Local News
Suicide Prevention Month: shift perspectives, raise awareness
Jennifer Thomas | American Fork Citizen
September is Suicide Prevention Month, an important time to shift perception, spread hope and raise awareness of this urgent crisis. The goal of the National Alliance on Mental illness (NAMI) during September is to ensure that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to get help.
Suicidal thoughts, like any mental health condition, can affect anyone regardless of demographic. Though common, suicidal thoughts should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues. The community impact of suicide makes it a serious public health issue. Unlike many other leading causes of death, suicide continues to claim more lives each year.
In 2022 in the U.S., more than 49,000 people died by suicide and another estimated 1.6 million people attempted suicide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This amounts to one death by suicide every 11 minutes. Utah’s suicide rate has been consistently higher than the national rate for more than a decade. Utah had the fourteenth highest suicide rate in the U.S. in 2021, according to the Utah Department of Health & Human Services.
Suicide is preventable. Recognizing the warning signs can help prevent it. Research shows that certain behaviors may indicate someone is thinking about suicide, including but not limited to:
● Talking about wanting to die.
● Expressing great guilt or shame.
● Feelings of hopelessness, emptiness or having no reason to live.
● Feeling like a burden to others.
● Feeling extremely sad, anxious or full of rage.
● Experiencing unbearable emotional or physical pain.
● Change in behavior, such as taking risks or increased drug or alcohol use.
● Withdrawal from friends and family, saying goodbye or giving away important items.
“Risk factors for youth suicide include things like having an important relationship end, a perceived failure at school, a sudden loss of personal freedom, the death of a loved one, receiving a serious health diagnosis, an unwanted move or depression,” said Chelsea Frost, prevention coordinator at Lehi Cares Coalition.
Caitlin Thomas—a graduate of Lehi High School, Miss Lehi 2015 and an assistant drill team coach for the Pionettes—is a mental health counselor at Serenity Recovery and Wellness. She spent her year of service as Miss Lehi advocating for suicide prevention, and now it has become her profession. She feels that suicide ideation differs from person to person, but one of the best ways to prevent suicide is to stay connected and take the time to check in with each other.
“The signs of suicidal ideation and suicide vary and can differ from person to person. The best thing we can do for those in our communities is check in and not be afraid to ask uncomfortable and sometimes scary questions,” said Thomas. “If someone you know is struggling, it’s ok to ask them if they have an active suicide plan. Help them recognize there is no shame for having thoughts and that you will be there to help them. If someone does disclose that they have an active plan, seek immediate help from a trusted adult or a professional.”
Studies show that asking someone if they are having thoughts of suicide does not increase the likelihood of a completed suicide, nor does it increase suicidal thoughts.
As a mental health counselor, Thomas feels that we should challenge our personal biases regarding depression and suicide if we want to reduce suicide rates in our communities.
“The greatest thing we can all do is work on our own biases and ideas about what depression and suicidal ideation look like. It is also important for us to challenge our discomfort on these topics so that we can be a true safe space for someone who is struggling. Individuals who struggle with suicidal ideation already believe themselves to be a burden to those in their lives, so becoming distressed when someone discloses to you their feeling could potentially result in them further isolating. It’s important that we validate their feelings without judgment and seek help when necessary. Remember, it is not on you to solve their struggles, but rather to sit with them and help them remember that they are not alone,” said Thomas.
Helen Gardner of Lehi lost a brother to suicide. She is an advocate of suicide prevention and shares her story in hopes of spreading awareness of suicide.
“I will never forget the morning of June 13, 2012. My kids were just 7, 4, 3, and 1 years of age. It was summer, and we were just hanging out at home. My phone rang, and I was excited to see my mom’s name as the caller. As soon as I heard her voice, I knew something was wrong. She told me my brother Anthony had passed away. I didn’t believe it,” Gardner shared.
“Anthony was my big brother, and in my eyes, he was always indestructible. He was my best friend. I finally had the courage to ask my mom how he passed away, and she told me he took his own life. I dropped the phone and just sobbed. I couldn’t believe it. Anthony was a successful actor and model and appeared to be very happy. He was living in Florida at the time, and I lived in Utah. None of my family lived near him, so we were completely unaware that he had been struggling. I wish so badly that I had known that he was having a tough time. I wish I had asked him more how he was really doing and what he was experiencing. I wish I could have helped him,” she continued.
