Gordon White Honored by Payson City

Mayor Rick Moore presents a plaque to retiring longtime employee Gordon White, on behalf of Payson City.

Gordon White, longtime resident and employee of Payson City, is celebrating his 34 years of dedicated service in the public works departments.  His retirement will vacate the Parks/Cemetery/Water Superintendent position.  He and his family were honored at a retirement luncheon on Thursday, December 13, at which his co-workers and Mayor and Council members expressed their thanks and the thanks of Payson residents for his long career.

Gordon began his career with Payson City March 8, 1979 as a water/sewer maintenance operator under the direction of Water/Sewer Department Superintendent, Don Muhlstein.  He quickly became an important part of the public works departments because of his willingness to work hard at whatever task was before him, and to willingly accept new responsibilities.  In August 1993, Gordon assumed the duties of Water Superintendent.  At that time, the culinary department and the sewer department were separated and the new Pressurized Irrigation Department was created.  Gordon also assumed the duties of the Superintendent of the PI.   In September 2001, the Parks and Cemetery Department was re-organized and Gordon was asked to accept the new responsibility of Parks and Cemetery Superintendent in addition to his duties of heading up the Water and PI Departments.  During that reorganization, the Administration complimented Gordon on his acceptance of these additional responsibilities and the stress which attended learning procedures and operations completely new to him.  Since 2001, Gordon has successfully developed the water, parks and cemetery departments into well-organized units which accomplish a great deal in the area of parks, cemetery, and water maintenance.

In his work as Water Superintendent, Gordon and his crew have been instrumental in accomplishing the following in Payson City:

Construction of five new water tanks.
Construction of the Pressurized Irrigation System.
Installation of the filters for the P. I System.
Bringing the canyon reservoirs up to the safety standards defined by the State of Utah.
Installation of the Springlake Pumps.
Installation and repair of many of the water mains throughout the city.

As Superintendent of the Parks Department he and his crews have successfully:

Contributed numberless hours to the success of various city celebrations.
Design and construction of the vast trail system and new parks in Payson City.
Maintenance of those trails and parks both for beauty and for use of the PI system.

In addition, Gordon personally created the design for the Veterans Memorial at the Payson City Cemetery and guided the construction to a successful conclusion.  

In 2009 Gordon was recognized as the Ted Bates Employee of the Year.

Payson City Administration, Mayor and Council and co-workers want to thank Gordon and his family for all his years of dedication and wish him the best in his new retirement adventure.

Payson Proclaims January 6-12 Cowboy Poetry Week

Several notable hats are worn by Bill Wright within the Payson community. The most musically styled among them, perhaps, is that of a cowboy balladeer. This was the hat he wore when he approached the Payson City Council, December 5. He arrived seeking the penning of a proclamation that would designate January 6-12, 2013, as Cowboy Poetry Week.

Payson Chamber Christmas Party Warm With Season Cheer

Payson Chamber of Commerce members pose for a Christmas group photo: (front row, seated, left-right) Chamber director Carolyn Bowman, Payson Mayor and businessman Rick Moore, Chamber President Eric Buchanan; (middle row, left-right) Laura Evans, Shelly Thompson, Candy Martin, Janice Roper, Russell Gaede, Lou Ballamis; (back row, left-right) Maurice Evans, Christina Tanquary, Shawn Martin, Joe Vega, Rory Adams, Rhett Huff, and Zach Voorhees.

Good cheer was in abundance when the Payson Chamber of Commerce met last week. Members, old and new, gathered together in the Lions Club Meeting Room, December 6, to share food, conversation, and gifts. It was the annual Chamber Christmas Party, and one which seemed to bring much delight to members of the local business community that afternoon.  See complete story and additional photos in this week's edition of The Payson Chronicle.

A gift elicits a laugh of delight for Rhett Huff (right) and Rick Moore (left).

Chopper 5 Makes Landing at Two Payson Schools

Students at Park View get an up-close view of KSL's Chopper 5.

Chamber Serves Poor Boys Business of Month Honor

Poor Boys BBQ & Dawgs owner, Zach Voorhees (front row, pictured right, with plaque in hand) was honored during the Wednesday, December 5, city council meeting in Payson.  To the left of Voorhees is Lou Ballamis, representing the Chamber of Commerce, who made note of not only the good food at Poor Boys, but the good Voorhees brings to the community.  Poor Boys is among local business contributors of the Read Today program, his business rewarding students at Park View and Wilson Elementary schools for reading accomplishments.  Pictured behind are (left-right) Payson Mayor Rick Moore, and City Councilmembers, Scott Phillips, Larry Skinner, and Jolynn Ford.

