Brigham Young College (Logan, Utah)--Commencement ceremonies;]]> Brigham Young College (Logan, Utah);]]> Brigham Young College (Logan, Utah);]]> Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library]]> application/pdf]]> 304546 Bytes]]> eng]]> Text]]> Logan, Cache County, Utah, United States, http://www.geonames.org/5777544/]]> 1900-1909; 1910-1919; 1920-1929; 20th century;]]> Brigham Young College (Logan, Utah)--Commencement ceremonies;]]> Brigham Young College (Logan, Utah);]]> Brigham Young College (Logan, Utah);]]> Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library]]> application/pdf]]> 829394 Bytes]]> eng]]> Text]]> Logan, Cache County, Utah, United States, http://www.geonames.org/5777544/]]> 1900-1909; 1910-1919; 1920-1929; 20th century;]]> Automobiles; Scenic landscapes;]]> Hopkins, William H., 1873-1958;]]> Digitized by : Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library]]> Andrus, Dolph, 1890-1981;]]> http://nwda.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv21139]]> Black-and-white photograph;]]> image/jpeg]]> 513366 Bytes]]> eng]]> Image;StillImage;]]> Dixie (Utah); Washington County (Utah); Utah; United States;]]> Oil well drilling rigs; National parks and reserves--Utah; Natural monuments; Scenic landscapes;]]> Hopkins, William H., 1873-1958;]]> Digitized by : Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library]]> Andrus, Dolph, 1890-1981;]]> http://nwda.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv21139]]> Black-and-white photograph;]]> image/jpeg]]> 359909 Bytes]]> eng]]> Image;StillImage;]]> Monument Valley (Utah); San Juan County (Utah); Utah; United States;]]> Legends;]]> legend-tripping;]]>
To the editor:
1. Trespassing, looting and vandalism have a long-term problem at St. Anne’s and other canyon properties.
2. Two groups of teen-agers admittedly trespassed within 24 hours, seeking a thrill as their excuse. They got what they went after.
3. The trespassers initiated the whole affair by their admitted trespassing, the caretaker “reaction” with the background of vandalism in the past was to be expected, but was taken seriously enough for charges to be filed by the county attorney against the caretakers. Their actions will be heard in a court of law.
4. The actions of the caretaker, “if proven to be criminal” do not excuse the trespassers of their illegal behavior. “One can not justify his bad conduct by the bad conduct of another.” The trespassing teen-agers should answer to the laws for their behavior regardless of the caretaker’s actions. They are two separate issues.
5. Our local attorney’s statement, “every teen in Cache Valley” went up to St. Anne’s for the thrill of it, is not true and doesn’t justify the illegal behavior but speaks volumes on her guardianship of law and order.
6. Teen-age drinking, a keg of beer in the canyon and fast driving are all done for the “thrill” but are illegal and not accepted by society.

