Thursday, April 30, 2026
Monday, April 27, 2026
America 250-The History of New York (by Jessica Brain)
Previously known as New Amsterdam and formerly in the hands of the Dutch,(also known as VOC) in 1664 the settlement, now known as New York, found itself under British rule. How this came about can be traced back to a tiny island called Run, in modern-day Malaysia
June 1665, one of the most famous cities in the world became known by its new name, New York, which was formally adopted and renamed in honour of the Duke of York, brother of King Charles II.
It was previously known as New Amsterdam and in the hands of the Dutch, but after international conflict between expanding and competing empires, the city found itself acquiring a new name and with new rulers, the British. How this happened and why, can be traced back to the tiny Asian island known as Run.
Located in what is now Indonesia, the Banda Islands was a group of islands that became a significant prize for the competing colonial interests of European powers during the Age of Discovery.

This period in history, also known as the Age of Exploration began in the 15th century and lasted almost two centuries, during which time various European powers competed to explore, reach and colonise new lands with the aim of bringing back vast treasures and commodities which would boost their economies back home.
In1609 Henry Hudson, an English explorer, was hired by the VOC to find the elusive and highly sought after route known as the Northeast Passage which many hoped would deliver a shorter more navigable route to Asia.
After coming up against treacherous Arctic conditions to the east, Hudson and his crew decided to sail westwards and landed at Newfoundland. Hudson believed that the passage to the Pacific Ocean could be found in the Americas and began exploring, eventually sailing up the major river which was subsequently named after him.
Once he returned to Europe, Hudson’s reports of new territory with vast potential and fertile land began to stimulate interest, particularly amongst Dutch traders.
Subsequently, Dutch-led expeditions set sail in 1611 and encountered and surveyed the area between Maryland and M in a series of four voyages, with charts using the name ‘New Netherland’ for the first time.
So much history left for you to search.
In the late 18th century, colonists in New York rebelled along with the other Thirteen Colonies, and supported the American Revolutionary War that led to the founding of the United States. British claims in New York were ended by the 1783 Treaty of Paris, with New York establishing its independence from the crown. The final evacuation of New York City by the British Army was followed by the return of General George Washington's Continental Army on November 25, 1783, in a grand parade and celebration.
Bear Lake Special Service District
Bear Lake Special Service District is currently seeking a community member to fill an open position on the Sewer Board.
Town of Garden City, UT Public Hearing to choose a new mayor on Fri. May 8th
1. Roll Call 2. Garden City Mayoral Candidate Nomination(s) Discussion/Approval 3. Appointment of Mayor 4. Oath of Office 5. Adjournment
Notice of Special Accommodations:
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals needing special accommodations (including auxiliary communicative aids and services) during this public hearing should notify the Garden City Office at (435) 946-2901, 69 N. Paradise Parkway, Garden City, Utah, on Monday through Friday, at least 3 working days prior to the public hearing. The office hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Notice of Electronic or telephone participation:
Contact the Garden City Office 1 business day prior to the scheduled meeting for electronic participation information, 435-946-2901.
Other information:
Location:
69 N Paradise Parkway Bldg C, Garden City, 84028
Contact information:
Town Clerk , office@gardencityutah.gov,
Sunday, April 26, 2026
Obituary-Shawn Wesley Tingey
With profound sadness, we say goodbye to Shawn Wesley Tingey (Layton, Utah), whose vibrant spirit touched the lives of many. Shawn left this world on April 16, 2026 at the age of 63, leaving a void in the lives of so many people. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of Shawn Wesley Tingey to show support.
In the quiet moments of reflection, let us honor Shawn's memory by embracing the beauty of each fleeting moment, knowing that his spirit resides in the eternal tapestry of existence, forever woven into the fabric of our hearts.
He was predeceased by: his father Wesley Tingey; his brother Brian Tingey; and his nephew Eric Tingey. He is survived by: his mother Dorothy Tingey; and his wife Ana-Victoria Tingey. He is also survived by his four children, nine grandchildren; and his five siblings.
