The
Insider
Serving Wayne & Garfield Counties, Utah
Loa • Fremont • Lyman • Bicknell • Teasdale • Torrey • Grover • Fruita • Caineville • Hanksville Panguitch • Panguitch Lake • Hatch • Antimony • Bryce • Tropic • Henrieville • Cannonville • Escalante • Boulder
Thursday, February 18, 2021
Issue # 1397
insiderutah.com
Intermountain Artist Illuminates Local Impacts Provides Update of Nuclear Contamination on COVID “From Dust” Exhibit at Southern Utah Museum of Art Until Feb. 27 Current Impact by Kadi Franson and Vaccine Expansion Rollout SALT LAKE CITY Over the coming months, Intermountain will be supporting the state’s vaccination efforts and local health departments by deploying more than 1,000 healthcare workers throughout Utah to assist with community vaccination clinics. State officials have announced plans to lower the age requirement on March 1 to 65 and to include adults with certain medical conditions, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. Utah is currently vaccinating individuals age 70 and older, healthcare professionals, first responders, and K-12 educators. In coordination with local health departments who schedule community vaccination clinics, Intermountain has already hosted several vaccination events at its facilities across the state—and will expand those efforts. With nearly half of the state’s 70+ population now vaccinated, and more and new vaccines becoming available soon, Intermountain is eager for timetables to speed up. Expansion of the age and condition criteria will make tens of thousands more Utahns eligible for vaccination, which is vital to combating the pandemic. COVID Update Cont'd on page 8
Courtesy Kadi Franson
This photo depicts an image of "Monument,"—by artist Cara Despain (right)—a digital video loop showing an altered version of the iconic final scene from the 1956 movie "The Searchers." CEDAR CITY - Tucked into the back corner of the Southern Utah Museum of Art galleries is artist Cara Despain’s solo exhibition, “From Dust.” Consisting of three pieces adjacent to a larger showcase of Southern Utah University faculty works, it’s easy to miss. What the show
Intermountain Healthcare Adopts New Mammography Guidelines That Women Be Screened Prior to COVID Vaccine or Delay Until Four Weeks After Final Dose
Courtesy Intermountain Healthcare
Dr. Brett Parkinson, Medical Director of Intermountain Healthcare’s Breast Care Center. MURRAY - Intermountain Healthcare is adopting new mammography guidelines for women who have had or plan to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, a change that is in alignment with new national recommendations. Doctors are now recommending that women undergo their mammogram screening before getting the vaccine or delay their screening by at least four weeks after their final COVID vaccine dose. The new guidelines are in alignment with updated recommendations from the national Society of Breast
Imaging, which issued the update after radiologists from around the country noticed an increased number of mammograms showing swollen lymph nodes in women who recently received the COVID-19 vaccine. The swelling typically appears in the armpit a few days after vaccination on the side that the patient received the vaccine and then decreases after two to four weeks. “This type of swelling is not that unusual and can also occur due to other vacMammograms Cont'd on page 2
REGIONAL WEATHER FORECAST FOR SOME BUT NOT ALL REGIONS REPRESENTED IN OUR NEWSPAPER COVERAGE AREA
THURS. FEBRUARY 18 - WED. FEBRUARY 24
Temperatures cool slightly with a 35% chance of snow showers on Saturday. Otherwise, mostly sunny with highs in the high 30s to low 50s; lows from the teens to the mid 20s. Winds variable from 7 to 14 mph.
lacks in scale, it makes up for in the power of its content. Despain’s work focuses on the legacy of contamination that resulted from nuclear testing and uranium mining in and around Utah. She dedicates the exhibition to everyone “downstream and downwind.” Referred to with op-
NPS Implements Mask Requirement Across All Parks and Federal Buildings
WASHINGTON, D.C. To protect the health of those who live, work and visit our national parks and facilities, and in support of the Executive Order on Protecting the Federal Workforce and Requiring Mask-Wearing, the National Park Service (NPS) has implemented a mask requirement for employees, visitors, partners, and contractors. “Wearing a mask around others, physical distancing and washing your hands are the simplest and most effective public health measures to help stop the spread of COVID-19,” said NPS Office of Public Health Director Captain Sara Newman. “Getting outside and enjoying our public lands is essential to improving mental and physical health, but we all need to work together to recreate responsibly.” Face masks are now required in all NPS buildings and facilities. Masks are also required on NPS-managed lands when physical distancing cannot be maintained, including narrow or busy trails, overlooks and historic homes. Additional public health measures are in place across the service, from capacity limits to one-way trails, or even temporary closures in response to Mask Requirements Cont'd on page 2
Courtesy Cara Despain
timism at the time as the “Atomic Age,” the exhibition contrasts historic and contemporary public attitudes toward domestic nuclear capabilities. The patriotic enthusiasm of the 50s stands in sharp juxtaFrom Dust
Cont'd on page 10
Garfield County Commission February 8
UDOT will hold a public meeting on Feb. 23 in Tropic to discuss resurfacing plans for Henrieville, Highways 12 and 63 and a renewal of support resolution for making the Butch Cassidy boyhood home a state monument approved GARFIELD COUNTY The February 8 Garfield County Commission meeting was short and sweet. Commissioner David Tebbs reported that UDOT will hold a public meeting on Feb. 23 from 4-7 p.m. in Tropic to discuss this season’s resurfacing plans for Henrieville, Highways 12 and 63. Commissioners Jerry Taylor and Leland Pollock have spent most of their time attending meetings or monitoring legislative activities. Commissioner Pollock said he couldn’t “remember a time we’ve been on the menu as counties” [as much as this year], referring to his often repeated phrase referring to the state legislature: “If you not at the table, you’re on the menu” and cited what he called “legislature overreach, with the legislature trying to do our job from the Capitol in 45 days.” He went on to say the CAFO (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation) is not good, but “I think we’re in a good place, working through some issues.” He is interested in following amendments to Transient Room Taxes, saying the county’s interest in the auditing component. Commissioner Tebbs was concerned that counties would be allowed to spend larger portions of the tax revenue on economic activi-
ties not related to tourism and thought those dollars need to stay directed toward promotion or there would be a downward spiral. Tebbs said, “When other counties don’t promote, it hurts them too. Our promotion allows small businesses to capture a global market.” Pollock also said he is working with the Forest Service to make sure a one-time, $1M appropriation for range improvement/water projects gets approved and for them to continue work to “push through NEPA.” He encouraged anyone in the county wondering about a bill to reach out to him. There were no Public Works project updates from Dave Dodds or Brian Bremner. The county’s 2021 trucks are arriving, and last year’s models will be advertised and put up for bid. They said they’d already traded back two of the trucks for more than they paid. Planning/Economic Development, Kaden Figgins reported that he’s assisting with legislative research and that he will schedule another Tri-County Economic Development online forum for next Friday to check in Garfield Commission Cont'd on page 2
Haaland on Track to be First Native American Cabinet Secretary
Wikimedia Commons
U.S. Rep. Deb Haaland, D-N.M., could be the first Native American to serve as a Cabinet secretary if she is confirmed to lead the Department of the Interior. SALT LAKE CITY - Rep. Deb Haaland, D-N.M., could become the first Native American Cabinet secretary in U.S. history. Supporters say Haaland (sounds like 'Holland') has a history of bipartisanship and had a hand in passing a number of conservation-related measures in Congress. Haaland is a Democrat who represents New Mexico's 1st Congressional district. She's a citizen of the Laguna Pueblo and would be the first Native American Cabinet secretary. While there is strong support for her among conservationists and progressives, her confirmation faces some opposition from Senate conservatives. Amy Dominguez, communications coordinator for Utah Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting and the Outdoors, said Haaland's
It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men. —Frederick Douglass
strong point is her reputation for getting things done. "Her nomination is important because her impact in the work that she's done has expanded access to lands for hunters and anglers and really all who enjoy the outdoors," Dominguez emphasized. "In turn, this creates jobs and fuels rural economies." The Interior Department conserves and manages the nation's natural resources and cultural heritage, as well as overseeing the federal government's relationship with Native American tribes. If confirmed, Haaland would take over an agency that has been led for most of the past four years by a Republican appointee with a history of opposing public lands. A few Senate Republicans, including Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., oppose Haaland's nomination, citing what
they call her "radical" opposition to new oil and gas leases. However, administration officials say they have the votes to assure her confirmation. Dominguez noted Haaland has been a long-time advocate for expanding and preserving public lands. "What we feel Congresswoman Haaland brings is a passion for safeguarding and protecting our wildlife and wildlife habitat so that future generations can continue to enjoy these very special places," Dominguez remarked. She added Haaland's nomination is particularly important in Utah because she understands how important the $12 billion outdoor recreation industry is to the state's economy. A hearing date has not been set for her confirmation. —Mark Richardson, Utah News Connection
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
PRE-SORT STANDARD PAID RICHFIELD, UTAH PERMIT No. 122
The Insider
Page 2
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.
Disagreement with Last Week's Letter Regarding FYI Panguitch I just finished reading Jack Schoppe's Letter to the Editor in the February 11th edition of The Insider. I must strongly disagree with Mr. Schoppe's opinion. To my knowledge, Mr. Oetting has never presented himself as speaking for Panguitch or others. He is not a paid reporter for The Insider, therefore, it is not his job to objectively report or document the happenings in Panguitch
and surrounding areas. Since Mr. Oetting tirelessly writes a weekly column that is a mix of news, interesting tidbits and his opinions on matters from weather to politics, he is free to write what he wants and anyone who does not like his column is free to not read it. I, for one, look forward to Mr. Oetting's insights, opinions, facts and commentary. Tom Stechschulte, Hatch
Get Involved After an election takes place many of us go about our lives and expect our officials to run the country the way they said they would or the way we want them to. This is rarely what happens. So what do we as citizens do? We get angry, we complain among our families, our friends and our neighbors, but this accomplishes nothing. Some hold rallies and protests while the rest of us watch and hope they are successful. We can do better. We have elected officials that are in place to REPRESENT US, they are working FOR US, but how can they really know what we want if we don't tell them? Write to your Senators and Congressmen!
