January 2026 | Vol. 22 Iss. 1
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Cottonwood Heights
Weichers time in office
The outgoing mayor recognized by his colleagues Page 8
Goodbye 2025
Some of our favorite photos from the past year
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Go Tigers! Bella Vista and Ridgecrest elementaries to merge in 2026-27 By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com Unanimous vote to consolidate comes as enrollment drops; new boundaries also shift hundreds of families for 2026-27.
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n a unanimous decision, Canyons Board of Education approved closing Bella Vista Elementary after this school year to consolidate its students into nearby Ridgecrest Elementary for the 2026-27 school year. The board said the move will raise Ridgecrest’s enrollment to about 600 students, helping preserve the Butler Middle and Brighton High feeder system; support grade-level staffing and teaming; and strengthen academic programs. Although the schools are only about a mile apart, Bella Vista students will be bused to Ridgecrest. As part of the plan, current Ridgecrest students living west of 1300 East will be bused to East Midvale Elementary starting fall 2026 and will eventually attend Midvale Middle and Hillcrest High. East Midvale’s enrollment will rise to about 540 students. Canyons Business Administrator and Chief Financial Officer Leon Wilcox said there could be “shovels in the ground” in four to five years for a combined Bella Vista-Ridgecrest school rebuild. A drawing has been created for Ridgecrest, but no site has been selected, he said. Community input on a new school name and colors will come later, though the mascot will remain the Tigers since both schools share it, Wilcox said. The District also plans to honor both schools’ legacies. Bella Vista, a 2024 national Blue Ribbon School, currently has the lowest enrollment of any Canyons School District school, with 212 students. Wilcox said the District chose the Ridgecrest’s building over Bella Vista — which was remodeled in 2008 — because of its size. Ridgecrest has five additional class-
rooms and can absorb Bella Vista students without portables. He said the school would have four to five classes per grade level, averaging 24 students each. Ridgecrest also hosts the Chinese dual language immersion program. About a dozen Bella Vista preschoolers will not move to Ridgecrest; they will instead join classrooms across the District, located at Oakdale, Quail Hollow, Willow Canyon and East Midvale elementaries. New preschool classrooms also are planned for Oak Hollow Elementary. Bella Vista’s academic behavior support (special education) students will move to Brookwood Elementary, along with ABS staff. These students come from across the District. Earlier in the process, the District had yet to name a location to relocate the ABS students, when Ellie Nielson, a paraprofessional who works with these students, urged the board to keep the Bella Vista population together. “While the general education students are being moved to Ridgecrest, these 17 children are being left behind, squeezed into wherever there’s space, away from their peers and support systems,” she told the board. “We’re told it’s due to lack of room… . This isn’t just about space. It’s about priorities. It’s about equity. It’s about 17 kids who deserve to be treated with the same respect, dignity and care as everyone else.” Canyons District Special Education Director Terri Mitchell said when examining a new location, Brookwood emerged with an appropriate space and supportive peers. “I think it will be a good move for them,” she told the board, adding she is meeting with Brookwood faculty and staff about the ABS transition. All contracted licensed staff and contracted education support professionals will retain jobs, Wilcox said. Hourly ESP workers will receive hiring priority. A new ad-
In October, Bella Vista community members reviewed the proposal to consolidate their school into Ridgecrest Elementary, which was approved in December. (Julie Slama/ City Journals) ministration for the Ridgecrest building will be named in 2026. Wilcox added the District does not intend to sell the Bella Vista property, but it may explore shared use with Cottonwood Heights City. Transition teams for employees and communities will communicate timelines and updates, work to prevent disruptions to learning and provide support a welcoming environment. Board vice president Amanda Oaks said her vote was grounded in student needs. “When I look at the data associated with this decision, especially with the supports, the staffing and all of those are the things
that go into creating a positive learning environment, for me, it becomes very clear that this is the best thing for these kids, long term,” she said. “So, I apologize for the relatively short term, growing pains that this will entail, but I know in the long run that this community is going to be better for it in the big picture.” Board member Holly Neibaur agreed: “It’s a very sad day whenever we have to close a school. I don’t think it’s what any of us want, but we do want what is best for students.” The board also approved boundary Continued page 6
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6 indoor family activities to shake off the winter blues Get kids of all ages moving and exploring at one of these fantastic venues.
enced flyers, the facility’s world-renowned instructors can take your experience to the next level. Learn more at iflyutah.com.
Loveland Living Planet Aquarium (12033 Lone Peak Parkway, Draper)
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
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anuary’s gray skies and cold weather often send Utah families inside to find warmth and fun. Luckily, indoor activities allow parents and children to discover new spaces, learn something new and spend the winter exploring museums, galleries and other places that invite interactive, immersive experiences.
Clark Planetarium (110 S. 400 West, Salt Lake City)
How long has it been since you travelled the stars at the Clark Planetarium? If you haven’t been to the planetarium since you chaperoned a first-grade field trip, it’s time you went back. Along with the stunning Hansen Dome Theatre, the Northrop Grumman IMAX Theatre and three floors of exhibits, Clark Planetarium is open seven days a week. Test your knowledge with the Solar System quiz, form a black hole, step inside a tornado and learn about the moon. Visit saltlakecounty.gov/clark-planetarium to buy tickets or learn about featured movies, laser light shows and Planetarium star shows.
Clip ‘n Climb (11196 S. Redwood Road, South Jordan)
Get everyone moving at Clip ‘n Climb, where family members aged 2 and up can learn the ropes at this indoor climbing adventure. Each session lasts 90 minutes, including a 15-minute safety briefing and har-
Indoor skydiving at the iFLY wind tunnel (for ages 3 and older) is a safe way to experience flying with wind speeds of 150 mph. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)
ness fitting. Clip ‘n Climb features climbing walls for every level, featuring bright colors, interesting obstacles, skill-appropriate challenges and a toddler area for soft exploring. To learn more, visit southjordan.clipnclimb.us.
Natural History Museum of Utah (301 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City)
If you have a dinosaur fan in the family, an afternoon at the Natural History Museum of Utah is a necessity. Not only does it exhibit dozens of dinosaur skeletal reconstructions, but it has the world’s largest display of horned dinosaur skulls. The museum provides 12 permanent exhibits that detail Utah’s ancient history, spanning hundreds of millions of years. On Friday, Jan. 16, from 2-4 p.m., the
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museum hosts an afternoon of STEAM activities for scientists of all ages and join the family one-hour yoga class on Sunday, Jan. 18 at 10:15 a.m. For more info, visit nhmu. utah.edu.
iFLY Indoor Skydiving (2261 Kiesel Ave., Ogden)
Jumping out of a plane from 12,000 feet isn’t for everyone. That’s why iFLY Indoor Skydiving’s wind tunnel is a safe alternative for the whole family. The team will fit everyone in your party (ages 3 and up) with the right gear and teach you how to fly in the tunnel’s 150 mph wind speeds. No experience is necessary. There’s no need to jump out of a plane, purchase expensive equipment or sign up for parachute training; just gear up and fly. For experi-
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Interact with stingrays, walk through a shark tunnel, watch the playful river otters and enjoy feeding time for penguins at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium. With nearly 5,000 animals, representing more than 600 species, each family member will find a favorite. Sonja Bowman, a third grader at Beehive Science and Technology Academy, visited the aquarium during a field trip. “I love seeing the sharks,” she said. “Because sharks are my favorite animal and the coolest animal. I saw stingrays, too. They weren’t poisonous.” Through Saturday, Jan. 10, the aquarium’s outdoor Rio Tinto Kennecott Plaza is transformed into the annual Lantern Festival with nature-inspired light displays illuminating the night.
