October 2026 | Vol. 20 Iss. 10
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The team of paranormal investigators share their findings on YouTube.
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Members of Broken Wings Paranormal, a Utah-based group of paranormal researchers and urban explorers, gathered for a group photo. (Photo courtesy Broken Wings Paranormal)
ccording to Broken Wings Paranormal, the past is still very much present in historic Draper. This year, the team of paranormal investigators explored several properties in Draper including the Historical Society, the Sorenson Home Museum and the train tracks at Burgon’s Crossing. The team members, who post videos of their investigations on YouTube, discussed their experiences with the otherworldly at those Draper locales. Investigator Lara Cutter said, “Draper isn’t haunted, it’s spirited. People want to stay there.” The word “haunted” can imply something negative or scary. “We found nothing malevolent in Draper,” she explained. Her husband, Steve Cutter, is the lead investigator for Broken Wings Paranormal. He started investigating the paranormal at age 20 in his hometown of St. Augustine, Florida. By his estimation, there are approximately a dozen groups of paranormal investigators in the Salt Lake area alone, but Broken Wings is a bit different. “We don’t investigate
just to investigate,” he said. “Although we do enjoy the thrill of the hunt, we would just as much love to help as many people as we can.” Chelsea Stoneking, who identifies as a medium, said, “We want to investigate the possibility of otherworldly things and help people who are frightened by them.” Broken Wings Paranormal does not charge property owners for their investigations. They seek to help people understand any unusual phenomena that they might be experiencing. In some cases, Steve said, they can help the spirits themselves pass on. “We have investigated across six different states,” investigator Suzie Norris said. They average about 30 sites a year. Broken Wings Paranormal is invited to examine some locations. At other times they learn about potentially active sites from other “ghost groups” and reach out to the owners to arrange an investigation. “Ghosts are energy,” Steve said. To make contact with the spirit world, the team uses Continued on page 6
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Draper City Journal
The #1 Retirement Mistake That Could Cost You Thousands in Unnecessary Taxes Utah retirement experts warn that the #1 retirement mistake could cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars – and no one is talking about it. “It’s the #1 mistake with retirement planning today… and it’s causing hard-working Americans to needlessly overpay their taxes by tens of thousands of dollars every year.” This is a recent warning from Utah retirement experts, Tyson Thacker and Ryan Thacker of B.O.S.S. Retirement Solutions, who have helped over 50,000 families plan for a better retirement. “What makes matters even worse is nobody talks about this. Not your accountant. Not your CPA. Not even most financial advisors,” said Ryan. The #1 Retirement Planning Mistake So what is this costly mistake? It’s withdrawing money in retirement without a coordinated plan. According to the New York Times, roughly half of American retirees don’t take any systematic approach to withdrawing their retirement savings. But the order and timing of your withdrawals from your IRA, 401(k), Roth account, or after-tax savings – matters immensely. It could determine how much you’ll pay in taxes, how much of your Social Security gets taxed, your Medicare premiums and more. And when retirees don’t have a plan, they usually overpay. Every year. For decades. The expensive domino effect When most people retire, they begin withdrawing from their traditional IRA or 401(k). But every dollar you pull from these accounts gets taxed as ordinary income — the same rate as your paycheck when you
were working. Add the income from Social Security and any interest payments, dividends or other investment income, and suddenly your taxable income is much higher than you expected. This is when the dominos start to fall. First, higher income could push you into a higher tax bracket. Second, if your income crosses certain thresholds, up to 85% of your Social Security benefits can be taxed. Third, Medicare premiums are calculated based on your income from two years prior. So a large withdrawal today could trigger an IRMAA surcharge, which could double or triple your Medicare premiums later. And finally, when you turn 73, the government forces you to begin taking required minimum distributions. These are mandatory, taxable withdrawals from your IRA or 401(k) – and they could push your income even higher, triggering even more taxes. “You can feel middle-class in real life, but look wealthy on paper to the IRS,” says Tyson Thacker. “That disconnect is what
surprises so many families.” How to prevent this mistake The good news is there’s a way you could avoid this. And the earlier you address it, the more options you may have to significantly reduce your taxes. The solution doesn’t involve tax loopholes, investment risks or offshore bank accounts. It’s simply coordination: determining which accounts to withdraw from and when, while considering how those decisions could affect your Social Security, Medicare premiums and other investment income. The goal is to reduce the total taxes you’ll pay throughout retirement – not just for one year. “Retirement planning is often done one piece at a time,” says Tyson. “Your CPA focuses on last year. Your financial advisor focuses on investment returns. Medicare and Social Security decisions are made in isolation. Most people don’t understand that all of these things are connected.” But according to the Thackers, a coordinated withdrawal strategy could save a family tens of thousands of dollars in a single year. And over a 20 or 30 year re-
tirement, it could add up to 6-figures in tax savings in retirement. Free tax savings analysis for Utah families To help Utah families avoid this mistake, B.O.S.S. Retirement Solutions offers a free, customized Retirement Tax Savings Analysis. This is a personalized, side-byside comparison of what you’re projected to pay in taxes in retirement now, versus what you could pay with a coordinated tax planning strategy. Some advisors charge thousands of dollars for an analysis like this. B.O.S.S. is offering it at no cost, even if you’re not a client. The strategies are best suited for families who have saved at least $300,000 for retirement. To schedule your free Retirement Tax-Savings Analysis, simply call (801) 405-1311. ABOUT THE AUTHORS: Tyson Thacker and Ryan Thacker are the CEO and President of B.O.S.S. Retirement Solutions. They are published authors of the Amazon best-selling book, “The B.O.S.S. Retirement Blueprint, Your Guide to a Secure and Independent Retirement.” Their award-winning firm has seven offices located throughout the Wasatch Front, and a new office in St. George. This is for illustrative purposes only, results may vary. Advisory services offered through B.O.S.S. Retirement Advisors, an SEC Registered Investment Advisory firm. Insurance products and services offered through B.O.S.S. Retirement Solutions. The information contained in this material is given for informational purposes only, and no statement contained herein shall constitute tax, legal or investment advice. The information is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual’s situation. You should seek advice on legal and tax questions from an independent attorney or tax advisor. SPONSORED CONTENT
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October 2026 | Page 3
COMMON GROUND
A Vote of Confidence
Common Ground will be a column of rotating viewpoints that highlight specific feelings across the political spectrum, and it will always end with possible ways to come together. For two years, I’ve worried that the president will interfere with, postpone or even cancel the midterm elections, although that’s never happened in the history of our country. But before we go all Y2K on this election and panic-buy underground bunkers, let’s talk about how Utah is handling this situation. Contrary to what cable news would have you believe, the president does not oversee America’s elections. State officials handle that, and Utah has done a phenomenal job. Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson serves as the state’s chief election officer, earning a badge of courage as she stands against an administration demanding our voting rolls. It’s been refreshing to see someone in Utah’s leadership tell the president “No.” While the president continues to bang the “Stolen Election” drum (which is ironic since his administration was in charge during 2020), he says election integrity is a thing of the past. So what is election integrity?
