Millcreek Journal | February 2022

February 2022 | Vol. 04 Iss. 14

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By Bridget Raymundo | b.raymundo@mycityjournals.com

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n January, the Millcreek City Council voted unanimously to instate Mike Winder as the new City Manager following John Geilmann who retired in 2020. Since then, Millcreek Mayor Jeff Silvestrini had been upholding the responsibilities prior to the recent appointment of Winder.

“Since his appointment as Assistant City Manager, Mike has gained the confidence of all of our city department heads and the members of the city council,” said Silvestrini. “He has and will continue to serve our business community as Economic Development Director.” The mayor continued, “Mike has been innovative and has demonstrated superior skills and a collaborative temperament. I look forward to working with Mike in this expanded role and I am confident that we will remain a great team serving the interests of our residents.”

Since January, Winder has been serving as Millcreek’s Assistant City Manager allowing him to build a pathway to the current transition. Further preparations were observed by Winder through his municipal experience in his time as West Valley City’s business development manager, city councilman and mayor. In his past, Winder has chaired the Salt Lake Valley Conference of Mayors as the West Valley City Mayor and demonstrated his leadership skills as president of the Utah League of Cities and Towns. His educational background encompasses a bachelor’s of arts and master’s of business adContinued page 4 Mike Winder stands at Millcreek City Council as the new city manager.

(Photo courtesy Millcreek City)

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February 2022 | Page 3

$10,000 for local business support under Canyon Rim Cares

Continued from front page

By Bridget Raymundo | b.raymundo@mycityjournals.com

O

n Jan. 10, the Millcreek City Council gathered to discuss and vote on a financial contribution to Canyon Rim Cares of up to $10,000.

Canyon Rim Cares is a subcommittee for the Canyon Rims Citizens Association for the “Millcreek Miracle” campaign.

“Nate Gibby who has pulled this together has an impressive record as a Millcreek volunteer,” Mayor Jeff Silvestrini said. “He has organized a number of different projects that have benefitted broad segments of our community.”

Gibby has organized service projects to assemble refugee hygiene kits, clothing drives, and fundraising for internet essentials in cooperation with Comcast. He is a co-creator in the Millcreek community according to Silvestrini.

Gibby associates closely with the Millcreek business council in the progress of his initiative.

The business directory of local businesses in alliance with Canyon Rims Cares will be displayed on the Millcreek website and the Canyon Rim Cares website. The “Millcreek Miracle” campaign is similar to the LEED certification, which indicates buildings that create healthy, highly efficient, cost-saving green buildings, because both check to see that the candidates fit the criteria of being beneficial to the community.

According to Bonneville Research’s report, "The Millcreek Miracle campaign facilitates the engagement of local businesses, residents, and nonprofit organizations to increase the revenues of local businesses while providing opportunities for both businesses and residents to increase their community involvement. The ‘miracle’ occurs when local sales tax dollars improve community resources (e.g., parks, streetlights, snow removal, infrastructure improvements, etc.) and more people become involved in important causes that provide an immeasurable benefit to our community.”

The Canyon Rim Cares criteria is designed to be achievable for local businesses willing to participate. It helps to make sure the business

Journals T H E

Millcreek businesses along Highland Drive. (City Journals)

is supported and the money circulation stays in Millcreek City. The partnership provides mutual benefit and helps the local economy in Millcreek.

Businesses who choose to get the certification will not be required to financially support the campaign. The money provided by Millcreek City in this contribution is expected to fund and promote the campaign. The funds will also go toward supporting the youth council, hiring locals, website development, decals for businesses, promotional material to get businesses to learn of the program and, perhaps, even banners on lamp posts. The grant was approved and is guaranteed for up to $10,000 yet it is not certain the full total of the funds awarded will be necessary. This contribution is different from the regular funding Canyon Rim receives since it does not depend on community councils and is therefore simpler to manage.

The program will not be specific to Canyon

Rim, but rather the whole of the city. However, the 501(c)(3) of the organization platform is in Canyon Rim. Certification with Canyon Rims Cares will be awarded at different levels: bronze, silver, and gold.

Millcreek City requested Bonneville Research to rigorously review the effects of the funding before providing the nonprofit grant.

They concluded in their report released on Dec. 6, 2021 the fund would be for the best interest of the city and so, justified under state law.

After over a year of discussing the program, now more businesses will have the opportunity to feel involved and create relationships of support from the local community. “[The program funding is] a way to help Millcreek businesses feel involved in the community and the community to feel involved with our businesses and to create a relationship of support,” said Cheri Jackson, councilmember for District 3.l

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Page 4 | February 2022

ministration from the University of Utah. On top of that, Winder completed time at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government at an executive program. Starting in February 2018, he worked as the Economic Development Director, and he plans to continue his work in this longtime role in addition to his promotion as City Manager.

“I have enjoyed my 14 years in elected office, and I will dearly miss the great people I serve within the legislature,” Winder said. “However, I love local government and as Utah’s newest city there are tremendous opportunities at Millcreek. I’m excited to continue my work with the amazing team and community here.”

The expected city manager appointment is scheduled for March 7, 2022 in conclusion of the Utah legislative session. Since Jan. 1, 2017, Winder has acted as a Republican representative for District 30 of Utah. Therefore, Winder will finish his third term as a member of the 37-member Utah House of Representatives without intentions of pursuing re-election in 2022.

“Rep. Winder is a devoted public servant who is deeply dedicated to his work,” said speaker Brad Wilson. “During his time in the House, Rep. Winder has been a strong advocate for mental health, apprenticeship programs, education and the Jordan River corridor. While he will be missed in the legislature, I know he will continue to find ways to serve his community and the state beyond this role.”l

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Millcreek City Journal

Google Fiber arriving in Millcreek

By Bridget Raymundo | b.raymundo@mycityjournals.com

W

ith the start of January, a revision of the goals and plans set out for last year are now under revision for the progress expected from Millcreek City Council this year. One of these goals is the continuing expansion of Google Fiber in Utah or more specifically, in Millcreek.

In fall 2020, the license to introduce Google Fiber into Millcreek was signed which led to the first of Millcreek residents being serviced in November. The completion of the installation for this project is at about the halfway point having laid down fiber under right of way roads.

Completion is expected by July 2022 and following is the probable lag of full connection to individual home services.

This will last approximately several months in order to get the door hangers ready, the road crews set, and to get customers connected through sign-up eligibility. All residents with construction in front of their homes will have Google Fiber services by this fall if all goes according to plan, meaning no major unpredicted setbacks occur.

The full network will be made in less than a year for the whole of Millcreek City, an incredible accomplishment as stated by Jacob Brace, the Government and Community Affairs Manager on the expansion of Google Fiber in Utah. He has noted his experience on this project with public works has involved plenty of cooperation and coordination on both parts.

Through the winter season, it was difficult to handle the leftover snowfall for the safety of pedestrians and for the snow plows to pass through construction for Google Fiber. Additionally, during the project, some calls were issued from the city on behalf of complaints from residents bothered by Google Fiber construction. Brace states those issues were resolved in a timely manner and his organization is still working closely with the city with regards to open communication in reaching resolutions.

Brace said the Google Fiber construction crews have measured about 85% of the project is complete. There is also a map called the Google Project Areas map of construction available to the public which presents information given to the city engineer by way of permitting request and is not a forecast on the construction. On the map, yellow areas signify a hold on permits for a variety of possible reasons, yet the permit is already on request to the city.

Some areas on the map which are void of color means there is a moratorium due to weather. The areas void of color will still receive the services of Google Fiber in due time. Red areas on the map means a lot of construction activity is happening there, but the work there is not done.

Brace said the west side of Millcreek is also getting well connected which is im-

MillcreekJournal .com

portant to the Millcreek Promise aiming to provide digital equity and accessibility.

