June 2022 | Vol. 32 Iss. 06
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MURRAY PROPOSES 15% PROPERTY TAX INCREASE By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
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lame it on inflation and the competition to hire and retain public safety employee, but Murray resident’s property taxes are going up. Mayor Brett Hales initially proposed raising Murray’s portion of resident’s property taxes bill by 20%; Murray City Council whittled that down to 15%. For property owners, this equates to a property tax increase of approximately $54 on a $400,000 home. Besides Murray City, a Murray resident’s overall property tax is sliced up between Salt Lake County, Murray or Granite School Districts, Murray City Library, and mosquito abatement districts. School districts generally receive 60% of every tax dollar collected, while Salt Lake County typically collects 20%. Murray’s last tax hike happened in 2019 when the city raised its property tax rate by 45%. The city will approve a tentative budget to start the fiscal year in July, but Utah State law requires a Truth-in-Taxation public hearing in August to finalize any tax increase. “The main reason for the increase is to offset the effects inflation has had on city expenses since the last property tax increase in FY2019. The cost to provide city services have increased in personnel, operations, and debt service. The growth in property tax collections has averaged only $109,000 or 1% of property tax collected. Inflation has been high-
er than that, especially the inflation experienced to remain competitive with police and fire department salaries,” Murray City Chief Cdommunications Officer Tammy Kikuchi said. Almost 50% of all Murray property taxes go to public safety. Police and fire salaries alone have risen by $3 million since FY 2020. Their combined salaries exceed all other general fund categories by function combined including all other city employees salaries and bond debt. “To remain competitive and keep our officers, in September 2021, the city council approved an approximately 15% wage increase for police officers costing around $500,000. The three years of property tax growth did not even cover this increase,” Kikuchi said. Mayor Hales wanted to give city employees a 7.5% cost of living adjustment (COLA). The council countered to give a 5.5% increase, but a last minute amendment and a close vote of three versus two, the council stuck with the mayor’s 7.5% COLA. “The consumer price index at the time the mayContinued page 8 Paying down the bond for the new city hall’s construction significantly figures into the city’s budget. (Photo courtesy Murray City)
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Murray Girl Scout addresses City Council on radon gas dangers By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
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ne in three Murray homes could have elevated levels of radon gas, the No. 1 cause of lung cancer death for non-smokers. Local Girl Scout Tanya Vu was invited to address the March 1 Murray City Council meeting to report on her findings regarding research she has done for her Gold Award project. “This really was brought up to my attention in my (West High School) environmental science class last year,” Vu said. “We studied independent labs, and I really looked into radon because it’s a problem that’s really affecting all of Utah and especially as more people are moving into this state.” Radon gas is a naturally occurring, colorless, and odorless radioactive gas that can cause cancer. Radon can pass from the soil to the air and enters homes, schools, and workplaces. One in 15 houses in the U.S. has an elevated radon level (EPA, 2018), while one in three Utah homes does (Utah Dept. of Health, 2021). However, most Utah homeowners are not even aware of this potential hazard. This past year in Vu’s AP Environmental Science class, she conducted an independent research project to study the sociodemographic and economic correlates of radon awareness in Salt Lake County. She surveyed 170 residents to see what has led to the lack of radon awareness and what government can do to raise awareness. “My research resulted in several findings,” Vu said. “One key finding is that if respondents have not measured the radon gas level in their home, they are much less aware of the negative health effect of radon gas exposure. The level of awareness is directly correlated with the mitigation efforts taken by the respondents. That is why it is vital to increase the awareness of radon gas and its negative health impacts. Therefore, my goal now is to bring awareness to Murray City of the hazards of radon gas, testing techniques, and mitigation procedures.” Speaking to the council, she invited them to
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create radon awareness legislation. In addition, she plans to set up informational booths around the city and create a curriculum to teach elementary school students. According to Vu, “I really want to bring up a couple of potential solutions the city could implement to these problems. Firstly, there could be a city radon awareness day where people can potentially pick up test kits and get more information. A second idea is just promoting more legislation to provide more readily accessible radon testing kits. The State of Utah has much more affordable ones…just spreading information about that and just utilizing the resources the State of Utah has provided. “We could potentially find the library to purchase a few radon detectors that are reusable and have people place these in their homes for a couple of weeks just to get a better sense of their radon levels.” Presenting alongside Vu was Utah Radon Coordinator Eleanor Divver. Divver said radon gas is released in the air when uranium breaks down. While eastern Utah has significantly more uranium than the Wasatch Front, Radon gas can still be found naturally in our soil and rock deposits. Test kits cost as low as $10. “I really think these potential hazardous effects of radon should be presented through schools, and with this, we can better educate the public about these problems. I’m hoping to create a short program and maybe go around to elementary schools and to teach their fifth and sixth graders or other students about these issues,” Vu said. If you would like to get your home tested to see if you are at risk, the State of Utah offers free testing kits—email edivver@utah.gov or go to www.utahradonservices.com/radon-test/. Those interested in obtaining a free radon kit from the State of Utah Dept. of Environmental Quality, can receive one by participating in Vu’s survey at: bit.ly/RadonSurvey. It includes questions to gauge radon awareness. l
Girl Scout Tanya Vu was asked to present her Gold Award research on radon to the Murray City Council. (Photo courtesy Tanya Vu)
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Murray Museum calls on Murray veterans and families to share wartime experiences By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
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f you were serving on the frontline in the armed forces during a war or were on the home front, the Murray Museum wants your story. “We are gathering stories from veterans and family members about their experiences in the military, whether that’s during war times or on the home front. This is really just our way of honoring our service members. We are taking donations of pictures or artifacts as well as any stories that they want to contribute or if they would like to be interviewed for an oral history. The project is set to open in May 2023 when we are in the Murray Mansion. We want to hear about the lives of our service members, what drew them to the military, and how their families felt. The project is open to any area of service and of all ages as long as they have a connection to Murray,” Murray City Museum assistant Rowan Coates said. This project is meant to give an overarching understanding of the Murray communities’ role in the war effort. The museum calls this a “Legacy Project,” spanning any war that America was involved in, including World Wars I and II, Vietnam, Korea, Desert Storm, Iraq, and Afghanistan conflicts. They want to display the stories of veterans and their family members to show the impact of war on the community and how Murrayites showed their patriotism. This is also meant to display what life is like during war and uncertainty. “We thought it was important to collect these stories because every year, we are losing so much history. Many of our veterans are getting older, and it’s becoming harder to learn about their involvement, so we wanted to start now before we lose any more. Another reason we thought it was important is that people don’t really associate Murray with the war effort at any point, so we wanted to make a point of highlighting our veterans who sometimes don’t get the recognition they deserve,” Coates said. The Legacy Project was initially a Smithsonian Institution project that the Murray Museum board considered. However, they decided that it would be to connect to the community and scaled it down to Murray. The museum expanded the project from the original Smithsonian project to include not only letters but also oral histories, photographs, and artifacts. “We recently did two oral history interviews that have become part of the collection. I thought these were interesting because they show two completely different experiences in the military. One was the army, and one was the navy, and they fought in different wars. These two had such unique experiences that were very moving,” Coates said. With the renovation of the Murray Mansion to house the Murray Museum starting in May 2023, the Legacy Project will be one of the first significant displays. As part of the display, museum patrons will be able to view images and letters and listen to oral histories. “In regard to home front stories, we would really like to hear about what living through war times was like, how community members felt about the U.S. going to war, and families’ thoughts on their family members joining the military. We want information about any time of war from World War II all the way up to today,” Coates said. The museum is willing to make scans or take pictures of objects and documents if families aren’t ready to part with them. If current and past residents want to tell their stories or like more information, they can call the museum at 801-2642589 or email Coates at rcoates@murray.utah.gov. l
The Murray Museum wants to collect homefront stores during wartime conflicts, such as this Murray scrap rubber drive during World War II. (Photo courtesy of the Murray Museum)
Murrayites William Davis and Art Bishop’s military service included the eastern front in Russia during World War I. (Photo courtesy of the Murray Museum)
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Five Murray Navy service members during World War II. (Photo courtesy of the Murray Museum)
June 2022 | Page 5
More summer concerts, musicals, and events are in store for Murray By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
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ind that nuclear-strength sunscreen; Murray’s summer art season is about to begin. This year, Murray Arts in the Park program will expand, adding even more concerts to its traditional schedule. Plus, Wheeler Farm and the Food Truck League have events planned. “Last year’s attendance was not too bad as people desired and really needed to get out and enjoy the arts again. We were not totally back to our usual admission numbers but think we will surpass what we have done in past years,” Murray Cultural Arts Manager Lori Edmunds said. Theater Murray Amphitheater’s (495 E. 5300 South) season begins in June with “Matilda the Musical.” Roald Dahl’s tale and later a movie adaption from which the musical derives, takes stage June 16-18, 23-24. Sticking to the habit of musical adaptations, “Sister Act,” based on the 1992 film, runs July 15-16, 18, 21-23. In August, the “Drowsy Chaperone,” a parody of the American musical comedy of the 1920s, will run, Aug. 12-13, 15, 18-20. Stretching the theater season into September, “Once On This Island Jr.” a children’s musical, will run Sept 9-10. Adapted from the celebrated Broadway musical, this Calypso-flavored tale follows one small girl who finds love in a world of prejudice. Murray City Cultural Arts is sponsoring the Kids Act Up Drama Camp for up-andcoming actors. Aspiring actors can learn the fundamentals of being on stage. Activities will include improv games, musical theatre, props, and how to develop a show. A performance for parents will be held at the end of the camp. Concerts An expanded slate of concerts awaits the busy Murray Amphitheater’s stage. The Murray Symphony Pops presents “Broadway Classics” on June 4. The Murray Concert Bands Summer Concert will follow June 15. Returning to the amphitheater stage, Jenny Oaks Baker & Family Four will present a workshop concert July 9. Students interested in honing their string playing skills can attend a workshop with the violinist-supreme and perform with her family group in concert. Get ready to do a jig or two July 2930. Along with Mairead Nesbitt, the Scariff School of Irish Dance will present “A Celtic Summer’s Night.” Instead of one showcase concert closing the summer season, concertgoers can now expect three. “We are super excited to be bringing Toast. They sound really good, and I think we may sell out. We are always cognizant of who our audiences are and try to cater to their likes and desires, but big names are ex-
Page 6 | June 2022
pensive to bring in, and we like to keep our prices affordable. It is a hard balancing act,” Edmunds said. No, the cultural art folks are not bringing fried bread for you to watch but a Bread-tribute band. Get it, band names Bread/Toast? Toast will perform the softrock group Bread’s hits Aug. 26. The following night, the One Voice Children’s Choir will perform. Having made several national television appearances and international tours, this will mark the group’s first visit to the Murray Amphitheater. Wrapping up the summer concert season will be, Close to You – A Carpenter’s Tribute Band. They perform at the amphitheater Sept. 2. Free summer lunch concerts are held every Tuesday at noon in Murray Park Pavilion No. 5 from June through August. Bring your sack lunch and enjoy an hour of entertainment. Also held in Pavilion No. 5, free children’s matinee concerts every Thursday at 2 p.m. Family night concerts are held on the second Monday of every month at 7 p.m. in the Senior Recreation Center outdoor plaza located at 10 E. 6150 South. Movies If you can finish the phrase, “Do-ReMi,” you are invited to sing along with “The Sound of Music,” starting the free movies in the park June 3. The classic film will play on the screen with captions so that you can sing with the Von Trapp Family Singers. Also showing under the stars “American Underdog” on June 17 and “Encanto” on July 17. But bring your bathing suit on July 1 to watch “Luca” at the outdoor pool, followed by “Lilo & Stitch” Aug. 5. Library Looking for a way to keep your kids reading during the break from school? Sign them up for the summer reading program at Murray Library. The library’s reading program is especially rewarding for youngsters, as the program always ends with a huge endof-summer bash featuring prizes and a fire hose. The library’s “Stop in For Stories” gives parents a break by providing a storyteller every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 11:15 a.m. in the Murray Park Gazebo. Of course, the library has programs this summer for the whole family to enjoy. Every Wednesday, families are invited to catch an enlivening performance from magicians to reptiles to raptors to Miss Murray. The events are free and start at 1 p.m. For a calendar of the library’s Summer Shorts, visit murraylibrary.org. At Wheeler Farm, there will be songs and stories in the Ice House for preschoolers and their caregivers. This is a partner program with Salt Lake County Library Services on the second Tuesday of the month.
