ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL FOCUSES ON ACADEMIC GROWTH AND INCLUSION
By Becky Ginos | becky.g@davisjournal.com
Editor’s note – This article was originally published in the Aug. 23 edition of The City Journal
Shelly Truelson has wanted to be a teacher since the fourth grade. She has never wavered from the goal and now she is the new principal of Foxboro Elementary.
“I came home from school one day,” she said. “There was a severely disabled student there and I said, ‘I’m going to be a teacher.’ I had no other plans.”
Truelson grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania but moved to Utah to go to Utah State University to become an elementary teacher. “I was the first one in my family to graduate from college,” she said. “After I got my degree I went to work for Davis School District as a first grade teacher. This is my 19th year in the district.”
She also worked as a literacy coach and was assistant principal at Bountiful and Muir Elementaries before becoming an assistant principal at Foxboro two years ago. She was named principal as the new school year began.
“This is the best community and culture I’ve ever worked in,” she said. “They’re determined, passionate about the students and dedicated to helping students learn and grow every day. They’ll do whatever it takes to meet the individual needs of the students.”
Truelson said the moment she walked in the doors two
years ago she felt a sense of camaraderie and belonging. “The staff has always been like that. They’re close. When you walk into the break room they’re eating and laughing together.”
There’s no shortage of laughter at the school, she said. “They make learning fun. They have a focus on inclusion, diversity and kindness as core values to develop a positive culture of school and community.”
Pre COVID Foxboro was identified as one of the lower performing in reading and math, said Truelson. “We’ve focused on student individualized instruction and data analysis to implement the best instructional methods for all students. That’s what we’ve had the largest amount of growth in.”
There has been up to 14% growth in RISE (Readiness Improvement Success Empowerment) scores, she said. “That’s a state mandated end of level summative assessment. We’ve also had a 7% increase with reading and math in Acadience assessment. We’re excited to continue that work.”
Truelson said she attributes it overall to teachers work-
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Which haunted house is the best in Utah?
By Bailey Chism | bailey.c@thecityjournals.com
When does “spooky season” really start? For most of the haunted attractions in Utah, the answer appears to be September.
But when the attractions open, how do you know where to go? Well, reviews have a lot to say when it comes to that. Here are the most highly rated haunted attractions in Utah.
Some attractions may not be included on this list if certain information – such as Google reviews, websites, or a 2024 schedule – was not available.
Castle of Chaos Haunted House and Escape Rooms, Midvale
Castle of Chaos Haunted House and Escape Rooms is a year-round attraction that has earned a 4.6-star rating from more than 2,600 Google reviews. The attraction has a 3.7-star rating from 110 reviews on Yelp.
The haunted house attraction is scheduled to open Sept. 6 and will run most weekends for the remainder of September. In October, the haunted house will be open for most days except for the first three Wednesdays.
The haunted escape rooms have many different themes: Paranormal, “Nightmare Realm,” serial killer, asylum, and lockdown. Tickets for the escape rooms range from $27 to $30.
The haunted house starts at $20 for groups of one to six people.
Nightmare on 13th, Salt Lake City
Nightmare on 13th is a haunted house located in Salt Lake City – its website declares its “Utah’s #1 scariest haunted house,” and the attraction boasts a 4.5-star rating from more than 2,000 Google reviews. On Yelp, the haunted house has a 4-star average from about 80 reviews. Nightmare on 13th is scheduled to open Friday, Sept. 13 and will run on Fridays and Saturdays for the remainder of September. In October, the haunted house will be open most days except Sunday. The haunted house will also run the first two days of November.
Tickets can range from $25 to $76 depending on the days and times you choose to attend.
Fear Factory, Salt Lake City
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Fear Factory in Salt Lake City is located at 666 W. 800 South, and says on its website that it’s “one of the top Halloween attractions in the world.”
Based on more than 2,600 Google reviews, it averages a 4.4-star rating from visitors. On Yelp, it averages a 3.3-star rating from just over 110 reviews.
Fear Factory is set to open Friday, Sept. 6 and will be open on weekends in September before opening Wednesday through Sunday for most of October. The haunted house will be open for “Lights Out Night” on the first two days of November.
Tickets for Fear Factory can range from about $30 to about $250 depending on which experiences and souvenirs you’re interested in.
Haunted Forest, American Fork
The Haunted Forest in American Fork averages about 4.2 stars from almost 1,300 Google reviews, and 2.8 stars from 33 Yelp reviews.
The attraction doesn’t have a set schedule available online for 2024, but has advertised its featured attractions for 2024: Leech Lagoon at Bone Creek and Alien Attack. Strangling Brothers Haunted Circus, American Fork
The Strangling Bros. Haunted Circus in American Fork has earned a 4-star rating from more than 660 reviews on Google. On Yelp, it’s garnered a 2.8-star rating from about 40 reviewers.
The haunted circus’s website said it was “voted the #1 scariest haunted house in Utah” but it also offers visitors the chance to walk through the forest without the scare actors.
The circus is expected to begin Friday, Sept. 13 and will continue on Fridays and Saturdays for the rest of the month. Starting Oct. 1, the attraction will be open most days except Sunday.
Tickets for the haunted attraction can range from $30 to $80 depending on whether you purchase general admission, fast pass, or VIP tickets.
Other Haunted Options
While there are far more haunted attractions than those listed, the attractions listed above are what the pub-
JOURNAL 270 S. Main, Suite 108 Bountiful, UT 84010 PHONE: 801-901-7962
Nightmare on 13th is scheduled to open Friday, Sept. 13 and will run on Fridays and Saturdays for the remainder of September. Courtesy Nightmare on 13th Facebook
Exploring the best mountain biking trails in Davis County
Davis County, nestled between the Wasatch Mountains and the Great Salt Lake, is a hidden gem for mountain biking enthusiasts. With its diverse terrain, stunning landscapes, and well-maintained trails, the county offers a thrilling experience for both beginners and seasoned riders. Here’s a look at some of the best mountain biking trails in Davis County that should be on every rider’s list.
Mueller Park Trail: A Classic Adventure
Mueller Park Trail is a must-ride for any mountain biker visiting Davis County. Located in Bountiful, this 6.8-mile out-and-back trail offers a mix of smooth single track, challenging climbs, and exhilarating descents. The trail winds through dense forests of oak and pine, offering shade and stunning views of the surrounding valleys. Riders will encounter a series of switchbacks that lead to the Elephant Rock viewpoint, where they can take a breather and soak in the panoramic vistas. The descent back is fast and flowy, making it a favorite for those seeking a fun and rewarding ride.
Bonneville Shoreline Trail: Scenic and Accessible
The Bonneville Shoreline Trail (BST) is a beloved route that stretches along the eastern edge of Davis County, offering stunning views of the Great Salt Lake and the valley below. The North Canyon segment of the BST is particularly popular among mountain bikers. This trail is relatively accessible, with moderate climbs and a mix of single track and double track sections. The trail’s proximity to
By Bailey Chism | bailey.c@thecityjournals.com
urban areas makes it a convenient choice for quick rides after work or on weekends. Despite its accessibility, the BST provides a sense of solitude as it meanders through scrub oak and sagebrush-covered hillsides.
Kaysville Wilderness Park: A Family-Friendly Option
For those looking for a more family-friendly mountain biking experience, Kaysville Wilderness Park is an excellent choice. The park features a network of beginner to intermediate trails that are perfect for riders of all ages and skill levels. The well-maintained single track loops through grassy meadows and shady groves, offering a gentle and enjoyable ride. The trails are short, making them ideal for introducing kids to the sport or for a quick ride to practice basic skills. The park’s convenient location near Kaysville also makes it a popular spot for locals looking for a casual biking outing.
Farmington Canyon: For the Adventurous Rider
For those seeking a more challenging and remote experience, Farmington Canyon delivers. This trail is known for its steep climbs, technical sections, and breathtaking views. The ride begins with a rigorous ascent up the canyon, rewarding riders with sweeping vistas of the Wasatch Front and the Great Salt Lake. The descent is fast and technical, with rocky sections that demand focus and skill. Farmington Canyon is not for the faint of heart, but for experienced riders looking for an adrenaline rush, it’s an unforgettable adventure.
Tucked away in North Salt Lake, the Wild Rose Trailhead Park offers a lesser-known but equally enjoyable mountain biking experience. The trail system here is relatively short, but it packs a punch with its well-designed single track that winds through the foothills. The terrain is varied, with rolling hills, tight turns, and occasional rocky sections. The park’s trails are ideal for intermediate riders looking for a quick
but rewarding ride close to the city. Davis County may not be as well known as some of the state’s other mountain biking destinations, but it offers a wide range of trails that cater to all levels of riders. Whether you’re seeking a challenging adventure in the mountains or a leisurely ride through scenic landscapes, Davis County has something to offer. So, grab your bike, hit the trails, and discover the beauty and excitement that this hidden gem has to offer. l
Wild Rose Trailhead Park: A Hidden Gem
Bonneville Shoreline Trail
Mueller Park Trail Photos courtesy of AllTrails
Wild Rose Trail
Woods Cross girls tennis not lacking confidence this season
For the past seven season, the Woods Cross girls tennis team has dominated Region 5. Head coach Molly Richards doesn’t see why this season should be any different.
