The Morgan County News | November 11, 2022

2022 Morgan County Annual 4-H Achievement Night

By Nicole Reed

In October, we love to recognize the accomplishments of our 4-H members and leaders. It is also a great way to cel ebrate the end of one 4-H year and the beginning of another. On October 24, we held our annual 4-H Achievement Night. During this celebration, we rec ognized the following people:

• Horse Council Members

• Livestock Council Members

• The 4-H Extension Staff

• Teen and Junior Teen Council Officers

• TRY (Teens Reaching Youth) Team Members

• Livestock Ambassadors

• Horse Ambassadors

• 1st Year 4-Hers

• 10 Year 4-Hers

• 4-H Leader Years of Service Awards

4-H Volunteer Awards

•

All of these awards are a great honor but the most prestigious awards of the whole night were our 4-H Volun teer Awards: Salute to 4-H Volunteers, Salute to 4-H Youth Volunteers, 4-H Mentor of the Year, Clover Key Award, Doorknob Award, and 4-H Family of the Year.

The Salute to 4-H Volunteers Award recognizes a volunteer who has provided outstanding service to 4-H. This year’s award recipient was Jessie Franich. For Jessie there have been many great memories being a 4-H Leader for the past 41 years. The thing that she enjoys the most is her relationship that she develops with her 4-H kids. Jessie keeps saying that she is going to retire but her 4-Hers won’t let her. Thank you, Jessie for your many

years of service and dedication to our wonderful youth.

The Salute to 4-H Youth Volunteers Award recognizes a 4-H’er who is en rolled in the 11th or 12th grade and who

Veterans go back to school

Winning ticket sold for record Powerball jackpot

Lottery officials announced on Tuesday that a winning ticket to the $2.1 Billion dollar jack pot had been sold in Altadena, California. The winning ticket, which matched all the white numbers as well as the Power ball number, was sold at Joe’s Service Center. More than 11.2 million tickets were sold that resulted in $98 million dollars in winnings, including 22 tickets that won $1 million each.

Largest Fish “Ever Weighed” comes in at 6,049 lbs

An ocean sunfish, the largest bony fish in the ocean, was recently hauled in off the Azores and smashed weight records at over three tons. While whales are the largest marine animals, and sharks are generally the heaviest cartilaginous fish, the ocean sunfish has long been a monster of its own dimensions. Scientists who examined the fish after it had been landed explained that the existence of such a large example of the species is a hopeful sign of the health of the marine ecosystem to sustain such a fish.

T. Rex skull to be auctioned at Sotheby’s

A six and a half foot T. Rex skull was recently unearthed in South Dakota. The skull, named Max imus, is slated for the auction block after its anonymous owner decided to sell it. Many, if not most, fossils are generally sold to research facilities and muse ums, though there is a chance the item could end up being purchased by a private collector.

Blood Moon appears

A total lunar eclipse will occur on November 8, though it may not be visible locally due to weather. The moon should be visible at just after 1:00 a.m. if clouds are not in the way. In the case of a total eclipse, the moon is fully within the earth’s shadow, which is what creates the effect.

has provided outstanding leadership and service to 4-H. This year’s award recipi

4-H FAMILY of the Year

4-H MENTOR of the Year

4H RECOGNITION

from page 1

ent was Maggie Shupe. Maggie is an amazing mentor to a lot of youth in our county. She has made a huge difference in many first year 4-H swine members lives by being a livestock ambassador for the past two years. You will often find her helping other youth with their projects and if she isn’t doing that, she’s helping at all the livestock weigh-ins and shows. Maggie is a great mentor and we are lucky to have her in our program!

The 4-H Mentor of the Year Award recognizes a volunteer who serves, either formally or informally, as a mentor to fellow 4-H club leaders and youth in the county, providing the support needed to motivate, encourage, educate, and/or recognize other youth and volunteers. This award recipient this year is Geni Rowser. Geni has been a horse leader for the past 13 years and the Horse Council Show Secretary for the last six years. In that course of time, she has had a significant impact on many youths’ and other volun teers’ lives. Geni has a great love and passion for the horse industry and she loves teaching kids how to ride horses. She also is always encouraging new youth and adults to join the program. Thank you Geni for your outstanding service in the Morgan County 4-H Pro gram.

The Clover Key Award: The KEY to 4-H growth

lies in new, committed and creative leaders. This award recognizes new leaders with service from 1 to 5 years who have provided outstanding service to 4-H. The award recipient this year is Leslie Hyde. Leslie is a new 4-H leader who served as the Treasurer/As sistant Show Secretary on our 4-H Horse council this past year. Leslie spearheaded this past years’ horse 4-H fundraisers and has helped the group have their best fundraising year to date. Thank you, Leslie, for your outstanding service to our 4-H program and our county.

The Doorknob Award recognizes a volunteer or business who has “opened the door” for the 4-H program through special outreach, marketing or other efforts. This year’s award recipient was Ivory & Birch. Ivory & Birch is a new partnership that our 4-H program has recently developed. Christel Rich, the owner of Ivory & Birch, provides fun paint and craft nights for our community. This past summer Christel taught an Intermediate Custom Craft 4-H Camp which allowed youth the opportunity to expand their artis tic abilities. She even showed them how she started her business and how everything within her business works. Thank you, Christel, for opening your business door and providing our youth and the Morgan County 4-H Program with a new opportunity.

The 4-H Family of the Year award recognizes a family who has demonstrated outstanding involvement

SALUTE TO 4-H VOLUNTEERS

in and service to 4-H. This year our 4-H Family of the year was awarded to the Mindy & Ven Savage Family. The Savage family is the epitome of what a service family should be. The entire family is highly involved in our community in several different ways. Mindy has been the Marketing Assistant on our Livestock Council for the past several years. Mindy and her family do a lot of behind the scenes work for our livestock pro gram, that most people do not know about. They take care of all the of the marketing and promotional mate rials each year and they organize the annual Livestock Buyers Luncheon. Mindy also helps to judge over 200 4-H Portfolios each year. Ven helps to coach our local high school football teams and he is a positive adult mentor to many youth in our community. Their kids are activity in 4-H, sports, their church and are always serving others. They are always showing kindness and gratitude to those around them and offering to help out when we need them. The Savage’s are a phenomenal family and we really appreciate all of their hard work and dedication to help “Make the Best Better”.

