The Wayne & Garfield County Insider April 4, 2024

Highway

Ian Marynowski

WAYNE CO. - The March 18, 2024, Wayne County Commission meeting began with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Felicia Snow then took the

Next, the commission approved hiring positions for Facilities Manager, Emergency Management, and Deputy District Court Clerk Trainee. They also approved Marinia Ellett to be a new member of the Travel Council Board.

The commission approved a special event permit for a car show that will be held in Loa on June Wayne Commission Cont'd on B2

John Lee poses with his Tesla Model 3 at the entrance to Capitol Reef National Park. The Highway 12 corridor has remained difficult for electric vehicle owners to access due to the lack of fast charging facilities, something which is changing this spring with the construction of a supercharger at Ruby’s Inn near Bryce Canyon National Park. Lee hopes that this, in addition to his April 20 Wayne County EV Meetup, will draw support for increased infrastructure in the area.

WAYNE & GARFIELD COUNTIES - April is Earth Month. But more specifically, for Torrey’s John Lee, it’s Drive Electric Earth Month. On April

A New Nonprofit Brings Open Mic Back to Wayne Co.

manent venue for the event and aim to produce regularly scheduled open mic nights with more formal production.

and recently, the event was again put on hold when the business closed in 2023. Now, a group of musicians and fans have found a per-

An open mic is just what is sounds like. It is a chance for performers of all ages and skill levels to step on stage and show off their talent for a kind audience of friends, family, and com-

Open Mic Nights Cont'd on B3

20, Lee will be hosting the Wayne County EV Meetup and Car Show at the Torrey Solar Pavilion from 3 - 6pm, an event he hopes will help educate locals

FS Seeks Members for Resource Advisory Committee

MANTI-LA SAL / DIXIE / FISHLAKE N.F.The Central/Southern Utah National Forests are currently accepting applications for membership to the Southern Utah Resource Advisory Committee. This committee oversees projects on the Manti-La Sal, Dixie, and Fishlake national forests.

Resource Advisory Committees are established as a provision under Title II of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act, which was recently reauthorized. This committee is responsible for reviewing and recommending projects for funding under Title II of the Act.

RAC Members

Cont'd on A3

and visitors alike on the use and ownership of electric vehicles (EVs) in rural, southern Utah, which will become easier after Tesla installs Garfield County’s

first fast-charging station at Ruby’s Inn later this spring, in Bryce Canyon City.

GARFIELD CO. - In their March 25 meeting, the Garfield County Commissioners approved updates to existing 50-year agreements that protect municipalities when they provide fire protection to their respective, outlying, unincorporated areas. Commissioner David Tebbs has been working with the mayors and fire chiefs to complete these updates.

Commissioners discussed the disposition of Promise Rock, a local landmark that is part of an area annexed into Cannonville, but currently owned by SITLA. Commissioner Jerry Taylor said he’s been in touch with SITLA and Kodachrome State Park, and has upcoming meetings with both the state park's director and SITLA to resolve Promise Rock’s status. Taylor mentioned other SITLA projects related to range use or improvement; he wants more com-

April 2024 Marks SAAM’s 23rd Anniversary

RICHFIELD - Each

April, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) brings together thousands of advocates, activists, survivors, and supporters across the United States. April 2024 will mark SAAM’s 23rd anniversary, but its ripple effect has been felt for much longer.

The beginnings of SAAM began taking root as early as the 1940s, when movements for equality and social change began gaining traction in the United States. Social activism around sexual assault continued well into the sixties, and by 1971, the first ever rape crisis center was founded in San Francisco. Over time, these awareness efforts and support services for victims led to legislation and funding that would support survivors, one such example being the Violence Against Women Act of 1993 (VAWA).

Despite all of these monumental changes in legislation and awareness, it’s surprising just how many people have never heard of SAAM. When we look at the lack of awareness around SAAM, particularly in small communities, the reason why is clear: It’s difficult to prevent an issue that no one is willing to talk about.

Perhaps this unwill-

ingness comes from the sense of safety that we are lucky to feel in our rural communities. While we often hear of large-scale issues happening in more populated areas, it’s easy to forget it, to say to ourselves, “That kind of thing doesn’t happen here.”

Statistics, however, prove otherwise. According to the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violene Survey (Chen, et al., 2023), over 53% of women and over 29% of men reported experiencing contact sexual violence. This same study also shows that most women and men across all sexual identities who experienced contact sexual violence reported that the person who harmed them was someone they knew. Interestingly, the statistics here at home are even higher; according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Uniform Crime Reporting Database, rape happens at a higher rate in Utah than the national average. Utah is ranked 9th out of 50 states for number of rapes per capita.

Whether we talk about it or not, whether we like it or not, the facts speak for themselves. These statistics are staggering, and make 2024’s SAAM theme even more appropriate.

This April, SAAM’s focus is on Building Connected Communities. We are all a part of a community, and communities take

From the Publisher's Desk

many forms. Workplaces, campuses, organizations, neighborhoods, and our small hometowns are all examples of communities. Having a community to which we belong can be powerful. It creates a sense of togetherness, and serves as a reminder of how our actions impact the people around us.

At the very heart of SAAM’s Building Connected Communities theme is the belief that each one of us can contribute to our respective communities by ensuring they are safe and inclusive for all. Creating a “connected community” means recognizing that the ways in which we discuss sexual violence impacts those around us—survivors, their families, their friends, and society as a whole. Just as a community can be powerful, we must remember that our words, too, hold power. When even one of us doesn’t feel respected or safe, each member of our community is affected.

At New Horizons Crisis Center, we are excited to join rape crisis centers across the U.S. in efforts to raise awareness about sexual violence during the month of April, and we’d like to invite you—the members of our beloved communities—to do the same.

One of the simplest ways in which to join the movement is to “start by

believing.” We invite you to pledge to believe survivors when they disclose sexual assault. You can do this by posting on social media about the importance of being a listening ear for a survivor, or you can participate by setting aside a few moments to learn the best ways to respond when a survivor trusts you with their experience. Another easy way to participate in April’s SAAM is to join advocates and survivors in wearing your favorite pair of jeans on April 24’s Denim Day.

As an organization, we encourage you to take the opportunity to explain the significance of April’s SAAM to your family members, your friends, or even your teens. Because, as we know, building safe, connected communities begins with open, honest communication around difficult conversations.

New Horizons Crisis Center is a nonprofit organization which serves survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and the homeless in Sevier, Sanpete, Piute, Millard, and Wayne counties. If you are in need of services, please reach out to our office at (435) 896-9294, or visit us online at centralutahcrisisintervention.org. Our 24/7 crisis hotline is free and confidential. If you need someone to talk to, please contact us at 1-800-343-6302.

—New Horizons Crisis Center

This Spring, Become an Insider Digital Subscriber!

Hey everybody. Happy spring! One thing is certainly normal this spring—the wind. Glad to know we can count on that even if our seasonal temperatures are shifting. If we had sailboats here in the desert we’d have wind in our sails and would be going somewhere—fast.

Speaking of wind in our sails, you may have noticed that we are continuing our drive for digital subscribers. (Just $35/year! Sign up at insiderutah.com!) The last time we did a drive for digital subscribers, we were pretty successful. We increased our number of subscribers from about 20 to 120—which I think was pretty good. Our goal had been 200 at the time,

and we didn’t make that—I really wasn’t sure what to expect from our first subscriber drive—but what I’d like to share is that those who have subscribed have helped us build out our local reporting, and we’re grateful to those who have subscribed as well as donated to The Insider with a tax-deductible gift, which is possible now that we are a nonprofit.

Perhaps you’ve noticed? Thanks to reader support, we’re providing more local reporting than ever. We’re able to offer more content from our freelance reporters, such as Amiee Maxwell’s coverage from Wayne County, Jaynie Connor’s communiques from Panguitch, Kadi Franson’s dispatches from

Bryce and Nancy Goude’s sports writing and features from Escalante. In addition, we’ve just hired Ian Marynowski as our first part-time staff reporter who will be providing stories from here in Escalante, as well as coverage of both counties.

Our goal is to reach 300 digital subscribers by the end of this year, and we hope that if you are among those reading this, that you will consider supporting The Insider with a digital subscription. As a digital subscriber you’ll receive our weekly email newsletter with early access to The Insider on Wednesdays, as well as access to all of our digital archives, where you can share stories with your family and friends.