Parents should not be afraid to have hard conversations with their children about suicide.
“Talking about suicide with your child is important for many reasons, but most important, it helps dispel misinformation,” said Thomas.
According to Kristin Francis, child and adolescent psychiatrist, “Suicide impacts almost everyone, directly or indirectly. Hearing about it from a trusted source, like a parent or caregiver, will assist your child with the right information so they can speak to others about it accurately.”
“The best way to help teach children about mental health, specifically suicide, is to be direct and compassionate while also being developmentally aware. A 4-year-old may not be able to comprehend the idea of death by suicide, but we can begin allowing them to recognize their big emotions and create space for them. Eliminating the stigma around emotions is a great place to start with children. As they get older, the conversations can become more expansive,” said Thomas. “You do not have to be perfect or exceptionally astute when having these hard conversations. It will feel scary and a little messy—this is OK. Have the conversation anyway. Model to your children that sometimes being alive means being uncomfortable, but that you are willing to sit with them through it.”
The vast majority of people who have depression do not attempt or die by suicide, but depression is linked to a greater risk of suicide. NAMI reports that “in 2021, 40.9% of adults in Utah reported symptoms of anxiety or depression. 26.4% were unable to get needed counseling or therapy.” Also according to NAMI, “51,000 Utahns aged 12-17 have depression.” Based on these statistics, it is important to work to build a stronger mental health system that provides the care and support needed to help people build better lives.
Gardner said, “I truly believe that there are more people struggling with mental health and depression than we know. I personally dealt with depression four years ago following some medical issues, and it was the hardest thing I’ve gone through. I felt so hopeless and numb, I had no idea what was going on because I had never been through it before. Depression is so scary to experience.”
“While I do feel we have made great progress in recent years eliminating stigma and opening up conversations, there is still more to be done. We can all do our part by educating ourselves and seeking our own level of care when needed,” said Thomas.
There are many resources available within the community to help those struggling with their mental health. One effective and life-saving resource is the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. 988 was launched in 2022 and is a federally-mandated service that has been a lifeline for those struggling with behavioral health crises by connecting them to local crisis workers and community-based resources through a simple three-digit call. 988 is available 24 hours, seven days a week in Spanish and English.
“Anyone can call or text 988 at any time and be connected to a professionally trained and certified counselor. They will help talk you through your experience, whether it is your own or your child’s, and help to connect you with local resources for care,” said Thomas. “Another great place to seek help is the SafeUT App. SafeUT is a crisis chat and tip line that provides real-time crisis intervention for students, parents and guardians, and educators through live chat and a confidential tip line—right from your smartphone. The website, safeut.org, offers resources to educators, parents and students in need of support and care.”
The SafeUT app became available to Utah’s middle and high schools in early 2016. The program was developed with state funding, and the original app was designed and donated by a private company. After seeing its success, the University of Utah redesigned the SafeUT app to ensure its future capabilities to respond to mental health and school safety crises. Starting in 2018, SafeUT expanded its services to Utah elementary schools, higher education institutions and colleges, the Utah National Guard, and Utah’s first responders and their families.
“While we’re still in the early phases of building out our action plan for Lehi youth, we currently provide resources from Live On Utah at our booths that we hold at local events throughout the community. We absolutely recommend that everyone in the community go to liveonutah.org and go through the Suicide Prevention Playbook. It breaks down exactly how every person can play a role in checking in on those around us and what resources we can access for support,” said Frost.
Additional protective factors include frequent contact with providers and effective mental health care.
Thomas said, “Oftentimes we make the mistake of seeing therapy as the last line of defense. However, as a clinician, I see therapy to be much more helpful when sought out before the major crisis. Think about your car—if you do routine maintenance and upkeep, the life of your car is extended. Is routine maintenance sometimes expensive and often inconvenient? It certainly can be, but if we fail to do it, we face much bigger repairs down the line. Therapy can be helpful for anyone at any time. Making time for yourself and your own care is crucial and something each one of us deserves.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a comprehensive public health approach to suicide prevention and it identifies several strategies that communities can undertake. These include such measures as “teaching coping and problem-solving skills to help people manage challenges, expanding options for temporary assistance for those in need and connecting people at-risk to effective and coordinated mental and physical health care.”
