Local News – Heber Valley Life https://hebervalleylife.com History in the Making Tue, 03 Mar 2026 23:40:22 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://i0.wp.com/hebervalleylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/HVLlogo_2021_Monogram_Color.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Local News – Heber Valley Life https://hebervalleylife.com 32 32 194668774 Introduction and Ready to Use Resources for Heber https://hebervalleylife.com/introduction-and-ready-to-use-resources-for-heber/ Tue, 03 Mar 2026 23:36:19 +0000 https://hebervalleylife.com/?p=23455

In the Heber Valley, winter still lingers in the landscape, and our yards sit quietly in that in-between season—resting, but not for long. Before buds begin to swell and spring takes hold, this is the ideal time to think ahead and set your landscape up for a healthy, successful growing season.

This month, we’re highlighting timely tips for pruning ornamental trees and sharing details about upcoming free educational landscaping classes at the Wasatch County Library. Whether you’re maintaining a mature yard or dreaming up a new design, this is the season to learn, plan, and prepare for growth.

Monthly landscaping blurb:
“The best time of year to prune ornamental trees is the latter part of winter, while the trees are still dormant and buds have not yet begun to swell.  This causes less stress on the trees, and it’s easy to see the branching patterns without leaves.  Prune out dead and diseased branches, potentially hazardous branches, and crossing or crowded branches to maintain tree health and improve form.  Interested in adding more trees to your yard?  See how you could receive a treebate while participating in the Utah Water Savers landscape incentive program: https://www.utahwatersavers.com/.”

Upcoming Free educational landscaping classes in your area:
Our free educational landscaping classes are available to anyone and any skill level. Throughout the growing season we will invite experts from across academia, professional services, etc. to speak on a variety of topics. Central Utah Water staff will also teach classes that help those who are interested in participating in our rebate/incentive programs ultimately succeed in that endeavor.
Visit the website for the complete class schedule: https://cuwcd.gov/classes.html

Topic: Qualifying for a Landscape Incentive
Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026

Time: 10:30 – 12:00 pm
Location: Wasatch County Library
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/qualifying-for-a-landscape-incentive-tickets-1981452918017

Topic: Localscapes: Creating Your Ideal Utah Yard
Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026

Time: 10:30 – 12:00 pm
Location: Wasatch County Library

Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/localscapes-creating-your-ideal-utah-yard-tickets-1981453302166

Topic: Planting Bed Design
Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026

Time: 10:30 – 11:30 am
Location: Wasatch County Library
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/planting-bed-design-tickets-1981453884909

]]> 23455 Unleash Your Creativity: Join the 2026 Art Emergence Contest! https://hebervalleylife.com/unleash-your-creativity-join-the-2026-art-emergence-contest/ Tue, 10 Feb 2026 17:00:32 +0000 https://hebervalleylife.com/?p=23309 Every year, Wasatch School District in partnership with Heber Valley Life Magazine invites students of all ages to participate in the inspiring Art Emergence Contest. This special event celebrates young artistic talent throughout our community and encourages imagination, skill, and personal expression through visual art.

⭐ Celebrating “The America Story: 250 Years”

The theme for this year’s contest is “The America Story: Celebrating 250 Years.” We’re inviting students in grades K–12 to explore this theme through their artwork — whether that’s through photography, painting, drawing, sculpture, mixed media, or graphic design. This year celebrates a milestone in our nation’s history and is a great opportunity for young artists to think about what American history, culture, and dreams mean to them.

Who Can Enter?

  • All students in grades K–12

  • Any school within the Wasatch School District

  • Submissions are welcome from all skill levels — from budding young artists to seasoned creatives!

Important Dates

  • Entry Deadline: April 14, 2026
    Make sure your artwork is submitted by this date to be considered!

Entry Categories

Participants can submit their work in the following categories:

  • 📷 Photography

  • 🖌️ Painting

  • ✏️ Drawing

  • 🗿 Sculpture

  • 🎨 Mixed Media / Graphic Design

Whether students prefer traditional art forms or digital exploration, there’s a place for every kind of creative voice.

