The Morgan County News | December 23, 2022

MORGAN COUNTY NEWS

SCHOOL CHRISTMAS CHOIR CONCERTS

class time.

Middle Schools’ Orchestras performed Monday Dec 12 under the direction of Abbie Beattie and Lydia Hebdon.

MGMS Band and Choir performed Tuesday Dec. 13 under the direction of Kennon Thompson.

Morgan Middle School and Morgan High School Choirs performed Dec 14 under the direction of Kathrine Greenfield the night of the concert with Rudy Cordeiro filling in for Greenfield working hard getting the students ready for the concert during

Morgan Middle School and Morgan High School Bands performed Dec.15 under the direction of Chad McLean.

See more pictures inside on page 6.

Running Santa bring smiles to faces young and old as he runs through town

By Verlene Johnson

“Look, it’s Santa running!” If you have been driving through Morgan the past few weeks, you have probably heard someone in your car say this. The question was asked on social media, “Who is the running Santa?” So, the Morgan County News decided to find out.

After running in the Ogden Santa Run in 2019, dressed in a Santa Coat and hat, Steve Cory of Morgan, proclaimed, “I had a blast! It was fun seeing the response from the children along the route. With Cory having a beard and not requiring a fake one helped him complete the look of Santa.

Then, when life was turned upside down in 2020 with the Covid pandemic, Cory received word that the Ogden Santa Run would not be happening that year, but when his social media timeline showed the memory of the previous Santa Run, he thought, why not. So, donning his red and white suit along with his beard, Cory planned to run just one day through town dressed as Santa; however, the response from the community was so positive, with people smiling and waving at him that he decided he would continue daily runs until Christmas Eve.

Two years later, Cory still tries to run daily Dec 1 thru Dec. 24. “The reactions vary from weird looks, horn honking, smiles from ear to ear, and screams of ‘SANTA’,” commented Cory. “These reactions are part of why I continued to run beyond that first day. I felt people needed something to smile about and whether they think I'm crazy, it is okay by me.”

Nicknaming his running, “miles for smiles,” Cory says, some days the smiles per mile are higher than others, but he says if he gets one smile then job complete! “I love to run so; I am doing what I enjoy and I get the bonus of smiles.”

Not only does Cory run in his Santa Suit, he also runs in other holiday attire such as Valentines Day, Easter, St. Patrick's Day. He also has dressed as a Dinosaur, Frankenstein, and a chicken in support of Morgan's 4H annual 5K. “We need more reasons to smile so if I can help just a little bit, I will keep doing it.

Some of the comments that have come from social media are “He is my FAVORITE! We love watching him dress up for all the holidays and run through town.” “He is awesome. So

fun to see him and wave and watch the kid’s excitement when they see him running. Way to bring joy and fun!” “My kids were so excited when we saw him yesterday. They said he’s getting in shape to fit down our chimney” “He sure makes my kids day when we see him running.” Santa Cory has also been heard singing as he runs.

Besides his normal job on the Air Force Base, Cory is also a substitute teacher at Morgan Elementary and a lot of the kids recognize him as ‘the running Santa.’ l

The transfer of the sophisticated missile system comes amid a Russian barrage on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. The announcement came as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Washington.

Hazardous winter weather could threaten holiday travel across the U.S. Just as travel returns to pre-pandemic levels, an arctic front in the Midwest and record-breaking cold temperatures along the Gulf Coast and in the Eastern U.S. could bring dangerous conditions.

China

China only counts deaths from pneumonia or respiratory failure in its official COVID-19 death toll, a Chinese health official said, in a narrow definition that limits the number of deaths reported.

Homeward Bound! Dog, found 1,600 miles away, will be home for Christmas

The German shepherd mix went missing in October 2021. Now, the friendly pooch is on a cross-country road trip from Kansas to California, back to the family who adopted him as an abandoned puppy.

Travel is back but hotel staff are not

Travelers have returned from the pandemic, but hotel workers have not, creating unprecedented staffing challenges for the hospitality industry. According to the Labor Department, there are 350,000 fewer people working in hotels today than there were in February 2020, before the pandemic.

California Earthquake kills at least 2

At least 2 people have been killed, and 11 injured following a 6.4 magnitude earthquake that struck northern California late Monday. Power remains off for over 70,000 customers in Humbolt county. Scientists are warning that potentially strong aftershocks are likely to follow over the next week as the area attempts to gauge the damage.

Jan. 6 Committee ends work; refers criminal charges

Argentina wins World Cup 2022 In what was roundly described as the “greatest World Cup match ever” Argentina outlasted defending Champions France in the final shootout to take the coveted prize. Argentina had held the lead until about the 80th minute, when France scored a breakaway goal and a second chance. This was followed by a penalty kick with time running out to tie the game at 2-2. Both sides scored once more, including a hat trick by French star Mbappe, leading to a final shootout.

MHS Grapplers compete

traveled to Reno, Nevada and Farmington, Utah.

The U.S. will send a Patriot air defense system to Ukraine. How will it help?

limits how it defines COVID deaths in official count

Record-breaking respiratory viruses filling hospitals to capacity

By Becky Ginos

SALT LAKE CITY—January isn’t even here yet and already hospitals are getting hit hard with communicable viruses like RSV, influenza and COVID-19. Cases are higher nationwide and the numbers physicians are seeing are usually during the peak time of January and February.

“It’s spreading rapidly and widely,” said Dr. Per Gesteland, pediatric hospitalist at University of Utah Health and Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital in a press conference. “Primary Children’s pediatric hospital is near or above capacity. RSV has peaked in record-breaking volumes.”

Influenza in adults is showing a strain going into winter and the holidays, he said. “Also the usual illnesses like colds and strep throat. I hope people are motivated to take care of themselves and loved ones to prevent the spread of illness.”

