Concert to Honor Soldiers

"America's fighting men and women will be honored at this summer's Pony Express Days with a "Low Dough" country concert featuring songwriter and country music star Darryl Worley and country artist Josh Gracin.

The Eagle Mountain City Council inked the contract earlier this month, according to spokeswoman Linda Peterson.

The concert, dubbed "A Salute to Our Troops," is co-sponsored by country radio station K-Bull 93 FM. The concert is the culminating event at the city celebration on June 6 at the Silverlake Amphitheatre, 7920 N. Silverlake Parkway.

Tickets for the concert are $15, with a special price for active duty members of the military of $12, with a limit six tickets for each military member. Tickets are expected to go on sale in January and will be available through Smith'sTix and at Eagle Mountain City Hall, 1650 E. Stagecoach Run, Peterson said." - Deseret News

Eagle Mtn. Top Stories 2008

What were the top stories in Eagle Mountain for 2008?

Here's what I've come up with. These are in no particular order.

Silver Lake Village nightmare

Eagle Mountain City once again successfully challenges census

UTA coming to Eagle Mountain

Eagle Mountain grocery store approved


Completion of the trail between City Center and the Ranches
Eagle Mountain first annual Turkey Trot

Norovirus outbreak at Ranches Academy

Eagle Mountain library bans afternoon online gaming


Eagle Mountain Skate Park Opens

Eagle Mountain adopts fake lawn

Child abuse charges against Eagle Mountain couple

Ex-mayor Olsen found not guilty

Prison time for Ex-mayoral candidate Culbertson

Eagle Mtn. Babies

Utah soon will start collecting more detailed information when a baby is born.

Starting Jan. 1, state birth questionnaires will include several new topics, including whether mothers chose Caesarean section, if artificial insemination was used and more in-depth information on the mother's health and background.

The state's current questionnaire is 20 years old and needed updating.

State health officials say the additional information they collect will help develop a more complete picture of Utah's public health.

The birth certificate that parents take home will remain the same, including basic information such as parents' names, place of birth and the baby's weight. -SLTrib

Lane Closures on I-15 in Utah County

"The Utah Department of Transportation wants drivers to be aware of lane closures on Interstate 15 in Utah County tomorrow.

Only one lane will be open to traffic between University Parkway and Center Street in Orem from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Crews will be repairing deteriorating pavement.

UDOT says motorists can expect major delays through the construction zone and are advised to avoid this section of I-15 by exiting on University Parkway and taking either U.S. Highway 89 (State Street) or Geneva Road to Center Street and getting back on the freeway." - ksl.com

Teens More Self-Confident than Previous Generation

"Good news for parents. Teens seem to be more confident in themselves than you were at their age. But if parents aren't careful, they could still mess up their children with high self-esteem.

Go ahead, teens, tell me what you think about yourselves.

One girl told me she thinks she's an "OK person." Others say they think highly of themselves and they don't put themselves down. One boy simply said, "I'm cool." Generally, they had positive things to say.

A survey by researchers at the University of Michigan says more high school seniors in 2006 think they would make good employees, mates and parents compared to seniors in 1975. Some teens I spoke with said that sounds weird. One of them said she believes teens have more pressures now." -Paul Nelson KSL.com

Snow Plows in Eagle Mtn.

Not happy with road conditions in Eagle Mountain when it snows?

Let Eagle Mountain City hear your voice.

Eagle Mountain City (801)789-6603

Or email city administrator John Hendrickson "jhendrickson@emcity.org"

Tough Times for Utah County Sheriff's Office

"Utah County will likely be able to avoid full-time layoffs for the 2009 budget, but as of Tuesday, the sheriff’s department will leave 15 positions unfilled and eight employees will have to take a pay cut.

“I have not filled positions since the middle of the year,” said Sheriff Jim Tracy, who added that actual layoffs or not, service will be diminished." -Daily Herald

Hopefully this means less speed traps coming in and out of Eagle Mountain on Ranches Parkway and Eagle Mountain Blvd.

Forgiveness and Hope in Eagle Mtn.

Who will ever forget the Christ-like example of Gary Ceran?

I hope that I would do the same if ever faced with a similar situation.

KUTV News -- Two years ago Christmas Eve he lost his wife and two of his four kids to a drunk driver.

You would think that’s enough for anyone to hate the holidays but for Gary Ceran its just the opposite.

Christmas has more meaning then ever.

"I think what ended up happening is it really made Christmas more sacred," said Ceran from his home in Eagle Mountain where Christmas decorations can be seen everywhere.

It was early in the morning on December 24th when the Ceran family was coming home from a party with fellow cast members in the play A Christmas Carol.

They where heading eastbound on 53rd sound when a truck coming northbound on 700 west suddenly smashed into them.

The driver of that truck Carlos Prieto was drunk.

"Iit almost felt like my body stopped. i called out to my wife. I just called out Cheryl, Cheryl, Cheryl," said Ceran.

But there was no answer.

47-year-old Cheryl Ceran was killed along with 15-year-old Ian, and 7-year-old Julianna.

