FYI PanguItch
by Mack Oetting ~ mackoetting @gmail.com
ice skating rink. Kids from Garfield County schools skate free and only have to pay $2.00 for skates.
Duane joined the United States Air Force in November of 1953 and served for over 20 years moving all over the county. While in the Air Force, he served 1 year in the Vietnam War. He married the love of his life Viola Jackson on September 13, 1954, in Spokane, Washington and 6 weeks later on October 18, their marriage was solemnized in the Manti Utah LDS Temple. They were blessed with 10 children. After retiring from the Air Force, he became the Chief of Police in Ephraim, Wayne County Sheriff and served as a Wayne County Commissioner.
He was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints, serving in 4 bishoprics, Bishop of the Fremont Ward and Manti Temple worker with his wife. Duane and Viola served a mission in Utica New York.
After retiring, they became snowbirds, wintering in Quartzsite, riding 4 wheelers and enjoying the warm weather making lots of cherished friends and camp hosting at Fish Lake during the summer for many years,. Later in life, he took up woodworking, making lots of things for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to cherish.
Duane is survived by his loving wife of 70 years Viola Buchanan; his children: Cyndee (Scott) Turner, D.R. (Karen) Buchanan, all of Richfield; Doug (Karen)Buchanan of Bear River, Wyoming; Maeleen (Bryant) Snow of Orangeville; Les (Kary) Buchanan of West Jordon; Leisa (Bret) Hilton of Bicknell; Jennifer (Jason) Haywood of Central Valley; 62 grandchildren, 50 great grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandson; siblings: Gail (Pam) Buchanan, Jerry Steck and sister-in-law, Gail Buchanan, all of Manti.
He is preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Darrell, Wally, Ruby and Jean; son: Kenny Buchanan; infant twins: Paul and Paula; and a great granddaughter: Abby. Funeral services were held Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 1:00 P.M. in the Fremont LDS Ward Chapell. Friends called for viewing at the Springer Turner Funeral Home in Richfield, Monday evening from 6:00 to 8:00pm or Tuesday morning at the ward chapel in Fremont from 10:00 to12:30 prior to the services.
Live streaming of the services could be found at: www.springerturner.com under Duane’s obituary about 15 minutes prior to starting time.
Burial with military honors accorded by the Harold Brown American Legion Post #92 and the United States Air Force Honor Guard was held in the Fremont Cemetery under the care of Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah. Online guest book at: www. springerturner.com
There is not a lot going on in town, and the only excitement was the power going out during the Kansas City (KC) football game. It didn’t bother me any; we were on our way down to St. George, via Springdale. I love licorice, and the candy shop in Springdale is the only store that has my favorite kind. They were closed for the season; they are, generally, open seven days a week, and certainly, they deserve a vacation. Going through Zion this time of the year is great, and there is always something to see. The buses don’t start running till April, so you can go up the canyon and have some ice cream at the lodge. Speaking of things to do, Ruby’s has a great
There is still no snow on the horizon, but we do have cold weather, with Monday and Tuesday not getting above freezing. I believe we haven’t had any of the white stuff in over two months. It is time to get praying for it, because we need the moisture to survive.
The fires are still burning in Southern California, and, for the world, climate-related extreme weather events have cost more than $2 trillion over the past decade, roughly equaling the damage caused by the 2008 financial crisis. In the last two years alone, damages have
reached $451 billion dollars.
Have you ever seen anything as ugly as the new Tesla pickup? It looks like a big tin can and, being electric, costs a pretty penny. I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
The football season is coming to a close in about three weeks with the Super Bowl. Last Monday, it was the college championship between Ohio State and Notre Dame. For a change, it started out as a twelve team play-off, and these two teams are left. This is unlike the last few years, when there were only four teams in the playoffs. Neither one of these teams would have been playing, otherwise. Ohio State is 8th, and Notre Dame is
7th. In the NFL, it is down to four teams. Buffalo beat Baltimore in an exciting game. Baltimore was down by eight points with two minutes left and scored a touchdown and went for a two pointer to tie the game, and the receiver dropped an easy catch. Philadelphia topped the L.A. Rams by a score. On Saturday, KC won and will be in the play-off. It will be next week for their conference titles, and the Super Bowl is two weeks later. In the last four years, our great country has stopped Covid, become the richest financial country in history, and has also added sixteen million new jobs.
Mack O.
So. Utah Snowpack Remains Below Normal for this Time of Year; Reservoirs Statewide at 77% Capacity
SALT LAKE CITY
Northern Utah has experienced near-normal precipitation, although much of it has been in the form of rain rather than snow, which could affect water storage for the spring melt. In southern Utah, however, snowpack remains 27-64% of normal for this time of year, continuing dry conditions in that region.
“We’re encouraged to see most reservoirs at or above normal levels for this time of year, even in areas with below-normal snowpack,” Candice Hasenyager, director of the Division of Water Resources, said. “The dry soil moisture in southern Utah combined with below-normal snow-
pack could pose challenges for water availability in certain basins.”
According to the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s January Report, almost no measurable snow fell in southwestern Utah during December, and the regional snow water equivalent was consequently some of the lowest of all observations.
Reservoirs are at 77% of capacity, offering some reassurance to water users. This is 20% higher than is typical for this time of year and a testament to the carryover storage from the last two years of above-normal snowpack.
The Colorado Basin River Forecast Center
Road Name Change:
models how much water supply is anticipated based on soil moisture and snowpack. The majority of water supply forecasts fall in the 70-90% of average range. In southern Utah those forecasts are in the 40% of average range. “Every drop saved today contributes to a more resilient water supply tomorrow,” Hasenyager said. “Runoff efficiency will depend on weather conditions, but we all have a role to play in protecting this precious resource.”
In Utah, about 95% of our water supply comes from snowpack. Reservoir storage helps us preserve that water for use in dry summer months and
drought years. To encourage water conservation among Utahns, the Department of Natural Resources continues to promote initiatives such as the Agricultural Water Optimization Program for farmers and SlowtheFlow. org for residents. These programs aim to educate and incentivize watersaving practices, ensuring Utahns become more drought-resilient and prepare for future conditions. Many indoor water-saving tips are available on the Slow the Flow website.
—Utah Department of Natural Resources | Division of Water Resources
On Jan. 13, 2025, Garfield County announced a proposal to rename the Burr Trail Scenic Backway in honor of President Donald Trump.
Road Name Change Cont'd from A1
tecting multiple-use access to our land.”
Known colloquially as the Burr Trail, the road is no stranger to controversy. Since the early 1980s, there have been numerous legal battles, the hanging-in-effigy of the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance directors, and later sabotage of county road equipment by an environmental activist. Ultimately, Garfield County was granted right-ofway to the road in a landmark federal court decision and chip-sealed it in 1991.
The previous year, in April of 1990, the road was adopted as a Utah Scenic
Backway, a designation from the state designed to "recognise the intrinsic qualities" of less traveled roads and promote tourism and funding opportunities for their surrounding communities. The road was named for John Atlantic Burr, who drove stock through the region in the late 1800s on his notoriously dangerous and difficult trail. It traverses the northeast corner of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, departing from the town of Boulder.
Dr. Jacquiline Grant, executive director for the non-profit group Grand Staircase Escalante Partners, wrote in a Jan. 14 newsletter that “The Monument withstood President Trump’s attempt to downsize it in 2017, which means that it would be counterintuitive to name one of its major routes after him.”
