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Davis Journal

Where did the practice of making New Year’s resolutions begin?

Dec 29, 2022 09:40AM ● By Becky Ginos

Construction of the West Davis Corridor. Three major highways are projected to be complete in 2023.

It is said that the ancient Babylonians were the first people to make resolutions some 4,000 years ago, according to History.com. The new year didn’t begin in January, instead it was in mid-March when crops were planted.

The Babylonians held 

, a massive 12-day religious festival where they crowned a new king and declared their loyalty to the reigning king. They made promises to the gods to return any objects they had borrowed and pay their debts. This could be considered the origin of New Year’s resolutions. 

Although the practice of making resolutions has its roots in religion, today those are mostly a secular practice. Most people make resolutions only to themselves instead of to the gods and usually focus on self-improvement. 

According to History.com recent research shows while 45 percent of Americans say they make resolutions, only 8 percent are successful.


As the clock strikes midnight Dec. 31 a new chapter will begin and more resolutions will be made.  Here are a few thoughts about 2023 from county and city leaders and the community.

Davis School District

First and foremost I hope to make the lives of Davis School District families and employees better.  I hope to build on the incredible academic legacy of Davis School District.  My goal is to ensure that all of our students and employees understand their own strengths, and their own value, and to help them to achieve at the highest possible level.

 — Dan Linford, Ed.D. Superintendent Davis School District 


I want to leave my office and spend more time in our schools this year. 

Schools are magical places, and there are so many fantastic administrators, teachers and students out there. 

I specifically remember a day when I was in a classroom and  watched a reading tutor teach a child how to read. The student actually began to recognize words as I sat there. And the teacher pointed that out to the student, called her by name and declared, You can read!” The smile and confidence the student had on her face was absolutely incredible. She couldn’t contain it. It was a moment I’ll never forget.

So many great things occur in our schools every day, and every time I’m in a school witnessing what’s going on there, it just makes my day that much better.

I want to be that continual witness and share those stories with others.

— Chris Williams, Director of Communications DSD


I hope that in the year 2023, our students, teachers, and staff members in the Davis School District will work together to make the district a safe place and a place of acceptance and respect for everyone.  

        — School Board President John Robison

County government

I predict:

Several Davis County elected officials will be sworn into office Tuesday Jan. 3 at 11 a.m. at 61 South Main Street in Farmington, the county seat and administration building. Counties are local government, like cities. It’s important to be involved in local government which impacts us more than state and federal levels.

• The ongoing 2023 winter may help us take some of the edge off drought. When we have rain before the hard freeze in the mountains (like 2021 and 2022,) it helps the runoff, which helps the reservoirs.

• However, watch for continuing efforts to be smarter with our water resource. Twenty years of drought is not easily erased, and Utah has the second lowest precipitation in the nation, behind Arizona, even during normal years. Drought in the West is necessitating a lot of policy effort. Also, we don't want to lose the Great Salt Lake. We must all become conservation minded with our own properties and behaviors.

• Some of the construction of THREE MAJOR HIGHWAYS through our great county will complete in 2023 and some will become more visible. We are the smallest square miles of all 29 Utah counties and the third largest population. Therefore, we are the most urban county in Utah.

• Which leads to the last prediction:  Davis County is a desirable place to live and our own children and grandchildren need housing. Cities want to keep their voice in planning and zoning; supply is not keeping up with demand; the diverse array of housing has ALWAYS been important and is becoming critical and even a constraint in the economy. Local governments participate in the annual State legislative session and 2023 promises to be a big one. Davis County has few unincorporated areas left and since the early 2000s, the 15 cities have had annexation plans for these areas. The 28 miles left of County maintained roads will continue to become part of cities bit by bit.

And then there’s the thought I had for myself last weekend to lessen my intake of sugar = A possible resolution. (I don’t do sodas but chocolate covered raisins and homemade goodies tempt a hungry belly.)


HAPPY 2023 EVERYONE! Thanks for being a lot of very good people! Reach out any time.

            — Commissioner Lorene Miner Kamalu


Time keeps on marching can’t believe it’s 2023 already. Some exciting things in the County that should be completed in 2023 is the new agricultural heritage center located at USU Kaysville Botanical Center it will be the location for the agriculture heritage days celebrating the roots of Davis County. It will have an indoor and outdoor arena. A new place for equestrian users and a place for 4-H classes to meet as the old Legacy Center transitions into a regional sports complex. As for personal goals, continue to appreciate and love the wonderful wife of mine. Also my wonderful children. May all the citizens of Davis County have a great new year. 

