Schools and Sports

4-H Shooting Sports Program Provides 'Hands-0n, Fun Learning Experiences'

PHS Sports Sidelines

by Mack Oetting

With all of the championships that the Cats win each year, there is always a great halftime show put on by the great Panguitch cheerleaders. These athletes put in a lot of time, which are mainly in the early morning hours, to perfect their fault- less routines. The 2022 and 2023 Panguitch cheerleaders are Ryley Veater, Chanlee Owens, Owen Crofts, Tyler Cox, Vinny Hensley, Atli Blevins, Josslyn Griffin, Oakley Woosley, Paisley Henrie, Berkli Black, Aurora Beck and Sadie Pollock. Many thanks for your efforts; you are really good.

Activities and Event Schedule 2023

MARCH

• The coalition will be trained to facilitate a QPR class for the community.

APRIL

• Easter Egg Kits - Escalante/Boulder

• Resiliency Town Hall Jennie Taylor, guest speakerApril 6, 1:50 p.m. for students, 5:30 for parents

• Hope Week: April 3 -7

MAY

• Teacher appreciation week: 7 - 13th

• Community QPR training, suicide prevention training tbd

JUNE

• Splash Pad open day - June 2 at the City Park, Smores Kits - Escalante/Boulder for summer passports

GARFIELD CO. -

The 4-H Shooting Sports program has been held during the winter months over the past few years in the Garfield County Fair building. A temporary indoor shooting range is built, which includes a 35yard archery range with 3D targets and a 25-foot air rifle range. We host "4-H member-only" classes, religious groups, and other counties. The indoor shooting range is utilized from February to April. The indoor shooting range and 4-H Shooting Sports series was a success and is used to teach 4-H youth the basics of archery and air rifles; STEM concepts related to trajectory, ballistics, and velocity; and healthy living concepts— the benefits of finding an "active" hobby. This year, there were over 15 youths from Garfield County and several from Piute County.

The focus of all 4-H programs is the development of youth as individuals and as responsible and productive citizens. Mirroring the national 4-H Shooting Sports program, Garfield County tries to stand out as an example. The activities of the program and the support of caring adult leaders provide young people with opportunities to develop life skills, self-worth, and conservation ethics. Youths learn marksmanship, the safe and responsible use of firearms, the principles of hunting and archery, and much more.

Shooting sports can be gratifying for youngsters, especially those who aren't athletes. Our local 4-H Shooting Sports clubs are open to all youth ages 8 to 18. Each year, 4-H teaches a shooting sport nationally to about 500,000 boys and girls. The program provides a supportive environment where young people can have hands-on, fun learning experiences.

All instructors are trained by state instructors certified to teach courses. Adult volunteers receive training in shooting sports at state and regional workshops to become qualified instructors. 4-H teen leaders may wish to assist with instruction. Shooting sports leaders act as role models and must impart

Bryce Valley HS Presents 'Mamma Mia' April 19-22

BRYCE - “Mamma

Mia!,” the smash-hit musical based on the songs by the mega-selling, 1970s Swedish pop group ABBA, is presented at Bryce Valley High School for four performances from April 19-22, 2023.

The show, written by ABBA members Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, tells the story of Sophie’s quest to find the identity of her father so he can walk her down the aisle. Over the course of 24 chaotic, magical hours, new love blooms and old romances rekindle on a lush island full of possibilities.

Inspired by ABBA’s songs—from “Dancing Queen” and “S.O.S.” to

“Money, Money, Money” and “Take a Chance on Me”— “Mamma Mia!” is a celebration of mothers and daughters, old friends and new family found.

Bryce Valley High School performances for “Mamma Mia!” are at 7:00 p.m. from April 19-22.

Bryce Valley High School will present "Mamma Mia" for four performaces from April 19-22, 2023.

The Bryce Valley Prevention Coalition is sponsoring a “Family Night” April 21. Dinner and tickets are paid for.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students 12 and under and seniors

60 and older. This is a corrected article, which was originally published in our March 16, 2023, issue.

—Bryce Valley High School the 4-H philosophy and youth development objectives to 4-H members.

Individuals interested in shooting sports and willing to learn about them can become involved in an existing program or club. Volunteers are needed to coordinate county programs and to work at the local level. If you want to share your skills in Shooting Sports, don't hesitate to contact the USU Extension office at 435-676-1113.