Respiratory viruses are serious not only in children but adults as well, said Dr. Tamara Sheffield, medical director for preventive medicine at Intermountain Healthcare. “We’re seeing a record number of influenza and COVID hospitalizations. Ninety percent of our ICUs, clinics and Instacares are full.”

It’s a blizzard of RSV, influenza and COVID all at the same time, she said.

“There’s an extraordinary amount of infections in the community. It’s not only hospitalization but it’s putting a strain on our medications.”

The CDC has limited supplies nationwide, said Sheffield. “It’s critically hit some of our children because the formulation becomes very difficult so they’re reformulating adult doses that can be used by children but that limits helping other people with illnesses.”

“It’s hard to find pediatric Tylenol and Ibuprofen, the shelves are empty,” said Gesteland. “Some parents are making their own remedy but I would encourage you to use caution. Maybe check in with your community to see if anyone has some they could loan you that is safe to administer to your child.”

“This is the highest spike in influenza in the last 10 years,” Sheffield said.

“It’s never too late to get the flu shot. We’re at the highest level and it will only get higher. We’ve seen an increase in cases into April. Go ahead and get protected.”

Gesteland said parents should watch for signs of RSV in their children to determine when they need to take the child to the doctor. “Pay close attention to their overall activity. Are they eating and drinking? Do they have trouble breathing and it’s labored? Some of the first signs of RSV are they’re less active, they have a runny nose or cough. If their nostrils flare, their chest is

CHRISTMAS LETTERS

A Christmas Message from Morgan Valley Church

By Pastor Brent Harm

As we celebrate Christmas this year, many priorities vie for our attention. Traditions, seasonal characters, activities, materialism, and even family can distract us from the actual significance of what we purport to celebrate. WHAT exactly are we celebrating at Christmas, and WHY are we celebrating it?

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! - 2 Corinthians 9:15 WHAT are we celebrating? The Incarnation

Matthew introduces his gospel by quoting the prophet Isaiah: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” - Matthew 1:23

The three Hebrew words comprising the name Immanuel עִמָּנוּאֵל, like all Hebrew names, have a literal meaning: עִם im = with, מָנוּ manu = us, אֵל El = God

In this prophetic revelation by Isaiah, and the fulfillment of it explained by Matthew in his gospel, we see concisely the indescribably wondrous reality of God condescending to dwell with men. As if this were not enough though, the wonder of Christmas goes beyond this marvel, when we consider God’s reason for doing this!

WHY are we celebrating? The Reconciliation

Jesus came to reconcile sinful humans to a holy God. He didn’t come to provide a pattern we can emulate so that we too can accomplish the same thing He did. In fact, the reason He came and endure the cross is BECAUSE we are both incapable of and unqualified to accomplish the justice that God’s holiness demands because of our sins against Him! Jesus dwelt among us so that He could serve as a two-fold substitute: He endured God’s justice poured out for the sins of the world (1 John 2:2), and He provided the perfect righteousness necessary for relationship with God (2 Cor 5:21). It is only in the Cross that we find the enigmatic reconciliation of God’s uncompromising justice with His infinite love. This is what Jesus was telling Nicodemus in what is the most well-known verse of the Bible:

…God loved the world in this way; He gave His only, unique Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. - John 3:16

This Christmas we invite you to remember with us the incarnation of the coming King, He Who shall reign forever, and the rescue mission He accomplished two millennia ago. We plead with you, in Christ’s stead, to be reconciled to God. Our prayer is that this Christmas, you might know the forgiveness of your sin, that you may know that you have passed from death into life, and that you may find the peace and rest promised by His coming to all who will believe on Him.

“…she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call his name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” - Matthew 1:21

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.John 1:14

“Behold! The Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!” - John 1:29

Morgan Valley Church, Sundays, 11AM Meeting at Mountain Green Middle School 801.824.1136 info@morganvalleychurch.org

sucking in and they’re using their belly muscles to breathe they should get in to be seen.”

“If they have been trying to breathe and then they calm down and stop struggling that’s when it’s the most serious,” said Sheffield. “That’s an emergency situation. It means they don’t have the energy or strength to breathe.”

Sheffield said the best tool against this surge is prevention. “We know that when we were masking, not getting together, etc. the numbers went down dramatically. Stay home, don't go to work when you’re ill. Clean surfaces and use good hygiene. Please take those steps so we won’t become overwhelmed in the healthcare system.” l

A Christmas Message from Morgan Utah Stake Presidency

At this magical time of year, we joy in the opportunity to celebrate the birth and life of our Savior, Jesus Christ. He is the reason for the joy and rejoicing in our lives and “today, we need His light – the light of Jesus Christ – more than ever. We need men and women who reflect His light by being peacemakers – willing to reason with others rather than to contend with them.” (President Russell M. Nelson)

President Russell M. Nelson invited everyone to do three things, we echo those invitations:

1. “This Christmas Season, will you let your light shine?”

2. “Amid all the hustle and bustle of gifts and gatherings, will you let your life reflect the light and love of Jesus Christ?”

3. “With the dawning of each day, could you identify someone who needs your light?”

We invite all, to join us Christmas Day at one of our places of worship for our Christmas services focused on the Savior Jesus Christ. We appreciate your goodness and look forward to worshiping side-by-side with you as we all look to Him, the Lord Jesus Christ.

As President Russell M. Nelson declared, “I love the Lord Jesus Christ and testify that He lives. As we celebrate His birth in Bethlehem, let us emulate His life of loving kindness. May you and your loved ones be filled with His light and joy, now and always.”

A PATIENT BRACES herself for a needle poke as she gets a flu shot. Physicians are seeing a spike in RSV and influenza that are overwhelming the healthcare system.

