Tim Vandenack
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I write about multicultural matters, immigration, Northern Utah and more for @KSLcom. Formerly at @standardex.
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Articles by Tim Vandenack
Have You Seen This? Trapped woodpecker flies into woman's hands
NOVOSIBIRSK, Russia — Maybe it was good hand-eye coordination. More likely, it was just a fluke. Whatever it was, a Russian woman caught a flying woodpecker trapped inside a garage with her bare hands and carried it outside to freedom. "What a catch!" gushed Accuweather, which posted the video on its YouTube page. The incident occurred in Novosibirsk, Russia, seemingly in an auto-detailing shop.
Ogden police chief defends city's system of 41 license-plate readers though some have concerns
OGDEN — Ogden's 41 automated license-plate readers came under a microscope this week as city officials discussed the network, how it works and the safeguards meant to prevent abuse of the system. Ogden Police Chief Jake Sube faced multiple questions about the system during an Ogden City Council work session, but defended the Flock-brand camera system and the city guidelines governing its use.
Utah Latina leaders discuss what drives them, stress involvement
OGDEN — Two of Utah's highest-profile Latina leaders say a desire to combat injustice and inequity helped spur their desire to seek public office. Utah Sen. Luz Escamilla and Utah Rep. Angela Romero addressed a Hispanic Heritage Month gathering at Weber State University on Wednesday, discussing the factors that drove them to vie for posts in the Utah Legislature, what keeps them going and more. Both are Democrats from Salt Lake City and serve as minority leaders in their respective chambers.
Deadly Washington Terrace fire sparked by brush-cutting along rail corridor, probe finds
WASHINGTON TERRACE, Weber County — A fire in July that prompted the evacuation of a Washington Terrace neighborhood and led to the death of a man was sparked along a nearby railroad corridor by brush-cutting operations. The Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands on Tuesday released the investigation into the July 27 blaze, which burned north of a Union Pacific railroad line that cuts through the area. The agency deemed the blaze, dubbed the Adams fire, accidental.
Roy petitioners get enough signatures to force vote on future of 34.25% tax hike
ROY — The contingent in Roy pressing for a referendum on the 34.25% property tax hike city leaders approved in August has gotten enough signatures in their petition drive to put the issue on the November ballot. Weber County Clerk-Auditor Ricky Hatch said late Monday that the petitioners "met the requirements" to have a referendum on the property tax question placed on the Nov. 3 ballot.
Ogden starts upgrades along 25th Street commercial sector, prompting a mix of responses
OGDEN — Downtown Ogden has been the focus of several years' worth of upgrade efforts meant to lure in more people. The latest effort, planned improvements along part of Historic 25th Street focused on aesthetics and pedestrian traffic, edged out of the starting block on Monday, generating a mix of responses from a handful of business operators. "It sounds nice.
Saturday Night Live takes aim at Kevin O'Leary, Box Elder County data center project
SALT LAKE CITY — The Box Elder County data center project and, more particularly, developer Kevin O'Leary, were the focus of a parody on NBC's Saturday Night Live this weekend. James Austin Johnson, perhaps best known for his imitations of President Donald Trump, portrayed O'Leary as a guest on the "Weekend Update" segment of the national comedy show. Host Colin Jost asked the faux O'Leary about the controversial project, first noting polling showing strong opposition to data centers.
New initiative 'Community Quest' aims to encourage exploration of Utah's diverse communities
SALT LAKE CITY — In his role with the Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs, Dustin Khong is on a mission to foster unity among the varied communities, cultures and people that populate the state. "It's about connecting all these communities to one another," he said. Magnify Utah, a Division of Multicultural Affairs initiative that Khong helps manage, focuses on "finding commonality" among the people of Utah, he said.
Provo school officials debate future of dual-language programming, prompting concern from some
PROVO — Provo school officials are debating the future of the district's dual-language immersion program, which helps students learn a range of languages, including Spanish, Mandarin and French. Complete elimination of the program doesn't seem to be in the offing, but change of some sort appears likely, and some students in the program are worried about the possibilities.
