Staff Writer | American Fork Citizen

All Utah County Republican delegates are invited to participate in the Utah County Republican convention this Saturday at Skyridge High School. Several high-profile Utah County races with numerous republican contenders will vie to represent the party in the primary election. Those races include two county commission seats, and a republican nominee will emerge from the county clerk and county recorder races.

The day-long event starts at 7:30 a.m. with a greeting time for candidates and delegates, then registration from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. According to county officials, food trucks will be on site. Delegates are encouraged to bring water and a cushion for more comfortable seating.
The Utah County Democratic Party held its nominating convention earlier in April.

Beky Beaton / Lehi Free Press

The annual flag retirement ceremony for the local area has been scheduled for Wednesday, April 15 at the Quail Cove Amphitheater, 851 E. 700 North in American Fork from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

The event is jointly sponsored by American Legion Post 49, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Honor Guard, and the American Fork Fire & Rescue and Police departments.

It is the authorized ceremony for all communities in North Utah County. All interested residents, including children, are encouraged to attend and participate. Anyone who has a US flag that needs to be disposed of properly is invited to bring it to the ceremony.

The U.S. Flag Code specifies that, “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”

Key indicators that a flag needs to be retired include:

• Significant fraying or tears: The fly end (outer edge) is heavily frayed or torn and cannot be repaired by trimming and re-hemming.
• Severe fading: The colors are washed out, with red appearing pink and blue looking grey, or the stars are no longer distinct.
• Structural damage: The fabric is thin, transparent, or has holes.
• Damaged components: Grommets are broken or the header is ripped.
• Dirty or mildewed: The flag is heavily soiled or has mildew that cannot be cleaned.

“The American Legion’s Ceremony for Disposal of Unserviceable Flags is a dignified tribute to the U.S. flag and to its symbolism,” said Post 49 adjutant Lloyd Togisala. “This ceremony is both legal and proper, and it is an effective instrument for promoting enhanced respect for the U.S. flag.”

A patriotic program including music and prayers is part of the ceremony.

Burning is the preferred method of disposal for flags made of cotton or other natural fibers. However, flags made of nylon, polyester or other synthetic fabrics should not be burned as they will produce toxic fumes.

Flags made of synthetic materials can be recycled, respectfully buried in a dignified container or cut in pieces for disposal.

Nichole Coombs and Sally Francom | American Fork Citizen

The Lehi City Council decided not to fund a feasibility study for a potential new ice complex, despite potential support from Utah County and NHL’s Mammoth funding.

The move was supported by all but one council member, Emily Lockhart, who felt like the council was deciding without investigating the data.

“I believe this feasibility study would be a launching point into more conversations,” said Lockhart. “It would give us more analysis.”

The feasibility study would have cost the city $33,000. The money to fund the study would come from RDA funds, not from taxpayers.

“This is our first budget session,” said council member Rachel Freeman. “I’d like to get through that first. I don’t think this is an appropriate time [to do this] as a new council member.”

Redevelopment Agency funds, or RDA, are specialized monies set aside to stimulate economic development.

“I want to be perfectly clear,” said Lockhart. “I do not think using RDA funds for economic opportunities is fiscally irresponsible. I am fiscally responsible, and part of that responsibility is to diversify the type of revenue that Lehi City is getting.”

Council member Heather Newall also agreed that she needed more data before deciding on the study, but ultimately didn’t support it.

“I don’t want to get this wrong,” said Newall. “I don’t have the information I need to make a decision.”

Lockheart agreed they didn’t have much information, but said that’s why the study was needed.

“Even if the feasibility study comes back and says we couldn’t [support the ice center], I would love to be able to show residents why,” said Lockheart. “But instead, when the residents who have expressed interest in this come and ask us why, I will have to say, ‘because this council wouldn’t even ask the questions.’ It’s so frustrating.”

Utah County Commissioner Skyler Beltran, who lives in Lehi, supports considering an ice complex. He said, “The recent demand and economic success of the Provo Peaks Arena, combined with grant opportunities offered through the NHL’s Mammoth, inspired the concept of a second ice complex in Utah County. I’ve collaborated with several partners to raise funds and formally introduce the idea of [an ice complex] to Lehi City, given its strategic location. I think it’s great that Lehi considered the opportunity and started the conversation.”

