The State Board of Higher Education rolled out a new program Oct. 4 called Admit Utah, that guarantees high school graduates admission to at least one of the 16 public universities, colleges or technical colleges in the state. The concept is to help remove any barriers to students receiving a college education.
“Admit Utah marks a significant milestone in our efforts to ensure that every Utah student has access to a quality college education,” Utah Board of Higher Education member Cydni Tetro said in a statement. “This platform will provide students with even more clarity and simplicity in the college application process, empowering them to pursue their educational aspirations with confidence.”
Utah follows several other states that have instituted similar direct or guaranteed admissions to public colleges with Idaho being the first in 2015. The hope is to reach students who might not have been considering higher education.
In Davis, Morgan and Weber Counties three institutions are taking the state’s initiative even further by creating the Northern Wasatch Collegiate Coalition, comprising Weber State University, Davis Technical College and Ogden-Weber Technical College to launch a direct admissions program for 10,000 high school seniors.
Ogden High School senior Grace Malan shakes hands with Waldo the Wildcat, Weber State University’s mascot at a kickoff celebration for the direct admissions program. Malan has already been accepted to WSU and has also received a scholarship to the school. Photo by Becky Ginos
Kaysville’s Public Works Department – hard at work on over 130 miles of road
The city will see two major road projects launching this winter.
Each year, the city undertakes paving projects, utility replacement projects, preventative maintenance projects, curb, and sidewalk projects, etc. While there has been considerable progress since 2018, there are still multiple roads in town that deserve attention but have not been addressed. A road not being worked on does not mean the city has determined it is not important; rather, they must prioritize and plan around other projects or problems that arise. Limitations on budget and bandwidth to manage and inspect these various projects restrict the amount of work that can be done each year, and with over 130 miles of road in Kaysville, this makes the process slower than everyone would like to see.
Crews are close to completing this year’s asphalt preventative maintenance project. Like vehicle maintenance, preventative maintenance is performed on roads to help keep newer pavements in better shape and to prevent more rapid deterioration that would require significantly more expensive repairs, such as repaving. This recent project involved a scrub/chip seal, with application areas including 200 N. (from I-15 to Angel St.), portions of Hess Farms, and parts of the neighborhood west of Fairfield and north of Crestwood.
A scrub seal consists of multiple phases: 1) cleaning the road and filling large cracks; 2) spraying an adhesive oil onto the roadway and forcing that oil into smaller cracks with scrubbing brushes; 3) laying a layer of small aggregate onto the oil; 4) compacting the gravel with rollers and vehicle traffic; 5) sweeping away loose aggregate; 6) spraying a final fog coat on top of the gravel; and 7) reapplying road paint. The application of this type of preventative maintenance is admittedly more impactful than other options (the process takes one-two weeks compared to three-five days for others). In the first year after application, the road surface is notably coarser than before, but the longterm results are why it is used by many cities in Davis County.
Chip seals are about one-eighth the cost of repaving a road, and Kaysville has seen them last anywhere from 10 to 15 years, with the chip seal weathering rather than the more expensive pavement below. For example, the rate to chip seal 200 North this year was $3.04 per square yard, while the cost to repave west 200 North was $38.25 per square yard. Experience with
THE CITY
THE CITY JOURNALS TEAM
The City Journal is a monthly publication distributed directly to residents via the USPS USPS and our Bountiful office.
For information about distribution please email hello@thecityjournals.com or call our offices. Rack locations are also available on our website.
other preventative maintenance applications has shown them to last anywhere from three to six years, depending on the type, and they are similar in cost.
This winter, two large road projects will also begin. The city started working in 2022 on the design and coordination for 200 North between Main Street and Fruit Heights to replace underground water and sewer lines, fire hydrants, and water services, as well as to install missing curb and sidewalk, finishing with a repave of 200 North. This multi-year project will soon start at Main Street and make its way east. Depending on weather and underground conditions, this project could take two years to complete.
Another project starting this winter is the installation of a traffic signal at Mutton Hollow and Main Street. This will involve a significant amount of new curb installation and widening the southbound lanes of Main Street to two lanes. In the future, another project will be undertaken to install a traffic signal at Mutton Hollow Road and Fairfield Road.
These and other projects are impactful and can be frustrating at times. City leaders appreciate the patience of the community as they continue to look for ways to preserve and protect infrastructure while trying to stretch these funds as far as possible. l
Our mission is to inform and entertain our community while promoting a strong local economy via relevant content presented across a synergetic network of print and digital media.
PUBLISHER
Designed, Published, & Distributed by
Crews are close to completing this year’s asphalt preventative maintenance project. Courtesy photo
Utah Dumped Ducks Duck Network’s mission to save domesticated ducks
By Shania Emmett | s.emmett@mycityjournals.com
There are many ponds throughout the cities of Farmington, Centerville, and Bountiful. One major thing they all have in common is a large number of geese and ducks waddling or swimming around. But some of those feathery friends, mainly the geese, are not meant to be there. They were released by people who either couldn’t take care of them anymore or – in the more unfortunate cases, did not care for them anymore as pets and believed that they would be better suited for the ponds.
But, there is a group in Davis County that is trying to teach people about how they can help these ducks and educate them on what happens when visitors of the various ponds leave domesticated ducks behind.
“So in October 2022, I started the Utah Dumped Ducks Duck Network group,” Marisa Loertscher, the creator said. “And what it essentially is, is just a Facebook group. But I had been fostering ducks. I’d started fostering ducks for the nonprofit, Wasatch Wanderers, and noticing that there’s just dumped domestic ducks all over Utah. Especially in Davis County. Then learning about the difference between dumped domestic ducks and wild ducks and seeing that they need help to survive through the winter.”
Just a few people can't take care of all of Utah, she said. “So I started the Utah Dump Ducks Network group on Facebook, and essentially it’s just community members coming together, offering to go out daily or whenever they can during the winter. And we just schedule to feed the dumped pets, ducks, and geese at the ponds in Utah in the winter.”
The Utah Dumped Ducks Duck Network has undergone research and found out a few facts that many people don’t know and some information that would be helpful for park and pond goers to keep these domesticated ducks safe and out of the ponds.
“After talking with several people and doing a bit of research it was found out that it is actually illegal to dump ducks, most people aren’t aware of this law though,” Lorri Blanc a member of the Utah Dumped Ducks Duck Network said. “Causing them to inadvertently dump their domesticated ducks without realizing it. Another little-known fact is that domesticated ducks aren’t able to survive as well as
Continued from front page
“We’re working with our four school district partners and charter schools and private schools in our region,” said Weber State University president, Brad Mortensen at a kickoff celebration last week. “So what that means is in the next few weeks, 10,000 high school seniors in Weber, Davis and Morgan counties will be receiving letters of admittance to our three institutions without ever filling out an admissions application or paying an application fee.”
This means a great deal to students who may wonder if they’re college material or who are scared about filling out high school or college admissions applications, he said. “That’s no longer a barrier to them. We think this will provide great promise to the students in our region to take advantage of that guarantee that college is really available to everyone.”
wild ducks. They don’t have the survival instincts nor the ability to fly north for the winter.”
“One of the sad things is that the domestic ducks, have to fight for their food in the winter, too,” Chelsea Condi, another member of the Network said. “Against the wild ducks mainly, because there are so many wild ducks, and they can get up and fly and they go away and eat and come back. But the domestic ducks can’t do that.”
There seems to be a lot of information that people can learn about in order to limit the number of domesticated ducks that get dumped into the local ponds. If just one duck can be saved each day or once a week, many of
“Our community is stronger with accessible, quality higher education,” said Darin Brush, Davis Technical College president.
“Fortunately our region enjoys three nationally recognized higher education institutions and we’ve harnessed this advantage for collective impact in Northern Utah.”
In Utah, nearly 40% of our high school students don’t enroll in higher education within three years after graduation, he said. “We want to change that. After three years the likelihood that they ever will drops dramatically. We also want our kids who don’t think they are cut out for college to understand that we want them at our institutions and that we are committed to their success.”
“We’re also launching two additional programs to streamline the transition for students who might choose to go to one of our technical college partners first and then hope to pursue an associates or a bachelor’s degree at Weber State,” said Mortensen. “The
Some
these feathery friends have better chances at long healthy lives. A few other ways people can help solve this issue is by not feeding the ducks things such as bread or most human foods, picking up trash and random fishing hooks and fishing lines that end up floating in the waters, and finally learning more about domesticated ducks as a whole so they can spot the difference between wild ones and domesticated. l
first of those programs is called jumpstart. What that means is for students who are taking their certificate program at a technical college, they can take core general education courses through Weber State University for the same tuition that they pay at the technical college which is $95 per credit hour.”