Will you help keep the wind in our sails and reach our digital subscriber goal in 2024? Your support is instrumental to helping The Insider serve our communities, and to our future.

Thanks for your support!

—EW

P.S. If you prefer an alternative to supporting The Insider other than a digital subscription, you can make a tax-deductible gift either by mail (The Insider, P.O. Box 105, Escalante, UT 84726) or at insiderutah.com. If you have a local business, you can advertise! We offer both print and digital advertising packages and flexible plans for just about any budget.

Entrada Hosts a 'Classic Conversation' with Don Gomes

TORREY - On April

4 at 7:00 p.m., Don Gomes will engage in a "Classic Conversation" with Ann Torrence—an Entrada Board member, co-owner of Etta Place Cidery & Tap Room, writer, and photographer—at Robbers Roost, 185 West Main Street in Torrey. During the hourlong conversation, an inperson audience, as well as viewers on Facebook Live, will be able to ask Gomes additional questions about his life’s adventures.

Gomes' career spans local government, the financial industry, and the arts and nonprofit world. He has taught business, public, and nonprofit management at colleges and universities in five states and served as Executive Director of the Utah Nonprofits Association from 2007 to 2009.

Courtesy Entrada Institute

Don Gomes will be the subject of the Entrada Institute's next "Classic Conversation" on April 4 at Robbers Roost in Torrey.

When the World Wrestling Federation toured through Utah in the early 80s, Don was ring announcer. In 1999, he received the Utah Humanities Friend of Humanities Award for his work with KCPW public radio. In Anchorage, Gomes was appointed to the Mayor’s Arts Advisory Commission, served on the board of Anchorage Project Access (a healthcare safetynet group), and was Executive Director of Anchorage Community Theatre. His latest adventure, along with his wife, Annie Holt, is The Old House at Center and Main, where more than 30 local hand-crafters and authors display and sell their work.

talents with The Bristlecones, and Wayne County band.

Currently, Gomes is a board member of Utah Humanities and vice president of the Entrada Institute. He coordinates programming for Entrada and also heads up the Bicknell International Film Festival, an Entrada event that has the mantras of, “Where good things happen to bad movies” and “Better living through bad cinema.” Along with Barry Scholl and Robert Marc, Gomes shares his musical

Even with threats of terrorism, a fickle economy, a raging pandemic, and growing incivility, he says, “You can’t scare me; I work for a nonprofit.” Gomes may share many stories, but did you know…

To attend this program, go to www.entradainstitute.org, click on “Attend an Event,” select this event, choose “Event Registration,” and “Register.” Events are also livestreamed at Entrada Institute on Facebook, and you do not need to register to attend the livestream event.

—Entrada Institute

RAC Members: The Forest is seeking a diverse representation of applicants to serve as members on our Resource Advisory Committee. Joining this committee is a great way for people to engage with the forests and recommend resource projects funded by the Secure Rural Schools Act that will have a positive impact on their communities.—Andrew Orlemann, Manti-La Sal Forest Supervisor

RAC Members

Cont'd from A1

The committee members represent many different national forest interests.

“The Forest is seeking a diverse representation of applicants to serve as members on our Resource Advisory Committee,” said Andrew Orlemann, MantiLa Sal Forest Supervisor.

“Joining this committee is a great way for people to engage with the forests and recommend resource projects funded by the Secure Rural Schools Act that will have a positive impact on their communities.”

Committee members serve four-year terms, must be residents of the State of Utah and must represent one of the following three interest groups:

• Category One: Five members who represent energy and mineral development; the commercial timber industry; organized labor or nontimber forest product harvester groups; developed outdoor recreation; off-highway vehicle users, or commercial recreation; federal grazing or other land permits; or represent nonindustrial private forest landowners.

• Category Two: Five members who represent nationally, regionally or locally recognized environmental organizations; dispersed recreational activities; archaeological and historical interests; or nationally or regionally recognized wild horse and burro interest groups, wildlife or hunting organizations, or watershed associations.

• Category Three: Five

members who hold state elected office; hold county or local elected office; represent Indian tribes within or adjacent to the area for which the Council is organized; are school officials or teachers with knowledge in natural resource management or the natural sciences; or represent the affected public-at-large and/or are employed by a state agency responsible for the management of natural resources, land or water.

If you are interested in serving as a member of the Southern Utah Resource Advisory Committee, please contact Danny Strand or submit an application form (Form AD-755) to sm.fs.southutahrac@ usda.gov. You can also mail or drop off your application to any of the following addresses: Manti-La Sal National Forest: Attn: Andrew

Orlemann 599 W. Price River Dr. Price, UT 84501 - george.orlemann@usda.gov

• Fishlake National Forest: Attn: Daniel Child 100 S. 150 W. Richfield, UT 84701 - daniel.child@ usda.gov

Dixie National Forest: Attn: Danny Strand 820 N. Main St. Cedar City, UT 84721 - daniel. strand@usda.gov

Deadline to apply is April 15th, 2024.

You can learn more about the committee on our website: https://www. fs.usda.gov/main/mantilasal/workingtogether/advisorycommittees. For more information on the Dixie, Fishlake, and Manti-La Sal national forests, please visit our websites: https://www.fs.usda. gov/dixie, https://www. fs.usda.gov/fishlake, www. fs.usda.gov/mantilasal.

—U.S. Forest Service

Wills, Trusts, and More Second Marriages Later in Life

Second marriages later in life can be wonderful experiences and often should be encouraged, but they are not without some special considerations.

Often, older couples have to cope with adult children who cannot understand why mom or dad wants to remarry. By updating one’s estate plan, many concerns related to the marriage can be minimized.

In second marriages later in life, there is often a desire to allow the estate of the first spouse to die to be available for a surviving spouse during his or her life. However, the deceased spouse often wants the estate to ultimately be distributed to his or her children upon the surviving spouse’s death.

The best way to ensure that one’s assets are available for a surviving spouse but ultimately distributed to one’s children from a prior marriage is through the use of a trust. The trust can be created within a will (this is called a testamentary trust) or it can be created within a living trust (this is a trust created while one is alive).

Significantly, the trust

by Jeffery J. McKenna

maker would set forth the terms of the trust according to his or her wishes, and would select the trustee (or trustees) to manage the trust. Upon the death of the trust maker, the trustee would then manage the trust assets subject to those specified wishes of the trust maker.

For couples in a second marriage, it is often important to sign a marital agreement that states each spouse can dispose of his or her estate as desired. If such a document is not signed, a surviving spouse could legally attempt to “override” the estate plan of the deceased spouse.

Often, a given state’s law will provide that a surviving spouse can “elect against the will.” This means that a surviving spouse is entitled to a spousal share as specified by statute despite the fact that the will may provide differently.

NOW WITH RICHFIELD AND PANGUITCH OFFICES TO SERVE CLIENTS IN AROUND THE SURROUNDING COUNTIES.

Jeffery J. McKenna is a local attorney whose practice has been focused on Estate Planning for over 25 years. He is licensed and serves clients in Utah, Arizona and Nevada. He is a shareholder at the law firm of Barney, McKenna and Olmstead. If you have questions you would like addressed in these articles, please feel free to contact him at 435 628-1711 or jmckenna@barney-mckenna. com or visit the firm’s website at WWW.BARNEY-MCKENNA.COM, he would enjoy hearing from you. Additionally, you can RSVP to attend one of his FREE Estate Planning Seminars in Richfield, at 159 North Main Street, every Third Thursday.

Proper estate planning in these circumstances can be a great blessing. It can relieve significant concerns of adult children when a parent remarries later in life, and it can bring peace of mind to the parent, knowing that he or she has succeeded in protecting the financial legacy of the children.

Comics

Funeral

An old woman is upset at her husband’s funeral. "You have him in a brown suit and I wanted him in a blue suit." The mortician says, "We’ll take care of it, ma’am," and yells to the back, "Ed, switch the heads on two and four!"

Dollars and Sense

Teacher: “If you had one dollar and you asked your father for another, how many dollars would you have?” Vincent: “One dollar.” Teacher: “You don’t know your arithmetic.” Vincent: “You don’t know my father.”