Why You Should Participate

The Art Emergence Contest is more than a competition — it’s a celebration of youth creativity and community pride. Winners from last year demonstrated such inspiring talent and vision that their work continues to uplift and spark imagination throughout our valley. This year, we hope even more students will take part and let their creativity shine!

Parents, teachers, and community members: you are encouraged to support your young artists by helping them brainstorm, create, and submit their visions. Art strengthens confidence, communication, and critical thinking — and it’s a joy to see our community come together through creative expression.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

This contest would not be possible without the generous support of:

  • Wasatch County School District

  • Wasatch CAPS

  • Wasatch Community Foundation

  • Wasatch County Arts Council

  • Heber Valley Life Magazine

Their partnership helps bring this annual celebration of art to life!

📩 Submit Your Artwork

Encourage your student artists to participate and turn their ideas into art! Visit emergence.hebervalleylife.com for details on how to submit entries, view past winners, and learn more about the contest.

Let’s make 2026 the most creative year yet — we can’t wait to see what your young artists imagine!

Da Vida a tu Creatividad: ¡Participa en el Concurso Art Emergence 2026!

Cada año, el Wasatch School District, en colaboración con Heber Valley Life Magazine, invita a estudiantes de todas las edades a participar en el inspirador Art Emergence Contest. Este concurso celebra el talento artístico joven de nuestra comunidad y promueve la imaginación, la creatividad y la expresión personal a través del arte visual.

Nuestra Historia Americana: Celebrando 250 años

El tema de este año es “Nuestra Historia Americana: Celebrando 250 años”, una invitación a que los estudiantes desde kínder hasta grado 12 exploren, interpreten y representen esta importante etapa de la historia de los Estados Unidos desde su propia perspectiva artística.

A través del arte, los estudiantes pueden reflexionar sobre la historia, la cultura, los valores y las historias que han dado forma a nuestra nación durante 250 años.

¿Quiénes Pueden Participar?

  • Todos los estudiantes de grados K–12

  • Escuelas dentro del Wasatch School District

  • Todos los niveles de habilidad son bienvenidos, desde artistas principiantes hasta jóvenes con experiencia

Fechas Importantes

  • Fecha límite de inscripción: 14 de abril de 2026
    Las obras deben enviarse antes de esta fecha para ser consideradas.

Categorías de Participación

Los estudiantes pueden presentar sus obras en las siguientes categorías:

  • 📷 Fotografía

  • 🖌️ Pintura

  • ✏️ Dibujo

  • 🗿 Escultura

  • 🎨 Técnica mixta / Diseño gráfico

Ya sea arte tradicional o digital, este concurso ofrece un espacio para todo tipo de expresión creativa.

¿Por Qué Participar?

El Art Emergence Contest es mucho más que una competencia: es una celebración del talento juvenil y del orgullo comunitario. Los ganadores del año pasado demostraron una creatividad y visión extraordinarias, y sus obras continúan inspirando a nuestra comunidad.

Este año, invitamos a aún más estudiantes a participar y compartir su talento. Padres, maestros y miembros de la comunidad están invitados a apoyar a los jóvenes artistas ayudándolos a crear, soñar y enviar sus obras. El arte fortalece la confianza, la comunicación y el pensamiento crítico, y conecta a nuestra comunidad de una manera única.

Agradecimiento a Nuestros Patrocinadores

Este concurso es posible gracias al valioso apoyo de:

  • Wasatch County School District

  • Wasatch CAPS

  • Wasatch Community Foundation

  • Wasatch County Arts Council

  • Heber Valley Life Magazine

Su compromiso hace posible esta celebración anual del arte y la creatividad.

📩 Envía tu Obra

Anima a tus estudiantes artistas a participar y transformar sus ideas en arte. Visita emergence.hebervalleylife.com para conocer los requisitos de inscripción, ver ganadores de años anteriores y obtener más información.

