Coal port embroiled in second lawsuit
By Robert Stevens
01-17-2019
OAKLAND—The developer of a controversial shipping terminal being built to export Utah coal is suing Oakland City for a second time after the city revoked the terminal’s 66-year lease last month.
In a 50-page complaint filed in Alameda County Superior Court on Tuesday, Dec. 4, Phil Tagami, developer of the Oakland Bulk & Oversized Terminal (OBOT), claimed the city is redoubling efforts to halt construction of the coal port.
Tagami ducked the city’s first attempt to shut down the port in May after a federal judge overturned Oakland City’s attempt to ban on the storage and handling of bulk coal in the city.
The complaint in the current lawsuit states the city is now attacking the project by claiming OBOT defaulted on its lease at the former Oakland Army Base, which is now owned by the city. The city gave Tagami 72 hours to vacate the property.
“In one egregious omission or act after another, the city has failed to perform its material obligations under the lease and development agreement, and has aggressively taken steps to prevent OBOT’s performance under the lease, and receipt of its benefit…thereunder,” Tagami’s complaint states.
The plan for the $250 million port, supported by the Utah Legislature, and county commissions in Sanpete, Sevier, Carbon and Emery counties, is to transport up to 10 million tons of coal mined in central Utah per year by train to Oakland. From there, the coal would be exported to Asia.
In the first court battle, the Oakland City Council claimed multiple studies had found that trains carrying coal give off dust that can cause asthma or cancer. The city claimed emissions from OBOT would reduce air quality in West Oakland.
Tagami’s counter argument was that the ban on transport and handling of coal violated a 2013 development agreement between OBOT and the city. He argued the city was aware the terminal might handle coal before signing the development agreement.
Tagami claimed the city succumbed to political pressure after Sanpete, Emery, Carbon and Sevier counties announced they would invest $53 million in the project to export Central Utah coal, and the plan drew opposition from environmental groups.
In court, Tagami claimed the city pressured the environmental science firm Environmental Science Associates (ESA) to produce a report that would “support a coal ban.”
His lawyers successfully argued that the report was based on incorrect estimates of the port’s potential emissions.
U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria overturned the ban, and found Oakland in breach of the development agreement by adopting the ban without “substantial evidence” that exporting coal was a “substantial danger” to people in Oakland.
“As a practical matter, this renders the coal ordinance a nullity, because the only reason the city adopted it was to restrict OBOT’s operations, and OBOT is the only facility in Oakland to which it could conceivably apply,” Chhabria ruled.
In the new complaint against the city, OBOT lawyers claim the city has tried to obstruct the port’s completion over the last four years by implementing “inappropriate and unwarranted additional layers of legal review,” blocking OBOT’s funding and permitting efforts with outside regulatory agencies. Tagami’s side also claims the city has refused to turn over possession of the army-base property where the port is to be located.
A couple of months ago, OBOT was served with a three-day notice to cure an alleged lease default or vacate the property.
The city claimed OBOT had defaulted on the 66-year lease by failing to start construction by a date set forth in the lease.
Tagami denied the city’s claim based on the argument that the city had hampered him from fulfilling the lease obligations.
“The city’s latest tactic—falsely asserting that its lease with OBOT has automatically terminated as the result of a claimed default that did not occur—speaks volumes about the city’s misguided attempts to eliminate this project in violation of its long-standing contractual commitments,” the complaint in Tagami’s lawsuit states.
OBOT’s developers are requesting a court order forbidding the City of Oakland from sabotaging the project any further, saying they’ve invested more than $30 million in the export terminal so far and will lose more than $100 million in damages if they can’t complete it.
Meanwhile, six Oakland community and environmental groups took legal action on Monday, Dec. 17 in the U.S. Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit, to defend the city’s original ban measures against coal storage and handling in bulk-goods facilities.
This is one of two storage units in Gunnison where at least six suspects, all described as drug addicts, stored thousands of items stolen from Sevier and Sanpete counties.
Investigators find thousands of stolen items in storage units
By James Tilson
01-17-2019
MANTI—After an investigation running at least five months and spanning from Mt. Pleasant to Richfield, the Sanpete County Sheriff’s Office has arrested six suspects and found thousands of items stolen from various parts of Sanpete and Sevier counties.