In addition, Richards and her players have an even loftier goal: winning the Class 5A state crown.
“Our expectations and goals are to win our eighth consecutive region championship and to win the 5A team state championship,” Richards said. “These are big goals, but we absolutely have the talent to do it.”
Last season, the Wildcats followed up their latest region title with a strong effort at the 5A state tournament. Woods Cross was close to winning a championship, placing second behind Olympus. The Wildcats totaled 45 points to Olympus’ 60.
Richards believes this group should be just as good as the 2023 squad, maybe better.
The Wildcats have a veteran team of skilled players who play throughout the year against high-level competition. Richards said beyond what the girls can do on the court, they get along well with one another and have established excellent team unity and team spirit. These are among the Wildcats’ greatest strengths, she said.
“They are year-round, committed players with substantial competitive experience,
CBy Josh McFadden | joshdmcfadden@gmail.com
and they genuinely enjoy each other and are very supportive,” she said. “The team culture is very positive, and this contributes significantly to how they play.”
Headlining the Wildcats’ varsity lineup are seniors Sage Bergeson and Emmy Richards. The girls, who are coincidentally cousins, are nationally ranked and have both won two individual state titles in singles. Last season, Richards lost in the semifinals at first singles, though she won the title in second singles in 2022 as a sophomore and in 2021 as a freshman. Bergeson was the first singles champion in 2021 and 2022. Last season, she played first doubles and won the 5A
crown with teammate Ruby Robbins.
“These girls have years of competitive experience at the local, sectional and national level (having played in the Billie Jean King USTA National Hardcourt Championships in San Diego at the beginning of August),”
Molly Richards said. “They will anchor our lineup, serve as our captains and are kind, enthusiastic, hardworking leaders who will set the pace for a talented varsity group.”
Another player to watch is junior Sydney Kemp, whom Molly Richards said “is another very strong varsity player who can step in at singles or doubles and will be a big part of our varsity lineup regardless of where
we choose to use her.”
Woods Cross doesn’t have many glaring weaknesses, but this doesn’t mean the team is perfect. As head coach, Richards knows continually improvement is necessary, especially in a competitive environment such as Region 5 and Class 5A as a whole. She said the doubles teams need to be ready to play up to their potential.
“We have exceptional doubles talent, but they need to stay loose and aggressive throughout the season,” she said.
The Wildcats have a busy season filled with region matches and tournaments. They’ll see some talented teams from their league as well as other squads from around the state. The Class 5A state tournament gets underway Sept. 28 with the first round. The later rounds will be held Oct. 3 and 5 at Liberty Park.
Richards loves coaching the Wildcats in this her eighth season. Through the high and lows of the season, she enjoys watching the girls develop and have success.
“These girls are so fun,” she said. “They work hard, play hard and are coachable and committed. Above all, we have fun together and do our best to represent ourselves, our families and our school well. I am so proud of each one of them.” l
Rise in counterfeit car seats poses risks for children’s safety, experts warn
hild safety advocates at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital are raising concerns about an increasing number of parents unknowingly purchasing counterfeit car seats online. These fake products, often sold at steep discounts, can put children at serious risk of injury or even death in the event of a crash.
These counterfeit seats are typically bought online and are particularly attractive to parents due to their lower prices compared to well-known brands. What makes the situation more confusing is that these counterfeit seats are often sold through third-party sellers on the websites of major national retailers.
“It’s hard to tell a car seat is counterfeit from a small picture online, and many parents think they found a great deal from a major retailer,” said Michelle Jamison, community health program manager at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital. “Once they realize there’s a problem and try to return it, the site they got it from has already been taken down.”
Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital has long provided both in-person and virtual car seat checks to educate parents on proper installation and correct use.
By Bailey Chism | bailey.c@thecityjournals.com
Recently, caregivers have noticed a disturbing trend of counterfeit seats, or those failing to meet U.S. safety standards, being brought in for inspection.
These counterfeit car seats, while they may look legitimate and often come with a hefty price tag, lack crucial components that ensure a child’s safety in a crash. The hospital staff fears that using these seats could result in fatal consequences.
One such parent is Jilian Davis, who received a car seat as a gift during her pregnancy. The seat was purchased online from a major retailer by a family member. After giving birth in late June, her daughter spent two weeks in the NICU at Intermountain LDS Hospital & Intermountain Primary Children’s before they were ready to go home. It was then that a car seat technician helping them realized the seat was counterfeit.
“It’s completely shocking because this is my fourth child and I’ve never heard of this being an issue,” said Davis. “It’s scary to think I could have been driving around with my child in a car seat that’s dangerous.”
Experts advise that the safest way to avoid counterfeit car seats is to buy directly from the manufacturer’s website or to visit a store in person. These methods ensure that the car seat meets all safety standards.
“Parents may think an in-store purchase is more expensive but what they’re really getting is the peace of mind [that] their child’s car seat is safe,” said Jamison. “While some models are pricey, there are less expensive ones that are still crash tested and safe.”
To meet stringent federal safety standards, car seats sold in the U.S. must include a manufacturer’s label detailing the car seat’s name, date of manufacture, branding, model number, and expiration date. This information is crucial for registering the car seat, allowing manufacturers to notify owners of any recalls. Counterfeit seats often lack these details, rendering them ineligible for registration.
Additionally, car seats in the U.S. are required to have warning labels in both English and Spanish, typically found on the back of the seat and near where the
Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital provided Davis with a replacement car seat, but she is now determined to warn other parents about the risks of unknowingly purchasing a counterfeit product.
baby’s head rests. Counterfeit seats often omit these labels or include them in other languages, sometimes with grammatical errors.
A missing chest clip is another clear indicator that a car seat may be unsafe. These clips are mandatory in the United States but not in every country, which is why they are often absent in counterfeit models.
“If you determine that you have a counterfeit car seat, stop using it immediately and contact the retailer to notify them that they sold a counterfeit car seat,” Jamison said. “You may be able to recover the cost of the seat if you used a credit card or purchased through a major retailer.”
Parents are also encouraged to report counterfeit seats to STOPfakes.gov, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), or the U.S. Department of Commerce. Reporting to the state’s consumer protection agency is also advised.
For those seeking assistance in evaluating or installing a car seat, Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital offers both virtual and in-person checks. Appointments can be made by calling 801-662-CARS. l
The Woods Cross girls tennis team won the St. George invitational beating out other top 4A, 5A and 6A schools, including Green Canyon and Skyridge. Courtesy photo
Woods Cross Police Department receives accreditation
Editor’s note – This article was originally published in the Aug. 30 edition of The City Journal
The Woods Cross Police Department has been through an exhaustive process to complete 178 policy standards to receive accreditation by the Utah Chiefs of Police Association. At last week’s City Council meeting, the Association awarded them as an accredited agency.
“One of my goals as a Police Chief was to become accredited,” said Woods Cross Police Chief James Bigelow. “There are 178 policy standards that have to be met. For each we have to show proof that we’re doing them.”
For example, the early intervention system, he said. “We have to give them a picture showing us using it. For an employee evaluation we have to show that those have been done. We have to show that we have the policy and that we’re actually doing it.”
There is an outside assessor, usually an officer or retired chief that looks at everything, Bigelow said. “He goes through the documents and passes them off. If we haven’t met something he tells us to go back and do it.”
By Becky Ginos | becky.g@thecityjournals.com
It has to be reevaluated every four years, he said. “We have to do all of the proofs again and we have to stay up on everything. If there are standards changes that we haven’t done in the past we have to make those. There were nine new federal changes this year.”
Having the accreditation prioritizes
gest liabilities police agencies have. We follow the state and national standards on that.”
Mental health resources for officers is another important standard, he said. Also, annual training. We want to make sure we’re trained how we should be.”
Another standard is what goes into the hiring process, said Bigelow. “We look into the applicant’s background and run it through a national database to check where they worked, etc.”
Bigelow said the duty to intervene standard is also important. “If an officer sees misconduct they can get the officer away from the situation so it doesn’t escalate.”
them for grants, said Bigelow. “If another agency that is not accredited applies for a grant we move ahead of them on the list. It also makes the department stronger to help with liability for the city and county.”