¡Hagamos del 2026 el año más creativo hasta ahora! Estamos ansiosos por ver lo que nuestros jóvenes artistas pueden imaginar.

]]> 23309 Wasatch Community Self-Reliance & Emergency Preparedness Fair – March 21 https://hebervalleylife.com/wasatch-community-self-reliance-emergency-preparedness-fair-march-21/ Mon, 09 Feb 2026 18:51:41 +0000 https://hebervalleylife.com/?p=23305 Heber City, UT – Mark your calendars! The Wasatch Community Self-Reliance & Emergency Preparedness Fair is happening Saturday, March 21, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Wasatch High School, 930 S 500 E, Heber City. This free event is a fantastic opportunity for residents to learn valuable skills, explore resources, and get prepared for emergencies.

Featured Booths and Presenters:
Attendees will have access to a wide variety of booths and interactive presentations, including:

  • Alternative Energy

  • Beekeeping

  • Be Ready Utah

  • HAM Radio

  • Cyber Security

  • Family Disaster Planning

  • Fire Safety

  • First Aid / Stop the Bleed

  • Food Storage & Free Drying

  • Gun Safety & Gun Locks

  • Gardening & Greenhouses

  • Herbs, Oils, Soaps & Lotions

  • Naloxone Kits

  • Water Purification and Storage

Emergencies can strike without warning – this fair offers practical knowledge and hands-on demonstrations to help you and your family be ready for anything.

Event Supporters:
This important community event is proudly supported by:

  • Wasatch County Emergency Management

  • Wasatch Fire District

  • Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office

  • Wasatch County Search and Rescue

  • Wasatch County Health Department

  • Heber City Police Department

  • Heber Valley Hospital

  • Wasatch County Interfaith Communities

  • Wasatch Community Foundation

  • Heber Valley Self-Reliance Group

For a full list of booths and the class schedule, visit emprep.wasatch.utah.gov.

Don’t miss this chance to gain life-saving skills, explore innovative solutions, and connect with local experts. Being prepared starts with knowledge – and it starts here in Wasatch County!

]]> 23305 Olympic Watch Party Lights Up Utah Olympic Park on Feb. 6 https://hebervalleylife.com/olympic-watch-party-lights-up-utah-olympic-park/ Tue, 27 Jan 2026 19:42:29 +0000 https://hebervalleylife.com/?p=23293 WHO

Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation (UOLF), with support from the Alf Engen Ski Museum and the Park City Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau, is hosting an Olympic Watch Party for the community at Utah Olympic Park (UOP).

WHAT

A live Olympic Watch Party celebrating the Olympic Games with big-screen viewing, music, and winter-themed festivities, including:

  • Food trucks

  • Firepits

  • Beer garden

  • Hot chocolate

  • Prizes

  • Live DJ

  • Alf Engen Ski Museum open to visitors during the event

In addition to the watch party, the Alf Engen Ski Museum will host daily Olympic-themed activations designed to engage visitors of all ages. These activations will include hands-on crafts, interactive activities, and photo opportunities that celebrate Utah’s Olympic legacy.

WHEN

Watch Party:

Friday, February 6
6:00–10:00 PM

Museum activations:

February 13–16
11:00 AM–4:00 PM daily


WHERE

Utah Olympic Park Plaza

3419 Olympic Parkway
Park City, UT 84098


WHY

To bring the community together to celebrate the Olympic Games, support Team USA, and experience Olympic energy at one of Utah’s most iconic Olympic venues—made possible through strong community partnerships and local support.

]]> 23293 Heber Valley Corridor https://hebervalleylife.com/heber-valley-corridor/ Thu, 08 Jan 2026 19:00:16 +0000 https://hebervalleylife.com/?p=23240 Project Update

Thank you for your continued interest in the Heber Valley Corridor Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). UDOT is conducting an EIS to improve regional and local mobility on US-40 from SR-32 to US-189 and provide opportunities for non-motorized transportation while allowing Heber City to meet its vision for the historic town center.