The apparent thieves operated independently of each other. Their connection was that they all took their goods to the same two storage units.
And, according to Sanpete County Attorney Kevin Daniels, the suspects have one other thing in common: They are all drug addicts.
Initially, the Sheriff’s Office had several investigations going that did not seem to have any connection. That changed when Deputies Dallin Pace and Breezy Anderson served an arrest warrant on Breonna Thurston on Nov. 7, 2018 at a residence north of Ephraim.
During the arrest, they noticed several firearms along with ammunition. Knowing Thurston was a convicted felon and restricted from possessing firearms, the deputies obtained a search warrant for the residence.
While searching the residence, they found drug paraphernalia. The deputies obtained another search warrant for drugs. During a further search, items matching known stolen goods turned up. Pace and Anderson contacted another deputy who had been investigating thefts in the county and confirmed the identity of the stolen items.
From the information obtained at the residence, deputies obtained a search warrant for two storage units in Gunnison. That search turned up the thousands of items. Deputies identified items from reported thefts in Richfield, Salina, Gunnison, Ephraim and Mt. Pleasant, among other locations.
Sanpete County Attorney Kevin Daniels said the thieves stole “anything that wasn’t nailed down.” Daniels described the crime operation as a “headless hydra.” The suspects’ main connection was that they all knew Breonna Thurston, who had leased the storage units.
Three suspects received fairly minor charges. Sean Clark was charged with one count of obstruction of justice. Wyatt Clark was charged with possession of a controlled substances. Chris Brown was charged with a probation violation and possession of a controlled substance.
Three other suspects face more extensive charges. Chris Thurston, who is currently in jail for a previous conviction, faces four counts of burglary and theft.
Garrett Clark faces 16 counts, including possession of a stolen financial transaction card, identity theft, forgery, burglary, theft and possession of a stolen firearm. He also has outstanding charges in Utah County of possession of a firearm by a restricted person and possession of controlled substances.
Breonna Thurston is facing 22 counts, including unlawful use or possession of a financial transaction card, identity theft, forgery, burglary, theft and possession of stolen firearms. At the time of arrest, she had outstanding charges of DUI and possession of controlled substances in Sanpete County.
Daniels is already seeking to have the defendants accept plea offers in hopes of resolving the cases quickly. He said two of the defendants had been given offers to go to drug court. The county attorney said all of the defendants are addicts and repeat offenders with whom he has had previous dealings. As such, he wants to make sure they address their addiction as well as take responsibility for their actions.
“If you eliminate the addiction, you eliminate future burglaries. Its crime prevention and crime punishment all in one,” Daniels said.
Primary suspect admits guilt in Gunnison Valley High abuse case
By Robert Stevens
01-17-2019
MANTI—The primary suspect in the Gunnison Valley High School sex abuse case admitted his guilt in 6th District Juvenile Court on Tuesday. He is scheduled to be sentenced in 6-8 weeks.
“I feel like the case turned out very well,” Wes Mangum, deputy county attorney, said following the hearing. “I feel Gunnison police did a fantastic job in the investigation, talking to all the witnesses and gathering evidence….I think this resolution is in the best interests in not only the victims, but also the juvenile suspect. “
In a plea agreement, the sophomore football player, who was charged as the main perpetrator in the case, admitted to eight counts of forcible sexual assault, all second-degree felonies. Several counts of object rape, which would have been first-degree felonies, were dismissed as part of the deal.
The case came to light after a victim came forward saying three boys had assaulted him before football practice. During the subsequent investigation, more than a dozen Gunnison Valley High School students came forward and said they had been subjected to similar assaults.
Now that a plea has been entered, Mangum said all parties involved need to focus on moving forward.
“The juvenile court has kind of a two-fold mission,” Mangum said. “One is you hold juveniles accountable for their actions and make sure justice is received for the victims, but also that you extend mercy and somewhat of an olive branch, because they are juveniles, they are minors, and juvenile court is there to try and rehabilitate those minors and hopefully provide whatever tools are needed to address whatever is causing their actions.”
