One of the most memorable activities for the fourth grade students at Mountain Green Elementary School is the Utah History Fair. As part of the fourth grade curriculum, they study the history and origins of the state of Utah, from Native Americans, to the first Mormon pioneers and settlers.
The dedication of a bus garage is not normally an occasion where there is great emotion expressed, but the dedication of the Morgan School District’s new transportation facility was certainly an exception. School Board member Neil Carrigan spoke of his experiences as a young man working with his father on the district’s busses. His eyes misted a few times as he reminisced about time spent with his father in the old transportation facility. “It was a wooden building ... in that building there was a rest room. It was a small rest room. It was so small it could only hold one roll of toilet paper, if you had two you were crowded.” He related the early work by his father to acquire the tools necessary to maintain the busses. He continued, “You could put three busses in the garage if you did it right. You could put one on the left hand side as far as you could get and then you took the other one and drove it up about three quarters of the way and then you could drive the third bus up behind the bus on the left... you had to do it just right or your couldn’t get them in. “ He spoke of his experience of measuring the gas remaining in the tank on the site. “When I was a kid that was the funnest job I had. I used to go out and measure how much gas was in there. You drop a big thing down there and go tell dad that you had 500 or 100 gallons in there.”
On Tuesday, March 27, 2012 MMS Counselor Gary Crittenden hosted a review panel from the State Office of Education and the CTE Team from Box Elder School District. They were here to evaluate how effectively the Comprehensive Counseling and Guidance Program is used in our school. This review consisted of Mr. Crittenden explaining and providing evidence in twelve different standards divided into two sections as to what the MS counseling program provides for the students.
Ironically, as I write this, it’s just after midnight. Needless to say, I’m tired. But when inspiration strikes the writer can’t always have the luxury of trading his pen for a pillow. And so, I shall add some more oil to my lamp, plug in my laptop and continue down this rut less traveled. I don’t mind staying up late knowing that someone, somewhere, will find a few more moments of courage to endure and hopefully to enjoy their life more. That makes any sleepless night worth it to me.
Well, it’s finally here. On April 2, the United States National Archive released the images of the 1940 census. Almost immediately the National Archive site was virtually down, it was so slow. Over the past week the site performance has steadily improved, but it continues to run a little slow. What is not as well known is that the images are also available on FamilySearch.org/1940census and on Ancestry.com . Both of these sites are making the images available for free. If you know where your ancestor lived, you can now find the image in the census. If you don’t know where they lived you can go to FindMyPast.com who has offered to find your ancestor for you in the 1940 census. Images will also shortly be available on FindMyPast.com.
The city heard from a n armed services representative on Tuesday in council meeting and appointed Mayor Egbert as the liason for the community covenants team. This program, which was originally established by the secreatary of the Army for active duty personnel has been adopted by the Utah National Guard and expanded to provide information and services to all military personell and their families.
“Create a plan...but remember - be prepared to change the plan!”, words of advice from a young Morgan High School graduate and who has followed her plan - and finding out that “plans change” - and Melissa Ovard has made the changes successfully by following her simple goals she made early in her life. Her story of how it “all came down” to leading a full and successful career now moving forward with confidence was told to the North Summit and Morgan High Schools’ Sterling Scholars at a Recognition Banquet hosted by Holcim, (US) Inc. The evening of March 29th Sterling Scholar Nominees from these two schools came with their parents to enjoy dinner with their families at Larry’s Chicken Inn in Morgan.
If you ever felt like being in the presence of angels, you could attain your desire by attending an event with the Morgan County special-needs mutual. This inspirational group includes nearly three dozen participants with various physical, mental or learning disabilities and their church leaders from various parts of the county. On March 30th, the group put on a production of “Joy Story” in front of a packed auditorium. “Joy Story” is a spiritual adaptation of the popular “Toy Story.” Written and directed by Nolan and Cathy Johnson, the production is a moving story about friendship and involved every member of the special-needs mutual.
Kassie Batty, daughter of Dave and Brenda Webster and the late Shane Batty will marry, Tayler James Fry, son of Dean and Becky Stokes, and Justin and Keri Fry.
Shaelee Renee Pentz and Garrett Steven Reden will be united in marriage on Saturday, April 14, 2012. A reception will be held after the ceremony at the Rock Church in Morgan. A reception will be held the following Saturday in Valley Center, Ca at the home of the groom’s parents.
Franklin and Connie Abplanalp have been married for 50 years come April 20, 2012. They both grew up in the Vernal, Utah area and attended Uintah High School together, but they only knew each other because they were in the same graduating class.