Antonyms

A teacher was testing her students' knowledge of words' antonyms. She asked, "What is the opposite of go?" A student answered, "Stop." "Very good," the teacher replied. "What is the opposite of adamant?" Another student said, "Eveant."

Romans

A Roman walks into a bar and asks for a martinus. “You mean a martini?” the bartender asks. The Roman replies, “If I wanted a double, I would have asked for it!” Another Roman walks up to the bar, holds up two fingers, and says, “Five beers, please.”

Toothpaste

Old Man: "Are you the young fellow who sold me this tube yesterday and told me it was toothpaste?" Clerk: "Yes sir." Old Man: "Well, I tried for half an hour this morning and I couldn't get my teeth to stick in."

Diet Coke

My mom drinks Diet Coke despite knowing full well of the repercussions to her health. You might say she's a sodamasochist.

Cat

A woman answered the doorbell with a man standing on her porch. The man said, "I'm terribly sorry. I just ran over your cat and I would like to replace it for you." The woman replied, "Well that's alright with me, but how are you at catching mice?"

PUNishment

I'm thinking of becoming a hitman... I heard they make a killing.

Obituaries

Willis H. Muse Jr.

BOULDER - Willis H. Muse Jr. known as Bill Muse, age 75, died on March 22, 2024, at his home in Boulder. Bill was adored for his love of horses, generous nature, and quick sense of humor. He was our beloved father, grandfather, husband, brother, uncle, and friend.

Bill was born July 10, 1948, in Salt Lake City, to Willis H. Muse Sr. and Elnora Jean Harding Muse. He was the oldest of five children. Married to Adalee Beesley in 1965, they are the parents of three children: Jennifer, Billy, and Josey. Bill attended Skyline High School in Salt Lake City where he excelled in football and track. He was the president of the Skyline High School band and received recognition as an outstanding bandsman for clarinet. He carried these talents to the University of Utah where he played as split end for the Ute’s football team and was a member of the University’s Concert Band. His love of athletics continued as he coached and mentored many young men in Little League baseball, high school basketball, and youth football. Bill was also a Boy Scout Scoutmaster for many years. He loved hearing from his students, as adults, thanking him for his leadership and guidance.

As owner of Muse Farms since 1973, Bill trained hundreds of horses. He worked with both quarter horses and thoroughbreds, but predominantly thoroughbred racehorses. He mentored many in the art of horse training, using his “Medicine Circle” approach in the roundring. His method of training was philosophical as well as physical, using his athletic training, knowledge of physical therapy, and spiritual beliefs in his program. In his last years, Bill expressed often how he wished he could ride again. Bill’s beloved stallion, Valley Count, passed long ago, and we hope they are now reunited, galloping through the fields with big smiles.

Bill loved his community. He gave 16 years of dedicated service to Boulder Town. He served as a town councilman from 2001 to 2005. In 2005, Bill was elected as mayor of Boulder. He served three more terms as mayor until 2017. He was also an advocate for sustainable agriculture and was president of the Boulder Irrigation Company for two decades. His proudest civil accomplishments were the renovation of the Boulder Community Center, the development of the Boulder Town Park, and the protection of agricultural water rights.

While pursuing all these personal and professional accomplishments, Bill continued to be a constant advocate for his son, two daughters and grandson. He treasured his time with us and especially loved being a grandpa. He surrounded us with unconditional love and support, always. We love you, Dad, and will honor and cherish you throughout all lifetimes. Give Billy a big hug for us.

Bill is survived by his wife Adalee; daughters: Jennifer Muse (Barbara Curtis), and Josey Muse; grandchild, Matthew McArthur; sisters: Debbie Muse (Robert) Spafford and Nancy Muse (Michael) Lewis; and brother David Muse. Preceded in death by his parents; son, Willis Matthew Muse “Billy”; sister, Janet Muse Gray; and nephew, Cody Spafford.

In loving memory of Bill, we will celebrate his life and legacy on April 26, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. at the Boulder Community Center, 351 N. 100 E., Boulder. Family and friends are welcome as we honor the memories and cherish the moments we shared together. Cremation in the Magleby Mortuary and Cremation Center.

Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com

March came in like a lion and went out like a lion. Now in its 30th year, the Easter Egg Hunt, which took place on May 30, just keeps getting bigger and better. There were a record amount of kids, candy, Easter Eggs, and prizes. Pat has been doing this for thirty years now, and the excitement of the kids and the fun that goes during this event keeps her going. All the help that she gets has really grown, and, boy, are they great. The hunt started at 10:00, and we were home for naps at 10:45. We had a great Easter Bunny this year, and she might have just found herself a job. The good part about the weather was that it didn’t snow, but the wind really blew. We couldn’t keep anything on the tables, so we had five cars back in and open up their rear doors so that we could put all of the prizes in them. Well, we went shopping on Monday afternoon for next year’s bunnies; they are at least ½ off now.

After our nap, we went down to Hurricane to the car show, as we do every year, and it was raining, so we don’t know when the show closed. We went to Costco, as always, and it started to rain, and it really came down. We did hit some heavy snow coming across 20 on the higher parts; it is nice to have fourwheel drive in those situations.

It was Easter, and we had our grandson, Stephen, and his family over for dinner after Easter services. He is a cook and made some really, and I mean really, great prime rib. The rest of the day was spent watching basketball and napping to recover from the weekend.

The wind kind of scares me, with it blowing so hard this early in the year. It used to start in May

by Mack Oetting ~ mackoetting @gmail.com

and go till the balloon fest at the end of June. Last year, it blew starting in April and ran into July. It does a lot of damage and dries out the ground, more so than the lack of rain. Most of the reservoirs in the state are full, including ours, so we should have a bumper crop this summer.

Next Saturday the 13th, there will be celebration of the life of Dean Braxton at the Panguitch Senior Citizen building at 10:00. Dean was the ultimate volunteer here in Panguitch. Dean didn’t have any family, and Panguitch was his home. He served in the military and was a longtime loyal member of the Lion’s Club and served as their treasurer. He also served as Adjutant for 12 or more years with the American Legion. When the Lions had a breakfast, he helped set up the night before and was one of the last to leave when the meal was over. He also delivered Meals on Wheels for many

years, and he would always come in early to help with setting up the meals. The Lions Club will be having a pancake breakfast for free, so come a little early. There will be an honor guard ceremony out at the cemetery.

The night of the 13th, the Class of 2025 will be having their junior prom, and the public is invited to watch all of the festivities for a fee. It will be held at the fair building and is always a fun evening.

Well April Fool’s day is over, but the last president didn’t want to miss another year. He came out with his own bible, and he is selling it for $60.00. The suckers bought his gold painted tennis shoes for $400, so maybe this wasn’t a joke. The last time I saw him at a church was when he was on the steps of the church across from the White House holding up a Bible upside down.

Did you see the Francis Scott Key Bridge come down? A barge collided

with it. It seems that the barge’s engine went out, and it sure did a lot of damage. The president wants to give Baltimore 80 million dollars to clear out the damage so that freight can again flow through this very valuable port. However, the money comes from the U.S. Congress, and they don’t care about helping anyone. Of course, there is always someone that can find fault with our great government. We have someone here in Utah that wants to be governor who says that the government is the reason for the barge engines going out.

Maybe the problems you see with our great government are from people that want you to vote for them even when they don't have any solutions for any of the problems. They also refuse to fund money for the borders or any other helpful projects, like Ukraine.

Mack O.

Intermountain Garfield Memorial and Heber Valley Hospitals Named National Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals for 2024 For Excellent Care and Affordability

PANGUITCH / HEBER CITY - Intermountain Garfield Hospital and Intermountain Heber Valley Hospital have been named as Top 100 Access Hospitals in America for 2024 by the Chartis Center for Rural Health.

The annual top access hospitals list by Chartis uses a variety of data to assess the strength of critical access hospitals including quality, outcomes, cost, and patient perspective among other factors.

Intermountain Garfield Hospital and Intermountain

Heber Valley Hospital were two of only three Utah hospitals selected on this year’s list of top hospitals.

“This recognition is important to Intermountain Garfield Memorial Hospital as it demonstrates our caregivers ongoing dedication to our community,” said DeAnn Brown, president of Intermountain Garfield Memorial Hospital. “Our goal at Intermountain is to work together to bring care to patients no matter where they live.”

