The bases were loaded and the Riverhawks already had two outs at the bottom of the ninth in the final game of an elimination tournament. The batter at the plate had never hit a home run. The bat cracked, the ball sailed into left field; and as she sprinted past her coach at second base, the incredulous young athlete said, “Is this really happening?” In 14 years of coaching … [Read more...]
Magna, Utah—the town that forgot its name
Pleasant Green, AKA Magna The pioneer history of Pleasant Green, commonly known as Magna, Utah, remains largely untold outside of dusty family histories and faded folklore. I have been remedying this situation through YouTube documentaries that will help preserve this rich history, revealing a complete picture of these lost years to younger generations. There is even a … [Read more...]
Fertile soil, the Soil Food Web, and High Desert Soilworks
The science of soil management Fertile soil is imperative for any successful farmer or grower. The Soil Food Web is the colony of organisms living in the soil. The food web is a complex living system that interacts with the environment, plants, and animals. When an agricultural town with a population of less than 300 turns out in high numbers for a workshop on soil … [Read more...]
Human remains—Native Americans, naked Mormons, or friends of dinosaurs?
Human remains are rock shop owner’s claim to fame Lin Ottinger is famous in the small town of Moab. Since 1960, he has owned and operated Lin Ottinger’s Rock Shop. The Moab Rock Shop is a combination store and museum can at once be seen as an authentic dedication to a love of geology and paleontology, and a tourists love it. Lin has an odd sense of humor, with some of … [Read more...]
Farm land or house lots?
Cache Valley, Utah finds solutions Suburbs march into farmlands cul-de-sac by cul-de-sac. But in Cache Valley the advance has slowed. When Nibley residents Boyd and Sheri Schiess look out across the acres of agricultural land surrounding their home, they see an uninterrupted view of the Wellsville Mountains, a carbon sink of rich, fertile soil, and their great-grandchildren's … [Read more...]
Ferguson Fruit Orchard
Ferguson Fruit Orchard—As sweet cherry trees begin to produce fruit in late May and June, farmers across Utah are crossing their fingers that the sporadic spring frosts are finished for the year. This is also the time of year when Bill James, owner of the 100-acre Ferguson Fruit Orchard in Santaquin for 44 years, takes stock of his own, slightly different crop: Tart … [Read more...]
Restoring the past, preserving a legacy—The Richard W. Erickson Foundation Museum
Passion for acquiring leads to eclectic collection Wallsburg, Utah—On a tip from Utah antique picker Matt Binyon of American Rust Company, I visited what he described as “one of the most amazing ranches/museums I’ve ever seen.”, Richard Erickson's 300-acre ranch in Wallsburg, Utah. I don’t know Matt as someone who uses hyperbole or conjecture, but he has seen a lot of cool … [Read more...]
Solar farms present opportunity for sheep ranchers in Utah
It's not unusual to see sprawling solar farms now-a-days but, what the heck are those sheep doing? Tradition thrives along with new technology Hearing someone refer to themselves as an entrepreneur usually conjures up a certain stereotype: the young, hoodie-wearing, manic visionary pushing the latest techno breakthrough, or everyday types in their best suits … [Read more...]
Utah: The Road Tripping Capital of the World
According to MMGY Global, between 2015 and 2016 the percentage of Americans going road tripping nearly doubled. From 22% to 39%. Domestic vacations have increased by 14 million, with Americans now spending $5 billion on leisure travel. Overseas vacations have declined. Speaking to farmers market vendors, I learned they cancelled their European vacation plans due to their … [Read more...]
Helper, Utah: a Diverse and Artistic Community
In 1881, the historic town of Helper, Utah, was born as a result of the arrival of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. The town got its name from the fleet of ‘helper’ engines that were stationed at the mouth of Price Canyon, ready and waiting to assist the trains on their way to Soldier Summit. With the steep grade of the canyon, the steam engines were unable to climb … [Read more...]
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