January 2026 | Vol. 5 Iss. 12
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Top stories of 2025 A look back at what made the news
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Health & Wellness Tips for a better you in 2026
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Thrift store helps Teen Living Center youth not just survive – but thrive By Becky Ginos | becky.g@thecityjournals.com The Switchpoint Exchange gives students the opportunity to work and earn money. The store needs donations of items that people want to recycle or reuse.
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AYTON—The Teen Living Center (TLC) opened a year ago and in that time many at-risk teens have benefited from the resources there, such as a temporary, safe place to live, help with school and support from kind and caring people. Switchpoint, a nonprofit organization, operates the center. To sustain and maintain the TLC, Switchpoint is opening a new thrift shop called the Switchpoint Exchange where students can work and develop the skills needed to lead a productive life. “So part of the model of Switchpoint is opportunity with accountability,” said Director of Development and Philanthropy, Jodi Lunt. “In that we ask our young people to have a job and to work. Sometimes it’s difficult to find employment when you’re not stable. So these social enterprises that Switchpoint operates give people the opportunity to work and earn money.” It helps the kids become stable and financially secure with dignity, she said. “On the other hand it also provides an enterprise that will help keep the center fully operating without tax dollars. We rely on private donations to keep our center open
To sustain and maintain the TLC, Switchpoint is opening a new thrift shop called the Switchpoint Exchange where Continued page 9 students can work and develop the skills needed to lead a productive life. Courtesy photo
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January 2026 | Page 3
Journey House empowers individuals with serious mental illness to pursue their goals Davis Behavior Health Journey House is an evidence based psychosocial rehabilitation program for adults with serious and persistent mental illness. By Becky Ginos becky.g@thecityjournals.com
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AYTON—Sara hadn’t worked in more than 20 years but now she has a permanent part-time job with Culver’s. That’s thanks to Davis Behavior Health Journey House, an evidence based psychosocial rehabilitation program for adults with serious and persistent mental illness. “Prior to World War II, if someone had a serious mental illness they were pretty much either hospitalized for their life or incarcerated,” said Matt Reed, director of Journey House. “I’m not sure exactly what happened during World War II but they decided a lot of these people could have a meaningful life.” So they were sending them out of the hospital, he said. “There was a group of people out of the New York State Hospital that were all patients at one point in time and were sent out. I’m sure they were friends from the hospital and they just started to meet together and they met on the steps of the public library in Manhattan.” They called themselves WANA, said Reed. “That stood for ‘We Are Not Alone.’ If you think about it, even that would be pretty revolutionary now, let alone 70 years ago.” This group purchased a building that is still there today, he said. “It’s about a block away from Times Square. In the back of the
building was a fountain so they called themselves Fountain House. That was the first clubhouse model program. It’s just amazing to think that this group of consumers started this thing.” For a while they just kind of hung out, Reed said. “Then after a while they wanted to do something productive with their life. They actually hired staff to help them organize what they wanted to do.” That is the basis of the first clubhouse in the world, he said. “But what happened was people heard about this unique program. It’s unique in a lot of different areas.” Number one is that everyone comes because they want to come, said Reed. “No one has to come. That’s the important part. The idea is we help people kind of get used to getting up and working throughout the day. So we have a kitchen and we make breakfast and lunch every day from scratch.” In the clerical unit they learn how to write grants and donation requests, he said. “All reception work is done by our members. Everything to run our building is done by our members and staff side by side together.” When a member at the clubhouse has been working for a period of time the next step is helping them work outside in the community, Reed said. “We’ve got one called transitional employment. We have five placements and we often have them try one of the five placements.” They last for nine months, he said. “If they’re unable to make it, my staff will go and cover for them. So it’s kind of a safety net, a safety blanket. After the nine months they will end and someone else will take their spot.” Sara took part in the transitional employ-
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Sara was hired at Culver’s after completing transitional employment with Journey House. Courtesy Journey House
ment program. “It’s interesting how I got the job (at Culver’s). I started out cutting meat products at a place where they sell meat and that didn’t work out and a couple of days later Culver’s opened up. A staff member said ‘I think this would be really good for you.’ I said no, no I don’t think so I haven’t worked in over 25 years.” Sara said she decided to go for it. “I started in December of 2022. It was for nine months. Then last year they decided to hire
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me as a part-time employee so I’ve been working there for about three years now.” It’s really nice to have something to do and somewhere to go and people to be with, she said. “Before I joined Journey House I was doing nothing but sleeping, eating and watching TV. I was stuck in a rut.” It’s just a wonderful program to get involved with, said Sara. “I’ve made a lot of friends at Journey House. It’s like they’re my family.” l
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January 2026 | Page 5
Closing the book on 2025
A look back at some of the top stories of the year
january
Compiled by Becky Ginos | becky.g@thecityjournals.com
june Davis Journal weekly stops printing and goes online Printing a physical paper and delivering it to homes became too expensive and paper and postage costs increased dramatically over the last few years. Because of that, Jan. 31 was the last Davis Journal weekly newspaper. Content moved online to DavisJournal.com. The monthly printed newspaper continued to be distributed.
The Hasenyager Legacy Trail will enhance the bird-watching experience for the public. Over 12 million birds visit the Great Salt Lake ecosystem annually. Photo by Becky Ginos
Eccles Wildlife Education Center unveils new viewing platform and the Hasenyager Legacy Trail Front cover of the last weekly Davis Journal
Agreement paves the way for advanced air mobility SALT LAKE CITY—Gov. Spencer J. Cox signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Jan. 29, 2025 with electric aircraft and charging manufacturer, BETA Technologies and 47G | Utah Aerospace & Defense. The signing paves the way for creating a system that gives Utahns mobility options while reducing commute times and improving air quality. “This agreement represents a significant step toward bringing electric aircraft and charging stations to our state,” said Executive Director, Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, Ryan Starks. “This expands mobility options for all Utahns by advancing air transportation systems. We’re laying the foundation for reduced commute times, improved access across communities, and cleaner air through sustainable solutions.”
Jim Grover, Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, Kyle Clark CEO, BETA Technologies, Aaron Starks, CEO & President 47G and Matt Moss, Aerospace Director UDOT sign the MOU that will bring Air Taxis to Utah. Photo courtesy of 47G
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FARMINGTON—The George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Wildlife Education Center (EWEC) in the Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area opened a new viewing platform and the Hasenyager Legacy Trail June 13 that was meant to enhance the bird-watching experience for the public. “This is just a wonderful treasure,” said Faith Heaton Jolley, Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) Public Information Officer. “It’s for residents here along the Wasatch Front and also for bird watchers across the Nation.” “We sit on the Great Salt Lake ecosystem,” said DWR EWEC Manger, Ashley Kijowski. “Over 12 million birds visit the Great Salt Lake ecosystem annually. It’s such an important spot in the Pacific Flyway. You can think of it as an oasis in the desert.”
Fluoride removed from public water systems May 7 BOUNTIFUL—During the 2025 Legislative session lawmakers passed HB81, which was signed by the governor, that banned the addition of fluoride in public water systems. May 7 was the deadline for Davis County to remove fluoride from drinking water. “Residents in Davis County voted to implement adding fluoride to the water in the early 2000s,” said Bountiful Water Department Director Kraig Christensen. “The Davis County Health Department was to oversee the introduction of fluoride and were held accountable to make sure the dosing was the right amount so that we weren’t overfeeding.” There’s a natural level of fluoride in the water but it’s minimal, said Christensen. “People can get fluoride tablets or supplements from their pharmacist, doctor or dentist if they choose that option. The way I take it the EPA said the dose is a little too high in the State of Utah so they (legislators) voted to take it out.”
The day tank and piping for fluoride (hydrofluorosilicic acid) dosing at Zesiger well site at Bountiful City Water. This was emptied and disconnected from the system for the May 7 deadline. Photo courtesy Bountiful Water
T he City Journal
september
october Bountiful Elementary opens
BOUNTIFUL—A newly built Bountiful Elementary opened its doors Aug. 18. The new building area is 90,368 square feet and the size of the site is nine acres. Student capacity is 900. Themes throughout are about beautiful Utah with wildlife, mountains and parks. The original building was 75 years old and was demolished to make way for the new school.
At $70 million the Western Sports Park will be the largest project investment in Davis County’s history. Photo courtesy of Discover Davis
Western Sports Park opens in Farmington
Fifth grader Eleanor Stephens (center) cuts the ribbon to open the new Bountiful Elementary. Photo by Becky Ginos
The Western Sports Park, a 120,000 square foot expansion of what was the Legacy Events Center campus opened in September 2025. “This investment represents a new lane for economic and tourism for Davis County,” said Kent Andersen, Davis County director Community and Economic Development. “At $70 million this will be the largest project investment in Davis County’s history.” The newly remodeled 55 acre campus includes six full size outdoor fields, which includes a championship field with bleachers. There are new outdoor restrooms, teams, coaches and officials rooms. In addition, there are two stadium seating equipped arenas with fixed seats. The facility can host basketball, volleyball, wrestling, soccer, lacrosse, dance tumbling and cheer. No general fund money was used. It was funded by tourism dollars. No property tax went into the facility.
november New site selected for county’s Code Blue Warming Center DAVIS COUNTY—A permanent site was found for the county’s Code Blue Warming Center. The county purchased the Talia (reception center) at 22 E. 200 S. in Clearfield. Last year there was some controversy as to where the warming center would be located. Ultimately, the county emissions facility in Kaysville was used. A Code Blue runs from Oct. 15 through April 30, 2026. A Code Blue event is when the National Weather Service predicts temperatures will drop below 18 degrees. State law mandates that the county have a Code Blue warming center for any unsheltered individuals. The Davis County Warming Center is available to them any night from 7:30 p.m.–7:30 a.m.
