Deseret News | Genola grudge? Someone cuts down official's trees

Reader comments
Genola grudge? Someone cuts down official's trees

The old days! | 12:18 a.m. July 12, 2008

When I cleaned horse stalls and cattle pens in manure up to my knees years ago, there sure wasn't a house like this in all of Genola! I guess it's been gentrified!
Sorry about the trees--Genola needed all the trees it could get.

tobiasrex | 7:17 a.m. July 12, 2008

Where is Genola. Never heard of it. The story - all stories with weird datelines - should have a sentence or two about where on this planet the weird towns or townships are located.

Genola Utah? Genola Italy? Genola Tokyo? Genola Guam?

Doctor Whois | 8:02 a.m. July 12, 2008

Just one reason I don't live in Genola. Some cowboys think this is the wild west and they can do anything they want.

Comments continue below

Ethically Challenged | 8:54 a.m. July 12, 2008

For Draper and his attorney to believe he had no conflict of interest is completely ludicrous. Draper clearly stood to gain by lifting the moratorium. Not only should he have declared a conflict, he probably should have abstained from voting rather than be the deciding vote. But, hey, what's a little ethical greyness when there is money to be made?

Huh???? | 9:05 a.m. July 12, 2008

Where the heck is Genola?

Bill | 10:13 a.m. July 12, 2008

Looks like someone has borderline personality disorder.

Hollywood | 11:59 a.m. July 12, 2008

I had some Genola for breakfast this morning.

Maybe the council members should step outside for a duel. "You know, Bryan, this town just ain't big enough for the both of us."

BTW, Genola is near the SE border of Utah Lake, between Goshen and Santaquin. Population of about 1,000. But why do they need a new development? Hey, councilmen, haven't you heard the real estate market has crashed? No Cal-i-for-nee-ay-aa speculators to come in and buy those homes.

Oh, yeah, they're still waiting for the next stage to come by and deliver the news. I think there is one due in next month from Virginia City.

Phred | 12:35 p.m. July 12, 2008

Southern tip of Utah Lake between Santaquin and Goshen on US Hwy.6.

dj | 1:11 p.m. July 12, 2008

For you asking where is Genola -
If you can post a message here you can find an online map. Good grief.

just a reader | 2:32 p.m. July 12, 2008

Was he home when the trees were cut down? It seems that for someone to cut down 11 trees in the middle of the night, someone would have looked out and noticed what was going on long before all 11 were cut down. It is unlikely it was done quietly.
If I heard someone cutting down trees in my yard or even the neighbors yard, I would have called the neighbor or the police. Was was all this done atter 11 pm and no one payed any attention? Sure makes you wonder why no one noticed.

Someone from Goshen | 2:56 p.m. July 12, 2008

I used to work in Genola ... and nobody cares about that fly infested wind tunnel but those who live there. The way they talk you'd think it was the Garden of Eden? And they sqwabble about everything. When I worked there, over ten years ago, they were fighting over lot sizes and it's still going on?!? Is there really a huge difference between 2.31 and 2.5 acres of sage brush? I say we make a law to give Genola back to the gophers and jack rabbits.

Fray Jumper | 3:26 p.m. July 12, 2008

Box of Genola - $3.99
Nice House in Genola - $500,000
Genola, Tokyo - Priceless

Hearing the trees fall... | 3:36 p.m. July 12, 2008

As thin as those trees are you wouldn't need an ax or chainsaw. Just put your body weight on it.

Anonymous | 4:33 p.m. July 12, 2008

I wish someone would do that to the Provo city council members homes. Those guys are out of control.

Spoc | 5:24 p.m. July 12, 2008

Look At and Take a Look each need to take a valium.

Then again, since the writing style is nearly identical it is probably the same person.

One will do. Don't want you to O.D.

Re:Hearing the trees fall | 5:35 p.m. July 12, 2008

The picture shows it clearly sawcut and about twice the cross section of the t-post or 2.5 to 3 inches in diameter of healthy green wood. However with a good sharp bow saw or woodzig one could do such a cowardly thing in about 30 seconds each. In the dark of night in what appears to be a fair distance from any neighbors, it's possible.

Homer | 6:36 p.m. July 12, 2008

Mmmmmmmmm....Genola. It's a good healthy snack. I'm going to get me some genola right now.

Phil | 6:49 p.m. July 12, 2008

Lot has to be 2.5 acres to build on it. No wonder it cost a fortune to live in Utah. People like Greenwood are more to blame with the cost of living going up, than the cost of oil. Now his McMansions isn't as pretty, poor baby.