Descendants of John A. Burr have also spoken out online against the change as they feel it takes away from their heritage and the original namesake of the trail. Escalante resident Melyssa Holbrook also said, “The road already has a name and a history; what is the purpose of changing the name now? Trump has nothing to do with the Burr Trail.” In response to the large number of calls, Pollock said, “In a year from now, I don’t think many people will care about the change anymore; we can even add a sign to explain the Burr heritage.” He said that the
reason the Burr Trail was chosen to be a "presidential road" was because he feels there really aren’t many other options.
“We don’t really have many to choose from. We’ve only got a couple of these good [all weather] roads, that we also have R.S. 2477 title to, to choose from,” he explained. “I’m not sure about the other commissioners, they will make up their own minds at the hearing, but I support this name change to honor our president.” Pollock said that there is no incentive for the county, financial or otherwise, to name a road after the president.
There is another road, however, which has been offered as a second option to bear the name of the 47th president of the United States; John’s Valley Road. “While I can’t speak for the commissioners, I believe the Burr Trail holds significant sentimental value for locals; many constituents have expressed a desire to preserve that historical association,” explained Garfield County Public Works Director David Dodds. He explained that Johns Valley Road was likely chosen as an alternative as it is still a major county road and does not carry as direct of a historic connection as the Burr Trail.
Johns Valley Road is still named for John Atlantic Burr. After coming up the Burr Trail after leaving the Henry Mountain region, he would run his stock through Johns Valley enroute to Grass Valley. The road runs from
Highway 12, near Bryce, to Antimony. The name would be changed entirely to read "Donald J. Trump Presidential Highway," but the valley would maintain its current name. Road and highway are interchangeable in Utah state code as being the space within a rightof-way designated for public travel. The major roads commonly known as highways are generally designated state routes. Johns Valley Road was a part of State Route 22 until 1969.
“The commission really does want to hear our county residents’ opinions,” said Pollock. “Last time we had a hearing like this, about the Monument, our space filled up and people were left waiting outside, but we want them to be able to come in and voice their thoughts or concerns.” In anticipation of a large turnout, the commission meeting on Jan. 27 will be held at the Garfield County Fair Building at 740 N. Main St. in Panguitch.
“That way we’ll have the capacity for up to 400 people. We’ve also got heaters, a good sound system and everything,” Pollock said. He added that while he and the other commissioners don't want to be there too late into the evening, they do want everyone to get a chance to speak and have asked that attendees be both residents of Garfield County and keep their statements to around three minutes or less.
Rural Health Association of Utah Recognizes Dr. Selwyn Layton
CEDAR CITY - The Rural Health Association of Utah (RHAU) has presented the 2024 Rural Faculty of the Year Award to Southern Utah University’s Director of Graduate Nursing Programs, Dr. Selwyn Layton,DNP, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC. This prestigious award recognizes an individual who has made extraordinary contributions to advancing health education. Dr. Layton’s dedication to promoting health literacy and empowering individuals through innovative educational efforts has had a transformative influence, particularly in rural communities.
The Rural Faculty of the Year Award was presented to Dr. Layton at the RHAU annual conference by Kasey DeLynn Shakespear, RHAU’s newly appointed full-time executive director, alongside Kurt R. Loveless, RHAU board president, and Dr. J. Tony Oliver, Dean of the Beverley Taylor Sorenson College of Health Sciences at SUU.
“I am humbled,” said Layton. “Without the help from SUU Department of Nursing faculty and staff and all the rural facilities of southern Utah that sup-
Utah Health Department, Four Corners Community Behavioral Health, and other invested partners.
The summit, themed “Taking Substance Use Disorder and Suicide Prevention to New Altitudes,” is poised to be a vital platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and actionable strategies. It will unite a diverse group of professionals, students, providers, and community members, with sessions aimed at addressing these interconnected public health crises.
“We hope to offer practical resources for professionals in the field and evidence-based information to navigate the complexities of substance use disorder and suicide prevention,” said Ashley Yaugher, summit chair and faculty member of the USU Health Extension: Advocacy, Research, & Teaching (HEART) Initiative. “This summit will help participants better understand how substance use and suicide preven-
ported SUU nursing in this endeavor, none of this could be possible,”
He also gives his specific thanks to Jon Oliver, Dean of the College of Health Sciences, Camille Thomas, SUU Assistant Provost, and Rita Osborn, and her team from the Utah Center of Rural Health.
Dr. Layton served as the nursing department chair from 2022-2024 and now leads the graduate nursing programs at SUU. He has been a driving force behind the development of new and impactful master’s-level nursing programs. Notably, the Master of Science in Leadership and Administration launched in 2023, and the Master of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner program launched in 2024.
Both programs are offered online, enabling current nursing professionals in rural areas and beyond to further their education and skills. These programs are vital for improving healthcare delivery and outcomes in underserved communities. Dr. Layton’s commitment to program and curriculum development, and efforts to secure accreditation for these programs, reflect his dedication to advancing nursing education
tion often overlap and the importance of working together across sectors to support the mental health of our communities.”
This year marks the seventh annual Health and Wellness Summit, which has become a well-attended event for professionals and advocates working to prevent substance use disorder and suicide.
“The risk and protective factors for substance use disorder and suicide prevention are the same,” said Amanda McIntosh, suicide prevention liaison for Four Corners Community Behavioral Health and co-chair of the summit’s planning committee. “However, we often approach them separately— treating, researching, and funding them in isolated silos. This summit is designed to bring together professionals and community members to address these issues holistically.”
The Elevating Hope Summit will focus on strengthening collaboration among health and well-being professionals, empowering participants to unite in strategies for
Courtesy Southern Utah University
The Rural Health Association of Utah (RHAU) has presented the 2024 Rural Faculty of the Year Award to Southern Utah University’s Director of Graduate Nursing Programs, Dr. Selwyn Layton,DNP, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC.
and improving healthcare across the region.
The fully online Graduate Certificate in Nursing Leadership and Administration program provides comprehensive training in leadership strategies, organizational management, and healthcare policy, equipping graduates to navigate the complexities of modern healthcare environments. The flexible online format allows students to balance their education with professional commitments, making it an ideal choice for those aiming to excel in strategic leadership and higherlevel administrative roles
prevention, advocating for equitable funding, and ensuring the self-care of those on the front lines of these critical efforts. Continuing education credits will be available for participants.
Community members, professionals, field experts, and anyone interested in substance use disorder and suicide prevention are encouraged to attend. The summit will cover a wide range of topics, from emerging trends to proven strategies, offering attendees the opportunity to engage, learn, and practice the necessary skills to create healthier, more resilient communities.
“By coming together, we can elevate hope,” McIntosh said. “Our goal is to inspire collaboration, advocate for upstream prevention, and ultimately provide hope for a future where no more lives are lost to substance use disorder or suicide.”
To register or learn more about the event, got to www.extension.usu.edu.
within healthcare.
The SUU Department of Nursing provides academic programs that prepare individuals for professional nursing practice at many levels. The programs are built upon the AACN Essentials and expand students' abilities to practice as nurses by offering comprehensive coursework and hands-on clinical experiences. Through this holistic approach, students develop critical thinking, clinical competence, and a commitment to lifelong learning essential for advancing their nursing careers.
