From Deseret News archives:
FLDS land-sale hearing postponed
Third District Judge Denise Lindberg, who traveled to St. George on Friday for a hearing on the proposed sale of 700-plus acres of United Effort Plan Trust land, instead postponed the hearing to "give everybody a bit of breathing room."
More than 2,500 FLDS members showed up at the 5th District Courthouse for the hearing, lining nearby streets and setting up camp chairs on the patio in front of the building. Members of the FLDS faith believe the land, also known as Berry Knoll, is sacred ground consecrated for a future temple site.
Lindberg said her decision to halt the sale of the Berry Knoll property came after meeting in chambers with attorneys on both sides of the issue.
"Contrary to what I thought would happen, I am going to recess this hearing. I'm not going to take action today one way or another," the judge said, following a delay of nearly an hour. "I do expect a show of good faith, that we see demonstrative movement forward, and that this not drag out. I implore all interested parties to try and reach out in good faith and establish dialogue where it has broken down."
"Certainly the objective of the attorney general's office has never, ever changed, and that is to protect the property of the trust," Bodily said. "And we all know it primarily contains personal residences and homes important to the people here today. We believe this opportunity (for resolution) became available because of compromises and we believe it is time. There is a real, strong possibility that global resolution can be reached in which property is preserved and people can have some peace of mind."
Prior to the hearing, court-appointed UEP special fiduciary Bruce Wisan said the trust owes attorneys, engineers and others involved in the reformation process close to $3 million. Selling Berry Knoll would raise enough cash to pay off those debts, he said.
"One of the issues we have is, is there a way out? I think we have a strong legal position to sell the land," Wisan said. "The state doesn't have the wherewithal to pay me so I have to find money myself."
Recent comments
who cares?
what? | Nov. 17, 2008 at 5:02 p.m.
Whatever the outcome of the discussion the FLDS will still...
zxcvbnm | Nov. 15, 2008 at 12:06 p.m.
Do these people all drive convertibles? The women's hairstyle...
FLDS | Nov. 15, 2008 at 8:19 a.m.
- Dr. explains Mitchell review change 6:12 p.m.
- Stephanopoulos moves to GMA 6:09 p.m.
- DVDs include 'Stanwyck' and 'Ted' 6:07 p.m.
- Cool or hot, souls share same core 6:04 p.m.
- Christians voice belief in astrology 6:04 p.m.
- Utah churches in the news 6:00 p.m.
- Religion new around the world 5:58 p.m.
- Brubeck's religious music inspires 5:53 p.m.
- Free public Christmas events 5:51 p.m.
- Children showcase Christmas art 5:47 p.m.
- Letters: Global warming a lie
275 - TCU to play Boise in Fiesta Bowl
207 - BYU football: Bronco weighs in on Hall
195 - Palin signs books, chats with fans
169 - Utah/BYU rivalry can be more civil
151 - Cougars going back to Vegas
150 - Andersen apologizes for Jordan hoax
143 - Nude bathers cited for lewdness
134 - Max Hall wants to look ahead
130 - Jazz fall apart late at L.A.
110
David Rankin, one of Utah's youngest and ablest astrophotographers has...
There was a time when free shipping was rare. This holiday season, you...
Can you tell I just got out of a budget meeting with Gov Gary Herbert?
This is a pathetic last wind to the opposition of science in politics. At...
It was cool to see them wear the royal blue against Utah, but the dark blue...
A celebrity who actually wants to try the harder course and work on his...
in the talent and coaching abilities of the Lakers and the Jazz. The Lakers...
As I "(struggle to) work" in higher ed, I was eager to read this article....
I agree with C'mon. I love the royal. It's time to stick to what works, and...
Why even have a rainy day fund when it is never going to be used? What is...
I don't know why they would be teasing you on the 7th about something that...
Fact: 97% of scientists believe global warming is accelerated by humans. The...
Royal Blue is BYU BLUE. The Navy uniforms are boring, dull, drab. Let the...