Suicide can have lasting effects on individuals, families and communities. The good news is that suicide is preventable. Anyone can help prevent suicide by learning the warning signs, promoting prevention and resilience, and utilizing community resources.
“I am so grateful for those in the community who share their experiences with mental health struggles and share information and resources. I definitely feel like my experience with my brother has made me more aware of those around me. I know that someone can look fine on the outside but be facing the biggest battle on the inside,” Gardner said. “I wish so bad my brother would have had someone to turn to. I can’t change the fact that he didn’t, but I will do everything in my power to take his experience and help those around me.”
“Working as a clinician, I get to witness individuals choose every single day to do the hard work and reclaim their lives. There is so much hope, but it takes each of us to look inward and choose to sit with people in their discomfort compassionately. Remember, you are not alone and there is much more to learn and experience. Please reach out and seek help,” said Thomas. “We are not able to eliminate suffering and hardship, but we can continue to expand our empathy and create a world that is safer for everyone.”
Suicide Prevention Month is more than an important time to shift perception: it is a time to spread hope and awareness throughout the community and remember that you are not alone.
Staff Writer | American Fork Citizen
After decades of helping individuals and families overcome hunger, housing instability and poverty, Community Action Services and Food Bank (CASFB) has temporarily closed its doors effective Nov. 1 while the Board of Trustees determines the best course of action in our current circumstances.
The temporary closure follows an increasingly difficult financial environment marked by declining grant funding and donations, and growing demand for services.
For generations, the work of CASFB has been powered by people who believed their neighbors deserved a hand up during difficult times. Employees and volunteers have served families in crisis, donors and funders have invested in solutions, and community partners have worked alongside the organization to strengthen communities throughout Utah, Wasatch, and Summit counties.
“Our greatest sadness is knowing that the need for these services has not gone away,” said Caitlin Rangel, Interim CEO. “We are profoundly grateful to every person who has given their time, resources, expertise, and heart to this organization. Whatever has been accomplished through Community Action Services and Food Bank belongs to this community.”
Utah County Commissioner Skyler Beltran issued a statement about the closure on Facebook.
“It is a travesty to see such a crucial organization in our community close its doors. For decades, Community Action has provided essential services to some of our most vulnerable residents and its closure leaves a significant void in Utah County,” the statement begins. “We have been actively involved in coordinating efforts to ensure these critical services continue with as little disruption as possible. This includes taking over operations of the Utah County Warming Center, which will open tomorrow, November 1, as scheduled.”
The statement continues, “Years of financial and operational mismanagement, coupled with a recent escalation of financial instability, should not be mistaken for a failure of the government partners who have consistently supported these programs and services.
“What cannot be lost in this transition are the more than 20,000 residents who rely on these critical services and the more than 50 dedicated employees who have spent years serving others. These are real people, real families and real livelihoods impacted by this unfortunate situation,” Beltran states.
“I also want to recognize several furloughed Community Action employees who are generously volunteering their time to help us transition operations of the Warming Center. Their continued dedication to serving others, even in the face of their own uncertainty, speaks volumes about their character.
“There is a lot of work ahead but Utah County always comes through,” the statement concludes.
The organization recognizes that the temporary closure will create uncertainty for clients, employees, volunteers, donors, and community partners.
Annie Knox | Utah News Dispatch
Utah Valley University is bringing on a past leader of the state’s highway patrol to fill a new safety post after the assassination of Charlie Kirk on the campus last year.
The announcement comes a month after an outside review identified gaps in the university’s planning and protocols. The report recommended Utah Valley create a top administrative role to oversee safety operations and emergency management, and the university said in response it was already doing so.
Michael Rapich is taking the job at the university in Orem after 33 years with the Utah Highway Patrol, where he served at the helm for nine years before retiring in November 2025.
University President Jon Anderson said in a prepared statement that Rapich “brings decades of public safety leadership, sound judgment, and trusted relationships across Utah. His experience and collaborative approach will strengthen how UVU prepares, responds, and works together to serve our campus community.”
The university has faced criticism for failing to secure each rooftop and assigning just six police officers to staff the event attended by some 3,000 people. Kirk’s family blames lapses in event security for his death and has taken a first step toward suing the school by sending a notice of claim.
Rapich’s longtime relationships with law enforcers throughout the state will help enhance emergency response and coordination with other agencies, the university said.
