The Best of State Awards were created to recognize outstanding individuals, organizations and businesses in Utah. By recognizing excellence in our community and sharing examples of success and triumph in so many worthy endeavors, we hope all will be inspired to reach a little higher, to try a little harder, and to work a little smarter for our dreams and goals.

There are three main criteria that are used to judge the Best of State candidates:

-          Achievement in the field of endeavor

-          Innovation or creativity in approaches, techniques, methods or process

-          Contribution to the quality of life in Utah

“We are honored to have received this prestigious award,” states Jon Brewer, CEO of SymbolArts. “This company was founded 25 years ago and there are still many people in Utah that are unaware of who we are and the work we do. This award will help raise local awareness for our company.”

Over the past 25 years, SymbolArts’ customer base has grown to a national and international level. Within Utah, SymbolArts has had the privilege to work with hundreds of law enforcement agencies, Utah Fast Pass, Utah Department of Public Safety, and Miller Motorsports Park; becoming the official awards sponsor for the emerging race organization.

On a national level, SymbolArts is a supplier for the Ragnar Relay Race Series and the official awards provider for US Speedskating.

There have been several corporate recognition and incentive programs SymbolArts has  been a part of, including; Layton Construction, Big D Construction, CR England, Deer Valley Ski Resort, and Snow Basin Ski Resort.

The judging process for the Best of State awards is very specific and regulated, with more than 100 judges reviewing each nomination. Unlike traditional judging, the voting is done away from the other judges to avoid persuasion, comments, or collaboration. Scoring of the ballots is done by an accounting firm to ensure accuracy.

Sources:

http://www.bestofstate.org/about.html

Search and Rescue Sergeant Brandon Toll stated, “98% of our rescues or recoveries happen in the mountains and the rescues generally happen at night, so both symbols, the mountains and moon, are very important to our work.”

Weber County Search and Rescue is different from other Search and Rescue units because there are a wide variety of rescues that take place in different types of terrain within the county that don’t happen in other counties. Sergeant Toll stated, “We have mountains, lakes, marsh land, snowmobile trailheads, ATV recreational areas, mountain biking trails, waterfall trails, and rocks for climbing. Therefore, we have to have people trained in each area that not every county has the pleasure of performing.”

The Weber County Search and Rescue is a volunteer service through the Weber County Sheriff’s Office. It is strictly volunteer work; there are 120+ members of the Search and Rescue unit. Most counties only have 20 or 30 volunteers. Each Weber County Search and Rescue volunteer specializes in one aspect so there isn’t a burnout factor that occurs in the smaller rescue teams.

Requirements for Search and Rescue are pretty straightforward, but not just anyone can become a team member. The first requirement is being specialized in a skill whether it be scaling a mountain, diving, or on horseback. The second requirement is having first aide skills and the final requirement is being able to pass a physical test annually as well as tests within the specialized field.

“The team loves their new badge. It makes them feel like they are a part of the Sheriff’s office,” said Toll. Since there is a resemblance to the sheriff’s badge, the Search and Rescue badge may only be worn on Search and Rescue business with their Class-A uniform so that there is not a danger of being mistaken as law enforcement.

Visit these sites for more information:

http://www.symbolarts.com/custom-products/sheriff-badges/

http://www.co.weber.ut.us/sheriff/enforcement/sandr.html

According to SparkAction, there are Seven Developmental Needs of Young Adolescents (and their characteristics):

Need #1 – PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Characteristics include: changing hormone levels produce periods of boundless energy and lethargy desire to test new physical capabilities normal variation in onset of puberty, rate of growth vulnerability to injury due to rapid growth.

Need #2 - COMPETENCE AND ACHIEVEMENT
Characteristics include: desire for personal recognition, desire for responsibility, desire to succeed, emergence of new interests, emerging racial/cultural identity, emerging sexual identity, “imaginary audience” self-consciousness, need for approval from adults, need for approval from peers, somewhat shaky self-esteem, vulnerability to adult expectations.