—Southern Utah University
by Mack Oetting
The Cats had an easy week, with their only basketball games being against Escalante. Escalante, for the first time in many years, had three teams when they came here to meet up with the Bobcats. The Cats led at half time, 56 to 19, and it didn’t get better in the 2nd half, with a final score of 92 to 46. Maddix Johnson came away with 3thirtythree points, sinking eight three-pointers. Burkley Dalton also had eighteen, with all three-pointers. The Cats hit the road with away games against Kanab on
the 21st and Valley on the 23rd. The following week, they will be here on the 29th against Milford.
The Lady Cats also played Escalante, and they came away with a score of 56-14. Tayt Miller had fourteen, and nine players all got in the scoring column. This week, the ladies will play at Bryce Valley on the 22nd, and they will be having a big game on the 24th against powerhouse Beaver. Next week, Piute will be here on the 30th. Wrestling season is coming to a halt real soon. They have a match at Manti on the 21st, and then the divisional tournament is on the 25th. The divisional tournament divides the state into two sections, and all of the qualifiers go on to State on February 7 - 8th at Sevier Valley Center in Richfield.
Panguitch Public Library
Prevention Summit Cont'd from A1
Bears Ears:
Bears Ears National Monument encompasses vast and diverse objects of historical and scientific interest. We’re honored to care for this landscape alongside Tribal Nations, the Bears Ears Commission, the monument advisory committee, the USDA Forest Service, State and local governments, neighboring communities, other partners and stakeholders, and the public. This new plan will allow anyone who has a connection to the monument to enjoy the landscape while ensuring respect for the Monument and the unique values it embodies.
—Matt Preston, Acting BLM Utah State Director
Bears Ears buttes stand tall on the landscape. On Jan. 15, the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service announced approval of the Resource Management Plan for Bears Ears National Monument.
to care for this landscape alongside Tribal Nations, the Bears Ears Commission, the monument advisory committee, the USDA Forest Service, State and local governments, neighboring communities, other partners and stakeholders, and the public,” said Acting BLM Utah State Director Matt Preston. “This new plan will allow anyone who has a connection to the monument to enjoy the landscape while ensuring respect for the Monument and the unique values it embodies.”
“The unwavering dedication of Tribal Nations, partners, local communities, stakeholders, and the public in considering this plan’s direction
and focus has been remarkable to witness,” expressed Forest Supervisor of the Manti-La Sal National Forest Barbara Van Alstine. “As a forest, we are humbled to have the distinct privilege of supporting the informed management of Bears Ears National Monument through this resource management plan to encourage visitors, land stewards, and future generations to enjoy the area while appreciating the cultural significance of the landscape.”
The approved plan incorporates Tribal input, feedback from cooperators, stakeholders, and the public, and is informed by the best available science, including Indigenous Knowledge, to ensure balanced use and protection of important resources.
The Presidential Proclamation establishing the monument called for Trib-
al co-stewardship of the monument and established the Bears Ears Commission, comprised of representatives from five Tribes whose ancestral homelands are in part encompassed by the monument. The approved plan emphasizes resource protection and the use of Traditional Indigenous Knowledge and perspectives for the stewardship of the Bears Ears landscape.
In addition to the protection of cultural resources and important landscapes, the approved plan allows visitors and the public to continue other existing uses within the Monument, including cattle grazing, recreation, and traditional gathering of firewood and plants.
Nearly 19,000 public comments helped inform the plan’s balance of protecting objects with ensuring the availability and
variety of appropriate uses within the monument. This is reflected in the decision to keep Arch Canyon open to visitors on a permitted basis. Additionally, 97% of the areas currently available for livestock grazing will remain available, while providing additional flexibilities to adjust cattle grazing based on land health improvements. Many recreational uses— such as hiking, climbing, hunting, off-highway vehicle use, backpacking, recreational shooting, and rafting—will continue to be available within Bears Ears under the approved plan.
The BLM’s Record of Decision approves this resource management plan and becomes effective immediately on BLM lands upon signature. The Forest Service Record of Decision will approve its land resource management plan amendment and will take effect thirty days following publication in the Federal Register. Information regarding the full management plan, including maps, is available at the BLM National NEPA Register. For additional information, please contact BLM Planning and Environmental Specialist Jill Stephenson at 435-2592100.
—Bureau of Land Management
Wayne Commission: Newly elected officials
took the oath of office for the 2025 new year. Approval of a letter of support for Lyman Town's application for a grant to build a bike pump track in town, the Tub Ditch Road Project, approval of Bronson Woods as a new employee for the sanitation department, and approval of an assignment order from Jones and DeMille for road pavement preservation work in 2025 discussed.
The circular track would be built near the grassy area just east of the firehouse and would be open to non-motorized vehicles only. Brock summarized by saying this track will be unique to the county and will not only bring enjoyment to kids with their bikes and scooters but will be a benefit to the whole community.
Next on the agenda was the Tub Ditch Road Project. Rhett Jeffrey, who has been working on the road, spoke of its completion and how it will be open to the public soon. He talked about the historical significance in nam-
ing the road after the Tub Ditch that runs alongside the road that has been a part of the county’s history for many years. Commissioner Blackburn expounded on the historical significance of the road, adding, “the old timers dug all the ditches by hand with a team and horses to get that water to run where they wanted after every rainstorm.”
The completed road will also aid in keeping farming equipment and other slow moving vehicles off of the increasingly busy State Highway 24. The commission approved the naming of the road and its completion and formally added it to the county road system.
In other items of business, the commission:
Legal Notices
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
approved the new hire of Bronson Woods as a new employee for the sanitation department.
• approved an assignment order from Jones and DeMille for road pavement preservation work in 2025. This would include micro surfacing for 5.5 miles using the new chip and seal method.
• reviewed and approved invoices and vouchers and ended with a closed session to address a social media violation. The Wayne County Commission meets the first and third Monday of every month at the Wayne County Courthouse in Loa.
DISTRICT COURT, STATE OF UTAH, GARFIELD COUNTY 55 South Main Street, Panguitch, Utah 84759, Telephone: (435) 676-1104; Facsimile: (435) 6768239. IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DENNIS LUTHER SHERMAN, deceased, NOTICE TO CREDITORS, Case No. 243600023, Assigned: JUDGE LARSEN, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that BOADY SHERMAN was appointed as Personal Representatives of the estate of DENNIS LUTHER SHERMAN and creditors of the estate are given notice to present their claims to BARRY L. HUNTINGTON, attorney for the estate, P.O. Box 388, 55 South Main Street, Panguitch, Utah 84759, within 3 months after the first publication of this notice or be forever barred. DATED this 17th day of January, 2025. BARRY L. HUNTINGTON Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on JANUARY 23 & 30 and FEBRUARY 6 & 13, 2025
Courtesy USDA Forest Service
Bears Ears Cont'd from A1
Wayne Commission Cont'd from A1
Garfield Commission: At the first 2025 Garfield County Commission meeting, the incoming elected county officials were administered their oaths of office. Additional funding for county roads/signage, the finalized GSEMN management plan, and a public hearing regarding an “administrative action” declaring the “Donald J Trump Presidential Burr Trail Highway” discussed.
