Neighborhood Potluck on July 5^th!  To all of our Highlands neighbors: You are invited to join together for a neighborhood potluck to celebrate America’s 250^th on the evening of July 5^th at 6:00pm. At this unique time in history, we are especially grateful for neighborhood friendships and the many freedoms we enjoy. You are also welcome to bring a donation for the Morgan Food Bank. Please see details below. If you have any questions, feel free to text Brad Winn at 435-851-2002.

 

 

Welcome to Our New Neighbors, Alex Dahlquist & Haleigh Thomas! We’re delighted to welcome Alex and Haleigh, who are settling into their new home on Gordon Creek Circle – and the neighborhood couldn't ask for a better addition. Alex is no stranger to the area. His grandparents, Bill and Bev Dahlquist, live up on Sierra Avenue, and his brother Riley lives at the bottom of Poll’s Hill, so he's been around long enough to know just how special this community is. After searching all over for the right place, Alex was set on staying in Mountain Green. "It's quiet, it's very love-thy-neighbor," he says — and that says it all. Haileigh made her way to Utah from Florida, originally working in Zion National Park before finding her way north to Snow Basin, where she and Alex both work and where their story began.

When they're not on the mountain — Alex on his snowboard, Haileigh on skis (yes, they've worked it out) — you'll find them fly fishing, golfing, or riding bikes. They share their home with Cooper, a 100-pound golden retriever who Alex describes as "a sweetheart." Alex is excited to make this his forever home, with some renovation plans already in the works. If you see them outside, stop and say hi. As Alex put it, his philosophy is simple: "Just be a good human being. It doesn’t take a lot to just be nice."

 

 

Welcoming New Life: Baby Dawson was born to parents Preston and JaimiLyn on June 28. His full name is Dawson Preston Loveland. Preston and JaimiLyn are so happy to have their new little boy and are excited to watch him grow and learn!

 

In Memory of Our Dear Friend Curtis McCullough. The Highlands neighborhood mourns the loss of Curtis McCullough, who passed away unexpectedly on May 11, 2026, at the age of 62. Curtis was the kind of neighbor whose presence made our community feel like a community — warm, fun, and genuinely devoted to the people around him. Those who knew him said he "wouldn't rest until everyone was served," and he lived by a simple creed: "If you want to love people, serve them." His quick wit, dad jokes, and infectious humor brought smiles wherever he went, and his love of music and joy filled his home with life and laughter. He also took quiet pride in a beautiful yard, a gift he and his wife Wendy gave our neighborhood every summer.

At the center of everything was his beloved wife Wendy, his partner of 36 years and, by every account, his whole world. Curtis leaves behind six children, eight grandchildren (with one more on the way this August), and a legacy of faith, kindness, and devoted family life that will be felt for years to come. Our hearts go out to Wendy and the entire McCullough family. Curtis will be remembered as a man who gave generously to everyone. He was a wonderful friend and contributor to the Highlands community. We miss you, Curtis. We love you and mourn together with you, Wendy.

 

 

 

Farewell to Our Dear Friend Ken Hicks.

The Highlands community lost a true neighborhood friend on June 5, 2026, just five days before his 87th birthday. Kenneth Willis Hicks — known to many as "Skinny Kenny" from his athletic days growing up in Grass Valley, California — lived a life that was filled with family pride, spirited conversation, service to others, faith in God, and fabulous fishing stories. A gifted athlete turned decorated salesman, Ken had a skill set his family described with great affection: "talking, fishing, talking, determination, service, talking, buying used cars, and fishing." He never met a fish he wanted to release, and he never met a stranger he didn't want to tell about how wonderful his kids are. He cared about the young people in our neighborhood, led scouting meetings, and told our youth how special they are.

Ken and his wife, Dale, raised six children and filled the stands at literally thousands of games across the generations (kids, grandkids, and greats), always with a school color on and a story ready. He was a fixture at the Morgan County Senior Center and spent his weeks driving around visiting shut-ins and anyone who'd sit still long enough to listen. His faith, his family, and his fishing were the pillars of a life well-lived. As his children put it simply: he fought a good fight, finished his course, and kept the faith. Ken left this world a better place, and he will be genuinely missed.

 

Welcome Home Lofgren’s. Rick & Mary Lofgren just returned from living in Pennsylvania for 23 months. And they have stories to tell! Welcome home!!!

 

 

Emergency Preparedness – No Fireworks Please!  Fires are raging statewide as residents and officials anticipate one of Utah’s most devastating fire seasons yet. The State of Utah has placed a temporary ban on all fireworks through July 5^th due to current safety concerns. Please refrain from setting off fireworks and be vigilant and respectful of these dangerous conditions. This will help ensure the safety of our homes and our mountain here in the Highlands.

 

 

Caught on Camera: The Wilkerson Walkers!

 

Some Hometown History. The Morgan Canning Company was founded in 1904 and struggled to turn a profit until 1909. In 1910, nearly thirty thousand cases of peas were packed and sold by Morgan Canning Co. Success came so quickly that by 1918, a second plant was opened in Smithfield, Utah. In 1924, they expanded again by building a bean-processing plant in Hyrum, Utah. The factory would eventually be bought by the California Packing Company and could produce peas and sauerkraut for Del Monte. The only two buildings that survive are the Sauerkraut canning building and the warehouse made from local sandstone (compliments of the Morgan Historical Society).

 

 

No-Bake Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Bars. Make these chilled cheesecake bars ahead of time for cookouts, picnics, and to celebrate America’s 250th. Check out the recipe here: https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a71613986/no-bake-red-white-and-blue-cheesecake-bars/. Enjoy!!!

 

 

Blast from the Past: John & Joan Triplett have been married 56 Years Ago! They met in Abilene Texas. John was a pilot in the Air Force. Joan was attending McMurray College. They were married in El Paso. They spent many years in the Air Force. John taught electronics and avionics. Joan taught in junior high and as a college adjunct instructor where she taught freshmen English composition courses. They raised a large family and remodeled their home on Highland Drive along the way. Congratulations and well wishes, John & Joan!

 

Local Community Opportunities to Learn, Grow, and Serve!

·       Camp Freedom for Kids (ages 4-18) is on for July 13-17. Join to celebrate America’s 250^th and for an unforgettable journey through American History. For more info, text Pamela Smith at 801-829-8216.

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·       Pickleball Lessons for Kids (under the age of 18): For more information, text Loydene Berg at 801-791-0942.

 

The Highlands Hello – Neighborhood News. June 2026 Issue