Holmgren highlights District 24 history in Senate centennial spotlight

Senator John Holmgren presented the Senate’s Centennial Historic Spotlight on Jan. 23, describing pre‑pioneer Indigenous settlement, the era of trappers and early explorers such as Jim Bridger, the development of irrigation and agriculture in Cache and Bear River valleys, and the transformative arrival of railroads in towns like Corinne.

Holmgren recounted local engineering feats — including the construction of trestles across lakes requiring large timbers — and the later removal of rail lines. He noted the industrial history of Brigham City, early sugar‑beet factories, and modern crop patterns (alfalfa, grain, corn and onions). Holmgren also listed centennial events and memorabilia (pins, a Jackson Marbles contest) and closed by citing an economic statistic: he said Senate District 24 accounts for "23 percent of all the jobs in the private sector in the state of Utah," and named several major employers in the district.

The presentation was ceremonial and informational in nature; no formal action was taken. Several senators thanked Holmgren and encouraged colleagues to attend county fairs and centennial events in coming months.