—Callie Ward, Utah State University Extension

• Summer Passport

• Southwest Youth Summit (Beaver) (youth training)

• Utah Youth Summit in Bryce Canyon (youth training)

• UPCA Bryce Coalition Summit

JULY

• Scavenger Hunt - July 10 - 6:00

• CADCA mid-year youth training institute in Dallas, TX (coalition member and youth training)

AUGUST

• Soap Box Derby, Family movie night - Aug 19

SEPTEMBER

• Community QPR training, suicide prevention training

• Key Leader Meeting

• Escalante Art Festival

OCTOBER

• Take Back Drug Day and Community Town Hall take back day

NOVEMBER

• Community QPR training, suicide prevention training

DECEMBER

• Ginger Bread Family Kits

• Elementary Christmas play - Escalante/Boulder

*Check Escalante Prevention Coalition's Facebook page for dates times and details on events and activities acted laws that restrict the number of dollar stores that can be developed or have banned them altogether,” says the ISLR report.

Escalante P&Z: The city plan is where the ordinances are derived off of. So let’s get involved at that level. And steer, guide Escalante to be what we want it to be.

Family Dollar was plagued with a scandal in mid-February 2022, when the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) alerted the public that products sold at Family Dollar stores may be unsafe for consumers to eat or use, due to a six-state store rat infestation stemming from a regional distribution center.

As a result, longtime Dollar Tree Executive Chairman Bob Sasser resigned from his post.

Finding that the building met the city’s ordinances, the P&Z approved the projects, forwarding it to the city council for final consideration. It is slated for Escalante City’s council meeting agenda on March 21, 2023.

Following the main P&Z meeting, a shift took place and a work meeting began, incorporating the presence of Kevin Smedley with the Five County Association of Governments, to initiate an update to Escalante City’s General Plan. The city’s most recent general plan was completed in 2006.

Insider

Over fifty individuals attended the March 14, 2023, Escalante Planning and Zoning meeting, which met to consider a proposal by a corporation called Red Root, LLC to build a Family Dollar/Dollar Tree store on Escalante’s Highway 12.

Escalante P&Z

Cont'd from A1 beautiful place here. We have a unique situation here where we’re preserving the heritage of the Mormons and all the brick buildings and the pioneer spirit. And that type of national chain is a type of pollution to the historic values of our town,” said one of the individuals gathered.

Another discussed personal experience with the results of the proliferation of thousands of dollar stores throughout the country, leading to the displacement of full-service grocery stores. “Driving across the country on the 10, the 40 the 70 and the 80. We always get off the road in small towns because we’re looking for antique stores. Sometimes we’re looking for a grocery store. There’ll be a

Dollar General and no grocery store,” said one Escalante resident.

Other Escalante locals on a community Facebook page have expressed support for the store, saying that they feel competition is a good thing and that they enjoy shopping at Family Dollar when they go out of town.

However, despite their discounted offerings which make shoppers feel like they’re getting a bargain and stretching their pocketbook, dollar stores, also known as small box discount box retailers (SBDRs) have received increasing scrutiny in recent years as their numbers have exploded across the country in both rural and urban areas.

According to the Institute for Local Self Reliance, an organization that advocates for locallyowned businesses, the re- cent surge in dollar stores is “stunning.” According to their data, in 2021, 40 percent of all new stores that opened in the US were chain dollar stores. At the beginning of 2022, there were roughly 35,500 dollar stores in the US, accounting for 11 percent of all the nation’s brick-and-mortar stores.

The ISLR says that there are “many reasons why residents and community leaders might want to stop a proposed chain dollar store from opening,” and the organization has published a guide to “Stop Dollar Store Proliferation in Your Community.” Reasons include that dollar stores edge out locallyowned businesses—particularly full-service grocery stores, which operate on razor-thin margins and which are vital to a community’s overall well-being. ISLR also cites low wages, poor treatment of workers, and the lowering of adjacent property values as reasons why communities are now raising opposition to SBDRs. In addition, Family Dollar stores are not franchised, meaning that there is no local ownership with profits cycling back into the community, leading to a “leaky bucket” of profits that are drained from towns and counties. All profits are siphoned out of the community, going instead to corporate shareholders.

“Because of the many problems that Dollar General and Dollar Tree [the corporate owner of Family Dollar] create, residents and civic leaders in hundreds of communities have challenged their development, and a growing number of them are succeeding. As of 2022, more than 100 towns and cities have defeated dollar store proposals and scores have en-

Garfield Commission: A nearly completed Tropic senior center, $350K in funding for the Bryce Centennial, County Road Resolution 2023-5, complaints about road conditions in an unincorporated Panguitch area, Amended Building Fees Resolution 2023-4, approval of $8K to pay a Washington County appellate attorney to assist on an appeal case in Garfield County, and a 86K-acre vegetative treatment project in the pipeline for funding approval, along with review of the master plan for Brian Head ski resort discussed.

