Lawsuit against Davis School District and coach alleges racial discrimination

A former Layton High School student filed suit against the Davis School District (DSD) and one of the coaches alleging harassment and racial discrimination. Ebony Davis, who is now a student at Weber State University, alleges that her basketball coach, as well as other students, made racist remarks almost daily. 

The district has been the subject of other civil rights cases, including one brought by a former district employee.

According to the suit, Davis started playing basketball on the varsity team her junior year at Layton High and was a “rising star in the program.” Davis also had good grades and she was enjoying school and being part of the team. 

However, the suit describes Davis, who is Black, of African American – Hispanic descent, as having endured racist, demeaning remarks ever since junior high.

Davis alleged that her basketball coach, Robert Reisbeck who is named in the suit, would often make comments about her that were racially charged and demeaning. The Office of Equity found that Reisbeck had “intentionally engaged in racial harassment against Ms. Davis,” the suit said. On May 21, 2024, the District gave Reisbeck a written reprimand and a transfer to a different position.

Davis Journal weekly stops printing and goes online

Printing a physical paper and delivering it to homes became too expensive and paper and postage costs increased dramatically over the last few years. Because of that, Jan. 31 was the last Davis Journal weekly newspaper.

Content moved online to DavisJournal.com. The monthly printed newspaper continued to be distributed. 

Agreement paves the way for advanced air mobility

SALT LAKE CITY—Gov. Spencer J. Cox signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Jan. 29, 2025 with electric aircraft and charging manufacturer, BETA Technologies and 47G | Utah Aerospace & Defense. The signing paves the way for creating a system that gives Utahns mobility options while reducing commute times and improving air quality. 

“This agreement represents a significant step toward bringing electric aircraft and charging stations to our state,” said Executive Director, Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, Ryan Starks. “This expands mobility options for all Utahns by advancing air transportation systems. We’re laying the foundation for reduced commute times, improved access across communities, and cleaner air through sustainable solutions.”

Eccles Wildlife Education Center unveils new viewing platform and the Hasenyager Legacy Trail

The Hasenyager Legacy Trail will enhance the bird-watching experience for the public. Over 12 million birds visit the Great Salt Lake ecosystem annually. Photo by Becky Ginos

 FARMINGTON—The George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Wildlife Education Center (EWEC) in the Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area opened a new viewing platform and the Hasenyager Legacy Trail June 13 that was meant to enhance the bird-watching experience for the public.

“This is just a wonderful treasure,” said Faith Heaton Jolley, Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) Public Information Officer. “It’s for residents here along the Wasatch Front and also for bird watchers across the Nation.”

“We sit on the Great Salt Lake ecosystem,” said DWR EWEC Manger, Ashley Kijowski. “Over 12 million birds visit the Great Salt Lake ecosystem annually. It’s such an important spot in the Pacific Flyway. You can think of it as an oasis in the desert.”

Fluoride removed from public water systems May 7

BOUNTIFUL—During the 2025 Legislative session lawmakers passed HB81, which was signed by the governor, that banned the addition of fluoride in public water systems. May 7 was the deadline for Davis County to remove fluoride from drinking water. 

“Residents in Davis County voted to implement adding fluoride to the water in the early 2000s,” said Bountiful Water Department Director Kraig Christensen. “The Davis County Health Department was to oversee the introduction of fluoride and were held accountable to make sure the dosing was the right amount so that we weren’t overfeeding.”

There’s a natural level of fluoride in the water but it’s minimal, said Christensen. “People can get fluoride tablets or supplements from their pharmacist, doctor or dentist if they choose that option. The way I take it the EPA said the dose is a little too high in the State of Utah so they (legislators) voted to take it out.”

New Bountiful Elementary opens

Fifth grader Eleanor Stephens (center) cuts the ribbon to open the new Bountiful Elementary. Photo by Becky Ginos

 BOUNTIFUL—A newly built Bountiful Elementary opened its doors Aug. 18. The new building area is 90,368 square feet and the size of the site is nine acres. Student capacity is 900. Themes throughout are about beautiful Utah with wildlife, mountains and parks. The original building was 75 years old and was demolished to make way for the new school. 

Western Sports Park opens in Farmington

The Western Sports Park, a 120,000 square foot expansion of what was the Legacy Events Center campus opened in September 2025. 

“This investment represents a new lane for economic and tourism for Davis County,” said Kent Andersen, Davis County director Community and Economic Development. “At $70 million this will be the largest project investment in Davis County’s history.”

The newly remodeled 55 acre campus includes six full size outdoor fields, which includes a championship field with bleachers. There are new outdoor restrooms, teams, coaches and officials rooms. In addition, there are two stadium seating equipped arenas with fixed seats.

The facility can host basketball, volleyball, wrestling, soccer, lacrosse, dance tumbling and cheer. No general fund money was used. It was funded by tourism dollars. No property tax went into the facility. 

New site selected for county’s Code Blue Warming Center

DAVIS COUNTY—A permanent site was found for the county’s Code Blue Warming Center. The county purchased the Talia (reception center) at 22 E. 200 S. in Clearfield. Last year there was some controversy as to where the warming center would be located. Ultimately, the county emissions facility in Kaysville was used. 

A Code Blue runs from Oct. 15 through April 30, 2026. A Code Blue event is when the National Weather Service predicts temperatures will drop below 18 degrees. State law mandates that the county have a Code Blue warming center for any unsheltered individuals. The Davis County Warming Center is available to them any night from 7:30 p.m.–7:30 a.m.