Community news from KPCW
Welcome to The Local, your source for community news from your friendly neighborhood public radio station. KPCW is the only nonprofit source of daily news across Wasatch and Summit counties.
We have hand-selected a few recent articles that reflect the happenings in our vibrant, eclectic and engaged community. Go to kpcw.org to read – and listen – like a local.
Wasatch County’s Deer Creek High will welcome first students this year
This fall, Wasatch County’s second high school will open its doors to the first classes of Deer Creek Riverhawks.
Deer Creek High School has been under construction on state Route 113 since May 2023.
Principal Justin Kelly said residents will be able to access new outdoor sports facilities as soon as June 1. Indoor facilities remain under construction, including the main and auxiliary gyms, dance studio, weight room and track.
He said Deek Creek will have the same course offerings as Wasatch and similar layout, but the building’s walls are squared off, rather than curved. The entrance also has a train station feel, with a high ceiling and exposed metal supports; a nod to the nearby Heber Valley Railroad.
Kelly also said students will help name the main gym and write the school’s fight song.
Growth rate, demographics shifting across Wasatch County
By Grace Doerfler
State data show Wasatch County is in for some significant demographic shifts.
The University of Utah’s Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute projections indicate the county’s growth rate will likely slow to about 2% over the next 30 years. That’s a drop from the average 4-6% rate seen since 2000.
The median age will also change, going from 35 to almost 50 over the next three decades.
With the rapidly changing community in mind, the county is revising its land use policies as part of a general plan update. The last comprehensive plan was done in 2001.
The general plan sets guidelines to prevent sprawl, protect open space and make sure developed land is appropriately used.
At 1,200 square miles, Wasatch County is larger than Rhode Island. About 70% is controlled by state or federal governments; cities and towns make up 7%.
Construction begins on $48M Wasatch County government building
By Grace Doerfler
Construction is underway on the new Wasatch County government administration building at Southfield Road and state Route 113.
Project manager Richard Breitenbeker said construction will last about 1.5 years. When complete, the new building will be 63,000 square feet.
The price tag for the facility is about $47.5 million and will be funded through savings, development fees and a bond. Part of the bond will be used to refinance renovations to the county justice center.
Breitenbaker said the county won’t have to raise taxes for the project.
The building will house most county services, making it easier for residents to get help with taxes, driver’s licenses and other needs.
County public works, the health department and legal services will stay in their existing homes.