Critical Access Hospital is a designation given by

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which is designed to reduce the financial vulnerability of rural hospitals and improve access to healthcare by keeping essential services in rural communities.

Intermountain has put a major focus on care at rural hospitals and expanded access to care through a large network of facilities and telehealth services to help improve patients’ ability to get the care they need, closer to home.

—Intermountain Health

Obituaries

Mona Hiskey

1934 - 2024

BICKNELL / CEDAR CITY - Mona Ellett Hiskey our beloved wife, mother, daughter, aunt, grandmother and great grandmother peacefully passed away on March 28, 2024.

Mona was born August 4, 1934, to Rulon Shiner Ellett and Bertha Amanda Durfey in Bicknell, Utah. She was the oldest of five children. The family home was across from the Bicknell Bottoms with the view of the Boulder Mountain and the flowing Fremont River. This beauty provided the foundational backdrop of her childhood. Farm life consisted of cows to milk, horses to ride, duck hunters to host, fish to catch, and alfalfa and grass hay to cut. Mona spent much of her time in the home with her mother where she learned the value of a clean home and a home-cooked meal. Mona’s parents taught her the importance of hard work, daily prayer, and a love for family.

Mona attended school in Bicknell and graduated from Wayne High in 1952. She was a good student, involved in school and extracurricular activities. Harold Hiskey noticed her while she was cheerleading and asked her for a date. A courtship began and followed with marriage after her graduation from high school. Harold and Mona were married and sealed in the Manti Temple June 5, 1952. Their life together was interrupted when Harold was drafted into the Army in December of 1952. Mona followed Harold to California for a short time, and then lived with her parents while Harold served as a Military Policeman in the Korean War. Their oldest daughter, Bertha Lu, was born on October 26, 1953; and she was one year old when her daddy was discharged from the Army on October 26, 1954.

The family moved to Provo after Christmas, and Harold began his studies at Brigham Young University in January 1955. It was very difficult for Mona to leave home, and it was even more difficult for her parents to have their granddaughter leave with them. The days were long while Harold was going to school during the day and working at night, so Mona began a family history hobby that has brought her much joy throughout her life.

Their second daughter, Sonia, was born September 27, 1955, while they were living in Provo. Harold graduated from Brigham Young University in June of 1958 with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics. They then moved to Logan where Harold continued his studies at Utah State University. In Logan, they made new friends and continued to raise their family. Their third child, Joseph Harold, was born April 12, 1959; and their last child, Bruce Rulon, arrived January 23, 1961. Their young family was a full-time job. Harold graduated with a master’s degree in Economics and was soon called as the bishop of their ward. In 1966, Harold had an opportunity to pursue a Ph.D. in Economics at Utah State University. At that time, Mona worked part-time at the Utah State University Bookstore. She managed the Trade Book Section during the hours her children were in school. Mona enjoyed the experience in the bookstore, and it provided good books for her children to read. After Harold received his Ph.D. from Utah State University, he accepted a position at Southern Utah University.

At Southern Utah University, Mona took classes in Business Education and earned her associate degree. When Mona’s daughters were grown and her sons were on missions, Mona received an opportunity to work as an Executive Secretary for the Athletic/ Physical Education Department. She enjoyed those years, and many friendships blessed her life. Mona retired to take care of her aged parents.

Mona loved family history and genealogy which resulted in a positive impact on the lives of many people, both living and deceased. Mona also loved family reunions; and since 1972, our families have gathered yearly to celebrate our rich heritage and love for each other. Mona’s posterity adores her, and each one knows how much their Mom and Grandmother loves them.

Mona was a great cook, and all who came to her home were fed and given food to take home. She loved having her family sit down to eat and visit. We will remember her homemade rolls, noodles, pies, jam, French toast, and potato salad to name a few. Mona loved the fall of the year when she could fill her bottles full of food. The food storage shelves were always full. Mona and Harold grew big gardens and gave produce to many.

While Harold was developing his career, Mom mastered her seamstress ability sewing all her children’s clothes, hundreds of dance costumes, and alterations—all on a basic Singer sewing machine.

Mona was a member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. She loved talking about her ancestors that immigrated and crossed the plains seeking a better life to able to worship as they pleased.

Mona enjoyed her service in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served as a teacher, music director, organist, Young Women’s President, Relief Society President, and Stake Young Women’s Presidency. Mona and Harold served missions in Cairns, Australia; Papua New Guinea; and Salt Lake Temple Square. Mona was serving as an ordinance worker when she was called to be the Matron of the St. George Temple with her husband, Harold, as President.

Mona was the heartbeat of the home as Harold served in many church and leadership callings. She never faltered and was the ideal wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to all that came into her circle of influence.

Harold died March 15, 2021, which left Mona with a big hole in her heart. They had been together for over 70 years. Her love and devotion to Harold is something her children will always remember. Mona’s love instills a desire in her posterity to have the same devotion in their relationships and marriages.

Mona’s love for her companion, her family, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ were the anchors in her life. Our sadness at this tender time is brightened by our knowledge of the plan of salvation, resurrection, the eternal nature of families, and the atoning sacrifice of our Savior.

Mona is survived by her four children: Bertha Lu (Craig), Sonia (Robert), Joseph (Janette), and Bruce (Lana), 14 grandchildren, 42 great grandchildren; two sisters, Theresa (Dallas), Flora (Brad); and many nieces and nephews.

As a family, we express gratitude and appreciation for the many friends and neighbors who ministered and loved our Mom and Grandmother.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. in the Cedar City West Stake Center, 725 South 100 West in Cedar City, where family and friends could pay their respects from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. prior to the services.

Interment was in the Bicknell Cemetery at 4:00 p.m. under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Homes of Richfield and Salina, Utah.

News from Wayne County Beason Lewis

WAYNE CO. - With the sun at your back while driving east on Highway 24 out of Torrey about a mile, you will encounter a long sweeping turn north with views that overlook Capitol Reef National Park. If you were to lift your sunglasses up onto your forehead, you will notice a deeply rutted, canyon-infested and brushcovered expanse of land in the foreground that is locally known as Beas Lewis Flats. Upon closer investigation, you can easily see that the flat is anything but.

To gain a better understanding of the Beas Lewis Flat designation, one must step back in time to the days before Wayne County was even Wayne County, which would be the rough and rowdy days prior to 1892. In hallowed halls and hidden away offices of the Wayne County Courthouse, and in the minds of many, A. K. Thurber was credited with first laying eyes on what was then known as Piute County, having heard reports of prime grazing, free flowing water, and lots of rabbits. What is less known is the fact that there was another adventurous fella known as Beason Lewis that was hot on old A.K. 's tail. Lewis had been trailing a herd of church cattle and overheard the same report of prime grazing.

It is not that A.K.’s history of being a journeyman, tortoiseshell combmaker and languishing in the gold fields of California, returning to Brigham Young’s Salt Lake City with less than ten dollars in gold in his pocket, makes him any less interesting, but to Beason Lewis’ credit, he was more of a hands on the reins kind of guy.

Family records tell us that Beason Lewis was born on Feb. 19, 1836, in Carlinville in Macoupin County, Illinois, the product of Tarlton and Malinda (Gimlin) Lewis. Tarlton was the first Bishop of Salt Lake City, and in every other town he ever lived in, and an acquaintance of A.K. Thurber. The Lewis family was made up of all sturdy pioneer stock and excellent coopers. They were known all around for their quality handmade barrels and wooden buckets, and they were purveyors of fine stock animals.

by Adus F. Dorsey II

They were better suited than most for the treacherous trek across the plains in 1847, after having survived the Hawn's Mill massacre on October 30, 1838, when Beason was only two years old.

When Beason was 32 years old, he married Adeline Rhodes in Minersville in 1868. They were married five years and had three children when Beason was left a widower. His wife died at Joseph, Sevier County, Utah, February 14, 1873. On the 20th day of May of the same year, Beason Lewis married his second wife, Mary Magdeline Nazer. Their marriage was solemnized in the Endowment House, Salt Lake City, on August 9, 1875. He was first Counselor to the Bishop in Joseph, Utah.

