Millcreek City Journal | February 2026

The deep note: Inside Andrew Keller’s life as a Utah Symphony bassist

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

From a Minnesota “orchestra petting zoo” to Utah’s grandest stages, Keller’s journey is built on passion, precision and the power of the low notes.

WhenMillcreek resident Andrew Keller walks onto the Abravanel Hall stage with the Utah Symphony, his job isn’t to be seen — it’s to be felt. As a section bassist, Keller helps create the musical bedrock that supports the orchestra’s entire sound, often without commanding attention in the spotlight.

“As a section player, it’s my job to lay down a solid foundation of sound and blend in well with my other colleagues in the bass section,” Keller said. “We are all trying our best to listen to everything around us and play together with the rest of the orchestra, which can sometimes be more difficult than it sounds!”

That emphasis on listening and blending didn’t happen by accident. Keller grew up in Plymouth, Minnesota, just outside Minneapolis, where his earliest spark for music came from an orchestra “petting zoo.”

“I was eager to play ‘the biggest instrument’ after going to an orchestra ‘petting zoo,’ if you will,” he recalled. “This was a tall order for a 5 year old who was not so tall, but they were able to find a cello for me to learn on until I was big enough for a bass.”

He began playing both bass and piano around age 5 or 6. When his school district later eliminated its music program due to budget cuts, Keller continued with private lessons and youth orchestras,

eventually studying with members of the Minnesota Orchestra.

“By the time I was around 16 or so, it became clear that I wanted to pursue a career in music,” he said.

His formal training followed at two elite institutions: Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, where his primary teachers were Larry Hurst and Kurt Muroki, and Rice University in Houston, where he studied with Tim Pitts and Paul Ellison.

Before joining the Utah Symphony, Keller performed with the Lyric Opera Orchestra in Chicago, an experience that refined his musical instincts in a different way from traditional symphonic work.

“I think playing in an opera orchestra really makes you listen in a different way because you are always accompanying singers,” he said. “You always have to have your antenna up, so to speak, because maybe a singer will do an aria a bit different on the second performance than they did the first time, so you have to be ready to catch them.”

He officially joined the Utah Symphony in September 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Peak Covid time. A very interesting time to move to a new city, to say the least,” he said.

Despite the challenges of joining an orchestra amid uncertainty, Keller quickly found his rhythm in Utah. Among his most memorable performances was Mahler’s massive “Third Symphony.”

“Mahler’s ‘Third Symphony’ in spring 2023 (the lon-

event to celebrate Heart Healthy Month

Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate a healthier future!

When: Thursday, February 12th at 4pm - 6pm

Where: Intermountain Medical Center, Doty Auditorium Building 6

Who: Public invited, as well as caregivers, especially cardiovascular caregivers and physicians

Millcreek City Council honors exemplary community member and employees

Unified Police Millcreek Precinct Chief honors two officers for their work, and Millcreek’s Volunteer of the Year for 2025 is honored for her work with children.

By Alexandra Straumann a.straumann@mycityjournals.com

Since the unexpected midterm retirement of Millcreek Mayor Jeff Silvestrini on Nov. 10, 2025, the Millcreek City Council has been in a near constant state of transition. When District 3 Rep. Cheri Jackson was selected to carry out the rest of Silvestrini’s term as mayor, her election left a vacant council seat, prompting another special election to ensue. Ultimately, Nicole Handy unanimously was chosen to serve in the role, and the Dec. 8 meeting marked the first time the council convened together in its newfound configuration.

During the meeting, the council honored the accomplishments of a few standout community members. Millcreek Unified Police Precinct Chief Christine Petty-Brown honored Sgt. Jessie Allen as Officer of the Month, explaining that Allen was chosen to receive this award because of his exemplary response to a case involving child neglect. Petty-Brown said, “Sergeant Allen demonstrated unwavering commitment and initiative” and took efforts to get support for the children. “Despite being told no by multiple departments, he refused to give up. His determination and compassion quite literally changed the trajectory of their lives.”

Mayor Jackson expressed gratitude toward Allen for his work, saying, “he has provided wonderful service to Millcreek and that is just an example of his compassion...to make sure Millcreek residents are taken care

Millcreek Unified Police Precinct Chief Christine Petty-Brown honors Officer Anthony Crawford as the 2025 Officer of the Year for the Millcreek precinct. (Photo Millcreek City Council)

of, especially children.”

Following this, Petty-Brown recognized Officer Anthony Crawford as the 2025 Officer of the Year for the Millcreek precinct. She highlighted his work as a field training officer, where he works to train each new cohort of recruits that will serve on Millcreek’s force. Regarding his work ethic, she added that “he leads by example, demonstrating sound judgment, patience and professionalism,” emphasizing how “his character has made him a consistent and high achieving trainer, and member of the force.”

The room rose to give Crawford a round of applause, and Petty-Brown presented him with the award. Jackson had presented him with this award at a formal ceremony earlier this year, but she reiterated her gratitude

Millcreek City Councilmembers pose with Volunteer of the Year award for 2025, Kathy Lemieux. (Photo Millcreek City Council)

for Crawford’s work in the department, “I appreciate your influence in our department and in our city, it’s well-deserving.”

Following this, the council recognized the Millcreek Volunteer of the Year award for 2025. Kristy Ghimire Parajuli serves as Millcreek’s Education Coordinator, and she was in attendance to present the award and talk about its recipient, Kathy Lemieux. Parajuli explained that Lemieux works to supervise a class of children under 5 and has taught lessons, donated toys and worked with children across different backgrounds. Her work allows many of the parents and guardians of the children to attend English Second Language (ESL) classes, making Lemieux not only a positive mentor for children, but someone

serving entire families in the Millcreek community.

Parajuli expressed her appreciation for Lemieux, lightly adding, “I don’t know how many thank yous I could give Kathy.” Lemieux was present to accept the honor, and said, “Thank you for the recognition, but thank you for letting me be a part of something that is so amazing.”

Jackson thanked Lemieux for her work and emphasized the value of the community coming together in this way to support families and children. “All of the great work and the programs that we do could not be done without volunteer service provided by our community,” emphasizing that when members of the community come together, the entire city gets tools to thrive. l

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Beyond the binoculars: How birding boosts well-being and local conservation efforts

Birding can provide mental and physical health benefits, encouraging nature engagement and can be done year round at home, on hikes or while traveling.

By Jolene Croasmun j.croasmun@mycityjournals.com

Whoknew that listening to birds, watching them or trying to identify them could help your brain?

Studies mentioned on the National Institutes of Health’s website have found that during birdwatching the human brain releases oxytocin and there is evidence of more efficient brain activity. People bond emotionally with birds as they take the time to watch, listen and identify species. And, with ample opportunity to birdwatch (there are over 11,000 bird species worldwide) it is no wonder that one in three U.S. adults enjoy birding.

One such person is Zach Adams, who has been birding for over two years. He says he does it for several reasons. “It gets you in touch with nature, it’s cathartic and it’s addictive. It’s kind of fun to list new birds and to see a new entry on your life list, and it is also very refreshing to be outside and looking around in nature,” Adams said.

The popular eBirds and Merlin (developed by Cornell Lab of Ornithology) apps are used by most birders including Adams. They create a life list of birds to see. The app allows folks to submit sightings to a global database. Bird listing has become competitive. Many birders say they feel that it is like being on a scavenger hunt with an opportunity to observe nature.

“If I go to a new place it is definitely on the top of my mind to find new birds,” Adams said. During one of his trips he found what he called a “lifer,” a bird to add to his life list.

“Puerto Rico has the coolest birds, we saw a Puerto Rican Amazon parrot which is critically endangered. We had to go to a weird place to see it, but it was worth it,” Adams said.

The apps Adams uses both help him identify the bird and also they keep track of the birds he finds. The American Birding Association recognizes those who have a big year, which is when a birder identifies as many birds as possible by sight and sound within a calendar year. There are even competitions for the most sightings recorded in specific areas amongst the birders. Eagle sightings in Utah common during winter months

If one of your lifers is a bald eagle, then you are in luck. Hundreds of bald eagles spend the winter months in Utah to find food and avoid colder weather up north. There are many places around the state to view this bird that represents the strength and freedom of the United States including the (free) George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Wildlife Educa-

tion Center at Farmington Bay, the Weber River, Willard Bay Reservoir and Echo Reservoir. Eagles are also often spotted around Utah Lake, Deer Creek and Jordanelle reservoirs. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has more information about best viewing locations.

Community birding helps with conservation

The Alta Environmental Center has collaborated with Tracy Aviary and the nonprofit Friends of Alta for the last 10 years working to study bird populations in the Wasatch mountains. They offer birding hikes in the summer and for the winter, birding on skis. It is led by Tracy Aviary staff and skiers are invited to help document bird species. The data collected is uploaded to eBirds to track and study the bird populations, habitat and species for conservationists.

Birds are strong indaicators of the health of our environment. Monitoring bird populations helps conservationists track habitat changes and predict the effects of environmental shifts.

Bird Slam, a local competition

Whether you are new at birding or a pro, Utah has a Bird Slam to make this hobby more exciting. The Bird Slam is a way to raise money for birds, get folks excited about birds and improve identification skills which helps with tracking different bird species.

