Downtown Is Open For Business

 

Asphalt torn and sidewalks missing, yet shops remain open during the Payson Downtown renovation. Parking is available along side streets and behind the buildings. Access by foot is possible. Support these small businesses if you are able. Let’s keep them open. 

The Cloth Shoppe and Rex Drugs are pictured in this undated photograph (top). An advertising page (below) published in The Payson Chronicle mapped out downtown shops in 1973.

Past, present, and future: We want your Downtown Payson story.

Write your story, then submit it to us electronically via paysonchronicle@gmail.com, or deliver it to us in person or by mail at 145 East Utah Avenue #5. Many will be considered for publication in The Payson Chronicle newspaper. Photos are encouraged!

DOWNTOWN PAYSON STORIES

Tree of Life Studios: Yoga And Art Studios Operating In Historic Downtown

I still pinch myself every day when I think about how fortunate I am to be the trustee of a yoga and art studio on historic Main Street in this small, but ever-growing town of Payson, UT.

When I first opened Tree of Life Studios, at 92 South Main Street, two years ago, I knew I was taking a risk by choosing a location that was over 100 years old, but I was drawn to the charm and character that only an old building can offer. As I walk through the studio's creaky wooden floors, I can almost hear the whispers of the past, and I feel grateful to be a part of this historic downtown's story. 

We love being part of a historic downtown Main Street, especially as it transforms into a more vital part of the community. Of course, there have been challenges - from navigating the quirks of an old building to finding ways to make our space shine in a town where progress can be slow. 

The construction has definitely posed many challenges as well. Although the Payson city officials have said they support downtown business, there truly has been no support and very poor communication. I’d love more honest reporting on what is actually going on for downtown businesses. I only know of one business on Main Street who may have received any of the grant money allocated for this project. It was too hard to apply for and too expensive for most businesses to front all the money themselves and match the required amount. 

  

Aside from that, overall the rewards have been well worth it. We are doing everything we can to keep our doors open. Every day, I get to see people of all ages and backgrounds come together to practice yoga, create art, and connect with one another. And as I watch them leave, feeling more relaxed, inspired, and fulfilled, I'm reminded that my small business is not just a place to sell classes or art supplies - it's a hub for community and connection.

Nam Joti Kaur

Mourning the Passing of Friends: Forthcoming Funeral Service

"What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. 

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

~ Helen Keller

Irene Whimpey Lamb

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Irene Whimpey Lamb, who left us on May 23, 2024, at the age of 86.

Irene was born on October 4, 1937, in Genola, UT, in a log cabin with a dirt floor to Blaine Lewis Whimpey and Lorena Smith. From an early age, she exhibited a remarkable strength of character and an unyielding spirit. She lost her father at a young age and was raised by her grandparents, Bert and Grace Smith. She married Douglas Lamb on December 13th, 1955, in the Manti Utah Temple. They were blessed with five children: Mark, Bonnie, Wade, Gwen, and Jim. She touched the lives of many with her kindness, wisdom, unwavering support, and wry wit.

Throughout her life, Irene has been a pillar of strength and dedication to her family and the community. In 2022 Irene and Douglas were selected as the Grand Marshalls for the Onion Days Festivities. Irene was steadfast in her dedication and passion for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she served in numerous callings, as well as a service mission with her husband Douglas at the LDS employment center. Irene’s spirit of service also included exceptional contributions to Mountain View Hospital as a volunteer Pink Lady for over 40 years while also serving a term as the president of the UAHAV. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Her memory will forever be cherished by those who had the privilege of knowing her.

Irene is survived by her husband, Douglas Lamb; Children: Mark Lamb (Texas), Bonnie Lamb (Payson), Wade (Becky) Lamb (Florida), Gwen (Scott) Spencer (Payson), Jim (Becky) Lamb (Florida); Sister: Vickie (Mike) Hillstead (California), Brother: John Willis (Colorado); Brothers-in-law: Lee Lamb (Payson) and Don Uder (Illinois); 21 grandchildren, and 40 great-grandchildren who will continue to honor her legacy by living their lives with the same love and compassion she demonstrated every day. She was preceded in death by her parents, Blaine and Lorena Whimpey, Stepfather Maynard Willis; in-laws Douglas and Theo Lamb; Grandparents Bert and Grace Smith; Brother Jim; Sisters Carma, Nancy, and Elaine; and Great-Grandchild Dylan Smith.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, May 30, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 75 South 600 East in Payson, Utah. Visitation will be from 9:30 am to 10:30 am at the church. There will also be a visitation on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Walker Funeral Home, 587 South 100 West, Payson, Utah. Interment will be in Payson City Cemetery, 400 North 800 East, Payson, Utah.