Rapich said in a statement that he’s honored and looks forward to working with students, employees, and others in public safety at the university and surrounding communities “to identify every opportunity to ensure that UVU Campus is a trusted place for learning, growth, and engagement.”
Rapich became a state trooper in 1992 after serving in the U.S. Coast Guard and working as a 911 dispatcher, the university said.
Kirk, a founder of the student organization Turning Point USA and a close ally of President Donald Trump, was shot and killed just minutes into an outdoor speaking event in a courtyard on Sept. 10, 2025.
Tyler Robinson, 23, is accused of using his grandfather’s hunting rifle to fatally shoot Kirk from a rooftop on the campus. He has pleaded not guilty to aggravated murder.
A judge last month ordered Robinson to stand trial. If he’s convicted, prosecutors have said they’ll seek the death penalty. They expect a trial to take place in 2028, while Robinson’s defense team says they will need until 2029 to adequately prepare for a trial.
This story was originally published by utahnewsdispatch.com and written by Annie Knox. Adjustments for style and clarity have been made.
Local News
Utah County Planning Commission meeting disruption ends in protester’s arrest outside commission chambers
Jennifer Thomas | American Fork Citizen
The Utah County Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend a controversial new data center zoning ordinance during a tense, packed meeting on October 20, 2026, which ended in a physical confrontation and the arrest of a protester.
The Utah County Government land use proposal added data centers as a permitted use within Mining and Grazing (M&G-1) and Industrial (I-1) zones, while establishing a new Data Center Overlay Zone.
The recommended framework includes development standards such as:
• Capping individual data center size at 1 million square feet and 500 megawatts
• Limiting annual water usage to 300,000 gallons
• Mandating strict noise and traffic studies
The Planning Commission’s vote serves as a recommendation only. The full Utah County Commission holds final authority and will review and vote on the ordinance at a later date.
Over 100 local residents filled the chambers in Provo to voice deep opposition to the proposal. Speakers and local advocacy groups—including UT for the People — No Tech Billionaires and Protect Utah—expressed concern that large-scale data centers will strain local water and electricity grids, disrupt rural grazing and industrial spaces, and impact the environment.
Critics also condemned the commission for advancing the recommendation amid vocal public pushback.
After the vote, tensions escalated as attendees voiced loud objections in the room. When deputies moved to clear disruptive individuals, a physical altercation broke out in the lobby and seating area.
Activist, Aspen Azalea was taken to the ground by a Utah County Sheriff’s deputy, evaluated by EMS, and booked into the Utah County Jail.
According to the Affidavit of Probable Cause, Azalea was charged with “disrupting a meeting/procession, interfering with a peace officer, and assault on a peace officer.”
According to the Affidavit, during the meeting, there was a “disruption by some of the attendees, the commission chair asked for those individuals to be removed, one did so voluntarily, one did not, she was later identified as Aspen Azalea. Despite being asked and ordered several times by law enforcement officers to remove herself from the meeting she did not.”
The deputy stated in the Affidavit, “I grabbed ahold of her (Azalea) arm and stood her up to remove her from the area, as I was pulling her out of the row of chairs, it felt like she attempted to go limp and dump her body weight on me, when I pulled her out of the row of chairs and into the isle I felt a sharp pain in my groin, it felt like I had been kneed or kicked in the testicles by Aspen, simultaneously two other individuals latched onto Aspen and had to be physically removed from the commission chambers.”
“The individuals were told to stop resisting and separate from each other, they did not and had to be physically separated from one another.”
Utah County Sheriff Mike Smith defended the use of force and arrests made during the Planning Commission meeting in a public statement on the Utah County Sheriff’s Office website at https://sheriff.utahcounty.gov/news/260978:
Video footage shared by advocacy groups dispute the official account, claiming Azalea was not actively being vocal when she was removed from the meeting and was subjected to excessive force that caused her chin/jaw to hit the ground. Audio from the Utah County Planning Commission meeting captures shouting and public disruption.
The Utah County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the use-of-force incident is under internal supervisory review.
Rallies demanding accountability and a full moratorium on private data center developments have since formed at the Utah State Capitol.
Nichole Coombs | American Fork Citizen
The Fox Hollow Golf Course in American Fork is ready to grow, but how and where that growth occurs will depend on a feasibility study and possibly a new bond.