Toast, a tribute band to 70’s soft-rock group Bread, will perform at the Murray Amphitheater stage Aug 26. (Photo courtesy Murray City)
The Murray Concert Band will present its summer concert June 25. (Photo courtesy Murray Concert Band)
No admission fee for this event. Summer Camps Wheeler Farm will offer its traditional summer camps for youngsters this year. One-week camps allow children, ages 6-10, to participate in goat milking, gathering eggs, farm chores, horseback riding, wool spinning, animal grooming, and blacksmith demonstrations, to name a few. For ages 8-14, Horse Camp will allow participants to learn to care for horses by grooming, bathing, and handling. As well as learn the basics of riding. More information can be found at www.slco.org/wheeler-farm/. Food The Food Truck League visits Murray Park every Tuesday evening. Where else could you eat a Korean appetizer, a Peruvian entree, and a Middle Eastern dessert? Trucks vary from week to week. Follow www.thefoodtruckleague.com to see whose cooking. l
Mairead Nesbitt, who has performed with groups like the Celtic Women, will perform on the Murray Amphitheater stage from July 29-30. (Photo courtesy Mairead Nesbitt)
Murray City Journal
Murray High grad makes his way on the world’s biggest stages By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
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hen Douglas Kinney Frost steps onto the conductor’s stand, there’s electricity in the air. His baton sparks like a wizard’s wand. When he starts the performance there’s an alchemy of music, emotion and art that creates a beautiful connection between the musicians and the audience. The 1986 Murray High School graduate has conducted symphonies, orchestras and operas all over the world, from Moscow to Mississippi, and that feeling of collective energy still thrills him. “There’s this wonderful vulnerability that great musicians allow each other where you bring all that you are, you bring all of your ideas and experience to that moment and you’re ready to share that, but at the same time, you’re ready to be open and humble to what other people do. When that happens, that’s when music-making is at its best,” Frost said. “When I started thinking about music-making as manipulation of energy, then it all made sense to me. My own experience, being moved by music at any level, whether I was making it or experiencing it, is extremely palpable now.” Frost’s journey from musician to conductor started on his grandmother’s lap. Some of his earliest memories are of sitting with her as she played and practiced music for church. When Frost was six years old, she enrolled him in piano lessons. He studied piano for many years but discovered a passion for music written for the human voice, the perfect combination of music and text, which led him to study opera and conducting. While attending the University of Utah, his coursework included conducting the school’s orchestra. He was terrified, excited and hooked. “The perfection of getting everything right and getting everything in tune is something you strive for,” Frost said. “It’s truly extrasensory. It’s truly a different level of vibration. I’ve experienced it too many times to doubt it, even though I tried to think myself out of thinking about music that way. I’ve had
Murray High grad, Douglas Kinney Frost (far left), has conducted symphonies, orchestras and opera companies all over the world. (Photo courtesy of Douglas Kinney Frost)
ety. He’s curious to see how the current political landscape will affect the creation of new ideas and how the energy of music will mirror the dreams and hopes of the next generation. “The creativity I’m seeing in small ventures is really mind-boggling and very
thoughtful,” he said. “If this was just about quarter-notes and eighth-notes, I’d be less interested. If it’s about teaching and mentoring people to find who they are through dedication to a pursuit, that’s what I want.” l
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experiences that I still process that were about community coming together.” His many roles include music director of the Opus Chamber Orchestra in Salt Lake City, the head of music staff and chorus master at Florida Grand Opera in Miami, the artistic director of Syracuse Opera, as well as residencies at conservatories and universities around the globe. As conductor, Frost’s job is to convey the message of the performance, guiding musicians and singers to create a unified vision and experience. Three years ago, he was recruited to teach at the University of Texas at Austin. His role as a mentor was a bit overwhelming but he’s settled into his position, serving as the principal conductor at the school’s Butler Opera Center, which ranks among the top opera programs in the country. The students just completed performances of Bizet’s “Carmen” which Frost described as a “huge undertaking.” “We hit it out of the park. I’m really proud of what we accomplished. It wasn’t perfect but the experience that was shared by the people in every performance, that positive energy and that experience is why I feel it was a huge success.” As a teacher, Frost wants his students to understand that performance is about dedication to something big. It’s about creating a community experience where ideas evolve, where students conceive and legitimize whatever they want and learn how to make it real. Several of his students will graduate soon. Frost said he isn’t a fan of pushing students out of the nest, where they’ll go off into the world and he might not see them again. “That’s the part of academia they don’t tell you about,” he said. “My ego has changed. It wasn’t about me. It was about the student’s experience and their individual path. I didn’t expect to be so emotionally attached to each student’s progression.” Frost is interested to see how the industry evolves, as art is a reflection of soci-
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Continued from front page or’s budget was being drafted was at 8.1%, and it has since risen. Other cities have proposed between 5% and 13% COLA. With unemployment being at 2%, the city cannot afford to lose our skilled workers to other cities,” Kikuchi said. The city has looked at cutting city budgets that have not quite recovered from budget cuts made during the pandemic. The City Council’s Budget and Finance Meeting on May 11 created an uproar as one of the proposed items of discussion included freezing the progress of the Murray Theatre renovation. “The mayor asked city departments to carefully review their budgets and cut items that were not required to keep service levels at or below what citizens expect. Even with rising costs, the City’s General Fund budget for operations has remained relatively flat over the last few years,” Kikuchi said. Could Murray City sell off real estate to help pay for the increased costs while inflation is high? According to the city, the answer is no. The property where the current City Hall sits and the properties in the downtown area are owned by the Redevelopment Agency, a legal entity separate from the city. Therefore, there is no legal way to sell those properties and put the money received into the General Fund to offset the property tax increase. Inflation is not the only culprit behind
the tax increase but also the drought. “The budget for purchased (electrical) power increased $2.8 million due to the ongoing drought,” Kikuchi said. “The unrestricted fund balance of the (Murray City) Power department is decreasing due to capital and maintenance projects, along with an increase in the cost of purchased power. They are rebuilding the central substation, purchasing a transformer, starting a project to change the meters to an AMI (a two-way communication system to collect detailed metering information) reading system, and repairing the penstock and generators at the hydro plant; at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon.” Paying down the bond on the City Hall also figures significantly in the city’s budget. The city will be paying $1,896,250 in bond interest and principal. According to Murray City Budget Director Brenda Moore, out of 17 Salt Lake County cities, Murray’s 2022 tax rate would rank it as the 12th highest, but with the 15% increase, and if no other county city raises their rates, Murray would rank ninth. Several large city capital projects sat on the chopping block. The council considered cutting funding to the renovation of the Murray Theatre but decided to move forward with that. Other notable projects include renovating the old National Guard armory by Murray Park into a meeting venue and creating a new park storage facility which the for-
mer outdoor ice rink currently function as. The tentative budget can be found online at www.murray.utah.gov.
Murray public safety salaries are one reason the city wants to increase property taxes by 15%. (Photo courtesy Murray City)
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Cottonwood FCCLA students to compete at nationals, five place at state
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wo Cottonwood High Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America club members will be competing for national titles in June after they, and three of their teammates, brought home state medals. Seniors Georgia Barrus and Lily Lundeen will be representing their school June 29 through July 3 in San Diego in the leadership STAR (Students Taking Action with Recognition) competitive event. Barrus took gold at state and Lundeen, silver. “We’re both pretty excited to go to nationals together,” Barrus said. In fashion construction, Mariana Labrador, Sara Sandusky and Annalyse Staker earned silver medals at state. They each sewed different outfits, created presentations that outlined their concepts and process they learned and were able to wear them at the state competition. FCCLA is a club associated with family consumer sciences and helps youth expand their leadership potential and develop skills for life, such as planning, goal-setting, decision-making and interpersonal communication. As part of the club, Cottonwood’s 25 FCCLA members have focused on service and often have teamed up with other clubs to do projects, such as the school’s version of Festival of Trees, trunk-or-treat and a thankyou letter campaign to teachers, said Zahaia Cuevas, the club’s first-year adviser and second-year family and consumer sciences teacher. “We do a lot of community and schoolwide service projects,” she said. “We’re teaching students they can make a positive impact in the community, even if it’s by doing something small like writing a thank-you.” Since November, FCCLA students could begin preparing for competition. In the leadership category, Barrus and Lundeen were able to talk about their leadership experience they’ve gained through their high school years, show how they set goals and worked to meet them, give examples of leaders they admire, and complete a self-inventory of their leadership skills and provide it to other leaders to evaluate them. Lundeen, a Girl Scout, used that as a base of her presentation, Barrus said. “She was able to really talk about all her Girl Scout leadership experience into her presentation,” Barrus said. Lundeen, who oversees her chapter’s social media, also brought in communication, social media and time management goals into her event, Cuevas said. Barrus shared about her five years of experience in mountain biking, including being captain this year; her presidency in both FCCLA and in Cottonwood’s National Honors Society presidency; her internship at a nearby elementary school; and her part-time jobs. After region in February, which was
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By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com changed to a district-wide competition during the high transmission rate of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, Barrus said she wasn’t sure about her presentation. “The judges gave me notes to reflect on and what to improve so I looked at those. Honestly, I didn’t really think it would go far and because I wasn’t sure if my presentation was good,” she said. “But I really am passionate about it and so I just thought I’m going to see what I can do since I really care about it.” One piece of advice Barrus said was that she referred to her slides too much since the judges already had read through her presentation beforehand. “They just wanted to hear my thoughts on it. So that’s what I did for state. I talked what I was involved in and the more I shared, the more I got into it. I talked about how I’m a leader. I talked about mountain biking and how I wasn’t first in every race, but I love it because it encourages me to try my best at every practice and race. I shared with them how I would always try to make sure we’re being inclusive and welcoming with FCCLA and NHS meetings. I talked about how communication is a great part of being a leader and how I used it with my part-time jobs how I work with the public. I talked about my internship and about wanting to be an educator is helping me become a leader in the classroom,” Barrus said. When she got flashed a one-minute warning in her 10-minute state presentation, Barrus realized she was only half-way through her presentation. “I jumped to my summary and just talked about how and why leadership affected my life. I just talked about all my achievements and how it has helped make me a great leader. I quoted John Wooden, ‘Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be’ —and honestly, that’s the main point. I showed how a leader blossoms. I talked about as a freshman, I was experimenting and trying to figure out what I liked in school, and now as a senior, I’m in full bloom like a flower and have just grown in so many ways,” she said. As a freshman, Barrus joined FCCLA after learning about it from a teacher. “I decided it was the best thing ever. I competed my sophomore year in event management and earned gold at region, but then, state got canceled for COVID in 2020,” she said, adding that Cottonwood didn’t compete last year. After competing at state March 22-23 this year, Barrus was called to stage as the first-place finisher. “They called ‘Georgia Barrus, gold,’ and I was like, ‘what?’ I was shocked, I was shaking. I was like ‘this is the coolest thing in my life,’” she said. Now she is preparing for another cool thing—nationals. “I’ll do what I did at state, just sharing
At the state FCCLA competition, five Cottonwood students medaled: Georgia Barrus, Lily Lundeen, adviser Zahaia Cuevas, Sara Sandusky, Mariana Labrador and Annalyse Staker. (Photo courtesy of Cottonwood High FCCLA)
my passion and not really referring to every point on my slides. I just want to rework what I say and how I present it,” Barrus said. Her adviser, who herself placed second nationally in FCCLA when she was a high school student, will help her students prepare. “I was able to look through their rubrics and look at the judges’ notes and I will go over those with Georgia and Lily before nationals,” she said, adding that in addition to the competition, they will attend leadership workshops and be able to network with professionals and students from across the country. “FCCLA really gives students opportunities to serve school and community and helps them grow as a leader and an individual in areas that they’re passionate.” Cuevas, who estimates there are 300 students who enroll in Cottonwood’s family and consumer science classes, wants to encourage more students to get involved. “Some students in my classes are real-
ly good and talented and passionate about sewing, fashion, cooking, children education so I want to encourage them to join FCCLA because we provide opportunities for them to grow,” she said. “I am so proud of my students who competed this year. They all worked really hard. My sewing students, it was their first real articles of clothing they made. They all did lining, buttonholes, collars—and things that are tricky. I think they all learned a lot throughout the while process, and they learned some great skills they’re applying to other projects. I’m proud of Georgia and Lily and the great leaders they are. They have been great FCCLA officers this year and they’re good example to the rest of the club and school. I’m excited for the things they’re going to do after high school; I really think they’re going to some really good things in the world.” l
June 2022 | Page 9
Pinnacle Award winners surprised with recognition, honored at dinner By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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iverview Junior High social studies teacher Gina Dansie stepped away from her classroom when Principal Earl Kauffman asked her to “help” another teacher. “I came back and there’s my husband, my mom who came up from southern Utah and I just kind of stopped and Earl had to push me into the room to keep going,” she said, adding that Murray School District Superintendent Jen Covington, Murray Board of Education and Murray Education Foundation members also had joined her students. Dansie then was given a bouquet of flowers. She was one of seven Murray teachers, along with a staff member and volunteer, who were surprised to learn they were Murray District’s 19th annual Pinnacle Award winners. Joining Dansie, who has taught for 15 years; were Grant first-grade teacher Jennifer Frampton, who has taught for 19 years; early childhood education center special education teacher Shelley Kiefer, who has taught 23 years; Murray High math teacher Ashley McSwain, who has taught 22 years; Horizon sixth-grade teacher Jen McNatt, who has taught for 25 years; intervention specialist Maria Stump, who has worked at Hillcrest Junior High for four years; and Horizon volunteer Janel Williams. At a special recognition dinner, students
introduced and thanked them. Then, each honoree received a gift basket and $500. A statue will be presented to them at a later date. “I had a student from last year introduce me and she was very sweet. She said, along the lines of the class was good, it was the personal connection with me that made students felt important,” Dansie said. Those connections with teachers was partly what inspired Dansie to teach. “I had some really good high school teachers growing up and I had that connection,” she said about her teachers in Cedar City. “I wanted to be able to continue building those kinds of relationships with my students. I love the middle school-junior high age. They are funny. In junior high, they’re still excited about learning.” With a particularly hard few years for all educators during the COVID-19 pandemic and what she said has been “rough with a lot of what I feel are unnecessary critiques on public education,” Dansie said the award came at the right time. “This was just a very nice kind of pickme-up that meant maybe I do make a difference,” she said, saying that she likely will use the monetary gift to help with travel plans. “I just want to thank MEF for all the work they put into this along with the community mem-
Murray District’s 19th annual Pinnacle Award winners were honored with flowers, gift baskets and $500 apiece at the recognition dinner. (Photo courtesy of Murray School District)
bers with the awesome gift basket that went above and beyond.” All Pinnacle recipients were nominated by a Murray community, family or school district member. Once nominations are submitted, a committee of community members selects the winners based on the nomination.
All nominations and nominators are kept confidential. In recent years, the Pinnacle Awards’ celebrations were delayed because of the pandemic. This year, they were held March 17. l
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Murray City Journal
Area high school students honored with Aspirations in Computing awards By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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urray High School senior Mary Seeley knows a thing or two about science and technology. She has been part of a five-time first-place underwater robotics team; learned about making computer chips, coding, circuits, wiring, ethics, personal privacy and other aspects of cybersecurity at Brigham Young University camps; competed with VEX robotics and Science Olympiad on her high school team; been involved with Murray High’s tech club; was named Murray High’s Sterling Scholar in computer technology; served as a SheTech statewide student board member; started a SheTech club at her school; and has interned with both SheTech and Murray School District’s CyberCorp. The 4.0 soon-to-be Spartan graduate recently was honored as a state award winner of National Center for Women & Information Technology Award for Aspirations in Computing. She was one of 60 area high school students honored at the April 30 ceremony held at the University of Utah. “This award highlights all of my activities that I’ve done in tech, in STEM and computing,” said Seeley, who plans to attend BYU in the fall to study for a possible career in software development. “It showcases all the hard work I’ve put into it. It means a lot as I really enjoy the opportunities tech has given me and those opportunities have opened up a lot more. This year, and last year, there were some amazing women who spoke (at the ceremony) and really inspired me.” The NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing honors ninth- through 12th-grade students for their com-
puting-related achievements and interests, and encourages them to pursue their passions. Award recipients are selected based on their aptitude and aspirations in technology and computing, as demonstrated by their computing experience, computing-related activities, leadership experience, tenacity in the face of barriers to access, and plans for post-secondary education. Other area students who were honored include: Rachel Arlen, Cottonwood High; Daniella Black, Herriman High; Delaney Borg, Herriman High; Izabelle Davis, JATC; Annie de Bry, Brighton High; Joselyn Gardner, Herriman High; Taya Ginn, Herriman High; Acacia Hansen, Kearns High; Sage Hardman, Herriman High; Victoria Hollingsworth, Herriman High; Kailee Kim, Herriman High; Grace Ivers, JATC; Ashley Larson, Herriman High; Zoey Later, Herriman High; Casey Lumley, Herriman High; Micaela Madariaga, Hillcrest High; Katherine Numbers, Alta High; Leonardo Rivas, Olympus High; Madelyn Sadler, Bingham High; Abigail Slama-Catron, Hillcrest High; Katrina Snelgrove, Herriman High; Angelina Stokes, JATC; Adelina Trionfo, JATC; Allison Williams, Hillcrest High; and Julia Young, Herriman High. Since 2007, nearly 20,000 students have received an Aspirations in Computing award and are then inducted into the AiC Community—a network of 20,000 technical women, genderqueer or non-binary individuals who work in universities, companies, nonprofits, and government organizations and are working to increase the influence and meaningful participation of girls and women from every community.
