ATHLETES UNITE WITH NONPROFITS TO HELP DISABLED COMMUNITY, HERRIMAN, BLUFFDALE MAYORS COMPETE IN WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL GAME
By Elisa Eames | e.eames@mycityjournals.com
Herriman’s Mayor Lorin Palmer and Bluffdale’s Mayor Natalie Hall went headto-head in a good-natured game of wheelchair basketball to raise money for a local nonprofit serving young special-needs athletes at the end of July. Summit Academy High School in Bluffdale hosted the festivities, and before tip-off, attendees shopped at various vendor booths outside the gym, enjoyed live music and entered a raffle.
The gym suddenly went dark to kick off the game while upbeat music blared through loudspeakers. Spotlights followed the players as they wheeled onto the court in style between two lines of cheerleaders, announced by the emcee amidst the cheering spectators.
“I loved that we were able to bring the two communities together that traditionally have a friendly rivalry for a good cause,” Palmer said.
Team Herriman was comprised of Palmer, City Councilman Teddy Hodges,who sported a jovial Santa costume, Herriman resident and Utah House District 48 candidate Doug Fiefia, local vendor Shelby Wilson, Herriman resident Max Brown and the reigning Miss Herriman, Scarlet Lankford.
Throughout the game, the energetic emcee provided regular comments and sound effects to accompany the action, and the crowd was treated to a performance from Forever Athletics, which offers programs for all abilities and ages.
An amazing cause
All proceeds went to Adaptive Arena in Bluffdale, a large, indoor gym inspired by a 9-year-old Phoenix boy named Jensen. Jensen has autism and is the nephew of Ashley, Andrea and Miranda, three sisters who created Adaptive Arena. They were impressed by the community surrounding Jensen’s adaptive baseball league.
“We originally set out to start something similar here and decided that in order to work with the ever-changing Utah weather, something indoors was needed,” CEO and Herriman resident Ashley Guymon said.
Along with the fun of playing, the three sisters aim to provide opportunities for athletes to learn the lessons that often accompany participation in sports. “[Jensen] makes great friends [playing baseball], and so do his parents. They are meeting people who live with many of the same Continued page 6
From left to right, Utah Rush team members Bridger Gailey, Michelle McConnell, David Killpack, Jackson Meier, Travis Carpenter, Riley Porter and Gavin Peterson played during the second quarter. (Elisa Eames/City Journals)
Herriman court nominated for state award
By Elisa Eames | e.eames@mycityjournals.com
Herriman
justice court personnel may be holding their heads a bit higher after being nominated for the Justice Court of the Year award by a staff member at the Utah Administrative Office of the Courts. Though the award went to Grand County, the nomination is an honor by itself and recognizes changes that the city has worked to enact over the past year.
The Office of the Courts has also recognized Herriman’s court clerks for their 100% compliance with clerk certification program requirements implemented in 2022.
“Needless to say, I’m incredibly proud of this distinction and of the conscientious and hard work of our clerks,” Herriman Mayor Lorin Palmer said. “Their continued effort makes our court remarkable.”
Herriman’s court employs the Hon. Lisa A. Garner as its judge, court administrator Monica Medina and clerks Lynda White and Ashlie DeVaughn. Though the on-the-bench duties of judges are more prominent, they also review documents and motions, approve minutes and orders and attend training events.
As the administrator, Medina manages all court functions. This includes scheduling, contracts and annual budgets. “Judicial assistants/clerks are the heart of the court,” she said. “They are the ones who greet court patrons, answer calls, assist during court sessions, and provide information…”
The court’s nomination was a direct result of staff efforts to improve resident experiences. For a significant period, Herriman lacked a permanent judge, which significantly affected how quickly cases were resolved. “There were also some outdated practices that were changed to operate like the other justice courts across the valley…,” Medina said.
Accommodating its steep population increase has presented Herriman with challenges that other cities in Salt Lake Valley don’t necessarily face. To assist the non-English-speaking community, the city court has incorporated calendars in Spanish, and a few months ago, began offering online court appointments.
The staff credits teamwork for their accomplishments. “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success,” White said. “Together, we can do what none of us could do alone.”
Recently, the court received an email from a thankful defendant praising Garner for her kindness, patience and understanding. “…Please forward my utmost gratitude to Judge Garner…. It is a scary experience for a regular person like me… Thank you so much for holding that safe space. As a resident of Utah, I am
extremely grateful to learn that we have such an amazing judge,” the email said.
The court has also worked to earn its 100% clerk compliance score, a distinction bestowed upon only 8 courts out of 107 in Utah. The clerk certification program provides training on day-to-day responsibilities, office protocol, municipal law, government management, bookkeeping and auditing.
Clerks must complete modules monthly and are encouraged to complete any previous modules released before their employment began. “This, however, is not mandatory,” Medina said. “But Herriman’s clerks have all gone back and completed all training issued by the AOC since 2022.”
For the court to achieve compliance, every clerk must complete modules on time each month—in addition to their everyday responsibilities. Many modules take no more than 30 minutes and require only a brief quiz to demonstrate mastery, but others absorb up to two hours and demand a lengthy test that can only
be passed with a score of 100%.
The majority of courts struggle to carve out time for each clerk to complete the training regularly.
“Working for the court is a balancing act,” Medina said. “We have to work together as a team to meet our internal standards and meet the requirements set by the city and the state while making it our highest priority to provide fair and efficient servic es to our community, the residents of Herriman.”
DeVaughn agreed that teamwork was critical. “We are not a team because we work together. We are a team because we respect, trust and care for each other,” she said.
Garner expressed her appreciation for the clerks. “I am very proud of our judicial assistants and their commitment to excellence in their job,” she said. “The goals they have achieved are impressive and to the credit of our court management and the support they receive from the city.” l
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From left to right, Councilmember Jared Henderson, Mayor Lorin Palmer, Judge Lisa A. Garner, clerk Lynda White, administrator Monica Medina, clerk Ashlie DeVaughn, Councilmember Steve Shields and Councilmember Sherrie Ohrn celebrate the court’s achievements. (Photo courtesy Herriman City)
Brand new kindergarten teacher Alexa Byrd has a twinkle in her eye when she talks about beginning her teaching career. The sparkle comes from her excitement, her enthusiastic personality and from her glittery prosthetic eye. Byrd lost her eye to cancer at age 15, and it was a teacher—who gave her a box of fun and colorful eye patches—who helped her appreciate her own uniqueness and improve her attitude about school.
“So now I wear sparkly fun eyes, and so I get to be that for other kids, and I get to teach them their differences are what makes them special,” Byrd said. “I’m so excited I get to start their love of learning, and it makes me so excited to help them at an early age realize how fun school can be and make them feel special and that they can do anything in their lives.”
Jordan School District administrators share Byrd’s enthusiasm for the new school year because, for the first time in 10 years, they are beginning the school year with nearly every single position filled.
“The headline for a long time—or the narrative people wanted to push out—was this big teacher shortage,” JSD Communications Director Sandy Riesgraf said. “That pendulum has swung way the other way, and we’re excited about it.”
This year, secondary teaching positions had an average of 22.8 applicants, elementary teaching positions had an average of 40.3 applicants and special education teaching positions had an average of 13.2 applicants. Majestic Elementary Arts Academy Principal Marianne Johansen had twice as many applicants for each position than previous years, with one position receiving 52 applications. Because there were so many qualified applicants, she had to use “high bar, robust filters” to whittle down the candidates.
“We just started looking at who was the best fit for the school in general, and we even went down to the students in the classes and said, ‘Who do we think has the skills that would best fit this group of kids?’” she said. “I’m really excited about the people that we hired. I think they’re the best fit for our school. I think we’re going to have a great year.”
Johansen said the high number of applicants for each job opening occurred because there has been less teacher turnover. Jordan District hired 400 new teachers this year, about 50 fewer than last year.
“I think the fact that people are staying is a testament to the successful supports that I think particularly Jordan provides for their teachers,” Johansen said.
Culture, wage, mental health resources and innovative use of technology and AI are some of the things that new teachers said drew them to Jordan District. Byrd,
By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com
who will be teaching at Columbia Elementary, appreciates the district’s culture of continual learning and support.
“I have an awesome principal, I have an awesome team, so I have nothing to worry about as long as I believe in myself, and I know there’s a support team behind me,” she said. “I just love the atmosphere and they want to be here to help me. They know it’s hard and they’re not throwing me out into the sharks.”
