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September-October 2016 Vol.16 No.12
Literacy center moves to Main Street By Linda Petersen Lehi’s Rippy Literacy Center, which offers free reading and math tutoring to local students, has moved into new digs after almost 20 years in the Lehi Public Library. The new building at 99 W. Main is the former location of the city’s planning and building inspections departments, which have moved into City Hall. The city renovated the Main Street building for the literacy center, which made the move in early August in preparation to begin its fall session on Sept. 7. “The library needed more space and we needed more space,” said Program Specialist Penny Maranville. The new location has allowed the center to expand its math program. “We love our new facility,” Maranville said. “It’s very open, very bright and very child-friendly.” On Sept. 1, the center held a community open house where Lehi Mayor Bert Wilson cut the ribbon celebrating the opening of the new facility. “We are grateful to have the literacy center in our community and now on Main Street. Everybody in our community deserves to learn to read, write and do math. The literacy center is a place for learning and is See CENTER, page A5
Lehi Mayor Bert Wilson, at right, cuts the ribbon on the new Rippy Literacy Center building with help from Assistant City Administrator Robert Ranc.
Light of the World Garden opening Eagle Mtn. at Thanksgiving Point on Sept. 24 resident
competing at 2016 Rio Paralympics
By Christy Jepson The newest area of the Ashton Gardens at Thanksgiving Point, the Light of the World Garden, is set to open to the public on Sept. 24 at 5 p.m. immediately following a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The area features 15 scenes and 35 statues focused on the life and miracles of Jesus Christ. This two-and-a half acre garden is a place where visitors can experience the teachings of Jesus Christ through art and nature. All the statues and landscaping have been donated by The Light of the World Foundation, a nonprofit corporation founded in 2003 by sculptor Angela Johnson. Before Johnson became a sculptor, she was a trained opera singer. While in her 30s, she realized her vocal talents weren’t taking her in the direction she wanted to go. She turned to another way to express herself - sculpting - and quickly discovered a hidden talent. She’d never had any training but became a gifted artist. The Light of the World Garden has been in her mind and thoughts for more than 13 years. In October of 2011, the Light of the World exhibit was installed at the Ashton Gardens with only 15 bronze sculptures. At the end of this month, the completed gardens will have 15 scenes, 14 from the Bible and one from the LDS Church history depicting Joseph Smith’s First Vision. One of the scenes in the garden is Jesus See PARK, page A5
By Christy Jepson
The Light of the World Garden at Thanksgiving Point will open to the public on Sept. 24. The garden features 15 scenes and 35 statues focused on the life of Jesus Christ.
(A note to the reader: David Blair had not competed at the 2016 Rio Paralympics yet when the paper went to print. The writer will do a follow-up article in October to inform readers of how the competition went and his experiences in Rio as an athlete.) Eagle Mountain resident David Blair was born with a severely deformed clubfoot and doctors told his parents that his physical activities would be very limited compared to other children. On Sept. 16, at age 40, Blair was scheduled to compete in the 2016 Rio Paralympics games as a member of the USA Track and Field team in the discus event. According to Blair, he will compete with other athletes that have a single leg, belowthe-knee disability, many of whom are amputees. During the event, each athlete will throw the discus three times. The top eight athletes who threw the farthest will then advance to the final round, where they will be given an additional three throws. The gold medalist and Paralympic champion will then be declared See ATHLETE, page A2
A2 - September/October 2016 - Vol. 16 No. 12 - Online All the Time - TheCrossroadsJournal.com
Deer committee recommends education, not removal By Linda Petersen After several months of studying the issue from every angle and conducting a resident survey, the Alpine Urban Deer Control Committee presented its recommendations to the Alpine City Council on Aug. 23. After identifying the problem, the committee suggested that the city initiate education programs including a Utah Division of Wildlife Resources forage and habitat restoration project and provide online resources for residents who “suffer from the effects of
the deer.” The committee also suggested that business partnerships could help affected residents improve their properties but did not give specifics on how this would work. “The deer population has exploded in the last five years and is out of control,” wrote resident Alice Cosper. “We have had deer jump in front of and even over our cars, damaging them and taking off a mirror and a fender.” The citywide resident survey showed that 60 percent of respondents want the deer removed while 40 percent want them left alone.
Specific methods of removal were not addressed in the committee’s report and the committee did not come up with specific recommendations on that subject, instead referring that decision to the city council. One possibly surprising finding from the data was that three separate UDWR deer surveys found 12 or less deer within Alpine City boundaries. This suggests that deer may be moving in and out of the city seasonally. Winter counts would show higher numbers. Included in the report were several letters from residents, many of them negatively affected by the deer and their grazing habits. “We cannot name all the roses they have eaten over the years. Tulips, forget it. We don’t even try…. If we are to be stewards of our properties, and beautify our property as good citizens to beatify the community, we need help,” Steve Cosper wrote. “I do feel like we are living in the middle of some sort of animal refuge,” Joseph Buchman wrote. “There are packs of them gathered in our yard frequently.” “I have enclosed my back yard with a sixfoot vinyl fence and since then there has not been one deer print in the back yard. But that cost me $8,000 and now the deer trail is across
my front yard where they eat all the rose buds and blossoms,” wrote Kay Lindow. “We have had all our deer fences knocked down and ripped. Last summer we had a female deer and three fawns in our yards. When fall came and I tied up the fences, she got a big buck to come in and knock them down,” Noel Jones wrote. Some residents wrote in support of leaving the deer alone. “Yes, I live where I have to spend money to fence in my garden; I have to accept that many of my plants and trees will be eaten by deer that are trying to survive because I put my house in their feed areas,” Trevor Hanson’s letter said. “I’ve found a way to live with the deer, and hope others too will find it in themselves to let them be.” Lifelong resident Jody Blaney wrote: “The deer … were here first. We (people) have moved into their territory, not the opposite.… The deer and other animals are part of the charm of Alpine. I don’t think we should start killing animals so that people can say they grow their own tomatoes and tulips. I think it would be a tragedy to start killing off all the deer for the sake of a few rich people’s gardens.”
Senior citizens are invited to participate in the Lehi Senior Center’s Horseshoe Pitching Club. Both Lehi residents and non-residents may join the club.
Lehi Senior Center offers Horseshoe Pitching Club The Lehi Senior Center is offering a Horseshoe Pitching Club for anyone 60 years of age or older. The Senior Horseshoe Pitching Club will meet every Wednesday during the month of September, at 10 a.m. Club members will meet at the Lehi Horseshoe Pits located at the Lehi City Sports Park, 2000 W. 700 South, Lehi. The club is free for members of the Senior Center and only $2 for non-members.
Non-Lehi residents are also welcome. Games will be “count-all.” The club will be led by Roy Buhler, who helps run the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association. All skill levels are welcome. Come out and have a good time practicing the sport you love, or learning a brand new sport. There is room for everyone. Call Jessie Jones at 385201-2349 to register.
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Eagle Mountain resident and discus thrower David Blair is competing in the 2016 Rio Paralympics.
ATHLETE
Continued from page A1 from one of those eight athletes. “I am really looking forward to the competition more than anything. I have put in a lot of work and am excited for the competition to be here. I am really looking forward to taking in the whole Olympic experience. Paralympians compete in the same venue, get the same medals, are on the TeamUSA, train at the Olympic Training Centers, and visit with the president at the end of the season. It has really been an amazing experience so far and with my age I feel like I truly am able to take it all in and see how rare and great opportunity it is,” Blair said. After discovering his talent and skill at
discus throwing in high school, Blair went on to Weber State University where he broke six of the university’s records in track and field. After graduating from Weber State, Blair took a 16-year break from his sport. It wasn’t until last spring that he learned he was eligible for the Paralympics. He found out that if he could qualify, he could make the USA Track and Field Paralympic Team. After discussing the possibility with his family, as well as contacting an old friend who was a 2004 Athens Olympian and asking him to be his official coach, Blair was back in the sport again. At the qualifying rounds, Blair threw 54.25 meters in the discus throw at his first track and field meet back from his long break. Six months later, he won a silver medal at the 2015 World Championship in Doha, Qatar.
