October 2026 | Vol. 35 Iss. 10
FREE
Herriman
See Inside...
Psychology of fear
How Halloween decor celebrates our desire to be scared Page 7
Weaving with alpacas
Jenny Ferguson spins yarn with her five animals
Page 9
Convert an entire facility to solar? Herriman High students take first at international business competition with bright ideas By Elisa Eames | elisa@mycityjournals.com Three Herriman teens blew the competition away at April’s 2026 international DECA contest with their solar-powered innovations.
F
ew teenagers can say they’ve wowed state officials, won a prestigious international competition or been to the Utah State Correctional Facility—but Herriman High students Jessica Smiley, Isla Homer and Livia Hanson did it all and more just for a school project. “These three young ladies were adorable little sophomores walking into high school for the first time… where we’re talking about something called DECA,” Herriman High teacher Rickee Stewart said. “And most of them had never even heard of what that was.” An international organization that prepares high schoolers for marketing, finance, hospitality and management careers, DECA
was founded in 1946 and was originally known as Distributive Education Clubs of America. DECA students learn a specific curriculum integrated with traditional instruction and compete at district, state and international levels. “Volunteers… judge these [competitions,] and a lot of them are business owners, entrepreneurs… [and] sometimes these kids end up being their best employees honestly…,” Herriman City Councilman Teddy Hodges said.
The long race begins
As part of the program, DECA students also create projects that include an in-depth paper on a research, business, or community enterprise and a presentation of their findings. “I started listing out the [company options]… these kids just jumped at the state of Utah,” Stewart said. “What they didn’t
At the Aug. 11 city council meeting, three Herriman High students were recognized for taking first place in DECA’s international academic competition. From left to right: Councilman Jared Henderson, Mayor Lorin Palmer, Councilman Teddy Hodges, Herriman High teacher Rickee Stewart, Isla Homer, Jessica Smiley, Livia Hanson, Councilwoman Terrah Anderson and Continued on page 6 Councilman Matt Basham. (Photo Courtesy of Herriman City)
Buy a MEXICAN COKE and get a six-dollar
SWEET PORK BURRITO! In-store only. One offer per guest. Must present coupon to redeem offer. Expires 11/15/26.
PURCHASE MEXICAN COKES
or canned soda for your party of 50+ and get
FREE DELIVERY!
Catering orders only. One offer per order. Expires 11/15/26.
TO REDEEM, CONTACT:
DOMINIQUE BELL summitcatering@ costavida.com
385-789-4447
The #1 Retirement Mistake That Could Cost You Thousands in Unnecessary Taxes Utah retirement experts warn that the #1 retirement mistake could cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars – and no one is talking about it. “It’s the #1 mistake with retirement planning today… and it’s causing hard-working Americans to needlessly overpay their taxes by tens of thousands of dollars every year.” This is a recent warning from Utah retirement experts, Tyson Thacker and Ryan Thacker of B.O.S.S. Retirement Solutions, who have helped over 50,000 families plan for a better retirement. “What makes matters even worse is nobody talks about this. Not your accountant. Not your CPA. Not even most financial advisors,” said Ryan. The #1 Retirement Planning Mistake So what is this costly mistake? It’s withdrawing money in retirement without a coordinated plan. According to the New York Times, roughly half of American retirees don’t take any systematic approach to withdrawing their retirement savings. But the order and timing of your withdrawals from your IRA, 401(k), Roth account, or after-tax savings – matters immensely. It could determine how much you’ll pay in taxes, how much of your Social Security gets taxed, your Medicare premiums and more. And when retirees don’t have a plan, they usually overpay. Every year. For decades. The expensive domino effect When most people retire, they begin withdrawing from their traditional IRA or 401(k). But every dollar you pull from these accounts gets taxed as ordinary income — the same rate as your paycheck when you
were working. Add the income from Social Security and any interest payments, dividends or other investment income, and suddenly your taxable income is much higher than you expected. This is when the dominos start to fall. First, higher income could push you into a higher tax bracket. Second, if your income crosses certain thresholds, up to 85% of your Social Security benefits can be taxed. Third, Medicare premiums are calculated based on your income from two years prior. So a large withdrawal today could trigger an IRMAA surcharge, which could double or triple your Medicare premiums later. And finally, when you turn 73, the government forces you to begin taking required minimum distributions. These are mandatory, taxable withdrawals from your IRA or 401(k) – and they could push your income even higher, triggering even more taxes. “You can feel middle-class in real life, but look wealthy on paper to the IRS,” says Tyson Thacker. “That disconnect is what
surprises so many families.” How to prevent this mistake The good news is there’s a way you could avoid this. And the earlier you address it, the more options you may have to significantly reduce your taxes. The solution doesn’t involve tax loopholes, investment risks or offshore bank accounts. It’s simply coordination: determining which accounts to withdraw from and when, while considering how those decisions could affect your Social Security, Medicare premiums and other investment income. The goal is to reduce the total taxes you’ll pay throughout retirement – not just for one year. “Retirement planning is often done one piece at a time,” says Tyson. “Your CPA focuses on last year. Your financial advisor focuses on investment returns. Medicare and Social Security decisions are made in isolation. Most people don’t understand that all of these things are connected.” But according to the Thackers, a coordinated withdrawal strategy could save a family tens of thousands of dollars in a single year. And over a 20 or 30 year re-
tirement, it could add up to 6-figures in tax savings in retirement. Free tax savings analysis for Utah families To help Utah families avoid this mistake, B.O.S.S. Retirement Solutions offers a free, customized Retirement Tax Savings Analysis. This is a personalized, side-byside comparison of what you’re projected to pay in taxes in retirement now, versus what you could pay with a coordinated tax planning strategy. Some advisors charge thousands of dollars for an analysis like this. B.O.S.S. is offering it at no cost, even if you’re not a client. The strategies are best suited for families who have saved at least $300,000 for retirement. To schedule your free Retirement Tax-Savings Analysis, simply call (801) 405-1311. ABOUT THE AUTHORS: Tyson Thacker and Ryan Thacker are the CEO and President of B.O.S.S. Retirement Solutions. They are published authors of the Amazon best-selling book, “The B.O.S.S. Retirement Blueprint, Your Guide to a Secure and Independent Retirement.” Their award-winning firm has seven offices located throughout the Wasatch Front, and a new office in St. George. This is for illustrative purposes only, results may vary. Advisory services offered through B.O.S.S. Retirement Advisors, an SEC Registered Investment Advisory firm. Insurance products and services offered through B.O.S.S. Retirement Solutions. The information contained in this material is given for informational purposes only, and no statement contained herein shall constitute tax, legal or investment advice. The information is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual’s situation. You should seek advice on legal and tax questions from an independent attorney or tax advisor. SPONSORED CONTENT
FREE Retirement Tax Savings Analysis from B.O.S.S. Retirement Solutions
Many retirees will needlessly overpay their taxes in retirement. Discover exactly how much money you could save with this free, customized Retirement Tax Savings Analysis.
801-405-1311 Page 2 | October 2026
Herriman City Journal
Life, Way.
Your Your
55+ Apartment Homes Near Daybreak 1 and 2-Bedrooms Starting at $1,295/month Tour Today!
Features Resort-Style Pool & Spa Two Modern Fitness Centers, Yoga & Cycling Studios Clubhouse with Pool Tables & Games Dog Park & Pet-Friendly Courtyards Outdoor Fireside Retreat & BBQ Weekly Resident Activities & Events
11901 S Freedom Park Dr. Herriman, UT 84096
Incline is an equal housing opportunity. Pricing and availability subject to change. Please contact for details.
HerrimanJ ournal.com
855.632.0512 InclineAtAnthem.com October 2026 | Page 3
COMMON GROUND
A Vote of Confidence
Common Ground will be a column of rotating viewpoints that highlight specific feelings across the political spectrum, and it will always end with possible ways to come together. For two years, I’ve worried that the president will interfere with, postpone or even cancel the midterm elections, although that’s never happened in the history of our country. But before we go all Y2K on this election and panic-buy underground bunkers, let’s talk about how Utah is handling this situation. Contrary to what cable news would have you believe, the president does not oversee America’s elections. State officials handle that, and Utah has done a phenomenal job. Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson serves as the state’s chief election officer, earning a badge of courage as she stands against an administration demanding our voting rolls. It’s been refreshing to see someone in Utah’s leadership tell the president “No.” While the president continues to bang the “Stolen Election” drum (which is ironic since his administration was in charge during 2020), he says election integrity is a thing of the past. So what is election integrity?
HERRIMAN TEAM
The Herriman Journal is a monthly publication distributed directly to residents via the USPS as well as locations throughout Herriman. The views and opinions expressed in display advertisements do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions held by Loyal Perch Media or the City Journals. This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent of the owner. © 2026 Loyal Perch Media, Inc.
Peri Kinder
Common Ground
Has it gone the way of the pterodactyl? Here’s the Election Integrity Checklist. • Eligible voters cast a vote. • Ineligible votes are disregarded. • Ballots are secured. • Votes are accurately counted in a transparent process. This leads to an outcome we have to abide by, even if the results don’t turn out the way we’d like. Election integrity is NOT about making the voting process so cumbersome that it limits how many people can cast a ballot. There are some people who love going to their local polling place, casting a vote and getting their “I Voted” sticker. There are also people who can’t make it to a polling location. Maybe because of work schedules, maybe they’re caring for family members, maybe they’ve lived in an underground bunker since the Y2K scare.
PUBLISHER
Bryan Scott | bryan.s@thecityjournals.com
EDITOR
Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com
The point is, Utah’s vote-bymail process has gone swimmingly well. Mail-in voting doesn’t favor any one party; in fact, it gives more people a voice. Isn’t that what we want? I’d rather have an election with massive participation, even if my candidate loses. Isn’t that better than one side that wins because people couldn’t vote? But the federal government is acting like we’re handing out voting ballots willy-nilly, like Oprah giving away pajama sets at Costco. The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act would require voters to show proof of citizenship when voting, which you can’t do with a mail-in ballot. A federal judge blocked the president’s executive order that created a plan to regulate mail-in ballots. Now the administration, the U.S. Postal Service and the U.S. Supreme Court are in a race against time to change the mail-in ballot system. What could possibly go wrong? All of the president’s policies have gone off without a hitch. Right? Republican leaders make it
CIRCULATION COORDINATOR
Lindsay Andreasen | lindsay.a@thecityjournals.com Rack locations are also available on our website.
EDITORIAL & AD DESIGN
ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES
Stacey LaMont Lynne Burns Ty Gorton
CLIENT SERVICES
9500 S Sandy Parkway, Suite 205 Sandy, UT 84070
Mieka Sawatzki | mieka.s@thecityjournals.com Marc Davis | marc.d@thecityjournals.com Steve Hession | steve.h@mycityjournals.com Lydia Rice | lydia.r@thecityjournals.com 385-557-1022
MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to inform and entertain our community while promoting a strong local economy via relevant content presented across a synergetic network of print and digital media. Designed, Published, & Distributed by
HERRIMAN CITY JOURNAL
PHONE: 801-254-5974
EDUCATING, ENTERTAINING, INFORMING: 35 YEARS SUPPORTING COMMUNITY
Page 4 | October 2026
sound like elections are being bombarded by illegal votes, but a Utah audit found nearly 100% of voters were U.S. citizens. Out of 2,069,640 voter records reviewed, 27 alleged noncitizen voters were found. That’s 0.0013%, for all you math nerds. Elections don’t belong to the president. They don’t belong to Republicans or Democrats. They don’t belong to cable news, TikTok influencers or the guy on Facebook who shares questionable memes. Elections belong to us: We the People. Election integrity boils down to this: protect the right to vote and ensure ballot security. We don’t want ineligible people to vote, but we also don’t want to make the process impossible for eligible voters. The system has worked for 250 years. Throughout this country’s history, no U.S. election has been postponed or cancelled nationwide. But the president’s interference implies you don’t have to cancel an election if you get to choose the voters.