WHAT CAN A REVERSE MORTGAGE DO?
Murray High senior Mary Seeley was one of 60 area high school students recently honored for their computing-related achievements. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
According to its website, NCWIT was chartered in 2005 by the National Science Foundation and is a nonprofit community that convenes, equips, and unites change leader organizations to increase the influential and meaningful participation of girls and women— at the intersections of race, ethnicity, class, age, sexual orientation, and disability status—in the field of computing, particularly in terms of innovation and development.l
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Page 12 | June 2022
Murray High competed at the state Science Olympiad in Cedar City where they took first in the code busters event. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Murray High team wins state Science Olympiad contest, expands knowledge in STEM By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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t was the first contest result announced: Murray High wins. The team of seniors Relena Pattison, Sam Siwik and Mary Seeley stood in recognition of their accomplishment of being code busters contest champions at the state Science Olympiad, held April 9 at Southern Utah University in Cedar City. In the competition, teams had to cryptanalyze and decode encrypted messages using cryptanalysis techniques for historical and modern advanced ciphers. “I really liked code busters,” Seeley said. “I like deciphering the code and trying to figure out what it was and just doing all the possibilities.” It was the return of in-person state competition, something only one Murray High student had experienced prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Murray High School adviser Aaron Daniels said. “Only our captain, Abby Niwa, participated when it was in-person because last year, it was online here,” he said. “This was great for them to have this experience where they can go and try some events and meet some others. A lot of our students end up becoming interested in science careers and like the Science Olympiad program gives them some incentives to learn, but it’s not associated with their grades so they’re more comfortable trying to do things out of their comfort zone.” Murray had other top 12 finishes includ-
ing Pattison taking fourth in cell biology with senior Sara Whitley; Whitley also placed fourth in anatomy and physiology; Niwa and Pattison took seventh in chem lab; and the team of Siwik and junior Wyatt Daniels took eighth in trajectory. Niwa and Pattison took 11th in ping pong parachute; Niwa and Siwik and Seeley took 12th in experimental design; Whitley took 12th in forensics; Wyatt Daniels and Seeley took 12th in Write it, do it; and Junior Sunshine Goss placed 12th in astronomy and ornithology. “We had some flukes happen in competition. I think with our catapult, they kind of overcorrected and their balls had pretty good depth, but went a little sideways,” the coach said. “And the day before we left, the parachute broke, it ripped. So, they had to make a new parachute the day of and so they were working with parachutes they weren’t used to working with.” Murray also competed in a regional Science Olympiad tournament leading up to state where both the catapult and parachute worked; Wyatt Daniels took second in trajectory and Niwa placed third in ping pong parachute contest. Competing at the Science Olympiad is a part of the two branches of Murray High’s STEM club. The other part is competing with VEX robotics. Spartans Emma Isert, Natan Lively, Aaron Farr and Mira Martin joined the others to compete with the 2-foot by 2-foot VEX
Murray City Journal
Murray Power amps up for summer demand By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
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ast year, Murray City Power warned city leaders that a prolonged drought could compromise the company’s hydroelectric supply. With Lake Powell’s water line hovering 35 feet above Glen Canyon Dam’s intake valve, that time has come, and the company has plans to avert a loss critical to its portfolio. “We have known for several seasons that the level of Lake Powell was receding and was not rebounding. Murray City Power has a diverse resource portfolio. It is times like this when we can mix and match (or move) our resources around to cover one resource’s deficiency. That is the case this year as Murray City Power closely monitors its summer load,” Murray City Power General Manager Blaine Haacke said. Murray City Power typically receives about 30% of its energy from the Colorado River Storage Project a federally owned and operated resource whose largest power producer is the Glen Canyon Dam. This spring’s inflow into Lake Powell is expected to be 66% of normal. “Not good,” Haacke said. With advance notice to other utilities, Murray City Power has ordered/scheduled power from one of its power plants near Delta, Utah. The Intermountain Power Plant is a massive coal-fired power plant that Murray City Power has a 4% entitlement. This summer, Murray City Power has scheduled 19 megawatts of capacity and energy from this power plant. The energy will be delivered beginning July 1 and continue through September 30. In 2021, Murray had to switch on its gas turbines in June earlier than typical after hot
weather caused customers to turn on their air conditioning. Murray City Power intends to use the three gas turbine generators (33 MW), especially from June through September. However, natural gas prices have risen dramatically due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. “We bought sufficient gas to operate the turbines as a normal year would dictate. Since our purchase months ago, natural gas prices have increased 75%, an amount that probably won’t go down much this summer. This pre-purchase locked-in price for gas will be very advantageous to the cost of producing energy this summer. There may be some hours that Murray City Power might need to purchase natural gas at the existing market price, but for the most part, we made a judicious decision last fall,” Haacke said. So, should Murray Power customers be prepared for brownouts this year? “With the diverse mix of energy options, Murray City Power is well situated to cover any increase in electricity needs. Albeit sometimes we may have to dip into the ‘market’ or regional energy hub to purchase some energy. But those hours will be few and far between. The projections are for higher pricing on the market for all utilities this summer,” Haacke said. Murray City Power recently agreed to obtain five MW of a large-scale solar plant. This plant, located in the Four Corners area of the state, is under construction and scheduled for completion in November 2022. This solar resource will be added to the city’s mix this winter. The company is also investigating two other large-scale solar plants in Utah and a geothermal fueled plant in central Utah. Also,
robots in competitions this year. “We finished in the middle of like 60 teams in our first competition. The second one, they had to redo our robot because it was having some problems, but they still had fun,” Daniels said about the competition that first automatically matches up teams in the morning before afternoon play when top teams select their alliances. With this year’s robotics play, Tipping Point, two-team alliances are trying to win by getting the most points when they move rings, move mobile goals to alliance zones and elevate onto platforms at the end of the two-minute match. The play begins with an autonomous period before students take over driving the controls. All this takes place in a 12-foot by 12-foot field. Seely said she appreciates having the hands-on learning opportunity. “I liked how you can build the robot from scratch as a team and work on it by adding different components,” she said. “We planned out what we wanted it to do with the different parts. It was really enjoyable.” Daniels said interactive learning is his goal for the team.
“I want the kids to have fun and be engaged; that’s more important to me than winning,” he said. “There’s some programming and construction engineering they’re learning. I think kids understand there’s a ton of their future around robots.” Murray High’s STEM club began when a student approached Daniels wanting to have that hands-on experience and start a robotics team. Daniels included Science Olympiad as a part of the club. “Our club give our students opportunities to explore a variety of fields under the umbrella of science and technology; they’re learning material that isn’t in class and getting some hands-on opportunities in engineering,” he said. “They’re also working as a team and some of these kids aren’t typically interested in other team activities or sports in high schools, so this is their chance to socialize, network and compete with others who have similar interests—and to be recognized for their academic pursuits.” l
MurrayJournal .com
Murray City Power linemen repair a connection. (Photo courtesy of Murray City Power)
the city is considering the expansion of an additional unit at one of its landfill plants. As a result, the IPP units will play an increasing role in its needs. “The IPP Plant is undergoing a metamorphous of sorts as the coal-fired plant is being replaced with two natural gas 420 MW units. This is ongoing. Eventually, the intent is to mix hydrogen with natural gas for an even more environmentally-friendly plant. The hydrogen
will be manufactured on-site and stored in a salt cavern on the IPP property. This is a huge project that Murray City Power is excited to be a part of. This will be operational in 2025,” Haacke said. The company asks its customers to conserve electricity, which can help save on power bills. Murray Power’s conservation tips can be found at murray.utah.gov/1271/Energy-Conservation-Efficiency. l
Murray High’s STEM students also compete in VEX robotics competitions. (Photo courtesy of Aaron Daniels/Murray High)
June 2022 | Page 13
What’s it like being a Murray paramedic? By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
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Murray paramedics recently celebrated EMS Week, May 15-21. (Photo courtesy of Murray City Fire)
o you have what it takes to be a paramedic? During EMS Week, May 15-21, the Murray Fire Department invited the public to learn more about the facts and myths about their EMS crews. Allegedly, the expectation for a paramedic is that if you show up early, you’re on time. If you show up on time, you’re late. And if you show up late, you’re fired. “This is not completely accurate; we greatly value punctuality in the fire service,” Murray City paramedic Kevin Davis said. “Typically, we show up to the station 10-15 minutes early and get changed into our duty uniforms for the day, then make our way to the day room to greet the off-going crew.” Shift change at Murray City Fire begins at 7 a.m. and occurs every other day. Crews are scheduled for 48 hours on-duty and 96 hours off-duty, meaning the department runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. “Our schedule is prone to being interrupted often by 9-1-1 calls which when this does happen, we drop whatever we are doing, or get out of bed at night, and race to the rigs to go to the emergency,” Davis said.
At Murray FD, employees are all cross-trained in medical (EMT or Paramedic) and fire certifications, allowing all personnel to respond to any 9-1-1 emergency. Their staffing/response model is that two EMS crew members will occupy the ambulance, and three to four will occupy the fire apparatus (truck or engine). Both units will usually respond together on the call. “The job is not all blood and broken bones,” Davis said. “Traumatic injuries only make up a small portion of 9-1-1 calls.” Paramedics undergo schooling that consists of 1,200 to 1,800 hours, including EMT-Basic as a prerequisite. “The job can be intimidating not knowing what to expect when a call comes in, but what we do know is that the public expects perfection on each call. For this reason, we place a high emphasis on maintaining skills and continuing education,” Davis said. Paramedics respond to various situations, from heart attacks to allergic reactions to behavioral incidents. “The most difficult part of the job is being exposed to scenes that most never have to be exposed to,” Davis
Murray Rotary Club Monthly Update JULY 4TH FUN DAYS
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Murray Rotarians love serving Murray City and Murrayites.
Come to the new Murray Park Pavilion #5, next to the Murray Parks Office. Plan on joining anytime between 6:30 to 10 a.m. Monday, July 4. Bring family and friends and enjoy pancakes, eggs, sausage, and other morning fixings. Attend Murray Fun Days and celebrate our Independence Day.
Join us at one of our monthly service projects or one of our twice a month meetings
Page 14 | June 2022
“Fun with a purpose” is our motto. Murray City Journal
Murray EMS crews relax in station 81. (Photo courtesy of Murray City Fire)
This baby duck was rescued by Murray Fire Department EMS crews. (Photo courtesy of Murray City Fire)
said.
Not only are demands placed on EMS crews physically and intellectually draining, but they exert a lot of mental stress. Murray FD offers its EMS members mental health resources, but sometimes coworkers can provide the most significant helping hand. “In my situation, I live about an hour south of Murray; surprisingly, I have noticed that this commute is a good time to transition roles from work mode to husband/father mode. Another great coping mechanism is the second family that we form with one another at the fire station. With the tribalistic nature of the fire service and the trust we share with each other, we can endure difficult things together and have open discussions about the events to help destress and acknowledge emotions that are tied to an emergency call,” Davis said. According to Davis, seeing the outcome of saving a life still outweighs the stresses of the job.
MurrayJournal .com
“The hospitals we typically transport to have a great system in place for us. By working with a liaison at any facility, we can get a follow-up on clients we have taken care of to see what the prognosis and outcome were,” Davis said. EMS crews can then assess how they did and make improvements as needed. Davis has a few suggestions if someone thinks they want to be a paramedic. “The best route, in my opinion, is to find your local department and ask them if they allow a ride along to the general public. This gives you the opportunity to be with a crew for a day and see how the station life is, how the crew interacts together, and to be exposed to some of the emergencies we respond on. This step, to me, is vital and can help an individual decide quickly if this field is for them or not,” Davis said. “If after the day you still have interest, then obtaining your EMT-Responder or Basic is the next step.” l
June 2022 | Page 15
‘Matilda the Musical’ opens at Murray Amphitheater By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
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hildren are maggots, or that’s what the antagonist in “Matilda the Musical” would have you believe. The beloved children’s book, popular childhood movie, and then award-winning play “Matilda” has warmed the hearts of audiences over and over. “Matilda the Musical” debuts at the Murray Amphitheater June 16-24. Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence, and psychokinetic powers. She is unloved by her cruel parents—Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood—but impresses her schoolteacher, the highly loveable Miss Honey. However, the school’s tyrannical and cruel headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, believes in Crunchem Hall’s motto: “Bambinatum est Magitum,” or “Children are Maggots,” and sets out to disparage Matilda. But Matilda has courage and cleverness. Her bravery teaches Miss Honey and her classmates an important lesson: even though life can be challenging, “nobody but me is gonna change my story,” so “sometimes you have to be a little bit naughty.” Roald Dahl, known for “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and “James and the Giant Peach,” published “Matilda” two years before his death. In 1996, a film adaptation that starred Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman received mixed reviews. Playwright Dennis Kelly and composer Tim Minchin revamped the film into a musical. The Royal Shakespeare Company desired to bring Dahl’s work to the stage in
CELEBRATING
Maevah Hiatt stars as Matilda at the Murray Amphitheater’s “Matilda the Musical.” (Photo courtesy of Candy Tippetts)
2009, so they reached out to Kelly, a writer for film and television, and Minchin, a comedian and musician, to work on the show before beginning to assemble the creative team. The play debuted in London in 2011, winning seven Olivier Awards. It won over American audiences in 2013, winning five Tony Awards, including Best Book of a Musical.
