Centerville/Farmington Journal | January 2023

FARMINGTON PROUDLY INTRODUCES FIBER-TO-THE-HOME

Byline By Alisha Copfer | alisha.c@davisjournal.com

FARMINGTON—In an effort to better serve the community, Mayor Brett Anderson and Matt Weller, President and CEO of All West Communications, broke ground Dec. 14, 2022, for a new high-speed internet fiberto-the-home (FTTH) line. This groundbreaking took place at Ezra T. Clark Park at 400 West 50 North, Farmington.

“We’ve been talking about getting fiber into Farmington,” said Anderson. “It was tough to try to find a solution that would work; everybody wants high-speed internet. We are excited that All West has the vision to come to Farmington to believe in our residents. That we actually want and desire what they are offering; this is going to be huge for our city.”

All West Communications has been in business since 1912, when a group of farmers, ranchers and businessmen pioneered the Utah and Wyoming Independent Telephone Company. After several mergers with other telephone companies, the company name eventually changed to All West. And they continue to grow with new technologies. They are a

telecommunication company based in Kamas and provide internet, phone and television services to rural communities from northeastern Utah to southwestern Wyoming.

“It’s exciting to be here today,” said Weller. “We are grateful for the partnership that the city has enabled us to start; this has moved really fast. We started this whole process in July…and today, we are breaking ground. We are excited to see it happen, and we have worked really hard to move this forward in a way that we can solve some of [the city’s] issues as well as helping us grow and develop.”

All West will provide both residents and businesses in Farmington with multiple speed options. One, two, five and eight gig options will be made available as soon as the FTTH Continued page 4

Farmington City councilmembers, Mayor Brett Anderson and All West’s Matt Weller break ground for the new FTTH line. Photo by Alisha Copfer

Getting to Know Dr. Heaton

Jared Heaton is an attentive and thorough dermatologist, serving his patients in Davis County. Dr. Heaton is Board-certified in dermatology, and he is currently a member of the American Society of MOHS Surgeons.

Dr. Heaton prides himself in serving all patient populations and treating all areas of dermatology from children through retirement age. He places a strong empahsis on catering to the retirement population in his community as skin cancer is more prevalent in this age group.

Dr. Heaton earned an undergraduate degree in International Relations with a minor in Asian Studies from Brigham Young University (BYU). His medical degree is from Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine (AZCOM). He completed both his internship and medical residency in Tampa, Florida.

In his spare time, Dr. Heaton enjoys mountain biking, snowboarding, parafoil kite flying, and spending time with his wife and three children.

Dr. Jared R. Heaton

Board Certified Dermatologist

Shalise Owens DNP, FNP-C

CENTERVILLE—Centerville City has received a $420,300 state Active Transportation Project Grant towards the construction of a 10-foot-wide multi-use trail on the west side of 1250 West from Parrish Lane to 1175 North.

The city had previously applied for federal funding for this project but had been turned down, City Engineer Kevin Campbell told the city council at a Dec. 6 council meeting.

“We feel like this is a worthwhile project, he said. “It’s one that has been on the master plan for some time as far as trails are concerned. This would allow people wanting to get to the Legacy Trail to be off the road on a multi-use trail.”

Continued from front page

Centerville gets state money for trail

Linda Petersen | lpetersen@mycityjournals.com

The new trail will be installed on the west side of the street to take advantage of the 10-foot-wide concrete sidewalk already present on the bridge.

“UDOT likes these 10-foot trails because you can pass easily with a bike/stroller for anybody that would like to get down to the Legacy Trail,“ Campbell said. “This will connect Parrish Lane to the Legacy Trail there at 1175 North.”

The total cost of the project is expected to be around $700,500. Centerville City will need to provide 40 percent of that amount, $280,200, in matching funds. While a funding source has not been identified so far, there are several possibilities, City Manager Brant Hanson said. Since the trail will pass

through the city’s RDA in front of the Wright development property RDA funds may possibly be available, he said. Transportation funds could also be used. A third possibility is to identify funding in the 2023-24 budget, Hanson said.

The first step in the process is to have the trail designed. It is not likely to be complete straight as utilities and certain trees will need to be worked around in certain areas, Campbell said. The city may also have to mitigate some wetlands near Hogan Construction at around 940 North on the west side of the road, he added. The trail, which will be completely within the city’s 80-foot right of way, will have an asphalt surface similar to the Maverick Trail.

It is anticipated that the design work would take place over this winter and spring and that construction could start as early as next summer if funding is tied down.

Future trail connections in the area are a strong possibility, Campbell said. “There’s funding to go underneath the Legacy bridge on the south side of Parrish Lane where the Maverick Trail jogs back to the south.”

There’s also a future grant, “a couple of years out to go underneath the Legacy bridge and put a break in the barrier there so people can connect to the Legacy Trail that way,” said Campbell who indicated he is aware of people who drive down to the barrier and then jump it with their bikes to access the trail there. l

line is in. All West is working with CRS Engineers, the engineering firm working on the project, to provide a website informing residents when their fiber installation will happen. “We’re doing quite a bit to make sure the residents know when they can get fiber,” said Matt Hirst, CRS Engineers’ President and CEO.

“We’re really excited to be in Farmington,” said Hirst. “This is the place where it’s all starting. It’s going to be a really clean and fast and efficient process. We’re working closely with the city to make sure that we’ve got a really good schedule with public involvement.”

Farmington City, under the direction of Mayor Anderson, had considered using other methods and providers before All West approached them. The main issue with these different directions was funding. While other providers offered longterm bonded options, Anderson never felt they were a great fit.

“Residents in Farmington have been searching for a highspeed internet solution for as long as I can remember,” said Anderson. “We wrestled with as a city how do you allocate your resources with understaffed services. When you start trying to prioritize where are we going to spend what limited money we have, it’s really hard to say I’m going to take part of our general fund and dump it into high-speed internet to

satisfy some sort of general obligation bond. We were trying to find a solution, and All West comes and knocks on our door in July.”

“[All West said it] would like to do a fiber-to-the-home project, [we asked] what’s the catch, and they’re like no, we believe in your market,” said Anderson. “[All West said] we’re going to bear all the risk; you don’t have to bond anything. There is no commitment from the city. We believe that your residents will use our service, and we’re willing to take that risk.”

Everyone involved in the project seems excited to be bringing these FTTH services to Farmington. “Farmington is one of the first along the Wasatch front that we have worked with,” said Phil Marchant, Director of Strategic Partnerships with All West Communications. “It’s been a great relationship, and we’re both excited to get this fiber project going.”