FREE | COMMUNITY | PAPERS
Herriman City Journal
Sinus Problems? Allergies? Headaches? Asthma? Excessive Dust? High Energy Bills? Bad Odors?
WE CAN HELP!
Cleaner Ducts. Cleaner Air. Reduce dust, improve airflow, and help your heating and cooling system perform at its best.
BACTERIA
DUST MITES
POLLEN
PET DANDER
• VENT CLEANING SPECIAL •
49
$
10 SUPPLY VENTS + 1 RETURN VENT + 1 MAIN LINE
INCLUDES FREE SYSTEM ANALYSIS/INSPECTION Additional vents priced separately. With coupon. Call by 11/15/26.
$ FREE 49 DRYER VENT CLEANING
with complete duct cleaning
Not valid with any other offer. Call by 11/15/26.
The best pricing with superior quality
100% GUARANTEED AIR DUCT CLEANING DRYER VENT CLEANING ASTHMA & ALLERGY TREATMENT
HerrimanJ ournal.com
FURNACE SAFETY AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATION Not valid with any other offer. Call by 11/15/26.
APEX CLEAN AIR
Heating & Air Conditioning www.apexcleanair.com
801-618-4649 October 2026 | Page 5
continued from front page realize is that it was the most difficult… option.” Stewart serves as Herriman High’s DECA advisor. Every week, the girls reported to mentors assigned from the state: Michelle Brown, the Coordinator of Resource Stewardship, and Windy Aphayrath, Chief Procurement Officer and Division Director of the Utah Division of Purchasing and General Services. “Representing the Utah Division of Purchasing and General Services, I…[facilitated] meetings with key state agencies, [provided] ongoing mentorship, and [reviewed] their final deliverables,” Brown said. “I was blown away by their professionalism and focus on the project. Their approach was always thoughtful and prepared,” Aphayrath said. The girls quickly landed on the focus of their project—the prison. “As soon as they mentioned us being able to work with the prison, we wanted to look more into it, and it was the best department for contact and workability,” Jessica said. When the new Salt Lake correctional facility opened in 2022, the girls recognized high demand among Department of Corrections staff for electric transit options and began studying the feasibility of adding EV charging stations to support a cleaner commute. The girls received a tour of the new prison grounds, for which they each needed a background check. “It was definitely weird because we had to go through like four layers of security, and… I was nervous,” Jessica said. “Talking to the employees, [they] realized that the project was much bigger. Their project ended up becoming a feasibility model for how to theoretically replace all of the power at the prison, to turn it into a conceptual solar-powered facility,” Stewart said. Thus began the daunting task of meeting with an ever-growing list of solar professionals about converting existing infrastructure into rooftop solar, how to store solar power and how much it would actually cost. “We met with 17 (I think) different people, researched 70-plus websites and conducted a survey,” Jessica said. “[We worked with] Christopher Cox and Sawyer Hill, who head the state’s High Performance Building Standard Program.” Appointed official interns by the state, the group also worked closely with the Coordinator of Resource Stewardship, the Utah Department of Corrections, the Division of Fleet Operations and the Division of Facilities Construction and Management.
A theoretical solution created by teens for a statewide challenge
Their feasibility research focused on combining rooftop panels with repurposed electric vehicle batteries from state-owned vehicles for storage to create a 3.5-megawatt solar grid. They also explored the possibility of enabling inmates to participate in upkeep responsibilities.
Page 6 | October 2026
and technology data,” Stewart said. “When we started this thing, not a single one of them could drive.”
Victory!
To no one’s surprise, the girls took home first place in the Business Services Operations Research category. When Governor Spencer Cox learned of their achievement, he posted glowing comments on social media and LinkedIn. “Congratulations to Jessica, Isla, and Livia from Herriman High School for taking first place at DECA’s international competition,” Cox said on Facebook. “I had to explain to them what LinkedIn was,” Stewart said with a chuckle. “They now all have LinkedIn profiles.” The girls were also honored by the Herriman City Council and Mayor Lorin Palmer at the Aug. 11 city council meeting. From left to right: Jessica Smiley, Isla Homer and Livia Hanson won first place in their cateBeyond DECA gory for their research on the feasibility of using repurposed electric car batteries to store solar Celebrity and international fame seem to power. (Photo Courtesy of Jessica Smiley)
The proposal, called the AIR Initiative (Atmospheric Improvement and Renewables), modeled how the facility’s energy expenditures could theoretically be decreased by 40% annually and estimated it would pay for itself within seven to 13 years. The project aims to alleviate some of Utah’s air quality issues, especially leading up to the 2034 Winter Olympics, improve employee access to electric vehicle charging stations and decrease commuter emissions. “The team worked with experts from around the state to research the viability of the concept, prepare a realistic budget, and develop a proposal for training incarcerated persons as solar technicians to assist with both installation and system maintenance,” Jordan School District’s website says. “The most unique and groundbreaking aspect of the AIR Initiative was how this student research study successfully modeled a complex, high-stakes infrastructure challenge into a multi-benefit solution that connected clean energy, air quality, cost savings, and workforce development all at once,” Brown said.
The final stretch
“There gets to be a moment in all of these projects where you know the kids have hit their limit. I walked into a room, and the three of them were sprawled on the floor, none of them talking and looking like they wanted to cry,” Stewart said. “Their ability to quickly grasp complex concepts and bring diverse data sources together was impressive,” Brown said. “Despite working with many moving parts and stakeholders, they provided a summary that was both remarkably thorough and easy to understand.” “If there were roadblocks…, I was able to step in and work with leadership as needed,” Aphayrath said. “For example, I coordinated
with a deputy commissioner at the Utah Department of Corrections regarding a needed approval just before the project deadline.” “It was definitely a lot of work and time. Our first draft paper was 40-ish pages, and we had to cut it down. The week before Nationals, my partners and I spent every day together… from 7 a.m.–10 p.m.,” Jessica said. “The most challenging aspect of our project was constantly writing and rewriting the paper,” Livia said. Multiple drafts later, the girls submitted their streamlined 20-page paper to the state, which included a proposed budget of $3.68 million. “To say the State of Utah [was excited] would be a gentle way of phrasing it,” Stewart said. “Their work gives us a ready-touse blueprint for future projects,” Brown said. “While we don’t have active funding secured, having this preliminary research completed allows us to quickly pursue future grant opportunities and state resource stewardship initiatives.” Though much of the project was complete, the girls still had to finish the final sprint of their eight-month-long marathon: the 15-minute presentation at the 2026 DECA International Career Development Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, attended by 26,000 students and professionals. “My favorite part of the process was when we finished our paper and got to start our presentation, because that’s where you get all the fun ideas,” Jessica said. “I wore handcuffs during the presentation.” “I enjoyed seeing the project slowly take shape. For example, seeing our super ugly paper turn into a presentable paper and seeing posters we designed on Canva get printed and mounted was super exciting,” Livia said. “My favorite moment of this project was watching the kids try to figure out… how to present some very complicated science…
be just the beginning for the Herriman trio. Isla and Livia will work with Herriman City next year to create fundraising and marketing plans for the forthcoming Southwest Athletic Complex. Jessica will work with West Valley company Nusano, which produces radioisotopes used in cancer diagnosis and treatment. “We’re immensely proud of these students. We couldn’t be happier for their success and look forward to seeing where their dedication takes them,” Brown said. “It [is] hard to find people who [know] how to problem-solve... Those are kind of lost skill sets,” Herriman City Councilman Jared Henderson said at the Aug. 11 meeting. “And then to go through everything you did… most people probably would have walked away and said, ‘We need to do something smaller.’” “I competed in DECA back in the day, and what you did compared to what we did, it’s kindergarten stuff, and we thought we were pretty good,” Herriman City Councilman Matt Basham said. “I’m speechless.” “I’m pretty excited about what you’re going to do for our community,” Palmer said. “We’re excited to see what this next project brings…. Congratulations. You are the cream of the crop.” “I learned a lot about business, as well as how to become a better writer and graphic designer,” Livia said. “I was always planning on going into business, but this further solidified that. It showed that this is a career path I can understand and do well in.” “It definitely showed all of us that we can do hard things,” Jessica said. “DECA started out as something strictly academic for me, but it grew into so much more…,” Isla said. “By the end, I could state facts and figures off the top of my head because I had grown to love our project and had become so immersed in it. For me, DECA wasn’t just a club; it was a preview of how the real world and business actually work.”l
Herriman City Journal
Herriman’s Sue Steadman displays a scene from the movie, “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” (Photo courtesy Sue Steadman)
A skeleton drinks Monster energy drinks outside the cemetery in Sue Steadman’s yard. (Photo courtesy Sue Steadman)
The psychology of FEAR: why we love to be scared (but not too scared) and how our community celebrates fear with decor From haunted cornfields to elaborate Halloween yard decor, local enthusiasts enjoy safe thrills while embracing the season of scares. By Elisa Eames elisa@mycityjournals.com
I
n the middle of a dark cornfield not too far from Herriman, you’re alone, surrounded only by the towering stalks—and the never-ending screams. A zombie jumps out and a startled yelp involuntarily escapes your mouth, followed by a nervous and somewhat abashed giggle. The zombie looks genuinely frightening, with a respectable outfit of ragged and stained clothes, blood around its mouth and wild hair. He lunges at you, moaning and arms flailing.
But you’re not scared. Not really.
