News for
April 15, 2026

 

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By Myrna Trauntvein
TN Correspondent

The annual county event honoring Big Hearts and Helping Hands within Juab County was held on March 30 at the Juab County Fairgrounds.

Clinton Painter, Juab County Commissioner, gave the welcome and the remarks during the evening.

Nominees honored were: Amanda Reynolds, Annie Armstrong, Brady Welburn, Brian and Tara Howard and Family, Brittany Steele, Bryson Ashworth, Carson Oswald, Craig Sperry, Daleen Anderson, Debbie Barnes, Dr. Jamie Udell, Ethan Carroll, Evige Warner, Fred Hermansen, Geri Sweat, Heath Butler, Jason Lear, Jay Mecham, Jed Tischner, Jessica Fauntin, Jessie Ann Wood, Jodi Sipple, Jordan Jones, Kaylee Curtis, Kevin Stanley, Lane Sorensen, Laura Hermansen, Linda Hanks, Luz Warner, Makenzie Stowell, Mariah Proctor, Mary Lou Sperry, Matt Warner, Mavanie Ariza, McKay Tenney, Mckelle Tenney, Michael Royce, Mindy Newell, Nikki Newton, Patricia Bigler, Patty Anderson, Juab High Principal Todd Quarnberg, Randy Park, Shari Cowan, Susan Cowan, Taylor Warburton, Traci Mecham, and Tyson Ashworth.

“Good evening everyone, It’s sure good to see so many familiar faces here tonight and a few new ones too. That’s one of the best parts of living in a place like Juab County, you never stay a stranger for long.”

He said that, on behalf of all, he wanted to welcome everyone to the Big Hearts and Helping Hands reception. The theme was “Everyday Heroes.”

“And I think that’s just about perfect,” he said. “Because when most folks hear the word ‘hero,’ they picture something big, something dramatic, maybe even something you’d see in a movie. But around here, we know better. Around here, heroes don’t wear capes. They wear work boots or gym shoes, or church clothes or a volunteer t-shirt that’s been washed a hundred times, they might wear a baseball cap or a cowboy hat.”

He said that they’re the ones who show up early, stay late, and never think twice about it. And more often than not, they don’t see themselves as heroes at all.

That’s part of what made the evening so special, he said. No one was there for headlines or attention. In fact, most of the folks being honored would probably be more comfortable out on the lawn with their family than sitting in the spotlight.

“And that’s exactly why they deserve it, “ he said. “Because in a world that can sometimes feel a little loud and a little self-focused, this community continues to prove—quietly and consistently—that kindness still matters and that service still defines who we are. You see it in the neighbor who shows up with a meal before you even think to ask. You see it in the volunteer who just keeps saying ‘yes’ when there’s work to be done. You see it in the person who checks in, lends a hand, or lifts someone up—without ever expecting anything in return. Those are our everyday heroes,” said Painter.

“They’re not looking for recognition. They’re not keeping score. They’re just doing what needs to be done, because they care about the people around them. And I’ll tell you, serving in this community, you get a front-row seat to that kind of goodness. You see people step up in ways that never make the paper, never get posted online, and never come with a thank you. But they do it anyway. That says something. It says we’re raising our families right. It says our values are still strong. And it says that no matter how much the world changes, the things that matter most really don’t.”

Now, events like this matter, he said. They give a chance to pause, to reflect, and to say “thank you” out loud, and that ought to be done more often.

“But the truth is, the spirit we’re celebrating tonight—the spirit of these everyday heroes—isn’t something that only shows up once a year. It’s happening every single day, all across this county, in ways big and small. And that ought to make all of us proud,” Painter said.

He extended appreciation to all being recognized and thanked them for their example, quiet leadership, and for showing all what real heroism looked like.

“And to everyone in this room, you’re part of this story too. Whether you realize it or not, the way you treat people, the way you show up, the way you care, it all adds up. It all matters. So tonight, let’s celebrate that. Let’s enjoy the company, share a few stories, maybe laugh a little and take a moment to appreciate what we have here. Because communities like this don’t just happen, they’re built, one act of kindness at a time, by everyday heroes. Thank you for being here, thank you for what you do, and thank you for helping make Juab County the kind of place we’re proud to call home,” he said.