— Commissioner Randy Elliott


I look forward with hope and enthusiasm for a wonderful 2023.  Personally I hope to be kinder, wiser, and more sharing. Professionally to work with all our wonderful cities to make Davis County an even safer better place to live, work, and play. 

— Commissioner Bob Stevenson

With the recent opening of the new medical wing, we look forward to providing additional medical services to our most vulnerable population at the jail. Services provided will include medication assisted treatment for those going through withdrawal and potentially competence restoration for individuals experiencing mental health issues. 

Restarting  many of the inmate programs which had to be suspended due to the COVID pandemic is another goal we anxious to accomplish. 

We also look forward to beginning construction on an emergency operations center. This center is something we have known Davis County has needed for a long time. The windstorms, earthquakes and pandemic experienced over the last couple of years have really highlighted this need. We will be working to secure Federal funding that has been designated to improve local government’s ability to respond to disasters and other emergencies. 

On the last day of 2022, the Sheriff’s Office will end the paramedic service which it has provided for the past 45 years. Now that the fire departments throughout the county are taking over this service we look forward to being able to focus on our law enforcement responsibilities, continuing to maintain public safety, and improving the quality of life for everyone in Davis County. 

Personally, in 2023, I am most excited for the opportunity to continue leading the amazing men and women who serve their community by working at the Davis County Sheriff’s Office. Together over the last few years we have made some great improvements in how we serve this community and I have no doubt we will continue to make great strides in fulfilling the mission of the Sheriff’s Office. 

          — Davis County Sheriff Kelly Sparks

State government

My hopes for 2023:

My hope for our country is that inflation will come back down.

My hope for Utah is a good water year and that we can all get better about conserving water.

The hope for myself is that I can get in good enough shape to run a slow half marathon this summer.

  — Utah House Rep. Ray Ward

Mayors

Personally I want to work on developing a working relationship with God. 

For the City, I have a goal to highlight a department each month to educate how much is being done as well as to give credit to those who are helping us every day. Resolutions for the new year for Bountiful progress are getting a City fiber solution for resident and business internet access and working on updating the new Bountiful General Plan to be intentional in our City redevelopment.

— Bountiful Mayor Kendalyn Harris


In the last newsletter I addressed that I would love to see our city get physically and mentally healthier, I want to make sure that all residents have a chance to understand the I-15 expansion and new off ramp, I would love to get a new general plan done or at least a plan for the westside, a decision made on a possible new cemetery, a parade (hoping that no hill fires happen the night before).  Personally win a gold or silver medal with our basketball team at the Huntsman Games, get a better harvest on our berry crop this year (so far the weather is cooperating), a trip to DC to further gather and gain a greater appreciation for the freedoms we have in this country because of God fearing Founding Fathers. Prediction: Utah is sliced down the middle creating a 51st state (just kidding)

— Centerville Mayor Clark Wilkinson


2022 was a year of change for Farmington. We hired a new city manager, a new parks and recreation director, a new fire chief and a new police chief. We also locked in a deal to get Fiber-To-The-Home. Every household in Farmington will receive the opportunity for high-speed internet via Fiber-To-The-Home. Significant construction of the infrastructure for our business park will be happening in 2023. The roads through the business park will be a significant step forward in the development of the business park, which will be a major source of revenue to fund the operations of our city for decades to come. In 2023, I will strive for a better community by listening; listening to the people, listening to their comments, thoughts and suggestions. Then, after listening, I’ll do all I can to advocate for the needs and desires of the citizens so that we, as elected leaders, can make informed and educated decisions for the best interest of the entire community.

  — Farmington Mayor Brett Anderson


In 2023 Kaysville is excited to move forward with courage in the face of uncertainty. In spite of supply chain, inflationary, and employee pay pressure challenges, Kaysville adopted a new General Plan in 2022 and has solid elected leadership that is ready to take on these challenges with resolution and determination.

 Some of the exciting things happening in 2023 may include:

 ·       Planning and preparing for a Fire Station on the west side of Kaysville.

·       Legislative advocacy, requests for funding an amphitheater on USU property and a project to help the Great Salt Lake.