You know the zombie won’t hurt you; your brain recognizes it’s not real. Your nervous system, however, didn’t get the memo. A fear response begins in an area of the brain called the amygdala, whose job is essentially to notice things around you. The perception of a threat—say, a gnarly spider the size of your face plummeting toward you—triggers a fear response in the amygdala, which releases stress hormones and activates the sympathetic nervous system, getting you ready to fight or run. You become hyperalert, your breathing accelerates, pupils dilate, heart rate and blood pressure spike and nonvital organs slow down. Your stomach may even knot, or you may break into a cold sweat. But there’s also a flood of adrenaline, endorphins and
HerrimanJ ournal.com
dopamine, which contribute to those addictive feelings of excitement. Then the higher-level functioning regions of the brain, the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, save the day by using context to determine if the threat is valid, which is why a devil spider may scare you more than a murder zombie. Despite appearances, your brain knows you walked into the cornfield willingly, even paid to get in, that it’s all fake, and it reassures you that the murder zombie won’t hurt you. It recognizes that the devil spider, on the other hand, is obviously out to get you. The difference, then, between thrill and terror is control. You don’t want to feel genuine fear; you want to feel controlled fear, to experience the fight-or-flight symptoms without the actual danger. Some seek controlled fear because it creates distraction, momentarily banishing nagging worries about work or life. We also enjoy the contagion of controlled fear, reveling in emotions shared with those around us. We’re often unsatisfied with only outside experiences; we want to bring the fear home. We put up creepy, atmospheric Halloween decorations to enjoy a gothic aesthetic. Sprawling spiders devour front porches, and life-sized lawn skeletons give passersby the side eye (I’m aware skeletons have no eyes— don’t worry about it). But we each have different fear thresholds; some find more graphic experiences thrilling, while for others, gore may bleed into actual fear because the brain still knows it’s not real, but it does cross into unsettling and disturbing because we can’t help but think,
what if it were real? Though long-time Herriman resident Sue Steadman takes Halloween decorations seriously, she shies away from the gorier side, preferring to embrace the spooky but comparatively tamer side of October. “Halloween has a lot of fun things to decorate with,” she said. “I don’t have any really scary/bloody decor. It isn’t my style.” For years, she has constructed an entire graveyard in her front yard, complete with a perimeter fence, graves, stone pillars, skeletons, pumpkins, spiderwebs, an opening and closing coffin and an arched entrance. Some years ago, she added a scene from the movie, “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” “I do it mostly myself,” Steadman said. “I like to make the decor if I can, but I will also purchase it if I really like it. It takes me about a week to get everything put out…, although I have to keep adjusting throughout due to weather and mechanical issues.” As in Steadman’s case, the countless hours put in by other local Halloween enthusiasts, Tremayne and Dellany Higby, are also a labor of love. They partner with next-door neighbors, the Camerons, for a multi-yard walk-through experience. The Higby and Cameron collaborations are often centered around a theme; one year, it was a zombie apocalypse with gruesome towering zombies on stilts; another was a haunted bayou with a cemetery next to a glowing green swamp, and one year was a haunted mineshaft featuring a mining sluice with actual running water. Past walkthrough displays have also included a fully functioning piano and
suspended walkways. “Tremayne does the majority of the Halloween decor… He puts in hours for months at a time,” Dellany Higby said. “He will start mid-August and build parts of the display after work or on weekends until Oct. 31. It is an insane amount of time he puts into some of his builds, and that is one of the reasons we now do it every other year.” The first year began much more humbly with an old mink cage found in a field, dead spindly juniper trees and a monstrous rope spider web. “And the star of the show—,” Higby said with a laugh. “His raccoon skeleton friend [that he found] that made the old mink cage officially Halloween-approved.” The displays only got bigger and better from there. “He finds what would be thrown out from construction sites… or from random garbage he comes upon. It’s a masterclass for Halloween as well as upcycling!” Higby said. “As a family, we help him with what we can, from the oldest wielding nail guns… to creative collaborations from the youngest and art pieces from me.” Five years ago, the family created the granddaddy of all Halloween yard displays: an enormous pirate ship with a gangplank, ropes, a lighted cabin, a flag and a literal skeleton crew. The 2021 pirate ship unexpectedly went viral on TikTok. “We love Halloween because it is a time to be weird, let go of norms and rules, and it brings the community together,” Higby said. “The neighborhood gets one last chance to be outside with kids running around, and everyone gets to watch as the strange attraction goes up. It’s the best.” l
October 2026 | Page 7
Meet your local Psychic Medium Based on the border between Herriman and Riverton, Stephanie Cowan is a clairvoyant medium and Reiki Healing Practitioner. By Cassie Goff c.goff@mycityjournals.com
C
alling herself the “Mini Medium” (on account of her height), Stephanie Cowan has been pursuing her life’s purpose to provide guidance to individuals in their journeys to find hope, help and healing. “I’ve lived in Utah for a long time but I came out of the broom closet in 2020,” she said. Cowan remembers knowing she had the ability to see, hear and feel spirit by the age of 7. She didn’t quite grasp her understanding of those gifts until her mom asked, after watching shows like John Edward and Sylvia Browne together, “Why are you not sharing your gifts and helping people with what you’re supposed to do?” She began exploring her ‘gifts’ at the age of 21 but she wasn’t so sure she could pursue mediumship full-time. Cowan explained her clairvoyance as thoughts that pop into her head that she can identify as not her own; they’re someone else’s thoughts. She can also taste flavors being communicated. “That’s the one I like the least. I absolutely hate it,” Cowan said. In 2020, she was working at
Stephanie Cowan’s necklace reminds her to stay grounded within her own power and strength. (Photo courtesy Justin Cowan Photography)
Page 8 | October 2026
Intermountain Healthcare when the pandemic required non-essential workers to stay indoors. Needing to fill her time, she began booking virtual appointments for individual readings. “I’m a people person so I hated working from home,” Cowan said. She recalls the majority of those appointments being filled with questions about the health of specific family members and what the future looked like. “People want to know they’re supposed to be where they’re supposed to be,” Cowan said. In July 2023, Cowan took “that leap of faith” and quit her job. Filling her days psychic and energy work, she noticed a shift from her clients primarily asking about the future to wanting to hear from their loved ones that had passed on. “I didn’t start this thinking I would be where I am now,” Cowan said. Now managing her own business, Cowan’s main specialty is individual readings. She describes that process as organic as most clients are simply curious to see what comes up. She often uses tarot cards as visual aids during her individual readings. “I don’t want to be given information,” she said. Specialized readings typically begin with Cowan asking what the client would like to focus on the most. One of the most common requests for her clients is to search for what from their past may be holding them back from living their best lives. “All I do is give you guidance,” Cowan said. “This isn’t for everybody and that’s okay. I’m not everybody’s cup of tea and not everybody has good taste.” While some of her clients are one-time visits, she estimates about 80% of her clientele returns every 3-6 months. Some of which have been with her since 2020. “Utah has surprised me,” Cowan said. “People are evolving, changing; they’re realizing they need to hear these messages.” Over the last six years, she’s noticed one major shift in trends with her individual readings. “Utah is the third highest state for suicide so people wanted to channel those people. The suicide readings are getting less and less.” “I’m a spiritual chiropractor,” Cowan said. “Come when you feel like you need an adjustment.” Cowan has immense gratitude for her husband’s support throughout her journey to success. “We had been together 10 years when he encouraged me to pull my tarot cards out,” Cowan said. “He didn’t know the magnitude of that, at the time.” Beyond her individual readings and Reiki healing services, Cowan often leads presentations, workshops and events. One
Stephanie Cowan provided a hauntingly unforgettable Gallery Reading at Salt City ParaCon. (Photo courtesy Stephanie Cowan)
of her more recent speaking appearances was at the first local paranormal conference - Salt City ParaCon on July 25. “I can do a whole event with 100 people that doesn’t drain my energy as much as one private reading,” Cowan said. “Energy is so important.” When asked during the event her recommendations for getting started with this work, Cowan said “Get you a set of tarot cards and go practice.” “Never question your intuition,” she added. Cowan’s individual reading rates (virtual or in-person) are $133 for one hour. Her Reiki rates are typically $111 for the first 90 minute session and $88 per hour for subsequent sessions. When asked if she does individual readings for deaf clients or those with blindness, she said “Of course – a soul is a soul.” Cowan also offers group readings (with a $100 deposit) and individual energy cleansing services to cleanse personal space of any negative energy. “I envision myself with a bright light of protection and call upon my guides to protect me,” Cowan said. She was recently asked to provide a group reading on a hit reality television show. Catch her on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City with new episodes dropping in September. The Mini Medium is based along the Herriman and Riverton border. To learn more about Cowan, check her out on social media through Mini Medium - Psychic Medium & Reiki Practitioner on Facebook and @minimedium75 on Instagram. “I’m so grateful that when my time comes, I feel comfortable leaving behind a legacy,” Cowan said.
To ask a question or book an appointment, reach out to her email at: readings@ mini-medium.com “Just give it a try – schedule the appointment. If you get a little bit of guidance, then I’ve done my job,” Cowan said. “My table isn’t going to levitate.” Cowan will be hosting an all-ages “Til Death Do Us Party” event on Sat. Oct. 24 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Mae’s Gathering Place (67 N. Main St.) in Bountiful. Tickets can be purchased through her website at: www.mini-medium.com. l
“My purpose is to give some hope, help and healing with my gift,” writes Stephanie Cowan, the local psychic medium. (Photo courtesy Stephanie Cowan)
Herriman City Journal
Weaving a life with alpacas and looms
Local weaver teaches a traditional craft on her alpaca farm. By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
O
n a small farm in Bluffdale, Jenny Ferguson wanders through her pasture, followed by five alpacas, an assortment of chickens and a couple of goats. Under a shaded pergola, she takes fiber shorn from the alpacas and begins to spin yarn. It’s an age-old craft, turning raw fiber into yarn and fabric that will become a sweater, a hat, a scarf or a blanket, but each is a work of art. Ferguson owns Bewitched by Alpacas, where she teaches people how to weave on handmade looms. She first learned the magic of fiber work at 4 years old, when her great-grandmother taught her how to crochet. “I had chickenpox and she taught me to keep my hands busy,” she said. “Ever since then, I’ve just loved the fiber arts. After I had kids, I learned how to knit. Then I was watching Oprah and she said, ‘If you’re a baker, the world needs you to bake.’ Whatever your passion is, that’s what the world needs you to do.” At the time, she and her husband lived in Saratoga Springs, but when she told him she wanted to own an alpaca farm, they put their house up for sale, purchased the Bluffdale property, went to California to find alpacas, and Ferguson learned how to spin. Offering her knowledge to anyone interested, Ferguson’s students create woven pieces with alpaca fiber, weaving in grasses, leaves, wool, ribbons, flowers and other textures to
make their art unique. Ferguson also hosts spinning groups where people come together to make yarn, share stories and enjoy each other’s company. Brooke Peciukas started spinning with Ferguson about a year ago. After her first class, she was hooked. “It’s fun and relaxing. Now she’s got me spinning,” Peciukas said. “I went down the weaving hole and that sent me down the spinning hole. It’s another hobby to add to my hobby collection. My hobby is collecting fiber hobbies.” While learning to spin and weave takes time, Ferguson said most people find a rhythm in less than an hour. Movements become meditative, muscle memory kicks in and weavers learn to make something that didn’t exist before. “You feel like you’ve walked into a different world,” she said. “It’s similar to a paint night. You’re here for three hours and you sit with your friends or people who have come along, and you make something. For me, being outside with the animals makes me a happy camper.” Alpacas wander through the pergola during classes, allowing students to see the animals that gave them the fiber used in their weaving. The animals are shorn in June, removing pounds of fiber that is washed, dried and prepared for spinning. Bewitched by Alpacas opened three years ago and people are finding their way to the shaded pergola in Ferguson’s backyard. The looms are ready to go, with all materials provided. “The unique thing about this style of weaving is that there’s not a lot of rules,” she said. “If you’ve ever been curious about weaving, you get to come and try it.” For more information, visit Bewitchedbyalpacas.com or follow Ferguson’s TikTok channel @Bewtichedbyalpacas. l
Bluffdale resident Jenny Ferguson feeds a couple of alpacas and a goat on her farm at Bewitched by Alpacas. (Peri Kinder/City Journals)
AUTUMN
ADVENTURES AWAIT! BOARDING • DAYCARE GROOMING • TRAINING ALL YOU CAN PLAY FOR
$
99!
Join the pack and enjoy UNLIMITED DAYCARE for your first 30 days. New dogs only. One offer per dog. Dog must pass for social group play. Expires 30 days from purchase date. May not be combined with any other discounts.
STAY WITH US! GET YOUR FIRST NIGHT
FREE
New pets only. Standard room only. Offer subject to availability, holidays excluded, peak rates excluded. Contact resort for full details.
Mon-Fri 6:30am-7:00pm Saturday 7:00am-5:00pm Sunday 12:00pm-5:00pm
5116 W. Denali Park Dr. Herriman, UT 84096 CALL OR TEXT
HerrimanJ ournal.com
385-526-4906 October 2026 | Page 9
Former educator and tech enthusiast had the ideal experience and skills to build a comprehensive education app.
