Utah (KUTV) — Hazardous road weather conditions led to a 20-car pileup on a Davis County highway early Friday morning
Utah Highway Patrol troopers told KUTV that the crash occurred shortly after 6:30 a.m
All 20 vehicles involved were headed south when the pileup occurred
Authorities said drivers were traveling too fast for the slick
a separate crash involving nine vehicles occurred on the northbound side of the highway
Troopers stated weather was a contributing factor in this crash as well
and some drivers may have lost control while looking toward the earlier southbound pileup
only one person was transported with minor injuries
All others were evaluated at the scene and released
troopers faced delays in clearing the scene due to the high number of damaged vehicles
Both directions of the highway were reopened by 11 a.m
SALT LAKE CITY — Frank and Sharla Hunt became trapped in their Fruit Heights backyard by a mudslide in 2023.
They were both injured, and their barn was destroyed. Frank Hunt became trapped in the flowing mud
A second mudslide in the same area damaged Russell and Lauren Tanner's backyard in 2024
Tanners and another neighboring couples are suing Fruit Heights
the state of Utah and the developers of a 65-acre housing development that sits on the hill above their properties along the city's east bench
according to the families and attorney Robert Sykes
is that the housing development has been allowed to continue despite the damaging landslides being created by the project — all while warnings from geological studies have been ignored
"The hillside has to be remediated and stabilized," Sykes said during a press conference Tuesday announcing the legal action
"Just because the developer didn't follow the rules
just because the city of Fruit Heights didn't follow the rules
just because the state of Utah who noticed the problems didn't follow the rules
you don't shove that blame off onto innocent people."
The lawsuit also names Rock Loft Estates LLC
and the managers of the companies as defendants
The Rock Loft Estates Project is just east of South Mountain Road and U.S
89 and borders the properties of the three families
with steep slopes leading down to their backyards
The residents say the problems began in 2023
"You want to talk anxiety?" said Terry Smith
Smith says he acquired the property from his grandparents
He says there haven't been mudslides or waterflow problems like this in 50 years
every time it rains or snows Smith says he gets worried
the Smiths had to get an excavator to dig trenches to avert additional flooding
They used to call their backyard their sanctuary
"Now it's just all dug up and a mess and terrifying," Christy Smith said
It's got trenches and big holes to try and control the water," added Terry Smith
He said he had to remove the swing set in his backyard so his grandchildren wouldn't play on it out of fear that another mudslide could happen without warning
The Tanners say they also bought their property several years ago to give their children a safe backyard area to play in
Now the children are no longer allowed to play there
Sykes holds a press conference at his firm's office in Salt Lake City announcing that his office will be filing a complaint against Matt Lowe
a developer; Fruit Heights; and the state of Utah
"It's been so disheartening to try and engage with the city and trying to find a resolution to this and being completely ignored and ridiculed and even mocked at City Council meetings
to try and find some sort of resolution to this
"Anything that the state or the city has tried to do — honestly
we don't know what they've done because they won't communicate with us — but it hasn't worked
The water is still pooling; the ground is still saturating
And I'm very worried that the next slide is going to be a little further south
and it's going to end up destroying the outbuilding on the other side of our property," he continued
We've gotten nowhere," Lauren Tanner added
"I've attended several City Council meetings and we're just stonewalled
They won't give us an answer," concurred Terry Smith
When asked who the families feel is at fault for the mudslides — whether it be the developer
"I feel like the developer didn't uphold what he was contractually obligated to do
I feel like our city didn't enforce when they noticed he was misstepping
I feel like there are a lot of different faults in a lot of different places," she said
gives some of her thoughts as she and her husband
Sykes at his firm's office in Salt Lake City announcing a complaint against Matt Lowe
a developer; Fruit Heights; and the state of Utah due to alleged negligence
gross negligence and other serious misconduct regarding a mudslide in their backyards
Deseret News)The lawsuit contends that the developer took out vegetation that shouldn't have been disturbed
leading to problems with water runoff and erosion
there is an enormous risk of future landslides that can harm these plaintiffs and their neighbors
This lawsuit is designed to compel hillside remediation by the developer
we are also asking the court to issue a preliminary injunction prohibiting any further sales of lots
or granting permits to do the same," said Sykes
"There are at least six different geotechnical reports that have been produced since 2008
each of which describes the significant geological hazards attendant with any proposed residential development of the property," according to the lawsuit
"All the defendants knew that these geological risks and hazards could be mediated
but that such mediation would be expensive and time-consuming
warned of multiple hazards that would be encountered in the development of this property."
City officials from Fruit Heights did not immediately respond to KSL.com's request for comment
LOCAL NEWS
12:27 PM | Updated: Nov 8
BY LAUREN STEINBRECHER
FRUIT HEIGHTS — A church in Davis County announced it will no longer volunteer to be a county Code Blue warming center
saying it caused too much angst and division in the community
Dozens of Fruit Heights residents packed City Hall Wednesday night
both in the council room and in an overflow room
was meant to explain the details and process behind the State of Utah designating Mountain Road Presbyterian Church as the county’s state-mandated winter emergency shelter
Under state law, Davis County must identify an indoor space with at least 16 beds for people experiencing homelessness to stay on Code Blue Alert nights — when temperatures are projected to dip under 18 degrees Fahrenheit
Many residents who showed up to Wednesday’s meeting expressed deep concern for housing a Code Blue warming center in town
Don Krafft took the podium after the meeting began
explaining how they were approached about the Code Blue opportunity
and it felt like a good fit for their philosophy
“We felt it fit well with our strategic mission use of our building,” he said
“We want our building to be a helpful part of our community.”
Krafft said the issue became one of contention and anger
“We are grieved that the Code Blue warming center has become such a divisive and emotional issue in Fruit Heights,” he said
After learning more information from law enforcement and others who’ve been hosting warming centers
he said they decided Mountain Road Church is “not equipped for this important mission.”
“We want to apologize to you as a church for any anxiety and fear this has brought into your life and into your family,” Krafft said
The room erupted in applause and gave the pastor a standing ovation over the decision
Residents of Fruit Heights packed a town meeting on Thursday
where they argued against the designation of a church near their homes to serve as a Code Blue shelter in the county
He outlined how the process unfolded from the county and state
clarifying that the city did not make the final Code Blue shelter designation
and that the city did not have the opportunity to petition or veto it
citizens asked questions and voiced concerns like: How did the state decide the location without the knowledge of the community
“We’re concerned about homeless people
is how it happened that no one let us know.”
Another woman asked why Fruit Heights was chosen to “bear that responsibility.”
“Was there no other place in all of Davis County that that was a better fit?” she questioned
Others brought up fears of increased crime and other negative community impacts if Fruit Heights were home to a Code Blue warming center
Davis County Commissioner Lorene Kamalu and Utah House Rep
further explaining the process of identifying Code Blue shelters in Davis County
Kamalu at one point said the county found out about the state’s decision in the last couple of weeks
“had no idea when the church volunteered
She also talked about the county’s need to abide by the state’s mandate
One woman asked what the sanctions would be
“if we decided this wasn’t for Davis County
“It is state law,” Commissioner Kamalu answered
I think that if the county did not cooperate — if we just decided we’re going to ignore the people in our own county who are right now unhoused — then they
would come in and take it all the way over.”
With Mountain Road Church’s withdrawal
Davis County still needs a Code Blue shelter with 16 beds
“There are a couple other good options that will probably become our options now,” Kamalu explained to the room
She said it’s likely that the next choice will be an old emissions center in Kaysville
a couple of residents spoke up to say they supported the warming center
One man said he was disappointed in his community
“I hope that half that enthusiasm is mustered by our community to really help people
as it has been to shut down a program that would provide 16 beds on maybe 20 nights a year
to not freeze to death,” he expressed
Pohlman reiterated Krafft’s decision
“What the pastor said is … as a pastor he was trying to provide a service and do good
it was creating more of a problem than it was doing good,” Pohlman said
Touching on the concerns he heard from citizens ahead of the meeting
he said people were worried about safety and feared the unknown
They didn’t know how Code Blue would be rolled out or fulfilled
“We can’t require people to serve in a way that they don’t feel comfortable,” the mayor said
we need to help each other feel comfortable and unify behind a good cause.”
“everyone is willing and wants to help.”
we just don’t know how,” Pohlman said
and all people in the state need to find ways to help out
receiving direction and receiving leadership from state leaders is the best way to find ways to create solutions
and be part of the solution instead of being part of the problem.”
Please select what you would like included for printing:
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Susan was the daughter of Jacque and Patricia Robinson
Susan was raised in San Francisco but cherished the memories of the summers spent at their family cabin on the Russian River
started their life together in San Francisco
They eventually raised their two daughters in Napa
recently celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary
She collected children’s books and loved sharing those with her grandchildren and neighbors
She was a dedicated teacher to 1st and 2nd grade children for many years
to be closer to some of their grandchildren
Susan was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and had a strong testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ
Susan was beloved by her family and will be greatly missed
Julie (Mark) Taylor and Linda (Al) Case; grandchildren
warmth and devotion to her family will be deeply missed
She is now reunited with her Mom and Dad and her little dog Duffy
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to loving neighbors and friends and to the doctors
nurses and staff at Holy Cross Layton Emergency Department for their care
Arrangements entrusted to Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary
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passed away peacefully at home on March 10
We know he is so very happy to be together again with his Sweetheart
the first born son of George James and Margaret (Bobbie) McNicholas Taffs and grew up in Decatur
After a short stint at the Georgia Military Academy
he attended and graduated from Decatur High School
He later attended Georgia State University
and with the help of Weber State College transferred credits
he graduated from GSU with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration
He was promoted with the General Electric Company
helping numerous business clients for many years
He was VERY active in politics and community service
He was very active in Scouting serving as a Troop leader in both the Boy and Girl Scout organizations
His daughters had a GREAT time with him as their leader
One of the more notable organizations he devoted a LOT of hours too in a relatively short amount of time
was as the President of the Utah Club Heights Bicentennial Singers
While NOT attending the first meeting of the parents (of the Elementary school age children who had been invited back to Washington DC to perform) Richard was nominated and seconded to head the organizing and raising of funds to get more than 200 5th
he had a seat on the plane to go back with the group
but gave it up so that another parent could go
neighbors and even strangers in any way he could
From donating more than 10 gallons of blood throughout his life (he has the pin to prove it!)
