Ryan Frisby Swears Oath to Serve as New Planning Commissioner in Payson

Pictured: Payson’s newest Planning Commissioner Ryan Frisby with City Justice Court Judge David Dahlquist.

Payson Justice Court David Dahlquist swore in Ryan Frisby as a new Planning Commissioner early this month.  His selection arrived following Payson City Council approval during their regularly scheduled meeting, held on the evening of January 7.

Amanda Peterson had previously held this position.  She contributed to the duties of Payson’s Planning and Zoning Commission before moving with her family outside Payson City limits in late-2014.

A Portrait of an Artist: Cody Hoagland: “Payson is a Photographer’s Dream”

Bringing beauty to the pages of the recently published Payson Chamber of Commerce Directory and a new billboard near the North Main Street entrance from I-15 were local artists and photographers who shared their work with the organization. Among these artists was Cody Hoagland, an-award winning photographer from Payson, who has a resume as impressive as the photographs he shoots professionally.

Holding a camera seems to come naturally to Hoagland, the photographer conveyed to The Payson Chronicle last week. Following his father, who had a passion for photography, he has been capturing amazing images since he was a little boy.

Cody’s more recent photographic projects have been displayed in the Monte L. Bean Life and Science Museum in Provo, Utah, received recognition and awards from National Geographic, as well as best of shows awards and other honors in local contests.  He has also been featured on local television.

The professional photographer’s contributions to the Chamber of Commerce projects reflect a respect for and understanding of the Payson area which they represent. “I grew up in Springville, but after relocating to Payson four years ago, I call it my hometown,” he said. “I love Payson.  It’s a playground for the outdoor enthusiast, with Payson Canyon and Mt. Nebo in your backyard. I love hiking the trails, seeing the beauty that Payson Canyon has to offer.”

In the summer months, Cody likes to attend and photograph local festivities that occur throughout the city. “One of my favorite things to photograph is the Scottish Festival that is held in Payson every July,” he said. “I have a deep Scottish heritage and love to photograph all the Scottish events around Utah. Payson has so much heritage and beauty that surrounds it. It is a photographer’s dream.”

Where the scenery is pleasing, so too are the people Cody encounters as he pursues his passion within the community.   “I have found that the residents in Payson will do anything for each other- go out of their way to lend a helping hand,” he said.

Cody invests not only his time and energy into his photography.  “I don't just shoot a photo,” he said. “I try to capture the mood of the situation.  I shoot with my heart. If the photo doesn't capture that, then I delete it.”

And be it far away or at home in Payson, his talent is unmistakable, and passion clear.

“Over the years I have photographed places and things that people only dream about seeing,” he added, detailing the broader scope of his photography. “My true passion is capturing majestic animals in their natural habitat and bringing them to life for the viewer through my lens.  My love for wildlife goes far beyond that of just taking beautiful images of these animals. I study each individual species before photograph them so as to ensure their comfort and safety as well as my own.”

Open House at Peteetneet February 6 for Photography of John Langdon

Pictured: "Dog and Best Friend," one of the appealing photographs by John Langdon.  Mr. Langdon's work is featured in a special exhibit at the Peteetneet Museum and Cultural Arts Center.  Meet the photographer and his see his work in person at an open house on February 6, from 6-8 PM, at the Peteetneet, 10 South 600 East, Payson.

You will find several of Mr. Langdon's photographs, along with a few by Cody Hoagland, a local award-winning photographer, in this week's edition of The Payson Chronicle.

Payson Lions Club’s Fifth Annual “A Little Night Music” Showcasing Local Talent

Story written by Steve Southwick

Five years ago, as operatic and Broadway music flooded the Payson Civic Center during the first “A Little Night Music” concert, those attending knew the showcase for local talent was just the beginning.

Thanks to so many talented participants the Payson International Lions Club is preparing for its fifth annual concert, Friday, January 30, and Saturday, January 31, at the Payson Banquet Hall, 439 West Utah Avenue.

“We are anticipating two nights of vocal excellence containing an outstanding tradition,” says this year’s chairperson, Pat Hartzell.  “We have had wonderful programs the last few years and we are looking forward to a thrilling and wonderful exhibit of local talent.”

Concert goers will see singers from Payson entertain in two separate programs a variety of opera, operetta, classical, and Broadway selections.  Both nights the concert begins at 7:30 PM.

Monies raised benefit Lions charities, including providing eye care for children in the Nebo School District.  Admission is $3 a person or $10 a family.

