When Tragedy Strikes, Should Families
Of The Accused Also Suffer?
When the most heinous crimes occur – murders, mass shootings, serial killings – much of the focus understandably turns to the victims and their grieving families who struggle to make sense of senseless violence.
But the perpetrators have families, too, who often are horrified and guilt-ridden by what happened.
Even the famous are not immune. Olympic gymnast Simone Biles revealed recently how agonizing it was to process the news after her brother was charged in a triple homicide. Biles tweeted that her “heart aches” for the victims and their families. But she also asked for respect for her family’s privacy “as we deal with our pain.”
“It’s an understandable request because the pain of an accused perpetrator’s family can be unbearable,” says Dr. Buck Blodgett, who wrote A Message from Jessie and founded The LOVE>hate Project (www.ligth.org) after his daughter was raped and murdered by an ex-boyfriend in her own home.
Even as he mourned his daughter and sought justice, Blodgett felt empathy for the parents of the young man eventually convicted in her death.
“They are good people,” he says. “They unquestionably provided a loving, caring, quality home environment for their children. They had nothing to do with the choices their son made. And they have been through a hell that few can imagine.”
Blodgett has a message for those caught up in either side of a tragedy – and for anyone who struggles to understand why the world is filled with such suffering:
“How do you overcome something like this?” Blodgett asks. “With love. With an open heart, an open mind, an open will. For me, the answer is refusing to let hate win; refusing to let it shape me, govern my actions, tell me who I am. Hate is not allowed in my heart.”
About Dr. Buck Blodgett
Dr. Buck Blodgett is the author of A Message from Jessie, the Founder of The LOVE>hate Project (www.ligth.org), and was named the 2015 Resilience in Education Person of the Year. In family chiropractic practice since 1996, he is also the founder of The Chiropractic & Wellness Group, Inc. and Wellness Drs. He and his wife, Joy, were the parents of Jessie, who was murdered when she was 19. Since her death, Blodgett has worked to end violence and to educate, motivate, and inspire young minds to choose love over hate. He speaks nationally in schools, confe
========================
Gov. Herbert orders flags lowered in remembrance of Sept. 11, 2001
SALT LAKE CITY (Sept. 10, 2019) – Gov. Gary R. Herbert has ordered the lowering of the flag of the United States of America and the flag of the State of Utah on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019 in observation of Patriot Day.
The governor issued the following statement:
"Eighteen years ago, we faced the deadliest attack to ever take place on United States soil. In spite of the great tragedy that took place that day, we came together as a country -- in love, in hope, and in resilience. May we always remember those who were lost in these senseless acts of terrorism, and the first responders and everyday heroes who risked and gave their lives on behalf of others. May we never forget.”
Flags will be flown at half-staff at all state facilities and public grounds from sunrise until sunset on Wednesday, Sept. 11. Individuals and businesses are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time.
==========================
18th Annual Harvest Moon Celebration
Join Ogden Downtown Alliance for Northern Utah’s Largest Event of the Year
September 21st – Ogden, Utah. Celebrate the end of summer and the beginning of fall with family friendly activities, live music, artisan exhibits, community organizations, unique performances, local businesses, seasonal surprises and free entry to Northern Utah’s largest event of the year!
The Eighteenth Annual Harvest Moon Celebration will take place on Historic 25th Street in Ogden, September 21st from Noon to 8 pm. Located on the 100 and 200 blocks of Historic 25th Street, a street highly committed to locally-owned and operated businesses, Ogden Downtown Alliance is proud to bring together our community, local businesses and nonprofit organizations for a celebration that grows with each passing year.
Leading up to Harvest Moon Celebration, NUHOPE’s Suicide Awareness Walk and Ceremony will be held from 9 am to 11 pm at Ogden Amphitheater. “Whether you walk remembering or supporting a loved one, recovering from hard times yourself, or as a supporter of the cause, we would be honored to have you participate in this memorable event,” shares NUHOPE. Visit nuhopeutah.org for more information.
