Name: Melanie Johnson

From: Green River, Wyo.

To: Grantsville

Melanie Johnson was living in the small Wyoming community of Green River when her father was offered a job in Salt Lake City. The family didn't want to live in a big city, so they moved to Grantsville.

Johnson, a recent Grantsville High School graduate, has really enjoyed her experience in the county despite being worried about the move.

"It was really hard when I first moved to Grantsville because I didn't know anyone." she said. "Since then I've met a lot of really great people here that are going to be my friends forever."

There are a few things Johnson misses about Wyoming that Grantsville doesn't have.

"In Green River we had a recreation center that had a swimming pool, basketball courts, golfing, and a place where the community could gather together for a meeting or a barbecue," she said. "There were a lot more community events than there are in Grantsville."

Although she misses the assortment of community gatherings, Johnson really enjoys the tradition Grantsville is steeped in.

"I love the rich tradition the town has," she said. "There are a ton of little traditions like the elementary school plays, or the Old Folks Sociable. It's just a great community to grow up in with good family values."

compiled by Natalie Tripp

If you're a newcomer or know of a newcomer who'd like to share the story of why they moved to Tooele County, please contact Sarah Miley at (435) 882-0050 or via e-mail at swest@tooeletranscript.com.