Last week felt like a reset. This one feels like things are moving again.
Utah County is fully back in motion now. Meetings are restarting, calendars are filling up, and a few meaningful transitions are happening across the county. Some are obvious. Others are quieter. All of them point to the year finally getting underway.
It is also a week that balances reflection and activity. A long holiday weekend, colder air settling in, and a surprisingly full list of things to do if you are looking for a reason to leave the house.
In today’s edition…
One major leadership change at a Utah County institution
Quick hits from around northen Utah County
A local restaurant spotlight
Things to do this week
A few updates you might have missed
The Big Story
UVU President Astrid Tuminez announces she is stepping downAfter more than six years leading Utah Valley University, President Astrid Tuminez announced she will step down later this year.
Tuminez became UVU’s president in 2018, overseeing a period of rapid enrollment growth, new academic programs, and continued efforts to position the university as a workforce-focused, open-access institution. During her tenure, UVU expanded partnerships with local industry, emphasized student success initiatives, and navigated the university through the pandemic years.
The university has not yet announced a successor or shared a detailed transition timeline, but a national search is expected. Tuminez will remain in her role through the transition to help maintain continuity.
Why it matters:
UVU is not just a campus in Orem. It is one of Utah County’s largest employers and a major driver of growth in the area. Leadership changes at this level influence everything from academic direction to community partnerships. The next president will help shape how the university evolves during a critical period of continued expansion.
Quick Hits
Wasatch Front air quality drops during latest inversion
Air quality across Utah County worsened over the past week as a winter inversion settled in, prompting health advisories for sensitive groups. Conditions are expected to improve once weather patterns shift later this week.
Vessel Kitchen opens new Orem location
Park City–based Vessel Kitchen has opened a new location in Orem, marking its first entry into Utah County. The restaurant is known for its fast-casual menu focused on fresh, globally inspired bowls and plates, and the Orem opening continues the brand’s steady expansion along the Wasatch Front.
The new location adds another mid-range, health-forward dining option in an area that has seen steady restaurant growth over the past few years.
MLK Day of Service events happening Monday
Cities and community groups across Utah County are hosting service projects on Monday in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Restaurant of the Week
Kluck’s Krispy Chicken
Kluck’s keeps things simple, and that is exactly why it works.
The menu is tight. The focus is on crispy chicken done right. Sandwiches, tenders, and sides come out fast and consistent, without trying to reinvent anything.
It is not chasing trends. It is just trying to be reliable, and that is usually what earns repeat visits. Checkout their locations in Orem and Saratoga Springs
Around the Point: Things to Do this Week
Final Week: Woodbury Art Museum Exhibitions
When: Through January 24
Where: UVU, Orem
This is the final week to see the museum’s current exhibitions before they rotate. If you have been meaning to stop by but kept putting it off, this is the nudge. The Woodbury is small enough to visit casually but curated enough to feel intentional.
Musical: Forever Plaid
When: Thursday & Friday, January 15-16 at 7 p.m.
Where: Hale Center Theater, Orem
A light, funny musical built around tight vocal harmonies and familiar mid-century songs. It is fast-paced, easy to follow, and well suited for a low-stress night out that does not require a lot of planning.
BYU Young Artists of Voice Competition
When: January 24
Where: BYU Campus, Provo
A public performance showcasing standout vocal students competing at a high level. Even if you are not deeply into classical or operatic music, it is an impressive look at the talent coming out of local programs.
Fire and Ice 2026
When: January 24.
Where: Downtown Provo
A winter street festival featuring ice sculptures, fire pits, and activities spread throughout downtown. It is designed to be walked through rather than attended all at once, which makes it easy to pair with dinner or a short outing.
Frigid 5K and Penguin Plunge
When: January 24
Where: Vineyard/Utah Lake
A cold-weather run followed by a charity plunge for those feeling brave. Even if you are not participating, it is a lively event to watch and a long-running winter tradition tied to local causes.
Tuesday Tunes
When: January 20
Where: Provo Library
An informal live music series hosted at the library. The setting is relaxed, the crowds are manageable, and it is a good option if you want something social without committing to a full evening out.
Provo Winter Farmers Market
When: Saturdays, January 10 – April 4, 10:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Where: Provo Towne Centre Mall
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…
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).
We’ll be back next week.