Need #3 – SELF-DEFINITION
Characteristics include: emerging gender identity emerging racial/cultural identity emerging sense of a personal future emotionalism, mood swings new body image new reactions from others onset of formal operations.

Need #4 – CREATIVE EXPRESSION
Characteristics include: desire to test new physical and mental capabilities emerging racial/cultural identity emerging sexual identity onset of formal operations.

Need #5 – POSITIVE SOCIAL INTERACTIONS WITH PEERS AND ADULTS
Characteristics include: continued importance of parents and other adults “imaginary audience,” self-consciousness increasing importance of peers maturing social skills need for approval from adults need for approval from peers search for models, heroes, and heroines.

Need #6 - STRUCTURE AND CLEAR LIMITS
Characteristics include: authoritarianism desire for autonomy desire to know and understand rules and limits increasing importance of peers lack of life experience need for continued adult guidance need for security onset of formal operations “personal fable,” immunity to harm.

Need #7 – MEANINGFUL PARTICIPATION
Characteristics include: desire for autonomy desire to be part of the “real” adult world desire for personal recognition desire for responsibility emerging gender identity emerging racial/cultural identity lack of life experience maturing social skills onset of formal operations readiness to make commitments to ideals, activities, and people.

(Our Children at Risk: Children and Youth Issues, 1998 , YMCA of the USA, 1998) 1

All kids need opportunities to develop and JROTC provides a structured method.

General Colin Powell said in his 1995 autobiography that, “… kids, many from broken homes, found stability and role models in Junior ROTC.”

JROTC may be a great development opportunity for youth all year round.  Not only do they provide activities through the school year but they also provide summer camps.

Here are some camps that are well attended:

Academy by the Sea – Carlsbad, CA

Leadership Challenge – Ely, NV

National Science Center – Fort Gordon, GA

AFJROTC Summer Leadership School – Hidden Canyon Ranch, Garrison, UT

SymbolArts plays a role in assisting in efforts to motivate youth.  Once they have completed the JROTC, most companies provide the cadets with a JROTC medal to recognize them for the efforts, honor, commitment. This medal is brass plated, hard enamel with a polyester grosgrain ribbon.

References

1 – http://sparkaction.org/nydic/programming/whatis/needs.htm

2 – http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/1009152021.aspx?utm_medium=email&utm_source=peer360&utm_campaign=COMCASAINSIDEWINTER2011?utm_content=HDCASAInside

3 – http://www.afterschoolallstars.org/site/pp.asp?c=enJJKMNpFmG&b=854685

“It makes the hair on your arm stand up,” said St. George resident Carol Barrett, who waited to watch the planes during their test run. “They’re just amazing.”

The Blue Angel team consists of 16 highly skilled officers, all of whom come from the ranks of regular Navy and Marine Corps units. Eight tactical fighter jet pilots and eight supporting officers complete the squad, each voluntarily serving with the Blue Angels.

St. George residents are already showing up at the air show site to catch a glimpse of the action.

“You can’t even comprehend what they’re doing,” Darlene Odenwalder said, referring the ground crews’ hand motions and maneuvers. “The whole process is amazing.”

Brooke Difatta, a spokeswoman for the air show said, “In addition to the Blue Angels, the show will include a wing walker and a demonstration of a U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor, the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world. The C-130 aircraft that supports the air team will also perform.”

The Thunder Over Utah Air Show is the second stop for the Blue Angels, with 34 more shows scheduled on the nationwide tour.

Sources:

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=19587525&title=lds-leader-takes-vip-flight-with-blue-angels&s_cid=featured-4

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/53685172-78/utah-blue-angels-george.html.csp

http://www.blueangels.navy.mil/

http://everywhereonce.com/2011/04/07/blue-angles/

The 1 ¾” antique gold challenge coin features Dr. King along with the LAPD badge in a three-color soft enamel design. The coin was given to stakeholders in the community, residential and business leaders, community activists, representatives from law enforcement agencies, and public officials, such as city council members, inspector general, U.S. Attorney.