In his remarks, Painter said, “There’s something powerful about a moment when ordinary people choose to step forward. Not because they’re told they have to but because they feel called to. Many of you, especially those of an older generation, might remember Schoolhouse Rock. That line that still echoes: ‘Get your powder, get your gun, report to General Washington.’ Or the image of Paul Revere riding through the night, not for recognition, not for reward but to serve a cause greater than himself. Those weren’t just stories we learned as kids. They were reminders of who we are. Because while those moments weren’t the beginning of volunteerism in America, they were part of the foundation of something deeply woven into our identity—a spirit of service. A readiness to act. A belief that when something matters, we show up.”

He said that 250 years later that was still happening. America was celebrating her 250th birthday: a milestone built not just by history books and founding documents, but by generations of people who chose to care, to give, and to serve. And that same spirit, that same willingness to step forward, was still alive today. It’s alive in 2026. And it’s alive right here in Juab County, because in communities like ours, volunteerism isn’t just something we talk about, it’s something we live. It’s neighbors helping neighbors.

“It’s hearts that see a need. And hands that do something about it. And that’s what Hearts and Helping Hands is all about.”

“Now, when we hear the word “hero,” we often think of something larger than life: Someone in a uniform. Someone in a history book. Someone who made a single, extraordinary sacrifice. But the truth is, that’s not the only kind of hero our country was built on,” Painter said. “The real strength of America has always come from everyday people doing ordinary things with extraordinary hearts. Everyday heroes don’t always make headlines. They don’t ask for recognition. Most of the time, they don’t even think of themselves as heroes at all. They’re the ones who quietly show up. Who lend a hand. Who see a need and meet it. Two hundred and fifty years later, the story of America is still being written. Not in history books but in communities like this one. Not by famous names but by everyday people. People like you. So if you ever wonder whether what you do matters, let me answer that for you: It does. Because every backpack packed, every hand extended, every act of service writes the next chapter of this country.

“And if that’s true, then Juab County isn’t just part of the story, we’re helping lead it. As we look around this room—and across this community—one thing becomes very clear: There is no single ‘type’ of everyday hero. They don’t all look the same. They don’t all come from the same place. And they certainly don’t all follow the same path. In Juab County, our everyday heroes span generations. From pre-teens to those in their 80s and 90s— like the kind souls who still take the time to visit friends in the care center, simply because they care. They come from every walk of life. They’re current city employees and former county employees who continue to serve long after their official roles have ended. They’re construction workers, school administrators, counselors, teachers, and even the friendly face of a crossing guard who looks out for our kids every single day. They are retirees helping neighbors. People quietly leading fundraisers for friends in need. Individuals, couples, and entire families who step up, again and again, whenever something needs to be done. They are the people who help community events come together, who fill in the gaps, who make sure things don’t just happen but succeed. And while their stories may all be different, they share one thing in common: They show up.”

The program also featured a musical number by Colter Memmott.

“Before we wrap up tonight, I want to thank Colter Memmott for stepping in and helping us out. Colter, thank you. You are a true example of Big Hearts and Helping Hands. And as we leave tonight, remember this: America’s 250 years of heroes don’t just live in history books because the story is still being written, right here with you.”

Committee members were: Clint Painter, Aidaly Watts, Braylin Ludlow, Jamie Garrett, Jodi Sipple, Megan Smith, RaDona Ludlow, Shanna Harris.

The sponsors: were: Azomite, BAR-W Beef, Bev’s Boutique on Main, CVMC Choice Hardware, Edge Auto Group, Juab County Events, The Sun Shed, Ute Stampede, Watts Oil Program, Ann Peterson made jam to put in the baskets for the winners and Amber Painter made sourdough bread to go with the jam.

 The prayer was offered by Daniel McCoy and the Posting of Colors by the Nephi Lions Club.