Friday, June 7, Milton residents had an unexpected guest: an American black bear.  

During the course of the public debate on the necessity of a Voted Local Levy in the Morgan School District, we often times  forget the larger picture of the financial struggles faced by the state and most districts.  State Superintendent of Schools Martell Menlove stated in a community meeting in Morgan County last month that Morgan School District is not alone in facing financial challenges when it comes to balancing their budgets this year.  A quick review of the state’s newspapers and television stations and you will see many headlines, news stories and editorials dealing with school finance.  One example can be found on the editorial page of the Sunday, June 2, issue of the Ogden Standard Examiner.

The Morgan County Library has started signups for families and individuals to participate in the Summer Reading Program.  The library encourages everyone to participate from babes in arms to 100-year-olds and even beyond, the library staff laughed as they realized there really are library patrons older than this.  

I want to urge everyone to vote “NO” on the tax levy that Morgan School District is proposing.

Kellie Jo Carrigan has been called to serve in the Arizona, Phoenix mission. 

The Morgan Valley Marathon has been a dream in the making for the past few years. The idea of a marathon in Morgan began among a group of friends who love to run the roads of the beautiful Morgan Valley. 

All the incumbents up for re-election on the Morgan City Council filed to continue holding their seats.  With a total of four seats up for grabs, two incumbents will run unopposed.  

SFC Daniel Merz Glick is retiring from the United States Army after 20 years of active duty service.

The Marie McQuiddy Daley Softball Tournament is held in honor of our courageous mother, daughter, relative and friend.  Please come cheer on teams and enjoy the day with us.  The tournament will take place this Saturday, June 15 at the Wilkinson Rec Plex.  For more information contact Audrey Peterson or Tara Hammer.

Utah’s official fire season begins and the open burning season officially ends each year on May 31. Fire danger will increase rapidly as warmer and drier weather develops. So far, tests are showing that despite the rainy spring, moisture levels in grassy fuels are below average. So far this spring, several debris burns have blown out of control, escaped and become wildfires burning private and public land. As of June 1, open burning is prohibited without a permit.

With 2,085 lakes in Utah and more than 89,000 miles of streams and rivers, water is an essential natural resource in the state that must be preserved and protected.

Kurt and Angi Bryant are happy to announce the marriage of their daughter Savanna to Hayden Roney son of Park and Stephanie Roney. Savanna and Hayden will be married June 21, 2013, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. 

Havala May Rich and Mason Thomas Wright are to be married June 15, 2013. Their parents Stephen & Lynelle Rich, Chad & Marya Wright, and Jean & Anna Middleton are celebrating that evening at a reception given in Mason’s and Havala’s honor.  

Casey Wheeler grew up in Morgan where he gained many friends.  Those friends as well as others he and his family have gained have rallied to support him during a battle with cancer. 

Sauce on your face is no disgrace at The Rib Shack, a restaurant with successful runs in both South Ogden and Syracuse that is set to open this summer in Morgan.  The establishment specializes in ribs, chicken, pulled pork and brisket with all the fixings.

“Without leaps of imagination, or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities.  Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning.”

Fire officials are issuing a strong caution as warmer weather arrives. Several field clearing and debris burns in Morgan, Summit, Salt Lake, Uintah, San Juan and Grand counties have escaped, requiring action by fire fighters. Fire managers say these fires were all preventable and they recommend taking some simple precautions to safely and successfully burn.

John Rock began teaching in 1980 when Ronald Reagan went into office and the moon dance was popular.  Over the next 33 years, taught at least one class to nearly every MHS graduate. 

The Morgan School Board recognized three distinguished residents during the annual Morgan High School graduation ceremonies held at the Dee Events Center on May 24.  

“It’s wonderful to have this (food drop). It helps so many people,” said one of the food drop volunteers.

I will be voting NO for Morgan County School District voted local levy and this is why:  

As a resident of the Highlands of Mountain Green, I oppose the projected development of a multiplex apartment and residential complex near Trappers Loop on the basis of citizens’ safety and security. 

The Agriculture Science Department has been busy this spring!  If you have driven past Morgan Elementary School you may have noticed some new benches and ground cover in the far corner of the elementary playground. 

Larry Shepherd, a community outreach director with the U.S. Senate and a representative with Sen. Mike Lee’s office, visited Morgan May 30 and hopes to make other visits in the near future.

After 32 years of service Morgan’s favorite delivery guy, Brent Rose, has retired.  Rose made his last delivery on May 31, 2013.  

Morgan Storm U-11 girls team, comprised of local Morgan county players, swept first place honors in the silver division of the Wasatch Classic played in Layton/Kaysville during the Memorial day weekend.

Morgan High School’s Thomas Ericson has announced he will enroll at Illinois College in the fall and compete as a member of the school’s football team.

Unit 576 conducted their father and son overnight campout and scout court of honor in the small amphitheater and park recently established behind their church building next to the Mountain Green cemetery.

Beginning with the 2013-14 school year, both elementary schools will realize the full implementation of “skill classes.”  An idea planned many years ago, this change has become necessary now as the district faces ongoing funding deficits.  With this change, the Morgan County School District is projected to save $76,800 over the next two years.

The Morgan Chapter of the Sons of Utah Pioneers held its monthly meeting on May 19 with 45  members in attendance.  