Although they are all important, Bigelow said there are a few standards that stand out. “Use of force is one of the big-
Bigelow said he appreciates the entire department for their work on the accreditation process. “I want to thank them for their patience and dedication to see this get done. I also appreciate the support of the mayor, city council and city manager.” l
The Woods Cross Police Department is awarded as an accredited agency by the Utah Chiefs of Police Association at the Aug. 20 City Council meeting. Photo courtesy of WXPD
Slam Dunk
Two-year-old Harvey Kingsbury holds up a ball before throwing it at the dunking machine during Woods Cross Police Department’s Night Out Against Crime held last week. Officer Travis Timothy took the plunge. “It’s important to get the community and law enforcement to partner in fighting crime,” said Woods Cross Police Chief James Bigelow. “We can’t do it alone and they can’t do it themselves.”
by Becky Ginos
ing together. “They look at the data on a frequent basis and design lessons using best practices. They’re deliberate in planning and data analysis.”
Foxboro is a French immersion school. “I think it is so beneficial for students,” she said. “It gives students a chance to explore a different language and learn about cultures from other countries. About 60% of the student body is in the immersion program.”
There’s a very diverse population of students at Foxboro, said Truelson. “There are close to a dozen languages from 17 countries. It gives another layer of acceptance.”
It’s a great experience for teachers from other countries, she said. “We have two college age interns from France. They live with host families in the community and get a lot of experience in America.”
Truelson said she has two new initiatives she’d like to implement as principal besides continued academic growth. “I want to increase community engagement. We’re going to
host an event once a quarter for the parents and students. We’re having a family movie night in September in the gym. We’ll have concessions and bring blankets. It’s a chance to get to know the school and invite the community in.”
She also has a goal for the school to become a certified school of kindness. “We’re partnering with One Kind Act A Day Foundation,” said Truelson. “It’s a way to encourage compassion, empathy, life skills and being kind.”
As a certified school of kindness we get to come up with how we implement that, she said. “There’s a monthly kindness challenge and each class participates in it. The Foundation determines if we met our goals and in April or May we’ll become a certified kindness school. I’m excited to meet that goal.”
Foxboro has come a long way in the last few years, Truelson said. “In academics, inclusion and developing a positive culture and pride in being a Foxboro Falcon. We want to keep learning and growing every day.” l
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Photos
Davis’ Max Landon first at Davis Park; Woods Cross’ Dylan Markisich and Viewmont’s James Gardner share medalist honors at Eaglewood
By Catherine Garrett | c.garrett@mycityjournals.com
DavisDavis’ Max Landon won medalist honors at Davis Park Aug. 27 with a five-under-par 66 to help the Darts take second as a team.
Jack Christiansen shot a 70 while Jackson Gross (73) and Jacob Merrill (74) were also in the 70s.
“We shot -1 as a team,” said head coach Josh Roberts. “I’m excited to see if we can build on this for our next match.” Woods Cross and Viewmont
Woods Cross’ Dylan Markisich and Viewmont’s James Gardner tied for first – along with Box Elder’s Kanyon DeRyke – at Eaglewood Aug. 27 with rounds of 71.
Markisich’s finish helped the Wildcats finish two strokes back of Bountiful for first place as a team with a score of 299. Lance Henriksen shot a 74, tying for sixth while Brooks Bybee and Jackson Bodily (77), Landon Day (78), Sam Bennett (79) and Josh Allen and Clayton Schmitt (80) also competed for Woods Cross at the tournament.
For Viewmont, Gardner’s top placement at Eaglewood along with Corver Barnes tying for 10th with a 76 led the Vikings to a 305, eight strokes off of first-place Bountiful. Other scores for Viewmont were Oliver Gladwell 77, Brigham Shupe 81, Chase Dalton 82, Joe Gladwell 83, Mike Archibald 88 and Kimball Essig 94.
At Eagle Mountain Aug. 26, the Wildcats had three golfers in the top 10 to take third place with a score of 296. Markisich had a 73, tying for sixth place, with Allen and Day tying for
ninth with rounds of 74. Other scores for Woods Cross were Henriksen 75, Bennett 76, Schmitt and Bodily 77 and Bybee 78.
“The scores at Eagle Mountain were pretty good for our entire region. First and fifth place were separated by only five shots,” said head coach David Simon. “It’s a super competitive region so you have to play some good golf every tournament.”
For Viewmont’s fifth-place finish at Eagle Mountain – with a score of 298, five strokes off of first place – Aug. 26, Gladwell shot a 72, tying for fourth, while Gardner’s 73 tied for sixth and Barnes’ 74 tied for ninth. Also competing for the Vikings were Dalton (79), Archibald (82), Shupe (83), Essig (86) and Jeremiah Tuimauga (102).
Bountiful
At Eaglewood Aug. 27, the Redhawks shot a 297, winning the tournament behind Jack Jordan and Ty Cottle’s 73s which tied them for fourth place and Luke Smith’s 75 (tied for eighth) and Cody Forbes’ 76 (tied for 10th).
Also competing for Bountiful were Jeff Danowski (77), Taylor Nardelli (85), Andrew Johnson (92) and Lincoln Smith (99).
Jordan was second at Eagle Mountain Aug. 26 with a round of 69 to help the Redhawks to a fourth-place showing with a team score of 297.
Other scores for Bountiful were Danowski 75, Luke Smith, 76, Forbes 77, Johnson 80, Cottle 81, Nardelli 82 and Jacob Packer. l
Get ready for Utah’s 2024 upland game season
By Bridger Park | b.park@mycityjournals.com
Uplandseason brings with it thoughts of birds erupting from brush, fast flying doves, and chukar flushing over high alpine canyons. It’s the perfect opportunity for hunters to get out, most birds are accessible to anyone with a valid Utah hunting license.
The Utah Upland Game Management Plan, approved in 2022, frames conservation of upland game in the state through 2032, containing resources for hunters, including distribution maps of the species.
The first bird available for hunting each year, mourning doves, increased across Utah due to favorable winters. They’re found near wheat, safflower, corn, and sunflower, which provide food and cover. The dove season runs from Sept. 2 to Oct. 30, providing ample time for hunters to pursue these agile birds.
White-winged doves are occasionally in the southwestern parts of Utah. Though considered a bird of the south, their range has expanded into the warmer parts of Utah.
Eurasian collared-doves are invasive birds, no bag limit or closed season. They can be hunted year round, making them perfect to chase this off-season.
“The weather in late August and early September can affect how many birds will be seen during the hunt,” said Heather Talley, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Upland Game Coordinator. “Doves tend to begin mi-
grating south when nighttime temperatures drop into the 50s and as days get shorter, so hunters should plan to target them earlier in the season to increase their chances of success.”
The band-tailed pigeon, in the southern parts of Utah, are larger and more elusive than their dove counterparts, inhabiting forested areas rich in Gambel oak, aspen, pine, spruce, and fir trees.
These birds require a permit and HIP number to hunt, although they are free on the DWR website. The pigeon hunting season is brief, running from Sept. 2 to Sept. 14.
It is expected to be a great year for grouse hunting in Utah, benefitting from last year's weather. Dusky grouse are similar in size to chickens. When fanned, their tail appears to have a band in it, with black feathers, except the tip, which is lighter gray.
Ruffed grouse, on the other hand, are found primarily in aspen stands, especially with a mix of shrubs and water sources. The dense cover they frequent, and their explosive takeoff makes ruffed grouse hunting a thrilling experience.
The season for dusky and ruffed grouse runs from Sept. 2 to Dec. 31, providing hunters with a long window to pursue these birds.
“Hunters who can locate the areas with the most berries should find good concentrations of ruffed grouse,” Talley said. “Dusky
grouse migrate upslope as the season progresses and can be found in high-elevation conifer forest areas by early October, while ruffed grouse will be found in aspen, with thick tree and shrub cover since they don’t make large movements like dusky grouse do.”
The white-tailed ptarmigan are well-adapted to high elevations and known for seasonal white plumages, which makes them difficult to spot in the snowy places they live. Look for them in areas with high elevation willow patches, and succulent green vegetation.
Chukar and gray partridge are thriving in Utah. Chukar have increased in areas like the Wasatch Front, Tooele County, and the West Desert ranges. These are the bird hunters bird,
fast and low flying, they live on steep slopes with rocks, bunchgrass, sagebrush or cheatgrass.
“If one of the birds sees you while the rest are feeding, it will call out to alert the others, helping you locate the rest of the group,” Talley said. “You may increase your success rate hunting near water, but chukars aren’t completely dependent on water, and rely on it even less as the season progresses. When winter hits, hunt the south-facing slopes, where the sun will be melting snow and warming the rocks, making the area enticing for chukars.” Gray partridge, found in northern Utah, prefer agricultural fields and grassy areas near water, making them easier to pursue than chukar.
The season for both chukar and gray partridge runs from Sept. 28 to Feb. 15, with a special youth hunting season from Sept. 21 to 23.
