The Willard City Council expressed support for compensating members of the city’s planning and zoning commission at its June 26 meeting, advancing a proposal to pay for each meeting attended. The plan covers both reg ular and alternate members. Mayor Travis Mote emphasized the importance of including alternates, saying, “It’s good to have the alternate members there, even if they’re not sitting.” Willard City Manager Jeremy Kimpton said the language was written to apply broadly. “That is why I put ‘ per meeting attended,’” he said, adding that the intent was to include all who contribute by attending. Councilmembers...

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The Willard City Council has approved its 5,591 share of the proposed 1,150 budget for the Willard/ Perry wastewater treatment plant for fiscal year 2026. The unanimous vote came during the council’s June 26 meeting, with members emphasizing operational readiness and new enforcement measures over cost figures. Willard City Manager Jeremy Kimpton explained that the updated budget— already integrated into Willard’s sewer fund—includes increased staffing and equipment to meet safety and technical demands. The plant, originally described as a one-person operation, now requires three full-time employees. “The engineers back in the day sold this plant by saying you only needed...

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The Box Elder County Commission approved the creation of three Agricultural Protection Areas (APAs) at their June 25 meeting, formally recognizing a combined 19,430 acres of protected farmland in unincorporated parts of the county. The largest of the three, covering 18,982 acres for Young Resources, lies in the remote western portion of the county near Park Valley and Lucin. The other two include nearly 415 acres in the Harper Ward area for Thornley and Friends, and 33 acres in West Corinne for Curtis Marble. A joint public hearing wa held for all three APA peti ions The hearing drew comments...

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A proposal to clarify sewer lateral connection ownership and maintenance responsibilities in Willard was tabled by the Willard City Council on June 26, after city councilmembers expressed concerns over potential liability for homeowners and the fairness of enforcement. During a public hearing on Ordinance 25-13, councilmembers and Willard City Manager Jeremy Kimpton debated whether residents should be responsible for maintaining sewer lateral lines all the way to the main line under the street. The proposed ordinance, recommended by city engineers, would have clarified that homeowners own and maintain the full length of their lateral sewer lines, including sections that run...

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The red areas of these maps show where fire restrictions are in effect for Perry (above) and Willard (below). In both cities, restrictions are in effect any where east of U.S. Highway 89. In Perry, there are also restrictions west of Perry Street.

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The U13 girls team from BE United went undefeated to secure the gold medal from their home tournament, the Golden Spike Classic, on June 20-21 (top photo). The team earned the gold with a 2-0 win over Summit, and only allowed one goal throughout the entire tournament. Team members are: Grace Bevan, Elsie Sturdevant, Pennelope De Jesus, Nevaeh Martinez, Myra Schwab, Paisley Olson, Lyla Holland, Kaylee Cefalo, Henley Judd, Livvy Roberts, Paisley Hadfield, Lulu Browne, Laykin Norman, Annalise Elegante, and Zoey Abrams. Coaches are Kelly Nelson, Zac Roberts and Shalisa Elegante. On June 25-28, the team competed in the gold...

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With the peak of summer ahead, state water officials are planning for hot, dry weather driving up demand. With drought conditions persisting across the state, using water wisely is more important than ever. Storms in the southern part of the state have improved the situation, while drought conditions have worsened in the northern part of the state. Overall, 91% of the state remains in moderate to severe drought. “Temperatures have soared and with that comes a natural increase in outdoor watering,” Candice Hasenyager director at the Utah Division of Water Resources, said. “We want our lawns and gardens to look...

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Former Tremonton Fire Chief Ned Brady Hansen has been charged with aggravated sexual abuse of a child, a first-degree felony, following new allegations that he molested a girl under the age of 10 while in a position of trust. The charge, filed July 2 in Utah’s 2nd District Court in Ogden, expands the criminal case against Hansen, who was already facing eight counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. According to a probable cause statement from the Utah Attorney General’s Office, the newly identified victim came forward after Hansen’s January arrest. She told investigators that Hansen had touched her inappropriately...

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Editor’s note: It is the policy of the News Journal not to identify victims of sexual crimes. Events in this story may have been omitted and/or obscured in order to protect the identity of the victim. The accused are considered innocent of any alleged crimes until their court cases are concluded. A Perry couple has been ordered held without bail following their arrest on multiple first- and second degree felony sex crimes stemming from an incident in early May. According to probable cause statements filed in 1st District Court, Ryan Wood, 37, and his wife K’Dee Wood, 37, were arrested...

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Fire restrictions are in effect across Box Elder County, including specific regulated zones within Brigham City, Perry and Willard, in response to hot, dry conditions and elevated fire risk. On June 28, a statewide Stage 1 fire restriction was issued by the Utah State Forester. The order prohibits open fires on unincorporated state and private lands except within established fire pits in improved campgrounds or on private property in permanently constructed fire pits with pressurized water available. Other banned activities include smoking near dry vegetation, fireworks, tracer ammunition, cutting or welding in vegetated areas, and the use of internal combustion...

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