Mariah Tolman, a first year special education teacher at the new Juniper Elementary, said she was impressed by the support she received even before she was
hired.
“When I was deciding to take this job, they reached out because I was a brand new teacher at a brand new school in SpEd, and I was like, ‘I don’t know if I should do this,’” Tolman said. “And then I had so many people reach out with supports. They said, ‘We’re going to set you up with this and this and this, here’s the person you can contact for this, and you’re not alone, we’re going to come out and help you.’
And that was really one of the reasons why I was like, ‘Okay, I can do this.’”
New teachers are welcomed to Jordan District new teacher training Friday Aug. 9, with an enthusiastic greeting from high school cheerleaders, mascots, drumline percussionists, administrators and local may ors. (Doug Flagler/JSD)
Principal Marianne Johansen gives her new teachers special treatment— a crown, a sash and a ride into new teacher training on the school mascot. (Doug Flagler/JSD)
challenges—what a gift to find this community!” Guymon said.
“We met the owners of Adaptive Arena earlier in the summer and were very impressed with their mission and their vision.” Palmer said. “We wanted to be able to magnify our connections to help get the name out there and help shine a light on the amazing work they are doing.”
“I was grateful that a simple idea of supporting a business while playing a fun game of basketball would bring the community together to help raise awareness and funds for the adaptive community,” Hodges said. “It was such a fun event and we had a lot of support from all over.”
Inside their 3,000-square-foot facility, the organization focuses on inclusivity, teamwork, empowerment, community and education while welcoming athletes from second grade through high school. “It is so fun to get to know them and their families throughout the season. They share some of their victories and heartbreaks with us,” Guymon said. “It is an absolute honor to know them and do what we can to support them.”
Adaptive Arena is a Bridge Athlete Program, meaning anyone can play whether they have a disability or not. “These kids can be on the same team as their friends, neighbors, siblings and other relatives,” Guymon said.
As much as possible, the staff creates conditions enabling disabled players to compete fairly. “For example, when we play wheelchair basketball, everyone uses one of our sports wheelchairs,” Guymon said. “I love the compassion and understanding that these kids build with each other.”
The programs at Adaptive Arena are currently offered free of charge. “We rely on donations and sponsorships, and now that we are an official nonprofit, we can begin applying for grants…” Guymon said. “We are always raising funding so that we can hopefully continue to offer them for free. Families that have loved ones with disabilities have so many extra expenses that the rest of us wouldn’t even think of.”
Marvelous Max
Without a doubt, the most popular player on the city’s team was Herriman athlete Max Brown, who was born with cerebral palsy because he did not have enough oxygen at birth. Though Brown had never played basketball, he received a special invitation from Palmer to join the Herriman team, quickly becoming a favorite with the cheering crowd and the other players.
“He has a pretty big personality and is extremely social, so he was pretty well known in high school (Mountain Ridge),” his mother, Maryann Brown, said. “It’s hard not to notice Max.” In fact, Max Brown was so popular in high school that he was selected to speak at the graduation ceremony.
“Max is such a dreamer, so the hardest part about being handicapped for him is that it limits his ability to do a lot of the things on his wish list…” Maryann Brown said. Like so many others, Max makes the most of what he has and regularly works to expand his experiences. He enjoys playing baseball, working with charities and fundraisers and helping the community.
“It is my pleasure to help other people. A lot of people have helped me, so I like to return the
age 15 when a friend accidentally shot him.
The Wheelin’ Jazz has been ranked in the top ten within the championship league for 30 years, nearly since the team’s inception.
In 2010, paralympic athlete Jeff Griffin took the reins for the team. Like Schlappi, Griffin wasn’t born disabled. He was a collegiate football player sought by Lavell Edwards to play for BYU but ultimately attended BYU Idaho.
While working as a painter between football seasons, Griffin fell 40 feet, shattering his back and his career.
Though he and his teammates didn’t medal in Athens in 2004, Griffin took silver at the World Cup in Amsterdam in 2006.
Anyone willing to work hard is welcome to join the Wheelin’ Jazz, though not all players travel to out-of-town games. “We create space where anyone and everyone is able,” Griffin said. “Adaptive Arena is such a crucial piece to this program. There are kids who are intellectually or physically disabled and [Adaptive Arena] allows for the gap to be bridged.”
Wheelin’ Jazz players are volunteers, so the team conducts fundraisers to help cover fees. “We’ve created a relationship with the Jazz organization. They help a bit with our logo and marketing and equipment,” Griffin said.
favor,” Max Brown said excitedly. “Like Ellen Degeneres has said, compassion is what makes the world a better place. So let’s do this. Let’s have compassion!”
Though he makes her smile every day, Maryann Brown sometimes struggles with feelings of isolation. “It is so hard for anyone without a special needs child to understand how different our lives are and how the most mundane tasks for them can be tiresome for us,” she said. “Having said that, having Max in our lives has been the most amazing blessing, and he has taught us so much.”
Jazzy Jeff
The Herriman team was supplemented with other disabled and nondisabled athletes, including players from the professional wheelchair basketball team, the Wheelin’ Jazz. Founded in 1990 by Mike Schlappi, the Wheelin’ Jazz became an outlet for him after he lost mobility at
He hopes that when the Paralympics come to Salt Lake City in 2034, his team will have a dedicated building for the international athletes who share his struggles.
When he’s not coaching or running the team, Griffin makes his living as a motivational speaker. What he enjoys most about coaching is the sense of belonging. “The team provides a community. When people need wheelchairs or things for their car or medical equipment or someone to relate to, it’s there. It’s available,” he said.
Unstoppable Amy
Wheelin’ Jazz player Amy Chapman has participated in wheelchair basketball since she was 12. She was born with fibular hemimelia, a rare congenital condition that results when an infant is born without all or part of the fibula bone in the lower leg. Chapman was born without either of her fibulas and did not have most of her foot or ankle bones.
Amy Chapman of the Wheelin’ Jazz has played basketball since she was 12. (Elisa Eames/City Journals)
Mayors Palmer and Hall played a friendly game of wheelchair basketball to benefit nonprofit Adaptive Arena. (Elisa Eames/City Journals) Shelby Wilson’s family enthusiastically supported Team Herriman. (Photo courtesy Alyssa Davis)
Max Brown was supported at the game by his mother and little brother. (Elisa Eames/City Journals)
Jeff Griffin won a silver medal at the 2006 Paralympic World Championships in Amsterdam. (Elisa Eames/City Journals)
“At a year old, I had an amputation surgery in order to help my limbs fit prostheses better and allow greater mobility,” she said. “I got my first pair of prosthetics at 15 to 16 months and have never really looked back.”
Passionate about paralympic sports since she was a child, Chapman has also competed in swimming. “I love that you can put anyone in a basketball chair and share this sport…,” she said. “Wheelchair basketball is a very strategic sport and one you have to constantly be learning about.” She is also a high school special education teacher and swim coach.
Though she doesn’t allow her disability to slow her down, she admits that sometimes, trying to do things that most people take for granted is frustrating. “Having to adapt and figure out a way to do things that are not compatible with being a double amputee is something I have had to do my whole life,” she said.
The incredible Mr. Jackson
One of the youngest players at the July 31 game, Jackson Meier is a senior in high school who has played with competitive wheelchair basketball team Utah Rush for two years. Players from Utah Rush took over for a quarter while Team Herriman took a breather. The organization welcomes girls and boys ages 12 to 18 with lower limb disabilities.
In utero, Jackson had amniotic band syndrome, where the developing fetus becomes entangled in strips of amniotic sac that have separated. Jackson’s leg was pinched and unable to develop. “I am a congenital amputee, which means I was born without my leg,” he said matter-of-factly. “I have been like this my whole life.”
Continuing to defy expectations, Jackson has never known anything different. “My favorite thing about playing for the team is that I get to compete like any other high school athlete…, and I’ve always loved basketball…,” he said enthusiastically.
Fantastic Felix
During the second quarter, several local mascots in association with nonprofit Mascot Miracles Foundation arrived, including Willy the Wolverine from UVU, Bumble from the Salt
Lake Bees, and Felix the Falcon from the Utah Falconz, Utah’s professional two-time national champion women’s football team. Providing meaningful entertainment and support for critically ill or disabled children, Mascot Miracles also brought two of their own original characters, Talon the Eagle and KC Coyote.
Mascot Miracles president Rich Ellis also participated in the fun while overseeing the mascots, who joined the game, showboating and interacting with the players and crowd. At halftime, the mascots even participated in an acrobatic dance-off with Summit High Cheerleaders to Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off.”
