West Jordan September 2015

September 2015 | Vol. 15 Iss. 8

FREE

Controversial Mural Creates Discussion About

Art and Culture

By Taylor Stevens

page 4

page 6

page 17

“Unless we are willing to fix all inequalities in the city, I’m unwilling to do this at this time.”

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the resident voice

Page 2 | September 2015

West Jordan City Journal

West Jordan District 1 Election Results

By Taylor Stevens

A

fter a primary debate held on July 14, West Jordan District 1 voted on Aug. 10 to move candidates Christopher M. McConnehey and Kevin Mertin on to the November general election.

In District 1, 2,351 residents voted in the primary election, according to the Salt Lake County Clerk’s Office. With 1,085 votes, McConnehey received 46.15 percent of the vote.

Due to the vote-by-mail election process, the results were too close to call immediately for the other two candidates. With a distance of only 33 votes separating Mertin and Thomas, the city council convened on Aug. 18 as the Board of Canvassers to officially accept and approve the results of the vote.

In the results of the vote-by-mail election, Mertin received 649 votes, or 27.61 percent of the ballots. Jay Thomas, the third candidate, received 617 votes, or 26.23 percent of the ballots.

Prior to the Aug. 11 election, all three candidates met to vie for the two open seats in November’s election, debating and discussing their visions for the city’s future at the July 14 District 1 Meet the Candidates event before an audience of around a dozen people.

The West Jordan Chamber of Commerce organized the

event, and West Jordan residents submitted the questions posed in the debate.

McConnehey, who grew up in West Jordan and has served four years on the city council, said in his opening remarks that he would like to see the city continue with development I’d like to see us and learn from the mistakes the council had made in the past. He reduce red tape. said that lack of stability without a permanent city manager, public utilities and balancing growth with the city’s master plan are among the most important issues the city will face in the upcoming years.

Mertin, a third generation West Jordan resident who also grew up in the city, cited his background in public service— particularly his work with the fire and police departments prior to retiring 15 years ago—as his primary qualifications for a council position. When asked what he viewed as the most important issues facing West Jordan, Mertin discussed continuing with the city’s master transportation plan and addressing traffic congestion, public safety and growth.

Some other questions addressed at the meeting included hearing the candidates’ plans for bringing more business to the West Jordan area and for supporting the small businesses already here.

“I’d like to see us reduce red tape,” McConnehey said, stating that the process for developing business in West Jordan should be further streamlined. To support small businesses, McConnehey said the I’ don’t have city should provide increased access to staff for small business owners to help an ax to grind. them work through problems, and that the city should help create a link between residents and small businesses.

Mertin cited his experience as a small business owner, and said that he wants the city to work more with the chamber, making sure it is funded and active, in order to bring more business to the West Jordan area. He also said that he would like to see the city provide incentives to those starting small business in the city.

When asked where the candidates felt were appropriate areas for spending tax dollars, McConnehey said public safety; Mertin said improving public transportation, particularly buses and sequencing intersection lights.

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THE WEST JORDAN TEAM

Kevin Mertin

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Staff Writers: Greg James, Taylor Stevens, Crystal Couch and Tori Jorgensen Ad Sales: 801-264-6649 Sales Associates: Ryan Casper: 801-671-2034 Melissa Worthen: 801-897-5231 Circulation Coordinator: Brad Casper: brad@mycityjournals.com Editorial & Ad Design: Ty Gorton

Christopher M. McConnehey At the July 14 Meet the Candidates debate, the candidates met to discuss their visions for the future of West Jordan. Photo by Taylor Stevens “There’s still a lot that’s left to do,” McConnehey said in the debate’s closing remarks, and he said he would like to stay on to help finish the things he’s seen started.

Discussing the current tense council atmosphere of infighting and bickering, Mertin said in his final remarks, “I don’t have an ax to grind.” He said he wants to be elected for the betterment of the community rather than for a political agenda and referred to himself as a “consensus builder” and “a problem solver.”

T

he general election will be held Nov. 3, with voting centers at the West Jordan and Bingham Creek Libraries open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Those who prefer to vote by mail should have their voter registration forms postmarked 30 days prior to the election. Ballots for the general election will be mailed out by Oct. 6. l m i ss i o n s tate m e n t

Creative Director: Bryan Scott: bryan@mycityjournals.com Assistant Editor: Rachel Hall: r.hall@mycityjournals.com

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on the cover

West Jordan City Journal

Controversial Mural Creates Discussion About Art and Culture

By Taylor Stevens

E

ither remove the murals or pay a $100 fee every day until they’re gone.

That was the ultimatum West Jordan City presented to the business owners of a 3200 West and 7800 South Mexican restaurant, after receiving a complaint from a resident on July 8 about the murals covering the restaurant’s façade.

Although some residents are unhappy with the mural, an equally vocal outcry to let it stay was enough that the city has since granted the Taqueria Azteca de Oro owners an extension. The restaurant is allowed to continue with business as usual until the council can reach a decision on whether to keep or change its ordinance mandating that signs can cover no more than 15 percent of a building’s exterior.

“This issue has never come up,” said Kim Wells, West Jordan’s public information officer. “The council will be looking at the sign code as a whole and inviting public input as we work through this issue.”

The decision to grant the extension to restaurant owner Miguel Dominguez came after the council’s July 22 meeting, in which a group of around a dozen residents filled the building, holding signs that said, “We are here” in Spanish.

Residents spoke at the council meeting about the cultural significance and implications of the mural’s images, which include a portrait of Cesar Chavez, an American farm worker and nonviolent civil rights activist who helped found the National Farm Workers Union.

“I want to say that it’s important for Hispanic youth ... who feel marginalized for several reasons, that we allow them to recognize that there are heroes in their community and they deserve the same respect that we would give to anyone else who has shaped our country and shaped the thought process in this country, Cesar Chavez being one of them,” said Salt Lake resident Michael Clara during the public

comments section of the meeting.

After the July 22 meeting, the city posted a Facebook survey to collect further citizen comment on the issue.

One resident, Ashleigh Whitmore, took to Facebook to express her frustration at the situation.

“As an artist and future educator, I am extremely upset and personally offended by what West Jordan City is doing to the restaurant on 3200 West and 7800 South,” she wrote.

“What happened to independence and selfexpression?”

Independence, self-expression and culture all tie into the passionate outcry the murals have created. At a vigil held July 23, the day after the first city council meeting discussing the issue, over 150 people assembled at the restaurant to celebrate their Mexican-American culture and heroes—and to discuss the importance of art.

“I’m really here for the younger kids and for all you guys to learn about our culture,” said Miguel Galaz, the mural’s artist, who went to high school in West Jordan. “The whole intention for this is to show people our culture and to have respect for each other.”

Creating cultural awareness is an important aspect of the project for Galaz, particularly in light of the racism that initially met the murals due to misunderstandings of their content and messages.

The city said that the content of the murals had nothing to do with their decision and that they were simply following protocol and ordinances.

“The content of the murals at the Taqueria is not the issue and never has been,” Wells said. “The owner of the property, as well as the artist, has been advised that the content is not a violation, only the coverage area.”

Dominguez said that since the July 22 council meeting, the city has been cooperative and is moving the situation forward in a timely

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At the vigil held on July 23, artist Miguel Galez discusses the cultural and historical significance of the mural’s images. Photo by Ryan Green fashion. Many members of the city have been vocal in their support of the murals as well, including Councilmember Chris McConnehey, who attended and spoke at the July 23 vigil.

“Your voices are heard; they do make a difference,” he said. “Please, please, please keep doing this. This is your community—please do with it what you want. Talk to other elected officials and get involved.”

Councilmember Jeff Haaga attended the vigil as well, and reflected on his experience at the Aug. 12 council meeting.

“Culture is important,” he said. “Not only my culture that comes from pioneer heritage, but also my grandkids’ culture that comes from South America. It’s important and they are part of our community.”

Although it’s unclear what will happen with the murals in the upcoming months, the owners expect that the city will continue to work with them—and with the feedback they have received from residents.

“There is a public process that we are obligated to follow under state law,” Interim City Manager Bryce Haderlie said at the city’s Aug. 12 council meeting. “But obviously our goal is to work with the citizens.”

Whatever happens, it seems that the murals at Taqueria Azteca de Oro will continue to spark conversation about culture, art and freedom of expression on both sides of the issue, as long as they are up for residents to see.