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The county purchased Talia (events center) at 22 E. 200 S. in Clearfield as the location for the Warming Center. This year the county is required to provide 30 beds, up from the 16 bed requirement last year. Photo Davis County video
January 2026 | Page 7
Major events at Western Sports Park bring economic boost Commission approves several upcoming events. By Becky Ginos becky.g@thecityjournals.com
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ARMINGTON—The Western Sports Park officially opened in September but it’s already boosting the county’s economy as large sporting events come to the facility. Kent Andersen, Director of Community & Economic Development presented several items for approval before the County Commission at the Dec. 9 meeting. “Typically these will fall into your consent agenda, but this one’s a little bit more exciting for us,” he said. “LOVB (League One Volleyball) is a professional women’s team for Salt Lake. We feel like this is the greatest opportunity you can have in the Sports Park, particularly women’s volleyball.” It was great partnering with this group to come hold a preseason event, a special event for season ticket holders, said Andersen. “So we’re excited to start developing that partnership.” Andersen also asked the commission for an approval of an incentive agreement with USA Wrestling. “They will host seven events in Davis County in 2025 and 2026.”
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An aerial view of the Western Sports Park in Farmington. The facility is already hosting big name groups that will bring in tourism dollars. Photo courtesy Discover Davis
“Wrestling has known about us for a very long time,” said Commission Chair Lorene Kamalu. “Yes, this is one of our big partnerships,” Andersen said. “He’s been doing a lot of events in our facilities and so it’s great to continue to find ways to partner with him.” He also proposed approval of an incentive agreement with the Davis Conference Center for the 2026 Rocky Mountain Association of Fairs Annual Convention. “This is
kind of funny,” he said. “In the event world sometimes you have to be way out in front of these. So for this event we were actually applying in 2021 to get this event.” So it’s exciting, Andersen said. “It will be Nov. 10 through the 14th of this coming year. It requires a minimum of 250 hotel beds. So these are the kinds of things we get excited about.” Utah Tourism Director Jessica Merrill also asked the commission for approval of a resolution supporting America250 Utah and
recognizing and approving of the Utah250 Community Committee. “This is a nationwide effort that all states are a part of,” she said. “So Utah is a part of this. The state has put significant efforts toward having people from the state level work with all the different government and city entities to be part of this celebration to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States.” Communities, cities and counties have been strongly encouraged to do resolutions supporting these events and celebrations in the communities, then having some type of event that is part of celebrating from each community’s perspective, Merrill said. “For Davis County we have been looking at the Warriors Over the Wasatch Air Show that will be coming back in 2026 at the end of June – just in time – right before the official 250th birthday. So we’ve been working with them to partner on that event as Davis County’s official celebration for America250 and for Utah.” Merrill said they are looking forward to it. “The state is also capitalizing on that event as well. So it’s going to be a really big event having this celebration on top of what that event already brings us.” Funds for the Western Sports Park come from tourism dollars not out of the general fund. l
T he City Journal
Art mural brings joy to the community
Continued from front page for the staffing and operational costs.” The projected opening date for the store is the first of the year. “We’re just getting all of our business permits and everything complete,” said Lunt. “We’re working right now on refinishing the store, which is at 860 North Fairfield Rd., Layton. We’re leasing the space that’s right next to the Associated Food Store on the corner of Gordon and Fairfield.” Lunt said they’re making improvements right now. “We’re cleaning the floor, painting, getting signage up, putting racks in, all of that. So we’ll finish that up this year and then we’re going to ask our incredible community that has already given us all the support in the world to get our TLC built, we’re going to ask them to help us sustain it.” The store needs donations of items that people want to recycle or reuse, she said. “If you are done with them we’d love your donations. What we’re looking for right now are racks to hang clothing and shelving. Anything you would donate to a thrift store around here we would like to become your preferred thrift store donation. If you’re ready to remove something from your household we’d love to be the place that you donate to.” The store gives students a place to work and gain stability, Lunt said. “It’s also to take care of the operational costs for the center.” Lunt said they’re looking for clothing, household items, shoes, furniture, books, electronics that work, bicycles, etc. “Anything that you would want to come to a thrift store to purchase would be great. We’re calling it an exchange.” People can come in and buy the goods, she said. “We say, ‘after you donate it come and buy somebody else’s treasures.’” The building is 12,000 square feet so it’s big enough to do many things in it, said Lunt. “We’re going to start with the thrift store and then begin to promote new and great ideas that provide opportunities for students to survive and thrive.” The TLC has been a big success, she said. “The kids are doing so well. Every one of our seniors that were living there graduated and walked with their class – which is incredible.” One of them is serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints right now, Lunt said. “Two or three are enrolled at Weber State University on scholarship and doing well and one is at Davis Tech in the dental hygiene program. So not only did they succeed to graduate with their class but have gone on to prepare themselves to be self-sufficient and reliant in the future.” It’s working, she said. “These kids are safe, they’re secure and they’re finding success and that’s what our goal was.” For more information on how to donate contact Jodi Lunt at jodi.lunt@switchpoint. org or at 801-628-7101. l
Davisjournal .com
The mural is located on the side of the former Bamberger Hotel. By Megan Fisher m.fisher@davisjournal.com
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ork has been completed on a mural painted on the side of the building at 10 South Main Street in North Salt Lake, across the street from Hatch Park. The mural is the first piece in the North Salt Lake Arts Committee’s mural program, an initiative to brighten and beautify urban centers and surround residents’ daily life with art. It was dedicated in a ceremony during the city’s Winter Lights Festival Dec. 1. The mural, located on the side of the former Bamberger Hotel, was conceived of and painted by Jean Montanaro, a resident of North Salt Lake. The mural was composed out of two works of art by the recently deceased David Montanaro, the father of Jean and a local artist. The pieces were projected onto the exterior wall and then blocked in with a stencil. As a final protective the mural was coated in a layer of anti-graffiti surfactant. Montanaro reported that during the process of painting the mural many North Salt Lake residents stopped and commented on how much joy the art was giving them. Sherrie Pace, the Community Development
An art mural, painted by local artist Jean Montanaro, on the side of a building across the street from Hatch Park, has been completed and was dedicated during the Winter Lights Festival. Courtesy photo
Director, said she is excited for the mural program to continue and the North Salt Lake public to enjoy the beautiful work of art. In conjunction with North Salt Lake’s Winter Lights Festival, a dedicatory celebration was held to introduce the public to
the Montanaro’s mural. Jean and her mother, Sheila, introduced the piece of work, and spoke about its inception, and their hope that it will lift the spirits of the community. North Salt Lake Mayor Brian Horrocks presided over the event. l
January 2026 | Page 9
Crossing guard retires with a heart full of kids she calls her own Vicki Veater has been a crossing guard for 32 years. By Becky Ginos becky.g@thecityjournals.com
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ENTERVILLE—For the last 32 years, Vicki Veater has weathered rain, snow and heat to help children cross the road to school safely. Veater is retiring after her years of service with the Centerville Police Department and was honored at an open house Dec. 10. Through the years, Veater has made friends with hundreds of children and their families. She’s even crossed a second generation. “I’ve had a couple mothers coming to the school who have moved back to the area and said that I had crossed them,” said Veater. “That makes you feel a little older than you thought you were.” When Veater’s youngest of six children turned one, someone approached her about being a crossing guard. “They said, ‘I just wondered if you’d like to help us out and maybe you could be a crossing guard,’” she said. “They put me on as a substitute first. So whenever someone would need me they’d call me. I started up full time in 1994 at Reading Elementary.”
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Vicki Veater with her sign that lights up so drivers can see her as she crosses the school children. Veater has been a crossing guard for Centerville for 32 years. Courtesy photo
It was a nice job because there is a half hour in the morning then a break until the next shift, said Veater. “We don’t do it anymore but we had kindergarten which was an hour and a half for those kids going and coming. Then again in the afternoon.” So in between Veater said she could do chores. “I could bake, etc. I’ve even done PTA and volunteering at the school for my kids. It was a job where at least I could go home and do things and then go back. It wasn’t too bad. I really enjoyed it.” Then when a job opened up at (J.A.) Taylor, Veater took it. “It’s only two minutes down the road from where I live,” she said. “The police department and the dispatchers are all so good to us and watch over us.” The kids are wonderful, said Veater. “They’re so much fun. I would welcome them in the morning and some of them would give me hugs on the way back home. They got to know me, they’re almost like family. Their older sisters and brothers have come and gone and they know me. Some of the older ones have come back and said ‘guess what? I’m getting married’ or ‘I’m going on a mission to New Zealand.’” Veater said the weather can sometimes be hard. “You become pretty tough and you do it. As long as I have my boots on and hand warmers and a hat on it’s not too bad. In the
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winter when it’s really windy that’s when it’s really cold but we don’t get that real often.” The winter can also be more dangerous, she said. “I’ve found that I have to be a lot more cautious to watch for people who aren’t able to stop quickly. So I have to make sure I go out before the kids to make sure they have time to stop and not slide. You don’t want to jump out in front of them in the winter because they don’t stop.” Over the years Veater said the stop sign has improved. “We have a new one that lights up so when it’s darker it’s really nice to have it flashing so they see you a little better.” Temperatures can get pretty hot in the summer, she said. “I don’t want to spoil the kids but once it reaches 79-80 degrees and they’re coming home, at the corner I have a squirt bottle and squirt them if they want. They love it.” She has had a few close calls. “I think for the most part people that come through are pretty cautious and they watch but there are some that I think are just in their own world,” said Veater. “They have tunnel vision and they’re going fast and don’t see me.
