The Wayne & Garfield County Insider September 28, 2023

Zions Bank Panguitch Marks 150-Year Milestone with Community Celebration

PANGUITCH - In October 1873, at the height of one of the worst banking crises in U.S. history, a pioneer savings bank opened in the Utah Territory. Earlier that year, pioneer leader Brigham Young had become concerned about financial panic sweeping the nation and gathered a group of prominent citizens to organize a savings bank.

Over the next 150 years, Zions Savings Bank and Trust Company, its name eventually shortened to Zions Bank, would go on to serve the financial needs of businesses and individuals across the Intermountain West. Zions Bank began operating in Panguitch in 1978 when it acquired First State Bank.

Commemorating Zions Bank’s 150th anniversary, the Panguitch branch will host a community Zions Bank Cont'd on A2

Mechanical Failure at Citation Oil Upper Valley Field Leads to Seventeen Mile Spill Alarm failure led to extensive releases

Local Efforts to Restore Escalante River Get a Funding Boost

CRESTED BUTTE, COLORADO

ESCALANTE - When Devin Cahn took his dogs out for a walk in Alvey Wash near his home on the evening of Thursday, September 14, 2023, he was anticipating a normal evening stroll. Instead, he got a bit of the unexpected. Parked near the Escalante dump road, he’d made his way down into the wash

A "Classic Conversation" with Paul Rolley

TORREY - On October 5 at 7 p.m., Paul Rolley and Don Gomes will engage in a Classic Conversation at Robbers Roost. During the hour-long conversation, an inperson audience, as well as viewers on Facebook Live, will be able to ask Paul additional questions about his life.

Paul began his career at The Salt Lake Tribune in 1973. He covered nearly every beat at the paper, spent some time as an editor, and was a columnist for more than 25 years. Paul has abundant stories about government, politics, and the people involved. He offers advice in his “5 Things to Know About Utah Politics.”

A graduate of the University of Utah, Paul is a fanatic Ute fan, which, he says—because of the many heartbreaks through the years—builds character.

Paul is also a big fan of the author John Steinbeck. Travels with Charley: In Search of America is a

and found pools of what appeared to be oil collected against embankments and braided across the wash. “I didn’t know what it was at first, and stuck my finger in it. And then my dog started stepping in it and I thought, ‘uh oh,’” said Cahn. He came home and posted a few pictures to a local social media page,

Use RankedChoice Voting in Next Election

UTAH - Across Utah, 10 cities will be using ranked choice voting in the general election in November.

In 2018, Utah passed a bill to establish a pilot program in which cities could use ranked choice voting.

Kelleen Potter, executive director of Utah Ranked Choice Voting, said the voting method "allows voters to express their will more fully." She pointed out ranked choice voting also encourages civility, especially among candidates who can work to appeal to more voters when they're looking to secure secondand third-choice support.

and some commenters suggested it was a natural seep, or maybe remnants from another recent spill. A reported leak of 400 barrels from a broken pipe had occurred on October 29, 2021 from Citation Oil & Gas Corp.’s Upper Valley oil field, and some thought this might be oil from that previous release.

But this oil was fresh. At 7:30 a.m. the prior morning, September 13, employees with Citation Oil & Gas Corp. arrived at work and reported a mechanical failure and resulting spill at the Upper Valley Unit Field Satellite Tank Battery, located in Pet Hollow.

Oil Spill Cont'd on B2

1962 travelogue written by Steinbeck, depicting a road trip that he made around the United States in the company of his standard poodle Charley. Moved by Steinbeck’s stories, in his final column for the Tri-

"So instead of this 'all or nothing' -- 'they're my Ranked Choice Cont'd on A2

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Eight years of massive efforts to clean up tributaries to the Colorado River will continue this year with funding from Forever Our Rivers. Thickets of threatening invasive plants—4,988 acres of them—will be destroyed in hopes that native Cottonwood trees and willows can regain their foothold and improve water quality downstream.

$169,591 was awarded to groups working in the Escalante, Gila, Dolores and Verde rivers in Utah, Colorado and Arizona respectively. “Investing in rivers is one of the best ways to build climate resilience and improve livability in rural communities," said Ann Johnston, executive director of Forever Our Rivers.

Native species, from insects to butterflies, fish, frogs and even larger wildlife such as elk and beavers are reliant on their native food sources and nesting

River

Cont'd on A6

USU Professors Research Adapting Instruction to Indigenous Learning Styles

by Marcus Nelson, Utah State University

EPHRAIM - Utah State University professors in the Department of Social Work have been researching how to adapt university-level instruction for Indigenous students. Julie Stevens, USU Southwest clinical assistant professor, collaborated with Charlie Bayles, USU Blanding clinical assistant professor, on adapting instruction to Indigenous learning styles and perspectives. Right now, their research is showing that, on occasion, these learning styles are not consistent with how content is taught.

“We started a study group because we noticed that social work students that are Indigenous were doing well in practical application and skills in the classroom,” Stevens said. “But when it came to tests, some struggled to pass the licensing exams. It is believed that the cultural differences have a part to

play in this, along with the English language.”

Stevens and Bayles began to look at their course materials through an Indigenous lens. Stevens, who is of Navajo heritage, has personal experience with the challenges of adapting to collegiate coursework, having completed her bachelor’s degree coursework at USU Nephi, and later a master’s degree in social work from the University of Utah. Working together, Stevens and Bayles designed a test preparation course for students.

“As we verbally dis-

and alarm failures, which in turn spilled oil into Willow Creek Canyon.

Former Salt Lake Tribune reporter Paul Rolley will join The Entrada Institute for a "Classic Conversation" on Thursday, October 5 at 7pm.

Courtesy Entrada Institute Paul Rolley Cont'd on A2

Julie Stevens, USU Southwest clinical assistant professor, who is of Navajo heritage, is contributing to efforts to look at course instruction through an Indigenous lens.

Courtesy USU Southwest Indigenous Cont'd on B1

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Constitution Day in the Land of Enchantment

September 17th

marked the 236th anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution in Philadelphia. Constitution Day is a time to commemorate the signing of our constitution and celebrate the monumental legacy. Our constitution has stood the test of time and has served as a model for other countries in crafting their own governments. It has undergone many stress tests and has ultimately prevailed through trying times. I concur with a statement made by presidential candidate, Robert F. Kennedy, who stated that the ‘Constitution was written for difficult times’ and was not to be disregarded during difficult or uncertain times.

ery way. It is our responsibility to make sure they act within its boundaries. One recent example of a governor that is testing the guard rails of the Constitution is Michelle Lujan-Grisham of New Mexico. On the heels of a tragic shooting in Albuquerque, Governor Lujan issued an emergency order suspending the right of licensed citizens in the City of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County from carrying firearms, both open and concealed. Her order suspended the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens who were licensed to conceal carry in New Mexico’s most populous county. The order has proven to be extremely unpopular, even among elected Democrats. The Bernalillo County Sheriff, an elected Democrat, as well as the Albuquerque police chief, both refused to enforce it within their jurisdictions. Many

prominent Democratic state leaders were vocal in their opposition to the order.

I grew up in Albuquerque and I am aware of the high crime rates that the city has long faced. Rather than getting tough with criminals, the governor decided to go after law-abiding citizens. The state and city’s Democratic leaders have failed to protect the citizens, and their soft-oncrime approach has made the city much more dangerous. It’s not surprising that the governor was this emboldened to brazenly disregard the protections of the Second Amendment; one needs to look no further than how she conducted herself during the Covid pandemic. Her office issued some of the harshest restrictions in the country, all under the name of issuing emergency public health orders. New Mexicans paid a heavy price for the power she wielded during the pan-

demic and her zeal for control hasn’t diminished. This time there was resistance, and her order was curtailed in federal court.

The silver lining in this is that the nation witnessed how ordinary citizens organized and defeated these blatantly unconstitutional mandates.

Albuquerque is Democratic stronghold, nevertheless the citizens united and ultimately defeated the governor’s anti-Second Amendment measures. Members of Governor Lujan’s own party recognized that she over-stepped her bounds. The Constitution prevailed over tyranny. I find it heartening that she got to witness her unconstitutional mandate unravel before her very eyes during the week we commemorate the signing of the U.S Constitution. How fitting.