Can you imagine getting thousands of letters that may all be asking for the same thing? They cannot ignore the voice of the people! I recently wrote to Senators Mitt Romney and Mike Lee, as well as Congressman Chris Stewart voicing my opinions and concerns. It was extremely easy and only took about ten minutes of my life. My expressions may go nowhere, if not, I will try again, BECAUSE I CAN. The voice of the people can be powerful! Get involved, take vociferous action. It's easy, it's non-violent, and it allows you to get it off your chest without driving your family and friends crazy. Valerie Stechschulte, Hatch
Mammograms: We’ve seen this
type of swelling on scans before, but never so pronounced because of one type of vaccine. We have procedures in place to confirm if swollen lymph nodes are actually cancer, but we don’t want to have a patient go through the undue stress and anxiety of follow up visits, if they don’t have to. —Brett Parkinson, MD, medical director of Intermountain Healthcare’s Breast Care Center
Mammograms Cont'd from page 1
cines or illnesses because lymph nodes can swell as a part of the body’s immune response,” said Brett Parkinson, MD, medical director of Intermountain Healthcare’s Breast Care Center. Recent research from the Centers for Disease and Prevention found that more than 11 percent of vaccine recipients experience swollen lymph nodes after the first dose, and 16 percent have swelling after the second dose. Dr. Parkinson said doctors want to avoid false positives, which can cause unnecessary visits and undue worry for patients. “We’ve seen this type of swelling on scans before, but never so pronounced because of one type of vaccine,” said Dr. Parkinson. “We have procedures in place to confirm if swollen lymph nodes are actually cancer, but we don’t want to have a patient go through the undue stress and anxiety of follow up visits, if they don’t have to.” During a normal screening, swollen lymph nodes would require a biopsy to determine if cancer cells are present, Dr. Parkinson noted. If the swelling is being caused by the vaccine or another illness, it normally goes away after four to six weeks, which is why the new guidelines are in place, he said. Swollen lymph nodes are normally found in the armpit or neck during a screening. Dr. Parkinson said if a woman finds swelling or a lump in her breast
that’s something different, that should be checked through a screening mammogram as soon as possible. Although some women may need to delay their mammograms until four weeks after receiving their final COVID vaccine dose, doctors are reminding patients never to skip their annual screenings all together. Waiting four weeks is not enough time for any cancers that could be present to significantly spread, Dr. Parkinson added, although delaying screening more than a year could give time for cancers to grow and be more invasive to treat. Intermountain is taking steps to ensure there are enough mammogram appointments for women and have extended hours in some places to meet their needs. As a part of COVID-19 safety protocols, appointments are spread out to allow for social distancing in the waiting room and caregivers do a deep clean of every screening room in between patients. To schedule a mammogram screening appointment, call 801-507-7840, or visit intermountainhealthcare.org. —Intermountain Healthcare
Goings on... Downwinders Public Meetings on Hold; Affected Individuals Are Encouraged to Apply for Compensation from the Federal Government
SOUTHERN UTAH - The term "Downwinder" is used to describe the more than 60,000 people who were exposed to radioactive fallout in southern Utah during the nuclear testing at the Nevada Test Site. The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA), which is due to expire in July 2022, is a federal statute providing for the monetary compensation of people who contracted certain cancers and/or other specified diseases as a direct result of their exposure to atmospheric nuclear testing. The Radiation Exposure Screening and Education Clinic from Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital has not been able to hold public meetings due to the COVID pandemic. However, individuals seeking aid or information are still encouraged to call 435-251-4760 for more information about the program, requirements for compensation, and deadlines for application before the law expires next year. Qualifying "Downwinders"—or spouses and/or children of deceased loved ones—may apply for up to $50,000 in compensation. Applications and information are available by calling 435-251-4760 to help anyone who may qualify get started on the compensation process. Qualifying cancers include: • Leukemia • Multiple Myeloma • Lymphomas, other than Hodgkin’s • Primary cancers of the: pharynx, small intestine, salivary gland, brain, stomach, urinary bladder, colon, thyroid, pancreas, female or male breast, esophagus, bile ducts, liver, gall bladder, lung and ovary. The Radiation Exposure Screening and Education Clinic was established at St. George Regional Medical Center in 2004 to aid thousands of individuals exposed to the nuclear testing at the Nevada Test Site. —Intermountain Healthcare
Garfield Commission:
UDOT meeting in Tropic to discuss resurfacing plans for Henrieville, Highways 12 and 63, Commissioner reports, scheduling of another Tri-County Economic Development online forum to check in with businesses on PPP money, Bryce Canyon City projects, and approval of Resolution 2021-1—a renewal of support for making the Butch Cassidy boyhood home a state monument—discussed Garfield Commission Cont'd from page 1
with businesses and their second round of PPP money. Bryce Canyon City representatives described a Jones and DeMille-designed project on Highway 63 they’d like to dovetail with the other UDOT work this season. The want to complete the curb and gutter/ sidewalk from the General Store parking lot to the other end of the campground. Ruby’s Inn will contribute much of the prep work, including some tree removal and donating truck use and material from their pit. UDOT will be approached for their 50/50 split on sidewalk projects. The request for the Commission was for help hauling the gravel and finishing grade work, which would save the city $20-25K. Pollock recommended Commissioner Tebbs
recuse himself from voting, which he did. Commissioners Taylor and Pollock approved helping Bryce Canyon City with the project. Clerk Camille Moore announced hiring a new Building Inspector administrative assistant. Business licenses for 3R Leather (Hatch) and Liberty RV Service (Panguitch) were approved. Finally, the Commission approved Resolution 2021-1, a renewal of support for making the Butch Cassidy boyhood home a state monument. 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. —Insider
Mask Requirements:
Working with public health officials and following the latest science and guidance, we can make national parks safer for employees, visitors and partners. We will continue to evaluate operations and make appropriate modifications to visitor services as needed. —Shawn Benge, NPS Deputy Director Mask Requirements Cont'd from page 1
local conditions. “Working with public health officials and following the latest science and guidance, we can make national parks safer for employees, visitors and partners,” said NPS Deputy Director Shawn Benge. “We will continue to evaluate operations and make
appropriate modifications to visitor services as needed.” Visitors should check individual park websites and social media channels for details on operations before they visit. Park rangers are on duty to provide information, protect visitors and park resources, and uphold this requirement. Other tips to recreate responsibly are available on NPS.gov. —National Park Service
Insider
The
Letters to the Editor
February 18, 2021
P.O. Box 105 Escalante, UT 84726 435-826-4400 email snapshot@live.com Publisher: Erica Walz Layout & Graphic Design: Emily Leach Wayne County Reporter: Amiee Maxwell Boulder Reporter: Tessa Barkan Payroll: Trudy Stowe
Local columnists:
Mack Oetting - FYI Panguitch Peg Smith - By Way of Boulder Brooklyn Syrett - News from Bryce Valley Schools 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 © 2015 The Insider/Snapshot Multimedia, LLC. 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. Subscriptions to The Insider are available outside of Wayne and Garfield counties for $40 for 26 weeks, $75 per year. Senior discounts are available.
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
February 18, 2021
During Pandemic, Richfield Veterinary Clinic Gets Help from New Veterinarian
The Insider
by Color Country Animal Welfare Below is a letter from Dr. Dan Johnson from the Richfield Veterinary Clinic, submitted by Color Country Animal Welfare. TORREY - 2020 has been a different and crazy year for all of us, and the Richfield Veterinary Clinic has been no exception. We were excitedly anticipating the arrival of our new veterinarian in June. When the pandemic hit, we were able to get him a month sooner due to the early school closure. Dr. Matt Hutchinson arrived at the beginning of May and has been right on time for what would be the ups and downs of living in the time of coronavirus. Like most businesses, we were worried initially about our ability to see sick pets, perform needed wellness and preventative care, and continue to work with spaying and neutering pets and doing other surgical procedures. For a time, we were required to do all our work curbside, which was definitely a challenge. We were also required to abide by the governor’s mandate to only perform essential procedures. Gratefully, we were still able to do our needed work and made it through that difficult time. The arrival of Dr. Hutchinson was perfect timing as even with the pandemic, we have been dealing with an influx of sick and injured pets as we have never seen before. We have been keeping two doctors full time for five days a week, eight hours a day, as well as our regular after-hours emergency services. With both Dr. Johnson and Dr. Hutchinson rotating emergencies, we have increased our ability to be available when you need us, as well as giving needed time
Courtesy Color Country Animal Welfare
Richfield Veterinary Clinic has seen an influx in pet patients during the pandemic and is grateful to have the help of a new veterinarian, Dr. Matt Hutchinson. off to increase our own wellness. We have also just been able to purchase an ultrasound, and we are working hard to increase our proficiency in it. This provides us the ability to assess fetus viability in our pregnant animals, from cats to cows. It also allows us a less invasive way to see masses, tumors, or other abnormalities within the bodies of our patients. We believe strongly that we are preforming work that matters. That conviction has helped us get through the challenges placed before us. We really appreciate all our clients supporting us and being so kind to us as we all face the challenges of the time. —Dr. Dan Johnson, Richfield Veterinary Clinic
The Richfield Veterinary Clinic was CCAW’s initial partner for spays and neuters for local animals. Dr. Dan Johnson was our primary vet until Dr. Jake Van Dyke opened his veterinary clinic here in Wayne County. We quite highly recommend both veterinary clinics for all animals and are very grateful for the help all these wonderful vets provide! —CCAW For additional information about adopting or helping animals, call CCAW at (435) 491-2050, email ccaw@xmission.com, or visit our website, www.colorcountryanimalwelfare.org. Our mission is to reduce the number of stray cats and dogs in the Wayne County area and to advocate for the welfare of all animals.
