The Morgan County News | June 30, 2023

MORGAN COUNTY NEWS

Since 1929

Traveling Tabernacle comes to Morgan Valley

By Verlene Johnson

Over the past ten months, you may have noticed that a replica tabernacle as depicted in Old Testament has been erected in several different cities across the state of Utah. The traveling tabernacles have been a teaching tool to many religious denominations.

What many may not know is that a year ago, an army of volunteer men and women from the Morgan Utah Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, were quietly building these two tabernacles.

About five years ago President Joey Skinner, president of the Morgan, Utah Stake at the time, felt the need to move away from a pioneer trek event and focus on the temple. Through inspiration it was decided to reshape the pioneer trek into a Hope of Israel experience using a Tabernacle to teach the youth of the Morgan Stake about temples.

In 2022 the tabernacle that had been erected in California was brought to Da-

vis County, Utah where it was estimated that 146,000 people attended over the few months it was traveling. Many other religious denominations were also invited to attend the event.

Pres. Kevin Pearson, General Authority Seventy and area president for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was so pleased with the Tabernacle experience that he decided he wanted everyone in his area to have the experience of the Tabernacle.

Pres. Ron Hales, current president of the Morgan, Utah Stake was asked to oversee the building of two Tabernacles. He enlisted the help of skilled craftsmen, engineers and an architect to make sure the Tabernacles were structurally sound against all elements of weather and weight. He also enlisted the help of the stake Relief Society, who put a call out to the women who could donate their time to cutting and sewing all the fabric needed for the Tabernacles.

Cindy Hatch was chosen to lead the sewing project. For four weeks, talent-

No One Fights Alone

Wagner Group complicates situation in Russia

A paramilitary group who has been assisting the Russian army in its invasion of Ukraine staged an aborted rebellion against the Russian military over the weekend, which ended when the group altered its course away from Russian territory. Initially, it was rumored that the group had intended to depose the current military leadership of Russia for what it saw as a betrayal and an attempt to disband it and absorb it into the Russian military proper. The exact dimensions of the interaction between the two are still unclear, and not being directly addressed by either Vladimir Putin, or the Wagner group leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, though Putin declared that the event had communicated weakness to Russia’s enemies.

Nighttime temperatures send warning signal

ed women were in and out of the Field Street Church in Morgan patiently cutting and sewing these panels. With the small time frame that they had to build these tabernacles, finding that much fabric was a challenge. Certain colors and textures were necessary to be as correct as possible. Buying up all the fabric they could locally, women from Morgan traveling around Idaho and Wyoming searched fabric stores and were able to find the fabric that was needed.

Hatch talked about the sewing needing to be exact to fit in the allotted space between the posts. “No matter how careful we tried to be, the first four white panels didn’t fit, then we prayed asking Heavenly Father to stretch them.” She said the next 60 panels fit. They only needed 60 to fit, but had sewn four extras.

“Sewing the Tabernacle was an amazing experience and drew me closer to the Savior because I was asked to do

TABERNACLE on page 6

The heatwave that has been blanketing Texas and other Southern states for several weeks has affected millions of Americans with withering triple digit temperatures. A new development of the heatwave is said to represent an even more dangerous situation, especially for those without access to air conditioning. All across the region, nighttime temperatures are expected to break all-time highs, which prevents the air from cooling back down at night, and perpetuates the high temperature situation. The condition is being blamed on increased moisture in the air, which holds heat in during the day and keeps it in the atmosphere during the night. Dallas, for instance, is predicted to see nighttime temps that remain above 80 for at least a week.

No One Fights Alone is a great opportunity to support those in our community that are suffering from the effects of cancer. It is taking place next month and will be the third year for the event. It is officially a nonprofit organization and the administrators are so excited for another fun event!

High Fitness will serve as a prelude to the main event, taking place at Riverside Park on Thursday, July 6, at 8:00 p.m. High Fitness will be taught by Monica Hansen, Brittany Lott and Heather Peterson. On Saturday, July 8, there will be a CrossFit workout at CrossFit Unknown. The workout will take place at 6:00 a.m. and will be coached by Chans and Tausha Porter. In addition to the workout, there will be a 5k, 10k, and a silent auction at 8:00 a.m. These races will also be held at

By Ethan Hoffmann 5K RUN

100 Deadliest Days of Summer near halfway point

Each year, the Idaho Transportation Department and other agencies remind drivers that the roughly 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day are the most dangerous for road accidents and fatalities. Due to the number of vehicles on the road and the often hectic roadways, especially on and around holidays, drivers are asked to pay extra attention to their speeds, their surroundings, and potential hazards on the road. The Fourth of July weekend in particular generally sees an increase in the number of ticketed vehicles. As you go about your holiday plans this weekend, make sure to keep safety in mind.

THE TRAVELING TABERNACLE set up at the Morgan Stake Center.

Photo by Chad Hawkes

Courtesy photo

Morgan County develops active transportation plan

By Linda Petersen

Morgan County is planning to adopt a new active transportation plan. The plan, which was prepared by Fehr & Peers, evaluated existing conditions. Then Before formulating recommendations ranging from lowcost near-term strategies to long-term Projects, the consultants interviewed Morgan County residents and other stakeholders to determine their priorities and then came up with suggestions on how it can be implemented along with funding sources and partnership opportunities.

The plan came together with “just this simple desire to make roads, heavily traveled roads within the Morgan County and the Mountain Green area and connecting into Salt Lake and into the Ogden Valley a little safer for runners, for walkers, for bicyclists,” county’s Active Transportation Advisory Board member Ron Niederhauser told county commissioners June 6.

“We now actually have a true County active Transportation plan which was put together in part with a lot of entities more so than I have envisioned before,” he said.

The primary recommendations of the plan include development of a Gateway Canal/Weber River Trail along the river in three phases and a possible trail along I-84 between the interstate and the Union Pacific rail alignment from approximately Exit 92 west of Mountain Green to the Morgan County/Summit County boundary northeast of Henefer (although this route poses “significant engineering challenges,” the plan says.

It also recommends adding ‘Share the Road’ and directional signage on Trapper’s Loop Road, a new bike lane for Lost Creek Road up to Lost Creek State Park and another on SR-66 to provide a connection between Morgan City and East Canyon State Park. Proposed connections with Salt Lake County would extend the SR-66 bike lane to East Canyon State Park further south along SR-65 to the Salt Lake

5K RUN from page 1

Riverside Park. The administrators are excited to have Garrett Snelgrove and Sam Dingman start the race this year. Snelgrove and Dingman are two of the people that the organization was able to donate to last year.

"We welcome anyone who just wants to cheer for those participating," said Bobbi Eddi, the event coordinator. "There is something for everyone!" As stated on the flyer, all proceeds go to helping individuals and families in our community fighting cancer. We want to show those fighting cancer that they are not alone!

“When my brother was diagnosed with cancer, the community was so

• NOT medicine

• NOT shock therapy

• NOT invasive

County line. A proposed connection to Summit would extend the I-84 Frontage Route out to Henefer. The plan also recommends several spot improvements for various roads including crossing and “multimodal safety” improvements as well as park and ride enhancements at the Dirt Spot location.

