Draper | October 2025

Ninja Kidz

By Katherine Weinstein | k.weinstein@mycityjournals.com

Having competed on “American Ninja Warrior” last summer, the Myler siblings are on tour performing their unique blend of martial arts and gymnastics in “Ninja Kids Live: Infinite Possibilities,” an action-packed show that embraces family values.

It all started with a YouTube video. In 2017, Draper dad and professional stunt artist Shane Myler filmed a martial arts scene with his four children and posted it on YouTube. Over 100 million views later, the Ninja Kidz phenomenon was born.

“I was 11 years old then, and Payton and Paxton were 8,” Ashton Myler recalled.

That first video, which showcased the martial arts and gymnastic skills of siblings Bryton, Ashton, Paxton and Payton, inspired the creation of the “Ninja Kidz TV” YouTube channel. As of last July, the channel has 40 million subscribers and 18 billion views on YouTube. The Ninja Kidz recently expanded into a touring live action show, “Ninja Kidz Live: Infinite Possibilities.”

This month, “Ninja Kidz Live” is tour-

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ing the Midwest and eastern U.S. “Our first show was in the Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City,” Ashton said. “The show is full of action-packed challenges, games and skits that promote family values.” Audience participation is a key element of the production.

Payton Myler noted that besides showcasing physical feats, the “Ninja Kidz Live” show incorporates positive messaging. “It’s about respect, gratitude, courage, discipline and honesty,” she said.

“Our whole family, even the dog, perform as Ninja Kidz,” Ashton said, explaining that the family lives on a tour bus for a portion of the year. “We have another 23 shows

Ninja Kidz YouTubers, Ashton and Paxton Myler, were the first brothers in the history of NBC’s “American Ninja Warrior” to compete against each other in the finals last summer. (Photo courtesy of NBC)

starting at the end of October. We’ll travel to Dubai for a few more shows after that.”

“We’ve all done it together this whole time,” Payton added. “Living on the bus is kind of crazy, but being with my family and performing is a cool experience. I don’t know of anyone who has gone on tour with their family.”

Ninja Kidz promotes healthy lifestyles and encourages their fans to be adventurous and active. “We want to encourage kids to get off screens,” Ashton said. In 2023, the Myler family launched the Ninja Kidz Action Park in South Jordan which includes a trampoline park, adventure zone and other games. Paxton assists with the design and layout of the park courses. “It’s an extension of our YouTube channel,” Ashton said. The action parks are expanding as a franchise across the U.S.

Last summer, all four siblings were contenders on Season 17 of NBC’s “American Ninja Warrior.” Ashton and Paxton made it through the rigorous semifinals to earn coveted spots in the national finals race. They became the first pair of brothers to compete against each other on “American Ninja Warrior.”

The experience did not create hard feelings between the brothers. “It was actually a lot of fun having Paxton by my side,” Ashton said, explaining that there has always been healthy competition be-

tween the siblings as they have engaged in martial arts and gymnastic challenges over the years. “It was fun putting that up on the big screen,” he added.

Fellow Utahn, Kai Beckstrand of St. George, ultimately won “American Ninja Warrior,” but Ashton, Paxton and Payton will compete again on the show next season. “I didn’t make it very far, but it was fun, and I am going to try it again,” Payton said.

In addition to their “Ninja Kidz TV” YouTube channel, each of the Mylers have their own personal channels as well. Being a successful YouTuber is a lucrative career. Ashton, who is now 19 years old, said, “YouTube has been a good launching platform. It opens doors to creative projects like movies and TV shows.” While he isn’t exactly sure what the future holds, he said, “I definitely want to do something in a creative space.”

While oldest brother Bryton, 21, is a working actor, 17-year-old twins Paxton and Payton are balancing their Ninja Kidz careers with finishing their high school education. Payton mentioned doing coursework online. “It’s about time management,” she said. “I just do school whenever I can.”

For now, the Mylers are on the road, entertaining audiences and inspiring people to realize their full potential. “It’s about never giving up and pursuing your dreams,” Ashton said. The Ninja Kidz are doing just that. l

Retirement Living Made Simple.

Draper brothers Ashton and Paxton Myler, known for “Ninja Kidz TV” on YouTube, had fun competing against each other in the finals round of NBC’s “American Ninja Warrior” last summer. (Photo courtesy of NBC)

Local pet shelters address myths about black cats

Ruff Patch Rescue and Draper City Animal Services are just two examples of local animal welfare organizations that help find homes for pets and dispel negative myths about black cats.

By Katherine Weinstein k.weinstein@mycityjournals.com

Black cats experience lower adoption rates and higher euthanasia rates compared to other colored cats in animal shelters across the U.S. On a local level, however, things look a bit brighter for this symbol of Halloween. Ruff Patch Rescue and Draper City Animal Services are just two examples of area animal welfare organizations who work to find homes for all kinds of pets and help dispel negative myths about black cats.

“We actually get a lot of people who love black cats,” Jocelyn Callahan, a volunteer with Ruff Patch Rescue, said. “Kitties with more unique coloring, like Siamese and calicos, capture peoples’ eyes and often get adopted first. But black kitties aren’t always last. I think that once someone has a black cat and realizes how great they are, they want to adopt another.”

Anyone who has had the spooky experience of encountering a black cat in the dark, its eyes shining in the shadows, can appreciate how the animals became objects of superstition centuries ago. The notion that black cats bring bad luck is fading but is still one of the reasons why they have a harder time being adopted. Their dark fur also makes it more difficult for people to discern their features in shelters and it can be challenging to photograph black cats for adoption websites.

Officer A. Hurst at Draper City Animal Services acknowledged that black cats are often the last to be adopted. “But then there

help get them adopted.

Callahan explained that Ruff Patch Rescue has a thorough vetting process for prospective adopters to help ensure that all pets go to homes where they will be safe and well taken care of. “We do have a contract in place,” she said. “We make sure that people are adopting for a reason. The whole family has to be involved.”

On a global scale, increased awareness of the plight of black cats in shelters is making a difference in how many find their forever homes. National Black Cat Appreciation Day, on Aug. 17 in the U.S. and National Black Cat Day, on Oct. 27 in the U.K., were founded to honor the value of black cats and dispel superstitions.

Last spring, NPR reported that adoptions of black cats increased thanks to the 2024 Academy Award-winning animated film, “Flow,” about a black cat who bonds with other animals to survive in a flooded world. “Anytime there’s a movie with a specific breed, there’s an uptick in adoptions,” Hurst said.

are people who are specifically looking for black cats,” she said, adding that all of her own pets are black.

A popular misconception about black cats is that animal welfare organizations usually suspend adoptions of the animals during the month of October out of concern that they will be harmed or discarded after Halloween. “That is a myth,” Hurst stated.

The ASPCA, the Humane Society of the United States and Best Friends Animal Society have issued statements in recent

years declaring that there is no evidence that adopting black cats at Halloween poses a greater risk to the cats than adopting them at any other time of the year. Many shelters actually use Halloween to promote the adoption of black cats.

Hurst, who has worked in the field of animal welfare in Utah and Colorado for over 20 years, said, “At the shelters I’ve worked for, we promoted the adoption of black cats at Halloween.” She added that some shelters give black cats Halloween-themed names to

There are many pet rescue organizations and animal shelters in the Salt Lake Valley filled with cats and dogs of all colors and breeds who are seeking homes. Ruff Patch Rescue, founded in Riverton, consists of a network of volunteers who foster all kinds of animals for adoption. They hold regular adoption events on Saturdays at the Riverton PetSmart. Visit ruffpatchrescue.com to see pictures of available pets.

Draper City Animal Services oversees a no-kill shelter. Lost pets without identifying tags or microchips are put up for adoption after a standard holding period of five business days. They are kept until they are adopted or eventually given to a pet rescue group. For more information, visit www. draperutah.gov/living-in-draper-city/animal-services/. l

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Jenny, a black cat adopted from a foster caregiver affiliated with Best Friends Animal Society, poses with a jack-o’-lantern. (Photo by David J. Weinstein)

Youth

Council members volunteer for the city and learn civics, one ran for City Council

Draper’s Youth Council is still the biggest in Utah, and one member ran for a two-year city council position despite being just 17 years old.

By Mimi Darley Dutton m.dutton@mycityjournals.com

This year’s Draper City Mayor’s Youth Council (DCMYC) is 106 members strong, the second biggest the city has ever had, and still the largest in the state by a long shot. Membership is open to all high school students who are Draper residents.

“The City Council allowed the funds for as many to participate as wanted to do it, and we appreciate the young people who provide valuable service to our community. We couldn’t do some of our events without them,” Mayor Troy Walker said.

Half of the members are returning and half are new. New members took their Oaths of Office at the Aug. 19 City Council meeting where the youth and proud parents filled council chambers.

