West Jordan Journal | March 2022

March. 2022 | Vol. 8 Iss. 03

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THE POWER OF CHEESE HELPS ITINERIS STUDENT HIT THE BULLSEYE

By Greg James | g.james@mycityjournals.com

I

tineris Early College Early College High School in West Jordan is home to a recognized competitive archer, Dawson Whitehead.

“He really just found an interest in archery by completing a Scouting merit badge,” Dawson’s mother, Cindy Whitehead, said. “We just went as a family and tried it out, and he just took to it.”

Dawson is a junior at Itineris and has been shooting competitively for about four years. He recently placed 64th out of nearly 3,000 competitors at the Las Vegas 2022 shoot.

“He has been shooting basic, intermediate and competitions at Easton,” Whitehead said.

Easton Salt Lake Archery Center is in Salt Lake City near the airport. It hosts indoor and outdoor competitions and shooting classes. It is one of three world-class facilities in the country. It has an archery library and museum at the facility.

As a beginning shooter, Dawson was allowed to borrow and rent equipment. As he progressed and became better, he was encouraged to purchase his own bow.

“His bow is around $900 and that is about average,” Whitehead said. “Competition bows can be $1,000-plus. That does not include arrows, sights, and other equipment you need. He has worked to earn the money for his equipment. At a tournament a few weeks ago, we discovered that he needs to get more equipment to help him become better.”

As a competitive archer, Dawson practices two to three times a week. Programs such as Junior Olympic Archery DeContinued page 8

Itineris Early College High School junior Dawson Whitehead shoots at the Las Vegas 2022 shoot where hit took 64th place. (Photos courtesy of Cindy Whitehead.)

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March 2022 | Page 3

Teachers get a day to renew, recharge, refocus Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

I

n the weeks leading up to and during the omicron surge in January, schools were dealing with unprecedented staffing shortages.

At Columbia Elementary, there was a week when seven teachers and five aides were absent. Because subs were difficult to find, assistant principals and aides took some classes, while others were combined into one large class. Even lunchroom workers pitched in to cover shortages in the custodial staff.

“It was just exhausting,” Principal Abe Yospe said. “It just took a lot out of us as a faculty. If we didn’t have the omnicron variant, then we were dealing with the impact of the omnicron variant. We were just scrambling for about two weeks.”

To help their employees through this rough time, Jordan School District officials implemented a substitute teacher incentive bonus, which helped increase the sub pool.

When the shortages affected bus drivers, JSD’s director of transportation, district administrative staff and district mechanics took on bus routes to help drivers, who were covering multiple routes. Board of Education member Darrell Robinson pledged to take every Friday off work to help with custodial duties at local schools.

“It’s really impressive to me, but not surprising, how employees reach out to support each other, to chip in, to work to do whatever they can to support each other personally and professionally,” Superintendent Anthony Godfrey said.

But he knew employees needed something more. So, the Flex Friday (online day) scheduled for Feb. 11 was adapted to become a health and wellness day.

“It’s just a chance for us to stop and focus on student, family and employee health and wellness as we gear up for the remainder of the year,” Godfrey said. “It’s been a very

Journals T H E

Teachers at Fort Herriman Middle School enjoy bonding together during Jordan District’s first Health and Wellness Day. (Photo courtesy of Jordan District.)

difficult year, perhaps the most difficult, and so I think everyone benefits from taking time to take care of themselves and to refocus.”

District employees were invited to use the day to catch up on work (without having to fit in time to meet with students), to use mental health resources or to take a day off (without having to find a sub.) Unlike a professional development day, there were no required meetings or trainings.

“It was wonderful to be able to get caught up on a lot of things that we’ve put on the backburner and things that I needed to get caught up on that I’ve been waiting for a chance to but just have not had an opportunity,” Yospe said. “It was just a really relaxing, nice day and a good way to reset and recharge our batteries.”

West Jordan Elementary teachers went

Jordan District employees enjoy some yoga and relaxation after a hectic few months (and years.) (Photo courtesy of Jordan District.)

jogging together, worked quietly in their rooms and even played an impromptu game of hide and seek in the school building.

Principal Jennifer Ludlow said it was a much-needed extra day for teachers to get caught up on work but also to relax, enjoy each other’s company and have fun together.

“Teachers just don’t ever have time mid-year to get some things done on their own terms and go to lunch together and plan together or just get stuff done in the rooms,” she said.

Jordan District offered employees and students access to 50 on-demand health and wellness classes through the Cook Center for Human Connection. Additionally, yoga classes were offered at two middle schools.

District staff also taught classes, in-person and remotely, to help employees manage personal and professional stress.

Westland Elementary third grade teach-

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er Belynda Paxton attended one of the offered classes on classroom management.

“All my 30 years of tricks are not working,” she said. “I need to have a fresh perspective, see if they have anything that will help me help [students] do better. Because I still have so much to teach them but it’s like I spend most of my time managing.”

Paxton also enjoyed sleeping in, going for a walk and watching videos about meditation and breathing. She also took advantage of the free drinks local Swig locations were offering teachers.

Several local businesses also provided district employees free access to gyms and fitness centers.

Godfrey hoped the day helped employees renew, recharge and refocus.

“I also hope that it’s just the beginning of a continued focus on individual health and wellness going forward,” he said. l

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West Jordan City Journal

Oath of office ceremony made extra special with personal touches

By Erin Dixon | e.dixon@mycityjournals.com

T

his January many new and returning elected officials took the Oath of Office.

What is the Oath and who is qualified to perform it?

To complete the ceremony, the following words must be spoken identically as written: “I, (elected official name), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support, obey and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Utah, and that I will discharge the duties of my office with fidelity.”

Swearing with a hand on a Bible is not required.

Rori Anderson, Midvale City clerk, said, “The Oath of Office is kept in the city’s official records of the city and a copy is given to the individual taking the oath. The Oath of Office is public record.”

Only people with certain qualifications can assist in giving the oath. Guidelines state: “Every court, every judge, clerk and deputy clerk of any court, every justice, every notary public, and every officer or person authorized to take testimony in any action or proceeding, or to decide upon evidence, has the power to administer oaths or affirmations.”

For a city government, the Oath is usually done by the city’s own clerk.

WestJordanJournal .com

If, for some reason, an elected official does not take the Oath of Office within the first few weeks of the new year, they are still accountable for their actions as an official beginning Jan. 1 of the year they were elected to take office.

Two officials in Midvale wanted to do something that made their Oaths more personal and meaningful.

Incumbent Dustin Gettel asked a personal friend, Justin Anderson, a clerk for Utah County, to administer his oath. In that same meeting, Marcus Stevenson, though not religious himself, used the same Bible that his grandmother had used when she was elected for local government.

Ceremonies for the oaths of office have no requirements beyond the wording and signing of the Oath. Sandy City hosted an hourlong program at a nearby school with choral numbers, speeches and presentations.

