Ogden Week in Review

Weber County Fair: The annual county fair kicked off this week, running Aug. 6–9 at the Golden Spike Event Center in Ogden. Organizers promised “something for everyone” – from rodeos and carnival rides to delicious fair food and agricultural exhibits. Crowds of families and neighbors have been gathering to enjoy the festivities and celebrate Weber County traditions.

National Night Out: Tuesday, Aug. 5 was National Night Out, and communities across northern Utah held events to build police-community partnerships. Local neighborhoods (including Ogden, North Ogden, Pleasant View and others) hosted cookouts, safety fairs, and “Night Out Against Crime” block parties to help neighbors meet local law enforcement in a positive setting.

Ogden Pride Festival: Ogden’s 11th annual Pride celebration took place over the weekend and into this week, featuring the Ogden Pride Festival at the downtown amphitheater. The festivities included a “Pink Pony Prom” and live entertainment, all under this year’s theme “Pride Cannot Be Silenced”. At a rally on Saturday, LGBTQ+ community leaders and allies spoke out about recent challenges and affirmed they “will not be silenced,” urging support and understanding despite political pressures.

Ogden Twilight Concert: The popular Ogden Twilight Summer Concert Series continued on Thursday night, Aug. 7, with a headlining performance by British DJ and producer Jamie xx at the Ogden Amphitheater. The outdoor show turned downtown into a dance party for local indie and electronic music fans. (Upcoming Twilight shows will feature bands like The Head and the Heart on Aug. 13 and Wilco on Aug. 20.)

Local Arts & Culture: Ogden Musical Theatre wrapped up its summer production of “Annie” at Peery’s Egyptian Theater this week. The family-friendly Broadway classic ran from late July through Aug. 9 with strong local attendance. Meanwhile, the Ogden Nature Center hosted an outdoor folk concert by The Wildwoods, adding to a lively week of arts and entertainment in the Ogden area.

Blues, Brews & Classic Cars at Snowbasin: Snowbasin Resort hosted its second annual Blues & Brews weekend festival in Huntsville. This year the event expanded to two days – Saturday featured a classic car show and Sunday showcased modern cars, coinciding with the resort’s outdoor blues concerts and local craft brews both days. Car enthusiasts and music lovers gathered under the summer sun for the “Blues & Brews” series, enjoying live bands, food, and dozens of shiny vintage and modern vehicles on display.

Farmers Market Draws Downtown Crowd: Ogden’s summer Farmers Market filled Historic 25th Street on Saturday morning with dozens of local vendors. Residents perused booths for fresh produce, artisanal foods, crafts and more from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., while street performers and live music added to the lively atmosphere. The weekly market continues to be a social Saturday staple for the community, supporting local farms and small businesses.

Quirky “yART” Sale: In a blend of art and oddity, Ogden’s Own Distillery held its annual “yART Sale” on Saturday evening. Part yard sale, part art bazaar, the event invited locals to browse discounted art pieces, quirky collectibles, and distillery merchandise while enjoying music and spirits. The tongue-in-cheek event’s name says it all – it’s a yard sale with an artsy Ogden twist. Attendees reported finding everything from local artwork to one-of-a-kind upcycled curios. The casual gathering has become a fun summertime tradition for those looking for offbeat treasures (and perhaps a taste of Ogden’s Own gin or vodka on the side). It’s another example of Ogden’s unique culture, where community creativity and a sense of humor shine through.

Ogden Delegation Visits Sister City: Ogden City officials – all seven city council members and Mayor Ben Nadolski – returned from a goodwill trip to Hof, Germany, Ogden’s sister city since 1954. From July 29 to Aug. 4, the Ogden delegation toured Hof’s downtown, university, and even joined the city’s annual Volksfest. Councilmembers noted striking similarities between Ogden and Hof – both former industrial hubs facing challenges like aging infrastructure and housing costs – and came back inspired by Hof’s walkable public spaces and community events. Ogden leaders expressed hope to strengthen the sister-city relationship and apply some of Hof’s ideas for community-building at home.

