Going Viral: Michael Locke’s #tattletaletuesdays Tell All
By Jayna Smith Detective Michael Locke uses humor to manage and grow the Orem Police Department’s wildly popular social media. “I’m known around here for telling stupid jokes while keeping a straight face, so people don’t know if I’m ever joking or not,” he says. After working for just over two years in the Orem […]
Getting Old and Staying Bold: The City of Orem Turns 100
Orem turned 100 this year. But instead of investing in reading glasses and an oxygen tank, this century-old city is the home to one university, four I-15 exits and 91,000 residents. On May 5, 2019, Orem residents gathered at The Orchard at University Place for a celebration with games, live music and food. Mayor Brunst […]
Two Utah County cities named to SafeWise’s 50 Safest College Towns in America
Two Utah County cities made SafeWise’s list for “50 safest College Towns in America.” Orem ranked No. 15 while neighboring city, Provo, came in at No. 33. Home to Utah Valley University, Orem frequently makes lists for best places to live. Orem, which has a population of 95, 640 people, has 0.68 violent crimes per […]
UTA won’t be done with UVX construction until fall
By mid-August, Utah Valley Express buses will be rolling through Provo and Orem. They’ll arrive at stops every six minutes during peak times. And stop every 10 minutes in off-peak hours. But they won’t be using most of the platforms or driving down the center lanes. That’s because construction on University Parkway and University Avenue […]
Trader Joe’s announces official opening date for Orem location
Trader Joe’s will officially open its doors to its new building in Orem, Utah on July 27 at 8 a.m., the speciality grocer announced Monday afternoon. Prior to the doors opening, there will be a ribbon cutting at 7:45 a.m., Orem City announced on Facebook. The Trader Joe’s location in Orem was originally announced in […]
One year later: How much longer until Trader Joe’s opens in Orem?
Thursday marked the one-year announcement anniversary for Trader Joe’s in Orem, Utah, news that caused a lot of buzz on social media both before and after the announcement. “So far people have been ecstatic that they are opening,” said Ryan Clark, Orem’s economic development division manager. “In fact, everyone has been very impatient about why […]
8 new restaurants opening in Utah County in 2018
Utah County had just over 592,000 residents in 2017. Over the next 50 years, new projections estimate that number will triple to more than 1.6 million. As this growth accelerates, several new businesses and restaurants are opening in Utah County. Here are eight restaurants to be on the lookout for in 2018. 1. Strap Tank Brewing Co., […]
Forbes names Provo-Orem No. 2 best city to invest in housing
Forbes named Provo-Orem the No. 2 best city to invest in housing. The business magazine teamed up with Local Market Monitor, which tracks more than 300 U.S. housing markets, to evaluate where people are most likely to receive a return on their housing investment. In order to make the list, the city’s population size needed to match or […]
Utah County development projects to look forward to in 2018
At this point it’s not a secret that Utah County is growing. Utah County is expected to double in size over the next 20 years, which will bring the population size to more than 1 million people. This has Utah County’s economic developers singing the same tune — growth means growing pains. “Our biggest challenge […]
BRT won’t have big impact on property values, rents in Provo
A new study shows that the Bus Rapid Transit system through Orem and Provo probably won’t make a big economic impact. Zions Public Finance conducted the study in partnership with Provo, Orem, the Utah Department of Transportation, Utah Transit Authority and Mountainland Association of Governments. The Provo council got a preview of the report on […]
What to expect from BRT construction in 2018
There is road construction everywhere, or at least that is how it has seemed while the Utah Transit Authority has worked to complete the Bus Rapid Transit system. A project that will bring a quicker method of public transportation to Utah County, BRT construction has caused Provo and Orem’s busiest roads — University Parkway and […]
Must Haves: Vili Lino, owner of Lino’s Barber Shop, talks favorites in Utah County
As a Tongan born and raised in Provo in the late 1970s and early ‘80s, Vili Lino knew he stood out. “I was always aware of my hair,” Vili says. “All the kids had blonde hair, and I was stuck with this big, brown afro.” Vili received his first fade at 12 and finally felt […]
Volunteers wrapping for a good cause at University Place
For the last 10 years, Habitat for Humanity of Utah County has been raising money every Christmas season by wrapping gifts at Provo Towne Centre. They’re back on duty starting Saturday, but in a new place. This year Habitat wrappers will be at University Place in Orem. And instead of being in the middle of […]
Orem ranked as No. 2 best city for trick-or-treating in 2017
Orem’s treat came early once again this year. For the second year in a row, Orem City was ranked as the No. 2 best city for trick-or-treating by SmartAsset. “Another concern during Halloween, and being out late trick-or-treating, is safety,” SmartAsset wrote as an explanation for the ranking. “Orem has the lowest violent crime rate in […]
University Place announces addition of four locally-owned, Asian restaurants
University Place is adding four new locally-owned restaurants to its complex — and its good news for those who love Asian cuisine. Ahi Muse, Itto Sushi, Tepanyaki Japanese Steakhouse and Teriyaki Stix now join Seasons Food Court and more than 25 other food and beverage options at University Place. “What’s unique about all four of […]
Orem sets sights on The Cheesecake Factory
It worked with Trader Joe’s, so now Orem is using social media to get The Cheesecake Factory‘s attention. Because a recent survey of residents showed that the chain restaurant was the No. 1 most-wanted new business in the city, Orem officials are asking people on Facebook to send the company requests to open in Orem. […]
The Drive: Take a road trip through Utah County with eight locals
Rev up the engine and take a road trip through Utah County. We’ll make eight stops and introduce you to the talk of each town. So buckle your seatbelt and kick it into high gear with locals in the driver’s seat.
