Davis Journal | November 2025

JDavis County

For Simonsen, dentistry has been about the kids – and the relationships

By Becky Ginos | becky.g@thecityjournals.com

BOUNTIFUL—Chris Simonsen retires after 56 years in practice as a pediatric dentist.

As a young boy growing up in Brigham City Utah Chris Simonsen always wanted to be a dentist. Not just a dentist but a pediatric dentist. He reached that goal and after 56 years in practice, Simonsen retired Sept. 27 and turned 82 a week later.

“I would hang around dental offices,” said Simonsen. “My friends thought I was a little crazy that I wanted to hang around dental offices and go visit the orthodontist and watch what they do and pour models. So I did that and I liked to take classes in high school like chemistry, math and anatomy, things like that.”

After graduation in 1961 from Box Elder High School Simonsen went up to Utah State. “There I started in pre-dent and the professor in charge of pre-den got us all together in a room,” he said. “We had the pre-dent and the pre-med. There were over 100 of us. He said ‘I’m going to be frank with you, there’s probably only going to be one or two of you that will get into dental school or medical school. You’ve really got to want to do this.”

Probably after the first quarter, half of you will be gone, he said. “That was true. There were only about 50 of us. Having a predent major I decided I needed to do a little more than that so I got a minor in psychology and also a minor in pottery because I felt as a dentist I had to use my hands and my feet and coordinate that and pottery would be the best way to do all of that together. Besides that, all the cute girls were in pottery.”

Simonsen said he found out that Utah State had the leading speech pathology school in the country. “I thought ‘why not have that as my major?’ So I changed my major from pre-dent to speech pathology. I went and told

my advisor that I was doing that and he said ‘Chris there’s no way you’ll ever get into dental school with a speech pathology degree.”

Simonsen said the speech pathology advisor took him under his wing. “He was able to get a head corpse that I could then dissect out the jaw and the muscle. That was really kind of weird.” At the end Simonsen said the professor told him he really needed to be a speech pathologist. “‘You’re really good with the kids and what you’re doing and you should really go on and get a PhD in speech pathology and then come back as a professor.’

I said ‘oh sir thank you but I want to be a dentist. I want to be a kids’ dentist.’”

He said “OK,” Simonsen said. “So I looked up dental schools and in 1964 the number one dental school in America was Marquette in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It was a Catholic dental school. I got the application and filled it all out and sent it in. I went and told my ex-advisor in pre-dent that I’d submitted my application to Marquette. He said ‘oh Chris there’s no way you’ll ever get in because first of all you have a speech pathology degree and you’re going to a Catholic school and you’re a Mormon.’”

Simonsen said he didn’t apply to any other schools. “On Christmas Eve I went home to have Christmas with my parents and after we opened our presents my mother handed me a letter from Marquette School of Dentistry. I thought ‘oh no.’ I opened it and I got accepted. I was so excited. I was the only one who got into dental school that year.”

As a sophomore, Simonsen enlisted into the United States Army so he could be in the Army Core and went through training to prepare him to go to a MASH unit in Vietnam. “The training was really harsh there,” he said. “They showed us things that we would see in Vietnam that had happened to people – it was

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Chris Simonsen treats a child at his practice in Bountiful. Simonsen retired after 56 years as a pediatric dentist. Courtesy photo

Annual Turkey Drive for food pantries

Last year, the drive saw over 1,200 turkeys donated, along with $23,000 in funds.

By Tom Haraldsen t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com

The annual Turkey Drive coordinated by the Bountiful Food Pantry and Open Doors Pantry will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. Donated turkeys can be dropped off at three locations during those hours, as detailed below.

Last year, the drive saw over 1,200 turkeys donated, along with $23,000 in funds. The effort between the two pantry programs distributed more than 22,000 pounds of food to needy families.

“The people we serve are going through a financial crisis, and unfortunately, it affects every part of their lives,” said Rebekah Anderson, executive director of the Bountiful Food Pantry. “By offering some normalcy in the form of a Thanksgiving dinner, we’re offering families some peace in their financial storm. It warms my heart knowing that

children who receive these turkeys will go back to school the next week and be able to share the same stories their friends do about the feast they had on Thanksgiving.”

“If we had not received donated turkeys with last year’s turkey drive, we would have handed out many boxes with mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy mix, and green beans without the bird,” Jason Wilde, director of Open Doors, said. “To serve our friends and neighbors who are struggling at this time of year, and to provide their children and families with a Thanksgiving meal, this turkey drive is essential!”

He relayed a story from last year.

“We usually distribute our Thanksgiving boxes several days before Thanksgiving Day, but last year, I was leaving my office at 6 p.m. the day before Thanksgiving, ready to relax over the Thanksgiving weekend, when my phone rang, and it was a local principal who told me that he just heard about a family whose children attended his elementary school who had nothing for Thanksgiving and he asked if he could help. I met him at our food bank 20 minutes later and handed him a box, including a large turkey and all of the fixings. He delivered the Thanksgiving meal box to the family’s home and called me immediately to say that the mother, whose husband had been recently laid off, cried with joy to experience firsthand the generosity of our community to bless her family, which included three children all in elementary school.”

Turkeys and fixings for Thanksgiving dinners can be dropped off at the Bountiful Food Pantry, 480 East 150 North; the Open Doors Food Pantry, 875 East U.S. 193 in Layton; and at the Church at 270 Burton Lane in Kaysville. l

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real. It was kind of scary. That’s part of the reason that I felt we needed to have the Veterans Park (in Bountiful). We had to shoot the guns, we had to throw grenades, we had to go through mines and go into tear gas chambers and take off our masks. It was nasty.”

About two weeks before he was to be deployed the president pulled all of the MASH units out of Vietnam because the Viet Cong were going after the MASH units, he said. “They did that to demoralize the troops because they wouldn’t have someone to take care of them if they got hurt.”

When Simonsen got out of the Army he became a dental resident at Milwaukee Children’s Hospital where he served as an intern resident and got his degree in pediatric dentistry. After graduation he came back to Utah and opened a practice in pediatric dentistry. “I found out that I was the first pediatric den-

tist in Utah,” he said. “There are about 165175 dentists now.”

Simonsen moved his practice from Salt Lake to Bountiful and it grew. “Patients were coming from as far as Alaska to see me,” he said. “We had families coming from Georgia and Tennessee. They were following me. Lots of second generation patients that we see.”

Besides patients from out of state, Simonsen also treated children from all over the world, even the children of a Saudi Arabian prince.

For the 56 years he’s been in practice, Simonsen has done more than just dentistry – he becomes a child’s friend.

“I like to build a relationship with the kids,” said Simonsen. “I go to their games, dance recitals, etc. places where they can see me and say ‘hi.’ There needs to be a relationship between dentist and patient. I want them to know they are a real person – not just a number.” l

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Simonsen served in the United States Army and went through training to prepare him to go to a MASH unit in Vietnam. Courtesy photo

New site selected for county’s Code Blue Warming Center

DAVIS COUNTY—The county has purchased Talia Events Center in Clearfield for the warming center.

By Becky Ginos becky.g@thecityjournals.com

Oct. 15 was the first day of Code Blue. It runs through April 30, 2026. A Code Blue event is when the National Weather Service predicts temperatures will drop below 18 degrees. State law mandates that the county have a Code Blue warming center for any unsheltered individuals. The Davis County Warming Center is available to them any night from 7:30 p.m.–7:30 a.m.

Last year there was some controversy as to where the warming center would be located. Ultimately, the county emissions facility in Kaysville was used.

“Last year our requirement was to have 16 beds,” said Chanel Flores, director of Economic Development. “This year our requirement is to have 30 beds. So we’re close to doubling that amount but luckily we have a location. As a county we recently purchased Talia (events center) at 22 E. 200 S. in Clearfield. It’s actually right next door to our health department and our senior services.”

There are the WIC programs and so many different resources there and we have a bus stop right there, she said. “So we’re really excited about this opportunity. We’re actually only going to take a small portion of the building on the north side.”

“It will be our location going forward,” said Davis County Community Services Manager, Ryan Steinbeigle.

“No taxpayer funds were used for the purchase. It came from Davis County Health Department capital funds.”

Flores said they are planning on a couple of different things this year. “Instead of having two individuals per shift, due to the increase of individuals, we are now seeking three volunteers per shift.”

The hours are kind of the same, she said. “The first shift is 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., second shift is 11:30 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. and our final shift is 3:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. This is something we really need help with pushing this information out.”

This is magic, said Flores. “Volunteers are here to make sure that those individuals seeking shelter when it is under 18 degrees have somewhere safe to spend the night and not freeze to death. The more volunteers we get the better.”

When you need emergency care fast, the closest emergency room is a smart thing to know. CommonSpirit Holy Cross Hospital - Davis offers complete emergency care at our Weber Campus serving as a direct path between feeling scared or uncomfortable and feeling better. Find emergency care close to you at mountain.commonspirit.org.

Flores said another exciting thing is the county is hiring a homeless and housing coordinator position. “This person really is going to be helping us process the check ins and helping get volunteers up and running.”

There will be a training for volunteers Monday, Nov. 3 at 6 p.m. at Talia’s, she said. “We want people to be able to see it and be aware and have that training.”

This year they are required to do searches prior to any individual entering the facility, she said. “So this is just another level of safety. The Sheriff will be there again for check in and check out.”

Instead of bus pick up spots, the county will be giving out UTA bus passes, said Steinbeigle. “We’ll be handing those out to people experiencing homelessness so they can get to and from the warming center. We’re contracted with Open Doors for hotels and motels for families. We don’t allow families at the warming center.”

Open Doors does street outreach twice a week, he said. “They go throughout the community and look for individuals experiencing homelessness. So they’ll be the primary purveyor of providing the bus passes. But then when people start coming to the warming center too we’ll also be passing those out.”

The biggest challenge with this population is letting them know when there is a Code Blue, Steinbeigle said. “Some of them don’t have phones and aren’t getting the notifications from the state of Utah. So hopefully during street outreach we can let people know when we are in Code Blue.”

To volunteer contact Steinbeigle at rsteinbeigle@co.davis.ut.us or go to https://daviscounty1.volunteerlocal.com/ volunteer/?id=105357. l

The Whitaker launches project to archive, celebrate women who helped shape Centerville

CENTERVILLE—The Whitaker Museum has launched a project to collect and archive the underrepresented stories and historical contributions of Centerville’s women which will culminate in a featured exhibit for Women’s History Month next March.

By Linda Petersen l.petersen@mycityjournals.com

The Whitaker Museum is working on a project to collect, archive, and celebrate the historic contributions of Centerville’s women.

“Part of the museum’s mission is to keep our stories alive,” said museum intern and project lead Fawn McArthur. “And in keeping the women’s stories alive, we keep everyone’s story alive for Centerville... it’s important to remember that women’s stories matter as well, and women were the ones who helped shape Centerville as well.”

The museum currently has many histories of former Centerville residents, but they are largely focused on the men who contributed to the community, McArthur said.

This project is a direct effort to fill that gap in the historical record, which museum director Lisa Lin Sommer recognized as having a strong emphasis on men’s stories. McArthur explained that existing archives often dedicate only “little snippets” to women unless they achieved high-profile accomplishments like Elizabeth Whitaker. To rectify this, the museum is gathering information about the previously underrepresented stories of local women.

The project was officially launched at the city’s July 4 festivities, where the Whitaker hosted a booth. As part of that launch, the museum worked up profiles of three women initially highlighted as examples of “extraordinary things” which they shared with the public:

Elizabeth Whitaker, for her contributions to the Whitaker home/area.

Myrtle Butler, a Centerville nurse who volunteered in France during World War I.

Evelyn Pack Engen, a significant contributor to Utah’s ski culture alongside her husband, Alf Engen.

