Taylorsville City Journal | February 2026

Taylorsville family confectionery Taffy Town celebrating 110 years of sweet tooth satisfying

By Carl Fauver | c.fauver@mycityjournals.com

Born under another name in 1916, this company ships more than 80 flavors of the treats around the world each year.

Way back in 1916, the United States population was just under 100 million… Woodrow Wilson was President… the U.S.

The company produces 6.5 million pounds of taffy each year. There are 60 pieces of taffy in a pound. Do the perhaps not-so-quick math: that’s 390 million taffy pieces annually – enough to give every man, woman and child in America a piece, with nearly 50 million left over.

Oh, and the 43,000-square-foot Taffy Town (taffytown.com) retail store and warehouse may be in West Jordan – but Jason Glade, wife Tere

ART

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2026 AT 7PM

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

Learn more about the services, care providers and missiondriven 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.

to know us before you need us.

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.

Congratulations to CommonSpirit Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley for receiving the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade-A Accreditation for the fourth consecutive time. Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades are determined based on a rigorous assessment of various safety measures.

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

n. G

i số 1-303-643-1000 (TTY: 711).

up just beyond its borders. Jason Glade is a 1995 Kearns High graduate, while Teresa Glade received her West Jordan High School diploma in 1998.

“My family moved to West Jordan before my brother Derek entered his senior year of high school,” Jason said. “He and Teresa were classmates. That’s how I met her.”

Now 28 years later, Derek Glade is Taffy Town’s Chief Marketing Officer. He and Jason’s two younger brothers have pursued other career paths.

“I hired on with the company in 2001 to work on the night shift,” Derek Glade said. “I worked my way up and became CMO around the same time our dad retired as president and Jason took over. He and I own about 90% of Taffy Town, while a group of our employees owns the other 10%.”

Jason Glade’s great grandad James Vernon Glade was president for more than 40 years (1916-1957). James’ brother George was at the helm a short time (1957-1963)… followed by James’ son Dale (1963-1994)… and Dale’s son David (1994-2015).

With Jason now the fourth-generation Glade company president, the obvious question is: Will there be a fifth-generation leader in the family?

“Jason and I have each had kids work at Taffy Town, so it’s certainly a possibility,” Derek Glade added. “There’s still lots of time to see if one of the kids wants to take over. But I can’t say we are absolutely certain yet the company will stay in the family.”

In addition to the name change from Glade-Strickley Candy Company, to Glade Candy Company, to now Taffy Town, the other huge business change came in the mid-1990s.

“We got rid of our last piece of chocolate candy making equipment in 1996 when we went exclusively to taffy,” Jason Glade said. “My dad was president at the time, and sales of our high-end chocolate became hard as

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cheaper chocolate competed against us. But our taffy sales were starting to take off. Taffy had pretty much been a summer-only candy. But we decided to go year-round with it and focused on expanding our national market.”

Jason Glade says Taffy Town only sold 45 to 50 different flavors when he started with the company. Now they are up to 80 regulars, with new ones test marketed each month. In December, they tried out: boysenberry, French toast, pineapple upside down cake and sea salt caramel. Sales connections are made primarily through candy shows and conventions nationwide.

The third high-ranking official atop Taffy Town is Chief Financial Officer Joe Adams. He’s Jason Glade’s wife Teresa’s cousin.

“I’ve been with Taffy Town since December 2014, when Jason and Derek reached out to me to discuss the position,” Adams said. “They didn’t really have an official CFO until then. It’s been a good job. It’s fun to work in an industry that people enjoy. Everyone loves talking about and eating candy.”

Adams reports Taffy Town employs about 75 people and virtually all of them are full time. The retail space at their West Jordan location – the one and only taffy store the company operates itself – generates less than 1% of their sales. About 10% of their taffy sales are online, direct to consumer. But the vast (89%) amount of sales are wholesale to retail store operators across the United States and abroad.

The one and only direct Taffy Town employee working outside their West Jordan site is a lone sales manager in Missouri.

Ironically, Taffy Town’s number one sales competitor in the entire world is, essentially, right next door. Salt Lake-based Sweet Candy Company also produces endless pounds and flavors of taffy.

“We bounce back and forth with Sweet year after year as the leading taffy producer in the world,” Jason Glade said. “In addition to our sales to retail outlets throughout this

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country, we also sell a lot of taffy in Canada. And we are gaining more sales traction in the United Kingdom, Denmark, South Korea and other places. We recently made our first shipment ever to Singapore.”

Soon after that 2017 opening of their West Jordan location, Jason Glade reports the pandemic put a dent in sales. But now Taffy Town continues to bounce back.

“I was confident our sales would grow in the new location, and they have,” Jason Glade concluded. “It makes me feel very blessed to have this responsibility to carry on our tradition. I put more pressure on myself when I first started as president. Then I learned pressure does not improve my work. Now I remind myself, candy should be enjoyable.”

It must be. Someone’s eating those 390 million pieces of taffy, in 80+ flavors, each year. l

Heart

An event to celebrate Heart Healthy Month

Join us as we explore insights from leading experts across cardiology and its subspecialties, and learn practical strategies for improving heart health. Engage in interactive discussions and enter to win exciting prizes. 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

One of the newest ‘Team Taylorsville’ members is earning rave reviews a half-year into her post

Dina Blaes has been the city’s chief of strategic development since July.

By Carl Fauver c.fauver@mycityjournals.com

Lotsof us have moved up in our careers to replace someone who’s retiring. In many cases, there’s a lot of pressure because that predecessor was great at their job and left big shoes to fill.

Question is, did you ever replace someone who was so good at what they did, their entire job title was “retired?”

That’s where one of Taylorsville City’s newest employees found herself last July. Dina Blaes is the city’s “chief of strategic development.” For more than a decade, Wayne Harper served as “community and economic development director.”

So, the first natural question to ask Blaes when you set out to tell her Taylorsville City story is: How are your job duties different than Harper’s, requiring such a big change in the title?

“Oh, they aren’t at all; it’s the same job,” Blaes begins. “You know how college and professional teams sometimes retire athletes’ jersey numbers, if they are truly outstanding? I think Taylorsville simply wanted to ‘retire’ Wayne’s title, like that. But I have all the same job duties.”

No pressure.

But now, a half year into her newly-titled gig, Blaes is earning her own rave reviews from Mayor Kristie Overson and members of the Taylorsville City Council.

“Dina has come in wanting to learn everything and is doing very well, very quickly,” Overson said. “She comes to the city with a new perspective. Sometimes we do things

a certain way, simply out of tradition. When Dina asks questions, it makes us all reevaluate whether there is a better way to do something. She’s constantly evaluating our procedures. I appreciate her fresh perspective.”

Essentially, as chief of strategic development, Blaes is tasked with improving life for both residents and business owners and operators in Taylorsville. On the business side, her department works to entice new businesses into the city, while also eliminating as many barriers (“red tape”) as possible to help commercial endeavors thrive.

For Taylorsville residents, the “community development” portion of Blaes’ portfolio is focused on things like improving walkability – in neighborhoods and around restaurants and businesses – to entice people to want to live, dine out, shop and recreate in the city.

“Right now, we are working on a commercial analysis to evaluate our business ownership and business needs,” she explained. “For instance, COVID turned our office market on its head. We are analyzing how much demand for office space is coming back. If it’s not, then we want to know what our most urgent business needs are now.”

On the residential side, Taylorsville leaders have followed a growing trend across the Salt Lake Valley of being more willing to embrace construction of multi-family housing – town house projects, in particular. There also is a growing willingness to allow more residential rental spaces as costs of home ownership continue to rise.

“Our city council members understand housing remains an extremely important issue,” Blaes said. “I think we would all prefer to see more single-family homes and home ownership. But our council is pragmatic about the need for multiunit housing, as construction costs and interest rates remain high.

I know they are working to allow units to be built that may be rentals initially but can become owner-occupied in the future.”

Married and with one child, Blaes says her own 25-year-old daughter is finding it harder and harder to find an affordable place to live in Salt Lake County, so her interest in the challenge is personal as well as professional.

Like Overson, city council members Curt Cochran and Meredith Harker are both very pleased with what Blaes has brought to the “Team Taylorsville” dynamic.