The Bird Slam was created by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources along with multiple conservation organizations. Visit Utah.wildlife.gov to sign up and pay a registration fee. Then select the slam that you want to try and begin birding. For mountain-

eers, there is even a High Elevation Slam where you identify birds over 7,000 feet. There is no deadline for these slams and there are rewards for completing the slam. But, as most birders know, identifying birds in your community is its own reward. l

Granite School District puts the pause on school closures—for now

District board says they need more time to conduct additional studies.

By Lizzie Walje l.walje@mycityjournals.com

Afterfacing community backlash, Granite School District is pressing pause on its plans to close down two of its east bench elementary schools.

The decision comes as welcome news for both community members and families alike, who have strongly protested the potential closures ever since Granite first announced its intention to put the decision to a vote at the end of 2025.

Almost immediately following the announcement, the District received strong opposition from parents and families alike.

The schools in question, Eastwood Elementary and Morningside Elementary, have long served generations of students. Even so, the District claimed that the schools’ declining enrollment rates prompted officials and school board members to assess their long-term viability. It is worth noting, however, that declining enrollment rates have been a District (and statewide) problem for several years now, leading to multiple school closures in Granite District in recent history.

Superintendent Ben Horsley directly cited the declining enrollment rates as the

main reason behind the District’s desire to vote on these specific closures. He further referenced declining birth rates and the exorbitant cost of living in the areas that the schools serve as other mitigating factors.

“It’s not [families’] fault that the birth rate overall has declined and that families don’t have four to five kids anymore,” Horsley said. “It’s not their fault that we don’t have enough young families that can afford homes in that area.…But it also puts the District in a sticky situation.”

Despite the District’s reasoning, students and parents continued to protest the closures. In response community members banded together, starting various grassroots initiatives. This included conducting their own “community study,” a direct response to the District’s population study. In addition, those fighting on behalf of Eastwood started a campaign called “SOS EASTWOOD,” which includes its own website and Change.org petition. At the time of this article’s release, the petition has amassed over 1,800 signatures.

The SOS EASTWOOD supporters insisted that their studies yielded compelling evidence directly contrasting the claims put forth by the District. This led to a further divide, with parents contemplating the District’s true motives.

One of their biggest concerns materialized after research suggested a potential conflict of interest directly linked to board

member, Julie Jackson, who represents Precinct 1 within Area 5 of the District, which oversees both Eastwood and Morningside.

Jackson and her family own a property management company called Beckstrand & Associates, and opposers argued that the company may have their eye on the Eastwood property. Eastwood, which sits at 3305 Wasatch Blvd., could definitely be considered valuable real estate.

Christopher Jennings, a parent of two Eastwood students said that he was “concerned about the disposition of the land for purposes not oriented towards teaching children.”

Jennings and other parents believe Granite’s push to close Eastwood may be driven by the potential profit the District could gain from selling such a valuable plot of real estate. These concerns led to the crafting of an email authored by Eastwood parent Nastasya Mangone, whose daughter Scarlett, attends the school. The email was sent directly to Board President Nicole McDermott on Sept. 17, requesting that Jackson recuse herself from the final vote.

“For the sake of fairness, transparency and community trust, I respectfully request that Board Member Jackson recuse herself from any votes, discussions or decisions,” Mangone wrote. “Her relationship with and board seat on a real estate development company and lack of public disclosure indicates that she has an actual conflict of interest.”

Three days after the email was sent, McDermott responded insisting that there was “no evidence” supporting a potential conflict of interest. She added that recusal would be warranted only if Jackson or her family stood to benefit directly from the property’s sale. Furthermore, District officials asserted that they have no interest in selling the property.

Nevertheless, Granite remained firm in their reasoning and insisted that all of their studies and findings had been well researched and thoroughly reviewed by board members and District officials. However, something shifted in late November 2025 after the District decided they needed more time to conduct independent studies before making an informed, permanent decision.

In light of the news, Jackson stated at a November board meeting that “my community is tired, and if we are going to spend our time continuing to engage on this, we want our time effectively and efficiently spent.”

The final vote regarding the closures was slated to occur in December 2025. Following the decision to suspend the vote, an email went out to parents stating, “There will be no school closures, programmatic changes, or boundary adjustments for the foreseeable future.”

The District said the decision was ultimately informed by several factors including wanting to dispel any notion that the “process [was] biased and unfair.”

While those who fought to keep Eastwood and Morningside in operation were thrilled to hear of this news, the District did caution parents, families and students alike that the current decision does not mean that closures could not still happen in the future. Furthermore, they stressed that declining enrollment is still an ongoing issue, one that they suspect will continue to persist and worsen in the coming months and years.

“We cannot lose sight of the reality of the situation that we are in,” said Clarke Nelson, another board member. “We have to direct the process to get to the greatest common good. And that has a reality to it that will be painful, at some point, for certain schools, for certain neighborhoods, that I don’t see going away in the near future.”

Jackson also addressed board members and onlookers, stating that future studies will focus on collecting data and information that is completely removed from the influence of District officials and board members, to help encourage community trust.

“I want to be clear about my expectations of this study,” Jackson said. “I expect a thorough Community Engagement Plan, but one that is completely different from what we’ve done in [the previous] study.…I expect a full report with data to back up recommendations. I expect board and District leaders to be completely distant from the process.” l

gest symphony ever written, its grand scope and emotional depth is incredible, and it was my first time playing it),” he said.

He’s also inspired by collaborations with visiting soloists.

“Any time Augustin Hadelich comes to town is also memorable. He’s perhaps the best violinist playing today,” Keller said.

However, some of Keller’s favorite performances have happened far from traditional concert halls, during the Utah Symphony’s summer tours across the state.

“It’s rather unique to the Utah Symphony that we get to play in these scenic and beautiful venues all over the state,” he said. “On my first summer tour back in 2021, we performed an outdoor concert at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab and we’ve also played several times at the O.C. Tanner Amphitheater in Springdale, right outside Zion.”

These tours, he said, help connect classical music with new audiences in rural and outdoor settings, making the experience more accessible and personal for people who may never attend a performance at Abravanel Hall.

Keller believes Utah’s classical music culture is stronger than many outsiders realize.

“Yes, we are definitely a smaller city, but I think per capita there is a lot of enthusiastic support for the arts here,” he

said. “You’d be surprised how vibrant the arts and music scene is.”

Still, he acknowledges real challenges facing classical music and musicians in the state.

“Salt Lake City has sadly become increasingly unaffordable in the last several years, making it difficult for young people just joining the orchestra to get on their feet and build a life here,” he said.

For young musicians, Keller’s advice is rooted in realism and resilience.

“It’s a very difficult field, and by nature you will have many more failures than successes,” he said. “I would say try to never lose your passion for what you do, and when times get tough try to remember what inspired you to pursue this path in the first place.”

To help maintain that passion, Keller keeps what he calls a personal “library of inspiration.”

“A long list of my favorite performances, songs, memories, even things that have nothing to do with music — anything that will stir up the right emotions and keep that passion alive,” he explained.

Looking ahead, Keller is energized by working with the Utah Symphony’s new music director.

“We have just begun working with our new Music Director Markus Poschner, and I’m really excited to see where this new part-

nership will take us,” he said. “There’s a real opportunity to reach new heights artistically as an orchestra and grow audiences outside of just Utah.”

He also holds out hope for a return to one of the world’s most iconic stages.

“It’s been almost 10 years since we’ve

toured to Carnegie Hall and it would be really fun to do that again in the coming years,” he said. “There’s nothing planned yet but fingers crossed!”

Andrew Keller with the Utah Symphony’s concerts can be found at www. utahsymphony.org. l

Give Yourself a Valentine This Year: Learn to Decode Messages from Your Heart

When we talk about heart disease, the usual suspects often come to mind: crushing chest pain, shortness of breath, radiating arm discomfort. While these classic symptoms demand immediate attention, your heart often speaks in a more subtle language, a series of whispers and quiet shouts that can easily be dismissed or attributed to other, less serious issues.

During Heart Month this February, we want to empower you to become a skilled interpreter of your body’s unique signals, recognizing that early detection can be profoundly life-saving.

Many people are unaware that heart problems don’t always announce themselves with dramatic flair. “We frequently see patients who’ve ignored subtle signs for weeks or even months, often rationalizing them away,” explains Dr. Richard Gelb, a cardiologist at Holy Cross Hospital –Mountain Point. “Especially for women, symptoms can be incredibly nuanced and different from the textbook descriptions often associated with men.”

So, what are these often-overlooked indicators that your heart might be sending out an SOS?

Persistent, Unexplained Fatigue: This isn’t just being tired after a long day. If you

find yourself unusually exhausted after normal activities, or if a simple walk leaves you winded in a way it never did before, your heart might be working harder than it should to pump blood.

This can be a sign of various heart conditions, including heart failure or even blockages.

