Wasatch Wave

07/09/2025

Final Edition of Buys Family Ownership –
136 Years of Service Ends

After more than 136 years of service to the residents of Wasatch County, the Buys family – descendents of the original founding family – announce this week is the last issue of The Wasatch Wave under their ownership. The Wave is the oldest continuously operating business in Heber City.
Their printing company – Wave Printing and Copies – will continue normal operation and business as usual at the Wave Publishing office located at 165 S. 100 W. in Heber City.
Co-owners Paul & Kari McFee and Laurie Wynn (with her late husband, Joe) purchased the newspaper and its sister-publication the Summit County News in 2010 from Kari and Laurie’s parents, Richard and Sue Buys. Prior to that, Buys bought the paper in 1974 - not knowing that one of Richard’s ancestors was who started the paper in March of 1889.
The decision to cease publication of the Wave and the News has not been made lightly.
After a publishing career of 50 years, Wynn would like to retire. “Working in every aspect of this business since the age of seven has been an all-encompassing life’s career,” said Wynn. “I’ve loved it – and would love for someone to continue covering our amazing community – but for me...it’s time to retire.”
A statement released by Heber City last week said Heber City and the Buys family who owns the Wave property in the historic core of Heber City, have been in discussion for the past year regarding the future of downtown Heber and Heber City’s vision for that future. Those discussions came to a relative conclusion at the Tuesday, July 1st Heber City Council meeting, as both parties have agreed to move forward with a real estate transaction that will transfer ownership of the property to Heber City and a lease agreement for Wave Printing to continue to operate at that location.
"After being at the same location since 2000, the owners of Wave Publishing welcome the opportunity to help facilitate the downtown improvements on the 100 West block of Heber City,” said Wynn. “While change can be difficult, the collaboration between the Buys family and Heber City will enable the next step in the city's long-term plans for a walkable corridor between the Heber City Park and the Heber City offices."
In an interview with KPCW regarding the publication’s future under different ownership, Wynn said, “We do have a couple of publications on the Wasatch Front interested, as well as some interest from some people here in the valley that have reached out. We would love to see the newspaper continue. It’s still got a lot of life.”
The Buys family thanks the Wasatch County community for their support over the past 136 years - and the more than 50 years during the Buys family’s tenure.
“It’s been such an honor to serve the residents of Wasatch County,” Wynn said.
So, as any good news story would end...
-30-

07/08/2025

07/07/2025

Come See Us for All Your Printing Needs! 435-654-1471 - 165 S 100 W in Heber.

06/16/2025

By Laurie Wynn
Wave Staff

Kim Dickerson, Wasatch County School Board member announced at a special school board meeting on Monday night, the appointment of Dr. Garrick Peterson as the new Wasatch County School Superintendent.
Dickerson said, “On behalf of the Wasatch County School Board, I am honored to announce Dr. Garrick Peterson as the new Wasatch County School Superintendent. Dr. Peterson was chosen following a rigorous nation-wide search...From the start, the board committed to transparency, inclusion and partnerships in this search. We are grateful to all those who gave of their time during this process and we are proud to move forward with Dr. Peterson leading the way.”
Dr. Peterson has been with the district for six years serving as the District’s Assistant Superintendent – Academic Director.
Dickerson said the review process started as a 25 person committee of staff, teachers, and community members. The pool was narrowed to the top two candidates. Then district leaders interviewed each - finally narrowing the search to Dr. Peterson.
Dr. Peterson will take the helm following the retirement of Paul Sweat.

05/30/2025

The Heber City Cemetery staff announced the post-Memorial Day cleanup is slated to begin on Monday.

All flowers and decorations, including lights and shepherd hooks, must be removed by Sunday.

Cemetery staff will dispose of any decorations that remain as part of routine maintenance of the cemetery.

Graves can be decorated again after June 7.

05/23/2025

The wasps fought hard, but weren’t able to beat the Alta Hawks for the state championship. Final score 3 to 2 Alta.

05/22/2025

Wasatch is currently playing Alta for the state championship for boys soccer. With 15 minutes left in the second half, Alta scored its third goal to Wasatch’s two goals, putting Alta ahead.

05/21/2025

05/19/2025

WIN! WHS WASPS BOYS SOCCER WINS AGAINST EAST HIGH in the Semifinals 3-1.