Garfield Commission Cont'd from A1
sient Room Tax to enable spending on community impacts such as EMS, garbage collection; law enforcement, etc.; and a SITLA bill allowing counties and towns to identify culturally significant sites within proposed SITLA sales parcels prior to their sale.
Commissioner Leland Pollock directed Clerk/Auditor Camille Moore to add $20K additional funding for county roads/signage. Public Works Director Dave Dodds said Judge Clark Waddoups acknowledged to him that the county has a good argument for claiming its rights to the RS2477 roads and “you need to exercise your right.” “Signage is one way to establish our rights to these roads,” said Dodds. [Waddoups is the Senior Judge with the Utah Federal District Court who has been presiding over the consolidated Bellwether RS2477 case for several years, final decision on which is forthcoming.]
Commissioner Pollock clarified that the roads being discussed are on the eastern side of county, largely within Glen Can-
yon National Recreation Area, where regular vehicles are allowed, but ATVs are not. He wants Dodds to install signage allowing ATV access. “We anticipate that we’re going to start winning some of these RS2477 roads. As soon as we win title to a road, I want signage on that road saying it’s open,” said Pollock. The commissioners and Dodds discussed aspects of the finalized GSENM management plan. Dodds said he’d like to convene a grazing stakeholders’ meeting to evaluate the Monument’s list of additional possible closures. Dodds said the Monument stipulates no rangeland improvements can be made until their Rangeland Health Assessment is completed, although they lack the resources to complete it, the last assessment being in 2006. Dodds said $350K of a state grant remains for “use on the ground” (not further defined).
Upper Sevier Conservation District Report: President Allen Henrie used the occasion to thank the commissioners for their annual $5000 for both their district and Canyonlands district. Henrie said they used the funds to buy notill drills last year for soil improvement. He said Gar-
Legal Notices
NOTICE TO WATER USERS
field County now has one of the best weed boards in the state. He said, “When I came in, there were five people on the board, and they were all dead.” Things have improved. Clerk Moore said Canyonlands officers need to get in touch with her regarding their 2024 funding.
Powell District Ranger Chris Wehrli presented an award to Rick Blackwell for his ongoing trail work benefitting both Garfield and Piute counties. Commissioner Pollock noted that Garfield County isn’t footing the bill for the maintenance; it’s a transfer of unused trail funding from Salt Lake County. In other Dixie National Forest news, Wehrli said Brook Shakespeare has been named as Cedar District Ranger; Jennifer Thomas has been named as Escalante District Ranger.
Staffperson Cindy Bulloch said Rep. Celeste Maloy will be on the House Appropriations and Natural Resources Committees. Bulloch invited the commissioners to start prioritizing projects Rep. Maloy could help push, including additional water, forest, or road projects. She said Maloy needs to demonstrate community support from various entities, non-
profits, special groups, etc., and to make sure the discussion is in the commission minutes.
The commission went into Executive Session and reconvened in general session to announce as an “administrative action” the declaration of the “Donald J Trump Presidential Burr Trail Highway.” Commissioner Leland Pollock made the statement “in deepest appreciation” and honoring the 47th and, formerly, the 45th president. Pollock said this administrative action will go into public hearing “before we vote on it to make it official. The hearing will be set for later in the month, presumably during the next Commission meeting in two weeks. [A public hearing on the subject is scheduled during the upcoming Garfield County Commission meeting at the Garfield County Fair Building at 740 N. Main St. in Panguitch on Jan. 27, at 1:30 p.m.]
The Garfield County Commission meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month starting at 10 a.m. All meetings are held in the County Courthouse in Panguitch. There is no set up for electronic participation, but all meeting recordings are uploaded to the Utah Public Meetings Notice board, https://www. utah.gov/pmn/. —Insider
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR SEVERAL PARCELS OF LAND ALONG STATE HIGHWAY 276 NEAR TICABOO
The Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration (“SITLA”) is accepting proposals to lease and/or purchase of up to 2900 acres of Trust Lands in Garfield County, Utah, near Ticaboo/Bullfrog Utah. More information can be found on SITLA’s website at https://trustlands.utah.gov/current-real-estate-rfp/ticaboo-bullfrog-copy/. Because of the parcels’ unique characteristics, proposals should respect the location with quality development plans.
Any individual wishing to submit a proposal for this parcel may do so until 4:00 p.m. MST on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. Proposals should be mailed to TRUST LANDS ADMINISTRATION, Attn. Alexa Wilson 102 S. 200 East, Suite 600, Salt Lake City, UT 84111 (801) 538-5177, or e- mailed (preferred) to alexawilson@utah. gov. Reference: “Ticaboo-Bullfrog”. The Trust Lands Administration reserves the right to reject any proposal. 2900
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on JANUARY 16, 23 & 30 and FEBRUARY 6, 13, 20 & 27 and MARCH 6 & 13, 2025
REQUEST FOR BIDS
GARFIELD COUNTY
Garfield County is accepting bids for four (4) wheel loaders (35,000–40,000 lbs, 185–230 HP). Delivery required within 45 days of July 1, 2025. Interested vendors should include guaranteed buy-back options (1 year/500 hours or 2 years/1,000 hours) in their quotes. Bid period: January 20, 2025 – February 7, 2025, 5:00 PM MST. Submit bids via email to Dave Dodds at dave.dodds@garfield.utah.gov. For details, call 435238-0935
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on JANUARY 23 & 30 and FEBRUARY 6, 2025
NOTICE OF VACANCIES LOA TOWN PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
Loa Town P/Z Commission is seeking to fill THREE vacancies! If you are interested in joining this great group of people and serving your community, please contact Michelle Brian or Jeanette Taylor at 435-836-2160 for more details. Or you may stop in the Loa Town Hall at 80 W. Center Loa between the hours of 10 am to 5 pm, Monday through Thursday. You must be on the water system of Loa to apply for the position.
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on JANUARY 9, 16, 23 & 30, 2025
The applications below were filed with the Division of Water Rights in Wayne County. These are informal proceedings per Rule 655-6-2. Protests concerning an application must be legibly written or typed, contain the name and mailing address of the protesting party, STATE THE APPLICATION NUMBER PROTESTED, CITE REASONS FOR THE PROTEST, and REQUEST A HEARING, if desired. Also, A $15 FEE MUST BE INCLUDED FOR EACH APPLICATION PROTESTED. Protests must be filed with the Division of Water Rights on or before Feb. 12, 2025 either electronically using the Division`s on-line Protest of Application form, by hand delivery to a Division office, or by mail at PO Box 146300, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6300. Please visit waterrights.utah.gov or call (801)538-7240 for additional information.
GARFIELD COUNTY
CHANGE APPLICATION(S)
61-3549 (a52483): William L Bernard Trust Agreement dated October 19, 2005 propose(s) using 0.0128 cfs OR 1 ac-ft. from groundwater (2 miles south of Hatch) for IRRIGATION.
WAYNE COUNTY
NEW APPLICATION(S)
95-5551 (A84501): Thomas J and Danielle M Ellett propose(s) using 1.48 ac-ft. from groundwater (4 miles S of Bicknell) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION; STOCKWATERING.
CHANGE APPLICATION(S)
95-5513 (a52495): C Double Bar Dairy, Inc. propose(s) using 0.037 cfs from groundwater (2.5 miles NW of Loa) for IRRIGATION.
95-574 (a52496): James M. & Patricia M. Chappell Revocable Trust propose(s) using 2.17 cfs from the Underground Water Well (2.5 miles NW of Loa) for IRRIGATION.
