Orem is gearing up for election season! In 2023, 12 candidates are running for 3 available council spots. To help Orem citizens get informed about the candidates and their platforms, Orem City is holding a Meet the Candidates Night on Thursday, August 10 from 6-8 PM in Library Hall.
This is a unique opportunity to interact with fellow citizens running for office. There are few opportunities like this where all candidates are together in one room for open questions. The seats up for election in 2023 are currently held by Jeff Lambson, Terry Peterson, and Debby Lauret.
Candidates will address the audience for the first hour, explaining what they hope to accomplish on behalf of the city. The second hour will be an open house where the public can personally meet the candidates and ask them questions.
The 2023 candidates are: Crystal Muhlstein, Matt McKell, Greg Duerden, Chris Killpack, Jeff Lambson, Archie Williams III, Spencer Rands, Heather Fry, Jenn Gale, David Edward Garber, Mike Carpenter and Wade Sewell.
Ahead of the event, check out the videos Orem shot for each candidate here. You can see an example of one below.
Note: The inclusion of this candidate’s video does not indicate an endorsement, and is merely an example of what you can expect from the video series.
President Joe Biden, the 46th president of the United States of America, is visiting Deseret territory after a tour of the Southwest. The White House announced the itinerary for his trip this past weekend.
The Deseret News reported that the president will arrive in Salt Lake City on Wednesday and visit the VA hospital in Salt Lake City on Thursday morning. He’ll then visit Park City, Utah for a fundraiser held by Kristi and John Cumming and Nancy and Mark Gilbert. Cumming is the founder of the ski resort company Powdr, and Gilbert is a former US ambassador.
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While First Lady Jill Biden visited a Salt Lake City elementary school two years ago, this is the first time President Biden has visited Utah since taking office. He is expected to discuss the Inflation Reduction Act.
Every president since Herbert Hoover has visited Utah while in office. The last time a sitting president visited Utah was Donald Trump in 2017. Trump has recently been indicted for a third time ahead of an expected presidential campaign in 2024.
Trump won Utah in the 2020 election with 58.13% of votes. Biden received 37.65% of the vote – the highest of any Democrat in Utah in over 50 years. The Libertarian Party – the only third party on the ballot in all 50 states – secured 2.5% of Utah’s vote with Jo Jorgensen and her VP Spike Cohen. Biden recently announced that he would seek reelection. Spike Cohen has become immensely popular on social media and network television, and many Libertarians are hoping for a presidential bid.
Spike Cohen speaking in Taylorsville, MS to raise awareness about the murder of Rasheem Carter.
Utah’s Hispanic and Latino populations have experienced remarkable growth in recent years, contributing to over 50% of the state’s population growth between 2010 and 2020, according to the 2020 Census. Utah Valley University (UVU) has been proactive in addressing this increase and supporting the success of every student.
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In fall 2022, more than 5,000 UVU students identified as Hispanic or Latino, making up around 12% of the university’s total enrollment. These students have found a welcoming home at UVU, whether it’s in classrooms, on the athletic fields, on stage, or within the community.
To meet the needs of this rapidly rising demographic, UVU conducts community outreach events at high schools and other locations where families feel comfortable. These events provide valuable information in Spanish about resources, scholarships, and financial aid opportunities. UVU senior Hector Cedillo, president of UVU’s Latino Leadership Council, emphasizes that these events aim to communicate to Latino children that their potential extends far beyond stereotypical occupations. Latinos have the capacity, skills, and knowledge to excel in various fields, from becoming CEOs to business owners.
UVU also supports international students on visas and provides assistance to students seeking financial aid, overcoming language barriers, or finding suitable housing. Serving over 5,000 Latino students requires a tailored approach that acknowledges their unique challenges and aspirations.
The Latino Initiative at UVU, established in 2007, has played a pivotal role in empowering Latino and Hispanic students to thrive, earn degrees, and find their place in Utah Valley. Led by Elizabeth Nield, the director of UVU’s Latino Initiative, the program aims to foster inclusion, remove barriers, promote cultural competence, and guide students on their path to success. Nield envisions UVU as a home away from home and a refuge for Latino and Hispanic students, where they can find support and form lasting connections.
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UVU goes beyond the Latino Initiative by organizing various programs, activities, and events that help Latino students feel at home, even before they start attending classes. Events such as Bachatafest, an annual dance event and scholarship fundraiser featuring Latin American music, and Celebración Latinoamericana, a celebration of Latino academic achievements in Utah, promote cultural preservation and appreciation. UVU’s commitment to maintaining students’ cultural backgrounds ensures that they feel seen and understood, fostering a sense of belonging and authenticity.
