The Wayne & Garfield County Insider December 10, 2020

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Loa • Fremont • Lyman • Bicknell • Teasdale • Torrey • Grover • Fruita • Caineville • Hanksville Panguitch • Panguitch Lake • Hatch • Antimony • Bryce • Tropic • Henrieville • Cannonville • Escalante • Boulder

Thursday, December 10, 2020

Boulder Town Council December

by Tessa Barkan BOULDER - The December 2020 Boulder Town Council meeting was held over Zoom.

Mayor Steve Cox asked to approve the reappointment of Cookie Schauss to the Boulder Planning Commission for a first five year term.

She has served on the Boulder Planning Commission for about a year, after taking over an unfinished term from a previous member.

A council member asked that in the future for positions be advertised rather than automatically reappointed, just to ensure that positions are inclusive to community members. Very often, Boulder Planning Commissioners begin by finishing somebody else’s uncompleted term, so this situation comes up somewhat regularly. Cox responded that it would be a good consideration for the future, however, there are usually not many applicants available anyway, and members who have been on in the past already know what is happening. A motion was made and Boulder Council Cont'd on page 8

Issue # 1388

Torrey Town Post Office Open for Business Mail delivery began November 21 thanks to community efforts

Wayne County Commission November 30

Special meeting to discuss CARES Act funds allocations

Courtesy Amiee Maxwell

Contractor Preston Hanks (left), Torrey Town Mayor Chesnut (middle and right), and Wendy Nelson (right) show off the near completed Torrey PO, which began mail delivery on November 21.

TORREY - Thanks to the combined efforts of Torrey Town community members, the Torrey Post Office is near completion—finishing touches are still being made on the exterior—and began mail delivery on November 21, 2020.

"Mayor Scott has done a good job of spearheading the initial start and suggestion of building the building, and Bill

Op-Ed

An Open Letter in Support of Utah COVID Recommendations from the CEO/ Administrator and the Chief of Staff of Garfield Memorial Hospital

by Alberto Vasquez, CEO and Administrator, Garfield Memorial Hospital and Dr. Mitch Miller, DO, Chief of Staff, Garfield Memorial Hospital

Courtesy Garfield Memorial Hospital

Alberto Vasquez (left) is the CEO and Administrator of Garfield Memorial Hospital. Dr. Mitch Miller, DO (right) is the Chief of Staff of Garfield Memorial Hospital.

PANGUITCH - As the public health safety measure.

CEO and Administrator of It requires masks to continue Garfield Memorial Hospital, to be worn to slow the spread along with the Chief of Staff of COVID-19. Gathering reat Garfield Memorial Hos- strictions were somewhat repital, we want to write this laxed, although the Governor open letter to the community gave strong recommendations we serve in southern Utah to of how to do this, including voice our strong support of limiting people to members of the Governor’s mandate of your own home. masking and recommendaThis is not a time for fear. tions of social distancing.

But this is not a time for comRecently, Governor placency, either. We implore Gary Herbert extended the you to support the Governor’s mask mandate he enacted Open Letter earlier in November, as a Cont'd on page 2

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

Barret has been a fabulous volunteer and helpful community member. Both he and his wife, Diane, have been so helpful," stated Torrey Town Clerk Paula Pace.

"Preston Hanks, our contractor, has been a one-man worker. He has been amazing," says Pace, and as of November 12, 2020, $10,000 in community donations have

USU Extension Announces Remote Work Tech Scholarship UTAH - Utah State University Extension’s Rural Online Initiative (ROI) program recently announced the Remote Work Tech Scholarship sponsored by Broadcom Inc., a developer, manufacturer and global supplier of infrastructure software products. Broadcom Inc. recently donated 170 used PC laptops for the scholarships for students in grades 8 to 12 living in rural Utah counties.

The in-kind donation worth over $130,000 is intended to support the rising generation of rural remote workers with the tools, education and career opportunities accessible through technology.

“We are very excited to provide these scholarships,” said Paul Hill, USU Extension professor and ROI program director. “This will make a huge difference for youth in these rural counties who may not have access or the ability to purchase their own computer because, today, the means of production equals a laptop computer with Internet connectivity.”

Hill said the mission of the ROI program is to prepare rural communities for the future by offering relevant educational experiences, connecting people to modern employment opportunities and Tech Scholarships Cont'd on page 7

been raised for the project.

Grateful for all of the support, Pace believes that the new building will be a good thing for Torrey Town and states, "Of course, we cannot forget all the monetary contributions that have come in.

They will and have been most helpful. We have a great community."

—Insider

Six Wildlife Highway Crossings, Fences Installed in Utah in 2020 to Help Prevent Collisions

Courtesy Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

Bull moose crossing the Parleys Canyon wildlife bridge, which was constructed in 2018.

SALT LAKE CITY Most Utahns have seen the unfortunate sight of a deer lying dead on the side of the road. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and Utah Department of Transportation are working hard to create more wildlife crossings across various Utah roadways in an effort to decrease wildlife/ vehicle collisions around the state.

These crossings are typically placed along migration routes to allow deer to reach their different feeding ranges safely. The structures vary and can include: • Overpasses, which allow wildlife to cross over a roadway

THURS. DECEMBER 10 - WED. DECEMBER 16

Cloudy with increased chances of precip. Highs in the 30s and 40s; lows in the teens. 5% to 10% chance of precipitation everyday, except for Thursday with 0% and Tuesday with 20%. Winds variable from 9 to 18 mph.

by Amiee Maxwell WAYNE COUNTY - A needs were not specified in special meeting of the Wayne the meeting.

Funds were also set County Commission was called on November 30, 2020, aside for the restroom reto finalize CARES Act (coro- model project at the fairnavirus relief) spending deci- grounds and bids will be reviewed at the next comsions.

Commissioners Black- mission meeting on Decemburn, Brian, and Wood were ber 7, 2020. The county will present and County Attorney have $30,000 extra if the Mike Olsen joined over the restrooms bid comes in at phone. Wayne County EMS $175,000.

Commissioner BlackDirector, Michael Stephenson, and Wayne County Fire De- burn recommended spendpartment Chief, Steve Lutz, ing any leftover funds on air packs for the Wayne County were also in attendance.

To date, the county Fire Department. Chief Lutz has spent $20,000 and has commented that this would $310,000 remaining to be al- provide “a good start” for located. EMS has previously their equipment needs.

A few other items were requested $87,000 for a lift system for the Hanksville am- also discussed at the meetbulance and two new oxygen ing including a review of the monitors. The commissioners job description for a landfill agreed to devote CARES Act supervisor (which will be funds for one oxygen monitor posted shortly) and a review and the lift system. EMS will of the county’s bills.

The Wayne County use other funds provided by the state to purchase the sec- Commission meets the first and third Monday of every ond monitor.

Fifty thousand was allo- month at the Wayne County cated to the county’s addition- Courthouse in Loa. al technological needs. These

Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away —Philip K. Dick

• Bridges, which allow wildlife to cross over a river or ravine • Culverts, which allow wildlife to cross under a roadway (the majority of Utah's wildlife crossings) • Fences, which eliminate roadway crossings in certain areas and instead funnel the animals to an overpass or culvert where they can safely cross a road Utah made history when it completed the first wildlife overpass in the U.S. in 1975 on I-15 near Beaver.

Since then, approximately 60 wildlife crossings have been installed throughout the state. The crossings typically take several months to build,

depending on the size and weather conditions.

Here are the areas where the DWR and UDOT constructed new wildlife crossings in Utah this year: Central Utah • The construction of a culvert underpass and a stretch of wildlife fencing across Highway 40 (near milepost 35, north of Strawberry Reservoir) was completed in August.

Some additional fencing was also installed in this area to help direct wildlife to this new underpass and to some other previously installed underpasses.

Wildlife Crossings

ALL content for THE WAYNE & GARFIELD COUNTY INSIDER must be submitted by FRIDAY AT NOON to be included in the following Thursday edition of the paper.

BOXHOLDER

Cont'd on page 8

PRE-SORT STANDARD PAID RICHFIELD, UTAH PERMIT No. 122

The Insider

Page 2

December 10, 2020

Letters to the Editor Send us your letters.

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

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

Thank You from the Family of Clare Ramsay who responded to emergency calls and the amazing EMT’s from our area who give so unselfishly of their time.

Thank you to all staff members at Garfield Memorial Hospital. We are in such good hands in the county with the skilled and loving doctors and nurses who go so far above and beyond in caring for those who mean so much to us.

We express our appreciation as well for the tender care Dad received in the ICU at Dixie Regional Medical Center in St. George, Utah.

Thanks also to Mosdell

Open Letter: Please, slow the

spread so we have access to the specialized care we need, and help lift the incredible burden our healthcare providers are carrying right now. It’s a humble, kind, supportive thing to do.—Alberto Vasquez, CEO and Administrator, Garfield Memorial Hospital and Dr. Mitch Miller, DO, Chief of Staff, Garfield Memorial Hospital

Open Letter

Cont'd from page 1

mandates of masking and social distancing. Why is doing this so important to our small hospital? Especially, if we are not overrun right now?