Mayor Paul Binns chose Lehi City Council member James Harrison to represent Lehi on the golf course steering committee.
“The golf course is paying for its own feasibility study,” said Harrison. “Once that study is completed, we will come together as staff and elected officials on that committee and evaluate what we want to do.”
Fox Hollow, located at 1400 North 200 East in American Fork, is funded and operated through a partnership between Lehi, American Fork, and Pleasant Grove. The golf course was formerly called Tri-City Golf Course. All three cities are helping pay off the current bond, which expires at the end of 2027. Fox Hollow wants a new bond to replace it and help fund course upgrades.
“They are looking to add covered bays that can bring in revenue throughout the winter,” said Harrison. “They would like to offer golfers one more option. It’s really hard to get on the schedule [a tee time] because the course is so popular. By adding bays that can be used year-round, they add another option for golfers who may not be able to get on the course and a way to generate revenue.”
American Fork has offered to provide acreage on the west side of the golf course for the expansion at no cost to Fox Hollow. Currently, all three cities contribute $225,000 per year to help pay the bond and operating expenses, and about $10,000 is contributed to an emergency fund.
“Depending on the course’s performance each year, the city gets refunded a certain amount,” said Harrison. “And the last few years [the profit sharing] has been going really well.”
In addition to the covered bays (similar to Top Golf), the golf course wants to add a food court to serve customers and generate additional revenue, especially during the winter months when the main course is closed.
Harrison says the bond would be about $7,000,000 if it passes, but there are many steps before that happens. The three participating cities would pay the bond collectively.
“We need the results of the feasibility study, then the proposal is brought to the Lehi City Council, and we will vote on whether to support a bond. We will need to look at it from the perspective of Lehi residents and ask whether it really benefits a broad enough population in our city. The best-case scenario is it would bring in tons of revenue, and we would have a net gain in revenue,” said Harrison.
But Harrison is also skeptical about what the study’s results will show.
“The results can vary widely,” said Harrison. “The market isn’t very mature in this space. Having a public golf course and adding covered bays could be a benefit, but it’s also a risk.”
The feasibility study is expected by year-end. Then, all three cities- Pleasant Grove, American Fork, and Lehi- will meet to discuss the expansion and must agree on a bond before it moves forward.
Staff Writer | American Fork Citizen
Groundbreaking for the Lehi Utah Temple is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 5, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced Oct. 26.
Elder John A. McCune, a member of the church’s Utah Area Presidency, will preside at the ceremony.
The temple was announced in April 2024. The groundbreaking announcement did not include a ceremony time, attendance information or an estimated construction completion date.
The Lehi temple is among 32 temples in Utah that are operating, undergoing renovation, under construction or announced, according to the church. The church reports approximately 2.2 million members in more than 5,000 congregations statewide.
Temples serve a different purpose from the church’s meetinghouses, where Sunday worship services and other activities are open to the public. In temples, eligible church members participate in religious ceremonies, including marriages and baptisms performed on behalf of deceased ancestors.
Latter-day Saints believe temple ceremonies unite families beyond death.
Staff Writer | American Fork Citizen
Intermountain Health opened a specialty clinic and cancer center Monday in Saratoga Springs, adding services for residents of the city, Eagle Mountain, West Lehi and nearby communities.
The 48,000-square-foot facility is part of Intermountain’s existing campus, which also includes emergency services and a surgery center. The clinic offers cardiology, gastroenterology, orthopedics and sports medicine, women’s health and pediatrics.
The cancer center provides medical and radiation oncology, infusion therapy, survivorship support and advanced radiation treatment.
“We’re proud to bring this level of coordinated care closer to the families we serve,” said Jason Wilson, president of Intermountain Health American Fork Hospital. “This is one of Utah’s fastest-growing areas, and we will help ensure people here have the medical care they need.”
The campus expansion is intended to reduce patient travel and help providers coordinate care, Intermountain said.
“When someone is going through cancer treatment, being close to home matters,” said Dr. Tawnya Bowles, senior medical director for oncology at Intermountain Health. “This center will help patients stay connected to family, work and daily life while receiving compassionate, high-quality care.”
“Bringing these services together makes it easier for providers to collaborate and for patients to get the care they need in one place,” said Lyndsey Russell, market vice president of Medical Group operations for Intermountain.
