This week in Northern Utah County carries a mix of small jolts and familiar rhythms. A brief earthquake rippled through the area, while calendars filled with concerts, classes, and plans that had nothing to do with shaking ground.
It’s also Valentine’s week, which adds its own layer to the schedule — skate nights, dances, quiet dinners, and reasons to step out of routine, whether that means meeting friends, planning something low-key, or just enjoying what’s happening close to home. As usual, life here keeps moving in more than one direction at once.
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In today’s edition…
A small earthquake shakes Northern Utah County
Quick updates from around Utah County
A Lehi coffee shop worth checking out
Valentine’s events and things to do this week
A few updates you might have missed
The Big Story
Earthquake Shakes Northern Utah County but Leaves No Damage
On Thursday afternoon (Feb. 5), a 3.5-magnitude earthquake jolted Northern Utah County. According to the University of Utah Seismograph Stations, the quake occurred at 12:53 p.m., with its epicenter northwest of Saratoga Springs at a depth of 3.4 miles. Though the U.S. Geological Survey initially rated the temblor at magnitude 3.4, it was later revised upward to 3.5. The quake was strong enough that people as far away as Layton reported feeling brief shaking. No injuries or structural damage were reported, but seismologists cautioned that aftershocks are possible.
This quake follows a larger 4.7‑magnitude event two weeks earlier on a different fault line; together, they underscore that small seismic activity is not unusual in this part of the state. While geologic forces remain out of our control, simple steps—like fastening bookcases to walls and practicing drop‑cover‑hold on drills—can reduce risk.
Quick Hits
Distracted‑Driving Ad Airs During the Super Bowl
UDOT and the Utah Department of Public Safety launched a jarring Super Bowl commercial that shows a father reading his phone seconds before a fatal crash. Nearly half of Utah drivers admit to driving distracted even though they consider themselves safe drivers. The agencies hope the ad will spark conversations at family watch parties and encourage drivers to put phones away.
Mountaineer’s Fall Prompts Safety Reminder
An experienced mountaineer slipped on icy conditions near Bridal Veil Falls and was flown to Utah Valley Hospital. Guides warned that snow on shaded trails melts during the day and refreezes at night, creating treacherous ice; hikers should use traction devices and poles and be prepared to turn back.
Skyridge Students Tie Quilts for Refugees
About 100 Skyridge High students spent a recent Saturday tying quilts for the Lehi‑based nonprofit Wrap the World with Quilts. Each finished blanket, signaled by a bell ring, will go to refugees and disaster survivors around the world. Student leader Grant Weekley noted that simple service can “have a big impact,” and Thanksgiving Point donated space to the nonprofit so volunteers can produce more than 64,000 quilts a year.
Restaurant of the Week
Porch Coffee (Lehi)
For a coffee shop that only opened last year, Porch Coffee already feels like a community living room. During our visit, there was a steady line from the door to the register, but the wait paid off with one bite of the turkey–avocado sandwich. The owners—a pair that includes a classically trained chef—take a coffee-first approach while serving food a notch above typical café fare. Look for a spring menu with new dishes soon, and don’t skip the pastry case: the ube cinnamon roll and raspberry brownies are as delicious as they are photogenic. Whether you’re meeting friends, studying, or sneaking in some reading time, Porch Coffee’s casual vibe and thoughtful menu make it a worthwhile visit in Lehi’s already walkable Main Street area.
On the left: turkey avocado sandwich. On the right: avocado toast with olive oil drizzle.
Around the Point: Things to Do this Week
Orson Scott Card author event
When: Feb 13 (Fri) 5-7 p.m.
Where: Barnes & Noble - Orem
Orson Scott Card will appear in Orem for a public event featuring a reader Q&A and discussion tied to a new writing contest. The longtime Utah County resident and Ender’s Game author is expected to engage directly with fans and aspiring writers.
BYU Jazz Ensemble & Jazz Voices: “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm”
When: Feb 10 (Tue) 7:30 p.m.
Where: BYU Music Building’s Concert Hall, Provo
Enjoy an evening of jazz standards performed by BYU’s Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Voices under directors Mark Ammons and Hayley Kirkland. The concert takes place in the BYU Music Building’s Concert Hall; tickets range from $6–$12.
Galentines: Girls‑Only Skate
When: Feb 11 (Wed) 9 p.m.–11 p.m.
Where: Classic Fun Center, Orem
An all‑ages skate night just for the gals. Tickets include skating, rentals, glitter tattoos and friendship‑bracelet making. Vendors will offer piercings and permanent jewelry. Skate games with prizes sweeten the night.
Couples Candy Class, Truffles for Two
When: Feb 12 (Thu) 6 p.m.
Where: Baking Me Crazy, Provo
Sandi and Rick from The Candy Pan teach couples how to make, coat and decorate chocolate truffles. Participants take home two boxes of candy; registration is $65 per couple. Sign up before end of day Tuesday, Feb 10.
Daughter’s Night Out, Lehi Valentine’s Sweetheart Dance
When: Feb 13 (Fri) 6 p.m.–8 p.m.
Where: Lehi City Hall, Lehi
Lehi’s Valentine dance invites dads or father figures and daughters to dress up and enjoy a special evening at Lehi City Hall (153 N 100 E). Doors open at 6 p.m.; dancing runs until 8 p.m. Registration opened Jan 26 and usually fills quickly.
Valentine Ball 2026, Utah Metropolitan Ballet
When: Feb 13 (Fri) 6 p.m.–10 p.m.
Where: Wadley Farms Castle, Lindon
Held in the fairy‑tale setting of Wadley Farms Castle in Lindon, this formal evening includes dinner at 6:30 p.m., line‑dance instruction inspired by Pride and Prejudice, and a live performance by Utah Metropolitan Ballet, including a Cinderella vignette. Dancing continues until 10 p.m.
6th Annual Valentine’s Dance – Wasatch Show Band
When: Feb 13 (Fri) 6:30 p.m. dinner; 7:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m. dance
Where: Northampton House (198 W 300 N, American Fork)
Live big-band music, professional dance instruction, and a dessert bar. Dinner + dance tickets include a three‑course meal catered by Greenhollow Catering; dance‑only tickets include music, a dance lesson and sweets.
Valentine’s Day Stoplight Skate (16+ event)
When: Feb 14 (Sat) 9 p.m.–midnight
Where: Classic Fun Center Orem
At check‑in, attendees choose a wristband color—red for taken, yellow for “it’s complicated,” and green for single—and play skate games with prizes. The event runs from 9 p.m. to midnight.
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…
Santaquin residents raised concerns about air quality, water use, and transparency as a long-approved data center project moves closer to construction.
Utah County’s two new school districts named their first leadership teams, setting the foundation for Aspen Peaks and Lake Mountain districts.
More infoA Lehi nurse was commended for bravery after attempting to rescue a woman following a shark attack while snorkeling in St. Croix.
More info
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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