In addition to volunteer parent advisors and city advisor Caroline Sagae, the DCMYC is led by an Executive Committee of nine from within their ranks. “The Executive Committee works to make the program go,” Walker said. This year’s Executive Committee includes Payton Johnson, Kennedy Nelson, Jack Romasanita, April Jensen, Taft Derby, Parker Van De Graff, Pro-Tempore

CCHS senior and youth council member Evan Sorensen waved to voters at City Hall the day of Draper’s primary election. Sorensen ran for a two-year term on the City Council which he hoped to fulfill during his senior year of high school and freshman year of college. He lost but said he has no regrets. “I met so many citizens of Draper and got to have adult conversations about issues I wasn’t aware of. It was great to listen,” Sorensen said. (Mimi Darley Dutton/City Journals)

Mayors Aaron Babcock and Maren Crosby, and Mayor Bella Page.

“The youth council is a great way to get involved in the community in a beginner friendly and simple way, and it really benefits the city,” Page said.

Page is following in her older sister’s footsteps as mayor. She has aspired to be mayor since she joined the youth council four years ago. “I really wanted to be that for the younger grades. I’ve met so many amazing people through youth council,” she said. With members from all the high schools in the area including Hillcrest, Alta, Juan Diego, Summit, Corner Canyon (CCHS) and Lone Peak, “It’s a big mix of people I wouldn’t have met if not for the youth council,” Page said.

The CCHS senior’s favorite subjects in school are math and science and her favorite youth council activity is Draper’s half marathon. For that event, youth council members are paired up and sent to the city’s trails to direct and encourage runners. “You don’t usually get paired with someone you know, and I intentionally ask to be paired with someone new. You talk for a couple hours, get to meet people, and have cool conversations,” she said. As for civics lessons, Page said the youth council recently had Sergeant Todd from the Draper Police Department talk to them about the Police Academy. “I never knew the behind the scenes. It was very cool insight and a big hit with the youth. I think it’s important the youth council does those so they get a better understanding of the community and city we live in,” Page said.

One example of civic engagement came from new DCMYC member Evan Sorensen. It his was search of Draper City’s website to learn more about applying for the youth council that led him to realize a two-year City Council term was up for election. “I was browsing the website and I saw there was an election notice and an open seat. I checked into the requirements because, at some point in my life, I wanted to run for political office. The only requirements were to be old enough to vote, not be a felon, and be a Draper resident for 12 consecutive months. I’ve lived in Draper for 13 years, so I emailed the city recorder and asked if it would be allowed. She asked the county clerk and city attorney. I went into City Hall and filed and I got approved,” Sorensen said.

At the age of 17, the CCHS senior ran in the primary municipal election, permissible because he would have been 18 by the time the term started. He planned to serve his senior year of high school and freshman year of college. He was allowed to vote in the primary election because the law permits voting if the person will be 18 before the General Election in November and his birthday is at the end of October.

His primary political objective was to make Draper more affordable for young people. “I was hoping, as a city, we could have more input on developments and oversee small, affordable housing that’s good quality, making more affordable housing for the city and for young people so we don’t have to leave once we graduate high school,” he said. Sorensen took advantage of early voting

at City Hall. “I remember tapping my name on the screen and I thought ‘wow!’ That’s something most people can’t say they’ve done,” Sorensen said. On the day of the election, he sat outside for 12 hours at a legally allowed distance from in-person voters at City Hall and the county’s ballot drop box to wave to voters. “I had a lot of people pull over and say they voted for me,” he said. He accumulated 487 votes, more than 9%.

Though he lost, Sorensen said he doesn’t have any regrets, and he’s not deterred from running for a political position in the future. “I am beyond positive that I will run for some kind of office again. It was a valuable experience for me and I learned a lot that I can now apply when I’m older. I would advise anybody who is remotely interested in seeking political office to go for it. What’s the worst that can happen? You get 9.6% of the vote and have a really great experience talking to hundreds of people. I think it turned out pretty good for me,” Sorensen said. After graduating from CCHS, Sorensen plans to pursue a degree in Political Science and go to law school.

DCMYC Mayor Page recently turned 18 and got to vote in the primary municipal election. “It was super cool to see him run and nice to see my age group represented,” she said.

According to Draper City’s Mayor, that’s the point of the youth council. “My goal with them is they know more about government than most Americans…and I think these kids learn that, have a great time, and help our community,” Walker said. l

This year’s youth council posed for their traditional group photo after the oath of office was administered to new members. Members volunteer to help with city activities throughout the year while also learning about government and civics. Youth Mayor Bella Page is second from right in the front row. (Courtesy Andrea Page)

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By Katherine Weinstein k.weinstein@mycityjournals.com

Every year, Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society finds ways to make their annual October concert of show tunes and movie music different and more memorable than the last. This year’s production, “Seize the Day,” focuses on music of the silver screen with a variety of new songs and unique arrangements of wellknown pieces. Costumed characters from Disney films and the Star Wars franchise will once again perform and interact with the audience before and after the concert.

“If you love movie music, this concert will knock your socks off!” music director and conductor Sherri Jensen declared.

A highlight of the program will be an orchestral tribute to the musical legacy of composer John Williams. Excerpts from the movies “Jaws,” “Indiana Jones,” “Superman,” “Jurassic Park” and “Star Wars: Episode IV” will be shown to the live accompaniment of Draper Philharmonic per-

forming the iconic scores.

Music from movie musicals and Disney classics comprise the rest of the program. Jensen took the concert’s title, “Seize the Day” from “Newsies.” “It just felt like a really great proclamation, a good, positive declaration,” she said.

Songs from “Newsies,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Phantom of the Opera,” “Cinderella,” “Aladdin,” “Prince of Egypt,” “Annie,” and others will be performed by costumed soloists in addition to the orchestra and choir.

Marsali Hancock, concert master and first chair violin, explained that Draper Philharmonic commissioned new arrangements of songs such as “Arabian Nights” from “Aladdin.” “Different arrangements allow for a different presentation,” she said. “The orchestration allows for a different approach to the singing.”

The new arrangements of “Arabian Nights” and “Prince Ali” will be sung by soloist Mike Handy, reprising his role as the genie from last year. Handy, who has professional skills in costuming and makeup, detailed the effort that goes into his transformation. “This year I used liquid makeup applied with an air brush,” he

said. It takes a bald cap, prosthetic pointed ears and a lot of blue makeup in addition to the costume to bring the genie to life.

Handy is a member and founder of Utah Screen Stars, a group of volunteers who dress up as costumed characters to appear at charity events and children’s hospitals. Members of the group will be at the concert portraying characters from animated Disney films, “Star Wars” and “Indiana Jones.” “The audience will be able to do meet and greets with the characters before the concert, during intermission and afterwards,” he said. “This year is going to be bigger than the last. It will be kind of like going to Disneyland.”

Singing the music of Disney and Broadway is a joy for many members of the Choral Society. Second tenor Steve Morrison, who joined Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society last January, talked

about a couple of his favorite pieces from the concert. “‘Deliver Us’ from ‘Prince of Egypt’ is a fun song,” he said. “It has lots of moving parts.” The song “Masquerade” from “Phantom of the Opera” is also a highlight for Morrison. “I’ve enjoyed that song for a long time,” he added.

“We’re a very high quality choir and philharmonic,” Morrison said. “It makes you want to rise, shout and sing with everyone.”

Hancock also shared how much she loves playing with Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society. “It’s about community coming together and performing for the people we care about the most—our friends, family and neighbors,” she said.

Founder and artistic director Sherri Jensen voiced her appreciation of the community for their ongoing support. “Last year, we reached out to the community and people really stepped up,” she said. She is

Soloist Mike Handy performed as the Genie from “Aladdin” in Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society’s musical celebration of Broadway and movie music in 2024. (Photo courtesy of Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society)

already looking ahead to the next concert which will be “King of Kings,” presented Dec. 19 and 20 at Skyridge High School.

Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society’s “Seize the Day: Music from Broadway

and the Silver Screen” will be presented Oct. 17 and 18 at 7 p.m. at Corner Canyon High School. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit draperphilharmonic.org. l

Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society will present “Seize the Day,” celebrating the music of the silver screen on Oct. 17 and 18. (Photo courtesy of Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society)

Soloist Mike Handy performed as the Genie from “Aladdin” in Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society’s musical celebration of Broadway and movie music in 2024. (Photo courtesy of Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society)

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium becomes ‘The Haunted Aquarium’ this month

This month, Loveland Living Planet Aquarium transforms into “The Haunted Aquarium,” with Halloween-themed activities, décor and treats.

By Katherine Weinstein k.weinstein@mycityjournals.com

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium celebrates Halloween all month long as “The Haunted Aquarium.” There will be special activities for visitors, spooky décor and themed enrichment for the animals.

“We love celebrating along with the animals,” Social Media and Communications Specialist Heidi Byington said. “Last year we gave the Pacific octopus a carved Jack-o’-lantern with treats in it,” she added. The otters and some of the other mammals received black and orange-colored frozen snacks in the spirit of the holiday.

Many treats are in store for human guests as well. The Aquarium will offer trick or treating for members on Oct. 25 and for nonmembers on Oct. 27 from 4 to 8 p.m. Trick or treating is included with the price of admission.

All month long, visitors can enjoy the Aquarium’s unique Halloween décor. “It has more of a haunted feel with ghosts and bats for decoration,” Byington said.

Activities include a cryptid scavenger hunt and special education stations throughout the Aquarium. Last year, the education team put together a station about bioluminescence, but Byington hesitated to give more details about plans for this month. “The education stations inspire surprise and delight,” she said.

