The Morgan County News | May 24, 2024

MORGAN COUNTY NEWS

Covering Your Community

Morgan boys back-to-back state track champions

By Liisa London Mecham

After Morgan finished second at the Region 13 Track Championships to Union on their home turf, some were counting the Morgan boys team, the reigning state champions, out of the state race, but the Trojan Track Family certainly wasn’t. Behind their 2024 theme “Why Not You?”, Morgan's team rallied together to prove their naysayers wrong and to bring home their second consecutive 3A State Boys Track Championship, and fourth of the past five titles.

With titles in 1996, 2019, (no championship was held in 2020 due to Covid), 2021, 2023, and 2024, the boys track program is now tied with the girls basketball program with five titles apiece, just behind boys golf with six and football with eight (girls volleyball leads with 20 titles).

The remarkable comeback story begins and ends with the track family theme–“Why Not You?” Returning from

the Arcadia National Meet earlier in the spring, seniors Tucker Giles and Brogan Garrett brainstormed with coaches to find a mantra for the year. “Why Not You?” rose to the top, and since it was introduced, members of the track family have embraced the motto, giving their best and answering the question for themselves, “Why Not You? Why won’t you be the one to push harder at practice, to PR when you’re tired, or to win a race no one expected you to win? “Why Not You?”

At the State Track Meet, there are countless stories of individuals on the Morgan track team who embodied the theme and performed above expectations. These individuals pulled together to earn the 112.50 points that put the Trojans on top. Juab finished second with 87 points and the Region 13 Champion Cougars earned third with 82.

Morgan’s individual and relay state champions celebrated the title along with other placers, non-state qualifiers, and

fans as one. “No one achieves greatness alone,” sophomore sprinter, hurdler and high jumper Kenny Whitmer declared. “It takes a team and a family!”

Family is the cornerstone of the Morgan coaching staff’s philosophy. Coach Brennen Fuller uses the hashtag #familyovereverything to describe the relationship his team has amongst themselves.

“I am SO proud of my team and how they battle and come together,” he shared on social media.

“The boys have been battling setbacks, injuries, and illnesses going into state… but they knew they had a shot at it, and man, did they show up the last few days. As with the region tournament, we had our downs.. but kids that we weren’t expecting stepped up for their family! They were able to cap it off with their Back 2 Back title. Those senior boys

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County commissioners tweak fairgrounds plan

By Linda Petersen

Morgan’s county commission has taken the next step in the process of reinventing the county fairgrounds. On May 7 Wasatch Civil Engineering presented a broad-strokes concept plan to the commissioners as a starting point in developing a final plan.

Wasatch Civil Engineering held a kickoff meeting with the commissioners and the public in May 2022 and since then has solicited public input on the plan on the county website. Both commissioners and the public agree that the first priority should be developing more parking, including horse trailer and RV parking, for the county fair and other events.

The site has two major impediments that need to be addressed in the plan, Tyson Knobla, a Wasatch Civil Engineering GIS specialist said.

“A major flood plain encompasses a large part of this park which prohibits the construction of major structures but can allow for some surface features including parking and fields,” he said.

THIS CONCEPT PLAN shows what the Morgan County Fairgrounds could look like in the future.

There are also two major pipeline easements through the property. Despite these constraints Tyson expressed confidence that they could be worked around. This initial plan includes two fullsize multi-use fields that could be used for soccer or other sports, five major parking areas including a gravel parking area, an asphalt paved trail connecting several of these areas, additional pickleball courts near the current courts, improved access to the river and a pro-

posed site for a new events center.

“This is really about the only location you could fit an event complex,” Tyson said. “We recognize that that is probably larger in scope and budget than what is currently planned but we wanted to identify an area that could potential-

Study sheds new light on dinosaurs

Despite being extinct for millions of years, new information is always being found about dinosaurs, and this time, it’s pretty significant. According to new studies reported on by CNN, dinosaurs may well have had a good mix of warm-blooded, and cold-blooded species. Paleontologists have reached this conclusion due to the finding of fossils in arctic areas, the likelihood of feathers on these species, and their dayto-day activities, which would have been impossible for cold-blooded animals. Of course, some experts disagree, citing findings of other fossils in other regions. The potential, however, of dinosaurs in frozen environments could mean a completely different view of the animals than previously held.

Adult attention span shrinking

A recent report on CNN cited evidence that the average adult's attention span is shrinking. Over the past 20 years, attention spans have shrunk from two and a half minutes to only 47 seconds. This diminishing has been attributed to several factors, including screen time, social media content like Tik Tok which is catered to shorter offerings, and interruptions at work. Hope is not lost, however. The article cites methods that everyone can use to increase their attention span, everything from avoiding social media or making it more difficult to access to taking a walk in nature and unplugging from the screens that dominate our day-to-day lives.

Chiefs kicker causes commencement speech stir

Just when the relationship between Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce bolstered female NFL viewership and fanbase, things took an immediate turn when fellow Kansas City Chiefs player and kicker Harrison Butker made some inflammatory comments during a commencement speech just last week. Butker’s speech started out fairly ordinary but soon turned to speaking directly to the female graduates, telling them that they had been lied to and that it was likely that their true ambitions lay with home and family rather than career. The unbalanced nature of the speech caused severe backlash online amongst proponents of Feminism, and female rights activists. At the time of going to press, Butker has not responded to the backlash.

