Millcreek Journal | May 2026

See Inside... Watercolors

Slick City slides into Millcreek

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

The first indoor dry-slide recreation facility in the state is now open in Millcreek at 2330 E. 3300 South. Slick City Action Park took over the former Joann’s building, a 24,000-squarefoot space that is now home to 10 slides, a dodgeball air court, a web crawler and a Junior Jungle for guests 5 and under.

Franchise owner Jordan Wade brought the experience to Utah after meeting the man who created the slides and trying it for himself. When he found out the heart-racing slides had been implemented into a Slick City Action Park franchise, he knew he wanted to be involved.

“It’s like a water park with no water,” Wade said. “Every one of these slides is inspired by an extreme slide, maybe that you’ve seen at a water park, but they’re coated in a proprietary slick material. Then we cover it with a silicone lubricant and then you go down on a mat. It can be pretty fast with lots of adrenaline.”

The patented slides create a high-energy experience. With 10 slides to choose from, visitors can start slow, with the 80-foot-long Cowabunga with banked curves and bumps, or

they can go right to the Mega Launch, which thrills riders with a steep drop and an airborne landing.

Other attractions include the Fast Lane, a four-lane slide track built for racing; the Royal Flush, which swirls riders around before dumping them out of a massive bowl; the Python that features tight curves that wind guests through a fast-paced slide; and the Tailspin, a spiral ride good for first-time sliders.

Wade’s favorite slide is the Big Wave, which shoots riders into a giant half-pipe, where they glide back and forth.

“It combines my favorite parts of the slides,” he said. “There’s the initial speed, just the thrill of the drop. Plus, the fun of actually sliding down the slide, just the back and forth that you get after, it’s very fun. My second favorite is Riptide, our steepest one, and it’s just fast. You just go straight down.”

While some indoor recreation parks cater to children, Slick City Action invites adults to get involved. Wade said jumping on trampolines requires a degree of physical fitness, but at the slide park, besides climbing to the top,

COMMON GROUND

I can’t afford YOUR tax bill

Common Ground will be a column of rotating viewpoints that highlight specific feelings across the political spectrum, and it will always end with possible ways to come together.

Thousands of Utahns put down their phones from their doomscrolling and rage-baiting, to create vulgar poster boards and attend the No King rallies. Because Salt Lake City found it acceptable to shut down blocks of State Street, I watched the crowd waving their signs and chanting as they made their way to the State Capitol.

It was the weekend, and I wanted to be home. I had no desire to sit behind a police roadblock, watching people chanting and waving their signs. But I was working that day, or at least trying to work.

This was the end of a 60-hour work week for me, making sure we covered expenses and payroll for my business, trying to eke out just enough for me to get my bills covered. Then a question took over, a question that nearly every middle-aged, middle-income man finds themselves asking, “What am I doing here? Why am I working so hard?”

Could it be that I’m working so hard just to pay the bills of others?

Look at the facts. The national debt is $40 trillion. The Utah State Budget is over $31 billion. Salt Lake County increased property taxes by 14.65%, with a budget of over $2 billion.

How did we get here?

Let’s look close to home. Let’s start with Salt Lake County. We have a nine-member council, with five republicans, four democrats and a Democratic mayor.

Collectively (8-1), the council approved a $2 billion budget that significantly raised property taxes.

Earlier this year, Salt Lake County Council Members tried to cut the budget, proposing the shuttering of a county-operated senior center and child care facility. Then, all those who have had their hands out for

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John J. Walker Common Ground

years popped out of the cookie-jar, insisting they keep getting their subsidized child care or, in some instances, their jobs.

I watched the parents argue for continued services at below market rates, as if society and the taxpayers were somehow responsible for providing them with subsidized child care.

The same tiny violins were played throughout the legislative session earlier this year, with state legislators lined up to bring bills that would stick the Utah taxpayers with subsidizing or paying more money for child care, more money for property tax deferment/credits and more money for down payments for first-time home buyers, paying more money for Medicaid, more money for the homeless, more money for Title 1 schools, mental health treatments and food pantries.

Have we lost our conservative way of life here in Utah? Are we slowly drifting away from our base and sliding into the pit that California has become?

How much more can we afford? For me the answer is none.

Common Ground: In my late 20s, I asked a friend a question. What is the difference between a Republican and a Democrat? I will never forget his answer, “If you are a Republican in your 20s, you don’t have a heart; if you’re a Democrat in your 30s, you don’t have a brain.” At the time, it made sense; now that I’m in my 40s, it makes a whole lot less sense.

I like to think most of us have brains and hearts, all at the same time.

PUBLISHER

Bryan Scott | bryan.s@thecityjournals.com

EDITOR

Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com

ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES

Mieka Sawatzki | mieka.s@thecityjournals.com

Ryan Casper | ryan.c@thecityjournals.com

Marc Davis | marc.d@thecityjournals.com

CLIENT SERVICES

Lydia Rice | lydia.r@thecityjournals.com 385-557-1022

Big expenses for the general population are best paid for by taxes, such as the military or highways. I am happy to pay my share of taxes to build roads and bridges. I surely don’t want to pay fees at a toll booth.

Sometimes having a monopoly makes sense. I guess the city could stop collecting trash and each home could pay a company to pick up the trash from their home. But I would imagine that would be less efficient and more expensive.

I’m curious to know what residents feel is the purpose of local, county and state government. I think most would agree on roads, bridges, trash pick-up, dumps, water infrastructure and more. But how do we really feel about child care, senior centers, golf courses, zoos, museums, and theaters?

My fear is that when the economy is prospering, we vote yes on these expenses, but now that cost of living has increased and people are struggling more, we are less likely to support these governmental expenses. l

From the Publisher:

Last month, the City Journals launched Common Ground. The column will tackle typically divisive political topics, with a focus to bring the community together. It’s our goal to help community members better understand how their neighbors feel.

We had a large response from readers. With over 100 emails, several mailed letters and phone calls, we consider month one a success. Peri submitted her opinion about local immigration legislation that was proposed during the 2026 legislative session. earlier this year. The responses were largely favorable for the Common Ground article, with both supporting and dissenting comments on Peri’s first

submission. Unfortunately, we had some readers who simply were not interested in hearing how their neighbors felt.

The general tone of the dissenting readers was that Peri did not distinguish between legal and illegal immigrants. One commenter wrote, “First, let’s address the elephant in the room. Kinder’s commentary never used the words illegal immigrants…But illegal immigration is the issue the Utah legislature is trying to address.”

Other dissenting views included the large amounts of tax money spent each year supporting and aiding illegal immigrants.

Those who supported Peri’s comments were appreciative of having their views represented, they also commented about how immigration is the “American Way,” a nation built by immigrants. From a workforce perspective, they said our economy needs immigrants and their willingness to take less desirable jobs at lower wages. Others supported immigration from the perspective that fertility rates in the United States are decreasing and our economy is essentially centered on population growth.

Where people did agree was that Congress needs to work together to create effective policies around immigration on a national level, and that those laws need to be consistently enforced and adhered to from administration to administration. One reader wrote, “This is the key to solving our immigration dilemma.”

Hopefully, this fall as we select candidates to represent Utah in Congress, we all remember that we need Congress to fix the immigration issue.

— Bryan Scott

CIRCULATION COORDINATOR

Lindsay Andreasen | lindsay.a@thecityjournals.com Rack locations are also available on our website.

EDITORIAL & AD DESIGN

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Copper Rock golf championship set for May 14-16

The road to the LPGA Tour begins with the Epson Tour, and again this month, 132 of the best female golfers on the planet will reconvene for the Copper Rock Championship May 14-16 in Hurricane, Utah. Golfers will compete for $250,000 in prize money and points in the season-long Epson Tour standings.

There were 15 players who gained LPGA status during last year’s Epson Tour season, and 13 of them finished in the top 30 at Copper Rock in 2025. Champion Gina Kim won twice on the Epson last season and is now playing on the LPGA Tour.

