Content about Utah

Ragnar Relay Series and its original Ragnar Wasatch Back event is expected to bring some 17,500 runners, 1,500 teams and record crowds to the region for its first three-day, two-race event in the company’s history.

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. 

After spending a total of $22,000 last year on perfecting addressing records throughout the county, Morgan County is seeking a $10,000 State of Utah Cadastral Grant to create parcel data.

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.

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. 

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. 

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

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.

Sheriff’s Office reports the following activity for May 19 - 25, with a total of 179 calls

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.   

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 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. 

Questar Gas is requesting an increase in its Utah natural gas rates. If the request is approved by the Public Service Commission of Utah (PSC), the monthly bill for the typical residential customer will increase by about $3.95 on June 1.

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

On May 14 a new Utah law takes effect that bans teen drivers from using a cell phone while driving. House Bill 103 sponsored by Rep. Lee Perry and Senate sponsor, Lyle Hillyard, is designed to protect new drivers from distraction as they develop and hone their driving skills. 

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.

John S Harames, Sr, 70, passed away from natural causes on Wednesday, May 15, 2013.  
John was born on January 12, 1943 in Ogden, UT to Spiro J and Marion B Harames.    He graduated from Morgan High School in 1961.  From 1962 to 1981 he was married to DeAnn Rock.  They made their home in Morgan and together they had three children; Geni, John, and Geri.  In 1985 he married Sharlee Workman.  They lived in North Ogden and Mesquite, NV and were married until 2001.  In recent years, John has re-connected with both DeAnn and Sharlee and they have remained good friends.

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. 

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.

I’m voting in favor of the Voted Local Levy for Morgan County on June 25. The levy is a tax that will generate funds to benefit students who are educated by Morgan School District.

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

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.

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.

 
Natasha Andersen, daughter of Lance and Janel Andersen, has been selected as Morgan High School’s English Sterling Scholar.  Natasha has loved taking art, choir, English, and creative writing classes because they allow her to express herself.  She loves reading and writing, drawing and painting, and participating in choir, soccer, and track.  Natasha has been involved as a member of FBLA, National Honor Society, choir, Academic Decathlon, Academic Olympiad, and the soccer and track teams.  She currently serves as the Interact Service Club President, an NHS president, an Ovation! choir section leader, and a Seminary Council member.  Natasha is proud of her accomplishments of being selected as a National Merit Scholarship Finalist, getting a 36 on each section of the ACT, and being selected for Academic All-State in girls’ soccer.  Natasha plans to attend either Brigham Young University or Utah State University in the fall and major in English. 

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. 

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

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.

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.  

“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. 

Buy your 2013/14 season pass now and ski or ride the rest of this season free.

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.  

“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.

 
Hardly a day goes by now that Mountain Green Elementary School does not receive a call from interested parents who want to check out our school system.  They are interested in buying homes in this area or wanting to build in our beautiful county. Working within such a wonderful school with tremendous parent support, great teachers and, most of all, terrific children, it is not hard to give them a stellar report of our school. 

Construction has begun on the building that will house the new Family Dollar store.  Morgan City issued the building permit at 391 East 300 North, Dec. 10, 2012.

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.

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

2013 Morgan County Sheriff’s Office reports the following activity for February 17-23, with a total of 115 calls

It would be hard to keep up with the Joneses—at least all that they have done in a short time. Dr. Kip and Heidi Jones live in Monte Verde, Mountain Green.  Kip is a dentist in Layton and Heidi is a stay-at-home mom to their four girls.  Both are natives of Utah, but they traveled a great deal in the early years of marriage before they returned home to Utah again. The Jones have lived in Morgan County the past six and a half years.

Morgan County School Board recently received honors for achieving 100 percent participation in the Utah School Boards Association’s Master Boards Award program.

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.

You have warm clothes and waterproof boots. Your ice fishing equipment is ready to go. And you have a basic idea of how to locate fish and catch them through the ice.

The coming of the new year brings new health care resources to Morgan City residents.  The new Morgan Health Center opened its doors to patients on New Year’s Eve.

On January 12, 2013, John Henry Wilkinson picked up his lunch pail for the last time in his 87 years of mortality to go home to be with his Heavenly Father, as well as family and friends who have been patiently waiting for him to finish his work on earth.  On March 4, 1925, John was the seventh of 10 children to be born to John and Alice Wilkinson.  While Farmington, Utah, was his birthplace, John moved shortly after his arrival with his family to Peterson, Utah, to Rosehill Cottage, where his parents dedicated themselves to raising bountiful crops and good children.

Linda went home today after a long struggle with many health problems. Born in Provo, Utah to Mark Lee and Marylin Wilcox Angus, she died in rural Cheyenne County, Nebraska, surrounded by her family. 

A survey about dual immersion is available on the Morgan Elementary and Mountain Green Elementary websites. Paper copies are also available in both school offices.  The brief survey, only 10 questions, will determine if and how a dual immersion program will be available for students in the Morgan School District.  Results of the survey will be used to help determine which elementary school the program would be hosted by as well as the preferred language to be taught if a dual immersion program is implemented. The survey is available to parents of children who will be entering elementary in the Morgan County School District. It will be available online until Feb. 5, 2013.   

The Morgan County police officer involved in a Davis County shooting Nov. 25 has been identified.  While the Davis County Attorney’s Office says Morgan Sherriff’s Sgt. Daniel Scott Peay’s use of force was “not justified” by Utah law, Davis County Attorney Troy S. Rawlings declined to prosecute Peay.
In a two-page memo to Morgan County Sheriff Blaine Breshears, Rawlings said Peay’s use of deadly force “does not squarely fit with the letter, scope and intent” of Utah law.  However, Rawlings said a jury would likely not find Peay guilty of a crime.
“We believe a unanimous jury would not convict Sergeant Peay of a crime when presented with all of the evidence,” Rawlings said in the memo. 