Nursing Students Administer COVID Vaccine to Local Residents
Courtesy Southern Utah University
SUU nursing students are partnering with the Southwest Utah Public Health Department to administer the COVID-19 vaccines to residents over 70 years of age. CEDAR CITY - Southern Utah University nursing students are doing their part in helping fight COVID-19. In partnership with the Southwest Utah Public Health Department, SUU nursing students are administering the vaccine to the Iron County residents over 70 years of age. “I haven’t seen an initiative like this in healthcare, ever in my lifetime. It’s a massive undertaking,” said Suzie Campbell, assistant professor of nursing and coordinator for the vaccine effort. “We are so pleased to partner with the Health Department and take care of our community. This is a unique opportunity for students to serve on the frontlines to help protect us all from COVID. We received feedback from people who have been immunized, and they have been so appreciative of the service and the chance to protect themselves. It’s been a great opportunity.” Students in the second and third semesters of the nursing program began working with the Southwest Utah Public Health Department and administering the vaccine the first week of January 2021. The Health Department began receiving shipments
of the COVID-19 vaccine and distributing the vaccine in Washington, Iron, Kane, Beaver, and Garfield counties in December. Currently, they are vaccinating 500 individuals daily and are working to expand that to 700 per day. Supplies are limited and are offered to priority groups at clinics in each county, by online registration. "Some of the individuals coming into the Health Department to get the vaccine seemed like they had been waiting so long to get it, and they were finally able to,” said Hunter Hagen, second year nursing student at SUU. “They were so excited and happy. I am so glad to be part of it." SUU’s Nursing Department anticipates they will continue working with the Health Department through-
out the year. While the focus is on adults over 70, they hope to shift to children and adolescents this summer. With the goal to eventually have the entire public immunized, the Health Department will continue to need support of the nursing students. “I work as a home health nurse as well, and I take care of a husband and wife who live in an assisted living center,” said Campbell. “The husband has not left the facility in the past ten months and his wife only leaves for doctor appointments. They haven’t seen their grandchildren and great grandchildren in almost a year. I can’t even imagine living like that. These vulnerable individuals have been waiting so long for this vaccine and we are so excited to be part of the effort to offer it to them.” SUU’s nursing students have spent countless hours in the past year helping students, faculty, staff, and the Cedar City community fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, including helping with the campus-wide testing effort at SUU. The SUU Nursing program aims to prepare graduates to successfully enter nursing practice, develop technically proficient nurses, and support faculty members as health care professionals. Learn more about the SUU Department of Nursing by visiting www.suu.edu/nursing/. —Southern Utah University
Page 3
The Insider
Page 4
Schools & Sports
PHS Sports Sidelines
News from Bryce Valley Schools
by Mack Oetting
The Panguitch Bobcats Wrestling Team rules the mats for the second year in a row and are 1A State Champions once again, and Bobcats Basketball prepares for Regional playoffs
THE CATS WRESTLING TEAM SCORED 214 POINTS TO SECURE THE TITLE OF STATE CHAMPIONS, FOLLOWED BY PIUTES 167 AND MILFORD WITH 146. COACH COLLIN MARSHALL HAS FORMED A DYNASTY. THIS TEAM ONLY HAD THREE SENIORS ON IT AND THIRTEEN SOPHMORES. ALL BUT ONE PLACED IN THE MEET. THERE ARE 12 MIDDLE SCHOOL WRESTLERS THAT WILL BE ADDED TO THE TEAM NEXT YEAR. SENIOR PORTER SHOPPE TOOK 1ST PLACE IN HIS WEIGHT DIVISION. IN HIS CAREER, HE HAS HAD TWO FIRST PLACE CHAMPIONSHIPS AND TWO SECONDS. WHAT A CAREER HE HAS HAD! SENIOR WADE CHRISTENSEN ALSO TOOK THE GOLD IN THE 220 DIVISION WITH A PIN. THREE SOPHOMORES STARTED THE CATS OFF TO A GREAT START WITH WINS IN THEIR DEVISIONS. OWEN
CROFTS (106)#, HUNTER DICKINSON (113)# AND GRYSON HENRIE (120)# ALL CAME AWAY WITH GOLD MEDALS. Coach Marshall said it was a tough year with all of the ups and downs, but the kids have made the best of it. There were a lot of changes due to COVID, and he hopes the lessons that they learned here will carry them through their whole lives. Individual’s results: 106 - Owen Crofts, 1st 113 - Hunter Dickinson, 1st 120 - Bryson Henrie, 1st 126 - Thomas Marshall, 2nd 132 - Porter Schoppe, 1st 138 - Theron Evans, 3rd 152 - Mclane Leibbrandt, 4th 160 - Korbin Atkin, 4th 170 - Cael Houston, 2nd 195 - Gage Julander, 4th 220 - Wade Christensen, 1st 285 - Cole Harland, 2nd 285 - Arik Blevins, 4th The Bobcats Basketball teams are hitting their strides just in time for the Regional playoffs. The playoffs will be in Panguitch on the 19th and 20th. Each team will be givien 200 tickets. However, after each game, those in attendance will have to leave and a new crowd will be let in. Where will they go? Your guess is as good as mine. There will be a concession stand, which will be open, and Henrie’s Drivein will also be open for the
two days. Both of the teams will have play-in games on the 18th. The boys will be in Panguitch, and the girls will have to travel for their game. The boys basketball team had quite a week, destroying Pinnacle 74 to 14. Wolfey had 20 and Bennett finished with 14, and most of the team got in the scoring column. Against the Valley Buffalos, the Cats, I think, played their best game of the season. Valley had beat the Cats in their last meeting, and Valley had a really big crowd. Their passes were really crisp and the outside shooting was good enough to open up the inside game. Bennett had a really good night scoring 20 and had many rebounds. Hatch finished with 16 and four more 3-pointers. So far in Ryker's career, he has had one hundred and fortytwo 3-pointers and still has the region and state games to go. When Hatch is on with his 3-pointers, it really opens up the Cats' inside game. The Lady Cats got revenge against the Milford Tigers, winning a squeaker 44 to 43. Orton had a very good game scoring 18, and Holman added another 13. The ladies did not have as good of luck with the Wayne Badgers, losing 52 to 39. Wayne has a really good team. The Cats did close the gap a little from the last time they met the Badgers. Check and see if you can come to the games this weekend. Both teams need your support.
by Brooklyn Syrett
BVHS celebrates Homecoming Week by crowning their royalty in the Homecoming Queen and King Pageant and with themed dress-up days throughout the week
Homecoming Week was a blast this year. There were so many fun activities, fundraisers and games throughout the week. The week always ends with honoring the seniors attending BVHS and the Homecoming Royalty. The Homecoming Queen Pageant was held on Monday, February 8th. Their theme was “Rise Up.” The BVHS Homecoming Royalty for 2021 is Trinity Whitfield, Queen; Kym Roundy, 1st Attendant; and Rylee Pollock, 2nd Attendant. Local businesses donate to provide each of these ladies with scholarships. The Homecoming King Pageant was held Thursday, February 11th. After many creative talents, the king royalty was voted on by the student body. The results were Isaac Leech, King; Quayden Tebbs, 1st Attendant; and Treyson Roberts, 2nd Attendant. The Lady Mustangs had
Garfield and Wayne County School District COVID-19 Case Count Data Garfield County School District School
Active Cases
Recovered Cases
February 18, 2021
Students Currently Quarantined
Staff Members Currently Quarantined
Cases Contracted at School
Antimony
0
0
0
0
0
Boulder
0
0
0
0
0
Bryce Valley Elem. 0
5
0
0
0
Bryce Valley High
2
19
2
0
0
Escalante Elem.
0
7
0
0
0
Escalante High
0
4
0
0
0
Panguitch Elem.
0
5
0
0
0
Panguitch Middle
0
5
0
0
0
Panguitch High
0
17
0
0
0
District Office
0
2
0
0
0
District Totals
2
64
2
0
0
a successful weekend trip to Wendover. Both the JV and Varsity teams came home with great wins against the #4 team in 1A girls basketball. They had only one game during homecoming week. They will play the Escalante Moquis. This will be their final regular season game and will also honor the two senior basketball players, Kezli Floyd and Brooklyn Syrett, and one senior cheerleader, Kysha Brinkerhoff. This will also be the night they honor all seniors attending BVHS. Next week will kick off the region tournament. The Mustangs started off with a tough game in Wendover. They fell short to the Wildcats but not after a valiant effort in the final minutes. They traveled to Milford on Thursday, February 11th and won against the Tigers. Their final game for the regular season was Saturday, February
13th against the Diamond Ranch Diamondbacks. This was also the night they honored the senior basketball players, Kage Ott, Eddie Garcia, Sergio Vasquez, Westyn Clark, Treyson Roberts and Quayden Tebbs and also the Homecoming Royalty. Again, they will have a region tournament on Thursday-Saturday, February 18-20. The wrestlers headed to state in Richfield at the SVC on Friday, February 12th. Best of luck was given to the Mustang Wrestlers. Homecoming Week was celebrated with the following dress-up days: Monday, Old School Day; Tuesday, Patriotic Day; Wednesday, BV Day; Thursday, Rival Day; and Friday, Beach Day. We also had the "Meet the Mustangs" program on Wednesday. There is a link to this on the Bryce Valley High School page for you to view. You can also find the Homecoming Queen Pageant on the Bryce Valley High School Facebook page.