The Millcreek Promise joined the efforts of South Salt Lake to give public access to the internet through resources such as hardware equipment and Google Fiber.

As of now, the Google Fiber construction must complete 220,000 linear feet of installations. On estimate, one construction crew can cover 2,400 linear feet cut in a day during winter or imperfect weather. Three crews are issued regularly through the winter season, and in the summer season or during good weather double the amount of construction crews are present. “[The construction team] will go as fast as they can,” Brace said. “Within the limits of the public works and all our permitting.”

Major obstacles facing the Google Fiber project in Millcreek are snowfall and making sure to work ahead of city projects on the road. Spring and summer bring lots of road projects so Google Fiber focuses on getting to those locations beforehand since those roads cannot be cut once they have been worked on by the city. Only a total of six utility strikes have occurred up to now and the majority are damaged sprinkler lines which are fixed on the same day or as soon as possible if the weather is not favorable.

Temporary repairs for these utility strikes are common, especially in winter and unfavorable weather conditions can cause asphalt work to be delayed. Another crew will be back to follow up on the issue like sprinkler malfunctions. They will surround the strike with barricades and include a phone number to call with further questions on the door hangers of residents affected.

While Silvestrini said some people aren’t happy with changes, there are many Millcreek residents who “contact us all the time to thank us for the fact that Google Fiber is now available to them. I just want to thank you, Jacob, for your cooperation with the city and I think it’s been a decent relationship.”

Two prior email notifications have been sent to existing customers of Google Fiber to let them know of the right of way licensing fee. The automated service did not identify Millcreek addresses well enough because Millcreek is a relatively new city and its boundaries have some shared zip codes. Google Fiber has third party vendors scrubbing for quality assurance to properly designate Millcreek rather than Salt Lake City. Brace said proper remittance will happen, and the Millcreek communications team is working with Google to correct false statements of the change in fee.

Google Fiber services are $70 per GIG (since 2012) and two gigs for $100. A 2%

Google Project area map updated as of January 2022. (Bridget Raymundo/City Journals)

fee is passed on as result of being in the right of way of Millcreek City roads which equates to $1.40 for a gigabit and $2 for the two GIG price. The 2% fee will be for new

customers joining in February.

For homeowners associations that want Google Fiber construction in their communities, call 833-942-0105.l

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February 2022 | Page 5

Lauren Johnson shoots a 3-pointer during a home game against East. (Travis Barton/City Journals)

Tina Njike continues to dominate in the post for the Eagles. (Travis Barton/City Journals)

Skyline girls basketball look to overcome adversity

By Daniel Olsen | d.olsen@mycityjournals.com

W

hile the Skyline Eagles girls basketball team had to postpone games with Highland and Murray, they remain hopeful about the remainder of their season. COVID protocols may have kept them out, but they are back in action. They beat a tough East High team 59-52 in their first game back and look to do more damage down the stretch.

“Half the team was out,” head coach Samuel White said. “We have 30 girls total in our program and 12 to 13 were out. We had three to four at each level from freshman all the way up to the varsity team.”

One might expect this time to be physically and mentally draining. However, the team remains in good spirits.

“The girls are hungry,” White said.

“They want to play. They are ticked off because they wanted to play a week sooner. Highland is always a great game. They wanted to play Murray as well. Our issue is not motivation but shaking off rust. We do the drills needed to be mentally and physically in shape. We are hungry to get back.”

The top performers on the team are Tina Njike, Ayla Williams and Leelu Bare.

“They are super solid and consistent,” White said. “We need everyone to hit on the same night. Erica (Clark) and Leelu are a consistent 10 to 12 points a night. If Lauren Johnson and Abbi Leonard chip in a couple more then that will help.”

Help did come at the latest win over

Page 6 | February 2022

East. Williams and Njike combined for 36 points while Clark and Leonard chipped in seven and six points respectively.

At 8-4, the Eagles hope to compete in region and get to the top eight of the RPI by the end of season.

“Our goal is to compete for a state and region championship every year,” White said. “We are lucky to have consistency. I thought it would be a rebuilding year. Our expectation is to do well and get one of the top RPI spots. The playoffs are never easy, but getting through the first couple rounds with minimal damage makes it easier down the stretch.”

In a contact sport like basketball, there has been no shortage of injuries for team members. But their main goal is to be healthy by the time the postseason comes around.

“They are a really resilient bunch,” White said. “We had some injuries in the first few weeks of practice. There was a broken finger and a concussion. We have come together. We are a young team but learning quickly because we have to. We have a freshman starting varsity and we can’t have the luxury to make freshman mistakes. We are getting there. We are getting ready for this region stretch as well as the playoffs.”

One junior on the team has exemplified leadership qualities that have benefited her team in enormous ways. Njike is that player and she is ready to help her team get to the

next level.

“I like talking during practice and helping everybody out,” Njike said. “If others have questions I’m there for them.

When they feel like there is a lot of pressure, I tell them it’s fine. Nobody is perfect in this sport. I make sure that what we are doing is what we are supposed to be doing.”

It isn’t just the leadership qualities that makes Njike a special player off the court.

Her hard work has paid off on the court in the games as well.

“My best basketball skill is either rebounding or scoring,” Njike said. “I’m trying to work on defense. I primarily play inside but I am working on extending my range. I’ve made a couple of threes.”

When it comes to basketball players at the next level, Njike learns a lot from players she would like to model her game after. One is a WNBA superstar that plays not far from her home in Utah.

“I like A’ja Wilson who plays for the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA,” Njike said. “She is really good at inside moves.

I would like to be like her in a couple of years. I really admire watching her game.”

It isn’t just the offensive end where Njike thinks she can help the team improve. Defense is definitely something that will help the team get to the next level.

“I can contribute by defense because that can win games,” Njike said. “It can help you win even if you shoot bad. We

are talking and getting a lot better. We are playing together as a team which helps more every single game.”

When it comes to a dynamic duo, there is one teammate that Njike has especially been able to connect well with.

“Ayla Williams is a freshman,” Njike said. “Her and I have worked together a lot better. She’s like my duo. She’s a versatile player. Plays defense on everyone. On offense she scores inside.”

Njike has played other sports, but basketball remains her main focus.

“I used to play volleyball, but didn’t like it as much as basketball,” Njike said.

“I’m going to do throwing in track but that’s not my main sport. I may do sprints as well. I think trying other sports can help me do better at basketball and life in general.”

It won’t be easy, but this young Eagles team is looking to soar to new heights as they look to their upcoming schedule.

They will be a force to be reckoned with in their region and the 5A state playoffs next month.

“Our team at the beginning of the season was a little rough,” Njike said. “We focused on everything we need to be better at. We did lose some valuable players and this year we are extremely young. We are hopeful for the end of the year. We will look at the film and see what you can do better for the next game.” l

Millcreek City Journal

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February 2022 | Page 7

District’s new Mobile Gradebook app helps parents monitor student’s progress

By Bill Hardesty | b.hardesty@mycityjournals.com

G

ranite School District (GSD) recently expanded its tools for parents to engage in their child's educational progress by releasing the Mobile Gradebook app. The Mobile Gradebook is available for iOS or Android devices.

"We want to make monitoring your student simple and easy. This mobile access gives student grades and other progress at the touch of a mobile phone anywhere you have data access," Ben Horsley, chief of staff for GSD, said.

Features in Gradebook "The No. 1 factor in student success is parental involvement. Students whose parents have the ability to monitor and support their students have a better chance at success. This tool helps provide mobile access to critical information regarding a student's educational progress," Horsley said.

The mobile-friendly Gradebook is an extension of the Gradebook available on the parent portal on the district's website.