It’s true that our hospital continues to operate normally, and we are not overrun. We are a safe place to get the care you need. But, it’s also true that the larger seven hospitals in Utah, specially staffed and equipped to handle cases like acute COVID, are now routinely at over 90 percent capacity in their ICUs. Those patients are both COVID and non-COVID. Our smaller hospitals operate similar to a spoke and hub model. When a patient comes to a smaller hospital like ours needing specialized care, we stabilize them and then send them to one of the larger hospitals. This is considered “best practice,” meaning the best care scenario is connecting patients with complex needs to larger hospitals with specialized equipment, additional training, and experienced providers to support those needs.

Here’s the problem: these larger hospitals now do not have the room or staff to take those complex patients, COVID or not. Garfield Memorial Hospital is one car wreck or flu outbreak away from a full hospital. Even pre-COVID, patient numbers fluctuate sharply and sometimes suddenly spike, with dozens of patients flooding the hospital, in as short as an hour’s time. When you have more patients than beds and staff to care for them, then what? That is what the Governor wants to avoid, and why he’s enacted this mandate. His mandate is an extremely important public health strategy to slow the numbers of people getting COVID and needing hospital care all at the same time.

Prior to COVID-19, fluctuating numbers and full ICUs were still something hospitals had to try and safely manage. Now, add a brand new virus to the mix, transmitted by many people who don’t know they have it (asymptomatic), and you have a difficult recipe for which we are now seeing the results in our larger state hospitals, and for which we as a rural hospital will end up paying the price if we don’t slow the spread of COVID. Another important point

as to why we should keep the spread slow are our incredible caregivers, who are the backbone and true heroes of our hospital. They are carrying extraordinarily stressful and heavy burdens right now.

Any time anyone, like a doctor, nurse, housekeeping, or respiratory therapist enters or leaves a COVID-19 patient room, it takes 3-5 minutes to put on their Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including a respirator and disposable gown and gloves, and another 3-5 minutes to take it all off and sanitize. It may surprise you to learn each must do this up to 30-50 times in one shift. That is one element of many, and all this in addition to attending to the other patients and their needs. If we slow the spread, we spread out the high-demand, stress, and time-consuming responsibilities it takes to provide care to a COVID-19 patient.

The caregivers at our hospital are our neighbors, friends, maybe even family members.

They are a finite group of experienced, prepared, skilled professionals. When we wear masks and socially distance, they in turn will be healthy and available to do their job.

While there are many arguments out there, the science is clear: masking slows the spread. Keeping a social distance is also proven to help slow the spread. The science is also clear: you may not feel sick, but you could very likely be carrying COVID anyway.

And the only way masking works is if most people do it.

We are asking you to do it. Please join with us, along with religious leaders, community leaders, medical professionals, and more, in setting the example to wear your mask anywhere in public, and socially distance. Please, do the right thing for your family, for your neighborhood, for our community and for our hospital. Please, slow the spread so we have access to the specialized care we need, and help lift the incredible burden our healthcare providers are carrying right now. It’s a humble, kind, supportive thing to do.

Our economic health depends on it, our emotional health depends on it, and our very lives depend on our doing this.

Alberto Vasquez is the CEO and Administrator of Garfield Memorial Hospital.

Dr. Mitch Miller, DO is the Chief of Staff for Garfield Memorial Hospital.

Mortuary for their loving compassionate service to our family.

We wish to express our appreciation to each of you for your kind words and your encouragement. We have been buoyed up and have been carried on your shoulders as you have selflessly shared of your time and given in a hundred ways.

The tribute of love and respect that was organized and held all along Highway 12 on the day of Dad’s graveside service was literally without equal. We are humbled beyond words and are filled with

such gratitude to each of you who had a part in this. Know that we love you and will never ever forget what you have done.

Dad was a modest man and would have been embarrassed by all of the attention, but he was also a giant tender heart and would have been blown away by such an amazing show of love and respect for him.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

The Clare Ramsay Family

Goings on...

Utah Public Service Commission Dismisses Formal Complaint Against Garkane KANAB - On May 18, 2020, a member of Garkane filed a formal complaint with the Utah Public Service Commission (PSC) regarding Garkane’s practice of donating a portion of unclaimed capital credits to fund scholarships for graduating seniors at our local high schools.

On November 12, 2020, the Utah State Public Service commission dismissed the complaint, stating that the “complainant alleges no remotely specific facts to support [his] conclusory allegation that Garkane has violated the Statute and devotes the bulk of his Complaint ... to challenging the law itself.”

The Division of Public Utilities also offered comments with respect to the Complaint, “Garkane is in compliance with the requirements outlined in [the Statute] concerning the retention and reporting of unclaimed capital credits by electric cooperatives.” And the PSC made clear in its August order, the “PSC understands Complaintent strongly disagrees with the Statute, but it is unquestionably the law.”

The PSC concluded, “Accordingly, the PSC finds and concludes the Complaint does not allege Garkane to have violated any provision of law, regulation, or tariff over which the PSC has jurisdiction. The Complaint is dismissed.”

—Garkane Energy

CCAW Suggests Alternative Ways to Donate and Save Taxes

by Leita Kingsland, Color Country Animal Welfare Treasurer

Courtesy Color Country Animal Welfare

Two ways to give to charity, as well as reduce your tax payments, is by donating stock or by donating your Required Minimun Distribution from your IRA. TORREY - Are you 70½ with a traditional IRA looking for ways to give to must pay a required minimum charity and reduce your tax distribution (RMD), which is payments? As a long-time taxed as regular income. You accountant and former CPA can transfer funds directly (and Color Country Animal from your IRA to charity, and Welfare's (CCAW) Treasurer), the value of the distribution I'd like to share two ways to is a charitable deduction not benefit your giving, regardless subject to income taxes. of whether you take a standard If either of these options deduction. appeal to you, please contact Donate Stock CCAW, and we would be Normally when you sell happy to help you through stock, you must pay a capital the process! And, please, gains tax on the difference be- also consider naming CCAW tween the sales proceeds and or any other charity of your the original purchase price. If choice in your will. you have stock that has gone Contact CCAW by callup substantially from when ing (435) 491-2050, email you purchased it, you can ccaw@xmission.com, or visit donate the shares directly to our website, www.colorcouncharity. The market value on tryanimalwelfare.org.

Our the donation date is a chari- mission is to reduce the numtable deduction and is not sub- ber of stray cats and dogs in ject to a capital gains tax. the Wayne County area and to Donate your Required advocate for the welfare of all Minimum Distribution animals.

Anyone over the age of

Insider

The

The family of Clare Ramsay would like to express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for the unbelievable outpouring of love and support shown us by our neighbors and friends in Garfield County and the surrounding Southern Utah areas at the passing of our Dad. These few words seem sadly inadequate as we attempt to express the way we feel. You have blessed a hurting family—kids, grandkids and great-grandkids beyond measure.

We wish to thank those loving and kind professionals

P.O. Box 105 Escalante, UT 84726 435-826-4400 email snapshot@live.com Publisher: Erica Walz Layout & Graphic Design: Emily Leach Wayne County Reporter: Amiee Maxwell Boulder Reporter: Tessa Barkan Payroll: Trudy Stowe

Local columnists:

Mack Oetting - FYI Panguitch Peg Smith - By Way of Boulder Brooklyn Syrett - News from Bryce Valley Schools The Insider is a weekly community newspaper delivered each Thursday to households in Wayne and Garfield counties, Utah. The entire contents of this newspaper are © 2015 The Insider/Snapshot Multimedia, LLC. The Insider reserves the right to edit or reject any advertisement or submitted content items. Articles submitted by independent writers may or may not be the opinion of The Insider.

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

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

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

December 10, 2020

Panguitch Utah History Spanish Influenza Outbreak of 1918 -19 Claimed 28 Panguitch Citizens After Quarantine Regulations Lifted

by Steve Lee, Panguitch City Events Manager

Courtesy Steve Lee

Twenty-eight citizens of Panguitch died during the "Spanish Influenza" outbreak of 1918 1919 after much-hated quarantine regulations on social gatherings were lifted.

PANGUITCH - One hundred and two years ago (November 25th, 1918), the Ogden Standard newspaper published a short article about the City of Panguitch titled "Where Influenza Has Not Gained One Victim."

This article must have seemed astonishing to readers from outside of our little community, as the rest of the state had been struggling since early March 1918 to contain the spread of the H1N1 virus, widely known as "Spanish Influenza." In October alone, the United States recorded a total of 195,000 deaths from influenza, and yet, the virus had yet to penetrate the mountainous border of the Panguitch valley.

That is not to say that by this point Panguitch had gone completely unaffected.

In October 1918, four of our young soldiers (George Woodard, Christian Best, Douglas McEwen, and Glen Miller) contracted the virus while in bootcamp and died before shipping out overseas.

Then in early November, three more of our citizens (James Cox, George Crosby, and Lindsey Steele) died while visiting family in other parts of the state.

In early December, three families came down with the flu, but by December 19th, they had all recovered. Bowing to public pressure, Panguitch City officials ended the hated quarantine regulation that had been imposed on social gatherings, and the local citizens were ecstatic. Ever since the second settlement of Panguitch in 1873, the two weeks before Christmas had always been reserved for a series of celebrations and dances to be held each night (except for Sundays) among the local citizens. It seems that all were far more concerned with keeping tradition than they were with keeping each other safe.

Most sources state that an infected soldier, who was likely asymptomatic, attended one of these dances, and as a result, the virus quickly spread over the entire town.