Viewing will be held on Friday, May 1st 2026 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at the Layton Hills Stake Center (2300 University Park Blvd, Layton, UT 84041). A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 1st 2026 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the same location.
Friends and family are welcome to bring flowers or any donations to support the family during this diffic
Saturday, April 25, 2026
Obituary- Michael Ivan Leonhardt
Michael Ivan Leonhardt passed away on April 21, 2026, after a short but courageous battle with cancer. He was 58 years old.
Mike was born on April 2, 1968, and was raised in Montpelier, Idaho, where he spent most of his youth. He attended Bear Lake High School and built lifelong friendships and memories in the close-knit community he loved. Growing up alongside his three sisters, Mike shared a childhood filled with laughter, playful teasing, and strong family bonds that remained important to him throughout h
From an early age, Mike was immersed in the family businesses and fondly recalled growing up on the Pepsi and Cream of Weber trucks, experiences that shaped his strong work ethic and deep appreciation for family and tradition.
Mike later made his home in Garden City, Utah, where he became a dedicated and passionate member of the community. His commitment to public service led him to serve as City council member, Mayor for three terms and other committees and boards. Mike also served as Fire Chief for Garden City and volunteered with Bear Lake County Search and Rescue. Through each of these roles, he worked tirelessly to protect, support, and strengthen the community he loved. He cared deeply about the people around him and was driven by a desire to leave a lasting, positive legacy- which he undoubtedly achieved through his leadership and service. In 2011, Mike finally found the love of his life- Tami, his “bride,” as he often referred to her. Together, they blended two families and lived life to its fullest, whether spending time with loved ones, taking rides in their Jeep, or enjoying the open road on their Harley. His Harley friends soon became family to him, just as he became family to them. He had a gift of making everyone feel like they were his best friend.
He will be remembered for his devotion to his wife and family, his unwavering commitment to his community, and his genuine, caring spirit. Mike’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the community he helped shape - a life well lived, and a legacy that will not be forgotten.
Mike had a strong testimony of his Savior, Jesus Christ, and a deep faith in the eternal nature of families, which brought him comfort, purpose, and guidance throughout his life.
Mike is survived by Tami, his children; Aaron Leonhardt (Alisha), Whitney Johnson (Adam), Amanda Kramer (Roger), Janessa Nielson (Austin), Ashley George (Spencer), Jessica Smith (Scott), Kaylee Allred (Rylon), and 24 grandchildren. Parents; Ivan and Vona Vee Leonhardt. Siblings; Bobbi Leonhardt (Nancy), Kerri Whipple (Brian), Lori Carlsen (Brandon).
He is also survived by his Harley family.
He is preceded in death by his infant sister Mary Eliza.
Services will be held at the Garden City LDS 1st ward church. Viewings will be held on Thursday, April 30 from 6:00-8:00 p.m., and Friday, May 1st from 10:00-11:30 a.m., with the funeral service beginning at 12:00 on Friday. Interment to take place at the Garden City Cemetery.
