The Wayne & Garfield County Insider December 23, 2021

The

Insider

Serving Wayne & Garfield Counties, Utah

COVID updates, including concerns regarding the omicron variant, from Intermountain Healthcare's Community Briefing on December 17, 2021 ...pg 7

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

Thursday, December 23, 2021

Bryce Canyon City Town Council

insiderutah.com

Issue # 1440

"Rabbit Valley Quilters" Donate Handmade Blankets to WCSD for Distribution to Those in Need

Garfield County Commission

by Kadi Franson

December 13

December 16 BRYCE - Mayor Syrett facilitated and Sydney SyrettLamas took the minutes.

The meeting began with a prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Bryce Canyon City’s Christmas Party was on Monday, December 20th, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. The option of providing musical entertainment was brought up. The council discussed putting the budgetary allocation for gifts towards paying musicians instead. The council decided to seek free entertainment or go without music this year.

The Sunrise Engineering bid for sidewalk construction is awaiting approval. Some city planning and discussion with the bidder still need to happen before the bid is approved.

URS Retirement Election: The council approved a retirement plan for public employees that provides a 4% match up to $200.00/month.

Fire Protection Agreement: The council needs to sign a long-term agreement with Garfield County for fire protection (similar to the agreement with the Sheriff’s Bryce Council Cont'd on page 7

Courtesy Wayne County Sheriff's Office

Wayne County Sheriff Jensen and Wayne County Commissioner Brian accept a donation of handmade quilts from a representative of the "Rabbit Valley Quilters" at the Wayne County Sheriff's Office.

WAYNE COUNTY - On December 15, 2021, Wayne County Sheriff Jensen and Wayne County Commissioner Brian were presented by a representative of the "Rabbit Valley Quilters" with a

Levi LeFevre Named by NFHS as 2021 Boys Track and Field Coach of the Year

meters still stands today.

After high school, he was recruited by legendary Coach Chick Hislop at Weber State University.

He had a great collegiate career where he was a member of the NCAA Division I, Cross Country and Track & Field teams.

After college, he brought his talents and knowledge to Kanab High School, where he became the Head Cross Country Coach in 2015 and the Head Men's Track Courtesy April LeFevre & Field Coach in 2017.

Bryce Valley High School In 2021, under the direcgraduate Levi LeFevre has tion of Coach LeFevre, been named as the 2021 Na- the KHS Cowboys won tional Federation of State High their 3rd track and field School Associations (NFHS) state title. The school had Boys Track and Field Coach of won a men's state title in the 1A division back in the Year.

1982 and 1983, but this TROPIC / KANAB - title was the first for the school Coach Levi LeFevre has been in the 2A division. selected as the 2021 NationCoach LeFevre is not al Federation of State High only an outstanding coach, but School Associations (NFHS) he also volunteers countless Boys Track and Field Coach hours at Kanab High with his of the Year. Selection is based athletic training knowledge on coaching performance, and expertise. As a certified lifetime community involve- athletic trainer, he works with ment, school involvement, teams and constantly encourand philosophy of coaching. ages athletes to take care of LeFevre started his own themselves. It's not about wintrack career at Bryce Valley ning with Coach LeFevre; High School in Tropic, Utah. while he's proven to be great He was a standout, multi-sport at that, it's about personal athlete in baseball, basketball, growth. “It's about teachcross country and track, but it ing students to compete with was on the course and track that he really excelled. His Coach of the Year 1A state record in the 3200 Cont'd on page 2

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

generous donation of beautiful quilts to the Wayne County Sheriff's Office (WCSO).

The WCSO will give some of these quilts to their "Shop-with-a-Cop" children and some will be given out in

Utah Boy Dies of COVID-19, Health Dept.

Reports on Anniversary of State’s First Vaccine Dose

situations when a warm blanket is needed.

Representatives of the Wayne County Sheriff's Department wished to express their appreciation for this donation and stated, "We are sure

Garfield Commission Cont'd on page 3

Garfield Memorial Once Again Named 2021 National Awards Winner

by Scott D. Pierce, The Salt Lake Tribune SALT LAKE CITY - Fifteen more Utahns have died of COVID-19, including a Davis County boy between the ages of 1-14, the Utah Department of Health reported Wednesday, December 15.