That’s a lot less than what they would pay once they came to the university, he said. “So jumpstart will really help students who are in the technical college who know they want to go on to get an associates or bachelor's degree.”
The second program is called tech transfer, Mortensen said. “That is for students who have completed their certificate at one of our technical colleges to transfer up to 21 general education elective credits toward their associates or bachelor’s degree at Weber State.”
Again that is a huge cost savings for those students, he said. “They don’t have to
pay to take those credits and elective courses over again. It also is a huge time savings as far as them being able to be quicker at progressing through their degree.”
Mortensen said between the direct admissions program, jumpstart and tech transfer, this will do tremendous things in the region. “We are being a model for the state and country that’s streamlining and improving higher education access.”
Data shows that over the next five to 10 years, there will be a big increase in the number of jobs in the workforce that require some type of post secondary certificate or degree, he said. “We know that we have to entice more of our population to come to college and get a degree in order to meet the workforce needs that we have in the state. We also know that there is no better pathway for people to improve their economic ability than through education.” l
dumped ducks with wild baby ducks.
Wounds on a dumped domesticated duck. Courtesy photos
On Sept. 19, 2024, Mayor Tami Tran swore in the new Youth Court Judges for the 2024-2026 term during City Council meeting. “Membership is a privilege; as members, students are expected to serve as role models for the community at all times, expected to uphold the strictest ethical role of confidence possible, and expected to demonstrate outstanding citizenship at home, school and in the community,” Tran said.
Youth Court Volunteer Advisor Kim Smith said she started with the program in the fall of 2000, and “cannot think of a better way to spend her Wednesday nights than serving the community and helping the Youth Court and youth in our community.”
She said next year would be her 25th year and most likely her last year, as it seems like a good time to depart the program and allow someone new to take over. She is assisted by Advisor Tina Johnson, Police Officer Liaison Michael Criddle, and City Council Liaison Abbi Hunt.
Nineteen Youth Court Judges (13 female/six male) were sworn in: Lisa Von Bose, Lexi Broadbent, Hailey Christensen, McKay Clemens, Ryan Dimmick, Landon Jacobs, Nisi Kuma, Annabelle Ot -
Kaysville Youth Court kicks off its 24th year
By Cindi Mansell | c.mansell@mycityjournals.com
terson, Bree Thomas, Kim Waite, Allison Anderton, Ashley Cisney, Owen Clark, Dax Dorius, Eric Jung, Elizabeth Lever, Mary Lindberg, Gemma Muller, and Brinn Stevenson.
Since its launch in September 2000, the Kaysville Youth Court has provided an innovative alternative to juvenile justice. Initiated by concerned youth from Davis High School and supported by the Kaysville City Council, local law enforcement, and community members, the program empowers young people while easing the burden on the Juvenile Court system.
The Youth Court gives youth offenders a second chance, offering law enforcement and school officials effective options for addressing minor offenses.Youth Court Judges gain valuable insights into the judicial process and develop leadership skills.
Participation is voluntary, with specific eligibility requirements. After reviewing cases, the youth court issues tailored sentences, which may include community service, peer tutoring, apology letters, and restitution. Once youth offenders complete their sentences, they return to the youth court for case closure.
The Kaysville Youth Court exempli -
fies how community collaboration can yield positive outcomes for youth and the broader community. By focusing on education and rehabilitation, it effectively
2024 Recreation, Arts, Museum & Parks (RAMP) Fund Awards
By Cindi Mansell | c.mansell@mycityjournals.com
In the November 2021 General Election, Kaysville residents approved the Recreation, Arts, Museum, and Parks (RAMP) Tax initiative. The RAMP tax adds $0.01 for every $10 spent on non-essential purchases within Kaysville City, excluding groceries and gas. All RAMP funds collected are dedicated to supporting recreation, arts, museum, and parks improvements, facilities, and organizations in the city.
The Mayor and City Council formed a RAMP Tax Advisory Board to administer the program. The Board collects, reviews, and prioritizes all requests received and makes a yearly recommendation to the City Council on how to award funds to projects that meet the RAMP funding criteria. The Council has the ultimate authority in the allocation of funds. This Board is comprised of residents, with the support of the City Staff and Council
Members.
This year, eight projects received RAMP funds, including: Music and equipment for Harmonic Winds of Utah; Oaxaca En Utah’s “La Guelaguetza 2024” Festival; Star Camps for kids with the Douglas Space & Science Foundation; Services for Francis Peak residents to support participation in sports, wellness programs, and a theater trip; The production of “Mary Poppins” at Hopebox Performing Arts; Kaysville Museum Space Buildout; Barnes Memorial Park Marquee; and Rail Trail improvements at the Flint Street trailhead.
These projects reflect the community’s commitment to enriching the quality of life in Kaysville. The RAMP funds continue to play a vital role in enhancing recreational, cultural, historical, and educational opportunities for all residents. l
addresses minor offenses while fostering personal growth and accountability. l
The new Youth Court Judges were sworn in Sept. 19. The Youth Court gives youth offenders a second chance. Courtesy photo
Unique initiative merges technology and soccer for Utah youth
Acollaboration between Real Salt Lake, Utah Royals and Comcast NBCUniversal + Xfinity provided an interactive experience for youth involved in Comcast’s nonprofit partner organizations in the state, including the International Rescue Committee, YMCA of Northern Utah and the PROG Development Center.
RSL Stadium hosted the “Game On: Tech Meets Soccer” event on Tuesday, Oct. 1, to provide youth with an understanding of technology’s impact on professional soccer while inspiring students to envision careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts and math. The intention was to create an experience that would raise an interest in technology and sports.
“This unique gathering offers our youth an unparalleled opportunity to witness first-hand how technology is continually revolutionizing the sports industry,” said RSL Club President John Kimball. “This event is not just a glimpse into what the future offers; we hope it serves as a catalyst for inspiration, opening young minds to innovative career paths and sparking the curiosity and ambition of the next generation.”
Youth at the event got a rare, behind-thescenes glimpse into the world of sports technology, exploring how cutting-edge innovations can revolutionize the game. Students toured the facility, listened to a panel discussion, visited
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
the control room and learned how technology controls all lighting and interactive signage during the games, as well as keeping the grass on the field suitable for games.
RSL athletes helped the youth understand how science helps the players manage their health, recover from injury and maintain their diets. Each student had the opportunity to get a photo and autograph with the athletes.
“The ‘Game On: Tech Meets Soccer’ event is a game changer for our young people, giving them a firsthand look at how technology and sports intersect,” said Rhonda Clark, Salt Lake regional director, YMCA of Northern Utah. “It opens up new possibilities for their futures, sparking curiosity in career paths they may not have considered before.”
Comcast is committed to being a forward-thinking corporate partner. By exposing Utah’s youth to tech careers within the sports field, Comcast aims to future-proof the state’s tech landscape, offering a unique value proposition that resonates with participants and partners alike.
“At Comcast, we are dedicated to harnessing the power of technology to create meaningful change in our communities,” said Deneiva Knight, external affairs director, Comcast Mountain West Region. “The ‘Game On: Tech Meets Soccer’ event is a testament to our commitment to digital opportunity and innovation,
inspiring the next generation to explore exciting career opportunities in sports technology.”
Jesse Sheets, director of development and strategic initiatives at the International Rescue Committee in Salt Lake City, said the “Game On: Tech Meets Soccer” event created a gateway for refugee youth to explore the intersection of technology and sports.
“It ignites their imagination and introduces them to potential career paths they may have never thought of, which can fuel their curiosity and drive,” Sheets said.
Comcast is bridging the digital divide
with Project UP, a program offering affordable, high-speed Internet to low-income families, installing Lift Zones for free WiFi access throughout northern Utah, and its Digital Navigators program that trains people to get online and acquire digital skills.
“In over 10 years, we’ve connected more than 10 million people,” said Knight. “Together, we can empower the next generation of tech leaders and sports enthusiasts.”
For more information, visit Corporate. comcast.com. l
Are you a business leader?
At no cost, the ElevateHERTM Challenge is easy to accept and will benefit your company.
Join businesses across Utah in our mission to elevate the stature of women’s leadership. Take the ElevateHERTM Challenge and stand with other businesses as we pledge to elevate women in senior leadership positions, in boardrooms, on management teams and on politcal ballots.
www.wliut.com/elevateher-challenge
Youth from nonprofit organizations enjoy an interactive experience at Real Salt Lake Stadium, learning how technology is used in sports. Photo courtesy of Comcast
What’s your legacy?