Niederhauser and the commissioners acknowledged that the plan, which if approved will become part of the county’s general plan, is essentially a wish list that community members and commissioners hope will be realized over many years.

“Now that Morgan County has this plan, it may be possible to work with other counties to produce a complete trail system in northern Utah,” Fackrell said. “We're working with both Weber County and Davis County to devise a plan where the three of us combined together to make that lower end of the county, the Western end of the county to where we have some trails of some sort.”

With this plan in place, the county can go after state and federal grants to help develop new trails in the county, he said. “We're not going to try to complete this all at once, but this plan gives us an opportunity to when funding is available, we can go for it,” he said.

“This gives you the ability to go after projects which lack funding now,

supportive and we wanted a way to give back or pay it forward to others who are fighting cancer in our community.” said Eddy. Last year, No One Fights Alone was able to raise just under $6,000 and supported 5 families in Morgan County. Her kindness and consideration have blessed many Morgan families and will continue to do so for years to come. As for the present, they hope to do more this year!

Jerry Pierce will serve as the MC for the silent auction and announce the winners for items such as gift baskets from Hinds and The Morgan County Fair, a grill from Bingham's Custom meats, airplane rides from Dane Wilkinson, a two-hour horse drawn wagon ride from Dragon Fly carriages, a couple nights at the Cobblestone hotel for a

• IS safe and effective

Christopher Chestnut of UDOT Region

Road Network

1 said.: “Now we say, ‘Okay Morgan County has a set of priorities they have where they want to go and now we can start going after funding sources.’”

to increase the cost of redoing that road significantly by adding a bike lane and right now we struggle to do that. Our road funding is just not adequate.”

Morgan County has a limited regional road network with a low level of redundancy and outside of Morgan City Regional connectivity is provided by a handful of key routes owned by UDOT and Morgan County, including I-84, Old Highway (Mountain Green to Morgan Ci Drive, 1300 North/Stoddard Road, SR-65, SR-66, SR-158 (Lost Creek Road), and SR-167 Road).

Functional Road Classifications

In the past state grants have only been available for trail development but recognizing that maintenance is a huge funding issue for smaller communities, the state is now opening up grant opportunities for funding maintenance, he said.

Though the plan might indicate trails through private property in certain places, those trails would only be developed if the landowner were willing, the commissioners said, for example, a new developer might be willing to put in a trail segment if he/she were granted higher density concessions.

From the Morgan County General Plan, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) organizes groups called functional classifications based on a road’s capacity and purpose. The Utah Transportation (UDOT) uses the following classification system to roadways across the state of each, as well as local examples in Morgan County are provided below and in Figure 10

Commissioners were appreciative of the state’s efforts to help fund maintenance in the smaller communities.

“It's one thing to get the trails built but to maintain them is a whole other thing, and to that end I think there are ways we can do it,” Commission Chair Mike Newton said, “but even if it's a trail added to a roadway you're going

 Interstates are the highest classification of arterials. Designed and constructed long-distance travel, I-84 provides access to the interstate system in Morgan County.

 Principal Arterials typically provide high mobility and lower speed limits than int

 Minor Arterials serve medium-length trips and provide mobility and connectivity

staycation, burley burger gift cards, a Minky Couture, twisted sugar gift cards, an assortment of Mama Lakes delicious treats, and more! No One Fights Alone welcomes donations for the silent auction and is happy to accept them. You can donate a silent auction item by contacting Bobbi Eddy at 801-814-4233 or Nanette Brown at 801-814-4231. "We have some awesome donations already!" commented Eddy. "Come check them out!"

Their Venmo is @NoOneFightsAlone5k and the Facebook and Instagram are the same as last year. You can register online by going to their Facebook, No One Fights Alone 5k, or to their Instagram, no_one_fights_alone_5k. The links are in the bio.

• IS COVERED by most insurance

TMS is like physical therapy for the brain. It uses magnetic pulses, similar in strength to an MRI, to reignite dormant connections in the brain and give you control of your depression. With NeuroHealth, you can take back your life.

“I had taken 11 different medications without any relief… NeuroStar treatment has helped me bring my life back with a happiness that I’ve never experienced before” ~TODD

“When you’re depressed you’re always fighting to live…to survive the next day. NeuroStar made such a difference…all of a sudden I felt empowered, I felt strong, I felt like I wasn’t a victim anymore.” ~DEBBIE

The commission then instructed that the plan go to the Morgan County Planning Commission for review. On June 22, the planning commission began discussing the plan. After that body makes a recommendation, it will be returned to the county commission, probably in July, for further refinement and a vote. l

If you registered for the event by June 21, you are guaranteed to recieve a shirt in the size you want. However, you can still register up until the race starts; they just can’t guarantee a shirt or the size you want after the cut-off date.

Everyone in Morgan county is welcome to contribute next month for No One Fights Alone. Come show your support and fight against cancer. In doing so, you can show those that are struggling that they are not alone. Put the dates in the calendar and take part in the camaraderie that binds our community together. We are Morgan, and Morgan is in this together!l

Figure 9: Transportation and Connectivity Concepts in Morgan City. Source: Morgan City General Plan.

TRANSPORTATION AND CONNECTIVITY Concepts in Morgan City.

Graphic from Morgan City General Plan

EXAMPLE Bicycle Repair Station.

Photo by Bike Dock Solutions

New technology upgraded to fight 21st century fires

The Mountain Green Fire Protection District is upgrading its firefighting technology for 21st century fires. The hose nozzles are roughly 25 to 30 years old and are of the old “automatic” type that have been found to not produce enough gallons-per-minute to properly extinguish the types of large-volume fires today’s open-floor plan houses produce, a Facebook post said. The new nozzles purchased provide the “punch” needed to overcome fire loading of modern furnishings. They also produce excellent fire streams at lower pump pressure, which equates to less strain on the firefighters holding the nozzle and fighting the back-pressure. It means less strain on the 20-year-old fire engine as well. The break-apart feature of these combination fog and solid-stream nozzles allows quick extension of a hose line without shutting down the water, and better tactical choices for the firefighters.

Travel and tourism continues to help the Utah economy

By Robert Spendlove Zions Bank Senior Economist

Utah’s travel and tourism industry has made a strong comeback since the pandemic, but it still faces challenges such as rising inflation and a shortage of workers.

While Inflation is still squeezing household budgets, it hasn’t seemed to dull consumers’ appetite for summer travel. Nearly two out of every three adults plan to take a summer vacation this year — up slightly from 2022, according to Bankrate.

The good news for travelers is that some travel-related costs appear to be cooling. Airline, hotel, car rental and gas prices surged in the summer of 2022, exacerbating overall inflation as travel rebounded from its pandemic slump. Now we’re seeing relief in some of these categories.

Airfares in May 2023 were 13.4% lower than in May 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index. Car rental prices and gas prices have also dropped year-over-year, down 12.4% and 19.7%, respectively.