Daniel J. Baird, 57, fun-loving, sarcastic, and caring; husband, father, grandfather, and brother; returned home to his Heavenly Father on December 25, 2012. 

What a wonderful Christmas morning it was in the Little household, as family members gathered to celebrate the holiday.  Sadly, however, the matriarch of our family quietly and unexpectedly passed away later that day.  

John Carr Lofgreen, age 76, loving, generous, and accommodating husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, returned to his Heavenly Father December 25, 2012, at his home in Morgan, Utah from complications of Multiple Sclerosis. 

I want to start off by saying how fortunate I am to serve as the Principal at Morgan Middle School. I have a great faculty and staff that go out of their way to help students develop and grow academically and as individuals. I say this because I feel that with the recent release of the state’s new Utah Comprehensive Accountability System (UCAS) report, (replaces the UPASS and AYP reports that the state used to meet federal accountability guidelines) some may be confused by the results. The UCAS report combines each school’s proficiency (possible 300 points) and student growth or progress (possible 300 points) scores for an overall grade.

 
Alan and Betty Jan Murphy will have been married 50 years on Dec.19.

Golden Spike National Historic Site’s Annual Winter Steam Festival will be held Friday December 28th through Sunday December 30th. One of the site’s two 1860’s replica steam locomotives will arrive at the Last Spike Site at approximately 10:00 am and will be on display until 4:30 pm. 

Language arts teachers from both the middle school and high school met with Christelle Estrada, Language Arts Specialist from the Utah Office of Education, on Nov. 29 to receive training and insight to assist with the implementation of the new Language Arts Common Core. From this, the teachers planned and shared resources to meet their goals.

David LeRoy Baugh Jr. “Roy” passed away November 29, 2012, after an 8 year battle with liver disease. Roy was born April 18, 1938, to David LeRoy and Edith Mary Amidan Baugh in Slaterville, Utah.  After living in Ogden until he was 6 years old, they moved to North Ogden where his father built an auto mechanic garage adjacent to their home which was a huge part of their lives. Roy’s father taught him how to work on cars and farm machinery and most of all taught and passed on the ‘Baugh Tidy Gene.’

Our dear husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend returned to his heavenly home on November 21, 2012, in St. George, Utah, following a courageous battle with bladder cancer. 

Weber Human Services representatives fear Morgan Medicaid recipients’ needs are not being met.

The Morgan County School Board got a grim outlook for the future of state education funding during their annual presentation to legislators.

Encouraging customer to mail early this holiday season, Utah Post Offices have released suggested mail-by dates to ensure holiday cards and packages reach their destinations in time.

As I contemplate my six children and 12 grandchildren, I wonder at times what would happen if my wife and I were thrust into the role of raising one or more of our grandchildren. In a perfect world, parents raise their children in their own homes and grandparents have the privilege and joy of spoiling their grandchildren—and then sending them back home to their parents.  Well, it’s not a perfect world that we live in, and more and more grandparents find themselves in the position of part-time, temporary, full-time, or permanent primary caregivers and/or guardians for their grandchildren.

On Nov. 13, the Utah Commission on Civic and Character Education along with the Utah State Board of Education hosted the second annual Symposium on Social Studies and Civic Education in Utah Schools.  During this event, Lydia Nuttall of Mountain Green was presented with the 2012 Community Leader in Civic and Character Education award by Lt. Governor, Greg Bell.  

The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) advises motorists and outdoor recreation enthusiasts that state Road 65, the Big Mountain Highway, will close to all traffic for the winter at 3 p.m. on Monday, Nov, 26.

Learning.  This term can mean so many things, but in the Morgan FFA we strive to learn all we can in every possible way.  Over the course of the last several weeks, FFA teams have been practicing all across Northern Utah to compete at the renowned Snow College Competition.  Competitions here focus on real life agriculture with areas of study such as agronomy, dairy cattle, horses, range, floriculture, soils and more.  Your very own students here at Morgan High School have been learning more and more about each of these individual subjects through the Morgan FFA all in the end goal of competing at Snow College.  “The FFA trip to Snow College was a worthwhile experience.  The participating team members participated in a challenging and educational experience.  Additionally, we were able to meet new people and have a good time,” says Daxton Rowser, Morgan FFA member, when asked about the competition.  Also, the Morgan FFA chapter would like to thank every person who has ever coached one of our teams; you’re guiding hands have taught us a great amount.

Natasha Lyn Andersen was named to the Utah High School Activities Association 2012 academic all-state girls’ soccer team.  She was honored at the 3A state soccer championship game at the Rio Tinto stadium on Oct. 20. These are such intelligent girls, the cumulative grade point average of the selected team members is a 4.0.

Gilbert Louis Scoville peacefully returned to his Heavenly Father on October 25, 2012 in Morgan, Utah. He was 83 years old. 

We’ve all heard the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” When it comes to education, that saying is absolutely true.

On Saturday, Oct. 20, members of the Morgan Mountain Bike Race Team participated in the first-ever Utah High School Cycling League state championships.  Seven team members and their coaches traveled to Soldier Hollow in Heber Valley to compete against 24 other Division 2 high school teams in what was the perfect ending to an incredible first year of high school mountain bike racing in Utah.

Wasatch Storm U13 Premier soccer girls won two large state tournaments this summer.  

If you have Mormon immigrant ancestors there is a resource of which you may be unaware.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has substantial records of those who travelled to Utah during the period when the saints were commanded to gather to Utah.  

Matt Kendell and Kaylee Boydstun have chosen Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012, to begin their “happily ever after” in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. They will have a reception that evening in the LDS church on 770 South Angel Street, Layton, Utah from 6 – 8 p.m. Matt is the son of Carl and Mary Kendell of Layton. He is a graduate of Layton High School and LDS Seminary. He served in the Atlanta, Georgia North mission. He is currently attending the DATC and is employed at J&J Nursery in Layton. Kaylee graduated from Morgan High School and LDS Seminary. She has attended Snow College and the OWATC. She is currently employed as a staff assistant at James Madison Elementary School and the YMCA afterschool program at Highland Junior High School. Kaylee is the daughter of Jileen Boydstun of Ogden and John Boydstun of Morgan. She is the granddaughter of CarDell and Joan Mortensen of Morgan. After a wedding trip to Fish Lake, the new Mr. and Mrs. Kendell will make their first home in Roy, Utah. In case of an oversight, please join this happy couple at their reception.