But Beltran believes there was a potential misunderstanding about funding mechanisms and the potential for a significant sales tax boost to Lehi City coffers.

“There was a misunderstanding [on the part of city officials] regarding the financial structure of this project, both in terms of capital and revenue. The county’s contribution consisted of a mix of external grant funding and tourism tax revenue, which by law cannot be used for general fund expenses like public safety or core government functions.”

Regarding the idea that the ice complex would be a tax burden for local residents, Beltran added, “I would have never brought this project to any of the cities if it resulted in a tax increase.”

Beltran noted that sports venues that attract patrons from a wide geographical area often bring tax dollars to the city.

“The real economic impact comes from ancillary spending at local retail, restaurants and hotels. Ultimately, government is funded in two primary ways, either property tax or sales tax, so it’s important that we strengthen our sales tax tased to reduce reliance on property taxes.”
Other cities are interested in this type of project, Beltran said. “I look forward to working with them as they evaluate it.”

“I’ve heard people say that the county should just do the project, but that’s not how we’re structured. Decades ago, Utah County made the decision not to provide countywide recreation and library services, leaving that to cities, allowing them to control their own PARC tax dollars.”

The county does have funds, however, to aid such a project.

“We’re not aggressively pursuing this project; it is simply a bucket of funds available if a city wants to use them for seed funding.”

Alixel Cabrera | Utah News Dispatch

Utah lawmakers have approved legislation establishing a legal framework for autonomous vehicles, aiming to prepare the state for the eventual arrival of driverless technology while offering clarity on liability in the event of accidents.

Although no autonomous vehicle companies have formally committed to operating in Utah, lawmakers say the bill is designed to attract industry interest by providing legal certainty.
Senate Majority Leader Kirk Cullimore, R-Sandy, who sponsored the measure, said the legislation creates a pathway for people to recover damages if they are injured in crashes involving automated driving systems, while also giving companies clearer expectations before deploying the technology.

“The technology is already here, and we can expect autonomous vehicles to become more common in Utah,” Cullimore said during a House committee hearing. “This bill establishes what that liability framework looks like.”

The legislation outlines several types of legal claims. Individuals who suffer injury or property damage directly caused by an autonomous vehicle must prove that the automated system was a “proximate cause” of the harm. In those cases, damages would be capped at $100,000.

In addition, individuals may pursue negligence claims, with non-economic damages—such as pain and suffering—capped at $1 million. The cap does not apply to economic damages like medical expenses, lost wages or wrongful death.

The bill also allows for claims against manufacturers or developers if a defect in the autonomous vehicle contributed to an accident. Plaintiffs would need to demonstrate that a reasonable alternative design existed and that the vehicle caused more harm than a human driver performing the same task.

Research on the safety of autonomous vehicles remains limited. A University of Central Florida study cited by lawmakers found that while advanced driving systems may reduce the likelihood of accidents overall, they may be more prone to crashes during low-light conditions or while making turns.

The legislation includes a provision requiring lawmakers to revisit the framework in 2030, allowing for adjustments as more data becomes available.

Some legal advocates have raised concerns about the bill’s limitations on damages and its protections for emerging technology. Jake Lee, chair of the legislative committee for the Utah Association for Justice, said in public comments that the measure removes punitive damages and may not yet strike the right balance given the lack of long-term safety data.

Still, supporters argue the framework positions Utah to benefit from technological advancements while maintaining a path for injured individuals to seek compensation.

Megan Wallgren | American Fork Citizen
Utah Lake environmental efforts got a big boost this month with the announcement of $7.7 million in federal funding to support projects focused on habitat restoration, invasive species removal and expanded recreational access.

A large portion of the funding will go to the construction of a new Utah Lake nature and research center. Approximately $4 million has been set aside for the facility, which will be a hub for scientific study, environmental education and community engagement. The project was supported at the federal level by Mike Kennedy and John Curtis.

Another $2.5 million, secured by Representative Burgess Owens, will be used to improve recreational access, including continued development of trails and connections around the lake. This will support a plan by the Mountainland Association of Governments to make the shoreline more accessible for walking, biking and other outdoor activities.