Daniel Lee Gardner Boulder

Zions Bank: Zions Bank is hosting community celebrations at each of its 121 branches in October. The public is invited to drop

ments, giveaways and the opportunity to visit with members of the community.

Zions Bank

Cont'd from A1

celebration on Monday, Oct. 2, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The public is invited to drop by the branch, located at 90 East Center Street, for complimentary refreshments, giveaways and the opportunity to visit with members of the community.

“We’re proud to be part of Zions Bank’s 150year legacy of local banking and celebrate this important milestone with the Panguitch community,” said Marc Henrie, manager of the Panguitch branch. “It’s really a celebration of our entire community working together to enhance the quality of life and strengthen our business environment.”

Zions Bank is hosting community celebrations at each of its 121 branches in October. Earlier this year, the bank dispatched a fleet of Zions Bank Jeeps across its tristate footprint and rolled out celebratory drone shows at sporting, music and community events in honor of the anniversary.

Over the past 150 years, Zions Bank has played a pivotal role in the economic development of the Intermountain West. In the late 19th century, financial assistance from

Zions Bank helped launch railroad, mining, and power companies that developed the region.

In 1960, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints sold majority control of Zions First National Bank to Keystone Insurance and Investment Company, which later became Zions Bancorporation. Following the sale, the bank underwent a period of rapid expansion, broadening its geographic reach across Utah and into Idaho. In 2014, Zions opened its branch in Jackson, Wyo.

Among Zions Bank’s enduring operating principles has been a focus on building strong ties to the communities within its geographically diverse footprint. Each year, the bank contributes to hundreds of individual organi-

Paul Rolley: Paul has abundant stories about government, politics, and the people involved.

Paul Rolley

Cont'd from A1

If we are truly serious about upholding and defending the U.S Constitution, then I believe we need to hold our elected leaders accountable in evbune, Paul confided, “I’ve had that fantasy ever since. But, in a way, I’m smarter than Steinbeck. He did it with a dog. If I do it, it will be with a beautiful woman—my wife, Dawn.” Paul will share many stories, but did you know…

Classic Conversations are produced and moderated by Don Gomes,

vice president of the Entrada Institute. Gomes spent 25 years as an award-winning public broadcaster in Utah, Indiana, and Texas and is certain to have captivating questions for Paul.

To register for this program, go to www.entradainstitute.org, click on “Attend an Event,” and fill out the brief form. Events are also livestreamed at Entrada Institute on Facebook.

—The Entrada Institute

zations through donations and sponsorships. Employees also take part in company-wide giving and service initiatives. Over the past three decades, Zions Bank employees have painted and fixed up 1,287 homes for older adults, people with disabilities, and veterans during the annual Paint-aThon service project. And since 2002, employees have volunteered in schools to teach more than 230,000 K-12 students their financial ABCs.

While continuing its legacy of local decisionmaking and community

Ranked Choice

Cont'd from A1

friend, they're my enemy' -you start looking at it differently, as a candidate and as a voter, where we're trying to come to a consensus and solve the problems we have in our jurisdictions, in our cities," Potter outlined. Potter is convinced ranked choice voting is positive for democracy. In order for any candidate to be elected, they must receive 50% of the votes, unlike the current voting system. Potter added no voting method is perfect and said they are trying to educate Utahns and elections officials, some of whom have argued it is too confusing.

So far, they have found younger voters seem to be embracing the idea of ranked choice voting. Potter, who has run for public of-

investment, Zions Bank is also pioneering technological advancements in the banking industry. The company recently completed a 10-year project to overhaul all its core processing systems — the largest technology transformation in its history.

Today, Zions Bank operates 121 full-service branches and nearly 200 ATMs throughout Utah, Idaho and in Jackson, Wyoming. It reported $14.3 billion in average loans and $19.2 billion in average deposits, as of June 30, 2023. The bank provides jobs for more than 1,500 employees.

Zions Bank is a division of Zions Bancorporation, N.A., a $90-billion-in-assets bank which operates under local management teams and unique brand identities through nearly 416 branches offices across 11 Western states — Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

—Zions Bank

fice herself, said the method is gaining popularity, but is taking longer in more conservative states. However, according to FairVote.org, Utah has the most cities of any state to be using ranked choice voting.

"We saw that in every city, over 50% of the voters liked it, and that ranged up to the 80s and 90s in some cities," Potter reported. "We find that voters, after they've used it, and it doesn't seem so scary, and they go, 'Oh yeah, this makes sense to me.' They tend to really like it."

Potter contended ranked choice voting also saves cities money by only needing to hold one general election in November, rather than an August primary followed by another election in November.

—Utah News Connection

Publisher: Erica Walz

Layout & Graphic Design: Emily Leach

Reporter: Tessa Barkan

Reporter: Amiee Maxwell

Reporter: Kadi Franson

Reporter: Ian Marynowski

Reporter: Jaynie Connor

Reporter: Nancy Goude

Commemorating Zions Bank’s 150th anniversary, the Panguitch branch will host a community celebration on Monday, Oct. 2, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

News from Wayne County

Momma Says "Do not stare at the Sun"

by Adus F. Dorsey II

Everything and everybody seems to be on the move, Geese are honking and flying in formation overhead headed wherever it is that they go in September or when the mood strikes them. With all the Cowboys and Motorcycle riders on the road these days leather chaps is the dress of the day and you see them standing in line at the Wild Rabbit and at the counter at the Chuckwagon in Torrey with cups of steaming coffee warning their hands. Kind of makes you feel a bit out of place and want to go home and find you a pair of chaps so you fit in.

With all the traffic on the highway the deer have been having a tough time finding a safe place to cross the road. A couple of unlucky ones that will never see puberty can be seen sleeping off the side of the road on the river bridge by the Boys Ranch. A little further down the road Toyota hood ornaments and car parts are scattered for about a half a mile making it hard to concentrate on the words to the George Strait song you were singing to the radio. With the growing deer herd and the increase in traffic the carnage is getting to be a regular sight.

It is easy to see that fall is in the air as firewood gathering is always a popular family sport this time of year. Pickup trucks filled with wood rounds are a common sight coming off the mountain practically any day or night of the week. If you don’t have at least ten cords in your pile by the end of the month you are slacking and just anybody with a chainsaw will remind you as such.

Not to be overlooked is the abundance of walkers, joggers and Atver’s that have flooded Wayne County this summer. The walkers and joggers on the town streets are not so bad but the unruly ATVer’s speeding on town backstreet's in gangs of fifteen or more can bring out the not

so neighborly in a person. In some places homeowners have taken to using hoses as traffic control, others that are a bit more creative put kids tricycles in the street as a reminder to slow the heck down or move your tour out to the highway where it belongs. Seems some strong worded signage on side streets would be an easy fix if somebody were to be listening to the public?

Vegetable gardens are producing and coming on strong, and once again Zucchini logs, some three feet long, are showing up on porches in every community from Fremont to Hanksville. Some large enough they can be used as weapons to ward off pesky raccoons and nosy neighbors. But then there are the creative varieties of warm-fromthe-oven Zucchini bread offerings that are welcome by all the bachelors in the county. Most of which are eaten with a stick of butter in one sitting for dinner or breakfast.

The big topic on a lot of people’s tongues is the 2023 Solar Eclipse happening on October 14th. Every town in a swath from Oregon to Texas is preparing for an onslaught of people scrambling to get a good look at the Sun, something we all have been warned since childhood not to do.

The "ring of fire," an annular solar eclipse, is different from a total solar eclipse. According to Martha Stewart and NASA, the rare phenomenon occurs when the moon passes between the sun and earth while it's at its farthest point from the planet—resulting in a blacked-out circle and fiery rim.

For the first time in 11 years, this type of eclipse will be visible in North America. It last made an appearance in 2012 when the ring of fire crossed over the U.S. Southwest, Space. com reports. This year, the eclipse begins on October 14 in Oregon and crosses through Northern California, Nevada, Utah, north-

eastern Arizona, southwestern Colorado, and New Mexico before it ends in Texas. From there, it will travel to Central America and South America.