Over the years, with the support of those attending and scores of local businesses, more than $6,000 has been raised to charities through this event.

Payson Mayor Rick Moore, a longtime member of the Payson Lions Club, is encouraging the Payson community to support the event.  “Come and enjoy a night to remember and help a worthy cause,” he says.

Cultus Club Members "Travel" to Islands of Fiji

The Club met on Tuesday, January 20, 2015, at 2 PM at the Peteetneet Museum.  The Pledge of Allegiance was led by JaNae Friedli, and the collect was read by Sandra Hummer.  Hostesses for this meeting were Georgia Mills and Paula Stallings.  There were fifteen in attendance for the meeting and program, which was on the Islands of Fiji.

Paula Stallings stated that she was the airline stewardess as she handed out bottles of water and a snack for the long plane trip to the Nadi Airport in Fiji.  She stated that it was a long 10-hour flight, so sit back and enjoy the flight.

Georgia Mills then proceeded to tell us about the island chain of Fiji, which consists of three hundred islands, many of which are not inhabited.  She stated that on Nadi, there is the large airport and many of the government offices, schools, and shopping locations. Georgia stated that they were once known as the “cannibal islands,” as they practiced cannibalism; it was their concept that if they ate you, they were able to take on the power you had.

There is also a 2-½ hour drive from one side of the island to the other.  On the eastside, it rains a lot and it is lush and green, with gorgeous flowers, gardens, and the beaches are beautiful.  On the westside, the beaches are rocky and not beautiful.

Their music is Fijian and they are a very happy people; they love to hug everyone, are very laidback, and time is of less concern.  She stated that they had been invited to attend a party and were told that it started at 7 PM.  She said that no one showed up until after 8 PM.  She also explained that when they eat meals, they sit on mats on the floor.  She also stated that when you go into the villages the chief is in charge.  You wait until he gives an okay for you to enter.

Georgia also explained that they have two different cultures on the islands, on is Fijian and the other is Indian (from India).  She stated that the Fijians are much more laidback and easygoing, whereas the Indian cultures are more reserved and hard-working.  So, at times, there have been clashes between the two cultures.

Georgia stated that those who are of the LDS faith are very faithful members.  During General Conferences, the sessions had been broadcast via radio at 4 AM and many of the members walked the 2-10 miles to the church building to be in attendance for those sessions.

Many of the homes are constructed of tin and have no insulation or caulking to prevent weather or rain from coming in.  She also stated that one learns not to compliment them on anything.  If you should state, “I love your earrings,” they may take them off and give them to you.  She also talked about the tiny gecko that are always on the walls and ceilings.  She also stated that they have tarantulas and very large cockroaches.

Georgia stated that in order to travel to another island, you will need to have your luggage and yourself weighed to be sure you will not overload the planes.  Those planes are small and usually carry only 5-7 people.

Georgia explained that she had gone there to teach piano at the LDS College and that her companion was there to teach English to elementary school-age children.

It was an interesting program and helped us learn about different cultures and areas of the world.

Sandra Hummer

Goshen Native Son Rod Miller Conducted a Workshop on Cowboy Poetry During This Year's Symposium in Payson

Pictured: L-R: Clay Olsen, owner and operator of Art City Coffee in Springville, and Rod Miller last Saturday morning after an interview for this week's Payson Chronicle.  Pick up a copy today!

SKYHAWK PAIGE ROBINS IN TOP THREE OF NATIONAL SOCCER COACHES ASSOCIATION (NSCAA) ALL-REGION TEAM

Pictured: Paige Robins (#2) with a shot on goal against Mountain View on August 19, 2014.  She holds the school record for career goals at 41.  Photo by Todd Phillips (see picmeshining.com for more)

By Coach Gillie

NSCAA UT Female Soccer Player of 2014 is Cassidy Smith of Lone Peak, Senior, GK with runners-up: Liza Zenger of Skyline, Senior, Defender and Paige Robins of Salem Hills, Senior, Forward.  All three ladies were selected to the NSCAA All-Region West Team, composed of players from Utah and California.   The members of this All-Region team are now possible selections for the NSCAA All-American Team.

(Find the complete story in the December 31, 2014, printed edition of The Payson Chronicle.)