While getting to your vacation destination may cost less this summer, expect to pay more upon arrival. The average cost of lodging, including hotels and motels, is 3.7% above what it was last year. Meanwhile, the cost of dining out continues to climb, up 8.3% from May 2022 and up 24% from May 2019.

Growth in Utah’s travel and tourism industry has been very strong over the last year. The Federal Aviation Administration recently ranked the Salt Lake City International Airport as the 20th busiest airport in the U.S., in part because it rebounded from the pandemic faster than hubs like Philadelphia and Baltimore. In the first four months of 2023, the airport experienced a 43% increase in interna-

MHS FOOTBALL PROSPECTS LOOK BRIGHT THIS YEAR

The largest turnout of foot ball men the Morgan High School has ever had, have been on the field for the past week. Coach G. Wesley Schaub announces that the following letter men are returning: Dean Butters, Lester Pendleton, Harold Johnson, George Fry, Dean Rich and Delbert London. The team will be light weight this year, but the many younger students who have turned out, promise a “knockout” team for the next two or three years.

tional passengers, according to data from the Salt Lake City Department of Airports.

Visit Salt Lake reports that the Wasatch Front tourism economy is thriving. Its Visitor Economy Index showed strong growth in May 2023, with tourism dollars in Salt Lake increasing by 62.7% compared to one year ago.

“From hosting the NBA All-Star Weekend in February, USA Volleyball and most recently the Outdoor Retailer Summer market, our local restaurants, hotels, attractions and stores are feeling a strong economic benefit,” according to Kaitlin Eskelson, President and CEO of Visit Salt Lake.

“A great example of the power of tourism was the record-setting NBA AllStar Weekend, that created an estimated economic impact of $288 million and 33,000 booked room nights, bringing more than 100,000 visitors to Salt Lake,” she said.

However, a challenge for Utah’s travel industry has been filling jobs to meet visitor demand. But the state continues to close that gap, with employment in Utah’s leisure and hospitality services sector growing by 10% in the last year — more than any other sector.

As the 8th largest industry in our state, travel and tourism is one of Utah’s main economic drivers. When people visit Utah, the money they spend enhances our quality of life. The direct benefit comes from spending on food, lodging, entertainment, and travel expenses. But this direct spending has a multiplier effect, as these dollars flow through the rest of the economy. Utah tourism is recovering strongly, which is good for the economy and everyone in Utah. l

THAT ABOMINABLE CUMBERLAND ROAD

Without making any mistake, the statement can be made that for one of our main traveled highways, the Cumberland road is the worst in the West! Bumps and chucks and bridges of treacherous rottenness make of this road one to cause the hardened driver to have dreams of disaster. The very door to the scenic wonders of the north, a road that would be preferred by a majority of people living to the south over all others into the Wyoming Parks, it is allowed by the State and by the County to slumber in all its primeval rottenness!

By Jennifer Westfall

Musical Direction By Kenneth Plain Choreography Direction by Marilyn Montgomery

THE 1909 FOURTH OF JULY PARADE in front of the Opera House with Amelia Williams and Martha Washington.

Courtesy photo

A LOOK BACK

WHAT TO WATCH

By Jenniffer Wardell

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (in theaters)

Whether or not you want to watch “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” depends on why you like Indiana Jones movies in the first place.

If you’re looking for the classic structure of the original movies, or want to see an old-school hero rendered painfully human, then this is definitely the movie for you. James Mangold is careful to make sure this movie feels a lot like “Raiders of the Lost Ark” or “Temple of Doom,” complete with street-level adventure, helpful kid sidekicks, and a MacGuffin with an interesting historical hook and just a touch of the supernatural. If you’re here for character depth, Ford plays Indy as a man who has been

A LOOK BACK

thoroughly broken by life and grief. It’s hard to watch, but it’s a fantastic performance.

If you’re here for the fun sense of adventure that came with previous movies, however, you’re bound to be disappointed. Though the ending is wonderful, most of the movie is soaked in a lingering sense of grief and despair that sucks a lot of the joy out of it. Only Phoebe WallerBridge’s character has the zip of the series’ earlier entries, though she’s wrestling with her own demons and old griefs. For whole stretches of the film, it feels more like a funeral than an adventure.

There’s even a ghost, though it’s a CGI one. The first section of the film is marred by a CGI-constructed young Indy, and though the technology isn’t bad its presence is still jarring. The limitations of the medium

MORGAN CO. EXHIBIT AT STATE FAIR BEING PREPARED

means that Indy can’t act like himself for whole stretches, and it feels less like a missing adventure than a puppet show. Please, Hollywood, next time just cast someone that looks like Harrison. If we can accept the Ark of the Covenant, we can definitely accept that.

Grade: Three stars Nimona (Netflix)

The best movie opening this week isn’t in theaters.

Based on a comic by ND Stevenson, “Nimona” is a fantasy adventure that manages to be both hilarious and heartbreaking at all the right moments. The world building is clever, the dialogue snaps, and the tense moments are painful in exactly the way they should be. At the heart of it is one of the most beautiful friendships I’ve seen recently in any kind of media, a bond between two lost souls

duce, should notify County Agent C. R. Richards immediately. The things should be ready to be taken to Salt Lake on Monday, Sept. 28.

Sept. 24, 1931

The Morgan County exhibit for the State Fair is now being prepared. It is necessary that the farmers of Morgan County cooperate if the exhibit is to be made representative of Morgan County. Anyone who has some good pro-

SPORTSMEN’S OUTING AT COALVILLE BIG SUCCESS

The Summit County Sportmen’s Association at their second annual Pow Wow held in Coalville last Friday Afternoon certainly did themselves

that will reach through the screen and make you feel a little less alone yourself.

In a fantasy future world where a wall keeps out all the monsters, Ballister Boldheart is a street-wise knight trained to help defend the city. When he’s framed for a horrible crime, he runs into a mysterious young girl who insists on being his sidekick. Can Ballister clear his name, or will he and Nimona accept their roles as the villains of the story?

It’s the most unusual movie opening this week, but it’s the kind of unusual that will work its way into your heart if you give it a chance. “Nimona” doesn’t have the kind of advertising budget that the big-screen movies do, but it’s the one you’ll want to watch again and again.

Grade: Four stars

proud and upheld their reputation as royal entertainers. The first events of the afternoon were the various sports: Bob Stonebraker with a magnificent cast of 72 feet won the fly casting contest and the fishing basket that went with it; the old married stiffs were a little too much for the kids in a thrilling ball game as was also the married women too good for the younger ladies.

Jenniffer Wardell is an award-winning movie critic and member of the Utah Film Critics Association. Find her on Twitter at @wardellwriter or drop her a line at themovieguruslc@gmail.com.

The Movie Guru

‘INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY’ a mixed bag, but ‘NIMONA’ is a charming delight

Credit for photo ©Lucasfilm Ltd.

Personnel, Salaries, and Taxes – Highlights from June’s Board meeting

By Gwen Romero Public Information Officer

Budgets, personnel, and building projects were the themes of June’s meeting of the Morgan School District Board of Education. Here are your highlights.