Photo courtesy of IHC

Sincerely, The Morgan Utah Stake Presidency President Ron Hales President Ryan Eriksson President Blake Nelson

Middle school students are learning to play string instruments after school

By Savannah Bunker MGM school student

Morgan Valley Strings program has been teaching Morgan Middle School and Mountain Green Middle School students after school for the past six years.

MVSP classes are held once a week at both middle schools after school. MGMS’s first and second ‘crescendo’ classes meet on Wednesdays while MMS’s meet on Thursdays. and the intermediate Sonata class meets on Tuesday evenings at Morgan High School.

“There are over 50 students involved in the program and each year our classes continue to grow,” Abby Beatie says. All students can join the classes, though fifth and sixth graders usually are in the beginning class, while

more advanced classes most of the time have sixth, seventh, and eighth graders.

These students have two concerts per year, a free December Christmas concert , which also includes the Morgan Valley Chamber Orchestra’s adult beginner and community orchestras. This concert was held on Dec. 12, in the MHS auditorium.

“This is a great event for everyone, including families with younger children, to enjoy fun holiday music.” Abby Beatie said.

The MVSP is a nonprofit organization run by amazing volunteers and awesome teachers. Their goal is to teach any middle school kids who want to learn a stringed instrument in fun, positive, and uplifting after-school classes. For more information visit morganorchestra.org. l

2022 Economic Trends Carry Over into New Year

By Robert Spendlove Zions Bank Senior Economist

The last year brought both economic highs and lows, from soaring inflation to the lowest unemployment rate ever recorded in the Beehive State. For better and worse, we’ll see some of these economic currents carry over into 2023:

Recession fears linger. Recession fears loomed in most of 2022 as the Federal Reserve ramped up interest rates, consumer sentiment plunged, and the Gross Domestic Product contracted during the first half of the year. While the U.S. economy avoided a recession last year, thanks in part to robust consumer spending, the threat of recession persists. For one, the Treasury yield curve inverted, meaning that investors are willing to pay higher interest rates on short-term bonds than longer-term ones. Historically, this has been a warning signal that a recession could be on the way.

The labor market shines. The labor market was the star of the 2022 economy. As of August, all jobs lost in the pandemic

were recovered. The unemployment rate is back down to 3.7% nationally, nearly as low as the pre-pandemic unemployment rate of 3.5%. Utah’s unemployment is nearly the lowest in the nation, measured at 2.2% in November. Yet, businesses are still struggling to find workers amid the Great Resignation and shifting demographics. The labor force participation rate showed little net change in 2022, and the lack of available workers will carry into 2023.

Consumer sentiment remains historically low. Utahns and Americans expressed discontent in the economy in 2022. In the middle of last year, consumer sentiment fell to the lowest point recorded in the 70-year history of the University of Michigan’s Survey of Consumer Sentiment. The Kem C. Gardner Institute’s much newer Utah-specific index also sank to a new low last summer. While attitudes about the economy have improved slightly, ongoing inflation continues to erode consumer confidence. Consumer sentiment matters because attitudes about the economy drive behaviors like spending

BRAIN TEASERS

and investing, often acting as a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Global shocks roil markets. The economy has yet to fully emerge from the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic. Supply chain snarls and recent protests in China continue to disrupt markets and strangle growth, while the war with Russia and Ukraine further hindered pandemic recovery. These global distortions make understanding the economy difficult and bring ongoing uncertainty in 2023.

Historic interest rate hikes. The Federal Reserve boosted its benchmark interest rate, the federal funds rate, from zero to between 4.25% and 4.5% in 2022 — the highest rate in 15 years. The Fed has said it plans to continue tightening credit to tame inflation, with more rate hikes expected in 2023. Although the amount of expected rate increases will be dramatically lower than in 2022, the Fed is expected to maintain higher rates for a longer period.

Inflation persists. Inflation was one of the biggest economic stories of 2022, peaking at 9.1% in June 2022 — a lifetime

high for people under 40. In the Mountain region, prices grew even faster, hitting double digits earlier this year. While inflation has slowed to 7.1% nationally and 8.3% in our region, it’s still being pressured by hot wage inflation and remains well above the Fed’s target rate of 2%. We’ll likely see more price cooling in 2023, but it will take some time to get inflation down to historical levels.

Overall, 2023 is expected to be a year of economic moderation. Inflation will slow as higher interest rates cool economic conditions. We’re already starting to see signs of price moderation in areas like construction, motor fuel and used cars. While we haven’t seen this yet, the labor market should begin to soften as employers cut back on expansion plans in the next year. This process may be uncomfortable, but it is a necessary part of resetting an economy that has gone through many shocks over the past few years.

Robert Spendlove is senior economist for Zions Bank, a division of Zions Bancorporation, N.A l

MHS Grapplers compete at Reno, TOC, Christmas Clash

Take down Bear River in dual, 39-21

By Liisa London Mecham

I n a busy week, the MHS wrestling team took down the Bear River Bears Wednesday, December 14, in a dual 39-21 and competed Friday and Saturday, December 16-17, in the Reno Tournament of Champions as well as the Christmas Clash in Farmington. With one more match in 2022 in Roosevelt at Union High School Wednesday, December 21, the Trojans are looking strong, and Coach Dustin Rock is pleased with progress his team is making at this point in the season.

“I’m excited to see what this team will accomplish,” Rock shared with enthusiasm. “We are headed in the right direction. I feel like we’re getting all of the weights settled, and the kids are working hard and improving. It’s going to be good!”

Rock was very complimentary about his team’s performance against Bear River. “The team looked really good. The kids wrestled well and beat some good kids. Ryler and Drew had really tough kids to wrestle and did a great job and got the wins. Across the board, the team wrestled really well against Bear River.”

