Heavy Snow Shuts Down Road

From Sunday's Standard Examiner - Top Of Utah

"Eden- Heavy snow and slick road conditions forced the Weber County Sheriff's Office to close Powder Mountain Road for nearly Three hours Saturday.

Heavy snow began falling around 3 P.M., just as many skiers began drive home. One car rolled on its side and a few others slid off the road, said Lt. Phil Howell. There were no reported injuries, he said.

Deputies shut down the road to clear up the accidents and allow road crews to spread sand on icy areas."

The above article is a clear example of things to come with Powder Mountain Road in the future if the owners put their planned 3700 buildings up on Powder Mountain using the single road that now exists. Imagine this road with eight to ten times the amount of traffic and all negative aspects those increased numbers will bring to Ogden Valley.

Utah Wingman for Property Tax Re-Forum hits the Cover of the Standard, while Huntsville, aka Mayberry, hits the cover of the Life section

Ogden Valley was in the limelight of the Standard Examiner as we had cover story's on the front page as well as the front page of the "Top of Utah" and "Life" sections.

D-Bell, founder of Utah Wingmen for Property Tax Re-Forum (Reform) was profiled in today's Standard Examiner cover story by Marshall Thompson.

We will include some excerpts here:

Utah legislators opposed to property tax reform better watch out — they have a Top Gun fighter pilot on their tails.
Spurred by a shocking increase in his property tax statement in August, Huntsville resident and Vietnam War veteran Donald Bell, “D-Bell” to everyone he meets, started talking with neighbors and elected officials to discover the cause.
“The more I found out,” he said, “the angrier I got.”

He continues:

“In the military you don’t get to speak out and participate,” he said. “So this is something new to me. I never thought I would be an activist.”


Now, six months after getting his tax statement, D-Bell doesn’t hesitate to use the word “revolt” when describing the seriousness of the movement. Until now, the former test pilot who once attended the Navy’s Top Gun school, has restricted himself to lobbying state representatives and blogging, at http://www.dbelltax.blogspot.com/. But if meaningful reform doesn’t happen this legislative session, he said, things could get ugly.
“We’ve held off so far, but we might have to march on the Capitol
building to get them (legislators) to pay attention,” he said.

And for one of his best quotes:

The tax fairness group opposes some new bills that would require counties to do mandatory computer mass assessments of property value every year, instead of once every five years. To D-Bell, anyone who thinks increasing the number of mass assessments will help with property tax inequity must “be on drugs.”
“Look what the computers did to us this year,” he said. “We need to change the whole system.”

We at the forum feel Ogden Valley is fortunate to have Machman (D-Bell) on our side.


Hanging on to Yesterday

Also from Sunday's Life section was a feature story from Brad Gillmam entitled "Hanging on to Yesterday." Click here to read the entire story, but we will post part of the story below.

What if Mayberry transformed into a resort town? Imagine the look on Gomer Pyle’s face as multimillion-dollar homes were being built around the city. What
if Opie’s school were closed down, and Aunt Bee packed up because she couldn’t afford the prices? While Mayberry may be fictional, Utah’s version is not. And things are not perfect in Mayberry. “We’re under attack from all angles,” said Richard Sorenson, a member of Huntsville’s town council. Huntsville rests on the eastern edge of Ogden Valley, which has seen large growth in the last decade.

“There are a lot of contractors coming into our valley, everybody wants a piece of the pie now — they’ve all discovered our little hidden secret,” said Jim Truett, another Huntsville town council member, who affectionately refers to the town as “Mayberry.”

Huntsville Mayor Jim McKay said most changes are outside the city. Resting outside of town are several large condominiums and mansions, the prices of which easily run several million dollars. That’s changed the look of the valley, McKay said.
The place has become a playground for visitors, what with Pineview Reservoir,
Powder Mountain and terrain that’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
“So the impact of the valley is on the valley as a whole,” McKay said.

Regarding taxes and the impact on Seniors as well as younger generations:

Most considered a 2007 tax hike an attack on senior citizens, “but it’s
also hard for the younger people up here,” said Erma Wilson of Huntsville. “It’s just unfair.” “I just don’t feel like it was the
valley that we moved up to.” Richard Sorenson was born and raised in the town,
but he has a hard time finding alumni. “I’m 43 and I can count on one hand, maybe two hands, the kids in the entire valley that are my age, that went to school with me that live up here,” Sorenson said. “And many of them would like to but can’t afford it up here.”