Mangum says there are bound to be some on the juvenile suspect’s side who may not feel the outcome is fair. But Mangum reiterated that his job was to follow the evidence and, he said, the evidence against the youth was “overwhelming.”
“Now we need to get healing,” he said, “for the community, for the victims and for the suspect. Part of that is learning to accept the outcomes, learning to forgive and learning to move on.”
Officer Carl Wimmer of the Gunnison Valley Police Department, who investigated the assault, said he was satisfied with the outcome.
“Justice has been served,” Wimmer said. “The most important thing out of all of this, though, is that the truth prevailed. There was so much misinformation and lies spread around the community about this case, but now the truth is out, and we need to get on with hope and healing.”
Mangum said his office and the defense counsel would work with juvenile probation to come up with sentencing recommendations.
A civil suit filed in federal court by Misty Cox, the mother of one of the victims, is still pending. Cox claims that school and district authorities knew about incidents of abuse months or years earlier but took no incident.
Cox said when she reported the assault on her son, school authorities downplayed it, saying it was a case of “boys being boys.”
New Year’s baby gets old-time name
MinnieRose named after great-grandmother
By Robert Stevens
01-17-2019
Timothy Trujillo and Sherri Martin named their new baby girl and Gunnison Valley Hospital’s New Year’s baby, MinnieRose Jayda Trujillo, after Sherri’s grandmother, who crossed an ocean on the Queen Mary to start a new life with Sherri’s grandfather, an American G.I.
GUNNISON—Gunnison Valley Hospital’s New Year’s baby made a journey to reach a new world, much like her namesake.
MinnieRose Jayda Trujillo was born to Sherri Martin and Timothy Trujillo of Richfield on Monday, Jan. 7 at 7:31 a.m.
Weighing in at 6 pounds 1 ounce, MinnieRose was 19.5 inches long, and was delivered by Dr. Adam Jensen and Gunnison Valley Hospital nurse, Denice Sorensen.
MinnieRose’s name comes from her great-grandmother, says Martin. The baby’s namesake fell in love with Martin’s grandfather, an American G.I., in London during World War II.
Martin’s grandmother married the G.I. and eventually travelled on the Queen Mary all the way to America to start a new life with him.
Martin, who was born in Gunnison, and Trujillo, who is from Ephraim, made the decision to have their baby delivered in Gunnison Valley Hospital because they say they wanted her to be born there.
“Gunnison [hospital] was so amazing,” Martin says. “We are so glad that we drove there for the delivery. I was born in Gunnison and my oldest son was born in Gunnison. We wanted her to be born there too.”
MinnieRose has three older brothers who live in California, and Martin and Trujillo say they are looking forward to taking a trip to the west coast so the new siblings can meet.
Fairview taking time to consider plans to rebuild main water line
By Suzanne Dean
Publisher
01-17-2019
FAIRVIEW—Mayor David Taylor was anxious to move ahead on selecting an engineering firm for a project that includes applying for emergency federal funding and ultimately rebuilding the main Fairview culinary water line.
But at a special meeting last week, the Fairview City Council said, in essence, “Not so fast.”
Ultimately, the council decided to take a week to look over proposals submitted by three engineering firms and to hold a work meeting on the matter prior to the regular council meeting tonight (Thursday).
The council decided to forego calling in the three engineering firms that submitted proposals, but to call in Justin Jackson, the city water and sewer superintendent, to get his take on the proposals.
In October, 2018, Jackson, and his assistant, Logan Ludvigson, reported on an examination of the 13,500 foot line.
The findings, including sagging pipes over a stream crossing, pipes that hadn’t been changed out since 1939 and pipes damaged by falling trees, prompted the city to issue a request-for-proposals from engineering firms.
The purpose of the special meeting last Thursday, Jan. 10, was to look at responses from the three firms.
Taylor said if the council approved one of the firms that night, the city should know by March whether it could get funding under the Emergency Community Water Assistance Grant (ECWAG) program, sponsored by USDA Rural Development.
The program is designed to help cities and towns whose culinary water supply has dropped because of the drought.
Fairview should qualify because the volume of water running from four mountain springs into its main culinary line, a line supplying 50 percent of the town’s water, has dropped 21 percent over the past three years.