·       Resolving the Old Library and kicking off a downtown revitalization project including added parking, aesthetics, and walkability/mobility.

·       Roll out of a Customer Utility App for residential monitoring and management of home utility use including water and power.

·       New Outage Manage software for power outages and increased communication with residents during outages.

·       Key new road construction increasing mobility and connecting the new West Davis Corridor southern interchange to Sunset, Shepherd, and eventually Angel and other westside locations.

·       Continued encouragement for Fiber Optic Connectivity to homes and encourage competition to keep fiber prices low.

·       Other major capital road projects including:

o   Mutton Hollow road overlay and traffic signals at Fairfield and Main Street

o   New East Mountain Wilderness Park parking lot expansion project

o   Restriping around the I-15 Kaysville Interchange to accommodate two turning lanes east and west

o   Completion of a permanent roundabout at Burton and 50 West

 Kaysville is excited about 2023 and continuing to emphasize parks, trails, reliable utilities, and making Kaysville FIRST a great place to live.

— Kaysville Mayor Tami Tran


The completion of updates to the city’s long-range plans for land use and transportation was of great significance in 2022. Our partnership with UDOT and WFRC will be critical as we incorporate important changes with the I-15 corridor construction. We will also finalize plans for bike lanes and trails in these plans. These items will have a long-lasting impact on the future health and well-being of the public. I’m personally striving for a better city in 2023 by focusing on, first, optimism. It is easy to get caught up in the negativism of our world. There are so many possibilities out there to improve our daily lives, and I always want to convey that message. I try to keep a long-term perspective on all decisions while working within the framework of our city council. One specific goal I have is to reach out to the newest area of our city, the recently annexed Val Verde area. Many of these residents wanted to remain unincorporated, and that option was ending for them. I hope to ease their transition into the city and perhaps even have them realize what an awesome city they have joined.


        — North Salt Lake Mayor Brian Horrocks 


Regarding predictions for 2023, I think we just need to keep the status quo because things are going well for West Bountiful. I don’t think things have ever been more stable and better in the city as a whole. I think not only financially but for the city as a whole, the public works, the police and our administration, things are good. We’re trying to stay frugal and wise. I think overall 2023 is going to be interesting. Development is always a pressure, and the I-15 project is going to be interesting. It potentially could have some impacts on the city. So, I’m hoping to just keep the status quo because everything is going so well.

    — West Bountiful Mayor Kenneth Romney


In 2022, Woods Cross City has been working on several big road projects. We have bonded for some improvement for additional roads and repair work. We will continue to replace water lines and upgrade other areas with improvements that are needed around the city. As a city in 2023, we are trying to get more community involvement and better communication with residents and businesses. We are actively working on increasing that communication in both directions. It’s been a slow process, but it’s something we’re committed to this next year.

— Woods Cross Mayor Ryan Westergard


In the community


I’m excited about 2023. I hope it’s better than this one. I want to get together with family.

— Alexandra Whitesides

My resolutions are: I want to have a big salad every week and get green. I want to go outside every day. Hopefully 2023 will be better, you never know.

— Peggy

I want to make sure my family and friends are happy and healthy. That’s the most important thing. Family needs to come first or me in the new year.

— Pat Sanderson

I’m looking for a personal transformation to finally do what I thought I was capable of. To publish a book, write, get commission on sales would all be amazing.

— Janika Byington


Student voices

In 2023 a lot is changing for me and fast, I’m sure my goals are similar to a lot of the class of 2023. I want to graduate, move out to somewhere completely different and gain a lot of independence. Personally, I hope 2023 holds personal growth and I actually stick to the habits I’ve always wanted to build. My hope for the world in 2023 is that it becomes more of a “thing” to just do random acts of kindness because there can never be enough good in the world. 

                                — Rachel Ruesch

My goals for 2023 is to embrace discomfort. Graduating high school and emerging into adulthood means many scary things. It is the first time I will be away from my parents and friends; I will have to rely on and trust myself completely. The scariest thing for me is not knowing what to expect. My goal is to embrace this discomfort and realize all the new experiences and knowledge I will gain from going out of my comfort zone and putting myself through new experiences. Not knowing a lot of people at college will help me put myself out there and gain new friendships. Starting a new job will help me learn how to manage my money and provide for myself.

— Emerald Haycock

My goals are to graduate high school, have a fun summer, and meet new friends. I think that 2023 will be a year of growth. 