Poor Boys crew: (left-right) Tim Ellis, owner Zach Voorhees, and Jordan Avery, with a plaque presented by Payson Chamber of Commerce President Eric Buchanan (pictured in blue shirt).  Poor Boys was named December's Business of the Month by the local Chamber at the restaurant, Monday morning.  

Poor Boys' owner, Zach Voorhees cuts into a sheet cake to share with well-wishers at his restaurant, December 3.

Miss Payson Stefani Dimond enjoys a piece of cake, which was provided by Payson Market and shared during Business of the Month Award presentation at Poor Boys.

Payson High School Star Wrestler Jed Mellen Signs Letter of Intent To Wrestle for UVU

On November 14th, 2012, PHS senior wrestler Jed Mellen signed a national letter of intent to wrestle for UVU for a scholarship.  As part of a very successful wrestling program at PHS, Jed has earned many important accomplishments already as he heads into his fourth year with the Lions.

Jed is a two-time State and Region Champion for Payson, and was runner-up for the State Championship his freshman year.  He twice won championships at the prestigious Rocky Mountain Rumble as well as at the Vernal Tournament of Champions.  He won a 3A Super Region Championship in 2012, and along the way he has earned championships on the national and the world level of competition in tournaments held in Reno and Denver.

See complete story in this week's edition of The Payson Chronicle.

Jillian Ormond Passes Miss Salem Title to Kalli Bennett

Jillian Ormond pins crown on Kalli Bennett at the November 21 Salem City Council meeting.

The Miss Salem crown has been passed down from queen to first attendant. Kalli Bennett assumed the role last week, as Jillian Ormond has stepped down in preparation to serve an LDS mission. She passed the scepter at a Salem City Council meeting, held early November 21, just before a weekend of holiday festivities.

See complete story, along with additional photos, in this week's edition of The Payson Chronicle.

Santaquin General Plan Open House December 4

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Retiring EMT Lee Savage Praised for Dedication

Santaquin’s Mayor and City Council pause to give thanks, November 7, to a dedicated citizen, Lee Savage. Pictured (front, left-right): Mayor Jim Degraffenried, Police Chief Dennis Howard, Lee Savage, EMS Director Paul Terry; (back, left-right): City Councilmembers Keith Broadhead, Kirk Hunsaker, Matt Carr, James Linford, and Rick Steele.

If there is one word to describe retiring Santaquin EMT, Lee Savage, it is “dedicated,” EMS Director Paul Terry said, speaking on his behalf during the November 7 city council meeting. Savage retires from EMS duty after a dedicated twenty years of service to the local community.  See complete story in this week's edition of The Payson Chronicle.

Community Honors Those Who Served

Payson American Legion, Post 48: (front row, left-right) Doug Holt, Lynn Boyle, Daryl Davis, Robert Meason, Commander Gary Herbert; (back row, left-right) Terrill King, Don Ashcraft, Gary Schwartz, and a veteran and Walmart customer attending Saturday's event.

Locals honored those who served at Veterans Day programs throughout the community.  The American Legion Post 38 hosted a program in the City Center Banquet Hall this morning.  They are pictured here following an early Veterans Day event, held Saturday at Walmart in Payson.  Be sure to check out this week's edition of The Payson Chronicle for additional photos and stories.

Figure Skating Championship Underway

Peteetneet Museum Seeks Volunteers

By L. Dee Stevenson

The Peteetnnet Museum is currently seeking volunteer tour guides for the museum.  If you can give three hours a week, we would love to have you join as.  We are open Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM.  Shifts are available from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM and 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM.  Come and meet some wonderful volunteers that you will be associating with each week.  If you are unable to commit to a full shift each week, we also need volunteer substitute tour guides that will fill-in when one of the regulars in unable to be there for their regular shift.  

If you are interested, contact Georgia Mills at 801-465-3164 or Brenda Reed at 801-465-3065.  You may also call the Peteetneet Museum at 801-465-9427 or 801-465-5265 and leave your name and telephone number and you will be contacted.