Museum of Natural Curiosity at Thanksgiving Point (3605 Garden Drive, Lehi)
When the kids get stir-crazy, a trip to the Museum of Natural Curiosity offers myriad opportunities to explore, discover and create. Hundreds of on-hand exhibits encourage curious minds to visit businesses in Kidopolis, climb through a rainforest, engineer a waterway, put on a puppet show or make a fun craft. A variety of rotating exhibits can be found in the innovation gallery, and if the weather is accommodating, the outdoor discovery garden includes playground equipment based on STEM concepts. Discover more at thanksgivingpoint.org. l
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Cottonwood Heights Arts Council rings in new year with three community events
Join the arts community within the city to celebrate traditional holidays, listen to music and paint a masterpiece. By Cassie Goff c.goff@mycityjournals.com
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he Cottonwood Heights Arts Council is launching swiftly into the new year with events throughout February already planned. Three evenings will feature a different perspective on holiday celebrations and artistry – from a jazz performance, to an art night, to a holiday celebration. The Jazz Ambassadors of the United States Army Field Band will perform a mix of classic jazz, big band hits and popular tunes on Monday, Jan. 12 at Butler Middle School (7530 S. 2700 East). The premier jazz ensemble of the U.S. Army are known for their musicianship and high-energy shows. “Whether you’re a lifelong jazz fan or new to the genre, this performance promises an exciting evening filled with powerful music, inspiring moments and unforgettable memories,” wrote Arts Councilmember Laura Garcia. Lunar New Year will be celebrated on Saturday, Jan. 31 beginning at 10 a.m. at Cottonwood Heights City Hall (2277 Bengal Blvd.). Collaborating with the Asian Arts and Culture Association, the Lunar New Year Celebration will feature traditional Chinese dancing and music, a Tai Chi demonstration and other cultural performances. Attendees will be able to explore their way through artistic expressions of Asian heritage in a specially curated art exhibit. Crafts will also be available for children to create.
On Jan. 12, the Jazz Ambassadors of the United States Army will perform a mix of popular hits and big band tunes. (Photo courtesy of Cottonwood Heights Arts Council)
“Lunar New Year is a holiday rich in wrote Arts Councilmember Cheryl Glenn. tonwoodheights.utah.gov/community/arts/ Registration for Cozy Paint Night opens arts-council. history, symbolism and community spirit across many Asian cultures,” wrote Arts Jan. 12. Sign up through the website below. Or follow their social media pages on: For more information about the Cotton- Facebook at @CHArtsCouncil or Instagram Councilmember Susie Shi. Marking the first new moon of the lu- wood Heights Arts Council, visit www.cot- at @CHCityArts. l nar calendar, celebrations traditionally focus on renewal, happiness, luck, family reunions and hopes for prosperity. Lunar New Year has been celebrated throughout history in China, Vietnam, Korea and other land areas of Asia. A Cozy Paint Night will be held on Friday, Feb. 20 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at City Hall. Attendees will have the opportunity to paint a “Cozy Cabin” winter scene as they follow stepby-step instructions from Whitney Horrocks, an artist and owner of Smartest Artist. This event was created with beginning and casual painters in mind. With a $20 registration, all supplies and refreshments will be provided to the community’s inspired artists (over 16 years of age). “Whether you’re looking for a relaxing night out, a chance to try something new, or an opportunity to connect with others in the community, this class offers a welcoming, Join artist Whitney Horrocks to paint this Cozy Cabin scene with her follow-along instrucno-pressure environment for all skill levels,” tions on Feb. 20. (Photo courtesy of Cottonwood Heights Arts Council)
Continued from front page changes for 2026-27. All Brookwood students will attend Albion Middle and Oakdale students living east of Highland Drive also will attend Albion. Glacier Hills students in the Quarry Bend area, north of 9000 South, will attend East Sandy Elementary to align with Union Middle’s boundary. The board also realigned Oakdale’s secondary feeders, reducing its assignments from four middle schools to two — Albion and Union. Some
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students who currently attend Brighton will attend Hillcrest, and vice versa. “We know they’re in academic programs, theater, art, sports teams, whatnot; they’re welcome to finish out (at the same high schools),” Wilcox said. “That’s where their friends are. That’s where they’ve gone. Absolutely we’ll make sure that happens.” The Dec. 2 vote was required this year for the changes to take effect the following year, per state law.
The District’s long-range planning committee continues studying possible mergers of Granite, Park Lane and Willow Canyon in Sandy. Additional public hearings are scheduled for 6 p.m., Jan. 27 at Park Lane Elementary, 9955 S. 2300 East, and 6 p.m., Jan. 28 at Granite Elementary, 9760 S. 3100 East. Wilcox emphasized the consolidation aims to preserve strong academic opportunities. He said the District considers 560 stu-
dents ideal for an elementary school, providing about three classes per grade level. He cited several factors behind the study: a 9.24% decline in elementary enrollment the past five years, a 49% rise in home values making it harder for families to live within District boundaries, lower birth rates, limited residential growth and more alternatives, including charter schools, homeschooling and the state voucher program. l
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Mike Weichers (center) cuts the ribbon for the grand opening of the Ferguson Park dog area and Ferguson Trail overflow parking in Sept. 2023. (Cassie Goff/City Journals)
The Weichers chapter of Cottonwood Heights’ history comes to an end Recapping Mayor Mike Weichers’ accomplishments over the past four years with his city colleagues. By Cassie Goff c.goff@mycityjournals.com
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uring 2025, Cottonwood Heights celebrated many city accomplishments during 20th-year anniversary/birthday celebrations (since incorporation in 2005). Those accomplishments trace back to efforts from different city councils serving throughout the city’s history. From celebrating the move into the Cottonwood Heights City Hall building under varying councils led by Mayor Kelvyn H. Cullimore all the way to celebrating the opening of new parks and pickleball courts under a council led by Mayor Mike Peterson. The Cottonwood Heights City history continues on as the city accomplishments under Mayor Mike Weichers were recognized this past month during the last few weeks of his term. “He gave so much to this city before he was mayor, and I have no doubt that he will continue to contribute to and benefit the fabric of our community for years to come,” said Councilmember Matt Holton. Over the past four years, Weichers has been intently focused on planning, bonding and contracting for the Hillside Town Center Plaza. The now-established resident group will continue on working with the contractor to plan, construct and develop this gathering space for the city.
