An Update on the Horse Theft - The Old West Lives Again!

From a page right out of the Old West, we didn't think it could get any crazier until we received an email this morning inquiring about the outcome of the missing horse saga.

We originally ran the story on August 30, 2008 at the request of several individuals close to the abduction. This site was updated a few times during the "golden hours," and the horse owner even posted an update on September 2, 2008.

We would like to think our site was helpful in the early hours to spread the word, and we posted every update that was made available in a timely manner. As a point of clarification, the Ogden Valley Forum is an "open" forum and anyone close to the case (or not so close) could have posted an update via the comments link.

A week passed, and we received this email this morning:

Was their any kind of resolution with the horse theft situation? You have not updated the site or blog as to if the horses were safely returned home. It seems in a small town like ours, out of common courtesy, as well as for our eyes that are still trying to look out for them, that there would be some kind of update.

Thanks

"Out of common courtesy," we did some investigating and were surprised by what we found.

First, we found some photos that were posted at various locales Valley wide. The photos depict the alleged "Rig" and stolen horses.

See if you recognize either the rig or the yard in the background.

Click on the photo to enlarge.

In the mean time, we contacted some sources close to the investigation and received this consensus:

"They have been found and are ok. The police are in the process of their investigation so we can't say too much right now other than the horses are doing well."

We think there will be an interesting story behind the horse burglary. A KSL News Story on September 4, 2008 reported that "the Weber County Sheriff's Department tells us this may be a case of someone taking the property because they feel the pony owners owe them."

Did the owner of the white SUV take the law into his own hands?

Is there more to this crazy story?

Stay tuned - It just cannot get any better than this!

Or could it?

The Standard Takes Two Steps Forward and Twenty Steps Back and An Update on the Horse Theft

Just when the local rag, aka The Standard Examiner, had made such strides on the Powderville saga, we read this morning's piece of literary trash entitled "Proposed To Lead Powder Mountain Town."

One of our humble Powderville residents offered this heads up by email:

Has everyone seen the front page of the Standard Examiner today? There is a completely pro-Powder Mountain article. It seems as if it was written by the Exoro group themselves (PM's PR firm.) John (name changed to protect the innocent) is so angry he called up and cancelled our subscription to the paper. He says we should post a call for everyone to cancel their SE subscriptions for siding with the blatant violation of our rights. We are the ones getting screwed, not PM.

We agree with our humble reader. After the Standard Editorial board had made such great strides with two fabulous editorials, they allow staff writer Di Lewis to publish this. We guess they are taking a page out of Fox News' 'fair and balanced' book?

There are some humorous quotes that must be highlighted.

“I live right on Powder Mountain Road. I’m going to be one of the ones most affected by traffic and development, and I want to be in control of that,” said Lavar Lowther, a town council nominee. “I think the development is going to go ahead whether it’s through a town or a county, and I think the best way is to have the local people control what’s going on rather than people that don’t live in the valley and have no real concern for what’s going on up here.”

Local people who are in Powderville's hip pocket? Or members of one family? Can you say nepotism?

Jamie Lythgoe, another potential council member, believes her experience and background with Powder Mountain would be an asset to the town, although it has also raised questions about a conflict of interest.

Much of the controversy surrounding Lythgoe stems from her family ties to Powder Mountain and her former position on the Ogden Valley Planning Commission.

She does not foresee any problems with a conflict of interest. “I don’t think anyone has a hidden agenda.”

Hasn't her agenda already been executed? She got on the Planning commission during the rezone petition and as that avenue played out, she acted as a mole for the Powdervillians through their rezone petition. AGENDA COMPLETE!

[Alvin] Cobabe, the proposed mayor, said he wants to do what is best for the community, and the Powder Mountain resort has provided a good place for recreation. He said the resort cannot survive on only ticket sales, especially if old ski lifts are to be replaced. “I’ve liked Powder Mountain. I still like it. I like the community,” he said. “And as far as I’m concerned, I’d do what’s fair and best for all concerned. That’s the only reason I’d take the job.”

If he likes the community, why be a part of an unconstitutional process and taking of his neighbor's rights?

Although some are afraid the council will ignore viewpoints that do not support development, Lowther said he would listen to everyone. “I do have concerns about what’s going on up there,” he said. “It’s not like I’m 100 percent in their pocket. I think I can look very objectively at the issues and take into consideration the feelings of the people that are not for, or are ambivalent about, the development.”

If you are not 100 percent in their pocket, just how much are you in their pocket, Mr. Lowther?

Season tickets are now on sale and we say put your money where your mouth is. Snow Basin and Wolf Mountain both have easy access and would love to sell your family a season pass.


Regarding the Horse theft last week, be sure to read the update from Lori. If you are unable to open the link, simply scroll down to the Horse Theft post and click on the Click to Comment link.

Horse Theft in Ogden Valley Friday - Watch for White Ford Excursion

Updates below:

While we are awaiting more details, we are posting a heads up to Ogden Valleyites to keep your eyes peeled for any suspicious activity such as someone with new horses. Sadly, we received this email this morning:

There were 2 horses stolen today (Friday, August 29, 2008) around 9:00 A.M. from Lori Lewis & Mike Twitchell's home on River Dr. in Eden. The horses are a pony size sorrel gelding and a small buckskin mare. They also took all of the riding gear for these horses. An eye witness saw a 2006 or so white Ford Excursion pulling a blue 2 horse trailer at Lori & Mikes home loading the horses and pulling away.

If anyone remembers seeing this rig today or has seen these horses please call the Weber County Sheriff or Mike and Lori @ 330-4607.

From another message we received:

They believe it was done by someone in the valley and hope that the horses might still be in the valley. Although the CSI team was up and did fingerprints and they are investigating, the fact is that the horses could be transported somewhere very quickly.

Please contact the Weber County Sheriff''s department immediately with any information.

Blogmeister Update - 8/31/08 @ 12:15 am

We just received the following via email:

Just so you know the Weber County Sheriff "does" know who's Ford it was and who's trailer it was. They are investigating where the horses are. I talked to them personally because it was my trailer that was borrowed. Just so you don't get everyone in an uproar the Sheriff has it under control.

Blogmeister Update - 8/30/2008 @ 1:30 PM

We just received a more detailed description:

Stolen Horses!! From North River Drive, Eden, Utah!!

17 year old 13 hand sorrel gelding, white hind sock, split right ear, and a white stripe down his face.
Seven year old buckskin mare, long mane and forelock.

Witnesses observed a white Ford Excursion pulling a blue straight load horse trailer from the home on Friday morning at approximately nine or nine-thirty. The horses may still be in Ogden Valley or may have been transported via this trailer down the canyon at some point during the day on Friday.

Please call Weber County Sheriff if you have information or Adriane at 1-801-726-9442