Mayor Taylor felt the best proposal was the one from Jones and Demille Engineering of Richfield.
The initial version of the Jones and Demille proposal estimated the total project would cost about $1.3 million. But the maximum amount of an ECWAG grant is $1 million.
The city asked Jones and Demille if it could pare down its proposal. The firm did. It came back with a bottom line of $998,556, a shade under $1 million. The second set of numbers even included a $72,000 contingency fund.
That figure included estimated charges for grant preparation and all other engineering of $199,700.
A second firm, Horrocks Engineers of Pleasant Grove, quoted engineering costs, including grant preparation, at $352,000. It estimated total project costs, including engineering and construction, at $1.9 million.
A third firm, Franson Civil Engineering of American Fork, quoted engineering costs at $190,890, a little below the Jones and Demille estimate. But it estimated total project costs at $1.57 million.
“There’s quite a spread between them,” said Councilman Casey Anderson. “I don’t feel comfortable voting tonight.”
“This is an estimate,” Councilman Cliff Wheeler said. “The costs could change, based on the cost of materials or problems that might arise. If that happened, where would we get the money?”
Taylor said the city would have to seek a combination grant and loan from the Utah Community Impact Board. That would mean some of the money would have to be paid back.
“The sooner we get going, the sooner we know what we’re doing or not doing,” said Councilman Robert St. Jacques.
At that point, the council decided to hold the follow-up work meeting, to ask water superintendent Jackson to be there, and to try to make a determination then.
Fairview continues to find and fix related water management problems
By Suzanne Dean
Publisher
01-17-2019
FAIRVIEW—At the same time Fairview has identified significant problems with its main culinary water line, it has made important improvements in other parts of its water system.
Last summer, the pump started going out at one of its wells, Well No. 4, located in the foothills southeast of town.
In addition, a camera examination showed holes were forming in a lining in the well shaft. Rocks and other debris in the well casing were falling through the holes into the water.
The city put out an urgent request for citizens to conserve water—and then shut down the well. Then the city replaced the pump and sealed the breaks in the lining.
Mayor David Taylor says the well won’t last indefinitely “but it’s good enough for now.”
He noted that the city has abundant rights to water coming off the mountains east of town. If the city can repair its four springs there and possibly develop additional mountain springs, it might get to the point where it won’t need supplementary wells.
The city has also dealt with the problem of aging, balky water meters that weren’t measuring water use accurately.
About two years ago, Jackson reported there was a huge gap between the number of gallons of water being delivered to connections and the number of gallons the city was billing people for.
The city had been replacing water meters a few at a time for several years. Last year, it took out a loan from a bank to finish the job.
According to Taylor, by year-end, it had replaced 400 out of 600 meters. Taylor said the final 200 meters should be in by April.
The meters can be read from a city truck going down the street with a hand-held device.
If a connection shows excessive water usage, signifying a possible leak, the software that comes with the meters enables the city to go back and detect the day and time usage spiked upward.
“It’ll allow us to better manage water use. I’d say it’s a win-win for the city and the citizens,” he said.
Fountain Green Theatre to put on film festival
By Robert Green
01-17-2019
FOUNTAIN GREEN—A short film based on the book from local author Jenni James, “Not Cinderella’s Type,” will be aired at the Short and Sweet Film Festival on Friday and Saturday at the Fountain Green Theatre.
Most of the films aired at the new film festival will be short vignettes, but as a tribute to the town of Fountain Green, James’ feature-length film (about 100 minutes) will be shown on Friday at 7 p.m. Many of the extras in the film were from Sanpete County, James said.
The film festival is being produced by Warren Workman, who puts on the Utah Film Festival in Provo every year, James said. “He became enchanted when he came to Fountain Green and wanted to do something fun and charming here,” she said.
“Not Cinderella’s Type” is a novel that has just exploded in popularity. James wrote the book in 2016 while living in Fountain Green. As a novelist with over 45 published books, she came to Fountain Green from Bountiful to escape the crowds and attention she was attracting.
The novel is about a girl who is trying to escape emotional abuse. It is a teen story with a great deal of realism, James said.
James was approached by a producer who wanted to make a video of the book and paid James to write the screenplay.