For more information about enrolling in 4-H, joining a club, and programs offered, please contact the Morgan County Extension Office at 801-829-3472. Also check us out on Facebook: USU Extension-Mor gan County 4-H and our webpage: extension.usu.edu/ morgan. l

CLOVER KEY

RICHARD WISCOMBE,

LARRY PHELPS

WENDY GRIFFIN

KEN LANG

ALAN TURNER

STEVE SMITH

ROGER

PRICE

TIM CARTER

ALLEN HESS

TED CARTER

ROYAL LAMB

BURT

BOHMAN

JOHN SHERMAN

JIM BROWN

LISA RYVER

Commercial and residential developments get preliminary approval from county

Linda Petersen lpetersen@mycityjournals.com

The Morgan County Commission has given approval for a five-lot commercial subdivision on 6.36 acres at 4950 W. Highway Road which is expected to bring more businesses to Morgan.

The developer, CW Land, has “a prominent local credit union” under contract on the lot on the southwest corner of the property and is work ing with a broker to find additional users, CW Land representative Chase Freebairn said. So far, the users for the other lots which could include a restaurant, retail and office space have not been found, he told the county commissioners at their Nov. 1 meet ing.

“It’s not the Wasatch Front, it’s the Wasatch Back, so there’s a unique user, but there is a lot of potential there with the future freeway exit and access to Snow Basin and Trappers Loop,” Freebairn said. “We’re in a little slower market conditions right now. There is a demand but it is a little bit slower just trying to find the right user.”

CW Land is in talks with several parties but there is a little hesitancy on the part of some potential tenants because they would be the first busi nesses in the area, he said. “No doubt this is going to be a great commercial site for whoever ends up here. As soon as we have those users lined up, we’ll come back and let you know who they are.”

The configuration of the buildings would depend on the needs of the users, Freebairn said in answer to a question from Commissioner Robert McConnell.

Commissioners expressed interest in having connection to nearby trails and in having the development be part of a walkable community, along with having more businesses in the area.

“I’m excited to see some poten tial commercial development in the area. It has been a long time coming,” said Commission Chair Mike Newton before the commissioners voted unan imously to approve the project. The development was approved with the condition that CW Land fixes access issues to the satisfaction of the county engineer and planning director.

At the same meeting, the county commissioners approved the Warner West Subdivision Concept Plan for a 53-lot residential subdivision by the same developer, CW Land, at approx imately 6651 Trappers Loop Road, on almost 35 acres south of the Trappers Pointe subdivision. The developers will need to address street design and secondary access during the prelimi nary plat process. They will also need to meet with UDOT to secure access onto Trappers Loop, Planning Direc tor Joshua Cook said.

“That will be a hinge point wheth er the subdivision can move forward or not,” Cook said.

If the subdivision gets final approval, secondary access into the property would “loop around into the subdivision to the north,” he said.

Approval of a concept plan is just the first of several steps needed for a development to get final go-ahead, Cook said. CW Land will next need to submit a preliminary plat. If it meets county conditions, the development will go through a final plat approval process where the plans are scruti nized by several departments to make sure they meet all the minimum code standards before dirt even gets turned on the project.

“The next stage is when we’re going to get into the nitty gritty,” Commission Chair Mike Newton said.

“I think it’s just important to under stand there’s phases to the process — it’s a fairly lengthy process — and we look at different items throughout the process and determine those at certain stages.” l

MOUNTAIN GREEN FIRE PROTECTION UPDATE

November 6: Please store your eScooter outside or in the garage, NOT in the house! An eBike fire in New York yesterday injured 38 people, 7 critically. Almost 200 fires in NYC alone this year were started by Lithium ion batter ies in “micro mobility” devices such as eScooters, bikes and hoverboards. The 2022 New York fires are a 100% increase in battery-related fires in NYC in 2021. Six people have died there this year and over 100 were injured. Videos on YouTube show some alarming rates of Fire growth if the battery malfunc tions for some reason.

An 8-year-old girl perished in this Queens, NY townhouse fire in Sep tember, attributed to malfunctioning Lithium batteries.

November 7: SUV struck a deer on I-84 westbound near the west rest area last evening. Car was totaled,

Morgan Valley City Arts Council Calendar of Events

Please

Chief Brian Brendel

airbags deployed and none of the 4 oc cupants were injured. E131 controlled leaking fluids with absorbent.

FIREFIGHTER HESLOP (L) and Lt. Nielsen spread quite a bit of absorbent.

THIS IMAGE SHOWS the location of a proposed five-lot commercial subdivision at 4950 W. Highway Road.

Courtesy image/Morgan County

Senate Candidate Evan McMullin visits Morgan County days before election

By Rachel Cordeiro Features Editor

Senate Candidate, Evan McMullin, made a visit to Morgan County, on Wednesday, Nov.2, just days before the election. Grounds for Coffee hosted the meet and greet event which was well-attended despite the weather in the primarily Republican community.

McMullin outlined his priorities if elected as senator, reiterating his commitment to making reforms that will strengthen our form of government to represent the people’s vote in the Senate, not his own.

The floor was then opened for ques tions with many concerns surrounding issues such as inflation, cleaner sources of energy, elevated healthcare costs, campaign funding, and foreign rela tions.

McMullin provided thorough answers to each question, articulating the need to end reckless government spending, and incentivizing the return of critical manufacturing to America; he commented that as an Independent he wishes to bridge the partisan divide.

“The rest of the country is watching Utah”, he said, stating that his elec tion into the Senate has the potential to make Utah the most powerful state in the nation through its swing vote, while providing leadership the country needs. McMullin proceeded to explain the details of his campaign funding; he emphasized the advantage of a coalition comprised of people on both sides of the aisle, promoting his message of uni ty rather than division or extremism.

In response to a final question asked from the crowd inquiring what could be done to help spread the word in the

remaining days before the election, Mc Mullin and his staff encouraged those in attendance to reach out to anyone who may yet be undecided in their vote, reminding them of the influence that can still be made on both a personal and local level.