Following the launch, the museum held a full-day story collecting event on Sept. 26 at Centerville City Hall. A steady flow of people stopped by to share family stories, family histories and artifacts, including old literary club minutes dating back to 1938. Volunteers were on hand to gather the information and record personal stories on their phones.

The project aims to gather enough material and artifacts to host an exhibit in March for Women’s History Month. Along with detailed exhibits on specific women, McArthur hopes to include accounts of the daily life and everyday experiences of Centerville’s pioneering female forbearers.

“Often if women aren’t accomplishing big things... just kind of the everyday things that they did to build up Centerville as a community kind of get written off as mundane and unimportant,” she said. “So the hope is to also kind of help the community realize that those stories are worth preserving as well. And those stories are also what really helped Centerville become what it is today.”

The museum plans to include objects and tactile ex -

periences for visitors to help bring these women’s lives to life. Local residents who would like to share information about their ancestors or family members should contact the museum directly for more information on how to contribute. l

Ho Ho or Humdrum? Navigating Mental Health During the Holidays

Our favorite big box stores and online ads have been reminding us for weeks that the holidays are just around the corner. Happy time, right? Surprisingly the holidays can be a time of increased stress and can trigger mental health challenges for many. A 2023 survey by the American Psychological Association found that 89% of U.S. adults feel stressed during the holidays, with more than one-third indicating they experience higher stress levels during the holidays compared with other seasons. Added holiday stress can cause physical ailments, anxiety, depression, and in some cases substance misuse.

So what’s the holiday stress culprit? Well actually there are several:

Money. The holidays create budget pressures – gifts, travel, events.

Social. Family gatherings can produce awkward moments, especially when there are unresolved conflicts or pressure to follow tradition.

Busyness. Schedules can become overloaded with shopping, cooking special meals and attending holiday festivities. Sometimes with all the extra activity and disrupted routines, the holidays can be exhausting.

Loneliness. The holidays can create a heightened sense of loneliness for those who are separated from loved one or grieving a loss.

According to Dr. Jared Lambert, a CommonSpirit family medicine physician in West Jordan, there are several things we can do to manage holiday stress and even find joy in a season that is meant to be joyful.

First – Set realistic expectations. You may not cook the perfect turkey. The gift that you spent hours searching for may not elicit the magical reaction from the recipient. You may not be able to attend all the holiday events you’re invited to. That’s OK.

Second – Make time for yourself. Carve out a few moments each day during the holidays to read, get outside, meditate, and remember that the basics of self-care

– sleep, exercise, and healthy eating – still matter at this time of year.

Third – Set a budget. Having a financial plan going into the holidays helps with avoiding excessive spending. There’s nothing quite so deflating as January credit card bills that exceed what we can afford.

Fourth – Find joy in small things. Make time to talk to a friend or family member who makes you feel good. Savor that favorite side dish at Thanksgiving Dinner, listen to a favorite holiday song – and look for reasons to be grateful each day.

Fifth – Take a time out from Social Media: By limiting time on social media feeds you can reduce feelings of inadequacy by avoiding depictions of others’ perfectly curated holidays.

“The holidays can be a beautiful time, but they can also bring to the surface a lot of underlying stressors,” Dr. Lambert says. “It’s crucial to be honest with yourself about how you’re truly feeling and to allow for imperfections. Prioritize your well-being over societal pressures to create a ‘perfect’ holiday.”

If you find yourself severely struggling, reach out for help. Talk to a trusted friend, call a helpline, or visit a mental health professional.

For more information or to find a provider visit mountain.commonspirit.org

Learn more about the services, care providers and missiondriven work of the Holy Cross hospitals and CommonSpirit Health at www.holycrossutah.org.

At CommonSpirit Health, we make the healing presence of God known in our world by improving the health of the people we serve, especially those who are vulnerable, while we advance social justice for all.

The Whitaker museum made up posters and fans highlighting three female early Centerville residents for July 4 festivities. Courtesy photo/The Whitaker

‘Into the Woods Cross’ parody based on Broadway hit

Woods

By Katalya Call The City Journals

Into the Woods Cross is a particularly unique play. This performance is based on the Broadway musical, “Into the Woods.”

Liz Christensen, the Fine Arts teacher at Woods Cross High school, has created a parody specifically about the kids in the play. She has used this unique opportunity to give every person a line.

“I’ve written in the parody style before. So, that’s not new to me,” said Christensen. “The difference between this and any other writing is that I was starting from a place of having teacher objectives rather than just our artistic objectives. So, I know about how many students I would have, and I wanted to give everyone a feature. So, everybody has a line.”

The students all get the chance to display their talents when it comes to this performance.

“I’ve never written with this idea that 70 unique characters are going to speak at some point in this plot,” said Christensen.

“The most challenging aspect has been people,” said Noah Wells, a student at Woods Cross preforming in the play. “Performing

your lines upon the people who perform it and people are inconsistent and unreliable.”

“I’m most excited for the stories it is going to convey,” said Luke Plowman, a student at Woods Cross performing in the play. “It’s a bunch of characters who are already in written shows and I’m just excited to see the characters beyond their original show.”

This play is still in the early stages of development, making it the most challenging point in the progression.

“I am excited for everyone to see the show,” said Woods Cross student, Ally McBride. “It’s something that no one’s ever seen before.”

“My favorite part about preforming is being able to convey a character that’s completely different from your own personality,” said another student performing in the play.

Woods Cross High School is known for its talented theater department. In July 2025, Liz Christensen was named Teacher of the Year by the Utah Advisory Council of Theatre Teachers. Her talent and dedication have been recognized statewide.

“Into the Woods Cross” performances are at Woods Cross High school, 600 W. 2200 South, Nov. 20, 21 and 22 at 7 p.m. with a matinee on Saturday at 2 p.m. Ticket prices start as $6 and are available at https://gofan. co/event/4909379?schoolId=UT72474. l

Bountiful City earns Healthy Utah Community designation

BOUNTIFUL—The designation is presented by Get Healthy Utah and the Utah League of Cities and Towns.

By Becky Ginos becky.g@thecityjournals.com

Inan effort to keep residents healthy both physically and mentally, Bountiful City has adopted policies and programs to support good health. Bountiful recently earned the Healthy Utah Community designation for implementing health strategies in the city over a period of three years. The designation is presented by Get Healthy Utah and the Utah League of Cities and Towns.

“We’d seen lots of surrounding communities get the designation,” said Mayor Kendalyn Harris. “The council decided they wanted to do it so I asked Councilmember Cecilee Price-Huish if she was willing to spearhead that.”

She took that on and invited people to be on the committee, she said. “There are youth council members, the food bank and other stakeholders. The committee brainstormed ideas to be compliant. Most things we were already doing to promote healthy habits.”

Trail development promotes healthy exercise, Harris said. “We also had the Day of Service and collected food to donate to the pantry so that people would have access to food.”

“The designation really does represent the strong and ongoing commitment that Bountiful City has to advancing and supporting the health and well-being of every resident in our city,” said Price-Huish. “The entire time I’ve been on the council we’ve talked about Bountiful aspiring to get the designation and recognizing the existence of what we already have here to advocate health programs within the city.”

Healthy Utah Community designation is a three-year commitment by the city to continue its focus on the very

important goal of improving community wellness, she said. “The city has to demonstrate an ongoing commitment to a healthy lifestyle.”

There are three pillars that had to be met for the designation, said Price-Huish. “Mental health, access to healthy food, physical fitness and active living.”

One of the new programs is a community garden, she

said. “It’s so cool. It’s completely initiated by residents. It’s on city property and run by the group Gardens Growing Good. I’m excited about it. We want to make sure people have the ability to garden if they want. There will even be someone to educate people on how to garden.”

The city plans for even more mental health resources, Price-Huish said. “Mindfulness and mental health resilience classes are currently available to the community through the South Davis Recreation District, a key Bountiful City partner.”

Mental health is really top of mind, said Price-Huish. “We want to make sure we think about mental health and wellness at all city meetings and build mental health awareness. We’re committed to that on a city level.

Price-Huish said the city doesn’t need to start from scratch. “We already have great things in the city. The city implemented the trail program on the Master Plan focusing on accessibility and what we need going forward.”

There is the Farmers Market where the city can get healthy food into people’s hands, she said. “People are going to be able to use SNAP benefits there.”

Bountiful City has a robust mental health program for employees, said Price-Huish. “We want to make sure we’re supporting the people who work for the city.”

“Our employees can participate in a wellness program that promotes a healthy lifestyle,” said City Manager Gary Hill. “That’s been in place for a dozen plus years. It’s a great way for us to lower insurance costs and help employees live healthy lifestyles and be productive. Those who participate in the voluntary program have found it not only benefits them at work but also at home.”

“I’m retiring as mayor and Cecilee is not seeking reelection,” said Harris. “She will be remembered for getting it (designation) over the finish line and for her efforts to get a community garden in Bountiful. On the council level we wanted to make that happen.” l

Bountiful Councilmember Cecilee Price-Huish buys peaches from Chad Midgley at the Farmers Market. The city is implementing a community garden as a way to encourage a healthy lifestyle. Courtesy photo

Students past and present celebrate Reading Elementary’s 40th anniversary

By Becky Ginos becky.g@thecityjournals.com

It’s been 40 years since Rachel Robbins Clarke walked through the doors of the new Reading Elementary School in Centerville as a kindergartner. Clarke’s four children have also attended Reading. The school recently celebrated the 40 year anniversary with an assembly where students opened a time capsule from 2000.

“There was a letter from the students in 2000 to the kids of today,” said Reading Principal Roger King. “It was a millennial capsule. There was a Deseret News paper from Jan. 1, a Newsweek, yearbook, a PTA newsletter and a poster about the Y2K bug.”

There was also a school T-shirt and some warheads, he said. “They were reading Harry Potter and there was Toy Story 2, Star Wars, Pokemon and a NSYNC disc and cereal from 2000.”

“I was in the first kindergarten class,”

said Clarke. “I remember the classrooms seemed so big. The school felt huge and there were all of the sixth graders.”

Clarke said she remembers going to the library. “I loved when the librarian would read to us. There have only been two librarians in that 40 years. I also loved school lunch. When we’d walk in you could smell them baking buns and rolls.”

Reading has such a wonderful community culture, she said. “There are awesome parents and a lot of community involvement. My mom was in the PTA and loved being involved. The teachers are amazing. They really care about the kids.”

Tauna Connors has been a teacher at Reading for 28 years. “My kids started there 31 years ago,” she said. “The school was about nine years old when my daughter started.”

Before it was built it was all farmland, said Connors. “There was a pond below the school. The kids would get distracted in the fields and the pond. Now it’s surrounded by homes.”

It’s named after Lucile C. Reading, she said. “She was prominent in Centerville. She wrote children’s books and songs.”

When it opened the first year the school held auditions for what the mascot should be, Connors said. “The students dressed up as the mascot they wanted then everyone voted. They became the Reading Wranglers.”

Connor’s daughter Katenlyn Nielsen went to Reading. “It was a bit unconventional because my mom was a teacher there,” she said. “There were a lot of the teachers I knew well. All of the teachers were good and kind and got to know every student.”

Nielsen said she loved the playground. “There was a big old sandbox where we’d build rivers and look for worms. It was a fun place to grow up.”

“When I was asked to be the principal I told people in the community and a handful had been here as kids,” said King. “Some would break into the school song. They could still remember it.”

