What do you know about Judicial Retention-MICHELE M. CHRISTIANSEN FORSTER

Judge Michele M. Christiansen Forster was appointed to the Utah Court of Appeals in June 2010 by Gov. Gary Herbert. Prior to her appointment, Judge Christiansen Forster had been serving as a Third District Court Judge since May 2007. 

Judge Christiansen Forster received her law degree from the University of Utah College of Law in 1995. She then served as a judicial law clerk for one year with the Honorable Tena Campbell, United States District Court Judge for the District of Utah, following which she joined the Salt Lake law firm of Parsons Behle & Latimer.

 In March 1998, Judge Christiansen Forster joined the United States Attorney's Office, District of Utah, as an Assistant United States Attorney. In January 2005, she was appointed executive director of the Utah Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice and in July of 2006, Judge Christiansen Forster became general counsel to Gov. Jon M. Huntsman, Jr. During her tenure in the Governor's Office, Judge Christiansen Forster co-chaired the Utah Methamphetamine Joint Task Force and chaired the Utah Sexual Violence Council. Huntsman appointed Forster a Third Judicial District Court judge in May 2007.^[4] Her docket was about 85 percent criminal cases and 15 percent civil cases.^[5] For 18 months, she presided over a mental health court, a specialty court in which members of the defense, the prosecution and medical providers work as a team to resolve and deal with criminal defendants that suffer from mental health problems.

When Huntsman left the governorship in 2009 to be the United States Ambassador to China, Huntsman chose Forster to swear him in.^[11] Governor Gary Herbert appointed Forster to the Utah Court of Appeals in May 2010. She was unanimously confirmed by the Utah State Senate in June 2010.

She served as a member of the Guardian Ad Litem Oversight Panel, the Utah Sentencing Commission Executive Committee, the Utah Substance Abuse and Anti-Violence Coordinating Council, the Governor's Violence Against Women and Families Cabinet Council, the Initiative on Utah Children in Foster Care, and the Access to Justice Council. 

Judge Christiansen Forster is an adjunct professor at the University of Utah S. J. Quinney College of Law, and currently serves as Co-chair of the Utah State Bar's Pro Bono Commission and on the Salt Lake County Bar Association Executive Committee. The judge is the past-president of the David K. Watkiss-Sutherland II Inn of Court, and previously served on the Executive Board of Women Lawyers of Utah, the Judicial Council's Ethics Advisory Opinion Committee, and as the chair of the Judicial Council's Commissioner Conduct Committee. 8/20 My name is Tiara Auxier and I am deeply proud to call Utah home. From a young age, I’ve been a passionate student of history, government, and the enduring qualities of our beloved country. Understanding our past has made me even more committed to our nation’s foundational values—values like hard work, integrity, and personal responsibility. We must continue to honor the sacrifice and vision of those who came before us.

After earning my B.A. in Accounting, I worked as a tax accountant before choosing to dedicate my time to raising a family with my wonderful husband. My professional experience solidified my belief that public funds must be treated with the utmost respect. I oppose wasteful spending and unnecessary tax increases. Utah deserves leaders who plan for the future, safeguard resources, and make fiscally responsible decisions.

As a devoted wife and mother with a lifelong passion for learning, education is so important to me. For the past several years I’ve served on District & School Community Councils in Salt Lake and Morgan counties, advocating for parents' rights to shape their children’s education and ensure curriculum decisions reflect our community values. During this time I have seen firsthand how many critical decisions are dictated at the state level. That realization is what has inspired me to step forward and seek a greater role to make a difference where it matters most.

I am serving to protect our state, our communities, and our families. The future depends on leaders with a strong voice who are willing to stand firm for conservative values, and protect the freedom to practice and live our religious beliefs. I will continue to stand up for what’s right, even when it’s unpopular, and feel honored to continue my family’s tradition of patriotism and public service in Utah. Together, we can preserve what makes our state and nation exceptional.

State House District 4

 Zane Wolstenhulme

Elizabeth and I have been married for 45 years, and we are the proud parents of six wonderful children and their spouses, along with 12 grandchildren. Everything I do comes back to them. Building a future where our children and grandchildren can afford to stay, raise families of their own, and thrive in the place we love is what drives me. That is who I am serving for, and it is why I am running.