Iranian president dies

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and several others were killed in a helicopter crash this week. At the time of going to press, it is uncertain what caused the crash, though an attack is deemed unlikely. Rather, experts are leaning toward the age of the aircraft, a model originating in the 1960s, and the weather, which included dense fog and rain. Raisi’s death comes at a tumultuous time in the region, right on the heels of an Iranian drone and rocket attack on Israel, in the midst of that nation’s ongoing war with Palestine/Gaza. Raisi is expected to be replaced fairly quickly as Iran, and its allies mourn the loss of the president.

‘Finding Nemo Kids’ Mountain Green Musical Theatre presents movie classic page 8

MORGAN’S 4X400 TEAM of Tucker Giles, Brogan Garrett, Kenny Whitmer and Maverick Guymon won first place at the state meet.

Photo Courtesy of John Heywood

Courtesy image/Morgan County

A LOOK BACK

Staying safe around this Utah predator

By Braden Nelsen

MORGAN - The second largest feline on the American continent may be closer related to a house cat than to a lion, but make no mistake: mountain lions, sometimes called cougars, pumas, or other nicknames, are not predators to be trifled with, and an encounter with one may be terrifying. Fortunately, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) has provided helpful tips to both avoid these animals and survive encounters with them.

Attacks on humans by mountain lions are very rare, but, as development proceeds and their natural habitat shrinks, more and more have been sighted in suburban and urban areas. However, people are more likely to see mountain lions in the same area where they encounter their prey: deer, pronghorn, and other mammals.

“People are the most likely to encounter cougars in areas frequented by mule deer and during the early morning and at dusk when cougars are most likely to be hunting,” Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Game Mammals Coordinator Darren DeBloois said. Mountain lions are also known to “cache” their prey, or hide it under dirt, leaves, or snow for later eating.

Of course, the best way to survive an encounter with a mountain lion is to simply avoid them. The Utah DWR suggests the following methods to significantly reduce the chances of seeing a cougar in the wild:

• Do not hike or jog alone.

• Maintain awareness in cougar country while hiking or jogging and avoid using headphones that block out your surroundings.

• Travel in groups and keep everyone together, including children and dogs.

• Make noise while hiking to alert cougars of your presence.

• Leave the area if you find a dead animal, especially deer or elk since it could be a cougar kill.

• If you live in an area near deer habitat, do not leave children outside unattended, especially at dawn and dusk.

• As a deterrent, install outside and motion-sensitive lighting around your property.

• Trim vegetation and remove wood piles to reduce hiding places for wildlife.

• Bring pets and livestock inside at night or secure them in a barn or kennel with a top.

Cougars are stealthy predators, however, and even when doing all the right things, people have still had run-ins with

them all over Utah. As opposed to predators like grizzly bears where the prevailing advice is to play dead, the DWR suggests the opposite in the unlikely event that residents encounter cougars:

• Never run from a cougar, since that could trigger the cougar’s instincts to chase.

• Maintain eye contact.

• Pick up children and pets or keep them very close.

• Stand up tall.

• Do not crouch or squat.

• Make yourself look bigger by raising and waving your arms or jacket above your head.

• Talk firmly in a loud voice, back away slowly, and leave the area.

• Fight back if you are attacked! Protect your head and neck.

• If you are aggressive enough, the

UDOT seeks input on I-84 interchange plan

By Linda Petersen

The Utah Department of Transportation

is conducting an environmental assessment of the proposed Mountain Green I-84 interchange and related improvements including the proposed southern extensions of Trappers Loop Road and the proposed removal of the Exit 92 on and off ramps. The project is intended to improve highway and interstate mobility on I-84, SR-167 and Old Highway Road through improving roadway network linkages.

On May 1 at Mountain Green Middle School, UDOT representatives informed the public about the project in a scoping meeting. They provided information on the environmental process, mobility needs in the area, and the proposed action being evaluated. Now they are looking for public input.

Those who comment are asked to be specific in their comments and to focus on the action being considered and its potential impacts. Comments should include where the individual travels to in the area,

transportation issues she/he sees in the area, community features that are important to them, what they think would make that area easier to walk and bike through and what environmental impacts concern them.

The public input period is open through May 31. Interested parties may comment through a link at the Morgan County website: https://udotinput.utah. gov/I84mountaingreen#tab-50356, by email to i84mountaingreen@utah.gov, by mail to I-84 Mountain Green Study Project Team, care of Avenue Consultants, 6605 S. Redwood Rd. Suite #200, Taylorsville, UT 84123.

This input will help the project team develop an environmental document for the project which is expected to be completed in early 2025 when public input will again be solicited.

Interested residents may contact the project team at 385-365-1616 or visit the website at https://udotinput.utah.gov/ I84mountaingreen. l

cougar will probably flee.

“Typically, a cougar that is trying to prey on something will sneak up and ambush them,” DeBloois said. “When a cougar lunges or bluffs a charge at someone, they are typically just trying to drive them out of the area because they have kittens or a kill nearby that they are trying to protect.”

While it may seem logical to report a cougar sighting, the DWR states that onetime sightings usually indicate the animal is simply passing through, and therefore do not need to be reported. Cougar sightings should be reported if the animal is sighted more than once in the same area, if pets or livestock have been killed, or if the animal is exhibiting aggressive behavior. l

MOUNTAIN LIONS are stealthy, ambush predators, and can be hard to spot at times. Photos courtesy of Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

THIS IMAGE DEPICTS the area being studied in the I-84 interchange environmental assessment.

Courtesy image/UDOT

THE UTAH DIVISION OF WILDLIFE RESOURCES advises residents to be aware of areas where mountain lions may be: anywhere a deer might be, a cougar could be too.