The Chinese have been working overtime to produce special glasses so people in the path of the eclipse can watch the 4 minute show in the sky. Then there are the wing nut politicians like Marjorie Taylor Green and “Beetlejuice” lover Loren Boebert that have various conspiracy theories for the event ranging from it may cause one to take up vaping and groping in public, to delusions of grandeur and thoughts you could actually be Vice President someday even though you only have the qualifications and education of a third grader, (not meaning that as an insult to a third grader.)

As for Wayne County, it is reported that if you own a tent and a place to put it you are in luck; vacant camping spaces are going at a premium, but according to persons in Bicknell in the know, Port “O” Potties are going to be in short supply so bring a bucket.

If you live anywhere in the vicinity of the Solar Event it is a good possibility that you may find friends at your door that you never knew you had or some that you wish you didn’t. So locals be prepared this is supposed to be the Big One. Cops are predicting anywhere from one to two arrests and a thousand moving violations, the red and blues are surely going to be out in force, check your tail lights.

As usual Hanksville will be hosting their own Ring of Fire Party on October 14th with Live Music, Sunrise 5K, Card Readings, Vendors, Horseshoes, Cornhole and Ring around the Moon Rodeo. Contact Hanksville Town for more information on how to sign up for events.

Hanksville makes it happen and they know how to make it fun.

CLINICS - CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT

Vegetable gardens are producing Zucchini logs. There are the creative varieties of warmfrom-the-oven Zucchini bread offerings that are welcome by all the bachelors in the county.

Adus Dorsey

Wills, Trusts, and More Will and Trust Contests

Ever since the ancient laws of primogeniture (the eldest son gets it all) were swept away by the right to make a will, heirs have objected to even the best made wills and trusts. Conflicts can arise before or during the administration of an estate or a trust. Here are a few common examples of how a Will or Trust could be challenged.

Validity: Everybody has the right to direct how they want their property distributed upon death, without consideration for the wishes or opinions of family, friends or anyone else. However, it is possible, to try to set aside a will or trust. A person contesting the estate plan must prove that at the time it was signed, the deceased lacked mental capacity, or that the will or trust was procured as the result of undue influence, fraud, or duress. Also, some wills or trusts are invalid because they were not properly executed.

Breach of Fiduciary

Duty: A fiduciary duty consists of a duty of good faith and fair dealing. A fiduciary must always consider the best interests of the trust or estate before his or her own interests. When a personal representative or trustee profits from his or her position, or fails to safeguard assets, they may have breached their fiduciary duty. The beneficiaries damaged as a result can file a lawsuit against the personal representative or trustee.

Contract to Make a

Will: Sometimes people

by Jeffery J. McKenna

make promises they don’t keep. Some of these promises relate to wills and trusts. Here's a common one, "Someday, son, all this will be yours." What does the son do when dad dies without fulfilling his promise? Sometimes, it is possible to enforce what the courts call a "Contract to Make a Will." If the “contract” was not in writing, it still may be enforceable if the person to whom the promise was made changed his or her position in reliance upon the promise, and suffered a detriment as result. For example, Mom promises to one of her daughters that if she moves in and cares for mom at home for the rest of her life, then that daughter would inherit the home. Then, the daughter gives up her job, sells her home, and takes care of mom around the clock for two years. But after mom's death, the dutiful daughter discovers that mom's will divides mom's entire estate, including the home, between all six children. The daughter may have a valid claim against mom's estate for a breach of contract.

If you are in the process of doing your estate planning, you should consider the issues set forth above in making your estate plan. Your goal should be to create an estate plan that would be as free as possible from any grounds for a will or trust contest.

Under the Knife

My sister and I were out on the town one night when we ran into a man I knew. "You're sisters?" he asked incredulously. "You look nothing alike.

Held Hostage

NOW WITH A PANGUITCH AND RICHFIELD OFFICE TO SERVE CLIENTS IN AND AROUND GARFIELD AND SEVIER 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.

situation. In an ideal world, there would be no will or trust disputes. Unfortunately, it is unrealistic to think there would be no will or trust contests. In doing your estate planning, you and your attorney should be mindful of how to create an estate plan that minimizes the possibility of it being contested.

Pointing to her nose and my chin, my sister said, "Different plastic surgeons."

Volume Control

It seemed that all our appliances had broken in the same week, and repairs were straining our budget. So when I picked up the kids from school and our Jeep started making rattling sounds, I decided that rather than burden my husband, I'd deal with it. I hadn't reckoned on my little tattletales, however. They rushed into the house with the news: "Daddy, the Jeep was breaking down, but Mom made the noise stop!"

Impressed, my husband asked, "How did you fix it?"

"I turned up the volume on the radio," I confessed.

My mother was away all weekend at a business conference. During a break, she decided to call home collect. My six-year-old brother picked up the phone and heard a stranger's voice say, "We have a Marcia on the line. Will you accept the charges?"

Frantic, he dropped the receiver and came charging outside screaming, "Dad! They've got Mom! And they want money!"

Beans bags are just boneless sofas.

PUNishment

Ladies, if he can’t appreciate your fruit jokes, you need to let that mango.

sudoku

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

This week's answers on B5

DOWN

39. Averse

40. *"He's Just Not That ____ You" (2009)

41. Acrylic fiber

43. Arabian chieftain

44. Apartments, e.g.

46. *Friendster or Facebook, e.g.

47. 5,280 feet

48. Metal detector, e.g.

50. Goose egg

52. Cry of horror in comics

53. Made a basket

55. *Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee or Nemo and Dory, e.g.

57. *Name for 2000s

60. *Popular social network of the 2000s

K-pop country

Woody creeper

Teletype machine, for short

within a picture,

1. Horse prod

2. *Popular DVR device

3. All over again

4. Eucalyptus-eating marsupial

5. Store in a silo

6. Mountain goat terrain

7. *Xbox competitor

8. Libraryful

9. Dignified manner

10. *"The Da Vinci ____," best selling book of the 2000s

11. A-bomb particle

12. Levy

15. Like "something new" boutique

20. Beginning of sleeping disorder

22. Feline sound

24. Put to work

25. *Toyota Hybrid introduced worldwide in 2000

26. 1,000 kilograms

27. Play a part (2 words)

29. *2002-2004 zoonotic epidemic cause, acr.

31. Rich soil

32. China grass

33. Handy

34. *First ever recipient of Oscar for Best

Animated Feature

36. Chronic drinkers

38. Post-it slip

42. Like #59 Down

45. *Pink's 2008 hit (2 words)

49. Break down

51. Dismissal or ejection

54. "Peace" with fingers

56. "Madame Butterfly", e.g.

57. First rate (2 words)

58. Sky's Major one

59. *Like Best Buy's Squad

60. Urban legend

61. Tons (2 words)

62. Relinquish, as in property

63. *Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt, after 2005

64. *American Girl

____ Kittredge

66. Doctor Dolittle, e.g. Solution on B5

PANGUITCH GEM Theater Showtimes

(Tuesday-Saturday):

September 22-28: Blue Beetle

September 29: My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3

Check Facebook and Instagram for up-to-date info

It looks like the second season is going well, a few of the motels have No Vacancy signs and some of the restaurants have lines out front. Fall is my favorite time of the year, I love the changing of the leaves on the trees and they last a long time, if there isn’t any wind. I think for now the only tree in all of its golden glory is at Marilyn Veater’s home at 3rd south and 3rd east. A good trip for colors is out Highway 12 over to Capitol Reef.

We went up to SouthSevier to watch the girls play volleyball and the Piute reservoir was full and at this time of the year, it’s been a long time coming. Our lake is full also and I think that the fishing is still good. Our lakes in our area are really small compared to some of those that aren’t so lucky. I read in the Las Vegas newspaper that all of the flooding and rain they had there only raised Lake Mead’s water level about 1” or 2”. Some of the states that feed off of that lake have agreed to cut back on their water use.

We have the same problem with the Great Salt Lake, there was a lot of flooding and rain up there, from the record snowpack. But it did little to change the half full lake. The lake only got a foot and a half in gains. The lake evaporates 2 million to 3 million acre feet annually. What was

by Mack Oetting ~ mackoetting @gmail.com

done to give the lake a look of more water was to fill in the breach under the railroad tracks that was used to help cut down the salt level in the northern part of the lake.

The Great Salt Lake trust has received a temporary donation of 21,000 acre feet from Kennecott and another permanent donation from the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints of 20,000 acre feet. Because there was so much water that the people in the Salt Lake Valley did not use the water wisely because there was so much available, it is going to take years to repair the damage that our twenty year drought caused.