or if someone needed a car or van to use on a family vacation
or even opening their home many times so people had a place to live
Richard has waited for eight years to be back with the love of his life
so although we are heartbroken to see him go
we are also so very happy for them both to be reunited
William Taffs (Karen) and sister Roberta Walker (John)
and much loved Brother- and Sisters-in-Law
Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Monday
A viewing will take place Sunday evening from 6-8 pm at Russon Mortuary
and Monday morning from 9:45-10:45 am at the church
Interment will take place at 3pm at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park
The ward will be streaming the funeral service on Monday, March 17th and may be viewed using the following link: click here
Russon Mortuary & Crematory - Farmington
Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text
Click to watch
Utah — Code blue warming centers are a controversial issue in Davis County
"We are all willing to do something to help somewhere
But we have to be smart about it and safe about it,” explained Mary Monson
This church was designated as a code blue warming center in Davis County
we need to respond by having a certain amount of beds available
where people can go in extreme cold situations
that's 18 degrees and below,” said Wayne Niederhauser
It caused division in this tight-knit community
Some neighbors like Monson said they want to help those experiencing homelessness
but are worried about the impacts on homes close by
And feel like the city was not transparent with them about the process
"My number one concern is the safety of my community,” said Monson
you cannot force someone to stay in a building
code blue centers were only open for about 32 or 35 days
"We want to make sure all the community is safe
Our first priority is to get people off the street
safe from frostbite and potential death,” he added
Fruit Heights City hosted a public meeting to explain this plan to residents
and that’s when Pastor Don Krafft announced that the church would no longer be a warming center
He shared this statement with FOX 13 from the church:
“Fruit Heights has many wonderful and compassionate people who have done humanitarian works in our community
We withdrew as a warming center as we dug deeper into the safety protocols in place and felt we needed more support
We deeply encourage our fellow Utahns to help the needy and homeless as they are able
"I thought it was extremely brave of him to step up and say
we love our neighbors and want to be good neighbors,” said Monson
we will be looking at probably some county or state buildings in Davis County,” added Niederhauser
"They're set up to hit the road running once a location is secured."
At Thursday night's Kaysville city council meeting
officials discussed opening a code blue shelter here
"I'll do everything in my power to prevent that because we don’t feel like Kaysville is the right location to host a facility like this
The city said they proposed having a warming bus instead
the county emissions building in Kaysville is shortlisted as a warming center
Residents also spoke during public comment -- some against the shelter
and I’m very concerned,” said one resident
Others in support of being part of the solution
I’m actually in favor of the code blue housing
I think it’s a way that our community can contribute,” added another
Utah (KUTV) — KUTV is digging deeper into comments made by the mayor of Fruit Heights
after he said residents didn't need to know about a Code Blue Shelter in their neighborhood
we highlighted Mayor John Pohlman’s comments from an October 15 city council meeting
but we've discovered more comments from a meeting the next day
but residents are still concerned about the lack of transparency from the mayor
"Are we going to try to roll this out
Or do they just see a bus show up?" One council member asked
That question was raised to Pohlman during the October 15 meeting
He asked if people in Fruit Heights should know about the temporary shelter
"It's not the responsibility for the community to know that's going on,” Pohlman said at the meeting
KUTV asked Pohlman about those comments and being transparent with the public
"I would say the same thing with the state,” he said
“Why is the state not being transparent with us
And letting the cities know what's going on."
The day after that October council meeting Pohlman was in a meeting with the Davis County Council of Governments
where state homeless coordinator Wayne Niederhauser talked about the plan
"We as a city went to the county and presented an idea for a church to be used,” Pohlman said at the meeting
Pohlman told KUTV on Wednesday he submitted names in August
called the pastor of the church and asked if they wanted to do it
We asked him if he would change what he said if he could go back to that first meeting when he got the question from the councilman
“I did not know that our city was identified as a primary location,” he said
Pohlman said he knew the primary location was the Mountain Road Church
Pohlman told KUTV he didn't have information
At the Council of Governments meeting on October 16
said it would be nice to keep things quiet
"It would be really nice if we kept quiet about it,” he said at the meeting
“Let’s not bring residents to overdramatize this issue."
we continued to ask about the concerns about the lack of transparency
“I'm trying to listen and answer your questions
Residents have told KUTV they've tried asking him similar questions and have had trouble getting those questions answered
FRUIT HEIGHTS — A Fruit Heights church that had previously volunteered to host a warming center for those experiencing homelessness in Davis County has pulled its offer after "anxiety and discord" in the community
The Mountain Road Church leadership announced its decision to withdraw the church from Davis County's code blue plan during a Fruit Heights community meeting on Wednesday
The meeting came after residents expressed surprise at the lack of notification regarding the plan
The Fruit Heights City Council room was filled with residents Wednesday
with the overflow crowd being directed to a room below to watch a livestream of the meeting
"We are grieved that the code blue warming center has become such a divisive and emotional issue in Fruit Heights
Never did we intend to bring anxiety and discord into our community
harmony and love into our community," Mountain Road Church Pastor Don Krafft said
"Mountain Road went into this adventure with the best of intentions
now this issue has become one of contention
and even division in this precious community we are so glad to be a part of
We certainly do not want to be the cause of such angst," he said
The pastor's announcement that it would no longer host the Davis code blue facility prompted cheers from the crowd
several residents had expressed their frustration with the proposal
"It's not a place that should be here in Fruit Heights
Another resident questioned how many homeless people are in the Kaysville and Fruit Heights area
and suggested other areas with more homeless people might be better served by a shelter
"I am all for helping those less fortunate
I just don't see why we would bus the homeless to Fruit Heights," Heusser said
"I think most of us are here and concerned about this; we're concerned about homeless people; we want to help
but what our concern is about how it happened
When you're doing this to other communities
what's your plan to be transparent to let the people who would be affected by it know about it
and that's why we're here," one resident questioned
"What are the sanctions are if we decide that we don't want this in Davis County
Fruit Heights Mayor John Pohlman said he had only learned of the church's decision an hour-and-a-half prior
Pohlman also apologized to the growing crowd
"In my conversation with some of the residents
and I truly apologize for the feeling that I've caused with any residents
I never anticipated how much division this would have caused residents
and I'm truly sorry for any cause of this much contention and this much division within our community," Pohlman said
Pohlman had informed the City Council of the plans that would include using a city bus that would stop at several locations and bring unsheltered people to the church starting around 7 p.m
on code blue nights — when temperatures are expected to drop to 18 degrees Fahrenheit or colder
and then the bus would drop them off where they were picked up
Individuals would have remained in the facility from those hours
and a sheriff's deputy would have provided security
"It is out of the city's control," Pohlman told the council last month
calling it a "win-win" and emphasizing the need to help the unsheltered
When asked by a council member during that Oct
15 meeting when residents would be informed of the city's plans
Pohlman said the city is not required to notify residents because the decision was made between the state
county and Mountain Road Church leadership
City manager Darren Frandsen also lamented the issue becoming "a wedge" between neighbors
"Fruit Height has always been a community that is willing to serve and help those around them," he said in a prepared statement
"Each of us has been given free will to help and serve how we feel is right for us
The way people treat each other in this country has become very hateful if there is a disagreement
Fruit Heights has always been better than that
I have struggled when I read neighbor saying to neighbor
'You are not being Christlike' if you do or don't support the warming center
and self-righteousness in ourselves will continue to divide Fruit Heights."
Davis County's ongoing problems cementing plan
Davis County was required by state law to submit a code blue plan to the Utah Office of Homeless Services on Aug
counties with populations of at least 175,000 — which includes Davis County — are required this year to submit a winter response plan to address the emergency shelter needs of individuals experiencing homelessness from Oct
Code blue is issued by a local health department when temperatures are expected to reach 18 degrees and below
The law also states that if a county opts to pursue a year-round option
its deadline would be extended to August 2025
But Davis County was still required to provide a code blue plan for this year
Its original plan was ultimately rejected by the State Office of Homeless Services because it exceeded the funding allocated by the state to the county
The Davis County task force proposed to the state to purchase a bus that would house 20 people when an alert was issued
and the county and the state were then approached by homeless service provider Switchpoint regarding the provider's plans to submit an offer on a property in North Salt Lake
That proposal was overwhelmingly rejected by North Salt Lake residents and the North Salt Lake City Council after it came to light
State Homeless Coordinator Wayne Niederhauser met with Davis County Council of Government on Oct
16 to help the county come into compliance regarding code blue
Davis County had solidified its plan for code blue with three alternate locations if for some reason the Mountain Road Church was unable to host one night
The first code blue for the county was called on Tuesday
but the three other locations identified could be operated
Those locations included the county's emissions and inspection center building
the Clearfield Senior Center and the Valley View Golf Course
Elizabeth Galloway Green returned to her Heavenly Home on October 24
She was the eighth child out of the ten children born to Harold Galloway and Orilla Archibald
fifty-four Great grandchildren and two Great-Great Grandchildren.
Elizabeth graduated from Davis High School in 1954 and then attended the University of Utah where she planned to study Accounting
After her counselor told her flat out “No
Girls are absolutely not hired in that field” she reluctantly changed majors to Teaching
The summers of her Junior and Senior years in High School she worked at Lagoon where she was able to save enough money to send herself to college
she then got her “first real job” as a waitress at the Davis Drive-in Theatre and then after her first year she moved up to a “Ticket-Taker” at the drive-in
She and Max knew each other in high school but never dated until she was at the U of U and he was attending Utah State University
When Max asked her to marry him and she said “Yes!” He was so excited he dropped down and walked across the road on his hands
for Time and All Eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on November 23
They have been happily married for 69 years
Soon after they were married their first son Neal was born on October 25
1956 and their second son Curtis arrived on October 24
one day before Neal’s first Birthday
giving them a set of true Irish Twins!