All events will be held at the Fountain Green Theatre on Main Street. On Friday, “short and sweet” films will play nonstop, starting at 10 a.m. “Not Cinderella’s Type” will air at 7 p.m.
On Saturday, starting at noon, short and sweet films will play nonstop. There will be an awards ceremony at 6 p.m., and a potluck meet and greet will be held at 7 p.m. Be sure to bring a dish to share.
If you’d like more information on Jenni James, visit her website at www.thejennijames.com.
Messenger helped consolidation of high schools in 1956
01-17-2019
I read with interest the article labeled, “Sanpete Messenger celebrates 125th anniversary,” which appeared in your Nov. 22 edition.
In particular, I noted the comment by R. LaVaun Cox, who served as publisher between 1946 and 1960. Those were the years in which I went through the public school system—elementary school in Sterling, junior high and high school in Manti, and then Snow College in Ephraim.
Publisher Cox mentions the peacemaker role undertaken by the Messenger over the years. I can attest to one major change where that contribution was very important.
During the summer of 1956, between my junior and senior year, the schools in Manti and Ephraim were consolidated. There was great angst in both communities, as well as both student bodies. The focus was on what each had lost rather than what each had gained. We seemed certain a great mistake had been made.
The apprehension was misguided. Each would profit. Manti’s athletic program was stronger, but by the end of the first year after consolidation, it was clear to me that I would have to ratchet up my emphasis on academics to be competitive with the students from Ephraim. I was not alone. It was a wake-up call—especially for the boys.
In retrospect, I think it is clear that the merger worked wonders, not only for the junior high and high school, but for higher education in Ephraim. Before the merger, students attended high school on campus. Afterward, the college’s limited facilities were no longer filled with high school students, and its enrollment shot upward.
In the fall of 1957, along with most of my classmates, I became part of what I believe was the largest freshman class in the history of the college up to that time. Since then, the college has continued upward in numbers and quality, and now ranks at the top of junior colleges in America.
I have no doubt that the Sanpete Messenger helped facilitate this remarkable and most important achievement, but there were many others deserving of credit and thanks.
On the broader front, Manti and Ephraim cooperation has also had a positive influence on the local economy and will continue to do so during the years that lie ahead. Similarly, the consolidation of the newspapers, which you have now accomplished, is likely to produce a stronger product with a corresponding positive impact.
I extend sincere congratulations to all who have helped achieve these cooperative advances over many years and wish for ongoing success in this special part of Utah.
Kay McIff
Richfield, Utah
It’s not hard to protect gardens from deer
01-17-2019
This letter to the editor is regarding the article by James Tilson; “Manti looking for solutions to deer that are causing some residents ‘to give up on gardens.”
I find it interesting that people choose to move/build in the beautiful rural mountains of Sanpete, overtaking not only deer habitat but other wildlife too, and then have the gall to complain and blame the deer for messing up their own habitat.
As a homeowner, if you want to plant a garden, it should be up to you to do the research and take the necessary steps to protect your plants from any wildlife you do not want to share it with.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website has plenty of ‘researched’ information to assist homeowners and with a few more clicks of the mouse, you can probably find more than enough information to help you deal with deer in your yard.
I believe council meeting might be better spent discussing and doing something about the thousands of deer killed on our Utah roads. Protecting drivers by building fences and crossing along our Sanpete County roadways seems a more valuable use of time and resources.
Randall J. Cox
Sterling
Austin Michael Bennett
Austin Michael Bennett earns Eagle Scout Award
01-17-2019
Austin Michael Bennett of Mayfield Troop 569 was recently awarded the rank of Eagle Scout. Austin wishes to thank all of those who have helped him in obtaining his Eagle Scout.
He is the son of Mike and Amanda Bennett of Mayfield. Grandparents are Joe and Lynda Bennett of Manti and Robert and Diane Christiansen of Mayfield.
Beverly Hansen
Beverly Hansen celebrates 80th
This lovely lady is turning 80.
Happy Birthday Grandma B and mom, (Beverly Hansen), Ephraim
We all love you.
Susie Johnson Walser
Susie Johnson Walser
01-17-2019
Beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, Susie Johnson Walser, died Jan. 10, 2019, in Mesa, Arizona, where she had lived for just over three years.
