PENCIL BOX ART STUDIO LETS KIDS MAKE MISTAKES, MAKE A MESS AND CREATE ART
By Jolene Croasmun | j.croasmun@mycityjournals.com
Pencil
Box Art Studio in Millcreek celebrated their one year anniversary in August with an open house.
Ali Spittler and Brynn Grover are the owners of Pencil Box Art Studio. “We both taught second grade together at Canyon Rim Elementary for a long time. We missed the kids and classrooms so then Ali pitched the idea to me about an art studio. We both liked the idea of process art which is experimental and less about teaching specific techniques and more about the process and it helps build confidence in children,” Grover said.
“We started in January of 2021 in a dance studio and kept outgrowing that space. Last August, we got our own space at 2019 E. 3300 South. It’s been three years and it is going very well,” Spittler said.
“We have elementary education degrees and we are both very creative people and being teachers, we really care about the whole child and the emotional state of the kids. Art is a good way to express that and feel safe,” Grover said.
“We wanted to help kids let go of being perfect and getting it right and process art lets you let go of that. There is no right or wrong way to do things. It gives the child the confidence of being OK to make a mistake and finding a new way to do things,” Grover added.
“Artist’s Chair is something we hold weekly at the end of each class where the kids can choose if they’d like to share what they’re working on and how it’s going. It’s good for them to talk through their process and have the class see how everyone’s art is different. It’s really special,” Spittler said.
Pencil Box Art Studio offers classes that align with the Granite School District’s school year calendar. Classes start at age 1 and go up to 11 which include after-school sessions for elementary school students and summer camps when school is out.
Grover explained how it works, “We have a 12-week term and we come up with a curriculum. Kids come and engage in art, and create over the course of the term. At the end we have an art show so they can show their families what they worked on.”
Pencil Box Art Studio offers classes for all students including homeschooled. “We are offering a homeschool art club,” Spittler said. This class will be with a new member of the team at Pencil Box Art Studio, Krisanne Knudsen, who is an art historian. “It’s a drop-off class for families with K-6 kids, and they’ll be learning about famous artists.”
The classes will be kid friendly and will offer field trips to museums. Knudsen has a wealth of knowledge of art history and has worked at museums around Utah. These classes give homeschooled children museum experience, creating art and the opportunity to meet other homeschoolers.
“We pick a theme for the term and use all different types of materials, like clay, marbling, sewing, painting, and over the course of the term, the child gets to dabble in so many different ideas and materials,” Spittler said.
There are many things about Pencil Box Art Studio that make it unique. The workshops, like the Andy Warhol workContinued page 19
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Pencil Box Art Studio in Millcreek celebrating their one year anniversary. (Ali Spittler and Brynn Grover/Pencil Box Art Studio)
WGranite School District works on implementing the School Security Act
hen the Utah State Legislature passed HB61 during the 2023 legislative session, the bill was intended to protect against school threats. The School Security Act went into effect in May 2023 and requires every school in Utah to have an armed guard on-site during school hours.
While there’s no deadline to have armed guards in place at this time, every district must submit a school safety needs assessment by the end of this year that includes guideline policies, site security plans and personnel information.
Matt Pennington was appointed Director of State Security in January 2024 in response to HB61. Pennington has a background in law enforcement, serving in Weber County and South Jordan before accepting his current position.
“Because [schools are] on a clock, we’ve said that if they used something last year that was accepted by the School Safety Center, we would accept that again this year,” he said. “Then the plan would be, moving forward, we will create our own assessment for Utah and by this time next year we will have that tool out.”
Granite School District is one of the biggest districts in the state. With more than 61,000 students, 5,000 educators and support staff, and nearly 90 schools, the District is working with the Utah State Board of Education and the Security Task Force to finalize its compliance plan.
“There have been multiple discussions with the school board, with our chief of police and emergency management department, to try and figure out what will be best for Granite and our schools,” said GSD Spokesperson Andrea Stringham. “We’re going to be in compliance with whatever the State tells us to do. We’re
The Millcreek Journal is a monthly publication distributed directly to residents via the USPS as well as locations throughout Millcreek. For information about distribution please email hello@thecityjournals.com or call our offices. Rack locations are also available on our website. The views and opinions expressed in display advertisements do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions held by Loyal Perch Media or the City Journals. This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent of the owner. © 2019 Loyal Perch Media, Inc.
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
kind of already doing this.”
GSD is unique in that it operates the Granite Police Department and posts student resource officers in each high school. It also partners with allied agencies to have officers in junior high schools and a rotation of officers in elementary schools.
Stringham said the biggest impact will be the cost of implementing the program. While the school guardian position is voluntary, she said the estimated cost between payroll, training and equipment could be as high as $10 million dollars a year. Lawmakers have allocated a one-time $500 stipend per guardian.
Pennington said the Guardian Program is one of the most misunderstood concepts of the legislation. Districts can choose from three different scenarios when it comes to providing armed guards at schools.
First, districts can hire guards to be on-site during school hours. Second, districts can partner with a police agency for school resource officers or have someone from their own police department serve as a guardian. Third, districts can train a current school employee, who has been approved by the State Security Office. School teachers and principals cannot be assigned as Guardians due to their responsibilities in the case of a school emergency.
“Ultimately, it’s not about the money because there’s no amount of money to pay them that’s going to compensate them for risking their life,” Pennington said. “So the stipends can help purchase additional equipment or an upgrade to their firearm or training or a thank you for their willingness to do this…That’s a big misconception, that we’re hiring people for $500. That’s not true.”
The legislation is based on similar
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laws in Texas and Florida, which were put in place after deadly school shootings. Pennington hopes the School Security Act can stave off potential tragedies in Utah schools.
“Our state is the first state to pass this comprehensive school safety bill without having an incident first,” Pennington said. “Our hope is that continues.”
In the meantime, GSD officials are deciding the best plan to implement the new
law while continuing to fund education for thousands of students.
“We don’t have a firm plan yet,” Stringham said. “We’re in a lot of discussions and we’re looking at a lot of different options. Once we get the final guidance, then we’ll be able to say, this is exactly what we’re going to do and this is the exact cost. Right now, it’s all up in the air and we have to wait and see.” l
MILLCREEK TEAM
New legislation requires armed guards at every school in Utah. Granite School District is creating its compliance plan with the School Security Act. (Stock photo)
Skyline award-winning educator ‘more fulfilled’ as instructor
By Lizzie Walje | l.walje@mycityjournals.com
Shae Bunker, Skyline High School’s vocal music and choir teacher, is one of nine educators who received this year’s 2024 Excel Award. The Excel Awards, which are facilitated and awarded annually by the Granite Education Foundation, are a series of awards given to nine classroom teachers and one school administrator within Granite School District.