Anticipation grew dribble by dribble as the crowd at the Morgan Middle School grew on Monday, June 3.  The group came to see celebrated Utah Jazz player Jeremy Evans.   

Doug and Jennifer Porter are pleased to announce the marriage of their daughter, Jessica Lee Porter, to Garret Durrant, son of David and Angela Durrant, and Gayla Durrant. Jessica and Garret will be married on Saturday , June 1,2013 in the Salt Lake Temple. In case of oversight, please join them in their celebration at a reception held in their honor that evening from 6-8 p.m. at the Rock Church in Morgan, 10 W. Young Street.

Five- to 8-year-olds had the chance to pledge their heads, hearts, hands and health to themselves and others on May 28-29 at the first annual Cloverbud 4-H Camp.  4-H has been an important organization in Morgan County for over 100 years and now younger kids have the opportunity to be involved.  The group met at the Morgan County Courthouse for their activities during this day camp that lasted two days.

About 85 residents will have to officially change their addresses after the Morgan County Council voted to clear up glaring addressing discrepancies.

After being inactive for several years, Morgan County Friends of the Library is once again functioning in our community.  

Goldenwest Credit Union is hosting a free Health Care Reform Seminar on May 24. This symposium will provide timely information on how business owners and managers can proactively prepare for the changes and cost increases that will be associated with the Affordable Care Act. Jennifer Danielson, president of Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah, will be the featured speaker at this event. 

Voted Local Levy-Another Point of View

Having spent 13 years as the superintendent of schools in Morgan County, I understand the pressing need for additional revenues that the school district is currently experiencing.  Morgan is consistently in the bottom 25 percent of Utah school districts when it comes to expenditures and revenues per student.  Last school year, the district ranked 34th out of 41 when considering all expenditures as well as the daily operations budget.  With the exception of Juab School District, all other district with less money per student were much larger than Morgan (Alpine, Box Elder, Davis, Jordan, Nebo) and thus enjoy the advantages provided by the economy of scales.

After attending the school administration/board presentation regarding their proposed levy for increasing property taxes, I think that they made a fine presentation.  However, I must disagree that it was entirely factual.

This letter is written in support of the Morgan School Board’s proposed voted levy.  We have been impressed over the years with the quality of the educational programs provided for the students in Morgan County.  Our children have all graduated from the school system and have found success in post high school educational and employment pursuits.  We attribute this to the quality and effort of the educators involved in the school system, and in the leadership of those who have served on the school board over the years.

Senator Mike Lee’s Mobile office is coming to Morgan.  This mobile office is a resource for constituents across Utah who might not otherwise be able to meet with casework officers or other staff at Senator Lee’s offices in Salt Lake City and St. George.  

Bailey Farris, daughter of Jann and Wendy Farris has been called to serve in the Dominican Republic, Santiago Mission.

Bailey Janelle Lubeck, daughter of Bill and Leslie Lubeck, has been called to serve in the China Hong Kong Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

Sister Chelsea Roseman, daughter of Burke and Janalene Roseman, has been called to serve in the Arkansas, Little Rock mission. 

Ryan and Jessica Terry celebrated the 4th of July, 2011, like many of us, at the Riverside Park.  Their children Eden, Ty and Lydia played games and the family enjoyed visiting with old and new friends.  One particular conversation changed their lives forever. 

Morgan County Sheriff’s Office will join local and national law enforcement officers and highway safety advocates all across Utah and the country for the 2013 national Click It or Ticket seatbelt enforcement mobilization, May 20 to June 2. 

Following a change recently approved by the Morgan County Council, all dogs in Morgan County should be licensed every January.  Previously, dog owners licensed their animals anytime, and the license lasted a year from the original licensing date.  

The role of a successful teacher extends far beyond the classroom.  

One of the joys of education is seeing students successfully go from learning their ABCs to the art of reading and understanding.  When the lights come on and a child says, “I can read this myself,” parents and teachers see the accomplishment of their endeavors and the true triumph of a small child.  This achievement was made in part by the importance of our current reading teachers in our elementary schools.  

Four out of five car seats are used incorrectly. Could yours be one of them? The Utah Safety Council and the Buckle Up For Love program are encouraging all parents and caregivers to buckle themselves and their children safely and properly. The Utah Safety Council offers a few basic rules of Child Passenger Safety, along with information about Utah laws. 

The eighty-sixth Morgan Utah and Morgan Utah North Stake Seminary Graduation exercises will be held Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 7 p.m. in the Morgan Utah Stake building.

Springtime is a good time to rid ourselves of items that we no longer need or use but would be of value to others.  This year, why not donate those usable items to the Morgan Chapter of the Sons of Utah Pioneers for their annual yard sale?  The yard sale will be held on June 15 on the corner of the Walker Mortuary from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Morgan High School Trojan baseball team left Spanish Fork on May 11 with an invitation to the second round of the state baseball playoffs.

Morgan High Track team took top honors on Friday, May 10 as the girls ended up taking 3rd in Region and the boys following right along taking 5th. 

Jacob Allen became one of our county’s youngest Eagle Scouts when he received the prestigious award on April 28 at the age of 13.  Jacob, along with his parents, project manager Frayne Spens and about 20 other volunteers, expended 150 combined hours planning, building and installing a 38-foot long, disability-accessible wheelchair ramp for a retirement community nestled in a trailer park in Farr West.  The portable ramp can be used at different trailers, as needed.  