Vol. 16 No. 12 - Online All the Time - TheCrossroadsJournal.com - September/October 2016 - A3
Dad who rescued son from burning Doll House home named a Cedar Hills Champion Haunt
opening soon in Eagle Mtn.
By Linda Petersen Cedar Hills city leaders recently recognized Spencer Kelley as a Cedar Hills Champion. Kelley received the honor in recognition of his bravery when, on July 15, he ran back into his burning home at 10683 N. Fiddle Sticks Drive to save his son Connor who was trapped in the fire. The sleeping family was awoken by the smoke alarm just after midnight and Kelley and his wife Shannon quickly evacuated the children. But once they made it outside, Kelley, 42, realized his son Connor, 12, was not with them. He ran back into the burning building and crawled to his son’s second-floor bedroom where he found him standing confused. He shepherded his son out through the flames. Spencer Kelley sustained third-degree burns on his hands, feet, and knees but was released from University Hospital the following day. Connor had been released the previous day. It was later determined that the fire, which caused $150,000 in damages and left the home uninhabitable, was caused by a beanbag sitting on top of a plugged-in Xbox. After reading a resolution that commended Spencer Kelley for his “brave and selfish act” that “demonstrated extreme bravery despite life-threatening risk to self,” Mayor Gary Gygi and city council members praised Kelley. “If there was ever a Cedar Hills Champion, it was Mr. Kelley and his family, “Gygi said. Council Member Ben Bailey, who is a fire marshal, said that he teaches to never run back inside a burning building, but “Mr Kelley did what every father and mother thinks they would do. The difference is he did it.... That is tremendous.… Sir, I salute you.… I can’t imagine you running that gauntlet twice.” When he spoke, Kelley turned the praise back onto the first responders, his neighbors and the residents of Cedar Hills. “I have a lot to be grateful for,” he said. “There’s a lot of folks put their lives on the line every single day.… I appreciate the firefighters, the EMTs, the city facilities that we have.
By Danielle Palmer
The Spencer Kelley family “I’ve been absolutely impressed with the level of professionalism, the kindness, the caring, the above and beyond that the folks of this city have done,” he said. “The kindness and generosity from people who are known and unknown has absolutely reset [things for
me].… I don’t think if I served for the rest of my life I could ever come back to an even level of the service that has been provided to our family in this disaster.” The city council declared Aug. 17, 2016, as Spencer Kelley Day.
Lehi City Library fall Story Times to begin on Sept. 26 The Lehi City Library’s Story Time for fall 2016 will be held on Wednesdays and Thursdays beginning on Sept. 26 at 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. Due to construction, Story Time will be located on the west corner of the library. Registration opens one week in advance for all story times.
Lehi City Library card holders can register online at www.lehi-ut.gov/discover/library/. For information on Kiddie Kraft, Wiggle Worms, After School Art, Kids Club, Boys Only, Think Tank, She’s Crafty and other events, please visit the Lehi City Library website.
As the autumn season approaches, many are looking forward to the festive fun of harvest holidays including October’s spooky spectacles. In Eagle Mountain, one Halloween extravaganza is quickly becoming a local tradition that isn’t to be missed. The Doll House Haunt is turning three years old this year, and with that milestone, the Doll Keeper plans to unlock a new door to lead visitors through three new rooms. The Doll Keeper told the Crossroads Journal, “If you think you can survive the extended 20-minute walk through, come make your way through the twisted dolls and nightmares buried within the dark spaces, warped toys and mysterious winding halls. You choose which way to go, but will you end up where you started, trapped in the Doll Keeper’s Doll House?” The fun, haunted terrors will be offered throughout October. Those preferring a less terrifying experience, such as those with small children, can walk through at a discount during daylight hours, which are filled with games and face painting opportunities but no live haunts. The Doll House Haunt is located at 3604 Pony Express Parkway in Eagle Mountain. Hours are from 7:30 to 10 p.m. every Monday and Thursday from Sept. 30 to Oct. 31 and 7:30 to 11 p.m. every Friday and Saturday throughout October. Family Fun daytime hours will be held from noon to 4 p.m. each Saturday throughout October. Prices are $12 per person during regular hours and $7 per person during the Family Fun hours (children 2 and younger are free). For more information and online ticket purchasing, visit dollhousehaunt.com.
A4 - September/October 2016 - Vol. 16 No. 12 - Online All the Time - TheCrossroadsJournal.com
Youth football dynasty team keeps rolling By Anthony Knight Did you know that there is a dynasty football team at Westlake? The Westlake Thunder seventh grade A team takes the field again this season looking to defend its Utah County Football Conference title and striving to win its fourth title in the last five years. This powerhouse squad boasts a 48-7 record over that span. This is especially impressive in that the teams in the UCFC are playing at the highest level of competition in Utah County since all of the participants are from 5A-level high school areas. Coach Gabe Lee is at the helm of this team and has been since most of the current roster was in second grade. This continuity serves the Thunder well and has created a real family atmosphere that makes a difference. This doesn’t just extend to football, however. The team has periodic barbecues, pool parties and birthday celebrations and the players are charged with maintaining good grades. In 2015, the entire team joined the Especially for Athletes program. Their slogan was “Keep your eyes up! Do the work!” This reminded them to watch out for bullying and befriend anyone they could help with this issue. They were even featured on KSL News a few years ago when the floods hit Saratoga Springs. The team canceled the day’s practice to assist in the cleanup of flood damage at a teammate family’s home. The team also holds an earlier practice on Tuesdays to allow the players to attend their weekly Scouting meetings. Producing good students and responsible boys and helping his players attain their Eagle Scout
Eagle Mountain. If you are free on a Saturday afternoon this fall and you want to see the stars of tomorrow on the gridiron, go to utahcountyfootball. com. There you will find the Westlake Thunder 7A team’s schedule. Feel free to come out and cheer these fantastic kids on to victory; they fight every Saturday in fall for the glory and reputation of Westlake.
