Surprising Ways Smiling Can Improve Your Life
Do you need something to smile about? National Smile Day is coming up on Saturday, May 31, and it’s the perfect excuse to show off your pearly whites. You probably already know that smiling is a universal indication of friendliness across all cultures. But, you may not know that smiling also has real, research-backed health […]
Santaquin resident organizes fundraiser to send local police department to Washington DC for Sergeant Hooser Memorial
Mandi Southwick, a beloved Santaquin resident, is always going out of her way to uplift and serve others. She especially enjoys supporting local first responders. In late 2024, Southwick came up with the idea to hold a fundraiser for the Santaquin Police Department. The goal of the fundraiser was to raise enough money to send […]
How To Help Break the Stigma Surrounding Mental Health
March is a great month for raising awareness about mental health. From World Teen Mental Awareness Day on March 1 to World Bipolar Day on March 30, March includes several calendar days dedicated to breaking the mental health stigma that still pervades much of our society. When I was a young girl, I remember talking […]
Meet the Utah Elvis: Bringing Nostalgic Rock ‘n’ Roll to Life Across Utah
Glen Barker loves to sing, but he had no idea he could make a living from his talent until he sang an Elvis song during Karaoke night a few years ago. After his impromptu performance, he was met with a slew of friends and audience members raving that he sounded just like Elvis. That night […]
Nephi woman and her ‘quilting sisters’ make blankets for orphans in Samoa & the Philippines
Nephi resident Margaret Peterson and her sisters Brenda Hoskin and Nelda Morrison know the value of serving others. They get together regularly to work on various projects—most involving sewing or quilting. Their latest project involves sewing blankets for a blind orphanage in the Philippines and another orphanage in Samoa. An anonymous sponsor has agreed to […]
Local artist reveals secret to success and continual self-improvement
Spanish Fork resident and artist Beki Tobiasson is always entering art shows and chasing her dream of sharing hope and light through her work. Most recently, she achieved her years-long dream of getting her artwork accepted into the renowned International Art Show hosted by the Church History Museum of the Church of Jesus Christ of […]
Lifelong friends create ‘Cornhole for a Cause’ to raise money for cancer patients
When Teressa Phillips of Payson decided to do an Avon Breast Cancer walk nine years ago, she had no idea the impact her humble efforts would one day have on her community. Teressa Philips’ friends Amy and Rich Phillips decided to help raise money for her breast cancer walk by holding a cornhole tournament in […]
Local ‘Lost Dog Lady’ proves that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a big impact
Brandi Buys has lived in South Utah County her entire life. Lovingly known as “The Lost Dog Lady,” Buys has earned the love and respect of many different community members. Her small and large acts of kindness have had a lasting impact and a ripple effect that has inspired others to do good as well. […]
Santaquin welder creates impressive custom metal artwork
Sarah Beals spends her days cleaning teeth and beautifying smiles as a dental hygienist. In her free time, however, she creates commissioned artwork made from scrap and sheet metal. The talented Santaquin resident makes one-of-a-kind metal artwork for customers all over Utah. Beals took a welding class as a sophomore in high school. While […]
Jimmy John’s Celebrates the Grand Opening of Its New Franchise in Payson
On November 12, Jimmy John’s held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new franchise location at 1025 W. 800 S. in Payson, Utah. Residents of Payson and surrounding areas expressed their excitement at having another quick and convenient option for lunch or dinner. The new Payson Jimmy John’s employs just over 40 people and is a […]