As plans for 533 dwelling units on 105 acres in Mountain Green proceed, residents want to see room for a future interstate exchange that is now missing from the developer’s proposed master plan for the Mountain Green Village Planned Unit Development.  However, some say reserving land indefinitely for a future right of way is not feasible.

Dear Editor:
This letter is written in support of the Morgan School Board’s proposed voted levy.  We have been impressed over the years with the quality of the educational programs provided for the students in Morgan County.  Our children have all graduated from the school system and have found success in post high school educational and employment pursuits. 

Dear Editor:
Why I am voting no on the Morgan County levy tax?  Morgan County has one of the highest tax rates in Utah.  The Morgan County Commissioners do everything in their power to drive out business.  It’s time people with large families pay their fair share.  A head tax would be a great start.  Sell the Morgan County airport to a private company and tax it.  None of the proposed tax increase will go to better pay for teachers.
~ Brent Fenstermaker 

During the month of April the eighth graders had two different opportunities to explore career options and participate in hands-on activities to see what careers could meet their interests.

A huge reason we have so many individual success stories in our special education program at Morgan Middle School is because of the success of our peer tutor program.   These students play a vital role in the success of some of their fellow students.

Springtime is a good time to rid ourselves of items that we no longer need or use but would be of value to others.  This year, why not donate those usable items to the Morgan Chapter of the Sons of Utah Pioneers for their annual yard sale?  The yard sale will be held on June 15 on the corner of the Walker Mortuary from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Following a change recently approved by the Morgan County Council, all dogs in Morgan County should be licensed every January.  Previously, dog owners licensed their animals anytime, and the license lasted a year from the original licensing date.  

About 85 residents will have to officially change their addresses after the Morgan County Council voted to clear up glaring addressing discrepancies.
“Emergency dispatch has told us we have to stick with one street name,” said Dave Manning, county GIS technician.  

Dear Editor:
I am in favor of the voted local levy and will vote “FOR” on June 25th.  I have lived in 5 western states and have had children attend schools in all 5 of those states.  The Morgan School District is by far the best of the other schools our children have attended.  My youngest 3 children graduated from Morgan and had a marvelous experience.

Dear Editor:
Having spent 13 years as the superintendent of schools in Morgan County, I understand the pressing need for additional revenues that the school district is currently experiencing.  Morgan is consistently in the bottom 25 percent of Utah school districts when it comes to expenditures and revenues per student.  Last school year, the district ranked 34th out of 41 when considering all expenditures as well as the daily operations budget.  With the exception of Juab School District, all other district with less money per student were much larger than Morgan (Alpine, Box Elder, Davis, Jordan, Nebo) and thus enjoy the advantages provided by the economy of scales.

“Community Matters” was the theme for Morgan County Library’s family fun night, held April 29.
The activity following the theme was service to others in the community. The services rendered by those in attendance were given with a smile. 

Paige McAllister, daughter of Rick and Erin McAllister has been called to serve in the Phoenix, Arizona Mission. She entered the MTC on May 8, and will report to Phoenix on May 21.

The role of a successful teacher extends far beyond the classroom.  
Teachers take on numerous roles to ensure that our children obtain the skills and resources they need to become responsible citizens.

One of the joys of education is seeing students successfully go from learning their ABCs to the art of reading and understanding.  When the lights come on and a child says, “I can read this myself,” parents and teachers see the accomplishment of their endeavors and the true triumph of a small child.  This achievement was made in part by the importance of our current reading teachers in our elementary schools.  

Four out of five car seats are used incorrectly. Could yours be one of them? The Utah Safety Council and the Buckle Up For Love program are encouraging all parents and caregivers to buckle themselves and their children safely and properly. The Utah Safety Council offers a few basic rules of Child Passenger Safety, along with information about Utah laws. 

2013 Morgan County Sheriff’s Office 
reports the following activity for
May 5 - 11, with a total of 146 calls

The Morgan High School Trojan 
baseball team left Spanish Fork on May 11 with an invitation to the second round of the state baseball playoffs.  After dropping their first game to top-seed Snow Canyon, the team routed the Uintah Utes, 14-4.  It was a balanced attack, with several Trojans amassing hits, RBIs and runs scored.  Two other Region 11 teams, Stansbury 
and Grantsville, were ousted from the tournament, while Bear River moved on to the next round as well.  

On Tuesday evening, the Morgan High School Scholarship Board held their annual scholarship awards night.  Parents, patrons, sponsors, school officials and students gathered for this prestigious evening.

Following questioning from a resident opposed to the upcoming voted local levy, the Morgan County Council weighed in on issues that could affect future tax rates.

Smoke was sent billowing into the already cloudy skies of Morgan on Wednesday, May 8, after an accident engulfed a garage in flames.  The actual cause of the blaze is under investigation.

Opening a new business is exciting for anyone, but it takes on a whole new level of joy and relief when you have been waiting as long as Lars and Kera Birkeland, owners of Mountain Green Kids Club.

Oftentimes in debate the heart of the matter is lost in spurious details.  But occasionally the key issue becomes obviously clear.  Such a moment occurred at the Morgan County School Board meeting last month.  The proposed Voted Local Levy, a new property tax increase to fund the school budget, was the topic of discussion.  