McMullin presented the focus of his campaign with confidence, assuring his supporters he was the candidate for the task. Although he may have succeeded in convincing those in attendance for the Morgan meet and greet, the election results revealed that despite receiving 41.0% of the peoples vote, McMullin was unable to persuade the majority of Utah voters whose votes secured a victory for his opponent GOP Sen. Mike Lee who will continue to hold on to the Utah U.S. Senate seat for a third term.l

MSD is in desperate need of support staff in school

By Verlene Johnson

Six years ago, when my youngest started first grade, I questioned what I was going to do with my time after being a stay-at-home mom for 14 years. Since moving to Morgan 12 years ago, I tried to stay involved with the schools, volunteering in classrooms and with the PTSO.

I began to see the need for aids of different types and substitute teachers. I decided that substitute teaching was a good option for me. I could pick and choose when I wanted to sub. I could still go on field trips with my own chil dren and help with class parties, and the best part is I had the same days off as my children.

Family searches for answers in local cold case

By Rachel Cordeiro Features Editor

T he mysterious disappearance of Robert Lugo, who was reported missing in September of 1986, re mains unsolved but his last known location was here in Morgan County.

Robert Lugo was born and raised in Utah; he was the son of Sigfrido and Ines Blanco Lugo, who were natives of Puerto Rico before settling in Utah to raise their family. Ten years prior to his disappearance, while working as a painting contractor for a newly constructed apartment complex in Amarillo, Texas, Lugo experienced a traumatic situation, the details of which he never divulged. Whatev er this encounter involved remains uncertain, but it was traumatic enough to cause Lugo to leave his work duties behind, departing for Utah on foot. There is speculation he may have hitchhiked along the way but the de tails and timing of his departure from Texas are undocumented.

Lugo did eventually make it back; however, upon his return to Utah, he began to experience severe episodes of depression that progressively escalated over the years, resulting in recurring states of unstable men tal health. After a hospitalization in the psychiatric unit at the University of Utah Hospital, Lugo received a diagnosis of manic depression (now referred to as bipolar disorder).

Following his hospitalization, Lugo seemed more stable but had also developed a newly formed interest and exploration of various religions; raised as a Roman Catholic, he began to research Catholicism further before delving into a broader spectrum of various beliefs ranging from Mormon ism to Dark Magic.

During the month prior to his disappearance, Lugo began planning

a camping excursion which he shared with his sister, Jacqueline (Lugo) Chrz, inviting her to accompany him on the trip. “I had two young children at the time, so logistically I couldn't leave them for a weekend to go,” Chrz stated. “In the end, at the last minute, he told me he didn’t want me to go, mentioning he needed to fight the demons himself.”

In recalling that final conver sation, Chrz states that her brother seemed lucid, more so than he had been in the past, a recollection that of fers a glimmer of hope in her pursuit for answers regarding his disappear ance. Prior to leaving, Lugo showed a map to both Chrz and their mother, detailing the area where he planned to backpack, as well as informing them of the time he planned to be back home.

But Lugo never returned.

As those first days blurred into weeks, then months, years, and now decades later, much of the details of the case have blurred along with them. Morgan County newspaper records state that a local resident found Lugo’s motorcycle above the Highlands, reporting it to the Sheriff’s office (see article from Sep. 19, 1986, pictured below).

Over the years, there have been several fragmented pieces of informa tion discovered in the family’s quest for answers, and they have chosen to share several leads which will be further detailed in subsequent articles. Each tip helps to provide another clue in the search for Lugo, and Chrz remains hopeful that sharing the de tails of his story with the public will enable the case to finally be solved.

If you have any tips or infor mation regarding the disappearance of Robert Lugo, please contact the Morgan County Sheriff’s office at 801-829-0590.

l

So why am I telling you this? The spokesperson for Morgan School District, Gwen Romeo, sent me the following statement to help explain. “While MCSD has been more fortunate than other districts in our ability to fill our teaching staff, we face the same obstacles as other districts when it comes to filling support staff and substitute positions. These additional staff—para professionals, aides, substitute teachers, substitute aides, and substitute drivers-are essential to our ability to provide high-quality education equitably for all students. We need people who want to have a positive impact on kids to fill these vital, and sometimes challenging positions.”

After being in the different schools for six years now, and being asked by several people if I am going to get my teaching degree, I have come to realize, while teachers are essential to education, aid, cooks, subs, bus drives and parapro fessionals are also essential to give our children the best education possible.

I had a unique experience during the second half of the school year last year. After a teacher from Mountain Green Middle School resigned to take a position closer to where she lives, I was asked to take a long-term sub job until the end of the year. This gave me a dif ferent perspective on the need for aids. That year, MGMS hired two Interven tion aids, one for fifth and sixth grade, and one for seventh and eighth grade. Seeing this from a teacher’s point of view, they were a great asset to teachers and students. When the aid for fifth and sixth grade moved to another state, the

teachers felt the loss of not having that intervention. So, at the end of the school year, I decided to make a change from subbing and accepted the position of intervention aid.

On any given day, I am asked to help sub for a class. Other aids and even teachers are also asked to fill in for class es that were not able to find a sub. While most are happy to help fill in where we can, it takes away from doing the jobs we are hired to do and the prep time teachers are in need of. This shows the need for these positions to be filled.

While parents may not need a job, having parents at the schools is a great asset for teachers and students. Parents can also benefit from working at the schools. As mentioned before, working at the schools allows you to have the same days off as your children. Another advantage of being a sub or an aid is being in classrooms which allows you to see what is being taught. One of the biggest advantages I have had in the years of being in the schools is under standing why math is being taught the way it is. But one of the greatest things I have found over the 6+ years I have been working for MSD is having the opportunity to get to know so many of the teachers and other staff members, not to mention getting to know the students. I didn’t feel like I was saying goodbye at the end of each year. I loved watching the students grow from year to year, watching them advance in grades and going to the different schools and seeing them in different environments. Having students come up to me in the store, or at a game, to say hi and see if I remember their name is always fun.

My hope in writing this is to help those in the community, not just parents, understand the need for additional staff in the school and the advantages it gives to everyone. Following is a list of the needs of each school in MSD. Please feel free to contact any of the schools or the district office with any questions you may have regarding employment at the schools.

MGES Cook, MGMS Cook, MGMS SPED/Bus Aide, MGMS SPED Aide (2 available)

MMS SPED Aide

MHS Cook

MHS SPED Aide

Substitute bus Drivers. l

WEEKLY SHERIFF’S OFFICE REPORT

We handled a few accidents, two of which were on State Street. Both had no injuries and were newer drivers.

