West Jordan Journal | July 2022

July 2022 | Vol. 8 Iss. 07

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WEST JORDAN’S WATER CONSERVATION AND DROUGHT PLAN

By Erin Dixon | e.dixon@mycityjournals.com

E

ighty-two percent of Utah is in an extreme drought, according to drought.gov. This is the stage where even native plants begin to struggle.

Residents of West Jordan do not get a pass on the drought. The city gets its water from Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District; fees are going up and the drought is going strong.

Increased fees are not simply because water demand is rising, but because JVWCD has trouble keeping employees, like many businesses this year.

Lyle Summers, West Jordan representative on the JVWCD board, reported to the City Council in June that “we’ve had a flow of employees leave for higher paying jobs.”

To keep current employees they are offering pay raises between 7% and 10%.

For most cities, the raises in employee costs and water costs means cities need to pay more for the same amount of water. While other cities are paying another 3.5%,

“West Jordan’s change in rates is only 2.5%,” Summers said.

“This reflects well on city water operators; how they operate systems during the peak time and using their own sources (city owned water wells) during the hottest time of the year.”

West Jordan City also updated their Drought Management Plan in June from one that had been in place since 2001.

The Plan allows that “Upon meeting or exceeding any one of the trigger conditions, the mayor may, by proclamation, or City Council, by resolution, initiate a drought stage or a stage change….

“In the event of scarcity of water, the mayor may limit the use of water for any purpose as may be required for the public good, as determined by the City Council. In no event may the mayor limit the use of water for domestic purposes (water use inside the home).”

Utah’s drought is more extreme than last year. (Image courtesy JVWCD)

Continued page 6

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July 2022 | Page 3

Students dive into summer reading with Ocean of Possibilities-themed challenge

By Lizzie Walje | l.walje@mycityjournals.com

S

chools are out for summer, but at Salt Lake County Library branches, reading challenges are just getting started. Through July 31, students can participate in the Ocean of Possibilities summer reading event. For the past 30 years, the county library system has used the summer reading challenge to encourage and bolster young readership by incentivizing students to pick up books with the promise of prizes, rewards and celebrations at the finish line.

“Every year we host a kick-off party that ties into our theme and introduces the theme to participants. This year’s theme is Ocean of Possibilities, which has been particularly fun to conceptualize,” said Jeff Buydos, the PR coordinator of the Salt Lake County Library and one of the masterminds behind championing the summer reading event.

To further celebrate the Ocean of Possibilities theme, county branches have been decorated to reflect the mystique of the ocean. “If you come into one of our branches during the summer, you’ll see we’ve decorated accordingly, we were even able to get b-roll footage from The Loveland Living Planet Aquarium,” Buydos said.

Students and parents who visit the branches, in person, will learn more about the world’s oceans through fun facts, visuals and important messaging that speaks to the need for people to collectively work toward preserving the oceans.

“At its core, it’s really a way for us to integrate systems of learning with handson, fun activities for children,” Buydos said. “Kids will walk away having learned important lessons pertaining to the ocean, while simultaneously incorporating play and imagination into those lessons. Play is so vitally important for children, in the

Journals T H E

same way, that literacy is. We’re really looking at matters through a holistic lens.”

The summer reading event runs until July 31 and can be accessed and tracked in one of two ways. Students can either visit their local library and receive a physical tracking sheet, or they can use the library’s chosen tracking application, Beanstack.

Beanstack is a mobile application that allows students to track their progress digitally, receiving real-time encouragement as they work toward meeting their reading goals. Students can enter the challenge at any point throughout its run time.

“One of the challenges of the library in recent years has been ingratiating technology into the format. Obviously, we want to keep a focus and emphasis on good old-fashioned books. However, the landscape of how we consume content has changed significantly,” Buydos said. “And so we’ve really worked hard to figure out how we can strike a balance that emphasizes reading as a classic tool for enrichment while still making way for modern technology like audiobooks, videos, music, virtual reality, things of that nature.”

The Beanstack application is yet another way for libraries to streamline reading practices and promote literacy using modern technology. The app was developed amidst the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, providing another outlet for students to access the challenge without having to compromise social distancing safety nets. Now that the pandemic has begun to largely stabilize, in-person participation is yet again on the rise.

However, Buydos was still thoroughly impressed as he witnessed the turnout of students who continued to participate in the challenge, at the height of Covid social distancing. “We took a much-anticipated

The West Jordan Library has historically been a popular location for summer reading kick-off parties.

(Photo courtesy Salt Lake County Library)

dip in our participation during those peak times of Covid, but even then, it was still an impressive turnout all things considered. This year, we can’t say anything definitively until the challenge is over, but we already know those numbers are trending upwards. The kick-off parties were certainly a sobering reminder of how invaluable social connection is.”

Especially during the summer, when it’s easy for boredom to take over and leave children in need of stimulation that is both fun and informative. “Our mission is to make a positive difference in our community, and Summer Reading is a great asset for fulfilling that mission,” said Salt Lake County Library Director Jim Cooper.

“The benefits from this program at both the micro and macro levels have received empirical support. We know summer reading programs leave positive footprints wherever they’re implemented.”

Literacy serves as a gateway to so

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many important things, said Buydos.

“Children who read can then take what they read and learn how to relate to others, how to empathize, and how to critically think. There’s also the bonus of rendering imagination and world creation. The possibilities are just endless.”

In addition to the physical act of reading, the Ocean of Possibilities challenge also encompasses and rewards students who participate in different learning adjacent tasks.

“When you consider the many ways people can take part in summer reading, it really is an ocean of possibilities,” said Salt Lake County Library Program Manager Nyssa Fleig. “Beyond reading, participants can do things like paint, sew, visit local museums and parks, play sports or board games, start new clubs, and volunteer to complete their reading records. It’s an inclusive program with nearly infinite ways to participate.”l

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West Jordan City Journal

West Jordan’s biggest celebration returns

By Linda Steele | l.steele@mycityjournals.

T

he Western Stampede in West Jordan is an event the community looks forward to every year. Each year thousands of people show up for the Independence Day celebration. There are many groups who participate in the city’s Independence Day parade, such as dance teams, musicians and local schools.

“2022 marks the 67th year of the West Jordan Stampede. This year would have been our 68 year, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced the city to cancel the event in 2020. The first rodeo was held in 1954 when the town’s board president suggested it sponsor a Fourth of July celebration as a community project. Board members agreed to chair different committees and assigned responsibilities to civic organizations and church groups to make the event happen,” said Marie Magers, senior digital communication specialist for West Jordan.

The city of West Jordan welcomes back the Cervi Championship Rodeo for the eighth year.

In 1967 the Cervi family purchased the Beutler Brothers Rodeo Company.

In 1974, they acquired the Billy Minick Rodeo Company, which was once owned by the well-known producers Gene Autry and Harry Knight. These two companies were the largest companies in the rodeo business. Cervi became the largest stock contractor in the nation and renamed the company Cervi Championship Rodeo.

“The first Stampede celebration was a success. It included a parade, tug-of-war competition, wild horse race, a dog act, a beard contest, horse pulling and a greased pig chase. The event drew large crowds and loyal fans for years to come.” Magers said.

Rodeo Royalty is a fun part of the

Western Stampede. In 2021 Morgan Ivie was the Rodeo Royalty Queen. “I was so shocked, all the other girls did so amazing, I was happy, I was excited. All I could think was how fun it’s going to be this summer to be with my first and second attendants,” Ivie said.

Along with Ivie were her two attendants, first attendant Rylei Voorhees, and second attendant Piper Maxwell. This summer the Western Stampede will announce the new Rodeo Royalty Queen and attendants.

“This event has been a summer staple for our residents for decades. Over the past years the secret has been let out and people from all over the state have joined us for our Independence Day celebration,” Magers said.

“This year we have the Rodeo, a carnival, our Grand Parade, fireworks, food trucks, a 5K, a spikeball tournament and much more. We are so excited to celebrate with the community,” Magers said.

West Jordan applauds the volunteers' time and labor they offer to the rodeo.

They help make the Western Stampede and rodeo a success, said Mayor Dirk Burton.

“Like today the first rodeo wouldn’t have been possible without volunteers.

Citizens contributed their time, labor and equipment. Volunteers laid cinder blocks for the ticket booth and refreshment stand; others went as far as bringing their own backhoe to help bury pipes for the new bathrooms,” Burton said.

“A lot has changed but many things will stay the same,” he continued. “The Western Stampede events would not be possible without the hardworking people who have a love for their city and for tradition.”

This will be the eighth year for the Cervi Championship Rodeo. (Courtesy City of West Jordan)

WestJordanJournal .com

This year marks the 67th year of the West Jordan Stampede, which includes the Grand Parade. (Courtesy City of West Jordan)

The Western Stampede has something to offer for everyone, activities for the whole family to enjoy.

The Stampede is located at the West

Jordan Arena, 8125 S. 2200 W. and runs July 1-4. Information for tickets and event details can be found at westernstampede. com. l

This year marks the 67th year of the West Jordan Stampede, which includes the Grand Parade. (Courtesy City of West Jordan)

July 2022 | Page 5

Government 101: City communications

By Erin Dixon | e.dixon@mycityjournals.com

H

ow do you know what is going on in your city? How often do you hear from your elected leaders? Where do you go when you have a question?

Most cities have employees that do similar jobs in other cities. There will always be someone to do finances, to keep track of city code, and someone who is the city recorder. All cities will have a council and a mayor.

Communication departments, however, come in all shapes and sizes. Philosophies on how best to communicate also vary.

“When we go to lunch as communications, we all have such different setups,” Eric Richards, communications director for Sandy City said. “I can’t keep track of them.”

Richards also said that in Provo there is a PIO (Public Information Officer) to handle communication in every department.

West Jordan has a team of three communication employees, though before 2021 there was only one. Sandy has four, though their population is approximately 30,000 fewer residents than West Jordan.

Holladay has zero. Instead there are two employees who have double responsibility. Midvale has one communication employee, though Holladay and Midvale serve nearly the same size population.

Sandy looks at their communications department like any other business. “We run like an internal ad agency,” Richards said.

“We are the go-to for brand guardianship. We police brand. We are responsible if they need some new corporate identity, brainstorm campaigns, a video, or build a campaign [such as] Police Safe and Secure,” Richards said.

Sandy’s four employees, a director, a software engineer, a content media editor and a coordinator, serve all city departments. Some departments choose to have

their own communications and will reach out to the public in different ways. Sandy’s Mayor office has its own PIO; City Council and a few departments have their own marketing teams.

With their four employees, and the occasional outside contract for video, the city posts almost daily to social media, designs and produces postcards on big topics, and controls a chatbot that quickly answers a resident's question.

“One of the best resources we have is Citizen Connect which won the Best of State award,” Richards said.

West Jordan’s philosophy is to build a bigger team and reach more residents. One strategy is to add a community outreach employee.

“My hope is that they are [Spanish speaking] because 25% of the city is either Hispanic or Latino,” Tauni Barker, communications director in West Jordan said.

“They may speak English perfectly but I think there’s things we’re missing. And for certain we’re not talking to them.”