It was during this time that Beason Lewis acquired the contract to run church cattle, and, through his father’s exploits with A.K. Thurber, Beason had heard rumor of good grazing in Rabbit Valley, grass stirruphigh. In an instant, Beason saddled up his horse, gathered up his own cattle, the Mormon Church bovines, and a similar number of Monroe Cooperative Cattle Company cows, and, without as much as a moment's hesitation, came over Fish Lake Mountain to what would be eventually called, in 1896, Wayne County.

In the fall of 1880, the growing Lewis family moved to what was then Piute County, and, after a short stint in Thurber, relocated to a ranchette called "Fish Creek," eight miles east of Teasdale, Utah. Eventually, the church sold their cattle, but Beason Lewis retained all of his cows, along with some shaggy sheep, and, always faithful to the church, raised his happy little Lewis family at Fish Creek.

In 1882, Elias Hicks Blackburn, a member of the Utah legislature, applied for and was granted $1,000.00 for a road survey from Loa to the Colorado River in what was then still Piute County. It would have been a monumental task in any era had the survey team ever reached the free flowing Colorado River. The survey team consisted of prominent citizens at the time—Volney King, James H. Wright,

George S. Rust and Franklin W. Young—and they set their sites east on March 29, 1882. The party soon split up, with Blackburn, Wright and Young camping near the junction of Sand Creek, where, at once, King and Rust proceeded south to the Beason Lewis ranch to collect Lewis. Beason Lewis was known to have intimate and detailed knowledge of the rugged and lightly explored canyon country to the east of Rabbit Valley.

On April 1, the men ventured into Capitol Wash, which King described as being six miles in length with walls of rock on either side, hundreds of feet high, with some places having only enough room for a wagon to pass. Everywhere they looked, the narrow canyon bore visible signs of battle scars from great floods.

The exploratory trek did establish the route through Capitol Wash that would eventually link upper and lower Wayne County, until Highway 24 was routed through the Fremont River Canyon in the 1960s.

In the spring of 1886, the Lewis family moved to Teasdale, Utah, to send the older children to school. While living there, their oldest son died, and in less than a year, their youngest son passed away. In 1890, while on a visit to Teasdale, Beason Lewis’ father, Tarlton, died and is buried there. Losing his boys and Grandpa Lewis came as a great shock to Beason. The family then decided to move again, and Beason bought land in Aurora and started to build a home. Together in April 18, 1892, they moved to Sevier County, Utah.

Throughout his life, Beason Lewis continued to help build roads, reservoirs and canals. He was one of the first board members of the Otter Creek Reservoir and also the Vermillion Extension Canal. He was very liberal in helping to build churches and temples. His legacy lives on in the fact that he always remembered those less fortunate than himself.

Beason Lewis died April 5, 1902, and is buried in Aurora, Utah.

Schools and Sports

Revised Schedule: Escalante Track Team's Next Competition Will Be Milford Invitational, Apr. 13

by Nancy Goude

The Escalante High School (EHS) track team did not attend the Desert Hills Invitational—they were scheduled to attend on the 30th—and will be enjoying a break from competition until the April 13 Milford Invitational.

ESCALANTE - The Escalante High School (EHS) track schedule has been revised as of March 29.

The team did not attend the Desert Hills Invitational—they were scheduled to attend on the 30th—and will be enjoying a break from competition until the April 13 Milford Invitational.

The members of the teams that are freshman and sophomores

PHS Sports Sidelines

by Mack Oetting

The Deseret News has awarded Panguitch High School its All Sports Award for the ninth straight year. As usual, it wasn’t even close. The Cats were buoyed by winning five state titles to rack up 72.5 points; Monticello took second place with 53 points. The last team to defeat PHS was St. Joseph in 2012-2013. With all of the Cats' wins so far this year, I would bet that they would receive the same award again next year. Brighton holds the record for 11 consecutive awards from 198091, a streak that the Cats are closing in on.

The 23-24 All State Basketball teams were announced, and there was

little surprise.

The MVP for the boys is Cache Eyre.

Joining Cache on the 1st team was Justin Osburn.

On the 3rd team was Paxton Miller.

Honorable mention was Cameron Parkins.

The MVP for the girls was Tabetha Henrie.

Joining Tabetha on the 1st team is Mallory Henrie.

On the 2nd team is Makena Owens.

Honorable mention is Tayt Miller.

Congratulations are in order for all of the hard work that the athletes put in and all of the great coaching that goes into these awards.

On the 9th, the Fredonia softball team will be here, and on the 11th, South Sevier will also be here. Come on out and cheer the Cats along.

The Nyle Norris Invitational track meet will be on the 6th in Richfield.

17-18 - Class 1A State Championships at BYU will compete in Kanab on April 10th and join the upperclassmen at the Milford Invitational just three days later.

EHS is hoping to host the May 7 Regional Meet, but that is dependent upon the completion of some repairs needing done on the track to make it competition ready.

According to school officials, anyone who is inclined to contact the Garfield County School

Esclante Revised Track Schedule April 10 - Kanab (9th/10 Grade) April 13 - Milford Invitational April 20 -

District to provide public support for these repairs is encouraged to do so at (435) 676-8821 or by emailing the School Board

members at their individual addresses found at https://www.garfk12.org/ gcsd-school-board/

SUU Launches ECO Summer Program for Highschoolers

CEDAR CITYSouthern Utah University has proudly launched its summer Early College Online (ECO) program, providing affordable college credit opportunities for high school students, including those from home-school or private school backgrounds.

by Southern Utah University

With 21 online summer classes available, priced at just $75 per credit, SUU's ECO program aims to make higher education accessible and affordable. This initiative empowers students to jumpstart their college journey, preparing them for future academic and career success. These classes can transfer back to the high school to fulfill dual credit. This program does not interfere with the concurrent enrollment courses earned at local universities and colleges, but can supplement those classes and help students make the most of their summer break.

for students to unlock their potential with credits used to complete their General Education (GE) Certificate of Proficiency.”

"The SUU Early College Online program makes the benefits of low-cost early college coursework accessible to all qualified high school students—local, national or international. This program empowers students to gain knowledge, develop skills, prepare for the future and earn meaningful college credit at affordable rates," said Michelle Lambert, director of Concurrent Enrollment and Early College Online at SUU. "Our ECO program opens doors

It’s free to apply and enrollment is simple. Visit the ECO webpage to explore courses and upload your transcripts verifying a 3.0 or higher GPA. For more information, contact your local high school counselor or email the

ECO office at earlycollegeonline@suu.edu.

SUU fosters accessibility and inclusivity in higher education, offering world-class learning experiences across various disciplines. With more than 150 undergraduate and 32 graduate and certificate programs, SUU offers a wide range of project-based learning opportunities for real-world experience.

Nancy Goude

EVs: This is certainly a fast-charge desert. There is not a DC fast charger in between Cedar City and Green River and that makes this a challenging place to drive through in an EV. I know people don’t make the trip specifically because they have ‘charge anxiety.’

—John Lee, host of the Wayne County EV Meetup and Car Show

EVs

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Lee has owned electric vehicles for almost a decade. He is currently in his fifth year of driving his Tesla Model 3, which has taken him all around Utah’s "Grand Circle" and beyond. “I was one of the first in Wayne County to own an EV,” said Lee.

“Living at the gateway to Capitol Reef, I noticed that Highway 12 is really popular with car clubs to hold rallies on. I thought there should be an EV rally too.”

The 2023 Southern

Utah All Vehicles Electric Rally, or SUAVE for short, was the fifth such event Lee had hosted to tour areas along scenic byway 12. It saw participants driving the Notom road and Burr Trail to see fall colors and view the total annular eclipse, which drew visitors to the area Oct. 14 of last year. Scenery, however, is not the only reason Lee hosts these rallies. He hopes they will draw attention to the growing number of EVs driven in the area by both residents and tourists, and provide a push for better charging infrastructure.

There are two kinds of EV chargers. There are destination chargers, which can be found at many hotels and RV parks, and are designed to charge your vehicle overnight. Then there are fast chargers, which act a bit more like gas stations and can charge a vehicle in as little as 15 or 20 minutes.

