Since last Veterans Day, Sunset Veterans Park near Hill Air Force Base has undergone a monumental change that has significantly modified its landscape and history as well.

In November 2025, for instance, construction of the Agent Orange Memorial began there. The monument’s information stand containing details about Agent Orange and other toxic chemicals, was completed and installed just before the year ended.

The Agent Orange Memorial was completed last month following its final phase of construction, the attachment of keystone sandstone and a crown by Barlow Masonry.

Earlier this year, a Vietnam War casualty memorial was placed near the Agent Orange Memorial. Sunset Mayor Scott Wiggill, Jay Jones, and Utah Agent Orange Veterans Foundation volunteers installed the new memorial.

The latest memorial added to Sunset Veterans Park, a Battlefield Cross, was installed last month and placed next to the Vietnam War Casualty Memorial. The Battlefield Cross pays tribute to service members killed in action.

The Battlefield Cross has its roots in the Civil War when it was used to mark temporary burial sites of fallen soldiers. At that time, it generally consisted of a rifle stuck in the ground and a soldier’s cap. In later conflicts, it included more items and also began to function as a type of memorial.

The latest version of the Battlefield Cross is mounted in a very appropriate place in Sunset Veterans Park. It is on the left side of the memorial that honors Vietnam War casualties.

To the right of the Vietnam War Casualty Memorial is a newly mounted flag pole with two flags. A yellow flag with three horizontal stripes, the flag of South Vietnam, is displayed beneath Old Glory.

Veterans Day 2026 symbolizes an incredible transitional period for Sunset Veterans Park. In a single year It has gained three new memorials that pay tribute to Utah veterans.

In the process, Sunset received a considerable amount of attention from state and national media. That is hardly surprising, since the city is home to one of the most prominent and profound Agent Orange memorials in the United States.

— Nelson Thibault

Utah Agent Orange Veterans Foundation Volunteer

Utah’s geothermal momentum is growing

Utah continues to show why it is becoming an integral part of the country’s geothermal energy industry. In September, the Department of Energy selected five Utah projects to receive funds for geothermal development, including projects from several Utah-based companies and two with the University of Utah. These projects are conducting tests of new geothermal technologies and exploring resources that could support future energy development, leading to greater energy expansion in our state.  

 As we prepare for rising electricity demand, this work is increasingly important as Utah needs abundant, reliable power for our communities. Geothermal can provide around the clock electricity regardless of the weather, giving Utah another dependable source of power as demand grows. That growing need for reliable power comes as federal lawmakers consider changes to project permitting processes aimed at reducing delays and uncertainty that can slow the development of new energy infrastructure projects in Utah. 

These investments are another sign of Utah’s growing leadership in renewable energy development. Senator John Curtis has also highlighted geothermal development in Utah while calling for changes to the federal permitting process, including reducing duplicative reviews that can add time and uncertainty before projects move forward. As more energy development projects move from research towards implementation, discussions on permitting remain an important part of how quickly new energy infrastructure can connect to the grid and begin delivering power. Visiting energy projects across Utah, I’ve witnessed the critical role of state and federal collaboration in advancing responsible energy development, including geothermal. I look forward to continued collaboration to meet Utah’s growing energy needs. 

— Rep. Lisa Shepherd (R-Provo)

Be careful when on the roads

The other morning when it was still dark outside, a car with no headlights on almost ran into us. My wife, who was driving, had to slam on the brakes to avoid an accident. With the fall and winter seasons coming on, drivers need to remember to be extra cautious and make sure their lights are on. We all need to be alert and drive safely.

Stan Jacobson

Ogden