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Beyond Bars

Behind Bars: Prison offers unique opportunity to make the most of your time

My cellie and I were watching the evening news report, and the newscaster said he gave the morning commute a D-minus due to a storm rolling in. Without missing a best, my cellie said, “Well that settles it; I’m not driving anywhere tomorrow.”I thought that was pretty funny, but it also ...

Behind Bars: The political concerns (or lack of) for some of Utah’s inmates

I’ve been told religion, politics and college sports are the three most divisive topics. I’ve already made it known that I’m a BYU fan, so I guess it’s about time I mention the recent presidential election.I considered trying to keep my opinion out and just give observations, but I ...

Behind Bars: It’s not ideal, but I’m grateful for the life I have now

Well Christmas is over, and to all the people who told me to do the best I can to have a Merry Christmas — considering my circumstances — I want to say the amendment isn’t necessary; I’m doing great. I am happy and healthy and honestly believe I will have a more fruitful life due to ...

Behind Bars: Most inmates don’t dwell on the overwhelming ugliness of prison

The other day a prisoner, new to our section, saw me, called out my name and walked over to me. I figured he knew me from these articles, but then he gave me his name and asked if I remembered him. I didn’t.He told me his mom used to clean my home. Last time I saw him, he looked more like a ...

Behind Bars: Clarifying my stance on preparing prisoners for life after jail

I don’t create the headlines to my articles, and this has never been an issue until recently. I was rather distraught when I saw the one that read, “<a href="http://www.standard.net/Behind-Bars/2016/12/19/Behind-Bars-Prisoners-shouldn-t-be-released-without-prep-for-life-outside-jail" ...

Behind Bars: The ‘us vs. them’ mentality is unproductive

I have a friend who has filled out paperwork necessary to visit me multiple times and has not been approved or denied to do so. When he calls the prison to check the status of his request, he is told they cannot give out any information. When I go through the “proper” channels, I am told I ...

Behind Bars: Work day provides a taste of freedom

I close my eyes letting the warm water pout over my head, drowning out all other sound. I pretend I’m showering in the privacy of my own home rather than mere feet from the prisoners in the “Dayroom.” I started doing this my first week in prison and still occasionally do so, though less ...

Column: Better to own up to your mistakes than play the victim

<em>Brian Wood, formerly of Layton, is an inmate at the <a href="http://corrections.utah.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=843&Itemid=163" target="_blank">Utah Correctional Facility in Gunnison</a>. He ...

Column: What it’s like to spend a week in “the hole”

<em>Brian Wood, formerly of Layton, is an inmate at the Utah Correctional Facility in Gunnison. He pleaded guilty to nine felony charges for offenses from 2011 to 2014, including counts of burglary, drug possession and prescription fraud. He could spend up to 35 years in prison, ...