Don't Make A Stinky In This Town

“Stench is not the lasting memory that we want people to have in Ogden.”

John Patterson
Standard-Examiner
Sniff squad nosing around
April 9, 2007

It's a slow news day, so we thought we'd set up a weekend kick-off open thread. Before we do, however, we want to highlight an article which appeared a few days ago in the Standard-Examiner.

Last Monday, Ace Reporter Schwebke reported that Emerald City officials are initiating a crackdown on bad odors in our little town. Producers of malodorous emissions beware:

OGDEN — The Ogden City Council may establish a citizens committee to sniff out objectionable odors coming from local factories.

Tuesday night, the council will set a date for a public hearing regarding an ordinance that would set up the committee.

In addition to creating the committee, the ordinance would also require companies to use technologies and operating methods that reduce or eliminate objectionable odors.

The new law would go into effect 90 days after the council adopts the ordinance.

Violation of the ordinance would result in civil penalties: $125 for the first violation, $250 for the second offense and up to $500 for each subsequent infraction.

John Patterson, Ogden’s chief administrative officer, said the city is not singling out a particular company for enforcement. However, the city has received numerous complaints, particularly from out-of-town visitors, about odors emanating from pet food manufacturer American Nutrition Inc., 2813 Wall Ave.

“Stench is not the lasting memory that we want people to have in Ogden,” said Boss Godfrey henchman John Patterson. Yesirree... that's a direct John Patterson quote.

This is one of those "oddball" Emerald City stories which made its way into many other newspapers and websites around the world. We haven't seen an Emerald City story so widely reported since the dazzling days of Vangate.

A television station in Arkansas had particular fun with it. This one definitely put a smile on our face.

For the best "odor ordinance" spin-off to date, however, we need look no farther afield than our own home town. For a humorous and ironic take on the "Emerald City Odor Problem," don't miss this morning's Std-Ex Letter to the Editor, penned by none other than Weber County Forum's own Dorothy Littrell.

Take it away, gentle readers.

Don't let the cat get your tongues.