Mountain America Credit Union Celebrates First Anniversary as Business of Month

Pictured (left-right) are Mountain America staff, Kama Schramm, Cami Starks, Vicki Grebe (holding plaque), Hilary Rawlings, Bambi Burnell, and Andrea Curtis, along with Chamber of Commerce President Eric Buchanan.

As Mountain America Credit Union observes its first anniversary in Payson, the local Chamber of Commerce adds to the accolades for a successful year. Mountain America was named Business of the Month for November. Chamber members dropped by the local credit union on Monday, November 5, where they handed Branch Manager Vicki Grebe a plaque and the Business of Month banner.

Payson Chamber of Commerce President Eric Buchanan presented Grebe the award on Monday. Just down the street sits Utah Community Credit Union, where he serves in the same capacity as Grebe: Branch manager. But rather than rivals, Buchanan noted the merits of these, and other, businesses as they work in sync.

Branch Manager Vicki Grebe (center) and staff during the award presentation.

Applauding the Payson “business culture” as one made of harmonious relations, he encouraged continued support of one another. “That's the great part of doing business in Payson,” Buchanan said.

The award-bearing continues for Mountain America Credit Union Wednesday evening, when Grebe and staff join the Payson City Council at their regular meeting.  The City Council and Mayor Rick Moore are expected to extend even further congratulations to November's Business of the Month.

Val Hale to Talk Business With Payson Chamber of Commerce

Utah Valley Chamber President Val Hale will join the Payson Area Chamber of Commerce as guest speaker at on Thursday, November 15. The event will take place at the Payson City Council Chambers, located at 435 West Utah Avenue. It starts at 11:30 AM.

Hale is a 1975 Orem High School graduate. He graduated from Brigham Young University in 1981, where he was later employed, from 1999-2004. Hale was hired as the Vice President of University Relations at Utah Valley University, serving in this capacity from 2004-2012. He currently serves as the President and CEO of the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce.

While in Payson next week, Hale will speak on the “how-to of business success” and the value of chamber affiliation through business ownership, as employer or employee, and community membership. “I love life,” he told Payson Chamber leaders. “And the thing that makes life so wonderful is the people I get to associate with.”

Hopeful to gain insight on creating relationships that enable businesses to flourish, the Payson Chamber of Commerce group are enthusiastic about his upcoming visit.

Payson Football Recognizes Senior Players and Cheerleaders

by Michelle Larsen

Three years of hard work, dedication and passion were recognized in front of the home crowd on Thursday, October 18th as Payson High School honored their graduating football players.  Emotions were mixed as the players realized they had just stepped off their home field for the last time.  Senior Quarterback Devan Judd said, “I didn’t think about how much I would miss this but I’ve had the time of my life playing with these guys.”

The thirteen seniors who were honored include:  Josh Brown, Jacob Buckner, Brady Clark, Jaxon Hendrickson, Bryson Hurst, Devan Judd, Kaelen Lovelss, Bridger Lyons, Tyler Marvin, Victor Palomar, Taris Schramm, Ruben Uresti, and Alfredo Bolanos.  The Lions are coached by Jeremy Chapman who said, “I want to thank these kids for their hard work, and the passion they bring to the game.  They are what make coaching fun.  I also want to thank the parents who have supported us this year.”

Senior cheerleaders were also recognized on Thursday night for the support they have provided throughout the season.  The four cheerleaders who were recognized include McLaine Hoffman, Breea Mahaffey, Morgan Menlove, and Sami Smith.  Although the cheerleaders will continue to cheer for other sports, “cheering at the last home football game was surreal,” said Breaa Mahaffey, Senior Cheer Captain.  “I can’t believe it’s over but it was so much fun.”

The Lions lost to Desert Hills Friday in St. George in the first round of State action, ending a very good season for PHS Football.

Costco Opening Draws Crowd

Hundreds gathered outside the new Spanish Fork Costco wholesale store on October 24. Doors opened at 6 PM that night, ushering in invited guests to preview the store before its grand opening this morning. Among them were (left-right) Brianne, Mike, and, mom, Jackie Christensen, all of Payson. Once inside, visitors were treated to many of the edibles the store is known for.   

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Good Old Days: The Faded Green Truck

By Mildred Olson

It was an old, faded green truck. The body looked like it had been kicked around and abandoned. Surprisingly, the motor still purred, almost—almost--like a new vehicle. That was because the owner was constantly puttering over the innards hidden under a dented, damaged hood.