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Common Ground
Has it gone the way of the pterodactyl? Here’s the Election Integrity Checklist. • Eligible voters cast a vote. • Ineligible votes are disregarded. • Ballots are secured. • Votes are accurately counted in a transparent process. This leads to an outcome we have to abide by, even if the results don’t turn out the way we’d like. Election integrity is NOT about making the voting process so cumbersome that it limits how many people can cast a ballot. There are some people who love going to their local polling place, casting a vote and getting their “I Voted” sticker. There are also people who can’t make it to a polling location. Maybe because of work schedules, maybe they’re caring for family members, maybe they’ve lived in an underground bunker since the Y2K scare.
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Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com
The point is, Utah’s vote-bymail process has gone swimmingly well. Mail-in voting doesn’t favor any one party; in fact, it gives more people a voice. Isn’t that what we want? I’d rather have an election with massive participation, even if my candidate loses. Isn’t that better than one side that wins because people couldn’t vote? But the federal government is acting like we’re handing out voting ballots willy-nilly, like Oprah giving away pajama sets at Costco. The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act would require voters to show proof of citizenship when voting, which you can’t do with a mail-in ballot. A federal judge blocked the president’s executive order that created a plan to regulate mail-in ballots. Now the administration, the U.S. Postal Service and the U.S. Supreme Court are in a race against time to change the mail-in ballot system. What could possibly go wrong? All of the president’s policies have gone off without a hitch. Right? Republican leaders make it
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sound like elections are being bombarded by illegal votes, but a Utah audit found nearly 100% of voters were U.S. citizens. Out of 2,069,640 voter records reviewed, 27 alleged noncitizen voters were found. That’s 0.0013%, for all you math nerds. Elections don’t belong to the president. They don’t belong to Republicans or Democrats. They don’t belong to cable news, TikTok influencers or the guy on Facebook who shares questionable memes. Elections belong to us: We the People. Election integrity boils down to this: protect the right to vote and ensure ballot security. We don’t want ineligible people to vote, but we also don’t want to make the process impossible for eligible voters. The system has worked for 250 years. Throughout this country’s history, no U.S. election has been postponed or cancelled nationwide. But the president’s interference implies you don’t have to cancel an election if you get to choose the voters.
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Continued from front page ultra-sensitive digital recorders in addition to a wide array of equipment that detects changes in electromagnetic fields and fluctuations in temperature. To prepare for an investigation, they set up video cameras throughout the building and shut down the electricity. Each investigation, which can last several hours, begins with Stoneking who explained that she has the ability to see, hear and communicate with spirits. “It’s hard to explain,” she said. “I just know. Sometimes I’ll see images or have emotions. I try to be descriptive and ask questions. A lot of them [the spirits] give me memories.” Stoneking tries to identify “hot spots” in a given location and the team sets up equipment in that area. “We try to validate what Chelsea gets on our equipment,” Steve said. A widespread belief within the paranormal community, and in many folklore traditions, is that spirits or energies can attach themselves to inanimate objects. Draper Historical Society, which is housed in an old house filled with hundreds of photographs and artifacts from the city’s pioneer and agricultural past, seemed like an intriguing place to investigate. “We always do a little research on the location,” Norris said. “We want to show up and see what the building gives us.” The Historical Society did not disappoint. Stoneking related she saw about eight spirits. A moving shadow was captured on
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The Sorenson Home Museum, which was investigated by Broken Wings Paranormal, takes on a spooky air at night. (Photo by David J. Weinstein)
one of the cameras in a room containing military memorabilia. Steve said that the team picked up EVPs (electronic voice phenomena) at the Historical Society and at all of the places they investigated in Draper as well. Historical Society volunteer Esther Kinder attended the investigation session with her daughter. “I was surprised at some of the things that came out,” she said. “They told me that a spirit named Eugene was standing right there by the organ. When they asked if I was related to him, the light flashed.” Kinder’s father and brother, who are deceased, were both named Eugene. The light Kinder referred to belonged to a “flux device.” Paranormal investigators believe that entities can interact with its infrared laser motion sensor to answer yes or no questions. Kinder related that she was not frightened by the experience. “I thought it was very interesting,” she said. Last spring, Broken Wings Paranormal investigated the Sorenson Home Museum. Originally built in 1882 by Danish settlers Peter Sorenson and his wife Martina, the house was moved to its current location by Draper Historic Preservation Commission and opened as a museum in 2003. Steve remarked that renovating or moving a building can stir up activity. Some ghostly lore surrounds the museum. One story is that white-haired Mrs. Sorenson is occasionally seen in her rocking chair listening to a ballgame on the radio, something she enjoyed doing before her death in the 1950s. The paranormal investigators did not meet Mrs. Sorenson but had other experiences. In the video of the investigation posted on YouTube, Stoneking appears to communicate with a few spirits in the home including that of a farmhand. The team asked questions
of the entities and played back answers on their recording equipment. “Something was walking around in the kitchen,” Lara said. “We immediately play back what we just recorded,” Steve said. “You can’t make it up. It’s there on camera. Sometimes we get nothing, sometimes you get a lot. No two locations are similar. It’s never what you expect.” A documentary filmmaker reached out to Broken Wings Paranormal to investigate Burgon’s Crossing, railroad tracks that border Draper and South Jordan. In 1938, a horrific accident occurred at the site when a train collided with a school bus killing 24. The tragedy inspired new safety regulations at railroad crossings nationwide and a ghost story in which spectral children are said to push cars stopped at the crossing onto the tracks. Steve said that his team experienced no such thing. “But those train tracks are haunted,” he added. “I have seen things my entire life,” Steve said. “If I go into a room, I can still feel things. I’ve always been intrigued.” “All of us in the group have had experiences,” Lara said. “I grew up in a haunted house. We want answers.” Inevitably, members of Broken Wings Paranormal meet skeptics who dismiss the whole notion of ghosts and paranormal investigation. Steve said that his response is to invite them to go on an investigation. “Many people cannot be swayed,” he said. “And that is why we, as investigators, strive to find more indisputable evidence to the contrary all the time.” l
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One of Draper’s deployed crews included (L-R) Mike McClellan, Parker Hansen, Anders Pritchard and Tyler Goodman. (Courtesy Draper Fire Department)
Through a regional agreement, Draper crews were sent to Oregon to help fight wildfires. While there, the need for help became greater in Washington with massive fires in Spokane, so Draper’s crew went to Washington to assist. (Courtesy Draper Fire Department)
Fire and police chiefs credit residents for their efforts to keep fires at bay Fire chief discusses massive wildfire season that’s not over yet, additional staffing in his department, and a successful ban on fireworks. By Mimi Darley Dutton m.dutton@mycityjournals.com
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s of August, nearly 600,000 Utah acres had burned and fire potential was far from over. “We generally plan for the wildfire season to go through the end of October. That can change if we get early snowfall and cooler temps, but given the season we’ve had, we anticipate it to be a longer season,” said Clint Smith, Draper Fire Department chief. Estimates as of August show fires have cost the state $45 million. “In my 31 years in the fire service in Utah, we have seen a continual escalation in the number of wildland fires. We were aware of the potential because of low snow pack this winter…our fuels started out dry and continued to get drier as we headed into the summer months,” Smith said. Thankfully, Draper hasn’t had any significant fire events. “It’s our wildland/urban interface area we’re most concerned about.