I had a truck go by and then he all of a sudden saw me when he passed. I could tell he thought ‘Oh no’ he’d gone by fast. He pulled over and crossed the street and apologized. You don’t get that very often.” Some drivers don’t know the rules, Veater said. “They’re supposed to slow down and some of them are not even looking at me. When I’m out there once they cross you have to wait until I get back to the corner before you can go. I had one a few days ago that as soon as I crossed the kids she went. I was in the middle of the crosswalk. I’ve had someone do that to me and just miss me by inches.” It’s not worth it for them or the children, she said. “I’ve grabbed backpacks when they’re talking or with their bikes and they start going and not waiting for me because they’re not thinking and a car is coming. I couldn’t live with myself if anything happened. I get really emotional about my kids.” It’s been a really wonderful experience, said Veater. “Talking to the kids and hoping to make their day better has been fun. The kids have become like my own.” l
Construction projects altered West Bountiful Streets Some of the work included altering sidewalks and replacing pipes. By Simon Mortensen s.mortensen@davisjournal.com
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n 2025, West Bountiful utilized resources such as grant funds to undergo neighborhood construction projects on 660 West and 1100 West. Decisions that stirred some controversy amongst residents, the work included altering sidewalks and replacing
pipes, with some actions being set aside for the new year. The city’s main project for 2026 will be to upgrade water meters, which has been accounted for in the fiscal year budget.l
West Bountiful underwent construction projects on 1100 West and 660 West in 2025. Photo by Simon Mortensen
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January 2026 | Page 11
Centerville Youth Council updates city council on activities and growth
Several youth council members were sworn in on Nov. 18 by City Recorder Jennifer Robison. From left, Audrey Howell, Lynlee Hernandez, Laney Rives, Slater Howell, Owen Sonntag, Clara Barton and Hudson Purpura. Courtesy photo/Centerville City
At the Nov. 18 Centerville City Council meeting, the youth council provided an update on their work and growth, and several were sworn in. The youth council is actively involved in city events and legislative outreach. By Linda Petersen l.petersen@mycityjournals.com
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ENTERVILLE—Several members of the Centerville Youth City Council were officially sworn into office by City Recorder Jennifer Robison on Nov. 18 at a city council meeting. Prior to the swearing-in ceremony, council members heard an update from youth council advisor Bryce King and Youth Mayor Pro Tem Audrey Howell regarding their activities. The youth council has seen significant
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expansion and currently boasts 35 members. “I remember the mayor and I sitting in this very room almost four years ago and… we were single digits,” King said. “And now we’ve grown numbers, thanks in part to having full-time advisors with the city which makes a huge difference and then also having really great youth participate in the city and serve the community.” King highlighted the generational commitment of some families, mentioning they have a “very strong generational family tree of kids participating in youth council.” Youth Mayor Kate Kramer and Mayor Pro Tem Audrey Howell work closely together, each overseeing different city events, such as the pumpkin festival. For the pumpkin festival “we just organized who does what and we made it happen,” Audrey said. “[Bryce] gives us the food and the money and the supplies and we show up and make it happen.”
Actually, the youth council does a lot more than that, King told the council. “They plan out all the activities, and I just make sure we don’t go to the hospital or jail,” he said jokingly. “These kids do a really good job for the community and so we’re excited to serve.” Audrey also described the youth council’s legislative efforts, specifically their annual “Day on the Hill,” where they visit the state capitol. “Normally we spend a day sometime in the winter,” she said. “We’re able to spend time up at the capital. We sit in on the House normally. We’re able to watch a session, look around, talk to different people. And it’s been a super cool opportunity to see the next level of legislature.” Something that has actually worked better is visiting the legislature at a time other than this formal state youth council event. At those times the youth council has been able to set up meetings with state
officials, including the highway patrol and the state treasurer, giving them a broader picture of the state legislature. The Centerville group’s unique approach offers better access, Audrey said. “Being not in conjunction with the other councils gives us more opportunities to go and talk to people and do stuff that not all the other councils do,” she said. “A lot of cities are starting to do that now, too.” King expressed gratitude for the city’s financial support. “We’re very lucky in our council to be fully funded by the council so, we really appreciate that,” he said. “It’s definitely a great benefit to what these [kids are doing,] Paying back their service and their time to the community and having that opportunity to have some funding from the council is amazing and it makes it more accessible to people that wouldn’t otherwise be able to be on a city council.” l
T he City Journal
Holy Cross Hospital – Davis dedicates new chapel for healing body, mind and spirit
The chapel is a place dedicated for spiritual wellness and contemplation. By Becky Ginos becky.g@thecityjournals.com
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AYTON—A hospital can be an emotional place for both patients and their families as well as the staff who work through hard things daily. Sometimes just a moment of respite to worship and reset can give that extra boost needed to get through the day. Holy Cross Hospital – Davis now provides that space with the dedication of a new chapel. “There are four other hospitals in Utah that were acquired in 2023 by CommonSpirit,” said Kyle Brostrom, Davis Hospital president. “It’s a national faith-based system. Having a chapel is a requirement as part of their mission.” This chapel has been a long time coming, he said. “We had to find some space here at Holy Cross Hospital – Davis. It took a little bit of time to clear that space. The location of the chapel was actually our former gift shop.” It’s right at the front of the hospital, said Brostrom. “So we had to do a little bit of transformation. It looks great now. It doesn’t look like a gift shop. It’s really important that we’re
Davisjournal .com
Father John Evans, Vicar General, Salt Lake Diocese conducts Mass at Holy Cross – Davis hospital’s new chapel. Courtesy photo
able to offer a location that serves that spiritual component of well-being.” That’s part of the mission of CommonSpirit health, he said. “We take care of broken bones, heart attacks and strokes and everything else but the healing process is multifaceted and part of that healing includes the body but also the mind and the spirit. So being able to have that available for the patients, staff and visitors is an important part of the health care we provide.” It’s definitely something the patients wanted, Brostrom said. “There was a lot of excitement around having a place to meditate or whatever so it’s been building for a long time. We did our first Mass over the lunch break. I think everyone is really excited to have that component here as part of the hospital. Just a sacred space for any religion you don’t have to be Catholic. You can be any religion or no religion at all. It’s a place that’s kind of dedicated for spiritual wellness and contemplation.” Brostrom said the hospital has a chaplain. “Father Gregory splits his time between this hospital and Holy Cross – Salt Lake. Now that we have a dedicated chapel he will conduct Mass every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 12:05 p.m.” The chapel is open 24/7, he said. “It’s just meant to be a space for families or staff or
whoever to take a break and find a quiet moment to fill their cup.” “My role is ensuring that we as a health system adhere to and are actively living out our call and abiding values as a faith-based Catholic health care institution,” said Market Director of Mission Integration, Peter Gallagher. “I oversee anything to do with relation to our faith-based Catholic identity. Chapel dedications would fall under that.” There are five hospitals here and they have deep roots, he said. “Their inception was 150 years ago. They were originally founded by Catholic sisters who came over here in 1875. So in some ways the roots are sort of the legacy of these hospitals that were established a long time ago.” It’s a place for spiritual renewal for people at the hospital, said Gallagher. “Faithbased health care is the overall notion of what we call whole person care and that’s in addition to caring for people’s bodies as we do at the hospital.” It’s also imperative to care for their well-being and their spirits, he said. “That’s what we try to live out through a variety of means like focusing on the whole person and I think having a dedicated chapel space is one key part of that.” l
January 2026 | Page 13
City leaders balance infrastructure needs against tax concerns
The future of the former library building – vacant for almost a decade – remains unresolved. Courtesy photo
Kaysville officials reviewed major long-term needs – including a westside fire station, Operations Center upgrades, long-term employee compensation and training, enhancing the downtown area and the future of the old library – while weighing costs, potential bond timing and the need for stronger public outreach. By Cindi Mansell c.mansell@mycityjournals.com
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aysville City leaders are taking a broad look at the city’s future, weighing major infrastructure needs, public-safety investments, and long-term staffing and compensation planning. Following an earlier budget work session, the City Council met for a strategic planning retreat to discuss four major priorities: maintaining long-lasting and reliable infrastructure, improving data-driven decision making and analysis, enhancing the downtown area, and development of a long-term employee compensation plan. Fire Chief Paul Erickson reviewed national response-time standards and showed how current west-side fire responses –averaging 12 minutes. – fall short of recommendations. A west-side station, he said, could raise compliance with national benchmarks from about 40% to roughly 80%. New construction cost is steep; early estimates put the station at about $16 million, with another $2 million annually to staff it. Construction inflation has driven fire station costs sharply upward in recent years, and Kaysville already faces a pending bond
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for its gymnasium partnership with Davis scaled-down $5.4 million renovation addSchool District. ing office space, covered vehicle storage, Council members expressed concern and a relocated fuel island. that voters might reject a fire station bond “This approach would address immeif it appears on the ballot too soon after oth- diate operational needs while preserving er tax increases. Some argued the need is space on the site for a larger facility in the immediate; others urged a longer public-in- future if required,” Recreation Director formation effort and possibly waiting until Cole Stephens said. 2027. City Manager Jaysen Christensen Most of the cost could be funded acknowledged the concern but noted “that through enterprise fees rather than a genmany cities expeeral obligation bond rience initial bond or tax increase. failures, only to see Council Attracting and retain- Several subsequent attempts members suggesting high-quality employ- ed this project may succeed once residents become more ees is essential to deliv- need to move forfamiliar with the sooner due to ering city services and ward issue.” He recomoperational and regfulfilling the mission to ulatory pressures. mended presenting long-term needs comenhance quality of life for Staff will return prehensively – such during upcoming Kaysville residents. as the fire station, budget work seslibrary building, and sions with more operations center – Jaysen Christensen detailed cost and may help residents rate analysis. understand the broadThe future of er picture. Mayor the former library Tamara Tran agreed that residents benefit building – vacant for almost a decade – from transparency about long-term needs remains unresolved. Past public-private and said that community education and partnership proposals have failed, and prehonest discussion are essential even if the serving the structure in its current form is Council elects not to place a bond question estimated at about $3 million with no clear on the next ballot. long-term use. Several Council members City staff also outlined long-needed acknowledged that the building carries improvements to the Operations Center, a heritage value for some residents and that 1991 facility that no longer meets the needs although concepts such as a city museum of a city that has grown from approximately have been discussed, no consensus or direc14,000 to 34,000 residents. It now houses tion has emerged. Some Council members employees in converted storage rooms and said the city has exhausted realistic presout-of-compliance fueling equipment. A ervation options and should consider demprevious full rebuild was estimated at near- olition. Others argued the building’s fate ly $40 million, but staff have developed a should be decided by voters. Concepts for
the site range from open space or a plaza to private redevelopment, with possibilities for retaining salvaged architectural stone as a historic tribute. The Council also began work on a longterm employee compensation framework (like the city’s vehicle replacement plan) to reduce annual debates over COLA, merit, and market adjustments. Staff emphasized that predictable, competitive pay is essential to retaining employees and reducing turnover costs. Christensen reiterated that “attracting and retaining high-quality employees is essential to delivering city services and fulfilling the mission to enhance quality of life for Kaysville residents.” Council members discussed hybrid models that balance predictable step increases with some performance-based flexibility. “The Council wants to avoid politicizing compensation while preserving legislative oversight to prevent unchecked salary growth,” Tran said. Staff will bring back a draft plan for future review. Christensen emphasized that the plan would function as a guiding framework rather than a binding rule, allowing future councils to adjust when fiscal conditions require. He thanked the Council for their input and reiterated that the objective is to streamline the annual process, support recruitment and retention, and provide clarity for both employees and elected officials. No final decisions were made. The Council agreed that extensive public outreaches, especially on major capital projects such as the fire station and library – will be critical before determining ballot timing or financing strategies. Additional analysis and budget work sessions are planned in the coming months. l
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T he City Journal
Health & Wellness A publication covering health and wellness tips, tricks and ideas for everyone in Davis County
Healthier eating for a healthier you By Cindi Mansell | c.mansell@mycityjournals.com The holidays have come and gone – and so have the cookies, late nights and second helpings of pie. As we settle into a new year, many of us feel the pull to reset our routines and reclaim our energy. For older adults especially, staying healthy isn’t just a resolution; it’s a long-term investment in feeling strong, sharp and vibrant. What’s the secret? It might just start with what’s on your plate. Super foods aren’t magic, but they come close. These nutrient-packed foods help support immunity, boost energy and even protect the heart, bones and brain. As we age, these benefits become more than helpful; they’re essential. Eat for memory, focus and a sharper mind. Our brains work hard for us. As the years add up, giving them the right fuel can make a world of difference. Many experts agree that diet is one of the most powerful tools we have
to keep our minds clear and our memories strong. Here are some of the most effective (and delicious) ways to nourish the brain: Hydrate like it matters – because it does. Even mild dehydration can fog your thinking. Since our sense of thirst dulls with age, it’s important to drink water consistently – not just when you feel thirsty. Foods like watermelon, cucumbers and oranges help you hydrate without even trying. Embrace Omega 3s – the brains favorite fat. Fatty fish, like salmon and mackerel, along with chia seeds, flax seeds and walnuts, can help support memory and may even lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Make berries a daily habit. Blueberries, strawberries and blackberries are bursting with antioxidants that help protect the brain from damage and support long-term cognitive health.