"You can instantly see your children's grades. You can see if that means missing assignments. You don't have to wait until the end of the term to find out what the report card looks like," Meredith Harker, a third-grade teacher at Calvin Smith Elementary said. "If there's a problem, you can get it taken care of

Page 8 | February 2022

earlier rather than later. It lets you have conversations with your kids about their progress in school. It helps you be more involved as a parent in your child's education."

Parents have access to crucial information on either platform.

• Attendance: Parents can view their child's attendance and tardy record in detail or summary form showing total numbers for each class.

• Assignments: Parents can see non-Proficiency Based Learning (P.B.L.) course assignments. They can see when assignments are due and which assignments are missing. A current course grade is also displayed.

• Course request: If available, students can request courses for the following year.

• E-mail notification settings: Parents can manage daily or weekly notifications. The daily notification shows attendance for that day. The weekly notification supplies a weekly attendance/tardy summary and the current class grade.

• Progress reports: While not a requirement at all schools, parents can see their student's mid-quarter progress reports.

• Report cards: Parents see all final grades for each quarter. Parents can also see the overall G.P.A. and C.P.A. for each quarter.

This means no more making Fs into Bs like in

Parents can now watch their child’s educational progress with a tap of a mobile app. (Photo from Unsplash. com)

the olden days.

• Skills: This is for elementary students.

Students are given a 1-4 citizenship type grade.

• Standards (P.B.L. courses): Parents can

see the current grade and the standards and assessments their child has completed, and the proficiency score.

• Student schedule: Parents can see the upcoming schedule for the week or for the entire year.

• Testing: Parents can see D.I.B.E.L.S. and A.C.T scores.

• Transcripts: For grades seven to12, parents can see all courses, grades, and credits earned in real time.

The Mobile Gradebook app is not available at the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. It is only available as a download from the district website. Detailed download and installation instructions are available on the GSD website.

Other apps for parents The Gradebook is part of a suite of other portal apps for parents.

• The Student Center app provides testing results on statewide standardized tests and historical student data.

• The PayPAMS app is a secure online school payment system for such items as school meals.

• The PickATime app allows parents to schedule parent-teacher conferences.

• The Contact Card app allows parents to update phone numbers and email addresses.

• The Add a Student app allows parents to link their children under their account.

• The Back to School Online Registration allows parents to complete student registration online.

• The Canvas app is a learning management system used by some teachers. If used, students complete assignments, quizzes, etc., online. In turn, parents can see their child's Canvas account. l

Millcreek City Journal

Nibley Park students create winning video addressing Salt Lake County water issues

By Lizzie Walje | l.walje@mycityjournals.com

E

ach year the Salt Lake County Stormwater Coalition holds a series of competitions for Utah students K-8.

The competitions are broken down categorically, however, each challenge encourages students to take initiative by creating and championing their own ideas regarding water conservation and sustainability. Two Nibley Park Middle School students, Takarah Parker and Kadence Gholson were recognized for their video titled “Get Your Trash Out of the Gutter.”

Students are given the opportunity to participate in one of four competitions: Big Idea, Prototype, Experiment and Nature as a Solution. Takarah and Kadence won in the 2021 Big Idea category which calls for students to create a persuasive and detailed three- to six-minute video focusing on a specific water issue and consequently outlining a solution for said issue. Takarah and Kadence, both eighth-graders at Nibley Park, created a Public Service Announcement that focused on keeping stormwater drains clean by keeping trash and other waste out of city gutters. In addition to their recognition and award, each girl was given a $100 Amazon gift card.

Both Takarah and Kadence were inspired by the issue of gutter cleanliness because it affects nearly all neighborhoods but is rarely talked about. “We wanted to bring awareness to non-point source pollution,” Kadence said. “If you’ve ever seen rainbow color water pooled by your storm drains, you’re actually looking at pollutants.

That rainbow is actually non-point source pollution. It may look pretty but these pollutants affect the health of our lakes which can affect everything from water supply

to tourism.”

“Beyond any money issue,” Kadence said, “the biggest problem is keeping up with our world’s health.”

Both girls were motivated to speak on the issue of storm drainage because it’s an issue that has many possibilities for solutions.

“One simple solution is community cleanups,” Takarah said. “Anyone can participate and all it takes is getting together a group of people to remove trash from the gutters. These community cleanups can be started by anyone in the community from mayors to schools.”

Outside of trash cleanups, everyday efforts such as undergoing routine checkups on your vehicle can lead to better quality water for everyone. Ensuring that your vehicle is not leaking oil and picking up after your pet, are just a few solutions that can lead to changes.

“With a little bit of knowledge and a little bit of care, we can get our trash out of the gutters,” Kadence said. For these two students, the pinnacle of their message was to find a way to actively engage the community and do so in a compelling and easy-to-follow way.

As far as the Stormwater Coalition is concerned, the two students successfully created a compelling PSA. Carrie Culter, of the Salt Lake County Stormwater Coalition, said, “Congratulations to Takarah and Kadence. And to all those other students who took the time to participate. We thank all of these students for their entries. We are proud to see young minds take an interest in these pressing issues and look forward to holding the competitions again next year.”l

Takarah Parker and Kadence Gholson win the Big Idea category for the Salt Lake Coalition Water Science and Engineering Competition. (Courtesy of Salt Lake City School District)

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February 2022 | Page 9

Parents in Granite District urged to monitor students’ social media amid recent threats

By Heather Lawrence | h.lawrence@mycityjournals.com

T

hreats posted on social media disrupted schools across Utah and other states in December. A vague threat went viral about something planned at “GHS” on Dec. 17. In Granite District, a Matheson Jr. High student was taken into custody “in connection with a threat” on Dec. 16.

“We’re seeing posts and reshares of content across the state. It’s inundating us this morning. The police have been all over it. These [online threats] are very difficult to track,” said GSD spokesperson Ben Horsley on Dec. 16.

The threats were shared via TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram. They caused a “major disruption” to the school day. The district responded with a letter to parents and increased police presence on some campuses.

Horsley said that parents, not schools, are responsible to monitor or restrict students’ social media accounts.

“There are 62,000 students in our district. We have no way of monitoring social media accounts for all of them. That responsibility falls to the parents,” Horsley said.

The letter from GSD urged parents to be proactive in learning what social media their kids use.

"As soon as you are able, please check

your student’s smartphone device for any of the following social media platforms: Snapchat, Instagram or TikTok," the GSD letter to parents stated.

The letter continued, “Tell your children that threatening posts should not be shared, but instead reported immediately to a trusted adult.”

Thankfully, nothing came of the Dec. 17 threat. Horsley said it was vague and lacked credibility, but he reiterated that GSD takes any threat seriously. Threats can always be reported anonymously on the SafeUT app or by calling the Granite Police Department at 801-481-7122.

Students who make threats “for fun” or “as a joke” can face serious consequences.

Criminal charges include a felony charge of making a terrorist threat, and school and district level discipline also apply.

Those consequences and the possibility of real violence are reminders that parents need to know what their kids are doing online. Technology can be hard to keep up with, but GSD said not knowing how to monitor a child’s account can’t be an excuse. Horsley said parents may have to restrict students’ access until they educate themselves.

“The frustrating thing is parents who

don’t understand the technology, but are allowing their kids access to it, are calling on the school to monitor their kids’ social media accounts. If parents don’t have the ability to monitor a child’s social media, please remove or restrict their access,” Horsley said.

Legally, minors must be at least 13 years old to create social media accounts.

Snapchat’s Terms of Service state, “No one under 13 is allowed to create an account or use the Services. If you are under 18, you may only use the Services with the proper consent of your parent or legal guardian.”

Other platforms have similar rules which are agreed to when you click “accept.”

If your child has created a social media account without your consent, there are ways to delete it if you choose to. If your kids are on a family media or phone plan

with you, research how you can monitor their activity. Paid parental control software like Qustodio, Bark and Net Nanny are also available.

In the case of December’s threat, Granger High principal David Dunn told parents to look for specific usernames.