Like most superheroes, Felix the Falcon has a secret identity. In 2013, he knew he wanted to create a mascot-based nonprofit serving children, but before his organization even got on its feet, he was contacted by a single mother needing help with her daughter’s eighth birthday party. Bald and missing a leg, little Macie was battling bone cancer, and her mother, Mindy, didn’t have money for a party.
Felix accepted the challenge. His mascot friends—Willy, Bumble, Swoop the Red-Tailed Hawk from the U of U, Jazz Bear and Lil Bear from the Utah Jazz, Grisby the Bear from the Utah Grizzlies and Mascot Miracles’ own Kodiak the Wolf—all lent a hand.
“Macie was our first hero,” Felix said. “The mascots absolutely fell in love with this young girl.”
Complete with a visit from Princess Belle (and a matching dress and wig for the birthday girl), a rose from each mascot, a life-sized functioning Cinderella carriage, an appearance by the mayor and a parade, Macie’s birthday party was one for the ages. She dubbed the mascots “the zoo,” a name still used today.
But it wasn’t long until Mindy frantically contacted Felix, asking him to come to the hospital—Macie was dying. Felix was devastated. “Her mom told me that all she was talking about were the mascots and the zoo,” he said. Without his costume, Felix stood by Macie’s side as she passed away, and he and the rest of the zoo were pallbearers at her funeral.
Emotionally broken, Felix decided to stop
progress on the foundation. “I thought, I can’t do this. We’re not even an official foundation yet, and I buried a kid,” he said, his voice breaking. A few days after his decision, he received a phone call. “How dare you?” the indignant woman on the other end cried. An acquaintance proceeded to berate him for abandoning something so “magical.”
“She said, ‘You think any parent plans on burying their kid?’” Felix said through tears. “She said, ‘The reason you were a pallbearer is because of the impact you had. Macie won’t be the last kid you bury, but this is above you. This is bigger than you.’”
Yet, alongside the heartbreak, Felix has also seen miracles. Some time ago, he sat down at an event in costume to meet a 7-year-old girl who stood a few feet in front of him, physically supported by her mother.
The girl began taking steps toward Felix’s outstretched arms and then threw her own little arms around him—while her mother burst into tears. The mascot was confused, until her mother said through sobs, “My daughter has never walked. She’s been in physical therapy for five years! You just made my little girl walk!” Uniting as warriors
At the end of a heartfelt, heartwarming and entertaining evening, Herriman was declared the victor with ticket sales and contributions from both sides totaling over $6,000. “We appreciated seeing so many people from the community come out to support and [are grateful] for all the donors and sponsors that helped make this first year a huge success!” Palmer said.
In defiance of their disabilities, players demonstrated superior skill, sportsmanship and determination.
“We are already making plans for next year to make this event bigger and better and hope to find ways to involve even more people,” Palmer said.
“We are excited for what this next year will bring,” Hodges added.
Shaking his head with a grin, Ellis said, “It’s been an honor to serve the community. It is amazing to see people who are told, ‘You can’t do this,’ and they say, ‘Wanna bet?’” l
Willy shows off during halftime. (Elisa Eames/City Journals)
Max Brown meets Willy the Wolverine. (Elisa Eames/City Journals)
From left to right, Max Brown, Mayor Palmer, Councilman Hodges, Shelby Wilson, Doug Fiefa and Scarlet Lankford were Team Herriman. (Elisa Eames/City Journals)
Mascot Miracle Angel Macie and her mother welcomed “the zoo” to celebrate Macie’s eighth birthday. (Photo courtesy Mascot Miracle Foundation)
Recognizing Signs and Symptoms of Stroke from Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley Stroke Team
By Dr. Rebecca Reiser
We know how important it is for patients and their families to find a hospital and a care team that you can trust - especially when emergencies, like stroke, happen. That’s why our team at CommonSpirit Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley is so incredibly proud to be a certified primary stroke center with thrombectomy capability. Recently, our stroke care team was recognized by the American Heart Association and received their Get with the Guidelines Gold Plus Award with Stroke Honor Roll and Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll.
This award means our facility met or exceeded the national recommendations for stroke care for our patients and it highlights our hard-working, talented stroke care team for providing excellent patient stroke care!
To start, we work closely with our EMS partners to help them recognize patient stroke symptoms while they are out in the field. They are trained to let us know when they are on their way to our hospital so we can be ready for stroke patients before they even arrive. Our team is then able to evaluate each patient quickly and thoroughly to determine the best course of treatment. We have medications to help break up blood clots in the brain and a team of highly
trained vascular neurosurgeons who can remove a blood clot from the brain, also known as a thrombectomy. An important note - Holy Cross Hospital - Jordan Valley is the only hospital on the west side of the valley that has the capability of performing these state-of-the-art thrombectomies!
So, what are the signs and symptoms of stroke that you should be aware of? The easiest way to remember what to look out for is through the acronym, BEFAST:
● Balance changes
● Eye or vision changes
● Facial droop
● Arm weakness
● Speech difficulty
● Time
reduces disability among stroke survivors by 4%! That’s because about 2 million brain cells die every minute during a stroke until blood flow is restored. It is important that if you see someone showing the signs or symptoms of stroke outlined above, call for help immediately.
When you or your loved ones come to Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley for stroke care, you can expect state-of-theart stroke treatment and compassionate, healing care fueled by humankindness. From the teams in the ER to the stroke care teams to the physical, occupational and speech therapists that help care for patients throughout their rehab journey, and to the neurologists that assist in care decisions from the start, you are in good hands at Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley!
At CommonSpirit Health, we make the healing presence of God known in our world by improving the health of the people we serve, especially those who are vulnerable, while we advance social justice for all.
It is important to recognize the above signs and symptoms because time matters! Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, but it is the leading cause of long-term disability. Studies show that every 15 minutes saved when a patient is experiencing stroke symptoms,
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Learn more about the services, care providers and mission-driven work of the Holy Cross hospitals and CommonSpirit Health at www.holycrossutah.org.
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Hold, secure, lockdown, evacuate, shelter: New emergency response terms parents should know
By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com
There will be less unnecessary fear and confusion now that Utah schools, law enforcement, news media and emergency response agencies have adopted a standardized emergency response protocol with clear terminology, Jordan School District Communications Director Sandy Riesgraf said.
“The problem in the past was we would say LockOut and the parents would think it was LockDown and they would think there was an intruder in the building—they were too similar,” she said.
The standardized protocols, which were prescribed in Utah’s 2023 legislative session, ensure everyone will be using the same terminology and responses.
“Everybody in the state is using it, every school district is using it, so it doesn’t matter which law-enforcement agency it is, they know where to go, and what we’re going to say,” Jordan School District School Safety Coordinator Matt Alvernaz said.
The five emergency responses are: hold, secure, lockdown, evacuate and shelter. They provide a response to any incident that could interrupt the school day such as medical emergencies, intruders, wild animals, extreme weather, and dangers inside or outside the
school building.
Hold
Response: Stay where you are and clear the halls.
What it looks like: Classes continue as normal but ignore any bells.
Reason: Hazard in the hall, student has a medical emergency and needs to be wheeled out on a gurney, a squirrel is loose in the hallway.
Secure
Response: Get in and stay inside the building. Lock outside doors and secure the area.
What it looks like: Classes continue as normal.
Reason: Police activity nearby, cougar spotted in the area, dangerous person outside of the building.
Lockdown
Response: Locks, lights, out of sight.
What it looks like: Classroom doors are locked, lights are turned off, teachers and students stay hidden and quiet. Parents should not try to contact students because cellphone noises could give away their position to an intruder.
Reason: There is an intruder inside the building.
Evacuate
Response: Everyone is directed to leave the building.
What it looks like: Students will leave belongings behind if instructed to do so but may be able to bring their cellphones, if possible.
Reason: There is a fire in the building, the ceiling caves in, mysterious fumes are coming from the chemistry room.
Shelter
Response: Specific safety strategy instructions will be given.
What it looks like: Depends on the nature of the hazard.
Reason: Natural disaster, severe weather or other outside hazard.
The new procedures were introduced at the end of last school year. Teachers and administrators receive regular training in coordination with local police departments and each school has a school safety specialist. Students practice the five responses as part of monthly school safety drills.
Alvernaz said holding regular training and drills ensures everyone understands what to do and why.
Parents will be notified and given instructions through the district’s ParentSquare app if their child’s school implements any of the emergency responses.
