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Temporary Traffic Pattern – This Weekend at I-15 & 5600 South (SR-97)

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As part of the I-15 interchange construction, a temporary traffic pattern–commonly referred to as a “Thru-U”– will be implemented at 1900 West and 5600 South between 2100 West and Wardleigh Rd. This configuration is expected to be in place for approximately 3 months, starting the weekend of July 18.

Review the video below to understand how to navigate these temporary routes.

Filed Under: Community, Travel, Utah Tagged With: Ogden, Weber County

July 7, 2025 – KC Sanders, Ogden City Business Recruitment Manager

Business Licensing New Online Portal Now Available!

Turning a business idea into reality just got easier with Ogden City’s new online business licensing system. Now, busy entrepreneurs can skip the drive to Ogden’s Municipal Building, instead applying and renewing licenses right from their own offices.

Ogden City’s Business Licensing team worked closely with I.T. to bring this system to life. Marqae Martinson, Ogden City Business Licensing Supervisor, she says, “Being able to apply online has been a huge game changer for people. If you can do it and not have to leave work to go to another office and hope there’s somebody readily available to help you, it’s a good thing,” she explains. “Applying online is just simple and straightforward.”

Ogden City has a robust and diverse economy with big and small businesses both serving and employing the community. For many the task of obtaining a business license is cumbersome, especially for out-of-state businesses. “We can’t expect these business owners to come in and apply.” Martinson says, “Throughout the city we have some big companies where their corporate is set up somewhere else. We wanted to make it easier. The owners invest in the city, and we need to invest back into them.”

Accessing the new online portal is simple, just visit onestop.ogdencity.com to get started. There, an authorized agent or owner can set up an account to pay invoices and apply for permits and licenses. Business Licensing will also send renewal notices to the email address provided when applying, no longer using mailed reminders.

While applications are now online, customer service remains a top priority for the Business Licensing team. They’re ready to answer questions, take calls, and meet with the community. “If people don’t understand how the system works, we’ll spend the time walking them through it and they’re appreciative of that. We welcome all the feedback,” says Martinson. Paper applications are still available at the Municipal Building for those who prefer to apply in person.

Business Licensing is the connection point between business owners and every level of government including county, state and sometimes federal. “We’re here to build meaningful connections with our business owners,” says Martinson. “It’s the most rewarding part about our jobs; since we’re able to communicate with everybody, bring everybody together and support building businesses.” Using Ogden City’s Concept Review Team (CRT), which reviews business plans and offers guidance, and the new streamlined portal for business license applications, entrepreneurs have more confidence to take the next step in opening a small business.

Looking ahead, the team is working to develop a more user-friendly portal for other licenses, particularly rental licensing. “Rental owners will appreciate an update because it can be a lot of work for them to apply,” explains Martinson. “Nowadays everything is online and we have to adapt to it.”

If you’re ready to start your business journey, head to Ogdencity.gov and click on “Business” to learn about business licensing, the Concept Review Team, Ogden City’s Business Information Center and many other resources.

Filed Under: Business Tagged With: Business, Ogden

Bank of Utah named title sponsor of PGA TOUR’s Utah event, renamed the Bank of Utah Championship

Utah to Once Again Showcase PGA TOUR FedExCup Fall Event at Black Desert Resort

Left to Right: Branden Hansen - President of Bank of Utah; Jared Lucero - CEO of Reef Capital Partners; Kelly Jensen - Vice President of Tournament Business, PGA TOUR; Stuart Adams - Utah Senate President

Left to Right: Branden Hansen – President of Bank of Utah; Jared Lucero – CEO of Reef Capital Partners; Kelly Jensen – Vice President of Tournament Business, PGA TOUR; Stuart Adams – Utah Senate President

July 2, 2025 (IVINS, Utah) – Utah will once again have the opportunity to cheer on professional men’s golf at the PGA TOUR’s only stop in the state. On Tuesday, the PGA TOUR and Black Desert Resort welcomed Bank of Utah as title sponsor of the event, renamed the Bank of Utah Championship.