In the Semi Finals UHSAA 5A Boys Soccer. The Wasps took on the East High Leopards at Zions Bank Stadium.
Bode Heelis scored the first goal with 3:13 minutes left in the first half. Jayden Cosper scored the second goal .32 seconds into the second half. And Dekker Runyun with an assist from Cosper put the final ball in the net with 1:48 minutes left in the game.

State Championship bound! The Wasps will try for their third state title in a row, and fourth in five years. This legacy time will be playing at America First Field on Thursday May 22 at 4PM

04/08/2025

Superintendent Paul Sweat Announces Retirement After a Lifetime of Dedicated Service to Wasatch County School District

After more than three decades of unwavering dedication to the students, educators, and families of Wasatch County School District, Superintendent Paul Sweat has announced his retirement, effective September 1, 2025.

Superintendent Sweat’s journey in Wasatch County School District began as a Kindergartner, a fact he has often shared with reverence and pride. Over the years, he progressed through roles as a middle school math teacher, wrestling/football coach, Wasatch High School Assistant Principal, Principal, and director of secondary education before assuming the role of Superintendent in 2015. Throughout his career, he has led with wisdom and vision, always guided by a profound love and appreciation for his fellow educators and students.

As superintendent, he played a pivotal role in transforming the district by deeply embedding the principles of Professional Learning Communities (PLC) into its culture. Through storytelling and relationship-building, Superintendent Sweat fostered a collaborative environment where educators work collectively to enhance student learning and professional growth. His steadfast commitment to PLCs ensured that continuous improvement and shared leadership became foundational pillars of the district’s success. Under his leadership, Wasatch County School District achieved national recognition as a “Model PLC at Work” district, a prestigious designation awarded to only 32 school districts across the United States and Canada. His unwavering belief in collaboration and continuous learning has left an indelible mark on the district.

Among his many accomplishments, Superintendent Sweat spearheaded the district’s groundbreaking “Digital Conversion” initiative, an innovative effort that has reshaped teaching and learning by utilizing technology to provide personalized education strategies. His leadership also oversaw a period of significant growth, including a 34% increase in student enrollment and the construction of multiple new school facilities, with a second high school set to open in Fall 2026.

His ability to inspire and uplift those around him has been a hallmark of his leadership. Superintendent Sweat believed in placing the right people in the right positions and mentoring future leaders to ensure the continued success of the district. His influence extended beyond the local level, as he served as a Governing Board Member for the National Superintendents Association (AASA), the Chair of the Governing Board of the BYU Public School Partnership, a member of the Utah State Digital Learning Advisory Board, and the Chair of the Northeastern Utah Educational Services (NUES) Board.

“On behalf of the Wasatch County School District Board of Education, I want to sincerely thank Superintendent Paul Sweat for 34 incredible years of service,” said WCSD Board of Education President Kim Dickerson. “His calm presence, thoughtful leadership, and genuine care for students, staff, and our community have left a lasting mark. As we begin the search for our next superintendent, we do so with deep appreciation for the strong foundation he’s built and the legacy he leaves behind.”

03/06/2025

If you would like to submit a letter to Wasatch County, in regards to this matter, please email County Manager [email protected]
Joan Gould, Commications Director for the county said “we are asking for concerns to be sent to the county manager in writing (email, mail, in person etc.) but once the third-party investigator is on board, they will all be passed on to them. Once we have that person identified, concerns can also be sent directly to them.”

Due to an ongoing investigation being conducted by an outside agency, and advice from Wasatch County Attorneys, Agenda Item 2 noticed for discussion at the March 5, 2025, Wasatch County Council meeting regarding resident concerns with Wasatch County Public Safety will not be heard at today's meeting.

The Wasatch County Council asks anyone who desires to address the Council on this item to submit their concerns to the Wasatch County Manager in writing so that the complaints can be evaluated and forwarded to the appropriate agencies for investigation or considered for internal or third-party review pursuant to County policies.

This decision is not intended to interfere with the subject of these complaints being shared with the media, or with other law enforcement agencies. However, hearing this matter in a public meeting could potentially interfere with an ongoing investigation.

Please visit wasatchcounty.gov more information regarding this matter.

All media inquiries should be directed to the Wasatch County Communications Director at [email protected] or 435-657-3297.

02/14/2025

IMPORTANT!! Wasatch County School District says there is a two hour delay to the start of school on this Valentine’s Day due to snow accumulations