Megan Wallgren | American Fork Citizen

Local families enjoyed food, live music, kids’ activities, and a meet-and-greet with BYU football players, all in support of Foster Care, at Align Utah’s Open House on June 20. The event, held at Align’s Lehi office, was designed to raise awareness about foster care and how to make a difference in the lives of Utah children.

The open house combined information about foster care with family-friendly activities, featuring music from the First Christian Tongan Band of Utah, performances by Ailine’s Touch of Polynesia dancers, a Hawaiian food truck, balloon artists, and face painting.

“It was incredible,” said Align co-founder Tina Worton. “About 150 people came through the doors. There was a lot of interest from people who wanted to become foster families and make a difference in kids’ lives. It was super heartwarming. The atmosphere everyone contributed to was amazing. People here in Utah County, and specifically Lehi, really opened their hearts to learn what they can do to support families.”

The event was designed to open conversations about Foster Care in the community in a way that makes the topic approachable for adults and children alike. While parents could attend informational presentations on foster care, children enjoyed activities that naturally sparked conversations about compassion and helping others.

“We really wanted this open house to be not just adult-friendly but kid-friendly,” Worton said. “Adults want answers and information, but we wanted it to reflect the kind of work we do by creating experiences for families.”

Throughout the event, a looping presentation encouraged visitors to better understand the realities that children face in foster care. One display challenged attendees to imagine having just 10 minutes to gather everything they owned before leaving home.

“It’s not a question for many children; it’s their reality,” Worton said, noting that many children enter foster care carrying only a garbage bag of belongings.

She hopes helping children understand foster care at a young age encourages greater empathy.

“We want kids to understand what foster care is,” she said. “You never know what another child may be going through. Being aware helps us all become kinder and more compassionate.”
One of the most meaningful moments, Worton said, came when three siblings currently living in a foster home participated in the musical performance alongside their foster father, who serves as the band’s leader.
“The three children all participated,” she said. “One played the snare drum, and another performed a solo. It was a sweet reflection of the joy that can come to kids’ lives through foster care. It gives hope back to the community. This is what inclusivity looks like.”

Align was founded two years ago to strengthen foster families across Utah. The organization’s name comes from the Pororoca, a powerful wave that forms in the Amazon River when the sun, moon, and Earth align during the equinox.

“When multiple powerful forces come into perfect alignment, they actually change the direction of the entire river,” Worton explained. “Children in foster care face difficult currents all the time because of trauma. No single person or organization can overcome those things alone. When we all align, we’re strong enough to change the trajectory of children’s lives.”

Worton said her passion for foster care began as a child, when she saw adult family members take in and work with foster children. At age 18, she began working for her father’s foster care agency, starting in entry-level roles before discovering what she describes as her life’s calling.
“I’ve stayed because I have so much fidelity to really make a difference in these children’s lives,” she said. “Who fights for them? They don’t have their biological parents to fight for them. It’s got to be us.”

Today, Align supports approximately 120 licensed foster families across Utah, serving communities from Logan to Sanpete County. The organization recruits, trains and licenses foster parents while providing ongoing case management, therapy coordination, placement services and around-the-clock crisis support.

“We don’t want families that are perfect,” Worton said. “We’re looking for willing families, people who are willing to learn and keep growing.”

She said each child has unique needs, making it critical to carefully match children with foster families who can provide the right environment.

“We’ve never met the capacity,” Worton said. “We’re experiencing a shortage of foster parents, and we have not been able to keep up with the demand for homes. Every child deserves to feel like there is a home that can meet their needs.”

Align continues to host informational sessions for individuals interested in learning more about foster care. Worton hopes events like the Lehi open house help dispel misconceptions while showing prospective foster parents they will not be alone.

“We want people to have the right vision of what this looks like and how they can contribute,” she said. “I feel so grateful to be a part of it. I wake up most days and think, ‘I get to contribute.’ We really do have such a strong community and sense of helping people become involved.”
Residents interested in learning more about becoming foster parents or supporting foster families can request information via Align’s website at alignutah.com. The Lehi office will also be holding information sessions on July 15 and August 12. RSVP on the website.