West Jordan officials performed the ceremony opening with a color guard performed by the West Jordan Police Department, followed by the National Anthem by a current council member. Midvale’s ceremony included refreshments for guests following the ceremony. l West Jordan Councilmember Kayleen Whitlock takes her Oath of Office, accompanied by her spouse.

(Erin Dixon/City Journals)

March 2022 | Page 5

Chinese immersion program family comes together to celebrate holiday

By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

T

risha Teeples, a senior at Herriman High School, has spent 11 years immersed in Chinese language and culture as a student in Jordan District’s Chinese dual language immersion program.

“Learning Chinese has actually been really fun with all the activities we get to do,” she said.

Learning Chinese painting and paper cutting, playing Chinese instruments and performing Chinese dances has always been a part of how students have celebrated Chinese New Year at DLI schools. Teeples said Chinese New Year is also about coming together with family. That is why the Jordan District family of Chinese DLI schools celebrated this year’s holiday with a combined event.

The Chinese DLI program is in its eleventh year, with 1,720 students in grades 1–12 enrolled in four elementary schools, four middle schools and four high schools in Jordan District.

A community Chinese New Year celebration was held at Herriman High School Feb. 2 to celebrate the success of and bring awareness to the program.

“We really want to celebrate their achievement and success and to showcase our students,” Jordan District Chinese DLI coordinator Kimberly Chen-Pace said.

Elementary and high school DLI students performed for their parents and peers, with traditional dances and songs. Middle school students demonstrated what they have learned through class projects about Chinese instruments, opera, medicine and foods.

Mountain Creek Middle DLI teacher

A variety of activity booths allowed students and parents to learn about Chinese culture and traditions. (Photo courtesy of Jordan School District.)

Student displays demonstrate their knowledge of Chinese history and art. (Jet Burnham/City Journals)

Page 6 | March 2022

Michael Lu said it was a great opportunity for his students to share their knowledge with younger students and parents because it helped them realize how far they’ve come in their own learning.

“The DLI program is challenging,” he said. “But they progress each day and this is an opportunity for them to see the achievements they have made.”

Eastlake Elementary fifth grade DLI teacher Thomas Boulay said it helped younger students to see older students and get an idea of how much they will know in a few years. Parents also got the chance to see the potential for their children who are just starting out in the DLI program.

The celebration exposed Heidi Goodrich to some of what her son Braeden has been so excited to learn in his second grade DLI class at Eastlake Elementary, such as writing Chinese characters and creating Chinese crafts. Goodrich said exposing her son to different cultures is one of the reasons she placed him in the DLI program.

Culture is an integral part of the DLI program.

“We expect students to learn language through learning culture,” state DLI special-

West Jordan City Journal

ist Chi Kao said.

Older students take Chinese history and modern Chinese culture classes, while younger students explore Chinese culture through arts, crafts and games.

With a degree in English as a Second Language and experience teaching English to Chinese children, Alexis Tanner understands the cognitive benefits for young chil-

dren who learn a second language. That’s why she has enrolled her son in the Chinese DLI program at Foothills Elementary.

The DLI program prepares students to pass the Advanced Placement Chinese test and they graduate with nine college credits. l

Students demonstrate their language skills in a performance for their parents and peers. (Photo courtesy of Jordan School District.)

Braeden Goodrich and his brother play with Chinese yo-yos. (Jet Burnham/City Journals)

WestJordanJournal .com

Herriman High School hosts a district-wide Chinese New Year celebration. (Photo courtesy of Jordan School District.)

March 2022 | Page 7

The ballroom dance workshop at Falcon Ridge Elementary is full of energy and fun. (Jet Burnham/City Journals)

Students learn steps for a group line dance. (Jet Burnham/City Journals)

Spreading the love of ballroom dance

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By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

here’s an extensive ballroom dance program in Utah County elementary schools, but that is not the case in the Salt Lake area.

Anna Bay hopes to change that. As both a ballroom teacher at Copper Hills High School and a mother, she is using her connections to spread the love of ballroom dance.

She started by offering an after-school ballroom workshop at Falcon Ridge Elementary, where four of her children attend. The workshop, which runs October to March, is open to students in grades 2–6.

About 40 students attend to learn basic ballroom dance steps and to have some fun.

“They get crazy because they’re little,” Bay said. “We just roll with it. It probably looks more chaotic than it is, but they learn so much through the chaos.”

Bay uses popular kids music to teach the waltz, merengue, swing and group line dances.

“I try and find something that the kids can relate to because when I don’t, they get a little bit more distracted,” Bay said. “If it’s something they can recognize, they stay more on-task.”

She said the after-school activity gives kids the opportunity to belong to something. They also gain valuable skills.

“They think they’re just having fun dancing,” Bay said. But she said they are

also learning balance and memorization.

She also includes tidbits of information about the history and cultural backgrounds of the dances.

Bay said ballroom dance also teaches social skills—how to talk to others face to face, keeping eye contact, and how to ask someone to dance—skills Bay feels students haven’t been able to practice for the past two years.

“I feel like they’ve kind of had to relearn how to interact with people after COVID,” Bay said.

Members of Copper Hills High’s ballroom dance team, which Bay coaches, help teach the workshop. CHHS senior and ballroom team member Darci Glad said she feels like a celebrity when she walks in and the kids rush to give her a hug.

Glad said she enjoys working with the younger students as much as they love working with her. As a dancer who focuses so much on precision and technique, she said it is good for her to be around the kids.

“Being here just reminds me to have fun with it and to help others find the fun in it,” Glad said.

Senior Lauren Heath is also a member of the CHHS ballroom dance team. She was first exposed to ballroom dance by taking a social ballroom dance class at Sunset Ridge Middle School. There, she saw the high school ballroom dance team perform.

Continued from front page

he researched all his equipment. He figured out what was best and made the decision of what he wanted to do. This is the best investment we have made for him. His confidence has increased; he dances and does things he would never do anywhere else.”

At tournaments, an archer shoots 30 arrows per round. The scoring rings on the target start with one point for the ring farthest from the center and progress to ten points in the center. In high-level events, the bull’s eye scoring can be scored higher by getting

velopment offer opportunities for archers to learn range safety and proper shooting technique.

Dawson placed first in his division at the Archery Center Momentum shoot. He shot 513/600 in his two-round contest.

“It is amazing to see him do well,” Whitehead said. “I am happy to see him doing something. When he decided he wanted to compete, he began researching his bow;

Page 8 | March 2022

Lauren Heath, a member of the Copper Hills Ballroom Dance Team, helps detangle elementary students at Falcon Ridge Elementary. (Jet Burnham/City Journals)

“I thought they were just the coolest people in the world, and I thought I definitely want to go do that,” Heath said. She now takes every ballroom dance class she can at CHHS. She hopes to inspire a love of dance in the elementary kids she works with each week.