Courtesy Brooklyn Syrett
Seniors busy making their Homecoming sign.
Source: Garfield County School District / https://www.garfk12.org/
Wayne County School District Student/ Staff Active Case
Student/ Staff Quarantined
Number of Students
Number of Staff
9
4
461
86
Source: Wayne County School District / https://www.waynesd.org/covid-home.html
This data represents a snapshot, using information provided by the Central Utah Public Health Department and the Southwest Utah Public Health Department. The District and Schools are NOT permitted to disclose breakdowns between number of staff or student cases, nor identify grade or class information to ensure compliance with federal health privacy laws. This represents data as of February 12, 2021 for Wayne County School District and as of February 9, 2021 for Garfield County School District. —Insider
Courtesy Brooklyn Syrett
Kysha Brinkerhoff on Beach Day during Homecoming Week.
February 18, 2021
Wills, Trusts, and More
The Insider
Choosing a Guardian for Your Children If you have young children, you've probably thought about who would raise them if both you and your spouse were to die. It's not an easy thing to consider. However, you can make plans now that will put your fears to rest, knowing that your children will be nurtured and cared for. You can use your will to name the person you want to be the guardian of your children. The judge will appoint the person you nominated in your will as guardian, unless it is not in the best interests of the children for some reason. If you do not name a guardian in your will, anyone who is interested can request to be appointed. The judge then must decide, without your opinion. Legally, you may name co-guardians, but keep in mind that co-guardians could later go separate ways. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a guardian or co-guardians: • Is the prospective guardian old enough? He or she must be an adult, 18 years or older. • Does your choice have a genuine concern for your children's welfare? • Is your choice physically able to handle the rigors of child rearing? • Does he or she have the
by Jeffery J. McKenna time? The resources? • Does he or she have children close in age to that of your children? Is this a benefit? • Does the guardian share your moral beliefs? • Would your children have to move away from other family members? If you're having a hard time selecting a guardian, talk with the people you're considering. They may not be willing or able to accept the responsibility. Their feelings about acting as guardian may help you decide. When you and your child's other parent make your wills, you should name the same person as guardian. Otherwise, in the event of both your deaths, the court would be faced with wishes that conflict, and would have to make the choice. If you don't agree on one person, candid discussions with your potential guardians may help you reach an agreement. Most people want their children to stay together. However, you may have good reasons for naming different guardians for different children. In all cases, you should keep the best interests of your children at heart. In most cases a judge would grant custody to a non-parent only if the surviving parent had abandoned
t H e Wedding DJ
NOW WITH A PANGUITCH OFFICE AT 46 NORTH MAIN STREET TO SERVE CLIENTS IN AND AROUND GARFIELD COUNTY. Jeffery J. McKenna is a local attorney serving clients in Utah, Nevada, and Arizona. He is a shareholder at the law firm of Barney McKenna and Olmstead. He is a founding member and former President of the Southern Utah Estate Planning Council. If you have questions regarding this article or if you have a topic you wish to have addressed in this column, you can call 435 6281711 or email jmckenna@ barney-mckenna.com. the child or was found to be an unfit parent for some reason. Most people have strong feelings about how they want their children to be raised. Your concerns may cover anything from keeping the children together to religious teachings. All of these wishes can be expressed in your will. The decisions are difficult. In all cases, the best interests of the children come first. Selecting guardianship for your children is, in itself, a good reason to make a will. Nothing gives greater peace of mind than knowing your children will be cared for if something were to happen to you.
At my granddaughter's wedding, the DJ polled the guests to see who had been married longest. It turned out to be my husband and I. The DJ asked us, "What advice would you give to the newly-married couple?" I said, "The three most important words in a marriage are, 'You're probably right.'" Everyone then looked at my husband. He said, "She's probably right."
Today's Thought
Children are like mosquitoes. The minute they stop making noise, they're into something.
Page 5
l A u G h i N g pOiNt!! Couples Quarrel
A young couple drove several miles down a country road, not saying a word. An earlier discussion had led to an argument, and neither wanted to concede their position. As they passed a barnyard of mules and pigs, the husband sarcastically asked, 'Are they relatives of yours?' 'Yes,' his wife replied. 'I married into the family.'
Problem Solving
One day, when I noticed my husband squinting at the TV, I told him he'd better get his eyes checked. The next day, he came home with a bigger TV.
PUNishment
He had a difficult time bouncing back from his bungee cord accident.
sudoku To Play: Complete the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9
Selling Collectibles
Showing his friend around his home, Walt pointed out all of the collectibles he and his wife had acquired over their long years of marriage. "The day before I die, I'd like to sell every piece we've got just to see how much it's all worth." "Well," his friend replies, "since you couldn't possibly know the day before you were going to die, you'll never be able to sell!" "And that's where you're wrong," the man smiled. "If I sell it, my wife would kill me!"
This week's answers on page 9
THEME: MATH 101 ACROSS 1. À la mode 5. Westminster broadcaster 8. Lamb's momma 11. Depression drifter 12. Alternative to truth 13. Like a Druid, e.g. 15. Verify 16. Flair 17. Avoid paying taxes 18. *Same as power in math 20. Surrender territory 21. Mini, midi or maxi 22. Longnosed fish 23. *Round #23 Down 26. Adverb derived from zone 30. Miner's bounty 31. Curved like a foot 34. Mother Earth to Ancient Greeks 35. Truck amounts 37. "____ the land of the free..." 38. Hitler's Third 39. Capri, e.g. 40. Walked 42. Grande, e.g. 43. Remove scales 45. Accustomed, two words 47. Like arctic air 48. More capable 50. Tibetan priest 52. *Part of a whole number 55. Grinding tooth 56. Stare amorously 57. Hoofbeat sound 59. Garlic mayo 60. Kick out 61. Gossamer 62. *Pi's second digit 63. High ____ 64. "Brave New World" drug
DOWN 1. Half a particular dance 2. Past tense of heave 3. Type of mountain goat 4. Body six feet under 5. Harvest helper 6. Small goose 7. Abe's coin 8. Exclamation of surprise, archaic 9. Do like fly fisherman 10. Between northeast and east 12. One who denies 13. Popular pie nut 14. *Sum divided by count 19. Southern cuisine pods 22. Apollo to ancient Greeks 23. *Three-dimensional object 24. Not poetry 25. Mends
26. *Whole number between -1 and 1 27. Scottish landowner 28. In accordance with law 29. Search engine pioneer 32. Pigeon's home 33. H in British HMS 36. *Kind of point 38. Set to zero 40. Cunning 41. Pleasing to the ear 44. Ticks and mites, taxonomically speaking 46. Short for Fredericas 48. Lock horns 49. Popular craft wood 50. Under a fig leaf? 51. Gel producing plant 52. *0.3048 meters 53. Pasta with ____ and alio 54. "Cheers" regular 55. Cultural Revolution leader 58. Money in Myanmar Solution on page 9
Page 6
O bituaries
John Deloy Dutton
CEDAR CITY - John Deloy Dutton, 88, of Enoch, Utah, passed away on February 6, 2021 in Cedar City, Utah. He was born September 17, 1932 in Cannonville, Utah to Oscar and Delpha Shakespear Dutton. He married Karen Irene Savage, March 12, 1952 in the St. George Temple. They were together over 62 years. Dad was a story teller, friend, farmer, fire fighter and a real cowboy. He calf-roped and loved to participate in rodeos. He owned his own construction company and was an outstanding equipment operator. In 1966, he started with the Dixie National Forest with the position of Construction & Maintenance Supervisor and Fire Boss, where he spent 37 years building camp grounds, roads, bridges, and fighting wild fires. He loved to camp, fish, hunt and spend time with his family in the outdoors. Dad was an active member of the LDS Church. He is survived by his sister Hilda (Duane) Adcock; children, Darnell Shirley, Hud (Judy) Dutton, Pat (Bill) Lowe, Randy (Meggie) Dutton, Roger (Shabonya) Dutton and Amee (Klyn) Gleave, Vince (Kristy) Brennan, he had 16 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, the love of his life Karen Irene Savage, his brother Carvel Dutton, sisters Idella Corporon and Flora Dutton, son Russell Deloy Dutton and grandson Shane Sexton. We love you Dad and will look forward to when we meet again. Services were Friday, February 12, 2021, with a viewing from 9:30 -10:30 a.m. followed by a program at Southern Utah Mortuary at 190 N. 300 W. Cedar City, Utah. Burial and graveside services at the Cannonville Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. Online condolences can be sent at www.sumortuary.com
Mary Jean Harman 1940 - 2021
TORREY - Mary Jean Harman, passed away surrounded by family on Sunday, February 7, 2021. She was born in Torrey, Utah to Thelma and Dwendon Lee, and was proud of her Torrey heritage. She graduated from Wayne High and Steven-Henager Business College. She was a secretary for Granite School District and retired after 22 years of dedicated service. She loved spending time in her beloved Torrey, and truly believed it was “God’s Country.” She married Larry Harman in 1961, and they have two children: Natalie and Mike. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt. She and her sister, Coral, would spend countless hours making clothes, holiday decorations, and treats to make every holiday, birthday or special life event truly memorable. She is survived by her husband Larry, children: Natalie (Bill) Cullen and Mike. Grandchildren: Patrick (Rachel), Christopher, Erin (Dan), and Megan (Kyle), and greatgrand-children: Witten and Maci. She is also survived by her sister Coral (Jim) Coffey, and special niblings: Chris (Randy) Schafer & Brad Coffey (Robert Thompson), and her lifelong friend, Ardeen Chappell. She was proceeded in death by her parents: Dwendon Lee and Thelma (Mavor) Gatehouse, Brothers: Dwendon Mack Lee (Ann) and Larry B. Lee, as well as a special niece Cheri L. Coffey. The family would like to express our deep appreciation to Jonathan from Aspire Hospice, and the entire staff at Alpine Meadow Rehab and Nursing who provided outstanding care during her final days. Due to COVID 19 concerns for friends and family, a graveside service was held at the Torrey City Cemetery on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Utah Humane Society or the Color Country Animal Welfare in Torrey, Utah are encouraged.