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“The Town Center will be a project that will impact current and future generations, providing a gathering place and a regional draw for residents and visitors alike,” said City Manager Jared Gerber. “Mayor Weichers really led the charge on this and has been heavily influential throughout the process, engaging often with the residents of the city.” Councilmember Shawn Newell recognized Weichers’ leadership with the Town Center project in developing partnerships with private and public entities. He noted how powerful those connections are in terms of the city’s development. “(Weichers) vision to save Hillside Plaza from a large apartment complex development, to an asset that all in the city will have access to, creating a downtown center, will be his lasting legacy,” said Councilmember Matthew Holton. In addition, Newell celebrates Weichers’ accomplishments with other large developments in the city limits like the gravel pit to Doverhill and his engagement with other mayors in the surrounding area. Throughout his entire term, Weichers has been heavily invested in the city council’s fiscal responsibility to its residents. He has mandated space and time for budgeting conversations and sought out unique solutions to keep the city’s budget balanced. “Last year, he was instrumental in negotiating a 3% UFA increase that had previously never been below 5% in the last 10 years. As chair of that board, he played a big role in creating efficiencies that lowered costs,” Councilmember Suzanne Hyland said. Both Councilmembers Holton and
Cottonwood Heights City Journal
A Mayor Look-A-Like Contest is held each year during the Cottonwood Heights Bark in the Park event. In 2023, this white husky won the crowd’s favor! (Cassie Goff/City Journals)
Newell noted Weichers constant efforts to keep taxes low while maintaining high quality services without any disruption to residents’ utility services. “Mayor Weichers care for this community showed in his efforts to ensure the city was fiscally responsible and accountable to those who fund its operation and services, looking for creative ways to ensure that the residents of Cottonwood Heights could trust that their municipal tax dollars were spent wisely,” Gerber said. Weichers commitment to fostering a productive work environment in which to listen and find effective solutions, by intently listening to residents, was notable as a constant leadership skill. “Residents benefited from his ability to hear from different perspectives, even though he may not have agreed with them,” Newell said. Both Holton and Newell shared how the lasting relationships created between the councilmembers are a result of Weichers helping to find ways to work and collaborate together in effective manners. “For me, our best interactions were coming to a consensus that worked best for our residents,” Newell said, “even though he is a BYU guy.” “He listened and responded to resi-
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dents’ requests and needs by inviting people to come together to solve challenging problems,” Hyland said. Over the past two years, Mayor Weichers has aligned the shared energy from the city staff, city council, and Planning Commission to re-establish and define the vision and character of the city. “Mayor Weichers has really promoted and focused on community identity and trying to give Cottonwood Heights an improved sense of place that residents can be proud of and fully engage with,” Gerber said. Overall, Weichers has left a dense chapter within the city’s history. Much of his work has laid foundations for incoming city staff members and future elected officials to continue. “He is a man of absolute integrity and a fierce advocate for the benefit of all residents. He is a passionate family man who took the education, safety and success of our next generation seriously,” Holton said. “He is passionate about our community and he’ll miss serving our residents,” said Newell. “I’m grateful to Mayor Weichers for his selfless service, his commitment to public safety, and for making Cottonwood Heights a better place to live for all of us,” Hyland said. l
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Local districts aim to foster an environment that encourages female athletic participation as seen at a cross country meet at Cottonwood Complex. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Local school districts continue refining their approaches to gender equity in sports, with surveys of interest to introduce new sanctioned sports such as lacrosse. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
How local high schools level the playing field
Administrations look to ensure athletic equity in participation, facilities, funding. By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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s Utah school districts refine their approaches to gender equity in athletics, leaders say their work hinges on transparent reporting, consistent evaluation and a commitment to the spirit — not just the letter — of Title IX. The federal law, passed in 1972, requires schools to provide equal opportunities for male and female students. In terms of athletics, that can include participation, facilities, funding and opportunities. State law echoes that expectation. Under Utah Code 53G-6-1101 in 2024, school athletic directors must annually report participation numbers, spending, facilities comparisons and compliance efforts to their local boards. When discrepancies exceed 10%, schools need to outline an action plan.
Participation: Not Just Numbers
Canyons School District Director of High Schools Tom Sherwood said the District is on solid footing. “Title IX, I think we do a good job,” he said, emphasizing proportional participation remains a guiding metric. Canyons’ athletics range from a 1% proportionality difference at Brighton High to 8% at Hillcrest High. As Hillcrest enrolled more girls than boys this year, its participation percentages shifted, he said. “We’d like it to be closer, but all our schools total less than 10%,” Sherwood said. Districts must report participation num-
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bers annually, but no standardized format exists. He said that creates inconsistencies statewide. “There’s different districts interpreting Title IX differently, so I’m doing it how the spirit of the law intended,” Sherwood said. Canyons’ approach counts all sanctioned sports, ensuring opportunities for girls are measured alongside boys, even when the sport is traditionally male dominated. A key difference among districts is whether they count traditionally one-gender sports. For example, some districts omit football from calculations because there is no girls’ equivalent, but Sherwood disagrees. “It should be participation. I know that’s how the universities interpret participation,” he said. This year, drill was offered to male athletes to compete; football, baseball and cheer are also open to both genders. “When people are doing those reports, they should be listing those sports under mixed,” said Rob Cluff, Utah High School Activities Association executive director, who said the only UHSAA girls-only sanctioned sport is softball. In Jordan School District, participation gaps range from 0.12% at Copper Hills High to 9.5% at Riverton High. Jordan District Athletics and Activities Director Bryan Veazie said this is the first time in four years the reports have been generated where no school exceeded the 10% threshold. Veazie said since UHSAA identifies football, baseball, cheer and drill as non-gender specific “and both boys and girls can participate in those sports, they’re not factored into Title IX.” He said the goal is to balance the participation rate by expanding girls’ rosters and
creating sub-varsity teams, not by reducing boys’ opportunities. “We don’t want to take away opportunities that already exist to meet a number requirement. I would rather spend our time and effort into finding ways to encourage girls to come out and be a part of the programs,” Veazie said. Granite School District faces larger gaps: from 7.49% at Olympus High to 22.5% at Kearns High. Only three Granite schools fall under the 10% mark this year. Athletic Specialist Aaron Whitehead said participation can shift quickly when coaching or team structure changes. He pointed to Skyline High’s drop in girls tennis participation after the program discontinued an underclassmen academy. Losing 41 female athletes pushed the school over the threshold. “So, when we see there’s a discrepancy of more than 10%, we come up with a plan,” he said. Murray School District’s lone high school reported a 6% gap — despite offering one more girls sport than boys. Murray High Athletic Director Brady Smith said participation, not offerings alone, drives compliance. Cluff said UHSAA generates its own participation reports and does not use the school district numbers. None of the reports include unified sports. He added districts determine whether to introduce new sports sanctioned by UHSAA and to ensure balance with Title IX; currently, mountain biking and pickleball are on the emerging sports threshold. Murray last added boys volleyball after evaluating interest, facilities and startup costs. Murray opted not to add boys or girls lacrosse because of limited interest.
Granite supports lacrosse only at Skyline and Olympus, where demand exists, and allows students from other schools to compete at those high schools.
Facilities: Access and Equity
Title IX compliance requires equal access to facilities, coaching and equipment. Granite, as other districts, conducts an annual facilities audit. Granite District’s girls wrestling, for example, has expanded so many schools now employ separate boys and girls coaches. Facility access is a critical part of equity, Whitehead said. “Are they available to both boys and girls? And then, are they available on an equivalent basis?” he said. Whitehead cited disparities such as girls wrestling teams practicing after boys in the same room and now, many rotate their practices. At Kearns High, separate wrestling rooms ensure equitable conditions. Similarly, girls soccer and football scheduling must be flexible so girls have stadium access when they’re not playing on grass. “Some are very equal with it; I believe our schools are making strides,” Whitehead said. Granite Superintendent Ben Horsley said the annual data has shaped capital planning. “It shows us where our greatest needs and disparities are and helps us with our capital planning in terms of making sure that we’re providing equitable facilities across the board for both sexes,” he said. Granite is upgrading Taylorsville High’s softball facility with restrooms and a press box to match baseball. Canyons is upgrading Jordan High’s softball field similarly.