Westlake High School football player Xander Knight, No. 91, bears down for an eventual sack on the Lone Peak High School quarterback during a recent game between the two teams. Awards are as much a priority for the coach as football. Why? It is because Coach Lee cares about and truly loves his football family. Lee has often said that he considers the boys on this team his sons, his extended family, and it shows in his passion and in his tough love for his players. This stamp of toughness, dedication and discipline is a hallmark of his team, which is often up against larger boys (teams with more “X men,” or players who at 135 pounds or more are not allowed to carry the ball), yet they still execute their game play
and win. These boys are taught every year that they literally can accomplish anything through hard work, preparation, determination and perseverance. The players are empowered and motivated to expect to go out and win every single game. The Thunder had two comeback wins in 2015; one of them came in beating an all-star, multi-region team from Orem, the Mountain View Buffs, for the UCFC Championship. The future of Westlake HS football is looking bright thanks to the great young crop of talent coming up from Saratoga Springs and
Highland City approves pro-tem judge, conducts other business By Danielle Palmer As Judge Doug Nielsen of the Alpine Highland Justice Court has been hired as the Fourth District juvenile judge, Highland City is looking to fill the position. During city council meeting on Aug. 16, Nielsen recommended to the city council that Scott Mickelsen, a part-time judge in Draper City, serve as pro-tem judge until a new judge could be appointed. Nielsen’s last day is Sept. 22, and a pro-tem judge would be needed until “New Judge Orientation” in January of 2017. The council agreed and unanimously appointed Scott Mickelsen as a pro-tem judge and Sherlynn Fenstermaker as an alternate pro-tem judge for the Alpine Highland Justice Court. During the meeting, the council also unanimously passed a Job Classification and Compensation Study through Personnel System and Services in the amount of $11,500, including the $250 annual subscription. The
study would compare city employees’ wages and benefits, update job descriptions, job classifications and performance evaluations, and conduct a salary and benefit analysis. Data is collected annually. The council also discussed the pros and cons of the North Pointe Solid Waste Special Service District and North Utah Environmental Resource Agency (NUERA) becoming partners with the Bay View Landfill and agreed they opposed the partnership through a unanimous vote. The option was also mentioned of separating from North Pointe if North Pointe chose to move forward with Bay View Landfill. City staff directed the council to accept cash in lieu of dedication for enclosed water shares and prepared a Water Share Reservation Agreement. The council unanimously voted to approve the contract to accept it but added an amendment to specify the property. In other discussion, Council Member Ed Dennis requested more information about
the removal of dead trees as the concern was expressed in public comment by resident Jocelyn Parmer. Mayor Mark Thompson assured the council that staff was awaiting bids from contractors on the issue. They were interested in residents willing to volunteer in the tree removal.
Museum plans Harry Potter event The Hutchings Museum in Lehi will offer a special event, Harry Potter’s Magical Museum, on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 7 and 8, from 5 to 8 p.m. This event is designed for the entire family to experience the magical world of Harry Potter. Meet witches and wizards, professors and ghosts, live owls and magical creatures. Cost is $5 each for ages 3 and older. The Hutchings Museum is located at 55 N. Center in Lehi. For more information, call the museum at 385-201-1020.
Football team scores wins over opponents
On Saturday, Aug. 20, Westlake’s seventh grade A team (1-0) took care of business in their first game of the season against American Fork (0-1) with a final score of 27-7. The Thunder took the opening kick and marched the length of the field for a 7-0 lead, only to have the game tied up by the Cavemen on the ensuing kickoff. The Thunder scored a TD in each of the rest of their three possessions in the first half, giving them a commanding 27-7 lead. That was the final score as the Thunder defense rose up to shut out American Fork again, keeping the squad from ever having given up an offensive TD to the Cavemen in the team’s existence. On Saturday, Aug. 27, Westlake’s seventh grade A team (2-0) used a stifling defense to outdo the Lone Peak Knights (Coach Siri) 29-0. The Thunder’s opportunistic defense caused six interceptions, one of them being returned for a TD by LB Gavin McLaughlan. The offense was impressive as well, grinding out yards with a powerful running game and a passing game designed to take advantage of the Knights’ aggressive blitzing. The Thunder went up 22-0 at halftime and cruised to another impressive and dominant win. On Saturday, Sept. 10, after a bye week, the Westlake Thunder seventh grade A team came out victorious with a hard-fought 13-6 win in Orem over the Mountain View Buffs. This was a rematch of last years’ 6A title game and like that title game resulted in another win for the Thunder. Defense ruled the day for both sides as the Thunder held a 7-0 lead at halftime. Late in the game, the Buffs scored on a long TD run off tackle, but failed on a two-point conversion, falling behind 7-6. From there, the Thunder enforced their will on a long drive with repeated runs inside the tackles on the tired and overmatched Mountain View team for the victory. The Thunder now sit alone in first place at 3-0 while the Buffs fell to third place at 2-2. On Sept. 17, the Thunder was scheduled to face the 2-1 Lone Peak Knights (Coach Hult) in an important game at Frontier Middle School at 10:30 a.m., their first home game of the year.
Vol. 16 No. 12 - Online All the Time - TheCrossroadsJournal.com - September/October 2016 - A5
Lone Peak Police Blotter Daily update for September 13, 2016: Accident - Alpine - Not a good start to the morning for two drivers. Officers investigated an accident near Ridge Dr. and Canyon Crest. Both vehicles had to be towed due to the damage. Fraud - Highland - A Highland resident wanted to report numerous credit cards and several bank accounts that were opened in his name fraudulently. (It’s always good to check your credit from time to time to make sure this hasn’t/isn’t happening to you.) Hit and Run - Highland - Officer Atwood took a hit and run report at the high school. This is currently being investigated. Burglary - Highland - A Highland resident reported having a bicycle stolen out of their garage. This case is under investigation. Yesterday wrapped up with a couple of citizen contacts, some animal calls, a “keys” call and a suspicious that wasn’t really anything. Suicidal - Alpine - Officer Eddington was dispatched on the report of a male that had left his residence and was possibly suicidal. Officer Eddington arrived at the residence and gathered all necessary information from the complainant. An ATL (Attempt To Locate) was put out for the male and other measures were taken to locate him. A short time later Officer Eddington was advised by dispatch that the male had returned home. Officer Eddington responded and spent quite a bit of time talking with the male who had advised he was not suicidal. After assuring the male was okay, Officer Eddington cleared the call. Traffic Offense - Highland - Officer Mckee was dispatched on a vehicle that was swerving and driving 15 MPH under the speed limit. The reporting party advised it looked like the driver was putting on makeup while driving. (Please, please do not put on your makeup while driving.) Officer Mckee arrived in the area but was unable to locate the vehicle. Suspicious - Highland - Officer Susov was dispatched on the report of a individual wearing a clown mask and walking around the neighborhood near the police station. A search of the area for Bozo did not turn up anything. Criminal Mischief - Alpine - Officer Dookhran was dispatched on a large group of juveniles toilet-papering houses on Country Manor Ln in Alpine. The “TP Bandits” were unable to be located. Suspicious - Highland - At approximately 1 a.m. a Highland resident called to report hearing someone trying to open her front door. Officer arrived in the area, searched the perimeter of the home and did not locate anyone. Citizen Contact - Alpine - A citizen called in to report that he thought his vehicle had been towed from a park in Alpine. A short time later the individual called back to say that he located his car and that he had parked it in a different spot than he remembered.
Medical - Highland - Officers were dispatched on the report of an older male who was unconscious and not breathing. Officers arrived and found the male deceased. An investigation was completed. Our thoughts are with the family. Domestic Violence - Highland - A concerned citizen called to report a pretty heated fight between a father and daughter at Highland Elementary. Before officers could arrive, the pair had left in a vehicle. A license plate was obtained and officers made contact at the home of the father and daughter. Officers found nothing criminal had occurred and it was just a verbal argument between the two. Suicidal - Alpine - Officer Susov was dispatched on the report of a suicidal female. Officer Susov was able to locate the female and after speaking with her, got her to agree to go to the hospital to be checked out. Warrants - Highland - Sgt. Thurston pulled over a vehicle after a registration check showed the vehicle’s registration had expired back in January and the vehicle had no insurance. Upon contact with the driver, he advised he was going to get the registration taken care of when he got paid. Upon running the driver’s drivers license, Sgt. Thurston found it was suspended and he had two warrants for his arrest, one for failure to register a vehicle. The driver was arrested, cited for new offenses and booked into jail. His vehicle was impounded. Vehicle Burglaries - Highland - We had several vehicles broken into at Highland Glen Park on Sunday. Several items of value were taken from some of the vehicles. This is currently under investigation. (Always worth mentioning as I have in the past: please do not leave any valuables in your vehicle, especially in view. Thieves have no qualms about smashing windows to get to iPods, wallets, purses, etc. If you must leave items like this, please lock them in the trunk and make sure no one is watching you do this.) Traffic Offense - Highland - Sgt. Thurston was dispatched on the report of a juvenile male speeding up and down the street in an area of Highland. The complainant was able to get a license plate number. Sgt. Thurston made contact at the residence of the 16-year-old driver and spoke to him and his parents about his driving habits. A warning was giving to the driver. Found Property - Alpine - Officer Dookhran was dispatched on the report of a bicycle that was on the reporting parties property and had been there for some time. Officer Dookhran arrived and took possession of the bike which has been booked into evidence. (Have you ever had a bike you thought was stolen or is missing? Please get a hold of us. We have more bikes in evidence than you would even believe. We may have yours.)
