Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Councilwoman Among Locals Spotted Dining, Mingling, and Donating in Downtown Payson Last Week


Spotted spending a night out on the downtown Monday were Payson Councilwoman Linda Carter (left) and husband David Carter (right).  It seems the two could not pass up the chance to dine, mingle, and donate along with other local families who gathered outside the Payson City Library on August 29.  It’s there the local Lions Club hosts its Monday night fundraiser, selling grilled Nathan’s brand hot dogs, sides, and sodas through the end of September to raise funds for a new teen room in the library.  According to Rhett Huff, Lions Club District 28 T Governor, 150 hot dogs were sold this week alone. Photos by Denise Windley (see more at Virtual Vaksen)


Celebrating Onion Days: Brown Family Mortuary


Onion Days Events: www.paysonchronicle.com

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Celebrating Onion Days: Los Amigos of Payson

Onion Days Events: www.paysonchronicle.com

Magnificent Bubble Kits Available for Purchase Will be Hard to Miss at Upcoming Onion Days Celebration


A youngster marvels at the magnificent bubble created by Sandy Huff, President of the Payson Lions Club (above), as she demonstrates the giant bubble kits available for purchase at this weekend’s Onion Days Celebration in Memorial Park and Historic Downtown Payson.  The kits include a wand, paddle, and batch of bubbles to provide oodles of fun for children and children at heart.  Husband Doug Huff (pictured below) joins in as folks line up for a bite to eat at last night’s “One Million Pennies” Nathan's Hot Dogs event, yet another Payson Lions Club fundraiser.  Held each Monday evening until the end of September, the hot dog sales will benefit a new teen room slated for construction inside the Payson Library on Main Street. Photos by Denise Windley (see more at Virtual Vaksen)



Celebrating Onion Days: FLEA-O-LOGY at Olson's Garden Shoppe September 3rd Only



Friday, August 26, 2016

Lions Club Scones: Before, During, & After the Onion Days Parade


Go See "Into the Woods"

The cast of PCT's 2016 production of "Into the Woods" (pictured) rehearse for this season's performances.
As you enter "Into the Woods," be careful of the wishes you make and the things you say.  Stay on the path and do not stray.

The path "Into the Woods" has been paved at the Payson High Auditorium by the extraordinary cast and crew who make up Payson Community Theater's 2016 production. The show opened last night and will continue through Labor Day.

Find times and tickets at paysoncommuitytheater.com.  Tickets, $10 each, are also available at NAPA Auto at 190 East 100 South, Payson, and at the door prior to each performance.


Thursday, August 25, 2016

The Christopher Flintoff Dixon House And The John Dixon House Would Not Be Able To Remain Where They Are If The Current Plan To Widen Payson Main Street Is Chosen


Pictured above: The historic Christopher Flintoff Dixon House, built in 1896 at 248 North Main, Payson, in its early years of occupancy.  Today it is home to Dixon descendant Coralee Wilson.  The photo below was taken in 2016.  The John Dixon House (not pictured) is located to the south of the property.



Coralee Wilson has been assured by those in charge of the Payson Interchange Environmental Impact Statement regarding Main Street and Interstate 15 that input from the public will be carefully considered and can have an effect on the outcome. The announcement of the results of the impact study is set for some time in December, according to manager Justin Schellenberg, who is in charge of the study.

Cora says she will be submitting her own opinion to UDOT and encourages others to submit theirs--whatever those opinions may be.  Read more about this story in the August 24, 2016 edition in print of The Payson Chronicle.




Mourning the Passing of Friends: Forthcoming Funeral Services

“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose.