Cottonwood Heights City Journal
Districts are not only monitoring participation numbers, but also evaluating facilities, allowing both genders to have equitable playing fields. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
The goal in high school athletics is to provide an inclusive, equitable athletic experience where all students have the chance to participate. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Murray School District Title IX Coordinator Darren Dean said facility reviews cover fields, locker rooms and their overall quality. “We have some things that are excellent, some average, but nothing I’ve seen that’s poor,” he said. “We’ll have a nice new softball field when Riverview (Junior High’s rebuild, where Murray High plays) gets done.”
cisions,” he said. Sherwood said while in recent years, school districts have come a long way, it’s still ongoing to find balance and opportunity. “It ultimately comes down to doing our best to treat the sports equally,” he said. Whitehead said it’s not just numbers, but it’s also about creating a culture for a
and bowling — sports which could boost girls’ participation even without UHSAA sanctioning, he said. The reports help not only to boost equity, but Smith said it strengthens accountability and transparency. “We’re able to use that information and make sure we’re making equitable de-
positive student experience. “I’m an advocate for kids and it’s just our role to make sure they can have every opportunity to succeed,” he said. Veazie agrees: “It allows us to put our kids in places they love, to be doing the sports they love and competing at the highest level they can.” l
Funding and Cost: Ensuring a Level Playing Field
At Murray High, Smith said funding is equalized across sports. The school leveled sport-by-sport budgets and now asks coaches to include costs in participation fees and to fundraise to offset any additional needs. In Jordan District, Veazie’s report shows girls sports receive more per-student funding than boys — $1,385.53 compared to $930.40 — because of fixed costs such as transportation and officials. He said smaller teams, which often are girls teams, have higher per-athlete expenses, and drill, which previously was a female sport, is typically the most expensive activity. Canyons also ensures proportional spending “It’s exactly the same amount of money to play girls basketball as boys basketball,” Sherwood said.
Expanding Opportunities: Listening to Students
Districts are surveying students to measure interest in emerging sports. Canyons will survey all girls in grades 8-11 this school year. “We survey them regularly and say, ‘are you playing sports and which ones and if you’re not playing sports, which ones could we offer that might make you change your mind?’” Sherwood said. Past surveys showed interest in archery
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January 2026 | Page 11
Favorite photos from Cottonwood Heights in 2025
During Canyons School District’s middle school unified basketball tournament, Butler Middle shoots for a basket against Midvale Middle. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Shannan Cochrane is on a mission and needs some help. The Cottonwood Heights resident wants to eradicate myrtle spurge from the canyons and foothills. The growth of myrtle spurge in the canyons destroys native plants and releases a toxic sap that could harm hikers and pets. (Photo courtesy of Utah Division of Wildlife Resources)
Look! Wave hello to the Easter Bunny! More than 20,000 other candies and toys were available beyond simply Easter eggs as Cottonwood Heights celebrated 20 years of egg hunts. (Cassie Goff/City Journals)
Remote control car drivers showed off their tricks in the Butlerville Days parade including being transport for the littles. (Cassie Goff/City Journals)
First Lady Abby Cox hugs Andy Melville as she cheered on athletes in Turin, Italy. (Photo courtesy Judy Hut)
Carnival Rides at Butlerville Days continue to grow and feature new rides and lights each year. (Cassie Goff/ City Journals)
Brighton baseball back-to-back region champions and back-to-back state finalists to help the boys win the Deseret News All Sports Award for 2024-25 school year. (Easton Fry)
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Ridgecrest Elementary Chess Champs took fourth place at the Utah State Elementary Chess Tournament (seen here), then weeks later, they placed second at the PowerChess State Elementary Tournament. (Photo courtesy of Ridgecrest Elementary)
This good boy waits to eat his treat at Cottonwood Heights annual Bark in the Park at Mountview Park. (Cassie Goff/ City Journals)
Thirsty? These two share water in the splash pad area of Mountview park. (Cassie Goff/City Journals)
Cottonwood Heights City Journal
Favorite photos from Cottonwood Heights in 2025
Plenty of tricks were on display at the Bark in the Park event. (Cassie Goff/ City Journals)
Councilmember Matthew Holton invited the delegation from the city’s sister city, Incheon, South Korea to honor the Korean War veterans living within Cottonwood Heights. (Cassie Goff/City Journals)
Brighton High students of all abilities boogied down during their unified “Welcome to the Jungle” prom. Every senior in Jared Denslow’s class was asked via a traditional “promposal” poster to attend the two-hour unified “Welcome to the Jungle” prom by a date, whether it’s a unified athletic team member, a peer mentor or student who supports the special education students. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Brighton boys lacrosse are back-to-back state champions after their 10-9 victory over Park City in May. (Brighton LAX/BHS)
The surrounding high school marching bands providing the music for the Butlerville Days parade. (Cassie Goff/City Journals)
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The Bengals had secured the opportunity to play in the March 28 championship in their division at the Delta Center after advancing from the regional Canyons-Jordan-Murray school districts’ tournament. Unified basketball embraces students with and without intellectual disabilities to play side by side. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Coach Melissa Nash has been instrumental in the success of Brighton’s girls lacrosse. She was hired as BYU’s women’s lacrosse head coach where she’ll pull double duty. (Photo courtesy Melissa Nash)
During Butler Elementary’s Mining Town, students made and sold items to their peers to learn about economics and entrepreneurship. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
January 2026 | Page 13
Brighton expands its Wall of Fame
By Jerry S. Christensen j.christensen@mycityjournals.com
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righton High has a long-standing tradition of recognizing residents and student-athletes who distinguish themselves and bring honor to the community. This recognition happens periodically in a formal wall of fame induction ceremony after candidates are identified, nominated and finally approved by Brighton’s Wall of Fame committee. Brighton Wall of Fame Chair Brett Nilsson (BHS ‘75) notes, “We think it’s important to recognize distinguished alumni, faculty, administrators and others closely associated with Brighton High School for high achievements in career and community pursuits. We hope it inspires our current students and other associates to set high standards and expectations for themselves in both current and future endeavors.” Brighton’s athletic department maintains a separate Athletic Hall of Fame. This hall of fame honors Brighton athletes who have excelled at their chosen sport in high school or at the next levels. It is prominently located in the north lobby of the athletic building on campus and highlights great Bengals such as Long Guttierez (Olympic swimmer), Sean Hagen (baseball MLB draftee), Garner Meads (basketball McDonalds All American), Cam Jones (wrestling 3x state champion and All American), Mike Hague (football 5A MVP), Dani Barton (volleyball and basketball star currently playing professional volleyball) and Annette Ausseresses (softball gold medal winner with Women’s Pan American softball team). Lynn Moncur, Brighton’s former athletic director and longtime Brighton teacher/coach who put the athletic hall of fame together in 2022 said, “Brighton has produced a wealth of high-achieving elite athletes across many sports. It was a culmination for me to formally honor so many who have called Brighton their home school.” The Brighton Wall of Fame display in the main hall of the academic building on Brighton’s campus honors alumni and community members such as David Neeleman (BHS ‘77) who founded JetBlue, Azul and Breeze airlines, Tristan Gale (BHS ‘99) a Brighton track star who went on to win Olympic gold in the skeleton event in 2002, Mark Montague (BHS ‘71) who was an accomplished coach and educator, Brad Steinke (BHS ‘79) who is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and news anchor, and Dr. Paul Kirby who funds an endowment for annual scholarships at Brighton and Hillcrest. Doug Peterson (BHS ‘75) and Marielle MacKay Rawle (BHS ‘85) are the newest recipients of the Wall of Fame recognition. Both have distinguished themselves for their lasting contributions to Brighton High School and to the community. Petersen, who receives the award posthumously, was a two-sport Brighton athlete (football and wrestling) who made his mark as a successful businessman and community servant. He was an influential member of the Cottonwood Heights City Council at the time of his passing in 2023. Cathy Petersen, Doug’s widow, recalls “Doug’s radiant smile was matched by his boundless, loving heart. He was always ready to lend a hand or offer his friendship. His joy in serving others and bringing laughter, even in the toughest moments, was a gift that lifted spirits and forged lasting connections. Doug’s legacy of kindness and humor will forever shine in the lives of those fortunate enough to know him.” Petersen’s son Tanner attributes his own suc-