If you can’t find one, build one
By Jet Burnham j.burnham@mycityjournals.com
A
s a father of four children who are navigating their education through the lens of dyslexia, ADHD, autism and/or executive function struggles, Eric Price has always looked for ways to make things easier for them. But no matter what he found, his kids still struggled, especially his eighth grade son. “In today’s world, there has to be a better way to support kids who are struggling— not to replace their teachers or their schools, but to give them a little extra support when and where they need it,” Price wrote on a recent social media post. “I started looking for something that could do that for him. I couldn’t find what I was looking for. So I decided to build it.” Price has the unique background and experience which makes him up for the challenge of creating an educational tool. He has 20 years experience as an educator, administrator and coach. He earned an education in technology certificate, an advanced degree in Education Leadership and a Utah Middle Level Association Principal of the Year
Eric Price’s son uses Class Coach, the app/website his dad created to help students organize their schoolwork. (Photo courtesy Eric Price)
award. He was also an enthusiastic early adopter of AI in education. As a middle school principal, he provided access to digital tools to help students. He encouraged his teachers to utilize AI technology in their lesson development. But as a parent, he still struggled to help his kids. “It’s tricky to be a parent these days, we always say there’s not a playbook,” Price said. “So it’s like, ‘How can we provide tools to maybe make this a little bit easier and maybe end a few arguments here and there?’” Secondary school has been challenging
MEET THE
TREE SERVICES
% 30 OFF
EXPERTS
EXPIRES 11/15/26
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE WORK
RUSSEL FOREMAN. ARBORIST. TREE CARE SPECIALIST.
Russel brings a trained arborist’s eye and a commitment to quality to every residential property. Specializing in professional tree pruning, he understands how proper pruning improves tree health, structure, safety, and appearance. From mature shade trees to detailed ornamental pruning, Russel leads his crew with precision and care—making thoughtful cuts that protect your trees and enhance your property for years to come.
TREE REMOVAL
STUMP GRINDING
EXPERT CARE. STRONGER COMMUNITIES. Page 10 | October 2026
PRUNING
PROUDLY SERVING SALT LAKE CITY, UT AND SURROUNDING AREAS
PLANT HEALTH CARE
801-938-4345
DIAMONDTREEEXPERTS.COM
for his son who is learning through the lens of ADHD and dyslexia. Each of his seven teachers run their classroom a little differently, and they switch between digital and paper assignments which made it difficult for him to keep track of. “I know teachers are trying really hard and they care, but they’re human as well,” Price said. “They only have so much time in the day, and they only have so many abilities to work with kids.” One particularly frustrating day last year, Price pressed his son to tell him what would help him. “He said, ‘I wish there was something that could just help me when I was struggling’ and I said, ‘Well, maybe we could build something like that,’” Price said. Price immediately began developing a solution. “I was really concerned, especially because eighth grade was such a struggle, so it’s like we have to do something going into ninth grade so that we don’t start him off on the wrong foot,” he said. The solution Price developed was Class Coach, a website/app which streamlines a student’s day and keeps everything organized in one place. Features include calendars, reminders, checklists, virtual binders, and study tools--all of which are customizable. “The objective is to provide consistency for an inconsistent education system,” Price said. “Let’s give him something consistent
that he can go to when he’s trying to figure out what he needs to do next.” Class Coach is designed to loop in parents and teachers so they can be on the same page to support the student. Parents can see the daily checklist and receive class summaries. There’s also a feature to help keep the lines of communication open with a regular check-in with the teacher via email. Because of policies limiting cellphones during class time, Price intentionally built Class Coach as a website first, and most of the features work on school Chromebooks. The AI tools have strictly defined parameters to protect students and educational integrity, and ultimately parents can control access. All of Price’s children, ranging from seventh grade to college, are using parts of the app this school year. “Originally it was designed to support kids wherever they’re at,” Price said. “If they need extra support with reading, it’s there. If they don’t, they can use the to-do lists, or the calendars or use the connections to their learning management system.” Price’s seventh grader uses the morning checklist feature. “He does it every day, making it a whole lot easier to get ready for school than the old days of ‘Hey, get ready,’ and he’s like, ‘I don’t know what to do,’ so this makes it a lot easier.” Get more info at classcoach.on-forge. com and on Facebook.l
WE HELP BUSINESSES MAKE
CONNECTIONS FOR SUCCESS
We are the bridge between businesses and the community in Bluffdale, Herriman, and Riverton.
Attend an Event and experience the resources available to help you grow. Become a Member to join a community committed to helping you succeed. Serve and Sponsor to strengthen your connections for even more growth.
WWW.MOUNTAINWESTCHAMBER.ORG Herriman City Journal
Fifth grade teacher intern has worked to build a welcoming and efficient classroom with help from her facilitator. (Photo courtesy Sophie Fry)
The internal workings of a teaching internship Intern is earning top grades from her mentor as she learns to grade her own students. By Jet Burnham j.burnham@mycityjournals.com
S
ophie Fry has only been a school teacher since August and she’s loving it. “Teaching has been so much more rewarding than expected,” she said. “Seeing students grow even in just this short time has really opened my eyes to how grateful I am that I get to be in a position to teach.” Fry is one of 12 lucky BYU McKay School of Education students working as an intern teacher in Jordan District Elementary Schools this year, where they have a three level support system to help them be successful. “It’s a really robust support system for these brand new teachers coming in while they’re actually still in college,” JSD/BYU Internship Liaison Shauna Worthington said. “As an intern, they get a full year of teaching experience before they even graduate, so it’s a really cool opportunity for them.” A facilitator is assigned to each intern to help with classroom management, transitions, communication with parents and to model teaching. The facilitators and liaison also prepare the interns to secure full time employment once the internship is over. “They’ve made sure that every step is thought through, and that I’m always going to be prepared for what’s coming,” Fry said. Before the school year began, facilitator Bailey Ritchie helped Fry set up her classroom and plan classroom routines and initial lessons. “I’ve been working with Bailey to plan everything and to just think of procedures and rules that will help the classroom flow,” Fry said. “It’s just a lot of preparation that
HerrimanJ ournal.com
you don’t think about.” Once the school year began, they worked together to navigate planning, pacing and adapting lessons. “It has been so amazing to have someone with so much experience at my right hand,” Fry said. Ritchie said the new teacher is settling in well. “She is already setting and working on goals to improve her teaching practices,” she said. “Her classroom is a warm, inviting space, and she is working hard to make connections with her students and families by sending home newsletters and positive notes.” For the first part of the school year, the facilitator works as a team teacher with the intern but they gradually decrease direct support. Fry is grateful that she has been able to ease into the job. “So towards December, I’ll be mostly doing everything by myself,” Fry said. Facilitators are available all year to help the interns, giving extra support during testing weeks, changes in routines and time management challenges. Jordan District schools have both teacher interns and student teachers. Student teaching is an unpaid, short-term position teaching in another teacher’s classroom. An internship is full time work for the whole school year. Interns have their own class and earn a half-salary and full benefits, and the year they work counts toward JSD retirement. Ritchie said the best benefit of intern teaching is gaining an entire year of classroom experience with full time support from a dedicated mentor. Worthington, who was previously a principal in Jordan School District, said she used to hire interns to fill teaching positions in her schools. “I know they’ve been well prepared because they’ve had a lot of really intensive coaching,” Worthington said. l
seminar dates & Locations: Oct 6th & Oct 7th both at 12 PM
Le Jardin (Sandy) (1910 E. 10600 S.) Oct. 6th at 12 PM Chubby’s Cafe Riverton (1276 W. 12600 S. Riverton, UT 84065)
Oct. 14th at 12 PM OR 6 PM Larkin Mortuary (2350 E. 1300 S. SLC, UT 84108) •
No adjustments will be made on pre-existing contracts.
• •
Cannot be combined with any other offer. Discounted funeral/cremation plans must be from a selected package & excludes immediate burial or direct cremation.
(801) 363-5781 www.larkinmortuary.com
October 2026 | Page 11
Thinking About a Bathroom Upgrade?
Choose West Shore Home
®
Stop cleaning-out your gutters this season
Debris Buildup Stands No Chance IN
Heavy leaves
Pinecones
Acorns
Pine needles
Seed pods
Storm debris
les Tons of Stytions a in b & Com From! to Choose
U L E YO U R
N
ED
I
O
SCH
With LeafFilter
SPECT
FULL BATHROOM REMODELING • WALK-IN SHOWERS • BATHS • TUB TO SHOWER CONVERSION
Bathroom Remodeling Experts!
Stainless Steel Micromesh
SAVE BIG ON YOUR BATHROOM REMODEL EXPIRES 12/31/2026
Exclusive Designs & Styles
uPVC Frame
On-The-Spot Installation Scheduling
Custom Fit To Your New or Existing Gutters
Fully Licensed and Insured
EXPIRES: 11/30/2026
Highly Trained Employee Installers
AN ADDITIONAL
25% OFF + 10% LeafFilter
*
Discount For Seniors + Military
Get a FREE full gutter inspection and estimate:
1-385-578-0076 Promo: 285
*Promotional offer includes 25% off plus an additional 10% off for qualified veterans and/or seniors. Cannot be combined with other offers. See representative for full warranty details. DC 420223000087, AZ ROC 344027, AR 0366920926, CA 1035795, CT HIC.0671520, FL CBC056678, ID RCE-51604, IA C127230, LA 559544, MD MHIC164488, MA 213292, MI 262300331, MI 262300330, MI 262300329, MI 262300328, MI 262300318, MI 262300173, MN IR2025-810524, MT 266192, NE 50145-24, NV 0086990, NJ 13VH13285000, NM 408693, ND 47304, OR 218294, PA PA179643, RI GC-41354, TN 10981, UT 10783658-5501, VT 174.0000871, VA 2705169445, WA LEAFFLH763PG, WV WV056912, WI 537-DCFRR
Page 12 | October 2026
Flexible Financing Subject to credit approval
Evening & Weekend Appointments Available
POWERED BY
4.8/5 4.9/5 4.8/5 Company reviews across all locations as of 8/03/2026
Ready to Renovate?
Scan the QR Code to schedule now!
CALL OR VISIT US ONLINE TO GET STARTED!
801-432-0937
WSHPromotion.com
New orders only. Offer not valid on previous sales or estimates and cannot be combined with other offers. See design consultant for details. Other restrictions may apply. 1. $1,500 off. Discounts taken from 1 year price and applied before other promotional offers. 2. Financing offers a no payment - no interest feature (during the “promotional period”) on your purchase (at an APR of 13.99-23.99%, rates vary by state). No finance charges will accrue on your account during the promotional period, as set forth in your Truth in Lending Disclosures, and you will not have to pay a monthly payment until the promotional period has ended. If you repay your purchase in full before the end of the promotional period, you will not have to pay any finance charges. You may also prepay your account at any time without penalty. Financing is subject to credit requirements and satisfactory completion of finance documents. Any finance terms advertised are estimates only. Normal late charges apply once the promotional period has ended. Call 888-697-4033 for financing costs and terms. Expires 12/31/2026.
