Content about community

I met Katelyn Braithwaite in September 2012 at the library, where she had two collection boxes.  One was for school supplies and the other for children’s books. Impressed with her ambition and curious about the results of her efforts, I needed to find out what would drive such a young girl to do such big things.  I discovered that great examples and determination played a major role in her accomplishments.

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.

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.  

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.

15          Wasatch Mountain State Park – MidwayHuber Grove Tour: Tour the historic Huber Grove at 10 a.m., and 3 p.m., and learn about the history of this charming site. 435-654-1791

So many veterans feel confused about benefits and the services they have earned. There is so much to know, and there are so many changes from one year to the next. 

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.

Familiar faces were seen all around at this year’s Morgan Academy of Dance recital.

On May 4, 2013, a 4-H/FFA workshop was held for anyone who has a livestock project this year.  The day began with instruction on livestock judging presented by Dane Ercanbrack.  

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.

Every year the residents of Morgan County look forward to the quilt auction at the county fair.  In order for this auction to be a success, donations are needed.

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.

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

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. 

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.  

The Morgan Beta Literary Club held their last meeting at the Morgan Senior Center.

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.  

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

What started out as a celebration for Mountain Green members of the LDS church became a celebration for the whole community. As it was recently found that the building housing many of the Mountain Green wards would celebrate its 50th year, Bishop Tyler Quigley and Dave Wall along with many others decided to plan a party May 11.   

Morgan Valley Ballet Company and Marcato Children’s Choir presented a show of fun and games, but it was obvious they put in a lot of work and practice to prepare for the performance.  

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.

Robin and Jennie Porter of Mountain Green moved to Morgan County about 10 years ago; however, Robin has ancestral roots in the Morgan area.  He is related to the Porters of Porterville through Nancy and Sanford Porter.  

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.

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. 

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.

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.

Ken Hicks was honored as the Morgan County recipient of the 2013 Utah Silver Bowl Award at a ceremony held at the Marriott Hotel in Provo, Utah, on April l6. A luncheon was given in honor of volunteers throughout the state featuring Bob Evans of Fox 13 News as master of ceremonies.  Remarks were offered by Lieutenant Governor Greg Bell and LaDawn Stoddard of the Utah Commission on Volunteers.

Morgan County is making equipment available to the public in an effort to control noxious weeds county-wide.  Backpack sprayers and sprayers that can be attached to ATVs will be available Mondays and Thursdays from the county extension office free of charge for county residents.  The equipment was purchased by the Morgan County Weed Board.

Browning Outlet is  first on a list of 50 things to do in Morgan on the new website gomorgan.org, put together by the Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with Morgan City and Morgan County. 

 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.  

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. 

Wildflower Outdoor will hold a grand opening for their store in Mountain Green at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 13.  The business is located at 5941 Old Hwy road.

Westbound lanes on Interstate 84 were closed Tuesday when a semitruck carrying solar panels rolled over.

If you have been lucky enough to steer clear of the flu this season, you may not have noticed the changes around the new Morgan Health Center.  

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

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

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.

Every member of the Clark family (Bruce, Jennifer, Ethan, Ellissa, Hannah, Hailey, Cecily and Chloe) is involved in the 4-H program in Morgan County. Both Bruce and Jennifer volunteer their time and talents to 4-H. Bruce drives his tractor to the fairgrounds every year to help with livestock needs and his favorite joke includes the words “past your eyes milk.” Jennifer is the adult advisor to the Morgan County Jr. Teen Council as well as a TRY Team Adult Leader. Each of the children participates in 4-H clubs, camps, fairs and state events. The eldest Clark sibling, Ethan, participated in 4-H until this year when he graduated from Morgan High School and began serving a two-year, Latter-day Saint Mission in Minnesota. The family hosts a county-wide “Farmer for a day” camp where they invite all to come and learn about healthy lifestyle choices, wise use of resources and responsibility via the Clark Dairy Farm. 

A group of 500 volunteers from the Washington Heights Church will flood Morgan for a week this summer in an effort to spruce up some local homes.  From June 24 to 28, the volunteers hope to paint, repair and spruce up the yards of many homes in Morgan City.  With the help of the Morgan City Council, they have already identified 12 homes and hope to add as many as 10 more.

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

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.  

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.

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!

Goldenwest Federal Credit Union recently released financial results for 2012.

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.”  

Seventeen years ago a teaching job brought Doug and Jane Curfew to Morgan. Since then, they have had the opportunity to serve many Morgan children. Doug, a fifth grade teacher at Morgan Elementary, plays a very influential role in the lives of these young children as they begin to make the transition from elementary to middle school. He really enjoys the students he teaches and they in turn enjoy him. The students especially enjoy Doug’s love of ‘80s music as they get to partake of it in the classroom.

A new year begins. All of the holiday decorations have been taken down and put away, kids have gone back to school, and adults have returned to work. The start of each year is rich with ambition, hopes and dreams. The whole year is before us and anything is possible. What makes the difference between accomplishing the milestones we earnestly set out to achieve and letting our resolve slowly dissipate into inaction? Resolutions, goals, targets, objectives—however you refer to them—help you get to where you want to be.