Serving Local Families Since 1885
COMPASSIONATE FUNERAL PLANNERS
During one of life’s most difficult moments, you deserve the utmost respect, kindness, care, and guidance. Seven generations of Larkins have been devoted to serving Utah families in their time of need, and that unique experience enables us to guide you in preparing services for your loved one with consideration and respect.
4 LOCATIONS ACROSS THE WASATCH FRONT
Larkin Mortuary 260 East South Temple
Salt Lake City, UT 84111 (801) 363-5781
Larkin Sunset Gardens 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 S.) • Sandy, UT 84092 (801) 571-2771
Parks & Recreation Department Report
By Cindi Mansell | c.mansell@mycityjournals.com
Recently,
Parks & Recreation Director
Cole Stephens provided the City Council with an annual update. Stephens explained his department has responsibility over parks and trails, recreation, the City Cemetery, City Facilities, community events, and other public properties (rights-of-way). He said they also work with citizen boards such as the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Historic Preservation Commission, and the Recreation, Arts, Museums and Parks Advisory Board (RAMP).
Stephens said the cemetery dates to 1865 and is the oldest public property being maintained. He discussed annual history on interments (tracked back to 1983) and said there were 172 interments in 2023 and they are on track for the same in 2024. He said the vacant Cemetery Sexton position was recently filled and he is excited to move forward. He said currently they are doing burial space sales as need only in effort to prolong the life of the cemetery.
picture. He expressed thanks for the seasonal employees that make or break them every year. He reviewed completed, upcoming, and future projects and said “they are constantly looking for water conservation projects and ways to reduce water consumption in turf and landscapes.”
Stephens said the Recreation Program does an amazing job with its amount of needs. This year, they offered programs age 3 up to adult, of any age and ability; the goal being to capture all ages and interests. He gave a summary of the 2024 Program list and said coordination with Davis School District gym space continues to present challenges for indoor programs, such as Jr. Jazz. “This year we will have to limit the number of kids we can have play due to court space availability,” Stephens said. He said they will continue to work in conjunction with the school district to ensure everyone that wants to can participate.
Larkin Sunset Lawn 2350 East 1300 South Salt Lake City, UT 84108 (801) 582-1582
Larkin Mortuary Riverton 3688 West 12600 South Riverton, UT 84065 (801) 254-4850
www. L arkinCares .com
He discussed plans for the replacement of older sections of the irrigation system (for problematic sections dating back to 1950) and plans to include Phase I and Phase II of the Memory/Cremation Garden Area. Stephens discussed plans/expansion/additions for the Cemetery and said, “if they keep up with current pace, they will be out of space within 10+ years.” He said they are landlocked but could consider other City-owned parcels or options.
Stephens discussed the growth of the parks system, including maintenance of 166.39 acres of developed and 201.66 undeveloped Parks and Public properties. He addressed staffing challenges. He said four of the six full-time parks employees have been with the city three years or less, requiring a great deal of training to gain institutional knowledge and have history with the big
“Overall, recreation programs served 13,846 individuals from September 2023 to August 2024,” said Stephens. “With the largest program being soccer, followed by Jr. Jazz basketball.” He said they maintain a total of 80,100 of facilities space, entailing everything from custodial services, HVAC systems, general maintenance and improvements.
The Council thanked Stephens and his staff for doing so much with limited staff. “Parks and Recreation bring a community together,” Stephens said and “he is grateful for the volunteers for making community events happen and undertaking service projects in the parks and cemetery, coaching teams and assisting with sports, and making Kaysville the great place that it is.” l
Community Development Annual Report
By Cindi Mansell | c.mansell@mycityjournals.com
The Community Development Department is staffed with eight full-time employees and includes the following divisions and services: Business Licensing, Building Division (Plan Review, Building Permits, & Building Inspections), Planning & Zoning, and Code Enforcement.
Community Development generates revenues from fees paid for applicants, permits, and licenses processed. These one-time revenues pay for the services provided, so the department is considered somewhat self-supporting.
The Building Division has five full-time employees, including the Building Official, two inspectors, and two Permit Technicians. When needed, the Building Division has utilized contracted services for inspection and plan review. Most commercial plans are sent out to third-party contractors for review, while most other plan reviews are done in-house. The Building Division is self-funded; revenues pay for the licensing software utilized by the division, staffing, vehicles, contracted services, training courses, travel expenses, and equipment.
Inspectors must be professionally licensed and each year, must take classes and receive continuing education credits to maintain their certifications. In calendar year 2023, the Building Division issued a total of 660 permits (a decrease of 120 permits from year prior). “This is to be expected, based on higher interest rates,” Community Development Director Melinda Greenwood said. She said in keeping with the land use trends in the city, which show 52% of the land is single-family, most building permits issued were residential with only 4% being issued for commercial. In 2023, the Building Division conducted 6,295 inspections, averaging 20 or so per day.
Business licensing licensed 1,109 businesses in 2023. Of those, 12% were new licenses and the remaining 88% were renewal
of existing licenses. In 2023, 52% of business licenses were commercial and the remaining 48% were home occupations.
Planning and Zoning processed 40 items through the Planning Commission; 17 public hearings were conducted. Three development agreements were also considered, and the city has processed a total of 14 subdivision applications. As of Sept. 27, 2024, there are 16 permitted internal Accessory Dwelling Units.
Code Enforcement is done on a compliant basis, with most complaints being submitted from the city’s website. The city does not have staff individually dedicated to code enforcement, so they work as a team and make every effort to gain voluntary compliance. Greenwood said she is happy to report “in 2024, the city began utilizing new software to track code enforcement cases.” This is the same software the city uses for business licensing and allows staff to better track all complaints for accurate reporting as well as managing and documenting complaints from start to finish.
“Code Enforcement is one of the most challenging issues to successfully address, as residents often have expectations on timing and outcomes that cannot be practically met,” Greenwood said. Typical complaints include unlicensed business, junk and debris, unregistered vehicles, unpermitted work and expired building permit, no fence around pool, broken sidewalk or illicit discharge. The process includes verifying complaints in the field, taking photos, tracking down contact information, coordination with various departments (Public Works, Police, Health Department, Animal Services, etc.), issuing various notices and a final notice via certified letter, followed by legal proceedings for failure to comply. “The process is difficult in that it can also something generally upsetting for all parties,” Greenwood said. l
Get
Free Stanley Tumbler
Visit Any Branch Today!
Creamery wins ‘Main Street Parade Champion’ trophy
By Cindi Mansell | c.mansell@mycityjournals.com
Congratulations to the Kaysville Creamery for winning the “Main Street Parade Champion” award for their 2024 Kaysville Independence Day Parade float. The float creatively recreated an iconic scene from the movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.
The “Main Street Parade Champion” trophy is a traveling award, passed on each year to a new winner. Currently, the trophy is displayed at The Kaysville Creamery, located at 1 North Main. They’ve expressed their excitement for next year’s parade and are eager to defend their title.
The Kaysville Creamery opened on Main Street in May 2022. Local businessman Dallas Hamblin and his wife Sarah took about three months to renovate the former office space into a proper space to sell ice cream, and made their dream a reality to open a destination gem on Historical Main Street. Their dream included selling BYU Creamery flavors and originally the Creamery only offered BYU Creamery ice cream, but their turnover was so great that BYU could hardly keep up and they kept running low on flavors. Hamblin investigated Utah State University Aggie Ice Cream and he now caters to fans of both colleges and ice cream flavors. “There are typically 16 rotating flavors offered at one time and about 50 flavors total,” he said. Crowd favorites include the BYU Grand
Canyon (graham cracker ice cream, graham cracker swirl, and chocolate covered honeycomb) as well as Coconut Joy (Coconut ice cream, chocolate swirl, and roasted almonds), and True Aggie Night (vanilla ice cream swirled with raspberry and dark chocolate raspberry filled hearts).
Hours are Monday through Thursday, 4 to 10 p.m., Friday 4 to 11 p.m. and Saturday from 12 to 11 p.m. closed Sunday. “Word of mouth and locals have really promoted the location,” Hamblin said. “Business might be slow during the day, but often there are lines out the door in the evenings.”
Having owned and operated Hamblin Insurance & Financial Services, Dallas Hamblin is no stranger to entrepreneurship. He and his wife, Sarah, and their three children have lived in Kaysville for years. l
The traveling trophy is proudly displayed at The Kaysville Creamery. Courtesy photo
Thanksgiving Turkey Drive set for Nov. 12
By Tom Haraldsen | t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com
Each year, the need for donations to help fight hunger is increasing in Davis County. It’s a particularly poignant feeling during the holiday season. This year, the Bountiful Food Pantry has once again teamed up with other organizations for its annual Thanksgiving Turkey Drive for Hungry Families.
