Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Katilyn Ward Crowned Miss Genola

Katilyn Ward (pictured, center) was crowned Miss Genola Saturday evening, with the First Attendant title going to Rachel Coleman (right), followed by Josie Harold (left), who was chosen as Second Attendant.  Photo, courtesy of Cindy Fillmore, is published in this week's edition of The Payson Chronicle.

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Good Old Days: Bullies

by Mildred Olson

Early 1940s:

Bullies. They come in any size, any age, from anywhere. The following proves this statement.

The family had recently moved to the city. The family? The parents and two young children. While their dad and mom were involved in arranging the house, the young ones amused themselves outside. The couple's six-year-old son played on the sidewalk in front of their home, while their three-year-old daughter sat on the lawn and played with her dolls.

Kelly was quiet, handsome, a sort of frail-looking little boy who would never hurt anyone. His sister resembled a beautiful doll, but was feisty. Suddenly her playing was interrupted by boys shouting and saying mean things to her brother. She noticed they were pushing him and pulling his shirt. No matter they were bigger and older, she rushed to where they were.

Clenching her tiny hands into tight fists, she put them under the nose of the biggest bully and shouted, “Leave him alone! He's me brudder!” Whether from shock or fear, the boys raced down the street and disappeared in a yard blocks away.

Neither she nor her brother were ever bothered again.

Those were the good old days, when a little, petite girl dared threaten a bully. Could that happen today?

Arbor Day Celebration in Payson April 29


With the stroke of a pen, Mayor Rick Moore declared April 29 a day of Arbor Day observance in Payson. He signed the resolution officiating the decree during last week's city council meeting.

Payson City will mark the day in celebration on Monday, April 29, at the East Hills Park, located at 450 West 1620 South. Fifth grade students attending Springlake School will assist. The event will begin at 1 PM.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

PCT Announces Auditions for Summer Performance


Payson Community Theater is proud to announce Shrek the Musical as its summer 2013 production. Performers interested in auditioning for the production are asked to bring sixteen bars of musical theater-style music. Music playback and accompaniment are provided; accompaniment is preferred.

Auditions, held at Payson High School, will occur as follows:
Tuesday, April 30 from 7:30–10 PM
Wednesday, May 1 from 7:30–10 PM
Callbacks are on Saturday, May 4, by invitation only.

Performances of Shrek the Musical run August 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30, and 31, then once again on Labor Day, Monday, September 2.  

Two Communities, Two Pageants This Weekend


Two local communities are gearing up for pageantry this Saturday, April 27. Genola Town and Salem City, respectively, will each fete the night with competition and the selection of new royalty to represent them throughout the coming year.

The Miss Genola Program will be held in the Goshen Elementary School, with eight contestants vying for the crown. Doors open at 6:30 PM and the event begins at 7 PM. Tickets, $3 each or $15 per family, are available at the Genola Town Office and will also be available at the door that evening.

Twelve contestants will compete for the crown in the Miss Salem Scholarship Pageant.  Held at the Salem Hills High School, the pageant starts at 7 PM.

Details on the lovely contestants competing in both pageants can be found in this week's edition of The Payson Chronicle.  

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Payson Council Honor World Champion Bareback Rider

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PRCA World Champion Bareback Rider Kaycee Feild (pictured here, with plaque presented to him by Mayor Rick Moore) was paid well-earned recognition by Payson City Council last week.  He is among several rodeo professionals who are being honored in Payson this year.  (See complete story in this week's edition of The Payson Chronicle.) 

Monday, April 22, 2013

Salem to Crown New Queen

Pictured are the outgoing 2012 Salem Royalty: Miss Salem Kalli Bennett (center), 1st Attendant Melanie Griffiths (right), and 2nd Attendant Rebecca Davis (left).  Twelve contestants will compete for their titles this Saturday during the 2013 Miss Salem Scholarship Pageant.  Be sure to pick up a copy of this week's edition of The Payson Chronicle for  details and contestant photos.

Friday, April 19, 2013

Father and Son Doing Their Part for Payson

Rhett Huff (left) with dad, Ross Huff (right), at the April 17 Payson City Council meeting.
Father and son, Ross and Rhett Huff are often seen on the contributing end when it comes to the benefit of the local community.  Find out about their latest contribution in next week's edition of The Payson Chronicle.  Order your subscription to day at paysonads.com!

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Elk Ridge City Posts Revised Recycling Schedule


A revised bi-weekly recycling schedule has been posted by Elk Ridge City. Participating residents are asked to have containers placed on wheels and in the street, against the curb or within two feet of the blacktop, by 7 AM on pickup dates. They must also be placed four feet apart from other containers and eight feet apart from mailboxes, poles, fences, trees, or parked vehicles for easy access. Boxes should be broken down.