“We’ve produced videos that actually describe and show what each action means,” Riesgraf said. “So if you get an alert as a parent that your school has been placed on Hold, at the very bottom there will be a link to a video, so that if you still don’t know exactly what it is, you just click on that video and it’ll show you exactly what it is.”
More information about the standard response protocols, including the informative videos, can be found on the Jordan District’s student safety webpage at schoolsafety.jordandistrict.org. l
“We’re trying to normalize all of these drills,” he said. “It’s like a fire drill—Kids from all generations just go, ‘Okay, that’s a fire drill.’ And so we want to come to a point where if we drill a lockdown, it’s normal, it’s not a panic, it’s not a unique thing anymore. We drill a secure, a hold—whatever drill it might be, it just becomes a part of safety, and it’s ingrained in their minds, so that way, it becomes standard and easier to execute.”
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JThe cellphone problem
By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com
ordan Education Association President Janet Sanders said teachers cannot continue to compete with cellphones for students’ attention.
“It doesn’t matter how engaging your lesson is, it doesn’t matter what you’re doing that day—you could be doing the most exciting thing there could be— but with that phone, the dopamine hit is there, it’s just so hard to resist,” she said.
The Jordan District Board of Education has been working for months on solutions to the cellphone problem in schools. In January, they authorized Lighthouse Research to conduct surveys and focus groups to gather feedback about the cellphone problem. Results showed 87% of parents, 70% of students and 91% of faculty agree cellphones should be restricted during class time.
Parents are concerned about the negative impact of cellphones on children’s development. Teachers are concerned about distractions from learning.
One educator said, “I feel like so much teaching time is lost because a student will zone out on a phone and then expect me to reteach what they missed.”
Board members have spent months exploring ideas, researching tools, speaking with constituents and searching their souls for solutions, but opinions still vary widely about the best approach. As other districts introduce cellphone restrictions, JSD teachers and parents are demanding direction from the board.
In August, the Board committed to write a new district cellphone policy, to replace the current vague and ineffective policy, to prevent distractions in the classroom and to reduce the burden on teachers and administrators who currently are left to develop and enforce solutions on their own.
The board is in agreement that there should be no cellphones during class time in middle and high schools, and no phones all day in elementary schools. These changes could go into effect as soon as this month. There are still mixed opinions among board and community members for a bell-to-bell ban for all schools. Some concerns include overreaching the board’s role, overriding parent choice and overburdening teachers.
Without a district-wide cellphone policy, teachers are on their own to deal with cellphones in the classroom, such as asking students to place their phones in plastic holders at the door. (Andrea Hinojosa/CHHS)
are implementing their own solutions.
Mountain Ridge High School announced at the beginning of the school year that no cellphones are allowed in class for both students and teachers. Some middle schools have been able to successfully enforce this type of ban for the past few years. In most schools, teachers are left to create their own classroom systems, such as verbal warnings and consequences, visual reminders of when cellphones can and can’t be used or requiring students to place the phones in plastic pockets or secure lockers when entering the classroom.
Sanders, who teaches at Mountain Ridge High School, said the high school’s new cellphone ban has been successful so far because it is school-wide, consistently reinforced and effective.
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Meanwhile, a bill is being drafted for the next Utah legislative session to call for a statewide cellphone ban in schools, which would include funding for the tools needed to implement such a policy. Jordan’s board has decided not to wait, but to use their own funds to explore solutions such as secure phone lockers and magnetically locking pouches. Schools willing to pilot one of the various procedures, tools, or consequences the board is considering will have board funding.
Until the board announces a new cellphone policy, administrators and teachers
“In my class, it’s magical,” she said. “I’ve been in the classroom for many years and I will tell you that since the advent of cellphones, I’ve never seen anything like it. I consider myself to be a good teacher, to be dynamic, to do lots of activities, to make it as engaging as I can, but there’s always going to be that one or two kids determined to be on their phone. Guess what? They’re participating. It’s amazing. You look around the room. They’re talking to each other. They’re working together. They’re actually doing the activity.” l
Local jazz band brings musical connection to Herriman
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Boasting 15 talented musicians of all ages and musical backgrounds, the Herriman Jazz Project celebrates a genre of music with its rich history, complex rhythms and improvisational nature. Founded in 2022, the band incorporates swing, funk, Latin and big band music styles to entertain the community.
“I’ve always wanted to see a jazz band in Herriman and I knew there had been some interest from other musicians,” Lori Green said, Friends of Herriman music chair. “It was meant to provide musicians a chance to play, a place for musicians in the community to practice and participate and have fun.”
From the wail of a saxophone to the interplay between bass and piano, jazz music has an origin deeply rooted in history with African traditions, Creole culture and Caribbean influence. Jazz legends like Miles Davis and Ella Fitzgerald helped the genre evolve and garner more fans.
The Herriman Jazz Project often performs at Herriman City events, creating a backdrop of fun, syncopated rhythms that the community enjoys. The group receives some funding from the city to perform at the farmers market and Night of Lights, as well as at the J. Lynn Crane Park bandstand.
Melissa Rankin is the band’s director, leading musicians that range in age from eighth grade to retirement. The jazz group brings together people who love playing and performing jazz music.
“Performing music isn’t just for the top 1%,” Rankin said. “Community music has been a vital part of world cultures throughout history. We all have an innate need to create, share and feel. Many people have dormant talent and experiences that can still bring joy to
their lives and the lives of others. That’s what the Herriman Jazz Project represents to me.”
Green said musicians are drawn to jazz music because it’s so much fun to play. Compared to a strict orchestra or concert band, it’s a laid-back environment, and the tunes they perform are fast and catchy. Its repertoire includes classics from early 1900s jazz, plus ballads and rock. The group has performed songs from The Jackson Five, Chicago, Disney and more.
The Herriman Jazz Project holds auditions to keep the band with the right balance of saxophone, trumpet, bass and drum players. Interested musicians can contact Green for audition information at lori@friendsofherriman.org. Rehearsals are held on Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. at Herriman City Hall (5355 W. Main Street).
“Community bands are important because you learn all these talents growing up and then there’s nothing to do with them,” Green said. “We give people a chance to play, a chance to get out and give people a chance for stress relief. We have moms that this is their only chance to get away and have social interaction with adults.”
The majority of musicians in the group come from Herriman, but people also come from surrounding cities. Brought together for their love of jazz, the group is determined to make music that brings a smile to people’s faces and fosters a sense of unity and belonging.
“I think there’s a lot of negative in the woarld and this gives a chance for people to bring positive to the world,” Green said. “We sometimes spend more time laughing with one another than we do rehearsing, and that’s good for people’s mental health as well.” l
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Members of the Herriman Jazz Project gather to learn and perform music, to build community bonds and celebrate jazz. (Photo courtesy Herriman Jazz Project)
Unique purpose
Jordan School District’s newest school is its most unique school. Juniper Elementary, which opened last month in Herriman, is a fourth through sixth grade school. It is the first school of its kind in Jordan District, built to relieve the overcrowding at Ridge View Elementary, which had 1,170 students and 16 portable classrooms last year.
Unique design
Students, parents and teachers are excited for the school’s large parking lot, reduced drop-off traffic and modern design.
“It’s a brand new school so there’s a lot of new features and new rooms— it’s new, so there’s cooler stuff,” new Juniper student Kaylin Baker said.
The school’s design is different from any other Jordan District school layout because it was designed to be easily transitioned to a secondary school or office spaces, if needed. It has two floors, wide halls, glass walls, and lots of natural light. Students say it feels bigger, quieter, lighter and cleaner.
“With all the glass, it doesn’t feel like we’re closed in with walls like at Ridge View,” sixth-grader Eli Gehrke said. “It feels more open.”
10 ways Juniper Elementary is unique
By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com
Unique classes
With 530 students, Juniper Elementary is not at full capacity. With more space comes more opportunities. Students have nearly twice as many enrichment rotation classes as they did at Ridge View, with P.E., music, two art curriculums, and two STEM curriculums, each with their own dedicated classroom.
“I like that we have rotations every day instead of once a week,” sixth-grader Lily Bachelor said.
Unique tech
The brand-new school is the first school in Jordan District to provide iPads to each student instead of Chromebooks.
“There’s some fun things I feel like we can do with art and science, technology, engineering, mathematics, part of it through the iPad, so we’re hoping to find some new and fun ways to learn through that technology,” Principal Kaleb Yates said.
Unique leadership
Because of their older ages, students are being given more leadership opportunities and school duties. Fourth graders are taking on the responsibility of being lunch workers, fifth graders are serving on Safety Patrol, and sixth graders are running the student council.
