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- ๐ A Shining Star, a Giving Farm & Hoops That Hustle ๐๐
๐ A Shining Star, a Giving Farm & Hoops That Hustle ๐๐
Issue# 624 - From a glowing symbol of love and legacy in Kaysville to a historic farm helping the Great Salt Lakeโand boys basketball bringing the heatโthis issue blends heart, heritage, and hometown wins.

In this Issue . . .
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๐ฐ A Star That Shines with Love: Kaysvilleโs Bright Holiday Tradition
๐ฐ Historic Utah Farm Leases Water to Help Restore Great Salt Lake
๐ Local Boys Basketball: Comebacks, Hot Shooting Highlight Games
๐ Community cares
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A Star That Shines with Love: Kaysvilleโs Bright Holiday Tradition
If you've noticed the glowing โญ๏ธ star โญ๏ธ lighting up the mountainside above Kaysville each December, youโre not alone โ and youโre certainly not the only one whoโs fallen in love with it. A recent Facebook post from a newcomer to the area sparked a wave of local memories, heartfelt stories, and pure holiday cheer. Many shared their admiration and gratitude for the star, especially remembering the hope it offered during tough times, like the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
So, whatโs the story behind this beautiful mountain star?
The Kaysville Christmas Star has been a holiday tradition for more than 55 years. It shines from the Monday after Thanksgiving all the way through New Year's Day, casting a warm glow thatโs visible throughout the area โ and lighting up the hearts of residents young and old.
It all began back in the late 1950s or early 1960s, thanks to the efforts of local volunteers from the Kaysville Jaycees. They strung together lights by hand, looping wires over rebar driven into the mountainside. Over time, the star needed regular maintenance โ a true labor of love, especially in harsh winter weather.
In 2002, after the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics, Kaysville received surplus lighting equipment that had once illuminated the Olympic rings at the University of Utah. That donation led to a major upgrade of the star. Longtime volunteer Jeff Dunford got to work designing a brighter, more energy-efficient version with help from a local Eagle Scout and his engineer father.
Todayโs star spans 60 feet and glows with 75 neon lights, each covered with a glass dome. These lights draw half the power of traditional bulbs, allowing for a doubled-up light pattern that creates an especially vivid glow. The star is now a permanent fixture on the mountainside, and its generator is fueled daily throughout the season by a team of dedicated volunteers โ whether theyโre navigating the trail by ATV, SUV, or snowmobile.
Some winters have been so snowy that volunteers werenโt sure theyโd make it up the mountain, but as far as anyone can remember, the star has never missed a night.
This glowing symbol has become more than a decoration; it's a beacon of peace, hope, and community. Whether youโre seeing it for the first time or youโve been watching it light up the sky since childhood, the Kaysville Star is a cherished piece of northern Utahโs holiday magic โ all thanks to the selfless volunteers who keep it shining year after year.

Historic Utah Farm Leases Water to Help Restore Great Salt Lake
Monastery Farm in Huntsville, Utah, has begun leasing up to one-third of its water shares to the state to aid in the restoration of the Great Salt Lake. By retiring less productive, water-intensive land and focusing on efficient farming, the historic farm will save over 200 million gallons of water annually. The conserved water will be routed through a system allowing it to eventually reach the lake. This 10-year agreement, backed by local trusts and state agencies, sets a precedent for other farms to join the conservation effort.
![]() | ๐Carolers Wanted on Bountiful Main Street! ๐ถBring some holiday cheer to Historic Main Street anytime this Decemberโno sign-up needed! Gather your family, choir, or group and spread festive joy as you sing for shoppers. Evenings and Saturdays are perfect. Come add a little magic to Main Street! |


Historic Utah Farm Leases Water to Help Restore Great Salt Lake
Monastery Farm in Huntsville, Utah, has begun leasing up to one-third of its water shares to the state to aid in the restoration of the Great Salt Lake. By retiring less productive, water-intensive land and focusing on efficient farming, the historic farm will save over 200 million gallons of water annually. The conserved water will be routed through a system allowing it to eventually reach the lake. This 10-year agreement, backed by local trusts and state agencies, sets a precedent for other farms to join the conservation effort.

๐ Local Boys Basketball: Comebacks, Hot Shooting Highlight Games
Woods Cross pulled off a dramatic comeback to beat Bountiful 52-47 in Region 6 play. After trailing 21-7 in the first quarter, the Wildcats stormed back with a dominant fourth quarter. Elliot Bendinger scored 14 points, while Nate Smith-Mecham added 13 with three triples. Bountifulโs Lincoln Smith had a game-high 20 points, but the Redhawks managed only five in the final period.
Highland rolled past Viewmont 80-67, building a strong lead by halftime and never letting up. Grady Lee and Bodie Dodge led Highland with 16 points each, while Viewmont's Tyson Bromley and Lukus Toner combined for 41 points and nine threes.
In nonregion action, Westlake topped Farmington 58-39 behind 19-point efforts from Malik Sika and Lincoln Norwood. A big third quarter sealed the win. Malakai Tobler and Jack Layton each scored 11 for Farmington.
๐ฃ Interested in Highschool Sports?
Weโve got you covered! Click below for the official sports calendars
for each of our local Highschools. ๐
๐ Woods Cross Wildcats ๐ Viewmont Vikings | ๐ Bountiful Redhawks ๐ Farmington Phoenix |
Give the Gift of Health This Year!
๐ฅat Beem Light Therapy โ
โญ๏ธ Beem Holiday SpecialsGift Certificates - Unlimited Sessions |