At a press conference held at Black Desert Resort, Utah Senate President Stuart Adams was joined by PGA TOUR Vice President of Tournament Business Kelly Jensen, CEO of Reef Capital Partners Jared Lucero, President of Bank of Utah Branden Hansen and local dignitaries to make the announcement.

Following its historic debut in 2024 — the first PGA TOUR tournament held in Utah in more than 60 years — the championship will return to Southern Utah’s Greater Zion region from October 23–26, 2025.

Marking a pivotal moment in the history of professional golf in Utah, this partnership will allow Reef Capital and Bank of Utah to make a lasting difference through charitable giving, youth programs and initiatives that uplift people across the state. In addition, the tournament will drive tourism, champion local businesses and invest in the surrounding communities.

Southern Utah is an area known not only for its breathtaking landscapes but also for its warm hospitality, vibrant communities and rapidly growing reputation as a world-class destination for sports and tourism. This event elevates Utah’s presence on the global stage, establishing that the state is a key player in shaping the future of sports, tourism and community development.

“This partnership with Bank of Utah represents more than a title sponsorship; it’s a shared commitment to shaping Utah’s future through world-class experiences,” said Jared Lucero, CEO of Reef Capital Partners, the Utah-based development and real estate firm responsible for Black Desert Resort. “Together, we’re proud to showcase what’s possible when visionary companies invest in the power of sport, tourism and community. The Bank of Utah Championship isn’t just a tournament, it’s a statement about where Utah is headed.”

“Utah is an iconic place of striking beauty and innovative spirit — and Black Desert Resort captures both,” said Branden Hansen, President of Bank of Utah. “As Utah grows into a premier destination for professional sports, we’re proud to invest in events that elevate our state, strengthen local economies and create meaningful experiences for our clients and communities. This partnership is more than a sponsorship — it celebrates what makes Utah exceptional and serves as a powerful platform to drive long-term impact across the state.”

Since 1952, Bank of Utah has played a key role in the state’s growth, helping individuals, families and businesses build strong financial foundations and stronger communities. As a trusted partner to generations of Utahns, the bank is proud to carry on that legacy through this collaboration with the PGA TOUR. The agreement names Bank of Utah title sponsor of the event at Black Desert Resort’s signature championship course through 2027.

Played against the stunning backdrop of southern Utah’s red rock mountains, the par-72 Black Desert Golf Course was designed by Phil Smith and the late Tom Weiskopf, the final design from the 2024 World Golf Hall of Fame inductee. In addition to the Bank of Utah Championship, Black Desert Resort is also host to an annual LPGA Tour event, with the inaugural tournament taking place this past May.

“After celebrating a successful return to Utah last year, the PGA TOUR is pleased to introduce Bank of Utah as title sponsor of our event at Black Desert Resort, which received rave reviews from TOUR players and families following the inaugural 2024 tournament,” said Tyler Dennis, PGA TOUR Chief Competitions Officer. “The Bank of Utah Championship is staged in one of the most unique settings found on the PGA TOUR schedule, and we are eager to welcome a proud Utah company into the fold ahead of the second rendition later this fall.”

PGA TOUR rookie Matt McCarty captured his maiden title by three strokes at the 2024 FedExCup Fall event in what was just his third career start on TOUR. McCarty is set to return to defend his title at the 2025 Bank of Utah Championship, with coverage on GOLF Channel, PGA TOUR LIVE on ESPN+, SiriusXM and distributed internationally via the TOUR’s World Feed.

About PGA TOUR
By showcasing golf’s greatest players, the PGA TOUR engages, inspires and positively impacts our fans, partners and communities worldwide.

The PGA TOUR, headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, co-sanctions tournaments on the PGA TOUR, PGA TOUR Champions, Korn Ferry Tour, PGA TOUR Americas and administers PGA TOUR Q-School presented by Korn Ferry and PGA TOUR University. TOUR members represent the world’s best players, hailing from 28 countries and territories. Showcasing the biggest moments in the sport with history and legacy on the line, the PGA TOUR has long-term domestic distribution partnerships for broadcast coverage on CBS, NBC and Golf Channel and video streaming service on ESPN+. Internationally, PGA TOUR coverage is available across 200+ countries and territories in 30 languages via 39 broadcast and digital partners. Virtually all tournaments are organized as non-profit organizations to maximize charitable giving, and to date, tournaments across all Tours have generated more than $4 billion.