Our communities deserve leadership rooted in common sense. As an administrator, I managed people, budgets, and the day to day work of getting things done. As mayor, I made hard calls, only because they were right for this community. That is the practical, results-focused leadership I will bring to the Utah House.

I am a product of this place. I grew up in this district, I have spent my life here, and the values of this community are the values I live by. I have watched it change, and I know how easily we lose what makes it special when the people shaping our future have no roots in our past. I am running to protect that heritage, so the next generation can build their lives here too.

The land, water, and open spaces here are part of who we are, and once they are gone we do not get them back. I believe we have a responsibility to safeguard our open land, protect clean water, and preserve the landscapes that define our communities. That takes honest stewardship and the courage to say no when something is wrong for this place. I am running to make sure the next generation inherits the same beauty and wide-open country we were lucky enough to grow up with.

Government works for the people, not the other way around, and too often that gets forgotten. I believe in being straight with the people I serve, spending public money carefully, and owning my decisions instead of passing the blame. As mayor, I answered directly to my community, and I never lost sight of who I was working for. I will bring that same honesty and openness to the Utah House, because you deserve a representative who tells you the truth and shows up to do the work.

State School Board District 1

 Dr. Cathy Callow-Heusser is a dedicated advocate for Utah students, families, and educators. Her campaign is built on a commitment to putting kids first and strengthening public education.

After working for 10 years as a software engineer at Utah State University's Center for Persons with Disabilities prior to completing education degrees, Cathy worked in public education as a math educator, early literacy coach, instructional developer, evaluator, and Federal grants principal investigator/director. Cathy taught at Cache High School, Bear River Middle School, and USU. Cathy has evaluated educational programs in Utah and in Bureau of Indian Education tribally-affiliated schools, working at school, state and Federal levels. She served as the Utah State Board of Education's Multi-Tiered System of Supports coordinator and instructional coach. She has coached teachers and administrators for over 20 years to improve literacy and math instruction and continues to work as a contractor, training K-8 teachers as they implement Science of Reading, Science of Learning, Structured Literacy, MTSS, and evidence-based best practices. Much of Cathy's work has focused on closing the gap for students with disabilities, students living in poverty, and students who are traditionally underserved.

Cathy raised four children including two with special needs, all graduates of Logan School District in Cache County. She and her husband, Val, have 10 grandchildren.

• As a staunch advocate of public education, Cathy believes taxpayer money earmarked for public education should remain with public education. Public schools (including Utah’s charter schools) serve every child, regardless of income, background, ability, or individual needs. The Utah Fits All Scholarship vouchers divert taxpayer dollars away from public education, reducing the funding that can be allocated to districts and schools. Additionally, Utah school funding is based on the number of students enrolled in a public schools. Utah Fits All funds awarded to students in local school districts decreases student public school enrollment in that district, which further reduces funds disbursed to schools based on weighted pupil units.
• From personal experience as an educator in Utah and in talking to other educators, almost all discussions of education priorities lead to funding. Utah has the second lowest per pupil funding, second only to Idaho. Low per pupil funding impacts local taxes; class sizes; teacher support, training & benefits; teacher burnout; student academic & emotional support services; number of mental health, behavior, social services, special ed and school safety staff; early child education; programs for students with special needs, career and technical education, concurrent enrollment; extracurricular activities; curricula & technology choices; school closures & consolidation, and equitable access to educational opportunities.
• As a software engineer, Cathy has been involved in AI development and use since the 80s. She is concerned that AI use for student learning has been implemented without sufficient evidence of effectiveness and may be doing more harm than good in supporting student learning. Yet, while most software distributors make claims about the effectiveness of AI, actual effectiveness in supporting student learning has not yet been demonstrated for most software. In fact, current studies demonstrate that student learning is often harmed. We need careful, thoughtful discussions based on actual data and high quality studies as we determine what's best for students.

Jennie Earl graduated from Southern Utah University with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a minor in math and special education. She later earned a master’s degree in education from Weber State University. Her professional experience includes teaching students with special needs and teaching middle school math.

 

Jennie values time spent visiting schools in her area and listening to the needs of students, families, and educators. As a member of the Utah State Board of Education, she has worked for the last seven years to advance sound education policy by supporting efforts that strengthen families, expand educator support, and improve academic standards. She is intentional in researching policy, advocating thoughtfully, and working toward practical solutions for the educational needs of her constituents.