Taekwondo champion Jared Reed kicks it in Orem
As told to Lindsey Williams I got kicked out of karate — not by the instructor but by my parents. At daycare, another kid took my action figure toy so I kicked him. After that my dad kicked me out of karate. Six months later, my uncle recommended I try taekwondo. So at 8, I […]
Fourth round election update shows Utah County elections will be close
The fourth round update for the Utah County primary elections moved the needle in close races across the valley. But the election tally is still not official, according to Utah County Clerk/Auditor Bryan Thompson. Official results won’t be available until Aug. 29. At that time, the Board of Canvassers will meet at 3 p.m. to review […]
Curtis (likely) wins 3rd Congressional primary; 1000s of ballots left to count
It’s (almost) official — Provo Mayor John Curtis won the Republican nomination for the 3rd Congressional District race to replace Jason Chaffetz. Almost, because there are still tens of thousands of ballots left to count in Utah County. Curtis’s opponent, Tanner Ainge, conceded the race around 9 p.m., after polls closed at 8 p.m. His […]
The fine art of living: Sue Bergin shares her wisdom both quietly and loudly
Orem’s Sue Bergin has always been an activist. In the 1980s, she marched against the MX missile. When she was a 30-year-old Relief Society president in an LDS singles ward, she told the bishop they were going to replace Homemaking with activities that fit their interests better. Now, she’s a retired chaplain and her life […]
UV To Do: Utah Valley calendar of events for July 2017
Summer is halfway over in Utah Valley, but things are just heating up. Make the most of the rest of your summer by marking these Utah Valley events in your calendar. Events Freedom Festival When: July 1–4 Where: Various locations in Provo and Orem Cost: Varies per event Site: freedomfestival.org American Fork Steel Days When: July 6-15 Where: Various locations in American Fork Cost: Varies […]
E&L Custom Homes – Home #6 – 2017
Legacy Dream, 37 West, 2170 South, Orem Maximo and Angela Pichardo, owners of E&L Custom Homes, have years of experience in providing top-quality and beautiful homes for Utah families. Special attention to detail is a signature of every E&L Custom Homes. E&L Custom Homes employs only the finest craftsmen and subcontractors that share the company’s […]
R.C. Dent – Home #7 – 2017
Penny, 2159 South 30 West, Orem R.C. Dent has been building spectacular custom homes since 1972. The professionals at R.C. Dent Construction have well over 60 years of experience and provide nothing but the best experience for homeowners in all price ranges. Have the R.C. Dent team help you achieve your dream today. Bedrooms: 6 […]
Sweetwater Homes – Home #8 – 2017
Eight, 2120 South 30 West, Orem Sweetwater Homes offers high‑quality homes at competitive prices. Sweetwater Homes specializes in working with homeowners building homes between $400,000 and $1,000,000. At Sweetwater Homes, clients are encouraged to utilize the company design center located in Pleasant Grove to customize according to the homeowner’s wants and needs. Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: […]
Millhaven Homes – Home #9 – 2017
The Lakeview, 2099 South 60 West, Orem Millhaven Homes builds to fit your personality and lifestyle. Homes done right at every level. From floor plans, financing, interior design, and project management. The Millhaven Homes team specializes in each area of construction. We provide all the resources needed for a seamless experience. A partnership from start […]
Ezra Lee Design + Build – Home #11 – 2017
Evolution, 1493 South 1020 East, Orem Ezra Lee Design + Build is a full‑service architecture, construction and interior design firm. Every project is approached thoughtfully and collaboratively to create a home that reflects the client’s lifestyle. The firm’s unique design‑build process allows Ezra Lee Design + Build to pursue standards of excellence as the company […]
Davies Design Build – Home #13 – 2017
Cascade Estate, 962 East 720 North, Orem With more than 45 years experience turning dreams into reality, Davies Design Build has the expertise and personnel to change ideas and wishes into a home that is unique. Davies specializes in working with clients from choosing a lot, designing a floor plan exclusive to their needs and […]
Holmes Homes – Homes #16 – 2017
Sundance, 1880 North 844 West, Orem Holmes Homes is a fifth generation builder that is built on family traditions going back to 1890. Holmes Homes prides itself on providing great customer service and cutting-edge style and design. The professionals at Holmes build homes throughout Utah and Salt Lake Valley, specializing in building single family and […]
UVHBA Wolverine House – 2017
UVHBA Wolverine House, 627 South 1920 West, Orem The UVHBA partnered with South Haven Homes as the general contractor on the Wolverine House. South Haven Homes was founded in 2008 by Jeff Southard. South Haven has built multifamily homes and single family homes from Layton to Cedar City. Jeff has over 20 years of experience […]