It was an honor to have Governor Cox with us on October 25th to announce the plans to rename Hwy 102 to the Borgstrom Brothers Memorial Highway. The Borgstrom family lived in a small farmhouse in Thatcher on the farm still owned by the descendants of Alben and Gunda. On August 8th, 1944, one of the twins, Rolon, was assigned to the fateful mission of flight 204. Several weeks later, Gunda awoke to see Alben standing at their bedroom window. He turned to her and said, “Oh mother, there goes another boy.” Eighty years ago this year, Alben and Gunda Borgstrom of Thatcher faced an unimaginable tragedy, losing four of their five sons in World War II. All within just six months of each other.

As Governor Cox addressed those assembled at Midland Square, he reminded us of the unity in honoring the Borgstrom family’s sacrifice and all those from our valley who served and are currently serving our country. Their sacrifice embodies the courage and commitment to freedom we cherish today. We pay tribute to LeRoy, Clyde, Rulon, and Rolon for their sacrifice. We pay tribute to their brother, Boyd, who was a survivor but didn’t want to be. He carried the burden of his four brothers’ deaths in his heart for the rest of his life.  

Lee Koldewyn, a resident of Tremonton, shared his feelings, “It was a moving tribute to the Borgstrom family who lost four sons during WWII, all within less than six months of each other. “The words of Utah Governor Cox moved me.”, he continued, “The presence of the patriotic Veterans in uniform from The American Legion Post 76 brought tears to my eyes. Following the Flag Ceremony, a Bell Ringing Ceremony was performed for Clyde, LeRoy, Rulon, Rolon, and Boyd. The Reflections Choir performed two unforgettable musical numbers. I feel so proud today to be an American and a Tremonton citizen.”

Let’s come together as a community and remember the incredible price this family, and so many others from our valley, paid for our liberty. It’s crucial that we remember their sacrifice and the sacrifice of all those listed at the memorial to ensure they are never forgotten.

LOOKING FORWARD TO OUR FUTURE

In September, the city commissioned Onpoint Insights to conduct a Main Street visioning survey to better understand how the community feels about revitalizing the historic section of Tremonton’s Main Street. Recently, I posed the question, “What might a newcomer think if they visited our Main Street for the first time? What would you feel if you were them?”

The City has received grants and has saved money for these proposed renovations. We do not anticipate raising property tax rates for the Main Street projects.

646 questionnaires were completed by residents of Tremonton and the surrounding communities of Deweyville, Elwood, Thatcher, and Bothwell with a +/-3% statistical margin of error. The survey was designed to help the city understand community support for improved sidewalks, lights, trees, dining, and beautification on Main Street. The following are some of the survey’s findings.

Demographics, Years in the City, Business Owner, and Residence

Support for Revitalizing Main Street
Over the years, City leaders and concerned residents have created works of art that have beautified Main Street, but more needs to be done. Participants were asked about their initial feelings of support for renovating and improving Main Street even more. 83 percent of the participants in the survey were either supportive or very supportive of the revitalization of Main Street.

Support for Replacement of Main Street Sidewalks
Sidewalks are an important consideration as we improve Main Street and make it more shopper and visitor friendly. Current sidewalks are old, uneven, and are damaged from tree roots. It is best to replace them completely. This would include replacing old culinary water lines with new durable ones and switching out overhead powerlines. Thoughtfully designed sidewalks will improve walkability, mingling, and bike friendliness and improve the visual appeal of downtown. Participants were asked how supportive they are of replacing and improving Main Street sidewalks. 72 percent of respondents supported or were very supportive of replacing and improving Main Street sidewalks.

Main Street Trees
Trees are an important consideration as we improve Main Street. The honey locust trees have grown large. They block retailer signage and damage sidewalks and buildings. 85 percent of Main Street retailers recommend removing the trees completely. Finally, the trees must be removed to make way for new water and power infrastructure. Whether the trees are replaced or not, most residents want to find trees better suited for the area or other greenery, such as permanent planters, to provide beauty to the downtown area.

Lights on Main Street
The overhead lights on Main Street are over 50 years old. When replacing the lights, new underground power lines would need to be installed. Underground power will make the lighting safer and more reliable and provide beauty. Lights could have banners that change with the seasons or celebrate special events. Participants were asked how supportive they are in removing the overhead powerlines and replacing the older lights with more modern lighting to provide safety and beauty to Main Street. 86 percent of respondents were either supportive or very supportive of replacing the lighting.

Wayfinding Signs
Nearly 30 percent of Tremonton’s residents have lived in the city for four years or less. Many expressed a desire for signage to help them navigate around the city. Additionally, as Tremonton beautifies Main Street and the City adds noteworthy areas and memorials, we will likely attract visitors. Wayfinding signs will improve their trip as we help them find our hidden treasures. Downtown parking exists but is often difficult for people to find. Wayfinding signs could improve visitors’ experience by directing them to additional parking places. Participants were asked how supportive they were of adding wayfinding signs for the city. 75 percent of respondents are either supportive or very supportive of adding Wayfinding signage.

Planters on Main Street

Greenery makes any area beautiful and may be a practical alternative to trees. Plants can be supported or hung from lamp posts or placed in permanent planters, and Main Street retailers can beautify their storefronts with welcoming arrangements. Survey participants were asked how supportive they are of creating and encouraging more greenery on Main Street. 82 percent of respondents are either supportive or very supportive of this.

Renovating Storefronts on Main Street
Renovating our Main Street includes our retailers who own and operate shops. Tremonton could help our Main Street retailers beautify their storefronts with a combination of loans or grants, with the retailer matching the amount contributed by the City. The City has not fully secured funding for storefront beautification. These renovations would need to be done as funding allows. Respondents were asked how supportive they are of the City seeking ways to help retailers beautify their storefronts. 74 percent of the respondents were either supportive or very supportive.

Dining on Main Street
A healthy Main Street may include restaurants and dining options that are attractive to visitors and residents alike. Creating spaces for indoor and outdoor dining on Main Street, side streets, or back alleyways could create a vibrancy that helps retailers thrive. Respondents were asked how supportive they are of the City seeking ways to encourage creative dining options. 83 percent of respondents are either supportive or very supportive of the City encouraging creative dining options.

Where Should Our Main Priority Be?

After responding to the survey and considering several ideas for improving Main Street, respondents were asked to prioritize which two ideas from the survey they liked best. The top two priorities were encouraging indoor/outdoor dining options and new sidewalks.

Where do we go from here?

The survey results provide us with valuable insight into how the community feels about Main Street. For many years, we have discussed ways to improve downtown, and now the time has come for the City to move forward.

For many months, the City Council and Main Street Steering Committee have been working on a path forward to improve our downtown. Although it may take some time to realize all the improvements needed to accomplish all the renovations, the funding has been secured to start with the sidewalks, lights and needed infrastructure.

It’s an exciting time for Tremonton!