“We are looking for a user account on [Snapchat, TikTok or Instagram] that goes by evil eye, serenity or yelizaveta. If you identify any of those user handles, please contact Granite police at any time,” Dunn said.

Even without specific usernames, parents and guardians should be generally aware. The tip sheet from GSD “Knowing What’s on Your Child’s Smartphone” will give parents an introduction on what to look for. Any threat, bullying, or inappropriate social media use should be reported. l With the widespread use of smartphones among teens and preteens, the district is finding a number of apps being used for cyberbullying, sexting and accessing pornography. While many of these apps can be used for wholesome purposes, we strongly recommend that all parents be proactive in monitoring smartphone use. New apps with questionable content or features are being developed all the time. Becoming familiar with the types of apps are on you child’s device will help build trust and keep unwanted content out of their hands.

A parent’s guide to apps

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MESSAGING APPS There are several apps that act as free alternatives to text messages sent over regular phone and data plans.

These apps are typically seen on iPods and tablets, but are also common on smartphones. A few of these messaging platforms are popular networks for sexting because users feel a greater sense of privacy than typical phone text messaging services.

Examples:

APPS FOR HIDING THINGS Many applications exist for the sole purpose of hiding things from plain view. In many cases these apps allow users to hide photos, messages, and even other apps the user may want to keep secret.

Some of these apps have deceptive names or icons (Calculator%). Other apps provide platforms where users can post anonymously.

Examples:

SOCIAL APPS Social media and other interactive apps are commonplace among all smartphone users.

However, many of these networks contain adult material not far removed from popular content.

Others are notorious for cyberbullying, and many allow private messaging and photo sharing between strangers.

It’s important to know how your child uses these apps

Examples:

PHOTO & LIVE STREAM APPS

DATING APPS

Apps for sharing photos and videos have always been popular among teens. Many of these apps do not have content filters, and privacy settings are sometimes nonexistent. Live streaming apps are also popular among teens. These platforms allow users to connect via live video feed.

Oversharing and chatting with strangers are common issues.

Dating apps typically allow users to create profiles complete with personal information and photos and browse other user profiles. It is possible for users to create anonymous or misleading profiles. Private messaging features help users arrange to meet in person.

Some applications have specifically been designed to match users for casual sexual encounters.

Examples:

Examples:

Viber

Secret

Twitter

HouseParty

Yubo

Telegram

Poof

Hot or Not

Instagram

Tinder

Kik

Calculator%

ASKfm

Snapchat

Skout

Jott

Vaulty

AfterSchool

Omegle

Down

WhatsApp

Secret

Whisper

Live.ly

Bumble

A tip sheet created by GSD after online threats in December will help parents monitor their students’ social media. (Granite School District)

Millcreek City Journal

Millcreek Rotary donation helps Hillcrest students make blankets for refugees

S

pread on the floor of a meeting room were dozens of two layers of fleece being knotted together.

The double-thick fleece blankets, with animal prints and bold designs, were being tied by Hillcrest High National Honors Society members to give to Helping Hands International, a refugee program that helps refugees locally and abroad.

Three hundred dollars was donated for fleece to make about 50 blankets by Millcreek Rotary, said National Honors Society adviser Su Veenstra.

The effort was made to provide blankets for the organization as well as for members to engage in the activity and work together on it, she said.

“It’s a way for them to get to know each other and have fun providing service,” Veenstra said, adding that each National Honors Society member is expected to provide at least 10 hours of service each school quarter.

The club’s president, Ryan Chen, said that he hoped students would become more engaged in service through this effort, not just buy something to donate.

“It’s more fun when you can do service together,” the high school senior said.

“It’s enjoyable and motivates us to want to do more. It’s especially great to do together after last year when everything went virtual.”

The idea of making blankets to serve Helping Hands International came about from juniors Leslie Andrade and Kenna Seegmiller.

“Helping Hands International is helping a lot of refugees from the Middle East, who aren’t prepared for winter here, so we thought this was a way we can help,” said Andrade, who serves as the chapter’s tutoring officer. “By working together, this means more, and we’re doing something good for our community.”

Seegmiller, who serves as the chapter secretary, said at first, they held a donation drive, but only received three blankets. So, they rethought their process and decided engagement was a key factor. About 35 students came to tie 50 blankets.

“It’s easier to participate when it’s engaging and you’re showing that you really care,” she said.

Andrade said that the chapter is also involved in other service projects such as backpack drives, tutoring at nearby Copperview Elementary, teaming up with the school’s Earth Club to pick up trash along the school’s Adopt-a-Highway, holding peer tutoring at the school, and helping read books for refugee children.

The latter program is part of the Read-

MillcreekJournal .com

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Hillcrest High National Honors Society members spend time after school together tying blankets for refugees. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

ing with Puppets program; Chen got involved with it during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chen is working alongside juniors Priyanka Mathews and Amber Parker, who both serve on the school’s National Honors Society chapter and on the Draper Library Teen Advisory Board. The two slated dates in late January at the library for the community as well as students to videotape themselves reading books that then will be shared with refugee school children. They also will be accepting book donations for the youngsters.

“It’s a good way to get people involved,” chapter vice president Mathews said. “We’ve reached out to all the National Honors Society chapters in the area as well as PTSA chapters, and we’re hoping it will be a big community event.”

Parker, who serves as Hillcrest’s NHS public relations officer, said that the service projects the National Honors Society performs goes to its core: “We are wanting to help our community and at the same time, we’re learning leadership skills and working together.”

Parker was one of three chapter members who received a scholarship to participate earlier this school year in the Rotary leadership weekend to benefit the National Honors Society chapter. l

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February 2022 | Page 11

Cottonwood High School hosts national coaches clinic in February

What’s your legacy?

By Brian Shaw | b.shaw@mycityjournals.com

Cottonwood High will host some of the top football coaches from around the country at the 2022 Utah Coaches Clinic Feb. 18-19. (Pixabay)

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or the fourth year since he’s been at Cottonwood High, head football coach Casey Miller is set to host some of the top football coaches from around the country at the 2022 Utah Coaches Clinic Feb. 18-19.

But this year is bound to be a bit different.

One of those coaches slated to appear is offensive guru Noel Mazzone.

“We are hoping this year we will make a jump with the guys we are flying in and the fact we got shut down for a year because of Covid,” Miller said.

Known to many as the “Quarterback Whisperer,” Mazzone learned under such notable coaches as Dennis Erickson at Oregon State and Ed Orgeron in the 2000s before working at Arizona State again under Erickson, and at UCLA, Texas A&M and Arizona as an offensive coordinator through the 2010s.

Mazzone has also developed NFL quarterback legends like Philip Rivers and Chad Pennington among others, and is currently an offensive analyst at UConn. But like many in the football coaching profession, Mazzone worked his way up the coaching tree, starting out as a graduate assistant in the early 1980s at the school at which he played—the University of New Mexico.

Miller said Mazzone wants to share some of his knowledge that he’s acquired over the decades with the coaches who are planning to attend the two-day clinic—as do the other guest speakers slated to appear this year.

At press time they include Taylor High School (Texas) head coach, athletic director and read-option guru Brandon Houston (see more at CoachHuey.com), longtime defensive coordinator Ty Gower and Beaumont High School (California) head coach Jeff Steinberg.

For Miller, bringing such coaching expertise to the foot of the Wasatch Mountains for a coaches camp is a necessary step in the evolution of the state’s high school football coaches.

“We have improved the format of it a lot [over the past four years]. It is becoming more high school based, less college based, and we have grown slowly to where we have over 100 now,” said Miller, who started this clinic eight years ago when he was the head coach at Hillcrest High.

Having a coaches clinic at Cottonwood also means that Utah’s best and brightest don’t always have to travel too far to get the best and latest coaching tips and can stay closer to home, added Miller.