“It’s just a fun age group and they can take on a little more responsibility,” Yates said.
Special Education teacher Mariah Tolman, who previously taught in a sixthgrade classroom at a traditional elementary school, said Juniper students are missing out on opportunities to provide examples of leadership for younger students, but that sometimes that lack of influence is a good thing.
“From first to sixth grade, there’s such a big difference, and sometimes some of the things those sixth-graders do or say around first graders is not great,” she said.
Unique family situations
Dividing the elementary school-aged students into two different schools has affected many families. Callie Cazier’s first-grader and fourth-grader will never attend the same school together.
“This was going to be our time that they got to be together,” she said. “But
that’s okay, we’ll try and make the best of it.”
Sixth-grader Taft Smith thinks the separation will be good for his younger brother.
“It can help my brother so that he knows he can do stuff without me,” he said.
Unique transportation
Siblings and friends still see each other on the bus. Juniper Elementary students take the same bus they took last year, which drops-off and picks-up at both schools. Many students who previously walked to school take the bus from Ridge View to Juniper (just a half mile away) to avoid having to cross a busy road.
Unique collaboration
While Ridge View and Juniper operate as separate schools, they will collaborate as necessary.
“The goal is to work as closely as we can with Ridge View, because we share the same boundary, and it’s the same families,” Yates said. “Instead of having families do multiple fundraisers and multiple carnivals, so that we’re not taking up double the time for families, we’re going to try to work together on those things.”
The traditional Back-to-School Carnival is the first of the combined events, scheduled for Sept. 30.
Unique Culture
Sixth-graders on the student council are excited to start school traditions and develop a good school culture. They created a mission statement and vision statement outlining their goals for Juniper Elementary to be a fun and welcoming safe place. Council member Allie Thackeray said things are off to a good start.
“Since it’s more of a new school, people are very nice now and everyone is just very kind— I haven’t seen any excluding or bullying,” she said during the first week of school.
Yates said his staff also already has a good culture, since the majority of the teachers at Juniper came from Ridge View, where they were already working together. Unique first day
The differences between a traditional K-sixth elementary school and a fourthsixth grade school were apparent from the first day.
“Typically on the first day of school, you have students that are crying or upset—we didn’t have any of those emergencies going on—and we didn’t give out any ice packs at recess, so that’s unique,” Yates said. “There’s definitely a different feel, a different tone, with having the older students, because this isn’t their first rodeo.” l
Juniper Elementary is Jordan School District’s newest school. (Photo courtesy Kaleb Yates)
Transforming justice: Salt Lake County to vote on $507 million Safety Bond this November
By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
In a significant move toward addressing the multifaceted challenges of homelessness, mental health and criminal justice in Salt Lake County, the County Council, in August, voted 8-1 to place a $507 million Public Safety Bond on the ballot this November. This decision, which comes as a part of Mayor Jenny Wilson’s comprehensive Human Services, Homelessness, and Criminal Justice Reform Action Plan, marks a pivotal moment in the county’s ongoing efforts to modernize its public safety infrastructure and provide more effective support for vulnerable populations. A Vision for Justice and Accountability
At the heart of the Public Safety Bond is the proposed construction of a Justice and Accountability Center. This facility aims to transform how Salt Lake County deals with low-level offenders. According to Wilson, the center will “serve people who have frequent low-level interactions with the criminal justice system and lack housing options,” providing access to outpatient treatment, job training, and permanent housing opportunities.
The Justice and Accountability Center is designed to be more than just an alternative to jail. It represents a shift in the county’s approach to criminal justice, one that recognizes the underlying issues—such as mental health and substance use disor-
ders—that often drive individuals into repeated encounters with the law. “The goal of the center,” Wilson said, “is to hold people accountable while reducing repeat offenses by increasing access to services and support.”
By focusing on accountability and support, the center aims to break the cycle of recidivism that has plagued the county for years. The center will offer a structured environment where individuals can receive the help they need to get their lives back on track, making criminal behavior less likely to recur.
Consolidating and Modernizing County Jails
Another significant component of the Public Safety Bond is the consolidation of Salt Lake County’s two jails. Under this plan, the Oxbow Jail will be closed, and the Adult Detention Center/Metro facility will be expanded. This consolidation is not just about increasing capacity—although that is certainly a factor, as the county’s jail capacity has not been increased since 2001. It is also about modernizing the facilities to meet better the needs of inmates, particularly those with mental health issues.
In addition to the expansion, the bond will fund the construction of a transitional unit designed to help inmates prepare for reentry into the community. This reentry
unit will provide a dedicated space where individuals nearing the end of their sentences can work with caseworkers to identify their needs and the resources required to reenter society successfully.
A Collaborative Approach
Developing the Human Services, Homelessness, and Criminal Justice Reform Action Plan—and, by extension, the Public Safety Bond—has been a collaborative effort involving county officials, state leaders and nonprofit providers. The plan’s goal is ambitious: to make homelessness in Salt Lake County brief, rare, and non-recurring. The county’s systems—criminal justice, behavioral health treatment, workforce development and housing—must work together seamlessly to achieve this.
According to the Salt Lake County Mayor statement website, “For the first time ever, Salt Lake County has a comprehensive five-year action plan to tackle homelessness, behavioral health challenges and criminal justice reform. This plan, developed in collaboration with experts and community stakeholders, creates an integrated approach to these critical issues.”
Cost and Impact on Taxpayers If approved by voters, the proposed bond would cost the average Salt Lake County household $58.94 per year or just under $5 per month. The cost would be $107.16 annually or under $9 monthly for businesses. Despite the substantial total amount of the bond, the cost to individual taxpayers is relatively modest—a point that county officials hope will encourage voter support.
The bond will cover the construction of the Justice and Accountability Center and the jail consolidation, the demolition of the Oxbow facility, and various maintenance and improvement projects for the county’s existing jail infrastructure. The total cost of these projects is estimated at $627 million, with the bond accounting for $507 million of that total. The remaining $120 million will be covered through the sale of the Oxbow property and county setasides.
Voters can find more information regarding Salt Lake County’s Human Services, Homelessness, and Criminal Justice Action Plan online at: www.saltlakecounty.gov/mayor/plan. l
Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson speaks at the opening of the Youth Services transitional living building. (Photo courtesy of Jenny Wilson)
Herriman cross country has sights set high in 2024
By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com
Asthe 2024 high school cross country season gets underway, Herriman is one of the top teams—not just in the state but in the nation.
Both the boys and girls teams look strong, with the boys ranked No. 1 in the nation in preseason polls. The girls are also on the verge of securing a top-25 national ranking. So, it’s an understatement to say that expectations are through the roof this season for both squads.
“We will be very good on both sides for our varsity teams,” head coach Doug Soles said. “We expect to compete at a high level. Our goal this season for the boys is to repeat as national champions! Our girls’ goal is to finish top three at state.”
The Mustangs were second in the 6A state meet on the boys’ side a year ago, placing right behind American Fork. But Herriman won first place at the national level behind a deep group of distance runners. The girls were fifth last season in 6A.
Soles said avoiding injuries is critical to the success for both the boys and girls teams. Also, cross country is a sport that demands mental toughness.
“The key to a successful season in cross country is keeping them healthy and focused for the important meets at the end of the season,” Soles said. “Our boys are pretty deep, but our girls will have to remain healthy to keep us in the top ranks.”
Herriman has the luxury of boasting up to eight boys that can run at the front of the pack most of the time, something Soles said is not an easy feat. Meanwhile, though the girls team doesn’t have as many high-placing finishes as the boys, Soles is excited about his top performers on the girls’ side.
“Most teams are lucky to have one guy that can run in the front of most races, so we will be very strong with top-end talent,” he said. “The girls team isn’t deep, but we have five to six strong girls and will pack run really well, having many of our varsity girls finish close together.”
The Mustangs have seven senior boys leading the team as captains: Tayshaun Ogomo, Noah Manwaring, Cooper Tripp, Jonah Tang, Micah Tang, Parker Monsivais and McKay Steadman. Ogomo was fifth at the state meet last season, while Jonah Tang was sixth and Micha Tang 12th. Herriman’s captains are examples by their performance, hard work, commitment and attitude. They are also examples to the other athletes on the team away from competition.
“We have amazing leadership, and it will really help with keeping our athletes focused and dialed in this season,” Soles said. “[Ogomo], Jonah [Tang], and Micah [Tang] all return from last year’s NXN national championship team.”