In the dual, the Trojans won seven matches and the Bears five. Morgan’s first two wins came at 150 and 157 by Rylan Crowther and Zak Sargent. Crowther won by tech fall (18-3) and Sargent got the pin (1:34). Krew Galbraith picked up the next victory with a 3-1 decision at 165 pounds, and Aydon Thompson (215) followed with another win by decision 8-2. At 285, Lane Henderson earned the forfeit while Max Holtry (106) scored with a 7-0 decision. Wrestling at 113 pounds, Luke Woolsey pinned his opponent in 1:44, and Ryler Jorgensen, competing at 120, took his match by decision 8-2. Drew Korth majored Max Miller 14-5 at 132 pounds to finish out the scoring for the night. Morgan’s two pins and the forfeit, along with the tech fall and major decision, scored 27 points, and the matches won by decision added 12 additional points to give Morgan the 18 point difference and the win.

Friday and Saturday, the team split and part of the team traveled to Reno, Nevada for the Reno Tournament of Champions, and the other part competed in Farmington at the Christmas Clash Invitational and JV Invitational.

In Reno, high school teams from

I’m excited to see what this team will accomplish. We are headed in the right direction. I feel like we’re getting all of the weights settled, and the kids are working hard and improving. It’s going to be good!

Coach Dustin Rock

ceiving a bye in the first round, Toone lost his opener, but then proceeded to pin his next four opponents to reach the consolation semifinals. Although he fell by pin in the semis, he came back to pin his final opponent to earn 5th place.

Results:

all over the West (California, Nevada, Arizona, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Colorado) and other parts of the country, arrive to determine the tournament Champions.

Placing at the Reno Tournament is challenging, but Morgan wrestlers have done it in the past. This year, no wrestlers placed, but every wrestler who competed won at least one match, and many of them won two or more.

“All of our wrestlers did well at Reno,” Rock commented. “I have no complaints about how any of them wrestled. They fought hard as they wrestled tough kids.”

The two Morgan wrestlers who went the farthest in the tournament were junior Zak Sargent and senior Rylee Creasey. Both lost their final matches in the blood round, one win away from matches where they could place at the tournament.

Sargent, wrestling at 157 pounds, opened with two wins in the cham -

pionship bracket before losing and entering the consolation bracket. He then reeled off two more wins before losing a tough match 16-14 in sudden victory overtime to end his tournament run.

Creasey, who wrestled in the 190 pound weight class, followed the same pattern as Sargent, winning two and then suffering a loss to drop him into the consolation bracket. He won his next two before dropping his final match by decision 4-2.

“Rylee and Zak both had great tournaments,” Rock explained. “They both went out right before the placing rounds.”

At the Christmas Clash, Reese Carter (113) and Gabe Toone (175) both placed 5th. Carter opened with two pins before falling in the quarterfinal by fall. In the consolation rounds, he won by major decision and fall to reach the consolation semifinals. He lost by fall in the semis, and won the 5th place match. After re -

Boys basketball looks to continue their winning streak

By Jackson Woolsey

T he Trojans boys basketball team currently holds a 4-3 record and are on a three game winning streak. The team has a challenging schedule this season facing many top teams in the state.

Head coach Brad Mathews and his team started their season with two away games, one at Bear River and another in Richfield. The team split the two games, losing a tough game to the Bears 60-57, and winning the defensive battle against the Richfield Wildcats with a score of 48-42. They then faced the 2nd ranked Manti Templars in a neutral, non-region, tournament bout. Manti handed them their second loss of the season with a final score of 81-48.

The Trojans third loss of the season came at home, when

the team faced 5A Park City. The game was a definite thriller as it came down to the final seconds. The score after the 32 minutes of play was 53-52 favoring the miners.

On Wednesday, Dec 7 the Trojans traveled to Hyrum to take on Mountain Crest. It was another exciting game as Morgan took home the win after overpowering their opponents by two. This game sparked the Trojans into a three game winning streak as they snagged two consecutive wins at home following that game. The boys got home wins over the Green Canyon Wolves and the Grand Red Devils. Eli Bailey and Joseph Weight lead the team in scoring over seven games. Bailey puts up twelve points per game while Weight adds in ten. Josh Criddle has been dominating the glass, averaging seven

rebounds per outing.

The RPI rankings were released on Monday, Dec 19. Morgan ranked 9th for the 3A classification in games through 12/18, just behind the Juab Wasps. Two of Morgan’s region opponents ranked in the top four, Grantsville 1st and South Summit 4th.

The Trojans look to extend their winning streak as they take on the Emery Spartans and the Leopards of East high school in the coming days. l

Morgan 39: Bear River 21 144: Caleb Korth (BRHS) over Donavin Gibson (MHS) (Fall 1:16) 150: Rylan Crowther (MHS) over Braegger Richards (BRHS) (TF 18-3 4:27) 157: Zak Sargent (MHS) over Kyle Detwiler (BRHS) (Fall 1:34) 165: Krew Galbraith (MHS) over Vincent Fertig (BRHS) (Dec 3-1) 175: Skyler Yeates (BRHS) over Lance Toone (MHS) (SV-1 10-5) 190: Owen Hess (BRHS) over Ezra Cadena (MHS) (Dec 8-5) 215: Aydon Thomson (MHS) over Kwade Kosoff (BRHS) (Dec 8-2) 285: Lane Henderson (MHS) over (BRHS) (For.) 106: Max Holtry (MHS) over Brandon Thorsted (BRHS) (Dec 7-0) 113: Luke Woolsey (MHS) over Payden Rupp (BRHS) (Fall 1:44) 120: Ryler Jorgensen (MHS) over Daxton Bingham (BRHS) (Dec 8-2) 126: Keaton Smith (BRHS) over Cache Evans (MHS) (Fall 2:52) 132: Drew Korth (MHS) over Max Miller (BRHS) (MD 14-5) 138: Chet Kunzler (BRHS) over Taite Toone (MHS) (Dec 7-3) l