Today, we published the Draft Environmental Impact Statement. This report identifies our preferred alternative. A video summary of the Draft EIS is on our website and to view the Draft EIS documents, click here.

UDOT is holding public meetings on Jan. 27 and Jan. 28, 2026 for the public to learn about the Draft EIS, discuss questions with study team members, and make formal statements at the public hearing on Jan. 28. The community is invited to review and comment on the Draft EIS from Jan. 9 through March 9, 2026.

Click here to read the Executive Summary Fact Sheet

Click here to read the Alternative A Fact Sheet

Click here to read the Alternative B Fact Sheet

Preferred Alternative Summary and Comparison

UDOT has identified Alternative B as the preferred alternative primarily because it would perform best with respect to the overall purpose of the project.

 

Alternative A: primary advantages and disadvantages

The primary advantages for Alternative A are fewer impacts to resources in the north fields, primarily wetlands and farmland. Alternative A also has fewer noise impacts, mainly to planned developments in the North Village.

The primary disadvantages of Alternative A are that it does not perform as well from a transportation perspective and would result in more impacts to homes and businesses.

Alternative B: primary advantages and disadvantages

Alternative B would provide the best performance with respect to the purpose of the project:

  • Best regional mobility (faster travel time, shorter travel path)
  • Best local mobility (fewer failing intersections and shorter queues on Main Street)
  • Best performance with respect to Heber City’s vision for its historic town center (more likely to attract regional traffic away from Main Street).

Other transportation considerations were also evaluated in identifying the preferred alternative. Alternative B would provide the following additional benefits:

  • More consistent with the master-planned North Village local road network
  • More efficient combination of road functional classifications and less out-of-direction travel
  • Provides an alternate route in case of an emergency on north US-40 between Potter Lane/College Way and 900 North
  • Substantially fewer residential and business relocations compared to Alternative A.

The primary disadvantages of Alternative B are greater impacts to wetlands and farmland in the north fields.

Public Comment Period

JAN. 9 TO MARCH 9, 2026

We are asking for comments on the Draft EIS, specific to:

  • The analysis of the potential impacts
  • The proposed mitigation of potential impacts
  • The preferred alternative

How to comment:

Heber Valley Corridor EIS
c/o HDR
2825 E Cottonwood Parkway # 200
Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121

What to include in comments:

  • Clearly identify the issue or resource you’re concerned about.
  • Reference specific sections or topics in the Draft EIS.
  • Include data, citations, observations, or personal experiences that support your comment.
  • Comments are more impactful when they are solution-oriented.
  • Comments may also be in the form of a question, in addition to statements.

How comments are used:

  • Public comments submitted during the public comment period are not considered a vote.
  • Comments are one input among many that we will use to make final updates and decisions regarding the project.
  • Comments will be used to consider things that may have been overlooked, such as property or environmental impacts.
  • Comments on the Draft EIS will receive a response in the Final EIS.

Public Meetings

JAN. 27, 6-7:30 p.m.: VIRTUAL MEETING AND Q&A

  • Held on Zoom
  • Presentation followed by question and answer session with team

Not accepting formal comments

Click here to read the Virtual Meeting Participant Guide

JAN. 28, 5:30-8:30 p.m.: OPEN HOUSE AND HEARING

  • Review study materials and speak with study team members in an open house format. Comments made at the open house are not considered formal comments unless they are provided to a court reporter or a written comment on provided forms.
  • UDOT’s ROW agents will be available at the open house to answer questions between 5:30 and 8:30 p.m.
  • Presentation followed by public hearing, comments limited to 3 minutes per speaker.

Sign up in advance to make a formal comment.

Click here to read the Public Hearing Participant Guide

What’s Next?

After reviewing public input, we expect to release the Final EIS and Record of Decision by summer 2026.

