January 2026 | Vol. 35 Iss. 1
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Humans of Herriman: A book for our community By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com
High school students have been inspired by the stories of Herriman residents, which they hope to share with the community.
munity with their new one. Mayor Lorin Palmer talked about why he chose to run for office and what the hardest part of his job is. James Crane shared why his father chose to preserve Herriman and become its first mayor. fter three months of interviewing A book launch party will be held at Herriman residents, transcribing City Hall later this month, followed by a their stories and collecting photographs, presentation of the book to the City CounMountain Ridge High School business cil. Excerpts from the interviews are on Instudents Sadie Miles, Kennedy Haymond stagram @humansofherriman and will be and Angeles Acosta have completed their displayed on promotional posters throughHumans of Herriman project. out the community. The interview audio “One thing I realized with people is, recordings have been donated to a Utah everyone has a really good story to share- Historical Society collection, and at the end -you just need to figof February, the three ure out how to get students who orgato that story,” Miles the project will “You don’t have to nized said. “I remember present their work at be in any certain role or the state high school just going out of almost every single position. Just go out, DECA club business interview being like, competition. find your passion, get ‘Wow, that was the The students best interview I’ve involved in that passion, said it was a good exdone so far,’ because make a difference, and perience in planning, just the different organizing and coljust make your communi- laboration. They also perspectives everyone has and the diflearned a lot about ty better that way.” ferent advice they’d people, their city and give us. Every sintheir community. Mayor Lorin Palmer, gle interview felt so “It’s cool to see resident since 2013 life-changing. Honall different perspecestly, every single tives--people that interview I did.” just got here, and The interviews of about 60 adults and then people that remember Herriman when teenagers have been compiled into a book it wasn’t even a town,” Miles said. titled “Humans of Herriman”, which is Interviewers said the stories of childavailable for purchase, in partnership with hood experiences, life challenges and adFriends of Herriman. Within its pages are vice varied as much as the individuals being stories about the early days of Herriman, interviewed, however, the value of commupersonal challenges and opinions about the nity emerged as a common theme. city’s growth. Those interviewed shared “There are so many of us who have why they moved to Herriman, what they similar beliefs and similar wants for the like about the area and what they hope for Sadie Miles interviews Herriman resident Kean Goue, originally from Ivory Coast, Africa, for the its future. Many shared their experience as Continued on Page 4 Humans of Herriman book. (Photo courtesy Sadie Miles) an immigrant, comparing their old com-
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Continued from front page community, and I feel like our book is definitely trying to highlight that and highlight the importance and the value of community,” Haymond said. Miles said this project was chosen, in part, to help unify the community. “A big thing that I want with this book is for everyone to see how similar we really are, no matter where we’re from,” she said. “It almost just felt like no matter where people were from, they all wanted similar things.” Many of the residents interviewed expressed a hope to keep Herriman feeling like a small town community despite its explosive growth. They said they want to know their neighbors, to socialize within their neighborhoods and to participate in community events.
Jason Miles, Herriman resident of 20 years. (Photo courtesy Sadie Miles)
“I feel like everybody craves wanting to feel a part of something and feel connected to something greater than themselves,” Haymond said. “And I feel like that comes hand in hand with community, and that’s why it’s so important for people to find a community they can be a part of.” Haymond has learned the importance of community as a member of Herriman City’s Youth Council and of Mountain Ridge High School. “Actually talking to people who have lived here forever, and people who have moved here from other places where community is a really big part of their culture, it really just has solidified to me how important it is to be involved with your community, and how it really changes your life and changes the way you view the world, which I think is really important and something that I wish everybody knew,” Hay-
mond said. “Because if everybody was involved with the community, then I think it would be better as a society. I think that’s the biggest thing I’ve learned from this project and talking to all these people.” Miles,who also serves on the Youth Council, said this project reaffirmed the responsibility she feels to help shape Herriman’s future. “It was almost like a call to action to me of how important it is that we stay involved, and how important it is that we keep Herriman’s history, and Herriman’s legacy of feeling like a small town, feeling like a community,” Miles said. “Of course there’s a lot of people that feel that way, but especially us kids that are growing up here in Herriman, it’s our responsibility to be keeping that, too, and to continue with that feel.” l
Julieta Yescas De Meza, who works with youth in custody, shares how she started over in America. (Photo courtesy Sadie Miles)
Tina McCafferty was interviewed for Humans of Herriman. (Photo courtesy Sadie Miles)
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“We have all our value, like things I can bring, things like the experience I can bring someone else can benefit for it. So today, at this point of our lives, if we are part of your life, it mean that there’s something I have that you need to get from me. So we are all, like, completing each other.” Clarisse Goue,
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Matt and Heather Merrill were interviewed for the book by their daughter Rachel Merrill, a Mountain Ridge High School student. (Photo courtesy Sadie Miles)
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New and reelected city officials look to the future: Herriman welcomes new council member and reelects Mayor Palmer and two council members Candidates battled for mayor and District 3’s seat while two of Herriman’s four districts reelected unopposed council members. By Elisa Eames e.eames@mycityjournals.com
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long with the holidays, the November municipal elections have come and gone. Herriman reelected its mayor, two unopposed incumbents and a brand new face for District 3’s city council seat. Terms for recently elected officials begin this month, and all newly elected positions will conclude in 2030, with the exception of District 4, which held a special election for its city council seat.
Mayor: Ty Brady and Lorin Palmer
Mayoral challenger and businessman Ty Brady went toe-to-toe with victor Mayor Lorin Palmer. A Herriman resident for eight years, Brady founded Brady Insurance Marketing to assist entrepreneurs. His campaign focused on public safety, sustainable development and education. The self-proclaimed “proud family man” touted his hard work, integrity, transparency and faith. Brady garnered 2,267 votes, or 24.77%. Herriman’s mayor for the past four years and the next four, Palmer describes himself as a stay-at-home dad when he’s not fulfilling civic responsibilities. “I’m really grateful to the residents of Herriman for trusting me with another term. It means a lot, and I don’t take that responsibility lightly,” he said. “I’m excited for the chance to serve one more term. I love this community and I’m ready to keep working hard for the people who call Herriman home.”
The city hopes that voter turnout will continue to increase in future municipal elections. (Photo courtesy Herriman City)
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Palmer has lived in the city for 12 years and feels that under his leadership, critical infrastructure is keeping up with growth, outdoor recreation has expanded, traffic issues are being addressed and sales tax revenue is up with new retail businesses on the way. “We’ve accomplished a lot, but there’s still plenty of work to do… bringing in more businesses and job centers so residents can work closer to home, investing in the infrastructure…, and pushing key projects across the finish line—like the new athletic complex, another commercial center in Olympia, and the continued expansion of our foothill trail system,” he said. “I’m excited to work with our new council and keep that energy going… while bringing fresh ideas to help Herriman grow in the right way.” Palmer received 6,884 votes, or 75.23%.
District 1 City Council: Jared Henderson retains his seat until 2028
Reelected in 2023, District 1’s Jared Henderson did not run in November as his term, which began in 2024, does not conclude until 2028.
District 2 City Council: Teddy Hodges, unopposed
Sixteen-year resident Teddy Hodges, who ran unopposed for District 2’s city council seat, received 1,959 votes, or 100%. “The next four years will be focused on capitalizing on the incredible momentum we have established,” he said. “We have a cohesive and talented city council, and I’m confident we will continue to be a leader in Salt Lake County for quality of life and smart governance.” A city council member since 2021, Hodges stated via his campaign bio that “he ran for council because he did not like the direction the city was heading and wanted to help where he saw a need.” The owner of a solar power company, he also dresses as Santa Claus for Herriman Christmas events. “I’m genuinely excited to welcome Terrah Andersen and Matt Basham to the city council. It’s a testament to the strength of our community when such talented individuals step up and dedicate themselves to public service,” Hodges said. “Our economic development momentum is stronger than ever. The number of new businesses choosing to call Herriman home is a reflection of our city’s vitality, and this growth will bring more local job opportunities and essential services closer to our residents.”