Goodness | 7:00 p.m. July 12, 2008

It's cheaper to live in Utah than most places. We need people who are willing to uphold the law like Greenwood. He has made enemies for obeying the law, as he took an oath to do. Hazelet, Draper, and Vail seem to have forgotten that they took that particular oath. Let's keep it legal...

Concerning DraperVail | 8:19 p.m. July 12, 2008

We are tired of living in DraperVail!
Ha...Ha! We want Genola back! Chris Greenwood is the only one with integrity on the town council. We support Chris Greenwood and appreciate that he helps up hold the law when working with a bunch of renegade outlaws. You've got our support Chris! We are sorry about your trees, your yard was looking so beautiful. We are sorry someone did this to you and your family. Your a true friend of Genola!

Nothing changes | 8:27 p.m. July 12, 2008

Doesn't sound like much has changed since I lived in Genola over 30 years ago. The insiders and the outsiders. Jealousy. Nastiness. Social climbing (in THAT town--ridiculous!)
But there were some great people there, too. I don't hear any of their names being mentioned--maybe they've all passed on.
When we were there, it was farming country--sorry to hear that it's going suburban.

Genola Resident | 9:08 p.m. July 12, 2008

Bravo for Greenwood...

Genola..nice town...small and friendly...and equally important..private.

puzzled | 9:18 p.m. July 12, 2008

Seems funny that someone would retaliate against Greenwood since he LOST the vote. Why do something like that when your your side wins? No one mentions that Greenwood is also an attorney and we all know how well loved attorneys are. I think it's a shame to blame this on politics when there is no proof, it might simply be a personal vendetta from someone he faced in court or who he represented in the past that didn't like the outcome. Deseret News, do a little investigation to find out if there are any other reasons someone would be so angry with Mr Greenwood, because it just doesn't make sense.

what a joke | 9:42 p.m. July 12, 2008

so greenwoods a lawyer seems odd that this is all over Greenwoods position when his position didn't matter anyway, he lost the vote, DUH! I'm no rocket scientist but 2+2 don't make 5. Seems to me his status as an attorny could warrant more of an action like this than a losing oppinion. I guess if you want to be in the paper more power to you.

Some counselman, who keeps dragging this quite town through the muck, some attorney who accuses his blessed genolaites without any substantial claim. I'll bet some poor fellow who got everything taken away in a divorce case might have a grudge not GENOLA!

pohaku-1 | 9:44 p.m. July 12, 2008

Corruption IS corruption.

2.05 or 2.31 [acres, gallons, pounds]
does NOT EQUAL 2.50 [acres, gallons,pounds].

2.5 acres is the MINIMUM !!!

Fewer lots at 2.5 acres or LARGER
makes the subdivision LEGAL, BUT
you LOSE ONE LOT...

and LOSE a bunch of $$$$ that was
NOT yours to start with.

IT IS All about GREED.

Greed huh | 10:15 p.m. July 12, 2008

If you would do the research you would no that 2.31 acres is now the law, through and through, legal as legal. if it wasn't true how come the subdivision is a go.

I trust the mayor, how could you not he's got every legal begal looking over his shoulder after the the recent scandals(town clerk). The real issues is brian draper yea he messed up, but come on Chris, it's over, it's all taken care of, move on and consider the most valuable thing peace not the blessed 2.5 acres.

I feel bad about his trees but lets heal this community and go on. And by the way Mr. Greed what about "THOU SHALT NOT COVET THY NEIGHBORS PROPERTY." Do you really think in the grand skeem of things the difference between two pieces of property that is not even discernable by the naked eye is really going to matter. But since coveting thy neighbors property is one of the original 10 commandments it will.

what? | 10:42 p.m. July 12, 2008

All of us guys in the unclean small lot towns worry about alot more than a few sage brush. You guys are becoming the laughing stock of the state. Is it really true that you have the most strict laws in the state, and that untill recently not even a gas station was legal in your heaven on earth. Some freedom. sounds like to me you ought to put flags over the whole town. Theirs been more than trees lost, freedom lost is far more precious than some puny trees, no disrespect Mr. Greenwood

Wish you guys luck, in getting to sleep at night that is, it must be hard knowing that your neighbor is living on 8% less acrage than you are.

Hey, I got an idea howabout counting sheep at night, It's a whole lot better than counting your neighbors sage brush.