Discomfort Beyond the Chest: While chest pain is classic, heart-related discomfort can manifest in surprising places. This includes pain, pressure, or aching in your jaw, neck, back, or even your stomach. “We’ve had cases where patients initially thought they had a bad toothache or indigestion, only to find it was their heart,” says Dr. Bruce Kenwood, a cardiologist at Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley. “Pay particular attention if this discomfort appears during exertion and subsides with rest.

Swelling in Unusual Areas: Swollen feet, ankles, legs, or even your abdomen could be a sign of fluid retention, a common symptom of heart failure. If your heart isn’t pumping effectively, blood can back up in the veins, leading to fluid accumulation. Don’t dismiss persistent swelling, especially if it’s accompanied by weight gain.

Chronic Indigestion or Nausea: While often benign, persistent indigestion, heartburn, or nausea, particularly when coupled with exertion, can sometimes be a

heart attack symptom, especially in women. If antacids aren’t helping and the discomfort seems linked to physical activity, it’s worth investigating further.

Lightheadedness or Dizziness: Occasional lightheadedness can happen for many reasons, but if you frequently feel faint, dizzy, or lightheaded, it could indicate an arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) or a problem with blood flow to your brain due to a compromised heart.

“By familiarizing yourself with these less obvious signs, you’re taking a proactive step in safeguarding your cardiovascular health. Your body is constantly communicating; the key is to learn its second language,” said Dr. Roja Mulamalla, a cardiologist at Holy Cross Hospital – Davis.

Call to Action: If any of these subtle symptoms resonate with you, or if you’re experiencing anything that just “doesn’t feel right” in your body, please don’t wait. Listen to your heart’s whispers. Schedule an appointment with your primary care physician to discuss your concerns, or if symptoms are sudden and severe, seek emergency medical care immediately. Early detection and intervention are crucial for positive heart health outcomes. Your heart speaks – are you listening?

For more information or to find a provider visit mountain.commonspirit.org

Churchill Jr. High recognized as National PTA School of Excellence

It’s an honor that only a few institutions nationwide are able to achieve.

By Lizzie Walje l.walje@mycityjournals.com

ChurchillJr. High School has had a monumental past year. Just recently, at the start of the 2025 academic calendar year, the institution celebrated its sixth decade in operation. The school paid homage to the impressive milestone by throwing an appropriately groovy 1960’s-themed party. Fast forward a few months, and the school is once again celebrating an impressive accomplishment, having been named a National PTA School of Excellence.

In a press release issued by the school, discussing the news, the following was said: “We are thrilled to share that Churchill Jr. High in Millcreek, Utah, has been recognized as a 2024-2026 National PTA School of Excellence—one of only 330 schools nationwide to receive this prestigious designation.” Churchill celebrated the honor amongst its students with a special assembly, taking place during school hours.

The National PTA School of Excellence recognition is more than just an honor bestowed upon a select handful of schools

Churchill Jr. High just received a 2-year recognition as a National PTA School of Excellence. (Granite School District)

nationwide (330 schools and corresponding PTAs are awarded, to be exact). Accompanying the recognition is a yearlong program that will be integrated into Churchill’s existing policies. A collaborative effort, the program seeks to enrich its recipient schools by opening lines of communication, promoting critical thinking skills, and

using data to inform administrative decisions and school policy.

Per the organization’s website: “School of Excellence is committed to supporting and recognizing partnerships between local PTAs and schools to enrich the educational experience and overall well-being for all students.”

According to the National Parent Teach-

er Association, a strong PTA presence in a school can lead to a wide variety of benefits such as increased funding and creating strong community ties. PTAs are also at the forefront of many initiatives, often advocating for children at the local and state level.

The program, like its namesake suggests, is rooted in bringing a familial presence back into schools. Research suggests that increased parental engagement is linked to overall school improvement and student achievement. Furthermore, the awarding of the excellence recognition takes both time and effort on the part of the applicant school. Operating in phases, Churchill would have begun by enrolling and applying for the recognition long before being awarded, spending months compiling data and analyzing community feedback. The next step would have taken several months, as an excellence action plan is drafted and finalized. Finally, once all of the heavy legwork has been completed, the school is able to summarize and reflect on the action plan, before celebrating their acceptance and excellence.

At the time of this article, Churchill had just been announced as a designee for the National PTA School of Excellence 2-year recognition designation. This indicates Churchill’s effective family-school partnership. Enrollment for the 2025-26 designation will occur on Oct. 15, 2026. l

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When you need emergency care fast, the closest emergency room is a smart thing to know. You never know the level of care you’ll need when an emergency happens and choosing the right ER can make all the difference. And a hospital ER comes with the confidence of additional services right on-site.

CommonSpirit Holy Cross Hospital – Salt Lake has been awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation from the American College of Cardiology (ACC). Facilities that achieve accreditation meet or exceed an array of stringent criteria for evaluating, diagnosing and treating patients who may be experiencing a heart attack.

Find emergency care close to you at mountain.commonspirit.org.

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Business leaders forum discusses challenges with government regulations

Leaders gather to discuss the overregulation of their businesses during a forum sponsored by the Intermountain Business Alliance.

By Tom Haraldsen t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com

side from the need for financial support and strength, there may be no larger challenge for businesses than government rules and regulations. That was the message shared by and with participants in the Utah Regulatory Reform Listen and Learn Forum held on Dec. 17 at the Salt Mine Productive Workspace in Sandy.

The forum was the third in a series of such meetings planned by the Intermountain Business Alliance, designed to bring Utah business leaders together to discuss real-world barriers and develop practical reforms to strengthen Utah’s economic competitiveness.

“The most terrifying words in the English language are ‘I’m from the government and I’m here to help you,’” said Trent Staggs, outgoing mayor of Riverton and now the U.S. Small Business Administration advocate for Region 8. “The cost of regulation in this country is staggering. The National As-

sociation of Manufacturing says it believes regulation alone is costing businesses $3 trillion a year. That’s almost 15% of our GNP.”

One example he pointed to is Form 941, the quarterly reports businesses are required to file with the IRS. Shifting that to an annual report, he said, could result in a $90 billion savings for businesses.

As mayor, and now in his role with the SBA, Staggs is advocating for less regulation and more common sense when it comes to the rules of the road in business. A strong advocate for President Trump, he praised Trump’s Executive Order 14192, which says that for any new regulation an agency wants to implement, it has to eliminate 10 others already on the books. He stated that another executive order from Trump charges all agency heads to look at current rules and identify those they feel might be unconstitutional.

“Just this summer, the National Small Business Association asked all businesses across the country what the most painful resource of regulations was, and they stated the federal government by far,” Staggs said. “Rules that come from these federal agencies are by people not elected to their offices. Congress to a large degree, I believe, has abdicated much of its responsibility by delegating the rulemaking authority to these unelected bureaucrats. The net result of this overregulation is it keeps you from making

profits and hiring people. Deregulation will help the economy.”

Speakers at breakout sessions during the forum covered a wide range of areas where regulations have large impacts. Those include agriculture and agri-business, construction and infrastructure, tourism and hospitality, manufacturing and mining, technology, banking and finance, and health care and insurance.

Corinna Harris, president of the Intermountain Business Alliance, said its goal is to “ensure businesses stay in business, by driving meaningful regulatory reform and removing barriers to growth at every level of government.”

“We are holding two more forums in the next week, on Jan. 9 in Eagle Mountain and on Jan. 12 in Nephi,” she said. “We’re also publishing a newsletter with comments and suggestions shared at these forums.”

She wants to see a united effort by local business owners and government leaders to make meaningful changes in regulatory practices.

Staggs told attendees the list of most wanted issues concerning business owners can be found on the SBA website at advocacy.sba.gov. Harris said more information about the alliance, or suggestions for changes, can be sent to her at charris@intermountainbusinessalliance.com. l

from Depression, Anxiety, or OCD?

Uipi and DeSirant sworn in following their reelection to the Millcreek City Council

The council followed this by adopting a proclamation to celebrate Millcreek’s first 10 years as an official city.

By Alexandra Straumann a.straumann@mycityjournals.com

On Jan. 12, the Millcreek City Council swore in two councilmembers and adopted a proclamation to celebrate the first 10 years of Millcreek as a city.

Millcreek City Council elections are held every odd numbered year. The seats in contention were Districts 2 and 4, and incumbent Bev Uipi won her District 4 seat back in a landslide victory, earning 89% of the vote. She was sworn in by her father and son, and following her swearing in she said, “It is such an honor to represent District 4 for another term, and I’m honored that the residents of District 4 continue to trust me to represent them the best that I can here in this city.”

District 2 will continue to be represented by fellow incumbent candidate Thom DeSirant, who won his seat for the second time with 59% of the vote. He expressed his appreciation for the council

and the people of Millcreek, who continue to come together during the ups and downs the city faces, “for the last few years we’ve focused so much on making Millcreek a place for the next generation...not just a place that ages but a place that is available and open for everybody.”

Following the swearing in, Mayor Cheri Jackson read a proclamation to honor Millcreek’s first 10 years as an official city.

On Nov. 3, 2015, 66% of Millcreek area residents voted to incorporate and become an official city, and this vote was only the beginning of a long, continuing journey to make Millcreek a thriving, prosperous city to call home.