Election Turnout Outlook: Weber County’s municipal primary elections are coming up on Aug. 12, and the county clerk’s office provided an update on expected voter turnout. County Clerk/Auditor Ricky Hatch reported that as of mid-week, only about 12.5% of mailed ballots had been returned, but he predicts final turnout in the “low 30s” percent – just shy of the original 34% projection. Ogden City voters will be narrowing the field for two at-large city council seats, while residents of newly-incorporated upper Ogden Valley (along with Harrisville, North Ogden, Roy and other cities) are voting in mayoral and council primaries. Hatch reminded voters that ballots must be in a drop box or the election office by 8 p.m. on Election Day (postmarking by mail is no longer sufficient under new state deadlines).

Property Tax Debate: The Weber School District Board of Education held a Truth-in-Taxation hearing on Aug. 6 that drew a standing-room-only crowd, after homeowners saw notices of a potential 21% property tax increase. Facing public opposition, the board ultimately approved a smaller 5.64% tax increase, which will raise an average homeowner’s bill by about $47 a year and generate an extra $9.7 million for the district. District officials said the revenue is needed to maintain services, cover inflation in building costs, and fund state-mandated school safety upgrades like secure entrances and panic alarm systems. By adopting the increase, Weber Schools also avoid losing state education funds under a new law that rewards districts for meeting local funding targets. (Ogden School District, which is separate, has its own tax hearing scheduled later in August.)

Redistricting Lawsuit Looms: Utah could soon be thrust into the national spotlight over congressional redistricting. A state judge is expected to rule any day on a lawsuit challenging Utah’s current congressional maps, which plaintiffs say were drawn in 2021 to dilute Democratic voters after lawmakers overrode a voter-approved independent redistricting commission. If the court sides with the anti-gerrymandering groups, the Republican-controlled legislature might be forced to redraw Utah’s 4 House districts before 2026. Voting rights advocates note this would potentially restore a competitive seat that was eliminated – and they are watching closely as other states engage in a “redistricting arms race” mid-decade. The decision, which comes after years of legal battles, could make Utah a key test case in the fight over partisan gerrymandering.

Moore Targets Counterfeits: In federal news with a local connection, Rep. Blake Moore (R-UT) – who represents Northern Utah – introduced bipartisan legislation in Congress to crack down on counterfeit goods entering the U.S.. The bill, co-sponsored by Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL), would allow Customs and Border Protection to share more information with e-commerce platforms and rights holders to intercept fake products at the border. Moore, a member of the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, said Utah businesses are hurt by a flood of pirated and knockoff goods, and better real-time intelligence sharing will help “shut down routes exploited by counterfeit operations”. (Companion legislation was also introduced in the Senate last week.) While not yet law, the effort shows our local congressman’s focus on trade issues that impact Utah companies.

University of Utah Program Cuts: In statewide education news, the University of Utah announced plans to eliminate over 80 academic programs as it complies with a new state “degree reinvestment” law. The law directs universities to consolidate or drop programs with low enrollment and redirect funds to high-demand fields. The cuts (which include certain majors, minors and certificates) have raised concern among some students and alumni in Northern Utah, though most affected programs have very few students. University leaders say the changes will free up resources for growing programs in technology, health, and business, and note that current students in any eliminated major will be allowed to finish their degrees before programs fully close. Ogden-area families with students at the U. are encouraged to check if their programs are impacted.

Sevier Lake Mining Lawsuit: An environmental coalition filed suit against a planned lithium mining project at Sevier Lake in central-west Utah. The project, aimed at extracting minerals from the dry lakebed, was fast-tracked by state legislation, but critics claim it could harm wildlife and air quality (windblown dust from Sevier’s playa is a concern that echoes dust issues at the Great Salt Lake). While Sevier Lake is far from Ogden, any precedent on balancing Utah’s resource development with environmental protection is of interest regionally. The case could influence how the state proceeds on other projects impacting air and water – including efforts to protect the Great Salt Lake, which Northern Utah residents depend on for ecology and air quality.