 

To learn more about the environmental study process that UDOT is following, watch the video below

]]> 23240 The First Official Backcountry Trail Connection Between Summit and Wasatch Counties https://hebervalleylife.com/the-first-official-backcountry-trail-connection-between-summit-and-wasatch-counties/ Thu, 08 Jan 2026 18:21:33 +0000 https://hebervalleylife.com/?p=23237 HEBER CITY, UT (Dec. 22, 2025) — The Wasatch Trails Foundation (WTF) and the Mountain Trails Foundation (MTF) will officially open the BLT (Bonanza Loop Trail) to WOW Connector Trail in Spring of 2026, conditions permitting. This five mile connection will offer a backcountry trail experience to hikers, runners, and bikers through stunning terrain and serve as the first official connection between Wasatch and Summit County trail systems.

The project was originally conceived over 10 years ago by Rick Fournier, former MTF trails manager and Scott House, current WTF board president. The trail consists of one main multiuse/bidirectional connector, Tall T, an intermediate downhill MTB trail, WOWZA DH (with advanced options), an MTB climb/multiuse trail, WOWZA, and a hike-only spur, Boulder Dash.

Executive Director of the Mountain Trails Foundation, Lora Anthony said, “The entire system of WOW trails isn’t just connecting communities through trails, it is a shining example of what longterm, supportive relationships between many partner organizations can bring to bear. Mountain Trails is proud to be but one spoke in this wheel of success.”

“It’s super exciting to see WOWZA come to life as part of the broader Bonanza Flat to WOW Trail connection. Its location speaks to the Foundation’s commitment to balance wilderness and open space protection, while still providing meaningful trail connections. The build of the trail reflects our abilities to integrate natural features and terrain into a modern, sustainable trail design that is sure to get riders of all levels stoked,” said House.

The BLT to WOW Connector Trail project was funded by three separate grants, two from the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation, UORG (Utah Outdoor Recreation) and RTP (Recreational Trails
Program), and a smaller grant from the Wasatch County TAP (Trails Arts and Parks) Tax. Through hard work and determination, WTF received all approvals to hire MTF as the trail contractor and begin construction in the Spring of 2024 with a hard completion deadline of Fall 2025.

Project coordinators faced numerous obstacles in completing this project, including, but not limited to, wildlife mitigation areas, changing tides in the Park City political space and building over the dangerously steep terrain of Tall T peak (elevation 9,360”). Current WTF executive director, Mia Yue stated, “There were multiple times over the last three years that I was convinced this connection was dead in the water. Without the support and pure grit of our Board (WTF) and our main partner, Mountain Trails Foundation, we would not have made this happen.”

To support future projects and become a member of the Wasatch Trails Foundation, visit wasatchtrails.org.

About Wasatch Trails Foundation

Wasatch Trails Foundation is a not for profit 501(c)(3) that advocates for trails in Wasatch County. The foundation is committed to cultivating memorable experiences for the community by enhancing and preserving outdoor spaces. Its efforts are guided by three key pillars: building and maintaining a healthy trail system, connecting the community, and ensuring that everything is built to last. Through collaboration with its members, volunteers and local officials, Wasatch Trails Foundation creates sustainable spaces that support the outdoor lifestyle and strengthen community bonds.

Learn more > Wasatch Trails Foundation

Learn more > Mountain Trails Foundation

]]> 23237 Shaping the Future of Local Kids Programs https://hebervalleylife.com/shaping-the-future-of-local-kids-programs/ Fri, 05 Dec 2025 17:00:12 +0000 https://hebervalleylife.com/?p=23079 We want to give a big shout-out to the students from Park City Centers for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) — they’re running a community survey to help shape better kids programming across Summit & Wasatch counties. Their survey is collecting real feedback from parents about what kinds of programs families here want: sports, arts, STEM, mental health support, outdoor adventures, and more. Take the Survey!

