The Wayne & Garfield County Insider January 25, 2024

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Corner Post Media, P.O. Box 105, Escalante, UT 84726

Thursday, January 25, 2024

Wayne County Commission

Issue #1547

insiderutah.com

Entrada to Host First "Classic Conversation" of 2024 with Journalist Zak Podmore, Feb. 1

by Amiee Maxwell

Jan. 16, 2024 WAYNE CO. - The Wayne County Commission meeting on January 16, 2024, opened with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. The first item of business was a discussion about Historical Cattle Trails with DeRae Fillmore but Fillmore had to cancel so this was not discussed.

Trent Wilde requested the commissioner’s signature on the yearly Utah State University Coop Agreement. This agreement was identical to last year’s except for the dates and budget information.

The commission approved the agreement as is.

Next, the commission quickly discussed a fee increase for the landfill.

The rate for the standard dumping fee of up to one ton will go up from $10 to $15. The landfill will only take checks or credit Wayne Commission Cont'd on B3

Courtesy Entrada Institute

Entrada Institute will host a "Classic Conversation" with award-winning journalist Zak Podmore at Robbers Roost in Torrey on February 1 at 7 p.m.

TORREY - In his book Life After Dead Pool, to be published in August 2024, award-winning journalist Zak Podmore brings to life the magnificent ter-

USU Extension Launches E-Commerce Accelerator Program to Boost Rural Utah Small Businesses

by Jacob Webb | Utah State University Extension

Courtesy USU Extension

The owner of Inspired Services in Cedar City, Utah, is a recent graduate of the USU Extension E-Commerce Accelerator program, a program designed to empower small businesses in rural Utah.

UTAH - Utah State University Extension’s Rural Online Initiative (ROI) recently announced the launch of the E-Commerce Accelerator (ECA) program designed to empower small businesses in rural

Utah.

The comprehensive six-week program is designed to equip small businesses with the skills and ECA Program Cont'd on B3

REGIONAL WEATHER FORECAST FOR SOME BUT NOT ALL REGIONS REPRESENTED IN OUR NEWSPAPER COVERAGE AREA

rain and complex politics of the Colorado River, its dying reservoirs, and the natural and cultural histories of Glen Canyon that are reemerging as Lake

BLM Announces Feb. Virtual Meeting of GSENM Advisory Committee

Powell shrinks to record lows. He explores the challenges ahead with a focus on the bright side of the water crisis: the surprising ecological rebirth that's

**Weather is subject to Change

ESCALANTE / CEDAR CITY / KANAB - SC Broadband believes quality education is the building block for young people to compete in today’s fast-changing world.

The company places great emphasis on education and recognizes that a good education is valuable to not only the scholarship recipient, but also to the communities in which they live.

Each year, SC Broadband awards eleven General Education Scholarships of $1,000 and eleven Trade and Vocational Scholarships up to $3,000.

Scholarships are awarded to deserving applicants based on academic merit, accomplishments, community involvement, and desire to invest in the future of our local area.

“Our goal is to bring

Zak Podmore

Scholarships

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Strong Visitor Support for Steps to Limit Light Pollution

by Jessica Weinberg McClosky | Park Science Magazine

GRAND STAIRCASE-ESCALANTE N.M. - The Bureau of Land Management invites the public to attend a virtual public meeting of the Grand StaircaseEscalante National Monument Advisory Committee on Feb. 29, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Mountain Time (MT). A public comment period is scheduled from 10:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. MT, or until all public comments have concluded, whichever comes first.

The 15-member, citiGSENM Meeting Cont'd on A3

National Park Service

Star viewing party at Cedar Breaks National Monument in Utah. The vertical cluster of stars on the right in the picture is the Milky Way, our galaxy. It's invisible to most people in the U.S. because of light pollution.

UTAH - If you live in the United States, chances are the night sky hasn’t wowed you lately. More than 99 percent of U.S. residents live in areas affected

by light pollution. Over 80 percent can’t see the Milky Way. Researchers expect those numbers to keep climbing. People are using ever more energy lighting

up the sky rather than areas where they need light.

And all that excess light Night Skies Cont'd on B4

UPCOMING EVENTS...

2024 Panguitch Ice Fishing Derby

Feb. 3, 2024 Panguitch Lake Fishing starts at 6 a.m.

THURS. JAN. 25 - WED. JAN. 31

Snow showers on Thursday, with partly cloudy days and little chance of precip for the rest of the week. Highs range from the high 30s to the low 50s; lows in the teens and 20s.

already unfolding in Glen Canyon. Through clear science writing and lyri-

SC Broadband Offering 22 Educational Scholarships; Deadline to Apply is Feb. 16

Well done is better than well said.

—Benjamin Franklin

Bryce Winterfest Feb. 17 -19

Ruby's Inn rubysinn.com/bryce-canyonwinter-festival ALL content for THE WAYNE & GARFIELD COUNTY INSIDER MUST BE submitted by FRIDAY AT NOON to be included in the following Thursday edition of the paper.

BOXHOLDER

NONPROFIT US POSTAGE PAID RICHFIELD, UTAH PERMIT No. 122

The Insider

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January 25, 2024

‘Emergency’ or Not, Covid Is Still Killing People.

Here’s What Doctors Advise to Stay Safe.

by Amy Maxmen | KFF Health News monia in China, Denmark, and France in November and December, because they fit cyclical patterns of the pneumonia-causing bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae rather than outbreaks of a dangerous new bug.

Public health researchers recommend following the CDC guidance on getting the latest covid and influenza vaccines to ward off hospitalization and death from the diseases and reduce chances of getting sick. A recent review of studies that included 614,000 people found that those who received two covid vaccines were also less likely to develop long covid; often involving fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and joint pain, the condition is marked by the development or continuation of symptoms a few months after an infection and has been debilitating for millions of people. Another analysis found that people who had three doses of covid vaccines were much less likely to have long covid than those who were unvaccinated. (A caveat, however, is that those with three doses might have taken additional measures to avoid infections than those who chose to go without.)

It's not too late for an influenza vaccine, either, said Helen Chu, a doctor and epidemiologist at the University of Washington in Seattle. Influenza continues to rise into the new year, especially in southern states and California. Last season’s shot appeared to reduce adults’ risk of visits to the emergency room and urgent care by almost half and hospitalization by more than a third. Meanwhile, another seasonal illness with a fresh set of vaccines released last year, respiratory syncytial virus, appears to be waning this month.

Another powerful way to prevent covid, influenza, common colds, and other airborne infections is by wearing an N95 mask. Many researchers say they’ve returned to socializing without one but opt for the masks in crowded, indoor places when wearing one would not be particularly burdensome.

Karan, for example, wears his favorite N95 masks on airplanes. And don’t forget good, old-fashioned handwashing, which helps prevent infections as well.

If you do all that and still feel sick? Researchers say they reach for rapid covid tests. While they’ve never been perfect, they’re often quite helpful in guiding a person’s next steps.

When President Joe Biden declared the end of the public health emergency last year, many federally funded testing sites that sent samples to laboratories shut their doors.

As a result, people now mainly turn to home covid tests that signal an infection within 15 minutes and cost around $6 to $8 each at many pharmacies. The trick is to use these tests correctly by taking more than one when there’s reason for concern. They miss early infections more often than tests processed in a lab, because higher levels of the coronavirus are required for detection—and the virus takes time to multiply in the body. For this reason, Karan considers

other information. “If I ran into someone who turned out to be sick, and then I get symptoms a few days later,” he said, “the chance is high that I have whatever they had, even if a test is negative.”

A negative result with a rapid test might mean simply that an infection hasn’t progressed enough to be detected, that the test had expired, or that it was conducted wrong.

To be sure the culprit behind symptoms like a sore throat isn’t covid, researchers suggest testing again in a day or two. It often takes about three days after symptoms start for a test to register as positive, said Karan, adding that such time estimates are based on averages and that individuals may deviate from the norm.

If a person feels healthy and wants to know their status because they were around someone with covid, Karan recommends testing two to four days after the exposure. To protect others during those uncertain days, the person can wear an N95 mask that blocks the spread of the virus. If tests remain negative five days after an exposure and the person still feels fine, Chu said, they’re unlikely to be infected— and if they are, viral levels would be so low that they would be unlikely to pass the disease to others.

Positive tests, on the other hand, reliably flag an infection. In this case, people can ask a doctor whether they qualify for the antiviral drug Pax-

lovid. The pills work best when taken immediately after symptoms begin so that they slash levels of the virus before it damages the body. Some studies suggest the medicine reduces a person’s risk of long covid, too, but the evidence is mixed. Another note on tests: Don’t worry if they continue to turn out positive for longer than symptoms last; the virus may linger even if it’s no longer replicating. After roughly a week since a positive test or symptoms, studies suggest, a person is unlikely to pass the virus to others.