The project includes more than 100 miles of fiber and duct that will service over 6,300 homes and businesses. All West’s fiber-optic network will benefit residents, businesses and community organizations. The All West FTTH project is set to begin in early 2023, with an anticipated completion in the spring of 2024.

“We’re building 2.5 million square feet of office north of Station Park,” said Anderson. “Having high-speed internet is

huge, and so this is great timing for All West and great timing for our city and to be able to say to these future office tenants, we’ve got multi-gig fiber to these buildings. So it really is a lot of stuff coming together at a time that we need it. We pat All West on the back and say thank you for having the courage because this is the solution we’ve been looking for.” l

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Mayor Anderson talks about the groundbreaking for the new FTTH project with All West Communications in Farmington. Photo by Alisha Copfer

Jewelry is more than just pretty, it’s healing

By Becky Ginos | becky.g@davisjournal.com

LAYTON—From mechanic, to chef to jewelry maker, Vaughn Sweeten has done it all. Although he’s worked in several different fields, he’s found his calling – making one-of-a-kind jewelry.

Sweeten started his craft at the beginning of the year after taking a class at Weber State, now he’s creating pieces of his own.

“I took one of the jewelry classes and they gave us a chunk of silver to make a ring out of,” said Sweeten. “This experience showed me that this is my calling, to make beautiful things.”

Jewelry making was not his first career, Sweeten started out first as a mechanic. “I worked on cars,” he said. “I love cars but the job killed me. It was hard on my body and my life revolved around work.”

Sweeten said he decided to look at courses at the DTC (Davis Technical College). “I knew I liked working with my hands so I thought about composites or welding. Then I walked past the cafeteria and liked the vibe and synergy of the kitchen.”

That was when there were a lot of food shows going on, he said. “I thought that was cool. There was an energy in the kitchen. You’re kind of the lone wolf in a car shop and it’s cutthroat.” There’s teamwork in the kitchen and that’s needed in life, said Sweeten. “I started going to DTC and got a job in a kitchen at Weber State. I made my own trays and simplified my culinary experience. I had the freedom to practice my knife skills and push to learn the craft.”

Sweeten entered the Skills USA competition and did well. “It’s like the high school level competition but on the adult side,” he said. “Different trades like electricians, drafting, etc. all the trade schools competed. I competed in culinary arts. I had to show my skills executing a meal, my skills presenting the dish and artistry. I’d only been doing it for a few months and took third place. It was pretty cool because I was going against all these experienced people.”

Using those skills, Sweeten started as a regular cook at Twigs then worked his way up to sous chef and worked there for nine years. “I loved it,” he said. “But it was not an easy job. It was so hard and there were a lot of sacrifices to be made.”

Sweeten was a single parent and wanted to give something to his daughter. “But it created a vacancy in my relationship with my daughter and that was a sacrifice I didn’t want to make. It was the universe telling me I needed to do something else.”

He continued to work in the food industry but he and his fiancé found that they needed to make a change. “When push came to shove with both of us working there wasn’t enough time to spend with the family,” said Sweeten. “To give the family what we needed we decided we’d hire someone to take care of the kids but when they went to

daycare they were sick all the time.”

Sweeten became a stay-at-home dad which allowed him time to spend with the family. “I was staying busy but cleaning the house was not enough,” he said. “I love rocks and their metaphysical properties and stumbled upon wire wrapping. It gives a design and texture you can’t get any other way.”

With some practice, Sweeten honed his skills and started to make pieces for his family and friends as gifts. “People always have rocks so I started offering to make a piece of jewelry out of their rock and do custom work.”

Each rock has different metaphysical properties, he said. “I designed pieces of

jewelry that would rid themselves of negativity. It would create a barrier when they walked into a room with a toxic atmosphere. You can change the mood or be the mood.”

There are bits of evidence that rocks can help, said Sweeten. “I want to create something that will help them. Not only something beautiful but why the color and texture makes them feel an attraction to it.”

Every crystal and stone has a vibrational frequency, he said. “There’s tons of evidence that supports this. My intrigue is always why.”

Sweeten is perfecting his craft and hopes to show his pieces at boutiques and galleries like the BDAC. “I want to get involved with the community and get people out,” he said. “That’s cool to me.”

Whatever Sweeten does he always

gives 100 percent. “I’m always challenging myself,” he said. “I do the best I can do to the best of my ability. Failure is not an option for me.”

See Sweeten’s jewelry on his Facebook page Sweet Rocks and at etsy.com/shop/ SweetRoxx.l

Vaughn Sweeten and his daughter Eleanor. Sweeten is a stay-at-home dad who started making jewelry after taking a class at Weber State. Now he is selling his one-of-a-kind pieces. Photos courtesy of Vaughn Sweeten

Snapshot of 2022

From skydivers to sports, 2022 was filled with events in the county. Davis Journal photographer Roger V. Tuttle shares some of his top picks.

Snapshot of 2022

Centerville moves ahead with public works projects despite challenges

Linda Petersen | lpetersen@mycityjournals.com

CENTERVILLE—Centerville City’s public works department continues to be challenged by the overall labor shortage and supply chain issues, department director Mike Carlson told the city council Dec. 6 during his annual review.

His department is currently two people down which puts a heavy load on other employees, he said.

“We’re all having to plough snow; we’re all having to fix leaks because we just don’t have the staff,” Carlson said. His efforts to hire new people have not produced any results but he is hopeful that as the economy slows more workers may become available next year, he said.

The supply chain crunch really came into focus earlier this year when the city was resurfacing London Road, he said. The project took longer than expected, and many residents were frustrated “but there was really nothing we could do because we were only getting one cement truck a day or sometimes one cement truck a week if we were lucky,” Carlson said.

He has had to call in favors on several occasions just to get projects completed because supplies are backlogged,

he said.

Some funds the city council designated for maintenance of the water system have yielded positive results, Carlson reported. When a crew went in to replace valve bolts on 400 West, which is scheduled for an overlay next spring, they discovered one valve was already leaking and another blew off while they were digging down to fix the bolts.

“If we would have paved that road and then went back in there we would have been having holes in the road kind of like we were having up on Chase Lane,” he said. (In January a two-block stretch of road on Chase Lane had to be repaired and repaved after a water main leak there).

Another challenge Carlson’s department encounters is when utility companies, developers or private homeowners want to tear up a newly paved road to install sewer or utilities.

“They wait until it’s all paved and then they want to come in and lay the line,” he said.