“Last year saw tremendous generosity from the community,” said Rebekah Anderson, executive director of the Pantry. “We had over 1,500 turkeys donated and also received more than $21,000 in cash to help with our efforts. In all, more than 15,000 pounds of food was donated.”
This year, the Pantry will collect turkeys at three locations on the night of the drive, Tuesday, Nov. 12. Locations for the donations are the Open Doors Food Pantry at 578 East. Highway 93 in Layton, the LDS Church located at 500 S. Main Street in Kaysville, and at the Pantry located at 480 East 150 North in Bountiful. Volunteers will be receiving the turkeys and other donations that night between 6 and 8 p.m.
“We decided to offer three donation sites since the need is widespread in Davis County,” Anderson said. “Our volunteers
always do such a great job receiving the turkeys and the other items we collect for Thanksgiving dinners.”
Those items include frozen turkey breast (frozen or bone-in), boxed stuffing, boxed mashed potatoes, canned yams, canned veggies, canned cranberries and gravy packets. Any and all of those items will be put to good use for needy families.
Anderson said the public can also donate monetarily online at https://givebutter.com/filiTo, or by scanning the code shown with this story.
More than a dozen community organizations received turkeys from the drive last year, and Anderson said that might be expanded this year.
The Bountiful Food Pantry has served more families this year than ever in its history. The Thanksgiving Turkey Drive is just one of the projects the Pantry takes on each year to help address hunger in the community. l
Turkeys are being collected for local food pantries on Nov. 12. Image from Canva
Applied Medical Engineering Lab pushing the limits to life-saving care
Imagine living in a rural area, hiking in a remote place or taking a family trip away from a city where there are life-saving medical services and needing that help to survive. The University of Utah has just launched a new laboratory called the Applied Medical Engineering (AME) Lab to create cutting-edge medical technology designed to deliver that life-saving care at any location and for any patient with any injury.
“Just being 10 miles from a facility where you don’t have access can make the difference to slow down a heart attack or if you need blood,” said Dr. Jake Jensen, Associate Vice President for Research at the University of Utah. “For example, there are some freezer system treatments that maintain medication that an EMT or field medic doesn’t have access to.”
There is some promising research going on at the U for more portable freezers, he said. “It’s smaller than a mini fridge. It’s more the size of a Rubik’s Cube that is ultra frozen that medics can carry in their pack that can stop hemorrhaging more quickly. Or it can be sidestepped completely with freeze drying to maintain efficiency.”
That is one of the first things being researched through the AME platform is to work on these problems, said Jensen. “Another huge one is lightweight robotics. There are so many applications.”
If an EMT or field medic is triaging pa-
DAVIS
By Becky Ginos | becky.g@thecityjournals.com
tients in the field, there’s usually only one field medic or just one or two EMTs, he said. “If they’re treating multiple patients they have to spread out life saving measures that require more than one medic. The EMT has to make the choice whether to continue applying pressure to stop blood flow or get bandages from his pack. A lightweight robotic arm with controlled voice (AI) command could apply pressure, etc. A single provider then becomes more than one.”
The U of U has been a leader in robotics
for a long time, Jensen said. “We have already developed robotic legs, arms, etc. that are high functioning mostly for prosthetics. It’s amazing technology but we decided to branch out and ask ‘where else could this be useful? What problems can we solve?’”
Who hasn’t been in a situation where they couldn't use three hands? he said. “Take movers. A lightweight robotic arm would allow them to move safer and faster. The functionality for multiple people is incredibly exciting.”
Another area of AME application is men-
tal health. “It’s an issue from many people,” said Jensen. “But there are noticeable disparities in rural counties. Rural communities have more signs of mental health issues such as suicide than urban areas. This is designed to help mental health. That is huge. People can receive counseling wherever they are and there is a Telehealth component.”
Jensen said the area he’s most excited about is women’s health. “The AME lab is developing technology to assist in maternal and infant survival. There’s been work in this for over 100 years, but there’s been little progress in infant and maternal mortality. You’d think we’d be further along.”
Think about a baby and mom that don’t have access to medical facilities, he said. “They live too far away from treatment that could have saved their life. Ten miles could be the difference between if a mother or infant dies. If treatment is available we need to use it.”
The AME lab showcased its groundbreaking work at the 47G Zero Gravity Summit held on Thursday.
47G promotes and advocates for companies in Utah that are developing the next generation of aerospace, defense and cyber technologies, said Aaron Starks, 47G president and CEO. “Our partnership with the University of Utah’s AME Lab reflects our commitment to collaborate on applied research that will directly benefit Americans serving around the world and right here at home.” l
County submits four possible Code Blue locations
COUNTY—The Davis County Commission has submitted four potential locations for a Code Blue facility to the Office of Homeless Services (OHS), one primary location and three alternative sites. There are three county owned buildings, Clearfield Senior Center, Valley View Golf Course and the Inspection Maintenance Center in Kaysville and one private entity.
“The state is good with all of them,” said Ryan Steinbeigle, Grant Administrator for Davis County. “Davis County and the Office of Homeless Services worked together to develop the plan, now it will go to the Utah Homeless Services Board for voting on funding for Code Blue.”
The legislature passed a bill in 2023 requiring counties the size of Davis County to provide shelter beds for Code Blue and Winter Response. Code Blue and Winter Response mean beds for unhoused people for extremely cold days and also 60+ beds from Oct. 15-April 30.
After the law was passed, Davis County created a task force made up of voting city mayors from Bountiful, Farmington, Kaysville, Layton, Clearfield, Syracuse and Sunset and one voting county commission-
By Becky Ginos | becky.g@thecityjournals.com
er, Bob Stevenson. The task force worked to submit the required plan that was due Aug. 1, 2024 for this coming winter. The plan was a Dignity Bus with 20 spots.
“The bus would have pickup spots at a designated time and they would be taken to a (Code Blue) location,” said Steinbeigle.
“They would spend the night and then get back on the bus the next day and be taken back to where they were picked up. We’d
have volunteers doing intake and giving them resources. The state denied the plan due to insufficient funding. That puts it back to the state to make a decision.”
There has been a great deal of controversy over where to have a Code Blue facility and more recently to find a suitable location for a year round homeless shelter.
Last month, Switchpoint, a private company that provides resources for those
who are experiencing homelessness, was considering purchasing the Lifeline building at 1130 West Center Street in North Salt Lake that would have met the county’s requirement for a year round shelter.
Residents were in an uproar and fought hard to stop the purchase. Ultimately, Switchpoint pulled the offer killing the deal, leading the county to go back to searching for another building that could be repurposed or finding property to purchase.
The (Homeless Services) board won’t meet until Nov. 14, said Steinbeigle. “It’s from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. at the Capitol, Room 445. The board is a public body that approves funding requests from the Office of Homeless Services. They function together but OHS can’t approve funding. That has to be done by the board.”
In the meantime, the timeline of Oct. 15 has passed. “If it gets 18 or below the state will have to decide what to do but the first one last year was around Thanksgiving.” l
A concept photo shows how the robotic arm can be used by medics in the field. The arm is just one of many cutting-edge medical technologies being developed by the AME Lab. Courtesy AI image
The Clearfield Senior Center is one of four sites the county recommended for Code Blue response. Courtesy photo
Bison – Antelope Island’s role in conservation
imals are all herded to a pen in the interior of the island, where the health and weights are evaluated, before they cull necessary numbers. Steven Bates, the current biologist out on the island, switched gears to a cow and calf operation. The herd now sees a 150-250 calf bump, and is able to feed conservation across the entire country. It is speculated by some experts now, that every bison currently has cattle in their gene pool to some degree. Cattle were mixed with bison to help in conservation efforts, to make them bigger, and to make them eat better. Around 12 years ago, the biologist on the island ran genetic testing on the herd-they found only three animals with cattle genes. This is a testament to the success the island has seen since its birth. It seems one thing is certain, if it was not for operations like Antelope Island, bison would no longer have any presence on
A bison feeding across the western shore of Antelope Island, with a view of the Stansbury Range across the Great Salt Lake. Courtesy of Utah State Parks
An adult bison feeds along the roadway. Courtesy of Utah State Parks
Don’t let winter stop you from getting into the mountains
The nights are getting crips, and the shadows are growing longer, but the “off-season” can be the best time to get out and explore the local trails. Late fall through early spring can be an excellent time to enjoy some of the many trails that Farmington has to offer. With easy access to Farmington Canyon just minutes from the valley floor, these trails can offer an excellent opportunity to stay active throughout the off-season. As the end of Daylight Saving Time approaches, the crowds on the trails will also fall back just like the pending hour on our clocks. With fewer people hitting the trails during this timeframe, you get a little deeper sense of solitude and more opportunities to see wildlife that you may not encounter during the peak season. As with all outdoor activities, be sure to dress appropriately for the current conditions and take the same necessary precautions as you normally would. When snow is present, it can be a good idea to carry Yak tracks, or micro spikes for additional traction on some of the steeper portions of the trails.