If covid is ruled out, Karan recommends tests for influenza because they can guide doctors on whether to prescribe an antiviral to fight it—or if instead it’s a bacterial infection, in which case antibiotics may be in order. (One new home test diagnoses covid and influenza at the same time.) Whereas antivirals and antibiotics target the source of the ailment, over-the-counter medications may soothe congestion, coughs, fevers, and other symptoms. That said, the FDA recently determined that a main ingredient in versions of Sudafed, NyQuil, and other decongestants, called phenylephrine, is ineffective.

Jobs complicate a personal approach to staying healthy.

Emergency-era business closures have ended, and mandates on vaccination and wearing masks have receded across Covid

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Letters to the Editor Send us your letters.

Your thoughts, opinions, and notes to the community are important to us and we welcome your submissions of 500 words or less.

Letters to the editor must include the author’s name and location (town). We may edit letters for length, format and clarity, and we also reserve the right to refuse material. Opinions expressed in letters to the editor are not necessarily those of The Insider.

Send letters to snapshot@live.com.

Keep It Up! I have been pleased to see that The Insider is now publishing home-grown cartoons for readers to enjoy. Thanks to cartoonists Lynn Griffin and Howard Hutchison for keeping us

laughing. I also appreciate the recent addition of indepth reporting of Escalante High School sports by Nancy Goude. Keep it up!

Julie Brugger, Escalante

Election Year is Upon Us

The election year is upon us. Our candidates and national leaders must address a crisis we may never recover from. This month, our nations debt totaled $34 trillion dollars.

No one understands what one trillion dollars represents. To try to understand let us focus on what one second is. One thousand seconds is almost 17 minutes; one million seconds is over 11 days; one billion seconds is almost 32 years; one trillion seconds is 31,688 years worth of seconds! To try to help us understand our debt, let $1.00 represent one second, then our national debt represents one million seventy-seven thousand years

(1,077,392 years) worth of seconds! The first civilization of man began 24,000 years ago. Can we go to a bank and get a loan for 20 times more than the value of our house? We must fix this problem so our great grandchildren do not inherit it. The countries that have loaned us the money may call the loan due and payable, foreclosing our country. None of the above figures include the interest we are paying on the loan, which is over $8.00 per day for every man woman and child in America!! Let us be responsible and correct this.

Dean Sheffer, Panguitch

Insider

The

U.S. - With around 20,000 people dying of covid in the United States since the start of October, and tens of thousands more abroad, the covid pandemic clearly isn’t over. However, the crisis response is, since the World Health Organization and the Biden administration ended their declared health emergencies last year.

Let’s not confuse the terms “pandemic” and “emergency.” As Abraar Karan, an infectious disease physician and researcher at Stanford University, said, “The pandemic is over until you are scrunched in bed, feeling terrible.”

Pandemics are defined by neither time nor severity, but rather by large numbers of ongoing infections worldwide.

Emergencies are acute and declared to trigger an urgent response. Ending the official emergency shifted the responsibility for curbing covid from leaders to the public.

In the United States, it meant, for example, that the government largely stopped covering the cost of covid tests and vaccines.

But the virus is still infecting people; indeed, it is surging right now.

With changes in the nature of the pandemic and the response, KFF Health News spoke with doctors and researchers about how to best handle covid, influenza, and other respiratory ailments spreading this season. A holiday wave of sickness has ensued as expected.

Covid infections have escalated nationwide in the past few weeks, with analyses of virus traces in wastewater suggesting infection rates as high as last year. More than 73,000 people died of covid in the U.S. in 2023, meaning the virus remains deadlier than car accidents and influenza. Still, compared with last year’s seasonal surge, this winter’s wave of covid hospitalizations has been lower and death rates less than half.

“We’re seeing outbreaks in homeless shelters and in nursing homes, but hospitals aren’t overwhelmed like they have been in the past,” said Salvador Sandoval, a doctor and health officer at the Merced County public health department in California. He attributes that welcome fact to vaccination, covid treatments like Paxlovid, and a degree of immunity from prior infections. While a new coronavirus variant, JN.1, has spread around the world, the current vaccines and covid tests remain effective.

Other seasonal illnesses are surging, too, but rates are consistent with previous years. Between 9,400 and 28,000 people died from influenza between Oct. 1 and Jan. 6, estimates the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and millions felt so ill from the flu that they sought medical care.

Cases of pneumonia—a serious condition marked by inflamed lungs that can be triggered by the flu, covid, or other infections— also predictably rose as winter set in. Researchers are now less concerned about flare-ups of pneu-

P.O. Box 105 Escalante, UT 84726 435-826-4400 email snapshot@live.com Publisher: Erica Walz Layout & Graphic Design: Emily Leach Reporter: Tessa Barkan Reporter: Amiee Maxwell Reporter: Kadi Franson Reporter: Ian Marynowski Reporter: Jaynie Connor Reporter: Nancy Goude Payroll: Trudy Stowe

Local columnists:

Mack Oetting - FYI Panguitch The Insider is a weekly community newspaper delivered each Thursday to households in Wayne and Garfield counties, Utah. The entire contents of this newspaper are © 2023 The Wayne & Garfield County Insider, LLC/ Corner Post Media. The Insider reserves the right to edit or reject any advertisement or submitted content items. Articles submitted by independent writers may or may not be the opinion of The Insider.

Please feel free to contact us for advertising rates and with any questions regarding content submissions. We prefer content and ads submitted by email to snapshot@live.com but we will accept your information any way you can get it to us.

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Content and ad deadline: Friday at Noon Have a news tip or story idea?

Email us at snapshot@live.com or call us at 435-826-4400

The Insider

January 25, 2024

Tech Scene Grows in States Like Utah, But Not Without Challenges

by Alex Gonzalez | Utah News Connection UTAH - A new report showed the share of tech jobs in what are known as "superstar" cities such as the Bay Area, Boston, Los Angeles and New York has dipped in recent years, while it has been growing in other cities including Salt Lake City.

According to a recent study from the University of Utah, more than 60% of out-of-state movers have settled in Salt Lake and Utah counties. The state's positive net migration is partially attributed to favorable economic conditions.

Steve Case, chairman and CEO of the venture capital firm Revolution LLC, has been a proponent for investment outside coastal hubs for years. He said it is important to recognize the impact the trend is having, especially post-pandemic.

"Obviously the pandemic was tragic in many respects, I don't want to make light of that," Case noted. "But it did shift how people think about work and life and shift the ability to have more flexible work, more remote work, more hybrid work has been helpful to a lot of these cities."

Case observed many highly educated and skilled professionals in the tech sector who can telework have taken advantage of new possibilities. The commercial real estate and investment firm CBRE said Salt Lake City had more than 22% growth in tech jobs in 2021 and 2022, making it one of the leading tech markets in the U.S. While seeing more people moving to states such as Utah can be interpreted as a good thing on an economic level, Case

cautioned it does not come without its own unique set of challenges, like putting pressure on housing costs and increasing demand on public services.

"But you need that dynamism in order to be successful as a city," Case contended. "Trying to manage that in a smart way and be thoughtful if you are successful enough to have some big companies launch and scale there or get other companies to move there."

Case added how local governments in Utah and across the country respond to businesses and more inmigration over the years will have a direct effect on competitiveness and wellbeing, which is why he encouraged city planners to develop a strategy to harness local talent, capital and a better culture for entrepreneurs.

GSENM Meeting: The Bureau of Land

Management invites the public to attend a virtual public meeting of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Advisory Committee on Feb. 29, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Mountain Time (MT).

BLM Utah

Calf Creek at Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The Bureau of Land Management invites the public to attend a virtual public meeting of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Advisory Committee on Feb. 29, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Mountain Time (MT).

GSENM Meeting Cont'd from A1

zen-based committee provides information and advice to the Secretary of the Interior on science-based issues concerning the Monument.

Planned agenda items for the February meeting will include: • Administrative business.

• A status update on the monument resource management plan.

• A public comment period.

• Election of the advisory committee chairperson.

The agenda and meeting access information are available at https://bit. ly/3QGqaqJ. Participants must register in advance via Zoom to attend at https:// bit.ly/422DIlS. Registrants will receive a confirmation email including the meeting link and dial-in phone numbers.

Given the potential number of participants dur-

ing the public comment period, the time allotted for individual comments may be limited. Public comments may be emailed in advance to dhercher@blm. gov. Comments received prior to the meeting will be recorded in the meeting minutes. Please contact us no later than seven days prior to the virtual public meeting if reasonable accommodations are needed to participate.

—Bureau of Land Management

Zak Podmore: As an award-winning author

and journalist, Podmore has spent more than a decade writing about water and conservation issues in the western United States.