Halloween Party planned at Lehi center Lehi’s Legacy Center will host its 16th annual Halloween Party on Friday, Oct. 28. This will be a safe, climate-controlled environment for all to participate in games, enjoy candy and explore a spook alley. Pictures and dinner also available. Pre-sold tickets will be available starting
Oct. 1. Tickets purchased in advance are $3 for children (adults are free) or tickets purchased at the door are $3.50 for children child $3.50 (adults are free). For more information or questions about volunteering or donations, call Abby at 385-201-2000.
Excel Construction specializes in all types of concrete work.
Excel Construction building with quality and precision By Michael Young Started in 2008, Excel Construction provides quality concrete services to the entire region. Its crews work quickly and cost-effectively without giving up on quality. Based in Lehi, the company specializes in all sorts of concrete work including footings, racquetball courts, home theaters, custom homes, spec homes and trac homes. Excel President Charlie Smith has more than 25 years of construction experience, He started off as a roofer and now applies his con-
CENTER Continued from page A1 available to residents of all ages. I hope everyone in our community will take advantage of these services,” Wilson said. “Thank you to Nancy and the literacy center staff for all that they do to make our community great.” Currently the literacy center serves more than 300 children. “In a year’s time, we serve almost a thousand children with 350 volun-
PARK Continued from page A1 Christ walking on the water. This large sculpture titled “It Is I, Be Not Afraid” took $22,000 worth of clay to create and more than four
siderable skills to making sure his customers have an excellent experience every time. He is available to talk to about potential projects at 801-420-0172. Excel Construction’s layouts are done with machines that use lasers to map out the outlines of foundations. This allows construction to proceed with the greatest of precision and in places where it might otherwise be difficult. Visit the company’s website at www. excelconcreteinc.com to view a selection of its recent projects and get a better idea of what sort of work Excel does.
teers,” Maranville said. The literacy center came into being in 1997 when Lehi resident Hesther Rippy learned that almost 29 percent of the city’s elementary school children were reading below grade level. Rippy and her husband Bill, who has since passed away, funded the center where children and their parents could get free help learning to read Since that time, the program has expanded to include math tutoring for students in kindergarten through sixth grade and math homework assistance for junior high and high school students.
years to finish. Johnson’s other work, the “Come Unto Me: The Light of the World” exhibit, was featured at the Newport Beach Temple Open House where 175,000 visitors saw her piece of art. For more information, visit www.thanksgivingpoint.org.
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Alpine City reassesses Greatest Show on Earth to feature far-out tricks city’s open spaces By Danielle Palmer The Alpine City Council discussed Robert and Rebecca Snow’s proposal to acquire cityowned open space in the Healey Heights subdivision, or for boundary line adjustments, and Laura and Tom Lefler’s proposal to acquire other open space at its July 27 meeting. The council voted to change the Snow property line to the fence line based on the situation and agreements with the understanding that the property owners would be responsible for survey and plat amendment costs. The motion passed with Roger Bennett voting no. The council also voted to advertise the triangular piece of public open space at the corner of Canyon Crest and Ridge Drive for sale and let the buyers divide it up how they desired. Before the sale, they would have a public hearing. The discussion also prompted the city to further evaluate open space borders for problems and resolve them. Benjamin McMillan and Nate Huntsman approached the council about Eagle Scout projects at Lambert Park and Dry Creek. Robin Hiranaka listed concerns about the need for adopting an ordinance regulating helicopters and helipads. After a public hearing, city council adopted an ordinance for the Uniform Building Code, which was the statewide building code. Discussion occurred regarding
the Bed Pines Concept Plan (600 W. Westfield Rd.), which held a 19-lot subdivision, but no action was taken on this subject. An amendment was approved to the Open Space and Map, rewording a sentence to state conditional uses would be recommended by the planning commission and approved by city council, and that a specified fence height would be changed to eight feet as well as a change in punctuation. An ordinance was also adopted for a flood damage prevention overlay, which was the model ordinance from FEMA. It enables residents to get flood insurance if they are in the flood zone. Rob Smith presented a report about Alpine School District: there are 56 elementary schools with one opening in Saratoga Springs in the fall of 2016, 12 middle schools, and nine high schools with a new one opening in Lehi. This year the district celebrated its 100th year with 75,000 students. The district was split into clusters to equalize student numbers in schools, and the district received a Triple A Bond Rating, reducing interest rates. Alpine School District’s graduation rate was at 92.3 percent compared with the national rate between 70 and 80 percent. With continued growth in Utah County, more schools are needed; the district is looking into a 368-million dollar bond issue.
in its new adventure By Christy Jepson The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus will shoot for the stars as the new and intergalactic “Out Of This World” show comes to town. For the first time, the circus production will have an actual storyline - a heroic space adventure of good versus evil As the storyline unfolds, audience members learn that Ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson and the “Circus Starseeker” Paulo are on a journey to find all the talented circus stars who have disappeared and bring them back to Earth. The Intergalactic Circus Queen Tatiana and sidekick Davis are the evil forces they battle on their journey. Throughout the show, audience members are transported to faraway planets made of ice, fire, sand and water. This newest production of The Greatest Show on Earth mixes tradition with many new and unique edge-of-your seat acrobatics, aerial dancers and daredevil acts. The Simet Family Astronauts defy gravity while doing tricks on a spinning wheel. The Heilongjiang Provincial Acrobatic Troupe features Chinese acrobatics doing stunts and tricks all on an ice floor. The lead character clown, Davis Vassello, will perform tricks on a 47-foot swaying pole. Kids will also enjoy watching the traditional lion and tiger acts, trapeze artists and the hilarious Clown Alley.