Friday, April 24, 2026
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Congratulations to Julie Dotson Nelson-Entreprenuer
Keeping it Crunchy, Montpelier local to hold launch party on May 9 for new “Cereal Saver” product By Stephanie Bachman-West Correspondent A Montpelier local has whipped up a new invention designed to offer cereal consumers a new way to enjoy their morning bowl of Captain Crunch. Julie Nelson, who kicked off her marketing and advertising firm Creative Connections last year, is using her promotional skills to launch her own physical product, the Cereal Saver, come this spring. As its name implies, the Cereal Saver is a bowl insert that elevates the cereal from the milk to prevent it from getting soggy. The insert resembles a kitchen strainer and flexes downward when you press on it with your spoon, Nelson explained, allowing you to saturate your cereal with milk to create the desired consistency. “It was interesting because I was talking to people about it…to survey them about their cereal habits... and I come to find out that there’s a lot of texture-sensitive people, See especially kids, (who) can’t eat certain things because of the texture,” Nelson said. In addition to the Cereal Saver addressing texture-sensitive issues and helping prevent waste from soggy cereal getting tossed out, Nelson also noted that it helps herself with mindful eating and being aware of just how much cereal she’s consuming. “I’ve noticed that it helps with portion control,” she said. “It’s kind of like mindful eating. (It helps me) slow down and be present, which I find harder and harder to do these days because everybody’s in a rush.” Made of food-grade durometer santoprene, the insert is dishwasher safe and fits most standard cereal bowls, making it an accessible and universal tool for everyday kitchens. Nelson is pleased to announce that the Cereal Saver was made and manufactured in Bear Lake, and that it will be sold at local boutique shops and vendor shows through its website. It will also be available on the website Faire Wholesale for boutique owners to add to their shops. On May 9 she’s holding a launch party for the Cereal Saver at the Oregon Trail Center at 320 N 4th St. from 4 PM to 6 PM where individuals can purchase the insert, try it out at a cereal bar, and take photos at a red-carpet photo booth. A percentage of the proceeds raised at the party will be donated to the Bear Lake Senior Center. “I think it’ll be fun to have a little countdown and introduce it to get the community involved with it,” she said. “It’s amazing to me, especially in these rural areas, how people have all these at-home businesses but you don’t get to see a lot of it unless there are vendor shows. So I want to crack it open and say ‘look at some of the stuff that the people in our community are doing.’” She also plans to hold a “Crunch Club” where the first couple hundred buyers can become founding members and receive goodies such as stickers and get behind the idea of helping a new product take off. Coming from a background of marketing, Nelson explained that the process of pulling together a product and promoting it has been a rewarding journey, especially since she’s been able to apply all 4/15/26, 5:23 PM D: The Bear Laker about:blank 1/2 Copyright (c) 2026 Montpelier News Examiner, Edition 4/15/2026 Powered by TECNAVIA Copyright (c) 2026 Montpelier News Examiner, Edition 4/15/2026 she’s learned and give the Cereal Saver a good promotional push. “It makes (me) feel good about some of the training I’ve had leading up to this that’s kind of made it possible,” she said. “I’ve got a degree in communications, but I also was the marketing manager at the hospital for 12 years and worked and owned my own magazine publishing company and did sales and the distribution. So there’s just like all these little things that kind of lead you, but this is the first time bringing a product to market that’s my own. It’s been such a fun journey to take all those things and that mixed bag and turn it into something really cool.” To learn more about the Cereal Saver and the launch party, check out its website at www.cerealsaver. com or its Instagram page @cerealsaver.
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Woodruff Town Board Meeting
Date: April 21, 2026 Time: 5:00 p.m. Location: Town Hall________
Items to Be Discussed 1 Meet with Skyview Excavation and Grading 2 Discuss 4th of July 3 Follow up from previous meetings 4 Approval of minutes from March meeting 5 Approval of April bills 6 Review and initial bank statements/credit card statement/monthly reports 7 Other board concerns 8 9
Laketown Planning & Zoning Commission Agenda
Laketown Planning & Zoning Commission Agenda
April 29, 2026 7:00 PM 10 N. 200 E., Laketown, UT 84038 Welcome 1. Pledge of Allegiance 2. Minutes 3. John Njord building permit 4. Brandon Willis building permit 5. Discussion of Right of Way on Main Street 6. Open discussion on Lot Sizes 7. Report from City Council 8. Other 9. Around the Room
Monday, April 20, 2026
Rich County Communities Transformation Coalition CHANGE of DATE 5/9 to Honor Mayor Mike
The Rich County Communities Transformation Coalition (CTC) will host a community event at the fire station to unveil a newly installed mural highlighting the importance of family connection in preventing youth substance use.
Community members are invited to attend on May 9 from 12 to 2 p.m. to learn more about substance use prevention while enjoying a family-friendly afternoon. Activities will include face painting, fire truck tours, prizes, and free food while supplies last.