The Insider
February 18, 2021
FYI PanguItch
by Mack Oetting ~ mackoetting @gmail.com It has been a good week in Panguitch. We had a little snow, a musical, basketball games, and we won another State Championship. There is no more pleasant a sound then when you are lying in bed and hear the sounds of fire engine sirens and school bus air horns signaling that PHS has won another State Championship. I believe this is their 94th title that they have won. The snow was another 3 inches, but according to the weather people it is supposed to continue Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. However, it is also bringing more north wind to cool things down, but it is still winter. It could be much worse. The eastern part of the country is having freezing weather and temperatures below zero for highs. Texas has been having terrific traffic accidents, one with over a hundred injured people having to go to the hospital. The last two weeks Panguitch High has been putting on the musical "Shrek." The tickets were sold early on and only 50 people were allowed to be in the audience at a time. Pat and I decided to take a chance and go to see if there were any cancellations. Lo and behold, we got in. As usual, Cheryl Church and Elaine Baldwin made this show into a fun event. At one time, I counted over 30 students taking part. Years ago, you couldn’t get a boy to sing anything, and now, they are the hit of the show. This was a very delightful show with all of the singing and dancing that went on. My favorite, as always, is Jaren Henrie and has been ever since he was
a second grader, singing the National Anthem at the State Championship game. His role as Donkey was so good that if you closed your eyes, you would have thought Eddie Murphy was in the costume. Don’t get me wrong, the cast on both nights were excellent, and the little middle school kids really get into their parts. It was too bad that more of the town wasn’t able to come. The GEM Theater is having classical movie nights that are free. They also have Mexican food there. I believe the first movie will be playing soon, and it will be the Disney film "Tom and Jerry." We need to support the new owners. The theater is a vital part of the town, and the winter sports will be over within a couple of weeks. After six years, the Bishopric of the Panguitch 1st Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been replaced. Bishop Tyce Palmer and his two Councilmen, Mitchell Miller and Justin Peterson, have been outstanding in their callings during these trying times. I know it wouldn’t have been proper, but they should have been givien a standing ovation. Conducting Sunday meetings is just a small part of the job. The first person that so many people with problems in small towns call for help is the Bishop or his Councilors. The new Bishop is Kevin Heaton. He is a fun kind of guy, so if you have a whoopee cushion under your seat, you will know where it came from. Bishop Heaton's 1st Councilor is Brian Frandsen, and his 2nd Councilor is Matt Houston.
Both are really smart and are young family people and have a strong Testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Easter is coming early this year. It will be on April 4th, and for the first time that I can remember, the school district will have spring break that week instead of splitting it. So this year, the 26th annual Easter egg hunt will be on Friday at 1:00, and it will be back at the Fair Park this year. Keep that date available. There will be plenty of prizes and candy for the kids. Forty-two states are reporting that they have had a reduction in the cases of the virus. However, this week a half a million will have died from COVID. The deaths have dropped down from an average of 4,000 a day to under 3,000. So far, 50 million shots have been given out. It doesn't always run smooth, as some areas aren’t getting the vaccine. I picked up these numbers at the post office, and you might give them a try: SWUhealth.org/covid vaccine or phone number 435-9862549. I believe that is a Cedar number. Expect a long wait, but you can make an appointment for the shot. Well, the Super Bowl is over, and the only game in town now is the NBA. One of the great things that they did at the Super Bowl was to invite 23,000 first responders to the game, free of charge. As a fundraiser, you could also have a full size poster of yourself sitting in the stands for $100 dollars. They sold 30,000 of these posters and gave the money to various charities. The winning Tampa Bay team had a boat
parade, instead of the usual parade, to maintain proper distancing. It was fun watching them pass the trophy back and forth between boats. Utah’s NBA team, the Utah Jazz, are leading the league in wins and are in first place in the West. They have a record 20 and 5 and lead the west. The LA Lakers, my team, is just ½ of a game behind. LeBron James is leading the race for MVP, and he is one of only a few that have played in every game. I think that the NBA has bit off a little too much. Their seasons usually start at the end of October. This year, they started in late December. They have a 72 game season, and checking the Lakers schedule, they play a game every other night or sometimes three games in four nights. I think the teams with the strongest bench will be the ones that come out on top in the end. LeBron is averaging ten minutes a game, less than anytime in his career. However, in close games, he has to stay in the game if they are going to win. Last week, the Lakers played three straight overtime games and won them all. King James' playing time was up in the 40 minutes. Sunday was Valentine's Day. When you have been married as long as Pat and I have been (64 years), every day is Valentine’s Day. Monday was President's Day and a three day holiday, but with the crummy weather, there were not a lot of people going anywhere. Thank you, Lynda, for the kind letter. Mack O.
O bituaries Jim Gehrke 1946 - 2021
TORREY - James (Jim) Gehrke left this world peacefully at his home in Torrey, Friday morning, January 29th, 2021 after a 2+ year battle with cancer. He was born December 20th, 1946 in Anaconda, Montana, the oldest of four children born to Warren and Kay Gehrke. He grew up moving from Montana to North Dakota, then to Maryland and Illinois. He graduated from high school in Livonia, Michigan, class of 1965. He went to college in Livonia, Michigan and then moved to Washington State and earned an Associate Degree in Technical Arts at Everett Community College in 1968. There he met the love of his life, Lisa Sebbas. They were married in 1968 and were happily married for 52 years. After working in the building trades in the Seattle area, he was drafted into the US Army in 1969. He served overseas in South Korea for 17 months with the 7th Infantry Division. He served as the company clerk and was honorably discharged in 1975. Jim held various jobs over the years. He worked in sawmills in Everett and Bonners Ferry, Idaho. He was a deputy sheriff in Boundary County, Idaho and completed POST Academy in Pocatello, Idaho. He worked as a private contractor doing remodeling projects, and as a security company supervisor and officer. The last nine years, he lived in Bonners Ferry he worked for the Forest Service on a fire crew. In 2003, he and Lisa made a trip to Wayne County, Utah, and it was love at first sight. After moving to Wayne County, he worked for several years in the at-risk programs for Aspen. Before retiring, he was on the maintenance crew at Capitol Reef National Park. During his retirement, Jim and Lisa enjoyed traveling to Europe, Central, and South American, and many other places. He loved his family dearly and made sure they always felt loved. He enjoyed the outdoors and went ATVing, hunting, fishing, hiking, and relished exploring new country. He shared this love with his two boys, Andy and Zach. Jim also liked camping with family and friends. In addition, Jim loved spending time with God, reading the Bible, praying, and worshipping with other believers. He even spent a couple of years leading a Sunday morning Bible study with the youth at the Central Utah Youth Center. His hobbies included birding, gardening, landscaping, building, and researching family military history dating back to the Civil War. Jim is survived by his wife Lisa of Torrey, Utah; two sons, Andy (Susanne) of Caldwell, Idaho, and Zach (Heather) of Maple Valley, Washington; four grandchildren, Sean, Matthew, Samantha, and Aaron; sister Jean (Orrin) Brewer of Seaside, Oregon; brother John (Nancy, deceased) Gehrke of Anacortes, Washington; sister Janet (Doug) Ramey of Kennewick, Washington; and numerous nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents Warren and Kay Gehrke. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Teri Leavitt and staff with Gunnison Home Health and Hospice for all their help during Jim’s last days. We would also like to give thanks for the wonderful care Jim received from Daniel Palmer and staff at WCHC, and to Dr. Wallentine at Revere Health, as well as the providers at Utah Valley and Huntsman Cancer Institute. The family will have a celebration of Jim’s life later in the year when family and friends can gather. Services under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah. On line guest book at: www.springerturner.com
February 18, 2021
The Insider
Page 7
LegaL Notices
PUBLIC HEARING LOA TOWN PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION The purpose of this notice is to inform you that the Loa Town Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on Thursday, February 18 @ 6 pm at Wayne County Commission Chambers, Loa Courthouse, 18 S. Main. The purpose of this public hearing will be to receive comments regarding the update of a general plan for Loa Town. All Loa Town residents invited to attend. If you have any questions, please contact Michelle Brian at 435-836-2160. Published in the Wayne & Garfield County Insider on FEBRUARY 11 & 18, 2021 NOTICE OF PROPOSED ZONING CHANGE WAYNE COUNTY PROPOSED CHANGE FROM: RESIDENTIAL/AGRICULTURAL TO: INDUSTRIAL WITH A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT INTENDED USE: CUSTOM MEAT PROCESSING AND PACKING ZONING CHANGE REQUESTED BY: D. SHANE BRADBURY & KEHL BRADBURY A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD PRIOR TO THE PLANNING & ZONING MEETING ON: FEBRUARY 24, 2021 @ 7 PM WAYNE COUNTY COURTHOUSE LEGAL DES: 2 acres in E1/2SE1/4NE1/4 Section 21 T28S R3E Location: approx: 2200 S HWY 24 Lyman, UT 84749 Published in the Wayne & Garfield County Insider on FEBRUARY 11 & 18, 2021 SURPLUS SALE GARFIELD COUNTY GARFIELD COUNTY IS ACCEPTING SEALED BIDS ON THE FOLLOWING ITEMS: 2020 Dodge Ram 2500, Crew Cab, 4WD Automatic, Short Bed, Red 2020 Dodge Ram 2500, Crew Cab, 4WD Automatic, Short Bed, Granite 2020 Dodge Ram 2500, Crew Cab, 4WD Automatic, Long Bed, Red 2020 Dodge Ram 2500, Crew Cab, 4WD Automatic, Long Bed, Silver 2020 Chevy Silverado, Crew Cab, 4WD Automatic, Short Bed, Silver 2020 Chevy Silverado, Crew Cab, 4WD Automatic, Short Bed, Gray 2020 Dodge Ram 2500, Crew Cab, 4WD Automatic, Short Bed, Silver BIDS WILL BE ACCEPTED IN THE COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE UNTIL 5:00 P.M., MARCH 5TH, 2021. BIDS WILL BE OPENED MONDAY, MARCH 8TH, 2021 AT 11:00 A.M. IN THE COMMISSION CHAMBERS OF THE GARFIELD COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 55 SOUTH MAIN STREET, PANGUITCH, UTAH. THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WILL HAVE 48 HOURS TO COMPLETE THE TRANSACTION. All vehicles will be sold in “as is” condition, and all sales will be final. Purchases can be made with cash or certified check. Garfield County reserves the right to accept or reject any and all offers. For additional information contact the Clerk’s Office at (435) 676-1100 or www.garfield.utah.gov. Published in the Wayne & Garfield County Insider on FEBRUARY 18 & 25, 2021 MEETING SCHEDULE 2021 FREMONT RIVER CONSERVATION DISTRICT PURSUANT TO 52-4-6, Utah Code Annotated, the Fremont River Conservation District will hold regular monthly meetings for the year 2021 on the 4th Wednesday of each month with the exception of December and holidays. Meetings may be canceled or re-scheduled due to exigent circumstances. Meetings begin at 1:00 p.m., in the Commission Chamber at the Wayne County Courthouse, 18 South Main Street, Loa, Utah. Kerry Cook Fremont River CD Chairman Published in the Wayne & Garfield County Insider on FEBRUARY 18, 2021