In spite of its sad appearance, the owner never hesitated in letting his wife and his sister drive it to remote areas in the mountains or out into the desolate desert, searching for beautiful and unusual rocks. They would pack a lunch, a thermos of coffee and another filled with water, and then be off before the sun got too hot, and headed home before the sun went to bed and the moon filled the sky.

They would be tired, dirty, but giggly, happy if they found even just one or two special rocks.

They never considered they might ever be in any danger. Snakes slithering in the sand or twisted branches of sagebrush scared them silly, otherwise they felt safe. Until one afternoon, both bent over, digging in the sand, until suddenly spotting two rough-looking fellows, just a short distance from them. Both were holding rifles, Liz, the youngest one, was terrified. Where could they go? Nowhere to hide. No way to call for help.

Kate quietly assured her that everything would be fine, as she slowly approached the two strangers. When Liz felt sure they were friendly and would do no harm, she relaxed. She watched the scruffy looking gun-toters walk towards their truck, as Kate joined her. With the deer hunt just weeks away, they were out there sighting with their guns. Liz really didn't care. She firmly declared, “Let's go home.”

The good old days of the early 1930s.

Congratulations PHS Football Team

Congratulations to the Payson High Football Team on their winning (3-2) Region Twelve record.  The Lions will head to the State Competition this week in St. George, taking on Desert Hills on Friday in a first-round game.

Get a close-up look at team members in this week's edition of The Payson Chronicle.  Player photographs are published on the front page.

Lion's Club Leaders Lead Leads Group Meeting

As an influential community leader, Payson Mayor Rick Moore (pictured left) sports several hats.  He is a businessman, contributing Chamber of Commerce supporter, and has been a member of the Payson Lion's Club since his father, the late Richard Moore, joined the organization in 1969. Moore's role this afternoon centered largely on the latter. That was when he joined fellow Lions Club leaders, Rhett and Jennifer Huff, Steve Southwick, and Ned Deuel (pictured right) to host a Chamber of Commerce Leads Group gathering. Check out next week's edition of The Payson Chronicle for story and additional photos of today's event.   

Chris Loveless Named National Wrestling Coach of the Year

Written by Lana Hiskey, Nebo School District Communications Specialist

Chris Loveless, Payson High School Wrestling Coach, was selected as the Wrestling Coach of the Year by the National Federation of High School Association (NFHS). The NFHS Coaches Association has an advisory board, composed of a chair and eight sectional representatives, which considers the state award recipients from the states in their respective sections and selects the best candidates for the sectional award in each sport category. The advisory board forwards those recommendations to the NFHS national office in Indianapolis, Indiana.

All those that work with Coach Loveless consider him an exemplary coach with a hard work ethic, extraordinary determination, and an unassuming nature. Coach Loveless has coached two teams to State Championships and four teams to Region Championships. Also, in his nine years of coaching, Coach Loveless has coached 19 individual State Champions. Recently, Coach Loveless was inducted into the Nebo Athletics Hall of Fame.

Congratulations Coach Loveless for “Letting it Shine!”

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Wesley LeBaron Called to Serve LDS Mission in Florida

Elder Wesley Lynn LeBaron has been called to serve a mission in the Florida Orlando Mission. He is the son of Scott and LynnAnn LeBaron of Santaquin.  He will be speaking on Sunday, October 21, at 1:30 PM, at the Santaquin Stake Center, located at 45 South 500 West.

He will enter the MTC on November 7.  

Payson Firefighter Frank Holm Honored for Service Spanning Fifty Years

 Pictured (left-right) Frank Holm and wife, Kenna, along with Payson Fire Chief Scott Spencer.

Fighting fires for fifty years is no modest feat. Having a half century of the service behind him, Frank Holm received due accolades at last week's Payson City Council meeting.  See story in the most recent edition of The Payson Chronicle.

Pepperbox CrossFit Open for Fitness

PepperBox Cross Fit owner/operators (left-right): Travis and Natalie Anderson

PepperBox CrossFit brings personally catered workouts to Payson, expanding operations from Elk Ridge to Payson. The unique fitness business opened at 875 East 100 North, #5, this week. The was move commemorated in Chamber of Commerce style: a ribbon-and-cake-cutting ceremony this afternoon.

See the complete story in next week's edition of The Payson Chronicle. Subscribe to The Chronicle at paysonads.com.  