Zak Podmore

Cont'd from A1

cal prose, Life After Dead Pool debunks the notion that the West’s water challenges are unsolvable and invites us to secure a future where Glen Canyon returns in its wild glory and the Colorado River once again runs free.

On February 1 at 7:00 p.m., Podmore will engage with Don Gomes in a "Classic Conversation" at Robbers Roost, 185 West Main Street in Torrey. During the hourlong conversation, an inperson audience, as well as viewers on Facebook Live, will be able to ask Podmore additional questions about his life as a

journalist in the back country.

As an award-winning author and journalist, Podmore has spent more than a decade writing about water and conservation issues in the western United States.

His first book, Confluence: Navigating the Personal & Political on Rivers of the New West (Torrey House Press), was selected for Outside magazine’s 12 Favorite Earth Day Reads and the Pacific Standard’s 25 Must-Read Books of Fall 2019. He is the recipient of the Ellen Meloy Desert Writers award and was the Entrada Institute’s Writing from the Land writer-inresidence in 2023. Most recently, Podmore was the southern Utah reporter for

The Salt Lake Tribune. He lives in Bluff, Utah.

Podmore may share many stories, but did you know…

"Classic Conversations" are produced and moderated by Don Gomes, vice president of the Entrada Institute. Gomes’ skill as an interviewer is based on the 25 years that he spent as an award-winning public broadcaster in Utah, Indiana, and Texas.

To attend this program, go to www.entradainstitute.org, click on “Attend an Event,” select this event, choose “Event Registration,” and “Register.” Events are also livestreamed at Entrada Institute on Facebook.

—Entrada Institute

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Wills, Trusts, and More

The Insider

Trusts Don’t Always Avoid Probate

by Jeffery J. McKenna You created a trust to avoid probate and facilitate the administration of your estate. This is a good decision. However, it is critical to know that trusts only avoid probate if your assets are transferred into the trust. This process of transferring assets to the trust is called funding the trust.

The type of asset determines the method of transfer. If you think in terms of how you obtained the asset, you will have a clue to transferring it. For example, you obtained your house when you received a deed. In order to transfer real estate to your trust, a deed is prepared from you, as the present owner, to you, as the trustee of your trust. Once the deed into the trust is recorded, the transfer is complete. Let's look at some other common assets and see how they are transferred to your trust: • Motor vehicles - re-title the vehicle in the name of the trust (note however that in many states, including Utah, Nevada and Arizona, motor vehicles can usually be transferred upon death without probate).

• Bank accounts, including CDs - a change of name form is filled out at the bank or credit union.

• Savings bonds - special forms are provided by the Federal Reserve or

your bank.

• Stock certificates - the transfer agent for the stock is contacted and a change of name form is completed. A signature guarantee may be required.

• Brokerage accounts similar to individual stock.

• Personal property - a document called an assignment or bill of sale is executed that transfers all categories of personal property that do not require special treatment.

• IRAs and other "Qualified" money - never transfer OWNERSHIP of this type of account to your trust. Transferring ownership would trigger all taxes and penalties that result from withdrawing this special asset. Rather than transferring ownership, the beneficiary designation(s) may need to be changed.

Note: If you have accounts or policies with beneficial designations—IRAs, life insurance, annuities, etc.,—make sure that the designations are consistent with your current estate plans as they will control where that property goes.

Some of the assets you transfer to your trust will be covered by one or more insurance policies. For example, your home is usually covered. The insurance company should be notified to add the trust as an "other

Comics

January 25, 2024

tHe lAuGhiNg pOiNt!!

Bet

NOW WITH RICHFIELD AND PANGUITCH OFFICES TO SERVE CLIENTS IN AROUND THE SURROUNDING COUNTIES. Jeffery J. McKenna is a local attorney whose practice has been focused on Estate Planning for over 25 years.

He is licensed and serves clients in Utah, Arizona and Nevada. He is a shareholder at the law firm of Barney, McKenna and Olmstead. If you have questions you would like addressed in these articles, please feel free to contact him at 435 628-1711 or jmckenna@barney-mckenna. com or visit the firm’s website at WWW.BARNEY-MCKENNA.COM, he would enjoy hearing from you. Additionally, you can RSVP to attend one of his FREE Estate Planning Seminars in Richfield, at 159 North Main Street, every Third Thursday. insured.”

Just keep in mind that a little paperwork is required to fund your trust.

Once your trust is fully funded, future additions will be relatively simple.

A proud and confident genius makes a bet with an idiot.

The genius says, "Hey idiot, every question I ask you that you don't know the answer, you have to give me $5. And if you ask me a question and I can't answer yours I will give you $5,000."

The idiot says, "Okay."

The genius then asks, "How many continents are there in the world?" The idiot doesn't know and hands over the $5.

The idiot says, "Now me ask: what animal stands with two legs but sleeps with three?" The genius tries and searches very hard for the answer but gives up and hands over the $5000.

The genius says, "Dang it, I lost. By the way, what was the answer to your question?"

The idiot hands over $5.

Pay Up

A man went to his lawyer and told him, "My neighbor owes me $500 and he won’t pay up. What should I do?"

"Do you have any proof he owes you the money?" asked the lawyer.

"Nope," replied the man.

"OK, then write him a letter asking him for the $5,000 he owed you," said the lawyer.

"But it's only $500," replied the man.

"Precisely. That’s what he will reply and then you’ll have your proof!"

Sour Grapes

What did the green grape say to the purple grape?

"Breathe, stupid!"

PUNishment

Whoever invented knock knock jokes should get a no bell prize.

sudoku To Play: Complete the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9

Dream

A woman was taking an afternoon nap. When she woke up, she told her husband, "I just dreamed that you gave me a pearl necklace. What do you think it means?"

"You'll know tonight," he said.

That evening, the man came home with a small package and gave it to his wife.

Delighted, she opened it to find a book entitled "The Meaning of Dreams."

This week's answers on B5

THEME:

Classic Toys ACROSS 1. Sri Lankan language 6. Something to chew on, especially for cows 9. Mascara holder 13. Muscat resident 14. "____ Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" 15. Father, colloquially 16. Jewish folklore creature 17. Debtor's letters 18. Art class prop 19. *Barbie's little sister 21. *____4 game 23. One less than jack 24. *____Frog educational toy 25. Nutcracker's distinguishing feature 28. Taboo, alt. sp.

30. Cooking fat 35. Deserter's acronym 37. President's David 39. Shower accessory 40. Pro ____ 41. Conical dwellings 43. Prep flour 44. *Thomas or Henry, e.g.

46. Law school test acronym 47. Genealogist's creation 48.

Maurice of "Where the Wild Things Are" 50. Flying saucers 52. Make mistakes 53. Chemically-induced curls 55. Harry Potter's Hedwig 57. *Certain Patch 61. *Not real dough 65. Normal 66. Clingy seed container 68. ____-____-la 69. Theater curtain fabric 70. Put into service 71. Female deer, pl.

72. Pub offering 73. Goo on a trunk 74. What's in your ewallet?

DOWN 1. Duds or threads 2. Wildly 3. French Sudan after 1960 4. All thumbs 5. Marine gastropod 6. Coconut fiber 7. *Shedding-type card game 8. Tie in tennis 9. Shark's provision 10. Part of cathedral 11. Work detail 12. "Stop!" to marchers 15. Correspondence friend (2 words) 20. Make, as in a law 22. Edible type of grass 24. Complete payment (2 words) 25. *Banned lawn darts 26. Fully informed 27. Supreme Teutonic god 29. Get-out-of-jail money 31. Like Neverland boys 32. France's longest

river 33. Bid on a house, e.g.

34. *Certain gun ammo 36. "Best ____ schemes o'Mice an' Men" 38. "La Vie en rose" singer 42. Counter seat 45. Flamethrower fuel 49. Party barrel 51. Swaddle 54. Type of puzzle 56. Words in song, sing.

57. Intersection of two arcs 58. Ascus, pl.

59. "____ after reading" 60. Switch's partner 61. Get ready, for short 62. Comedian Carvey 63. Ford contemporary 64. Jumble 67. North American country Solution on B5

January 25, 2024

The Insider

Obituaries Evan Reeves ESCALANTE - I carry your heart, Dad. I carry it in my heart. Evan F. Reeves, 88, passed away suddenly in Panguitch on Sunday, January 14, 2024. He contracted RSV and influenza and fought as hard as he could. He was able to tell his loved ones goodbye less than an hour before he took his last breath.

Evan was born June 17, 1934, in Kanarraville to Lynn and Ella Batty Reeves. He married his love, Lois Griffin, on June 23, 1956.

They welcomed their twin girls, Jaleen and Jalyn, the following year and were then sealed in the Manti Temple. They later adopted their youngest daughter, Jamie.

