Utah Stories – Mountain People

The allure of Utah’s mountains has defined the state and its people.

December 13, 2016

Whether for adventure, climbing, powder, gold or greed—The allure of the mountains has brought and still brings millions to Utah. When the area became settled it was called “the end of history.” The epoch period before white settlers arrived and mountains and hills were tamed and traversed with trails, existed for millions of years. Trappers and pioneers settled here when humans were at best intruders but more accurately interlopers. At Utah Stories we want to pay homage to the people who have made the mountains their source of inspiration, athleticism and income. These are the mountain men and women of Utah.

See our tribute to climber Kyle Dempster. Read about mountain climbers Shingo Ohkawa and Kitty Calhoun. Find out about a Realms of Inquiry, a private school, that includes climbing as part of the curriculum. And get an update on what is going on with the Mountain Accord.

Utah Mountains, Utah Stories

Utah Mountain Climbers, Utah Stories, Wasatch Mountains

Richard Markosian

I am a story teller and journalist. I have a passion for farmers, local craftspeople, and folks who aspire to create, build and grow their business in the local marketplace. Why local? By supporting locally-owned businesses we create more opportunity for entrepreneurs, and we claim our sovereignty to shape our communities how we want to see them. I aspire to build Utah Stories Magazine into a household Utah name, and assist Utah businesses and makers with marketing. On the journalism side of things my passion is investigative journalism that offers true insight into issues. I believe strongly in the forth estate: strong, meaningful, insightful journalism is essential to a free market Democracy.

Utah Stories

Better Solutions Than Spending $2 Billion on a Gondola in Little Cottonwood Canyon

A challenge to the $2 billion taxpayer funded Little Cottonwood Canyon gondola is in the works. What else could that much money be used for?
Gondola Works was the successful PR and marketing campaign that dazzled UDOT and UTA board members and gained the support of enough Wasatch Front Regional Council members to approve the overall $26 billion plan.

The overriding questions are, Why should we be putting so much energy into a $26 billion plan that only focuses on transporting mostly elite skiers up to our mountains? How does this massive investment help average Utahns?
Utah Stories

Why the Salt Lake City Council Should Reject a New Salary Raise

In a letter to the Salt Lake City Council, Jan Hemming, urges the members to reconsider a pay raise for themselves. She claims the pay raise would put the council members greatly above the scale of comparable cities.
Utah Stories

Beloved Salt Lake Eatery Closing

SLC Eatery is set to close at the end of September with plans for private events and pop ups to continue. Fleming’s Social Hour hosts special pricing from 4 to 6pm. Arlo is featuring a Wine Dinner to September 26th.
Utah Stories

The End of an Era: Farewell to Salmon at the Millcreek Senior Center

For nearly a decade, Thursdays at Millcreek, Midvale, and Draper Senior Centers meant one thing: a legendary salmon entree. But now, that cherished dish has mysteriously disappeared from the menu, leaving many wondering why. What could have led to the sudden removal of such a beloved meal? Seniors who once eagerly anticipated the meal are left with questions—and disappointment. As rumors spread and new dishes appear, the fate of the Thursday salmon remains uncertain, hinting at deeper challenges lurking behind the scenes.

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