“Hopefully we’re going to cover the whole wall [with paintings], and we’re going to need you guys here,” Galaz told the people assembled at the restaurant’s vigil. “The place has been quiet for 14 years—this corner has been just dead for 14 years. And now that we start putting paint on it all of a sudden we have complaints saying it has too much color. Come on, people. What do you mean it has too much color? They can look at the two gas stations that look exactly the same way all they want— we’re not telling them to look.” l

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September 2015 | Page 5

local life

Page 6 | September 2015

West Jordan City Journal

Pilot’s Passion Lands Aviation Career

By Rachel Hall

T

he experience of seeing something extraordinary for the very first time can fill a child with excitement that is often manifested by big, bright eyes and an ear-to-ear grin that simply cannot be wiped away.

“That really just lit up my future,” Randy Ostman said about the chance he had to explore the cockpit of a commercial plane when he was about five years old.

A discovery flight at the age of 16 became the moment that confirmed aviation was a passion and eventual career for the now 25-year-old pilot.

“I could not stop smiling. I just had these butterflies the entire time. I was hooked,” Ostman said.

Anyone else with a desire to fly can realize the dream of becoming a pilot with Ostman’s help. In his capacity as assistant chief flight instructor for Leading Edge Aviation at the South Valley Regional Airport located in West Jordan, he is partially responsible for

local discovery flights and pilot training. “[I let] the customer fly the airplane and get a feel for what it’s like, letting them know that they can actually do it. It’s not a daunting task,” Ostman said.

Gian Sexsmith had never been in a small plane before his discovery flight with Ostman a couple of years ago. Now, Sexsmith is working toward his commercial rating and also wants a career in aviation.

“Once you’re actually controlling the plane, I think you’re just hooked,” Sexsmith said.

There is no minimum age restriction on when a person can start flying and logging hours, although 16 is the minimum age to solo fly and 17 is the earliest one can be issued a pilot’s license. The amount of time it takes to earn different pilot ratings depends on the commitment from the student to study, weather conditions for flight hours and time

Flight Instructor for Leading Edge Aviation, Randy Ostman [in white], reviews the cockpit’s instruments with student Gian Sexsmith [in black].

While there are moments that can be overwhelming when learning to become a pilot, such as handling emergency situations, Sexsmith felt completely prepared as a student for his first solo flight.

“I wasn’t really nervous. I did three touchand-go landings. The most nerve-racking thing was speaking to the tower, not the actual flying,” Sexsmith said.

It doesn’t take too much to convince people to give flying a chance. According to Ostman, all you need to do is show them a plane and they are ready to learn.

“I come out here and I’m excited about what I do. We just love it. Absolutely love it.

If you just show your enthusiasm, people are going to love it, too,” Ostman said.

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WestJordanJournal .com

Children’s Justice Center Annual Day of Hope Fundraiser

By Megan Mahajan

M

r. Rogers is quoted as saying, “Anyone who does anything to help a child in his life is a hero to me.” If this definition is correct, then the staff and volunteers at the Children’s Justice Center are heroes indeed.

While most of us see children as playful, carefree, imaginative and happy, there is a sad truth when it comes to children that many do not know exists. The Children’s Justice Center helps over 1,600 child victims of physical and sexual abuse each year, while so many more go unheard or unassisted.

The Children’s Justice Center provides a source of hope and healing for these children, offering them a safe place to discuss the abuse that has taken place. They create an atmosphere that allows the legal process to be a positive experience and keeps the child from experiencing any additional unnecessary trauma.

The Children’s Justice Center’s mission is: “Restoring children’s trust in all of us.” They ensure that even the smallest voices are heard and rally around each and every child to make sure they receive everything that they need.

Within just a couple of hours of arriving at the Children’s Justice Center, hope is restored.

Other incredible services that the Children’s Justice Center offers include crisis intervention and advocacy services, emergency funds for clients with urgent needs, coordination for medical care with Primary Children’s Medical Center and so much more.

As part of their ongoing efforts to raise funds, support and awareness, the Children’s Justice Center holds an annual “Day of Hope” car show.

At this year’s event, classic cars of every make, model, year and color were lined up on

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Young volunteers crown each child before sending them to pick out a stuffed animal to take home. display, and many had added accessories to make them even more presentable. Vendors were among those presenting awards to the cars, and the decisions were not easy to make.

Along with the car show, this year’s Day of Hope featured “Food Truck Wars” and a reptile show from Scales and Tales. Veterans Memorial Park overflowed with families and individuals who came to support the event.

Games for children were set up, but perhaps the most popular attraction was the stuffed animal area. Young volunteers crowned each boy or girl with a crown or tiara and sent them into a special area to select a stuffed animal of their own. Children walked up and down the rows of animals, finding it impossible to choose just one to call their own.

The “Day of Hope” is truly a day to be celebrated. Raising awareness and speaking for children who cannot always speak for themselves is truly a heroic undertaking.

The Children’s Justice Center’s mission is unlike any other and certainly any child they have helped would say that they are heroes in their eyes.

To become a hero for a child in need, contact the Children’s Justice Center at 385468-4580 and ask about volunteering your time or making a cash donation. l

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Page 8 | September 2015

West Jordan City Journal

West Jordan Approves Purchase of New Playground Equipment

By Taylor Stevens

T

he city council voted unanimously at its Aug. 12 meeting to approve a purchase order for playground equipment and installation at 10 city parks with a dollar amount set not to exceed $507,000.

The purchase is part of a larger project that was recently

approved by the council, made possible by a four million dollar bond, to improve the safety and quality of park equipment across the city.

“We have some playgrounds that are about 20 years old,” said Kim Wells, West Jordan’s public information officer.

“Life of playground equipment is 15 years.”

Recently, the city has had to close some parks because of unsafe equipment, and this purchase order will help fund improvements at 24 parks in West Jordan.

Of the $4 million, $1,177,500 will go to playground equipment, $440,000 will be used to replace park pavilions, $250,000 will be used for sprinkler upgrades and the remaining $90,000 will be used for improvements at Ron Wood Baseball Park, according to Mayor Kim Rolfe in the city’s July newsletter.

The city budgets half a million dollars each year to go toward park repairs, but found that it would be cheaper to borrow money now and do the improvements all at once than to spread them out over multiple years, Wells said.

“Back in 2010, the city put together a list of park projects that they needed to do to improve safety,” Wells said. “It’s quite a big list, and they’ve been trying to figure out the best way to implement these repairs to make it cost effective. They didn’t want to raise taxes, and this way of bonding accomplishes

The playground equipment at the Wild West Jordan playground in Veterans Memorial Park will be among the first to be improved with the money from the city’s bond. Photos by Taylor Stevens

that. It also protects the kids when they’re playing; it makes things a lot more safe.”

The equipment and installation order the city approved Aug. 12 will go toward improving the first 10 parks on the city’s list. l

Vote for Change I am a third generation resident of West Jordan. My experience in city government and working with city organizations, will afford me a unique perspective as a city council member. Allow me to use my education and experience to maintain and enhance the quality of life in West Jordan. Please give me a chance to represent your concerns on the city council.

Please reach out to me with any questions or concerns. Feel free to send me a direct message, reach me at: kevin4wjcitycouncil@gmail.com, or 385-226-3740.

If you want the same results from the current City Council, then keep the same people in office. If you want change for the better, then I am the person to help get it started. Vote for change, vote Kevin Mertin for West Jordan City Council District #1.

My reasons for running for West Jordan City CounCil: I want to be more involved in my community. I'm concerned about the decisions being made by our current city council. As I have met with residents throughout District 1, many have concerns that are not currently being met. I would like to help solve their city related issues and concerns. I want to use my consensus building skills to create a better functioning city council.

eduCation: 1. B.S. Business 2. M.A. Organizational Management 3. Academic Dean- Steven's-Henager College 4. Dean- Mountain West College 5. Adjunct Professor- UVU

West Jordan City related experienCe: 1. West Jordan City Planning Commission 2. Chairman- Healthy West Jordan Committee 3. West Jordan Employee Association President 4. Retired- West Jordan Fire Department 5. President- Utah Fire Marshall's Association

priorities during My terM: 1. Transportation- more east/west bus routes, less congestion on 7000 S. 2. Planned Growth- adequate infrastructure for west side growth.

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September 2015 | Page 9

WestJordanJournal .com

Interim City Manager Receives Big Pay Hike

WestJordanJournal.com

By Taylor Stevens

I

n the midst of a year of instability surrounding the hasty resignation of West Jordan’s former city manager, and on the cusp of appointing someone to permanently take that position, the city approved a salary increase for interim city manager Bryce Haderlie—a wage that will remain even if he isn’t hired for the position.