Evan lived a big life. He proudly served his country in the army and was stationed in Fulda, Germany. He then started his civil service as a Kanarraville town board member and in law enforcement. He also served at the Clark County Sheriff’s Department in Las Vegas, NV. His work would later take him to Oahu, HI; Bellevue, IL; Salt Lake and Orem, UT; Las Vegas, NV and Escalante. He was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and fulfilled his many callings faithfully.

Evan loved his family and he loved the outdoors.

He would take every opportunity to spend time with his loved ones on a hike, fishing, deer hunting, having a picnic or just sitting outside and enjoying the day. Evan was a skilled carpenter and took great pride in his work. He helped build some amazing buildings, including: BYU Hawaii housing, Snow College campus, Salt Lake School District schools, Utah Valley University campus, Las Vegas LDS Temple, The Mirage Hotel, Treasure Island Hotel, New York-New York Hotel, MGM Grand Hotel and the Kazan Medical Clinic. The greatest structure he built was his own home in Escalante, where he welcomed family, friends and members of his community. Evan loved to tell jokes and make people smile; he had such a kind and loving heart. He loved going for rides around town and always made time to chat with friends. He was rarely seen without his hat, his smile and a Pepsi. He is already missed beyond measure.

He is survived by his daughters: Jaleen (Joe) Folaumahina, Orem; Jalyn Reeves, Escalante; Jamie Reeves (Troy), Salt Lake City; 5 grandchildren: Jennifer, James (Mafi), Michael (Kami), Hayden and Hanna; 11 greatgrandchildren; brother, Devon Reeves, Santa Clara.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Lois; parents, Lynn and Ella; brothers, Boyd Reeves, Leon Reeves; sister, Faedona Abelhouzen.

Graveside services were held Friday, January 19, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. in the Escalante Cemetery. Friends called at the Escalante Ward Chapel from 11:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. Military honors by the Escalante American Legion Post #0114 and Utah Honor Guard. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti.

Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com

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FYI PanguItch

by Mack Oetting ~ mackoetting @gmail.com We are now into our second month of winter, and we have picked up an hour of daylight—now, the sun is setting at 5:30 instead of 5:00. These long nights are killing us with the really high gas bills.

I will be glad when daylight saving time begins.

It has been cold, though, but our highest bills generally have run in the $700 bracket. This year, we are over $1000—for both my daughter and ours. It is still better than burning wood. Most of the snow is going up to the north and the Salt Lake City area.

Our reservoirs are still full, which is really good, and most of our snow is up on the mountain.

I have spent the weekend watching the pro-football semis, and most of the teams that I favor won. San Francisco won and will be playing Detroit, and Kansas City will be playing Baltimore next Sunday to see who goes to the Super Bowl. The games have been great, with most of them being really close in the end. There have been no run away games.

Last week, a friend to all that knew him died.

Dean Braxton was a quiet man, but he was a mighty volunteer and a loyal Lion who was always the first one to an event and the last to leave. He delivered meals on wheels and helped out in the kitchen before delivery. I will really miss Dean; he was a big man. Dean didn’t have a family other than his family of friends here in Pan-

guitch.

I see that if you want to vote in the next election, you have to be registered with one of the two parties.

My family are all unaffiliated and won’t be voting.

I don’t know when the primary is or when you have to sign up if you want to run for office. In the last couple of years, it seems like it has been a big secret of when you could sign up for an office.

Last week, Iowa voters had the first caucus for this year’s presidential election. The last president won, and now the GOP candidates are down to three. Only 14% of the registered GOP voted. The weather was bad, and there

seems to be little interest in the three candidates. Last year’s congress almost set a new record by passing just 28 bills; the old record was 24. The Democrats are trying to work out a deal involving tougher immigration rules in exchange for aid for Ukraine. The GOP wants to cut out aid so that Putin will take the country.

The last president cut out aid to Central America, and now, most of those that are coming here are from those countries. When will we ever learn?

U.S. oil production is projected to mount to a record 13.2 million barrels per day this year, with a rise to 13.4 million next year. This makes the U.S.

the biggest producer of oil in the world. Gas prices are down even in southern Utah, with gas prices in Cedar at $2.70.

Unemployment last week was way down from what was expected from the Christmas layoffs and is at its lowest percent in decades. It is being led by construction, which added 43,000 jobs last month and is up 111,000 from last year. The economy has never been better, and more people are working now than at any time in history. The stock markets are at new records every day.

What a great time to be alive.

Mack O.

Despite Dry December, Recent Storms Bring Snowpack to Near Normal Levels; Reservoirs Statewide are at 80% SALT LAKE CITY Assessing Utah’s water conditions in mid-January reveals a unique narrative.

While much of December witnessed scarce precipitation, the trajectory shifted with early January storms, bringing our snowpack to normal levels for much of the state.

“These fluctuations highlight the dynamic nature of our terrain and weather patterns,” Candice Hasenyager, director of the Division of Water Resources, said. “It’s imperative to stay aware and responsive to our changing water supply conditions to ensure the resilience of our water supply.”

Despite the dry December, reservoirs statewide stand at a robust 80%, a significant 23% higher than the usual levels for this time of year. This is due to the record-breaking snowpack last year.

Our reservoirs continue to be vital in storing water for various needs. For the most part, reservoirs will likely stay near these levels until spring runoff.

“As we navigate the winter season, these dry and wet periods underscore the need for ongoing commitment to use less water and vigilance in water management,” Hasenyager said. “Water experts are monitoring these fluctua-

tions and planning accordingly ahead of spring runoff.”

To encourage water conservation among Utahns, the Department of Natural Resources continues to promote initiatives such as the Agricultural Optimization Program for farmers and SlowtheFlow.org for residents. These programs aim to educate and incentivize water-saving practices, ensuring Utahns become more droughtresilient and prepare for future conditions.

—Utah Department of Natural Resources | Division of Water Resources

Obituaries Lynette Johnson 1958 - 2024

LOA - Our beautiful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, Lynette Morrell Johnson, age 65, of Loa, passed away January 16, 2024, in Salt Lake City, Utah, surrounded by loved ones. She is a true warrior and will be greatly missed by all who know and love her.

Lynette is the daughter of George Loen and Arda Mae Sorenson Morrell, born July 5, 1958, in Salt Lake City. She is the oldest of 6 children, Lynette, Jeri, Bruce (deceased), Beth, Jody, and Kade. Born a country girl, raised a country girl, and lived as a country girl!

Lynette has always loved animals. As a young girl she rode with the 4-H riding club. Her love for horses carried throughout her life. Her true passion was horse racing. If she could have been a jockey, she would have been one! She would attend every race she could with her dad and brother, Bruce. Her lifetime dream was realized this past summer when she worked alongside Dale and her son, Bruce, with the race horses in Evanston. She loves those horses and would light up whenever she talked about them. And let’s not forget about her canine companions. Lynette was never without a 4 legged friend!

Lynette was an exceptional gardener. She definitely had a green thumb! She raised beautiful flowers, house plants, along with a productive garden. She was always sharing the harvest with family, neighbors, and friends. She loved nothing more than a good tomato and cucumber!

Lynette loved and supported her family in all they did! They were her pride and joy. She married Dale Johnson on April 4, 1975, in Loa, Utah. They were sealed with their 5 beautiful children in the Spring of 1991 in the St. George LDS Temple, Amy Bradley, Cody Johnson (deceased), Vanessa Wimmer, Jenny Lynn Johnson , Bruce Dale Johnson. Lynette later divorced. Lynette’s life was truly blessed with the arrival of her grandchildren. Ethan Dale, Lily Beth, Dominic Brody Bradley, Breea Johnson and Emma Hickman, Kayden Avila and Jacoy Lynn Peacock, Alaya Watring, and Chezleigh Johnson. Then came the great grandkids! Maximus, Janet Lynn, Ronin Peacock and Wyllow and Harlyn Avila.

Lynette is a faithful member of The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Lynette is one of the “Crazy Aunts” that could be found at niece and nephew sporting activities. She loved family reunions, sister crafting gettogethers, and anything else that involved being with family. She was treasured by her many nieces and nephews whom she dearly loved.

Our dear sweet Lynette has continued on in her journey. We are sure she is loving the reunion with her parents, brother Bruce; and Cody—her son.

Lynette, you will remain forever in our hearts!

A special heartfelt thanks to Jody, Vijay, and their family for taking such loving care of our “Lynnie.”

Lynette is survived by her children: Amy and Lester Bradley of Yuma, Arizona; Vanessa and Jeremy Wimmer of Bicknell; Jenny Lynn Johnson and Hollis Love of Smithfield; Bruce Dale and Danielle Johnson of Elsinore; grandchildren: Ethan Dale Bradley, Lily Beth Bradley, Dominic Brody Bradley, Breea Johnson, Emma Hickman, Kayden and Shayla Avila, Jacoy and Bendon Peacock, Alaya Watring, and Chezleigh Johnson; 5 great-grandchildren; siblings: Jeri and Karl Albrecht of Fremont; Beth and Joel Bass of South Ogden, Jody and ViJay Kumar of Lehi; Kade and Michelle Morrell of Morgan.