Elizabeth Spencer | American Fork Citizen

Patriots will gather in Utah County to celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday and witness the unfurling of Old Glory across Grove Creek Canyon in Pleasant Grove. Follow the Flag (FTF) has hosted the annual event since 2015. Big Betsy will be unfurled the morning of Independence Day. The flag ceremony, “By Dawn’s Early Light,” will begin at 7:30 a.m.

 In preparation for the Fourth of July, hundreds gathered Sunday, June 28, to march two giant sets of stars and stripes to the mouth of Grove Creek Canyon from the Veterans Memorial at the Pleasant Grove Cemetery. Bagpipes and horses, along with a covered wagon, led the way for the mile-long flag walk. Proud Americans stood at attention, hands over their hearts as the flags passed.

Jordan Fairbanks has volunteered with FTF for the last 12 years. Patriotism runs deep in Fairbanks, as he was born on the 4th of July and served in our armed forces. Fairbanks was near the front of the procession. He walked the entire mile to the canyon, quietly and reverently holding a folded flag in honor of the great men and women who have given their all for our freedoms.

 When asked to share his feelings about the American flag, Fairbanks responded, “It’s the only one I’ll ever salute.” His favorite things about our country have been raising his children with his wife and saying that his posterity can “do whatever, be whoever they want and have the freedom to succeed and achieve and do everything.”

 Miss Pleasant Grove Teen first attendant, Aniston Seegmiller, also participated in the flag walk. She said the experience was awesome. “It was so cool to be able to come together as a community and be able to walk that amazing huge flag up to the canyon and see the beautiful sky and landscape.”

 “As I was walking up Battle Creek Road for the parade, I noticed an older veteran in a chair. He saw us coming forward with the flags. From what it looked like, it was a struggle for him to just stand up out of the chair, and it took numerous attempts to stand on his own. I could see how important it was to him to stand up for the flag and show his love and pride. To me, it was awesome,” added Fairbanks.

 “America is such an amazing place, and I’m so grateful to live here. We have such amazing leaders and have amazing people who fought for us,” concluded Seegmiller.

 While the flag is on display, the public is welcome to come and enjoy free live music at 8:30 p.m. for three nights in the shadow of the stars and stripes. “Sonic Duke” will kick off the music-filled evenings on July 10, followed by the “Hartley Road Band” on July 11; the mini-concert series will conclude with “Legacy Music: Utah County Choir and Orchestra” on July 12.

 FTF will also host “Run 2 Remember,” a 5k trail run honoring veterans on July 11 at 7 a.m. Runners must register by July 10 at 11:59 p.m.

 The 150’x78′ giant flag will be on display across Grove Creek’s 600-foot-wide canyon through the evening of July 12.  For more information, visit followtheflag.org

Brynn Carnesecca | American Fork Citizen

The 2026 Miss American Fork Scholarship Competition was held on June 27 at American Fork Junior High. Jade Turner was crowned as the new Miss American Fork, with Hannah Shelley as the first attendant and Elaina Tillmond as the second attendant.

Turner’s Community Service Initiative (CSI) is Kindness in Motion: Turning compassion into action. She won over the judges and the audience with her eloquent on-stage question as well as her expressive dance to “His Daughter.” Her high energy and grace on stage led her to be crowned Miss American Fork at the end of the competition.

“My CSI encourages people to turn compassion into action through everyday acts of kindness. I love that it isn’t confined to one specific cause — it allows me to serve wherever there is a need in our community,” Turner said. “This year, one of my biggest goals is to bring more dance and movement programs to local senior living communities.” 