Staff Writer | American Fork Citizen
On Thursday, Oct. 1, The Children’s Center Utah celebrated the grand opening of its Kahlert Children’s Mental Health Center, its first location outside of Salt Lake County, expanding access to specialized infant and early childhood mental health care for children (from birth through age six) and their families and caregivers.
Located on the Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital, Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Campus in Lehi, the new center brings The Children’s Center Utah’s services closer to families in one of the state’s fastest-growing regions. Approximately 60,000 children from birth through age six live in Utah County, and previously many families seeking care from The Children’s Center Utah had to travel to Salt Lake County to access services at the organization’s existing West Valley City location.
The Kahlert Children’s Mental Health Center is currently providing outpatient mental health services, with The Children’s Center Utah’s Therapeutic Preschool Program set to begin in January 2027. Together, the programs will provide Utah County families with greater access to comprehensive, effective mental health care during the earliest years of a child’s development.
“This center represents what is possible when people come together around a shared goal of improving children’s mental health in our state,” said Rebecca Dutson, president and CEO of The Children’s Center Utah. “We are deeply grateful to the individuals and organizations who recognize the importance of infant and early childhood mental health and have been willing to lead the way. If we want to stem the tide against Utah’s mental health crisis, we have to start earlier—giving young children and families access to the support they need from the very beginning.”
The Kahlert Children’s Mental Health Center was made possible through strong public/private partnership. The State of Utah appropriated funding for the project, which was matched two-to-one by private investments including land donated by Intermountain Health and critical philanthropic support from The Kahlert Foundation, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Clark and Christine Ivory Foundation, Central Bank, and Christian and Marie Gardner, among others.
“Every child deserves the chance to grow up healthy and supported,” Gov. Spencer J. Cox said. “When a child is struggling, families need to know where to turn and be able to get help early. The Kahlert Children’s Mental Health Center will bring more specialized care to Utah children during some of their most important years. I’m grateful to everyone who came together to build this center and give more families the support they need.”
Directly across from Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital, the Kahlert Children’s Mental Health Center complements the pediatric medical services available on the campus and reflects a shared recognition that children’s physical and mental well-being are deeply connected. The location is part of The Children’s Center Utah’s broader commitment to increase access to services statewide.
“We are so proud to stand alongside The Children’s Center Utah as they bring this extraordinary work to more children and families across our state,” said Heather Kahlert, Executive Vice President of The Kahlert Foundation. “At The Kahlert Foundation, we believe deeply in showing up for families at the moments when support can make the greatest difference. This new center is about creating a place where children can be cared for, families can feel supported, and healing can begin early. It is incredibly meaningful to us to help make that possible.”
The opening also coincides with the release of new research commissioned by The Children’s Center Utah and conducted independently by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute. One data point shows that 20% of screenings for social or emotional issues among children ages 0-5 are in the concerning range, further underscoring the need to expand access to infant and early childhood mental health care as Utah’s communities continue to grow.
“I’m thrilled to welcome this new resource to Utah County,” said County Commissioner Skyler Beltran in a Facebook post about the ribbon cutting. “What a great investment in our children and families and an exciting addition to our community.”
For The Children’s Center Utah, the Lehi expansion is part of a broader effort to reach children earlier and remove barriers that can make it difficult for families to access specialized mental health care. By bringing services closer to home, the new Center will help more of Utah’s youngest children and their families and caregivers get the support they need, when they need it most.
Jennifer Thomas | American Fork Citizen
A recent break-in at the Chabad of Utah County, headquartered in Lehi, has only strengthened the resolve of its members. Following a Saturday, Sept. 26 incident at the commercial complex housing the Jewish office and classroom space, the Lehi Police Department has launched an investigation.
Fortunately, the building sustained no structural damage, and the community has emerged more united than ever.
According to Hadley Milner, Lehi City Communications Coordinator, “Officers responded to the scene around 11:30 p.m. after the east glass entry door of the multi-unit complex was shattered. Officers searched the building and confirmed that the building had been entered.”
A subsequent search of the property, located on Mayflower Avenue in Lehi, confirmed that the building had been unlawfully entered. The complex houses four separate businesses.
“At this time, no additional vandalism has been identified, and no property has been reported stolen from the other businesses within the complex,” said Milner. “No other commercial space was damaged.”