The members of Morgan Grace Fellowship are so excited about starting a new church in Morgan County.

The 100% for Kids Credit Union Education Foundation awarded Utah schools with over $58,000 in grants last year.

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. 

“Point your toes, and raise your voice as we honor Christ’s birth and rejoice.” The program passed at the door announced the evening’s theme and purpose.  

For as long as anyone can remember, the Lion’s Club has invited Santa to visit Morgan County.  The Boy’s and Girl’s committee puts the event together, but everyone pitches in to help.  Candy bags from the Sweet’s factory are put together during the regular Lion’s Club meeting to pass out to each child and after they visit with Santa, hay rides are provided by the Thurston family and their Clydesdales.  The Lion’s Club would like to thank the fire department for providing Santa’s transportation to the event, Morgan County for the use of the building and for taking care of clean-up and The Morgan County News for advertising. See photos on pages 6 & 7.

For Morgan native, Rachel Denning, her creativity and drive to succeed were two of several ingredients that helped her earn a spot on the Premiere Season of the groundbreaking online competition reality show “Prosperity’s Kitchen.”

The Morgan Conservation District is pleased to announce Quincee Dorius as the winner of the 2012 Conservation poster contest.  Quincee is in the fourth grade and attends Mountain Green Elementary.  

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

In the five years Niel and Candice Ekberg have lived in Morgan, they have made a big impact in the community. Niel is a state trooper with the Utah Highway Patrol. Candice is a local EMT and a track and field coach at MHS. For each of them, getting to this point was a journey of self-discovery and pursuing meaningful paths. As their story unfolds, it is notable to observe their biography continues to evolve as the result of hard work—a testament that dreams may be accomplished through passion and perseverance.

Morgan City, County, and Chamber of Commerce have been working throughout the year to develop a new website.  It has taken cooperation from the three parties to get the website ready to launch.  All three could see the potential benefits this website could provide to Morgan businesses and its residents.   “This has been a good thing,” Shelly Betz, city councilwoman stated.  She encourages everyone to go to the website and see what is actually available in Morgan.    

In 1982, Val and Loretta moved to Mountain Green from Arizona when Loretta’s sister Judy Pettingill gave rave reviews of the valley and the Morgan School District. The year before, their son Dan, lived with the Pettingills and attended school in Morgan. During a sixth-grade outing to the North Morgan Cemetery, he discovered headstones with the name Grover on them.

 
East Canyon State Park Rangers James Lowe, Elizabeth Kovacs, and Jeff Dale were presented the Challenge Coin Commendation from Hill Air Force Base Colonel Henke of the 748th SCMG/419th Squadron for saving the life of Air Force employee Craig Feasel. The rangers were presented challenge coins, received a standing ovation, and were made honorary members of the squadron.

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

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. 

At the Sons of Utah Pioneers monthly dinner meeting on Nov. 19, winners of the Favorite Pioneer Ancestor contest were announced and recognized along with their parents.  

The holidays are here and what better way to ring in the season than to come listen to the Morgan Community Choir. The performance will be held Monday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m. in the Morgan High School auditorium.  

Morgan resident Jennifer Vesper took second place honors in the 3rd annual Ivory Homes Gingerbread Contest, earning a$500 cash prize not only for herself, but for her Relay for Life team. 

Luckily, we have had a mild winter so far because not everyone has been visited by the traveling home insulation vans that have covered the Morgan territory. In fact not everyone has four walls and a roof they can call their own.  St. Anne’s Center shelters hundreds of Top of Utah’s homeless each year. 

The holiday season is in full swing.  This time of year always seems like a good time to reflect on those things for which we are grateful.  The list often includes family, friends, employment, and freedom.  I would like to add to that list; I am grateful for the staff at the Utah Driver License Division.

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

Looking at some news articles that I wrote for The Morgan County News over 20 years ago, I found one about Kris Carrigan in the May 29, 1992, edition. He was one of the subjects of a segment, “Youth in the workforce.” 

After a grand jury was held, an indictment was issued on a criminal case involving a Morgan man.  Morgan County Attorney Jann Farris said he will dismiss Morgan County’s charges in the case.
According to court records in United States of America vs. Andrew Owens Pentz, the indictment was issued for one count of possession of an unregistered sawed-off shotgun and two counts of a felon in possession of a firearm.
Records indicated that on or about Oct. 17, 2012, Pentz knowingly possessed an unregistered 20-guage sawed-off shotgun with a barrel length of less than 18 inches, as well as associated ammunition.  As a result, Pentz will have to forfeit all firearms and ammunition in violation.

Kristine Nicole Biggs, 41, was booked into the Davis County Jail Saturday, Dec. 1, after being released from a local hospital.  Biggs lead Morgan County deputies on a high-speed chase through three counties before attempting to ram a Morgan Sheriff vehicle in South Weber.  A Morgan deputy ended the situation when he fired his weapon into the windshield of Biggs’ GMC pickup and struck Biggs in the left eye.  The deputy has been put on paid administrative leave while the case is being investigated by the Davis County Sheriff’s Office.

