Across Sanpete County, green fields are turning yellow and dusty under a hot sun, reminding residents that the snow that normally feeds the region’s streams, reservoirs and livelihoods simply never came.
Adapted from the award-winning book Exiled by Helene Holt, the Spirit of Freedom Pageant tells the story of the Rev. John Lothropp. In 17th-century England, when the Church of England was the country’s established faith, Lothropp chose imprisonment and exile rather than abandon his religious beliefs.
Moroni rancher and turkey grower Kent Christensen has been named the 2026 Sanpete County King Cowboy, joining a line of respected cattlemen and horsemen whose ranks stretch back to 1949.
SALT LAKE CITY—Gov. Spencer Cox declared a state of emergency Thursday, June 25, authorizing fireworks restrictions statewide. The action allows the state forester to ban fireworks regardless of whether they are located on state, unincorporated or municipal land.
EPHRAIM—The Ephraim City Council has approved the Sidewalk Management, Maintenance and Inspection Program, designed to create a systematic approach to identifying hazards and repairing defective sidewalks. The program also calls for a master plan to add sidewalks in high-priority areas where they are missing.
MANTI—Sanpete County commissioners approved the purchase of a second license plate reader for the Sanpete County Sheriff’s Office during their June 16 meeting.
GUNNISON—The Gunnison City Council took no action May 13 on a proposed mixed-use development on the old Gunnison Valley Elementary School property after developer Joshua Flake of Gunnison asked to postpone the conditional-use permit discussion. Mayor Mike Wanner noted that Flake said he could not attend the meeting. He then asked City Administrator, Dennis Marker…
From the Scandinavian Heritage Festival running Friday through Saturday to the “Take-the-Oath” Xtreme Bulls Rodeo on Monday, there will be plenty to do in Sanpete County this coming Memorial Day weekend. Aside from those two “headliner” events, Friends of Historic Spring City will stage its annual Heritage Day on Saturday. And various towns will put…
MANTI—The Sanpete County Planning Commission discussed developing ordinances on solar farms and data centers during a meeting Tuesday, May 5. Noting the county currently has no ordinances or zoning provisions addressing either use, Vice Chair Claudia Jarrett said establishing regulations is necessary to protect residents and guide future development if such proposals emerge. No public…
FAIRVIEW—The Fairview City Hall was packed during a recent city council meeting as graduates of the North Valley Citizens Police Academy were recognized for completing a six-week program designed to give residents a firsthand look at modern law enforcement. North Valley Police Department Chief Steve Gray and Officer Trevor Painter presented certificates of completion to…
EPHRAIM—This year’s class is graduating into uncertain times, especially with the advent of artificial intelligence, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing, Sydnee S. Dickson, former Utah superintendent of public instruction, told Snow College graduates last week. “Uncertain times are not the enemy of opportunity, they’re the birthplace of it,” Dickson told graduates Friday, May…
SALT LAKE CITY—Preservation Utah gave its 2026 Heritage Organization Award to Friends of Historic Spring City during an awards program Tuesday in Salt Lake City. The award was one of 10 handed out in the Community Stewardship category during the program at Memorial House, a restored event center in Memory Grove. The Heritage Organization Award…
MANTI—In Sanpete County, water does not begin at a tap, a meter, or a city council meeting.It begins as snow on the mountains. That simple fact has shaped farming, town growth and household water use for generations. It also explains why one bad snow year can move quickly from the high country into hay fields,…
MANTI—The Sanpete County Commission signed off on April 21 on a new interlocal agreement with county cities for the 2027 municipal election cycle. County Clerk Linda Christiansen presented a proposed 2027 interlocal cooperation agreement between Sanpete County and the county’s cities for municipal elections. The meeting agenda listed the item as a discussion and potential…
EPHRAIM — Snow College leaders, students and family members gathered Monday to dedicate the college’s new wellness center, a facility they said will help students address mental health challenges and stay on track toward completing their education. The center opened at 191 S. Main St. and includes a wing named for Ruth Delilah Jensen. Snow…