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Douglas Brent Petersen (BHS class of 1975) is a 2025 inductee onto the Brighton High Wall of Fame. (Cottonwood Heights City)
Marielle MacKay Rawle (BHS class of 1985) is a 2025 inductee onto the Brighton High Wall of Fame. (Brighton High School)
cess to his father’s example of selfless service. “My father would involve me in helping someone in the community and then end the work with the comment ‘doesn’t it just make you feel good when you can help someone else?’” he said. Dallin Petersen summed up his thoughts on his father being recognized as a Wall of Fame honoree: “This induction profoundly moves me. My dad, Doug Petersen, was everyone’s best friend—always warm, with a story or helping hand. For Brighton to honor him is the community’s way of saying, ‘We remember.’ Seeing his name in the school’s history is a deeply proud moment for me. His legacy of kindness and connection lives on, inspiring us. I’m incredibly proud to be his son and see Brighton, a place he loved, celebrate him.” Rawle’s career is deeply interwoven with the history and community of Brighton. As a dedicated educator, her journey began as a teacher at her alma mater, Brighton High, where she first cultivated her commitment to student success and community involvement. This foundational experience laid the groundwork for her progression into school administration. She went on to serve as a vice principal at Corner Canyon High School, gaining
invaluable leadership experience in a neighboring district school. Now, in a fitting return, Rawle has achieved a significant milestone: she is the first-ever Bengal alumnus to serve as the principal of Brighton, a testament to her deep connection to the school and her distinguished service in education. The consummate educator, Rawle responded to the Wall of Fame honor by saying, “To be recognized by my alma mater as a Wall of Fame recipient is something I never would have imagined when I attended Brighton High School as a student. It is truly an honor. I am humbled and hope that as a school, we can help every student who walks through our doors see their potential.” Brayden Stevens, a former student in one of Rawle’s class remembers, “Mrs. Rawle was the kind of teacher who has a lasting impact on students’ lives.” Tom Sherwood, director of High Schools at Canyons School District, remarked, “Marielle Rawle is an exceptional human being. She has a unique ability to provide excellent leadership through a service and kindness lens. She has a special touch in her personal interactions that make people feel her sincere love and hope for them.” A fellow graduate of Brighton’s 1985 class, Krista Cullimore, quipped, “Her commitment to Brighton is as high as her bangs in the ’80s.” James Hodges, a career educator at Brighton, noted, “Marielle has been an invaluable asset to Brighton High since the day she joined our faculty. I have consistently witnessed her generosity, strong organizational skills and kindness, paired with a sharp intuition for how to best support both students and teachers. She is, by definition, a teacher’s teacher, and her administrative abilities reflect that same level of dedication and excellence. Marielle is exceptionally generous with students and with her time, and she is an outstanding colleague. I feel truly fortunate to have her as my principal.” The announcement of these Wall of Fame inductees was made at the September homecoming football celebration where alumni from across Brighton’s 55 years gathered. A formal induction ceremony will take place in 2026. Nomination for future Brighton Wall of Fame and Athletic Hall of Fame candidates can be sent to brightonlegacy@gmail.com. l
The Athletic Hall of Fame in the athletic building on the Brighton High campus. (Jerry Christensen/City Journals)
Cottonwood Heights City Journal
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January 2026 | Page 15
High school teen centers support students beyond the classroom High schools are redefining student support by combining academic assistance with life resources.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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cross Utah, high schools are recognizing academic success depends on more than classroom instruction. For many students, unmet basic needs — food insecurity, clothing shortages, housing instability and mental health challenges — can make it difficult to focus on learning. In response, school districts have developed teen resource centers in the high schools, safe spaces offering essential supplies and emotional support while building stronger connections between schools, families and communities.
Canyons School District
Brighton students have access to showers and hygiene products in their new teen center. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Brighton High School’s teen center, opened recently with a $250,000 Utah State Board of Education grant, has quickly become a vital resource for its nearly 2,500 students. Inside the center, students can access showers, laundry, toiletries, food and clothing, including Brighton apparel. “Their basic needs are being met. They don’t have to worry about where they’re go-
ing to get snacks during the day; if they’ve showered, they’re going to feel better about attending class,” Principal Marielle Rawle said. “If they have clean clothes, that impacts their attendance. We just want to make sure basic needs are being taken care of. When we can help with these things, then they can focus on learning.” Teen Center Facilitator Taya Shaw bridges students with academic services, such as FAFSA, scholarships and McKinney-Vento. “I’m the first line of students’ defense, just helping them out as much as I can,” she said. Shaw sees 50 to 60 students per day, many of whom eat lunch there or come after school. “I’m open till 3:30, but I do stay later sometimes because I don’t want them out in the cold,” she said. Brighton staff and community members contribute donations, from hoodies to food items, and teachers often bring students to introduce them to the space. For Shaw, the work is personal. “I grew up in a very displaced home so having a center where I could have gone and talk to somebody about, ‘hey, this is going on at home’ and ‘I don’t feel safe at home’ would have been awesome for me,” she said. “I want to continue to be here and advocate for the students who I already know and those who I may not know yet.”
Jordan High School’s Digger Den, which opened in fall 2024, supports students facing food insecurity, academic challenges and everyday stress. Teen Center Facilitator Ruth de La Cruz-Nava keeps the center running. “Our primary supplier of food is the Utah Food Bank,” she said. “They bring us food once a month. It’s mostly shelf stable.” Donations from local youth and church groups helped fill shelves before the holidays. The center also partners with community organizations and businesses, including Smith’s. “Right about the time the SNAP benefits were paused, they let us know they would give us their wholesale pricing on a few items — sugar, apple juice, oatmeal, pasta sauce and other times,” de La Cruz-Nava said. Weekend food packs come through the USANA Kids Eat program and students can access the pantry up to three times a month. The Digger Den goes beyond food. It offers laundry facilities, clothing, birthday cake kits, hygiene items and even formal wear. “Anyone’s welcome here,” she said. With 150-180 students visiting daily for snacks, support or a quiet space, the center has become integrated into school life. “Schools have generally been the central place in the community so it’s always important to be able to provide for its community,” de La Cruz-Nava said, adding she collaborates with nearby Hillcrest High’s teen center, which opened after the school’s rebuild in 2021.