Exemptions this year went to four golfers:

Navy Hubbs is a junior at Salem Hills High School who has verbally committed to Boise State University. She started playing golf at the age of 12 and quickly developed a passion for the game. Since then, she has enjoyed competing in both local and national tournaments, gaining valuable experience and continually challenging herself against strong competition.

Hubbs is known for her calm presence on the course and the strong work ethic she brings to improving her game. She approaches competition with focus and determination while enjoying the process of learning and growing as a golfer and developing friendships with others on and off the course.

Maria Jose “MJ” Barragan is a standout collegiate golfer for Brigham Young University, known for her consistency, competitiveness and upward trajectory on the women’s golf scene. A native of Morelia, Mexico, Barragan has quickly become one of BYU’s most impactful players, combining sharp scoring with a calm mindset under pressure. She owns a career-low 18-hole score of 68 (4-under) and a lowest 54-hole score of 210 (−6), achieved at the 2024 Red Raider Invitational where she claimed her best finish with a victory. Barragan has also

Utah golf, recognized for her competitive excellence and advocacy for women’s golf. An inaugural member of the women’s golf team at Dixie State University (now Utah Tech), she was a two-time PacWest Conference Champion, Conference Player of the Year and an All-American.

She competed professionally on the Cactus Tour and is a seven-time Utah PGA Women’s Player of the Year (2019-25), a four-time Women’s Utah PGA Match Play Champion, and the 2025 Utah Section Assistant Professional of the Year. Her career includes numerous Utah Section victories, multiple top-10 finishes in both men’s and women’s events, and an overall championship at The Copper Club Open.

posted strong rounds in key events including the opening rounds of the 2025 San Diego State Classic and the 2025 Dr. Donnis Thompson Invitational, and she played a pivotal role in BYU’s 2025 USF Invitational win with a 72-73-69 (214) performance.

Off the course, Barragan is equally distinguished. She’s majoring in pre-business and has earned recognition for her academic achievements, being named to the 2025 CSC Academic All-District team. In amateur golf, she finished runner-up at the 2025 Women’s Mexico Amateur in a dramatic playoff and represented Mexico at the Pan American Games in Paraguay, showcasing her talent on the international stage.

Gabby Barker is a professional golfer known for her resilience, consistency and purpose-driven approach to the game. A standout junior and collegiate competitor, Barker built her foundation through

years of high-level tournament play before turning professional and committing fully to the grind of tour golf. Since turning pro, Barker has competed across multiple professional circuits, including the Epson Tour and various mini tours, steadily gaining experience at the highest levels of women’s golf.

Her career has been shaped by perseverance, adaptability and a deep belief in long-term growth — both on and off the course. In addition to her competitive career, Barker is the first female Native American professional golfer, a milestone she carries with pride and responsibility. She uses her platform to inspire younger athletes, advocate for representation in golf, and share the realities of pursuing a professional sports career.

Haley Sturgeon is an accomplished golf professional and respected leader in

There are always so many things to enjoy during and around the Copper Rock Championship. On Tuesday, May 12, RAM Aerospace presents the 2026 RAM Women’s Business Luncheon. The theme is “Rising Together: Personal Growth and Professional Influence.” Keynote speaker is Stephanie Palmer, Director of Radio Sales for KSL NewsRadio, FM 100.3, The Arrow and the KSL Sports Zone. Whitney Harris, Director of People and Culture at RAM Aviation, will join in that discussion. The luncheon will run from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m.

A free Junior Clinic will be held on Championship Saturday, May 16, at noon. Signups for the clinic and RSVP for the luncheon can be made at Copperrockchampionship.com. There will also be a free photo booth on Championship Saturday, and food trucks will be onsite including Corn Dog Company and Chicharos Tacos.

To get tickets to the tournament go to Copperrockchampionship.com and choose from General Admission, Club 17 or Copper Rock Club tickets, and the website details those options.

Copper Rock is located at 1567 W. Copper Rock Parkway in Hurricane. l

Special Olympics athletes enjoy ice time during Abilities Day at Millcreek Common

Athletes had a chance to try winter sports with the help from Salt Lake County Adaptive.

By Jolene Croasmun j.croasmun@mycityjournals.com

Beforeit closed for the season, Millcreek Common’s ice skate loop held an Abilities Day for Special Olympics athletes and others.

“We partnered with Special Olympics and Salt Lake County Adaptive to give opportunities to skaters who don’t typically have it,” said Jamie Wilner, the ice skating director and community life manager at Millcreek Common. “It gives Special Olympic athletes as well as adaptive athletes the chance to try opportunities for the first time.”

Lake County Adaptive brought out their sleds for hockey and they were teaching people how to use the sled and use sticks and

we had some skating lessons too,” Wilner. “It was really fun.”

Other activities included curling, speed skating and racing. Many folks came out to cheer on the Special Olympic athletes. There was even an ice skating performance to watch.

Giorgia Birkeland, a former U.S Olympic long track speedskater, was at the ice ribbon.

“I am out to support the event and always up for an opportunity to skate,” said Birkeland, who is taking time away from competing in the sport to attend college. “I will always love speed skating.”

“We just want to make sure that people understand that inclusivity includes all ability levels,” Wilner said.

The ice ribbon ended the winter season mid-March and will return in November. The skating loop is now open for roller skating at Millcreek Common daily at 11 a.m. More information about costs and rentals can be found at millcreekcommon.org. l

Giorgia Birkeland, a former U.S Olympic long track speedskater, was at the Millcreek Common skating ribbon. (John Strater Brown/Millcreek)

Attention local farmers and food artisans!

Millcreek Farmers Market needs you this summer

Local gardeners who have a surplus of veggies/fruit are also encouraged to sign up for a booth at this summer’s market.

By Jolene Croasmun j.croasmun@mycityjournals.com

Millcreek Common hosts a local farmers market every Friday from July 10 to October 30.

“There are spaces available and we want local farmers with fruits and vegetables and animal products like beef and chicken and also dairy farmers including cheese makers to apply,” said Megan Bracken, Millcreek Farmers Market Manager. Spots are still available and applications are due by May 18.

“We are a small business incubator for local small businesses,” Bracken said. All vendors at the Millcreek Farmers Market need to be directly responsible for making, raising or producing the products that they sell at the market.

“The local food makers sell and display their products,” Bracken said. Packaged products might include jams, honey, baked goods, salsa and the vendor’s handmade arts and crafts.

“A call out to local gardeners who have a surplus of vegetables and would like to

have a farm stand. It is a really affordable and fun way to turn your extra produce into money,” Bracken said. “We want to encourage local growers to come and give it a try. We are always accepting farmers and they can apply any time during the season. The earlier is still best.”

For all who are interested, apply for a booth by visiting millcreekcommon.org/ farmersmarket.

“Eligible products can be purchased with SNAP at the Millcreek Farmers Market,” said Bracken. There is also an opportunity to participate in double up food bucks with SNAP which can qualify a person for “grant money up to 20 extra dollars if you spend 10 dollars on your snap card,” said Bracken.

In addition to local vendors, each week the Millcreek Farmers Market will set up two tables free of charge for pre-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofits from the community to address local city issues like food access and nutrition.

Local businesses might consider becoming a sponsor. “We are always looking for sponsorship in trade or kind like shopping totes that can be in kind or even free bags,” Bracken said. “The sponsor will add their business name to the totes which gives them sponsorship benefits in kind.” There are several levels of sponsorship available. Businesses are encouraged to reach out to

Megan Bracken at mbracken@millcreekut. gov if interested in learning more about sponsorship opportunities.

“This year we have partnered with Sound Bites and they will provide live bands and there will be a beer garden,” Bracken added. “The live bands start this spring on Friday nights but will continue

into summer for the Friday Farmers Market. There will also be rotating food trucks and food tents during the concerts.”

Add the Millcreek Farmers Market to your calendar for every Friday beginning July 10 and get some of the freshest produce and handcrafted products plus you will be supporting local! l

New director targets root causes of homelessness and incarceration

Anndrea Wild takes reins of SLCO Homelessness and Criminal Justice Reform office.