Kudos to our residents for being cautious and mindful and doing their part. We’ve been doing our part on fuels mitigation to limit risk, so collectively, we are doing a very good job,” Smith said. Within the state, interagency agreements have deployed Draper crews to the Cherry Fire which burned and joined the Forsyth fire. A crew was sent to the Horsehead Fire, and most recently, units went to the Rocky Canyon Fire. Crews also worked on smaller fires outside the massively destructive Cottonwood Fire, the largest fire in the nation at one point. Regionally, a Draper crew was sent to Oregon through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). “That allows a state, during times of duress, to request help from a neighboring state. Shortly after arriving in Oregon, Washington experienced enormous fires, particularly in the Spokane area…so Utah crews transitioned from Oregon to Washington,” Smith said. Contrast fires with the occasional significant summer rain storm that leads to flooding as happened in August. “We had minor events that affected a few homes, and some street flooding that stranded a few cars
with occupants that needed help, but overall, minimal damage,” Smith said. The Department’s efforts were boosted when Draper’s City Council voted to raise taxes with more funds going toward public safety, allowing Smith to hire three new people. “That’s huge for our department. We’re trying to maintain four handed staffing, a national best practice standard. Previously, it required a lot of overtime from our people to backfill for vacation and holidays. That puts a lot of pressure on our people to work more hours which negatively impacts their mental health and negatively impacts our ability to retain people because of burn out. The decision by the council will reduce the amount of money we spend on overtime and make for a much better work/life balance for our people,” Smith said. Draper’s Fire Department just completed a review by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). “It scores the department in areas including staffing, training, developed water supply system, dispatch services and how efficiently your fire department is providing services in the community,” Smith said. ISO rates on a scale from one to 10 with one being the
best. Draper previously had a two rating. “We are very confident we’ll maintain that ISO two rating very easily,” Smith said. That provides residents with savings on home insurance. “Insurance providers recognize a good protection system in place with personnel, water and rapid response,” Smith said. High fire danger led to fireworks bans for the Fourth of July and Pioneer Day. “Normally we bring on additional staffing for those holidays because there’s significantly increased potential. This year we didn’t have to. Across the valley, we’ve had years where there aren’t enough resources to keep up with call volume. This year we weren’t faced with that. It was the right decision under the circumstances,” Smith said. It’s up to the Draper Police Department to issue fireworks citations, and this year there was only one. “It was unbelievable. Typically during those holidays, we pass hundreds of violations on our way to the one called in. This year we had one violation and one citation issued. Other than that, everyone abided, and it was peaceful,” Draper Police Chief Rich Ferguson said. “It was a great show of citizens coming together.” l Buy a MEXICAN COKE and get a six-dollar
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How sweet it is! Draper bakers introduce their goods at the Draper Farmers Market Three Draper-based bakers bring French-inspired pastries, cinnamon rolls and peanut butter bars to local shoppers. By Katherine Weinstein k.weinstein@mycityjournals.com
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farmers market can be a great opportunity to start a small food business in Utah. The venues can act as small business incubators allowing entrepreneurs to test recipes, meet customers face to face and figure out what works. Three bakers based in Draper, Joane Nahue, Julie Petty and Tyler Thomas, introduced their baked goods at the Draper Farmers Market at Smith Fields Park this year and had positive things to say about their experiences. “You just learn what people like,” Nahue said. She started her business, SourJo’s Bakery, last spring. “It’s been doing really well,” she added. “I always joked about quitting my job and opening a bakery. It’s been a passion of mine.” Nahue specializes in sourdough bread, French pastries such as croissants and pain au chocolat, cookies, bagels and more. She left her career in marketing last fall to take an intensive three-month baking course in Paris and later took a job at a bakery in Caen, Normandy. Nahue was inspired by the French approach to baking. “Everything was so fresh,” she said.
SourJo’s Bakery founder Joane Nahue said that she enjoys meeting new customers at the Draper Farmers Market. (Photo by David J. Weinstein)
“The ingredients are so important. It brings quality to the finished product.” At SourJo’s, all of the ingredients are organic and everything is made from scratch, down to the chocolate in the pain au chocolat. While much of her baked goods are French-inspired, Nahue has also introduced some
Peruvian flavors to reflect her heritage. She hopes to sell her bakery goods to local coffee shops and one day have her own shop in Draper. It takes a great deal of time and effort to perfect baked goods before they are brought to market. Thomas has been selling different flavors of cinnamon rolls through his online business, Bakehouse. The farmers market is his first foray into selling them in person. “I tried 40 different recipes before I found the right one,” Thomas said, as he explained his quest to make the perfect cinnamon roll. Inspired by Crumbl cookies, Thomas wanted to focus his business on something sweet and comforting. Cinnamon rolls fit the bill. “We just opened a month ago,” he said. “This is my baby.” Like Crumbl, Bakehouse rotates two specialty flavors each week such as birthday cake or Biscoff cookie. In addition, “We always have the forever flavors which are regular and orange,” he explained. When Thomas was testing out cinnamon roll recipes, he was seeking one that would produce an exceptionally soft dough. According to the Bakehouse website, everything is made by hand including the cream cheese and vanilla bean frosting that sits atop the original classic rolls. “I’ve been baking all my life,” he said. “I did it as a side hobby but finally decided to jump into it.” He also hopes to open a shop in
Draper in the future. Petty, who owns Julie’s Peanut Butter Bars, started her business based on a recipe that she had been making for years. “Everyone has their thing that they take to parties,” she said. One day, a friend called and asked her for a pan of peanut butter bars for her son’s birthday. “He wanted them instead of a cake,” Petty said. The friend insisted on paying for the treats and encouraged her to sell them. Petty started selling peanut butter bars on Instagram five years ago. She explained that when many people hear about her bars, they think of the Reese’s cup-like peanut butter squares that were a mainstay of school cafeterias years ago. Her recipe is different and consists of a peanut butter and oatmeal cookie base topped with chocolate and peanut butter frosting. “I have a really good following of people who buy them online,” Petty said. This is her first year selling in person at the Draper Farmers Market. “Business has been great,” she said. “I wondered, ‘will people like it?’ It’s fun seeing people taste one and just love it.” The Draper Farmers Market is held on Tuesdays from 5 to 8 p.m. through Oct. 13 at Smith Fields Park, 200 E. 13400 South. Visit the bakers’ Instagram pages to learn more: @ sourjojos (SourJo’s Bakery), @eatbakehouse (Bakehouse cinnamon rolls) and @julies_peanut_butter_bars (Julie’s Peanut Butter Bars). l
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Draper City Journal
Youth Council offers opportunities for learning about leadership and volunteering Draper City Mayor’s Youth Council is a “volunteer backbone force” says mayor. By Mimi Darley Dutton m.dutton@mycityjournals.com
T
he Draper City Mayor’s Youth Council (DCMYC) is off and running after 62 new members took the oath of office at the Aug. 18 Draper City Council meeting. They join 48 returning DCMYC members ready to make a difference volunteering in their community. “Our fine Youth Council…is 110 members strong. This city council has recognized that investing in our young people is worth every dollar and we’re fortunate we have so many who want to serve. They participate in meaningful ways in our community. They’re a volunteer backbone force. It’s an opportunity for them to make friends outside their normal friend group, for kids from different high schools and religious groups to mix,” said Draper Mayor Troy Walker. “As these new members were sworn in, returning members also attended to give a warm welcome to the Youth Council,” said Executive Board Member Avery Spiel.