95-426 (a52497): James M. & Patricia M. Chappell Revocable Trust propose(s) using 1 cfs from groundwater (2.5 miles NW of Loa) for IRRIGATION.
95-271 (a52498): C Double Bar Dairy, Inc. propose(s) using 0.276 cfs from groundwater (2.5 miles NW of Loa) for IRRIGATION. Teresa Wilhelmsen, P.E., State Engineer
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on JANUARY 16 & 23, 2025
Will Trump’s Reelection Mean Déjà Vu for Utah’s National Monuments? Those Who Live Near Them are Bracing for Another
Battle.
The shifting political landscape has shaped, reduced and reshaped Utah’s Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante—an ongoing fight that an area business owner refers to as ‘living in limbo.’
SO. UTAH - Wade Barney wants one gift for his 75th birthday this April: an order from new President Donald Trump reducing the national monument in his backyard—again.
For three generations, Barney’s family has lived in Escalante, a small desert town in central Utah with fewer than 1,000 full-time residents. His father and grandfather herded sheep on the sagebrush-covered rangelands that are today part of Grand StaircaseEscalante National Monument, overseen by the federal Bureau of Land Management.
“They loved it more than you do and more than I do,” Barney said, referring to that land.
“It meant something to them. It was special,” he continued. “They moved from cities to come out here and start with nothing.”
His family spent decades grazing livestock, maintaining water holes for their animals and wildlife and thinning trees to prevent wildfires, Barney said. The former Escalante mayor considers today’s environmentalists and the federal government as nearly one and the same, and believes the two groups are working together to lock up the land that he and his family have cared for and relied on.
Barney argues that shrinking Grand StaircaseEscalante—or getting rid of it completely—would bolster local influence on how the land is managed. Doing so, he says, would result in a healthier and more balanced use of the land, both for people traveling within the monument and for commercial development like coal mining and grazing.
That sentiment permeates the small towns that surround Grand Staircase-Escalante, which was made a 1.9 millionacre national monument by President Bill Clinton in 1996. When President Trump reduced the monument’s acreage by half in 2017, Barney and many of his neighbors celebrated. And they rued the day that President Joe Biden reversed Trump’s action in 2021.
Conservation groups in Utah and across the country have sounded the alarm that Trump will put more public lands at risk of development by reversing protections during his second term—like once again slashing Grand StaircaseEscalante and Bears Ears National Monuments in southern Utah.
Lands currently in either monument, if removed, will return to the management of the BLM or the U.S. Forest Service — remaining under federal control.
People who live near the monuments say the back-and-forth in recent years has exhausted them, stalled economic development and paralyzed those who make their living off the land.
“We’re going on 28 years, and they still can’t come up with a plan” that’s permanent, said Klancy Ott, a Garfield County
deputy sheriff whose family has grazed cattle on what is now Grand StaircaseEscalante National Monument for 150 years.
“It’s just been back and forth and back and forth, political battle after political battle,” he said. “And will Donald Trump fix it? No. Can he? I hope!”
Ott said the number of cattle he’s allowed to graze has dwindled as the BLM has changed its plans or calculations.
“I don’t like jumping back and forth. Do we have a monument? Cool, great. Do we not? Cool, whatever. I don’t care how it goes,” he continued. “But turning people’s lives into a political play is not right.”
Both sides want respect for locals. But who is a local?
Shrinking Utah’s national monuments, some locals argue, allows communities to work more closely with BLM employees in local field offices— which they say is a better approach to managing the land than sweeping, monument-level directives from Washington, D.C.
But to Angelo Baca, a Dine and Hopi filmmaker who co-chairs the Bears Ears National Monument Advisory Committee, returning land to “local” control means something different.
“What we’re doing here isn’t just about a Western framework of national monuments and public lands,” he said, “it’s also a reconciliation of how to acknowledge, improve and have true participation from Indigenous peoples about their lands. That’s really what it represents. It’s a shift in power, and that’s what everyone’s fighting against.”
Bears Ears, located east of Grand StaircaseEscalante, is home to an estimated 100,000 cultural and archaeological sites, according to the inter-tribal coalition associated with the monument, including cliff dwellings, shrines, rock art and granaries.
President Barack Obama created the monument in 2016 at the request of five Native American tribes—the Hopi Tribe, Navajo Nation, Pueblo of Zuni, Ute Indian Tribe and Ute Mountain Ute Tribe— to safeguard the land they consider sacred and its wealth of cultural sites and artifacts.
Trump reduced Bears Ears’ acreage by 85% just a year later, at the same time that he minimized Grand Staircase-Escalante. In 2021, Biden restored the monument to its original boundaries plus 11,000 new acres.
Baca has taken members of the advisory committee on field trips to Bears Ears. The group is a mix of local users, from ranchers to recreationists, who make recommendations to federal agencies. Some members who opposed the monument protections hadn’t even been out on the land before, he said.
But seeing the dramatic landscape and learning about its cultural significance to tribes, Baca added, changed their minds.
“The land can teach us
by Anastasia Hufham | Salt Lake Tribune
so much more than any human being or any political document,” he said. “So, why are you making big decisions about a place that you’ve never even been in? You have no idea what you’re talking about, with all due respect.”
Garfield County Commissioner Leland Pollock shares that frustration in watching people from outside his community make decisions about Grand Staircase-Escalante. But to him, the plain, sage-covered flats under his grazing permits were never worth a monument designation in the first place.
“I’ll take you down there on a horse, and I’ll say, ‘Let’s go look at this thing. Do you really think this ought to be a monument?’ The majority of that monument is just BLM range land that should never be in the discussion,” he said.
Like Barney’s grandfather, Pollock’s grandfather also ran sheep on what is today Grand StaircaseEscalante National Monument. Pollock married into a ranching family in 1984 and still grazes cattle in the area. “We’re good stewards of the land. Let me make that clear,” he said. “Until 1996, we had done a good job.”
Under the Trump administration, Pollock said, the BLM listened to locals by developing a plan for the monument that closely aligned with the county’s vision: more opportunities for recreation, range improvements and wildlife development projects.
Biden’s BLM, he said, did the opposite, ignoring locals’ recommendations. The agency developed a plan for Grand StaircaseEscalante that limits grazing, target shooting and gathering firewood, a resource Pollock said many of his poorer constituents depend on.
Clinton and Biden “locked it up both times,” he continued, “to where we can’t make the land healthy.”
Biden’s BLM last week announced its final plan for the monument, which a statement from the agency said involved collaboration between tribes, state and local governments and the public. “It reflects the culmination of more than two years of shared engagement and extensive consultation,” the agency said. A spokesperson for the BLM added that the plan “does not close any livestock grazing allotments currently under permit.”
Britt Hornsby serves on the town council for Bluff, a small town just outside of Bears Ears, and supports the monument. Everyone has had chances to make their case before the federal government, he said. The anti-monument movement’s objection, in his view, is that it didn’t get exactly what its supporters wanted.
“They’re painting compromise as being a massive victim and being colonized by outsiders,” Hornsby said.
And, he asks, “what do they mean by local? What makes me a local? I’ve been here 17 years.
What’s the threshold? It’s the othering of people that has been the problem with all of this.”