This happened with 400 East this year and Carlson told a utility company and a private homeowner they would

Mike Carlson

have to wait at least two years before he would allow them to tear up the road, he said. Carlson’s department is working to improve coordination with utility companies and others to address this problem, he said.

An innovative method some of his department employees utilize to gather up leaves is not particularly popular with residents because of the noise, Carlson said. When a street sweeper used by the public works department wore out, two employees figured out how to rig up a hose that sucks up leaves at four to five times the rate of a normal sweeper. Employees call it the “leafer,” Carlson said. Despite its usefulness, the city will not replace it once the “leafer” gives up the

ghost, he said.

As with most Utah communities, the ongoing drought has been challenging for Centerville, Carlson said. There has been a good response to the Rip the Strip program from residents and developers.

Carlson also plans to have the city’s well draw down sensors recalibrated so that information about water levels is more accurate. He hopes the city will receive federal funding in March to help with the cost of a new reservoir.

“I think we’re ahead of the ballgame to where we can receive our money and get going because we want to get it bid out as quickly as possible,” he said.

The water department is also on track with its project to replace water meters throughout the city, he said.

Carlson also reported that he had talked with Weber Basin Water Conservancy District representatives who made a verbal commitment to provide secondary water to 250 residences between Chase Lane and 1250 North.

“It won’t be cheap, but it will be a resource for our citizens in those areas in the upcoming years,” he said. l

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Q: What products and services do you offer?

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We’re all having to plough snow; we’re all having to fix leaks because we just don’t have the staff.

Sundance 2023 to offer both online and in-person screenings

By Jenniffer Wardell | The City Journals

Ticket packages are now on sale for next year’s Sundance Film Festival, which runs Jan. 19-29, 2023. This year the festival will offer both in-person and online screenings of most of its lineup, giving Utah residents a variety of options for getting their Sundance fix. With 99 feature films announced for their 2023 lineup and even more episodic and short content, there’s a movie sure to please everyone.

“The program for this year’s Festival reiterates the relevancy of trailblazing work serving as an irreplaceable source for original stories that resonate and fuel creativity and dialogue,” said Kim Yutani, Sundance Film Festival Director of Programming. “In so many ways this year’s slate reflects the voices of communities around the world who are speaking out with urgency and finally being heard. Across our program, impactful storytelling by fearless artists continues to provide space for the community to come together to be entertained, challenged, and inspired.”

This year’s biggest movies cover a wide range of cinematic experiences, from horror movies like “Run Rabbit Run” to dramas like “Shayda” and thrillers like “The Accidental Getaway Driver.” Doc-

umentaries touch on everything from the life of Little Richard to one of the only video stores left in the U.S.

“We are honored to share the compelling selection of work at this year’s Festival from distinct perspectives and unique voices,” said Robert Redford, Sundance Institute Founder and President.

In-person screenings will be available throughout the entire run of the festival. Though many of the venues are in Park City, this year’s Sundance also includes several Salt Lake venues. Broadway Centre Cinemas (111 East Broadway), Salt Lake Community College’s Grand Theatre (1575 South State St.), and Rose Wagner Centre (138 West 300 South) are all familiar venues to Sundance regulars. This year, they’ve also added Megaplex Theatres at Gateway Mall (400 West 200 South).

Online screenings will be available during the second half of the festival, which starts Jan. 24. All of the competition titles will be included, which means the movies in the running for awards. These include all movies in the U.S. Dramatic, U.S. Documentary, World Cinema Dramatic, World Cinema Documentary, and NEXT categories. There will also be a selection of films from other categories,

including Short Films and the Indie Episodic lineup.

Currently, only ticket packages are available for sale on the festival’s website. The online packages are generally less expensive than the in-person screening packages, with the least expensive option being six days of online access to the Indie Episodic screenings and select Short Films programs. Depending on the viewing setup in your home, online screenings can also offer viewing opportunities for more

than one person.

Individual tickets for both in-person and online screenings go on sale Jan. 12. Demand for tickets is always high, so make sure you shop early and have backup options if your first choices are no longer available.

For more information, including a detailed list of competition films, visit festival.sundance.org. l

A selection of some of the movies in the Sundance Film Festival 2023 lineup. Photo collage courtesy of Sundance Film Festival

‘Primordial’ to open in Lagoon’s 2023 season

By Becky Ginos | becky.g@davisjournal.com

FARMINGTON—For the last few years guests at Lagoon have watched anxiously as a new ride has taken shape. In 2023 the wait will be over. The ride will open to the public when Lagoon’s season starts in the spring.

“It’s called Primordial,” said Lagoon spokesperson Adam Leishman. “It’s a family friendly ride. Children who are 48 inches have to ride with a supervising adult, those 36 inches can’t ride.”

It’s a unique ride, he said. “It’s an interactive, experiential coaster that is one of a kind in the world. I don’t want to say much more because it’s a fun surprise for our guests.”

Leishman said Lagoon is also unique in that they build some of their own rides. “We built Cannibal. We use local vendors for construction and we have an in-house international designer.”

It’s been seven years in the making, he said. “That includes the design process. In 2020 construction was halted. All of our resources had to go to staying open. Then it picked back up again last year.”

The name Primordial came from employees’ suggestions, said Leishman. “Everyone comes up with weird and funny names and then we pick one and say ‘that’s

good.’ We’re family owned, kind of a Ma and Pa shop so everyone is very involved. That’s how it works.”

Lagoon also announced its pricing for the new season and that has gone up. “Everything that’s happening in the world is the same for us,” Leishman said. “Our operating costs have gone up so we can’t maintain the same prices.”

Leishman said they have a Black Friday deal on a season pass. “It’s $160.95 plus tax. It’s tiered pricing as the season goes on but the maximum price for a season pass is $207.95 plus tax. The maximum price for a single day ticket is $97.95 plus tax.”

People are often surprised that the off season is the busiest time for Lagoon, he said. “That’s the time we are making improvements, rehabilitating rides and doing construction. We’re working really hard.”

Lagoon has some iconic rides that can’t be found anywhere else, Leishman said. “The wooden roller coaster was built in 1921 and there isn’t another Terror Ride. It’s one of only four to six dark rides left in the entire world. It turned 50 in 2017 and Dracula’s Castle will be 50 years old in 2024.”

There are three rides that are on the national historic registry, he said. “We don’t like to take rides out. We like to preserve our

rides.”