Holiday Lights and Heartwarming Giving at the Wheelwright Home
The Wheelwright family is lighting up the season once again with their much-loved holiday display โ and this yearโs show is already shining bright. The lights are officially on at 1537 N 175 W in Bountiful, and the magic is well underway!
Visitors are invited to come enjoy the interactive setup, complete with four push buttons that trigger festive surprises. To enhance the experience, guests can tune their radios to 99.3 FM or listen through the Tune2 app for a synchronized audio performance.
In the spirit of giving, the Wheelwrights are also collecting donations for two local families with young children. Guests who visit are encouraged to bring something to contribute and help brighten the holidays for those in need.
This joyful neighborhood tradition blends creativity, technology, and community kindness โ a true celebration of the season.

Hopebox Theatreโs White Christmas Shines with Purpose and Passion December 5th - 27th
This holiday season, Hopebox Theatre invites audiences to experience the timeless magic of White Christmas โ a show bursting with romance, music, and meaning. Known for pairing high-quality productions with community support, Hopebox is once again taking the stage for a powerful purpose.
With undeniable chemistry among the cast and classic musical numbers that have stood the test of time, White Christmasdelivers a festive theatrical experience. But beyond the spotlight, this production carries a deeper mission: supporting Julie Newton, the theaterโs latest โHope Recipient.โ
Hopebox Theatre is celebrated for weaving together the joy of performance with acts of compassion, offering emotional and financial support to individuals facing major health battles. Audiences are encouraged to attend not only for the entertainment but also to contribute to this essential cause.
Performances are underway, and tickets are available ๐ here!
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๐ We Would Love to Feature Your Events!
Got an Event you want listed here?
๐๐๐
๐ December Events
![]() December 13th Coffee with Krampus at Witches Brew Coffee. | ![]() December 23rd Holiday Market by Juniper Markets | ![]() December 17th |
Fun on Main Street! ๐โฐ๐ญ Mice on Main โ Bountiful Main Street Take a picture with or of your favorite mouse ๐ Learn More |
December 16th
6:30 - 7:45pm | ๐ Grief Support This Holiday Season | 1355 N. Main St., Suite 8, Bountiful | Local therapist Jessica Walters is hosting two free grief gatherings for anyone navigating loss this time of year.
๐ RSVP: 801-513-1727
Wednesday, December 17th
๐ โจ Bingo with Santa returns at the Bountiful Elks Lodge! Photos at 6:00, bingo at 7:00 โ $1 boards, prizes, treats, and holiday fun for all ages!
Ongoing Events
Every Wednesday at 5:30 PM | Confidence Building for Dogs
Where: Preppy Paws, 90 W. 100 N., BountifulHelp your pup find their brave! This calm, supportive small-group session is designed to build confidence in new situationsโperfect for shy, anxious, or easily distracted dogs. Expect gentle guidance, positive social experiences, and a welcoming environment for all skill levels.
How to join: Visit preppypawsutah.com or stop by the store for details.โจ First Friday of every month on Bountiful Main Street 6 -9 pm. | The first Friday of every month, Bountifulโs Main Street comes alive after hours with food trucks, art shows, late-night shopping, and family fun under the lights. A perfect night out to eat, shop, and connect with the community!
โ Chess Night - Wednesdays | 6 โ 8 pm at the Bountiful Library
๐จ๐ปโ๐ณ Harmons Cooking School
๐ Reenew Wellness Center - Weekly Yoga Class: Every Wednesday at 10 am for a rejuvenating yoga session at (750 S. Main Street, Suite 101, Bountiful). It's just $5 for drop-ins, and your first class is on the house!
๐๏ธ Momโs Grief Support Group- ๐ For Moms of and age who have lost a child. -First Wednesday of every month, 10:30 am - 11:45 am
-Where: Resilient Solutions inc. (1355 N. Main St. Suite 1, Bountiful)
-Questions? Call 801-755-0193 -Register at the following email: [email protected]New Perinatal Support Group for Moms in Bountiful
Navigating pregnancy and new motherhood can be overwhelming, but you donโt have to do it alone. Perinatal Mental Health Support Group in Bountiful. Designed for pregnant and postpartum moms, this group offers a supportive, judgment-free space to connect and share.
๐ Wednesdays | 6:00 โ 7:00 PM
๐ฒ $20 per session or $100 for all six weeksFor details or to register, contact Elena at [email protected] or 801-477-0127.
North Salt Lake
๐ Senior Lunch Brunch Every 2nd Wednesday at 11:00 am
City Hall - 10 East Center Street, North Salt LakeWoods Cross
๐ Senior Lunch Brunch - Every 2nd Thursday at Noon
2297 S. 1200 W.
Business Networking
Every Wednesday at 11:00 am - Benchmark Business Referral Group:
Joy Luck - 566 W. 1350 S. Bountiful
Reach out if you have any questions - Call or Text Brenda at (801) 694-9497
Recreation Programs:
Farmington Parks & Recreation -
South Davis Recreation -
โ๏ธ Dream Vacations Made Simple
Ever wonder how people score amazing trips without spending a fortune (or signing up for a dozen credit cards)? This little book spills the secrets โ no gimmicks, no debt, just smarter travel. ๐ Learn The JGOOT Way of Travel.
(FYI - JGOOT stands for โJust Get Out Of Townโ ๐ค)
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