F. Robert Bryner
Logan]]> Digitized by : Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library.]]> Digitized by: Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library.]]> legends (folk tales);]]> application/pdf;]]> 856969 Bytes]]> eng]]> Text;]]> Logan Canyon (Utah); Cache County (Utah); United States;]]> 1990-1999; 20th century;]]> Automobiles; National parks and reserves--Utah; Natural monuments; Scenic landscapes;]]> Hopkins, William H., 1873-1958;]]> Digitized by : Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library]]> Andrus, Dolph, 1890-1981;]]> http://nwda.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv21139]]> Black-and-white photograph;]]> image/jpeg]]> 377942 Bytes]]> eng]]> Image;StillImage;]]> Monument Valley (Utah); San Juan County (Utah); Utah; United States;]]> Automobiles; National parks and reserves--Utah; Natural monuments; Scenic landscapes;]]> Hopkins, William H., 1873-1958;]]> Digitized by : Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library]]> Andrus, Dolph, 1890-1981;]]> http://nwda.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv21139]]> Black-and-white photograph;]]> image/jpeg]]> 364098 Bytes]]> eng]]> Image;StillImage;]]> Monument Valley (Utah); San Juan County (Utah); United States; Utah;]]> Automobiles; National parks and reserves--Utah; Scenic landscapes;]]> Hopkins, William H., 1873-1958;]]> Digitized by : Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library]]> Andrus, Dolph, 1890-1981;]]> http://nwda.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv21139]]> Black-and-white photograph;]]> image/jpeg]]> 570106 Bytes]]> eng]]> Image;StillImage;]]> Monument Valley (Utah); San Juan County (Utah); Utah; United States;]]> Hunting; National parks and reserves--Utah; Natural monuments; Scenic landscapes;]]> Hopkins, William H., 1873-1958;]]> Digitized by : Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library]]> Andrus, Dolph, 1890-1981;]]> http://nwda.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv21139]]> Black-and-white photograph;]]> image/jpeg]]> 368313 Bytes]]> eng]]> Image;StillImage;]]> Monument Valley (Utah); San Juan County (Utah); Utah; United States;]]> Hunting; National parks and reserves--Utah; Scenic landscapes;]]> Hopkins, William H., 1873-1958;]]> Digitized by : Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library]]> Andrus, Dolph, 1890-1981;]]> http://nwda.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv21139]]> Black-and-white photograph;]]> image/jpeg]]> 304152 Bytes]]> eng]]> Image;StillImage;]]> Monument Valley (Utah); San Juan County (Utah); Utah; United States;]]> Automobiles; National parks and reserves--Utah; Natural monuments; Scenic landscapes;]]> Hopkins, William H., 1873-1958;]]> Digitized by : Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library]]> Andrus, Dolph, 1890-1981;]]> http://nwda.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv21139]]> Black-and-white photograph;]]> image/jpeg]]> 342179 Bytes]]> eng]]> Image;StillImage;]]> Monument Valley (Utah); San Juan County (Utah); Utah; United States;]]> Automobiles; National parks and reserves--Utah; Scenic landscapes;]]> Hopkins, William H., 1873-1958;]]> Digitized by : Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library]]> Andrus, Dolph, 1890-1981;]]> http://nwda.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv21139]]> Black-and-white photograph;]]> image/jpeg]]> 526660 Bytes]]> eng]]> Image;StillImage;]]> Monument Valley (Utah); San Juan County (Utah); Utah; United States;]]> Automobiles; National parks and reserves--Utah; Natural monuments; Scenic landscapes;]]> Hopkins, William H., 1873-1958;]]> Digitized by : Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library]]> Andrus, Dolph, 1890-1981;]]> http://nwda.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv21139]]> Black-and-white photograph;]]> image/jpeg]]> 376333 Bytes]]> eng]]> Image;StillImage;]]> Monument Valley (Utah); San Juan County (Utah); Utah; United States;]]> Automobiles; National parks and reserves--Utah; Scenic landscapes;]]> Andrus, Dolph, 1890-1981;]]> Digitized by : Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library]]> Hopkins, William H., 1873-1958;]]> http://nwda.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv26892]]> Black-and-white photograph;]]> image/jpeg]]> 338787 Bytes]]> eng]]> Image;StillImage;]]> Monument Valley (Arizona); Monument Valley (Utah); San Juan County (Utah); Coconino County (Arizona); Utah; Arizona; United States;]]> Automobiles; National parks and reserves--Utah; Natural monuments; Scenic landscapes;]]> Andrus, Dolph, 1890-1981;]]> Digitized by : Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library]]> Clement, L. W.;]]> http://nwda.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv26892]]> Black-and-white photograph;]]> image/jpeg]]> 185951 Bytes]]> eng]]> Image;StillImage;]]> Bluff (Utah); San Juan County (Utah); Utah; United States;]]> Horses; Dude ranch]]> Dude ranches--Wyoming--Jackson Hole; Horses]]> Musso, Hallie, 1997-]]> Cushenberry, Jessica, 1992-]]> Digitized by: Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library.]]> Setterberg, Elizabeth, 1989-]]> image/jpeg]]> 7420946 Bytes]]> eng]]> Image; StillImage]]> Triangle X Ranch, Grand Tetons National Park]]> Museum Triangle X Ranch]]> 21st century; 2010-2019]]> Automobiles; Navajo children--Education; Navajo Indians--Arizona--Social life and customs--20th century;]]> Hopkins, William H., 1873-1958;]]> Digitized by : Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library]]> Andrus, Dolph, 1890-1981;]]> http://nwda.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv21139]]> Black-and-white photograph;]]> image/jpeg]]> 429166 Bytes]]> eng]]> Image;StillImage;]]> Tuba City (Arizona); Coconino County (Arizona); Arizona; United States;]]> Automobiles; Navajo children--Education; Navajo Indians--Arizona--Social life and customs--20th century;]]> Hopkins, William H., 1873-1958;]]> Digitized by : Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library]]> Andrus, Dolph, 1890-1981;]]> http://nwda.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv21139]]> Black-and-white photograph;]]> image/jpeg]]> 395713 Bytes]]> eng]]> Image;StillImage;]]> Tuba City (Arizona); Coconino County (Arizona); Arizona; United States;]]> Brigham Young College (Logan, Utah)--Trustees--Portraits;]]> Brigham Young College (Logan, Utah);]]> Brigham Young College (Logan, Utah);]]> Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library]]> application/pdf;]]> 524005 Bytes]]> eng]]> Text]]> Logan, Cache County, Utah, United States, http://sws.geonames.org/5777544/]]> 1890-1899; 19th century;]]> Triangle X; Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Services]]> Dude ranches--Wyoming--Jackson Hole]]> Turner, John Freeland]]> Shankar, Guha]]> Digitized by: Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library.]]> Kruesi, Margaret, 1953; Williams, Randy, 1961]]> image/jpeg]]> 5140013 Bytes]]> eng]]> Image; StillImage]]> John Freeland Turner's home in Jackson, WY]]> 21st century; 2010-2019]]> Legends;]]> legend-tripping;]]> By Ryan Robb Oliver
Staff writer

Charges were filed this morning against the three watchmen accused of terrorizing two groups of trespassers at St. Anne’s Retreat on Oct. 10.

By noon, Cache County Attorney Scott Wyatt also announced trespassing charges against the 38 juveniles and young adults were dropped.

He said the decision to drop the charges came fr om the property owners, who were sympathetic to the what [sic] the trespassers said happened to them Friday at the hands of the watchmen.

John Jeppson, Arthur Peasnall and Jeppson’s son-in-law, Christopher Doerr, have each been charged with six counts of aggravated assault.

Aggravated assault is a third degree felony, and each count is punishable by up to five years in jail.

“the basis for the charges is that the actions alleged far exceeded the authority granted to the gunmen by state law and the property owners,” said Wyatt, who filed this morning’s charges.