NOTICE OF BONDS TO BE ISSUED LOA TOWN PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on February 11, 2021, the Mayor and Town Council of Loa Town (the "Issuer"), adopted a resolution (the “Resolution”) declaring its intention to issue its Parity Water Revenue Bonds (the “Bonds”) pursuant to the Utah Local Government Bonding Act, Title 11, Chapter 14, Utah Code Annotated 1953, as amended. The Issuer intends to issue the Bonds in the principal amount of not to exceed $950,000, to bear interest at a rate not to exceed 2.0% per annum, to mature in not to more than 35 years from their date or dates, and to be sold at a price not less than 100% of the total principal amount thereof, plus accrued interest to the date of delivery. The Bonds will specify that any installment of principal and interest on the Bonds which shall not be paid when due shall bear interest at the rate of 18% per annum from the due date thereof until paid. The Issuer intends to issue the Bonds for the purpose of (i) financing all or a portion of the cost of constructing culinary water system improvements, including replacement of existing pipelines, installation of a looping system, water settlers, water meters and fire hydrants, together with related improvements to the culinary water system; and (ii) paying costs of issuing the Bonds. OUTSTANDING BONDS SECURED BY THE SAME REVENUE The Issuer currently has outstanding bonds secured by the pledge of culinary water system revenues, namely: the 2002A Parity Water Revenue Bond sold to the Utah Permanent Community Impact Fund Board in the original principal amount of $230,000 and the 2002B Parity Water Revenue Bond sold to the Utah Permanent Community Impact Fund Board in the original principal amount of $200,000. ESTIMATED TOTAL COST OF THE BONDS Although the Resolution authorizes the issuance of Bonds in the aggregate principal amount of up to $950,000, the Issuer anticipates that the actual principal amount of the Bonds will be $675,000, in which case the estimated total cost to the Issuer for the proposed Bonds is $856,785, including an estimated cost of interest on the Bonds is $181,785. A copy of the Resolution is on file in the office of the Town Clerk in Loa, Utah, where it may be examined during regular office hours of the Town Clerk from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, for a period of at least 30 days from and after date of the last date of publication of this Notice. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that a period of 30 days from and after the last date of publication of this Notice is provided by law during which any person in interest shall have the right to contest the legality of the Resolution or the Bonds, or any provision made for the security and payment of the Bonds, and that after such time, no one shall have any cause of action to contest the regularity, formality or legality thereof for any cause whatsoever. DATED this 11th day of February, 2021. /s/ Michelle Brian Town Clerk Published in the Wayne & Garfield County Insider on FEBRUARY 18, 2021 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 Mar. 17, 2021 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 841146300. Please visit waterrights.utah.gov or call (801)538-7240 for additional information. NEW APPLICATION(S) 95-5439 (A82389): Roger S. Brian propose(s) using 0.015 cfs OR 1.48 ac-ft. from groundwater (2 miles south of Loa) for STOCKWATERING. CHANGE APPLICATION(S) 95-5440 (a46690): Kelly Taylor, Wayne County Water Conservancy District propose(s) using 0.3939 cfs OR 200 ac-ft. from groundwater (7 miles west of Hanksville) for IRRIGATION. 61-1974 (a46692): Beth Ellen Kimble, Daniel B. Powers propose(s) using 0.0044 cfs OR 1 ac-ft. from groundwater (Bryce Canyon area) for COMMERCIAL: 10 cabinettes evaluated at 150 gpd for 217 days. 61-3253 (a46694): Gallia-Rovira Family Trust propose(s) using 0.25 ac-ft. from groundwater (Mammoth Creek) for DOMESTIC. 61-3257 (a46707): Larry D and Estella F Boevers Living Trust propose(s) using 0.0064 cfs OR 0.5 ac-ft. from groundwater (2 mi. E of Cedar Break Nat Mon) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION. 61-3246 (a46715): Dieter Meltvedt and Holly Meltvedt propose(s) using 0.004 cfs OR 3 ac-ft. from groundwater (1/2 mile NE of Hatch) for IRRIGATION. 61-3258 (a46717): Curtis and Kelly Saunders Family Trust propose(s) using 0.25 ac-ft. from groundwater (5 miles S of Panguitch Lake) for DOMESTIC. Teresa Wilhelmsen, P.E. State Engineer Published in the Wayne & Garfield County Insider on FEBRUARY 18 & 25, 2021 SALE OF SURPLUS MODULAR BUILDING GARFIELD COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION The Garfield County School District Board of Education has declared a modular building currently being used by Panguitch Elementary as surplus. The District will accept bids to purchase the property from the District by the highest acceptable bidder. Location of the modular building: Panguitch Elementary School—145 S. 100 W., Panguitch, UT 84759 Building Square Footage: Approximately 5,400 sq ft Responsibility of Moving the Building: The building must be moved by the acceptable bidder after school lets out on May 28, 2021 and no later than June 18, 2021. The cost of moving the building is the responsibility of the successful bidder. Demolition of the surrounding building will begin the week of June 21st, so it is imperative that the building move be completed by 6/18/2021. Bid Time and Date: Sealed Bids to purchase the building will be accepted by Bruce Williams, Business Administrator for the District until 4:00 P.M. on 2/26/2021. Bids will be publicly opened at the District Office immediately following the bid closing. Additional Information: To make an appointment to tour the building or requests for additional information prior to bidding should be directed to Bruce Williams at 435-676 1302 or bruce.williams@garfk12.org. Published in the Wayne & Garfield County Insider on FEBRUARY 18 & 25, 2021
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING LOA TOWN PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on February 11, 2021, the Mayor and Town Council of Loa Town (the "Issuer"), adopted a resolution (the “Resolution”) declaring its intention to issue its Parity Water Revenue Bonds (the “Bonds”) pursuant to the Utah Local Government Bonding Act, Title 11, Chapter 14, Utah Code Annotated 1953, as amended and to call a public hearing to receive input from the public with respect to the issuance of the Bonds. The Issuer shall hold a public hearing on March 11, 2021, at the hour of 7:00 p.m. The location of the public hearing is in the Loa Town Office, 80 West Center, Loa, Utah. The purpose of the meeting is to receive input from the public with respect to the issuance of the Bonds and any potential economic impact to the private sector from the construction of the Project to be funded by the Bonds for financing the culinary water system improvements, including replacement of existing pipelines, installation of a looping system, water settlers, water meters and fire hydrants. All members of the public are invited to attend and participate. DATED this 11th day of February, 2021. /s/ Michelle Brian Town Clerk Published in the Wayne & Garfield County Insider on FEBRUARY 18 & 25, 2021 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BOULDER TOWN The Boulder Town Council will hold a public hearing on March 4, 2021, beginning at 7:00 p.m., for the purpose of receiving public input on the Planning Commission's recommendation of changes to be made to Boulder Town's Zoning Ordinance and General Plan. The proposed changes can be found on the Town's website (boulder.utah.gov). The public hearing will be held by Zoom, with instructions on joining found on pmn, Town bulletin boards, and the Town website. Judith Davis Town Clerk Published in the Wayne & Garfield County Insider on FEBRUARY 18, 2021
O bituaries
Connie Geneal Ekker King HANKSVILLE - Connie Geneal Ekker King, age 80, passed away on February 9th, in St. George, Utah. What’s not to love about a woman who loved her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren—almost as much as she loved the Utah Jazz, Pepsi, Mesquite, and Canasta. She was born January 23rd, 1941 to Darys and Clella Ekker in Bicknell, Utah. Connie grew up in Hanksville, Utah, and had three siblings, Perry, Ina, and Lamont Ekker. She lived in many places around Utah, but Hanskville always had a special place in her heart. Connie was an extremely significant part of her family’s lives. She raised not only her own children, but step children and grandchildren. She has always been greatly involved in all her grandkids lives, and her face just lit up immensely to see her great grandchildren. Connie is survived by her siblings, Ina Bloxham and Perry Ekker. Her three children, Sandra (Bruce), Chris (Kathryn), and Mike (Eveline). Her ten grandchildren, Aubree, Rikki (David), Randi (Duane), Krisdale (Evan), BJ (Amie), Brooke (Randy), Chelsie, Kensie (Shawn), Holly (Casey), and Jake. Her twelve great-grandchildren, Kendra, Brynnly, Cash, Annabelle, Carter, Reagan, Peyten, Paxton, Preslee, Jaeden, Mason, and Liliana. She was predeceased by her parents, brother Lamont, and two children, Ricky and Shellie. A graveside service will be held Friday, February 19th, at 11:00 a.m. at the Hanksville Cemetery. Online Condolences can be sent to his memorial page at www.affordablefuneralservices.com
The Insider
Page 8
Melanie Dabb, Extension Assistant Professor, Wayne County
Keeping Your Heart Healthy Physically and Emotionally February is a common time of year to think about the heart. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), heart disease is still one of the leading causes of death for both men and women across most racial and ethnic groups. Causing over 600,000 deaths per year—or one in every four deaths— many of the solutions to heart disease are well known. The recommendations from the CDC to prevent heart disease include: • Don’t Smoke • Maintain a Healthy Weight • Eat a Healthy Diet • Reduce saturated fat in your diet
• Exercise Regularly • Treat or prevent other conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol There’s also another way we talk about matters of the heart and that is our emotional health. The CDC has also reported an increase in symptoms of anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is due to concerns with the disease itself, along with the effects of activities designed to slow the spread of the disease like staying at home and social distancing. The good news is many of the recommendations that help keep our hearts physically healthy are also beneficial for keeping emotionally healthy.