More than a century and a half ago, one American author wrote of the cold, desolate, distrustful, phantoms that invariably haunt the mind, on the eve of adventurous enterprises, to warn us back within the boundaries of ordinary life.  

Like most parents, Jeff and Debbie Trussell spend each day trying to raise their family with love and provide for their needs. Unlike most parents, this effort is complicated by the severe medical challenges they face every day with their 9-year-old son Brennan.

“Great things happen here during the holidays,” said Morgan County Food Pantry Director Tracy Kummer. She explained that people innately really want to help each other out.

On Nov. 1, Morgan’s digit to analog television conversion was finalized with $71,000 worth of equipment installation.  However, older TV sets are still having problems displaying the three KBYU channels, or channel 11.

Saturday, Oct. 27, the Mountain Green Kids Club had their first open house.  This will be Morgan County’s only state licensed child care center. 

Carolyn and Kent Kolan are long term residents of Mountain Green. They built their home in Monte Verde in 1971.  Carolyn is originally from Heber City and graduated from Wasatch High School.  Kent was born and raised in Lehi and graduated from Lehi High School.  They met attending a junior college in Provo, now known as Utah Valley University.  “We didn’t really like each other when we first met, but with a lot of pressure from a mutual friend, we started dating the fall of 1965,” Carolyn said.  Those dates resulted in their marriage September 1966.

After two high-profile domestic violence cases have gripped the Morgan community in the past year, efforts to protect victims in abusive relationships are becoming increasingly important.

A brisk but sunny 40 degree morning welcomed flying enthusiasts to the airport in Mountain Green.  “It’s a great day to fly,” said Joe Garfield, airport manager. “A great day like this brings everyone out.” 

If you like Wood Creations, you are going to love the newest store on Commercial Street: Morgan Valley Crafts.  For some time now, many Morgan City Council meetings have been focused on revitalizing Commercial Street and we are starting to see the success of their hard work.

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

Developer Rulon Gardner has plans for a new 22-lot development, and is approaching the county and school board about the possibility of using tax increment funding to build a reservoir feature.  The reservoir would double as a private amenity for the development as well as storage for secondary water.

According to organizers, the Morgan County Fair this year was one of the best attended in as long as a decade.

On Nov. 14, 2012, at 9:11 pm deputies in the Weber County Jail found inmate Jeffery Dean White(DOB 05-23-69) unresponsive in his cell. White was confirmed deceased at the scene by jail medical staff. Cause of death appears to be hanging. White was housed in the Weber County Jail's maximum security unit. White was housed in a cell by himself.
The Weber County Attorney’s Office is conducting the in-custody death investigation. White was in the Weber County Jail on two counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child and one count of criminal Homicide.

The holidays are filled with fun and tradition wherever you go, but very few communities have such a wide array of things you can participate in for free.   The city, local businesses and community members all pitch in to make sure that there are plenty of holiday memories made right here at home.

The interlocal agreement between the recreation  board and the city is up for renewal.  The recreation board is formed as an entity that provides recreation for the county and has interlocal agreements with Morgan City, Morgan County, and the Morgan County School District.  

Rachel and Greg Denning are creating an unconventional life for themselves and their five children: they travel almost constantly, live independently (no 9-5 job) and do humanitarian projects.  No, they are not retired. They are a young family that decided one day to live their dream—and they made it happen.

**TV tower upgrades cause hiccup in channel 11 reception
On Nov. 1, Morgan’s digit to analog television conversion was finalized with $71,000 worth of equipment installation. However, older TV sets are still having problems displaying the three KBYU channels, or channel 11.
Morgan County Councilwoman Ronda Kippen advised residents to rescan their television in order to ensure that channel 11 is reprogrammed properly. Those residents with newer television sets that automatically rescan whenever they are turned on likely have no problems receiving channel 11.

The 2012 Morgan County Horse 4-H season came to a close this past month with the final State Individual Show being held in Salina on Sept. 7 and 8.  Morgan County had 12 youth who worked hard during the summer show season to qualify for the opportunity to travel to the state individual meet.  The state competition is a two-day show with nearly 300 qualified youth from all over the state congregating to compete for coveted event and all-around titles. Events scheduled for Friday were judged events and included fitting and showmanship, western equitation, and bareback equitation.  Events on day two of the show were all timed and this year included barrels, poles, and the scurry.

Just 16 months apart in age, sisters Marnie Franich Stark and Rana Franich Aguirre were inseparable.  When they were young, their mother Jessie Franich would dress them like twins.  The “Fiesty Franich sisters” shared many common friends while attending Morgan High School.  Even their parents couldn’t tell their voices apart on the phone. 
As the oldest sister, Marnie would often offer Rana relationship advice.  But the tables had turned in the last three years when Marnie found herself in an abusive relationship with her live-in boyfriend Jeffrey Dene White.  And Rana, who had dated White herself two decades ago, often warned Marnie about his substance abuse and potential for violence. 