Brittany Wood, a former Miss American Fork and current Mrs. Utah, emceed the event. Along with Whitney Wilkins, the outgoing queen, the two led the evening with confidence and knowledge. Contestants competed in five areas: a 10-minute private interview (worth 30% of their overall score), onstage question (10%), health and fitness (20%) and evening gown (20%). The interview was held on the morning of the 27th, and the other areas took place live on stage.

“My favorite part of the competition was the interview. It was actually the portion I was most nervous about, but the judges were incredibly kind and made me feel comfortable. I loved having the opportunity to share my heart, my goals, and the purpose behind my Community Service Initiative,” Turner explained.

In addition to the scholarship competition, the evening also included a performance from the American Fork Cavettes, the Little Miss American Fork royalty, and other community members. Officers from the American Fork Police Department posted the colors and supported the competition. Brooklyn Towner, the outgoing Little Miss American Fork, sang the National Anthem with poise and style.

Turner is the 80th Miss American Fork to be crowned. She will represent the city at a variety of events and service opportunities.

“Competing for Miss American Fork gave me the opportunity to expand that mission and reach more people,” Turner said.”I wanted to use the title as a platform to encourage others to serve, spread kindness, and make a positive impact throughout our community.”

The title of Miss American Fork also comes with a $2,000 scholarship, which must go towards education. The second runner-up received a $1,000 scholarship and the second runner-up received a $300 scholarship. For the next year, the royalty will serve the city and be representatives for the Miss American Fork Program. A large portion of their service will happen during Steel Days, the city festival.

“I’m most looking forward to meeting new people, building meaningful friendships, and connecting with members of the American Fork community,” Turner expressed. “I’m excited to represent this incredible city, continue serving through Kindness in Motion, and make a lasting impact throughout the year.”

Turner will also compete at the Miss Utah state competition next June at the Capitol Theater in Salt Lake City. There, she will represent the city, advocate for her CSI, and compete for the title of Miss Utah.

To follow along with Turner’s journey, follow the Miss American Fork Instagram page, @missamericanfork.ut. 

Staff Writer | American Fork Citizen

Canyon Grove Arts Academy will open a new campus in Lehi this August, offering local families another educational option with an arts-focused hybrid learning program.

The new campus, located at 3046 W Maple Loop Drive in Lehi, will provide students with academic instruction alongside a wide variety of enrichment and arts-based classes. According to information provided by the school, course offerings will include dance, theater, choir, band, piano, visual arts, ceramics, cooking, woodworking, Spanish, karate and more.

School representatives said the goal of the new Lehi campus is to give families access to a different kind of educational experience, one that combines core academics with creative, hands-on learning opportunities.

Canyon Grove Arts Academy also plans to support families using Utah Fits All scholarships, which can help make alternative educational programs more accessible for students throughout the area.

“As we prepare to open our doors, we would love the opportunity to share our story with the Lehi community,” Kaitlyn Jaynes of Canyon Grove Arts Academy said in the announcement. “We believe Canyon Grove Arts Academy will be a wonderful addition to the Lehi community, and we’d love to help spread the word to local families who may be looking for a different educational experience for their children.”

The school is expected to open in August. Additional information, photos, tour opportunities and interviews with school leadership may be available as the opening date approaches.

Families interested in learning more about Canyon Grove Arts Academy’s new Lehi campus may contact Kaitlyn Jaynes at [email protected] or 760-213-0302.

https://www.canyongrove.com

Jennifer Thomas | American Fork Citizen

Established in 2010, the Live Your Dream Foundation was created to help single parents achieve sustainable independence. Katie Bunnell’s story serves as the cornerstone of this mission. Following the sudden loss of her husband, Byron, in 2005, she found herself raising a three-month-old daughter alone. Through sheer determination to create a secure future, Bunnell returned to school and earned her bachelor’s degree at Utah Valley University in only two and a half years. Today, Live Your Dream channels that same perseverance into assisting others in building their own paths to stability.

“Along the way, I experienced firsthand how difficult it can be for single mothers to balance school, work, finances and parenting. Finding scholarships, resources and support was often a challenge,” said Bunnell.