On Oct. 10, 38 teen-agers and young adults were roped around the neck, handcuffed and forced to kneel in the retreat’s swimming pool when they were captured by the three shotgun wielding men for trespassing on the property. The trespassers claimed the men fired shotguns near them, and that the men threatened to kill them. One teen-ager said he was knocked unconscious and another claimed she was fondled.

Cache County Sheriff Lynn Nelson said he will be putting together a warrant for the arrest of the three men today. He said he didn’t yet know when or where the men would be arrested, but he said there’s a possibility they may turn themselves in.

Commentary
‘…the stuff heroes are made of’

Editor’s note: Jake Jeppson [Jeppsen], older brother of John Jeppson [Jeppsen], the man accused of terrorizing Cache Valley teen-agers in two incidents at the former St. Anne’s retreat in Logan Canyon, has written the following commentary in defense of his brother. Jake Jeppson [Jeppsen] is a Brigham City resident employed at the Utah State University physical plant. His book of cowboy prose and poetry, “Give My Love to the Children,” is on file at USU Special Collections.

By Jake Jeppson

I am writing this as an answer to the recent articles and reports in the local media concerning my brother, John Jeppsen, who is the lead watchman at St. Anne’s Retreat.

I feel it’s necessary to bring out some facts that have not been mentioned, and to say something about circumstances involved.

1. It is my understanding that the shotgun shells which John had were loaded with rock salt. Years ago these were used for raiders of melon patches, hen houses, private outhouses or stray dogs. These to sting severely, not kill.

2. A great to-do was made about the fellow that was knocked unconscious. Nothing is said about him coming up behind John to jump him during the arrests. John was an Airborne Ranger in Europe. Rangers are one of three groups of America’s finest fighting men. John was not, nor is he, a Vietnam vet (with mental and emotional problems), as earlier articles implied.

3. Emotions? Name me as any man anywhere who would not be wound tight while arresting 38 people as big as himself in the darkness or poor light, alone, in Logan Canyon at that time of day? Especially in view of the monetary value of property damage at the site and the later made threats which I know were made.

4. Nothing has been said about the threats made against John; i.e. “We’re coming back to get you.”

5. There are inconsistencies in the young people’s stories. The Herald Journal stories say the trespassers were arrested just inside the gate. An article in the Statesman quotes a young man as saying “just as he jumped down into the empty pool.” Another was that the fellow who was knocked out was struck with a billy club. That man was struck with a bullstroke (military term), from the shotgun butt as he attempted to jump on John’s back. In other words, John did his job (a tough one) and got the attacker before he could get him.

6. The rope and knots are a tool to contain and retain prisoners as taught to the Airborne Rangers. The knot is not a “slip-knot” nor a “hangman’s knot” as implied. It is a knot like the “bowline” used to tie boats or tie a horse “expressly) because the knot will not slip. The loop is tied loosely or semi-loosely as needed to hold.

7. The owner of the property says he was “allowing John to stay there.” As if John was some homeless poor soul. John may have been staying there as part of their agreement, but he has a beautiful wife who is a fine woman, with whom he lives and they live with and care for our mother who is convalescing from a broken hip and joint replacement. The home they are living in is a very neat, clean and modern brick home in Providence with several bedrooms.

Now about the vandalism which is occurring all over our area. I was on top of Logan Canyon yesterday and stopped to use the public restrooms near Peter Sinks. On the older building the door had been totally ripped off and destroyed. There were unspeakable things which had been done inside and outside the restrooms. This is common all over now.

Several years ago there was a movie made called Walking Tall. It was a true story about a sheriff down south who was man enough to take on a corrupt system and individuals with his famous pick handle. He became a national hero. Two or three movies were made about his life.

Then there are the Rooster Cogburns and Big Jake’s of John Wayne. We cheer these men, yet seek to destroy a man who is striving to do his job and enforce the right of property owners to have their property be secure.

In Salt Lake City yesterday, a police officer was acquitted for shooting a dog while he was jogging. The owners were allowing it to run loose and get in trouble. Needless to say isn’t it lucky we don’t have such a law for kids and parents who cannot control their children and are embarrassed at the stunts they pull. I know, I have six of my own, two step-children and 22 grandchildren. Some of the finest people I know are also sharing this problem.

A remark was made in a commentary about the legends of St. Anne’s retreat, that a certain prominent attorney said he used to go up there when he was a kid, too. I don’t care if it was Thomas Jefferson, would that make breaking the law right? Or trespassing/vandalism?

John may not have done everything perfect, but who could under such conditions.