We also handled a domestic is sue, where a male individual eluded us on a horse. I was in contact with our suspect for most of this call, by cell phone. We were aware of where he was, due to being able to see the campfire on the mountain. The sus

pect called me and gave himself up early the next day.

PHOTO OF ROBERT LUGO from 1975, 10 years before his disappearance.

SCHOOL MENU

Morgan & Mtn Green

Elementary

Monday, Nov. 14

Breakfast

Scrambled eggs, Muffin Variety, Cereal Variety, Orange Juice, Mandarin Oranges Tuesday, Nov. 15

Donut Hole, Cereal Variety, Yogurt, Apple sauce, Pears Wednesday, Nov. 16

Breakfast burrito, Cereal Variety, Pineap ple Tidbits, Fruit Cocktail Thursday, Nov. 17

Pancake Sausage Stick, Cereal Variety Sliced Peaches, Apple Wedges Friday, Nov. 18

Morgan & Mtn. Green

Middle & HS Breakfast

Monday, Nov. 14

Scrambled eggs, Muffin Variety, Cereal Variety, Orange Juice, Mandarin Oranges Tuesday, Nov. 15

Donut Hole, Cereal Variety, Yogurt, high protein, Applesauce, Sliced Pears Wednesday, Nov. 16

Breakfast burrito, Cereal Variety, Pineap ple Tidbits, Fruit Cocktail Thursday, Nov. 17

Pancake Sausage Stick, Cereal Variety Sliced Peaches, Apple Wedges Friday, Nov. 18

Morgan & Mtn. Green Elementary Lunch

Monday, Nov. 14

Corn Dogs, Waffle Fries, Glazed Carrots Oranges, Apple Juice, Sugar Cookie, Fry sauce

Tuesday, Nov. 15

Italian Dunkers Sauce, Dunker sticks With Cheese, Broccoli, Blueberries Pears, Snack pack Pudding Wednesday, Nov. 16

Turkey Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Wheat Roll, Green Beans 1/2, Peaches, Apple sauce, Pumpkin Cake

Thursday, Nov. 17

Papa Murphy’s Pizza, Cucumber Slic es,Grape Tomatoes, Pineapple Tidbits Apple Wedges, Cookie Dough

Friday, Nov. 18

Ham Sandwich, Chip Variety, Grapes Celery Sticks, Baby Carrots, Oreo Cook ies

Morgan & Mtn. Green Middle Lunch

Monday, Nov. 14

Dunker sticks With Cheese, Italian Dunkers Sauce, Corn Dogs, Chicken Caesar Salad, Potato Wedges, Broccoli Baby Carrots, Mandarin Oranges, Grapes Apples, Oranges, Double Chocolate Chip Cookie, Fry sauce

Tuesday, Nov. 15

Turkey Pot Pie, Drop Biscuits, Popcorn Chicken, Chef Salad, Potato Wedges Peas, Orange Juice, Sliced Peaches Apples, Oranges, Gelatin, Fry sauce

Wednesday, Nov. 16

Pretzel With Cheese, Tortilla Strips, BLT Salad, Chicken Fillet Patty, Wheat Bun French Fries, Baby Carrots, Fruit Cocktail Applesauce, Apples, Oranges, Maple Bar Fry sauce

Thursday, Nov. 17

Papa Murphy’s Pizza, Mini Corn Dogs, Cucumber Slices, Grape Tomatoes Pineapple Tidbits, Pears, Apples, Orang es, Chocolate Chip Cookie

Friday, Nov. 18

Peanut Butter and Jelly, Chip Variety String Cheese Snack-able, Apple Wedg es, Baby Carrots, Oreo Cookies

Morgan High Lunch

Monday, Nov. 14

Dunker sticks With Cheese, Dunker Sauce, Chicken Nuggets, Chicken Cae sar Salad, Wheat Roll, Potato Wedges Broccoli, Mandarin Oranges, Grapes Oranges, Apples, Baby Carrots, Double Chocolate Chip Cookie

Tuesday, Nov. 15

Roast Turkey, BROWN GRAVY, Mashed Potatoes, Wheat Roll, Chicken Nuggets Chef Salad, French Fries, Green Beans 1/2, Strawberry Cup, Grape juice, Apples Oranges, Pumpkin Pie Squares, Fry sauce

Wednesday, Nov. 16

Grilled Cheese, Pretzel With Cheese, BLT Salad, Chicken Fillet Patty, Wheat Roll, Wheat Bun, French Fries, Celery Sticks, Baby Carrots, Fruit Cocktail Applesauce, Apples, Oranges, Ginger Snap Cookie, Sour Cream

Thursday, Nov. 17

Papa Murphy’s Pizza, Popcorn Chicken Wheat Roll, Cucumber Slices,Grape, Tomatoes, Pineapple Tidbits, Manda rin Oranges, Apples, Oranges, Cookie

Dough

Friday, Nov. 18

Peanut Butter and Jelly, Chip Variety Apple Wedges, String Cheese Snackable, Grapes, Glazed Carrots, Celery Sticks, Oreo Cookies

Morgan Food Pantry List of Items Requested

The Morgan Food pantry requests the following updated list of items to restock their pantry in preparation for upcoming Thanksgiving basket distribution:

Paper and hygiene products, such as toilet paper, paper towels, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and dental floss. Thanksgiving meal food items such as, turkeys, stuffing, instant mashed potatoes, gravy mix packet, cranberry sauce, French fried onions, cream of mushroom soup, Jell-O, pud ding, jelly or jam, and canned meats;

they request that people do not donate any green beans. Other categories need ed are as follows: condiments (mayon naise, miracle whip, mustard, ketchup, spices, salt, pepper, etc.), baking staples (baking soda, baking powder, corn starch, sugar, etc), pasta sauce, and dried pasta (no macaroni and cheese), pancake mixes, syrup, cake mixes, canned peas, beets, canned pears, applesauce, both hot and cold cereal, and shelf stable milk. They appreciate the help and support of the community through these specific donations.