Wanting to help other women facing similar circumstances, Bunnell and her family started the Live Your Dream Foundation.

The mission of the foundation is to empower and support single-mother families. Live Your Dream focuses on helping single moms pursue higher education to achieve financial stability, break the cycle of poverty, and build a brighter future for themselves and their children.

According to Bunnell, “The scholarship program was created specifically for single mothers, which means we understand their reality looks different than a traditional student experience. Many are working, raising children and attending school at the same time.

“We look at the full picture when we review applications — financial need, their story, a letter of recommendation and proof of admission.”

The defining characteristic among many of the standout scholarship recipients is “their determination and the desire to get an education so they can create more stability for their families,” said Bunnell.

They understand that many recipients need more than scholarship support, they need encouragement and hope.

“A lot of the women tell us the scholarship is about more than money. It’s encouragement. It’s hope. It’s someone believing in them when they may not believe in themselves. We hear that often,” said Bunnell.

By teaming up with local nonprofits, regional chapters and dedicated sponsors, Live Your Dream maximizes its reach and significantly enhances the lives of single mothers.

“We’re grateful for the many businesses, community organizations, volunteers and sponsors who come alongside us to support single mothers in Utah. These partnerships help us provide scholarships, family activities, care packages and additional resources that strengthen the families we serve.

“We also connect with organizations that help identify women who may benefit from our program, making it possible to reach more families across the state. As we often say, ‘We can’t do this work alone, and we’re not meant to,’” said Bunnell.

The implications of higher education extend far beyond one single mother. According to a Pew Research Center analysis, “60% of adults with at least one parent holding a bachelor’s degree achieve the same milestone, in stark contrast to just 20% of their peers whose parents did not pursue education beyond high school.” This vast disparity highlights the profound influence of a parent’s education on a child’s long-term academic trajectory.

“When a mother finishes her education, it doesn’t just change her life — it changes what her children believe is possible for theirs,” said Bunnell.

To date, the Live Your Dream Foundation has invested $771,970 across 473 scholarships for single mothers, positively impacting the lives of 1,165 children. Fall scholarship recipients for 2026 include six women from the Lehi area.

“I never did think I was worthy of higher education or a better life. The foundation helped me see myself and reminded me of my worth to take the scary first step,” said one Live Your Dream scholarship recipient.

“The women we serve are often managing school, work, childcare and household responsibilities all at once, while living on very limited financial resources. Rising housing costs are a major challenge, along with tuition, books, transportation, childcare and unexpected expenses,” said Bunnell. “Even a small setback can make it difficult to stay enrolled.”

Research from the Utah Women & Leadership Project, led by Dr. Susan R. Madsen at Utah State University, highlights that “women—especially single mothers—often face overlapping barriers such as financial strain, time constraints, and caregiving responsibilities while pursuing education.”

“Our scholarships help reduce pressure so mothers can stay in school and continue working toward completing their programs,” said Bunnell.

Bunnell continued, “Over the past 16 years, we’ve seen hundreds of women complete degrees and certifications in fields like nursing, education, healthcare, social work and business. Many have gone on to build stable careers that allow them to better support their families.”

“I finally felt like I could accomplish anything. I now have a job that brings me joy and purpose. Words cannot express the level of confidence the Foundation has given me,” stated one scholarship recipient.

“Live Your Dream allowed me to take a breath after a trauma-filled divorce. I received more than a financial scholarship; I created relationships with the Live Your Dream family that offered emotional support and encouragement every step of the way,” said another scholarship recipient.

At the core, Live Your Dream believes in a simple message: “You’ve got this.” To the foundation, these words are a reminder that “you can do hard things, you will get through it, and you’ll come out stronger on the other side.”

The foundation strives to bring that exact encouragement through “all the ups and downs of school, work and life,” said Bunnell.

“In 2021, with three young kids in tow, I fled an abusive marriage for a better life. Thankfully, I remembered a post about a scholarship for single mothers. This one act of reaching out changed the entire trajectory of my life,” said a Live Your Dream scholarship recipient.

