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Provo City News

Meet Struck: The Provo Kids’ Publication Making Mental Health Matter

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By Charles Gordon Pratt

What started as a personal journey of struggle and recovery has turned into a creative mission to help kids across the country. Local mother and son team Cindy and Colby Bauer have launched Struck, an illustrated magazine and activity book designed to help young readers explore mental wellness through humor, adventure, and heart.

Struck follows nine middle-schoolers from diverse backgrounds who come together to rekindle joy in their struggling town of Brightwood. With the help of a mysterious “Stoke-ometer” they discover in an old hydro plant, the friends use creativity, compassion, and teamwork to spread hope throughout their community.

At the center of the story is Stormy, a character inspired by the Bauers’ own experiences. For Cindy, the project is deeply personal. After battling alcoholism for decades, she says creating Struck became both a lifeline and a source of healing.

“This story saved my life,” Cindy said. “I’d been through rehab before and it didn’t work, but this time I had hope. Hope is what people need most when they’re low… I found hope knowing I could create something that brings healing.”

Colby, who grew up inspired by shows like Rocket Power and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, says the goal was to combine that same sense of fun and creativity with conversations about mental health and emotional resilience.

“We realized storytelling could be the vehicle for teaching valuable life skills,” Colby shares. “Just as shows like Rocket Power and games like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater inspired me as a kid, Struck aims to do that for a new generation – combining fun, art, and action with real emotional depth.”

Colby Bauer is also the founder of Thread Wallets and the non-profit organization Carry On – both headquartered on Center Street in downtown Provo across from the Utah Valley Convention Center. Struck is yet another way Bauer is helping put Provo on the map.

Through Struck, the Bauers hope to equip young readers with tools for life, blending storytelling with action sports and hands-on activities. They’re currently running a Kickstarter campaign to raise $12,000 to expand the project and bring Struck into schools and homes nationwide.

The Struck Kickstarter campaign is now live. Supporters can pre-order the first issue and help the Bauers bring their message of hope to kids everywhere.

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Provo City News

JK Studios Returns to Live Roots With Covey Center Performances

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By Mike Romero

Provo-based comedy troupe JK Studios is returning to its live-performance origins with two shows at the Covey Center for the Arts on October 3 and October 4, 2025. The group, formed by the original creators of BYUtv’s Studio C, has built a following through both live and digital projects, including the series Freelancers and Loving Lyfe. The upcoming Covey performances mark the first time JK Studios will tape a live sketch comedy show since departing from Studio C.

The group’s members trace their beginnings back to Divine Comedy, a Brigham Young University sketch troupe that first brought them together in 2007. Their collaboration eventually led to the launch of Studio C in 2011, a family-friendly sketch comedy show that became a staple on BYUtv. After several years, the original cast chose to leave and pursue new creative avenues, which resulted in the founding of JK Studios.

According to performers Whitney Call and Stephen Meek, the Covey performances are designed to recapture the energy of their early live shows. “We just want the environment to be fun, we want the energy to stay high for a live experience, and you’re hanging out with us as part of the gang,” Call said. Meek added that the live setting allows the group to gauge audience reactions more directly, noting, “A live audience can tell you what’s really funny.”

The shows will also serve as a recording opportunity. JK Studios plans to film the Covey performances with the intention of distributing the content through YouTube, social media, or other platforms. Call compared the effort to popular stand-up specials, saying the group hopes viewers will have the option to enjoy a polished sketch comedy experience from home.

In addition to reaching broader audiences, the tapings will allow JK Studios to refine material tested over the course of their live tour. Call said the October program represents “the best of the best” from the past year, shaped by the group’s 15 years of experience. For fans, the shows offer both familiar humor and fresh surprises, while giving JK Studios a chance to blend the immediacy of live comedy with the reach of digital distribution.

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State News

Utah Blocks Land Sale Near Provo Airport to Chinese-Owned Company

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By Mike Romero

Utah Governor Spencer Cox announced this week that state officials blocked a Chinese state-owned company from purchasing land near the Provo Airport.

According to Cox, the company involved was Cirrus Aircraft, which is majority-owned by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). AVIC is a restricted foreign entity under Utah law due to its connections to China’s military and its presence on multiple U.S. federal watch lists.