A Portrait of an Artist: Cody Hoagland

The Payson Scottish Festival
Photo by Cody Hoagland

"Payson is a photographer's dream," says Cody Hoagland, a gifted local photographer whose award-winning work has appeared in numerous publications.  Read more about the artist, his work, and his appreciation for the area's scenery and its people in the January 21, 2015 edition of The Payson Chronicle.

Brad Bishop Sworn In as New Payson Police Chief

Two months following the retirement of Police Chief Tom Runyan, Payson City swore in a new chief to oversee the operations of the Payson Police Department.

Brad Bishop, a former Salem City Police Sergeant, received unanimous approval from the voting five-member Payson City Council as they convened on January 7 for the first city council meeting of the year.

Support arrived also in a large crowd that included members of Bishop’s family and fellow peace officers seated in the audience that evening.  They were there to witness the swearing-in of Payson’s new police chief, with Payson Justice Court David C. Dahlquist performing the the honors immediately after council approval had been made.

VETERAN KEITH DAVIS RECOUNTS ROLE AS SOLDIER AND LIBERATOR AT PAYSON LIONS CLUB MEETING

Pictured (left-right): David Wilkinson, veteran, present-day Lion and past-Club President, his mentor and friend, Keith Davis, and Rhett Huff, current Lions Club President.

At ninety, Keith Davis still carries a clear recollection of the cruelty and the courage he witnessed as a soldier on the killing fields of Europe during World War II.   These memories were shared with the Payson Lions Club early this month.

Mr. Davis was the club’s special guest and speaker January 8, who arrived by invitation from Lion and Veteran, Dave Wilkinson. Mr. Wilkinson had been “taken under his wing” as a young veteran seeking fellowship with the American Legion, over which Davis has served as Legion Commander in Springville.

“Most of all, he’s been a really good friend,” Wilkinson added as he noted his respect for a his mentor.

Davis was barely eighteen years old in 1944 when he was drafted into the U.S. Military, then sent with the 16th Field Artillery to Utah Beach in Normandy, France, to fight in the Battle of the Bulge.  He survived intense fighting there and countless devastating acts of war that followed.  He was among Ally liberators of Nazi concentration camp prisoners toward the end of the war, scenes too horrendous to forget.

His service to society continued after his role as soldier ended.  Over the years, Davis supported fellow veterans with the American Legion Post 28, and helped maintain a cultural tradition through his leadership with the Sons of Utah Pioneers.

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Payson City Council Honors Year's First Business of the Month

A celebration of 2015's first Chamber of Commerce Business of the Month continued through the evening hours in Payson January 7, as Utah Community Credit Union (UCCU) was honored by the Payson City Council.  Pictured: (front, left-right): Norene Jensen, UCCU Branch Manager Eric Buchanan, Payson Chamber President Colin Logue, (middle, left-right): Payson Councilman Kim Hancock, Councilwoman JoLynn Ford, Councilman Larry Skinner, (back, left-right): Mayor Rick Moore, Councilman Scott Phillips, and Councilman Mike Hardy.

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Wild Child Sculpture Unveiling Draws Family, Friends, and Fans to the Peteetneet

Troy "The Wild Child" Lerwill unveils a new bronze sculpture, the creation of Payson artist, Ross Huff, as friends and family look on.  The public event unfolded at the Peteetneet Museum and Cultural Arts Center the evening of January 6. 

Seats filled quickly as people filed into the Peteetneet’s upper-floor foyer January 6 for the unveiling of a new bronze sculpture celebrating Troy “The Wild Child” Lerwill.

Lerwill is a six-time PRCA Comedy Act of the Year, three-time NFR Barrelman, two-time Coors Man In The Can, and one of Payson’s own. The sculpture, created by Payson artist Ross Huff, features the Wild Child and bull in intricate detail. Both were on hand to share their experiences with Payson City officials, residents, family, and friends who came to support the PRCA world champion and view the sculpture immortalizing his skill.  

The sculpture is now on permanent display at the place of its unveiling, the Peteetneet Museum and Cultural Arts Center.  If the artist, Ross Huff, has his way, it will remain there for “two hundred years.”

Payson High TV Broadcasting Students Get Hands-on Experience at Chamber Event

Students from Mr. Clint Peery’s TV Broadcasting class at Payson High School received a hands-on education last week, filming at Utah Community Credit Union as the Payson branch was named Business of the Month.

Speaking recently with The Payson Chronicle, Carolyn Bowman, Payson Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, noted that the class will be working in collaboration with the Chamber to provide applied settings for the students, as well as to foster relationships between local businesses and youth in the community.