District 3’s Sherrie Ohrn bids farewell
District 3’s incumbent, Sherrie Ohrn, did not seek reelection. “I’m really grateful for Sherrie Ohrn and the eight years she
In November, Districts 2, 3, and 4 voted for city council seats, and all districts voted for mayor. (Photo courtesy Herriman City)
gave to serving Herriman. She helped build a lot of the momentum we’re feeling today,” Palmer said. “I’d like to express thanks to Sherrie Ohrn for all of her tremendous work on the city council,” District 4’s City Councilmember Terrah Anderson said. “To outgoing Councilmember Sherrie Ohrn, thank you for your eight years of service to our community,” District 3’s new Councilmember Matt Basham said. “I’ve had the opportunity over the last year to closely watch you at work. You were always prepared and up to speed on the matters before the council and represented us well.”
District 3 City Council: Heather Garcia and Matt Basham
The District 3 race was much closer compared to others as newcomers Heather Garcia and Matt Basham sparred for Ohrn’s seat. Garcia, who ultimately yielded to Basham, spent six years on Herriman’s Planning Commission prior to throwing her hat into the ring for the city council. “With 15 years of leadership in operations, an MBA, and a degree in Political Science focused on public policy, I know how to balance budgets, solve problems and make informed decisions,” she stated in her campaign bio. “I would like to sincerely thank Heather Garcia for an excellent race,” Basham said. “She truly loves Herriman and has demonstrated her dedication through years of service to our community on the Planning Commission. Her voice and perspective are
valuable to our city.” Garcia drew 1,197 votes, or 43.06%. The city council’s only fresh face this year, Basham owns four small businesses and has degrees in both business and information technology. “I am excited to work with Mayor Palmer and Councilmembers Henderson, Hodges and Anderson to keep the trajectory Herriman has enjoyed over the last four years… [and] ensure that Herriman remains one of the best places to live, work and raise our families,” he said. Outside of his council duties, Basham works as a public insurance adjuster. “I built my career in insurance claims adjusting, developing problem-solving abilities,” he said in his campaign bio. His platform promoted single-family housing and economic development, fiscal responsibility and support for public safety. “I am honored that District 3 residents have elected me to serve as their next city council member,” Basham said. “I look forward to working on the issues that I heard from you that matter most: Protecting single-family neighborhoods, maintaining the level of public safety we enjoy, strengthening our economic development and providing opportunities for community engagement.” Basham earned 1,583 votes, or 56.94%.
Special election for District 4 City Council: Terrah Anderson, unopposed
District 4’s unopposed incumbent candidate, Terrah Anderson, will serve for two years rather than four. “The special election
Herriman City Journal
for District 4 will fill the remaining two years of the former council member’s term, which became vacant after a midterm resignation,” the city said on its website. Councilman Steven Shields resigned last year after he and his family moved to Texas, and Anderson was appointed by the council to replace him through 2025. Anderson’s original opponent in November, Scott Hatfield, withdrew. “I’m excited to work with the new council. We have a variety of backgrounds, skills and interests, but we all care a lot about Herriman!” Anderson said. “Herriman has exciting times coming up in the next few years with opportunities to increase economic development, strengthen our community, plan for the future and make the most of our current opportunities. I look forward to continuing to meet with residents to better understand concerns, answer questions and work together to solve problems.” Anderson has a master’s degree in public administration, works for the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget, has worked in state government for over seven years and volunteered with the Herriman Planning Commission for two years. In her campaign, she emphasized community engagement, fiscal responsibility, long-range planning and economic development. She received 1,431 votes, or 100%. The city hoped more voters would participate in the election but recognizes that the number who did cast their ballots last year marks an improvement. “Thank you to everyone who participated in making their voice count in this month’s local election. With a 31.4% voter turnout, there was a 5.4% increase compared to the previous mayoral election in 2021,” the city’s Instagram page said in November. “This is also a 7.9% increase in voter turnout compared to the average participation in the last four Herriman municipal elections.” “It is an improvement and a trend we hope to see moving forward as you, the residents of Herriman, choose your representation to make decisions and influence various aspects closer to home,” the city said on its website. l
Mayoral candidate Ty Brady focused on public safety, sustainable development, education and family during his campaign. (Photo courtesy Herriman City)
Incumbent Mayor Lorin Palmer was reelected in Herriman’s municipal election last year. (Photo courtesy Herriman City)
District 3 city council candidate Heather Garcia spent six years working on Herriman’s Planning Commission. (Photo courtesy Herriman City)
District 3’s Sherrie Ohrn did not seek reelection after serving on the city council from 2022 to 2026. (Photo courtesy Herriman City)
Terrah Anderson was appointed by the city council in May to replace Steven Shields. In November, she won her seat unopposed for the remaining two years of Shield’s term. (Photo courtesy Herriman City)
Matt Basham won November’s race for District 3’s city council seat. (Photo courtesy Herriman City)
District 1’s Jared Henderson’s current term ends in 2028. District 1 was the only district Teddy Hodges ran unopposed for without a candidate on Novemhis District 2 council seat. (Pho- ber’s ballot. (Photo courtesy to courtesy Herriman City) Herriman City)
City approves lower than expected water rate increase Because of lower costs and increased revenue, the city council approved a 6.5% increase instead of the planned 13%. By Elisa Eames e.eames@mycityjournals.com
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he leftover turkey is gone, and January blues are settling in, but Herriman City has an unexpected piece of good news to cheer up residents. Rather than the planned water rate increase of 13% expected to take effect last month, the city council instead approved a culinary and secondary rate increase of 6.5% at a November council meeting. The increase was effective on Dec. 1. In early 2024, an independent consultant conducted a water rate study for the city, resulting in steep projected yearly hikes: 13% for 2026 and 2027, 10% for 2028 and 3% thereafter. A 16.3% increase also took effect on Oct. 1, 2024, ahead of the 2025 irrigation season. “The 2024 model (which included the five-year plan of several increases) was built on a variety of factors, including a combination of rate increases and bonds to cover operating expenses, expected repairs and infrastructure replacements,” Herriman’s Communications Manager Jonathan La Follette said. “[In 2024]… the city council voted to approve the October 2024 increase to make sure our water fund stays in the black and not in the red. We have to be able to fund operations.” Last fall, the city reevaluated the 2024 study and opted
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To pay for upcoming water infrastructure maintenance, Herriman approved a 6.5% water rate increase that took effect on Dec. 1. (Photo courtesy Herriman City)
to revisit the projected 2025 increase. The city received less rainfall than expected in 2025, and residents used more water, resulting in additional revenue for Herriman’s Water Fund. “After updating the financial model with more recent information about costs, water usage and planned projects, the council approved a smaller 6.5% increase for 2026 instead,” the city said on its website. The extra revenue and lower-than-anticipated operating and repair costs prompted the city to amend the increase timeline, using some of the additional funds to soften the blow of December’s rate jump. “With that updated information, the council chose to use some of the reserve funding to offset the next planned increases, intending to… only raise… what is
needed,” La Follette said. Herriman’s updated plan now projects yearly increases of 6.5% through 2029, though future hikes will be reevaluated yearly, updated as needed and officially approved. “[In 2026], we’re expecting another 6.5%; but it may be higher, it may be lower,” La Follette said. The additional revenue from increases helps the city keep pace with rising operating costs and infrastructure that isn’t getting any younger. “The goal of the updated plan is to keep the Water Fund… on a solid footing so the system remains safe, reliable and well-maintained over time, while avoiding higher fees than are necessary,” the city said on its website. “This helps save up long-term… to pay for infrastructure replacement as it comes up,” La Follette said. “We can’t charge developers for the replacement of infrastructure. That has to come from the city.” Though the increase is lower than expected, the city acknowledges that it is still an increase. “We’re… cognizant of that impact,” Herriman’s Mayor Lorin Palmer said. “Nobody’s getting rich off of this. We’re just covering our costs to bring water to the residents.” “We’re being careful to… not [overburden] residents,” La Follette said. “The costs of everything in all our lives are going up, and we’re sensitive to that.” To help lower water bills, the city encourages residents to conserve water. For more information, visit slowtheflow.org. Residents can also track their water usage and set up highuse or leak detection alerts at http://www.herriman.gov/waterdashboard. l
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High school teen centers support students beyond the classroom
High schools are redefining student support by combining academic assistance with life resources. By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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cross Utah, high schools are recognizing academic success depends on more than classroom instruction. For many students, unmet basic needs — food insecurity, clothing shortages, housing instability and mental health challenges — can make it difficult to focus on learning. In response, school districts have developed teen resource centers in the high schools, safe spaces offering essential supplies and emotional support while building stronger connections between schools, families and communities.
