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Show Volume III, Issue VII THE OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Page 3 February 1, 2001 Senior Meals Ogden Valley News Editor’s Commentary Meals provided at the Ogden Valley Branch Library. Valley Residents to be Commended For Standing Up For What They Believe In February 1: Lasagna, Green Beans, Tossed Salad with Grapefruit Dressing, Chilled Apricots and Raisin Bran Muffin. February 8: Teriyaki Baked Chicken, Sweet Potato, Spinach/Lemon, Carrot, Apple, Celery Salad, Orange Wedges and Sesame Seed Roll. February 15: Roast Turkey with Gravy, Whipped Potatoes, Chuckwagon Corn, Pear and Cranberry Salad, Pumpkin Cupcake and Whole Wheat Roll. The deadline for material for the February 15th issue is February 7th, 2001. By Shanna Francis Ogden Valley News Editor Snowcrest Junior High School, located in beautiful Ogden Valley, prides itself for being a “Community of Caring” school—a school that has adopted a program whereby students are encouraged to “stand up” and “stand out” as part of their community. They are taught, “to do the right thing for the right reason, and to not be passive when observing others who choose to do wrong.” They are also taught that one person can make a difference. Parents and adults in the community are reminded that students need role models that are, they themselves, portraying the Community of Caring attributes. Is this really what we believe or should we, instead, be teaching reality 101? A group of stubborn ranchers from Ogden Valley stood up to Weber County officials in the Powder Mountain Land Sale case— trying to right a wrong that will directly affect their children and their children’s children? They have dug in their heels and taken a beating in their efforts to reclaim 160 acres of scenic, mountain parkland next to Powder Mountain Ski Resort. No, they’re not in Junior High School any longer, but they’re still being taunted and ridiculed by bullies—our public officials and now, even the media (Standard-Examiner’s Our View, January 8 and November 9). Part of this bullying includes telling tales, distorting facts, and trying to convince the rest of the kids on the playground to scoff and reject plaintiffs’ efforts. Why have these residents of Ogden Valley become the objects of such aggression from their attackers? Is it because they have not been satisfied to just sit back and watch passively as government officials abuse the system or their authority? When a qualified candidate challenged one of these same elected officials—by running against him in a democratic election—the bullies again resorted to more pressure, ridicule and distortions. What a shame! What ever happened to the spirited attitude, “If you don’t like the system, quit complaining and do something about it?” Should we mock or admire those who take that attitude to heart? Yes, it has taken several years to work through this public tragedy, beginning with efforts to negotiate a remedy, and ending with the need to initiate a lawsuit when faced with uncooperative local officials. It has not been a simple case composed of “a very small group of people, or a handful of disgruntled hunters” as the media and our commissioners would have you believe. Over a thousand citizens signed the petition requesting that their public property be restored; It took several months and hearings for a Second District Court Judge to come to terms with the issues of a complicated case; the county incorporated changes in the way they now dispose of public property; and November’s election results showed that Commissioner Burton lost the support and confidence of his Valley neighbors. Can the rest of the public see through this smokescreen created by these officials and those joining in their circle of derision. Think twice before you buy into it—your kids and grandkids may be watching. Instead, reaffirm to your children the importance of taking a stand and speaking out against public wrongs. Teach them the critical importance of civic responsibility, and the merits of civic virtue. Finally, encourage them to not give up or to give in when the going gets tough, or when others make it very difficult or uncomfortable to continue on with a worthwhile cause. Get Your Jazz Basketball 540 S. Hwy. 39 745-4200 Just $6.99 (While Supplies Last) Ace Hardware Specials ALL BROWNING & CARHARTT CLOTHING Browning Guns Sold at Cost! Browning Bows Sold at Cost! (Pants, Shirts, Bibs, Coats) (limited to stock on hand) (limited to stock on hand) LaCross Boots 40-50% Off! Kids & Adult Sizes Big Rock T-Shirts $12.99 Federal Steel Shot Ammo 15% Off Razor Blade Knives w/case 2 for $1.00 Delta Craft Paints 2 for $1.00 22 lb. Bag Wild Bird Food $3.59 50% OFF |