Susie was born on Sept. 11, 1932, in Lovell, Wyoming, to Samuel Alonzo and Susannah Hopkin Johnson. She had two older brothers, Marvin and Delbert “Bud”; one older sister, Myrna Smith; and a younger brother, Fred.
She spent her earlier years in Lovell, until the family moved to Roundup, Montana. Susie learned to work hard helping her family at home, on the ranch, and in their store. Before she graduated from high school, they had moved back to Lovell, then to Billings, Montana, and then to a ranch community north of Billings.
Susie attended and graduated from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, with a degree in Elementary Education. While attending college she was a member of the BYU acapella choir, sharing her beautiful voice in many venues, including two trips to Europe. She was often asked to solo for special occasions and loved music her entire life.
After graduation she taught first grade in Bakersfield, California, then in Salt Lake City. In later years she taught fifth and sixth grades in Gunnison.
Susie met and fell in love with Kenneth Walser and they were married for time and eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on March 2, 1955. They were blessed with five children: Jon Kenneth, David Kimball, Neal Johnson, Alice Renee Glidewell, and Catherine Jane Kellner. They have lived in Utah, Alaska, Washington, California, and Arizona. Susie is preceded in death by her sweetheart, Kenneth; her parents; and her older brothers, Marvin and Bud.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019 at 11 a.m. in the Manti Tabernacle, where friends may call from 9:30-10:30 a.m. A viewing will be held prior in Arizona at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona, on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019 from 6-8 p.m.
As a family, we wish to express our gratitude for the many individuals who have loved and cared for Susie during her lifetime, and particularly in her later years. She was a strong, independent woman who supported her husband and raised her children in righteousness. She is the best example of love and kindness towards others. She will be missed, but we know she is ours forever. “I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.”
Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com.
Stephen Edward Prestwich
Stephen “Steve” Edward Prestwich
01-17-2019
Stephen “Steve” Edward Prestwich, 69 of Moroni, passed away at home Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019 surrounded by his loved ones.
He was born Feb. 12, 1949 in American Fork, to Edward and Bonnie Prestwich. He Married Janica “Jana” Jensen on April 5, 1985 in Provo, and they were later sealed in the Manti Temple.
They were together for 38 years, 33 of which they were married. Steve spent most of his career logging. He enjoyed spending time at the mountains with his family. He loved sitting by the campfire and playing his flute.
Steve and Jana enjoyed spending time together babysitting their grandchildren. He taught Primary for over six years along with his wife and loved every minute. He loved his family and supported them in all they did. He was a great husband, friend, brother, father and grandfather. He had a positive impact on all who were blessed to be a part of his life.
Steve is survived by his mother, Bonnie; wife Jana; children Jesse (Callie) Wright; Stephen (Cresha) Wright; Donavon (Spring) Wright; Sarah Prestwich; Mindy Prestwich; Zeb (Kaylee) Prestwich; Kira (David) Fonseca; Jeremy Prestwich; Travis (Keesha) Prestwich; Mike Mooney; Kyle (Amberlee) Jackson; siblings, Brenda Prestwich; Rick (Suzy) Prestwich; Cindy (Thane) Ferre; 36 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren.
Preceded in death by his father Edward; son Mike Collins; sisters, Christine Prestwich, Lori Nelson, son-in-law Kenny Olson.
Funeral services will be held Friday, Jan. 18, 2019 at 1 p.m. in the Moroni Stake Center with a viewing from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. prior to service at the church.
Interment in the Moroni City Cemetery. Online condolences rasmussenmortuary.com
Roland King Frandsen
Roland King Frandsen
01-17-2019
Roland King Frandsen, 77, of Manti passed away Jan. 9, 2019 at his home.
He was born Feb. 20, 1941 to Loomis Frandsen and Lillian Fidelia Stutznegger Frandsen. He is survived by his wife, Jeralee Ross Frandsen, whom he married on Sept. 11, 1963.
Roland had a keen mechanical mind, and loved to tinker and build, even from an early age. He also had a mischievous sense of humor. Sometimes, these qualities would combine.