“My coaches can learn good football from nationally recognized coaches,” Miller said. “We don’t have to pay to go/stay in a casino resort at the other places, and it allows them to network with other coaches in state.”

Starting Friday, Feb. 18 at 4:30 p.m. at Cottonwood, coaches will listen to several of the afore-mentioned guest speakers before meeting at a nearby restaurant later that evening for a coaches dinner.

Coaches will return to Cottonwood High the morning of Saturday, Feb. 19 to participate in breakout sessions before the final guest speaker addresses the group from 2 to 3:15 p.m. Breakfast and a catered lunch will be included with Saturday’s early sessions, said Miller.

After the final guest speaker on Saturday the coaches will go back to breakout sessions for the remainder of that afternoon and part of the evening, Miller said. Saturday’s session will allow the coaches attending to share notes and tips on how they can improve their programs and build this coaching fraternity.

To close out the two-day clinic, there will be a dinner social Saturday night at a site to be determined along with door prizes.

At just $75 per person it’s quite a bargain as well—something Miller hopes will capture the interest of all the football coaches out there. To sign up visit coltswebstore.graniteschools.org. l

Millcreek City Journal

Setting up chairs at the basketball game is only part of the responsibilities of the school’s AD. (Greg James/ City Journals)

State bill proposed to help athletic directors’ continued education

T

By Greg James | g.james@mycityjournals.com

wenty minutes before the West Jordan High School basketball game, Carlson Boudreaux is checking to make sure the referees are set in the locker room so the game can start on time. His team has the court set up with chairs, music and cheerleader entertainment.

Over the past decade, the job of being the school’s athletic director has changed. They now oversee more than just game setup. Certification of athletic directors enhances administrators’ ability to better serve the school and community.

“Twenty years ago being an AD (athletic director) was mainly game-day operations,” Copper Hills AD Ben Morley said. “Making sure officials show up, the scorer table is set up, ensuring the halftime performance and scheduling the busses. Now that is the easiest part of the job.”

Current responsibilities of school athletic administrators include much more than pregame jobs.

“The essential components of being an athletic director is managing the coaches, keeping them in compliance. Related to that is keeping the athletes in compliance also,” Morley said.

All of these extra responsibilities have been added to their job description, but with no additional compensation or certification required by the school. The coaches they supervise need more certification than they do.

Most athletic administrators, on their own, have achieved the extra certification with no extra compensation.

State Bill 67, sponsored by Sen. Michael K. McKell, proposes a supplement for the school AD to encourage the training they can achieve.

“I could not be more in favor of certification,” Morley said. “The recognition and validation of this job is supremely important.

Becoming an athletic director encompasses several duties.

Coaches and player eligibility are a big part of their jobs.

“Coaches, assistants, and players take up

MillcreekJournal .com

a lion’s share of my time,” Morley said. “There is a reason that colleges have compliance officers. That is all they handle.”

At Copper Hills, the athletic department oversees more than 100 coaches and volunteers.

“We have 26 varsity programs. Football alone has 12 assistant coaches. Each of those coaches needs to pass coaching fundamentals, CPR training, background checks, concussion training, and child abuse training. One of the difficulties is that many of our coaches are paraprofessionals (they do not work at the school). Many think they are just helping out the team, but they still need to pass these courses,” Morley said.

In the last two years, high schools have added cheerleading, girls wrestling, and lacrosse to their varsity programs. In the near future boys volleyball could be added. In the US nearly 11 million students participate in after-school activities.

“The CAA (certified athletic administrator) would be eligible for a salary supplement,” current Granite School District Athletic Director Chris Shipman said. “In our eight high schools, we have several that already qualify for the stipend.”

Additional training can help the student-athletes stay safe from future sports problems.

“Name, image, and likeness are coming.

A famous athlete that wanted to make money can if they don’t use school resources,” Morley said. “The dark side is that it will make high school recruiting a bigger thing. One more carrot a good team can dangle in front of an athlete.”

Jordan School District recently hired an athletic director to oversee its district programs.

“I think districts are waking up to the importance of the job. I teach one class but am a full-time athletic director. Our athletic staff is dedicated to the program,” Morley said. “It is the world we live in and we should learn how to manage it.”l

February 2022 | Page 13

Esports teams in Granite high schools compete for first time in 2021

By Heather Lawrence | h.lawrence@mycityjournals.com

O

n a Wednesday in December, five Cottonwood High students and teacher Dwight Epperson hold a club meeting during lunch. They talk about upcoming events and tournaments. During the meeting, three more students who want to join turn in applications.

Ellis Ames, a junior and club officer reminds them what’s at stake for the next tournament. “We’re competing against [students in] the entire country as well as others in our district,” Ellis said.

The big prize is $500 and a PC. And all they have to do to win is play video games.

The students are officers in one of Cottonwood’s newest district-sponsored clubs: Esports.

“Esport (video game) competitions have sprung up in high schools and middle schools throughout Utah. In line with this growing popularity, GSD has developed an Esports organization to help connect students to competitions,” wrote Granite District in a press release in November.

The five officers at the meeting today are Ethan Barnett, Miguel Garcia, Tyler Needham, Ellis Ames and Casen Johnson.

Their team is 31 students and growing. In December alone they had three tournaments.

The team has a great ally in their advisor. Epperson had a 30-year career as an attorney, and then started a second career teaching. He’s been at Cottonwood for three years, and his son teaches math at Granger High School.

“It really is fun. I don’t recommend it for retirement—they’re keeping me busy.

But it keeps things simpler than law,” Epperson said.

He takes a minute to break down some of the team stats. “Apex Legends has eight players, but Halo only has four,” Epperson said as he hands out printed copies of the roster. He’s happy to give the kids a place to be and somewhere to belong.

The students like Epperson. With several tournaments a month, they rely on him to keep up the paperwork. All the competitions are done through Generation Esports.

“Mr. Epperson is pretty great. He does a lot of the technical things: he signs people up, and there are weird and confusing paperwork things that can be difficult. There are hoops to jump through and he helps us all with that,” Ellis said.

The world of video games is occupied mostly by males. But Cottonwood’s club wants female players to feel comfortable joining. There are three female students in the club and another comes in to apply during the meeting.

“It’s about 10% females on the team,

Page 14 | February 2022

which is about how it plays out in other teams,” Casen said.

They play as a team, not against each other. But they are playing against other district-sponsored teams at Granite District high schools. The nearest rival is Skyline High.

Cottonwood and Skyline both competed in the 2021 Ken Garff Esports Fall Festival. It was a four-hour competition with students from 20 Utah school districts, including Granite. The games were Super Smash Brothers Ultimate and Rocket League.

Team members are designated to certain games. “We have a lot of members, but they are spread across different games,” Ellis said.

“We could play each other more and find out our strengths and weaknesses so we could compete individually instead of as a team, but we haven’t really done that yet. It’s hard to say, ‘You have to show up to practice today,’ and get people here to practice. This isn’t a football team, it’s a club,” Casen said.

At this meeting, just before Christmas, they’re talking about the Triton Cup, where the prize is $500 and a gaming PC for the winner. The team thinks that after Christmas they might get more members as students get gaming consoles or equipment as gifts.

The games for this tournament are Halo, Apex Legends and Super Smash Brothers. Parents need to sign a permission slip because some of the games are violent and rated Mature.

Casen understands why some parents might object. “Halo is literally a war simulator,” he said.

“It’s a space war between aliens!”

Ethan interjects, defending the fictional aspect of the game.

At this point you might be wondering if it’s legitimate for a high school to encourage their students to play more video games. Epperson cites the cover story in the September 2021 issue of Utah Business Magazine in support of Esports.

“This article lists some of the benefits of having a high school team. I think when you have an environment like we’ve had here [with the pandemic] where we just seem to not have a lot of control over what’s going on around you, these games give you a sense of control. And for these students that feels really good,” Epperson said.