Girls basketball ranks second in first RPI Ranking

By Jackson Woolsey

The Morgan Trojans girls basketball team is off to a great start heading into region play. Their record currently stands at 6-2 with a recent road win against 5A opponent Skyline. In that game the Trojans outscored the Eagles in each quarter and picked up a 33 point win, the final score was 68 to 35. In the outing Senior Elena Birkeland eclipsed the 20 point mark scoring 24 on the night and hit two buckets from downtown. Liv Jaffa added 16, and Amaya Rogers put up 13 and knocked down three treys from beyond the arc. It was definitely a team win as Morgan had nine different players score.

Monday, Dec 19 the 3A RPI rankings were released and the Trojans found themselves second behind region rival Grantsville who currently holds a 6-1 record.

Leading the way in scoring after seven games is Birkeland, averaging 21 points per game. Alyvia Jaffa pulls down the most rebounds per game averaging 8, she also leads the team in scoring percentage as she shoots 53% from the floor, and averages 3 blocks in each outing.

Up next the team travels to Phoenix Arizona to compete in the Nike Tournament of Champions. l

MORGAN'S ZAK SARGENT elevates his opponent during a match at the Reno TOC.

SCHOOL CHRISTMAS CHOIR CONCERTS

MGMS BAND and Percussion playing “The Christmas True of 1914” Featuring Ava Seely; “Believe” Featuring Jaylie Sorenson “Secret Agent Sugar Plum”

MHS OVATION! singing “Bethlehem Procession”; “The First Noel”; “The Work of Christmas”; “Singing Tidings of Joy”; “Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer”; “Five Holidays of Christmas”; “Do you Hear What I Hear” Featuring Shannon, Kasha, Mazzy, Isabel, Sarah, Caden, Dallin and Brickman; “Were going up to Bethlehem”

MGMS CHOIR singing “Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer” Featuring Ruby Clayton and Lucy Lott; “Believe” Choreographed by Cooper Nichols; “Happy Xmas (War is Over)”; A Muppet Christmas Medley” Featuring Elena Harm and Miles Sydenham; “Christmas Canon of Peace”; “A Very Merry Christmas” Featuring Makayla Williams and Dyson Turner

MMS PERCUSSION playing “Broken Sleigh”; “Yeti Rides the Reindeer”

BEGINNING BAND “Sound of Joy”; “Pat a Pan”; “On Christmas Night”; Ding Dong, Merrily on High”

MHS MILLENNIAL GIRLS CHOIR SINGING “O Come Emmanuel”; “Go Tell it on the Mountain” Featuring Kaitlyn Johnson and Cate Compton; “Hark the Harold Angles Sing”; “Rockin Around the Christmas Tree”; “Santa Clause is Coming to Town” Featuring Sadie Kilgore and Emma Wright; “Silent Night”

MMS ADVANCED BAND playing “Holiday Swing-A long”, “All is Clam” Featuring Addilyn Karren on the Alto Sax and Devaney Barney on the piano; “Silver Bells” Featuring Kristian Fry, Ben Hoffman and Graham Terry

MHS JAZZ BAND “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”; “I’ll be Home for Christmas”; “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” Featuring Ben Poll on soprano sax; “ And Kings Shall Swing”

MHS PERCUSSION Playing “Hark the Harold Angels Sing”; “Carol of the Bells”

MCSD School Board

Gwen Romero Public Information Officer

The Morgan School District Board of Education held its monthly meeting last Tuesday, December 13. Here are some highlights.

Thank you to this month’s Employee Spotlights from Morgan Elementary School: Doug Curfew, fourth-grade teacher and model aircraft and board game enthusiast; Christine Tyrell, a Morgan graduate herself and long-time first-grade teacher, who, according to Principal Field, is “willing to teach another forty years;” and Carrie Reed, another Morgan graduate and currently a second-grade teacher, who “loves to share her love of learning.” This month’s honorees have more than 90 years of combined experience–another example of our teachers’ and staff members’ dedication to the kids of Morgan County.

In other employee news, Morgan is in the process of hiring a new transportation director and needs additional cooks/food service personnel. If you or

someone you know may be interested in one of these positions or another available in the district, visit https:// www.morgansd.org to apply or contact our Human Resources Director Andy Jensen, ajensen@morgansd.org, for information.

The Utah State Board of Education is introducing a new social and emotional learning curriculum. As always, our district curriculum committee will review the curriculum before it is rolled out in our schools.

The district will be adjusting longterm funding plans to allocate funds to replace the welding shop at the high school as we did not receive a rural schools grant that we applied for.

Finally, parent and staff calendar surveys are in and under consideration by the Board. They will be discussing the results and options at the January meeting then voting on the next threeyear calendar in their February meeting.

Christmas Break begins with an early out (Friday schedule) this Thursday; students return on January 4. Have a safe and happy holiday. l

MES STUDENTS OF THE WEEK

MMS TEACHER SPOTLIGHT

Holly Limb

By Verlene Johnson

Holly Limb grew up in Fountain Green, Utah, where she graduated from North Sanpete High. After graduation she attended Snow College and Weber State University where she received her Bachelors of Integrated Science with an Emphasis in Respiratory Therapy, Psychology, and Technical Sales.

Limb is currently in her fifth-year teaching at Morgan Middle School where she has taught part time in sixthgrade until half way through this year, when she unexpectedly needed to take on a full-time position, teaching math, social studies, and reading.