"Everybody understands the dangers of drinking and driving everybody knows its wrong its just one of those things where people think they are stronger then they are they think the are less impaired then they are," said Ceran.

Gary's two other children in the car survived the accident.

Through it all Gary has forgiven Prieto who has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Gary re-married in March of this year adding four more children to his family.

So instead of sorrow and pain during the holidays, Gary says its one of peace and forgiveness, for that is what Christmas is about.

Earn Cash by Renting Your Possessions in Eagle Mountain

"A Web site designed to help people rent out their stuff is hoping to do well as the economy has more people looking for ways to save and make cash.

The Web site is called Zilok. Even though it sounds like the name of an ancient warrior, it's actually a place where anyone can go to rent out basically anything you have."-ksl.com

http://www.zilok.com

All Things Eagle Mountain

Come one...come all...

All Things Eagle Mountain is now easier to remember.

http://www.allthingseaglemountain.com

Silver Lake Village Developer is Back, Looking for Money

"The building battle continues over Silver Lake Village in Eagle Mountain on Thursday. The building developer is now back and demanding money from the people living there.

The subdivison was left high and dry by the developer, Steve Jones, a few months ago. They were left in a money pit. ABC 4 showed their story and since the airing the developer cam back asking for money as the Christmas season begins.

The families in the occupied homes said the Home Owners Association, run by their builder disappeared about five months ago. He is back, under the Silver Lake Village HOA, with written letters telling them to pay up for all he has done for them. The letter stated, "Any past due monies must be collected." -ABC4

2nd Suspect in Eagle Mtn. Child Abuse Case Takes Plea Deal

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Eagle Mtn. Successfully Challenges Census Numbers

CENSUS BUREAU INCREASES POPULATION ESTIMATE AFTER CITY’S CHALLENGE

Eagle Mountain, UT, December 11 – Eagle Mountain City has successfully challenged census estimates for the second consecutive year and will gain an additional 11.5% increase in sales tax revenue from the state.
The U.S. Census Bureau estimated Eagle Mountain City’s population for 2007 to be 17,832 people. After the city challenged that figure and submitted additional housing data, the Census Bureau has now adjusted the population estimate to be 19,890.

Last year’s challenge of the 2006 census figures resulted in a 30% increase in sales tax revenue for the city when the population estimate was adjusted from 12,232 to 17,391.

State sales tax revenue goes into the city’s general fund. Money from the general fund may be used for park improvements, infrastructure, and other city needs.

The census adjustment may also provide more funding for roads.

“We are again excited to successfully challenge the Census Bureau findings,” Mayor Heather Jackson said. “It is critical to the development and financial health of our city to have accurate census numbers.”

The revised population figures will be posted at the following location: http://www.census.gov/popest/archives/challenges.html on the Census Bureau’s website.


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Eagle Mtn. to Annex White Hills?

"White Hills is a tiny burg with big financial problems. Now developers here have asked to become part of Eagle Mountain, a plan that at least some White Hills residents reject.

A group of landowners and developers, headed by DAI, which calls itself "Utah's Foremost Land Developer," have asked Eagle Mountain to annex about 3,090 acres, which at build-out would be home to 34,000 people. The annexation includes White Hills, population 400.

The annexation has already been turned down by neighboring Fairfield and Cedar Fort, said Carey Smith, a White Hills resident whose family owns 350 acres of the proposed annexation. Smith said those communities turned down the proposal because White Hills has more residents than either town and annexation would have instantly given White Hills political sway." -Daily Herald

Do You UTA Eagle Mtn.?

The sales tax for Eagle Mountain and Saratoga Springs goes up a quarter cent on Jan. 1 to 6.45 cents for every dollar spent in the west Utah County towns.

Voters agreed to the increase in the Nov. 4 election to raise funding for express bus service to Salt Lake City and to join the Utah Transit Authority district.

Silver Lake Village, Eagle Mtn. Update

Now this is what I call "CARE-FREE" living.

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Eagle Mtn. City Employee Named Football Coach

CITY MANAGEMENT ANALYST NAMED HEAD FOOTBALL COACH FOR
NEW WESTLAKE HIGH SCHOOL

Eagle Mountain, UT, December 9 – Jason Walker, city management analyst for Eagle Mountain, has been hired as the head football coach for the new Westlake High School in Saratoga Springs. Walker comes to the position following a very successful tenure as defensive coordinator with Timpview High School in Provo, a school that has won the 4A State Football Title for four out of the last five years.

First employed by Eagle Mountain City in 2007 as a management intern in the masters of public administration program at Brigham Young University, Walker was hired as a full-time management analyst this year. He will continue to work for the city while serving as head football coach for Westlake High, an opportunity he is excited about.

“I like the camaraderie of being part of a team and the interaction with the kids,” Walker said.

Walker, who is in the process of putting a staff together, says his goal for his first year as head coach is to be competitive in every game. “I only know how to prepare one way, and that is to win state championships,” he said.

Eagle Mountain City Mayor Heather Jackson thinks Walker’s unique knowledge of the region will be an asset in his role as head football coach. “Jason Walker has been an excellent addition to our city staff. I believe he will bring a lot of good insight and experience to his role at Westlake High School."