Canyons School District
Brighton High School’s teen center, opened recently with a $250,000 Utah State Board of Education grant, has quickly become a vital resource for its nearly 2,500 students. Inside the center, students can access showers, laundry, toiletries, food and clothing, including Brighton apparel. “Their basic needs are being met. They don’t have to worry about where they’re going to get snacks during the day; if they’ve showered, they’re going to feel better about attending class,” Principal Marielle Rawle said. “If they have clean clothes, that impacts their attendance. We just want to make sure basic needs are being taken care of. When we can help with these things, then they can focus on learning.” Teen Center Facilitator Taya Shaw bridges students with academic services, such as FAFSA, scholarships and McKinney-Vento. “I’m the first line of students’ defense, just helping them out as much as I can,” she said. Shaw sees 50 to 60 students per day, many of whom eat lunch there or come after school. “I’m open till 3:30, but I do stay later sometimes because I don’t want them out in the cold,” she said. Brighton staff and community members contribute donations, from hoodies to food items, and teachers often bring students to introduce them to the space. For Shaw, the work is personal. “I grew up in a very displaced home so having a center where I could have gone and talk to somebody about, ‘hey, this is going on at home’ and ‘I don’t feel safe at home’ would have been awesome for me,” she said. “I want to continue to be here and advocate for the students who I already know and those who I may not know yet.” Jordan High School’s Digger Den, which opened in fall 2024, supports students facing food insecurity, academic challenges and ev-
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Jordan High Teen Center Facilitator Ruth de La Cruz-Nava sorts cereal donations for students. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
eryday stress. Teen Center Facilitator Ruth de La Cruz-Nava keeps the center running. “Our primary supplier of food is the Utah Food Bank,” she said. “They bring us food once a month. It’s mostly shelf stable.” Donations from local youth and church groups helped fill shelves before the holidays. The center also partners with community organizations and businesses, including Smith’s. “Right about the time the SNAP benefits were paused, they let us know they would give us their wholesale pricing on a few items — sugar, apple juice, oatmeal, pasta sauce and other times,” de La Cruz-Nava said. Weekend food packs come through the USANA Kids Eat program and students can access the pantry up to three times a month. The Digger Den goes beyond food. It offers laundry facilities, clothing, birthday cake kits, hygiene items and even formal wear. “Anyone’s welcome here,” she said. With 150-180 students visiting daily for snacks, support or a quiet space, the center has become integrated into school life. “Schools have generally been the central place in the community so it’s always important to be able to provide for its community,” de La Cruz-Nava said, adding she collaborates with nearby Hillcrest High’s teen center, which opened after the school’s rebuild in 2021.
Granite School District
At Cottonwood High School, the Teen Wellness Center and Food Pantry provide
food, hygiene supplies, emotional support and a place to breathe during the school day. Principal Justin Pitcher calls the center essential to the school’s mission: “Cottonwood’s teen center is a good example of what all schools should be providing.” Social worker Wendy Hutchinson works alongside longtime volunteer Robyn Ivins, who helped open the center in 2023 and has coordinated the pantry since she opened it in 2017. The District’s only teen center includes two showers, laundry and basic clothing. Hutchinson said the stigma-free space serves all students: athletes washing uniforms, students grabbing snacks or those needing a quiet space. The center provides fruit, snacks, burritos, bagels, frozen waffles, milk and more. “We even teach them about nutrition a little bit,” she said. About 40-60 students stop in daily, with about 15 at lunch seeking “a less chaotic, quieter place to eat.” The pantry opens Mondays and Thursdays, serving up to 100 Cottonwood and AMES students, with food supplied by the Utah Food Bank and the Granite Education Foundation. With Cottonwood’s diverse and low-income student population, Hutchinson said the center fills critical gaps. “I love we have this inclusive space; it’s safe for kids to come and get their basic needs and emotional needs met here,” she said, adding counseling and crisis support are available for students. Ultimately, Hutchinson said, the goal is helping students “be successful in school and graduate.”
Jordan School District
At Herriman High School, the Student Resource Center supports students facing food insecurity and other challenges which make learning harder. Homeless Outreach liaison Hilda Lloyd, nearing 35 years in the District, recalls earlier days when students survived on ramen. “Food was considered a luxury in those homes,” she said. “When I started, we received about four boxes of food, and I thought that was great. Now, when I go see rows of shelves at the new Jordan Education Foundation warehouse and it’s wonderful. The Foundation, the community, everyone is reaching out to support students.” Donations helped expand the District’s principal pantry system and Herriman High’s teen center. District Support Services Administrator Sharon Jensen said Herriman’s center, the first in the District, emerged from the teen center grant established by the Utah legislature a couple years ago. Teen centers at Copper Hills and West Jordan high schools are expected next. Herriman’s center offers food, hy-
giene items, school supplies, access to laundry and showers and connections to counselors who can help with credits, scholarships and FAFSA. “It’s open to all students. When everyone’s using it, there’s no stigma to go in there,” Jensen said. Students can grab snacks and weekend packs and culturally familiar foods for their families, which is helpful for newly arrived refugees; Jensen said it helps to strengthen acceptance and community. “When you have food, you’re more likely able to concentrate and have a sense of belonging,” she said.