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The entire circus production travels around the nation by train. The Barnum & Bailey Circus train has 56 train cars (36 coaches and 20 flatbed equipment cars) and transports H 400 costumes, 79 animals, nine band mema bers and 105 performers, not to mention all a the stage equipment, props and scenery. The p production is on tour for two years. a “Out Of This World” will be performed f Friday, Sept. 23, through Monday, Sept. 26. h For more information, visit the Vivant Smart t Home Arena website or call 1-800-888TIXX. c f fl a b q h b
Doba takes the hassle Cedar Hills amends the out of dropshipping By Michael Young As part of Lehi’s Silicon Slopes, Doba’s mission is to help suppliers and retailers sell more of the right products to the right people. As a dropship company, they compile a monthly catalog of supplies and products, which they then provide to retailers. Their clients gain access to more than two million wholesale products, and that number is growing all the time. They also assist retailers with listing their products with popular online retailers such as eBay and Amazon.com. They assist their clients with five main services: product discovery to help retailers find new products to sell, research to make sure retailers are selling the right product at the right time, data management to inform business decisions, software for order fulfillment and tracking and educational resources for
retailers to help them improve their businesses. Doba was founded in 2002 and earlier this year was acquired by Focus Technology Co. Ltd. This company is the parent company of Made-In-China.com, which is an e-commerce platform that connects buyers worldwide with suppliers in China. It is currently one of the fastest-growing companies in Utah. They offer a 30-day trial for businesses, after which there are four different plans to choose from to assist any size business with its dropshipping needs. Learn more at www.doba. com. *** What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you. - Ralph Waldo Emerson *** We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone. - Ronald Reaganw
city code during meeting By Danielle Palmer
The Cedar Hills City Council made several amendments to the city code at its July 19 meeting. One amendment was in relation to smoking and electronic cigarettes and park curfew noise in city parks. While no smoking is listed as a park rule, it is not stated in the code. Language in the code now includes “lighted pipe, cigar, or cigarette of any kind; e-cigs or any other lighted smoking equipment.” Alcoholic beverages would remain prohibited. In addition to the 11 p.m. curfew at public parks, noise must be contained at an earlier hour (from Labor Day to Memorial Day, 8:30 p.m.; in summer, 9:30 p.m.; and 10:30 p.m. on weekends). The city council also amended the code to include flag lot developments in access requirements as a permitted use within a specified zone. They also amended the city code relating to development and setbacks pertaining to decks, porches, patios, pergolas and awnings. The amendment removed language pertaining to the installation of recreation equipment because there was no clear direction on proper installment, excavation permits, etc. The coun-
e cil also amended the official fees, bonds and S fines schedule for the city. c The Cedar Hills Grill Concession Agreement was discussed and amended to allow alcohol sales according to the regulations established by Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, specifying canned and bottled beer only as well as what areas on the premises consumption would be allowed (grill area). All council members agreed except Council Member Rob Crawley, who voted no. Council members also unanimously voted to approve a resolution to adopt restrictions of fireworks and open fires in specified portions of the city. An ordinance to repeal Title 1, Chapter 8 of the city code relating to government records access and management was approved, and the council enacted Chapter 8A to except for the appeal to a local records appeals board. There was also much discussion on cityowned property being maintained or improved by city residents as well as on the installation and operation of solar panels and the allowance of short-term rentals in the city, but no actions were taken on these subjects.
Singers sought for ‘Messiah’ The Saratoga Springs Arts Council and the Eagle Mountain Arts Alliance will host their third annual multi-community performances of Handel’s “Messiah” in December. Soloists and singers to perform as part of the choir are now being sought. Rehearsals will begin on Sunday, Sept. 27, and continue on Oct. 11, 18 and 26 and Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29. The final rehearsal will be held Sunday, Dec. 6. All rehearsals will be held at the Kiowa Valley Building, 7241 N. Ute Drive, Eagle Mountain.
Performances will be presented on Monday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m. at Westlake High School, 99 N. 200 West, Saratoga Springs, as well as on Tuesday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m. at Frontier Middle School, 1427 Mid Valley Road, Eagle Mountain. Admission will be free to both concerts. Those interested in being part of the choir should register at http://communitymessiah. com. Those wanting information about being a soloist can gain more information at that website as well.
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Residents express concerns about Saratoga development By Danielle Palmer
With Edge Homes, customers can build their dream home from the ground up or choose a completed home in one of the builder’s communities.
Build the perfect home with Edge Homes By Michael Young
Looking for a place to call home? Edge Homes provides more than 30 communities along the Wasatch Front in Salt Lake, Utah, and Wasatch counties that are sure to please potential customers. They know that choosing a home is one of the most vital decisions a family can make and they strive to build the highest-quality homes. They are recognized as the nation’s fastest-growing home builder. Edge Homes gives its customers the choice of customizing their homes from the foundation up and has more than 50 unique floor plans to choose from. New home buyers are guided through the customization process by expert consultants. For those desiring a quick move-in, Edge Homes always has a few homes available in each of its communities for buyers to consider. In addition to the company’s regular model homes, its work can be viewed as part of the Salt Lake Parade of Homes. More information can be obtained about Edge Homes online at
www.edgehomes.com. At the business’s website, customers can tour some of the homes online and browse through an “idea gallery,” which can help prospective home buyers decide how to put together the home of their dreams.
Join fight against domestic violence Join the Saratoga Springs Police Department Victim Services Program on Monday, Oct. 3, at the Food Truck Monday at Neptune Park as they kick of October’s Domestic Violence Purple Ribbon Campaign. Purple is the symbolic color for domestic violence awareness and represents the fight against domestic violence. Call Holly Johnson, the Victim Services Coordinator at the police department for more information:.801-766-6503.
The Saratoga Springs City Council held a public hearing Aug. 16 on a rezone, general plan amendment, community plan and master development agreement for Mount Saratoga, an area generally located between 1200 West and 1900 West and between Pony Express Parkway and State Route 73. The application covers approximately 688 acres of commercial, residential and open space. A potential elementary school site was included in the plan. Further considerations included park strip maintenance, street crossings, sidewalks and water impact fee credits Saratoga Springs Senior Planner Sarah Carroll reported 24 emails received in opposition of the rezone. Steve Mumford, community development director for Eagle Mountain City, had recommended switching certain locations of housing types to match approved development in Eagle Mountain. Several citizens at the meeting expressed concerns about high density and commercial development, phasing between residential and agricultural zones, landfill, watershed, private water rights, native landscaping and weeds, overcrowding schools, lack of policing capability for the property, and construction impacting traffic. They requested a re-evaluation on the future impact high-density units could bring. Rob Jex also recommended tying the construction phasing to school availability. Applicant Steve Maddox assured the council that the issues would be worked out over time. Saratoga Springs City Council Member Stephen Willden mentioned that Eagle Mountain City had offered a much higher density plan to the developer if the landowner would annex the property. If this were to happen, Saratoga Springs would have no control and could most likely see higher density than the discussed proposal. They could try to find a suitable middle ground on density, but there is a concern about turning the whole thing over to Eagle Mountain, which could result
in higher density. Willden further thanked the developer for working with the city and addressing water concerns in the new development. There was discussion on lot sizes, sidewalks, transitions and buffers, providing public information on the community plan, traffic considerations and school impact. Engineer Magleby clarified the impact on schools was usually from multi-family units more than these smaller units, which usually are occupied by newlyweds or seniors. The discussion was eventually tabled. The public hearing would continue on Sept 6. Also held on Aug. 16 was a public hearing on land development code amendment sections. Michelle Forsythe opposed the landscaping requirement reductions, which would allow weeds as protective groundcover and impact property value. Rod Eichelberger supported the simplification of code and property owner rights regarding backyard landscaping. Council Member Chris Porter suggested a fencing requirement for homeowners choosing natural landscaping. Council Members Willden and Bud Poduska expressed agreement with proposed amendments. This public hearing was also scheduled to continue Sept 6. During the public comment portion of the general meeting, citizens came forward with concerns about solar panel system installation standards, repair to the asphalt on 400 North, and support to the council for coming up with solutions. Other actions at the meeting included the approvals of Harvest Hills Quad Lots with conditions (3-1, Baertsch voting against), the Fiscal Year 2016-17 Budget Policy (4-0), the Madison Meadows Lot Split as outlined with conditions (4-0), the settlement and development agreement with HADCO Construction Company and Affiliates (4-0), the water revenue bonds sale (4-0), the Sudweeks Construction LLC Real Estate Purchase Contract (4-0), and the settlement agreement and mutual release with Jeffery Conant (4-0).
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Local justice court gets temporary judges By Linda Petersen
Local residents have been cautioned to stay out of the American Fork River and downstream areas because of elevated lead levels in the sediment.