Flag Rock via Firebreak Road: Choose your own adventure
Flag Rock, via Firebreak Road, has something to offer for everyone looking to explore the many trails that Farmington has to offer. This dog-friendly, action-packed trail offers fantastic views of the Davis County area, including Antelope Island, Farmington Bay WMA, and the Great Salt Lake. Of course, you are also treated to a majestic view featuring the American Flag atop a rocky outcropping, mounted at the same height that the World Trade Center stood in New York City, prior to the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. This is an outstanding hike or trail run that can be completed as an out-and-back or looped trail. There are several access points for this hike, giving you plenty of options to choose from. The most popular route starts south of the trail from the Davis Creek Trailhead parking lot. The first mile of the trail is relatively flat and follows along the Bonneville Shoreline Trail (BST). The trail crosses over Steed Creek before hitting the fork that leads to the main Flag Rock Trail, noted by a trail marker featuring an American Flag. The trail becomes adventurous from this point and becomes challenging as it begins to gain elevation quickly. During the ascent, there is an off shoot of the trail that leads over to Patsy’s Mine. This was an old mine that was built by Patsy Morely in the early 1900s in hopes of finding silver. A once explorable mine, the entrance has recently been closed off and is no longer accessible. After you return to the main trail, you will continue up several more switchbacks before finally reaching the top of the hike, where the flag stands. At this point you can choose to return the same way you came up or take the trail to the north that loops back down to Firebreak Road. This is a great trail for anyone looking to add a little challenge to their winter hiking and gives you the ability to choose how you want to explore it.
Firebreak Road (BST): Always reliable and rewarding Firebreak Road and the Bonneville Shoreline Trail are great resources for access to dirt trails when we begin to get some heavy snowfall. The road intertwines with the BST in several places and can be accessed from several points in the community. This trail offers a bit of a more mellow experience while staying lower in elevation and avoiding hefty climbs. A popular access point to Firebreak Road as a hike or trail run can be found via the mouth of Farmington Canyon. There is Bonneville Shoreline Trail access via the Farm Mountain Bike Park, or you can start from the Skyline Drive parking lot. You can head south along the BST from this point and as it intersects Firebreak Road, there are dirt options all the way to Bountiful via this trail. It is relative-
By Tommy Rivas | t.rivas@mycityjournals.com
ly flat in most places, with some sections containing some descent ascents depending on how long or what portion of the trail you are on. This is a great route during peak winter season when higher elevation trails are snow packed, or conditions don’t permit safe access on foot.
Davis Creek Trail: Farmington’s waterfall
The Davis Creek Trail is a classic Farmington area hike that leads to a beautiful large waterfall. This is considered a strenuous and challenging route, especially in the off months when trail conditions are not the greatest. Due to some portions of this trail, it is best accessed in early winter or spring, depending on the snow conditions. Dogs may accompany you on this trail and may be off leash in some areas. The trail is approximately 2.7 miles out-and-back with several smaller waterfalls along the way. The north side of the trail can be hazardous, so it is recommended to stick to the south side of the trail which is marked well and typically traveled year-round. This is a beautiful trail that rolls through thick wooded areas with beautiful views the entire way. This trail can get hot during peak season, so it is nice to enjoy during the cooler months and helps to cut down on the crowds. Sometimes overlooked in the winter, this is always a beautiful trail worth exploring. l
The off-season can be the best time to get out and explore local trails. Davis Creek Waterfall
Flag Rock Overlook. Courtesy photos
Firebreak Road
More than a memory – Josie’s Angels provides hope and healing
By Shania Emmett | s.emmett@mycityjournals.com
When parents experience the still birth of their child it can be one of the most heartbreaking things they can go through. The devastating loss can be overwhelming. An organization called Josie’s Angels was created to make the grieving process a bit easier.
“Nov. 25, 2021 my second daughter, Josie Lea Ann, passed away during labor, three hours before she was born (on Thanksgiving Day),” said Jennifer Rader, the creator of Josie’s Angels. “A few months passed by in complete grief, but quickly turned into a desire for action and to help others who were experiencing our same type of loss. It came from wanting to ‘pay forward’ the love and compassion and support we were shown during our darkest time.”
In February 2022 the final design for Josie’s Angels was created, she said. “I started making Angels in my home to send to other ‘loss parents’ that we learned of through friends and family. I started making these angels with my mother-in-law, Jina, as a way to clear my head and be able to sit in silence while dealing with my grief. We expanded to making and selling bracelets, and entered craft shows to raise additional funds to be able to make even more angels to donate.”
Rader said they knew that their daughter had a genetic condition and would likely not survive long after birth. “When we shared this news with family and friends, and publicly, we received so much support and love from people that we knew, and even people that we didn’t know. It was so important to us that we repay all those people in a way that ‘paid forward’ their support to us. In the hospital, on the day we lost Josie, the hospital
gave us a bag of items to commemorate our daughter’s life. I knew immediately that we wanted to contribute something to a bag like that. We donate our Josie’s Angels to organizations that work directly with the hospitals including Utah Share and Share Parents of Utah, in addition to sending Josie’s Angels directly to individuals who are experiencing a loss.”
Already Josie’s Angels has helped many parents get through the grieving process or at least it has helped bring a bit of peace and solace to them knowing they can honor the child they lost, Rader said. “We offer things like rings that can have your child’s birthstone, memory bracelets and even charms in the shape of angels that can have your child’s name on it.”
Rader said receiving that bag of items from other families who had dealt with a loss like theirs gave them hope. “It told us that we were not alone. It told us that there will be ways to honor our daughter in the future. I hope that when someone opens a Josie’s Angel from us that they have those feelings as well. I hope that they understand that there is life after the immense amount of grief they are feeling at the moment. The grief never fully goes away, but as much as you feel like you will not be able to go on, it is proof that you can.”
This year they will be hosting their second Angel Making Day Event on Josie’s Third Angel Day. “Last year we invited about 50 friends and family to our house and everyone made Angels and celebrated our girl (we made 337 Angels in a few hours),” she said. “This year we hope to make it even bigger and make even more Angels! We also offer Angel Making Events for youth groups,
churches, teams, and company days of giving. We bring out the supplies and people can spend time making Angels and donating their time to an amazing cause. I know how important the support from others felt for me throughout our journey, and I wanted to be
vocal about it and loudly support others to help them understand that they are not alone, their feelings are valid, and their baby existed and matters. I hope that our mission helps people to feel supported.” l
One of the charms made by Josie’s Angels. Photos courtesy of Jennifer Rader
Jennifer Rader mourns at the funeral of her baby Josie Lea Ann. Rader created Josie’s Angels to help other parents who have lost a child.
NeuroHealth offers treatment for men’s mental health issues
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
While mental health issues for men have often been underestimated or overlooked in the past, growing awareness is creating space for men to set aside generational stigmas and reach out for help. Initiatives like Movember hope to break down barriers that leave men feeling isolated or reluctant to express their emotions.
Starting in 2003, the Movember campaign encouraged men to grow a mustache or beard during November to challenge them to speak up about men’s physical and mental health issues.
High rates of depression, substance abuse, suicide and suicidal ideation in men underscore the need for a societal shift to support men’s mental health with empathy and understanding. As more athletes and celebrities open up about their own mental health challenges, the conversation potentially allows men to reach out for help.
“The more we talk about it, the less taboo the topic becomes and the easier it becomes to get help,” said NeuroHealth Manager Jason Corbridge. “We need to be present, we need to be available and we need to make men feel valued and respected.”
NeuroHealth is situated to help men navigate their mental health, offering transcranial magnetic stimulation and ketamine therapy.
K-Pop,Corbridge said these methods have had profound effects on his clientele, offering a potential lifeline for those struggling with treatment-resistant depressive disorders.
Men with underlying mental health conditions often have symptoms that include the lack of desire to engage with friends and family, low energy, lack of enjoyment, violent behavior, feeling closed off, sleep issues, anger, substance misuse, trouble concentrating, risky behavior and a loss of sex drive.