If you care about giving kids in our community meaningful opportunities — especially outside school — please fill out the survey and share it with others. The more voices heard, the stronger the case for programs that actually reflect what local families need.

Big thanks to these students for stepping up and helping build a brighter future for our kids. Let’s support their efforts!

]]> 23079 You’re Invited to the Most Magical Night in Heber City! ✨🎄 https://hebervalleylife.com/the-most-magical-night-in-heber-city/ Thu, 04 Dec 2025 19:20:17 +0000 https://hebervalleylife.com/?p=23076 Heber City is rolling out the holiday red carpet, and you’re at the top of the guest list! Join us as we kick off the season with a night packed with magic, music, and those small-town moments we all adore.

Our cherished Old-Fashioned Christmas is back!

📅 Friday, December 5
⏰ 5:00–7:00 PM
📍 Downtown Heber City

What’s waiting for you:

🎅 Santa and his reindeer
🎶 Heber choirs + live entertainment
🍬 Complimentary kids’ treats
☕ Hot cocoa to warm your hands (and your heart)
🔔 Bell ringers filling the air with cheer
👋 A welcoming message from the Heber City Mayor
🎤 Community sing-along
🎄 Tree Lighting Ceremony
🚁 A breathtaking holiday Drone Show
✨ And the brand-new Festival Street glowing like never before

Bring the whole family, bundle up, and come make memories as we light up the season — literally!

Let’s celebrate together. We can’t wait to see you there!

https://www.heberut.com/events/christmas/

 

— and this year, it’s leveling up with the debut of Lights on Festival Street at City Park, transforming downtown into a sparkling winter wonderland! Thursday-Saturday evenings all month!

https://www.heberut.com/events/lights-on-festival-street/

]]> 23076 Lifting Up One of Our Own: Support for the Dettman Family https://hebervalleylife.com/support-for-the-dettman-family/ Wed, 03 Dec 2025 18:03:26 +0000 https://hebervalleylife.com/?p=23070
Our community is at its best when we lift and hold each other, and right now, one of our own needs us.
Many of us have been lucky enough to know Pat Dettman—his quick humor, his huge heart, and the way he shows up for everyone around him. Pat, his wife Lorraine, and their amazing kids—Bailey, Megan, Allison, and Brock—have touched countless lives here in the Heber Valley.
This year, Pat was diagnosed with ALS, and the symptoms are progressing far too quickly. As you can imagine, this has brought overwhelming challenges to their doorstep—medical bills, equipment, home modifications, and the day-to-day realities of navigating a heartbreaking diagnosis.
If you’re looking for a meaningful way to give this Christmas, please consider supporting the Dettman family. This is a chance to help a neighbor, a friend, and a man who has poured so much into his service to his church, his neighbors, and youth athletes through his coaching with the Wasatch High School Football team. Pat has been the kind of person who lights up a room; now it’s our turn to bring some light to his family. Every bit counts!
Let’s wrap this family in the same love and strength Pat has given our community for years. ❤️
]]> 23070 Local Artist Night Brings Creativity and Community Together https://hebervalleylife.com/local-artist-night-brings-creativity-and-community-together/ Tue, 18 Nov 2025 15:47:23 +0000 https://hebervalleylife.com/?p=23046 Art lovers and community members are invited to gather for Local Artist Night on November 19, from 5:30 to 8:00 PM, at the Johnny Adolphson Gallery, located at 37 E 100 N, Suite 103 in Heber.

The evening will feature two talented local creators: Scott Whitaker of Scott James Jewelry and photographer Johnny Adolphson. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the artists, learn the stories and inspiration behind their work, and experience the vibrant creativity that thrives in our valley.

Light refreshments, friendly conversation, and a relaxed atmosphere make this event an ideal chance to support homegrown talent. Whether you’re an art collector, a casual admirer, or simply looking for a meaningful community experience, Local Artist Night offers a warm and welcoming space to connect with the people who help make Heber Valley shine.

]]> 23046