Alpine City has approved the use of temporary judges in the justice court it shares with Highland City. This follows the resignation of Judge Douglas Nielsen who has been appointed by Utah Gov. Gary Herbert to be a juvenile court judge on the Fourth District Juvenile Court. Nielsen also currently serves as a judge for the Lehi City Justice Court. “Judge Nielsen has a sincere desire to serve the people of the State of Utah,” Herbert said. “His intelligence, thoughtfulness and familiarity with the law will serve him well as he works to fulfill the demands of this new
position.” “I believe the greatest service in the legal profession is to the youth and families of our community,” Nielsen said. “I am honored that Governor Herbert and others have given me this unique opportunity to serve.” Until a replacement can be found for Nielsen, two replacement judges, the Hon. Scott Mickelsen and the Hon. Sherlynn Fenstermaker, will conduct justice court for Alpine and Highland beginning Oct. 1 and ending Feb. 1, 2017. The two are currently justice court judges with the Fourth Judicial Court. The change was approved on Aug. 23.
American Fork City American Fork River off limits to recreational users appoints chief of police By Linda Petersen State health officials are asking local residents, especially children, to stay out of the American Fork River and areas downstream from it. Samples taken on Aug. 23 and analyzed by the Utah Department of Environmental Quality found elevated levels of lead in the sediment. The presence of lead was the result of an “unexpectedly large release of sediment into the North Fork” of the river on Aug. 20 during a dam rehabilitation project in Tibble Fork Reservoir, according to a Division of Water Quality report. Since drinking water is not drawn from the river, there is no threat to the American Fork culinary system, officials say. State officials say that the main concern is the presence of lead and other toxic metals in the sediment and that people should stay out of the river and away from the banks. Anglers are being advised to practice “catch and release” as a precaution. Since the contaminants were found in the sediment and not the water, they say the water
is safe for use for agricultural purposes. Both Cedar Hills and Highland receive a small amount of irrigation waters from the river. As a precaution, the city of Cedar Hills has shut off all incoming flows to its system until further notice. Highland officials say that while a small portion of Highland City’s pressurized irrigation water comes from the American Fork River, the risk of it being a danger to residents is extremely low because it is mixed with water from Deer Creek Reservoir. Testing of the Highland Glen Pond, which gets most of its water from the river, showed that the water is still safe for recreational use. According to a Sept. 8 update, the DEQ is continuing to monitor conditions on the river. The construction contractor has completed a bypass channel which should prevent the contaminated sediment in the reservoir from eroding into the river. According to the report, water quality has improved noticeably since then. Sampling on Sept. 1 indicated that the level of total suspended solids had dropped considerably.
By Danielle Palmer The American Fork City Council has appointed Darren Falslev as chief of police of American Fork City, and he was issued the oath of office at the council’s Aug. 9 council meeting. Darren Flaslev had been acting as interim police chief since Lance Call resigned in May of 2016. City staff and the council expressed appreciation and support to him and the city police department. Chief Falslev said it was a privilege to work with the police department and that he was honored to serve. The council voted upon the intent to annex the Bennet Annexation, which consists of 23.57 acres at 80 North 1020 West, and the resolution carried unanimously. An ordinance adopting the commercial site plan and condominium plat for Copper Ridge Lot 2 Office Warehouse Project (82 S. Auto Mall Drive) in the planned industrial zone was approved unanimously. The council also approved an ordinance on an amended commercial site plan for a
Chief Darren Falslev training facility to be placed in the Walmart parking lot on Grassland Drive.
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Saratoga Springs police report to variety of calls Officers responded to a traffic accident on Redwood Road and Pioneer Crossing involving a Fiat and a motorcycle. The driver of the vehicle appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. He began performing field sobriety tests, but eventually became extremely argumentative and refused to perform the remainder of the tests. He was arrested for DUI and transported to the police department. The suspect had a BrAC of 0.253, over three times the legal limit. He was booked into Utah County Jail for DUI, no insurance and several other traffic-related offenses. *** Officers responded to a report of a 4-yearold wandering unattended toward a busy Redwood Road intersection. Officers searched for her parents and eventually located her mother. Her mother and mother’s boyfriend appeared to be under the influence of heroin. During questioning, it was discovered the mother and boyfriend were smoking heroin in the bathroom, leaving the child unattended and wandering the neighborhood. A warrant was obtained for a search of their residence. Methamphetamine and countless items of
drug paraphernalia for heroin use were located inside the home. The adults were booked into Utah County Jail for possessing heroin, methamphetamine, child endangerment, and possession of drug paraphernalia. *** An officer pulled a vehicle over for a traffic offense. The driver of the extremely original name of “John Johnson,” a date of birth, and said he forgot his social security number. A search of the State database didn’t yield a “John Johnson” with that date of birth. “John” was sweating profusely and shaking uncontrollably. He was secured in handcuffs and admitted he wasn’t “John Johnson.” His actual identity was discovered. He had warrants for his arrest. Field sobriety tests were performed and he was arrested for DUI. In a subsequent search of his vehicle, marijuana, heroin, and methamphetamine were also located. “John Johnson” was booked into Utah County Jail for his offenses. *** Officers responded to a report of a family fight. The fight occurred because one woman didn’t want her sister to give her niece a donut.
An argument ensued between the two, and the woman who didn’t believe her niece should be eating donuts began slapping and kicking her sister. Officers responded and arrested the woman for assaulting her sister. *** An officer pulled a vehicle over for speeding. When the officer approached the vehicle,
he could smell marijuana when he was still several feet from the vehicle. The vehicle was occupied by four people, approximately 20 years old. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, a case of beer, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia was located. Citations were issued for the drugs and alcohol possession, and the driver was arrested for DUI.
What to consider before signing up with a home-sharing site School plans dinner
Rockwell Charter High School invites the public to a dinner honoring the school’s visitor, Mme. Ren’e, the mayor of Cotteralle, Haiti.
With the rise of home-sharing services like Airbnb, HomeAway and others, you might think that renting your home - or just a room in it - is an easy way to earn extra income. But it may not be as simple as that. There are several things to consider before you seek out short-term renters online. Is it legal? Start by finding out if local laws (and even your homeowners association) allow you to rent out your home. Some communities simply don’t allow it or only permit long-term leases. Others require certain permits or licenses before they do. Many areas, like Chicago, are currently in the midst of creating new laws. Will insurance protect you? Conventional homeowners insurance may not cover you when something goes wrong with a paying guest. You may need to add more coverage or buy an entirely different policy, like landlord or business insurance, to ensure you have
safeguards in place. What are the fees and costs? Home-sharing sites usually charge a service fee on each booking, but there are other costs to consider. For instance, some communities require you to pay a hotel tax. And if you rent out your place for more than 14 days a year, the IRS will expect a cut too. Are there services to help? A whole cottage industry of companies has cropped up to support landlords with bookings, cleanings, key services and other tasks associated with short-term rentals. While they can take most of the work out of the process, keep in mind that they’ll take a bite out of your profits too. If you’ve decided to give it a go, don’t forget that little touches - like a bowl of fruit or a handwritten note - are the hallmarks of a good host and can make repeat patrons out of your guests.
Lehi Senior Center offers beginner computer class The Lehi Senior Center is excited to offer a Beginner’s Computer Class starting in October. The class is for anyone over the age of 60 who lives in the Lehi, Saratoga Springs, Eagle Mountain and Cedar Fort areas. It is free for members of the senior center and $2 for non-members. In this beginner class, seniors will learn about basic social media applications such as Facebook in order to stay connected with friends and family. The class will also cover
simple uses of the Internet, email, Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. The computer class will meet once a week throughout the month of October and will be held on Tuesdays from 10 to 11 a.m. Call Jessie Jones at 385-201-2349 to register for this class or to obtain more information. Spots may fill quickly, so reserve yours soon. There are limited seats available, so another class will be offered in November and again in December, depending on demand.