Schools in MCSD perform one last time

With the school year ending, the music departments at Morgan High School, Morgan Middle School and Mountain Green Middle School performed one final concert. MHS Orchestra performed May 13 under the

direction of Rudy Cordeiro. MHS and MMS performed May 14 under the direction of Sadie Julander and MGMS band and choir performed May 16 under the direction of Kennan Thompson. MHS and MMS Bands under the

direction of Chad McLean performed May 15. Each group showcased the talent that is alive and strong within Morgan County.

MHS ORCHESTRA

Photo Credit Verlene Johnson

ADVANCED MS CHOIR SINGS “One More Day,” “It Don’t Mean a Thing.”

SEVENTH AND EIGHTH GRADE Advanced MS Combined Choir sing “Have it All.”

SEVENTH AND EIGHTH GRADE CHOIR sing “Ain’t no Mountain High Enough” and “Surfin’ USA Medley.”

Photos by Verlene Johnson

SPORTS

Morgan Trojans boys tennis save best for last

By Brian Shaw

After putting a tough season together and making it work for the betterment of the team that is fairly young to begin with, the Morgan Trojans boys tennis team finished third overall at the Region 13 Championships at Liberty Park.

It starts with sophomore Sawyer Peterson, a player that Morgan head coach Gary Weitzeil said has loads of potential.

“We’re just very young across the board,” said Weitzeil, who noted that his team had no seniors returning for this year’s squad.

Peterson advanced all the way to the Region 13 final before losing 1-6 and 6-2. Armed with a No. 16 seed, the Morgan sophomore competed at the recently completed 3A state tennis championships and lost to No. 17 Logan Bergfeld of South Sevier, 0-6 and 2-6. Still and all, a bronze medal at the region championships should bode well for Peterson.

In second singles though, the Trojans had their first big breakthrough.

Treyson Ordyna also reached the Region 13 semifinals like Peterson. But, with a No. 13 seed in his pocket at the 3A state championships, the Morgan junior pocketed that knowledge and won his first-round match in straight sets, 6-0 and 6-0 over Draper APA’s Oliver Slaugh.

Ordyna would then register arguably the biggest upset of the year for the Trojans when he dispatched of No. 4 Peter Ondrus of Ogden in a second-round

state tournament slugfest, 6-4 and 7-6. The Morgan junior’s magic carpet ride would end in the 3A quarterfinals in a loss to Grantsville’s Rowan Nielsen, 2-6 and 2-6.

Junior Dax Helsten was Morgan’s pick in third singles for the state tournament and the No. 19 fought hard before falling to higher-seeded Cameron Jones of Carbon, 7-6, 5-7, and 6-7—a literal battle in every sense of the word, the kind of tennis that Coach Weitzeil said the Trojans are capable of playing.

“Because we’re so young, we’ve had to play catchup for most of the season,” he said before the Region 13 tour-

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won 3 out of 4 years!”

“On the girls' side, we lost almost all of our girls' points from last year’s state championship team to graduation and weren't even looking to go even top 10.. but these girls exceeded our expectations and went top 5 at state!” he concluded.

Fuller was awarded 3A Coach of the Year and shared the honor with his staff. “I have the BEST staff,” he noted. “I was awarded Coach of the Year, but I completely give that to my coaches who give SO much to these kids and have bought into the culture and family that has brought us so much success. This is impossible without all of us. I love this track family!”

Fuller’s sentiments are echoed in each member of the track team who was interviewed after the championship. High jumper Joe McLean, who medaled at state after qualifying by mark at Region Championships explained, “I couldn’t have done it without the track fam around me cheering and supporting me. That’s the main thing.”

Jumper and hurdler Lainey Hansen declared, “I love all things about Morgan High track and field. I love the family atmosphere that we have. I couldn’t have gotten anywhere without my teammates, my coaches and my family’s support.”

“Track has been the best part of my life since I joined the team,” senior thrower Londyn Elmer reminisced. “Leaving my track family is going to be the hardest goodbye as a senior.”

Hurdler and javelin thrower Gavin DeWitt added, “Why Not You? It was our team motto for the year.” And in a crazy, yet relatable way to

success, performance and seizing the day, Maverick Guymon quoted Bodie Erickson;s “If you don’t eat it hot, it will be cold.” Way to seize the day, Trojans.

Although it’s hard to break a family down into individual parts, Morgan celebrated three individual state champions: seniors Tucker Giles, Brogan Garrett and Abby Titus.

In addition, four more athletes earned gold as members of the 4x400 relay and Sprint Medley Relay along with Garrett and Giles. Running the Sprint Medley were Jake Carter (12), Jacob Halls (10), Maverick Guymon (11) and Giles (12). Their gold medal time was 3.33.73.

Members of the 4x400 relay include Giles (12), Guymon (11), Kenny Whitmer (10), and Garrett (12). They cruised to a 3:22.92 victory.

In addition to his 4x400 and sprint relay gold medals, Giles won an individual championship in the 800m (1:58.24) and earned a bronze in the 110m hurdles (15.49).

Garrett also medaled in three events in addition to the 4x400. He brought

nament.

It seems that Morgan might finally be settling in and playing good tennis, though.

In first doubles, the duo of juniors Luke Wilson and Jackson Flitton fell in the second round of the Region 13 Championships. But at the state tournament and with the No. 13 seed, Wilson and Flitton fared better. In the first round, they whacked No. 20-ranked Kannon Christiansen and Coby Rasmussen of Manti, 6-4 and 6-0 before falling to Grand’s No. 4 team of Oren Moore and Jacob Jones in the second round, 2-6 and 5-7.

