The excessive snowpack this winter has led to avalanches, floods, and the closure of various trails around Utah. The state experienced an extraordinary accumulation of snow this winter, with the Utah Department of Natural Resources reporting a staggering 201% above the normal snowpack levels in April.
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While this surplus snow has provided excellent conditions for winter sports enthusiasts, enabling ski resorts and primary state economic drivers like Snowbird to remain open until June, it has also resulted in unwelcome consequences for summer activities like hiking, mountain biking, and river sports.
As things stand, there is an increased likelihood of avalanches during the 2023 spring season. As the snow begins to warm up and melt, especially later in the day when exposed to sunlight, the risk of avalanches becomes significantly higher. Venturing into higher elevations of the mountains this spring demands greater preparation and equipment compared to previous years, primarily due to trail conditions and the potential risk of avalanches.
Bridal Veil Falls remains closed due to debris and ice left behind from an avalanche in January. The Provo River Parkway Trail in front of the waterfall is also closed. Provo residents are advised to avoid the Provo River, which doubled in volume last week.
The city of Provo is taking significant steps towards a more sustainable future by planting 1,000 trees throughout the community. To facilitate community participation, Provo focused on organizing tree planting events in local parks. These gatherings attracted volunteers from across the city and served as a starting point for the initiative.
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Hannah Salzl, the sustainability coordinator for Provo City, believes this initiative is a wise investment in the city’s well-being. “We felt like it was a good way to invest in our future, invest in our infrastructure, invest in mental and social health, and invest in property values,” she says. “There’s not really a downside to putting more trees in your community.”
Originally scheduled to begin in March 2020, the initiative faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it officially launched on May 21, 2022, at Pioneer Park, and has since gained momentum with volunteers planting trees in various locations throughout the city. The Thousand Trees Initiative website reports that 353 trees have already been planted as part of the program.
Hannah Salzl, Provo City Sustainability Coordinator. Photo via LinkedIn.
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The involvement of volunteers, including city residents and student groups, has played a crucial role in the initiative’s success. Generous contributions from The Nature Conservancy and the Ivory Foundation have also supplied trees for developing areas in Provo.
Salzl emphasizes that multiple areas in Provo are undergoing development and require additional trees. She states, “There are others that are just starting to develop, just starting to get space to put more trees in. So we’re trying to spread that tree canopy out for better citywide coverage.”
One of the primary objectives of the initiative is to plant street trees throughout the city. Street trees are planted in the area between the sidewalk and the road, offering shade for pedestrians, a buffer between traffic and pedestrians, and reduced heat from asphalt roads.
Ultimately, the goal of the 1,000 trees initiative is to transform Provo into a more beautiful, clean, and sustainable city.
On March 11, 2023, BYU students, faculty, and members of the Chinese community united for the highly anticipated BYU China Conference. This annual event featured academic and diplomatic speakers, including Xiaofeng Wang, counselor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United States of America. Attendees were treated to insightful presentations, a networking luncheon, and an engaging question-and-answer panel session.
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Since its establishment in 2015, the conference has been dedicated to promoting the core values of BYU: faith, lifelong learning, and service – all while fostering an inclusive community. Its primary goal is to provide educational, professional, and cultural opportunities that strengthen the bonds between the United States and China. The conference is organized and hosted by a student committee. It is overseen by an advisory board consisting of faculty and staff from various departments, including the College of Humanities Chinese Flagship Center and the Center for Language Studies.
Photo by Kurk Fullmer, BYU
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Adjunct Associate Professor Peter Chan, Chair of the advisory board, commended the exceptional work of the student committee, emphasizing their professionalism, dedication, and collaborative spirit.
Each year, the conference invites speakers from both the BYU community and esteemed Chinese associates. These experts cover a wide range of topics, like demographics, business and finance, politics, history, and current events. Notable speakers in 2023 included Counselor Wang, Changyun Kang (Associate Dean at Beijing Normal University), and Zhihong Yi (Professor of Finance and former Vice President of Renmin University of China).
Additionally, three speakers from BYU also presented: Robert Griffiths (political science adjunct faculty in the College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences and former consul general at the US Consulate General in Shanghai), Renata Forste (International Vice President of BYU), and Kirk Larsen (Associate Professor of History in the College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences).
The overarching theme of the 2023 conference centered on fostering friendly international relations between China and the United States, exploring the past, present, and future while highlighting the importance of a liberal approach to education in China.
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Attending as a member of the Chinese Flagship Program, BYU student Alex Keogh expressed his appreciation for the conference’s diplomatic focus, emphasizing the significance of cross-cultural understanding. Keogh recognized the positive atmosphere that emphasized collaboration, effective communication, and mutual understanding.
The BYU China Conference serves as a platform for fostering understanding and forging connections, with attendees often referred to as “young ambassadors” by the speakers. This inclusive event takes place every winter semester, and individuals from all backgrounds are welcome to participate, regardless of their language experience.