Members of the Draper Mayor’s Youth Council posed for a group photo after 62 new members were sworn in at City Hall bringing their total to 110 members this year. (Courtesy Caroline Sagae)
DCMYC members learn about jobs at the city and the role of local government and they volunteer at city events including the Corner Canyon Half Marathon, Haunted Trail, Tree Lighting Ceremony, the Easter Egg Hunt and Draper Days. Parker Van De Graaff is one of two mayors pro tem. When he was younger, he watched the fun his older siblings had participating in DCMYC and knew he wanted to be involved. Now a junior at Corner
Canyon High School, he’s returning for a third year. “I’ve always liked the city activities, so this is a fun way I can help with them,” he said. There are three committees within DCMYC: service, leadership and activities. Van De Graaff helps lead the service committee which he describes as doing “the heavy lifting” at city activities. He said it has given him a behind the scenes look at all that goes in to putting on major
events. The leadership committee makes plans for the group and the activities committee plans internal activities as the members get to know one another and work together. “Our jobs often overlap so we’re usually working as one big Youth Council,” Van De Graaff said. Each year, members of the DCMYC are broken up into smaller groups that identify a special service project they must complete before the end of the year. Van De Graaff said past groups have helped at soup kitchens and the Humane Society. Two years ago, his group tied blankets and donated them to a family crisis center. Last year, his group went to a local elementary school and helped a teacher prepare materials for the students. Caroline Sagae serves as the main advisor along with six other adults including Joaquim Sagae, Mindy Van De Graaff, Aerie Van De Graaff, Andrea Page, Kathy Kimball and Gayathri Shankar. “With 110 members now officially serving, the Draper City Mayor’s Youth Council looks forward to a year filled with opportunities to lead, serve and make a positive impact in the community,” Spiel said. l
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October 2026 | Page 9
Flock cameras—friend or foe of the people?
Flock cameras have become a big issue nationwide with police departments saying they’re an amazing tool for catching criminals while people worry they’re being surveilled. By Mimi Darley Dutton m.dutton@mycityjournals.com
A
utomatic License Plate Readers (ALPR) also known as Flock cameras have become another hot topic across the nation, within Utah, and among city residents. During Draper’s Truth in Taxation hearing, one resident declared them “worth their weight in gold” while another announced a campaign to “de-Flock Draper.” According to Draper Police Chief Rich Ferguson, ALPRs have been in Utah for nearly a decade, but not in Draper until November 2025. “Along the Wasatch Front we were kind of like a dark hole. We have four freeway exits off a major interstate that runs border to border and brings in a lot of trafficking and crimes. Every city from Ogden to Provo had them except Draper. We were one of the very last to come online,” Ferguson said. Before Draper PD had its own system, they had a Memorandum of Understanding wherein Draper officers agreed to abide by the law and policies when asking partner cities to enter requested information into their ALPR systems. Ferguson said those mutual aid agreements allowed his department to solve a series of burglaries on 12300 South. A suspect’s vehicle was identified and located using ALPR. “We were able to watch that person commit other crimes, we recovered evidence and got a confession. It’s that powerful of an investigative tool,” Ferguson said. After the Draper City Council approved the purchase during a public meeting, Draper PD contracted with Flock. “Flock owns the cameras and upgrades them as technology changes per their contract. We thought that would be a smart decision with taxpayer dollars,” Ferguson said. The initial purchase and first year fee was $53,573 and the city will pay $48,807 annually going forward.
Ferguson calls Flock a “force multiplier.” “If I have six officers on duty in the city and an Amber Alert goes out or a shooting occurs and I only have a vehicle description, I can enter that into the ALPR network. Then, every camera at every intersection is receiving data and notifies us if it passes by. Otherwise, I’m reliant on the six officers I have to strategically sit at locations waiting for that vehicle to drive by,” Ferguson said. He estimates the cameras save the city hundreds of thousands of dollars in investigative work. Ferguson said ALPR data is only a tool and his department still has to do the work. “It’s important for people to know it’s nothing more than an investigative lead. Just like an informant’s tip, we still have to take that lead and turn it into something. It’s up to detectives to go out, follow the subjects, and decide if they’re a viable suspect or not. It also exonerates people,” Ferguson said. Ferguson cited the murder of three women in Wayne County where ALPR proved powerful. The suspect stole one of his victim’s cars and was found in Colorado. “That’s what found the car, that’s the force multiplier. The suspect found in Colorado for three women murdered in Utah would not have happened otherwise because Colorado wouldn’t have had police posted at every intersection,” he said. Closer to home, Ferguson cited examples since Draper’s cameras went live. South Jordan had an attempted child abduction and the only description they had was a white van with California plates and balloons inside, but no license plate digits. “It hit in Draper and we found the van at a Draper residence…a subject out of California who was trying to lure this child into his car,” Ferguson said. A vehicle stolen from Oregon was recovered in Draper and two people were arrested. Another was a homicide that happened in Utah County but the body was dumped in Draper. ALPR cameras provided a timeline to identify the suspect and make an arrest. “They’ve proven their value immediately,” Ferguson said. The city has 14 cameras placed
Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPR), commonly known as Flock cameras, have been in Utah for several years but only came to Draper last November.
throughout the city. Three cameras were recently damaged by vandals. Flock’s contract covers faulty equipment, but damaged, destroyed or otherwise altered cameras are the financial responsibility of the city and its taxpayers. “We’re working on a couple leads, and if we discover who it is, we will charge them to the fullest extent of the law,” Ferguson said. The three cameras, valued at approximately $3,000 each, have yet to be replaced. Flock, a company valued at $8 billion, services 5,000 communities in 49 states according to an August article in Fortune. Flock is facing backlash amid growing concern over collected data, who has access to the data, and for how long. In Florida, a police officer used ALPRs to track his estranged wife for nearly two years. He was arrested in August. Flock CEO Garrett Langley said the company has made “recent privacy enhancements and measures to proactively address officer abuse.” Flock said data is typically deleted in 30 days and recently recommended a seven-day default, but Langley
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said communities can continue to “choose the retention period that fits its public safety strategy.” Some see ALPRs as a gray area regarding the Fourth Amendment. Ferguson said, “The data is ours and we’re not selling the data. If I ever found out we did, I’d have serious concern with the company. If someone knows of a violation of the Fourth Amendment using ALPR in Draper, I’d welcome them to come in and share it with me.” Flock estimates they helped locate 10,000 missing persons last year. “Those old enough can remember missing people used to be on milk cartons. Those are people who would otherwise be on a milk carton somewhere and probably forgotten. I’m passionate about this stuff because it works,” Ferguson said. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox was quoted as saying he’s “deeply troubled” by Flock cameras and has called for a review. Investigations showed many searches in Utah come from outside agencies, including from the Houston, Texas Police Department. It’s unclear if outside agencies are adhering to Utah laws. “I have not had one officer violate.... We’re entrusted with so much, right down to the weapons we carry and the data we can pull for our investigations. The guardrails are in place. We can ultimately lose our jobs and careers and be criminally charged if we violate the law. I’ve been very clear to our department that if any officer uses it for personal reasons, it will be taken seriously and they will be dealt with immediately,” Ferguson said. Councilmember Tasha Lowery has mixed feelings about ALPR. “Full transparency, when the Chief asked for funding a year ago, I voted to approve it. I didn’t fully understand all the implications at the time. I do see the value for our police department. The technology works, and if my child were kidnapped or my car stolen, I would want every resource available. But I also understand why people see it as overreach. There is an understandable ‘Big Brother’ concern with this kind of technology as well as real potential for misuse. While I trust our police department, I think we need strong safeguards to make sure that never happens under Draper City’s watch,” she said. Lowery said she’d like to find middle ground by tightly regulating the technology and data retention or sharing, and using the minimum number of cameras necessary, positioned only at city entrances and exits, so people don’t feel like they’re being watched while they go about their everyday lives, all while still using the tool to help police catch criminals. “To date, we had over 800 entries into Flock from our city and hundreds of cases solved using the leads we’ve generated,” Ferguson said. “I personally think this is why you’re seeing a reduction in crime everywhere.” l
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Oak Hollow students get a taste of France
Students and families explore French food, music, language and culture during school’s annual French Night. By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
A
t Oak Hollow Elementary’s third annual French Night, learning can come from making art like Henri Matisse, creating Mardi Gras masks, filling lavender sachets, sampling French cheese and spices, listening to music, exploring Paris through virtual reality — all while spending the evening with friends and family. The school’s French Night is expected to return in seven months, bringing together French dual-language immersion students, neighborhood students and their families for an evening designed to learn about French culture and unify the community. This past year, third-grade teacher Kenzie Piirainen introduced one of the evening’s activities: a virtual scavenger hunt featuring six locations around France. “It gives them a real-life glance of what it looks like there,” Piirainen said. French Night is open to all the student body, giving students who aren’t enrolled in the immersion program a chance to explore what their classmates are learning, she added.