“Wayne (Harper) left some very big shoes to fill and I know Mayor Overson went through a detailed screening process when Dina was hired,” Cochran said. “We were all very impressed with her professional background. I’ve spoken with her. Dina knows her stuff.”

Harker adds: “Dina is amazing. She is so bright – with such a variety of professional experience. She asks lots of questions and brings such great energy. It’s exciting.”

A 1985 Cottonwood High School graduate, Blaes was excited to see a different part of the country quickly. She moved to the loudest, busiest city she could find, almost sight unseen.

“I had never been to New York City until I visited the Parsons School of Design there and decided to enroll,” Blaes explains. “Next, I transferred to Columbia University (also in Manhattan) where I earned my degree in art and architectural history. I really wanted to study in a place with a lot of architectural icons. I wanted to better understand the urban fabric of a city.”

Luckily for Taylorsville City – and several other professional organizations here in Utah – Blaes’ husband, Christopher, was not a huge fan of concrete, and enticed her to return.

“Christopher also graduated from Cot-

tonwood High and I knew him while we were students there; but we didn’t date then,” she said. “We reconnected, long distance. Then we got married and moved back here in 1991. I’ve lived here in the Salt Lake Valley ever since.”

A longtime advocate for Utah’s cultural and natural resources, Blaes has held leadership roles on numerous boards and commissions, including the Utah Board of State History, the Utah Museum Advisory Board, the Jordan River Commission and the Great Salt Lake Advisory Council. Her career has included leadership roles in both government and the private sector.

In her final position before joining Team Taylorsville, Blaes oversaw a diverse portfolio encompassing planning, transportation, housing, sustainability and economic development for Salt Lake County. She also previously served as the county’s Associate Deputy Mayor of Finance and Administration, consulted widely on urban planning and public policy throughout the Intermountain West.

“I am delighted I made this move to Taylorsville City,” Blaes said. “When I first moved back to Utah, I had the same impression of Taylorsville as probably most people do – that it’s a sleepy little area. I’ve learned that could not be farther from the truth. There are many people working to make this the vibrant community that it is.”

And Blaes concludes, it starts at the top.

“Mayor Overson has such deep roots in Taylorsville and is so familiar with all of the issues in her community,” she concluded. “In my experience, sometimes elected officials just don’t have that strong kind of focus. This is a woman committed to seeing people work together effectively. She believes strongly in the ‘Team Taylorsville’ concept. I see it extend beyond city employees to all of the city council members. I’m honored to be a part of it too.” l

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

Aside 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

Entries are being accepted for the KID Water Conservation Art Contest

Residents in the Kearns Improvement District are invited to participate.

By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com

Calling all artists! The Kearns Improvement District is holding its 2026 Water Conservation Art Contest and invites residents ages 5 and up to participate by creating a conservation-themed piece of art.

The contest is open to anyone living within the service boundaries of KID, which includes Kearns, plus sections of Taylorsville, West Jordan and West Valley. Artists can choose any medium for their submission, but all work must be original.

“The Water Conservation Art Contest invites all of the KID community to share their talent and to help remind all of us of the need to conserve,” said KID General Manager Greg Anderson. “KID is a partner with the EPA’s WaterSense program, and we use the winning submittal artwork to help in the monthly WaterSense promotion to conserve. Our community has been recognized on a national basis for these efforts.”

Entries should promote awareness about the importance of water conservation, highlighting water-saving practices or portraying the beauty of water resources. Acceptable mediums include painting, drawing, sculp-

ture, digital art, photography, mixed media and collage. Participants can enter one of four categories: adult, high school, junior high and elementary, with cash prizes for the top four entries in each category. Winners can receive up to $250.

“The changing weather patterns have significantly impacted our water resources that we depend on for a thriving economy,” Anderson said. “Around the Thanksgiving holiday, our snowpack was only 50% to 60% of normal. If this cycle continues, it will have a significant impact on our water distribution capabilities. Conservation is the key to bridging the reliability of our water supply and these weather pattern changes.”

Artwork will be judged on creativity, originality, adherence to the theme, technical skill and overall impact. The judging panel will consist of the three-member board of trustees of the District, who will use their knowledge of water conservation to evaluate the artwork.

“There are multitudes of ways to conserve water that will have an impact on our resources and our way of life,” Anderson said. “We invite our community to share their talent and express what they envision conservation to be and the impact that it may have on their lives. We have had some remarkable submittals in the past and hope for even more this coming year.”

Submissions must be sent to KIDContest@KIDWater4UT.gov by April 3. For a complete list of rules and guidelines, visit kidwater4ut.gov. 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.

Aspart 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, followed by a moment of silence and ceremo-

nial 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

Shattered Ankle, Silent Employer:

The following is based on real events. Names have been changed to protect identities.

On a freezing November day in 2019, Kyle’s life changed instantly. Falling from a roof while working for a small construction company, he shattered his left ankle. Instead of immediate support, Kyle faced a legal nightmare: his employer carried no workers’ compensation insurance and denied all liability. Kyle was left with no

income, a mountain of medical bills, and a bleak future.

Kyle is one of a growing number of workers injured by uninsured employers. While Utah law requires practically all businesses to carry insurance, some cut costs to increase profits, gambling with their employees’ financial well-being.

Uninsured employers are personally liable for benefits, but many simply disappear when accidents happen. Utah’s “Uninsured Employers Fund” is a safety net, yet accessing it is a legal labyrinth—often forcing injured workers to file complex lawsuits to prove the employer cannot pay.

Abandoned by his employer in pain and financial stress, Kyle called Just Work Comp Law. We took the burden off his shoulders, dragging the employer to court and winning the benefits he desperately needed. If you are injured and uninsured, the law is still on your side. Just Work Comp Law fights for you.

Summit Vista neighbors Joyce and Susan are redefining ‘senior citizen,’ one art project at a time

Last fall, the ever-active pair entered paintings and other pieces into the annual Taylorsville Art Show.

By Carl Fauver c.fauver@mycityjournals.com

For a profile like this, you really kind of have to ask. Then you quickly realize it has pretty much nothing to do with their story.

But let’s get it out of the way and move on: Joyce Siu turned 90 last November – born at the height of the Great Depression.

Susan Perko will turn 85 in July – born 5 months ahead of Pearl Harbor Day.

And that’s the only reference to their age you’ll read here, because this is about what these Summit Vista neighbors do to keep busy – and to beautify their world. Spoiler alert: it’s a lot more than most of us have ever done, or will do – at any age.

Siu is the born and raised Salt Lake Valley local. Perko is the Big Apple transplant. Honestly, the two barely knew one another until last fall, when Siu – who no longer drives – needed a ride to the Taylorsville Art Show to enter some of her work. Acquaintance Perko does still drive – and thought it might be fun to enter some of her work into the show, as well.

“I had only spoken with Susan a few times before we entered the art show together,” Siu said. “It was fun; we might do it again next time.”

For the record, the two each earned blue ribbons: Siu for a colorful painting of a parrot; and Perko for an equally colorful piece filled with symbolism.

Perko’s painting features a large gold star, a folded United States flag and a shadowy silhouette of the father she never met.

“I am an American World War II Orphan,” Perko explains. “My father had been a successful New York banker – but was called up from the Army Reserves to active duty in June 1941. I was born just a month later. He was killed in Tunisia, North Africa, in January 1943, before I ever met him.”

Perko is in contact with others in her unusual circumstance, through an organization called the American WWII Orphans Network (awon.org).

While Perko has only lived at Summit Vista (summitvista.com) since moving cross country from New York last spring, Siu was one of the planned retirement community’s earliest residents.

“I moved into Summit Vista in 2017 as one of the first residents in the second building here,” she explained. “The best way I can describe this place is, it’s like being on a cruise ship. They have a great variety of food, which you can eat in the restaurant or have delivered to your room. There’s also medical care and a beauty salon. I love it here.”

Siu and Perko each live alone in their apartments and each enjoy kid and grandkid visits. Siu enjoys playing bridge every Monday, while Perko attends a twice-weekly exercise class that she describes as a “cross between ballet and boxing.”

Siu painted her dog in 2024 and says that may be her last painting.