When it comes to interacting with residents, West Jordan would like to hear more from them and communication would be an equal responsibility.

“Ideally, the partnership would be 50/50,” Barker said. “Residents aren’t as engaged as we would like them to be. We have to go to them. The relationship is more 80/20.”

West Jordan recently launched a new website, sends emails about special events and initiatives, posts on Facebook, and has a text messaging service.

In addition to another employee, West Jordan wants to send out regular emails about what is going on in city council meetings.

“Ideally, the government should do as much education as possible,” Barker said.

“I wish I could say we could do a government 101. We don’t have the staff bandwidth to do that. You end up tackling the

The drought calls for changes in water usage across the state. (Pixabay)

Page 6 | July 2022

Every city in the Salt Lake Valley handles its communication to the public differently. (Stock photo)

things that are right in front of you.”

Holladay does not have a dedicated communications department. Stephanie Carlson, the city recorder, manages the website, posts on social media, and sends out emails. Holly Smith, the assistant city manager, approves any message that is going to the residents and makes sure the message is consistent.

If the city wants to do any major projects, such as redesign the website or launch an education campaign to the community, they will hire outside communication experts.

Mailing information to houses is difficult. Unlike most other cities, Holladay does not manage their own water supply.

That service is contracted out. Because of this, the city does not have access to who lives where.

“If you want information you have to come to us,” Smith said.

Since the pandemic, and because of the rise of social media and digital communication, there is more work to do.

“People are tuning in more,” Carlson said.

“People were at home more and could see what was going on.”

The city recently launched an app for residents to find basic information.

“It’s not very robust but it gives basic information,” Smith said.

For the future, “We’re reaching as many people as we can, for transparency,” Smith said.

“We did a community survey five years ago. The Journal was the No. 1 source of communication. That’s where we reach the most people.

“We’ll do another survey this fall.”

All cities that spoke with the City Journals confirm that if a resident calls the city with a question or a statement, they are directed to the right department to get the answers they are looking for.

“Sometimes I’ll spend 30 minutes to an hour answering one question,” Barker from West Jordan said. l

Continued from front page

Those water saving programs include “Flip Your Strip,” old toilet replacement, and free water saving classes and consultations.

(For more water conservation programs visit: jvwcd.org/public/conservation) West Jordan is not the only city that is proactively cutting water usage.

South Jordan charges new developments more than twice the normal cost for water if they don’t use water-efficient standards.

Sandy City (not part of JVWCD) launched the H2O Water Game that residents can play to help them cut water usage one small thing at a time, encouraging visits to the Sego Lily Garden and adding drip irrigation to planting beds. l

Right now, West Jordan is following the drought stage of JVWCD. Marie Magers, West Jordan senior digital communication specialist, said, “Whatever Jordan Valley sets for us is what we adhere to. Currently we are in Moderate Stage -1.”

Moderate Stage-1 calls for residents and businesses to use 5-10% less water than they would in a non-drought year.

Compared to May 2021, “we have seen a 28% reduction in water use,” Magers said.

“JVWCD says West Jordan is one of the most active cities utilizing Utah Water Savers Programs.”

West Jordan City Journal

High school’s lessons impact the environment

By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

L

ast month, 122 students graduated from Itineris Early College High School with more than just a high school education. Many had also earned an associate’s degree and scholarships (the class’s combined total in scholarships was $4.4 million.) But the most unique education they left with were the lessons in environmental sustainability.

The IECHS campus has solar panels, an electric car charging station, a garden and water-wise landscaping.

One of the core principles of Itineris’ mission is civic responsibility, the reason why the school has become a model of sustainability. The school building was constructed energy efficiently eight years ago. Through multiple grants and initiatives, further improvements have been made.

A solar power project, funded by a $109,000 grant from Rocky Mountain Power’s Blue Sky customers, was completed this spring. Solar panels cover twothirds of the school roof to provide 50% of the building’s electrical needs. The school also reduces their energy consumption through participation in a program to slow the electricity draw on the HVAC unit during high demand times.

“I really want us, as a school, to be a role model for the community of what environmental sustainability could look like,” said Jeff Bossard, Itineris Director of Students and Facilities.

Students, staff and community members have been involved in many of the projects such as removing 1400 sq ft of grass and 50 sprinkler heads from the

property. Using a grant from the West Jordan Water Conservancy, more xeriscaping is taking place this summer.

In 2021, National Honors Society members headed a project to build planter boxes with drip irrigation systems. The hope is to use them to grow vegetables that can be used in the cafeteria’s salad bar. For now, the environmental science and biology classes will use the garden as part of their curriculum.

Science teacher Rob Machol said the school’s planter boxes and solar projects will be part of the discussion during the unit on the importance of sustainable urban planning. He previously used the solar panels on his home for illustration but is looking forward to using data from the school this coming year.

“It will be awesome to be able to look at what, I assume, will be a massive amount of voltage coming from the top of our school,” Machol said.

Machol’s masters degree is in environmental science modeling, so he incorporates modeling in his classes.

“We teach a lot about renewable vs. non-renewable in environmental science,” he said. “We talk a whole lot about climate change and greenhouse gas emissions and what we need to do based on various models.”

Faculty members are excited about the environmentally-friendly building, especially those, like Machol and Lisa Hammonds, who drive electric cars.

“We have a little Nissan Leaf and the [electric car] chargers went in right before gas prices started going up, so it's really

National Honors Society members build planter boxes with materials donated by community members. (Photo courtesy of Jeff Bossard.)

WestJordanJournal .com

The community celebrates the completion of the new solar project on Itineris Early College High School with a grant from Rocky Mountain Power’s Blue Sky program. (Photo courtesy of Jeff Bossard.)

been a lifesaver for us just on teacher’s income,” Hammonds said. “I love that we have chargers there and I love that they are being powered by solar. I love that our school is ecologically minded.”

Students, staff and community members will continue to work on projects to reduce the school’s impact on the environment. In the future, Bossard hopes to add additional solar panels to the patio on the south side of the building.

Bossard said the students who have been involved in the conservation and environmentally-friendly projects have learned about the effect individuals can have on the environment, and simple changes they can make.

“I call it planting a seed that you hope grows into people who make decisions that are good for the environment and also lead others to do the same,” he said. l

Students help remove grass and sprinkler heads to make way for a more water-conservative landscape as part of an Eagle Scout Project. (Photo courtesy of Jeff Bossard.)

July 2022 | Page 7

Copper Hills wrestler headed to world championships

By Greg James | g.james@mycityjournals.com

C

opper Hills is sending one of its finest wrestlers to the 17 and under world championships.

“It is my second year wrestling,” Copper Hills senior Anya Hatch said.

“My dad got me into the sport. He got me out and asked me to try out. It was something new that I had never done before. It is a really different sport.”

Hatch’s father has helped coach wresting at Copper Hills for 13 seasons, starting when his oldest son was a freshman. Two years ago he and Scott Pace helped organize the first girls team at the school. The team has finished runner-up at state both years and Hatch has won two state titles in her weight class.

Anya Hatch defeated her Copper Hills teammate and co-captain, Tayleigh Robertson, for this year’s title. She pinned her at the 2 minutes 38 seconds point of the match.

“Anya has played volleyball competitively and I went to her and said 'hey, will you just come to try this,'” father Jay Hatch said. “Her Mom did not really like it because at first, the girls had to wrestle boys, but when they started all-girls wrestling she gave it a shot.”

In June Anya Hatch participated in the United States world team trials in Dallas, Texas. She lost in the semi-finals.

The winner qualified as part of the world team traveling to Rome, Italy in July.

“Her club coach reached out to the Tongan Olympic team and asked about Anya representing them at the worlds.

They said they would love to have her,” Jay Hatch said.

Anya Hatch was born in the island nation of Tonga and at age 3 became an orphan. She was adopted by Jay and Penina Leakehe Hatch and brought to Utah.

“Anya will be the first female Tongan to wrestle at a world event,” Jay Hatch said. “This is jumpstarting Polynesian girls in the United States and in other countries to start wrestling and take notice. It is a pretty exciting thing.”

Girls wrestling has been a UHSAA-sanctioned sport for two seasons.

The number of wrestlers has nearly doubled and most high schools now have full teams.

The world wrestling championship is scheduled to be held July 25-31 in Rome, Italy. The Tongan Olympic committee does not have the financial ability to help her get to the championship. She and her family have been tasked with raising money so she can participate.

“We started a GoFundMe and have been looking for businesses to help par-

Page 8 | July 2022

Anya Hatch has won two straight state wrestling titles and is ranked in the top 15 in the country. (Photo courtesy of Jay Hatch)

ticipate. We have raised about $2,000, but we need more than that to get her there,” Jay Hatch said. “Corporate sponsors could help us. She could do some marketing or promote the business.”

Girls wrestling has been such a new program at Copper Hills, Hatch and her teammates have had to help recruit other girls to come out for the team.

“I have learned wrestling and mental skills. I have had to learn to do it myself.

It is physically tiring. I tell girls to try this out,” Anya Hatch said.

Hatch has six brothers and sisters.

She would like to have her mom travel with her to Rome for the event.

“She is an unreal and natural athlete.

She excels at any sport. She is unbelievably strong. She knows how to do things naturally. She has a carefree personality and I think that is to her benefit,” Jay Hatch said. “We want this sport to grow.

She has friends across the nation because of this sport.” l

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762 lives saved and counting

By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

S

tudents and staff at Copper Hills High helped save 762 lives this past school year.

The CHHS HOSA club sponsored four blood drives during the 2021-22 school year, collecting 254 units, with a surprising 71 in their final drive in May, which historically has been their smallest.

Rob Fox with ARUP Blood Services Community Relations said the May drive was the biggest blood drive of the year.

“It was not just the biggest blood drive of the year for Copper Hills, which it was; or the biggest high school sponsored blood drive of the year, which it was; it was the biggest blood drive we have held with any group for the last year,” he said.

Fox said CHHS is consistently the most successful single sponsor of all the individual schools, businesses, churches and community groups who coordinate with him. They even sponsored blood drives during the COVID pandemic while most other groups did not.

Jordan School District, as a whole, collects more pints of blood than any other district from Cache Valley to Utah County.

“We did 19 blood drives with Jordan School District last year and collected 718 units, obviously the majority of those coming from Copper Hills,” Fox said.

Fox has asked several times what CHHS’ secret to success is.

“I'd love to know what's different there so I can encourage other sponsors to do the same things,” Fox said. “Nobody's ever really been able to put a finger on it, what are they doing different. All I know is that they just continue every single year to be willing to put forth the effort to make sure that the blood drives are successful.”

HOSA advisers Madison Jenkins and Eva Peterson said the success is due to HOSA council members setting high expectations and being well-organized.

“They are also just really passionate about helping people and they're very friendly and so they're not afraid to go out of their way to ask

people to donate,” Peterson said.

Donating has become part of the school culture, said Jenkins, so the students don’t need a lot of convincing.

“We just have such an amazing student body who loves to help people, and this is a perfect opportunity for them to take a little bit of time to help and save three lives,” Jenkins said.