Additionally, $1.2 million will be used for restoration efforts. Overseen by the Utah Lake Authority and Utah County, this funding will be used for invasive species control, specifically removing carp from the lake and phragmites, an aggressive type of reed, from the shoreline.
The funding will be used for projects over several years. It builds on recent federal investments in Utah Lake’s water quality. In 2024, federal funds contributed to a $1 million channel enlargement project to improve water flow to Utah Lake.

Utah County Commissioner Skyler Beltran said, “I’m appreciative that our federal delegation recognizes the importance and potential of Utah Lake by helping bring taxpayer dollars back to Utah County.”

With large-scale investments and improvements, Beltran is hopeful about the future of Utah Lake. “The lake is in the best shape it’s been in decades, and this investment will help us continue improving water quality while expanding recreational access for our community,” he added.

April Slaughter | American Fork Citizen

A recent Lehi drug investigation that uncovered large quantities of marijuana and THC products is reigniting debate among residents about Utah’s cannabis laws. A central issue: whether Utah’s medical marijuana system is accessible enough for patients, and how law enforcement should balance medical legalization with criminal penalties for recreational possession.

This case, involving the Utah County Major Crimes Task Force and Lehi Police, underscores the ongoing conflict between enforcement of marijuana laws and the expansion of regulated medical cannabis in Utah.

The Lehi Police Department said detectives seized large amounts of marijuana-related products and cash after serving a search warrant at a suspected stash house.

Police reported seizing about 74 pounds of THC “dab” and wax products, 25 pounds of marijuana, and 3,100 THC edible packages. They also found over $12,000 in cash, believed to be from drug sales.

Authorities said the investigation began after an anonymous tip to the Utah County Major Crimes Task Force. The tip claimed that marijuana, THC concentrates, and other products were being sold in the area.

The search warrant led officers to a residence in Lehi, suspected of storing and distributing narcotics. Police said the investigation is ongoing.

Utah is among the states where recreational marijuana is illegal. Under current law, possessing marijuana can bring criminal penalties. Utah Public Radio reports that possession of even small amounts can lead to jail time, though lawmakers have sometimes proposed reducing penalties for minor possession.

Utah legalized medical cannabis in 2018 after voters passed Proposition 2. Lawmakers later changed the initiative, creating a tightly regulated system that lets patients with qualifying conditions buy cannabis products from licensed pharmacies.

Since then, the program has grown. By 2025, more than 100,000 patients were registered in Utah’s medical cannabis program, up from a few thousand soon after legalization.

Patients must get a recommendation from a qualified medical provider and apply through the state’s electronic system to obtain a medical cannabis card. Once approved, they can buy products from licensed pharmacies across Utah.

Before a sale, dispensaries must check a patient’s eligibility in the state electronic system. This portal is used by pharmacies, regulators, and law enforcement to verify legal medical cannabis purchases and ensure compliance with state possession limits.

Utah allows 15 licensed medical cannabis pharmacies statewide. These are the only businesses approved to legally sell cannabis products to patients.

Despite the medical program, marijuana enforcement continues statewide with thousands of arrests reported each year.

According to national incident reporting data compiled by advocacy groups, Utah has recorded more than 7,000 marijuana-related arrests in recent years, with most involving possession rather than distribution. For comparison, this indicates that thousands of individuals are arrested annually for marijuana possession in the state.

These statistics highlight the ongoing tension in Utah’s legal landscape, where the medical use of cannabis is permitted, but strict enforcement persists against recreational use.

Utah’s approach reflects a compromise adopted after the passage of Proposition 2, balancing tightly regulated medical access with continued criminal penalties for recreational use.
Reform supporters say penalties are harsh for people using marijuana for health reasons. Opponents often express concerns about impaired driving, youth access, and public safety.
Some Utah residents say the state’s medical cannabis program creates financial barriers.
Patients typically must pay for an appointment with a qualified medical provider before receiving a recommendation for cannabis use. These visits can cost anywhere from roughly $75 to more than $250, depending on the provider.

The state also charges a fee to apply for a medical cannabis card. Insurance does not cover cannabis-related care, so patients must pay out of pocket.