Funeral services were held Monday, January 22, 2024, at 1:00 P.M. in the Loa LDS Stake Center. Friends called for viewing at the Springer Turner Funeral Home in Richfield, Sunday evening from 6 to 8 P.M. or at the Stake Center in Loa Monday morning from 11:00 to 12:30 prior to the services.

Live streaming of the services were found at: www.springerturner.com under Lynette’s obituary about 15 minutes prior to starting time.

Burial was in the Loa Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.

Online guest book at: www.springerturner.com

The Insider

A6

1,056 Fish and Wildlife Illegally Killed in Utah in 2023

Courtesy Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources requests that you report illegal or suspicious wildlife activities to either the UTiP hotline, the UTDWR Law Enforcement app, via text, or online through the DWR website.

SALT LAKE CITY A total of 1,056 wild animals and fish were illegally harvested in Utah in 2023, a slight decrease from the number illegally killed in 2022.

The total combined value of the wildlife illegally killed last year was a little over $619,000. Some of the animals illegally killed included: • 133 deer, 23 of which were classified as “trophy” animals • 150 elk, 31 of which were classified as “trophy” animals • 4 moose • 11 bison • 7 bears • 485 fish The remaining illegally killed wildlife included small game animals, waterfowl and a variety of other wildlife species.

Here’s a look at the number of animals illegally killed in Utah over the past few years: • 2022: 1,283 wild animals, valued at more than $609,000 • 2021: 1,153 animals, valued at more than $610,000 (because several of the big game animals were classified as “trophy” animals) • 2020: 1,079 animals, valued over $387,000 • 2019: 1,065 animals, valued over $384,000 A total of 4,567 violations were issued in 2023, compared to 4,074 citations in 2022. Last year, individuals were most of-

ten cited for fishing or hunting without a valid license.

In 2023, 46 people had their hunting or fishing privileges suspended in Utah, compared to: • 66 suspensions in 2022 • 54 suspensions in 2021 • 35 suspensions in 2020 • 84 suspensions in 2019 Utah is a member state of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact. License suspensions in Utah are recognized in all the other states in the U.S., except Hawaii.

“Each animal that is illegally killed in our state is one less animal for legal hunters, wildlife enthusiasts and everyday residents to enjoy,” DWR Capt. Chad Bettridge said. “Poachers steal our ability to enjoy Utah's wildlife.”

There are currently five K-9 officers in the DWR that help investigate a variety of wildlife cases. They locate wildlife that were illegally killed, find discarded or hidden evidence and assist with many other tasks. In 2023, DWR’s K-9 officers helped investigate 114 cases throughout the state.

Here are the various ways you can report illegal or suspicious wildlife activities: • Call the Utah Turn-ina-Poacher hotline at 1-800-662-3337. (The UTiP hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is the quickest way to report a wildlife violation.)

• Use the UTDWR Law

Scholarships: Our goal is to

bring educated industry back to the areas in which our youth desire to live and raise their families. We believe these academic and vocational scholarships will aid in that endeavor.

—Michael East, SC Broadband CEO Scholarships Cont'd from A1

educated industry back to the areas in which our youth desire to live and raise their families. We believe these academic and vocational scholarships will aid in that endeavor,” explained CEO, Michael East.

To learn more about the SC Broadband Scholarship Program or to apply for a scholarship, please visit the SC Broadband website at SoCen.com and look for “Scholarships” under “My Community.” The deadline for applications is February 16, 2024.

—SC Broadband

Enforcement app.

• Text officers at 847411.

• Report online through the DWR website.

The text option was implemented in 2021, and 670 tips were submitted through it last year, many of which resulted in successful investigations and prosecutions of wildliferelated crimes. The hotline number received approximately 1,000 tips in 2023.

“Our officers can’t be everywhere at once, so we need your help,” Bettridge said. “Please keep your eyes and ears open and report any suspicious wildlife-related activity to us. Working together, we can enforce wildlife laws to maintain healthy populations, and to also keep those recreating outdoors safe.”

Not all wildlife violations are committed intentionally. To learn about common illegal hunting and fishing mistakes, visit the DWR website.

—Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

January 25, 2024

New Adoption Tax Credit Available for 2023 Taxes

SALT LAKE CITY The Utah Department of Workforce Services in partnership with the Utah State Tax Commission began accepting applications for the new Adoption Tax Credit certification. In 2023, the Utah Legislature passed the Adoption Tax Credit, H.B. 130, allowing eligible Utahns to receive a maximum credit of $3,500 in the year they finalized their adoption.

Bill sponsors Rep. Rex P. Shipp and Sen. Wayne A. Harper expressed appreciation for the new tax credit.

“I’m very happy that the legislature passed this legislation,” said Shipp.

“There are many wonderful couples that would love to have children but experience infertility. Hopefully this will help many of them to be able to afford adoption.”

Sen. Harper said, “This program exemplifies Utah's continuous commitment to reducing taxes and cultivating a familyfriendly environment. By easing the tax burden, we are making adoption more

affordable and accessible.

I appreciate the work of Workforce Services and the Tax Commission in administering this tax credit to encourage a flourishing and family-oriented state that will continue to prosper for generations to come.”

To obtain the credit, Utahns must first apply for certification through the Department of Workforce Services at jobs.utah.gov/ adoptioncredit. Workforce Services will notify applicants if their applications are approved or denied and then share the certifications with the Utah State Tax Commission.

The certification verifies that an adoption was finalized for a child under 18 during the taxable year they are applying for. To qualify, their adjusted gross income must be less than $110,000, if filing jointly or less than $55,000, if filing other than jointly.

An adoption does NOT qualify for this tax credit if: • They or their spouse (if married) received public assistance during the

year their adoption was finalized.

• The adoption was paid for or reimbursed by an employer or state assistance program.

• They adopted the biological child of their spouse.

• The adopted child was not a U.S. citizen or resident of the U.S. when they started the adoption process.

• They spent money on adoption expenses that were in violation of federal or state laws.

• Their adoption was related to a surrogate parenting arrangement.

For more information and to apply for the certification visit jobs.utah.gov/ adoptioncredit. Eligible individuals should not apply for the certification until the end of the year their adoption is finalized.

They will need a certified finalized adoption decree from the court. Certifications will not be given for adoptions finalized before 2023.

—Utah Department of Workforce Services

Covid: With around 20,000 people dying of covid

in the United States since the start of October, and tens of thousands more abroad, the covid pandemic clearly isn’t over.

Covid

Cont'd from A2

the country. Some managers take precautions to protect their staff. Chu, for example, keeps air-purifying devices around her lab, and she asks researchers to stay home when they feel sick and to test themselves for covid before returning to work after a trip.

However, occupational safety experts note that many employees face risks they cannot control because decisions on if and how to protect against outbreaks, such as through

ventilation, testing, and masking, are left to employers. Notably, people with low-wage and parttime jobs—occupations disproportionately held by people of color—are often least able to control their workplace environments.

Jessica Martinez, co-executive director of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, said the lack of national occupational standards around airborne disease protection represents a fatal flaw in the Biden administration’s decision to relinquish its control of

the pandemic.

“Every workplace needs to have a plan for reducing the threat of infectious disease,” she said. “If you only focus on the individual, you fail workers.”

KFF Health News, formerly known as Kaiser Health News (KHN), is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—the independent source for health policy research, polling, and journalism.

The Insider

January 25, 2024

B1

Schools and Sports Moqui Wrestlers Prepare to Grapple for Bids at State Meet

by Nancy Goude

Courtesy Seth Peterson

Elijah Byrd scores points for Escalante at the Wayne dual meet on January 16 as the Moquis prepare for divisionals.

Results from Battle at the Mine

Courtesy Seth Peterson

Escalante's Elijah Byrd brought home the bronze medal from the Battle at the Mine meet at Tintic on Jan.13.

ESCALANTE - Escalante’s Elijah Byrd brought home a third place finish at the Battle at the Mine by pinning Westlake’s Ayden Robinson in 3:13 at the meet on January 13 in Tintic.

George Peterson fell to Parowan’s Carson Hoyt in the fifth place match to earn a 6th place finish, while Clara Peterson and Jazzlyn Ann Bateman both battled back in the consolation bracket

to wrestle for fifth place.

Both settled for sixth place after being pinned by their opponents.

“My team is making dynamite progress since the beginning of the season. With every win, we get more confidence, and with every loss, we get a little wiser. We have put the hours into practice, and I know my team will use it in region,” said Clara Peterson.