HOSA council member Tanner Hepworth said reminding students that each pint of blood can save up to three lives has been a great recruitment method.

“We try to appeal to kids and we say, ‘Hey, you don't really need this small amount of blood they're gonna take from you but someone else may be in dire need of it,’” he said.

“We have a lot of kids that are always willing to do it, and usually if people donate once, they do come back [for the next drive].”

Students who meet the requirements and get parent permission are excused from class for 45-90 minutes to donate. Donors are given drinks, snacks and a gift card for a free pint of Baskin Robbins ice cream. But most aren’t doing it for the treats.

Hepworth, next year’s HOSA president, is excited to continue the tradition.

“I always feel really good after it, especially when we get our higher numbers,” he said. “It just feels good, knowing we can help people.”

The first drive is scheduled for September but Fox said there is a need for donations now.

“Donated blood is needed and used every single day, 365 days a year,” he said. “It's not something that is held in reserve for when there's a natural disaster or an accident or somebody getting sick. Patients in the hospital right now are using donated blood that was collected five days ago.”

He said donations drop during the summer, though the need for them goes up significantly. Blood drives are held nearly every day. To find one in your community, visit arupbloodservices.org. l

West Jordan City Journal

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Unified track offers athletes of all abilities chance to compete

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

I

n late spring, high school athletes from across Utah met to compete at the Utah High School Activities Association-sanctioned unified track meet.

About 25 teams were there to compete, which is up from 15 teams in previous years, with some traveling to Copper Hills High from as far away as Cedar City, to take to the track, according to Courtnie Worthen, Unified Champion Schools manager with Special Olympics Utah, who helped coordinate the event.

Bingham High’s coach Braxton Thornley said it was a great experience and competition.

“I saw teams here that I haven’t seen before, so it was good to have more athletes and their partners,” he said. “It’s fun for my athletes to talk and compete with other athletes on other teams.”

Thornley had three athletes in the 100-yard and 200-yard dashes and long jump. Then, the athletes partnered with peers in the 4x100 relay, in which the Miners won their heat. They had their studentbody officers supporting them from the side-

lines, waving a huge Bingham flag.

Coach Alexis Brown, of Riverton High, had 16 athletes and 12 partners “work their hearts out” at practices held every other day. They competed in three of Riverton’s track team’s home meets before the state meet.

Decked in their athletic warmup shirts provided by U First Credit Union, her athletes warmed up for their events in the 100, 200, 400, and 4x100 relay on the track, and long jump and shot put in the field events.

“It’s a fun opportunity for our students every year, and this year, everyone has had a buddy, so they were able to make sure they got to the right spot at the right time and could cheer each other on or run alongside them,” she said. “This is a great way to be inclusive and unify our school.” l

Copper Hills 4x400 relay makes a successful exchange at the state unified track meet. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

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Q&A Business Spotlight The Utah Days of ‘47 Rodeo is one of Utah's longest-standing traditions, celebrating Utah's heritage dating back to 1847. The rodeo, and other Days of '47 events, commemorate July 24, 1847, when a determined company of Mormon pioneers entered the Great Salt Lake Valley, realizing their dreams to build a strong community. Its mission is to honor Utah's pioneer heritage and educate Utah's kids.

Tommy Joe Lucia is the rodeo’s general manager. He’s been with the organization since 2017.

Tell us more about you and your rodeo experience.

I have been in rodeo my entire life. My father, Tommy Lucia, was a specialty act in the PRCA with the famous Whiplash the Cowboy Monkey. I have been in rodeo production and event production for 20-plus years now.

Q: What do you offer with this event?

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being the world's only Gold Medal Rodeo, along with a family-fun zone featuring a Pioneer Camp, Native American Camp, Mountain Men Trading Post, pony rides, a carnival and much, much more.

Q: What sets your event apart from your competitors?

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Original Extreme Sport in the heart of Salt Lake City. It’s an event that appeals to anyone from the ages of 1 to 100.

The rodeo is held in a great location, pricing is reasonable and there are many other activities for everyone to enjoy. We have something to entertain the whole family for as little as $14, plus you have great views of the mountains and downtown Salt Lake City from the Days of '47 Arena.

Q: What would you say to someone who considers attending the rodeo?

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about Utah's heritage, be entertained at the rodeo, listen to great country music and have some award-winning BBQ. This is first-class entertainment for the whole family.

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July 2022 | Page 13

Plenty of activities are available for anti-boredom month in July

By Greg James | g.james@mycityjournals.com

N

ational anti-boredom month begins the first of July. After the Fourth of July, the long, dog days of summer begin.

For many families and kids, it means no school and hot weather.

“My kids know that if they tell me they are bored I will give them something to do,” Julie Castro said. “They have learned not to let me hear them say ‘I’m bored.'”

Boredom is also a phobia, called thalassophobia, the fear of having nothing to do.

National anti-boredom month was created in the 1980s.

The idea is to get people to stop moping around and instead focus on other things in life. Boredom is defined as tedious repetition and mental tiredness and laziness.

Boredom has been used as a weapon. Prisoners were forced to sit silently, day and night. The practiceled many people to insanity because of the endless hours of silence and nothingness.

According to the National Library of Medicine, people who get bored easily are more prone to depression and anxiety and could develop heart disease.

“We have a long list of things we often did,” Jennifer Panameno said. “If we don’t hand them something to do or solve the problem they will likely find ways to stop being bored. We should let them be bored sometimes.”

Some ideas given to the City Journals include playing outside, riding bikes, jumping on the trampoline, playing tag, doing chores, puzzles and painting.

Kearns Oquirrh Park Fitness Center and other community centers offer several programs that could help. Here are just a few.

Aquatic Fitness: lap swimming and recreation pools.

KOPFC offers a program called Splashin’ and Dashin’. This

fun class is a full-body workout with cardio, strength and routines in deep and shallow water. They have swimming lessons for babies, kids and adults. You could even join the swim team.

Kids Summer camps: full and half-day camps that include games and activities that keep them busy. Up With Kids meets on Monday evenings for a full musical theater experience.

Sports classes and leagues: The fitness center has open pickleball leagues for adults and juniors. They also offer dance classes and tennis lessons.

Friday night flicks: every Friday at 8 p.m. a fun family movie is shown on the big screen.

The fitness center is not the only place that families can turn to for fun.

The Society of National Anti-Boredom Month suggests taking up a new hobby, volunteering your time or experiencing a new part of your community.

“When I get bored I go play video games,” Chris James said.

A recent study for Kids Health has shown that certain video games can improve hand-eye coordination, problem-solving skills, and the mind's ability to process information. But too much play may cause problems. It is hard to get enough exercise if you’re always inside playing video games.

Our lives can be extremely hectic. National Anti-Boredom Month can help remind us of ways to break up the monotony. l July is a great month to be outside, there are plenty of pickleball courts available for you to give it a try. (Stock photo)

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Educational support personnel recognized for outstanding contributions to schools

J

ordan Education Foundation Executive Director Mike Haynes was thrilled to give educational support personnel the opportunity to realize how much they’re valued by the community.

The JEF board selected eleven outstanding ESPs from Jordan District to receive $1,000 and to be recognized at a Jordan District board of education meeting.

“The ESPs are our backbone of our schools—those in the front office, the lunch ladies, they’re the bus drivers and everyone else who make the schools run,” Haynes said.

“Without the ESP employees, education would fail. They have a perspective that nobody else does. They can identify students who have needs and help support those needs through their effort; they’re really miracle workers.”

Oakcrest Elementary would not run as smoothly if it weren’t for Administrative Assistant Kimberly Mortensen keeping everything moving, said her colleagues.

“Kim is more than an assistant. She’s a nurse, accountant, technology specialist, acquisition guru, psychologist, executive office manager and PR specialist all wrapped up in one.”

In her many roles, her main concern is the students.

“She cares for the students and about the

By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

2022 Outstanding ESPs Kristine Burge, Administrative Assistant Mountain Creek Middle School Maricarmen Garcia, Administrative Assistant Student Services - Jordan School District Gabi Clayton, Education Support Professional - Special Education River’s Edge School Jerri Sume, Administrative Assistant Copper Canyon Elementary School Amanda Hamblin, Administrative Assistant Special Education - Jordan School District Marilyn Smith, Administrative Assistant Office of the Administrators of Schools Kimberly Mortensen, Administrative Assistant - Oakcrest Elementary School Korbi Brey, SMAC Teacher - Kauri Sue Hamilton School Cari Minnesota, Administrative Assistant Office of the Administrators of Schools Kim Stafford, Kitchen Manager - Heartland Elementary School Kim Hawkins, Registrar - Sunset Ridge Middle School

things that matter to them, and makes them feel safe and welcome at their school,” a colleague said.

Outstanding educational support personnel are recognized at a Jordan Board of Education meeting. (Photo courtesy of JSD.)

Maricarmen Garcia is an Administrative Assistant in the Student Services department for Jordan School District. She coordinates a director, six consultants, four other administrative assistants, four specialists and analysts, two assistants, three counselors and three psychologists.

“Carmen knows every single person and makes them each feel an important part of the team,” a colleague said.

She also provides translation services and

positive energy to the department.

“As Student Services continues to grow, so does her common skill set and abilities,” a colleague said.

South Jordan Mayor Dawn Ramsey introduced the winners to the Board.

“We all know that our schools would not be the amazing places they are without these folks, without our education support professionals and all they do to keep schools going strong,” she said. l

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July 2022 | Page 15

Utah Asian Festival celebrates 45 years of connection and celebration

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

T

he Utah Asian Festival, the longest-running festival of its kind west of the Mississippi, will be held in the Grand Building of the Utah State Fairpark (155 N. 1000 West) on Saturday, July 9, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free.

Founded in 1977, the festival showcases Asian traditions, cuisine, dance, art and music from the dozens of nationalities that make up Utah’s fastest-growing ethnic population. Founders Jimi Mitsunaga, Lang Wong, Joe Arzacon and Chung Mun Lee organized the first festival with a vision to strengthen the connection between Asian communities in the state and cultivate ties with Utah residents.

“In 2022, we will be celebrating 45 years of success,” said Dr. Shu Cheng, executive director of the Asian Association of Utah. “Three generations of Asian Americans have volunteered to make the annual Utah Asian Festival fun and educational. The event transforms

Asian Americans into leaders and consolidates them into a cohesive core in Utah.”

Asian people have been part of the state’s history for more than 150 years. In September 2020, archaeologists from the Utah State Historic Preservation Office discovered remnants of a house built by Chinese railroad workers. Preservation officer Chris Merritt declared it to be “the first Chinese [transcontinental railroad workers’] home…in the entire nation.”

Utah’s leaders have assisted the federal government in sponsoring the resettlement of Asian immigrants and refugees from the Philippines, Vietnam, South Korea, Thailand and more, whose descendants have put down roots in the Beehive State.

“Not only will this all-day gathering serve to connect recent immigrants and refugees to the historic diasporas in the region, [but the festival] is a platform deeply benefiting Utahns of any background, honoring the ways

in which our state’s Asian families have preserved, persevered and flourished against the odds,” said UAF chairwoman Eunice Lanean. “[It’s an] opportunity to reunite with old friends, make new ones, break bread with our elders and youth, and forge bonds across generations that will last generations.”