At noon, Harvest Moon Celebration kicks off with free family activities until 5 pm featuring local Magician Elias "Lefty" Caress, Locally Twisted balloon artists, a climbing course wall with the Army National Guard, plaster fossil casting with Ogden's George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park, Dartside’s activity course, Hand Drawn Photo Booth, wooden moon phases art project with the Local Artisan Collective, Eccles Art Center’s Create Your Own Pumpkin activity and more.
New this year get your picture with a Giant Pumpkin grown by Jim Seamons and carved by local artist Adam Smith weighing an estimated 250 pounds and check out huge tractors on display from Great Basin Antique Tractors! Enjoy classic Harvest Moon Celebration favorites such as the giant rock wall offering free climbing until 4 pm and pay to play until 8 pm, local business, artisan vendors and a beer garden featuring local beers such as Roosters and UTOG.
Social Axe will be back this year to host their second live Harvest Moon Axe Throwing Competition and will be offering free axe throwing for all guests 13 years and older until 5 pm. The tournament will start at 5:30 pm for 50 pre-registered participants. To compete, register on-site before 5 pm. Custom Trophy Axes will be gifted to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place title holders.
The main stage, located on the north side of the Historic 25th Street and Lincoln Avenue Intersection, will be active throughout the day with live music performances and cultural demonstrations. Check out the lineup below:
12:00 pm
Local singer and songwriter, Branson Anderson
12:40 pm
Ogden Buddhist Taiko Drummers
1:00 pm
Local band, Fuzion
2:00 pm
Ballet Folklorico Tutulli
2:20 pm
Local band, Caleb & Canvas
3:15 pm
Utah Irish Dance Company
4:30 pm
Endless Indulgence Retro Wear Fashion Show
6:00 pm
Congolese Drummers
6:30 pm
Headliner - TBA
A community stage located on the south side of the 200 block of Historic 25th Street near Wise Guys Comedy Club will highlight local up and coming talent by Imagine Music from 12 pm to 5 pm.
Indulge in lunch, dinner and treats from local restaurants and vendors such as Warrens Craft Burger, Tona Sushi, Lucky Slice Pizza, Rovali's Ristorante Italiano, Roosters, Fry Me To The Moon, Daily Rise Coffee, Ivan's Ice Cream, Menchies, Soul Pinoy Utah's Own Pink Drink, Smokey's BBQ, Wasatch Roasting Company, Hearth on 25th, Wimpy & Fritz, World's Best Corn Dogs, Z's Hot Sauce, Thai Curry Kitchen and a new restaurant coming soon to The Monarch, WB’s!
“Harvest Moon offers a nice way to say goodbye to summer and hello to fall” says Tina Yu, owner of Tona Sushi Bar and Grill, a local, independent business that has been operating for 15 years on Historic 25th Street, “we have been involved with Harvest Moon since we opened. The best is the amount of people who visit the street. It is a fun day with good vibes.” shares Tina, “It’s an event for all ages – kids love the activities and excitement and adults love the music, businesses, food and beer garden.”
A variety of kid’s activities will be available free of charge until 5 pm. Beer and wine will be available for purchase at designated beverage stations for guests 21+ from Noon to 8 pm. Coolers are not allowed into the celebration and guests will be checked at entry points. Due to the size of this event, pets will not be allowed on the street except for certified service animals.
18th Annual Harvest Moon Celebration
September 21st 12 pm to 8 pm
Historic 25th Street in Ogden (Wall Avenue to Grant Avenue)
Free Entrance
For event information follow @OgdenDowntown on Facebook and Instagram.
***
Harvest Moon Celebration is produced and managed by the Ogden Downtown Alliance.
About Ogden Downtown Alliance
Awarded Best of State in Community Development, the Ogden Downtown Alliance is a 501(c)(3) committed to increasing economic vitality and community vibrancy throughout Ogden’s Central Business District. We support local commerce through placemaking, destination marketing, focused community programming and events. We create and promote a dynamic epicenter for arts, entertainment, and cultural experiences in Ogden’s downtown.