The Trojans varsity baseball team finished their regular season with a close, home loss to top-seed Stansbury and a convincing win over Ogden.  As a result, the Trojans closed out the regular season as the number three seed in Region 11, earning a trip to the state playoffs.  

A group of residents in support of the school district’s voted local levy has organized a political issues committee registered with the state and launched a website to further their campaign.

Morgan Middle School took 10 seventh graders and 10 eighth graders to the state math competition last month and the results are back.  Four of our students deserve a special congratulations for scoring in the top 30 percent.  They are Parker Bailey, Weston Blocker and Colin Smith with Peter Christensen scoring in the top 25 percent. Our students did great considering we were competing with all schools participating this year no matter their size.  

Morgan Baseball will soon say “good bye” to its group of senior leaders.  This group of seven immensely talented players has provided leadership on and off the field.  Here is a look at each player’s post-high school plans.

Megan Barney, of Milton, has worked as a nurse anesthetist for eight years at Davis Hospital.  She works with several doctors who have organized many service trips to Guatemala through the organization Utah Medical Outreach.  

On Saturday, May 18, the Morgan County Pilot’s Association and the Airport Advisory Board will be sponsoring the third annual Veteran’s Recognition Day. This celebration recognizes and honors veterans from all branches of service. 

Jill Smalley and Skyler Hardman are happy to announce their marriage on Saturday, May 11, 2013, in the Manti Utah LDS Temple. 

Kenneth W. Nelson and Neeta K. Nelson are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.  The couple was married on May 4, 1963, in the Rock Church in Morgan and they were later sealed in the Ogden Temple.  

Interscholastic extracurricular programs are vital to the positive social, physical and educational development of our students. These activities offer opportunities for service to the school and community; develop fellowship and goodwill; promote self-realization with physical, mental and emotional growth; and encourage the qualities of good citizenship. 

The Morgan High School soccer team wrapped up their region play in a game against Tooele on April 25. 

Our little valley is known for amazing results from volunteer efforts to improve the community and Morgan’s new bike park will certainly add to that legacy.

Three Morgan County Boy Scouts and four adult leaders were recognized for their exemplary service and leadership in Scouting and in our community.  

The Morgan County Republican Party recently chose new party officers including Chairman Lars Birkeland, Vice Chairwoman Tina Cannon, Secretary Lydia Nuttall, Treasurer Pamela Smith and State Central Committee Member Kera Birkeland.

After researching the facts, talking to community members and maybe even viewing one of the Morgan County School District’s community presentations regarding the voted local levy, you may be wondering how you can keep an eye on tax rates should the levy pass.

This is the stuff kids dream of.   Last inning, tie game, home team up, winning run on base, and you’re the batter.  Last week, in the biggest baseball game of the year, Dallin Dickson’s dream came true.

As we grow closer to the end of another school year, I wanted to take the time to pay tribute to all of our wonderful and dedicated teachers within the district.  They are truly professionals who have made the decision to center their careers on the betterment of our youth.

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.

The Morgan County Council voted to approve a text amendment that would allow the Morgan County Planning and Building Department services to clear five inactive applications from their books.

Over the past few months I have had the opportunity to try out MyHeritage.com.  MyHeritage has been around for a few years now.  Their primary product has been family trees and they have specialized in helping families work together.  

“A man who breathes with soul so dead, regretting what he never said.”  John Hendrickson – Snow College

The Northeastern Utah Region Sterling Scholars competition was held Monday, April 15, 2013, at Wasatch High School in Heber City.  This region consists of students from Altamont, Duchesne, Dugway, Grantsville, Morgan, North Summit, Park City, Rich, South Summit, Tabiona, Uintah, Union, Wasatch and Wendover high schools.

Sister Jessica Little and Elder Brandon Little, daughter and son of Darwin and Tami Little, have returned home from their missions. Jessica served in the Florida Jacksonville mission and Brandon served in the West Virginia Charleston mission. They will both be speaking on Sunday, April 28, at 9 a.m. at the Morgan Stake Center.

Shaun G. Petersen and Brandi L. Krammer have chosen April 27, 2013 to begin their life together. 

Reid Wilkinson, son of Dee and Lori Wilkinson, arrived at the Salt Lake City Airport on Thursday, April 17 in the evening. Reid just completed a nine-month deployment in Afghanistan and gets to spend two weeks with his family.  

 
Cheridyn Prochnow, daughter of Brian and Cheryl Prochnow, has been chosen as Morgan High School’s General Sterling Scholar.  Cheridyn has contributed to the high school by participating in choir, FBLA, DECA, and Academic Olympiad.  She has been a member of the Troyette Drill Team and the cheer squad, currently holding the position of Cheer Team Co-Captain, and has served as Freshman Class Vice President and the Interact Service Club Public Relations officer.  Her favorite class in high school has been chemistry because it has so many real-life applications.  She loves participating in outdoor activities such as hiking, running, and four-wheeling; doing jigsaw puzzles; people watching; and doing unexpected things.  She is proud of being voted “the person you want to be stranded on an island with”.  Cheridyn’s most memorable high school experience was, without a doubt, skydiving!  Cheridyn will be attending Utah State University and majoring in biological engineering. 