The festival attracts thousands of people from all parts of the state and is the only event where Utah’s Asian communities come together to celebrate and honor their heritage, traditions and vibrant culture. This year’s event is described as “the boldest iteration yet” for the multicultural festival. For more information, visit UtahAsianFestival.org.

“When I learned that UAF originated as an attempt to unify the various Asian ethnic groups, I felt a sense of duty to continue the mission, especially in the midst of resurgent anti-Asian violence and discrimination,” said Emilio Manuel Camu, UAF’s cochair. “Our committee's duty is to

Asian fan dancers will perform at the Utah Asian Festival on Saturday, July 9. The event highlights the culture’s contributions to Utah through dance, cuisine, activities and art. (Courtesy of the Utah Asian Festival)

honor the past, remain relevant to all our peoples’ needs, and create durable, meaningful, cross-cul-

tural and inter-generational friendships along the way.” l

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Outstanding Teachers of the Year

By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

T

he Jordan Education Foundation recognized 67 Outstanding Teachers of the Year, one from each school. Winners included teachers from West Jordan’s 22 schools.

Antelope Canyon Elementary’s winner was Natalie Sellers. She works her magic in the first through third Academic Communication Support Classroom with students who have significant academic and communication delays. Parents and colleagues said students thrive in her classroom because of her high-energy personality and engaging learning activities that maximize learning and encourage independence.

“She loves to make sure her students are always engaging in some kind of activity, even if they are just walking down the hall,” a colleague said.

Staff members said it is obvious that Sellers loves her students.

“Each child is a treasure to her,” said one. “She does not see her students with a disability, but students with talents and gifts. She is able to look ahead to the growth the child can make instead of the limits they encounter each day.”

As the special education team leader, she mentors teachers and assistants and gives advice and tips for awareness and inclusion to staff members and to students. She started a sixth-grade buddies program and was instrumental in creating a school-wide runner response program.

Principal Tami Bird said Sellers is per-

fectly matched for her profession.

“She is a natural leader and a grown up who’s never forgotten what it’s like to be a child,” she said. “She can hold her own talking with a 5-year old with a communication disorder, a parent with extensive experience with Autism, or district staff and compliance to federal law. She is kind and comfortable in every setting because she is driven by a greater purpose. She is driven by love.”

Colleagues used the words patient, enthusiastic and “sunshine” to describe Sellers’ personality.

One teacher said, “Natalie is sunshine!

She brings positivity, fun, and good energy to our school. She is always willing to help with whatever is needed. I’m grateful to get to work with her.”

Cyndi Anderson is an exemplary fourth grade team lead at Oakcrest Elementary.

“Specifically, the most important things Mrs. Anderson has done over the past two years to support and encourage student growth involve building powerful relationships (student and adult), mastering online instruction, normalizing safety measures, providing individualized supports and instruction, maintaining a positive jam and providing instructional leadership in our school,” Principal Kenneth Westwood said.

He said that Anderson puts others at ease and is willing to help others, which is why her

Family, colleagues and JEF board members celebrate Cyndi Anderson (center) as Oakcrest’s Outstanding Teacher of the Year. (Photo courtesy of JEF.)

colleagues love her.

“She is thoughtful and kind to everyone and in a stressful year, this has been so appreciated,” instructional coach Marla Daniels said. “Several times this year, she’s left a small note of thanks or encouragement, a gift, or a treat on my desk and I know I’m not alone.”

Colleagues and parents appreciated her cheerful response to COVID-19 interruptions.

“Her cheerful, non-complaining demeanor relative to wearing masks, maintaining spacing, sanitizing hands, disinfecting surfaces, etc. rubs off on all who come into contact with her,” Westwood said.

Anderson’s colleagues respect her and seek out her advice.

JEF Outstanding Teachers, Top Winners

Kim Hardman-Jones - South Valley School Ross Hirschi - JATC North Amy Geilman - West Jordan Middle Patricia Hendricks - Sunset Ridge Middle Kyle Jensen - Copper Hills High Celena Ottley - Rocky Peak Virtual Elementary Krista Gibbons - Kelsey Peak Virtual Middle Kelli Malmberg - Kings Peak Virtual High

JEF Outstanding Teachers

Sorenson Legacy Award for Excellence in Arts Education

Natalie Sellers - Antelope Canyon Elementary School Cyndi Anderson - Oakcrest Elementary School Christina Corbett - Copper Canyon Elementary School Sabrina Drake - Columbia Elementary School

Natalie Sellers, Antelope Canyon Elementary’s Teacher of the Year. (Photo courtesy of JEF.)

WestJordanJournal .com

“Cyndi is a terrific coworker and mentor because she listens and makes you feel valued,” said a colleague.

Anderson serves on the school’s JELL team.

“She leads out with initiatives/work calculated to move us from where we are to what we hope to become,” Westwood said. “Her leadership and example have been instrumental in our efforts to identify key standards, write learning scales for those standards, and transition to mastery progress reporting schoolwide over the past year and change.

We’re in a great place now, thanks to the leadership shown by Cyndi and a few of her colleagues.” l

Mindy Carroll - Aspen Elementary Katrina Kennedy - West Jordan High Kathlynn Aragon - Terra Linda Elementary Pam Broadhead - Hayden Peak Elementary Susan Allen - Mountain Shadows Elementary Deborah Craver - Falcon Ridge Elementary Lani Hatch - Westvale Elementary Julie Bodtcher - Riverside Elementary Amy Mella - Heartland Elementary Sarah Hatch - West Jordan Elementary Shalynn Nelson - Westland Elementary Jeannie Wade - Oquirrh Elementary Meredith Llewellyn - Majestic Elementary Arts Academy

Lori Nickerson - Westland Elementary

Jordan Association of Elementary School Principals, Principal of the Year Awards

Principal of the Year: Bryan Veazie, Copper Hills High School Assistant Principal of the Year: Shana Mondragon, Oquirrh Elementary School Principal Mentor of the Year: Ken Westwood, Oakcrest Elementary School Community Leader of the Year: Odette Desmarais, Westvale Elementary School

July 2022 | Page 17

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West Jordan City Journal

G O OD NE IG HBOR

NEWS

JULY 2022

Paid for by the City of West Jordan

M AYO R ’S M E S S AG E Joint Message with Fire Chief Derek Maxfield Welcome July! This is one of my favorite months as it brings two of my favorite holidays! Independence Day celebrates our freedoms, our history, and offers a chance to show our love for this country.

Pioneer Day gives us an opportunity to celebrate our state history and remember the first families that settled in Utah. As we recognize these holidays, I ask that you keep something else in mind… fire safety.

West Jordan Fire Chief, Derek Maxfield, and I are bringing you a joint message this month surrounding this important topic.

Our fire department averages about 150 emergency calls a week, when these July holidays come around any additional calls can spread our crews thin.

“All those extra calls coming in during a small window really scares us,” said Chief Maxfield. “Every department in the valley is stretched thin all at the same time making it so we don’t have that automatic aid we often rely on in the event of a large fire.”

Last year, West Jordan residents really showed responsibility with fire safety. The number of fireworkrelated fires was significantly lower than years past. We hope residents take the same precautions this year.

“We’re encouraging residents to skip personal fireworks and attend a professional display, where fire units will be on scene to attend to any hazards that may arise,” said Chief Maxfield.

If you do wish to set off your own fireworks, please do it responsibly and make sure you’re not lighting them off in a prohibited area. You can find that map to the right of this message.

“We want our residents to still enjoy their July holidays, but do so safely,” said Chief Maxfield. “Remember to keep a bucket of water or garden hose handy if you plan to light fireworks in your neighborhood.”

Let’s celebrate our freedom, families, and neighbors this July!

Fireworks Restrictions West Jordan is prohibiting the use of any ignition source, including fireworks, lighters, and matches, in certain areas of the city including: • All areas west of 5600 West.

• All areas within 200 feet of the Jordan River Parkway Trail east of 1300 West.

• All areas within 200 feet of the area commonly referred to as Clay Hollow Wash that runs east and west in the area of 7800 South (approximately 4800 West to SR-111).

• All areas within 200 feet of Bingham Creek, located near Old Bingham Highway running the length of the east/west boundaries within West Jordan.

• All areas within 200 feet of canals • All city parks, unless a permit has been obtained for a professional display.

Fireworks may be discharged July 2 -5 (July 4th hours extended to midnight) and July 22-25 (July 24th hours extended to midnight). The City of West Jordan will be providing extra police patrols to assist with enforcement of fire restrictions. If you see a violation, please call the non-emergency dispatch line: 801-840-4000. Find more information on our website: westjordan.utah.gov/fire/fireworks.

Sincerely,

Mayor Dirk Burton and Fire Chief Derek Maxfield

WestJordanJournal .com

July 2022 | Page 19

GOOD NEIGHBOR NEWS: WEST JORDAN NEWSLETTER

PAID FOR BY THE CITY OF WEST JORDAN

Beat the Heat

A MESSAGE FROM WEST JORDAN’S EMERGENCY MANAGER

During the final weeks of June, as we jumped from Spring to Summer, our state continues to be hit by excessive heat, red flag warnings (critical fire weather), and high, hot winds warnings.

We live in a modern world where we can control the temperature where we live and work (in some cases).

But as the temperatures rise, power companies may struggle to meet demand, which can result in power outages and blackouts. Rocky Mountain Power has the ability to issue Public Safety Power Shutoff watches.

So, what can you do if your power goes out?

RECOGNITION. Become familiar with the signs of heat-related illness: heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and how to treat.

FAMILY. Be sure to check on family and friends, particularly the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, young children, etc. According to FEMA at www.ready. gov, those in these demographics are higher risk.

BASEMENTS. A majority of homes in the City of West Jordan have basements, which are much cooler that the upper floors. Be flexible and make the move to the basement. Have resources you may need prepositioned there for your family’s comfort. For those without basement, the northside of buildings

Page 20 | July 2022

are cooler than the southside, as are rooms without carpeting. And remember, sometimes it’s cooler outside than inside.

CLOTHING. Those that have to be outside, whether it’s work or play, should wear a hat and clothing should cover most of the body and be loose and light colored.

Cotton and other natural fabrics breathe better than synthetics. In addition, like an evaporative cooler, getting your clothing wet will help you keep cool.

WINDOWS. There is a lot of advertising on the radio this time of year for window shades and treatments, which can deflect the heat. These can be pricey, but you can line your windows with aluminum foil to reflect the heat.

COOKING. Most people enjoy a barbecue, so keep it cooler inside by cooking outside. Eat light meals with more fruits and vegetables which produce less body eat and decreases water loss. And drink water, even when you’re not thirsty.

Beat the heat and enjoy the summer!

If you would like information about emergency preparedness, contact Jeffory Mulcahy, West Jordan Emergency Manager, 801-834-8502, or jmulcahy@ westjordan.utah.gov.