Cirrus Aircraft, originally an American company, manufactures small private aircraft. It was acquired by AVIC’s subsidiary in 2011. While Cirrus is not a military contractor, some analysts have raised concerns that its technology could benefit China’s military.

State officials did not disclose how much land was involved or its exact location. The Department of Public Safety said it was notified of the proposed purchase in early 2025. The sale was stopped under Utah’s HB516 law, which restricts land ownership by entities tied to China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.

County recorders are required to report suspicious transactions. Officials said the local recorder flagged this attempt, which led to the intervention.

Provo Airport. Photo courtesy of Provo City Government.

Governor Cox emphasized that Utah’s laws are designed to prevent foreign adversaries from acquiring strategic land. He said the blocked sale demonstrates the effectiveness of recent legislation aimed at national security concerns.

Cox also addressed claims about the extent of Chinese land ownership in Utah. He said about 33,000 to 37,000 acres were previously owned by Chinese companies but that most of this land has been divested, leaving only a small amount under Chinese ownership.

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Utah has also closed Confucius Institutes at state universities due to similar concerns about foreign influence. Lawmakers say they plan additional legislation related to critical resources like water and minerals.

Cox linked the issue to broader concerns about religious freedom, citing China’s recent closures of congregations of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Beijing. He said Utah will continue to oppose foreign efforts to limit religious freedom or gain leverage through economic deals.

Utah officials said their approach has drawn interest from other states and has been recognized by national defense organizations as a model for monitoring foreign land ownership.

Cox concluded that Utah will keep enforcing its restrictions to prevent foreign entities with ties to adversarial governments from acquiring land that could affect state security, infrastructure, or economic independence.

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Provo City News

Creative Ways to Bring Attention to Your Local Business

The Nu Skin headquarters in downtown Provo. Photo by Hank Nielsen.
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By Charles Gordon Pratt

To bring attention to your local business, creative marketing tactics are essential to stand out from the competition and engage your community. These tactics can be both used in person and online to foster new connections and to help integrate your work into the Provo community.

One effective in-person strategy is hosting unique, local events or pop-up experiences that tie directly to your brand. These events not only draw attention to your business but also create memorable experiences that encourage word-of-mouth marketing. Whether it’s a product launch, a themed contest, or a local collaboration with artists or influencers (Provo Music Magazine is constantly talking about incredible Utah talent), these events allow you to connect with your audience in a fun, tangible way while generating buzz on social media. Be sure to leverage local partnerships to amplify your reach, like collaborating with nearby shops or restaurants.

Photo by Zach Collier

Another powerful tactic is harnessing the power of storytelling through content marketing. Share the story behind your business—how it started, the challenges you’ve faced, and your mission to support the community. By crafting authentic, engaging content in the form of blogs, videos, or social media posts, you create a narrative that resonates with customers. This builds trust and fosters a deeper emotional connection with your audience, which is crucial for encouraging repeat business. Highlight customer testimonials or showcase your business’s involvement in local charity events or community outreach projects to demonstrate your commitment to the area.

You can also get creative with your content marketing. Take CulinarySchools.org, for example. This comprehensive site is a treasure trove of information for aspiring chefs, offering details on schools, careers, and majors. From an SEO standpoint, it has massive potential. But for SEO to succeed, a site needs traffic—specifically, initial visibility to trigger search ranking algorithms.

So, how is CulinarySchools.org driving that traffic? With kids’ games. The site offers free, entertaining games, ranging from skateboarding and golf simulators to racing and fishing. These games serve two purposes: they attract bored kids seeking free, wholesome entertainment, and they drive traffic that introduces the site to aspiring chefs. It’s a brilliant long-term strategy—traffic from games funnels into the educational content, while consistent visits help boost SEO.

By blending entertainment with education, CulinarySchools.org isn’t just waiting for traffic to find them—they’re creating it. This innovative approach not only generates immediate site visits but also primes the algorithm, ensuring future visibility for those seeking culinary education.

Finally, don’t underestimate the impact of creative digital campaigns that target local consumers. Use geo-targeted ads on social media platforms, search engines, or apps to ensure your promotions reach people within your geographic area. Partner with local influencers who align with your brand values to help spread the word in an organic, authentic way. Running contests, offering exclusive discounts for nearby residents, or even creating a loyalty program that rewards frequent visitors are excellent ways to build customer retention.