Reading is part of the community, he said. “Everyone shows up for the school and for the children. We also have an amazing staff. We are celebrating the building but it’s really about the phenomenal people in the neighborhood creating connections and relationships in the community.” l

Rachel Robbins Clarke on her first day of kindergarten at the new Reading Elementary School. The school is celebrating 40 years. Courtesy photo

Veterans

Davis County veteran becomes local hero

By Kerry Angelbuer | k.angelbuer@mycityjournals.com

Terry Mercer spent 20 years of full-time service in the military first as a Vietnam draftee and then as a Navy pilot. He was later a helicopter pilot for the Utah Highway Patrol where he rescued mountain climber Aron Ralston, subject of the movie 127 Hours.

On Veterans Day, one can wear a poppy to symbolize sacrifice for national freedoms, thank a veteran for his/ her service, or simply take the holiday to celebrate personal choice. Another possibility is to remember a Veteran, like Bountiful resident Terry Mercer, who not only served his country but continued his heroic service in Utah. Mercer was drafted at age 19 to serve in Vietnam. “I got shot,” said Mercer. “I got my purple heart and came home.”

Mercer said the last six months of recovery in Fort Bragg, North Caroline included many parties down at Myrtle Beach which was just so much fun. Later after graduating from Utah State University and marrying his lifetime sweetheart Brooke, he met a couple navy recruiters in the Union Building and decided to go forward with flight training through the Navy. He worked on the carriers down in Florida for several years and then suggested to his detailer that he would like to finish out his service in Japan.

He rounded out his family in Japan with his last two kids and the adoption of a Japanese baby named, Imari. He talked to someone about his desire to adopt and three weeks later, he got a call, “OK, there’s been a little girl born, do you

want her?” Mercer arranged a training flight down to Hiroshima and went to the hospital. A nurse brought out the six-day old baby and after checking to make sure it really was a little girl to ally with their own little girl across from four brothers, he said “I’ll take her.”

After his service was complete, he found work in the Utah Highway Patrol for a few years and settled in Davis County. After the death of a helicopter pilot working for UHP, he was asked to apply for the position and started working in Search and Rescue for all the counties in Utah. On one of these rescue missions he was asked to go look for a hiker named Aron Ralston who was overdue. His truck had been found and Mercer started flying the nearby canyons. Ralston had just decided to cut off his arm since it had been pinned for a few days and he thought it was either that or die in place. Mercer saw the injured hiker and the couple he had met up with as he attempted to hike out. The small group signaled to the helicopter that they were in need of help. It was challenging landing the helicopter without clipping the nearby rock walls. Aron was concerned about bleeding in his helicopter, but Mercer encouraged him to hop in and flew him to the hospital in Moab, likely saving his life. Mercer later went back for the hand at the doctor’s request but it was firmly stuck under a huge boulder and he and his friend were unable to remove it. Later a team from Jackson went in and jacked up the rock, recovering the hand. They burned it and gave the ashes back to Ralston. Removing the partial arm and hand seemed important to keep people from trying to hike to see it.

Later, Mercer was asked to be in the movie with his helicopter to keep it as close to the truth as possible. He played his part in “127 Hours” and still receives a check for this work. Later he “landed on a pinnacle down in St. George” to rescue another hiker. He was on the front page of the Deseret News for this rescue and was even flown to New York to be on the Today Show. Mercer acknowledged

that there is a lot of risk to his job. He noted that sometimes due to weather, he would have to land wherever was available and wait out the storm. Ice collecting on rotors can make it difficult to keep altitude. Visibility can also be a problem. He knows a lot of former military pilots that didn’t survive. “Sometimes you gotta stop and wait,” said Mercer, “and sometimes you gotta push it on.”

Terry Mercer was drafted to Vietnam and then joined the Navy as a pilot. Courtesy photo

A life of service: from Army broadcasts to county ombudsman, veteran never stopped contributing

By Linda Petersen | l.petersen@mycityjournals.com

Bill Morris has dedicated his life to service, beginning with the U.S. Army, where he became a broadcast specialist through a long career in law enforcement, and continuing into his retirement as a volunteer ombudsman.

Bill Morris enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1959. It was, he said, a way to get a job and career training. But along the way, Morris’ time with the Army, first for two tours and then for 18 years as a civilian employee, taught him the value of service. It’s a lesson he has carried with him throughout his life.

Early Army & The Radio Years

During his first enlistment, Bill was assigned as a clerk typist and what he called a “protector” for three German generals writing their memoirs in Europe. He went on to serve in Frankfort, Heidelberg and Karlsruhe, Germany. Morris returned to the United States and was stationed at Fort Lee, Virginia, where outside of his Army responsibilities he worked part time for radio stations as an announcer.

This led to the Army making him a broadcast specialist and assigning him to produce a half-hour radio program of music interspersed with messages promoting enlisting in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve. These tapes were broadcast weekly on 365 radio stations in a five-state area in Texas and surrounding states.

Witness to History: The JFK Assassination

While working at WSSV in Petersburg, Va., Morris had an unforgettable experience: being live on the air when President John F. Kennedy was shot.

“It was really a weird feeling on my part, because I felt like I was being part of history as far as the listenership for this particular radio station,” he said.

Over the next several hours, he received calls from listeners.

“I got calls from people saying, ‘Hey, is it true?’ And I’d say, ‘Yeah, well, that’s the information we have,’” Morris said.

Following this assignment he was transferred to the Far East and was stationed at the Armed Forces Radio and Television Station on the island of Okinawa.

The Okinawa Crisis: Operation Red Hat

One incident remains fresh in Morris’ memory even now more than 50 years later. The volatile situation arose during Operation Red Hat, which involved transporting highly dangerous toxic munitions

(nerve gas). As a public affairs officer, Morris was directed by his commanding officer Lt. General James P. Lampert to escort Ambassador Takeshi Yasukawa (Japan’s ambassador to the United States) and his staff to the Tengan Pier to observe the loading of these materials onto ships.

During the operation, the stevedores accidentally dropped a pallet of the munitions which plummeted into the ship’s hold.

“I knew I was dead; I could just see it blowing up,” Morris said.

Though a massive explosion didn’t occur, Yasukawa was deeply upset. Morris immediately tried to reassure him, stating, “Sir, I assure you that we are going to do our utmost to see there’s no reoccurrence of this incident.”

He would report the event to General Lampert, who would implement additional supervision to prevent it from happening again, he said.

“Well, will you give me your personal assurance that there’ll be no problem for me in Tokyo?” the ambassador responded. Unable to make such a personal guarantee, Morris reiterated: “I can give you the assurance that we will do everything possible to see that there is no reoccurrence.”

The consequences of the dropped pallet were swift and severe. The following morning, firebombs were thrown at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo. Reporting the incident and the diplomatic fallout, U.S. Ambassador to Japan Edwin Reischauer reportedly called then-President Richard Nixon, recounting the exact assurances Morris had given. Nixon’s terse response was memorable:

“I am told that on one of President Nixon’s tapes is ‘Who in the F--- is Bill Morris?’” Morris said.

Two years later after he ended his enlistment with the U.S. Army, Morris was hired by the headquarters, U.S. Army Ryukyu Islands, as a civilian public affairs officer. Morris came to Utah in December 1971 and served with the Army Recruiting Command as a public affairs officer, covering six states in the Mountain Region until he retired.

A Second Career: Utah Law Enforcement

Following his time with the Army, Morris shifted his focus to law enforcement. His career spanned several roles, including 29 years as a Salt Lake County Sheriff’s deputy, as well as working as a Midvale detective and a special inves-

tigator for the attorney general’s office. He also served as a parole officer and a court bailiff.

He remained on inactive status until 2010 when he accepted an appointment to be the deputy commander of the Utah State Defense Force, a support organization to do the work of the Utah Army National Guard in the event they were mobilized. He served in that capacity for about two years until the unit was disbanded.

“They finally decided that there was very little likelihood of the whole National Guard being mobilized at one time. So they disbanded our unit,” Morris said.

Serving in Retirement

Even now at 84 years old, and despite mobility issues after losing his right foot due to complications from ankle surgeries, Morris continues to serve. He volunteers two days a week as an ombudsman for Salt Lake County Aging Services. In that role, he regularly visits senior living centers and works to ensure those facili-

ties are following state and federal guidelines and provide the best possible care for their residents. He uses his many years of experience and the skills he developed in the Army and in law enforcement.

“One of the things that I have seen is that some people that I have known personally are retirees as I am, have died because all they did was sit around in a recliner and watch TV. And I didn’t want to be one of those,” he said. “So I like to stay active, and I like to contribute where I can as well.”

The common thread woven through Morris’s decades-long journey – from soldier and radio specialist to a deputy and special investigator, and finally to a dedicated volunteer – is his unwavering commitment to service. Now, as an ombudsman, he applies the experience and principles learned in the Army and law enforcement to ensure quality care for seniors.

“It’s important to serve your country when you have the opportunity,” he said.

Bill Morris during his time as a Midvale Police detective. Courtesy photo

Operation Hero honors those who died in the service of our country

By Becky Ginos | becky.g@thecityjournals.com

CLEARFIELD—The nonprofit was started by a woman who lost her husband while he was serving in the military.

On July 3, 2013, Antionette Martinez de Stapley lost her husband while he was on deployment with the U.S. Army in Qatar. Tracy Stapley was a first sergeant in the army and had 26 years of service and was known for giving back by helping others.

“He was there for his soldiers,” said Antionette. “So in 2015, Operation Hero started as a small, very small nonprofit. We knew we wanted to give back and help others just as he did and that was our goal.”

In 2015, they held their first 5k, she said. “We were able to give back to families and organizations that helped us right after losing Tracy. And the next year in 2016, it grew to include our boot display.”

There are three pillars to Operation Hero, said Martinez de Stapley. “First is education. We believe in helping our service members and their families in understanding how important it is to have their documents updated, and also educating our community about the loss of our heroes, our service members and the tradi-

boot display really takes your breath away when you see that many boots.”

These are service members from all over Utah, said Martinez de Stapley. “We know we might not have all of them. We are always looking or we may get a name and we will put a boot in the display as soon as we hear.”

Operation Hero is really about giving back and helping others, she said. “And reminding those families that have lost a service member that they are not forgotten and neither are they. So this year we are starting a new program called the legacy card. That is a card for our family members who do not have a military ID.”

Martinez de Stapley said they are reaching out to businesses and organizations about offering a discount or something to those family members that they can receive either throughout the year or maybe over Memorial Day weekend. “It’s a reminder that they are not forgotten also.”

Operation Hero is an all volunteer nonprofit organization, she said. “None of the board members take a paycheck. “Nobody that comes in and helps takes any money. All the money that comes in goes right back out to helping the families and the service members.”

Ogden Union Station.”

Along with the boot display they have displays of military uniforms that date back to World War II and others from different eras and different branches, said Martinez de Stapley. “We also have information boards about what it means to put a coin on the grave, what the challenge coins mean, and what the 21 steps at Arlington represent. Also what the gold, blue, silver and white stars represent.”

There are a lot of educational pieces for families to come in and learn about, she said. “Every year we add something new.”

Martinez de Stapley said the uniforms have been donated to them. “The boots for the boot display have been donated to us as well. We’ve had squadrons from the Air Force Base donate items. Army units have given us their boots. So we have quite a few boots.”

There is an area just for kids, she said. “They can come in and write thank you letters to our veterans and we have a video talking about what Memorial Day is.”

It is a free event, said Martinez de Stapley. “We’re able to do that through the graciousness of donors and sponsors and people donating. So all of the money raised goes right back to the families.”

tions of the military.”

Second is to give back, she said. “We give back through money raised at our Memorial Day event. We give the money back to helping families of the fallen, active service members and their families and veterans, so those that are in need, if they need help with groceries, making a car payment, making a rent payment, etc. We give back to them.”

The third pillar is honor, said Martinez de Stapley. “We honor all of our service members from the state of Utah that have died while serving, so that means they were actively serving, whether it was active duty, a reservist or in the National Guard. We honor them with a boot display that we put out over Memorial Day weekend, because Memorial Day is for remembering our fallen service members.”