Jackson highlighted the development of Millcreek Common, the creation and implementation of the Promise Program, improved roads, and the increased number of parks, trails and open space as great achievements for the city’s first decade.

The proclamation declares that 2026 serve as a year of celebration, allowing the Millcreek City Council, as Jackson said, to “strengthen the city we love, improve what we can, and imagine what comes next.” She also thanked the public for their continuing support and for their contributions, acknowledging that the work couldn’t be done without them. l

When school feels overwhelming, Ruby knows what to do

The trained facility dog is helping Woodstock and Upland Terrace elementary students learn to calm themselves, refocus their minds and feel safe and loved to return to learning.

By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com

AtWoodstock Elementary, a four-legged professional named Ruby is quietly transforming how students cope with stress, anxiety and daily challenges at school. Ruby, a golden retriever-Labrador mix is the first dog of her kind in Granite School District and for many students, she has become an anchor of calm and connection.

Ruby works alongside social worker Laura Rogers, who serves as her facilitator. While Ruby is officially classified as a facility dog rather than a service dog, her impact reaches dozens of children every week at Woodstock as well as Upland Terrace Elementary in Millcreek.

“About 95% of the kids who are escalated will calm down right away when I show up with Ruby,” Rogers said.

Even teachers and school administrators appreciate Ruby’s presence. Woodstock Principal Missy McQueen said the dog’s calming demeanor provides welcome respite to her own demanding role.

“Ruby helps me with my work, too,” McQueen said. “Being a principal can be a

busy job, so she helps me manage the stress and the largeness of this job. She sits next to me while I work on the computer, but mostly she’s with students and gets belly rubs, petting and calms them down.”

Ruby came to Granite School District through Canine Companions, a national nonprofit that has been breeding and training service dogs since the 1970s. Born and trained specifically to become a working dog, Ruby’s parents were chosen for temperament and suitability, Rogers said.

From eight weeks old, Ruby lived with volunteer puppy raisers who socialized, potty trained and prepared her for advanced training. Her formal training began when she was 18 months old and ran six to nine months; she learned skills such as opening doors and using accessibility buttons.

Rogers applied for a full-service dog and traveled to the Southwest Training Center in Oceanside, California for two weeks of intensive handler training.

“It’s like speed dating,” Rogers said. “You work with this dog and that dog, and then halfway through that first week, they pair you with your dog, and you keep that dog through the rest of the training. I got Ruby four days in, and the trainers knew more than me. She likes being pet; she’s a little smaller, so less intimidating. She has the perfect temperament and everything about her made her a great choice to work well with kids.”

Although Ruby does not have unrestricted public access, she is allowed to accompany students when she is actively working with them, in compliance with

ADA guidelines.

Within school walls, Ruby helps students manage anxiety, school avoidance, meltdowns and impulse control. One of her techniques is “cover,” where she gently lays across a student’s legs, helping to calm them and regulate their nervous system. She also performs commands such as nudge, a red light-green light game for self-control and other obedience tasks.

Rogers said Ruby has made a positive impact. Situations that might once have taken 20 or 30 minutes to resolve can shift in a few minutes with Ruby present. Defiant or overwhelmed students soften with Ruby as she redirects them into a safe and nonthreatening place.

“Maybe, they have their hood over their head, sitting in the hallway and don’t want to be in school, and they’re really stuck. After Ruby smells them and looks them in the face, we start talking about her. It’s not about what they were struggling with anymore. She shifts that conversation. Then we walk that child to class, and she’ll sit by them for a second, give them a high five or a shake, and they feel like a celebrity because they brought the dog to the class, and everybody wants to be with her. I’ve been doing this for 16 years, but with Ruby, it feels like magic,” she said.

Beyond individual student support, Ruby plays a role in classroom lessons about mindfulness and emotional regulation. Rogers uses Ruby’s natural behaviors, such as shaking after being overstimulated, to teach students how bodies release stress and how movement can help

emotions settle.

“I use her as an example of how she self regulates, and how we can learn from her, because we can do those things with our body. We can shake, move and dance if we’re feeling some big emotion, and it helps our bodies come down so that we can learn again,” she said. “Even kindergarten and first-grade students grasp concepts and learn when Ruby is part of the lesson.”

Before Rogers introduced Ruby to students, she worked with District leaders, PTAs, school community councils, parents, surveyed staff and addressed issues from allergies to safety and liability. She makes sure Ruby is not in shared spaces unless invited and clear rules about her are taught to students.

During the past two and a half years, she said there has been no incidents and Ruby has become a beloved figure at both schools, appearing in school yearbooks, websites and video announcements and podcasts.

“She gets a bunch of toys and the kids will draw pictures of her and bring me notes that say, ‘Thanks, Ruby, we love you’ or tape them on my door. It’s really cute; she’s become quite the celebrity,” Rogers said.

Rogers said she brought in a dog to help her do her work better.

“I wanted to work with some of these kids who I couldn’t reach,” she said. “Now, when I bring Ruby, I know I’m going to be able to break that barrier and help the student know they’re loved and I got them and they’re going to be OK. I always try to show them unconditional, positive regard. That’s important to me.”l

Tallest dry tooling climbing wall in the country unveiled in Millcreek

It arrives as ice climbing, a potential new event for the 2030 winter Olympics, continues to grow.

By Travis Barton travis.b@thecityjournals.com

The tallest dry tooling climbing wall in the country was unveiled at Millcreek Common on Jan. 16.

It is the city’s new winter recreation addition to the area. This new dry tooling climbing wall simulates ice climbing, a competitive winter sport that has grown in popularity over the past two decades.

In 2023, over three million Americans were ice climbing every year according to the Outdoor Industry Association, up from just 50,000 participants in the early 2000s.

Not currently an Olympic sport, it is a candidate for the 2030 French Alps Winter Olympics with the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation lobbying for its inclusion. A final decision by the International Olympic Committee is expected this summer.

Millcreek’s new wall now gives aspiring ice climbers a new place to train or newcomers an introduction to the sport.

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A demo day was held at the wall on Jan. 17 with two more scheduled for Feb. 16 and March 14.

The Salt Lake valley is home to several prolific ice climbers including Millcreek’s Alex Rudow, Draper native Noah Rowley and Riverton’s Landers Gaydosh.

Rowley told the Journals in 2023 his primary goal was to see the sport match the support other countries receive. “My biggest plan is to grow the sport in Utah,” he said. “The more people who join, the more resources we’ll have.”

Gaydosh, a Riverton High student who began as a rock climber before moving into ice climbing, has won several youth ice climbing championships around the world. The teen started when he was 11 after being encouraged to try it out.

Winter weather permitting, Utah has several places for climbers to learn and practice their sport like Little Cottonwood Canyon or Bridal Veil Falls up Provo Canyon. But Millcreek’s new wall allows training year-round.

The wall comes via a partnership between Millcreek Common and The Scratch Pad, according to a Millcreek City press release. The existing climbing wall has been reconfigured to support dry tooling to make a once-niche sport accessible to the broader community. l

Local officer helps launch peer-led support group for first responders

The Watch will offer drop-in, peer-led sessions intended to support first responders from across Salt Lake County.

By Shaun Delliskave s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

Anew peer-led support group aimed at first responders across Salt Lake County will begin meeting in Murray later this month, offering a confidential, non-clinical space for participants to talk with others who understand the unique pressures of the job.

The group, called The Watch, was founded by Murray City Police Officer Benjamin Gregoire, who said the idea grew out of both personal experience and conversations with colleagues across agencies.

A critical incident he experienced in the line of duty last year, Gregoire said, became a turning point and underscored for him how limited accessible, peer-based wellness resources are for first responders in Salt Lake County.

Gregoire said that beyond formal peer support teams, there are few places where first responders can speak openly with others who share similar experiences. He also observed that first responder culture often operates in silos.

“Police tend to stay with police, fire with

fire, dispatch with dispatch—even though we often carry very similar stressors and trauma,” he said. “The Watch grew out of a desire to create a shared space that breaks down those barriers.”

Unlike traditional mental health programs, The Watch is intentionally peer-led and non-clinical. Gregoire emphasized that the group is not designed to replace professional care.

“There are no clinicians, no diagnoses, no notes, and no treatment plans,” he said. “It’s a space grounded in shared lived experience. While professional mental health care is critically important—and encouraged—The Watch is designed to complement those resources, not replace them.”

Sessions are structured to be low-pressure and accessible. Meetings will last one hour and are drop-in, meaning participants can attend as their schedules allow. At the start of each session, guidelines are reviewed to establish expectations and safety. From there, discussion is participant-led.

“If there’s a lull, a simple prompt—such as ‘What brought you here today?’—may be offered,” Gregoire said. “But there is never any pressure to speak. First-time attendees can expect a low-pressure environment where listening is just as welcome as sharing.”

Confidentiality is a central principle of the group. Gregoire said participants verbally

agree to keep what is shared within the group confidential and that rank does not factor into the space.

“Rank does not exist within the space— everyone is equal,” he said. “If administrators attend, they are held to the same standards as everyone else.” He added that the confidentiality protections outlined in Utah’s peer support statute apply and are communicated at each meeting.