Then, to wrap up a crowded lineup, the Trojans trotted out junior Tripp Curtis and freshman Blake Hadley in second doubles. At the Region 13 Championships, the Morgan duo reached the semifinals.

At state, Hadley and Curtis put their No. 16 seed to good use in the first round and dispatched of Draper APA’s pair of Finnegan McVicar and Weston Stratton, 6-2 and 6-3. Morgan’s duo then faced the No. 1 team from Waterford of Shayan Pandit and Nathan Kwon, falling 2-6 and 4-6.

STATE TRACK MEET RESULTS

BOYS RELAYS

4x400-1st place Giles, Maverick Guymon, Kenny Whitmer, Brogan Garrett

Sprint Medley- 1st Place- Jake Carter, Jake Halls, Maverick Guymon, Tucker Giles, 4x100-3rd place - Christian Nunez, Tate Nelson, Jake Halls, Talmadge Sommers (43.33)

BOYS INDIVIDUAL PLACERS

Tucker Giles- 1st (800m), 3rd (110m Hurdles) Brogan Garrett- 1st (400m); 2nd (200m), 4th (100m) Kenny Whitmer- 2nd (110m Hurdles), 4th (High Jump), 8th (400m) Maverick Guymon- 2nd (300m Hurdles), 6th (110m Hurdles) Christian Nunez-7th (Long Jump) Gavin DeWitt- 4th (Javelin); 6th (300m hurdles) Joe McLean- 6th (High Jump) Bodie Erickson-8th (300m hurdles) GIRLS RELAYS 4x100- 3rd-Abby Titus, Brier Gailey, Lauren Kobe, Caitlyn Flitton Sprint Medley- 7th place Brier Gailey, Caitlyn Flitton, Kate Brewer, Alexis Cox 4x400- 5th-Aubree Brooks, Sarah Wilkinson, Lainey Hansen, Kate Brewer

INDIVIDUAL PLACERS

Abby Titus-1st (High Jump); 2nd (Long jump) Tori Smith- 3rd (shot put) Lainey Hansen-6th (300m hurdles) Londyn Elmer-7th (discus) Kate Brewer-8th (400m) Kendall Peterson-8th (long jump

home his individual gold in the 400m (47.74), claimed second in the 200m (21.91), and finished third in the 100m (11.17).

Another four-medal winner was Renaissance sophomore Kenny Whitmer who sprints, hurdles and jumps. Along with his gold in the 4x400, he earned a silver in the 110m hurdles (15.31), fourth in the high jump (6-0.0) and eighth in the 400m (51.28).

Junior Maverick Guymon collected three medals with gold in the 4x400, silver in the 300m hurdles (39.66) and sixth in the 110m hurdles (16.02).

Titus won her gold in the high jump (5-3.0) and earned a silver in the long jump and a bronze in the 4 x 100 relay. Going into the long jump finals, Titus

qualified eighth out of nine with a jump of 15-8.75. In her first jump of the finals, she improved by over 12 inches to jump 16-9.0 to move into second place. Freshman Kendall Peterson placed eighth in the long jump (15-11.0).

Titus effused: "I cannot believe the amazing opportunity that track has been for me these past four years! I am so grateful for the wonderful family that I was able to be a part of, and I am beyond grateful for each of the coaches.”

“Without this family, I would have never been able to come as far as I did. It was a dream come true when I became the 3A girls high jump state champion.

DAX HELSTEN

Photos courtesy of Studio One Images

SAWYER PETERSON

TREYSON ORDYNA

SENIOR ABBY TITUS clears the bar at 5’3” to win the state championship.

SENIOR GAVIN DEWITT throws the javelin at the state meet. DeWitt took fourth in the javelin and sixth in the 300m hurdles.

Photos Courtesy of John Heywood

CHRISTIAN NUNEZ jumps through the air in the long jump pit. Nunez claimed seventh place.

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I never would have thought that this could have ever happened. I want the track team to know how much I love each of them and how influential they have been to me throughout my four years of track. They are the ones who pushed me to work harder each day and to do my best. My teammates were the ones I ran and jumped for at every meet, especially region and state. I want each of them to remember the phrase “Why Not You?” as they continue to compete in the years to come.”

Morgan’s hurdlers crushed it on the track. Coach Michelle Wilkinson aka “Coach Mom” led the hurdlers and rejoiced in their success at BYU. Morgan advanced four hurdlers to the 300m finals and placed three (2nd, 6th and 8th). In the 110m hurdles, they advanced three to the finals and finished second, third and fourth. In the girls’ 300m, Lainey Hansen qualified for the finals.

Coach Wilkinson detailed,” Our goal from the beginning of the year was to take as many hurdlers to the state finals as possible. We almost got all four in both races (Gavin barely missed qualifying in the 110’s.)”

“Those boys have pushed each other all year long in practice and at meets. Nothing gets you better faster than having teammates who are the best in the state,” she continued.

“I would always love to have every one of my athletes on the podium, but I’m even more proud that they work hard together and truly care about each other. They are amazing boys, and I’m so grateful I get to be their coach.”

“On the girls’ side, we weren’t as deep, but my varsity four were a tight-knit group. We were all brokenhearted when Sara didn’t make finals, but Lainey

stepped up and made us all proud with her 6th-place finish in the 300’s. Those girls cheered each other on every step of the way. Her win was a win for them all.” Wilkinson summarized.

The girls’ team wrapped up their season with a fifth-place finish, six individual medalists, and three relays that placed. l

MGES STUDENTS OF THE MONTH FOR APRIL

JOE MCLEAN leaps over the bar in the high jump. McLean placed 6th.