STUDENTS OF THE MONTH

STUDENTS OF THE WEEK

Mountain Green Middle School

CARTER DEBRUIN, 8TH

CAYLEE CANFIELD, 7TH

GARNER, BECKHAM

JC TAYLOR, 5TH

KENNEDY MCKAY, 8TH MACEN FEARN, 7TH

MADELYN CROSBY, 5TH

MELIA ROLLINS, 6TH

Morgan Elementary School

LEVI FACKRELL, 1ST

MASON RODDOM, KINDERGARTEN

Kelsi Black— MGMS teacher

By Verlene Johnson

K elsi Black is the oldest of three girls who grew up in Liberty, UT, attending second grade at Morgan Elementary. After graduating from Weber High School, she attend ed Weber State University where she played soccer while earning a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction.

Black began her teaching career in 2018 at a charter school in in ner-city Philadelphia, PA. as an inter vention teacher for reading and math. The next year she taught third grade. In 2020, she was hired at Mountain Green Middle School as a sixth-grade teacher where she is in her third year teaching Math and English.

“I became a teacher because I knew I wanted to help people,” said Black. “After taking some time in college to explore some career op tions, teaching fit perfectly as I was able to help people with something that will impact them in a positive way for the rest of their life.

“I love being able to help students learn something that is completely new,” she continued. “Then seeing the ‘lightbulb moment’ when it finally makes sense.

Black met her husband Chase through family. Her now mother-inlaw and her uncle worked together for years. Black said that when they thought they could say something the co-workers decided to be “Swit zerland” as they say and left it up to Chase's father and her aunt to start the ball rolling. Black said Chase eventu ally got her number from her aunt and

they have now been married just over a year.

In her spare time, Black takes care of her horses and puppy. Chase is a Steer Wrestler in both the pro fessional and amateur rodeo circuits in Utah, which means Black spends a lot of time at rodeos during the summer. Throughout the rest of the year, they love riding their horses and spending time outside. She loves being outdoors and especially love to ski during the winter. She also loves to spend time with her family and friends. I have enjoyed going to my youngest sister's games this fall and supporting her.

She likes to watch “The Great British Baking Show”, but her alltime favorite show “Psych.” l

Morgan Veterans Request Address of Morgan County Active Military

E ach year the Morgan American Legion and Veteran of Foreign Wars Posts send a Christmas card and monetary gift to men and women from Morgan County who are current ly serving in the Armed Forces. To help ensure no one from the County is missed, please assist us in obtain ing updated and new addresses for these special people. Please provide

the Rank, Name, and address for each person. Please give us your name and phone number also. Please contact any of the following:

Van Nelson (801) 791-2669 vnels29@gmail.com

Richard Wiscombe (801) 4580738 riwis@aol.com

Lisa Ryver (801) 455-3718 roxyontheranch@yahoo.com l

MORGAN TROJANS MINI BOWL

MGMS students raise thousands of dollars during walk-a-thon

By MGMS fifth graders Grady Martinson and Mason Reynolds

The Walk-a-Thon is a fundraiser where students at Mountain Green Middle School run laps for 40 minutes. Students raise money by asking friends, family, neighbors, and other community members to sponsor them for walking. Sponsors can sign up to donate an amount per lap walked or they can make a flat donation. Sponsors who pledge per lap amount make a donation after the walk-a-thon when the students report the number of laps he/she walked.

Students' moms help their class count their laps to see who gets the most laps in. Last year students averaged 15 to 20 laps and the highest kids got 35 laps. This year, Matthew Spagnulo ran 32 laps to claim the title of most laps ran.

There were stations for bread, banan as, water, and popcorn, and some moms

helped with that. Supplies to bring if you prefer using: running shoes not sandals and apply sunscreen and bring a water bottle.

Any student who raised $25 received a mega pack of gum. A Minky blanket was awarded for top money earners in each grade. A small wireless speaker and an Amazon gift card were awarded to the students with the most laps in each grade. This assembly was held on Tuesday, Oc tober 25, in conjunction with Red Ribbon week kick-off.

Advisory classes that earned $500 received a donut party on Wednesday, Oct. 26 . Classes who earned a donut party were Durrant, Woody, K.Nelson, L. Nelson, Niederhauser, Skeem, Davis, Snyder, Black, Joyner, Gettis, Gardner, Stanger, K. Cox, Robinson, Astle, J. Cox, Conely, and Fullmer.

This year, students raised more than $15,000 for school activities. Each teach er received $50 for classroom supplies. l

Morgan Grace Church Relocates to Commercial Street

By Rachel Cordeiro Features Editor

MorganGrace Church is pleased to announce their new location on Commercial Street.

Although their previous location on State Street has served them well, they had to search for a larger space to accommodate the growth in attendance over the past 18 months. Pastor Gavin Roberts commented that they loved the former State street location, which was a blessing to use over the past several years, but the location on Commercial Street will allow for further growth and expansion in the future. “God has bless ed us with triple the attendance we had a year and a half ago…our new location will facilitate anticipated growth!”, Pas tor Roberts stated confidently.

The church people are relieved they can now provide ample seating for those who attend regularly in addition to any visitors who may choose to stop in for a service. Pastor Roberts and the people of Morgan Grace Church offer an open invitation for any community members who may be interested in attending a church service or who may simply be curious to view the new space. This location also allows them the necessary space to continue their tradition of serv ing a meal following their service which takes place in the evening, an intentional practice to facilitate fellowship and com munity among one another.

At the first church service in their new location, Pastor Roberts reassured

the congregation that although they have moved to a new location, their vision will remain unchanged. He wishes to re mind the people of the community of the same: “That has been our mantra, we are a church in Morgan and for Morgan.”

Many have wondered how this move might affect the food pantry and its ongoing operation and commitment to providing food to those in need in Mor gan County. Pastor Roberts stated that the food pantry will remain at its current location, and the church is honored for the opportunity to assist others through this vital resource.

Pastor Roberts' excitement for the new location was evident during that first service when he took time to unasham edly snap a selfie to include the entire congregation before continuing with the usual service order and routine, and his excitement seemed equally shared by the crowd. Their new location is convenient ly located allowing them to continue their community service projects; the day following their first service, they were able to serve food, offering free hot dogs and full-sized candy bars during the hometown tradition of Trick-or-Treat Street.