As the Morgan community lays one of its own to rest today, the man suspected of causing her death sits behind bars.
Jeffrey Dene White, 43, was arrested Thursday and booked into the Weber County Jail on first degree felony murder and two counts of third degree felony charges of commission of domestic violence in the presence of a child. 
According to Ogden Police Lieutenant Danielle Croyle, two children under the age of 10 were present during the murder of Marnie Franich Stark, 38.  She is the daughter of Morgan locals Matthew Joseph and Jessie Franich.
The Ogden Police Department responded to an “unattended death” Oct. 20 on the 1300 block of Douglas Avenue.  During the course of the investigation, Ogden Major Crimes Detectives determined there was evidence to support the cause of death as a homicide.
Stark was pronounced dead at McKay-Dee Hospital that day.  White was her live-in boyfriend.

After nearly 25 years on Commercial Street, Morgan Academy of Dance will be changing things up and moving to a new location, 225 East 125 North, next to Riverside Park.  The dance academy has been a part of Morgan for over 40 years.  In that time the dance studio has had plenty of homes.

Tired of a yard full of standing water, residents are waiting to see if a local ditch company’s promises will be kept.

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

Long time business owner and restaurateur, Larry Wiggill, is ready to embark on a new adventure. Larry Wiggill owns  Larry’s Spring Chicken Inn  which has not only been known for its deep fried chicken but also for the gift shop contained inside the restaurant. Larry has long had a passion for gift shops and through the years the gift shop has expanded to include more and more merchandise. It has been a dream of his for quite a while to be able to open a separate gift shop to accommodate the growing décor.  As space became available on Commercial Street, Larry remembered his childhood when Commercial Street was the place to shop. Loving historical things, such as the building his own restaurant is housed in, Commercial Street was a perfect fit for his new shop. Although Commercial Street is the official name, it holds the nickname of Front Street from the days when the train station was the main hub of Morgan. Holding true to this history, the store will be known as Front Street Gifts and Home Décor. 

Can you believe that summer has come to an end and school has begun? As we can see all around our beautiful valley, the leaves have color and fall is here.  With fall upon us the Morgan County Library has lots of wonderful things coming up and some amazing events that have passed.  

The Morgan County Council granted a tax abatement to Loydene Berg, who recently lost her home in a tragic fire.

Work continues on the reconstruction of I-84, from Mountain Green (SR-167) to Morgan (SR-66). Shouldering, crash cushion, delineator/barrier reflector and barrier pad movement activities will take place from Peterson to Morgan. Grinding and striping on the new concrete roadway will continue over the next few weeks. Construction is nearly complete from Peterson to Mountain Green. Crews work from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., six days per week. 

Recent and widespread wildfires are a “predictable consequence” of federal management of public lands, said Doug Heaton, a Kane County commissioner who recently visited with Morgan County officials.  Heaton asked the Morgan County Council to support his effort to establish the American Lands Council, an organization formed to address land issues including federal intrusion on private property rights.

The Morgan County Library is a great place for people to expand their minds, encourage creativity and explore places.  This kind of knowledge and growth should not be limited to the youth or the more mature, everyone should take advantage of this remarkable resource.

Mountain Green resident David Sawyer, who recently returned from serving with the U.S. armed services in Afghanistan, presented both Morgan County and Boy Scout Troop 576 with American flags for their service.

After a successful first year hosting a women’s biking event in Morgan County, Wildflower Pedalfest organizers donated proceeds to the county’s food bank and Sub for Santa funds with promises for additional donations in years to come.  However, talk of future biking events stirred some controversy in a recent Morgan County Council meeting.

Creative and ambitious individuals that have a passion for what they do were found in abundance at this week’s Morgan farmer’s market. Each vendor has a unique story and purpose for being involved.
One such vendor is Davis Produce. Davis Produce offers a variety of fresh grown produce from their greenhouse. Tina Davis, owner, is glad to be back for another year and says she enjoys the people of Morgan.
Handcrafted and homemade items from Carol Marshall included parchment crafted book markers designed with calligraphy ink and paint on a type of paper known as velum. Marshall has done this craft for over 10 years and she enjoys it the most. Recently retired, she found herself not content. To broaden her interests, she discovered craft books and learned how to make bracelets and earrings.

Morgan Health Center will be breaking ground on its new building Saturday at 1 p.m. at 166 N. State Street. The public is encouraged to attend a short groundbreaking program followed by light refreshments.
The Morgan Health Center and its dedicated staff of physicians, nurses, medical assistants, and administrative staff have been serving the community for more than 20 years. Carol Durrant and Myra Turner remain as the original staff when the clinic first opened. MountainStar and HCA Physician Services are dedicated to providing the best possible care to the residents of Morgan and the surrounding communities.

According to the results of a recent survey, some Morgan County residents experience difficulty getting around because of the lack of public transit.

Monday is usually a pretty low key day at Taggart’s Grill, but this week was different.  HGTV’s House Hunters team paid a visit to the local restaurant to shoot footage for their show. 

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.

Connie Kippen can’t say enough about her family.  “My kids and grandkids-that is the number one thing in my life,” Connie said and then minutes later on another topic she continued, “My kids bring me the most excitement and most joy.”  Any topic seemed to relate back to her children and her love for them. 