The council approved the raise—which will mean a salary increase from $115,000 a year to around $130,000— in a 5-2 vote at its Aug. 12 meeting.

The agreement also includes a bonus at the end of Haderlie’s employment as interim city manager—compensation for filling that position in addition to his prior responsibilities as assistant city manager for nearly a year.

“There’s nothing like being able to negotiate your wage and benefits in front of the entire city,” Haderlie joked as he discussed his raise before the dais.

Haderlie’s pay hike was indeed talked down from his original proposal, which called for a pay increase of $44,000.

Haderlie took over the position of interim city manager in August of last year, after former city manager Rick Davis abruptly resigned amidst lawsuit allegations brought forward by a city employee.

When Haderlie took over, he said he did not request a raise because “we were trying to work on wages for all of our employees and I did not want to in any way, shape or

“It seems kind of odd that

you would give him a raise just before you’re about to pick a city manager.” form cause confusion for employees that I was trying to take any income above and beyond myself, when we needed to take care of our other employees.”

The timing of the raise, coming just weeks before the city is expected to appoint a new city manager, was questioned by Mayor Kim Rolfe and Councilmember Chris McConnehey, who both voted against the raise, as well as by residents.

“It seems kind of odd that you would give him a raise just before you’re about to pick a city manager,” West Jordan resident Kathy Hilton said during the public comments portion of the meeting. “The timing just seems off to me.”

West Jordan’s interim city manager, Bryce Haderlie.

Rolfe and McConnehey also voiced concern that compensating Haderlie for work done outside of his employment grade would set a dangerous precedent to do the same for similar situations across the city. Haderlie himself recognized that many city employees are not and have not been compensated for work done outside of their grade.

“Unless we are willing to fix all inequalities in the city, I’m unwilling to do this at this time,” Rolfe said, voting in opposition to the motion.

Councilmember Jeff Haaga said that the pay raise the council eventually approved was consistent and comparable to what other cities close to the size of West Jordan pay their assistant city managers, and he praised Haderlie’s work for the city, along with Councilmember Ben Southworth.

“You’ve taken all of that weight on your shoulders,” Southworth said. “You have done an excellent job, and that pay needs to reflect that.”

Haderlie said that in the year he’s taken on the position of interim city manager, in addition to his assistant position, he has consistently worked well over 40 hours per week.

As Haderlie finished negotiating his proposal before the city, he said, “I just want to again state, all I am asking for is to create some balance to ask for a wage within the assistant city manager range that I feel is fair.” l

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Page 10 | September 2015

West Jordan City Journal

Desert Star Delivers Galactic High Jinx with ‘Star Wards’

D

esert Star Playhouse, the theater that’s built a reputation for producing laugh out loud, family-friendly musical comedies, continues its 2015 season with a comedic take

on all things nerdy in the pursuit of fulfilling a Home Teaching assignment in “Star Wards These Are Not the Elders You’re Looking For!”.

Elder Kirtland and Elder Young are

just trying to get their home teaching done for the month. While visiting with Doc, the duo discover he’s created a time machine to make genealogy easier. But when the elders start messing around with the family history helper, they get swept back to a time long ago and to a galaxy, far, far away! In trying to return to their own time, the elders intercept a distress call from Princess Alibama who has been captured by the evil Dark Knight and Empress Saltine. Eager to be of service, the elders enlist the help of the beautiful but tough space farmer, Raygun and Juan Cholo, a cool shoot-first-ask-questions-later smuggler.

Will the eccentric group of heroes rescue the princess before she reveals the location of the rebel base? Will the elders make it back to their own time?

Come find out with this crazy cast of iconic characters and their side-splitting, galactic high jinx as Desert Star takes you through this spoof of the nerd-o-verse.

Written by Bryan Dayley and directed by Scott Holman, Star Wards runs from August 27 to November 7, 2015.

The evening also includes Desert Star’s signature musical olios following the show.

The highly anticipated Awesome 80’s Olio, Part 2 will feature audience requested songs from radical days past with a unique and always

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September 2015 | Page 11

WestJordanJournal .com

Salt Lake County Moving Forward to Attract, Retain Conventions

R

ecently, I joined leaders from Visit Salt Lake and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development for an exciting announcement: organizers for Outdoor Retailer are extending their contracts with the Salt Palace Convention Center through 2018.

This is the largest summer and winter outdoor gear, apparel, accessories and technology tradeshow in the country. Outdoor Retailer has been here since 1996—except for 2002—when we hosted the Winter Olympics. Over time the winter and summer markets have grown to be the largest event hosted by the Salt Palace, with more than 6,000 specialty retailer attendees and exhibitors, drawing 15,000 additional visitors.

They fill our hotels and restaurants, rent cars and go shopping during their stay. The total economic impact to us is approximately $45 million annually. That boost to our budgets represents money that does not have to come from local residents and taxpayers, but rather represents a “bonus” for our bottom line.

Outdoor Retailer has become so successful that it has outgrown the exhibit and

meeting space available. We have been able to get creative by putting up large tents next to the Salt Palace, and to encourage hotels to move other proposed events around on the calendar to free up lodging. I was encouraged that when Outdoor Retailer surveyed its members about whether to stay in Salt Lake or look elsewhere, over two-thirds said they preferred to keep the show here.

Ultimately, the solution is to have more public meeting space and more hotel rooms.

That’s why I’ve been pushing hard to find a private company to build a convention head-

quarters hotel adjacent to the Salt Palace, and include 100,000 square feet of additional meeting space. In mid-August, I was forced to discontinue negotiations with Omni, which had responded to our hotel bid request last year, because the company asked for too much by way of public participation. Salt Lake County needs and wants a private hotel, but not at any cost. My job is to negotiate a fair deal with a private sector partner—fair to the company and fair to taxpayers.

Now that Outdoor Retailer has announced dates in 2016, 2017 and 2018 for both the winter

Sophie

RIcE

and summer markets, I’ll redouble my efforts to secure a private sector partner. Soon, the county will have another request for bids out on the street. I believe we’ll have a private partner selected and a plan in the works within months. We know that having additional public meeting space as well as hundreds of rooms adjacent to the Salt Palace will be important not only to Outdoor Retailer but to other prospective conventions who have told us that’s the only thing Salt Lake is missing to get their business.

For a lot of us here in Utah, getting outdoors isn’t just a pastime, it’s a way of life. It’s how we spend time with our friends and families and –increasingly—it’s how we make a living, as employees and business owners of outdoor equipment and supplies, and as a tourist destination. It’s a unique package as we promote Utah to convention planners and to visitors, as well as becoming an important sector of our economic growth and prosperity. l

west jordan city council district 4

• Responsible growth

• Economic development

• Restrained, transparent governance

• Individual rights

As a mother who has chosen to raise my children in West Jordan, I feel that it is important to actively serve this community and work to improve the quality of life for all residents. During my time on West Jordan’s Planning Commission and City Council I have voted according to my principles and conscience.

West Jordan’s potential is enormous and our future is bright! Please join me!

Past Accomplishments:

sophiericedistrict.wix.com/council-district-4 www.facebook.com/sophiericedistrict4

Current Offices and Committees:

Bachelors of Science majoring in Sociology, Brigham Young University

West Jordan City Councilmember, District 4

Case Manager and Life Coach at Scenicview Academy

Neighborhood Preparedness Board

Business owner State Delegate

Phone: 801-450-4822

West Jordan City's Design Review Committee Chairperson

Ad Paid for by the Sophie Rice Campaign

West Jordan City Planning Commissioner

PTA Treasurer West Jordan Arts Council West Jordan Parks and Open Lands Committee Jordan River Commission Council of Governments alternate State Delegate • County Delegate Precinct Host

Page 12 | September 2015

OPEN

West Jordan City Journal

TASTE of the TOWNS

to the PUBLIC

Sample food FROM THE TOP restaurants in the area Great Food, Entertainment & Prizes

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U.S. News Includes Four Intermountain Hospitals in 2015 Ranking of Utah’s Best Hospitals

F

our of the top five hospitals in U.S. News & World Report’s new ranking of the best hospitals in Utah are Intermountain Healthcare facilities, including Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, which is ranked No. 1 for 2015.

Intermountain Medical Center tied for the No. 1 ranking in Utah with University of Utah Hospital. U.S. News completed its top five list of Utah’s best hospitals with Intermountain’s LDS Hospital, McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden, and Utah Valley Regional Medical Center in Provo, which all tied for third place.