These awards are bestowed upon educators who impart a “legacy of leadership and learning” on students.
The process began last fall, when community members, students, parents and administrators submitted nominations. According to the Foundation, those nominated should be of a quality character and furthermore, demonstrate an ability to make a difference in the lives of students on a daily basis.
During the winter, applicants who are interested in receiving the award, are then required to follow a rigorous application, evaluation, and undergo an observation process. This process is overseen by a 30-member selection committee comprised of community members, administrators, business partners and retired educators. Following the process, the committee determines which classroom teach-
ers and school administrator will receive the Excel Educator Award.
Those winning classroom teachers will then have the opportunity to apply for the Granite School District Teacher of the Year award, along with past Excel Award winners who are still current classroom teachers. The teacher who wins the coveted GSD Teacher of the Year Award will then represent Granite School District as their applicant for the Utah Teacher of the Year award.
This year’s 2024 winners were awarded and recognized at the Excel Evening of Honors event, which included a dinner, videos highlighting the teacher’s accomplishments, a $1,000 check, and gifts from community sponsors.
Prior to teaching. Bunker worked in the performing arts, including as a performer for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a performer at the Utah Symphony and Opera. Bunker eventually transitioned to an instructor’s role, where she states she felt “more fulfilled.”
For Bunker, part of the allure of being a teacher is getting to see her students grow. “I just love seeing people grow,” Bunker said. “Helping [students] see their growth, that’s learning.”
Bunker stated that the world of choir is all about analyzation, “it’s constant analyzing where they are and giving feedback.” Bunker explained before saying that sometimes this feedback process takes place in a group setting, or individually, but ultimately it is done for the purpose of helping students actualize their potential.
Bunker often utilizes modern technology in her teaching methods. “We have what’s called vocal parts tests where [the students] sing into their phone or their Chromebook, and they record themselves singing their part, but they do it in the group context so they don’t feel left out. I [then] listen to every single one of them, and I give them feedback on what they’re doing well first and what they can do to improve.”
Bunker feels passionately that group settings can be highly beneficial for the learning process, as it is often through peer feedback and collaboration that students can refine their skills, especially in the realm of the performing arts which often requires group harmony.
“When they are invested in each other, they are not an island onto themselves, but they’re actually invested in each other and want their neighbor to succeed,” she
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!
said. “There’s just something magic that happens in learning that can help students reach beyond what they think their potential is.” l
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,
Learn more about the services, care providers and mission-driven work of the Holy Cross hospitals and CommonSpirit Health at www.holycrossutah.org.
Dr. Rebecca Reiser
Neurologist and Stroke Director
CommonSpirit Holy Cross Hospital
Former performer turned Skyline High School educator Shae Bunker, is one of nine recipients of this year’s Granite Education Foundation Excel Awards. (Granite School District)
Longtime staff member to lead Granite School District
By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
There are 86,400 seconds in one day. But somehow, Ben Horsley can fit more into a single day than most people.
That was before he was appointed Granite School District superintendent on July 9. He replaced former Supt. Rich Nye who was named senior education adviser in Gov. Spencer Cox’s administration.
Horsley has worked 15 years with Granite District, including becoming the first chief of staff, serving to Nye the past three years. Previously, he worked under two other superintendents as the District’s director of communications and community outreach; he was responsible for media relations, marketing and community engagement.
Horsley was one of the top candidates in the nationwide superintendent search three years ago. The school board decided to forego a new search to name him to the position.
“In all sincerity, I wasn’t expecting this,” he said shortly after the appointment. “I expected Dr. Nye would be around several years more. I was honored to serve as his chief of staff and learn; he is an amazing educator. The (school) board came to me and expressed they felt that one person who could carry forth the vision Dr. Nye outlined and build on the foundation he had laid was me. They (school board members) asked if I would be willing to do that. After some consideration and conversations back and forth, I agreed. This wasn’t what I was looking for when I came to Granite School District, but I’m happy to be here. I love kids and what we do here.”
He plans to carry forth Granite’s strategic plan.
“Until he (Nye) came in, we had no formal plan or direction. We had initiatives and we had state accountability. We had several things we were trying to jump through, but there was no overarching vision that had been outlined since 2012 when the previous strategic plan was put into place. It was overdue,” Horsley said. “Dr. Nye and I built it and now we need feedback from our teachers and our administrators who are implementing this plan to ensure we’re moving in the right direction in providing quality instruction and improving student outcomes. Every child deserves an opportunity to have a quality education. We have a great foundation, and I’d like to keep that going.”
Granger High Principal Tyler Howe is excited about the direction Granite is heading.
“It’s been student-centered, trying to meet the individual needs of students and Ben is able to carry that shared vision forward,” he said. “He knows Granite. A comment he made in the meeting last week was, ‘I was here for that discussion 15 years ago; I remember how that started.’ There’s some power in having a superintendent who knows the district.”
can make a world of difference. That’s why I’m going to go out and be in our schools for much of my time each day. I’m going to listen to what people have to say.”
Besides, he said, “As chief of staff, a lot of my time entailed spending it in the classroom and oftentimes reading to kids or doing other activities; that’s the reward of the job so I would not want to miss out on that.”
He believes having those relationships and knowing what is needed in schools, along with his extensive knowledge of the District, will position him to be influential on capitol hill.
“I am the one who has to understand all the intricacies of their responsibilities and the impacts of the decisions we make at the District and at the state level on them so I can go appropriately advocate for them,” he said. “The relationships I have in place up there (in the Utah legislature) and the understanding of the process puts me in a distinct advantage in being able to advocate for our students.”
He said “most legislators are working toward the same goal most educators are and that is improving outcomes for kids.”
Howe remembers when he was a new principal and Horsley, then communications director, helped him set up a Twitter account for the school when the platform was launched.
“Ben has been a support to principals all these years. I’ve been in meetings with him and he’s able to prioritize everything to be in a lot of places at once. He has a lot on his plate yet he’s able to manage everything,” he said.
Howe said not only can Horsley manage to do a 48-hour job in 24 hours, but he’s someone he can trust and feels he’s on his level at the same time.