Detectives in Provo, Utah are investigating a missing persons case regarding Sacramento ‘Rico’ Gutierrez, who was known to live here in town. Gutierrez is 42 years old, 5’9″, approximately 175 pounds, and of Hispanic/Latino ancestry.
The last known contact with Sacramento was around October 2021. There is no indication of foul-play, but family and friends have found it highly unusual to have not heard from him for this extended period of time. He is currently listed missing in the national missing persons database.
If anyone has any information as to the whereabouts of Sacramento, please call the Provo detectives at (801) 852-6343.
Provo City residents, mark your calendars! The time has come for those with aspirations of public service to step up and actively participate in shaping the future of the city. From June 1 to June 7, 2023 (excluding weekends), Provo City is officially opening its filing period for residents considering running for city office.
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Excitingly, four crucial municipal seats will be up for election: Council Districts 1, 3, and 4, along with the Citywide Council II. If you have ever felt the desire to influence strategic decision-making, contribute to policy formation, and truly make a difference in Provo, this is your moment.
Here’s a map displaying the City Council Municipal Districts with precinct boundaries:
In the event that more than two candidates file for a particular office, a primary election will be held on Tuesday, August 15, 2023.
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To officially become a candidate, filing a declaration of candidacy is imperative. This step must be completed in person with the City Recorder during the designated filing period. Office hours are 8 AM – 5 PM, from June 1 to June 7, with weekends excluded.
A filing fee, set at $75, is an integral part of the candidacy filing process and represents a modest investment towards the prospect of making a significant impact on Provo City.
Should you have any questions or concerns, City Recorder Heidi Allman, is available. Reach out to her by phone at 801-852-6524 or via email at recorder@provo.org.
The Municipal Election in Provo City will take place in 2023, with the Primary Election scheduled for Tuesday, August 15, and the general election set for Tuesday, November 7. Similar to previous years, this will be a vote-by-mail election.
Active registered voters can expect to receive their ballots in the mail approximately 2-3 weeks before each election. Ballots can be returned at any of the 25 drop boxes located throughout Utah County. These drop boxes are accessible 24/7 and will accept ballots until 8 PM on election night.
For a comprehensive list of drop box locations, visit voteprovo.com. Alternatively, you may also choose to return your ballot by mail; however, it must be postmarked no later than the day before Election Day.
A new agreement between Snow College and Utah Valley University (UVU) is set to benefit students in good academic standing who seek to further their education. Under this agreement, Snow College students who successfully complete an associate degree or earn 60 credits toward third-year status will be granted acceptance into UVU’s Integrated Studies Program.
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UVU, an open-enrollment institution, will automatically recognize Snow College’s general education foundations course as fulfilling its own knowledge integrated (IS 2000) requirement. This arrangement provides students with the opportunity to immediately embark on their third year of studies.
Heather Holland, assistant professor of English at Snow College, is the brain behind this collaborative effort. As a UVU integrated studies graduate herself, she views this agreement as a testament to the value of teamwork within Utah’s System of Higher Education (USHE). “Holland believes that the agreement will enable interested students to seamlessly transition to UVU and continue their educational journey. “This will allow students who are interested to make a seamless transfer to UVU and continue their education,” she says.
Heather Holland. Faculty headshot courtesy of Snow College.
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UVU has also forged agreements with other educational institutions. For instance, there is a fast-track program that expedites UVU students into the University of Utah’s Master of Healthcare Administration program, accompanied by access to scholarships. Additionally, UVU has partnered with Mountainland Technical College to facilitate the transfer of credits from MTECH licensed practical nurse graduates into UVU’s Nursing Program.
“All of the agreements are good news for students,” said Frederick H. White, director of UVU’s Integrated Studies Program. “The agreement with Snow College allows for direct access into the Integrated Studies Program at UVU, which offers students a unique opportunity to create their own degree for their specific career goals. Students select two minors out of more than 70 offered at the university and combine these minors in meaningful ways through a capstone paper or project at the end of their academic career. We are excited to admit Snow College students into our program and accelerate their education.”
These agreements represent a step forward for students, providing them with enhanced opportunities and streamlined pathways toward their desired educational and career outcomes. The collaborative efforts within Utah’s System of Higher Education serve as a promising example of how institutions can work together to benefit the broader student community.
Earlier this month, Keeping the Faith in Downtown Provo and the Provo Community Congregational United Church of Christ held an open house gala celebration with a 1920’s and 1950’s theme – the eras the historic buildings of the Church were constructed. Located on 200 North University in downtown Provo, the A-frame building is a staple of the cityscape.
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Keeping the Faith in Downtown Provo Co-chairs David Lewis and Kena Mathews, along with architect Steven Cornell, spoke of the exciting plans for the church. They unveiled renderings of the restoration of the exterior, as well as the expansion of the sanctuary, housing the historic 1892 45-rank pipe organ that was rescued in 2022 and creating a larger space for performances of choirs and orchestras. Additionally, a new fellowship hall and kitchen for church and community events will be built, plus a bell tower that includes an elevator to access all floors of the building.