Tournaments are played from home but they can all see and communicate with each other. They are live-streamed and spectators can watch—if they’re up for

Millcreek City Journal

four to six hours of watching other people play video games. And if they progress far enough in a tournament, they get to play together in a facility, face to face with their opponents and spectators in a crowd.

Winning looks a little different depending on the game. “I’ve researched the rules for Halo in the tournament, and it’s the best of three. You’re playing a version called Slayer on two teams of four. You could tie, but it’s very uncommon,” Tyler said.

There is a social aspect to the club. All the officers say they’ve made friends here.

Some are involved in other activities like football or wrestling. Like all clubs, students need to maintain a 2.0 GPA to participate.

There are people who make a career in Esports, and in Utah it’s not out of the realm of reality. Competitors from Utah have found success at video game competitions.

One of the first was Jeff Hansen. In 1990, a then 10-year-old Hansen from Murray played in the Power Fest competition in Salt Lake City sponsored by Nintendo.

Hansen went on to win at several levels and earn prizes and trips until 1993. His story

was profiled in episode two of the Netflix series “High Score.”

More recently, in February 2020, a professional Esports team from Layton won $1,000,000 at a competition in Canada.

The article in Utah Business Magazine focused on the Utah Jazz Esports team. Its six players live together in an apartment in Salt Lake City and play up to 10 hours a day. The Jazz gaming website says team members are “guaranteed, competitive salary and benefits as well as housing.”

There are other benefits. Learning about video games can influence teens to seek out STEM careers and learn more about coding. Playing as a team means working together. The prize gives them a goal to work toward. Interactions with Epperson give them a supportive role model.

And maybe the best part is that playing video games—which is fun—can count as a school activity.

Casen said he feels fine telling his parents to give him some time to practice his video game skills. “I just say, ‘I’m gonna go do a school thing, and I need you to not talk to me for a while.’” l

Holladay to utilize half of ARPA funds on stormwater in 2022

W

By Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com

ith funding from the American Rescue Plan Act coming in 2022, Holladay city officials have prioritized stormwater.

Holladay is set to receive $3.6 million in funding from ARPA, with 1.8 million already arrived and the other half expected in July. Funds are meant to provide tools for cities to recover from the pandemic so money must be spent on eligible uses outlined in the act’s legislation. Funds must also be committed by December 2024 and spent by December 2026.

During a Jan. 20 council meeting discussion, elected officials directed city staff to prioritize stormwater funding with initial talks signaling 50% going towards stormwater infrastructure. The other half would go towards projects to be named later.

“I love the idea of investing in stormwater and that way not have to raise the stormwater fee,” said Mayor Rob Dahle during the meeting, noting they could keep the fee set for 10 years rather than having to steadily raise it.

Councilman Paul Fotheringham agreed stormwater was a priority, adding it was also “a responsibility on the city” to manage.

“I don’t mind spending a whole mama on this,” he said during the meeting.

Other initial project ideas from city staff on where to allocate the money were public health, economic opportunity and recovery, broadband and housing.

MillcreekJournal .com

The Millcr Millcreek Rotary Club: 2020 UTAH CLUB OF THE YEAR

Millcreek Rotary is a non-traditional, socially interactive Rotary club that provides opportunities to serve our local and international communities.

Are you interested in joining with us to make a positive change in our community, and our World?

MILLCREEK ROTARY BENEFITS: • Low Dues • Fun Events • Great Fellowship • Convenient Meetings • Helping our GREAT Community • 2020 State Club of the Year!!!

We usually have one Community Service Project each month, call for details.

Monthly Meetings, Social Events, and Service Projects!

Reach out to Karen for upcoming activities, and ways to learn more about our great club.

With new federal funds, Holladay will prioritize its stormwater system. (Cassie Goff/City Journals)

City staff and council will discuss more specifics at its Feb. 10 council meeting. l

Meetings are usually twice a month at 5:30 pm at Youthlinc Center in Millcreek.

Contact Karen for dates.

Learn more and follow us on Instagram, Blogspot, and Facebook at:

Rotary Club of Millcreek

Karen Hansen 801.573.4957 karenkhansen66@gmail.com

February 2022 | Page 15

Learn about notable Utah African Americans for Black History Month

By Karmel Harper | k.harper@mycityjournals.com

U

ntil the November 2020 elections, slavery in Utah was still legal as punishment for a convicted crime. According to Article 1, Section 21, in Utah's state Constitution, "Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within this State." However, on Nov. 3, 2020, Amendment C, which bans slavery in all forms, passed with 81% of the vote.

Utah House Rep. Sandra Collins, who sponsored Amendment C, said, “Our constitution serves as a basis for all of our laws and policies. We need to be clearer about what prison is for and what prison is not. The notion of ‘slavery or involuntary servitude’ should not be imposed on people merely because they are convicted of a crime. By passing this measure, we will assert that slavery is not a Utah value.”

Although slavery in Utah was not widespread, some Utah pioneers held African-American slaves until 1862, when Congress abolished slavery in all of its territories.

Brigham Young sent three African-American men as part of an advance party in 1847 to clear brush, trees, and rocks to make a road for pioneer wagons. These men were Green Flake, Hark Lay, and Oscar Crosby. Their names appear on a plaque on the Brigham Young Mon-

ument in downtown Salt Lake City with the inscription: “Green Flake, Hark Lay, and Oscar Crosby, Colored Servants.”

Kristine Murdock, a historian, and administrator for Our Kaysville Story Facebook page, said, “After Green Flake and his wife Martha Crosby (also a slave) were freed, they settled in the Salt Lake Valley. They were members of the LDS Church and very loved in the community. They are buried in the Union Cemetery Cottonwood Heights, Utah.”

However, some Utah slaves’ stories were tragic. 1n 1858, when he was only 3 years old, Gobo Fango of the Xhosa tribe in South Africa was given to white property owners Henry and Ruth Talbot after famine afflicted the Xhosa.

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Talbots set sail from South Africa to Boston in 1861, where they would join the gathering of saints in Salt Lake City. The Talbots smuggled Fango aboard in a wrapped carpet, but Fango was reported to have provided entertainment and helped take care of the sheep on-board once the ship set sail.

After traveling west to Utah, the Talbots eventually settled in Kaysville. According to an article by the University of Utah’s Marriott Library, Fango’s feet froze one year when the

Talbots allegedly forced him to herd animals in bare feet. When someone suggested that one of his feet required amputation, he said he ‘would rather have part of a foot than none at all.’ It seems that part of his heel was removed, but that doctors did not amputate his foot at the ankle. Years later, a woman reported that Fango would place wool in his boot so that his foot would fit into it and he could walk.

He left the Talbots and worked as a laborer for the Mary Ann Whitesides Hunter family, who lived in Grantsville, Utah, roughly between 1870 and 1880. He was listed as a “servant” (likely employed as such) in the 1880 U.S. Census living in Grantsville.

Fango settled in the Goose Creek valley of Idaho territory by the 1880s and worked as a sheepherder. However, tensions between sheepherders and cattlemen in the area led to Fango’s murder by cattleman Frank Bedke, who was acquitted.

Fango, who was described as generous with a cheerful disposition, dictated his final will and testament before succumbing to his gunshot wounds. He bequeathed half of his estate ($500) to the Salt Lake Temple Construction Fund.

Nearly 45 years after his death, Talbot

and Hunter’s family members could not find evidence of Fango’s membership in the church and thus performed his baptism by proxy in the Salt Lake Temple on Sept. 20, 1930.

The U of U article said, “Because Fango was a Black African, he could not be ordained to the priesthood posthumously, which would have made it possible for him to receive other LDS liturgies by proxy. As Louisa Hale wrote to a historian seeking information on Fango in 1934, ‘a Negro cannot hold the priesthood. So [performing his posthumous baptism] was all we could do for him. I, of course, feel that he is more worthy than many that do hold it.’”