This year, Martinez de Stapley said they had 400 boots. “These boots, each boot, represents a service member and it has the American flag and their branch flag and then a tag with their rank, name, their branch of service and their angel date.”

Also some may have a short paragraph that the families have submitted telling their story, she said. “We also give the opportunity to families to decorate the boot. So the decorated boots are all different. They tell the story of their loved one, which is really neat to come and see. The

The money comes mostly from the 5ks, said Martinez de Stapley. “So the big event that we hold is our Memorial Day event and it’s called Honor and Remember Utah’s Fallen Service Members.”

Over the past 10 years they have been at the Warriors Over the Wasatch Air Show at Hill Air Force Base, she said. “That was our very first showing. We set up the boots at the air show. We started doing it at Station Park and Mountain View Village. For the last two years, we have been at the

Tracy was not a man who liked attention so his boot is not front and center, she said. “So his boots are right in line with the other boots. This has been very therapeutic for me. We make sure that everyone knows they are very important – just like Tracy was.”

Martinez de Stapley will be a guest speaker at a special Veterans Day event at the Layton Hills Mall on Nov. 7 at 4 p.m. For more information about the Operation Hero event visit operationheroes.org.

Antionette Martinez de Stapley and her family. Her husband Tracy died while on deployment in Qatar. Courtesy photo

Operation Hero creates a boot display every year. Each boot represents a service member who has died.

Courtesy photo

Honoring heroes: Layton’s Veterans Day celebration

By Stephanie Morales s.morales@davisjournal.com

The Veterans Parade will be held Nov. 8.

Layton City Veterans Parade – Nov. 8, 2025

Layton City, in partnership with the Northern Utah Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) and the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA), will host its 19th Annual Veterans Parade on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. This year marks the sixth time the parade has been held in Layton, and the city once again invites the community to gather in gratitude for all who have served and sacrificed in the name of freedom.

The parade will begin promptly at 11:11 a.m. – a symbolic time commemorating the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, when World War I officially ended. The route will proceed along Wasatch Drive, continue through Layton Commons Park (Constitution Circle), and end at the south end of Layton Commons Park near Hawthorne Drive.

Following the parade, attendees are invited to join the Veterans Honors Ceremony – a solemn and heartfelt tribute – at Layton’s Vietnam Memorial Wall Replica site. The ceremony, hosted by Layton City and the VVA, will begin around 12:30 p.m., immediately after the parade concludes.

For more information or updates on Veterans Day events, visit LaytonCity.org or DiscoverDavis.com

‘Remember All Who Served’ ceremony at Bountiful Veterans Park

By Katalya Call | The City Journals

Veterans Day is a time to honor those whose sacrifices help keep our country safe. To commemorate the day, a special Veterans Day ceremony will be held at Bountiful Veterans Park Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. The event features guest speakers Chris Simonsen, Dr. Ron Mortensen, Chole Chinchilla and John Robertson. There will also be performances by the Woods Cross High School Concert Choir and the Bountiful High School Band. The South Davis Metro Fire Department will do a military flag raising for each branch of the military. The ceremony will finish with Taps, a 21gun salute and a Royal Air Force fly over by five retired Air Force pilots in their own planes. Veterans Park tours begin at 12:15 p.m. The Veterans Park is located at 795 South Main Street, Bountiful.

Layton Hills Mall hosts Veterans Appreciation Event Nov. 7

LAYTON—In honor of those who have served or serving in the military, Layton Hills Mall is hosting a free Veterans Appreciation Event on Nov. 7 from 4-6 p.m. in Center Court.

The event includes a presentation of the colors by The Utah Military Academy, stories from local veterans and remarks by Layton Mayor Joy Petro. There will be activities for the whole family.

A special digital installation, The Veterans Honor Wall, will be unveiled during the event. The display pays tribute to community members who served in the military. The Veterans Honor Wall will be in place at the Layton Hills Mall until Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

Anyone who has a veteran’s name (past or present) they would like included on the wall please submit the name along with a photo if available to glady. larsen@cbre.com, upload it at ShopLaytonHillsMall.com, or drop it off at the Mall Management Office, in the hallway next to Layton Aquarium, Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

The deadline for submissions is Nov. 10. Layton Hills Mall is located at 1201 N. Hillfield Rd.

Kids have fun with the interactive displays at last year’s event. There will be activities for the whole family. Courtesy photo

Veterans perform a 21-gun salute at a previous ceremony as the crowd looks on. Photo by Roger V. Tuttle

Paw-sitive addition: Kaysville welcomes canine officer Maggie

Kaysville Police Department is proud to welcome the newest member of their patrol unit, Maggie. Maggie is a 5-year-old yellow Lab with a nose for narcotics, and she’s ready to hit the ground running.

By Cindi Mansell | c.mansell@mycityjournals.com

Editor’s note: This is an updated version of the story that ran in our October issue with incorrect text.

The Kaysville Police Department has welcomed a new four-legged officer to its ranks. Maggie, a 5-year-old yellow Labrador retriever, is now officially on duty as the city’s narcotics detection K-9.

After a brief period without a K-9 unit, the department is excited to reintroduce the program with Maggie, who is trained exclusively in drug detection. Unlike dual-purpose police dogs that also assist in apprehensions, Maggie’s role focuses solely on sniffing out narcotics – a specialization that allows her to avoid the physical risks associated with apprehension work. As a result, her service career could potentially span several more years, provided she remains in good health.

Maggie’s handler, Officer Tyson Embley, has served in law enforcement for eight years – three years with Ogden City and five with Kaysville. Embley has raised Maggie since she was two and brought her into the police force after transferring from the narcotics unit to the patrol division. “Dogs are selected for this work based on their drive and potential,” Embley said. “Maggie had a strong desire to hunt and play from a very young age. She’s five, but she acts like a puppy.”

Together, Embley and Maggie trained for eight weeks at the Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Academy. Embley is not only a certified narcotics K-9 handler, but also a POST-certified instructor – qualified to train untrained “green” dogs from scratch to certification.

Maggie, who comes from a European line of Labradors known for their smaller size and focused temperament, lives a dual life: working dog on duty, playful pet at home. When Embley is off the clock, so is Maggie. But while on shift, she’s ready to respond not only in Kaysville, but also in support of surrounding agencies.

“She’ll chase a tennis ball until I’m too tired to throw it,” Embley laughed, adding that Maggie has boundless energy and loves interacting with his kids – sometimes a little too enthusiastically. “She listens well, but I also want her to feel like she has freedom and can do her job with confidence.”

Maggie has already made a significant impact, assisting in the seizure of large quantities of narcotics and helping keep communities safe. She’s also a favorite in local school presentations, where she demonstrates her detection skills to students during visits coordinated by School Resource Officers.

To better support the K-9 team, the city is currently building a specially outfitted patrol vehicle that will allow Maggie to be placed just behind Embley, enhancing their communication and comfort while on duty.

Although she’s always eager for a game of fetch, Maggie never forgets her role as a working dog. Her enthusiasm, discipline, and keen sense of smell make her a vital asset to the department and the broader community. “Maggie loves her tennis balls,” Embley said, “but she’s a police dog first.” l

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Kaysville Police Department K-9 Maggie gets ready to work. Courtesy photo

Officer Tyson Embley is Maggie’s handler. When he goes home so does Maggie. Courtesy photo

Concerns rise as electric bikes and motorcycles damage public spaces

BOUNTIFUL—Bountiful and many other cities are seeing the same problems.

By Becky Ginos becky.g@thecityjournals.com

There has been a growing problem with e-motorcycles and e-bikes riding where they’re not allowed and causing damage to areas in Bountiful.

“Late spring is when we started to see more problems with e-bikes and e-motorcycles, probably more with e-motorcycles than anything else,” said Bountiful Police Chief Ed Biehler. “Ultimately, the problems come down to both e-bikes and e-motorcycles doing damage to public areas like parks and stuff like that. Whether that’s just riding in the grass and damaging the grass or the Parks Department recently sent us some pictures where, whoever it was, looks like they took shovels and dug holes in the park to make dirt jumps for the e-motorcycle type items.”

So there’s that, he said. “Also, though, most of the e-motorcycles, if not all of the ones that we’re seeing are not street legal and are being driven oftentimes by kids who are not licensed drivers even. So that obviously creates a safety risk and safety problem.”

E-motorcycles look like a regular motorcycle, they’re just electric and a little smaller, said Biehler. “A popular brand name is called Sur-ron. They’re a dirt bike style motorcycle not a street bike. It’s all electric so they go fast. They’re 750 watts or more.”

They’re much different than an e-bike, he said. “As a general rule class 1, 2 and 3 depending on what class you have are supposed to be governed at 28 miles an hour as a top speed. Where a motorcycle will go much faster than that.”

Biehler said they’re seeing similar problems with e-bikes as e-motorcycles. “Damage to parks, that sort of thing. It’s definitely less but there are certain rules and regulations depending upon the class of bike you have.”

As a general rule, the problem’s not as much with e-bikes as e-motorcycles, he said. “I’d probably say for e-bikes it would be like riding in parks and those public spaces and then maybe even more so on the trail system that Bountiful has been working on for several years. There are some trails that are not for bikes, only for hiking.”

The City Council discussed the problem at the Oct. 14 work session, said Biehler. “That was to give them information about it so we’ve obviously been dealing with it throughout the summer-ish.”

Several council members had received some phone calls and seen or had some experiences themselves with various things and so the meeting was really more educational, he said. “There were no proposals or actions taken. I believe from the meeting we’re going to wait and see what happens legislatively this next legislative session. We anticipate that there are going to be some more rules and regulations potentially proposed and passed with legislation.”

Biehler said with the damage to parks and things like that they already have the ability to enforce that. “It’s harder when there’s not a local ordinance that says ‘you can’t ride a bike in the park’ and that’s going to be a difficult decision for the council to make anyway because it’s not just e-bikes you would be eliminating. Technically it could be an 8-year-old riding his pedal bike with his family in the park.”

Some of the council’s comments were that they might not have to wait for legislation because they have the ability to regulate what happens in their own public parks, he said. “There were not necessarily recommendations or proposals made.”

Biehler said they’ve done some social media along with many other cities, if not, almost all cities who are dealing with this. “This isn’t new or unique to Bountiful. Kaysville’s done some good posts. Draper has done some posts. It doesn’t necessarily feel like it’s making a difference but we’ve tried to put information out.”

Depending on what’s happening a person could technically be charged with criminal mischief, he said. “That would be damaging to property but we do have rules about what you can and can’t do inside of a park like disrupting other patrons.”

Riding a Sur-ron is not street legal so that would be a whole separate charge, said Biehler. “So whether you’re an adult or a youth, you could be issued a citation as if you were driving any other vehicle that does not have registration or that’s not street legal and technically it could be impounded.”

Up to now Biehler said they’ve really tried to be understanding that people want different methods of transportation. “So we’ve tried to do a lot of education. If we stop somebody that’s riding any motorcycle we have not been impounding it as a vehicle. It’s more education and letting them know that it’s not street legal. They can’t do it. That sort of thing.”

It’s been frustrating, he said. “I know it’s hard for our Parks Department to have damage done to their parks and other patrons who are going to the park to enjoy it and then to have motorcycles or e-bikes building jumps or causing other types of damage.” l

Davis HELPS offers free youth Mental Health Screenings Nov. 13

The Davis County Health Department (DCHD) is offering free mental health screenings through Davis HELPS for youth ages preschool to sixth grade Nov. 13. The event gives parents and youth the opportunity to talk to a mental health professional and also receive appropriate resources.

The screening will address social and emotional needs, anxiety, depression, trauma and any safety concerns, according to a DCHD release.