The incident stands in stark contrast to the overwhelming warmth and rapid expansion the organization has experienced since its founding.
Rabbi Chaim Zippel—the first Utah-born Chabad Rabbi—and his wife, Esty, co-founded Chabad of Utah County out of their Lehi home in November 2022. Starting with just eight loaves the first week, they delivered homemade challah bread to local Jewish families. At the time, many Jewish residents lived in such deep isolation that they frequently asked the Rabbi, “if they were the only Jewish family in the entire county.”
After almost four years based out of their home, they were fortunate to utilize other locations to host events. “In August of 2026, we leased an office/classroom space in Lehi. We were excited to have a home base and a place where we could be found online,” said the Rabbi.
He continued, “On August 27, we installed the door sign, and on September 26, one month later, we had the break-in.”
The front door was completely smashed and destroyed just before midnight on Saturday, triggering a security alarm. Because the incident took place on the first day of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, Rabbi Chaim Zippel and his family—who observe Jewish holidays and Shabbat electronics-free—did not discover the damage or the flood of community messages until a day later.
“We just finished Shabbat and our phones were off as we do not use electronics throughout the holiday,” said the Rabbi. “We were unaware of the incident because our phones were off. The police and the building manager responded to the incident. But at 11:30 p.m. on Sunday night, when we turned on our phones, we discovered the messages letting us know what had happened.”
Investigators are pursuing all possible leads and motives, including whether bias or prejudice may have played a role in the incident. “At this stage of the investigation, there is not enough information to determine whether this incident was a hate crime. Investigators will continue to evaluate all available evidence and information as the investigation progresses,” noted Hadley Milner, Lehi City Communications Coordinator.
No suspects have been arrested.
Despite the break-in, Rabbi Zippel and Chabad of Utah County are undeterred and continue to expand their outreach. They remain focused on fostering a secure, meaningful, and inclusive space for the local Jewish community.
“While we must remain vigilant and take steps to protect ourselves, we refuse to let negative news disrupt our momentum. We are deeply grateful for our neighbors, as well as the Jewish, non-Jewish, and interfaith leaders whose kindness and support help our community thrive,” said the Rabbi. “Having experienced so much growth over the past few years, we know that a few anonymous online cowards cannot diminish the profound love and solidarity we share. We will continue to move forward, uplifted by the strength of our community.”
The Lehi City Police Department asks anyone with information about the incident, or who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area, to contact their non-emergency line at (385) 201-1005.
Megan Wallgren | American Fork Citizen
*This story was updated on Oct.2, at 7:33 p.m.
An email sent on September 15 to Alpine School District classified employees left some recipients feeling attacked, despite the good news it contained.
The email announced an additional $250 to a one-time payment of $500 for classified employees added during contract negotiations with the Alpine Education Support Professionals union earlier this year. “The Board of Education and District leaders are pleased to announce an additional $250 to the one-time payment of $500, making a total of $750 to be paid to classified employees in the fall of 2026, prorated based on the employee’s contract or hours worked each week,” the email stated.
The bonus announcement was followed by a statement calling out bad behavior during the negotiations.
“Let us be very clear, the additional payment is in spite of the poor behaviors, inaccurate depictions and statements about the board and superintendent’s value of and support for this essential group of team members in both public and private settings by several leaders of AESP during the negotiation process, ratification meetings, and proposal consideration in official public meetings,” the email read.
“Our hope is this message will acknowledge the unfortunate situation created by a few individuals as an opportunity for us all to self-reflect and seek improvement while inviting future AESP leaders in the new school districts to return to long-standing, positive, and mutually beneficial discussions, solutions to problems and validation of all members involved in this important work – serving children, parents, team members and communities.”
Alpine Food Services employee Sarah Fotheringham said, “We were all jaw-wide open with the letter. We felt like it was written in bad taste and intended to intimidate us.” Fotheringham continued, “I’m very happy the School Board came through with their willingness to give us additional compensation after giving us a .5% COLA.”
Classified employees are support personnel who handle non-instructional and operational roles critical to running the district. These include school office staff, facilities and maintenance crews, and transportation and nutrition services workers, along with other various part-time employees.