“Ben comes to this position not just as a communications director or someone in the superintendent’s cabinet, but also as a parent who is present for his five kids and cares for all kids,” Howe said.
In true Horsley fashion, he didn’t wait until his term began to work on his goals. Three days before he officially became superintendent, he had met with most of the District’s 120 administrators and principals, getting to know each of them personally, not just talking “shop.”
“I’ve worked with many of them, but I haven’t always talked about them, their families, their vacations, their dogs’ names,” he said. “I’m about relationships. I love to get to know people and understand how they work. This develops our relationships and bonds us in our common goal in providing quality education for our students.”
The Viewmont High graduate who performed in some school plays and ran cross
country also shares about himself.
Horsley is willing to take a pie in the face or do whatever to motivate students’ learning, but he draws the line at jumping out of a plane as he’s “tremendously afraid of heights.”
He loves barbecue and peaches; Abraham Lincoln is one of his favorite historical figures; and he would love to go see U2 in concert.
“When I was in high school, ‘Joshua Tree’ was my very first cassette tape” that Horsley paid for from mowing lawns. “It’s one of my all-time favorite albums,” and said if there was a superintendent playlist, U2 would be included. He also regularly walks his terrier-pug mix, Pablo.
During Horsley’s first 100 days as superintendent, his aim is to improve the culture Districtwide.
“We’ve been working on a few initiatives in how we support our schools,” he said. “Oftentimes, there’s a top-down mentality and we need to collaborate better with our schools.”
Horsley also is seeking a chief of staff who will serve as a key instructional leader for the District.
“The position will change from what I was doing to fill the needs I have,” he said. “At that point, we will have a strong foundation so the next 90 days are about what kind of house do we want to build and what color is it going to be? A lot of that has to do with improving our professional learning communities, giving adequate supports to our administrators and other small things that
His recent conversations focus on student attendance as some skip school and parents can excuse students from school for any reason.
“Chronic absenteeism has grown since the (COVID-19) pandemic. So, how do we honor and respect parental rights, but at the same time, also address parental responsibilities? Part of that has to do with how we address this huge gap in attendance,” he said, saying lawmakers are working with educators to find an answer.
When retired principal Terri Roylance learned about Horsley’s appointment, she knew, “The District is in good hands. As superintendent, he has the opportunity to influence on an even bigger stage. Ben has been right there alongside several superintendents. He knows people. He knows education. He knows the legislature. He knows the District. He can relate to all levels of employees and all levels of kids.”
She remembers Horsley helping make plans from when her school’s baseball team won the state championship on graduation day to tweaking something she’s wrote since “he’s an amazing wordsmith.”
Through her years being an elementary, junior high and high school principal, Horsley, in his calm demeanor, was “right there, answering questions. I’ve called him late at night when I’ve been concerned about something, and he answers his phone or texts an answer immediately. He must live with his phone under his pillow. He’s always been very responsive.”
Horsley intends to communicate with patrons and taxpayers alike.
“I hope those who pay the bill feel they can reach out and know we’re listening,”
Granite School District’s new superintendent, Ben Horsley, standing near a painting of his hero, Abraham Lincoln, is ready to take on the challenge of providing a quality education for 58,000 students. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Eagle recap: Skyline teams begin new seasons of play
By Tom Haraldsen | t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com
The new sports year has begun for Skyline High School, with some teams well into early season matches and others just getting started. Here’s a look at season results so far through games of August 29.
GIRLS TENNIS
The Eagles are 10-4-1 on the season, 2-1 in Region 6 following a 5-0 win over Highland on August 29. Skyline was led by singles players Sofia Stahle (sophomore), Lucy Holyoak (senior) and Rain Xu (senior). Stahle and Xu won in straight sets, while Stahle beat Highland’s Caroline Gardner 7-6 (8-6) 4-6 6-2.
The first and second doubles teams of Sienna Hansen and Helena Nordhoff (both juniors) and Gianna Sanone (junior) and Riley Leverenz (freshman) won in straight sets.
Skyline takes on Brighton and Alta this week.
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
Skyline won its first match of the year on August 22, beating Copper Hills 3-0. Senior Addison Bookstaber led the way with a .615 hit percentage, 13 assists and 8 kills. Sophomore Ofeina Alofipo had 10 kills and 22 assists and a .364 hit percentage. The Eagles were set to begin play in a two-day tournament on August 30 and 31, after our press deadline.
Region 6 play begins on September 10 with a match at Alta
BOYS GOLF
The season is starting to ramp up. At Bon-
he said. “People know I’m good at listening, and they can share questions, concerns and suggestions. That skill set will serve me well advocating for our board’s vision, but at the same time, building collaboration, not just within our District, but within the entire community.”
He said those strong relationships and partnerships will be key in collaborating to support District families.
“Schools have traditionally been community centers, but with school choice, that has become more disparate and challenging. We need to make sure people know their schools are still the center of their communities and they’re a welcome place to come together and support each other,” he said. “At the same time, schools can’t do it alone. We have the highest amount of diversity and many of our students live in poverty. We need to continue engaging with community partners to provide necessary supports to our students and families. We have strong relationships with our city partners, who are supporting and providing resources to those families who are experiencing change, maybe they’re refugees, in poverty, multi-language learners right here within our communities.”
Granite has about 58,000 students. A report five years ago predicted the school district would level out at 55,000 students large-
neville on August 12, Skyline shot a team score of 287 to finish second behind East (279). Skyline was led by junior Shane Mulvey with a 69, while senior Jake DeBry shot a 70 and junior Austin Shelley a 71. The Eagles were 6th last year at the state 5A golf tourney after taking first the previous five years. This year’s state 5A tourney will be held October 14 and 15 at Glen Eagle Golf Course in Syracuse.
GIRLS SOCCER
After a slow start to the season, Skyline has now won 3 of its last 4 matches, including a 3-2 overtime win versus Highland on August 29 to improve to 3-4 overall, 2-1 in region play. This came after Skyline shutout West 7-0 last week.
Leading the Eagles this year are seniors Abbie Deans, Maya Green, Bailey Sundberg, Hadley Delaney, Caroline Handy and Mara Keller, and juniors Zoe Liang, Ivy Wilkinson, and Macey Love.
Skyline has a contingent of younger players who should make their marks this year as well. The Eagles return to action on September 4 at Alta.