Murray School District
At Murray High School, student support centers around a carefully run system of closets, pantries and calming spaces, coordinated by social worker Jennifer Ketchoyian. The effort began in 2017 when students Emily Bowen and Kate Spackman created “Cinderella’s Closet” for free formal wear. Community members Pam and Darv Andersen expanded it in 2021 to include other clothing and food. It has since grown into the Spartan Closet, a boutique-style space where students can select clothing, hygiene supplies, backpacks and warm gear without stigma. Teachers can open the closet at any time for students and hallway racks of clothing items provide easy access. Student aides vet donations to ensure items are suitable, Ketchoyian said. Longtime volunteers Bonnie Poulsen and Mary Jane Siebenberg organize donations weekly. “We tag to track and rotate items,” Poulsen said. “If we see something that’s been there for two or three months, we’ll start rotating clothes.” Siebenberg added: “They asked for help, we saw a need and here we are.” Principal Quinn Linde estimates 600 students use the Spartan Closet each year. The school also provides food for unstably housed students, including USANA’s Kids Eat backpacks and other items. Hygiene, laundry supplies and even showers at the school are available. “When students are in survival mode, they don’t learn as well,” Ketchoyian said. “We try to get them to where they can learn.” Mental-health support includes the Zen Den, funded by a Murray Education Foundation grant, where students use art and calming tools. “Someone today came here with a panic attack; they needed a place to calm down,” she said. The District plans to open a full teen center in the high school’s new wing in 2027-28 with showers, laundry, a food pantry and additional resources. “I’m looking forward to having our new teen center,” Ketchoyian said. “Teen centers change lives.” l
Herriman City Journal
Generosity brings joy to 500 Jordan School District students Volunteers, community members and businesses provided joy, support and resources to students who might otherwise go without. By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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bout 500 Jordan School District secondary students fulfilled their wishes during the holiday season, thanks to generous community members and businesses participating in “Christmas for Kids.” “Our hope is to provide Christmas for these students with both their needs and wants,” said Jordan Education Foundation Executive Director Mike Haynes. “It’s heartwarming to have many of our volunteers return year after year to shop with the students and while we appreciate the generosity of many businesses, we had several community members give of their own to help these deserving students.” Haynes said many of the students, who were selected by school counselors and administrators, might otherwise go without during the holiday season. Christmas for Kids donations covered $175 of each student’s purchases, with any additional costs paid by the 500 volunteers who accompanied them during the Dec. 6 shopping event. About 30 other volunteers organized the event, held at Walmart on
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Secondary students picked out items to fill their carts – many selecting gifts for family members – as part of Jordan Education Foundation’s “Christmas for Kids.” (Julie Slama/City Journals)
South Jordan Parkway, where Santa Claus came to support the students. Bingham High Principal Rodney Shaw, who supported the 12th annual event, was touched by students’ choices. “Many kids weren’t filling the carts with toys or items for themselves, but they’re shop-
ping for family members; it’s heartwarming to see,” he said. Students also received weekend food bags from Cyprus Credit Union and a box of food, soap and laundry detergent from the Gardner Group. Additional food and monetary donations
Jordan School District students were matched with community volunteers to shop for needed and wanted items as part of the 12th annual Jordan Education Foundation’s “Christmas for Kids.” (Julie Slama/City Journals)
were provided by Wex, Holiday, Lone Peak Hospital, BNI, Enbridge, Galloway, Watkins Charitable Foundation, Bowcutt’s Flooring America, Walmart, Jordan Valley Dental and the Larry H. Miller Group. l
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Emily Buss will replace Daniel Thatcher as state senator of District 11. (Photo contributed)
Forward Party selects Buss to replace Sen. Daniel Thatcher New state senator nominee selected from Forward Party of Utah. By Tom Haraldsen t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com
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agle Mountain resident Emily Buss, who has been actively involved in community service for several years, won the Forward Party of Utah preference poll to replace outgoing State Sen. Daniel Thatcher in District 11. That district includes West Valley City, West Jordan and several westside communities. Thatcher is a registered member of the Forward Party of Utah. Buss’ nomination now goes to Gov. Cox for official appointment. The Forward Party’s online voting system ended on Dec. 11, and Thatcher officially retired from his office at 10 a.m. on Dec. 12. “I am honored, surprised and grateful to the voters from District 11 for placing their trust in me,” Buss said in a prepared statement. “But this isn’t about me, this is about the people I represent. Together, we will work toward common sense solutions that will strengthen our communities, support our families and bring a brighter future for District 11 and all Utahns.” Buss was selected from a field of five candidates, each of whom gained “approvals” either online or through a paper ballot. She earned 47.21% of the approvals—625 of the 1,324 votes cast. The unique voting system allowed voters to approve more than one candidate, with the highest number of approvals
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declared the winner. “This process marked the first time a political party has voluntarily opened a midterm replacement vote to all registered voters in a district, regardless of party affiliation,” said Phil Boileau, communications director for Forward Party of Utah. Voters who registered were mailed codes on Dec. 5 and could vote through Dec. 11. “Serving the people of Utah for the past 15 years has been my honor, and I am deeply grateful for the trust and partnership of my constituents,” Thatcher said in a statement. “I want to thank the Forward Party for facilitating an open, transparent and historic process with more participation than any replacement process in Utah history. Seeing every registered voter in this district invited to participate gives me tremendous confidence in the future of our community and its leadership. Congratulations to Senator Elect Buss and more importantly, to her constituents.” Here’s the breakdown on how the votes tallied. Tyler Bean
419 online approvals 7 paper approvals 426 total Maleah Bliss 430 online approvals 6 paper approvals 436 total Emily Buss 615 online approvals 10 paper approvals 625 total Jeff Marshall 407 online approvals 11 paper approvals 418 total Jeff Saunders 395 online approvals 8 paper approvals 403 total l
Herriman City Journal
Local athletes win medals in Germany at World Kickboxing and Karate Championships Members from Herriman martial arts studio represented the USA at world championships in Trier, Germany. By Tom Haraldsen t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com
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our athletes from Herriman recently represented Team USA at the WKU World Kickboxing and Karate Championships in Trier, Germany, with two coming home with medals. Te Lawrence, Armand Vasquez, Kestler Hagen and Alex Peterson were selected to be part of a 40-man contingent who traveled to Trier. Lawrence won bronze and silver medals in point sparring, while Vasquez captured two bronze medals in both karate and kickboxing. All are students at Team Justus Martial Arts in Herriman. “They all trained very hard and did very well,” said Justus Lawrence, head coach and owner of the studio. “It was an amazing opportunity for them to compete, and to make up a full 10% of Team USA.” Each competed in different divisions. Te Lawrence and Peterson competed in point sparring, which is a controlled form
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of sparring in martial arts competitions that emphasizes safety, skill, and scoring points through controlled strikes. Peterson and Hagen also competed in karate kata, a specified series of a variety of moves, with stepping away and turning while attempting to maintain perfect form. Vasquez competed in both disciplines. Justus Lawrence began studying karate at age 5, and opened his first studio when he was 18 in Spanish Fork. That was 30 years ago. Team Justus Martial Arts is located today at 13266 South 5600 West in Herriman. “I felt then as I do now that the benefit of these programs is the development of lifeskills,” he said, “the physical training and life and character development. It really helps kids in school and at home. The physical workout is always great—the conditioning helps teach students about flexibility and balance.” He said 80% of his students are under 18, but many adults also study at his studio. He teaches in three age groups: 5-7, 8-12 and 13 and up. “I think it gives them self confidence to be able to do something to prospect themFour students at Team Justus Martial Arts in Herriman competed as members of Team USA at the WKU selves,” he said. “That’s definitely what we World Championships in Germany. Photo courtesy of Team Justus Martial Arts teach and preach.” l
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SOME OF OUR FAVORITE HE
Grandmother of five, Rose Sweet Holladay plays hopscotch at Herriman Elementary School’s Grandparents Day, just as she did decades ago when she was a child. (Jet Burnham/City Journals)
Members of the Jordan Education Foundation celebrate Silvercrest Elementary School’s Launi Drecksel as a 2025 Outstanding Educator of the Year. (Photo courtesy JSD)
Fire Chief Dominic Burchett speaks at the groundbreaking of Fire Station 103 at approximately 12900 South 5600 West. (Photo courtesy Herriman City)
Tim Hall rings the celebration bell at Riverton Hospital after his last round of radiation. (Photo courtesy Bethany Hall)
Principal Todd Quarnberg expresses his love for students and staff as they give him a standing ovation tribute at his final Herriman High School graduation ceremony. (Kraig Williams/Jordan School District)
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Kai Flores and Elsie Woodward perform a high-energy dance for Dancing with the Sentinels and take the top spot. (Photo courtesy Izzy Mabey)
Jordan Education Foundation Executive Director Mike Haynes shows his persistence in the gym and in getting needed food and supplies for schoolchildren. (Photo courtesy Mike Haynes)
Herriman High’s Issac Reed scores a goal to seal the school’s state championship in unified soccer at America First Field. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Herriman City Journal
ERRIMAN PHOTOS FROM 2025
Christa Benward reflects tearfully on the loss of her children as the Angel of Hope from “The Christmas Box” by Richard Paul Evans is dedicated at the Herriman cemetery. (Photo courtesy Herriman City)
Author Richard Paul Evans and Christa Benward share an embrace after the dedication. (Photo courtesy Herriman City)
The Friends of Herriman Trails Committee has a membership campaign where for $50 per year, people can help provide tools for trail maintenance, cover costs to plant native vegetation and restore the trail ecosystem, pay for materials to build new trail sections and sponsor community trail-building events. (Photo courtesy Tracy Fonger)
City officials and park patrons attended an official ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 4. Top row from left to right: City Engineer Bryce Terry, the Herriman Yeti, Deputy Director of Parks Anthony Teuscher, Community Development Director Blake Thomas, Councilwoman Terrah Anderson, Project Manager John Nunley, Assistant City Manager Wendy Thomas, Mayor Lorin Palmer with his son and City Manager Nathan Cherpeski. On the bottom row are two park patrons. (Photo courtesy Herriman City)
An Antelope Canyon Elementary student was all smiles after finishing the 50-yard dash and being awarded a ribbon at Jordan School District’s Unified Sports Day. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
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Junior Filisi Felipe was Herriman’s most effective running back during a season that saw Herriman reach the quarterfinals.
