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Show Mflfcrd Monitor Utah Press Association P.O. Box 224 MlfcrdUT 84751 307 West 300 South, Suite 5005 Salt Lake City UT 84101-121- 2 ! BULK RATE . U.S. POSTAGE PAID 'i J &k. uiijrwn i it J! f iiri iififir t -- Ipermitno.isI ffl (C : Formely the Dodge City News MAY 12, 1995 Mr Serving Beaver County Since 1991 VOL. V NO. 19 -"Social benefits are like fish bait - every time the government gives something to the people, it has a hook in sink, keeping the hot water and circulating washing dishes. He was elected president of the foundation about a year ago. Karma? it." Weis describes associated with litigation Vance Springs, a 640-ac- re of land in western section Beaver where jCounty; Foundation members have chosen to build their homes, as a test case to Immanuel determine whether religious rights are protected under the constitution. Ten years ago. they set out to establish an autonomous community claiming what they believe-to--binalienable rights the by guaranteed constitution. Their quest to retain the property, purchased, paid for, and duly recorded, in the name of the Immanuel Foundation, has led them through numerous court cases, in which foundation leaders have acted as their own "I'm here because of Phil," V- - she said. . Florin, Martha and their two young children will soon be returning to live at Vance Springs on a full-tibasis. Until their home, also with a greenhouse and without a mortgage, is completed they will be staying in the "rock house." It is a charming cottage next to the spring and the pond. The walls were standing when the foundation acquired the property. The roof, floor of native tile, and greenhouse have been added since. The location, above the V V e " - counsel. At base of the dispute is whether or not they, as an apostolic organization, must request a government waiver to be exempt from property tax. When asked why they refuse to apply for exemption, Weis answered, "Why didn't Daniel bow to the king instead of going to the lion's darT Because of their firm stance the property was sold in the 1994 Beaver County Tax sale. A year later they are still peaceably appealing through the courts. On March 7, 1995 the little community celebrated with jubilation when the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth reversed decision of the Utah District Court. The justices concluded that the contention was that plaintiffs Circuit Talmage Weis, development, provides privacy and as well as a view equaled only by the cemetery. Florin has recently been as a engaged Immanuel Foundation Leader In Pursuit Of Liberty steward, "Show us what law we have broken or what crime we have committed All we want are procurement as a painter to working We our rights as guaranteed by the (Anted States Constitution and the Utah State Constitution. supplement the conmunity. "I are willing to answer any summons or complaint " Talmage Weis (Immanuel Foundation) are entitled to a religious immunity from taxation, and the defendants (current and prior county commissioners and officials) acting as individuals, conspired to allegedly abandoned pending. produced a Building progress has year. been severely slowed at Vance Springs due to the cost of litigation and uncertainly of the future. "It is taking everything we can muster to fight for our liberty,'' Weis said. However, the little deny rights protected under the United States Constitution by community is going about the business of dairy life, even enforce to attempting collection of tax. Although planting a garden to supply the appellate court did not their needs. The altitude, enter a decision, the case was above 6,000 feet, limits the reversed and remanded back growing season to about 90 to the district court to "sort days. The peas, carrots, out the various claims and deal cabbages, brussdl sorouts. and with them as circumstances cold weather plants are in. An warrant." Other suits additional field is currently involving fraud, conspiracy, being prepared for oats and and civil rights violations barley. Corn and potatoes will against the foundation are also again be planted in an which corral, bumper crop last Phil and Karma were recently married in the little chapeL They live in a partially finished home without a mortgage. It is heated with solar panels, and features a greenhouse. Cost of the house, to this point, is approximately $3,000. plus labor. Phil has lived in the community since 1985, and has developed an admirable His degree of versatility. ran8e of expertise includes everything from repairing and operating vintage equipment, home construction and farming to fixing the kitchen two-bedro- ed 2-st- . wish they would just leave us alone," Martha said. Aside from her desire to raise her children outside the influence of modern life, Martha would like to pursue her knowledge of herbs and learn more about the healing techniques of massage. Water from the spring tastes pure and good. Watercress can be harvested all year. Trout, planted in the pond a few years ago, have grown to a respectable size. The settlement has been constructed lower than the spring to provide pressurized water without the use of pumps. The main kitchen and room are located in the (continued on page 4) dining i 84751 |