Murray City has played a supporting role by approving the group, providing meeting space, administrative assistance, and help with outreach and marketing. Gregoire stressed, however, that The Watch remains independent.

“It is not a Murray City Police Department program, nor does it report back to any

department,” he said. “Murray is hosting and endorsing the effort, but the group itself remains peer-driven and separate from departmental operations.”

Gregoire hopes the group will help address lingering stigma around seeking help, particularly for those who may feel overlooked.

“Dispatch and corrections professionals, in particular, are often overlooked in wellness conversations despite facing significant cumulative stress,” he said. “The Watch aims to create a starting point—normalizing peer support and making it easier for people to show up without fear or judgment.”

The first meeting is scheduled for Jan. 14, and while no sessions have yet been held, Gregoire said early interest has been strong. “We’ve already received strong informal interest from a wide range of agencies and disciplines,” he said.

Looking ahead, Gregoire said success would mean broader cultural change. “Success, to me, would look like peer support becoming more normalized within first responder culture and administrations taking wellness more seriously as a core responsibility—not an afterthought,” he said. He added that he hopes similar groups will eventually form in other counties, noting that “Davis County Sheriff’s Office is beginning something along those lines, which suggests this is a need being felt beyond just Murray or Salt Lake County.” l

Millcreek hosts Black History Month events during February

Community events, poetry readings, art exhibits and recognitions will take place in the Millcreek Commons.

By Cassie Goff c.goff@mycityjournals.com

Millcreek will be honoring Black History Month throughout February with a variety of events, exhibits, programs and artwork. All celebrations will be held at Millcreek Common (1354 E. Chambers Ave.); which is open from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m.

“Throughout the Common, experience programs that illuminate the legacy, creativity and ongoing contributions of Black Utahns past, present and future,” is noted on the city’s Facebook Event page.

Black History Month kicks off with a curated art exhibit featuring Black pioneers in Utah and Buffalo Soldiers. This Black History Museum exhibit, curated by Sema Hadithi with the African American Cultural & Heritage Foundation, will be on display during the first week of the month from Feb. 1-8.

On Feb. 7, Black leaders who have helped shape Utah will be honored during a ceremony with food, art and a DJ-hosted dance celebration. The event titled “In Community: A Celebration of Black History

Jones Center aims to empower ability and independence

Every brushstroke, recipe and bus ride help students at Granite School District’s Jones Center move closer to living independently.

By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Beforea student ever greets a customer, rings up a sale or wraps up a craft, learning already has begun at the Jones Center in Granite School District.

It starts with sanding wood smooth, painting with intention and talking about quality and pricing — skills that translate far beyond the walls of the gift shop.

“We give students a lot of opportunity to try different things,” said Andrea Knapp, Jones Center gift shop transition specialist. “I make sure we talk about each skill like when they sand a project from start to finish, I ask, ‘Can you feel it? Does it feel smooth?’”

Students don’t rush through projects. Instead, they learn patience, repetition and pride in craftmanship. Mistakes are part of the process and lesson.

“When we paint, we talk about quality, not quantity. We learn to paint long strokes in one direction. We want to make sure they look nice and we try again if we need to,” she said.

Learning continues when products are priced and sold several times per year. Students talk about budgets, costs and reinvesting their profits back into the program.

“I try to make sure every student has a chance to do a sale,” Knapp said. “We load items into my van, then they take the bus to the District office, and they help me to unload. We set up displays for customers. Everyone has a different job. Some students help with money and bagging, others welcome people at the door and some restock; we all learn to work together as a team, but it’s taking blank wood from start to finish and having people buy what they make that gets them excited.” A program focused on independence

The Jones Center is home to Granite Transition Services, the District’s primary post-high school transition program. It serves about 90 students ages 18 to 22. Also housed there are 30 at-risk high school students and another 30 through Granite Peaks Adult Education.

“With our post-high program, we are training students to live as independently as possible,” said first-year Granite Transition Services Principal Michelle Searle.

All transition students, called SCORE students, have an individualized education program and are working toward an alternate high school diploma or certificate of completion.

“Abilities range; most of our students have intellectual disabilities,” she said. “We have students who are nonverbal, deaf or blind, and students with high-functioning autism who need more social communication.”

Despite those differences, students work

together, even the at-risk students.

“They do well with our SCORE students. It’s a great opportunity to be with their disabled peers and help them,” Searle said. Real-world learning

The Jones Center campus reflects real-world learning.

“We’re an archipelago of little buildings,” she said.

Those buildings house job sites that mirror future employment. Hospitality and culinary arts are central as students learn set-up, customer service and catering for meetings held on campus.

Students also learn behind-the-scenes skills.

“We have a full-service laundry; students learn to launder and press their own uniforms and tablecloths. We teach them these skills so they’re familiar and can do them all,” Searle said.

The culinary program includes a bakery, hot and cold kitchens and café. Students earn food handler permits and learn food safety and health standards.

“At the bakery, they learn to make everything you can think of under the sun. People order items to take home and its especially popular with our holiday menus. People also come to our café where students can make and serve anything from a salad to a hamburger and

fries,” she said.

Learning skills in the community

Students also work community job sites from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays at grocery stores, warehouse stores, America Red Cross and other local businesses.

“They’re restocking shelves, hanging garments, stuffing hand-out bags, learning custodial skills—things they can apply to their lives,” Searle said.

Transportation is another part of their training toward independence.

“We train our students how to use UTA so they can become more independent adults,” she said.

Daily lessons in adult living

Each morning begins with an hour-long adult living lesson and a class at the end of the day.

“They learn everything—budgeting, hygiene, workplace communication, even taxes,” Searle said.

Across the cul-de-sac sits a residential home which serves as a learning lab where students practice laundry, bed-making and cleaning.

“We need to make sure they’re prepared to live as independently as they can. We feel a huge responsibility to help them get to as close to that before they leave us,” she said. Helping students now and in the future

Searle sees the program growing.

“We could definitely increase by 30%,” she said, adding there are two empty classrooms and community job sites could expand. District administration also is looking to the future.

“We hope to consolidate that program even further, perhaps at one of our closed elementary school sites so we can get them all under one roof,” said Granite School District Superintendent Ben Horsley, adding no decisions has been made nor timeline has been set.

“The problem with the current location is you see a lot of relocatables (portable classrooms). It’s better for students to be under one roof. Jones Center has served us for a long, long time. Now that we have some other available facilities that could potentially provide services for them, we certainly want to take advantage of that.”

Named after Hilda Jones, an assistant superintendent and director of special education, the Jones Center has served students since it opened in 1968.

“We’re here to empower ability,” Searle said. “Our goal is to create independence our students need as adults. We want them to succeed and as we teach them those skills—painting a craft, baking a pie, pressing a tablecloth, riding UTA—they’re learning those skills toward independence.” l

Utah lawmakers seek bell-to-bell ban on using cellular phones during school

A new bill proposed by Sen. Lincoln Fillmore (R-South Jordan) and backed by Gov. Spencer J. Cox seeks to expand on current Utah law that bans cell phones in school during active class time.

By Lizzie Walje l.walje@mycityjournals.com

Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox and Sen. Lincoln Fillmore (R-South Jordan) have teamed up alongside other state leaders to craft and propose a bill that would essentially outright ban student cell phones from public schools. The bill comes ahead of the upcoming 2026 General Session, where it will be put to the vote.

Cox first unveiled the proposal during a news conference at the Utah State Capitol, explaining that the ban would have a major positive impact on students’ ability to learn effectively and potentially improve their overall well-being.

“I am convinced more than ever that a bell-to-bell cell phone ban is the single most important thing that we can do for our students in our schools today,” Cox said.

In 2025, a cellphone ban was put in place as a result of Senate Bill 178. That bill, however, still allows students to use phones during passing times or downtimes such as when they move between class periods and when they’re at lunch. Cox and Fillmore’s new bill builds upon 178’s foundation, however, they’re seeking to take things a step further. In the bell-tobell bill, absolutely no cellphone use would be permitted at any time during school hours.

Some schools, and school districts, have their own cell phone policies and procedures already in place. Granite School District, for instance, has its own bell-to-bell ban already in effect at Granger High School.

“[Granger High School] requires [its] students to put their cell phones inside of a locking pouch at the start of every day,” said Luke Allen, associate director of communications for the District. “And then at the end of the day, as they exit, they can use a magnetic device to unlock those pouches.”

Allen reports the policy has had positive results, among them keeping students focused throughout the day and decreasing student fights on campus by 50%.

“The first year of that policy at Granger High School, if you compare the student failure rate to the four years leading up to that, they had their lowest rates of those five years,” he said. “So, they had their lowest failure rates in five years, the first year they had that policy.”

Those who oppose the bell-to-bell ban have stated that children should have access to their phones in case of emergency. The bill would leave room for each school to implement their own emergency policy as they see fit. Currently, at Granger, students are allowed to request their cell phones from teachers, should an emergency situation arise.

“Granite School District would be in sup-

port of any policy or legislation that helps students spend less time on their cell phones and more time engaged in their academics during the school day,” Allen said. “So, any minute that a student has spent engaging with social media or distracted by their cell phone during the school day, that’s a minute that they’re not spending engaging with their learning or their academics.”