I see that Torrey has two new murals for their town. It was a good thing that they didn't live in Panguitch. Someone that didn’t like them would park a vehicle in front of them.

I really like it when Norm McKee writes an article in The Insider and I hope that everyone in Garfield County reads it. This article should make you realize that all of the lies you have been fed over the last almost 25 years, were just that. Thousands of taxpayers' dollars were spent on people flying back to Washington, DC to convince poor old Orrin Hatch that the then-president would listen to him if he told the presi-

dent that President Obama was the one that created the Bears Ears Monument.

And by the way, another Democrat created the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. That’s all it took, both were downsized, nobody knew where that took place. There wasn’t any oil other than what had been pumped for many years out by Escalante. One oil company did drill down 12,000’ and came up empty, out by Escalante. Because of the drought the livestock grazing continued in places that had grass to feed the cattle.

Not much has changed since the Monument was made however these are the good points. When we moved back here in 1992, unemployment was 13% and Escalante was the poorest of the towns. Their sawmill was running out of trees of size to cut and there wasn’t much work to keep younger people there. The Monument helped the county to transcend from the timber business to tourism. Now Escalante is the only town in Garfield that is not listed as low income. Many of those that live here have good paying jobs, because they have the skills to fill many of the higher paying jobs.

Pat and I have traveled the world over and Southern Utah has by far much of the

beauty, l hope that we will take care of this land that has been entrusted to us, for the people of this planet to see forever. Thank you Norman.

We had something interesting happen in our family. Last week as we passed Cedar City, we looked up and the C on the hill side was lighted up and really stood out. The C was for Cedar High school. When we went over to Cedar to go to our great grandson's 21 birthday, we found out our grandson Ray Bullock’s company was the one that did the lighting on the C along with Utah Power Company. At the football game on Friday night the School flew Ray and the supervisor for Utah Power, into the game by helicopter to present the game ball and to honor both for their hard work on the lighting. The football team raised $15,000 for the work to be done, however Ray and Utah Power donated the time and equipment, so the team kept the money. There are still plans to program the lights to do different colors.

As I get older and remember all the people I’ve lost along the way, I think to myself, maybe a second career as a tour guide wasn’t for me.

Mack O.

Historic Ruby’s Inn Resort Honored with National Award for its Environmental Impact

WASHINGTON, D.C.Ruby’s Inn takes environmental stewardship seriously, which is why the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is awarding it with an Energy for Everyone Hero Award. Located in picturesque Bryce Canyon National Park, the historic inn relies on a clean-energy that is good for its customers and the environment— propane.

Propane use at Ruby’s Inn has helped to eliminate 5,200 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent. This is equal to greenhouse gas emissions from 1,410 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles driven for one year.

“Being located next to a national park, we always think about our carbon footprint,” said Lance Syrett, Ruby’s Inn general manager. “We are confident about using propane. It’s efficient,

it’s always available, and it’s a clean energy source for us to use.”

Ruby’s Inn has been serving visitors since 1916, well before the Bryce Canyon became a national park. On average, Ruby’s Inn greets as many as 4,000 guests per night. With 19 buildings, 700 hotel rooms, three restaurants, three swimming pools, and a laundry facility handling 19 tons of laundry per day, the resort’s hot water system was under a tremendous amount of strain. A few years back, customer dissatisfaction with cold showers led to financial loss for the resort to the tune of approximately $60,000 a year in guest discounts and refunds.

Ruby’s Inn fixed its hot water demand issues by removing older model open-flame boilers and replacing them with several

high-efficient 199,000 Btu storage tank water heaters, and 175 propane-powered tankless water heaters from Rinnai—giving the Inn a completely revitalized system. The propane tankless water heaters also support the Inn’s environmental focus. Based on an energy and environmental analysis of different energy sources, propane tankless systems reduce carbon emissions by up to 50 percent compared with electric storage tank systems.

“It’s important to Ruby’s Inn to use an energy source that is cost-effective, reliable and efficient,” said Syrett. “Propane fulfills those needs and it helps keep the beautiful environment clean. It just makes sense.”

—Propane Education & Research Council

River: Native species, from insects to butterflies, fish, frogs and even larger wildlife such as elk and beavers are reliant on their native food sources and nesting sites for survival.

sites for survival. Included in the grant award are funds for strike teams. These teams travel throughout the four rivers annually, documenting where treatments have been successful and retreating where necessary. “One of the most important tasks for these teams is to collect data about previous years’ noxious plant treatments and native regrowth,” said Kevin Berend, conservation programs manager of Grand Staircase Escalante

Partners, who leads these efforts in the Escalante River in Utah. “That data is collected and analyzed annually, helping us reach higher levels of restoration success.”

“Restoration is a process that happens over time, almost always extending beyond the timelines of individual projects. That is one reason this award is so important,” added Johnston.

"Our collaboration with Grand Staircase Escalante Partners is a testament to our shared dedication to preserving and enhancing the natural

treasures of the Escalante region. We take immense pride in supporting their exceptional work, knowing just how essential these rivers are to the well-being of the community," said Amy Moore, Corporate Partnerships Manager of Forever our Rivers Foundation.

Additional grant recipients include Gila Watershed Partnership in Safford, Arizona, Friends of the Verde River in Cottonwood, Arizona and RiversEdge West in Grand Junction, Colorado.

—Forever Our Rivers Foundation

Ask an Expert – Nourish and Flourish: September Is Family Meal Month

Kathleen Riggs, Utah State University Extension

by

American families who eat one meal together every day are among the minority. In today’s fastpaced world, eating Sunday dinner as a family is a great tradition, but it is a giant step away from more regular time spent eating and socializing around the table – the norm just one generation ago.

In recognition of its importance, September has been named National Family Meals Month. Why all the fuss about sitting down together for a routine that may last only 15-20 minutes? The benefits are numerous.

Utah State University Extension’s Create Better Health Utah (SNAP-Ed) program lists a few of the benefits – especially for children whose families eat together five or more times a week as opposed to those whose families eat together two times or less each week:

* Nutrition and physical development – Kids eat more fruits and vegetables, get a wider variety of nutritious foods, have lower rates of childhood obesity and make healthier food choices when they are on their own.

* Emotional development – Youth are better

able to manage negative emotions, are at less risk of developing eating disorders, and have more positive interactions with others.

* Social development – Children learn important turn-taking skills, have improved communication skills and learn appropriate ways to share thoughts, feelings and opinions.

* Academics – Kids are more likely to earn good grades in school, and they develop larger vocabularies – even more than those who read together with their parents.

* Behavior – Youth are much less likely to use marijuana, alcohol or tobacco or have friends who use these substances. They are also less likely to engage in other risky behavior such as premarital sex.

If a family is new to the idea of eating meals together, there will undoubtedly be a few challenges. For example, it may be unrealistic to go from zero meals together to one every day. So, set a realistic goal all family members can agree on – it may just be Sunday dinner once a week, and that is a great start. If dinner isn’t the best option, perhaps family breakfast time on Saturday may work better for you.

Here are some addi-

Grundy ConCrete, LLC

tional tips for making family mealtime a positive experience:

* Plan meals ahead of time.

* Schedule a set time for meals.

* Involve all family members in the meal preparation and clean up.

* Turn off the TV, phones, and all other electronic devices.

* Have pleasant conversation and leave discipline and other negative emotions for another time.

Additional helps are available from Create Better Health Utah, including conversation starter ideas and making meals fun using themes (e.g., Taco Tuesday). In addition are ideas for menu planning with recipes, such as citrus chicken salad, oatmeal nut pancakes and honey glazed chicken. You will also find tips on preparing foods, eating healthier, and incorporating physical activity in your day. Learn more about family mealtime and eating healthy on a limited budget here. You can also contact your local USU Extension office to find out about upcoming classes taught by Create Better Health ambassadors in your area.

October 2 - 8

by John Mosley

First, the moon and planets.

By far the brightest planet is Venus, which sits high in the eastern sky as dawn begins. Venus is approaching Regulus, the brightest star in Leo. They’ll be closest on the morning of Monday the 9th when the star is only 2¼° to the upper left of the planet, but you can – and should -- watch Venus approach Regulus all week. Note how much brighter Venus is than one of the brightest stars. The moon joins them on the 10th when the three will fit within a 6° circle -and most binoculars.