You did not have to know Elizabeth very long to know how important her family was to her
Her greatest joy was being a mother and wife
She and Max raised four children and loved spending time with them
Many evenings snacking on popcorn and orange juice
fishing trips to the Madison River in Montana in the summer
and big family gatherings for every holiday were a big part of her life
Becoming a grandma was a highlight of her life and she loved creating memories with her children and grandchildren
Cookouts in the backyard on the 4th of July
and watching General Conference at their St
George home were favorite activities of hers
Her love and support were constants in their lives
Elizabeth was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day-Saints her entire life
sing the hymns and had a strong testimony of Jesus Christ
She served faithfully in many different Ward and Stake callings during her life
She and Max served together as ordinance workers in the Bountiful Temple for years
touching the lives of many through their kindness and dedication
Elizabeth and Max were called to serve their first mission to Nauvoo
Their call to serve their second mission in Hiroshima
a talented cook and an immaculate housekeeper.
her brother LaVel and sister VaLeen (Thomassen Bullock)
Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents
Elizabeth dearly loves her Husband and every family member knows how much she loves them
and the love she shared with all who knew her
Elizabeth’s radiant spirit and love of life touched the hearts of everyone she encountered
Funeral services will be held at Fruit Heights Stake Center
A visitation will be held prior to services from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m
Interment to be held at the Kaysville City Cemetery
The funeral service will be available to view at the following link:
https://zoom.us/j/99943540004?pwd=TFm0ZIL76BtbQ1y86AWKwGmQ70M0NF.1
+17193594580,,99943540004#,,,,*339413# US
International numbers available: https://zoom.us/u/abnqkWzA00
Susan passed away suddenly and unexpectedly early Sunday morning
she was the fourth of eight children and the oldest of five consecutive daughters
She attended 14 different schools K-12 living in NC
She met and married her eternal sweetheart
They settled in Fruit Heights and never left
they were active members in 5 of the 10 Fruit Height’s wards
Lyman and Susan shared 5 wonderful children and 11 grandchildren
Susan’s growing family was the light and joy of her life – she was always travelling to visit them
and providing for them in every way that she could
She inherited a passion for plants from her parents which she then magnified
She would stop her car by the side of the road to gather seeds from an interesting plant and loved discovering novel plants that she could add to her ever-expanding greenhouse
The greenhouse was her passion and sanctuary and therapy
Susan served faithfully in various callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – her favorite place to serve was the Primary – especially the Nursery
Susan was serving as an Ordinance Worker in the new Layton Temple and teaching in the Primary
Susan and Lyman loved to travel the world and discover new places
She loved to create in the kitchen and was famous for making “Grandma’s bread” wherever she visited – there was never any leftover
Our dear Mom and Grandmother is survived by her adoring husband of 41 years
and William (Ryanne) and 11 grandchildren: Adylae (13)
Susan is also survived by all her 7 siblings: James (Judy)
Funeral services will be held Saturday
November 30 at 11am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - 77 S Orchard Dr.
Family and friends may visit on Friday from 6-8pm at Russon Mortuary - 1941 N Main St.
and Saturday from 9:45-10:45am at the church
Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary Live Facebook page and on this obituary page
The live stream will begin 10-15 minutes prior to services and will be posted below
December 2 at 2:00pm at the Kaysville Cemetery
Click to watch
CRIME
charged with sexually abusing multiple young girls in Fruit Heights between 1977 and 1989
is taken into custody during a Friday evidentiary hearing in Farmington's 2nd District Court on Friday
BY COLLIN LEONARD, KSL.COM
FARMINGTON — The chambers of a 2nd District courtroom were packed for an evidentiary hearing in the case of 76-year-old Alan Bassett Friday
as Judge Jennifer Valencia weighed a motion to dismiss the case entirely
is accused of sexually abusing young girls who played at his Fruit Heights home from 1977 to 1989 and has already admitted to a number of instances of abuse and exhibitionism
and charged with nine counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child
and families of victims wore white “to symbolize the innocence that was destroyed by that man,” former neighbor Patrice Pederson told KSL.com
“I’m not going to question a victim that comes up and accuses me
“He terrorized our neighborhood,” said Kristy Sauter
little selfish man terrorized our neighborhood.”
Bassett said he confessed to a bishop in his local church congregation over 35 years ago and was pushed to turn himself in to police
Bassett said he was motivated to confess because he “wanted to get over this,” referring to a “sexual addiction.”
“I never knew a door to be locked,” Pederson said of the newly built Fruit Heights neighborhood during that time
and Bassett’s wife taught dance for younger children in the basement
But the defense has moved to dismiss the case
based on copies of an unsigned 1989 agreement between then-deputy Davis County attorney Brian Namba
Robert Faust — who is now a 3rd District judge — agreeing to not pursue criminal charges as long as he complied with a number of stipulations
including “meet and disclose his conduct and activities to all of the victims and their parents,” court documents show
Pederson says she is aware of an online support network
with around 50 women accusing Bassett of abuse
Many are not able to testify due to statute of limitations
Prosecutor Jesse Bushnell and detective Derrick Pyles worked to show that Bassett did not report the full extent of his sexual abuse of the many young girls
leaving out numerous victims and incidents
I just couldn’t remember who they were,” Bassett said at the hearing
“I gave all the names that I could remember.”
Alan Bassett takes to the witness stand Friday in Farmington’s 2nd District Court
charged with sexually abusing multiple young girls in Fruit Heights in the ’80s
Multiple alleged victims and their parents
said Bassett never spoke to them about the abuse or offered to pay for therapy
relaying a series of heartrending accounts of the man
saying he abused them in rooms of the basement
One woman told the judge of a time when she was 6 or 7
being among several girls sexually abused during a sleepover at the Bassett house
She said she remembered vividly being “scared to death that night in my sleeping bag
scrunched up with a little hole looking up the top of the stairs all night long … watching the light under the door
I’ve never been so afraid in my life.”
“I’m not a bad person,” another woman said Bassett told her months after allegedly abusing her
and there’s voices in my head that tell me to do bad things.”
“I am screwed up because I have carried this thing for almost as far back as my memory goes,” one woman testified
“it has negatively affected anything important to me — my relationships
my ability to feel confident in standing up for myself
It feels like it’s about damn time that that burden gets passed on to the responsible adult
I feel like the little me deserves that.”
Second District Judge Jennifer Valencia presides over an evidentiary hearing Friday in Farmington in the case of Alan Bassett
who is charged with sexually abusing multiple young girls in Fruit Heights in the ’80s
And he issued a partial confession and nobody bothered to check anything that he said
They literally gave him a get out of jail free card.”
“It’s the system that failed us.”
my heart absolutely breaks for the testimony that I have heard today,” the judge said after over eight hours of testimony
“and I want the victims and their families
their friends to know that I’ve seen them
I have heard them and I have considered their input.”
who was arrested in June and released on house arrest in October
was found to have violated the terms of his release by making unauthorized stops during grocery trips
and failing to report being within 50 feet of children a number of times
He was cuffed in front of many of the women who had just testified against him
More witnesses will be called at a later date
before Valencia rules on the motion to dismiss
Utah (KUTV) — Fruit Heights residents are pushing back on the plan to turn a church in the community into a Code Blue Shelter for all of Davis County’s homeless — something the mayor said residents didn’t need to know about
KUTV reported about the plan last week and was told on Friday by a city spokesperson that Fruit Heights Mayor John Pohlman would be available on Monday
We were told he was busy meeting with some residents
City officials said Davis County is responsible for establishing a temporary Code Blue Shelter
PREVIOUS:Fruit Heights Mayor says residents don't need to know about plan to bus in homeless
A statement sent to KUTV on Monday from City Manager Darren Frandsen says
“If the shelter is to be in Fruit Heights City
the city encourages the county to make its decision through a transparent process that in includes input from residents of Fruit Heights.”
That’s a little different from what Pohlman said at a council meeting in October
when he was asked if the city needs to tell residents about the plan
“There is no transparency,” Pohlman said at the October 15 meeting
after a council member asked him if they were going to be transparent with residents and let them know ahead of time
KUTV wasn’t able to meet with the mayor on Monday
but local resident Scott Heusser said he was
but there was definitely some back and forth on the discussion,” Heusser said
Heusser said he asked the mayor about safety and some of the plan’s rules for people staying at the shelter
‘you’re not answering my questions,’” he said
Heusser said he’s seen an outpouring of support — including from Fruit Heights residents like Linda Crismer
who sought Heusser out after seeing the story
She said she’s a member of Mountain Road Church
which is going to be used for the Code Blue shelter
“Why wasn’t the congregation included in a discussion about this possibility happening?” she said
Just like with the residents of Fruit Heights
Crismer said many of the church members didn’t know what was going on either
She said the church finally discussed it on Sunday
and she talked to a person who echoed the mayor’s comments about people not needing to know about it
because all of you that made the decision don’t live in Fruit Heights,’” Crismer said
The pastor of the church told KUTV in a statement that everyone involved is trying to help the most vulnerable in “our” community
and that’s something Crismer takes issue with
There’s a public meeting scheduled for 6:30 p.m
on Wednesday at the Fruit Heights City Hall
and the community plans to show up and let the officials know what they think about the plan
Utah (KUTV) — A new plan to bus in the homeless to a neighborhood in Fruit Heights in Davis County has left residents shocked — and the town's mayor said they didn't need to know about it
A church is partnering with the county to become a warming center during nights when the temperatures drop to 18 degrees for two hours or more during a 24-hour period
A lot of people just recently found out that Mountain Road Church has agreed to become a Code Blue Shelter for homeless all over the county
During a recent city council meeting revealing the council knew about the plan
the mayor said there was no reason to notify residents
Fruit Heights is described by resident Scott Heusser as a "sleepy community."
"We don't have a police department
we don't even have a fire department,” Heusser said
“You can't find a Maverik around here."
it doesn't have the services to support a warming center
The proposed plan is to bus in people from all over Davis County to the church starting at around 7:00 p.m
they'll get back on the bus and be taken back to where they were picked up
A sheriff deputy will be on the bus and provide security around the area
The rules say people won't be allowed to leave unless it's an emergency
KUTV asked Heusser how confident he is in all that happening
"That doesn't give me a whole lot of confidence,” he said
This plan is an agreement between the church and the county
so there's nothing the city can do according to state law
but I support it fully,” Mayor John Pohlman said during a council meeting in October
Heusser and other residents weren't aware what was happening until early November
"I had no idea this was going on,” Heusser said
a councilman asked Pohlman if the city needed to alert residents
"Transparency with residents and the city
are we going to try and roll this out or let people know ahead of time
Or do they just see a bus show up one time and people go ballistic?” the councilman asked
"There is no transparency,” Pohlman said
Pohlman went on to say the city had nothing to do with it
so they didn't need to tell residents and 99% of the city wouldn't even know it was happening
He also said the church didn't need to tell anyone either
“It's not their responsibility for the community to know that's going on."