Some residents say these expenses make it hard for people with chronic health problems to get medical cannabis treatment.

Opinions in Utah County vary. Some say medical programs help patients with chronic pain, epilepsy, and other illnesses. Others want strict marijuana laws, even with limited medical use.

Public debates on this issue often appear in online community forums and neighborhood groups. Residents argue about the costs and benefits of Utah’s cannabis policies.

One Utah County resident wrote online that the medical cannabis program’s system can be costly but worthwhile for some patients.

“I paid for the appointment and the card, but it has helped my chronic pain more than anything else I’ve tried,” one Utah County resident wrote in an online public discussion about the program. Another resident supports the medical program but worries about broader legalization.

“Medical access makes sense, but I don’t think Utah should rush into full legalization,” the resident wrote.

This range of opinions underscores the central debate: how Utah should balance access to medical cannabis with continued prohibition and enforcement of recreational use.

Lawmakers have sometimes introduced bills to change how marijuana possession is handled. In 2026, they again considered reducing penalties for first-time possession of small amounts, possibly making some offenses civil infractions instead of criminal charges.

It is uncertain if these efforts will succeed. For now, Utah keeps a dual system: medical cannabis for qualified patients and criminal penalties for recreational possession.

In communities such as Lehi, the question of how to balance marijuana enforcement with access to medical cannabis remains unresolved, shaped by law enforcement actions, legislative changes, and residents’ experiences navigating Utah’s system.

Residents seeking official information about Utah’s medical cannabis laws or the state’s verification system can visit the Utah Department of Health and Human Services’ Center for Medical Cannabis website at medicalcannabis.utah.gov, which provides program rules, patient eligibility information and access to the state’s electronic verification portal.

Megan Wallgren | American Fork Citizen

Residents in northwest Utah County will soon have a new option for getting around, thanks to an on-demand transit program designed to help solve one of the biggest challenges in public transportation: the gap between a transit stop and a rider’s starting or final destination.

After nearly a year of meetings and negotiations, the Utah County Commission finalized an agreement with the Utah Transit Authority to create a “mobility zone” serving parts of Lehi, American Fork, Eagle Mountain and Saratoga Springs. The zone will cover about 77 square miles and serve approximately 181,000 residents.

The new service functions similarly to rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft, but is fully integrated with the region’s public transit system. Riders will be able to request a trip through the UTA app and be picked up near their location and taken to a nearby destination, bus stop or FrontRunner station.

The program is set to begin Aug. 16. Riders will access the service by requesting a ride on the UTA app.

“This service helps address the always-challenging last mile,” Utah County Commissioner Skyler Beltran said in a Facebook post announcing the agreement. “While this is certainly not a major solution to our current traffic mess, it is a meaningful piece of the puzzle.”

The new program will not only provide transportation options but also valuable data about how people travel. By tracking where riders begin and end their trips, planners hope to better identify where future transit investments could have the greatest impact in the fast-growing region.

Similar services were launched in Salt Lake County in 2019. Since that time, it has surpassed 2 million total riders and provided more than 645,000 rides in 2025 alone. That was a 13% increase over the previous year.

Utah County’s system will launch with a fleet of 16 vehicles, half of which will be wheelchair accessible to ensure riders with mobility challenges can also use the service. Trips will cost $3 per ride and allow passengers to travel up to six miles within the zone. However, trips connecting to the FrontRunner stations in Lehi or American Fork will not have a mileage cap.

The fare also includes transfers to other UTA services like buses, TRAX, and FrontRunner within two hours of the initial ride. Riders who already have a UTA transit pass will have the fee covered.

According to Beltran, the system is designed to complement existing transit rather than replace other services.

“It’s integrated with the entire UTA system, so a single trip can connect riders between on-demand service, FrontRunner, TRAX and other transit options,” Beltran said. “It’s really designed to complement the broader transit network.”

The service will operate Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., and officials estimate it could provide about 400 rides per day.

Funding for the program will largely come from Utah County’s fifth-fifth sales tax dedicated to transportation. Beltran noted that the entire service costs less to operate than a single fixed-route bus line.

For more information about existing UTA On Demand programs, visit rideuta.com/Services/UTA-On-Demand.