Children may wear their Hallow-

een costumes to the Aquarium all month.

On Oct. 31, everyone is encouraged to dress up although costumes that are offensive, provocative, gory or too scary are not permitted. Masks and weapons are also not

allowed.

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium is located at 12033 Lone Peak Pkwy. in Draper. For more information visit livingplanetaquarium.org. l

Fish swim among Jack-o’-lanterns when Loveland Living Planet Aquarium becomes “The Haunted Aquarium” for the month of October. (Photo courtesy Loveland Living Planet Aquarium)

Jack-o’-lanterns adorn some of the fish habitats when Loveland Living Planet Aquarium becomes “The Haunted Aquarium” for the month of October. (Photo courtesy Loveland Living Planet Aquarium)

2025 GENERAL ELECTION VOTER GUIDE

DRAPER CITY VOTING INFORMATION SALT LAKE COUNTY VOTING INFORMATION

In Draper, seven candidates are campaigning for a seat on the city council. You’ll learn more about each of them as you continue to flip through this Voter Guide.

• Braxten Rutherford and Troy Walker are running for Mayor.

• Mike Green is running for an At-Large seat

• Brad Byington and Kahryn Dahlin are running for a single At-Large position.

Voters are encouraged to pay attention to important calendar dates (like mail-in deadlines) and voting locations.

“Legislation just changed,” said Draper City Recorder Nicole Smedly. “I think the most important thing in this election is that vote-by-mail ballots need to be in the hand of the County Elections Office on Election Day.”

Previous years, residents were able to postmark their ballots on the day of the general election. However, for the 2025 election cycle, residents will need to mail early to ensure the ballot is physically ‘in-hand’ at the Salt Lake County office (downtown Salt Lake) building on election day.

In other words - mail early.

Voters also have the option of dropping their ballots off to drop box locations on election day before 8 p.m.

Draper’s ballot drop box is located in the south parking lot at Draper City Hall (1020 W Pioneer Rd). (This will likely also be a vote center location but city staff is still awaiting confirmation from Salt Lake County (as of publication)).

Hey Voters! Please review the following voting information directly from Salt Lake County before submitting your ballot.

Nov. 4 is the General Election - Vote Centers and drop boxes will close promptly at 8:00 p.m.

Important Dates

Oct. 10 - Salt Lake County will host Logic & Accuracy Tests where the public is invited to attend live demonstrations of voting equipment.

Oct. 14 - Ballots being to be mailed (21 days before the election as per Utah’s legislation).

Nov. 18 - Board of Canvassers Meeting where each city will certify results after presented to the City Recorders.

Vote Box locations:

Residents can vote by mail or in-person at various drop box locations throughout Salt Lake County:

County - Salt Lake County Government Center (2001 State St.)

Cottonwood Heights - City Hall (2277 Bengal Blvd.)

Draper - City Hall (1020 Pioneer Rd.)

Holladay - City Hall (4280 S. 2300 E.)

Herriman - City Hall (5355 Main St.)

Midvale - City Hall (7505 Holden St.)

Millcreek - Common (1354 E. Chambers Ave.)

Murray - Post Office (5025 State St.)

Sandy - City Hall (1000 Centennial Pkwy.)

Sandy - Senior Center (9310 S 1300 E)

South Jordan - City Hall (1600 W Towne Center Dr.)

South Salt Lake - Granite Library (331 S. 500 E.)

Riverton - City Hall (12830 S Redwood Rd.)

Taylorsville - City Hall (2600 W Taylorsville Blvd.)

Wet Jordan - City Hall (8000 S Redwood Rd.)

West Jordan - Ron Wood Park (6000 W New Bingham Hwy.)

West Valley - City Hall (3600 S Constitution Blvd.)

Register to Vote:

Voter Registration website

Residents can register to vote online up to 11 calendar days before the election (before 5pm). Registration must be submitted and received before Tuesday, Oct. 28 to receive a ballot in the mail. A valid form of ID, accurate address information, and date of birth is required to register. Residents can register either: online by visiting the State of Utah’s website (see adjacent QR code); through mail by filling out the Formulario de Inscripcion por Correspondencia Para Votantes (Voter Mail-In Registration Form) found on the County’s website; or in-person at the 2001 S. State St. office. Same-Day registration options will also be available at vote centers. Learn more about voting information through Salt Lake County’s website at: saltlakecounty.gov/clerk/elections. Or by directly emailing: vote@saltlakecounty.gov.

QUESTIONS

DRAPER MAYOR

Do you believe current property tax revenue is being used effectively? How so?

Thinking about fiscal responsibility—what values should your local budget reflect? How do you plan to balance those values?

What systems would you support to hold local officials accountable when transparency standards aren’t met?

What is your stance on local government cooperation with ICE?

What steps would you take to ensure that seniors can age in place affordably and safely in our community?

BRAXTEN RUTHERFORD

votebraxten.com

Unfortunately, we can only really speculate. I have no reason to suspect abuse or misuse, but it is simply too difficult for the average Draper resident to find any kind of comprehensive, non-cryptic disclosure. As mayor, I will make transparency the rule, not just a norm. Property tax revenue, spent effectively, betters the community AND raises property values.

My budget priorities will be centered on the Draper residents of today, not just the never-arriving ‘near’ future of tomorrow. Quality, effective, and easily accessible services benefit both the individual, and collective property values. As mayor, I will be cost conscious in every spending decision, no matter the size, while ensuring that operations are adequately funded to the level that Draper residents expect, deserve and pay for.

Intentional lack of transparency can only be taken as a sign that there is something to hide. Transparency means more than disclosure; it means clear, readily available information at the touch of a button. As mayor, I will implement a weekly report on all the city activities, construction, and expenditures. This will include a short, concise weekly podcast episode so that residents can become informed on their morning commute. Those who do not meet consistent transparency standards will be removed, and my office will personally see that standards are restored.

As ICE is a federal government agency, I would be obligated to a degree of cooperation. I may disagree with the current operational ethos of the agency, but as a rule of law mayor, I will always adhere to lawful state and federal orders. However, I would require ICE agents operating within Draper to adhere to the same standard. I would personally insist on accompanying ICE for the duration, to ensure that the civil and due process rights of ALL my constituents are constitutionally protected.

This is an important one. With the unpredictable, but clearly vulnerable state of the national economy, along with Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid now under direct threat, our seniors are finding Draper living less and less affordable. Unfortunately, this is an issue that cannot fully be addressed locally, but that does not mean we can’t find workable, effective solutions. As mayor, I would initiate new services specifically tailored and accessible only to senior residents. I would also pose the question to any/ all business interests looking to open in Draper: “What will YOU do for our seniors?” The dignity, and quality of life for our senior friends and neighbors should be a priority, not an afterthought.

Yes, Draper is efficient and transparent with the use of its tax revenue. We are the second lowest taxed city in Salt Lake County and provide excellent public safety along with quality-of-life amenities including world class parks and trails.

The city should be conservative and prudent. We must fund our operations and provide the level of service the citizens expect.

All our business and study meetings are open. We provide online access to all city information. We take regular public comments and do our best to provide emergency and relevant public safety information as soon as is practicable.

Our Police department’s job is to police Draper City. Our officers serve and protect all our citizens. Our officers enforce local ordinances and state laws. We are not an extension of federal law enforcement. It is not our job to do the work of any federal agency. Our officers will assist other law enforcement, including ICE in emergency situations and our officers will notify ICE regarding arrested individuals when appropriate as they have always done. I do not support using our local police department as an extension of ICE or any other federal agency.

Draper city is currently doing several deed restricted housing projects with developers. Those projects involve the city investing tax revenue that we receive that is designed to be used in housing to lower the purchase of a home for city and school district employees. That is the extent of the Cities’ involvement in government assisted housing. Draper does not have the budget to fund senior housing or any other type of housing.

DRAPER AT-LARGE COUNCIL

QUESTIONS

Do you believe current property tax revenue is being used effectively? How so?

Thinking about fiscal responsibility—what values should your local budget reflect? How do you plan to balance those values?

Our city uses our property tax revenue effectively. The majority of our funds are spent on public safety and essential services. We need to remain vigilant on rising property values that will continue to increase our property taxes even with tax rates unchanged. These increases hurt our elderly residents and those on a fixed income. I will look for solutions to this ongoing problem in our city.

Each year when I receive my “Notice of Property Valuation and Tax Changes” sent by the Salt Lake County Auditor, I look at each line item and ask myself if I believe that each is a good use of taxpayer funds. There are some expenditures that I find to be more effective than others. I believe that Draper City, through our elected officials and city employees, works hard to ensure that our tax dollars are spent wisely. Effectively using taxpayer dollars means fully funding our emergency services, like the Draper Police and Fire departments. I also support financial investments and long term planning for our transportation and infrastructure needs. Draper also has extensive trails and open spaces and I support our city’s efforts to maintain these lands and reduce fire danger.

What systems would you support to hold local officials accountable when transparency standards aren’t met?

Draper City should adhere to strict budgeting practices just like any small business or any family. Before asking for more money from residents, the city staff and council should determine if efficiencies in the budget can be made or if there is any waste to be cut. I believe a budget is a promise to our city’s residents that we will do everything we can with the tax dollars they have entrusted us with.

