Millcreek Journal | January 2023

MILLCREEK’S FIFTH YEAR IN REVIEW

By Sara Milano | s.milano@mycityjournals.com

Anyone who has spent time around a 5 year old will tell you that they are curious. They ask big questions about the world and their place in it, such as “Who am I? What is important to me?” and “What are my dreams for the future?” They are in a rich period of developmental growth and learning where novel challenges present themselves every day and the opportunities seem boundless.

Millcreek, in its fifth year as an incorporated city, encountered many of the same questions, challenges and opportunities as a 5-year-old child. In 2022, the city advocated for fair housing policies, improved access to outdoor spaces for its residents, and grappled with the growing pains of inflation and a booming population.

Affordable Housing and the Unhoused

Affordable housing continues to be a legislative priority for the city of Millcreek, which is uniquely poised to respond to the housing challenges of a burgeoning city and state. Because Millcreek’s incorporation was so recent, legislators are not limited by precedent, history or long-held views on housing issues. In this way, they are able to serve as an example for other cities in Utah struggling to meet the needs of an increasing unhoused population.

The homeless overflow shelter stands out as an instance where Millcreek met a challenge with compassion by asserting its values. The Utah State Legislature mandated that all cities submit one possible location for the winter overflow shelter, which hosts unhoused residents who cannot sleep outside during the coldest months. Millcreek’s Calvin Smith Library was selected as the state’s designated overflow facility in September. On Sept. 15, the city hosted a special public meeting with resi-

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Residents enjoy the newly opened outdoor skating loop at Millcreek Common. (Courtesy Millcreek newsletter)

Granite School District doubles down on efforts to prevent illnesses this winter

By Lizzie Walje | l.walje@mycityjournals.com

While statistics affirm that the chokehold of COVID-19 has lessened, in a September White House press briefing, federal health officials claimed that with an average of 400 deaths each day, this number of fatalities is “still too high.” Moreover, as we enter the long stretch of winter, it’s become evident that COVIDhas joined the ranks of routine illnesses Americans should highly consider vaccinating against.

What are these other routine illnesses? Most notably, winter marks flu season, and according to a recent post by the Salt Lake Tribune, Utah is currently facing what might just end up being its worst season in a while as cases and hospitalizations surge.

“This uptick comes after flu cases decreased dramatically in the first years of the coronavirus pandemic, and Utah isn’t alone—the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported similar trends across the country,” the article stated.

Incidentally, there’s yet another illness making the rounds this holiday season. The respiratory syncytial virus, known as RSV, is surging in cases across the country. As of November 2022, cases of RSV and other respiratory illnesses are showing sharp increases across the country. The main demographic affected? Children.

With a triple threat of illness on the horizon, schools across the nation, including those in Granite School District, are working hard to remind parents and students to remain vigilant against illness and not to be fooled by the shift back into normalcy. Just because social distancing is no longer actively enforced, doesn’t mean that risks aren’t present.

Granite School District took to its social media pages to remind students and

families of the following: “Cold and flu season is here and although COVID-19 case counts in the Granite School District have remained low, we’d like to remind students and families about the proper protocols for staying home when sick. If a student is feeling sick or demonstrating any symptoms of Covid-19, or any other illness, they should stay home.”

As of now, testing is particularly helpful because if one is ill and can rule out COVID-19 as the cause, they can take further action to get tested for RSV, the flu, or other respiratory infections. Taking control of your health and getting a proper diagnosis can help dictate the best course of treatment. Moreover, because RSV is largely affecting children, it’s yet another illness families should be aware of. With children spending more time in close quarters during the colder months, maintaining wellness becomes a districtwide priority.

“If you have symptoms, we highly encourage that you test,” Granite School District asserted on their Facebook page. “Those who test positive should isolate for five days. Please see our website for Health Department Guidelines. Masks (including KN95) are available for students and staff upon request at your school.”

As always, vaccines are one of the most effective ways to ward off illness and remain healthy during the winter months.

It is advised that those who are eligible should consider receiving a COVID-19 booster and a general flu shot. Especially children who will be interacting in close quarters for the next handful of months.

In an effort to mitigate cases, Covid-19 vaccines remain free, and appointments can be scheduled at major retailers such as Walgreens, Walmart, and CVS. Grocery store pharmacies also have availability for

appointments and stock of both COVID-19 and flu vaccines. For those who haven’t received a COVID-19 or flu vaccination before, it’s never too late to get your first dose. These vaccinations have been proven effective and are considered beneficial for the vast majority of people.

As for schools? The biggest takeaway is for students to self-isolate and stay out of the classroom if they feel sick. Although COVID-19’s overall threat level has decreased, what we have learned from its presence remains helpful. Social

distancing, isolation, and masking up help reduce the spread. These safety measures aren’t just helpful for COVID-19 mitigation, but for preventing the spread of the flu and RSV.