KUTV reached out to the city and was told both the mayor and city manager weren't available
They gave a contact for the county but we also didn't hear back from them
Mountain Road Church sent 2News a statement:
understand that this is a complex and emotional issue
and the Mayor of Fruit Heights to both ensure the safety of those living in Fruit Heights
as well as help some of the most vulnerable in our community on our coldest nights with a warm place to sleep during regulated nighttime hours.”
Fruit Heights city and Davis County officials faced residents during a public meeting about the proposed “Code Blue” shelter in their neighborhood on Wednesday
Dozens shows up to the meeting Wednesday to voice their concerns about the plan to bus members of the homeless population into a local church that agreed to operate as a warming shelter on cold nights
Utah (KUTV) — Fruit Heights city and Davis County officials faced residents during a public meeting about the proposed “Code Blue” shelter in their neighborhood
The pastor of the Mountain Road Church said they were withdrawing from the plan
The decision was met with cheers and clapping
several people expressed concerns over transparency
KUTV first reported this story after learning the mayor told the city council at a meeting in on October 15 that residents did not need to know about the warming center
“There is no transparency,” Mayor John Pohlman was seen on video telling the council
When residents asked about Pohlman’s comment
After days of trying to get a response from the mayor
KUTV was able to speak with him at the meeting to ask about his comments
We asked why he said people didn’t need to know
I didn’t have information to present to people,” Pohlman said
“We did not know until after the fact where the locations were designated.”
Pohlman was on camera giving the city council information about the plan
and answered some questions the council members
KUTV asked again about his comment that residents didn’t need to know
“I would say the same about the state,” Pohlman said
“Why is the state not being transparent with us and letting the cities know what’s going on.”
the interview went back and forth until the mayor walked away
There were other people who also had challenges speaking to Pohlman about the situation
“When I saw the video of the city council meeting
I copied that video and sent it to him in a text
because he had texted me,” one resident told KUTV
and his response was ‘Thank you for watching our city council meeting.’ Not
While there were no calls for Pohlman’s resignation
several people said they attended the meeting expecting that to happen
Matthew Jacobson contributed to this report
Utah (KUTV) — Now that a Code Blue shelter is off the table in Fruit Heights
which held a city council meeting to discuss the possibility of a shelter there
A church in Fruit Heights announced it would not host the warming shelter following backlash from the community
On Thursday night during the Kaysville city council meeting
city leaders addressed the issue with residents there
"Now that that's not going to be the primary one
I think more of a weight falls on the remaining facility," said Abbigayle Hunt
Dozens of people came to the meeting to let the city know their concerns about the potential of a warming shelter coming to their backyard
"This is a government overreach problem," said a Kaysville resident
City officials said the city is committed to transparency through this whole process
"Since we're not the decision-makers
we're just here kind of trying to help facilitate a lot of the transparency with the county decision," said Hunt
A possible location is the county emissions center
the city council brought up the idea of a warming bus — a plan that was proposed to the state to buy a bus that would house those facing homelessness when the Code Blue alert is issued — but it wasn't approved because of a lack of funding
We would love to find a way to make it work
but right now there's not a really clear way forward on that," said Hunt
ABC4 Utah
Three Fruit Heights homeowners are suing a developer
and the state due to landslides in their backyard
We kicked off the work week with soggy weather and lingering moisture will spell a few more showers today before things start clearing out
Whether it's a domesticated animal or a wild animal
it's important to know what to do when seeing either one out in the wild
The West Valley City Police Department (WVCPD) has arrested a woman on allegations of child abuse after a 5-year-old child was found with blood on their face and soaked with water
George has agreed to move a new power substation to a different plot of land in the city
preserving an excavation site right across the street from the St
UDOT crews have been working for weeks to clear Guardsman Pass to get it ready for the summer season
Could grizzly bears cross Utah’s border soon
What to keep in mind to stay safe during spring runoff
Barbershop hosting free haircuts in honor of Sgt
Progress on preparing Guardsman Pass to reopen
the department lost its first officer in the line of duty when Sgt
Bill Hooser was struck and killed by a suspect in a semi-truck during a traffic stop
the friends he made on the force are remembering him as one of the most dedicated officers who took work seriously
but also made an emphasis to build relationships
A low-pressure system is working its way through the region and will settle over the Four Corners
more compact low drops in on the west side of the main low
peacefully passed away at home surrounded by his family on October 24
2024 after a very hard fought battle with autoimmune disease and liver failure
and will be incredibly missed by all those who love him dearly.
Born to Joyce Taylor Kennard and Gary Smith Kennard in Salt Lake City
Greg was the only boy in the middle of 4 adoring sisters
Greg’s childhood was filled with adventure and a big heart
curious spirit touched everyone who knew him
Greg graduated from Cyprus High School in 1989
Greg was a devoted and faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Greg served in numerous church callings and capacities
always willing to help and uplift those around him
He had an unwavering testimony of his Heavenly Father’s love
and his faith was such a source of strength to him
Greg loved his family unconditionally.
He attended classes at Salt Lake Community College
and went on to earn both his General Contractor license and ICC International licenses
Greg worked at West Valley City Parks and Recreation
Greg was the Plans Examiner for Wasatch County
and the Holladay City Building Official where he retired from in 2023
He was the proud owner of GT&T Construction and High Pointe Home Inspections
Greg’s work was known for its quality and attention to detail - he knew how to fix anything
Greg took great pride in working alongside his sons
and taught them by example how to work hard.
Greg rarely missed any of his sons’ sports games and is so proud of each of their accomplishments
His big red truck was one of his favorite things
Greg truly cherished time with his grandkids - they brought him so much joy and kept his playful spirit alive
He loved being their “Grumpa.”
Greg persevered through a difficult battle with autoimmune disease since his early twenties
facing each medical challenge with remarkable strength and resilience
Despite the physical toll and complications
he remained steadfast in his commitment to taking care of his family
and his sweet grandchildren Molly Rose and Owen Taylor Kennard (Taylor and Abigail)
He is preceded in death by his loving grandparents and many aunts and uncles.
we are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support we’ve received during this time
It has been remarkable to witness how many lives greg touched.
October 28 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Russon Brothers Funeral Home 1941 N Main St
October 29 at 11:00 AM with a viewing from 10:00-10:40 AM at the Fruit Heights 2nd Ward building
Interment will follow the funeral at the Kaysville City Cemetery
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tiffany’s account (click here) to support the future education and life endeavors of the Kennard children and grandchildren.
Click to watch
TO VIEW KATHLEEN'S FUNERAL SERVICE LIVE PLEASE CLICK HERE
passed away peacefully Tuesday November 5th at the Villas at Baer Creek in Kaysville
1929 in Providence Utah at the home of her maternal grandparents
She graduated from North Cache High School
she earned a bachelor’s degree from Utah State Agricultural College in interior design
As a young mother she made time to paint pictures and create mosaics
Her favorite hiking locations included the Wind River and Uintah Mountains
She was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Kathleen and Orval served in various family history capacities including a Service Mission in Salt Lake City
Together they compiled and authored over twenty volumes of the history of ancestors and of their own family and others
Kathleen is survived by their five children
She was preceded in death by her husband Orval
and her brother Sherwin Kirby; a great-grandson Noah Steed Pew; and a grand daughter-in-law Megan Call Jones
Funeral services will be held Friday November 15 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Country Lane chapel (Fruit Heights 4th Ward) at 24 South Country Lane
Condolences may be sent via https://www.allenmortuaries.net/obituaries
Interment will be at the Logan City Cemetery
Funeral service will be livestreamed via the link below (passcode: Kathleen)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81216024023?pwd=elwmLG7SBNWutVDb9QPfcBm2WipnYN.1
Richard D Francis returned to be with his eternal family on January 3
1932 to Richard R and Viola Francis in Ogden Utah
1953 in the Salt Lake LDS temple and in August they celebrated 71 years of marriage
Richard graduated from Morgan high school where he excelled in baseball and most sports and was a part of the band
He went on to attend and graduate from Utah State University with a Masters degree in Education
He had an amazing career in teaching and as a Coordinator at Clearfield High School for 40 years
There he had many good friends and co-workers
He also taught many years at Weber State University
Dad was instrumental in developing the high school vocational programs throughout the state of Utah
He taught the afterschool 3 to 6 pm program for many years
assisting students to graduate and better their lives
former students would stop him to thank him for helping them get their high school diploma and teaching them how to be better members of society
cousins and Rick hunting on the Francis Ranch
He was a lifeguard at Como Springs in Morgan and that where he met mom and started their courtship
He enjoyed boating with his family at Bear Lake and golfing
He loved to travel with mom and his family
manicuring the flowerbeds and raking up pinecones from the huge pine trees in his yard
Mom and His family were his greatest joy and he was so proud of each and everyone
He always said he was so blessed to have the best family in the world
Dad was the peacemaker in the family and was always kind
He cared for everyone he came in contact with.
He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in various callings throughout his life
served for nine years as LDS church service missionaries and were able to meet people from all over the world at the LDS conference center and at Temple Square in Salt Lake City
42 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild
and Viola Fry Francis and one sister Geraldine Randall
We would like to express our gratitude to all the aides at Apple Village and especially to CNS Hospice nurses Danita
Laura and Melina for their care and support at the end of his journey
Funeral services in his honor will be held at the Farmington Russon Brothers Mortuary on Monday
The family will meet with friends from 9:30 to 10:30 AM with a funeral service following at 11 a.m
(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) The Mountain Road Church in Fruit Heights
The church had initially offered to serve as a local emergency shelter for homeless people on especially cold nights but has since backed out after residents showed up in droves to protest the plan
When a Davis County pastor learned local officials needed to come up with a plan to temporarily shelter homeless people on especially frigid nights
His offer came with “the best of intentions,” explained Don Kraftt, of Mountain Road Church, at a public meeting in Fruit Heights earlier this month. The Presbyterian church, nestled in a residential area off Highway 89, already hosts some school groups and orchestra practices. An emergency “code blue” shelter — which opens to
16 unhoused people when the temperature hits 18 degrees or lower — seemed to fit its mission
He did not expect to be met with intense backlash
“This issue has become one of contention and anger and even division in this precious community that we are so proud to be apart of,” Kraftt said
“and we certainly do not want to be the cause of such angst.”