Captains for the girls team are seniors Maci Woolf, Claire Hoenes, Zanna Bruening and Stella Smuin as well as juniors Breelyssa Leeper, Lindsey Gerhart and Sadie Henderson.
Because the girls team is smaller in numbers and in experienced runners, younger athletes need to be ready to step up in case of injuries, Soles said. For the boys, Soles is hoping there will be strong team chemistry and camaraderie.
“The boys team is so good; it always comes down to managing time and race entries for the top end guys,” he said. “We need to keep everyone happy and feeling a part of the success.”
The 2024 season started off well for the Mustangs. The first invitational was Aug. 10, with the boys winning with a score of 18 points (a perfect score in cross country is 15). Six of the top seven runners were from Herriman, with Ogomo topping everyone with a time of 14:54.3 in the 2.95-mile course. The girls performed well, scoring 21 points at the meet. The boys also ran the course a minute faster than it had the previous year. The girls showed significant improvement, finishing the invitational race two minutes faster than it had in 2023. The top three runners were Mustangs, with Woolf leading everyone with a time of 18:27.8. Five Herriman runners on the girls’ side finished the race in the top eight. Soles was happy to see the girls’ progress, noting that it is a “good sign” for what will be in store the rest of the season for the group.
Soles is grateful to coach a highly ranked team filled with skilled, dedicated athletes. Beyond their abilities as cross country runners, the Herriman athletes are high-caliber young men and young women. It makes his job so much easier knowing he has athletes he can trust to do their best in and away from the sport.
“This has been a great group of athletes to coach,” he said. “They are starting to really understand the sacrifices it takes to get to the elite level. They are all super nice kids.”
Herriman will continue to participate in invitationals throughout the season. The Mustangs will compete against fellow Region 2 squads Mountain Ridge, Bingham, Riverton, Copper Hills and Corner Canyon. There will also be opportunities to go up against athletes from other schools in Class 6A and throughout the state.
Following a lengthy regular season, the Class 6A state cross country meet will take place Oct. 30 at Sugar House Park. The Mustangs should be a favorite on the boys’ side to win the title and on the girls’ side to compete for top honors. l
The Herriman girls look to continue to improve this season in cross country. The Mustangs began the season with a victory at its first invitational. (Photo courtesy Doug Soles)
The Herriman boys cross country team started the season with a convincing win. The Mustangs are the defending national champions. (Photo courtesy Doug Soles)
Jordan District takes on social media giants in national lawsuit
Jordan School District Board of Education’s priorities are student safety, wellness and student learning, said Board President Tracy Miller, which is why Jordan District is involved in a lawsuit against social media giants Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat and TikTok.
“We see firsthand in our schools the impact of the mental health crisis among our youth,” Miller said. “Scientific data shows that social media damages the health and wellness of children and disrupts learning. We have the responsibility to do all we can do to stop the negative impact.”
Jordan School District was recently named one of twelve “bellwether” plaintiffs in a national multidistrict lawsuit claiming negligence and public nuisance on the part of the social media companies.
At a July press conference, board members reported Jordan District has invested millions of dollars in student mental health supports including staffing a district wellness department and hiring full time mental health counselors for every school.
“Jordan School District has devoted substantial resources to addressing students and curating mental health and to combat learning disruptions,” Miller said. “We are honored to be chosen as one of the lead plaintiffs, and
By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com
are hopeful that this lawsuit will help us recoup some of our costs, and more importantly, change the way social media companies operate so our students are protected.”
The suit claims social media companies have failed to adequately warn users about the harm their products cause, noting that the psychologically manipulative techniques used to attract and retain the attention of users are addictive, especially to children and teens’ developing brains.
Other harms to youth cited in the suit include physical and mental harm by encouraging destructive behavior, promoting negative appearance and social comparisons, and—because of ineffective parental controls, age-verification measures and privacy protections— contributing to the sexual exploitation and endangerment of children.
The idea that social media and the internet are harmful to young people is a sentiment shared by many, including the U.S. Senate, which recently passed legislation to protect children’s privacy online, and Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, who issued a mental health advisory last year.
“We are in the middle of a national youth mental health crisis, and I am concerned that social media is an important driver of that crisis—one that we must urgently address,” Mur-
thy said in his May 2023 statement.
When the lawsuit goes to trial, most likely near the end of this year, Jordan District may be asked to testify. Jordan District employees are gathering evidence in preparation.
JSD Superintendent Dr. Anthony Godfrey became emotional when speaking about social media’s effect on students.
“You see on an individual basis how their lives are negatively impacted—not just their living—but their ability to interact with others and have a productive day of school is dramatically negatively impacted by social media,” Godfrey said.
JSD Board Member Bryce Dunford personally witnessed his teenage son’s grades, personality, self-image and world view devastated by an addiction to social media.
“Logan was not prepared to be sucked into the social media world that was waiting for him, nor were his mother and I aware of what was happening on the other end to suck him in,” Dunford said. “It became an obsession. It became an addiction. And we kind of lost him.”
Getting likes, comments and shares on social media consumed Logan’s thoughts and his time for years.
“It was incredibly fulfilling, yet also not very genuine,” Logan said.
As a high school sophomore, he finally made the difficult decision to delete his social media apps for the sake of his mental health.
“I began to feel really uncomfortable and awkward and kind of unsafe in my own skin throughout all situations of my life,” he said. “And I thought that it was really important to somehow find a way to disconnect, and the easiest way to do that was going off
social media.”
Dunford said in the absence of social media, his son became himself again.
“The student we knew in those early years came back— not just his grades, but his whole personality, his life, his image of himself, his happiness,” Dunford said.
Logan graduated from Bingham High School in June, with top grades and the prestigious Pick and Shovel Award. But he still feels a craving for the way crafting a popular post on social media made him feel.
“But I recognize in the fact that I do still feel that way, should I get back on, I would be sucked right back into that toxic mentality that I had in the first place, and I would be super depressed again and super anxious all the time,” he said.
Columbia Elementary PTA President Sharol Stapley believes the lawsuit is a good step toward protecting children, but believes parents are ultimately responsible to safeguard their children. She sets screen time and content limits for her children and believes delaying exposure to the perils of social media will give her kids time to develop a healthy self-image.
“I want my kids to know who they are before they venture into a world that’s going to tell them everything opposite to what they know about themselves,” Stapley said.
Stapley believes schools can support students and their families by providing digital safety education and resources.
This spring, Columbia Elementary’s PTA sponsored a Ready Tech Go family night, presented by AT&T, to educate families about the effects of excessive screen time and to provide parents with kid-safe websites and internet safety resources. l
At a July 29 press conference, Jordan School District Board of Education President Tracy Miller announces the district’s involvement in a multidistrict lawsuit against social media giants. (Jet Burnham/City Journals)
Herriman girls soccer shooting for breakout year
By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com
Inhis previous four season as head coach of the Herriman girls soccer team, Ryan Rumfallo guided the Mustangs to one winning season. He’s expecting this season to be the best the team has had under his leadership.
Herriman went 10-5 in Rumfallo’s first season in 2020. The next three seasons saw the team go 7-11, 7-10 and 6-12 respectively. At the beginning of the 2024 campaign, Rumfallo had high hopes for the Mustangs. So far, he hasn’t been disappointed.
“Expectations going into this season are for the team to finish better than we did last season and be in competition for the region title,” he said. “Last season, we had six overtime games in region and went 1-5 in those games. Our defense did very well, but we had some trouble scoring. With almost all defenders returning, the focus will be on scoring. Our goals are to win region and advance in the state playoffs beyond the first round.”
Herriman played well in non-region action in the early going, starting off with a 5-1 record. The team’s only loss was a 2-1 setback to a good Syracuse club on Aug. 20 in the final non-region contest. The Mustangs then won the Region 2 opener with a 4-2 triumph over Riverton on Aug. 22. Herriman has also fulfilled Rumfallo’s wishes of scoring more, as the team had 24 goals in the first seven contests, the best average in Region 2 and third-best average in Class 6A. The Mustangs had at least four goals their first four outings.
Leading the offensive charge has been senior striker Peyton Smith. Through seven games, she had already amassed 11 goals, tied for third in the entire state. She added three as-
Ryan Rumfallo
sists, second on the team. Smith had two games in the first seven in which she scored three goals. She had a hat trick in a 4-3 win at Alta on Aug. 8 and in a 5-3 victory at home over Crimson Cliffs the following day.