“We see many patients who have suffered from PTSD in the past, or who are going through a difficult time, and we have had awesome success in alleviating those heavy and dark moods,” Corbridge said. “More than 80% of patients who go through our treatments say their depression has decreased and they feel better and 63% of those who go through our treatments say their depression is just gone. The results speak for themselves, with virtually no side effects like you would typically get from medications.”
Corbridge said TMS is an FDA-approved treatment that is easy and effective and usually covered by health insurance. It’s a non-invasive procedure using magnetic pulses to improve nerve cells in the brain. A TMS study performed in 2022 showed individuals who received TMS treatment had significantly lower levels of sui-
cidal ideation compared to the control group. NeuroHealth is located at 10437 S. Temple Drive in South Jordan and Corbridge said the clinic is dedicated to creating higher levels of mental health for men. Along with TMS treatment, NeuroHealth also administers ketamine therapy in a controlled setting. Considered an emerging treatment for depression, ketamine is a potential lifesaver for those facing
treatment-resistant depression.
For more information, visit NeuroHealthUtah.com.
“When it comes to men’s mental health, we need to talk about it,” Corbridge said. “Speak up when you are struggling and don’t try to handle this alone.”l
Local K-Pop enthusiast launches magazine and convention in Utah
or Korean Pop Music has become quite popular in recent years in Utah, especially in Davis County. It’s been so popular that local woman Megan Gleason organized a convention for it. It was called The K-Pop Fan Faire and it was held last month.
Gleason has also started her own magazine which is completely centered around K-Pop. From the bands to the music and even the fans of K-Pop itself.
“The K-Pop Fan Faire was in celebration of Fanfare’s first year anniversary,” she said. “I knew I wanted to hold an event to celebrate since the beginning of 2024 but I hadn’t really hashed out any details. Then in May, I met Janika at 4 the Love of Studios and she was interest-
By Shania Emmett | s.emmett@mycityjournals.com
ed in collaborating on a K-Pop-themed event. It made sense to put the two ideas together.”
The event brought a variety of people together all around one singular thing: the love for K-Pop. It had a variety of K-Pop-esque vendors. There were panels talking about the bands and even a chance to participate in trivia games. There was also a dance workshop where con-goers could learn the moves they see their favorite bands perform on their music videos along with their concerts.
“The RPDs definitely were the most popular event of the night,” Gleason said. “It wasn’t until we started those that people really started showing up.”
Many might wonder what an RPD is ex-
actly. It stands for Random Play Dance. It’s a dance challenge game where con-goers can come and dance to random K-Pop songs that are selected. It is a very popular event among con-goers who enjoy getting to dance to their favorite songs along with other fellow fans.
Overall, Gleason believes the event went very well especially since it was the very first year that it has ever been held.
“I honestly just love talking to people,” she said. “My favorite part of any event is meeting people and getting the opportunity to talk to people I otherwise only know online! Events like this bring people together so I always love seeing fellow fans that live in different cities.”
Gleason said they had way more ticket
purchases than she thought they would and people seemed to have fun. “There were definitely some hiccups but we managed to do all the things we planned. Something I will do when I try and run the event again next year though is buy extra batteries. Also, I will definitely start planning way sooner. The last two weeks leading up to the event felt like a mad dash for me. So, I will definitely start getting everything ready much sooner.”
One thing is for sure, when there is something that many people love, events like Gleason’s will almost always end up bringing people together. l
NeuroHealth brings attention to the stigmas and possibilities for men’s mental health issues and treatment during November. Stock photo
Breast cancer survivor retreats offer support, resilience and hope
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Breast cancer survivors often struggle with challenges beyond the physical aspect of the condition and treatment. Anxiety, depression, body-image issues and cognitive changes can cause emotional and psychological challenges.
Image Reborn offers breast cancer survivors the opportunity to gather with other women going through similar issues by holding free renewal retreats. The program is a chance for survivors to talk about their experiences and offer support to other women.
“We’re actually in our 26th year,” said Bobbi Lord, Image Reborn executive director. “We have weekend retreats that are a place for women to focus on their feelings. The best part is to see that connection as these women come together. They instantly know what the other one’s going through without having to vocalize it, which I think is very powerful.”
Retreats are held in private homes with a small number of attendees (usually less than 10 women) who are pampered and nurtured during a two-night stay. A chef provides healthy meals while women can take part in yoga, massage therapy, group counseling sessions and a grief circle. A medical provider attends part of the retreat to talk with women and answer questions.
Several health aspects are included in each retreat including mindfulness, physical activity and tools for handling emotional distress. Because medical bills quickly add up during a cancer diagnosis and treatment, women can attend the renewal retreat at no cost.
“The only requirement to attend is that they have breast cancer,” Lord said. “The retreats themselves are completely free. We do ask for a small $100 deposit to save their space, and then it’s returned after the retreat.”
Cinthya was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022. She attended a retreat earlier this year after her radiologist gave her
a pamphlet about the program.
“It was a way for us to have a break from everything and celebrate the end of treatment,” she said. “It was a great experience. I met a lot of ladies and I learned a lot about their experiences. After that, I started volunteering for them because I felt I wanted to give back to the organization.”
Each retreat is facilitated by professionals experienced in addressing the concerns of women with breast cancer. Renewal retreats are held several times a year and have expanded to include events in Florida, Texas and Colorado. Women are invited to attend at any time during their cancer experience but most sign up two or three years post-diagnosis.
Image Reborn also holds events for women with specific needs including young survivors, women with stage 4 cancer and Spanish-speaking women.
The organization provides ongoing wellness activities for survivors including virtual grief-tending, restorative yoga, vir-
tual hypnotherapy and a sex conference. Additionally, adventure retreats during the year focus on mental and emotional health but include a challenging component.
“Last year we partnered with the National Ability Center, and we did canoeing at Flaming Gorge,” Lord said. “We also did one down in Southern Utah that was canyoneering.”
Volunteers are always needed at Image Reborn. They might help at an event, pick up women from the airport or donate their home as a retreat location. Financial support can be provided through monetary donations, fundraising or by linking the Image Reborn Foundation to a Smith’s Rewards Card.
Image Reborn held its annual gala at the beginning of November and was expecting to bring in more than $300,000 in donations. The money is used to provide free retreats, offer travel scholarships for those coming from out-of-town and fund ongoing wellness programs. For more information, visit ImageRebornFoundation. org.
“We are trying to grow across the nation,” Lord said. “We have wait lists and our goal is to make this available for everyone.” l
At Image Reborn renewal retreats, breast cancer survivors can access mental and emotional support while creating new friendships. Photo courtesy of Image Reborn
Six local nonprofits to support this holiday season
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Davis
County residents have long demonstrated a commitment to service, upholding the belief that collective action leads to meaningful change and stronger communities.
With hundreds of nonprofit organizations in the area, there are many options to donate time, money or expertise to a cause close to your heart. Take time this month to show gratitude for all you have by supporting one of these charities doing big things along the Wasatch Front.
Bountiful Food Pantry, 480 E. 150 North, Bountiful
Providing food to any Davis County family in need, the Bountiful Food Pantry offers assistance with no questions asked. In 2023, the pantry distributed more than 1.7 million meals and is on track to exceed that number in 2024. Residents can visit the pantry twice each month for a box of groceries. The nonprofit also provides pantry packs to 80 schools in the county, allowing thousands of children to have food for the weekend. Support this organization through monetary or food donations, host a food drive or volunteer to work at the pantry. More information is available at BountifulFoodPantry.org.
Wasatch Wanderers Animal Rescue
It’s not just cats and dogs being abandoned along the Wasatch Front. Rabbits, domestic ducks, turtles, lizards, chickens, guinea pigs and other animals are often dumped by their owners in the wild, where they don’t survive long. Wasatch Wanderers rescues
these rejected pets and finds new homes where they can be part of a loving family. Get involved with this organization by adopting or fostering an animal, transporting rescued animals to rescue farms or donating money to their care. Visit WasatchWanderers.org for more information.
Warrior Rising Through strategic partnerships, Warrior Rising helps veterans become thriving business owners. Using a network of professionals from a wide range of backgrounds, the nonprofit created a remote learning platform that uses mentors, coaches, experts and
Tgrant money to provide vets the opportunity to build a successful life after they’ve served the country. Entrepreneurial volunteers are needed to teach skills and help vets through the business start-up process. Find more info at WarriorRising.org.
