$1.50 Oct. 27, 2023 | Vol. 2 Iss. 41
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MGMS Walk-a-thon huge success
MORGAN COUNTY NEWS
Students raise thousands of dollars in latest fundraiser.
page 9
Covering Your Community Since 1929
Witches ride again in Morgan
NEWS BREAK Israeli-Gaza war shows no signs of slowing Since the surprise attack on Oct. 7, thousands on both sides of the conflict have died, and there seem to be no signs of slowing. Since the attack, dozens of countries have pledged aid to either side, and visits have been made by heads of state and dignitaries, including President Biden. Experts expect to see hostilities increase as it appears Israel is preparing for a large scale ground invasion into Gaza.
The friendliest group of witches this side of Salem – The group of sorceresses paused in front of Val Corey’s decorated yard to snap a few photos. See more on page 4. Courtesy photo
US House selects Speaker
County officials hope new destination development plan will encourage tourism By Linda Petersen
C
ounty officials have been working on a Morgan County destination development plan in partnership with the Utah Department of Tourism. County Commissioner Blaine Fackrell and Justin Rees unveiled the new plan which the group has been working on for the last 18 months to commission members on Oct. 17. Prior to reviewing the plan, Fackrell had consultant Bryan Jordan of the Coraggio Group make a brief presentation to the commission on the potential impact increased tourism taxes could have on Morgan County. In 2019, $125,00 in travel and tourism tax dollars collected brought $9.6 million in total economic impact to Morgan County, according to information provided by the University of Utah Kem Gardner Policy Institute,
Jordan said. “So people that visited maybe they only drove through. Maybe they only got gas. Maybe they stayed the night. Maybe they vacationed, maybe they bought something but $9.6 million was from travel and tourism in Morgan County,” he said. “If you look at what that means from an investment standpoint, the hotels and lodging and dining establishments earned $2.4 million. If they stayed the night, that led to $9.6 million in economic impact. If you want to think of it from an investment standpoint that's a 403 percent return on your investment.” Just a small amount of additional Transient Room Taxes and restaurant taxes collected could lead to a significant increase in additional economic impact, he said. “These incremental increases in tax revenue make a huge impact on the community financially
SAG-AFTRA strike passes 100 day mark
MORGAN COUNTY has a new destination development plan.
Courtesy image/Morgan County
and economically.” Jordan encouraged commissioners to share that night’s presentation on the plan with local businesses and
PLAN on page 9
Morgan girls claim 2nd at 3A State Soccer Tournament By Liisa London Mecham
T
he Morgan girls’ soccer team finished their season in tremendous fashion battling Ogden to the end in the 3A State Championship game. Although they fell 3-1, the Trojans can proudly display their runner-up trophy and carry the knowledge that they gave it their all. Assistant Coach Jesse Henderson shared, “I am super proud of what our team accomplished this season. To go up against a very strong Ogden team that played ten seniors, and we played five of our freshmen in that state game, I am very proud of how they fought and battled.” “They have the hearts of champions, and good things are coming!” In their previous games against Odgen this year, Morgan lost 5-1 and 4-1. In the championship game, the Trojans held the Tigers scoreless for the first 38 minutes before Ogden scored on a corner kick that was tapped in from inside the penalty box with less than two minutes remaining in the first half. Down 0-1 at the half, Morgan came out on the defense but the Tigers, fueled
Mike Johnson, a Republican from Lousiana has just been voted in as the new Speaker of the House. Johnson, a vocal supporter of former President Trump, was voted in as Speaker of the House on Oct. 25, and was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives back in 2016. Johnson has a background as an attorney focusing on constitutional law., and before his election to the House saw experience in education, radio, and business.
Despite an agreement being reached with the Writer’s Guild of America, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists are still on strike. Much of the same causes that spurred the writer’s strike are still sticking points for SAG-AFRA, including royalties for streaming, the AI controversy, and the use of their apperance in perpetuity. As the strike drags on, the world of entertainment enters more and more uncharted territory.
Alaskan Airline flight lands safely after attempted takeover An Alaskan Airline flight from Seattle to San Fransisco made an unscheduled landing in Portland on Sunday, Oct. 22. The cause was an off-duty pilot who attempted to take control of the aircraft, and apparently shut down the engines. The man was immediately subdued and removed from the cockpit, and arrested upon landing. The motive behind these actions is still under investigaiton, though the man is being charged heavily for interfereing with the flight.
Utah Halloween display received national attention
MORGAN’S PLAYERS CELEBRATE a goal in their 3-0 semifinal victory over Canyon View. Courtesy photo
by their first-half success, were on the attack. In the opening minutes, Ogden had several shots on goal. In one series, Miya Turner made two great saves, and
then Macie Miller stopped the ball from crossing the goal line. Unfortunately,
SOCCER on page 5
A humorous and somewhat risque Halloween display in Granstville has received national attention and has been requested by the city to be removed. The display, which features a skeleton using a streen sign like a pole dancer, with other skeletons watching, has been the source of consternation for many citizens in the area. Other citizens, however, have contributed, adding more skeletons to the scene as the days have passed.