During a press conference at which the bell-to-bell legislation was presented to the public, many questions arose regarding everything from implementation of the bill to potential funding concerns. Fillmore did not mention any specific plan for funding; he did, however, assert that each school could craft their own plan based on their available financial resources.

Fillmore pointed to Granger, in particular, as an example. “Some schools, like Granger, have already invested in Yondr pouches. There are all kinds of workable solutions at various costs,” Fillmore said.

For context, Yondr pouches are lockable fabric sleeves, a popular choice amongst schools and venues that require the relinquishing of cellphones. Like previously suggested, they use a magnetic technology, that allows users to keep their device with them but not be able to access or use it. Phones can then be unlocked at a “locking base” thereby reducing distraction and encouraging focus. While the pouches do prevent usage, they don’t block signals which provides room for medical exemptions.

According to the CEO of Yondr, it is estimated that thousands of schools globally implement their pouches. In the United States alone, they estimate that around 2 million students use Yondr pouches as a part of their day-to-day schooling protocol.

Supporters of the bill argue that going phone free has already yielded positive results pertaining to improved overall attendance and creating stronger, in-person, social interactions between students. According to Cox, increasing attendance is a big incentive for passing the bill.

“It turns out when you have an environment where people enjoy being together, and they’re interacting with each other, kids want to be there. And they show up,” Cox said. “We have an opportunity to fix what we got wrong last time and do it the right way this time.”

Fillmore echoed Cox’s sentiments, further asserting that Utah school districts not only supported the original 2025 ban, but even took further measures by their own volition.

“I am not aware of a single school district, even though they have the power to do so, who have gone less than what the state law requires them to do,” Fillmore said. “But I am aware of a lot of individual schools and school districts who have stepped farther.”

As far as how the bell-to-bell ban will be implemented, Fillmore says that decision will be left to the discretion of the schools. There won’t exist a required methodology for how devices will be contained. Schools are welcome to go the route of Yondr pouches or some comparable mechanism, or, they can simply require

students to keep their phones out of sight and in their bags or backpacks for the duration of the day.

For Cox, who has campaigned, and spent much of his tenure reducing social media usage and increasing regulations on tech companies, this is “an easy call,” he said. Especially with the rise of artificial intelligence.

“If we thought it wasn’t a fair fight with

the social media companies, the fight is going to completely overwhelm us with AI chatbots and their ability to not just rewire our brains, but hijack everything that makes us human,” he said. “And we can’t allow that to happen in our schools.”

The fate of Fillmore’s bill will be decided at the 2026 General Session which was slated to begin Jan. 20. l

By Holly Curby hello@hollycurby.com

Love14 ways to love others this Valentine’s Day

isn’t just a feeling reserved for Valentine’s Day—it’s a daily choice that shapes our relationships, our health, and even the world around us. Sometimes the best reminders of everyday love come from simple gestures—like what one local Chickfil-A guest does faithfully every month.

At a Chick-fil-A restaurant in our community, team members have grown accustomed to more than warm greetings from one particular customer. This guest arrives carrying gift bags—one for every team member who has a birthday that month. Rain or shine, they show up with small, thoughtful gifts that send a clear message: You matter. You’re seen. You’re appreciated.

Team members say the gesture brightens the month and boosts morale. A simple birthday gift becomes a reminder that kindness doesn’t have to be complicated. Mother Teresa once said, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” These monthly gifts reflect that spirit—a small act that makes a big impression. Research also shows that expressing love and kindness has measurable benefits.

- Feel happier and less stressed: Showing connection boosts oxytocin by up to 12% during supportive interactions, according to University of California research. Higher oxytocin lowers cortisol, the body’s stress hormone, and increases daily life satisfaction.

- Build stronger relationships: The Gottman Institute found that regularly expressing appreciation maintains a ratio of five positive interactions for every negative one. This helps build emotional safety and trust.

- Grow personally: Encouragement from friends and loved ones makes people more motivated and resilient. Research in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology shows those with regular emotional support are more than twice as likely to complete a difficult task.

- Spread kindness: A study in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that one considerate act often inspires additional acts, creating a ripple effect that touches people far beyond the original act.

- Boost health and longevity: People with strong relationships have lower blood pressure, stronger immune systems, and live longer, according to the 85-year Harvard Study of Adult Development.

That makes love a practical daily practice. Whether at home, at work, or while running errands, we each have opportunities to make someone feel valued. Here are simple ways to bring more love into everyday life:

1. Practice active listening: Put down the phone and be fully present.

2. Offer your attention: Presence communicates, “You matter.”

3. Express gratitude: A sincere “thank you” or note of appreciation goes a long way.

4. Offer emotional support: Sometimes love looks like simply sitting with someone.

5. Show patience and grace: Understanding helps relationships grow.

6. Let go and forgive: Healing matters more than holding onto hurt.

7. Support someone’s dreams: Celebrate steps of courage.

8. Create safe spaces: People open up where they feel accepted.

9. Practice self-compassion: Loving yourself strengthens your ability to love others.

10. Lead with empathy: Try seeing the world from another’s perspective.

11. Celebrate joy: Rejoice with others in big and small victories.

12. Offer simple acts of kindness: Open a door, help someone, or serve without expecting anything back.

13. Pray for others: Quietly lifting someone up is an act of love.

14. Learn their love language: Words, time, service, gifts or touch—speak what matters to them.

In a world that often feels hurried or divided, love has never been more essential. It isn’t defined by grand gestures but by noticing who needs encouragement, choosing compassion over criticism, and making time for connection. The Chick-fil-A birthday tradition is a perfect example: meaningful love often looks like small, consistent, intentional kindness.

Maya Angelou captured this truth beau-

Discover meaningful ways to love and connect with others on Holly’s Highlights podcast.

tifully: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

This week, choose two ways from the list above to intentionally show love. Notice the impact—for you and the person you reach out to. You may find that one small act becomes the very encouragement someone needed.

For more inspiration or to dive deeper, tune into Holly’s Highlights podcast, Season 6, Episode 4, and consider joining the 30-Day Show Love Challenge at www.HollyCurby.com to “be the change we wish to see in the world” (Mahatma Gandhi)—one intentional act at a time. l

Don’t ignore signs of the winter blues

By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com

For many people in Utah, the “winter blues” show up as exhaustion, a lack of motivation and low energy. While the dark nights and cold days can make anyone irritable, if symptoms of weariness or sadness last more than two weeks, it could be a sign of Seasonal Affective Disorder.

While the national SAD rate is around 5%, it’s estimated that 10% of Utahns experience SAD each year. Environmental factors like the annual inversion, limited sunlight and disrupted circadian rhythms contribute to an overall emotional slump.

Dr. Jason Hunziker, Division Chief of Adult Psychiatry at the University of Utah, said SAD is a type of depression affected by low light exposure that can heavily impact the way people function. It can show up as low motivation, a higher intake of carbohydrates, excessive sleeping or just feeling off.

“People get up in the morning and it’s dark; they come home from work and it’s

dark, and it affects them,” Hunziker said. “It begins to interfere. You’re getting to work late, you’re not keeping up at work and you’re not getting to school. Your relationships are starting to become fragile, and there are more arguments or isolation. You start to feel hopeless.”

While brief periods of sadness are common, SAD symptoms lasting two weeks or more should be considered serious, and it might be time to talk with a professional, especially if the depression includes thoughts of self-harm or suicidal ideation.

Hunziker said one of the best ways to combat SAD is through movement, outside if possible. Moving the body releases endorphins that provide a sense of well-being and it can take the mind off worry or stress.

“One of the biggest things people forget to do in the winter is move,” he said. “Go out for a walk, go to the gym, run on the treadmill at home, just make sure you’re trying to do something. It’s best if you’re outside because the cold air and the sunlight, all of those things we need are outside.”

Light therapy is another effective way to treat SAD symptoms. Whether you take a 20-minute dog walk or sit in front of a light

therapy lamp, the benefits will pay off in the long run.

Healthy eating plays a big role in how people feel in the colder months. Winter meals and snacks often contain carb-heavy comfort foods but the more fresh produce that can be incorporated into a diet, the bigger the reward. Staying connected to loved ones is another way to improve mental health.

“We isolate in the wintertime but we need to make sure we’re meeting with family and friends, and reaching out to them all the time,” Hunziker said. “There are so many ways that we can help when things start to go the wrong direction. Let’s not let it get too far down the road before we do something.”

For people prone to SAD some pre-winter planning may help. Create an autumn toolkit to help avoid the deep depression associated with the disorder. Set up a therapy appointment in early September and plan on filling anti-depressant medication in early fall, so it has time to work.

Having things to look forward to can help alleviate SAD symptoms. Schedule fun events for the winter or plan a weekend getaway.

Walking outside is a top recommendation for alleviating symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Taking a proactive approach to seasonal depression can help those who struggle with mental health in the winter. (Adobe stock)

For those who need crisis help, key resources include the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number and the SafeUT App, an app that allows students to call a licensed counselor for free, at any time of the day or night.