ICE says it values its accord with Utah police department in wake of chief's critical comments
MT. PLEASANT, Sanpete County — Federal immigration authorities say the five immigrants they detained during a ride-along with North Valley Police Department officers in Sanpete County had criminal histories and some face deportation. In response to a critical message earlier this week from North Valley Police Chief Steve Gray about that Sept. 30 ride-along, the Department of Homeland Security also stressed the importance of its partnerships with local law enforcement.
Judge orders release of immigrant detained in controversial arrest as Ogden officer looked on
OGDEN — The immigrant at the center of debate in Ogden after a federal immigration agent detained him — as an Ogden police officer looked on and as an Ogden City Council member recorded the encounter — has been released. Sergio Garcia, the man's lawyer, said Thursday that a federal district court judge in California ordered his client's release on Wednesday in response to a habeas petition Garcia filed challenging his detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials.
Ogden, Salt Lake City, Park City, St. George and other locales hosting Día de los Muertos events
SALT LAKE CITY — Día de los Muertos is more than three weeks away, but at least one of the many planned activities around Utah to mark the occasion is set for this coming Sunday. Most activities come later, with many set for Nov. 2. Día de los Muertos — Day of the Dead in English — is deeply rooted in Mexico and traditionally celebrated on Nov. 1 and 2 as a way of remembering dead relatives and friends.
North Valley Police Department reconsidering cooperative accord with ICE after Sept. 30 ride-alongs
MT. PLEASANT, Sanpete County — The North Valley Police Department is reconsidering its cooperative agreement with federal immigration authorities after federal agents took five people into custody following ride-alongs last week with officers from the Sanpete County law enforcement agency. In a statement Wednesday, North Valley Police Chief Steve Gray offered an unusual rebuke of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, leading the crackdown on illegal immigration across the country.
French officials recognize 3 Utah schools for their dual-language French offerings
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'Going to be close': Time running out for petitioners trying to force vote on Roy property tax hike
ROY — Foes of the 34.25% property tax hike approved by the Roy City Council in August are nearing the end of the signature-gathering phase in their efforts to force a vote on the increase. Whether they get the required 1,786 signatures, which would trigger a referendum in the Nov. 3 general election on whether to retain the tax increase, remains to be seen.
Speakers at Hispanic Heritage Month event laud 'American way,' opportunity in the U.S.
SALT LAKE CITY — As Latinos around the country mark Hispanic Heritage Month, U.S. Rep. Burgess Owens put a focus on the importance of adapting to U.S. customs and culture. Speaking at a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration Monday, he lauded the "foundation of parents, grandparents, great grandparents" of the largely Latino crowd and their efforts in overcoming obstacles in pursuing a better life here.
500-acre North Ogden development proposal sparking concern among some
NORTH OGDEN — A 500-acre development proposal in the shadow of Ben Lomond Peak in North Ogden has prompted resistance from many and pressure on project developers to halt the plans or at least address their worries. "Our main concern is traffic and it's water and it's the tax burden of who pays to widen the streets. Where does the money come from to do it?" said Dave Schoellerman, part of the contingent of North Ogden residents who have been speaking out against the plans.
'Something fun to do': Ogden 12-year-old parlays passion for archery into 2 national titles
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Rancho Markets opens new location in American Fork, its 10th, with another store planned
AMERICAN FORK — A popular Utah-based market that caters to the Latino community has opened its 10th location, and plans are in the works for yet another store, underscoring the growth of the Hispanic population. Rancho Markets, led by chief executive officer Eli Madrigal, opened its first location in South Salt Lake in 2006. Twenty years later, just last week, store leaders held a grand opening for the 10th Rancho Markets location in a strip mall at 702 State Street in American Fork.
Utah State team launches data center initiative, initial survey shows most oppose them
LOGAN — Amid growing debate about data centers, a team of Utah State University academics has launched an initiative meant to broaden the pool of information germane to the development of such projects in the state. They've already posted some of the findings from a survey they carried out, which show strong opposition among Utahns to data centers.