CIB funding for capital items such as firetrucks, community centers, water systems, etc.

The good news Commissioner Leland Pollock could report was the $350K in funding for the Bryce Centennial awarded by the legislature and some notable range improvement programs on Forest Service land. He said both the Powell and Escalante Forest Service districts have funds to allocate toward pipelines, troughs, and wells. In addition, he said, there are several areas on Boulder Mountain that are NEPA-ready for burn treatments. Pollock was less enthusiastic about the ongoing GSENM meetings on a revised Resource Management Plan.

The Commission read aloud all bids received on the county trucks advertised for sale and approved the highest bids on each. (Commissioner Taylor abstained.)

Public Works, Dave Dodds reviewed County Road Resolution 20235, and the chair agreed to hear comments from the public. The Resolution stipulates that the county

“shall not be required or expected to accept the maintenance responsibility of newly developed roads, even if they are developed to or above the County's minimum standards and “for newly proposed public roadways, the developer and/or the landowners of the subdivision or commercial development shall accept responsibility for the associated road maintenance.” Furthermore, road maintenance priorities shall be determined based on safety, use, connectivity, location, availability of resources, and overall economic benefit to the County and “the County cannot guarantee year-round unimpeded access to all properties and destinations within the County.”

Five residents came forward to complain about road conditions and lack of access to their properties in an unincorporated Panguitch area. There was a long discussion about lack of resources to accomplish all the roadwork needed across the county, especially given the recent weather.

According to Dodds, 90 percent of county residents live in municipalities, not unincorporated areas, and that maintenance costs on roads affecting 10 percent of the residents would be out of balance. Ultimately, the Commission approved the Resolution, but Commissioner Pollock wanted to provide some county labor and material to address drainage on some of the complaintants’ roads.

Planning, Kaden Figgins presented and the Commission approved Amended Building Fees Resolution 2023-4, which references the IBC valuation sheet for fees rather than listing a set fee. Figgins also said revisions being discussed for the county subdivision ordinance will include new development standards for subdivision roads, access, and maintenance. He said individuals building in unincorporated areas need to understand that their access roads are not the county’s responsibility.

The Commission approved up to $8K to pay a Washington County appellate attorney to assist on an appeal case in Garfield County. Powell District Ranger, Chris Wehrli noted a 86K-acre vegetative treatment project in the pipeline for funding approval, along with review of the master plan for Brian Head ski resort. Wehrli said Forest Service and county law

By the time Escalante’s March 14 P&Z meeting began, over fifty individuals had filed in the city’s meeting room to observe the meeting. P&Z meetings do not allow time for public comment, so there was no opportunity for individuals to voice their opinion, one way or the other. Planning and zoning chair Tony Peterson said he was “excited to see everyone out,” and “I strongly encourage public comment at the city council during public comment period, and to get on the agenda.”

The lot for the proposed Family Dollar store is currently owned by Amie Fortin, who is also an owner of Excursions of Escalante. During the planning meeting, city officials noted that Red Root, LLC is moving toward a contract to purchase the lot, pending approval of the project. Planning and zoning chair Peterson said that the P&Z’s role is “to determine whether a building fits the city’s ordinances—whatever plan that comes before us, whether we like it or not.”

Mr. Smedley said he is serving the city as an advisor, describing his role as “the legs and arms for the town,” noting that he enjoys this process and came out of retirement to do this. He said he is also working on general plans for other towns, including Panguitch, Minersvile, Paragonah, and Kanarraville.

Smedley said he expects the process for Escalante to take place between now and the fall of 2023. Escalante’s general plan update process will begin with a survey of Escalante residents to address concerns and identify priorities of citizens, followed by an open house. He noted that a city’s general plan doesn’t change the ordinances but informs the direction of ordinances in the future.

P&Z Chairman Peterson underscored this point. “The city plan is where the ordinances are derived off of. So let’s get involved at that level. And steer, guide Escalante to be what we want it to be.”

—Insider

Obituaries

Shane Allen Dellinger

BICKNELL - enforcement will be continuing their same operating agreements and relationships. He said as roads thaw or use increases, barricades will be placed to block vehicle access, but will be removed as soon as conditions allow. There are no known restrictions on grazing allotments on forest land. A Dixie Forest-wide fire assessment will soon be completed.