Newspaper reports stated that up to 75% of the community

shortly became infected with influenza, by this point, there was no need to impose a new quarantine regulation as the vast majority of citizens were all too sick to even get out of bed.

Among the sick was the local doctor, Moses W. Bigelow. Luckily, the surrounding communities bravely responded to the dangerous situation going on in Panguitch. Piute county towns sent two doctors and seven nurses and Cedar City sent one doctor and nine nurses. St. George, Richfield, and even Reno, Nevada each sent a doctor. No one sacrificed more to help our citizens than did those in our sister city of Parowan. They were the first to respond, sending a total of 60-plus nurses to aid the sick.

John Jacob Steiner, Panguitch's first doctor, was an old man in 1918. Steiner had retired and was living in Richfield, but when he heard of the calamity in his former town, he was determined to help. Richfield may have had the strictest quarantine of any town in Utah during the 1918 Pandemic. Friends and family begged Dr. Steiner to stay. Richfield City officials warned Dr. Steiner that if he left, he would not be allowed to return until after the quarantine had ended, but he came to our rescue anyway.

By January, the Panguitch Social Hall was converted into a makeshift hospital to contain and care for

the sick. Julia Judd Douglas, Heber Riding, and Mary Estella Talbot were the first official influenza victims in the town, and they all died just hours apart from each other on January 12th, 1919. There was a death nearly every day from January 12th to February 16th. Seven people died in one day on January 15th, three of them (Cora, Earl, and Zealona Neilson) from one family.

Based on my research, a total of 28 people from our community died during the 1918-1919 influenza pandemic. There were no funerals held for any of the victims, but as people died, the word would be passed around to each home, and the infirm inside would struggle from their sickbeds to place a candle in the window for each of their departed friends, family, and neighbors to be burned through the night in their memory.

Steve Lee is the Panguitch City Events Manager and an avid researcher of Panguitch history.

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Schools & Sports

December 10, 2020

News from Bryce Valley Schools

by Brooklyn Syrett

Mustangs are back to practicing sports with COVID regulations in place, Mustangs win against Panthers and Wildcats, and BV elementary is excited for the Christmas season

The Bryce Valley Mustangs are back to practicing all sports for the 2020-21 season.

Wrestling, cheerleading and girls/boys basketball teams are excited to start practicing and playing games—even if it means doing this while practicing the UHSAA COVID guidelines. As of right now, parents are the only spectators allowed in the gym during the games or matches.

The Lady Mustangs started off the season playing in Richfield in the 1A Preview. Their first game was with the Pinnacle Panthers.

Their aggressive defense and their ability to attack the basket caught the Panthers off guard. After the first quarter, the Mustangs were up 19-0.

They continued to fight hard, giving every player on the team a chance to play. The final score was Mustangs 56, Panthers 12. Seniors Kezli Floyd and Brooklyn Syrett both scored in the double digits and seven of the ten team members scored.

Their second game matches are in place.

To find all the high school was with the Water Canyon Wildcats. The Wild- games and matches, check out cats finished strong in the school’s website, bvhs. the state tournament last garfk12.org, and click on the year and have their main "Athletics" tab.

The elementary is back in player, Melissa Jessop, back again this year. The session and excited to be with Mustangs started slow their friends and teachers. You and behind in the first can hear the excitement in each quarter, but at the half, voice as the Christmas season went up 16-11. With Jes- is upon us. Each day, they pracsop in foul trouble, the tice Christmas songs, and they Mustangs took advantage can hardly contain their exciteof that and put the points ment. They have also started on the board. All players their bantam program for bassaw the court once again ketball. All the same COVID and got a win again with Mus- rules apply to these games that tangs 41, Wildcats 21.

The upcoming games are Lady Mustangs play at Bryce Valley vs Tintic on December 11, then Wednesday the 16th here vs Piute. The boys basketball team, the defending state champion, will meet Piute on Friday, December 4th then head to Richfield to the preview on December 11th and 12th, where the will play ICS and Tabiona.

They take their game on the road to Enterprise on Courtesy Brooklyn Syrett Tuesday, December 15th.

The Mustangs wrestling, cheerOur wrestling team leading, and basketball teams are travels to Panguitch to excited to be back playing and attend the annual Panpracticing with COVID regulaguitch Invitational at the Triple C Arena on Satur- tions in place. day, December 5th. They will then have a dual at Water the high school teams are doCanyon and Diamond Ranch ing. Definitely a strange time, on Thursday [today], Decem- but we will make it work and ber 10th. Another tournament continue to lower our numbers is set for Parowan on Saturday, and get back to doing those December 12th. Again, the things we love to do. same COVID rules for these

PHS Sports Sidelines

by Mack Oetting

Basketball and wrestling season starts with COVID-19 ticketing regulations

T

he Lady Cats season started off this last week. They played up at Richfield, and they came away with a split. They lost a close one to Green River and took the other one from ICS. The girls played without two of their starters, who tested positive for the virus. This is a really young team, with no seniors and only a couple of juniors. Most of them played on the volleyball team and are real competitors.

This is the scoop on who gets to go to the games, as far as I know. Each player will be giving two tickets for their parents, and they will be the only ones to watch. The home games will be broadcast, and you will be able to watch the games from home. Also, there won’t be any concession stand. All season ticket holders will have their money refunded, minus the volleyball games. I don’t think that you will be allowed to attend

any away games, either. This is too bad. All three of our teams could be contenders.

The wrestlers are coming off of a state championship year, with many returners. The boys basketball team only lost one senior from last year's second place team, and who knows how the girls will do? When I get a schedule, I will print the games. I don’t think any of the teams will be playing many home games in December.

Melanie Dabb, Extension Assistant Professor, Wayne County

Where to Start with Insurance Needs?

It’s a good idea to review your insurance each year and make sure you have adequate coverage. This time of year is a great time to do this because if you purchase your own Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance through federal and state marketplaces—open enrollment is November 1 through December 15, 2020—you can make any needed changes online.

Whether you have the correct amount and type of insurance coverage is going to depend on your individual circumstances; age, health, lifestyle, children and employment.

Generally, most people should have at least major medical, auto, life, home owners/renters, and long-term disability insurance. First and foremost, it is very important to read your insurance documents and make sure you know exactly what is covered and what the restrictions are. Many people only rely on what their agent or others have told them.

However, if you need to make a claim, it will be based on what’s in your documents. If you have questions, it is best to consult your insurance agent or a financial planner to help you navigate this process, but this article will get you started.

When we purchase and use insurance, we are responding to risk. These risks include a significant loss of funds, health or property. There are four main ways we manage risk. First is to eliminate the risk. Is there something you can do to make the risk irrelevant or make it go away completely? An example of this is to avoid driving in bad weather to eliminate the risk of an accident. The second way to manage risk is to reduce the risk. Some exam-

Garfield and Wayne County School District COVID-19 Case Count Data Garfield County School District School

Active Cases

Recovered Cases

Students Currently Quarantined

Staff Members Currently Quarantined

Cases Contracted at School

Antimony

0

0

0

0

0

Boulder

0

0

0

0

0

Bryce Valley Elem. 0

5

0

0

0

Bryce Valley High

1

13

1

1

0

Escalante Elem.

1

3

0

1

0

Escalante High

0

4

0

0

0

Panguitch Elem.

0

3

1

0

0

Panguitch Middle

0

2

0

0

0

Panguitch High

2

3

31

1

0

District Office

0

1

0

1

0

District Totals

4

34

33

4

0

Source: Garfield County School District / https://www.garfk12.org/

Wayne County School District Student/ Staff Active Case

Student/ Staff Quarantined

Number of Students

Number of Staff

0

15

461

86

Source: Wayne County School District / https://www.waynesd.org/covid-home.html

This data represents a snapshot, using information provided by the Central Utah Public Health Department and the Southwest Utah Public Health Department. The District and Schools are NOT permitted to disclose breakdowns between number of staff or student cases, nor identify grade or class information to ensure compliance with federal health privacy laws.

This represents data as of December 4, 2020 for Wayne County School District and as of November 30, 2020 for Garfield County School District.

—Insider

ples of this are quitting smoking or taking a safe driver course. These activities reduce the risk of having a negative event. Third, we can share or transfer the risk. This is usually what happens when you purchase insurance. For a price, you transfer the risk of a negative event to the insurance company. The last way to deal with risk is to retain the risk. This is where you look at your resources and decide that you can handle the loss by budgeting or utilizing your resources to take care of the loss yourself. An example of this is an insurance deductible. With a deductible, an individual retains the first portion of a loss or claim. A higher deductible can reduce the premiums you pay on an insurance policy, saving you money.

When you are assessing your insurance needs, you will need to weigh the cost of the insurance with the risk of a loss. There are five costs to keep in mind when carrying insurance: 1. Premiums - monthly payments for the coverage 2. Deductible - the first dollars for cost of service 3. Co-Insurance - percentage of cost up to a certain amount 4. Flat Dollar - A co-pay that is charged each time a service is used (found in managed care plans) 5. Any costs that exceed maximum benefits (annual or lifetime) Most people are required to have auto and homeowner’s/renter’s insurance. This is one place where it’s important to look at your documents and know exactly what is covered.

