Anonymous Comments Will Be Removed

Anonymous posts can be confusing and hard to follow with several users posting anonymously in the same thread. Please create a User Name/ID when adding to our comments section.

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Troubled Youth Steals Van and Escapes From Waypoint Academy

The Ogden Valley News reported in their December 15, 2013 issue, that a youth had been located after fleeing the Waypoint Academy (formerly Green Valley Academy) in Huntsville.  

While the "academy" has only been open some nine months (since spring 2013), this is at least the second such escape that has been reported to the local authorities.  Since discipline is typically handled in house, It is unknown if any other youth have fled the facility.

From the Ogden Valley News,
A report from the Weber County Sheriff's Office states that a deputy recently responded to Waypoint Academy in Huntsville after staff reported that a juvenile had left the facility without permission and took a minivan belonging to the center after finding a spare set of keys to the van.  The juvenile then abandoned the van at about 8400 E. 100 S. because he couldn't figure out how to turn on the headlights.  He then ran north into area fields.

The juvenile was returned to Waypoint Academy after being located by the deputy a short time later hiding in the fields.  The center's operator ended the juvenile's enrollment at the facility and asked that he be taken to Archway Youth Service Center in Ogden so his parents could arrange placement at a new facility or travel plans could be made for his return to New York.  According to the sheriff's report, the juvenile was taken to Archway.

Residents will remember when Academy owners initially were considering a large home near the Trinity Abby in Huntsville as their campus.  Neighbors objected to having troubled teens housed in their backyards. 

Ultimately, Academy owners removed their petition and later purchased property in another residential neighborhood on Highway 39; their current location.

A Weber County planning staffer decided the Academy fit the definition of a "school" and issued approval for the facility, rather than putting the issue on the planning commission's agenda.

Concerns over potential water shortages and other issues surfaced, and the "Protect our water" campaign ensued.

Early on, during meetings held in 2010, Academy owners stated publicly that they would accept low risk "Forest Gump" type kids.  More specifically, kids with Autism, Asperger's syndrome and similar disorders.  However, their new website makes no mention of these disorders and instead touts anxiety.
WayPoint Academy provides specialized treatment for young men between the ages of 13-18 who are afflicted with various types of anxiety.
  • Generalized Anxiety 
  • Social Phobia
  • Panic Attacks
  • Agoraphobia
  • Specific Phobia
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Depression is frequently present in individuals with severe anxiety. Thus, the criteria for admission also includes students with symptoms of depressive disorder.

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Summit & Powder Mountain: Winter Has Arrived

Powder Mountain has officially opened for the season and the Summit Team sent out this email announcement.  Pay particular attention to the link below for an article in this month's issue of Ski Magazine.

Ski Magazine article

Here is the email:
Hi,
As the snow begins to fall on the mountains here in Eden, Utah, winter is finally upon us, and we couldn't be more excited for what this season will bring.
This winter marks Summit's inaugural year as the proud owners of Powder Mountain, and we are thrilled to announce that as of yesterday, the mountain is officially open for the season!
It's been an extraordinary year. We've made great progress designing our future village, building roads, infrastructure, and a stunning, mountain-top lodge.  We've also closed a county-backed $18 million infrastructure bond which supports the development of Summit's permanent home.
Most recently, we saw SKI Magazine publish an eight-page cover story on the project in its December issue, on stands now. You can read the full article here.  Also, Outside Television shot the winter season of its popular morning show, Outside Today, atop Powder Mountain at the newly constructed Skylodge. You can find a teaser here.
Lastly, all of us here at Summit truly believe that wintertime in Eden is one of the most beautiful places we've ever experienced, and we want to be able to share this spectacular place with you. We would love for you to join us this winter to experience Powder Mountain for yourself.  You can plan your trip, book your lodging, and purchase your ski tickets, cat tours, and ski lessons all directly through www.powdermountain.com, or reach out to one of us on the Summit Team for more information.
We hope to see you on the mountain this winter!
-The Summit Team