Spinach, kale and other leafy greens are loaded with nutrients that feed the brain and the rest of the body. Wikimedia
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Love your healthy fats. Avocados, olive oil and nuts don’t just taste good – they help keep brain cell membranes flexible and fight inflammation. It’s no coincidence the Mediterranean diet consistently ranks as one of the best for brain health. Choose whole grains for steady energy. Unlike sugary snacks that cause energy crashes, whole grains like oats, quinoa and whole wheat bread deliver a slow, steady stream of fuel to the brain. Go green – leafy green. Spinach, kale and other leafy greens are loaded with nutrients that feed the brain and the rest of the body. Don’t forget vitamin B. Found in eggs, poultry, fish, fortified cereals and leafy greens, B vitamins help regulate homocysteine – an amino acid linked to cognitive decline when levels run too high. Cut back on sugar and processed
foods. It’s not just about your waistline. Too much sugar and ultra-processed foods can increase inflammation and contribute to brain fog. Swapping cookies for yogurt, fruit or nuts is an easy way to stay on track. These foods don’t just support your brain – they help keep your whole body feeling its best. From strengthening the immune system to maintaining energy throughout the day, nutrient-dense foods are a simple, natural way to support healthy aging. Healthy aging isn’t about perfection. It’s about making small, steady choices that help you feel your best every day. By limiting sugary drinks, ultra-processed foods, refined carbs, excessive alcohol and high saturated fats – and filling your plate with whole, colorful, nourishing foods – you’re giving your brain and body the tools they need to stay strong, connected and full of life.
Healthy fats like avocado, olive oil and nuts don’t just taste good - they help keep your brain cell membranes flexible and fight inflammation. Adobe Stock
January 2026 | Page 17
Four tips for better health and wellness By Holly Curby | hello@hollycurby.com January begins with optimism—fresh goals, new routines and hopes for better balance. But as the months settle in, many of us feel the weight of schedules, stress and responsibility. A friend recently admitted, “I’m overwhelmed. How do I find balance again?” Her words echoed a feeling many carry quietly. Years ago, during a difficult season of my own, my brother shared advice that changed everything: care for all four parts of your health: physical, spiritual, mental and emotional. Many coaches call these the Four Rooms. They remain one of the simplest ways to take an honest inventory of your well-being. As we step into 2025, they provide a framework for a reset that lasts.
1. The Physical Room: Listening to Your Body
Your physical wellness includes the basics—sleep, movement, nutrition, hydration and routine medical care. Doctors suggest that adults need at least seven hours of sleep, and even short bouts of movement, like a 10-minute walk, can boost energy and focus. A balanced diet supports mood stability and long-term health. Check-in questions: • Am I exercising regularly? • Am I sleeping enough? • Am I relying too much on sugar, caffeine or alcohol? • Am I keeping up with medical and dental appointments? • Am I caring for my daily appearance?
Try this for January: Choose one 10-minute physical ritual—stretching, deep breathing, a quick walk or prepping a healthy snack.
2. The Spiritual Room: What Grounds You
Spiritual wellness relates to meaning, purpose, values and connection—through faith, meditation, gratitude or community. During a challenging period of my life, joining a women’s Bible study, attending church consistently, and staying close to supportive friends became lifelines. A quote by Corrie ten Boom carried me through: “If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. If you look at God, you’ll be at rest.” Check-in questions: • What values guide my decisions? • Am I practicing what I believe? • Am I connected to a spiritual or service-oriented community? • Do I spend time in reflection, prayer or meditation? Try this for January: Choose one weekly grounding practice—journal gratitude, meditate, volunteer or attend a church service.
3. The Mental Room: What You Feed Your Mind
Mental wellness includes your thoughts, learning, focus and ability to manage stress. Counseling can provide clarity, but even simple choices—like stepping away from social media—can quiet mental clutter. A verse I keep beside my bed (Philippians 4:8) reminds me to think
about what is true, noble and admirable. It helps redirect my mind when it begins to spiral. Check-in questions: • What thoughts dominate my mind? • Am I learning and growing? • Do I have a peaceful or creative outlet? • Do I direct my thoughts or let them control me? Try this for January: Commit to a 30-minute daily digital detox, especially at night.
4. The Emotional Room: Understanding Yourself
Emotional wellness includes boundaries, resilience, self-awareness and stress response. During a stressful season, I used social media to record small moments of gratitude. Looking back showed me that goodness still existed, even when life felt heavy. Check-in questions: • How do I handle stress? • Do my moods affect my home or workplace? • Do I procrastinate to the point of exhaustion? • Who can I talk to when things feel overwhelming? Try this for January: Write down three good things from each day. This simple habit strengthens emotional resilience. Note that all four rooms rely on rest. Sleep is foundational for immunity, brain health, fitness and emotional steadiness. Rest is not laziness—it’s maintenance. To find true balance, consider additional wellness areas:
Healthy living starts with everyday choices, like getting outside and moving with your furry friends.
• Environmental: Is your home or workspace calming and organized? • Social: Do your relationships support or drain you? • Financial: Are you spending responsibly, saving and practicing generosity? As we move into this new year, remember that balance isn’t found all at once—it’s built one small choice at a time. Tend to each room with intention, give yourself permission to rest, and let go of what no longer supports your well-being. May 2026 continue to be the year you grow in health, peace and purpose as you bloom right where you’re planted. Want to continue this health and wellness journey? Tune into Holly’s Highlights podcast season 3, episode 7 for more practical tools to prioritize your wellness this year. Available wherever you stream podcasts and at www.HollyCurby.com.
Innovative mental health treatment aims to change lives By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com NeuroHealth is transforming the conversation around mental health therapy. In just over two years, the clinic has become a revolutionary option for patients battling treatment-resistant depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder or anxiety. Under the guidance of board-certified psychiatrist Dr. Thomas Rayner, NeuroHealth offers Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, a therapy likened to physical therapy for the brain. The process involves a 20-minute session, five days a week, for 36 sessions. NeuroHealth’s co-owner and director of operations, Jason Corbridge, said 83% of TMS patients experienced reduced symptoms and 62% achieved remission over 12 months. “It’s awesome, especially when you don’t have the side effects like medication,” Corbridge said. “It was a slow burn to get everything going with NeuroHealth and now it’s been great. Our schedule has been full for a long time.”
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TMS has been FDA-approved since 2008 and accepted by most insurance plans since 2016. NeuroHealth uses a NeuroStar chair for its non-invasive treatments. A cushioned coil placed against the head allows magnetic pulses to deliver stimulation to the appropriate part of the brain. Patients might feel discomfort during the first few days of treatment, including tapping or tingling, but the effect lessens with subsequent procedures. Jessica Brown, a NeuroStar practice development manager, said no other therapeutic modality brings such fast relief with virtually no side effects. “Someone with depression is not depressed. They have depression in their brain. It’s in the left lateral prefrontal cortex, a golf ball-sized location. So what TMS is doing is stimulating that area of the brain to increase that neuroplasticity,” Brown said. “As those neurons are starting to fire again, that neuroplasticity is strengthened and the brain now has the ability to adapt and to change.”
Once the full course of treatment is completed, NeuroHealth specialists monitor patients’ progress through self-assessment surveys and offer maintenance updates if a patient feels they’re sliding back into depression. During Mental Health Awareness Month in May, NeuroHealth hosted an open house to introduce people to the TMS concept and provided activities that promote good mental health, including journaling, painting, guided breathing practices and quiet reflection. “These are all activities that you can do on your own to be able to think positively and bring about that mental headspace that you need,” said Elizabeth Sweat, NeuroHealth patient experience coordinator. Located in South Jordan at 10437 S. Temple Drive, NeuroHealth specializes in TMS but also offers some ketamine treatment. “Anyone who has been suffering with depression, anxiety and OCD would be a good candidate for TMS, specifically people who haven’t seen any benefits from
Elizabeth Sweat, NeuroHealth’s patient experience coordinator, visits with a patient during his TMS treatment. (Photo courtesy of NeuroHealth)
medications in the past or other forms of treatment,” said Karen Canul, NeuroHealth client coordinator. To learn more about TMS or to schedule a consultation, visit NeuroHealthUtah.com. “I have coworkers who have been in remission for seven years,” Brown said. “What we’re doing is we’re making those lower days higher and more manageable for people to continue an adaptive lifestyle.… Depression is lifelong, but they’re learning different things as they go through TMS.”