“If you don’t know where to start, start with your primary care doctor and let them know what’s happening,” Hunziker said. “Make sure you’re moving, make sure you’re getting light, make sure we’re taking care of our bodies and keeping our connections. Don’t ignore that stuff.” l

County sheriff’s office honors

America’s 250th anniversary with flag ceremony

As part of a nationwide and global observance, the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office proudly welcomed a special flag during its stop in Utah as part of Flag Sojourn 250.

As part of a nationwide and global observance, the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office welcomed a special flag Jan. 7 during its stop in Utah as part of Flag Sojourn 250—a historic journey designed to unite Americans while honoring the nation’s past, present and future.

The Flag Sojourn 250 initiative, commemorating the country’s upcoming 250th anniversary, is carrying this American flag to every U.S. state and territory, as well as all 26 overseas U.S. military cemeteries. The journey is meant to pay tribute to those who served and sacrificed for the nation while celebrating the principles of liberty, resilience and unity that define America.

“This shared journey honors our history, remembers our heroes, and looks ahead with hope,” said Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera. “The Stars and Stripes represent far more than a symbol—they embody the sacrifices made in defense of freedom and the ideals that bind us together as one nation.”

The ceremony featured the presentation and raising of the flag by the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard, fol-

lowed by a moment of silence and ceremonial music. Attendees also joined together in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

The event concluded with the Honor Guard lowering and refolding the flag, marking the end of a meaningful stop on its journey. The flag next traveled to Colorado.

Flag Sojourn 250 is a national unity initiative led by the National Flag Foundation (NFF) in partnership with America250’s America Waves program, an epic tribute campaign honoring the American flag. l

Celebrating Heart Month

heart by We know you

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New report suggests

half

of Utah’s young students are unable to read at proper grade level

While the study can’t pinpoint a singular cause, it does stress the importance of students meeting age-appropriate standards as a means to ensure future success and economic prosperity.

By Lizzie Walje l.walje@mycityjournals.com

Anewreport is spelling out an alarming reality for Utah’s youngest residents, as it indicates that half of them are unable to read at their corresponding grade level. This reality is not isolated to a few districts or schools within the state. Rather, the report shows glaring deficiencies at a statewide level.

The report was published by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah, shortly after the beginning of the 2026 calendar year. It details some troubling information, revealing that a large percentage of K-3 students in Utah have failed to meet appropriate grade-level expectations. Per Utah’s state policy, a student is considered to have satisfied grade-level expectations if they meet or exceed a score of 405 on the end of year benchmark reading assessment. The study’s data showcases that just 50.3% of third graders are achieving appropriate proficiency.

Utah is seemingly not alone in this issue, and it’s not just young children who are currently affected. In September 2025, The Harvard Gazette reported that reading scores for high school seniors, released by the Nation’s Report Card, had fallen to their lowest level since 1992. It was the first year that high school seniors had taken the nationwide test since the Covid-19 pandemic, revealing a disturbing divide between the nation’s highest and lowest achieving students.

While some may argue this is a sensible conclusion given the challenges that plagued teachers and students during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, research suggests that scores have been steadily declining, predating the pandemic.

According to Martin West, an academic dean and a professor of education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and the deputy director of the Program on Education Policy and Governance at the Harvard Kennedy School, “American students’ literacy skills peaked in roughly the middle of the last decade and have fallen significantly since that time.”

When asked about why West believes this is happening, he could not offer a singular answer, as usually these types of issues are multifaceted and can occur due to a range of differing and intersecting factors. He did however say that “I don’t think we

have smoking gun evidence that the rise of screen-based childhood is a direct contributor to the literacy trends that we’re seeing. But I’m willing to put it very high on my list of potential suspects.”

In Utah, Andrea Thomas Brandley, the lead author of the Gardner Policy Institute’s report, explained why it’s so important that students meet the necessary benchmarks of literacy, especially when it concerns third graders in particular. “We look at third grade specifically as like a pivot point,” she said. “Prior to third grade, students are spending a lot of their time learning to read, and then after third grade, they’re doing a lot of reading to learn.”

While K-3 literacy issues have permeated schools and districts at the statewide level, there are a few interesting outliers. Notably, Salt Lake City School District is one of 17 districts that failed to reach proficiency in 50% of its students. Only one district in the state, Park City School District, was able to reach 70% proficiency, reporting 70.1% in 2025.

Other statistics further complicate the issue, with the study reporting that only 18% of third-grade students with limited English-language proficiency and 35.2% of economically disadvantaged students met grade-level expectations. Furthermore, reading proficiency varies widely, with English-language learners, students with disabilities, and Hispanic/Latino students also performing lower, on average, than their peers.

Literacy, or lack thereof, has very real

consequences that can impact a student’s life well into adulthood. Strong early literacy skills are proven to be foundational for future academic success and achievement, higher graduation rates, better employment prospects, and overall health and civic engagement. The study also emphasizes that early experiences are important. Of which, they cite language exposure, shared reading, and high-quality early learning environments as critical for a child’s readiness to read.

“Research indicates that nearly all children can learn to read with systematic, evidence-based instruction and targeted support,” a summarization of the study released by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute said.

In spite of the dire news expressed by the data, there were a few silver linings. Among them, some indication of advancement, with kindergarten proficiency actually improving, jumping to 53.3% in 2025 from 37.7% in 2021. The state also vows that they intend to respond aggressively to the issue with policy changes. Utah’s Early Literacy Outcomes Improvement Act (SB 127, 2022) aims to address these challenges by setting a statewide goal of 70% third-grade reading proficiency by 2027 and strengthening supports.

While policy design is important, the study’s summary affirmed, the study also highlighted the need for policy to be consistent and well implemented overtime. Policy should also be integrated to align with current curriculum and aided by teacher support. Furthermore, it is beneficial for the

issue to be recognized within the student as early as possible, with targeted interventions performed to help promote improvement.

One state in the union has shown marked improvement in elevating their literacy and reading rates is Mississippi. Ironically, Mississippi consistently ranks poorly when it comes to overall education outcomes. However, they’ve seemingly been able to target their own literacy issues successfully.

In 2013, fourth-grade students in Mississippi were ranking 49th overall in reading scores but had impressively managed to climb to ninth overall in 2024 thanks to what the Gardner report claimed was a “multi-year, coordinated approach and the state’s emphasis on implementation quality, rather than any individual reform acting alone.” The report specifically points to Mississippi as a point of reference for Utah to closely follow.

As for Brandley’s specific thoughts regarding how to improve the literacy issue, much like West, she acknowledges there is no one size fits all solution. However, she does believe in the importance of addressing these issues holistically.

“Particularly, when kids are 0-5 [years of age]. It’s the most rapid brain development we experience in our lives. While we don’t know the cause necessarily, I do think this is a critical time to make sure that students are exposed to language and books and conversations and storytelling with caregivers. That helps build a foundation for them to be ready more formally when they enter school.” l

Utah public schools see largest dip in enrollment in 25 years

It is a statewide problem that many schools feel unequipped to address.

By Lizzie Walje l.walje@mycityjournals.com

Recently, Granite School District contemplated closing down two of its elementary schools, eventually deciding not to move forward at this time after facing widespread community opposition. Similarly, Utah County’s Alpine School District considered closures of its own, ultimately opting to permanently close Cedar Valley Elementary School following their school board’s vote.

The aforementioned are just two recent examples of a statewide problem: declining enrollment. Utah is undergoing its most significant reduction in K-12 public school enrollment numbers in the past 25 years. As of fall 2025, Utah has 11,478 fewer students than the previous academic year.

Granite, one of Utah’s largest school districts, has had a particularly difficult past decade. In the past seven years, they’ve voted to close down 10 schools. If they had decided to move forward with their recent votes regarding Eastwood Elementary School and Morningside Elementary School, those institutions could have potentially marked the 11th and 12th closures in less than a decade.

Despite currently suspending the Eastwood and Morningside votes, Granite District officials and board members continue to warn parents and students that more closures are not just possible, but highly probable.

“We cannot lose sight of the reality of the situation that we are in,” said Clarke Nelson, a Granite School District board member. “We have to direct the process to get to the greatest common good. And that has a reality to it that will be painful, at some point, for certain schools, for certain neighborhoods, that I don’t see going away in the near future.”

Granite District leaders have parroted Nelson’s sentiments, predicting that enrollment will drop an additional 10% in the next two years. Superintendent Ben Horsley has only been in his current position for a little over a year, yet he has already had to discuss these closures on multiple occasions. In response to criticism, Horsley has said that many of the factors leading to declining enrollment and closures are “outside our ability to control.”

What exactly are the circumstances leading to declining enrollment, and what are the broader implications for the state writ large?

As of 2025, every school district in the state of Utah has faced declining enrollment rates to some extent, except for two outliers, Beaver and Tooele. While Granite’s rapid decline has been particularly notable, so too have Salt Lake and Washington school districts.

At face value, one might wonder why Utah is undergoing such a crisis considering that, in recent years, the state has consistently been ranked as one of the fastest growing

in the nation. St. George, in particular, which falls under the Washington School District, is regularly cited as Utah’s most rapidly growing city, even going so far as to have previously garnered national attention for its noteworthy growth. Furthermore, Utah has the youngest median population in the nation. According to a Census.gov report, Utah’s median age is 32.4.