The Christmas Box International, 3660 S. West Temple, Salt Lake City Open all year, The Christmas Box International is a short-term, emergency shelter helping children suffering from abuse, neglect, trafficking and homelessness. More than 14,000 children were served at the home last year and organizers are always looking
for donations to help support the programs offered including resource rooms and international projects. To honor the children they serve, The Christmas Box International only accepts new donations of clothing, books, toys and toiletries. Monetary donations are also accepted. Learn more at Thechristmasbox.org.
Davis County Library
With seven branches throughout the county, volunteers are always needed at the Davis County Library. Working with library staff, volunteers perform a range of vital services including shelving materials, clerical support, leading story times and helping with library programs. Volunteers 14 and older are invited to work at the library (minors must be accompanied by an adult). Visit daviscountyutah.gov/library/volunteer to sign up.
Fourth Street Clinic, 409 W. 400 South, Salt Lake City
With cold temperatures on the way, people experiencing homelessness will need extra support to stay safe. Fourth Street Clinic provides health care to a population that often doesn’t receive continual medical attention. The clinic accepts donations including travel-size hygiene items, tents, sleeping bags, tarps, gloves and hats, new underwear and warm socks. Monetary donations to Fourth Street Clinic are leveraged to create an additional in-kind donation dollar for every $1 raised. Learn more at FourthStreetClinic.org. l
Bright economic numbers signal a strong holiday shopping season
his fall’s better-than-expected economic showing is good news for the upcoming holiday shopping season.
Retail sales rose 0.4% in September, beating analysts’ expectations. Meanwhile, the economy added a remarkable 254,000 jobs in the month – 100,000 more than most forecasters predicted. The national unemployment rate dropped from 4.2% in August to 4.1% in September, while wages accelerated to 4% in September compared to 3.8% the previous month.
Bolstered by a strong job market, winter holiday spending is expected to grow between 2.5% and 3.5% this year, according to the National Retail Federation. That’s in line with historical averages and similar to Deloitte’s 2024 projection of 2.3% to 3.3% sales growth. Most of the growth will be driven by online purchases, which are expected to jump 7% to 9% over 2023.
Holiday shoppers’ dollars will stretch further this year than in 2023 and 2022, thanks to slowing inflation and rising wages.
By Robert Spendlove, Zions Bank Senior Economist
The Consumer Price Index slowed to 2.4% in September, down from 2.5% the previous month. And inflation in the mountain region of the U.S. slowed even more, to 1.4% in September.
While wage growth has been outpacing inflation since May 2023, household income has yet to fully recover the purchasing power lost to inflation in recent years. Many people are starting off their holiday shopping season already in debt. Credit card debt hit a record $1.14 trillion in the second quarter of 2024, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. And half of credit card holders are carrying a balance from month to month – the highest level in four years, according to Bankrate’s 2024 Credit Card Debt Survey.
Nearly half – 48% – of Utahns say they are worse off financially compared to a year ago, according to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute’s Survey of Utah Consumer Sentiment. The way people feel about the economy often influences their spending decisions. However, easing inflation and lower
interest rates could improve Utahns’ feelings about the economy.
This holiday season may bring price relief in certain categories. Toy prices, for example, dropped 2.9% over the last year. Some electronics, including televisions and computers, are also cheaper overall. Motor fuel prices are down 15.5% nationally and 18.6% regionally. These are all great trends.
Other factors impacting holiday spending include an abbreviated shopping season. With Thanksgiving falling on Nov. 28 this year, there are 26 days from Thanksgiving to Christmas. Additionally, the economic uncertainty surrounding the U.S. presidential election could play a role in how consumers do their holiday shopping.
Robert Spendlove is senior economist for Zions Bank, a division of Zions Bancorporation, N.A l
Volunteers and monetary donations are always needed during the holidays. With dozens of nonprofit organizations in the county, there are ample opportunities to provide service. Stock photo
So close: Darts fall in state girls soccer title game
By Josh McFadden | joshdmcfadden@hotmail.com
TheDavis girls soccer team is no stranger to playing for all the marbles.
For the fourth time in the last six season, the Darts played for the state championship, reaching the final round to face Lone Peak on Oct. 25. Davis also made it to the championship game in 2019, 2020 and 2022, winning the state crown in the last two appearances.
This year’s big contest, held at Zions Bank Stadium, was a showdown between two of the top programs in the state. Lone Peak was undefeated with a 19-0 record, while Davis won Region 1 with a 9-1 record and was on a 10-game winning streak.
Unfortunately for the Darts, their streak ended, as they fell to Lone Peak 2-0.
The two teams played to a defensive battle in the first half with neither team scoring. But Lone Peak broke through with two second-half goals, the second clinching the title for the Knights late in the contest. The impressive Lone Peak squad finished the year by allowing a mere seven goals all season while totaling 103.
The Darts gave Lone Peak everything they had. It was one of the toughest games the Knights had all season. No team came within fewer than two goals of Lone Peak, and only three other teams besides Davis accomplished the feat.
To reach the finals, Davis beat region rival Weber 4-0 in the second round on Oct. 15, making it the third time this season it defeated the Warriors. The two previous meetings went Davis’ way by the scores of 4-0 (Aug. 29) and 2-1 (Sept. 19). In the postseason encounter, the Darts scored all four goals in the second half. Simone Packer had two of them, with Kate Willard and Brooklyn Phongsavath getting one each. Samantha Maudsley had two assists, and Reial Phongsavath and Jentrie Gardner had one assist apiece. Goalie Lexi Lund got the shutout.
Two days later, Davis edged Corner Canyon in the quarterfinals, winning at home 2-1 in an exciting double-overtime clash. Davis was up 1-0 at the break, but Corner Canyon answered and sent the game into overtime with a goal. In the second overtime, Packer scored off an assist from Brooklyn Phongsavath to send the Darts to the semifinals. Cadence Packer also scored off a Brooklyn Phongsavath assist.
The semifinals matchup with Mountain Ridge on Oct. 22 was one of Davis’ most impressive performances of the season. The contest, held at Zions Bank Stadium, saw the Darts open up a commanding 3-0 halftime lead to essentially put the game away early. Mountain Ridge, which lost just once all season coming into the contest, couldn’t do much against the
Darts’ stout defense. Lund got another shutout, No. 9.75 of the season. Simone Packer scored three times in the big win. Lucy Potter and Willard each had a goal and an assist, and Brooklyn Phongsavath assisted on a goal.
Davis brings back some talented, experienced players. However, the program will miss Simone Packer. The senior totaled 24 goals this season, tops among all Class 6A players. She finished her high school career with 34 goals. This season, she scored in 15 games and had two games in which she had three goals. On five occasions, she tallied two goals.
The cupboard will be far from bare in 2025, though.
Back next season will be Willard, a sophomore who had 10 goals and five assists this season. Reial Phongsavath, just a freshman, had five goals and four assists, while sophomore Courtney Burbidge scored three goals and had seven assists. Maudsley, another sophomore standout, also had three goals and seven assists on the year. Junior Lydia Neville will be back in 2025 after contributing three goals this year. l
The Davis girls soccer team with its Region trophy. The team made it all the way to the state final championship game but lost to Lone Peak. Photo by Dillon Richens
Monday
NFL Football
(4) KTVX ESPN 6 p.m.
You can say that Tampa Bay looks battle tested as Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers head into Arrowhead Stadium to take on Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs for Monday Night Football. The Chiefs last beat the Bucs 41-31 in 2022 in Tampa, Fla. What We Do in the Shadows FX 11 p.m.
The zany misadventures continue in this latest episode as Laszlo (Matt Berry), Nadja (Natasia Demetriou) and Colin Robinson (Mark Proksch) head out to retrieve Nandor (Kayvan Novak) before his crazed mental state leads to more trouble.
Tuesday
Election Night 2024: Your Voice/ Your Vote (4) KTVX 5 p.m.
ABC News anchor David Muir and the ABC News team get the latest information from various election locations to provide results in the 2024 presidential election. As results continue to stream in, experts will piece together the Electoral College.
American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez FX 11 p.m.
During this new episode, Terri (Tammy Blanchard), Shayanna (Jaylen Barron) and Tanya (Lindsay Mendez) process Aaron’s (Josh Andrés Rivera) conviction. As they come to terms with their new reality, they are forced to make a difficult decision.
Wednesday
Treasure
SHOW 3 p.m.
Ruth (Lena Dunham), an American journalist, brings her father (Stephen Fry) to Poland to visit his childhood homeland and help understand her family’s past. But as a Holocaust survivor, he prefers to forget, creating unintentionally funny moments.
Chicago Fire (5) KSL 8 p.m.