By Shaun Delliskave s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

WhenAnndrea Wild reflects on her career path, she describes a steady shift from evaluating public systems to helping build them. That transition now places her at the center of Salt Lake County’s efforts to address two of its most complex and intertwined challenges: homelessness and criminal justice reform.

“I’m Anndrea Wild, and my career has focused on understanding and improving how public systems serve people,” she said.

Wild, who recently stepped into her role as Director of the Office of Homelessness and Criminal Justice Reform under Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson, brings experience from both policy analysis and direct program leadership. She began as a Legislative Performance Auditor, reviewing how state programs function in practice, before moving into a more hands-on role with the Utah Department of Corrections as Programming Director.

“That experience gave me a deep appreciation for both the strengths of our systems and the gaps that can leave individuals and communities without the support they need,” she said.

In her current position, Wild’s focus is on coordination—bringing together agencies, service providers and policymakers to address issues that often overlap but are traditionally handled separately.

“For me, this role is a meaningful op-

portunity to help drive real, lasting change for individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness, involved in the justice system, or both,” she said.

At the core of the office’s mission is collaboration. Wild oversees efforts that connect key groups such as the Criminal Justice Advisory Council and the Salt Lake Valley Coalition to End Homelessness. The goal, she said, is to align strategies, share data and ensure resources are used effectively.

“Our mission is to advance effective, data-driven criminal justice and homelessness solutions through strong partnerships, innovation and a focus on outcomes,” Wild said.

A major factor shaping that work is housing availability. According to data cited by the office, Utah faces a significant shortage of deeply affordable housing, with only three units available for every 100 households in need. In Salt Lake County alone, the deficit is estimated at 35,000 units.

“Housing is a foundational priority in this work,” Wild said. “We know that stable housing is one of the strongest predictors of positive outcomes.”

Wild emphasized that homelessness and criminal justice involvement often stem from shared underlying issues, including mental health conditions, substance use and housing instability. Those connections are increasingly visible in local data.

“Historically, about a quarter of our Salt Lake County jail population was homeless. Over the last few years, it has grown to nearly one-third,” she said.

Her office’s approach centers on addressing those root causes while maintaining accountability and public safety. That includes expanding diversion programs, increasing access to behavioral health services and ensuring individuals leaving incarcera-

tion have stable housing and support.

“It’s important to be clear: incarceration plays a critical role in holding individuals accountable and protecting public safety,” Wild said. “For many others…a system response centered primarily on incarceration is not the most effective path forward.”

One of the most immediate challenges Wild identified upon taking the role is the lack of coordination in crisis response systems. Currently, multiple agencies respond to mental health and substance use crises, which can result in inconsistent care and unnecessary reliance on law enforcement.

“Too often, law enforcement is the default first responder, even when a behavioral health response is more appropriate,” she said.

To address that, the county has launched a crisis response task force and is working to improve how emergency calls are routed, with the goal of directing individuals to appropriate treatment rather than jail or emer-

Millcreek City manager recognized for public service career

Mike Winder was recognized along with two other Utahns for their public service work as one of America’s 250 Public Service Champions.

By Alexandra Straumann a.straumann@mycityjournals.com

M illcreek City Manager Mike Winder was recognized by Local Gov 250 and the National Academy of Public Administration as one of America’s 250 Public Service Champions.

The list is part of an effort to celebrate Americans working in public service ahead

of the 250th anniversary of America’s founding this July.

James-Christian Blockwood, President and CEO of the National Academy of Public Administration, said of the recognized individuals, “There are many leaders working in government across the country who are deserving of recognition, and this year marks an especially important time for our country to honor them. These 250 Champions are truly special and make a difference in our everyday lives.”

Winder has worked in public service for many years, and during his time with the city of Millcreek he has helped with the launch of the Millcreek Common City Cen-

ter development project.

South Jordan Mayor Dawn Ramsey and Kearns Police Chief Levi Hughes were also included on the list, and the three Utahns will be recognized at an in-person celebration in Philadelphia this May. l

gency departments.

Wild also highlighted prevention—particularly among youth—as a key priority. Expanded diversion programs, mentorship opportunities and school partnerships are part of a broader strategy to intervene early and reduce long-term system involvement.

“We know that early intervention can change the trajectory of a young person’s life,” she said.

Looking ahead, Wild said her first year will focus on building a more connected system that better matches individuals with the care they need.

“Ultimately, long-term impact comes from building a system that is both effective and humane,” she said.

For Wild, the work is rooted in a simple but complex goal: creating systems that not only respond to crises but prevent them— while supporting both individuals and the broader community. l

Mike Winder (Photo credit Millcreek City Council)

Millcreek Arts Council kicks off Open Art Series with watercolor class

The free community art classes are designed to promote interest in the arts.

By Alexandra Straumann a.straumann@mycityjournals.com

The Millcreek Arts Council is a volunteer-based organization that works with the Millcreek City Council to provide residents with greater access to all kinds of art at no cost (or minimal cost) and to deepen community appreciation for the arts. This has included broadening their scope to include musical and theatrical arts.

This year, the council brought back the Open Art Series, which offers free art classes to people of all ages and skill levels. The series offers three art classes throughout the year, and each class will teach a different style of art. The purpose is to provide residents with opportunities to try new mediums they otherwise may not have access to.

The first class was a watercolor painting class on March 21, where students could select between a waterfront scene or a frog. The council provided the paint, supplies and transformed the first floor of Millcreek Common into an art studio. The class was in high demand, so much so, that the arts council ended up creating two timeslots to accommodate as many participants as possible.

The class was taught by instructor Amy Twede, a Millcreek local who began making art at 4 years old, painting a watercolor clown she still has today. Her interest in watercolors carried into her education, where she earned a Bachelor’s of Studio Arts from BYU Idaho, focusing on watercolors during her studies.

Twede has taught art classes for two years art at the Millcreek Senior Center, and it was here where she met Rachel Becker, who serves as the Millcreek Arts Council Artist Relations Coordinator. Becker is responsible for finding and booking artists from across the country to participate in Millcreek’s art events, and it was her idea to bring the Open Art Series back to Millcreek.

In July, the second class will offer botanical printing, where students will press leaves and flowers onto silk to create unique designs. The final class in November will be an introduction into embroidery.

Because the arts council is volunteer-run, there is always a need for new help and there are always opportunities to get involved. Becker emphasized that beyond volunteering with logistics, artists are always welcome to share their mediums with the arts council and suggest opportunities to engage in art. Some instructors for the series approached Becker as interested artists wanting to offer their skills, and the resulting classes show the magic that can happen when artists are given the space to flourish.

Participants try their hand at watercolor during the first event of Millcreek Arts Council

(Alexandra Straumann/City Journals)

Other upcoming arts council events include Summer Jam, free a concert series where every Monday night live music will be performed. It starts June 8 and runs until Aug. 31. The Millcreek Arts Fest is a one-day event where residents can shop work from artists across the state. It will be held at the Millcreek Common on Aug. 15 from 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Becker said her hope is that the arts coun-

cil continues to grow and provide community members with more opportunities, saying the more people that want to join in, the better. “Accessibility is very important to me…and I’m always thinking about what we can do next. I want to make an event where everybody wants to come back.”

For more information on events, visit www.millcreekartscouncil.org/. l

Granite School District faces a nearly $1 million school lunch debt

Local nonprofit jumps in to help, asking for donations.

By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com

AlthoughGranite School District has some of the lowest school lunch fees in the state, the District’s lunch debt has grown to nearly $1 million. Schools on the west side seem to have been hit the hardest, with West Valley’s Granger High racking up nearly $73,000 and Beehive Elementary in Kearns approaching $15,000.

GSD Director of Child Nutrition Dana Canino oversees the District’s vast lunch program that provides 7,500 breakfasts and 24,500 lunches each day. Even with lunch debt, no child is denied a meal but Canino wants parents to know they can apply for free or reduced lunch anytime during the year. In fact, for the last decade, students who qualify for reduced lunch have been given meals at no charge.