CROSS COUNTRY
Race schedules for invitationals begin with the Spartan Invitational at Murray on September 6, Border Wars in Taylorsville on September 14, the Bob Firman Invite on September 28, and then region and state races. This year, the 5A state championships return to Sugar-
ly in part to declining birth rates, so Horsley anticipates another dip of 3,000 students even though about “2,000 new multi-language learners come through our doors every year, with about 200 every year who need intensive support to learn the language.”
Horsley said not everyone is aware of the career and technical programs Granite offers, such as its successful CEO program, now in its third year. Through a partnership between the school and the local business community, about 20 students each year gain real-world experience each week by meeting with business owners, tour local companies, and are paired with industry leaders as mentors to learn entrepreneurial skills.
“High school looks different today than it did when I graduated in 1995,” he said. “We have 55-plus career pathways available to students. That includes certifications, undergrad work in a variety of diverse fields from robotics to biomanufacturing. We need to continue to expand those opportunities for our kids.”
GTI program facilitator Erin Paulsen said Horsley was helpful with the creation of the CEO program.
“Ben is a real go-getter,” she said. “He ensures the best results for students and gives them access to opportunities. He gives the time to help students become successful even
house Park October 29 and 30. They’ve been run the past three years at the sports complex in Rose Park.
Returners for the Eagles from last year include sophomore Halle Sullivan (11th at state last year), junior Grace Callister and senior Sophie Sullivan for the girls; with seniors Jonah Fearnley, Lorenzo Brandt and Davis Howe leading the boys team.
FOOTBALL
The Skyline Eagles fell to 1-2 on the season as Layton ran to a 30-6 win on August 30. Both teams exchanged first quarter TDs, but from then on, the Lancers were in charge. Layton quarterback Madden Sargent threw for four touchdowns, including two to Teiyon Halbasch. The second one, a 6 yard pass in the second quarter, gave Layton a 13-6 halftime lead. Sargent threw for two more scores, one each in the third and fourth quarters, and the final score came near the end when Preston DeWitt hit a 31-yard field goal.
It was a rough start for the Eagles on their season opening trip to Centerville. The host Vikings pulled to a 28-0 halftime lead and never looked back to win 46-0. Quarterback Johnny Barrus completed 7 of 15 passes for 34 yards, as the Viewmont defense stiffened on the pass. Davis Brown and Jonah Mailei each had three receptions. Jason Tupua led Skyline in rushing with 48 yards on four carries. Viewmont quarterback Titan Longson had a
with his other administrative duties. He truly cares about the students and their education.”
Horsley said it’s important to identify students’ passions.
“Some students don’t engage in the same way in a traditional experience. So, we say, ‘Let’s help you meet the state requirements for graduation and at the same time, get you a skill and find you something you are interested in,’” he said.
Horsley knows an ongoing challenge with shrinking population means closing schools within the District. Recently, three elementary schools were closed on the east side and realizes when a study along the 31st South corridor on the west side concludes in December, more school closures likely will be recommended.
“We have lost a lot of students because of a variety of factors including loss to charter schools. It’s time to bring those families back into our schools where they’ll be provided and supported with a myriad of individualized educational options and supports for their families,” he said.
That doesn’t include the agreement between Cottonwood High and AMES, Horsley added.
“That’s a great partnership,” he said. “AMES students use a portion of the facility at Cottonwood and that gives our students
great game, completing 22 of 30 passes for 316 yards and five touchdowns.
Things were much better in week 2, as the Eagles ended an 11-game losing streak with a home win over the Summit Academy Bears 3316. Quarterback Anthony Salazar completed 10 of 20 passes for 123 yards. Diego Langberg hauled in three of them for 86 yards. Mailei rushed for 43 yards and two touchdowns. Salazar and Tohi Similai each scored TDs as well on the ground. Skyline’s defense also racked up eight sacks in the game, led by Matthew Boyack with three. l
access to some of their coursework and their students benefit from Cottonwood’s elective offerings. It’s a unique hybrid. In the same vein, we created (Neil) Armstrong Academy, and we would look at more opportunities like this that provide students with individualized experiences.”
Parent Bruce Walton first met Horsley who was communicating school activities when his oldest son attended Neil Armstrong Academy.
“Ben is a knowledgeable man, who is a great resource for the entire District,” Walton said. “I was at a District-level meeting about the book selection process required by the state legislature. He was clear and concise and provided an understanding of how the District was implementing the process. He was fully versed about the issue. He knows the law, the issues, the people and our District.”
Cottonwood High teacher Adam Wilkins agrees.
“I don’t know anyone in the District who knows the nuts and bolts of the District better than Ben Horsley,” Wilkins said. “He lives and breathes Granite District and always has its best intention in mind. I’m optimistic about the future of our District with him leading the way.” l
Millcreek Common celebrates Pacific Islander Month with food, music, skating
August in Utah is Pacific Islander Heritage month and Millcreek Common helped celebrate by starting the month off with the second annual Pacific Islander Skate Night.
It was a hot summer evening but the heat did not keep folks away. Skaters, families and local residents enjoyed Polynesian food from food trucks, fun cool beverages and live music to skate around to or just enjoy while they people watched.
The evening kicked off at 6 p.m. with the performer Jayhawk & Co. followed by DJ Wizz and Futu Twins and many more performers took the stage until 10 p.m.
“We came out to have fun at the Polynesian night. Our parents are from Tonga. There are lots of Polynesian festivals around Utah and we just like skating and having fun,” said Alabelle and Madeline who live in South Salt Lake.
The West High School’s football team came from practice. “We are here to support the community. I am not roller skating tonight but just hanging out with the West High School football team,” said defensive coordinator Bryant Masina. He, along with other coaches and family members of the West High School football team, came out to the Pacific Islander Skate Night.
“I play for West High football,” TJ said. He was out with the football team after a hot summer practice to have fun and say hello to everyone in the community. “This is a team bonding experience.” TJ and his teammates were planning on roller skating tonight.