Limb said she fell in love with teaching after she had been substituting teaching to help out the community and the school district. “I love boosting their self-confidence and seeing them achieve more than they thought they could. The kids are by far the best part and sixth grade is the perfect age.”

Limb met her husband John at an Institute dance while attending Snow College, introduced through mutual friends. Together they have five children. Three of them attend school in

Morgan. Their four girls dance and tumble, and her son plays baseball & football.

In her spare time, Limb loves to travel, ride atvs, and spend time with extended family. She loves fashion, Dr. Pepper, Halloween, Wonder Woman, and Dolly Parton. She is a big fan of music in general, often singing while she is driving. Limb says, “I try to encourage kids to be themselves, carbon copies are boring.” l

MES TEACHER SPOTLIGHT

ZACH DEWITT, 2ND

DECKER LOTT, 1ST

Teri Christensen

By Verlene Johnson

Teri Christensen grew up in Orlando, Florida during the mid-1970s to early 1980s. She spent most of her summers hanging with her friends at Walt Disney World, where her dad worked as an accountant. She moved to Washington D.C. in the early 1990s where she attended Hayfield Secondary School, the same school that was the home of the movie, “Remember the Titans.” After graduating from Hayfield in 1992, she attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah earning a Humanities/English Teaching Composite degree in Secondary Education.

Christensen began her teaching career at Springville Middle School in Springville, Utah, teaching seventh-grade English for one year. Moving to Phoenix, Arizona for her husband’s job, she took a break from teaching.

In 1999 they moved to Salt Lake City, Utah. She began working as a part-time kindergarten aide in 2006 with the Jordan School District and then a full-time Special Education and reading aide in the Granite School District where she stayed until 2012 when they moved to Morgan for the clean air and mountain view. She has held several jobs in Morgan School District; substitute teacher, MMS Library Aide, and Reading Specialist Aide.

She returned to teaching in 2017 when she was hired at Morgan Elementary School to teach fifth grade before moving to fourth grade in 2019

Christensen moved to Morgan Middle school in the fall of 2022 where she is currently teaching English.

“I became a teacher because I knew I was bossy! commented Christensen. “I was always playing school with my brothers, and I had to be the teacher because I was good at bossing them

around.”

“I love teaching because I live for the ‘lightbulb’ going on in a student because I've explained a concept in a way that connects with them.” She added, For example, math was always hard for me, and for years I felt too stupid to do it, so to compensate, I had to reteach myself ways to do math that weren't ‘the norm’.” Christensen said she is constantly providing her students with alternate strategies so that they can feel and be successful.

Christensen met her husband while attending BYU, in a guitar class. “It was practically love at first sight,” she claimed. Together they have two “brainy ginger-haired” boys who both attended Morgan High School graduating in 2018. Peter was valedictorian and Eric was one of the salutatorians. Both boys attended BYU.

In her spare time, Christensen enjoys reading and knitting, “but probably not at the same time,” she joked. She enjoys knitting so much that she started the popular Knitting Is No Mystery Club at MES for fourth graders this year. l

Morgan Elementary School

Chet Brooks

By Verlene Johnson

Chet Brooks was born and raised in Milton (Morgan), UT. His parents are Marlin and Sue Brooks. He is the fifth of six siblings- Gary, Scott, Alan, Bart and Nancy Pierce.

Growing up, Brooks attended Morgan Elementary, Morgan Middle and Morgan High School. “Growing up in a small-town community has always meant a lot to me,” commented Brooks. “I was one of those kids who never wanted to leave this beautiful valley in the tops of the mountains, but I knew I needed to in order to serve my Church and obtain a higher education.”

After graduating from MHS in 1993 He then served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Massachusetts, Boston Mission from 1993-1995. After his mission, he attended Weber State University.

Brooks married Andrea Amos, who is from Phoenix AZ, in the Bountiful Temple, in 1997. Brooks graduated from WSU in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science Degree from Weber State University in Child and Family Studies with a minor in Psychology. He worked at Farmington Bay Youth Center until he returned to school, in 2001, attending Auburn University. After graduating from Auburn with a Master of Science Degree in Marriage and Family

Therapy, Brooks worked as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) at Bear River Mental Health in Logan, UT from 2003-2008 while living in Smithfield, UT.

After living in Morgan off and on, he finally settled with his family “for good” in 2008. He continued working as a Marriage and Family Therapist for Alan Brooks Crossroads in Ogden and Pleasant Grove, with youth who were court-ordered to be in proctor homes. In addition, from 2007-20016, he had a part-time private practice at Northern Utah Therapy Services.

Brooks is currently working as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy (LMFT) in private practice at Northern Utah Therapy Services with offices in Ogden and Morgan, since 2016.

As a child, he loved that he knew his teachers as friends, neighbors, and members of this wonderful community.

“All my teachers were so good to me and instrumental in helping me grow and mature. I learned to read from my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Compton, while sitting in the little “keeve” that is still there today.”

Brooks’ elementary school teachers included Mrs. Adams, Mrs. Thompson, Mrs. White, Mr. Fowles, Mr. Egbert and Mr. Russell. “From there I was blessed to receive a great education from so many teachers, too many to name here, in the Middle School, High School, and

MMS STUDENTS OF THE MONTH

Seminary program.

“I believe the education I received from the Morgan School district through the years prepared me well for future life experiences, including university studies,” said Brooks.

Brooks said he felt privileged to participate in the great sports programs of our schools, which taught him so much about teamwork, hard work, perseverance, and having fun. “Words cannot begin to adequately describe the influence and impact each teacher, coach, and administrator had in molding my mind and character. I probably

didn’t thank them enough back then, so may I say a big THANK YOU to all of them now.”

