Who deserves praise, criticism in Northern Utah this week?

THUMBS DOWN: The behavior of former Weber County commissioners seems suspect after a policy was debated by a different set of commissioners this week, and then subsequently changed to be phased out, that allowed elected officials to cash out extended health care benefits after leaving, amounting to a very nice little parting bonus of anywhere from $50,000 to $60,000 — something not available to any other regular county employees. Four officials have taken advantage of this recent perk, put in place in 2014, amounting to $250,170.28 total. Who else wouldn’t mind an extra $50,000 payout from taxpayers when they leave their job, even after only four years? You’d have a line around the block. The county’s own human resources director didn’t understand how it had happened or why for that matter it would have been put in place. Our opinion? Former commissioners clearly sought to take advantage of the situation of their power and decided taxpayers could foot their greed bill. 

THUMBS UP: While we’re not sure we’d want a half-ton concrete fruit statue in our yard, (or how you’d approach moving something that heavy) we were highly entertained and enthused about Hooper’s city pride with Hooper Tomato Days running this weekend. If you hadn’t heard, the city is selling residents giant concrete tomatoes, at cost, to put on their property. You can choose between a 900-pound or 300-pound tomato. See if you can find and spot one of the 25 tomatoes around town.

THUMBS DOWN: The two Kingston brothers display an irrational level of arrogance to consider themselves above the law as they allegedly stole more than $500 million in renewable energy credits from the government. We hope those who may have been wronged find due process in the law and that the affect to those in Box Elder County are minimal. 

THUMBS UP: According to the newly released 2017 Crime in Utah Report, Utah saw a total of 91,5811 crimes committed in 2017, a decrease of 5.38 percent over 2016. Violent crimes reportedly saw a decrease of 8.31 percent overall. 

THUMBS DOWN: However, in regards to the crime report, we must give a thumbs down, because in 2017 Utah saw a 11.36 percent increase in rape, the only violent crime to have an increase. When will our state, leaders and communities begin taking the threat of sexual assault more seriously? How does that increase not frighten them? Utah also saw an increase in hate crimes, by 31.58 percent. 

THUMBS UP: The annual Commissioner’s Cup Golf Tournament last week has contributed a cumulative $275,000 to local charities over the years. Thank you to the golfers, Wolf Creek Golf Course and volunteers for making it a successful event for the county.

THUMBS UP: We hope everyone enjoys a very safe Labor Day weekend. While it’s the last hoorah of summer, we urge those traveling to do so with care as it’s expected significant traffic will delay motorists and these holiday weekends are often fraught with crashes and injuries. For updates on road conditions, visit http://udottraffic.utah.gov. Labor Day weekend annually marks the end of the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer. Most recently, the Utah Highway Patrol has urged Utah motorists to get out of the line of traffic and to the side of a road if you have been involved in a minor crash to protect yourselves and first responders.

THUMBS DOWN: There are those that still believe the Earth is flat, and though columnist Dr. David Ferro provided some very compelling facts and arguments this week, it is hard to reason with those that believe astronauts are pawns of the government in a conspiracy to lie to the public about the shape of the Earth.

THUMBS DOWN: It feels like all Utahns are wondering when fire season will be over this year. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon after the start of the Avon Fire near Powder Mountain on Thursday night. We’re grateful for the crews working quickly to contain it. Utah is a cinder box; if recreating this weekend remember to be careful with equipment and any campfires you might be having.