January 2026 | Page 13
Keeping local history alive with new Bingham Canyon Mine book
By Laura S. Crapo l.crapo@mycityjournals.com
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he Bingham Canyon Mine is the world’s largest excavation site and is visible from outer space. This mine and the now buried Bingham Canyon have kept the interest of many. The Bingham Canyon History group is especially unique because the town of Bingham Canyon no longer exists. Almost the entire town has been mined away by the Utah Copper open-pit mine or has been buried beneath its waste dumps. This curiosity has evolved and created an effort to have them remembered. “Yes, it is a history that is unique in all the world. I live in Daybreak, which literally lies in the shadows of the copper mine and the ghost towns of Bingham Canyon,” club founder Anne Sheppard-Kurek said. “Two years ago I started the Bingham Canyon History Club of SpringHouse Village so that our residents could better appreciate the interesting, quirky history of Bingham Canyon.” When Sheppard-Kurek found out that 2026 was the centennial year for the small town of Copperton which is the last surviving town of Bingham Canyon, she thought this was a great chance to expand her club and educate a wider community. Author and Bingham Canyon expert Tim Dumas has been a guest speaker at their club.
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A historical image of Bingham Canyon Mine. (Photo credit Don Strack collection)
They have made a 100th anniversary quilt that will be displayed at the Daybreak library. Then it will be specifically showcased at Copperton’s Fourth of July celebration in 2026. For more information check their Facebook page at Bingham Canyon History. “My first book talks about Bingham
Canyon and its people. My new book talks about the mine and the work to get the ore out of the ground,” Dumas said. “Many people in this area (South Jordan, West Jordan, Riverton, Midvale, Murray and Sandy) worked at the mine. If you didn’t, you knew someone who did.” Dumas’ new book will be
available on Feb. 24. The activity in the Bingham Canyon Mine was first recorded in 1863 when ore was discovered. It was Daniel Jackling’s idea to mass-produce what was mined there. The catalyst to major growth was when they processed low-grade copper with steam shovels and trains. This was a genius start to the mine’s success. When open-cut mining started in 1906, it needed many more employees. These men and their families lived right next to the mining operation. The town grew with stores and schools to accommodate the growing population. “It was a booming town; I think at one time it was the third largest town in Utah,” Dumas said. “Communities around Bingham like Copperfield and Highland Boy were the first to go, they were eventually dug away. Bingham the town was both buried and dug away.” A narrative history and research notes about railroads and mining in Utah’s Bingham Canyon can be found at utahrails.net. This includes information about Kennecott Utah Copper’s railroad locomotives and is found in the index under Bingham Canyon – “To Move A Mountain.” “My goal of these two books is to keep Bingham History alive,” Dumas said. “Thanks for your interest, I love Bingham’s history.”l
Herriman City Journal
Health & Wellness A publication covering health and wellness tips, tricks and ideas for everyone around the Salt Lake Valley
Show up for yourself: One woman’s journey By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com For years, Kenzie Turner moved through life on autopilot — balancing pregnancies, navigating grief, holding down a job and keeping pace with the demands of motherhood. In her 20s and early 30s, she wasn’t thinking about fitness or nutrition. “Truthfully, I wasn’t thinking about myself at all,” she said. “I remember at one time feeling trapped in a body I didn’t recognize. I gained weight through pregnancies, but I didn’t lose it with the last two.” Before Turner’s first pregnancy, she weighed 150 pounds, climbing to 190 after indulging in Chips Ahoy! cookies “several times each week.” After giving birth, the weight came off easily, and she assumed her body would always bounce back like that. Three years later, her second pregnancy brought cravings of Totino’s pizza, which she ate “several times per week.” Again, Turner reached 190 pounds, but water aerobics helped her return to her pre-pregnancy weight. Life was busy, but predictable as
Turner worked as a bank teller and caring for two children, often managing on her own while her husband was in pharmacy school. Then, at 16 weeks into her third pregnancy, she miscarried. “The miscarriage really messed me up; I basically didn’t care and just ate,” Turner said. She became pregnant again, leaning on comfort foods like McDonald’s pancakes. After her third child, the sadness of her miscarriage remained. “I just didn’t have any motivation; I didn’t go back to losing the weight again,” Turner said. By her last pregnancy, Turner’s unhealthy habits became routine and she often munched on sour gummies. “I was already like 190 pounds when I got pregnant; when I weighed in, I was 229 pounds,” the 5-foot-3-inch tall mother said. By 2019, Turner felt stuck. “I remember signing up for Weight Watchers, but I didn’t even start. I figured,
Kenzie Turner changed her life the past two years and now is a fitness instructor. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
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‘I’m just going to be fat. It’s just who I am now,’” she said. For years, Turner hovered around 220 pounds, eating to fill emotional gaps, not nutritional needs. “It was mindless eating, not being aware of what I was eating, not caring, just eating whatever I wanted whenever I wanted it,” she said. She remembers being shocked once when looking in the car mirror. “I vividly remember, ‘how did I get like this? What am I doing?’” Turner said as she looked at her reflection in a baggy shirt which allowed her to “hide in.” Everything changed with a knock on her door. Her neighbor, Tristine, invited her to a Studio Red HIIT — high intensive interval training — class. Turner declined, but her friend insisted. The next morning at 7:45, they were headed to the VASA gym in Herriman. “I walked into the gym being completely terrified. I thought everyone was going to stare at me, but it wasn’t like that at all. Nobody cared I was out of shape or I didn’t know what I was doing. They were
supportive and glad I had come,” she said. Turner finished the workout and surprised herself. “I realized, ‘I can do this. I didn’t die,’” she said. That same day, Turner signed up for a membership. “I needed to find myself again, because I had put myself into other people for a decade, so it was time to be me. I needed this so I could feel better about myself,” she said. Turner’s plan was simple: just move. She started by attending class three days a week, then five. She slowly cut out foods she knew weren’t helping. “I began to look at calories differently. I knew it took me 40 minutes to burn so many calories. So when I looked at sugary or fatty foods, I realized I didn’t want to put them in my mouth because I worked so hard to burn those calories,” Turner said. When her weight loss stalled at 185, Turner got a personal trainer, Jonny, who taught her how to do more around the
Continued next page
Fitness coach Kenzie Turner encourages patron Kat Crisp at the FitBench station at a VASA Studio Red class in Draper. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
January 2026 | Page 15
Continued from previous page gym and how to focus on nutrition. With his support, Turner reached 140 pounds. Continuing on her own, she dropped to 119, reaching her goal two years later. Through every struggle, Turner held onto the phrase which carried her: “Show up for yourself.” “I remember not wanting to get up on a Saturday morning knowing it was the only day I could sleep in. But I told myself, ‘show up for yourself,’ that would get me out of bed and into the gym to do the work. Those words still get me going,” she said. Studio Red’s structure kept her consistent. “The workout is geared toward all muscle groups, cardio and lifting. It’s
planned and I get it all in 45 minutes,” Turner said. Nutrition, once an afterthought, became purposeful. “I focus on the protein, on drinking enough water and getting sleep. Protein shakes and string cheese are my graband-go foods, but showing up for yourself is not just about the gym. It’s about nutrition too, so I get up to make eggs or to eat yogurt to fuel my body if I want it to do what I need it to do. It’s been a complete mindset change,” she said. Recently, Turner made a career change. After 18 years working for a bank, she made a bold choice. Encouraged for years to coach, Turner finally earned her certifications and became a Studio Red instructor. “I wanted to help people like those
who helped me. Studio Red changed my life,” she said. Turner’s former coaches now have taken her classes and her trainer calls her his “gold star client.” She is working toward becoming a step instructor and pursuing a full-time role in fitness. But her greatest accomplishment isn’t the number on the scale — it’s the woman she became along the way. “I didn’t just lose 100 pounds,” Turner said. “I found myself, and I am still showing up.”