And the moon was near the Pleiades, or Seven Sisters, on the morning of Monday the 3rd when you can see both in binoculars. You’ll need binoculars, the moon is so bright.

The second-brightest planet is Jupiter which lies roughly opposite Venus. Jupiter is more than half-way up the southwestern sky while Venus is beginning to climb up the eastern sky.

Last but hardly least is Saturn, everybody’s favorite

planet when seen through a telescope. Saturn is in the evening sky, by far the brightest “star” in Aquarius, low in the southeast at the end of twilight and then higher in the south.

Two fairly bright comets are out tonight. Comets are likened to dirty snowballs that orbit the sun. Their ice evaporates, and the resulting gas and tiny particles that are released form the comet’s tail(s) can cause meteor showers. Comet Encke orbits close to the sun, coming as close as 16 million miles from it, in only 3.3 years, so it has lost most of its ice and is especially dark, reflecting only 4.6% of the sunlight that strikes it. Interestingly, it has been suggested that it causes meteor showers on the planet Mercury and that a fragment of it was the object that exploded over Tunguska in 1908. It was also the second comet, after Halley’s in 1705, to be named after the astronomer who linked multiple observations of it to show they were all of the same object returning, rather than its

discoverers, in 1819.

Comet Encke, which is only 3 miles in diameter, comes close to earth every 33 years. You can see this strange object until the middle of October with binoculars. Use a program like Starry Night or Stellarium or the web site Heavens-Above.com to plot its position as it moves through Leo and then Virgo in the morning sky at 8th and then 7th magnitude.

Use your binoculars or small telescope to look for 103P/Comet Hartley, presently about 7th magnitude in Gemini. Find it like you found Encke.

And a reminder that a near-total eclipse of the sun happens next week on the morning of Saturday the 14th. I’ll have more on it in my next Sky Report, including information on opportunities to observe it with a properly filtered telescope! In the meantime Google “eclipse October 14” for details and perhaps to make plans to place yourself in the path of annularity.

Comet Encke photographed in 1994 with the Spacewatch telescope on Kitt Peak, Arizona. This NASA image is in the public domain.

The Sky Report is presented as a public service by the Stellar Vista Observatory, a nonprofit organization based in Kanab, Utah, which provides opportunities for people to observe, appreciate, and comprehend our starry night sky. Additional information is at www.stellarvistaobservatory.org. Send questions and comments to John@StargazingAdventures.org.

Courtesy Rich Csenge

Valley Drops Escalante Volleyball Team in Barn Burner

by Nancy Goude

PHS Sports Sidelines

by Mack Oetting

A visiting Valley team snuck out of Escalante with a win over the home town Moquis on September 20 with a five-set match that had a large crowd of local fans on the edges of their seats the entire night.

The Buffaloes topped the Moquis 25-23, 22-25, 22-25, 25-21 and 15-13.

With head coach Sabrina Hughes out of town for work, assistant coach and former player, Kenzie Lyman, continued her growth and leadership in the program she grew up in as she handled the head coaching duties for the night for homegrown Escalante Moquis.

“The adjustments we need to make to come away with a win are being able to make smart plays and finish the set,” said Lyman.

Escalante senior Ryen Treanor said for the team to come away with wins they need to “fine tune fundamentals, play every point to win and stay out of their heads by not ques-

tioning themselves or each other at key moments.”

Coach Lyman was impressed by the play from senior Mazee Dunton.

“Mazee’s play at the net stood out to me the most,” said Lyman. Dunton had solid play with blocks, kills, tips and dishes that kept the Valley defense off balance and scored points for the home team as well as provided leadership on and off the court that helped keep her team in it until the final point sealed the win for the Buffaloes.

Escalante bounced back from the tough loss at home on Wednesday with a 16-25, 25-23, 23-25, 25-8 and 15-7 win at Green River on Thursday.

“We struggled a bit with not making little errors. Silly things like hesitation for the ball or hitting easy balls into the net. We did really well in coming back with good energy,” said Lyman.

“I was impressed with McCall’s attitude. She struggled a little in the be-

ginning with balls in the net, but after a little talk she came back with a good attitude and started hitting better,” Lyman continued.

“I think that the team is playing great and when we fight and dig in, we can get it done. That’s what I love about this team. I am progressing as a player, growing with my team and I love it,” said McCall Dunton.

Lyman was quick to acknowledge the heavy lifting her setters, Taylie Carlile and CC Cook, do for the team.

“I was also impressed with Taylie. She has a lot to think about as a setter. She served the ball really well and made some great plays! CC also has a lot being a setter but I was impressed with how she made little adjustments that I needed her to make. Ellie (Nelson) had a great serving game,” Lyman said.

Results for the Moquis from the Wendover Tourney on September 15-16.

Escalante defeated

Altamont 25-17 and 25-7. Non-conference. Summit Academy defeated Escalante 15-20 and 25-21. Non-conference.

Escalante defeated Dugway 25-2 and 25-10. Non-conference.

Escalante defeated Wendover 25-12, 25-14 and 15-11. Regional match.

St. Joseph defeated Escalante 25-15 and 25-18. Non-conference.

Next up for the Moquis: Escalante faces Wayne on the road on September 27 before returning home for a Friday, September 29 matchup with Wendover and October 4 at home against Diamond Ranch.

SCHEDULE NOTES: The final home match will be October 11 against Bryce Valley. The next home match on September 29 against Wendover will begin at 2p, which is a markedly earlier-thannormal start time due to the 12+ hour round trip travel time for the visiting team.

Indigenous: Stevens said she is already looking to implement changes in her courses, especially to help her senior students who are preparing for their licensure exams

Indigenous Cont'd from A1

cussed things with students, they had a clear understanding of the course materials and knew the right direction,” Stevens said. “However, when reading the test, the content was not translating due to cultural context and/or language barriers. For our Indigenous populations, they’re taking off one hat and putting on another.”

During their research, the professors sought to create different methods to deliver testing materials and better break down these barriers. They also looked to break down the language barrier.

In addition to barriers in the classroom, Bayles and Stevens also learned about the barriers that Indigenous students face in order to take licensure exams. Many of these tests take place in Salt Lake City, or in other states, long distances from home.

“Our students sometimes travel four hours or more to take their test,” Stevens said. “We are trying to find funding for our students to take the test closer to home.”

Stevens and Bayles are now working with the Department of Social Work

to adapt the way instruction is considered, so that it will be more comfortable for learners from the Indigenous communities. There is similar research and adaptation being implemented in the Secondary Education Program.

Stevens said she is already looking to implement changes in her courses, especially to help her senior students who are preparing for their licensure exams. She hopes to bring more flexibility to her assignments so that they are conducive to a wider array of students and help them learn the material and showcase their knowledge.

“My class assignments are flexible in how students can choose to answer the questions or showcase the skills I’m trying to teach them,” Stevens said. “It should not just be in one format. I want them to be comfortable. If writing is their strong suit, they can write. If storytelling is their strong suit, they can do that. As long as they are showing the skills we are trying to teach.”

Stevens sees the need for more social workers, especially in rural communities. She is confident having more licensed professionals would allow communities to have resources where they

are needed most.

“Social work is amazing,” she said. “You get this macro, mezzo, and micro realm in social work. Now I get to see that played out in my rural community. There’s so much talent in our rural communities. They just haven’t had access to being able to stay home and go to school. A lot of our statewide students are nontraditional, and they need to be able to stay in their communities. In this position, I’m able to connect people to education while they stay in their communities with their families and their lives.”

Another great week for the Cats. The Lady Cats had a big week coming away with three more victories. They went up to Monroe and South Sevier and had some real good competition but it didn't matter, the Cat’s took them in three games, even though they were a 2A team. The Cats are so good that they need competition from these bigger schools. Wayne came to town and it was more of the same, however the Badgers did come out playing real well at the start of the games but couldn’t hold on. Wayne didn’t have a freshman team, but our JV team also beat them in 3 games. Then on Friday night Tabiona came all the way down from up north and the Cats beat them in all three sets. I must say that Tabiona is probably the second best 1A team that the girls have played. There are only 2 more home games left and Parowan was here last Tuesday and Milford will be here on October 11. In my thirty years of watching volleyball the Norris’s have put together the best team in those years by far. We have had better players but never on the same team. Usually we have one or two strikers, this team has six, two of the best setters ever and a real good labaro and

all can pass the ball. The good news for Panguitch is that they only have three seniors.