“We’re pleased that our hospitals have been recognized by U.S. News for the outstanding care we provide to our patients,” David Grauer, administrator of Intermountain Medical Center, said.

ing” in three common care treatment areas: heart bypass surgery, heart failure and knee replacement. Utah Valley Regional Medical Center was also “high performing” in three common care treatment areas: heart bypass surgery, heart failure and hip replacement.

Last month Intermountain’s Primary Children’s Hospital was ranked in seven pediatric specialties and was named one of the “Best Children’s Hospitals in America” in the magazine’s annual listing of the nation’s pediatric hospitals.

Intermountain Medical Center opened in 2007 and serves as the flagship hospital for the nationally-respected Intermountain Healthcare system. Intermountain Medical Center is one of two adult Level I trauma centers in Utah and

“Throughout Intermountain Healthcare, we have an incredible team of physicians, employees, and volunteers who are passionate about delivering the highest possible quality of care and who are providing extraordinary service day in and day out. We’re honored their great work is being recognized in what is traditionally the nation’s most prestigious annual hospital scorecard,” Grauer said.

Intermountain Medical Center, Utah’s largest and busiest hospital, was deemed “high performing” by U.S. News in three specialties: pulmonology, nephrology and ear, nose and throat. Additionally, Intermountain Medical Center was ranked “high performing” in three treatment areas the magazine defines as “common care” specialties: heart failure, heart bypass surgery and COPD. U.S. News ranked Intermountain’s LDS Hospital “high performing” in three treatment areas: cancer care, orthopedics and pulmonology. McKay-Dee Hospital was “high perform-

serves patients throughout the Intermountain West. It’s home to the nationally-recognized Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute and is one of the most technologically advanced and patient-friendly hospitals in America.

The U.S. News rankings are based on a hospital’s reputation (as measured by a survey of medical specialists), outcomes, volumes, patient engagement ratings and other measures related to patient care, including data collected by the federal government. U.S. News’ physician surveys measure a hospital’s reputation by asking physicians across the country where they’d want their family members to be served if they needed care.

U.S. News first began publishing hospital rankings in 1990 as part of an expanding group of consumer advice reports. Over the past 26 years, the Best Hospitals rankings have helped guide millions of patients and their families to high-quality hospital care when they need it most. l

September 25 • 5PM to 8:30PM

Viridian Event Center • 8030 S. 1825 W. West Jordan

VENDOR SPACES AVAILABLE

Please email Melissa at melissa@mycityjournals.com or call 801-897-5231 for more information.

PARTICIPATING FOOD VENDORS Winder Farms Wasatch Pizza Hidden Peaks Coffee Wingers Papa Murphy's Yogurt Vibes Dickey’S BBQ Carino's . . . AND MANY MORE!

OTHER PARTICIPATING VENDORS Foot Relax Center 10334 South Redwood Road, South Jordan Heartfelt Wall Hangings 1538 West 7800 South, West Jordan All Star Bowling - 1776 7800 S, West Jordan

PICK UP YOUR FREE TICKETS FROM THESE LOCATIONS: Wasatch Pizza - 2250 West 5400 South, Taylorsville Hidden Peaks Coffee 4879 South Redwood Rd, Taylorsville

Curves - 2302 West 5400 South, Taylorsville Hercules Credit Union 3141 W 4700 South, Taylorsville Wingers - 9175 Redwood Rd, West Jordan Papa Murphy's - 2688 West 9000 South, 7759 South 4800 West, 6898 South Redwood Rd in West Jordan Yogurt Vibes - 2688 West 9000 South, West Jordan Carino's - 7191 Plaza Center Dr, West Jordan Heartfelt Wall Hangings - 1538 West 7800 South, West Jordan (Across the street from Sizzler) All Star Bowling - 1776 7800 S, West Jordan Healthy Eye's for Life 8806 Redwood Rd. #101, West Jordan Smith’s - 5710 West 7800 South, West Jordan Smith’s – 4080 West 9000 South, West Jordan Papa Murphy's 11521 South 4000 West in South Jordan Foot Relax Center 10334 South Redwood Road, South Jordan South Pointe Ballet 10128 South Redwood Road Suite G, South Jordan Dickey’S BBQ 7742 S Campus View Dr. West Jordan

G O OD NEIG HBOR

NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2015

Paid for by the City of West Jordan

Primary Election Winners Move On to the General Election Results for the Primary Election in City Council District 1 are in with Chris McConnehey (incumbent) and Kevin Mertin moving on to the General Election. The Salt Lake County Elections Division will mail the General Election Ballots to all registered voters in the City by Oct. 6. Return your ballot by mail and make sure it’s postmarked by Nov. 2. You can also return your ballot to a Vote Center, which will be open on election day. Two vote centers will be open on Nov. 3 for the general election. In addition to the West Jordan Library at 8030 South 1825 West, the Bingham Creek Library at 4834 West 9000 South will also be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

M AY O R ’ S M E S S A G E

City Manager selection process underway Thanks to all who entered the race to fill four City Council seats in this year’s municipal election! Get to know your candidates and the issues and help shape the future of your community.

Candidates running for City Council Districts 1-4 are as follows: DISTRICT 1:

Kevin L. Mertin, Christopher M. McConnehey

DISTRICT 2:

Dirk Burton, Judith M. Hansen

DISTRICT 3:

Zach Jacob, Tim McConnehey

DISTRICT 4:

Alan R. Anderson, Sophie Rice

For the past several months, the City Council has been working with Waters & Company, an executive recruiting firm from Dallas, Texas, to select a new city manager. I’m pleased to announce that the City Council has selected their top choice from among a highly qualified pool of applicants. Negotiations have begun, and we hope to name our new city manager at the Sept. 9 City Council meeting.

Three new firefighters sworn in

Congratulations to Clayton Mackay, Kenneth Moeller and Alex Harris who took the Oath of Office and received their firefighter badges at the Aug. 25 Council meeting. They are the newest members of the West Jordan Fire Department.

Because this is such an important decision and impacts the future of our city, I wanted to share with you the selection process that has taken place.

The first step was to select a recruiting company with expertise in city manager recruitment to help with the nation-wide search. The city sent out a “Request for Proposal” where recruiting companies were invited to submit their qualifications and ideas.

A committee evaluated the submissions, and Waters & Company was the top pick. The City Council met with the recruiter in June and provided a summary of candidate qualifications. The firm then went to work to find potential candidates suited to lead West Jordan City into the future.

More than 1,000 people were contacted by email and targeted outreach, and were notified of the opportunity. We received 21 applications, from which four finalists were selected based on a body of information that included a resume, cover letter, questionnaire and video interview. The final four then went through an interview process in an open meeting Aug. 26. The interview format consisted of an hour-long interview with the City Council and then 20-minute one-on-one interviews with individual council members if requested. We also had dinner with the candidates and their spouses. The process has been very thorough and yielded a pool of quality candidates. We are confident in our choice and look forward to working together. A big thank you to all who participated in the process!

GOOD NEIGHBOR NEWS: WEST JORDAN NEWSLETTER PAID FOR BY THE CITY OF WEST JORDAN

Tree planting with a purpose Fall is a great time to plant a tree to help beautify your yard – and our community. The right tree for the right space not only adds value to your home but also cools the air, calms traffic, provides needed habitat for birds and wildlife, and reduces heating and cooling costs.

Always plant with a purpose. Knowing when, what, where and how to plant is essential to a tree’s life span. If you want trees to be assets (rather than just another yard problem) that continually appreciate in value, you need to keep in mind the following tips during and after planting a tree: • Time of year – the best time to plant trees is during the dormant season, in the fall after leaves drop or early spring before buds break. Weather conditions are cool and allow plants to establish roots in the new location before spring rains and summer heat stimulate new top growth.

• Tree selection – Think right tree, right place.

If that sounds familiar, it is the important motto used by our local power company provider, “Rocky Mountain Power.” Believe it or not, many people do not take tree growth into consideration when choosing what tree to plant. Think about how the tree will look in 50 years as well as this planting season. (Many local nurseries can provide you with pictures of mature trees.) Consider the trees’ mature height, width, and overall shape before making your final choice.

• Site selection – Choose a location with the right soil, space, and light conditions for your tree. Will your new tree need shade or full sun? Wet soil or dry? What drought conditions and other environmental factors might affect the trees’ long-term health? Remember to look up and check for overhead power lines and avoid planting near or underneath them. Also locate any possible underground

Moto Stampede

utilities by calling Blue Stakes at 800-662-4111.

Remember that tree roots spread well beyond their branches over time so pick a planting spot with plenty of area for outward root growth.