Good Job Greenwood | 10:45 p.m. July 12, 2008

The truth will come out. The work and sacrifice Chris Greenwood has done to ensure Integrity in Genola is to be commended.

Some of you need to learn a little bit more about what rights you're actually entitled to. Maybe you're jealous because Chris Greenwood actually has an education, understands the law, and will stand up to protect it.

He and his family are marvelous people rather than lawbreaking individuals who want to make a buck illegally.

Puzzled...

The reason someone would be politically motivated to do this the Greenwoods, is that they know the truth is being revealed. Several individuals are going to have to pay consequences for their actions.

Suspicious | 10:51 p.m. July 12, 2008

Sometimes, I wonder if people leave malicious comments on this website just to stir things up and bother people. Mostly, I assume that people like that weren't hugged enough as children and are just desperate for attention. Please, save us the time of reading your ridiculous posts and just go get some therapy.

caley | 10:53 p.m. July 12, 2008

Looks like a publicity stunt to me.

Dumbfounded | 10:53 p.m. July 12, 2008

What does Greenwood have to win in this personally?

It does seem that the developers what have been practicing illegally are the ones who have and would be gaining from such activity.

I can see why they would stoop to this level, especially if they are being investigated for illegal transactions.

It's not easy being green | 12:06 a.m. July 13, 2008

Not only have multiple generations of my family called the quaint town of Genola home, I happen to be fond of trees. How sad that someone would seek to harm another human being by commiting multiple botanical homicides. I suppose that someone who would be willing to kill trees wouldn't mind turning a farming community into concrete and condos. I belive that all people are green; be that in support of Mother Nature or their own love of money.

long time resident | 9:00 a.m. July 13, 2008

I have lived in Genola with my family for 14 years. In those 14 years we have enjoyed riding dirt bikes & 4-wheelers. Up to about 7 years ago when the Greenwoods and people like him moved into town and started complaing about the noise and the dust this is just one of the many things these people are trying to get rid of what's next the dairies because they draw flies that might wonder over to their precious property. You better watch out they would sue you over that, Their air space is more precious than life it's self. some one made it possible for them to move in and raise their family in our community now that their here they want to keep others from moving in. As far as this being politically driven. The Greenwoods have offended quite a few people in town by complaints over things as trivial as dusts in their yard I think they need to take a good long hard look at them selves Away from the politics.

concerned | 9:17 a.m. July 13, 2008

For years farmers have made thier living off this land and now they want to sell it to retire in style. if Greenwood is so worried about the lot size maybe he should buy all of them and move there. I know some of his nieghbors would help him move to his own 30 acre lot. Far away from them

to the understanding citizens | 12:13 p.m. July 13, 2008

Mr. Greenwood is entitled to his opinion just like the rest of you "understanding citizens", but lets face it Chris Greenwood didnt have anything to do with the conflicts of interest, nepotism, and unexplained $561,000 debt the town incurred. Mr Greenwood is being attacked because he has the guts to go up against a corrupt government. These guys are in a sweat because they are going to have to answer to the Attorney General.

Neighbor | 4:00 p.m. July 13, 2008

The following is a definition of "neighbor" from the dictionary....

a person who shows kindliness or helpfulness toward his or her fellow humans:

Many residents have been true Neighbors to the Greenwood family during this ordeal with visits, food, flags, banners, contributions and phonecalls.

Some of you claim to be neighbors, yet your comments seem to be contrary to what the true meaning of the word is.

Justifying criminal acts of vandalism because you have a difference of opinion is not "Neighborly." You're just as guilty as if you had cut down the trees yourself.

ps | 6:07 p.m. July 13, 2008

Wow! I thought all the lit up flags were at the
Veterans Memorial until I turned the corner. Are they the BSA flags used locally to celebrate National Holidays?
Maybe this show of patriotism would be better utilized for our true hero's.

Sorry about the trees but maybe its time to put them to rest and not leave them out for a continued memorial.
To much of a show!

Katy in Tooele | 7:47 p.m. July 13, 2008

I gladly put my name on my comment, to offer my show of support for the Greenwood family. I have known your family for more than two decades. You have been a model of integrity, community, and family.

This past week the winds in Tooele took out a small 2-3" caliper tree. It was so hot - and I was discouraged. Due to personal illness, my family and friends came to the rescue and helped me dig out the stumps (hours of work even on a small tree). Someone donated the cost of the replacement tree - but the branches are still in the yard waiting for a bulk trash pick-up.