Maevah Hiatt brings experience to the lead role at a young age, originally auditioning as Matilda a year ago at SCERA theater. Returning to the Murray stage, Hailee Christensen, who performed in last year’s “The Little Mermaid,” plays Matilda’s mentor Miss Honey. Starring as the malcontent parents, the Wormwoods, are Alina Mower, who was recently in Desert Star Playhouse’s “The Greatest Snowman,” and Adam Wilkins, Cottonwood High School’s drama teacher. Finally, as the villain Mrs. Trunchbull, Brinton Wilkins will again don a dress for a role that he performed on stage before. He most recently performed in “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” at the Parker Theatre. At the helm of Murray’s production is veteran director Candy Tippetts. She recently directed “Fiddler of the Roof,” “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” and Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” at the Murray Amphitheater stage. In addition, she has performed in productions at the Hale Centre Theatre, The Grand Theater, Riverton, Draper, Midvale, and Bountiful Performing Arts. Behind the baton is Anthony Buck. Buck is the Artistic Director for Utah Vocal Arts
Academy’s Summer Opera Festival and teaches music courses at Salt Lake Community College and Utah Valley University. Choreography is by Alan LaFleur. LaFleur has been in countless theater productions both as an actor and choreographer and was a former cast member of “The Young Americans.” His last performance was as Ursula in last year’s Murray Amphitheater’s “The Little Mermaid,” where he served as that show’s choreographer. Jared August designed the sets, Katrina Decarver created the costumes, and the play’s stage manager is Katie Revels. “This production is magical—literally,” Tippetts said. “Watch for some of the magic that Matilda uses to stand up to the bullies in her life.” Murray City Cultural Arts presents “Matilda the Musical” June 16-18, 20, 23-24 at 8 p.m. at the Murray Amphitheater (495 E. 5300 South). Tickets are $10 adult and $8 for child/senior/military ID, available at the Murray Parks and Recreation Office or online through Regtixs (murraycity.smashpass.com/). l
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Adam Wilkins stars as Mr. Wormwood (left), and Eric Lash plays Rudolpho at the Murray Amphitheater’s “Matilda the Musical.” (Photo courtesy of Candy Tippetts)
Murray City Journal
Wheeler Farm’s new education center aims to connect students and families with nature By Heather Lawrence | h.lawrence@mycityjournals.com
W
heeler Historic Farm’s newest addition isn’t a chick or a lamb—it’s the outdoor education center. A ribbon cutting for the center was held May 11 for the center, which is a collaboration between Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation and Utah State University Extension. “This building is a result of the partnership between the county, which provides the venue, and the USU Extension program, which provides the subject matter,” said speaker Dr. Ken White. White is Vice President of the College of Agricultural and Applied Sciences at USU. “This building underlies our goal and mission to increase the quality of life for families and communities in Utah. As we see the city grow, we need bastions where people can get away and reconnect with nature. Wheeler Historic Farm is one of those places,” White said. Since 2000, Wheeler Historic Farm has been managed by Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation. Funding for the education center came from several sources, including the Wheeler Farm Friends and the ZAP tax. “This is a place where people will come and learn about the history and culture of this area. The ability to expand and maintain our resources, such as this farm, is an opportunity to treasure. I’m glad we could make it happen,” said Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson. The 6,315-square-foot building has a large indoor meeting area with floor-to-ceiling glass walls. Indoor classrooms are equipped with desks and technology for presentations. The outdoor classroom and pavilion backs up on planting areas, which will be used for demonstration gardens and teaching. “This facility will have an impact for years to come. Today there are many kids here
for field trips or to play. A future urban forester may be inspired by a lesson here. Or it could be nice for someone who loves to visit grandma and grandpa’s farm and this reminds them of that,” Wilson said. Salt Lake County Parks Director Martin Jensen emphasized the importance of setting aside land like Wheeler Historic Farm. He also talked about the sustainable construction of the building. “It’s been seven years since we first had the idea of this outdoor classroom. We’re so excited about it and grateful for our partnership with USU Extension. We’re grateful for AJC Architects, which designed this LEED certified Silver building with sustainability in mind,” Jensen said. After the speakers, the group assembled to cut the ribbon and welcome people into the building. Leaders from USU brought Aggie ice cream to share and visitors were free to wander. USU Extension horticulture faculty member Katie Wagner and 4H coordinators Meggan Callister and Pam Van Wagoner envisioned many uses for the new space. “This is a facility where we’re going to provide a lot of educational outreach and different facets of our programs. From a horticultural standpoint, we can hold training for Salt Lake County’s 250 master gardeners, as well as gardening classes that are open to the public,” Wagner said. “We are hoping to do family nights here for kids and parents. We can do different 4H projects here and also include STEM education,” Callister said. “We have projects like herb gardens where kids can make it here and take it home, and it hopefully sparks their interest in gardening,” Van Wagoner said.
The covered outdoor classroom at Wheeler Farm can be used to teach gardening. (Heather Lawrence/City Journals)
MurrayJournal .com
Cutting the ribbon to the new education center. Murray Mayor Brett Hales is at the left in yellow. Center holding scissors is left to right Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson, Dr. Ken White of USU Extension and County Council Chair Laurie Stringham. (Heather Lawrence/City Journals)
A flower festival, more 4H projects and ecosystem-in-action field trips are all possibilities the USU Extension staff sees happening in the new space. “The local flower grower industry in Utah has seen huge growth. Within the last five to 10 years we’ve gone from somewhere around five farms in Utah growing flowers to somewhere around 130 farms,” Wagner said. Wagner sees a flower festival as a natural fit to other events here, like the farmer’s market that runs on Sunday mornings.
“It’s a great way to highlight some of those operations that are happening here. People know and love Wheeler Farm for a lot of reasons, and this new center will add to the possibilities,” Wagner said. Wheeler Farm is located at 6351 S. 900 East in Murray. For information on the outdoor classroom, which is located southeast of the playground, call the main number 385-4681755. l
Wheeler Historic Farm officially opened their new outdoor education center with a ribbon cutting on May 11. (Heather Lawrence/City Journals)
June 2022 | Page 17
Murray resident appreciates life-saving heart surgery that helped her survive 98 years By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
L
aDawn Powell’s life has been a series of miracles. Born on May 11, 1924, in Huntington, Utah, Powell weighed only three pounds. Her grandmother, who was a midwife, placed Powell on the open oven door to keep her warm. At the time, no one knew her heart hadn’t developed correctly. Her first heart attack happened when she was 14. She had to stay in bed for two years to give her heart time to heal. Her second heart attack occurred when she was living with her husband, Deon, in California. She’d been told by doctors in Utah to move to California, thinking the environment would be better for her heart condition. “The doctors asked me why I was in California when the heart doctors are better in Utah,” Powell said. “So we moved back to Utah because the doctors in Salt Lake were really smart.” One of those doctors was Dr. Russell Nelson, a reputable heart surgeon and now the president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He performed a heart valve replacement on Powell when she was 32. She was terrified of the surgery, which involved cutting into her back and removing a rib to get to her heart. “I was so afraid,” she said, “but I had to have it done so I could have a little family.” Powell has had several heart surgeries in her lifetime, including seven pacemakers. Now, at 98 years old, Powell has survived heart trauma, a brain tumor and a serious car accident that could have ended her life. She said it just hasn’t been her time to go. “The dear Lord just doesn’t want me right now,” she said. “I’ve got to finish what He sent me to do and when I’m
done, goodbye!” Powell’s bright blue eyes and wide smile are a reflection of a life she’s thoroughly enjoyed. A longtime Murray resident, Powell worked at Don’s Drive-In near Murray High School when she was in her 50s. She enjoyed seeing the high school students, even when it embarrassed her son, Chris. In previous years, she worked in an ammunition factory during WWII and in her 70s she packaged medical supplies with a team of women before being told she couldn’t work anymore because of her “leaky heart.” “I just broke down and cried because I was having so much fun working with those young girls,” Powell said. She and her husband raised three children, two girls and a boy, and she has 12 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren. She’s proud of the fact that she has all her original teeth, minus one, and only one filling. When her husband died in June 1988, Powell was devastated. They’d been married at the age of 20 when he returned from the war, and he was the love of her life. “I had the most wonderful husband,” she said. “He helped me in any and every way. He took care of me many, many times. He and I had a lot of fun together. I wouldn’t trade what we had for nothing.” Powell said she’s not sure why she’s still around, but she’s grateful for every day. She thinks the Lord has more for her to do, and that might include writing her life story. On her 98th birthday, surrounded by friends and family at her home in Murray, Powell looked back at the way the world has changed since she was born in her grandmother’s home
Murray resident LaDawn Powell, who recently celebrated her 98th birthday, was one of Dr. Russell M. Nelson’s first heart patients in the 1950s. (Peri Kinder/City Journals)
in 1924. “Even now I thank Him,” Powell said. “I know my time is going fast. I never dreamed I’d be this old. I’ve had the most wonderful life.”l
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Page 18 | June 2022
Guaranteed not to clog for as long as you own your home, or we will clean your gutters for free! Murray City Journal
JUNE 2022
FREQUENTLY REQUESTED NUMBERS Attorney .................................. 801-264-2640 Business Licensing .................. 801-270-2432 Cemetery ................................ 801-264-2637 City Council ............................. 801-264-2603 Finance Department ............... 801-264-2513 FIRE DEPARTMENT Administrative Office .......... 801-264-2781 Non-Emergency Calls ......... 801-840-4000 General Information................ 801-264-2525 Senior Recreation Center ......... 801-264-2635 Human Resources.................... 801-264-2656 Library .................................... 801-264-2580 Mayor’s Office.......................... 801-264-2600 Municipal Court....................... 801-284-4280 Museum .................................. 801-264-2589 Murray Park Outdoor Pool ....... 801-266-9321 Murray Parkway Golf Course.... 801-262-4653 PARKS AND RECREATION Administrative Office .......... 801-264-2614 Rain-out Information ......... 801-264-2525 Park Center (indoor pool) ........ 801-284-4200 Passports................................. 801-264-2660 POLICE DEPARTMENT Administrative Office .......... 801-264-2673 Animal Control/SL County .. 385-468-7387 Code Enforcement .............. 801-264-2673 Non-Emergency Calls ......... 801-840-4000 POWER DEPARTMENT Administrative Office .......... 801-264-2730 After Hours Emergency....... 801-264-9669 PUBLIC SERVICES Administrative Office .......... 801-270-2440 Building Inspection ............ 801-270-2431 Green Waste Trailers ........... 801-270-2440 Planning and Zoning .......... 801-270-2420 Solid Waste......................... 801-270-2440 Water, Sewer, Streets.......... 801-270-2440 Zoning Enforcement ........... 801-270-2426 UTILITIES After Hours Emergency....... 801-264-9669 Billing Questions ................ 801-264-2626
murray.utah.gov
Mayor’s Message
MAYOR’S OFFICE
Professionals Among Us
mayor@murray.utah.gov 801-264-2600 5025 S. State Street Murray, Utah 84107
I’d like to devote this month’s article to the often unsung, but very professional employees of Murray City. I’ve asked our department heads to send the information on their staff members who help keep the City working well. Here are some of those stories: Julie Jackson is an Evidence Technician in the Police Department. She manages all evidence that is booked with active police cases according to State and Federal Laws and department policy and procedure. Julie often contacts the owner of evidence and returns items. She testifies in court and is responsible for verifying evidence and property reports for accuracy. Julie also fingerprints people and ensures the integrity of our evidence and property storage areas. As part of the Police Records Division, Sydney Maxfield works as the Crime Analyst. She gathers and analyzes crime data and crime patterns. She prepares reports, graphs, charts and maps and sometimes specialized statistical and/ or geographical reports. This position supplies direct support to police officers and community by compiling data that assists with strategizing proactive patrols for areas of higher crime incidents throughout the city. Matt Youngs is the Power Department’s Energy Services/Regulatory Compliance Manager. He uses his MPA degree daily for Rate Design, Cost of Service Studies, contracts and legislative analysis. Matt is an expert in EV charger stations and won some matching grant money for electric vehicle charger installations at the Rec Center. He also directs our residential rooftop program and offers customers solutions to help lower their utility bill. Matt Erkelens is the Forestry Supervisor in Power who is an ISA Certified Arborist an ISA Certified Utility Arborist. He offers advice about types of trees to plant in the park strip, removing trees from yards and trimming unruly, overgrown or dead trees. Matt oversees the park strip planting program and makes sure trees throughout the city get trimmed away from the power lines. He also helps with the 4th of July Parade, the Arbor Day program, the Beautification Awards AND the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Kayla Chandler is a Collection Development Librarian. She buys the materials for adults—someone else chooses all the things for children.
Murray Library
Brett A. Hales -Mayor
She has specialized knowledge about the publishing industry, the likelihood of a book being a bestseller and knowledge about what our users like to read. She is also a great resource for people that are looking for something “good to read.” Mike Call is the Library Marketing and Design Specialist. He designs our signs, bookmarks, fliers, website. His design makes our book bike especially appealing. He also makes interesting objects like our Poetree. If you take a look at all of our advertising, you will see the outstanding work that Mike does behind the scenes. Flip Nielson has been with Parks and Recreation for 20 years, currently as a Lead Worker. This position requires working with and supervising fulltime employees and part-time employees. He oversees ballfields, turf areas, garbage removal, restroom maintenance, building maintenance, insect issues in turf and trees and weed control. Flip has numerous certifications and licenses which require continuing education to keep him up to date on current practices, trends and issues with pesticide application in a park system. Murray Park Center Director Marci Williams is loaded with certifications and credentials for swimming, spinning, TRX, Pilates and many other activities. The Murray native is also one of three representatives from Utah to Project 435, a grassroot effort by the National Health and Fitness Alliance to secure representation for the health and fitness industry. In addition to their backgrounds as Firefighter’s and basic certifications, Deputy Fire Marshals Jeff Puls and Steve Roberson are also investigators, emergency managers, peace officers and PIOs for major Incidents. They deal with arson fires and criminal nature of the fire code. They work with more than 3,500 businesses within the city and hundreds of new construction projects each year. Travis Bodtcher is the EMS Training Officer for the Fire Department. He makes sure responders within Murray City have required EMT, Advance EMT, Paramedic, CPR and numerous other certifications needed for lifesaving operations. He saves Murray City a lot of money by being able to offer these courses inhouse.
166 East 5300 South • Murray, UT 84107
Murray City Library Summer Challenge - June 6th Build a reading habit this summer by joining us for the Murray City Library 2022 Summer Challenge. Set a number of minutes as your own personal reading goal and then track it for 30 days this summer. Finishers will receive a book, a collectible sticker, a MCL book bag and tickets to enter various drawings for a larger prize. Visit MurrayLibrary.org/summer for more details.
Summer Shorts - Wednesdays 1PM at the park
LIBRARY HOME
Murray City Library will be hosting short summer events each Wednesday at pavilion #5 at the park. Stop by and see magic, reptiles, dancing and more! Visit MurrayLibrary.org or call 801-264-2580 for more details.
Stories in the Park – Mon - Thu 11:15AM at the park Join us at the Murray City Park Gazebo for an outdoor story time full of books, songs and action rhymes for kids ages 2-7 and their families. Bring your blanket or lawn chair. Visit MurrayLibrary.org or call 801-264-2580 for more details.
LIBRARY CALENDAR
Message from the Council
CITY COUNCIL
Taxes, Housing, Employment, Oh my! Many cities in the County and state are proposing property tax increases this year. Murray’s Mayor proposed a Tentative Budget with an increase in property taxes of 20%. As Rosalba Dominguez Budget Chair of the Budget Finance CommitDistrict 3 tee, I along with some other council members have been working hard to decrease financial burdens on you, the taxpayer. Depending on the approval of the Mayor’s Tentative Budget, the City Council’s vote would be to move forward with the proposed 20% or look for alternative solutions. As Murray Citizens, you still have time to be heard. I will hold a town hall meeting for District 3 and will invite our Mayor and Budget Director to talk about the city’s tentative budget in early July. Please sign up for my newsletter to be invited at https:// linktr.ee/RosalbaDominguez. By August, the City will hold a meeting called, “Truth in Taxation.” Per the Utah State Legislature, when implementing a Property Tax increase municipal governments are required to hold a public hearing to inform taxpayers of the increase prior to City Council’s final vote approving the final budget for the following year. As developers seek zone changes from the City Council this year, we are doing our best to ensure that we understand the potential impacts of these decisions and inform ourselves and the public of these votes. Please keep in contact with us as we seek to make changes to the MCCD code and learn of the survey results for Block 1 on 4800 S and State Street and others within the Murray City Downtown area.