Nature is a challenge and Mouch (Christian Stolte) runs afoul of a bird on the apparatus floor. Then, Severide (Taylor Kinney) finds illegal guns on a call and gets pulled into a police investigation. Carver’s (Jake Lockett) attitude worsens.
Thursday
After the First 48
A&E 6 p.m.
Season 10 premieres tonight, beginning with a gruesome tale. When a violent melee leaves two men dead, Mobile, Ala., detectives work to track down multiple suspects, using all available evidence to piece together what really happened that fateful night.
Doctor Odyssey
(4) KTVX 8 p.m.
Making waves might be par for the course on the open ocean, but aboard The Odyssey, it’s sometimes best to keep your head down. Dr. Max Bankman (Joshua Jackson) is still getting his sea legs, but Capt. Massey (Don Johnson) is not offering Dramamine.
Friday
Cold Case Files: The Grim Sleeper A&E 7 p.m.
This special episode of “Cold Case Files” explores the crimes of infamous serial killer Lonnie Franklin Jr., who preyed on the women of South Central Los Angeles for over 25 years. Various victims share their stories, and hope not to be forgotten.
Joan (30) KUCW 9 p.m.
From a penniless mother struggling to make ends meet to a skilled thief capable of becoming anyone at any time thanks to her talent for disguise, Joan (Sophie Turner) must pull off the heist of a lifetime in this season finale. However, doubts remain.
Saturday
Big RV Remix
Searching for a Serial Killer: The Regina Smith Story
LIFE 6 p.m.
Hoping to make the world safer for her young daughter, Regina (Karrueche Tran) joins the Dallas Police Department. She and her partner Eddie (Blair Penner) find crucial evidence of a serial killer targeting female sex workers known as the Eyeball Killer.
48 Hours
(2) KUTV 8 p.m.
No matter the story — be it a shocking criminal case or salacious real-life scandal — viewers turn to the investigative reporting of Erin Moriarty, Peter Van Sant and the rest of the CBS News crew to give them the answers in this latest episode.
Sunday
The Penguin
HBO 7 p.m.
Gotham is reshaped and Oz (Colin Farrell) has orchestrated as much of it as possible with the tools he’s been given — or taken — in this season finale. With Sofia (Cristin Milioti) working her angles and Oz mastering brutality, many hope for a Season 2.
Yellowstone (2) KUTV 8:30 p.m.
John (Kevin Costner) thinks he has finally shaken out the chaff, revealing his true alliances. After his run-in with the justice system, Rip (Cole Hauser) is left with more questions than answers. Jamie (Wes Bentley) worries about his political future.
The Penguin HBO 9:50 p.m.
Wednesday
PBS Nature
An all-new episode of “Nature” airs Wednesday, Nov. 6, on PBS, It might be known for its zoo, coastline and stunning weather, but San Diego is also wild. Nowhere in the United States has as many species as this city. From blistering deserts to snow-capped mountains and tidal estuaries, biodiversity calls San Diego home.
Celebrity Profile
By Jay Bobbin TV Media
Kelli
Williams spent several years focusing on work behind the cameras as a director, but she’s back to being a full-time actress again. Best known previously as attorney Lindsay Dole in ABC’s “The Practice,” Williams is co-starring in the drama series “Found,” now airing its second season Thursdays on NBC and streaming on Peacock. Her character, Margaret Reed, is one of the recovery specialists on a team led by crisis management expert Gabi Mosely (played by Shanola Hampton, “Shameless”). Margaret sadly has personal experience in missing person cases, since her own son disappeared more than a dozen years ago, and she has never given up her search for him. After directing a number of other shows in recent years, Williams also fills that job on a “Found” episode later this season. “I think [producers] like the fact that I am an actor and I know actors,” she reasons of her behindthe-scenes work, “so I can use some of the shortcuts that actors have. In talking about character and story, I can ask them, ‘Are you a person of many words, or do you prefer just a few words?’ I find that’s something a lot of directors don’t ask, so I think that maybe that’s an advantage I have.”
Williams adds about acting, “Sometimes you can be prepared, then you suddenly get in front of the camera and you don’t quite have it in the same way, or your nerves get hold of you. [As a director,] I feel I also can be a mom and a therapist in that moment, as well as a fellow actor.”
In the often-repeated 2004 cable movie “A Boyfriend for Christmas,” Williams worked with her late mother, fellow actress Shannon Wilcox. “That was so much fun to do with her,” Williams recalls. “I had just had my second child, so I was there with my mom and my new baby.”
Preparing Thanksgiving dinner never gets easier. I always start with lofty culinary goals based on recipes from “The Pioneer Woman” that include truffles and capers but end up scraping scorched gravy into a dish and hoping the turkey won’t give anyone food poisoning.
Because of my poor cooking skills, I’m always looking for Thanksgiving hacks to make meal preparation more sunshine and less hurricane. I thought I’d share some tips I found to survive the food frenzy that is Thanksgiving.
Ask for help. Stop being a martyr. Don’t complain about having to do everything and then refuse any help. Give out assignments and not like “Can you bring one can of olives?” or “I need someone to pick up some napkins.” No. Ask someone to bring mashed potatoes or all the desserts or even the turkey. You don’t get a blue ribbon for Thanksgiving suffering.
Don’t make foods no one eats. Stop wasting time preparing “traditional” foods, even if it’s a recipe handed down from your quadruple-great grandmother. Especially if it’s handed down from your quadruple-great grandmother because there weren’t a lot of food options in the 1800s besides lima beans and fried hominy.
Use a mandoline to slice vegetables.
Hacking Thanksgiving
Peri Kinder Life and Laughter
Not to be confused with a stringed instrument from the 19th century, the mandoline slices onions, celery and carrots quickly and easily. The guest who finds the tip of my index finger in the stuffing wins a prize!
Make only one batch of dinner rolls. Homemade rolls are always a hit but now you can use them as leverage. Your grandson wants a second, hot-buttered roll? He’d better start washing dishes. Bonus hack: Purchase pre-made bakery rolls. You won’t get docked Thanksgiving points. I promise.
Thaw the turkey in water. Not only will this leave you with a bucket full of disgusting waste water but then you can spill it all over the kitchen floor on Thanksgiving morning. Maybe don’t even cook a turkey. There are no Thanksgiving laws. Have chicken wings or spaghetti bolognese.
Spatchcock the turkey. If you insist
on roasted turkey, watch a three-hour video explaining how to spatchcock the bird, which involves removing the turkey’s backbone so it lies flat and cooks quickly. (Sidenote: Who spatchcocked Utah’s governor and legislators?)
One tip said, “Use tongs to stem kale” and none of those words make sense together.
Use a Thermos to keep gravy warm. Gravy is notoriously dreadful when served cold. Trust me, I know. Grab your sisterin-law’s gallon-sized Stanley cup to ensure there’s hot gravy for the mashed potatoes.
Use pre-made pie shells. People think pies need to be made from scratch to get that flakey, buttery crust. Baloney. Unless you’re a professional pie baker, do yourself a favor and buy frozen pie crusts. Right now. Even better, get delicious pies from the grocery store.
Celebrate Thanksgiving dinner on Friday. There’s nothing worse than working three days and trying to fit in Thanksgiving preparation. On Friday, it can be a celebratory meal after everyone’s done shopping online.
Create a fun playlist. Before Uncle Jim can cue up the Jan. 6 prisoners’ chorus singing “The Star-Spangled Banner,” have a variety of tunes ready to go. Include ev-
erything from Bach to ZZ Top, to equally irritate every family member.
Give yourself a break. I’ve overcooked turkey, burned gravy, made inedible broccoli-cornbread stuffing, forgot the cranberry sauce, dropped a pumpkin pie and used Tupperware lids when I ran out of dinner plates. No one cares. If you’re being judged for the way Thanksgiving dinner turns out, it’s time to find a new family.
Taxpayers and retirement-focused investors have plenty to be concerned about over the next few years.
Economic uncertainty, high inflation, and potential policy changes could bring more legal and economic change.
In addition to this, many of the provisions in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will sunset after 2025.
WHAT COULD THAT MEAN?
• There is potential for tax increases, particularly for high-net-worth Americans.
• Capital gains tax rates could increase to match ordinary income rates, rather than topping out at 20% as they do now
• America’s national “debt hangover” could mean other taxes could increase to generate more revenue for the U.S. government3
That means it’s more important than ever to make sure that you’re taking advantage of every tax edge that you possibly can this year. Acting now could be crucial because you might not have the ability to seize these opportunities in future tax years.
Fortunately, there are strategies that you can capture right now to make sure you don’t pay more than your fair share in taxes. But you’ve got to act quickly, because some of these opportunities may not be around forever.
