Murray Journal

14/04/2026

In 1904, tensions in Murray reached a boiling point when some residents called for the deportation of Austrian and Greek immigrants following a local crime. City leaders ultimately rejected the proposal, but the episode highlights early struggles over immigration and community identity.

After a shocking 1904 crime, Murray’s fear turned into a push to drive out immigrant workers — a local episode with echoes that still feel familiar today.

14/04/2026

Jeff Martin has spent most of his career in Murray’s Parks & Recreation operations — starting as a teen lifeguard and rising through the ranks to become the department’s new director. As he steps into leadership, Martin says his priorities include boosting use of renovated facilities and tackling long‑term maintenance with creative solutions. Read more below:

https://www.murrayjournal.com/2026/03/02/565476/jeff-martin-from-lifeguard-to-new-parks-rec-director

07/04/2026

The future of the area around Fashion Place West Station is taking shape. Midvale City Council signed off on the station area plan, aligning with Murray’s vision for mixed-use housing, office spaces, and community parks. Learn more in our article by Giovanni Radtke below:

Midvale’s role in the plan is to conform its northernmost point with Murray City’s jobs and mixed-use zoning.

03/04/2026

Sometimes the best support comes from someone who’s been there. “The Watch” is a new peer-led group offering a welcoming space for first responders across Salt Lake County to talk, listen, and connect—judgment-free and confidential. 🤍 Read more below:

The Watch will offer drop-in, peer-led sessions intended to support first responders from across Salt Lake County.

26/03/2026

For 27 years, Scott Gianchetta has been snapping photos of pets, but his Palentine’s Pet Portrait fundraiser in Murray was about more than just pictures. All proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Utah, combining professional photography with community support for animals in need.

People with companion animals receive professional-grade portraits for a cause.

22/03/2026

What started as a small, informal mountain run has grown into a major fundraiser for clean air in Utah.
Running Up for Air (RUFA) at Grandeur Peak challenged 240 participants with up to 24 hours of trail running, raising thousands for nonprofits like Utah Clean Energy, Utah Clean Air and Breathe Utah. Learn more in our article below by Jolene Croasmun:

Running Up For Air challenges runners but also raises money for nonprofits working to clean Salt Lake valley air.

17/03/2026

Growth was the theme at Murray’s annual State of the City address. Mayor Brett Hales spotlighted rising housing permits, increased business confidence and key downtown projects like mixed‑use neighborhoods and land acquisitions to support walkability and redevelopment.

Hale’s speech focuses on development and increased housing.

15/03/2026

Local author Tim Brown inspired students and families at Grant Elementary’s literacy night, sharing stories and sparking creativity. Families enjoyed hands-on literacy activities and left with new ideas to make reading fun at home.

Students and their families teamed up for activities and discovered reading isn’t just in books, but more of a fun adventure together.

13/03/2026

The state’s first high school unified dance competition featured strong performances from local schools, with Copper Hills High School earning first place with Highland High School and Murray High School rounding out the top three. The event emphasized inclusive participation and student connection through dance.

Local high school dancers made history earning top medals while promoting inclusion and showcasing talent.

07/03/2026

👩‍🎨 International Women's Day is tomorrow! 🎨 Join us in recognizing some of the passionate women empowering our local communities like Rowan Coates, Murray’s newest Cultural Arts Manager, who wants to bring the city’s arts scene closer to its residents. She aims to foster connection and encourage participation.

New cultural arts manager hopes to increase teen programming.