Second-grader Bryson Peden, who attended with his dad, Bryan, had decided the highlight for the evening. “What have you learned?” his dad asked. “Cheese tastes good in France,” Bryson answered, adding that Gruyère was his favorite. At another station, he made a croissant with clay. First-grader Ruby Holbrook arrived eager to show her mother, Jessica Cutler, what she had been learning. “She was excited to show me the French culture she’s learning — their food, music and a bunch of activities,” Cutler said. Ruby didn’t have a favorite activity. “I’m enjoying being here doing them all with my friends and my family,” she said. French Night offered plenty of hands-on experiences for third-grader Lizzy Fuller, too. She had just seen Notre Dame at night on a virtual reality headset. “It was really neat,” Lizzy said. “I like DLI — learning the language, the culture, doing math and French activities.” Her dad, Brandon, said they come every year to French Night to expand her knowledge from the Tour de France to Bastille Day. “She is gaining education beyond the classroom and is learning to appreciate their world,” Fuller said.
At Oak Hollow’s French Night, students and their families could sample brie, Boursin and Gruyère cheeses. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Fourth-grade teacher Samual Babin agreed, adding it gives everyone a chance to discover France by exploring its culture, and the language without feeling like they’re being taught a lesson. “The students get a taste of the world and it opens their minds to others, their
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Draper City Journal
Willow Springs Elementary’s 12th annual art show blends art with academics.
Paint, pixels and place value
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
D
uring the next seven months, students will get out their paints, clay and other materials to be ready to showcase their art to the community. But at the recent 12th annual art show, the Willow Springs Elementary community had plenty of color to look back on as the multipurpose room transformed into a gallery of student creativity. Yet, visitors found something beyond paintings, ceramics and colorful creations: math, science and technology were all included in the art. “This year’s theme was math and science,” said Willow Springs’ Beverley Taylor Sorenson art teacher Mindy Van de Graaff. The art night’s integrated stations encouraged families to experience hands-on activities together, she said, adding that the robotics station, where families could create their own art bots, was a favorite as was the LEGO printmaking. Van de Graaff said students’ art lessons are designed as classroom collaboration, so they turn into creative projects. Place value, she said, can become a hands-on art lesson
Willow Springs Elementary’s 12th annual art show showcased students artwork around the theme of math and science. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
rather than just another number on a worksheet. Or this past year, after studying the way energy is transferred through electric currents, students then cut paper pieces to construct their own working circuit robots. “It gives meaning and another way to approach learning,” she said. Fourth-grader Juliette Grimes likes the art-related lessons. “I always been a crafty person, and I like creating things so doing art lets me be creative,” she said. “Art isn’t just free time. What we create goes together with what we do in class. Once in science, we learned about waves and then in art we created our names with a wave-like look on the iPad. Another time, with math, we created
equations using art.” Juliette likes going to the art show because “I like looking at my siblings’ artwork; I like to see how much they’ve grown with art through the year.” While she prefers looking at the younger grades’ art, fourth-grader Sadie Preece likes looking for her art and learning what is ahead. “We come every year because I like finding my art I’ve done throughout the year; I’ve seen two so far,” she said. “I also like learning about the higher grade’s art, so I can see what’s ahead for us.” Miriam Frazier, who attended with her second-grade son Tommy and kindergartner Ivy, said the show offered a chance for her children to proudly display their work.
“My kids are excited to show their art,” she said. “That’s important.” Frazier said art can stretch young minds in different ways from traditional school subjects. “It helps them appreciate art, and it helps your brain think about different things,” she said. “I started painting like maybe 10 years ago, and it’s relaxing and enriching. They paint with me.” Tommy knows his favorite part of art. “I like how colorful art is, and I like the different textures,” he said. His sister, Ivy, has her preferred medium. “I like making things with clay; it’s fun,” she said. School speech therapist Rebecca Carter sees another benefit. Working with students across grade levels, she gets to hear them talk about what they’ve made. She said art provides the perfect conversation starter. “Many will say their favorite subject is art, so I’ll always ask them about what they’ve recently created,” she said. “I’m here to see and support their creativity.” While seven months can sound like a long wait for the 13th annual art show, Willow Springs students may already be working on their next masterpiece. “I collaborate with the faculty and co-teach with the teachers, so students see me every week,” Van de Graaf said. “We integrate subjects all year to benefit student learning.” l
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Battle of the Bands celebrates 25 years of pumping up the volume Utah PTA’s Battle of the Bands gives student musicians a stage, a voice and a place to belong. By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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or 25 years, Utah PTA’s Battle of the Bands has given student musicians something they may not find anywhere else at school: a stage where their talent is recognized, celebrated and taken seriously. The program was introduced in 2002 as a statewide competition for student musicians, giving high school students an opportunity to share and be recognized for their garage-band talents. Utah PTA Battle of the Bands Chair Terri Francis said the program’s original idea came from Patsy Chandler, a former South Jordan PTA leader. Since its inception, the program has grown into a three-level competition: local school events, multiregion competitions and the state contest. Students in grades 9-12 associated with a qualifying PTSA can compete in either the bands or solo/duet category. Bands perform an original song and a cover, while soloists and duets perform one song. The competition is designed to welcome students who may not be involved in traditional
school activities, which is why the program matters, said Utah PTA President Julie Cluff. “It might not reach every kid, but it reaches kids who need that connection the most,” she said. Francis has seen that impact firsthand. After helping with an early Battle of the Bands event, a parent told her the program had been a lifesaver for her son and helped him feel “seen and valuable” during high school. For students, the benefits extend beyond competition. Francis said they gain performance experience, encouragement from their peers and feedback from judges with musical experience. “Often they value the judges’ comments more than prizes because they want to improve their craft,” she said. Former Utah PTA President Corey Fairholm said the program can be life-changing. “Many of these kids have gone on to get contracts, some with judges who come and they’re involved in other bands and the music industry,” she said. “Some of our kids have had opportunities to go on to college and study music — all of that because of being recognized through Battle of the Bands.” The atmosphere is supportive. Francis said competitors routinely cheer for one another, regardless of skill level. “They recognize they are awesome
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simply because they’re out there doing it, having the courage to be on stage and share their talents and skills,” she said. The program welcomes a range of music, from country and punk to hip-hop and brass bands. PTA has intentionally moved away from requiring students to identify a genre, Francis said, allowing young musicians more freedom to explore their sound. Recent winners demonstrate that variety. Last year, Tesseract of Farmington High won the band competition, followed by Diona of Herriman High, and Locked in Groove of Woods Cross High. Jonah Blaney, of Herriman High, won the solo/duet category, followed by Ella McQuay, of Bountiful High, and Myla Taylor, of Corner Canyon High. The 25th annual state competition is scheduled for April 24, 2027, at The Depot in Salt Lake City. The central multiregion competition is scheduled for March 6, at Cyprus High School in Magna. Other regional dates have yet to be set for the spring. Students interested in participating should talk with their school PTSA. Local competitions typically take place during the winter. PTA volunteers and community members also can help. Volunteers are needed to support local and regional events, while community members with musical experience