After the ribbon is cut, the workout begins.

Miss Payson Stefani Dimond (right) joined Chamber members, Laura Evans (center), and Nelson Abbott (behind), in welcoming Pepperbox CrossFit to town. 

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Spring Laker Larry Menlove Achieves New Literary Honor

Spring Lake fiction writer Larry Menlove is elated to have received news that he has won the top award for fiction writing in the short story category in the Utah Original Writing Competition.  His prize-winning story is “Petey Immigrates North, Then Moves West.”

His short story collection “The Fur or Feathers, the Teeth or Venom” was an honorable mention last year in the short story collection category.  Larry has been submitting to the competition for twenty years.  “Last year they kind of cracked the door with the chain still latched and let me see inside a bit.  This year they opened it up and let me walk right in and sit down!” Larry tells us.

Competition judge and accomplished fiction writer Darrell Spencer compares Larry’s story favorably to Cormac McCarthy’s fiction or a Coen brothers’ film.

Larry lives in Spring Lake with his family, wife, Chautel.  Their children are Clint, Conner, Andy, Celeste, and Lexie.

Generosity Resounds at Nick Taylor Benefit Concert

Galley West was among local bands to take the stage at Saturday's Nick Taylor Benefit Concert in Payson Park.  (Pictured) Lacey Bona at the mic.

 Hula hoop and soda pop sales were among contributions made to raise money for Nick Taylor's cancer treatment fund. Pictured (left-right): Silas Quist, Brenda Henson, and Trudy Barrick near a booth set up in the park. Barrick donated the “Big Kid” hula hoops, which she sells at her permanent cosmetics business at 145 East Utah Avenue, Payson. They are still available, with proceeds dedicated to the cause.

See additional photos in this week's edition of The Payson Chronicle.  Subscribe at paysonads.com.

Bands Compete at Annual Nebo Tournament

(Pictured above) Fans and players file out of the Payson High football field's west gate, as PHS Band member, Rachelle Wilkinson (left), who plays the marimbas, xylophonist Quinton Staheli (center), and Band Booster parent, Valerie Staheli (right), wait on hand to distribute programs and event details.  From near and far, school bands traveled to Payson on Saturday to participate in the annual Nebo Tournament of Bands.  Some left with trophies in hand.

Nebo Tournament of Bands Award Summary

1A Class:

Outstanding Musical Performance – West Jordan

Outstanding Color Guard – West Jordan

Outstanding Visual Performance – West Jordan

Outstanding Percussion – Salem Hills

Third Place – Salem Hills

Second Place - Timpanogos

First Place – West Jordan

2A Class:

Outstanding Musical Performance – Maple Mountain

Outstanding Color Guard – Maple Mountain

Outstanding Visual Performance – Maple Mountain

Outstanding Percussion - Payson

Third Place – Payson

Second Place - Stansbury

First Place – Maple Mountain

3A Class:

Outstanding Musical Performance – Lone Peak

Outstanding Color Guard – Lone Peak

Outstanding Visual Performance – Lone Peak

Outstanding Percussion – Lone Peak

Third Place - Orem

Second Place - Viewmont

First Place – Lone Peak

4A Class:

Outstanding Musical Performance – Timpview

Outstanding Color Guard - Timpview

Outstanding Visual Performance - Timpview

Outstanding Percussion - Timpview

Third Place – Bear River

Second Place - Westlake

First Place - Timpview

5A Class:

Outstanding Musical Performance – American Fork

Outstanding Color Guard – American Fork

Outstanding Visual Performance – American Fork

Outstanding Percussion – American Fork

Third Place - Bingham

Second Place - SkyView

First Place – American Fork

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Cross Country Team Leads Region

Pictured: (front row, left-right) Arianne Keele, Jordan Bailey, Dakota Lange, Nick Hindes, Malachi Dinkins, Dalyn Lowe, Brendon Farley; (back row, left-right) Alyssa Rowley, Rachel Waite, Leonie Bruenig, Heather Reid, Puttida Anotchotka, Kelsey Wood, Brigham Flint, Garrett Esplin, Trevor Alexander, and Dallin Johnson

By Brigham Flint

Cross country is a sport that is not often as publicized as other athletic events. But over the past month, the Payson High School cross country team has dominated in the various meets they have competed in.

“More so than in years passed, our team has caught the vision of work,” said head coach David Rockwood. Thus far, they have been undefeated among Region 12 competitors.