“There are twenty communities inside Utah’s Grand Circle that have destination chargers,” said Lee, who keeps track of where chargers are using an app called PlugShare. “But you have to plan your visit carefully so that you are sure to stay somewhere that has one,” he continued, emphasizing that the increase in EV traffic has caused many hotels and parks to see more vehicles per night than they have available chargers. This has created "charge anxiety" among drivers. He says that having fast chargers can help by providing flexibility, allowing more "on-thefly" charging for people traveling through.

“This is certainly a fast-charge desert. There is not a DC fast charger in between Cedar City and Green River and that makes this a challenging place to drive through in an EV. I know people don’t make the trip specifically because they have ‘charge anxiety’.” said Lee.

This sentiment was mirrored by Ruby’s Inn Hotel Group manager Lance Syrett.

“We imagine this will increase visitation to our area by relieving peoples' charge anxiety,” said Syrett. “It’s something that we have been getting requests about for a long time.”

Ruby’s Inn initially considered installing a Charge Point fast charger four years ago following a statewide push to increase EV access under the 2020 House Bill 259 - Electric Vehicle Charging Network, but found the project would be too expensive at $60,000 per station. Tesla, however,

will be footing the bill for this 8-station Supercharger. This makes more sense for Ruby’s Inn, as private entities are not allowed to resell electricity at a profit.

“Tesla hadn’t really given us the time of day before, they were more focused on building a network of chargers on major highways,” explained Syrett. “But our most recent request for a Supercharger timed up perfectly with a social media poll Tesla held with their drivers.” The poll is found on Tesla’s website and helps the EV company prioritize where to install future charging stations. Bryce Canyon City, Kanab and Kayenta were selected through this system and over 1,500 votes have been cast for an additional Supercharger site in Escalante.

With Garfield County getting its first Supercharger, John Lee hopes to see a fast charger installed in Wayne County. “I would like to see one go in Hanksville; it would support the beautiful drive on Highway 95 to Blanding,” Lee said. He envisions these new charging stations providing electric trucks with the ability to access the remote and rugged roads in the Maze District of Canyonlands National Park and beyond.

There are, however, complications that come with having numerous superchargers connected to a rural power grid. According to Syrett, the 32-unit Supercharger in Beaver, Utah, has the ability to use more electricity than the town itself. Having too many of these stations on one grid could compromise the entire system.

“If our nation continues to use more EVs, we are going to need to improve the infrastructure that gets

power to these charging stations,” explained Bryant Shakespear, a representative of Garkane Energy. The co-op power provider is concerned that if the majority of visitors to the area drive electric vehicles, a new network of higher capacity transmission lines may be required to supply the increased demand.

“But we are owned by our members and we provide the services that are requested,” Shakespear continued. “Ruby’s has worked with Tesla and needs us to provide power for it. Currently, Garkane has the capacity to supply sufficient power for this project.” Technicians from the power company have already begun the surveys required to lay a new power line to the new charging station. Once the line is installed, it is expected that Tesla will have the rest of the work completed by June 2024.

Tesla uses a proprietary charge system known as NACS. This was opposed to the CCS system used by many other manufacturers. “There has been a recent change however,” Lee explained. “Rivian, Ford and GM can now use the Tesla chargers with adapters. By 2026, all EVs will be made with the Tesla plugs.”

The Supercharger at Ruby’s Inn will be accessible to all electric vehicles, and users will not be required to be patrons of the lodge or restaurant. Garkane charges $0.35 - $0.50 per kilowatt hour (kWh) to charge at a fast charger. With most EVs requiring 35 - 60 kWh to "fill up," it will be about half the price of gas. With the advent of fast charging access on Highway 12, 2024 might be a big year for John Lee’s SUAVE Rally.

Wayne Commission:

Canvass results for the Democratic Primary, a special event permit for a car show, and progress on the Wayne County Industrial Park Master Plan discussed.

Wayne Commission

Cont'd from A1

8, 2024, with a request that the event name be changed from the Wayne County Throwdown to the Wayne Throwdown, or something similar. County Attorney Michael Winn suggested that the county move away from Wayne County in the name of events. “This implies that we are sponsoring or endorsing the event,” he said.

The commission approved a motion to accept a change order with Jackson Excavation for the Hanksville Diversion Pumping contract. This allows Jackson Excavation to switch pump suppliers, which, unlike the past two years, will enable them to have a backup pump available.

Lastly, Jones & DeMille Engineering representatives discussed progress on the Wayne County Industrial Park Master Plan. This project will provide the infrastructure to create 36 industrial lots near the Wayne Wonderland Airport. Jenna Draper, Regional Economic Development Coordinator with the Six County Association of Governments, said that

Adoption Fees: In a heartwarming initiative aimed at encouraging pet adoption and facilitating loving homes for animals in need, Color Country Animal Welfare is offering discounted adoption fees through May 15, 2024.

Adoption Fees

Cont'd from A1

year. With dedicated efforts in 2023, they found homes for 92 animals, and they hope to exceed that number in 2024.

In a heartwarming initiative aimed at encouraging pet adoption and facilitating loving homes for animals in need, Color Country Animal Welfare is offering discounted adoption fees through May 15, 2024. This benevolent gesture is made possible through a grant from Kia and Petfinder, two entities committed to supporting animal welfare causes. The grant has offered a significant boost to the rescue's efforts. By subsidizing adoption fees, they hope to remove financial barriers that may deter potential adopters and facilitate more adoptions. The discounted fees will cover essential veterinary care, including vaccinations and sterilization ensuring that the animals leave for their forever homes in optimal health.

The partnership between Kia and Petfinder underscores their shared commitment to animal welfare. Kia, known for its dedication to social responsibility, has previously collaborated with Petfinder on

Scan this code to visit CCAW's adoption page

various initiatives aimed at promoting pet adoption and responsible pet ownership.

Petfinder, a leading online resource for pet adoption, facilitates connections between rescue organizations and potential adopters. Their platform enables individuals to search for adoptable pets based on location, breed, age, and other criteria, making the adoption process more accessible and efficient.

The discounted adoption fees will be available for a limited time, and interested individuals are encouraged to visit Color Country Animal Welfare’s website or contact them di-

rectly at 435-425-2050 for more information.

By choosing to adopt from Color Country Animal Welfare, individuals not only gain a loyal companion but also contribute to the larger cause of animal welfare and rescue in Wayne County, Utah. In a world where countless animals are in need of care and compassion, initiatives like this serve as a beacon of hope. Through the collective efforts of organizations like Kia, Petfinder, and Color Country Animal Welfare, more animals can find the love and security they deserve in forever homes.

Garfield Commission: Approval of updates to existing 50-year agreements that protect municipalities when they provide fire protection to their respective, outlying, unincorporated areas; the disposition of Promise Rock; development of a noxious weed ordinance to include copperweed; plowing on Clear Creek Road; approval of two subdivisions;and an intent to buy three Meals-on-Wheels trucks discussed.

Garfield Commission

Cont'd from A1

they have received funding from the state to get started on the master plan. “We’ve got a lot of businesses that are being run out of homes, backyards, garages, that are getting large enough where they need a space to go,” said Draper. She explained that requiring each company to create its own industrial site to continue growing would be costprohibitive.

Commissioner Brian wanted to make it clear that no county tax dollars would be used for this project. He also said that one of the main drivers for this project is that “we’re trying to figure out ways to keep our kids here and have opportunities for our own people. Our biggest export has been our kids.” The project currently has a price tag of around six million dollars. It will cost an estimated two million dollars alone to bring roads, power, and water to the proposed lots.

The commission then approved vouchers and moved to a closed session to discuss personnel issues.

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

munities involved with the county fair; and he’s meeting with interested parties to discuss a bike path between Head of the Rocks and Top of the Blues along Hwy 12. Commissioner Leland Pollock said he’d like the county to develop a noxious weed ordinance that covers copperweed. He noted numerous cattle deaths related to ingesting copperweed, and the inability of ranchers to receive compensation without the weed being listed as noxious. (He said copperweed generally only appears in wet years.) Pollock also mentioned several issues related to SITLAowned or leased property: Promise Rock being one concern, ranchers and their grazing allotments, and SITLA leasing or selling off land to large solar farms. He said the county is in the process of developing an agricultural protection ordinance that will include areas of local culture and heritage and would require landowners, including SITLA, to abide by those protections when land lease or sale is being discussed. Pollock went on to encourage county residents to make use of opportunities to meet candidates for the various elected positions coming up in November, including our area’s

state representative, a senate seat, and governorship. “Show up and ask the tough questions. It’s good for giving them perspective on our local issues,” he said.