“We were awarded grant funds to continue doing so through the state of Utah,” she said. “So we’re going to continue that program. We also provide universal free-of-charge breakfast to approximately 80% of our students.”

As GSD’s current school lunch debt exceeds $940,000, the Utah Lunch Debt Relief Foundation is bringing awareness to the problem and raising funds to help cover some of those costs. The organization just paid off lunch debt for its 41st school and paid off the entire debt for schools in Lehi with a $52,000 donation.

For UTLDR Executive Director DJ Bracken, the GSD sit-

uation hits close to home. As a Kearns resident, he discovered many schools in his community have thousands of dollars of lunch debt.

“I understand the incentive the schools have to get this money paid, because if they don’t, it’s the money for teachers, field trips and school supplies,” Bracken said. “That’s the money that ends up covering this debt. Literally, the money that’s paying people’s salaries. It’s not like they can just magically summon the money.”

GSD does have recourse to recoup some of those costs. Once a student leaves the District, the lunch debt is sent to a third-party debt collector, or if a student’s debt reaches $500, that is also turned over to a collector.

While it is true that seniors cannot walk during graduation if they have lunch debt, GSD uses donations to pay those students’ debts first, so they can walk with their class.

“For the last several years, our senior student balances have mostly been paid off through very generous donations,” Canino said. “When we take in nonspecific donations, donations that aren’t tied to a specific school or specific grade, we concentrate first on applying those to our graduating seniors to help them.”

GSD has some of the lowest school lunch prices in the state, with daily fees costing $1.50 for elementary schools, $1.65 for junior high and $1.75 for high school. But even with low lunch prices, struggling families deal with an uncertain economy, which contributes to the debt.

Canino said applying for free or reduced lunch is the best way to help families moving forward, and it benefits the District.

“We want parents to apply because it doesn’t just count to-

School lunch debt in Granite School District is more than $940,000 and growing. Utah Lunch Debt Relief Foundation offers ways to address the problem. (Stock photo)

wards lunch, it can help the schools retain other funding. There are also additional benefits from private companies that offer benefits to families and households that have qualifying indicators,” she said. “We work hard over here to take care of the students and feed them meals so they can prepare for studying and learning.”

For those who would like to help pay off school lunch debt, visit Utldr.org. Donors can also select a specific school for their donation. Bracken said another way to help is to contact him to organize a fundraising event for a school.

“They can contact me through my website, and often I’m able to get businesses around the state to give 100% matches,” Bracken said. “Maybe we can come together as a community and cover one school at a time until suddenly we’re covering the entire state.” l

Joint Replacement

TA New Chapter for Pain-Free Living: Modern Joint Replacement at CommonSpirit

ired of nagging joint pain dictating your life?

The good news: joint replacement surgery has made significant advancements in recent years. Forget the daunting tales of long hospital stays and arduous recoveries. Surgery today is all about quicker recovery, less pain, and a faster return to the activities you love. This isn’t just about fixing a joint; it’s about reclaiming your freedom, and CommonSpirit is at the forefront of this transformation.

What’s driving this revolution? Minimally invasive techniques. Imagine surgery with smaller incisions and less disruption to your muscles and tissues. This “less is more” approach translates directly into less post-operative pain, reduced blood loss, and significantly shorter hospital stays.

“Joint replacement surgery once meant a long, difficult recovery. Now, thanks to minimally invasive techniques, patients are getting back on their feet and regaining their independence far more quickly, significantly improving their quality of life,” said Michael Blatter, an orthopedic surgeon at Holy Cross Hospital – Davis.

This means you can get back to golfing, gardening, playing with grandkids with renewed vigor.

But the journey to rapid recovery begins even

before surgery. We believe in empowering our patients, and that’s why pre-operative education is a cornerstone of our approach. Our comprehensive classes walk you through every step, covering everything from physical therapy exercises and navigating stairs to home safety. We emphasize two crucial rules: no falls and no infections. Patients consistently tell us they feel better prepared and more confident heading into surgery, which dramatically improves their outcomes.

Our commitment to your well-being extends with Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols. This isn’t just about the surgery itself; it’s a carefully coordinated care pathway. ERAS focuses on preparing your body for a smoother recovery through optimized nutrition, multimodal pain management that reduces reliance on opioids, and getting you up and moving just hours after surgery. It all works together to reduce complications, enhance your comfort, and get you home safely and sooner.

And speaking of cutting-edge, robot-assisted surgery has become a game-changer. While a surgeon is always in control, robotic systems provide unparalleled precision, allowing for less invasive procedures, greater accuracy in implant

placement, and ultimately, quicker recovery times. This advanced technology ensures your joint replacement is tailored with remarkable exactness.

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At CommonSpirit, we understand that living with joint pain can feel limiting. But with these modern advancements, the path to renewed mobility and a significantly improved quality of life is clearer and more accessible than ever. We’re dedicated to providing not just exceptional medical care, but a supportive and empowering experience that truly makes a difference. If you’re ready to explore how modern joint replacement can transform your life, we invite you to discover the CommonSpirit difference – where your rapid recovery is our priority.

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

Learn more about the services, care providers and mission-driven work of the Holy Cross hospitals and CommonSpirit Health at www.holycrossutah.org.

At CommonSpirit Health, we make the healing presence of God known in our world by improving the health of the people we serve, especially those who are vulnerable, while we advance social justice for all.

CONTENT

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Small business SECTION

Opening a business in Salt Lake County? Your costs may depend on the city

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

Ranging from $0 to more than $300 for a base license, business licensing fees differ across Salt Lake County.

For entrepreneurs looking to start a company in Salt Lake County, location can shape the cost of opening that business. Licensing fees vary drastically as cities determine costs and define regulations. Fees can fluctuate based on the type of business, number of employees, impact on city services and required inspections.

On one end of the scale is Riverton, which in 2018 became the first city in Utah to eliminate all business licensing fees. The move was orchestrated by the mayor at the time, Trent Staggs, who wanted to let companies know the city was open for business.

“He wanted Riverton to be a business-friendly community,” said Riverton Business Licensing Coordinator Angie Keller. “We’re also very user-friendly when it comes to getting a license. They click on our website and it guides them through the process. I don’t get many phone calls asking for help…I feel like Riverton has gone above and beyond, as far as pointing them in the right direction and giving them all the information they need.”

Draper’s base fee for a commercial license is $82, with additional fees for alcohol or firework sales, sexually-oriented businesses and solicitors. Murray charges $100 for a commercial license with regulatory fees on companies like auto towing, tobacco retailers, tattoo parlors and convalescent homes. Midvale has a base fee of $137 for commercial businesses with add-on charges for industries including bars, hotels, pawn shops and restaurants.

For companies in the county’s newly incorporated areas, including Kearns, Magna and Copperton, the Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District administers those business licenses. The district charges a $150 base fee for commercial businesses and home-based locations that have customers coming to the home.

On the higher end of the scale, South Jordan charges $337 for a general business license application fee, with additional charges for hotels ($2,700), restaurants ($633), big box stores ($3,331) and entertainment/recreation facilities ($1,727).

Brian Preece serves as South Jordan’s Director of Planning and Economic Development. He said the city’s licensing fee structure wasn’t put together haphazardly, but was based on a feasibility study that determined the cost impact of specific businesses to the city. More fees are placed on businesses that have a higher volume of calls for police or fire services.

“We have a fire inspection for most businesses and that’s part of the [licensing] fees,” Preece said. “Even though Riverton doesn’t have a business licensing fee…it’s being paid for somewhere. The general fund is paying for it.”

South Jordan Public Information Officer Rachael Van Cleave added, “If we weren’t to charge these fees, taxpayer dollars would be subsidizing these costs for businesses. So the fees help to take that off the general taxpayer.”