Fans can follow the PGA TOUR on the new PGA TOUR app and PGATOUR.COM, and on social media channels, including Facebook,Instagram (in Spanish, Korean and Japanese), LinkedIn, TikTok, X (in English, Spanish and Japanese), WhatsApp (in English and Spanish),  WeChat, Weibo, Toutiao and Douyin.

About Bank of Utah
Founded in Ogden in 1952, Bank of Utah has been part of the state’s story for more than 70 years. We’ve supported small businesses and helped individuals and families build their futures in communities across Utah — from quiet mountain towns to thriving city centers. With 18 full-service branches, dedicated trust teams, and mortgage specialists throughout the state, Bank of Utah provides personal service and forward-thinking financial tools. The bank’s comprehensive offerings include business and personal banking, mortgage and commercial lending, personal and corporate trust services, and wealth management and investment services.

Recognized as one of the Top 15 U.S. Community Banks of 2024 by S&P Global Market Intelligence and named Utah’s Best Bank by GOBankingRates in 2025, Bank of Utah blends local insight with award-winning strength. Whether it’s the little details in a banking experience or the big moments in life, Bank of Utah is here to help Utahns succeed. Our commitment is to remain strong, trustworthy, advanced, secure and appreciative — to work side by side with clients on their financial journeys, so they can confidently say: “This is my Utah. Bank of Utah is my bank.” Learn more at bankofutah.com or call 801-409-5000.

About Black Desert Resort

Set amidst the vermilion sandstone cliffs and striking black lava beds of Greater Zion, Black Desert Resort is poised to become a premier destination for luxury hospitality, golf, and Southern Utah adventure. Developed by Reef Capital Partners, Black Desert Resort is anchored by a Tom Weiskopf-designed championship golf course, which hosts annual events on the PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour. Set to grand open in Summer 2025, the resort’s first phase will include nearly 800 rooms and suites, seven dining venues, a 15,000-square-foot spa, a heated outdoor pool and hot tub, and 45,000 square feet of indoor-outdoor meeting and event space. Future phases will include a water park, more rooms and suites, and additional dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Spanning over 600 acres of scenic landscape, Black Desert Resort offers easy access to 200+ acres of preserved land and six miles of hiking trails. To learn more about Black Desert Resort, visit www.blackdesertresort.com.

Reef Capital Partners is a vertically integrated real estate investment, development, and operations firm dedicated to enhancing communities through transformative and impactful projects across North America. With a portfolio that includes marquee destinations like Black Desert Resort, Marcella Club, Cornerstone Golf Club, Coco Palms, Cutalong at Tributer, and Sweetens Cove, Reef combines visionary design with investment expertise to create experiences that endure for generations. Learn more at www.reefcp.com.

Filed Under: Business, Community, Utah

Ogden, June 30, 2025‬‭— DayBreak Senior Services has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the‬ Alzheimer’s Association Center for Dementia Respite Innovation (CDRI) to enhance the quality and‬ availability of dementia-specific respite care for people living with dementia and their caregivers in‬ Northern Utah.‬

DayBreak Senior Services is one of 41 recipients chosen to receive grant funding from more than 200‬ applicants across the country. Funds will be used for‬

  • ‬Creation of a Therapeutic Sensory Garden
  • Interior Enhancements to Meet Capacity and Improve Participant Engagement
  • Hiring a Licensed Professional to Lead Structured Programming‬

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“We are proud to be recognized on a national level for the work we’re doing here in Northern Utah,” said‬ Morgan Bégin, Director of DayBreak Senior Services. “Every day, we see the emotional and physical toll that caregiving can take. This funding allows us to reimagine how we support people living with dementia‬ and their families, through meaningful program engagement, therapeutic spaces, and community-based‬ care.”

