This Week in Review (July 27 – August 2, 2025)

Ogden Valley’s First Election: Ogden Valley is gearing up for its inaugural City Council election. Candidates in districts 1 and 2 outlined their platforms ahead of the Aug. 12 primary, as the newly incorporated community prepares to shape its first local government.

Community Policing Night Out: Ogden Police announced their annual “Night Out Against Crime” event will be held Aug. 14 at Marshall White Center. The free evening will feature K9 demos, games, food, and a chance for neighbors to meet officers – all aimed at strengthening police-community ties.

Great Salt Lake Action Looms: Dwindling water levels in the Great Salt Lake have state leaders talking. Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz signaled a likely special legislative session this fall to address the lake’s dangerously low levels, hoping to spur emergency conservation measures.

What’s That Smell?: A foul odor in an Ogden neighborhood turned out to be tons of spoiled meat left in an abandoned butcher shop. Residents endured a “rotten” stench for weeks until city hazmat crews and cleanup teams finally cleared the site. The saga went viral – even People magazine picked it up with the headline “It smells like there’s 100 bodies in there rotting,” quoting one fed-up neighbor.

Dame Brings the Fame: NBA All-Star Damian Lillard was back in town for Weber State’s Alumni Classic, where he surprised the crowd with a big announcement – he’s taking on an official role as general manager for Weber State basketball. The Ogden legend’s return, complete with autographs and selfies, had the community buzzing.

Pro Golf Hits Ogden: For the first time, the Korn Ferry Tour’s Utah Championship teed off at the Ogden Golf & Country Club. The four-day tournament (July 31–Aug 3) drew pro golfers and fans to town. Local favorites like Cole Ponich and Connor Howe impressed with strong opening rounds on the familiar fairways.

Trader Joe’s Coming to Town: It’s official – Trader Joe’s is opening a store in Riverdale (just south of Ogden). After months of rumor, the popular grocer confirmed a new location on its website, marking the first Trader Joe’s north of Salt Lake City. No opening date yet, but local fans are already rejoicing.

West Haven Lands Walmart: Fast-growing West Haven will finally get its first grocery store. Walmart announced plans to build a 176,000 sq. ft. Supercenter on Midland Drive, bringing about 300 jobs and a full-service market by fall 2026. City officials hail it as a “much-needed” addition for western Weber County.

Farewell to Kent’s Sports: A bit of nostalgia hit Ogden’s business scene as Kent’s Sports Store closed its doors after 76 years in business. The family-run sporting goods shop served generations of Ogdenites, and its July 1 closure marks the end of an era on Washington Boulevard.

Stinky Situation Goes Viral: The saga of the abandoned meat shop blew up online. A Fox 13 TikTok video about the odor crisis racked up over 3,000 likes and dozens of shocked comments. On Facebook, locals shared relief (and a few jokes) now that the stench is finally fading.

Smoke and Concern: Neighbors flocked to social networks on July 31 after a brush fire by Ogden Regional Medical Center sent a huge smoke plume into the sky. Photos of the billowing gray column spread on community pages, though firefighters quickly contained the blaze with no injuries reported.

Pioneer Days Debut (1934): Ninety-one years ago, Ogden launched its very first Pioneer Days celebration. In the summer of 1934 – amid the Great Depression – Mayor Harman Peery organized a western festival and rodeo to lift spirits and attract visitors. That humble rodeo grew into the annual PRCA event and city tradition that still packs the stadium each July!