West Jordan City Journal

GOOD NEIGHBOR NEWS: WEST JORDAN NEWSLETTER

PAID FOR BY THE CITY OF WEST JORDAN

The Splash Pad is Open for the Summer WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO We sat down with Ron Wood Park Manager Chris Pearson to talk all things to know before you head over to West Jordan’s Splash Pad this summer.

People may notice some changes this year when they visit our splash pad, what are the updates you’ve made?

“We’ve changed how you turn the splash pad on. There used to be two pedals you’d have to search for on the ground and step on. We’ve made it much easier now by installing two blue pillars. They work by just tapping the top with your hand a few times.”

COUNCIL CORNER

On August 9th at 6:00 p.m. in the Justice Center Community Room, the City will hold its “Truth in Taxation” public hearing. Truth in Taxation is a process that was established by the Utah State Legislature in 1985. This process requires that city governments, county governments, and school districts hold a public hearing to inform taxpayers of tax rate increases prior to voting on the increased rate.

Earlier this year, residents received a budget mailer outlining how City departments are funded and the source of the City’s funding. The Council has made several changes to the budget as part of its duty in being the legislative body of the City. Many of these changes have aimed to reduce the potential property tax increase and to increase the effectiveness of the City, you can find them in the table below.

COUNCIL AC TION Received an overview of the Mayor’s Tentative Budget and new items within the budget for FY2023

May 11th, 2022, Work Session

Reviewed and evaluated City department needs

May 18th, 2022, Committee of the Whole

Instructed staff to review the Utility Rate Structures over the summer

May 25th, 2022, Work Session

Reviewed the budgets for each department and made reductions on items that a Council majority could agree on

June 1st, 2022, Committee of the Whole

Considered and received public comment on a Utility Fund transfer

June 8th, 2022, Work Session June 22nd, 2022, Council Meeting

You can find changes to the budget at: www.westjordan.utah.gov/finance-department/ city-budget/. Residents can listen to the meetings listed in the table by going to: www. westjordan.utah.gov/government/agendas.

The Council hopes to see you at the public hearing. Residents can participate in the public comment portion of “Truth in Taxation” in-person or online via Zoom. Those who choose to comment will be given three minutes.

How long does the splash pad stay on once you’ve tapped those blue pillars?

“The water will stay on for 30 minutes. If you’re still out there enjoying the splash pad and it turns off, just tap the blue pillars again and you’ll get another 30 minutes.”

Why would the splash pad automatically turn off if it’s only been a few minutes?

“We have a water saving feature turned on. When the winds reach a certain speed, the splash pad automatically shuts off for two minutes to help conserve any water we could lose. After the wind has died down you can tap the blue pillars again and the water will turn back on.”

Say I show up to the splash pad, I tap those pillars a few times and the water still isn’t turning on?

“If it doesn’t seem to be working there are a few steps to take. First, look for signage around the splash pad. If we’re experiencing some issues, we’ll let the public know with signs placed around the area. If there aren’t any signs and the water still isn’t turning on give us a call: 801-301-1833.”

What are some things the public should keep in mind while visiting the splash pad?

“Treat the splash pad like a pool. You wouldn’t run, eat, or drink in the pool.

Walk through the fountains like sprinklers. You wouldn’t drink pool water, don’t drink the splash pad water either.”

You can visit the splash pad Monday – Saturday, 10 AM – 8 PM at Ron Wood Park (5900 W New Bingham Hwy). The splash pad season is from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Cities Team up to Stop Speeders in a County-Wide Initiative Slow down – that’s the message from police departments across the valley. This month, the City of West Jordan and the West Jordan police department are teaming up with other cities and department to stop an issue that officers say is getting worse.

“Our goal is to get out there and remind the motorists that the speed limit is set for a reason,” said West Jordan officer Sam Winkler. “The traffic signals are timed for specific speeds and when vehicles are going way too fast, we start seeing crashes.”

Officers are cracking down on drivers who speed on main throughways in the city including Bangerter Highway and Mountain View Corridor. But speeding isn’t just limited to faster roads. Officers are keeping an eye on city and neighborhood streets.

“When these cars are darting in and out of traffic at high speeds, it’s very easy for them to lose control,” Winkler said.

“In addition to, you don’t know, is there a hazard up ahead? Is there a pedestrian in a crosswalk? What’s going on? So, we really want these motorists to slow down.”

“Just one life lost to excessive speeding is one too many,” said West Jordan Mayor Dirk Burton. “Let’s work together to keep our families and neighbors safe on the roads.”

GOOD NEIGHBOR NEWS: WEST JORDAN NEWSLETTER

PAID FOR BY THE CITY OF WEST JORDAN

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

J U LY

J U LY

J U LY

WEST JORDAN WESTERN STAMPEDE CELEBRATION

JULY 4TH

COMMUNITY MARKET

1-4

5

4 –

Ron Wood Park 5 – 8 p.m.

visit westernstampede.com for more information.

INDEPENDENCE DAY

J U LY

J U LY

J U LY

FOOD TRUCK ROUNDUP

PLANNING COMMISSION

FOOD TRUCK ROUNDUP

Ron Wood Park 5 – 8 p.m.

View the agenda at westjordan.utah.gov or watch at: bit.ly/WestJordan

Ron Wood Park 5 – 8 p.m.

5

5

12

6 – 9 p.m.

J U LY

J U LY

J U LY

13

14-23

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

12 DANCING PRINCESSES

FOOD TRUCK ROUNDUP

View the agenda at westjordan.utah.gov or watch at: bit.ly/WestJordan

wjarts.org for more information 7:30 p.m.

Ron Wood Park 5 – 8 p.m.

J U LY

J U LY

7 – 10:30 p.m.

J U LY

19

19

25

27

PLANNING COMMISSION

PIONEER DAY

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

View the agenda at westjordan.utah.gov or watch at: bit.ly/WestJordan

(Observed) City Offices Closed

The City of West Jordan 8000 S. Redwood Rd., West Jordan, UT 84088 Join the conversation!

(801) 569-5100 West Jordan – City Hall www.wjordan.com uly

2022

TWITTER: @CityWestJordan FACEBOOK: @WestJordanCityHall Visit Westjordan.utah.gov for direct links.

View the agenda at westjordan.utah.gov or watch at: bit.ly/WestJordan

6 – 9 p.m.

Page 22 | J

Follow the City of West Jordan on Twitter & Facebook

7 – 10:30 p.m.

West Jordan Police Dept.

8040 S. Redwood Rd. West Jordan, Utah 84088 801-256-2000 801-840-4000 Dispatch

West Jordan City Journal

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Band teacher leads the way to academic excellence

By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

M

arching with the Utah National Guard 23rd Army Band in the West Jordan Grand Parade on the 4th of July will be trombone player and assistant conductor Lisa Blodgett.

“I keep busy and involved with music during the summer and love it,” Blodgett said.

During the summer, she performs at local events with small music performance teams within the band, such as the Brass Quintet, which often performs for veterans returning home from Honor Flight trips to Washington, D.C. During the school year, Blodgett is the music teacher and band instructor for students in grades 4-6 at Majestic Elementary Arts Academy. Her involvement in the 23rd Army concert band, marching band, jazz band, and brass quintet builds her street cred with her students.

“I think it’s important the kids see that she’s still working on that talent and using it in her professional career,” Principal Marianne Johansen said.

At Majestic, all students take daily music classes and the upper grades take band class.

In typical elementary schools, families have to coordinate their own transportation to band and orchestra classes, which are held before or after school.

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Blodgett said her students enjoy having the opportunity to play in the band during school hours.

“Kids come in happy— they literally come running up to my door,” she said. “It’s a bright spot to a lot of the kids’ days when they get to come. It gives them something new, something different, something fun to do. So I

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Lisa Blodgett teaches music skills to students at Majestic Elementary Arts Academy that enhance academic performance. (Photo courtesy of Lisa Blodgett.)

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think it’s made it a lot more fun for the kids to come to school.”

Blodgett said music class has helped turn things around for students who previously struggled with attendance.

“There’s a lot of kids that are actually motivated, they want to come to school, because they want to participate in band or be in the arts classes,” she said.

Blodgett said learning to read and play music helps students develop skills that help them academically.

“Some of these kids that struggled in a regular classroom have been flourishing and doing quite well with this new skill and reading music,” she said. “I think it’s exciting to see that and it’s something that’s supposed to help develop and grow brains.”

Johansen said Blodgett creates a safe environment where kids feel comfortable, even when they are asked to play in front of their peers.

She said Blodgett is also a great support to her peers, helping other teachers where she can, and standing out as a leader and hard-worker.

Blodgett was awarded Utah’s Outstanding Music Educator of the Year award at the Utah Music Educators Conference this spring. This prestigious recognition is given to music educators who have demonstrated “an enduring commitment to music education excellence” as well as “long-term, meritorious service, assistance, and inspiration to students, to the state, and to music teachers.”

Blodgett was thrilled to receive the award and to continue growing the music program at Majestic.

“I love teaching music and working with kids,” Blodgett said. “My absolute favorite part of my job is when I see a kid has learned something new and it’s exciting and it’s amazing to them.” l

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West Jordan woman providing clothes, mental health for domestic abuse survivors

By Linda Steele | l.steele@mycityjournals.com

M

cKayla Julian knows a thing or two about a personal journey.

Julian started a women’s mental health support group back in March 2021 called Pretty Tough Ladies Resource Center. Then she opened up her revolving closet in April.

“I’ve spent my whole life trying to find my purpose. I knew I wanted to be a mom.

I absolutely love being a mom, and I also knew that I wanted to empower women in some way. I am a domestic violence survivor and my inspiration for starting my resource center stems from a place called Women Helping Women who work closely with workforce services. They provide clothes to interview in, and things you need to get ready for a job interview, and help you get back on your feet,” said Julian, owner and operator of Pretty Tough Ladies Resource Center.

Julian’s personal experience saw her and her daughter leave her abuser with only two small bags of things, plus she needed a job.

“I met a wonderful lady who has practically become family to us, who allowed me to rent her basement apartment. My daughter and I had a safe place to go where we couldn’t be found by my abuser,” Julian said.

Julian had been through so much trauma and abuse. Women Helping Women and her sweet family friend supported and helped Julian have hope again.

“I’m in a place in life where I can give back and I’m so honored to be able to share my story and be that woman encouraging women empowerment. There is hope, there is light in this world. When it feels like it’s all gone, there are resources, and a chance to take back your life,” Julian said.

“Serving women and children of our community alongside McKayla has been such a blessing for me,” said Shoni Childrey, a member of the board. “She has started something truly amazing here. There are, unfortunately, so many situations women can find themselves in where these items are needed but just not affordable, and that’s why this is so necessary.”

Julian started a GoFundMe to help expand the closet and secure 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. The Pretty Tough Ladies Resource Center provides mental health support groups and women’s and children’s clothing and hygiene accessories for women and children in need. There are resources for housing, childcare, building credit, resume building and interview skills.

Pretty Tough Ladies Resource Center is located at 2768 W. Julie Ann Way West Jordan.

For more information on donating go to GoFundMe www.gofundme.com/f/please-help-usexpand-pretty-tough-ladies Information on Facebook at facebook.