The elementary students will be performing for their parents at Falcon Ridge Elementary Thursday March 10 at 6:30

p.m. They will perform in partnered dances and in group line dances.

Bay hopes to generate more interest in after-school ballroom programs in other local schools. She has already been approached to teach at other elementary schools and to share her curriculum with other teachers. For more information, contact her at anna.bay@jordandistrict.org. l

closer to the center.

“It takes a lot of practice and patience,” Dawson said. “I use the sport as a stress relief. I take quite a few college courses in school. Shooting helps relax me.”

At a recent event, his shooting was off.

His mother noticed he was having a hard time staying focused. They got him some cheese snacks that he ate in a break. Afterward, his shots become more on point. Superstitiously he has invested in the power of cheese to make him shoot better.

“We could tell he was getting hungry,” Whitehead said. “We gave him these cheese snacks, and he shot better. So, the power of cheese,” There are clubs for young adult shooters. In his competition class, he is the only youth participating.

“I tell people it is fun,” he said. “It is great to relieve some stress.”

He is the son of Cindy and Jerry Whitehead and lives in West Jordan. He has two brothers and one sister. l

West Jordan City Journal

Celebrate St. Paddy's Day with shamrocks, leprechauns and the color orange

By Karmel Harper | k.harper@mycityjournals.com

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ocal Danielle Millar Stoddard's Irish mother celebrated St. Patrick's Day by wearing orange.

"My great grandfather was Protestant Irish and raised his children to wear orange on St. Patrick's Day. My grandmother would let my mom and her siblings wear green so they wouldn't get pinched at school, but if Grandpa was coming over, they had to change quickly to something orange; otherwise, Grandpa would get so mad. He was very stubborn and set in his ways!"

The green color rules on March 17, but not all people wear green. Some wear orange.

First celebrated in 1631, St. Patrick's Day is a Roman Catholic holiday that honors the patron saint of Ireland. The color green is the Irish Catholic tradition, but not all Irish citizens are Catholic. Some are Protestant. Protestants wear orange to honor William of Orange, the Protestant king who overthrew Roman Catholic King James II in the Glorious Revolution in 1688.

The Irish flag, with its vertical blocks of green, white, and orange, is representative of the blending of the cultures. The green represents the majority of Roman Catholics; the orange represents the minority Protestants; and the white in the center symbolizes purity and peace between the two sides.

According to the website Patriot Wood, "When Ireland's flag was created, white was chosen as the central color to represent a lasting truce and hope for peace between the two sides. It represents the ideal that every person has a part in Ireland, regardless of political stance, religion, or ethnicity."

Other Irish traditions on St. Patrick's Day include a meal of corned beef and cabbage, which, according to Delish.com, isn't actually the national dish of Ireland. It's typically only eaten in the U.S. around the holiday.

"During the time of the Irish immigration to the U.S., the first generation of Irish-Americans were in search of the comforting tastes of their homeland. On St. Paddy's Day, that meant boiled bacon. But the immigrants were too poor to afford the high price of pork and bacon products. Instead, they turned to the cheapest cut of meat available: beef brisket. The corned beef was paired with cabbage, as it was one of the cheapest vegetables available to the Irish immigrants," said the website.

While St. Patrick's Day is just another day to some people, to others, the celebrations go beyond wearing green to avoid getting pinched. Herriman’s Denise Wooten Christiansen said, "As a granddaughter of Irish immigrants, St. Patrick's Day is special to me and it's become special to my children. I decorate

Some Irish prefer wearing orange instead of green on St. Patrick's Day. (Photo courtesy of KTBS)

our home, wear a special green chenille shamrock pin that my grandma made for every child and grandchild in our family every year, and eat corned beef and cabbage for dinner. It is a day to remember our Irish heritage and to carry on the multi-generational traditions of our family," Regardless of how you celebrate or not celebrate St. Paddy's Day, perhaps this famous Irish blessing that abounds this time of year resonates: "May the road rise to meet you,

May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face. The rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of his hand."

Or perhaps this Irish blessing that local resident Megan Sticht shared may be more appropriate to your mood: "May those who love us, love us. And those that don't love us may God turn their hearts. And if He doesn't turn their hearts, may He turn their ankles, that we may know them by their limping." l

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Police chief reports minimal ‘use of force’ instances in West Jordan

By Erin Dixon | e.dixon@mycityjournals.com

T

wo years ago, during the “Defund the Police” movement, the City Journals interviewed West Jordan Police Chief, Ken Wallentine.

His response to the movement was: “No one, no one, dislikes a bad cop more than a good cop. We have the responsibility to police our own profession. I’m all for reform steps; I’m all for more transparency in police discipline records.

One of the things we’re trying to do is listen very hard.”

In a presentation to the West Jordan City Council this year about the use of force from officers, he said: “I can’t rely on ‘I think it would never happen.’ I have to rely on specific training, specific policy to teach officers to step in appropriately in those situations and make sure they don’t happen.”

The following programs and training are all new since 2019. Some began before the “Defund the Police” movement.

• Developing and Implementing an Outward Mindset (DIOM) and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) • “Hands-on” techniques and “takedowns,” largely governed by Peace Officer Standards and Tranining (POST) • Segmenting: a technique that helps get someone to the ground fairly quickly and put them into control quickly without needing to put a knee on their back or kneeling on their neck and causing injury. All prior officers have taken this course and it is now a part of PD initial training.

• De-escalation Tactics and Communications: exercises are conducted with virtual reality (VR) programs.

• Interacting with persons with Autism: training done with family members of people with autism and VR.

“We track any use of force in this city,” Wallentine said.

“It’s anything beyond ‘I’m putting a handcuff on you.’ If you pull away, if you fight, if you twist, and we respond to that, it’s a use of force. We only had officers hit people twice in the year [and this was only] when the person was resistant.”

The US Bureau of Justice Statistics collects information from police forces in the country. (These numbers are uses of force on people, not forced entries, accidents or incidents with animals.)

“Those folks will tell you that 16.5% of police contacts for detention or arrest, force is used by an officer,” Wallentine said. “Other sources will tell you 21.6%. West Jordan, 2.7%.”

(These numbers are use of force on people, not forced entries, accidents, incidents with animals.)

In the United States, officers use physical force for one in five arrests, whether that’s a twist lock, a blow, pepper spray, taser, baton or firearm.

In West Jordan, officers only use force for one in 36 arrests or detentions.

Another way to look at what is happening in West Jordan is to consider how many incidents officers respond to, for any reason.

In January to December 2021, 25,355 calls went to the West Jordan police. Officers used force 0.0003% of the time they had face-to-face contact.

How is the use of force tracked?

“If you use force in the West Jordan police department, a sergeant looks at it immediately, that night,” he said.

