Author Bios

Monday, April 22, the Morgan Community Choir held its 15th Annual Spring Concert.  The choir took center stage in their matching blue dresses, cummerbunds and bow ties. Milan Mecham narrated the program as Lois Manning directed the choir.

Morgan native Billy Peterson is an experienced runner, having competed in over 50 marathons including three previous runs in Boston.  During the race last week, Peterson did something unique in his running career: he took his cell phone and seemingly saved his wife and young daughter from tragedy.  

Morgan Valley Crafts hosted a grand opening last weekend welcoming the public to its creative shop, located right here in Morgan.  Refreshments were served which only diverted attention for a moment from the crafts which fared to be a bigger temptation for the great turnout of shoppers.  

As Morgan County residents watch as the last patches of snow melt away, they often wish for better weather and the luxuries of summer.  Beautiful lawns, trees that are healthy enough to let children climb in while bearing delicious fruits, and vegetables overflowing onto our neighbors’ properties are often things people dream about but think they must wait until warm weather to prepare.  Now is the time to begin planning and preparing for your summer gardening and fall feast.

Chad Lewis has traveled the world promoting the sport he loves. On Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013, he stopped in Morgan to sign photos and discuss football with fans.  He brought a stack of photos he happily signed for a steady stream of visitors to the Browning Outlet store.  

Over the last several months, residents of Morgan County have become increasingly interested in concealed weapons permits.  Months before the recent rampage in Connecticut and other terrible scenes, local citizens started the process to legally carry a gun.  

In her second year of competing, Krista Johansen took first place for her edible architecture.  Last year’s creation was a mock-up of Commercial Street that took second place honors.  This year’s creation was started a week before the turkey and pumpkin pie were served on Thanksgiving Day.  For the average gingerbread house, starting this early would mean there was plenty of time to work on it here or there.  But Johansen’s elaborate design required her to work about four hours daily to complete it in time for judging.  

 
Fifty-three years ago, Frank “Whitey” and Darlene Little decided they wanted to do Christmas decorations in a new way.  Their location gave them a unique place to create a Christmas scene.  They decided to use their hill to display a nativity.

In the past, strings of Christmas lights were reserved for houses and trees. However, this year the lights got a little momentum in a Christmas light parade.  

On Saturday Dec. 1, the Weber State Alumni Singers used their music to help Loydene Berg who lost her home to a fire in September.  The choir presented a rich experience titled “A Gift of Music” to generous audience members who started off the holiday season with an amazing concert.  The evening of music enriched those who attended.  

Friday, Nov. 16, the Morgan High School track was a sea of crimson energy as the second grade lined up for the second annual Turkey Trot.  The eager children wore red as they wrapped up Red Ribbon Week.  The little gentlemen stood aside while little ladies took the first lap.  A classic ribbon flag was held across the starting line and at the signal the girls took off at an amazing pace.  The girls raced each other the ¼ mile around the track.  They showed great spirit and sportsmanship from the first runners across the finish line to the last of the class who steadfastly walked to the end.  Cheers were given for all the racers for completing the race.  

On Thursday Oct. 26, Morgan High School staged an event to help educate and remind our community about our history, rights, and freedoms related to government.  Morgan County resident Lydia Nuttall worked with our local government to bring this event to our community to celebrate the 225th Anniversary of America’s Constitution.    The Ellis Island program presented history from our founding fathers as well as from the famous Island that welcomed millions of immigrants from 1892 to 1954. 

On Wednesday, Oct. 10, nearly 2,000 students and faculty members from Morgan High, Morgan Middle and Morgan Elementary schools participated in a full evacuation drill.  This drill led them roughly a half mile from the school grounds to Wilkinson Construction.  

Labor Day often means a weekend of camping or a day off of work.  For 13-year-old Branden Brooks and nearly 30 others, Labor Day meant labor and lots of it.  The story starts several years ago when Branden set a goal to receive his Eagle Scout award before his 14th birthday.  

Just after noon on Tuesday Sept. 4, 2012, Austin Larson was working at the rock pit in Mountain Green when he heard an unusual noise across the street that got his attention. When he confirmed there was smoke he quickly went to the Mountain Green fire Station, where he works as a volunteer fire fighter. Larson retrieved the fire engine and made his way back the short distance to the home to find that the fire was already fully evolved. By this time calls were coming in from a postal worker who was in the area, a 1st Bank employee from the bank next to the house, and others who viewed the smoke and flames.
As the house burned firefighters from surrounding areas were called in including two trucks from Weber County and a ladder truck from South Ogden. Brush trucks helped with a grass fire that spread behind 1st Bank, Mountain Green Branch. Twenty-eight fire fighters worked on the blaze before they were able to stop it around 4 p.m. The house continued to smolder until about 6 p.m. A crew remained at the scene overnight and was able to control two or three flare ups during the night, reported Dave Rich, Morgan County fire chief.

Sometimes there are misconceptions about PTSO.  Courtney Gualco, the new MES PTSO president, wants everyone to know what PTSO is all about.  “We’re a support to the parents, teachers and students of our school,” Gualco explained. “We try and help make school a pleasant experience.   Any parent can participate in PTSO and there are many ways to help.”   