THE MORGAN TRACK TEAMS celebrate the boys back-to-back championship at the 3A State Meet. The girls team placed fifth.

ABBY TITUS TAKES her first jump of the long jump finals. This jump moved her from eighth place to second.

TUCKER GILES raises his hands in victory as he hits the tape in the 800m race.

Photos Courtesy of John Heywood

KINDERGARTNERS

Shelby West, River Shaw, Lily Whitear, Gatlin Kirk *not pictured Peyton Lehr

BREKLYN BUTTERS, OAKS ORTON

MGES Students of the Month. Our theme for April was MANNERS. Our sponsor for SOTM is FLY HIGH.

1ST GRADERS

Juniper Marshall, Thomas Perkins, Gemma Olaveson, Mac Wilding

2ND GRADERS  Ephraim Holden, Avery Atwood, Jorie Hansen, Averie Horne, Lydia Gardner

3RD GRADERS

Davis Rabe, Drake Schultz , Waylon McKean, Jack North, Kaylin Snodgrass

4TH GRADERS

Michael Mendenhall , Samantha Linford, Brielle Bess *not pictured, Madison Hunt

MGES STUDENTS OF THE MONTH FOR MAY

This year at MGES we implemented Student of the Month, our theme was the "EAGLE IN ME".

Each month our teachers selected a student in their class who had the characteristic of the month. May was EXCEPTIONAL- the student who displayed most of the previous characteristics. Thank to FLY HIGH for sponsoring our students of the Months this year! l

KINDERGARTNERS

MCSD schools give last performance

by

4TH GRADERS

Kaleb Weeks, Ella Pace, Zoey North, Lennox Smith

Lucy Jones, Jett Manwaring, Hudson Story, Davey (Matthew) Redding

HAYZEN MORRIS, STERLING COX

1ST GRADERS  Blair Cook, Piper Peay, Luke Hansen, George Lawlor, Luca Whittier

2ND GRADERS

Olivia Hansen, William Redding, Evan Zemke, Genevieve Morgan, Cora Taylor

3RD GRADERS

Maverick Whittier, Rowan Sundberg, Johnny Whitmer, Makayla Love, Breklyn Buttars

Photos

Verlene Johnson

Mountain Green Musical Theatre presents ‘Finding Nemo Kids’ with the students from MGES

In April, Mountain Green Elementary students in conjunction with Mountain Green Musical Theatre performed “Disney’s Finding Nemo Kids.” This new production based on the 2003 film “Finding Nemo” was directed by Jennifer Hancock, with music director Michelle Stocking. Choreography was done by Tori Cox with costumes designed by Marina Hallsten. Each cast got the opportunity to perform for the community twice. These young stars show a promising future for the arts in Morgan County.

BLUE

CAST ORANGE CAST

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ly be used and not build major features there.”

The anticipated budget for all the improvements would be in the neighborhood of $74 million. This could be handled in a phased approach over many years and developed as grant funding and other funding could be found, Tyson said. Commissioners responded mostly positively to the plan and threw out some ideas of their own.

Parking needs to be a priority, Commissioner Matt Wilson said. “I think that

whole area where the event complex is going has to be parking. You barely can fit people as it is.”

Another important priority is planning a location for a future exhibit building, Commission Chair Mike Newton said. “Our current exhibit building is nearing the end of its life. It’s in pretty sad shape so we need to provide for some space for that. Additionally, we have a request to from the livestock group to extend their livestock barn to the north.”

“One of the biggest goals is this event complex is not just going to be for the fairground time, the Fourth of July time; it’s going to be a year-round event

center,” Commissioner Blaine Fackrell said.

More pickleball courts would allow the county to host tournaments which could bring in more tourism dollars and help pave the way for a future hotel, he said. Fackrell also suggested that a water kayak park on the river might be a possibility sometime in the future.

Commissioner Jared Anderson expressed appreciation for the work that has been done on the plan so far and said the county should begin to move forward toward making the plan a reality.

“I know we need to use some impact fees that we have available,” he said. “Currently we are renting field space

from the school for our recreation sports, so this is very, very helpful.” Commissioner Robert McConnell agreed.

“The fundamental thing that we would want to identify is to first get some cost estimates with respect to some of the items,” he said. “I think it sounds like we need to move forward [on] at least one of the fields sooner rather than later.” Wasatch Civil Engineering will take the feedback provided by the commissioners and work on further refining the fairgrounds plan, Tyson said. l

MARLIN, NEMO, Pearl, Tad, Sheldon, sing “Big Blue World.”

PROFESSOR RAY sings part of “Big Blue Worlds.”

“FISH ARE FRIENDS NOT FOOD” sung by Bruce, Chum, Anchor and sharks.

TANK GANG.

FINALE OF “FINDING NEMO.”

JELLY FISH SING “Just Keep Swimming.”

JELLY FISH, Nemo and Dory.

DORY, CRUSH, AND NEMO perform “Go with the Flow” with sea turtles in the background.

NEMO AND HIS sea friends being caught in a net. Photo credit Kelsey Hadley

are hoping for a gradual snow melt.”

Barbara Dickson Whittier, age 97 passed away May 15, 2024. Barbara was born to Anona and Reed Dickson on Oct. 5, 1926 and with the exception of some time at college resided in Morgan her entire life.

By Linda Petersen

M

ore than half of this winter’s snow has melted, and widespread flooding is not anticipated, according to the Utah Department of Natural Resources. Short periods of warm temperatures followed by cooler weather and precipitation have helped slow snowmelt.