Bunnell often says, “Education changed everything for me. It gave me confidence I didn’t know I was capable of building.” That experience is what inspired the foundation.

According to the Live Your Dream Foundation, “Every donation opens doors to education and new opportunities for single mothers.” The foundation accepts donations at https://www.liveyourdreamfoundation.org/.

Sally Francom | American Fork Citizen

Utah County’s Community Action Services and Food Bank recently hosted “Come to the Table,” an immersive experience to help residents better understand homelessness.

The event brought together service providers, service missionaries, community leaders, and members of the public for a simulation. This activity demonstrated the complexities of navigating homelessness and accessing community resources, seamlessly connecting attendees with the realities faced by those in need.

Each participant took on a personal profile reflecting circumstances common among community members. Throughout the evening, participants tried to access services and meet basic needs, just as someone experiencing homelessness would.

Participants visited local service providers, used public transportation, and navigated various support systems across Utah County during the simulation. To culminate their experience, the Food and Care Coalition provided a sack dinner.

Utah County Commissioner Skyler Beltran, who helped launch the event earlier this month, built on this theme by emphasizing the importance of ensuring residents know that resources are available to help individuals overcome difficult circumstances.

“If you want to improve your situation and get back on your feet, our community has the resources, services and people ready to help you get there,” Beltran said. “I’m proud of the progress we’ve made over the past year and grateful for the dedicated efforts of Community Action Services and Food Bank, United Way, Wasatch Behavioral Health and more who work every day to make a difference.”

Community Action Services CEO, Tom Hogan, said homelessness remains a pressing challenge for his social service organization.

“Homelessness continues to be a significant challenge in Utah County, driven largely by rising housing costs, limited affordable housing options, and the increasing complexity of needs among many individuals and families experiencing homelessness,” Hogan said.

Organizers said the goal of the program is to foster empathy, increase awareness, and provide participants with a deeper understanding of the barriers individuals experiencing homelessness often face. This objective was achieved by immersing participants in real-world scenarios throughout the event.

By placing participants in real-world scenarios, “Come to the Table” let them experience firsthand the challenges of securing transportation, accessing services, and meeting daily needs while facing housing instability.

Hogan said collaboration between local organizations and government partners remains critical in addressing the issue.

“The Utah County [Commission] plays a vital leadership role through the Winter Task Force, providing the [overnight sleeping] facility and significant support for the seasonal warming center. That partnership helps ensure vulnerable individuals have a safe place to stay during the coldest months of the year,” Hogan said. “There is always a need for additional resources, affordable housing opportunities, and continued investment, but we appreciate the support and collaboration we receive from both state and local government partners.”

Hogan said community members also play an important role in addressing homelessness. He encouraged residents to learn more about homelessness and housing affordability, volunteer at warming centers, food pantries and outreach events, support local service providers and housing assistance efforts through donations. He also urged locals to advocate for practical community-based solutions and treat individuals experiencing homelessness with dignity, compassion and respect.

Jennifer Thomas | American Fork Citizen

A female pedestrian was airlifted to the hospital with serious injuries following a vehicle collision in a Lehi crosswalk on the morning of Wednesday, June 17.

First responders from the Lehi Police and Fire Departments arrived at the Pioneer Crossing and 500 West intersection just before 9:30 a.m. Lehi City Public Information Officer Jeanteil Livingston said the woman, who has not been identified, “was struck just before 9:30 a.m. at the intersection.”

According to Livingston, “the woman suffered serious injuries but was conscious, breathing and responsive to emergency medical personnel who arrived on scene. The pedestrian was transported by airlift to a local hospital. At this time, the extent of her injuries is unknown.”

The driver reportedly remained at the scene and is fully cooperating with the police investigation.

“Emergency responders closed westbound traffic on Pioneer Crossing between Center Street and 1100 West while law enforcement investigated the scene,” said Livingston. “All lanes of Pioneer Crossing reopened at approximately 11:30 a.m.”