Pickup dates for the remainder of 2013 are as follows:

April 23
May 7 and 21
June 4 and 18
July 2, 16, and 30
August 13 and 27
September 10 and 24
October 8 and 22
November 5 and 19
December 3, 17, and 31

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Chronicle Seeks the Traditional and Unique for Yard of Week



Beauty can mean a lot of things. And a beautiful yard may be the product of creation that veers from the norm. Yards deemed lovely by traditional standards—with lush flowers beds, shady trees, and a well-trimmed lawn—as always will be considered for Yard of the Week. So, too, will be the unique.

Water being a precious resource, some yard-keepers today may incorporate conservation-minded plants and landscaping techniques. Others take advantage of the space outside to grow edible crops, planting produce in place of petunias. The point is, no matter the landscape style, we hope to receive nominations for a variety from the area and give consideration to all.

Nominations for Yard of the Week are currently being accepted. The program is open to residents throughout the Payson-Santaquin area, including Elberta, Elk Ridge, Genola, Goshen, Salem, Spring Lake, West Mountain, Benjamin, and Woodland Hills, and areas in between.

Send us your nomination by email at paysonchronicle@gmail.com,through a Facebook message, at the Chronicle office at 145 East Utah Avenue Suite 5, or by mail to The Payson Chronicle, PO Box 361, Payson, UT 84651. Please include the nominee's full name(s), address, phone number, and email address, if possible. Feel free, also, to include a brief note indicating why you've chosen the yard for the honor.

Yards chosen as Yard of the Week will be photographed for publication in The Payson Chronicle. Traditional or unique, send us your nomination soon. 



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A Force to Be Reckoned With




A Force To Be Reckoned With:
Senior Midfielder Bridger Tew
Scored a Hat Trick (Three Goals) for the 
Lions against North Sanpete in Soccer
Log onto our website for more: www.paysonchronicle.com.

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Wednesday Evening Council Meetings Planned


Several local municipalities will hold city council meetings on Wednesday evening, April 17. Payson, Salem, and Santaquin are among them.

Payson City Council will begin the evening's discussions at 6 PM.  Among other matters, special recognition will be paid to World Champion Rodeo Professional, Kaycee Field. A discussion on City water use in the unincorporated area, then a presentation on a Canyon Reservoir feasibility study, will follow.  A public hearing on the Paxton Overlay Zone request is on the agenda, as is a resolution concerning Arbor Day, and amendment to the development agreement for Hidden Grove Estates. Parking at 900 East 10 South will wrap up the night.  The Council Chambers are located at 439 West Utah Avenue in Payson.

Salem City Council will meet as well. A work session will open the night's agenda at 6 PM, with a discussion on the Miss Salem Contestants. The regular meeting will follow at 7 PM. Included on the agenda are several public hearings, which include Agriculture Protection Area for Balzly Farms, an ordinance amending the commercial zones and creating new commercial zones for Salem City, preliminary plat approval for Plat A of the Loafer Mountain View Subdivision, preliminary plat approval for South Haven Subdivision, preliminary plant approval for Plat F of the Autumn Hills Subdivision, and contract agreement approval with SESD. The Salem City Center is located at 30 West 100 South, Salem.

The Santaquin City Council, like the councils in Payson and Salem, holds their regular public meetings on the first and third Wednesday of each month.  Starting at 6 PM, the meetings are held in the Santaquin Council Chambers, at 45 West 100 South, Santaquin.

Local Storyteller a Hit at Payson City Library

A youngster does the "Hokey Pokey" during storytime at Payson Library.
Local storyteller Jen Hinton has been drawing a crowd at Payson City Library for the past ten years.  Read more about in this week's edition of The Payson Chronicle.   Order a subscription to the Chronicle at paysonads.com.

Monday, April 15, 2013

Payson City Library Welcomes New Children's Services Librarian

Meet Payson's new Children's Services Librarian, Dona Gay. 
(Photo by The Payson Chronicle.  Story courtesy of Friends of the Payson Library.)

Payson City Library recently welcomed Dona Gay as the new Children's Services Librarian .You may be asking if Dona Gay is related to Sherry Gay who served as our Children's Librarian for many years and recently retired?  The answer is no.

Dona grew up in Gilbert, Arizona and graduated from Gilbert High School.  She then entered BYU and earned her BA in Elementary Education.  She met her husband Scott at BYU and they had their first child just one month before graduation.  Future years brought seven more children to the couple.  Because Scott was in the military they lived for 3 years in Kansas.  After Scott was released from the Army the family moved to Springville, Utah where they have lived for the last 20 years.