Our league is now over for the season and our big 1st place winners are team Northrop Grumman and team members are Ashton Hoopes, Pat Olsen, Pat Bird, and Randy Glanville. In 2nd place is team Holy Bowlers and team members are Cathy Friery, Laurel Hoopes and Dave and Ruth Preece. Our high scores and series for our last week go to Cody Coleman 186, Steve Michealson 205=508, Pat Olsen 205=552, Mike Shope 186, Teresa Shope 151, Lynsey Enlow 205=526, Craig Mahoskey 258=682, Misty Spendlove 197=487, Dillon Smith 197=538, Heather Lombard 173, Danny Kline 278=602, Cathy Friery 168=465, Ruth Preece 161, Bill Skeen 192=522, Susan Skeen 159, Kasie Chappell 157, and Shadd Straw 197=503. Great bowling everyone and see you next year! 

Our team standings for this week are in 1st place is Crandall Ford and team members are Cara Jones and Susan Crandall. In 2nd place is Head Over Heels and team members are Margaret Bowman, Joann Rees, Cindy Matthews, and Laura Hull. In 3rd place is Eagle Rock Construction and team members are Ethel McQueen, Barbara Roemmich, Berniece Warner, and Gloria Marcellin. Our high scores and series for this week go to Susan Crandall 184=490, Misty Spendlove 180=484, Pat Olsen 179=506, Cathy Friery 156=452, Jane Casper 174, Pat Bird 167=453, Laura Hull 164, Ethel McQueen 156, Berniece Warner 166, Gloria Marcellin 157, 9Becky Wilde 157, Kelly Christiansen 173, Lynette Bosworth 200=551, Terrie Stephens 188=467, Shawna Froerer 171=464, and Pauline Maxwell 162. Nice bowling ladies

Career and Technical Education (CTE) at Morgan High School is designed to prepare students for a successful career and a smooth transition into postsecondary education. Postsecondary education may be technical school, a two-year college or a four-year college. Whichever route a student chooses, CTE is there to help them prepare and plan for their future.  Students are encouraged to explore a variety of career areas throughout high school in an effort to build the academic knowledge, technical skills and employment skills that are vital to entering the current and future workforce. 

There exists a very generous group of individuals who donate to a program at Weber State University. This program is known as TAPT (Teachers Assisted Path to Teaching). 

Those owning buildings in the commercial zoning districts of Morgan City will have to make sure their properties are in tip-top shape according to a new building maintenance ordinance amendment unanimously passed by the Morgan City Council.

The Morgan County School District announced its selection for its next superintendent of schools.

When many people think of family history, they think of Aunt Mabel.  The image conjured up is that of someone who is a little eccentric whose idea of a good time is going to a cemetery to take rubbings of headstones or visiting a county courthouse to pour through county records.

Marlene F. Peterson celebrated her 80th birthday April 1, 2013.

In my opinion, to take more money from the pockets of Morgan residents demonstrates arrogance of the Morgan school board members and Superintendent who want to preserve or expand the status quo rather than looking for ways to cut programs, eliminate waste, and better manage existing tax revenue.  

 Twice a year Deseret Book stores around the area fill to capacity with excited women, having a night out as many of their husbands, sons and fathers attend a special Priesthood session of General Conference for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  

Sister Kami Call has been called to the Texas San Antonio Mission. 

Delinquent tax payments benefit school district

It was standing room only Tuesday when the Morgan City Planning Commission unanimously denied a conditional use permit for a residential group home.  More than 90 residents crowded the council chambers, where Alpha Counseling and Treatment presented plans for a group home for “disabled youth suffering from autism, Asperger’s syndrome and similar challenges” at 535 Derrick Circle.

 
I would love to say thank you for your thoughts, kind words, your flowers, your food, your calls and visits and your friendship that has been shown to me during my illness. I am not use to being ill, but with all of the kindness that has been given to me, it makes me again realize how wonderful people are in Morgan. Thank you again for everything. ShaRon Nelson

Traders Apparel will hold a grand opening for their new store in Morgan on Saturday, April 13, 2013, at 12 pm.  The store is located at 117 North Commercial Street. 

Opening day of the new Wildflower Outdoor store on Old Highway Road brought a healthy stream of shoppers to the new store dedicated to fulfilling women’s outdoor needs.  

The Morgan City Council this week took action to save tax payers more than $800,000 in interest over the next fifteen years.  

Whether by starting a talk with song in front of a large crowd or by towering over others with a 6’7” stature, David Glover is sure to stand out. His comedic talent and genuine personality have influenced many who call him a great friend. He loves to laugh and joke, and is often described as quite the “character.” His wife, Heidi, kids she was born talentless with only the ability to talk and smile. Smile and talk she does and in so doing claims just as many hearts.

MORGAN - Deone Tonks Durrant peacefully passed away at home surrounded by her family on Monday April 15, 2013.
Funeral services will be held Friday, April 19, 2013 at 11 a.m. at the Rock Church, 10 W. Young Street, Morgan, UT. Viewings will be held Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Friday from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. also at the Rock Church.

Two neighboring schools, located in neighboring counties, honored their 2013 Sterling Scholars on March 21.  The students met at Larry’s Spring Chicken Inn, upon invitation on behalf of Holcim Cement Plant.  