That’s why he unexpectedly pulled the church’s offer at that Nov
His announcement was met with a round of applause from the crowd
Davis County commissioners this month were left with little recourse
The county is required under an agreement with the state to provide temporary “code blue” winter shelter this season
So officials there quickly returned to their original plan: Three rotating emergency “code blue” shelter sites
bound for an old county emission center in Kaysville
a senior center in Clearfield and a golf course clubhouse in Layton
Many from Kaysville flooded a County Commission meeting this week
though the planned shelters weren’t on the agenda — so much so that a commissioner worried the Fire Department may need to direct some to leave
who lives blocks away from the Kaysville “code blue” site
“We’re concerned about the safety of our children
Kaysville Mayor Tamara Tran said she had personally emailed the commissioners a series of questions and demands — wanting to know how the site will be managed
whether people will be allowed to loiter outside
She hoped the commissioners had heard “loud and clear” that Kaysville wasn’t the place for such a shelter
attendees shouted and interrupted Commissioner Lorene Kamalu as she tried to read a submitted written comment that was less critical of the plan
One woman pushed back when Commissioner Bob Stevenson tried to end public comment (which had surpassed the allotted 20 minutes) and move further into the meeting’s agenda
“These people that are coming to these homeless shelters do not want help
“This is not why we elected you,” she continued
Davis County leaders say they are in a tough spot
And Kamalu pointed to the Legislature as the cause of the problem
after state lawmakers last year passed a law requiring local emergency shelter plans
I think it was next steps for places like Salt Lake County and maybe other counties that already have a general population shelter,” she said
The 2023 law requires Utah’s most populous counties to prepare in advance for sheltering unhoused residents during the winter
including on especially cold “code blue” days
Counties had two options: create a “winter response plan,” or provide the state with documentation ensuring that they would “address the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness within the county throughout the entire year.” If a county chose option two
they also had to submit a plan for “code blue” days
a spokesperson for the state’s Office of Homeless Services
and is looking to build a permanent facility in 2025
That’s why they had to develop a cold blue plan
And since the longterm solution is a larger shelter
the “code blue” plan is only for this winter
Officials there originally sought to procure a “Dignity Bus” from a Florida company that retrofits vehicles into emergency shelters
which can accommodate up to 20 people — four more than the county’s “code blue” plan requires
Davis County officials then considered a number of other options
Fruit Heights Mayor John Pohlman said at the Nov
6 meeting that he proposed more temporary solutions — a tent site near Cherry Hill Water Park that could be transformed into a convenience store and a parking lot
or a slab of concrete at a park that could be retrofitted into a pickleball court — all to no avail
That’s where Mountain Road Church came in. The idea wasn’t unprecedented: In Utah County, two churches were selected in a rotating roster to host overnight warming centers throughout the winter
Even after Kraftt announced the church had backed out
many stayed for more than an hour to express fear over the nonexistent temporary shelter site and lament that they weren’t clued into plans sooner
6 meeting fielding questions from residents
told The Tribune on Monday that she doesn’t think the new state law gave Davis County enough options
Instead of relying on the county to make decisions
the law established a task force with just one county commissioner and seven city mayors
Their meetings were also conducted out of public view
and Kamalu said commissioners could not discuss the plans without violating the state’s open meeting laws
“We’ve been seriously criticized for not being able to just make our decisions
or to be more productive with the community,” she said
She thinks more transparency could have assuaged many of the problems they are now facing
“There might have been community pushback,” she said
“...but I don’t think it would have been a deal-breaker.”
(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) North Davis Senior Activity Center in Clearfield
which will serve as one of three Davis County emergency shelters meant to house homeless people on especially frigid nights
local officials are shifting focus to solutions they still have time to influence
like the 80-bed permanent facility that is slated to come online in 2025
Residents say they want a facility where the county’s homeless population already resides — one near the services and resources that could help those people find housing
mental health treatment and also health care
and where law enforcement can quickly respond if issues arise
But residents have already raised issues with a potential site in North Salt Lake
The 15-city county is essentially filled up
adding that it’s doubtful the facility will end up in a spot that doesn’t offend or draw fear
told The Tribune on Thursday that Kaysville residents “very much want to be part of the solution” to homelessness
it is clear to us that this location in Kaysville city is not the right place for this,” she said of the code blue site planned for her city
“So while we strongly oppose this particular location
we want to be part of the dialogue going forward.”
Despite being critical of the state mandate, Kamalu said the county endeavored to follow the law, which is why they are looking to build their own 80-bed shelter. The law said the facility must have that many beds to qualify for mitigation funds. If they opted for the “winter response plan” option and provided 60 beds, they wouldn’t get the money, but they’d have nearly as many beds.
“That’s ridiculous,” she said. “Why would we do that and not qualify for state funds?”
There is hope, however, that the chaos that defined this year’s homelessness plan will be fixed next year, according to Utah Rep. Ariel Defay, the Republican who represents Davis County. She said at the County Commission meeting this week that a bill file has been opened to help clarify parts of the law.
Stevenson, the Davis County commissioner, said during the same meeting that this issue was “by far the hardest that we’ve dealt with” in his decades of public service.
He said officials were still learning and that many issues remain unknown. For instance, he said, the county hasn’t operated any of its “code blue” sites yet; it’s not clear how many people will show up.
“We’ve been listening to you all along,” he said, promising transparency moving forward.
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we announce the passing of George Harvey Schick
who peacefully left this world on December 5
George grew up with a profound appreciation for family
and together they built a life in Kaysville before settling in Fruit Heights
and cherished memories with their three children
George was known for his larger-than-life personality
his passion for family stories and history
and his lifelong love of learning and travel
He especially loved hosting family gatherings
creating a welcoming space where generations could come together
George often shared the lessons he learned throughout his life
hoping to make the path easier for those who followed
He achieved remarkable accomplishments during his 37-year career at Thiokol
working as a rocket scientist on the Space Shuttle Program while also managing the family farm in Kaysville
Among his most notable achievements were serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Western United States
and receiving prestigious awards and recognition for his vital work on the solid rocket boosters for the Space Shuttle Program
and Shauna Sabey (Clark); seven grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter (with twin great-grandchildren on the way)
He is preceded in death by his loving wife
Sterling Schick and Seth Schick; and his sisters
Funeral Services will be held Friday December 13
at Fruit Heights 6th Ward Chapel located at 77 South Orchard Dr
Friends may visit with family prior to services from 9:00 a.m
Interment will take place at the Kaysville Cemetery
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to all who have offered support and love during this time
ORDER VIDEOS
FRUIT HEIGHTS, Utah — It wasn’t until last year that Alan Bassett was put behind bars on child sex abuse charges dating back more than 35 years
dozens of women are taking the stand against their alleged abuser
“I’m here today because all of my childhood friends were on that stand
testifying against someone who abused them for years,” said Patrice Pederson
Patrice Pederson sat among a packed courtroom who felt the pain of their young years living in Fruit Heights once again
“What he did has devastated them and it devastated our neighborhood,” said fellow friend Kristy Sauter
They watched as victim after victim relived childhood trauma in the Davis Justice Center on Friday
and these children were the ages of many of the kids in our neighborhood,” Sauter said
“These little girls would go over there for sleepovers
for dance class…and despicable things would happen.”
These friends say the defense for Alan Bassett is asking to dismiss all of this because of a decades-old agreement signed by a past Davis County attorney
“He is not to be prosecuted for any of his sexual activities - they gave him a free pass,” Pederson said
“Sexual activities - that’s how they described assaulting young girls.”
Pederson and Sauter say the justice system failed these women for all these years and they hope that won’t continue for anyone who’s suffered abuse
“I think that if every Utahn could spend one day of their life in a court for witness after witness after witness of people that they loved,” said Pederson
but if they had to - the system would change”
Nine hours of court testimony wasn’t even enough time to fit in all those who’ve come forward
those friends tell me the next step will be another hearing for more of Bassett’s victims
They say the next court date has not yet been set
to Joseph Ray Capener and Ellen Edigington
who later preceded her in death on April 11
Janet touched many hearts as she lived in various communities
She graduated from Bear River High School and attended Utah State University
Janet embraced her role as a homemaker and was a beloved grandmother
which showcased her creativity and dedication to her family and community
reflecting her commitment to service and making a positive impact in the lives of others
and Tim (Jillyn) Abel; 21 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; three brothers and three sisters and all family and friends who are reading this
Janet is preceded in death by her husband Ralph
Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday
All services will take place at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 24 S Country Ln
The service will also be livestreamed and can be found below
A special thanks to Tim and Jillyn for their care of her for so many years; Austin Abel
and Susan Leatham; and the Whispering Cove Care Center and their staff
but her unwavering spirit and love will continue to inspire those who knew her
DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT PAN THE CROWD AND THE CAMERA IS FIXED UPON THE PULPIT
WE WILL TRY AND LIVESTREAM THE FUNERAL SERVICE
A RECORDING WILL BE UPLOADED WITHIN 24-48 HOURS AFTER THE SERVICE
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
6:48 PM | Updated: 9:45 pm
BY EMMA BENSON
KAYSVILLE — Davis County is trying to find a home for its Code Blue shelter after one in Fruit Heights fell through due to pushback from residents
According to state law, counties must provide 16 overflow beds on “code blue” nights — or when temperatures drop to 18 degrees. At a city council meeting in Fruit Heights Wednesday night, Mountain Road Church announced it will no longer be a warming center for those experiencing homelessness due to the conflict it’s created in the community
“We wish that all of these folks had a place to stay every night
and that we weren’t just talking about warming shelters,” said John Adams with the Kaysville City Council
The next option for the shelter would be an old emissions building located at 20 N
but Adams said the problem is that there are no transportation or health services near that area
We’re trying to help with the solution; in fact
we’re doing more than just hiding in the shadows
‘Here’s a solution that would work.’ It just doesn’t work at the emissions center,” he said
Adams said they had proposed purchasing a “warming bus” instead of using a building
but the state says that’s unlikely to happen due to a lack of funding
The other choice for the shelter could be the Clearfield Senior Center
which Adams said would be a more viable option since it’s right next to the Davis County Health Department
Adams said the Utah State Homeless Services Board is set to meet next week
Utah (KUTV) — Three cities in Davis County all say no to either homeless shelters or Code Blue warming shelters
KUTV has been following this issue in the county from the start
Todd Weiler said there needs to be decisive leadership from Davis County
and the county needs to propose a logical site
"It's been a little bit of a political hot potato," said Weiler
Weiler is referring to Davis County and three cities there — North Salt Lake
Fruit Heights and Kaysville — that have said no to proposed homeless shelters and warming centers in their neighborhoods
"I think the county commission needs to weigh in and show some leadership and say
but here's where it should be'," said Weiler
North Salt Lake City council members voted against the opening of a permanent homeless shelter
"It's a huge challenge — I'm not sure there's a city that will raise their hand and say 'we will take a homeless shelter,'" said Ryan Steinbeigle
a grant administrator with the Davis County Office of Economic and Community Development
the county is looking for a city to host a warming shelter
a church in Fruit Heights that had initially volunteered to be a shelter decided against it after backlash from the community
"It's not a great location to bring in individuals and have them stay," said Scott Heusser
"I know I made a promise — it's not going to come here
I'll do everything in my power to prevent that because we don't feel like Kaysville is the right location," said Kaysville Mayor Tamara Tran
Though it seems a lot of mayors are saying similar things
"I've talked to some of the mayors
and it seems like there's a lot of finger-pointing going on around
get the wrath of their voters if it ends up in their neighborhood," Weiler said
Weiler wants to see the county pick a location
"These homeless people need to be treated humanely," he said
"Nobody wants them freezing to death."