The recent winters have provided a good excuse to get yourself in the field this year. Upland game species can be very boom or bust, so strike while the iron is hot, you never know what next year will bring.
Make sure to check the 2024-25 Upland Game Regulation Book for more rules, including what guns to hunt with. l
Davis High senior Max Landon shot a 66 to take medalist honors at Davis Park Aug. 27. Photo courtesy Josh Roberts
A male chukar perched on an alpine rock. Photo courtesy DWR
New book, ‘Big People Don’t Pee in the Park – A Mother and Son’s Journey with Down Syndrome’ gives hope to other parents
It was 33 years ago that Wendy Hooton gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, but only three hours later she was told that he had Down syndrome which is caused by an extra chromosome. At first she was devastated by the news and the challenges her new son Matt would face. However, it didn’t take long for Hooton’s love for her newborn to start stifling the grief and she began to experience the joy her baby brought with his surprising diagnosis.
Hooton’s experiences led her to write the book “Big People Don’t Pee in the Park – A Mother and Son’s Journey with Down Syndrome” to help other parents going through the same thing.
“I want parents to look through a window into the future,” she said. “You have these emotions that come with an unexpected diagnosis but you don’t know how to process them. I want them to realize they’re not alone in this journey.”
October is Down syndrome Awareness Month and Hooton hopes her book will be beneficial for everyone. “This is a time to celebrate people with Down syndrome and make others aware of their abilities and accomplishments,” she said. “It's a time to unite as a community to bring awareness and focus on acceptance and inclusion.”
Hooton said the idea for the book came when she was cleaning out her parents’ home after they passed away. “In 2019 I unexpectedly lost both of my parents. I was lost standing in the driveway as stuff was taken off to goodwill. I stared at the bins and what their legacy was – like their life was over.”
That realization led her to contemplate what her legacy would be. “I would see new parents (of a child with the same diagnosis) post in social media groups,” she said. “I heard a whisper from the universe that I needed to help them. I wanted to write a book about the journey with my son.”
Life has been hard but it’s also been an amazing life, said Hooton. “Having the experiences with my son, observing him and helping him. Every day is a joy. He lives life to the fullest.”
Matt has no agenda, she said. “He just wants to be your friend. When he says ‘you’re nice’ it flips your day around.”
Hooton said her goals and dreams she had for him have had to shift. “It had to be if he could do it great, if he couldn’t do it that’s OK too. In T-ball instead of playing he would bring me a bouquet of dandelions. We tried the karate thing and bowling. He had to find his thing.”
The book has already garnered attention, Hooton said. “I’m humbled and in awe by the attention I have received.”
Hooton has had several book signings.
By Becky Ginos | becky.g@thecityjournals.com
At left:
off his
as a
“My son signs them too,” she said. “He’s on this journey with me. This isn’t about me, people want to meet him. It gives them hope as their child grows up.”
One mom, whose baby is three weeks old, is going through the grieving process and read the book, said Hooton. “She said it was exactly what she needed.”
It’s not just about Down syndrome, the book has life lessons for everyone, she said. “If people look at the special needs community differently I have accomplished what I had hoped to do.”
Matt is making his mark on the world, said Hooton. “My son has taught me to live each day to its fullest. To be more kind and forgiving. I’m a better person because of him.”
“Big People Don’t Pee in the Park –A Mother and Son’s Journey with Down Syndrome” is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Audible and anywhere books are sold online. Hooton will be having a book signing at the Layton Barnes & Noble on Oct. 5. l
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September in the city: Must-attend events in North Salt Lake
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
September in North Salt Lake is full of opportunities for residents to celebrate the season and community. From the Jordan River celebration to the final night of the Monday Night Food Truck and Vendor Fair, this month should offer something to appeal to residents and visitors who want to enjoy the beginning of autumn.
Get to the River Festival Saturday, Sept. 14, 8:30 a.m.
Celebrating the 11th anniversary of this event, the Jordan River Paddle invites people to take a canoe or kayak journey along a three-mile stretch of the Jordan River. Reservations for watercraft are free but must be made in advance, as the items are available on a limited basis. Residents can also bring their own canoes or kayaks. Life vests are highly recommended.
“It’s very family-friendly,” said Ali Avery, long-range planner for NSL. “We have lots of families with small children that come do this because it’s so easy to paddle into the river. So if you’ve never paddled a canoe before, this is the spot to figure that out. Bring a jacket, bring a dry bag and bring a bottle of water.”
The journey starts at the Riverview Boat Ramp (1835 N. Redwood Rd.) and ends at Porter’s Landing Boat Takeout (50 S. Jordan River Dr.). Food trucks will provide a free breakfast and a shuttle will offer transportation back to the Riverview Boat Ramp at no charge. Participants must pre-register for the event at NSLCity.org.
Final Night: Monday Night Food Trucks & Vendor Fair
Legacy Park, 1140 West 1100 North Monday, Sept. 23, 5-8 p.m.
Since April 15, the Monday Night Food Truck & Vendor Fair has brought the community together to enjoy food and fun, and spend time at Legacy Park. This final event of the season gives residents one more chance to enjoy this Monday night tradition. The Food Truck League provides many options for dinner and local artisans and vendors display their wares at the fair.
Unity in Community: Latino Heritage Event
Monday, Sept. 23, 5-8 p.m.
Legacy Park (1140 W. 1100 North)
In conjunction with the final night of the Monday Food Truck event, North Salt Lake holds a Latino Heritage Festival to recognize National Latino and Hispanic Heritage Month. Celebrating community members whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America, the event includes live music, food trucks, kid’s activities, vendors and booths.
“It’s meant to specifically include and acknowledge those parts of the community that are in that group but also to be a party for everybody in the community,” said NSL City Councilmember Alisa Van Langeveld. “We work in partnership with the Latinos in Action Group at Mueller Park Junior High. I go to the class and talk to the students about the event and they help brainstorm vendors with me.”
Enjoy a day of golf with Oktoberfest beer, lunch, live music and snacks at the Oktoberfest Golf Tournament. The event is a four-person scramble with a 10 a.m. shotgun start. All players must be 21 or over. Visit nslcity.org/Calendar for more information about this and other North Salt Lake events in September. l
Paddle a three-mile stretch of the Jordan River on Sept. 14 during part of North Salt Lake’s Get to the River Festival. File Photo by Roger V. Tuttle
Students from Mueller Park Junior High offered activities for kids during last year’s Latino Heritage Event. This year’s festival will be held Monday, Sept. 23 from 5-8 at Legacy Park (1140 West 1100 North).
Photo courtesy of North Salt Lake City
Five cozy fall activities to celebrate the season in Davis County
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Autumn is spectacular in Utah. As leaves begin to turn, Davis County transforms into a colorful playground. Whether you’re enjoying an evening in the canyons, attending local harvest festivals or feasting on delicious fall fare, these five experiences will help create long-lasting memories for the season.
Scarecrow Walk at the USU Botanical Center, 80 E. 725 South, Kaysville
Bring in the autumn season with an easy stroll through the Scarecrow Walk at the USU Botanical Center. This annual event brings the community together to celebrate the harvest season. Visitors walk through beautiful gardens to view the array of scarecrows crafted by individuals, schools and organizations. Each scarecrow is unique with themes ranging from traditional to humorous.
Vibrant autumn colors in the Varga Arboretum are on full display this time of year and the peaceful surroundings capture the coziness of fall. The walk is about ¾ of a mile, along dirt and paved paths that are wheelchair and stroller accessible. The Scarecrow Walk runs Sept. 28 to Oct. 6, from dawn to dusk, and admission is free. Visit the calendar at extension.usu.edu for more info.
Cross E Ranch Fall Festival, 3500 N. 2200 West, Salt Lake City
The Cross E Ranch Fall Festival is a tradition that embraces the spirit of the season in the heart of Salt Lake City. Set on a picturesque, working ranch, the festival
offers an array of activities for all ages. Visitors can explore the sprawling corn maze, pick the perfect pumpkin or take a scenic hayride. From the petting zoo to the delicious farm-fresh treats, the Cross E Ranch Fall Festival is a celebration of all things autumn, offering an authentic taste of rural life.
Visitor favorites include the pig races, mega slides and pony rides. The festival runs Sept. 22-Oct. 30 (closed Sundays). Tickets must be purchased online at crosseranch.com.
Pack Farms Pumpkin Patch, 1700 W. Glovers Lane, Farmington
Pack Farms is a must for fall activities, offering a perfect blend of family-friendly fun and seasonal traditions. Visitors can explore the sprawling patch to find the perfect pumpkins or get lost in the hay maze, a favorite challenge for kids and adults. The giant slide and pumpkin tetherball are popular attractions along with a variety of fallthemed games.