The baseball team also came away with a couple of wins over Piute and Valley and headed into State on 9-30 and 10-3 quarter-finals at Spanish Fork. This has been a great season for the Cats with only 3 losses. State will be at Dixie again this year on October 6-7th. The Bobcats have a huge following and they will be at Dixie there to cheer them on. It was no different for the BobCat Cross Country teams. Last week’s races were at Piute and the Lady Cats came away with 5 out of the top 6 places. Brooke Albrecht 1st, Tabi Henrie 2nd, Annie Yardley 3rd, Alexi Marshall 5th and Paisley Henrie 6th. The Boys came in 2nd again to Escalante and have some young really dedicated runners. I knew that I had something to do on the 28 and until I picked up the schedule, I remembered that the Cats will have their only home meet. There will be a lot of teams that will be there and it might be the only time that you can see them run. That is today at 5 and they start and finish at the running track.

With locations in Beaver, Bicknell, Cedar City, Delta, Ephraim, Junction, Kanab, Nephi, Panguitch, Richfield, and St. George, Utah State University provides higher education access to rural communities via USU Southwest. With degree options ranging from associate to doctorate degrees and technical education opportunities, USU offers programs that help fuel local economies and empower individuals and their communities. Learn more at southwest.usu.edu.

Ellie Nelson serves it up against Valley as Mazee Dunton (6) and CC Cook (1) ready for action against Valley on September 20.

Nancy Goude

Oil Spill:

When the overflow tank starts to fill an alarm will go off and tell us there’s a problem. There’s supposed to be a notice that goes to our people. We’re looking into why that didn’t happen.

Utah’s Department of Environmental Quality, which is investigating the circumstances leading to the spill, has reported that as of September 22, the accident spilled 163 barrels of production oil and 6,430 barrels of production water. The oil and water mixture was dispersed throughout and around the buildings at the satellite battery, and overflowed from a storage tank into to two emergency retention basins, according to John Mackey, Director of the Division of Water Quality with the Utah DEQ. From there, a pipe, which is designed to draw from the bottom of one of the emergency retention basins sent the oil and water mixture from the basin into Willow Creek Canyon.

“There was oil on the ground, around the tanks in the containment area. Oil and water had filled up the emergency retention basins, and one of those is designed to overflow,” said Mackey. “The amount of water present helped transport the oil. Apparently, it rained Wednesday night as well which helped move this material downstream.”

The spill has distributed oil along a seventeenmile stretch from the source at the Upper Valley Satellite Battery, down Willow Creek Canyon to Coal Bed Canyon to Alvey Wash and clear out to the Escalante Airport.

According to Mackey, and confirmed by a representative from Citation Oil & Gas Corp., a mechanical failure at the satellite battery followed by an alarm failure contributed to a situation where the leak was not discovered for about 14 hours. The alarm system did not notify a computer that was supposed to receive the alarm call.

Mackey arrived to investigate the spill on Saturday, September 16, around noon. By that time, Citation Oil had dispatched contractors to clean up oil along areas of Alvey Wash, raking and shoveling out oil deposits and packing the material into bags.

“I met with folks at Bureau of Land Management, people with technical expertise, we joined up and went to Center Street Bridge, where the contractor and owner representatives were working on cleanup,” said Mackey.

On Sunday, he visited the Upper Valley Unit. Explaining how the Upper Valley Satellite Battery operates, he said, “The main thing they do at that loca-

tion is receive oil from wells and separate the water that comes with it. It’s a fairly simple, small operation. The separated water goes back into a deep well injection, back into the formation that it came from, and the separated oil is delivered to a distribution center about nine miles away down Highway 12,” said Mackey.

Bob Redweik, the vice president of Environmental Health and Safety and Regulatory Standards for Citation Oil & Gas Corp., based out of Houston, said, “As soon as it was discovered we immediately responded. We had a crew that was working nearby and we got them dispatched right away. We’ve got folks coming out this weekend and into next week to investigate what happened. It appears a valve on a free water knockout got stuck open and we don’t know why it stuck open, and that’s what led to the sequence of events that led to the spill,” he said.

“What’s supposed to happen is there are alarms on the tanks. When the overflow tank starts to fill an alarm will go off and tell us there’s a problem. There’s supposed to be a notice that goes to our people,” said Redweik. “We’re looking into why that didn’t happen.”

Previous reporting on the oil spill that took place in October 2021, as well as another spill in spring of 2014, both from ruptured pipes, emphasized the aging infrastructure of the Upper Valley Field, which was established by Tenneco Oil Co. in 1964. Redweik noted that the facilites at the satellite battery are "generally the same" as those at other facilities operated by Citation Oil, and didn't feel that age of equipment necessarily contributed to the accident.

The spill originated on U.S. Forest Service land, where Citation Oil & Gas has a lease agreement with the Dixie National Forest. The spill path crossed almost immediately onto Bureau of Land Managementmanaged land through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and then crossed onto private lands.

The BLM’s Public Affairs Specialist, David Hercher, with the Kanab Field Office and GSENM, was reached by phone but deferred all questions related to cleanup operations on BLM land to the Utah DEQ.

The U.S. Forest Service public affairs specialist, Crystal Young, responded to questions with a written statement. “The Forest will work with the BLM,

Utah DEQ and the company regarding water quality sampling and monitoring plans…It's important to note that the USDA Forest Service is not a ‘regulatory’ agency, it is a land management agency. When the liquid portion of the oil has been cleaned up, the next step is for the Dixie National Forest to work with Citation and its contractors, the BLM, and State of UtahDEQ to develop a remediation and reclamation plan in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements.”

Operations at the Upper Valley Satellite Battery are currently shut down. Hay bale dams, booms, and absorbent pads have been used to control the spread of the oil. Earthen dikes were constructed on the upper portion of the release to prevent further migration of the crude oil, and cleanup work is most active in areas the public can access. Both Mackey with the Utah DEQ as well as Redweik with Citation Oil & Gas Corp. concurred that the oil company will be responsible for all cleanup costs.

Mackey noted that cleanup will be more difficult in remote regions up Coal Bed and Willow canyons. “The cleanup there is difficult as there is just no

access, and getting access requires coordination with administrators. Getting it cleaned up to an acceptable level, we all have a part in that,” said Mackey.

Additionally, he said, there are other concerns that the agencies have around cultural resources, about working with contractors to protect cultural sites. And also with moving cattle— keeping them out of the washes, where they’ll get oil on their feet as well as make the oil more difficult to remove.

“We’ll ask for a plan when we understand what the cleanup objectives need to be. It’s really hard to guess,” said Mackey. “There are no roads and no trails for most of this. Rain will continue to move it [the oil] and, my guess is that a couple months for cleanup operations is not enough.”

Mackey added that while a fine may be involved, no amount has been determined yet because DEQ has not yet completed their investigation, and this will take some time.

“It could be a while,” he said.

—Insider

—Bob Redweik, Citation Oil & Gas Corp.

Oil Spill Cont'd from A1

Spill map showing the seventeen mile spill path, beginning on U.S. Forest Service land at the Upper Valley Satellite Battery, crossing onto the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument BLM-managed lands, and then onto private lands and to the Escalante Airport.

Images from the Upper Valley Satellite Battery on Sunday, September 17, 2023. Remediation efforts had already been underway following the spill which took place over September 12-13. Oil saturated soil is shown covered over with fresh soil, and the floor of the interior of the facility is covered in a thick layer of absorbent material. A mechanical and alarm failure led to the spill.

Images from September 14 and 15, 2023 show oil on the ground in Alvey Wash (top), bales placed across washes to impede oil flow (middle), and oil cleanup crews filling sacks with contaminated soil (bottom).

Images: Devin Cahn

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 Oct. 25, 2023 either electronically using the Division`s on-line Protest of Application form, by hand delivery to a Division office, or by mail at PO Box 146300, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6300. Please visit waterrights.utah.gov or call (801)538-7240 for additional information.

