American Fork Citizen

10/08/2025

When tragedy struck Utah Valley University following the shooting of Charlie Kirk, a Springville family known for raising puppies stepped forward with an offer of comfort that words alone could not provide.

Macall Wolz and her mother, Rebecca, co-founders of JW Doodles Family Breeders, loaded up a handful of their Bernedoodle and Goldendoodle puppies and made the trip to the UVU campus, hoping to bring a measure of peace to shaken students and staff.
“We knew it would be a lot of work to haul puppies and all their supplies,” Macall said. “But if there was even a small chance to help someone heal, we wanted to be part of that.”

April Slaughter | American Fork Citizen When tragedy struck Utah Valley University following the shooting of Charlie Kirk, a Springville family known for raising puppies stepped forward with an offer of comfort that words alone could not provide. Macall Wolz and her mother, Rebecca, co-founders of J...

10/06/2025

American Fork Real Estate Snapshot: September 2025 September 2025 vs (2024)Homes sold: 38 (35) Average home price: $541,175 ($553,145)Median home price: $529,250 ($551,143) Average days on the market: 56 (44)Average square feet: 2,267 (2,229) Average price per square foot: $252.80 ($252.40)...

10/04/2025

Friday, at about noon, American Fork High School Students were excused early from the school day after a sticky note with the word “bomb” written on it was found at the school. The American Fork Police Department quickly took action, calling in assistance from the Pleasant Grove and Provo Police Departments. Four K-9 bomb dogs and police searched the school for an explosive, but found no evidence of one. There was no indication when the note was left, but authorities took strict caution.

Elizabeth SpencerAmerican Fork CitizenFriday, at about noon, American Fork High School Students were excused early from the school day after a sticky note with the word "bomb" written on it was found at the school. The American Fork Police Department quickly took action, calling in assistance from t...

10/01/2025

A majority of students in the U.S. report experiencing anxiety and fear over the potential for a school shooting, according to multiple studies and surveys. This includes students with direct exposure to gun violence as well as those who are affected by media coverage and the perception of a constant threat.

"In 2018, more than half of US students reported feeling somewhat or very worried about the possibility of a shooting happening at their school," according to Pew Research Center.

"I have been thinking about the prevalence of school/mass shootings and violence, and it's honestly become something I worry about in the back of my mind more frequently," said Dagny Ball, law student at Brigham Young University (BYU) Law School.

Jennifer Thomas | American Fork Citizen A majority of students in the U.S. report experiencing anxiety and fear over the potential for a school shooting, according to multiple studies and surveys. This includes students with direct exposure to gun violence as well as those who are affected by media....

09/29/2025

In memory of 9/11, numerous residents of North Utah County answered the call to serve on Saturday, Sept. 13, participating in the National Day of Service. Alpine, American Fork, Cedar Hills, Highland, and Pleasant Grove city and government representatives coordinated and supported the efforts. The event hosted over 36 service projects and 11 hands-on service stations for volunteers to choose from on Saturday from 9:30 AM to 2 PM.

Hundreds gathered to kick off the event at Lone Peak High School with Kirby Heyborne conducting the opening ceremonies. Utah’s 3rd District Congressman Mike Kennedy, Detective Chris Ruiz with the Pleasant Grove Police Department, and Kyle Fox, founder of Follow the Flags, shared their thoughts. The event began with a prayer by Pastor David Elijah from the New Hope Calvary Chapel.

Elizabeth Spencer | American Fork Citizen In memory of 9/11, numerous residents of North Utah County answered the call to serve on Saturday, Sept. 13, participating in the National Day of Service. Alpine, American Fork, Cedar Hills, Highland, and Pleasant Grove city and government representatives co...

09/29/2025

Through her countless hours of volunteer work, Nicole Kunze has become both a model of community service and an exemplary leader, not only to Lehi City but also to her family.

Kunze grew up in Idaho, North Carolina and Utah. She and her husband, Brian, moved to Lehi in November 1996, just one day after they were married. The Kunze family never expected to be part of the community for long, but they have called Lehi home for almost 29 years.

Kunze has spent many years and countless hours serving the city she calls home. She recently began working part-time at the Lehi Historical Society, and she serves on its Board.

Jennifer Thomas | American Fork Citizen Through her countless hours of volunteer work, Nicole Kunze has become both a model of community service and an exemplary leader, not only to Lehi City but also to her family. Kunze grew up in Idaho, North Carolina and Utah. She and her husband,…

09/29/2025

The general campaign season for the 2025 Aspen Peaks School District elections is in full swing. The American Fork Citizen reached out to candidates whose emails were provided on the county’s elections page to request candidate profiles for our readers. The profiles below are provided in the order in which they were received.

Rob Shelton | American Fork Citizen The general campaign season for the 2025 Aspen Peaks School District elections is in full swing. The American Fork Citizen reached out to candidates whose emails were provided on the county’s elections page to request candidate profiles for our readers. The prof...

09/29/2025

For 14-year-old Lexi Fairbanks, the summer ended with a moment she’ll never forget: guiding her horse into the Grand Prix arena at the Lamplighter Festival of Champions in Wayne, Ill., one of the nation’s most prestigious dressage competitions.

“It felt incredible,” she said. “I had such an immense amount of gratitude that I had earned my way there and could compete with the best.”

Often referred to as “horse ballet,” dressage is one of the most demanding equestrian disciplines. Horse and rider must move in complete harmony through a series of intricate, choreographed steps, all while appearing effortless. Behind the elegance lies years of relentless training, patience and trust-building between rider and horse. For young riders like Fairbanks, excelling on the national stage requires not only talent but extraordinary focus and maturity.

April Slaughter | American Fork Citizen For 14-year-old Lexi Fairbanks, the summer ended with a moment she’ll never forget: guiding her horse into the Grand Prix arena at the Lamplighter Festival of Champions in Wayne, Ill., one of the nation’s most prestigious dressage competitions. “It felt ...

09/29/2025

Chronic absenteeism is a growing concern throughout Utah, and Alpine School District is stepping up efforts to help students and families overcome barriers to consistent school attendance.

Utah recently launched the Every Day Counts initiative, a statewide campaign to reduce chronic absenteeism. Cassy Saxton serves as an ambassador for the program, working with the Utah State Board of Education. She is the director of prevention and family and community engagement for Alpine School District (ASD).

According to the Utah State Board of Education, chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10 percent or more of the school year, just two days per month. While the number may seem small, the impact is significant.

Megan Wallgren | American Fork Citizen Chronic absenteeism is a growing concern throughout Utah, and Alpine School District is stepping up efforts to help students and families overcome barriers to consistent school attendance. Utah recently launched the Every Day Counts initiative, a statewide camp...

09/29/2025

Bowen Thomas / American Fork Citizen The American Fork football team hosted the Lone Peak Knights on Friday (Sept. 26) for the first Region 3 showdown of the season. After dominating the game early, the Cavemen ended up needing some late heroics to pull out a 31-28 thriller over their…

09/28/2025

At 101, President Russell M. Nelson, the 17th president and prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has died.

09/25/2025

Rob Shelton The general campaign season for the 2025 American Fork City elections is in full swing. The American Fork Citizen reached out to candidates for American Fork Mayor and City Council through their emails provided on the elections page of the city’s website to provide candidate ...