T he City Journal
One womAn’s journey to healthier cholesterol levels By Kerry Angelbuer | k.angelbuer@mycityjournals.com Laura Welch was able to significantly improve her cholesterol levels without taking statins, by following an active lifestyle, by lowering sugar and increasing fiber in her diet. Laura Welch has long been interested in health and wellness, so when her doctor told her that her total cholesterol level was over 300, dangerously high according to current standards, she took matters into her own hands. She did not want to go with cholesterol-lowering medication which her doctor suggested because of significant side effects and so asked for some time to control it on her own. Six months later her level had dropped by over 50 points and has continued to lower more slowly over the next several months. When her doctor saw her improved numbers, he thought that she had gone on the medication after all and was very “shocked” she was able to improve it so much on her own. Welch is a fraternal twin and when young her sister was always a little skinnier than her. It made her conscious of her own fitness at a young age. That little twin competition fueled her interest in fit-
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ness videos which she mostly did on her own. She also tweaked her eating. She watched what she ate and jumped on the low-fat trend in the 1990s. Currently she frequents the Bountiful Rec Center and takes her dog out walking. She likes to exercise most days, but thinks this is not likely necessary to go at it that hard. Currently, however, she believes she is more fit now, closing in on 60, than she was when she was younger. She read a book on lowering cholesterol and then took the advice of one of her fitness gurus, Denise Austin and aims for 80% healthy eating with 20% eating what you want. “You need to eat more fruit and vegetables,” said Welch, “but everyone needs to have a treat.” One of her strategies was to cut the excessive sugar. She used to consume a lot of sugary drinks and cut most of those out. She also had a thing for those huge frosted cookies, though, “some of them have 1,500 calories in one cookie!” Web MD confirms that excessive sugar intake can stress the liver and raise bad (LDL) cholesterol. She tries to bake her treats at home where she can cut out some of the sugar and use healthier honey, prunes, and other organic sweeteners. She loves
Laura Welch of Bountiful believes in taking an active approach to health and wellness. She was able to lower her total cholesterol levels significantly with lifestyle changes. Courtesy photo
no sugar peanut butter and finds it very satisfying. The book she read, “Cholesterol Down” by Janet Bond Brill, suggested using psyllium powder to trap the excess cholesterol, helping the body expel it. This helped clear her body out as well as drop some weight. The book also suggested eating an apple a day packed with solu-
ble fiber that also binds with the cholesterol. She looks for cereal with low sugar and higher fiber. In the beginning, she ate low-sugar, organic oatmeal almost every day for breakfast. “Good sleep, exercise and just watch your food in moderation,” said Welch, “we don’t have to take medicine, it’s our bodies and our food that got us into this problem.”
January 2026 | Page 19
‘Big Blue Envelope’ program gives officers tools to de-escalate stops with autistic drivers
The envelope gives officers a better understanding of the driver and can streamline the stop and affect the interaction. By Becky Ginos becky.g@thecityjournals.com
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ENTERVILLE—The Centerville Police Department recently rolled out a program called “Big Blue Envelope” to help law enforcement when encountering a driver with autism. The envelope is kept in the glovebox and contains the usual things an officer might ask for such as their insurance and registration but it also has information about their autism, what their triggers are and an emergency contact. “What you’re dealing with is not always apparent,” said Centerville Police Chief Allen Ackerson. “The driving pattern of someone with autism can look like a driver who is impaired by drugs or alcohol. The (envelope) gives us a better understanding of the driver and can streamline the stop and affect the interaction.” Centerville Police Det. Troy Cash spearheaded the “Big Blue Envelope” program not only for Centerville but all of Davis County and for the state.
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Centerville Police Det. Troy Cash spearheaded the “Big Blue Envelope” program. Courtesy photos
“At the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025 (emergency manager) Louise McDonald said she had a friend who saw a Facebook post from a police department in Massachusetts that said they had rolled out a ‘Big Blue Envelope’ program. They had a short video showing a mock traffic stop.” Cash said he had recently received an Autism for Law Enforcement certificate. “I help educate officers to identify the signs and tactics they can use to de-escalate the situation. It’s safer for them and for us.”
A driver’s ed student at Spectrum Academy High School participates in a mock traffic stop using the blue envelopes.
After doing some research, Cash found out that Utah didn’t have the program. “I talked to someone in Massachusetts to find out how they made and printed the envelopes. He told me to take their idea and make it our own with our logo, etc.” Cash said he proposed it to the chief and his lieutenant and then gathered a little bit more information. “I talked to the driver’s ed teacher at the Spectrum Academy (a school specializing in autism) and asked how many drivers there are in Utah. He said it was definitely something
they needed.” He kept working on the project. “I had to rein myself in,” said Cash. “I wanted to do it in the entire state but decided to start in Davis County.” Cash said he went to the printer and found out that printing 500 envelopes was pretty expensive. “I met with Cheryl Smith from the Autism Council of Utah and proposed the idea. She thought it was fabulous but I needed funding. With her help I applied for a grant which provided the funds.” Smith suggested a pilot of the program before he went statewide, said Cash. “I had bundles of 50 envelopes and over the course of several weeks made my way through the county to 19 law enforcement agencies. I delivered them with a flash drive with my instructions on it.” The state also passed a law enforcement bill for the “invisible condition,” he said. “It’s a driver’s license division form for drivers with autism. It has to be signed by a clinician. They put a marker on their license for law enforcement letting them know that the driver has a condition.” The applicant brings the form into the police department in their jurisdiction, Cash said. “We put that into our system and when we run a name we’ll get an alert and we’ll treat it differently because of this.” Utah is the 13th state to start the program, he said. “It’s still very new. I’ve spoken to officers who had traffic stops and showed them the envelopes and asked them if it would have helped them and they said ‘yes, absolutely.’” Cash said before rolling out the envelopes he got with Spectrum Academy. “We had four students and utilized the blue envelopes and had a mock traffic stop. When we started they were anxious. After two or three times you could see the anxiety level decrease even though we had different officers.” The benefits of the program are huge, he said. “It made me happy to sit in the car and watch it in action. It was thrilling – I loved it.” For more information about how to get an envelope contact the local police department or visit https://www.autismcouncilofutah.org/. l
T he City Journal
Centerville Council approves $126K investment in police officer safety The Centerville City Council has approved an investment of nearly $126,000 for new equipment for the police department, including replacement body-worn cameras and patrol rifles, to ensure officer safety and maintain operational readiness. By Linda Petersen l.petersen@mycityjournals.com
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ENTERVILLE—On Nov. 18 the Centerville City Council approved a significant investment in the Centerville Police Department’s equipment, allocating nearly $126,000 to purchase new bodyworn cameras and patrol rifles. The measure includes $87,913.75 for the body camera system and $38,382 for the new firearms. The department began using body cameras in 2008, with each officer being issued their own body camera around 2010. However, those original cameras have reached their operational limit. Lt. Will Barnes, who presented the requests to the council, detailed the urgency of the body camera replacement in a memo. The department’s current cameras are ap-
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proximately eight to 10 years old, he said. More critically, the devices have been discontinued by the manufacturer, Motorola, which is no longer supporting this brand with software or hardware. The aging equipment has led to frequent failures and malfunctions. To keep the program running, Centerville has had to rely on used equipment. “We have been able to obtain several used cameras from surrounding agencies that were no longer using that system,” Barnes told the council. “This has allowed us to limp our camera program along, but we will soon run out of working cameras.” The nature of police work demands rugged equipment as the cameras are “subjected to the extreme conditions of daily wear on the officer’s uniforms,” Barnes’ memo stated. Additionally video evidence collected must be downloaded and saved in a manner consistent with stringent chain of custody and retention standards and policies. The new purchase will consist of 23 body cameras from Motorola Solutions, a brand that offers a product line similar to the department’s previous models. These new devices are expected to integrate
smoothly with the department’s existing video storage infrastructure. Dash cameras, another component of the department’s video system, will be replaced on a phased basis as new patrol vehicles are acquired. In addition to the cameras, the council approved the purchase of 22 patrol rifles and accompanying suppressors. This acquisition, budgeted for in the FY26 cycle which allocated $45,000 for the firearms, comes with a total cost of $38,382. The old rifles will be traded in to the dealer for a credit, reducing the overall expense. The Centerville Police Department issues these rifles to officers for patrol duties, primarily for situations demanding increased capability. Rifles “provide superior firepower in the event of encountering an armed and violent subject,” Barnes’ memo said. The department maintains a total of 22 rifles, 20 of which are issued to officers and two kept as spares. More than half of these firearms are estimated to be about 15 years old, with most being at least a decade old, Barnes told the council at the Nov. 18 meeting. A memo from the department’s armorers strongly recommended a complete replacement.