As a family, we are transitioning back into the job market and inching our way back to where we used to be. I am beyond grateful for our community and the support we received as we navigated through jobs and the pandemic. I personally understand how it can feel like we failed ourselves and family to ask for help, but that’s why I believe it’s more important than ever as neighbors to look out for each other and connect. On March 8, The City Council approved an agreement with NeighborWorks for additional funding for down payment assistance as well as mortgage assistance for those who qualify. Please contact them directly at 801-539-1590 to see if you qualify. If you are needing additional assistance with bills please contact Murray City Utility Billing department at 801-264-2626 and/or you can call the HEAT program directly at 801-521-6107 to apply for assistance. Lastly, we have plenty of job openings within the city. Please consider giving back to Murray through volunteering or as a first time job, visit www.murray.utah.gov/jobs. Here is a list of some of the jobs available • Crossing Guard (Pay Rate: $15) • Custodian (Pay Rate: $12.50) • Lifeguards (Pay Rate: $12-$16) • Parks Laborer ((Pay Rate: $12) • Paramedic (Hiring Range: $25.47 - $32.49) • Court Security Officer (Hiring Range $17.38-26.36) Rosalba Dominguez District 3
Council District 1 Kat Martinez 385-743-8766
kat.martinez@murray.utah.gov Council District 2 Pam Cotter 801-541-8364
pcotter@murray.utah.gov Council District 3 Rosalba Dominguez 801-330-6232
rosalba.dominguez@murray.utah.gov Council District 4 Diane Turner 801-635-6382
diane.turner@murray.utah.gov Council District 5 Gerry Hrechkosy 385-800-1796
ghrechkosy@murray.utah.gov Executive Director Jennifer Kennedy Office: 801-264-2622
Murray Fire Department
For more information, please contact Battalion Chief Mike Dykman at 801-264-2762
Since the retirements of Chief Jon Harris and Assistant Chief Chad Pascua earlier this year, the Murray City Fire Department has been busy with hiring and promotions. In February, the Mayor and Council made the selection and appointment of Joseph Mittelman as the new Chief of Department. Congratulations Chief Mittelman! Chief Mittelman has been in the Fire service since 2000, has a Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency Services Management from UVSC [now UVU] and Masters Degree in Education from Utah State University. Just prior to becoming Chief, he was the Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal. As Chief, he is motivated and passionate about serving the citizens of Murray and building a culture where employees experience paramount levels of job satisfaction. Other subsequent promotions to our leadership are Stephen Olson as Operations Battalion Chief, Travis Bodtcher as Emergency Medical Services Chief, Nick Haskin as Logistics and Apparatus Chief, Jeff Puls as Fire Marshal and Steve Roberson as Deputy Fire Marshal. In the wake of administration changes, we have 3 new captains promoted as well: John Riley, Colby Atkinson, and Jake Christensen. We have the highest degree of confidence in all of our newly promoted officers and are excited to have them in these new positions. In addition to this, we have hired 3 new firefighters and are seeing them do good things as they begin their careers with Murray City. We are proud of the heritage and legacy established here in Murray City and contribute to making great strides for the future. We are grateful for our predecessors and mentors who taught us to exemplify excellence in our work. We look forward to our continued service to the residents and businesses of Murray City. The Fire and Emergency Medical Services of today are fast-paced and rapidly ad-
vancing with technology and growth. We Telephone Agenda Information strive to train with diligence to stay ahead of 801-264-2525 the curve with any change that comes our way. In a single shift, we may respond to traffic accidents, medical emergencies, perform CPR on someone in cardiac arrest, fight a house fire, help contain a brush fire, or help with a cat in a tree. No matter what comes our way, we are ready to serve! We coordinate efforts with our neighboring Fire and EMS agencies, to ensure the public can benefit from amazing emergency service. We lead a full-time staff of 62 firefighters, EMTs, and officers and are constantly scouting and recruiting to see that next generation of firefighter join our ranks. Even though many of our employees are alumni of Murray Schools and have deep roots in this area, we embrace diversity within our ranks. We have employees with diverse backgrounds, come from different cultures, and who are fluent in different language including Spanish, Portuguese, German, Japanese, Tagalog, Arabic, Turkish, and others. We have several who are veterans of the armed services, who have served our Country with honor at home and abroad. Our life experience and cultural competency helps us relate to everyone in our community and better serve in times of stress and need. Our mission is to provide fire protection, fire prevention and emergency medical services to the residential and business population of the city, with a well-trained staff in an organized and safe manner, at a minimal cost to the city, and to cooperate with other departments within the city. At the heart of what we do is the belief that a job well done is its own reward (Emerson).
jkennedy@murray.utah.gov
JUNE 2022 Murray Public Works CONSTRUCTION UPDATE — This spring, Murray City Public Works crews and its contractors have completed several projects. These include a new waterline on Commerce Drive from 4500 South to 4800 South; new storm drain and water line on 6240 South; and several roadway maintenance projects on Century Drive, Main Street, and 5600 South from 1300 East to Van Winkle. Murray Streets crews also reconstructed Maplewood and Ashwood Drives. The progress continues with upcoming utility projects include replacing waterlines on 370 East north of Winchester and on 5th Avenue east of Box Elder. The City’s summer road maintenance projects include full reconstructions and overlays. Roadway reconstruction of 6240 South, Belview Avenue, Afton Avenue, and Moon Ridge Drive are expected to be completed June through September. Mill and overlays on Fashion Boulevard from 6100 South to Winchester, and Commerce Drive from 4100 South to 4800 South and Vine to 5300 South are expected to be completed by late June/ early July. Vine Street from 1300 East to Van Winkle has been underway for several months now. This project will provide a new surface, sidewalks, bike lanes, and a center turn lane to encourage a safe and comfortable corridor for all users. New storm drain, water, and irrigation have been completed. Roadway reconstruction has been underway since May. It is expected to be completed in early July. For more details or comments, please contact info@murrayvinestreet.com or 855-663-6800. We appreciate your patience as we work to improve our public works services throughout the City. Several UDOT projects are on-going in Murray City. The State Street mill and overlay is underway and is replacing surfacing and making concrete repairs from Winchester to 3000 South contact the project team at 385-386-3806 for any questions. UDOT is also installing a signal at 4500 South and Atwood contact the project team at 385787-7182 for any questions. For additional info, contact Murray Public Works Department at 801-270-2440
Senior Ball takes on whole new meaning By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
T
he night was filled fancy dresses, smart suits and ties, tasty hors d'oeuvres, photos, beautiful corsages and boutonnières, sparkly decorations, twinkling lights, music from the Glenn Miller Orchestra to today’s hits and plenty of boogin’ down by seniors, from both senior citizens and seniors in high school. It was the Senior Ball at Olympus Ranch, the first big activity the senior residential living has held since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, which was planned in part by Murray High student government. “We call our senior high school dance a senior ball, but in this case, we thought it would be fun play on words since we’re having a senior ball with senior citizens,” Murray High senior and student body officer of publicity Carissa Vera said. “We wanted to have this dance as a service project that really has a positive impact on our community and with all the leaders at Murray High School.” At the “Night in Paris” ball, more than 100 dancers between senior residents, high school student body officers, class officers, Men of Sparta and Murray Association of Girls took to the floor, said Jackie Martin, Murray High’s student government adviser. Murray High junior Alex Guzman left a soccer game early to be at the ball, where he danced with the prom queen, Janet Emery. “This is fun, just a great experience to have wholesome interaction with these seniors,” he said. Emery, who got her dress special for the occasion, said it was not only her first prom, but it was her first dance. “My mother was sick back then, so I never learned the dance steps or could go when I was in high school,” she said. “I enjoy dancing with my feet, and I took a photo for my three sons in my crown and sash.” Dal Seeley celebrated being named prom king on the dance floor. “It feels great,” he said. “I wasn’t prom king back then.” World War II veteran Bruce Hintze danced with wife, Pat
MurrayJournal .com
Morrissen. “I like the music from the ’40s, the big band music,” said the retired Marine. “I danced a few songs, but I don’t know the steps to today’s dancing. I know the waltz, fox trot, jitterbug from the dance halls in town. Today’s dances feel more like swaying, but the kids are enthusiastic. It’s nice of them to share time with us. I’d try to get out there again, but my legs don’t move like they used to.” In between dances, there were raffle prizes announced. The music, photo booth, refreshments and other services were donated or discounted. Olympus Ranch’s activity director Austin Perez made corsages. “I made the corsages with a friend; I thought it might bring back some memories,” he said. “The Murray High School students and Jackie really got the ball rolling. Our residents were excited to have the dance and bring back some normalcy after the past few years.” Olympus Ranch General Manager David Scott appreciated Murray High’s youth interacting with the senior residents. “We loved the idea of recreating a senior prom with the senior class complementing our own seniors,” he said. “It’s great when our residents can get out and be with young people. This is like a trip down memory lane, with some music they grew up with.” Deejay Jordan Jarman, an Elevation Hospice Care patient resource manager, said he loves playing music to remind them “of memories and music of their day. I love how songs bring back a memory of something they love or of a happy time when they went dancing with their spouse.” Murray High senior and student body officer of activities Makenna Siebenberg said she enjoyed the evening. “It was cool to see the joy in their faces when they dance and then tell me they haven’t danced in 20 years—that’s longer than I’ve been alive,” she said. “One senior told me they were having the time of their lives.” That’s why Alisha Christensen, with Modvi Photo
Murray 2022 Fun Days
Monday, July 4, 2022 Breakfast
Rotary Club Community Breakfast 6:30 – 10:00 am Murray Park Pavilion #5 $8 Adults, $6 Child (12 & under)
Sunrise Service
7:00 am Murray Park Amphitheater Music by Murray Concert Band
Chalk Art Contest
6:00 am – 2:00 pm, Winners announced at 2:30 pm **Pre-registration Required 5K and Kids Race Both races begin and end near Constitution Circle, Murray Park 5K Race 8:00 am, Kids Race at 9:00 am $20 early registration until June 19 $25 registration June 20-24 $10 for Kids Race by June 24 Register online at mcreg.com no later than June 24 No day of registrations.
Murray High seniors danced with Olympus Ranch seniors during the Senior Ball, a chance for all seniors to dress up, wear corsages and boutonnières, and dance under the twinkling lights to the sounds of the Glenn Miller Orchestra. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Coed Doubles Outdoor Volleyball Tournament
Adults, Youth, Parent/Child Divisions 8 am – 4 pm, Softball Field in Murray Park $30 per team Register online at mcreg.com no later than June 30 No day of registrations.