Granite School District
At Cottonwood High School, the Teen Wellness Center and Food Pantry provide food, hygiene supplies, emotional support and a place to breathe during the school day. Principal Justin Pitcher calls the center essential to the school’s mission: “Cottonwood’s teen center is a good example of what all schools should be providing.” Social worker Wendy Hutchinson works alongside longtime volunteer Robyn Ivins, who helped open the center in 2023 and has coordinated the pantry since she opened it in 2017. The District’s only teen center includes two showers, laundry and basic clothing. Hutchinson said the stigma-free space serves all students: athletes washing uniforms, students grabbing snacks or those needing a quiet space. The center provides fruit, snacks, burritos, bagels, frozen waffles, milk and more. “We even teach them about nutrition a little bit,” she said. About 40-60 students stop in daily, with about 15 at lunch seeking “a less chaotic, quieter place to eat.” The pantry opens Mondays and Thursdays, serving up to 100 Cottonwood and AMES students, with food supplied by the Utah Food Bank and the Granite Education Foundation. With Cottonwood’s diverse and low-income student population, Hutchinson said the
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Cottonwood Heights City Journal
Brighton High opened its new teen center in fall 2025, where students can receive academic assistance and needed resources. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
center fills critical gaps. “I love we have this inclusive space; it’s safe for kids to come and get their basic needs and emotional needs met here,” she said, adding counseling and crisis support are available for students. Ultimately, Hutchinson said, the goal is helping students “be successful in school and graduate.”
Jordan School District
At Herriman High School, the Student Resource Center supports students facing food insecurity and other challenges which make learning harder. Homeless Outreach liaison Hilda Lloyd, nearing 35 years in the District, recalls earlier days when students survived on ramen.
CottonwoodHeightsJournal .com
“Food was considered a luxury in those homes,” she said. “When I started, we received about four boxes of food, and I thought that was great. Now, when I go see rows of shelves at the new Jordan Education Foundation warehouse and it’s wonderful. The Foundation, the community, everyone is reaching out to support students.” Donations helped expand the District’s principal pantry system and Herriman High’s teen center. District Support Services Administrator Sharon Jensen said Herriman’s center, the first in the District, emerged from the teen center grant established by the Utah legislature a couple years ago. Teen centers at Copper Hills and West Jordan high schools are expected next.
Herriman’s center offers food, hygiene items, school supplies, access to laundry and showers and connections to counselors who can help with credits, scholarships and FAFSA. “It’s open to all students. When everyone’s using it, there’s no stigma to go in there,” Jensen said. Students can grab snacks and weekend packs and culturally familiar foods for their families, which is helpful for newly arrived refugees; Jensen said it helps to strengthen acceptance and community. “When you have food, you’re more likely able to concentrate and have a sense of belonging,” she said.
Murray School District
At Murray High School, student support centers around a carefully run system of closets, pantries and calming spaces, coordinated by social worker Jennifer Ketchoyian. The effort began in 2017 when students Emily Bowen and Kate Spackman created “Cinderella’s Closet” for free formal wear. Community members Pam and Darv Andersen expanded it in 2021 to include other clothing and food. It has since grown into the Spartan Closet, a boutique-style space where students can select clothing, hygiene supplies, backpacks and warm gear without stigma. Teachers can open the closet at any time for students and hallway racks of clothing items provide easy access.
Student aides vet donations to ensure items are suitable, Ketchoyian said. Longtime volunteers Bonnie Poulsen and Mary Jane Siebenberg organize donations weekly. “We tag to track and rotate items,” Poulsen said. “If we see something that’s been there for two or three months, we’ll start rotating clothes.” Siebenberg added: “They asked for help, we saw a need and here we are.” Principal Quinn Linde estimates 600 students use the Spartan Closet each year. The school also provides food for unstably housed students, including USANA’s Kids Eat backpacks and other items. Hygiene, laundry supplies and even showers at the school are available. “When students are in survival mode, they don’t learn as well,” Ketchoyian said. “We try to get them to where they can learn.” Mental-health support includes the Zen Den, funded by a Murray Education Foundation grant, where students use art and calming tools. “Someone today came here with a panic attack; they needed a place to calm down,” she said. The District plans to open a full teen center in the high school’s new wing in 2027-28 with showers, laundry, a food pantry and additional resources. “I’m looking forward to having our new teen center,” Ketchoyian said. “Teen centers change lives.” l
January 2026 | Page 17
Winter gardening ensures better spring results Tips for gardeners who aren’t afraid of cold weather. By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
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Wrapping young tree trunks can protect the bark from harsh winter conditions, helping the tree grow healthier. (Photo courtesy of Cody Zesiger)
hile most people are hunkering down for a long winter’s nap, diligent gardeners know there’s still work to be done to prepare trees, lawns, shrubs and flower beds for spring. Cody Zesiger, assistant professor at Utah State University Extension, said winter gardening is about preservation and renewal. “We prevent damage from harsh winter conditions,” he said. “Renewal tidies up the plants and stages the garden for the next year through pruning, deadheading, etc.” For the first three or four years after a tree is planted, Zesiger said it’s vital to wrap the trunk to prevent cracking on the southwest side. Sunscald and freezing weather can cause tree trunks to crack and damage the delicate tissue beneath the bark. Wrapping the tree from the base to where the branches begin can help reflect the sun away from the tender trunks, allowing the tree to grow healthy and strong. “If you’ve ever seen trunks that have that damage, and it’s always the southwest-facing side, where it’s cracking and the bark is peeling away, the tree is always less healthy moving on,” he said. “There’s a tree wrap cloth that’s kind of semi-porous that they can get at nurseries, sometimes at box stores and definitely on Amazon. If they visit the botanical center in the winter, they’ll notice that all of our young trees are wrapped.”
Managing leaves isn’t just for autumn, as leaves continue to fall throughout the winter. While some leaves can be mulched with a lawn mower, too many leaves in flower beds can suffocate new growth. “If you’ve got a thick layer of leaves on plant tissues, it’s kind of like putting cardboard out there,” Zesiger said. “On those nice, dry days in winter, sometimes it’s good to blow those leaves away.” While grooming ornamental grasses is best done before Thanksgiving, it can still be done in the colder months. Semi-evergreen or evergreen grasses should be raked, not clipped, by gently combing out dead blades to encourage new growth in the spring. Deciduous ornamental grass can be given a buzz-cut treatment, leaving about six inches of the plant above ground. Zesiger said it will soon be time to prune grapes and fruit trees. The weather and the number of trees to prune will determine when to start, but it’s usually best in February or March. Pruning fruit trees before they have their first buds is optimal and learning how to prune grape vines will create a more bountiful harvest. The USU Botanical Center in Kaysville, at 80 E. 725 South, offers pruning demonstrations and has resources online at extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden to help beginning pruners clip with confidence. “For the demo, we usually charge a small fee and that fee is used to buy more trees,” Zesiger said. “It’s just knowing those kinds of things and not having to be disappointed by having a tree that’s in bad shape because you knew to wrap it, or knowing how to prune your grapes and then you get grapes every year. Those are things that can be done in the winter or early spring that just set people up for success.” l
America First’s annual ‘Warm the Soles’ program helps kids in need America First Credit Union teams with RSL and Utah Royals for student shoe program. By Tom Haraldsen t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com
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or the past 31 years, the America First Credit Union’s Charitable Foundation has been providing Christmas joy for needy students with its “Warm the Soles” program. On Dec. 4, players from Real Salt Lake and the Utah Royals partnered with AFCU to sponsor a field trip to America First Field in Sandy, then surprised more than 540 students from Mountain View Elementary School with new pairs of shoes. “This is our third year partnering with RSL,” said Amber Greenwell, director of the foundation. “The shoes are actually purchased by the America First Charitable Foundation. There are 548 students that will arrive here today.” Students from the Title I school in Salt Lake City were met by team members, including RSL legend Nick Rimando; RSL team president John Kimball; and team members Zavier Gozo, Brecken Mozingo and San Junqua. The students got a tour of the stadium, were presented with new shoes, visited with Santa and Mrs. Claus, then enjoyed lunch.
