Who deserves praise and criticism this week in Northern Utah?

Thumbs down: On Wednesday, the Standard-Examiner reported that a Roy man was arrested for a robbery of a bank due to having a rough time and did not believe he was going to live much longer,” and “did not have the money to obtain the medications he needed.” The arrest for the alleged crime was only part of the sad story for this man. It is not the first time this year we have reported on those that have had difficulty affording payment for necessary medications and therefore face impossible situations. While crime and violence should never be one’s resort, it stood out to us among the daily bookings across the counties.

Thumbs up: Sen. Mitt Romney told an audience on Friday that he didn’t think he’d issue an endorsement in the 2020 presidential election. According to an Associated Press report, Romney said he didn’t think endorsements are “worth a thimble of spit” and wouldn’t be surprised if he skips them altogether. Why Romney is bringing this up now with the election 17 months away, we have no clue. (But it’s probably a good thing, as he won’t be able to flip flop between endorsements if he gives none at all.) Though, at this rate we’re not looking forward to 2020 election endorsements, either.

Thumbs up: Praise high snowpack! It’s a good year for Utah water. While we’ve hardly been enthusiastic about this very wet and dreary spring, our reservoirs have benefitted and it will be to great advantage to our rivers, reservoirs and lakes. The state’s “small to medium-size reservoirs are at or near capacity,” a June report said, and “larger reservoirs have gained substantial amounts of runoff.” However, just because it’s been an abundant water year, this doesn’t give Utahns the leeway to use this limited natural resource wastefully.

Thumbs down: Ogden has had scooter fever so far this year, and the electric devices have helped plenty get from Point A to Point B far more efficiently. However, nationally, cities are grappling with injuries and fatalities and a lack of data tracking them. Like any other motorized vehicle, users should treat scooters with the utmost care and caution. Austin, Texas public health officials worked with the CDC who counted 192 scooter-related injuries in three months in 2018 — half were head injuries with 15% of those traumatic brain injuries; less than 1% of injured riders reported using a helmet.

They’re hardly appropriate for jumping stairs or doing other foolish tricks. While many cities have been overwhelmed with negative consequences, Ogden would be wise to educate users on appropriate usage, like wearing helmets, not exceeding 10 mph in high-traffic areas, avoidance of downhill use, and strict penalties for parents who skirt around rules and enable children younger than 18 to utilize the electric scooters.

Thumbs up: On Monday, the Veteran’s Affairs center in North Ogden will officially be renamed the “Major Brent Taylor Vet Center Outstation.” What a beautiful way to honor and remember the mayor, who was a central figure to the city and to the state of Utah. Since his death, a number of memorials and scholarships in his name have taken place, speaking to his far-reaching influence and impact on many lives.

Thumbs up: The disappearance of 5-year-old from Logan has captured the attention and hearts of Utahns across the state in recent weeks. And her heartbreaking funeral was no different. However, friends and family have managed to uplift so many others while in the middle of their worst fears, by urging the rest of us to “Live like Lizzy.” What does that mean? To remember innocence. To cherish our children. To be adventurous and embrace our world full of wonder. Find joy in the simple moments. The death of this little girl, and all that has transpired since cast a dark shadow and alerted many to the worst of what exists in our world. But, the community’s outreach to this family has also shown the deepest reserves of charity and sympathy that exist as well. Many have fundraised thousands of dollars to aid the family. Others volunteered their time to search for her. Our hearts are with the family, and little Lizzy who was finally laid to rest.

Newsletter