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FARMINGTON – A 75-year-old Payson man was arrested Monday and accused of sexually abusing several young neighborhood girls from 1977 to 1989 when he lived in Fruit Heights
"It has been 40 years that some of these victims have sought justice and we're happy to tell these victims that Alan Bassett is off the streets," said Davis County Chief Sheriff's Deputy Taylor West
Alan Brower Bassett lives in a senior residential community in Payson and was sitting at his kitchen table when he was confronted about the allegations and told police
Why would they lie?" according to a police booking affidavit
He was charged in 2nd District Court on Tuesday with nine counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child
but only the abuse testimony from five victims could be used to charge Bassett
Bassett "had unlimited access to young female children throughout this time frame," but was "unable to give me a total number of all victims he sexually abused," the sheriff's detective reported in the affidavit
"Detectives with our office put in hundreds of hours in identifying
locating and interviewing victims," said West
after receiving the first report in August 2020
The incidents all took place between when Bassett moved his family into a new Fruit Heights neighborhood in 1977 until he moved in 1998
detail the man sexually assaulting the friends of his children when they came over for sleepovers
visits or hikes when they were between 5 and 10 years old
Bassett was inappropriately touching a young girl when a helicopter flew over his house
Bassett "stopped the touching and ran out of the room distressed
believing the police were coming for him," the affidavit says
The helicopter was actually a medical helicopter responding to a neighbor
and that neighbor was able to confirm "the exact time frame" of the incident
A civil lawsuit filed in 2019 against Bassett and his wife detailed similar accounts of abuse
claiming the man sexually assaulted a young girl during trips
The lawsuit says Bassett "used any excuse he could to get (the child) alone and molest her," including checking her for ticks while on camping trips and checking her for injuries following a car collision
her parents met with Bassett and a religious leader and Bassett told the girl's parents "he was sorry for what he had done
and that he was happy to pay for therapy," the lawsuit says
but "did not disclose the exact nature of the actions for which he was apologizing."
The lawsuit alleges that Bassett continued to sexually abuse the girl
and that Bassett's wife "did nothing to stop him or else to report his actions to parents or law enforcement." Bassett once asked the girl's mother if she could go skiing with his family
but when he arrived to pick her up from school
he told her it would just be the two of them going skiing and throughout the day would repeatedly "fall" on the child on the slopes as an excuse to grope her
"We remain committed to seeking justice for all victims
regardless of the time that has passed," West said in a statement
The Davis County Sheriff's Office is asking anyone who might have been victimized by Bassett to call detective Derrick Pyles at 801-451-4403
I wish to correct a response made by Don Kraftt in a recent front page Tribune story, “Not why we elected you,” when he pulled an offer to provide emergency “code blue” shelter to the unhoused in the Mountain Road Presbyterian Church due to “intense backlash
“This issue has become one of contention and anger and even division in the precious community that we are so proud to be a part of
and we certainly do not want to be the cause of such angst.”
My correction contends that the church might be seen as a catalyst of community angst
but the actual cause is more closely associated with that community’s anti-Christian reaction to the offer
I make an assumption here that many of the objecting local residents identify as Christians
Considering the traditional ministry of Jesus
I wonder how these seeming CINOs (Christians In Name Only) would expect their professed savior to judge their actions in the light of that ministry
Considering that Jesus died a terrible death upholding both the human and divine rights of all men
it doesn’t seem to be asking too much of his disciples to honor his sacrifice by allowing some of his most unfortunate children basic temporary shelter from life-threatening low temperatures
No community member is being asked to die on a cross here
Just to practice their Christianity beyond the church parking lot
Submit a letter to the editor
FARMINGTON — A Payson man recently charged with sexually abusing young neighborhood girls from 1977 to 1989 when he lived in Fruit Heights is seeking to have his charges dismissed
saying he made a deal in the '80s that he wouldn't be prosecuted
was charged in June with nine counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child
but only the abuse testimony from five victims could be used to charge Bassett due to statutory limitations
Davis County Chief Sheriff's Deputy Taylor West released a statement saying "detectives with our office put in hundreds of hours in identifying
locating and interviewing victims," after receiving the first report of sexual abuse in August 2020
"It has been 40 years that some of these victims have sought justice and we're happy to tell these victims that Alan Bassett is off the streets," West said
But Bassett's attorney filed a motion Saturday to dismiss the case
citing a 35-year-old "nonprosecution agreement" with the Davis County Attorney's Office
Bassett submitted a draft of an agreement from 1989 sent by former deputy Davis County attorney Brian Namba saying the state of Utah would not file any charges against Bassett "for any of his sexual activities" between February 1978 to the date of the agreement
provided Bassett "meet and disclose his conduct and activities to all of the victims and their parents," pay for all therapy expenses and complete a sexual abuse treatment program
No signed version of the agreement was found by either party; however
a separate letter referring to the agreement signed in May 1989 was submitted as evidence of a contract
The defense argues it is a blanket contract that prevents Davis County from prosecuting Bassett for any sexual activities with minors during that time period
Two other civil suits against Bassett and his wife have been dismissed to date
was dismissed after the woman who sought emotional damages for Bassett's alleged abuse was "having a difficult time in determining whether continued prosecution is justified by the emotional distress inherent in dealing with the factual basis of her claim."
the lawyer for the plaintiff wrote that Bassett "entered into an agreement by which the defendant agreed to pay for any counseling incidental to any alleged misconduct by the defendant," but that the woman never requested payment for her counseling
wrote in a reply to a request for evidence of the agreement that "no copy of any written agreement exists" outlining covering the counseling costs for the woman
That reply was written after Bassett's current legal team claims he signed a written agreement with the Davis County Attorney's Office in May 1989
The settlement was not an acceptance of any liability or admission of guilt by Bassett
a civil case brought against Bassett and his wife by a different woman was dismissed
Court documents from that case detail similar accounts of abuse
regardless of the time that has passed," West said in June
and asked anyone who may have been victimized by Bassett to call detective Derrick Pyles at 801-451-4403
OGDEN — Hill Air Force Base officials said Monday there have been recent drone sightings close to the base
amid numerous mysterious drones being reported on the East Coast
The unmanned flying objects have been seen over New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, even shutting down Wright-Patterson Air Force Base's airspace in Ohio, according to TV station WCPO. White House national security spokesman John Kirby said Monday there have not been any public safety or national security risks from the sightings, the Associated Press reports
the Department of Homeland Security issued a joint statement alongside the Federal Bureau of Investigation
the Federal Aviation Administration and the Department of Defense
saying the FBI received more than 5,000 drone sighting tips in the last few weeks
"We have sent advanced detection technology to the region
And we have sent trained visual observers," they said
"We can confirm that unmanned aerial systems were spotted in the vicinity of (Hill Air Force Base) recently," said spokesperson Kendahl Johnson
unmanned aerial systems have not impacted (Hill Air Force Base) operations
and all appropriate measures are being taken to safeguard (Hill) personnel
No additional details about the number of drones
officials said "such sightings near or over (Department of Defense) installations are not new," and they take "unauthorized access over its airspace seriously."
The various national agencies reported in their joint statement that "sightings to date include a combination of lawful commercial drones
We have not identified anything anomalous and do not assess the activity to date to present a national security or public safety risk."
A Fruit Heights resident says she saw around ten drones Sunday night
hovering and emitting bright light over Hill Air Force Base
(Photo: Kristen Brinkman)A Fruit Heights resident
told KSL.com she saw around 10 of what she believed were drones over the base Sunday night about 9:30 p.m
I was like — oh maybe it's Starlink," she said
and brighter than anything I've ever seen."
she is used to seeing planes and helicopters going in and out in the exact location she saw the objects
"They didn't really flash," Brinkman said
"Just a super strong light," that would one-by-one go black
"They just disappeared into thin air," hovering and moving slightly
They were of different size but much too big to be a hobby drone
One flew by over her house while her window was open
and it was "pretty quiet," not like the planes she is used to
Small unmanned aircraft use is never allowed on or over the military base
"Unidentified drone swarms have recently been observed over several U.S
military bases," a press release issued last Tuesday said
"The use of personal drones on base poses a significant hazard to aircraft."