“Within 48 hours, a lieutenant looks at it and makes sure

The West Jordan Police Department claims a 2.7% use of force during arrests and detentions. (Photo courtesy West Jordan Police Department)

the report has been entered. Our professional standards, and internal affairs looks at it, and it goes to a deputy chief, then to the chief of police. We review [and ask] ‘Are our officers’ behaviors proper? Are our trainings proper?’”

West Jordan officers hand out cards with a QR code to people they interact with. The code brings you to a program called Know Your Force, where the individual can rate and explain their interactions with the officer. They also mail 50 surveys a month, randomly, to people who’ve had contact with the police, to encourage more public feedback. l

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March 2022 | Page 11

Council creates wish list for future of Veterans Memorial Park

By Erin Dixon | e.dixon@mycityjournals.com

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Drivers compete in the Western Stampede Demolition Derby in 2018 at the rodeo arena, one feature of the Veterans Memorial Park. (File photo City Journals)

Page 12 | March 2022

he West Jordan City Council reviewed the Master Plan from 2005 for the Veterans Memorial Park (1985 West 7800 South) in February this year.

All council members expressed ideas and hopes for the park’s future, and city staff was directed to collect information about the cost and feasibility of these ideas.

What was on the council wish list, and how much of it is possible with the current budget?

The park as it stands features the Viridian library, rodeo arena, several playgrounds including the “Wild West,” open space, pavilions, Veteran Memorial and more.

All seven members of the council agreed to keep the annual events, from Veterans Memorial ceremonies and breakfast to the Western Stampede Demolition Derby.

Councilmember Chris McConnehey, who spearheaded the discussion, expressed an interest in using the rodeo grounds more often.

“Motocross and snowmobiles, drone races, [to encourage] better use out of the arena,” McConnehey said. “Not necessarily city sponsored events but encourage third-party events, even a paintball tournament.”

Councilmember Melissa Worthen suggested adding some infrastructure, permanent electrical wiring for example, to make

set up for rodeo users easier.

Other suggestions for improving the rodeo arena were to build permanent shade, pave the parking lot, install flagpoles, and build a kitchen and dining area for sponsor dinners.

Councilmember Zach Jacob suggested the turf grass around the park could be made more waterwise, replacing unusable grass with decorative desert space.

Ideas for additions to other areas of the park include a skate park, amphitheater, pickleball and improvements to the Museum.

At the end of the discussion, Chief Administrative Officer for the Mayor Korban Lee expressed concerns.

“I’ve heard about $20 million in asks tonight,” Lee said. “We’re about to pull the trigger on going out to bid and starting construction on the Art Center, which is $2.5 million short of being funded. I love all this, but it’s a lot more in staff resources, capital project resources, sponsorships and creating funding. It’s a lot of the wish list without the tradeoffs and hard decisions.”

In response to this, Whitelock asserted that this is their “vision for the future. A failure to have a plan is a plan to fail.”

“We’re giving you an idea of what we would like and what it would take to get us there,” Whitelock said. “We just want to know what we can get from you, what is possible.”

Resident Bonnie Young often watches City Council meetings and is involved as much as she can be.

“The Council workshop meeting last night offered up a lot of ideas to improve West Jordan, many of which are recreational in nature,” Young said. “Supposedly, strategic planning is used to guide budget development. I look forward to seeing how the mayor and the council apply dollars to their priorities.”

She also referenced the Art Center project that is already underway.

“I am concerned that the city will begin spending several million dollars for construction of a major facility (the Arts Center) without identifying from where they will secure the balance of funds for completion of the facility,” Young said.

“Additionally, I’m not aware of a budget plan for the ongoing Operation and Maintenance of this facility. We are talking about a lot of money!”

West Jordan Communications Officer Tauni Barker clarified to the City Journals that, “staff will take all of Council’s requests and create a budget for each. Council will have the opportunity to select which projects are worthy of funding.” l

West Jordan City Journal

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West Jordan City Journal

G O OD NE IG HBOR

NEWS

MARCH 2022

Paid for by the City of West Jordan

M AYO R ’S M E S S AG E West Jordan is ramping up for spring! Our Parks Department is working hard to prepare all our city parks to open the first week of April. Can you believe our great city has more than 475 acres of open space and 350 acres of park properties?

Just as public safety, water, and wastewater are a crucial part of public services, our parks and trails are also considered an essential part of the community. These spaces provide a place for us to get outside and be active. In return, our neighbors are healthy and engaged with one each other.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO PREPARE OUR PARKS? While city parks are never really ‘closed’ there are amenities that are unavailable in the colder months. Our parks department works to make sure everything is up and running when the weather warms up.

Bathrooms and drinking fountains undergo annual pipe maintenance, sprinklers are checked, and landscape is prepared for new spring growth.

WHAT’S NEW THIS YEAR? We are always making small improvements to our parks, but this year you may see some more noticeable improvements and additions.

• Ron Wood Park now has pickleball courts. These courts are located just east of the tennis courts.

• Maple Hills Park is a new park opening this summer. It will include a playground, basketball court, scooter loop, small bike trail, and more. (6400 West 7400 South) • Pocket Park in the Highlands District is scheduled to be completed this summer. The small park has a playground and pavilion. (6540 West 7800 South) USE OUR PARKS! HOW TO RESERVE A PAVILION: A city park is the perfect spot to gather your friends and family to celebrate.

Reservation season runs the first Monday in April through the first Saturday in October. You can make a reservation our website.

Parks are much more than just big green spaces with grass and trees.

They are a place to watch your children grow, for you to participate in community events, and to gather with the people you love most. See a map of all parks and amenities on page 2.

I love our parks so don’t be surprised if you see me ride up on my bicycle and say “hi”!

Sincerely,

Mayor Dirk Burton

Neighborhood Watch – It’s Tax Season, Don’t Become a Victim With tax time quickly approaching, scam artists are upping their efforts to try to get your personal information. Tax-related identity theft occurs when someone uses your stolen Social Security number to file a tax return claiming a fraudulent refund. You may be unaware you are a victim until you receive an IRS notice, or you file your return, but it is rejected because your SSN already has been used.

Here are some of the more common scams and what you can do if you think someone is trying to gain access to your personal information.

• An unexpected email purporting to be from the IRS is always a scam. The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email or social media to request personal or financial information. If you receive a scam email claiming to be from the IRS, forward the email to phishing@irs.gov.

• An unexpected phone call from someone claiming to be an IRS agent, either threatening you with arrest or deportation if you fail to pay immediately, is a scam. In another variation, the caller requests your financial information in order to send you a refund. Report these calls and other IRS impersonation schemes to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 1-800-366-4484 or online at IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting.

• If you discover, or receive an email from a website that claims to be the IRS but does not begin with ‘www.irs.gov,’ forward the link to phishing@irs.gov.

Thousands of people will fall victim to these scams each year and tens of thousands of dollars will be lost to the scammers. Don’t be a victim!

