MANTI—The Sanpete County Commission has taken the first steps toward raising property taxes in order to generate just under $965,000 in additional revenue for employee compensation. The action prompted comments from residents through social media about whether they could afford the increase and whether extra money should go toward salaries. A public hearing is scheduled…
SPRING CITY—One volunteer in her 80s couldn’t do much of the heavy lifting during this year’s community potato harvest. Her hands made physical work difficult, but she could still open bags and hand them to the people filling them. It was a small contribution to an enormous undertaking, but to Neil Sorensen, the Spring City…
MT. PLEASANT—North Sanpete sheep rancher Carson Jorgensen is helping lead a national push for restrictions on lamb imports, with federal officials nearing a decision that could affect sheep producers across the United States. Jorgensen joined sheep ranchers and industry representatives from across the country at an Oct. 16 hearing before the U.S. International Trade Commission…
FAIRVIEW—Brad Welch, CEO and general manager of Fairview-based CentraCom, has been named to the board of directors of USTelecom, a national trade association representing broadband and telecommunications providers. USTelecom announced the appointment Oct. 23, placing Welch among industry leaders who help guide the association’s work on broadband policy, network investment and expanding Internet access across…
MANTI—The Sanpete County Commission gave conditional approval Oct. 20 for a major Gunnison City waterline project, heard updates on a regional fiber-optic network and approved several public safety grants, infrastructure agreements and personnel changes. The Gunnison project received considerable discussion as city representatives outlined plans to install 16-inch and 12-inch waterlines along Farmer’s Freeway west…
EPHRAIM—A U.S. Census tract on the west side of Ephraim has been nominated to be a Federal Opportunity Zone, a designation that can give people who invest in businesses in the zone significant federal tax breaks. The zone runs roughly from 100 East west to the Sanpete County Regional Airport. It encompasses most of the…
Skyline Music Studio is seeking community support to establish free weekly music performances throughout Sanpete County, giving young musicians opportunities to perform before live audiences and develop their skills. Kayden Thomas of Ephraim organized a GoFundMe campaign titled “Help Build a Music Scene for Sanpete Youth” on Oct. 12 to raise money for sound equipment,…
FAIRVIEW—A Fairview woman has developed a mobile app designed to connect people who need help with everyday household tasks with others looking to earn extra income. Geena Schaugaard, founder of Need It Today, said she created the app after recognizing two challenges facing families: the rising cost of living and the difficulty of finding help…
There were errors in coverage of the 4th Congressional District debate in the Voter Guide distributed with the Oct. 22 Messenger and left in locations around the county. The caption under the photo says Mike Kennedy is on the left and Jonny Larsen on the right. In fact, Larsen is on the left and Kennedy…
A story Oct. 15 headlined, “Detentions raise questions about ICE tactics as additional immigrants picked up in Gunnison Valley,” said the Messenger had made two attempts to reach Jason Adamson, chief of the Gunnison Valley Police Department, to ask if he had any knowledge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) picking up immigrants in…
By Maria Ricks Irrigation board members and water masters from across Sanpete County will have a chance to learn about groundwater, water meters and changing water laws at the Water Education and Training Day on Wednesday, Nov. 4. The training will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. at the County Fairgrounds Event Center, 521…
Compiled by Maddison Nielson Friday, Oct. 30 Snow College “The Magic Spotlight” Concert—Step into a world where music and magic come together! Join Snow College’s Horne School of Music for The Music, The Magic Spotlight Concert, an enchanting evening filled with memorable melodies, captivating performances, and music the whole family will enjoy. Directed by Brian…
GUNNISON—Gunnison officials told Utah Department of Corrections leaders Wednesday, Oct. 14, that protecting the city's water supply and future population growth must be considered in any proposed expansion of the Central Utah Correctional Facility (CUCF). During a work meeting with the Gunnison City Council, corrections officials outlined plans to address a growing statewide prison population,…
Council wary of request for 25-year development agreement MT. PLEASANT—The Mt. Pleasant City Council postponed action on a proposed 62.4-acre housing development Oct. 13 as members raised additional concerns about a development agreement that could govern the project for 25 years. The proposed planned unit development (PUD) is located south of Aspen Village Mobile Home…
EPHRAIM—About 30 people gathered in front of Ephraim City Hall Saturday for the fourth nationwide “No Kings” rally since July 2025. Unlike past rallies, there were no speeches. Instead, participants held up signs, many urging people to “vote early” and at least to vote. A typical sign said, “Read, think, vote.” One large sign read,…