In my mind, John is a fine man, made of the stuff heroes are made of. If you think not-you try arresting 30 hell-raising young adults in the dark, lonely, middle of the night.]]> Digitized by : Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library.]]> Digitized by: Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library.]]> legends (folk tales);]]> application/pdf;]]> 1157046 Bytes]]> eng]]> Text;]]> Logan Canyon (Utah); Cache County (Utah); United States;]]> 1990-1999; 20th century;]]> Triangle X Ranch; Grand Teton National Park]]> Dude ranches--Wyoming--Jackson Hole]]> Westrup, Rebekah, 1989-]]> Digitized by: Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library.]]> image/jpeg]]> 595974 Bytes]]> eng]]> Image; StillImage]]> Triangle X Ranch, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming]]> 21st century; 2010-2019]]> Triangle X Ranch; Hay sheds; Dude ranches]]> Dude ranches--Wyoming--Jackson Hole]]> Mathews-Pett, Amelia, 1988-]]> Digitized by: Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library.]]> image/jpeg]]> 1018232 Bytes]]> eng]]> Image; StillImage]]> Triangle X Ranch, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, United States]]> 21st century; 2010-2019]]> Ranch; Dude ranching; Barn; Gate]]> Dude ranches--Wyoming--Jackson Hole]]> Graham, Andrea, 1956-]]> Digitized by: Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library.]]> image/jpeg]]> 1634260 Bytes]]> eng]]> Image; StillImage]]> Triangle X Dude Ranch, Grand Teton National Park, Teton County, WY]]> 21st century; 2010-2019]]> Ranch; Dude ranching; Barn; Gate]]> Dude ranches--Wyoming--Jackson Hole; Horses]]> Graham, Andrea, 1956-]]> Digitized by: Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library.]]> image/jpeg]]> 1454963 Bytes]]> eng]]> Image; StillImage]]> Triangle X Dude Ranch, Grand Teton National Park, Teton County, WY]]> 21st century; 2010-2019]]> Horses; Riding; Dude ranching; Scenery]]> Dude ranches--Wyoming--Jackson Hole; Teton Range (Wyo. and Idaho)]]> Turner, Harold, 1937-]]> Thomas, Jeannie Banks, 1964-]]> Digitized by: Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library.]]> image/jpeg]]> 2395871 Bytes]]> eng]]> Image; StillImage]]> Triangle X Ranch, Grand Teton National Park]]> 21st century; 2010-2019]]> Triangle X; Dude ranch; Fishing; Gift shop; Float office]]> Dude ranches--Wyoming--Jackson Hole]]> Norris, Wendy, 1956-]]> Setterberg, Elizabeth, 1989-]]> Digitized by: Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library.]]> Schroeder , Kylie, 1992-]]> image/jpeg]]> 712418 Bytes]]> eng]]> Image; StillImage]]> Museum on the Triangle X Ranch, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming]]> 21st century; 2010-2019]]> Legends;]]> legend-tripping;]]> By Bruce Smith
Herald Journal publisher

“I have never forgotten my experience with the sheriff almost 40 years ago. It was one of the most traumatic days of my life.”

My initial reaction a few weeks ago after a bunch of trespassing teen-agers were terrorized at the former St. Anne’s retreat was that although the kids certainly didn’t deserve the outrageous treatment they received at the hands of the watchmen, they probably learned a great lesson from it all.

The whole situation has brought back some very unhappy memories of when I was a teen-ager and, like most young people, did some very stupid things-and, of course, got an education in the process.

On one occasion I found myself with the wrong friends and in deep trouble with the law. I remember it as if it happened yesterday.

I had a .22 caliber rifle and enjoyed rabbit hunting. My friends and I had a favorite spot a few miles from home where there were thousands of rabbits. One Saturday afternoon on the way home from a day of hunting, we noticed some big new lights along a bridge crossing the Snake River. As we drove across the bridge, one of my friends stuck his .22 pistol out the window and began using the lights for target practice. He must have fired eight or 10 times at the lights as we crossed the bridge. Not one of us in the car did anything to stop him.

We crossed the bridge and went right through the middle of town and headed for home. We didn’t give a second thought to what our friend had just done. No one stopped us and we were sure no one heard the shots.

After we traveled a few miles down the highway we noticed a red light flashing behind us. It looked a lot like the flashing lights on a police car. We just kept on going. We were not smart enough to figure out that it was the county sheriff and he was after us.

The sheriff’s patrol car got closer and closer and was soon right behind us with the siren blaring. Only then did we realize it was us he was after. We pulled over and waited for the officer to tell us what he wanted us to do.

He ordered us all out of the car and then noticed that we all had rifles. He asked us all kinds of questions about the guns, where we had been hunting, who we were, and what we had been doing.

Finding the guns in the car, even though they were unloaded, was enough evidence for him to load us up in the patrol car and take us back to town.

He didn’t put us in jail but sat us close enough to the jail cell that we could see inside and actually touch the vars. He then told us that someone had watched us shoot at the lights earlier in the day as we crossed the bridge. The sheriff had us. We were guilty, the sheriff knew it, and we knew it.

I don’t remember all that was said by the sheriff, but I do remember I was absolutely scared to death. I could picture myself setting behind bars in the county jail. Facing my father and telling him the story was even more frightening. I didn’t do any of the shooting but knew it didn’t make any difference. I was in the car, and as far as the sheriff was concerned, I was as guilty as the person who actually fired the gun.

It seemed like we were questioned for hours and hours about our activities of the day. We listened to the police radio as the sheriff’s deputy drove across the bridge, examined each light, then reported his findings to the sheriff. Thankfully, my hunting buddy was a poor shot. He didn’t hit a single light.

We were all scared to death and knew for sure that we were going to at least spend one night in the county jail. Instead, the sheriff got our attention by giving us a severe tongue lashing. He told us that if we ever did anything like that again he would throw the book at us. To this day I am not sure why the sheriff let us go, but he did.

I have never forgotten my experience with the sheriff almost 40 years ago. It was one of the most traumatic days of my life. Thankfully, the law enforcement authorities saw fit to give me and my friends the benefit of the doubt and didn’t punish us as severely as they could have and as severely as we probably deserved. I suppose they decided there was nothing to be gained by throwing us in jail. I am sure it was obvious to them that they got our attention and that we were scared to death. We had learned our lesson.

