This week’s edition sits at the intersection of growth and routine. Utah’s expanding data center footprint is raising new questions about power, air quality, and what comes next, while everyday life keeps moving at its usual pace. Planning commissions meet, restaurants stay busy, and community calendars fill in the background.
It’s a week shaped by both infrastructure and impulse. Long-term energy debates sit alongside pizza nights, tribute concerts, chess tournaments, and planetarium shows. Big decisions are unfolding, and so are plenty of simple reasons to leave the house. That mix continues to define this stretch of the year in northern Utah County.
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In today’s edition…
Utah’s data centers and their search for new power sources
Quick updates from around Utah County
A pizza spot worth a slice
Things to do locally in the next week
A few updates you might have missed
The Big Story
Utah’s data centers search for new power sources
With artificial intelligence demand ballooning, Utah has become a magnet for data center operators. New facilities in Lehi, Eagle Mountain and other points along the Wasatch Front require enormous amounts of electricity. Rocky Mountain Power cannot keep up, so companies are looking elsewhere. Some have installed diesel backup generators and others are contracting for natural gas plants to run off grid. Senate Bill 132, passed last year, allows large industrial users to build their own generation. Joule Capital Partners and Creekstone Energy are already working on gas plants in Millard County capable of producing gigawatts. There is even talk of small modular nuclear reactors in Eagle Mountain.
Residents and scientists worry about pollution and noise. Climate scientist Logan Mitchell told the American Fork Citizen that relying on gas and diesel could undo progress in reducing air pollution. In Eagle Mountain, resident Joy Rasmussen said she supports job growth but does not want radioactive material stored near homes. State leaders say they want Utah to lead in AI and high tech jobs, but the coming power crunch raises a larger question: how to meet demand without sacrificing air quality and long term stability. The conversation is likely to continue through this legislative session and beyond.
Quick Hits
Eagle Mountain eyes big‑box anchors
Developers proposing a commercial project called Eagle’s Landing told the city’s planning commission they have commitments from Lowe’s and Smith’s Marketplace to anchor the development. The commission recommended the plan to city council; if approved the project would give residents nearby access to home improvement supplies and
groceries.
Housing market in pause mode
Economist James Wood of the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute says Utah’s housing boom has cooled. After a 40 percent price surge between 2020 and 2022, price growth fell below 4 percent
in 2022–25 and even dipped by 2.8 percent in 2023. Wood expects
2026 to look much like recent years as high mortgage rates keep owners locked into low‑rate loans, though an eventual drop below 6 percent could bring new buyers into the market.
Great Carp Hunt returns
The Utah Lake Authority will again pay anglers to catch invasive carp. Registration for the Great Carp Hunt runs through Feb 28; participants earn $1.50 per fish and share prize money as the authority works to remove carp that muddy water and harm native June suckers.
Restaurant of the Week
Pictured is the Margherita pizza.
Slackwater
Utah County finally has its own outpost of Slackwater, the artisan pizza pub that began in Ogden and expanded south. The chain opened its fifth location at Provo’s Shops at Riverwoods on May 5, 2025. Co‑owner Blake Hirschi says Provo’s rapid growth and influx of visitors made the beer‑and‑pizza concept viable even in a town known for its teetotaling reputation. The new pub offers nearly 300 craft beers and a menu filled with more than 20 creative pies whose names reference movies, music and pop culture.
Slackwater’s success isn’t just about beverages. Yelp reviewers praise the community‑hub atmosphere and the light, slightly sweet crust made from a 15‑year‑old yeast starter. Dishes are almost entirely made from scratch, and favorites include the California Sunrise pizza (green goddess dressing, roasted chicken, bacon, tomatoes and avocado) and appetizers like Check Your Garlic Breath — roasted whole garlic heads with gorgonzola cream cheese and focaccia. Slackwater’s Provo location follows the chain’s standard hours: Monday–Thursday 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–11 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Slackwater has quickly earned a steady following in Utah County.
Pictured above is the Iron Horse pizza, followed by the Honey DP and Margherita below.
