On Tues. May 1, The Morgan Elementary School had visitors from The White House, even Senator Mike Lee and some of his office staff Larry Shepherd, and Boyd Matheson. They talked with Mr. Wolfe and presented him a gift for the school, of a flag that has flown over the United States Capitol on behalf of the students and faculty of the Morgan Schools. “Senator Lee was kind enough to surprise us and present the school with the flag that was flown over the capital,” said Mr. Wolfe. 

The Utah Republican Party nominating convention was held on April 21.  US House representative Rob Bishop who represents the Morgan area sailed through the convention and secured the nomination as candidate for US House District 1.  He garnered more than 80% of the vote.  Well over the 60% needed.  Senator Hatch did not fare as well.

“One Dream, One Goal, One Team, One Soul.”  That is the theme for the 2011-2012 Morgan High School Troyettes.  On March 28th, as “One Team”, the Troyettes won first place at 2012 USA Dance/Drill National Competition held in Anaheim, California!  

Samantha Braithwaite, daughter of Russell and Beth Braithwaite, was chosen as this year’s Foreign Language Sterling Scholar! 

Tyler Kippen, son of Bryan and Rachael Kippen, was chosen as Morgan High School’s 2011-2012 Science Sterling Scholar! Tyler scored a perfect 36 on the science section of the ACT. 

Disasters can hit at anytime, whether it be from natural causes, earthquakes, floods, windstorms, fire, or unnatural disasters, power outages, wrecks, and chemical spills. Though not something most of us think about most the time, but for Morgan’s Peggy Mecham it stirs constantly in her mind of how to ensure safety for the community in times of unforeseen events.

Chances are, most people in the community have benefited from the service, works, and influence of the Morgan Lions Club.  Through their many acts of service, sweet smiles and genuine joy have been reflected on the faces of Morgan children for many generations.  George Francis jokes that the Morgan Lions Club has been around “since the time Columbus sailed the ocean blue.” While the exact date is not known with certainty, the Morgan Lions Club has been around for a very long time, well over 80 years.  Throughout these years it has touched young and old alike. True to their motto “We serve”, the Morgan Lions Club has sponsored many of the celebrations Morgan residents have grown up with and continue to cherish with their own children and grandchildren. Lions clubs can be found serving throughout the world. In fact, they are the world’s largest service club organization. Although the parent organization is an international club, the Morgan Lions Club has been especially focused on the needs of our own community. They have structured the service they provide and activities they sponsor in a way to connect very personally with the people of Morgan.

This year’s Skilled and Technical Sciences Education Sterling Scholar for Morgan High School is Megan Stapley, daughter of Kurt and Maggee Stapley! In the 2011 Morgan County Fair Megan had the grand champion steer and was the reserve champion showman as well. 

One walking trail in Mountain Green parallels old highway, directly east of the Mountain Green exit. This walking trail was a community effort and took the dedicated work of many individuals to make it a reality.   In 1993, it was recognized by members of the community that a safety hazard existed for young children, walkers, and bike riders who traveled from Monte Verde, Polls and the Highlands to the Old Farm Market or from one subdivision to the other. Pedestrians had to walk on the edge of old highway road which is the main thoroughfare through Mountain Green and connects to Trappers Loop. Especially because of the increased traffic from Ogden Valley due to the completion of Trappers Loop road and the fact that this traffic had to use the old highway in order to connect with the interstate, an effort was made to solve the safety hazard—by creating a walking path.

The FFA once again brought back Donkey Basketball to the High School gym to raise funds for their program! A bit like traditional basketball, only with donkeys added  and a twist of country on the court, these donkeys have a mind all their own, even when their riders have a different agenda. A competitive sport involving the Morgan Cowboys, FFA, MHS Faculty, and the Wrestling team, not riding a horse with no name, but riding donkeys with names like Shrek, Snickers, Twitter, Red Rock, Pee Wee, Snake River, Expresso and Tater Tot!  Donkey Basketball has been in Morgan for many years, going every other year.  The teams consisted of the cowboys with Mike Morgan, Jody Mecham, Jason Morgan, Rhonda Morgan, Hutch Haslam, Justin Haslam. The FFA team was Byran Chappell, Kyle Stapley, Christian Anderson, Caden Wilde, Jake Cannon, Luke Little, Byrce Preece, Eli Porter. The MHS faculty was Mr. Bennett, Mr. Mills, Coach Kelly, Magee Stapley, Megan Stapley, Bro. Phelps, Nate Buchanon. The Wrestling team was Wyatt Ashby, Porter Green, Ryder Green, Tyler Carter, Jayden Pentz, Jose Patino, Bridger Anderson, Karen Baird.

Caucuses across the county last week reported record numbers of attendees.  A combination of interesting races including a run against Senator Hatch, and strong encouragement from the LDS Church resulted in many first time attendees.  This was also the first time for the new precincts and the Republican Party in particular struggled with the size of the new precincts.  

Dan Liljenquist visited Morgan this week.  Liljenquist is running for the U.S. Senate seat opposing Orrin Hatch for the Republican nomination.  Liljenquist is hoping for a repeat of what happened to Bob Bennett when he was replaced at the Republican convention with Mike Lee in 2010.