Lorin Jay Ezell passed away suddenly Oct. 2, 2012, in his home.  Lorin was born on Feb. 17, 1967, to Jack Ezell and Lola Jane Bennett Grower.  Lorin was raised in Porterville, Utah.  He loved going up in the mountains and building huts. 

The Sons of Utah Pioneers held their monthly dinner meeting featuring speaker Sheila Wilkinson along with her husband Mark Wilkinson.  Sheila presented a brief history of Devil’s Slide.  With Sheila’s bubbly personality, her presentation was very pleasant as well as informative.  

Savana Wilkinson, daughter of Dane and Wendy Wilkinson of Mtn. Green, has chosen to marry her best friend, Brance John Brown. Brance is the son of Jim and Nanette Brown of Morgan. Savana and Brance will be married Oct. 5, 2012, in the Bountiful Temple. In case of oversight, please join them in their celebration at a reception held in their honor that evening from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Highlands Chapel in Mtn. Green. Savana is a 2010 graduate of Morgan High School, and Brance graduated from Morgan High in 2009. Both are presently attending Weber State. Brance served a mission in the Chile Rancagua mission.

Fifteen years ago Amanda Hadlock’s roommates at Rick’s College found an ID on the ground.  They tracked down the owner and when he came to pick it up, Amanda and Markus met for the first time.  The two had grown up in Vernal and had many ties to each other. However, they had never met.  After that chance meeting they dated that summer and then they both attended Utah State the next year.  They were married in the Salt Lake Temple in 1997 and have built a life together -all because of a misplaced ID.  

Every year there is an annual weigh-off to determine the largest pumpkin grown in the state of Utah.  It is sponsored by the Utah Giant Pumpkin Growers Association.  Matt McConkie, Mountain Green resident, holds the current state record.  His enormous pumpkin weighed in last year at a whopping 1,600 pounds.

Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend passed away Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012, surrounded by her family.  She was born July 27, 1923 in Henefer, Utah to Osmyn (Os) Merritt Wright and Zelda Lucy Richins. She married Clarence George Francis on January 24, 1946, in the Salt Lake Temple for time and all eternity.

Our dear mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Grace Hall Bennett,  passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Sept. 24, 2012, at the age of 93.  She was born May 6, 1919, in Salt Lake City, Utah to James William Hall and Eleda Martina Nordquist.  She married her sweetheart, John Everett Bennett, Sept. 1, 1940 at Manilla, Utah.  They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on April 10, 1941.

2012 Morgan County Sheriff’s Office reports the following activity for Sept. 9-15, with a total of 143 calls

With their second straight Region 11 win, the Morgan High golfers have tied Bear River for the region lead in overall standings.  Golfing under near-perfect conditions, the Trojans managed a tough Mt. Ogden course Thursday, Sept. 6, and came out in first place.  The eight varsity players that qualified for Morgan were: Seniors - McKay Kearsley, Aaron Babbitt, Jake Miles.  Juniors - Rhett Ballantyne, Garren Miles. Sophomores - Jason Bledsow, Connor Wilson. Freshmen - Braxton Ovard.

Our beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend left this life unexpectedly on Friday, Sept. 7, 2012.  Charles Scott “Chuck” Carpenter was born in Salt Lake City, UT, on Sept. 27, 1963 to Douglas Howard and Mary Anna Woodland Carpenter, the third of seven children. 

Chet and Joan Adams are pleased to announce the marriage of their daughter, Hannah, to Jordan Douglas Bischoff, son of Mark and Jenifer Bischoff.
Hannah and Jordan will be married today,
 
Friday, Sept. 7, 2012, in the Bountiful Temple. Their reception will be held at the Rock Church in Morgan from 6-8 p.m. with dancing from 8-8:30 p.m.
Hannah graduated from Morgan High School and Morgan High LDS Seminary. She graduated from Weber State University with a degree in sociology and is employed at Morgan High School and the Utah State University extension office.
Jordan graduated from Morgan High School and Morgan High LDS Seminary. He served an LDS mission to Oslo, Norway. He is currently employed by Centerpoint Construction and plans to attend Weber State University this winter.
After a honeymoon to Las Vegas, the couple will be making their home in Morgan.
In case of an oversight, Hannah and Jordan would love for you to come and enjoy the evening with them.

The Morgan High golf team continued their Region 11 season Aug. 22, at Sky Way golf course in Tremonton. The eight varsity players that qualified for Morgan were: Seniors - McKay Kearsley, Aaron Babbitt and Jake Miles; Juniors - Rhett Ballantyne and Garren Miles; Sophomore - Tanner Jensen and Freshmen - Russell North and Braxton Ovard.

Croydon, Utah - Holcim Devil’s Slide Plant Manager Keith Krugh and Northern Utah United Way Director Ben Johnson have teamed up with AmeriCorps to assist students in the Morgan School District with reading and math skills.  This program has the potential of bringing literally dozens of community volunteers into the Morgan and Mountain Green Elementary Schools on a regular basis.

2012 Morgan County Sheriff’s Office reports the following activity for August 12 - 18, with a total of 89 calls

William Robert Whittier and Whitney Ella Hendershot will be married Thursday, Aug 30, 2012, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. 

Jo Ann Smith, Mountain Green resident for 45 years, moved here in 1967.  Her husband, Kent, used to say she was an Okie—not an Okie from Oklahoma—but from Oak City, Millard County, Utah.  She was born in Oak City in 1933, the first of seven children born to Allen Lovell and Virginia Lyman Lovell. She lived there until age 5.