David Brown, a recently returned Finnish mission president, spoke to the Sons of Utah Pioneers at their monthly dinner meeting.  The subject of his presentation was concerning the history of the church in Finland.  Brown spoke about how Finland is a small country, but it has over 188,000 lakes within its borders.  The Finish name means swamps because of the many lakes.  

Secondary water issue plagues district

At the entrance of Riverside Park, there is a big rock monument with “Early Morgan Pioneers” engraved at the top.  Under the engraving there is a list of some amazing people who have shaped Morgan County into what it is today.  

Here at The Morgan County News, we like to recognize individuals and companies who give back to the community through service and/or donations.  Most of these individuals are Morgan County based businesses, but every once in a while there is someone outside our community who comes back to their roots year after year to help support their hometown youth.

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

Tucked into a corner of Mountain Green—in the industrial park by the airport—is a family owned and operated dental lab.  David and Emily Cox and their three children moved to Mountain Green from Oregon to be closer to family in Utah, and they moved their business with them.

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

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.

While it is very difficult to track figures of how many people participated in the events of the fair, ticket sales for the two rodeos and the demolition derby suggested record-breaking numbers.  Each of these events sold out early with packed bleachers full of enthusiastic spectators.   The open horse show earlier in the week had more entrants than in the last five years.  

After a six-year hiatus, the demolition derby came back to Morgan County. Historically, Morgan has had a rich tradition of hosting demolition derbies. Although the derby this year started out small, we were fortunate to be able to bring it back. Organizers are hopeful that last Thursday’s event will have increased interest not only from spectators, but also for future drivers who want to test their driving skills in the arena. Hopefully this was the first of many, and through the years it will be able to grow. 

The Martin Heiner family reunion was a big success at the Morgan Stake Center Saturday with approximately 500 descendants of Martin and Adelgunda Heiner in attendance.  All eight children of Martin and Adelgunda were represented, as well as descendants of Martin’s nephew, Heinrich Dittmar.

Mountain Green secondary water is currently experiencing high demand on the system when the water becomes available on odd days at 10 a.m. They are going to establish watering times according to your house address to try and spread the peak demand across the entire day. They hope that by dividing the times in to three hour blocks, water demand can be met.  

HighMark Charter School (HMCS), Davis counties newest charter school, is pleased to invite the community to tour the schools new facilities and classrooms. Public open houses will be on Aug. 6, 9, and 14, from 6-8 p.m. Tours and additional information on HighMark Charter School will be available at the open houses. The school is located at 2467 E. South Weber Drive in South Weber.

On Aug. 25, 2012, the 4th annual Focus Four Run will be held in Roy at 4000 South 1900 West.  This event was established to remember John Carter, Cody Odekirk, Lydia Silva and Jeff Reppe who passed away in 2008 while traveling during a humanitarian project to Guatemala.  

DeMarre Carroll was welcomed to the Trojan Center with big cheers from all the junior Jazz players in the audience.  Carroll was born July 27, 1986, is 6’8” and just finished his third year in the NBA and his first year with the Utah Jazz.  

Almost a month ago, households around Morgan County received the 2012 fair book covered in artwork by Tyler Sierra Fowers.   This year’s theme ‘There’s Fun for the Whole Herd at the Morgan County Fair’ was portrayed on the cover and the contents of the book kept that promise.  This year a wide variety of activities are planned with the hopes of offering something for everyone.  The fair encompasses a weeks’ worth of activities beginning on Thursday, July 26, and wrapping up Saturday, Aug. 4.  If you do not have a copy of this year’s fair book, there are extras at area businesses or you can download a copy at www.morgannewspaper.com. The guide details where, how and when to enter, participate, and attend all of this year’s fair activities.  

An announcement was made last week that the Morgan community theatre is officially back for 2012.  The idea of having a community theatre was originally started by Adam Slee four years ago.  It began as a theatre camp for the children of Morgan County.  Their first production was a Disney musical review.  It included excerpts from Aladdin, Little Mermaid, and Beauty and the Beast and was a big success.   It was followed by The Wizard of Oz in 2010.  

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

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.

These days age just isn’t what it’s cracked up to be.  Many of us can remember when reaching a certain age really did mean we were more responsible, or at least ready to become so.  While thankfully there are organizations and religions still striving to instill values for all ages, unfortunately many in the world only view age as an entitlement to finally be free or legal to do whatever one wants.  

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.

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

Every year residents enjoy events put on by their local cities and counties, but not many people truly have a grasp of the magnitude of work that goes into their success.  One shining example of the hard work and dedication of these volunteers is the annual Morgan 4th of July celebration.  

Living in Morgan makes us all a little happier.  We love the fresh air, the beautiful mountains, and our friendly neighborhoods.   Results of a recent study give us one more reason to be happy we call this valley home.  A study completed by the University of Wisconsin, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation named Morgan the healthiest county in Utah.  Even better, this is the third year they have published results of county comparisons and we have maintained the top spot every year.

