Election season is upon us. Part of our mission at The Provo Tribune is to help Provo citizens to become active, informed voters who are anxiously engaged in building their community. To further this mission, we’re highlighting every candidate running for Provo City Council this year. These features do not constitute an endorsement, and are done as a public service for the community.
Who is Nathan Smith Jones?
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Nathan Smith Jones is a Doctor of Media, Education, and Epistemology (from University of Northern Colorado). He has taught for 20 years in schools in and around Provo, Utah.
A student of politics and history, he is running for Provo City Council in the City-Wide II primary election. He’s seeking public office because he believes that he can help Provo grow in healthy ways for all parties involved.
“I never had the honor of serving in the military,” he says. “But I want to serve my country by serving my community.”
Election season is upon us. Part of our mission at The Provo Tribune is to help Provo citizens to become active, informed voters who are anxiously engaged in building their community. To further this mission, we’re highlighting every candidate running for Provo City Council this year. These features do not constitute an endorsement, and are done as a public service for the community.
Who is McKay R. Jensen?
Inspired by his father’s 40 years as a town clerk, McKay Jensen grew up witnessing the importance of public service. Following in his father’s footsteps, he has been trying to make Provo better for 25 years.
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With nearly a decade of experience on the Provo School Board, as well as leadership roles as President of the Provo Board of Education and Chair of the MTech Board of Trustees, McKay has made contributions to local education. He also served on the Governor’s Commission on Excellence in Education, gaining a front-row seat to the legislative processes and procedures that bring more funding to Provo.
As Provo experiences rapid growth, McKay recognizes the need for cautious expansion through experienced leadership. His campaign platform emphasizes the importance of addressing “critical needs” rather than prioritizing “frivolous wants.”
He is an outspoken advocate for responsible budgeting practices. This includes investing in essential services like public safety, infrastructure, and sidewalks. With a focus on transparency, McKay wants to help residents understand how their tax dollars are being spent.
Election season is upon us. Part of our mission at The Provo Tribune is to help Provo citizens to become active, informed voters who are anxiously engaged in building their community. To further this mission, we’re highlighting every candidate running for Provo City Council this year. These features do not constitute an endorsement, and are done as a public service for the community.
Who is Wendy Ahlman?
Wendy Ahlman is running in the City Wide II – Primary Election for Provo City Council. She has called Provo home for the last 27 years.
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“I have been fortunate to raise all six of my children here,” says Ahlman. “As a teacher and business owner for over 20 years, I started Chrysalis Preschool and Kindergarten in our historic home in downtown Provo in 2004 with a newborn in my arms and my toddler learning at my feet. After a lot of hard work and dedication, I’ve expanded Chrysalis Preschool and Kindergarten into what it is today.”
When she outgrew the preschool space in her home, she bought an abandoned historic pioneer building on University Avenue, and completely restored it in 2017.
“As my business has grown I’ve developed a strong team of employees, which has helped me branch out further into the community,” she says. “I’ve served as PTA president and on several school boards at my children’s schools over the years.”
In 2022 she earned her master’s degree in Educational Leadership from BYU. Her goals for being on the Provo City Council are to keep Provo historic with a small town feel, and growing in a way that’s best for every resident.
She loves spending time with her family, playing the guitar, speaking Swedish, and writing and illustrating children’s books.
Election season is upon us. Part of our mission at The Provo Tribune is to help Provo citizens to become active, informed voters who are anxiously engaged in building their community. To further this mission, we’re highlighting every candidate running for Provo City Council this year. These features do not constitute an endorsement, and are done as a public service for the community.
Who is Gary Garrett?
Gary Garrett is running for the Provo City Council Citywide Seat. He and his wife, Jana, chose to raise their five children in Provo because of they appreciated the quality of life the city provides.
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Garrett is an experienced business and civic leader, having worked and served in downtown Provo for over 30 years. This experience, combined with studies pursuant to his master’s degree in public administration, has helped him understand and bridge important relationships between private enterprise and government.
Through his work with the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Provo Downtown Alliance, and his participation on at least a dozen civic and community service boards, he has working knowledge of what helps Provo business thrive.
“With my previous Provo City Council experience,” says Garrett. “I have a proven track record for bringing people together and getting things done, such as helping facilitate the timely resolution of disputes between government, business, and neighborhoods.”
For example, he co-chaired a citizen’s committee to help bring Provo residents the Provo Rec Center, which provides Provo citizens with nationally recognized recreation and fitness facilities.
“I will be honored to help Provo navigate its exciting future,” says Garret.