Payson Police and City Leaders Warn Utility Customers to Beware of Scam

A warning to utility customers issued earlier this week by Lieutenant Bill Wright and the Payson Police Department was sounded again at last night’s city council meeting. “We have had a scam that has been going on,” said David Tuckett, Payson City Manager, as the January 7 meeting got underway.  “There are people that will call businesses and indicate that they need to make a [utility] payment over the phone or they are going to be shut off.”

According to Mr. Tuckett, Payson City Power does have a communication system which they use to inform customers of past due accounts. “[But] it will come from a city personnel,” he said.

He implored anyone contacted by a source outside Payson City’s system not to make a payment by phone or maile, and to contact the police.

Payson Police and City Leaders Warn Utility Customers to Beware of Scam

A warning to utility customers issued earlier this week by Lieutenant Bill Wright and the Payson Police Department was sounded again at last week’s city council meeting. “We have had a scam that has been going on,” said David Tuckett, Payson City Manager, as the January 7 meeting got underway.  “There are people that will call businesses and indicate that they need to make a [utility] payment over the phone or they are going to be shut off.”

According to Mr. Tuckett, Payson City Power does have a communication system which they use to inform customers of past due accounts. “[But] it will come from a city personnel,” he said.

He implored anyone contacted by a source outside Payson City’s system not to make a payment by phone or maile, and to contact the police.

UCCU Year's First Business of the Month

Pictured (front, left-right): Robert Moore, Lorene Moore, Colin Logue, Alicia Rogers, Jody Pierce, Marykay Brereton, Sharee Chapman, Eric Buchanan, Laura Evans; (back, left-right): Norene Jensen, Dawn Davis, Rory Adams, Brady Amundson, Lou Ballamis, Kathy Anderson, Maurice Evans, and Jade Walker.

Nominated for its collaboration with local Scouts and the leadership of Branch Manager Eric Buchanan, Utah Community Credit Union (UCCU) became the year’s first Payson Chamber of Commerce Business of the Month. And the first to commandeer the Chamber’s brand new business-of-the-month banner.

The Chamber presented the new vinyl sign, a plaque, and cake to Mr. Buchanan, a former Chamber President, and the UCCU staff on January 7, 2015.

The spotlight soon shifted toward the Payson credit union’s staff: Jody Pierce, Assistant Branch Manager, Alicia Rogers, MSR and Loan Officer, Marykay Brereton, Teller, and Sharee Chapman, Head Vault Teller, to whom the local UCCU’s success was attributed.

Don't Miss Saturday Night's Cowboy Poets of Utah 6th Annual Symposium

Cowboy Poet Marion Manwill photographed during the January 6, 2015, Wild Child Sculpture unveiling held at the Peteetneet Museum and Cultural Arts Center in Payson.  Photo by The Payson Chronicle

The Cowboy Poets of Utah 6th Annual Symposium takes the stage this Saturday night, January 10, in the Payson City Center Banquet Hall, from 6-8 PM.  Tickets are $5 a person.  The City Center is located at 439 West Utah Avenue, Payson, UT.

Bringing Style to Payson Main: Signature Cuts

"We love it here on Payson Main Street," says Signature Cuts owner Paula Williams.  "We want to be here a long time."  Walk-ins are welcome at the corner salon, located at 110 South Main Street in Payson.  See their weekly ad in The Payson Chronicle for specials and more details.

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Wild Child Sculpture Unveiling Tonight at 6 PM

Pictured at Joe Coffee and Espresso on Saturday morning, January 3, 2015, Troy "The Wild Child" Lerwill.  See this week's edition of The Payson Chronicle for story on The Wild Child as he reflects on his impressive career.

Payson City’s Mayor and Council will unveil a sculpture of Troy Lerwill, The Wild Child, tonight, January 6, at the Peteetneet Museum and Cultural Arts Center, North 600 East, Payson.  The unveiling begins at 6 PM.

The sculpture was created by Payson’s own Ross Huff and features the Wild Child Troy Lerwill, a six-time PRCA Comedy Act of the Year; three-time NFR Barrelman, and two-time Coors Man In The Can. Troy will be on hand to witness the unveiling, along with other rodeo dignitaries.

The public is invited to come and celebrate the success of one of Payson’s great rodeo acts.

This masterpiece will be permanently housed at the Peteetneet Museum after the unveiling.