Herriman City Journal
Catching a glimpse of 9/11 history A highly visual and immersive exhibit helps kids understand 9/11 a bit more. By Jet Burnham j.burnham@mycityjournals.com
H
ow do you help children understand an event that took place before they were born but has impacted their lives more than they know? This is a challenge educators face each September 11. “It’s important to give honor and respect to the American people,” Hayden Peak Elementary Fourth-grade teacher Gretchen Manaugh said. “Obviously, there’s the focus of our country being attacked, but what came out of that was how amazing individual Americans chose to be, and I think what that teaches about who we choose to be when things are difficult and how our country came together is really important.” Each fall, teachers are encouraged to teach about the events and impact of 9/11 although it is not required as it is in some states. They talk about it, read age-appropriate books about it and encourage students to ask their parents about it. This year, 5,000 students from Jordan School District were invited to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of that day and get a glimpse of its impact on America with a tour of the Major Brent Taylor Foundation 9/11 Project, which was held in South Jordan Sept. 10-14. Manaugh was impressed with the 9/11 exhibit which added another layer of awareness and comprehension for her students as they walked through it on a field trip. “Anytime they see things that they have read about or talked about, it’s just going to make it more real,” she said. Students made connections as they took in the pictures on every wall showing the timeline of events, and video clips providing insight into the various aspects and perspectives. “Students recognized pictures and they knew what different things were from us having spoken about it,” Manaugh said. “They recognized things. Several of them pointed things out-- ‘Oh, we talked about that!’ So it definitely made an impact.” The 90 Hayden Peak fourth-grade students were joined by hundreds of other students on the first of the five day event. (Hayden Peak sixth grade classes went on the final day.) Because of the crowds, they didn’t get the chance to speak to the three New Yorkers who were there to share their experiences and answer questions. However, Manaugh said everything the students saw and were able to do was “beautiful,” “amazing” and “incredibly powerful.” Local high school students were involved in the project as well. Teenagers in the construction trades program at Jordan Academy for Technology and Careers
HerrimanJ ournal.com
Surrounded by visuals depicting the events of 9/11, students make connections to what they’ve been taught about the event and its impact. (Kraig Williams/JSD)
built the walls for the exhibit, a total of about 400. Bingham High School Madrigals performed the National Anthem at the exhibit’s opening. Seeing all the work put into the displays emphasized to the students how important remembering 9/11 is for Americans, said Manaugh. Most of all she wanted students to honor and respect those who died and to appreciate the community members and first responders who helped and continue to step up and protect people. Students were able to interact with representatives of
local police and fire departments and their vehicles in an outdoor Touch-A-truck section of the exhibit. Manaugh believes it’s important that younger generations understand the impact of 9/11. “It changed our country, it changed the world, and I think it’s great to make it come alive for generations coming up that weren’t around,” she said. “It’s like I told Elementary school students talk with 9/11 first my class: ‘You were born in a world that responder NYPD Sergeant Scott Zink. (Kraig was changed from what happened, and Williams/JSD) everything’s different.’” l
50% OFF EXPERT INSTALLATION
• FREE no-obligation design consultation • CUSTOM-BUILT to fit existing spaces • FAST, professional installation • LIFETIME WARRANTY* for peace of mind
SCHEDULE NOW: 1-801-878-6917
• • • •
FREE no-obligation design consultation Custom-built to fit existing spaces Fast, professional installation Lifetime Warranty* for peace of mind
AS SEEN IN
©2026 ShelfGenie SPC LLC. All rights reserved. Locally owned and operated franchise. Offer valid at participating locations only. Limit one offer per household. *Applies to Classic and Designer line. EXP 12/31/26.
October 2026 | Page 13
Battle of the Bands celebrates 25 years of pumping up the volume
Utah PTA’s Battle of the Bands gives student musicians a stage, a voice and a place to belong. By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
F
or 25 years, Utah PTA’s Battle of the Bands has given student musicians something they may not find anywhere else at school: a stage where their talent is recognized, celebrated and taken seriously. The program was introduced in 2002 as a statewide competition for student musicians, giving high school students an opportunity to share and be recognized for their garage-band talents. Utah PTA Battle of the Bands Chair Terri Francis said the program’s original idea came from Patsy Chandler, a former South Jordan PTA leader. Since its inception, the program has grown into a three-level competition: local school events, multiregion competitions and the state contest. Students in grades 9-12 associated with a qualifying PTSA can compete in either the bands or solo/duet category. Bands perform an original song and a cover, while soloists and duets perform one song. The competition is designed to welcome students who may not be involved in traditional school activities, which is why the
Corner Canyon High School student Emily Atkisson performed Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” at the PTSA Open Mic and Battle of the Bands on Jan. 30, 2020. (File Photo by Madison Ward)
TRUNK TRUNK OR TREAT OR TREAT TRUNK program matters, said Utah PTA President Julie Cluff. “It might not reach every kid, but it reaches kids who need that connection the most,” she said. Francis has seen that impact firsthand.
TRUNK TRUNK OR TREAT OR ORTREAT TREAT
After helping with an early Battle of the Bands event, a parent told her the program had been a lifesaver for her son and helped him feel “seen and valuable” during high school. For students, the benefits extend beyond competition. Francis said they gain performance experience, encouragement from their peers and feedback from judges with musical experience. “Often they value the judges’ comments more than prizes because they want to improve their craft,” she said. Former Utah PTA President Corey Fairholm said the program can be life-changing. “Many of these kids have gone on to get contracts, some with judges who come and they’re involved in other bands and the music industry,” she said. “Some of our kids have had opportunities to go on to college and study music — all of that because of being recognized through Battle of the Bands.” The atmosphere is supportive. Francis said competitors routinely cheer for one another, regardless of skill level. “They recognize they are awesome simply because they’re out there doing it, having the courage to be on stage and share their talents and skills,” she said. The program welcomes a range of music, from country and punk to hip-hop and brass bands. PTA has intentionally moved away
from requiring students to identify a genre, Francis said, allowing young musicians more freedom to explore their sound. Recent winners demonstrate that variety. Last year, Tesseract of Farmington High won the band competition, followed by Diona of Herriman High, and Locked in Groove of Woods Cross High. Jonah Blaney, of Herriman High, won the solo/ duet category, followed by Ella McQuay, of Bountiful High, and Myla Taylor, of Corner Canyon High. The 25th annual state competition is scheduled for April 24, 2027, at The Depot in Salt Lake City. The central multiregion competition is scheduled for March 6, at Cyprus High School in Magna. Other regional dates have yet to be set for the spring. Students interested in participating should talk with their school PTSA. Local competitions typically take place during the winter. PTA volunteers and community members also can help. Volunteers are needed to support local and regional events, while community members with musical experience can serve as judges. “Battle of the Bands sometimes help students feel seen and find their place simply by giving them a microphone and a place to shine,” said former Utah PTA president Liz Zentner.l
KNURT READERS LIKE TAERT RO
BE A PART OF YOUR COMMUNITY NEWS BY SUPPORTING THE CITY JOURNALS!
YOU keep us printing!
Tuesday, October Tuesday,October October1313 13 Tuesday, Support Us 4:00–7:00pm Tuesday, Tuesday, October October 13 1313 31 rebotcO ,yadseuT Tuesday, October 4:00–7:00pm 4:00–7:00pm 4:00–7:00pm 4:00–7:00pm mp00:7–00:4 4:00–7:00pm Live Music • LOTS of Candy FREE Live Music FREE Live Music••LOTS LOTSofofCandy Candy FREEEERF FREE FREE Face Painting • Photo Booth Face Painting ••Photo Booth Live Music • LOTS of Candy Face Painting Photo Booth FREE Live Music • LOTS of Candy FAMILY Rock Wall Bounce House FAMILY ••Rock Wall Bounce House Face Painting • Booth FAMILY FAMILY YLIMAF Face Painting • Photo Photo Booth FAMILY • Rock Wall Bounce House • Arcade Games and more! • Arcade Games and more! FAMILY • Rock Wall Bounce House • Rock Wall more! Bounce House • and Arcade Games EVENT EVENT TNEVE EVENT Arcade EVENT Arcade Games Games •• and and more! more! EVENT EVENT
Live Music Live•Music LOTS• of LOTS Candy of Candy Face Painting Face Painting • Photo • Photo Booth Booth • Rock•Wall Rock Wall BounceBounce House House • and more! • and more! ArcadeArcade GamesGames
Location Location of Event: of Event:
ydnaC fo STOL • cisuM eviL htooB otohP • gnitniaP ecaF llaW kcoR • esuoH ecnuoB !erom dna • semaG edacrA
EVENT
:tnevE fo noitacoL
Location ofof Event: Location Event: 3688 W. 3688 12600 W. 12600 S. • Riverton S. • Riverton
Location of Location of Event: Location of Event: Event: 3688 W. 12600 S. • Riverton 3688 W. 12600 S. • Riverton 3688 W. 12600 S. • Riverton 3688 W. 12600 S.mlarkin@larkinmortuary.com • Riverton For more For information more information contact: Melissa contact: Anderson Melissa Anderson mlarkin@larkinmortuary.com 3688 W. 12600 S. • Riverton
notreviR • .S 00621 .W 8863 DONATE BY PHONE
385.557.1022
moc.yrautromnikral@nikralm nosrednA assileM :tcatnoc noitamrofni erom roF
For more information contact: Melissa Anderson mlarkin@larkinmortuary.com ForFor more information contact: Melissa Anderson mlarkin@larkinmortuary.com more information contact: Melissa Anderson mlarkin@larkinmortuary.com For more information contact: Melissa Anderson mlarkin@larkinmortuary.com For more information contact: Melissa Anderson mlarkin@larkinmortuary.com
Page 14For | Omore ctober 2026 contact: Melissa Anderson mlarkin@larkinmortuary.com information
Herriman City Journal
UHSAA’s new Composite Realignment Index to form all classifications in all sanctioned sports
The UHSAA Board of Trustees meets in November, with meetings held through December on realignment before it makes its final placements on Dec. 17. By Brian Shaw b.shaw@mycityjournals.com
S
tarting this December, the Utah High School Activities Association is doing business differently. On Aug. 21, the UHSAA announced at its next Board of Trustees meeting in November that it will be using a different set of metrics to determine how Utah high schools will be placed into classifications over the next two school years. “Beginning with the 2027-29 alignment cycle, member schools (from Class 1A to 6A) are placed into classifications using a Composite Realignment Index (CRI), which combines school enrollment, socio-economic status (SES) and competitive performance,” read the release. The No. 1 determinant factor according to the UHSAA? School size. That alone will carry 77% of the weight for each Utah high school. After that though, things look a bit
more interesting. Thirteen percent of a school’s score will be weighed by socio-economic status. And, before anyone presumes that portion will be based solely on said high school’s economic disadvantage, that’s only part of the equation. It includes the share of K-12 students within that school’s boundaries that are at said disadvantage, also. Finally, 10% of a school’s overall Z-score is to be weighted by its competitiveness, or, how it actually performed in the sports it offers to its students. How will this score be given? By taking a school team’s postseason ranking or state-meet finish, in which its final MaxPreps and RPI will be combined into a single numerical value. If you’re asking whether or not it will be graded on a curve against the schools in the same classification that same season, the answer is yes. From there, the UHSAA will take an average of that school’s previous three seasons in said sport. Schools will then be given Z-scores ranging from -2.08 to +1.16. It’s at that point that all six classifications from 1A to 6A will be drawn across it. According to the UHSAA, the score decides the order—where the lines fall, however, will be a judgement call. The UHSAA’s Board of Trustees will have its preliminary meeting Nov. 19 to hold initial
The UHSAA’s new CRI assigns a final Z-score to each school based on three criteria: school enrollment size, socio-economic status and competitiveness. (File photo City Journals)
discussions on the new CRI criteria and make its first placements of member schools. On Dec. 1, schools will then be able to apply for a higher classification in a specific sport or activity and also make recommendations for geographic consideration at the second trustees’ meeting. It will also serve as the second round of adjusted school placements for the trustees, who will also begin placing schools into regions in their respective sports.
On Dec. 8, the public will have their first chance to weigh in on the new CRI, via a Zoom meeting. The board will then reconvene the following day on Dec. 9 to make their second region placement, and on Dec. 17 will make its realignments final with competition under the new alignment beginning the following August.” l
★LEADING THE WAY. DELIVERING RESULTS. PUTTING PUBLIC SAFETY FIRST. ★ PUBLIC SAFETY FIRST Protecting Salt Lake County through accountability, prevention, and strong community partnerships.
TRUST, FAIRNESS, & RESPECT Building community trust through transparency, integrity, and community-based policing.