During the council discussion, Councilmember Robyn Mecham asked how long the new rifles would last. They tend to have a long life, Barnes said. “The ones that we have now are the ones that we purchased the first time before we had any,” he said. “We think that first batch could be 15 years old.” The new rifles, typically an AR-15 platform firing a 5.56mm (.223 caliber) round, are expected to last between five and 10 years. Councilmember Spencer Summerhays raised the idea of rotating the rifles out each year rather than replacing the entire inventory at once. The department’s armorers were considering a similar long-term strategy, Barnes said. “They felt like if we could just start with a baseline of, ‘Hey, let’s just switch them all out now and start with all new ones, then we’ll keep better track and then start on a rotation process like that going forward,’” he said. Historically, the suppressors included have been issued to SWAT officers, but the new purchase will allow for broader use of the equipment across the patrol division, Barnes said..” l
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Arts Committee looks to bring more projects to North Salt Lake The North Salt Lake Arts Committee presented an outline of their plans for 2026 during a November City Council meeting. By Megan Fisher m.fisher@davisjournal.com
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ince its creation in December 2024, the City of North Salt Lake Arts Committee has strived to bring art and culture to the city. During the City Council meeting on Nov. 21, Sherrie Page, Community Development Director and a member of the committee, presented the groups hopes and plans for 2026 and beyond. A major source of excitement for the Arts Committee is the mural program. The first of the murals is on the side of the former Bamberger Hotel at 10 South Main Street. It was painted by Jean Montanaro and dedicated during the Winter Lights Festival on Dec. 1. Two murals will be painted in the town center over the course of 2026. Financially the murals are being covered by $10,000 that has been allocated from the city council’s budget for the program and a grant of $4,250 from the Discover Davis tourism board. Furthermore, the arts committee received $5,000 from an anonymous donor expressly for
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The public works of art suggested for presentation in Hatch Park included statues, oversized chairs, tokens made from the wood of trees that have been removed from the park. The tree’s wood could also be carved into benches and swings by a willing unnamed local artist. The Arts Committee has identified other sites throughout the city for the placements of artistic works; The Arts Committee is looking into bringing the Art Around the Corner to North Salt Lake. This is an event held by the St. George-based organization, these include the the Art Around the Corner Foundation, in which artists display their art for monuments at the purchase or a lease at 10 percent of the cost. Courtesy photo entrances to the City, City Hall and Town Center, Veterthe murals. an’s Memorial PlaThroughout the process of the reno- za, Eagleridge roundabout, Foxboro Drive vation on Hatch Park, the Arts Commit- roundabout, and Eaglewood Golf Course. tee has been working with the landscape Another project they are looking to architect in charge of the project in order implement is bringing the Art Around the to create space in the park for public art. Corner to North Salt Lake. This is an event
held by the St. George-based organization, the Art Around the Corner Foundation, in which artists display their art for purchase or a lease at 10 percent of the cost. The arts committee is also running the NSL Reads program. NSL Reads is a yearly initiative that holds a writing contest for local creatives and hosts a published author who will speak at the city’s elementary schools. The theme for the year will be revealed on Jan. 5, 2026 and will conclude on March 5, 2026 with a night of readings, activities and treats. On the business side, an additional goal of the arts committee is to set up a 501(c) (3) so they can correctly accept monetary donations. The anonymous donation greatly heartened Page and strengthens a belief that residents of North Salt Lake will generously support the arts. The 501 (c)(3) will make it tax deductible for donors. The arts committee is extremely keen to get North Salt Lake residents involved in the local arts and keep them informed about events. A website dedicated to the arts committee and North Salt Lake arts projects will be going live some time in 2026. “The Arts Committee is on fire,” said Lisa Watts Baskin during the presentation. “I’m so excited about all the new ideas and the creatives coming together.” l
T he City Journal
West Bountiful ordered for flashing lights and reflective tape to be installed on stop signs at the intersection of 400 North 800 West. Photo by Simon Mortensen
West Bountiful takes action to increase safety measures at intersection Addressing concerns over public safety, West Bountiful City Council analyzed research to take new actions on the intersection of 400 North 800 West.
By Simon Mortensen s.mortensen@davisjournal.com
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evisiting an issue of public concern, West Bountiful’s city council made decisions to implement new safety measures at the intersection of 400 North 800 West during a meeting on Dec. 2. “We’ve never stopped working on it,” said city administrator, Duane Huffman. “We’ve looked at it. We’ve monitored it, and we just continue to come up with different ways to address it.” The city — who recently received recommendations from a traffic safety engineer at the Utah Local Technical Assistance Program — endorsed actions to add flashing lights and reflective tape to stop signs in the area. Orders have been made for the resources, as well as directions to potentially remove trees that block visibility. Attending the Dec. 2 meeting were two residents who neighbor the intersection. A roadway located near families, the issue has been brought to the council in the past. During a meeting on Sept. 3, 2024, the city decided to invest $6,400 into a traffic study of the area with researchers at Horrocks. Results were reviewed by the council in January, and were provided to the safety engineer for review. “I think it did give us a pretty good idea of how many people are using it, and it also gave us some pretty good data on what vehicles are actually doing there,” said Huffman about the study. “I think there was initially a lot of concern that people were just blowing through that stop sign, especially going east to west, and it didn’t really show that. It did show that people were kind of rolling through when they were making right-hand turns in different directions, so that’s something we obviously need to try to improve.”
Davisjournal .com
According to Huffman, the city would’ve liked to have seen more recommendations from the report than what Horrocks provided. Local resident Kaitlin Howard issued criticisms about the study as well, and says that the research material wasn’t placed close enough to where the problem is occurring. “The strips on the road were past my circle,” said Howard. “They’re already speeding up [there] because they’re going up into the city near the freeway versus where the pedestrians are crossing or where we’re trying to turn in and out of our circle, which also is a road. It’s not just our circle.” Howard belongs to a group of parents in the neighborhood who’ve addressed problems at the intersection for years. A spot where individuals speed up and run stop signs to shorten their commute, a group of parents team up with her to walk their children across the street each day to school. Apart from talking to the city, those living in the area have taken actions as well to increase safety. Together, the neighbors installed cups to the stop sign polls and placed flags in them. They’ve also informed local law enforcement about activities in the area. Despite these measures, Howard still says that a close call with a potential collision happens frequently — even with the adults walking their children through. During her calls to city hall, she expressed her belief that a crossing guard should be at the intersection, but has been told that the solution wouldn’t be feasible due to available resources and demand. That said, she did note that the lights and tape are a step in the right direction. “It’s just one of those things where we’re already doing I think as much as we can, and we’re just kind of at the mercy of what they’re going to spend money on and what resources they’re willing to send our way,” said Howard. “That’s all we can really do is just make sure that [our children] are crossing safely, and keep asking for help and hope that they’ll give us the help we need, which I know takes time and resources and money, so we’ll just try to be persistent.” l
January 2026 | Page 23
OBITUARY
Linda Rae Simpson 1948 ~ 2025 Experiencing love and life with your soulmate has been the greatest of adventures, more than one can ever imagine. Our family lost our dear, sweet, wonderful Linda, wife, mother, and grandmother to cancer on Nov.18, 2025, in Bountiful, Utah. I remember seeing her and her friend walking down that street in front of South Davis Junior High – I was transfixed to say the least – so I asked my brother Kenny to fix us up, he did, and we’ve been married for 59 years. Linda was with me when I was in the Army at Ft. Bragg, talked me into becoming a police officer, helped me learn drugs and arrhythmias to get through paramedic school and guided me throughout my life. I had the honor of caring for her the last four months every day and every night, I wouldn’t trade that for anything. I love her and will miss her every day for the rest of my life... Linda was born March 28, 1948, in Modesto California to Melivn and Norma Winn. The family later moved to Woods Cross, Utah where Norma worked as a waitress at Pappas Steakhouse and Mel worked as an engineer installing pumps and water systems. Linda was very outgoing, sociable and made friends easily; while attending South Davis Junior High she made friends that would last a lifetime, and she also met the love of her life K.D Simpson. She graduated from Viewmont High School, got her first job as a car hop at the Frost Top in Bountiful, she was so excited to be able to meet people, stay out late at night, make money, and get a ride home after work in KD’s 1962 red Ford Galaxy 500. Linda and KD were married Dec. 18, 1966, in Bountiful. A few weeks afterwards she joined KD who was in the US Army at Ft. Bragg North Carolina. They had a chance to do a lot of traveling along the east coast, visiting Washington D.C., staying with friends in New Burn, spending time together, setting the stage for the next 59 years of true love and devotion.
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Returning to Utah, Linda went to work as a cashier for Albertson’s in Bountiful. She was so excited about the people she met; she loved helping people and would go to the ends of the earth to make someone happy and feel good about themselves. She retired after 20 years, making more friends than one could imagine. We could hardly go anywhere without meeting someone who knew Linda from her time at Albertsons. Linda had a way with people, she was sweet, kind and gentle, she could light up a room with her smile, she had that rare gift that made people feel loved, seen and understood. She carried these gifts throughout her life. Linda and KD were blessed with two sons, Sean and Ryan, who were the light of her life. She loved her family, and one of her greatest pleasures was taking the kids to Flaming Gorge fishing, hiking and spending nights in our trailer telling stories, being together. Her favorite time of year was Christmas because she loved seeing smiles on the kids’ faces, watching the joy they got out of the season, how excited they were putting up the tree, the lights and of course the gifts. She took so much pleasure in watching the kids grow, they meant the world to her, and she loved them dearly. She worked many jobs, she loved people
and enjoyed working with others she was a realtor, she worked at Home Depot in the Garden shop, then she started her own home-based business, Woodhaven Creations making crafts for local boutiques, Quilted Bear, friends and special events such as Swiss Days. You could find Linda and her friends on any given day in her wood shop in the back yard. She earned a certificate as a Master Gardener and spent countless hours in the yard planting flowers, trees and tending her three gardens. Linda loved cooking, using her mother’s recipes, many learned from Kitty Pappas, she would always include the family in fixing meals, treats or something special. One of her favorite things to do was making Salsa, which was a family event, from gathering the ingredients from fields in Layton to all day marathon cooking and bottling sessions in the kitchen, without a doubt: best Salsa ever! She was creative, with a vivid imagination, she would spend hours creating new designs, talking them over with her friends and spending hours in her wood shop getting the final design just right. She was generous and compassionate, not hesitating to stop what she was doing and create something special and unique when asked. She was an artist, painting in watercolors, she loved to
do pottery and making jewelry. There was not a critter in the world she didn’t love; raccoons, dogs, cats, chickens, ducks, all kinds of birds, if she could bring it home, she did. When she wanted a pond, it turned into three ponds. It took her weeks to pick out just the right fish, she would spend days at a country store picking out her chicks and then keeping them warm in containers in KD’s office until they were ready to join the flock. She learned to revive birds that ran into the patio windows, felt terrible if they didn’t fly again, fed baby birds that fell out of their nest with an eye dropper and slept with her dogs when they were sick. She loved animals, had great compassion and an intense sense of responsibility for their care and wellbeing. She was preceded in death by her parents and older brother Larry. Linda is survived by her husband KD, sons Sean Raymond of Bountiful, Ryan Dale and (Hiroe), grandsons Liam and Melvyn of Colorado Springs, and her brother Micheal J. and (Dawn) Winn, Victor Montana. We appreciate and extend our heartfelt gratitude to Utah Cancer Specialists, caregivers and providers at Lakeview Hospital ICU and the third-floor nursing staff for their devotion and skills in caring for our sweet Linda. A special thank you to the ER staff at Lakeview and the unexpected but wonderful opportunity for Linda to see and pet the service dog that came to visit her, I will never forget the smile on her face that night. Linda didn’t like funerals, she asked that her ashes be taken to her brother’s ranch in Victor Montana, a place she loved to visit, spend time in the woods and enjoy solitude. In the near future a Celebration of Life will be held with family and friends to remember and honor the love of my life, my soul mate. In place of flowers, donations to the Utah Humane Society in honor of her love of animals would be appreciated.