Solar Energy Grants Pulled Back: A recent move by the Trump administration’s EPA may affect future clean energy programs in Utah. On Friday it was announced that nearly $7 billion in federal “Solar for All” grants – funding intended to help low-income households adopt solar power – are being canceled. The EPA notified 60 grant recipients (mostly state energy offices and community groups) that the funds, originally authorized in a 2022 law, have been rescinded by a new budget law signed in July. Democratic lawmakers blasted the decision as potentially illegal and a “betrayal…of working families,” arguing it will raise energy bills for many Americans. Utah’s state government had been exploring Solar for All opportunities; now those plans are uncertain. The cut may especially impact low-income and rural Utah residents who might have benefitted from solar panel assistance. Legal challenges are expected, but unless reversed, the funding rollback could slow local solar installation efforts in the coming year.

Construction Fraud Warning: Utah officials are warning homeowners about a spike in construction and home remodeling fraud cases. The state has logged thousands of complaints this year against contractors for unfinished work or scams, amounting to millions in losses. Locally, residents are advised to use licensed contractors and avoid paying large sums upfront. The Utah Department of Commerce noted that several high-profile contractor bankruptcies have left Ogden-area customers in a lurch, so due diligence is key before hiring for home projects.

Ogden Canyon Fire: Early Sunday morning (Aug. 3) a fast-moving wildfire – dubbed the 9th Street Fire – broke out near the mouth of Ogden Canyon, apparently sparked by illegal fireworks during Utah’s tinder-dry summer. One home was destroyed and four outbuildings burned as the blaze spread from the 9th Street Trailhead into a residential area, threatening about 40 homes and forcing evacuations. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and by mid-week the fire was 85% contained with residents allowed to return home. Fire officials have called the fire human-caused and are investigating it as a potential crime, noting that fireworks are banned in the area due to extreme fire danger.

Charred debris inside an Ogden home after the 9th Street Fire. Investigators believe the Aug. 3rd blaze was ignited by banned fireworks and quickly spread to structures near Ogden Canyon. Despite one family losing their home, firefighters prevented further destruction and had the wildfire mostly contained within a few days. The incident has been a sobering reminder of Utah’s high fire risk – in fact, new campfire and spark restrictions were ordered across nearly all Utah public lands this week as drought conditions persist.

Apartment Blaze Displaces 13: Late Monday night, Aug. 4, Ogden fire crews battled a stubborn apartment fire on the 300 block of 32nd Street. Flames had engulfed the building’s attic by the time firefighters arrived around 11 p.m., forcing an urgent evacuation of all units. Thirty-two firefighters from Ogden and Riverdale responded and aggressively doused the blaze, containing it before it could spread to neighboring structures. One firefighter was treated for heat exhaustion, but no residents were injured. Unfortunately, 13 people were displaced from their apartments due to fire and smoke damage. The cause of the fire is under investigation, and the Red Cross has been assisting the displaced families.

Construction Site Fire: In another weekend incident, a fire in the early hours of Aug. 3 severely damaged a townhome under construction near 12th Street in Ogden. Firefighters arriving just after midnight found heavy smoke and flames coming from the roof of the unoccupied wood-frame structure. They quickly knocked down the flames and protected adjacent buildings, preventing the blaze from spreading in the new development. No evacuations were needed and no one was hurt, but the incomplete townhome was a total loss – initial damage estimates are around $1.6 million. Ogden Fire Marshal investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire.