“Children who get COVID-19 can get really sick, and unfortunately, as we are reporting today, can die,” state epidemiologist Leisha Nolen said in a statement. “This is a tragic reminder that COVID-19 is still spreading in our communities and is still causing preventable deaths.”

The Health Department did not provide any additional information [at the time] about the boy who died. His death marked the second child to die of COVID-19 in the state, records indicate. The first child who died was a Salt Lake county boy between the ages COVID Deaths Cont'd on page 9

Courtesy Garfield Memorial Hospital

Garfield Memorial Hospital was once again recognized in 2021 with national awards given by Press Ganey. This year they received the Guardian of Excellence Award for the Emergency Room, the Pinnacle of Excellence Award in Patient Experience for the Emergency Room, and the Pinnacle of Excellence Award in Patient Experience with Outpatient Services.

PANGUITCH - Garfield Memorial Hospital in Panguitch has once again been named the winner of national awards given by Press Ganey, which is a healthcare ranking company that reviews and works with over 41,000 healthcare facilities nationwide. Garfield Memorial has been awarded three awards for 2021: the Guardian of Excellence Award for the Emergency Room, the Pinnacle of Excellence Award in Patient Experience for the Emergency Room, and the Pinnacle of

Excellence Award in Patient Experience with Outpatient Services.

Alberto Vasquez, Garfield Memorial Hospital Administrator, says, “Our ER has received the Guardian Award for three years straight now, and this particular award is given to an organization when they are in the 95 percentile in customer service for three years in a row. The Pinnacle Award is when a hospital is in the top four in the nation for that category, and our Emergency Room was ranked as one of

the top four in the nation for our size. And our Outpatient Services, which includes Lab and Imaging, received this Pinnacle award now for the second year in a row. I’m so extremely proud of our hospital and our team and what we are able to achieve together.

It’s wonderful to receive these top national awards and have even national healthcare companies recognize the exceptional work our hospital does every day.”

—Garfield Memorial Hospital

UPCOMING EVENTS...

New Year's Eve Bingo Party

December 31, 2021 Escalante Showhouse @ 6:30 p.m.

Entrance & Dinner: $10.95

THURS. DEC. 23 - WED. DEC. 29

High chances (60%) of rain/snow today, with 20 - 40% chances and partly cloudy days for the rest of the week. Highs in the 30s to low 40s; lows from the single digits to the low 20s.

these women put a lot of love in every stitch. Thank you from all of us at the Wayne County Sheriff's Office."

—Wayne County Sheriff's Office

GARFIELD COUNTY On December 13, the Garfield County Commission approved $160K in awards to five 2021 Rural County Grant applicants: • Beaver Housing Authority - $35,000 ($1,128,455 total project cost) for construction of five affordable housing units in Panguitch.

• Hoodoo Builders $40,000 ($155,170 total project cost) to relocate and renovate 4,000 sq. ft. of office space in Panguitch and negotiate a lease agreement with South Central Communications to retain 11 full-time jobs (translating into roughly 40 community members). Of those 40 community members, 18 are or will be enrolled in Garfield County schools.

• Nay's Meats - $30,000 ($750,000 total project cost) for construction of an indoor kill facility north of Panguitch to become federally certified. This will allow Nay's Meats to sell processed meats to local grocers and restaurants, hire five to seven additional fulltime employees at $18-$20/hour, and increase production from 20 to 75

Santa Claus has the right idea—visit people only once a year.

—Victor Borge

2021 New Year's Eve Swing Dance Party

December 31, 2021 9 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

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

BOXHOLDER

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

The Insider

Page 2

December 23, 2021

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.

Hello friends, associates and others, I am writing a letter to the editor of The Insider to reach those who share a common passion for the landscapes and the people of the Colorado Plateau region. For many years, I have been frustrated with the lack of shared information and stories about this region from the perspective of those who live within and intimately know and love the landscape and its communities. We need a common media thread to share stories about the plateau, because the major media simply either ignores or does not recognize local issues that have significant impacts to the environment and the people.

In June of 2012, Erica Walz and I purchased The Insider newspaper, which is delivered free to all post office boxes in Wayne and Garfield counties. The motivation for this purchase was to continue providing a community-based newspaper covering important local issues for local residents.