“Screenings are a simple, confidential way to check in on your child’s emotional well-being, said Teresa Smith, the Davis HELPS Coalition Coordinator from the DCHD. “It can help start conversations that lead to resources and support.”

In person appointments will be held at Davis Behavioral (DBH) in Layton.

The event can be a benefit to parents who are experiencing any of the following or similar situations:

• I know my son/daughter needs help, but I am not sure where to start.

• There have been life changes in our family. I want to check in about my son/daughter’s mental health.

• I know we need help, but we can’t afford traditional therapy. We are looking for additional resources.

• I have noticed my son/daughter has been withdrawn, anxious, or has lost interest in things they once cared about. I am wondering if we need to seek additional help.

The parent and child will fill out an online screening questionnaire prior to the appointment. The clinician will discuss the screening questionnaire results at the appointment and give direction if follow-up is needed, the release said.

The meeting and screening are both free. The screening is not a full psychological evaluation and a clinical diagnosis will not be made.

“Youth are resilient and can overcome mental health struggles with the right support, treatment and resources,” said Christi Blankman, K-12 Prevention Coordinator for the Davis School District. “This event is set up in the community to help all youth and families identify if there are areas of concern and then link them to services.” l

A park damaged by e-motorcycle tire tracks. The Parks Department has been seeing more and more damage in city areas. Courtesy photo

Bringing hope to the holidays: Utah Community Action’s Season of Giving

By Stephanie Morales s.morales@davisjournal.com

As the cost of living continues to rise, more Utah families find themselves facing the impossible choice between paying bills, buying groceries, or ensuring their children have a warm and joyful holiday season. For many, the holidays bring more stress than celebration. That’s why Utah Community Action’s Season of Giving exists – to bring light, hope, and comfort to thousands of local children, families, and home-bound seniors when it’s needed most.

Each year, Utah Community Action unites volunteers, donors, and community members in a powerful movement of compassion. Through meal support, wish fulfillment, and essential gift programs, the Season of Giving ensures no one is forgotten during the holidays – and that the spirit of generosity continues all year long.

Stuff-A-Tummy: Nourishing families for the holidays

Utah Community Action provides families in need with ingredients for a traditional holiday meal – along with clothing, hygiene items, and children’s books to uplift spirits.

The Giving Tree: Fulfilling holiday wishes

No child or senior should wake up on a winter morning without warmth, comfort, or something to smile about. Through Utah

Community Action’s Giving Tree, donors can “adopt” wish lists and provide gifts to children and seniors experiencing poverty.

How you can get involved

Utah Community Action’s Season of Giving offers several ways for individuals, businesses, and groups to make a difference:

• Donate: Monetary donations help sustain programs that fight poverty and hunger not only during the holidays but throughout the year.

• Volunteer: Individuals and organizations can volunteer to sort donations, deliver meals, or assist in fulfilling wish lists.

• Fulfill a wish: Choose a Giving Tree tag and personally provide a gift to a child or senior in need.

Beyond the holidays: A year-round mission

While the holidays highlight the importance of giving, Utah Community Action’s mission continues every day of the year. Through vital programs addressing housing, food security, education, and employment, the organization helps families achieve long-term stability and self-sufficiency.

For more information on how to volunteer, donate, or fulfill a wish list, please visit utahca. org or contact volunteers@utahca.org. l

The Evergreens Benefit: Growing hope, honoring survivors

The event raises funds for Safe Harbor Crisis Center.

By Stephanie Morales s.morales@davisjournal.com

Every year, the Evergreens Benefit brings our community together to honor survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault while raising critical funds for Safe Harbor Crisis Center. Safe Harbor serves more than 3,000 victims each year through emergency shelter, transitional housing, and advocacy programs – providing safety, stability, and hope when it’s needed most.

Standing together for safety and healing

While serving victims is often an uphill struggle, Safe Harbor continues to rise because of the strength of the community behind it. Healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and caring individuals work side by side to make safety possible.

Join Safe Harbor Thursday, Nov. 13, for

an evening of remembrance, resilience, and renewal. Together, we’ll celebrate the survivors among us and the ever-growing network of allies who help turn fear into freedom.

To sponsor a table for the event please contact: Emileigh Hillstead at (801) 682-0127 or email emileigh@safeharborhope.org.l

Men in recovery transition from Red Barn Academy to John Volken Academy

The John Volken Academy has a similar program to Red Barn Academy which teaches accountability and not avoidance.

By Stephanie Morales s.morales@davisjournal.com

When Red Barn Academy announced its closure, rumors swirled that dozens of men in recovery would be left without a place to go. According to CEO Jaynee Poulson, the reality is more hopeful – and more complex. Long before the closure, Red Barn’s founders had been in conversation with John Volken Academy (JVA) about bringing its long-term, work-based recovery model to Utah. When the moment came, Red Barn donated assets, JVA interviewed and hired most of the staff, and the state approved sentencing directly to JVA.

Today, the team is preparing a move to North Salt Lake City – targeting Nov. 1 to begin the transition and Nov. 15 to fully vacate the current building. A 40,000-square-foot warehouse sits next to the new campus; it will house the thrift operation, pallet auctions, and classrooms. JVA is also starting up skills shops – welding, auto, and woodworking –alongside a classroom, gym, and barbershop. “These are opportunities for students to learn

real skills and give back,” Poulson said. Community service is a through line. Students filled sandbags during local flooding threats, perform free moves for women escaping domestic violence, sing at senior centers, and they move Christmas trees for organizations, decorate a tree for the Road Home family shelter in Midvale. The organization recently received a Community Impact Award – recognition, Poulson said, that belongs to the students who “are rebuilding their lives by serving others.”

JVA’s program is intentionally long: 24 months, followed by a three-month “work-

out” period focused on employment and re-entry. “Thirty, 60, 90 days rarely work to stabilize homelessness, criminality, and addiction,” said Poulson. Evidence-based goals include family reunification, steady work, education, housing, mentorship, and a renewed sense of purpose. To support that, JVA is building student housing and seeking graduate housing – and even aims to house staff, most of whom are graduates themselves.

John, a 2022 graduate of Red Barn and now JVA’s program director, is blunt about what changed him. “I thought my problem

was drugs and alcohol,” he said. “My problem was entitlement, selfishness, and avoiding accountability. I needed to be told to make my bed, get up, go to work.” He stayed because prison loomed if he quit; around month six, the shift took root. “I learned I can do hard things. I’m not defined by my past.” The payoff shows up at home: “I was the dad of empty promises. Now I show up. I’m ‘Grandpa,’ and I’m trusted.”

For Nathaniel, sentenced to the program and now 18 months in, the length first felt intimidating. “It goes by faster than you think,” he said.

Accountability has been the hardest part – and the most rewarding. “My mom’s proud,” said Nathaniel. “I’m learning to show up.” He is the crew lead for the moving company and is mapping a path to union boilermaker work after graduation. “We’re still human,” he said. “Our choices don’t define us. It’s never too late for a second chance.”

If there’s a single word these men return to, it’s accountability – the habit they’d often never been required to build. Some chose JVA; others were sentenced there. Either way, the work is the same –make the bed, do the job, tell the truth, show up tomorrow.

“Life hasn’t given a lot of chances to a lot of people,” Poulson said. “Now it’s their choice to stick it out. And many do.” l

Staff at John Volken Academy who were once in the program themselves. The group was able to hire most of the staff who were at the Red Barn Academy when it closed. Courtesy photo

Bountiful council member to lead Utah League of Cities and Towns

By Becky Ginos becky.g@thecityjournals.com

Council member and mayoral candidate

Kate Bradshaw doesn’t sit still when it comes to public service and engagement. In addition to her duties in the city, Bradshaw will take on the role as President of the League of Cities and Towns. The league is a cooperative organization that advocates for municipal governments at the state and federal levels.

“It’s a position where I’m elected by all of the cities in Utah,” said Bradshaw. “You can only be on the league board, though, if you’re an elected official from a city.”

Bradshaw became a member of the board in 2021. “Each year the current board will have a nominating committee to select new nominees to present and then those nominees are elected in the annual meetings,” she said. “So much like other boards. About a third of the board positions are open each year so you have continuity from year to year.”

Since joining the Bountiful City Council each city gets to send three designees to what’s called the legislative policy committee, said Bradshaw. “This is a committee that meets throughout the year but has a very intense schedule during the session to review legislation that could impact cities. I have served on that legislative policy committee as one of Bountiful’s representatives since I joined the city council. Then it was in 2021 that I was elected to be on the board of directors.”

To become a nominee an individual can put themselves forward or they can be nominated by someone from their own city or from another city, she said. “There’s a nominating committee that is put together. It’s always made up of individuals from cities that don’t

have someone from their city that’s a nominee. So you’re looking for neutral cities to be on the committee and conduct interviews.”

There are usually two rounds of interviews, Bradshaw said. “Then the nominating committee will propose a group of board members and officers, executive officers to the full membership at the annual meeting to be voted on.”

The usual path to becoming a nominee is being a dedicated member of the legislative policy committee, she said. “People who have served on the board at least one or two terms. You’ve kind of demonstrated to your peers that you’re knowledgeable about a wide variety of municipal issues. You need to have a vision for helping lead all cities through that municipal vision and in particular engagement with the legislature.”

One thing the league of Cities and Towns does is the training of elected officials, said Bradshaw. “Also the training of municipal staff and planning commissions

and things like that on all the various duties and regulatory things that cities have to do and that change from year to year.”

The league also provides technical assistance as a city goes through various processes, whether it’s a Truth in Taxation or a traffic study or just any type of resource, she said. “There’s kind of a heavy emphasis on the engagement with the Utah legislature on legislation that impacts municipalities so the league functions as that advocacy arm on behalf of all cities.”

Bradshaw will serve for a year as president. “So I will serve through next year to the end of October,” she said. “Then I’ll spend an additional year as past president on the executive committee to train and provide assistance to the new president.”

It’s very helpful to have people from different regions of the state and different sizes of cities, said Bradshaw. “Cities that have different issues and challenges to give feedback because you’re evaluating bills or

issues and so having a past president to lean on is definitely really helpful.”

Bradshaw has a professional background in working with the legislature in her job. “I spend a lot of time at the State Capital,” she said. “I have a lot of relationships there and I’m able to lend those to the league to supplement the professional staff that we employ through the League of Cities and Towns. Because I’m up there it’s a very convenient dovetail.”

Bountiful has a great tradition, even though it’s a medium sized city, of elected officials serving in this role, Bradshaw said. “There’s 255 cities in Utah and the fact that we’ve kind of been in their rotation with some regular frequency I think speaks to Bountiful’s leadership statewide and our engagement in making sure that municipal perspectives are considered in the way that bills impact cities and that the important work that we do at the local level isn’t forgotten at the state level.” l

Britten J. Hepworth Attorney at Law

Bountiful City Council member Kate Bradshaw speaks at the annual convention of the Utah League of Cities and Towns. Bradshaw was elected President of the organization. Courtesy photo

NSL Center Street Trail to get landscaping makeover

The North Salt Lake City Council has approved plans to beautify the Center Street Trail, on Center Street between 400 West and 750 West. Trees and shrubs will be planted and street lights erected on the spot of land.

By Megan Fisher m.fisher@davisjournals.com

Center Street in North Salt Lake City, between 400 West and approximately 750 West, will be getting a makeover. During the Sept. 16 City Council meeting, the council approved the design plans from G. Brown Designs.

The strip of land known as the Center Street Trail is a popular thoroughfare for North Salt Lake residents, as it leads into the city from I-15 and passes Hatch Park and is lined by a jogging trail. Yet, it is a rather desolate spot, with dirt packed so tight that not even weeds have grown. “We were convinced that they were putting ground sterilant in there because nothing ever grows,” said Jonathan Ruckert, Public Works director. “To everyone’s happy surprise that turned out not to be true, and soil testing proved that the dirt can sustain plant growth.”