PROVEN RESULTS • Ended jail overcrowding releases • Restored full staffing • Implemented treatment and re-entry services • Strengthened gang prevention
BUILDING ON OUR PROGRESS
In my next term, I will continue working with the Salt Lake County Council and Mayor to address jail capacity, invest in prevention and treatment, expand accountable alternatives to incarceration, and support the deputies and staff who keep our communities safe.
www.rosieforsheriff.com Paid for by the Committee to Elect Rosie Rivera
HerrimanJ ournal.com
October 2026 | Page 15
The races you can’t afford to skip: Salt Lake County’s 2026 candidates Three new representatives will join the Salt Lake County Council for 2027. By Shaun Delliskave s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
N
ational and state races may receive most of the political attention this election season, but farther down the November ballot Salt Lake County voters will make decisions about the people who oversee some of the government functions closest to home. Who watches the county’s money? Who administers its elections? Who prosecutes criminal cases? Who oversees the county jail? And who sits on the council that approves the county budget and makes decisions affecting more than a million residents? On Nov. 3, voters will select candidates for four Salt Lake County Council seats as well as county auditor, clerk, district attorney and sheriff. The ballot includes longtime officeholders, former elected officials, attorneys, accountants, law enforcement officers, businesspeople and political newcomers.
County Council A countywide choice
at-large
A:
The largest field is for County Council at-large A, a seat elected by voters throughout Salt Lake County rather than from a particular council district. Republican Kathleen Anderson, Democrat Zach Robinson, Constitution Party candidate Gregory Beglarian, Forward Party candidate Maleah Bliss Caulford and unaffiliated candidate Olghen Ocean Saintelus are competing for the seat. Anderson is a small-business owner who has lived in Salt Lake County for more than three decades. Robinson has worked as a firefighter and paramedic and served two terms on the Sandy City Council. He holds a master’s degree in public administration and currently works at University of Utah Health. Unlike the three district council races, every Salt Lake County voter will have an
The county council will see three members stepping down in 2027: Aimee Winder Newton, Laurie Stringham and Sheldon Stewart.
opportunity to vote in the at-large A contest.
District 1: Northern Salt Lake County
In County Council District 1, Democratic incumbent Jiro Johnson faces Libertarian Casey Poe. No Republican qualified for the general-election contest. District 1 covers a portion of northern Salt Lake County and includes communities in and around Salt Lake City, South Salt Lake and West Valley City. Johnson, who was appointed, is seeking another term on the nine-member County Council, where council members approve the county budget, adopt ordinances and make policy decisions affecting county services.
District 3: Murray, Midvale and central county communities
One of the more locally significant council races is District 3, where voters will choose a successor to Republican Councilmember Aimee Winder Newton. Republican Mike Bird faces Democrat Luke Maynes for the open seat. District 3 encompasses Murray, Taylorsville and Midvale, along with portions of West Jordan and West Valley City, putting the contest before voters across a substantial portion of the central county. Maynes works as a systems analyst and project manager for a technology company, experience that includes examining organizational processes and systems. He also serves as vice chair of a community council in Midvale. Bird has been involved in Republican politics and community activities in the district. Because Winder Newton is not seeking another term, District 3 voters are guaranteed to send a new representative to the County Council.
District 5: Southern Salt Lake County
Aimee Winder Newton is stepping down from District 3 after several terms in office. (Photo courtesy West Jordan City)
Page 16 | October 2026
Another open council seat is being contested in the rapidly growing southern portion of the county. Republican Traci Crockett faces Democrat Sara Cimmers for County Council District 5. The district includes Bluffdale and Riverton and portions of Draper, Herriman, South Jordan and West Jordan. Crockett has previously held elected office, serving two terms on the Bluffdale City
Council. She advanced to the November election after narrowly defeating Chris Null in the June Republican primary, 51% to 49%. Cimmers is a community advocate who has been involved with issues affecting families and children. Like District 3, District 5 will have a new representative following the election.
a primary. Gill prevailed in June with approximately 52% of the vote to Robinson’s 48%. Davis is an attorney who worked as a Salt Lake County deputy district attorney from 2017 to 2021, where his work included felony prosecutions and the creation of the office’s cybercrime prosecution unit. Davis currently works as corporate counsel and director of cybersecurity for Woodbury County Auditor Corporation. He also served as an Army infanFor Salt Lake County auditor, voters try officer and deployed twice to Iraq. countywide will choose between two candidates whose professional backgrounds are Sheriff directly connected to financial oversight. Democratic Sheriff Rosie Rivera faces Republican Chris Harding, the incumbent Republican Shane Manwaring. auditor, faces Democrat Ali Cloward. Rivera has served as sheriff since 2017. Harding was elected in 2022 and is a certi- She began her law enforcement career in 1993 fied public accountant, Certified Internal Audi- and spent more than two decades with the tor and Certified Fraud Examiner. The auditor Unified Police Department before becoming operates independently from other county sheriff. The office oversees Salt Lake County’s offices and conducts audits and investigations jail system and performs other statutory pubinvolving county finances and operations. lic-safety responsibilities. Cloward is a director at a national consultManwaring is a law enforcement officer ing firm and a Certified Internal Auditor. She and military leader with more than two decades earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees of experience. He has served with the Unified in accounting from the University of Utah and Police Department and as a colonel in the Utah works professionally with organizations on Army National Guard, giving voters a contest internal controls, risk and accountability. between two candidates with lengthy careers in public safety.
County Clerk
There is less uncertainty surrounding the race for Salt Lake County clerk, an office elected countywide. Democratic incumbent Lannie Chapman is seeking another term without a Republican challenger.
District Attorney
One of the county’s most closely watched contests could be the race for Salt Lake County district attorney, another office decided by voters throughout the county. Democratic incumbent Sim Gill faces Republican Kent Davis. Gill has occupied the office since 2010 and has worked as a prosecutor for more than three decades. Before reaching the general election, however, he faced a challenge from within his own party. Assistant Utah Attorney General Shawn Robinson defeated Gill at the Democratic convention, but the nomination proceeded to
Important ballot information
The county races will share the Nov. 3 ballot with a number of federal and state contests. Voters can see exactly which candidates and issues will appear on their individual ballot through Utah’s official voter information website, Vote.Utah.gov. The site allows voters to look up their sample ballot, check or update their voter registration, find voting locations and review other election information. Voters can also obtain election information through the Salt Lake County Clerk’s Elections Division at www.saltlakecounty.gov/clerk/elections/. Vote-by-mail will remain available for the 2026 general election. One important change is that mailed ballots must be received by the county clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day, rather than simply postmarked by the deadline. Utah’s general election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. l
Herriman City Journal
LDS Earth Stewardship hosts Great Salt Lake photographer
Chris Carlson’s images highlight the lake’s diversity and beauty. By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
C
hris Carlson has a deep connection to the Great Salt Lake. Not only is he a descendant of the Garr family, who settled Antelope Island, but he’s dedicated himself to photographing the lake’s ever-changing landscape. News about the Great Salt Lake’s demise is everywhere, from the Wall Street Journal to the New York Times. According to Grow the Flow Utah, the statistics are dire. The lake is eight feet below the minimum healthy level, 56% of the lakebed is exposed and it’s not quite 31% full. Carlson has a different story to tell about the lake. He addressed the Northern Wasatch chapter of the LDS Earth Stewardship during an event in August at the Eccles Wildlife Education Center in Farmington. At the event, Carlson shared images he’s taken of the lake over the years. His message is one of hope, stewardship, conservation and beauty. “Sometimes when you’re out there, and you have your camera, Heavenly Father just serves you the image,” he said. “If you want to love the Great Salt Lake, go out and spend time with it, because it’s remarkable.” Carlson published a book of photos
highlighting the lake’s stunning scenery and interconnectedness. “Preserving Greatness” includes more than 200 pictures, documenting the natural wonder found in and around the Great Salt Lake. The photos came about as his father was dying from Alzheimer’s. Carlson spent hours on Antelope Island, searching for solace and peace during that difficult time. He noticed how quickly the lake was disappearing, much like his father. “Just like my dad’s memories and his mind were leaving, the memory of this place is going to leave if someone doesn’t capture it,” he said. “So that turned from a meditative, therapeutic exercise into an obsession. I spent a lot of time there in the early mornings.” Carlson grew to love the Great Salt Lake, from the migratory birds to the bison. He explored all areas of the lake, documenting its beauty, its loss and its capacity for wonder. He’d always considered himself a landscape photographer, but after witnessing the wildlife on the lake, he became an expert in capturing the perfect animal image. His connection to the animals that live there became a gift. “What I’ve learned, and this is the spiritual part for me, is that eye connection is everything,” he said. “I don’t know what heaven’s like, but I know it’s not going to be heaven if we don’t have animals there.” Carlson hopes that using creativity to
Chris Carlson’s image of Stansbury Bay on the Great Salt Lake is one of hundreds of images he took for his book, “Preserving Greatness.” (Photo courtesy of Chris Carlson)
address environmental issues will get more people earnestly engaged in saving the lake. He recently organized a Great Salt Lake fashion show, featuring couture designed by local college students studying fashion. The goal is to raise $300,000 that will go directly to conservation efforts. He encourages residents to go out on the Great Salt Lake, get to know its landscapes, its birds, its animals and its tenuous plight. Carlson wants people to visit Antelope Island to see the bison and antelope, walk along the south shore at the Great Salt Lake State Park and take time to visit the Spiral Jetty artwork. “There are young people in Utah who are paying attention, who are turning their love for this place, and grief about what’s happening,
REAL RELIEF FOR
Visit neurostar.com for full safety and prescribing information.
DEPRESSION & ANXIETY
TMS: A Drug-free Depression
Treatment That works for You NeuroStar helps life become manageable again. Improvement in depression symptoms Symptom relief (remission)
✓ Non-invasive treatment ✓ No medication required ✓ Safe & effective ✓ Covered by most insurance ✓ FDA-cleared for depression in adolescents 15 & older!
Take a FREE HIPAAcompliant PHQ9 self assessment
into something tangible,” Carlson said. “I encourage you, however you can, to use your voice to try to make people aware of it. Write your legislators in the House and in the Senate, and try to find ways to conserve your personal water use.” The Northern Wasatch chapter of LDS Earth Stewardship is a nonprofit focused on stewardship, environmental education and inspirational collaborations. “We gather people who care for creation,” said Sara Johnson, the chapter’s chairperson. “It’s for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but we invite all to come.” For information about membership and future events, visit ldsesnorthernwasatch.substack.com. l
10%
TMS
uses magnetic stimulation to target areas of the brain associated with mood.
20%
30%
83%
62% 40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
10437 So Temple Dr, Ste 200 | South Jordan 385-412-9215 | NeuroHealthUtah.com
WE ALSO OFFER MEDICATION MANAGEMENT SERVICES WITH LITTLE TO NO WAIT TIME TO BE SEEN * Outcomes Registry data was published by Sackeim HA, et al. J Affective Disorders, 2020, 277(12):65-74. The outcomes reported represent the subset of study patients for which the CGI-S data was reported before and after an acute course of NeuroStar TMS. Patients were treated under real-world conditions where patients may have been prescribed concomitant depression treatments including medications. ‘Measurable relief’ was defined as a CGI-S score <=3 and ‘complete remission’ was defined as a CGI-S score <=2 at the end of treatment.
