Buffalo Chip to an Orem man for tax evasion in connection with purported scams that cost the U.S. Treasury more than $135 million. Roderick Prescott, a former principal of National Trust Services, and a partner pled guilty in a case of promoting and selling phony trust plans and running Ponzi schemes. This kind of crime has wreaked havoc across the nation, threatening the financial system itself.

Beehives to Lehi police Capt. Harold Terry, Officer Greg Neer and Officer Scott McDonald, who were honored for valor recently at the Utah Peace Officers Association Convention. Terry also received the association's Purple Heart Award. He was wounded in June 2008 by a driver who had been acting erratically. Other officers arrived, and the driver was shot to death. It's a reminder this weekend of how many dangers brave men and women face to keep us all safe. Our thanks to police, firefighers, service personnel and others.

Buffalo Chips to some members of board of trustees for the American Leadership Academy for a public squabble on Monday. Discussion at the meeting concerned who should be in charge, who said what to whom, who wasn't being very nice, who was taking the ball and going home, and ... well, if you've seen kids on a playground, you get the idea. We suggest that bickering board members get a time-out. Charter schools are in the spotlight. Their leaders shouldn't give critics any ammunition.

Beehives to the many people who will be pitching in to make the Freedom Festival such a rousing and meaningful event. Thanks to their efforts, the Fourth of July in Utah Valley is not only a lot of fun but provides a deeper sense of what our nation's history and mission are all about.