Around the Point: Things to Do this Week
Save Ferris ’80s Tribute Show
When: Feb 20 (Fri) 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Where: The Soundbox, Pleasant Grove (2415 W 700 S Ste R)
Throw on your leg warmers and tease up your hair: this high‑energy show features local bands Max Headroom, Lies & Lullabies and Jukebox Antihero covering the biggest pop, rock and new‑wave hits of the 1980s. It’s a nostalgic night centered on 1980s pop, rock, and new wave hits. Tickets are available through Caleb Chapman’s Soundhouse.
K‑Pop Laser Hunters
When: Feb 20 (Fri), Multiple events starting at 5:20 PM
Where: Christa McAuliffe Space Center Planetarium, Pleasant Grove
The Space Center’s newest laser show mixes lasers with an original soundtrack by K‑Pop Demon Hunters. Audience members sit under the dome while songs like “Golden,” “Takedown” and “How It’s Done” play along with synchronized animations. Tickets start at $7; shows last about 50 minutes.
Kids Mini Tarts Class at Kneaders Bakery
When: Feb 21 (Sat) 11 a.m.
Where: Participating Kneaders Locations throughout Utah, multiple in Utah County.
Kids age 6–12 get to fill and decorate six mini tart shells, enjoy a kids’ meal with a drink, and receive a 20 percent discount on retail purchases during this hands‑on class. Parents must stay but do not need their
own ticket.
TEDxProvo: Resonance
When: Feb 21 (Sat) 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Where: Provo City Library, Nelson Attic
The annual independently organized TEDx event returns with the theme
“Resonance.” Three speakers will give talks that explore how ideas reverberate through personal and community life. The in‑person program runs about 2½ hours; tickets are available on Eventbrite.
Beatles Listening Session: Revolver
When: Feb 21 (Sat) 7 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Where: 71 E Center St, 2nd floor (above 3Hive Record Lounge), Provo
Listen to the Beatles’ entire “Revolver” album on a high‑end vinyl system. To preserve the listening experience, guests remove shoes at the door and turn off phones; the event is limited in size. The session is part of a series that celebrates classic albums.
Bug‑Cathlon at the Butterfly Biosphere
When: Feb 21 (Sat) 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Where: Butterfly Biosphere, Thanksgiving Point, Lehi
Families can compete in bug‑inspired athletic and mental challenges that mimic the strength, speed and teamwork of real insects. Wear a
sports jersey for extra fun; admission to the biosphere or an all‑access pass is required.
Chess Blitz Tournament
When: Feb 18 (Wed) 6 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Where: Lindon Community Center (25 N Main St), Lindon
The Lindon Chess Club hosts a free, fast-paced tournament for all ages. Divisions include 12 and under, 13–17, 18–54 and 55+, with
prizes for the top three in each. Rules will be reviewed at 6:00 p.m., and
play runs from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m. Participants can sharpen
their skills at the free Wednesday night chess club.
Hello, Dolly!
When: Feb 6–21 (various times)
Where: Valentine Theater, American Fork
Timp Arts Theater presents the classic musical at the Valentine Theater in American Fork. Performances run Feb 6–21, with evening shows at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 plus fees
Provo Winter Farmers Market
When: Saturdays, January 10 – April 4, 10:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Where: Provo Towne Centre Mall, Provo
The Provo Farmers Market continues indoors for the winter, featuring local produce, meat, eggs, baked goods, and handcrafted items. It’s an easy, weather-proof way to support local vendors through the colder months.
In case you missed it…
No major aftershocks recorded.
Two weeks after the 3.5-magnitude earthquake near Saratoga Springs, seismologists say only small aftershocks are likely and do not expect anything larger.
Distracted‑driving message lingers.
Utah’s Zero Fatalities program used a stark Super Bowl commercial to illustrate the deadly consequences of texting and driving; officials hope the ad sparks ongoing conversations and encourages drivers to put phones away.
Hiker recovering after fall.
Veteran mountaineer Jacque Tietjen, who was life‑flighted off the Bridal Veil Falls trail last week, remains hospitalized. Family members say the experienced hiker is resilient, and guides remind hikers to use traction devices and be prepared for icy conditions.
That’s it for this issue of The Point.
If you spot something interesting, confusing, or very Utah County — a new restaurant, construction mystery, or rumor that needs checking — hit reply. The best tips make it into next week’s issue (with credit, if you want it).
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