GOOD NEIGHBOR NEWS: WEST JORDAN NEWSLETTER

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GOOD NEIGHBOR NEWS: WEST JORDAN NEWSLETTER

PAID FOR BY THE CITY OF WEST JORDAN

Water in West Jordan — What you should know Save yourself a google search – here are the most frequently asked questions in our Water Department.

I’m putting in an irrigation system.

What is my water pressure?

The best way to get your precise pressure is to call us (801-569-5700) or submit a work order (bit.ly/WJSERVICE) to have the city come out and pull the pressure from your home and surrounding area. This is very useful for setting your in-home regulator or prior to installing a sprinkler system. If you are installing a sprinkler system, we highly recommend you design it for a lower pressure than what you are currently getting in case of a drop in pressure that we can sometimes experience in the summer months.

I’m installing a new water softener, what is my water hardness?

The city buys most of its water from the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District. In the summer, the city uses an additional four wells to supplement the higher demand. The level of water hardness can fluctuate as the well water and Jordan Valley water blends. If you have additional questions, you are welcome to call public works and talk to a water quality specialist: 801-569-5700.

I turned on my faucet to get a drink and the water is off.

Why wasn’t I notified and when will my water be back on?

If your water meter is within a shutdown area for a leak, a repair crew may have had to immediately shut the water off to fix the repair. The department does its best to notify residents, but in an emergency, they have to act fast.

I got a blue door tag saying the water will be off – what can I expect?

There may also be times where the city will schedule a shutdown to maintenance or modification work on the water system. The repair crew will visit affected residents at least two days prior. If you don’t have water and haven’t seen a notice from the city, call public works. 801-569-5700.

I went to get a drink and my water has a brownish tan color and/or has an odor This could be due to a number of things. This can happen with low usage, if there is a project in the area, if there has been an emergency water break, or if the department has been flushing and didn’t get a full exchange of water in the pipe. The best thing to do if this happens is to flush water through the highest flowing tap in the house, typically a tub faucet, and just let it run for a few minutes at full flow. This will flush the sediment through the indoor plumbing. If it doesn’t clear up, please notify the city, and our water quality specialist will make arrangements to meet with you and discuss what the next steps need to be.

COUNCIL CORNER This month, the Council will be focusing on listening to your comments regarding redistricting for City Council district seats. If you are thinking, “Wait a minute, didn’t this already happen?” you’re probably not alone.

Now that congressional, state legislative, and county council boundaries have been finalized, it is time for cities to revise their council boundaries.

“A big challenge with redistricting the Council seats in West Jordan is that we have seen tremendous growth on the west side of the city within the last ten years,” explained Council Member David Pack. “This means that in order for districts to comply with the ‘one person, one vote’ principle, the boundary lines must be redrawn to ensure an equitable number of people reside within each district.”

In the January 26th work session, the Council was presented three different

map options by the City Recorder. After some discussion, the Council determined that the “horizontal map”—which had districts spanning from east to west across the City—probably wasn’t the right fit for the community.

Currently, the Council is still considering two maps; one divides the City into a quadrant (with revised boundary lines that accommodate recent population growth), the other divides the City into four vertical slices.

“Redistricting is an important issue, which is why two public hearings will be held on the topic this month,” said Council Member Pamela Bloom. “Something that would be helpful for me to hear from residents is opinions on which redistricting map would allow for optimal representation from Council.”

Residents can view the maps at https:// bit.ly/maps2022 and send comments to councilcomments@westjordan.utah.gov

Preparing for the next Natural Disaster This month two years ago, a 5.7 magnitude earthquake rocked West Jordan.

Luckily for our city, the damage was not substantial, but it was a good reminder that any disaster can happen at any time. This is where the city’s new hire comes in – Meet Jeffory Mulcahy, West Jordan’s Emergency Manager.

Mulcahy comes from Salt Lake County Emergency Management where he served as the planning specialist and worked in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Magna earthquake, 2020 windstorm, and other Presidential Disaster Declarations. Prior to that, Mulcahy was the Sandy City Emergency Manager.

Before working for the city of Sandy, Mulcahy served in the U.S. Air Force where he retired after 32 years. While in the Air Force, he served as a Public Information Officer, then as an airborne cryptologic language analyst and superintendent of mission management, and lastly as the Command Post Chief at the Salt Lake Air National Guard Base.

Mulcahy now volunteers with the American Red Cross as a Government Operations Liaison and with Team Rubicon as a Regional Emergency Planner.

If you have any questions regarding personal, family, organizational, or business preparedness, you can contact him at jeff.mulcahy@westjordan.utah.gov or call 801-834-8502.

GOOD NEIGHBOR NEWS: WEST JORDAN NEWSLETTER

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

M ARC H

M ARC H

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PLANNING COMMISSION

FREE COVID-19 VACCINE CLINIC

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

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

Ron Wood Park 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

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

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7 – 10:30 p.m.

6 – 9 p.m.

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NEIGHBORHOOD CLEAN UP Public Works parking lot westjordan.utah.gov 7 a.m. – 3 p.m

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DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME BEGINS

PLANNING COMMISSION

ST. PATRICK’S DAY

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Follow the City of West Jordan on Twitter & Facebook TWITTER: @CityWestJordan

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

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

6 – 9 p.m.

M ARC H

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CITY COUNCIL MEETING

JOINT COUNCIL & PLANNING MEETING

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

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

7 – 10:30 p.m.

6 – 10 p.m.

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West Jordan Neighborhood Clean-up

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The City of West Jordan offers three free dumpster drop-off programs throughout the year. Green waste and general waste dumpsters will be available in the Public Works Maintenance yard (7960 South 4000 West) between 7 AM and 3 PM.

• March 12, 2022 7am – 3pm, Public Works • June 11, 2022 7am – 3pm, Public Works • October 8, 2022 7am – 3pm, Public Works

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

West Jordan Police Dept.

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

Staff will be onsite to assist with traffic direction and dumping instructions. Participants must bring proof of residency or city employment. (driver’s license, utility bill, or city ID badge) Most non-hazardous waste, June, or debris is permitted.

Acceptable items include: • Building materials • Household items • Limited appliances (Freon must be removed prior to disposal) • Furniture • Yard waste (tree limbs, shrubbery, grass clippings)

In second year, Grizzlies wrestling developing a dynasty

By Greg James | g.james@mycityjournals.com

G

irls wrestling is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, with over 28,000 high school participants, according to the National Wrestling Coaches Association.

The Copper Hills team welcomes any girl that wants to give it a try.

“It has been another good year,” Grizzlies girls head coach Scott Pace said. “We are growing and building and have a good team.”

The 2021–22 Copper Hills team expanded this season to 22 girls. The school administration has done everything it can to help the team feel included.

“This year has been fun,” Pace said.

“Our school has done a great job of taking care of our team. We have our own wrestling room and space. It has given us an identity and not just an add-on to the boys.”