HerrimanJ ournal.com
October 2026 | Page 17
‘Ghost Adventures’ celebrities investigate The Great Saltair at ParaCon finale
Salt City ParaCon’s inaugural year draws such a wealth of local participation that the 2027 paranormal conference is already scheduled. By Cassie Goff c.goff@mycityjournals.com
“W
hat’s up with Utah, man?” asked Aaron Goodwin, “Ghost Adventures” TV personality, actor and producer. “There’s something going on with the land. It’s just weird.” Goodwin and Jay Wasley, his fellow “Ghost Adventures” actor, producer and director, were in town for the first-ever local paranormal conference known as Salt City ParaCon. Salt City ParaCon drew local paranormal enthusiasts together for various paranormal guest speakers, panel discussions, workshops, local vendors and late-night investigations of The Great Saltair. “We love all things spooky and paranormal,” said local haunt actor Kookie The Clown. “The people here are amazing. It’s a great community.” David Sandoval, Salt City ParaCon’s event planner, was inspired by events like Vernal’s PhenomeCon and Pennsylvania’s
David Sandoval, Salt City ParaCon’s event organizer, and Aaron Goodwin, “Ghost Adventures” TV personality, prep to investigate The Great Saltair. (Cassie Goff/City Journals)
Pennhurst ParaCon. He wanted to create a space and community in Utah specifically focused on the paranormal, as opposed to other areas of supernatural focus like Big Foot, aliens and skin walkers.
“I didn’t know what to expect for the turnout,” Sandoval said. “Once we got Jay on board, it snowballed. Everybody in the community knows Jay.” As he was planning an event of this scale for the first time, Sandoval took care to pick and format the 45 local vendors into the conference. He wanted to have paranormal investigators included, of course, but he also wanted to bring in skeptics to balance out the vendor floor. “I always like the idea of a conversation,” Sandoval said. “I wanted to have both sides of the argument.” “The mystery of the paranormal has to have definitive answers,” said Zayne Searle from the YouTube show “The Unknown Investigators.” Sandoval personally buys into the “residual energy” theories to explain the paranormal world and to understand what we don’t know after death. “Past, present and future are happening all at the same time,” he said. During the daylight hours of the ParaCon weekend, attendees were able to browse local artist booths, snack on food from local artisan trucks (like The Haunted Wagon Philly Cheesesteak and Crazy Chicken), and listen to panel discussions and guest speaker presentations. “We love coming out to build connections
with the overlapping community,” said Ollie Odinson, content creator of Slash Lake City. But after the sun went down, they were able to explore The Great Saltair (12408 W. Saltair Drive) in Magna with investigations led by Goodwin and Wasley. (Because as Sandoval noted, any paranormal conference must “end with a ghost hunt.”) “We asked the ghosts if they came to our booth,” said Amber Galer, Curst Beauty wholesale director. “They said yes.” After the Salt City ParaCon weekend was over, Sandoval shared that some of the vendors reported back to him with some of the biggest sales days in their entire business careers. Sandoval has already made announcements for Salt City ParaCon 2027 with returning appearances from Goodwin and Wasley, and new attendance confirmed by Amy Bruni, Jessica Chobot and Patti Negri. “I don’t want to keep it exclusive to the paranormal,” Sandoval said. “We’re reaching out to other celebrities that don’t believe in ghosts.” (Sean Kanan from “Karate Kid”/”Cobra Kai” has already signed on.) Salt City ParaCon 2027 will begin on April 15, 2027 and run through April 17, 2027 at Asylum 49 in Tooele (140 E. 200 South). To learn more, or to buy tickets, visit their website at: www.saltcityparacon.com. l
Our Farm Playland Includes: • Corn Pit • Straw Tower • Slides • Kid’s Corn Maze (1 acre) • Farm Animals • Climbing Wall • Cornhole • Mini Golf 2200 W. 9000 S. • West Jordan Hours: 9-8 PM M-Thurs, Til 9 PM Friday & Saturday
Fresh Made Donuts*
FREE Admission for Grandparents 1/2 Price Admission for Parents Discount Available for Groups of 8 *Extra cost for some activities, some restrictions apply. Half price admission only available with purchase of one full price admission.
Tractor Rides*
Barrel Train*
FREE
ADMIS to Pump
(pumpk
SION
kin Patc
h
ins sold by the pound)
385-775-6838
Activity or Full $1 OFF Any Price Admission! Valid only with coupon. One per guest up to 10 guests. May not be used with group discount. Exp. 10/31/26
For more information scan or visit us online: SchmidtsFarmandGreenhouse.com Page 18 | October 2026
Herriman City Journal
Dear Reader,
The City Journals, a conglomerate of community newspapers, has been bringing your hyperlocal news directly to your mailbox (for free!). That means we are sitting through city council meetings, following school boards and local elections, and covering high school sports, neighborhood issues, new businesses and the people doing interesting things down the street. Hi, I’m Cassie. You’ve likely seen my byline before, or at least flipped through something I’ve reported on. I’m an individual part of the bigger team of writers here who has been bringing you the local news you love. I started at the City Journals in 2015 and, even though an 11-year career may seem like a good chunk of time, it’s nothing in comparison to the rest of our editorial team. Our Salt Lake County Editor, Travis Barton, has been with us for just as long; our Davis editor to the north, Becky Ginos, has been monitoring the pulse of Davis County since the pandemic; and our humorist extraordinaire, Peri Kinder, has been bringing the laughter for decades. For more than 35 years, the City Journals have delivered community newspapers free to readers. Today, our 38 reporters produce roughly 190 to 220 original local stories each month across 15 communities in Salt Lake and Davis counties, each are embedded within the communities we serve. Oh! My colleagues would be upset with me if I didn’t mention the majority of us are award-winning journalists. “It’s amazing how you can turn some handwritten notes into a full, beautiful story,” said our account executive Marc Davis. It’s not unusual for a City Journals reporter to be the only journalist in the room at a local government meeting. That kind of reporting isn’t glamorous, but we think it matters. We want to keep doing that—and do more of it. Like local news organizations everywhere, we’re figuring out how to sustain and expand our reporting as the way people get their news changes. We want to publish more frequently online, spend more time on stories that deserve deeper reporting and continue putting reporters in the rooms where decisions about your community are being made. That takes time and resources. We’re asking readers who find value in the City Journals to consider supporting our work. If one reader in each household contributed even $2 to $5 per month ($24 to $60 per year), it would give us more resources to put directly into local journalism. There’s no paywall attached to this request. We’ll keep delivering the City Journals and reporting the news of our communities. We’re simply asking those who are able—and who believe local reporting is worth having—to help us do more of it. Your support won’t go unnoticed. Because we’re reporters, we think you should know what happens next. As this effort grows, we’ll report back to you about what reader support has allowed us to accomplish. To support your City Journal, visit donate.thecityjournals.com or scan the QR Code on this page. We welcome your direct communication. Please keep talking to us. Tell us what we’re missing. Ask us questions. The relationship between our reporters and the communities they cover is what makes this kind of journalism possible. From the entire City Journals team – With dedication to informing and, most certainly, celebrating our communities, Cassie Goff | c.goff@mycityjournals.com
HerrimanJ ournal.com
October 2026 | Page 19
Teal, purple and red pumpkins: The color-code of Halloween porch pumpkins explained Painted pumpkins are meant to bring awareness and spark conversation about health and safety topics. By Anna Nielsen a.nielsen@mycityjournals.com
T
welve-year-old Charlotte has celiac disease, and her friend and neighbor Liv has a nut allergy. The girls love trick-or-treating together each year, but so many of the treats they bring home on Halloween eve they can’t eat. They tend to relinquish a large portion of their stashes to friends. But, when they spot a house with a teal pumpkin out front, their eyes light up with excitement, because this signals that there may be inclusive options for them there. The Teal Pumpkin Project was started in 2012 by the director of FACET, a Tennessee-based food allergy group, Becky Basalone. Now, Food Allergy Resource and Education promotes the annual activity of offering nonfood items on Halloween across the US and beyond, citing on their website that one in 13 children have food allergies, intolerances and sensitivities, and encouraging participants to paint a pumpkin teal, put out a sign, or “get creative and add some teal lighting.” Teal was chosen for its bright, easy recognizability from afar. In addition to being displayed on porches, some children may carry teal totes/candy baskets to signal that they have a food allergy. Charlotte says the people who participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project make her feel included. “When I was younger, sometimes kids would bring cupcakes or cookies or doughnuts to class for their birthday, and I felt so bad seeing everyone else eat theirs while I had to watch with nothing. I was little enough that sometimes, it was so hard to resist that I would eat one too because I felt left out. I knew it would make me so sick, but it’s hard to resist when you’re a little kid, and I didn’t want to feel so sad and alone or different,” she said. When fall rolls around, her neighborhood goes all-out with elaborate decorations. Getting in the spirit last year, Charlotte’s family set up an “I Spy”-themed trick-or-treat trading table for their version of the Teal Pumpkin Project. “Everyone was excited to come to our house, it had the neighborhood talking all night. People thought it was so fun and different from what they’d seen before. My friends told me they thought more people should do things like this more often,” she said. “I think pumpkin projects are a good way for people to consider others and show support for each other, and you can get creative,” she said, adding that she looks forward to another fun display this year.