With the help of city employees a 4’ x 14’ montage trekked from the courthouse to its new home in the Morgan County Library.   The montage was hung at its new location on Saturday, June 23, in order to provide a safe place for more people to view.  After 14 years on display at the courthouse, the Morgan Historical Society decided to bring it a little closer to their home.  The montage is now hanging inside the library in the southeast corner outside of the historical society office.  The space provides the perfect area for the work to be appreciated.  Prominently hanging high on the wall, the montage is safe from any little hands that may pass by.

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.

The Morgan 4th of July parade had a new twist to it this year.  All townships were invited to create a float and enter it into the parade.  The floats were judged and winners were announced during the evening entertainment at the football stadium.  First place, and winner of the Grand Prize trophy, went to Round Valley second place went to Peterson and third place went to Porterville.  Honorable Mentions were also awarded to Enterprise, Stoddard and Taggart.  The Morgan 4th committee appreciates all the time and effort that went into creating these floats and would like to thank all those who participated in this challenge. 

Martin and Adelgunda Dietzel Heiner were among the earliest pioneers to settle in Morgan.  In 1845 they immigrated to America from Germany where they encountered and joined the Mormon Church in Pennsylvania.  In 1859 they journeyed to Salt Lake City and moved to Morgan in November 1863.  The Heiners settled in Mt. Joy, which was later named North Morgan.

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

Setting goals can help people move forward in their lives; however, one of the main reasons for not meeting goals is not having a doable plan. A goal should be SMART -- specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely with a plan to achieve it. Consider these ideas when setting weight loss goals. 

The Morgan County School Board voted to continue serving breakfast to Morgan Elementary Students in the 2012-2013 year.  Morgan Elementary was the first school in the district to offer a breakfast program.  After watching the program closely, board members and other district administrators said they may consider offering a similar program at Morgan Middle School.

Randolph Peay of Porterville is budding as an up and coming artist on both a local and national level.  In April he graduated from BYU Idaho receiving his BS in Fine Arts.  Now he is receiving accolades for his growing portfolio.

The Morgan Academy of Dance and Tumbling presented their students from the three studios, in three shows, at one place: Morgan High School Auditorium. The three studios are located in Morgan, Mountain Green, and Coalville.

Movies in the park are fast becoming a popular inexpensive date night, family night out and all around great fun for anyone who comes. The Orn family has been working to provide this opportunity to all the members of our community from Morgan to Mountain Green. 

As part of celebrating its 100th anniversary worldwide, Holcim is donating 100 man hours to the communities they operate in.  In Morgan, this means $8,000 worth of new playground equipment for the Croydon Park, as well as the man-hours needed to install it.  The equipment removed from the Croydon park is slated to be installed at the county fairgrounds.

Saturday, July 14, at 6 p.m., Morgan City will be bringing you a free concert at Riverside Park. The concert will feature Amy Oaks Baker, daughter of Dallin H. Oaks.  Grammy nominated artist Jenny Oaks Baker is one of America’s most accomplished violinists.  She received her Master of Music degree from the renowned Juilliard School in New York.

Roll-over Friday on I-84. There were two occupants. The passenger had minor injuries, but both were able to climb out of the vehicle on their own.

After nearly two years of work, donations from many of Morgan’s businesses and residents, meetings, design, and planning, the splash pad is nearly complete.  The city just missed having the splash pad ready for the 4th of July celebrations, but is now just days away from having the project ready for use.

Friday, June 1, 1st Bank hosted a barbecue for the community at their Morgan City location.  The event brought in a crowd of over 300 people.  Kent Francis served up hamburgers and hot dogs and guests had an array of chips, cookies and drink to choose from on the table beside him.  1st bank has 10J branches, and anyone who brought in a friend to open a new checking account received a free gift.  They were also entered into a drawing for a Kindle Fire or an Apple iPad.  There were 10 given out in all, one at each branch.  1st Bank would like to thank the community for coming out and sharing their day.  The bank’s next event will be a car wash on July 13.  It is a big event each year and proceeds go to their Relay For Life team which raises money for the American Cancer Society.  They would like to invite everyone out to come and support them in the fight against cancer.

In 1904 a mountain of limestone was discovered by Aman Moore.

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.

In 1985 Randell Heath and his wife Tina drove to Morgan in search of the Browning offices.  What they found was more than our local gun maker. After driving through Peterson they fell in love with the area—so much so that they decided to move here.  

Every year, Morgan County is overrun by an aggressive weed called Dyer’s woad.  Dyer’s woad is a non-palatable, aggressive weed that produces chemicals which inhibit growth in adjacent plants. It has established itself across thousands of acres of western rangeland where the Bureau of Land Management estimates that it can reduce grazing by 38 percent. It is now widespread in Morgan County, as well as in 24 other counties in the state.  Dyer’s woad is a native of southeast Russia and has been used since the 17th century to produce a blue dye extract.  It is thought to have been imported into California in contaminated alfalfa seed and appeared in Brigham City around 1910.

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. 

Morgan High School Class of 1952 congratulates the Class of 2012 and wishes them the very best for their future.