The public was asked to avoid the area, use alternate routes if possible, and expect traffic delays during the closure. Pioneer Crossing is undergoing UDOT lane-shifting construction, making the road particularly challenging for drivers and unsafe for pedestrians

The investigation remains active with no additional information available at this time, but will be updated.

Jennifer Thomas | American Fork Citizen

On Saturday, June 27, the Miss America Fork competition will be held at American Fork Junior High School. This year, five accomplished ladies are contenders in the annual scholarship competition. All five contestants will compete in the following areas: personal interview, health and fitness, performance talent, evening wear and onstage conversation. All contestants are profiled below. The competition begins at 7 p.m. with doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at: https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLFX4QCDR6K5R/checkout/WDWAHXUE7IQ6DT4EB7LDDNTO?src=sms

Contestant #1

Hannah Shelley

Daughter of Chris and Heather Shelley

Community Service Initiative: Cosmo Cares: Everyone deserves to feel beautiful, especially when life tells them otherwise

Fun Fact: Hannah can name any Halsey song in the first five seconds of hearing it.

Contestant #2

Lizzie Yates

Daughter of Neil and Stephanie Yates

Community Service Initiative: Give Life, Share Hope: Organ donation and recognition

Fun Fact: Lizzie loves to bedazzle.

Contestant #3

Elaina Tillmond

Daughter of Richard and Suzanne Tillmond

Community Service Initiative: From Surviving to Thriving: Building financial confidence for young women

Fun Fact: Elaina has a dimple in her lip.

Contestant #4

Addilee Brown

Daughter of Ben and Alisha Brown

Talent: Vocal Performance

Community Service Initiative: Arts Throughout the Ages: Serving others through developing artistic abilities

Fun Fact: Addilee is the designated popcorn maker among her friends and family.

Contestant #5

Jaden Powell

Daughter of Sherry Powell

Community Service Initiative: Kindness in Motion: Turning compassion into action

Fun Fact: Jaden has three black cats

Miss American Fork 2025, Whitney Wilkins, will compete as contestant #29 at the Miss Utah Scholarship Competition the week of June 16-20 at the Janet Quinney Lawson Capitol Theater in Salt Lake City, UT. She has spent the last year serving the city of American Fork with her community service initiative, “Shine Through Service: Discovering self-worth by lifting others.” Wilkins has dedicated many hours to elementary classrooms, educating students on the value of service and inspiring them to incorporate community engagement into their everyday lives.

“It has been so fun to plan community service projects for American Fork City. I led impactful community projects, ranging from back-to-school drives and senior talent shows to support for Veterans by writing cards,” said Wilkins.

Her past year of dedicated service to the city has left her with unforgettable memories.

“Growing up, I have always loved Steel Days, but the past year was extra special getting to start off my year of service as Miss American Fork. I attended just about every event and tournament,” said Wilkins. “The community was so welcoming, and I had the opportunity to meet so many incredible people.”

Wilkins looks forward to the Miss Utah Scholarship Competition and the opportunity to represent American Fork City.

“I am so excited to become acquainted with the contestants at Miss Utah,” said Wilkins. “I am also excited for the experience of pushing myself to be my best and to see my hard work from this past year pay off.”

“My preparation has included many hours of practice. Whether it has been rehearsing my dance talent, practicing my walking, or having people interview me, practice has made all the difference, and I’ve grown through the experience,” concluded Wilkins.

The community is welcome to attend and support the five dedicated Miss American Fork contestants on June 27.

Brynn Carnesecca | American Fork Citizen

Families from across the American Fork area appeared at the AF city council meeting on June 9 to push back against the proposed relocation of the recreation center’s Twisters program.

Over 30 parents and youth spoke during public comment, urging the American Fork City Council to reconsider moving their classes. Because of the equipment and space needed for the programs, a relocation could mean the programs would essentially have to shut down.