For more information regarding districtwide policies and responses to COVID-19 and other illnesses, Granite School District has guidelines on its website, including protocol for students who test positive. l

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Granite School District is providing families with helpful tools to combat winter illness including promoting vaccinations and staying home when sick. (Flickr)

dents to respond to inquiries about the shelter. The meeting showcased the public’s divergent opinions on hosting the shelter, from optimistic, like resident Andrew Gruber who is “proud to live in a community like Millcreek that is compassionate and doing our part” to fearful, like local business owner Trae Eller, who told councilmembers “we’d be insane if we weren’t worried” about the shelter.

In addition to its support for unhoused people, Millcreek also made several strides to adopt affordable housing policies. Almost every meeting saw a new area being rezoned to accommodate additional housing or commercial areas. The city also committed to a moderate income housing plan that provides strategies for addressing housing affordability, including rezoning, allowing for accessory dwelling units, improving public transit options near mixed-use areas, and incentivizing developers to build affordable housing.

In addition to this commitment, the city rezoned a vacant lot at 4101 S. Howick St. to prepare to build Millcreek’s own affordable housing project. The project, which will be called “the Howick,” will feature 150 housing units for individuals and families with incomes of up to 60% of the area median income. Mayor Jeff Silvestrini told residents in a Sept. 26 meeting that “Millcreek is a leader in affordable housing” and would remain as such.

Parks and Recreation

Millcreek leaned into its motto, “connected by nature,” by investing in improvements in three of the four parks in its jurisdiction this year. On March 14, councilmembers voted to approve a $23,000 agreement with contractors to give Canyon Rim Park 10 additional pickleball courts as well as upgraded landscaping and irrigation. Later in August, councilmembers voted to approve a cooperative agreement with Salt Lake County to give the Canyon Rim Park playground a $90,000 facelift. This investment would cover the cost of expansion, a new swing set with ADA-accessible swings, new wood chips and curbing.

Sunnyvale Park, as the city’s newsletter describes it, “was in dire need of improvements.” The park also “serves a large immigrant and refugee community.” In March, city council voted to appropriate $3,000 for community garden beds and a tool shed for the park located at 4013 S. 700 West. The city has also won two grants to improve the park, which led to futsal courts, lighting, playground equipment and a new pavilion being installed.

The city only recently officially acquired the parks on Nov. 14 in a transfer from Salt Lake County. The transfer included Sunnyvale, Fortuna and Canyon Rim parks, which had already been maintained by the city and were informally “a part of our city fabric since we incorporated,” according to Silvestrini. The one park in Millcreek’s city limits not included in the transfer was Scott Avenue Park. Described by nearby neighbors as “the most neglected park in the city,” improvement efforts hit a snag when the county’s flood control facility there prevented the park from being transferred

to Millcreek. The flood control facility also prevents development on the southwestern side of the park and any improvements that involve a change in elevation. Councilmembers are hopeful that the park will be conveyed to Millcreek in the future, since they have already been paying to maintain it.

Millcreek Common and the Quest for Community Spaces

One focus of the city council’s agenda that will bring exciting improvements to residents in the coming year is the development of Millcreek Common. As a newly incorporated and developing city, Millcreek has the opportunity to intentionally create spaces for community members to gather right in the city center. Millcreek’s General Plan, adopted in 2019 and meant to serve as “a policy guide for the City over the next 10 to 20 years,” highlights “the need for a central city gathering place in the heart of Millcreek where residents could enjoy a sense of community and common identity.” Residents and councilmembers alike are hopeful that Millcreek Common will be exactly that.

Councilmembers broke ground on the new city hall building on St. Patrick’s Day in a celebration of progress on the new community hub. June brought exciting changes to the area, with the grand opening of a skate loop as well as the acceptance of a grant that will fund the installation of a climbing wall on the exterior of the building. The skate loop is Utah’s largest outdoor roller and ice skating rink, and was well attended during the summer season. Now that the weather has turned cooler, the loop has officially converted into an outdoor ice skating ribbon to remain open all winter. The new Millcreek City Hall will be moved into the Common once completed and will feature an 81-foot-high climbing wall on the northeast side of the building.

Local restaurant Pizza Nono opened its second location at the Millcreek Common in July, and the new City Hall will also feature a concept kitchen and cafe that went out to request-for-proposal for vendors this summer. On Thursday nights, food trucks parked and people gathered at the Common to enjoy a sampling of food from local businesses. A splash pad featuring fountains catered to families during the hot, dry months of summer alongside an ice cream truck perfectly positioned near the roller skating ribbon.

Once the new City Hall is constructed, phase two of the Common’s development will begin. This will involve, according to the city’s website, “mixed-use development, an outdoor amphitheater, and landscaping that will bring out the existing beauty that Millcreek has to offer.”

Taxes and Public Safety

2022 saw an increase in cost-of-living expenses for people across the country, and Millcreek was no exception. Two major taxes were either introduced or increased by the city this year, including a new energy sales and use tax as well as a property tax increase. It became evident in the first quarter of the year that Millcreek would be facing a nearly 20%

increase in the cost of their contract with the Unified Police Department, causing the need to make “some hard decisions,” in the words of the mayor.