Our team standings for this week are tied for 1st place with 31 wins each is Eagle rock Construction and team members are Ethel McQueen, Barbara Roemmich, Berniece Warner, and Gloria Marcellin and team Head Over Heels and team members are Margaret Bowman, Joann Rees, Cindy Matthews, and Laura Hull. In 3rd place is Crandall Ford and team members are Cara Jones and Susan Crandall. Our high scores and series for this week go to Becky Wilde 160, Lynette Bosworth 158=458, Terrie Stephens 187, Misty Spendlove 160, Pat Olsen 212=508, Cindy Matthews 193=486, Laura Hull 178=485, Cathy Friery 168=479, LeeAnn Rudd 156, Susan Crandall 193=510, Ethel McQueen 184, and Gloria Marcellin 204=512. Great bowling ladies.

“It’s all about family” is a fitting motto for the Skinner household. Joey and Lisa Skinner have been blessed with four wonderful children:  Shantelle (married to husband Nate), Colby (currently serving a mission in Mexico), Cameron (a high school senior), and Tucker (eighth grade). A new highlight in the Skinner family has been the addition of Shantelle and Nate’s baby girl, Brielle. Joey and Lisa love their new role as grandparents. 

The county is checking accounting procedures and considering lump sum annual payments from the city for future ambulance service instead of monthly bills.

The fourth quarter started this week for all schools within the Morgan County School District on the traditional quarter system.  Fourth quarter at Morgan Elementary School is often our busiest time for learning.  Along with end-of-level state core tests and the final academic push for the school year, many exciting learning activities dominate our calendar.  The following is a sample from just the past four school days!

If you are interested in getting out and seeing the beautiful scenery in our area up close and personal, a new club has been developed to help you achieve that.

2013 Morgan County Sheriff’s Office reports the following activity for March 17-23, with a total of 147 calls

Over 45 members of the Morgan Chapter of the Sons of Utah Pioneers met Monday, Sept. 18 at Larry’s Spring Chicken Inn. 

The third grade has been learning about simple machines for the whole month of January. As a celebration of what they learned, each student made their own simple machine to display at the simple machines fair for the rest of the school as well as their parents.  The students’ creativity and ability to apply what they learned was very impressive. The machines were all different shapes and all different sizes, but they all were able to scientifically do work using one or a combination of the six simple machines.  The projects ranged anywhere from catapults, to dog feeders, to homemade mouse traps.  It was a great event to take part in. 

J Myron Adair, 87, died peacefully at his home on April 11, 2013, of natural causes in the arms of his life-long sweetheart and loving wife of 66 years, Doris Johnson Adair.
A memorial service will be held Monday, April 15, 2013 at 11 a.m. at the Milton Ward, 1255 N. Morgan Valley Dr. in Morgan. A viewing will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, April 14, and Monday from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m.  Interment will be at the Milton Cemetery.

Donald Junior Whitear was born June 1, 1927 in a log cabin in Peterson Utah to Albert V. Whitear and Clara Catherine Gibby on the Whitear Farm.  Don passed away on that same farm March 30, 2013 from complications of cancer treatments. 
Services: Peterson Ward No Stake Center.  Viewing: Thursday April 4, 6-8pm & Friday April 5, 10:45-11:45.  Funeral at 12 noon.  The interment at Peterson Cemetery, followed by a celebration of his life at the Whitear Rec Center.  

Our team standings for this week are in 1st place is Eagle Rock Construction and team members are Ethel Mcqueen, Barbara Roemmich, Berniece Warner, and Gloria Marcellin. In 2nd place is Crandall Ford and team members are Cara Jones, and Susan Crandall. In 3rd place is Head Over Heels and team members are Margaret Bowman, Joann Rees, Cindy Matthews, and Laura Hull. Our high scores and series for this week go to Barbara Roemmich 153, Gloria Marcellin 181=513, Connie Watterson 155, Cindy Matthews 169=468, Becky Wilde 160, Lynette Bosworth 192=539, Terrie Stephens 162, Cathie Layton 164=458, Shawna Froerer 162=467, Misty Spendlove 200=459, Bonnie Jeffrey 156, and Susan Crandall 159=459. Great bowling ladies.

At the base of our famous “M” hillside sits one of the best power sports dealerships around.  Born of a family’s passion for outdoor recreation and snowmobiling, Morgan Valley Polaris offers true family-style service.

The Family Tree Assisted Living would like to invite the family and friends of Betty Heckman & Juanita Beasley, to celebrate their birthdays from 2 to 4 p.m. on March 23, at Family Tree Assisted Living 862 E. Mahogany Ridge Rd.

 
How much will come out of residents’ pockets if the voted leeway passes in June?  School district officials are revealing the amounts as they prepare for upcoming informational meetings with the public.

Tanner Reese has been called to the Australia Adelaide Mission. He reports to the Provo MTC on March 27, 2013. He will be speaking in the Morgan 7th Ward on Sunday, March 24 at 1 p.m. at the Morgan Stake Center.

Thursday, March 14, the Morgan Wrestling Club hosted an event that brought in about 160 young wrestlers and hundreds of fans from as far away as Evanston and Bridger Valley.  

“Joe” Stephen Laddle Russell, age 66, passed away on Wednesday, March 13, 2013.  He was born on May 13, 1946, in Coalville, Utah, to Laddle and Edna Broadhead Russell.  He was the youngest of six children.  Joe graduated from Morgan High School in 1964.

Joey Skinner exchanged one public figure hat for another when he was named Morgan Utah’s new stake president and resigned from his position on the Morgan County School District Board of Education all within the same week.