“I still enjoy creating art – but my hand is starting to get pretty shaky for painting,” she said. “I stay busy now doing lots of needlepoint and crocheting.”

The walls of Siu’s home are adorned with many samples of her handiwork in multiple mediums.

Perko is also a big fan of her new Summit Vista residence.

“I moved here from New York (last) year because my son and grandson live here,” Perko said. “I also have a daughter in California. One of the things I like most about Summit Vista is how intelligent and articulate the residents are. I have very interesting conversations with people all the time. I think the average education here is between a master’s degree and a Ph.D. I wanted to meet and talk to interesting people when I moved in, and that’s exactly what I’ve been able to do.”

Like Siu, Perko doesn’t apply her paint to canvas all that much anymore. Instead, she’s taken to painting unusual items – starting with the clear containers provided from Summit Vista restaurants for leftovers. Perko recycles them by adding a little paint and hanging them from her patio awning as a windbreak.

“I really believe in recycling and this is a great way to reuse the containers,” she explained. “I never painted anything like this until I moved here. They’re quick and fun to do. I know it’s one of the more unusual windbreaks I’ve ever seen.”

The other unusual thing Perko began painting several years ago are glass water bottles. As an environmental activist, Perko won’t give you one of her water bottles unless you also take, and promise to read, her one-page explanation of them. It reads, in part:

“I have recycled these bottles, sterilized and painted them, to encourage people to drink tap water, to avoid using plastic bottles and to consider environmental impacts in daily life. Together we can make a difference, one bottle at a time.”

Siu has three sons – two living nearby (Midvale and Sandy), with the third in California. She also enjoys visits from her four grandkids (“a fifth is on the way”). Neither Perko nor Siu have any great grandkids yet.

Both Perko and Siu say they still get the same joy from creating art as they have for nearly 75 years, each. They admit to slowing down on artistic projects a little bit. But they are still happy to take up their handicrafts when the urge hits them.

Their most frequent encounters together come when Siu takes her dog down to Perko’s first floor for an outside walk.

“I think that’s how I first met Joyce,” Perko concluded. “I saw her walking her dog from my patio and just introduced myself.”

Whether the Summit Vista duo returns to show more things at this year’s Taylorsville Art Show remains to be seen. For now, it will be more senior citizen stereotype crushing, one painting, crocheting and needlepointing project at a time. l

Jones Center aims to empower ability and independence

have students who are nonverbal, deaf or blind, and students with high-functioning autism who need more social communication.”

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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 Every brushstroke,

“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 2 2. 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

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

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

Evaluating police service in Kearns among new mayor’s top priorities

Jesse Valdez wants what’s

By Carl Fauver c.fauver@mycityjournals.com

New Kearns Mayor Jesse Valdez – reportedly the first-ever Hispanic mayor elected in any Utah city – is a professional storyteller. Now, in his new “parttime” mayoral position, Valdez wants to do the same thing: shape the narrative about Kearns so people get to know his often-maligned community better.

“People outside Kearns can paint a negative picture of our community; but I know there is so much good here,” Valdez said. “I want to take more control of our narrative. If we don’t, someone else will; they have. My campaign was not about me. It was about moving forward. I want to see a vibrant Kearns. And I hope to involve lots of people to make that happen.”

The Utah State Legislature opened the door to Valdez’s election nearly two years ago with the unanimous passage of House Bill 35. With the sweep of Gov. Spencer Cox’s pen, Kearns, Magna, Copperton, Emigration Canyon and White City all lost their metro township status. All but one became Utah’s newest cities. Because its population is under 1,000, Copperton was designated a “town.”

The most practical two changes HB35

A 2010 Hunter High School graduate, Valdez, 33, has lived 17 years of his life in Kearns – and the other 16 just over the border on the south edge of West Valley City, when his parents moved the family there. The new mayor is the youngest of three brothers and three sisters. His roots are Hispanic – but both his parents and all four of his grandparents were born here in the United States.

“I don’t speak fluent Spanish at all,” Valdez confessed. “But I’m learning it more and more every day.”

After earning his associate’s degree in mass communication from Salt Lake Community College in 2016, Valdez took a job as a videographer, or photo journalist, with KTVX channel 4 news. That’s when his storytelling profession began.

created for Kearns and the others is: a) residents now directly elect their mayor; and b) Kearns now has its own taxing authority.

“Prior to the change in government, I entered my name on the ballot two years ago for the Kearns City Council District 1 seat,” Valdez explained. “I didn’t campaign at all. I just thought voters should have more than one choice. Despite not campaigning, I came within 10 votes of winning that race. After the change in government (just a few months after that November 2023 election), I started thinking about running for mayor.”

“I go out with a camera to tell stories,” Valdez explained. “Everyone has a story to tell. I work to make it fair and honest. I went out with KTVX reporters from 2016 to 2023, then accepted a position with the Utah Department of Corrections communication team to do essentially the same thing. We produced stories to show state legislators –and the public, through social media – how the Corrections Department is making good, effective use of Utah tax dollars.”

Barely one month after his mayoral election, Valdez made one more career move. He accepted a communication coordinator position with the Salt Lake City Police Department in mid-December.

The $50,000 per year Kearns mayoral position is part time.

“I wasn’t thinking about the pay when I ran for mayor,” Valdez added. “I didn’t even know how much it was. Mostly I ran to encourage others in our community to become involved. It will take many of us working together to make the changes and improvements I know we can.”

Perhaps Valdez’s top priority entering his new position is public safety and policing. At one end of the issue, he wants the Kearns City Council to analyze the needs and costs for things like neighborhood street lights and speed bumps. At the other end of that public safety spectrum, Valdez wants to carefully evaluate exactly how police service should be provided in Kearns.

“I plan to put all of our options on the table and evaluate them,” the mayor said. “Remaining with the Unified Police Department may seem like the logical choice. But I want to look at other options as well. Do we contract police work with Taylorsville City? With West Valley City? There might even be an option to partner with Magna City to create our own, joint police force. I believe we owe it to our citizens to evaluate all of the options.”

After public safety, Valdez says his next two priorities are to boost the Kearns business community and to provide citizens with more city government transparency.

“Kearns has very little tax revenue coming from businesses; it’s nearly all from res-

idents’ property taxes,” he said. “We need to figure out how to get more businesses to come to Kearns and to STAY in our city. As for transparency in government: our city spending will be an open record. I want residents to see our numbers and results.”

As a part of this, Valdez reports an annual salary of up to $180,000 has been authorized to hire the first-ever Kearns city manager. But he’s not sure he’s on board with that – at least not as a first move.

“I’m not sure whether we need a city manager,” the mayor explained. “I want to explore other options. This role is a huge commitment. Right now, we have no city hall and have been meeting in different locations. It’s confusing to people. I want to establish a permanent meeting location – and figure out heat and electricity costs, if need be – before we focus on creating a brand-new city manager position.”

Soon after his election, then mayor-elect Valdez sat down with Taylorsville Mayor Kristie Overson to get acquainted.

“It was a delightful meeting; I’m very pleased he reached out to me,” Overson said. “We talked about how to be ambassadors for our cities. I’m not sure what combined projects the two cities might work on together in the future – but there will probably be some. It was a great first meeting and I wish him luck.”

Jesse and Ali Valdez were married on Leap Day (Feb. 29), 2020. Their daughter Ellie is 7, while son Matthew will turn 3 in April.

The same night Valdez was elected mayor, voters also welcomed in two new Kearns City Council members: Lyndsay Longtin in District 2 and Lorrin P. Colby Jr. in District 4.

For now, the Kearns City Council meets just once each month on the second Monday. Their next session will be Feb. 9.

For all the latest on what’s happening with Kearns government, check the city’s updated website at kearns.utah.gov. l

MAYOR'S MESSAGE

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Your trust, and that of our community, is something I never take for granted. This past November brought a municipal election for Taylorsville, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue serving as your mayor and to work alongside you on behalf of our city. This role is both a privilege and a responsibility, rooted in listening, learning and striving each day to re ect the values we share.

I am also pleased to congratulate my colleagues, Council Members Meredith Harker and Bob Knudsen, on their re-elections. Ahead of our rst City Council meeting of the year, it was wonderful to join them as we were sworn in for new four-year terms, surrounded by family, friends and community members. The ceremony was followed by a reception that o ered time to connect and re ect on the responsibility we share. I also extend congratulations to Bob and fellow Council Member Curt Cochran, who were selected by their peers to serve as council chair and vice chair for the coming year.