UVU’s efforts in supporting its Latino students have not gone unnoticed. The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), a nonprofit organization representing over 500 colleges and universities, recognized UVU as an Outstanding Member Institution. This distinction reflects UVU’s dedication to inclusivity and its pioneering initiatives to create equal opportunities for all.
UVU offers three tuition-free summer programs—Latino Scientists of Tomorrow, Engineers & Technologists of Tomorrow, and Business Leaders of Tomorrow—to increase the representation of underrepresented students in STEM fields. These programs have been successful, with 85% of LST Summer Bridge Program participants continuing their education at UVU, and 40% of them majoring in STEM fields.
The impact of UVU’s initiatives has extended beyond its campus. The success of these programs has led to their adoption at six other universities nationwide, and UVU has received $2 million in support through a partnership with Dominion Energy. This will allow UVU’s outreach to continue well into the future.
Last Sunday night, the Utah County Sheriff’s Office got an urgent call. A white jeep had accidentally driven off the road in Payson Canyon and into the river – a 20 foot drop. The car contained a 16-year-old girl and her two dogs. She was headed northbound out of the canyon.
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In this crash, no signs of impairment are suspected or reported. The crash was likely due to speeding, but not by a drastic or reckless amount. The road exhibits tight curves, which could have contributed to the crash.
UCSO public information officer Sgt. Spencer Cannon said the car went forward 75 to 100 feet and landed upside down in the water. The young driver, Alison Kennedy, made it out safely with only minor scratches. Her dogs escaped as well.
“It looked initially like it could be really bad, but it turned out not to be as serious of a crash as it looked like it could have been,” Cannon said. He explained that the people behind Kennedy stopped to help and called 911. First responders arrived within ten minutes.
There is no railing on the side of the road, but crashes in that area are much less frequent than other, more narrow parts of Payson Canyon. However, many areas of the canyon don’t have a guard rail, and the roads are so narrow they don’t give enough room for both lanes of traffic.
The Utah Department of Public safety recommends driving below the posted speed limit in hazardous weather, at night, and when there is rough or windy terrain.
What does it take to compete in the world’s largest intercollegiate rocket engineering competition? A new documentary from the Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering answers that question. Shot by BYU students and filmmakers Sawyer Nunley and Heber Stanton, it tells the story of BYU’s High-Power Rocketry Team as their rocket, Maverick, prepares for launch at the 2022 Spaceport America Cup.
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Maverick was built with an Aerotech M2400 motor and a machine-learning module to prevent water from sloshing within the rocket’s payload. Despite mechanical difficulties ahead of launch, the rocket reached a height of 10,432 feet, earning the BYU team a rank of 11th out of 46 teams in their category at the 2022 Spaceport competition. The team also received 2nd place for the Barrowman Award for Flight Dynamics and 2nd place for the Sportsmanship Award.
The BYU rocketry team returned to take 1st place in the 2023 Spaceport America Cup with their rocket, Solitude (named for the Utah-based ski resort). They also received 1st place for Modeling and Simulation. BYU beat out 157 other collegiate teams from 24 countries for the title.
Clayton Smalley, a Spanish Fork country artist and welder, has dedicated his career to infusing his songs with a genuine working-class spirit. Influenced by legendary musicians like George Strait, Keith Whitley, and Reba McEntire, Smalley’s love for traditional country music shines through, shaping his unique style.
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One of Smalley’s remarkable abilities is his knack for transforming songs like Niall Horan’s “Slow Hands” into heartwarming exchanges between a husband and wife, reminiscent of lazy summer days on a cozy porch. His cover of the track garnered an impressive 100,000 streams on Spotify, while his original music has amassed hundreds of thousands more.
As a devoted husband and father, Smalley strives to balance his artistic aspirations with his professional career, all while being signed to Nashville country label YN Records. However, his world was turned upside down when he received the devastating news of his son Austin’s diagnosis—heart failure.
Utah country musician Clayton Smalley.
Austin, an 18-year-old high school student and passionate baseball player, was actively pursued by college recruiters until his diagnosis forced him to miss his senior season. After undergoing numerous tests and specialist appointments, it was determined that Austin was not eligible for a left ventricular assist device and would require a heart transplant.
Thankfully, the transplant surgery, which took place this week, was successful. Nevertheless, the road to recovery remains long and arduous for the Smalley family. According to the January 2020 Milliman Research Report, the average cost of a heart transplant in the United States, prior to insurance coverage, amounted to a staggering $1,664,800. This includes pre- and post-transplant medical care, hospital charges, organ procurement fees, and medications.