Page 26 | July 2022

McKayla Julian, seen here with her children, started the Pretty Tough Ladies Resource Center. (Courtesy McKaylaJulian)

The resource center is located at 2768 W. Julie Ann Way in West Jordan. (Courtesy McKayla Julian)

McKayla Julian started her support group in March 2021 as a way to give back. (Courtesy McKayla Julian)

com/prettytoughladiesutah/ To contact go to prettytoughladiesutah@gmail.com Hours for shopping: Monday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

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“If I can help even one woman find that hope again and take back their lives, no matter what their story is, like these women helped me, then I know I’m doing something right,” Julian said. l

The resource center is located at 2768 W. Julie Ann Way in West Jordan. (Courtesy McKayla Julian)

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July 2022 | Page 27

What the West General Plan means for you

By Erin Dixon | e.dixon@mycityjournals.com

I

n May, the Salt Lake County Council stamped approval on a nearly 200 page West General Plan that took over 125 meetings across four years to create.

The plan covers an area on the west side of the valley that is in unincorporated Salt Lake County, which means the land is not part of any existing city. In fact, most of the land is privately owned by residents and businesses, the largest being Rio Tinto. Property owners have the first say in what happens on their land. So what’s the point of the plan if the county can’t develop the area on their own?

“A general plan is mandated by the state,” Jordan Carroll said, communications manager in the office of regional development.

“There wasn’t one before. This was very much needed. It had been attempted in the past but never completed or passed.”

A general plan is just what it sounds like. A foundation for future development to build on.

“General plans…are very broad and visionary,” Carroll said. “We can really look at preservation and development and transportation and conservation and recreation and trails on a regional level.”

To use trails as an example, if there is

a high level idea, then perhaps there could be a connecting pathway across many cities, like the Jordan River trail. Development decisions would be made with plans that would benefit multiple cities at once.

If a property owner wants to do something different with their land than what it has now, they will need to approach the County Planning Commission and Council for input and approval. This is when the plan comes into play.

“Developers or land-owners don’t necessarily have to look at the plan,” Carroll said. “[But], the planning commission and County Council is going to refer to this and it would heavily impact their decisions.”

The plan is not something that will come into play very soon.

“This is set out [to influence the next] 30+ years at this point,” Carroll said.

No development will take place until landowners decide to do something. Rio Tinto will finish their mining before they make any changes.

The goals of the plan include conservation of water and environment, transportation, land use and housing preferences, parks and trails, economic growth, utilities to power the growth and public safety.

There is a lot of land on the west side of the Salt Lake valley that the County Council is working to have developed wisely. (Photo courtesy Salt Lake County)

These goals include: • Use water and energy conservation tools • Protect the Great Salt Lake ecosystem • Avoid ‘leapfrog development’ (using space wisely) • Incorporate town centers • Allow accessory dwelling units • Mix in affordable housing and build more ‘middle-housing’ as well as traditional single-family homes

• Build connecting roads to established major highways, like I-215, Bangerter Highway, etc.

• Connect cities with trails and bicycle lanes • Incorporate public transportation • Plan events and programs to attract people to new spaces • The full plan can be viewed at slco.org/west-plan. l

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West Jordan City Journal

Meet The Mayor among summertime events happening in West Jordan

By Linda Steele | l.steele@mycityjournas.com

I

t’s summertime and West Jordan is hosting many fun events for the community besides the Western Stampede. One of the events was Meet the Mayor, Dirk Burton, at the West Jordan outdoor pool.

Burton was born and raised in Kearns. He moved to West Jordan, met his wife and they raised six children.

Burton became a Councilmember for West Jordan’s fourth district in 2016. Members of his community pushed him to run for mayor and with their support he became mayor of West Jordan in January 2020.

Burton was appointed to the Airport Advisory Board in 2020. He serves on the Chamber of Commerce, Utah State Electricians Licensing Board, Salt Lake County Council of Governments, Western Growth Coalition, Jordan River Commission and Association of Municipal Councils.

Even with his busy schedule of committee meetings and other responsibilities,, he promotes community involvement with local scout groups. He enjoys spending time with his family and touring West Jordan neighborhoods on his bike or Segway and getting to know the residents that he loves to serve.

Another new event, and additional opportu-

nity to meet the mayor, was Bike with the Mayor, held June 18 at Ron Wood Park. The event was sponsored by the city’s Sustainability Committee. Bike riders took their bikes, helmets and water bottles to ride with the mayor. Kids decorated their bikes for the parade and rode along a designated route. Afterwards participants enjoyed refreshments and the opportunity to chat with the mayor.

Get ready for these summer events. “As a resident, you know that West Jordan is a city that was built on fantastic traditions,” said Burton.

Coming up in July, some events you can check out are the Women in Business Luncheon at The Gathering Place and the Work and Learn Lavender class at the Conservation Garden Park.

There are also online events, including Let’s Talk...Conversations on Race, Equity, & Belonging, Feng Shui Monthly Energy Shift Workshop, "Come Meet A Black Person" Anti-Racism Virtual Series, and Louise Bourgeois: Doodling and the Unconscious.

To find out more information about these events go to westjordan.utah.gov. l Bike with the Mayor was one of several events happening in West Jordan in June. (Photo by Frederic Christian)

7/31/22

7/31/22

7/31/22

WestJordanJournal .com

July 2022 | Page 29

JULY-SEP EVENTS

2022

EVENING SERIES

Amphitheater Parking: 495 East 5300 South Ticket Information: 801-264-2614 or www.murray.utah.gov July 9 ...............................................................................Jenny Oaks Baker Violin & Cello Student Workshop July 15-16, 18, 21-23 ..................................................Sister Act July 29-30.....................................................................A Celtic Summer’s Night, featuring Mairead Nesbitt Aug 12-13, 15, 18-20 ..................................................The Drowsy Chaperone Aug 26 ............................................................................Toast – the Ultimate Bread Experience!

Aug 27 ............................................................................Once Voice Children’s Choir Sep 2 ...............................................................................Carpenters Platinum – A Tribute Sep 9-10 ........................................................................Once On This Island Jr., Children’s Musical

LUNCH CONCERT SERIES

Tuesday at Noon in Murray Park Pavilion #5, FREE July 12 .........................................................................................................The Lazlos, Roots & Roll July 19 .........................................................................................................Iris (Britney Holman), Indie Pop/Folk July 26 ........................................................................................................Infusion Rock, Rock Ban

Riders prepare for last year’s Antelope Island by Moonlight Bike Ride. This year’s event will be held Friday, July 15 at 10 p.m. (Photos courtesy of Discover Davis)

A night pedaling under the stars you won’t forget

LIBRARY SUMMER SHORTS

Wednesday at 1 p.m. in Murray Park Pavilion #5, FREE July 6 ..............................................................................................Scales & Tails, Reptile Show July 13 ............................................................................................Scariff Irish School of Dance July 20 ...........................................................................................Monroe’s Mountain Melodies, with Puppets July 27............................................................................................Longwings, Bird Show

CHILDREN MATINEE SERIES

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

FAMILY NIGHT SERIES

The 2nd Monday of every month at 7 p.m., FREE Murray Senior Recreation Center (#10 E 6150 S – 1/2 block west of State) July 11 ........................................................................................................Neo Vintage, Jazz & Bossanova Aug 8.........................................................................................................Company B, Oldies Sep 12 .......................................................................................................BD Howes Band, Acoustic Classic Rock

STOP IN FOR STORIES

Every Tues/Wed/Thurs at 11:15 a.m. in Murray Park White Gazebo, FREE Murray City Library sponsored outdoor story time full of books, songs and action rhymes for kids ages 2-7 and their families. Bring your blanket or lawn chair.

This program has received funding support from residents of Salt Lake County, SL County Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP), Utah Division of Arts & Museums, Utah Department of Cultural & Community Engagement, Utah Humanities, and National Endowment for the Arts.

Page 30 | July 2022

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@davisjournal.com

T

ake a ride on the dark side at the annual Antelope Island by Moonlight Bike Ride. The event that started in 1994, has become a highly-anticipated experience that continues to attract families and community members.

This year’s ride will be held Friday, July 15 at 10 p.m. with participants traveling from the marine to the historic Fielding Garr Ranch, and back. The Ride into the Moonlight Theme is inspired by the new “Top Gun” movie and riders are asked to wear aviator-based costumes like bomber jackets, goggles and scarfs.

“The Antelope by Moonlight Bike Ride has been one of Davis County’s most popular events for nearly three decades, and for a good purpose,” said Jessica Merrill, director of Discover Davis. “It offers the community a chance to dress up, come together and experience the incredible Antelope Island sky at night.”

Along with the costume contest, there will be awards for the best-decorated bike and best group costume. Be sure to check in before 8 p.m. to be entered into the contests. Registration is now open, with tickets ranging from $25-$35. For more information, or to purchase tickets for Antelope

by Moonlight, visit DavisCountyUtah.gov/ moonlight.

The Moonlight Bike Ride was created to put the spotlight on Davis County's unique gem, Antelope Island State Park.

The ride is popular with families and riders of all ages who want to get out and enjoy a night under a bright summer moon. The route is an out-and-back 24-mile loop on asphalt road, starting from the marina.

A pre-party will consist of local vendors, music, entertainment, food trucks, socialization and more. Each rider will be offered light refreshments at the halfway point. Nature sets the stage for this adventure on two wheels, with roaming bison, howling coyotes, and the stunning backdrop of the mainland's twinkling lights across the lake.

In addition to being a unique experience, the event supports projects that enhance the Antelope Island visitor experience and helps bring improvements to the area.

“We encourage anyone who can ride 24 miles to come out and participate,” said Wendy Wilson, assistant park manager of Utah State Parks at Antelope Island State Park. “Antelope by Moonlight is the perfect summer activity and an experience that doesn’t come around very often. We hope people will take advantage to explore Antelope Island after hours.” l

West Jordan City Journal

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Boys high school soccer teams will play two less games for the next three years due to being on probation.

(City Journals)

UHSAA places boys soccer on probation

David Matthews, MD

Sue Anders, MD

Chadwick Denseley, DO

Janet Eddy, MS, MD

Tina Goldsmith, MSNP

Adam Wray, DO

By Greg James | g.james@mycityjournals.com

I

n a stand against poor sportsmanship, the Utah High School Activities Association has placed boys soccer on probation. Coaches have questioned if their decision was accurate and if it will change.

“The Executive Committee voted to place the sport of boys soccer on probation due to the rise in ejections related to unsportsmanlike conduct,” the UHSAA said in a statement.

“UHSAA programs will now have 14 allowable contests, down from 16.”

The sport will be on probation for the next three years. The committee will conduct annual reviews to assess the sport’s progress.

“I am really torn on this issue,” Hunter High School boys head coach Brett Solberg said. “UHSAA claims that in the past year 50% of all ejections were in boys soccer. I feel that is not a fair comparison. In soccer, you can get a red card for a handball or a foul as the last defender. If you foul out in basketball it is not considered an ejection.”