Hazmat Cleanup at Abandoned Plant: What’s that smell in west Ogden? Neighbors had been asking for weeks, and now we have an answer – and a cleanup underway. A meat processing facility (Mountain West Meats) was “apparently left abandoned” by its operator, leaving rotting meat inside that began to stink up the area. After an “odor alert” made the news in July, Ogden City obtained a court order to abate the public health hazard and on Friday initiated a full HAZMAT cleanup of the site. Crews in protective gear shoveled out spoiled meat from what used to be a refrigerated locker, filling dumpsters with the putrid waste. The city is fronting the cost of the emergency cleanup – potentially tens of thousands of dollars – but will bill the property’s owner of record to recover the expense. Officials say the legal process took time, but the good news is the smell should soon be gone. (Residents like Bob Byrns, who lives nearby, said the odor was so bad “you just couldn’t handle it… we just stayed in [our house]” during the worst of it.)

An industrial dumpster lined with plastic awaits loads of spoiled meat at the abandoned Mountain West Meats facility in Ogden. The city hired a HAZMAT crew to clear out rotting meat that was left behind when the butcher plant was abruptly abandoned, causing foul odors in the neighborhood. Officials say Ogden will pay the cleanup crew now and later charge the cleanup costs to the former operator or property owner. Neighbors have expressed relief that the mess – and the stench – are finally being dealt with.

Fire Destroys Ogden Apartment Project: In a troubling trend for the area, a massive 2-alarm fire broke out late Friday night at an apartment building under construction on the 100 block of 18th Street in Ogden. Fire crews from Ogden and neighboring agencies “went defensive” to contain the blaze, but the three-story structure was a total loss with an estimated $3 million in damage. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as firefighters battled through the night, rotating crews to stay safe and hydrated. Investigators (including federal ATF agents) are working to determine the cause. Officials noted this is the latest in a string of fires at under-construction buildings in Ogden – similar infernos destroyed a 5-story project in January and other building sites in 2021 and 2022. Authorities have not yet ruled whether the current fire was accidental or arson, and are asking the public to avoid the area as the investigation continues.

Gas Prices Steady: Utah drivers saw stable gas prices as August began. According to AAA, the average price for regular unleaded in Utah held at $3.38/gallon, about 20¢ above the national average. In the Ogden area, prices were slightly lower – roughly $3.34/gal on average this week. Analysts say oil costs have been steady and OPEC+ plans to boost production again, helping keep a lid on any price spikes. So while filling up is still pricier than a year ago, at least there was no new gas price jump hitting Ogden wallets in the past few days.

Pickleball Passion: Friday, Aug. 8 was National Pickleball Day, and if it felt like everyone in Utah was out playing – well, that’s because the Beehive State is obsessed with the sport. In fact, Utah is among the top states for pickleball popularity, as the paddle sport remains the fastest-growing in the nation. Local parks and rec centers in Ogden were busy with pickleball games all week, and new courts continue popping up around Weber County. From kids to seniors, the pickleball craze shows no sign of slowing down – a reminder of how a quirky sport with a funny name has become a beloved part of our community’s recreation.

Dog Saves Ogden Hunter in Uinta Mountains: A harrowing and heartwarming wilderness survival story from an Ogden man made statewide news this weekend. 34-year-old Jake Schmitt was scouting for elk in the Uinta Mountains last month when his UTV rolled down a steep hill, crushing him and shattering both his ankles, his leg and ribs. Stranded with no cellphone signal and unable to walk, Schmitt began an arduous 11-hour crawl through the night toward safety – with only his loyal dog “Buddy” by his side. The German shorthaired pointer refused to leave his owner, encouraging Schmitt as he inched along the rugged logging road in excruciating pain. With Buddy’s companionship (and a little help from a roll of duct tape to splint his leg), Schmitt miraculously managed to reach his truck by morning. He then drove 40 minutes to find help. After multiple surgeries, Schmitt is now recovering back home in Ogden, crediting Buddy with saving his life. “What got us out was Buddy,” he told reporters – a touching reminder of the incredible bond between a man and his dog.

Odds and Ends: In regional news, a missing 14-year-old girl from Cache County was found safe on Friday after getting lost on a Uinta Mountains backpacking trip – a happy ending that brought relief to families following the story. Down in Bountiful, the 50th annual Summerfest multicultural arts festival took place this weekend, featuring dancers and artists from around the world.