Read the complete story in this week's edition of The Payson Chronicle.

Arnie B's Car Show Benefits Community Action Food Bank While Providing a Quality Experience for Car Buffs

Pictured above, left to right, Jayden Ellsworth, Sam Ellsworth, Arnie Beddoes, Tess Beddoes, and Brennan Beddoes

Since 1994, Arnie B’s Chevron has held its annual Car Show during the last week of September.  “We scheduled it at that time so that those who bring cars can experience the beautiful drive over the Nebo Loop, with all the beautiful leaves,” notes Arnie.  The show has become an effective venue for raising funds for the Community Action Food Bank.  “Last year we raised around $6,000,” Arnie said Saturday morning.  “We hold an auction in the afternoon that includes donations from many different businesses and others,” he adds.

The show attracts entries from all over the state.

You can find this story, as well as car show features, in this week's edition of The Payson Chronicle. 

Pictured left, left to right, Audrey, Tess, and Justin Beddoes at the lunch stand

Local Foodies: Show Us What You've Got

Got a passion for good food? And not just on the eating side: the cooking, making, mixing, and the baking!  The Payson Chronicle is looking for the best local recipes to share with newspaper and blog readers. Send us your original recipe, directions, and a photo of the prepared dish, along with a few lines to express how your creation is enjoyed by those with whom you share. For those who blog their recipes and dishes, send us a link to share online. Submissions are being accepted at paysonchronicle@gmail.com. Please be sure to include your contact information.

Eagle Scout Project Monument Slated for Central Utah Veterans Home

Pictured (scouts,  left-right) Jex Ashton, Gammon Ashton; (veterans, left-right): Terril King, Daryl Davis, Doug Holt, Gary Herbert, Jex Ashton, Gammon Ashton, Ralph Lewis, Bill Brook, and Lynn Boyle.  Photo courtesy of American Legion Post 48.

Veteran’s Corner

by Your local American Legion Post 48

Gammon Ashton of Payson chose an Eagle Scout project that would honor the Veterans that will reside at the new Central Utah Veterans Home currently under construction in Payson. His hard work and persistence culminated with his Eagle project, a stone monument, being unveiled in the Payson Labor Day/ Onion Days Grand Parade.

Read the complete story in this week's edition of The Payson Chronicle.

Memorial Park: A Place for Memory Making

The picnic tables were lined one by one when this photo was taken earlier today. They, much like Memorial Park, have served a community well.   

Memories divine have been planted in the mind of many a guest welcomed beneath the stretching trees of Memorial Park.  Sunday band concerts, the Scottish Festival, Salmon Supper, and Onion Days Celebration are among the more formal events.  Some venture there on any given day, simply for its peaceful atmosphere.

Authors, Autographs, and Photo Ops Part of Santaquin Library's Tenth Anniversary

The tenth anniversary of Santaquin Library in its current location drew readers of all ages, with guest authors, storytellers, and local leaders there to contribute to a sunny afternoon celebration, held September 8. Aside from the book-signing, fund-raising, and storytelling, spread out through the afternoon, locals were gathered together on the east lawn in an effort to replicate a community photograph taken in front of the building in 1901.

Library director, Lyn Oryall was among those who orchestrated Saturday's pleasant celebration. 

Guest authors, Connie Sokol (left, holding baby Bryson) and Rachelle Christensen sign books inside the library throughout the day.

Beverly Kraut making her way to the staircase leading upstairs, wherein family story-time continues throughout the latter part of the day's event.

Skyhawk Volleyball Team 3-0 in Region 8 Competition

Pictured: Ellie Cottam (4), Callie Peterson (7), McKenzie Treanor (3), and Cassidy Adams (16); photo by Todd Phillips 

Read the complete story in this week's edition of The Payson Chronicle, available on stands tomorrow afternoon.

Subscribe to The Payson Chronicle at paysonads.com.

Flash from the Past: Payson Softball

Pictured left-right: (front row) Mike Buys; Jerry Buys, Sr.; Craig Buys; Jerry Buys, Jr.; Joe Peterson; (back row) Steve "Biz" Buys, Eric Stapley, Rick Worthen, Dave Samuels, Brad Olson, Dave Tervort, and Phil Spainhower

It's been a while since this photo was taken. Sponsored by Olson's Garden Shoppe of Payson, the team was in full swing in the 1980s, back when Steve “Biz” Buys was in the thick of his softball-playing days. 