Pastor Roberts shares his plans for the future with exuberance, commenting that he can’t wait to see what God has in store. “We love Morgan. We love being a part of all the community does. Our hope is to continue with what we have done in the past and do even more…to continue to be a blessing to our community.” l

MGMS PTSO handing out rewards for top walk-a-thon earners

2022 Election Results - Morgan County

2022 ELECTION RESULTS

2022 Election Results - Morgan County

Popular Vote

Popular Vote

County Commission at Large A

County Commission at Large B MATTHEW WILSON (REP) 4384 BLAINE FACKRELL (REP)

Popular Vote

Popular Vote

County Commission at Large A

County Commission at Large B

MATTHEW WILSON (REP) 4384 BLAINE FACKRELL (REP) 4328

Morgan County Attorney KIMBERLY REED HARRISON (REP) 4427 GARRETT T. SMITH (REP) 4368

Morgan County Treasurer

Morgan County Treasurer

Morgan County Attorney KIMBERLY REED HARRISON (REP) 4427 GARRETT T. SMITH (REP) 4368

Morgan County Clerk/Auditor

Morgan County Sheriff LESLIE A. HYDE (REP) 4477 COREY STARK (REP) 4320

Ask an Expert –November yard and garden tips

Morgan County Clerk/Auditor

Morgan County Sheriff LESLIE A. HYDE (REP) 4477 COREY STARK (REP) 4320

Morgan School District #2

Morgan School District #2

By Utah State University Extension horticulturists

Morgan School District #4

MANDY WALLACE (Unaffiliated) 503 KELLY E PREECE (Unaffiliated) 527 LARS BIRKELAND (Unaffiliated) 385 MINDY SAVAGE (Unaffiliated) 383

Morgan School District #4

MANDY WALLACE (Unaffiliated) 503 KELLY E PREECE (Unaffiliated) 527 LARS BIRKELAND (Unaffiliated) 385 MINDY SAVAGE (Unaffiliated) 383

Mountain Green Fire Protection District

RICI V JOHNSON (Unaffiliated) 829 LARRY NANCE (Unaffiliated) 687

Mountain Green Fire Protection District

RICI V JOHNSON (Unaffiliated) 829 LARRY NANCE (Unaffiliated) 687

State House 8 (Multi-County) Morgan Weber Total

JASON B. KYLE (REP) 408 5245 5653

State House 8 (Multi-County) Morgan Weber Total

MONICA HALL (DEM) 122 3699 3821

State Senate 5 (Multi-County) Davis Morgan Weber Total

ANN MILLNER (REP) 3411 1705 8637 13753

MICHAEL BLODGETT (DEM) 1362 301 5708 7371

State House 4 (Multi-County) Popular Vote

KERA BIRKELAND (REP) 8486 KRIS CAMPBELL (DEM) 5665

BRAIN TEASERS

With snow falling early in many areas of the state, gardeners may have been caught off guard. Make sure your yard is ready for winter by finishing the last few tasks. Consider these tips and links from the Utah State University Extension Gardeners Almanac.

• If natural precipitation is sparse and the ground is not frozen, water ev ergreen trees and shrubs to ensure they are well hydrated.

• Blow out irrigation systems.

• Winterize lawn mowers and roto tillers by draining the gas or adding a fuel stabilizer. Be sure to follow manu facturer recommendations.

• Clean and sharpen garden tools and treat them with oil or other rust-in hibiting products.

• Disconnect hoses from water spouts to avoid freezing damage.

• If you haven’t mowed your grass for the final time, cut it to a height of 1-to-1½ inches to minimize disease problems.

• Apply a quick-release nitrogen fertilizer after the last mowing for early greening next spring.

• For general gardening tips, visit garden.usu.edu where you will find information on gardening courses, drought resources, and the Extension Gardener’s Almanac with monthly tips. l

Football rolls past Grantsville to advance to the 3A final

By Jackson Woolsey

Saturday, Oct. 5 the Trojans football team traveled south to Cedar City to take on region rival the Grantsville Cowboys in a semifinal matchup. In their previous meeting Morgan took home the win in a back and forth game, the final score was 38-20.

This time the Trojans were able to turn up the intensity. Overwhelming defense was Morgan's key to success in Saturday's contest against the defending 3A champions. The Trojans were able to hold the Cowboys scoreless the entire game.

In total, Morgan's defense held Grantsville's offense to just 181 yards and were able to force three turnovers in the game. The cowboys offense was kept to a very low three yards per play.

Going into the playoff bout the team was aware that they would be in for a battle as it is always a challenge to play Grantsville, let alone in the post season. The Cowboys were able to up their defense, but Morgan’s was just too much for them to handle.

Trojan coaches wanted the team to start fast and get the Cowboys defense running as quick as they could, and they did just that jumping onto the scoreboard first as Jett Salmon ran in a 68-yard touchdown 26 seconds into the game. Sophomore Salmon was a standout in the game as he finished with 87 rushing yards and two touchdowns. On the defensive side of the outing, Morgan’s Aydon Thomson, Jarron Ball, Zak Sargent, and Rhett Nye all had an impressive night finishing with a hand ful of takedowns. The final score for the semifinal was 27-0. The win advances the Trojans to the 3A Final which will be played on November 11 at Utah Tech University. The team will take on the undefeated Juab Wasps to vouch for the title. l

Nicolaides and Lee claim 4th and 5th at State XC Meet

By Liisa London Mecham

A t the 3A State Cross Country Championships, Morgan senior Josh Nicolaides and sophomore EJ Lee ran superb races to take fourth and fifth individually. Their strong performances helped bring home fourth place for the Trojan boys’ team. Senior Alexis Weiers earned a top 20 finish at 13th, and the girls’ team earned fifth. The meet was held October 25 at the Rose Park Athletic Complex near Salt Lake City.

Coaches Brennen Fuller and Bryan Weir work each year to build their teams into a family of runners competing for each other, not against each other. Fuller shared his thoughts after the State Cham pionships.

“Our theme this year was ‘Every Moment.’ These kids fought every moment of every practice, of every race, to give everything for their team’s success. I always feel when we can put ourselves in the top 5 in the state, we have had a successful season and given ourselves a chance to win. These kids gave every mo ment and left it on that course. We are so proud of their ac complishments this year!”

Richfield senior Richard Crane won the individual title with a 15:57.5 while two Ogden runners took second and third. Ogden claimed the team title with 52 points; Canyon View and Carbon both finished with 106 points, but the sixth runner’s time put

Canyon View in second and Carbon third. The Trojans garnered 136 points in their fourth place finish.