Heidi Ann Benson and Macy Dee Butterfield have chosen Aug. 22, 2012 to begin their new lives together. They will be married in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.

40 years ago our parents met in Riverton, Utah, when they were both 18 years old. Ken and Chrys Rindlesbach met through a blind date that Ken’s sister and Chrys’ sister set up, because they were in the same ward. 

Karly Prescott, daughter of Annette and Roger Prescott, of Morgan will travel to Cuenca, Ecuador on Aug. 9 to spend 12 weeks volunteering in orphanages. Prescott graduated in 2009 from Morgan High School and is currently majoring in Family and Consumer Development at Utah State University.

In today’s world of hustle and bustle, I was reminded of why I cherish my small town roots. In small towns, even still today, integrity, humanity, kindness and sympathy are still a way of life for people in small towns. One member of your small town of Morgan, Utah, proved that to us. 

Louis Charles Lucido, 59, passed Aug. 1, 2012. He was born Nov. 20, 1952 in Santa Monica, CA., to Stanley and Ruth Lucido. 

William Dee Brown, 53, died July 28, 2012 at McKay Dee Hospital of complications of cancer. Bill was born July 11, 1959, in Logan, Utah, the son of Maurell Dee and Betty Jean Marz Brown. He was raised in Morgan, Utah. He graduated from Morgan High School and attended Snow College and Weber State University. Bill married Gerri Lynne Giles on June 26, 1981 in the Logan Temple.

Local organizing committees and host cities for the Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah are looking to fill 2,000 volunteer positions this year for the August 7-12, 2012 professional cycling event. Course marshals are still needed in Morgan County for stages 1 and 3 as well as course marshals for stage 4 at the finish area near the EnergySolutions Arena in Salt Lake City.  Individuals can join by completing an application online at the official web site, www.tourofutah.com/volunteer.  Applicants must be at least 18 years old, and are required to sign a waiver.

Forever begins on Aug. 10, 2012 for Mallori Carter and Mitchell Henderson in the Logan Temple, as they begin their lives as Mr. & Mrs.

Kayla Swanson and Brock Rigby Wilson will be united in marriage Wednesday, Aug. 15 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. A reception will be held in their honor that evening at the home of Carol Ann Webster, 1175 W. Island Rd. Morgan, Utah. 

Every year local youth look forward to an appearance from one of our very own Utah Jazz players.  This year, local Jr. Jazz participants will meet Jazz forward, #3, DeMarre Carroll.  Carroll was born July 27, 1986, is 6’8” and just finished his third year in the NBA and his first year with the Jazz.

Ellis B Rust, 76, returned to his wife, surrounded by his family, on July 22, 2012. He was born on May 14, 1936 to Alva and Zelpha Pearson Rust in Hayden, Utah.       

It’s taken years from the time this splash pad was first mentioned to the day the water was turned on and officially named the Morgan City Riverside Splash Pad.  I know; I’ve written at least four articles about Morgan’s splash pad in the last two years and edited six just since May.  

Daniel Keith Edwards 78, of Morgan, Utah, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2012.   Dan was born on January 23, 1934, to Warren and Kate Edwards in Malad, Idaho.  He graduated from Malad High School in 1952, with a scholarship and a state title in football.  His plans to pursue athletics at the University of Idaho were changed after he decided the family farm needed him more.  Always the sports fan, Dan loved to golf and referee boys basketball and baseball games.  He was an avid fan of the Chicago Bulls and Utah Jazz.

As a history buff and native of Morgan County, I was surprised that I had never been on the “Mormon Flat Dirt Road,” as it is named in a self-guided auto tour of the Hastings Cutoff through the county.

Helen Smedley has lived in Mountain Green since the 1960s and remembers some of the first homes being built in the Highlands subdivision. She says she was born in the best little town in America –Fillmore, Utah.  She said “it’s drier than a bone” and that her dad used to say “frogs are 25 years old before they know how to swim.” Despite growing up during the Depression, she had a wonderful childhood. Her family grew their own food and had animals, so they were self-sufficient.  “We didn’t know we were poor because everyone else was to,” she added.

Tyson Butterfield, Keaton Cox, Haskin Hardman, Morgan Kotter, Darrin Nielson, and Cameron Skinner from Morgan High School were among the 222 students excelling in math and science who attended Utah State University’s 21st Annual Engineering State program in Logan, UT, June 11 – 14, 2012.

As formidable rivals on both the slopes and soccer field, Stacie Palmer and Erika Beckstrom never fathomed that one day they would not only be best friends, but working together to bring Utah’s premier cycling event, the Wildflower Pedalfest, to Morgan County.  

 Jody Hipwell currently represents District 1 on the Morgan School Board.  Hipwell has been serving on the board since August of 2011 when she replaced Earl Ericksen, who passed away.  Hipwell is a native of Ogden.  After her marriage to her husband, Carl, they spent 17 years in the Southeast United States in Arkansas and South and North Carolina.  Hipwell, who has four children, volunteered in schools in each of the communities where they lived.  

On Tuesday, June 19, Shaka Laka handed out over 500 samples of sunblock and chapstick with a retail value of well over $1,000. A tent set up across the street from the post office on State Street hosted the event.  This half day of generosity was spurred by an appeal to residents to vote for their company to qualify to be eligible to receive a $250,000 grant from “Mission: Small Business.” The contest requires 250 votes to be eligible to receive one of 12 grants offered from Chase and Living Social.  According to their website, the company is “based on the mainland in Utah, but we are all about the island style, kickin’ back, and just having fun.”  They also note that their products are made in the USA “on Da Biggah Island of Utah”

2012 Morgan County Sheriff’s Office reports the following activity for June 17th thru June 23rd, with a total of 147 calls

On June 18, at our Sons of the Utah Pioneers monthly dinner meeting, the guest speakers were Alan and Linda Turner.  They reported on their mission to Zimbabwe, Africa, from September 2007 to March 2009.  The challenges were many they reported, but the rewards and enjoyment they felt from serving was evident during their presentation.

