Utah County Government

If you walk into the Utah County Jail kitchen, you'll find something most people don't expect: HOPE. The jail feeds its inmates, its staff and its work teams, but it's more than just a place to cook meals. It's become a launchpad for inmates looking to turn their lives around.

Last year, jail officials launched a food handler's permit program. The idea was simple but powerful: teach inmates real skills they can use when they get out. In the past two months alone, eight inmates have earned their food handler's permit...four last month, four the month before.

"Our jail kitchen and staff, led by Lieutenant Nelson and Administrator Nielson, are top tier and our Food Handlers Permit Program is just one of the many positive initiatives taking place,” said County Commissioner Skyler Beltran. “Since launching the program last year, we have provided inmates with the opportunity to gain valuable skills and earn an industry recognized certification. This not only supports their personal growth while incarcerated but also helps prepare them for successful employment and reintegration when they return to the community."

Utah County Sheriff's Office

America250 Utah is leading America's Potluck efforts along side all 50 states and Puerto Rico, over 70 national partners, and more than 200 cities and towns across the country. More communities and neighborhoods are joining everyday in celebration of our nation's 250th. What will you bring?

From parks and town squares to backyards and neighborhood streets, everyone is invited to bring a dish, pull up a chair, and gather with neighbors, friends or family. On Sunday, July 5, moment rooted in one of the country's most enduring tradiitons: coming together around food.

Go to america250.utah.gov/americaspotluck/ to host your own potluck on July 5

Utah County Sheriff's Department hosted its annual awards ceremony last night to recognize the extraordinary, selfless dedication of the men and women who serve with the Utah County Sheriff's Office. Deputies and support staff were nominated by peers for acts of courage, teamwork, and tireless service throughout 2025.

In addition to deputies and staff, several local residents were honored for lifesaving actions and quick thinking that saved lives. Congratulations to all recipients, you embody the best of our community. Thank you to the families and friends who support our public servants, and to every community member who stepped forward to help.

Please join us in congratulating these heroes in the comments below.

Vesper Amphitheater will be built from an existing gravel pit and transform it into a one of a kind year-round entertainment destination with both an indoor and an outdoor capacity. It’ll host approximately 8000 indoor guests during the winter configurations, and 20,000 guests during the summer season in a Utah setting unlike anywhere in the Mountain West. Groundbreaking is anticipated to be in the spring of 2027.

“There are certain places in Utah that help define who we are. Provo Canyon is one of those places. Today we have an opportunity to do something deeply personal, a chance to reimagine this area, to restore and preserve it to create something for future generations to come and experience together.” - David Osmond, Executive Director

Advisory Board Chair, Donny Osmond envisions a place where artists and bands say they have got to play Vesper. He says that they are not just building a concert venue, they’re honoring the beauty of Provo Canyon. People from all over the world will travel to see live music at the Vesper Amphitheater.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Utah County had a ribbon cutting at their new facility in Provo. The building is bigger, has more classrooms for the kids to learn and families to thrive.

Commissionor Gordon took a tour of the facility. Check it out.

Today is National Tourism Day and in honor of this occasion and as part of the America 250 programming, Explore Utah Valley hosted a curated celebration at Provo City Airport marking the launch of Utah Valley's summer initiatives in honor of America's 250th anniversary.

County Commissioner Brandon Gordon was one of the speakers at the event and is excited about all the events Utah County will be a part of this summer and for living in the greatest place in the world.

The second annual Utah County Commissioners Pickleball Tournament was a resounding success, bringing together players and supporters from across the county to stand behind child victims of abuse. Held at The Picklr Lehi, the event was more than just a day of friendly competition—it was a community rally to ensure that every child who comes to the Utah County Children's Justice Center has access to the healing services they deserve.

“This year’s event was an incredible testament to the generosity of our community. Thanks to the support of players, sponsors, and donors, we raised over $15,000 to help families access trauma-focused therapy and maintain a welcoming, safe environment for children and their families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives” said Rebecca Martell, Executive Director, CJC. “The funds contribute directly to making sure that the CJC can continue its crucial work with more than 4,000 clients served last year.”

You can still support the children and families served by the CJC. If you’d like to contribute, please visit: https://givebutter.com/CJC-donation