It’s obvious the teen-agers who trespassed at St. Anne’s a few weeks ago were also scared to death and learned a lesson. The extreme treatment they received at the hands of the watchmen is an experience they will never forget. And I would guess that the punishment by parents in most cases has been more severe than anything the law enforcement authorities could do to them.

We were all teen-agers once, and we have all done stupid things. Let’s hope the experiences of a few teens at St. Anne’s will help teen-agers in the valley think twice before they find themselves in a situation they can’t handle or somewhere they don’t belong.]]> Digitized by : Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library.]]> Digitized by: Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library.]]> legends (folk tales);]]> application/pdf;]]> 1125002 Bytes]]> eng]]> Text;]]> Logan Canyon (Utah); Cache County (Utah); United States;]]> 1990-1999; 20th century;]]> Legends;]]> legend-tripping;]]> By Michael R. Weibel
Staff writer

Most people who responded to a Herald Journal telephone survey Monday night said trespassing charges should have been filed against a group of teen-agers who were caught at St. Anne’s Retreat on Oct. 10.

The newspaper’s voice mail system was so overwhelmed by the volume of calls that many people who wanted to respond to the non-scientific poll were cut off and couldn’t leave a message

Cache County Attorney Scott Wyatt announced Friday that charges would not be filed against 38 youths who were caught trespassing in two separate incidents at the Logan Canyon retreat. On the same day, Wyatt filed assault charges against the retreat’s caretaker, John Jeppson, and two assistants for their alleged actions while detaining the youths.

Of the 50 or so comments that did get recorded in The Herald Journal survey, most people said a bad message is being sent to local youths-that they can get away with breaking the law.

Micala Jensen of Providence, for example, said, “I was appalled to see that the charges were dropped against the students, the young adults who were there. I think that tells the rest of the kids that they don’t have to respect other people’s property, and it sends a message out to everyone else that you can get off, that those laws are made to be broken.”

Cindy Jackman of North Logan said she’s not sure the caretakers’ actions were appropriate or whether they should be prosecuted. But “I do know that the teen-agers trespassed, and that’s against the law. It was posted, it was an obvious thing that they were trespassing with barbed wire and everything there. And the teen-agers have been not charged. I think that’s very wrong. That sends a message that if teen-agers just want to go have fun…it’s OK to break the law.”

Gary Denton of Lewiston said, “I think the charges against the teen-agers should not have been dropped. I think they need to be accountable for their actions. … I think teen-agers nowadays get away with way too much. They get their hands slapped for doing what adults would be fined or put in jail for.

“I think it’s time they own up to their wrongdoings,” he said.

Some respondents said they appreciated the commentary by Jeppson’s brother, adding that they believe the newspaper has not balanced its coverage with Jeppson’s side of the story.

Cindy Miller of Providence, for example, said, “I feel what has taken place has been poorly represented by the media. I feel that Mr. Jeppson’s point of view has not been given fair time.”

Herald Journal reporters have tried unsuccessfully to contact Jejppson for his comments.

Nate Steele had a personal perspective on the incident.

“I was up there Friday night. I was probably the second person in the gate. I would just like to say, under no circumstances should this man be looked upon as a hero. What he did was wrong. He crossed the line. In fact, he drove about 10 miles past the line.”

The trespassers accused the three watchmen of tying them together by their necks, handcuffing them and holding them at gunpoint in a swimming pool in two separate episodes Oct. 10. The mostly teen-aged victims said their lives were threatened, shotguns were fired near them, and one female said Jeppson felt her up.

“I don’t understand why people are trying to justify what he did,” Steele said. “The only way I can see why is because they weren’t up there. They don’t know exactly what happened. I think the only people that can make an educated decision on what happened and have an educated opinion on what happened would be the people who were up there. We are the only ones that know exactly what happened.

“I don’t think this man was a hero,” he added. “I have trouble looking at this man and saying he is human. He was given an ounce of power, an ounce of authority, and took it from that ounce and made it into something much more than it was. He crossed the line and people need to see that.”

But Jeff Hansen of Logan said he knows what Jeppson was facing.

“I own a piece of property up Logan Canyon and my place gets vandalized at least once a year,” he said. “And I feel I have the right to protect my property, and I think it’s just a bad deal to let those ids off. I eel if you let those kids off, the young adults, we should let the guards off on the charges that were filed against them. What’s fair is fair.

“I think the kids that were involved in that should be prosecuted for trespassing,” Hansen said. “I always felt that trespassing was a serious offense, not a mild offense. If they hadn’t been there, nobody would have been able to rough them up. I don’t feel the guards have done anything wrong. I feel they had every right to protect that piece of property. Every right…those young adults were totally in the wrong.”


Comment sampler

Kathy Edwards, North Logan
I think the teens’ accusations, if they are true, that that man who was up there is not a hero, but maybe some sort of overzealous man wielding a gun that was trying to injure children. And they are minors. He has no business doing that. And if that’s what he wanted to do, he’s no better than any of those guys who go out and shoot people in the post offices and anywhere else. Also, the charges against the teen-agers that have been dropped, probably a very smart thing to do in terms of what can happen to the county in regards to lawsuits and whatever else the families could do. He had no right to do what he did, and I would surely hope that cache county people do not honor him as a hero.