 Have any old local sports team photos that you'd like to share with Payson Chronicle readers? Send them, along with details and players' names, to Michael at thepaysonchronicle@msn.com.

Best-selling Authors to Take Part in Santaquin Library's Tenth Anniversary Celebration

Utah author, Connie Sokol

Ten years have passed since the Santaquin Public Library relocated inside the historic LDS church house at 20 West 100 South.  It is an occasion for celebration this Saturday, September 8, with best-selling and award-winning authors Jeffrey (J. Scott) Savage, Rachel Ann Nunes, Sarah Eden, Jennifer Nielsen, Rachelle Christensen, and Connie Sokol among notables joining city dignitaries, librarians, and patrons alike.

Book-signing will coincide with the programs planned for the day.  The authors' novels will be available for sale that day, with a portion of sales going to the library.  Their contribution will coincide with programs, prizes, and a group photograph to commemorate the event.

The Santaquin Library 10 Year Anniversary Celebration will run from 11 AM to 2 PM at the library.  The public is welcome to attend.

For additional event information, check out this week's edition of The Payson Chronicle.

Guest Author Biographies:

Jeff Savage - J. Scott Savage

Jeff has been making up stories for as long as he can remember. He is the author of the Farworld fantasy series, the Shandra Covington Mystery series, The Fourth Nephite, and the Case File 13 middle grade series coming out in December of 2012. He has visited over 400 schools, taught dozens of writing classes, and many conferences.

Rachel Ann Nunes

Rachel Ann Nunes (pronounced noon-esh) learned to read when she was four, beginning a lifetime fascination with the written word. She still reads everything she can lay hands on, from children’s stories to science articles. She began writing in the seventh grade and is now the author of thirty-seven published books, including the popular Ariana and Huntington Family series. Her novel, Before I Say Goodbye, won the 2011 Whitney Award in the general fiction category. Imprints, An Autumn Rain Novel, Fields of Home, and The Independence Club, were all Whitney Award Finalists. Her picture book, Daughter of a King was also voted best children’s book of the year in 2003 by the Association of Independent LDS Booksellers. Her newest releases are The Gift of Angels and Line of Fire, and An Autumn Rain Novel. Rachel and her husband, TJ, live in Utah Valley and are the parents of seven awesome children—three boys and four girls. Rachel writes Monday through Friday in a home office, taking frequent breaks to read or swim with her kids. To read about upcoming books, visit http://www.RachelAnnNunes.com.

Sarah Eden

Sarah M. Eden is the author of multiple historical romances, including Whitney Award Finalist, Seeking Persephone (2008) and Courting Miss Lancaster (2010). She is a regular presenter at writers conferences, a busy mom, and an avid researcher. You can visit her at www.SarahMEden.com. 

Connie Sokol

Connie is a mother of seven—a national and local presenter, and a regular speaker at Education Week. She is a monthly TV contributor on KSL’s “Studio 5” and regular blogger for LDSLiving online. She is a former TV and radio host for Bonneville Communications, and columnist for Deseret News and Utah Valley Magazine. Mrs. Sokol is also the author of Motherhood Matters, Faithful, Fit & Fabulous, and Life is Too Short for One Hair Color, as well as talk CDs and podcasts. Mrs. Sokol marinates in time spent with her family and eating decadent treats. Visit her website at www.8basics.com/.

Jennifer Nielsen

Jennifer Nielsen lives at the base of a very tall mountain in Northern Utah with her husband, three children, and a dog that won't play fetch. She loves the smell of rainy days, hot chocolate, and old books, preferably all at once. She is the author of THE FALSE PRINCE, the ELLIOT AND THE GOBLIN WAR series, and will be writing the sixth book of the INFINITY RING series.

Rachelle Christensen

Rachelle J. Christensen lives in Santaquin and is a mom of four cute kids. She has an amazing husband, three cats, and five chickens. Her first novel, Wrong Number was awarded Outstanding Book of the Year from the League of Utah Writers and was also a 2010 Whitney Finalist. Her second suspense novel, Caller ID was released March 2012. She is also the author of a nonfiction book, Lost Children: Coping with Miscarriage for Latter Day Saints. For more information on her work, check out www.rachellechristensen.com or www.rachellewrites.blogspot.com.