City councilmembers cited several reasons for the contract increase, including a midyear salary bump for officers, increased fuel costs, the hiring of a mental health officer, and a cost-of-living adjustment that put Unified Police officers in the top three best compensated departments in Salt Lake County. The UPD Board had made a commitment to officers to offer this competitive salary to aid in recruitment and retention. As Finance Director Lori Johnson put it, “every community [is] struggling” to hire and keep trained officers.

City staff considered many options for funding the contract increase but ultimately settled on a hybrid model involving a 4.57% increase in property tax coupled with a new 6% energy sales and use tax.

Millcreek residents weighed in on the $2.5-million taxpayer funded increase in the UPD budget during city council meetings as well as two truth-in-taxation public hearings held before the tax increases were voted on.

Some residents wholly supported the budget increase, like Dennis Watson who told the council “if people are not safe, nothing else matters,” but still lamented the tax increase. Others questioned the validity of policing as a public safety intervention, with Eric Herschthal explaining his aversion to “heavy reliance on police for a community that did not have serious crime problems.”

Millcreek City councilmembers voted unanimously to implement the property tax increase on Aug. 8 and the energy sales and use tax on Sept. 26. These changes will take effect beginning in the new fiscal year.

Grappling with the issues of housing affordability, creating accessible community spaces, and supplying public safety to a community divided on how (or whether) to fund it presented Millcreek with unprecedented opportunities to be a policy leader in Utah and beyond. 2022 marked a period of immense growth and identity formation for the young city of Millcreek. l

Mountain views from Fortuna Park, which was recently transferred to the city of Millcreek. (Source Google review)

A vacant lot on South Howick Street holds promise for a 150-unit affordable housing project. (Source Google Maps)

Millcreek 2022

During the state unified soccer playoffs, Skyline High controls the ball versus Salem Hills. (Julie Slama/ City Journals) New multifamily/mixed-use buildings to include retail space still under construction in Millcreek. (Courtesy of Joe Moss/Logan Simpson)

The ribbon-cutting ceremony signified the opening of several new athletic facilities including a gymnasium and swimming pool. (Photo courtesy of Granite School District)

The Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind lines up against Whitehorse in its first football game. (Photo courtesy of USDB)

Residents gather in the now defunct Calvin Smith Library for a public hearing about the temporary homeless shelter opening there. (Sara Milano/City Journals)

While in Hawaii, Skyline High School senior Ayden Cline gives a eulogy for Ivan LeRoy Bills, a Riverton resident who died at sea at age 18, for his project. (Photo courtesy of Melinda Reay)

St. Mark’s CEO Jeremy Bradshaw opens the copper time capsule that was buried in a wall of the hospital. (Deb Hafner/City Journals)

Millcreek Mayor Jeff Silvestrini helped carry in supplies for the Mustang Food Pantry at Millcreek Elementary. (Lizzie Walje/City Journals)

Skyline keeper Grace Kinghorn saved two Bountiful shots in the shootout to earn the Eagles their third state title in four years. (Photo by Roger V. Tuttle)

In front of the Krishna Temple in Millcreek where Holi, an ancient festival that celebrates the arrival of spring, upcoming harvests and the victory of good over evil, is celebrated with vibrant color. (Deb Hafner/City Journals)

After the passing of their youngest son Henry this year, Henry Kendell’s mom Allison likes to spend time in Henry’s room remembering all the things that made her son special. (Heather Lawrence/City Journals)

The team of eight students and eight chaperones rowed to victory in their catacanoe—a joining of two canoes to form a catamaran. (Photo courtesy of Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind)

Chloe rests on a 1920’s cast iron and brass bed from Idaho Millcreek Mercantile. A deconstructed Eastlake settee is pictured in front. (Deb Hafner/ City Journals)

The Mayor’s Star of Excellence award winners gathered at the front of the city council room for a photo with the Millcreek Mayor Jeff Silvestrini (front center). (Photo contributed)

Granite School District releases weather closure procedures and introduces free app

By Lizzie Walje | l.walje@mycityjournals.com

Here in Utah, our infrastructure is equipped to handle the rapid onset of winter conditions with relative ease. However, when should safety take precedence over school attendance, and how can school weather protocol keep families and students safe? This year, Granite School District has outlined its own protocols and procedures.

In a statement on its website, the district made it clear that keeping schools open is a top priority. “First and foremost, please know that Granite School District aims to keep schools open whenever possible. Snowstorms are a reality in the Salt Lake Valley, and though winter weather may present challenges, school closures or delays are rare.”

Furthermore, the district takes efforts through social media postings, text messaging, and other platforms to keep students updated on any closures. The district does its part to keep students apprised, however, it is best to assume that schools will remain open even during storms and other disruptive weather.

The district works hard to maintain a tight and functioning bus schedule that ensures students arrive at school on time. However, weather can cause unexpected delays, which is why the district relies on

the mobile application, “Here Comes the Bus.” The app, available on Google Play and the App Store, provides information regarding the whereabouts of your bus, including its real-time location. The application also provides scheduled and actual arrival times for both home and school routes and sends out push and email notifications when a bus is near.

