Perry City has made significant progress in addressing storm water compliance issues since a state audit, culminating in the adoption of an updated storm water management plan during the March 13 city council meeting. Perry Public Works Director Zach Allen presented the new plan and updated the council on the city’s compliance with state and federal regulations. He explained that a state audit conducted a few years ago had found the city out of compliance in several areas, leading to a list of required corrective actions. One of the key requirements from the audit was an annual training session on...

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A bill awaiting the governor’s signature could significantly alter tax relief programs for low-income seniors, widows and widowers, disabled individuals, and others facing extreme hardship, according to Box Elder County Auditor Shirlene Larsen. Senate Bill 197, which passed the Utah Legislature on March 7, would end new enrollment in current tax relief programs starting in 2026. “SB197 effectively ends the current tax relief programs,” Larsen wrote in a letter to program recipients. Those who received tax relief in either 2024 or 2025 would remain eligible beyond 2026, but no new applicants would be accepted after that year. Instead, new applicants...

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Following a brief discussion at last month’s city council meeting, Honeyville is now full steam ahead on writing an ordinance concerning lodging within the city limits. The issue arose when Mayor Bruce Nelson noticed an increase of Airbnb listings in town and asked Councilmember David Hougaard to look into the matter. Hougaard identified state-level guidance permitting localities to implement up to a 1% tax on lodging and short-term rentals. Any future revenue from the implementation of such a tax will be aimed at maintaining city utilities and roadways used by visitors during their stay. While the tax was notable, the...

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Law enforcement agencies within the county are asking the public to help them in apprehending the following wanted person( s) that frequent the Box Elder area. Persons with any information on these subjects are asked to call the following law enforcement agencies. Any and all information received is confidential. Law enforcement contact informationAdult Probation and Parole (435) 734-2066Brigham City PD (435) 734-6650Box Elder Sheriff’s Office (435) 734-3800Tremonton/Garland PD (435) 734-3800

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The Willard City Council on March 13 discussed a proposed development agreement for The Orchards at Willard Bay, a master planned community that prompted concerns over zoning consistency, housing density and adherence to the city’s land use vision. “Personally, I would say it’s not consistent with our general plan,” said Mayor Travis Mote, citing the number and size of smaller lots in the proposed layout. The city’s general plan, updated in April 2024, calls for half-acre lots. “If we use the MPC to circumvent the general plan, it’s a bait and switch,” Mote added. “Our subdivision ordinance and our MPC...

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While plenty of ground has already been broken for the project to build an overpass on Forest Street, an official groundbreaking ceremony will take place on Tuesday, April 1, at 11 a.m. near the Brigham City swimming pool at Pioneer Park. The public is invited to the event, where officials from Brigham City and the state will be on hand to officially start the project.

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The Box Elder County Commission ratified its line of succession document Wednesday, ensuring a clear chain of command for government operations in the event of an emergency. The document, submitted to Utah Division of Emergency Management Director Kris Hamlet, outlines the order of leadership if county officials are unable to perform their duties. Under Utah Code 53-2a-807, the commission chair will assume primary responsibility, followed by the next senior commissioner and then the remaining commissioner. If none of the commissioners are available, the county sheriff will take over, with the county attorney next in line if needed. The commission also...

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The Box Elder County Commission voted Wednesday to renominate Beth Holbrook for another term on the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) Board of Trustees, citing her role in expanding transit services in the county. Holbrook, who currently represents Davis, Weber, and Box Elder counties on the three-member UTA Board, addressed the commission about her work. “In the last little while, since I’ve been here, I’ve been able to purchase significant amounts of right-of-way for the future rail that will come through the FrontRunner extension up into Brigham City,” Holbrook said. She highlighted her efforts to establish transit-oriented developments in Brigham City...

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Brigham City resident Jack Leavitt was recognized for his dedication and contributions to the community during the March 6, Brigham City Council meeting. Brigham City Public Works Director Tyler Pugsley presented Leavitt with the Service to the Community Award, highlighting his significant impact on the city’s outdoor recreation and volunteer efforts. Pugsley described Leavitt as a selfless leader and a role model for volunteerism, noting his instrumental role in developing the Eagle Rise Trail network east of Mantua Reservoir. This trail, now a major destination for mountain biking and hiking in northern Utah, was largely built due to Leavitt’s vision...

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In new courts documents filed last week, investigators allege Ned Brady Hansen, former Tremonton fire chief, and Kevin Robert Christensen, former Box Elder County Justice Court judge, communicated online about sexually abusing children, and even engaged in a sexual relationship before their recent arrests. Both men remain in custody as authorities investigate their alleged involvement in child sexual abuse material (CSAM), enticement, attempted exploitation of minors, and possible physical sexual abuse. The cases began on Nov. 21, 2024, when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a report that a user on the app Kik had shared...

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