All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” ~ Helen Keller

Forthcoming funeral services are planned for the following friends from our community. Complete versions of these obituaries may be found in The Payson Chronicle and on our website at paysonchronicle.com.
Richard F (Dick) Hanks




Richard F Hanks, 85 passed away August 21, 2016 after a brief illness. He was born on June 19, 1931 in Salem, Utah at the home of his parents to Ernest C. and Sarah Ellen Hanks. He is a lifelong resident of Salem. He went to school in Salem and Spanish Fork and graduated from Spanish Fork High School. Richard was an accomplished athlete and enjoyed playing many sports.  
                                                                                                               
He served an LDS mission in Northern California. In 1954 he married his loving wife of 62 years, Jeannie Ray. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. They moved to Washington State while serving in the US Army during the Korean War. While there, their daughter, Connie, was born. They moved back to Utah where their son, Mark was born. Richard graduated from BYU with a teaching degree and taught for over 30 years for Nebo School District. When retired, he enjoyed repairing small engines and the hobby turned into a home business, where he fixed mowers, tillers, snow blowers, and equipment of all types until retiring earlier this year.

He loved sports and excelled in many of them. He was an excellent golfer and taught his son, son-in-law and MANY grandchildren and friends the game. He enjoyed playing with them often. Richard would play a round of golf with anyone who was willing to play, even on short notice, often buying his companions’ round just so they might play. He had devoted friends, many can credit the beginning of their friendship to a sport, especially golf.

Richard said there were two kinds of people, his friends and people he had yet to meet. He was loyal father, husband, and friend. He was helpful and free with his advice (you better take it), friendly to all around him and a man of his word. He was an extremely charitable man, he helped many families with their missionary expenses, subbed for Santa, and fixed lawn mowers at no cost for those in need. He taught his family to give a full day's work and to be of service to others. He taught the kids to be prompt and on time (one of his children actually learned these traits). With Richard on time meant, 10 minutes before the time announced according to his watch and his watch was always set 10 minutes ahead of the actual time. He was a very hard worker and his efforts showed in his well kept home, yard, and garden. He had a green thumb and could make anything grow. His garden was always open to friends and neighbors and he shared the produce abundantly.  Richard was a High Priest, Ward Clerk, and dedicated Home Teacher, he truly cared about people and was always willing to help in any way that he could.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Jeannie, his children Connie (Sam) McVey, and Mark (Annette) Hanks, both of Salem, twelve grandchildren and 7 1/2 great-grandchildren to date.  He also leaves behind his two sisters, Carol Talmage (Bountiful) and Linda Peery (Spanish Fork). He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother Ernest G. Hanks.

Funeral services will be at the Salem 9th Ward Chapel, on Center Street and Main, Salem, Utah, on Saturday, August 27th at 11:00 am.  Burial with military honors will be in the Salem City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be sent to the LDS General Missionary Fund or a charity of your choice.

Condolences may be sent to the family at:   www.walkerobits.com


Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Celebrating Onion Days



Onion Days Grand Marshal an Essential Part of Payson's Culture and Performing Arts Scene


Engineer by trade and essential part of the local arts scene by passion, Richard Lindsey will join in the Onion Days Parade on Labor Day morning as Grand Marshal.

The Payson Chronicle caught up with Mr. Lindsey yesterday morning to find out more about his long list of contributions to the community as we prepare for our upcoming Onion Days Edition.  A behind-the-scenes kind of guy, we found him at work on his biggest project of late: The restoration of the old Huish Theatre into a magnificent and thriving cultural arts and education center to rival no other in south Utah County. Mr. Lindsey was named project leader following passing of its founders, the late Dr. Gordon and Karen Taylor.


Along with an experienced committee and volunteer team, the task of the Huish Center's completion is in good hands with the 2016 Onion Days Grand Marshal at the helm. Find out more about the talented Mr. Lindsey and the Huish Performing Arts and Cultural Education Center in next week’s edition.

For a time lapse view of the Huish Center's stage construction under Mr. Lindsey's leadership, check out the group's Facebook page at

Monday, August 22, 2016

Coralee Wilson Invites The Public To Stop By Her House On Labor Day To Get A Clearer Understanding Of The Options Still On The Table For The Payson I-15 Interchange

Pictured on Thursday, August 18, 2016, Coralee Wilson with Justin Schellenberg, Manager of the Payson Interchange Environmental Impact Statement regarding Main Street and Interstate I-15.  From 10 AM until 10 PM on Labor Day, Ms. Wilson will be offering an opportunity for people to get a clearer understanding of the proposals being considered for the future of Payson's I-15 Interchange regarding North Main Street.  "The main thing is that I want people to have a voice in this decision and know the facts in order to help pick the best choice for Payson," she said, noting that maps will be there, as well as a signup sheet for people to list their email addresses to receive information on the project.  Read more about this story and others like it in this week's edition of The Payson Chronicle.