Signing up for the application is simple, and Granite School District provides step-by-step instructions and troubleshooting on its website for those who are interested in utilizing the app. The application is both free and user-friendly, making it easy for students to navigate.

While schools aim to operate during snowstorms both major and minor, there are always exceptions and other factors to consider. Ultimately, it should be up to parents to determine if conditions are safe.

“We trust parents to make the ultimate call when it comes to their child’s safety. Not all streets are plowed at the same time, and snow totals may differ from region to region. If you do not think it is safe to send or take your kids to school during inclement weather, please keep them home. School officials will be lenient regarding tardiness and absences during winter weather,” the district stated

on social media.

The district works to prepare for any inclement weather in the forecast and is equipped to utilize virtual learning in the event of a school closure. Thankfully, in recent years, virtual learning has become a viable alternative in the event that in-person learning needs to be temporarily halted.

The district also acknowledges that its desire to stay open isn’t just for academic purposes. “Like any public service, people count on schools to remain open, and there are many services we provide beyond education,” the memo says and then goes on to state that students rely on schools staying open for multiple reasons. First and foremost, many working parents and families do not have the luxury of drastically shifting their schedules, and often have to risk leaving their children unsupervised or missing work.

Another reason why Granite District Schools aim to stay open? Food security. More than half of the district’s students rely on their neighborhood school for breakfast and lunch. Students may risk not having their nutritional needs met in the event of closures. Finally, schools of -

ten provide a warm and safe environment for students in the cooler months.

As previously mentioned, the district will aim to be lenient during major storms and extreme weather. Especially considering that many Granite School District institutions are located on or by major roadways and highways that are often impacted the most by delays. The district also aims to mitigate automobile congestion by limiting emergency late starts. These late starts are often the culprit of an increased vehicle pileup.

Unless you receive notice from the district, and/or your child’s specific school it is best to assume that classes will be in session. To learn more about opting in on push notifications and other helpful alerts, the district has outlined how to do so on its website. Assuming it’s routinely updated, social media is also a good place to check for any emergency information. Above all else, prioritize your own safety and use discretion when navigating the roads. Even smaller-scale storms and weather can prove disastrous if not carefully navigated. l

Snow is cleared off the walkway in 2019 at Oakcrest Elementary. (File photo courtesy Tod Cracroft)

Guidelines outlined by Granite School District are designed to help students navigate the challenges of inclement weather. (Courtesy of Granite School District)

Foundation partners with Jazz players to bring holiday meals to Granite District families

By Lizzie Walje | l.walje@mycityjournals.com

The holiday season coincides with the giving season, and during this time of year, we see individuals and organizations band together to help those who are less fortunate or currently struggling. The Granite Education Foundation is no stranger to helping district families find access to food. As Granite School District’s philanthropic organization, the foundation is consistently looking for ways to mitigate student hunger and help families suffering from food insecurity.

On Nov. 22, the foundation partnered with Smith’s Food and Drug stores and Jordan Clarkson of the Utah Jazz to provide holiday dinners to some ecstatic and grateful children. The event took place at Valley Junior High where turkey and other holiday essentials were distributed.

“It means a lot to be able to have that reach and to be in the position that we are,” said Clarkson, a point guard for the Utah Jazz. “We just want to, you know, bless everybody, just like they bless us. You know, the energy and support that everybody gives in this community has been amazing.”

The JC Cares Foundation, Clarkson’s initiative partnered with Smith’s, a subsidiary of Kroger’s Zero Hunger and Zero Waste Foundation, to provide these holiday meals. “It’s been great to partner with the Kroger Zero Hunger and Zero Waste Foundation. Kroger is a huge corporation that has the capacity to do so cor-

poration tangible good, which makes their involvement all the more impactful,” the JC Cares Foundation posted in a media memo.

The students were able to meet Clarkson amongst other Utah Jazz players as they received their holiday meals. “Everybody is happy, smiling, it warms everybody’s heart…it’s all love. It’s community,” Clarkson said.

Valley Junior High School principal Mandy Chapple was one of many to express gratitude.

“The children [were] beaming, just so happy,” she said. “The kids are super pumped to see [Clarkson], as well as receive this much-needed meal for our community.”

If you’re looking to get involved directly in the Granite School District, the Granite Education Foundation is a great place to start. Their yearlong initiatives are vital to those who need assistance, particularly when it comes to food insecurity. l

Granger Medical Clinic was founded in 1954 with the philosophy that people shouldn’t have to travel outside of their community in order to find quality healthcare services. That’s why we are proud to offer family medicine and specialty care for the West Valley City area!

Granger offers exceptional healthcare for you and your family, with a lifetime commitment to quality, compassion, and respect. Our highly trained providers have the skills and expertise needed to provide you with a superior level of care. We are ready to partner with you to help you achieve optimal health!

Contact us at 801.965.3600 for more information or visit our website using the QR code or going to:

GRANGERMEDICAL.COM/LOCATIONS/FAIRBOURNE-STATION

Our specialties serving the West Valley City community:

• Audiology

• Ear, Nose, & Throat

• Endocrinology

• Family Medicine

• Gastroenterology

• General Surgery

• Internal Medicine

Exceptional Care. One Patient at a Time.

