I wanted to take this opportunity to give Orem residents an update on what is happening with UTOPIA. 

Many of you know that in December UTOPIA signed a pre-development agreement with Macquarie, a big international firm that manages infrastructure projects. Macquarie has been studying ways that UTOPIA can be built out to reach all the residents in Orem and other member cities. They are also outlining how the partnership between Macquarie and UTOPIA will work if they continue working together, as well as what the costs will be and who will pay for them.

In the next few weeks, Macquarie will report on their findings. Once we receive this information, the city will reach out to residents through the city website, social media, and several neighborhood meetings to discuss the project and answer any questions that residents may have. We will also be sending out a mailer that will include information on neighborhood meeting times and additional details regarding the partnership.

I realize that residents have strong feelings about UTOPIA. I hope that we can all gain a greater understanding of the options going forward and decide what is in the best interest of our community.

2014 Miss Orem Pageant Winners 

 

On March 22nd, Maddi Millard was crowned Miss Orem 2014 by Sydney Flannigan, who has completed her service as Miss Orem 2013. Amy Dymock will serve as Maddi's 1st attendant and Abby Lee will serve as 2nd attendant. 

 

Emily Pittman was also crowned Miss Orem's Outstanding Teen 2014 by Brenna Jeffs, Miss Orem's Outstanding Teen 2013. Her 1st attendant will be Mallory Madsen and her 2nd attendant will be Jacquelyn Jenkins.

 

This year was the 75th anniversary of the Miss Orem Scholarship Pageant, and all former queens were invited to a gala to celebrate. The pageant featured plenty of talent including singing, dancing, and piano performances. 

 

As the pageant winners, Maddi will receive a $2,400 scholarship and Emily will receive a $500 scholarship to be used toward their education. Congratulations Maddi and Emily-we are confident that you will be great representatives for the City of Orem.

 

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day

Saturday, April 12th, is Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day for all Utah County residents. Sponsored by the Utah County Health Department, this free event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Provo Towne Centre Mall. 

Make your home a safer place by disposing of items such as motor oil, gasoline, paint, paint thinner, pesticides, fluorescent light bulbs, electronics, aerosol cans, and other dangerous materials. Please bring household waste only (no commercial waste) in containers smaller than 5 gallons. For a complete list of what to bring and what NOT to bring, visit the Utah County Health Department online. 

 

The Great Utah ShakeOut

On Tuesday, April 17th, at 10:15 a.m., Utah will participate in the largest earthquake drill in state history. The Great Utah ShakeOut will include over 810,000 participants from schools, churches, businesses, community organizations, and families.

 

You can be a part of this drill by registering for the Great Utah Shakeout online. Even if you don't register, it is helpful to be prepared by understanding earthquake safety tips.