When asked about Valley School moving to Eden,

“I’m afraid our little town will dry up and blow away,” said Bonnie
Sorenson, Richard Sorenson’s mother and a 60-year resident of Huntsville.

Regarding declining volunteerism:

“People in this small of a town, it was almost like an obligation to
serve,” said [Donald aka D-Bell]Bell, of Huntsville.
But, “Times have changed and I miss that.”
It’s always been that give and-take relationship that made Huntsville tick. “I relied on them for things and they relied on me,” said [John- incorrectly named Scott in the article] Posnien, owner of the Shooting Star. “The camaraderie has been strong, been very good.”

One of Richard Sorenson’s duties is to get volunteers for several events.
But he sees the same volunteers over and over.
“I don’t get a lot of responses,” Sorenson said. “It’s
like 5 percent of the people do 95 percent of the work.

Preservation

“If we don’t want a Wal-Mart across the street from us ... or if we
don’t want a bunch of condominiums, I personally think we need to look at
annexation very, very seriously,” Truett said.

“I don’t think there is a way to prevent it,” Sorenson said. “I think growth is inevitable. But I think it needs to be planned and we do whatever we can to grow responsibly.” There’s no guess as to what happens next, but Truett knows that the attacks have taken their toll ... “And we’re tired of fighting it.”

To Save A Farm, We Must Save A Farmer

One of our humble readers and ardent supporters informed us of a devastating loss for one of Ogden Valley's last remaining farmers, and has challenged us to help with a fund-raising campaign on behalf of our neighbors.

We at the forum are honored to help out and urge all residents and friends of Ogden Valley to help a neighbor in need. We have taken a much needed break from the Powderville land grab, and will direct our efforts to helping others - please join us:


To Save a Farm, We Must Save a Farmer

Ogden Valley began as a farming community and held that distinction for well over a century until dirt became worth more than alfalfa. During the ‘80's, the federal government subsidized farmers to stop or reduce the production of milk as well as crops. The local effect meant that many lifelong farmers sold their herds and ultimately cashed in by selling and subdividing their property.

Fast forward to 2008, and there are very few full time farmers or ranchers in the valley. Holsteins have been replaced with homes.

Farming is a tough way to make a living and the profit margin is slim. Often, farmers have to mortgage everything they have just to plant the spring crops.

Farmers today face even more challenges. Neighbors, who move into once farm land to enjoy the rural atmosphere, complain about the stench and noise from the bordering farm land, even though the farm and animals have been there for more than a century. Or when an animal escapes from the field, the farmer lives in fear of legal action if the cow gets hit by a car or causes property damage.

Our Local Farmer

Tracy Woolsey grew up on a farm in Morgan County. He married Casa Lewis from Liberty and they chose to raise their family in Huntsville. Tracy decided to give his kids the same farm life he grew up with, and while the path has not been easy, it has been fulfilling, as he farms hundreds of acres in the Huntsville area. He has a genuine love for the land and has imparted that love onto his kids who tirelessly work by his side. The Woolsey’s may well be the hardest working family in Ogden Valley.

The Woolsey’s suffered a devastating loss recently as a result of near record snowfall this year. Their farm equipment has been stored in one of the Monastery’s out buildings, and the building collapsed under the snow load, causing substantial damage to the Woolsey’s equipment. To add insult to injury, much of the equipment was self insured, i.e., uninsured.

In true Valley spirit and in conjunction with the Ogden Valley Forum and Ogden Valley News, we are urging everyone to dig deep and offer anything you can to help the Woolsey’s rebuild, repair and replace. Tracy, the tough and stoic farmer, is full of pride and would rather handle the issue silently and solely, but we cannot sit back and watch our neighbor suffer alone.