Election season is upon us. Part of our mission at The Provo Tribune is to help Provo citizens to become active, informed voters who are anxiously engaged in building their community. To further this mission, we’re highlighting every candidate running for Provo City Council this year. These features do not constitute an endorsement, and are done as a public service for the community.
Who is Joseph Penrose?
Joseph Penrose is a 27-year-old entrepreneur running for Provo City Council in the City Wide II Primary Election. He wants to help build a prosperous and beneficial community for all of Provo’s residents. Joseph is originally from the suburbs of Chicago, but has made Provo his home with his spouse Gabi.
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Joseph is an avid hiker and loves the beautiful mountains and nature surrounding Provo. While at Utah Valley University, Joseph studied Aviation and Political Science. He has worked in construction since the age of 16 and has climbed the corporate ladder within the industry.
Not only does he know what it takes to build a house, he also knows how to build communities in healthy ways that don’t harm the current community or its ideals in the process. He promises to have unwavering dedication to his clear vision of a prosperous and compassionate Provo.
“Together we can create a city where opportunity and quality of life thrive for all,” says Joseph. His goal is to bring fresh ideas and innovative solutions to the table. He promises to be an advocate for citizens, and work tirelessly to build a bright future for every individual and family in Provo.
Election season is upon us. Part of our mission at The Provo Tribune is to help Provo citizens to become active, informed voters who are anxiously engaged in building their community. To further this mission, we’re highlighting every candidate running for Provo City Council this year. These features do not constitute an endorsement, and are done as a public service for the community.
Who is Stan Jensen?
Stan Jensen has been married to his wife Melanie for thirty years. Together, they’re raising their children Rachel, Ryan, Sabrina, and Athena and serve their neighbors and community.
Stan’s recent service includes serving as Chair of Provo District 1 Neighborhood Executive Board, which oversees neighborhood input on zoning changes, land use, community matching grants, and other key issues for about 1/5th of Provo. He completed the Provo Citizens’ Police Academy program to better understand and support our local police. He also completed the “Provology” course, which is a study of the branches and operation of Provo’s government.
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Stan’s focus is to protect and improve what makes Provo a great place for raising families and building a strong community. He wants to do this through helping Provo’s government focus on its core responsibilities. He believes these are public safety, neighborhood, parks, and infrastructure. He wants to avoid pushing political agendas, avoid contention, and avoid distractions.
Stopping the rapid growth of government spending, debt, and taxes is another main focus for Stan. He believes that effective governance requires listening to and serving the values and priorities of the people and neighborhoods of Provo, rather than telling citizens how to think and what to do.
Stan is passionate about serving his community, his country, and preserving, protecting, and improving on “the many blessings and freedoms for us and for future generations.”
Election season is upon us. Part of our mission at The Provo Tribune is to help Provo citizens to become active, informed voters who are anxiously engaged in building their community. To further this mission, we’re highlighting every candidate running for Provo City Council this year. These features do not constitute an endorsement, and are done as a public service for the community.
Who is Craig Christensen?
Craig Christensen has lived in Provo for over three decades. He has seen Provo grow over the course of 30 years, and he strongly believes that he understands Provo’s needs.
Before starting a family, Craig attended Brigham Young University and received a bachelor’s degree in English. Soon after, he earned an MBA from Harvard Business School. After attending Harvard, Craig and his wife Susan decided to settle in Provo to raise a family.
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Craig has since started four businesses, creating hundreds of local jobs. He understands the challenges faced by local business owners and has firsthand experience in fostering economic growth and job creation.
With more expansive growth coming to Provo, Craig believes that changes should be made within reasonable parameters to preserve the city’s unique charm, history, natural surroundings, and residents’ interests.
As a firm believer in the principles of stewardship, Craig has successfully led efforts to save Utah Lake and Bridal Veil Falls from being developed. This has allowed him to gain valuable experience advocating for his neighbors and his community.
If elected, Craig will focus on common sense growth, a business-friendly environment, and the preservation of open spaces that make Provo home.
A satellite image of Hurricane Hilary. Photo courtesy of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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By Charlie G. Patreus
Hurricane Hilary, labeled a Category 4 storm over the weekend, triggered a tropical storm watch in parts of southern California for the first time. California and Nevada anticipate heavy rain from the storm’s movement across the Southwest. Utah’s impact remains uncertain, but heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected. Thunderstorms have already begun to occur in Provo, Springville, and Spanish Fork.
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As moisture from Hilary heads north into the desert areas of the Southwest, flooding concerns are heightened. Hilary’s heavy rain is already flooding Mexico’s Baja California and bringing hurricane force winds to southern California. They’re starting to move northward.