GARFIELD COUNTY CHANGE APPLICATION(S)

61-1431 (a50754): Jason Leslie Cooper propose(s) using 0.0004 cfs OR 0.25 ac-ft. from groundwater (6 miles S of Panguitch Lake) for DOMESTIC.

EXTENSION(S)

97-2345 (A78389): Catherine Anne Vinning is/ are filing an extension for 1.73 ac-ft. from groundwater (Northwest side of Escalante) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION; STOCKWATERING.

97-2343 (A78363): Lois Mulcahy Living Trust is/ are filing an extension for 1.73 ac-ft. from groundwater (Within Escalante City) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION; STOCKWATERING.

KANE COUNTY CHANGE APPLICATION(S)

61-3443 (a50780): William L Bernard Trust Agreement dated October 19, 2005 propose(s) using 0.0058 cfs OR 0.45 ac-ft. from groundwater (8 miles south of Hatch, UT) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION.

Teresa Wilhelmsen, P.E.

State Engineer

Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on SEPTEMBER 28 and OCTOBER 5, 2023

NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT (FONSI) & NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST THE RELEASE OF FUNDS TOWN OF TROPIC

These Notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the Town of Tropic.

INTENT TO REQUEST FOR THE RELEASE OF FUNDS

On or about October 7th, the Town of Tropic will submit a request to the State of Utah, Department of Workforce Services, Housing and Community Development Division (HCD) for the release of Community Development Block Grants Funds (CDBG) under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (PL93-383) to undertake the project known as Park Improvements at 220 West Center for the purpose of installing: New sidewalks, 2 shade structures, 2 pickleball courts and a basketball court with 12-foot-high chain link fencing around the perimeters. The existing playground will be upgraded with new equipment. Projected cost $1.7 million with $370,000 of HUD funding.

SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

FINDING OF NO

Town of Tropic has determined that the project will have no significant impact on the human environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required. Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file at the office of Town of Tropic and is available for public examination and copying at Town of Tropic 20 N Main, Tropic, UT 84776 weekdays between the hours of 8:00am-2:00pm. Please contact Dani Harding at 435679-8713 for information.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the Town of Tropic’s Recorder Dani Harding. All comments received by September 6th, 2023 will be considered by the Town of Tropic prior to authorizing submission of a Request for Release Of Funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION

Town of Tropic certifies to HCD that Travis LeFevre in his capacity as Mayor consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. HCD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the Town of Tropic to use Program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

HCD will accept objections to its release of funds and Town of Tropic’s certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases:

(a) The certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the Town of Tropic;

(b) The Town of Tropic has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58;

(c) The Town of Tropic or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before the approval of a release of funds by HCD;

(d) Another Federal agency, acting pursuant to 40 CFR part 1504, has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality.

Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures of 24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.75(e) and shall be addressed to Sarah Moore, Utah Department of Workforce Services, Housing & Community Development Division (HCD), 140 East 300 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111. Potential objectors should contact Sarah Moore at HCD (801) 834-4609 to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Travis LeFevre, Town of Tropic Mayor, Environmental Certifying Officer

The Insider Legal Notices

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

DISTRICT COURT, STATE OF UTAH, GARFIELD COUNTY

55 South Main Street, Panguitch, Utah 84759, Telephone: (435) 676-1104; Facsimile: (435) 676-8239. IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DANIEL A. AUSTER, deceased, NOTICE TO CREDITORS, Case No. 233600014, Assigned Judge: MARVIN D. BAGLEY, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that PAMELA A. AUSTER was appointed as Personal Representative of the estate of DANIEL A. AUSTER and creditors of the estate are given notice to present their claims to BARRY L. HUNTINGTON, attorney for the estate, P.O. Box 388, 55 South Main Street, Panguitch, Utah 84759, within 3 months after the first publication of this notice or be forever barred. DATED this 12th day of September, 2023. BARRY

L. HUNTINGTON

Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on SEPTEMBER 21 & 28 and OCTOBER 5 & 12, 2023

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

PANGUITCH CITY

Panguitch City will hold a public hearing on October 10, 2023, at 5:45 p.m. to discuss options for the BIC building (old high school) located at 250 East Center Street, Panguitch, Utah. Some options discussed may be to refurbish the building, demolish the building or sell the building. The public hearing will be held in the council chambers in the City Office, 25 South 200 East, Panguitch, Utah. The purpose of the hearing will be to receive input from the public.

Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on SEPTEMBER 28 and OCTOBER 5, 2023

NOTICE OF BUDGET HEARING

ANTIMONY TOWN

The Town of Antimony will hold a budget amendment hearing on October 5, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.

Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

LOA TOWN PLANNING COMMISSION

PUBLIC HEARING ON SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE NO. 2023-10-05

Loa Town Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on an ordinance establishing procedures and standards for the physical development of subdivisions of land and construction of buildings and improvements thereon within Loa Town, just prior to its regularly scheduled meeting on October 5, 2023 at 5:30 pm at the Loa Town Hall at 80 W. Center. All public is welcome to attend. If you have any questions, contact Michelle Brian at 435836-2160.

Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on SEPTEMBER 28 and OCTOBER 5, 2023

LOA TOWN PLANNING COMMISSION

PUBLIC HEARING ON RESIDENTIAL ZONING REQUIREMENT FOR POSSIBLE ANNEXATION

The Loa Town Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing to discuss a residential zoning recommendation for the proposed annexation area, pending approval of the annexation. The public hearing will be held prior to its regularly scheduled meeting on October 5, 2023 at 5:45 pm at the Loa Town Hall at 80 W. Center. All public is welcome to attend. If you have any questions, contact Michelle Brian at 435-836-2160.

Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on SEPTEMBER 28 and OCTOBER 5, 2023

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

CIB GRANT FIRST NOTICE FOR LYMAN TOWN

Notice is hereby given that Lyman Town will hold a public hearing to discuss the application for the CIB Grant 2023-2024. The hearing will be held in conjunction with the regularly scheduled town council meeting on October 12, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. Lyman Town Hall, 115 S Main St., Lyman, Utah.

Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on SEPTEMBER 28 and OCTOBER 5, 2023

Hope and Healing: September is National Recovery/Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month

by Julene Reese, Utah State University Extension

It is not uncommon for mental health disorders and substance use disorders to occur simultaneously. September is a month designated to raise national awareness, discussion, and provide resources for both.

“People can experience these disorders at the same time, or one disorder may put a person at risk for the other, or it can go both directions,” said Ashley Yaugher, Utah State University Health Extension: Advocacy, Research, and Teaching (HEART) Initiative faculty member. “Furthermore, people can experience thoughts of suicide while using substances with high toxicity levels. As an awareness month, resources for treatment, hope, and recovery are highlighted in September.”

Yaugher said the HEART Initiative’s mission is to educate and reduce deaths caused by substance use disorder, overdose, and suicide. Initiative team members have spearheaded and collaborated on community prevention efforts since 2018, including suicide prevention trainings, community walks for suicide prevention, prescription take-back days, recovery day events, and harm reduction training.

“The HEART Initiative targets populations at greatest risk – including veterans, chronic pain patients, youth, those with mental health or substance use disorders, those who experience depression or hopelessness, and people experiencing homelessness, among others,” she said. “Programs are offered statewide to help address these challenges. We also offer Naloxone training for the lifesaving medication that temporarily reverses an opioid overdose so people can get emergency service support.”

Tim Keady, USU HEART Initiative faculty member, said Naloxone training is available from several organizations, including USU Extension, Utah Naloxone, IHC, and local health departments.

“With the addition of Fentanyl to the substances in our Utah communities, we need Naloxone training more than ever,” he said. “The training takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes and can help save the life of a family member, friend, or stranger. I have seen the difference it can make between the person who receives it and the person who provides it. It is lifesaving and life-changing for both.”

Yaugher said hope

and healing are possible through the many resources available. During National Recovery Month, evidence-based treatment and recovery practices are promoted and supported through the nation’s recovery community and the service providers who make recovery possible. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration SAMHSA website includes resources, information, a list of events, and more.