What is your stance on local government cooperation with ICE?

There are many policies in place to ensure officials are meeting transparency standards. However, in instances where residents feel their local government is not transparent, I would advocate citizen oversight panels and independent ethics commissions. When a potential problem is identified, these entities would hold our elected officials accountable.

Our Draper City police ‘line of service’ enforcing local code and state law moves further West each month, further from the police station. Our police lack the budget and resources to address immigration issues while continuing their current duties. However, if they encounter someone who is in our country illegally or if ICE asks them to detain someone already in police custody, then our police should cooperate with federal law enforcement as allowed or required by law.

Draper City has been well managed in many ways and that good governance makes Draper a place we love to live. I support a fiscally responsible balanced city budget that maintains the livability we enjoy. Some of my top priorities for our city budget are 1. Public safety, 2. Transportation and infrastructure maintenance and long term planning and 3. Maintaining the livability of our community through trails, parks and open spaces. I also believe that being fiscally responsible means saying no to some good ideas. Some programs and departments have expanded in recent years. Inflation has forced most families to look for ways to reduce spending and focus on necessities, and I believe that our government entities should also look for ways to effectively work to stretch existing budgets rather than raise spending.

I am an advocate for good governance and have published guest opinion articles supporting efforts to increase transparency and fight government overreach. The greatest tool the citizens have against corruption is the power of our vote!

I believe in limited government. The federal government has jurisdiction over immigration and I support efforts by the federal government to enforce the law.

What steps would you take to ensure that seniors can age in place affordably and safely in our community?

We need to address our rising property values, which increase the cost of living for our seniors. I will advocate for restrictions on the annual property tax assessment increase, tying the increase to an inflation gauge with an annual maximum (i.e. 2 or 3%) to help long-term property owners remain in their home once they are on a fixed income. Addressing this problem will be the best way to ensure our seniors can age in place while maintaining an affordable lifestyle.

Draper’s seniors are an important part of our community and I believe we all have a responsibility to look out for and support our neighbors. The Salt Lake County run Draper Senior Center provides services, meals and social opportunities for seniors in our community and there is an active Meals on Wheels program in our city as well. I would love to see efforts in our city to expand caregiver support and consider more senior living options in areas where development is being considered.

QUESTIONS

Sourced directly from our readers

Do you believe current property tax revenue is being used effectively? How so?

MIKE GREEN

votemikegreen.com

Property tax revenues fund essential services— public safety, schools, and infrastructure. While much is used appropriately, residents often feel increases don’t match visible improvements. I believe we must prioritize front-line services (police, fire, roads, schools) over administrative growth. Regular audits and clear budget reporting should be expanded so taxpayers can see their dollars at work.

Thinking about fiscal responsibility—what values should your local budget reflect? How do you plan to balance those values?

What systems would you support to hold local officials accountable when transparency standards aren’t met?

Budgets should reflect stewardship, fairness, and sustainability. That means funding essentials first, keeping debt manageable, and balancing growth with protecting current residents. I support “needs before wants” and would apply zero-based budgeting principles to ensure every program justifies its cost annually.

I support enforceable reporting deadlines, independent audits, and accessible public dashboards for budgets and contracts. When standards aren’t met, there must be real consequences—such as withholding discretionary spending until transparency obligations are corrected.

What is your stance on local government cooperation with ICE?

What steps would you take to ensure that seniors can age in place affordably and safely in our community?

Local government should prioritize community safety and trust. Our resources should not be diverted into federal immigration enforcement except where there is overlap with serious crimes. Cooperation must be limited, case-specific, and respectful of constitutional rights.

We must expand affordable housing options, support property tax relief programs, and partner with nonprofits to provide home modification assistance. Public safety, accessible transportation, and senior-focused health resources must remain a priority in Draper’s planning.

Senior show demonstrates the art of aging brilliantly

The exhibit honored the beauty of experience and lifelong expression.

By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com

Abroken swing hangs from a tree branch, next to an empty house depicted in colors of brown and gray. The picture is titled “Where Have All the Children Gone?” and was painted in watercolor by Millcreek resident Ralph Morelli to depict the loneliness he felt when he didn’t visit with his children and grandchildren.

Morelli’s painting was one of more than 200 entries in the third annual Senior Art Show, sponsored by Salt Lake County Aging Services. Held at the Salt Lake County Government Center (2001 S. State St.), the display featured art in every medium, created by seniors aged 60 and up from around the county.

“Art allows us to express feelings that we might otherwise not be able to give verbally and that’s why I believe it’s so important,” Morelli said. “My art is called emotionalism, because I’m not going for realism. I can express myself with just a few brush strokes. That’s why I think art is important. It allows us to tap into that inner self.”

The show included displays of pottery, watercolor paintings, sculpture, needlework, quilts, oils and acrylic paintings, photogra-

phy and carvings. Many of the works were done at county senior center locations.

Afton January works with the county’s aging services program. She said the pop-up gallery is a fun way to bring exposure to artwork created by the state’s seniors and give them a chance to show off their talents. Last year’s event had fewer than 90 entries, but the 2025 show had more than double that number.

“It’s frankly a smashing success this year. The skill level is off the charts,” January said. “It’s one of those events that’s been gaining momentum, because it’s a fun opportunity for folks, especially our senior center participants, who represent most of the artists here, to take what they do at those centers and bring it into the community in a way that really feels intergenerational and community spirited. And it’s a fun opportunity for our older adults.”

Millcreek resident Eve Cole entered several artworks at the show, including a drop-pour painted vase and picture, and a framed arrangement of dried flowers. Cole said her sister-in-law got her interested in art during COVID, so they FaceTimed together while creating fun art pieces.

Her painting, “Black Bird in Flight,” was made with a drop-pour background, accented with black and white.

“I showed it to my husband and he said, ‘It’s birds flying.’ I never even would have

Care that Feels

thought of that,” Cole said. “It’s just so rewarding. It just makes me happy.”

More than 300 visitors at the art show voted on their top three favorite entries. The Director’s Choice winner was Dewey Hansen (River’s Bend Senior Center) and the top three vote recipients were Deborah Chiquito (Riverton Senior Center), Shu Yamamoto (Taylorsville Senior Center) and Margi G Owens (Kearns Senior Center).

“Our older adults, many of whom are retired, get to showcase their work and feel like they’re a part of something big and public,” January said. “It gives them some recognition.” l

The Director’s Choice winner of the Salt Lake County Senior Art Show was Dewey Hansen, a regular attendee at the River’s Bend Senior Center in Salt Lake City. (Photo courtesy of SLCounty)

Eve Cole holds her art show entry, “Black Bird in Flight.” The Millcreek resident started painting during COVID. (Peri Kinder/City Journals)

Corner Canyon sprinkles magic into theatre season

With classics, musicals, student-led shows and competitions, the high school program offers Draper audiences a front-row seat to student performances.

By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Corner Canyon’s 6A state theatre champions are bringing a little magic to the stage this season.

It kicks off Oct. 1 with a free Shakespeare showcase at 6 p.m. in the school auditorium, 12943 S. 700 East. The event will preview the work of about 90 theatre, choir and dance students who are headed to the 49th annual Utah Shakespeare High School Festival in Cedar City. A special performance also will be held for advanced middle school theatre students.

The Shakespeare team will compete with Act 1 Scene 4 from “Richard III”— known as “Clarence’s Dream”—where the Duke of Clarence recounts a vision of his own death, drowned at the hands of his brother Gloucester.

the characters, because Shakespeare does a lot of heightened character work. This helps students because once they tackle Shakespeare, they can take those skills and put them into other performances, which makes them better performers. Plus, they love collaborating as a team, seeing creativity come together and being there supporting other students perform Shakespeare,” she said.

The fall musical, “Mary Poppins,” runs at 7 p.m., Nov. 13-15 and Nov. 17, with a 1 p.m. Saturday matinee. Tickets are $10 online at cornercanyontheatre.com or $12 at the door.

While the beloved character typically flies on stage, Atkinson said their production will take a fresh approach.

“We’re being creative how we’re going to move her and we’re excited about the talent we have. It’s a loved musical with catchy music and fun dancing—they’ll be tapping ‘Step in Time,’” she said.

“Case (Hamilton) is going to direct; he was drawn to it,” said theatre teacher and director Phaidra Atkinson. “He will have two characters on stage and then, everybody else in the ensemble will act out his dream.”

The students also will compete in scenes and monologues, dance and Tech Olympics.

“It’s magical for kids to break down all the text to understand what Shakespeare is saying and to deeply research

The cast, which is one of the school’s largest, includes 62 fifth through seventh graders in a youth ensemble and 22 Draper eighth graders performing with the Corner Canyon cast, Dance Company and orchestra pit members.

“We hope they gain new friends, an

The characters of Bert and the Banks family smile during the first rehearsal of “Mary Poppins,” which will be performed this November at Corner Canyon High. (Phaidra Atkinson/Corner Canyon High)

appreciation for hard work and the ability to collaborate, learn time management and problem solve. They’re also gaining the opportunity to perform in front of an audience and be rewarded for their hard work,” Atkinson said.