Hill Air Force Base's airspace is adjacent to Ogden Regional Airport and Salt Lake City International Airport's arrival and departure corridors and is also a hub for helicopter medical evacuation flights for five area hospitals and U.S
Forest Service operations during fire season
The base uses a "5 mile rule," according to Hill's website
where drone operators need prior authorization to fly within 5 miles of the installation
have to fly between sunrise and sunset and operate below 300 feet
"We continue to monitor the airspace and are working with local authorities to track the unmanned aerial systems
we do not discuss specific force protection measures; however
we retain the right to protect our installations," Johnson said
Officials are requesting anyone who sees "anything suspicious
to include unmanned aerial system activity" to contact local police or Hill's security forces
Utah (KUTV) — An unexpected change in locations for a Davis County warming center that was in Layton and being moved due to demolitions
but an early demolition of the building forced the county to look elsewhere
Now the center will operate at the Davis County Technical Center
in an industrial area near I-15 in Kaysville
this can house people looking to get out of the cold
David Bailey is a Davis County resident who was recently part of an initiative to unify the Fruit Heights Community in providing a warming center there
“I thought we had some really great ideas with things they can do,” Bailey said
where if the temperature dropped cold enough
But that all changed over the first weekend of February
“We found out last Friday that their timeline for new construction and demolition was moved up,” said Ryan Steinbeigle
Steinbeigle said they needed to find another location
and went with the Davis County Technical Center
“The reason that building opposed to the other two is
The Kaysville mayor posted on Facebook stating Kaysville City does not support or endorse a shelter
KUTV reached out to the mayor to ask some follow up questions
we have spent the past several years working closely with the county
and our neighboring cities to develop safe and effective solutions for those in need
we have learned so much and remain committed to working together to find sustainable
collaborative approaches that prioritize both community well-being and public safety
I joined county staff in setting up cots at the warming center in the I/M building in Kaysville
It was heartening to see so many dedicated residents organizing clothing donations
and drinks to support those seeking refuge from the cold
To ensure a smooth and coordinated transition from the Layton facility to Kaysville for the remainder of this Code Blue season
we have been working closely with county officials
Our focus remains on fostering a strong partnership that supports our most vulnerable community members while maintaining the safety and well-being of all residents.”
“Kaysville City has been mostly supportive,” Steinbeigle said
“We’ve had conversations with Mayor Tran and her staff about the operations down there.”
The following new historic sites presidents and companions have been called to serve by the First Presidency
They will begin their service in February 2025
David Lee Frischknecht and Nancy Hamilton Frischknecht
Fruit Heights Utah Stake: Ohio Historic Sites
succeeding President Scott Barrick and Sister Shauna Barrick
Brother Frischknecht is a former Area Seventy
stake president and missionary in the Guatemala Guatemala City Mission
Sister Frischknecht is a ward missionary letter writer and a former temple ordinance worker
ward Young Women president and ward Primary presidency counselor
to Colleen Ruth Page Hamilton and Earl Hodges Hamilton
Gilman Jay Gardner and Rhonda Lorraine Lemmon Gardner
Washington Utah Buena Vista Stake: Southwest Utah Historic Sites
succeeding President Thomas Nead and Sister Pamela Nead
Brother Gardner is a temple ordinance worker and a former bishopric counselor
and missionary in the Ghana Cape Coast Mission and the New Zealand South Mission
to Wilma Workman Gardner and Kenneth Norman Gardner
Sister Gardner is a temple ordinance worker and a former stake Relief Society president
ward Relief Society presidency counselor and missionary in the Ghana Cape Coast Mission
to Mona Jean Mitchell Lemmon and Richard Mark Lemmon
James S. Johnson and Debra Marie Fotheringham Johnson, three children, Greens Lake Ward, Cedar City Utah Stake: Missouri Historic Sites, succeeding President Scott Forsyth and Sister Teri Forsyth. Brother Johnson is a former temple presidency counselor, stake president, bishop, JustServe director and missionary in the Nauvoo Illinois Temple. He was born in Kremmling
Sister Johnson is a Primary music leader and a former assistant to the temple matron
JustServe director and missionary in the Nauvoo Illinois Temple
to Marilyn Elva Miles Fotheringham and Robert Bruce Fotheringham
William Frederick Lawler and Roberta Lynn Henry Lawler
Alpine Utah North Stake: Nebraska and Iowa Historic sites
succeeding President Dennis Fors and Sister Linda Fors
Brother Lawler is a mission preparation teacher and a former stake president
elders quorum president and missionary in the Italy Milan Mission
to Dorothy Jean Foster Lawler and Frederick Cyril Lawler
Sister Lawler is a Young Women adviser and mission preparation teacher and a former ward Relief Society presidency counselor
(Dee) Williams and Roxanne Larson Williams
Bountiful Utah Central Stake: Cove Fort Historic Site
succeeding President Martin Balls and Sister Pamila Balls
Brother Williams is a stake clerk and a former Nauvoo Illinois Historic Sites Mission presidency counselor
elders quorum president and missionary in the Japan Tokyo Mission
Sister Williams is a temple ordinance worker and a former missionary in the Nauvoo Illinois Historic Sites Mission
Young Women and Primary presidency counselor
to Irene Semadeni Larson and Alan William Larson
Utah (KUTV) — Mud slides are still occurring in a residential area of Fruit Heights more than a year after a slide injured two homeowners
The people who live there said the slides started after a new development right above them began construction
City leaders have said for over a year they’re working with the developer and residents
MORE:Developer releases statement on progress of slope stabilization in Draper neighborhood
our view has been ruined” Terry Smith said
Smith’s backyards is filled with mud from one of the slides
or how can my neighbor let his kids go in the backyard or for that matter any of my neighbors when there’s heavy rain?” Smith said
The slide that is now piled up in Smith’s backyard happened at the beginning of May
A different slide injured his neighbors in 2023 during spring runoff
Smith said he had been waiting over a year for a remedy
it’s going to happen again and again and again," he said
the president of Bear Creek Development — which is developing the neighborhood above Smith’s home — said an engineering firm is finishing a geological report to look at soil and slope strength
Lowe said a report he had done after the 2023 slide concluded his development hadn’t exacerbated any events
but 100% I want it to be so this doesn’t happen again
MORE:Repair timeline unclear for Huntsville campground still damaged after 2023 flooding
"The city is working with the development and residents
and I have no further information to comment on."
Smith said depending on how this played out
"It is out of my control at this point
but at some point it needs to be under control.”
6:31 PM | Updated: 6:33 pm
A dog peers at Animal Care of Davis County in Fruit Heights in an undated photo
The county is planning to build a new facility
BY TIM VANDENACK, KSL.COM
FRUIT HEIGHTS — The expanding population base isn’t the only sort of growth that’s got Davis County officials searching for answers
With an uptick in stray animals and owners surrendering their pets
It’s prompted plans to build a new $15-million shelter and has Davis County commissioners weighing a property tax hike to keep pace with the rising cost of caring for the critters
County Commissioner Lorene Kamalu pointed to the doubling up of dogs in kennels at the shelter at times
which is just one indicator of the issues at play
That isn’t ideal for the canines and also prompts distress among their human caretakers
“It takes a serious toll on everyone,” Kamalu said
Plans to build a new 32,000-square-foot facility on the grounds where the existing 11,000-square-foot shelter sits
expects groundbreaking to occur later this year
with the $15 million or so cost to be covered by county savings
county leaders are proposing a $1.5 million or so property tax hike in the 2025 budget to hire more staff and cover increasing operational costs
A worker at Animal Care of Davis County in Fruit Heights holds one of the cats at the shelter in this undated photo
“It’s all the operations,” said Kamalu
referencing factors behind the proposed tax hike
including the rising costs of caring for dogs and cats and the increased numbers of animals entering the facility
would bolster property tax revenue to the shelter to around $4 million
up some 60% from the 2023 figure of $2.5 million
It would cost the owner of an average home in Davis County
Kamalu and Young have been visiting municipal leaders across Davis County one city at a time to explain the tax hike proposal. Animal shelters across the country have been contending with an uptick in dogs and cats
“There seems to be an understanding of the need for it,” at least among the municipal leaders who have been approached
the increased funding would help cover the cost of hiring a veterinarian
a part-time animal foster care coordinator and two office staffers
would be the focus of a truth-in-taxation hearing later this year
according to Davis County Auditor Curtis Koch
If county officials ultimately approve it as part of Davis County’s 2025 budget
the increase would show up on property owners’ tax bills next year
the number of animals entering the shelter — reflecting a national trend — has jumped
A worker at Animal Care of Davis County in Fruit Heights plays with a dog at the shelter in this undated photo
The uptick stems in part from population growth
More people leads to more pets and more potential strays
the housing crunch also figures in the mix
If someone can’t afford to buy a home
and many apartments don’t permit pets or they charge higher rental fees for those with animals
prompting some to surrender their animals to save money
the shelter has transitioned to a no-kill facility
potentially resulting in longer stays for animals as homes are sought
“That’s something that’s very
very important for our residents,” Young said
To get no-kill status per guidelines of the Best Friends Animal Society
a facility must have a 90% live-release rate
The Davis County shelter achieved the status in 2022 and currently has a live-release rate of around 94%
Utah — A 75-year-old Payson man was arrested Monday and is accused of sexually abusing multiple victims in incidents that happened more than 35 years ago
was arrested on eight counts of sexual abuse of a child
The Davis County Sheriff's Office shared that "several victims" came forward in the fall of 2020 with allegations against Bassett
The victims said Bassett sexually abused them between the years of 1977 and 1989 when they were all between the ages of five and ten years old
Arresting documents detail that the abuse happened when Bassett and his family moved into a newly built home in Fruit Heights
several of the victims could not be charged," arresting documents read
Five instances of abuse were detailed in court documents where individuals told police that Bassett touched them inappropriately
with several of the incidents happening at a birthday party hosted at Bassett's home
Bassett admitted to sexually abusing children during the time he lived in Fruit Heights
"[Bassett] struggled to remember all of the girls he sexually abused during the time but did recall several of them and stated to me if they said I did it
Bassett could not recall the total number of victims he sexually abused
The Davis County Sheriff's Office shared that those with additional information that may be helpful in the case or victims who wish to come forward should call Detective Pyles at 801-451-4403
“It has been 40 years that some of these victims have sought justice and we’re happy to tell these victims that Alan Bassett is off the streets,” said Chief Deputy Taylor West in a release
“Detectives with our office put in hundreds of hours in identifying
We appreciate their work and the trust these victims had in sharing their stories
We remain committed to seeking justice for all victims
Robyn Ann Ballantyne was born on February 13
a day that would be highly celebrated for the next 59 years in the Ballantyne family. The news that Robyn had Down Syndrome was initially very difficult for her parents