Barbara Joy Whitear Palmer, 81, returned to the arms of her loving Heavenly Father on July 5, 2012.  Barbara was born in Peterson, Utah, on March 9, 1931, to Albert and Clara Whitear.  She married Quenton James Palmer on April 16, 1948.  Together, they had three children, Cheryle (Randall) Manning, Wendy (Larry) Farr, and Gary (Kathi) Palmer; 15 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

This Friday, July 13may just be a lucky day after all for Morgan residents. The long awaited and much anticipated splash pad will open for the public. For years, local residents have dreamed of something to help cool off on hot summer days. Looking for fun for the kids and refuge from the heat, many Morgan families would make long trips to enjoy the refreshing water found at other cities’ splash pads. Now they can enjoy this same summer favorite right here in Morgan.  Last year Riverside Park was updated with new playground equipment and this year it will be topped off with a splash pad of its own. Morgan residents will be able to enjoy one of the largest splash pads in Utah. The Morgan splash pad features 26 different water features; 10 above ground and 16 in ground. Covering over 70’ by 70’ of space, the Morgan splash pad is second in terms of size right behind Vernal, and has more water features than any other in the state of Utah. 

Dave and Tammy Siebert are excited to announce the marriage of their son, Trevor Siebert, to Andrea Tanner, daughter of Brent and Conny Tanner of South Weber.  They will be married on July 19, 2012, in the Logan LDS Temple.  A reception will be held that evening in their honor at the Chantilly Mansion in Layton.

Claren James “Sonny” Brandt, 73, died June 25, 2012, at his home in Ogden surrounded by his family.   He was born Nov. 15, 1938, in Tridell, Utah, to James C. Brandt and Dorothy Melinda Anderson.  He was raised in Croydon by Alva and Zelpha Rust.  He graduated from Uintah High School in 1958.

Lisa Hone, or Lisa Hatch Hone as she is known on Facebook, came to Morgan with her husband and family five years ago, seeking a good community to raise children.  And boy, do the Hones feel like they came to the right place!  

 
Goldenwest Credit Union was named the 2012 Utah “Best of State” medal winner in the credit union category for the fifth consecutive year. The Utah Best of State Awards Program acknowledges excellence in a vast array of industry sectors including business, education, hospitality, retail, and technology. More than 200 specific category winners have been acknowledged in this program that is dedicated to recognizing and promoting outstanding individuals, businesses, and organizations throughout Utah.

 
The Morgan City Council appointed their newest member Tuesday.
Among five residents who expressed interest in the seat left vacant after Lynn Mickelsen’s death, the council chose Michael L. Kendell to serve through 2014.   Julie Anderson, Stephen V. Gale, Holly Limb, and DeOrr Peterson were the other applicants.

Our husband, father, grandfather, great- grandfather and friend, Gordon Barnes Bond passed from this mortal existence on June 14m 2012, to celebrate his 87th birthday in his eternal home with his family and friends. 

 
Jeremy Shaw and Sarah Layne are excited to announce their marriage tomorrow, July 7, 2012 in the Bountiful LDS Temple.  
Jeremy is the son of Bryan and Deanna Shaw of Morgan.  Jeremy is a graduate of Morgan High School and is now attending Weber State University.  After high school he served a full time LDS mission to the Oklahoma Tulsa Mission.   
Sarah is the daughter of Jason and Angela Woodall of Springfield, Tennessee.  She is a graduate of Springfield High School and has been attending BYU-Idaho.  They will make their new home in Ogden, Utah where they will continue their education.   
A reception will be held in their honor Saturday evening, July 7, 2012  from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the Rock Church in Morgan.  They and their parents invite you to join them in celebrating as they begin their new life together.

For the past two years the Morgan County School District has been investigating the possibility of creating a dual immersion program within the district.  This educational program has a distinctive 50/50 curriculum in English and a second language that is integrated for academic content.  It is aligned with the Utah State Core.  It begins in first grade and adds an additional grade each year until the sixth grade. These second-language teachers generally come from outside the district and they usually replace a teacher within the school that is being transferred or replaced.

The Daughters of Utah Pioneers (DUP) were excited to host a lively group of Morgan Elementary fourth graders and their teachers on Monday, May 21.

Earl and Carole McCain will celebrate 50 years of marriage on June 2, 2012.  Earl was born at his parents’ farm home near Tecumseh, Neb., where he graduated from high school before attending the Nebraska State Teachers College in Peru.  Carole was born in Twin Falls, Idaho, and was raised in Idaho, Oklahoma, and Oregon before her family relocated to Greeley, Colo., where she graduated from high school and entered Colorado State College.

Utah Humanities Council is funding four book discussions at the Morgan County Library this fall.  Modeled on a similar, but year long, book discussions in Brigham City, the Mountain Green Ward book club has applied for and received a grant from UHC to help fund this project. 

Utah will be available to search by name within the next day or two in the 1940 census at FamilySearch.org.  The total states published to search by name as of the present time are Delaware, Virginia, Colorado, Kansas, Oregon, New Hampshire, Utah, Florida, and Wyoming.  An additional seven states are close to release.  They are Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Vermont and Hawaii.  Several other states are completing quickly.  The project is nearly 50 percent complete. 

Paul and Romona Dickson would like to congratulate their grandson Gary Warren Loveless, son of Mark and Dell Loveless, on being awarded the Modern Day Pioneer Scholarship from the Son’s of Utah Pioneers as well as the Edward Earl Collins Legacy Scholarship. We are proud of you! 

Every year, Mountain Green Elementary fourth grade students visit the state’s capital and receive a tour where they explore the different rooms where each branch of government operates. This year, though, thanks to the efforts of Mountain Green resident and former Utah Representative Brad Winn, our fourth grade students received a special treat. 