With the results of the soil testing, plans for a beautification project were made. Plans to improve the look and feeling of Center Street Trail for the pleasure of jog-

gers, dog-walkers, and cars passing by were drawn up by G. Brown Designs, a Murray, Utah based design firm and during the Sept. 16 meeting approved by the North Salt Lake City Council.

The landscaping plan covers a 2,000 foot strip down the south side of Center Street. Fifty trees will be planted in the area, of the Honey Locust and Zelkova types. Among the trees there will be 140 shrubs, including many planted strategically at each intersection in order to prevent the trees from blocking the vision of drivers. Some soil amendments are needed before the landscaping proper begins in order to dig out rocks and excavate 10-12 inches of the top soil and replace it with fresh, better soil.

The landscaping design shows the proposed improvements. Map courtesy NSL

Street lights will be placed along the Center Street Trail, with a distance of 100120 feet between each of the poles. They will have arms for banners that advertise various North Salt Lake events. The aesthetic design of the street lights will be consistent with those throughout the city and the bulbs will be positioned in such a way as to reduce the effect of light pollution.

Councilmember Alisa Van Langeveld said she has a dream that one day a circuit trail will wrap around all of North Salt Lake and sees the Center Street Trail beautification project as a stepping stone to that goal. “The trail will be mostly utilizing existing sidewalks and so making them feel like they are pleasant to traverse is, I think, is really valuable.” l

North Salt Lake residents push back on proposed homeless shelter campus

Salt Lake County asking them to provide an additional 1,300 beds. That shows what’s needed.”

By Becky Ginos becky.g@thecityjournals.com

Residents in a North Salt Lake neighborhood packed City Hall Sept. 30 for a special meeting on the proposed homeless shelter campus located at 2520 N. 2200 West in Salt Lake City that borders North Salt Lake. The facility will provide approximately 1,300 beds and provide services for the homeless population.

The meeting was intended to give the public the opportunity to express their concerns and ask questions of Utah Homelessness Coordinator Wayne Niederhauser who was in attendance.

“The state has contracted with Salt Lake to purchase the 15.85 acre property,” he said. “The closing date will be after the legislative session. The legislature has to weigh in before construction and development can begin.”

In the last homeless count done in January there were 4,584 people in Utah experiencing homelessness, said Niederhauser. “That’s a 19% increase over last year. What is driving that is basically the price of housing. It’s gone up significantly in Utah over the last five years and the income has not kept up. People are finding themselves in homelessness.”

People are staying in shelters longer and it’s harder to get services to match up with them, he said. “We passed a bill three or four years ago to create task forces in Davis, Utah, Salt Lake, Weber and Washington Counties to address homelessness in their counties to provide winter beds. We do research to assess the need. Last year we sent a letter to

The need is there, Niederhauser said. “We need a place for people to be sheltered. A temporary situation is unsustainable.”

Niederhauser said he’s looked for several years to find a property to not only provide a shelter but to provide services they need. “We don’t want to just put people in housing without the support they need.”

It will be a 365 day, 24/7 operation, he said. “People can come get shelter and get the basics of food and clothing and get services at the same time.”

Niederhauser said their top priority is public safety. “We’ll have a lot of security inside but we want the surrounding community to be safe also so we’re proposing $4 million for the public safety around the shelter campus. It’s an important element.”

Residents expressed frustration and concern for their safety. “Have you had homeless people in your backyard?” one woman said. “Until you’ve had the homeless in your backyard you don’t know what it’s like.”

Sugarhouse was destroyed by Salt Lake, she said. “I have a little toddler who looked out the window and witnessed a stabbing. A homicide. One homeless person killed another. You really don’t know what it’s like. You’ve probably never felt unsafe in your life.”

“I live three houses from the proposed site,” said another woman. “I also teach at Foxboro Elementary so this topic is very near and dear to my heart. This decision affects my family, my students and the entire community.”

Direction matters, she said. “The nearest gas station, the nearest grocery store, the nearest bus stop are here in Foxboro.

Without reliable transportation to take people back into the city they’ll absolutely be walking this way into our neighborhoods.”

They’re not all dangerous but some are, she said. “We can’t gamble with our children’s safety.”

“We’ll have internal security and externally will be a public safety response,” said Niederhauser. “I believe based on what we’ve been doing it’s going to be a very safe place for the community around it with the right kind of resources for public safety.”

The meeting had a hard stop at an hour but those in attendance had more questions. Niederhauser told them there would be future meetings to answer questions.

“Please engage and send your comments to the Homelessness Commission,” said Niederhauser. “We’ve selected the site as the campus but there are still things that need to happen.”

Niederhauser encouraged the residents to go to homelesscampus.utah.gov for the latest updates and information. l

Rendering courtesy Utah Office of Homeless Services

Mosquito Abatement District proposes tax increase to facilitate growth

Davis County’s Mosquito Abatement District approved a tax increase of $1,106,000 in their tentative budget for next year. The proposed change is expected to help the organization facilitate growth as well as improve their ability to manage swarms.

By Simon Mortensen s.mortensen@davisjournal.com

Inan effort to upgrade their operation, Mosquito Abatement District-Davis is proposing to increase their tax revenue by $1,106,000 for their 2026 budget.

News of the potential change has spread to city council meetings across the county, as individuals who represent their community and the district have been tasked with informing citizens about the adjustment. Set to be decided on after a public hearing, district executive director Gary Hatch says that the funds will be used to construct a new lab, develop improved facilities for employees and purchase more potent adulticides – playing a significant role in managing the spread of West Nile virus.

“The big thing that we’re experiencing

that didn’t exist five to 10 years ago was all the growth that’s happened in Davis County,” said Hatch about the disease. “That’s really had a big impact on trying to do our adulticide operations, trying to get through the neighbors and trying to get everything sprayed.”

According to the district, the change increases their property tax budgeted revenue by 26.18% over the previous year. For a resident who owns a home valued at $600,000, annual taxes dedicated to the district will increase by $7.92.

The potential adjustment reflects the county’s growing abatement needs. Hatch says that before West Nile virus was detected in the area approximately 20 years ago, the district used three trucks to adulticide. Today, their operations feel capped with nine.

Throughout that time, Davis County has played a considerable role in tracking trends experienced by the insects. From the beginning of 2025 until now, Utah has trapped mosquitos and sorted them into 10,822 pools – a number which Davis has contributed 4,237 toward.

As they’ve intensified their reporting efforts, the district’s need for a new storage facility and lab has increased. Oper-

“We are at capacity in the women’s locker room and pretty much at capacity in the men’s locker room,” said Hatch. “The big thing that happened in the past five or 10 years is the number of female seasonal employees that we have in comparison to what we used to has gone up a great deal, and so we are having a major problem in the locker room.”

ating out of spaces that were developed before West Nile was detected, the organization aims to construct buildings that are capable of storing more adulticides, and furthering their ability to survey the area. Additionally, due to an increase in their workforce, plans to upgrade the female locker room are being accounted for by the new budget.

Included in the proposed budget is $150,000 of additional funds for adulticides. According to Hatch, mosquitos in the area have begun to develop a tolerance to the current product. With this new chemical, the district hopes to more effectively manage swarms, and potentially curb issues related to decreased hibernation times – a problem rooted in warmer weather becoming more prevalent in fall.

A tentative budget for the abatement district was approved during a board meeting on Oct. 9. According to Hatch, the public hearing that will occur before the decision to enact the proposal is scheduled for the next board meeting on Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. at the organization’s facility on 600 West in Kaysville, Utah. l

Utah State Capitol ceremony honors fallen Police Sgt. Jared Jensen

Sgt. Jared Jensen’s life was defined by service, integrity, and love for his community.

By Cindi Mansell c.mansell@mycityjournals.com

On Oct. 6, 2025, the Kaysville Police Department had the honor of attending a ceremony at the Utah State Capitol to recognize Sgt. Jared Jensen. He was recognized for his legacy, which is marked by courage, service, and a deep bond for his fellow officers – past and present – as well as the communities he served.

The Utah Legislature extended its heartfelt condolences to his wife, children and all who were blessed to have known him. During the event, Sgt. Jensen’s family was presented with a citation commemorating his service, dedication, and lasting impact as an officer.

Sgt. Jensen served with distinction in the Sunset and Clinton Police Departments before becoming a sergeant with the Kaysville Police Department. Over the course of his career, he worked in various assignments, with pride in the years as a K-9 officer along his trusted partner, Vos, and as a member of the U.S. Marshals Violent Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team. Beyond his service in the field, Sgt. Jensen was deeply committed to improving public safety through policy. In

2023, he worked to document data and help pass H.B. 246, Board of Pardons and Parole Amendments, which strengthened oversight of recidivism among violent repeat offenders. Kaysville Police remain committed to keeping Sgt. Jensen’s legacy and memory alive. He fought a courageous battle with brain cancer and died at 34. Despite his determination and the department’s hope for his recovery, he succumbed to the illness just months after his diagnosis. Jensen leaves behind a wife and two young children. His colleagues remember him not only as a dedicated officer but as a man who deeply loved his family and community and will be missed. l

Revenue from the tax increase will be used to improve the mosquito abatement district’s storage facility, lab and locker rooms. Photo from Mosquito Abatement District-Davis website

Kaysville police officers gather on the House floor during a ceremony in honor of Sgt. Jared Jensen who passed away from brain cancer. Courtesy photo

A Century of farming: Family keeps tradition alive

The Andrew and Joanne Bavelas farm is a Century farm in Centerville, Utah. It has remained a working farm in the same family for over one hundred years and offers self-sustaining practices.

By Kerry Angelbuer k.angelbuer@mycityjournals.com

In 1910, Spero and Magdalene Bavelas moved into the historic adobe-brick home located on 400 West in Centerville providing produce and milk to the community. Presently, Andrew Bavelas, a grandson of this couple is living in the same adobe house and practicing a variety of self-sustaining farming practices. Since the family has been working a farm here for 115 years, it is one of three Century farms located in Centerville. The farm proudly displays a Century farm sign and a plaque describing the home that was built in 1888. It was originally owned by William Jennings, who was a wealthy business man who dabbled in farming, mining and railroads. Simon Bamberger, another wealthy company man, also owned the farm

for four years before selling it to the Bavelas Family. The thick-walled home is filled with antique furniture, books and tools that tells the story of the inhabitants that have lived there since pioneer times. Now the Bavelas grandchildren, the fifth generation, come to the home to learn and play.

“I get about 12 eggs from the hens in the summer,” said Joanne Bavelas, “and six eggs in the winter.” She rotates out her older chickens who may not lay as well by advertising them on KSL. She also keeps six large rabbits, three bucks and three does and raises a plethora of bunnies for meat and sale. She names her breeding stock who all have distinct personalities and harvests their progeny twice a year. They also raise goats and sheep and sometimes enjoy veal, very young meat that is very “tender.”

Besides covering the meat/eggs protein group, the farm also boasts a variety of fruit and nut trees, including peach, pear, hazel nut, almond and walnut. They also grow a lot of vegetables on their four acres surrounding the home. Even this late in the year, colorful, huge Abe Lincoln tomatoes, raspberries, peppers, chard, and broccoli could be harvested from their plants. Although they had already harvested buckets of potatoes, the plants were sprouting again

with the recent rain suggesting that more potatoes, possibly deeper, were still ready to be dug up. “I suggest that people raise potatoes for the starch,” said Andrew, “because it is a starvation food that will sustain and keep you in hard times.”