• Although we’re not sure exactly why, people who smoke and those with diabetes are more likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety • Those who are overweight experience higher rates of anxiety and depression • Being physically active increases your brain function and lowers feelings of anxiety and depression • A study conducted at the University of Minnesota called the Minnesota Starvation Study showed that people who get a low nutrient intake often experience symptoms of depression and anxiety Other tips on keeping emotionally healthy from various USU experts include: • Developing a habit of gratitude • Manage stress • Talking with a friend or loved one • Rewording negative thoughts into neutral or positive statements • Journaling • Finding creative outlets • Accomplishing small tasks More information on each of these healthy habits can be found at choosemyplate.gov, extension.usu.edu/healthwellness and extension.usu.edu/ wayne/stress-management. Written By: Melanie Dabb, USU Extension Assistant Professor
February 18, 2021
February 22 - 28 by John Mosley The Sky Report is presented as a public service by the Stellar Vista Observatory, a nonprofit organization based in Kanab, Utah, which provides opportunities for people to observe, appreciate, and comprehend our starry night sky. Additional information is at www.stellarvistaobservatory.org. Send questions and comments to John@StargazingAdventures.org.
CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
The main stars of Castor as seen through a telescope. Only two months ago, we enjoyed the remarkable sight of Jupiter and Saturn sitting extremely close together in the evening sky, and then, Mercury made a great appearance when it was easy to see. These three planets then moved close to the sun, but they’re back— now on the other side of the sun in the morning sky. Theoretically, you can see all three in morning twilight if you have a low eastern horizon and binoculars, although, in practice, they are so low that it will be tough to see them against the brightening sky. Remember that you can easily generate a simple chart of the sky, planets included, at www. Heavens-Above.com. Far easier to spot is Mars, which remains a bright orange “star” high in the southwest
as darkness falls. It’s in the news as a fleet of spacecraft launched last summer arrive to go into orbit and to land and begin their studies. The moon is just below Castor and Pollux, the two brightest stars in Gemini, the twins, on the evening of Tuesday the 23rd. Castor, the topmost of the two, is an especially interesting star. It’s not just one star but six. The sun is a single star with planets (plus assorted asteroids and comets) for companions, but Castor is six stars orbiting around each other and a common center of gravity. Point a typical amateur telescope at Castor and you’ll see two stars of nearly equal brightness that are almost touching (their separation is 6 arcseconds or 0.0017 degree). Each is a bit larger
and brighter than our sun. The distance between them is 100 times the distance between the earth and sun, and they take about 460 years to complete one orbit. What you won’t see are much fainter dwarf stars which orbit ultraclose to each, making four. You could search for yet another pair of dwarf stars that appear as one faint star some distance away (73 arcseconds; magnitude 9) and that take thousands of years to orbit the main group. Castor is 51 light years away, so the light we see tonight left it in 1970, when Nixon was president. Its twin, Pollux—which is a single star—is 34 light years distant, so the two are not connected. They just happen to lie near each other in our sky. John Mosley was Program Supervisor of the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles for 27 years and is the author of “Stargazing for Beginners” and “Stargazing with Binoculars and Telescopes.” He and his wife live in St. George, where he continues to stargaze from his retirement home while serving on the advisory committee for Stellar Vista Observatory.
COVID Update: We don’t want any vaccine sitting
unused, and more doses are becoming available soon, so we are supportive of accelerating the process by making vaccines available to more people. Vaccination clinics for those age 70+ have started to see more unfilled appointments, so expanding eligibility is a prudent course of action.—Dr. Mark Briesacher Intermountain Healthcare Senior Vice President and Chief Physician Executive COVID Update Cont'd from page 1
“We don’t want any vaccine sitting unused, and more doses are becoming available soon, so we are supportive of accelerating the process by making vaccines available to more people,” said Dr. Mark Briesacher, Intermountain Healthcare Senior Vice President and Chief Physician Executive. “Vaccination clinics
for those age 70+ have started to see more unfilled appointments, so expanding eligibility is a prudent course of action.” Dr. Briesacher also provided an update on current volume of COVID-19 cases in Utah hospitals and ICUs, and answered questions about double masking, impact on Utah’s frontline caregivers, implications of COVID-19 variants being identified across the world, and the on-
going monoclonal antibody treatment program (800+ Intermountain patients treated) underway in the state to help prevent hospital admissions. These update are a part of Intermountain Healthcare’s ongoing Community COVID-19 Update / Facebook Live series. —Intermountain Healthcare
Escalante Prevention Coalition has the opportunity to provide Suicide Prevention Training classes to the Escalante/Boulder Communities. We are encouraging all Businesses, religious groups, families etc, to sign up and take advantage of a useful skill we all can use, especially in the difficult times we are facing in 2020.
The Insider
February 18, 2021
C l a s s i f i e d ads
Page 9
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
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENTS POSITIONS AVAILABLE: Garfield County School District is hiring the following positions. For a description of each, please see the district website www.garfk12.org Food Service Worker at Bryce Valley High School Boys Head Track Coach at Bryce Valley High School Para Professional at Garfield County Jail Bus Route Driver in Boulder Para-Professionals at All Schools Substitutes for Custodians, Food Service, and Teachers Food Service Worker at Boulder Elementary School SALARY: Please see 2020-2021 Garfield County School Districts Classified Salary Schedule and Certified Salary Schedule. QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must be fingerprinted and satisfactorily pass an employment background check. Applicant must work well with children. See the job description for additional requirements. APPLICATION: Interested individuals should submit a Garfield County School District classified or certified application. Please direct questions to: AES Head Teacher Robin Gibbs (435-624-3221) BES Head Teacher Elizabeth Julian (435-335-7322) BVES Principal Pete Peterson (435-679-8619) BVHS Principal Jeff Brinkerhoff (435-679-8835) EES/EHS Principal Peter Baksis (435-826-4205) PES Principal Robert Prince (435-676-8847) PMS/PHS Principal Russ Torgersen (435-676-8805) Superintendent John Dodds (435-676-8821) Online application available: www.garfk12.org Applications will be screened and the most qualified candidates will be granted interviews. DEADLINE: See the district website for closing date of each position. 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. P O S I T I O N S AVA I L A B L E: Front Desk Agents Laundry Services Housekeepers Maintenance Bellmen
GENERAL DENTIST WANTED ESCALANTE / PANGUITCH (GARFIELD COUNTY, UT) General Dentist (Full Time) position available in Escalante / Panguitch (Garfield County, UT) General responsibilities: • Must have or attain a Utah unrestricted License to practice Dentistry. • All aspects of General Dentistry including Exodontia, Root canals, Crown and Bridge, etc… • Some reimbursed travel will be expected weekly to commute between offices (Panguitch and Escalante). • New graduates may apply. • To start as soon as possible Benefits • Vacation hours. • 401K Match up to 5%. • Sick hours. • Holiday pay. • Continuing education days offered (5 Days leave and $2000/Year.) • Health/Dental Insurance (1/2 covered for family.) • Malpractice insurance covered. • Licensure and credentialing is covered. • Disability insurance (1/2 covered.) • Salary is negotiable and Contingent on experience. Pay Range: $115,000 - $130,000 /year WCHC is an approved nonprofit organization that allows one to apply for the PSLF program (loan forgiveness). Although, it is up to you to apply for these programs on your own and it is not guarantee you will be awarded. We are happy to offer advice during this process.
HOUSEKEEPING/LAUNDRY Boulder Mountain Lodge is looking for full or part time employees to join our housekeeping/laundry team for 2021. No experience necessary. Hourly wages (DOE) plus tips. For more information about the Lodge check our website ([http://www.boulder-utah.com)]www.boulderutah.com). For employment information please contact Susan, weekdays 435-335-7460 / susan@boulder-utah.com
CAPITOL REEF CIDER WORKS BICKNELL Capitol Reef Cider Works of Bicknell, Utah is looking for intelligent dedicated employees to advance our apple orchard and cider operation. Reliability and good physical fitness are required. Fulltime and part-time positions available. Preferred Skills: Construction, Welding, Automotive Mechanics, Biology, Horticulture. Email resumes and questions to: capitolreefciderworks@gmail.com
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
SENIOR CENTER MENUS BRYCE VALLEY AREA Senior Lunches at the HENRIEVILLE Senior Center TUES Feb 23rd
Country Fried Steak, Potatoes & Gravy, Corn, Salad Bar, Tropical Fruit, Chocolate Cake
WED Feb 24th THURS Feb 25th
Roast Beef, Potatoes & Gravy, Carrots & Pears, Salad Bar, Coconut Pie Chicken Casserole, Green Beans, Salad Bar, Apricots, Banana Cake
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 $3 for seniors and $7 for those under 60 years of age.