Rumfallo said senior center back Gracie Thoreson and sophomore center back Tae Hansen have been impressive in the first part of the season. He also singled out junior midfielder Brooke Rasmussen as a key player and leader. Rasmussen paced the Mustangs with five assists through seven games and had four goals during that span. Her skills have complemented Smith well and put pressure on opposing defenses.
But these players are far from the only Mustangs Rumfallo can turn to for production on the field. He said he has several capable options.
“I think our strength lies in our depth this season,” he said. “If there are any injuries, we have players that can back each other up.”
Region 2 poses some formidable tests, with opponents such as Copper Hills, Corner
Canyon, Bingham and Mountain Ridge playing well so far this season. To compete for a league title, Rumfallo said the offense needs to continue to play well, and the girls need to maintain a cohesive bond.
“I think our biggest challenges will be within our region,” he said. “Almost every game in our region will be tough. If you don’t play well, there are teams in our region that will make you pay. The first, biggest challenge is always to win the region title. I think to overcome this challenge, we have to be confident and just try to be more consistent as a team. Being able to score some goals and the girls believing in and trusting each other are our keys to success. I think this team has all the defensive toughness and speed to play with anyone in our tough region. We just need to put some balls in the back of the net.”
As region play heats up and the Mustangs work toward the league crown, Rumfallo wants the girls to build on what they accomplished in early stages of the season.
“I challenged the girls early on to focus a little more on the attacking and scoring and playing together,” he said. “After six preseason games, we have scored 20 goals. Hopefully that is a trend we can continue to build on as we start region play.”
The Mustangs have six foes in Region 2.
They’ll face each opponent twice, ending with an Oct. 3 home game against Bingham. The Class 6A state tournament will begin Oct. 10 with first-round action. With a high enough seed, Herriman could secure a first-round bye and get a second-round home game. The second round starts Oct. 15 at the home fields of higher-seeded teams. The finals will be Oct. 25 at America First Field in Sandy.
Last season, Herriman won in the opening round at Fremont and then lost at state power Davis in the second round. The Mustangs have never won more than one playoff game.
Though Rumfallo wants his players to work hard and strive toward winning region and advancing deeper into the state tournament, he’s more concerned about the players having a positive experience. He’s happy that the girls love playing with one another—and they have a good competitive spirit, too.
“What I enjoy most about coaching this group is that they are fun,” he said. “I encourage them to enjoy this time playing high school soccer, and they seem to embrace it. Finding the fun in competing hard. I truly love going to practices every day. They compete hard and want to win.” l
Herriman’s Peyton Smith (No. 8 in the dark jerseys) heads the ball in action earlier this season. Smith is one of the state’s top scorers this season. (Photo courtesy Ryan Rumfallo)
On Aug. 3, Daybreak held their 20 year anniversary party and a grand opening for the Watermark Village. It was a huge block party with a street fair and over 2,500 people in attendance. In total there were 18 brand new model homes being highlighted. Nine of those homes were in the Salt Lake Parade of Homes. The community is celebrating their anniversary all year long.
“Daybreak was designed with a five minute rule. We like to call it the five minute life because there is a park, a community center, a trail or school within a five minute walk,” Elizabeth Gray said, director of Brand & Marketing, Larry H. Miller Real Estate. “This design is to improve the days and enhance the lives of Daybreak residents. We follow the smart growth principles of planning to make Daybreak a walkable, bikeable, transit-oriented neighborhood.”
Watermark Village is one of 15 villages within the Daybreak community. They currently have eight builders, 25 collections and size variety from a one bedroom studio condo to a seven-bedroom estate home. With nine different floor plans to choose from, the expansive menu can be overwhelming, but concierge staff in the Information center can help. Daybreak will also be building mixed-use homes and high-density, affordable housing.
“Most people are on their second or third home in Daybreak. We call it the Daybreak shuffle,” Gray said. “So, about 27% of sales are to Daybreak residents starting in a one bedroom condo to a bigger home, then downsizing when they become empty-nesters. Out of new sales, about 20% are for people from out of state.”
Daybreak celebrates its 20th Anniversary
By Laura Spendlove Crapo | l.crapo@mycityjournals.com
“There are kids of all ages here, sunup, sun down having a good old time, and Daybreak is not a gated community which allows residents freedom to cross the street and visit other communities,” Kara Allen said, information concierge for Daybreak. “And, within the diversity of housing available there are two ‘55 and better’ communities. These communities offer main floor living and their own clubhouse, own swimming pool and own pickle ball courts. This helps where they don’t want to be with the bicycle crowd so much.”
The first Swig in Daybreak has been opened in the main Information facility. That has been really well-received by residents looking to stop by and get a treat before walking or biking on one of the trails. The walk around Oquirrh Lake is 3.2 miles long. The Loop is a trail system covering 50 miles throughout Daybreak.
Residents and a guest can rent canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, or a duffy boat, which is the only motorized boat allowed in the two Daybreak waterways. The Oquirrh Lake beach club is where they can be checked out. Twenty to 30% of the 4,100 acres that make up Daybreak is green space They have community garden spots that can be rented for the season with water hooked up to it. Personal yards can also be used for gardening.
Daybreak is also the home of Downtown Daybreak, the future site of the Salt Lake Bees. Daybreak Field at America First Square will host the baseball team and have the first pitch thrown next spring. “I can count on one hand the people with negative comments about the ballpark construction,” said Allen. “The only concerns we’re hearing are about the increased traffic.”
As opposed to the downtown stadium the Salt Lake Bees are leaving behind, the state-of-the-art Daybreak Field at America First Square will be active year round. There will be a unique and fully-loaded family fun plaza with a bike valet. People will be able to check their bikes to be safely stored during baseball games, shopping or mealtime. A permanent amphitheater, Megaplex Theater, bowling alley and ice rink are also being built for further entertainment options. There are currently two
Daybreak TRAX stops and a third is being built next to the forthcoming stadium.
“I’ve worked on the Daybreak project for 10 years and I feel like this is my little contribution to make the world a better, healthier place to live by marketing the community of Daybreak,” Gray said. “The love of Daybreak runs deep; it’s about enriching lives. I love the fact of what we’re doing in taking care of the land and state has been a force in making it happen.” l
Daybreak info map with Elizabeth Gray, director of Brand & Marketing, Larry H. Miller Real Estate. (Laura Crapo/City Journals)
Daybreak’s info center.
Daybreak opened its Watermark Village as part of their 20 year anniversary. (Photo by Dave Newkirk)
Watermark Village is one of 15 villages within the Daybreak community. (Laura Crapo/City Journals)
MISSION STATEMENT: To strengthen the community through advocacy, partnership, & promotion of local business in Riverton, Herriman, & Bluffdale.
VISION STATEMENT: We bridge community & business—together we are stronger.
BENEFITS: Resources, Networking, Education and Advocacy
SUSTAINING PARTNERS: Expand Business Solutions Mountain America CU Common Spirit Holy Cross Hospital Riverton Hospital Herriman City Bluffdale City City Journals
CONTACT: Susan Schilling
801-280-0595
susan@mountainwestchamber.org
We are excited to announce that our community has welcomed many new businesses in the past month! These businesses bring diverse services and products that will enrich our local economy and enhance our community’s vibrancy. We had the pleasure of hosting ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the following establishments:
• Mountain View Implants
o 6351 West 13400 South, Herriman
• Salt City Ortho, Copper Cove Pediatric Dentistry, and Foundation Physical Therapy
o 11962 Anthem Park Blvd., Herriman
• Encore Academy, Antelope Ebikes, & TL Flooring
o 2774 West 14000 South, Bluffdale
• 7-11
o Porter Rockwell and Redwood Rd., Bluffdale
• Lucky Thai
o 5516 W. 13400 S., Herriman
• Taqueria Chunga
o 13322 S. Rosecrest Rd., Herriman
• Royal Court Pickelball Club
o 15892 Rockwell Park Cove, Herriman
• Smith’s Marketplace Groundbreaking
o By FatCats Fun in Bluffdale
• DeCoeur Fine Art
o 14572 S 790 W, Bluffdale
• Quick Quack Carwash
o Porter Rockwell and Redwood Road, Bluffdale
These businesses are excited to serve you, and we hope you will join us in supporting them. By shopping locally, you help our community grow and thrive. Your patronage makes a significant difference in sustaining the vibrant business environment that benefits us all.