Parade
8:30 am Begins at Fashion Place Mall and ends at Murray Park
Activities
10 am – 4 pm ...... Car & Bike Show (Behind swimming pool) 11 am – 4 pm ........ Food Trucks & Game Booths 1 pm – 2 pm .......... Bingo 12 pm – 4 pm ........ Park Center Hours 12 pm – 6 pm ........ Aquatic Center Hours
Activities for Kids
11 am – 2 pm ......... Games 11 m – 2 pm ............ Fishing Booth, Face Painting (minimal fee)
Olympus Ranch senior Dal Seeley, named prom king, leads a Murray High student in the center of the dance floor. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Booths, said she was happy to volunteer to help make the event happen for the senior citizens. “Just to see the joy from the residents and excitement in the evening is worth it,” she said, adding that now both the senior residents and senior high school students have some new shared memories. Cindy Mandic, of Olympus
Ranch, agreed that it was a fun, lighthearted way to bridge the age groups. “This is so much fun; I’m so glad everyone is having a good time.” That includes the one senior (citizen) who wished to remain anonymous, who said with a sly smile: “It’s been a ball of fun, but be careful, I just might spike the punch tonight.” l
12:00 om ..................................Balance Bike Race (pre-register) 12:30 pm .................. Firemen Squirt (free)
Daytime Entertainment
Murray Park Gazebo 11:00 am .................. Noa Polynesia, Dance 11:45 am.................... Arts in the Park Musical Reviews 12:30 pm .................. Michael Paine Band
Evening Entertainment
Murray Park Softball Field 8:30 pm .................... The Current, Party Band 10:00 pm Fireworks
(leave personal fireworks at home)
June 2022 | Page 23
JUNE 2021 EVENTS
2022
E VAmphitheater EEVENING N I Parking: N G495SERIES SEastE5300RSouth IES
Ticket Information:$49 801-264-2614 www.murray.utah.gov Season Tickets: Adult,or$45 Senior, $29 Child June 3 .......................................................................................The Sound of Music, Movie Sing-Along June 4 .......................................................................................Murray Symphony Amphitheater Parking: 495 EastPops 5300 South June 16-18, 20, 23-24.........................................................Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical Info: 801-264-2614 or Concert www.murray.utah.gov JuneTicket 25 ....................................................................................Murray Band July 9 .........................................................................................Jenny Oaks Baker Violin & Cello Student Workshop JulyJune 15-16, 18, 21-23 ............................................................Sister Act 4 ................................. Les Miserables, Movie Sing-Along July 29-30................................................................................A Celtic Summer’s Night, featuring Mairead Nesbitt
June 5 ................................................... Murray Concert Band LUNCH CONCERT SERIES June 17-19, 21-23 ........................ Disney's The Little Mermaid Tuesday at Noon in Murray Park Pavilion #5, FREE 26 ...................................................... Murray JulyJune 12 ................................................................................................... The Lazlos, Roots & RollSymphony
July 19 ................................................................................................... Iris (Britney Holman), Indie Pop/Folk July 26 .................................................................................................. Infusion Rock, Rock Band
L U N CLIBRARY H C OSUMMER N C E RSHORTS T SERIES
Wednesday at 1 p.m. in Murray Park Pavilion #5, FREE * Tuesday at Noon in Murray Park&Pavilion July 6 ......................................................................................................Scales Tails, Reptile#5, ShowFREE July 13 ....................................................................................................Scariff Irish School of Dance 1 - BD Howes ...................................................... JulyJune 20 ...................................................................................................Monroe’ s Mountain Melodies,Acoustic with Puppets JulyJune 27....................................................................................................Longwings, Bird Show 8 - Vaudeville Nouveau ................................... 50's - 80's
June 15 - Wasatch Jazz Syndicate ........................ Jazz Quartet CHILDREN MATINEE SERIES June 22 - Riding Gravity .............................. Surf & Rockability Thursday at 2 p.m. in Murray Park Pavilion #5, FREE
July 14 ................................................................................................... Kenshin Taiko, Japanese Drumming July 21 ................................................................................................... Rick Schwemmer, German Cow Bells July 28 .................................................................................................. Paul Brewer, Magic Show
LIBRARY SUMMER SHORTS * Wednesday atFAMILY 1 PM inNIGHT MurraySERIES Park Pavilion #5, FREE
The 2nd Monday of every month at 7 p.m., FREE Paul Brewer June Murray 2 ............................................. Magic Show, Senior Recreation Center (#10 E 6150 S – 1/2 block west of State) June 9 ........................................... Scales & Tails Animal June 13..................................................................................................The Flashback Brothers, ClassicShow Rock JulyJune 11 ....................................................................................................Neo Vintage, Jazz & Bossanova 16 ................................................................ Mad Science This program received funding support from residents ofDJ Salt Juggling Lake County, SL& County Zoo, Arts & Parks June 23 has .......................................... Magic Show (ZAP), Utah Division of Arts & Museums, Utah Department of Cultural & Community Engagement, Utah Humanities, and National Endowment for the&Arts. June 30 ......................................... Woody Jessie, Characters
Page 24 | June 2022
CHILDREN MATINEE SERIES
Murray City residents can order a discounted rain collection barrel to reduce municipal water demand. (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals)
Murray Water has one word to residents: conserve By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
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t’s another drought year, and Murray Water, the city’s largest water provider, hopes residents don’t let that precious resource all go down the drain. Murray Journal asked Public Works Director Danny Astill his thoughts on this summer’s water situation. What is Murray’s water supply looking like for the summer? Murray City owns and operates 19 wells and eight springs. Currently, only one of these sources is not in operation due to maintenance that is taking place. We have always been concerned and have kept a close eye on both our “static” and “pumping” well depths. We have seen those levels go up and down over the years. Although we have seen some minor declines in our well levels, we are cautiously optimistic that our citizens will continue conserving this precious resource as they did in 2021, which will prevent us from having to make any drastic changes as the summer continues. We will continue to closely monitor our wells for any significant changes. If Murray has a summer like last year, do you foresee water restrictions? If we continue to have a dry pattern or if we have mechanical problems at a few of our sources, we may need to establish certain restrictions. Additionally, water aquifers are connected throughout the valley and can be affected by other water suppliers using high pumping rates. It is important that Murray City and other water providers avoid competing for the same water and lowering the
pumping depths in our aquifers to critical levels. Will Murray City be addressing the drought with any of its current properties? Last year we advised all of the Murray City Departments to be aware of their water use and to cut back from their normal usage. We have continued the same request again this year. We do understand the desire for our residents to use and enjoy our open spaces, such as our parks and golf course, and the need to keep them green for sports and recreational activities. However, other city properties that are less vital will be watched to keep grass from being overwatered. Will the city be offering any incentives for residents to reduce water usage? Murray Water currently offers a rebate program for residents on Murray water to replace their park strips with water-wise landscaping or “Flip your Strip,” as well as rebates to switch to water sense approved fixtures such as toilets, showerheads and faucets. More information can be found on the Murray City website. Other rebate incentives may be found at www.utahwatersavers.com. Will Murray monitor those who waste water (such as watering during the middle of the day)? How will Murray address those who do not adhere to water restrictions? We do watch for water wasters, and if we see this or receive a complaint, we will
Murray City Journal
go to the location and talk with them. Most often, we find that people just need to be educated as to how to avoid wasting water. Also, if for some reason we are unable to speak to someone, we will leave a door hanger with information about the concern of wasting water and who to call for more information. If a person is a repeat offender and seems not to care, we have the option to have our code enforcement get involved. What should residents be doing now to plan for another drought year? Think about how they can reduce their outdoor watering by removing grass if they can and replacing it with more water-efficient landscaping. Have a water efficiency check on their irrigation system and update their sprinkler timer to interact with current weather conditions in the area. Remember to set sprinkler control timers to water only after 6 p.m. and before 10 a.m. as well as reducing the number of days they water each week per recommendations from the Utah Department of Natural Resources weekly lawn watering guide. www.conservewater.utah.gov. Wash only full loads in your dishwasher and clothes washer. Take shorter showers, and turn off the water while brushing your teeth. They may not only save water; they may also reduce their energy consumption needed for hot water. Do not use water to wash down your concrete; use a blower or broom to accomplish those tasks. Wash your car on your grass using a spray nozzle that does not run constantly. Another benefit of not washing down your concrete is that it helps to avoid washing debris to the storm drains, which goes directly to our rivers and helps to reduce pollution. l Murray Public Works install a new hydrant on Commerce Drive. (Photo Courtesy of Murray Public Works)
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June 2022 | Page 25
Champions of preservation—How one nonprofit helps save historic Utah buildings By Deb Schoenberg Hafner | d.hafner@mycityjournals.com
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hen David Amott was little, he built entire cities from the heavy clay soil in his backyard in Cottonwood. He was fascinated by form, and his yard became a diorama where he built everything from native adobes to engineered masterpieces modeled from books. “As a five year old I had a book about a haunted house,” recalls Amott, “and I didn’t care about the ghosts. I wanted to remove the cobwebs and paint it and fix it up.” Amott, without exception, is “absolutely riveted by structure.” He earned a degree in historic architecture and is the Executive Director of Preservation Utah, a nonprofit that advocates for historic preservation in Utah. At the end of April, Preservation Utah hosted their annual conference, after a hiatus for the pandemic, at the renovated and preserved Art Castle on the west side in Salt Lake City. This year’s conference, “Preservation Engaged: Celebrating Utah’s Communities,” hosted representatives from cities throughout Utah who were in attendance to learn how to combine economic development with community driven, comprehensive downtown revitalization and historic preservation. Preservation Utah advocates for preservation-oriented public policies by supporting legislation, working with elected officials and administrators, and providing creative and sustainable solutions in collaboration with property owners. But the preservation seed has to be planted deep at the local level, with individuals, towns, and communities coming together to initiate, advocate and sow preservation projects. The preservation movement has swept across America in the last few decades and has established itself as powerful and an important part of cities and towns, with preservation being an accepted practice at the local government level. Draper’s historic committee has spearheaded efforts to preserve aspects of the soon-to-be-relocated prison, Taylorsville recently added its first building to the National Register of Historic Places, and Millcreek recently nominated a seven-member Historic Commission to work on preservation efforts and to fix outdated ordinances. Their first meeting was in May, and they have a big job ahead. “The greenest building,” says Amott, touting the quintessential preservationist belief, “is the one that’s already been built.” At any given time, Preservation Utah has 25 to 30 preservation projects from around the state that need funding for preservation. These days, with housing prices reaching all-time highs, residents in towns and cities across America have become increasingly interested in turning existing buildings around with adaptive reuse—restoring and
Page 26 | June 2022
The inside main room of the Art Castle where conference attendees gathered for the keynote speaker, Claudia Loayza, the communications and community engagement coordinator for the Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs. (Deb Hafner/City Journals)
updating historic buildings and utilizing the space in new ways to meet the needs of the community. The Art Castle is one such example. According to the EPA, a new, green, energy-efficient office building that includes as much as 40% recycled materials would take approximately 65 years to recover the energy lost in demolishing a comparable existing building. “A remarkable example of adaptive reuse in Salt Lake is the Granary,” Amott said. One of Salt Lake City's oldest districts, it used to be a busy manufacturing, processing and storage center, but it was in danger of being demolished. It was rescued and restored and today is home to restaurants and shops. The Granary took part in the Main Street America initiative, a federal program adopted and administered in every state. In Utah, the program falls under the auspices of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, and the Utah Main Street America Program helps communities revitalize their economy, appearance, and image of downtown commercial districts. Salt Lake City (The Granary), Brigham City, Price, Heber and Tooele, in addition to about 15 more Utah cities, have a Main Street designation and have received funding for revitalization. Brigham City and Price were Utah Main Street pilot program cities, each receiving facade rehabilitation grants and ultimately seeing increased economic activity and success from the program. Nan Groves Anderson, the Utah Main Street Program Director, on a panel at the Preservation Utah conference, reported that
nationwide, since 1980, over 2,000 communities have participated in the Main Street program, with $61 billion in new investment, 525,000 net new jobs, and 251,000 buildings rehabilitated. Closer to home, Preservation Utah has advocated in many cities in Utah, including Millcreek. Amott said they have two historic easements on houses in the city that are regularly monitored, the summer house of the Silver Queen and a modern glass house by architect John Sugden. But, as with all preservation efforts, you win some and lose some. After Millcreek City was established, recalls Amott, Preservation Utah advocated for the George Merrill Estate, which was eventually demolished and is now an Ivory Homes development. Preservation Utah also stepped in on the Old Meeting House building, which became controversial when it was approved to be demolished and replaced with townhomes. Garbett Homes has been approved to build on the site, and since the meeting house sits on a fault line and is structurally older, it was determined it was not a good candidate for adaptive reuse. Although the effort to save the building was lost, some good came out of it. Preservation Utah helped advocate for an improved city preservation ordinance and the establishment of the new historic commission, and city officials requested Garbett install an historical marker to commemorate the building. Preservation and sustainability models have gained traction in the race to develop places to accommodate the population
A view of the Art Castle, a project by Utah Arts Alliance to acquire, preserve, renovate, and activate the historic 120-year-old 15th Ward Chapel located at 915 W. 100 South. (Deb Hafner/City Journals)
The Old Meeting House at 4120 Highland Drive in Millcreek is important historically because it was designed by the grandson of Brigham Young, Joseph Don Carlos Young, and his son Don Carlos Young, and built in 1905. (Photo credit EstateSales.org)
growth. “You can’t build your way to affordability,” Amott said. It is greener to remodel a home and to repurpose a large building or district, and through community effort and advocacy, new resources and funding it is a path many are taking. At their conference, Preservation Utah shared myriad resources, including how to access the Main Street America Program, tax credits, and funding available to anyone interested in preserving a home, district or land. If you are interested in finding out more about the home you live in, discovering more about historic places in your city, or how to place make and advocate, Preservation Utah website is a good place to start (preservationutah.org). l
Murray City Journal
Enjoy al fresco dining at eateries throughout the valley
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arm June temperatures bring with them the option to dine outside. Many establishments with beautiful outdoor seating are for special occasions, like La Caille in Sandy, The Charleston Draper and Tuscany in Holladay. But a number of other locally-owned restaurants around the valley offer charming patio spaces for dining on a budget. Here are five al fresco dining spots that are easy on the wallet. Price guide: $ = entrees under $10 $$ = entrees $10 - $15 Bubble N Bean (Food For Thought) 12640 S. Fort St. in Draper This cafe, which is tucked up against the southeast corner of Draper Historic Park, specializes in coffee and boba drinks. The cafe ended dining room service in 2020, but food and drink are still available through the drive-thru or walk-up windows. Choose from a range of beverages that includes mint lemonade, s’mores hot chocolate and caramel apple cider as well as more traditional sodas, tea and coffee. The cafe also offers ice cream and a variety of baked goods, including breakfast sandwiches and avocado toast. Pull up a chair on the patio or lawn to enjoy the fresh air and watch locals enjoy the peaceful, historic park next door. $ - www.bubblenbean.square.site/ Landmark Grill - 760 Fort Union Blvd. in Midvale This family-owned diner has a charming patio tucked away from the bustle of Fort Union Boulevard. The Greek-inspired food includes one-of-a-kind dishes like Nick’s
By Sarah Morton Taggart | s.taggart@mycityjournals.com
Many ingredients are locally-sourced at Roots Cafe in Millcreek. (Sarah Morton Taggart/City Journals)
Original Round House, which is made of hash browns plus three kinds of meat and two kinds of cheese. “Landmark Grill stands out because it is a family-owned operation that take great pride in quality and service,” said Laurie Erickson, one of the owners of Landmark Grill. “This is proven by the number of regular diners that we have. Some even come in on a daily basis.” Enjoy breakfast or lunch surrounded by trees and shrubs and the sounds of singing birds. “Our patio is eastern facing with a view of the beautiful Wasatch range and has the
Landmark Grill in Midvale has a shaded patio tucked away from the bustle of Fort Union Boulevard. (Sarah Morton Taggart/City Journals)
MurrayJournal .com
Diners flock to Lone Star Taqueria in Cottonwood Heights on May 5. (Sarah Morton Taggart/City Journals)
warmth of the morning sun,” Erickson said. $$ - landmarkgrillutah.com Lone Star Taqueria - 2265 E. Fort Union Blvd. in Cottonwood Heights Eclectic patio furniture and quirky details like cowboy boot-covered fenceposts let you know you’re in for a treat at Lone Star Taqueria. Tacos made with fresh, housemade tortillas come filled with your choice of protein, including pescado (fish), camaron (shrimp), deshebrada (shredded beef) pollo asado (chicken) and three different styles of pork. Lone Star Taqueria has been around for a long time, and it shows in the vintage patio furniture and seamless service. The outdoor chairs lean back, almost forcing you to relax as you feel the sun on your face. If you prefer shade, snag a table under one of the many umbrellas encased in cement, ensuring that that will not topple over in the wind blowing down from Big Cottonwood Canyon. Karl Rottner has been coming to Lone Star since it opened in 1994. A mountain guide at Alta and substitute teacher, Rottner keeps coming back for the fish tacos and chicken burritos. “The feel is authentic,” Rottner said. “Tourists know it and remember it.” $ - lstaq. com Nielsen’s Frozen Custard - 3779 S. Jordan Pkwy. in South Jordan The South Jordan location of Nielsen’s Frozen Custard features a spacious patio where patrons can enjoy burgers, fries and, of course, their namesake frozen custard, which is similar to ice cream. The outdoor space is tucked away from traffic and just a short sprint from Rushton Meadows Park. $ - nielsensfrozencustard.com
Diners soak up early May sunshine at Roots Cafe in Millcreek. (Sarah Morton Taggart/City Journals)
Roots Cafe - 3474 S. 2300 East in Millcreek The bright, sunny patio at Roots Cafe is perfect for enjoying a satisfying meal outdoors. Roots offers breakfast and lunch made with fresh ingredients used in creative ways, like the Spicy Peeto French Dip, which adds caramelized jalapeños, sweet onions, pepper jack cheese and an avocado horseradish aioli to the traditional thinly-sliced beef sandwich. There is also a variety of salads, breakfast items and fresh juices. Locally-sourced ingredients are used whenever possible. The generous patio is shaded by a mature sycamore tree, along with retractable awnings. You’ll want to sit there all day, but please don’t linger too long. The management requests that diners not “camp” because there are plenty of others waiting patiently for a table. Roots Cafe is housed in the historic Baldwin Radio Factory and shares an entrance with The Old Flamingo, an antiques and furniture store. $$ - rootscafeslc.com l
June 2022 | Page 27
Salt Lake County receives EPA funds to clean up contaminated sites for development By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
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rownfield areas in Salt Lake County can hinder development because, without proper cleanup, redevelopment or reuse they could spread contamination to surrounding areas. Most brownfields are properties with old gas stations, auto repair shops and dry cleaners, or near smelters, railroad lines and mines. But the Environmental Protection Agency has awarded Salt Lake County nearly $4 million in an effort to clean up these sites and create vibrant communities and business centers. “We’re grateful for the EPA’s substantial investment in Salt Lake County,” said Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson. “It expands our ability to effectively leverage the revolving loan fund and make a difference.” The EPA Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund allows the county and its coalition partners (Salt Lake City and Ogden) to issue loans to public or private property owners who meet EPA qualifications for assistance with brownfields. Funds are expected to help clean at least 10 properties in the next few years, many of which are in former industrial areas that need significant cleanup to be safely redeveloped. Loans are available to qualified governmental entities, site owners, or developers with lowto zero-interest rates.