Escalante Senior Citizens Menu Tues. Feb 23rd
Fish, Coleslaw / Bread, Baked Potato, Pineapple, Left Over Dessert Day
Wed. Feb 24th
Vegetable Beef Soup, Breadsticks, Mandarin Oranges, Magic Bar
Thurs. Feb 25th
Chicken Strips, Fries, Corn Salad, Tropical Fruit, Pudding
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 $3.00, and under 60 is $7.00
AREV HOSPITALITY SEASONAL JOBS **EXCELLENT PAY** COOKS, KITCHEN HELP, SERVERS, FRONT DESK, CASHIERS, HOUSEKEEPING Arev Hospitality, Torrey, UT near Capitol Reef NP 435-425-2525
SERVICES
MEETINGS Tropic AA Meeting Wednesday at 6 PM. Tropic Heritage Center. All meetings are closed discussion. rtn Escalante AA Meeting Call for times and locations. 435-676-3653 Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Group 4th Thursday of each month 5:30-7:30pm Southwest Behavioral Health Center 601 E. Center St. Panguitch ADULTS ONLY Questions? Call Melissa Veater 435-690-0911
sudoku Answers for this week
ESTATE SALE
SERVICES WAYNE COUNTY FOOD BANK IS OPEN3RD WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH FROM 1-3PM COMMUNITY CENTER IN BICKNELL PRE-MADE BOXES, READY FOR PICK-UP. REGULAR AND SENIOR PROGRAMS. EASY APPLICATION!QUESTIONS? CALL 435-691-3923
CROSSWORD SOLUTION
The Insider
Page 10
February 18, 2021
From Dust: I wrote this exhibition review on behalf of the “downwinders” of Garfield and Wayne Counties, with the hope of amplifying Despain’s work and her intention of shining a light on the living legacy of this dark chapter in American history.
Courtesy Kadi Franson
"Iodine-131," by artist Cara Despain. Cast gypsum concrete, reflective and acrylic paint, and LED lights. 47x47" From Dust
Cont'd from page 1
position to the anger, sickness, and lingering anxiety of today. In the early 1950s, the government ran a successful public relations campaign that minimized the health effects of nuclear testing. Cartoon cowboys reassured citizens not to worry, the Nevada blasts were “good bombs” that would protect the nation, teachers administered chocolate-flavored iodine pills and taught children to duck under their desks, and Las Vegas dubbed itself the “Atomic City,” cashing in on themed cocktails and throwing bombwatching parties for residents and tourists alike. Meanwhile, Hollywood obsessed over frontier nostalgia, churning out westerns that made heroes of desert cowboys who swaggered around in the same communities that were actively being poisoned. The films weren’t the only thing that were wide-reaching: the fallout from the tests was hitting throughout the nation as far as New York. Cedar City, the site of the exhibition, is a midpoint of historic interest for Despain. One hundred and seventy miles to its west and east are sites that were crucial to the development of nuclear weapons during the Cold War. To the west lies the Nevada Test Site, where the Atomic Energy Commission detonated more than 1,000
nuclear weapons. To the east lies the remnants of the mining era that made it possible. Over 1,000 abandoned uranium mines still exist in and around Monument Valley (Dinétah/ Navajo Nation). Despain’s three works serve as pieces of evidence as much as they do art. The artwork illuminates three areas of impact: on life, the land, and pop culture. The impact on life The first piece that the visitor encounters is a vinyl record player with a record inside titled “Hot Milk/Yellow Cake.” Side A, “Hot Milk,” is presumably a reference to
the milk of livestock that became radiated during nuclear testing. It contains the oral histories of Mormon settlers affected by the Nevada Test Site, 170 miles to the west of Cedar City. Side B, “Yellow Cake,” refers to the name of a type of uranium concentrate powder. These recordings shift the focus 170 miles to the east of Cedar City where the bulk of the mining took place, and features the oral histories of affected Navajo people. An eerie jingle opens the listening experience, reminding citizens to “duck and cover.” The cheerful, singsong voice provides a stark contrast
source: YouTube.com via the Prelinger's Archive
In the circa 1951 film "Duck and Cover," Bert the Turtle (left) is used to illustrate the titular technique for protecting oneself against a nuclear blast. A grade school child (above) demonstrates this "duck and cover" drill by hiding under her desk in her classroom.
to the horrifying accounts that follow. Recorded as a cartoon featuring “Bert the Turtle” in 1951 by the United States Federal Civil Defense Administration, “Duck and Cover” was played to school children as a part of the government’s Cold War public awareness campaign. Following are individual stories containing a series of remembrances—the sight of dying sheep returning home from radioactive graze lands, with “sores around their mouths and their wool falling out,” the wild animals of the area dying off, a group of friends, seeking entertainment, sitting atop Mormon Mesa to watch bombs detonate, alarming numbers of family members dying. Side B opens with Elton Britt’s 1951 song “Uranium Fever.” The upbeat track romanticizes the uranium mining era and, as with Side A’s “Duck and Cover,” underscores the attitude of levity prevalent at the time. Following are firsthand accounts of what it was like to live and work in and around the uranium mines. There are stories of children growing up playing in tailings piles and drinking and bathing in radioactive water. A mine worker remembers lax to nonexistent safety protocols, workers “cleaning up” radioactive sludge from a broken dam with rubber boots and a shovel, unlined tailings ponds that seeped through the shale and into the groundwater, mine supervisors allowing toxic waste to flow downstream and affect citizens living along the river corridor, and underground dynamite blasts that resulted in mineworkers breathing in radioactive dust. A granddaughter recalls her grandfather coming home from working the mines with yellow dirt plastered on his clothing, and her grandmother cleaning those clothes by hand. She tells of the hos-
pital in charge of assessing whether the family was due compensation concluding that her grandmother died of pneumonia. The impact on land Although the bulk of the consequences from this time are invisible, seeping into the groundwater, absorbed into bodies, and difficult to prove, this is not always the case. Despain offers us a glimpse of the visible legacy that nuclear testing has had on the land. On the wall hangs a large, castconcrete relief map titled “Iodine-131.” Iodine-131 or I-131 is a radioactive form of Iodine known to collect in the thyroid gland. Scientists believe that people who were children during the time of nuclear weapons testing have an increased risk of developing thyroid cancer. Fallout containing I-131 rained on pastures and grasslands that were then foraged by livestock, which collected
Site. It has been backlit and painted with reflective paint, giving it an ominous greenish-yellow glow. Between the mountain ranges, it appears as though the map has been used as a bullseye for BB gun target practice. Craters pock the land. The artist informs us that these scars, created when bombs were detonated above ground at the Nevada Test Site, are visible from space. The impact on pop culture In 1956, the cast and crew of the film “The Conqueror” came to St. George to shoot scenes at Snow Canyon. Being downwind from the testing site, where just one year prior eleven bombs had been detonated, Snow Canyon contained high levels of radiation. Online, you can find an iconic photo of John Wayne on set with a Geiger counter, implying that the film crew was aware of the radiation at the site. Since the danger had been so effectively minimized, it was ultimately shrugged off. Filming continued for 13 weeks. On set, the directors would use a fan to blow sand in the actor’s faces. They had sixty tons of hot dirt and sand from Snow Canyon trucked to California to use for retakes. In the years that followed, an unusually high number of the cast and crew of “The Conqueror” went Courtesy Wikipedia on to become sick—one “The Conqueror” shot scenes in third ended up with canSnow Canyon in St. George. High cer. The culminating levels of radiation from a nearby nuclear test site is thought to be piece of Despain’s show the cause of unusually high rates is a looping video depictof sickness among the cast and ing the iconic final scene from the movie “The crew in later years. Searchers,” also shot in in the animals’ milk and was 1956, but in Monument Valconsumed by children. De- ley (Dinétah/Navajo Nation). spain created the 3-dimension- In the original scene, John al map by translating satellite Wayne’s character, framed imagery of the Nevada Test by a doorway, walks away from his frontier family’s front porch. Despain has altered the footage, erasing the character’s body but leaving his animated cowboy boots and hat. She slows down the soundtrack from the film and layers it with an audio recording from a Nevada test site blast. She notes that the recording might be from one of the bombs that contaminated Snow Canyon. The effect is tragic and unsettling. Is the artist erasing Wayne’s body to remind us that he was overcome by cancer, that the landscape serving as a passive backdrop in the film contained a much more active role in the story? Has she rendered him a ghost so that we can finally take a clear-eyed look beyond the distraction of Hollywood’s obsession with the western frontier to bear witness to the realities of this land? Besides the three pieces detailed above, Despain includes four scannable QR codes on the wall. They enable the visitor to text their own story to the artist, to look up a complete list of the bombs that were tested, to learn more about the impacts of uranium mining in the southwest, and to visit the "Downwinders of Utah" archive. I wrote this exhibition review on behalf of the “downwinders” of Garfield and Wayne Counties, with the hope of amplifying Despain’s work and her intention of shining a light on the living legacy of this dark chapter in American history. Cara Despain will be speaking about the exhibition at Southern Utah University on Thursday, February 25th, at 11:30 a.m. in the Hunter Conference Center. The onehour talk is free and open to the public. The exhibition at SUMA closes on February 27th.