DayBreak Senior Services provides the only dementia-specific senior day program in Northern Utah,‬ serving families across Weber and Davis counties. We provide a safe, engaging space for individuals‬ living with dementia as well as older adults who benefit from added support, structure, and social‬ connection. Our program offers therapeutic activities and personalized care while giving caregivers the‬ respite they need. With more than 60 percent of caregivers reporting emotional strain, this support is‬ essential. Thanks to this new grant, DayBreak will expand its programming, improve its environment, and‬ increase capacity, bringing meaningful relief to more families in our community.‬

‭ In conjunction with the grant, DayBreak Senior Services will also receive online training and ongoing‬ technical assistance from the CDRI to ensure respite services are dementia-capable and to support‬ sustainability. The CDRI will also collect data and evaluate the impact of these innovative projects from‬ all grant recipients to inform public policy.‬

“We congratulate DayBreak Senior Services on its grant and look forward to working with its team to‬ help enhance respite care services for local dementia caregivers,” said Sam Fazio, Ph.D., vice president‬ care and support programs and research,‬‭ Alzheimer’s Association. “We intend to gain insights from each‬ respite program we fund, ultimately developing a catalog of programs, tools and resources that will be‬ easily accessible to interested caregivers and care providers”

‬‭ The Alzheimer’s Association created the CDRI in 2024 after receiving a $25 million grant from the‬ Administration for Community Living (ACL), a division of the U.S. Department‬‭ of Health and Human‬ Services.‬‭ Over the next four years, the CDRI will provide $25 million in grant funding to local respite‬ providers and organizations to enhance the quality and availability of respite care nationwide. Visit‬ alz.org/cdri‬‭ to see the full list of this year’s grant‬‭ recipients.‬

‭ Funding disclosure‬
This project is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health‬ and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $13,261,685 with 75 percent‬ funded by ACL/HHS and $3,285,728 amount with 25 percent funded by non-government source(s). The‬ contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an‬ endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.‬

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Filed Under: Business, Community, Grants, Utah Tagged With: Community, Ogden, Weber County

Take 5 Oil Change – Friendly People & Fast Oil Changes!

Founded in 2021, Take 5 Oil Change takes pride in its fast, friendly and simplified oil changes and emissions tests. In just 10 short minutes, while you enjoy a bottle of water in your car, the team at Take 5 Oil Change will change your engine oil along with the filter – checking and replenishing vital under-hood fluids so that you can go about your day.

Taber Cope, Managing Director, recalls the moment that defined the beginning of Take 5 Oil Change, “I wanted others to experience how quick and convenient and oil change should be,” he said. “When I heard about Take 5 Oil Change, I knew it was a concept that would work well here in Utah and I was excited to sign up as a franchise!”

The South Ogden location was the first shop in Utah and one of the very first shops in the Western United States. Today, there are nearly 700 Take 5 Oil Change locations around the United States and Canada. They will be opening three locations in the Ogden area to make sure everyone has access to a quick and friendly oil change.

“Our focus on customer service is second to none. People actually enjoy coming in and getting an oil change with us!”

-Taber Cope, Managing Director, Take 5 Oil Change

The great support of the local community is considered one of Take 5 Oil Change’s biggest wins by the team at Take 5 Oil Change. They are providing a need that the community has been missing – The Stay In Your Car, 10 Minute Oil Change.

One customer had such a great experience at Take 5, they gave one of the nicest reviews the team at Take 5 Oil Change has ever seen, “Benson helped get me registered and was very helpful. I can’t believe how fast they are at providing service! I had waited over 2 hours at the dealership just prior to my scheduled appointment to get an oil change. I was so frustrated with waiting so I came to Take 5 and they took care of me right away. The best part of my visit is how they took care of me when my battery died right in the bay. The manager pulled up his own truck to give me a jump after they tried to charge it a couple of times. I am so impressed with Take 5 and will be coming back every 3 months.”

“Success is not final; failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.”