Escalante coach Seth

Boys: Varsity 140-144 lbs - Round 1 - George Peterson, Escalante, won by fall over Aiden Ayers, Bingham, Fall 1:24. Round 2 - Rilen Brindley, Spanish Fork, won by fall over George Peterson, Escalante, Fall 0:22. Round 3 - Landon Farley, Tintic, won by fall over George Peterson, Escalante, Fall 0:26. Consolation Bracket - George Peterson, Escalante, won by fall over Mathew Walker, Maple Mountain, Fall 0:29. Fifth Place Match - Carson Hoyt, Parowan, won by fall over George Peterson, Escalante, Fall 2:49.

Varsity 144-147 lbs - Round 1 - Elijah Byrd, Escalante, won by fall over Jaxon Elmer, Wayne, Fall 1:09.

Round 2 - Elijah Byrd, Escalante, won by tech fall over Thai Miele, West Wendover, 16-0. Round 3 - Ayden Robinson, Westlake, won by decision over Elijah Byrd, Escalante, 6-5. Championship Bracket - Wyatt Mangelson, Spanish Fork, won by fall over Elijah Byrd, Escalante, Fall 0:39. Third Place Match - Elijah Byrd, Escalante, won by fall over Ayden Robinson, Westlake, Fall 3:13.

Girls: Varsity 119-135 lbs - Round 1 - Veronica Torres, West Wendover, won by fall over Clara Peterson, Escalante, Fall 0:41. Round 2 - Clara Peterson, Escalante, won by fall over Sereanha Street, Tintic, Fall 2:26. Round 3 - Madison Finlinson, Delta, won by fall over Clara Peterson, Escalante, Fall 3:01. Consolation Bracket - Clara Peterson, Escalante, won by fall over Emma Prieto, West Wendover, Fall 1:02. Fifth Place Match - Kaytylynn Goforth, South Summit, won by fall over Clara Peterson, Escalante, Fall 0:22.

Varsity 135-153 lbs - Round 1 - Kali Clegg, Delta, won by fall over Jazzlyn Ann Bateman, Escalante, Fall 3:30. Round 2 - Jazzlyn Ann Bateman, Escalante, won by fall over Erika Aldrich, Water Canyon, Fall 3:52. Round 3 - Claire Bartlome, Providence Hall, won by fall over Jazzlyn Ann Bateman, Escalante, Fall 2:03. Consolation Bracket - Jazzlyn Ann Bateman, Escalante, won by medical forfeit over Stetsyn Lamb, Wayne. Fifth Place Match - Erika Aldrich, Water Canyon, won by fall over Jazzlyn Ann Bateman, Escalante, Fall 1:27.

Peterson shared that Clara Peterson and Jazzlyn Ann Bateman both have already been qualified for the state meet, while the boys’ Class 1A Region 20 meet will be held at Altamont High School on January 27.

“I’ve see[n] a lot of growth in these wrestlers this year, and we have a lot of work to do before region. The competition will be exciting to be part of.

If everyone is recovered

from sickness and injuries, we hope to take four boys to region. The girls do not have regionals and are already going to state in a 1A-2A event,” said Coach Peterson.

Any of the boys who qualify for state will join Peterson and Bateman to represent the Moquis in the bid for bringing home individual state titles at the state meet at Sevier Valley Center on February 9 and 10.

B2

The Insider

January 25, 2024

Schools and Sports Valley Downs Moqui Girls Basketball Team, 38-58

by Nancy Goude

Nancy Goude

Pictured earlier this season, Escalante senior Mazee Dunton goes up for the tip. Dunton had a game-high 17 points in the Moquis' January 18 game against Valley.

ESCALANTE - Despite a dominant performance by Escalante’s consistent leading scorer, Mazee Dunton, the Moquis fell short against Valley on January 18, 38-58.

A flat fourth quarter saw Escalante score just five points as Valley coasted to the win after sinking twenty-three points in the third quarter. The Moquis stayed close in the first half, but couldn’t finish in the

second half.

McCall Dunton contributed seven points to the Moqui cause, including a three-pointer.

“I’m very excited to see what the rest of the season brings! It’s not all about the win, but about making relationships and best friends you’ll remember,” said McCall Dunton.

Valley hit eight times from beyond the arc, and the twenty-four points worth of

treys took away any offensive momentum Escalante was able to create.

Rachel Cox sunk thirteen for the Buffaloes, while the duo of Lydia Cox and Kimber Reeve each had nine, and Andee Anderson netted eight. Teagan Roundy had six, and Emma Cox added four for Valley.

Sonata Griffin added five points, and Ellie Nelson and Raylin each added three. Taylie Carlisle had

two, and Kira Roberts finished out the scoring for the home team Moquis with one point.

The win improved Valley’s record to 6-8, while Escalante dropped to 3-10.

Escalante has a trio of road games between January 24-27 before returning home for a February 1 game against Milford.

For full stats, visit insiderutah.com.

Wayne Beats Escalante Boys' Basketball Team, 56-44; Cottam Scores Season-high 26 points ESCALANTE - A cold third quarter by the Escalante boys’ basketball team translated into a 5644 win for Wayne on January 17 on their home court.

Escalante’s Jaxen Cottam had a season-high 26 points, including hitting a trio from beyond the arc, but it wasn’t enough to garner the win for the home team.

Cottam’s doubledouble effort included 11 rebounds in addition to his scoring spree, but foul trouble in the third quarter had him out of the game for

by Nancy Goude a spell, which shifted the fense with two points. momentum into the BadRyker Peterson and ers’ favor. The gargantuan Jake Batty each netted nine effort moved his season points, and Ammon Peteraverage to 15.6 points per son added eight for Wayne. outing.

“We came out and Wayne’s Blake Peter- played real aggressive at son turned in a well-round- the first. It was a close ed performance to lead game. We went into the the Badgers with twelve lockerroom down five. points, nine rebounds, five We cut it to within two at assists, five steals and a the start of the third. They blocked shot. started pushing the ball, Korben Young also and Cottam came out with scored in double digits for four fouls. They jumped Escalante with ten, while up to about a 20 point lead.

Kendal Gardner had six We cut it back in the fourth points and Rayce Jenkins quarter and finished strong, rounded out the Moqui of- but they still got us by 12.

We held their center to under ten points, which was our goal, but their sophomore guard got twelve on us,” said Escalante Coach Kevin Griffin.

Tee Spencer chipped in six points, and a trio of Wayne players—Hunter Robbins, Braydon Lee and Carson Lee—had four points each to round out the Badgers’ scoring.

The Moquis hosted Telos on Saturday, January 21. Score unavailable at press time.

For full stats, visit insiderutah.com.

PHS Sports Sidelines

by Mack Oetting

The game against the Piute T-Birds was all that it was advertised to be. Both teams had a lot of energy, and neither team could take a commanding lead. It was a game that you wished wouldn’t have ended. The Cats claimed a 69-62 hard

earned victory over the Birds. Leading the Cats in scoring was Dax Miller with 18 points, and Remme Chappell and Cache Eyre both cashed in with 12 points. It was a team effort all the way for both teams.

The game was equal till the 4th quarter, when the Cats had a 17 to 8 run. This game was a battle for first place in 1A, and for now, the Cats and Piute have changed places. Both teams will meet again at least two more times—at Region and again at State. In 18 games, Cache Eyre has 44 3-pointers and

a game average of 17.6.

On the 25th, the Cats play out at Escalante and have two more home games— against Valley on the 31st and Bryce Valley on Feb. 2. They will, then, have one last game for the season at Milford on Feb. 6. Region will be here from Feb. 1517. State won’t be till Feb. 28-29 and March 1-2.

The Lady Cats' game with Grand County was changed from the 20th to the 30th and will be here in Panguitch. In the meantime, the Escalante game will be here on the 24th.

The ladies will be here on Feb. 1 against Bryce Valley, they and will have a really big game on Feb. 7 at Piute to end their season.

The wrestlers' season has ended, and the regional matches are coming up.

State will be at Sevier Valley Center from the 9-10.

Come on out to see them repeat as state champs for the 4th time in a row.

The Insider

January 25, 2024

Winter Dining Guide Where to go in Wayne and Garfield counties for great food and drink THIS WINTER!

Wayne Commission: A request for the

commissioners' signature on the yearly Utah State University Co-op Agreement; a fee increase for the landfill; and a motion to pass an addendum to the employed policy handbook, including new policies on expected work hours and a cell phone reimbursement plan, discussed. Gary Brian and Forrest Sims were reappointed to the Wayne County Office of Tourism Board.

Wayne Commission Cont'd from A1

Bicknell

B3

cards.