• Proper planting – Most of a tree’s root growth will be horizontal not deep. Remember the tree roots will go where “the goodies” are – water, oxygen and nutrients. So, the hole needs to be wide, typically about three times the width of the root ball. The depth of the hole will depend on the measured depth of the root ball. It is better to plant the tree slightly higher so that the root flare from the trunk is visible at or above the ground level. Too often trees are planted too deep. Loosen the soil around the planting hole to give tree roots ample room to grow. Straighten the tree before refilling with soil. Fill the hole gently but firmly and mulch around the base of the tree. After planting, water thoroughly. Check the soil moisture at least once a week (more during the hot summer months) and water when needed. Avoid “drowning” your tree – tree roots need oxygen, too! Avoid pruning your tree (removal of damaged limbs is okay) for at least three years to allow the tree to utilize all of its leaves on its branches to help nourish the roots.

Tree planting with a purpose can also be fun.

Plant trees so they have meaning, so as they grow, they grow lasting memories. For example, plant a tree on the birth year of a child and as they get old enough to understand they will love their tree and know exactly the age of their tree. Or plant trees in memory of people or pets. You can also plant a tree the year you get married so every time you look at it you remember that happy day. Be creative so that trees are more than just an asset that is part of your yard. Happy Planting!

The West Jordan Moto Stampede is coming Sept.

26! Get your tickets now at WesternStampede.com.

We are also looking for contestants. The course will feature some completely insane obstacles that will be sure to challenge each racer and thrill the audience.

Races begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26 and run through 8 p.m., with the main event at 6 p.m. We encourage participation in all divisions from Beginner to Pro, and everything in between! There is a practice on Friday, Sept. 25, from 4 - 9 p.m. Details at https://edge. webconnex.com/WJMoto.

Saturday, September 26

GOOD NEIGHBOR NEWS: WEST JORDAN NEWSLETTER PAID FOR BY THE CITY OF WEST JORDAN

SEASONAL PARKS LABORER The Parks Department is in need of Seasonal Parks Laborers to help keep the city’s park properties green and beautiful. Duties range from mowing and pruning to painting and light construction. This position is typically 40 hours per week, with occasional overtime, and pays $10.50 per hour. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age at the time of employment and possess an appropriate, valid driver’s license or state issued ID card. More information online at WJordan.com.

Free residential disposal of household hazardous waste If you come across hazardous household waste during your cleaning, remember it’s important to dispose of properly. The Trans-Jordan Landfill, 10873 S. Highway U-111, accepts a variety of hazardous waste, including: • Paint • Pesticides • Oil • Transmission Fluid • Antifreeze • Batteries • Household chemicals • Ink jet cartridges • Electronic devices

Employment Opportunities The City of West Jordan currently has employment opportunities including an accountant, court clerk, crossing guard, deputy parks director, firefighter, seasonal parks laborer and seasonal sidewalk inspector. Job opportunities continually change so if you don’t see something that interests you now or need more information check our website: www.wjordan.com/JobPostings.aspx

Materials can be dropped off free of charge, Monday-Saturday from 7 a.m.-6 p.m. While you’re there, visit the re-use shed to see if there’s anything you might need. You’ll find paint, household chemicals, as well as lawn and garden chemicals that are still useable and free to the public. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Call Trans-Jordan Landfill at 801-569-8994 for more information.

There is also a free household hazardous waste collection event at City Hall on Sept.

19 from 10 a.m. to noon for residential waste only, no commercial waste.

Report illegal dumping of household hazardous waste by calling the Salt Lake Valley Health Department tip line at 385-468-3862. Remember we all live downstream.

GOOD NEIGHBOR NEWS: WEST JORDAN NEWSLETTER PAID FOR BY THE CITY OF WEST JORDAN CALENDAR OF EVENTS

SEPTEMBER

SEPTEMBER

SEPTEMBER

PLANNING COMMISSION

LABOR DAY CITY OFFICES CLOSED

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

1

7

9

City Hall 8000 S. Redwood Rd. 6 p.m.

City Hall 8000 S. Redwood Rd. 6 p.m.

SEPTEMBER

SEPTEMBER

12

12, 14, 17-19 WEST JORDAN THEATER ARTS “THE 39 STEPS”

DEMOLITION DERBY West Jordan Arena 8035 S. 2200 West 7 p.m.

Old West Jordan Library 1970 W. 7800 South 7:30 p.m.

SEPTEMBER

SEPTEMBER

SEPTEMBER

PLANNING COMMISSION

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION EVENT

City Hall 8000 S. Redwood Rd. 6 p.m.

WRITING WORKSHOP, “THE CHALLENGES OF WRITING SCI-FI”

West Jordan City Hall 8000 S. Redwood Rd. 10 a.m. - Noon

15

19

22

Viridian Event Center 8030 S. 1825 West • 7-9 p.m.

SEPTEMBER

SEPTEMBER

26

23

ENDUROCROSS

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

West Jordan Arena 8035 S. 2200 West 2 p.m.-8 p.m.

City Hall 8000 S. Redwood Rd. 6 p.m.

The City of West Jordan 8000 S. Redwood Rd., West Jordan, UT 84088 (801) 569-5100 www.wjordan.com

Join the conversation! Follow West Jordan – City Hall.

West Jordan Police Dept.

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

Listen to City Council Meetings Did you know you can listen to City Council meetings? The audio files are online the day after the meeting (we are also evaluating the costs to stream them live) as well as meeting agendas and minutes. Stay informed at www.wjordan.com.

Join the conversation! Follow West Jordan – City Hall

education

WestJordanJournal .com

September 2015 | Page 17

Now What?

Students’ Post Graduation Plans

A

By Tori Jorgensen

fter their recent graduation in May 2015, former West Jordan High School Jaguars are separating from their pack and moving across the state, country and beyond to reach for goals that will determine their futures.

Jennica Watkins has spent her first few months as a high school graduate working full time at a local daycare. She said she found

her passion for teaching children while she taught preschool as part of a program at WJHS. Watkins’ ultimate goal is to run a preschool within her own home. This fall, however, her desire to teach will be taking her far from the confines of her own home.

“On Aug. 26, I’ll be flying out to China to help kids learn English,” Watkins said. “The

Dr. Rosemary Gray, overseer for the Bioscience Summer Research Program for High School Students at the University of Utah, views recent WJHS graduate Carl Fauver’s poster on diabetes research.

West Jordan High School Jaguars pictured at the commencement ceremony in May. These students are heading in many different directions as they begin their post-high school lives.

kids in the school I will be at already know some English words. Our goal is to get them to speak fluently and teach them how to put sentences together.”

Watkins said she was inspired to do service away from home after hearing stories of her sister’s volunteer service trips to orphanages. Watkins chose to go to China because she

said the place seemed exotic and the children seemed intelligent.

Carl Fauver, valedictorian of WJHS class of 2015, is staying nearer to home, as he will be living on campus in the Officer’s Circle housing at the University of Utah on

Now What? continued on page 21

education

Page 18 | September 2015

West Jordan City Journal

Robots Made at STEM Robotics Summer Camp

By Tori Jorgensen

S

tudent-controlled robots meandered through an obstacle course in the back hallway of West Jordan Middle School on Aug. 7, as one of the final activities of Jordan School District’s first STEM Robotics Summer Camp.

The five-day camp, beginning Aug. 3, gave students hands-on experience in building and programming robots. The students broke into groups of two or three. Each group built a small robot, about the size of a shoebox, which they adjusted and updated daily. Scott Church, instructor at the STEM Robotics Summer Camp, explained how this was done.

“The robots start out in pieces, just like playing Legos as a kid. The students then have a manual and it shows them what the robot is able to be, and then they build it step-by-step,” he said. “They are able to customize it from there and see what different additional pieces they can add on.”

Zack Nelson, camp participant, and his group added a claw and suspension mechanisms to the original robot. With these new modifications came a new name. Nelson said they called their new robot HENRY (Hailstorm of Evil Nematic Robotic Yager) to distinguish it from the rest of the group.

Another group used a tank as the prototype for their robot. Liam Carbone said they accomplished the tank design by extending the body size of the robot and using treads instead of wheels. Carbone said these modifications made their robot superior to other robots in the camp.

“My robot works better on all ground.

It can climb up a lot of things really easily,” he said. “It is not faster, but it works more efficiently and doesn’t have a turning problem like everyone else’s.”

Students at the camp first learned how to

Students add the finishing touches to their robots on the last day of summer camp. program their robots using the computer, but later were instructed on how to control their robots through Bluetooth on mobile devices, such as cell phones and iPads. Church said one of the most rewarding parts of the camp was seeing students use technology they have access to everyday to control their own creations.