When he was nine years old, he took a toy pedal-car, and motorized it. He promptly took it down Main Street in Manti, where he was pulled over for no license and no windshield.
When he was 13, he took left-over materials and built his own Ferris-wheel.
Roland raised his children on motorcycles. Every summer, he would take his family back to Manti to go up in the mountains to camp and ride.
Roland was gregarious, always talking to people he met, and doing things to help others. All of his neighbors have been the recipient of his neighborly assistance and good deeds.
Roland was active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served on two full-time missions, one stake mission in Phoenix, and one in Yuma, Arizona. He served as a counselor in the Quechan Stake Presidency in El Centro, Calif and was a temple worker in Manti for nine years.
Roland is survived by his wife; his children Lori Layton, Glendale, Arizona, David Frandsen, Yuma, Arizona, Diane Larsen, Manti, Mark Frandsen, Yuma, Arizona, and Marie Frandsen, Manti; and his siblings, Louise Clement, Lynn Frandsen, Herman Frandsen, Lillian Valene Brown, and Darleen Pratt.
Roland is also survived by 21 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
Roland is preceded in death by his son, Kevin Frandsen, and his siblings Margie Criddle, John Frandsen, Clyde Frandsen, Glen Frandsen, Dean Frandsen and Dennis Frandsen.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 26 at 11 a.m. at the Manti Utah Stake Center.
Herta L. Strate
Herta L. Strate
01-17-2019
We lost a stalwart example of love and sacrifice in our family on Jan. 9, 2019 as Herta L. Strate passed away in the early morning hours at the home of her daughter in Payson, Utah, surrounded by family.
She was so loved, over 130 people visited her in the days preceding her death. She loved everyone unconditionally and they loved her in return.
She married her eternal sweetheart on Jan. 5, 1951 in the Salt Lake Temple. In their later years they served as ordinance workers in the Manti Temple for 21 years.
Herta was born to Otto Paul Ludwig and Hedwig Frieda Arlt on April 12, 1926 in Lieppe, Hoyersverda, Germany. At the age of four her family immigrated to America, settling in the Salt Lake Valley.
Life was hard for this immigrant family as they struggled to make ends meet. They lived in several different places for her father’s work. As a German family here in Utah during WWII they weren’t always treated very well. Mom decided at a very young, tender age that she was always going to show love to all and she always did.
Herta had a strong faith in her Savior, Jesus Christ and she was very active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was president of the Primary, Young Women organization and Relief Society. She also served as a teacher in all of these organizations. She also taught in Primary for many years, co-teaching some of that time with her husband, Kent.
She touched many lives for good. She also served as a visiting teacher most of her married life. When she could no longer visit her sisters in person she mailed something to them each month, sending her last visiting teaching message in December 2018. In the last eight years she indexed over 300,000 names for the temple.
She was very supportive of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She attended the temple with a great-grandchild in November 2018. She so loved her family. They were everything to her.
She welcomed into her home with open arms to Navajo children on the Lamanite placement program run by the Church for several years. Roger spent three years and his sister, Juanita spent eight years with the Strate family while they were going to school.
Herta is survived by her children: Herta Jean (Dan) Nielson and David Kent (Janene) Strate of Ephraim; MehlRee (Lyle) Snell, Orem; LuDean (Darrell) White, Payson; Ruth Ann (Hal) Williams, Spring City; son-in-law Alan (Lisa) Cox; her Lamanite children, Roger (Becky) Morgan, Crownpoint, New Mexico and Juanita Morgan, Gallup, New Mexico.
With her Lamanite family and Alan and Lisa’s new family Herta has 43 grandchildren and 97 great-grandchildren of whom she unconditionally loved.
She was preceeded in death by her husband, Kent and her daughter, Ellen, her parents, siblings Else Haws, Martin Ludwig, Herbert Ludwig and Otto Paul Ludwig.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019 at 11 a.m. There will be a viewing 9:30- 10:30 a.m. Saturday morning and 6-8 p.m. Friday evening. The funeral and viewings will be held in the Spring City Chapel on 164 S. Main in Spring City, Utah. Interment in the Spring City Cemetery. Online condolence rasmussenmortuary.com.
2018 Celebrating the Season