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It is often said that watching or reading the news of the day can be a depressing experience because the majority of it is negative.  The Morgan County News is usually an exception to this perception of the media.  For the most part, the pages of this newspaper are filled with positive stories about the events occurring in the county; celebrations of birthdays, anniversaries, academic and athletic achievements, and many reports of people doing good and bettering the community.

Garth Day appeared before Judge Dee Benson on Tuesday for sentencing.  Judge Benson first invited Day’s attorney to speak.  Day’s attorney, Brad Smith spoke and requested that the court deviate from the recommended sentence.  He asserted that when Day came to him on August 27 of 2010 he was a “broken man…He had in effect sold his self respect and honor for money…I have watched him take difficult steps to restore his honor,” said Smith.  Smith asserted that Day had come forward voluntarily once he felt that discovery was imminent, but that he had revealed the full nature of his crimes beyond what was going to be immediately discovered, including a bank loan and a letter of credit of which the county was not yet aware.  

Attending: Chairman Tina Kelley, Members Howard Hansen, Don Mathews, Ronda Kippen, Ned Mecham, Lyle Nelson

Absent: Robert Kilmer (attended by phone for a portion of the meeting)

Public Hearing Opening and Adjusting the Current Year Budget

John Lynn – Lynn asked a question about the city’s shortfall vs revenues that had previously been reported.  The council confirmed that they had made adjustments to cover the shortfall.

Federal charges have been filed against former Morgan County council administrator Garth Day.  Charges were dropped at the state level several months ago as the investigation was turned over to federal officials.  At the time that the case was turned over to federal jurisdiction, County Attorney Jann Farris said, ““My fear is that Garth will be released immediately from the prison [state prison] due to the non-violent nature of his crimes and his lack of a criminal record and prison overcrowding. I do not feel like that would be appropriate considering the damage he has done. In the federal system he will more likely get and serve a significant prison sentence. In my judgment that will be in the best interest of justice.”  

When I was growing up I often heard my father comment, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”  I have seen the truth of this countless times in life.  The many garage sales, and the success of them, attest to the accuracy of the statement.  My son was laughing when he came home from a friend’s house a couple of months ago.  He said, “Dad, my friend’s mom came home with deformed candles from a garage sale.  People will buy anything.”

The number one story for Morgan County in 2010 was Garth Day.  It seemed that the council administrator position brought controversy with him from the beginning.  First, the position of council administrator, and then the person filling the position became controversial.

There was some debate on Tuesday night in council meeting about what is likely a relatively innocuous contract. The debate, however, may be a reflection of challenges the county will continue to face when approving contracts.

Last Tuesday night a debate was held between the candidates for County Attorney, Al Lundgren and Jann Farris. The debate was moderated by Brent Bowman.

In a night that began with conflict and accusations, Chairman Sid Creager took center stage at the council meeting on behalf of the council to explain, to the extent they are able with the investigation continuing, the events that led up to the charges being filed against Garth Day. Chairman Creager also explained the decision process that brought about the council administrator position to be posted on the county website.

Garth Day, former County Council Administrator has been charged with forty three criminal charges.  Day has been being investigated for the past few months, and the investigation has finally reached the point at which charges are being filed.  Day has been served with 38 felony and 5 misdemeanors.  He has been subpeonaed to appear in the Second District Court in Morgan on Monday, October 4, 2010 at 9:00 a.m.