The Ogden Valley Forum, http://www.ogden-valley.blogspot.com/ has created a donation link where you can submit donations electronically. An account has also been created at Zion’s Bank for the effort, and you may send checks made out to “The Woolsey Farm Relief Fund” in care of:

Woolsey Farm Relief Donation Account #553317405
c/o Zion’s Bank
2555 Wolf Creek Rd.
Eden, UT 84310

While you are at the Valley Market, you may also stop by Zion’s Bank and make a deposit to the account.

One Hundred percent of your donations will go to the Woolsey’s to help them rebuild (excluding nominal fees charged by PayPal for electronic donations). There is no overhead.

We also urge Scouts, Church and School groups to remember the Woolsey’s in their fund raising and service projects.

Watch the Ogden Valley Forum and Ogden Valley News for updates and more information, and thanks for your support.

To save a farm, we must first save a farmer.

House Comittee Passes SB-25 Out of Committee Unanimously with Retroactive Provisions AND Powder Mountain residents Get To Vote!!!

UPDATES BELOW

Ogden Valley residents received some good news today from Capital Hill as Gage Froerer successfully moved to amend SB 25 with a retroactive provision, thus sending the bill to the House floor. Click here for more details and to hear audio of the debate courtesy of the Weber County Forum.


As we promised earlier, Powder Mountain residents will have a chance to vote after all.

In a February 25, 2008 “newsletter” to those Eden residents being pulled into Powder Mountain Town without being provided a vote in that decision, Powder Mountain has graciously announced the residents will have a vote on one of three “town” logos under consideration. How generous of the Powder Mountain owners to grant this privilege when they are continuing to deny the residents a say in whether or not they want to even be a part of the town, or be able to vote on who will initially run the town via the town council.

The newsletter goes on to say that the residents will be allowed to vote for their town council members in the next municipal election, or to quote the newsletter, “Municipal elections are held on off years, so the next election will be held in November of 2009.” What they haven’t bothered to make clear in their message is that in November, 2009 only two of the town council positions will be up for election or reelection. It will be 2011 before the town residents will have a vote in the next two positions, and possibly gain control of their own town council.

As to the remainder of the “newsletter” it denounces the rumors being spread that the Powder Mountain owners have not met with residents, stresses that they are under no obligation to do so, and sings the praises of their efforts to communicate via town meetings and large community meetings. Must be Cache County community they’re referring to here. It certainly hasn’t been the Ogden Valley community!

UPDATE: 10 am

Once again, the Weber County Forum has been working overtime on our Powder Mountain landgrab in this morning's "Time for the Lumpencitizens to Get Even More Involved."

Charles Trentlemen discusses Powderville

Today we read an excellent article from Charles Trentlemen who addresses the Powderville issue as only he can. Rudi, from the Weber County Forum does a masterful job of discussing Charles' article as well as an editorial from today's Salt Lake Tribune.

We have heard that Powderville residents will have an opportunity to vote after all, but we will maintain suspense by posting the details later this evening.

Let's just say, there are some extreme conditions attached to their ability to vote.

More to come, our humble readers.......

‘Powderville Six’ to take on ski resort over vote - UPDATE - Live feed to this morning's House Political Subdivisions Committee hearing

UPDATES BELOW

A story in the Top of Utah section of the Standard Examiner by Marshall Thompson:

EDEN — As the Powder Mountain developers’ petition to form a chunk of the Ogden Valley into a town moves forward, future residents are taking matters into their own hands.

A group of 40 voting-age residents met Friday to elect their own ad hoc council. Darla Van Zeben, Deja Mitchell, Jim Halay, Ryan Bushell, Layne Sheridan and Norman Belnap are the six people who will unofficially represent “Powderville,” which is a nickname for the residential neighborhoods that were drawn into Powder Mountain Town without a vote.

“We agreed to work together on tactics and plans and report back to our residents,” Halay said. “We elected a group to speak for us.”

Under a controversial law, which the Utah Legislature amended last week, Powder Mountain owners can incorporate a town and then effectively choose the members of the first town council. According to the old law, which still applies to Powder Mountain, the Weber County Commission will appoint the mayor and town council from a list of qualified applicants submitted by the developers.

