the TEDx organization.
The event will be held March 22, at Mueller Park Jr. High, 955 E. 1800 South, Bountiful, at 6:30 p.m. TEDxBountiful features a variety of short talks by local speakers covering topics such as foster learning, inspiration and wonder with the goal to spark conversations. Talks will be filmed and later published by TEDx to be viewed on their platform.
The five speakers are:
• Logan Toone: Parenting 2.0: Raising
the First Generation of AI-Integrated Youth
• Julie Laub: Lean Think: Revolutionizing Education by Doing Less
• Kate Olsen: The Power of Interdisciplinary Action in Advocacy
• Ray Ward: Opioid Epidemic: How We Got Here and How We Can Stop Making it Worse
• Kara Toone: Sealing Off Entry Points to Homelessness Through Public Education
Music will be provided by Bridging Betty, a local bluegrass/folk band and several artists’ work will be on display. Refreshments catered by SIPs.
For more information and tickets visit TEDxBountiful.org. l
The Davis High Unified Sports team Woods Cross High Unified Sports team practice before their game. before their game. Photo by Becky Ginos
Our loving Father, PahPah, to some, Corky, Dad, Gerald to others and Friend to most everyone, passed peacefully on Feb. 7, 2025, in Bountiful, Utah. He is now reunited with his sweetheart of 65 years, Patricia.
Born Oct. 14, 1933, in Salt Lake City to Eric F. and Helen Holder Newman he lived his entire long life in SLC and Bountiful, Utah. Married Patricia Hoagland McClellan Aug. 13, 1951, later sealed in the LDS Temple. A proud graduate of West High School and numerous professional training programs.
Retired from Mountain Fuel Supply in 1991 after 36 years of dedicated work as a service technician and was recognized repeatedly for his work ethic, dedication, customer service and ability to work on complicated natural gas delivery systems. Upon retiring he and Patricia spent several years as Camp Hosts in the Uinta Mountains where they made many lifelong friends. However, the work he most enjoyed was as a crossing guard for West Bountiful City where he enjoyed sharing happiness with the schoolchildren and their families.
He had a profound love for the outdoors that he shared with his sweetheart, children, grandchildren, friends and just about
anyone he met that could hold a fishing pole. A true “Jack of all trades” guy, capable and fearless of taking on any project or challenge. A sports enthusiast, coaching little league baseball for several years in South Davis County.
He had a wonderful sense of humor, always ready with a good joke right to the end. Generous of his time, tireless and creative worker, friend to all.
Preceded in death by his parents Eric and Helen, love of his life Patricia and sisters Patti Jo and Bonnie.
Survived by his sisters Maureen Totland, Loretta Pausch, April Barker and his children; Christine (Paul), Marianne (Butch), Maureen (Mike), Patricia (Martin), Robert (Jacquelyn) and Ellen. He leaves a legacy of 18 grand 31 great grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren.
Services were held on Saturday, Feb. 22 in Bountiful, Utah.
Richard (Dick) Kenneth Mayfield
July 3, 1932 – Jan. 27, 2025
Richard (Dick) Kenneth Mayfield returned home on Jan. 27, 2025 less than a mile from his birthplace. He was born on July 9, 1932 on the kitchen table in a rock home in Farmington, Utah. He was married for time and all eternity to his childhood sweetheart, Gayle Wood on Nov. 7, 1951 in the Salt Lake Temple. After her death on Aug. 14, 2006, he met and married Mary Diane Benson on May 26, 2007.
Dick may best be remembered for having the finest garden in Farmington! He loved working in the dirt and everything he touched grew and produced amazing food. His garden has fed half of Farmington and the produce has been transported around the globe. There was no better day in Dick’s life than when he was rototilling, planting, or eating the fruits of his labor.
Dick loved his family and was always believing, loving, and accepting even when others could not. He had to be the person most willing to look past people’s faults and love them despite themselves. He was not judgmental and preferred to look upon each person’s heart and what they hoped to become. He believed they would be what they wanted to be. He, truly, was a man without guile.
He loved fishing, camping, hunting, in fact anything outdoors. Playing cards was anoth-
er hobby Dick enjoyed. You name the game and he could play it, but never for money – only for the fun of interacting with others or for helping them learn. Oh, and he always won, sometimes graciously!
He was survived by his wife, Mary Diane Mayfield, and four children, Debra (Steven) Bastian, Marsha (Franklin) Lovell, Ryan (Debi) Mayfield and Kevin Mayfield. Grandpa was blessed with 17 grandchildren and 67 great children.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth Owen and Maude Asyneth Duncan Mayfield, and his wife Gayle Wood Mayfield. Funeral services were held Friday, Feb. 7, 2025 in Farmington, UT.