Westlake High School is scheduled to open in fall of 2009 with 1,100 students. The school will service Eagle Mountain, Saratoga Springs, Cedar Fort, and Fairfield. The school’s mascot will be known as “The Thunder” and the school colors will be light blue, navy blue and old gold.

Walker lives in Saratoga Springs with his wife Mika. They are expecting their first child in the spring.

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Silver Lake Village, Eagle Mtn.

"The vast majority of homes in Silver Lake Village have either been abandoned mid-construction, or have been foreclosed on and then abandoned. Front doors that were never installed with knobs swing open day and night. Strangers doing drugs and having sex in abandoned houses have to be chased out, and raccoons have infested many. There is a sinkhole in one of the streets. Holes dug for basements are collapsing, posing a danger to the children who play there. The foundations of some of the homes are cracking and sinking. A pile of abandoned furniture sits in front of one home. There may be squatters living in another. Several of the abandoned homes have been vandalized, the perpetrators removing granite countertops, appliances, even pulling up the wood floors. Someone used a car to smash in the garage door of one home." - Daily Herald

Is this really the way Silver Lake Village is?

Eagle Mtn. Pony Express Days 2009

COUNTRY STARS DARRYL WORLEY AND JOSH GRACIN TO PERFORM

“A SALUTE TO OUR TROOPS” CONCERT DURING PONY EXPRESS DAYS

Eagle Mountain, UT, December 3 – Eagle Mountain City and K-Bull 93 FM will co-sponsor a “Low Dough” Country Concert entitled “A Salute to Our Troops” that will be the culminating event of the city’s Pony Express Days celebration on Saturday, June 6, 2009 at the Silverlake Amphitheatre (7920 N. Silverlake Parkway). The Eagle Mountain city council approved a contract last night for popular country-western artists Josh Gracin and Darryl Worley to perform.

“With our close proximity to Camp Williams, Eagle Mountain is proud to be home to numerous military members and their families,” Mayor Heather Jackson said. “We support them throughout the year by providing parades for every soldier returning home from war deployment, and by sending care packages to those soldiers who are currently deployed. We believe that these artists will provide meaningful family entertainment and understand the great patriotism that resonates with the citizens of Eagle Mountain.”

Songwriter and country music star Darryl Worley has had sixteen singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, including three number ones: “I Miss My Friend,” “Awful, Beautiful Life”, and “Have You Forgotten?”, which was inspired by the events of September 11, 2001 and was nominated for a Country Music Association Award for Single of the Year.

Worley frequently performs for U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. He played a key role in the organization of the American Freedom Festival, an annual concert that benefits U.S. veterans. He is currently working on his seventh album, “Sounds Like Life”, scheduled for release in 2009.

Josh Gracin first received national attention as a contestant on season two of “American Idol”.

Gracin finished fourth in a season that featured other future recording artists Ruben Studdard, Clay Aiken, Kimberly Locke, and Utah’s own Carmen Rasmusen.

An active-duty U.S. Marine while on “American Idol”, Gracin has since released his self-titled debut album, which was certified Gold and spawned three top 5 singles: “I Want to Live”, “Stay With Me (Brass Bed)”, and the number one “Nothin’ To Lose”. Gracin’s current single “We Weren’t Crazy” is off his soon-to-be-released sophomore album of the same name.

Tickets for the concert will be $15, with a special price for active duty members of the military of $12, (limit 6 tickets per military member). Tickets are expected to go on sale in January and will be available through SmithsTix and at Eagle Mountain City Hall, 1650 E. Stagecoach Run.

For more information on these performers, you may visit their individual websites at www.darrylworley.musiccitynetworks.com and www.joshgracin.com.

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200 Parks in Eagle Mtn?

"Tucked away on the west side of Utah Lake, this city could become the home of more than 200 parks by the time it reaches its buildout of some 190,300 residents." - Deseret News

Eagle Mtn. Rec. Center

"Some 70 percent of residents say they want a recreation center, according to a recent city survey, but only about half the respondents would support paying for it with a monthly fee based on their home value.

The likelihood of getting residents to agree to the assessment — about $30 a month on a $200,000 home — was split along gender lines with men more likely to reject it, city management analyst Jason Walker said. Most respondents who favor the recreation center are women ages 26 to 35, he said.

The survey was included in residents' utility bills. Some 5,200 were sent out and 1,042 were returned, about a 20 percent response.

Support grows for the center if the assessment drops to $6 to $10 a month. About 40 percent of respondents said they would support an aquatic center over a recreation center, the survey showed.

Some 60 percent of residents who returned a survey live in The Ranches, the northernmost collection of subdivisions in Eagle Mountain, with the rest living in the city center to the south or elsewhere. Overall, residents favor a recreation center, but are divided over how to pay for it, Walker said. Folks in The Ranches are more generally opposed, he said.

A recreation center is anticipated to cost more than $1 million. However, the city collects only about $800,000 in property taxes. If funding for a recreation center were put on a ballot the people would likely not vote for it in the current economic climate, Walker said.

The first of three survey open houses for residents begins in January." - Deseret News