Tami Johnson, Benson
I feel the young adults, not children, gave up their rights as soon as they knowingly and willingly crossed the no-trespassing property line. They chose to break the law, setting in motion the consequences they received. If they had chosen to obey the law, nothing would have happened to them. There would be no “overboard,” your word, treatment. I feel that the trespassing was seriously under-stressed in the media coverage. The young adults were the criminals, not the victims. Stop and think, pretend you live in a high crime area. Trespassing and vandalism are crimes. It’s late at night, its [it’s] around midnight, suddenly a large group of people break in. I mean what are you supposed to do? Welcome them with open arms and who them the best places to vandalize?

No matter how the young adults were treated, they were the guilty party. They were the catalyst. The charges against them should not have been dropped.

Cindy Hamilton, Smithfield
After seeing these kids on TV and in the paper, they all seem to be smiling and happy and thinking what they did was pretty neat. They got all this attention. But they seemed to have forgotten they trespassed. They went through gates that were barbed wired and chained and had no-trespassing signs. And they did something wrong. Also, the guards went overboard, but the kids don’t seem to have any comprehension that they also were at fault and should not have been up there. I hope that since their charges were dropped their parents will help them realize the part they played in it. If they hadn’t been up there, nothing would have happened to them.

Jeff Watkins, Newton
All of those ten-agers caught trespassing on that land should not have the charges dropped against them. They should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Had nobody bene there, there’s a very likely probability that those teen-agers would have continued on the vandalism that’s been going on. The three officers who protected the property perhaps engaged in some extreme activities and they could be charged for some of the things they do, but they should not be charged for everything. They were trying to protect property against vandalism.

Larry Winborg
I think that he, if these allegations against these three men are true, then they went way overboard. They should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. In no way are they heroes to treat people, any people, like that, especially young impressionable people. If their purpose was to keep them out of there, then they should have just said, “I’m sorry but you can’t come in here.” They should have called the sheriff at that point if they didn’t’ leave. But to take them in there and hold them captive and do all the things that they did to them, and abuse them both verbally and physically was absolutely wrong.

Steve Brown
Supposedly he was hired as a maintenance man, not as a security guard. I have no problem that he felt like he was doing the right thing. But when someone does a job that they’re not trained for, there’s bound to be problems. The teens were trespassing and should not have been there. But trespassing is not punishable by torture or death.

For the man that thinks the teens should have lost all their rights when they were trespassing, I hope for your sake the next time you’re speeding on the freeway the person next to you with a loaded gun doesn’t have the same views as you.

…We don’t need to take the law into our own hands. Two wrongs don’t make a right.

Jean Kennedy, Smithfield
The fact that the charges against the teen-agers have been dropped is further evidence of how we are absolving our young people of responsibility. I think it’s wrong to absolve those tee-agers of any responsibility. And if the property owners don’t press charges, the county should. These kids were willfully disobeying the law, and in a very large group. What would any homeowner think if their property were descended upon en mass by a group of teens in the middle of the night. The Herald Journal does the community a disservice by constant labeling the adults as watchmen, a derogatory term, and a group of trespassers as kids. I believe the adults in this story may have been a bit overzealous in their actions. But the fact is they were within their rights, and the trespassers were not. Keep in mind also that no one was hurt in this scenario and the men immediately report it to the proper authorities. Supposedly, those kids went there to get scared, and when they did, they ended up whining to ma and pa. I think The Herald Journal reporting in this matter has been extremely biased, and I think the only reason these kids are being absolved of guilt is that they are white. Image your change of heart if the watchmen had reported a bunch of Hispanic or Tongan youths. Suddenly those watchmen would be heroes in your eyes and the kids would be a gang, wouldn’t they? Wake up, Herald Journal, you’re too entrenched to see beyond the end of your noses.

Ken Daniel, Smithfield
The charges against the teen-agers should not have been dropped, and I think Joe Blow citizen has to take a stand against vandalism regardless of where it is. If we don’t do that, it will only get worse.

Walt Appel
It seems to me that there’d be no problem if the kids hadn’t trespassed. The whole incident was started by kids breaking the law. And they whole be held responsible for it and charged for it. That’s part of being responsible. What have we taught them as a society if we don’t hold them responsible for their actions-that they can do anything and get away with it?

Another point, Jeppson is being charged with going overboard. However, take a look at it from his point of view. He was outnumbered and he was attacked by one of the kids. Didn’t he have a right to defend himself? Didn’t he have a right to do what he did thinking that there wasn’t any help around?

Another thing, the kids were looking for a thrill. Boy, they sure got it, didn’t they? Perhaps, if they had gone to a park and paid for it, they would have appreciated that s care more. There’s people in this world that pay a lot of money to get that kind of adrenalin rush.]]> Digitized by : Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library.]]> Digitized by: Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library.]]> legends (folk tales);]]> application/pdf;]]> 1518245 Bytes]]> eng]]> Text;]]> Logan Canyon (Utah); Cache County (Utah); United States;]]> 1990-1999; 20th century;]]> Legends;]]> legend-tripping;]]>
To the editor:
I have followed the articles on the incident at St. Anne’s with some interest. I have been disappointed with people who publicly voice their opinion on a situation of which they cannot know all the details

It is amazing to me that in a community as largely Christian as this one, so many seem anxious to pass judgement on these teen-agers’ families and methods of parenting.

