Tag: Provo Tribune

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State News

Maverik’s Purchase of Kum & Go Chain is Complete

Photo Courtesy of Maverik.
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By Richard Provost

Maverik and its parent company, FJ Management, is a Utah-based gas and convenience store chain that (until recently) operated over 370 locations across Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. The company is one of the largest privately held companies in the United States, with revenues in the billions.

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In April of 2023, the company announced that it would acquire Kum & Go and Solar Transport from Krause Group. 6 months later, the sale has been finalized. Now, Maverik will own and operate over 800 stores in 20 states and employ approximately 14,000 individuals.

“We are excited to welcome Kum & Go and Solar Transport Team Members to Maverik,” said Chuck Maggelet, CEO of Maverik, in a statement. “Together, we’ll offer our customers an adventurous and differentiated convenience store experience across fuel, foodservice, and inside-store offerings. We look forward to using our combined resources to grow our business and further elevate our product offerings to provide the best service to our customers.”

Kum & Go is the 24th-largest convenience store chain in the country and was headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa. To express their support and gratitude for the people of Iowa, Maverik is donating $50,000 to The Des Moines Public Schools Foundation. Maverik’s donation will provide fresh fruits, vegetables, and toiletries at Des Moines Public Schools’ 53 food pantries in schools across the district.

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State News

Plans Announced For Massive Development in Vineyard, Utah

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By Zach Collier

The vista overlooking Utah Lake from Vineyard used to house the Geneva Steel Works. For years, it’s sat barren and empty. Now, 700 acres are being prepared to host Vineyard’s largest development to date: a project called Utah City.

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Developed as a collaboration between The Flagship Companies and Woodbury Corp, this master-planned mixed use community aims to be sustainable, walkable, and transit-focused. Utah City will surpass the Point of the Mountain Development (currently under way and stretching from Lehi to Sandy) by over 100 acres.

Nate Hutchinson, a managing partner of Utah City, emphasizes that this development is intended to cater to everyone – from affluent citizens to those in need of affordable housing. The project officially began with the groundbreaking of 450 multi-family units last week.

By next year, the Huntsman Cancer Institute will break ground, bringing innovation and progress to the heart of Vineyard. The city’s Mayor, Julie Fullmer, has expressed her excitement for the development, grateful for the collaborative efforts involving city leaders, councils, and stakeholders.

Utah City’s master plan was designed by Jeff Speck and the town planning firm DPZ. Utahns will be able to access the community from the 1600 North, 800 North, and Center Street exits along I-15. Utah City will also connect to the Vineyard FrontRunner station.

The project promises 17 million square feet of mixed-use space, 2 million square feet of restaurant space, 2 million square feet of retail space, and 50+ acres of parks and green spaces.

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Provo City News

Provo City Council Primaries are in Full Swing

Photo courtesy of Provo City.
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By Mike Romero

Over the last week, we’ve been spotlighting candidates running for Provo City Council. In Provo, our community is divided up into neighborhoods and districts. Members of the City Council represent districts. For districts with a large number of candidates, these candidates must undergo the Primary Election process.

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This year, only candidates for the Citywide II Seat are listed on the ballot for the primaries. The purpose of the Primary Election is to narrow down the number of candidates for the general election. The two candidates with the most votes advance to the general ballot. District 1, District 3, and District 4 already have a narrow number of candidates, so they bypass the Primary Election process.

The candidates for the Citywide II primaries are:

While the Primary Election is Tuesday, September 5, mail-in ballots have already been sent out to Provo residents who are active, registered voters, and voting is already underway. A postage paid envelope should have been provided for convenience, but to save taxpayer dollars, Utah County has provided several drop box locations. Ballots returned by mail must be postmarked before election day.

Alternatively, you can drop your ballot off at an early voting location or an Election Day voting location. You can find a location near you here. While the deadline to register to vote in the Citywide II primaries has passed, voters may register to vote at an early voting location or at a polling location on Election Day. You’ll need to bring at least two forms of identification to the polling location to prove your citizenship and residency. The deadline to register to vote online is November 10.

The Primary Election is September 5, 2023. The General Election is November 21, 2023. Ballots will not be accepted after 8 PM on these days.

If you did not receive your ballot or need a replacement ballot, call Utah County at 801-851-8128. 

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Provo City News

Meet the Candidates for Provo City Council: Nathan Smith Jones

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A Note from the Provo Tribune Editorial Team

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.”

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Provo City News

Meet the Candidates for Provo City Council: McKay R. Jensen

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A Note from the Provo Tribune Editorial Team

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.

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Provo City News

Meet the Candidates for Provo City Council: Wendy Ahlman

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A Note from the Provo Tribune Editorial Team

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.

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Provo City News

Meet the Candidates for Provo City Council: Gary Garrett

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A Note from the Provo Tribune Editorial Team

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.

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Provo City News

Meet the Candidates for Provo City Council: Joseph Penrose

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A Note from the Provo Tribune Editorial Team

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.

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Provo City News

Meet the Candidates for Provo City Council: Stan Jensen

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A Note from the Provo Tribune Editorial Team

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.”

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Provo City News

Meet the Candidates for Provo City Council: Craig Christensen

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A Note from the Provo Tribune Editorial Team

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.

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