Recognizing the financial strain the family faces, a GoFundMe campaign has already raised over $16,000 and is still open to contributions. Additionally, The Angelus Theatre, along with a group of talented Utah country artists including John Griffin, Cody Robbins, Whitney Lusk, Pat Swenson, Maddie Wilson, and Hayden Cluff, will be hosting a benefit concert on Saturday, July 8th, at 7:30 PM. This event promises an unforgettable showcase of talent. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $20 or at the door for $25.
All proceeds from the concert will go towards supporting the Smalley family, assisting with mounting medical expenses, lost wages, meals, and the day-to-day costs associated with the heart transplant surgery and recovery.
For the latest updates, be sure to follow Clayton Smalley on Instagram. Meanwhile, take a moment to enjoy his captivating track “These Boots Were Made to Dance” below.
BYU fans celebrated at an on-campus party on June 30, 2023. Photo courtesy of BYU Athletics
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By Mike Romero
It’s been a long 22 months. After nearly 2 years of waiting, BYU will end its era of independence by uniting with the elite Big 12 for the 2023-2024 season. Celebrations among students, fans, and alumni took place this past weekend.
A massive gathering was held in Provo, Utah. Fans gathered and counted down until midnight, when the BYU Cougars were officially admitted into the conference. BYU even made a massive announcement on a digital display at Times Square in New York City.
BYU’s sports teams will compete in 20 of the 23 sports sponsored by the Big 12. The school won’t participate in wrestling, rowing, or equestrian. Since the Big 12 doesn’t support men’s volleyball, BYU’s men’s volleyball team will stay in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation.
In a major win for Latter-day Saints and a gracious move on the part of the Big 12, BYU will not compete in athletic events on Sundays – a holy day for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
BYU football begins their 2023 season with three non-conference home games. Then they’ll hit the road to take on Kansas on September 23. Home games this year include Cincinnati on September 29, Texas Tech on October 21, Iowa State on November 11, and Oklahoma on November 18.
The Fourth of July is one of the busiest, most festive times of the year for Provo residents. Steeped in tradition, the Fourth in Provo, Utah is a bright, cheery, and magical time with plenty to do. Provo’s Freedom Festival is one of the largest in the United States.
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On Saturday, July 1, legendary rock group, Journey, returned to Provo for the second time. They played LaVell Edwards Stadium to a large audience. F-35s from Utah’s Hill Air Force Base flew over the stadium, and the night concluded with the nation’s largest stadium fireworks spectacle.
This morning, the Grand Parade will take place at 9 AM. Marching bands, professionally crafted floats, giant balloons, horseback riders, and musical performers will all appear in downtown Provo. Provo’s Balloon Fest will conclude this morning before the parade. Hot air balloons have filled the sky the entire weekend, taking off from Fox Field at 6 AM each morning.
Freedom Days, Provo’s Fourth of July carnival, will take place today from 11 AM to 7 PM. Food trucks, musicians, vendors, and rides will be situated on Center Street and University Avenue, across from the Provo Temple.
“I invite each and every one of you to come and experience the patriotic spirit that fills our city during the Freedom Festival,” says Mayor Michelle Kaufusi. “It is a wonderful way to connect with your neighbors, friends, and family, and to appreciate the freedoms we enjoy in our beautiful nation.”
Tonight, legendary rock band Journey will headline Stadium of Fire – an annual Provo tradition held at Lavell Edwards Stadium at Brigham Young University. The event will feature musical performances, fireworks, patriotic festivities, and… tons of traffic.
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For locals, this can be problematic. Provo City has announced road closures surrounding the event. Barricades will be placed in the following locations to help keep things orderly:
At the intersection of E University Parkway and N 150 E headed north and east.
At the intersection of E University Parkway and N 450 E headed west.
At the intersection of W University Parkway and University Avenue headed East.
At the intersection of Stadium Avenue and N 150 E headed east and south.
Residents of Provo just witnessed a remarkable event. The U.S. Air Force and Utah Air National Guard’s air refuelers took flight over northern and central Utah on Tuesday, commemorating a century of air refueling.
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On June 27, Tuesday, we honor the remarkable achievement of U.S. Army Air Service aviators who successfully executed the first-ever air refueling 100 years ago. It was on this historic day in 1923 when 1st Lts. Virgil Hine and Frank W. Seifert, piloting a DH-4B aircraft, transferred gasoline through a hose to another DH-4B plane carrying Capt. Lowell H. Smith and 1st Lt. John P. Richter.
The inaugural air refueling, once believed to be an impossible feat, marked a new era for combat aircraft. This innovative process enables planes to remain airborne for extended periods, conserving fuel and saving valuable time during long-distance flights.
Provo residents witnessed the flyover between 10:10 and 10:20 AM, with the three aircraft passing directly over BYU campus at 10:13 AM. Watch the flyover in the third slide below.
Provo Tribune: Local News for the Provo/Orem Area 