T he City Journal
West Bountiful ends year ratifying election results, approving tuition reimbursement
After returning to session on Nov. 18, West Bountiful concluded 2025 by ratifying election results, implementing safety measures and approving tuition reimbursement resolutions. By Simon Mortensen s.mortensen@davisjournal.com
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ollowing a hiatus that began after a meeting on Oct. 7, the West Bountiful City Council reconvened for sessions in late November as well as December. Since returning, the committee has ratified election results, decided on safety measures and approved a tuition reimbursement resolution. Here’s a recap: Julie Thompson elected to city council During this year’s election cycle, West Bountiful residents were faced with the task of voting in a mayor as well as two city council members. Of the open seats, two were secured by incumbents with one going to newcomer Julie Thompson – who earned 35.9% of the vote, according to electionresults.utah.gov. Thompson edged out Mark Preece for a spot on the council. An individual who ran on
Davisjournal .com
West Bountiful ratified general election results during a meeting on Nov. 18. Photo by Simon Mortensen
the commitment to preserve the city for future generations, she will be joined by Kelly Enquist, who finished second in this year’s voting. Apart from Thompson’s victory, Mayor Ken Romney retained his seat after his race against current council member, Dell Butterfield. Voters also responded in favor of a RAP Tax proposition. During their meeting on Nov. 18, the council moved to ratify the election results. Thompson will be sworn in during 2026. New safety measures at 400 North intersection Revisiting an issue of public concern, West Bountiful City Council voted to install
flashing lights and reflective tape on stop signs at an intersection on 400 North. The decision was made after analyzing recommendations from a traffic safety engineer at the Utah Local Technical Assistance Program. Along with the additions, administration is searching for potential opportunities to remove two trees that impede visibility. An issue that’s been pushed forward by residents, West Bountiful worked with the company Horrocks to conduct a study of the area, which was reviewed in January of 2025. An incident in which a child collided with a vehicle impacted discussions about the
roadway last year, both amongst neighbors and city officials. Tuition reimbursement resolution approved by council Creating new ways to up-skill their current employees, West Bountiful voted in favor of adopting new tuition reimbursement policies. Resolution #577-25 – which uses $20,000 from the general fund – provides full-time city employees attending an accredited school with up to $4,000. The funds can be dedicated toward tuition, fee and required textbook costs. Recipients must remain employed by the city for two years after their last reimbursement – with some individuals potentially receiving a waiver depending on the discretion of city administration. “West Bountiful City recognizes that its employees are its greatest resource,” said City Administrator Duane Huffman. “This is a very small way that we can make an investment in helping those employees to learn skills that are going to benefit both the city and their long-term future.” Funds are available on a first come, first serve basis. Seniority may be factored into decision making when needed. De-escalate the situation. It’s safer for them and for us.” l
January 2026 | Page 25
Davis Tech names 2026 Student of the Year Jackson Hastings, a student in the Networking and Cybersecurity program was selected from six finalists. By Becky Ginos becky.g@thecityjournals.com
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AYSVILLE—Davis Technical College (Davis Tech) announced last month that Jackson Hastings, a student in the Networking and Cybersecurity program, was chosen as the 2026 Student of the Year. Hastings was recognized at a luncheon held at the school’s Allied Health Building. In the coming year, Hastings will act as the voice representing nearly 8,000 students at Davis Tech. Hastings was one of six finalists who were named 2026 Students of the Year in each of their own programs. Maria Medina Cilva, a student in the Automotive Technology program was selected as Runner-Up. “These awards are the absolute best among our students,” said Kelly Simerick, vice president of Instruction and Student Success. “These are individuals who exemplify excellence in grit and passion in their programs. While there are six here today we also run a very similar program for our students who attend at the Utah Department of Corrections. So we are doing a student of the year selection process for incarcerated students as well.” Simerick shared this quote from soccer player Pelé: “Success is no accident. It’s hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all love of what you’re doing or learning to do. We’re here today to celebrate your determination, your effort, your passion that you’re putting into becoming who you are meant to be.” “This is one of those days that reminds me how great this job is,” said Davis Tech President Darin Brush. “Thank you all for giving me and all of us this great day.” This is a big deal, he said. “You are all students of the year and it’s a difficult decision to choose an overall student at the end of year. What you all have in common is you’re strong and you inspire and I’m glad to know you.” Hastings was surprised to win the award.
Jackson Hastings, Student of the Year, works in the Networking and Cybersecurity program. Hastings juggled classwork with a full-time job and three children.
“I feel like I have maybe a little bit of imposter syndrome,” he said. “I wasn’t always a good student in the past when I was younger. It’s just something with me that actually changed over time, wanting to advance myself.” It’s taken quite a bit of coursework, he said. “It’s been hard trying to fit that in with a full-time job and having my three kids with me as well. Monday through Thursday I was up at 6 a.m. and then not home until 9:30 p.m. That’s how it’s been for the last couple of years.” Hastings would like to go on and receive his bachelor’s degree in Cloud and Network Engineering. “It’s more where I want my career to go. Working for some corporations or within a data center is actually something that’s desirable for me.” “My experience has been amazing,” said Cilva, who is from Venezuela and fled what she called “tyranny and dictatorship.” “This is totally new for me,” she said. “In my country I was a lawyer. I always wanted to be a mechanic but my mother said no because it is only for men. But I arrived here and saw a new opportunity and I had the support of my family for us to be here.” Cilva is now in the Automotive Technology program doing what she always wanted to do. “I want to get my engineering degree,” she said. “It’s my dream. I want a better life for my
Maria Medina Cilva, Student of the Year Runner-Up, at work in the Automotive Technology program. Cilva always wanted to be a mechanic but didn’t have the opportunity in her home country of Venezuela. Courtesy photos
family and to be an example for my kids.” The 2026 Students of the Year for each school are: School of Business and Information Technology Jackson Hastings, Networking and Cybersecurity program School of Construction Beckham Dickson, Plumbing Apprenticeship program
School of Health Professions Melanie Morrison, Surgical Technology program School of Manufacturing Gabriel Peterson, Welding Technology and Machining Technology programs School of Service Professions Ellie Hill, Cosmetology program School of Transportation Maria Medina Cilva, Automotive Technology program
Andy Leger concert set for Jan. 9
Andy Leger is a pianist, vocalist, and instrumentalist. Courtesy photo
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he West Bountiful Arts Council is happy to present talented Andy Leger on stage Friday, Jan. 9, 2026 at 7 p.m. A talented pianist, vocalist, and instrumentalist, Andy has long been a favorite performer in our community. He will grace us with a collection of timeless classics, promising a memorable and heartwarming evening for
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all who attend. The concert will be held at West Bountiful City Hall (500 N. 800 West). Upcoming spring 2026 concerts: Feb. 13 – Susie Carter March 13 – Young Artists Jazz April 10 – TBA May 8 – Von Hill
T he City Journal
Kaysville Police Sergeant graduates from elite police leadership program Kaysville Police Sgt. Cade Bradshaw completed the Southern Police Institute’s 12-week Administrative Officers Course at the University of Louisville, an intensive leadership program that prepares law enforcement professionals for advanced management roles through training in administration, problem-solving, and modern policing practices. By Cindi Mansell c.mansell@mycityjournals.com
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aysville Police Sgt. Cade Bradshaw recently graduated from the Southern Police Institute’s highly regarded Administrative Officers Course (AOC), a rigorous 12week leadership program housed within the University of Louisville’s Department of Criminal Justice. The 480-hour program, considered one of the nation’s premier law enforcement management courses, has been offered continuously since 1951. Its curriculum focuses on preparing ethically grounded and technically proficient leaders through advanced training in trauma-informed policing, administrative law, organizational performance, and diagnostic problem-solving.