Dona made a big decision to attend grad school.  Since Utah had no colleges offering an advanced degree in Library Science Dona found that the University of Texas offered a Masters Degree inLibrary Science via the internet.  She earned her MA about 2 years ago.  She had been working at the Springville library.  Several of her coworkers there encouraged her to apply for the opening position of Children's Librarian in Payson.  Though Dona was very excited and nervous and even broke her nose the day before the interview, she bravely kept the appointment.

The day that Dona was notified that she had been accepted for the position was a very happy day.  Dona began her new career on February 1, 2013.  "I enjoy my co-workers here at the library.  This downtown library reminds me of the old Springville library."  Dona would like to give special thanks to her husband Scott and her family for supporting her in her education goals.  She invites Payson children to come down to the library, to check out books and say "hi" to her.  She has many big plans to enhance the children's experience at the library and is also open to suggestions. 



Friday, April 12, 2013

Councilman Encourages Cleanup Efforts


While applauding city crew-members' endeavors to maintain Payson's landscape, Councilman Scott Phillips encouraged residents to engage in local clean-up efforts.

“I want to compliment the crew on the fine job they're doing, all the way around,” he said during the opening discussion of a recent Payson City Council meeting.

Councilman Phillips also encouraged local residents to get involved in citywide efforts to keep Payson clean.  He noted they can make use of the local landfill without cost for a short while.  Free dumping for residents at the Payson Landfill continues through tomorrow, April 13.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Giving Due Recognition


New Elk Ridge Public Works Building: Open for Service

Standing in front of the new Elk Ridge Public Works building (left-right):   Project contractor Kelly Adams, Public Works employee Rex Davis, Mayor Hal Shelley, the building's architect Ken Harris, Public works employee Justin Jex, Public Works Director Cody Black, Councilwoman Erin Clawson, and Councilman Nelson Abbott.  See complete story in this week's edition of The Payson Chronicle.

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Local Religious Representatives Discuss Interfaith Council

See complete story, along with a group photo featuring the religious representatives who took part in the discussion, in this week's edition of The Payson Chronicle

Ray Wilson New PPP President


After a committed term, L. Dee Stevenson has stepped away from his post as President of People Preserving Peteetneet to spend more time with his family. He leaves the post in good hands, with longtime Peteetneet volunteer and supporter, Ray Wilson stepping into the role. The change was officiated with elections conducted March 27, as PPP Board members met for their monthly trustee meeting. Pictured on the local landmark's west-side steps are current PPP leaders with the outgoing president (left-right): Secretary/Treasurer Sandra Hummer, President Ray Wilson, former President L. Dee Stevenson, and Vice President Dale Barnett. Not available for photo: Cathleen Muhlestein, Trustee.  (Article and photo published in April 3, 2013 edition of The Payson Chronicle.  For recent issues of the Chronicle, drop by our office at 145 East Utah Avenue, Payson.)

Monday, April 8, 2013

Spring Cleaning

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Friday, April 5, 2013

Pinwheels Spin Support for Child Abuse Prevention Campaign

Payson Mayor Rick Moore with the silver and blue pinwheels at Wagonwheel Park he helped plant to raise awareness for the Love UT, Give UT campaign hosted by Prevent Child Abuse Utah.


Blue and silver pinwheels spin the sun's reflection at Wagonwheel Park. Planted March 27, near the busy Payson intersection, the handiwork of Mayor Rick Moore, City Manager Dave Tuckett, and Police Chief Tom Runyan, the children's toys draw attention to an issue that is critical near and far. They reflect a fund-raising effort called Love UT, Give UT, which Payson City has signed on with Prevent Child Abuse Utah (PCAU), signifying local support.

PCAU is a statewide organization that provides education in Utah's schools and homes to help prevent child abuse in all its forms. For 30 years PCAU has been partnering with the Utah education system to provide free training through our school-based child abuse prevention programs.

This past year, PCAU educated more than 53,000 Utahns including children, families and community members. Our classes address a range of topics including child abuse prevention, bullying prevention, teenage dating safety, appropriate discipline and parenting skills.

Donations to help fund the program are being sought by PCAU and can be made through http://www.razoo.com/story/Prevent-Child-Abuse-Utah-1 . Each donation allows the organization to reach more Utah children and families with these vital and effective programs, according to PCAU.

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Sky Imbued With Hues at Holi Festival

The sky churned a kaleidoscope scene, as celebrants tossed colors into the air at the Festival of Colors last weekend.  Local photographer, Todd Phillips captured these images while attending the popular festival held at the Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork.




Outstanding PHS Wrestler: Jed Mellen

Best wishes go out to outstanding PHS Wrestler, Jed Mellen, as he prepares for national competitions and Utah Valley University!