Public Works, Dave Dodds: Plowing on Clear Creek Road near Panguitch Lake was discussed. Dodds said plows can’t function without adequate turnarounds. Commissioners posited a possibility that affected landowners chip in enough property to the county to build the turnaround, if they want it plowed.

Planning, Kaden Figgins: Two subdivisions were recommended for approval by the Planning Commission: Gallego Estates Subdivision, near Panguitch, and The Reserve at Paunsaugunt Cliffs Subdivision. Both were approved, with Gallego Estates requiring a minor road width adjustment and The Reserve being an addition with a zone change as part of the existing Paunsaugunt Cliffs. The zone change itself, Ag to Residential Estates for the 10 lots, was also approved.

The Commission approved business licenses for Ticaboo On Lake Service for boat maintenance and repair; Red Dog Properties short-term rental; and Ranch Dog Pack Station, an Escalante short-term rental and outfitter business. On the agenda, but not ready for

approval, were Scenic Utah Rentals LLC and Family Adventure Cabins.

Senior Services, Donna Chynoweth: Chynoweth reported that Five Counties Association of Governments “has extra COVID money to be spent this year,” and the intent is to buy three Meals-onWheels trucks. Garfield County’s portion of a required match would be $910K. The Commissioners asked Chynoweth to return for official approval once the actual cost is available.

The Commission went into closed session to discuss real estate and potential and ongoing litigation.

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/.

Where to Eat...

Where to go in Wayne and Garfield counties for great food and drink!

Loa

Panguitch

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Torrey

Bicknell

SkyWatcher Leo T

The Upcoming Solar Eclipse, Cosmic Explosions, and the Supernova of 1054

by Leonard Thomas

There are so many huge happenings in the sky right now.

A geomagnetic storm from our home star started on March 24th, and continued on March 25, and was sparked by recent solar eruptions that have hurled plasma towards Earth.

This powerful solar storm had the potential to cause power grid fluctuations, disruptions in power supply, as well as affecting space operations and ships at sea.

The most visually stunning effect of this geomagnetic activity was the potential visibility of the Aurora, or Northern Lights, at high latitudes in the United States in regions such as northern Michigan and Maine.

And speaking of solar activity, if you're in the path of totality for the April 8 total solar eclipse, you'll experience a breathtaking and surreal period of darkness—totality—for a few seconds or minutes. If you observe the sun's corona during totality, you may see dark-pink towers and loops of electrically charged plasma stretching many times the diameter of Earth into space.

As we look up and around, the green comet Pons-Brooks is nearing its best showing in the early evening. And as Mercury fades in the sunset, Jupiter becomes the only easily visible planet in the entire sky in the west-northwest, and big ole Jupiter will help us find the comet.

Comet Pons-Brooks is fairly low in the westnorthwest right after the end of twilight. It is to the lower right of Jupiter and heading towards it; its tail points upward. This week, it should be at its best.

On the evening of March 30th, the comet passed right next to, or lower right of, fairly bright

Alpha Arietis (Hamal), the brightest star in the constellation Aries. The ten-mile wide green comet has been brightening, putting it well in range of binoculars in a decent suburban sky, and it may be detectable by the naked-eye in a black sky. Brightness outbursts are possible; the comet has had two in the last year, so check in on it every clear evening.

And continuing with amazing, once-in-a-lifetime, simultaneous events in space that are visible from our planet, a rare cosmic explosion is expected to occur in the Milky Way in the coming months—an outburst so bright that a “new” star will seemingly appear for a short time in the night sky.

The event, known as a nova, will be a once-ina-lifetime skywatching opportunity for those in the Northern Hemisphere, according to NASA, because the types of star systems in which such explosions occur are not common in our galaxy.

The stellar eruption will take place in a system called T Coronae Borealis, which is 3,000 light-years away from Earth. It contains two stars: a dead star, also known as a “white dwarf,” closely orbited by a red giant. Red giants are dying stars that are running out of hydrogen fuel in their cores. In systems like T Coronae Borealis, the two stars are so near to each other that matter from the red giant is constantly spilling onto the surface of the white dwarf. Over time, this builds up pressure and heat, eventually triggering an eruption.

Astronomers predict that the nova explosion could happen anytime between now and September.

Once an eruption is detected, the best and brightest views will likely come within 24 hours, when it reaches

roughly the same brightness as the North Star. The outburst may remain visible to the naked-eye for a couple of days before it begins to fade.

Even after it dims, skywatchers will likely still be able to spot the eruption for around a week using binoculars, according to NASA.

The T Coronae Borealis system is normally too dim to see unaided, but skywatchers can find the outburst by locating the constellation Corona Borealis, or the Northern Crown, or the Council of the Chiefs. The constellation appears as a semicircular arc above the Big Dipper. A super nova in 1054 was seen around the world and recorded in China, as well as the southwest U.S. and was etched into the sandstone cliffs. For the Hopi and other peoples in Arizona, it was a wild year, with the eruption in the sky and the eruption near their home in northern Arizona that sent out lava around the area, and the Hopi and Navajo were wondering if they were doing something wrong in their ceremonies.

Visit Wupatki National Monument near the Sunset Crater and see the Sunset Crater Volcano dome and lava flows, as well as fantastic ancient dwellings.

Look up, look around, and get just a little bit lost in space, and explore some of our precious blue marble’s treasures.

Leonard Thomas has a Bachelor of Science degree in Comprehensive Broadcasting and worked as a park ranger as a star guide at Capitol Reef National Park. He is a resident of Torrey, Utah, and is the creator of the podcast SkyWatcher Leo T, which is available to listen to on Spotify.

Open Mic Nights: Our mission is to provide a welcoming and safe venue for performers of all ages and abilities to create community spirit through music and spoken word. We want folks to come out and sing a song, play a tune, tell a joke, read a poem, do a magic trick—share their talent with us. And we want the community to come see how much talent there is in the area.

—Scott Smith, Capitol Reef Community Open Mic

Open Mic Nights

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munity members. Torrey resident Scott Smith has created a nonprofit called Capitol Reef Community Open Mic and found a home for it in the Teasdale Cultural Hall. Rob Williams of The Teasdale Historical Society, the organization that owns the hall, has welcomed them.

Smith has brought on board a capable team to join him as directors of the new non-profit—Brooke

Salt from Teasdale, Laura Lasco from Bicknell, Davi Salt from Fremont, and Mary Bedingfieldsmith from Torrey.

“Our mission is to provide a welcoming and safe venue for performers of all ages and abilities to create community spirit through music and spoken word,” says Smith. “We want folks to come out and sing a song, play a tune, tell a joke, read a poem, do a magic trick—share their talent with us. And we want the community to come see

how much talent there is in the area.”

Capitol Reef Community Open Mic nights are free events and will be held the third Friday of each month. The inaugural evening is scheduled for May 17 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. Performer sign-ups begin at 6PM.

The Teasdale Cultural Hall is at 73 S. Main in Teasdale. For more information, please call Scott Smith at (435) 425-2228.

—Capitol Reef Community Open Mic

Courtesy SkyWatcherLeoT

The T Coronae Borealis system can be found by locating the constellation Corona Borealis, which appears as a semicircular arc above the Big Dipper.

Utah Food Bank Opens

Two Pantries on Navajo Nation

by Alex Gonzalez | Utah News Connection

UTAH - Utah Food Bank is expanding in San Juan County, and has announced the opening of two new pantries that will help support residents of the Navajo Nation.

President and CEO Ginette Bott said despite the food bank serving San Juan County for about 30 years, it had been a challenge to meet the level of need in the area.

She said the Navajo Nation is considered a food desert, with an average driving time to food resources taking up to several hours, one-way.

The new pantries will help enhance food accessibility.

"While there are a couple of small pantries in the area of San Juan County in different locations, they still weren't big enough, or still couldn't be opened every single day," said Bott. "People here will have to drive to Cortez or to Moab, it's not like you can jump in your car and run a couple of blocks and grab a gallon of milk."

Montezuma Creek Food Pantry is now open, and Bott says the Monument Valley Food Pantry will need a bit more time to tie up some loose ends before opening.