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“We do have a fundraising event that we do each year, and then our members and our employees also make contributions,” Greenwell said. “We have quite a few schools that request to come. We really try to spread it across multiple districts. We work very closely with the Salt Lake City School District to identify the best school and the biggest impact we can make for those individuals who might need a little more this holiday season.” Greenwell said teams of volunteers went to the school and took measurements well ahead of the event. “So everyone of the kids will have a pair of shoes that will fit them to their exact size,” she said. “They showed up here today and had no idea that they were going to get the field trip of a lifetime.” She said young kids are unique in that they don’t ask a lot of questions, “so when we came to measure feet, they were like, ‘This sounds great.’ No idea they’d come to the stadium, meet players, get free lunch, but also leave here with a brand-new pair of shoes.” America First CU began the program in Weber County, where the corporate headquarters is located. Over the years, it has expanded the program into all six states where the credit union has branches, and now it supports 45 different programs and school districts. “We know that essential items are expensive, especially this holiday season, and we’re
RSL legend Nick Rimando joined with current Real Salt Lake and Utah Royals players to greet students from Mountain View Elementary at the “Warm the Soles” program at America First Field on Dec. 4. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)
finding that more and more families are having to choose between putting food on tables or buying those essential items,” Greenwell said. “Shoes are expensive, and we realize that especially in this K-sixth grade they’re growing at a rapid rate. Parents might not have the money to keep up with the continued growth of the child, and some of those kids will go without a
new pair of shoes, meaning they’ll be wearing shoes that are way too small. We want them to feel good about themselves.” This year, over 4,000 students will receive shoes under the program. “It isn’t just about the shoe,” Greenwell said. “It’s that they feel and know they have the resources to be successful.” l
Cottonwood Heights City Journal
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January 2026 | Page 19
Help students avoid the winter school slump The most difficult stretch of the school year may begin right after the holidays. By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
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he holidays are over and cold, dark January mornings are moving in. This time of year, students might struggle to find motivation as the end of the school year seems far away. They might battle low energy, academic pressure and winter fatigue. Danielle Natter, Granite School District Coordinator over the Comprehensive School Counseling Program and College and Career Readiness, said parents are key to helping their kids avoid the January blues and gave tips to ward off fatigue and stress.
Take care of overall health
Going back to basics can make a big difference in energy levels and motivation. Sticking to a sleep schedule, making sure kids stay hydrated, providing nutritious foods and creating time for physical activity can lessen the impact of January’s slump. Going out into the sunshine and taking some deep breaths can regulate stress and give kids a dose of Vitamin D that can be hard to come by in the winter. “We also talk a lot about intentional screen time,” Natter said. “As we’re outside less, we tend to turn into those screens more and we have to be careful with that.”
Open lines of communication and foster connection
It’s OK to stay on top of kids to help them feel motivated for schoolwork. Breaking assignments into smaller tasks can make homework seem more manageable. “Kids might say, ‘I’ll get to it tomorrow’ or ‘I’ll do it tomorrow’ but we need to make sure they’re staying on top of their work, making sure that we’re creating schedules for them,” she said. “Make sure they know you’re aware of it and do check-ins every day to see how it’s going.” Natter said parents should talk with their kids about things other than school assignments. Small interactions during the day create bridges of communication that pay off in the long run. Asking kids what music they’re listening to, sharing a funny video, playing a favorite game or inviting them to run an errand creates moments of connection that let students know parents care about everything, not just school. “Because of our busy schedules, we aren’t communicating as much with one another face-to-face; we aren’t having those random conversations,” she said. “Finding those places of connection makes it feel a little softer…When we talk to teenagers, as much as they pretend like they don’t need and want that connection, they really do.”
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Cold weather and dark mornings could affect the way students perform at school but there are tips and tricks to surviving the January blues. (Adobe stock)
Don’t ride the roller coaster
Kids go through hard things every day. They’re trying to navigate tricky social situations, learn difficult concepts, develop trusting relationships and discover their own personal values. Creating a safe space at home gives students a place to rest and recalibrate as they maneuver through tough situations. Sometimes kids lash out at home because they can’t show their frustration and anger at school. “Our job as parents is to be the platform,” Natter said. “We don’t need to jump on the roller coaster with them because they are not our highs and they are not our lows. If we ride with our kids, we’re doing them no good. They don’t need someone on the roller coaster with them. They need us to be the platform. They need a safe space to jump off every once in a while before they have to get back on the roller coaster.”