In soccer, a red card forces the player or coach to be removed from the contest and the team’s following match. Red cards can be assessed for several reasons: two yellow cards are an automatic red card, a handball, a foul as the last defender before the goalkeeper, leaving the field of play without authorization, and poor sportsmanship.

“Not a single coach or administrator I have talked to knew anything about this being considered,” Copper Hills head coach Sean Terry said. “Unfortunately, when you are dealing with high school boys in a competitive sports setting, you will have isolated instances of poor sportsmanship.”

According to Terry referees have been instructed to take a no-tolerance approach to bad language on the field.

“I do not disagree with that approach, but if a player takes a hard foul from his opponent, then says something to the kid that fouled him, now he is red carded and out of the game. In football, that stuff happens, but the team will get a penalty and not an ejection,” Terry said.

WestJordanJournal .com

Coaches agree that sportsmanship needs to be addressed and some changes need to be made. They do not think removing two games from the schedule will affect a change. More players may skip high school soccer and continue playing for a club team, high school teams just lose two contests.

“With the suspension of two games, we were hoping to travel to St. George in the preseason and play, but now we may not be able to,” Solberg said.

Most high schools have player and fan contracts that they sign before the season. This helps remind participants of what is acceptable.

“I work very hard with my players. We want them to be honest players,” Terry said.

“We will not tolerate a dirty player. We are all human, I would never say we are 100% in this area. We strive to improve every year.”

Player conduct will be re-evaluated after the season.

“For a majority of our matches things were fine,” Solberg said. “We had a close match against Kearns. The game got heated and it led to pushing and shoving, which was not OK. Before our next match with them, we got all of the players together at center circle.

We discussed the game and that bad behavior would not be tolerated, and it was not a problem.” l

Boys high school soccer teams will play two less games next season. (Greg James/City Journals)

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Home visitation program helps parents and families with young children

By Sarah Morton Taggart | s.taggart@mycityjournals.com

O

ne day in June, Lisia Satini was working with a young client. She asked the 3-yearold boy to name the plastic animals she held up, and was delighted when he named them all.

“This was a child who could not speak before. His verbal skills were like ‘uh, uh,’” Satini said. “Now he’s able to say ‘zebra!’”

Satini is the home visitation program supervisor for Children’s Service Society of Utah (CSS). The home visitation program offers parent education to families throughout pregnancy and until the child enters kindergarten.

Satini had originally been working with the child’s older sibling.

“The parent was able to pick up on the cues. She knew something was up,” Satini said.

“We were able to detect at a young age that he was on the autism spectrum. So we screened him and saw a child development (specialist).

We were able to consult with the parent about seeing a pediatrician and now we have him in an IEP (Individualized Education Program).”

Satini continued working with the family and recalls another recent visit with that child.

“He had the potty training seat on his head,” Satini said with a laugh. “You know, I’m sure it was clean, his mom was letting him.

He’s working on potty training and this is how he’s connecting with it. He has the seat and he’s saying ‘circle’ because he loves shapes. I love it, going from where he was at couldn’t say words to now he knows shapes. Just the way he was connecting through the screen was awesome.”

The home visitation program uses the Parents as Teachers curriculum, a method used throughout the United States and six other countries. Caregivers learn how to overcome challenges involved with parenting to help children ages 0 to 5 reach their full potential. Certified parent educators like Satini are trained on how to apply scientific information on early brain development into specific, practical advice for parents. For example, parents learn how to find teachable moments in everyday life to help improve their child’s language, social, intellectual and language skills.

“This program, now that I know what it is, I recommend it to everyone,” Satini said.

“You’re able to learn about the family and how it functions. Whether you’re a single parent home, two parent home, just a parent. It’s not easy. Children are not easy. We’re all still learning.”

The parent educators usually visit twice a month, or once a week in the case of single parent households.

“I didn’t know, besides just going to the doctor, that these are the milestones my children need to be at,” Satini said. “And knowing the statistics of what it does when you read to your child. It sets them up at an early age to be able to perform in the school system.”

Along with lessons and advice, the educators offer screenings to assess the child’s development as well as connections to other

Page 32 | July 2022

The home visitation program offers parent education and support to families with children ages 0 to 5. (Photo courtesy Children’s Service Society of Utah)

resources that are available.

“Right now we serve refugee families, Pacific Islanders, Spanish-speaking families, and also teen parents,” Satini said. “We have paraeducators trained to provide that culturally-sound connection where families can feel comfortable.”

Of course, challenges arose at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In our curriculum we strongly push parent engagement. We talk a lot about limiting screen time,” Satini said. “But with the pandemic we had to start offering virtual visits, so then of course we’re going back to the screen.

We went through a transition in the beginning with families not having the right technology.

It was not easy doing visits through the phone.”

In 2020, CSS organized fundraising campaigns and provided Chromebooks for all of the families in the home visitation program.

But even with the new technology there were hiccups.

“Visits are an hour long and we’d use most of that training them on how to get set up,” Satini said. “But now we have parents who have that skill. We can say that’s a plus.

We have kids interacting on the screen and attention spans are a little longer. These are the little milestones that make it worth it.”

Home visitation paraeducators are just beginning to make arrangements to visit families in person again, as long as everyone involved feels comfortable with meeting. Virtual visits will continue to be an option.

Representatives from CSS are back to attending community events to let parents know about the home visitation program, and social media and word of mouth also drive participation. Interested parents can visit www.cssutah. org/services/home-visitation/ to fill out a refer-

The home visitation program offers parent education and support to families with children ages 0 to 5.

(Photo courtesy Children’s Service Society of Utah)

ral form.

“When we visit with these families, we learn how their family functions,” Satini said.

“If they need resources we’re able to help them tap into all of these connections, from mortgage relief, rent relief, to free lunches in the summers.”

Most families working with the home visitation program live in Salt Lake County, but educators have begun working in Davis County as well.

“To me, home visitation is the true prevention program that exists in our community,” said Encarni Gallardo, the executive director of CSS. “The program puts educators and community health workers in their homes.

They see where the struggles are, and offer the resources the families need. It tailors support to the family to ensure the children are safe and receiving the support they need to be ready for school.”

“We always say CSS is the oldest child welfare agency in Utah,” Gallardo continued.

“We’ve been around since 1884 and we’ve adapted services to meet the needs of the community as things change.”

Today, CCS offers several programs in addition to home visitation: adoption services, Grandfamilies Kinship Care, and Care about Childcare, which offers services to parents and

providers.

The organization’s newest venture is the Building Blocks Childcare Center in Taylorsville, which offers free and reduced cost childcare and preschool to low-income families in partnership with the United Way of Salt Lake.

“I’ve worked with families of all kinds and all different incomes,” Gallardo said.

“Children have a universal language. All children want to succeed in life. To me what CSS does is put a voice to those children. CSS is here to assure that caregivers have the support they need for children to grow up and succeed.

These kids will be taking care of our future.

Let’s give them the opportunity they need to stay healthy and safe.”

Satini’s own children are nearly grown.

When they were young she was a stay-at-home mom. She later worked in community health.

In 2016, she joined CSS as a specialist for working with Pacific Islander families.

“It’s the same work, except I’m now going into homes,” Satini said. “My baby is now 13, so I didn’t get to take advantage of it. However, I do love this curriculum because I still apply a lot of things with my teenage kids. I believe connection never stops with your children.” l

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Page 34 | July 2022

West Jordan City Journal

Rio Tinto Kennecott visitor experience reopens after two-year closure

By Rachel Aubrey | r.aubrey@mycityjournals.com

T

hose looking for an educational outing during the summer, need only take a drive up the mountain. On Friday, May 20, the visitor center at the Bingham Canyon mine opened once again to the public after being closed the past two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Founded in 1903, the mine is the largest human-made, open pit mine in the world and prior to the pandemic saw approximately 45,000 visitors a year. The visitor experience offers education about the history of the mine and the process turning ore into copper, a material found in such products as smart phones, laptops, televisions and other appliances.

Education is important component of the visitor center experience according to Rio Tinto Kennecott Manager for Communities and Social Performance Ryan Perry.

“We want to have kids up here to learn about geology and minerals,” Perry said. “We want to inspire them.”

Inspire, educate, and leave the world a better place. According to Rio Tinto Kennecott Superintendent for Operations Support, Anthony Hoffman, Rio Tinto invests millions of dollars a year to try to make the earth better, despite the ongoing mining operation. In 2020, Rio Tinto partnered with Brigham Young University students and professors from the department of plant and wildlife sciences and the department of chemistry and biochemistry to reclaim land surrounding the mine.

“We know we’re disturbing the earth, and we want to try to put the earth back in the same position that it was, if not better,” Hoffman said.

Present on opening day was Ray Anderson, a former Utah resident, who now resides in Green River, Wyoming.

WestJordanJournal .com

Anderson came specifically to participate in some pump training on site but couldn’t help take some time see how vast the site has become.

“This is one of the only mines in the world where you can stand over and actually see what’s happening,” Anderson said. “This is phenomenal.”

Anderson said most of the public don’t stop to consider what mining actual is and how it impacts everyday life. As a former contractor during the early 2000s, Anderson has not been to the mine since before the 2013 slide, which caused the original visitor center closure. The visitor center was reopened in 2019, and then closed again a year later due to the pandemic.

Even during the pandemic, the mine itself remained fully operational, running 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

According to the website, reservations are still required at this time however the visitor experience will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., seven days a week with shuttles running up the canyon every 30 minutes. Visitors are asked to park in the Bingham Canyon Lark parking area.

All proceeds from ticket sales are donated to the Kennecott Charitable Foundation, a Utah-based charitable organization that has been helping in the local community since 1992 through various ways including food pantries, school programs and education programs. According to Perry, in 2019 the charity was able to donate $150,000 to approximately 49 different organizations.

To book tickets online and for more information visit www.riotinto.com/operations/us/kennecott/visitor-experience l

Wyoming resident Ray Anderson hasn’t been to the Rio Tinto Kennecott mine in over a decade and captures photos on his phone of how vast the operation has become. (Rachel Aubrey/City Journals)

July 2022 | Page 35

Three Ways Rising Interest Rates May Impact Your Personal Finances

By Robert Spendlove

T

West Valley’s Greg James poses with his family. (Photo courtesy Greg James)

Beyond the byline: Meet Greg James, your friendly local sportswriter who’s ‘simply a fan’

By Catherine Garrett | c.garrett@mycityjournals.com

Editor’s note: this series highlights the writers behind the stories found here every month. lifelong baseball fan began a blog several years ago when he was the president of Kearns Pony Baseball League—simply to recap the day’s games—and it took him on an unexpected journey.

In 2010, Greg James, of West Valley, started as a sportswriter for the South Valley Journal covering Riverton High School and the surrounding area.

“I didn’t know a lot about journalism.

My writing experience was that blog and writing in a journal. But, I do know a lot about sports in general,” he said. “What I didn’t realize was how much actually goes into writing.”

For the past 12 years, James has been taking his love of sports and putting it into print in the form of hundreds of articles on everything from a city rec team to high-profile coaches and athletes, including Don Shula, Don Mattingly, Eddie Alvarez, Derek Parra and Jose Canseco.