It’s the largest family owned amusement park in the country, said Leishman. “We’re one of few parks that have a picnic

area and you can bring food in. There’s a lot of unusual things about Lagoon that we take a lot of pride in.”l

Riders get a thrill on Colossus at Lagoon. The park will open its newest ride, Primordial, in the 2023 season. Photo by Roger V. Tuttle

Sewer district receives $400,000 check from Wattsmart program

By Becky Ginos | becky.g@davisjournal.com

WEST BOUNTIFUL—The South Davis Sewer District has become more energy efficient and it’s paid off. The district received a check for $402,776 from Rocky Mountain Power last month as part of its Wattsmart program that incentivizes commercial and residential customers to save energy.

“We swapped out a large natural gas compressor with a smaller, more efficient compressor with a variable frequency drive so it’s not using as much power when it starts up,” said South Davis Sewer District General Manager Matt Myers. “Wattsmart came through and looked at the plant’s energy efficiency in wastewater treatment then they identified a compressor replacement.”

Wattsmart is a program Rocky Mountain Power runs, he said. “They have people who look at a project in an industry or public entity. They pay for improvements through reimbursement after they come back and verify the improvement generated the intended savings.”

On another project there were just minor things such as turning the lights out and operating air compressors at lower settings, said Myers. “That netted us about $9,000.”

The natural gas compressor that was replaced was 1,400 horsepower before, he said. “The new one is 800. That’s a lot of efficiency

there.”

Myers said they spent more than $400,000 on the project but Rocky Mountain does have a cap. “It didn’t cover it all but it covered a good chunk and it saves on our electric bill.”

“Customers can contact us and someone will come out and do an assessment to see where they can save on energy,” said Logan Taggart, Regional Business Manager, Rocky Mountain Power. “We have engineers who have partnered with us to do an analysis and calculate what the savings would be. The sewer district is a great project that will have huge savings.”

Applicants must go through a pre approval process and submit an application to get the right parties involved in the assessment, he said. “It can be commercial or a business but residential as well.”

Logan said the money for reimbursements comes from the customers. “A portion of their bill pays for these programs. Being more energy efficient helps us keep some of the lowest rates in the country.”

For more information on the Wattsmart program visit rockymountainpower.net and look under “Savings & Energy Choices” or call their customer service at 877-508-5088. l

(Left to right) Kirk Nigro and Logan Taggart, Rocky Mountain Power, Howard Burningham Board Chairman South Davis Sewer District and South Davis Sewer District General Manager Matt Myers with a check for $402,776. The district was presented with the check last week for its participation in the Wattsmart program. Courtesy photo

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 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.Al

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Miss Davis County has been crowned for 2023

By Alisha Copfer | alisha.c@davisjournal.com

DAVIS COUNTY—The Miss Davis County Competition was held at the Syracuse Arts Academy. The festivities ran all day on Nov. 12 with workshops on walking, talking, dancing and singing. There were also talent shows, interview questions and an evening gown competition involving each of the six contestants.

After a full day of pageanting, Hannah Romney was crowned Miss Davis County for 2023 on Nov. 12, 2022. For Romney, pageanting runs in her blood. She got her start as Little Miss Lehi when she was 7 years old. And her niece is the one who helped her get involved this year for the Davis County run. “At some point, my whole family has been involved in pageanting,” said Romney.

“Our Miss Davis County, Hannah Romney, was so welcomed, and I’m so proud to call her my title holder,” said Melissa Payne, a makeup artist at the pageant. “This workshop was amazing, and Hannah is even more prepared to serve the community of Davis County!”

After not being interested in the pageant, Romney's niece convinced her to run for the Miss Davis County title. “I had the full ‘Miss Congeniality’ turn-around,” explained Romney. “I had preconceived notions that pageants are based on beauty and body expectations. However, unexpectedly, the pageant was full of feminine energy, and everyone was so kind to me throughout the whole process.”

Romney explained that each contestant and everyone involved were all rooting for each other. “The first thing I noticed was that everyone was so kind, supportive and uplifting,” said Romney. “Everyone wanted each other to succeed, and they were cheering for everyone involved.”

“I feel I won on the energy of the day and the work I had already put into my social initiative,” said Romney. “I think this was seen by everyone during all of the walking, talking and singing leading up to the shining 24 hours of that day.”

Romney’s social impact initiative is the love of arts. “I believe the arts have the power to change someone's perspective on themselves, their circumstances and their community,” said Romney.

“I want kids to have as much exposure as they can to these healing tools,” she said. “There needs to be more art, dance and theater in our elementary schools. The arts are so healing.”

When Romney was about 14 years old, she lost her brother, which created trials and tragedies in her life. She was able to turn to theater to help her understand what was going on and how to process things better. “After the theater kids found me, I experienced the most empathy I have ever felt in my life,” said Romney. “There is something so beautiful about the way art touches you. It has the potential to heal communities by offering different perspectives.”

Others often describe Romney as being “quite a quirky one” and a bit “unhinged,” yet she still has the ability to help everyone feel comfortable. She describes herself as a “theater-kid turned preschool teacher and a lesbian-woman with her own inner diversity.”

Romney will be holding an art supply drive in January to help meet her goals of getting the arts into more schools. Romney stated that only about 49 minutes of each day are spent on the arts in elementary school classrooms. Her initiative is to provide more exposure to not only elementary age kids but all students in Davis County. l

Special education program’s mission is to help children become successful

By Becky Ginos | becky.g@davisjournal.com

FARMINGTON—The Davis School District (DSD) special education program serves 10-11% of the district’s population and provides opportunities for children with all types of disabilities. The department is staffed with physical therapists, speech and language pathologists, counselors, teachers for the deaf and visually impaired and many more specialists who help children thrive.

“We’re careful to provide the least restrictive environment for them,” said Special Education Director Tiffany Midgley as part of a presentation to the school board. “We try to engage students and meet them wherever they are. Our expectation is to provide them an education that meets their goals so they can eventually leave DSD like every child, ready to perform.”

Resource is a pullout program, said Lisa Wall, Mild/ Moderate K-12 & School Support Director. “Students walk down to the resource room from their general education class which is where they receive core instruction.”

Secondary schools have different periods so there might be co-teachers, she said. “One would be for special education and the other a regular teacher. When they turn 14 we develop a transition plan that is updated every year with the student’s IEP (Individualized Education Program).”

In 11 to 18 schools there are School Support Facilitators, said Wall. “They work with curriculum, student behavior, inclusion, autism and brain injury. They also talk to parents if needed. They’re invaluable to us with all their experience and training. Any child currently residing or going to school in our district can be referred to us.”