— Jaycie Bott

 My predictions for the world in 2023 are that COVID-19 is going to start having less of an effect on the economy. I have been trying to buy a new bike and the supply is way down. I think that the demand in 2023 is going to slow down for some things, and therefore supply will go up. Some of my own goals for 2023 is to start applying for colleges and try to get some different scholarships. I also want to work hard in the sports that I do, mountain biking and wrestling, I want to get on the podium for both.

— Drew Derrick

 In 2023 I think that Utah is going to win the Rose Bowl and America will fall. My own goals for 2023 are to get at least 27 on the ACT. I want to win state tennis and win a soccer tournament. I want to also become a grand champ in rocket league and have a great summer. 

        — Aiden McMillan

My predictions for 2023 is that Brent Peterson (TikTok star) is going to launch a presidential campaign and win President. My goal for 2023 is to serve an LDS mission after I graduate.

— Tyler Gunn


Davis Journal staff

I hope for more peace in 2023. Both peace in the world and here at home. I want to smile at someone in the grocery store and have them smile back. It might be tough to get everyone to change their attitude, but I can at least change mine. Professionally I want to learn more and find ways to improve in my job and help the paper succeed. Above all though, the most important thing to me in 2023 is to be there for my family and love them even more than I do.  

— Becky Ginos, Editor


After 15 years, the door finally opened, and I am pleased to have found this new and wonderful position of trust writing for The City Journals. I hope that 2023 brings us all closer as communities, cities and Davis County residents. I strive daily to work hard to bring you the best and most relevant news from our area. Let us learn to love each other and ourselves as we work through these times. And, in so doing, we will become a stronger force for good. So, in the words of the great Robert Frost, “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I – I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”

— Alisha Copfer, Associate Editor


As a practitioner of photography for the Davis Journal newspaper and an Instructor in photography at the University of Utah, I love seeing the world through a viewfinder. With the “aroma" of social media constantly in the air, it’s nice to place the world into a focused frame and click. However, there are things I don’t enjoy photographing. Strife and contention have become a staple of media today and it’s tiring. I would love to never take another photo of a kid who made a bad choice driving too fast on Legacy Highway, ending his life. I hope to never photograph another “Domestic” turned bad resulting in a stand-off with police. I’m tired of hoping for the “never!” Instead, for 2023, I will, more often, point my camera at the life-affirming joy on the faces of those around me. This photo shows Gigi Monet and mom, Kiera Relyea having the “time of their lives” on a rope swing in their front yard. I will focus more on relationships and the joy it brings to participants and viewers alike. I will avoid the harsh truth of “hard” light and search out the embrace of “soft” light. I will seek out the kindness of “warm” light and leave the “cold” light photos to those living above the Arctic Circle. Above all, I will be a witness to this crazy, beautiful, wonderful world offering evidence for hope. 

— Roger V. Tuttle, Davis Journal photographer 


I’m not a person who makes resolutions. Those firm decisions don’t leave room for flexibility. I want to be soft and open to joy. 

I want to accrue wealth, but not in my bank account. I want the wealth of interesting conversations, developing friendships, learning new skills, trying different restaurants and reading good books. 

I want to move more, but not with the intention of making myself smaller. I want to hike through the mountains, wade in the ocean, play with my grandkids, take long walks with my dog, dance in public, practice yoga, snuggle with my husband and take risks that make my heart beat faster.

I want to be silly. I want to laugh more, watch funny TV shows, make bad puns, eat more cookies, tell knock-knock jokes, go to comedy shows, play games and invite friends over, even when the house is messy. I want to joyfully sing in my car, even when other drivers can see me.

I want to rest more. I want to sit in stillness, look at the stars, meditate, take naps, watch the clouds, appreciate the moment, drink wine, listen more intently and surrender to the love all around me. 

I want to live in gratitude. I want to help a stranger, enjoy a sunrise, hug my dad, plant a tree, tell my daughters I’m proud of them, let my grandkids know I love them, tell my husband I appreciate him and not take a single heartbeat for granted. 

At the end of the year, I want to look back at all the people I loved, all the times I laughed, all the times I chose compassion and all the life I lived. And I’ll do it again next year. 

— Peri Kinder, writer/columnist


My resolutions for the new year are to keep my resolutions.

— Anna Pro, Editorial and Ad designer