At the swearing-in, I shared one of my personal goals for the coming year: practicing intentional kindness in how I lead and serve. It is an idea that feels especially important right now. Kindness is often seen as spontaneous or simple, but intentional kindness is a deliberate choice. It asks us to approach one another with patience, respect and empathy, even when conversations are challenging or opinions di er.

Intentional kindness matters because it builds trust. When people feel heard and respected, they are more likely to engage, share ideas and work together toward solutions. In local government, where decisions a ect daily life, that trust is essential. To me, kindness does not mean avoiding di cult conversations. It means handling them with care, honesty and a genuine commitment to help.

This mindset also shapes the tone of our community. When leaders model civility and compassion, it encourages neighbors to do the same. Taylorsville is strengthened by its diversity, and I believe intentional kindness helps ensure that everyone feels welcome and valued.

As we begin new terms of service, I am optimistic about what lies ahead. With a committed City Council, exceptional sta — our Team Taylorsville, who mean so much to me — and a community that believes in working together, we can continue building a city we are proud to call home. Thank you again for the trust you have placed in me and for being part of a community that moves forward with a shared commitment to purpose, collaboration and kindness.

—Mayor Kristie S. Overson

WHAT’S INSIDE – FEBRUARY 2026

Frequently Called Numbers, Page 2

Council Corner, Page 3

TVPD News, Page 4

Heritage Remembrances, Page 7

Environment, Page 8

Year in Review: Community, Creativity and Connection Define a Busy 2025

Fireworks lit up the summer sky, beautiful sculptures were welded in place at Centennial Plaza, students stepped into leadership roles and ribbons were cut on projects that will shape Taylorsville for decades. From neighborhood celebrations to major infrastructure projects, 2025 was a year de ned by momentum, creativity and connection across the city.

City planning once again focused on Taylorsville’s ve building block areas of Economic Development; Transportation; Public Safety; Arts, Parks and Recreation; and Community Building, as the city celebrated milestones, welcomed new amenities and continued investing in projects that strengthen quality of life for residents.

“Some years feel full. This one felt truly remarkable,” said Mayor Kristie Overson. “From new parks and major transportation progress to record attendance at our many community events, 2025 reminded me just how special our community is.”

Following are highlights from each of the city’s ve building block areas. Residents also are invited to watch the 2025 Year in Review video on the city’s social media channels, YouTube, and in the City Hall lobby, featuring photos and video clips from throughout the year.

Arts, Parks & Recreation. Arts and recreation continued to bring residents together throughout the year, beginning with Evening of Art events that featured a variety of presenters, including nationally recognized glass artists Tom and Gayle Holdman of Holdman Studios. The Taylorsville Arts Council produced multiple well-attended performances, including the “Menken Musical Revue,” “Once on This Island Jr.,”“Annie!” and a Barry Manilow music revue that lled Centennial Plaza with familiar favorites.

Plaza +ART expanded once again, with 22 sculptures installed at Centennial Plaza, creating a free, open-air gallery that can be enjoyed day or night. The annual Taylorsville Art Show showcased nearly 100 entries, highlighting the depth of creative talent in the community.

Emergency ...................................................................................................911

Police Department ............................................................... 801-840-4000

Utah 211 resource network 211

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988

Poison Control Center

1-800-222-1222

Animal Control Shelter ....................................................... 801-965-5800

Animal Control After Hours Dispatch............................ 801-840-4000

Building Inspection

Chamber West (Chamber of Commerce)

Fire Department

801-955-2030

801-977-8755

801-743-7200

Gang Tip Line 385-468-9768

Garbage/Recycle/GreenWaste Pick-up ........................ 385-468-6325

(Wasatch Front Waste & Recycling)

Granite School District

Health Department

385-646-5000

385-468-4100

Highway Conditions (from cell phone) 511

Park Reservations ................................................................. 385-468-7275

Public Works (Salt Lake County) ....................................... 385-468-6101

Dominion Energy 800-323-5517

Rocky Mountain Power

888-221-7070

Salt Lake County Recycling/Land ll 801-974-6920

Taylorsville Bennion Improvement District................. 801-968-9081

Taylorsville Food Pantry ..................................................... 801-815-0003

Taylorsville Senior Center 385-468-3370

Taylorsville Code Enforcement

801-955-2013

Taylorsville Justice Court 801-963-0268

Taylorsville Library ............................................................... 801-943-4636

Taylorsville Recreation Center ......................................... 385-468-1732

Swimming Pool (Memorial Day to Labor Day) 801-967-5006

Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center 801-281-0631

UDOT Region 2 801-975-4900

Utah Transit Authority (UTA) 801-743-3882

EVENTS FEBRUARY 2026

Feb. 4 & 18 – 6:30 p.m.

City Council Meeting @ City Hall. Watch a livestream of the meeting and nd agendas at www.taylorsvilleut.gov

Feb. 10 & 24 – 6:30 p.m.

Planning Commission Meeting @ City Hall.

Feb. 11 – 7 p.m.

An Evening of Art. Taylorsville's ninth Plaza +ART: An Evening of Art will feature sculptor Brad Taggart who created the breathtaking sculptures at the Veterans Memorial located in front of City Hall. The event is free and open to the public! Please email plazaart@taylorsvilleut.gov to reserve your spot.

Feb. 16 – Presidents’ Day

City Hall will be closed in observance of the holiday.

Feb. 20 & 21 – 7 p.m.

Carole King Revue. The Taylorsville Arts Council is starting its new season with a tribute revue celebrating the music of Carole King. Find details, including showtime and location, at www.taylorsvilleut.gov.

Find our calendar of events every month on the city’s website, where you can also submit your own events for possible publication. Go to www.taylorsvilleut.gov

Also, a standing event every Thursday, from 2 to 4 p.m., at City Hall is the “Mayor is In.”

During this time, Mayor Kristie Overson has open o ce hours. All are welcome.

Taylorsville Community Greenhouse

Cost is $25

Spots are also open for the same cost in the Community Gardens if you are interested in growing your own vegetables there.

4-6 Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company presents Synthesis

10-11

COUNCIL CORNER

By Council Member Anna Barbieri

Step Outside and Connect, Make Memories and Meet Neighbors

Do you ever feel as though screens are dominating your daily life? If you are feeling a bit lonely, disconnected or simply in need of a fresh perspective, the answers are closer than you think. In fact, they are right in our own backyard.

Our incredible City of Taylorsville o ers a vibrant array of activities designed to bring people together. There is truly something for everyone, and better yet, most of these opportunities are completely free, making now the perfect time to step away from the digital world and take advantage of the community we call home.

Get Involved in Local Governance. One of the best ways to feel connected is to have a seat at the table. On the rst Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m., the District 3 Citizen Council sponsors a public meeting in the Council Chambers at City Hall. We need your voices to help shape the future of Taylorsville, so please come and get involved. Celebrate Local Culture and Art. For those who appreciate the ner things, the Evening of Art series at the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center is a "must-attend." On Feb. 11 at 7 p.m., join us to hear from artist Brad Taggart. He will discuss his inspiration and the journey of creating the breathtaking sculptures at the Veterans Memorial located in front of City Hall. If you can’t make it in February, additional art events are scheduled for May 12, Sept. 25 and Oct. 8.

Community Connections for All Ages. The Taylorsville Senior Center serves as a wonderful hub for our older residents. A joint operation between the city and Salt Lake County, this facility o ers a welcoming space for members to share experiences and build friendships. And as spring arrives, the community truly comes alive. Friday, May 15, marks the opening night of our Starry Nights @the Plaza free concert series. Every Friday evening through Sept. 27, you can join singles, families and music enthusiasts for free outdoor concerts. With a rotating list of food trucks, live music and a pet-friendly atmosphere, it is the ultimate way to enjoy a summer night. Service and Celebration. If you’re looking to declutter, the city-wide Annual Cleanup Day on Saturday, May 16, is a local favorite. Head to the Taylorsville High School parking lot with your shredding, recycling, yard waste and old medicines. The high school football team will even help unload your car, making it the easiest way to tidy up your home while supporting a great cause.

