A Letter of Thanks for a Christmas Rescue, January 18, 2008 Quick firemen save home on Christmas Day There is a Santa Claus! Words cannot express my gratitude for the outstanding job done by the Weber County Fire Department, Station 61, on Christmas Day. At 8:30 a.m. that day, I suddenly realized a fire had gotten out of control in my fireplace. After calling 911, I tried unsuccessfully to put out the fire and frantically watched as the flames continued to burn from the fireplace into my carport. Had it not been for the prompt response of the fire department that was able to contain the blaze just before it reached the roof of the carport, my entire house would have gone up in flames. I would just like to thank those loyal, brave firefighters publicly for sacrificing their Christmas to prevent what would have been a terrible tragedy on my Christmas Day. I will be eternally grateful for their prompt and professional actions to save my home. Pamela Tipping Marriott-Slaterville Liquor Laws Compared, January 22, 2008 Farr West reviews alcohol service request By TERRIE L. STEPHENSON Standard-Examiner correspondent FARR WEST Joe Cottam, representing Melina's restaurant, has asked the city to reconsider the beer license ordinance, which does not allow alcohol to be sold for on-site consumption. Cottam said Marriott-Slaterville has a high rate of driving-under-the-influence arrests even though the city does not allow alcohol to be sold in restaurants. He said North Ogden has had no increase in DUI arrests with both Winger's and Manuel's El Burrito restaurants allowed to serve beer. Cottam said he would welcome increased police presence at his establishment, because thousands of dollars worth of property has been stolen from the site. "I send more drunks out of my facility than if I had a liquor license," Cottam said. "They bring in cases from across the street." Melina's has an area that can be reserved for parties and receptions. Cottam said he would have more control over the amount of alcohol consumed if he were selling the drinks and charging a higher price, rather than having customers bringing in their own alcohol. Farr West attorney Ryan Shaw said cities are not required to allow sale of alcohol in their community. He said the city ordinance would have to be changed to allow Melina's to sell beer. Beer can be sold within Farr West city limits, but only for off-premises consumption. The current ordinance was put in place in 1991, according to Councilwoman Ava Painter. "I'd like to have more input from the community," Painter said. More than one resident pointed out there is beer served in restaurants in surrounding communities. "When it comes to this ordinance, I've been reading articles in the Standard about this. Pleasant View is looking at it with Trax. We want business, we want money, we're surrounded by it," said Ken Phippen. "If you think people are not drinking, they're just swinging through Hoagie's and loading up." "Look at the revenue for the community. There are some implications to keeping this ordinance on the books," said resident Lou Best. "I just want to be sure the current ordinance makes sense." "The city is almost built out we don't want to raise property taxes," said Painter. Mayor Jimmie Papageorge asked Councilman Tim Shupe to research the issue and get the ordinance on the next council meeting agenda. 30