Lisa Davis, a spokeswoman for Powder Mountain, said the developers have yet to finalize their list of potential council members. She said that even though the law does not require it, the owners have talked with most of the residents to gather potential names for the positions. But Halay said he wants to vote on his representatives, and any law that does not allow him to do that is fundamentally unconstitutional. “We cannot allow a corporation to come in and take away our rights,” he said. The Powderville Six will first attempt to work out a compromise with the Powder Mountain owners that would allow residents to vote, Halay said. “I love Powder Mountain. It’s the only place I ski,” he said. “So, we’re looking for a way to come to terms.” Davis said she could not comment on the possibility of any compromise that would secure voting rights for the residents until she has more details. She added that the owners were not concerned about the possible disenfranchisement or about the possibility the law might be unconstitutional. “They’ve been really proactive under the law that exists, and I don’t think they’ve even thought about that,” she said. If the Powderville Six cannot reach a compromise with Powder Mountain owners, Halay said, they may have to seek legal aid. The Utah chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union has received two complaints about the law, said Marina Lowe, a staff attorney for the ACLU. It has not come up with a position yet, but will be looking into it, she said. In the meantime, the Powderville Six are making plans and hoping that future Powder Mountain residents will have a vote in their new town.

UPDATE: 10 am

There were a couple of letters to the editor over the weekend from valley residents regarding Powderville.

Bruce Magill of Nordic Valley is "amazed at the Standard Examiner's finding and interviewing an Ogden Valley resident who thinks the actions are OK."

Cynthia Maher of Eden speaks of all the "greedy people" in her gentle rant.

And in saving the best for last, our good friend Rudi at the Weber County Forum has posted a live audio feed from this morning's House Political Subdivisions Committee hearing.

And don't miss Rudi's post on Sunday, which includes comments from "Lionel" who pokes a jab at us with his erroneous statement, "Gage Floerer (sp) web side(sp) other wise known as the Ogden Valley Utah Forum." Apparently, because we gave Gage the benefit of the doubt and posted part of a message received from Gage in a desperate hope that he will be able to help his constituents, Lionel now claims the Ogden Valley Forum is now Gage's.

We simply gave Gage some press time just like we continue to do for "Lionel" - remember, this is an open forum.

In fact, we will even give Powder Mountain owner Mark Arnold the opportunity to opine on the site for Ogden Valley residents. What say you Mark? If you won't meet with Ogden Valley residents to discuss your plans and our concerns, then how about spreading your word to Ogden Valley residents via our forum.

Gage Froerer SB25 and SB23

The latest information from Gage Froerer on SB25 and SB53. SB 25 will be pushed out of committee Monday. Gage will be running an amendment to make the effective date Jan. 1, 2008. Gage feels we have a 50/50 chance of passing the bill with his amendment in committee and even less on the floor, but he wants to send a message to the courts in case it goes that far.

The top priority is to get a bill passed to correct HB466 with a retro provision if we were able to get one, would guarantee a court case and the new bill would be held off from becoming effective until the court case was settled.

Gage feels the best course is, if necessary, file a suit from the citizens group on the basis of our right to vote. The County and State likewise will not fight this effort and we would stand a better chance of having a judge rule on our behalf and put the burden on the backs of the developers to pursue litigation.

The Attorney General’s office does not review bills prior to enactment. That job falls on the Attorney’s in legislative research who have found it to be constitutional but have said there is case law on both sides of this debate and they feel it could be overturned with a lawsuit.

Gage wants everyone to know he is not backing down on this issue on the basis of the retro. He firmly believe that we need a replacement to HB466 first and foremost, then we can deal with Powder Mountain.

If we fall on the sword of retro and lose the battle, we will be stuck with
HB466 for another year and that is not acceptable to Gage or us.

He will keep us posted on SB 25 in Committee.

Gage is concerned that there is a misunderstanding of SB53. In fact the end result would be that planning and zoning boards would have a higher profile.

Larry Zini

Brandi Thompson Vertical Challenge, County Commission Agenda and Legislative updates

Updates below:

It has been a busy week at the forum as the attack on Ogden Valley residents took many paths. We hope to get a reprieve over the weekend and will encourage your support of what we feel is one of the most important charity events of the year.

Cory & Kathy Thompson of Huntsville are hosting the second annual Brandi Thompson Vertical Challenge in honor of their daughter who lost her life one year ago to Bacterial Meningitis.