The Pack Farms pumpkin patch opens Sept. 28 and runs Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays have extended hours (closing at 11 p.m.) and the farm is closed on Sundays. Admission is $5 per person and free for kids 3 and under. Visit packfarms.com for additional information.
Hike, drive or picnic in Farmington Canyon
In autumn, breathtaking fall colors are on full display in Davis County. Take
a drive up Farmington Canyon to enjoy leaves at their peak. Find an overlook to stop and take in the views of the valley, and maybe pack a picnic lunch to enjoy the fall foliage.
If hiking is your thing, a stroll along the Farmington Creek Trail will take you through beautiful trees, several stunning lookout areas and a gorgeous waterfall. Walking the Grotto in Hornet Canyon is a must for fall, with its waterfalls and weeping wall. The Robert N. Hasenyager Great Salt Lake Nature Trail in Farmington is another family-friendly walk that takes visitors past wetland areas and offers bird-watching opportunities.
A Night on Antelope Island
The Cottages at Bridger Bay on Antelope Island provide a cozy fall getaway. Each cottage sleeps five or six people and includes a full-size refrigerator, a bathroom with a shower, a shade pavilion and a fire pit. Pets are also welcome. If camping in a tent is more your thing, several campgrounds on the island are available, with a range of amenities.
Enjoy the island scenery with a hike or bike ride while watching the bison, deer, bighorn sheep, antelope and thousands of birds. Be sure to enjoy the night sky as Antelope Island has a Dark Sky designation. For more information, visit stateparks.utah. gov/parks/antelope-island. l
Pumpkin patches, mountain hikes and fall festivals are just a few ways to enjoy the autumn season in Utah. Stock photo
With many pumpkin patches available in Davis County, kids of all ages enjoy finding the perfect pumpkin for fall. Stock photo
Here’s what could happen after the fed meets in September
By Robert Spendlove, Zions Bank Economist
Atthe central bank’s annual retreat in Jackson Hole in August, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell indicated plans to cut the federal funds rate when the Federal Open Market Committee meets next September 17-18. This will be the first rate cut in more than four years following a series of aggressive rate hikes — 11 over the span of a year and a half — aimed to tame inflation.
The last time rates fell was in March 2020 at the outset of the pandemic when the Fed held an emergency meeting, bringing rates near zero. The federal funds rate is currently set at a 23-year high of 5.25-5.5%.
As inflation has cooled, the effect of high rates has become more pronounced. The “real” federal funds rate, when adjusted for inflation, is the most restrictive it’s been in nearly two decades, raising fears that the Fed may be behind the curve in responding to a slowing economy, just as it was slow to raise rates in response to inflation.
The Federal Reserve is once again approaching a moment of truth. Can they stick the elusive “soft landing” in the economy — where growth slows but avoids a recession? Here’s what lowering rates might mean for the economy:
Borrowing will cost less. When the Fed lowers the federal funds rate, it becomes cheaper for banks to borrow, leading to a drop in interest rates across different loan types. Expect better deals on interest rates as lenders compete for low rates.
The housing market could improve. A silver lining of the recent market repricing is that mortgage rates are back to their lowest level since early 2023. Average rates on 30-year fixed rate mortgages have dropped more than 1% in the last few months, and some rates on 15-year fixed rate mortgages are back below 6%. A rate cut could help further thaw a housing market frozen by high mortgage rates and ease the burden on home buyers.
Spending may pick up. Retail sales grew 1% in July, the biggest monthly increase since early 2023. A monthly rebound in auto sales accounted for much of the jump but, even when excluding cars and gas, retail sales beat expectations. Lower interest rates may encourage consumers to finance big-ticket items like cars and homes, boosting demand for goods and services.
The job outlook remains uncertain. The latest jobs report forced investors and analysts to revisit their assessments of the economy. In July, hiring fell sharply and the unemployment rate ticked up for the fourth consecutive month. While 4.3% unemployment is low compared to long-term levels, unemployment can increase quickly in a deteriorating economy. By lowering the benchmark rate, the Fed hopes to encourage businesses to grow and hire new workers, keeping the job market strong.
Some prices could remain sticky. Inflation fell below 3% in July for first time since 2021. Food and energy prices have been slowing, with motor fuel prices dropping 2.3% nationally and 6.7% regionally over the past year. But other price categories remain sticky. Housing price growth, while moderating, is still too high at 4.4%. And service sector prices continue to grow too fast, rising 4.9% over the last year. Impending rate cuts will do little to relieve this price stickiness, absent a recession.
The U.S. dollar may weaken. Traveling abroad may get more expensive following a rate cut. While rising interest rates generally strengthen the U.S. dollar, falling rates tend do the opposite. A weaker dollar means international travel will cost more.
The fed will meet three times before the end of the year, but don’t expect to see interest rates drop to the historically low levels of recent years. While inflation is slowing, it remains above the Fed's preferred rate of 2%. The debate is now whether the Fed should shift its focus from maintaining price stability to supporting the labor market.
Robert Spendlove is senior economist for Zions Bank, a division of Zions Bancorporation, N.A
The five best international restaurants on the Wasatch Front
By Braden Nelsen | braden.n@mycityjournals.com
Sometimes, you just want something besides a burger and fries. There’s nothing wrong with a burger and fries, but, variety, as they say, is the spice of life. The melting pot of Utah has brought many people from all over the globe together, giving them the opportunity to take a culinary trip around the world, as it were. For those with an adventurous palate, here are the top five international restaurants along the Wasatch Front.
5. Se Llama Peru – Peruvian – Provo
Those who have never tried Peruvian food are in for a treat. A departure from common misconceptions of Latin American cuisine, Peruvian food uses a lot of potatoes, corn, and other staples to bring vibrant flavors to life. Traditional dishes like their Lomo Saltado, strips of tender steak cooked with peppers and onions on a bed of french fries, and Pollo a la brasa, a favorite grilled chicken dish popular amongst native Peruvians are bound to please, and don’t pass on the chicha morada either!
4. The Mandarin – American/Chinese –Bountiful
For American/Chinese favorites like General Tsao’s Chicken, Orange Chicken and more, The Mandarin in Bountiful can’t be beat. Served family style, the Mandarin’s cuisine is second to none in the region. The flavors are rivaled only by the presentation, which still includes white tablecloths and napkins, along with reusable chopsticks on each table. Seating is at a premium since the location is just so popular, so be sure to get in early.
3. Wellers – German – Layton
For those who have never had German food, imagine the most wholesome, filling,
and heart-warming down home cooking you’ve had, and multiply it by 10. German food is all about comfort, and feeling good while you eat it, and no one has mastered the cuisine of the country quite like Wellers in Layton. Patrons familiar with German food will find all their old favorites like schnitzel or bratwurst, but they’ll also find a few new things they may not be familiar with. At Wellers, you can’t go wrong.
2. Red Iguana – Mexican – Salt Lake
There is no shortage of options for Mexican food in the beehive state, but, the top of our list is Red Iguana. You won’t find any real “TexMex” at Red Iguana which may scare off some people, but for authentic, delicious and filling Mexican food, Red Iguana can’t be beaten. There are also plenty of options, especially when it comes to their famous Mole, a sauce and marinade that has many different flavors and recipes. You’ll want to try each of them, with either your entree or just some chips. Be sure to get there early, or order your food to go – space is limited, and the line forms early.
1. Bombay House – Indian – Provo
The number one pick for this list had to be Bombay House in Provo. The line out the door most nights would be enough to tell you that something special is going on in there, but allow us to elaborate. From the familiar curries and saag to the lesser-known makhani and biryani it’s difficult to narrow down your options at Bombay House. While you may be tempted to have a bit of sticker shock, the food is worth every penny, and the service is second to none. For these reasons, and many more, Bombay House takes the number one slot on this list. l
One of Weller’s most popular dishes, the Jägerschnitzel with mushroom gravy. Photo Courtesy of Jan Weller
Landfill thrift store offers unexpected benefits to county
By Braden Nelsen | braden.n@mycityjournals.com
When most people hear the word “landfill” the image that comes to mind is likely a pit full of trash. While the Wasatch Integrated Waste Management District (WIWMD) in Layton certainly has a spot for trash like that, there is so much more that the people there are doing to not only properly dispose of waste, but also make the entire region, including Morgan, a much better place.
Nathan Rich, Executive Director of the WIWMD said that the idea for the thrift store came about simply because at the landfill, they are always “trying to be a little bit better,” and his entire team’s belief that they can and should “handle waste like a resource.” Like many other facilities around the country, the WIWMD has on-site recycling for things like metal, tires, appliances, plastics, paper and so forth, but still, Rich and his team wanted to do more.