Saturday, August 20, 2016

Mourning the Passing of Friends: Forthcoming Funeral Services

“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose.

All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” ~ Helen Keller

Forthcoming funeral services are planned for the following friends from our community. Complete versions of these obituaries may be found in The Payson Chronicle and on our website at paysonchronicle.com.

Kimberly Jean Pickering

On the morning of August 19th Kimberly Jean Pickering left this life to join her parents, Richard B Pickering and Lana Spencer. She was also greeted by her nephew Colby Green and many others.

She leaves behind her children, Nikkiela (Nikki), Jeremy, Ethan and Sydney and her grandchildren Enoch, Reliegh & Keera. She will also be missed by her sister Dixie Farr, her nephew Corbin & niece Cailyn, her best friend & sister Tara Barton, many friends and a huge extended family.

Kim was born in Payson and spent much of her life there. She was proud of her Bachelor’s
Degree and was working on her Masters. She was extremely talented and would share her talents with others. She loved to crochet and make blankets for her loved ones. She was good at horseshoes, pool and bowling. She loved to garden and would can pickles & salsa. She made great jerky. She loved getting others to paint her toenails, lipstick and always tried to look nice. She enjoyed a good Coke with pebble ice, the outdoors, family reunions and camping at Burraston Ponds. She also loved her pets. Most of all she was a great Mom & Grandma. She was always putting her kids ahead of herself and always gave her grandchildren too much candy. She left a void in many hearts.

A small family service will be held on Tuesday, August 23rd.

John Mont Wilson
May 21, 1938 - August 19, 2016



John Mont Wilson of Layton, Utah passed away on August 19, 2016 of complications due to a lingering illness.  If you called him “John” he knew you were from the Army or a solicitor; he was known as “Mont” to family and friends.  Mont was born on May 21, 1938 in Payson, Utah; the son of Waldo Matthew and Bernice Thomas Wilson and the brother of Sherol Wilson (Marian).

Mont married his true love and best friend, Maurine LeFevre, on September 21, 1957 in the Manti
Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Four children:  Janette Bannister (Glenn) of Peoria, Arizona; Michael (Gloria) of South Jordan; Richard (Daralyn) of West Haven; and Michelle Maakestad (Michael Greene) of Sandy completed the family unit.  Known as “Grandpa” to ten wonderful grandkids: Sara Wilson, Matthew Bannister (Becky Maloney), Valerie Conklin (Dan), Emily Wilson, Jonathan Wilson (Jamie Lawrence), Luke (Wendy) Wilson, Nathan Bannister, Logan Wilson, Afton Wilson, and Abigail Maakestad.  “Little” Logan Wilson (Jonathan’s son) is the first great-grandchild with two more on the way.  In ways expressed through action more than words, he leaves a family legacy of love, listening, guiding, caring, and being generous.

A well-read man and a lover of learning, Mont could carry a conversation on most any topic.  His
formal education included graduating from Payson High School and obtaining a degree in Civil
Engineering from Brigham Young University.

Over the span of 48 years, Mont had a Hall of Fame career in the highway construction business in Utah and other western states.  He was named Engineer of the Year in 2005 by the Associated General Contractors of Utah.  If you drive on a state or federal highway anywhere in Utah or use a runway at the Salt Lake International Airport, you can bet that Mont has been there and had a hand in blazing the trail.

“John” joined the Army in high school and served his country in the Army Reserves for more than 27 years.  As a member of the 259th Quartermaster [Petroleum] Battalion from Pleasant Grove, Utah, he served a tour of duty in Vietnam in 1968.  He was one of 16 unit members to earn a Bronze Star Medal.  He retired in 1983 with the rank of Major.