Suicide Prevention

Month helps raise awareness about the often-stigmatized topic, she said. In addition to shifting public perception, efforts in September are intended to spread hope and vital information to people affected by suicide so that individuals, friends, and families can access the resources they need during a crisis. Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis can call or text 988 for help. The call is confidential, and there is no cost. Calls route through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

In addition to these resources, Yaugher said USU Extension hosts the Rural Opioid and Stimulant Wellness Summit October 24-26 in Price. Now in its sixth

year, the event is intended for rural community members, professionals, field experts, and anyone interested in discussing, planning, and acting against the growing opioid overdose and stimulant crises.

“We have planned the summit to be a catalyst for open discussions and change,” said Yaugher. “We will offer resources and holistic activities for wellness and recovery and reinforce rural community strengths and the pathways to recovery.”

Those interested can click here to register for the summit and for further information.

“Highlighting both recovery and suicide prevention and awareness in the same month is a great first step in improving mental health, inspiring hope, reducing stigma, and increasing understanding,” said Yaugher. “We all have a role to play in SUD recovery and suicide prevention, whether it is connecting people to resources, checking in on our loved ones with a phone call, or supporting our local communities. This month offers opportunities for people nationwide to get involved and learn that hope and healing are possible.”

The 2023 Opioid Overdose Awareness Day held in Price, Utah, helped promote hope and healing. Courtesy USU Extension

C lassified a ds

WE HAVE A FULL TIME JOB OPENING FOR A CONSTRUCTION WORKER IN OUR SC BROADBAND DIVISION IN THE PANGUITCH AREA:

We are looking for a team player who can operate and maintain heavy equipment as well as a worker who will be responsible for finding utilities, cleaning up driveways and potholes and other construction work. Must be in good physical condition and be able to lift 100 pounds. Class A CDL a must. Will be working outdoors in all kinds of weather. The successful candidate must be customer service oriented. Great benefit package. Submit resume to:

South Central Communications

PO Box 555 Escalante, UT 84726

Attn: HR Or emailHR@socen.com

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

POSITIONS AVAILABLE:

Front Desk Agents

Laundry Services

Housekeepers Maintenance Bellmen

Positions to start April 1st through October 31st

At Capitol Reef Resort we promote from within. Please stop by in person to complete an application. We are located at 2600 E SR 24, Torrey, UT 84775 435-425-3761

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

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

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

HELP WANTED

Position Announcements

POSITIONS AVAILABLE: Garfield County School District is hiring for the following positions. For the application process and description of each, please see the district website www.garfk12.org

Remediation Specialist/Librarian at Panguitch High

Part-Time Custodian at Bryce Valley High

Part-Time Custodian at Boulder Elementary Head & Assistant Track Coach at Bryce Valley High

Substitute/Activity Bus Drivers in Escalante Route Bus Driver in Boulder

Para-Professionals/Aides at All Schools

Substitutes for Teachers, Custodians, and Food Service Workers

SALARY: Please see 2023-2024 Garfield County School Districts Classified, District Office, and Certified Salary Schedules on the district website.

QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must be fingerprinted and satisfactorily pass an employment background check. Garfield County School District is an equal opportunity employer. Garfield County School District reserves the right to accept or reject any or all applications.

MEETINGS

TROPIC AA MEETING

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

LDS ADDICTION RECOVERY PROGRAM

PANGUITCH

The LDS Addiction Recovery Program meets every Wednesday at 7pm at the Panguitch Stake Center, 550 S. 100 W Panguitch. Call 559-908-1498 for information.

FOR RENT

Studio Apartment for Rent in Panguitch.

Full bath, full kitchen. Washer/dryer. Off street parking, private entry. No smoking/pets. $800/month, utilities included. Cash discount. Call Gary or Connie 435-229-9381 or 435-229-9380.

SENIOR CENTER MENUS

Bryce Valley Senior Lunches

at the BRYCE VALLEY Senior Center

TUES Oct. 3rd

Chicken sandwich, country potatoes, country blend veggies, salad bar/peaches, lemon pudding

WED Oct. 4th Spaghetti/meat sauce, green beans, salad bar, mandarin oranges, peanut butter fingers

THURS

Oct. 5th Country fried steak, potatoes & gravy, corn, pears/salad bar, cake

Call by 10:00 A.M. if you want a lunch or need a ride. 679-8666

All meals are served with milk & bread. Suggested donation is $4 for seniors and $10 for those under 60 years of age.

PANGUITCH SENIOR CENTER HOT LUNCH PROGRAM

87 N 50 W • 676-2281/676-1140

Suggested donation $4.00 60 & older, $10.00 under 60 Call before 10 AM of the day of attendance to reserve a spot. Meals include milk & bread.

Thurs. Oct. 5th

Tues. Oct. 3rd Wed. Oct. 4th

Taco salad w/ beans, hamburger, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, beets, fruit in season, dessert

Swiss steak, mashed potatoes & gravy, corn, salad, pears, cake

Ham dinner, scalloped potatoes, peas & carrots, salad, peaches, cake

NOTE: PLEASE BE COURTEOUS AND CALL AHEAD. The kitchen staff work diligently to prepare a good dinner, and a head count helps them prepare enough for everyone.

Escalante Senior Citizens Menu

Tues. Oct. 3rd Fish, coleslaw/bread, baked potato, tropical fruit, pumpkin cookie

Wed. Oct. 4th Chicken noodle soup w/celery & carrots, mashed potato, onion bread, lemon cake/pears

Thurs. Oct. 5th Roast beef, mashed potatos/gravy, corn, applesauce, apple crisp

All meals are served with milk or juice. If you would like a meal, please call us by 10:00 am. 826-4317. Suggested donation for seniors over 60 is $4.00, and under 60 is $10.00

sudoku

Answers for this week

Wayne County is accepting applications for the following position:

Deputy Clerk/Auditor

FLSA Status: Full Time, Non-Exempt

GENERAL PURPOSE

Performs a variety of professional clerical duties related to the following: Human Resource, Building permits, business licenses, passports, elections, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and District Court.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the supervision of the County Clerk/Auditor

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Performs various clerical and secretarial duties; Operates personal computer and custom software applications; Drafts or composes correspondence; Performs over the counter customer service as needed.

Human Resources: Maintains personnel files related to payroll and benefit administration; ensures separation and privacy of related files in compliance with the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA), and HIPPA guidelines. Assists with annual performance reviews and the promotion of programs for the improvement of employee effectiveness, such as training, safety, health and wellness, counseling and welfare; Schedule and conduct employee meetings as needed to inform and train employees on policies and procedures and new laws or regulations affecting the County

Accept applications for and issuing of building permits.

Accept applications for and issuing of business licenses, including annual renewal.

Passport Acceptance Agent: Accepting and processing of passport applications and related forms. Job requires training, certification and annual recertification.

Various duties related to Elections such as Voter Registration, filing, processing of ballots and election returns, etc.

Various duties related to accounts payable such as computer entry, printing and filing reports, Various duties related to accounts receivable such as billing, receipting, and preparing deposits.

Some duties related to payroll such as printing reports, copying and filing, and updating employee files.

Long term records maintenance.

Various duties related to Sixth District Court Clerk.

Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Education and Experience

a. Graduation from High School; College degree a plus;

AND

b. Two (2) years experience performing above or similar duties.

OR

c. An equivalent combination of education and experience.

2. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

A. Knowledge of standard office procedures and policies; good grammar and spelling; basic mathematics involving the use of addition, subtraction, multiplications and percentages; operation of standard office machinery; complex filing systems, alphabetical and numerical; computer operations; telephone etiquette; basic interpersonal skills; basic application processes;

B. Skill in the art of diplomacy and cooperative problem solving; leadership and organizational behavior management; confidentiality; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships other staff; the operation of personal computer, calculator, fax machine, copy machine, and telephone.

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

D. May be required to be bonded.

3. Work Environment

Incumbent of the position performs in a typical office setting with appropriate climate controls. Tasks require variety of physical activities, not generally involving muscular strain, such as walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, and seeing. Common eye, hand, and finger dexterity required to perform essential job functions but may be accommodated. Mental application utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability, discriminating thinking and creative problem solving. Periodic travel required in normal course of job performance.

Submit Resume and Cover letter to the Wayne County Clerk’s Office. Open until filled. If you have any questions, please call the County Clerk's office at 435-8361300.

Felicia Snow Wayne County Clerk/Auditor