Box Elder County data center plans quietly edging ahead though debate has died down Original
Much of the public debate surrounding the proposed Box Elder County data center has died down as three lawsuits centered on the controversial proposal wind their way through court. That doesn’t mean the project has stalled, according to an official involved in the plans. In fact, officials from O’Leary Digital, the company spearheading the proposal, are fine-tuning project details as varied studies required before project development can proceed are underway. “The project is not on hold.
‘Data Center Revolt’ tour stops in Brigham City, stressing importance of public involvement Original
As data center proposals pop up around the country, those with questions and concerns in some locales can feel intimidated trying to go up against the deep-pocketed forces pressing for their development.
'Data Center Revolt' tour stops in Brigham City, stressing importance of public involvement
BRIGHAM CITY — As data center proposals pop up around the country, those with questions and concerns in some locales can feel intimidated trying to go up against the deep-pocketed forces pressing for their development.
Box Elder County data center plans quietly edging ahead though debate has died down
BRIGHAM CITY — Much of the public debate surrounding the proposed Box Elder County data center has died down as three lawsuits centered on the controversial proposal wind their way through court. That doesn't mean the project has stalled, according to an official involved in the plans. In fact, officials from O'Leary Digital, the company spearheading the proposal, are fine-tuning project details as varied studies required before project development can proceed are underway.
Vamos Health opens new West Valley City site, reflecting strong demand for its bilingual offerings
WEST VALLEY CITY — A clinic geared to those with limited access to health care, including the Latino and immigrant communities, has expanded after two years of operation, reflecting strong demand for the offering. "The health care system here is so complicated and it is triply so if you do not speak English," said John Woolley, the chief executive officer of Vamos Health Medical Group.
Box Elder County ranch operator enters plea in abeyance in human trafficking case
BRIGHAM CITY — One of three men charged with human trafficking in connection with the treatment of an immigrant employee at the Box Elder County ranch they run has pleaded guilty in the matter and must complete community service. Justin Jeffrey Roche, 47, pleaded guilty to a count of benefiting from human trafficking labor, a third-degree felony, as part of a plea in abeyance, and 1st District Judge Brandon Maynard accepted the plea on Sept. 21.
'Get informed': Participants in data center discussion stress importance of involvement on issue
OGDEN — Amid intense debate around Utah about data center development, members of a panel that convened to discuss the topic are variously recommending public involvement, warning of disinformation and expressing reticence about granting project developers public incentives. "Get informed, find good sources, question things and participate because that's what's going to make it work," said William Olson, an entrepreneur and founder of Weber County Conservatives. "Let's keep the dialogue open.
Woman, daughter facing hurdles in efforts to self-deport from Orem to Venezuela
OREM — With her husband back in Venezuela, deported from the United States last August, Maria Barrios and the couple's young daughter Danna want to rejoin him. But as a deadline looms to leave the country, they are facing obstacles in their efforts to self-deport. Federal authorities endorse self-deportation for immigrants in the country illegally and are even offering a $3,000 "exit bonus" for those who voluntarily leave the country.
Have You Seen This? Rhino rams tourist's car during safari in Namibia
ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK, Namibia — Visitors to Yellowstone National Park have to keep a lookout for bison, among other critters. But at Etosha National Park in the African nation of Namibia, visitors have to keep a lookout for rhinoceroses. On Sept. 19, a black rhinoceros, which is an endangered animal, charged into the car of a tourist driving through the park, part of a caravan of cars on a self-drive safari.
Kevin O'Leary, Fox News seek dismissal of defamation lawsuit stemming from data center debate Original
Kevin O’Leary, the force behind the Box Elder County data center proposal, is calling for dismissal of the federal defamation suit he faces stemming from his critical comments targeting foes of the controversial project. The celebrity businessman on Monday filed his response to the lawsuit filed in July against him by Alliance for a Better Utah, Elevate Strategies, and leaders from the two organizations: Joshua Kanter and Gabrielle Finlayson.