Mont is survived by his wife, children, brother, sister-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandson.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family would like to thank the care providers Dr. James Reynolds and Dr. Roger S. Hansen and their dedicated staff.  Their thoughtful and expert care helped us along our way.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 25, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Canyon Woods Ward, 1085 North (Mutton Hollow Road) 50 East, Kaysville, Utah. Friends may visit with family on
Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 N. Fairfield Road, Layton, Utah and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church prior to the service.

Graveside will be at 2:30 p.m. at the Payson City Cemetery, 400 North 800 East, Payson, Utah.
In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to an educational institution of your choice or to the
American Cancer Society.

We consider it a blessing to have been humbled in mumbly peg at the hands of Dad, Grandpa, or Uncle

Mont. We love you and will miss you.


Condolences may be sent to the family at www.lindquistmortuary.com.


Thursday, August 18, 2016

Celebrating Payson


Good Citizens Honored Today in Payson

Ron and Kris Hughes (seated on the front row in the picture above) were given the Central Bank Good Citizen Award this afternoon at the bank's Payson Main Street location.  The award was presented by Brian Hulet, Payson Central Bank manager (not pictured), following a warm introduction by Mike Hardy, Payson Central Bank (standing in photo above), with the couple's family and friends joining them at the ceremony and a light lunch that followed.  Find out more about the Hughes and their outstanding work in the Spring Lake community in The Payson Chronicle

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Preparations Underway for Labor Day Scone Sale in Payson


Follow your nose to Signature Cuts' corner lot in Downtown Payson on Labor Day morning. There you will find the Payson Lions Club frying up delicious hot scones, topped with homemade honey butter made only with natural ingredients. Members gathered at the Moore Business complex last Saturday to prepare for the annual fundraiser, one that is fast becoming a big hit during the Payson Onion Days Grand Parade. More details to come.





Central Bank to Recognize Ron and Kris Hughes for Selfless Service at Spring Lake

Central Bank has selected Ron and Kris Hughes (pictured right-left) to receive the Central Bank Good Citizen Award for the positive impact they've had in our community. Brian Hulet, manager of Central Bank's Payson office, will officially present the award at 12 PM on Thursday, August 18.  The entire community is invited to attend the brief award ceremony and open house after at the bank's office, located at 182 North Main Street in Payson.  Light refreshments will be served.

Read more about these Good Citizens in the August 17, 2016 edition of The Payson Chronicle.

Tonight’s Salem City Council Meeting Canceled; Moved to August 24

Because there will not be a full quorum, the August 17 Salem City Council meeting has been canceled, according to Jeff Nielson, Finance Director/Recorder for Salem City.  The meeting will be moved to August 24 at 4:30 PM with a work session preceding it at 4 PM, he noted.


Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Santaquin Artist Jim Norton Honored to Receive Governor's Mansion Artist Award

Pictured: Jim Norton at his studio in Santaquin on July 21, 2016.  Note that the distant background is based on Dry Mountain, east of Santaquin.  The painting is headed for Legacy Galleries, owned by Brad and Ginger Richardson, in Jackson, Wyoming.  The Santaquin artist is receiving the Governor's Mansion Artist Award.

Find the complete story in this week's print edition of The Payson Chronicle.  Photo by Michael D. Olson




Thursday, August 11, 2016

Pictures Tell The Payson Story: Historic Payson Homes

The John Dixon Home (pictured above) is among several homes in Payson that are included on the National Historic Register.  See this week's edition for photographs of other beautiful historic homes in Payson in this week's edition of The Payson Chronicle.
As one drives around Payson, we are met with the sight of many beautiful homes, writes L. Dee Stevenson of the Payson Historical Society in this week's edition of The Payson Chronicle.  Three of them are on the National Historic Register and one was designed by a world renowned architect.  Find them in this week's edition.


The Payson Chronicle

In This Week’s Edition