The Brooks have had three of their children also graduate from Morgan High School-Branden, Cameron and Spencer. They also have three daughters- Aubree, who attends MHS, Jessica, who attends MMS and Hailee, who attends MES, and will also graduate from “Old Morgan High” as well.

Andrea currently enjoys being involved serving in the Morgan School District on Community Council and as the President of the PTO at the MES. l

Morgan Middle School

ADDY DEWITT, 5TH

ALEK GAILEY, 7TH

CALLIE TOONE, 8TH

CHESNI RICH, 6TH

DYLAN PETERSON, 8TH

EMERY WELKER, 5TH

LACEY SAVAGE, 6TH LIAM CASEY, 5TH

MAIYA STREADBECK, 8TH

MARRINER WILDE, 7TH

PAIGE DEWITT, 7TH

PLATT DRAPER, 6TH

Dorothy Campbell Little PhD, Ed., 80, of Morgan, Utah, died peacefully in her home surrounded by loved ones on December 19, 2022. Dorothy was born on August 13,1942 in Burley, Cassia County, Idaho.

She was the 2nd of 11 children born to Hazelton Sanford Campbell and Rosalie Barrus Campbell. Growing up, Dorothy spent winters in Logan, Utah attending public school and her summers were spent on the dry farm in Juniper, Idaho. She loved to ride her horse named Gypsy in the mountains behind Juniper to War Eagle Peak.

Dorothy was introduced to Don Hunter Little through her best friend and his army buddy. They became pen-pals. Don hitchhiked from Alaska to Logan, Utah to meet Dorothy for their first time where they had their first date. They fell in love!

Dorothy’s father told her that she could not get married until she had graduated from both high school and seminary. And so, she did! Dorothy was determined! She completed all requirements and graduated from Logan High School and Logan LDS Seminary at age 16 and was married the following week. Dorothy and Don were sealed in the Logan, Utah Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on June 5, 1959, and together they raised six children.

Dorothy attended college with several of her children in tow, and after earning her Bachelor of Science degree in 1979 in Elementary Education, she began her teaching career at Morgan Elementary School, teaching 1st, 4th, and 2nd grades respectively. She touched many lives for good. Kids, their parents and peers, and their education was a major priority in Dorothy’s life. Dorothy was an educator and a protector of children (and of everyone). Education was a major priority in her life. She loved to teach and loved to learn. With the support of her husband Don, she continued her education and received her Master of Education degree in 1983. She later continued her education earning her Doctoral Degree in Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences in 2010 at age 67.

Involvement in the community was important to Dorothy. Her service included Museum Director for the Morgan Daughters of Utah Pioneers (DUP), the Morgan County Historical Society Board of Trustees, the Community Choir, the American Educational Research Association (AERA), the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT), the International Reading Association (IRA), a member of the Golden Key Honor Society, and she received the Golden Apple Teacher’s Award: Ogden Standard Examiner.

Dorothy was an artist. She loved to draw, paint, and create. Family and heritage were a priority for Dorothy, and she worked on many writing and family history projects. She collected family stories and worked extensively on family history and temple work. As an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, she considered it a privilege to serve in the Primary, the Relief Society, Sunday School,

Steven Michael Moyers, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather died peacefully at his home in Morgan, Utah on December 19th, 2022 at the age of 80.

He was born in Enid, Oklahoma in 1942 to Raymond and Catherine Moyers. He was raised on the family farm in Drummond, Oklahoma with his siblings Carolyn, Connie, and Phil Moyers.

After he graduated from Oklahoma State University with a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, he started his career in the nuclear power industry in the state of Washington.

It is there that he met his first wife, Donna Rae Willis Moyers. They started their family in Richland, Washington and had two daughters; Gaylene and Cara Lynne.

The family moved to Omaha, Nebraska in 1970 when Steve began working at the Fort Calhoun Nuclear Power Plant.

In 1970 they moved to Litchfield Park, Arizona where Steve was involved with the start up of the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station. He worked there until he retired.

He tenderly cared for his wife Donna until her passing.

Later he married Barbara Smith Anderson and moved to Morgan, Utah where he enjoyed the final years of life.

Steve enjoyed hiking, canyoneering, rafting, water and snow skiing, camping, and traveling with his family. He was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served as a bishop and patriarch. He loved being surrounded by his family and watching his grandchildren in their sporting, theatrical, and academic events.

He is survived by his wife Barbara An-

Young Women’s, as a Temple & Family History Consultant, and as coordinator for church meetings at Family Tree Assisted Living.

Dorothy dedicated many years to organizing and building the Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum (DUP) in Morgan. She was instrumental in fundraising, developing the displays, and structuring the educational opportunities that the museum now provides.

She was kind, forgiving, and served others selflessly. Dorothy and Don welcomed many into their home providing safety and care. She traveled with her husband and children on many cross country and international adventures.

Dorothy is survived by 6 brothers: Gaylon, Ron, Evan, Bruce, Paul, and Wayne, and 1 sister, Ruby. She is also survived by her children: Debra (Alan Hudson), Doreen (Kerry McMurray), Darwin (Tami), Deanna (Jeff Vaughan), David (Katrina), and Dawna (Azmie Zukirmi); 25 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband Don Hunter Little, her parents H. Sanford & Rosalie Campbell, her brothers Eric and Stan, and her sister Jeanne Marie.

A viewing will be held on Thursday evening, December 22, 2022, from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Walker Mortuary at 45 West 200 North, Morgan, Utah. A viewing will also be held on Friday, December 23 from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. with the funeral following at 11:00 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 355 N. 700 E, Morgan, Utah 84050. Interment following the funeral service will be at the South Morgan Cemetery, located at 335 S State Street, Morgan, Utah 84050.