For home-based businesses, Utah Code states that cities cannot charge a licensing fee unless the business impacts the neighborhood, such as having customers or an unusually high number

of home deliveries. However, several cities, including Taylorsville and South Salt Lake, charge administrative processing fees of $100 and $59, respectively, for home-based businesses.

Riverton requires every home-based business to have a license, but there is no fee. South Jordan does not require home-based businesses to have licenses unless they operate a daycare/preschool or if they have regular clients coming to the home.

“We made the decision to not charge for or even require a home license business,” Preece said. “If somebody wants one, then we’ll get you a license, but you have to go through the regular process, and that’s your choice.”

While getting a business license is certainly an important step in starting a business, it’s not the only step. Business owners need to make sure that the company is registered with the state and, if sales are involved, with the Utah State Tax Commission. Owners must ensure all licenses and inspections are complete before a business license can be issued. Most cities have license approval completed in two weeks or less.

The wide-ranging business licensing fees and processes across the county impact business owners and municipalities differently. For some entrepreneurs, that difference could be the deciding factor on where they ultimately locate their business.

Bobby’s Burgers marks another step in growth for Holladay Hills development

By Collette Hayes | c.hayes@mycityjournals.com

“The halo effect in business could occur here. When a well-known brand with a large advertising budget moves in, it can encourage people to visit other nearby businesses too.”

Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay just moved in around the corner from Trader Joe’s in the Holladay Hills shopping center. Bobby’s location is one of several spots for grabbing a bite after grocery shopping or before catching the latest blockbuster at the Megaplex Luxury Theatres at Cottonwood, located across the street.

A crowd, including Holladay City officials, staff, local business owners and community members, attended the March 27 ribbon-cutting ceremony for Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay marking the official opening of the casual restaurant’s Holladay location.

Holladay Business Advisory Board organized the event under the direction of Economic Development and Housing Manager for the city of Holladay, Ann Francis Garcia.

“It’s always exciting when a business chooses to make Holladay their home,” Garcia said. “The city works hard to establish and maintain good relationships with existing and new businesses. My role as Economic Development and Housing Manager for the city of Holla-

day is creating a strong local economy by making sure our local businesses are resilient, thriving and feel supported. The Holladay Business Advisory Board helps us with this by making a concerted effort to build relationships with our business community and by providing opportunities to connect and network, like this ribbon cutting for Bobby’s Burgers. Working with Bobby’s team has been great. They were very excited to be a part of Holladay and wanted to engage with us right away.”

Local resident Jeni Bennion and a friend were caught by surprise by the ribbon-cutting grand opening as they had just sat down in the restaurant to enjoy lunch.

“We had no idea the grand opening was today,” Bennion said. “We were looking for a new place to have lunch and decided to try Bobby’s. We’re happy we did. The onion rings are outstanding and the blue bacon burger is simply delicious. I would highly recommend it! The sauces and dips are great too! I love having the choice of picking up and taking it home or sitting and enjoying a meal here. We really love all the options for places to enjoy lunch in Holladay.”

Holladay City enjoys a balanced mix of small town and big city national chain businesses. Both necessary in maintaining the economic growth of the city.

“All the restaurants, small business shops, and movie theaters will benefit indirectly from having national chain businesses like Bobby’s Burgers in the area,” said Jason Woodland, a member of the Holladay Business Advisory Board. “The halo effect in business could occur here. When a well-known brand with a large advertising budget moves in, it can encourage people to visit other nearby businesses too. This includes The French Bakehouse and Four Lemons across the street, Magnolia’s next door, and Trader Joe’s around the corner. They will all support each other, helping both small and large businesses succeed.”

The president of Bobby’s Burgers, Michael McGill, expressed his thanks for the support of Holladay City and the warm welcome the franchise has received.

“We’re thrilled to be in Holladay and grateful for everyone who came out this morning for our opening,” McGill said. “Our hope is to become the go-to burger spot where families celebrate and teams gather after games. We’re also looking forward to a visit from chef Bobby Flay in the near future. Bobby’s is an unbeatable burger experience, and we’re happy to bring it to Holladay City.”

Mayor Paul Fotheringham provided the opening remarks during the event and shared his support and excitement of bringing a world class dining experience to the community while maintaining the unique and close-knit character of Holladay City.

“Bobby Flay is a name synonymous with excellence in culinary innovation,”

Fotheringham said. “By selecting Holladay for his newest burger franchise, he is not only opening a restaurant but also investing in our vision of a vibrant, walkable and gathering-oriented community. To the management and staff, welcome to the Holladay community. We are excited to have you join us.”

According to a local press release, this new restaurant is the brand’s second location in the area. Joe Sample, franchise owner and founder of Crave Management Company, opened the first Utah location in Orem in 2024. Strong guest response in Orem led to the decision to expand to Holladay.

“We really appreciate all of you for coming out to celebrate our opening,” Sample said. “What a warm welcome from the Holladay community. This is our second location, and we’re happy to be here in Holladay. I’ve recently relocated to Holladay, and I couldn’t be more thrilled and excited about this little town.”

Bobby’s Burgers offers signature items, such as the Bacon Crunchburger, topped with crispy potato chips and Bobby’s signature sauce. The menu also includes a variety of burgers, fries and spoon-bending shakes that reflect Flay’s recognized culinary style.

“For me, a great burger starts with great ingredients and layers of flavor,” Flay said in a statement. “That philosophy is at the heart of everything we do at Bobby’s Burgers. Our goal is to serve food that people crave and come back for again and again, and we’re excited to share that experience with the Holladay community.”

Starting smart: What every small business owner needs to know first

By Holly Curby | hello@hollycurby.com

For many entrepreneurs, the journey begins with a spark—an idea, a passion or a defining life moment. For me, it started with loss.

In 2019, after my mother passed away, I made her a promise: I’ll write the book. That promise became more than a personal goal, it grew into a business rooted in becoming an eight-time award-winning published author — speaking, podcasting, coaching and consulting. Like many small business owners, my path wasn’t linear. It was built step by step, with research, guidance and a willingness to learn.

My story reflects a larger trend. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than five million new businesses were launched in 2025. Yet only about 65% of small businesses become profitable. The message is clear: starting a business is more accessible than ever, but building a successful one takes preparation and persistence.

Start with research—not just passion

Passion is important, but it’s not enough on its own. “Do your research,” advises a representative from Investor.gov. “You may have a bright idea, but before you invest money, make sure it’s viable.”

That means asking hard questions: Is this a true passion or just an interest? Do you have the time and financial stability to pursue it? Is the timing right?

Timing, in particular, can shape the entire experience. In my case, reduced work hours during the pandemic created an unexpected opportunity to build something new.

Understanding your market is just as critical. Who are your competitors? What makes your idea different? Tools like a SWOT analysis—evaluating strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats—can provide a realistic snapshot before you commit.

Build the right foundation

Once your idea is validated, it’s time to make it official. That includes choosing a business name, registering it and selecting a structure that fits your goals.

“Make sure your name is available, not just legally, but online,” says David York, managing partner of York Howell. “That includes checking domain names and social media handles.”

Next comes the operational setup: securing an Employer Identification Number (EIN), registering with your state, and opening a dedicated business bank account. Keeping personal and business finances separate isn’t just good practice—it’s essential.

Tony Wolff of Wolff & Company puts it simply: “Set up your financial system early. It will save you and your tax advisor a lot of stress later.”

Know your money habits

Your personal relationship with money doesn’t disappear when you start a business—it follows you.

“How you handle money personally will carry over into your business,” says financial coach Sara Fernandes. “Whether you rely on cash, debit or credit, understanding your habits can help you avoid costly mistakes.”

She also emphasizes consistency over complexity: “Set aside time weekly to track expenses and send invoices. Don’t let it pile up.”

Your brand is your first impression

In today’s digital marketplace, your online presence often determines whether a customer engages with your business.

“Don’t wait for your website to be perfect before you launch it,” says Promise Tangeman, owner of GoLive. “Get it live and improve it along the way.”