Special programs include A.S.C. (Academic Social

Communication), Wall said. “We might go out to the classrooms with a peer tutor or a teacher assistant. Students might also need behavior support. Some students require intensive instruction and academic needs into adulthood.”

Other students can’t be sustainable in a classroom, she said. “We have five classrooms that are supervised by our behavioral team.”

The department has 90 speech and language specialists and 51 school psychologists, said Taya Johnson, Director of Related Services. “They’re impacting 2,500 students a week. We have six teachers of the deaf and hard of hearing and 11 teachers for the visually impaired. There are four physical therapists who work with over 60 students a month.”

Vista is for students ages 18 – 22 with an IEP who haven’t graduated yet, said Vista Principal Jeff Williams. “We teach them adaptive skills like making change, ordering a meal, learning to read a bus schedule, etc. It’s not based on a regular curriculum.”

They use UTA to go out on job sites, he said. “We have a foods classroom where they make food. They also learn how to iron clothes, make a bed, how to dress correctly for a job, etc. We have a soda fountain shop and kids can order drinks from that. Students work there if they’re not community ready.”

The goal is for students to be as independent as possible, said Williams. “Some learn to tie their shoes and others get a job or go to DTC. Come see our students – you’ll fall in love with them.” l

Hannah Romney was crowned the new Miss Davis County 2023 on Nov. 12. Courtesy photo

Laura Alley, M.S. – CCC/SLP works with children at Foxboro Elementary. Speech and language pathology is just one of several programs within the Davis School District special education program. Courtesy photo

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Eclectic store filled with

‘wonder’

By Becky Ginos | becky.g@davisjournal.com

LAYTON—Tucked between Twisted Sugar and Sill’s Cafe is a little shop with a unique collection of repurposed and reclaimed items from crystals and stones to home decor. The store’s name, Wonder, says it all. It’s looking at life with wonder.

“I was in a workshop and we broke off into groups,” said Wonder owner Randy Stevens. “They wanted to know three things we stood for and I thought wonder, community and unconditional love.”

It’s a really interesting mix, he said. “The decor is all second hand. I work with local people and try to support other smaller businesses.”

Wonder is very unusual and eclectic, Stevens said. “It’s in a red brick home. I knew the women who lived there when I was growing up. It’s nice to be back home in my old stomping ground.”

Stevens said he goes to yard sales, estate sales and thrift stores to find his treasures. “I try to find things that can be repurposed. Stuff that has been discarded or they're going to throw away. I encourage reclaiming otherwise it will go to the landfill.”

Thrifting has always been his thing, Stevens said. “I’m a very creative person. I like to keep things interesting. My home is very eclectic.”

Stevens has been in retail for 40 years. “I did visual merchandise at Nordstrom,” he said. “I did window displays. It was a big push for us this time of year. I went to San Francisco for 25 years then moved back to Utah. I needed a job so I opened this store.”

It’s come full circle, he said. “I have deep family roots here. I’ve always wanted my own business so I had to come up with a game plan. This is all my interests collected into one place but it works.”

Wonder carries crystals and stones and Stevens has experienced their healing properties. “I’ve been in recovery for 18

years from drugs and alcohol,” he said. “I used Reiki (Japanese form of energy healing) through my journey that helped in the recovery process to get to a place of peace and serenity.”

Some people collect stones for healing and some just because they’re beautiful, said Stevens. “It’s fun to see the excitement and joy customers have when they say ‘oh you have rocks.’ Everyone likes rocks.”

Wonder also carries Christmas decor that is discounted. “I had so much Christmas stuff when I opened that I wanted to clear out,” he said. “People here are such crafters. The earlier I put it out gives them the opportunity to do something with it. It feels good to lighten my load and I know it’s going to someone who knows what to do with it.”

Many of his items have a memory or story that goes with it, said Stevens. “It’s nice to hear those stories. I love seeing crafts with an inscription on it. I had an oak log bank that said ‘Christmas 1993.’ Then it had a list of names on it. People buy it for the story as well as the stuff. It might be junk to someone but I like the story.”

Wonder opened in 2019 right before the pandemic hit. “COVID helped my business,” Stevens said. “It gave people something to do. They want to get out and explore. It helped my business get off the ground and introduced me to people.”

Stevens tries to rotate his merchandise often. “I like to keep it new and fresh,” he said. “I can sell anything because there’s a customer for everything. I don’t just sell what’s interesting to me but I try to be open to who it is interesting to. Whether it’s someone in their 90s or they’re 6 there’s something for everyone.”

Wonder is located at 353 E. Gentile St., Layton. Hours are Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., 415-902-0028. l

Wonder is filled with reclaimed items such as home decor, crystals, stones and jewelry. Photo courtesy of Randy Stevens

Have a Heart Homes makes single mom’s dream come

By Becky Ginos | becky.g@davisjournal.com

LAYTON—In a tight housing market, one Layton woman is grateful to be handed the keys to her newly constructed home. It was made possible by Have a Heart Homes, an initiative to help with the critical affordable housing shortage in northern Utah, especially for people with special needs.

The Have a Heart Foundation is sponsored by the Northern Wasatch Association of Realtors (NWAOR) and the Northern Wasatch Homebuilders Association (MWHBA). Layton City donated the remnant lot that the home is built on.

“Everyone who has worked on this home has discounted their time and fees in order to assist the family to achieve their dream of home ownership,” said Stephanie Taylor, President of NWAOR.”

Stuart Smith of Mainline Construction in Layton built the home customized to accommodate the family’s needs. Mainline has constructed 10 previous Have a Heart Homes. “I just like doing this,” Smith said. “Working with subs who discount their fees and getting discounts on materials is just terrific. It makes us all feel really good.”

Amy (actual name withheld) started the application process two years ago. “I qualified because I have a child with a disability, he has autism,” she said. “They usually build a home every year but it slowed down because of COVID.”

As part of the application, Amy had to talk about her own background and her child’s background. “Then we waited and waited,” she said. “They have a committee that reviews the applications and they vote on the one they feel could purchase the house. In about two to three weeks they told us we could purchase the house. I was so excited I choked up on the phone.”

As a long-term renter owning her own home seemed impossible, said Amy. “I’m a single mom. I put myself through bachelor’s and master’s degrees. This is life changing for us.”

It had to go through the usual process, said Amy. “The home had to be appraised and I had to make a down payment. It was only 3% but it was still a lot. They pay the closing costs and drop the purchase price.”

