Kaysville’s 2024 Unsung Hero  

Jerry Goodspeed was named by Mayor Tran as Kaysville’s Unsung Hero for 2024 and will be honored at Kaysville's Patriotic Devotional as part of the 4th of July Celebration. The Patriotic Devotional will be held on Sunday, June 30, at 7:00 PM at Davis High School's Auditorium.

Jerry Goodspeed, a native of Washington, received his Bachelor of Science in Horticulture from Washington State University and his Master's in Plant Science from Utah State University. In 1991, he and his wife moved to Kaysville with their six children. Jerry began his Extension career at the Salt Lake County Extension Office in 1990. By 1994, he became Weber County’s first horticulture agent and the inaugural director of the newly-established Ogden Botanical Gardens. In 2014, Jerry also took on the role of directing the Utah State University Botanical Center in Kaysville. Throughout his 30-year tenure in Extension, Jerry has authored numerous newspaper articles, co-authored a wildflower book, served as an expert on various TV and radio programs, and earned regional and national awards for his exceptional work.

Under Jerry's leadership at the USU Botanical Center, several demonstration gardens have been established, including the Edible Demonstration Garden featuring over 100 fruit trees, berries, and vegetables; the expansive Varga Arboretum with over 450 tree varieties; and gardens dedicated to irises, ornamental grasses, dwarf conifers, perennials, and more. Jerry was also instrumental in the creation of the Davis Agricultural Heritage Center, which includes indoor and outdoor arenas, stalls, and parking, enhancing community access to educational and recreational opportunities across its 100 acres.

Located north of the USU Botanical Center, the Agricultural Heritage Center serves as a hub for diverse agricultural and western-themed events, preserving Utah's agricultural legacy. Mark your calendars for this year’s Summer Fun Fest on Saturday, August 3, 2024, featuring horse rides, animal encounters, a dog show, youth market, 4-H indoor exhibits, and a livestock auction, among other attractions!

Celebrating 35 Years of Dedication: Firefighter Brent Law's Journey with Kaysville Fire Department

Firefighter Brent Law was recently honored for his 35 years of unwavering service with the Kaysville Fire Department, marking a career defined by dedication, compassion, and community spirit. In a heartfelt ceremony attended by colleagues, city officials, and well-wishers, Chief Paul Erickson praised Brent's outstanding commitment, highlighting his dual role as both a firefighter and fleet coordinator for the Forest Service.

Chief Erickson recounted Brent's journey, which began in 1989 when he joined the department shortly after obtaining his EMT certification. Reflecting on his early aspirations, Brent initially considered a career in law enforcement but found his true calling in serving as an emergency medical technician and firefighter. Growing up on a farm in west Kaysville, Brent's upbringing instilled in him a deep sense of community and a desire to make a meaningful impact in people's lives.

Over the decades, Brent has witnessed significant transformations within the Kaysville Fire Department, from technological advancements to the expansion of medical services provided by firefighters. Chief Erickson commended Brent for his role in embracing these changes and for his unwavering dedication to improving emergency response capabilities.

During the ceremony, Chief Erickson presented Brent with a commemorative plaque, recognizing his 35 years of exemplary service and leadership. In his acceptance speech, Brent expressed gratitude to the mayor, city council members, Chief Erickson, and his fellow firefighters for their unwavering support throughout his career. He highlighted the strong camaraderie within the department, emphasizing that teamwork has been fundamental to their success in serving the Kaysville community.

2024 Lemonade Stand Challenge 

Our third annual Lemonade Stand Challenge is underway! The Kaysville Police Department and the Kaysville Fire Department challenge you to host a lemonade stand this summer. Each agency will earn a point for every person in attendance at the stand (picture required). 

We look forward to this event each year and are excited to continue the tradition, strengthening our relationships with our wonderful community.

Pick up the phone and let them know about your stand! Their social media pages are not monitored 24/7, so calling is recommended.

Kaysville Police: 801-546-1131
Kaysville Fire: 801-544-2860
Afterhours & Weekends, call Davis County Dispatch at 801-451-4150, option 0. Please request they sent both police and fire.

DIY Water Audits for Lawn Watering

The primary grass grown in Utah is cool-season grass. Cool-season grasses thrive best in spring and fall due to their growth cycles but can experience stress in summer from heat and inadequate water. One effective way to manage lawn quality and reduce water consumption is to follow the state watering guidelines specific to your area, which will indicate how often to water per week: https://conservewater.utah.gov/weekly-lawn-watering-guide/

Watering ½ inch per irrigation can be difficult to measure. The Weber Basin Water Conservancy District offers a free do-it-yourself water audit kit. When used correctly, this kit will help you understand your sprinkler system's application rate and the uniformly of water distribution across your lawn. This will help you to adjust watering times for each zone to achieve the recommended ½ inch of water, and identify areas that may be receiving insufficient water due to sprinkler system issues that require repair or improvement. You can pick up your audit kit at the Weber Basin Water Conservancy's Office located at 2837 E Highway 193, Layton, between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.