Wednesday, May 9, the Morgan FFA Chapter held its annual banquet where we honored many students for their outstanding accomplishments.  We believe that  congratulations are in order for all those who gained their Greenhand, Chapter, State, and American degree.  Greenhand:  Alex Eddington, Kennedy Gibson, Hanna Giles, Chase Grandpre, McKenna Hales, Annie Hodges, Linsday Mahan, Kailyn Nelson, Mariah Remund, Taylor Sherburn, Miranda Smith, Ty Stephens, and Taisha Vollmer.  Chapter:  Bryce Preece, Jessica Carter, Tabatha Carter, Isaac Cannon, Jake Cannon, Jessica Larsen, Marissa Morgan, Courtney Sanders, and Tyson Spens.  State:  Christina Andersen, Nate Buchanan, Garrett Eddington, Shawn Francis, and Megan Stapley.  American:  Ethan Porter.  We would also like to honor Hanna Giles and Luke Larsen for being selected as our Star Greenhands.

Miss Kynzie Zuech, daughter of Tammy Zuech, has been chosen as a state finalist in the National American Miss Utah Pageant to be held June 29-30 at the beautiful Sheaton Hotel in Salt Lake City.  The National American Miss pageants are held for girls ages 4-18, and have five different age divisions.  Kynzie will be participating in the princess age division, along with other outstanding young ladies from across the great state of Utah.

According to Morgan County’s new employee handbook, hourly employees cannot be forced to volunteer.  Councilman Robert Kilmer questioned if this could mean that supervisors should not ask their employees to volunteer at the annual county fair.

The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 was passed by a bipartisan congress in late 2010. The Act recognized that foods and beverages sold in schools were generally of poor quality and changed the requirements for school meals and for the school environment in which the meals are served. 

An accident occurred in the construction area last week on Interstate 84 in Morgan County, near the Peterson Bridge. Investigating Officer, Utah Highway Patrol Trooper Mark Shepherd explained, “The accident happened about 11 a.m. Thursday, May 17. The construction worker was on foot. He and other workers had their backs to the asphalt roller. For whatever the reason, it couldn’t stop, and the roller had run over one worker crushing him into the road.”  Shepherd described the worker’s injuries as extensive, “he was in critical condition with several broken bones, a punctured lung and a lacerated liver.”

A clear, calm, warm morning welcomed over 500 athletes to the Morgan High School track April 21, 2012, for the fifth annual Morgan “Pocket Change” Invitational.  The athletes represented fifteen schools from Utah and Wyoming in classification from 1A to 5A.  Competition began at 9:00 am and ran until 3:30 pm.  The stands were filled with spectators, athletes and parents.  Team tents were scattered around the grass outside the track fence providing shade for the day-long event.

Fred Lynn Mickelsen, 76 years old, passed away peacefully at home on May 15, 2012.

“Alcohol is a drug; it’s the second most dangerous drug next to nicotine!” emphasized Brad Barton to an audience of approximately 400 in the Morgan High School auditorium on Tuesday, May 1 while levitating spinning cards in the air, shooting mini fire balls, and magically making a newspaper “whole” after shredding it in pieces.

FamilySearch has quietly published free access to all of the United States Census, just as the 1940 project gets seriously underway.  More than a year ago FamilySearch announced a joint project with Ancestry.com to improve the currently published censuses.  Ancestry provided their index to the censuses and volunteers at FamilySearch did a second index of all the names.  The results were then arbitrated to create a better quality index.  FamilySearch created a new set of higher quality digital images from the original microfilm for many of  the years as well.

Utah State Republican Delegate Kristin Price,  from Congressional District 4, was asked to attend a Utah State School Board meeting on April 13, to get a better understanding of the controversial Common Core Initiative supported by Gov. Gary Herbert. 

Morgan Middle School took ten 7th graders and eleven 8th graders to the state math competition last month and the results are back.  All 21 students scored in the top 50%.  Special congratulations are given to Sadie Carter, Logan Jones, Logan Cameron, Savana Carter, Jaiden Farr, and Tyler Payne for scoring in the top 25%, and to Carter Bailey, Ryan Milburn, Konnor Andrews, Weston Blocker, and Colin Smith for scoring in the top 10%.  Our students did an outstanding job, considering we were competing against all schools this year, no matter their size.  This would not be unlike all schools, from 1A through 5A, playing for the state championship in a given sport. 

Just when it seems that only negative headlines prevail, business corruption is increasing and a ‘survival of the fittes’t mindset seems the reality of the world, Salt Lake City RIGS brings the refreshing and sometimes surprising hope that perhaps we are getting some things right after all. 

Park City High School was the site of this year’s annual Deseret News –KSL sponsored Sterling Scholar program for the Northeastern Utah area.  Fourteen schools participate in this competition. Morgan High nominees fared well amongst highly qualified candidates.    

Flowers celebrate and honor  many of life’s biggest moments.  A brides bouquet, a funeral spray, a high-school corsage and boutonniere, a vase of flowers congratulating new parents, roses to say I love you,  throughout our lives we use flowers as a means of communication with beauty.  Morgan business, Inspire Me Bloomers, delights in the opportunity to share in these special moments.  “Trying to create moments that take peoples breath away” is owner and designer, Steve Clark’s favorite part of business. 

We live in a time when it is quite common to witness the devastation around the world from hurricanes, tornados, tsunamis and earthquakes on the nightly news. To many, it seems as if these disasters are becoming more frequent. 

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.   

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.

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. 

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.  

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.

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.

Several months ago, for his Eagle Scout project, Carson Rupe sent out a flyer to the Mountain Green community, to collect toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss and drugstore eye glasses for Haiti.  Some of these items were dropped off at his house, and he picked up others.  All in all, he gathered three big boxes full of dental floss, toothpaste and toothbrushes for a dental team (part of the Haiti Healthcare Initiative) to give to patients.  Part of the HHI project was to teach Haitians how to brush and floss, since the rate of dental problems is so high. For his Eagle project, Carson also gathered a number of reading glasses, and enough cash contributions to purchase over 60 more pairs of reading glasses.