• Neurology

• Ophthalmology

• Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

• Pediatrics

• Podiatry

• Urgent Care

• Urology

2965 W. 3500 S.

West Valley City, UT | 84119

Granger Medical Clinic fue fundada en 1954 con la filosofía de que las personas no deberían tener que viajar fuera de su comunidad para poder encontrar servicios de atención médica de calidad. ¡Es por eso que estamos orgullosos de ofrecer medicina familiar y atención especializada para la zona de West Valley City!

Granger ofrece una atención médica excepcional para usted y su familia, con un compromiso de por vida hacia la calidad, la compasión y el respeto. Nuestros proveedores altamente capacitados tienen las habilidades y la experiencia necesarias para brindarle un nivel superior de atención. ¡Estamos listos para asociarnos con usted para ayudarle a que tenga una salud óptima!

Comuníquese con nosotros al 801.965.3600 para obtener mayor información o visite nuestro sitio web utilizando el código QR o ingrese a:

GRANGERMEDICAL.COM/LOCATIONS/FAIRBOURNE-STATION

Nuestras especialidades para servir a la comunidad de West Valley City:

• Audiología

• Oído, nariz y garganta

• Endocrinología

• Medicina Familiar

• Gastroenterología

• Cirugía General

• Medicina Interna

Atención excepcional. Un paciente a la vez.

• Neurología

• Oftalmología

• Ortopedia y Medicina Deportiva

• Pediatría

• Podología

• Atención de urgencias

• Urología

Utah Jazz point guard Jordan Clarkson handed out holiday essentials to families of Granite School District at Valley Junior High School in West Valley City prior to Thanksgiving. (Photo courtesy of Granite School District)

With only 3% of eligible Utahns donating blood, the American Red Cross needs more donors

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

Across the United States, there’s a need for blood every two seconds. Whether it’s used for traumatic injuries, cancer treatments, illness or surgery, products used from blood donations are lifesaving. But in Utah, only about 3% of the eligible population donates blood on a regular basis.

The American Red Cross in Utah provides blood to more than 50 hospitals in the state, including Primary Children’s Hospital, but since June, blood donations have been down by 20%.

“This summer, we got to the point where doctors had to put off elective surgeries because of a lack of blood,” said Sheri Van Bibber, an ARC district representative director. “We have to donate for each other. We can’t just go buy it.”

When COVID restrictions eased, blood donations increased as people could get a free antibody test with each donation. But now, blood supplies are steadily dropping. Van Bibber said one factor for the drop is that many blood drives that used to be held in businesses haven’t been scheduled because employees are working

from home.

Another factor is that high schools and college campuses have been closed for the summer, so donations from the education sector have also gone down, although fall blood drives are ramping up again.

“I think everyone was so tired of lockdown. People really did come out during the pandemic to donate. But now we’re working to maximize resources because our hospital needs didn’t drop.”

Utah is one of only 37 states that allows 16-year-olds to donate blood and many teens have become donors. Additionally, some regulations have changed, allowing more people to give blood. For instance, anyone who received a tattoo can donate three months after the procedure, instead of six.

The ARC believes the eligibility to donate blood should not be based upon sexual orientation and is working to achieve this goal, but the ARC’s current guidelines state blood donations from gay men must be deferred for three months from the most recent sexual contact with

a man. The ARC recognizes this policy has caused hurt and alienation in the LGBTQ+ community and is having conversations with its partners to get the deferment eliminated.

Another recent change allows people who spent time in England from 1980 to 1997 to donate blood. In the past, the fear of transmitting the human form of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, banned all donations. But two months ago, the ban was lifted.

“Even if anybody was over in Europe during the ’80s, they can now donate,” Van Bibber said.

For the 100,000 Americans diagnosed with sickle cell disease, most of them African American, blood transfusions are a critical treatment. With no cure for sickle cell, blood donations from a close blood match are vital, but donations from this population remain low.

“We need more African Americans to donate because they hold the antibody to help each other,” she said. “That’s a huge piece that we’re working on.”

First-time donors are asked to show ID and then get a mini-physical and discuss their health history. The actual donation procedure only takes 5-10 minutes followed by 15 minutes of rest

while enjoying a snack. Donors can give blood every two months.

The ARC app allows donors to see where their blood gets used and shows their blood type. Identifying blood type is usually a $150 test that must be prescribed by your doctor but it’s free for those who donate.

One donation can impact three patients as a pint of blood includes whole blood, plasma and platelets. Platelets are used for people who don’t have enough white cells, which means their blood doesn’t clot. Plasma is used with burn patients.

“We take care of all the needs here in Utah and if there’s an emergency like tornadoes or hurricanes or floods or fire, in those areas, the blood drives get shut down,” she said. “So we pull together extra resources and we send resources to where it’s needed.”

For more information about blood donation or to find a drive near you, visit Redcrossblood.org.