Many came out to celebrate Utah Pacific
By Jolene Croasmun | j.croasmun@mycityjournals.com
Islander Heritage Month and had incredible food which included food trucks like Touch of Polynesia and Hawaii Street Food. There was live music, cultural performances, and roller skating. The admission was free. l
A line up of talented musicians took the stage at the Pacific Islander Skate Night at Millcreek Common including Ms. Communicated with Thomas Satini pictured above. (Jolene Croasmun/City Journals)
Skating at the Pacific Islander Skate event. (Jolene Croasmun/City Journals)
Food trucks were busy serving up some Polynesian delights to many. (Jolene Croasmun/City Journals)
Skaters of all ages and skill levels came out to enjoy the music and fun at Millcreek Common. (Jolene Croasmun/City Journals)
A skater getting that boogie feeling while roller skating! (Jolene Croasmun/City Journals)
West High School football team defensive coordinator Bryant Masina, came out to support the community with other coaches and family members. (Jolene Croasmun/City Journals)
skates. (Jolene Croasmun/City Journals)
Alabelle and Madeline were here to have fun with their parents. (Jolene Croasmun/City Journals)
Pickleball player paddles her way to all 50 states
By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com
Lorraine Rupper played pickleball in 33 states in just 19 days this summer to finally complete her goal to play a game of pickleball in all 50 states. The 59-year-old endured bad traffic and parking challenges, heavy rain and flooded roads, excessive heat and closed courts, and long drives and fast food, but said the biggest challenge was finding people to play with.
“I definitely wanted to quit a few times when I couldn't find people to play with,” she said. “I had to wait and wait and wait or decide if I should go to another part of the town or go to another town in the same state to play. In Vermont, I definitely wanted to quit! If home had been an hour away, I would have quit. But being 2,000+ miles away from home, I had to make it work.”
After trying a few pickleball courts in one Vermont town and not finding a game, she drove to another town. When she finally found a group of players there, they had just finished three hours of playing and didn’t want to play one more. She tried at other courts, until eventually, she caught a break while waiting around the high school courts.
“All of a sudden, I saw someone bringing out a pickleball net,” she said. “So I went over there to help put up the net and they're like, ‘Are you Karen?’ I'm like, ‘No, but I can be.’”
Rupper ended up playing with Karen and her group and finally checked Vermont off her list.
Sometimes she was just so happy to finally find someone to play with, she would give away a pair of custom-made earrings from her Etsy shop, Pickleball Love as a
thank-you.
When she had difficulty finding someone to play with in West Virginia, she drove another 60 miles to try her luck at another court.
“I felt like a stalker, waiting for people to show up, and nobody's showing up, and nobody's showing up,” she said.
Finally, she approached a group of people in the park, but they’d never played pickleball before. However, when she told them about her goal, one of them agreed to play with her.
After a quick tutorial, they played a game and snapped a selfie together. Rupper was so grateful, she gifted the man with pickleball paddles and also earrings for his wife (who’d run his errands so he could stay and play.)
Pickleball players are rated by skill level 1.0–5.0. The most welcoming players, Rupper said, were beginner or intermediate level.
“Most of the great 4.0 or 5.0 players, they keep to themselves, and they don't let a stranger off the street come and play with them,” she said. “You want to get your game better, and so to do that, you want to play with people who are your level or higher, if you can.”
Rupper is an advanced player with a 5.0 rating, but she didn’t always tell people that at first.
“I don't go, ‘Hey, I'm almost pro, people, you want me on your team!’” she said. “Once in a while, I’d say, ‘Hey, you know, I don't suck’ and sometimes they look at you skeptically, because this was all pretty ran-
dom.”
In Providence, Rhode Island, one of a group of four volunteered to sit out a game to let her play, even though the others were reluctant to let her join in.
“One of the guys looked at me with this look ‘Really, you're gonna barge in here?’” she said. “I played, and then the guy says, ‘You can be my partner next time, okay?’ He was really happy, because I didn't suck, and I was good.”
Most of the time, Rupper could convince people to let her join a game, but in Maine she was rudely turned away from a pickleball club during the hottest part of the day, and when she finally found two people to play with at an outdoor court, they refused to have their picture taken with her, which is how she was documenting her goal.
“Maine is a disappointment,” she said. “The pickleball community is, in general, very welcoming and wonderful. That was not the case in Maine. I felt like I was riffraff or something. I just felt like dirt, the way I was treated.”
In contrast, the players in Alabama and Louisiana were the friendliest; they invited her to lunch after their game.
When she isn’t playing pickleball, Rupper is a counselor at West Hills Middle School, where she encourages students and staff members to play pickleball to improve their physical and mental health.
“When you're feeling down or it's been a rough day, I think anybody can go out and play pickleball and feel better, because exercise is one of the things that helps your body and helps your mind,” she said. “It can take
your mind off your troubles, because you're out there, you're just on the court, you're hitting a ball back and forth, and you're having fun, you're moving, you're getting your steps and so I think that can help a lot.”
The map documenting her 50 games of pickleball is displayed on Rupper’s office wall, where she hopes it inspires her students.
“This could be a way for students to see that lofty goals can be reached with lots of grit," she said. l
Lorraine Rupper’s map shows the people she played pickleball with in all 50 states in the last 5 years. (Photo courtesy Lorraine Rupper.)
Lorraine Rupper documents a pickleball game played in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo courtesy Lorraine Rupper.)
South Fargo, North Dakota Lorraine Rupper has played pickleball in all 50 states in the last 5 years. (Photo courtesy Lorraine Rupper.)
Veteran women’s entrepreneurial conference sparks innovation
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
For almost 80 years, U.S. military veterans have been more likely to start and own a business than non-veterans. After World War II, nearly half of veterans owned or operated a business. With a strong work ethic and dedication to a cause, veterans often have attributes that make them successful entrepreneurs.
Though there has been a decrease in veteran business ownership over the past couple of decades, veterans are still more likely to own a company with about 1.9 million veteran-owned businesses today. Military spouses often struggle with creating a small business or finding long-term careers. With frequent relocations, the military lifestyle can make entrepreneurial success difficult.
That’s where the Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship comes in. Created by the Syracuse University D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families, V-WISE is a program that gives women veterans business tools, connections and resources to turn their passion into a successful venture.
“V-WISE created this amazing network for women,” said Misty Fox, IVMF director of entrepreneurship and small business. “They were meeting other women who were encouraging them to get started and how to balance family and entrepreneurship. Now we’re looking at 3,800 graduates from the 27 programs we’ve hosted.”
The V-WISE program begins on Monday, Sept. 16 with a 15-day online intensive that prepares participants for the three-day in-person residency in Salt Lake City on Oct. 11-13. For a registration fee of $75, female veterans and military spouses can learn skills to get their business idea off the ground. Lodging and meals are covered 100%.
Following the in-person event, participants receive one year of support focused on their small business creation and growth.