“It’s been pretty cool to talk with people I have idolized and realize that they’re just normal people. I had never done anything like that before,” James said. “I just love sports. I would do this for free. I love to go to the games and take in the experience.

When I am covering an athlete, team or a story, I get to be their biggest fan in that moment.”

City Journals editor Travis Barton describes James as a reliable and dedicated writer whose passion shows in his work, which he continually tries to improve. “Greg cares about the stories he writes and the people in them,” Barton said. “I know I can trust him, and in likewise, I know people can trust him.”

James, who is a West Jordan High School alum, is married to the former Jill Bickmore from West Jordan, and has three

A

Page 36 | July 2022

grown children. His son, Chris, graduated from Salt Lake Community College and has aspirations in the theater realm. His daughter Kate, who is married, recently graduated from Brigham Young University—a point of contention for the life-long Ute fan—and is an elementary school teacher in Herriman, while his young daughter, Kolbie, currently attends Utah State.

For the past decade, James has been learning that there are various sides and angles you can use to approach each story and has continually tried to do things differently to grow and improve in his writing. He also takes his love of stats—born from his baseball roots—and compares and analyzes them as he sees how athletic contests play out. Additionally, he has come to set aside initial opinions that female sports are lesser; instead, “realizing that while the girls and women may not be as big, fast or strong as boys or men, the game is just different, but it doesn’t make it any less.”

For his day job, James currently manages Valley Collision in Ogden and has been in the industry for 40 years, including 27 at Rick Warner Body Shop in Salt Lake. On the side, he has been excelling in the journalism ranks as a multiple award-winning Society of Professional Journalists writer.

“I don’t like the accolades. I’m just amazed to be able to rub shoulders with those that do for this a living and that I’m even in the room with all of these people who I’ve followed for years,” he said. “I’m so amazed to simply learn from them. I’m in awe.”

James has come a long way since his first interview with Riverton High soccer coach Paul Mozier when he was “scared to death and literally shaking,” and an even longer way from his Honors English class at WJHS that he dropped after three weeks, proving that he belongs in that room.

he Federal Reserve has been aggressively ramping up interest rates over the past several months to try to rein in inflation, which is at a 40-year high. After three years of near-zero interest rates, the Fed raised rates a quarter percentage point in March, a half point in May, and three-quarters of a point in June — the largest rate hike since 1994. The Fed has also indicated that it will continue significantly raising rates, by as much as an additional two percent, over the next year.

Today’s borrowing costs are back to 2019 pre-pandemic levels, and they are expected to keep going up. Here’s what rising interest rates could mean for Utah consumers: Tackling credit card debt. If you carry a balance on your credit card, paying off that debt could become more difficult. That’s because most credit cards have variable interest rates, which typically rise and fall with market rates. The average credit card interest rate hit a two-year high in June, topping 16.75%.

As rates continue to rise, carrying a credit card balance will likely get more expensive.

Today’s consumer has extra incentive to pay down credit card debt and other high-interest debt, or consider other strategies to offset rising interest rates, such as a credit card balance

transfer.

Buying or selling a house. While mortgage rates have shot up over the past few months, Utah’s hot housing market has shown little sign of cooling. That could change as rates climb further, pricing more Utahns out of the housing market. With every 1% increase in the mortgage rate, a homebuyer pays about $300 more per month on a $500,000 mortgage. However, the Beehive State’s housing shortage will likely keep demand strong and prices rising, albeit at a slower pace.

Building savings. Higher interest rates are welcome news for people who like to save. Though there isn’t a direct link between the federal funds rate and deposit rates, financial institutions generally increase the annual percentage yield that is paid on money market accounts, savings accounts, and certificates of deposit after the central bank raises rates.

As the federal funds rate increases, consumers should start seeing a better return on their deposits, including savings accounts, money markets and CDs. Robert Spendlove is senior economist for Zions Bank, a division of Zions Bancorporation, N.A. l

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Board of Education Update Congratulations to the Class of 2022

2022 District Teacher of the Year

She has worked tirelessly with kindness and compassion, educating students in Jordan School District for 30 years.

Congratulations to South Jordan Middle School’s Kim Player, the 2022 Jordan School District Teacher of the Year.

This year more than 4,000 Jordan School District students graduated from our high schools and those graduates earned more than $41 million in scholarships. Way to go, graduates!

Significant Teacher Pay Increases The Board of Education has consistently increased teacher pay. The starting salary for a teacher in the District is now $53,080, which is competitive with surrounding districts.

$40,000

$48,000

$48,625

2019-20

2020-21

$50,500

$53,080

$42,800

$34,339 2016-17

Did You Know Our Board Local Levy is the Third Lowest in the State?

Of the 41 school districts in Utah, Jordan School District has the third lowest Board Local Levy. Only Wayne and Piute school districts are lower.

Uintah Carbon Millard Granite Davis Salt Lake State Average Canyons Murray

2017-18

2018-19

2021-22

2022-23

Truth in Taxation The Jordan School District Board of Education will hold a Truth in Taxation hearing to consider increasing taxes so we can continue to increase teacher and staff salaries and support their hard work and dedication to student achievement.

Maintaining competitive teacher pay and supports for teachers is a priority.

Alpine Jordan Wayne Piute 0.000000

0.001000

0.002000

0.003000

The Board will take public comment on Truth in Taxation on Aug. 2 at 6 p.m. at Riverton High School.

For more info, go to jordandistrict.org/financialfacts

For the latest news & information please visit us at jordandistrict.org or find us on WestJordanJournal .com

July 2022 | Page 37

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West Jordan City Journal

Teed Off

I

t was the height of COVID. We were trying to figure out Zoom meetings and DoorDash and online grocery shopping. I’d been laid off. The world was topsy-turvy.

Stress levels were off the charts.

My husband decided we weren’t fighting enough, so he thought he’d teach me to golf.

I was young and naive and thought it would give us a break from the COVID lockdowns and Netflix binging. But two years later, it’s become the most infuriating part of my life. A sport with an uppity dress code should have been the first clue.

We got to the golf arena and rented a cart, which is really the only reason to golf.

Tom gave me the scorecard like I understood “par” or colors or numbers. We drove to the starting line and he proceeded to give me my first golf lesson.

“What club are you going to use?” he asked.

“How should I know? Sandwich?

Soda? Strip?”

Tom swore, handed me a club and instructed, “Widen your stance, get closer to the ball, shoulders up, head down, knees together, thumbs out, straighten the arms but bend the elbows. Twist, but don’t move your hips. Watch the ball. Watch the ball!”

After getting me in peak form, I took a swing.

I totally missed the ball and sprained WEST JORDAN

Peri Kinder Life and Laughter

several unused muscles in my back.

“You’re pulling up,” he said, unhelpfully.

“Pulling up what?”

“Just pulling up.”

“I don’t understand the words you’re using,” I replied. I considered throwing a ball at his head.

“You know, just don’t pull up.”

I glanced around the course, certain a divorce lawyer had to be within range.

“Watch,” he said. “This is what you’re doing.”

Tom then proceeded to reenact my swing, which, according to him, looks like I’m trying to kill a spider with a baseball bat.

“Don’t do that,” he said. “Understand?”

“Do you understand alimony?” I mumbled.

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It’s gone downhill from there, but at least now I’ve learned golf etiquette, like how driving the cart through those fun sand dunes is frowned upon. And I should whisper on the golf field unless I miss a shot, and then I’m supposed to yell a swear word and throw my golf bat in the lake.

I also learned I shouldn’t shout “Fore!” every time I take a swing, and kicking the ball onto the fairway is a cool golf-pro trick. And the drink cart is like an ice-cream truck for grown-ups.

After watching Tom’s conniption when he hit a ball into the creek, I asked him, “You do this to relax? Is it working?”

He gritted his teeth and drove to the next hole. I sat back and watched the beautiful scenery. I’ve seen deer, squirrels, ducks and bunnies romping near the “greens,” which is a lazy name if I’ve ever heard one.

Maybe during the next pandemic, Tom can teach me how to pole vault or we could join a curling team or maybe we could do a DIY extension to our house. There are just so many ways to start a fight.

Peri Kinder is an award-winning humor writer and hosts the Life & Laughter podcast. She’s also a yoga/meditation instructor and life coach.

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Concrete Installation & Removal | Flatwork Patios | Walkways | Driveways | RV Pads Stamp & Color | Garages | Retaining Walls

Call Ala for Estimate 801-835-0051 AnEConstructionLLC@gmail.com

ROOFING

801-272-7000

All types of roofs

$650 OFF any reroof over 2,000 sq. ft.

801-918-8843 OWEN PROPERTY

MAINTENANCE

Call today!

801-953-8751 Licensed and Insured

PATIO COVERS & HANDRAILS ENJOY THE OUTSIDE THIS SUMMER

• Steel Covered Carports, Patios & Porches • Steel Handrails • Quality Decks

Call John today for a FREE estimate.

801-205-5999

Quality and Integrity for over 25 Years

DECKS & HANDRAILS

Utahs Best Decks Building Utah’s BEST Decks for over 25 years with quality & integrity.

BestDecksInUtah.com Call John today for a FREE estimate.

801-205-5999

LANDSCAPE MATERIALS

REPLENISH LANDSCAPE

Barks, Colored Mulch, Compost, Soil Blends, Playground Chips, Sand-Gravel, Landscape Fabric & More

801-252-5962

4660 S 200 W Murray

Mention this ad for 10% Off FLAT ROOF SPECIALISTS

OLYMPUS ROOFING

801.887.7663 SERVING WASATCH FRONT SINCE 1973

CONCRETE WORK

Reasonable Prices, Quality Work, Prompt Service Flat work, Driveways, Patios, RV Pads, Sidwalks, Etc.

Call Dan:

801.518.7365

July 2022 | Page 39

NO SURGERY. NO DRUGS. NO GIMMICKS.

THE PAIN STOPS HERE

ROBOTIC GUIDED CLASS IV LASER & SPINAL DECOMPRESSION • BACK PAIN • SCIATICA • SPINAL DEGENERATION • NEUROPATHY • FAILED SURGERY • SPINAL STENOSIS • ARTHRITIS • WHIPLASH • HERNIATED & BULGING DISCS • AUTO ACCIDENT INJURIES AND MORE Join the hundreds of patients that have experienced complete relief from the frustrating pain of severe back, neck, and joint problems without surgery, without drugs, and without having to live feeling miserable.

86-94% SUCCESSFUL in the Treatment of Serious Spinal Conditions!

“Dozens of doctors told me that there was nothing more that they could do to expect to be in a wheel chair. I went from the top 1% in the army Special Forces to being in so much pain that I could not tie my shoe or hold my new daughter. I did physical therapy and pain killers for years, but nothing worked. Finally, I went to Dr. Smith and I improved exactly as he told me I would. I couldn’t believe it! My wife cried, “I have my husband back.”

—Steve M., Army Special Forces

Comprehensive Spinal Exam, Consultation (X-rays if needed) & 2 Pain Relieving Treatments for $27

(801) 302-0280 AUTO ACCIDENT INJURIES ARE 100% COVERED BY AUTO INSURANCE