And there’s more: The summer highlight is undoubtedly Taylorsville Dayzz 2026, celebrating its 30th anniversary on June 25, 26 and 27. This milestone event features a parade, concerts, carnival rides, 5K and world-class reworks. It’s the perfect environment to make memories with your family.

Get Active Outdoors. Finally, don’t forget to visit our local parks. Check out the new pickleball courts at the renovated Taylorsville Park on Redwood Road

or explore the brand-new Summit Park (3200 W. 6200 South). Whether you are playing a match or letting the kids enjoy the new playground equipment, these spaces provide the perfect opportunity to relax and reconnect with nature.

So don’t let another week pass by behind a screen. Step outside, meet a neighbor and rediscover the joy of living in Taylorsville.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2026 AT 7PM MID-VALLEY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 2525 W TAYLORSVILLE BLVD, TAYLORSVILLE, UT 84129 CENTENNIAL ROOM

Performer Performer Call Call

TAYLORSVILLE CITY SEEKS ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE 2026 STARRY NIGHTS @ THE PLAZA EVENTS

Taylorsville City is seeking entertainment for the 2026 Starry Nights @ the Plaza events, aiming to hire over 18 acts to perform during our weekly food truck nights. These vibrant events will take place at Centennial Plaza (located in front of Taylorsville City Hall), a friendly venue perfect for live music, socializing, relaxing, and savoring delicious food.

How to Apply: Interested performers can find more details or submit their applications by scanning the QR code below or by visiting Taylorsvilleut.gov. Please ensure that applications are submitted by 9:00 PM on March 2, 2026.

Brad is the artist who created the breathtaking sculptures at the veterans memorial located in front of

City Hall. This stunning memorial beautifully illustrates families joyfully welcoming their military loved ones home.

Young Artists Shine in

TVPD’s 2025 5th Grade Holiday Card Contest

Check this space each month for news about the Taylorsville Police Department (TVPD) and their valuable service to our community.

Each year, the Taylorsville Police Department invites fthgrade students from the city’s eight elementary schools to help design the o cial TVPD holiday card. This year, more than 180 drawings were submitted.

After narrowing the entries to the top 30, the nalists were shared with Mayor Overson and Chief Cottam. Choosing just one winner proved too di cult, so three drawings were selected. The artwork was exceptional, and TVPD appreciates the time and e ort every student put into their submission.

The three selected drawings were created by Noelle and Alice from Calvin Smith Elementary and Britton from Bennion Elementary. In January, Noelle, Alice and Britton joined Mayor Overson, Chief Cottam and Dets. McKinnon and Christensen for lunch at Café Rio in Taylorsville. The experience also included a ride in a TVPD police car and plenty of great conversation.

“They were just exuberant and a delight,” said Mayor Kristie Overson, who added that she brought her holiday card with her to the lunch to have the students autograph so she

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

Det. Landol is TVPD’s latest Employee of the Month. He currently serves as the School Resource O cer at Taylorsville High School and has more than 19 years of law enforcement experience, including with the Utah Department of Corrections, Utah Adult Probation and Parole and West Valley City Police Department, as well as TVPD.

Throughout his career, Det. Landol has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and a commitment to going above and beyond the call of duty. While working with Adult Probation and Parole, he helped establish a task force that successfully reduced recidivism; the program continues today with an 80 percent success rate. He has served as a eld training o cer, property crimes detective and public order team member.

Det. Landol was recently nominated for Employee of the Month by his co-worker, Det. Sullivan, who highlighted his overall outstanding service at Taylorsville High School. Additionally, during November and December, Det. Landolfi coordinated with several businesses to provide meals, gifts and Christmas trees to numerous families in need whose students attend Taylorsville High School.

“Det. Landol is a true role model for our police department and our school community,” Det. Sullivan said. “His service re ects the highest standards of professionalism, compassion, and dedication.”

On a personal note, Det. Landol enjoys xing dirt bikes, restoring automobiles and spending time with his family. Thank you, Det. Landol !

can say in the future that she “knew them when.”

Asked what advice the students would give others their age, each shared thoughtful and memorable responses. Britton’s advice was simple and direct: “Don’t do dumb stu .” A middle child, Britton enjoys football and BMX riding and aspires to become a fashion designer.

Alice shared, “Believe in yourself and be kind to yourself.” The oldest in her family, Alice is enrolled in a dual Chinese immersion program and hopes to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She also aspires to a career that allows her to apply her artistic talents, such as becoming a food stylist.

Noelle o ered, “Don’t do math every day; have a good balance,” and emphasized the importance of having good friends. Noelle has siblings, loves to travel and has even been on safaris in Africa, where some of her family lives. She hopes to one day play in the WNBA.

It was our pleasure getting to know these outstanding students, and we wish them the very best.

Eyes on the Hill: Taylorsville Legislators Focus on Community Priorities

The 2026 General Session of the 67th Utah Legislature convened Jan. 20 and will run through March 6, with Taylorsville’s state legislators continuing to serve as key voices for the city and its residents at the Utah State Capitol.

In the months leading up to the session, city leaders have engaged with area lawmakers to discuss community needs and legislative priorities such as infrastructure funding, public safety support and economic development.

“Taylorsville is fortunate to have legislators who are accessible, engaged and deeply committed to our community,” Mayor Kristie Overson said. “They welcome hearing from residents and encourage questions, ideas and concerns, and I am so grateful for the thoughtful and dedicated work they do on behalf of our city.”

Below are the legislators currently representing Taylorsville in the Utah House and Senate, along with their contact information:

Rep. Verona Mauga, District 31. Phone: 801-573-8279. Email: vmauga@le.utah.gov

Rep. Rosalba Dominguez, District 35. Phone: 801-419-3283. Email: rdominguez@le.utah.gov

Rep. Jim Dunnigan, District 36. Phone: 801-840-1800. Email: jdunnigan@le.utah.gov

Rep. Ashlee Matthews, District 37. Phone: 801-538-1029. Email: amatthews@le.utah.gov

Sen. Karen Kwan, District 12. Phone: 385-249-0683. Email: kkwan@le.utah.gov

Sen. Wayne A. Harper, District 16. Phone: 801-566-5466. Email: wharper@le.utah.gov

T-SHIRT AND MEDAL DESIGN CONTEST!

Attention all artists! We are thrilled to announce a fantastic opportunity for you to design the t-shirt and medal for the 2026 Taylorsville Dayzz 5k and Kids Run! This is your chance to leave a lasting impression on participants and contribute to an exciting community event!

We encourage you to unleash your creativity and incorporate a theme into your design (we absolutely love a theme). As a fun idea, this year marks the 30th Anniversary of Taylorsville Dayzz, so feel free to include that in your concept!

Please keep in mind that our t-shirts will only feature two colors, so consider this during your design process. Additionally, we ask that you include the words “Taylorsville Dayzz 5k” and the year of the run (2026) in your design. We eagerly anticipate your artwork that captures the spirit and energy of the event!

Submissions are due by Feb. 26th, and the winning design will be chosen March 5th.

Please email your designs to: Jandrus@taylorsvilleut.gov

The following formats are appreciated: .ai, .eps, .pdf, .svg, .png, .jpg

The selected designer will receive $100, a t-shirt, a medal and a shout out on social media! YOUR DESIGN HERE

ARTIST’S CALL

APPLICATIONS

DUE BY: APRIL 3, 2026

The City of Taylorsville's Plaza +ART Program invites submissions of sculptural works for its rotating public art collection, set to be showcased in an outdoor exhibition. Selected artworks will be prominently displayed in front of Taylorsville City Hall, within Centennial Plaza, along a designated walking path, for a duration of one year. In addition to providing stipends to the artists, the chosen pieces will be promoted through the city’s website and social media channels, and will receive visibility at various city events held in the Plaza throughout the year. These sculptures aim to enhance the experience for visitors and create a unique outdoor walking exhibit.

For more information and to apply, please scan the QR code or visit Taylorsvilleut.gov. Navigate to the "Our City" tab and select the "Plaza + ART" section.