Without the Twisters program, which includes gymnastics, itty-bitty sports, ninja classes and others, many families will lose a valuable part of their children’s education and extracurricular activities.

Some programs are planned to be defunded, some to be canceled entirely, and some to be relocated to the basement.

Cristy Manis and Rita Law have been leading the charge to keep the classes around. They discovered the planned relocation of the classes through a public notice from the city council. The social media post mentioned that the council would vote on one-time funding for the city’s recreation center.

Towards the bottom of the notice, a few sentences regarding the gym space raised alarm for Law and Manis. Much of the equipment for the Twisters program was planned to be moved elsewhere.

“In my perspective, it will cause a ripple effect of changes,” Law said. “It means that the equipment would not fit anywhere else. The only other option is that it will be gone.”

The Twisters program teaches over 400 kids and teens throughout the area. With the programs gone, many families could not afford to send their kids elsewhere.

“The costs are much higher. Having programs through the rec center means it is accessible to more people,” Law shared. “If you repurpose the gym to maximize the space and don’t include these programs, the kids will have nowhere else to go.”

The environment that the rec center provides can also be good for beginners. Because the Twisters program is directly associated with the rec center, students can either audition for the competition teams or take only classes.

“It’s such a safe, lower-pressure environment,” Cristy shared. “This is a safe, awesome place where you can work while you learn about yourself.”

The Twisters program has become a community for the kids who participate and the families involved.

“I like the girls and the coaches. They make it so fun to go there,” said Joely Manis, Cristy’s daughter and a Twisters team member.

 Cristy added, “I was blown away at how many community members showed up [to the meeting]. We are like a family.”

 For kids who prefer individual sports, Twisters can be an outlet for skill development.

 Law added, “Not everybody fits into a team sport. It’s not anything bad, it’s just that we need to meet multiple needs.”

 To participate in any Twisters-related class, students must pay an additional fee in addition to the membership pass. From Law’s perspective, the classes are only increasing the city’s revenue.

 “It means a lot to these kids… This is the age when you are establishing healthy behaviors for the rest of your lives. When any of these kids could be doing screens or social media, they want to be [in class],” Law said.

 The city council allocates the funds to the rec center. However, once the funds are in the rec center’s care, their spending is left to the center’s administration. At the meeting, the families urged council members not to simply give the funds and then back away. Instead, they want the city council to provide oversight and ensure that their children’s programs are not cut or relocated.

 “We are not finished in this fight,” Law shared. “I know [council members] work hard for the city. But you don’t know what you don’t know. Knowing the impact and not giving free rein to something is important… I feel like they listened to everybody. I felt like they made sure that anybody who was there had their voice counted.”

The group hopes for a formal reply from someone at the rec center and transparency from the city council.

“We are trying to go about this in a positive way. I know a lot of community members have been panicked,” Cristy shared. “I just want the city council to know how beneficial these are. They can’t take away these programs from our kids. We appreciate that they have been functioning in the space and want it to continue.”

Law and Cristy urge anyone interested to reach out to the city council or the rec center to voice their opinion. Their group will also be attending the city council meeting on June 16. The American Fork Citizen asked the city council and the rec center for a comment but has not yet received one.

Rob Shelton | American Fork Citizen

What began as a budget hearing at American Fork City Hall on Tuesday night turned into an extended public reckoning over the city’s police department, as a few residents who came to speak about a proposed property tax increase also lined up to weigh in on a viral YouTube case that has put the department under national scrutiny and a second video series that some say shows a broader pattern of conduct.

The June 9 city council meeting drew a packed chamber. Mayor Brad Frost noted it was rare to see the room full. By the time public comment closed, speakers had addressed the fitness center budget, a residential buffer zone dispute along 300 North and the rec center gymnastics program, but the sharpest exchanges centered on American Fork police and the arrest of California YouTuber Benjamin Schneider, known online as ‘Reckless Ben,’ in March.