Clarity matters. Visitors should quickly understand what you offer and who you serve. And when it comes to growth, Tangeman advises focus over reach: “Most people chase reach—the real leaders chase depth.”

That same strategy applies to social media. Choose platforms you can maintain consistently and build trust over time.

Protect yourself and communicate clearly

Legal and operational safeguards are essential, even if they’re not the most exciting part of entrepreneurship. Permits, licenses, insurance and contracts all protect your business.

“Communicate, communicate, communicate,” York emphasizes. Clear contracts outlining services, pricing and expectations can prevent issues before they arise.

Getting your first customers

Marketing often starts small. Networking, community involvement and word-ofmouth remain powerful tools.

“Marketing is what you say; branding is what they feel,” says Susan Carlson, owner of Redrig gaming truck. “Make that first feeling count.”

Simple strategies—like creating a Google business profile, joining a local Chamber of Commerce, or building an email list—can help establish visibility and trust.

Progress over perfection

If there’s one common thread in entrepreneurship, it’s this: success doesn’t come from having everything figured out. It comes from starting, learning and continuing forward.

The journey may feel overwhelming at

times, but every business begins with a single step. And sometimes, it begins with a promise, and the courage to follow through. Learn more from some of these small

business owners and others on Holly’s Highlights podcast, available wherever you stream podcasts and at www.HollyCurby.com.

From the classroom to the Capitol, Carol Spackman Moss inspires generations

A lifelong educator reflects on teaching and policymaking.

By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com

Afterserving for 26 years at the Utah Legislature, Rep. Carol Spackman Moss said she knew it was time to go, choosing to step away from a job she loved, and a position that defined her life for decades. Moss will retire at the end of her term on Dec. 31, 2026.

As an advocate for education, mental health, jail reform and naloxone access, Moss spent her political career bringing awareness to difficult topics. This year’s proposed bill to ban character education in Utah schools touched a nerve with Moss, who was adamant that education and character development can’t be separated.

“Turn your work in on time. Come to school. Don’t cheat. Be polite to other people. Don’t ridicule anyone. That’s part of life. That’s what public schools do well. Besides teaching the subjects, they socialize kids,” Moss said. “This state was built by public school graduates, and graduates from public universities and colleges. That’s the strength of Utah.”

For Moss, many of the bills introduced at this year’s legislative session seemed geared toward punishment, shame and cruelty. She knew it was time to step down once the political atmosphere changed and said the last few years have emphasized the need for a return to character and values over partisan affiliations.

“I feel a certain sense of loss and sadness,” Moss said. “I saw really good Republicans shift their values in terms of how they voted and the kind of bills they had, and they were catering more to the leadership…and blatant cruelty toward others, going after marginalized populations like transgender kids or LGBTQ, and making attacks on Democrats.”

It hasn’t always been this way. Moss served as a Democrat, representing District 34, which covers East Murray, Holladay and Millcreek. She worked across party lines to create legislation that served all Utahns, often partnering with Republican State Senators Curt Bramble and Todd Weiler. She said creating effective legislation means making friends and finding common ground, something she learned to do at a young age.

Moss’s life started with tragedy. She was a 1-year-old when her father, a B-17 side gunner during WWII, was killed when his plane was shot down over Germany. He was only 19 years old. Later, Moss was eligible to receive college funding through the federal government that paid for her degrees in English and education administration.

Although the 82 year old was born in

Ogden, Moss spent her early years moving from city to city, changing schools often, following her stepfather’s career with the forest service to Idaho, Nevada and California. Each new school meant she had to find ways to make friends. With a passion for music, Moss got involved in school choirs, which led to friendships wherever she lived.

She also discovered a love for books.

As a college student, Moss was astonished to learn she could take classes in Shakespeare, poetry or Hemingway.

“I just thought that was wonderful. The most natural thing would be for me to become a teacher and teach literature,” she said.

“All these things shaped me. I worked hard. I got married young, had kids young, and I was just determined that I was going to do something, do things that made a difference in people’s lives.”

Moss taught thousands of students during her 33 years of teaching English and student government classes at Olympus High School. She often jokes that the decades she spent teaching teenagers prepared her for a political career.

Learning how to communicate, compromise, listen and engage with her students allowed her to do the same with her political colleagues and constituents, many of whom she taught at Olympus. Working with students from different racial, ethnic and economic backgrounds also taught her empathy, which shaped many bills she sponsored during her tenure.

Her legislative efforts included tackling societal issues like supporting refugees, preventing bullying behaviors, educating students about sexual violence and promoting LGBTQ+ rights. Many students, community leaders and colleagues have said her influence made them better people.

“To many of my generation in Holladay, Carol Spackman Moss is more than a leader; she is like the community’s favorite aunt,” said Holladay Mayor Paul Fotheringham. “Her perpetual optimism has a unique way of calling upon our ‘better angels,’ challenging us to step beyond our comfort zones for the greater good. Whether at a neighborhood meeting or a city event, she is constantly bridging generations, proudly introducing former students who have become our newest elected officials (myself included) and community directors. The magnitude of her positive influence on Holladay truly defies measurement.”

Moss holds the record as the longest-serving female legislator in Utah’s history. Although she’s stepping away from political office, she is not ready to sit back and do nothing. She’ll continue to fight book bans and anti-DEI policies while championing women’s rights, voting access and com-

Advocating for education and teachers, Rep. Carol Spackman Moss leaves a legacy of legislation to help public schools and students. (Photo courtesy of Carol Spackman Moss)

mon-sense legislation.

She enjoys volunteering with the Holladay Arts Council and is involved with One Table Together, an organization that brings diverse groups of students together to share a family-style meal and have meaningful conversations.

Moss also enjoys spending time with her daughters, reading good books and supporting live theater. She always attended the Utah Shakespeare Festival with her husband Bob Moss, who passed away in July 2021.

Moss was recently named the Wom-

en’s Democratic Club of Utah’s Woman of the Year, which is only the latest of awards she’s won during her time as a teacher and representative. She is hopeful that the political landscape can return to one that values respect, open discussion and empathy.

“I wish more people would look at someone’s character and their values, and not [vote] strictly on a partisan divide,” Moss said. “That’s the only way we’re going to change and get this country back to a place that we recognize.” l

Cottonwood Council PTA honors outstanding volunteers

Awards ceremony recognizes the dedication of volunteers, school staff and educators.

By Collette Hayes c.hayes@mycityjournals.com

With 80,000 members statewide, PTA volunteers are the superstar volunteer heroes who tirelessly champion all children, helping make every child’s potential a reality by empowering and engaging families and communities.

Utah PTA is the nation’s largest child advocacy group, with 80% of Utah schools participating, which far exceeds the national average of 20% to 30%. Utah PTA members contributed an astonishing $17,237,060 in volunteer service hours in 2025.

This commitment to advocacy and service is evident in Utah PTA’s impact statewide. The Utah PTA’s dedication to supporting public-school children played a significant role in Utah achieving the highest national ranking for community life by the 2025 Social Capital Index (Utah Foundation). The index comprises eight measures, each evaluated on a scale from 1 to 50. Utah ranked first nationwide in charitable donations, volunteerism and neighborhood participation.

Reflecting this statewide spirit of dedication, in March, the Region 5 Cottonwood Council PTA, which serves Granite School District schools, held an awards ceremony at Cottonwood High School to celebrate the commitment of volunteers, school staff and educators who strive to create excellence for every child.

Participants included Granite School District principals from all six schools in the network. In addition, mayor and councilmember representatives from Millcreek, South Salt Lake, Murray and Holladay were present.

Keynote speaker Robyn Ivins shared her 23-year journey as a PTA volunteer beginning from serving on the PTA board at Woodstock Elementary to being a contributing founder and longtime volunteer at the Cottonwood High School food pantry which serves over 100 students each time it opens.