 
“Once Upon on Time” was the theme at this year’s junior prom. 
The spirit of Morgan was shown in the diversity of personalities this year.

Our team standings for this week are in 1st place is Crandall Ford and team members are Cara Jones and Susan Crandall. In 2nd place is Eagle Rock Construction and team members are Ethel McQueen, Barbara Roemmich, Berniece Warner, and Gloria Marcellin. In 3rd place is Head Over Heels and team members are Margaret Bowman, Joann Rees, Cindy Matthews, and Laura Hull. Our high scores and series for this week go to Margaret Bowman 157, Joann Rees 156, Cindy Matthews 163=475, Amy Lopez 155, Cathy Friery 178=464, LeeAnn Rudd 183=482, Berniece Warner 161, Gloria Marcellin 160=456, Terrie Stephens 159, Cathie Layton 183=479, Becky Wilde 150, Kelly Christiansen 156, Lynette Bosworth 171=477, Cara Jones 142, Susan Crandall 216=509, Pat Bird 174, and Pat Olsen 154. Nice bowling Ladies! 

On April 8, the testing window will open in Morgan School District for your children to take the Utah mandated computer based Criterion Referenced Tests (CRT). The testing window will end on Friday, May 10. The week of May 13-17 will be used to allow students to take the test that they may have missed taking during the regular testing window.

The Morgan County Council approved the first phase of the Morgan Bike Park, which could include a pump track area.  The area would be restricted to non-motorized recreation only.

Last Friday, Morgan Elementary students participated in an assembly featuring the wildly popular young adult fiction series of Michael Vey written by bestselling author Richard Paul Evans. 

The Morgan Education Foundation is excited to announce that Young Ford Group and Peterson Wealth Services are beginning two new and exciting Facebook campaigns that will benefit the foundation.  From now until the end of March, Young Ford will donate $1 to the Morgan Education Foundation for every new “LIKE” on their Facebook page and beginning on March 10, Peterson Wealth Services will donate $1 as well for each new “LIKE” on their page.  As Brenda Crossley, MEF president, commented, “This is so much fun to have people from the community coming forward with such a simple request and willing to give from their pockets to the teachers and the kids.  I love it!”  

During the month of February, fifth graders at Mountain Green Elementary participated in a school-wide reading marathon leading up to Dr. Seuss’ birthday on March 2. In honor of Dr. Suess and his amazing contribution to literature, students have been learning about his life and reading his books. One book some of the students read was “Bartholomew and the Oobleck.” These students then participated in a science project to understand the physical and chemical properties of “Oobleck.” Cornstarch and water were mixed together to create the “Oobleck.” The non-newtonian substance that was created acted very strangely as the students proceeded to test, with their hands, if the substance was a liquid or a solid. 

As many high school seniors are looking forward to their graduation this May, some previous graduates are looking back, way back. The Morgan School District will again be honoring past educators and employees of the district and their families at MHS commencement exercises and are looking for nominations.  Since 2008, 12 outstanding individuals have been honored for their service to the community in years past. Their names have been added to the stunning Trojan monument located just outside the MHS office. Their contributions and legacy should not be forgotten or go unappreciated. We are excited to recognize excellence from the past in the Morgan School District and look forward to the names of this year’s recipients to be included on the beautiful Trojan monument.

Cassidee Lish’s dream of playing volleyball in college was fulfilled through NCSA athletic recruiting.

Sister Brooklyn Eggett has been called to serve in the Brazil, Manaus mission. She will be speaking in the Morgan 6th ward, Porterville chapel, on March 24, at 1 p.m. She reports to the MTC in Brazil on March 27, 2013.

The Morgan Lions Club annual basketball tournament was held last weekend. A fun time was enjoyed by all in this classic tournament that has been held for so many years.  

Lee Preston Morgan, 80 years old, died peacefully in his home on Monday, March 4, 2013, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He returned to his heavenly home to be with his Heavenly Father, Savior and loved ones. His family and the gospel of Jesus Christ was his greatest joy. He was born March 27, 1932, to Ruby Lucille Burbank Smith and Curtis Pilling Morgan.

As Morgan school officials prepare to ask voters to approve a voted leeway on June 25, 2013, they are busy scheduling meetings to inform the public.

The Mountain Green Chinese class, taught by Xin Bing, meets every morning to learn the Chinese language and culture.  Pictured here are Tanner Stanely, Emma Dredge, Rebekah Jones, Abi Lyman, Kaidon Lyman, Derrick Peterson, Spencer Lowder, Parker Lyman, Parker Stanely, Ethan Lowder, Isaa Lowder, Morgan Lyman, and Eli Whitear singing in the annual Chinese New Year Celebration at Weber State University.

Each year 4-H students compete for the honor of being one of only eight people chosen statewide to represent their hometown as a student ambassador. 

Ashley Transtrum and Hutch Haslam have chosen Saturday, March 23, 2013 to be married in the Logan LDS temple.  A reception will be held in their honor that evening from 5 -7 p.m. at the Field Street LDS meetinghouse.  If we have missed any friends or family in our excitement please accept this as an invitation.

Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”  That has never been truer than Saturday at the state basketball tournament.  

Morgan City is taking the next step to locate a hotel in its boundaries by writing a letter of intent to enter into a development agreement with Scott Somerville, president of Renascent Hospitality.