“It’s like a puzzle,” said Rich, “we add pieces to do better as much as we can.” One piece came about as Rich and others noticed the tremendous amount of perfectly good items coming through in increasing quantities, “It’s stunning what people throw away” said Rich, adding, “We’re generating more garbage, not less.” The solution to this waste came through attending a conference in which Rich and his team discovered that a landfill in California has a “Last Chance” thrift shop.
Utilizing resources they already had, WIWMD repurposed an existing building, a recycling drop-off which was ill-used due to curbside recycling bins, and 10 years ago opened their own thrift store. “We recycled that building,” Rich joked. The program has seen tremendous success since then, nearly doubling revenue over the past 10 years. But how are the items in the store sourced?
The Sustainability Specialist at WIWMD, Collette West and Rich explained that there’s about a 50-50 split in the sourcing of items for the shop. Half, they said, comes from people dropping off items at the landfill, items that are recovered by employees before they hit the pit, and the other half from donations. Although it’s a small space, there is an amazing variety of like-new items, including everything from furniture to scuba gear, and, as Rich said, they “price it to move it.” Most hot-ticket items
don’t last long.
Looking around the shop itself, they weren’t kidding. “It’s a lot cheaper than even DI or Goodwill,” said Collette, and the stickers prove it. These low prices go a long way to helping lower-income populations around the region with everything from dining room sets to lawn mowers all in outstanding condition, but for the collectors, there are still things off the beaten path. West and Rich explained that there’s a little bit of everything that comes through the shop, including pristine exotic taxidermy, pianos, organs, and even a vintage, functional slot machine.
This could explain why, while many in the county are still unaware of the shop, many are not only aware but are avid fans. “There’s usually a line,” said Rich, talking about the opening of the shop in the morning. Even though the shop doesn’t divert a significant amount of waste from the landfill, it does extend the life of perfectly usable products and falls right in line with one of the mission statements of the WIWMD as stated on their website, “Recognize waste as a resource through reuse, reduction, recycling, and the production of fuels and
amazing, the thrift store only scratches the surface of the work that Rich, West and others are doing to minimize the environmental impact of the landfill and reclaim as much of the waste as possible.
energy, when financially viable.”
The thrift store, is “a lot of work,” said Emily Dehermida, who works at the shop, “but it’s definitely worth it.” “It’s amazing,” echoed Khadija Bird, another store employee “Never a dull moment.” As amazing as it is, and it is
From the thrift shop to the massive composting and mulch of the green waste operations to the Material Recovery and Transfer Facility which processes many of the recyclables from around the region, there’s much more going on at the Wasatch Integrated Waste Management District than just garbage, but those may be a story for another day. More information on these, and other projects being undertaken by the WIWMD can be found at www.wasatchintegrated.org. l
From China hutches to living room sets, to working appliances and more, there is a little bit of everything at the landfill thrift store. Photos by Braden Nelsen
Franklin the cat, “the star of the show” at the thrift shop.
The building housing the thrift store sits outside the gate and scales, making it
USU Botanical Center offers both special events and educational opportunities
By Cindi Mansell | c.mansell@mycityjournals.com
USU Botanical Center Director Jerry Goodspeed recently addressed the City Council to update them on happenings at the Botanical Center as well as the Agricultural Heritage Center. He said the indoor arena was opened the end of October/first of November; they have had 53 paid events. This means that someone has registered the facility for one day to two-three days, and there have been 4,150 registered participants (which does not include families and friends this brings to the community). He said open ride is available throughout the week when the facility is not booked for an event.
Types of events at the facility include: team roping, barrel racing, team pinning, mounted western shooters, adult horse shows, 4-H and Youth horse shows, dog shows, community Christmas events and livestock shows. Goodspeed said his main goal was to get the Equine Assistant Service Program up and running. They have hired someone to be on site, have two mini ponies, and are in the process of getting some horses. These horses and ponies can be taken to veterans or other types of individuals who have encountered traumatic experiences and are a proven method of victim advocacy.
Goodspeed said there are educational opportunities for children and adults at the Botanical Center, which also features a much-loved urban fishery, walking and biking trails, wetland areas that support birds and other wildlife, multiple volunteer-tended gardens, an arboretum and a full schedule of classes, workshops, educational field trips and other events. The gardens, ponds, and trails are open from
sunrise to sunset with no entrance fee.
Other programs include yoga and tai chai in the garden, plant diagnostic clinics, as well as the Edible Demonstration Garden where the center has 100 varieties of fruits and vegetables. The garden was installed in 2015 with the purpose of showcasing different and unique varieties of edible crops that can be successfully grown in Northern Utah. Goodspeed said “this type of learning is specifically applicable when considering recent food security issues.”
Every Wednesday evening from 6:30 – 8 p.m., the public is invited to a free event to sample different garden produce tastings or tour the gardens (Taste, Tour, Ta-Dah Event).
WhenStaff is onsite to discuss gardening, mite or grasshopper remediation, and any other topic related. Live performances from local musicians will also take place from 7-8 p.m. weekly at the event.
Goodspeed said the plan this fall is to offer the Scarecrow Walk again and his hope is for Youth City Council assistance. He said it is so fun to watch them and it brings their families and friends in to the event. New this year will be the Reindeer Express, with Santa Claus and a few other things on Saturdays in December.
Goodspeed said the center works in tandem with Colorado State University to trial different plant species. He said the goal is to develop better perennials for landscaping; to date they have introduced five new colors and plants into the nursery. The Rasmussen Teaching Garden has those plants and they are hoping to show plants that are native to the intermountain area as they work toward developing dryer landscape plants. He said the USU Research Farm does a lot of plant and botanical research; and the successful projects are brought down into the demonstration garden to show the public. He said there are interns that come from colleges and spend the summer to bring their ideas into the program.
Mayor Tamera Tran said “Jerry Goodspeed was recognized as the 2024 Unsung Hero for Kaysville City.” She said in addition to creating the wonderful facility at USU, he is also a long-time resident. The Council thanked Goodspeed for the update and for all that he does. l
Make someone’s day with a suspended coffee
By Shania Emmett | s.emmett@mycityjournals.com
people hear the words suspended coffee, what comes to mind usually is a floating coffee. But, as funny as that sounds suspended coffee is not, in fact, a floating drink. It is a tradition that initially started in Naples, Italy. To pay it forward, to make someone’s day, or to merely help someone down on their luck and in need of caffeine this is why this tradition exists.
How it works is when someone goes to buy their drink, instead of purchasing just one they tell the barista that they want to buy two but have the second one suspended. So, if someone came into the cafe who didn’t have enough money that day to get a drink or they looked in need of a drink, that barista can give the already paid-for coffee to that person.
This tradition has made its way from Europe to here in Utah too. Though, currently the only places that offer suspended coffee are small cafes in the heart of Salt Lake City. It’s currently not known whether or not big names such as Star Bucks or Dutch Bros will bring the opportunity of giving suspended coffees, but it would quite possibly make someone’s day if they started.
Suspended coffee initially started in Italy with the idea that it would either bring you good luck to give a suspended coffee, or you would just be doing a good deed for someone who is in need. Either way, it has
become a highly popular concept in Italy and almost everywhere in Europe. It has only started making its way to the United States in recent years. And although most places in Utah do not yet offer the opportunity to give a suspended coffee, there are still quite a few small cafes in Salt Lake City that let you do a nice deed.
“Everyone is someone’s son or daughter, possibly someone’s sister or brother, or father or mother. Please don’t judge. If you can’t or don’t want to give money then smile, pass the time of day, and walk on. You
never know exactly what’s around the corner for you or yours.” Quote from the Suspended Coffee Blog.
This quote really optimizes the concept of suspended coffee. You truly don’t know what might happen on a daily basis. Sometimes even just the benefit of getting a free coffee can be life-saving to someone. So if you ever have the opportunity to give back to people, even if it is something as small as a coffee, you never know who you might be able to help. l
Somereading this article may already be familiar with the Scandinavian term, “Hygge” (roughly pronounced Hee-you-gah) but for the rest, what does it mean? Where did it come from? And why is it a movement worth spearheading, especially here in Davis County?
Hygge is a term originating in Denmark and Norway and centers around what those in the United States would deem cozy, and centered on well-being. The word itself, interestingly enough, comes from the Old Norse word, “Hugr,” which was the Norse embodiment of mind, or soul, the essence of what made a person themselves. So, what does coziness have to do with the soul? Plenty.
Since there have been people living there, the Scandinavian way of life has been a rough and ready one. Growing crops in a subarctic climate is difficult, and making a living off the sea means many cold and wet days. This can easily take a toll on a person, especially mentally. It’s almost an amplification of what modern medicine has called, Seasonal affective disorder, or, the apt acronym SAD.