– Winston Churchill

https://www.take5oilchange.com/locations/ut/south-ogden-1321/

Filed Under: Business Spotlight, Uncategorized

The inclusive playground features ADA-compliant equipment, sensory play elements, and wheelchair access, inviting children of all abilities to play together. Media and public invited to July 1 ribbon-cutting celebration.

Ogden, Utah – June 16, 2025 – Ogden’s George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park today announced the grand opening of its all-new All-Abilities Playground, scheduled for July 1, 2025. The celebration will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:00 AM, followed by the playground opening to the public at 10:30 AM at Ogden’s George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park (1544 E. Park Blvd, Ogden). Families, educators, city officials, community groups, donors, sponsors, everyone is welcome. Both media representatives and the general public are invited to attend and cover this exciting event

The new playground has been thoughtfully designed for fun, inclusivity, and accessibility, ensuring that children of all abilities can play, explore, and imagine together in the same space. Key features of the playground include:

  • Momentum Corridor – a wheelchair-transferable glider path with sensory rollers, allowing kids with limited mobility to pull themselves along for a fun climbing and sensory experience.
  • Cyclone Climber & Spinner – a spinning climber with an opening at transfer height, enabling children to safely transfer from a wheelchair and enjoy a spinning ride.
  • Glide-Along Zip Line – a dual-seat zip line featuring both a standard disc seat and an adaptive ADA seat, so all children can experience the thrill of a zip line ride.
  • Inclusive Swings – a swing set that includes an ADA-accessible swing seat.
  • Accessible Tower – a main play tower with a wheelchair transfer station and elevated play areas.

Sara Mejeur, Executive Director of Ogden’s George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park, praised the community’s effort in bringing the project to life. “The vision for this playground was to create a place where every child could play side by side with their peers, regardless of ability,” Mejeur said. “We are thrilled to see that vision become a reality, thanks to the generosity of Weber County R.A.M.P., our dedicated board and staff, along with our engaged community supporters. We can’t thank them enough for helping us ensure all children who visit our park have the opportunity to experience the joy of playing together. We’re also incredibly grateful to our daily visitors and Park Members for their patience and support while the playground had been under construction—your understanding means the world to us and helped make this possible.”

Filed Under: Business Spotlight, Community, Utah

D.L. Evans Bank, in partnership with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines), is pleased to announce that YCC Family Crisis Center has received a $31,250 donation. 

D.L. Evans Bank applied for the FHLB Des Moines Member Impact Fund which matches up to $1.50 to every $1 of the D.L. Evans Bank donation. This matching grant program will result in FHLB Des Moines awarding over $6 million in funding to support affordable housing and community development in Hawaii, Utah and Guam.

YCC Family Crisis Center states they are a non-profit organization incorporated to enhance the safety of women, children and men by providing crisis intervention and advocacy services to reduce and prevent the occurrence of family violence and sexual assault through education and community awareness.

Recipient organizations were selected based on the needs for grant funding to support capacity-building or working capital necessary to strengthen their ability to serve affordable housing or community development needs including job training, affordable housing, financial literacy, food banks and youth programs. 

The D.L. Evans Bank team presented a check to YCC Family Crisis Center. Note: Picture included in this email is to be used for this intended press release only. Further distribution of this material without written approval from D.L. Evans Bank is not permissible. 

About D.L. Evans Bank 

Established in 1904, D.L. Evans Bank is a community bank focused on serving local communities and providing the best banking solutions to its community members. With a network of 39 branches across Idaho and Utah and assets exceeding $3.4 billion, D.L. Evans Bank remains steadfast in its mission to foster long-term relationships and support the communities it serves. Learn more at www.dlevans.com. 

About Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines 

The FHLB Des Moines is deeply committed to strengthening communities by working together with over 1,200 member institutions to support affordable housing, economic development and community improvement. For additional information about FHLB Des Moines, please visit www.fhlbdm.com.

Filed Under: Business, Community, Utah Tagged With: Business, Community, Ogden, Weber County

In an effort to improve traffic flow and safety at the intersection of state Route 39 (SR-39) and Main Street (100 South) in Huntsville, the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) is constructing a new roundabout. Project completion is expected by late fall 2025.