Morgan County School District continues to provide multiple pathways for students to earn their high school diplomas. Tuesday night, the board celebrated three graduates of Morgan’s Adult Ed. program and two graduates of the online program.

Next fall, the district will see the return of our alternative program, Morgan Rise, formerly the Morgan Unified Learning Center, with Destiny Field taking the reins as Student Intervention Services Director, drawing from her

TABERNACLE

from page 1

something hard and in an impossible time frame,” said Hatch. She added that she couldn’t have accomplished what she was asked to do if it wasn’t for the help of a lot of sisters and divine intervention when they fell short. “I saw miracles happen.”

Lisa Hone, daughter of Hatch and her right-hand woman during this project, said “It was an amazing opportunity to be able to be a part of. There were miracles and blessings that we will remember for a lifetime. It’s truly a project we will never forget.”

The first Tabernacle along with the furniture was completed in the four-week time frame ready to set up in Tremonton, Utah, the first week of August 2022. The second Tabernacle was completed in February of this year.

While these touring Tabernacles are easy to set up and take down, being held together with cam bolts pin cables and stakes, it does take a lot of people to get this done in a timely matter. Not only is the Tabernacle set up outside, but a visitor center is also set up inside an adjacent church building where the public

years in special education, counseling, and administration to provide support for at-risk students. This alternative program will also replace Morgan Online.

Trina Wilkinson will serve as the new principal at Morgan Elementary School. Trina has been serving as our reading intervention specialist, as well as coordinating various professional development programs for the district.

Other administrative changes in the district include Luke Thomas’s move to principal at MHS, where he has served as the instructional coach and a vice principal. Josh Sargent, from North Summit, has been hired to fill the vice principal position at the high school.

District finances are sound. In addition to the high rating from our recent audit, the district continues to benefit from the community’s integrity

is welcome to learn about how the Old Testament Tabernacle symbolism relates to the modern Latter-day Temples.

To help with this process, a mission has been set up in Utah with several missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who travel with the Tabernacles and accoutrements for the visitor center that is transported in a semi-trailer. Once at a location, these missionaries, along with the architect, David Dickson, direct local church members to set up the Tabernacle and visitor center. One location serves several stakes at a time.

While up in Morgan, it was open to members of the Morgan Stake, Morgan North Stake and Morgan West Stake. The whole community of Morgan Valley was invited to tour the Tabernacle, from Tuesday, June 20 through Friday, June 23.

The Morgan Stake used the Tabernacle in conjunction with their Hope of Israel youth camp. Nearly 400 youth from the stake camped near Henefer, Utah for three days and learned about the Tabernacle and how it relates to the modern temples.

On Saturday, June 24, the youth who attended the Hope of Israel camp were

in paying property taxes, which are also used to fund county services. Additionally, the Wasatch Peak development is increasingly adding to the tax base, as are several other developments around the county. As a result, the district and county are negotiating “floating down” the tax rate again this year. The rate will be approved after the Board hold a final Truth in Taxation meeting in August.

Projects around the district include updates to the roof drains, flooring, and playground at MES; the ongoing remodeling of the shop at MMS; upgrades to the sound system and seating in the auditorium at MHS; and electronic locks throughout the district for improved security.

Despite the teacher shortage across the state and nation, Morgan is pleased to announce that all certified openings

invited to bring their families over to tour the Tabernacle and the visitor center and teach them the things they learned while at camp.

The Guiding Principles for this event are: The Lord, Jesus Christ, reveals Himself to His people through His temples and the ordinances therein. He binds Himself to His people through His covenants so He can encourage, strengthen and protect us. The temple is the garner of the Lord where He gathers His people.

Brett Bowcutt of the Morgan Stake said, “Our objective in this effort is that youth in our Stake will be strengthened by coming to know our Savior and to trust Him and invite our people to trust Christ and lean on His ample arm for strength in our lives.”

Penny Pincock, a member of the Morgan Stake said of her touring experience, “Touring the life sized tabernacle really made the Bible stories come alive for me. I especially loved being taught about it, by my children, who had went to the camp. Seeing them connect with a loving Heavenly Father who used the Tabernacle as a giant object lesson, was very beautiful.

Pincock’s daughter Bella also shared her thoughts, “As I spent three days

that were posted in the spring have been filled. The Board is also discussing ways to make MCSD's salaries more competitive with neighboring school districts. In the past, they have focused on compensation compared to similarly sized districts, and we do not have the tax base—retail and/or second homes— of our neighbors. However, they are weighing the feasibility of an additional $5,000 in compensation for each certified staff member. They will reach a decision by the August meeting.

A special thanks to Dr. Jacobs and Dr. Andreasen, who are retiring at the end of this month: your impact on our students and community is indelible.

The next Board meeting will be on August 8, 2023. l

learning about the tabernacle and the power behind each ordinance God gave to the Israelites, I came closer to my Heavenly Father and saw more clearly the power behind the ordinances I can participate in the modern temples.”

Heather Nelson of the Morgan North Stake said of her experience with the Tabernacle, “The Tabernacle really helped me to “see” what’s described in the Old Testament and bring the scriptures to life. I can’t imagine having to move it with camels, donkeys, etc. It’s big! I loved the reverent spirit and learned a lot about the symbolism that pointed the Israelites to Jehovah. It was such a blessing to have this in our small town! Thank you to all those who made it possible!”

By the end of this year, all 629 stakes in Utah, will have had the opportunity to have one of the Tabernacles in their area to tour. If you missed the opportunity while it was in Morgan go to https://www.tabernacleutah.com/ to find out the locations of where they will be set up next. It is predicted that by the end of the tour, these Tabernacles will have 800,000 to 1,000,000 visitors. l

WOMEN FROM THE MORGAN STAKE working tirelessly sewing the fabric for the Tabernacle.

PRESIDENT AND SISTER HALES leading a group of youth through the Tabernacle.

THE TABLE OF SHOWBREAD

ALTER OF INCENSE

ARK OF THE COVENANT in the Holy of Holies with the Tabernacle.

Photo by Chad Hawkes and Verlene Johnson

Hope of Israel

A MINI MAKESHIFT TABERNACLE to teach the youth about the purpose and symbolism to be able to teach their families as they took them through the life size tabernacle that was set up at the Morgan Stake Center. John Pincock and his family worked for hours to build the replica with Alex Mcmullen 3D printing the candlestick.

400 YOUTH AND NEARLY 200 adults gathered at the Hope of Israel camp near Henefer, Utah to learn about the Tabernacle of the Old Testament and how it relates to modern Latter-day temples.

THOSE ATTENDING HOI were well fed both spiritually and physically. No one goes hungry with this army of adults cooking three meals and providing snacks.

EACH YOUTH WAS put into a company, within that company they were divided into tribes and then divided into families. A banner was made by the Pincock family to represent the twelve tribes of Israel.

the significance of the

OVER

THE ENTRANCE TO the Hope of Israel camp.