Morgan City has engaged former Ogden Mayor Matthew Godfrey in a consulting contract to bring a hotel to the city. The city council has been working for many years to entice a hotel to locate in the city with no results. They recently completed a feasibility study for the area to help persuade developers to locate in the city.
Tyler Kippen, son of Bryan and Rachael Kippen, was chosen as Morgan High School’s 2011-2012 Science Sterling Scholar! Tyler scored a perfect 36 on the science section of the ACT.
The Mathematics Sterling Scholar at Morgan High School this year is Christian Wiscombe, son of Jim and Liz Wiscombe! Swish scored a five on the AP Calculus test and placed third on the Trig Star test last year.
The Second Annual Ride On! Video Challenge is now open through May 14. Utah students of all ages may submit their creative and educational videos promoting safe and responsible off-highway vehicle (OHV) use and stewardship of School and Institutional Trust Lands.
March 28 the Trojan Track Team traveled to Stansbury for the second track meet of the year. This was the first time Morgan has had a track meet at the new region member Stansbury. Tooele, Grantsville, Dugway, Wendover, Stansbury and Morgan competed on this overcast and cold day. Many parents followed their sons and daughters to give them the expected Morgan support and help cheer on the team.
Wednesday, March 21, started the track season for the 2012 edition of the Trojan Track Team. Morgan hosted a five team region meet with Bear River, Tooele, Ben Lomond, and visitor St. Joseph. Weather is always a concern for a track meet but the athletes had sunshine and warmth and no wind, a great day to begin the season. The first meet is always exciting because there are newcomers to the team that are just seeing their first track competition, and the returning team members are anxious to see if they can improve on last years’ marks. Coaches have the very same feeling as the athletes; what will the new members bring to the team and how well will the older athletes perform with an added year of experience.
Mountain Green Elementary School is hosting their annual Reflections Art Competition, and this year they are doing something different. In order to bring recognition to the students and a greater awareness to the arts, the PTSO is holding an Art Open House on April 12th from 5:30 -7:30. All of the students who entered will have their work on display at Mountain Green Elementary School as well as the awards they won. Several artists from the community will be displaying their paintings along with the students. David Jackson, Laurie Eskelson, Randy Peay, Amy Jones, Joan Triplett, and others will be represented. There will also be a table displaying local home school students’ artwork. Come by to enjoy the artwork and refreshments as well as the BUY ONE GET ONE FREE BOOK Fair held in the media center. If you have questions, please call Amy Everhart at (801) 845-8051.
The new transportation facility open house and dedication will be held Tuesday, April 10 from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. at 94 South Commercial Street. The open house will run from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. with tours being given by members of the transportation department. The dedication will begin at 6 p.m. and will be conducted by the Board of Education.
Spring is in the air, bringing with it the excitement of outdoor activities for everyone. Morgan County is no different. We are going to be participating in the Utah Shake Out Exercise that will be held April 17-19. What is the Shake Out you ask? Well, Counties throughout the state will be exercising emergency plans. This exercise was started by FEMA and backed by the State. The scenario is as follows: a 7.0 earthquake will be reported from the Wasatch Front at 10:15 a.m. on April 17, 2012. Schools will be in session, family members may be elsewhere at work, and telephone lines will be down.
From spring cleaning to spring singing, the beauty of the world is reborn. For those who celebrate Easter’s true miracles and meanings their baskets and hearts are full of hidden treasures and treats to discover. One of my favorite parts of Easter is the hiding and hunting for eggs. It’s a true test of creativity when you can hide a dozen eggs or more and they stay hidden. Of course, you don’t want to leave any unfound for too long, or else your nose may get a hidden surprise as well.
The county has been experiencing steady increases in incidents on the county waterways. County Emergency Management Director Terry Turner reported that on peak summer days there are five hundred individuals on county rivers. About three years ago the county invested in training and equipment to prepare for any incidents. The team, called the swift water rescue team is made up of two parts. The first is called the “hasty team” and is called out initially to assess the situation and to begin operations. The full team has a little less than twenty members who can be called on for larger operations. Because the team is made up of volunteers who have other jobs not all members are available for all calls. Last year the team was activated three or four times. There were two near drowning incidents in the county last year and the issues seem to be trending higher each year. Turner requested pay given to compensate individuals for the time they spend. Individuals who participate are required to complete extensive training on an annual basis on how to perform water rescues safely. The council approved $6,000 annually for pay to the swift water rescue team unanimously.