As an “average citizen,” I do not know all that went on that night up Logan canyon. Although we hear and read much, it all must be taken as hearsay, and only those personally involved can possibly know everything.

At first, I was a little disgusted that the young adults involved were not being punished for their crimes. But then I read Scott Wyatt’s report stating that he did not press charges because the property owners did not wish to.

Well, he certainly should be in a position to know. And if the owners did not want to pursue it, that is certainly their choice.

As a parent, I understand that our society seems to be falling apart at times and young people often abuse privileges and assume they are their rights. What I don’t understand is why so many who have written letters to the editor assume that these teens were not taught better by their parents.

Haven’t any of them ever had a child go against their teachings and better judgment? Or have they perhaps been so quick to place blame that they forgot about their own children’s mistakes?

I have also read letters from adults who have admitted that over the years they, too, went up the nunnery, drawn by its lore. And they have turned out to be respectable citizens in their communities now that they are adults.

My point is, as kids are growing up they make stupid decisions and mistakes. That is how we learn and grow.

It doesn’t mean that these children were not taught better or that their parents condone their actions and behavior. It’s just possible that they may still grow to be decent people and, heaven forbid, leaders of our community, and perhaps this experience will have a lasting impression.

We do not know exactly what the guards’ actions were or what may have prompted their behavior, but I can understand that it must have been a frightening experience for all those involved, especially the parents of the youths.

After all, they are adults and understand the implications of how serious and tragic this could have been better than anyone. I hope that the truth will be presented and a fair decision reached, but until then, I, for one, am not going to point a finger at people who are trying to raise their children the best that they can and lame them for mistakes made not by them. They probably have enough to contend with right now.

Cindy Wheeler
Smithfield]]> Digitized by : Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library.]]> Digitized by: Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library.]]> legends (folk tales);]]> application/pdf;]]> 539056 Bytes]]> eng]]> Text;]]> Logan Canyon (Utah); Cache County (Utah); United States;]]> 1990-1999; 20th century;]]> Children;]]> Andrus, Dolph, 1890-1981;]]> Digitized by : Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library]]> Hopkins, William H., 1873-1958; Jones, Tren;]]> http://nwda.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv26892]]> Black-and-white photograph;]]> image/jpeg]]> 271729 Bytes]]> eng]]> Image;StillImage;]]> Cedar City (Utah); Iron County (Utah); Utah; United States;]]> Travel with donkeys; Children;]]> Andrus, Dolph, 1890-1981;]]> Digitized by : Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library]]> Andrus, Irene, 1889-1980;]]> http://nwda.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv26892]]> Black-and-white photograph;]]> image/jpeg]]> 335093 Bytes]]> eng]]> Image;StillImage;]]> Monument Valley (Utah); San Juan County (Utah); Utah; United States;]]> Children; Trading posts--United States;]]> Andrus, Dolph, 1890-1981;]]> Digitized by : Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library]]> http://nwda.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv26892]]> Black-and-white photograph;]]> image/jpeg]]> 317544 Bytes]]> eng]]> Image;StillImage;]]> Bluff (Utah); San Juan County (Utah); Utah; United States;]]> image/jpeg]]> eng]]> StillImage]]> Legends;]]> legend-tripping;]]>
To the editor:
I believe that everyone is entitled to their own opinion. But, I would think that before they offered it publicly they would make sure that they were informed on the subject. (I’m speaking to several women who have written recent letters to the editor).

To be informed, you’d have to talk to all involved and get the whole story, not take half statements from the media as the way it really happened. The only ones who have done that are Scott Wyatt, Cache County attorney, and the Sheriff’s Department. That makes them the only ones qualified to make an honest judgement of this vase, which they did.

The thing that people need to understand is yes, these kids did break the law, they trespassed. And they are very sorry and are willing to take their punishment. They have learned great lessons from this experience. Good and bad.

But, because they broke the law, it didn’t give the adults up there the right to break it too. And to a greater extent we are comparing trespassing with no intent to vandalize, with aggravated assault. There is a big difference. (I speak for the second group of kids, as I don’t know any of the first.) In any case, abuse in any form (physical, verbal, mental) will not be tolerated. To say the kids deserved what they got is sick. No one deserves that!

You all can say over and over how you would react. But until it is your daughter being fondled or your son with a gun to his head, his life being threatened, you don’t know! I can guarantee your self righteous ideas will change really fast when it happens.

As for judging and blaming the parents without talking to any of us is wrong. Just because we love our kids and don’t want them harmed doesn’t mean we haven’t’ taught them right from wrong. We do know where they are, whom they’re with, etc. We, also, don’t condone their trespassing as you imply, No, they are not perfect. But neither are we. And, I have to tell you that I was very surprised to see that some of you listed your homes in Cache Valley. For as perfect as you think you are, I would have thought you would have been translated by now.

Let’s hope that this case taught this whole valley a few things. First, to respect the rights of others, both property and constitutional. Second, think before we act. Both youth and adults. Because all actions have consequences, no matter how we rationalize. Third, get the facts and be informed before we make judgements. Because I know there is not one perfect person out there.