“It’s good for your body to kick out that pint. It gets the old red cells out and gets new red cells replenishing, so it ups your energy level,” Van Bibber said. “We’ll take care of you for a minute while you’re taking care of others.” l

With blood donations down, the American Red Cross of Utah is hoping to get new donors to give blood. (Adobe stock photo)

Skyline basketball off to competitive start under new coach

Photos by Travis Barton

New head coach Marcus Frazier gives instructions to his team during a tight loss at Cottonwood. The Eagles were 3-3 to start the season before their winter holiday break.

Peter Broadbent was averaging 17 points per game for the Eagles through its opening six contests. After a 71-58 victory over Real Salt Lake Academy on Dec. 12, Skyline took a few weeks off before starting up again at the nearby Olympus holiday tournament on Dec. 27.

Landon Shaw shoots a free throw against Cottonwood High. Skyline’s early games featured wins against Real Salt Lake Academy, Taylorsville and Roy while dropping games against Cottonwood, Copper Hills and Layton Christian.

Yorgio Golesis returns for the Eagles averaging almost 20 points per game.

Eagles start season with injuries, early season losses

Photos by Travis Barton

Cami Groberg puts up a three at Bingham. The junior was among Skyline’s leading scorers through its first six games.

Lauren Johnson has been a varsity mainstay since her freshman year. The Eagles were 1-5 through their first six games. Tina Njike and Abblie Leonard were unavailable through injury to start the year.

Sam White is now in his fifth year at the helm of the Skyline basketball program.

Did you make a New Year’s resolution this year?

The most popular New Year’s resolution that appears on people’s lists year after year focuses on health and physical wellness such as exercising more, getting more sleep, losing weight, and making healthier choices when eating. However, after one week only 75% are successful at keeping it and only 46% end up keeping it after six months.

Working with a dietitian can actually provide many benefits to attaining this goal of being a healthy new you in 2023 and beyond. Benefits include:

• Nutritional advice that is tailored just for you

• Help managing chronic diseases or illnesses

• Assistance navigating special needs such as food allergies or sensitivities or recent weight gain or loss

• Education in understanding of nutrition, including what that looks like while shopping at the grocery store, cooking a meal at home or eating out

I recently sat down with Melanie Taylor, a dietitian with Harmons Grocery, to talk all things healthy eating in hopes of helping you keep and reach those health and physical wellness goals. “Fueling when you’re starting a new exercise regimen or just for overall health is really important,” Taylor said. “We tend to cut calories and cut food, but you’re not going to be able to get what you want out of your workouts or your activities if you’re not properly fueling your body at all times.”

So, when it comes to focus on fueling our fitness goals Taylor provides the following tips:

• Pre-workout needs to start with a good source of carbohydrates one to two hours prior to your workout (fruit, breads, grains)

• Post-workout is a good time for well-rounded meals or snacks with some protein, carbohydrates, and heart-healthy fats typically 30 minutes to one hour after you end a workout (nuts and seeds, avocado toast)

Dehydration peaks during the winter months as we tend not to have the thirst perception as we do when it’s warm outside. Whatever your water drinking goals are, Taylor suggests adding some variety by trying sparkling water, infused water, herbal teas—whatever helps in staying hydrated. Just make sure to stay away from the dehydration culprit—soda.

Those with high blood pressure, high cholesterol or have a family history of heart disease should watch their sodium intake, but it’s even more vital to get a rainbow-colored variety of foods—purples, greens, reds, oranges, etc. Taylor suggests that cooking methods such as roasting vegetables can help bring out natural flavors of produce and therefore can help us in having a good variety of foods in our healthy eating plan.

When it comes to meal plans the top five are Mediterranean, gluten free, Paleo, vegan and low carb whole food diets. “Pick the one

Healthy eating in a new year

By Holly Curby | hello@hollycurby.com

that you will be able to maintain forever,” Taylor said. “Don’t fall for these fad type of diets and things that are a quick fix. If it’s something that you aren’t willing or able to do for your whole life, it’s probably not going to be a beneficial eating style for you.” Regardless of meal plans, the following can help you eat nutritiously:

• Portion out food so that you don’t overeat

• Plan out your menu for the week to avoid the temptation of eating out every night or snacking on junk food

• Pre-pack snacks that are high nutrient quality foods (nuts, hard boiled eggs, string cheese, fruit cups, parfaits) to take with you on the go to avoid grabbing those high calorie snacks from convenient stores

• Pre-prep meals for those busy days (prep meals in bulk, make freezer meals for future last-minute options, pre-chop items needed for meals throughout the week)

• Check nutritional and dietitian labels when shopping in the grocery store to help make better choices when selecting various food items

Harmons Grocery makes label reading much easier with their gluten free, vegan free, dietitian’s choice, and other nutritional labeling in stores. They also offer convenient park and load, and if you join their complimentary loy-

alty program you can save money on gas and earn free food. Harmons also offers cooking classes, one-on-one nutritional counseling, tailored recipe recommendations, nutrition seminars and more. Connect with a dietitian or sign up for a class at harmonsgrocery.com. Here’s to achieving those health and physical wellness New Year’s resolutions where you’ll be on your way to eating healthy in 2023.