The team’s success has continued. In 2021, it finished second at state to Westlake.

It is on track to do it again (state tournament is after the press deadline).

“We love to wrestle against Westlake,” Pace said. “I am sure we can challenge them.

It is amazing the year we have had.”

Wrestling has given girls many more opportunities to continue a sporting career after high school. Iowa, a perennial men’s wrestling powerhouse recently announced the addition of a women’s program. Locally, Snow College added men’s and women’s

wrestling to its athletic department.

Ross Taylor, a prominent wrestler at Utah Valley University, has been named as the Badger’s new head coach.

“We are starting from scratch,” Taylor said. “We know there will be growing pains, but we have overwhelming support, and the community members want to see this program succeed.”

Graduated Grizzly Alyssa Pace is one that could be impacted by the surge in women’s wrestling programs. “[Alyssa] is going on a mission for the [Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints],” Pace said. “She has had dozens of schools reach out to her but has not committed because the landscape is changing so quickly.”

The Grizzlies have three returning state champions, Brooklyn Pace, Ashley Wilcox and Anya Hatch.

“Anya [Hatch] and Brooklyn [Pace] are both all-American wrestlers,” Pace said. “I don’t want to call the rest of our team surprises because they don’t surprise me. They all work so hard. Kimberlynn [Fowers], Kara Noyce, and Tayleigh Robertson have all really pushed and helped us grow as a team.I think we have made this an all-inclusive and fun family environment. We accept everyone for who they are, and we have had some success.”

The Copper Hills girls wrestling team is headed to the state tournament as a favorite to win; it has become the team to beat. (Photo courtesy of Scott Pace.)

Most girls on the team did not grow up thinking they wanted to be a high school wrestler.

“This is a unique sport, but once they get in the room and try it out, we don’t lose girls,” Pace said.

The girls state tournament was scheduled for Feb. 18–19 (after the press dead-

line). Pace is hoping the team would come away with a repeat of last season.

“This team looks after each other,” he said. “They all have different backgrounds.

Some of these kids just need a place and this team has welcomed them with open arms. I really want to win, but more important than that is that it is a family.” l

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West Jordan girls basketball wraps up year Photos by Travis Barton

Madison Anderson yells to her teammate to put up the shot. The junior averaged almost nine points per game this season as the Jaguars finished 6-13.

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Giselle Muffet shoots a free throw during a home region game against Riverton. The freshman led the Jaguars in scoring this season at almost 11 points per game.

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West Jordan City Journal

Reigning region champs to face old foes in new region

By City Journals staff

Schedule

Lefty Andrew Gomez pitches during a preseason game a year ago. Gomez returns with the Jaguars this year as reigning Region 2 champs. The team went 18-8 a year ago, including 13-1 in region play. West Jordan joins Region 3 this year where it’ll play perennial contenders in Bingham and Riverton along with Copper Hills, Herriman and Mountain Ridge. (File photo City Journals)

WestJordanJournal .com

West Jordan played at Smith’s Ballpark last season against Kearns, a special opportunity for the teams to play in a minor league stadium. In 2021, the Jaguars earned the nine-seed for the playoffs where they fell in the super regional to Bingham. (File photo Greg James/City Journals)

March 9 vs Layton March 10 vs Alta March 15 vs Kearns March 18 at Hillcrest (Mustang Invitational in St. George) March 18 at Crimson Cliffs (Mustang Invitational in St. George) March 19 at Juab (Mustang Invitational in St. George) March 19 at Stansbury (Mustang Invitational in St. George) March 22 vs Cyprus March 23 vs Brighton April 1 vs Cottonwood April 5 vs Riverton April 6 at Riverton April 8 vs Riverton April 12 at Mountain Ridge April 13 vs Mountain Ridge April 15 at Mountain Ridge April 26 at Herriman April 27 vs Herriman April 29 at Herriman May 3 vs Bingham May 4 at Bingham May 6 vs Bingham May 9 vs Copper Hills May 10 at Copper Hills May 11 vs Copper Hills

March 2022 | Page 21

West Jordan partnering with Red Cross to address blood shortage

By Linda Steele | l.steele@mycityjournals.com

A

nnual blood for the West is happening in 2022 in West Jordan. West Jordan leaders have teamed up with the Utah Red Cross for a quarterly blood drive.

“This is the second year the city has offered quarterly blood drives.” said Marie Majers, senior digital community specialist for West Jordan. The first blood drive of this year is already full. The blood drive is being held in Pioneer Hall, 1137 West 7800 South.

West Jordan officials knew there was a need for blood, and they wanted to make the donation process easy and accessible to West Jordan residents who wanted to participate. They decided to reach out to the Red Cross to partner in a blood drive in 2020.

Three reasons to donate blood include: 1) you could be prone to diseases such as cirrhosis of the liver, cancer, and heart attacks. By donating blood you are able to get rid of 225–250 milligrams of iron, which helps to prevent iron overload. 2) You can lower your cholesterol and get rid of lipids or fatty substances. This is important so that fat deposits don’t accumulate in your arteries. This helps lower your cholesterol level and reduce your risk for heart disease.

3) Donating blood can help your mental well-being. Knowing that you are helping a person in need is gratifying and uplifting.

Every two seconds, someone needs blood.

Your blood can be separated into its components, such as red cells, platelets and plasma, which then can be used individually for patients with specific conditions.

The first blood drive was held last

March. Here are upcoming blood-drive dates: Monday, May 9, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 15, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 14, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The blood drive helps in emergencies and all those who need blood.

There is a severe blood shortage right now. Good neighbors in West Jordan want to give back to the community, and that is what the residents are doing is giving back and supporting the blood drive.

“We thought teaming up with the Utah Red Cross was a great opportunity to showcase just how giving our residents are,” Majers said. “We had a great turnout last year, and we expect that trend to continue.

Recently the Red Cross had less than one day supply of critical blood types and had to limit blood product distributions to hospitals. Being able to give makes people feel good and knowing that you’re giving and saving lives can make you feel great. Take an hour or so out of your day to give another chance at life.”

The following conditions prevent a person from temporarily donating blood: Pregnancy Acute fever Recent alcoholic intake Ear- or body-piercing surgery The National Voluntary Blood Services Program suggest that the following are permanent conditions that prevent a person from donating blood: Cancer Cardiac disease Severe lung disease

American Red Cross staff member Deshayla Tran finishes collecting a whole blood donation from Terry Smith, who has been regularly donating blood for the last five to 10 years in 2018. (File photo American Red Cross)

Page 22 | March 2022

American Red Cross staff member Kathryn Anderson prepares to take a blood donation from Ellie Cheung in 2018. (File photo American Red Cross)

Hepatitis B and C HIV, AIDS or STDs High-risk occupation (prostitution) Unexplained weight loss of 11 or more pounds In six months Chronic alcoholism You can check with your doctor if you feel like you need to make sure you can donate.