Scan to apply

On the recreation side, Taylorsville celebrated major milestones with signi cant improvements to Taylorsville Park and the addition of the brandnew Summit Park. The grand reopening of Taylorsville Park marked completion of the rst phase of dramatic renovations, including a brand-new skate park. The year also brought the grand opening of Summit Park, a ectionately called “Tank Park,” featuring pickleball courts, a playground, pavilion and additional amenities. In addition, Starry Nights @ the Plaza returned for another successful summer season, bringing food trucks, live music and Friday night fun to Centennial Plaza.

Community Building. Community events lled the calendar from January through December, beginning with a vibrant Vietnamese New Year celebration by the Vietnamese American Community of Utah. Youth engagement remained strong, as members of the Taylorsville Youth Council visited the Utah State Capitol, attended statewide leadership conferences and welcomed a new group of 20 students sworn in for the 2025–26 term.

Thousands turned out for Taylorsville Dayzz 2025, which featured a parade, 5K, carnival, concerts, car show and reworks. Taylorsville’s annual Cleanup Day once again collected tons of items for safe disposal with help from volunteers and the Taylorsville High football team. The city’s Farmers Market continued to grow in popularity, drawing dozens of vendors and weekly crowds to Centennial Plaza, while the city’s parade oat highlighting the market earned the Days of ’47 Governor’s Award.

Additional community highlights included the rst-ever Halloween Boo Dash, a 2K where costumed participants could walk or run through Valley Regional Park, the Fall Festival at the Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center, Saturday with Santa, the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, and participation in Wreaths Across America, in which 281 wreaths were laid at veterans’ graves at the Taylorsville City Cemetery.

Economic Development. Economic growth continued across Taylorsville with new services and investments that support residents and families. The Intermountain Children’s Behavioral Health Center opened in the city, bringing expanded mental health services and a 24/7 crisis walk-in center for children and families. Taylorsville also earned designation as a Healthy Utah Community, re ecting e orts that improve community well-being while supporting economic development by attracting businesses and creating a healthier workforce.

The year also was marked by dozens of ribbon-cutting celebrations, many in partnership with ChamberWest, highlighting the openings of new businesses both large and small. From new restaurants and retail shops to professional o ces and service providers, these projects expanded local opportunities and enriched the city’s economy.

Public Safety. Public safety remained a top priority, with Taylorsville Police Department o cers and Uni ed Fire Authority personnel responding to calls, engaging with residents and participating in numerous community events. Night Out Against Crime again drew large crowds and featured hands-on safety activities, capped o by a helicopter landing at Centennial Plaza.

TVPD also earned statewide and national recognition. The K-9 unit took home multiple awards at the Bradley Taylor Memorial K-9 Trials, while ofcers completed a 250-mile ride supporting Shield616 to raise awareness for life-saving protective gear.

Transportation. Transportation projects made visible progress throughout the year. Construction continued on the Midvalley Express Bus Rapid Transit line, which will bring all-electric buses, dedicated lanes and improved bike and pedestrian access through Taylorsville. And signi cantly, work was completed at 4700 South and Bangerter Highway, bringing another freeway-style interchange to the city to improve tra c ow and safety.

“It’s inspiring to see what we can accomplish when we work together with purpose and care,” Mayor Overson said. “Taylorsville continues to grow in ways that honor our values and strengthen our sense of community. I’m proud of what we achieved this year and excited for what’s ahead.”

Taylorsville Bennion Heritage REMEMBRANCES

Oscar Bennion Sr.: A Legacy of Integrity

This month's article spotlights Oscar Bennion Sr., an early Taylorsville resident whose life left a lasting mark on the community.

A neighbor and fellow member of Bennion’s church offered high praise for Oscar Bennion and his family in a recorded speech:

“These are good people. I couldn’t help but think this is the truth. These are ne people, ne people to know, fine people to work with. I know the Bennion family well. They have a heritage to be proud of, and I am sure they will all value their heritage.

“One of my rst recollections of Oscar Bennion Sr. was at a meeting held in the amusement hall some years ago, when I rst began my activities. I was well acquainted with him at that time. He impressed me with a very keen mind and being highly intellectual. As a neighbor and friend, I felt that I knew him well.

“I think that nobody could offer a ner or more beautiful prayer than Oscar Bennion. My business took me past his place several times a day, and two or three times a day I would wave to him. He would wave back. And the rst impression I got of Oscar Bennion never left me. Without question, he was a ne man; he had done a wonderful amount of good and was continually doing good.

I have found Oscar to be always honest and sincere. I don’t believe he took a dime that didn’t belong to him. He was sympathetic.”

Tragically, at age 57, Oscar Bennion Sr. was fatally injured when his 1926 model car collided with a train. He died at Salt Lake General Hospital 30 minutes later, according to news reports at the time. He was survived by his wife, Belle C. Bennion, and two daughters, Jack Eyre and Beatrice Bennion.

You can learn more about Oscar Bennion and his family, as well as the histories of other Taylorsville families, at the Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center, 1488 W. 4800 South. Stop by to explore the rich stories of our community!

Don’t Miss These Events by the Library This Month

While the Taylorsville Library is temporarily closed for renovation, there is still plenty to do. See the following details about events The County Library is hosting in the community and at neighboring branches, as well as some additional information about construction at the Taylorsville branch.

RENOVATION — MONDAY, JAN. 5, TO SUNDAY, MAY 31 . The Taylorsville Library will be closed for renovation and construction of the main entrance. Other nearby library locations continue to be available for use during the closure. Holds will be transferred to the Kearns branch (4275 W. 5345 South) unless otherwise requested.

Two Taylorsville Library programs that are held o site will continue during the closure:

SENIOR BOOK CLUB at the Taylorsville Senior Center, 4743 Plymouth View Drive — Second Monday of every month, 11 a.m. Join in a lively discussion of a variety of ction and non ction books. Newcomers welcome! The book club will be led by a librarian from the Taylorsville Library.

WALKING BOOK CLUB at the Taylorsville Recreation Center, 4948 S. 2700 West — Thursdays, 10 to 11:15 a.m. Walking Book Club is for readers interested in a weekly walk session and book discussion. The group reads one book over the course of three weeks, discussing the book in segments. Take a 30-minute walk along the paths behind the Recreation Center and then participate in a 30-minute book discussion.

Books will be available to pick-up at the program with a valid Salt Lake County library card. The upcoming reading schedule is:

“All In Her Head” by Elizabeth Comen

Feb. 5: Chapter 5 to Chapter 8

Feb. 12: Chapter 9 to end

“The Echo of Old Books” by Barbara Davis

Feb. 19: Prologue to Chapter 6, Regretting Belle (pages 48-54)

Feb. 26: Chapter 7 to 12, Regretting Belle (pages 93-95)

March 5: Chapter 13 to end

Check out the Hunter Branch at 4740 W. 4100 South and the West Valley Branch at 2880 W. 3650 South for more interesting programs.

TAYLORSVILLE SENIOR CENTER

4743 S. Plymouth View Drive

February Activities

The Taylorsville Senior Center has planned a variety of classes every month. Classes are free for those over age 60. Among the activities scheduled this month:

Living Well with Chronic Pain — Thursdays from Feb. 5 through March 12, 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Take control of your health and feel more con dent in your daily life by joining Living Well with Chronic Pain, a supportive and empowering program designed especially for seniors. This class helps you practice the Moving Easy program; enjoy relaxation and pain-management techniques and learn how to better manage frustration and fatigue. You’ll gain practical skills like pacing your day, problem-solving, decision-making and creating action plans — all while connecting with others who understand what you’re going through.

Classes meet on Thursdays from Feb. 5 through March 12, from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Taylorsville Senior Center. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn, share and feel supported while building tools for a healthier, more comfortable life. Registration is required; call 385- 468-3370 to sign up today.

ANNUAL COLLECTION DAY

Monthly Billing Starts This Month!

Wasatch Front Waste and Recycling District is transitioning from quarterly billing to a monthly billing cycle this month. This change does not mean your bill is increasing. The total amount you pay each year for waste and recycling services will stay the same - only the billing schedule is changing.

Instead of receiving one quarterly bill for three months of service, you’ll now receive a monthly bill for the previous one month’s services. Most residents nd monthly billing easier to plan for with smaller amounts due and quicker visibility if services are added or removed.