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

A Good Citizen Honored in Payson

 A portrait that speaks of the depth of ties maintained by a Good Citizen. Coralee Wilson is pictured here (seated, front, center) surrounded by friends, several of whom are lifelong, who came out to support her while she was honored by Central Bank: (seated, front, left-right): Sue Taylor, Coralee, Sharon Brown; (back row, left-right): Jane Isaac, Diane Bringhurst, Pam Christensen, Martha Clayson, and Alan Curtis.  (See complete story in this week's edition of The Payson Chronicle.)

Monday, April 1, 2013

Stadium Cinemas Adjusts to Shifting Industry

Stadium Cinemas owner, Kris Phillips with one of the last 35 mm film reels at her theater.  The old projectors were replaced with new digital equipment.  
Story and photo by Denise Windley

As the curtain draws to a close on 35 millimeter motion picture films, Stadium Cinemas has removed the last of the projectors from its theater in west Payson. Digital projectors, fast becoming the dominant means for movie theater screens, were installed and running in their place last week.

The change has been bittersweet for Stadium’s co-owner and manager, Kris Phillips, who has dedicated thirteen years to the business. She packed some of the theater’s final 35 mm film reels into a brown cardboard box on Wednesday, her eyes bearing sadness. They were on their way out. A few remnants from the era have been salvaged and saved, but more are destined for the scrap yard. There is little market for 35 mm films, according to Phillips. In a shifting industry, old technology is embraced by obsolescence. The cost to store it is not always feasible.

And yet the change appears necessary these days for a theater whose business is made by showing audiences the latest films, movies created by a motion picture industry that determines the format. The switch has saved Stadium Cinemas from a fate faced by many other independently owned movie houses. Because most new films are being made only in the digital format, those unable to adjust to the change will find it hard to remain competitive. Some will likely close.

The warning signs flickered for Phillips when her first digital projector was installed three years ago, with a second to follow soon after when the theater expanded. “And that’s when the film company said, ‘Oh, by the way, you have three years [to install the final six projectors]’,” said Phillips.

The new projectors do not come cheaply, according to Phillips. It is costing her theater a half million dollars to install them, though she promises the expense will not be passed onto the price of a ticket.

To defray part of the cost, Stadium Cinemas is participating in a rebate program offered by the film industry to encourage theaters to make the adjustment from 35 mm to digital film. The program will close at the end of April 2013. With the deadline looming, Phillips called upon the help of a longtime family friend and veteran in the movie theater business, Jerry Harrah.

Harrah is the owner of Harrah's Theatre and Equipment Company, based out of Hayward, California, which specializes in theater design. Harrah knows Stadium Cinemas well. He helped design the theater with its original owner, Phillips’s father, Lou Johnson, back in 2000. “Her father was a very a good friend of mine,” he said.

Mr. Johnson passed away before he could see it open. The theater then became the responsibility of Phillips, who co-owns the business with her brother who resides in Alaska. Harrah helped her in the initial phases of its operation. Since then, her talent as a businesswoman and dedication to providing great movies to the local area have made Stadium the successful theater it is today.

Harrah returned to help his friend during the recent transition, overseeing a crew throughout the digital installation. Though quality is a factor, he sees the industry’s shift as being generated out of a desire for the economic benefits derived from filming in digital.

The cost of making a motion picture and reproducing the film prints has [reached] a point in the industry where a print replacement, like if [the theater] was to damage one and they were to have to make a print and send it out to the theater, it was in the neighborhood, at one point, of $2,000 per print,” he said, regarding 35 mm film.

Now they are shooting it in film, they convert it to digital, they edit it in digital, where they used to edit into film, and then they convert it back to a digital hard drive. This costs $250. So it is a financial savings for the studio and it’s an ease for the owners. They don’t have to bring in the film--usually five-six reels, where they have to make it up a spool, run it through the projector, then when they’re finished with it, they’ve got to break it back down and ship it back to the film studio.

What this has done, or what it’s going to do, is save the studio a whole lot of money. We hope that it makes available a lot more funds to make better movies for the viewing public.”

Harrah has been involved in the motion picture business for almost sixty years. “I started when I was thirteen years old,” he said. He knows it at all levels, having worked his way through the ranks, starting out as a teenaged janitor to the designer and owner he is today. He opened his first theater in Tracy, California, and, currently owns and an eight-screen cinema located in South Lake Tahoe. He lauds Stadium Cinemas in Payson as among the best he has seen.

The theater attracts moviegoers not only from the community, but in cities throughout the valley, who bypass their own local movie house to enjoy the experience Stadium Cinemas consistently offers, Phillips noted. She expects the new, solely digital screening to only improve the experience audiences have come to count on at her theater in Payson.


The Payson Chronicle

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