Sally Francom | American Fork Citizen

LEHI, Utah — A 46-year-old Utah County journalist and caregiver for her disabled adult daughter is defending her ownership of the home where she has lived since 2018 after the Fourth District Court ruled that a $200,000 divorce settlement payment required before the property could transfer was never made. The case, Slaughter v. Alleman, will now be argued before the Utah Court of Appeals.

April Slaughter and her former husband divorced in March 2024. Under the divorce decree, he was required to pay $200,000 before any transfer of the jointly owned property could occur. The payment was never made, and he died in April 2024 before fulfilling that obligation.

Because the payment required by the decree was never made, Slaughter remained the surviving joint tenant on the Highland home where she lives with her disabled adult daughter, a property estimated to be worth roughly $800,000.

Following the former husband’s death, his father opened a probate estate and, acting through that estate, filed a motion in the Fourth District Court seeking to enforce a provision of the divorce decree that required Slaughter to vacate her home by May 31, 2024. Through that motion, the estate sought to assert a claim to the property even though the required $200,000 payment had never been made during the husband’s lifetime.

Judge Christine Johnson of the Fourth District Court rejected the estate’s argument and granted summary judgment in Slaughter’s favor, ruling that because the required $200,000 payment was never made, the condition necessary to transfer the property had not been satisfied.

“This home has been my residence for years, and I believed the terms of the divorce decree were clear,” Slaughter said. “The district court recognized that the condition required for the property to transfer was never met.”

The appeal raises broader questions about how Utah courts interpret joint tenancy survivorship rights when divorce decree conditions remain unmet at the time of death. Joint tenancy with right of survivorship is a widely used form of property ownership in Utah, under which full title automatically transfers to the surviving owner upon the death of a joint tenant.

The outcome of the case could have implications beyond this dispute:

• Joint tenancy is a widely used form of home ownership in Utah,designed to allow property to pass automatically to the surviving owner when one owner dies.

• The appeal asks the Utah Court of Appeals to clarify whether survivorship rights remain intact when a divorce decree includes conditions that were never fulfilled during a party’s lifetime.

• The ruling could influence how courts handle similar disputes involving divorce settlements, probate claims, and property ownership across the state.

• For homeowners, the decision may determine how much certainty survivorship deeds provide when divorce and death intersect.

Oral argument in Slaughter v. Alleman (Appeal No. 20250180-CA) before the Utah Court of Appeals is scheduled for March 19, 2026.

The court’s eventual decision may clarify the limits of probate authority and the level of certainty Utah homeowners can rely on when using survivorship deeds after divorce and death intersect.

Slaughter’s attorney is available to respond to media inquiries regarding the legal issues presented in the case.

Ryann Anderegg | American Fork Citizen

Utah County community members are invited to join the March #LoveYourWatershed Cleanup on Saturday, March 14, hosted by the Jordan River Commission. The volunteer event starts at 10 a.m. near Pioneer Crossing in Saratoga Springs, offering residents a chance to help prevent trash from reaching the Jordan River.

The cleanup is part of the commission’s Second Saturday volunteer initiative, which encourages individuals, families, and groups to join monthly efforts to remove litter from river-connected areas.

Participants will help collect trash and debris from streets, curbs, and nearby areas, which could otherwise be washed into storm drains and carried into the Jordan River. By removing litter before it reaches waterways, volunteers help protect wildlife, improve water quality, and keep public spaces cleaner for everyone.

The Jordan River is a vital environmental and recreational resource in northern Utah. Stretching over 50 miles, it flows from Utah Lake through the Salt Lake Valley and eventually empties into the Great Salt Lake. Along its route, the river passes through numerous cities and supports wildlife habitats, trails, and recreation areas used by thousands of residents each year.

Because the river flows through both urban and suburban areas, pollution prevention often begins far from the water itself. Trash left on sidewalks, roadsides, or parking lots can easily be washed into storm drains by rain or irrigation water, eventually reaching the river. Once debris enters the waterway, removing it becomes significantly more difficult.

Events like the #LoveYourWatershed Cleanup aim to stop that process early by targeting areas where trash gathers before it reaches the river system.