Much of their garden waste is given to the bunnies or chickens. In turn, the waste from the bunnies and chickens is tilled in 18-inches deep to support the plants. They try to avoid chemicals. Joanne pointed out a mating lady bug on one of her plants highlighting her natural-predator approach to pest control. Dragonflies eat mosquitos and lady bugs eat aphids etc. Two beehives on the premises showed activity in the entrances and bees covering the flowers.

The couple feels it is their calling to help this generation become more connected to the land and animals by sharing their farm with others. They welcome tours to show their amazing collection of plants and historical artifacts. Joanne often shares starts of her plants, eggs and produce. The tour may include a stagecoach, an original pioneer wagon and handcart, a portable “sheep camp” vehicle, a horse walk rigged up to be a swing, among other treasures. The address is 1689 North 400 West in Centerville, Utah. l

Andrew and Joanne Bavelas on their Century Farm in Centerville, Utah. Photo by Kerry Angelbuer

City Council update: What’s ahead for West Bountiful

As the city begins to wrap up the year, several changes are on the horizon for West Bountiful.

By Simon Mortensen s.mortensen@davisjournal.com

West

Bountiful has undergone a variety of changes throughout 2025. Since the beginning of the year, the city has onboarded new police officers, restored traditions and commissioned significant construction efforts on 1100 West and 660 West. As the area approaches the middle of quarter four, more decisions and updates lie on the horizon. Here’s what’s ahead:

Belmont Farms Development

Adding to the city’s available real estate, West Bountiful approved an ordinance to create a planned development overlay – allowing Ivory Homes to begin construction on their new Belmont Farms project. Located east of Legacy Parkway on the west end of 400 North, the space will contain 21.14 acres of contiguous land and be divided into 19 lots of varying sizes. The motion – which was passed by all council members – was made following Ivory Homes agreement to comply with the city’s conditions. Many of the featured requirements stemmed from a public hearing that was held by West Bountiful’s planning commission on May 13. Seven residents attended the meeting,

addressing concerns about:

• Truck traffic caused by Ivory Homes dirt hauling to the property over the course of several years, as well as additional traffic that could be caused by construction

• Limited access to the property increasing 400 North traffic

• Acreage preferences

The development will feature new routes for access, as well as lots that are a minimum of 0.5 acres in size. Ivory Homes is currently allowing buyers to contact the organization about a future home, with prices starting at $1,000,000.

Lakeside Golf Course golf netting

Passing an item that was addressed in the city’s 2025/26 fiscal year budget, West Bountiful approved the purchase of a new golf netting system for Lakeside Golf Course on Sept. 16.

The equipment will extend 100 feet past the current setup and bring all sections up to 50 feet high. Ordered from JudgeNetting, a contract was reached by the city and company to purchase the system for $323,000. Plans for a temporary range closure will be decided upon by the golf course and West Bountiful.

In addition to the net, Lakeside Golf Course stated at the beginning of the year that they would invest in artificial hitting surfaces due to a change in demand, specifically in the colder months.

�500 OFF CLOSING COSTS &

Administrative code enforcement changes

Throughout 2025, West Bountiful has worked to enact new administrative code enforcement measures – establishing alternate actions to maintain residential compliance that don’t involve issuing a misdemeanor. During a meeting on Oct. 7, city council members were presented an updated version of the potential changes.

According to the meeting’s agenda, new enforcement tools could include:

• A courtesy notice, offering a warning and

establishing a correction period

• A notice of violation, which could lead to civil penalties as well as correction actions

• Emergency Abatements, which authorize immediate action in life-safety hazards

• Administrative enforcement hearings, allowing individuals found responsible to contest charges with a hearing officer

Penalties tied to a notice of violation could include fees as well as a submission of the incident’s details to a city recorder. Known as Title 18, the council will vote on adopting the new measures during an upcoming meeting. l

During their Oct. 7 meeting, West Bountiful discussed potential code enforcement measures. Photo by Simon Mortensen

Inspections, permits and planning: A look at Kaysville’s development work

Annual report highlights community development efforts in Kaysville.

By Cindi Mansell c.mansell@mycityjournals.com

Kaysville’s Community Development Director, Melinda Greenwood, recently presented her department’s annual report to the City Council, outlining updates across its four core service areas: building, business licensing, planning and zoning, and code enforcement. Greenwood reported that while business licensing provides a steady revenue stream – bringing in between $75,000 and $80,000 annually – revenues from planning and building fluctuate with market demand. For fiscal year 2025, which ended June 30, total departmental revenue reached $591,295.

Business licensing numbers, which dipped during the COVID-19 pandemic, have rebounded to approximately 1,100 licenses. Greenwood highlighted the city’s small business support group, organized by the Business License Officer in partnership with the Davis Technical College small business office. The program provides new license holders with opportunities to network, present their businesses and access resources; participation has increased over

the last 18 to 24 months.

Although calls to the Building Department remain frequent, especially about permit requirements, the number of permits issued has declined since the peak years of 2020 and 2021. Greenwood attributed the slowdown primarily to high interest rates and changing market conditions. Despite this, permit volumes in 2025 are expected to remain consistent with the last two years. Residential projects continue to make up the bulk of permit activity. So far this year, 36 commercial permits have been issued, including signs, tenant improvements and new construction. Notable projects include a new stake center for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Lifetime Dental (near the former Bennion Crafts site), and 51 new single-family home permits, including townhomes. The Flint Acres development north of Smith’s Marketplace has seen eight permits issued, with more expected as construction progresses.

Greenwood noted that inspections far outnumber permits, as each project requires multiple inspections – for plumbing, electrical, mechanical, structural elements, and possible rechecks. To improve efficiency during slower periods, permit technicians reviewed expired permits and associated bonds, returning or writing off outdated completion bonds. They also audited around 150 pool permits issued since 2016 to ensure compliance with fencing requirements. Inspections found five or six properties without proper five-foot barriers, requiring follow-up action.

Council considers new requirements for city massage establishments

If adopted, there are approximately five massage establishments in the city that would be required to comply with this proposed ordinance.

By Cindi Mansell c.mansell@mycityjournals.com

Ellis, Asst. City Attorney, recently led the City Council in a work item discussion of a Massage Establishment Ordinance. She explained that Kaysville City currently licenses various businesses under Title 16 of the City Code. However, the existing code does not comprehensively regulate massage establishments, and its provisions about business license revocation appeals are inconsistent with other city appeals.

The proposed ordinance amends Section 16-1-18 to update business license revocation appeal procedures and creates a new Chapter 15, Massage Establishments, to establish consistent licensing, operation, and inspection standards for massage businesses

within the City. The purpose of this amendment is to promote public health, safety, and welfare by preventing misuse of massage therapy businesses as fronts for illegal activity such as prostitution or human trafficking, while continuing to facilitate legitimate therapeutic massage services. The ordinance does not apply to sole practitioners or medical offices. “If you make the business license process a little more rigorous the elicit operations will go elsewhere and the legitimate operations will have no problem with the licensing provisions,” Ellis said.

There are approximately five massage establishments in the city that would be required to comply with this ordinance. Key provisions include: Requiring massage practitioners to hold valid state licenses from the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) and all establishments to be registered with DOPL; Requiring a city business license specific to massage establishments; Requiring property owners to sign an affidavit accepting responsibility for illegal activity; Setting operational and facility standards (e.g., hours of operation, display of licenses, draping and conduct

requirements); Establishing procedures for inspections, license denial, suspension, and revocation; and establishing due process and appeal rights for licensees.

This ordinance aligns local regulation with the Utah Massage Therapy Practice Act (UCA 58-47b) and enhances the City’s ability to prevent unlawful conduct while protecting legitimate practitioners and patrons. Adoption of this ordinance will also require an amendment to the fee schedule to create a new fee for massage establishment business licenses, which will require more administrative review time. The Police Department feels these added provisions will “put some teeth” into enforcement ability and options. Adoption of this ordinance may reduce future law enforcement costs by preventing illicit massage establishments within the city.

Adoption of this ordinance is not expected to have a significant fiscal impact. Any administrative costs associated with licensing or inspection will be covered by the existing business license fee structure (with expected amendments specific to massage licenses). The council unanimously approved moving this work item into an action item. l

Two major planning efforts are also underway. The City Center Small Area Plan, focusing on Main Street and 200 North, has seen its timeline extended, with adoption now expected by February 2026. Meanwhile, the city is also working on a state-mandated water conservation element for its General Plan, due by the end of 2025. Kaysville received a $15,000 state grant for the project, which is expected to go before the Planning Commission in November and the City Council in December.

Greenwood acknowledged the challenges and sensitivities involved in code enforcement. In 2025, the department proactively sent 65 letters to properties with past weed violations. As a result, weed cases were cut in half compared to 2024. The department manages numerous code enforcement issues, including weeds, zoning violations, and illegal dwellings. Staff rely on field inspections, photographs, and software tracking to manage cases. Coordination with other city departments – such as Public Works, Fire, Health, Utility Billing, and Animal Services – is common, particularly when dealing with vacant properties. Illegal parking issues are referred to the Police Department, as Community Development staff do not have citation authority.

Greenwood emphasized that the department prioritizes voluntary compliance and is mindful of residents’ circumstances, including financial and housing challenges. She shared examples of working with residents living in RVs or trailers to avoid creating homelessness and managing shortterm rental complaints following city codes, which prohibit such uses. When voluntary compliance cannot be achieved, the department works with the Legal Department to pursue citations or legal remedies. l

Search and Rescue adds All-Terrain SHERP to reach remote areas

FARMINGTON— The Davis County Sheriff’s Office used a federal grant to purchase the vehicle.

By Becky Ginos becky.g@thecityjournals.com

The Davis County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue team has one more tool in its belt to get the job done when someone needs help in difficult terrain. The Sheriff’s Office recently purchased a SHERP all-terrain vehicle through a COPS (Community Oriented Policing Services) federal grant that has multiple uses to navigate the elements.

“We’ve been seeking something like this for a long time,” said Davis County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Arnold Butcher. “Search and Rescue needs a vehicle that can go through phragmites or to get a stranded hiker. A vehicle that’s also amphibious and all terrain for going into the mountains as well as marshlands.”

The grant was split between Davis, Tooele and Salt Lake Counties, he said. “We oversee it. Tooele got a vehicle too and Salt Lake County got other equipment for their Search and Rescue.”

Sheriff (Kelly) Sparks worked with Rep. Celeste Maloy on the federal side, said Butcher. “It started with Congressman Chris Stewart when Maloy was working with him and then she continued after she

took office. She’s taken a big part of the lift.”

Before they got the vehicle, Butcher said the team had to seek alternatives. “We asked the state park for any machinery to get us close but the equipment was not always accessible. Sometimes they’d have to march deep into the marsh to carry an individual out.”

The vehicle holds nine people, he said. “Eight in the back and the driver up front. The front end opens up with the driver’s seat. It doesn’t steer. It has a lever on each side that runs independent of each other. If you pull one forward and one back you spin around.”

It has huge tires that can inflate or deflate in less than a minute, said Butcher.

“They can go soft for water or snow and can be made rigid for other terrains.”

The company will do some initial training, he said. “Then they’ll go back and train everyone else on the operation of it. We barely got the trailer to carry it on but we’re set to go.”

In addition to the SHERP vehicle the Sheriff’s Office purchased a van with the grant, said Butcher. “We’ll get the van into the back county and use it as a mobile command center.”

The SHERP is awesome, he said. “Search and Rescue are all volunteers. They ask for very little. It would cost the county a huge amount of money to conduct ops without the volunteers.” l

The SHERP vehicle’s tires can inflate and deflate in less than a minute to adjust to whatever the terrain is. Courtesy photo

Kaysville receives ‘very low’ Fraud Risk Rating in Annual State Assessment

The city is required to complete the Fraud Risk Assessment and present it to the City Council during a public meeting on an annual basis.

