$1.50 Aug. 18, 2023 | Vol. 2 Iss. 33
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Also...
Schools integrate SEL in classrooms
Hill AFB - a legacy of service
page 4
Woods Cross Elementary focuses on the whole child with after school programs. page 10
High school football starts
page 7
NEWS BREAK
Death toll surpasses 100 in Maui
The recent wildfires on Maui, which devastated the historic city of Lahaina have now become the deadliest fire in the United States in over 100 years. With volunteers and workers still going through the wreckage, the number of deceased, currently 106, is expected to rise. President Biden and the First Lady will be visiting the island Monday, Aug. 21 to visit with survivors, rescue workers, and others affected by the disaster.
UDOT USES GEOFOAM to build the ramp that will connect West Davis Highway to I-15. The blocks weigh about 200 pounds.
Freeway ramp built with Styrofoam blocks
Photo by Roger V. Tuttle
By Becky Ginos becky.g@davisjournal.com FARMINGTON—There’s a lot going on along I-15 near Farmington as the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) works to build a freeway ramp that will connect southbound I-15 to the future West Davis Highway. Large white blocks are being used to construct the ramp. The blocks might look like a stack of Legos but they’re actually geofoam which is similar to the Styrofoam used in packaging. “It’s another tool in our toolbox,” said Rex Harris, UDOT project director for the West Davis Highway. “Soft soil has the potential of settlement and we’re in a tight area between the railroad tracks and I-15.” Geofoam is 100 times lighter than earth, concrete or asphalt, he said. “The
weight of using dirt to build the ramp would cause the ground underneath to settle anywhere from several inches to a few feet.” The first time it was used in Utah was for the I-15 construction before the Olympics, said Harris. “It was also used along an embankment on I-15. People are driving over geofoam now.” Each block weighs about 200 pounds and measures approximately 4 feet by 5 feet by 9 feet, he said. “The foam itself can hold traffic. One square foot can hold four tons. Times that by 100s of feet and you have a sturdy ramp.” The blocks can be used as is or cut to fit. Once in place, a concrete slab is poured on top, Harris said. “Concrete walls are installed vertically on the sides. It caps it off and seals it. It is isolated so it doesn't seep into the environment. It’s
Alec Baldwin not out of the woods yet
The now-famous shooting incident on the set of “Rust” in 2021 seemed to be over after charges of involuntary manslaughter against Baldwin were dropped. It was initially argued that the weapon malfunctioned causing the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. However, a recent independent study found that the weapon performed exactly as designed, meaning that the trigger needed to be pulled in order to be discharged. If this study is to be believed, Baldwin could face charges once again.
Enhanced Freeway Striping The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) has started the next phase of the Enhanced Freeway Striping project that replaces markings on Wasatch Front freeways with new wider markings designed to last longer and be more visible to drivers. The markings will use contrast striping which includes a white line followed by a black line (known as a “tiger tail” and helpful for autonomous vehicle sensors and cameras) for the lines in between lanes, according to UDOT. Construction is scheduled to start in Davis County in September and will include sections of I-15 and I-215.
Michael Oher of ‘Blind Side’ and NFL fame suing Tuohy family
This week, Michael Oher sued the Tuohy family, alleging that they had convinced him to sign a conservatorship in which they, not he, would profit off of his story, his name and his likeness for both the book and the movie The Blind Side (2009). Sean Tuohy, the patriarch of the family, has since said that these allegations are false and that their feelings of familial love for Oher have not changed.
Please see RAMP: pg.11
Groundbreaking signals start of Bountiful Fiber By Becky Ginos becky.g@davisjournal.com BOUNTIFUL—A groundbreaking at the Bountiful City Park last week signaled the official start of bringing fiber to Bountiful. The city-owned fiber optic network powered by UTOPIA has been studied by city officials over the past three years before they made the decision to move forward. It had its bumps along the way, most recently a petition to put the bond on the
ballot that would have stalled the project was defeated. “It’s taken years to have this day come to pass,” said Bountiful Mayor Kendalyn Harris. “Residents spearheaded this and
England advances to Women’s World Cup Final
The Fifa Women’s World Cup final is drawing close, and fans the world over now know which two teams will be vying for the coveted trophy. In their latest match, England eliminated Australia’s team in a 3-1 victory, sending them to the finals with Spain, to be held this week, on Sunday. Whichever team wins will mark a first for both countries, as neither has taken home the title.
Please see FIBER: pg. 11
MAYOR KENDALYN HARRIS (CENTER) surrounded by city council members and officials from UTOPIA turn dirt at Bountiful City Park signaling the start of Bountiful Fiber.
Photo by Roger V. Tuttle
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