Although I believe that your comment ps was unkindness - I think your idea is good. Perhaps in a show of returned sense of community, you could help them clean the yard and remove the vandal's show.

Look at me, look at me | 10:09 p.m. July 13, 2008

I believe if this happened to the average person, the trees would have been cleaned up as soon as the police were done looking at them if not before. Not Greenwood - he apparently buys flags and gets them all set up before calling the press to take pictures. ps indicates they are even lit up at night. It sounds like Greenwood is the stereotypical, egomaniac lawyer type to me and I wouldn't be surprised if he cut the trees himself.

The trees don't look like much for trees. Maybe he thought, why not replace them with nicer trees and hey I can get in the news and be in the spotlight and insurance will pay for the trees.

Genola=The Hills Have Eyes | 2:15 p.m. July 14, 2008

This story, the comments...small town America at it's worst. It's a nuclear contamination leak away from becoming a Wes Craven movie.

Northern Mother | 3:20 p.m. July 14, 2008

Apparently the malicious comments here demonstrate not only a lack of intelligence, but individuals who attempt to justify illegal behavior. No one deserves such an act of hatred, and certainly no one should be applauding cruelty that affects a family with young children.

Also a Mother | 11:09 p.m. July 14, 2008

Thank you Northern Mother, my thoughts exactly.

Steve Greenwood | 6:07 a.m. July 16, 2008

At the risk of having my house fire-bombed or at the very least my trees cut down I choose to identify myself when I make comments. It seems amazing what upstanding citizens will say under the veil of anonymity. I am not related to councilman Greenwood, but we both share at least one opinion. We care about the town, and we dont mind questioning the Mayor and town council about what they do on behalf of the town. For you people who want to make accusations about Chris Greenwood at least have the guts to identify yourself so we can appropriately address you with just any accusation that comes to mind.

Steve Greenwood | 9:16 a.m. July 16, 2008

I am happy to report that in the 3 hours since I revealed my support for Councilman Greenwood, I have noticed no property destruction. Maybe the maturity level in Genola has gone up in three hours. I will keep everyone posted on the progress we are making here in Genola, it can be measured by the health of Steve Greenwoods trees and shrubs and other unprotected property and I would like to announce that I will not be standing guard until next wednesday night.

A Fan | 4:46 p.m. July 16, 2008

Mr. Steve Greenwood - you have a new fan! I'm liking both the Genola Greenwoods more and more.

An Observation | 5:36 p.m. July 16, 2008

Seems more and more that you can cut down the trees but you can't cut down the Greenwoods

Necient Genolians | 8:44 a.m. July 18, 2008

I personally know the Greenwoods, and I know that they have nothing to gain by voting against reducing the minimum lot size. On the other hand, Draper had a lot to gain from the vote as he owned some of the property in question. Without divulging his interests to the council was unethical and possibly illegal. The Greenwoods have done a lot of good for this town--especially helping to bring to light the reasons for the $561,000 debt the town incurred. Genola tax payers should applaud the Greenwoods for protecting their town's tax money, and other interests.

Erika Ward | 4:27 p.m. July 19, 2008

I have been a resident of Genola, and it's a great place to live. Don't let this one issue give you the wrong idea about this great little Utah town. As far as the character of Chris Greenwood and his family, they are fabulous people. Everything they own has been earned through hard work, and I am so tired of seeing people judged because of their pocketbook. I have watched this family working outside on their land week after week, painstakingly planting those trees, and teaching their family the value of hard work. How sad for someone to destroy all that because of hate. Politically, I sometimes had a difference of opinion with Chris, but I voted for him last year because I know that he is a man of honesty and integrity who would be valuable on the city council. It's healthy politics to have varying opinions to keep the Government in line. That's what a democratic republic is all about -- checks and balances. Differences of opinion, no matter how strong or vehement, should be handled legally and respectfully at public meetings or in the voting booth, but never by engaging in criminal and hateful activity.

Lori | 11:33 p.m. July 22, 2008

Glad to know that cooler heads prevailed in Genola. This sad act of vandalism was obviously perpetuated by the minority of people in the town and the majority know how generous and giving the Greenwoods are. They know that the Greenwoods work very hard to uphold righteous principals and teach ethics to their children. How are ethics taught to children who are taught to chop down trees of a person they disagree with? So sad, keep the faith Greenwoods, we love you!

Add your comment

Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.

Words Remaining

E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.