Irene's presence will be profoundly missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Walker Funeral Home. Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.WalkerMemorials.com.

In This Week's Edition

 

Downtown Payson has a rich history and hopeful future. The Payson Chronicle is collecting the community’s memories and wishes related to this district in a preservation project tentatively called “Downtown Payson Stories.”

Tell us your stories of Downtown Payson. We want to read generational tales about the old opera house, movie theaters, and cultural centers. And new venues for entertainment! Consider the civic and public spaces: the former city hall and police station, Payson City Library, and Memorial Park. We want to hear stories about the drugstores, diners, shops, salons, and lumber yards. Tell us about past and present domestic life in and close to Downtown Payson’s periphery. These are memories and thoughts that are meaningful to you.

The possibilities extend beyond the scope of the ideas mentioned above, so long as the stories tie in with the downtown district.

Compose your story and submit it to us electronically via paysonchronicle@gmail.com, or deliver it to us in person or by mail at 145 East Utah Avenue #5. We invite you to share this invitation with friends, family, and strangers—Paysonians old and new.

Many will be considered for publication in The Payson Chronicle newspaper. Photos are encouraged. #paysonutah #utah #paysonpeople #downtown #funnygirl #huishtheatre #safewaydeals

FrontRunner South Public Information Meeting May 22 In Payson

PICTURED: UTA map highlighting planned FrontRunner South Extension, which ends in Payson City.

The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) is planning to extend FrontRunner commuter rail service from Provo to Payson primarily along UTA-owned property with proposed stations in Springville, Spanish Fork, and Payson. FrontRunner South Public Information meetings are taking place in these cities, and on Wednesday, May 22, the occasion will be in Payson.

These efforts are building upon the South Valley Transit Study completed in 2022, which identified the FrontRunner extension as the Locally Preferred Alternative.

The current phase of the project includes environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and preliminary design for the proposed commuter rail extension. The environmental study will be prepared to evaluate both the benefits and impacts of the proposed project to identify a transit solution. Currently there is no funding or timeline for final design and construction.

Join the discussion May 22 at the Payson City Banquet Hall, 439 West Utah Avenue, from 5-7 PM.

 

The talented Ross Huff with his latest wood carving. This piece is slated for an upcoming Payson Lions Club fundraiser. Details to come later. 

In This Week’s Edition

 

Mourning the Passing of Friends: Forthcoming Funeral Service

"What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. 

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

~ Helen Keller

Sgt. Bill Hooser

Billy Dean Hooser was born on December 18, 1973 to Dayton and Bonnie Reeves Hooser who

lived in Cleburne, Texas, at the time of his birth. Bill was the second of 7 children. The family

moved to Utah in 1984. There Bill met his wife Kinda Edwards in 1992. They were married on

September 14, 1995. Together they had two beautiful daughters - Shayle was born in 1997 and

Courtney was born in 1999.  Although Bill loved being a girl dad, he welcomed his two sons-in-law,

Jake and Karson, with open arms and they became his. He loved his family with everything he was

and was so proud of them.  His first granddaughter, Paxton, was born recently, and he loved being grandpa.

  

He had a passion for the outdoors and took every opportunity that he could to be out in the mountains

camping, or at the sand dunes riding his side by side. He counted his friends as family, and he loved being

with them having fun and laughing.

  

Bill’s first real job was framing. He gained a passion for building and carpentry. He built furniture pieces

to rival master craftsmen. Approximately 10 years ago, while living in New Mexico, Bill decided to join

the Volunteer Reserve Deputies for the San Juan County Sheriff’s Department. While volunteering, his

passion for serving grew into a need to change careers and become a full-time Law Enforcement Officer

with San Juan County Sheriff's office.  In 2017, Bill and the family moved back to Utah and he began his

career with Santaquin Police Department.  His love and passion for the community he served only grew.