“With our community’s history of industrial and mining work, there’s no shortage of properties that could use this EPA money for cleanup efforts,” said Kersten Swinyard, program manager for the Wasatch Brownfields Coalition and Salt Lake County senior economic development manager. “We’ll use this money to accelerate redevelopment on those contaminated properties and make our cities safer and cleaner for everyone.” In 2021, Centro Civico Mexicano received funds to work with the county to remove asbestos, mercury, hydrocarbons, and other contaminants in the soil. The remediated property now features a community center and 61 apartments for low-income seniors. The cleanup led to more than $25.2 million in leveraged redevelopment funding on the project. The Wasatch Brownfields Coalition works closely with the EPA and the Utah Department of Environmental Quality throughout the cleanup processes. The EPA has awarded $5,850,000 in total to Salt Lake County throughout its program history. Property owners not responsible for the contamination who are interested in financial assistance to clean up properties can visit slco. to/brownfields or contact Kersten Swinyard at 385-468-4869 or kswinyard@slco.org. “This award will set up Salt Lake County
A multi-family housing development in Murray is remediating contamination related to historic mining. (Photo courtesy of Salt Lake County)
to further environmental justice in our underserved communities for years to come,” Wilson said. “All our neighborhoods deserve to
live in healthy environments with the promise of an equitable economic future.” l
From backyard to the big leagues, cornhole nationally televised in Utah By Greg James | g.james@mycityjournals.com
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ornhole, played at the professional level, took over Sandy’s Mountain America Expo Center this past month. The American Cornhole League is the highest tier of talent the game has to offer. The ACL has over 250 registered pro players and their matches are televised on ESPN. “I was tailgating,” ACL founder and commissioner Stacey Moore said about starting the league. “We were using cornhole as an activation for sponsors at NASCAR races and NFL games. I saw a group of players playing the game way more seriously than I was. The more I talked to the serious players I realized there is a lot of strategy to it.” ACL has been in existence for six years. It has a following of professional players that compete in several tournaments held across the country. Salt Lake City is the home of one of the platform sponsors. Allcornhole is the title manufacturer of the professional board used on the circuit. The opportunity to host the league here was delayed by the pandemic, but this year event number three was held in Sandy. The league has over 150,000 active players and several formats including singles, doubles, and teams format. The teams have a season of 16 matches. Professional players are drafted to a team and play against the oth-
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er drafted teams, similar to the NFL. The top team in the standings will win the championship at the end of the year. The Woodchucks sit atop the current ACL team standings. Sharpshooters are second and the Freeze third. “The pros come from all over the United States. The sport has increased in popularity. People play it casually all over the place, but more and more people are playing competitively. We are being proactive, cornhole is on track to become an Olympic sport. The singles and doubles divisions are gender-neutral. Last year, a male was against a female to become world champion,” Moore said. Isabella Surprenant, a 15-year-old from Lawton, Oklahoma is one of the youngest players in the ACL pro division and has become a top-ranked player. “I started playing beach cornhole in Florida nearly 15 years ago,” Harry Stoltzfus from Fort Collins, Colorado said. “I bought a set of boards at an RV show and now we travel the country playing in tournaments.” The ACL hosts Superhole competitions at all of the season events. They match a professional player with a celebrity all in the name of charity. “The celebrities play in a mini tournament. They get to know the sport and get some
Celebrities such as Lisa Barlow and Kyle Van Noy were among the participants at the ESPN-televised cornhole event in Sandy. (Photo courtesy Marlon LeWinter)
tips along the way. We are starting to see celebrities catch the bug and more and more are taking this seriously,” Moore said. There are local leagues around the country. To find the nearest organization or for more information go to www.iplaycornhole.com “I am from Mississippi originally and my brother had this set up in his backyard,” Salt Lake City resident Ricky Mcgowan said. “I came home and bought a set off Amazon.”
Salt City Cornhole is a local group of players. They host tournaments at Allstar Lanes and Pins and Ales in West Valley. There are also several other groups in the state. “It is a place for a beginner to more advanced players,” Mcgowan said. It is not just a backyard barbecue game anymore. Anyone can play. Anyone can win. l
Murray City Journal
Cottonwood boys track qualifies out of Region 7, heads to state By Brian Shaw | b.shaw@mycityjournals.com
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oys track For the Cottonwood High School boys track team it’s been a long time since the Colts have qualified so many athletes for the state championships. But as a new member of Region 7, it seems that Cottonwood has been given a new lease on life on the track and has been handed those gold-plated horseshoes with which it can aspire for a state title. To do just that, the Colts hopped in the big yellow school bus and took the threehour drive to Uintah High School in Vernal, host of this year’s Region 7 Championships. There they finished fourth as a team, which in turn qualifies them for the 5A state championships to be held May 19-21 at BYU after press time. Individually, the Colts also had some nice performances in Vernal. Senior Calvin Frodsham finished third in the 110 meter hurdles with a time of 16.12 seconds, which also was a personal record for him. Frodsham followed that great performance up with another one in the 300 meter hurdles, finishing in 41.72 seconds — good enough for third place. Another great performance came from Cottonwood senior Tailsua Davidson, who took second in discus, throwing the stone a whopping 124-00 feet. Both Frodsham and Davidson qualified for the 5A state championships based on their finishes. One other nice story in boys track came from three Cottonwood football players who also participate on the Colts track team. The first, senior Luke Davis, finished third in the javelin with a throw of 145-09 feet, a personal record. Davis played on both the offensive and defensive lines for the Cottonwood football team and will qualify for state.
Another Colts football player who also runs track is junior James Holm, who finished in sixth place in both the 100 and 200 meters for Cottonwood. Holm, who is a wide receiver and defensive back on the football team, ran the 100 final in 11.42 seconds and finished the 200 final in 23.75. The third Cottonwood football player who competed on the boys track team this spring was junior Luciano Greco who also played wideout and DB for the Colts this year. He finished 16th overall in the long jump and does not qualify for the state championships in that event but will get another try next year, barring injury. Both Holm and Greco did not qualify for state in their individual events, because only the top four finishers from each event in the region championships go through. However, both Holm and Greco will be at state competing in relay events for Cottonwood. For the two Colts football players who are running track this year and are slated to play football next year, it was an experience for them that Cottonwood head football coach Casey Miller believes will benefit them in many ways—including in the weight room and in the classroom. “We are starting to get kids interested in working hard and wanting to get better,” explained Miller. “The kids on football are now lifting year-round, which is improving overall strength and athleticism. The ones who show up regularly are really improving.” The Colts boys track team also had some spirited efforts in several team events. Cottonwood finished second in the 4x100 relay of which Holm and Frodsham were part. The team’s time of 45.10 seconds qualified them for the state championships as well. Cottonwood also finished well in the
The Colts 4x400 relay team finished second at region. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
MurrayJournal .com
4x400 team relay and the 4x800, finishing second and third in those events. In all, the Colts boys not only qualified for the state championships as a team, they also did individually, making the 2022 season one to remember for many reasons, and perhaps many more to come. Girls track The Colts had a few standout girls in Vernal who were able to qualify for state. The first was senior Cora Cumming competed in the 800 meters and finished fourth in a time of 2:29.25 minutes. Cumming also competed in the 3200 meters, which for those unaware, is eight laps around a track. She was fifth, with a per-
sonal record time of 12:57.58 and narrowly missed out qualifying in that event for state. Cumming was, however, part of the Colts 4x800 meter relay team that finished fourth at Uintah High and qualified for state, touching the tape in 11:01.32 minutes. The second Colts girls track athlete to qualify for state is someone who will sound familiar to those who followed Cottonwood’s basketball team. Sophomore Alivia Hutton, whose pink hair and high energy were very noticeable this year on the basketball court, finished the 110 meter hurdles in 17.67 seconds in fourth place. l
Kat Wooten runs the mile at region. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
June 2022 | Page 29
Cottonwood forensics team heads to nationals after successful season By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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here was no fan section that exploded when Cottonwood’s forensics team claimed victory at the regional tournament in February. Nor were there any cheers like when a goal is scored or a basket is made as the team claimed the second-place trophy the next month at state, but through the years, the Colts speech and debate team has built a legacy. Now that momentum continues as students are preparing for the National Speech and Debate Association that will be held June 12-17 in Louisville, Kentucky. “It will be a good capstone to our extremely successful year,” Cottonwood forensics adviser Adam Wilkins said. “Our kids are really remarkably talented and what makes it so great is the fact that the majority of kids do all the heavy lifting, which from a personal standpoint for them, is so satisfying. We have a lot of student coaches, and we rely a lot on the kids to coach each other, especially our senior kids helping our underclassmen, and they really pulled it out of the park. That’s what you want for your team so it can sustain a legacy of success. We definitely have a legacy of success—and that’s so awesome. Just to know we have great kids in the wings, ready to jump in, is so incredible. We’re just fortunate to keep attracting these students who want to be good.” It's a legacy that has lasted for more than
five decades. “Since the school has been built in 1970, speech and debate has always been in the top three for region. It’s pretty remarkable,” Wilkins said. It starts in the classroom where students will research topics and spend hours practicing it for one another. “They’ve talked about anything from national and international crises, so prevalent and relevant these days, to some state and local issues. Our orators have amazing topics and there is a great range from the benefits of anger to tribal law and the way Native Americans are portrayed. They’ve discussed ranked-choice voting, local bills, national bills, Supreme Court decisions, COVID, recession, Russian aggression. The great thing about debate is it allows these students to really engage in the world,” he said. Wilkins not only teaches them skills, but also trust. “The bottom line is we trust kids and they trust each other. We trust them to be captains of events. I love the idea that kids can be student captains and then the success of an event is on the shoulders of those captains. We have some amazing event captains this year. That tradition of our success is handed down from our upperclassmen to our underclassmen,” he said.
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Cottonwood High looks to continue its successful forensics year at the National Speech and Debate Association tournament in June. (Image from website)
It's also about attitude. “I always tell the kids I will never be mad if you don’t win, but I will be mad if you don’t try. That’s a life lesson, you know, to be the best they can and that’s a good thing,” Wilkins said. While some tournaments have been held in-person, others still remain virtual. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he taught students how to communicate with their eyes since some expressions were hidden under masks and body language was limited. “The students are taking some of those skills that they naturally developed during the pandemic, and then with their diction and articulation, they’ve become better speakers all the way around,” he said. That has led to Cottonwood’s team competing well all season. “We’ve really been dominating all year and have won about half dozen local tournaments,” Wilkins said about his 32-team member mostly speech team. “It’s a quite competitive region and it’s definitely a competitive state, which is nice because you don’t want to win without any competition because that victory would be a little hollow so it’s nice to win a hard thought victory.” Wilkins attributes the success of the program to the students themselves. “They practice for each other and model what they want to do in nationals,” he said. “They want them ready to be able to present and not lose a step and they want to get better, each and every tournament. The first thing they do when they get a ballot back is talk about what can they do to become better, they see what are some successes, and what are the takeaways that they can learn from in this process. It’s another life lesson they’re learning
which they can apply after their debate career.” Wilkins is proud of his team. “These kids are geniuses; they truly are. There are times when they say things that truly takes my breath away. It’s not just because of their intelligence, but also for their charisma and their intuitiveness,” he said. “What I love about debate is that it allows kids to be smart and it celebrates kids being smart. Several of these young adults—and they’re not children—are being told that their opinions matter, not just their ideas, but their opinions; and that’s what debate can provide you.” Top Cottonwood’s state 5A forensics results: Co-champion, Matthew Cessna, student congress Co-champion, Sydney Pomeranz, student congress 1st, Abriel Tuckness, combined interpretation 1st, Hannah Zoulek, foreign Extemporaneous Speaking 1st, Ryan Dillon, foreign Extemporaneous Speaking 2nd, Taycia Linford Perez, combined interpretation 2nd, Kate Wilkins, student congress 2nd, Nizhoni Tsosie, informative 3rd, Alaa Elsir, informative 4th, Justen Powell, informative 4th, Jackson Kirkwood, national Extemporaneous Speaking 5th, Nex Lerwick, combined interpretation 6th, Hannah Zoulek, foreign Extemporaneous Speaking Octos, Valery Tomadakis, Lincoln-Douglas debate l
Murray City Journal
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Braxton Jones’ football journey takes him from Murray to Chicago By Ryanne Riet | r.riet@mycityjournals.com
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raxton Jones grew up in Murray. He started his football career playing in the Murray Youth Football League. There he learned the fundamentals of the game and how to create and reach his goals. “Not only was Brax blessed with great size and natural abilities, but he was a born leader, had razor sharp smarts, was a great teammate and was always very coachable,” said Jeremy Johnson, Jones’ former Murray Youth Football coach. After more than a decade of coaching and watching Braxton Jones perfect his craft, Johnson speaks highly of Jones’ grit, determination and ethics. “There are so many things about Braxton that make me proud,” Johnson said. “Above all, I am proud of his heart, his resilience, and his love and respect for his family, teammates and coaches.” Jones then went on to play for Murray High School, where he graduated in 2017. From there Jones attended Southern Utah University. “We knew that Braxton had a love for the game of football,” said his mother, Danielle Williams. “But it wasn’t until high school that he was really excelling playing offense and defense.” Jones’ football career started to take off
his senior year at Southern Utah University when he became the starting right tackle. This gave Jones a push in the right direction. From there his confidence in his ability grew as he became a better player and leader on the field. “Once we saw him put in the work and effort, we knew that his dream was unfolding right in front of us,” Williams said. On April 30, Jones heard his named called in the 2022 NFL draft. Jones was the 15th offensive tackle taken in the draft. The Murray High alum joined the Chicago Bears. His mom attributes much of his success to staying the course and not giving up when things got hard. “He always wanted to get better and be better. Even if he didn’t want to do something he dug deep within himself and found the courage to face whatever he needed to accomplish and achieve the next step,” Williams said. “It only goes to show that if you work hard and stay on a forward path, one day your dreams will come true.” l
Braxton Jones and coach Jeremy Johnson and family. (Photo courtesy Jeremy Johnson)
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Honorees selected at the inaugural Comcast RISE Black Excellence Event By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
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ardware Creative Collective and Comcast partnered to host the inaugural Comcast RISE Black Excellence Event in Salt Lake City on Apr. 20. The celebration honored Utah Black Creatives in a range of industries from the arts, business, education and film to mental health, armed forces, tech and venture capital. Honorees were selected based on their ability to showcase their creativity through inspiration, intersection and innovation. “It was truly amazing to see something that started as a vision and brainstorming with folks around a kitchen table turn into an extraordinary celebration of Utah’s Black creatives,” said Deneiva Knight, External Affairs Director, Comcast Mountain West Region. “For me, Hardware Collective is a platform for Black creatives to acknowledge and celebrate themselves and their peers versus waiting and hoping to receive accolades from outsiders. The love and appreciation in the room that night were unmatchable.” Honored at the event were Kenneth Boggs (fashion), Kimmy Paluch (tech), Dr. Jackie Thompson (education), Col. Jenise M. Carroll (military), Melanie D. Davis, LCMHC (mental health), Mauli Bonner (music), and Tenisha “Isha” Hicks (beauty). The celebration acknowledged the efforts of talented entrepreneurs who continue to innovate and succeed despite facing financial challenges. Comcast RISE recognizes small business owners through its brands Comcast Business and Effectv. Empowering business owners with knowledge and resources allowed them to navigate economic difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic. “As I was sewing, Motown music used to play all the time,”
said Boggs, CEO of Kenneth Boggs Suit. “Most people wanted to be like Michael Jackson, but I wanted to be David Ruffin from The Temptations because he looked really good in his suit. . . By the end of the day, my goal is to create your own story. I’m proud to be a chosen honoree for the Hardware. It makes me feel blacknificent.” Honoree Carroll serves as the 75th Air Force Wing Commander at Hill Air Force Base. She is the first African American female to hold this position in the 75 years of the Air Force. “I ask that everyone look at me as being an American first. Don’t judge me by the color of my skin or by my gender. Look at me as an American serving proudly in her country wearing this uniform,” Carroll said. “I’m standing before you letting you know there’s nothing impossible if you believe.” “Thank you to our presenting sponsors, Comcast and Zions Bank, for co-sponsoring the inaugural launch of the Hardware Creative Collective, '' said Sui Lang L. Panoke, founder, Hardware Creative Collective. “Additionally, we thank our investment sponsor, the Andrus Family Foundation, and our community sponsors, the Utah Black Chamber, and Utah Arts Alliance.” Panoke and Scott Anderson, president and CEO, Zions Bank, were inspired by the honorees and their accomplishments. “As I look upon your faces and I listen to your stories, I have been touched,” Anderson said. “I thought of the comment from the prophet Gibran, 'Through the hands of such as these God speaks, and from behind their eyes He smiles upon the earth.’ So thank you, thank you very much.” “The most advanced levels of diversity, equity and inclusion are evident when communities and organizations maximize and capitalize on their ability to stimulate and cultivate creativity
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Seven honorees were recognized at the Comcase RISE Black Excellence Event including (from left) Col. Jenise M. Carroll, Installation Commander, Hill Air Force Base; Dr. Jackie Thompson, Assistant Superintendent, Davis County School District; Mauli Bonner, Director/Filmmaker/Producer/Artist, Lift Up Voices. Photo courtesy of Comcast.