Efforts to renovate the Church have been ongoing. So far, they’ve raised $180,000 out of a $2 million goal. Further donations are being sought to make this project become a reality. Visit KeepingtheFaithProvo.org to learn more, and check out the video presentation for the building below.
BYU Theatre recently unveiled its complete lineup of performances for the next season, featuring two shows each in October and November, one in March and April, and an additional spring show.
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The upcoming shows will take place in the BYU West Campus theaters, namely the West Campus Mainstage Theatre, West Campus Studio Theatre, and West Campus Black Box Theatre. These venues have become the primary locations for performances since the closure and demolition of the long-standing Harris Fine Arts Center, a prominent fixture in campus performing arts community for over a generation.
The October productions will include Wait Until Dark and the Microburst New Play Festival. Wait Until Dark made its Broadway debut in 1966, was adapted into a film starring Audrey Hepburn in 1967, and was last performed at BYU in 1987. The play revolves around a blind housewife who becomes the target of three con men due to the criminal activities of her deceased husband.
The Microburst New Play Festival is an annual event that showcases student writing and performances, providing a platform for young artists and introducing audiences to “the next generation of playwrights who will change the world.”
Michael Ballif as Julius Caesar during BYU’s 2021 season. Photo by Jaren Wilkey/BYU
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November’s shows include the children’s classic The Secret Garden and The Boy at the Edge of Everything. March will bring the production of The House of Desires, written by 16th-century Mexican poet and nun Sor Juana Inés De La Cruz. This will be the play’s debut performance at BYU.
In April, audiences will have the opportunity to enjoy The Tempest. The final show of the spring season will be Blithe Spirit, a play by Noël Coward that explores a socialite’s encounter with a seance gone awry. Spooky.
Stephanie Breinholt, Artistic Director of BYU Theatre, expressed excitement about the new season, stating, “After an incredibly successful inaugural season in the West Campus venues, BYU Theatre is tailoring its 2023-2024 season to these innovative new spaces and collaborating with our resilient and creative students and faculty. The upcoming season will explore a wide range of genres and styles.”
Season tickets will go on sale Wednesday, May 24 and can be purchased online or in person at the Marriott Center box office.
On May 16, 2023, NPR Music made an announcement during Morning Edition revealing the winner of the ninth edition of their Tiny Desk Contest: Little Moon. The victorious band is composed of Provo locals. They’ll have the opportunity to perform at NPR’s Tiny Desk before heading out on the Tiny Desk Contest On The Road tour.
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The band is made up of Emma Hardyman (lead vocals/guitar), Nathan Hardyman (bass/guitar), Bly Wallentine (keys/bass), Bridget Jackson (harp), Chris Shemwell (drums), and Grace Johnson (electric guitar/keys). Little Moon was chosen from an impressive pool of nearly 6,000 submissions representing all 50 states, Washington, DC, the US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.
The Tiny Desk Contest On The Road tour will return in 2023. This victory tour, which has expanded to eight cities this year, provides an opportunity to witness Little Moon’s live performances alongside a showcase of vibrant local music. Additionally, two local Contest acts will join the lineup in most cities.
Engineering students at Brigham Young University (BYU) have achieved a remarkable feat by constructing the most fuel-efficient vehicle not only in the United States but also across the Americas. Their creation, known as a Supermileage vehicle, can travel an astounding distance of 1,915.83 miles per gallon. This remarkable achievement earned them the first-place title at the prestigious Shell Eco-marathon, an international competition that brings together teams from North and South America to develop the most fuel-efficient vehicles on the planet.
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The Shell Eco-marathon took place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a distance of 1,531 miles from Provo, where BYU is located. BYU’s car could have easily coasted to Indianapolis on less than a gallon of gas. Despite its remarkable fuel efficiency, the vehicle can only reach a maximum speed of 25 miles per hour. However, for the BYU Supermileage Team, speed is not the focus; their goal is to excel in long-distance efficiency.
Photo by Brooklynn Jarvis/BYU Photo
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Throughout the competition, BYU’s car consistently outperformed other vehicles, surpassing the second-place car by over 100 miles per gallon. BYU had previously participated in the Eco-marathon but had not competed for four years due to the pandemic. Given their absence, the team’s expectations were modest. However, they devoted themselves wholeheartedly to the competition, demonstrating unwavering focus and determination.
Overall, the BYU Supermileage Team’s triumph at the Shell Eco-marathon showcased their remarkable engineering skills, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. Their accomplishment not only earned them recognition as the best in the country but also solidified their position as the leading fuel-efficient vehicle builders on this side of the globe.
Provo Tribune: Local News for the Provo/Orem Area 