During construction, crews will strive to maintain all-way traffic through the intersection. Drivers should expect intermittent turn lane closures, flagging operations and minor travel delays. To help minimize delays on weekends, no traffic restrictions will be in place from 2 p.m. on Fridays through 5 a.m. on Mondays. All travel lanes will also be open during holiday timeframes.

The new roundabout will feature a free right-turn (no stop required) for northbound SR-39 traffic to eastbound SR-39 towards Monte Cristo. Also, a little larger roundabout design than is typical will be built to accommodate larger recreational traffic and trailers that travel frequently through the area.

The project will make history as the first roundabout constructed on a state road by UDOT’s Region One, which includes the six counties north of Salt Lake City.

Construction Impacts

During construction, crews will strive to maintain all-way traffic through the intersection.

  • Drivers should expect intermittent turn lane closures, flagging operations and minor travel delays.
  • A 4-way STOP has been implemented at the intersection.
  • When flaggers are not present, drivers must STOP all ways at the intersection before proceeding.
  • When flaggers are present, drivers should follow their instructions.
  • Please reduce speeds and watch for flaggers and signage.
  • To help minimize delays on weekends, no traffic restrictions will be in place from 2 p.m. on Fridays through 5 a.m. on Mondays.
  • All travel lanes will also be open during holiday timeframes.

Ogden Valley pedestrians and cyclists are advised that the Pineview Loop Path is closed on the northwest corner of the Main Street (100 South) and SR-39 intersection in Huntsville.

  • No detour route is available around the work zone for trail users to access into Huntsville Town.
  • To maintain public safety during the closure, trail users are not permitted through the intersection on the roadway as there will be excavation work and heavy equipment in the work zone. Thank you for your cooperation.

Filed Under: Community, Travel, Uncategorized Tagged With: Community, Ogden, Weber County

Oil changes are an essential part of car care, but they can be time-consuming and expensive. That’s where Take 5 Oil Change comes in. With their fast, affordable, and convenient oil change service, you can get your car back on the road in about ten minutes.

There are a few things that set Take 5 Oil Change apart from the competition:

  • Fast: We can change your oil in about 10 minutes while you wait in your car.
  • Affordable: Our prices are competitive, and we use full synthetic oil.
  • Convenient: We have multiple locations in Weber and Davis Counties.
  • High-quality: We use only high-quality synthetic oil and filters.
  • Friendly staff: Our staff is always friendly and helpful.

They know oil changes are important, so they strive to provide a fast, friendly experience that gets you back on the road, without getting out of your car. While you’re there they will change your oil and filter, fill vital fluids, check your tire pressure and make your vehicle happy.

If you’re ready to get your oil changed, visit your nearest Take 5 Oil Change today!

Filed Under: Business Spotlight Tagged With: Carcare, Ogden, OilChange, syntheticoil, Take5OilChange, WeberCounty


By Jason Swensen, Deseret News | Posted – June 1, 2025 at 4:45 p.m.

OGDEN — You’ve likely heard that there are only two certainties in life.

One is taxes. You know the other.

Still, many are ignoring their own mortality — at least when it comes to estate planning.

Fewer than a third of Americans report having a will, according to the 2024 Wills and Estate Planning Study from Caring.com.

Procrastination is usually to blame for many not engaging in estate planning. Would-be planners just “haven’t gotten around to it,” according to the study.

Other common “no will/no trust for me” responses:

  • “I don’t have enough assets to leave to anyone.”
  • “I don’t know how to get a will or a living trust.”
  • “It is too expensive to set up.”
  • “It takes too long or is too complicated to set up.”

Weber State University’s development office hopes to steer around such common roadblocks to creating a will with its recently launched online estate planning tool. The Wills Planner tool is available to all — and it’s free.

WSU development coordinator Angie Anderson said the accessible, no-cost estate planning tool aims to lessen the challenges that families often face following the death of a loved one.

“We all hate having to think about it, but we want our families to be taken care of,” Anderson said. “So we want to give everybody the opportunity to put some thought into how they want their legacies to be remembered.”