Corner Canyon High School student Emily Atkisson performed Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” at the PTSA Open Mic and Battle of the Bands on Jan. 30, 2020. (File Photo by Madison Ward)
can serve as judges. “Battle of the Bands sometimes help students feel seen and find their place simply by giving them a microphone and a place to shine,” said former Utah PTA president Liz Zentner.l
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Hilltop Gospel Choir Fifth Annual Gospel Music Workshop Gospel Music Workshop with Guest Clinician Reginald Golden Sandy, Utah—September 2026— Registration is now open for the Fifth Annual Gospel Music Workshop hosted by Hilltop Gospel Choir, taking place October 9–11, 2026, at Hilltop United Methodist Church in Sandy, Utah. This year’s featured clinician is REGINALD GOLDEN, acclaimed conductor of the internationally renowned Howard Gospel Choir and an experienced vocalist, educator, and workshop leader. Golden has led performances and masterclasses around the world and has collaborated with celebrated artists including Yolanda Adams, Patti LaBelle, Chaka Khan, and Sounds of Blackness. He has also performed at the White House and served as a cultural ambassador through international gospel tours.
This workshop is an amazing and unique opportunity for community members of all backgrounds and musical ability to experience the profound beauty and joy of Gospel and African American sacred music. During the workshop, participants will develop and expand on their musical skills, but also find connection, healing, and peace through singing and shared purpose. Whether you are an experienced singer or participating in a choir for the first time, this workshop offers an inviting and uplifting environment where each person and voice is valued and celebrated.
What: Gospel Music Workshop hosted by Hilltop Gospel Choir When: Friday, October 9, 2026 6:30–9:30 p.m. Saturday, October 10, 2026 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (lunch provided) Sunday, October 11, 2026 Worship Service | 10:30 a.m. Sunday October 11, 2026 Concert | 5:00 p.m. Where: Hilltop United Methodist Church 985 E. 10600 S. Sandy, UT 84094 Register: hilltopgospelchoir.org/ gospel-music-workshop/ More Information: info@hilltopgospelchoir.org 801.571.5777 SPONSORED CONTENT
DraperJournal.com
October 2026 | Page 15
Corner Canyon thespians bring a little New York to the stage
Lights, laughs and a “Welcome to New York” theme sets the stage for the school’s 14th season. By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
L
ights, camera, New York! Corner Canyon High theatre students have chosen “Welcome to New York” as the theme for their 14th season, which will take audiences from the icy kingdom of Arendelle to Shakespeare’s Renaissance, the court of Henry VIII and to a very unusual town where water comes at a price. The theme also will accompany the students as they prepare for a summer trip to New York. Theater teacher Phaidra Atkinson said the students wanted to bring the theme into their activities throughout the school year. “We do a trip there every other year,” Atkinson said. “So the kids decided they wanted their theme to be ‘Welcome to New York,’ and then they’re going to do themed things around New York this year.” The department’s fall musical, Disney’s “Frozen,” has a connection to the Big Apple through Disney’s role in the revitalization of the Broadway theater district, she said, but in Draper, it will have a community feel.
Corner Canyon announces its 2026-27 theatre officers: Lily Henstrom and Hyrum Henstrom, presidents; Paige Hillstead and Finn McDowell, vice presidents; Elle Stotts, secretary; Chloe Maddox, treasurer; Kierra Bitner and Ava Welch, public relations — art; Elsie Osborne and Isaac Nichols, public relations — social media; Will Lutz, Ashton Lee and Miranda Pichardo, tech. (Photo courtesy of theatre historians Danica Herring, Emma Checketts and Maddy Evans)
“We’re inviting younger kids, fifth grade and middle school, to be in it along with the high school kids so it will be for our whole community, which makes it really fun,” Atkinson said. The production also will feature a live
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orchestra, something Atkinson said the performing arts program is happy about. Music teacher Randal Clark will direct the pit musicians. “We were excited to be one of the first schools to be able to do a live orchestra with the show itself,” she said. Corner Canyon plans to add some extra magic for younger patrons with a special event before the 1 p.m., Nov. 14 matinee. Children will be able to participate in activities, enjoy treats and take pictures with cast members before attending the show. Details will be posted at cornercanyontheatre.com. While “Frozen” brings familiar songs and characters to the stage, Corner Canyon’s season also will give students plenty of chances to step outside traditional performance roles. The season began with a Shakespeare showcase featuring “As You Like It,” choir performances and individual pieces from Shakespeare’s works. The performance was designed to give audiences a preview of the school’s Shakespeare competition entries before 50 students headed to the 50th annual Utah Shakespeare High School Festival’s high school competition in Cedar City. In December, the student-directed showcase will bring 15 seniors, working in teams, to create their own productions. Atkinson said it is more than putting on a short play. The students choose their material and take on responsibilities including directing, producing and costuming. “It’s a rite of passage for them when they get to be a senior,” she said. “It’s a collaboration between teachers and students.” In March, the thespians will present
“Queens,” a play about Henry VIII and his wives, under the direction of theatre teacher Case Hamilton. Atkinson said the production also gives Corner Canyon an opportunity to highlight its talented female performers and offer the audience a chance to see a familiar historical story told from a different perspective. This also will be the one-act play the students will perform at the region and state competition. The season wraps up with “Urinetown,” a musical filled with the “fun, quirky characters” and strong singing parts and harmonies — and has the New York roots, having developed from improv comedy before becoming a full-length show. Atkinson said the season will showcase the talents of this year’s senior class. Seniors also have opportunities to choreograph portions of the spring musical. “The group of seniors are some of the best I’ve ever seen,” she said. Through the productions, Atkinson said theatre teaches students skills they can carry long after the final curtain call, including collaboration, problem-solving, resilience and learning how to work with people toward a common goal. “Our hope is anytime kids are going through our theatre program, they can build life skills that will help them,” she said, “We’re wanting them to learn how to lead, serve, collaborate and take feedback or give feedback. We want to help them be better humans in our society.” l
CORNER CANYON THEATRE SEASON
Shakespeare Showcase — 7 p.m., Sept. 30 — “As You Like It,” choir performances and individual Shakespeare pieces. Free. “Frozen”— 7 p.m., Nov. 12, 13 and 14; also 1 p.m., Nov. 14; 7 p.m., Nov. 16. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Special pricing for matinee activities and cast meet and greet. Auditorium. Student-Directed Showcase — 7 p.m., Dec. 4-5 in the Little Theater. Free. Broadway Backwards — 7 p.m., Dec. 14 in the Little Theater. Donations at the door benefit the school charity. “Queens” — 7 p.m., March 4-5, 2027 in the auditorium. Performed with individual pieces. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. “Urinetown” — 7 p.m., May 6-8, 2027 in the auditorium. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. All ticket information is available at cornercanyontheatre.com. Corner Canyon’s productions are held at 12943 S. 700 East in Draper.