National politics have pit community members against one another Hornsby, who worked for the BLM in San Juan County from 2011 to 2017, remembers a piece of advice his former superiors gave him: “Don’t wear any government uniform going into the grocery store, because you’ll be harassed. And if you get a flat tire in Blanding in a government rig, you’re not getting it fixed.”
That vitriol toward federal employees, he said, has intensified along with the national political divide and coalesced around the monuments.
“The powers above, out of our reach, are playing and presenting a zerosum game,” Hornsby said. “As long as they’re doing that, there’s not going to be any room for compromise.”
Pollock said he could support a much smaller monument or national park to preserve the most unique, fragile features of Grand Staircase-Escalante. But there’s also a cultural fight underway, he said, that goes beyond the monuments to the character of the place his family has called home for generations.
“The monument folks have tried to change the culture,” he said. “You’ve got an LDS [Latter-day Saint] community that is Godfearing, very conservative, very honest, hardworking folks, family folks…but the folks that have moved in don’t like that culture.”
Ott doesn’t view the divide as quite so severe. He said he’s had some success explaining his point of view to neighbors he describes as “very, very, very environmental,” one of whom asked him why he wants to herd cows at all.
“Because I was born into it and I love it,” Ott remembered telling her. “I have so many memories. I can get on a horse and disappear and nobody knows me. And I enjoy watching a mother cow lick her calf off and pick it up, and I ride for four miles behind her and she coaxes this tiny calf along.”
Choking up, he added, “my cows are, like, a part of me.”
Hornsby and other Bluff officials said they have worked to foster positive relationships with their neighbors on the adjacent Navajo reservation. But he said it’s been difficult for federal agencies, Bluff and the nearby tribe to work together on Bears Ears, which he attributes to the painful history between the American government and Native Americans.
And he worries that those relationships would be strained should Trump move to reduce the monument once again.
“It just keeps cutting that trust in half,” Hornsby said. “You can’t do anything about the past, but you can start the healing process by working with each other, and this does nothing but continue to take the scab off.”
A ‘state of limbo’ in Bluff
Bluff relies on resort taxes from tourism to fund public services like its volunteer-based emergency response. Uncertainty over the fate of Bears Ears, said Mayor Ann Leppanen, has made it nearly impossible for local businesses in the town of 250 people to plan for the future.
“When you go to try and destroy this monument that businesses are building their business plans around, and all of our dollars come from tourism, without looking at the economic impact,” Leppanen said, “it’s just dead wrong to do that.”
The small town’s officials are also struggling to make long-term decisions for their community, which incorporated in 2018, because of the monument’s back-and-forth. One such decision is investing in the Bluff Airport.
The small airport services air tours and access to the desert backcountry— and lies within the restored boundaries of Bears Ears National Monument. The town of Bluff leases the land for the airport from the BLM, and it’s nearly time for the town to renew that lease. That would be worth it if the monument stays in place, the Bluff leaders said, but may not be wise if Trump slashes Bears Ears again.
Tourists have been as confused as Bluff locals, said Jennifer Davila, who owns a boutique inn in the town called La Posada Pintada. Bears Ears doesn’t have a visitor center, nor much signage indicating the monument’s boundaries. She attributes that to the treatment of Bears Ears like a political pawn.
“I feel like we’ve just been living in a state of limbo,” Davila said. “We got [Bears Ears] approved, and then it got flipped all of a sudden, and then, oh, here it is again, and now, just as we’re starting to get the infrastructure in place, we’re at threat of losing it again.”
What’s next?
As his second inauguration day approaches, Trump hasn’t revealed how he will treat Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante this time around.
But Sen. Mike Lee touched on his own hopes last week in a statement: “I look forward to working with President-elect Trump to ensure that national monuments are appropriately confined to the smallest area necessary to protect genuine antiquities, as the law requires.”
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox also said he plans to raise the issue of the monuments with the presidentelect. But ending the debate, he said, may require the Supreme Court to weigh in.
Utah’s Republican state leaders have worked to undermine Biden’s restoration of the two monuments since 2021 through a law-
suit and proposed legislation targeting the Antiquities Act, the 1906 law that authorizes the president to designate national monuments.
“The problem with the Antiquities Act is that one person can sign a proclamation and create a national monument,” Rep. Celeste Maloy posted to X earlier this year. “It’s a way of scoring cheap political points without any input from Congress or local officials.”
State officials have generally advocated for Congress to create national monuments, similar to how national parks are established, arguing the lawmaking process is more collaborative.
The BLM just finalized its plan for Grand Staircase-Escalante on Jan. 6 and scheduled final publication for the Bears Ears plan for Jan. 9. Despite that, Trump can change the boundaries of any national monument through the Antiquities Act, just as he did in 2017. The president-elect could also order the Utah monuments’ management plans to be redone or altered.
Utah’s congressional delegation promised “to fight to return our land to local control and against future federal overreach” in response to the final plan approval.
Despite the draining back-and-forth of the last decade, people who live near the two monuments expect their battle to shape the region’s land and future will continue.
“It’s okay to continue the fight, even if little Escalante is caught in the middle,” said AJ Martel, an accountant who has lived there for six years and opposes the monument. “The right [side] needs to prevail, and sometimes that requires a good effort to fight for what you believe is good. That may be true for the conservationist as well as for the rancher.”
For Baca, the ebbing and flowing political controversy is just background noise.
Collaborating with the federal government, for him, has always been about making sure the sacred Bears Ears landscape—including the wildlife, plants, cultural sites and artifacts within it—is protected, continuing the work of generations before him.
“For me,” he said, “I’m from here. These are my people and my lands. If it’s going to take my whole life to do that, I’m willing to do that.”
This article is published through the Utah News Collaborative, a partnership of news organizations in Utah that aim to inform readers across the state.
This article was originally published on sltrib. com on January 13, 2025.
Projects/Studies:
The tracking data helps us understand when and where animals are moving and helps us determine critical areas for wildlife migration. Connecting wildlife through all their crucial seasonal ranges is accomplished through making habitat improvements; maintaining areas for feeding, rest and cover; removing barriers or impediments to wildlife movement; and incorporating wildlife into land-use planning for activities like recreation and development. Wildlife crossings, when constructed strategically, are really important for maintaining wildlife connectivity across the landscape and tying together all the other work happening to benefit wildlife in Utah.
—Makeda Hanson, DWR Migration Initiative Coordinator road.
Draftsman / Engineering Tech
study the migration patterns of different wildlife and fish species in the state and to help them make those important journeys. Most of the data comes from animals wearing GPS tracking devices or from fish tagged with implanted transmitters.
“The tracking data helps us understand when and where animals are moving and helps us determine critical areas for wildlife migration,” DWR Migration Initiative Coordinator Makeda Hanson said. “Connecting wildlife through all their crucial seasonal ranges is accomplished through making habitat improvements; maintaining areas for feeding, rest and cover; removing barriers or impediments to wildlife movement; and incorporating wildlife into land-use planning for activities like recreation and development. Wildlife crossings, when constructed strategically, are really important for maintaining wildlife connectivity across the landscape and tying together all the other work happening to benefit wildlife in Utah.”
The fish and wildlife structures that assist migration vary and can include:
• Overpasses, which allow wildlife to cross over a roadway.
• Bridges, which allow vehicles to cross over a river or ravine, while wildlife travel underneath the bridge.