Often, the minimum state requirements aren’t enough to cover a significant loss, and you will need to weigh the cost of adding additional coverage with the risk of filing a claim. One example of this is your underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage. If someone without insurance causes an

accident, you would be glad to have the extra coverage on your policy and it’s relatively inexpensive. Another coverage that is relatively inexpensive but can be very beneficial is emergency roadside. If something happens to your vehicle, it will be easier to manage if you don’t have to worry about towing expenses in addition to the car repairs.

A lot of people ask about life insurance. The two main reasons a person may want life insurance coverage is wage earners with dependents who need to plan for wage replacement in the event of premature death and those who need to plan for expenses to settle their estate or leaving a gift or bequest after death. If you are looking to replace wages until retirement age, or until your dependents become financially self-sufficient, then a term life insurance policy will be more appropriate. If you are needing the funds to settle an estate, a whole-life or universal-life insurance policy will more likely meet that need.

What does all this mean?

As you are evaluating your current insurance coverage and deciding if your needs are being met, there are three questions you need to ask yourself: • How likely am I to make a claim?

• Can I afford the coverage?

• Do I have enough funds or resources to cover a claim (am I self-insured)?

Sorting through areas of your life where you are at risk for loss can feel daunting and negative, but taking the time to identify these risks and then looking at your insurance coverage and other resources you have available to manage them will give you peace of mind and help you be prepared for an unexpected event.

Written By: Melanie Dabb, USU Extension Assistant Professor

December 10, 2020

Wills, Trusts, and More

The Insider

Legal Issues Related to Funeral Planning

by Jeffery J. McKenna

When you die, who will decide what happens to your body? Who will decide your burial location and the funeral arrangements?

If a daughter from an earlier marriage wants her father buried near her mother in Los Angeles but the daughter’s stepmother wants her husband buried in Southern Utah or Nevada, whose desire will prevail? If a person wants to be cremated but never told those close to her, will she be cremated?

Answers to the above questions depend on you.

You must make the decisions in writing regarding your funeral and burial before you die. Part of your estate planning should entail addressing these issues.

State law provides that the person named in your will (an “executor,” or now more commonly referred to as “personal representative”) shall have authority prior to appointment by the court to carry out written instructions of the decedent relating to his body, funeral, and burial arrangements.

This means two things.

First, you should have a will naming someone as executor or personal representative.

Second, you should provide written instructions to your personal representative regarding your burial and funeral arrangements. Both of these steps are vitally important.

If you have not left a will naming an executor or personal representative and written directions (whether in your will or some other document), the law is unclear as to who has authority to make those decisions. This uncertainty can and has lead to terrible disagreements between family members which is something everyone probably wants to avoid.

On occasion, family members have discussed with me and others in our office their desire to change, or their fear that another family member will want to change, the location of burial of a loved one.

Significantly, the courts have stated that it is a sound and well-established policy of law that a person, once buried, should not be exhumed except for the most compelling of reasons.

Because burial decisions have to be made very quickly after death and are almost impossible to change once made, you should set forth your de-

WITH A SATELLITE OFFICE NOW IN PANGUITCH. Jeffery J. McKenna is a local attorney serving clients in Utah, Nevada, and Arizona.

He is a shareholder at the law firm of Barney McKenna and Olmstead. He is a founding member and former President of the Southern Utah Estate Planning Council. If you have questions regarding this article or if you have a topic you wish to have addressed in this column, you can call 435 6281711 or email jmckenna@ barney-mckenna.com. sires regarding your funeral and burial when doing your estate planning.

Meeting with a funeral planner at the mortuary of your choice and having your desires set forth in a prearranged plan can be very helpful to all involved.

t H e Secret to Success

How do you account for your longevity?" asked the reporter on Harvey's 110 birthday.

"You might call me a health nut," Harvey replied, "I never smoked. I never drank. I was always in bed and sound asleep by 10 o'clock. And I've always walked three miles a day, rain or shine."

"But," said the reporter, "I had an uncle who followed that exact routine and died when he was 62. How come it didn't work for him?"

"All I can say," replied Harvey, "is that he didn't keep it up long enough."

Page 5

l A u G h i N g pOiNt!!

Safety First Kind of...

Dad's a safety-first kind of guy. But while vacationing with some buddies, he was talked into going parasailing.

He was on the back of the boat getting hooked into the parachute when he nervously asked the pilot, "How often do you replace the rope?"

The pilot replied. "Every time it breaks."

Today's Thought

Good personnel managers hire optimists in the sales division and pessimists in the credit department.

PUNishment

I bet the butcher the other day that he couldn't reach the meat that was on the top shelf. He refused to take the bet, saying that the steaks were too high.

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

Family Dinner Night

Family dinner was an enjoyable weekly ritual for us.

Although my mother was in her late 80's, she certainly still had the ability to clearly say what was on her mind.

This was the first dinner on my sister's beautiful new dining room furniture.

As we all sat enjoying good food and conversation, Mom kept squirming in her chair.

Finally, my sister asked, "Are you alright? Are you uncomfortable?"

Without looking up from her dinner Mom replied, "No, the chair is."

This week's answers on page 9

THEME: HAPPY HOLIDAYS

shell

ACROSS 1. "Lord of the Flies"

6. *New Year's Eve choice: Brut or Demi-____ 9. Get-out-of-jail money 13. Convex molding 14. *"____ I Want for Christmas..."

15. Sign of life 16. Redo, to a carpenter 17. Flying saucer acronym 18. Often-missed humor 19. *Hanukkah toy 21. *____ Santa, giftgiving tradition 23. Ides mo.

24. Part of a hammer 25. Cook's leaf 28. "Hey!" 30. Brain's ____ system 35. Revered one 37. "____ Your Enthusiasm" 39. Capital of Egypt 40. Went by horse 41. "I do" spot 43. *____ Sandler's "Eight Crazy Nights" 44. Scary movie consequence 46. Dexterity 47. Boundary line 48. Modern self-portrait 50. Superman's last name 52. Actor's domain 53. Wild plum 55. Mama sheep 57. *"I'll be home for Christmas, if only in my ____" 60. *African-American celebration 64. Town news announcer 65. Charged particle 67. Elephant poacher's ware 68. Give new guns 69. *The night before Christmas 70. Present 71. *Like a Christmas sweater, often 72. Uncooked

73. Adherents of Sikhism DOWN 1. Umbilical connection 2. *"Grandma got run ____ by a reindeer..."

3. *Santa's "cheeks were like roses, his ____ like a cherry" 4. Request to Geico 5. Carriage on top of elephant 6. Pulitzer winner Bellow 7. *Santa helper 8. Bring to an end 9. Jefferson's Vice President 10. Medicinal succulent 11. Negative contraction 12. Bovine hangout 15. Alfresco meal 20. Novelist Jong 22. Sushi restaurant choice 24. *Have a piece of Christmas Goose, e.g.

25. *"Five golden rings, four calling ____..."

26. Dig intensely

27. Cry of the Alps 29. *Time for log 31. Address with apostrophe 32. Stays somewhere 33. About to explode 34. *Vixen follower 36. Table extension 38. Diamond's corner 42. Sign up again 45. Divest one of a gun 49. "Slippery" tree 51. Mark and Shania 54. Twig of a willow tree 56. End of a poem 57. Fortune-teller's residue 58. Iranian coin 59. Suggestive of the supernatural 60. Was aware of 61. Fall asleep, with 'out' 62. Foot part 63. Pirates' affirmatives 64. French vineyard 66. Female gametes Solution on page 9

Page 6

O bituaries Joe Davis

PANGUITCH We lost our beloved husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, brother, uncle, and friend Hyrum J. "Joe" Davis, 81, on December 2, 2020. He passed away peacefully at home in Panguitch, surrounded by the love of his family. Joe fought hard to stick around; he didn’t want to leave his wife of 61 years.

Joe was born July 16, 1939, in Panguitch to Sandy and Lula Davis. He married his beloved wife RoLayne Leach, his "Ole Dove," on February 21, 1959 in Pioche, NV. Joe grew up with his 3 brothers and 2 sisters. He loved fishing, hunting, or getting into any kind of mischief with his brothers and dad; and later on in life his kids and grandkids. He loved to go camping, and as a family, they went on many summer vacations.

Joe worked as a lineman for Utah Power and Light for 37 years, which moved his family between Richfield and Panguitch.

Everyone who knew Joe loved him. Every person he came in contact with quickly became a friend. Once Joe retired, he loved to follow his grandkids and great-grandkids around, supporting them in everything they did. He will be greatly missed by all.

Joe is survived by wife; two daughters, one son and their spouses: Sandy (Jake) Albrecht, Glenwood, UT; Laurie (Mac) Hatch, Panguitch, UT; Jody (Chris) Davis, St. George, UT; sister, LuRea (Ron) Burton, Panguitch; brother, Dennis (Alana) Davis, Panguitch; 9 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by his parents; brothers and sister: Robert Davis, Darlene Veater, Wallace Davis, Jim Davis.

Cremation services to be held at Magleby Mortuary Crematory. A graveside service was held Saturday, December 5, 2020 at 12:00 Noon in the Panguitch, UT Cemetery. Due to COVID-19, all attendees were asked to wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com

Dee Henshaw 1949 - 2020

BICKNELL - Our beloved father, grandfather, brother and uncle, Dee Allan Henshaw, age 71, passed away December 4, 2020 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was born April 5, 1949 in Salt Lake City, a son of Melvin Louis and Barbara Lydia Spear Henshaw.