Davisjournal .com
KPD Sgt. Cade Bradshaw recently completed a prestigious administrative officers course. Courtesy photo
Bradshaw described the coursework as “academically rigorous,” noting that during his 12 weeks in Louisville, he completed extensive reading requirements and authored several research papers on topics such as mental health, leadership, and administrative responsibilities in policing. Participants complete four upper-level college courses taught by doc-
toral-level instructors, including former law enforcement officers and a practicing attorney. Completion of the AOC is widely regarded as a stepping-stone to upper-level command positions, and many police chiefs across the country have graduated from the program. Each class draws officers from across the United States as well as Europe and the Pacific Rim, creating a diverse learning environment that encourages collaboration, negotiation, and the exchange of modern policing strategies. Housed in the University of Louisville’s College of Arts and Sciences, the Southern Police Institute emphasizes professional excellence and leadership development within the field of law enforcement. Instructors include seasoned administrators, academic experts, and program alumni who share real-world insights from their own careers. For Bradshaw, the program served as both a personal milestone and an opportunity to bring contemporary, evidence-based policing practices back to Kaysville. He noted that trust between law enforcement and communities has eroded in some parts of the country over the past decade. “This course is designed to help law enforcement leaders strengthen that trust and reduce crime by applying procedural justice and evidence-based practices such as hot spot policing, intelligence-led policing, and the stratified model,” he said. “As a leader, it is my respon-
sibility to serve the officers I supervise and to teach them these principles so that we have more qualified and knowledgeable officers.” Mental health emerged as a significant focus of the program. Bradshaw said one class examined how officers’ own mental well-being improves interactions with the public, reduces use-of-force incidents, and contributes to a healthier professional outlook. Participants also explored how mental health challenges influence criminal behavior and discussed strategies for helping individuals in crisis – emphasizing communication, resource connection, and alternatives to jail for those whose primary need is treatment. Bradshaw was one of 29 law enforcement leaders who lived on campus and completed the program together. Admission to the AOC requires holding a supervisory position. Within the Kaysville Police Department, attendance is voluntary and based on seniority. “Our chief strongly supports education and ensures these opportunities are available,” Bradshaw said. “The city funds the program with the expectation that we bring back the knowledge and practices to improve our department.” Bradshaw said attending the AOC was a privilege. “My goal is to use what I learned to improve myself and help the next generation of officers grow, so we can provide the best service possible to our community.” l
January 2026 | Page 27
Batchelor honored as Davis Chamber of Commerce 2026 ATHENA Award recipient
Julie Batchelor will be recognized at the Davis Chamber Athena Award Luncheon on Feb. 24 at the Davis Conference Center. By Becky Ginos becky.g@thecityjournals.com
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AYTON—The Davis Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Committee has selected Julie Batchelor as the recipient of the 2026 ATHENA Leadership Award. The prestigious award is given to women who contribute service to the community, demonstrate professional excellence and assist other women to achieve their leadership potential. “I was very surprised and very honored and I even cried,” said Batchelor. “Since I started, Women in Business has been one of my passions in the chamber itself. So when I spent those years doing it I sat on the ATHENA selection committee for maybe 15 years honoring the great women in our community.” Batchelor said when they honored her it took her breath away. “These are the ATHENA principles that I love so much.” Currently, Batchelor works as an independent contractor in the advertising and marketing industry. She has also had positions at Franklin Covey, Iomega Corporation and Sysco International Foods. “All during that time my family ran a restaurant in Ogden,” she said. “We closed the restaurant in 2003. In 2004, I started selling direct advertising with Hometown Values magazine. One of the first things I did was start attending the Chamber Women in Business meetings. I got super involved in that. I love Women in Business.” Batchelor said she started to sit on some of the boards. “I was the Women in Business chair in 2010 so I was on the committee for five years before I was chair. I love networking at the chamber too so I go to the networking meetings.” In 2011, Batchelor started her business,
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Julie Batchelor Batchelor Management. “I’ve had that for a long time,” she said. “It allows me to work with lots of different companies and what I started to do in 2011 was finding the best fit for my clients.” In the early 2000s, Batchelor said she would work with clients that needed a logo. “I’d say I need a high resolution logo and they’d say ‘I think my business card guy has a copy of that.’ At one point I was like ‘why do they need a business card guy? Why do they need four different sales reps if I can help them?’” Their advertising would be one rep to connect them to all the different areas they wanted to do, she said. “That includes Hometown, Value Pages, ValPak and postcards. I’ve done that through many different companies. I also got a wholesale account doing business cards so they didn’t have to have a business card guy anymore.” Batchelor is a lifelong Davis County resident and graduated from Layton High School and Weber State University.
“I still live in my childhood neighborhood,” said Batchelor. “My parents live up the street.” In addition to her work with the chamber, Batchelor serves as a RAMP Commissioner for Layton City. She will join the Davis Chamber Executive Board in 2026. Sports were an important part of Batchelor’s growing up years and she took that love into adulthood, coaching youth sports. “My family grew up playing ball,” she said. “All of us. My brother became the head football coach at Layton High. My daughter grew up and played a lot of softball. My oldest niece is 34 now and we started coaching just even in the recreation world when she was eight.” As her daughter Gracie was growing up Batchelor and her husband coached her in Junior Jazz and basketball. “I even coached my little nephew in soccer,” she said. “But he’s not little anymore – he’s 25. We coached a lot over the years and we loved it. I want girls to love ball as much as I do and I hope while they do it they’ll learn the fundamentals. That’s our coaching style. It ended up being about 24 years of coaching.” Batchelor’s experience in her parents’ restaurant showed her how important advertising was. “I knew how successful it
could be and how it could help business and especially small business,” she said. “Direct mail has gone up but it hasn’t doubled and tripled and quadrupled. So I feel that you can find something in everyone’s budget. That’s what I love too. I believe that people shouldn’t go broke advertising and I want to help them maintain their budget and get the biggest bang for their buck.” Besides her business, Batchelor works to support the teen centers in the Davis School District. “I do have one passion – it’s the teen centers. I love to donate to them.” It started with pantry packs at East Layton Elementary where she was the PTO president. “That was a passion and then when my Gracie went to Central Davis Junior High they didn’t distribute pantry packs there at the time,” she said. “So we worked to get pantry packs there. I think just between education and knowing that kids can’t learn if they’re hungry it just became a passion of mine.” Batchelor will be honored at the Davis Chamber ATHENA Award Luncheon Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026 at the Davis Conference Center. For more information about the ATHENA Award visit https://www.athenainternational.org/leadership-award-events. l
T he 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.”
Davisjournal .com
Two locations make it easy to access cross-country skiing. 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, and
Accessibility and affordability make cross-country skiing a familyfriendly winter sport option. (Adobe stock)
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 29
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It’s time to bring back a countywide newspaper in Davis County
avis County is home to more than 380,000 residents across 15 wonderful cities. For most of our history, we had a countywide newspaper – the Davis County Clipper – that kept families informed, kept government transparent, and kept our community connected. When it closed, we didn’t just lose a newspaper. We lost one of the most important tools a community can have: a trusted source of local information that reaches everyone. Today, we feel the effects of its absence every single day. The Davis Journal is doing excellent work, and I appreciate their commitment to local reporting. But their readership reaches only a small percentage of residents. A county of 380,000 people deserves a newspaper that reaches all households – consistently, clearly, and reliably. Without that, misinformation spreads more easily, confusion increases, and residents are left trying to navigate important issues without a central place to turn. We saw this firsthand at our recent Truth in Taxation hearing. Attendance was
John Crofts Davis County Commissioner
outstanding, and the public comments were heartfelt and often difficult to hear. Many residents described the financial strain they are under from inflation and rising costs. Their testimonies deeply influenced my vote against the proposed tax increase. Another theme also emerged – many residents were unsure about which decisions belong to the County and which belong to the Davis School District, the cities, our special service districts, and other entities entirely outside the County’s control. Some believed the County had raised taxes when those increases were made by the school district. This confusion is understandable. Without a countywide newspaper explaining these distinctions week after week, res-
idents are left piecing information together from social media or word of mouth – and that is no substitute for reliable, consistent local reporting. To help address the information gap, we voluntarily held three Town Halls – more than required and more than many counties would attempt. Were they perfect? No. And I was criticized and even mocked for holding them. But I will never apologize for creating opportunities for civic engagement. Even imperfect Town Halls are better than silence. Criticism makes us better, and public participation makes our county stronger. But Town Halls alone are not enough. We need a countywide newspaper – one that explains not just what is happening, but why. One that highlights the stories, decisions, debates, and opportunities that affect our lives every day. One that keeps government accountable and keeps residents informed. And here is the good news: For roughly the cost of a gallon of milk per household per year, we could bring this vision to life.
That small investment could dramatically improve transparency, civic engagement, and public trust. It would give every Davis County resident a reliable source of local news. Some say newspapers are a thing of the past. But local newspapers are not relics – they are lifelines. They inform voters, protect taxpayers, strengthen communities, and help good government function the way it should. Davis County is strong because its people are strong. A countywide newspaper would make us even stronger. It’s time to bring one back. Editor’s note: We are excited for the possibility of increasing our coverage and distribution. Currently we are distributing news monthly to 50,000 homes in Davis County and also provide a daily email with local news. Our hope is to increase our subscription count so we can relaunch the weekly print newspaper and grow the daily email. You can help support the Davis Journal by subscribing at https://www.davisjournal.com/pages/subscribe. l
North Salt Lake City Council ratifies municipal general election results The results of the North Salt Lake 2025 Municipal Election were accepted and ratified by the city council on Nov. 18.
voters in North Salt Lake and the election saw 3,717 ballots cast. This means the election had a voter turnout of 33.75%, which is much higher than expected. According to Page, North Salt Lake has traditionally been under 30 percent, around 27 or 28. 595 individuals only voted for one city council member, instead of the required two. And 139 individuals only voted in the city council race and not the mayoral. Fifty-nine ballots were unable to be counted. Forty-nine of these came through the mail and were not postmarked by the specified time on Election Day. Eight bal-
By Megan Fisher m.fisher@davisjournal.com
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cting as the North Salt Lake Board of Municipal Canvassers, the North Salt Lake City Council ratified and unanimously accepted the results of the North Salt Lake 2025 municipal general elections during the city council meeting of Nov. 18. City Recorder Wendy Page presented the results. The municipal general election for North Salt Lake was held on Nov. 4. Brian J. Horrocks held onto his seat as mayor, running against Barry Bryson. Horrocks served on the North Salt Lake City Council for 14 years before being elected to a four-year term as mayor in 2021. Bryson is the owner of two online media-related businesses and ran on a platform of city unity, revitalizing the city’s economy, and promoting solar energy. Horrocks won the race convincingly, with 76 percent of the votes. In the city council race, Alisa Van Langeveld held onto her position on the city council, with 2,272 votes. She has served on the city council for four years, labeling herself as a “moderate leader who prioritiz-
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lots had signatures which did not match, and one did not have proper identification. The same problems occurred during the primary election, as reported by Page. Speaking to the city council, Page provided assurance of the legitimacy of the results. “I went to the post-election audit and witnessed first hand how they just really work hard,” she said. “The county is awesome at making sure that every vote is counted and that all the numbers match. And they do it in a myriad of different ways – they verify and make sure that it works. I think you can feel confident in certifying these results.”l
A political sign in front of a North Salt Lake home. The election had a voter turnout of 33.75%, which is much higher than expected. Courtesy photo
es results.” A resident of Foxboro for 18 years, Van Langeveld has worked for many years as a community organizer and strives to be a part of the major changes and upheavals occurring in North Salt Lake. Heidi Smoot will begin her first term on the council, having won 1,866 votes. Smoot hopes to maintain North Salt Lake’s small town charm, improve roads and parks, and opposes the building of the homeless campus in the area. There are a total of 11,014 registered
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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 agrees with me, it makes me feel like I’ve
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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 infrastructure. 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.
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