As described by Johns Hopkins, SAD “happens during certain seasons of the year, most often fall or winter. It is thought that shorter days and less daylight may set off a chemical change in the brain leading to symptoms of depression.” It only makes sense, therefore, that
Hygge – what is it, and what are its benefits?
By Braden Nelsen | braden.n@mycityjournals.com
the people living in Scandinavia, experiencing dramatically shorter and colder days in the winter, would put an emphasis on being cozy.
But, what does it mean to be cozy? The formal definition of the word is, “giving a feeling of comfort, warmth, and relaxation.” This makes sense in the Scandinavian sense of Hygge. Surrounding oneself, one’s home, and family with warmth, comfort and relaxation would certainly stave off the cold and the symptoms of SAD. What about the rest of the world, though? And what about the rest of the year, when it’s too warm to bundle up in a blanket with a warm beverage?
Hygge, as hinted at above, is more of a mindset and a lifestyle than an actual set of rules bound to one definition. Perhaps, Hygge and coziness in the warmer months is an emphasis on comfort: a comfortable couch, a beachside vacation, even camping. Maybe it’s being with the important people in life more often, family and friends. It could well be that Hygge is simply feeling cozy and comfortable regardless of the circumstances.
Of course, nothing beats the comfort and coziness of home and hearth. For many people in Davis County, the day-to-day generally doesn’t involve going out fishing in stormy arctic seas, but, life itself can provide plenty of storms to test the will and mettle. Regardless of the storms each person faces in life, it’s imper-
ative to have a place to go to in order to escape those storms, a fortress, a bastion, a haven. Whatever shape it may take, it’s important to make home that haven. Whether it’s an apartment, a trailer, a traditional house, or any other of many different homes, there’s much that can be done to make it cozy, comfortable and Hygge. Davis County, along with many places in Utah, is fortunate to be home to Deseret Industries, and other second-hand stores that provide a place for those in need of furniture, clothing, and homeware to get those
things that make a home Hygge without breaking the bank.
To people in the United States, who pride themselves on being tough and independent, a concept like hygge may seem unnecessary, even a luxury, but to those tough and independent people of the frozen north, it’s a necessity. Maybe this is one thing that the people of the west, particularly in Davis, can adopt as a necessity as well, a haven of coziness, whether that be a home or a state of mind. l
Hygge means different things to different people. Maybe your version of Hygge means reading a good book under a blanket. Photo by Alice Hampson, public domain
With the return of the college football season, comes the return of great traditions of the sport. Homecoming, tailgating and rivalries make college football the spectacle which captures the attention of the country.
However, in the Mountain West region, spirited rivalries can sometimes be hard to come by given the geographical distance between teams. The Weber State Wildcats play in the Big Sky Conference, which contains teams from Montana to California. Teams are often separated by many miles of road. The Wildcats are lucky to have a rival about a two hour drive away – the Idaho State Bengals, from Pocatello, Idaho.
Even though the Wildcats and Bengals are closer than most teams, the rivalry still hasn’t always been the most passionate. Sure, last year’s basketball season saw Idaho State’s Jungle Student Section wear “BEAT WEBER” shirts when the Wildcats came to Pocatello, but the football series has hardly been competitive as of late. Bengal football has only beaten Weber State twice since 2002 in the annual matchup. Idaho fans might remember the days when the rivalry was at its fiercest point, but recent generations might find it difficult to care about a one-sided series.
There is renewed optimism in Pocatello, with second-year head coach Cody Hawkins
By Maclane Westbrook | m.westbrook@davisjournal.com
working to rebuild the program. However, even if the matchup does get closer, it still might take something else to drum up passion for the rivalry. That something may just be
stored away in the Weber State Archive.
lections & University Archival Coordinator at Weber State, a position she has held for 13 years. She says while the bell is still in retirement, it gets put on display every homecoming week for students to come look at, and hear its very loud ring. Recently, some students have begun to be interested in the trophy’s history, as well as its future.
Harris says students at both Weber and Idaho State have reached out in the last year about the trophy, looking to confirm that it still exists. There has been talk of bringing the rivalry bell out of retirement, but so far nothing has been made official. When asked for comment, Paul Grua, Weber State Director of Athletic Communications stated that WSU athletics is “looking into the Train Bell Trophy and are working with Idaho State to bring it back.”
Across the border in Pocatello, Pauline Thiros, Idaho State University Athletic Director, emphasized the Bengal’s enthusiasm for a potential return of the train bell. “Idaho State is all for it,” she said. “The Train Bell Trophy symbolizes the fierce and respected rivalry between Idaho State and Weber State. I, along with The Jungle of ISU, and all of our students, will be excited and appreciative if the Wildcats are willing to bring the Train Bell Trophy out and put it on the line this year.”
When the Big Sky Conference was formed in 1963, Idaho State and Weber State made natural rivals, being not only close in proximity, but connected by the railroad that ran through Pocatello and Ogden. For the first six years of the rivalry, students from each school would take turns riding a “game train” to the other campus for the annual football game, a practice that died out when passenger rails left the area. This inspired the Weber State student government to secure an old locomotive train bell in 1964. According to Weber State’s digital exhibits, the bell “rings like the dickens,” and serves as a traveling trophy awarded to the winning school of the game typically held during homecoming week. From 1964 to 1973, the Bengals and Wildcats competed for the Train Bell Trophy a total of 10 times, with Weber winning it a total of seven times.
It’s difficult to tell exactly what happened following 1973, but after Weber State retained the trophy in a 38-23 victory, the bell was retired and ended up in the Weber State Archives, where it sits today.
Kandice Harris is the WSU Special Col-
Weber and Idaho State are no strangers to rivalry trophies. In 2022, Weber State and Northern Arizona football began playing for the Red Rock Rivalry Trophy. The trophy symbolizes the iconic geography of Utah and Arizona. In recent years, Idaho State and University of Idaho have reintroduced the King Spud Trophy in basketball, and introduced the Potato State Trophy in football, obviously playing off of the state’s top crop.
Those rivalry trophies had the added complications of being conceived and constructed out of scratch. The Train Bell Trophy already exists however. It just needs to be brought out of the archives and back onto the football field.
“I am always a fan of history being reinstated,” Harris said about bringing the trophy out of retirement. “That would be amazing.”
A Wildcat at heart, however, Harris pointed out she’s not worried about it leaving. “I’m pretty confident in Weber State’s football team, so it would stay here anyway.”
Idaho State travels to Ogden Nov. 9 to play the Wildcats at Stewart Stadium. l
The historical Train Bell Trophy still sits in the Weber State University archives. Photo by Maclane Westbrook
What is the fastest animal?
Add the numbers from the start to the finish of each animal’s path to find out how fast they move in miles per hour (MPH).
What about humans?
Running at top speeds of about 20 mph, human beings are one of the slower-moving
Top Sprinter
The cheetah is the fastest land animal. Cheetah paws are more like a dog’s than a cat’s.
What’s a Tiger Beetle?
Tiger beetles are pretty small about a half-inch to an inch long, depending on the species. Their long, thin legs help them run fast,
They have shorter, blunter claws that do not retract like those of other cats. The pads on the bottom of their feet are ridged, rather than rounded.
Their special feet help cheetahs get a good grip on the ground and push off firmly for the next bound.
No wonder cheetahs can run so fast!
But cheetahs can only run at top speed for a short distance.
The Slowest
Animal
At .03
it
Find the di erences between the two snails.
Find the words by looking up, down, backwards, forwards, sideways and diagonally.
Replace the missing words in this article.
GOLD RECORDS RULER
HISTORY
EVENTS WORLD Jesse Owens: Olympic Speed and Achievement in 1936
Jesse Owens is widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes in sports ______________. He is remembered for several reasons.
Find each tiger beetle’s twin.
Which spots are cheetah spots?
spots.
Fast, Faster, Fastest
Find three newspaper pictures and/or words that show things that move. Put them in order and lable them FAST, FASTER, and FASTEST. Do the same with other adjectives such as happy, sloppy, and funny
Standards Link: Use main idea and supporting details in writing.
Owens won four ______ medals and set two Olympic ____________ at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, Germany.
This was an important athletic achievement, and a significant social achievement. In 1936, Adolph Hitler was the _________ of Germany. Hitler hoped to show the _________ that Aryans, or northern Europeans, were the best at everything.
Link: Recognize the difference between fact and opinion. Write a paragraph with 3 facts and opinions about your
When Jesse Owens, a Black American, dominated the Olympic track-and-field _______, he showed the world that people of all races are capable of excellence.
Monday
My Brilliant Friend: Story of the Lost Child
HBO 7 p.m.
This Season 4 premiere picks up where last season left off, in 1980s Italy. Elena (Alba Rohrwacher) and Lila (Irene Maiorino) continue to struggle with the meaning of life and just what purpose the roguish Nino (Fabrizio Gifuni) serves in their lives.