“Every relayer has one thing- a story…” Trevor Wynn began his speech at the opening of last Friday night’s Relay for Life.  He talked about losing his grandmother and then his father.  When he researched this deadly disease, he found that the survival rate around that time was 67 percent.  He wanted to do more to help with the cause.  Shortly after his father lost his fight to cancer, he got involved with Relay for Life through Ellen Poll.  “I relay for my dad, and that’s my relay story.” 

Many contests and challenges were held during the three days at our county fair.  The most recently added game to the fair line up was the Cantaloupe Chuckin’ event.  Inspiration came when 12-year-old Easton Turner was watching a favorite show about pumpkin chucking.  He told his mom this event needed to be part of the fair.  His mom, Kim Turner, is in charge of the activities and games at the fair and she agreed that it would be a fun addition to the fair.  Easton started making plans with his friend Talon Thorton.  They compiled their favorite designs for catapults and took their favorite parts from each to build their ideal thrower.   

Local artist Kim Corpany is known all over the world for her bronze sculptures set at prominent points.  She discovered her talent for and love of art early on.  In kindergarten, she determined a picture she was assigned to color wasn’t quite right.  She drew in a different black line and then colored it in.  Her teacher scolded her for not coloring in the lines even after attempts to explain the imperfections.  Disheartened, she took the picture home.  Upon review, her mother explained Kim should keep coloring the way she thought best.  

The cement plant in Croydon, built in 1904, has been a major part of our community for over a century.  The name has changed several times over the course of the last 100 years.  

What’s more American than apple pie? The small town Independence Day celebration! While there were no fireworks to end the night, the celebration really popped!

An open house was held on June 7 at the Morgan County Memorial Building to discuss modifications to several areas of county road.  The two hour open house held in the county chambers was an open forum for residents to study the proposed plan and give input.  Approximately 15 citizens came to voice their opinion.  The outcome of the meeting was favorable and construction will begin this fall with the majority of the work being completed in spring and summer 2013.  

Sometimes parents discipline their children when they kick and punch each other, but some find that their children discover discipline through kicking and punching.  Discipline, self-respect, coordination, confidence, integrity, determination, and attention are just a few of the attributes students can learn while developing their martial arts skills at Martial Science. Martial Science began instructing in February and has been a hit.  

Runners from all over are pushing their limits in preparing for the second annual Morgan Valley Marathon.  This year’s event will be held on Saturday, July 28.  

Each month Morgan County 4-H has hosted a family craft night at the courthouse.  Crafts have varied and reflect the season.  Aprils craft celebrated Earth Day by planting different kinds of seeds in toilet paper containers to grow indoors until it is warm enough for them to survive outside.  Kelly Carter 4-H Assistant has planned and presented the activities.

Russ and Natalie Tibitts met while they were both attending Ricks College.  They went on a date set up through mutual friends and while Natalie had a mission planned when she met him, six months later they were married in the Salt Lake Temple in 1993.  She graduated in Interior design and then was granted a scholarship to BYU.  Russ worked on Generals at Ricks, his Bachelor at BYU graduating in Recreation Management and Youth Leadership, and then finished up at University of Utah for his Masters.  In case you wonder, he cheers for the Cougars but doesn’t forget he also graduated from the U of U. Russ currently works as a seminary teacher for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and is serving as the Bishop of his ward.  Natalie stays at home ‘to keep control over the chaos.’

The annual Inspirations contest rapped up this week with certificates and medals given for achievement in five categories; Literature, Visual Arts, 3-dimensional Arts, Photography, and Musical Composition.  

Last year when most people were packing away their ornaments, tinsel and lights, others were just getting started on Christmas trees for this year.  As soon as Christmas is over and the new year begins, many people have already designed a Christmas tree, started buying supplies and some even start working on a tree they will never put their gifts under.  These trees are not meant to adorn their own houses but are given away selflessly to benefit others.  

Holcim Cement Plant in Crodyon began Tuesday with its typical routine.  Employees were crossing the plant with their usual responsibilities, and drivers were picking up loads of cement to transport to various destinations.  As employees and customers moved about their normal routine, one truck was not expected.  

Chris Deitsch is in the business of teaching high school students business.  He is teaching classes ranging from Computer Technology, to Business Communication.  Mr. Deitsch’s favorite class he took during his own days in High School was Sports Marketing, and he is excited to be offering this class to students 3rd trimester.  Mr. Deitsch graduated from Clearfield High School in 2006, and from Weber State University in 2011.  The best way to get on Mr. Deitsch’s good side is to work hard and show others respect.  On the other hand, not paying attention or being disrespectful, and lack of effort are Mr. Deitsch’s least favorite traits. 

Put on your walking shoes and get ready to talk to your children about safety.  Next week Morgan Elementary School will be participating in their second annual Green Ribbon Week.   This program is designed to teach and promote safety for children, parents and the community.   

The school bell rang in the new school year for Morgan School district on Tuesday August 23.  The usual excitement and nerves tinged each student as he or she returned to school.  Bodee Wright, a third grader, was so excited, his mom wasn’t sure if he even knew if she existed.  His older sister, Bailee, left the comfort of elementary last year and after her first day at school was left a bit exhausted, but excited for the year, especially about her new locker.  A new locker was what fellow sixth grader Kale Bigler was most excited about.