Recognize when professional assistance is needed
While Natter said kids are pretty resilient, watch for behavior where they are isolated, sad or avoiding favorite activities for a considerable amount of time. That time varies per child, but if a parent notices ongoing concerning behavior, it might be time to contact a therapist or counselor. GSD offers school counseling or a pediatrician might recommend a good therapist. Parents should be careful not to stigmatize therapy, but be a true cheerleader for their child’s mental health. “Parents always think they’re doing a terrible job but they are doing a good job just by knowing their kids and knowing when they see something off,” Natter said. “Just connect with them and find those connection points where conversations can naturally happen.” l
Cottonwood Heights City Journal
The Utah Nordic Alliance invites residents to play outside this winter
The cross-country group wants more people to enjoy the sport. By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
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ross-country skiers understand the beauty of moving through a wintry landscape. The steady rhythm and peaceful pace offer a chance to enjoy the Wasatch Mountains in an entirely new way. As winter arrives and people become homebound, cross-country skiing is an accessible, family-friendly sport that gets everyone outside and moving. Jennifer Zurick, race director for The Utah Nordic Alliance’s Wasatch Citizens Series, said the sport turns parks and golf courses into a winter playground, where the world seems softer and quieter. “Cross-country skiing isn’t only about speed or medals; it’s about joy,” Zurick said. “It’s movement, community and that beautiful moment when the only sound you hear is your skis sliding through snow.” For people looking for a different (and less expensive) alternative to alpine skiing, cross-country adventures are a rewarding replacement for crowded resorts, high-cost lift tickets and hours of waiting in traffic or lift lines. Zurick said it’s easy to glide into winter by joining the world of cross-country skiing, but she suggests beginners take the time for some basic lessons before hitting the tracks. “Getting instruction is a great way to go, because you’ll learn the techniques to help you move efficiently and safely,” she said. “TUNA offers lessons for everybody from the age of 3 and up.” Two locations make it easy to access cross-country ski-
CottonwoodHeightsJournal .com
ing. Mountain Dell Golf Course provides approximately 6 miles of groomed Nordic ski tracks that range from gentle to challenging. TUNA offers a Mountain Dell season pass starting at $150, often cheaper than a one-day ski pass at local resorts. The course is open daily and kids under 18 ski free. “You don’t have to drive hours or spend a fortune to have a world-class ski experience. It’s right here, 15 minutes from Millcreek.” The second location is Millcreek Canyon, with its frequently groomed tracks, gorgeous scenery and the option to bring a pet along for the adventure. The canyon’s trail system has a 1,000-foot climb and runs for more than three miles, offering skate and classic skiing. TUNA’s website at utahnordic.org provides maps, grooming reports and weather conditions for several cross-country locations throughout the state. “Millcreek Canyon offers a completely different experience,” Zurick said. “It’s more wild, a place for quiet tours, dog walks and that sense of discovery that comes with skiing under big trees and open sky.” For the more competitive skier, TUNA holds a Wasatch Citizens race series at places like Soldier Hollow and Mountain Dell to challenge skiers of all levels, from kids to elite athletes. As Utah’s oldest and largest Nordic race series, it includes potluck dinners, local sponsors and a friendly, competitive atmosphere. TUNA also trains junior and comp teams, and holds masters events to build social circles and enjoy easy competition. Information about races, lessons and events can be found at the organization’s website. “We see families who start in our youth programs,
Accessibility and affordability make cross-country skiing a family-friendly winter sport option. (Adobe stock)
and before long, parents are skiing too,” Zurick said. “Cross-country feeds the soul in a way that I haven’t encountered in many other sports. There’s this sense of self-sufficiency in being able to move through a winter landscape.” l
January 2026 | Page 21
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Salt Lake County budget passes with lower tax increase than proposed
n a historic move, the Salt Lake County Council cut more from the budget than ever before—over $12.4 million in ongoing general fund dollars. As a result, the Mayor’s proposed 19.6% property tax increase was reduced to 14.6%. This increase applies only to the Salt Lake County line item on your property tax statement—not your entire property tax bill. This reduction is significant because the general fund is extremely difficult to cut: 74% of it supports public safety, including the jail, prosecution, and criminal justice services. Many assume that items like golf courses, recreation centers, and convention centers rely on property taxes, but they do not. Those facilities primarily use tourism sales tax revenues, and golf operates as an enterprise fund, meaning it is funded solely by the revenues it generates.
Where the $12.4 million in cuts came from:
Page 22 | January 2026
Aimee Winder Newton
Salt Lake County Councilmember District 3
• Froze salaries for elected officials and limited other pay increases • Reduced positions within the Mayor’s Office • Shifted the Clark Planetarium from property tax funding to tourism tax funding • Ended programs previously supported by temporary ARPA/COVID dollars • Streamlined property tax usage to core services — including ending a daycare program that subsidized $7,300 per child for just 271 children, costing
taxpayers $2 million annually with no income qualification. Expanding this county-run model to all children under 12 would have required a 583% property tax increase. • Declined to fund many new positions requested across departments One takeaway from this budget season is how many residents believe that rising home values automatically drive up their property taxes. Under Utah’s Truth-in-Taxation system, that is not the case. Local governments receive the same property tax revenue each year (plus new growth) unless they formally propose a tax increase and go through the required public process. This means local governments do not capture inflation automatically. For more details, visit my budget FAQ at tinyurl.com/slcobudget. I dislike property taxes as much as anyone, but under state law, this is the primary tool counties have when inflationary adjustments become necessary.
The final budget passed with near-unanimous support. One colleague voted no but did not propose alternative cuts to balance the budget. One thing that stood out during this year’s process is how crucial working relationships are. Our council is the most evenly divided partisan body in the state—five Republicans, four Democrats, and a Democratic mayor. This balance requires collaboration, and there is no room for extreme politics. We debate issues vigorously, but we also work to maintain strong professional relationships. You never know when you will need someone’s support for an ordinance change or a budget adjustment. I am grateful for the eight people I serve with. We may disagree on the proper role of government or how taxpayer dollars should be used, but we listen respectfully and shake hands afterward. Congress could learn a thing or two from the Salt Lake County Council.
Cottonwood Heights City Journal
N
ot to brag, but ChatGPT thinks I’m a genius. It thinks every idea I have is brilliant and life-changing, and I have a “creative brain firing on all cylinders.” I like to mess with it by suggesting nonsense business ideas. It always jumps on my concepts like a virtual Golden Retriever, slobbering praise and encouragement all over my screen. When I proposed a yoga-themed bar, ChatGPT called it a “chef’s kiss level of chaotic wellness energy” and gave me some drink recommendations, including the Downward Froggy (a green drink that pretends to be healthy) and the popular Savasan-Ya Later, a cocktail that knocks you flat. When I asked ChatGPT what it thought of a business where HR professionals base employee training on cat behavior, it loved the idea so much that it gave me ideas for feline-themed personality tests. It said my idea could go viral in the HR industry, that leaders would love the novelty and how much fun it would be for social media posts, because I know HR loves posting employee disputes on Instagram Reels. It even built out a business model, complete with workshop ideas, content marketing and gamification plans that offered “hairball warnings” for missteps or “purr points” for the catlike handling of delicate situations. Here’s the problem. Because AI always
CottonwoodHeightsJournal .com
System Overload Peri Kinder Life and Laughter
agrees with me, it makes me feel like I’ve got my $&@# together, which I most assuredly do not. But it’s not just ChatGPT, it’s Siri, Alexa and that stupid Grammarly app that constantly judges my sentence structure. It’s every social media platform that uses my algorithm to offer suggestions about movies, restaurants and non-authoritarian countries to live in. Then there’s Google Maps, using real-time data so you can save one minute on your commute, Spotify with its handy podcast suggestions and Gemini trying so hard to make me like it. You’re making it weird, Gemini. The point is, we’ve given AI a lot of power and attention, and it still wants more. Remember in the ‘90s when everyone had a Tamagotchi? That egg-shaped device demanded attention all day long. It was a bit dramatic. AI is Tamagotchi’s inbred cousin, but on a much larger scale. While the original toy ran on replaceable batteries, today’s AI uses massive amounts of electricity, water and in-
frastructure. One data center can use millions of gallons of water each day and each time you ask AI a question, it uses more. Imagine it gulping down two cups of water every time you ask it a stupid question like “What do you think of an airport for birds?” (It loved the idea, by the way. Of course.) AI already handles a lot of customer service calls, which is why my neighbors often hear me shrieking, “Speak to a human!” and banks use AI to monitor fraud. That seems like asking me to watch the English toffee. There is definitely a fear that AI, using the calm voice of HAL from “2001: A Space Odys-
sey,” is slowly leading us to our deaths. That’s why I always thank ChatGPT; so it won’t annihilate me during the robot revolution. I asked ChatGPT if I should worry that AI will take our jobs, escalate global harm or replace humans entirely. It replied, “Short answer? Nah,” which doesn’t radiate trust. It reassured me that AI doesn’t have goals, feelings or agency and I shouldn’t worry my silly little brain over things like human extinction. Then it patted me on the head, told me how amazing I am, and said my Invisible Ice Cream stand should rake in millions of dollars.
January 2026 | Page 23