Last year, the event raised several thousand dollars and the Thompson's generously donated the funds to help vaccinate every interested Ogden Valley resident. This years event will surely expand their valiant efforts:

Date:
Feb. 23

Event:
Second Annual Brandi Thompson Vertical Challenge

Description:
Are you up to the challenge? Test your stamina in the Brandi Thompson Vertical Challenge. Brandi Thompson was a lift operator at Needles Express and Strawberry Express Gondolas at Snowbasin Resort, who lost her life to Bacterial Meningitis on February 21, 2007. Snowbasin is hosting a “Vertical Challenge” to promote Bacterial Meningitis Awareness in her memory. Help bring awareness to this disease by contacting a local business or individual sponsor to pledge for your vertical feet. Ski on Needles Express Gondola and chalk up the miles! Bring your Pledge Sheet the morning of the event and turn it in when you pick up your Vertical Challenge pass. For more information, please view the flyer in PDF Format.

Time:
9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Race; 4:00 p.m. Awards Ceremony

Where:
Needles Express Gondola and The Main Plaza

Price:
$30 Race Registration Fee (Includes Lift Ticket); $10 Raffle Tickets for Prizes.

Reservations:
Not required. Please call (801) 620-1038 for more information.

Donations may also be sent to the Thompson's.

We will also include articles from today's Standard Examiner and Salt Lake Tribune detailing the efforts of Ogden Valley residents who testified Thursday before the Utah House Political Subdivision Committee. Valley Patriots such as Darla VanZeben, Steve Clarke and Jim Halay did a masterful job of representing "Powderville" residents, although their pleas seemed to fall on deaf ears.

The Weber County Commission Agenda for February 26th has been posted, and while there are some important items, the Powderville incorporation request is curiously missing.

Could it be the County is still reviewing Wolf Creek's request to opt out? Precedents have been set in Wasatch County and we feel Weber County has the latitude to allow the opt out. More recently, Aspen Utah developer Dean Seller's was turned away from the Utah Supreme court.

We are hopelessly optimistic that the developer friendly County Commissioners will have the backbone to stand up to our foes up the steep road at Powder Mountain.

The BOYCOTT of Powder Mountain continues. Be sure to attend the Brandi Thompson Vertical challenge tomorrow at Snowbasin where a lift ticket will cost just $30, including the race registration fee.

UPDATE: 10:00 PM

The Weber County Forum is on a roll this evening with another great post.

Powder Mountain Update

As expected, our conflicted and weak-kneed legislators did little to retroactively help future "Powderville" residents in what we believe is a constitutional issue. A legal expert tells us "the consitutional issue is that you cannot change a citizen's jurisdiction and then appoint officials who can tax those citizens because you have taken away their right to vote on leadership and taxes."

The Weber County Forum has posted two excellent articles today, complete with a list of the legislators that need to be replaced - it is time to clean the house, and the list will grow. Interestingly, Melvin Brown was the sponsor of the severely flawed HB 466, and is now the sponsor of HB 164.

Links to the audio of today's legislative hearing are included in the first posting as well as an article from the Salt Lake Tribune. The second posting includes a follow up article from the Salt Lake Tribune.

Minor Machman has also offered his interpretation of today's committee meeting.

From today's Salt Lake Tribune, we read that Developer Dean Sellers and his proposed Aspen, Utah town saw a major setback when he took his case to the Utah Supreme Court. This seems to set a huge precedence for Weber County and the Powder Mountain Incorporation. What say our trusted Weber County Commissioners?

We have added two important links to the "OGDEN VALLEY ISSUES THAT NEED YOUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION" area of the Forum (top, right hand side of Forum).

1. Kimball Wheatley "Manifesto" regarding "Powderville"
2. Powder Mountain BOYCOTT

We conclude with this morning's Marshall Thompson article from the Standard Examiner. Thompson writes of conversation(s) Powder Mountain CEO Gregg Greer had with employees regarding their comments on the petition to the legislature.

Big Bully Powder Mountain continues to show their true colors time and time again.

We are still in round one of a 15 round bout with the devil, a.k.a. Powder Mountain Developers. Rest assured Valley residents will come out swingin' in round 2.

BOYCOTT Powder Mountain/ Ski Snowbasin For Less!