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for Haitian mayor By Sterling Parker
School is back in session at Rockwell Charter High School. Both staff and students are enjoying “The Good Life.” One of the highlights of the fall semester is the administration, staff and students are hosting a mayor from Haiti. Rockwell would like to invite the community to a dinner reception for Mme. Ren’e from Cotteralle, Haiti. Mme. Ren’e is the mayor of Cottelle and principal of her local school. She will be visiting Utah Valley for two weeks to build relations with our local community. Rockwell Charter High School will be hosting this dinner reception. To
welcome Mme. Ren’e and build a lasting relationship between our two cultures, please join us on Sept. 23 at 6 p.m. at 3435 Stonebridge Lane in Eagle Mountain for food and to meet Mme. Ren’e. Dress is dressy casual, please.) Wendi Frederickson is organizing this wonderful evening. She has been a CTE instructor for more than two years at Rockwell. In the spring of 2016, Frederickson and 11 students went to Haiti on a humanitarian rescue for nine days. They donated clothes and helped them improve their schools. Frederickson said that Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Haiti is an island located in Caribbean Sea.
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Ways to move forward after publisher rejection By Jessie Shepherd MA, LCMHC There is nothing quite like the stomach-churning excitement you get when receiving a reply letter from a publisher for a book you have submitted. More often than not, this excitement is replaced with a heavy and disheartening feeling as you discover that it is a rejection letter. They say failing is the best way to learn but some situations are easier to get over than others. Here are six tips to getting yourself back on track and ready to take on another day after publisher rejection. 1. Self-esteem: It is perfectly okay to grieve the idea that this publisher was the
one that would take your work to market. But once that grieving time is over, stop thinking about it. If you continue to ruminate on the distressing idea of failure, it will cut down your self-esteem and cultivate a negative world around you. The best way to remedy this is by changing gears and doing something that you enjoy. You can also try to do the opposite of your norm. If you work on a computer most the day, go for a hike, or if you spend most of your days writing, try painting. 2. Life lessons: Being rejected is a wonderful learning experience, but it can be a challenge to see rejection this way. Take this time to look at what you could do differently
and how you can work this into a learning experience. Your life is now on a different path that will result in new and profitable endeavors. 3. No shame in trying: Dream big. You may have just been rejected, but who is to say that the next publisher won’t accept your work? If you reach for the stars but only make it to the moon, well, you still made it to the moon. We tend to only see the successes of other people around us. Even well-known successes like Einstein, Marilyn Monroe and J.K. Rowling had plenty of failures. Failing is by far the best learning tool, so lick your wounds and be proud you put yourself out there. 4. New plan: Go back to the drawing board if this plan ended miserably. Take what you have learned and apply that knowledge to make sure your next attempt is better. Maybe start a blog, self-publish, take a writing class or network with other authors. There are many different ways to get your work to market. Brainstorm with someone you trust and create your new plan of action.
5. Positive and grateful: Every once in a while you should do a reality check. This is a great way to realize that your situation is not as bad as you are viewing it. Take a look around at the environment surrounding you. Note what you see, smell, hear and feel. Really pay attention to the details of all the aspects that you relish. For example, I really like the cold, smooth feeling of my countertop and the warm glow of my kitchen lighting. Taking a second to “get out” of your head will also inspire your writing in that you are truly in your experience. 6. Help someone else: Helping someone in need always feels good and gets you out of the self-absorbed world we all get into sometimes. You can always do something bigger like help at a shelter or donate needed items, but a simple gesture of kindness can be just as heart-warming. Some ideas for these would be helping someone with their groceries, sending an anonymous thank you note or giving your waiter an extra nice tip. We are spreading the positive vibe, which in turn will bring us positive feelings.
With work, rebuilding your credit is possible By Kimberly Bennett
Batteries + Bulbs in Lehi provides specialty batteries for everything from watches to laptops.
Never run out of juice with Batteries + Bulbs By Michael Young
When the typical AA batteries just won’t do, Batteries + Bulbs has many options to consider. Batteries + Bulbs came into being as a way to meet the changing needs of the replacement battery industry. The company’s first store was opened in 1988 in Green Bay, Wis. It became a franchise in 1992, expanded into Indiana and continued its expansion quickly into other states. There is now a location on Main Street in Lehi. The business provides specialty batteries for everything from watches to laptops. It has access to more than 60,000 kinds of batteries for just about any type of device including cell phones, computers, military equipment, cars, health care equipment and even aquariums. Customers simply won’t find better selection anywhere. The staff can also help custom-
ers with installing their batteries, which is especially helpful in complicated electronic devices such as computers and smartphones. In 2010, Batteries + Bulbs expanded its business from batteries only to including light bulbs of all shapes and sizes, especially those hard-to-find ones. Then in 2014, the business launched a new service: providing smartphone and tablet repair. Batteries + Bulbs now takes care of problems from cracked screens to battery replacements. The business services all Apple and Samsung devices and many others as well. When batteries have given their last bit of power, they can be dropped off at a Batteries + Bulbs store to be recycled. The staff uses EPA-approved methods to safely dispose of any kind of battery. Visit them online at www.batteriesplus. com.
Credit. That word looks disconcerting there all by itself, doesn’t it? The connotations attached to that little word can leave people with a case of the cold sweats. Particularly, let’s say, if you have … bad credit. It can happen and it can happen easily. An unexpected loss of job, an unforeseen expense or two, and then, bam! Poor credit score. Or maybe you’ve just never taken the time to build your credit. Bam! Still, poor credit. But why does that matter, right? Your income is stable and you’re on the upswing. Who needs good credit anyway? Because no more credit cards for you, right? Or maybe you’ve never had a credit card and don’t intend to. Even if you can live in that kind of candy-land-colored future, having good credit it still remarkably important. If you’re trying to rent an apartment, credit is a must. Since you’re probably not independently wealthy, you’ll need to apply for a loan when it comes time to buy a house or a car. When looking for a job, some companies even check your credit before hiring. Suddenly you’ll discover that score means a whole lot. Fortunately, there are some very simple things that you can do to build your credit. If you’re trying to build credit for the first time, it’s a good idea to get a credit card. Keep in mind, I’m not telling you to go out and buy whatever you want with your new plastic pass-
port to the big life. The only way a credit card builds good credit is if you take care of it. Use the card to buy something you already have money set aside for, then use that money to pay off the credit card balance. This will help build credit while preventing debt. Secured credit cards and credit building loans are great for this sort of thing. When it comes to rebuilding your credit, the steps are simple but sometimes difficult in practice. The biggest thing that will help is paying your bills on time. This includes any bill you have from credit cards to cell phones and library fines. If you’re having trouble paying back your debt, don’t remain silent. If you contact those you owe, you can probably arrange a repayment plan that will better suit your needs. This will help avoid late fees and help you reduce your overall credit utilization (the amount of credit you have compared to the amount you use), which will also help your score. It’s also incredibly important to keep on top of it. There are lots of places you can go to check your credit. Discuss with your financial institution what credit report they use as scores can vary from report to report. This way you can be confident in your score when the time comes to get that important loan. Finally, don’t give up. Credit can take time to rebuild, but you can rebuild it. Just keep working at it. I mean, come on, give yourself some credit.
Speech contest open to north county students Students in junior and senior high school in north Utah County have the opportunity to win cash prizes by entering the Mary Kawakami Scholarship Speech Contest: America Our Country 2016. The first-place winner will receive a $1,000 cash prize. Second place will receive $500 and third place will receive $300. There will also be 15 awards made of $100 each. Entry forms are due by Oct. 11, and the contest will be held Oct. 15 at 9 a.m. at American Fork City Hall, 31 Church Street,
American Fork. Contestants will need to arrive at 8:30 a.m. An awards ceremony will be held at the American Fork Library Rotunda, 64 S. 100 East, American Fork, on Oct. 22 at 11 a.m. Optional training sessions will be held Oct. 6 and 8 in the American Fork Library. All details and official rules can be found on the Entry Form. Entry Forms can be downloaded at www.cedarhills.org. For more information, contact Janice Mayne, chair of the contest, at 801-7563823.