STORIES OF 2014: ASSISTANT CHIEF DEAN MCCOY HONORED FOR FIFTY YEARS AS PAYSON FIREFIGHTER

Pictured: Members of the Payson Fire Department join Assistant Chief Dean McCoy, his family, and Payson City leaders for a photo following last Wednesday’s award presentation.  Pictured (front row, left-right): Stan Spencer, Chief Scott Spencer, Duane McCoy (Dean’s son), Assistant Chief Dean McCoy and his wife, Maxine McCoy, Joe Bona, Paul Mower, Bart Walker, Brad Pulver, Jake McClellan; (second row, left-right): Steve Spencer,Terry Riley, Councilman Kim Hancock, Mayor Rick Moore, Councilman Scott Phillips, Councilman Mike Hardy,Theron Hill, Stewart Montague, Wes Walker, and Councilman Larry Skinner.

Assistant Chief Dean McCoy Honored For Fifty Years as Payson Firefighter:

Dressed in pressed uniforms, local firefighters filled many of the seats at the December 3 Payson City Council meeting.  They were there to show their respect for a team-member and friend on the force, Assistant Chief Dean McCoy, as he stepped up to the podium to accept an honor from Payson City leaders.  

Assistant Chief McCoy has served for a remarkable fifty years with the Payson Fire Department, work that has rendered him worthy of notice by the city for whom he serves.

“You know, these guys put in a lot of tenure, a lot of time,” Mayor Rick Moore said as he presented the 50-year service award, “and it seems like, if there’s anything going on, Dean’s there.  He’s always there, it seems like, on the clean-up. Always working on the engines and everything else and he’s always spending a lot of time.”

Dean was born in Baraboo, Wisconsin, and moved to Payson with his family at the age of two. He graduated from Payson High School and received training as a welder at the former Utah Trade Technical Institute, now Utah Valley University, in Orem, Utah.  “If there was something he wanted,” said Mayor Moore, “instead of buying it, he would just make it.”

Dean served in the U.S. Reserves and was active during the Berlin Crisis, and stationed at Ft. Lewis, Washington.

His first job was as a mechanic at an Oldsmobile garage.  A hunting and fishing enthusiast, he taught fly-tying at Brigham Young University.  He was employed as a part-time fireman and EMT at US Steel, and at the Bureau of Reclamation as a meteorologist and hydrologist.  He worked for Dugway Proving Grounds as a full-time fireman, and retired from his career with the Federal Government in 1993.  

Dean joined the Payson Fire Department in 1963. “When I started, when we went on call, we went dressed as we were,” he said, reflecting on the changes that have occurred since he joined the local fire department.  “If we were in church, we went dressed in church clothes. And we improved: Got new uniforms to wear now.”

Dean added, “I appreciate the support of the mayor and council. I appreciate everybody.”

One of the newest members to serve with the Payson Fire Department, Brad Pulver noted that he looks forward to learning the many things that Dean has to offer.  With a history like Assistant Chief McCoy’s, it seems there is much knowledge to impart and a strong impression still to be made by the longtime firefighter.

Old Pictures Hold Histories--and Mysteries--of a Long-Gone Payson Era and Its People

A large manila envelope holds images of Payson from an era long since past.  The light-brown envelope is filled with black-and-white photographs that, by all appearances, were taken well over fifty years ago.  But while landmarks reveal some of the locations where they were taken, structures that are distinctively Payson, what is uncertain are the identities of the people depicted in these relics of local history.

Tied with the hope that the photographs’ subjects, or their descendants, will recognize them, the photos were brought into The Payson Chronicle office and made available for claim.

They were discovered decades ago by the family of the late Wayne “Lucky” Pickering, who passed away in 1981. Lucky was a cabinetmaker by trade, a respected local businessman, and an artist.  He ran a shop in Payson’s Downtown called Pickering Cabinet and Doors over a half-century ago.

Creating art his complementary interest, he employed a number of methods to pursue its creation, from making pottery to photography.  This has led some of his family members to believe these photos were taken by him.

They are available to view and claim at The Payson Chronicle Office, located at 145 East Utah Avenue, in Payson.    

News That Matters to You

The new year is upon us and with it are new opportunities to provide the news that matters most to you. With this in mind, the staff at The Payson Chronicle would like you to share with us your ideas for stories connected to Payson and the surrounding areas.  Please send them to us at paysonchronicle@gmail.com.

We look forward to hearing from you and sharing with you the news that is meaningful to us all.