Eight months after opening the Trojan Century Center, Morgan school officials are saying the facility is seeing a lot of use.

At the advice of the Utah School Boards Association, the Morgan County School Board passed a new employee personal firearms policy.

The guest speaker for the February meeting of the Morgan Chapter of the Sons of Utah Pioneers was Darrell Turner.  

Resident asks for ice rink in Mountain Green park

As school district officials make final touches to documents they plan to use when educating the public about the June voted leeway, they have mentioned which programs may suffer if the leeway doesn’t pass.

Once again, 1st Bank of Morgan is teaming up with the Earn It, Keep It, Save It Coalition (EIKISI) for Davis and Morgan Counties to provide IRS-approved tax preparation for low-income families and individuals.  EIKISI is a statewide coalition building partnerships to strengthen family financial stability. 

The Church of Latter-day Saints’ Morgan Stake Relief Society will hold their annual Women’s Retreat Jan. 26, 2013, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  

Although it has been unbelievably cold outside lately, I’ve been excited to see our students involved in different activities that can warm the heart.  One of those activities is the blood drive that is sponsored by our Sterling Scholars and Mountain Star Blood Services.  For this drive, our students donate blood to help those in medical need.  This effort is greatly needed and appreciated throughout the state.

In the wake of the Sandy Hook school shootings, the Morgan School District is updating its emergency preparedness plan and evaluating the safety of its schools.

Nearly 60 years after serving our country, Morgan resident Lewis Frongner was presented with medals for his bravery and service during World War II.  

Peter Christensen, a student at Morgan Middle School, not only won the school-level competition of the National Geographic Bee on Jan. 10, 2012, he also earned a chance at a $25,000 college scholarship.  The school-level bee, at which students answered oral and written questions on geography, was the first round in the annual National Geographic Bee.  

The Bert Wilkinson family would sincerely like to thank everyone for their support during this difficult time. We appreciated the food, visits, cards, flowers, attendance at the viewing and the funeral and the many stories we were told about Dad that we hadn’t heard before. 

The Trojan Century Center will be open for senior citizens and others who would like to walk in the late afternoons or early evenings from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.  This will continue until spring weather is more conducive to use of the Morgan City walking path (Mikelsen Mile).

The Trojan Century Center will be open for senior citizens and others who would like to walk in the late afternoons or early evenings from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.  This will continue until spring weather is more conducive to use of the Morgan City walking path (Mikelsen Mile).

Is there anyone who hasn’t heard of Taggart’s Grill in Taggart?  The establishment has been serving lunch and dinner for nine years, and its fame has spread far and wide. It began as a gas station in the 1930s when two Taggart boys asked their uncle for some money to start up a station and some cabins.  It expanded to a place that sold burgers and fish bait.  At one point, a bobcat was kept on the porch. In the 1970s or early 80s, it burned down and Howard Taggart sold it to Elaine Stoddard, who owned it from 1996 to 2003. It is now owned by the Tuttle family and if you haven’t been there, you are missing a treat!

 
“If Morgan School District is having financial challenges, why did the Board of Education build the Trojan Century Center and transportation facility?”

Goldenwest Federal Credit Union recently released financial results for 2012.

It is no secret that Morgan County schools are hurting financially.  With recent talks of budget cuts, voted leeways and tax increases, there is a lot of talk about what could be done to help alleviate the burden, but there isn’t a lot of action.  Few people are willing step up to the plate to affect actual change.  

Our very own Morgan Stars are a part of the Special Olympics program. This year, teams from Morgan were able to participate in a heart-warming event that displayed their impressive talents on the volleyball court.

Our precious baby boy, Trey Oreste Zuech, was born February 12, 2013, to his loving parents, Andrew Todd and Sheri Marie Cook Zuech. After touching our hearts forever he returned to his Heavenly Father.  

Cameron Skinner, Morgan High School varsity basketball player, has been selected to represent his school on the UHSAA Academic All-State Basketball Team.

Tara Hammer is now a teacher at Morgan Elementary School. Almost 21 years ago, she was Morgan High School senior Tara Wilkinson, featured in the Morgan County News as “Youth in the Work Force.”  

When Morgan City and Morgan County came together last week to discuss the future of the ambulance department, fire protection, recreation department and 4th of July celebration, the debate centered on the effectiveness of interlocal agreements as well as the moral and legal ramifications of those agreements.

Arva Rae Summers Wardell- Our loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend Arva Rae Summers Wardell, 78, passed away on Wednesday, February 20, 2013 at the Family Tree Assisted Living Center in Morgan, UT.  Arva was born on July 22, 1934 in Tremonton, Utah to Maynard and Laveen Childs Summers.

The Morgan County School Board is gearing up for a June 2013 voted leeway.

HIGH SCHOOL BOWLING TEAM

It has been said, “That if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”  Contest management at any level of high school sport competition requires preparation and planning in order to increase the enjoyment of the spectators and to enhance the safety for attendees, supervisors, officials and participants. The main purpose for high school sports/activities is educational based activities that are directed by the mission statement and objectives of the local school board and implemented by school administration and teachers. As administrators, we deal with our share of sportsmanship issues and people that lose focus of what our activities and sports programs are about. 

For newly appointed Morgan County Councilman Austin Turner, three times is the charm.