The commission also reappointed Gary Brian and Forrest Sims to the Wayne County Office of Tourism Board. According to Commissioner Brian, the board is made up of five or six members and advises the county on how to spend

state tourism dollars.

The commissioners made a motion to pass an addendum to the employed policy handbook, including new policies on expected work hours and a cell phone reimbursement plan. Notices will go out to staff with the next paycheck. Lastly, the commission approved all vouchers. A discussion about the

Bicknell Pump Track with Noreen Johnson was also on the meeting agenda but the discussion was not included on the meeting recording so it is unclear if this item was discussed.

The Wayne County Commission meets the first and third Monday of every month at the Wayne County Courthouse in Loa.

ECA Program: When I passed the Agriculture and

Rural Small Business Innovation Initiative in the 2023 Utah Legislative Session, I was hoping it would have a positive impact on rural Utah. It has done just that, thanks to Utah State University Extension...

—Representative Carl Albrecht of House District 70 ECA Program Cont'd from A1

Capitol Reef

Your Ad Here

Torrey

Want to advertise your restaurant / winter hours in our "Winter Dining Guide" section?

Send inquiries to

snapshot@live.com or call 435.826.4400

strategies needed to succeed in the online marketplace.

The program includes individual consultations, mentoring services, and regular milestone check-ins. Participants learn about various aspects of establishing an online presence, such as website development, online marketing, search engine optimization, and customer relationship management.

The Utah Legislature has fully funded this service, and it is free to selected small businesses in rural Utah.

“When I passed the Agriculture and Rural Small Business Innovation Initiative in the 2023 Utah Legislative Session, I was hoping it would have a positive impact on rural Utah,” said Representative Carl Albrecht of House District 70. “It has done just that, thanks to Utah State University Extension.

Rural Utah businesses and agricultural producers now have another tool to help them in growing markets throughout the state, nation, and the world.”

The ECA is part of the broader ROI program, which has been instrumental in driving economic growth and teaching remote work skills across the state.

The ECA specifically targets agricultural and rural small businesses, offering a personalized approach to help them thrive in the digital landscape and boost their sales through e-commerce.

The ECA program has demonstrated its effectiveness during the pilot phase, working closely with two

businesses to list their products and services online. As the program officially launches, USU Extension aims to expand its impact by assisting more rural companies in navigating the e-commerce landscape and achieving sustainable growth.

“The USU Extension E-Commerce Accelerator program has the potential to be an economic gamechanger for small rural businesses, including our ag producers,” said Ken White, USU Extension vice president. “In the pilot phase, this program has already proven to help level the playing field and open access to markets previously unavailable to small rural businesses.”

USU Extension invites interested businesses to learn more about the ECA program and explore its opportunities for growth and success in the online marketplace. For more information, visit the extension.usu.edu/remoteworkcertificate/ecommerce.

The Insider

B4

Legal Notices NOTICE TO WATER USERS 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. 14, 2024 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) 61-3474 (a51131): William L Bernard Trust Agreement dated October 19, 2005 propose(s) using 0.0064 cfs OR 0.5 ac-ft. from groundwater (6 miles S of Panguitch Lake) for DOMESTIC. EXTENSION(S) 97-2361 (A78724): Main Canyon, L.C. is/are filing an extension for 1.73 ac-ft. from groundwater (11 miles West of Escalante) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION; STOCKWATERING. Teresa Wilhelmsen, P.E. State Engineer Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on JANUARY 18 & 25, 2024 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS GARFIELD COUNTY WATERSHED PLAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENT—UPPER SEVIER WATERSHED NOTICE TO LAW FIRMS Garfield County is seeking the services of a qualified law firm to provide legal services to Garfield County in assisting with submitting a water rights change application to the Utah Division of Water Rights. Work will be conducted in Garfield County and conform to local laws and codes. Pre-bid consultation will be available upon request.

If you are interested in submitting a proposal, information on the Request for Proposals can be obtained from Garfield County Public Works Department, 55 South Main, Panguitch, Utah 84759, Telephone (435) 238-0935, Email: dave.dodds@garfield.utah.gov. The proposal submission deadline is 5:00 p.m. on February 9, 2024. The County reserves the right to accept or reject any and all proposals.

Garfield County is an Equal Opportunity Employer Dated this 12th day of January, 2024 Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on JANUARY 18 & 25 and FEBRUARY 1, 2024 ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS TORREY TOWN DOCUMENT 001113 Torrey Town (Owner) is requesting Bids for the construction of the following Project: Torrey Town Canal Crossing Project Number SU1228S Bids for the construction of the Project will be received via www.QuestCDN.com or emailed digitally to wpayne@ensignutah.com at 5:00 PM local time on Wednesday, February 7, 202443.

The Project includes the following Work: Removing existing culvert structure and asphalt and installing a new culvert, headwall, and asphalt at Center Street and Main Street in Torrey, Utah.

Obtaining the Bidding Documents Information and Bidding Documents for the Project can be found at the following designated website: https://www.ensignutah.com/bid-access/ or www. questcdn.com Bidding Documents may be downloaded from the designated website. Prospective Bidders are urged to register with the designated website as a plan holder, even if Bidding Documents are obtained from a plan room or source other than the designated website in either electronic or paper format. The designated website will be updated periodically with addenda, lists of registered plan holders, reports, and other information relevant to submitting a Bid for the Project. All official notifications, addenda, and other Bidding Documents will be offered only through the designated website. Neither Owner nor Engineer will be responsible for Bidding Documents, including addenda, if any, obtained from sources other than the designated website.

The Issuing Office for the Bidding Documents is: Ensign Engineering and Land Surveying 225 North 100 East Richfield, Utah 84701 Printed copies of the Bidding Documents may be obtained from the Issuing Office by paying a deposit of $100 for each set, no part of which will be refunded.

Make deposit checks for Bidding Documents payable to Ensign Engineering and Land Surveying.

Pre-bid Conference No pre-bid conference will be held.

The last day for questions shall be February 2nd, 2024 at 5:00 PM For all further requirements regarding bid submittal, qualifications, procedures, and contract award, refer to the Instructions to Bidders that are included in the Bidding Documents.

This Advertisement is issued by: Owner: Torrey Town By: Mickey Wright Title: Mayor Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on JANUARY 25 and FEBRUARY 1, 2024

January 25, 2024

Night Skies: It's magical to be out at night...To think that you're seeing the same sky that has been seen before—through Galileo, all the creation stories, through everything. It's just absolutely humbling and amazing.

—Adam Beeco, National Park Service

National Park Service

Map of Utah with study parks outlined in red: Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef national parks; Natural Bridges National Monument; Antelope Island, Dead Horse Canyon, Fremont Indian, and Goblin Valley state parks.

Night Skies

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at night isn’t just obscuring our views of the heavens; it's disrupting human health, wildlife, and even plants.

This is where parks come in. Depending on their size and what surrounds them, they may offer significantly more natural darkness than the places where we live. But they still have outdoor lighting for nighttime visitors. Effective solutions abound for maintaining useful light while reducing light pollution, but park managers often fear that changes to existing lighting will be unpop-

ular. So researchers from Utah State University and the National Park Service's Natural Sounds and Night Skies Division teamed up to find out if that was true. In a new study published in the Journal of Environmental Management, they asked nighttime visitors what they thought about sustainable lighting strategies. The study authors learned that those strategies are in fact remarkably popular. Their results pave the way for parks to protect even more of the night sky.

A “Massive Effort” The study’s scientists also wanted to more broadly understand how visitors value dark skies. “One of

Legal Notices NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING LOA TOWN PLANNING COMMISSION The Loa Town Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on February 1, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. at the Loa Town Office located at 80 West Center to receive additional public comment regarding amendments to the subdivision ordinance, which includes by reference specifications for public improvements that shall apply to development within Loa Town.

Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on JANUARY 11, 18 & 25, 2024 REVISED 2024 MEETING SCHEDULE BICKNELL TOWN PLANNING AND ZONING Bicknell Town Planning and Zoning Schedule 2024 REVISED Meetings are held at 7:00 PM at the Bicknell Town Hall at 64 W. 100 N. in Bicknell.

February 20 March 19 April 16 May 21 June 18 July 16 August 20 September 17 October 15 November 19 December 17 Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on JANUARY 18 & 25, 2024

the things that we knew going into this project, both scientifically and anecdotally,” explained lead author Adam Beeco of the National Park Service, “was that visitors really like to look at the stars at night. But we didn't know how supportive they may be of any management actions related to protecting dark skies.”

Other study goals were to learn how many nighttime visitors were doing things that depend on natural darkness—like stargazing or astrophotography—and to identify opportunities for reaching out to visitors.