By thinking outside the box and combining digital and grassroots marketing strategies, you can generate a wave of interest in your local business that keeps customers coming back for more.

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Provo City News

How Utah Revived a Beloved Children’s Series

Image courtesy of Apple TV+
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In 2007, Nickelodeon’s Nick Jr. launched Yo Gabba Gabba!, a vibrant children’s show led by DJ Lance Rock and featuring quirky characters like Muno, Foofa, Brobee, Todee, and Plex. Known for blending education with great music, the series featured artists such as Questlove, Bootsy Collins, and Weezer.

The show has now been revived as Yo Gabba GabbaLand! on Apple TV+. Developed by the original creators Christian Jacobs (of The Aquabats!) and Scott Schultz, the revival includes 10 new episodes with updated musical guests, higher production values, and a new host, Kammy Kam (Kamryn Smith). The production was filmed at Utah Film Studios in Park City and also involved audio work done in downtown Provo, Utah at June Audio.

Chance Clift from June Audio worked on voiceovers and music for Yo Gabba Gabbaland! He told Provo Music Magazine that the experience of recording Anderson .Paak’s song for the show was a highlight. He worked in tandem with Provo’s Mason Winter, who edited the dialogue and prepared it for delivery.

The show remains engaging and educational for adults and preschoolers alike, with positive reviews from major outlets like The Hollywood Reporter and The Los Angeles Times. The Provo music industry is thriving, evidenced by June Audio’s work on Post Malone’s AUSTIN, NPR’s award-winning mini-series on the Provo music scene, and Grammy nominations for local composers on the Hogwarts Legacy soundtrack.

Yo Gabba Gabbaland! is now streaming on Apple TV+.

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Provo City News

NPR’s World Cafe Wins Award With Story About Provo

Chi Chi le Mot performing at Velour Live Music Gallery.
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By Richard Provost

Provo, Utah’s flourishing music scene was featured extensively on NPR’s World Cafe program last January. Part of the show’s “Sense of Place” series, Provo was one of the musical hotspots explored by Stephen Kallao, Miguel Perez, and their team. The series covered local musical trailblazers The Clingers, more current bands like The Aces and James The Mormon, and the publisher of Provo Music Magazine Zach Collier.

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Most notably, the episode about Velour Live Music Gallery owner Corey Fox – arguably downtown Provo’s most successful music venue – was recently awarded the Bronze Award for Human-Interest Feature by the New York Festivals Radio Awards.

The New York Festivals Radio Awards honor “the exceptional and innovative content being created today on all continents and seen across all platforms” and aims to “respect the achievements of the many talented men and women who make up the worldwide creative community.”

Book on Tape Worm performing at Velour Live Music Gallery.

The winning episode in question explores the history of Velour as a local venue, the highs and lows of local live music, and the legendary story of Brandon Robbins, frontman of The Moth & The Flame, donating a kidney to Corey Fox. The music and members of Provo-born bands Sego and The Moth & The Flame also make appearances in the episode.

“Provo music and the people and stories of the scene have proven time and time again to be something special,” writes Provo Music Magazine’s new editor Michael Luce. “A major congratulations from all of us here at Provo Music Magazine to both the World Cafe staff and everyone featured in the episode on receiving such an awesome honor.”

You can listen to the award-winning episode below.

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Provo City News

Target Opens at Provo Towne Centre

Photo courtesy of Provo Towne Centre.
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By Richard Provost

In a move that’s sure to breathe new life to Provo, Utah’s traditional shopping mall, Provo Towne Centre has welcomed Target to its facility. This is Provo’s first full-sized Target, joining the small-format store in Riverside Plaza near BYU campus. The facility is 135,000 square feet.

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“It brings me immense joy to announce that our new Target store in the Provo Towne Centre is officially open for business!” Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi said in a statement. “This marks a significant milestone in the revitalization of our mall, and I could not be prouder of the collective effort that made this possible.”

The store was developed and built collaboratively by Target, Brixton Capital, JLL Retail Management, Provo City, and Provo Towne Centre. The project was announced in February 2023 and took 14 months to complete from announcement to grand opening.

Provo residents will no longer have to travel to Orem or Spanish Fork for a complete Target experience. They can now experience Starbucks, CVS Pharmacy, Ulta Beauty, and Target’s groceries and home goods all in one convenient location.