Meeting at the State Capital Thursday Morning - Powder Mountain Residents Meeting Thursday Evening -- PLEASE BE THERE!

IMPORTANT Blogmeister Note: This is one of three important posts today. Be sure to read all three articles to learn about a meeting Thursday at the State Capital and the "BOYCOTT Powder Mountain" campaign.


From Organizer and Activist Deja Mitchell
- click to email Deja:

We are going to the Capital tomorrow to the committee meeting to voice our need to have the law changed. We are speaking in support of SB25. If this amendment to HB466 gets pushed through before Powder Mountain paperwork has finished being processed (could go through any day now), then we can probably get the PM deal thrown out!

Meet at the coffee shop (Valley Market) at 5:45 am. We'll carpool down there together.

We NEED as many people as possible to show up in support of this amendment. They have to have a strong message that this is urgent and needed. The hearing is:

Thursday Feb 21

@ 8am in Room C450

Tell anyone else you know, like people who live in Salt Lake who can also come and make a visual statement. They can meet us in room C450 at the Capital.

Remember to dress nicely. We want to look very polished and respectful.



LATER Thursday evening, residents of the Proposed Incorporation area are holding an informational meeting. Click here for details..

Powder Mountain Petition

Just a word to all of you who signed the Powder Mountain Petition. This petition, with well over 500 signatures will be delivered to our state legislators this week. Your willingness to sign and take a stand to help protect our Valley is a powerful message to our State politicians and all developers. You have let them know in no uncertain terms that the residents of Ogden Valley and Weber County can be a significant political force when basic rights of representation and choice are denied to our neighbors.

I read today that the Powder Mountain spokesperson said that all the affected residents will have a say in their town in two years. Just remember, "Justice delayed is Justice denied!" Powder Mountain will find a way to remain in control of what happens in that town no matter what they say now. They are not going to let 100 free thinking citizens control the direction of their investment on that mountain.

Congratulations to all on the power of this petition,

Larry and Sharon Zini

Powder Mountain Protest leads to BOYCOTT of Powder Mountain Ski and Winter Resort

IMPORTANT UPDATES BELOW - Last Updated @ 12:45 PM


"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead

Our hats go off to the dedicated residents of Powderville who once again pounded the pavement on Presidents day with protest signs in hand.

We invite you to listen to KVNU's For the People [2nd hour - fast forward to 32 minutes] as Protest organizer Deja Mitchell did a masterful job of overviewing the Presidents Day event.

Powder Mountain spinmeister and publicity spokeswoman, Lisa Davis, was later interviewed. When asked about the protesters she said, "They may not know their neighbors very well, because the people we have talked to definitely have very strong ideas of what they want done in their back yards..." She went on to say, "They are not 'pawns' of a corporation."

To the contrary, they are nothing but pawns, and the corporation will soon appoint six puppets to govern the people.

Davis seemed to imply that there was a long list of Petitioners for the incorporation, and many not associated with the corporation. That is pure and simple spin - better yet, rubbish, as there were less petitioners for the incorporation than we have fingers and toes.

At last count, over 500 have signed the petition to change HB 466, the tainted law that allowed this takeover from a greedy, fascist corporation.

In fact, the short list of Powder Mountain Incorporation Petitioners included:

Mark E. Arnold - Owner of Powder Mountain

Lee A. Daniels - Owner and Money man behind Powder Mountain

Steve H. Nielsen II

Edward F. Bates

Rickey T. and Theresa A. Stearman - residents - Mr. Stearman is an employee of Powder Mountain

LaVar R. Lowther

Eric Smith

Dr. Alvin and June H. Cobabe - Founder of Powder Mountain

Aleta Cobabe - Daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Cobabe

Clair and Shawna Van Meeteren - Shawna is also a daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Cobabe

Doug and Jamie Lythgoe - Daughter of Clair and Shawna / Granddaughter of Alvin Cobabe, founder of Powder Mountain. Also a realtor and member of the Weber County Planning commission, the body that conditionally approved Powder Mountain's rezone request in December.