BLAINE HONE teaching the youth

menorah.

TARA ROBINSON, LYDEAH JOHNSON, PRESTON JOHNSON and Ethan Hoffmann sing one of the many musical numbers that were performed at HOI.

Dr. Doug Jacobs retires after 10 years of leading MCSD

By Verlene Johnson

After 10 years as superintendent of Morgan County School District. Dr. Doug Jacob, is retiring and handing over the reins to Andy Jensen.

Jacobs has a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Southern Utah University, a master's degree in administration from Utah State University and a Doctorate from Nova Southeastern University in Florida.

Starting his teaching career 36 years ago as an elementary teacher in Las Vegas, Nevada, Jacobs also taught in Kanab, Utah where he later served as an elementary, middle and high school principal. After 10 years as the MCSD Superintendent, Jacobs announced his retirement in February.

“I have loved every person, every opportunity, and every experience along the way,” said Jacobs. “It has been my privilege to work with the dedicated and knowledgeable members of the Morgan

Board of Education to bring about important changes in the financial stability of the school district and to accommodate the rapid growth. We have worked together to follow all federal and state laws and to update all district policies

BRAIN TEASERS

and procedures. We have also supported existing employees and have added excellent new teachers, administrators, and other exceptional employees. We were also able to keep our schools open during most of the pandemic!”

Jacobs commented that things are running smoothly in the district and that there is a strong foundation built for the future. “It feels like the right time to hand the reigns to new Superintendent Andy Jensen. He has a great vision for the future and has already proven his skills and abilities as an outstanding educational leader. The school district is in very good hands."

School board member Ronald Blunk said, “In every possible way Dr. Jacobs leaves the Morgan School District in far better shape than he received it. He departs with greatly enhanced moral, educational achievement, district finances and facilities and inspired individual school leadership. To put it simply he was the transformational

leader that the district needed. His legacy will be the group of future education leaders that he inspired, and they will have a positive influence in our community far into the future. His impact to the Morgan County School District is immeasurable!"

“I’ll be eagerly watching and admiring future successes in the district as I move into retirement. I will also be gardening, biking, swimming, traveling, and maybe even some yoga as this new chapter begins.”

Jacob and his wife, who teaches fifth grade in Davis School District, have four adult children/spouses and eight “beautiful” grandchildren. “I am looking forward to spending more time with them,” said Jacobs.

“I will be forever grateful for the friends I have in the Morgan School District and for the support and many kindnesses shown me over the years.” l

Troyettes excited to showcase drill skills

By Liisa London Mecham

After a three year hiatus, the Troyettes, the drill team representing Morgan High, is back and ready to “showcase their skills” to their school, community and competition Drill tryouts were held in April for the first time since 2020, and 27 girls are preparing to represent Morgan as Troyettes. Led by head coach Tayler Jackson and assistant coach Kambria Rushton, the team is practicing all summer and attending camps to prepare to perform and compete.

“These girls are going to kill it,” Coach Jackson commented in an interview last week following practice. “They have a solid foundation of dance techniques. We have really flexible girls and many of them are strong turners. It’s going to be so fun to work as a team while highlighting individual strengths and showing what these girls can accomplish.”

Three years ago the decision was made to move away from a drill team and form a Spirit Squad that incorporated a dance team with the cheerleading squad. The Spirit Squad took state for two years before changes to the competition structure the past year as cheerleading received sanctioning from the Utah High School Activities Association (UHSAA) caused the program to re-evaluate options for the Spirit Squad and Dance Team.

“The new structure of sanctioned cheerleading doesn’t really cater to dancers,” Jackson explained. “It’s a great time to bring back the drill team and let our dancers show their talents and compete in the area just for them.”

“We compete in military, show and dance competitions. Since we’ve been doing pom for the past three years our dancers who were on the Spirit Squad will have a very strong background for the military dance. Military is like pom but less cute,” Jackson joked.

The coaches explained, “We are going to be strong in hip hop. We’ve had some Cougarettes [national championship team dance team from BYU] working with the girls, and our girls are going to rock it.”

Drill team members, like cheerleaders, practice year round. Their competition season is January through February, but they constantly

work to prepare for competitions and performances. The Troyettes have been practicing from 7 a.m.-10 a.m. this summer as well as putting in some nine hour choreography days. They will attend a drill camp at Hillcrest Junior High for several days this summer, and once school starts they will practice daily starting at 6am and working through their first hour drill class for the first two trimesters.

“These girls work hard,” Coach Rushton explained. “They work all year to prepare. We’re excited to perform for the community and invite everyone to watch our performances during half time. We love the support of the student body and the community. Make sure you take time during halftime to watch these girls perform.”

The 2023-2024 Troyetts will be young with only two seniors, nine ju -

TROYETTES on page 10

MHS hosts wrestling camp: Pentz, Hardy, and Wilson instruct wrestlers

By Liisa London Mecham

With practitioners Owen Pentz, Brocky Hardy, and Josh Wilson, the Morgan High wrestling team had already lined up an all-star crew of Division I athletes to instruct the campers at Morgan’s summer wrestling camp, so the surprise appearance of Nebraska head wrestling coach Mark Manning added icing on

the cake for campers. Manning, who coaches Hardy at Nebraska, was in town recruiting Pentz, who wrestled his first two years at North Dakota State, to join Hardy on the Cornhuskers wrestling team. Manning spoke to the group of over 40 wrestlers from Morgan and North Summit who gathered June 21-23 to improve their skills and hone their craft.

Morgan head wrestling coach Kelly Wilson commented, “It was a very good

camp. The instructors were awesome, and the kids were there to learn. The kids had a special treat when Mark Manning, the head coach of Nebraska, talked to them while recruiting Owen.”

Kandus Meibos, mom of three wrestlers who attended the camp, reported that all three of her boys really enjoyed the camp and learned a lot.

Pentz, who announced Friday, June 23 that he has committed to wrestle at Ne-

braska, graduated from Morgan High and wrestled for two seasons at North Dakota State, qualifying for the NCAA tournament both years at NDSU. Wilson, also a Morgan High graduate, wrestled at Utah Valley University. Hardy is a Box Elder High graduate and an All-American who placed sixth at the 2023 NCAA National Championships and recently qualified for the U23 World Team, l

The Troyettes will be led by Co-Captain Emma Nilsen, Head Captain Lainey Palmer, Head Captain Emme Hansen, Social Media Captain Taegan Polad, and Co-Captain Chevelle Dickson.

Photos by Tayler Jackson

THE 2023-2024 TROYETTES are excited to perform for Morgan residents and invite everyone to stick around during the first part of halftimes to watch their performances.

THE WRESTLERS listen to Nebraska head wrestling coach Mark Manning who was in town to recruit Owen Pentz.

Photos by Kandus Meibos

OVER 40 WRESTLERS from Morgan and North Summit gathered last week to be instructed by three college wrestlers: Owen Pentz, Josh Wilson and Brock Hardy.