Using Weber State’s estate planning tool

The online estate planning tool is designed to make crafting a will as simple as possible.

Site visitors can first download a free estate planning guide and then watch a series of brief tutorial videos with instructions on getting started, selecting individuals to help manage end-of-life legal and health care decisions, and how to select an estate plan that identifies people and charities that one might wish to have as beneficiaries.

Users can then set up an account and begin the registration process.

Users of the Weber State online tool have the option to name Weber State as a beneficiary in the document — but there’s no obligation.

“We’re really focused on empowering people to take that first step to plan for their future and their families,” Anderson said. “Weber wants to make that as easy as possible.”

Users of the tool can also work with WSU’s development office for additional assistance. The office works with an experienced advisory council made up of financial advisers, attorneys and other experts, according to WSU.

Ages 19 to 99: ‘Everybody needs a will’

The pandemic triggered an uptick in Americans’ preoccupation with their health and, yes, their mortality.

So it’s little surprise that there was a COVID-19-era surge in wills and trusts. But when the pandemic eased, Americans apparently focused attention on other matters.

But the realities surrounding the need for careful estate planning remain.

Experts say almost everyone should have an estate plan — but it’s absolutely vital for anyone with children or people who own a home. People who die without a will, according to a USA Today report, “can leave a thicket of probate problems” for loved ones.

“If you are 19, if you are 99 — everybody needs a will,” said Erin Smith, director of estate planning at Edelman Financial Engines, a financial planning and investment advisory company.

Older Americans are more likely to have wills. Yet, even many of them don’t have one. According to Caring.com, 43% of adults over 55 had wills in 2024 — down from 46% in 2023 and 48% in 2020.

Many financial advisers recommend that Americans should have a will as part of a larger estate plan that dictates not just what happens to one’s assets after death but also who will manage one’s affairs in an emergency while still living, USA Today reported.

Someone who dies without a will might leave big questions unanswered: Who cares for a child? Who gets the family home? And some assets are tricky to divide among multiple heirs.

“People with children should probably have a will. People with minor children should probably have a will, just to determine who will take care of them,” Gal Wettstein, a senior research economist at the Center for Retirement Research, told USA Today.

In a will or trust, a person instructs how to distribute property and other assets upon their death. When someone dies without a will, the local courts take over.

Anyone with a comparatively simple estate — say, a spouse, a couple of children and a modest list of assets — might assume they don’t need a will.

But probate laws vary, and it can be hard to predict who gets what.

In Utah, if a resident dies without a will, the probate court will appoint a personal representative to take care of the estate of the decedent, according to SmartAsset.

The court then follows intestate succession laws to determine who inherits your property and how much of it they get.

Estate planning for digital assets

Aside from traditional estate planning such as wills, it’s also essential to have a plan for one’s digital assets — including passwords that unlock bank statements, social media accounts, digital photographs, video game assets and perhaps cryptocurrency.

As noted recently in the Deseret News: If you don’t plan how to pass that on before you die, it’s going to pass along with you.

Begin the process by giving your digital assets “their own afterlife.”

Here’s a few tips from estate planning experts Gerry W. Beyer and Kerri G. Nipp:

  • Make tangible media backups. Put important digital materials on a thumb drive or copy them to a CD or DVD.
  • Take inventory of assets — including account details, usernames, passwords and instructions for handling the accounts in case of disability or death. “Store this inventory carefully, considering options like a trusted person, encryption, a safety deposit box or an online password storage service,” they said.
  • Consider storing photos and videos on a website that multiple family members or friends can access immediately.
  • Wills should state whether the fiduciary has access to digital assets.
  • Consider putting digital assets in a revocable trust, “which may not become part of the public record and is easier to amend than a will.” You don’t want to redo paperwork with every password change.
  • There are online afterlife companies that can help plan for digital assets.
  • There are also businesses that will manage one’s passwords securely so they only have to keep track of one. Guard that one carefully.

Filed Under: Business, Community, Education, Utah Tagged With: Community, Ogden, Weber County

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