Ian Hadlock said he was excited to build a robot at the camp because he believes that robots are the way of the future.

“I’d like a robot that I could have a conversation with or that I could play with. I’d want to play soccer with it,” he said. “I am hopefully going to make that robot soon.”

In addition to robot modification, other activities were offered at the camp. Students

Around 27 students and two teachers participated in Jordan District’s first STEM Summer Robotics Camp.

Facilitators are looking to expand the program next year.

made boats out of foil and pennies, learned computer coding and performed other experiments.

Megan Ballard and her team won the impact challenge. The object of this event was for a golf ball to remain in a paper cup as it was dropped from the second story of the school. Students were given a load of miscellaneous supplies they could use to lessen the impact, thus enabling them to win the challenge. Ballard’s group was successful at the challenge.

“Both of my teammates made different things and it wasn’t working, so we put their ideas together,” she said. “One was a parachute and one of them put the cup upside down. The parachute made it slower, and putting the cup upside down made it so the golf ball wouldn’t fall out. It worked great.”

Barbara Gentry, science/STEM consultant for Jordan District who facilitated the camp, said she tried to make all the activities interactive and conducive to learning: even snacktime.

The last day of the camp, participants used math to create their own ice cream.

“We [told] them the ratio for sugar to milk is one to eight and just said, ‘Here is the space you have make it happen.’ So they had to do the measuring and create the consistency they wanted using their own minds,” she said.

“This is not a classroom of sleepy kids. These guys are very engaged. They learn to think and problem solve.”

Gentry said the program was a success and they are looking into expanding it in years to come. l

September 2015 | Page 19

WestJordanJournal .com

A Timely Revolution at Joel P. Jensen Middle School

J

oel P. Jensen Middle School experienced a nearly 93 percent decrease in total tardies over the past four years, after the administration implemented programs intended to motivate students to follow school rules.

After his arrival at the school in the 2012-2013 school year, Bryan Leggat, principal, began instituting random tardy sweeps at JPJMS. A tardy sweep is when teachers lock the doors of their classrooms after the bells ring for class to start; late students are unable to enter their classrooms and must meet with administration for disciplinary action.

Leggat said these tardy sweeps were only marginally successful until Assistant Principal Aaron Hunter, who joined the administrative team at JPJMS a year after Leggat, came up with the idea to have tardy sweeps every day during every class period.

“We are probably one of the most diverse schools in our district, where many of our students come from poor demographic areas. A lot of them come from single parent households, and a lot of them don’t have structure and consistency at home.

Our mantra at our school is that the more consistent we can be with these kids at school, the better off they are going to be,” Hunter said.

After the new tardy sweep implementation, more students got to class on time. In the 2011-2012 school year, 46,057 tardies were recorded, with 25,512 in 2012-2013, 9,549 in 2012-2014 and only 3,225 tardies in the 2014-2015 school year: a difference of 42,832 tardies per year in just four years. This means the average tardies per student went from 61.4 per year to 3.9. Leggat said he believes the timeliness of the students

has been affecting their overall academic success as well.

In the 2014-2015 school year, JPJMS SAGE scores increased in almost all areas, including a 46 percent gain in biology and a 21 percent gain in math. There was also a 12 percent increase in the amount of students that passed all their classes in 2014-2015, compared to the 2013-2014 school year. This is what Leggat deems as the beginning of a schoolwide revolution.

“In the past, Joel P. Jensen has had a poor reputation, but we hope everyone understands that it is a new school,” Leggat said. “There is a new feeling. There is a new culture.

It is a culture of success and growth and mastery.”

In addition to the tardy sweep program, the administration at JPJMS has also implemented four additional programs to promote learning, including:

By Tori Jorgensen

The Response To Intervention (RTI) program allows teachers to invite struggling students to review content in their class during school hours. While these students receive one-on-one attention, students with proficient scores go to an activity as a reward for their hard work.

The Zeros Aren’t Permitted (ZAP) program gives students the opportunity to do select missing homework assignments during lunch hour in order to receive credit. A tracking board allows administration and teachers to see the picture and academic details of failing students at a glance and allows easy access to assign the student with mentors for improvement.

Leggat said that perhaps the most important of the programs they started is the ninth grade Credit Recovery program.

“For years at middle schools our teachers fail our kids, and we just kinda move on and say, ‘Okay, those kids will deal with their failed credits once they get into the high school building,’” he said. “We felt that we really needed to take responsibility as a school for those failed credits, especially for the core classes.”

Over 40 freshmen participated in the credit recovery program last year at JPJMS, which will allow them to enter West Jordan High School on a passing academic standing with the other sophomores.

“I’m not a betting man, but I would put money on the fact that the graduation rate in a few years to come will be much higher at WJHS because the middle schools did something about those kids,” Leggat said. l

education

Page 20 | September 2015

West Jordan City Journal

Elementary School Receives Grant from Famous Author

By Tori Jorgensen

F

unds from a famous author contributed to summer literacy programs at Westvale Elementary this summer will enable the school to purchase new books for the library.

James Patterson, who holds the Guinness record for the author with the most No. 1 New York Times bestsellers, joined with Scholastic Publishing Company to offer $1.75 million to school libraries nationwide. The application process asked participants this

Theresa Christensen, a teacher at Westvale, and the Readbox she constructed using some of the funds Westvale received from James Patterson.

question: “What would your school library do with $1,000 to $10,000?”

Theresa Christensen, the Westvale teacher who applied for the scholarship, brought her answer to this question to life as she used part of the $5,000 grant to open up the library for student use this summer. Christensen said that without the help of the school, many students would not have the opportunity to read over the summer. Westvale is a Tier 1 school, with 49 percent of the student body qualifying for free or reduced school lunch.

“We have a lot of students who don’t have books in their home because it comes down to paying your rent and getting food or buying books,” she said. “Our kids come and they haven’t seen books when they get to school because they don’t have books in their home, so we try to find some way to get books into their hands.”

The Crabb family took advantage of the summer library. Emily Crabb, a sixth grader at Westvale, said the summer would not have been the same without being able to check out “The Lost Hero,” a fantasy-adventure novel written by Rick Riordan. Her mother,

Josh Crabb looks for a book to borrow from Westvale Elementary School’s “Readbox,” patterned after a Redbox.

Rhonda Crabb, agreed.

“It is just a little extra thing that we have done to try to keep them engaged in academics,” Crabb said. “It’s nice for them to still feel that school community in the summer.”

Although the summer library was only open select Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Christensen used some of the Patterson grant funds to construct a “Readbox,” after the design of a Redbox machine. Acquiring inspiration from Pinterest, Christensen and her husband painted an old shelved cabinet red and added lettering for flair. The box was filled with book donations from teachers, community

Bringing Ideas & People Together!

A life-long resident of West Jordan, Chris is uniquely qualified to serve as your representative on the City Council. With credentials including an undergraduate degree in Business Finance, an MBA emphasizing entrepreneurship and a proven track record of successful City Council service, Chris has insight and skill that sets him apart.

members, the library and Christensen herself and was placed outside the school against one of the portables. Students could come at any time and borrow or trade books from this homemade vending machine.

The rest of the Patterson grant money will be used during the school year to get new books for the library.

“The school librarians have some books that are well-worn, but they don’t want to take them out of inventory because they are loved so much,” Christensen said. “They’ve taken them and repaired them again and again and those are ones for sure they want to replace.” l

Focus on...

1. Collaboration Differences of opinion should be resolved respectfully and with the needs of the residents in mind.

2. Fiscal Accountability Ensuring creation of reasonable budgets and adherence to those budgeted commitments.

3. Responsible Development Encouraging projects that promote a balanced community for both residents and businesses.

September 2015 | Page 21

WestJordanJournal .com Now What? continued from page 17 scholarship from the Northrop Grumman Engineering Scholars Program. Fauver said his plan is to study mechanical engineering, although he said he wouldn’t be surprised if he changed to a different sector of engineering later on.

Fauver began his college campus experience this summer as he participated in the Bioscience Summer Research Program for High School Students at the University of Utah. Under the direction of Dr. Hung-Chieh Chou, assistant professor of biochemistry, Fauver participated in diabetes research and spent time in labs trying to recreate insulin.

“I [was] at a lab that was tailored for post-doctorates, and I am an undergraduate.

The hard thing about research at my age is that it is all about how many pieces of paper you have on your name, and it doesn’t matter how talented you are,” he said. “I feel like it will take a while for people to acknowledge my work as meaningful research.”

Fauver presented his findings at a poster session at the U of U during the first week of August. He said he sees many more research projects to come in his future.