Want more help in figuring out all the puzzle pieces to eating healthy in this new year? Learn more from Melanie on Holly’s Highlights podcast, season 4, episode 1. Holly’s Highlights podcast is available at www.hollycurby.com wherever you listen to podcasts including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, or just say, “Alexa, play Holly’s Highlights podcast.” l

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Harmons dietitian Melanie Taylor prepping for a nutritional tour. (Photo courtesy of Holly Curby and Harmons Grocery)

2022 Economic Trends Carry Over into New Year

By Robert Spendlove, Zions Bank Senior Economist

last year brought both economic highs and lows, from soaring inflation to the lowest unemployment rate ever recorded in the Beehive State. For better and worse, we’ll see some of these economic currents carry over into 2023:

Recession fears linger. Recession fears loomed in most of 2022 as the Federal Reserve ramped up interest rates, consumer sentiment plunged, and the Gross Domestic Product contracted during the first half of the year. While the U.S. economy avoided a recession last year, thanks in part to robust consumer spending, the threat of recession persists. For one, the Treasury yield curve inverted, meaning that investors are willing to pay higher interest rates on short-term bonds than longer-term ones. Historically, this has been a warning signal that a recession could be on the way.

The labor market shines. The labor market was the star of the 2022 economy. As of August, all jobs lost in the pandemic were recovered. The unemployment rate is back down to 3.7% nationally, nearly as low as the pre-pandemic unemployment rate of 3.5%. Utah’s unemployment is nearly the lowest in the nation, measured at 2.2% in November. Yet, businesses are still struggling to find workers amid the Great Resignation

and shifting demographics. The labor force participation rate showed little net change in 2022, and the lack of available workers will carry into 2023.

Consumer sentiment remains historically low. Utahns and Americans expressed discontent in the economy in 2022. In the middle of last year, consumer sentiment fell to the lowest point recorded in the 70-year history of the University of Michigan’s Survey of Consumer Sentiment. The Kem C. Gardner Institute’s much newer Utah-specific index also sank to a new low last summer. While attitudes about the economy have improved slightly, ongoing inflation continues to erode consumer confidence. Consumer sentiment matters because attitudes about the economy drive behaviors like spending and investing, often acting as a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Global shocks roil markets. The economy has yet to fully emerge from the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic. Supply chain snarls and recent protests in China continue to disrupt markets and strangle growth, while the war with Russia and Ukraine further hindered pandemic recovery. These global distortions make understanding the economy difficult and bring ongoing uncertainty in 2023.

Historic interest rate hikes. The Federal Reserve boosted its benchmark interest rate, the federal funds rate, from zero to between 4.25% and 4.5% in 2022 — the highest rate in 15 years. The Fed has said it plans to continue tightening credit to tame inflation, with more rate hikes expected in 2023. Although the amount of expected rate increases will be dramatically lower than in 2022, the Fed is expected to maintain higher rates for a longer period.

Inflation persists. Inflation was one of the biggest economic stories of 2022, peaking at 9.1% in June 2022 — a lifetime high for people under 40. In the Mountain region, prices grew even faster, hitting double digits earlier this year. While inflation has slowed to 7.1% nationally and 8.3% in our region, it’s still being pressured by hot wage inflation and remains well above the Fed’s target rate of 2%. We’ll likely see more price cooling in 2023, but it will take some time to get inflation down to historical levels.

Overall, 2023 is expected to be a year of economic moderation. Inflation will slow as higher interest rates cool economic conditions. We’re already starting to see signs of price moderation in areas like construction, motor fuel and used cars. While we haven’t seen this yet, the labor market should begin

to soften as employers cut back on expansion plans in the next year. This process may be uncomfortable, but it is a necessary part of resetting an economy that has gone through many shocks over the past few years.

Robert Spendlove is senior economist for Zions Bank, a division of Zions Bancorporation, N.Al

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ICYMI: Skyline soccer repeats

WOMEN'S HEALTH AT SaltLakeMammo.com

Julianna Hodge battles for the ball during the state championship game against Bountiful. After a 0-0 tie in regulation, the Eagles prevailed in a shootout 4-2 for their third state title in four years.

Sienna Skinlo did whatever she could to ensure the Eagles repeated as state champs, including nine goals and seven assists. Skyline went 11-6 in the regular season before reeling off five wins to claim the title.

Above: Lily Hall’s 25 goals paced the Eagles all season. Right: Olivia Leonard was a key defender for Skyline as the team allowed just one goal in five playoff games.

Photos by Roger V. Tuttle

Salt Lake County Council approves funding for a temporary mental health receiving center

a $2.5 million allocation from the American Rescue Plan Act, the Salt Lake County Council approved funding for a temporary mental health receiving center at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute (501 Chipeta Way).

As an alternative to jail or the emergency room, the temporary center will accept residents going through a mental health crisis, brought in by law enforcement. The center will focus on getting people the professional help they need.

“The current option is to take those who are experiencing a crisis to jail or an emergency room, which is costly, can take more of an officer’s time, and may not give those in crisis the long-term help they need,” said Ross Van Vranken, executive director of the HMHI. “We applaud the council and mayor’s foresight and commitment to mental health resources.”