Herriman mom-turnedfitness instructor’s five fitness tips After changing her mindset and routine to lose 100 pounds, Kenzie Turner gives words of encouragement to others on the fitness journey. 1) Start slow “Just move your body. Do something. Go for a walk. Do three minutes of jumping jacks. Don’t just sit on the couch.” 2) Make realistic goals “It doesn’t have to be, ‘I’m going to lose 100 pounds.’” 3) Show up for yourself “I started by going to the gym three days a week. I’ve never shown up to a workout and regretted it. I always walk away feeling better about myself. The hardest part is walking through those the gym’s front doors.” 4) Keep going “Keep pushing and don’t stop. Be consistent.”
Kenzie Turner is now a Studio Red coach. (Photo by Aspen Tills)
Kenzie Turner before she began her fitness journey. (Photo courtesy Kenzie Turner)
Fitness coach Kenzie Turner demonstrates the use of TRX suspension straps at a VASA Studio Red strength station. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
5) Do it for yourself “This is about you; it’s about time for you.”
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.”
Herriman City Journal
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.
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. Superfoods 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:
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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, flaaxseeds 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. 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
Spinach, kale and other leafy greens are loaded with nutrients that feed the brain and the rest of the body. (Wikimedia)
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.
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Chronic absenteeism: Causes and effects
Why are students missing class so often and why does it really matter? By Jet Burnham j.burnham@mycityjournals.com
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n recent months, City Journals has highlighted educators’ response to the Utah State Board of Education and Jordan School District’s attendance initiatives. And while they have developed programs and measured improvement, educated parents and incentivized students there is still a question about what is the root cause of the state’s increased rates of chronic absenteeism (defined as two absences per month)? “We’re still trying to figure out what might be at the heart of it,” Jordan School District Health and Wellness Director McKinley Withers said. He said the increased absence trend cannot be traced to one factor. It affects all schools, at all levels and in all communities. Since August, JSD schools have been keeping detailed attendance records to track patterns in students’ absences, both excused and unexcused. “The schools can drill down into that information very quickly to see and to help them address the absences,” JSD Attendance and Prevention Specialist Michelle Reyes said. “We’re really trying to help the schools and the ones that are working with these students figure out what is the root cause and how we can connect them to some resources to help remove that barrier and get them back into school.”
Parent choice and attendance
Students miss school for a wide variety of reasons but some evidence points to parents’ attitudes about school attendance as a contributing factor of chronic absenteeism. Illness is the most common reason parents keep their child home from school, which schools encourage. However, determining how sick and how long is up to the parent and can vary widely. But parents excuse their child’s absences for other, less universally accepted reasons. On a social media post, teachers and parents recently discussed what reasons for absences are valid and which are not. A secondary teacher said she is surprised at how many parents excuse their teenager’s absence when they stayed up too late the night before and were too tired to attend. One parent admitted they let their teen skip class if it is a “wasted day” such as a makeup work day or the class has a substitute teacher. Several parents downplayed the worry over absences because students have the opportunity to easily make up the work they missed online. Occasionally, families prioritize family time over class time. Students miss school for family vacations, sports competitions, parent lunch dates, family ski days, etc.
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Anxiety, stress and depression are among the reasons highlighted why kids are missing school. (Adobe stock)
Reyes said there are parents that keep a child home from school to babysit younger siblings while they are at work, or they allow older children, who contribute to the family’s finances, to miss class when it conflicts with their work hours. Transportation problems are a common cause of students missing a partial or whole day of school. Cars break down, kids miss the bus after their parents have already left for work and parents keep kids home rather than risk driving in bad weather.
The impact of mental health on attendance
Withers said poor attendance can be rooted in social and mental health challenges, which is why Reyes, with her attendance focus, joined the Wellness Department this year. “We’re trying to bridge all of those resources and consolidate those efforts so that it’s all really one thing,” Withers said. “We want your kids to be successful and healthy, and part of that is attendance. Part of being healthy allows for attendance, so it’s a really important relationship there.” Students who experience anxiety and depression often don’t want to go to school, but taking a ‘mental health’ day isn’t usually the best approach, Withers said. “Usually people are better when they’re around others,” he said. “Isolation is what you want to do when you’re depressed, but it’s typically just going to make it worse. We can do a lot to address that and overcome those barriers, but we don’t typically rec-
ommend to someone who’s really struggling that they just don’t come to school because they’re struggling.” JSD mental health employees work with students to address and overcome their mental health barriers and break poor attendance habits. “Sometimes the problem is perpetuating itself, because students are disengaged from life, they’re not coming to school, they’re sitting around at home, they’re not making a lot of contacts, so that is more likely to just make depression worse,” Withers said. “So I think for the most part, when it comes to mental health, attendance is going to benefit kids.” JSD school-based therapists, who are mental health professionals, have the skills and resources to address the underlying issues causing students to resist going to school, whether the anxiety is based on mental, social or physical health factors. School-based therapist Kevin Mossel, LCSW, said it is common for students with mental and physical differences, such as OCD, ADHD, autism or other special needs, to resort to school refusal behaviors. He experienced this struggle as a parent of two children with high functioning autism. “My child knew they were different, and everyone else knew they were different, so they would just rather avoid going to school than be noticed by their peers and adults because of this feeling of being different,” Mossel said. Children who are distressed and engage in school avoidance behaviors may be ex-
periencing fear and anxiety associated with bullying and cyberbullying, which Mossel said is a prevalent and widespread problem at both the elementary and secondary level. “It can be difficult to identify, intervene and resolve this issue,” he said. “There are teachers and administration who try their absolute best to do what they can to manage it and keep all kids safe. Kids nowadays have gotten much better at knowing how to tease, single out, and/or bully other kids without ever getting caught.” When a child’s reluctance to go to school evolves into arguments and refusal behaviors, which looks like defiance or immature behavior, parents often don’t know how to handle the situation. Knowing school refusal behaviors can be overwhelming for parents, JSD’s student support website provides resources specifically for families dealing with school anxiety and school avoidance behaviors. In partnership with the Cook Center for Human Connection, JSD also provides mental health education for parents through free virtual videos which address common teenager struggles, such as strong emotions, risky behaviors and social skills. Parents can also get advice in an extensive database of therapists’ advice at parentguidance.org. Parents can also get support from certified mental health employees at their child’s school. Heidi Inuyama said school therapists have been a welcome resource for helping her get her daughter, who struggles with social anxiety among other diagnoses, to school
Herriman City Journal
every day. Problems began in the third grade, when her daughter resisted going to school. Inuyama said the elementary school staff were very understanding. “They’re like, ‘We want her to come, even if it’s late, so make sure she gets here,’” Inuyama said. The situation improved when her daughter began middle school and formed a good relationship with the school counselor there. “I can’t literally drag her there—that’s not gonna work,” Inuyama said. “I have had to tell her, we can go talk to the counselor. Let’s go over there. We’ll talk to [the counselor], and then see how you feel.” Once she gets in the building and talks with the counselor, her daughter is usually ready to go to class. In extreme cases, JSD can arrange inhome therapy. “The therapist would come to the home and teach and model healthy coping skills and use evidence-based interventions so that they can start practicing them in hopes they will start going to school without crippling feelings of anxiety,” Mossel said.