“It’s a time where they can meet with geniuses, or have meetings with subject matter experts,” Fox said. “They have time where they can meet one-on-one with folks to learn how to pitch their business or learn how to break barriers that might be holding back their business. So it’s a time they can immerse themselves and
really get going on their business.”
Funding for the V-WISE program comes from the support of corporate and foundation partners across the country. Comcast has a history of supporting military causes and brings a wealth of information to the V-WISE program through a series of topics.
Experts from Comcast Business will help entrepreneurs safeguard against cyber threats, navigate the digital landscape, understand data protection and compliance, leverage data for brand identity, conduct risk assessment and secure business operations.
“Comcast has been a great supporter of this community for a long time and they’ve done that in several different ways,” Fox said. “With IVMF, they’ve partnered with us to host not only V-WISE but other entrepreneurship
programming. In reality, it’s not just a conference or a training sponsorship for them. [Comcast] has just been a really, really good partner in the veteran space for a long time.”
Those eligible to participate in the V-WISE program include honorably discharged women veterans or active duty women service members of any military branch, including the National Guard and reservists. Also eligible are women spouses, same-sex life partners or widows of veterans from any branch or era of service.
“Comcast’s commitment to military causes shines through its substantial support for the V-WISE program, bringing invaluable expertise in cybersecurity and digital navigation to empower veteran entrepreneurs,” said Deneiva Knight, external affairs director, Comcast Mountain West Region. “By partnering with IVMF, Comcast continues its longstanding tradition of fostering veteran success through entrepreneurship, strengthening the program’s impact on women veterans across the nation.”
For more information on Xfinity’s military deals and offers, visit: military.xfinity.com/#/ welcome. For more information, or to apply for the V-WISE program, visit ivmf.syracuse.edu/ programs/entrepreneurship/start-up/v-wise/.l
The Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship conference is coming to Salt Lake Oct. 11-13. The event helps women veterans and military spouses create a business or find careers. (Photo courtesy of Comcast)
Protect yourself against West Nile virus with precautions
By Cassie Goff | c.goff@mycityjournals.com
Last month, the West Nile virus was found in western Salt Lake City along the border of the Draper and Riverton cities. Members of the Salt Lake Mosquito Abatement and the South Salt Lake Valley Mosquito Abatement District expect additional mosquito pools to test positive before the year is out.
“There will be a growing number of mosquitoes carrying the disease, so it is especially important that Utahns protect themselves from mosquito bites,” said Salt Lake County Health Department epidemiologist Andrea Price.
If a mosquito carrying the virus does visit your neighborhood and transmits the virus onto you, it is possible to experience no symptoms. However, if you’re the one in five people that does show symptoms, you’ll experience headaches, body aches, neck stiffness, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, high fever, tremors, convulsions and rashes. You may also experience fatigue and weakness, that can last a few weeks or even months.
Additionally, one in every 150 people who contract the West Nile virus may develop a neuroinvasive disease, which can result in long-term debilitating complications.
Last year, five out of the eight Utah residents to contract the virus ended up contracting the neuroinvasive form of the disease. One resulted in death.
Symptoms of the West Nile virus do not appeal for at least two days after the virus is contracted. Symptoms may appear up to 14 days after the infected mosquito bites.
There is no specific treatment for the West Nile virus nor are there vaccines. If contracted, the only thing to do is to treat symptoms. So it’s best to not contract the virus at all.
“There are not a lot of human cases yet, but it’s a worry,” said Cottonwood Heights Councilmember Matt Holton. “West Nile is coming within the States.”
To deter mosquitos, the Salt Lake Mosquito Abatement members have shared a few suggestions for Utah residents. They recommend using an EPA-registered mosquito repellent with DEET, permethrin, picaridin, IR 3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
If you are out and about when the sun isn’t shining, make sure to wear long sleeves and pants so the mosquitos can’t find exposed skin.
As mosquitos can travel over several miles, they tend to look for shady places to rest during the day. Residents are encouraged to continue cutting weeds and tall grasses short and making sure all windows are shut and/or screen tight.
If you have potential areas in your yard that might collect water, do make sure to drain that standing water daily. Mosquitos lay their eggs in stagnant water (which could accumulate in potted plants, pet dishes, buckets, old tires, even roof gutters!).
Everyone in the region is encouraged to take precautions against mosquito bites to avoid exposure against the virus. l
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Health officials urge residents to take precautions to avoid contracting West Nile virus. (Photo courtesy of Cottonwood Heights)
When playing outside this summer, make sure to dump any stagnant water as to not attract mosquitos and their eggs. (Wag-a-lot Atlanta/Flickr)
Unseen kindness: Stories from a walker crossing America
By Julie Slama|j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Day 56. Mile total: 1,100.
Mike Bassett Sr. pushed his jogging cart across 11000 South on 700 East in Sandy.
Having started about 3:30 a.m., he left Millcreek, walking 700 East through Murray and Midvale. Draper was his destination for the day, which he would reach by noon. It was a short day for him, only 15 miles, compared to the day before when he walked through Salt Lake City and South Salt Lake or other days when he averages 20 to 25 miles.
Bassett, who grew up in Logan and once lived in Salt Lake City, is walking across America. He started at Cape Meares Lighthouse, 12 miles west of Tillamook, Oregon on the Pacific Coast and will walk to the Atlantic Coast, perhaps to Harbour Town Lighthouse in Hilton Head, South Carolina—his route is still unfolding as he walks.
“I have no agenda; I don’t care how long it takes me,” he said, adding he thinks he will be done by the holiday season. “I’m looking at heading on a more southern route by Texarkana, Texas because from what I’ve read, they’ll have milder temperatures come this fall.”
Soon after Bassett set out on June 1, he encountered three days of downpours in Oregon’s coastal mountain range, followed by every day nearing or bettering 100 degrees by the time he was in Sandy on July 26.
“It’s been baptism by fire. I start out my day early, trying to beat the heat,” he said.
Bassett worked in the automotive business for more than 40 years. He was once the general manager of Tim Dahle Nissan Southtowne in Sandy’s Auto Mall. Then, he moved 15 years ago to the Los Angeles area to continue working in the industry.
“Most people have a good reason why they walk the country. I really don’t. I had an office job for 40 years. Every time I went anywhere, I’d go to big cities and stay in nice hotels, but I’ve never seen this country. So, I just decided I would walk it,” he said.