The Commission approved two business licenses: Low Beam LLC, Escalante, a handyman and home repair business; and Wolf Pack Mobile Lube and Services, for onsite oil changes, the latter dependent on plans for resale markup of parts.

The Commission went into closed session to discuss litigation and personnel.

The Garfield County Commission meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month starting at 10 a.m. All meetings are held in the County Courthouse in Panguitch. There is no set up for electronic participation, but all meeting recordings are uploaded to the Utah Public Meetings Notice board, https://www. utah.gov/pmn/. —Insider also stressing the value of the event to both local vendors and downtown businesses. The council came to the agreement that they would do a trial run of blocking off Center Street to vehicular traffic during the event (4-6 pm on Saturdays from late May through October). This will involve placing detour signs on adjacent streets. Mayor Wright would like the event to have a Torrey event permit and would also like her to check the event’s insurance policy to make sure it protects the town against indemnification. The council then discussed a light complaint at the Torrey Fire Station. The light is in violation of the Torrey Town Ordinance but some argue it’s necessary for public safety. Mayor Wright learned that the lights could be tied to the siren so when the siren goes off, the lights will go on and that is what they are going to try. There was then a brief discussion about a grant request for town road work and a new Sleeping Rainbow Bridge. They will be asking for 2.9 million dollars for road work including $800,000 for the bridge. If the town qualifies for grant money due to public safety reasons, the town will not need to provide matching funds. Mayor Wright then led a discussion about water rates, stating that Torrey has one of the highest allowed volumes around; the current base rate allows up to 30,000 gallons/month.

With heavy hearts, our family announces that Shane Allen Dellinger, 48, left this world on March 6, 2023 in Batesville, AR. Shane was born on February 2, 1975 to Debbie Smith and Kevin Dellinger in Salt Lake City, Utah. Shane worked in construction for most of his life, and with his Dad, Steve, they laid brick on several buildings in Wayne County. He went back to school and received his CDL. He was driving truck for Savage Trucking.

Shane loved being in the outdoors, especially fishing, whether from the banks or on a boat. He loved spending time with his family, especially laughing and teasing his little sister, Jamie. Shane loved to draw, which lives on in his three children. His family hopes he is riding his dream Harley with a big smile on his face—strong, healthy and out of pain. Shane will be greatly missed and will live on in our hearts forever.

Shane is survived by his three children, Damion, Daisy, and Lilli; his sisters, Amber (Steve) Porten, Jamie Dellinger, and Misty Gates; his Mom and Dad, Debbie and Steve Gates; spouse, Mollie Dellinger; and three stepchildren, many aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends.

He preceded by his grandparents, Florence Jacobson, Ernest Smith and his precious daughter, Lillianne. We will be having a “Celebration Of Life” sometime in the Spring.

Torrey Council: A water connection request for Jaron Potter, Torrey Town water usage and water rates, the Wayne County Farmers Market, a light complaint at the Torrey Fire Station, a grant request for road work and a new Sleeping Rainbow Bridge, travel rates for employees, a new fence in the cemetery, the Torrey Town Easter egg event, and Six County Association of Governments helping to write the Town's General Plan discussed.

He suggested that the town drop their base rate to 20,0000 gallons/month considering the average resident uses only 8,000 gallons/month. A public hearing is required to make this change and that hearing will occur prior to the next town council meeting on April 13th at 6:30 pm.

The council then discussed travel rates for employees. The council agreed to adopt federal mileage rates and go with a reimbursement plan for food and hotel rather than offering a per diem rate.

Town Clerk Karen Mayne reported that renewal letters recently went out and that the April town newsletter will include information about the town clean-up scheduled May 1-6. She also informed the council that Dark Skies Star Parties are scheduled to happen in the Torrey Town Park on Friday, May 19, Friday, June 30, and Saturday, September 16 of this year.

As for notable items from the council member reports, Councilmember Pat Kearney reported that work will begin on a new fence in the south end of the cemetery soon. Councilmember Doug Robinson announced some potentially good news. Richard Jensen recently informed him that Torrey may own some shares in the Fremont River. They are currently investigating the possibilities here and are excited about the potential to put this water into some sort of secondary system.