This all came about in the perfect way, she said. “The home is beautiful. You can see the care and love that went into the home. You can feel it and see it.”

All the hard work is paying off, said Amy. “My son has worked hard too. He’s come a long way with his abilities. He’s a rock star.”

Amy said she didn’t tell him about the house until a couple of weeks before. “I had to tell him when I started putting things in boxes. We took a car ride and I

turned down the road and he said ‘this isn't the way.’ Then he guessed when we drove up. I said ‘I’m buying this house.’ He started crying. It’s unnerving packing things up and realizing this is our home.”

The safety and security this will provide is amazing, she said.”The location is perfect. It’s close to family and work and our dog will have a yard to play in.This means the world to us.”

Amy said she is grateful to all those who made this possible. “I want to thank Have a Heart and Stuart Smith. He has a heart of gold. I’m thankful to everybody who had a part in making this dream come true.” l

Crews work on a Have a Heart home in Layton. Mainline Construction built the home and customized it for the family’s needs.

The new owner of the home was presented with the keys last week. Everyone who worked on the home discounted their time and fees. Courtesy photos

Unique healthcare system combines mental health treatment with medication management

By Becky Ginos | becky.g@davisjournal.com

BOUNTIFUL—In the midst of the opioid crisis a unique healthcare system, KindlyMD™ offers a way to help patients get off of the drugs and prescribe something different for pain. The clinic has also expanded its service to include mental health counseling and therapy and medication management for any type of prescription medication.

“I worked in GI surgery, trauma and the ER for seven years,” said KindlyMD™ founder Tim Pickett, PA-C. “I contributed a little bit to prescribing opioids. We’re trying to help them get off of those.”

Pickett said they meet patients where they’re at. “We prescribe what’s needed and get rid of what’s not.”

The addition of mental health services helps treat the whole patient, he said. “We understand mental health plays a big role in outcomes for patients to improve. We’ve embedded a behavioral health clinician (BHC).”

They are a hybrid therapist, said Pickett. “Regular therapy is usually a 50 minute session. The BHC is a therapist by training but focuses on a 15-30 minute medical visit. Every patient sees a medical provider and a clinician every time.”

Medicine has always been top down, he said. “The prescriber or doctor says take this pill once a day. Patients don’t feel like they have a lot of control over when they take it. We try to understand what they’re suffering from by first listening to the patient.”

They can take control of their own healthcare, said Pickett. “It empowers the patient to have more of a say. When I go back

over my visits patients have had an Ah Ha moment. They say ‘I’ve been taking this medication for depression for years.’ It’s not designed to be taken forever.”

With opioids the brain changes to where it doesn’t help the pain anymore, he said. “In fact over the long haul it may cause more pain.”

Pickett said the goal is to improve outcomes. “We’re not afraid to use alternative methods. We’re not going to oppose patients using things like Cannabis. If the prescriber and BHC think it’s a good idea we’ll support it if you do it in a legitimate way.”

Patients can come to the clinic first without a referral, he said. “People can talk through whether it’s a good fit and decide yes or no. We spend about an hour up front and make a plan with them on how to proceed. We can take over prescribing medications and can manage those.”

The clinic sees a lot of pain patients, said Pickett. “We’re more of a specialty clinic. It’s for all medications that are taken for symptoms. They see us once a month and decide whether they need more or less additional therapy.”

KindlyMD™ has two full-time BHC, two full-time prescribers and 20 part-time prescribers over six locations, he said. “I’m a PA (Physician's Assistant) by training. We have a physician on staff and our medical director is a physician. Most prescribers are PAs. We can manage meds and we can listen.”

Currently KindlyMD™ doesn’t take insurance, Pickett said. “But we should be in the next three months. We do take

health savings. We also have a program for low income patients who can’t afford visits.”

The clinic focuses on the whole package, he said. “The patient decides what they want out of their medical care.”

Pickett said they’re having really good success. “We’ve found over the past few years that more than 85% reduce medication within six months and 40% reduce or remove one medication from the list. They’re able to stop a whole medication.”

It’s pretty exciting, he said. “I don’t know of anybody else in Utah that focuses on pain medication and mental health meds people are taking. I’m excited to do something that really helps. We have a lot of opioids in Utah. I hope we can make a difference.”

KindlyMD™ has a clinic in Bountiful at 580 W. 100 N. Suite 4 in the old Carr Printing building. l

New program helps lost pets find their way home

By Becky Ginos | becky.g@davisjournal.com

KAYSVILLE—In 2022 lost pet numbers went up and hundreds of those found pets ended up at Animal Care of Davis County which is already near capacity. Surrounding shelters are in the same situation.

A study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science finds that 70% of lost dogs are found less than a mile from their homes and 42% are less than 400 feet. With all that information, Animal Care of Davis County started the Friendly Finders program. The program allows those who find an animal to keep the pet until its owner can be located.

“Myself and my deputy director went to a National Animal Welfare conference and heard about Friendly Finders and they were seeing great success,” said Ashleigh Young, director Animal Care of Davis County. “Most people when they find a pet they turn it over to us. According to Utah law animals brought to the shelter must be impounded within 72 hours. Keeping them in the (finder’s) home gives a nice neutral ground. It’s a great service to get them home.”

When a good Samaritan calls in an officer will go out to the location, she said. “They’ll take a cute mug shot and put it into our system. That makes them aware that a person has found the animal if someone is looking for their lost pet. We’ll do an intake of vaccines and a medical exam or any other concerns the finder has for the pet.”

The program was rolled out Oct. 17, said Young. “To date, we have had 19 cats and 28 dogs participate in this program and nearly all of them were reunited with their original families.”

In Utah, dogs and cats are considered personal property, she said. “If you don’t alert the authorities that you’ve found

a pet it can be seen as theft.”

This program is in line with the community while meeting the requirements of the law, Young said. “It’s really a lot better for the animals.”

If the owner is not found after five business days the finder has a few options, she said.

• The lost pet can be brought up to the shelter to find a new forever family.

• The finder can choose to continue to foster the pet, helping the animal shelter find a forever home for the pet and become an official member of the Foster Team.

• Or they can adopt the pet themselves and give them a home without the pet ever having to come up to the animal shelter.

The Foster Team is made up of volunteers who take care of a pet while Animal Care looks for a permanent home.

“We provide all of the food and supplies,” said Young. “They see how the animal behaves in a home and meet with a potential adopter. We learn so much more about the animals so we can find great homes with that additional information.”