San Juan County residents face significantly

higher rates of hunger compared with the rest of the Beehive State.

Seventeen percent of residents report food insecurity, compared with 10% statewide, according to Utah Food Bank.

While the pantries will help in addressing food needs, Bott said they'll also help provide needed job opportunities that help ensure that the pantries' operating hours remain regular and reliable.

She noted it is important to make sure those being served feel seen and heard.

"We want to be sure that we are respectful of all things that are important to the folks that we are going to be serving," said Bott, "and we want people to realize we are not coming in here to make a change, we are only coming in here to enhance them and their lives."

In order to address the specific needs of those who live in the region, Bott added, the pantries have had to learn more about the Navajo diet and preferences, while also aiming to increase available fresh produce and help mitigate the impacts of prevalent health conditions such as diabetes through diet.

Legal Notices

NOTICE TO WATER USERS

The applications below were filed with the Division of Water Rights in Wayne County. These are informal proceedings per Rule 655-6-2. Protests concerning an application must be legibly written or typed, contain the name and mailing address of the protesting party, STATE THE APPLICATION NUMBER PROTESTED, CITE REASONS FOR THE PROTEST, and REQUEST A HEARING, if desired. Also, A $15 FEE MUST BE INCLUDED FOR EACH APPLICATION PROTESTED. Protests must be filed with the Division of Water Rights on or before Apr. 24, 2024 either electronically using the Division`s on-line Protest of Application form, by hand delivery to a Division office, or by mail at PO Box 146300, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6300. Please visit waterrights.utah.gov or call (801)538-7240 for additional information.

GARFIELD COUNTY

NEW APPLICATION(S)

97-2516 (A84118): Robert Owen propose(s) using 1.73 ac-ft. from groundwater (Southwest of Boulder) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION; STOCKWATERING.

97-2517 (A84119): Shawn Owen propose(s) using 1.73 ac-ft. from groundwater (Southwest of Boulder) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION; STOCKWATERING.

97-2518 (A84120): Joshua Owen propose(s) using 1.73 ac-ft. from groundwater (Southwest of Boulder) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION; STOCKWATERING.

97-2519 (A84121): Donna Owen propose(s) using 1.73 ac-ft. from groundwater (Southwest of Boulder) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION; STOCKWATERING.

97-2520 (A84122): Kristel Owen propose(s) using 1.73 ac-ft. from groundwater (Southwest of Boulder) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION; STOCKWATERING.

CHANGE APPLICATION(S)

61-2924 (a51435): Birch and Kelly Moore propose(s) using 0.0009 cfs OR 0.25 ac-ft. from groundwater (6 miles from Hatch Utah) for DOMESTIC.

61-3440 (a51436): Grindstone Development, LLC propose(s) using 0.002 cfs OR 0.25 ac-ft. from groundwater (Southwest of Panguitch Lake) for DOMESTIC.

61-2591 (a51465): Whiskey Throttle Ventures, LLC propose(s) using 0.25 ac-ft. from groundwater (1 mile south of Hatch) for DOMESTIC.

61-3484 (a51466): State of Utah Board of Water Resources, Kevin A. or Laura Lynn Welchman, West Panguitch Irrigation and Reservoir Company propose(s) using 0.25 ac-ft. from groundwater (1 mile west of Panguitch Lake) for DOMESTIC.

EXTENSION(S)

97-2176 (a23461): C. Mark Raming is/are filing an extension for 0.75 ac-ft. from groundwater (Black Boulder Mesa Parcel #1) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION.

WAYNE COUNTY NEW APPLICATION(S)

95-5521 (A84113): Troy or Brenda Brian propose(s) using 0.015 cfs OR 1.48 ac-ft. from groundwater (1.4 miles NW of Loa) for STOCKWATERING.

95-5522 (A84128): James S and Nanette Groves Anderson propose(s) using 1.312 ac-ft. from the Developed Seep Area (Torrey) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION; STOCKWATERING.

Teresa Wilhelmsen, P.E.

State Engineer

Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on MARCH 28 and APRIL 4, 2024

ACCEPTING BIDS

TICABOO UTILITY IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT

Ticaboo Utility Improvement District (TUID) is accepting open bids for a 2012 Fleetwood mobile home in good condition for sale or long-term rental. Bids will be accepted thru April 30, 2024. Interested parties should call or email for pictures, appraisals if the party is interested in purchase, and current market rent schedules in the town of Ticaboo for parties interested in a long-term rental. TUID has the right to negotiate and/or refuse any bid that does not meet market value. Please call the district at (435) 337-2021, or email admin@ticaboouid.com for detailed information.

Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on MARCH 28 and APRIL 4, 11, 18 & 25, 2024

NOTICE Of PROPOSED CHANGE

WAYNE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION

Please take notice that the Wayne County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider the following: PROPOSED CHANGE: ZONE CHANGE FROM A NON CONFORMING USE TO BCI WITH A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT INTENDED USE: CONTINUED USE AS A SAW-

MILL CHANGE REQUESTED BY: BRUCE CHAP-

PELL A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD DURING

THE PLANNING & ZONING MEETING ON: APRIL

10, 2024 @ 7:00 PM AT THE WAYNE COUNTY COURTHOUSE

LEGAL DES: Approx 14.68 acres of parcel 010055-0407 / O-407 a 15.68 acre parcel located at 1825 S SR 24 Lyman, UT 84749.

Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on MARCH 28 and APRIL 4, 2024

Deputy Sheriff

Garfield County is accepting applications for a Deputy Sheriff Salary will be based on experience.

Applications are available at the Garfield County Clerk’s Office 55 South Main, Panguitch or online at www.garfield.utah.gov and will be accepted until 5 p.m., Friday, April 26th. Utah Post Certification is preferred, but not required.

Anyone interested in applying for this position that is not Post Certified must pass the National Peace Officer Selection Exam prior to applying. The Exam is given at the Browning Learning Center on the Dixie College Campus. For additional information regarding the Exam and registration requirements, contact Browning Learning Center at (435) 652-7696. The exam is also given at Southern Utah University. Call (435) 586-5419 for additional information. Garfield County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all applications. Garfield County is an equal opportunity employer.

Deputy Assessor/Appraiser

Garfield County is accepting applications for a Deputy Assessor/Appraiser

The position is full-time with benefits

The successful candidate must be willing to become a certified appraiser within three years of hire date.

Applications are available at the Garfield County Clerk’s Office 55 South Main, Panguitch or online at www.garfield.utah.gov and will be accepted until 5 p.m., Friday, April 26th Garfield County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all applications.

Garfield County is an equal opportunity employer.

Sheriff Office Manager

Job

Computer

Year end reports. Fingerprinting. Maintain Training Records, Prepare Civil Process services, Maintain NCIC validations, Vehicle Maintenance records, Prepare bills, Assist in budget preparation, light janitorial duties, Assist Search and Rescue with record keeping. Other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Proficiency in: Microsoft Word, Excel

2. Knowledge of standard office procedures and policies, good English skills, grammar, spelling.

3. Capable of operating standard office machinery, telephone etiquette and detailed message taking, Computer operation.

4. Effective communication skills, follow written or oral instruction and request in a timely manner, self supervising ability, professional response to requests from the public. Must be self motivated and have an excellent teamwork mentality.

5. Task requires a variety of physical activities. Applicants must be emotionally mature and capable of maintaining confidentiality concerning criminal information and history. Appearance must be appropriate and professional.

6. Given that this position is with the Sheriff’s Office, all applicants will require a full criminal background check prior to selection for interview.

Applications can be obtained at the Wayne County Clerk’s Office or the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office: 18 S. Main Street Loa, UT 84747. Sheriff’s Office Phone: (435) 836-1308

Applications will be accepted until 5:00 PM April 5, 2024

Justice Court Clerk

Garfield County is accepting applications for a Justice Court Clerk. The position is full-time with benefits Applicants need to work well with the public and have basic office and computer skills. For more information or questions call (435) 676-1100. Applications are available at the Garfield County Clerk’s Office 55 South Main, Panguitch or online at www.garfield.utah.gov and will be accepted until 5 p.m., Friday, April 26th.

Garfield County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all applications.

Garfield County is an equal opportunity employer.