In a short time, Bill was promoted up the ranks and proudly served as Corporal, Detective and Sergeant.

He was proud of the work that he did and loved the people that he worked with.  

Bill was the first one to jump in and help when anyone needed it.  A real testament to the man that Bill was,

is the many lives that he touched.  He made everyone feel like they were his best friend, and they were the

most important thing in the world.

Bill was preceded in death by his father Dayton Hooser, and his younger brother John Hooser.  He leaves

behind his beloved wife Kinda, daughters Shayle Terry (Jake Terry), and Courtney Hooser (Karson Jones),

and his beautiful granddaughter Paxton; mother Bonnie Hooser, brothers Randy (Jodie), Ben (Emily),

Michael (Brittany); sisters Christi Sagers (Tony) and Chelsea Blau (Jed), mother-in-law Alta Edwards;

sisters-in-law, Marie (Jeff), Lynn Starley (Troy), Jo Barker (Joe); and brother-in-law Terry Fleming (Kris).

Bill is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews who will all miss their Uncle Bill.

Funeral Services will be Monday May 13, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the UCCU Events Center at Utah Valley

University, 800 West University Parkway, Orem, Utah. A public visitation will be held at Apple Valley

Elementary, 105 East 770 North Santaquin, Utah on Sunday May 12th from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Following

the services on Monday, Bill will escorted to Santaquin City Cemetery, 300 South 100 East. 

Tell Us Your Story

 

Tell us your Downtown Payson story. We want to read generational tales about the old opera house, movie theaters, and cultural centers. And new entertainment venues. Consider the civic and public spaces: the former city hall and police station, Payson City Library, and Memorial Park. We want to hear stories about the drugstores, diners, shops, salons, and lumber yards. These are memories and thoughts that are meaningful to you.

Submit it to us electronically via paysonchronicle@gmail.com, or deliver it to us in person or by mail at 145 East Utah Avenue #5.

PHOTOS: Musician Ralph Migliaccio poses for a photograph with the instruments of his trade.

Newspaper page from December 23, 1938 edition of The Payson Chronicle recalls community support and anticipation of a new dance hall opening in time to celebrate Christmas Eve and after with music and dancing. David Shuler (1887-1965), the proprietor, was accompanied in the business venture by musician Ralph Migliaccio (1903-1965) and his Chicago Orchestra.

Santaquin Restaurants To Contribute Proceeds

 

In This Week’s Edition

 

 May 6 procession leads fallen Santaquin officer, Sergeant Bill Hooser Home.

People lined up along Santaquin Main Street May 6 to pay respect to Sergeant Bill Hooser, who was killed while on duty early Sunday morning, May 5. Law enforcement, fire and safety agencies from across the state led a procession that began this morning at the Taylorsville medical examiners office that carried the late Sgt Hooser home.

Mourning the Passing of Friends: Forthcoming Funeral Service

 

"What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. 

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

~ Helen Keller

GENE LOFGRAN

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Gene Clifton Lofgran on May 3, 2024, just two days shy of his 85th birthday. 

Gene was welcomed into this world on May 5, 1939, by his parents, Albert and Annie May Lofgran and three older brothers who wanted a baby sister but loved him anyway. He grew up in Santaquin, Utah, and graduated from Payson High School. Shortly after graduating, he joined the service, returned with honor, and on Oct. 15, 1960, married his eternal sweetheart, Pat Ingram Lofgran. Together they made their home in Payson, Utah, where they raised their family and made many cherished memories throughout the years. 

Gene lost his parents at a tender young age, which cultivated within him a profound capacity to love others deeply. His love and devotion to family were unparalleled. He was known for his big heart, his knack for loving others exactly as they are, and a quick wit that brought joy to those around him. 

Gene was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and spent his life serving others in the Church and elsewhere. He was a hard worker, making a career as a lineman for Mountain Bell. After 33 years, he retired and worked an additional ten years for Novell.

Gene loved four-wheeling in the mountains, camping, spotting wildlife, Ford trucks, and Pepsi Cola. He had many unique hobbies, including woodworking, flint knapping, target shooting, photography and hunting. He was quite the handyman – there was not a tool he didn’t own. If he wasn’t working in his workshop, you could usually find him in his garden. More than anything, he loved sharing the produce with others. 