Teal Pumpkin Project “I Spy” display from 2025. (Anna Nielsen/City Journals)
Participants painting purple pumpkins at Epilepsy Foundation Utah’s Purple Pumpkin event last October. (Epilepsy Foundation Utah)
2012 was also the year another pumpkin project for awareness and consideration began: the Purple Pumpkin Project. Started by Ron Lamontagne in Connecticut for his son with epilepsy, the display of painted purple pumpkins are meant to prompt the question: “Why is your pumpkin purple?” and start a conversation about epilepsy awareness. Purple is the official color of epilepsy awareness, as of 2008 with the founding of Purple Day by a girl with epilepsy named Cassidy Megan. Purple was her favorite color, and lavender as a symbol has an association with things that are hidden or overlooked, such as epilepsy in this case. The Purple Pumpkin Project is now an annual tradition by the Epilepsy Foundation of America and has spread to other countries. The Foundation encourages participants to join their local pumpkin-painting event and tell their individual stories (sharing them on social media, too) when asked “why is your pumpkin purple?” 2012 was a big year for pumpkin projects and also saw the creation of the nonprofit The Pink Pumpkin Project, an effort for breast cancer awareness based out of New York with the motto “Giving Hope to Fighters, One Pumpkin at a Time.” October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In 2018, Mothers Against Drunk Driving designated red pumpkins as a talking point for awareness around Halloween being one of the deadliest DUI holidays, with marketing
stating: “Join us by displaying a red pumpkin as a reminder to designate a sober driver this holiday season. Red pumpkins create a conversation as a unique way to encourage the public to talk about these issues and make them think.” Dark blue pumpkins are another symbol of Halloween, one for autism awareness. There is not a clear origin story around an organization for this effort, but for several years, dark blue buckets have grown in popularity through social media for trick-or-treaters who may be nonverbal or potentially have a sensory-processing disorder, with the hope that the blue bucket will provide recognition for them to be welcomed without proclaiming “trick-or-treat!” Promoters of the blue pumpkin/blue bucket aren’t looking to start a conversation, but simply to help people receive patience, understanding and accommodation. Another more informal piece of pumpkin symbolism comes in the color white. Many within the pregnancy and infant loss community opt to remember their babies who have passed away with a white pumpkin on their porch during Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month in October. Rounding out the rainbow, yellow pumpkins were chosen to represent childhood apraxia of speech (which may also prevent a child from being able to say “trick-ortreat) by mother Laura Slatter, who cites the Teal Pumpkin Project as inspiration. l
Because Pets are Family Too! Cremation & Memorial Services by
385-243-7563 Page 20 | October 2026
801-266-2600
4861 S State Street, Murray, UT | DesertStarPlayhouse.com Herriman City Journal
Could your home be exposing your child to lead? Children can look healthy while lead poisoning quietly causes harm. By Shaun Delliskave s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
A
s public health agencies prepare for National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week this fall, Salt Lake County health officials are reminding parents that childhood lead exposure can be difficult to detect and may come from more sources than many families realize. National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week will be observed Oct. 25-31 with the 2026 theme “Keep Kids Safe from Lead.” The annual campaign, coordinated nationally by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Environmental Protection Agency and US Department of Housing and Urban Development, emphasizes learning about potential lead hazards, testing children who may have been exposed and identifying lead sources in homes. The issue has particular relevance in Salt Lake County because of the age of some of its housing stock. According to Gabriel Moreno, partnerships manager with the Salt Lake County Health Department, more than 30% of homes in the county were constructed before the federal government banned
consumer use of lead-based paint in 1978. “Many parents assume they’d know if their child had been exposed to lead,” Moreno said. “In reality, kids can look healthy, active and happy while lead quietly affects their learning, behavior and development.” That concern is consistent with CDC guidance. Most children with lead in their blood do not show obvious immediate symptoms, and a blood test is the best way to determine whether exposure has occurred. The CDC says no safe blood lead level in children has been identified. Even low levels have been associated with developmental delays and difficulties with learning, attention and behavior. Older paint remains a well-known potential source, particularly when it deteriorates into chips or dust. However, exposure can also occur through contaminated soil, some plumbing and water fixtures, certain toys and consumer products, and dust created during renovations. Lead can also enter a home indirectly. People working in occupations involving lead can carry contaminated dust home on clothing, shoes, tools or other items. Moreno said jobs such as construction, auto repair and plumbing may present potential exposure risks. Because symptoms alone are not a reliable indicator, health officials encourage
parents who believe their children may be at risk to discuss blood lead testing with a health care provider. “A blood test is the only way to know for sure, and right now, too few children in our community are getting tested,” Moreno said. Medicaid covers blood lead testing for enrolled children, and many private insurance plans also cover testing. Salt Lake County offers free testing to qualifying families. Testing is only part of the county’s prevention effort. When lead is detected in a child’s blood, the Salt Lake County Health Department’s Lead Home Visiting Program can help families identify possible sources and determine ways to reduce further exposure. Qualifying households may also receive assistance through the county’s Lead Safe Housing Program to address lead hazards. The goal, health officials emphasize, is to identify risks before they cause further harm. National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week encourages families to learn about lead hazards in their surroundings, consider whether their children should receive a blood lead test and determine whether older homes Salt Lake County wants families to consider their risk of lead exposure. (Photo courtesy of may contain lead hazards. Salt Lake County residents with ques- the CDC) tions about testing or lead exposure can call or text the county’s Lead Poisoning Prevention line at 801-382-8877.l
gardnervillage.com 1100 WEST 7800 SOUTH • WEST JORDAN • 801.566.8903 •
HerrimanJ ournal.com
@GARDNERVILLAGE
October 2026 | Page 21
Give people grace September 11th marks 15 years since my 57-year-old mom passed away in a car accident. It was the first time I’d ever lost someSalt Lake County one that close to me so suddenly, and it was Councilmember jarring. In the days that followed, I thought District 3 often about how precious life is—and how quickly it can change. My parents were driving down to St. George for a water conference that my dad needed to attend. As they traveled on I-15 near Leeds, a terrible storm came upon them. Their car slid off the road and rolled several but his heart was broken by the loss. My brother, Mike, and I drove to St. times. My mom was killed instantly. My dad survived with only a few bumps and bruises, George and reached my dad at the hospital around 4 a.m. Later, after trying to sleep for a few hours, I awoke hoping it had all been a nightmare. Instead, I faced the bitter reality that my mom was gone. We had a funeral to plan and a long road ahead as we helped my dad begin to recover. The first time I went to the grocery store after the funeral, everything felt strangely normal. People wandered the aisles, chat3285 W. 12600 S. ted with one another and went about their errands. Meanwhile, my life had changed. Riverton, UT 84065 My grief was heavy. I felt broken and numb, still trying to understand how my mom could be here one day and gone the next. Guaranteed Auto Body I probably looked fine—just like any
Aimee Winder Newton
801-446-9766
Repairs For ANY Insurance Company
Page 22 | October 2026
other shopper. But I was not fine. I share this with you because there are thousands of Utahns going about their lives with heavy hearts. Just because we can’t see their injuries, trauma or sorrow, doesn’t mean it’s not there. Sometimes when we are dealing with heavy burdens, we may not be our best selves. Do you ever see people who seem agitated or just generally grouchy? We never really know what they are going through or the struggles that have been heaped upon them. Recently, I learned of a family grieving the death by suicide of a 14-year-old girl. Her loved ones are devastated and searching for answers. Others in our community are coping with life-threatening illnesses or a new cancer diagnosis. Some are experiencing addiction, mental illness, housing insecurity, domestic violence or abuse. Many are caring for an aging parent, worried about a child, struggling financially or simply trying to make it through another day. It is so important for us to give people grace. I am reminded of a quote often attributed to author Ian Maclaren: “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” We rarely know the whole story of the person in front of us — the coworker who
snapped at us, the driver who cut us off, the neighbor who hasn’t returned a wave in weeks. Behind an ordinary Tuesday there might be a diagnosis just received, a marriage falling apart, or a grief that has no expiration date. Fifteen years later, I still miss my mom every day. That loss taught me that kindness costs us nothing, and we never know when it might be exactly what someone needs to keep going. A text to a friend who has gone quiet. A phone call to check on a friend. Patience with the cashier who seems short-tempered, or the driver going too slow. None of us can fix another person’s grief or struggle. But we can meet a stranger’s rough edges with curiosity instead of judgment, and a friend’s silence with a check-in instead of assumption. That is the kind of community I hope we keep building here in Salt Lake County. If you are carrying something heavy right now, please know you are not alone, and there is no shame in asking for help. And if you’re not sure who around you might be struggling, consider assuming that someone is, and treat them accordingly. It is a small shift that can make a real difference.
Herriman City Journal
W
hat if your worst day became your villain origin story? The day you lost your temper at Walmart. The day you kicked the office water cooler. The day you screamed at your partner in the grocery store and became a viral sensation for all the wrong reasons. What if your greatest shame or embarrassment became your legacy: forever. I’m afraid we’ve judged Disney villains too harshly. What if they were normal people having a tough day? What if their bad decisions defined them for generations? Take Ursula the Sea Witch. She ran a powerful, women-owned business, granting people their heart’s desire. What did she get? Impaled on the bow of a ship and labeled as a fast-talking, predatory loan officer for eternity. Were her tactics questionable? Of course. But she was also an octopus. What about Snow White’s Evil Queen? She bought into the idea that youth is everything and had a questionable relationship with mirrors, but one poison-laced apple and suddenly she’s a witch. Maleficent’s curse on Sleeping Beauty was an overreaction to not being invited to a baby blessing. Cinderella’s stepmother just wanted Cinderella to do some damn chores. Does that make her evil? Cinderella could have at least unloaded the dishwasher instead of dressing up her mice. Maybe these villains were all having a
HerrimanJ ournal.com
Welcome to the Dark Side Peri Kinder Life and Laughter
terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. But understanding why someone acted badly isn’t the same as excusing that behavior. We’ve all been there. We’ve said things we’ve regretted. We’ve hurt people’s feelings. We’ve done stupid things. Hopefully you didn’t try to skin 101 Dalmatians, but really, who hasn’t wanted a coat as soft as a pile of puppies? Who hasn’t gone all Queen of Hearts and yelled, “Off with his head!” during a stressful work meeting? No one? Just me? Was Beauty’s Gaston intentionally terrible? Maybe his father never taught him to respect women and never scolded him for putting his disgusting feet on the table. His public humiliation seemed to push him into “Kill the Beast” mode, but that’s no excuse for his villainous behavior. The way we treat each other matters. How often have we made someone the villain? The driver who honks immediately after the light turns green was obviously raised
by feral wolves. The woman having a meltdown at Starbucks becomes a “Karen” and is publicly shamed on TikTok. The neighbor who disagrees with you politically becomes your nemesis. And now our bad days can be recorded, posted, commented on by strangers and picked apart by internet trolls before we even figure out what happened. Life feels so prickly. We’re walking around like a cactus, trying not to stab someone in the thigh. I don’t think anyone wakes up and thinks, “I’m going to be an incredible jerk today.” Well, except some politicians. Who hasn’t felt rage, hopelessness or fear? Humans act irrationally. Sometimes we’re exhausted, sometimes we’re at wit’s end or sometimes we just can’t hear our co-worker chew his sandwich for one more minute. We are so quick to judge, so fast to condemn. Trolling has become a favorite pastime for many people, and I don’t mean the ones who live under bridges. I’ve often fallen into the role of villain. I’ve posted rage-bait; I’ve gauged a person’s character by the color of their hat or by the number of American flags stuck to their Ford F-150. We need to remember that everyone is carrying a heavy load, even the people we want to push off the castle. I know I’ve been the villain in someone’s story. Haven’t we all?
Peri Kinder is an award-winning columnist and journalist who has written for The City Journals since 2004. She also hosts the Life & Laughter podcast. Peri can be reached at peri.k@thecityjournals.com.
October 2026 | Page 23
Neck & Back Pain NeckStops & Back Pain Here! Stops Here! 92% SUCCESSFUL Backed by studies from Duke, Mayo Clinic, Stanford, & John Hopkins
92% SUCCESSFUL HERNIATED DISCS
BULGING DISCS
SCIATICA
Backed by studies from Duke, DEGENERATED DISCS SEVEREMayo NECKClinic, & BACK PAIN & John Stanford, Hopkins
FAILED BACK SURGERY NEUROPATHY SPINAL STENOSIS SCIATICA HERNIATED DISCS BULGING DISCS
ACCIDENT INJURIES DEGENERATED DISCS SEVERE NECK &AUTO BACK PAIN 100% COVERED BY AUTO INSURANCE
SPINAL STENOSIS
FAILED BACK SURGERY NEUROPATHY
"My back & leg wereAUTO in so ACCIDENT much pain, INJURIES I had to call an ambulance... 100% COVEREDtreatment BY AUTO INSURANCE The LaZR-DCoM saved me!" "My back & leg were in so much pain, I had to call an ambulance... The LaZR-DCoM treatment saved me!" I met with an orthopedic surgeon that suggested surgery. This scared me. I decided to do the program at Elite Performance instead and the pain is gone. The LaZR-DCoM treatment saved me.
"I had Back Pain that was Unbearable"
I met with an orthopedic surgeon that suggested surgery. This scared me. I decided to do the program at Elite Performance instead and the pain is gone. The LaZR-DCoM treatment saved me. had lower back pain that was constant and unbearable. After visit 14, the pain was completely gone! I’m so happy that did this!
"I had Back PainExam, thatX-Rays, was Case Unbearable" Analysis, &
37 $ 37 $
had lower back pain that was constant and unbearable. After visit 14, the pain was completely gone! I’m so happy that did this!
Class IV Deep Tissue Laser Treatment
Exam, X-Rays, Case Analysis, & Class IV Deep Tissue Laser Treatment No Drugs - No Surgery - No Shots Never Pressure or Obligation for Future Care
(801) 421-6826
Schedule Online
Schedule Online
No Drugs - No Surgery - No Shots Never Pressure or Obligation for Future Care
Only Qualified Cases Are Accepted
(801) 421-6826 385-293-3133
Only Qualified Cases Are Accepted
Dr. Matthew Smith DC Chiropractic Physician
Dr. Matthew Smith DC Chiropractic Physician