As February is Black History Month, we honor the stories of African Americans who have shaped this country and state. Notable African American Utahns include Mignon Barker Richmond (1897-1984), who was the first African American woman to graduate from a Utah college and was a human and civil rights activist, and Anna Belle Weakley-Mattson (1922-2008), an astute businesswoman who was a significant force to Ogden’s growing Black community in the 1900s. l

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A member of the Daybreak Diversity & Inclusion club places a sign at Oquirrh Lake for Black History Month. You can visit the lake in February to read about notable African Americans. (Photo courtesy Vanessa Janak)

Millcreek City Journal

James Brown brings resources to older adults through new multimedia project

A

bout two years ago, James Brown, a Salt Lake Valley media personality for over 30 years, started a new venture. He and other board members formed the Living & Aging with Pride nonprofit organization.

Like many older adults, Brown was hit with a rent increase two years ago. His rent went from $900 a month to $2,500 a month.

He realized that he had to move. He reached out to his network and found a home at Sharon Gardens (3354 Sue Street). The Utah nonprofit Housing Corporation built the apartments.

"I started thinking about my own discovery as I've gotten older. Things that I didn't quite understand. I got to go to Medicaid. I got to go to Medicare. I got to go there. I got to go. I've got to do all these things that I was not prepared to do," Brown said. "And I saw a lot of seniors disappointed and angry and upset, and I thought, you know, I want to talk about this since my background had been in television and radio."

Brown began to make his vision come true. First, Living & Aging with Pride was created as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. This allows the organization to receive donations. Later a multimedia initiative was added titled "Living and Aging with Pride," which will enable advertising and sponsorships on media products.

The vision “‘Living and Aging with Pride’ is a unique multimedia infotainment program which addresses the inevitability of aging and highlights the financial burdens that impact the aging communities' quality of life," according to their website, Livingwithpride.org.

"It's more than just a television show or a media show. It is truly being developed to be a resource for older adults that they can rely upon. And not only locally, but on a national perspective," Brown said.

The website's goal is to be a one-stop des-

By Bill Hardesty | b.hardesty@mycityjournals.com tination for information and discussion of issues concerning older adults. Brown feels that many informational websites push a product or an agenda.

"What I've witnessed, rather, is that when you go to many of these sites, it's more about the donation aspect of it, you get that upfront, you don't get the how do I deal with this problem upfront?" Brown said. "Well, we're going to give you the solution to the problem. You know, we're going to prepare you before you get the problem. We're going to educate your children because they're wondering what they're going to do when mommy and daddy get 70 and 80 years old, and we're going to help guide them through."

The vision is bold, and Brown has spent two years preparing for the release. He built a podcast studio in a room at his apartment complex. He made partnerships with influencers.

There is a four-person board of trustees and an 18-member advisory board. Brown even has a set designed for future video programming.

"I'm about a month away from introducing to the world our first three episodes," Brown said. "From there, we will hopefully attract the necessary funding that will enable us to produce 13 to 26 television shows. Now, I say television only because that's one of the mechanisms for putting the message out, and we do know that seniors watch television."

The podcasts and other information are available on their website.

The backstory The name James Brown might sound familiar for those living in Utah. For 13 years, he wrote, produced and hosted a show called "New Horizons" on Channel 14 and Channel 7. The focus of the show was to explore diversity in Utah. His open conversation style made the show an award winner.

He was also a featured reporter for Chan-

nel 4 for nine years. Before going to TV, he was on KALL radio. A guest on his talk show suggested he move to TV and arranged for his hire at Channel 4. Brown made sure his ethnicity was not an issue when he was hired.

"I told the producer I wasn’t going to be the minority guy. The guy who covers every event involving a Black or Hispanic individual," Brown said. "He asked me what kind of stories did I want to do. I told him I wanted to do good stories. Stories about people doing good things, and I got my wish."

One notable Brown story is when he went undercover in the homeless community. For three days, he panhandled in front of a church.

Brown said he made about $600 a day.

"But it was such a humiliating experience.

I thought, how do these people stand here and ask people for money. It's so demeaning, especially the looks you get," Brown said.

Brown won a local Emmy for his story. l

James Brown sets up for his “Living and Aging with Pride” podcast. (Bill Hardesty/City Journals)

MillcreekJournal .com

February 2022 | Page 17

Want cleaner air? Get rid of that old wood-burning stove

By Justin Adams | justin.a@thecityjournals.com

C

lean air has become an increasingly important issue for Utahns. It impacts the state’s collective health, its environment, even its economy. There are many different methods by which Utah can work towards cleaner air—both on the individual and institution level—and one of those is by getting rid of old wood-burning stoves.

Thom Carter, energy advisor to Gov. Spencer Cox wrote about the danger of these stoves in a guest post on the Department of Environmental Quality’s website.

“Wood-burning stoves are a significant source of air pollution—pollution that negatively impacts individuals’ personal health and the environment,” he wrote. “Particles that make up the smoke and soot from wood-burning stoves can cause breathing difficulties and sometimes permanent lung damage for those who inhale the smoke. Especially during the cold winter months, smoke from wood-burning stoves gets trapped with other air pollutants resulting in health-threatening inversions. In fact, wood-burning stoves can cause a mini-inversion within neighborhoods.”

To help people get rid of their old

wood-burning stoves, the DEQ has created an assistance program that incentivizes homeowners to upgrade to cleaner heating devices. Applicants can receive anywhere from $500 to $3,800 to help pay for the cost of making the change.

There are a few qualifications for homeowners wanting to take advantage of the program. For example, the stove must be actively used for a “significant amount of home heating” in order to qualify. (So you can’t use the program to get rid of that stove in the basement that’s only gathered dust for the last 20 years.) The program also can’t be used for remodeling work or on rental or commercial properties.

To learn more about the program and see if your home qualifies, you can visit stoves.utah.gov. l

A new program from the Utah Department of Environmental Quality is urging Utahns to upgrade from their old wood-burning stoves.

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Millcreek City Journal

Lady Titans off to challenging start in competitive Region 6 girls basketball

By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com

I

t has been said that defending champions have a target on their backs. Repeating the feat of winning a championship can be a daunting task.

Just ask the Olympus girls basketball team.

Last season, the Titans went 13-1 in Region 5, winning the league by a game over Highland. Overall, the team was 19-6 and fell in the state semifinals to a powerful Farmington squad. This season, the Titans had big expectations, and rightfully so.

“Our big expectation is simply to compete again,” said head coach Whitney Hunsaker. “We want to make each and every game competitive, so we have the chance to fight for a region championship and hopefully state championship.”

This season, Olympus is off to a 2-2 start in league action, having lost more region games than all of last year. In a topheavy region, Olympus’ two wins were huge blowouts—80-13 over Park City on Jan. 4 and 67-19 over Murray on Jan. 11. The two losses were under double digits: a 45-39 loss to Highland on Jan. 7 and a 50-43 loss to Skyline on Jan. 21.

The Titans entered this season feeling motivated after last year’s successful run.

“Last year was definitely one for the

books and one that will be hard to beat,” Hunsaker said. “However, we left the season feeling hungry and even feeling like maybe we could have given just a little more. We made it to the semifinals and lost to the championship team by two in preseason, so it definitely hurt and made us wonder a little bit.

So, to build off last year, we really need to focus on how we felt at the end of last season and put that into each and every game, practice, and even every drill. We need to put the extra time in and leave everything we have on the court.”