Draper City Journal
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October 2026 | Page 17
Traditions take the stage at Channing Hall
Students shared dances, artwork and traditions from around the world during Channing Hall’s fifth annual cultural night. By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
T
hird-grader Aniruddh Sharma is the latest in his family to take up Bhangra dancing. “I love performing for everyone,” he said. It’s a family tradition. His dad started dancing. Then his sister. Now it’s Aniruddh’s turn. “It’s fun when the crowd is cheering and clapping and enjoying it,” he said. This is Aniruddh’s third year dancing Bhangra with the Utah Punjabi Arts Academy. At Channing Hall’s fifth annual cultural night, Aniruddh joined classmates and other performers in sharing music, dance and traditions from cultures represented throughout the school community. The evening gave students the opportunity to perform for friends and family. Eighth-grader Josephine Fowers also took the stage. “There’s no pressure to performing at a cultural fair unlike competition and it’s a lot of fun to learn about other cultures’ dances,” she said. Seventh-grader Sydney Hill enjoys the
Students performed traditional dances at Channing Hall’s fifth annual cultural night. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
rush of performing for a crowd. “I like adrenaline from dancing,” she said. “I love when people are clapping to the beat.” They are two members of the Dragan Ceilteach Irish Dancers, who also took the stage. Member Ellie Beech said the group was performing a traditional set and a 16-hand dance. Her sister, Sasha said, the group is close. “It’s fun to dance with my friends; we have a good time,” she said. The performances were only part of the evening. Families wandered through the school, taking in student artwork, playing games and
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enjoying the festive atmosphere. Daria Carpenter attended with her second-grader, Thomas, who has made cultural night an annual tradition. “We love coming every year to play the games,” she said. “My son was showing me his art; he was really excited about it.” Amanda McDew attended with her husband, Tony, and their second-grade son, Braxton, who was there to support his classmates. “Braxton is here to see his friends and support people performing,” McDew said. “After, we go in and see the art projects they did.” Channing Hall staff said those family
connections are exactly what make the event important. Heather Fehrenbach, one of the event’s organizers, said Channing Hall’s International Baccalaureate program makes observing different cultures a natural part of school life. “As an International Baccalaureate school, we celebrate all the cultures in our community,” she said. “It’s also one of two big community events where our families connect and build that sense of community. We have that sense of belonging, feeling that you’re a part of something.” Assistant Principal Aaron Webb said Channing Hall’s student population speaks a couple dozen different languages, with flags representing those countries displayed the charter school. “I love the community,” he said. “I love seeing the kids and parents and grandparents come out. We have a whole army of student volunteers who help put this on, they’re just amazing. And the teachers put in a full day and beyond every year when we do this — to help set up, to help keep everything running smoothly. I appreciate them.” Webb said the school has become a place where family traditions, student talent and cultures thrive. “It’s definitely a highlight of the year when everyone can be spotlighted and celebrated,” he said. l
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Stop cleaning-out your gutters this season
Debris Buildup Stands No Chance
Corner Canyon celebrates new field house as Sutera era begins A new season, a new coach and a new facility are giving Corner Canyon High students plenty to celebrate. By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
C
orner Canyon High School recently celebrated its new field house with a ribbon cutting, highlighting a $13.5-million investment in facilities designed to benefit students and athletic programs. The 36,000-square-foot field house, which opened December 2025, has an expanded athletic and training space, including a large weight room. The field house was part of a larger project which includes the school’s new security vestibule and improvements to the Chargers’ baseball, softball and soccer fields. New Corner Canyon head football coach Casey Sutera said the facility has already become an important part of his program. “We’ve used this facility quite a bit so far,” he told the crowd at the official ribbon cutting. “During the summer, we lived in here and we get after it in the weight room. We love the success that happens on the field, but what you guys don’t see, is it’s because of the work we put in.” With the Chargers’ win that night, the team was 3-0 this season. He acknowledged the program’s success
DraperJournal.com
— 112-10, including six state championships — under former coach Eric Kjar in his nineyear tenure and added he was looking forward to continuing it. “There’s a great legacy that coach Kjar has built here and I’m grateful that I’m the one you guys trust to continue that legacy. It begins with hard work,” he said. Principal Dina Kohler recognized the change in the program: “Welcome to the Sutera era.” Canyons School District Superintendent McKay Robinson said the field house benefits more than student-athletes. “Every student benefits with these facilities and also with the awesome education that our students are being provided by our teachers,” he said. The field house is available for all athletic teams as well as physical education classes. District Business Administrator and CFO Leon Wilcox said the field improvements were completed first because of flooding and safety concerns. He added the field house’s new weight facility, coupled with the previously existing weight room, allows more students and teams to train at the same time. With the completion of Corner Canyon’s and Jordan High’s field houses, all five of Canyons School District’s comprehensive schools now have indoor practice facilities. l
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A ribbon was officially cut on Corner Canyon’s new field house, which is designed to benefit student and athletic programs. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
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The City Journals, a conglomerate of community newspapers, has been bringing your hyperlocal news directly to your mailbox (for free!). That means we are sitting through city council meetings, following school boards and local elections, and covering high school sports, neighborhood issues, new businesses and the people doing interesting things down the street. Hi, I’m Cassie. You’ve likely seen my byline before, or at least flipped through something I’ve reported on. I’m an individual part of the bigger team of writers here who has been bringing you the local news you love. I started at the City Journals in 2015 and, even though an 11-year career may seem like a good chunk of time, it’s nothing in comparison to the rest of our editorial team. Our Salt Lake County Editor, Travis Barton, has been with us for just as long; our Davis editor to the north, Becky Ginos, has been monitoring the pulse of Davis County since the pandemic; and our humorist extraordinaire, Peri Kinder, has been bringing the laughter for decades. For more than 35 years, the City Journals have delivered community newspapers free to readers. Today, our 38 reporters produce roughly 190 to 220 original local stories each month across 15 communities in Salt Lake and Davis counties, each are embedded within the communities we serve. Oh! My colleagues would be upset with me if I didn’t mention the majority of us are award-winning journalists. “It’s amazing how you can turn some handwritten notes into a full, beautiful story,” said our account executive Marc Davis. It’s not unusual for a City Journals reporter to be the only journalist in the room at a local government meeting. That kind of reporting isn’t glamorous, but we think it matters. We want to keep doing that—and do more of it. Like local news organizations everywhere, we’re figuring out how to sustain and expand our reporting as the way people get their news changes. We want to publish more frequently online, spend more time on stories that deserve deeper reporting and continue putting reporters in the rooms where decisions about your community are being made. That takes time and resources. We’re asking readers who find value in the City Journals to consider supporting our work. If one reader in each household contributed even $2 to $5 per month ($24 to $60 per year), it would give us more resources to put directly into local journalism. There’s no paywall attached to this request. We’ll keep delivering the City Journals and reporting the news of our communities. We’re simply asking those who are able—and who believe local reporting is worth having—to help us do more of it. Your support won’t go unnoticed. Because we’re reporters, we think you should know what happens next. As this effort grows, we’ll report back to you about what reader support has allowed us to accomplish. To support your City Journal, visit donate.thecityjournals.com or scan the QR Code on this page. We welcome your direct communication. Please keep talking to us. Tell us what we’re missing. Ask us questions. The relationship between our reporters and the communities they cover is what makes this kind of journalism possible. From the entire City Journals team – With dedication to informing and, most certainly, celebrating our communities, Cassie Goff | c.goff@mycityjournals.com