“We opened the food pantry in January 2017,” Ivins said. “We’ve served thousands of students and their families since then. We offer school supplies, hygiene products and food. Parents are also invited, and often kids come with a list from their moms to do the shopping. It’s a magical place. The Cottonwood Food Pantry and Teen Center came about because regular people in the community cared that kids have access to a place to shower if they don’t have access to a shower, a place to do laundry,

and a place to do homework. Kids in need also have access to mental health resources. Connection to community and school helps kids succeed. An amazing group of people worked hard to secure $750,000 for this facility.”

The evening concluded with remarks from Cottonwood High School Principal Justin Pitcher, who emphasized the significance of the Spirit of Inclusivity Award as one of the PTA’s highest honors. This award recognizes individuals who welcome families, advocate for every child, and collaborate with the school community to support student success. Pitcher explained, “Being a member of the PTA means you are an advocate for academic literacy and support; you care about students’ sense of belonging in their schools, and ultimately you care about ensuring that kids know someone cares about them.”

This year, the PTA honored Lupe Herrera with the Spirit of Inclusivity Award for helping the Moss PTA represent the diverse voices of the Moss Elementary community. Her ongoing commitment ensures families feel respected, seen and supported at Moss.

The Cottonwood Council PTA award recipients for 2026:

Millcreek

Moss Elementary

Lupe Herrera – Spirit of Inclusivity

South Salt Lake

Woodrow Wilson Elementary

Andrea Arcos – Outstanding Volunteer

Anne Marie Pace – Development

Holladay

Oakwood Elementary

Jenette Stewart – Development

Debra Larsen – Outstanding Support Staff

Lu Yan – Outstanding Elementary Educator

Megan Carter – Spirit of PTA

Mistie A’Hearn – Outstanding Volunteer

Bonneville Jr. High

Alyssa Longstaff – Outstanding Administrator

James Reese – Outstanding Secondary Educator

Lyndsie Anderson – Outstanding Volunteer

Maren Erickson – Outstanding Support Staff

Stacy Wood – Advocacy

Tiffany Woods – Development

Murray

Woodstock Elementary

Melissa McQueen – Outstanding Administrator

Antonia Salinas Ventura – Outstanding Support Staff

Brynn Richards – Outstanding Volunteer

Natalie Bradley – Spirit of PTA Cottonwood High

Michelle Call – Engagement

Ashley Snarr – Outstanding Administrator

Andrew Strauss – Outstanding Secondary Educator

Melisa Carpenter – Outstanding Volunteer

Teisa Linscott – Spirit of PTA l

riders just have to sit and enjoy the experience. Millcreek officials were on hand to welcome the slide park to the community during a grand opening in March, where they toured the facility, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony and encouraged residents to check out the new venue.

“This is exciting,” said Millcreek Mayor Cheri Jackson. “We need more fun amenities like this in Millcreek. So having this open will be a really fun place for families, for teenagers, and just a great opportunity for everyone to do something,”

Custom murals line the walls at Slick City Action Park and the facility has two private rooms for hosting birthday parties or group

events. There’s also a snack bar and arcade games. Wade hopes the park becomes a place where people can put down their phones, turn off their screens and interact with each other in a fun, safe environment.

“It’s becoming so easy to become a recluse at home,” he said. “Creating fun experiences is actually a mission for me. Getting people out of the house and interacting with people in real life is important…This is a super fun way to create memories with your kids, with your friends, with your coworkers, whatever. So that’s the broader mission. We just want people to get out and interact with each other.” l

More than a

game: Where

Hunter High’s state championship highlights how unified sports brings students of all abilities together, onand off-the-court.

By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com

In a high school gym, the sounds are familiar — balls bouncing, high tops squeaking on the court and teammates cheering.

But unified basketball is not just a game; it’s a space where students of all abilities come together as teammates, playing together on the floor to build friendships, confidence and community through sports. The focus isn’t only on winning, it’s on inclusion, sportsmanship and connection.

At Hunter High, the spirit carried all the way to the biggest moment of the season, as the team beat cross-valley rival Olympus High in the state championship for their division at the Delta Center. The victory was exciting, but for the players, it meant more than a title.

Hunter High senior Maelie Jorgensen loves “the good environment where everyone has fun playing and being together” while teammate sophomore Bentley Wright said the teammates’ friendships stretch into lunch tables and school dances. On the court, Wright, like Granger High’s freshman Jhanpeer Macha Dias, loves the celebration after a basket that comes with dance moves and cheers.

Jordan High also won its division for a state title, beating Highland High.

Jordan senior Alejandro Beltran Lopez played with pride and purpose.

“I want to continue my dad’s legacy in playing sports,” he said. “He taught me a little and coach taught me more; Dad’s happy for me.”

Beltran Lopez said unified sports helped pave friendships with his teammates, from eating lunch together to watching the movie, “Elf.”

“We’ve had others at school support us too,” he said. “Unified soccer was fun; we wanted to beat Bingham at state championship (played at America First Field last fall), but it’s OK we lost because being a good sport means accepting defeat.”

His teammate, junior and peer tutor Sawyer Herzog, unified sports extends beyond the court.

“I love this,” he said. “We’ve become friends and I probably wouldn’t have met him if not. We’ve become genuine friends. We hang out, doing puzzles, watching Switch TV, talking, I help with math and ELA (English Language Arts). My whole family loves him.”

At Alta High, senior and peer leadership team member Macey Rockwood sees

inclusion, not just winning, is the focus

unified sports as something bigger.

“The goal of PLT is to make the community better, so through unified sports, we can support them,” she said. “Everyone deserves a community.”

Rockwood has refereed and ran the score table at unified tournaments and enjoys helping others succeed.

“It’s satisfying to help others have fun and have a sense of accomplishment,” she said.

For players like Corner Canyon sophomore Mia Lems, the competition still matters, but so does kindness.

“I like to take down the other team,” she said. “I’ve made friends with other teams too. I like to give them handshakes and clap and give high-fives for making good shots.”

Corner Canyon finished as state runners-up in their division at the state championship.

Lems’ teammate, senior Fisher Ghiz, didn’t realize how much unified basketball would change him.

“It has taught me patience; it has taught me how to make friends with those different than me,” Ghiz said. “I used to be shy, but they’re so social, I’ve become more outward. This is awesome. I want to keep playing in college.”

Across Utah, with more than 250 Utah high school unified teams, players emphasize the game has given them friendship, growth and joy.

Murray High’s Parker May loves the game, especially shooting the ball, and playing with friends while teammate senior Hayden Gardner added he loves the confidence his teammates have gained over the season.

Murray High senior Ethan Teusher added: “There is simple joy in spending time together whether we’re playing basketball or a game of Uno.”

Nearby Copper Hills High and Skyline High finished second in their respective divisions at state while Herriman High won its division for the state title.

After West Jordan senior Robert West said he hoped his team would practice more early in the season, the Jaguars finished second at state in its division.

West Jordan senior Colton Reid refereed unified basketball last year, but decided to participate this year.

“It’s the greatest thing and something I didn’t want to miss out on,” Reid said. “I’ve made some good friends and great memories playing unified basketball.” l

More Utah insurers cover TMS treatment for teens

TMS therapy has been shown to help teens suffering from depression.

By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com

As a growing number of teens struggle with depression, some insurance companies are now providing coverage for transcranial magnetic stimulation, a technique proving to be more effective than antidepressant medications.

While the FDA initially approved TMS treatment for teens 15 and older in 2024, increased insurance coverage will allow doctors to help their younger patients in a meaningful way.

“It has been remarkable to see people of all ages find relief from depression and begin to enjoy life after treatment with TMS,” said Dr. Tom Rayner, a psychiatrist with NeuroHealth. “It has also been rewarding to watch them get better without the many debilitating side effects that medications can bring.”

NeuroHealth in South Jordan (10437 S. Temple Drive, Ste. 200) uses the NeuroStar TMS nondrug therapy to treat adult patients. As insurers expand TMS coverage to include teens dealing with depression, Rayner hopes to see young patients find lasting results.

TMS uses a magnetic pulse to activate neurons, increasing activity in the brain area to improve symptoms of depression. It is a noninvasive procedure, similar to an MRI. Many patients see results in less than one month of treatment.