“A slow warmup is exactly what we need to have a safe and effective spring runoff,” Candice Hasenyager, director of the Division of Water Resources, said in a press release. “We still have a good amount of snow in the mountains, so we

This year’s snowpack peaked on April 2 at 18.8” snow water equivalent, 131 percent of normal, the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s May Water Supply Report said.

As of May 1, most of Utah’s major watersheds were 90 percent of normal precipitation or above for the 2024 water year, with the northern Utah basins faring the best. Statewide, reservoirs are currently at 90 percent, around 22 percent higher than normal. East Canyon Reservoir is currently seeing water levels at more than 88 percent. l Spring snowmelt has been perfect in Morgan County and much of state, officials say

MGMS Performs songs of America

By Quinn Ouellette

Great American is a challenge that the fifth graders at Mountain Green Middle School do every year! The fifth graders have the option to participate in the challenge. But it is a challenging task, students must do many things. It is hard work, but if you work for it they can complete it.

Some of the tasks students must pass off are: writing the Pledge of Allegiance in cursive, with no errors, recite the National Anthem, the Preamble and the Gettysburg Address from memory. In addition, students must pass the 100-question citizenship test along with all 46 presidents in order, identifying the 50 states on a map and match the states and capitals. It is crucial to be able to know all the stuff. The Great American Challenge teaches the fifth graders at MGMS. While earning the Great American is optional, all students participate in the Great American program where they perform songs they learned about America such as “Fifty Nifty,” “The Gettysburg Address,”

“God Bless the USA,” “This Land is Your Land,” and “The Preamble.”

The fifth graders had the opportunity to learn the sign language to the chorus of “God Bless the USA.” They also learned hand movements to “This Land is Your Land.”

Every Tuesday and Thursday for three weeks the students worked hard on memorizing these songs.

When the day came to perform the Great American program, the fifth graders invited family and friends to see them perform what they learned on the 15th of May. Students who worked hard for the Great American Challenge sat on the front row and In between songs the great American people gave short speeches introducing what each song would be about.

At the end of the program, students who completed all the requirements were rewarded the Great American Award. Twenty-three fifth graders passed off Great American this year Each received a certificate and a medal to show how proud the teachers were that their students had worked so hard. l

Barbara married Gerald (Short ) Whittier on Nov. 10, 1948 in the Salt Lake City Temple. She is survived by their five children, Diane (Jerry, deceased) Sorensen, Hooper, Utah, Dee (Mary Lou) Whittier, Blacksburg VA, Dick (Becky) Whittier, Logan, Utah, Jack (Robynn) Whittier, currently serving an LDS mission in Toronto Canada and Bret (Margo) Whittier, Cedar City, Utah. She is also survived by two brothers, Lee (Veloy) Dickson and Norris (Pam) Dickson both of Morgan, and a brother-in-law, Paul Porter, Bountiful, Utah. At her passing she had 21 grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald, sisters Dixie Porter and Maisie Whitaker, grandson Drew and granddaughter Katelyn.

Besides being a mother and homemaker, Barbara taught science, math, physics and chemistry at Morgan High school for 23 years, retiring in 1987. She was always active in the LDS church and served in many positions, taking a special interest in humanitarian projects. In 1989 she and her husband served an LDS mission to Alaska.

Barbara loved Morgan and took any opportunity she could to participate in organizations and activities that made Morgan an inviting place to live. She was an avid supporter of education and continued involvement with the education systems by volunteering after her retirement. For many years providing books for school age children who might not otherwise own a book.

The family would like to thank the administration and staff at Family Tree Assisted Living for their kind and respectful care of our mother these past few months. Also a special thanks to the staff of Enhabit Home Health, especially Corey, Tina and Marty. The compassion and caring they showed Mom was exceptional.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 25 at 10:30 a.m. at the Rock Church, 10 W Young Street. A viewing will be held Friday, May 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Walker Mortuary, 45 W, 200 North St. Morgan, Utah and at the Rock Church one hour prior to services, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Live streaming will be available from her obituary page on the Walker Mortuary web page. In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Philanthropies, Missionary Fund or Humanitarian Aid Fund (churchofjesuschrist. org) or donate to your favorite library.

FARM LOAN ASSOCIATION AT MORGAN NAMES HEADS

At the annual meeting of the Norgan National Farm Loan Association. V. Cassidy of the Federal Land Bank explained to the members of the new program as outlined by the Farm Credit Administration. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: President, Alonzo Francis; vice president, Ralph G. Warner; directors, Clarence Thurston, Carl Phillips, and Wilford H. Toonel secretary and treasurer, Mrs. Kate Littlefield; loan committee, Alonzo Francis, J. G. Littlefield and Hiram H. Giles.

MORGAN; WASATCH DEADLOCKED IN SUMMIT BASKETBALL RACE

Morgan and Wasatch County High won

over North Summit and Judge Memorial last Friday to continue in a deadlock for the Summit District lead, both fives having won eight and lost one. Coach Paul Rose’s Trojans of M.H.S. took a thriller at Coalville from North Summit by a 28 to 22 count, while the Heber City five romped through an easy victor against the Salt Lake City Boys, 36 to 11.

Courtesy photos

Obituaries

Hollywood Q&A

By Adam Thomlison TV Media

Q: Why are all the characters leaving “S.W.A.T.”? Is Shemar Moore planning on leaving? Is this the last season for the show?