Provo, Utah’s mayor Michelle Kaufusi at the opening of the new Target.
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State News

Utah Governor Expresses Support for Texas Amid Border Crisis

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By Mike Romero

In a statement on X (formerly Twitter) yesterday morning, Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox announced his support for Texas Governor Greg Abbott amid a growing confrontation with the United States Federal Government over border control issues.

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“The border is a disaster that continues to spiral out of control, both in terms of people and deadly fentanyl traffic,” Cox said. “This is not a partisan issue. This is a national security issue. This is a common sense issue. This is an American issue. Utah thanks Texas and Gov. Abbott for stepping up where the Biden Administration has failed over and over again.”

This came in response to Governor Abbot’s public declaration on January 24, directed towards the Biden administration. In it, Abbott declared that “The federal government has broken the compact between the United States and the States.”

He accused the President of the United States, Joe Biden, of failing to execute immigration laws enacted by Congress, defending illegal immigrants in court instead of prosecuting them, instructing agencies to ignore federal statutes that mandate the detention of illegal immigrants, and wasting taxpayer dollars to “tear open Texas’ border security infrastructure.” To the last point, Abbott said that doing this directed immigrants away from the 28 legal points of entry and into the country.

Utah is among 20 other states across the country who have voiced support for Texas.

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The standoff is occurring after the US Supreme Court voted 5-4 on Monday to allow federal Border Patrol agents remove state-erected razor wire barriers. The Department of Homeland Security demanded Texas give it “full access” to the border by January 26, according to CNN. Abbott is refusing to comply, saying that Homeland Security would be destroying state property, and that Biden’s failure to uphold laws triggered Article I, Section 10, Clause 3 in the constituion which acknowledges “the States’ sovereign interest in protecting their borders” and claims Texas has constitutional authority to defend and protect itself. In his eyes, the Texas National Guard, Texas Department of Public Safety, and others are acting on constitutional authority and state law.

This story is developing.

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Provo City News

Provo, Utah Election Results 2023

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By Mike Romero

While everything is still being tallied and confirmed on the county level, Utah County has released the unofficial election results for the local elections that took place this week. Among them are the results for the Provo City Council race. Election results have taken longer to come in due to the switch to ranked choice voting for many cities across the county.

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For Provo, the City Council seats up for grabs were Citywide 2, Provo districts 1 and 3, and District 4. Travis Hoban was uncontested in District 4 and won by default. He will retain his position for the next four years.

Gary Garrett had the majority of votes for Citywide 2, Craig Christensen had the majority of votes for District 1, and Becky Bogdin had the majority of votes for District 3.

Here are the unofficial numbers:

Provo City Council Citywide 2

  • Gary Garrett: 4,628 (52.6%)
  • McKay R. Jensen: 4,164 (47.3%)

Provo City Council District 1

  • Craig Christensen: 1,857 (60.6%)
  • Stan Jensen: 1,203 (39.3%)

Provo City Council District 3

  • Becky Bogdin: 1,082 (61.48%)
  • David Lewis: 678 (38.52%)

Provo City Council District 4

  • Travis Hoban: 1,298 (100.00%)

The winners of the race will replace David Shipley (Citywide 2), Bill Filmore (District 1), and Shannon Ellsworth (District 3). As stated previously, Travis Hoban is retaining his position.

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Provo City News

New Pedestrian Bridge Opens in Downtown Provo

Photo courtesy of Provo City.
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By Mike Romero

After months of construction, the Utah Transit Authority has opened the new pedestrian bridge at Provo Central Station. The public celebrated its opening in a ribbon-cutting ceremony yesterday, November 14.

This news is brought to you in part by Spengler Industries.

The goal of the bridge was to improve safety, air quality, and to more efficiently connect downtown Provo to the broader public transportation network. While the bridge is operational, elevators within the structures are not yet usable. They’re still pending inspections from state government.

It cost roughly $7 million to build the bridge. 35% was paid by federal funding and 65% was paid by local sources. The bridge spans two FrontRunner tracks and two Union Pacific Railroad lines near 600 South and 100 West in Provo, Utah. It’s 145 feet long.

For pedestrians, this area is often blocked by trains. This makes crossing difficult, dangerous, and at times impossible. This bridge addresses those challenges.

Photo courtesy of Provo City.
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