The lack of consequences
The pandemic changed how people think about school attendance. But even before that, teachers and parents were noticing the lack of consequences for habitual absences. While there is an emphasis and rewards for good attendance, there aren’t the
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Statistics show a compounding effect on students’ academics in correlation to their attendance. USBE’s website states that “even students with good grades can quickly fall behind academically or socially when they are frequently absent.” According to their statistics, almost 90% of students who miss 15 days a year during their high school years drop out of college. However, increasing attendance just five days a year measurably increases their success in core subjects.
Beyond academics
Vacations are among the reasons kids miss school. (Photo by Naré Gevorgyan on Unsplash)
consequences to motivate families like there used to be. Previously, Mossel worked for DCFS and got involved with the Juvenile Court system when students weren’t attending school. He said back then parents faced consequences and fines when their child was truant, but it’s a different system now.
“Parents are no longer getting in trouble for their kids not attending school and students are also not getting consequences severe enough to motivate them to go,” he said.
The effects of chronic absenteeism
No matter the cause of the absences, the effects of chronic absenteeism are the same.
But the effects of absenteeism go beyond academics. JSD’s attendance awareness campaign emphasizes the ripple effect of a student’s chronic absenteeism. When a student misses class often, they fall behind in understanding the lessons they missed. This creates extra work for teachers to catch them up and can impact the learning environment for the other students in the class. Poor attendance habits can also affect a student’s post-high school success. Students’ poor attendance habits follow them into the workforce where they will struggle to keep a job. Furthermore, Reyes said many of the soft skills needed for employment are developed in classrooms. Students who are frequently absent from class miss out on opportunities to develop skills such as collaboration, problem solving, time management and social skills which naturally occur in a classroom. l
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6 indoor family activities to shake off the winter blues Get kids of all ages moving and exploring at one of these fantastic venues. By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
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anuary’s gray skies and cold weather often send Utah families inside to find warmth and fun. Luckily, indoor activities allow parents and children to discover new spaces, learn something new and spend the winter exploring museums, galleries and other places that invite interactive, immersive experiences. Clark Planetarium (110 S. 400 West, Salt Lake City) How long has it been since you travelled the stars at the Clark Planetarium? If you haven’t been to the planetarium since you chaperoned a first-grade field trip, it’s time you went back. Along with the stunning Hansen Dome Theatre, the Northrop Grumman IMAX Theatre and three floors of exhibits, Clark Planetarium is open seven days a week. Test your knowledge with the Solar System quiz, form a black hole, step inside a tornado and learn about the moon. Visit saltlakecounty.gov/clark-planetarium to buy tickets or learn about featured movies, laser light shows and Planetarium star shows. Clip ‘n Climb (11196 S. Redwood Road, South Jordan) Get everyone moving at Clip ‘n Climb, where family members aged 2 and up can learn the ropes at this indoor climbing adventure. Each session lasts 90 minutes, including a 15-minute safety briefing and harness fitting. Clip ‘n Climb features climbing walls for every level, featuring bright colors, interesting obstacles, skill-appropriate challenges and a toddler area for soft exploring. To learn more, visit southjordan.clipnclimb.us.
Natural History Museum of Utah (301 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City) If you have a dinosaur fan in the family, an afternoon at the Natural History Museum of Utah is a necessity. Not only does it exhibit dozens of dinosaur skeletal reconstructions, but it has the world’s largest display of horned dinosaur skulls. The museum provides 12 permanent exhibits that detail Utah’s ancient history, spanning hundreds of millions of years. On Friday, Jan. 16, from 2-4 p.m., the museum hosts an afternoon of STEAM activities for scientists of all ages and join the family one-hour yoga class on Sunday, Jan. 18 at 10:15 a.m. For more info, visit nhmu.utah.edu. iFLY Indoor Skydiving (2261 Kiesel Ave., Ogden) Jumping out of a plane from 12,000 feet isn’t for everyone. That’s why iFLY Indoor Skydiving’s wind tunnel is a safe alternative for the whole family. The team will fit everyone in your party
Indoor skydiving at the iFLY wind tunnel (for ages 3 and older) is a safe way to experience flying with wind speeds of 150 mph. (Tom Haraldsen/ City Journals)
(ages 3 and up) with the right gear and teach you how to fly in the tunnel’s 150 mph wind speeds. No experience is necessary. There’s no need to jump out of a plane, purchase expensive equipment or sign up for parachute training; just gear up and fly. For experienced flyers, the facility’s world-renowned instructors can take your experience to the next level. Learn more at iflyutah.com. Loveland Living Planet Aquarium (12033 Lone Peak Parkway, Draper) Interact with stingrays, walk through a shark tunnel, watch the playful river otters and enjoy feeding time for penguins at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium. With nearly 5,000 animals, representing more than 600 species, each family member will find a favorite. Sonja Bowman, a third grader at Beehive Science and Technology Academy, visited the aquarium during a field trip. “I love seeing the sharks,” she said. “Because sharks are my favorite animal and the coolest animal. I saw stingrays, too. They weren’t poisonous.” Through Saturday, Jan. 10, the aquarium’s outdoor Rio Tinto Kennecott Plaza is transformed into the annual Lantern Festival with nature-inspired light displays illuminating the night. Museum of Natural Curiosity at Thanksgiving Point (3605 Garden Drive, Lehi) When the kids get stir-crazy, a trip to the Museum of Natural Curiosity offers myriad opportunities to explore, discover and create. Hundreds of on-hand exhibits encourage curious minds to visit businesses in Kidopolis, climb through a rainforest, engineer a waterway, put on a puppet show or make a fun craft. A variety of rotating exhibits can be found in the innovation gallery, and if the weather is accommodating, the outdoor discovery garden includes playground equipment based on STEM concepts. Discover more at thanksgivingpoint.org. l
Winter gardening ensures better spring results Tips for gardeners who aren’t afraid of cold weather. By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
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hile most people are hunkering down for a long winter’s nap, diligent gardeners know there’s still work to be done to prepare trees, lawns, shrubs and flower beds for spring. Cody Zesiger, assistant professor at Utah State University Extension, said winter gardening is about preservation and renewal. “We prevent damage from harsh winter conditions,” he said. “Renewal tidies up the plants and stages the garden for the next year through pruning, deadheading, etc.” For the first three or four years after a tree is planted, Zesiger said it’s vital to wrap the trunk to prevent cracking on the southwest side. Sunscald and freezing weather can cause tree trunks to crack and damage the delicate tissue beneath the bark. Wrapping the tree from the base to where the branches begin can help reflect the sun away from the tender trunks, allowing the tree to grow healthy and strong. “If you’ve ever seen trunks that have that damage, and it’s always the southwest-facing side, where it’s cracking and the bark is peeling away, the tree is always less healthy moving on,” he said. “There’s a tree wrap cloth that’s kind of semi-porous that they can get at nurseries, sometimes at box stores and definitely on Amazon. If they visit the botanical center in the winter, they’ll notice that all of our young trees are wrapped.”