The American Fork Police Department declined to comment, and Mayor Brad Frost did not respond to attempts to reach him.

Several residents used their two minutes to express clear support for the department before pivoting to other concerns. Joseph Call, who identified himself as a seven-year American Fork resident, opened his budget remarks with a direct statement. “I did just want to say that I support the police department, and thank you for your service, PD and Fire Department,” he said.

Daycare worker Michelle Anderson, who said she had worked at the recreation center for 19 and a half years, echoed that sentiment while pleading for the gymnastics programs not to be cut. “I support them completely,” she said of the department. “I love our police department; I love our fire department.”

Council Member Ryan Hunter offered a more personal note in his report. “I just want to make a comment and just thank our police,” Hunter said. “My family, ironically, had a scenario last week where our family was targeted, and I just want to publicly thank those who responded.”

Council Member Ernie John made a similar disclosure. “I’ve had something similar happen to Council Member Hunter’s family,” John said, “and I want to be thankful for our police department for responding.” John also acknowledged the volume of public feedback the council had received. “I personally have gotten hundreds of emails sometimes a day,” he said. “I want you to know I can’t respond to them all, but I have read every single one.”

Others at the podium were sharply critical. Daniel Soroka told the council that the proposed 9 percent property tax increase would be insufficient to cover what he described as impending legal liability arising from the Schneider arrests. “Our police department in March went on a crusade against an individual, and he now has legal rights to sue this city,” Soroka said. “That is going to be our taxpayer dollars that are going to have to pay for that.”

Soroka disputed specific claims made by Chief Cameron Paul in the department’s 26-minute public response video, including the stop-sign citation and the timeline for service of court papers. “The police chief went on an immediate release and lied to the public,” he said. He also raised concerns about the Airbnb search warrant. “The police swatted this individual, arresting five people without any arrest warrants, and then took four of them, who they did not even know the identity of, into custody, one of them being a minor.”

Soroka closed with a personal statement about his own unease. “I am in fear of standing here with seeing if there’s any retribution that they might bring on me, because that is what they did to this individual, and if they’re willing to do that to them, they are willing to do that to me, or to anyone.”

A speaker identified as Alex Sabin called for a formal independent audit of the department. “Stop shielding the AFPD and initiate a formal, independent third-party audit,” Sabin said. “It is your responsibility to fix this department. Our rights are not optional, and the status quo is no longer acceptable.”

Another speaker, who did not give a full name, described a broken online complaint system and called on the council to fix it. “A complaint system that doesn’t provide proof of submittal, doesn’t tell you how to fix errors, and destroys your work when you violate unspecified rules, that is a system that fails the public it’s supposed to serve,” the speaker said. The speaker cited the First Amendment right to petition the government for redress of grievances and called the current system a chill on that right.

August Hicks described the Schneider case in detail. “The police department during this has demonstrated reckless usage of resources and responsibilities,” Hicks said, “and it has tainted faith in American Fork’s ability to protect and serve.”

Greg Hazard, who identified himself as a former vice principal and special education teacher, took a more nuanced position. He told the council he had been the victim of two incidents involving American Fork officers. One, in which a police officer committed what he described as a misdemeanor parking violation and then issued him a criminal trespass in apparent retaliation, and another in which an officer called him a profane name in front of a trespasser.

Yet Hazard credited Chief Paul for responding to both. “Chief Paul quickly took ownership,” he said, “and shared with me that this officer was unbecoming of an officer.” The trespass order against Hazard was later rescinded. “I feel Chief Paul is an incredible leader in our community,” Hazard said, “and demands accountability, and takes ownership much like a father with his children.”

Mayor Frost gave the following comments as part of his mayoral report: “I promise you, I know everybody here, and a lot of people out here, but we’re just, we’re all in this together, and we’re going to fix problems. We’re going to work on it together. I’m going to invite you to come back every two weeks, because we love seeing people here. But again, to just, we hear you, we see you, everybody that’s been here tonight, and we will go to work.”