Councilmember Jordan Pace said that he’s

Obituaries

Sherri Ann Simpson Behunin

December 1, 1942 – March 14, 2023

ST. GEORGE / TORREY - Sherri Ann Simpson been getting some complaints about the old cop car on Main Street. It hasn’t moved in months and needs a good cleaning. It was unclear what the resolution was here but Councilmember Robinson added that it should at least look occupied. Councilmember Pearl Thorndal-Stewart announced that this year’s Easter egg event is going to be huge. Rumor has it that the Easter Bunny will be in attendance.

Lastly, during the Planning and Zoning Committee report, the council was informed that the Six County Association of Governments can help with the writing of the town’s General Plan. Six County will use the results of the recent town survey to draft the plan and the Planning and Zoning Committee will be able to edit the document before presenting it to the Town Council for approval. There was also talk about beginning to write up a subdivision plan and looking into changing language specifying what kinds of home alterations require a building permit.

Torrey Town Council meetings are held on the 2nd Thursday of every month at 7:00 p.m. JuneOctober and 6:30 p.m November - May—unless otherwise noted.

Behunin returned to her loving Heavenly Father on a beautiful spring day, March 14, 2023, due to complications following a tragic fall at her home. She had already fought and won 3 battles with cancer beginning in 2006 with breast cancer and most recently with lung and brain cancer from 2020-2023.

Sherri was born December 1, 1942, in Ogden, Utah to Ralph Elwood and Margaret P. Simpson. She spent a happy childhood on the family farm and often spoke of riding the family horse “Old Jim” with her brothers and sister: Kent, Ralph, Sue and Richard.

She learned the value of hard work, alongside her parents, beginning at age 7 at the family grocery store (Simpsons Market). Through the years, many of her dearest friends worked alongside her at ZCMI, Bloomington Country Club, Capitol Reef National Park, and Torrey Floral just to name a few.

Sherri was a gifted dancer beginning at an early age. Ballet was her passion! She performed on the Eugene Jelesnik Show and danced professionally for a time under the direction of Colleen Collins. In 2018 she fulfilled a lifelong dream—traveling to New York City with her daughters to see the live performances of the Radio City Rockettes and the “Nutcracker” performed by the world renowned New York City Ball—a memory she treasured and spoke of often.

She graduated from Provo High School, where she met and married Orlan Ray Gagon. Together they raised three wonderful children: Nykele (Dennis) Leavitt, Kori (Ellis) Brown, Jeremy (Mindi) Gagon. She and Ray later divorced.

In 1980, she met and married Roger C. Behunin. With this marriage, she gained four additional children: Daryl Behunin (deceased), Dave (Susan) Behunin, Don (Camille) Behunin, and Michelle (Gabe) Waters. In 2017, their marriage was solemnized in the St. George Utah Temple.

Her passion for creating beautiful flower arrangements blossomed into owning her own nursery and floral shop with her dear friend Janet Hansen. Her talents were always on full display at her children’s and grandchildren’s weddings and special events. Creations by Grandma Sherri will always be treasured.

Sherri was a voracious reader, enjoying all mysteries and loved books on history. Her penmanship was beautiful. She always carried herself with grace and dignity, practicing her ballet posture up until her fall. She was an impeccable dresser and loved fashion and footwear, and would never pass up a good Dillard’s sale!

Despite challenges that came her way, she was always smiling and cheering for the underdog. She loved all of God's creations, including people and animals, who were drawn to her unconditional love.

Her family wishes to express gratitude and appreciation to those Christlike individuals who provided tender caregiving during Sherri’s difficult times. Dear friends Robert and Heather Purcell. Dr. Brian Tudor, Dr. Spencer Ashton, Blair Bentley, Jen Stafford and the St. George Cancer Center, Dr. Zach Warner, and the Neuro Unit nursing staff at St. George Regional Medical Center. Our special thanks also goes to the Bloomington 5th Ward, Michelle Smith and Carol Hunter at Zion’s Way Home Health & Hospice, and countless others offering their love and support.

Sherri is survived by her spouse, Roger C. Behunin, 7 children, 20 grandchildren, and 27 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph Elwood and Margaret P. Simpson; brother, Richard Simpson; son, Daryl Behunin; and grandson, Dallas Arlen Brown.

Funeral services will be held Friday, March 24, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. in the Bloomington 5th Ward Chapel, 200 West Brigham Road, St. George, Utah. Visitations will be held Thursday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 West St. George Blvd. and on Friday prior to services, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the church.

Graveside services will be held Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. in the Torrey City Cemetery, Torrey, Utah.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, (435) 673-4221. Please visit our website at www. metcalfmortuary.com for condolences, complete obituary and funeral listings.