Lonetta Brady
Richmond]]> Digitized by : Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library.]]> Digitized by: Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library.]]> legends (folk tales);]]> application/pdf;]]> 513910 Bytes]]> eng]]> Text;]]> Logan Canyon (Utah); Cache County (Utah); United States;]]> 1990-1999; 20th century;]]> memento mori, exhibit, death, utah state]]> Mikkel Skinner; Shay Larsen]]> Dylan Burns]]> Eng]]> Utah State, University, Campus, history, timeline, buildings]]> Mikkel Robb; Shay Larsen]]> Cody Patton]]> Eng]]> Timeline, USU, Utah State, University, Campus, history, built environment]]> Mikkel Robb; Shay Larsen]]> Cody Patton]]> Eng]]> Timeline, USU, Utah State, University, History, Built Environment]]> Mikkel Robb; Shay Larsen]]> Cody Patton]]> Eng]]> Timeline, USU, Campus, University, Built Environment, History]]> Mikkel Robb; Shay Larsen]]> Cody Patton]]> Eng]]> Timeline, USU, Utah State, Built Environment, Campus, History]]> Mikkel Robb; Shay Larsen]]> Cody Patton]]> Eng]]> Timeline, Built to Last, Utah State, University, USU]]> Mikkel Robb; Shay Larsen]]> Cody Patton]]> Eng]]> Built to last, timeline, Utah State, University, Campus]]> Mikkel Robb; Shay Larsen]]> Cody Patton]]> Eng]]> Automobiles; Scenic landscapes;]]> Hopkins, William H., 1873-1958;]]> Digitized by : Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library]]> Andrus, Dolph, 1890-1981;]]> http://nwda.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv21139]]> Black-and-white photograph;]]> image/jpeg]]> 729246 Bytes]]> eng]]> Image;StillImage;]]> Monument Valley (Utah); San Juan County (Utah); Utah; United States;]]> Oil well drilling rigs; National parks and reserves--Utah;]]> Hopkins, William H., 1873-1958;]]> Digitized by : Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library]]> Andrus, Dolph, 1890-1981;]]> http://nwda.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv21139]]> Black-and-white photograph;]]> image/jpeg]]> 386489 Bytes]]> eng]]> Image;StillImage;]]> San Juan County (Utah); Utah; United States;]]> National parks and reserves--Utah; Scenic landscapes; Travel with donkeys;]]> Andrus, Dolph, 1890-1981;]]> Digitized by : Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library]]> Clement, L. W.;]]> http://nwda.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv26892]]> Black-and-white photograph;]]> image/jpeg]]> 170936 Bytes]]> eng]]> Image;StillImage;]]> Monument Valley (Utah); San Juan County (Utah); Utah; United States;]]> Legends;]]> legend-tripping;]]> By Ann Vlnar
STAFF WRITER.

Three men were charged on six counts of felony aggravated assault because =of the exceissive fore they used to restrain 38 trespassing youth at St. Anne’s retreat last Friday, Cache County Attorney Scott Wyatt said.

The three men who have been identified as John Lemon Jeppson, Christopher Lynn Doerr and Arthur Benjamin Peasnall.

Aggravated assault is a third degree felony, under Utah law, and carries with it a possible sentence of up to five years in prison.

“What we charged them with will be sufficient in a trial and more than sufficient for sentencing,” Wyatt said.

“They went a few steps too far,” Wyatt said. “Their conduct with respect to these kids after they were bound and secure is what brought the charges.”

Charges were filed because the suspects apparently used guns and rope to detain the youth and threatened their lives, ‘Wyatt said.

The owners of St. Anne’s retreat has requested to dismiss criminal trespassing charges against the 38 youth who illegally entered their property on Friday.

“They expressed to me they are saddened by the treatment the youth received and are sympathetic to what they are going through,” Wyatt said.

“The alleged excessive conduct of these men was unfortunate and in no way authorized by the property owners.”

Charges would not be filed in response to one girl’s complain that she had been inappropriately touched.

“The law is real specific on a sexual-abuse case,” said Cache County Sheriff Lynn Nelson. The defendants claim they were “patting down the kids for weapons.”

Some of the youth involved are still undergoing counseling because of the incide [incident].]]> Digitized by : Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library.]]> Digitized by: Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library.]]> legends (folk tales);]]> application/pdf;]]> 486953 Bytes]]> eng]]> Text;]]> Logan Canyon (Utah); Cache County (Utah); United States;]]> 1990-1999; 20th century;]]> Hunting; National parks and reserves--Utah; Natural monuments; Scenic landscapes;]]> Hopkins, William H., 1873-1958;]]> Digitized by : Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library]]> Andrus, Dolph, 1890-1981;]]> http://nwda.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv21139]]> Black-and-white photograph;]]> image/jpeg]]> 419792 Bytes]]> eng]]> Image;StillImage;]]> Monument Valley (Utah); San Juan County (Utah); Utah; United States;]]> Travel with donkeys; Scenic landscapes;]]> Andrus, Dolph, 1890-1981;]]> Digitized by : Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library]]> http://nwda.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv26892]]> Black-and-white photograph;]]> image/jpeg]]> 165615 Bytes]]> eng]]> Image;StillImage;]]> Monument Valley (Utah); San Juan County (Utah); Utah; United States;]]> Travel with donkeys; Natural monuments; Scenic landscapes;]]> Andrus, Dolph, 1890-1981;]]> Digitized by : Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library]]> Clement, L. W.;]]> http://nwda.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv26892]]> Black-and-white photograph;]]> image/jpeg]]> 186284 Bytes]]> eng]]> Image;StillImage;]]> Monument Valley (Utah); Monument Valley (Arizona); Coconino County (Arizona); Arizona; Utah; United States; San Juan County (Utah);]]>