It’s time again for the Money Matter$ Couples & Money Date Night Series provided by USU/Morgan County Extension. Starting next week for three Tuesday’s in April: April 10, 17 & 24 from 7-8 PM (April 10 & 17) and 7-8 (April 24 only) in the Morgan County Courthouse Auditorium.
On Sat. March 24, a controlled weed burning fire got out of hand, when wind picked up and extended the controlled fire to cause a grass fire. The fire swept fast burning a fence, and part of a power pole.
Interesting to read the Standard-Examiner’s interview with Morgan Fire Chief Dave Rich, about the Morgan grass fire portends, meaning an indication or omen of something about to happen, something momentous!
It’s that time of year when spring is in the air and Evanston Cowboy Days is getting ready for their big rodeo over Labor Day Weekend. First we must have a queen to reign over the festivities and promote the sport of rodeo. Evanston Cowboy Days is looking for any young lady ages 16 to 24, living within a 50 mile radius of Evanston, to fulfill this fun and exciting job.
Cheryl grew up in Hunter, which is now West Valley City. After graduating from Cypress High School she attended two years at SUSC on music and academic scholarships. She then attended Utah State where she met Brian through a friend. Brian lived in Markesan, Wisconsin until he was ten and then moved to Preston ID. He graduated from CSI, College of Southern Idaho, and then joined the National Guard. They were married in 1990 and moved to Provo where Brian began working for UPS and has worked there full time, except when deployed. They made Morgan their home 21 years ago.
Disasters can hit at anytime, whether it be from natural causes, earthquakes, floods, windstorms, fire, or unnatural disasters, power outages, wrecks, and chemical spills. Though not something most of us think about most the time, but for Morgan’s Peggy Mecham it stirs constantly in her mind of how to ensure safety for the community in times of unforeseen events.
City Mayor Jim Egbert and Council Members Shelly Betz and Tony London appeared before the county on Tuesday. The city has been raising funds for more than a year and has raised more than $66,000 from county residents and businesses to date to build a splash pad in the county. Member Betz said, “When the mayor and I were first elected there was the lack of a water facility here in Morgan County…We did a lot of field trips to visit splash pads…We talked Weber Morgan Health and the Department of Water Resources…We decided that this is something we absolutely could do in Morgan County and that is was possible through donations from the community.” She reported that the splash pad design was developed through significant community input. Splash pads are designed for children of all ages and they also work well for children with disabilities.
Chances are, most people in the community have benefited from the service, works, and influence of the Morgan Lions Club. Through their many acts of service, sweet smiles and genuine joy have been reflected on the faces of Morgan children for many generations. George Francis jokes that the Morgan Lions Club has been around “since the time Columbus sailed the ocean blue.” While the exact date is not known with certainty, the Morgan Lions Club has been around for a very long time, well over 80 years. Throughout these years it has touched young and old alike. True to their motto “We serve”, the Morgan Lions Club has sponsored many of the celebrations Morgan residents have grown up with and continue to cherish with their own children and grandchildren. Lions clubs can be found serving throughout the world. In fact, they are the world’s largest service club organization. Although the parent organization is an international club, the Morgan Lions Club has been especially focused on the needs of our own community. They have structured the service they provide and activities they sponsor in a way to connect very personally with the people of Morgan.
Lindsey Newton, daughter of Mark and Joan Newton, was chosen as this year’s Family and Consumer Sciences Sterling Scholar! Lindsey received silver at the region and state FCCLA competitions this year in the Chapter Showcase Manual Star Event.
This year’s Skilled and Technical Sciences Education Sterling Scholar for Morgan High School is Megan Stapley, daughter of Kurt and Maggee Stapley! In the 2011 Morgan County Fair Megan had the grand champion steer and was the reserve champion showman as well.
The Morgan boys Basketball team competed in the Idaho Prep Basketball Tournament this past weekend. The tournament took place in Twin Falls, Idaho at Canyon Ridge High School and O’Leary Middle School. They beat the Rupert Spartans 44 to 27, and Filer 60 to 26 on Friday evening. On Saturday the team continued the winning streak by beating Burley 55 to 40. This secured them a spot in the championship game against the Boise Slam. Morgan entered this game as the underdogs but still came out victorious crushing the Slam 64 to 54 winning the tournament. Morgan played extremely well as a team, which was key in winning the tournament. The coaches, Jamie Spens, Troy Butterfield, and Chad Ovard played a huge factor in the boy’s success. With the support of their family members the boys played with an extra level of intensity. The team looks forward to bringing home more victories in the future.
The Trojans bounced back this week with two strong home performances. Morgan dominated the Cowboys from Grantsville with a balanced offensive attack. Five different players found the net with the final score 5-2.
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