Utah could face monsoon surges, primarily in southern Utah. Cedar City experienced flooding last Thursday evening. Heavy rain across the state is expected by Saturday. Intense rain might occur in central and eastern Utah. It remains to be seen how much water this storm will add to Utah Lake and the Great Salt Lake.
Stay away from small streams, slot canyons, burned forests, and other places prone to flooding. If your neighborhood does flood, remember: “turn around, don’t drown.” Merely 6 inches of water can move a car. A foot of water can consume a car entirely and push it into a current. In the worst scenarios, this could be fatal. In the best scenarios, it requires help from first responders. Be safe out there.
The latest edition of The Princeton Review’s renowned “Best Colleges” rankings for 2024 has been unveiled, and Brigham Young University (BYU) has made the list. The annual rankings, now in their 32nd year, are produced by The Princeton Review, a prominent education services company. Unlike traditional rankings that rely solely on academic data and input from college administrators, The Princeton Review’s rankings are exclusively based on surveys completed by college students, providing an authentic reflection of their experiences.
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Presented in 50 distinct categories since 1992, the “Best Colleges” lists spotlight 25 outstanding institutions in each category. These lists are accessible on PrincetonReview.com, and they are also published in the latest edition of The Princeton Review’s college guide, titled The Best 389 Colleges, published by Penguin Random House.
The data operations team at The Princeton Review processed a substantial 165,000 student surveys from The Best 389 Colleges. On average, this translates to approximately 424 surveys per school. The surveys were administered over the academic years 2022-23 and the two preceding years, with students offering insights into their professors, campus amenities, administrative support, financial aid, and various other aspects of their college lives. Detailed information about the survey methodology and ranking criteria is available on PrincetonReview.com.
This year, Brigham Young University was awarded the top spot in the Best Library category, solidifying its reputation as the premier destination for library resources in the nation. BYU also ranked #1 in another (less surprising) category: Most Religious Students.
The FBI was recently involved in the death of Provo citizen Craig DeLeeuw Robertson. New reports indicate Robertson pointed a gun at agents before being shot and killed on Wednesday, August 9.
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Robertson was armed with a .357 revolver, according to court documents. The incident occurred hours before President Joe Biden arrived in Salt Lake City – around 6:15 AM. The confrontation occurred as FBI agents approached him to deliver an arrest warrant for three felonies.
“The FBI continues to review an agent-involved shooting which occurred around 6:15 AM on Wednesday, August 9, 2023 in Provo, Utah,” said FBI Spokesperson Sandra Barker in a statement. “The incident began when special agents attempted to serve arrest and search warrants on 75-year-old Craig Deeleuw Robertson at his home for threats to elected officials and law enforcement officers. Robertson resisted arrest and as agents attempted to take him into custody he pointed a .357 revolver at them. The FBI takes all shooting incidents involving our agents or task force officers seriously. In accordance with FBI policy, the shooting incident is under review by the FBI’s Inspection Division. We have no further details to provide at this time.”
Age 75, Robertson was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His behavior on social media prompted intervention by law enforcement. He posted threats against New York County District Attorney Alvin Bragg (who was the first to indict former President Donald Trump); President Biden; and the FBI agents in contact with Robertson.
“I hear Biden is coming to Utah. Digging out my old ghillie suit and cleaning the dust off the m24 sniper rife [sic]. Welcome, Buffon-in-Chief [sic],” Robertson posted days before the president’s arrival in the state. As an Air Force Veteran in possession of the firearms discussed, this threat was taken seriously.
Robertson’s family released an official public statement on Facebook regarding his death.
“We, the family of Craig Deeluew Robertson, are shocked and devastated by the senseless and tragic killing of our beloved father and brother, and we fervently mourn the loss of a good and decent man,” the statement said.
The family said they “hold no animosity” to any individuals involved in the incident. They described Robertson as a kind and caring person, and didn’t believe he would ever harm another individual.
Craig Robertson wearing a ghillie suit in an undated Facebook photo.
“He (Robertson) was understandably frustrated and distraught by the present and on-going erosions to our constitutionally protected freedoms and the rights of free citizens … As an elderly – and largely homebound – man, there was very little he could do but exercise his First Amendment right to free speech and voice his protest,” the statement said.
Family and friends of Robertson asked the media and general public for privacy while they grieve and “come to terms with the sad tragedy of these events.”
The shooting is still under review by the FBI’s Inspection Division, and Biden left Utah on Aug. 10 without incident.
Provo Tribune: Local News for the Provo/Orem Area 