 

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Jennie is known as a hard worker who collaborates well with others. Outside of her public service, she enjoys family game nights, spending time with her 6 children and 4 grandchildren, and working in her garden.

Rich County Planning & Zoning

  

 

Greetings from Rich County Planning & Zoning,

 

Rich County Planning and Zoning will hold a public hearing to take input on the proposed conditional use application submitted by Union Wireless.  The application requests to “rip and replace” an existing tower with a 60’ cellular tower at 2426 E 2200 S, Randolph, UT.

 

The public hearing will be held Thursday, October 29, 2026 at 7:00 pm at the Laketown City Office Building at 10 N 200 E, Laketown, UT.

 

Since you represent an agency/organization that may have oversight or might be impacted by the application you are being notified.

Attached is a copy of portions of the application that would be of value for you to review.  If we receive no comment from you, we will consider your approval granted for this application.

The entire application can be viewed at the Bear Lake Regional Commission located at 69 N. Paradise Pkwy. Bldg. B.  Garden City, Utah.

 

Written comments longer than one page must be submitted to the Planning and Zoning Administrator two days prior to the meeting. 

The administrator can be reached at 208-847-5275 or 435-946-2198.

 

Mailed comments can be sent to the following address:

P.O. Box 472

Garden City, UT 84028

Or emailed to: mitch@bearlakeregionalcommission.org

 

Sincerely,

 

Mitch Poulsen

Laketown Planning & Zoning Commission

  PUBLIC NOTICE

Laketown Planning and Zoning Commission Public Hearing
Notice is hereby given that the Laketown Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing to receive public comment on proposed corner lot sizes and setbacks within Laketown City limits.
The public hearing will be held on October 28 at 7:00pm at the Laketown Town Office, 10 N. 200 E., Laketown, UT 84038.
The Planning and Zoning Commission will consider the following proposed ordinances and may take action on this item:
1.	Corner Lot setbacks - Laketown Planning and Zoning is proposing an ordinance to regulate the setbacks on all street sides of a corner lot to be 30 feet within Laketown City limits.
The Commission will receive public comment on this item and may forward a recommendation to the Laketown Town Council.
All interested persons are invited to attend the public hearing and provide comments. Written comments may also be submitted to the Town prior to the hearing.
A copy of the proposed ordinances may be reviewed at the Laketown Town Office during regular business hours.
Published this 16 day of October, 2026.

 The agenda for the meeting is as follows: (NOTE: The agenda may be accelerated or the line items may be discussed in any order.)
 Welcome
1.	Pledge of Allegiance
2.	Minutes
3.	PUBLIC HEARING 
a.	Lot sizes
i.	Brief Summary/Presentation By Laketown Planning and Zoning Commissioner
ii.	Motion/Second/Vote to open the Public Hearing
iii.	Call the public for comments (Note: Public should state name clearly for the record.)
iv.	Motion/Second/Vote to close the Public Hearing
v.	Additional Planning Commission discussion (if needed)
vi.	Motion/Second/Vote to either:
1.	Recommend approval to the Town Council; OR
2.	Recommend approval to the Town Council with modifications; OR
3.	Recommend denial to the Town Council with reasons therefore.
Continue with Public Planning and Zoning Meeting (See Agenda)


Laketown Planning & Zoning Commission Agenda
October 28, 2026
		7:00 PM  

10 N. 200 E., Laketown, UT 84038
       Welcome

1.	Pledge of Allegiance
2.	Minutes
3.	Public Hearing on Corner Lot setbacks
4.	Report from City Council
5.	Around the Room

					

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 Laketown Town Office at (435) 946-9000, 10 North 200 East, Laketown, Utah, on Monday through Wednesday at least 3 working days prior to the public hearing. The office hours are 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Individuals with speech and/or hearing impairments may call the Relay Utah by dialing 711. Spanish Relay Utah 1-888-346-3162.

Notice of Electronic or telephone participation:

NA

Other information:

Location:

10 N. 200 E., LAKETOWN, 84038

Contact information:

Amber Droesbeke , clerk@laketownutah.com, (435)946-9000