A: This was going to be the last season of “S.W.A.T.,” but then suddenly it wasn’t. Again. CBS first canceled the cop drama in 2023 at the end of its sixth season, but then changed its mind and renewed it for a miniature seventh season (13 episodes

instead of the usual 22) to allow the show to wrap up its storylines. But then, just a few weeks ago, CBS surprisingly un-canceled it again, ordering a full, 22-episode Season 8. That is, of course, great news for fans. But unfortunately, in all the tumult, a number of stars left the show, as you say. The exodus started with Lina Esco (“Kingdom”), who left at the end of Season 5, but she was followed by Alex Russell (“Chronicle,” 2012) and Kenny Johnson (“The Shield”).

But, even here there’s some potentially good news: series lead Shemar Moore (“Criminal Minds”) — who plays the delightfully named Hondo and will be back for Season 8 — pointed out that if a show can be canceled twice and come back, anything’s possible.

“Nobody died,” he told Deadline.com.

“And in the world of Hollywood, anything can happen.”

With that in mind, this time no one’s saying whether Season 8 (scheduled for the fall) is the last one.

Q: Is Timothy Olyphant going to do another season of “Justified”?

A: Another season of “Justified” is a distinct possibility, but it doesn’t look likely any time soon.

The series, which originally ran on FX from 2010 to 2015, returned last year for a limited series called “City Primeval.”

That was always intended as a one-anddone installment — a sort of update on the life of Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens — but with the understanding that others could follow in the same fashion.

It’s unlikely to be soon, though, because star Timothy Olyphant (“Daisy Jones & The Six”), who played Givens, has signed on for an incredibly high-profile new project: the TV adaptation of the 1979 horror classic “Alien.”

This, too, will air on FX, and is being written and produced by Noah Hawley, who previously gave us another great cinemato-TV adaptation, “Fargo.” (Olyphant also starred in the fourth season of “Fargo,” so everyone’s going to know each other on set, which is nice.)

The “Alien” series is reportedly still filming and won’t likely see release until 2025.

Haveaquestion?Emailusat questions@tvtabloid.com.Pleaseinclude yournameandtown.Personalreplieswill notbeprovided.

Monday

M*A*S*H: The Comedy That Changed Television

(13) KSTU 7 p.m.

This feature-length documentary pays homage to the beloved, influential and enduring comedy, “M*A*S*H.” The special features new interviews with cast members and producers, never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage, photos, stories and more.

Weakest Link

(5) KSL 9 p.m.

During this special episode, eight U.S. military veterans join to answer rapid-fire trivia questions, each hoping to evade elimination from the game. With a huge cash prize at stake, these comrades in arms will have to choose allegiances to win.

Tuesday America’s Got Talent

(5) KSL 7 p.m.

Singers, dancers, magicians and the occasional fire-eating ventriloquist prove that talent in the United States remains top-notch as aspiring performers hope to win that $1 million prize. Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel and Sofia Vergara judge.

The Quiz With Balls

(13) KSTU 8 p.m.

It takes balls to compete at the highest level on a television quiz show. And that is precisely the point for the premiere of this new game show where families must work together to answer questions right or be run over by giant balls. Jay Pharoah hosts.

Wednesday

The Price Is Right at Night

(2) KUTV 7 p.m.

Junior fans of this beloved game show can rejoice, as this episode sees host Drew Carey inviting the game’s youngest superfans to “come on down” and try their hand at some price-guessing games that could earn them cash, prizes and a shot at the showcase.

Pompeii: The New Dig

(7) KUED 9 p.m.

In this gripping series finale, archeologists work to wrap up the excavations of the home of a wealthy Pompeiian and a nearby bakery and laundry. They uncover fascinating details of what the people were doing as the city was destroyed by molten ash.

TELEVISION GUIDE

Thursday

I Can See Your Voice (13) KSTU 7 p.m.

Grab your partner and swing ‘em round, because it’s time for Country Night: This week, Finesse Mitchell and Maddie & Tae visit and serve as celebrity detectives, and the duo listens to some good ole country tunes performed by singers good and bad.

Lovers and Liars

(30) KUCW 9 p.m.

Tensions reach an all-time high between the ladies when they’re forced to share their men with the competition during this week’s group dates. Afterwards, Nikki Glaser performs, and tough choices are made leading into the men’s final eliminations.

Friday

WWE Friday Night SmackDown

(13) KSTU 7 p.m.

Coming out of the major King and Queen of the Ring PLE, their muscles are twitching for some hard-hitting action as the stars of WWE, including Jade Cargill, Cody Rhodes, LA Knight, Bianca Belair and Randy Orton, head to New York’s capital city of Albany.

20/20

(4) KTVX 8 p.m.

No story is off limits for host David Muir and correspondents Juju Chang, John Quiñones and Diane Sawyer. From true crime to celebrity scandals, these ABC News journalists dive into the nitty-gritty of the stories that are sure to captivate viewers.

We’re Here

HBO 9 p.m.

In this Season 4 finale, Jaida Essence Hall sits down to give an inside look at the season and the drag queens and townspeople who made it happen. From Priyanka, to Sasha Velour, to Latrice Royale, the drag show must go on and on and on.

Saturday

Property Virgins

A&E 10:30 a.m.

When potential first-time property owners hit a road

block, it’s time to call top realtor Wendy Wolfe for some help. This time, a couple looks to move out of their basement rental, but they disagree on what they want in a starter home.

The Life and Murder of Nicole Brown Simpson

LIFE 6 p.m.

The premiere of this two-part documentary about the life and death of Nicole Brown Simpson revisits the story of her life with O.J. Simpson, some 30 years after her murder. Her sisters, friends and others reflect on who she was and what she went through. How I Learned to Fly STARZ 8:15 p.m.