All year long the Mountain West Chamber Board of Directors, along with local business owners, and community leaders, work hard in raising money for scholarships. We work together with local high school counselors, and we ask them to nominate the “Most Resilient” students. These are the real go-getters, the comeback kids, the ones who worked extra hard to finish strong! We are excited to announce that we have awarded 8 very deserving local HS graduates, they will receive $1,500 each to go towards continuing education. Congratulations, we are all so proud of you!
Experienced Mountain Ridge girls volleyball team wants to make impact at state
By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com
Whenit comes to aspirations, the Mountain Ridge girls volleyball team doesn’t shy away from setting the bar high.
Last season, the Sentinels went 21-12 overall and placed third in a competitive Region 2. Mountain Ridge went 1-2 in the Class 6A state tournament, falling in the quarterfinals and then in the consolation round. This season, as usual, the team is confident and determined. The girls and coaching staff see no reason why the team can’t be competitive in every match.
“We always have high expectations each season and lofty goals; this year is no exception,” head coach Bryan Nicholson said. “We return five starters from last season that receive a lot of valuable experience and are hoping to make a deep run in the state tournament.”
Nicholson is in his sixth season as coach of the Sentinels. He is the only coach the team has had. Entering the 2024 campaign he was 69-44. This season, his objectives might seem basic, but he believes he has the formula for success for the Sentinels.
“Our biggest goal of our team is a little cheesy, but we are just trying to get a little better every day,” he said. “We want to be playing our best volleyball in November and realize we have to take it a day at a time.”
Judging by the early part of the season, Mountain Ridge could be a factor in the Region 2 race and in the state tournament.
The Sentinels started the year with a glossy 7-1 record. Its only loss came in match No. 8 to Marina, California, in the Las Vegas Invitational, Aug. 24. The Sentinels won their five other matches at the tournament, including victories over two schools from California, one from Alaska and one from Nevada. All five tournament wins were 2-0 shutouts. Mountain Ridge also opened the season Aug. 15 with a 3-2 win over Skyridge and an Aug. 20 victory at home over American Fork, 3-0.
Nicholson said the team excels in many
aspects of the game. Specifically, he said the girls play well together and understand the nuances of the sport. The Mountain Ridge players know their positions and roles on the team. He also said the girls are unselfish and have bought into the team’s goals.
“The strength in this team is that they have a high volleyball IQ and experience,” he said. “They understand it’s the ultimate team sport and that it doesn’t matter who gets the ball if we are playing together.”
Three seniors on the team have already committed to play volleyball at the next level, displaying just how talented Mountain Ridge is. Setter Sadie White, a four-year starter, will play next season at the University of North Dakota. Outside hitters Addy Cook and Allie Grossenbach will play for the University of Central Florida and University of Utah, respectively.
“[White] brings a ton of experience to our offense,” Nicholson said. “These three will carry the load of our offense.”
Another force are senior libero Ava “Rambo” Livolsi and senior defensive specialist Rylee Lesh. Together, these five seniors make Mountain Ridge a difficult team to beat. However, winning region won’t be easy. Mountain Ridge faces some strong teams in league play, with Bingham and Corner Canyon, in particular, posing challenges. Other region opponents are Herriman, Riverton and Copper Hills. The Sentinels also encountered some excellent teams in non-league play and are bound to match up with others in the postseason.
Nicholson also said avoiding the injury bug will be critical to the team’s success. He also wants to see progress throughout the year in practices.
“Our biggest challenge this year is a very tough preseason and region schedule,” he said. “We never get a night off, which is a good thing to keep us sharp and focused. We need to stay healthy to be successful this
Ridge View Elementary adjusts to new size
By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com
Ridge View Elementary is now a K-third school, which looks and feels different without the fourth-sixth graders who now attend Juniper Elementary.
With 450 fewer students than last year, twelve portable classrooms were removed from the property, freeing up more playground space. All students now have classes inside the main building, and classrooms within each grade are closer together, making planning and collaboration easier for teachers.
Adjusting to not having older students, who used to serve as safety patrol, lunchroom
helpers and bus buddies, has required some rethinking and creative solutions, said Principal Meredith Doleac. However, without the older students, everything is being tailored to younger students.
“With only K-third grade students, it allows us to focus specifically on the needs of younger students, both academically and behaviorally,” Doleac said. “We have adapted some of our programs, routines, and expectations to be better geared and more engaging for younger children.” (Photo courtesy Jet Burnham) l
season and maintain a competitive edge in practice.”
Mountain Ridge will play each region team twice this season, with the final region and regular season match set for Oct. 29 at home against rival Herriman. The Sentinels’ final record, combined with their strength of schedule, will determine their RPI rating and seeding for the state tournament. State begins Nov. 5 at Utah Valley University. A high enough seed would give the Sentinels a firstround bye in the playoffs.
The girls volleyball season is long, and there are a lot of matches to play. In the early going, however, Nicholson was impressed with his players’ attitudes, work ethic, composure and performance. It all started in the summer with conditioning and initial practices. The players’ commitment has carried through to a successful start to the 2024 campaign.
“Summer workouts and camps are always hard to gauge how we look, but I’ve been happy with how quickly the girls are jelling on the court this early in the season.”
As a coach, Nicholson has seen many highs and lows. He has also coached a lot of players and encountered challenges and been a part of big accomplishments. With the current group of girls, he is enjoying their love of the game and their desire to learn and get better every day. It makes his job much easier and rewarding.
“This group is special; their talent, their drive and their competitiveness makes them so fun to coach,” he said. “They want to be pushed, critiqued and taught. We are looking forward to a fun, successful season at Mountain Ridge.” l
Addyson Cook, No. 16, hits the ball toward the American Fork side of the net in a game earlier this season for the Mountain Ridge girls volleyball team. (Photo courtesy of Bryan Nicholson.)
Budgeting
should be considered an art form. It’s part theater (acting like you can afford groceries), part digital interpretation (online shopping for best prices), part graffiti (throwing mustard at the wall when you receive a surprise doctor’s bill) and all illusion (where did the money go?).
My paycheck stretches like it’s on a taffy-pulling machine, folding over and over itself, almost to the point of transparency. When did the basic costs of living become a luxury?
While grocery shopping, my husband can’t stop comparing prices from 60 years ago. “When I was a young boy,” he said. “I could buy a loaf of bread for a nickel.”
“Were you Oliver Twist?” I asked. He ignored me and walked down the dairy aisle, ranting about the cost of eggs.
At the check stand, several items rang up for more than what was labeled on the shelf. I asked the unenthused cashier, “Did you raise prices while I was in line?”
He shrugged and continued packaging my groceries, smashing bananas, eggs and bread with my magnum of wine. Just kidding. You can’t buy wine at grocery stores in Utah.
Driving to work becomes a nail-biting thriller as I gauge how much gas is left and if it will last until the end of the month. I was filling up my car the other day and the
gas pump showed the person before me had purchased $5 worth of gas. I hope that 1.6 gallons is enough to get him to the bank he needs to rob.
Even my chai tea latte from Starbucks has incrementally increased from $4 to nearly $6. That’s bonkers. I don’t mind paying a bit more so employees make a livable wage, but last year, Starbucks’ net revenue was $30 billion.
Then I learned the new Starbucks CEO was given a $75 million stock award, a $1.6 million salary and a $10 million signing bonus. The only signing bonus I ever received was when I got a free pen for starting a savings account when I was 8.
Corporate profits have hit all-time highs. And those rising prices are never going to drop because then how can the Starbucks CEO afford $1,500 sneakers for his Pomeranian without squeezing the life out of consumers?
My husband said, “Then don’t go to
Starbucks.”
“Shut up,” I replied.
Housing costs are outrageous. Going to dinner and a movie requires a home equity line of credit. Tax increases nickel-and-dime us to death. Did you know Utah is one of only a few states that tax social security benefits? Thanks, Utah Legislators!
It’s not like I want to purchase Prada paper clips or Balenciaga bookmarks. I don’t need a Rolls-Royce or a personal library, complete with a rolling ladder and a fireplace. (Okay. I actually need that). I just want to afford a night out, maybe a weekend getaway or an annual massage without sell-
ing blood plasma.
My grandparents grew up during the Depression. Decades later, they still saved drawers full of tin foil and rubber bands in case we ever needed a defense against mind control or had to make emergency bouncy balls. Maybe I can learn from their frugal behaviors.
So, we tighten our belts, pinch pennies, clip coupons and say, “We’re right on budget this month.” The moment those words leave our lips, the garbage disposal explodes, the fence blows over or the basement floods. Budgeting might not be an art form, but it’s definitely a comedy.