Walking the country was never Bassett’s goal.
“It’s never been anything I dreamed of doing, but I knew after I finished my master’s degree in May from John Hopkins University, I wanted to do something epic. At first, I thought I’d climb Mount Everest, but the reason I moved from Utah is I don’t like the cold—and there’s snow on Everest. So, I decided not to do that,” he said. “Then I started watching YouTube videos about people who hiked the Pacific Crest Trail and Appalachian Trail and that led me to a guy who walked across the United States. When I decided to do it, I didn’t think I’d make it. I still not sure I’ll make it, but I know I can walk to the next city, the next mile marker or the next telephone pole. So, I just keep doing that over and over. I just keep going.”
The 60 year old’s walk has taken him
to visit his family and friends as he often ventures on the back roads and highways of the country. Some nights, he finds a motel—“I’m not roughing it as I could; I want to enjoy this, too, and a motel means a shower, free breakfast and internet”—but he can go five days camping in disperse lands and eating rehydrated food.
Bassett’s converted cart can weigh up to 100 pounds, often with three gallons or more of water, which he drinks from his bright pink Ozark Trail water bottle. He has a second water bottle he uses for coffee. His wardrobe is simple—two long-sleeved quick-drying Jolly Gear shirts with hoods (one purple, one blue), two pairs of identical pants, four pairs of Darn Tough socks (he wears two at a time) and his black HOKA Ones shoes—“They work well because I walk on a lot of roads, and there’s rocks so having that extra sole helps quite a bit.”
Inside the zippered jogging cart, he packs rain gear, bug spray, sunscreen, first aid kit, pepper spray, a warm hat, a head net for mosquitoes, a headlamp, a camp stove, coffee, powdered milk, granola, prepared meals, a GPS, a tent, a chair, a sleeping bag and a recently purchased pillow. He also carries a solar charger, two battery power packs, headphones and a phone where he downloads books (recently by Stephen King, JK Rowling and others adventure tales, such as Peter Jenkins’ “Walk Across America”) to read when it gets too hot to walk. He also uses them to document his adventures on his OregontoCarolina Instagram account.
“My plan was to walk about 15 miles per day and then take some days off. Well, there’s nothing to do in some areas, so I just keep walking. I planned about $3,500 per month, but it’s probably closer to $5,000 because I do stay in motels,” he said. “I got
everything I own in the world right here in this cart except for my diplomas, which my son has. I flew from graduation to his house so he could take me to the coast. So, I am very free. When I finish, maybe I’ll do some research or maybe I’ll do some writing.”
Bassett was on his third pair of HOKAs in Utah, having them mailed to him at certain destinations.
“They last me about 500 miles, and I’m estimating my route will be 3,700 miles. I’ve changed my route at least 20 times based on water, food, places to stay. I don’t set out to see a certain thing or visit a state or national park. If it’s within 20 feet, I’ll go see it. I was going through Twin Falls, Idaho and Shoshone Falls was five miles away and I didn’t see it. I’m not walking five miles out of my way. I have no desire to walk extra steps,” he said, adding the only plans he has are to visit his grandchildren for their birthdays.
Having walked about 10 miles per day for six months leading up to his journey, Bassett is thankful his only ailment so far has been chapped lips.
“I have not had a single blister. I’ve been lucky. I try to wear my sunscreen, but I do get burnt sometimes on my legs and my back in my hands because I push this cart,” he said.
Cooling off means “I run through sprinklers whenever I possibly can” and “eating ice cream. That’s the nice thing about burning five 6,000 calories a day; I can eat whatever I want,” he added.
Bassett isn’t worried much about dangers, saying he can use common sense for most situations. What scares him more is people driving and texting and not paying attention as well as dogs that are unsecured.
“If I am ever king in the world, there’ll be bike paths everywhere. There will be shoulders on every road because some roads
have the white line and then it’s a drop off. About 90% of the people will move over and give you some room, it’s the others I need to worry about,” he said.
What makes him sad is to see beer bottles, vape pens and dirty diapers thrown alongside the roadside.
“This beautiful landscape has garbage everywhere. It’s pointless,” Bassett said.
The good outweighs the bad on his journey.
“I’m having a blast walking across the country. My favorite thing is meeting people and being able to share my journey,” he said. “As a car dealer, I drove and owned a lot of cars. When you drive across the country, you go so fast you don’t see things. Even going down 700 East, I’ve noticed things. I lived here for 20 years and now I’m noticing things I’ve never seen before.”
From the coast, Bassett walked to the base of Mt. Hood then onto the remote Warm Springs Reservation.
He has tales of how at first, people looked at him strangely, thinking he was homeless until a friend from St. George mailed him signs, “Walk Across America,” which decorate the front and side of his cart. He is grateful a National Park Service employee, who he once sold trucks to, gave him a National Park Service hat to shade him along with a utility knife to use on the journey.
Bassett’s favorite makeshift campsite thus far was along the Snake River in Idaho, and he said semitruck drivers surprised him, often slowing down to hand him bottles of water.
He remembers the kindness of a 17-yearold boy who literally ran after him across the barren fields somewhere between Malta,
Mike Bassett is walking across America, having started at Oregon’s Cape Meares Lighthouse, which he had tattooed on his arm. (Julie Slama/ City Journals)
Former area resident Mike Bassett Sr. is walking across America, pushing a converted jogging stroller with all his worldly belongings. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Idaho and Snowville, Utah to give him some MREs (meals ready to eat) and water.
“I was amazed someone put that much effort into doing something. The generosity of people is overwhelming and has been this entire journey,” Bassett said, adding he doesn’t accept monetary donations, but water, popsicles and energy bars. “A guy in a dump truck yesterday stopped to give me water. We talked for probably 20 minutes. People are curious as to what drives a person to walk across the country. For me, it’s more of my own journey. I’ve lived a different life, traveling to fancy places. Now I’m alongside the road in the dirt with mice.”
After he pushed his cart to Draper, Bassett ventured on toward Provo and then to Duchesne, Utah, where he encountered onemile of road construction—with no shoulder. Understanding the desire for a continuous walk, the supportive foreman followed him in a truck with his lights flashing, while the road crew cheered and patient motorists waved.
Bassett got caught in another storm— and luckily, took shelter in an unlocked snowplow station. A motorist concerned for his well-being at an 8,020-foot summit called highway patrol; the officer gave him water and checked on him.