Teenage brothers are abandoned after suffering from years of mental and physical abuse by their father (Cliff Smith). Older brother Daniel (Marcus Scribner) is determined to make things OK, but younger brother Eli (Lonnie Chavis) struggles.

Sunday 2024 U.S. Women’s Open Golf Championship

USA 1 p.m.

Known as one of the oldest inland cities in the country, Lancaster, Pa., now acts as home to the final round of this year’s U.S. Women’s Open. With several past champions on the course, including Allison Corpus, it should be an exciting finish.

60 Minutes

(2) KUTV 6 p.m.

The longest-running newsmagazine returns for a new episode. From politics to pop culture, CBS News correspondents Lesley Stahl, Scott Pelley, Bill Whitaker and more shine a light on the most pressing issues in the United States and the people involved.

Thursday

(4) KTVX 8 p.m. Grey’s Anatomy

In this Season 4 premiere, Joey shows her mother the door, but suspects she was right about Rex. Then, Lorena, Josh and Aryn examine their throuples history and Lorena’s preference for spontaneity. Casimar hopes to end the terrible fighting with Alexes.

Although it’s been renewed for a 21st season, there’s still the case of the Season 20 finale of “Grey’s Anatomy,” airing Thursday, May 30, on ABC. This time, the colleagues of

try their

to

in

Celebrity Profile

By Jay Bobbin TV Media

Jeremy Renner is resuming his current series, but for quite a while there, the question of whether he’d be able to.

On New Year’s Day 2023 near his Nevada home, Renner was hit by a snowplow that he saved his nephew from being injured by. Renner sustained blunt chest trauma and more than 30 broken bones from the incident. He was in a hospital’s intensive care unit in critical condition, but returned home after two weeks to continue his recuperation, then started to walk again roughly three months after the accident.

By January of this year, Renner was ready to resume production on “Mayor of Kingstown,” the Paramount+ drama that starts streaming its third season Sunday, June 2. Also an executive producer of the show — created by Taylor Sheridan and series co-star Hugh Dillon (both of “Yellowstone”) — Renner stars as Mike McLusky, an exconvict who’s at the forefront of his family’s efforts to maintain peace among the various factions of their Michigan town. Contraband distribution and Russian mobsters are among McLusky’s chief problems as “Mayor of Kingstown” returns, and so is someone he knows from his time in prison. Though Oscar winner Dianne Wiest (“Bullets Over Broadway,” 1994) has exited the series as the McLuskys’ matriarch, Paula Malcomson (“Ray Donovan”) is among new cast members, with Michael Beach (“Dead Boy Detectives”) now a show regular as police captain Kareem Moore.

Restarting “Mayor of Kingstown” has been Renner’s first professional commitment since his accident, and though he also has the role of Hawkeye in Marvel Cinematic Universe projects, he has said that he wanted to see how his health and energy were from making “Mayor” again before deciding on any other career plans. (His 2023 Disney+ documentary series “Rennervations” had largely completed production before his mishap.)

Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo)

best

follow

her footsteps. Chandra Wilson, James Pickens Jr. and Kevin McKidd also star.

Dr. Jared R. Heaton Board Certified Dermatologist

Jared Heaton is an attentive and thorough dermatologist & MOHs surgeon, serving his patients in Bountiful, Centerville, North Salt Lake, Woods Cross, Farmington, Kaysville and West Bountiful.

Dr. Heaton is board-certified in dermatology and is currently a member of the American Society of MOHs Surgeons.

Dr. Heaton prides himself in serving all patient populations and treating all areas of dermatology from children through retirement age. Dr. Heaton performs skin cancer diagnosis and treatment, MOHS surgery, mole exam and removal, acne, warts, cyst removal, spider vein treatment, CO2 laser resurfacing, microneedling and many other skin and cosmetic related procedures.

Dr. Heaton received his undergraduate degree in International Relations with a minor in Asian Studies from Brigham Young University (BYU). He earned his medical degree from Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine (AZCOM) in Glendale, AZ. And completed both his internship and medical residency in Tampa, Florida.

In his spare time, Dr. Heaton enjoys snowboarding, mountain biking, vacations to Bear Lake, movies, grilling and spending time with his wife and three children at home in Bountiful.

320 W 500 S, Ste 210 Bountiful, Utah above Ski ‘N See

Dr. Marc Mitton Board Certified Dermatologist

Marc Mitton is a Utah native and cherishes the opportunity to serve the people of this beautiful state. His passion for dermatology began after receiving his own skin cancer diagnosis as a medical student. He believes that listening and being thorough are the keys to successfully practicing medicine. He specializes in skin cancer detection and removal, rashes, acne, warts and molluscum, as well as several other skin conditions. Dr. Mitton has specific interests in complex dermatological conditions and dermoscopy (the use of a light-based tool for classifying skin lesions and certain rashes). He prioritizes staying up to date on recent research, best medical practices and surgical techniques, and enjoys applying them into his practice.

Dr. Mitton received his undergraduate degree in biology at the University of Utah and graduated with his medical degree from Rocky Vista University in Parker, CO. He completed his intern year of residency at LewisGale Hospital Montgomery in Blacksburg, VA and his dermatology residency at Lehigh Valley Health Network in Allentown, PA. His residency provided many opportunities for specialized training including treating potentially life-threatening skin conditions at one of the state’s burn units, training with a nationally-renowned pediatric dermatologist, and countless exposures to rare and difficult-to-treat cases at conferences on a nearweekly basis through Lehigh Valley and the University of Pennsylvania.

In his free time, Dr. Mitton enjoys spending time with his wife and two kids, being outdoors, biking, board games, and especially making weekend breakfasts with specialty pancakes.