Robert MacCulloch

Wayne C. and Gayla Folkman

Rulon and Kathy Jones - Large land owner of property adjacent to Powder Mountain

David Barlow

Colby Sanders

Powder Mountain, with their polished PR firm and high priced legal team overlooked one large piece of the puzzle - the resolve of Ogden Valley residents and their ability to "come together" for the common good. Valley residents will not sit back idly and watch the puppet show - the last time we did that was during the 2nd grade puppet shows at Valley Elementary.

With that in mind, we will heed the suggestions of many residents and officially kick off a Boycott Powder Mountain campaign. While the results may be hard to quantify, Powder Mountain can rest assured they will be losing business. To add teeth to our Boycott, we will include details of how to Ski World Class Snowbasin for less than the cost of a Powder Mountain lift ticket.

Costco sells Snowbasin tickets for about $47 each, when purchased in a three-pack for a total price of about $139. As the Boycott continues, we may even have Snowbasin tickets available for sale at the protest locations, with the motto:

Turn around and enjoy some 'World class' skiing for just $47.

From Salt Lake, there is a Costco located on the way to Snowbasin in Bountiful. There is also one located in Downtown Salt Lake and Ogden.

To see how effective our campaigns may be, we invite Powder Mountain officials to conduct a simple test. Go to Google and search for "Powder Mountain Protest" or "Powder Mountain Boycott." The results may surprise even their arrogance.

The protest spurred much interest in the media, as KSL Eyewitness News and Fox 13 reported from the site.

KUTV 2 news has said they will attend a meeting Thursday that Powder Mountain has claimed they will hold with citizens. To date, we have no information on this supposed meeting and can only assume it will include more of their rhetoric filled attempts to divide and conquer.

The Weber County Forum posted another winner with their run down of the Kimball Wheatley "Manifesto." The Voice of Deseret Blog also chimed in.

We have saved the most incredulously stupid comments for the end, and they were published in Marshal Thompson's Standard Examiner coverage of the Protest. Sadly, by a future Powderville resident and realtor in Gage Froerer's office named Erin Stokes. We will give her the benefit of the doubt as she has obviously been drinking the Powder Mountain kool aid and could use a serious dose of reality. Her comments provide for a laughable and astonishing read:

Erin Stokes, a real estate agent in Eden, said she can’t understand why some of her neighbors are against the in- corporation plan. After looking at both sides,she said, she feels a new town is clearly the best choice. “I listened to all the things my neighbors had to say. I talked to the marketing people for the developers, and they were very helpful,” she said.
“I’m just really excited about it. I don’t see any negatives to it at all, and I’ve studied it a lot.”

She must be using a different text book for those studies than the rest of us. And of course marketing people are helpful - they are trying to sale you something that you do not need!

Currently, Stokes said, she has to drive her kids seven miles to a park in Huntsville, so she is looking forward to having more recreational opportunities closer to home.

Let's see, seven miles down a gradual hill to Huntsville or 5-8 miles up a steep grade to Powder Mountain. She lives next to Wolf Creek, so what other recreational opportunities are the 'white knights' of Powder Mountain promising her?

But Stokes said the protesters have been staging their demonstrations on that very road, and it appears to be safe enough to her.

A flat and wide portion of the road at the base of the mountain was the location of the protest. Does she not know that the road, by Powder Mountain's own admission, has a 13% grade, although reliable sources inside Powder Mountain have said the road is actually as steep as 22%.

To simplify for Powder Mountain's followers, that is 22 feet vertical rise (vertical means upright or up, in even simpler terms) for every 100 feet horizontally (run).

Powder Mountain has certainly found some ardent supporters.

The BOYCOTT begins now!

UPDATE: 8:30 AM

Wolf Creek resort has asked to "Opt Out" of Powder Mountain Town, as reported in today's Standard Examiner.

Also, be sure to attend the State Capital Tomorrow morning:

HB 164 and SB 25 to be heard 2-21-08

8AM

Room C450.

These are the 2 bills dealing with Powder Mt and other incorporation petitions.

Anyone is welcome to attend and voice concerns or support for these bills.

UPDATE @ 12:45 pm

We have our own "ardent supporters" at the Weber County Forum. Rudi and Co. has diligently helped to expose the plight of our future "Powderville" residents. Don't miss today's classic missive. Thanks Rudi!