Remember; whenever you donate blood, you’re giving someone the opportunity to have a new lease on life, not to mention that you’re also giving your over-

all health a great boost. Consider donating.

The Utah Red Cross is a partner with West Jordan for these events. Participants must schedule their appointment online here: www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/ find-drive You can find any other information regarding the red cross either online or by reaching out to a representative here at www.redcross.org. l

Thomas Brown finishes giving blood with American Red Cross staff member Alex White in 2018. (File photo American Red Cross)

West Jordan City Journal

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Fire department starts programs to educate public on emergency situations

By Linda Steele | l.steele@mycityjournals.com

E

mergencies and natural disasters can unfortunately happen. West Jordan provides community courses to increase public awareness and preventive educational programs. West Jordan officials are offering an array of courses to educate the community in the event of emergencies.

West Jordan leaders are supportive of the West Jordan Fire Department classes. City officials support the CPR classes and they promote them to West Jordan’s residents. The fire department also trains city employees in first aid and CPR. Department members feel it will help each other and residents in case of an emergency. It is important to know how to give aid to people in the event of an emergency. Crews will go out on emergency calls, and people will ask how they can help. Residents learning CPR and CERT will help in an emergency. This can have a great effect in helping the community and firefighters.

Derek Maxfield, West Jordan Fire Department chief, is a big proponent of education, and he felt it was necessary Derek Maxfield is West Jordan’s fire chief.

(Photo courtesy West Jordan City)

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cause I am a teacher and loved the idea of creating something from the ground up,” Steeneck said. “Once I got into it, the motivation evolved, and I would say is twofold now. Not only do I want the citizens of West Jordan to feel confident when handling emergencies, which is what most of the classes provide, but I also want them to understand how the fire department will take care of them in emergencies as well.”

One of the biggest surprises Steeneck has learned in this position is about firefighters and firefighting.

“I want to provide opportunities for our citizens to get a glimpse into what it is like being a firefighter, and just how much they sacrifice to protect the citizens,” she said. “That’s where our programs like the Jr. Firefighter Academy, our Open House and many of our school programs come in.”

“We are very fortunate to have Becky in our public education division,” Maxfield said. “It can be hard to measure outcomes in her line of work, but I have no doubt her efforts have already saved lives or will in the future. The importance of public education can’t be overstated.”

LOGO MISSING

THE BEST WAY TO AVOID DEMENTIA In 2018, a group of the world’s top researchers (the Lancet Commission) published their research showing the top 9 things that people could do to help avoid developing dementia in their later years. Interestingly, the thing that made the biggest difference was for people with hearing loss to use hearing aids.

One of the main reasons hearing aids can help stave off dementia is that they help people to maintain their relationships and communication with their family and friends. When the right hearing aids are chosen for a person and they are fit by skilled audiologists, they can be life changing.

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to educate the community with certified courses.

“Public education is an integral part of the West Jordan’s Fire Department’s mission and our desire to keep the community safe,” he said. “Obviously, prevention is the best medicine, which is also part of our outreach efforts. However, when emergencies do occur, knowing what to do, especially during the few minutes between the call to 911 and the arrival of the fire department, can make all the difference for someone in a lifeor-death situation. Classes like CPR, CERT and our babysitting academy help get the information out to the public so our residents can act with confidence when faced with an emergency situation.”

Becky Steeneck, public education specialist, was hired in 2019 to help educate the community about classes. The department tried to offer classes before 2019. Because of inconsistencies, it was difficult for the firefighters to complete normal duties and try to manage the classes. The department wanted someone who was dedicated to the position to make sure it would succeed.

“I was interested in the position be-

Jeff Larsen, PhD, CCC-A

West Jordan City Journal

“HEY! WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT ANNUAL WELLNESS VISITS...”

Becky Steeneck is the public education specialist.

(Photo courtesy Kurtis Madsen)

One of the classes offered is Jr. Firefighter Academy. You may have a child that dreams about being a firefighter. They may play like they are firefighters. For those children with that dream, the Jr. Firefighter is a summer day camp. Your child will find out what it is to be a firefighter. They will ride in a fire truck, spray the hose, climb ladders, and practice first aid. Registration for the academy starts April 20.

There is a babysitting course partnered with Jordan Valley Medical Center.

This course focuses on babysitting to help children gain confidence they need when babysitting. The course covers CPR and fiirst aid, how to engage with children of all ages and how to keep the children safe. The course is for children ages 12–14.

Fire and life safety school presentations focus on youth. There are different focuses for each grade level for children to learn safety knowledge skills. The course will focus on their current core curriculum to enhance their learning environment.

Babysitters holding baby dolls during the babysitter academy. (Photo credit Becky Steeneck)

This is for preschool, kindergarten and grades 1–6. If you are a teacher in West Jordan, contact city administrators to schedule a lesson for your class or school.

For CPR, CERT, health fairs and events, and business training. The classes offer first aid and CPR, fire safety and fire extinguisher training. CERT training is developed by FEMA to help people to be prepared in the event of a natural disaster.

For health fairs and events, contact the fire department to discuss your event and to schedule. The West Jordan Fire Department has guidelines to discuss if your event is a good fit.

This year, the West Jordan Fire Department is adding CPR and CERT courses

for Spanish speakers. Department members hope to be able to serve a larger portion of their community by adding these classes.

They are also planning a Teen Fire Academy for teens interested in becoming a firefighter.

This course will be an introduction about the job of being a firefighter as well as helping teens know how to attend different schools and training.

The classes are ongoing. To get more information about the classes, contact Steeneck at Becky.Steeneck@westjordan.utah. gov or email firepreventiion@westjordan. utah.gov. You can also call 385-602-3960.

Classes are held at Station 53 in Jordan Landing, 7602 Jordan Landing Blvd. l

Vaccines are required for most children to enter Kindergarten and 7th grade. During the Kindergarten and Jr High wellness visits we ensure all children are up to date on required vaccinations.

Even if vaccines aren’t needed, well visits are also a great way to make sure that your child is starting the school year off right! We fill up quickly in the summer for sports physicals and back to school well child checks, so call and schedule your appointment ASAP.

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Junior Firefighter Academy children spraying the fire hose. (Photo courtesy Becky Steeneck)

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West Jordan City Journal

Grizzlies wrap up region as runners-up Photos by Travis Barton Quincy Hills drives for the layup after his steal at midcourt against Bingham High. Hills was a livewire in the third quarter spurring the Grizzlies to a 21-point quarter before aggravating an ankle injury knocking him out of the pivotal region game. Copper Hills would lose 61-59.

McCoy Langston shoots a free throw against Bingham. Langston, along with Luke Moir lead the Grizzlies in scoring poppin in 14 per game.

Luke Moir glances at the clock at the end of the third quarter. The Grizzlies were 16-6 on the season and 7-3 in region tying with West Jordan for second behind Bingham.