Even Aaron Brough, director of data and statistics at the Utah Board of Education has sounded off about the conundrum. “We seem to be exiting from the constant growth or the constant struggle to deal with the pressures of growth to … this decline that we’re seeing here,” he said.

While some districts, like Granite, have been dealing with declining rates for several years, many other districts are citing the Covid-19 pandemic as a major turning point. In the early days of the pandemic, many schools and districts struggled to implement rules and guidelines that had universal appeal. This led to a subset of parents developing a lack of trust, subsequently pulling their children from their schools and districts at large. However, instead of transferring these students to other public schools or districts within the same county, many parents opted for alternatives like charter schools, private schools and homeschooling.

Incidentally, charter schools, which are technically still public run institutions, but they operate independently of an established district, are mostly trending in the opposite direction. Their growth is far more reliable, expanding by 3.6% in the past year. As of 2025, they represent 13% of the state’s public-school population. However, even charters aren’t completely immune, as 44 of the 113 registered Utah charter schools also saw declines in enrollment.

Additionally, while Utah has retained its status as a state with a rapidly growing population, one aspect of that growth has dropped off substantially—children. Not only is the birth rate declining nationwide, but in Utah, the cultural trend that previously favored large families, is no longer nearly as prevalent. Economic pressures and exorbitant housing costs are also making it increasingly more difficult for young people to support large families.

While it may be true that Utah’s housing market saw significant periods of growth in the past decade, much of that development favored new apartment buildings and condominiums. Historically speaking, these types of properties typically don’t attract families with school-age children, a fact that continues to be true.

It also doesn’t help that declining enrollment equals reduced funding from the state. In many cases, that loss in revenue can easily creep into the millions. These cuts can be fatal for certain institutions, considering that operating costs remain the same whether or not funding is decreased.

“It’s not the district’s responsibility to ensure families are growing at a rate to sustain schools,” Horsley added. “We’re here to sustain our families.”

No question, these declining rates will continue to pose problems for Utah’s school districts. However, if there is a silver lining to be found, Utah State Superintendent of Public Instruction Molly Hart says that enrollment numbers are up for students from demographics that are historically underserved, such as those with disabilities and first-time English learners. She believes this will translate into an opportunity for public schools to serve populations of students who are most in need, as students from these demographics often unin-

tentionally slip through the cracks.

Additionally, the presence of students of color continues to steadily increase, and as of fall 2025, they account for 31.2% of the K-12 public school population, an increase from last year’s 30.6%.

Hart nevertheless maintains that she remains dedicated to serving all students throughout Utah. “Our focus remains,” she said, “on ensuring that every child, in every community, continues to receive a high-quality education, regardless of statewide fluctuations.” l

Salt Lake County leads on criminal justice reform bringing a national lens to local solutions

Salt Lake County is responsible for many of the region’s core public safety functions, including jail operations and serving as the behavioral health authority. About 74% of the county’s general fund budget is dedicated to public safety. As the government agency responsible for these essential countywide services, we regularly evaluate our systems to ensure delivery of better outcomes for people, public safety and taxpayers.

That responsibility is what led Salt Lake County to partner with Judge Steve Leifman and The Leifman Group, nationally recognized leaders in behavioral health and criminal justice reform. In Miami-Dade County, Florida, Judge Leifman’s work helped establish one of the nation’s most successful diversion models, the “Miami Model.” The model redirects individuals with serious mental illness from jail into treatment and recovery. That approach led to dramatic reductions in arrests and recidivism, a significant drop in the jail population—saving millions of taxpayer dollars while improving public safety and enhancing lives throughout Miami-Dade County.

Over several months last fall, Salt

Aimee Winder Newton

Salt Lake County Councilmember

District 3

Lake County convened more than 100 leaders from across the state and region— including state leaders, city officials, courts, law enforcement, service providers, advocates and philanthropy— to learn from the Miami Model and identify ways to implement the model here at home.

This engagement builds on years of work already underway. In 2023, Salt Lake County partnered with the State of Utah and Salt Lake City to advance the Coordinated Homeless Services Plan. In 2024, Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson launched the County’s first five-year Human Services, Homelessness and Criminal Justice Reform Action Plan, prioritizing early intervention, service coordination and accountability across systems. We’ve

also partnered with Salt Lake City on the planning and implementation of their Public Safety Plan. These efforts reflect a shared understanding that fragmented systems lead to repeated crises—costly for families, communities and taxpayers.

The data drives the need for action. Today, the Salt Lake County jail functions as Utah’s largest mental health provider. Roughly 34% of people leaving the jail exit directly into homelessness. Jail is among the most expensive—and least effective— way to address untreated mental illness and substance use disorders. Diverting individuals with serious mental illness from repeated, low-level incarceration into structured treatment and supervision is not about leniency; it is about accountability, public safety and using public dollars wisely.

Salt Lake County recognizes that simply replicating another community’s model is not what’s needed. Instead, the county is applying proven principles through a local lens—recognizing our specific responsibilities, what our population needs and what will work here. What has emerged clearly is the strength already present here: committed service providers, engaged public safety partners and a

shared willingness to align around practices that work. The Leifman Group’s recommendations focus on better coordination, improved crisis response and using shared data to guide decisions and track what’s actually working.

This work is also about leadership. Because Salt Lake County bears such a large share of public safety costs, we have a strong incentive to lead system improvement. Communities are safer when fewer people cycle through jail and our criminal justice system. Additionally, families are more stable, and taxpayer dollars can be reinvested into solutions that prevent crises before they escalate and that create lasting positive change.

At its core, Salt Lake County’s criminal justice reform work reflects a simple truth: when systems function better, outcomes improve for individuals and for the community as a whole. By leading with data, coordination and evidence-based solutions, Salt Lake County is working to improve public safety, support families in crisis, hold systems and individuals accountable, and ensure public dollars are used effectively for the benefit of the entire community.

TheFirst Amendment now comes with footnotes. Instead of promising not to abridge the freedom of speech, government officials are quietly redlining your opinions like a ruthless book editor holding a grudge.

The erosion of our First Amendment rights should wake you up like a five-alarm fire.

Banned Media. Reporters have been barred from the White House, kicked out of the Pentagon and have lost access to the press secretary’s office. A Washington Post reporter had her house searched by the FBI, relabeling journalists from “democracy watchdogs” to “people of interest.”

The president threatens the media licenses of organizations that don’t paint him in a flattering light. He’s sued networks for billions, ordered shows to be canceled and got Jimmy Kimmel fired. When millions of people canceled Disney and HULU, Kimmel was put back on the air, so I guess free speech can now be bundled with your subscription.

Banned Words. This melting pot we call America has outlawed diversity, equity and inclusion. That’s like taking the heart out of the Tin Man or the soul out of Hozier.

The Head Start early childhood programs were told to remove a list of 200 words in grant applications or the Death Star would blow up their facilities. Words like “belong,” “disability,” and “mental health” will get funding denied, so now applicants have to do an interpre-

Don’t be left speechless

Peri Kinder Life and Laughter

tative dance, acting out “equality” or “diverse.” Government leaders go ballistic if we use pronouns or call a trans person by their chosen name, yet expect the entire country to salute the nonsensical renaming of the Gulf of America or the Trump-Kennedy Center. It costs nothing to respect someone’s pronouns, but rebranding the Department of War will cost taxpayers more than $1 billion.

Banned Books. Having a library card is now an act of defiance. Utah loves a good book ban because nothing prepares kids for real life more than hiding information that makes them feel uncomfortable.

Utah already ranks at the bottom of education funding, but yes, let’s make our kids dumber by discouraging them from learning critical thinking skills or empathy. Reading as exploration is forbidden. Curiosity becomes taboo.

But if kids want to read a book, they’ll find a way to read it. A ban adds extra enticement, like putting chocolate sprinkles on an ice cream

sundae. We’re all for letting 18 year olds carry a rifle into McDonald’s, but heaven forbid they read “The Hate U Give,” which talks about a teen affected by gun violence.

Banned criticism. The First Amendment gives us the right to criticize anyone, even the president. You can slap bumper stickers on your VW, write columns or even burn the flag.

However, professors are being fired for political beliefs, protestors are tear-gassed and shot, and university funding is cut unless courses fall in line with this administration’s doctrine. Freedom of speech is now an extreme sport.

Here’s what’s not free speech: incitement, threats, defamation, obscenity and perjury. The president has threatened talk show hosts, slan-

dered Democratic leaders and there’s strong evidence he’s perjured himself several times. He is also protected under the First Amendment, but the president walks a Sharpie-thin line between free speech and hateful rhetoric. TrumpActionTracker.info documented 264 actions (as of Jan. 16) taken by the president and his administration during the last year to control information or spread propaganda. He’s all for free speech, as long as it’s only his.

History shows that free speech is as durable as steel, with the propensity to outlast those who violate it. The First Amendment doesn’t promise pleasant agreement but a safe space for necessary debate. Freedom of speech is not silent, and we shouldn’t be either.