• Culverts, which allow wildlife to cross under a roadway—these make up the majority of Utah’s wildlife crossings.
• Fences, which prevent wildlife from crossing roadways in certain areas and instead funnel the animals to an overpass or culvert, where they can safely cross a
Various “fish ladders” and other structures in rivers and streams that help fish move up and downstream to meet their life history needs.
• Fish “barriers,” which are structures that prevent fish from migrating into areas of rivers that are harmful and don’t help them complete their life cycles (or where they may compete with or be preyed on by non-native fish species).
“Utah made history when it completed the first wildlife overpass in the U.S. in 1975 on I-15 near Beaver,” DWR Wildlife Impact Analysis Coordinator Daniel Olson said. “Since then, dozens of projects have been completed around the state that allow the passage of wildlife and fish. These structures typically take several months to build, depending on the size and weather conditions, and they can take several years of prior planning and collaboration. We are so grateful for the partnerships we have with various state agencies, land-management agencies, private landowners and other organizations to implement these important structures for fish and wildlife around the state.”
Here are the areas where the DWR, UDOT and other partners completed new projects to assist with wildlife and fish migration in 2024:
Central Utah
During Gov. Cox’s Month of Service Initiative, UDOT program development staff repaired approximately one mile of fence on and near the Parleys Summit wildlife crossing.
• Eagle Mountain City, along with the Mountainland Association of Governments, constructed a wildlife underpass beneath Airport Road, as part of the ongoing mi-
gration plan to allow continued deer movements in growing Eagle Mountain.
A wildlife-vehicle collision mitigation study was conducted for SR-248 and is nearing completion.
Northern Utah
• The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation partnered with the DWR to install three new miles of wildlife fencing at Echo Junction. The project helps funnel wildlife to existing underpasses and also under the Weber River bridge to assist in their migrations. It was completed in November 2024.
Repairs were made to seven miles of existing fencing in Sardine Canyon. This project is still underway.
A fish passage project along South Fork Junction Creek was completed in west Box Elder County, which reconnected over twenty-five miles of stream corridor.
Southern Utah
• A wildlife-vehicle collision mitigation study was conducted for SR18, which was completed in July 2024. One of the recommendations from the study was to deploy seasonal driver alerts, in an effort to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions. Currently, UDOT has a changeable message board alerting drivers of deer crossings in areas with a high number of wildlife-vehicle collisions along SR-18 near Dammeron Valley.
“We are really excited about the grants that we have been able to secure to establish more wildlife crossings across Utah, in conjunction with the migration data provided by the DWR,” UDOT Natural Resource Manager Matt Howard said. “We’ve learned a lot about these funding processes and are hopeful that we can continue
to obtain the necessary funding to implement additional wildlife structures across the state to keep wildlife and drivers safe.”
Upcoming projects
Funding has been secured for some upcoming projects, as well. Here’s a look at a few of those:
In December 2023, the Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program awarded UDOT $5.5 million—in addition to $400,000 that the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and conservation groups had contributed to DWR through a grant and external conservation permit funding and $4.5 million that UDOT contributed—for the construction of additional wildlife underpasses and fencing along US-89 near Kanab. Work on the project planning began in 2024, with construction tentatively scheduled for later this year.
In January 2025, UDOT was awarded a $9.6 million federal grant to make wildlife safety improvements along US-40 in Wasatch and Duchesne counties, including adding twenty-three miles of wildlife fencing along US-40, retrofitting three existing wildlife underpasses and adding one new underpass from Fruitland to Starvation Reservoir.
A new project to install wildlife fencing on I-15 (between mileposts 1822, near Quail Creek State Park) is underway and will be completed this year. Additional wildlife fencing along I-15 near Fillmore is anticipated, as well.
Visit the DWR website to learn more about how these wildlife solutions are funded and listen to the DWR Wild podcast to learn how the locations are selected.
—Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
SC Broadband has an opening in Panguitch or Cedar for a Draftsman / Engineering Tech
SCBroadband is looking to add to our great team. This position’s responsibility will be both drafting and helping engineers by staking out construction projects, verifying construction details, and other types of field work.
The successful candidate must be computer savvy with an eye for detail and be able to do some light physical work in the field.
Experience in ESRI recommended but not required. Experience in Microsoft Office, including strong Excel skills. Competitive compensation and excellent benefits. Submit resumes to: South Central Communications PO Box 555 Escalante, UT 84726 Attn: HR or email to HR@socen.com
Clerk for Teasdale Special Service District
The Teasdale Special Service District is hiring a new clerk The responsibilities of the position include: monthly billing, budgeting, financial reports, monthly meetings, along with all reports and any requirements put forth from the State. Must have some understanding of Quickbooks, and the knowledge of basic computer skills. This is a part time position All interested parties please contact Greg Coleman at 435-491-9213 and be prepared to submit a resume.
Thurs. Jan. 30th Ham and White Beans, Onion Bread, Salad Bar w/ Eggs, Peaches, Sweet Rolls SENIOR CENTER MENUS PANGUITCH SENIOR CENTER HOT LUNCH PROGRAM 87 N 50 W • 676-2281/676-1140 Suggested donation $4.00 60 & older, $10.00 under 60 Call before 10 AM of the day of attendance to reserve a spot. Meals include milk & bread.
Tues. Jan. 28th Chicken Enchiladas, Salad Bar, Veggies, Tropical Fruit, Brownie
Wed. Jan. 29th Spaghetti, Green Salad, Corn, Garlic Toast, Pears, Apple Pudding Cake
Lasagna w/ Meat Sauce, Italian Vegetables, Salad, Fruit, Peach Cobbler
Pork Enchiladas, Rice and Black Beans, Corn, Salad Bar, Pineapple, Apple Pie Bites
Tues. Jan. 28th Wed. Jan. 29th Thurs. Jan. 30th Asian Chicken Salad, Mandarin Oranges, Almonds, Crunchy Noodles, Green Onion, Beets, Peaches, Shortbread Bar Cookies
NOTE: PLEASE BE COURTEOUS AND CALL AHEAD. The kitchen staff work diligently to prepare a good dinner, and a head count helps them prepare enough for everyone.
Bryce Valley Senior Lunches at the BRYCE VALLEY Senior Center
TUES Jan. 28th Cheeseburgers, French Fries, Green Beans, Salad Bar, Peaches, Chocolate Cake
WED Jan. 29th Chicken Pot Pie, Salad Bar, Pears, Rice Krispie
THURS Jan. 30th Hamburger, Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, California Vegetables, Mixed Fruit, Cookie
Call by 10:00 A.M. if you want a lunch or need a ride. 679-8666 All meals are served with milk & bread. Suggested donation is $4 for seniors and $10 for those under 60 years of age.
For people with mental health conditions Mon, Wed, Fri 7:00 - 8:30 pm Wed 12:30 - 2:00 pm Sat 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
loved ones of people with mental health conditions Mon, Tues, Thurs 7:00 - 8:30 pm Register at namiut.org Escalante Senior Citizens Menu All meals are served with milk or juice. If you would like a meal, please call us by 10:00 am. 826-4317. Suggested donation for seniors over 60 is $4.00, and under 60 is $10.00
C lassified a ds
Wayne Community Health Center
Full-time Custodian Bicknell Clinic
Job Posting: Full-time Custodian
Location: Bicknell, UT
Organization: Wayne Community Health Center
Wayne Community Health Center is currently accepting applications for a fulltime Custodian, General Cleaning position for our Bicknell, UT location
Position Overview:
Hours:
• Monday - Friday, 2:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Key Responsibilities:
• Ensure spaces are prepared for the next day by sanitizing all surfaces.