Morgan City is set to begin construction next week on the splash pad at Riverside Park.  The city has been raising funds for more than a year and is continuing to do so.  Many of the splash pad features have been sponsored by local businesses and some of the construction work has been donated as well.  The city has had donations from groups of mothers and grandmothers as well as many residents from all over the county.  They city has also conducted fund-raising activities throughout the last year such as selling hot dogs at last year’s Independence Day Celebration.  The city has raised the funds necessary to begin construction, but is still requesting donations to provide funding for additional water features as well as benches.

 World War II Veterans from Morgan County were honored in a recent Eagle Scout project completed by Trevor Slate of Milton.  Slate raised money to place markers on the graves of Norris Andrew Nelson, Sgt. Henry Burton Nelson, P.F.C. Thomas Henry Giles, Sgt. Chester R. Olsen, Seaman 2nd Class Karl Crittenden, P.F.C. Frank Jay Lacey and First Lieut. Craig Hannum.  He found it interesting that small farming communities like Milton, Richville, Porterville, Morgan City, Peterson and Mountain Green all lost so many of their sons and daughters, creating hardship on families, neighbors and the entire community.  Many veterans returned wounded and shell-shocked carrying unimaginable, horrible images for the remainder of their lives.  

The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) and 1ST Bank Morgan are joining the Small Business Association (SBA) in celebrating National Small Business Week, May 20 through May 26.  ICBA, which represents the nation’s more than 7,000 community banks, is reminding everyone about the critical role community banks serve in supporting local small businesses.

Dance and tumbling in the form of expression as it is given, can be appreciated best when watching the students practice or attending one of their performances.

Family Fun Night at the library is the perfect evening to relax and spend time with your family while encouraging learning and thought.  Monday, May 21 will be the second Family Fun Night and there are high hopes it will build on the success of the previous event.  The last affair brought a crowd of over 80 participants and turned the library into a carnival.  This coming Family Fun Night will transform the library into a dream emporium. The night won’t make you nod off because lots of fun activities have been planned to explore the things we wish and hope for.  The idea was born from a patron interest survey that showed a need for family specific events.  The staff created the idea for a quarterly Family Fun Night with guests from the community.

The Morgan Chapter of the Sons of Utah Pioneers had a remarkable presentation in their May meeting given by Rod Stephens.  Stephens lives in Morgan and is a postal inspector for the U.S. Postal service.  He is an officer in the law enforcement branch of the postal service.  He has jurisdiction in all matters infringing on the integrity of the U.S. mail.  His group of inspectors have a long, proud and successful history of fighting criminals who attack our nation’s postal system and those who attempt to misuse it to defraud, endanger or threaten the American public.  

Tuesday May 15, 2012, Morgan Elementary held the third annual American Cancer Society Relay Recess.    This year’s Relay Recess was a huge success, raising over $2,800 to go toward research for a cure.  This fund raising and educational event reached every classroom and many of the families in our community.  Relay Recess gives students a sense of pride that they can accomplish something worthwhile by looking beyond themselves.

Local residents gathered to honor those who served to protect our freedoms at the annual veteran’s recognition day celebration.  The day started out with a flag ceremony carried out by Morgan County’s American Legion Post 67 and VFW Post 6154 which included Jim Nickerson, Karl Abbott, Jay Garfield, Gordon Smith, Vern Kilbourn, Royal Lamb, Tom Despain, Cliff Jenkins and Tim Carter.  Following the ceremony, one veteran was allowed to participate in a fly-by in a Stearman Bi-Plane with pilot Doug Compton.

I was driving down the freeway a couple of days ago and saw something very frightening.  In the car next to me, going about 65 miles an hour, was a person reading a book!  Not only that but it almost completely covered his steering wheel!  My first thought was to honk and get his attention but I was afraid he’d lose his place.  How unfortunate for him!  So, to avoid any read rage I very carefully steered clear and hoped he was at least reading a book with large print so he didn’t strain his eyes.  Later, I mused about what better way to spend a boring commute, driving down the freeway with speeding cars and other too cozy, too dozy and distracted drivers, than reading a good book to pass the time!  I would like to know what book this multi-tasking maniac was reading that was worth risking his life and the lives of others for.

Morgan Valley Voices is a non-profit music organization that teaches children of all ages to use the one instrument they always have with them, their voice. Singers ages 5 and up are taught music theory and principles through games and songs using the methods of Zoltán Kodály.

Jim Nickerson was a young man in the air force when he met Nell while attending a wedding reception in Morgan.  He was stationed at Hill AFB, which was a long way from his home in Massachusetts.  As stories go, they soon had their own wedding at Nell’s parent’s home in Morgan and lived in their first apartment in Ogden.

After Brad Barton addressed Morgan County families on May 1 about the “illusion vs. reality” of underage drinking, families participated in “What Will I Do On My Summer Break?”  The youth in particular had a blast visiting various booths and hands-on displays in the MHS commons area sponsored by local businesses and organizations which provide summer-time activities, camps, classes, and events for kids and families in our Morgan County community.  