Olympus has relied heavily on the talents of senior guard-forward Alyssa Blanck, who has already signed to play college ball at BYU. She has averaged 20.1 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists a game. She has scored at least 30 points three different times this season. She is the only Titan to average in double figures per game this season. However, junior forward Abby Topham is close with an 8.2 per-game average. She also hauls down eight rebounds a contest. Senior guard Mary Sheets scores 5.7 points per game, while fellow senior guard Brooklyn Davies averages 5.9 points per game.

“Each position and player is capable of scoring, which will make us hard to defend once each player really starts to figure how

BYU-bound Alyssa Blanck battles for a rebound during a game against Riverton preseason. (Travis Barton/ City Journals)

they score,” Hunsaker said. “We have a really good defensive mindset right now. We are holding teams to 34 points per game right now, which has been a huge goal of mine. Finally, I feel like we have a unit of girls who really like each other which makes that easy to play together.”

To contend for a region title, Hunsaker said her team needs to improve offensively and put forth a full effort each night.

“All players need to consistently score or at least look to score,” she said. “We have had a few games where some players have

taken a back seat and haven’t always taken their shots. I don’t need seven girls in double digits (would be incredibly nice) but need each player to put up points each night. The girls need to feel like we gave everything we had and left it all on the floor after each game.

If then the better team wins, I can walk away feeling so much better and I think the girls can too.”

Olympus finishes up region play Feb. 18 at Brighton. At press time, Olympus was two games behind undefeated Skyline. l

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Abby Topham is contributing eight points and eight rebounds a game for the Titans. (Travis Barton/City Journals)

MillcreekJournal .com

SLC • UT 84109 www.olympusyouthbaseball.com February 2022 | Page 19

Titans storming through season, winning by average of 32 points Photos by Travis Barton

Jack Wistrcill is averaging 20 points per game for the 14-1 (at press time) Titans. Only two of their wins were by under 20 points. Olympus holds the No. 2 seed in the RPI right now behind Orem.

Jordan Barnes brings the ball up the court at Murray where the Titans won 64-46. Which, believe it or not, was one of the team’s closest games of the season. Other than a narrow loss at defending 6A champion Davis 58-55 in December, Olympus average margin of victory this season is almost 32 points. Barnes is averaging a double double with 13 points and 10 assists per game.

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Sophomore Dutch DowDell is also averaging 20 points per game with four 3-pointers per game as well.

Millcreek City Journal

Council split on upgrades cost to Holladay Park playground

P

lans for improvements to the Holladay Park playground could be scuppered due to rising costs for the project.

The Holladay City Council will decide at its Feb. 10 meeting whether to approve an additional $120,000 for the completion of the project, and if so, then how they wish to fund it.

Due to a steady stream of feedback from residents about the poor quality of wood chips in the playground and poor ADA accessibility to the adjacent bathrooms, city officials planned to upgrade the playground.

First, by replacing the wood chips with a more accessible rubberized surface.

Second, by designing a clear accessible path across the playground that improves bathroom accessibility. Currently, those who attend summer concerts at the adjacent gazebo must go north around the pickleball courts to use the bathroom facilities, which are south of the gazebo, next to the playground.

Staff originally budgeted $165,000 for the project, but due to rising costs in labor and materials—as well as an initially low estimate—the project rose to $285,000.

“It’s just a large dollar amount,” said Councilman Paul Fotheringham during the Jan. 20 council meeting.

The push to make a decision soon

By Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com comes from a desire to complete the project within the current fiscal year, ending June 30, and to avoid further increased costs. City staff is operating on its initial bid with contractors, but if they had to bid it again, they fear prices will jump considerably.

As part of the cost, an additional $25,000 will be used to use a nonblack color, often cited by residents as getting too hot during the summertime. The black rubberized surface is used at Knudsen Park.

If approved, the upgrades would take an estimated three to four weeks to implement.

Councilwoman Drew Quinn reminded the council these upgrades aren’t just for kids, but for adults with mobility issues as well.

In a straw poll by the mayor, Fotheringham, Councilmen Dan Gibbons and Ty Brewer were leaning towards no, while Quinn and Councilman Matt Durham said yes.

One possible solution would be the use of ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds to fill the gap. Of which Fotheringham appeared to be fully supportive. Or to use money from the Capital Projects Fund.

A final decision will be made during the council meeting on Feb. 10. l

This open area in front of the swings is under consideration for an ADA path to the ramp. (Travis Barton/ City Journals)

R U O Y food nates o d r e c cal gro mycityjournals.com

Lo Beat Writer | writer@ By local

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spapers unity new 13 comm for over 27 years es 5 cities serving 1 igital ad opportunit d d n s a lt t u s Prin ackable re Real and tr

4 4-597 5 2 1 80 Due to a steady stream of feedback from residents about the poor quality of wood chips in the playground and poor ADA accessibility to the adjacent bathrooms, city officials planned to upgrade the playground.

(Travis Barton/City Journals)

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Millcreek City Journal

Sometimes it is rocket science

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hree things could doom our country: domestic terrorism, Olivia Rodrigo and the rejection of science. The first two are obvious, but rejecting science? When did scientists become the bad guys?

As more people deny mainstream science, I think about the good, old Russian pseudoscientist Trofim Lysenko. (You can call him Tro.) He and Joseph Stalin were BFFs after Tro convinced Stalin he could “educate” crops to grow using his “law of the life of species” theory which included planting seeds close together and soaking plants in freezing water.

Stalin embraced this nonsense and seven million Russians died from starvation when the country ran out of food, because Tro (you can call him The Idiot) convinced Stalin that science-based agricultural practices were garbage.

There’s lots of science I don’t understand, like quantum mechanics, curved spacetime and string theory, which proves kittens will play with a ball of yarn indefinitely. But I don’t have to understand science because, and here’s a key point, I am not a scientist.

I’m saying this louder for those in the back: science shouldn’t be a partisan issue.

But here we are. Anti-science is on the rise and people (i.e., non-scientists) are putting their own batty (often dangerous) theories

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out in the universe, much like Tro the Idiot.

More than 2,000 years ago, Aristotle decided our planet was a sphere, not a flat disc flung through space in a game of Frisbee golf played by Greek gods. But people didn’t believe him. Some flat-folk still don’t believe him.

Giordano Bruno was burned at the stake for his theory of the cosmos which included the heretical idea that the earth revolved around the sun. Before his death he proclaimed, “Perhaps you who pronounce my sentence are in greater fear than I who receive it.”

And that’s what it boils down to: fear.

A campaign of distrust based on fear slowly erodes faith in scientists and any theory they present. We all know the government is run by rabid lizards in human suits, but scientists have saved our bacon for centuries.

In 1796, Dr. Edward Jenner used gunk from a cowpox sore to inoculate a child against smallpox and gave the world its first hope to combat the terrible illness.

When he wasn’t performing in “Hamilton,” President Thomas Jefferson strongly recommended smallpox vaccinations to eradicate the disease.

Dr. Jonas Salk developed the polio vaccine in 1955, becoming a national hero. When vaccines for measles, whoop-

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ing cough, rabies, and tetanus were introduced, they were welcomed as miracles.

Researchers first identified human coronavirus in 1965 and studied diseases like SARS and MERS before COVID-19 jumped up like a maniacal Jack-in-thebox. The COVID vaccine was based on years of research, not months of blindly pouring pretty colors into test tubes.

And what about climate change? For decades, researchers told us fossil fuels contribute to an increase of greenhouse gases, which sounds like a great sustainable energy source, but actually traps heat and warms the planet. What did we do to those silly goose scientists? We ripped out their livers and made foie gras.

Now we have higher temperatures, severe storms, drought, flooding, Oliva Rodrigo and wildfires because, just like when Aristotle and Bruno walked the (much cooler) earth, people can’t wrap their minds around reality.

With little or no science knowledge, deniers continue the assault, and the world is paying the price. What evidence would change their minds? Why do they believe conspiracy theories over proven results? I guess you can guide someone to wisdom, but you can’t make them think.

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