He graduated from South High School, Class of 1969. He married Kathy Coleman in 1971, and they were later divorced. He married Dana Marie Stewart August 22, 1998 in Bicknell, Utah. They were later divorced.

Dee attended Dixie Aviation School in St. George in 1984 and got his masters degree in Aviation Mechanics. He worked for Dixie Airline in St. George for many years. He also owned and operated a car wash in Salt Lake City.

Dee moved to Bicknell in 1997 where he loved the wide open spaces and country life. He loved exploring the mountain ranges of Wayne County. He was an avid hunter and fisher. He enjoyed welding and aviation mechanics. He enjoyed raising horses and spending time with his kids.

He will be greatly missed.

Dee is survived by his children: Tanya and Chris Rocholl of Spokane, Washington; Taira and Russ Campbell of Salt Lake City; Skyler Henshaw, Ty Henshaw, Stetson and Terra Labrum, all of Bicknell; Samantha and Kevin Rees of Beaver; 8 grandchildren; sisters and brothers: Anne Mackintosh, Glenn Henshaw, Larry Henshaw, Gary Henshaw, Jean Alvey, Ross Henshaw and David Henshaw.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Barbara Henshaw and a brother, Jay B. Henshaw.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 11, 2020 at 12:30 P.M. in the Thurber LDS Ward Chapel in Bicknell, where friends may call for viewing from 11:00 to 12:00 prior to the services.

Because of COVID-19 Restrictions and Mandate, all attendees must wear a mask and obey social distancing.

At his request, his remains will be cremated and his ashes will be scattered on the mountains that he so loved.

Funeral services under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.

On line guest book at: www.springerturner.com

The Insider

December 10, 2020

FYI PanguItch

by Mack Oetting ~ mackoetting @gmail.com The Christmas in the Country event really went well, with over a hundred kids from our area bringing Christmas letters for Santa.

They each received a stocking packed with fun things and plenty of candy. Panguitch is such a wonderful place to live.

When word got out that Santa, because of the virus, wasn’t able to hold any of his fundraisers this year, the good people from our area came to the rescue and the contributions poured in. Santa would like to thank all of you for your generosity and bless you all. If anyone needs help this year, it is never too late to get a list for Santa. Call Pat at 676-2418.

Letter from Santa to all of the children in our area: I have read your letters.

My elves reported to me that you have been good most of the time this year. Keep up the good work.

Many of my elves have been ill with the virus, so not all of the presents you have asked for may not be ready for this Christmas Eve when I will be making my deliveries. But, I know you all and am making sure you will not be missed.

Love, Santa Christmas is only three weeks off. It sometimes feels like the time is at a standstill, and other times, it is flying by.

The city is having a Christmas tree lighting contest, and there will be three winners. Be sure to check out the Quilt Walk Park lights. The trees there are growing really tall. If you want a real treat, check out Main St. in Cedar City. All I

can say is, "wow!" If you are out shopping, be sure you take a mask with you. Most stores are requiring masks to enter.

The virus is really getting out of hand. I made a mistake when I said that the death toll would reach 300,000 by Christmas. It will probably reach that number by the 15th.

We had a day where the positive tests were over 200,000 and the daily deaths were 3,000. Over 100.000 are in the hospitals. Many cities have portable morgues to cover the overflows at the mortuaries.

For many years, Christmas time is for my family reunion. In the last couple of years, we have gone to my nephew’s place in Palm Springs. As I was watching the news and as the virus continues to grow, it is a big time in California. I called my nephew and told him that we wouldn’t be coming this year, and he said that that would be a good idea. He also said that the Palm Springs area was going to be shut down, and we probably wouldn’t be able to get a room anyway. I also suggested that we have a family get together in late April or May, and he thought that would be a great idea. There are not many of my family left. I have one brother and four nieces and nephews, and we can’t afford to lose anymore. He also said that we should have our shots by then, and it will be safer. I said Pat and I would have them, and he reminded me that he turns 70 this month. So, we will be home for Christmas.

O bituaries Joel DeVon Holt

TORREY - Joel DeVon Holt passed away December 5, 2020 after a serious illness.

He was born on May 26, 1955 in Spokane Washington to DeVon L. Holt and Vionne D. Holt at the time of the Korean War. Joel was a spunky child and as soon as he could talk he proclaimed himself to be “Dodey Notes” (Joelly Holt). He grew up in Salt Lake City after the war. When he was able to ride a bike he would go around the neighborhood flirting with the older girls. He was always easy to laugh and smile and play a prank.

He moved with his family to Las Vegas during his teenage years.

After graduation, during his vagabond period, he moved back to Salt Lake and lived in the old family home and later moved in with his Uncle Ken in Holladay. He did some traveling, learned some different occupations and was never far from a good party. He spent one year searching for Spanish gold that he never found. He bought a boat and could be frequently found on Lake Mead. He loved hunting, fishing, wheeling and hiking on Boulder Mountain and spent his holidays at the old Torrey homestead in Wayne County, Utah.

He finally got his own home and lived in Tooele for many years making his living as a truck driver. He loved to drive the highways from coast to coast. He never married but his dogs Bumsa, and later Koda, were his constant companions. He survived a brutal fight with cancer and was still able to drive truck for a number of years.

After he retired from driving he spent his final years in Torrey, which he loved. He was able to live life on his own terms, grateful for his family and friends. He is survived by his parents, his brother Rick (Debbie) Holt, and his sister Bonnie McGrew.

Private family graveside services will be held in the Torrey Cemetery. Online guest book at www.maglebymortuary. com. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti

I was hoping that with the big loss in the election that the Republican Party might go back to being the party of Lincoln. No such luck! This time, Trump lost the popular vote by over 7 million and the Electoral College by 306 to 232. It wasn’t that he didn’t try. He had the postmaster general destroy the rapid sorter machines so that the mailin votes wouldn’t get there in time. Now, he says that the voting machines are corrupt.

All forty of his lawsuits have failed, but he keeps it up to the joy of his supporters. However, the party has gone from hating anyone of a different color to attacking members of their own party. The president fired the director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Chris Krebs, who’d issued a statement calling the election the most secure in American history with no Russian interference like that in the 2016 election. The president’s lawyer said that Chris Krebs (a republican) should be tried for treason and drawn and quartered or shot.

The election in Georgia was counted three different times, and Joe Biden came out on top all three times. The president called the Governor of Georgia to see if he would overturn the election in his favor. When the governor told him he didn’t have the right to do that, the president attacked him, his lieutenant and the Georgia Secretary of State.

This led to threats to all three

of them, which led the head of the party to call for an end to the violence and saying that it had gotten out of hand and someone is going to get hurt.

There is a coalition in the Senate headed up by our own Senator Romney that is trying to put together a stimulus bill that will help out small businesses and to extend unemployment for another four months. Good for him! Good for us! Hopefully, next week they will start the vaccinating of medical personnel and first responders.

The NBA will be starting their season on December 23 with no practice games. That is also the first day of winter, which means that we will be picking up two minutes of daylight each day until June.

The Gem Theater is open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday—with spacing. You might go ahead and check a time for tickets.

Hopefully, winter will bring us some very badly needed moisture. It is always nice to have a white Christmas.

When the pressure of gift giving gets us down, we need to stop and remember what President Nelson reminded us at the annual Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Christmas Program, that Jesus Christ is our Christmas gift. We are so blessed!

Mack O

O bituaries

Grady Shakespear

HENRIEVILLE - Grady Michelangelo Shakespear, 9½ months of age, passed peacefully at Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, UT on December 2, 2020. Born on February 6, 2020 in Panguitch, UT, Grady’s life began as a miracle.

His sweet, gentle spirit was felt from the moment his parents first found out he would be joining the family. Grady was a quiet and mellow baby who always had a grin on his face that would light up a room. His dark, expressive eyebrows and big, beautiful eyes spoke volumes he was never able too.

Grady was a snuggle bug and wanted to be held often. Everyone who knew Grady knew his favorite person to snuggle with was his mom. Alongside his mom, Grady loved spending time with his dad who was also his favorite person to FaceTime. Grady’s face would light up and that precious grin would appear across his sweet face anytime he would hear the phone ring. It was clear that Grady loved his mom and dad with his whole heart.

Grady loved all his brothers and sisters. He wanted to be with them always. From playing on the floor, sitting on the couch watching TV, snuggling on the bed as a family, or eating dinner—wherever they were you could find Grady. Grady is loved dearly by his grandparents and he loved them. The countless hugs and snuggles they shared are now cherished memories. Everyone who spent time with Grady now have memories they hold close to their hearts. Memories that will be held close until that great day when they will see him again, arms ready for a warm embrace. The love felt between Grady and his family continues to be felt deeply. He was and continues to be loved fiercely by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Grady was a valiant spirit who touched many lives in such a brief time. His life was a gift, and he blessed all those who were lucky enough to be a part of his life during his Earthly stay. Even in his passing, Grady continues to bless others.

Grady was once again a miracle, this time for three other children as organ donor recipients. He was the miracle many families have been waiting for. So much goodness is still to come because of this gift Grady has given.

Grady is survived by his parents, Travis and Erica Woolsey Shakespear; siblings: Kaylea, Tasha, Brittney, Dawson, Brig, Griffin, and Livvy; grandparents: Lyllian LeFevre, Eric and Sheri Michelangelo Woolsey; as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and many cousins.