Anyone can foster, she said. “It can be people in apartments or with kiddos, or existing pets. We have lots of pets here so we can find one that fits with that individual’s lifestyle. Some pets have more special needs like no kids, other pets, etc.”

Animal Care of Davis County is a socially conscious animal shelter, said Young. “There is no time limit to keeping an animal. Sometimes if they have a chronic medical condition or there is a behavior issue like hurting other animals or people we will seek a rescue placement option.”

With the holidays approaching, a new pet might be on the Christmas list. “The ASPCA did a study five years ago that looked at animals as a gift,” Young said. “They found that they are just as much loved as when someone chooses to purchase a pet. The science backs it up. Of course we’d prefer they adopt a pet rather than going to a breeder but we understand that they’re not always going to find what they’re looking for at the shelter.”

Young believes the Friendly Finder program will benefit everyone. “We’re excited for the opportunity to engage with the community.” l

KindlyMD™ founder Tim Pickett talks with employee Elissa Reed at one of their clinics. Patients have a consultation on their first visit to determine a healthcare plan. They have an office in Bountiful at 580 W. 100 N. Suite 4 in the old Carr Printing building. Courtesy photo

Davis County Animal Care employee Juliette gives Cookie a good scratch. The new Friendly Finders program helps prevent lost animals from coming to the shelter. Courtesy photo

Governor’s budget includes historic investments in teacher salaries

By Becky Ginos | becky.g@ davisjournal.com

KAYSVILLE—At a time when inflation is at an all time high and teacher pay isn’t keeping up Gov. Spencer Cox announced significant tax cuts and historic investments in teacher salaries at a press conference held at Centennial Junior High Dec. 8.

“We are leading the nation in our economy and unemployment is at an all time low,” said Cox. “But high gas prices and groceries are taking a toll. Utahns deserve some relief. We want to give deep, meaningful tax relief.”

In addition to more than $1 billion in tax cuts and education, the budget also includes support for young Utahns, families and investments in quality of life, Cox said.

“There will be a one time property tax relief,” he said. “We’re taking $400 million for checks that will be sent back to taxpayers. We’ll also reduce the tax on Social Security payments.”

Cox said he’s especially excited about a new dependent exception for pregnant women. “We believe in life before birth so the child a mother is carrying should get a tax exemption.”

The biggest announcement for teachers was a $6,000 boost in total compensation. “It’s the year of the teacher,” he said. “This is our top priority. It’s not just hollow promises. I believe in giving world class education for families. Last year we made an historic investment in education. This year there will be $1.5 billion in new appropriations.”

Student outcomes are based on the teacher. “There’s nothing more important than a teacher,” said Cox. “We love our teachers. We need to reward them by paying them more.”

Part of the budget goes to mental health, he said. “We have to recognize those students who need attention too. We’ve also included $20 million in one time money for teen centers for students experiencing housing insecurity through no fault of their own.”

Cox credited good teachers for helping him when he was struggling in high school. “I thought I had no business being there (in class),” he said. “I had suicide ideation and it was selfless teachers who cared deeply about me that changed my life.”

“We love the Governor’s focus on teachers,” said Davis School District Superintendent Dr. Dan Linford. “There’s nothing more important in our mission than to have an excellent teacher in the classroom. He’s spot on. We’re thrilled with the money. In this capitalistic society we recognize that’s what we do for compensation but this recognition is to tell people we appreciate them.”

Cox also announced full day kindergarten. “Last year my son was in kindergarten,” said Trisha Turley, an eighth grade teacher at Centennial who is pregnant. “My husband is

a firefighter and he had to take off every Friday so he could get him to and from school. Going all day will relieve us so much and I’m excited about a tax credit for pregnancy since I’m about six months pregnant. The pay raise is very exciting too.”

Utah is known as a place for families, said Cox. “We want to do what’s in the best interest of parents. We also want to get the message out about teachers because we love our students and families and we want them to have the best opportunities. This is a powerful moment to show Utah cares about kids,

l

and teachers and that they matter.”

families

Teachers at Centennial Junior High take a selfie with Gov. Spencer Cox after his announcement that his budget calls for a $6,000 boost in total compensation for teachers. Photo by Becky Ginos

We want to do what’s in the best interest of parents. We also want to get the message out about teachers because we love our students and families and we want them to have the best opportunities.

Gov. Spencer Cox

Throughout the ages, there have been many important advances in mobility. Canes, walkers, rollators, and scooters were created to help people with mobility issues get around and retain their independence. Lately, however, there haven’t been any new improvements to these existing products or developments in this field Until now. Recently, an innovative design engineer who’s developed one of the world’s most popular products created a completely new breakthrough . . . a personal electric vehicle. It’s called the Zinger, and there is nothing out there quite like it.

“What my wife especially loves is it gives her back feelings of safety and independence which has given a real boost to her confidence and happiness! Thank You!”

–Kent C., California

The first thing you’ll notice about the Zinger is its unique look. It doesn’t look like a scooter. Its sleek, lightweight yet durable frame is made with aircraft grade aluminum so it weighs only 47.2 lbs. It features onetouch folding and unfolding – when folded it can be wheeled around like a suitcase and fits easily into a

The Zinger folds to a mere 10 inches.

backseat or trunk. Then, there are the steering levers. They enable the Zinger to move forward, backward, turn on a dime and even pull right up to a table or desk. With its compact yet powerful motor it can go up to 6 miles an hour and its rechargeable battery can go up to 8 miles on a single charge. With its low center of gravity and inflatable tires it can handle rugged terrain and is virtually tip-proof. Think about it, you can take your Zinger almost anywhere, so you don’t have to let mobility issues rule your life.

Why take our word for it? Call now, and find out how you can get a Zinger of your very own.

From the people who brought you Syncrete, nepotistic construction contracts and the ThrU Turn fiasco intersection, comes a mind-boggling project guaranteed to be unnecessary and over budget: the Little Cottonwood Canyon gondola.

The Utah Department of Transportation isn’t known for its rational, effective projects. It spent years studying the LCC traffic situation before making the wrong decision, but at least they didn’t go with the Little Cottonwood zeppelin.

Color me unimpressed with UDOT. Take 5400 South. Please. I travel this road every day and I know UDOT doesn’t understand east-west travel. Going from my home in Kearns to the I-15 interchange in Murray includes nearly 20 stoplights along that 7-mile stretch and I usually hit every. single. one.

There was a legend that if you drove exactly 42.3 mph, under the light of a full moon, you could travel 5400 South without stopping at one red light. Not true.