We hope they gain new friends, an appreciation for hard work and the ability to collaborate, learn time management and problem solve.

Phaidra Atkinson

Next, two seniors will direct the student-directed showcase, free to the public, at 7 p.m., Dec. 5-6 in the Little Theatre.

In the spring, thespians will prepare “The Fortress” for region competition with school performances at 7 p.m., March 4-5, 2026. Tickets are $5.

The story holds its own kind of magic.

“It’s about a boy who learns he’s adopted by accident, and he didn’t know he was adopted. Superman is his favorite hero, so the story is about him trying to

find the Superman within him to overcome the kryptonite of being adopted and how that’s affected his life,” she said about the play where after he retreats into solitude, he finally lets in his friend who helps him rebuild his life. “This show is lighter, with comedy, and has themes of how we deal with things that come our way which are unexpected.”

The ensemble competes at regionals March 12, with individual pieces on March 19, 2026. State is April 16-18, 2026.

The season closes with “Hadestown,” 7 p.m., May 7-9, 2026. Tickets are $10 in advance online or $12 at the door.

“We picked ‘Hadestown’ because students love it; if they could do anything in the world, they would want to do ‘Hadestown.’ They love the music, the mythology, the different characters who are interesting to play. It’s fun for them,” she said about the 26-member productions class.

This summer, about 30 students traveled to New York City to see six or more Broadway shows and take in the sights. Many of them are part of the 70-member drama club, which participates in socials, service projects and will attend five Pioneer Theatre Company productions this year.

Students also will attend the Utah Theatre Association’s DramaCon in Cedar City, participating in workshops and seeing performances. l

Tree falls on Fort Street, knocking out power and leaving the road closed until the next morning

By Mimi Darley Dutton m.dutton@mycityjournals.com

Crews worked the afternoon, evening and night of Sunday, Aug. 17 to repair power lines that were knocked down earlier in the day when a large tree at a home along Fort Street fell. Customers in the vicinity were without power for a brief period of

time, but Fort Street remained closed from Stokes Avenue to 13200 South until the following morning because the tree blocked the road. Fort Street is a major north-south road in the city, so despite it happening on a weekend, Draper City sent out road closure and re-opening notices to residents. (Mimi Darley Dutton/City Journals) l

Utah’s chapter of COPS established after Draper’s Derek Johnson died in line of duty

Public safety personnel support for families and colleagues of fallen officers is immediate and immense; lifelong support comes from nonprofit Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS).

By Mimi Darley Dutton m.dutton@mycityjournals.com

Survivorship. It’s what Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS) is all about. The need for such an organization is strong because many officers are killed in the line of duty or succumb later to injuries or side effects sustained while doing their job. When officers die, they leave behind a slew of survivors including family and colleagues. Support from COPS for survivors is immediate and long term.

“COPS provides lifetime support for survivors. They take care of spouses, parents, siblings, adult children, children and coworkers. Their motto is rebuilding shattered lives. They help people as they find their new normal,” said Captain Pat Evans of the Draper Police Department.

Two weeks after Tremonton-Garland Officer Eric Estrada and Sgt. Lee Sorensen were killed responding to a domestic disturbance call, COPS held its previously-scheduled Fallen Officer Memorial Run, a 5K fundraiser in Draper. Widows, families, colleagues and friends of fallen officers were joined by people from all over the state who came to support them.

The ambience for the memorial run

was upbeat. Fun music and cheers of support for the runners filled the air. Photos of fallen Utah officers lined a fence at the start of the run to remind people why they were there. A few people ran the entire 5K course carrying large police flags. Every year, the race honors five fallen officers, one for each kilometer. This year’s honorees were Trooper Joseph Brumett, Lt. Mark “Mont” Mecham, Trooper Dennis Lund, Deputy Michael Welcker and Sgt. Billy Hooser who died last May when he was struck by a suspect fleeing a traffic stop. His wife, Kinda, and family were at the run, including his daughter who married shortly after his death, and her baby, a grandchild Hooser never got to meet.

Bill Richardson, son in law of honoree Mecham, was at this year’s run with Mecham’s wife and family. “You can never fill the hole, but everything like this puts a little more skin on that scar tissue and makes it a little better for us, the survivors,” Richardson said.

The 5K was started as a Super Hero run by the family of Draper’s own Sgt. Derek Johnson. Twelve years ago on Sept. 1, Johnson was making the final stop of his shift when he approached a car that appeared to be broken down on Fort Street. He was ambushed and killed. He left behind his wife Shante, young son Bensen, parents, siblings, extended family, colleagues and friends.

“We first did this two months after Derek died and we’ve done it annually since. It really means a lot to me,” Shante

Johnson said. She currently serves as President of the Utah chapter of COPS. Evans serves on the nonprofit’s board.

The mission of COPS is multifaceted. They respond immediately after a tragedy by sending police widows and colleagues who’ve experienced loss themselves to the department and family when a death in the line of duty occurs. That’s what happened in Tremonton. Estrada and Sorensen were killed on a Sunday, and by Monday, COPS sent support. “We try to bring survivors to those families, particularly spouses, because nobody knows what that person is going through like a spouse who has experienced the same thing,” Evans said.

Following immediate support, COPS helps make arrangements and offers some financial assistance to send the family of the slain officer to National Police Week held each May in Washington, D.C. It is there that their loved one’s name is added to the National Law Enforcement Memorial Wall located in Judiciary Square.

“A lot of law enforcement agencies don’t know who COPS are, and it takes a tragedy for them to learn. After Derek’s death, the Arizona COPS assisted Draper P.D. and the Johnson family in getting back to Washington, D.C. for Police Week and the National Law Enforcement Memorial Service,” Evans said. It was that support from Arizona COPS that pushed the founding of a Utah chapter of COPS across the finish line, a process that had been started by the family of Trooper Aaron Beesley who died in June 2012.

Through fundraising efforts, Utah COPS has a long-term goal of paying the way for families to go to Washington, D.C. Currently, they offer some financial help toward making that happen.

For ongoing support, COPS hosts weekend retreats across the nation for spouses and coworkers and weeklong retreats for children and young adult survivors of slain officers. “When we’re striving to thrive, it’s important that we’re healing with people who understand us the most. They even put people together by year of loss and likeness of loss to create lasting bonds and relationships,” Shante Johnson said.

COPS is one of several organizations that swoop in to support a police department when tragedy strikes. Fire departments also have support systems when one of their own dies doing their job. That said, there’s tremendous support among all public safety personnel to assist one another when needed.

“When we lose a brother or sister in law enforcement, that’s when everybody within law enforcement and the fire community want to step up and help. That’s one of the honors of working in the public safety field. That’s what we do when these tragedies happen. It takes an army to get it done,” Evans said.

And so it was in Tremonton-Garland. Evans was sent there by Draper City to assist the families and coworkers on behalf of COPS, but he said he was just one of many in an envoy sent to support the families,

The widows of fallen police officers at the September 5K fundraiser L-R Carol Mecham, Liz Romrell, Kinda Hooser, Shante Johnson, Carolyn Jones and Kaylyn Shinners. “COPS is very near and dear to our hearts. Not only do we get to honor our fallen, we get to be there to celebrate each other, the survivors,” said Romrell. (Mimi Darley Dutton/City Journals)

“We’re this big network. If somebody needs something, it’s one call away for help, love and support,” said Shante Johnson, widow of Draper Sgt. Derek Johnson. Shante Johnson currently serves as president of Utah Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS), the nonprofit that holds two fundraisers every year to support the families and colleagues of slain officers. (Mimi Darley Dutton/City Journals)

colleagues and community. Officers from various departments throughout the state were sent to help plan and orchestrate the large funerals and processions, cover the patrol shifts of Tremonton-Garland police so that they could attend Estrada and Sorensen’s funerals, and keep essential public safety going while giving colleagues and that community time to honor the officers and grieve.

Shante Johnson reflected on this year’s fundraising efforts for Utah COPS. “This year is especially important because we’ll be taking two families (those of Estrada and Sorensen) back to Washington, D.C. next May,” she said.

In addition to the annual memorial run, COPS holds a Black and Blue Gala each spring in Salt Lake City. The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and its Auxiliary assist COPS in putting the gala on. More information and an opportunity to donate can be found at Utahcops.org. l

The Fallen Officer Memorial 5K held in Draper every September raises funds for Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS) and the lifelong assistance they provide for families. (Mimi Darley Dutton/City Journals)

Canyons School District proposes closing two grade schools and redrawing boundaries

With declining enrollment, district leaders say tough choices are needed.

By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com

The Canyons Board of Education is considering the closure of two Canyons School District elementary schools for the 2026-27 school year, as part of a broader plan that could eventually affect most of the District’s 31,500 students through school boundary changes.

The District’s long-range planning committee has recommended merging Bella Vista Elementary with Ridgecrest Elementary, both located in Cottonwood Heights. In Sandy, the proposal is to combine Park Lane Elementary and Granite Elementary. The final location of the merged Sandy school has not yet been decided, allowing for community input.

In addition to school closures, the committee, which includes board members, District administration and staff, also aims to better align high school feeder systems—a change that, if not immediate, will eventually impact many students at the secondary level.