Row for Joe! MHS teacher and coach needs stem cell transplant

By Liisa London Mecham

F or 15 years Joe Sisson and his family have called Morgan home. When a teaching position opened in 2008, Sisson and his wife Jessica moved with their one-year-old son to their current home in Morgan City. Since arriving the Sissons have added three children to their family, and Joe has taught and coached hundreds of Morgan High students. As a teacher, Joe instructs young minds in psychology, sports psychology, geography, US History, and weight training. As a coach, he develops football players and works with athletes as a strength and conditioning coach. For 15 years the Sissons have contributed to the Morgan community, and now Joe needs the community to join him and “Row for Joe!”

Joe’s diagnosis of systemic scleroderma has rocked their family’s plans and put his health in the forefront. Last month Joe and Jessica traveled to Duke University to determine if he would be a candidate for a lifesaving stem cell transplant that would give him a shot to overcome the disease that has ravaged his uber healthy body. The Sissons were cautiously optimistic when given approval to participate in the stem cell transplant. With an initial report date of July 10 that has now been moved up to July 7, Joe and Jessica will travel to Durham, North Carolina in less than two weeks to prepare for the procedure. Joe’s parents will also travel out to relieve Jessica and allow her to return home to be with their children. A caregiver is required to be with Joe during his entire procedure.

During the treatment, Joe’s stem cells will be harvested and then sorted into good and bad. The good cells will be frozen while Joe undergoes chemotherapy and radiation to kill off his immune system. On or about July 24, the doctors will reintroduce his good stem cells and hope that it “resets” his immune system. After his cells return to a certain level, this takes roughly two weeks while he remains hospitalized, he will then be able to transition to a “day hospital” status where he stays offsite, but he returns for daily checks. Best estimates tentatively schedule his release for Aug. 30.

Nearly two months away from their four children, Den’ja, 16; Kohana, almost 13; Cash, 10; and Dresdyn, 7, will be a challenge for Joe and Jessica. Joe commented, “It will be hard during, but good when it’s over. It’s a temporary setback.”

Jessica, who has become an expert on the disease that daily threatens her family’s security, shared their family’s journey to a diagnosis on Facebook in June for Scleroderma Awareness month. “As many of you know my husband was diagnosed with this disease in June 2022 after a few months of being sick. When I first heard about this disease, it was terrifying.”

“Despite being an irregular poster and someone who doesn’t love attention, I will be posting about our little journey we’re on because, when he was first diagnosed, I was desperate to

TROYETTES from page 9

WAYS TO HELP “ROW THE BOAT”

1- Donate through Venmo- Send money directly to Joe and Jessica @ JoeSisson

2- Donate to the GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/ help-joe-battle-scleroderma

3. Buy a T-shirt Contact Bradi Saunders to order and purchase a Row the Boat T-shirt. Cost is $25 per shirt. Call or text Bradi to order (801) 710-2127

4. Buy a “Row for Joe” bracelet. Call or text Chandler and Boston Saunders (801) 829-8894

find hope through someone else living with this. If our story is a lifeline to just one person, I feel it is worth it!”

Jessica detailed how Joe began feeling “a little off shortly after Christmas 2021,” and his feet and hands were swollen, stiff and sore. Consultation with different doctors showed a possible autoimmune disease, and one suggested gout. Joe, an elite athlete who trained for the Olympics as a bobsledder before a near-death sledding accident halted his career, was soon unable to walk up stairs and participate in many everyday activities. “It was crazy how fast he went downhill, “ Jessica shared.

In April 2022, after a very trying night with Joe struggling to breath as he slept, Jessica took him to the emergency room where doctors started treating him for rheumatoid arthritis. Medications including steroids were prescribed.

Jessica detailed, “The steroid did wonders for the pain, and he slowly started to feel a little better. He was happy when he was finally able to get back to teaching and back to working with the kids in the weight room. There were days he had to coach from sitting in a chair, but he was there!

niors, eight sophomores and eight freshmen, but the coaches are excited about the girls’ abilities. “We have a high level of rigor, and our goal is to get all of the girls to the same technique level. Our girls come from a lot of different studios, and we are grateful for the dance studios in the area that help train the girls so well.”

Jackson and Rushton bring years of experience and expertise as coaches. Jackson, who teaches chemistry and material science at Morgan High, served as an assistant coach with the Dance Team as part of the Spirit Squad. She was also a four year member of the Jordan High drill team and lifelong dancer. Rushton, a North Summit graduate and four year drill team member, has also danced since childhood and always wanted to be a drill team coach.

In addition to strong coaches, the Troyettes will be led by senior head captains, Lainey Hansen and Emme Palmer and junior co-captains Chevelle Dickson and Emma Nilsen and junior social media captain Teagan Polad. Palmer, daughter of Robert and Kelti Palmer, is a three year member of the Spirit Squad, and Hansen, daughter of Dan and An -

Weeks went by, and although things were a bit better, something was still off. His hands were getting worse.”

Joe’s rheumatologist continued to investigate, and in June 2022, Joe was finally diagnosed with “systemic (widespread)-diffuse (fast progressing) scleroderma.” Knowing that they were dealing with a fast-progressing disease, the Sissons chose to pursue aggressive treatment. Jessica tirelessly researched and found that there were “no longer any experts in the state of Utah” and there are only a “handful of doctors in the country who really focus on scleroderma.” They finally found an expert, Dr. Shah, at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, who was able to help them. Jessica reported, “It was so nice to finally talk to someone who knew more about this disease than I did.”

Sisson is insured through the school district, and insurance will cover much of the 300K plus in medical expenses, but transportation, living and other costs associated with traveling so far from home for nearly two months will cause severe financial hardship for the family.

The community has rallied to help this family who has given so much to the Morgan community. Joe reported, “All of this support has been absolutely mind blowing to us!” For those who wish to contribute, Venmo and GoFundMe accounts have been created for direct donations (see sidebar).

As of Tuesday morning, the GoFundMe account tallied over $9,400. T-shirts and bracelets are being sold, and children are hosting lemonade and hot dog stands to contribute.

gie Hansen, has participated since her sophomore year. They are both excited for their new opportunities with drill.

As captains, both senior dancers have the technical dance skills honed from years of practice and competitive dance experience and are prepared to lead. Hansen shared, “We are going to work to help the girls stay focused at practice and give 100% to the team all the time.”

Palmer added, “Mental is a big part of dance. I want to help the girls be mentally strong and really have fun.”

Hansen’s and Palmer’s enthusiasm for dance is infectious, and they are eager to lead their team as the drill team returns to Morgan High.

Junior members of the team are Chevelle Dickson, Emma Nilsen, Tessa Whimpey, Abbie Briggs, Lovelle Skoglund, Taegan Polad, Kynzie Zuech, Madison Penrod, and Sariah Johansen. Mae Godfrey, Brynn Garner, Miley Martinson, Gracie McGregor, Gracie Orton, Violet Webster, Chaselyn Weeks, and Lucy Montgomery represent the sophomore class.