• Taking out trash.
• Sanitizing furniture and dusting surfaces.
• Sweep and mop floors and vacuum carpets.
• Wash and sanitize toilets, sinks and shower.
• Restock disposables (e.g., soap, Paper Towels)
• Clean mirrors and windows
• Secure facilities after operating hours by locking doors, closing windows and setting up the alarm
Qualifications:
• Must be able to pass background check
• Self-motivated and task-oriented
• Team player
Compensation:
Pay is dependent upon experience
Benefits:
• 401K
• Sick/Vacation and Holiday Leave
• Medical/Dental/Pharmacy discounts
Application Process:
Please email your resume to AmberLee Ellett at aellett@waynechc.org
Wayne Community Health Center is an equal opportunity employer. We look forward to welcoming dedicated and motivated individuals to our team!
Part-time Kitchen Help Tropic Senior Citizen’s Center
Garfield County is accepting applications for part-time kitchen help at the Tropic Senior Citizen’s Center. The Center is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Applications are available at the Garfield County Clerk’s Office 55 South Main, Panguitch or online at garfield.utah.gov and will be accepted until 5 p.m., Friday, February 7, 2025
Garfield County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all applications. Garfield County is an equal opportunity employer.
Position Announcements
POSITIONS AVAILABLE: Garfield County School District is hiring for the following positions. For the application process and description of each, please see the district website www.garfk12.org
Head Football Coach at Panguitch High
Administrative Assistant at District Office
Head Volleyball Coach at Bryce Valley High
Athletic Announcer at Bryce Valley High
Substitute/Activity Bus Drivers
Para-Professionals/Aides at All Schools
Substitutes for Teachers, Custodians, and Food Service Workers
SALARY: Please see 2024-2025 Garfield County School Districts Classified, District Office, and Certified Salary Schedules on the district website.
QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must be fingerprinted and satisfactorily pass an employment background check.
Garfield County School District is an equal opportunity employer. Garfield County School District reserves the right to accept or reject any or all applications.
We are looking for friendly, hardworking professionals who enjoy the hospitality industry and interaction with guests.
POSITIONS AVAILABLE: Front Desk Agents
Laundry Services
Housekeepers Maintenance
Bellmen
Positions to start April 1st through October 31st
At Capitol Reef Resort we promote from within. Please stop by in person to complete an application. We are located at 2600 E SR 24, Torrey, UT 84775 435-425-3761
Wayne Community Health Center
Dental Assistant at WCHC Bicknell / Escalante Dental
Join our team as a motivated Dental Assistant
Are you a dedicated and enthusiastic individual seeking a rewarding career in the dental Field?
• Bicknell Dental is currently seeking a Part Time or Full-Time Dental Assistant to become a valuable member of our dynamic team.
• Escalante Dental is currently seeking a Part-Time Dental Assistant to join our dynamic team. Why choose Bicknell/Escalante Dental?
• Competitive benefits package tailored to your working hours
• An inclusive and supportive work environment
• Opportunity for professional growth and development
Position Overview:
As a Dental Assistant at Bicknell/Escalante Dental, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of our dental practice. Your responsibilities will include:
• Interacting with patients in a friendly and compassionate manner
• Proficiently taking X-rays and supporting chair-side procedures
• Managing scheduling, charting, and documenting dental visits using computer systems
• Ensuring thorough sterilization of dental instruments
• Setting up and maintaining a clean and organized operatory and office space
Preferred Qualifications (not required):
We value experience, but are also excited to provide training to individuals new to the field. If you have any of the following qualifications, it’s a plus:
• Dental assisting experience
• Exposure to Pediatric, Endodontic, Oral Surgery, and General Dentistry
• Familiarity with computer charting and Digital X-rays
• X-ray Certification
• CPR Certification How to Apply: We encourage all interested candidates to apply, regardless of your level of experience. I you’re passionate about dental health and eager to contribute to a supportive team, we want to hear from you! Please email your resume to aellett@waynechc.org and take the first step toward an exciting career with Bicknell/ Escalante Dental. Join us in making a difference in the lives of our patients. Apply today!
MEETINGS
TROPIC AA MEETING
Wednesday at 6 PM. Tropic Heritage Center. All meetings are closed discussion. Escalante AA Meeting Winter schedule: Tues. & Fri. at 6pm Call 435-676-3653 All meetings are closed discussion
Answers for this week
The Wayne Community Health Centers are committed to providing high quality health services to our communities’ residents and visitors. Its purpose is to provide quality health services to all people including those facing financial, geographic and/or cultural barriers to healthcare.
Medical Assistant at Kazan Memorial Clinic
Job Opening: 1 Full-Time Medical Assistant and 1 As Needed Medical Assistant
We are seeking a dedicated, professional, and compassionate Medical Assistant to join our team. The ideal candidate will provide excellent patient care, assist in clinical and administrative tasks, and work collaboratively with our healthcare providers. Offering a full-time position and an as-needed position.
Location: Kazan Memorial Clinic
Key Responsibilities:
• Greet and prepare patients for examinations and procedures
• Take and record patient histories, vital signs, and other necessary information
• Assist physicians with exams, treatments, and minor procedures
• Administer medications, injections, and vaccinations as directed by physicians Prepare and sterilize medical equipment
• Schedule patient appointments and manage patient flow
• Maintain accurate patient records and assist with billing and coding
• Handle patient inquiries and provide excellent customer service
• Ensure the cleanliness and organization of exam rooms and work areas
• Support the overall operation of the medical office Qualifications:
• Certification as a Medical Assistant (CMA, RMA, or equivalent) is preferred but on-the-job training is available.
• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in a clinical setting preferred
• Knowledge of medical terminology, office procedures, and basic clinical tasks
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to multi-task and stay organized in a fast-paced environment
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and medical software systems Compensation: Competitive wage based on experience
• Medical & Dental Benefits
- Full-Time Employee’s Benefits are covered in full.
- Employees pay 50% of the cost for dependents.
• After a year of full-time employment, Long Term Disability is purchased by WCHC & paid 50% by employee
• Eligible for Life Insurance up to 50k at no cost after 60 days.
• Eligible for supplemental insurance through Aflac/Liberty National.
• 401K is offered on the day of hire—WCHC Matches up to 5%. After 60 days.
• Flex Spending: You will be eligible on January 1st.
• 4 hours of sick leave accrued a pay period.
• 4 hours annual leave accrued a pay period. (Cannot exceed 240 hrs.)
• 8 hours holiday pay:
- New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth (June 19th), July 4th, July 24th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving day, The day after Thanksgiving (instead of Veterans Day), Christmas Day
Employees and Families also get a percentage discount in each department. (Medical, Dental, Pharmacy)
How to Apply: Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume to josiem@waynechc.org
We look forward to welcoming a new member to our team, which is committed to providing exceptional patient care! Wayne Community Health Centers Inc. is an equal-opportunity employer. The Wayne Community Health Centers are committed to providing high quality health services to our communities’ residents and visitors. Its purpose is to provide quality health services to all people including those facing financial,