If remote attendance is preferred, please access the link at www.Walker-Mortuary. com.

To share a memory, visit www.Walker-Mortuary.com. In lieu of flowers, please give to the Morgan Education Foundation, in the name of Don & Dorothy Little. Donations can be made in-person at the Morgan School District Office, mailed to P.O. Box 530, Morgan, UT 84050, or to the Venmo account @morganeducationfoundation.

Christmas with the Pioneers

Monday, Dec.19, the Morgan Chapter of the Sons of the Utah Pioneers held their annual Christmas luncheon with their wives. A delicious meal was catered by the newly reopened Larry’s Spring Chicken Inn. Following the meal Chapter member Gerald Betournay gave a touching and spiritual message. He related a story about a pioneer Christmas, talked about tthe Savior’s life and how blessed we are today as we celebrate his birth. The 2022 Modern Pioneer Award was presented at the gathering by Chapter President Howard Hansen to long time Chapter member, Vaughn Larsen. Vaughn is one of the founding members of the current Morgan Chapter of SUP. He has served as President of the local Morgan Chapter. His service to SUP would continue for two years as an assistant Vice President for the National Organization. As their representative, he was assigned to assist and support the Huntsville, Ogden and Morgan Chapters. Vaughn’s pioneer heritage is from Denmark, England and Scotland with ancestors settling in Morgan and Sanpete counties. He was born and raised in Morgan, graduated from Morgan High School and Utah State University with a degree in Education. He taught at the high school for 34 years.

Vaughn served the Morgan community as a city councilman, a member of the Selective Service board and as a Morgan City Justice Court Judge for nearly 18 years. Congratulations Vaughn.

After the presentation the Chapter members and their wives were entertained by our local Nelson Brothers Band including Lee and Brent Nelson and Howard Hansen playing some old favorite melodies and sing-a-long Christmas carols. l

Steven and Barbara had 53 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday December 29, 2022 at 11 a.m. at the Morgan Stake Center, 355 N. 700 E., Morgan, UT. A viewing will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. prior to the services. A graveside and interment will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at 11 a.m. at West Resthaven Cemetery, 6450 W. Northern Ave, Glendale, AZ. Memories may be shared with the family at www.walker-mortuary.com

Dorothy Campbell Little

derson Moyers. His sister Carolyn (Dennis) Jones. His daughters Gaylene Moyers and Cara (Daniel) Vance. Barbara’s children Shelly (James) Winn, Brent (Shelyse) Anderson, Shauna (Richard) Johnson, Paul (Diana) Anderson, Becky (Jeff) White, David (Tiffany) Anderson, Brad (Amber) Anderson, Scott (Lindsey) Anderson, Mark (Lindsey) Anderson, and Emily (Bob) Kinnear.

Steven Michael Moyers

The thrifting experience has been reinvented by two local sisters

By Alisha Copfer

Not an average thrift store, Indy Clover stands out from the competition. Designed with the seller in mind, this shop offers space for individuals to set up their own shop to resell clothing and other notions. The store can be considered a consignment-thrift shop where people can resell items they own and still keep part of the profit with minimal fees.

Keena Peery and Mia Evans came up with the idea late one evening in May 2022. Peery, Evans’ sister, called her and they “talked and talked on the phone for a long time and immediately went to work,” said Evans.

The name Indy Clover stemmed from the ideas of independent sellers and lucky finds. “We had to say it out loud like 25 times before we finally were set on it,” said Evans. “Our store’s mantra is lucky finds, and we want our sellers and customers to have a unique buying and reselling thrifting experience with us.”

While the sisters are two years apart in age, they share many common interests and live similar lifestyles. “Our personalities and what we bring to the table (within the business) are totally different; I think that’s why it works,” said Evans.

Evans has lived with her husband in Morgan for about two years. “My husband was born and raised in Morgan,” said Evans. “He somehow talked me into building our first home here, and so far, we’ve loved it.”

At Indy Clover, sellers can rent a booth to sell whatever they want. Clothing is the most popular item, but people also sell shoes, jewelry, home decor, kid’s toys,

books and other products. Sellers set their own prices and are able to keep two-thirds of their profit. The shop only takes one-third to keep the storefront operating. Evans and her sister offer hangers for clothing and bins for other items and a tagger to price the items for sale. Once a booth has been set up, the seller no longer has to be there to sell the items.

“We have sellers who make $50 a week and others who make over $1000 a week,” said Evans. “It’s a great way to clean out your home and closets and come shop at other sellers’ booths where we have hundreds of great, great brands at low prices.”

That’s where Indy Clover steps in. They have shop owners in their five franchise locations to help in the purchasing process. “Once your booth is set up, leave the rest to us,” says the website www.indyclover.com. “Customers will come shop your booth throughout the week. You can always come and restock your booth with more items.” At this point, the sisters encourage their sellers that they will be more successful if they choose to market the booth on social media.

“I have been really surprised at the response we’ve had at the store,” said Evans. “I wasn’t sure how long it would take for word to spread. It’s not easy getting a new business off the ground, but it’s been so great to have the support, especially from Morgan residents. Everyone is so kind and supportive.”

“Come check out the store,” said Evans. “One compliment we receive often is that our store truly has something for everyone! We get such a variety of stuff, and our sellers switch out every single week, which means the booths fill up with new inventory every single week.

There is something for everyone here at Indy Clover.” Indy Clover’s closet store is in South Ogden at 1208 E. 4800 S., with three other locations in Utah and one in Arizona. To book a booth, visit their website. l

MIA EVANS and her sister Keena Peery started Indy Clover, a consignment-thrift shop, in May 2022.

Courtesy photo