Grady is preceded in death by his grandpa, Olaf Shakespear; uncle, Michael Woolsey; along with many great-grandparents, great aunts, great uncles and cousins.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, December 11, 2020 at 12:00 Noon in the Henrieville Cemetery, where friends may call after 11:30 a.m. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www. maglebymortuary.com

The Insider

December 10, 2020

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 Jan. 6, 2021 either electronically using the Division`s on-line Protest of Application form, by hand delivery to a Division office, or by mail at PO Box 146300, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6300. Please visit waterrights.utah.gov or call (801)538-7240 for additional information.

NEW APPLICATION(S) 95-5435 (A82298): Richard W. and Teri R. Daynes propose(s) using 0.015 cfs from groundwater (Caineville area) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION; STOCKWATERING. 97-2455 (A82292): William W. Wyatt and Marion Rice propose(s) using 1.73 ac-ft. from groundwater (Upper Valley & Pet Hollow Road) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION; STOCKWATERING. CHANGE APPLICATION(S) 61-2843 (a46400): Thomas L. and Patricia H. Hood, State of Utah Board of Water Resources, West Panguitch Irrigation and Reservoir Company propose(s) using 0.25 ac-ft. from groundwater (1 mile west of Panguitch Lake) for DOMESTIC. 61-3247 (a46434): Milo H. and Connie H. Medley, State of Utah Board of Water Resources, West Panguitch Irrigation and Reservoir Company propose(s) using 0.72 ac-ft. from groundwater (2 miles NE of Panguitch) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION. 61-2883 (a46461): Laurel Byrd propose(s) using 0.013 cfs OR 1 ac-ft. from groundwater (7 miles SW of Hatch) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION; STOCKWATERING. 61-3244 (a46473): Chaney Hugh Nowers, State of Utah Board of Water Recources, West Panguitch Irrigation and Reservoir Company propose(s) using 0.231 ac-ft. from groundwater (2.5 miles west of Panguitch) for STOCKWATERING. EXTENSION(S) 61-2711 (a31937): Justin Barlow, State of Utah Board of Water Resources, West Panguitch Irrigation and Reservoir Company is/are filing an extension for 0.8 ac-ft. from groundwater (1 mile northeast of Panguitch) for DOMESTIC; STOCKWATERING. Teresa Wilhelmsen, P.E. State Engineer Published in the Wayne & Garfield County Insider on DECEMBER 10 & 17, 2020 PUBLIC NOTICE OF BASIC TELEPHONE SERVICE SOUTH CENTRAL COMMUNICATIONS South Central Communications is designated as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier by meeting the guidelines of the Federal Communications Commission and the Utah Public Service Commission. South Central Communications has offered quality and reliable telephone service for over 60 years. We understand basic service is a fundamental aspect of everyday life.

Basic service from South Central Communications includes: • Single party residential service with “unlimited” local usage • Single party business service with “unlimited” local usage • Single party Lifeline Service* (Lifeline is a government supported telephone assistance program.)

• Touch tone capability • Voice grade access to the public switched network • Access to emergency services (including enhanced 911) • Access to operator services, interexchange carriers and directory assistance • One complimentary directory listing • Complimentary white pages telephone directory South Central Communications is proud to offer basic service to all members in our serving territory. The rate for residential basic service is $18.00 monthly and our rate for business basic service is $26.00 monthly. Low income individuals may be eligible for Lifeline telephone assistance, which provides discounts from these basic rates. Lifeline members also have toll blocking availability, which lets customers block outgoing long distance calls free of charge.

In addition to the above monthly rates, a $6.50 Federal Subscriber Line Charge applies to business and residential single party lines and $9.20 for a business with more than one line. An Access Recovery Charge of $3.00 applies to business and residential single party lines and $3.00 for a business with more than one line. For Lifeline members, the $6.50 charge is paid entirely by the federal Universal Service Fund. The service is not transferable, only eligible customers may enroll in the program, and proof of eligibility may be necessary for enrollment. The program is limited to one discount per household, applied towards either wireline, internet or wireless service. To find out more about the Lifeline program please visit www.lifelinesupport.org. You may also contact the Federal Communications Commission at 1-888-225-5322.

If you have any questions, or would like to become a customer of South Central Communications, please contact us at 888-826-4211, online at www.socen.com *Additional charges may apply for any incurred toll calls or ancillary services.

Published in the Wayne & Garfield County Insider on DECEMBER 10, 2020

PUBLIC HEARING TICABOO UTILITY IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT On November 12, 2020, the Board of Trustees of the Ticaboo Utility Improvement District reviewed and approved a tentative budget for the fiscal year 2021. On the same date, the Board also scheduled a public hearing regarding the tentative budget to be held on December 17, 2020, at 6:30 p.m. at the Board’s regular meeting place at 430 W. Ticaboo Drive, LDS Church-Ticaboo Branch, Ticaboo, Utah 84533. The purpose of the public hearing will be to give all interested persons in attendance an opportunity to be heard on the estimates of revenues and expenditures, rate changes, or any item in the tentative budget of any fund. After the public hearing has closed, the Board may adopt the tentative budget as the final budget, subject to amendment or revision. A copy of the proposed budget can be examined at the District’s offices located at HWY 276, Mile Marker 27, Lot 97, Ticaboo, Utah 84533 during normal business hours at any time prior to the public hearing.

Published in the Wayne & Garfield County Insider on DECEMBER 3, 10 & 17, 2020 SURPLUS SALE GARFIELD COUNTY GARFIELD COUNTY IS ACCEPTING SEALED BIDS ON THE FOLLOWING ITEMS: 2009 John Deere 772D Grader/ 5000 Approximate hours 2010 John Deere 772 G Grader/ 5300 Approximate hours BIDS WILL BE ACCEPTED IN THE COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE UNTIL 5:00 P.M., FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11TH, 2020. BIDS WILL BE OPENED MONDAY DECEMBER 14TH, 2020 AT 10:30 A.M. IN THE COMMISSION CHAMBERS OF THE GARFIELD COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 55 SOUTH MAIN STREET, PANGUITCH, UTAH. THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WILL HAVE 48 HOURS TO COMPLETE THE TRANSACTION. All vehicles and equipment will be sold in "as is" condition, and all sales will be final. Purchases can be made with cash or certified check. Garfield County reserves the right to accept or reject any and all offers. For additional information contact the Clerk’s Office at 435-676-1163 or www.garfield.utah.gov.

Published in the Wayne & Garfield County Insider on DECEMBER 3 & 10, 2020 PUBLIC HEARING GARFIELD COUNTY The Garfield County Commission hereby gives notice of its intent to consider abandoning County Rights of Way. A public hearing will be held concerning abandonment of the Rights of Way on Monday, January 11th, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. in the Garfield County Commission chambers, Garfield County Courthouse, 55 South Main, Panguitch, UT 84759. The description of the Rights of Way are as follows: Garfield County Class D Road in the W ½, NE ¼, Section 36, T34S, R6W. Garfield County Class B Road in the NW ¼, Section 31, T35S, R7W. Portion of Tippets Lane in the NW ¼, Section 5, T37S, R7W. Published in the Wayne & Garfield County Insider on DECEMBER 10, 17, 24 & 31 and JANUARY 7, 2020

Page 7

Tech Scholarships: Through

the use of technology and the development of digital skills, rural youth can seize the opportunity of gaining a world-class education, earning a living and having a meaningful career, all from the rural communities they call home.—Paul Hill, USU Extension professor and ROI program director.

Courtesy Utah State University Extension

Utah State University Extension's Rural Online Initiative recently announced PC laptop scholarships for students in grades 8 to 12 living in rural Utah counties, sponsored by Broadcom Inc,. career, all from the rural comTech Scholarships munities they call home.”

Cont'd from page 1 Hill said youth in grades developing innovative solu- 8 through 12 are eligible to tions for community needs. apply for the scholarships at “We believe that young https://survey.zohopublic. people living in rural Utah com/zs/LKBU5U. The apshould not be restricted by the plication deadline is Dec. 11 limited geographic education at 5 p.m., and scholarship reand career opportunities that cipients will be announced by only exist in their local com- December 16. munities,” he said. “Through For further information, the use of technology and the contact Hill at 435-634-5706, development of digital skills, paul.hill@usu.edu. rural youth can seize the op—Utah State University portunity of gaining a worldExtension class education, earning a living and having a meaningful

The Insider

Page 8

December 10, 2020

Wildlife Crossings: Deer typically follow the same

migration routes every year. Many of those routes include roadways, which the deer will often cross regardless of traffic.

However, putting up fences can limit the migration opportunities for deer and other wildlife, and it's not possible to fence every stretch of highway across the state. So it is important to ensure the passage of wildlife in these areas through the installation of properly placed wildlife crossings.—Daniel Olson, DWR Wildlife Migration Initiative Coordinator

Wildlife Crossings Cont'd from page 1

• Some additional fencing was also installed near a previously constructed culvert underpass by Deer Creek State Park and the Wallsburg Wildlife Management Area in Wasatch County. The fencing helps direct wildlife to the underpass, which receives a large amount of wildlife use.

Northern Utah • Four different sections of fence were replaced along each side of SR 16, south of Woodruff, Rich County in October. The old fence was replaced with new "let-down" fencing that can be laid down during certain times of the year. Before the let-down fences were installed, pronghorn would squeeze through holes in the old fence and then find themselves trapped along the roadway. This new fence will make it much easier for pronghorn to migrate from their summer range on the Deseret Land & Livestock Ranch to their winter range on the Woodruff Cooperative Wildlife Management Area, and then back again in the spring.