Gene is survived by his wife of 63 years, Patsy Ingram Lofgran of Payson, Utah, son Mark (Tonie) Lofgran, of Herriman, Utah; daughters JoAnn (Dirk) Boggess of Salem, Utah; Janet (Vic) Losser of Salem, Utah; Pam (Jeromy) Hall of Lehi, Utah; and a sister-in-law, Evelyne Nielsen of Goosing, Idaho. He is proceeded in death by his father, Albert John Lofgran; his mother, Annie May Clayson Lofgran; his older brothers Lynn (Kathy), Vernon (Leal), and Wayne Lofgran; and his grandson, Garrett Lofgran. He adored his seventeen grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and many other friends that he loved as his own and considered his bonus family. 

A viewing will be held on Friday, May 10, at the LDS church at 711 South Peteetneet Blvd in Payson, Utah, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. A celebration of life will be held at noon on Saturday, May 11, at the same place, with a viewing held prior to the service at 11:00. Interment will take place at the Santaquin cemetery, 100 East 300 South, Santaquin, Utah. 

We wish to express our heartfelt appreciation for the overwhelming outpouring of love and support from friends and family at this time. 

100 YEARS

 

A personal Footloose encounter featuring Kevin Bacon last month is being topped off with a photographic display at the Peteetneet Museum & Cultural Arts Center. An exhibition celebrating “100 Years of Utah Film & Television” by the Utah Film Commision is open to the public in the main-level art gallery. The Peteetneet is located at 10 North 600 East, Payson, Utah.

#footloose #utahfilmcommission #peteetneet #paysonutah #paysonchronicle #thepaysonchronicle #readthepaysonchronicle #utahfilms 

Mourning the Passing of Friends: Forthcoming Funeral Service

"What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. 

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

~ Helen Keller

DANIEL PATRICK LEE

On Sunday April 28, 2024, Daniel Patrick Lee, age 79, finished this earthly journey and returned to his Heavenly Father, surrounded by family. Daniel or Danny as he was known to some, was born on December 2, 1944, to Carl Dalton Lee and Opal Neola Marvin. Just one of twelve children that blessed their family and a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Dad grew up in Payson where many fond memories were made, especially with his childhood friends Doug Houghton and Dick Marvin, as well as many others. Spending many of his summer months in the Strawberry Reservoir area with his Uncle Slim and Aunt Mary during his teenage years helping them with their cattle operation. This instilled in him his love of camping. Dad graduated from Payson High School in 1963. At the age of twenty-one he enlisted in the Army in 1964 during the Vietnam War.

In the years that followed Dad was able to gain employment with Geneva Steel as a Crane Operator for 16 years, of which he proudly mentioned every time he could. From there he worked many various occupations ranging from being a baker, to owning his own landscaping business and then finally at the American Fork Boat Harbor at Utah Lake as a fee collector and playing Santa Claus just to name a few. Family was always important to him, even his “extended” family that he was able to have through the years. Dad relished the time that he was able to spend with them. Sharing his knowledge of horses and love of playing the guitar. Always making sure that his own nieces and nephews knew how special they were to him, as well as with his own children.

Dad spent the last two and a half years at the Bennion Veterans Home in Payson, as he was unable to take care of himself due to Dementia. These were enjoyable years for him due to the care of the staff, and the other residents who ended up being “family” to him. A special thank you to the Bennion Staff and Suncrest Hospice for their care and love that was given to him.

He was preceded in death by his sons Kevin Dewain and Shane Lee, his parents, and siblings, Neola Shepard, Patti (Verna) Belmont, Alma Guitierrez, Gary Lee, James Lee, Denny Ray Lee, Benny David Lee, and Robin Lee. He is survived by his daughter Tamra (Doug) Healey of Heber City, two grandchildren, one great granddaughter, siblings, Jeanette Smith, Susan Lee, and Philip Lee, all of Georgia, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 9,2024, at the Walker Funeral Home located at 587 South 100 West in Payson, Utah. Viewing will be from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment with military honors will be in Payson City Cemetery, 400 North 800 East, Payson, Utah.

Arrangements are entrusted to Walker Funeral Home. Condolences may be offered at www.WalkerMemorials.com. 

In This Week’s Edition