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Managing leaves isn’t just for autumn, as leaves continue to fall throughout the winter. While some leaves can be mulched with a lawn mower, too many leaves in flower beds can suffocate new growth. “If you’ve got a thick layer of leaves on plant tissues, it’s kind of like putting cardboard out there,” Zesiger said. “On those nice, dry days in winter, sometimes it’s good to blow those leaves away.” While grooming ornamental grasses is best done before Thanksgiving, it can still be done in the colder months. Semi-evergreen or evergreen grasses should be raked, not clipped, by gently combing out dead blades to encourage new growth in the spring. Deciduous ornamental grass can be given a buzz-cut treatment, leaving about six inches of the plant above ground. Zesiger said it will soon be time to prune grapes and fruit trees. The weather and the number of trees to prune will determine when to start, but it’s usually best in February or March. Pruning fruit trees before they have their first buds is optimal and learning how to prune grape vines will create a more bountiful harvest. The USU Botanical Center in Kaysville, at 80 E. 725 South, offers pruning demonstrations and has resources online at extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden to help beginning pruners clip with confidence. “For the demo, we usually charge a small fee and that fee is used to buy more trees,” Zesiger said. “It’s just knowing those kinds of things and not having to be disappointed by having a tree that’s in bad shape because you knew to wrap it, or knowing how to prune your grapes and then you get grapes every year. Those are things that can be done in the winter or early spring that just set people up for success.” l
Wrapping young tree trunks can protect the bark from harsh winter conditions, helping the tree grow healthier. (Photo courtesy of Cody Zesiger)
Herriman City Journal
The Utah Nordic Alliance invites residents to play outside this winter The cross-country group wants more people to enjoy the sport. By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
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ross-country skiers understand the beauty of moving through a wintry landscape. The steady rhythm and peaceful pace offer a chance to enjoy the Wasatch Mountains in an entirely new way. As winter arrives and people become homebound, cross-country skiing is an accessible, family-friendly sport that gets everyone outside and moving. Jennifer Zurick, race director for The Utah Nordic Alliance’s Wasatch Citizens Series, said the sport turns parks and golf courses into a winter playground, where the world seems softer and quieter. “Cross-country skiing isn’t only about speed or medals; it’s about joy,” Zurick said. “It’s movement, community and that beautiful moment when the only sound you hear is your skis sliding through snow.” For people looking for a different (and less expensive) alternative to alpine skiing, cross-country adventures are a rewarding replacement for crowded resorts, high-cost lift tickets and hours of waiting in traffic or lift lines. Zurick said it’s easy to glide into winter by joining the world of cross-country skiing, but she suggests beginners take the time for some basic lessons before hitting the tracks. “Getting instruction is a great way to go, because you’ll learn the techniques to help you move efficiently and safely,” she said. “TUNA offers lessons for everybody from the age of 3 and up.”
Two locations make it easy to access cross-country 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 family-friendly 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
America First’s annual ‘Warm the Soles’ program helps kids in need America First Credit Union teams with RSL and Utah Royals for student shoe program. By Tom Haraldsen t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com
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or the past 31 years, the America First Credit Union’s Charitable Foundation has been providing Christmas joy for needy students with its “Warm the Soles” program. On Dec. 4, players from Real Salt Lake and the Utah Royals partnered with AFCU to sponsor a field trip to America First Field in Sandy, then surprised more than 540 students from Mountain View Elementary School with new pairs of shoes. “This is our third year partnering with RSL,” said Amber Greenwell, director of the foundation. “The shoes are actually purchased by the America First Charitable Foundation. There are 548 students that will arrive here today.” Students from the Title I school in Salt Lake City were met by team members, including RSL legend Nick Rimando; RSL team president John Kimball; and team members Zavier Gozo, Brecken Mozingo and San Junqua. The students got a tour of the stadium, were presented with new shoes, visited with Santa and Mrs. Claus, then enjoyed lunch.
HerrimanJ ournal.com
“We do have a fundraising event that we do each year, and then our members and our employees also make contributions,” Greenwell said. “We have quite a few schools that request to come. We really try to spread it across multiple districts. We work very closely with the Salt Lake City School District to identify the best school and the biggest impact we can make for those individuals who might need a little more this holiday season.” Greenwell said teams of volunteers went to the school and took measurements well ahead of the event. “So everyone of the kids will have a pair of shoes that will fit them to their exact size,” she said. “They showed up here today and had no idea that they were going to get the field trip of a lifetime.” She said young kids are unique in that they don’t ask a lot of questions, “so when we came to measure feet, they were like, ‘This sounds great.’ No idea they’d come to the stadium, meet players, get free lunch, but also leave here with a brand-new pair of shoes.” America First CU began the program in Weber County, where the corporate headquarters is located. Over the years, it has expanded the program into all six states where the credit union has branches, and now it supports 45 different programs and school districts. “We know that essential items are expensive, especially this holiday season, and we’re
RSL legend Nick Rimando joined with current Real Salt Lake and Utah Royals players to greet students from Mountain View Elementary at the “Warm the Soles” program at America First Field on Dec. 4. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)
finding that more and more families are having to choose between putting food on tables or buying those essential items,” Greenwell said. “Shoes are expensive, and we realize that especially in this K-sixth grade they’re growing at a rapid rate. Parents might not have the money to keep up with the continued growth of the child, and some of those kids will go without a
new pair of shoes, meaning they’ll be wearing shoes that are way too small. We want them to feel good about themselves.” This year, over 4,000 students will receive shoes under the program. “It isn’t just about the shoe,” Greenwell said. “It’s that they feel and know they have the resources to be successful.” l
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Salt Lake County budget passes with lower tax increase than proposed
n a historic move, the Salt Lake County Council cut more from the budget than ever before—over $12.4 million in ongoing general fund dollars. As a result, the Mayor’s proposed 19.6% property tax increase was reduced to 14.6%. This increase applies only to the Salt Lake County line item on your property tax statement—not your entire property tax bill. This reduction is significant because the general fund is extremely difficult to cut: 74% of it supports public safety, including the jail, prosecution, and criminal justice services. Many assume that items like golf courses, recreation centers, and convention centers rely on property taxes, but they do not. Those facilities primarily use tourism sales tax revenues, and golf operates as an enterprise fund, meaning it is funded solely by the revenues it generates.
Where the $12.4 million in cuts came from:
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Aimee Winder Newton
Salt Lake County Councilmember District 3
• Froze salaries for elected officials and limited other pay increases • Reduced positions within the Mayor’s Office • Shifted the Clark Planetarium from property tax funding to tourism tax funding • Ended programs previously supported by temporary ARPA/COVID dollars • Streamlined property tax usage to core services — including ending a daycare program that subsidized $7,300 per child for just 271 children, costing
taxpayers $2 million annually with no income qualification. Expanding this county-run model to all children under 12 would have required a 583% property tax increase. • Declined to fund many new positions requested across departments One takeaway from this budget season is how many residents believe that rising home values automatically drive up their property taxes. Under Utah’s Truth-in-Taxation system, that is not the case. Local governments receive the same property tax revenue each year (plus new growth) unless they formally propose a tax increase and go through the required public process. This means local governments do not capture inflation automatically. For more details, visit my budget FAQ at tinyurl.com/slcobudget. I dislike property taxes as much as anyone, but under state law, this is the primary tool counties have when inflationary adjustments become necessary. The
final budget passed with near-unanimous support. One colleague voted no but did not propose alternative cuts to balance the budget. One thing that stood out during this year’s process is how crucial working relationships are. Our council is the most evenly divided partisan body in the state—five Republicans, four Democrats, and a Democratic mayor. This balance requires collaboration, and there is no room for extreme politics. We debate issues vigorously, but we also work to maintain strong professional relationships. You never know when you will need someone’s support for an ordinance change or a budget adjustment. I am grateful for the eight people I serve with. We may disagree on the proper role of government or how taxpayer dollars should be used, but we listen respectfully and shake hands afterward. Congress could learn a thing or two from the Salt Lake County Council.
Herriman City Journal
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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
HerrimanJ ournal.com
System Overload Peri Kinder Life and Laughter
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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