In the 1950’s, Nancy Mikesell was known as one of the best 4-Hers in Morgan County!  Nancy has always loved 4-H. Her favorite 4-H club was always sewing. She participated in 4-H sewing clubs for many years and when she was in high school, she also taught sewing to the girls who were in Jr. High. She is still teaching sewing today to her granddaughters and some of their friends. 

This time of year April Matthews and her oldest daughters, Naomi and Kiley, become a little more visible as they ring the doorbell of hundreds of Morgan homes delivering the long standing tradition of Samoas and Thin Mints.  

Barbara Ann Bowen Lewis passed away Friday, March 9, 2012 from complications following heart surgery.  Barbara was born September 20, 1928 to Asel Carlos and Elva Lucy Everton Bowen in Logan, UT.

 After a courageous battle with cancer, Sherie Porter Wright, 57, passed away peacefully in the loving arms of her sweetheart and surrounded by her loved ones on Saturday, March 10, 2012 at her home in Peterson, Utah.

In the State of Utah voters are able to select fellow citizens to positions on local district school boards through non-partisan elections.  This system allows many decisions regarding public education to be determined on a local level.  These representatives add real meaning to the term “Grass Roots”.

Wanda was born in Kaysville, graduated from Davis High and served a LDS mission in Scotland.  Rob was born in Renton, WA and then his family lived in Fresno, Ca.  He moved to Mountain Green when his mother Shirley married Wayne Wilkinson.  He attended Morgan schools and served an LDS mission in Uruguay. 

A mark of progress and care for our U.S. Soldiers and Veterans again came to light as the official dedication of the Salt Lake Fisher House opened its doors Feb. 29 for the public to view in the ribbon cutting ceremony for this new facility. The Fisher House will be a huge benefit to any military and their family who have to travel a distance from the 5 states the VA hospital encompasses. (Including Utah, Wyoming, Montana, Nevada, and Idaho).

Dan Liljenquist visited Morgan this week.  Liljenquist is running for the U.S. Senate seat opposing Orrin Hatch for the Republican nomination.  Liljenquist is hoping for a repeat of what happened to Bob Bennett when he was replaced at the Republican convention with Mike Lee in 2010.  

The annual Morgan Lions Basketball Tournament will be held, Friday, March 9 and Saturday, March 10 at the Morgan Middle School Gym. The games will start at 4:30 p.m.

The Morgan Elementary fourth grade recently went on a field trip to the Utah State Capitol.  When we arrived at the State Capitol Building, we were taken right to the gold room where we met Utah’s first lady.  

Monday, February 20th the Sons of the Utah Pioneers had the very enjoyable opportunity to be addressed by Robert Woodford during their monthly meeting at Larry’s Spring Chicken Inn.  Calvin Stephens invited him to be our guest speaker which he graciously accepted.  He discussed the ongoing efforts of publishing the Joseph Smith Papers both in book form and on line.  He reported that there are many misconceptions based on incorrect readings of these documents.  

Richard Allen Sloan, 79, loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Brother and friend passed away February 19, 2012 after struggling with Alzheimer and Parkinson disease for the last eight years.

This year, students at Mountain Green and Morgan Elementary School have intensified their focus on personal expression and the writing process.  It is my pleasure to feature an essay by fourth grade student, Kate Korth.  Kate’s essay provides an exemplary example of what school, home, and student can accomplish when we work together!

Here are the results for the Divisionals at Ben Lomond High, for Morgan High School Wrestling, on February 10th and 11th.

Thursday Feb 9, local dispatch was notified by the Civil Air Patrol that a small aircraft went missing. 

Words to live by: When in Bob and Rozann’s home you may read an inspirational thought or two such as: “Glance backward....Look heavenward....Reach outward.....Press onward....” by Thomas S. Monson, President of the LDS Church.

On February 3rd and 4th, nine local Morgan youth wrestlers attended the Utah Folkstyle Super State Tournament held at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City. These boys wrestled kids from all over the state of Utah in some of the toughest matches of the year. The wrestlers who attended were Ryler Jorgensen, Will Korth, Ryan Sazama, Jarrett Jorgensen, Wyatt Ashby, Wyatt Wheelright, Chase Trussell, Owen Pentz, Andrew Allen, Wyatt Ekblad, Antonio Nava, and Carlitos Nava.

Bonnie June Davis Malan passed away quietly at her home on Febrary 7, 2012, after a valiant fight with liver cancer.  She was born to Rulon R. and Polly Viola Rhoghaar Davis on June 3, 1931, in Ogden, UT.  Polly passed away three years later, and Bonnie was raised by an aunt and uncle,  Gladys and Reed Wight, in Ogden.  

With snowmobile season underway and avalanche conditions high, Utah State Parks Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Statewide Coordinator Chris Haller encourages snowmobilers to be aware of and prepared for dangerous conditions.

As Valentine’s Day rolls around, love seems to be in the air, and the time to spark romance in all relationships couldn’t come at a better time!  We interviewed Colette Malan who is a marriage counselor, psychotherapist, and the only AASECT certified sex therapist in Utah, to share with us new pointers and methods for keeping love alive, for married couples and singles alike!

Bill Warner was born and raised in Mountain Green:  his parents were Lloyd and Beth Warner.  He and his siblings, Carol (Ralphs) and Kim Warner still live close to their roots and close to each other.  In fact, Kim lives in the original family home.

WESTERN PACIFIC OCEAN - For Mineman Seaman Kyle Walker, 21, and Tyler Packard, 20, both assigned to the USS Patriot (MCM 7) their friendship began long before their lives as forward deployed Sailors.

On January 17, 2012 the Morgan High Cheer leaders traveled to Timpview High school to participate in the Utah Cheer Coaches Association State Championship. The cheerleaders work hard all year and look forward to the competition. Morgan also won the state title in 2008 and 2011. This year Morgan beat out a tough team from Desert Hills for the title. The girls were thrilled and surprised because their coach Tammy Bullock had just talked to them about being good sports if they did not win. 