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Home inspections before purchases help to prevent buyer’s remorse By Kimberly Bennett Buying a house is a life-changing decision. Most of the time, the house you buy is one you plan on staying in for quite some time, maybe even your whole life. It’s easy to get seduced by the perfect location, the right look, or the musthave layout. If I were a frequent Twitter user, this is where I would #Dreamhouse. However, in spite of the adage “location, location, location,” there are more important things when it comes to real estate. Things like “inspection, inspection, inspection.” Though it may
be easy to fall in love with that cute little house up on the hill, until you’ve found out about its plumbing, you may want to refrain from making it official. That’s where an inspector comes in. Most inspectors worth their salt will make sure that they cover key areas of your home. But it never hurts to double check, right? It’s so important to make sure that everything is solid from the foundation to the windows and the wiring. Since most of you probably aren’t general contractors or professional inspectors yourself, you may not know
what questions to ask. Thankfully, the good people at Rhodylife.com have provided a home inspection cheat sheet so you can make sure you don’t get cheated. Go over every area with the list with your inspector. It may seem tedious, but it’s totally worth the peace of mind. You can find copies of the list at www.rhodylife.com. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or finally getting that dream house, this inspection will give you the peace of mind you need so the right house stays the right house.
Investigate the ghosts of Camp Floyd Is Camp Floyd in Fairfield haunted? The public is invited to participate this October in paranormal investigations of Camp Floyd. Because of the popularity of this program, three sessions will be conducted this year with each date limited to 40 participants. Those interested can choose from the following three dates: Oct. 15, Oct. 22 or Oct. 29. Participants are encouraged to view the museums at Camp Floyd during the day light beginning at 6 p.m. with
the event starting at 7 p.m. and ending at 9 p.m. Participants are encouraged to bring their own flashlights, camera cables, film, digital cameras and infrared cameras. Park staff will assist participants in the use of their equipment in finding paranormal orbs, mists and sounds. A brief presentation will be conducted to familiarize participants with paranormal investigating techniques and findings as the investigation starts. All
participants will be invited to present their findings at the conclusion of the investigation and will have the opportunity of viewing photographs along with other paranormal evidence gathered at this historic site. Event fee is $5 per person. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the park at 801-768-8932. Reservations will be available beginning Sept. 26 at 9 a.m. and can be made by calling the park at 801-768-8932.
THE CLASSIFIEDS Lessons PRIVATE PIANO LESSONS! Perfect for any age. Beginner to Advanced. 25 years playing experience, teaching for 14. Have fun learning- theory, technique and duet/quartets. First lesson free. Call Andrea 801-687-1468 DRUM LESSONS Fun, certified teacher, 42 years experience, positive influence, professional drummer & band leader, all ages/levels. Studio in Saratoga Springs, references available. Please call Ken Culmone 801-768-0708 or 801-367-2787.
DAY CARE TODDLER PLAY HOUSE We do realize that sometimes mommy and daddy have to work. Located in Saratoga Springs. Meals and preschool activities provided. Call Kristin Egbert now for opening. 801-897-4904.
GUITAR LESSONS All ages, all levels, all styles. Learn songs, chords, strumming, picking, notation, theory, song writing and MUCH more! Located in Meadow Ranches (by the new middle school) First lesson is FREE! Call Gill Taylor (801) 358-7148 VOICE LESSONS Learn to sing in the natural Voice. Ages 10 and up. 28 yrs. experience. Performing opportunities.I’m located one mile from west Lake High School in Eagle Mountain 801-472-3280 Ex 10/15
ULTIMATE DANCE Now registering for 20152016 Season Dance Classes. Offering Competitive and Recreational classes for ages 3+. Located on Redwood Road just north of Towne Storage in Saratoga Springs. Ultimate Dance has been offering
dance classes in Saratoga Springs since 2003. Offering Ballet, Jazz, Tap, and Hip Hop. www.ultimatedanceetc.webs.com, Like us on Facebook Ultimatedanceetc. or call us at 801718-6900 or 801-766-2286. Office hours Mon & Wed 10:00am-11:30am, Classes start Sept 8, 2015.
FREE ONLINE Listing is always free online in our classified section and realtors and For Sale by Owners can use the website. Use the multi-photo upload tool to show your property. Renters and Landlords are also welcome to list on the website for FREE. Visit TheCrossRoadsjournal.com for more information.
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A12 - September/October 2016 - Vol.16 No.12 - Online All the Time - TheCrossroadsJournal.com
American Fork upgrading S. Springs welcomes fall its fleet of ambulances with a fun family festival By Linda Petersen American Fork is getting two new ambulances. The ambulances, which are being built by Professional Sales and Services of Salt Lake, will arrive in October. They will replace “two or three” aging ambulances that are going out of service, according to Fire Chief Kriss Garcia. “We need to determine if it’s worth it to keep one of them mothballed out in the yard,” he said. Each of the old ambulances has “well over 100,000 miles on it” and one no longer has working air conditioning, Garcia said. The new ambulances will have the latest technology along with load management systems that will help lift patients into the vehicles. “We carry about 270 pounds of equipment (into a call with us) and with all that equipment and say, a 200-pound patient, that can be strenuous, to say the least, for two paramedics,” Garcia said. The ambulances also have small fire sup-
pression systems which can spray up to 100 gallons of firefighting foam if the ambulance is the first on the scene in a fire. The ambulances, which cost a total of $588,292, are being leased to the city on a sixyear, 1.6 percent lease with Zions Bank Public Finance. Annual payments, made in August each year beginning in August of 2017, will be $103,586. The ambulances can be purchased at a future date based on the principal owing at that time if city leaders decide to go that route. The agreement with Zions was approved by the city council last September. “We put a tremendous amount of miles on our ambulances,” Garcia said. “This one station is busier than all three Lehi stations combined and all three Lone Peak stations combined.” Garcia said American Fork ambulances are used heavily to transport critically ill patients who need a higher level of care from Timpanogos Regional Hospital to Salt Lake Valley hospitals.
By Christy Jepson Be on the lookout, Saratoga Springs: the Great Pumpkin fall festival is coming to town on Friday, Oct. 7, with food trucks, train rides, pumpkins, an outdoor movie and much more. The first-ever “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Saratoga” event will be held on Friday, Oct. 7, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the new Shay Park, located in the Aspen Hills subdivision. During the event, there will be “spooky” train rides, face painting, a straw maze, story time and a craft, treats and four showings of “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” on a big outdoor screen. The movie times will be at 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The only cost for the event is if families want to purchase food from the food trucks and if they want to buy some pumpkins. The event is sponsored by Saratoga Springs Civic Events and the Saratoga Springs Public Library. Shay Park will soon be the first park in
Utah County to offer mini train rides. The mini train will be available to ride for the first time that night on Oct. 7. “We will have an official grand opening in May 2017,” said Mike Hansen from Utah Live Steamers. The train then plans to run the second Saturday of each month from May 2017 through September 2017 during the first year. According to Hansen, the first loop of the track is 700 feet long. An additional 1,500 feet of track will begin construction next year. “It has been a great experience building the first loop with the help of Paul Smeltzer, Jim Makin, Jim Wanlass, Cody Carter, Brandon Beattie and Val Christansen, for without their help and the support of Saratoga Springs City, mayor, city council and Mark Edwards and staff, this dream would have not became a reality. So we thank you to all who have helped us in this great endeavor,” Hansen said.