Powder Mountain, Weber Fire District break ground on mountaintop fire station
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Davis County leader says he's 'committed to personal improvement' in wake of critical probe
FARMINGTON — Six months after completion of a critical investigation into Davis County Commissioner John Crofts and his dealings with other county workers, Crofts offers a measure of contrition. "I'm committed to personal improvement. I'm committed to making sure that we represent the taxpayers and the employees and everybody in Davis County well," he said.
Peruvian teacher with expiring visa focus of campaign to keep him at Vernal school
VERNAL — In his four-plus years of teaching at Uintah High School in Vernal, Jose Mendoza has helped boost the Spanish skills of students in the school's dual-language immersion program significantly. The spring before he started, just three students were qualified enough in Spanish to take part in a college-level class. Under the tutelage of Mendoza, a teacher in the school's dual-language Spanish immersion program, the number has surged, currently sitting at 48 students.
Salt Lake restaurant Monarca recognized by Mexican Consulate for quality, authenticity
SALT LAKE CITY — Alfonso and Claudia Brito have steadily climbed the ladder in the food business. "We started with a cart, a taco cart. Then we got a food truck, then we made Santo Taco," said Claudia Brito, referencing the two taquerias she and her husband own — one in downtown Salt Lake City, the other in the Rose Park neighborhood. Now with Monarca, a more upscale Mexican restaurant the Britos opened in 2021, they've taken another step up the ladder.
Agent Orange memorial in Sunset sought by Syracuse Vietnam War veteran largely complete
SUNSET — Larry Kerr's dream of installing a large memorial to victims of Agent Orange during the Vietnam War is finally materializing, just as he faces more bad medical news. "I'm trying to get this across the finish line," he said. Kerr, who has suffered the effects of Agent Orange stemming from his U.S. Air Force service in Vietnam, has been pressing for years for a memorial.
Moab-area ICE action prompts dust-up, mild rebuke from Grand County Sheriff's Office
MOAB — The presence of federal immigration officials in Grand County on Monday prompted a dust-up among some and a rebuke from the Grand County Sheriff's Office. According to the Moab Valley Multicultural Center, a Moab-based cultural organization, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were in the Moab area between about 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Monday.
‘Kind of scary’: Pineview visitors discover grenade on previously submerged reservoir shore Original
OGDEN VALLEY, Weber County — Add “grenade” to the list of things found as Pineview Reservoir has been drained, unearthing previously submerged items. Weber County Sheriff’s Office officials said Sunday evening that two visitors to the reservoir reported the discovery of the explosive. The Weber County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad responded, detonating the item in place, said Sgt. Danielle Goodell. The detonation occurred without injuries.
'Kind of scary': Pineview visitors discover grenade on previously submerged reservoir shore
OGDEN VALLEY, Weber County — Add "grenade" to the list of things found as Pineview Reservoir has been drained, unearthing previously submerged items. Weber County Sheriff's Office officials said Sunday evening that two visitors to the reservoir reported the discovery of the explosive. The Weber County Sheriff's Office Bomb Squad responded, detonating the item in place, said Sgt. Danielle Goodell. The detonation occurred without injuries.
Temporary road taking shape atop Pineview Reservoir bed as part of pipeline project
OGDEN VALLEY, Weber County — A new roadway is taking shape atop the bed of Pineview Reservoir as efforts to install a new water pipeline across a narrow section of the lake edge move forward. With Pineview largely drained, it's one of the initial steps in the process of putting the new pipeline section in place, one element of the $100 million project to replace 6.4 miles of aging pipeline from a well field adjacent to Pineview west through the Ogden Canyon to Ogden.
Guatemala creates honorary consulate in Utah; full-service consulate may be coming
SALT LAKE CITY — Guatemala has established an honorary consulate in Utah reflecting what boosters say are warm relations between the Central American nation and the state and a desire to advance the bilateral relationship. The bond between Utah and Guatemala is "not just a relationship of ceremony and welcome but a relationship of substance and means," said Jonathan Tichy, president of the Utah Consular Corps and honorary consul for the Czech Republic in Salt Lake City.