=========================
2019 COUNTY CASH RENTS
County-level estimates for 2019 cash rents for irrigated and non-irrigated cropland and pastureland are now available, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. The estimates, based primarily on surveys conducted with farmers and ranchers, can be accessed using the QuickStats online database, found here: http://www.nass.usda.gov/Quick_Stats/
Find other agricultural statistics for your county, State, and the Nation at www.nass.usda.gov/. For state specific questions please contact:
Arizona – Dave DeWalt 1-800-645-7286 Colorado – William R. Meyer 1-800-392-3202 Montana – Eric Sommer 1-800-835-2612 New Mexico – Longino Bustillos 1-800-530-8810 Utah – John Hilton 1-800-747-8522 Wyoming – Rhonda Brandt 1-800-892-1660
===============
News Release
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Michael O’Malley
801-323-4249
momalley@edcutah.org
EDCUtah Announces FY 19's Economic Development Successes
and Award Winners
Carlos Braceras, Dean Luikart, and Salt Lake Community College Honored
SALT LAKE CITY (September 10, 2019)—During its annual meeting held September 10, the Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDCUtah) celebrated significant successes of the past fiscal year. In addition, recognized community members Carlos Braceras, Dean Luikart, and Salt Lake Community College for their outstanding leadership in economic development.
In FY 19, in collaboration with partners such as the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and local economic development offices, EDCUtah won multiple expansion and relocation projects for high-profile companies such as Infab, Tyson, Stryker, and Lending Club. The hard work of the EDCUtah team, its members, its partners, and the community led to:
“Building upon the strategic initiatives we have put in place in recent years, our talented team has kept EDCUtah’s momentum going and attracted high-profile companies to Utah,” said Theresa Foxley, President and CEO of EDCUtah. “We’re also strengthening our relationships with the ones already here. By doing so, we hope to make Utah a better place for everyone who calls it home.”
For more information, visit www.edcutah.org/ar
In the awards portion of the meeting, EDCUtah recognized community members for their outstanding leadership in economic development. Carlos Braceras was honored with the Thayne Robson Award; Dean Luikart received the Nick Rose Award; and Salt Lake Community College received the Larry H. and Gail Miller Family Cornerstone Award.
Governor Gary R. Herbert said, “Carlos Braceras is a technology visionary with an engineer’s grasp of detail. Not only does he understand the nexus of transportation, internet, autonomous vehicles and other emerging technologies, but he can also tell you how many tons of concrete are needed for a given project down the street. We are lucky to have a person of his capabilities directing the state’s pathway to the future.”
“In his quiet and unassuming way, Dean Luikart has worked effectively at both the macro and micro levels of the Utah economy for many years,” said Spencer P. Eccles, Managing Director, Cynosure Group. “He has provided keen insights to EDCUtah and other stakeholders on how they can most effectively expand business in our state. Through his community and ecclesiastical service, he has helped individuals on their personal path to economic stability. His consistent efforts have helped Utah grow one project and one person at a time.”
“When EDCUtah is competing on projects to grow Utah, workforce is always mentioned and a key to attracting new businesses to Utah. Salt Lake Community College is a terrific partner for Utah business and for EDCUtah,” said Jay Francis, Executive Vice President of corporate affairs and Miller Family philanthropy, Larry H. Miller Companies. “Under the direction of Dr. Deneece Huftalin, the institution is pursuing strategies for technical education and retraining. SLCC is doing as good of job as any in aligning with the needs of industry as any institution in the country.”
###
A private, non-profit organization founded in 1987, the Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDCUtah) is a catalyst for quality job growth and increased capital investment in the state. EDCUtah is a statewide economic development organization (EDO) specializing in corporate recruitment, economic research, site selector marketing, and community development. A partner of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development for corporate recruitment, EDCUtah is supported by state government, local governments, and organizations from the private sector. For more information, visit www.edcutah.com.
EDCUtah, 201 S. Main St. #2150, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