I blame my road rage on UDOT.

So, let’s talk about the gondola. With UDOT approving the nearly $600 million project, it must have overwhelming support. Nope. Local mayors, residents, environmental groups, Bigfoot and county leaders don’t want this to happen. A majority of the tens

Kinder Life and Laughter

of thousands of public comments are against the gondola.

Just a hair short of sketchy, Snowbird quietly bought land that could (will) be used for the gondola station at the base of Little Cottonwood. When the time comes, Snowbird will sell or donate (ha-ha) that land to the state.

Hikers, fishermen, sightseers and climbers don’t want the gondola. They don’t want to ride the entire length of the gondola system if their destination isn’t a ski resort. I guess UDOT could add a base-jumping experience if you want to parachute out of the gondola halfway up the canyon. But it will probably have an extra fee.

Measuring 8 miles, it will be the longest gondola system in the world and includes nearly two dozen towers, averaging 185 feet high. That’s about 17 stories. UDOT said the towers will be placed up the canyon by helicopters, like they’ll gently rest on the forest

floor where tree roots will wind around the base to hold them down, becoming part of the natural landscape.

No. Each tower will have a huge concrete base, requiring boulders and trees to be demolished. Not only that, but construction could disrupt animal migration patterns, pollute the watershed and highlight UDOT’s decision-making legacy.

UDOT explored options like rideshare programs, electric buses and road tolls that are less invasive, especially when trying to solve a traffic problem that only happens a few days a year. But those alternatives aren’t expensive and ridiculous, so that was a “no” vote from UDOT.

When you factor inflation, the project’s cost will be about $72 gajillion, paid for with “mystery funding” which we all know usually means “taxpayer dollars” in some fash-

ion. Even if you’ve never skied a day in your life, your tax dollars will probably help pay for a system designed by ski resorts, for ski resorts.

We’ve riddled this country with aging infrastructure. Obsolete railways, cables, steel and wiring lie unused and rusting. When the gondola becomes outdated, our grandchildren’s grandchildren will be stuck with the awful towers standing forever in the sacred space of Little Cottonwood.

UDOT’s track record is abysmal. I remember when it spent $700,000 to remove the stupid ThrU Turn on 5400 South. UDOT said the intersection wasn’t a mistake, just unnecessary.

That could be UDOT’s tagline: Building unnecessary mistakes. l

Peri

Gold medalists break the sound barrier aboard Thunderbirds

By Becky Ginos becky.g@davisjournal.com

“It

ground. “I didn’t know if I’d keep my food down. I can’t believe these guys do this all the time. It was tense.”

“It was crazy,” said Schoenefeld. “It was like an elephant on your chest and your vision goes away for a minute. We were going 4G’s and I thought that was crazy then we went faster and I thought ‘oh gee.’”

It was a real treat, said Lt. Col. RyanYingling. “It was unique and fun for us and fun for you guys. It was a blast. We got through everything and went into super sonic airspace and broke the sound barrier.”

They started training on the F-16 early this morning, said Jake Impellizzeri, Thunderbird eight. “It was information by firehose. I putAshley through the wringer. We pulled 9G’s and 1.28 Mach. We did loops and rolls and she got some stick time. It was an honor.”What they do in the Olympics showcases a beacon of excellence, he said. “It’s doing something greater than ourselves.That’s what they represent. It's an inspiration to our team that’s what we try to achieve in theAir Force.” Caldwell said she’s trained her whole life to reach the Gold medal standard. “TheAir Force sets a high bar. I give a high performance in skiing and these guys give a high performance in a different way. It’s two different worlds.”

An aerial doesn’t get any less scary, said Schoenefeld. “When I do a triple backflip I’m nervous every day. When we took off I thought ‘oh we’re about to go fast.’” It was absolutely incredible, said Caldwell. “My Gold medal went through the speed of sound. This was the highlight of my post Olympic experience. It was a dream come true and now it’s off my bucket list.” It’s hard to describe the indescribable, she said. “It’s like if a dragon and a unicorn had a baby strapped to a rocket ship. I’m so excited to be a part of this and I’m grateful for their service.” l

Incumbents dominate in Davis GOP Primaries

U.S.

By Tom Haraldsen tom.h@davisjournal.com

This

for Edwards and 4,517 for Isom in Davis County. Lee took 60 percent of the votes statewide.

U.S. House District 1 Incumbent Blake Moore, seeking a second term of office, defeatedAndrew Badger

Wayment earns spot

on U.S. National

Team

Courtney Wayment, the Davis High and recently graduated BYU distance runner, finished second in the 3000-meter steeplechase at the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships to win a spot on the U.S. world championship team. After her collegiate-record performance in the NCAA championships two weeks ago, Wayment knocked another four seconds off her record performance in the NCAA meet –which was eight seconds faster than any collegian has ever run – finishing with a time of 9:12.10.

The world championships will be held on this same track at the University of Oregon in three weeks.

Judge

issues temporary restraining order on Utah’s abortion trigger law Physicians in Utah may continue to provide abortions for patients until at least July 11. On Monday, Third District Court Judge Andrew Stone granted a request from Utah’s Planned Parenthood Association for a 14 day TRO. He said he felt allowing the law to take immediate effect could cause “irreparable harm. Doctors here are threatened with felonies. The affected women are deprived of safe, local medical treatments to terminate pregnancies.” Doctors can continue to provide abortions in the Beehive State for the next two weeks, a state judge decided Monday. Stone granted the order at the request from Planned Parenthood Association of Utah.

Prayer OK’d for school coach instateWashington

andTina Cannon in this primary, getting 14,769 votes. Badger was second at 6,712 and Cannon third at 3,363.

U.S. House District 2 Incumbent Chris Stewart moved into November’s general election with a win over challenger Erin Rider. Stewart finished with 13,781 votes to 6,329 for Rider.

State Senate District 6 Jerry Stevenson advanced into Novem-

Please see ELECTIONS pg. 2

A former high school football coach in Washington who was disciplined for holding a postgame prayer at midfield with his team saw his action protected by a Supreme Court ruling on Monday. By a 6-3 decision, the Court said Bremer-

year’s primary elections in Davis County were completely between candidates in the Republican Party, which has dominated the county’s political offices for years.As of earlyWednesday morning, here were the vote totals in Davis County for candidates in a number of races:

Senate As expected, incumbent Mike Lee fought off the challenges of two Davis County residents, Becky Edwards of Bountiful andAlly Isom of Kaysville. Lee garnered 24,859 votes to 16,045