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October 2026 | Page 21
Teachers who believe in their students
Two Draper teachers were recognized with Honors in Education awards for making a positive impact in their students’ lives. By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
T
wo Draper-area teachers were among 20 Utah top educators recognized this summer for the difference they make in the lives of students. Amy Brand, a retired fourth-grade teacher at Draper Elementary, and Jared Collette, a Corner Canyon High School social studies teacher, received the 2026 Honors in Education awards through First Lady Abby Cox’s Show Up for Teachers Initiative. The educators were recognized at a gala at the Grand America Hotel, where recipients received glass awards, gift cards and videos highlighting their work. For Brand, the honor came as a surprise, especially as she was retiring after 30 years in education. “I got an email saying, ‘Congratulations! You were nominated as an honoree in education from Abby Cox,’ and I was taken back,” she said. Brand was nominated by a former parent whose daughter has Down syndrome. Brand taught the student years ago when the family
Page 22 | October 2026
faced questions about whether she should remain in a general education classroom. Brand became an advocate for keeping the student in the mainstream classroom. “I said, ‘Absolutely, she belongs in here,’” Brand said. “These are the kids she’s grown up with. She loves them. They love her.” Brand adjusted assignments to meet her needs while helping her build confidence and relationships with classmates. Years later, the student continued to participate in mainstream classes and activities at Draper Park Middle School and now, at Corner Canyon High School. The experience reinforced Brand’s belief that there is no single formula for teaching. “Every student has different needs in the classroom, and you need to meet those needs and have these expectations that they can reach their goals,” she said. Although Brand has retired, she isn’t completely stepping away from Draper Elementary. She plans to return regularly to help coach students with reading and writing. The award also gave Brand a chance to reflect on her three decades in the classroom. “It made me feel proud. I did work hard for the last 30 years, and I’m happy somebody noticed,” she said. Collette was nominated by a parent of one of his students as well.
Gov. Spencer Cox is pictured here with Amy Brand, a retired fourth-grade teacher at Draper Elementary, who received the 2026 Honors in Education award this summer. (Photo courtesy Amy Brand)
As a social studies teacher and debate coach, Collette taught the student geography and world history and said her kindness, dedication and willingness to learn made an impression on him. His goal is to create a classroom where students of all abilities can participate and contribute. “I try to have an inclusive classroom where any student of any ability can be
challenged and not overwhelmed and learn, grow and contribute,” Collette said. His path into teaching was influenced by his father, who taught at University of California at Berkeley. Collete recently moved from Draper Park Middle School to Corner Canyon for a new challenge and the opportunity to explore deeper content in social studies. He will teach AP geography this year while continuing to coach debate. Despite receiving the statewide honor, Collette said he sees the award as recognition of the profession rather than just himself. “There are a lot of people who should be recognized for their hard work and dedication to teaching students,” he said. For Brand and Collette, the award is less about the glass plaque or recognition at a gala and more about the students who made their teaching meaningful. “Relationships is a big key to education; we can help students learn and build self-confidence,” Brand said. Collette said his work continues to be about helping students become empowered to become the best versions of themselves. “I love having a central purpose of trying to do a lot of good in the world,” he said. “Trying to make a difference, trying to connect to students, trying to impact their lives.” l
Draper City Journal
W
hat if your worst day became your villain origin story? The day you lost your temper at Walmart. The day you kicked the office water cooler. The day you screamed at your partner in the grocery store and became a viral sensation for all the wrong reasons. What if your greatest shame or embarrassment became your legacy: forever. I’m afraid we’ve judged Disney villains too harshly. What if they were normal people having a tough day? What if their bad decisions defined them for generations? Take Ursula the Sea Witch. She ran a powerful, women-owned business, granting people their heart’s desire. What did she get? Impaled on the bow of a ship and labeled as a fast-talking, predatory loan officer for eternity. Were her tactics questionable? Of course. But she was also an octopus. What about Snow White’s Evil Queen? She bought into the idea that youth is everything and had a questionable relationship with mirrors, but one poison-laced apple and suddenly she’s a witch. Maleficent’s curse on Sleeping Beauty was an overreaction to not being invited to a baby blessing. Cinderella’s stepmother just wanted Cinderella to do some damn chores. Does that make her evil? Cinderella could have at least unloaded the dishwasher instead of dressing up her mice. Maybe these villains were all having a
DraperJournal.com
Welcome to the Dark Side Peri Kinder Life and Laughter
terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. But understanding why someone acted badly isn’t the same as excusing that behavior. We’ve all been there. We’ve said things we’ve regretted. We’ve hurt people’s feelings. We’ve done stupid things. Hopefully you didn’t try to skin 101 Dalmatians, but really, who hasn’t wanted a coat as soft as a pile of puppies? Who hasn’t gone all Queen of Hearts and yelled, “Off with his head!” during a stressful work meeting? No one? Just me? Was Beauty’s Gaston intentionally terrible? Maybe his father never taught him to respect women and never scolded him for putting his disgusting feet on the table. His public humiliation seemed to push him into “Kill the Beast” mode, but that’s no excuse for his villainous behavior. The way we treat each other matters. How often have we made someone the villain? The driver who honks immediately after the light turns green was obviously raised
by feral wolves. The woman having a meltdown at Starbucks becomes a “Karen” and is publicly shamed on TikTok. The neighbor who disagrees with you politically becomes your nemesis. And now our bad days can be recorded, posted, commented on by strangers and picked apart by internet trolls before we even figure out what happened. Life feels so prickly. We’re walking around like a cactus, trying not to stab someone in the thigh. I don’t think anyone wakes up and thinks, “I’m going to be an incredible jerk today.” Well, except some politicians. Who hasn’t felt rage, hopelessness or fear? Humans act irrationally. Sometimes we’re exhausted, sometimes we’re at wit’s end or sometimes we just can’t hear our co-worker chew his sandwich for one more minute. We are so quick to judge, so fast to condemn. Trolling has become a favorite pastime for many people, and I don’t mean the ones who live under bridges. I’ve often fallen into the role of villain. I’ve posted rage-bait; I’ve gauged a person’s character by the color of their hat or by the number of American flags stuck to their Ford F-150. We need to remember that everyone is carrying a heavy load, even the people we want to push off the castle. I know I’ve been the villain in someone’s story. Haven’t we all?
Peri Kinder is an award-winning columnist and journalist who has written for The City Journals since 2004. She also hosts the Life & Laughter podcast. Peri can be reached at peri.k@thecityjournals.com.
October 2026 | Page 23
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