We often talk about infamous warriors like Harriet Tubman, Susan B. Anthony, Amelia Earhart, and justice OG Ruth Bader Ginsburg, but so many women have left their mark on this world without acclaim, awards or national days.
President Trump’s executive order mandates a pause on federal events promoting diversity, including Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Pride Month and Holocaust Remembrance Day. But I’m not a federal employee and refuse to follow his directive. Happy Women’s History Month!
Throughout the ages, women are described as the gentler sex, the homemakers and the caretakers. And, yes, women are given those roles. But women are also fierce queens, savage muses, legendary goddesses and wild forces of nature.
We often talk about infamous warriors like Harriet Tubman, Susan B. Anthony and Supreme Court Justice (and original-gangster) Ruth Bader Ginsburg, but so many women have left their mark on this world without acclaim, awards or national days.
Women like Mrs. Strange who made storytime at the Murray Library a magical experience. Her rendition of “The Three Billy Goats Gruff” was an Oscar-worthy perfor-
Peri Kinder Life and Laughter
A Woman’s Work
mance. When the biggest billy goat knocked the mean, ugly troll off the bridge, we all cheered in triumph.
Or women like Frankie Whipple, my long-suffering, patient, eternally-frustrated piano teacher. She listened to my musical scales, arpeggios and recital pieces without visibly wincing. Usually. The only annoyance she displayed was when I didn’t do my music theory lesson for five years straight.
Mrs. Lambert taught my second grade class at Viewmont Elementary. Under her guidance, I went from reading to show off to reading for pleasure. She taught me poetry, art and a life-lesson about friendship. Plus, she wore hip,‘70s polyester pantsuits that looked amazing.
Grandma Brickey was a fearless powerhouse. She loved her grandkids without judgement and let us eat all her chocolate raisin cake. Widowed for decades, she had many boyfriends but refused to give up her independence. She was a dancing queen, a
vivacious flirt and a woman who lived life on her own terms.
When I was 12-years-old, a neighbor lady trusted me to watch her children all summer. Thanks to her, I quickly learned I was a terrible babysitter and should probably never have children.
Women like Ms. Pettis, my ninth-grade English teacher at Riverview Junior High, taught me that even when I thought my life was over, I was valuable to her. She showed up at my home every week to make sure I stayed on top of my assignments and she encouraged my writing. She is a hero.
My Aunt Judy created a safe place for 8-year-old me when I ran away from home because Mom was censoring the books I read. She didn’t think “Jaws” was an acceptable summer read for a third-grader but Aunt Judy let me stay the night until I calmed down. Then I read “Jaws” in secret.
Renee Smith was my dance instructor for eight years. She taught me tap, jazz and ballet, and encouraged me to try out for “The Nutcracker”. But because I wasn’t actually coordinated, I never landed a part. She always believed I would. At least she said she did.
Mom was an unrivaled teacher, encouraging me to read (except “Jaws”), write poetry, make music, dance, ride bikes, play basketball and try new things. It wasn’t her
fault I didn’t see her value until I became a mom.
My daughters, my granddaughters, my sisters, my nieces, my cousins, my aunts, my grandmothers, my friends, my colleagues, my teachers: all these women have made me what I am today. Yes, it’s their fault.
Even when the president (and Google) removes Women’s History Month from the calendar, women will do what we’ve always done: help other women to be powerful, to find their voice, to live their passion, to stand up for what’s right, to lead and to shine brighter than ever. Don’t mistake our gentle demeanor for passivity.
It’s natural to wonder whether you’re truly prepared for the future.
Many of us feel uncertain about our retirement savings, and part of that uncertainty can come from not being completely fluent in the key aspects of retirement planning.
Retirement uency isn’t about mapping out every last detail of how you’ll spend your time in retired life. It’s about understanding the fundamentals - like Social Security, health care, savings strategies - and how to leverage those in your retirement plans. So, how well do you understand these building blocks of a secure retirement?
What would you score yourself on a scale from 1-10 on the following?
✔ I have a written income plan that details which accounts to draw from and when. I know how assets and income are taxed when I receive, sell, or take withdrawals.
✔ I have a good understanding of the level of risk associated with my savings and investments. I’m con dent it aligns with my goals in retirement.
✔ I have a well-thought-out plan to reduce taxes every year during my retirement. I know my RMD’s are managed in a way that minimizes taxes.
✔ I have a plan to cover all of my medical needs - I understand all of my options when it comes to Medicare and I feel prepared for any potential healthcare costs.
✔ I am con dent my assets will be transferred according to my wishes when I am gone. My estate plan is structured to minimize the tax burden on my heirs, ensuring that they inherit as much of my assets as possible.