The Wall (5) KSL 9 p.m.
Recently exonerated for a wrongful conviction, community hero Richard now runs a non-profit to help those returning home from incarceration. Alongside his wife, Latoya, this Texas native is now ready to face the wall in hopes of winning big.
Tuesday
Straight Outta Compton
HBO 6 p.m.
In 1988, a groundbreaking new group revolutionizes music and pop culture, changing and influencing hip-hop forever. N.W.A’s first studio album, “Straight Outta Compton,” stirs controversy with its brutally honest depiction of life in Southern Los Angeles. With guidance from veteran manager Jerry Heller, band members Ice Cube (O’Shea Jackson Jr.), Dr. Dre (Corey Hawkins), Eazy-E, DJ Yella and MC Ren navigate their way through the industry, acquiring fame, fortune and a place in history.
In what might be the seminal moment in U.S. political history, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate, takes on former Republican president Donald Trump in a debate touching on the economy, the border, national security, ageism and more.
Wednesday
MasterChef
(13) KSTU 7 p.m.
It’s time for the top six chefs to prove themselves, as they take over Ramsay’s Rooftop (an exclusive pop-up restaurant open for one night). Afterwards, the final five face two challenges involving a mystery box and restaurant quality dishes.
Court Cam
A&E 7 p.m.
This brand-new episode sees a man attempting to escape the courthouse after his bond is raised to $20,000, a
defendant about to be sentenced for drunk driving show up to court drunk and a man checking in for a virtual plea hearing from an airplane.
Thursday
Big Brother (2) KUTV 7 p.m.
Season 26 continues tonight with a brand-new episode. Following a surprising live vote, one houseguest is evicted and leaves following an exit interview. Meanwhile, the remaining houseguests are made to compete for power in the next head of the household.
Lucky 13 (4) KTVX 8 p.m.
Two new contestants are selected to answer 13 true-or-false questions in the latest episode of this all-new game show. If these contestants can successfully predict how many of their answers are correct, they have a chance at winning $1 million.
Friday Jaws
AMC 5 p.m.
We’re going to need a bigger boat, as 3 “Jaws” movies air back-to-back, starting with the original, 1975 film starring Roy Scheider as a New England police chief and Robert Shaw and Richard Dreyfuss as the pair who help him hunt down a massive shark.
20/20
(4) KTVX 8 p.m.
Hosts David Muir and Deborah Roberts are staples of this investigative series, which delves into everything from true crime to celebrity scandals. With correspondents Juju Chang, John Quinones and Diane Sawyer, they relay the U.S.’s biggest stories.
Saturday
College Football
(2) KUTV (5) KSL
The very first UCLA Big Ten home game will find them hosting the Indiana Hoosiers and their new head coach, Curt Cignetti, at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena,
Monday
Calif., in what will be the first-ever meeting of the two programs. UCLA finished last year 8-5.
Civil War
HBO 6 p.m.
In a dystopian future, the United States faces a seceding movement that engulfs the country in civil war. Journalists Lee (Kirsten Dunst) and Joel (Wagner Moura) race to Washington, D.C., to interview the authoritarian president (Nick Offerman).
The Face I Can’t Forget
LIFE 6 p.m.
After waking from a car accident with total amnesia, Mia is taken home to be cared for by her loving husband and daughter. But as she recuperates, Mia has flashbacks of a second daughter— one who was in the car with her the night of the accident. But no one else believes this daughter exists.
Sunday
2024 Solheim Cup
(5) KSL 10 a.m.
Thanks to pandemic delays, fans get back-to-back Solheim Cups instead of the usual biennial affair. Today, the best women golfers from Europe take on the best from the United States in final day action from Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Va.
60 Minutes
(2) KUTV 6 p.m.
Every hour has 60 minutes, but they’re not always this informative. Returning for the premiere of its 56th season, this weekly newsmagazine covers the latest on culture, politics and what’s in the news, offering a detailed look behind major headlines.
If you give a Schitt’s about this year’s Emmy nominees grabbing their share of gold statues, fatherson combo Eugene and Dan Levy host the awards show that honors television’s best from actors and actresses to outstanding dramas and comedies.
Celebrity Profile
By Jay Bobbin TV Media
Ashley Williams has done many cable movie roles, but no other has likely been as personal for her as her latest one.
The Hallmark Channel regular returns in the new film “Falling Together,” which makes its premiere on the network Saturday, Sept. 21 — appropriately timed for World Alzheimer’s Day.
The late mother of Williams and her fellow actress sister, Kimberly WilliamsPaisley (“Father of the Bride,” 1991), had Alzheimer’s disease, and in the movie, Ashley’s newly relocated character, Natalie, becomes involved in a Walk to End Alzheimer’s in an effort to get a sense of community after failing to connect with her new neighbors. Paul Campbell (“Three Wise Men and a Baby,” 2022) plays superintendent Mark Wallace, Natalie’s potential love interest.
While servicing Hallmark Channel’s seasonal Fall Into Love franchise, “Falling Together” also meets the channel’s intent to expand its subject matter. “There are moments that are incredibly emotional,” Ashley Williams confirms, “but it’s really not a depressing movie. I look at it as a rom-com. My background is in drama, but I’ve learned so much from working in comedy over the years, and my favorite thing is blending those genres together.”
(13) KSTU 8 p.m.
The 1% Club
The first season of “The 1% Club” comes to a close Monday, Sept. 9, on Fox. The odds are always against contestants in this entertaining game show that starts with 100 contestants and quickly whittles its way down to the one person who uses their brain in such a unique way that they can beat 99% of the population.
Also an executive producer of “Falling Together” along with her husband, Neal Dodson (“Margin Call,” 2011), the lively Williams has been active in Alzheimer’srelated walks and (with her family) an annual Dance Party to End Alz, set this year for Avalon Hollywood in Los Angeles on Oct. 22. A pivotal scene in “Falling Together” features photos of Williams’ mother, Linda, and the late parents of two of her close friends and fellow Hallmark Channel staples: Nikki DeLoach’s (“Curious Caterer: Foiled Plans,” 2024) father, who had dementia, and Andrew Walker’s (“For Love & Honey,” 2024) mother, who had Alzheimer’s.
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
Peri Kinder Life and Laughter
Show me the money
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 selling 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.
Email: iospirals@yahoo.com ioironrails.com
Dr. Jared R. Heaton Board Certified Dermatologist
Jared Heaton is an attentive and thorough dermatologist & MOHs surgeon, serving his patients in Bountiful, Centerville, North Salt Lake, Woods Cross, Farmington, Kaysville and West Bountiful.
Dr. Heaton is board-certified in dermatology and is currently a member of the American Society of MOHs Surgeons.
Dr. Heaton prides himself in serving all patient populations and treating all areas of dermatology from children through retirement age. Dr. Heaton performs skin cancer diagnosis and treatment, MOHS surgery, mole exam and removal, acne, warts, cyst removal, spider vein treatment, CO2 laser resurfacing, microneedling and many other skin and cosmetic related procedures.
Dr. Heaton received his undergraduate degree in International Relations with a minor in Asian Studies from Brigham Young University (BYU). He earned his medical degree from Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine (AZCOM) in Glendale, AZ. And completed both his internship and medical residency in Tampa, Florida.
In his spare time, Dr. Heaton enjoys snowboarding, mountain biking, vacations to Bear Lake, movies, grilling and spending time with his wife and three children at home in Bountiful.
Dr. Marc Mitton Board Certified Dermatologist
Marc Mitton is a Utah native and cherishes the opportunity to serve the people of this beautiful state. His passion for dermatology began after receiving his own skin cancer diagnosis as a medical student. He believes that listening and being thorough are the keys to successfully practicing medicine. He specializes in skin cancer detection and removal, rashes, acne, warts and molluscum, as well as several other skin conditions.
Dr. Mitton has specific interests in complex dermatological conditions and dermoscopy (the use of a light-based tool for classifying skin lesions and certain rashes). He prioritizes staying up to date on recent research, best medical practices and surgical techniques, and enjoys applying them into his practice.
Dr. Mitton received his undergraduate degree in biology at the University of Utah and graduated with his medical degree from Rocky Vista University in Parker, CO. He completed his intern year of residency at LewisGale Hospital Montgomery in Blacksburg, VA and his dermatology residency at Lehigh Valley Health Network in Allentown, PA. His residency provided many opportunities for specialized training including treating potentially life-threatening skin conditions at one of the state’s burn units, training with a nationally-renowned pediatric dermatologist, and countless exposures to rare and difficult-to-treat cases at conferences on a nearweekly basis through Lehigh Valley and the University of Pennsylvania.
In his free time, Dr. Mitton enjoys spending time with his wife and two kids, being outdoors, biking, board games, and especially making weekend breakfasts with specialty pancakes.