“In the end, I want to be remembered for something,” Fauver said. “Sure, I want to have a family and all that jazz, but I want to do something meaningful enough in research

WJHS Class of 2015 valedictorian, Carl Fauver, explains his research findings to an onlooker from Montana during a poster session at the University of Utah in Aug. Fauver will be attending the U of U in the fall on an academic scholarship from Northrop Grumman Engineering. to contribute to society.”

Courtney Baggaley, another WJHS 2015 graduate, said she wants to make a difference in people’s lives through nursing. She plans to move to Provo to study pre-nursing at BYU this fall. In preparation for college, Baggaley participated in a Certified Nursing Assisting program her senior year of high school.

“I figured that if I enjoyed changing the briefs of old people and sponging them, I would love it all,” she said.

Baggaley said her plan is to go into labor and delivery because she saw the joy her siblings brought her mom when they were first born, and she wants to help other people to feel that same happiness. Baggaley said the hardest part about moving away from home will be being away from her siblings and parents whom she loves, but she said her experiences at WJHS have given her the crucial confidence she needed to get to college.

“West Jordan High School made me feel

like I could do whatever I put my mind to. I felt good about going to school and talking to everyone,” she said. “It helped me to get around everywhere and go out into the big world and meet as many people as I can. I am excited to grow up.”

Jenna Scott, former senior class president at WJHS, said the support her teachers and fellow students gave her prepared her for college and adult life.

“I feel like my teachers taught me to own the path that I chose. Sometimes they let us fail, so we didn’t get babied,” she said. “I had a lot of struggles within the past two years, but the people at school would just remind me to try again tomorrow.”

Scott said she plans to attend Southern Virginia University, where her aunt and uncle work, before leaving on a volunteer religious service mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

“I put in a lot of prayer and waited out to see if I should go on a mission. It’s been a long process,“ she said. “I think a year and a half mission will benefit me more than staying here.”

Scott said physically and emotionally helping someone makes work enjoyable, and that is why she would like serving a mission.

She said she also wants a career that will enable her to help others as well, such as occupational therapy or life coaching. l

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sports

Page 22 | September 2015

West Jordan City Journal

Utah Falconz Finish Exciting Season

T

By Greg James

he Independent Women’s Football League team, the Utah Falconz, recently completed its second season. They dominated their opponents and made their first appearance in the IWFL world championship game.

The Falconz finished their 2015 season with nine wins and only one loss. The loss came to the defending world champion Pittsburgh Passion in the championship game, 41-37 in Rock Hill, S.C. on July 25. They led at halftime 24-20, but the Passion scored 21 unanswered points in the third quarter to take the lead. The Falconz could never make up the difference.

The Falconz’ Facebook page called it the best

women’s football game ever.

The Passion has won 22 straight games and this was their second consecutive championship.

The Falconz scored on a touchdown pass from quarterback Louise Bean to Keeshya Cox with 1 minute, 59 seconds remaining in the game, but an onside kick failed and the Passion prevailed. Cox accounted for four of the team’s five touchdowns. She had two touchdown receptions, a 76-yard kickoff return and a 52-yard run, all for scores. She finished with 120 yards rushing on 16 carries and caught three passes for 41 yards.

Above: Keesha Cox (#20) was an all-star this season for the Utah Falconz in the Independent Women’s Football League. Left: The Utah Falconz defense lines up against the Madison Blaze. They only allowed 26 points during the regular season. Photo courtesy of the Utah Falconz The Falconz won the IWFL Western Conference championship game 73-0 over the Madison Blaze. Over 1000 fans filled the stands at Cottonwood High School to cheer on the team.

The Falconz dominated their opponents during the regular season. Their average margin of victory was 62 points. They play in the IWFL Mountain West Division. They faced the Nevada Storm, Colorado Freeze, Mile High Blaze and The Rocky Mountain Thunderkatz this season.

The IWFL was founded in 2000 and

currently has over 1600 women playing for 36 teams across North America. The Falconz were founded in 2014.

Volunteers coach the Falconz, and the players pay to play. Sponsors help to maintain the team and equipment. The head coach is Rick Rasmussen, a former high school head coach.

The team’s mascot, Felix the Falcon, has become an integral part of the local mascot community and Mascot Miracles Foundation that helps children who have severe or terminal illnesses. l

September 2015 | Page 23

WestJordanJournal .com

Sprint Cars Race Full Throttle at RMR

By Greg James

T

he green flag drops, tension mounts, drivers drop the throttle and engines roar. Winged sprint cars have raced in the Salt Lake Valley dating back to the fairgrounds track on North Temple in downtown Salt Lake City. It continues today at Rocky Mountain Raceway in West Valley.

Sprint cars are open-wheeled racecars, aerodynamically designed to reach top speed with maximum down force. The history of sprint car drivers in Salt Lake City includes famous drivers like Tom Sneva, Mike Nish, Dave Fitzgerald and too many more to count.

Sneva consistently raced his rear engine supermodified on the fairgrounds track. In 1977, he became the first driver to qualify for the race with a speed of over 200 miles per hour, and was the winner of the Indianapolis 500 in 1983. Nish attempted to qualify for the 500 in 1985 and 1986 but failed both times.

The current winged sprint car class at Rocky Mountain Raceway includes deep history ties. Jimmy Waters leads the point standings, Mel Andrus is second, Kyle Bergener third, Chuck Groat fourth and TJ Thorne rounds out the top five.

Monty and Kyle Bergener are third generation winged sprint car drivers.

“I think it is pretty cool to hear the old stories that people tell me about my family. It makes me wish I could have been around to see the things they experienced,” Monty Bergener said.

Bergener Racing is a small-budget race team supporting Kyle and Monty. They currently stand third and sixth in points at the racetrack. Both of their cars have experienced mechanical failures in races this season.

“This season has been very unlucky. Last year was pretty smooth. Kyle finished second in points; I was Rookie of the Year. It is awesome that we have a good name. We have gotten so much help to keep us running,” Monty said.

Their 1500 lb. racecar runs a 360 Chevrolet engine and puts out about 800-horsepower. The Bergeners build their

23-year-old Monty Bergener is a third generation winged sprint car driver in Utah. Photo courtesy of action sports photography

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The number 24 race car of Jimmy Waters has won two main events and currently leads the points at Rocky Mountain Raceway. Photo courtesy of action sports photography own engines.

“Since Dan Breach (oval general manager at RMR) got involved at the track, so many things have changed. The track has turned around and gone in a good direction. Dan has done everything he can to get as many cars as he can on race night,” Monty said.

Thorne established the season fast time at the track on July 4. He traveled the 3/8-mile high-banked oval in 12.922 seconds, or about 104 m.p.h.

The winged sprints are scheduled to race Monday Sept.

7 at Rocky Mountain Raceway and close out their season Oct. 3 at the Utah State Oval Championships. l

L E A D E R S H I P. E X P E R I E N C E. V I S I O N.

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Page 24 | September 2015

West Jordan City Journal

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By Greg James

T

ragedy struck the West Jordan girls soccer team before the season could even begin.

One of their own was killed in a tragic car accident Aug 2.

“There was a dark cloud over these girls for a while, but these girls are so tough. We took our time to grieve and come to terms with it. We had to keep going. We decided to play for her. Stephany will always be a part of us,” Jaguar head coach Kelsey Miller said.

Sixteen-year-old Stephany Villegas was thrown from the vehicle in a rollover accident near Cove Fort on I-15. Villegas, a junior, played right side defense for the Jaguars.

Opposing teams across the state have sent the Jaguars words of encouragement.

Tooele High School brought a card to the team’s opening game; Riverton High School girls soccer team tweeted they were behind the Jaguars 100 percent, and Copper Hills High School tweeted its best wishes to their sister school to the east.

“Most of all the student body has really been behind us. We had the football team, softball team and lots of students here at our first game. It has brought our athletic department together. We realize now that there is more to life than soccer,” Miller said.

The team dedicated its season to her memory and came out in a big way in its opening game with a 3-1 victory over Tooele.

Improvement each season has become a common theme for this team of determined teenage girls.

“Honestly, I have been pleasantly surprised. We lost a lot of seniors from last season’s team (14). We have a lot of young girls. I am pleased with the work they are putting in and how much they are improving

The Jaguars girls soccer team has dedicated its season in support of a fallen teammate, Stephany Villegas.

Photo courtesy of Greg James little by little. We have a lot of potential,” Miller said.

The Jaguars are in a desperate situation for goalkeepers. Injuries have forced them to play goal by committee. All-around forward Bridget Jones and defender Sina Green have split time at the position.