Southern Utah • Work to install a double culvert under I-15 in Baker Canyon (near milepost 143, by Cove Fort), began in June 2020. The culvert is expected to be completed in June 2021.

• Wildlife fencing was also installed in the same area, from milepost 134 to milepost 145. The targeted completion date for this fencing project is August 2021.

• Wildlife fencing was also installed on the east side of

I-15, from Parowan to Paragonah, in early 2020, as well as double cattle guards that will help prevent deer from entering the freeway at the on-ramps and offramps.

Wildlife/vehicle collisions Approximately 4,470 deer and elk were reported to be killed in vehicle collisions in 2020, as of Nov. 25, but that number is likely much higher.

Ninety percent of the big game animals killed in wildlife/vehicle collisions are deer, primarily because they are the most abundant big game animal in Utah, but also due to their migratory nature.

"Deer typically follow the same migration routes every year," DWR Wildlife Migration Initiative Coordinator Daniel Olson said. "Many of those routes include roadways, which the deer will often cross regardless of traffic. However, putting up fences can limit the

migration opportunities for deer and other wildlife, and it's not possible to fence every stretch of highway across the state. So it is important to ensure the passage of wildlife in these areas through the installation of properly placed wildlife crossings."

Studies have shown there is a 90% reduction in wildlife/ vehicle collisions when there is a crossing structure and fence in the area, so the DWR has been working with UDOT to identify areas where migration routes cross roadways, so wildlife crossings can be constructed. Both agencies help fund the projects, and UDOT oversees the building and maintenance of the structures. Visit the DWR website to learn more about how these wildlife crossings are funded and how the locations are selected.

—Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

Escalante Prevention Coalition has the opportunity to provide Suicide Prevention Training classes to the Escalante/Boulder Communities. We are encouraging all Businesses, religious groups, families etc, to sign up and take advantage of a useful skill we all can use, especially in the difficult times we are facing in 2020.

December 14 - December 20

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

The best naked-eye when they’re closest, and the a once-in-a-lifetime opportu“event” of the year is happen- news media will focus on that nity. ing now, although as I repeat- night as if no other night matGoogle “Jupiter Saturn edly stress, much that happens ters. But the point is that they conjunction” for much more in the sky is a process that hap- are already very close, and information including graphpens over an extended period they’ll remain unusually close ics. of time rather than an event through the end of the year.

On the 16th, the thin On the 14th, Saturn is ¾° crescent moon is 5° below that happens on one night only. Examples are the close above Jupiter. For scale, the di- the double planet. You might approach of Mars this fall, ameter of the moon is only ½°, see both planets and the Comet NEOWISE this sum- and from the 14th you could moon together through widemer, and the Jupiter-Saturn cover both planets together angle binoculars. conjunction that is happening with your little fingernail! But Bright Mars is high in now. Even better is that you Jupiter is moving closer, and the southeast at the same can enjoy the conjunction with on the 20th, they are only 1/8° time, and even brighter Veyour eyes alone, with binocu- apart and they will look like nus is very low in the southlars, and with any telescope. a double planet. People with east during morning twilight.

Look low in the south- good eyesight will see them as John Mosley was Prowest about 45 minutes af- two objects, but you may have gram Supervisor of the ter sunset and you’ll see the to squint to see them as sepa- Griffith Observatory in Los bright planet Jupiter. Fainter rate. Any telescope will show Angeles for 27 years and is them sitting together, side- the author of “Stargazing for Saturn is just above.

Jupiter and Saturn orbit by-side, along with Jupiter’s Beginners” and “Stargazing the sun, normally moving from four large moons. On the 21st, with Binoculars and Telewest to east as seen from earth, they are at their closest—only scopes.” He and his wife live and Jupiter travels faster be- 1/9th of a degree—but don’t in St. George, where he concause it’s closer to the sun and wait until the 21st to look at tinues to stargaze from his refeels the sun’s gravity more them! Be watching them all tirement home while serving strongly. Jupiter has been ap- week, and then all next week on the advisory committee proaching Saturn for months, as they slowly separate. They for Stellar Vista Observatory. and it passes Saturn on Mon- won’t be this close again until day the 21st. That’s the night 2080, so for most of us, this is

Boulder Council: Reappointment of Cookie Schauss

to the Boulder Planning Commission, Ray Gardner's appointment to the Board of Adjustments, 2020-21 budget updates, CARES Act funding, Circle Cliffs Motel's request for additional funds, recent audit report, remodeling of the Anasazi State Park museum parking lot, and department reports of town projects discussed.

Boulder Council

Cont'd from page 1

passed unanimously to reappoint Schauss.

Following this was a reappointment of Ray Gardner for a four year, second term on the Board of Adjustments.

There are two open positions that will also be advertised.

2020-2021 budget updates were then discussed.

Boulder Town Council members were asked to go through the first quarter before their next meeting and familiarize themselves with the new budget system, as Boulder Town has moved to using Polaris accounting software. The second quarter budget will be available in January.

Of the $40,260 of CARES Act funding received

by Boulder, funds have been used for a Boulder Town Zoom subscription; electronic equipment to allow for hybrid meetings, which will eventually allow them to be held partially in person and partially over Zoom; an air filtration system for the Boulder Community Center; and grants for local businesses. There is approximately $1,000 left that has not yet been spent but that has been allocated towards updating the clerks’ electronic equipment.

A local business, the Circle Cliffs Motel, then was then on the agenda to request more funds from the CARES grant. They stated that, though they realized after listening to discussion that more funds were no longer available, they

didn’t believe they were given a fair amount compared to others who received funds. Members of the council discussed whether money for updating the clerks’ technology could instead come out of the budget, in order to make more money available for this business. Town Clerk Michala Alldredge stated that they need a new computer with a webcam and a microphone, however, they could wait on getting the tower and just get a monitor, webcam, and microphone now, for an estimated $200. A motion was made and passed to give an additional $700 to Circle Cliffs, and keep $300 in the budget for the clerk to cover the cost of the monitor, webcam and microphone, with a cushion in case the expenses are higher than expected.

A discussion of the recent audit report followed. A number of recommendations were given, including: having a monthly financial report; posting minutes to the Utah public website within three days; and each board member completing an online training.

It was also found that Boulder is missing a number of written policies, including: a written conflict of interest policy; a written computer security policy; and a written cash giving and receiving policy. A number of templates are available for these policies that could be tailored to Boulder’s needs.

Boulder Town will aim to have a policy handbook completed next year.

Following this was discussion on remodeling the

Anasazi State Park museum parking lot. The museum’s plan is to have a single entrance off of Highway 12, extend the parking lot to the north fence, and create an exit from the north side, leading to where the dumpsters are on 500 N. This could provide extra space for motorhomes and increase safety for those turning onto the highway.

The dumpsters would have to be moved. Discussion ensued about whether to keep the dumpsters on that road, or find a new location for them. Council members were in favor of the remodeling plan and will further consider where to put the dumpsters.

Department reports followed. Flags will be raised on veteran graves to commemorate Pearl Harbor. At the last Boulder Planning Commission meeting, representatives from both FirstNet/Comnet and DW Power cell tower companies were present to discuss their pending applications. More discussion will occur at future meetings.

Additionally, Boulder Town Planner Lee Nellis provided an example case so that the commission could go through the Commercial Standards Review Worksheet. They are aiming to have a public hearing on the updated Table of Uses in January. The turning lane onto Burr Trail has been completed, though, it will be re-striped in the spring.

The sidewalk and gate at the town park have been redone.

Nothing has still been heard from the EMTs, who trained last winter, about taking their National EMT Exams. Certain fire ordinances will be updated to increase their clarity. In the school district, extracurriculars have been reinstated. Testing is mandated for participants and spectator numbers are limited.

The Boulder Town Council meets on the first Thursday of each month at 7pm.

The Insider

December 10, 2020

C l a s s i f i e d ads

Page 9

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

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

HELP WANTED

GENERAL DENTIST WANTED BICKNELL, WAYNE COUNTY General Dentist (Full Time) position available in Bicknell, UT. (Wayne County) General responsibilities: • Must have or attain a Utah unrestricted License to practice Den-

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENTS POSITIONS AVAILABLE: Garfield County School District is hiring the following positions. For a description of each, please see the district website www.garfk12.org Bus Route Driver in Boulder Para-Professionals at All Schools Substitutes for Custodians, Food Service, and Teachers Food Service Worker at Boulder Elementary School SALARY: Please see 2020-2021 Garfield County School Districts Classified Salary Schedule and Certified Salary Schedule.

QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must be fingerprinted and satisfactorily pass an employment background check. Applicant must work well with children. See the job description for additional requirements.

APPLICATION: Interested individuals should submit a Garfield County School District classified or certified application.

Please direct questions to: AES Head Teacher Robin Gibbs (435-624-3221) BES Head Teacher Elizabeth Julian (435-335-7322) BVES Principal Pete Peterson (775-962-1878) BVHS Principal Jeff Brinkerhoff (435-679-8835) EES/EHS Principal Peter Baksis (435-826-4205) PES Principal Robert Prince (435-676-8847) PMS/PHS Principal Russ Torgersen (435-676-8805) Superintendent John Dodds (435-676-8821) Online application available: www.garfk12.org Applications will be screened and the most qualified candidates will be granted interviews.

