By Myrna Trauntvein
TN Correspondent
On Saturday, the time capsule placed in the earth just by the parking lot east of the Old Gym, was opened after 25 years. The Juab School District and Nephi City time capsule was opened on September 26, 2026, at the Nephi City Park Main Stage at 10 a.m. and many of those who had contributed to the contents were on hand to collect their own or their family’s contents. Justin Seely, Nephi City Mayor, said: “Gerratt Bethers, Nephi City Arborist and Parks and Cemeteries Director, did a phenomenal job of seeing this project through and getting ready for the next 25 years.” He said the city was glad to have participation from the school system, but after opening the vault and seeing how much community support was there, they would definitely love letters or information from local businesses and citizens. “Now a new time capsule is being put together for the future. We will get other contributions over the next few weeks before we reseal the vault,” he said. Residents wishing to add memories to the box should drop them off at the city building. The event drew several people who had contributed to the original time capsule which was on Nephi City’s Sesquicentennial and dated September 21, 22, 23, 2001. “For those who were not present, we hand-delivered their contribution,” said Tate Douglas, city council member. The Times-News had three editions from 2001 included in the time capsule. One of those was the tribute by Nephi residents to the victims of 911 that had just occurred on September 11, 2001. There was a photo disc put together by Mariann Gibson, editor at the time. Books were included as well as newspapers and letters. Elementary school classes had contributed to the time-capsule such as: Mrs. Ogden’s second grade class, Mrs. Worthington’s Kindergarten class, Mrs. Hunt’s third grade class, Mrs. Boswell’s first grade glass, Mrs. Vernice Winn’s third grade class. There were contributions, to name but a few, from the Ute Stampede, George and Judy Ann Phillips Family, Bill and Ruth Howard, Miles Anderson Family, B. Painter to Aaron, Marlow, Benjamin and Mike, James L. and Zoma Warner Painter, Kent Park Family, Chad Brough Family, First Baptist Church. At the occasion of the opening, Mayor Seely shared his thoughts: “As I sit down to write these words, I find myself thinking about still shape our daily living. The Industrial 4 zone, the Central Utah Agri-Park, the Utah National Guard Readiness Center, and the need for responsible energy generation will help decide what kind of place Nephi becomes. I feel the weight of those choices. My family’s roots run deep in this valley. I want my children and grandchildren to grow up in a community that is fair, strong, and still recognizably home. “When that letter is opened 25 years from now, I hope the people who read it will see a flourishing Nephi. I hope they will recognize the care and the sacrifices made by those who came before them and by those of us serving today. I hope the same spirit that has carried us this far is still alive. “And who knows? By then Brandon Flowers [of rock band The Killers and a hometown man] may have written a few more songs about life in Nephi, and maybe we will have finally talked him into playing a concert right here in town. “That is the message I am sending forward. It is written with pride, with gratitude, and with a deep love for this place we call home.”
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