“They keep their heads up and keep fighting. I love these girls and they work hard.

It is always fun to start the season with new players and try to work together as a team,” Miller said.

The Jaguars opened the season with the victory over Tooele but then lost their second game to West, 5-1. Lopez scored one goal and Josie Larsen two against Tooele. Jaclyn Atencio scored a beautifully placed shot from outside the box in the loss to West. l

TRIBUTE Happy 90th, LaDell Steadman!

LaDell Steadman, a longtime resident of West Jordan, will be celebrating his 90th birthday. Please join us at an open house on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015 from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. at 2736 West Fahnian Circle (8450 So.) in West Jordan.

September 2015 | Page 25

WestJordanJournal .com

We Don’t Need No Dreaducation

By Peri Kinder

E

very summer vacation I ever had ended with the terrifying fear of going back to school. There’s even a name for that fear: didaskaleinophobia—because nothing describes the fear of school so aptly as a word you will never be able to pronounce or spell.

My fears in elementary school included being in a class without my best friend, finding out I wasn’t smart, having a mean teacher and being forced to eat everything on my lunch tray. (The fear of school lunch is a whole different topic.)

Boys were also a great fear. They were unpredictable, incomprehensible, disgusting show-offs—and that was on a good day. I continue to be afraid of earthworms after a stupid boy in first grade threw a handful down my shirt. I screamed for 23 minutes straight.

As I got older, my fears increased exponentially. Entering junior high was akin to walking into the Roman Colosseum to face a hungry lion. A lion who had better hair than I did.

And no pimples.

Seventh grade was the year of deodorant, showering at school, Clearasil and the ever mysterious feminine hygiene products no one talked about. The anxiety of reeking with body odor sent me into a Love’s Baby Soft addiction. Even now, that scent reminds me of junior high locker rooms.

Getting lost at school was a huge worry, as was finding and opening my locker. I would often scamper from class to class with my head down, clutching six textbooks across my chest because I couldn’t find my locker.

Increasing my fear of lockers, one afternoon my boyfriend was standing next to me with his arm casually draped over my open locker (it looked so cool). Then I slammed the door, accidentally cutting off the top of his finger.

If you think it’s hard remembering a locker combination, try opening your locker when the boy you’re trying to impress is screaming and crying with his finger stuck in the door. He broke up with me soon after that.

Then there’s the primordial fear of not being cool. I’d

be in the hall when a group of older, popular kids walked by (for some reason, in slow motion). The girls laughed and casually tossed their spiral-permed tresses over their shoulders.

To a seventh grader, the mature age of 15 was the epitome of awesomeness.

I stared dumbstruck, my mouth agape, displaying my uncool braces and wearing my first pair of Levi’s 501 button-fly jeans that my mom bought only after I convinced her I would NOT wear homemade clothes to junior high.

In one of the most misguided rebranding campaigns of all time, I decided junior high would be a great time to change my image. I tried swearing for the first time. It was cool. I was determined to reinvent myself as a rebel who drank Coke and said “damn.” For a 12-year-old Utah girl, that’s akin to being a homeless wino who juggles bunnies on a street corner.

But what scared me more than anything were the people who kept telling me that my school years would be the best time of my life.

It was paralyzing to think that avoiding bullies, flunking geometry, dealing with no self-esteem and eating Funyuns and Coke for lunch everyday would be the highlight of my time on this earth.

They were so wrong. There’s not enough money in the world to convince me to relive that hellish experience.

For all you students facing these fears this year, trust me, it gets so much better. l

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Page 26 | September 2015

West Jordan City Journal

THREE WAYS TO SAVE MONEY ON DINNER AND A MOVIE

By Joani Taylor

I

t’s Friday. The office is restless and your friend in the cubicle next to you has been talking endlessly about their plans for the weekend. You can’t help but feel a little envy. It’s been ages since the two of you have had a real date; maybe you could go this weekend. Alas, you are snapped back into reality; your wallet is thin, the water heater went out last month and you need to come up with the cash for the kids’ soccer uniforms. It looks like it’s another weekend of cleaning toilets and catching up on laundry and yard work.

Spending quality time as a couple can become difficult and seem like an unnecessary expense as life becomes hectic with kids. However, couples that spend time focusing on one another can improve their relationship, resolve communication issues and increase intimacy. It also provides the kids with a good blueprint by showing them the importance of investing time in a relationship. There are hundreds of creative date night ideas on Utah-based website DatingDivas.com that can inspire a fun idea for a night out. But, what if you just want a good ole’ fashioned dinner and movie? Here are three money saving ideas you might not have thought of: #1 - Shopkick: Shopkick is a mobile app that awards users points for walking into stores and performing various other actions. There are many stores that participate, like JC Penney, Best Buy, Macy’s and even home improvement stores and warehouse clubs. Often the stores are all in a single mall

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or shopping center, making it easy to walk from store to store. Simply download the app and walk in the door of the participating stores. After doing so, you’ll be awarded points called “kicks.” The kicks add up and convert to free gift cards for places such as Target, Lowe’s and even Fandango and The Cheesecake Factory. Did someone say free Cheesecake Factory and a movie?

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Hubby and I can often be found on Shopkick dates and routinely bump into others doing the same. Make sure you both have the app to double your bonus. More info at Shopkick.com. #2 - Tuesday Date Night: Plan your date on Tuesday. Okay, it may seem a little out of the ordinary, but there’s a reason. On Tuesdays, Megaplex Theatres offers $5 movies. Plus, many restaurants with email clubs run special bargains for their subscribers during the week. Mimi’s, for example, is well known for sending out “buy 1 meal get 1 free” coupons to email subscribers during the week. As a bonus, many of these also send out additional freebie meals for your birthday. Visit Coupons4Utah.com/emailrestaurant for a huge list of restaurants with email rewards. #3 - Dinner and Movie at Home: Who said dinner and a movie has to be on the go? How about getting your little monkeys to bed first and having dinner and a movie at home.

Make it fun by cooking together. Later, put out a picnic blanket or snuggle on the couch with your dollar store, theater-style popcorn cups. While you’re there, pick up theater candy for $1, too. You’ll also want to make sure you have joined Redbox’s text club. They often send text club members codes for free movies. You can subscribe by texting MOVIENIGHT to 727272 and then replying with “Y” to confirm.

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September 2015 | Page 27

WestJordanJournal .com

spotlight on: Smith’s Marketplace

A

crowd of almost 500 people gathered at Smith’s Marketplace on Aug. 17, for a special event put on by one of the store’s managers, Bruce Butcher, celebrating the mothers of special needs kids.

“We wanted to recognize the mothers of special needs kids for the daily struggles they deal with that the rest of us don’t have. It’s a tough gig for moms,” Bruce said when asked what moved him to create the event. “We realize it didn’t change their lives, but it let them know that someone notices all they do, and that is good enough for us.”

Olympic speed skater and world medalist, Jessica Smith, was at the event to sign autographs for the kids, and a hummer stretch limo was giving non-stop rides around the block. With free refreshments, free drawings and a soda bottle ring-toss, there was plenty of love all around.

“To all mothers of special needs children: I am inspired

by you,” Bruce said. “Nobody except other special needs mothers knows how much you do and what sacrifices you make. It was such a privilege to honor you.”

Another way Smith’s Marketplace on 5600 West and 7800 South gives back to the community is by supporting the Utah Honor Flight program. Utah Honor Flight takes veterans from Utah, who are willing and able, to Washington D.C. to see the monuments for the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army and U.S. Marines.

As a store, Smith’s has donated juice drinks and other items to help Utah Honor Flight with their breakfast before they leave for Washington D.C. Jeff Barry, assistant store director over operations at Smith’s, has a special place in his heart for this program.

“It’s awesome just to see the faces of the veterans as they get off the plane,” Jeff said. “People just stand and clap and line up and want to shake hands. A lot of times it’s bewildering to these veterans to experience that kind of appreciate—appreciation they

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didn’t know others had for them.”

Last October, Jeff was able to go on the trip with his father as a guardian. A few weeks after the memorable experience, his father passed away.

“It is just an honor to be able to go, and such a cool thing to be a part of a company that would allow us to be a part of that,” Jeff said. “I’m grateful that I was able to share that [with my dad] before he passed.” Jeff plans on going again as a guardian for a veteran who doesn’t have any family who is able to go.

If you have never visited Smith’s Marketplace on 5600 West and 7800 South, it’s about time you do. Not only do they have a wide array of products, their customer service is top notch. You will come for groceries, and leave feeling like a friend. l

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