DEADLINE: See the district website for closing date of each position.

Garfield County School District is an equal opportunity employer.

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

tistry.

• All aspects of General Dentistry including Exodontia, Root canals, Crown and Bridge, etc…

• Some reimbursed travel will be expected weekly to commute between offices (Panguitch and Escalante).

• New graduates may apply.

• To start as soon as possible Benefits • Vacation hours.

• 401K Match up to 5%.

• Sick hours.

• Holiday pay.

• Continuing education days offered (5 Days leave and $2000/Year.)

• Health/Dental Insurance (1/2 covered for family.)

• Malpractice insurance covered.

• Licensure and credentialing is covered.

• Disability insurance (1/2 covered.)

• Salary is negotiable and Contingent on experience.

Pay Range: $115,000 - $130,000 /year WCHC is an approved nonprofit organization that allows one to apply for the PSLF program (loan forgiveness).

Although, it is up to you to apply for these programs on your own and it is not guarantee you will be awarded. We are happy to offer advice during this process.

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

P O S I T I O N S AVA I L A B L E: Front Desk Agents Laundry Services Housekeepers Maintenance Bellmen Positions to start April 1st through October 31st At Capitol Reef Resort we promote from within.

Please stop by in person to complete an application.

We are located at 2600 E SR 24, Torrey, UT 84775 435-425-3761

ILLNESS SCREENER BICKNELL, UT LOCATION We are currently seeking a motivated individual to join our team as an illness screener. This would be a temporary full time position or two part time positions. Currently the position would work 2-3 or 5 days per week, Monday through Friday. This Position is temporary and does not include benefits.

Primary responsibilities would include: • Intake information.

• Screening patients for illness symptoms • Improving work flow • Some patient care Minimum requirements: • High school diploma • Current Basic Life Support (BLS) • Pass a background check Wage: $12 If interested, please, send resume to Josie Moosman at josiem@waynechc.org Wayne Community Health Center is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) medical clinic. We are dedicated to the health and wellness of the community we serve.

We provide a wide variety of services and serve almost 4,000 patients now and last year had 15,000 encounters.

Services routinely provided include preventive, acute and emergency medical care, comprehensive dental services, management of chronic conditions for prenatal, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients, and diagnostic laboratory and radiology services.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

CAPITOL REEF CIDER WORKS BICKNELL Capitol Reef Cider Works of Bicknell, Utah is looking for intelligent dedicated employees to advance our apple orchard and cider operation. Reliability and good physical fitness are required.

Full-time and part-time positions available.

Preferred Skills: Construction, Welding, Automotive Mechanics, Biology, Horticulture.

Email resumes and questions to: capitolreefciderworks@gmail.com

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

A ACCOUNTING CLERK ESCALANTE OR KANAB BUSINESS OFFICE Immediate job opening for an Accounting Clerk in our Escalante or Kanab Business Office: Our Accounting Clerk position is mainly responsible for the preparation, maintenance and monitoring of activities related to fixed asset accounting. These activities include but are not limited to: • Record fixed asset additions and disposals • Track project costs in construction in process accounts • Coordinate with managers to place projects into service once completed • Ensure appropriate capitalization under GAAP and Part 32 • Run Depreciation for all fixed assets monthly • Prepare monthly journal entries, reconciliations and reports • Prepare all reports for property tax filings • Prepare all reports for regulatory and audit filings relating to fixed assets • Ad-hoc information requests Familiarity and proven work experience with basic accounting principles and practices. Competency in Microsoft Office, specifically Excel. Accuracy and attention to detail. Independent self-starter. Aptitude for numbers.

Ability to communicate with co-workers and various business contacts in a professional and courteous manner.

High School diploma required. Degree in Accounting or related field is preferred. Great benefits and competitive compensation based on experience.

Submit resume to: South Central Communications PO Box 555 Escalante, UT 84726 Attn: HR or email HR@socen.com

SERVICES

SERVICES

MEETINGS Tropic AA Meeting Wednesday at 6 PM. Tropic Heritage Center. All meetings are closed discussion. rtn Escalante AA Meeting Call for times and locations.

435-676-3653 Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Group 4th Thursday of each month 5:30-7:30pm Southwest Behavioral Health Center 601 E. Center St. Panguitch ADULTS ONLY Questions? Call Melissa Veater 435-690-0911

sudoku Answers for this week

WAYNE COUNTY FOOD BANK IS OPEN 3RD WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH FROM 1-3PM COMMUNITY CENTER IN BICKNELL PRE-MADE BOXES, READY FOR PICK-UP. REGULAR AND SENIOR PROGRAMS. EASY APPLICATION! QUESTIONS? CALL 435-691-3923

Page 10

Conservation Groups Cry Foul Over Forest-Service Rule Change

The Insider

by Mark Richardson, Utah News Connection

Jeff / Adobe Stock

The Ashley National Forest in northeastern Utah is part of more than 8 million acres of woodlands in the state managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

OGDEN - The U.S. Forest Service has issued a controversial rule green-lighting activities such as logging and road-building in national forests in Utah and elsewhere without a public comment period. The move is part of a flurry of regulatory rollbacks by the Trump administration that will diminish protections for migratory birds, and expand drilling and mining.

Susan Jane Brown, public lands director and staff attorney at the Western Environmental Law Center, said the rule changes the National Environmental Policy Act requirement that environmental impact studies be completed before infrastructure projects can begin.

"The procedures that the agency did finalize and decided to move forward with are a pretty substantial threat to our national forests," she said, "particularly given this administration's focus on

commercial extraction from our public lands."

She said the rule OKs "categorical exclusions" to allow the Forest Service to proceed with most projects without a public notice. Officials have said the change is needed so the agency can efficiently maintain and repair infrastructure on the public lands it manages.

Brown said putting a road in a national forest can set off a chain reaction of ecological events—and most of them are bad.

"Scientists tell us that roads are a pretty impactful action to take," she said. "To build roads on public lands has innumerable adverse effects on water quality, on wildlife, and contributes to things like forest fires."

Brown said conservation groups have for years battled the Trump administration over its efforts to water down or eliminate environmental protections. She said they're hopeful a new administration will review and overturn some of the changes.

"It's definitely one of those late-hour actions that would be subject to reversal by an incoming administration," she said. "Whether or not this is going to rank on their priority list is unclear.

A number of advocates will be talking with the transition team and apprising them of our concerns."

The new regulations are scheduled to go into effect immediately.

A WELC statement on the issue is online at westernlaw.org.

December 10, 2020

Businesses Saved and Jobs Protected: The State’s Small Business Bridge Loan Program Delivered for Utahns

SALT LAKE CITY Based on a new impact report commissioned by the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) and conducted by the Sorenson Impact Center, the $12 million Utah Leads Together Small Business Bridge Loan Program helped 1,150 small businesses and nonprofits with 50 or fewer employees across the state weather the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the second of a series of two impact reports, the Center analyzed the geographical reach and types of businesses that benefited from the program, how funding was used, and whether applicants secured other forms of financial support. Throughout this summer, the Center surveyed businesses and nonprofits that benefited from the bridge loan program—32% of bridge loan recipients responded—and identified the following: • 27% of loans were deployed to small businesses in rural counties (the goal was 25%).

• Most Utah businesses used the Bridge Loan to maintain their payroll (30%); pay their business rent, mortgage, or utilities (27%);

and pay for other business operating costs.

• Over 66% of businesses were able to keep or increase staff hours and avoid layoffs and furloughs.

• Approximately 13% of the businesses receiving loans were owned by Black, Indigenous, or other people of color. It is estimated that BIPOC businesspeople own 7% of Utah businesses.

• Approximately 33% of businesses receiving Bridge Loans were owned by women, which is on par with state averages.

• While the U.S. Census reports approximately 5.4% of Utah’s residents have veteran status, 9% of business owners that received the Bridge Loan were veterans.

The survey conducted by the Center also identified areas where businesses and nonprofits need additional support to navigate ongoing instability.

More than one-third of companies (35%) identified new business grants as being helpful, with 18% of respondents identifying flexible loans as being helpful moving forward.

Respondents also identified long-term low-interest capital,

loan forgiveness, and lending options to support capital improvements, such as upgrades to air filtration and sanitation systems, as helpful.

Geoff Davis, CEO of the Sorenson Impact Center, said, “We’re proud to partner with the Governor’s Office of Economic Development to measure the reach and impact of the Utah Leads Together Small Business Bridge Loan Program. This initiative is part of the Center’s broader work to support an equitable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“Based on our analysis of the program’s success, we have to commend GOED for its commitment to fairness and equity in disbursing funds. They exceeded expectations on support for rural communities and had a clear commitment and focus on supporting businesses owned

by Black, Indigenous, and other people of color, as well as women entrepreneurs and businesses owned by veterans. Targeted and purposeful interventions of this nature save jobs and businesses.”

“Thank you to the Sorenson Impact Center for the work they put into creating the second report for the Utah Leads Together Small Business Bridge Loan Program,” said Val Hale, GOED’s executive director. “The report shows that the program was able to help many businesses in need, and we’re grateful it was able to make an impact on so many.”

—Utah Governor's Office of Economic Development