“We know since we put this out in May, there has been concerns and we acknowledge that and we know that,” said Canyons Business Administrator and Chief Financial Officer Leon Wilcox, who sits on the committee. “We spent a lot of time all summer studying these issues and what we can do. We want to provide the best education for our students.”

Community input

At the Sept. 2 board meeting, members emphasized the proposals are not final but a starting point for community feedback. Parents at affected schools are being notified, and city officials also will be informed if closures move forward.

In accordance with Utah Code 53G-4402(24), the District will host public hearings to gather input. Community members can provide feedback at scheduled board meetings or through the District website, where comments will be shared with both the board and the planning committee.

Three public hearings have been scheduled:

• 6 p.m., Oct. 15, board members will meet with Granite, Park Lane and Willow Canyon elementaries’ communities at Granite Elementary, 9760 S. 3100 East.

• 6 p.m., Oct. 16, they will meet with communities from Bella Vista, East Midvale and Ridgecrest elementaries at Bella Vista Elementary, 2131 Fort Union Blvd.

• All other proposed boundary changes will be discussed at the 7 p.m., Oct. 30 meeting at the District office’s Canyons Center, 9361 S. 300 East.

Each of the upcoming hearings are scheduled for one hour.

Following these hearings, Canyons board member Karen Pedersen said a second, likely revised, proposal will be presented at the Nov. 11 board meeting.

A third reading and vote are expected in December. According to state law, school closure decisions must be finalized by Dec. 31 if they are to take effect the following school year.

Each of the upcoming hearings are scheduled for one hour.

Following these hearings, Canyons board member Karen Pedersen said a second, likely revised, proposal will be presented at the Nov. 11 board meeting.

A third reading and vote are expected in December. According to state law, school closure decisions must be finalized by Dec. 31 if they are to take effect the following school year.

Committee process

The committee evaluated eight elementary schools: Bella Vista (Cottonwood Heights), Brookwood, East Sandy, Granite, Oakdale, Park Lane, Quail Hollow and Willow Canyon (all in Sandy). No middle or high schools were included.

Factors considered included enrollment trends, building age and condition, school capacity and existing specialized programs such as dual language immersion, accelerated studies and special education.

Wilcox emphasized that the primary goal is maintaining high academic standards and opportunities for students. He said the District considers 560 students to be the optimal elementary school size, with approximately three classes per grade level.

He cited several reasons behind the recommendation, including a 9.24% decline in elementary enrollment the past five years and a 49% increase in average home values in the District during the same period, making it more difficult for families to afford to live within the District’s Alta, Draper, Sandy, Midvale, Cottonwood Heights and White City boundaries.

Other contributing factors include lower birth rates, limited residential growth, and increased alternatives such as charter schools, homeschooling and the state’s school voucher program.

While the decision is difficult, several board member pointed out it’s one the board must consider to act responsibly with District finances.

According to the committee’s report, the average cost to operate a Canyons elementary school is $1.3 million annually.

Patron concerns

Some parents and community members raised concerns even before the proposals were publicly announced, citing strong school communities, an accelerated time-

line, the request for transparency, the need to listen to parents as resources and questions about the District’s financial priorities.

Bella Vista parent Juliana Jackson pointed out discrepancies in District spending.

She said District-level expenses total $202 million, while Bella Vista, which doesn’t have an assistant principal, costs $1.2 million to operate. Jackson added that the District’s overhead accounts for 38% of its $535 million revenue, whereas Bella Vista’s operations make up 0.2%.

“District-level expenses far exceed elementary school costs and are the real burden to taxpayers,” she said at the board meeting. “This is where the cuts should happen.”

She also expressed concern Bella Vista would be the third elementary school closed in Cottonwood Heights and said closing the recently upgraded school — improved with bond funds approved by voters — “would be a waste of taxpayer dollars and betrays our votes.”

Personnel and property

Wilcox said the District’s goal is to retain all employees, with most teachers moving with students to their new schools. With ongoing retirements and resignations, he expects there will be openings for education support professionals as well.

Although no decisions have been made about how to use vacated school buildings, Pedersen said the District plans to retain the properties “so that as bond payments drop off in the next four to five years, we can begin rebuilding our old elementary schools. We would house the students in the empty buildings while new ones are built. We also don’t know if our student populations may begin to grow again and we will need those schools.”

Wilcox added this is likely just the beginning of an ongoing process, as student enrollment is projected to continue declin-

ing into the early 2030s. Future elementary school rebuilds may be needed.

Proposed boundary adjustments

Wilcox said keeping neighborhoods intact and aligning school feeder systems were key priorities in the committee’s boundary recommendations.

Some of the proposed boundary changes include:

• A portion of Ridgecrest shifting to East Midvale

• Parts of Granite moving to Willow Canyon and Lone Peak Elementary

• The Quarry Bend area relocating from Glacier Hills Elementary to East Sandy Elementary

• All Brookwood Elementary students, and some Oakdale Elementary students east of Highland, attending Albion Middle

• All Silver Mesa students moving to Union Middle and eventually Hillcrest High

• Some students currently attending Albion Middle would shift to Eastmont Middle to align with Jordan High

• Some Eastmont students would move to Indian Hills Middle to match Alta High’s boundaries

• All Sprucewood Elementary students would attend Indian Hills Middle

• Adjustments between Brighton and Hillcrest High School boundaries

Another change affects busing. After the 2027-28 school year, the District will no longer provide west-of-interstate transportation to Indian Hills for students living in the Mount Jordan Middle boundary. Currently, about 175 students permit to Indian Hills.

Wilcox added students are allowed to apply for enrollment at any Canyons school. Those affected by boundary changes will receive preference during open enrollment, though students wanting to remain at their current school after a boundary shift will need to submit a permit application. l

Canyons Board of Education has proposed the closure of Bella Vista Elementary and the consolidation of Park Lane and Granite elementaries in addition to several boundary changes. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Halloween comes to class—with rules

Spooky season is approaching and for elementary schools that means combining costumes, classwork and community with safety.

By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com

As about 600 Glacier Hills elementary students parade through a White City neighborhood in costume on Halloween morning, safety remains top of mind for Principal Julie Winfree.

“We will have police officers lead, follow and patrol intersections and we’ll have teachers, aides and extra staff with walkie-talkies walking with the students,” she said, urging parents to ensure kids wear appropriate shoes and coats. “It’s a fun opportunity for the parents and community to sit out on their driveways and see the students parade by; they line the streets.”

Still, she notes, “It’s also a day of learning so we want students to wear costumes they can learn in.”

That means no masks, weapons or facsimiles of weapons—guidelines shared across most Salt Lake Valley schools.

Luke Allen, Granite School District’s associate director of communications, said costumes must follow regular dress code rules.

Those guidelines include students must be fully dressed, with clothing that covers the body appropriately and includes safe footwear. Students also may not cover their face unless it is for religious, health or medical reasons. Costumes or clothing may not display images, symbols or language that depict obscenity, lewdness, hate, violence, drugs, alcohol, tobacco or gang-related activity, and they may not include items that could be used as a weapon. Student attire and expression also must not cause significant disruption to learning.

“Halloween can be a fun opportunity for students to celebrate together, but we remind families that costumes at school

must follow the same rules as everyday attire,” he said. “Our focus is always on ensuring a safe, respectful and positive environment for all students.”

Many of Granite District’s 26,000 elementary students participate in Halloween parades, typically held outdoors, weather permitting.

Canyons School District Risk Manager Ryan Jakeman advises parents to consider different costumes for school and trickor-treating.

“Masks, which block visibility, and facsimiles of weapons are a ‘no-go’ at school,” he said, recommending face paint instead. “While costumes are encouraged, safety is also a priority for students.”

Canyons spokesperson Kirsten Stewart adds: “We’ve found outdoor parades, provided you can identify a safe route, are a great way to involve the community.”

Jordan School District also has shifted most parades outdoors post-COVID.

Jordan District’s Director of Communications Sandy Riesgraf said schools typically remind families: “no masks, weapons or excessive face paint. The school staff needs to be able to identify students.”

Riesgraf added costumes should be wearable all day and follow district dress codes.

At Falcon Ridge Elementary in West Jordan, Principal Aaron Ichimura said dressing up helps build connections between students and administration.

“They get to learn we’re human and enjoy doing the same things they enjoy,” he said. “Halloween traditions are deeply rooted in Utah.”

The school holds a PTA-run festival with students rotating every 30 minutes with seasonal grade-level activities.

“We’ll send out a Parent Square message reminding students not to wear masks, because we want to be able to identify students, no weapons or facsimile of weapons, no blood or vio-

lent costumes,” Ichimura said. “We want Halloween to be a fun time for everyone.”

Like other principals, Ichimura emphasized classroom learning.

“We encourage staff to plan learning activities, and they can be ideas linked to Halloween like stories or math so it can be a creative, fun approach to learning,” he said.

In Murray School District, individual schools set safety guidelines.