Rayner said the treatment is safe with almost no side effects. Compared to the weight gain, sedation, fatigue,

nausea and diarrhea that commonly occur with antidepressant use, TMS patients might experience a mild to moderate headache during the first few sessions as the brain gets accustomed to the stimulation.

“Rates of depression and anxiety have increased among all ages, especially among teenagers and youth,” Rayner said. “TMS is specifically indicated for teens and other individuals suffering from major depressive disorder, a condition that contributes to sad or irritable moods, feelings of guilt and worthlessness, poor energy, poor motivation, poor sleep and appetite, loss of hope and even suicidal ideations.”

Insurers that now allow adolescent TMS treatment in Utah are United Healthcare, Aetna, Cigna, BCBS Federal Employee Plan, Regence BCBS and Select Health. Other insurance companies are currently holding reviews, evaluations and evidence assessments to determine if their TMS coverage will be expanded to teens.

The health policy team at NeuroStar, a premier manufacturer and developer of TMS technology, continues to educate insurers across the country that have not yet added adolescent TMS coverage. NeuroStar officials said while they can’t provide a specific timeline for expansion, discussions are ongoing and progress is being made.

“Adolescent coverage has already been added to several policies as a direct result of the health policy team’s advocacy efforts,” said NeuroStar Practice Development Manager Jessica Brown. “Some insurers initially expressed hesitancy or indicated they would not move forward with coverage; however, with continued engagement and presentation of clinical evidence, decisions have evolved over time.”

Insurance coverage expands to include TMS treatment for teens. TMS is a noninvasive therapy that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the area of the brain that controls mood. (Photo courtesy of NeuroHealth)

Approval can’t come quickly enough for families of teens dealing with depression but Rayner is pleased insurance companies are seeing the benefits of TMS and providing assistance to cover the treatment. He advises parents to be proactive in getting their teen into treatment, whether that’s TMS or counseling.

“Don’t wait,” he said. “Get help immediately. TMS, medications or therapy all work more effectively earlier in the course of illness. The longer the treatment is delayed, the more difficult it is to get good treatment responses.”

For more information, visit NeuroHealthUtah.com. l

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Beating Afib Without Meds

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Salt Lake County uses opioid settlement funds to fight addiction

Like many communities across the country, Salt Lake County has felt the impact of the opioid crisis. In recent years, hundreds of people have died from opioid-related overdoses with fentanyl playing a significant role. It has affected families, strained our healthcare and public safety systems, and left too many people searching for a path forward. Opioids have devastated countless lives.

Several years ago, states and local governments across the nation took legal action against pharmaceutical manufacturers, distributors and retailers for the role they played in fueling the opioid epidemic. Those cases resulted in national settlements totaling more than $50 billion.

Starting in 2021, Salt Lake County expects to receive over $91 million from multiple settlements to help combat the opioid crisis locally. The funds will be distributed over a 17-year period.

Unlike traditional tax dollars, these funds are specifically designated for addressing the opioid crisis and must be used

for evidence-based strategies and programs that support prevention, treatment and recovery.

There are formal agreements in place restricting how these funds can be spent, but counties are responsible for determining how to allocate them. In Salt Lake County, the council works closely with the mayor’s office and a specialized opioid task force to evaluate and prioritize programs. Our goal is to invest in solutions that reduce reliance on the criminal justice system and create better long-term outcomes for those struggling with substance use disorders.

Last week, my colleagues and I ap-

proved a set of targeted programs designed to address this crisis in meaningful and measurable ways. These investments focus on what we know works and were shaped by input from public health experts, first responders and community organizations.

First, we are investing in prevention and education. This includes expanding school-based programs that help young people avoid substance use in the first place.

Second, we are strengthening treatment and recovery services. We approved funding to expand access to evidence-based care, including Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), as well as recovery support such as peer mentoring, housing assistance and connection to employment services to help prevent relapse.

Third, we are supporting life-saving efforts. This includes increasing access to naloxone, a medication that can reverse overdoses, and funding outreach programs that connect individuals to services before a crisis turns fatal.

These efforts are part of a long-term

strategy to address both the root causes and ongoing impacts of opioid misuse in our community. To improve outcomes, we are also strengthening coordination across systems. This includes better data sharing and tracking how people move through law enforcement, jails, courts and other community programs. This will help us identify opportunities to intervene earlier, connect people to treatment and reduce repeat offenses.

To ensure transparency and accountability, a public-facing dashboard will begin to roll out starting June 2026.

The opioid crisis did not happen overnight, and it will not be solved overnight. But this funding from the lawsuit settlement provides an important opportunity to respond more effectively and more compassionately. We are committed to using these resources responsibly to save lives, support recovery and strengthen Salt Lake County for years to come. This is about turning accountability into action and making sure these funds lead to real and measurable change.

Whenastronaut Neil Armstrong took those first steps on the moon, I had just celebrated my first birthday. I don’t remember either event, but the entire world held its breath as it watched Apollo 11 land, while I shoved my hands into a birthday cake.

That moon mission used less technology than your bathroom scale. It was basically human calculations, a slide rule and a Rand McNally paper map that guided those astronauts on the first lunar road trip.

We were told that space was the final frontier; space was the future. We learned that, like age and teenagers, space isn’t forgiving.

As a Murray High School senior, my home ec advisor wheeled a TV into the classroom to watch the Space Shuttle Challenger carry the first teacher, Christa McAuliffe, into space. We were speechless when the shuttle blew up at 46,000 feet. In February 2003, I watched the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster unfold as the spacecraft disintegrated on re-entry.

To say I was apprehensive watching the Artemis II mission launch to the moon would be an astronomical understatement.

On April 1, NASA perched the Orion space capsule atop a 300-foot rocket, one of the most powerful ever built. It launched a team of four astronauts 250,000 miles away from Earth, the farthest humans have ever traveled, discounting alien abductions, of course.

Unlike the catapulted station wagon that

Peri Kinder Life and Laughter

Copy, Moon Joy

somehow got us to the moon during Apollo missions, Orion uses autonomous navigation and extreme precision, carrying astronauts beyond low-Earth orbit for the first time in more than 50 years, traveling at speeds up to 25,000 mph.

It was the 10th manned moon exploration, or for conspiracy theorists, the 10th “faked” moon mission. The entire adventure was livestreamed so we could travel together.

Space exploration is equal parts wonder, technology and angst. During the 10-day moon trip, I endured galactic levels of anxiety. Launch sent my blood pressure soaring. My jaw clenched while they circled the moon on April 6, and my internal organs somersaulted during splashdown on April 10.

I was hyperaware that dreams explode and rockets fall apart.

Apollo missions were built on bravery, and America was racing to beat Russians to the moon. Now, Artemis is an international collaboration, one that should remind us we only sur-

vive this wild ride by working together.

In Greek mythology, Artemis is Apollo’s twin sister and goddess of the moon. It is an apt comparison: while the first moon missions had bro energy, the Artemis program continues the story in a wiser, more thoughtful way.

Women play key roles in the Artemis program. Besides the first female to fly on a moon mission, there are female science officers, mission leads and launch directors. In fact, for the first time in NASA’s history, the current astronaut class has more women than men.

If I could do math while enduring crushing g-forces and the stomach-dropping sensation of freefall, I would definitely have been in the space program. Instead, I appreciate the life of an astronaut from the comfort of my recliner.

Apollo gave us “One giant leap,” Challenger dropped us to our knees and Artemis refocused our gaze. These missions remind us to look to the stars, but also look to our beautiful, blue planet. We only have each other. We should start acting like it.

As I approach my next birthday, one I hope I remember, I raise a glass to the dreamers, the heroes, to the brilliant engineers in mission control and the fearless astronauts who explore new paths. It reminds us that even when the story goes wrong, we need to keep looking up.

Peri Kinder is an award-winning columnist and journalist who has written for The City Journals since 2004. She can be reached at peri.k@thecityjournals.com