Often the encounters turn into people who follow his journey on his Instagram account. There Bassett has answered questions from explaining he wears his rain suit when he does laundry at a motel to how he has a traveling mailbox service that opens his mail, scans and emails them and follows his instructions to shred a document or deposit a check.
Bassett expects somewhere in Kansas will be his halfway point, and he looks forward to the flat plains after climbing Colorado’s Rockies.
“I tattooed my arm when I started with Cape Meares lighthouse. When I finish, I’ll do my other arm with the lighthouse at Hilton Head,” he said. “Dad, Grandpa, student, car guy—those are the labels I’ve choose to put on myself. Now I’d add walker too.” l
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Having already ventured through Salt Lake City, South Salt Lake, Millcreek, Murray and Midvale on July 26, Mike Bassett is a block away from the Sandy-Draper border in his walk across the country. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
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 disorders—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 crimi-
nal 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 set-asides.
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)
In Utah, the first day of September is the start of “Constitution Month” and a celebration of freedom.
At the state capital, the month is kicked off even before the first, on Aug. 29 with a public celebration. Constitution Day falls during the month on Sept. 17. There are monuments and relics in the state to remember those who fought for independence and were a part of the early years of the country. Here are three Utah monuments that celebrate independence to visit this Constitution Month:
1. Liberty Bell replica at the Utah State Capitol
In 1950, the United States Department of the Treasury gave each state a replica of the Liberty Bell, famous for its significance in symbolizing freedom and independence throughout the country’s history.
Utah’s replica of the bell can be found on the first floor of the Utah State Capitol building.
2. Daughters of the American Revolution Drinking Fountain Monument
Currently residing in the northeast corner of Liberty Park in Salt Lake City,
3 Utah markers to remember early U.S. history
By Rebecca Olds | rebecca.o@thecityjournals.com
this drinking fountain was installed much after the American Revolution in November 1905, per the Daughters of the American Revolution. It no longer functions as a water fountain but rather sits in a flower bed, surrounded by a short wall.
The Spirit of Liberty Chapter of the DAR dedicated this as the first monument of the organization in the state. The fountain was presented to the state with the hope that it would be a reminder of the lives lost and serve as a reminder of the efforts to gain the freedom the U.S. has today.
3. Escalante Monument
A year after the start of the Revolutionary War in 1776, Father Silvestre Valez de Escalante and a group came to the Utah Valley while trying to find a route from Santa Fe, New Mexico to Monterey, California. Escalante was the first “white man to look upon this valley,” reads the monument, per the DAR.
Escalante Monument, dedicated in 1922 and placed by the Spirit Liberty Chapter of the DAR, is located in the northeast corner of the Spanish Fork City Park to commemorate the event.
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shop and illustrator workshop with local illustrator Brooke Smart. These classes are well received.
“The after-school classes are just an hour and we do offer a class on the first Friday of every month called Fun Friday which is kind of a drop-in style and they do not have to sign up for the whole term. It’s where the child comes in to work on a project which is more of a one and done,” Spittler said.
“If a grandparent has a kid visiting or if children are looking for things to do during the holidays, then signing up for a Fun Friday works well,” Spittler said.
“We have so many repeat customers. One kindergarten’s mom said that her child was being bullied at school and he felt at home here. He told his mom, ‘These are my people.’”
“We believe this type of art is great for everyone. The 1, 2 and 3-year-old class is where we have more of a parent-child involvement and we have had amazing feedback from that class. We start off with music and lots of projects for the little ones and they follow where they want to go. There are five or six projects going at one time and they just hop in between them,” Spittler said. “It has been our fastest growing class this year.”
“We are offering a teen class this term and this is the first time we are offering that. This age group has flourished at the studio and they have repeated which was really a surprise for us,” Grover said.
Spittler and Grover do not miss teaching at school. “This is just as fulfilling as teaching in a classroom and we interact with the kids and care for them and their creativity and see them flourish,” Grover said.
There are no walk-in options and all classes are signed up on the website www. pencilboxartstudio.com. You can also follow them on social media. l
Students at Pencil Box Art Studio displaying their creations in one of the classes. (Ali Spittler and Brynn Grover/Pencil Box Art Studio)
Outdoor activities during the one year anniversary celebration of Pencil Box Art Studio. (Ali Spittler and Brynn Grover/Pencil Box Art Studio)
Ali Spittler and Brynn Grove were friends and second-grade teachers for years and now are owners of Pencil Box Art Studio in Millcreek. (Instagram/ Pencil Box Art Studio)
In August, the Salt Lake County Council voted to put a $507-million bond on the ballot for voters to decide on this November. Our jails are at capacity and urgently require expansion. The proposed public safety bond will enable us to consolidate two jails into one, add more beds, expand mental health treatment services, create a facility to support inmates transitioning back into the community, and build a Justice and Accountability Center.
Low-level offenders who continually cycle in and out of jail continue to place a considerable burden on taxpayers and our criminal justice system. Many of these individuals experience instability and struggle with underlying mental health issues and substance use disorders. Unfortunately, our current jail and criminal justice system are neither designed nor equipped to address these needs.
The goal of the Justice and Accountability Center (JAC) is to remove repeat offenders from
Salt Lake County Public Safety Bond
the streets and place them in a lower-security correctional facility where they will have access to outpatient mental health services and substance use treatment, job training, housing opportunities, and other vital services to help them get their lives back on track. The JAC aims to ensure these people receive targeted interventions at a cost that is much less than a high-security jail.
We believe the public safety bond reduces the number of offenders on the streets, keeps our neighborhoods safer, protects our businesses, and ultimately is the most fiscally conservative way to invest in public safety and improve quality of life. If voters approve this bond it would cost the average homeowner an additional $58.94 per year.
Luckily, Salt Lake County is one of only 29 counties in the United States with a AAA bond rating. Because of that the interest rate on these funds would be around 3.25% with an opportuni-
Aimee Winder Newton Salt Lake County Councilwoman| District 3
ty for us to refinance if rates go down.
No one wants to pay more in taxes and this was not an easy decision for county leaders to make. As we’ve looked at the best way to ensure your safety, protect your property, and best help those who are struggling, we felt this was necessary and we want you to weigh in. Not only is the most fiscally conservative way to handle this massive public safety issue, but it will give the best chance for those in the criminal justice system to get real help.
To learn more about this you can go to slco.org and you will be able to read about the bond.
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
Show me the money
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and Laughter
Peri Kinder Life
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.