Weber County sales tax taking effect Oct. 1 expected to generate $13.1M a year
OGDEN — The sales tax hike in Weber County taking effect in two weeks will generate an estimated $13.1 million per year, much of it to be used for transportation and public safety initiatives. Weber County commissioners in June approved a 0.2 percentage point increase in the applicable sales tax rates in the county, which will boost the overall rate from 7.25% to 7.45% in most cities in the county.
Utah immigration attorneys hosting event to aid immigrants seeking U.S. citizenship
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Draper man says parents, sister were trying to normalize migratory status when detained by ICE
DRAPER — A Draper man is pleading on behalf of his parents and sister, lamenting their surprise detention by immigration authorities late last month in Arizona for what was supposed to be a short family getaway. Juilian Rincon, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Colombia, says his sister, Daniela Rincon, and parents, Clara Avellaneda and Henry Rincon, had work permits.
'Long live Mexico!': Utah's Mexican community marks Mexican Independence Day
SALT LAKE CITY — Alondra Silvestre's Mexican roots still pull at her, though she was born in the United States. "My parents raised me and my sister with my Mexican culture. We grew up speaking Spanish," she said. Now living in Utah, her dad's originally from Mexico City and her mom's from the Mexican state of Hidalgo. Her sentiments brought Silvestre to the Mexican Civic Center Tuesday night, where hundreds gathered for a reenactment of El Grito, the public call on Sept.
Davis County officials OK 0.2% sales tax hike, which will generate an extra $15.98M per year
FARMINGTON — Davis County Commissioners approved a 0.2% sales tax hike, which will boost the overall rate in most cities in the county from 7.25% to 7.45% when it takes effect on Jan. 1 next year. The hike will generate an estimated $15.98 million a year in new tax revenue, mainly meant for transportation and public safety expenses, with 75% of that, $11.99 million, initially going to the county. The remaining $3.99 million will go, by and large, to the county's 15 cities. On Oct.
Coroner's report notes prior mental health issues of Utah mom in Las Vegas deaths
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah woman who authorities say shot and killed her young daughter in a Las Vegas hotel room in February before killing herself had previously experienced mental health issues. Tawnia McGeehan, 34, also had multiple drugs in her system, according to the Clark County Office of the Coroner/Medical Examiner report into her death, released Monday. A handwritten note found at the scene stated that her daughter, Addi Smith, 11, had been "very medicated" when the violence occurred.
Have You Seen This? Ohio man climbs high up trees, rescues cats
MARION, Ohio — Duane Hook rescues cats. "I help panicked pet owners make a safe plan to get their pets back to the ground — and when needed, I climb," he says on his website, Getmeowtahere. I came across a video last July of him helping rescue an injured eagle, learning, with a little digging, that helping cats is Hook's main focus, cats stuck high up in trees, more particularly. Because he's known to help animals in distress, though, he was apparently called in to help rescue the raptor.
University of Utah extends accord with Ute tribe to use Utes name for sports teams
SALT LAKE CITY — The University of Utah has extended its formal agreement with the Ute Indian Tribe related to use of the Utes name for the university's athletic teams. The new accord, announced Friday, extends a formal agreement that dates back to 2003 for another five years, through August of 2031. The U. has had "the full support of the tribe" to use the Utes name since 1972, according to the university.
Feds sue Utah, seek end to law that lets immigrant university students tap lower in-state tuition
SALT LAKE CITY — The U.S. Department of Justice is suing state education officials, pressing for an end to provisions of Utah law that allow students in the country unlawfully to pay lower in-state tuition at public universities here. "No more placing illegal aliens over American citizens on this Department of Justice's watch," Associate U.S. Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward, Jr., said in a statement announcing the lawsuit.
Numerous activities planned across Utah to celebrate Hispanic heritage
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