Freshman embarking on their first year of high school drill team include Jaylie Sorenson, Chanel Christensen, Kadence Hutchinson, Anessa Dickson, Karlie Hoffman, Skylyn Bond, Elle Vogt, and Liv

Monday evening Noah Birkeland and his teammates who play for Coach Sisson brought Birkelands’ churro truck to Hind’s Quick Stop for a few hours and donated all of the profits to the Sissons. Sales and donations totaled $1,000 including generous assistance from Lars Birkeland and Gary and Dalynn from Hinds.

Bradi Saunders, a mom who reported that Joe has taught/coached seven of her children, organized a T-shirt fundraiser. “The shirts were designed with Joe’s help and use his mantra from P.J. Fleck, ‘Row the Boat.’” she explained. “Mandy Covill, who lives across the street from the Sissons, is making them for us locally at a great price. Each shirt will be $25 with all profit going directly to the Sissons.” Interested parties can contact Bradi Saunders to order a shirt (see sidebar).

Saunders’ son, Boston and his wife Chandler are preparing “Row for Joe” bracelets to sell because “they wanted to be involved in giving back to Coach Sisson.”

On Friday, June 23 Joe posted a vulnerable request for financial support to help him take advantage of the life-saving stem cell transplant at Duke University. Within hours the Morgan community responded and has continued to respond.

“Thank you from the depths of my heart for being a part of my story,” Sisson concluded his post. “Your love, prayers, and generosity give me strength and hope beyond measure. I know I can overcome this obstacle and that I’ll be back teaching, coaching and being a dad again soon!” l

Sandoval.

With the Troyettes return, there are also challenges, especially in the costuming area. The team is holding a new fundraising event this summer to help them restock the drill closet. The drill closet usually contains uniforms from previous years that the dancers can use for different performances, but the Troyettes’ closet hasn’t been restocked in 10 years, and some of the uniforms are 30 years old.

“We want to make sure our girls feel as confident as possible as they present their routines. We don’t want them performing an awesome routine with no costumes,” Jackson explained.

The fundraiser, Troyette’s Annual Golf Classic at Round Valley, will be held Aug. 9 at 5 p.m.. In addition to a delicious dinner and raffle prizes, there will be "a party on every hole” as the drill team members host activities for the golfers as they play . There are still open spots for sponsors and participants. Interested parties can contact Coach Jackson at tayler.jackson@morgansd.org.

“It’s going to be a fun year,” Jackson concluded. “Come out and support these dancers as they work hard and give their support to the other teams at Morgan High. Our show routine has a Wednesday Adams theme, and our other dances are going to be great!” Welcome back Troyettes! l

JOE AND JESSICA SISSON and their four children thank the community for their tremendous outpouring of love and support.

JOE SISSON LOVES COACHING YOUTH SPORTS. He is very excited about overcoming his scleroderma so he can return full strength to the sidelines and weightroom.

Photos Courtesy of Joe Sisson

Origins of July fourth

By Verlene Johnson

Breakfast in the park, a sunrise flag ceremony, parades, backyard BBQs and fireworks, mean it is time once again to celebrate America’s Independence Day. Americans around the country have celebrated Independence Day on July 4, for 247 years.

July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence from Great Britain, a resolution proposed on June 7 by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia and seconded by John Adams. Adams thought this day should be the celebration of independence, however, it was not until July 4, that delegates from the 13 colonies signed the Declaration of Independence, a document that was drafted mainly by the hand of Thomas Jefferson. Since then, the Fourth of July has been celebrated with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts, with families gathering for barbecues and picnics.

The first fireworks were used as early as 200 B.C. The tradition of setting off fireworks on the Fourth of July

PUBLIC NOTICE

MOUNTAIN GREEN FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT, a Utah Special Tax District, and MORGAN COUNTY FIRE & EMS, a department of Morgan County, Utah, government, REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL:

CHIPPING AND HAULING SERVICES

The Mountain Green Fire District and the County of Morgan Fire & EMS are requesting proposals from qualified offerors to conduct tree and brush chipping and hauling services in Mountain Green, Morgan County, Utah.

Proposal Scope of Work can be found on the Mountain Green Fire Protection District website at www.mgfpd.org, under "NOTICES", on the District HOME page.

Proposers are responsible for securing any and all addenda issued.

Responses to this RFP may be emailed to chief131@mgfpd.org , by July 5. Bids must be received by July 10, with work completed by July 17, 2023. Please note a budget of $10,000 has been assigned to this project.

The Fire District and Morgan Fire & EMS reserve the right to accept or reject any proposals as it best serves its convenience and/or is found to be in the best interest of Morgan County and Mountain Green Fire Protection District.

Publishing June 30, 2023, July 7, 2023

began in Philadelphia, July 4, 1777, during the first organized celebration of Independence Day.

However, Independence Day was more of a tradition than a holiday until 1870 when the US. Congress declared the Fourth of July as a federal holiday. In 1941 it was expanded to a paid holiday to all federal employees. l

Let us tell the world!

Celebrating an anniversary or a 70th, 80th or 90th birthday? Are you planning a wedding or have you just had one? How cute is your one-year-old child or grandchild? The Morgan County News wants to help you spread the word. Please submit a photo and a short writeup of whatever you are celebrating or planning to our editorial staff at becky.g@davisjournal.com. This is a great way to let the community know what’s happening in your world. Our publications go into mailboxes each Friday and are produced on Mondays and Tuesdays of that week. So your deadline would be Monday by 5 p.m. Let us help you tell the world! From your friends and neighbors at The Morgan County News.

Monday

Claim to Fame

(4) KTVX 7 p.m.

In this game show hosted by Kevin and Frankie Jonas (of the Jonas Brothers), celebrities’ relatives step outside their famous family member’s shadow and live together under one roof, concealing their identity in the quest for their own fame and fortune. Cruel Summer FREE 11 p.m.

Season 2 continues with an all-new episode, taking viewers back to Y2K, where sparks fly at Luke’s birthday party. Relationships are tested as Megan becomes more distant from Luke, and later, Megan obsesses over an interesting letter she received.

Tuesday

Independence Day: Resurgence

A&E 6 p.m.

Serving as a sequel to the 1996 film “Independence Day”, this film picks up 20 years later. An alien mother ship is approaching Earth with plans to attack, and humanity must spring into action. The film stars Jeff Goldblum, Liam Hemsworth, and more.

Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks

Spectacular

(5) KSL 7 p.m.

This spectacle features approximately 25 minutes of fireworks from at least 5 barges, enough for about 1,900 explosions per minute. The 47th annual event will feature patriotic musical performances leading to a grand finale that will leave you breathless.

Wednesday

Nancy Drew

(30) KUCW 8 p.m.

In this series’ fourth and final season, Nancy Drew (Kennedy McMann) launches a new investigation to find a group of missing bodies from Horseshoe Bay’s cemetery that have been dug up and stolen — or have possibly risen. Alex Saxon co-stars.

Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars

(13) KSTU 8 p.m.