“Not only did the coin celebrate the life, legacy, and vision of civil rights leader, Martin Luther King, but also commemorates a transformation in the way the Los Angeles Police Department interacts with the community it serves,” said LAPD Sgt. Karen Leong. “This renewed partnership between officers and residents restores public confidence and increases our ability to combat crime. As the coin indicates, the LAPD is ‘protecting the dream’ of Martin Luther King, Jr.”

Since the first LAPD MLK breakfast, then Chief of Police William J. Bratton wanted guests to be given something very special to remember the historic event. It has now become part of the Chief’s tradition.

I. The Little Things

Valentine’s Day is a chance for you to switch up the routine and show your special someone that you care. Don’t spend hundreds on roses and chocolates – it’s the small sentimental gestures that mean the most. Write a short love note and hide it where you know they’ll see it. Or try gift wrapping a wishbone with a note that says, “I wish you were here.”

II. Switch Up Your Routine

When you get home from a long shift, don’t just walk into the house the way you always do. Pause on the porch; ring the doorbell; and greet your honey with a red rose and bottle of champagne. A greeting like this will surely make you both smile.

III. The Best Romantic Present is Your Own Presence

Ask your significant other out on a date this Valentine’s Day. A small gesture like this goes a long way. Make a reservation at your favorite restaurant or simply stay home and unplug the TV. It’s about time you both spent some quality time together; you both deserve it.

The unasked-for gift is most appreciated and the surprise gift is most cherished .

The six officers were gunned down while the Weber-Morgan Narcotics Strike Force tried to serve a search warrant late Wednesday night in Ogden, Utah. Officer Jared Francom died later that evening at the hospital.

Authorities said the conditions of the other five officers range from fair to critical.

The wounded officers were identified as Sgt. Nate Hutchinson with the Weber County Sheriff’s Office; and Jason Vanderwarf, Shawn Grogan, Kasey Burrell and Michael Rounkles. CNN affiliate KSL said Vanderwarf is with the Roy police and Grogan, Burrell and Rounkles are Ogden officers.

“Our hearts go out to all of the victim’s family and the local police departments,” said Tiffany Sanders, SymbolArts’ Account Representative for Utah. “It’s so hard to lose a member of our own law enforcement community.”

The Bank of Utah has established accounts in the names of each of the six officers who were shot. Money raised will go directly to the officer to whom the funds were donated. Donations may be made at any Bank of Utah location or by phone at (801) 409-5074.

Reference:

www.standard.net

The two small Kiowa Warrior observation helicopters crashed after 8 p.m. in the southwest training area of the base, according to the Army.  It was not immediately clear whether the helicopters collided or crashed separately.

“We don’t have details on what actually occurred,” base spokesman J.C. Mathews said.  “That will be part of the investigation.”

Mathews was unable to say whether the wreckage of the two choppers was found in close proximity.

The crash site was secured by base officials late Monday night and the investigation began immediately.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and loved ones of the soldiers involved in this tragic accident,” said Maj. Gen. Lloyd Miles, acting senior Army commander at Lewis-McChord and deputy commanding general of I Corps. “We will conduct a thorough investigation into this incident, and we will do everything in our power to support the families of the brave soldiers who died this evening.”

http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/12/13/9405586-two-army-helicopters-crash-at-washington-base-four-soldiers-killed

http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/12/13/9405586-two-army-helicopters-crash-at-washington-base-four-soldiers-killed

Officials say that the gunman is still on the loose and has warned everyone to seek shelter while an armed suspect was at large on the campus.  A news release from the school said the police officer had pulled someone over for a traffic stop and was shot and killed on the scene.  

“Witnesses reported to police the shooter fled on foot heading toward the Cage, a parking lot near Duck Pond Drive.  At that parking lot, a second person was found.  That person is also deceased,” Virginia Tech spokesman Mark Owczarski said. 

A Virginia Tech alert describes the suspected shooter as “a white male wearing gray sweat pants, a gray hat with neon green brim and a maroon hoodie, and carrying a backpack.” 

Sources: 

http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/virginia-tech/ 

http://www.cnn.com/2011/12/08/justice/virginia-tech-incident/?hpt=us_c2