By Cindi Mansell c.mansell@mycityjournals.com

During a recent City Council meeting, Finance Director Maryn Nelson presented the findings of Kaysville’s Annual Fraud Risk Assessment Report, highlighting the city’s continued efforts to maintain strong financial oversight and transparency.

The assessment, mandated by the Utah State Compliance Audit Guide, is a yearly requirement for local governments. It is designed to help municipalities identify potential fraud risks and evaluate the effectiveness of their internal financial controls. The tool, developed by the Utah Office of the State Auditor, involves a detailed, self-scored questionnaire that covers key areas such as separation of duties, ethical standards, written policies, staff qualifications, and mechanisms for reporting fraud.

Kaysville received a “very low risk level” rating in this year’s assessment – the most favorable classification – reflecting the city’s strong internal practices. Nelson cred-

Wited this outcome to several well-established procedures, including clear separation of financial duties, formally adopted policies across multiple areas, annual ethics training, and ongoing professional development for staff.

“This score reflects the city’s continued commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical governance,” Nelson told the council. While the city performed well overall, the report identified two areas for potential improvement: ensuring a certified finance professional is part of the management team and establishing a dedicated internal audit function. These recommendations align with best practices outlined by the State Auditor’s Office.

With the retirement of longtime Finance Director Dean Storey earlier this year, Nelson, who was appointed as his successor in July, noted that both she and the new Deputy Finance Director are working toward meeting these professional standards. Nelson is pursuing her Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) credential, and the deputy is halfway through the CPA exam process. “We anticipate meeting this recommendation by next year’s assessment,” Nelson said.

As for the recommendation to create an internal audit function independent of the Finance Department, city staff expressed con-

cerns over the associated costs. They believe the city’s existing annual comprehensive audit, conducted by an independent third party, sufficiently fulfills this role for a city of Kaysville’s size.

The Fraud Risk Assessment serves as

both a compliance measure and a strategic tool to strengthen the city’s financial integrity. Kaysville officials say they will continue to review and improve internal practices in alignment with state guidance and professional standards. l

WholesomeCo Cannabis to open new indoor drive-thru

holesomeCo Cannabis has been revolutionizing the medical cannabis industry in Utah. With their commitment to destigmatizing medical care, their team is constantly seeking out new ways to provide safe, accessible, and affordable care; such as providing science-based education to clinicians and customers alike.

WholesomeCo Cannabis continues striving toward this commitment as they open their new express pick-up window and indoor drive-thru.

“This is the first of its kind in the state,” said Community Engagement Manager Lucy J’Aime.

WholesomeCo Cannabis’s new indoor drive-thru primarily aims to make medical care more accessible. As the medical cannabis industry has continued to grow throughout the state, so too has WholesomeCo Cannabis’s vehicle pick-up window lines in Bountiful.

It has not been uncommon for vehicles waiting in line to be backed-up past the shared shopping complex road and sprawled out into the main city intersection (along 500 W. 100 North). This has created a situation where drivers waiting in line for the pick-up window have blocked access to surrounding businesses (especially Costco).

WholesomeCo Cannabis knew they had to make some drastic changes to best facilitate their customers and to be good business neighbors within the City of Bountiful. Their solution? Bring the cars inside.

Customers will now be able to enter the indoor drive-thru through a warehouse garage before selecting one of two lanes to continue through. Upon being prompted to stop, WholesomeCo Cannabis employees will check state IDs, medical cards, and order confirma -

tions. Customers will then be asked to drive to the next stopping point while their order is retrieved.

This design of continuous traffic flow is intended to filter customers through quickly without imposing on the surrounding businesses and elements. As the indoor drive-thru will be able to accommodate 14 cars instead of only four at the pick-up window, they are estimating customer wait times to drop around 75 percent from upwards of 15 to 20 minutes to four or five minutes.

“We are aware of the safety hazards,” said Marketing Analyst Nate Olsen. “The indoor drive-thru allows for a

controlled environment for picking up product.”

WholesomeCo Cannabis is dedicated to ensuring a safe environment, especially for their customers who may have heart and lung related health conditions. They have been implementing and testing a handful of safety precautions within their drive-thru facilities including ventilation systems and CO2 monitors.

As of publication, they had recently tested idling 14 cars waiting in the drive-thru line for one hour to ensure adequate air filtration.

In addition, WholesomeCo Cannabis has been thinking about how to keep their employees safe by ensuring the building is well-lit, providing safety vests, and clear traffic signs.

The effort to design, construct and test this indoor drive-thru results from much collaboration with city employees and planners from the City of Bountiful along with the Fire Department.

In addition to the indoor drive-thru, WholesomeCo Cannabis is excited to announce the opening of a new express pick-up window adjacent to the pharmacy lobby. The express in-store ordering window is intended to allow for customers picking up a previously-placed order to do so rather quickly.

Customers will be able to order online or through the app prior to checking-in with their required IDs. Previously, those returning customers would be waiting in the same pharmacy lobby as customers who wanted to spend time consulting with the pharmacists.

WholesomeCo Cannabis (580 W. 100 North, Bountiful) new express pick-up window and indoor drive-thru will be opening in mid November.

Kaysville City had to meet certain requirements to receive a low risk rating. Graph courtesy Kaysville City

WholesomeCo Cannabis’s staff is committed to keeping the regulation, safety and cleanliness of their products. Photo courtesy Nate Olsen/WholesomeCo Cannabis

‘Hunt. Fish. Feed.’ brings Utah’s military families and community together

The meal showed gratitude for Utah’s airmen.

By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com

Behind every military mission, family members and communities stand to support their loved ones in the U.S. armed forces. In September, Comcast partnered with Hill Air Force Base, The Boyer Group and Sportsman Channel for the “Hunt. Fish. Feed.” event that honored airmen and their families.

The “Hunt. Fish. Feed.” outreach program was created by Sportsman Channel 17 years ago to address hunger issues across the nation. Using donated game meat and fish, the events have served more than 42,000 meals to communities all over the country, led by noted game chef Paul Comes.

During the event at Hill Air Force Base, hundreds of airmen and their families were served a meal, including Master Sergeant Dale Clark.

“All the events and all these organizations help us in the military and make us feel like we’re supported,” Clark said. “I have airmen who are struggling financially or, whatever the case may be, but these helping agencies really contribute a lot to health and morale.”

The event brought families together to enjoy a meal, connect with friends and take a break from the hectic pace of daily life.

Jeffrey Brown, director of Sportsman Channel’s distribution and affiliate marketing, said they are taking the “Hunt. Fish. Feed.” program to every Comcast region throughout the country, including one other military base.

“We just came off the anniversary of 9/11 and we appreciate the service that they’re doing. That goes without saying,” Brown said. “But to be out here and provide them a nice meal, it means so much to us. These are our brave warriors who are out there defending the red, white and blue every day.”

Supporting military families is central to Comcast’s mission. With thousands of employees who are actively serving or veterans, including founder and WWII Navy veteran Ralph Roberts, the company is committed to creating opportunities and providing support for those in uniform.

Comcast Mountain West Region’s Technical Operations Senior Manager Shawn Kessler joined the Marines in 1996 and was deployed to Iraq in 2003. He said events like “Hunt. Fish. Feed.” support military personnel and the challenges they face every day.

“It’s so cool being part of Comcast,” Kessler said. “What we do with veterans,

er it’s from a job standpoint or from a mental standpoint, that’s how Comcast leans in to support these folks.”

According to the Department of Workforce Services, Utah is home to more than 116,000 veterans, with the majority being 65 and older. A 2023 Blue Star Families report showed that more than 25% of active-duty military personnel experience food insecurity and homelessness remains a serious issue.

“We understand how important it is for the military community to be connected, be part of a community and also have a continued sense of service,” said Deneiva Knight, external affairs director, Comcast Mountain West Region. “Comcast is committed to supporting veterans and the military community through employment, economic mobility, and by ensuring the military community has access to connectivity and the digital skills to thrive in today’s world.

“We also invest in partners that support the military community throughout its entire lifecycle, from entry throughout the journey of service and beyond, including the families.”

like the internal networks and how many veterans we hire, is impressive. People are coming home and having to find careers and transition. Comcast does such an amazing job supporting these folks, wheth-

For more information about “Hunt. Fish. Feed.” visit TheSportsmanChannel. com. To learn about Comcast’s military customer programs, visit Corporate.Comcast.com. l

Daniel Arevalo, senior airman for the United States Air Force, 88th Maintenance Group, takes part in the “Hunt. Fish. Feed.” event at Hill Air Force Base, providing meals to servicemen and their families. (Photo provided by Comcast)

Life and Laughter - Embracing the Darkness (With Mashed Potatoes)

It’s not a good sign when a season has its own mental disorder, but here we are, entering the dark, cold, abysmal days of post-Daylight Saving Time when Seasonal Affective Disorder destroys all joy. Darkness descends like a roiling thunderstorm in a fantasy novel, erasing all sunshine and leaving us cowering in the cellar.

My husband thinks I’m dramatic, but I tell him to stop calling me names, as I drape across the fainting couch, gently dabbing my tears with a silken handkerchief.

Anyway.

This year, Seasonal Affective Disorder has been changed to Seasonal Affective Despair as we watch the nation’s slow descent into malevolence and madness. Night falls immediately after lunch, pajamas are my goto wardrobe and my serotonin levels drop as quickly as my faith in humanity.

As we move toward winter, light deprivation should be considered a national crisis. Maybe we need a Vitamin D shot mandate or, at least, red light therapy lamps to replace all street lighting. Utah recently eliminated fluoride in the water; could we add a dash of Xanax?

I know there’s a fine line between hibernation and hiding, but maybe the bears have it right. Spend the summer and fall eating ev-

Peri Kinder Life and Laughter

erything in sight, yank fresh salmon right out of the river, compete for the World’s Fattest Bear and then sleep until the sun returns.

Therapists recommend regular exercise, a healthy diet and sufficient sleep to improve mental health and reduce Seasonal Affective Despair symptoms, but nobody listens to their therapist; otherwise, we wouldn’t be in this national mess.

Someone on TikTok suggested organizing craft projects to get me through the dark months, but my closet is already full of discarded creations, including featherless pinecone turkeys and the unfinished baby blanket I was making for my first grandchild (who is now 21).

As I sorted through a tangle of thread from my last embroidery project and a cubic pound of glitter I bought when I thought making glitter angels with the grandkids was a good idea, I decided starting something

new wasn’t a good idea. Plus, I still have glue gun scars from my Halloween projects.

Maybe I can spend the next few months snuggled with a book by the fireplace (if we had a fireplace), enjoying a bowl of minestrone (just kidding, my husband hates soup) and trying to live with someone who hates soup.

I’ll be poppin’ melatonin gummies like, well, like gummies, and giving it my best to be optimistic in a season created when a god of the underworld kidnapped a young girl and held her hostage for six months. On a coincidentally bright note, pomegranates are back in stores.

At least Thanksgiving is coming up, when I can get my emotional support food: mashed potatoes.

As we move toward the end of the year, November offers an invitation to look back at the previous months to see…nope…never mind. Don’t do that if you’re looking for sunshine and rainbows. In fact, maybe throw your phone in the Great Salt Lake (if it still had water), disconnect from the internet, delete your social media pages and go off-grid until May.

Mentally prepare yourself to spend several months trapped in a home with kids, or grandkids, who won’t stop saying, “6-7” or muttering Italian Brainrot nonsense.

Maybe this year’s Seasonal Affective Despair will be the start of my superhero origin story. When the light finally returns, I’ll stumble into the sunshine, wearing wrinkled pajamas and gripping a glue gun, ready to battle the forces of evil.

NEUROHEALTH