Here’s what to expect:

• Your February bill will cover January services

• Your March bill will cover February services

• This pattern will continue moving forward

Your basic $26.00 monthly fee includes weekly 96-gallon curbside garbage and recycling collection plus several additional programs and services provided at no charge:

• Bulky waste collection via the Seasonal Container Reservation Program (SCRP), typically performed from Mid-April through September

• Land ll vouchers for disposal of residential truck, car, or trailer loads

• Central glass drop-o locations and collection services

• Container repair and replacement (typically 5 to 7 business days)

• Seasonal central leaf bag drop-o program

• Seasonal curbside Christmas tree collection program

• In-house, Local Customer Service (M-F 8:00 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.)

• In-House, Local Billing/Account Management

Visit wfwrdutah.gov/services-and-request/basic-services for information.

To help cut down on paper waste and reduce postage costs, we encourage residents to sign up for e-billing. With e-billing, you’ll receive your monthly bill by email. This keeps your billing simple, reliable, and paper-free! Sign up for paperless billing at wfwrdutah.gov/form/paperless-sign-up.

What's the “Clean Recycle Rate” & Why Does it Matter?

Each week, Wasatch Front Waste and Recycling District collects recycling from over 86,000 homes throughout our service area. Once materials leave your curb, they’re taken to Rocky Mountain Recycling’s Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), where equipment and employees work together to sort accepted materials like clean plastic bottles, jars, jugs and tubs, aluminum and steel cans, cardboard, and paper.

Once sorted, these materials are compressed into large cubes (i.e., bales) and sent to processors to be manufactured into new products.

Not everything placed in the recycling cart belongs there. Items that aren’t accepted at the MRF are considered contamination. Common contamination includes plastic bags and lm, Styrofoam, toys, PVC, trash, green waste, and dirty items like food- lled cans or food-covered containers. These items must be removed by hand and sent to the land ll, adding time, labor, and cost to the recycling process.

This is where the Clean Recycle Rate comes in. It measures how much of the material collected is clean and recyclable. When contamination is low, more material is recycled and costs stay lower for everyone.

We’re happy to report that 2025 results show continued improvement! We ended 2025 with a clean recycle rate of 81.98% at Rocky Mountain Recycling, an improvement of 1.51% from 2024. This continued progress is due to your support in recycling right - and it makes a real di erence.

For questions about what belongs in your recycling cart, visit wfwrdutah. gov/how-recycle or contact our Sustainability Coordinator on (385) 468-6337.

Who Is Responsible for Water and Sewer Lines?

A common question homeowners ask when dealing with leaks or blockages is: “Who is responsible for xing it?” Understanding who owns and maintains di erent parts of water and sewer lines can save time, money and frustration.

A water service line carries drinking water from the main water line to your home. The water district is responsible for maintaining the water service line from the water main (typically located in the road or park strip) up to and including the meter box.

The homeowner is responsible for maintaining and repairing the water service line after it leaves the meter box and enters the home.

Separately, a sewer lateral carries wastewater away from your home to the sewer main. The homeowner owns and is responsible for maintaining, repairing and replacing the sewer lateral and its connection to the sewer main.

The Taylorsville-Bennion Improvement District maintains the sewer main that receives wastewater from homeowner sewer laterals. Repairs to water and sewer lines can be costly. Homeowners are encouraged to contact their homeowner’s insurance provider or consider third-party insurance coverage for water and sewer service lines.

If you have any questions, please contact Taylorsville-Bennion Improvement District by calling 801-968-9081 or visiting www.tbid.org. Follow TBID on Facebook and X.

TAYLORSVILLE RECREATION CENTER

TAYLORSVILLE RECREATION

Don’t ignore signs of the winter blues

Thousands of Utahns deal with Seasonal Affective Disorder.

By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com

Formany 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 carbheavy 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.

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

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

GRIEF HAS NO TIMELINE

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

Grief is an individual journey with a path as unique as each one of us. To o er support and hope, we provide various Grief Support Services for those who are mourning a recent or past loss.

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.

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%.

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.”

“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 support 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

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

14 ways to love others this Valentine’s Day

By Holly Curby hello@hollycurby.com

Love 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 beautifully: “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

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

Monthly memberships for physical and mental health care

Companies can subscribe to monthly memberships for health care for their employees instead of (or in addition to) buying into insurance costs.

By Cassie Goff c.goff@mycityjournals.com

Paying a monthly membership is a somewhat expected norm now for services like streaming, deliveries, spas and gyms – but what about health care? Medallus Medical has been reimagining what healthcare can look like for individuals, families and companies.

“We come up with innovative solutions to help people with high deductibles and companies who have increasing health care costs and reduce those while giving quality care with friendly delivery,” said the founder of Medallus Medical Dr. Rachot Vachathrone.

Working in the health care industry since 1997, Vachathrone noticed his patients were waiting until their health was severe before seeking treatment. They would tell him about their stresses and fears of high insurance deductibles and co-pays. Vachathrone began imagining how he might encourage patients to be more proactive with their healthcare if it were more affordable.

“Insurance is supposed to be for major things like surgeries and, God forbid, cancer or any of those diagnoses,” said Chief Business Development Officer Arliss Fernandez. “For everyday things like a cold, strep, bronchitis, pneumonia…stitches, fractures…and x-rays we can take care of that at urgent care clinics.”

Vachathrone’s “aha” moment came when he was reviewing his own personal finances and skimmed over the monthly gym membership charge. What if there was a membership for urgent and primary care? Now, Medallus Medical’s memberships provide patients with predictable access to care at an affordable monthly rate.

“Medicine should not be expensive,” Fernandez said. “We are trying to transition where we’re not going to be so reliant on insurance. It gives the opportunity for the provider to have more one-on-one with the patient.”

Medallus Medical offers urgent care and walk-in primary care for individuals, families, school districts, companies and cooperations based on a monthly membership structure. Medallus Medical can treat minor injuries and illnesses to ongoing pri-

mary care needs with basic labs and in-office procedures.

“If you look at the local school districts, their insurance is just skyrocketing and it’s out of control. It shouldn’t be that way. We are being an advocate…to structure insurance correctly and give insurance to employees that they’re going to use,” Fernandez said.

“We decided to make it walk-in. That way our day is not scheduled full and patients don’t have to go somewhere else and wait another day,” Vachathrone said.

This year, Medallus Medical is working to partner with third-party companies to offer a handful of new or updated programs for physical and mental health. Medallus Medical is working to offer unlimited telehealth appointments 24 hours a day. Another program available to companies will allow adult employees to have access to three therapy sessions per year. In addition, Medallus Medical offers a prescription savings plan program where patients have zero copays for medications.

“We are growing, improving our services, and expanding our employer programs because we believe families and businesses deserve better options than what traditional health care usually provides,” Fernandez said. “Mental health and medications are what people need.”

New companies signing up for Medallus Medical’s membership and/or programs can meet with their Patient Advocate Team who will visit with their employees to teach them how to use the Medallus membership and invite them in for their first primary care visit.

“We want you to be proactive,” Fernandez said. “If you’re getting vitals checked or same-day prescription refills –just walk-in. We encourage that.”

Medallus Medical has eight locations throughout the Wasatch Front; all open at 9 a.m. and close at either 7 p.m. or 8 p.m.

Medallus Medical’s urgent care locations can be found in: Holladay (3934 S. 2300 East), Draper (1126 E. Draper Pkwy.), Sandy (7998 S. 1300 East), South Jordan (10433 S. Redwood Road), Riverton (13348 S. Market Center Drive), West Valley City (3451 S. 5600 West), American Fork (476 N. 900 West #C) and Layton (1868 N. 1200 West).

For more information, call Medallus Medical at 877-633-9110 or visit their website at: www.MedallusUrgentCare.com

“It’s about making people healthy,” Fernandez said. “We are trying to make medicine simple.” l

Celebrating Heart Month

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Learn more or schedule with a primary care provider

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

observed that first responder culture often operates in silos.

ronment where listening is just as welcome as sharing.”