“Halloween is a fun and exciting time for our students, and we support school administrators in creating a positive and safe environment by developing traditions and practices unique to their school,” said Doug Perry, Murray District’s communication officer. “We also encourage families and the community to prioritize safety when choosing how to celebrate, both at school and beyond.” l

Halloween parades, like this one at Sandy Elementary in 2023, are fun for students and the community, but safety is an important factor, principals say. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Preparedness conference readies community members for emergencies

By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com

No one wants to face an emergency, but being prepared can mean the difference between safety and chaos. At the first Fall Preparedness Conference on Saturday, Oct. 25, Utah residents can learn how to prepare for earthquakes, wildfires, floods, power outages and medical emergencies at the South Salt Lake Community Center (2531 S. 400 East).

The free event is open to all community members, bringing together resources, agencies, experts and demonstrations to help families, groups or individuals build skills, acquire confidence and learn how to prepare for the unexpected. Emergency preparedness experts have stated that a communication plan, basic skills and an adequate supply of food and water can save lives during dangerous situations.

Held in conjunction with SSL, Salt Lake City, Millcreek, Holladay, Murray and Cottonwood Heights, the Fall Preparedness Conference is about building resilience and knowledge.

“We want to make sure people are hearing about this and feel welcome to join us,” said SSL Emergency Management Coordinator Yasmin Abbyad. “If people have

any questions, whether it’s about how they can be better prepared, how they can prepare their homes and what they should do in terms of insurance, we will be able to answer those questions.”

The morning event will feature breakout sessions that include Hands-on Stop the Bleed training; a CERT skills station to practice triage, cribbing, carrying and fire extinguisher use; a moulage demonstration to learn how to apply realistic, mock injuries; and the HAM It Up radio essentials course for understanding ham radio operations.

“We have a lot of people in our community who have gotten a ham radio license, but they don’t necessarily know how to use their radio, or don’t know how to get connected to the community,” Abbyad said. “We have five or six different groups that will be present at the conference, where people can ask questions to experts in the field.”

The afternoon is dedicated to a full disaster simulation where community members can practice skills they learned in the CERT course. People who haven’t earned a CERT certification can shadow the members or watch from the sidelines to learn necessary disaster actions.

For decades, Utah officials have encouraged residents to prepare for disaster. Abbyad mentioned the recent fire in Millcreek, caused by a lawn mower, that left 80 people without a home. She also pointed out the predicted

CELEBRATING 31 Years

earthquake in Utah, which could cause major damage and injuries.

“If the big earthquake hits us, it could take up to four days for outside resources to get to us. Highways might be down, electrical lines and trees are likely going to be in the streets and all of that has to be cleared before they can make their way to hospitals or extremely damaged areas,” Abbyad said.

“We want to make sure people are prepared with water and the ability to survive for four or five days without the amenities we’re used to having.”

Although the event is free, pre-registration is appreciated so organizers have an estimated number of attendees. Visit SSLC.gov or email yabbyad@sslc.gov for registration information. l

The Fall Preparedness Conference on Saturday, Oct. 25, will help groups, businesses, families and individuals get ready for an emergency. (Adobe stock)

Spooky geology: A look at the mysterious ideas about stone and the paranormal

The Rio Grande Depot has been the subject of numerous haunting stories, most famously the legend of the “Purple Lady.” The Stone Tape theory attempts to explain why some locations seem to be more haunted than others.

By Collette Hayes c.hayes@mycityjournals.com

What if a building could remember every moment, every story and every experience that’s happened within its walls?

The Denver and Rio Grande Western Depot, constructed in 1910 in Salt Lake City, is known as one of the most beautiful and haunted buildings in Utah. Its exterior features a 5-foot-high base made of rare Colorado Yule marble complemented by brick and terra cotta above the marble base as well as a red tile roof. The interior of the depot is adorned with elegant marble finishes sourced from Kansas City. The combination of brick and stone construction provides the perfect medium for residual hauntings, which are often explained by the Stone Tape Theory. This theory suggests certain materials can “record” events that occur around them, serving as a common explanation for ghost sightings and apparitions.

The pseudoscientific Stone Tape Theory suggests that traumatic events can leave an imprint in stone, rock and brick. These materials are believed to be particularly effective at recording past events, which then can be “played back” like a recording. Limestone is considered the most effective of these materials. Marble, being a metamorphic rock derived from limestone, shares similar chemical properties, making it also highly effective in capturing past events. Sensitive individuals may be more attuned to the energy emanating from the stone in buildings, which could explain why only some people have experienced paranormal activity in the Rio Grande Depot.

The Stone Tape theory attempts to explain why certain locations seem to be more haunted than others, as well as why similar events tend to repeat in specific hauntings. It also provides insight into a common type of paranormal ex-

perience. Witnesses at the depot have reported seeing figures engaged in their daily activities, hearing disembodied sounds such as footsteps running down the hall, doors slamming, an emergency telephone ringing at 3 a.m., and lights turning on and off. Additionally, there have been sightings of a distressed woman dressed in purple in the second-floor ladies’ restroom, who has also been seen frequently near the café.

“While working in the Rio Grande offices, I never personally experienced anything out of the ordinary,” Deputy Director of the Utah Historical Society Kevin Fayles said in a recent conversation. “However, others have reported hearing the sound of running footsteps in the basement hallway. Also, I have an image of purple mist on the mirror in the ladies’ restroom, taken by a former employee. Another photo I have is looking down a hallway, where you see three faint figures. The building’s age could contribute to the feeling that it is haunted. I definitely wouldn’t want to be alone in the building at night.”

The Stone Tape Theory is compelling, but is backed by little scientific evidence. However, it does offer some explanation as to why individuals who have worked at the Rio Grande Depot have experienced similar events in the exact same locations.

An employee told Fayles that the Purple Lady was the creation of a former historical society colleague who had worked there long before Fayles took a position with the society. Apparently, the woman who invented the story believed that every train station should have a legendary ghost story. So, she fabricated a tale about a raven-haired beauty dressed in a purple pillbox hat, dress and matching heels. The story goes that the woman died under a train while trying to retrieve her engagement ring, that had been thrown on the tracks by her angry lover.

As reported in local media, the building has been the subject of numerous investigations including ghost hunters, psychic mediums and a séance performed by a Wiccan. The investigative findings fell a bit short of explaining the strange occurrences experienced by several employees at the Rio Grande Café.

Cafe staff have reported unusual incidents, such as hearing a woman singing in the

bathroom when the building was closed, experiencing flickering and turning off of lights, and receiving a 3 a.m. call from an emergency phone located in an empty elevator.

Also, Utah Department of Heritage & Arts Communication Director of Communications Josh Loftin noted that people have reported hearing footsteps on the upstairs balcony, sounds of talking or music playing, ghostly sightings upstairs and even alarms going off unexpectedly.

Paranormal historian Troy Taylor, author of more than 150 books on history, hauntings, true crime and host of the popular podcast “American Hauntings,” suggests that the vast majority of the paranormal cases he has been involved in have perfectly natural explanations. He says, “It is easy to feed off one another’s fears and literally ‘invent’ a haunted house.”

Although he admits, “I have been involved in some cases that did puzzle me and left me feeling that the location really was haunted.” He says to keep in mind, “When investigating a paranormal event, activity rarely occurs during an investigation.”

Residual hauntings can attempt to explain most of the haunting activities that have been reported at the depot. Digging a little deeper, though, what about the water taps that turn on and refuse to turn off, reported by an employee or the Rio Grande Depot Café employee who said she was repeatedly locked out of the building late at night with no explanation, or cold spots in the building with no apparent cause for the low temperature? And the most pressing question: Will the new renovation of the depot stir up even more haunting activity?

Jeff Hymas, Utah Department of Government Operations executive communications director said, “For more than five years, extensive efforts have been undertaken at the Rio Grande Depot to assess the damage caused by a March 2020 earthquake, and to make the necessary repairs. As part of this process, the Utah Division of Facilities Construction and Management is working to ensure the restoration of the building’s structural integrity and to protect against future seismic activity. The building remains closed to the public while construction activities continue.”

According to paranormal belief, renova-

tions in a haunted building can sometimes disturb spirits and lead to a significant increase in paranormal activity. While there is no scientific evidence to support this idea, many homeowners have shared ghost stories that describe this phenomenon. One common theory is that renovations can unsettle spirits that are attached to the building. The changes may feel like an invasion to an entity that considers the building its home, leading to the spirit becoming restless or agitated.

On January 7, 2021, Adrienne White, owner of House Genealogy, began renovating her newly purchased historic home in Sugar House. While working in the basement, White and her sister encountered an inexplicable, almost paranormal, occurrence: an unidentifiable noise resonated through the house. Quickly returning upstairs, they found nothing out of place nor evidence of an intruder. The experience prompted her sister to search for information about White’s home, which led to the discovery of an obituary for a woman who had passed in the house on January 7, 1976— exactly 45 years from the day the renovation had begun.

“I’m not a nonbeliever in paranormal activity, but I don’t believe 100% either. However, my sister sending me the obituary changed my life,” White said. “It sparked my curiosity about the people and events that came before us, prompting me to explore the history of my home and other homes throughout the city. Amazed and fulfilled by what I uncovered about my home, I launched House Genealogy in February 2022.”

According to Jerod Johnson, a principal for the structural engineering firm Reavley Engineers, the Rio Grande Depot suffered severe damage from the 5.7 magnitude earthquake in 2020. Those involved in the renovation project have stated it could require “several years” to complete.