Much history hides in every old building and around the hills and dales of Morgan Valley. In the 150 or so years of settlement, the valley has seen many changes.

CROYDON - Marcus Reed Wilde passed away at home on Thursday, January 12th, 2012, after a courageous fight with pulmonary fibrosis 16 days prior to his 84th birthday. He was born on January 28th, 1928, in Croydon, UT the son of Marcus Reed Toone Wilde and Lena Valliere Chappell.

With just a short little drive in the car, you are to Utah’s Hollywood in Park City.

Jacob Dee Christensen and Amanda Marie Horrocks, together with their parents, are excited to announce they will be sealed in the Salt Lake City Latter-Day Saint Temple on February 9, 2012. 

Communities and other law enforcers across the state mourn the loss of one of the police officers that died in a shooting that happened in Ogden earlier last week. The officer, Jared Francom (who was shot and killed in the tragic 6 officer shooting in Ogden) parents were originally from Morgan. 

Goldenwest Credit Union and members of the Utah Giant Pumpkin Growers recently teamed-up to help feed families in need.

In January 1862 An act of the Utah Territorial Legislative Assembly established/defined the boundary of Morgan County.  Morgan County was blessed with an abundance of natural resources.  The acreage also became an essential piece of real estate for services making their route to the west coast.   These included the telegraph, railroad and future utilities that would eventually traverse Weber Canyon.  

2011 Morgan County Sheriff’s Office reports the following activity for December 25th thru December 31st, with a total of 121 calls:

We have all admired the adored Christmas Villages with the collected houses and shops arranged in streets with lamp posts and trees. I had been assigned to write about a Train Village. No one could prepare me for the village I was about to see.

On Wednesday Dec. 14, a group of Army Reserve Soldiers from Utah returned from serving in Iraq. Sergeant Major Patrick Shuldberg from Morgan, greeted his returning soldiers at the Salt Lake Airport.  

For the past several months the Morgan County Board of Education has been focused on creating a new facility use policy for district buildings and grounds.  In the process the Board looked at a number of similar policies throughout the state as a basis for their plan.

Mike and Dixie both grew up near Twin Falls, Idaho.  Mike grew up on a farming project near Hazelton (east of Twin Falls), and Dixie grew up on a farm west of Twin Falls.  She graduated from Twin Falls High School and attended BYU Provo and BYU Hawaii. Mike graduated from Valley High School and attended Ricks College and CSI.  They didn’t meet until they were set up on a blind date by Mike’s sister.

The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) announces a new smart phone app that will allow people to get traffic, road conditions, and road forecast information on the go.  The UDOT Traffic app is available for iPhone and Android users at no cost.  The app has been downloaded nearly 16,500 times since Dec. 4. 

Today we said a tearful goodbye to Thane Park Rogers, an amazing father, grandfather, great grandpa and brother, after a valiant battle with cancer. Thane was born in Peterson, Utah on June 7, 1924, in his family’s home, to Thomas Park and Verda Hulet Rogers.

The Morgan Chapter of the Sons of the Utah Pioneers held their Christmas Social Monday the 12th of Dec.  Lunch was served and joyous Christmas program was performed by Soft Rain.  Our own Dixie Miller of Morgan was a member of this singing group.  All had a good time and was in the Christmas Spirit.  At the social local officers for 2012 were announced.  President, Richard Wiscombe; President-elect, Jim Hurst; Vice President, Jay Taggart; Past President, Bob Poll; Pioneer of Month Chairman, Val Carter; Secretary, Alan Turner; Treasurer, Stephen Dickson; Treks, Tours and Conventions, Jerry Peterson; Historian, Vaughn Carter; Awards and Service, Francis Tilby; Program Chairman, Calvin Stephens; Membership Chairman, Paul Dickson; News and Publicity, Gerald Betournay; Song Leader, Vaughn Larson; Pioneer Heritage, David Corpany; Physical Facilities, Heber Mower and Directory Chairman, Ken Lovell. 

Hanna Clark won first place in the Essay Contest sponsored by the Son’s of the Utah Pioneers Morgan Chapter.  For the past few years Gwen Romero’s 8th grade English class has participated in writing a history about one of their ancestors to be entered into this contest.  

Teachers from all over come to teach at our schools but Morgan Elementary didn’t have to look too far for the newest first grade teacher, Chelsee Brown, because she is from Morgan herself. Chelsee graduated from Morgan high and then went to Utah State University. 

“Veterans, we are free because you made a sacrifice, thanks!” was on the marquee,  to reminds us why we honor them. Morgan Middle School presented their annual Veterans Day Assembly, a tradition of honoring veterans that has continued over the past ten years. 

Louis’ Mexican Restaurant of Morgan will be a huge contributorto an exclusive fund raiser this year for Operation Smile. 

Keith and Shirley Storey Celebrated their 60th Anniversary at a Family Dinner and a night on the town in Salt Lake City where they started their journey together 60 years ago this year.

Surrounded by friends, family, coaches and teammates Bailey Farris signed her National Letter of Intent to play volleyball for Division I volleyball powerhouse Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Farris received a full ride athletic scholarship and will begin her college  career next fall as an outside hitter for the Wolverines. Farris was courted by several instate colleges including Utah State and University of Utah but says that her decision was pretty easy. She has great respect for the coaching staff and she has watched them (UVU) dominate college volleyball in the state of Utah for the last several years. Additionally, Farris feels right at home on the UVU courts after being a part of the Morgan Trojans for back to back state championships there. 

The family of Martin Heiner and Adelgunda Dietzel, early settlers in Morgan, Utah, are being spotlighted in an exhibit at the museum of Wasungen, Germany.  The exhibit, entitled “Wasungen Emigrants Overseas,” opened on November 6 2011 and will run through January 6, 2012.

Graduation Day! November 6, 2011, Vera Bell Phillips Carter completed her courses of study, passed all her final tests, and graduated with honors.