The competition boils on as Chef Gordon Ramsay presides over an exciting episode, testing the latest and greatest food and drink industry professionals, as he continues his search for the next name in culinary entrepreneurship, worthy of his investment.

OBITUARIES DEADLINE

Submit obituaries to : obits@themorgannews.com

Tuesday by 5 p.m. week of publication

MHS ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE SECRETARY

$15.95 per hour

MHS

Up to 29 hours per week / no benefits

Closing: Open until filled

To Apply: Submit an application on www.morgansd.org - click on Job Application.

TELEVISION GUIDE

Mission: Impossible Behind-theScenes Special

(2) KUTV 8:30 p.m.

This “behind-the-scenes” special feature airs in advance of the release of “Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One” – the seventh installment of the series – taking a look at the meticulous planning that brings Tom Cruise’s adventures to life.

Thursday

The Chase

(4) KTVX 8 p.m.

Sara Haines hosts a new episode of this fast-paced quiz show, in which three contestants must face off against Brad Rutter (the “Chaser”), who is eager to put their brain power to the test as he tries to prevent the players from winning a cash prize.

So Help Me Todd

(2) KUTV 8 p.m.

In this episode, Margaret (Marcia Gay Harden) represents Susan’s (Inga Schlingmann) good friend in a hostile work environment lawsuit. When Todd (Skylar Astin) gets sick, Margaret must get the job done by going undercover at a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Friday

Tough as Nails

(2) KUTV 7 p.m.

Filmed in Hamilton, Ont., the fifth season of this reality show features essential work ers who are ready to put their strength, agility, endurance, life skills and mental toughness to the test, competing in challenges set at real-life job sites.

Moonshine

(30) KUCW 9 p.m.

In the premiere of this dramedy series, viewers meet the dysfunctional Finley-Cullens family. Lidia (Jennifer Finnigan) returns home from New York for her aunt’s funeral, but a sur prise inheritance ignites a feud with her rival sister.

Saturday

(30) KUCW 8 p.m.

Greatest Geek Year Ever: 1982

Painting With John

HBO 9 p.m.

In the Season 3 finale of this unscripted series, musician, actor, director and –most importantly – painter John Lurie shares his appreciation for his long-time assistant and friend Nesrin and puts the spotlight on his epic collection of luminary toast.

Saturday

PGA of America Special

(2) KUTV 11 a.m.

From Annika Sorenstam to Suzy Whaley and Nancy Lopez, there’ve been a long list of women who’ve been trailblazers in the world of women’s golf. This special examines how they’ve shaped the game and how they continue to shape it in the 21st century.

V.C. Andrews’ Dawn LIFE 6 p.m.

“Part 1” follows as young Dawn (Bree Bassinger) goes to stay with her real family after learning the shocking truth about the people who raised her. Soon after, Dawn learns that even her biological family has dark and twisted secrets of their own.

Sunday

The Righteous Gemstones

A new episode airs from Season 3 of this popular series, starring Danny McBride, Adam DeVine, John Goodman, Edi Patterson and more. The story continues, following three generations of a famous televangelist family with a taste for deviance and greed.

D.I. Ray KUED 9 p.m.

In the series premiere of this British police procedural, D.I. Rachita Ray (Parminder Nagra) is promoted to homicide but instantly realizes she is a “token” hire for the squad. The series also stars: Ian PulestonDavies; Jessica Temple; and Gemma Whelan.

It’s a regular “Geek Fest” when “Greatest Geek Year Ever: 1982” premieres Saturday, July 8, on the CW. This special episode takes a totally tubular look at the greatest geek year in cinema – 1982 – featuring conversations with stars, directors, writers, producers, and critics, all sharing insights about the films of ‘82.

Celebrity Profile

By Dana Simpson TV Media

Horror and comedy may seem like opposite ends of the spectrum to most, but those in the business may argue, like actor/director Eli Roth (“Cabin Fever,” 2002), that “horror is like comedy” in many ways. Approachable from many different angles and in many different styles, horror is a lot like comedy in that what makes people laugh — or tremble with fear — is a unique and very personal experience. As such, it should come as no surprise to see some of comedy’s finest star in TV and film designed to scare and unsettle audiences.

In that vein, Prime Video’s “The Horror of Dolores Roach,” premiering Friday, July 7, stars one of the comedy world’s most enduring figures: Marc Maron. Best known as of late for his candid celebrity interviews and biting wit in his “WTF with Marc Maron” podcast, Maron stars in the series as Long Island landlord Gideon Pearlman, the newest owner of a building used as lodging, a massage therapy parlor and — how to put it delicately? — some more unsavory wrongdoings. Based on the podcast of the same name, the Blumhouse horror drama also stars Justina Machado (“One Day at a Time”), Alejandro Hernandez (“New Amsterdam”), Judy Reyes (“Scrubs”) and K. Todd Freeman (“The Cider House Rules,” 1999).

Born Marcus David Maron on Sept. 27, 1963, the future comedian lived in his hometown of Jersey City, New Jersey, until he was six years old and his father’s work as an Air Force surgeon moved his family out of state. As a result, Maron and his brother spent their shared childhood between New Jersey, Alaska and New Mexico with their parents.

Mexicans celebrate “Grito de Dolores”

(meaning “Cry of Dolores”) on September

15. On that day in 1810, Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a priest in the town of Dolores, made a speech demanding the freedom of Mexico from Spain.

Now on this day, the president rings the original bell from Father Hidalgo’s church and recites Hidalgo’s original speech. The president ends with the cry, “Viva México!” which can be heard the rest of the night during celebrations, fireworks and other fun activities.

People in Poland celebrate their independence on November 11 when citizens place flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to commemorate soldiers who have died for their country. Citizens attend parades and ceremonies, wearing Poland’s colors: red and white. In Warsaw, the capital city, thousands of runners participate in the annual Independence Day Run.

Karan’s Kite

The night before Independence Day in India, the president of the country gives a speech about how the country is doing.

On the day itself, August 15, citizens gather and watch their country’s flag being hoisted to the top of the flagpole. This happens at offices, homes and schools. Afterwards, families and friends get together and enjoy delicious food.

Lots of people also fly kites on Independence Day to symbolize India’s freedom from the British on August 15, 1947.

Karan’s kite has stripes. His kite has a tail, but not a short one. Karan doesn’t like polka dots on kites. It is not a box kite.

Country Search

Look through the newspaper to find the names of five or more countries. Find these countries on a map of the world. Why was each country mentioned in your newspaper?

Most Independence Day celebrations _____________ include setting off fireworks. The exploding excitement of fireworks had its origins in a __________ in China.

About 1,000 years ago, a Chinese cook _______ three ingredients _____________ found in kitchens at that time. A _________ from the cooking fire ____________ his concoction into a blast of sparks! Some say this was the _________ firework.

The three ingredients were saltpeter (used for pickling _________), sulfur (used to make _____________ fires hotter) and charcoal (the _____________ wood from the cooking fire).

After reading this page, write three short statements for each country that sum up how independence is celebrated there. Poland is done for you.

Standards

My Best Birthday

What was your best birthday celebration ever?