It may be quite some time before it is known whether the Rio Grande Depot experiences a significant increase in paranormal activity as a result of the current renovation. When the doors reopen to the Rio Grande Depot, the suspense surrounding this possibility will welcome both the curious and the brave to explore its intriguing hauntings further. l

An image of purple mist on the mirror in the ladies’ restroom, taken by a former Utah Historical Society employee. (Photo courtesy Kevin Fayles)

Looking down a basement hallway, where three faint figures are visible. (Photo courtesy Kevin Fayles)

Days for Girls provides the gift of opportunity

Volunteers craft menstrual care kits to help girls stay in school and live with dignity.

By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com

For more than 500 million women and girls around the world, access to menstrual products is nonexistent. The term “period poverty” describes the struggle faced by people who don’t have adequate menstrual supplies and education.

Days for Girls is a global nonprofit offering dignity and health to women and girls by providing sustainable menstrual kits. Volunteers around the world sew, assemble and distribute the kits, allowing girls to stay in school, attend work and alleviate health concerns that arise when menstrual products are unavailable.

Suzanne Walker runs the Midvale chapter of Days for Girls, along with her friend Jennifer Woods and lots of volunteers. The chapter has created and distributed nearly 2,000 kits to Thailand, Mexico, Vietnam, Fiji, Morocco, Zimbabwe, Peru, Cambodia and Nepal.

“We not only sew components, we are also a source of outreach for our community,” Walker said. “We advocate on behalf of Days for Girls International, teaching about its mission and the reasons why there is a need for

such an organization to exist. We also conduct work events with local churches and business groups, in which they help create the kits that will then be distributed throughout the world.”

Days for Girls was started in 2008 by Celeste Mergens. She was working at a Kenyan orphanage and found that menstruating girls would sit on pieces of cardboard, often going without food. With cultural taboos around menstruation, some women and girls can’t attend school or work, or even go into a kitchen while on their period.

Mergens created washable, long-lasting pads and underwear, designed to last several years, giving the girls the freedom to leave their rooms, reclaim their dignity and potentially end the cycle of poverty.

“The evolution of this pattern for these kits has changed many times,” Woods said. “They keep making it better and better. They listen to the girls and the moms, and the feedback that people give, and they fix any issues.”

The kits contain two pairs of underwear, two reusable shields, eight absorbent liners, a washcloth and soap for cleaning, and a waterproof bag to hold everything. Colorful fabrics help normalize menstruation and the components dry quickly to allow the women and girls to manage their hygiene. The waterproof bags are also used as a washing device in places where water is scarce.

“Some girls and women walk miles and

miles for water,” Woods said. “They have this very small amount of water to use for their cooking and their cleaning, so these bags become little washing machines.”

Walker said it’s a lot of work to create the kits and they have specific instructions to follow to ensure the pieces work together. But she calls it a “labor of love” for the thousands of women and girls their kits have helped over the years. The group holds service projects several times a year, where volunteers sew kit components.

“Even in the United States, there are

women who don’t have access to period products,” Walker said. “There are hundreds of stories of lives being changed through Days for Girls. I love going into my community and talking about it, because we don’t talk about it. I talk to a lot of young women’s groups and they are super embarrassed, but they have no idea how lucky they are.”

To learn about volunteering or donating to the Days for Girls Midvale chapter, visit the Facebook page @dfgmidvale. For information about the international organization, visit DaysForGirls.org. l

Millions of women and girls have received menstrual kits from Days for Girls. The Midvale chapter has created and distributed thousands of kits to girls all over the world. (Photo courtesy of Suzanne Walker)

The Power of Human Connection in Salt Lake County

Utah is in a paradox. We are known as one of the most social states in the nation, yet our residents also report some of the highest feelings of loneliness. State health surveys show that nearly one in four Utah teens in 2023 and about 6% of adults in 2021 said they often or always felt, “People are around me but not with me.” That’s a sobering reminder that being surrounded by people is not the same as feeling connected to them.

The U.S. Surgeon General defines loneliness as the distress of not having adequate meaningful connections, while social isolation is the objective lack of

Winder Newton

2019 to 16% in 2024. While that increase seems alarming, some experts believe it reflects growing awareness. More people are recognizing that connection matters, which may encourage them to seek help or create new relationships. Meanwhile, Utah’s highest years for suicides (2017) and overdose deaths (2022) are behind us, with rates trending slightly down. We should not ignore loneliness, but perhaps our awareness is a hopeful step toward

and one-on-one time give youth safe spaces to share what they’re really experiencing.

Schools and businesses also play a role. Policies that encourage real connection—team projects, buddy systems, carpools, phone-free zones or mentoring programs—help students and employees build relationships that strengthen both well-being and performance. Identifying at-risk youth early and linking them with mentors can make a world of difference.

a meal or volunteering at church, these experiences weave the fabric of community life. With creativity, we can support system-level changes that expand these opportunities in healthy ways.

Addressing loneliness requires all of us. Parents can set the stage at home by turning off screens, setting aside phones, listening closely, and modeling the conversations they hope their children will have with others. Simple family meals

Local governments can create environments where connection naturally happens. Parks, libraries, recreation centers and public transportation all serve as “third spaces” where neighbors can meet. Programs like Salt Lake County’s Free Youth Rec Passes, summer events, farmers markets and free-fare zones lower barriers and invite people to gather. These aren’t just amenities; they are investments in the health and strength of our community.

Faith groups, sports teams and even traditions around food and gathering offer additional pathways. Whether it’s cheering together in the stands, sharing

In the end, the responsibility rests with each of us. Teens can choose to include someone sitting alone. Adults can prioritize friendships, check in on a neighbor or carve out time for family. Older adults can accept invitations or invite others into their routines. Each of these choices is small, but collectively they build the kind of community Salt Lake County is known for—caring, connected and resilient.

So I encourage you to pause and ask yourself: Am I truly connecting or just surrounded? Whether you are a student, a parent, a business leader or a retiree, you have the power to strengthen the web of relationships that hold us all together. In Salt Lake County, our greatest strength doesn’t come from policies or programs alone—it comes from people. When we choose connection, we choose health, hope and a brighter future for our community.

Life and Laughter - Magic is a Superpower

Back in the day, it didn’t take much to be labeled a witch. Did you own a cat? Witch. Did you have a birthmark? Witch. Did you use herbs, wear a cape, know how to read or lure children into your gingerbread-flavored home so you could eat them for dinner? Witch.

I’m just saying, the bar was low. Starting in the 1450s, witch hysteria swept across Europe, lasting for centuries. Intense warfare, hardship, famine and disease meant only one thing: it was time to burn the witches, because obviously.

Nearly 60,000 people were tried and killed as witches. More than 80% were women and 60% were over the age of 40. It was a gendercide that wiped out generations of women. Many were healers, midwives, widows and property owners.

They’d reached a time in their lives where they were fine being alone, with maybe a cat or two. They just wanted a nice broom, a boiling cauldron of soup and a Pinterest board of “Witchy Reads.”

Many women step into their power once they hit 40, but give women power and there’s going to be trouble. Killing the older generations meant wisdom was lost forever, which is probably why we have mini golf sets for the toilet.

Like Labubu and Meta (and just as

diabolical), witch trials were big business. Women were arrested, property was seized and people flocked to churches because no one wants to accidentally sell their soul to Beelzebub.

The witch trials also created a disconnection between women; a fear of gathering, the angst of being seen as a “coven” when all you wanted to do was watch the “Real Housewives of Salem.” Women stopped socializing because having a friend for tea could end in a hanging. (And you thought your book club was stressful.)

I’m a lover of all things witchy, a devotee of strong women using their magic for good. A witch is a woman who speaks truth to power, without shame. Imagine a combination of Dolly Parton, Oprah Winfrey and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a woman so powerful even the Puritans would have been like, “Nope, not today.”

You see, a witch hunt creates a cul-

ture that undervalues women. When you describe women as shrill, chatty, feisty, mousey, sassy, emotional, slutty, hysterical, irrational or hormonal, those words strip away power.

How many of these words are used to describe men? Almost zero. At the worst, men get labeled as “grumpy,” and somehow that becomes “distinguished.”

There’s still a witch hunt going on today. Saying “women’s rights” to certain groups triggers frothing at the mouth and a call for the ducking stool.

Women want to be believed, heard and have the ability to live without violence or discrimination. We want affordable physical and mental health care, an equal wage and respect. Is that insane, deranged, unhinged or any other word used to lock women up in asylums, as recently as 1967?

A witch stands on her own. She embraces her age, her knowledge and her intuition, without fear. It’s not surprising that interest in witchy practices is rising. You can learn spells on TikTok, craft a voodoo doll on YouTube and banish your ex to the depths of Detroit using a candle, cayenne pepper and a squeeze of lemon. Science, obviously.

For women who have felt disenfranchised in their communities, religions and

workplaces, witchy practices are a way to find their power. It isn’t an excuse to turn women into barbecue.

I associate magic with creation, and women are the ultimate creators. Women are magic, able to run empires, sing lullabies and look fabulous in a cape. Do you need someone to change the world for the better? Find a witch.