In addition to the strong finishes by Nicolaides (16:18.3) and Lee (16.23.8), senior Dylan Gines crossed the line as the third scorer for the team (17:33.7) and fresh man Jonas Archibald as the fourth (17:52.9). Senior Tyson Adams was the final scorer in 17:57.9. Seniors Sam Ed wards (18:05.1) and Hunter Belinski (18:23.7) completed the boys’ team.

Coach Brennen Fuller explained, “Boys took 7th last year but had goals to bring home a trophy this year. They worked so hard, and we had a deep team constantly fight ing and pushing each other for varsity spots. They had a

good shot at 2nd, but came up just short and finished 4th. Big improvements from them all against a tough 3A field though and the most improved team!”

Weiers (20:13.7) an chored the girls’ team and was followed by senior Clara Compton (20:50.6) and sophomore Brekyn Gossling (21:28.7). The fourth and fifth scoring runners were seniors Sharon Gunn (21:34.2) and Melanie Bybee (22:52.5). Juniors Lindsay Birt (23:31.9) and Kiara Hayward (24:53.1) rounded out the girls’ team.

Carbon won the girls’ team title with 63 points with Grand County claiming sec ond (81). Canyon View took third (88) and Ogden fourth (132). Morgan scored 157 to finish fifth overall.

“I’m

“Our

just so proud of how hard the kids worked! Al most everyone PR’d at state,” Fuller continued.

girls battled injury and some illness that set them back, and they went into State ranked 9th but ran so well and ended up 5th! They were the epitome of running for each other.”

He concluded “I abso lutely love this team!! This Family!! My favorite thing is watching these kids run for EACH OTHER! They genuinely are family, and the bonds/memories

they

are cre ating will last forever!” l

#24 SOPHOMORE JETT SALMON runs for a 68 yard touchdown in the first quarter to put the Trojans up 7-0. Salmon rushed for 87 yards, 2 touchdowns and had an interception. The Trojans beat Grantsville 27-0 to advance to the State Championship game vs. Juab on Frida,y November 11, 2022.

Photo by Benjamin Brown

JONAS ARCHIBALD, Josh Nicolaides, EJ Lee, Hunter Belinski, Samuel Edwards, Tyson Adams, Dylan Gines

EJ LEE AND JOSH NICOLAIDES celebrate their 5th and 4th place individual finishes as the state meet

L-R. LINDSAY BIRTH, Clara Compton, Melanie Bybee, Sharon, Gunn, Alexis Weiers, Kiara Hayward, Brekyn Gossling

THE MOUSE TRAP

LEARN MORE & REGISTER: www.wliut.com/pds

Morgan High School Theatre Department sold out all six shows of Agatha Christie’s “The MouseTrap.”

Agatha’s Cast performed Oct. 27, 29 and Nov. 3.

The Morgan High School Theatre Department will also be performing Disney Newsies, The Broadway Mu sical on February 27 and 28 as well as March 1, 3, 4 and 6.

Cast members: Mr. Paravicini, Caden Standing Giles Ralston, Brickman Walker Major Metcalf, Ethan Christensen Miss Casewell, Shannon Kobe Detective Trodder, Carter Fields Mollie Ralston, Clara Stone l

Compiled by Verlene Johnson

CHRISTIE CAST after closing night

SAGE FELT, CARTER FIELD, Preston Johnson, Clara Stone, Shannon Kobe, Ethan Christensen

PAYTON HATT, MCEDGE DORIUS

BRICKMAN WALKER, Ashlyn Turner, Tage Wilkerson

CLARA STONE, Brickman Walker, Sage Felt

PAYTON HATT and Courney Ellis

PRESTON JOHNSON, Clara Stone

Women: Your Voice Matters! We need more women in political office. We need you! Join the Women’s Leadership Institute in its non-partisan, in-depth training for aspiring female political candidates.

Brett James Bishop gives insight on his fan film “The Shape of Halloween”, Part 2

Ethan Hoffmann

Brett James Bishop and the team first began expanding on the idea of their Halloween fan film two years ago; right before the pandemic hit. Obviously, filming wasn’t feasible during that period so they focused on what they could do: writing the script. Anthony Masi, a film producer that specializes in documentaries, had the opportunity to read over the movie script. His latest feature is titled “Unkown Dimension: The Story of Paranormal Activity”. For those interested, Unkown Dimension can be streamed on Paramount+. Masi was a really big influence on Bishop and he often sent him ideas and scripts hoping for feedback. “When he responded to my script for Halloween, he literally wrote paragraphs full of praise,” commented Bishop. Masi has read many scripts for fan films, but he was very enthusiastic about this one. Both Bishop and Masi were present during a stream of “Craven Something Scary”, a Youtube channel devoted entirely to horror movies. Learn more about Craven Something Scary here:

https://www.youtube.com/c/CRA

VENSomethingScary/featured

During the episode, Masi voiced his thoughts on the movie to the pub lic: “I’m so supportive of it and the script was great. The whole idea of this alternate kind of take on the story was so fresh. Everyone tries to tell the story af ter Halloween by doing a sequel, but this was different. I’ve never read a script like this before. There were things that I was hoping Brett wasn’t going to leave out but he didn’t. It was all there and I had a blast reading it.”

Throughout the production, there will be two Indiegogos: one for pre-pro duction, and one that will cover produc tion and post-production. Indiegogo is an American crowdfunding website, which is fitting since the movie will mainly be funded by fans. They have raised a good amount, however, Bishop’s efforts even managed to catch the eye of a corporate sponsor. Robert Boyle, the owner of Planet Networks, saw promise in the project and decided to help fund the pro duction. Planet Networks is a highly suc cessful internet service company based

in New Jersey. Visit them at planet.net for more information. Last October a promotional concept trailer was released on Indiegogo. You can watch it here: https://youtu.be/OLAZLaeNgT8

“This movie wouldn’t be anything without Leon and Kayden,” said Bish op, “The cinematography is absolutely amazing!” The team started filming in June, wrapping up on the October 15. The original score for the movie will have elements of the themes John Car penter wrote all those years ago. “Music is incredibly essential to the character and personality of a movie,” Bishop commented. “Movies wouldn’t be anything without a fitting soundtrack.”

