We visited the Shooting Star Saloon to find locals who could provide leads for our story. The saloon survived prohibition by maintaining a lookout for prohibition agents, whereby, if agents or the law were seen ascending Ogden Canyon, saloon owners would be alerted to kick everyone out and shut down. Today it’s a local hangout. Inside, thousands of bills (of various … [Read more...]
How Ogden got its name
A Brief History of the Ogden Valley Prior to the arrival of the Mormon pioneers, the Ogden Valley was recognized by Indians as a special place. Abundant game in the area made the traverse across the mountain pass (now called Trapper’s Loop) a seasonal migration for the nomadic Shoshone Indians, who camped and hunted the abundant beaver, moose, elk, and waterfowl that are … [Read more...]
Guardians Of The Galaxy Star Calls Utah Home
When I asked Hollywood actor Tom Proctor what he loves about Utah, he simply said, “I can sum that up in one sentence: It’s home.” Tom has a diverse acting resume including such films as Twelve Years a Slave, Django Unchained, The Ballad Of Buster Scruggs, Guardians of the Galaxy, and many more. He was born in Salt Lake City and raised in the Oquirrh Mountains. Tom’s … [Read more...]
Broken Promises — Historic Utah Theatre donated to a developer with an affordable housing promise.
The following story was written and reported by The Utah Investigative Journalism Project in partnership with Utah Stories. The developer of the old theatre building made questionable donations to the mayoral race On December 3, 2019, in a crowded room in the Salt Lake City and County Building, the Save The Utah Theater group waited for a vote that would decide … [Read more...]
Confessions of an Audiobook Narrator
When Josh Berndt retreats into his home studio he asks his family to avoid walking on the hardwood floors above him. “When you’re recording you realize how every little thing can make a sound,” says Berndt. Berndt ventured into audiobook narration and voiceover work on a friend’s suggestion. He missed being behind the microphone after leaving the world of broadcasting. … [Read more...]
Doing Well By Doing Good — A Visit to Bill White Farms
Driving into Park City on State Highway 224, you pass a collection of buildings and other structures that blend beautifully into the mountainside, and at night is lit up with a gorgeous array of thousands of colored Christmas lights. It’s pretty spectacular. But then, pretty much everything restaurateur Bill White builds is pretty spectacular, from his flagship Main Street … [Read more...]
Gotta Dance! Utah Culture Promotes Dance Excellence
Slow, slow, quick, quick, slow ... music plays, couples embrace and laugh. There is nothing like a good waltz to change your mood. During the 19th Century, the waltz was introduced as a high society social function for the elite. In the 20th Century, a monumental shift occurred which allowed people from all demographics to take part in the joy of dancing. Ballroom dance … [Read more...]
Say ‘Yes’ to the Dream – From snowboarder to board-designer
Stephanie Nitsch is an athlete, snowboarder, business owner and promoter. She does it all just by being herself. Stephanie bursts with energy, enthusiasm, and success. And she wants other young women to know they can set their own course in life by following their heart and their interests. "I always say 'Yes' to things that excite me," she says. What kinds of things … [Read more...]
Creative Destruction – Smash Your Troubles Away in Rage Rooms
A person can marvel at the wonders of the world when they’re watching a sunset, but what does it take to find the same awe in a piece of Deseret Industries tchotchke like a ceramic clown or that big screen TV that hasn’t worked since the Clinton administration? That’s easy. The awe comes from smashing the hell out of these things. Of returning creation back into nothingness, or … [Read more...]
Virus Virtuosity: Utah Businesses Thriving During COVID
The coronavirus has been devastating for small businesses. But during this upheaval, some local Utah businesses are not only surviving, but thriving, thanks to changes in consumer behavior. Businesses suited to our new stay-at-home lifestyles, such as those in the outdoor recreation, crafting and home improvement realms, have been overwhelmed with demand. Eric Flynn, owner … [Read more...]