The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) pay increase, just 0.5%, that classified employees received in their paychecks for the ‘27 fiscal year was a sticking point in negotiations earlier this year. The union rejected the initial contract proposal. As part of a compromise, the contract included a one-time bonus payment.
The email stated, “This additional [$250] payment reflects the long-standing commitment of the board of education and superintendent to invest in and advocate for our “hands-on” technicians and support team members, which group has and will always be a high priority to the leaders of Alpine School District.”
ASD Superintendent Robert Smith addressed the controversy by affirming Alpine’s commitment to its classified employees. “Alpine’s Board of Education and Superintendent value their classified employees,” he said. “In the negotiation agreement, a statement to revisit the amount of the one-time bonus was included. This message was the announcement of that review and determination.”
Of the paragraphs that raised eyebrows, Smith said, “The intent of the message and section you referenced was to decouple the increased amount from a process this year that was unlike any experienced in the past 20 years with AESP.”
Smith continued, “Wording of any communication could be improved, which is true in this case. The intent was to celebrate our employees, follow through on a commitment, and invite a more positive dialogue in the new districts.”
When asked who wrote the email, Smith responded, “The message was approved for distribution by a majority of the Board and Superintendent and sent by the ASD communications team.”
Fotheringham also wants to leave any bad feelings between Alpine and classified employees behind. “My hope is that, with the new school board and new AESP boards, they will work together better with patience and understanding. I’m hopeful that the employees will be valued by the new school boards more than what was displayed in the announcement,” she said.
UDOT aware of the problem
Nichole Coombs | American Fork Citizen
It’s been three weeks since a 15-year-old Skyridge student was hit while crossing SR-92 and Center Street in Lehi. The teen, whose name has not been released, is healing from a fractured wrist, but his accident has brought attention to something neighbors say they’ve seen coming.
“He was in the crosswalk on his e-bike,” said Tiffany Barker, a Lehi resident who lives near the intersection. “He was doing everything right, and a big truck turning right didn’t see him start to cross and hit him. I was the third person on the scene, and the boy was rolling around on the ground saying he was in pain. We kept him still until paramedics arrived.”
This intersection is frequented by students coming and going from Skyridge High School and Viewpoint Middle School. Residents say ninth graders going to the high school for some special classes have to cross this intersection during the day.
“We really need a walking bridge,” said Barker. “Students are coming back and forth, people coming to the businesses, and there are walking paths on both sides. There’s a lot of foot traffic.”
The intersection has been on Lehi City Council members’ minds for some time.
“I’ve been worried about it for a long time,” said council member Rachel Freeman. “I don’t want any family in our community to have to deal with a tragedy. I go into that intersection daily, if not multiple times a day, and feel like there are some blind spots. I think a pedestrian bridge would help.”
SR-92 is not a Lehi City road, but that doesn’t mean the city isn’t working to get a bridge.
“Lehi City has been working on a design and working on securing funds for a bridge for some time because our engineers anticipated this intersection would be busy,” said Freeman. “Lehi has been able to secure about half the funding for the bridge so far, but we are still waiting, hopefully, for the other half of the funding to come from UDOT.”
The Utah Department of Transportation, or UDOT, is aware of the safety concerns over this intersection.
“This is a priority for Lehi,” said John Gleason, UDOT’s director of public relations. “We are working to come up with solutions. School boundaries have recently changed in the area, and so we are working to make it safe for everyone, so we don’t have situations like the one that recently happened.”
UDOT doesn’t have an exact timeline for a pedestrian bridge in the area.
“We are aware of the funding that Lehi has secured,” said Boyde Humpherys, region three deputy director for UDOT. “We are working as fast as we can through the process for everyone.”
UDOT uses data from multiple sources, including local committees, to create a prioritization list. Currently, a pedestrian bridge across SR-92 ranks among the top three.
“It’s about an $8-9 million project,” said Humpherys.
Council member Michelle Stallings says the pedestrian bridge is a high priority and there are a couple of ways Lehi City can help.
“It could be a partnership,” said Stallings. “We have another pedestrian bridge further west, and it was a partnership between Lehi, UDOT and UTA. Federal grants were used for that one, so the funding was different, but it could be a joint project.”
Several petitions have been circulated locally to bring attention to the problem.
For Barker and her neighbors, time is of the essence.
“We really need this bridge now. We can’t wait for another kid to get injured before it becomes a priority.”
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