The main cast is Paige Mitton as Laurie, Logyn Clair as Andy, Aja Rytting as Lin da, Derek Ritchie as The Shape, Tanya Price as Pam, Cari Stewart as Jamie, Andrew Myers as Bob, Carter Anderson as Ben, and Damarr Jones as Loomis. Derek Ritchie, the actor playing the part of Michael Myers, is very committed to the movie. He was already the correct height, but he lost sixty-plus pounds to match Nick Castle, the original actor. Ritchie also starred in Batman: Sins of the Past, another fan film directed by Bishop. “When we first met, he told me that the two characters he wanted to play were Bruce Wayne and Michael Myers,” said Bishop. “Now he can do that!” In addition to an astounding performance from Ritchie, the movie benefits from three amazing actors playing the teenage characters Laurie, Andy, and Linda. This is important because the movie really explores the relationships between the characters. “Everyone has their own arc,” commented Bishop, “even if they aren’t the main character.” Laurie has an arc, and for the first time, her adoptive mother does too.

The masks in the Halloween sequels are all different, which doesn’t give much direction in deciding on a cos tume. The mask they are using is cus tom made and it looks exactly like the original 1978 prop. Even the coveralls in Ritchie’s costume stay true to the orig inal. Most people think that Michael’s coveralls are blue, however, they are actually spruce green. The cause of the confusion is a color correction that made it look blue. While the film crew faces the same problem, this fact just empha sizes the amount of detail they are put

Morgan City gets more funds for economic development

Linda Petersen lpetersen@mycityjournals.com

Morgan County has agreed to take less taxes from Morgan City’s Redevelopment Agency to help economic development in the area. The county com missioners gave their unanimous approval at their Nov. 1 meeting.

In an RDA, cities or counties seek to provide infrastructure or incentives to encourage commercial development. They do this by getting the entities that re ceive property tax — generally the school district, city, county — to agree to accept taxes based on the undeveloped property, called the tax increment, for a certain number of years after development. The difference can be rebated back to the de veloper in credits or cash or used to fund infrastructure.

In Morgan City, in the past Com munity Development Area (similar to an RDA) funding was used to help Young Automotive locate here. That expired in 2018. The city then implemented a new RDA for an area of about 70 acres around Commercial Street in 2019. That has helped development of the 60-room Cobblestone Hotel which opened in December 2020 and will receive up to $990,000 over 10 years and rehabilitation of the Vallis Hotel which will receive up to $40,000.

The Vallis is being renovated by developer John Patterson and is expected to offer two floors of housing, a total of five apartments, and a floor for commer cial space where the old Morgan Theatre was housed when completed. Redevel opment of the Vallis has been slow but “a lot of the delay was permitting more than anything,” Morgan City Manager Ty Bai ley said. The Vallis has now received its building permit and was expected to get a new roof later in the week, Bailey added. “Really the incentive is to offset the risk,” he said. “So most of the $40,000

has gone toward code improvements or things that they found when they did demolition.”

Reimbursement from the RDA actually won’t happen until the project is completed. Both of those projects will receive RDA payments for eight more years.

When the new RDA came into being, Morgan City entered into an agreement with the Morgan County School District and the city to accept 40 percent of the tax increment funds and allow the city to retain 60 percent for economic develop ment. At that time, the county and school district left the possibility open for the amounts to be renegotiated.

This has allowed the city to do one project a year, Bailey told the coun ty commission at the Nov. 1 meeting.

Approving a change in the formula to a 25/75 percent split, a proposal he first pre sented to the county commission earlier this year, would allow the city to do more projects, he said. The school board has signed off on the change, he added.

“The intent of redoing the formula was a question of do we want to do any RDA incentives or not,” he told them.

“The current RDA was adequate but it’s all tied up in the hotel incentive so this new formula will generate enough to do one additional project per year.”

“My goal when I first came was seeing if there was still interest in letting the hotel do its thing or if we’d like to continue building that momentum that we have in the RDA,” he said.

The commissioners were supportive of the change.

“I definitely think there’s no question we’ve seen some major improvements on Commercial Street in the last few years in terms of investment and businesses re locating there,” Commission Chair Mike Newton said. “Some of that is a direct result of this, is so I think that’s wonder ful.” l

ting into the movie. “We wanted Micahel Myers to come across as if he’s ‘stalked’ right out of our collective memories of the character over the years.” Bishop mused. “We didn’t want to reinvent him, but we did want to put our own spin on it.”

Ritchie would even send Bishop vid eos of different “walks” and he’d name them after serial killers. “This is how in tense production has gone,” commented Bishop. These walks were very specific and showed the dedication Ritchie had toward the character he was portraying. They were all about the way that he moved and even how he turned his head. “I studied Derek’s videos and picked the ‘walk’ that I thought would fit the best with the movie we were making,” said Bishop. “It wasn’t easy, he gave me many options to choose from!” Bishop went on to describe that when Ritchie is on set, he completely changes. “He’s such an intimidating force that he scared the crew on set,” said Bishop. “They even moved the camera on accident and we had to reshoot the scene.” Another important insight that Bishop provided is the fact that Michael Myers doesn’t talk. “Derek’s performance is through body language and it's astonishing to watch,” commented Bishop. “You can’t see his face so there’s no emotion to go on, but

somehow you know what he’s thinking.” There is no release date as of yet, but it should be coming out sometime in 2023. You can follow the movie's progress by visiting the Facebook and Instagram links below:

Facebook.com/shapeofhalloween Facebook.com/therealbrettjames bishop Instagram.com/shapeofhalloween Instagram.com/thereal brettjames-bishop This October, make sure to watch your back. The eerie rustle of leaves you hear as you take out the garbage might not just be the wind. Something far more sinister may be watching from the shadows, for as Halloween draws nearer, so does Michael Myers. If you do survive the month and Halloween passes you by, do not let your guard down and make the same mistake many have made before you. This season of Halloween has drawn to a close, making way for more joyous celebrations. However, be warned: Halloween will be coming early next year!

The main crew is as follows: Brett James Bishop, Writer/Director/Producer; Leon Clayton, Director of Photography/ Producer; Kayden Corbett, Assistant Di rector/Producer; Tanya Price, Producer; Derek Ritchie, Producer l

Morgan School District Board of Education Public Notice

Pursuant to Utah Code 52-4-102 the Board hereby gives notice of an open meeting to be convened as outlined below. The Board may move into a closed meeting for discussion of specifics as outlined in Utah Code 52-4-205. A video/audio recording of the meeting will be available at www.morgansd. org the following day. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals

help of crisp autumn breezes.