Funds from the council will cover the cost of retrofitting and expanding an existing space at the HMHI. It will also cover 17 months of staffing to allow operations beginning in April 2023 until the construction of the Kem and Carolyn Gardner Mental Health Crisis Care Center is finished in fall 2024.

The new center is being built in South

Salt Lake and will be a place where people can go to stabilize and connect with vital mental health resources. The temporary location at HMHI will address those needs until the center opens. It will help alleviate the Salt Lake County Jail which houses a large population of people needing mental health services.

“The county is designated as the mental health authority by the state, and we operate the jail, so this is a good fit,” said Salt Lake County Councilwoman Aimee Winder Newton. “This investment will not only improve mental health outcomes but will save taxpayer dollars in the long run.”

As was proposed in Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson’s budget, the council will also approve an additional $1 million toward the construction of the Kem and Carolyn Gardner Mental Health Crisis Care Center.

“The $1 million donation was included in my proposed budget to go towards the construction of the permanent space,” Wilson said. “We are committed to getting this finished and appreciate all those who have partnered on this project.”

The $3.5 million commitment from the county is part of a public-private collaboration with the Larry H. and Gail Miller

Family Foundation, which has committed $3.5 million to the construction of Larry H. and Gail Miller Family Integrated Healing and Innovation Center, helping those in crisis. The integrated center will provide legal support services, case management, medical and dental support, and mental wellness counseling.

“In the time I’ve been on the council, I’ve never seen eight council members co-sponsor an agenda item,” said Salt Lake County Council Chair Laurie Stringham. “This shows the commitment of the Council to support mental health resources for our residents.” l

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A temporary mental health receiving center, at the existing Huntsman Mental Health Institute, will allow law enforcement officers to bring people experiencing a mental health crisis to a safe place to receive professional help. (Photo courtesy of Huntsman Mental Health Institute)

From the people who brought you Syncrete, nepotistic construction contracts and the ThrU Turn fiasco intersection, comes a mind-boggling project guaranteed to be unnecessary and over budget: the Little Cottonwood Canyon gondola.

The Utah Department of Transportation isn’t known for its rational, effective projects. It spent years studying the LCC traffic situation before making the wrong decision, but at least they didn’t go with the Little Cottonwood zeppelin.

Color me unimpressed with UDOT. Take 5400 South. Please. I travel this road every day and I know UDOT doesn’t understand east-west travel. Going from my home in Kearns to the I-15 interchange in Murray includes nearly 20 stoplights along that 7-mile stretch and I usually hit every. single. one.

There was a legend that if you drove exactly 42.3 mph, under the light of a full moon, you could travel 5400 South without stopping at one red light. Not true.

I blame my road rage on UDOT.

So, let’s talk about the gondola. With UDOT approving the nearly $600 million project, it must have overwhelming support. Nope. Local mayors, residents, environmental groups, Bigfoot and county leaders don’t want this to happen. A majority of the tens

of thousands of public comments are against the gondola.

Just a hair short of sketchy, Snowbird quietly bought land that could (will) be used for the gondola station at the base of Little Cottonwood. When the time comes, Snowbird will sell or donate (ha-ha) that land to the state.

Hikers, fishermen, sightseers and climbers don’t want the gondola. They don’t want to ride the entire length of the gondola system if their destination isn’t a ski resort. I guess UDOT could add a base-jumping experience if you want to parachute out of the gondola halfway up the canyon. But it will probably have an extra fee.

Measuring 8 miles, it will be the longest gondola system in the world and includes nearly two dozen towers, averaging 185 feet high. That’s about 17 stories. UDOT said the towers will be placed up the canyon by helicopters, like they’ll gently rest on the forest

floor where tree roots will wind around the base to hold them down, becoming part of the natural landscape.

No. Each tower will have a huge concrete base, requiring boulders and trees to be demolished. Not only that, but construction could disrupt animal migration patterns, pollute the watershed and highlight UDOT’s decision-making legacy.

UDOT explored options like rideshare programs, electric buses and road tolls that are less invasive, especially when trying to solve a traffic problem that only happens a few days a year. But those alternatives aren’t expensive and ridiculous, so that was a “no” vote from UDOT.

When you factor inflation, the project’s cost will be about $72 gajillion, paid for with “mystery funding” which we all know usually means “taxpayer dollars” in some fash-

ion. Even if you’ve never skied a day in your life, your tax dollars will probably help pay for a system designed by ski resorts, for ski resorts.

We’ve riddled this country with aging infrastructure. Obsolete railways, cables, steel and wiring lie unused and rusting. When the gondola becomes outdated, our grandchildren’s grandchildren will be stuck with the awful towers standing forever in the sacred space of Little Cottonwood.

UDOT’s track record is abysmal. I remember when it spent $700,000 to remove the stupid ThrU Turn on 5400 South. UDOT said the intersection wasn’t a mistake, just unnecessary.

That could be UDOT’s tagline: Building unnecessary mistakes. l

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