Senior Luke Moir shoots a free throw. The senior leader helped lead the Grizzlies to a 16-6 record heading into the playoffs as the No. 6 seed..

Logan Weidaur shoots a free throw on senior night.

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March 2022 | Page 27

Sacrifices required for Bangerter improvements

By Collin Leonard | c.leonard@mycityjournals.com

D

riving down Bangerter Highway, only one stop light remains from 4700 South through 13400 South. As the State Environmental Study phase of the project to remove the final signal interchange at 9800 South nears finalization, the Utah Department of Transportation has begun communicating what to expect next. To realize the promise of improved traffic flow, residential and commercial properties will be acquired by the government, forcing home and business owners to relocate in the near future.

The corridor moves more than 60,000 vehicles every day, with that number expected to double by 2050. John Gleason, director of public relations at UDOT, moved to South Jordan 13 years ago. “It’s a great centralized place. We’re seeing tremendous amounts of growth here, which is why it’s so important to make the best decisions for our future.”

Those overseeing this project have been working to answer questions and field comments since the summer of 2021. Brian Allen is the active Project Manager on this and other interchange projects along the highway. “We work in the government because we really believe in what we do. I really enjoy engaging with the public. We take those comments and consider all the options. It’s always great to hear from the people who live

Page 28 | March 2022

in these places,” Allen said.

The city of South Jordan has publicly favored the more expensive underpass option, but has not announced what sources of funding will be used to cover the $24 million difference from the overpass design. There is a possibility the cost will be split between the city and state.

Elk Ridge Middle School is at the center of the discussion, as partial acquisition of their property is planned along with a potential move of the popular pedestrian bridge used by students. Sandy Riesgraf, director of communication at Jordan School District, said “we’ve been working for six months, and are excited to continue working with [UDOT] in this process. For us, student safety is a priority; making sure we have safe walking routes.”

There is much at stake for the school district, as the proposed overpass option moves the pedestrian bridge farther from the middle school. In a city council meeting in January there was mention of the school board potentially selling school land to offset the extra cost of the underpass option.

Tracy Miller, president of the board of education, said “Jordan School District has a very good relationship with the city and UDOT.” She said all three entities are work-

Intersection of Bangerter Highway and 9800 South. (Collin Leonard/City Journals)

ing together “to explore options,” but indicated it was too soon to publicly come forward with anything concrete.

There are over 20 property acquisitions for this project (four commercial properties and 19-21 residential properties). These home and business owners have received letters from relocation consultants hired by the state, and will be required to pack up and move. Some business owners are worried

they will be moved far from their customer base, while others predict struggling to find a new space in the limited commercial real estate market. Surrounding businesses will be potentially impacted by the ongoing construction and lost revenue. Even so, there is acknowledgement that this project is important for the healthy growth of the city.

Residents feel similarly. A real estate agent living in one affected property said he’s “not opposed to changes, as long as the relocation is fair,” mentioning the difficulty relocation agents will have in the competitive housing market. Another resident expressed concern for his aging neighbors and what might be a difficult transition for them.

An acquisition agent working on the project provided more complete information on what these homeowners should expect from the process. The government, through the Utah Relocation Assistance Act, will take into account moving costs, the appraised value of homes, changing mortgage interest rates, closing costs and more when relocating each family. They do warn, however, that no financing help can be provided, and the comparable house is not limited to South Jordan but includes the surrounding Salt Lake County area. Once an offer is presented, the homeowner has 90 days before they must move.

After funding is secured (most likely by April), relocation agents will start with offers on commercial properties, then residential, and finally the partial acquisitions of another 19 properties. Each offer is made with in-depth appraisals through licensed brokers and real estate agents acting as independent consultants to the project.

With so many unknowns still to come, the project team, the city of South Jordan and its residents eagerly await the finalization of the State Environmental Study, with the hope that the sacrifices made by all will bear fruit in the coming decades. l

West Jordan City Journal

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An open book

Life

I

Laughter AND

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PERI KINDER

WEST JORDAN

was eight when I ran away from home. It was the summer of ’76 and my mother did the unspeakable. She banned a book in our home.

In the stack of books I’d checked out at the library, there was a paperback copy of “Jaws” I instinctually hid from Mom because she could be irrational. The book cover, with its looming shark and nearly-nude swimmer, might make her think the novel wasn’t “proper” for an 8-year-old.

With a plateful of homemade oatmeal cookies, I sat on my bed engrossed in shark attacks. My bedroom door opened and Mom (without knocking!) entered my room to put clothes away. Her mouth dropped open when she saw what I was reading. She grabbed it out of my hands and banned the book from the house.

How dare she!

I fumed and realized there was only one answer to such blatant oppression. I got my red suitcase and packed a nightgown, a change of clothes, my toothbrush and a Nancy Drew book. I stomped down the stairs, ignoring Mom as she stood in the kitchen doorway with her arms crossed.

Before I walked out of the house forever, I told her I couldn’t live with her cruelty any longer. I walked two blocks to my Aunt Judy’s house and announced I was moving in because Mom was an unreasonable tyrant.

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I stayed the night, knowing Mom must regret her terrible behavior. I figured by the next day, she would be frantic with worry.

Served her right. (I later learned she’d called my aunt to let her know I was heading her way.)

When I returned home, I asked her if I could read “Jaws.” She said no. You can bet your sweet bookends I found a copy of “Jaws” and secretly read it cover to cover.

My effort to read banned books didn’t stop there. As I got older, I tore through Judy Blume's books, inhaled the “Flowers in the Attic” series, and absorbed “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Twice. My cousin and I would sit on the bookstore floor, reading salacious parts of popular bodice-ripper novels written by the queen of romance, Kathleen Woodiwiss.

Mom realized it was counterproductive to forbid me from reading books, and we ended up having conversations about racism, in-

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equality, sex and sharks.

I make it a point to read banned books, buy banned books, promote banned books and encourage my daughters to do the same.

I figure if a book is so powerful it has to be banned or burned, that’s a book I need to read.

Anything that gets people’s knickers twisted and touches a literary nerve goes on my toread list.

Parents and lawmakers are increasingly trying to create laws that shelve books that don’t fit in with their (mostly conservative) ideals. When that happens, society loses. Didn’t you read the (ironically) banned “Fahrenheit 451?”

I agree that 8-year-olds don’t make the best choices, but if we control the curriculum, frame the narrative, and put a conservative slant on history, we’re not doing those 8-yearolds any favors.

In January, when a school board in Tennessee banned the Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novel, “Maus,” parents pushed back.

The Salt Lake County Library System has dozens of copies of the Holocaust story where the Jews are depicted as mice, Germans as cats, and Americans as dogs.

I was happy to see it has hundreds of hold requests.

Looks like I’m not the only one making sure I read things that make me uncomfortable.

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