Thursday May 3 marked the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony of the new Northfront Business Resource Center(NFBRC).  The back patio was full with all of the more than 50 guests and DATC administration, as well as founders, designers, builders and grant writers.  

The Gold Family Team (TNT Dynamite) have been relayers for four years.  What is relay you might ask?  Relay is an event that anyone can be involved in.  It is a chance to support the American Cancer Society and the fight against cancer. You can either join a team or come and join the Party the night of relay, Aug. 10,  at MHS, opening ceremonies start at 6 p.m. you won’t want to miss it!  

Donors, students, county residents, school district officials, and former and current administrators gathered Tuesday to officially cut the ribbon marked “the next 100 years,” and open the new Trojan Century Center.

Celebrate spring with the Morgan Community Choir’s 14th Annual Spring Concert, Monday May 7 at 7 p.m. at the high school.  The free concert features sacred selections such as Ralph Manuel’s Alleluia, as well as  familiar perennial favorites such as a Rodgers and Hammerstein Broadway medley and Danny Boy. 

The quilt auction event will be here soon. Each donated quilt has a story or a special theme from individuals or groups with their desire to support this event. 

The long awaited day of the opening of the  Northfront Business Resource Center (DATC) Morgan center is now becoming a reality If you have driven by and seen the changes of the old Val’s Flower Business, you’ll see a fresh new face on the building, with new paint, and completely remodel as it’s transformed into the Northfront Business Resource Center. (DATC)

Each year the Lt. Governor presents the Silver Bowl Award to volunteers for outstanding volunteer service. This year Mable Welsh received the Silver Bowl award. She was the only volunteer at the ceremony in Provo to receive a standing ovation and then a kiss on the forehead from the Lt. Governor. 

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. 

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. 

As the world turns, we celebrate another Earth Day.  Did you plant a tree?  Recycle a water-bottle, or walk to work?  Did you at least stop and smell the roses?  Whatever you did, thank you!  The support of Earth Day has definitely grown and rightfully so.  The Earth is our home and we need to take care of it any way we can.  But the Earth has another precious resource that needs protecting, maintaining and celebrating: YOU!  When was the last time you celebrated your worth?  When was the last time you took time to be thankful for the amazing person you are?  Have you forgotten the value of you?  Maybe you’ve been too busy?  Well, take time today, right now even, and celebrate you.  I know life’s not perfect, not even close, but like Earth Day, with celebration also comes a dedication to living a better life; to not only preserving our future, but learning to enjoy the journey along the way.

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. 

If you ever felt like being in the presence of angels, you could attain your desire by attending an event with the Morgan County special-needs mutual.  This inspirational group includes nearly three dozen participants with various physical, mental or learning disabilities and their church leaders from various parts of the county.  On March 30th, the group put on a production of “Joy Story” in front of a packed auditorium.  “Joy Story” is a spiritual adaptation of the popular “Toy Story.”  Written and directed by Nolan and Cathy Johnson, the production is a moving story about friendship and involved every member of the special-needs mutual.  

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.

“Create a plan...but remember - be prepared to change the plan!”, words of advice from a young Morgan High School graduate and who has followed her plan - and finding out that “plans change” - and Melissa Ovard has made the changes successfully by following her simple goals she made early in her life. Her story of how it “all came down” to leading a full and successful career now moving forward with confidence was told to the North Summit and Morgan High Schools’ Sterling Scholars at a Recognition Banquet hosted by Holcim, (US) Inc. The evening of March 29th Sterling Scholar Nominees from these two schools came with their parents to enjoy dinner with their families at Larry’s Chicken Inn in Morgan.

Kody Hoopes son of Renn and Valeri Hoopes of Morgan, was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout on February 12, 2012. 

Ironically, as I write this, it’s just after midnight.  Needless to say, I’m tired.  But when inspiration strikes the writer can’t always have the luxury of trading his pen for a pillow.  And so, I shall add some more oil to my lamp, plug in my laptop and continue down this rut less traveled.  I don’t mind staying up late knowing that someone, somewhere, will find a few more moments of courage to endure and hopefully to enjoy their life more.  That makes any sleepless night worth it to me.

On Sat. March 24, a controlled weed burning fire got out of hand, when wind picked up and extended the controlled fire to cause a grass fire. The fire swept fast burning a fence, and part of a power pole. 

Chances are, most people in the community have benefited from the service, works, and influence of the Morgan Lions Club.  Through their many acts of service, sweet smiles and genuine joy have been reflected on the faces of Morgan children for many generations.  George Francis jokes that the Morgan Lions Club has been around “since the time Columbus sailed the ocean blue.” While the exact date is not known with certainty, the Morgan Lions Club has been around for a very long time, well over 80 years.  Throughout these years it has touched young and old alike. True to their motto “We serve”, the Morgan Lions Club has sponsored many of the celebrations Morgan residents have grown up with and continue to cherish with their own children and grandchildren. Lions clubs can be found serving throughout the world. In fact, they are the world’s largest service club organization. Although the parent organization is an international club, the Morgan Lions Club has been especially focused on the needs of our own community. They have structured the service they provide and activities they sponsor in a way to connect very personally with the people of Morgan.

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.