The Jordan River Commission emphasizes that protecting the watershed requires participation from residents, organizations, and government agencies. Through volunteer programs and community partnerships, the commission works to improve water quality, restore vegetation along the river corridor, and promote environmental stewardship across the region.
Volunteer events like the March cleanup enable community members to get involved, whether experienced or new to volunteering. Organizers emphasize the event’s welcoming and accessible nature.

Tools, trash bags, water, and snacks will be provided for participants. Volunteers are simply asked to dress appropriately for the weather and come prepared to spend time outdoors while making a difference in the community.

The cleanup takes place near Pioneer Crossing in Saratoga Springs, with parking available by a local bank and more at the north end of Riverside Drive.

Organizers note that each participant must register in advance using the online form to ensure there are enough tools and supplies available for the cleanup.

The event is free, open to all ages, and encourages families to attend and learn about environmental stewardship through hands-on community service.

Programs like #LoveYourWatershed help residents see how daily actions affect local waterways and foster appreciation for local ecosystems.

Cleanup events also build community, as friends, families, students, and civic groups often participate together for a shared cause.

The March cleanup is just one event in the Jordan River Commission’s year-round volunteer calendar. Additional cleanup days, restoration projects, and conservation programs take place throughout the year along the river corridor.

Organizers hope residents who take part in the March event will return for future cleanups and encourage others to join.

By working together, volunteers can help ensure the Jordan River remains a healthy, vibrant natural resource for generations to come.
Register now for the March #LoveYourWatershed Cleanup through the Jordan River Commission’s website at jordanrivercommission.gov and be part of protecting your local waterway.

With tools provided and a welcoming atmosphere, the event offers a simple yet meaningful way to protect the watershed, one piece of trash at a time.

Staff Writer | American Fork Citizen

Dr. Kent Stewart Udell, a Utah-born engineer, scientist and educator, is formally advancing his campaign for Congress in Utah’s new Third District this week as he prepares to file his candidacy with Utah’s Lieutenant Governor’s Office.

Udell announced his candidacy on Feb. 19 after filing with the Federal Election Commission, and has spent the past two weeks meeting with voters across the vast geography of District 3, listening to community concerns and laying the groundwork for a district-wide campaign centered on “Bread & Butter, Land & Water, and the Rule of Law.“

“Running for Congress isn’t something I planned,” Udell said. “I retired a couple of years ago and have been enjoying this new phase of life. But when our country is suffering, knowing that I can help, I can no longer stand on the sidelines. I have the capacity to do good, so I feel called to serve my country and the beautiful state of Utah. … Public office is a trust, not a reward, and our laws exist to protect people, not those in power. The separation of powers, limits on authority, and equal rights under the law are non-negotiable for me.”

Udell is an engineer and says he has “spent his career solving complex problems where facts matter and consequences are real.” His work cleaning up contaminated groundwater, restoring federal sites such as the former Naval Air Station in Alameda, and teaching engineering ethics, shaped his simple governing philosophy: “service to the public to meet their needs now and into the future.”

“As an engineer, I identify problems and fix them,” Udell said. “I do not make problems and then promise to fix them.”

Udell was born in Lehi, Utah, and has lived and worked across rural and urban communities of the West. He spent decades as an engineering science researcher and educator at the University of California-Berkeley and the University of Utah, collaborating with federal agencies including the Department of Defense, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency. He retired as Professor Emeritus from the University of Utah in 2023 and now lives near Moab.

A lifelong outdoorsman and cousin of former Interior Secretary Stewart Udall, Udell speaks often about place, stewardship, and responsibility. His campaign priorities – Bread & Butter, Land & Water, Constitutional integrity, Truth and Respect – reflect what he hears most from voters across Utah’s Third District: rising costs, water insecurity, threats to public lands, and growing distrust in government.

“Our disagreements are manufactured distractions,” Udell said. “Most people want the same things: a fair shot, a healthy environment, honest leadership, physical and economic security, and a hopeful future for our children to inherit.”

Udell does not accept corporate PAC money and says his campaign will be powered by individuals who believe expertise, ethics and accountability still belong in Congress.

The campaign will continue a series of listening sessions across Utah’s Third Congressional District in the coming weeks.
For more information, visit kentudellforcongress.com.