and innovative thought,” said Panoke. “And that… is how Utah does business!” Find out if you qualify to apply for small business support at www.comcastrise.com. l
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Murray City Journal
New region, same old result for Cottonwood baseball as it lifts another region crown By Brian Shaw | b.shaw@mycityjournals.com
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ometimes, time takes time. Ringo Starr wrote that song back in 1992. If you don’t know who that person is, you are probably younger than the age of 25. Speaking of kids under 25, the Cottonwood baseball team is in a new region, one that requires a lot of traveling. There’s a three-hour bus trip to get to one school and several one-hour bus rides for every other school except crosstown rival Hillcrest. So the Colts did not get off to a hot start in their new region, losing two of their first three games. Down the stretch however, the Colts got back on that saddle and won eight straight league games to claim the Region 7 title, its first in the new alignment and the first as well since that magical state title run of 2019. Cottonwood (17-7, 8-3 Region 7) finished one game ahead of Uintah in the Region 7 standings. In that eight game unbeaten run to claim their region title, the Colts scored at least seven runs and absolutely walloped their crosstown rival Hillcrest 2712 in a game that was called after five innings. That impressive run by the Colts earned them the No. 5 seed at the upcoming 5A state tournament which will begin after press time. It took a bit of time for this Cottonwood team to find the right horseshoes, but once the Colts did it was a nice, steady trot for the 2019 state champions who trampled their region opponents as they neared the finish line in 2022. They were so dominant after a stinging 3-1 loss at home to Stansbury April 26 that the closest margin of victory for any of their Region 7 opponents after that game was five runs. Several players came up big for Cottonwood including Keaton Stinson, the heavy-hitting sophomore who picked up right where he left off last month, not only matching but surpassing the three home runs he hit last month with a whopping four dingers in the final two weeks of the regular season. That gives Stinson a total of seven homers on the season going into the state tourney, the best home run total on the team. Junior Cameron Neilson finished the regular season as the top RBI getter with 29 for Cottonwood, and contributed three home runs including two in one game in that 27-12 romp at Hillcrest. Also, the run production that Cot-
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tonwood baseball has been known for over the years was still there as well. The Colts hit 54 doubles this year, led by Neilson’s eight. Stinson and senior Tavish Snow also had seven. Snow is only one of five seniors on this Cottonwood team. Another senior Parker Burk led Cottonwood with two triples along with Neilson, who stuffed every stat sheet in existence for the Colts. Sophomore Hayden Hudman led Cottonwood with a 5-1 record on the mound, taking his only L against Stansbury on April 26. Aside from that one tough outing in which Stansbury beat the Colts at their own game in a narrow 3-1 defeat Hudman wasn’t just letter perfect; in the other three region contests he only allowed a grand total of 12 hits. Domenic Versluis, who is also one of Cottonwood’s few seniors on the team, also stepped up when it counted, recording a perfect 4-0 record as a Colts pitcher. Editor’s note: After press time, Cottonwood baseball lost in the super regionals. l Hayden Hudman led Cottonwood from the mound this season. (Travis Barton/City Journals)
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Spartans take region title Photos by Travis Barton
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Keeper Marshall Benson gathers the ball with the help of his center back Jakob Mismash. Murray had a special season finishing with a 13-4 record and a region title overcoming other perennial powers in Brighton, Olympus and Skyline.
McDougalFuneralHomes.com Page 36 | June 2022
Murray City Journal
Free Comcast lift zones provide hotspot connections across the state By Peri Kinder | peri.k@davisjournal.com
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ccess to internet connection can mean the difference between staying ahead or falling behind. As the COVID-19 crisis demonstrated, families without access to the internet struggled to keep kids engaged with online school and remote work became a challenge. To address digital equity, Comcast has equipped more than 30 locations across Utah with free Wi-Fi Lift Zones to get students and adults online. “We are committed to digital inclusivity for all Utahns no matter where they live or their financial status,” said Deneiva Knight, external affairs director, Comcast Utah. “Offering free Wi-Fi Lift Zones with Comcast’s Internet Essentials program, which provides internet services to low-income customers, is a huge step toward connecting students and adults to online resources in safe, reliable locations.” Working with a network of nonprofit, community, and city partners, Comcast added Lift Zones in its service areas including West Valley, Millcreek, Murray and Bountiful. Lift Zones will complement Comcast’s Internet Essential program, which has helped connect more than 160,000 low-income Utahns to the internet at home. Since 2019, Comcast has worked with
Utah partners to install free internet services to sites, which provide low-income students with a space to participate in distance learning and complete homework. Adults are also using Lift Zones to work remotely, apply for jobs, and learn digital skills, all at no cost. “Community partners and organizations that align with our promise to create a dynamic community are leveraging South Salt Lake’s three Lift Zones,” said Lucas Horns, a City of South Salt Lake employee. “It is enhancing resources around the city and promoting a sense of community at the same time. What’s more, Comcast’s Lift Zone has become a hub for small businesses and other organizations to use.” A full list of Utah Lift Zone locations can be found at utah.comcast.com/lift-zones. “Increasingly, broadband access has become vitally important for Utahns across the state,” said Knight. “Combining more Lift Zones and the groundbreaking Internet Essentials program…not only makes sense, it’s a game changer. It literally opens a new world for students’ educational opportunities and for adults to connect online for better employment, something that was out of reach before.” l
Comcast’s Lift Zones will give low-income families access to online learning, remote work, job applications and more. (Photo courtesy of Comcast)
Steve DeBry to retire after more than 40 years in law enforcement By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
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fter serving in law enforcement for more than 40 years, Salt Lake County Councilmember and Millcreek City Chief of Police Steve DeBry will hang up his badge later this year. His career path was started by his father who became a Salt Lake County Deputy Sheriff when DeBry was 6 years old. “I remember my father came and spoke to my first-grade class,” he said. “I remember looking at him in his uniform, and I was just so proud of him. It made me so happy that he was helping people and that he was respected.” DeBry grew up on the west side of the Salt Lake Valley, graduating from Cyprus High School before attending the University of Utah. His plan was to become a history teacher and coach, but when he worked as a court bailiff for Judge Reginald W. Garff Jr., he turned back toward law enforcement. His career path changed again when he met Lorraine Lyman, who wasn’t excited to marry a police officer. He tried different jobs but nothing felt right. In March 1982, DeBry became a deputy, working for Salt Lake County Sheriff N.D. Pete Hayward. Lorraine worked part-time as a hairdresser and DeBry worked several jobs as they raised their three children. “She stuck with me through thick and
MurrayJournal .com
thin for almost 43 years and that’s very difficult because with police officers there’s a high divorce rate,” he said. At the time, mental health wasn’t addressed with law enforcement officers. DeBry said it was difficult to come home from a tragic event without letting it affect their marriage. From the start, they established good communication, learning to compromise and listen. “I tried to be open, honest and sincere with her,” he said. “There were times when I wanted to talk about something and she would listen. Most of the time, she knew when I didn’t want to talk, and she didn’t push the issue.” DeBry advanced through different units, serving on the first SWAT team in Utah, and working in schools with the Sheriff Assisting Youth program. He was one of the first detectives assigned to the Metro Gang Unit in 1990 and worked as an internal affairs investigator when Salt Lake County Sheriff Aaron Kennard promoted him to sergeant. Later, he oversaw the detective unit and COP officers in Millcreek, Cottonwood Heights, Brighton and Holladay, eventually serving as chief of police in Holladay. He’s been in Millcreek for five years and said a lot has changed in policing since
1982. There’s now an attitude from the public that’s proven deadly to some officers. Almost 150 police officers have been killed in Utah, since records have been kept. “I think the respect and admiration has decreased. Back when I started, people would give you a lot more trust and respect. Walls have gone up. It’s more of an us versus them feeling. I never felt that way myself and I’ve done everything I can to break down barriers and talk to people and get to know people…if you don’t have trust you can’t have a relationship.” He emphasizes the need to re-fund the police, get officers trained and paid well, hire the best people and support “the thin blue line that keeps everyone safe.” When he talks about the lives saved and the lives lost, he still gets emotional. The best change he’s seen over his career has been the approach to mental health. “Now we have help. Now we have mental health resources so our officers can be taken care of with what they’re dealing with,” he said. “I’m still dealing with stuff 41 years later. I can talk about it and things flood into my mind, the good stuff you did, the little kids that you find, the people you help along the way, and the tragedies you have to deal with.”
Millcreek City Chief of Police Steve DeBry will retire from law enforcement this year, after more than four decades of service. (Photo courtesy of Steve DeBry)
DeBry has served three terms on the Salt Lake County Council in the southwestern District 5 and is running for a fourth term this year. “I love my career. I would have done it over again. I think it’s the most honorable and fulfilling job anyone can have,” he said. “My legacy is that I hope I did some good and I hope I helped a lot of people along life’s journey.” l
June 2022 | Page 37
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The main staircase between the east and west wings of the new city hall. (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals)
City Hall June update By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
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rickwork emerges on the exterior of the east section of the new city call. Crews added insulation to the west wing as the main staircase between the two sections took shape. In addition, the city cleaned up existing alleyways and utility corridors on the city’s plat map near the city hall in March.
Property owners initially used these alleyways to access the rear portions of their lots and for utility companies to provide service. However, access is no longer needed, and all utilities have been removed from the site. l
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A one-horse race
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hen I was in eighth grade, I was elected to the class senate. In ninth grade, I was elected as a cheerleader. Did I deserve these titles? Probably not. But I’d bribed fellow students with copious amounts of candy because that’s the American way. After a series of decidedly terrible life choices, my scholastic career drove off the rails and I never ran for election again. When I turned 18, I registered to vote and I’ve cast a vote in every election since. I also respond to Twitter polls, fill out Amazon reviews and take surveys at the bottom of yard-long Kohl’s receipts. Now that I’m a semi-functioning adult, it’s up to me to choose the right people to lead us into the future. Since the future is nuclear bomb-shaped, we won’t need leaders much longer, but elections are important, at least until that mushroom cloud rises over the mountains. Here’s why voting is funny. You’ll get a kick out of this. When I vote for new leadership or more progressive ideas, the person/issue I’m voting for rarely wins. Why? Because I live in conservative Utah.
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People tell me to just move to a different state. I don’t want to. At least not until I can afford a lighthouse on the East Coast where I can replace the light bulb with a bat signal. So, for now, I’m here in Utah, voting for things that matter to me and to many other people, without a Popsicle’s chance in hell of it working out. In fact, we started an election night drinking game. For every winner who isn’t a conservative white male, we take a shot of tequila. We’ve been sober for decades. Because here’s the truth: My vote rarely counts in Utah. Oh, our esteemed leaders say my vote counts, but they know it’s a lie. With their abstract-painting, gerrymandered districts they’ve effectively shut down my voice. I feel all I can do is
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sit back with a bucket of chicken and wait for the Red State hate laws to take effect across the country. Sure, I can protest, but not too loud, right? I wouldn’t want to sound shrill. I reach out to my U.S. senators and representatives and get a form letter in response. The vast majority of my state leaders are conservative white men, afraid of losing control. I admire the elected women in Utah, fighting in the trenches for wom-
en’s rights, access to health care, gun control and education. That’s a difference I see between male and female roles: men want power, women want to lead. After being mansplained to since birth, I understand my female brain can’t comprehend the problems involved with running the state. Like, how can our leaders make money if we don’t let them relocate a prison across the valley so they can develop prime property? How can the state generate revenue on alcohol without ridiculous licensing fees and policies? How can we possibly treat educators, minorities, or uteruses with respect, without creating laws to rein them in? And then they have the gall to say, vote in the leaders you want. How? Tell me how and I’ll do it! Phew. I must be off my anti-hysterical meds. If I learned anything from running for office in junior high, it’s that voters will follow the candy. But as a female voter in Utah, I’m tired of the sugary-sweet, syrupy condescension.
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