The research team surveyed visitors in nine national and state parks in Utah—one of the darkest states in the continental U.S. and a popular astrotourism destination. “We developed questions that were directly related to the recommendations that we and others make about lighting color, lighting intensity, and those sorts of things,” said Beeco. The team also questioned visitors about what they do in the parks at night and what night-sky related topics they wanted to learn more about.

In 2021, Utah State University research technicians visited sites like visitor centers, campgrounds, and overlooks from an hour before sunset to three hours after. They surveyed a sizeable sample of 776 people.

“Amazingly, this was all during COVID,” noted Sharolyn Anderson, a National Park Service physical scientist and study co-author.

“This was a massive effort on the part of our partners to go to so many different parks, so many different nights, different seasons… to get such a large sample,” added Beeco, “because this was not daytime sampling where you can get 700 contacts in a day.”

Surprisingly Robust Support The research team found that more than half of nighttime visitors to Utah parks take part in dark skydependent activities. Beeco said one of the things they

were really interested in was whether visitors who just happened to be there at night felt differently from those specifically there for nighttime recreation.

“What we found here is differences may exist,” he said. “But those differences may not be material to park management goals, because that support exists across the board.”

The extent of support for all the night sky-friendly management actions in the survey surprised the research team. Between 85 and 89 percent of respondents supported all but one action. “This absolutely said visitors are supportive,” Anderson stressed.

“And that was surprising since we've been told for a long time that they weren’t. But it had never been studied.”

Seventy four percent of respondents supported even the least popular action—restricting the number of lights visitors can use. “One of the things that we had in mind when we created this question was decorative lighting that visitors are bringing themselves,” Beeco said.

“It surprised me that visitors were so supportive of visitor restrictions.”

A Big Opportunity Nighttime visitors also expressed considerable interest in learning more about night sky-related topics. Seventy five percent were keen to learn more about night sky viewing, and 70 percent wanted to learn about ways to improve those viewing experiences. Beeco sees a big opportunity here for parks to incorporate outreach about sustainable lighting practices into their astronomy programs. His hope is that more visitors will be inspired to try those practices at home and improve the night skies across the U.S., not just in parks.

Similar Results in Other Parks This research has sparked other studies. The National Park Service recently teamed up with Boise State and Penn State universities to test visitor and wildlife responses to alternative lighting fixtures. They’re asking visitors at Grand Teton and Acadia national parks some of the same survey questions.

Beeco said the results so far show similar trends, and that’s exciting because it suggests that the support for management actions they saw in Utah is similar in parks across the country. The researchers are hopeful that now, with scientific results demonstrating such robust public support, more parks will be comfortable taking steps to improve their night skies.

That prospect keeps Anderson inspired. “It's magical to be out at night,” she said, recalling her own time spent monitoring the night sky for work. “To think that you're seeing the same sky that has been seen before—through Galileo, all the creation stories, through everything.

It's just absolutely humbling and amazing.”

This article was originally published in the "In Brief" section of Park Science magazine, Volume 37, Number 2, Winter 2023 (December 29, 2023).

January 25, 2024

The Insider

C l a s s i f i e d ads

B5

To place your ad, call 435-826-4400 or email snapshot@live.com

Classified ads start at just $7.50 per week for 25 words or less.

HELP WANTED

Facilities Manager/Grounds/ Maintenance Mechanic Wayne County is accepting applications for the following position: Title: Facilities Manager/Grounds/Maintenance Mechanic FLSA Status: Full Time, Non-Exempt GENERAL PURPOSE The position performs routine maintenance and repair of grounds, exterior structures, buildings and related utilities. Requiring the use of a variety of trade practices associated with occupations such as carpentry, masonry, plumbing , electrical, cement work, painting and other related trades. Overseeing special projects and management of those budgets responsibly. Managing the airport fuel. Operate heavy equipment for various jobs.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED Works under the supervision of the County Commissioner’s.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED Supervises cleaning contracts.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS • Performs various jobs • Incumbent will be responsible for janitorial contract and inspections • Prepares various reports on maintenance planning, progress, and accomplishments.

• Identifies job hazards and safety precautions. Any special permit and clearance requirements as prerequisites for the work.

• Identifies appropriate personal protective equipment needed to accomplish job • Prepares material cost estimates • Maintaining budgets for Facilities Manager, Wayne Wonderland Airport, and other budgets as they arise.

• Requests reimbursements for Federal and State Grants • Responsibilities include maintaining and repairing sprinkler systems. Lawn maintenance, weed control, general building maintenance including lighting, restrooms, weed removal.

• Preparing the fair grounds and buildings for the fair and maintaining them during the fair.

• Snow removal around county buildings and courthouse sidewalks and parking areas. (areas not covered by Loa Town) • Ability to interpret instructions specification, exedra. (Includes blueprint reading).

• Ability to use and maintain tools and equipment.

• Routine maintenance of facilities and grounds - Special Projects: These are projects that are continuously changing and projects that can last for decades. You will be required to attend meetings, manage the budgets for these projects, turn in reimbursements, work closely with engineers, contractors, and the state or federal government.

- Airport: Knowledge of county airport, and FAA regulations, attend regular meetings, works closely with engineers, FAA, and the state on upcoming projects including the Master Plan and upgrading the pilot lounge.

• Assist other departments as seen fit.

• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 1. Education and Experience a. Graduation from High School; College degree a plus;AND b. Two (2) years experience performing above or similar duties.

OR c. An equivalent combination of education and experience.

D. May be required to obtain a CDL in the future.

2. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities A. Knowledge of standard office procedures and policies; good grammar and spelling; basic mathematics involving the use of addition, subtraction, multiplications and percentages; operation of standard office machinery; complex filing systems, alphabetical and numerical; computer operations; telephone etiquette; basic interpersonal skills; basic application processes; B. Skilled in the art of diplomacy and cooperative problem solving; leadership and organizational behavior management; confidentiality; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships other staff; the operation of personal computer, calculator, fax machine, copy machine, and telephone.

C. Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing; make basic decisions where established procedures do not always apply; maintain quality work production while dealing with deadline pressures imposed from within and without the division; operate personal computer and apply various program applications related to word processing, spreadsheets, and other; develop effective working relationship with supervisor, fellow employees, and the public.

D. May be required to be bonded.

3. Work Environment Physical effort is heavy to moderate, and requires occasional lifting or handling of objects up to 75 pounds. Frequently required to stand while working, climb ladders, bend, stoop, climb and work in awkward positions. Working conditions: exposure to a variety of seasonal weather conditions while working outdoors (temperatures of -10 to 90 plus degrees). Exposure to dust, dirt, wind, rain, and snow. May work with dangerous chemicals, paints, solivants, etc.

Mental application utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability, discriminating thinking and creative problem solving. Periodic travel required in the normal course of job performance.

4. Ability to pass a background check and drug test.

Submit Resume and Cover letter to the Wayne County Clerk’s Office. Open until filled. If you have any questions, please call the County Clerk’s office at 435-836-1300.

Felicia Snow, Wayne County Clerk/Auditor

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

SpEd Paraprofessional at Bryce Valley Elementary Part-Time Custodian at Bryce Valley High Head & Assistant Track Coach at Bryce Valley High Substitute/Activity Bus Drivers in Escalante Route Bus Driver in Boulder Paraprofessionals/Aides at All Schools Substitutes for Teachers, Custodians, and Food Service Workers SALARY: Please see 2023-2024 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.

Panguitch City Council Position Panguitch City is accepting letters of interest to fill a council position.

This will be for an appointed 2 year term. Council meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 5:30 pm.

Please submit letters of interest to Mat Houston by email to mat.panguitchcity@gmail.com or at the Panguitch City Office, 25 South 200 East, PO Box 75, Panguitch, Ut 84759 by Thursday, February 1st at 5:00 p.m.

Panguitch City reserves the right to accept or reject any or all letters of interest.

Panguitch City is an equal opportunity employer.

We are looking for friendly, hardworking professionals who enjoy the hospitality industry and interaction with guests.

P O S I T I O N S AVA I L A B L E: 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

Full / Part-time Dental Assistant Join Our Team as a Motivated Dental Assistant at Wayne Community Health Center! Are you a dedicated and enthusiastic individual seeking a rewarding career in the dental field? Look no further! Wayne Community Health Center is currently seeking a Full Time or Part Time Dental Assistant to become a valuable member of our dynamic team.

Why Choose Wayne Community Health Center: • 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 Wayne Community Health Center, 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 chairside 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 XRays • X-Ray Certification • CPR Certification How to Apply: We encourage all interested candidates to apply, regardless of your level of experience. If 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 Wayne Community Health Center.

Join us in making a difference in the lives of our patients. Apply today!

MEETINGS

sudoku

TROPIC AA MEETING Wednesday at 6 PM. Tropic Heritage Center. All meetings are closed discussion.

Answers for this week

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

B6

The Insider

January 25, 2024