By Shaun Delliskave s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

Anewpeer-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

“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 envi-

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

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 operat-

ing 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 unintentionally 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

When community infrastructure gets cut, families and seniors pay the price

By Utah Works for Families

The focus of Salt Lake County’s 2026 budget has primarily been on public safety, but they eliminated critical public services, which are the backbone of a functioning society. Instead of diverting millions towards symptoms, we should focus on prevention.

The focus of Salt Lake County’s 2026 budget has primarily been on public safety, but they eliminated critical public services, which are the backbone of a functioning society. Instead of diverting millions towards symptoms, we should focus on prevention.

Salt Lake County Council’s recent decisions to close the county-run childcare centers, cut funding for their pre-apprenticeship program for women, and initially freeze the funding for the 10th East Senior Center—promoted by Council Member Aimee Winder Newton—deserve deeper scrutiny. Importantly, no impact studies or stakeholder meetings were held prior to impromptu votes to defund these programs.

The county-run childcare centers were framed as “too expensive” to maintain. Newton stated that taxpayers spent $6,000 - $10,000 on each child, but this is mislead-

ing. The actual cost amounts to approximately $2.76 per taxpayer per year—less than a specialty drink at Swig, and parents paid for care.

According to James Heckman, Nobel Prize winning economist, there is a $4-$16 return on investment per $1 spent on early childhood programs. The Utah Legislature’s research shows an ROI of $9 per $1 spent. Newton claims the closure is saving millions, but what about the millions being lost?

The Council was given an opportunity to look into things further when the Larry H. and Gail Miller Family Foundation offered $1.5 million to the program in exchange for keeping it open and exploring long-term viability. Newton then decided to speak for the whole council:

“I told the Millers, ‘No,’” she wrote in texts obtained by the Salt Lake Tribune. In another text thread, she proudly bragged, “I have been a consistent, ‘heck no.’

One member making decisions for the whole council is not ethical. Why was this kept secret until the media obtained it through public records requests?

Our coalition has produced two detailed white papers showing that a transition from county funding to state funding is possible and realistic. As a senior advisor to Governor Spencer Cox, Newton has influence at the state level, yet she has not engaged in pursuing this alternative, or any alternative, to support the affected families.

When childcare centers close, the economic fallout will be immediate. Utah businesses consistently cite childcare shortages as one of their top workforce challenges. Without reliable care, employees reduce hours or leave entirely. The impact falls overwhelmingly on women.

Council Member Laurie Stringham claims this isn’t an attack on women, but the data proves otherwise. Utah already has one of the nation’s widest gender wage gaps. When childcare disappears, mothers are the ones most often forced out of the workforce.

Women earn less than their male counterparts in nearly every field. Closing centers in a strained care market pushes even more women out of employment and derails their long-term economic mobility.

In their November 18th meeting, the

Newton asserts the county is not responsible for funding childcare — a point that misses the issue entirely. The childcare gap impacts communities not only in Salt Lake County, but across Utah.

council also cut funding for the Utah Women in Trades pre-apprenticeship program. UWIT partnered with the county to teach women the skills they need to enter trade work. The program provided tests, mentoring, and on-the-job training.

The council initially compounded this issue by deciding to close and then freeze funding for the Tenth East Senior Center. This poor decision was reversed on January 13th, after immense pressure from the public.

Utah Works for Families is thrilled that the council found a creative way to fund the center’s reconstruction. The same efforts were not made to fund the childcare program or pre-apprenticeship program. We believe children and working families deserve the same effort and creativity that the seniors were given and we will continue to push for the restoration of the affordable childcare program.

Budget justifications were presented without fully accounting for what these programs prevent: workforce disruption, economic withdrawal of women, social isolation among seniors, and rising downstream costs to the county.

The question Salt Lake County residents should be asking is: Why are essential, low-cost community programs being cut at the very moment families need them most? Taxes increase every year, so where are your tax dollars going when services are being eliminated?

County leadership owes the public transparency and accuracy—not narratives that minimize the value of services or inflate their cost. Defunding these services may result in slightly lower taxes, but it destabilizes communities and increases reliance on welfare programs. The cost savings now will result in higher costs in the long run. l

‘Good time to be in Utah,’ Zions economist says

unemployment rate to stall out. We don’t want it to continue to move up.”

By Brice Wallace Salt Lake Business Journal

Economic outlook season is underway, and Robert Spendlove has thrown out the first pitch.

At a recent outlook briefing in Salt Lake City, Zions Bank’s senior economist listed several challenges in the national economy: uncertainty and risk caused by tariffs and the recent government shutdown, low consumer sentiment, slowing labor market growth, and the threat that increased tariffs could reaccelerate inflation.

“But with all that, the Intermountain Region remains really strong,” he assured the crowd. “Our economic fundamentals are strong. Our population and demographics are strong. So, it is a good time. Even though we’ve got that risk and that uncertainty, it’s a good time to be in Utah.”

Spendlove expects the rate to “kind of stick around there” at about 3.5% and keep Utah in “that sweet spot.” “We’re not the lowest in the country, like in the Upper Midwest, but we’re also not the highest, like in California and Nevada and Washington, D.C.,” he said.

• Utah’s new unemployment insurance claims are about 2,000. “We would have to cross 4,000 for me to get nervous about those weekly unemployment insurance claims. … We’re about half of that now, and it’s something that we’ll be watching, but I don’t see any signs of distress right now.”

For contrast, during the COVID pandemic, the figure grew from 2,000 to over 20,000 in one week.

• After seeing a huge surge in housing prices from 2020 to 2022, the growth now is between 1% and 2% — “actually what I would argue is a really good level,” he said. “You don’t want to see a big contraction. You also don’t want to see a big escalation in those home prices again.”

• Utah’s wage growth is higher than the national average.

said. “I think there’s a lot of stuff above the surface that we see. I think there’s a lot below the surface as well that are creating challenges and will continue to create challenges. And we are navigating, I think, the convergence of so many moving parts.”

Trouble areas include geopolitics, tariffs, the AI boom, asset prices in the stock market, the proliferation of the private markets (including private credit), consumer sentiment, the “K”-shaped economy, a convergence of wealth, affordability, deficits and the national debt, among others, he said.

“Despite all of this, our economy has been incredibly resilient, and Utah has been incredibly resilient, but I think we’re feeling, even here, some of those challenges,” Callister said.

Calling for Utahns to become more agile and more connected than ever before, Callister said geopolitics heads his overall list of worries.

Businesspeople are generally “grumpy” about tariffs because of the uncertainty they create. The average effective tariff rate was 3% a year ago but now it’s at 17%. However, they have yet to cause expected inflation. Most businesspeople can adjust to tariff impacts, but only if they know at what rates they will be, he said.

“I feel like we’re seeing a tectonic shift in the world order, from turf battles to trade wars, to the Monroe Doctrine that’s going on now, to all these changes going on to our supply chain,” he said. “I think we’ll continue to see some major implications to what’s going on in this changing world order that’s way different from what we’ve experienced since World War II.” l Outlook

“It’s been going up and down and sideways. … We just see them going up and down, almost willy-nilly, for the past year,” Spendlove said. “And if you’re a businessperson, your response might just be ‘I’m just going to pull back,’ and I’ve heard that from a lot of businesspeople.”

But Utah’s economic fundamentals remain strong:

• Utah’s population growth is nearly 2%, compared to 1% nationally.

• Utah’s employment growth is 1.7%, above the national figure of 1%.

• Utah’s unemployment rate, like the nation’s, has been trending up, but Utah’s — at about 3.5% the past year — “actually has kind of stalled out,” he said. “I mean, it’s good, right? We want the

• Median household income in Utah is “great,” at more than $100,000, thanks to demographics and the state’s strong economy.

Meanwhile, Moody’s indicates that Utah is not among states facing a recession risk. “Utah is doing well,” Spendlove said. “We’re still expanding, Idaho is still expanding, Arizona is still expanding. But we are surrounded by weakness. We are surrounded by states that are already struggling, are already treading water or are already in recession.”

Nathan Callister, the new president and CEO of Zions Bank, said annual economic outlooks usually feature an assessment that the new year will be “the most unique year.”

“And I’m not saying this is the most unique year, but it is an incredibly unique market environment that we’re in,” he

Depression, Anxiety,

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 Lake County convened more than 100

Aimee Winder Newton

Salt Lake County Councilmember District 3

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.