and made more difficult by the advice from their physician that they should place Robyn in an institution rather than take her home. Thankfully they ignored that bad advice
wrapped her in love and blankets on that winter day
and brought her home where she began to light up the Ballantyne family
of truly seeing someone who is different from who we are
and of the deep love that comes from serving another
and lasting memories of Robyn are of a smile that lit up her face
and her pure heart filled with love for everyone around her. As a tiny
giving hugs and “I love you’s” freely to family
and strangers alike. Our parents worked diligently with her
which she loved to do. She went to Monte Vista school in Farmington
a school for children with special needs. When she graduated at 18
a program that provides employment services for individuals with disabilities
She loved her work there with her friends and her supervisor Matt Elston who was both friend and mentor to Robyn
and doing her jobs. She looked forward to her weekly paycheck
which was usually between $2 and $10 dollars
“I’m rich!” and would offer to buy us chocolate malts
she retired after our mom passed away six years ago
Robyn was always a busy and engaged person. She loved participating in bowling at the Special Olympics and would proudly don her victory ribbons. She also loved attending the Special Needs Mutual every Thursday night
and especially loved appearing in their annual play. She would begin telling us about “her" play weeks ahead
and on performance day she was clear that we needed to bring flowers to present to her
and then take her for ice cream to celebrate. All of her family
and helpers came and cheered her on each year. She shined with each performance and loved the celebration of her star status
Perhaps the only days more important than her plays were her birthday and Christmas. She loved both
Claus whenever we mentioned that Santa was coming
Although she wanted to start planning for her birthday party months ahead
we would tell her we needed to wait until after Christmas to plan her February party. She went along with that
or game parties with her dear friends (Kathryn
Robyn has a long list of things she loved: crafts
and more. She was not a person who could readily sit without working or playing. She was responsible
she also loved Yellowstone Park and looked forward to the annual family vacations there
She especially looked forward to buying her Yellowstone calendar
and chocolate malts at the Hamilton stores with her “own money.” Her family was the center of her life
and she was especially close to her Daddy-boy
who would play with her for hours and work diligently to teach her skills
who was her heart and soul. Since they passed
understanding on some level that they are “in heaven,” but wishing they could be right here with her
We love you Robyn and are so grateful that Heavenly Father blessed us with you as a part of our eternal family. Our lives are better because you were with us. We look forward to being with you in your unfettered state
and we are so happy you are with your Daddy-boy and Mother-dear
Robyn was preceded in death by her mother and father
as well as our Van Drimmelen and Ballantyne grandparents
and her dear friends Jill Nielson and Andrea Phillips. Siblings Todd (Julie)
will all miss her influence and love.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday December 20
Friends may visit with family Tuesday December 19
2023 at Lindquist’s Kaysville Mortuary
Interment- Lindquist's Washington Heights Memorial Park
The family wishes to express particular gratitude to Sara Cheshire who has helped and advocated for exceptional care for Robyn over many years. We are also very grateful to Susan Basset for love and care and for always making sure Robyn’s “helpers” were only the best. Taya
In lieu of flowers please donate to PARC (Pioneer Adult Rehab Center)
Condolences may be sent to www.lindquistmortuary.com
Services will be live-streamed by going to www.lindquistmortuary.com and scrolling to the bottom of Robyn's obituary page
ORDER VIDEOS
FRUIT HEIGHTS, Utah (KUTV) — What started as a normal day for a couple living in Fruit Heights took a scary turn following a life-threatening mudslide
Frank and Sharla Hunt were buried and their barn in the backyard was destroyed
but they're safe thanks to neighbors who jumped in to help
MORE: Pilot, passenger rescued after helicopter crash in Wasatch County
Alison Dorenbosch is the couple's daughter who said their grandkids had been playing in the barn just hours before the slide on Saturday
She said her father's leg is likely broken and her mother's ankle is hurt
the mudslide destroyed their yard and killed their livestock
the family is expressing gratitude for the neighbors and first responders who helped
Dorenbosch said if it hadn't for her parents' diligent neighbors
it may have been hours before anyone got to her parents
neighbors alerted the Hunts of concerns about water on the hillside earlier in the day
Neighbor Chelsea Swain said her husband and daughter rushed to help the Hunts when they saw the couple buried in the mud
She said that several neighbors came together with shovels and trimmers to break up the mud and free the couple
MORE: Two critically injured after explosion at Layton home
Community members reported that the land is being developed up above the hill and there's a lot of sitting dirt
which is a concern considering there's still a lot of snow melting
said teams are working to prevent another slide from happening
Pohlman told 2News they're digging a hole and pumping the water out from the area
the couple is healing and holding one another closer
The neighbors said while there have been slides in this area before
this is one of the biggest they've seen
They're just glad the Hunts are expected to be OK
FRUIT HEIGHTS — A day after a mudslide overtook him and his wife in their backyard
Frank Hunt said he remained concerned about what else could flow down from the hillside and mountain above his home this spring
"The water just started building up there from all this snow," Hunt said
Hunt shared his experience of what unfolded Saturday during an interview with KSL-TV on Sunday
"There was a little stream of water coming down — probably an inch or two deep and 6 inches wide — and it was moving soil but not much," Hunt recalled
"It was moving right into my chicken coop
and I was going to divert the water that was coming down around my chicken coop
I had started doing that when all of a sudden there was a crash."
and it caught us — came up behind me and just pushed me into that coop
and we went about another 10 feet before we ended."
Hunt said he blacked out for roughly 30 seconds
his injured right leg was under him awkwardly
and his left leg was in front of him and pinned by a rail from a fence
His wife was also on the ground with an injury to her leg
neighbors scrambled over to help as they could until first responders arrived following a 911 call
"They're trying to cut branches away because I'm pinned down with sagebrush," Hunt recalled
"They were able to push enough to push my foot over and bring it around the rail
Hunt said helping him was not an easy task with deep mud all around him
"The cop that was pulling me out — he sank to his knees," he laughed
"I don't think (there was) anything I could have done
it tore out an apricot tree that had a trunk on it that was about 2½ feet in diameter — took it right out!"
"These are beams — or telephone pole-sized beams — holding that barn up
and it went down like it was a Tinkertoy," Hunt explained
He expressed concerns about the water that remained on the hillside above him in an area that is apparently under development and acknowledged the ongoing potential for problems there and across northern Utah following a winter of record snow
there's a lot of water up there," Hunt said
"I don't think they anticipated it — and of course
who does — but I don't think they were prepared for it."
residents of a Davis County community mourned the loss of a beloved turkey that they affectionately named Kevin
a new turkey — perhaps Kevin-incarnate — has begun to make an appearance along the streets and byways of the northern Utah town
and why should we care?" some of you might ask
He brought the community together during a time of uncertainty
smiles and the more-than-occasional blocked traffic during the morning commute to work
Kevin was very much a member of the community
"I started noticing Kevin hanging out on Nichols Road
I thought he was a peacock that maybe someone owned
but he was a wild turkey!" the Fruit Heights resident said
"I always thought Kevin should be called Bruce
But everyone in Fruit Heights likes to call him Kevin."
said that there are several wild turkeys in the foothills and she had seen some on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail
but Kevin was the only one she saw hanging out in the city streets
"I think maybe Kevin didn't like being around other turkeys and wanted to journey out on his own," Olsen speculated
a solo life didn't really pan out for the wild turkey because nearly every time he would venture out
he would be the subject of quite a lot of attention
Perhaps that of a wanted outlaw was more of his life mission
as Kevin found himself being escorted off the streets by Utah Highway Patrol and animal control officers
none of whom was able (or willing) to put a stop to his countless street crossings
Olsen recalled times when Kevin stopped traffic on U.S
and would even peck at tires to get drivers to move out of his way
Olsen said that Kevin sightings were less of a nuisance and more of something that she and community members looked forward to
and there was an entire thread dedicated to Kevin," Olsen said
"If someone hadn't seen him in a while
they would post asking if anyone had seen him lately
There was a large concern for his well-being
as we all believed that surely his demise would be to be hit by a car."
after several months of turkey crossings and near misses by motor vehicles
Kevin did die — but the street was not what took his life
the famed fowl had allegedly been roosting in a neighbor's tree and was found lying lifeless on the ground
Some think it was the fall that killed Kevin
while others believe that perhaps another tree-inhabiting animal attacked the bird
the past several months through the summer and fall have been somewhat of a mourning period for Fruit Heights residents
"There was talk of a candlelight vigil to celebrate his life
but I'm not sure if that ever happened," Olsen said
the streets just haven't been the same."
as another wild turkey has left his foothill flock for nearby Fruit Heights
and Olsen said it brings her joy to know that Kevin may have a successor after all
"I'm not sure how many others have seen the new turkey
but I have seen him hanging out in the same areas Kevin did," Olsen said
"I even caught a video of him attempting to cross the street with a bus heading his way
There is no official name given to this new turkey
I'd like to think that he and Kevin are family
and I hope this one sticks around for a while."
FRUIT HEIGHTS, Utah (KUTV) — Residents of Fruit Heights are worried that a mountain hillside in their area may collapse again after a recent mudslide buried two people.
The victims of the mudslide were rescued and hospitalized
Family members told 2News on Monday that Frank and Sharla Hunt are continuing to heal from their sustained injuries
surrounding homeowners are now seeking answers from the city to prevent similar disasters from happening again
During 2News' visit to the mudslide site
nearby resident Terry Smith expressed concerns about surface water pooling above the hill and how the slide could have been prevented
"That water was running right into it and making a pond until finally it loaded up the hill and blew it out
almost killing my neighbors," he said
Smith also mentioned that the hill had slid a couple of times before but due to broken irrigation lines
Mayor John Pohlman addressed the issue on Saturday at the scene of the slide
mentioning that they are working to make the area as safe as possible by sending a drone to the area and pumping out sitting water
The mayor was not available to speak on Monday
they want to know what proactive steps the city is taking to prevent another mudslide and how they can protect their properties
MORE:Neighbors jump in to help Fruit Heights couple swept away by large mudslide
While neighbors like Smith are relieved that Frank and Sharla Hunt are recovering after the recent mudslide
they remain shaken by the gravity of what could have happened
"They were almost killed," Smith said
He also expressed concern about the Hunts' grandchildren who were playing in their grandparents' backyard just prior to the slide
"What if his grandkids had been back there?" Smith said
The incident has left many in the community with a sense of urgency to help prevent future disasters.