Not long after the purchase of the paper, I realized the reach to outlying communities on the entire Colorado Plateau was more than The Insider could facilitate and accomplish. A discussion began on what could be done to provide media coverage on issues impacting the region that are not being covered in an in-depth or meaningful manner.

Hence, Corner Post was born. Corner Post is a nonprofit project to provide funding to journalists to develop and publish in depth stories about the Colorado Plateau, such as governmental policy, accountability, efforts related to economic and ecological sustainability, resource use, food and agriculture, energy development, air and water quality, etc. as well as human interest stories that are important to all of us.

I am a founding board member and supporter of Corner Post. Corner Post seeks to discover, develop and nurture journalists with an intimate knowledge and understanding

Goings on...

of issues that impact the land and communities of the Colorado Plateau and share these stories to the “people of the plateau”—and beyond. Corner Post has been operating at a startup level for nearly a year and has produced some great stories that have been republished in other newspapers and journals throughout the plateau.

I encourage you to visit cornerpost.org to read them and to consider the potential to help initiate awareness, knowledge and enthusiasm for this project.

I also encourage you to share with us your own ideas about specific stories or themes we should seek to cover, and to help us reach out to cultivate local and regional writers and journalists living on or well acquainted with the plateau. Corner Post wants your ideas on stories, development concepts that affect the present and future of this region.

Our immediate and long term goals are to develop awareness of issues that are not getting covered by other resources, and to develop and nurture the relationship between communities across the region utilizing the power of story. Among our aspirations is that Corner Post will help connect people and communities across the plateau.

Early this fall, Corner Post was accepted as a member of the Institute for Nonprofit News. As an INN member, Corner Post qualifies for a Matching Grant of up to $10,000 from INN’s NewsMatch, offered for all individual donations of up to $1,000 that we receive between now and December 31, 2021.

To meet our NewsMatch goal, Corner Post needs an additional $3,000 in hand by December 30, 2021 to reap the entire benefits of this grant.

Thanks for your consideration. If you feel inclined to contribute to the cause, checks may be sent to Corner Post, P.O. Box 105, Escalante, UT 84726, or donations may be made online through the Corner Post. Web site at https://cornerpost.org/.

Thanks again.

Mark Austin, Escalante

SR 148, Known as the Cedar Breaks Scenic Byway, is Closed for the Winter Season

Yet Another Ugly Gravel Pit in Wayne County For those citizens who reside in Loa Town and nearby communities, this may be of particular interest to you. This subject is potentially of great concern.

If you are not yet aware of the provisions of a recent request in Wayne County, to rezone existing agriculture/ residential property, 1.5 miles west of Loa Town on Hwy 24, let us take a closer look at this proposal and its impact on local citizens.

The proposal calls for opening operation of a large gravel pit, hot plant, and heavy equipment parking just slightly south of Hwy 24 and approximately 1.5 miles west of town. It will be located very close to a dangerous blind spot (hill) on the highway.

After attending a public hearing at Wayne County courthouse on this subject, several disturbing observations arose. Not the least of which, was an obvious bias expressed by much of the commission in favor of businesses—no matter the misery it may cause to local citizens.

Several valid objections were raised by concerned locals.

The objections were for the most part predictable: Nasty destruction of the hillside, resulting in a very ugly entrance into a beautiful county and town (it would be one of the first sights greeting locals and visitors entering Loa Town), unacceptable noise, lots of dust, extreme traffic hazard on the highway, lowered property values, wasteful use of town water, damage to nearby homes from blasting, negative impact on wildlife, etc.

Except for the obvious traffic hazard this project would impose, nearly all the citizen concerns were summarily dismissed. The traffic hazard was given due diligence because a “rubber stamp” approach to the hazard would undoubtably result in Wayne County being sued the first time someone come screaming over the blind hill at highway speed and collided with a loaded gravel truck.

For those concerned about turning on your faucet, and having water come out, consider this—the gravel removal process requires water, lots of water. Where does this precious resource come from you wonder? Disturbingly, a considerable amount of this water will come from Loa Town drinking water. I’ll leave you to think about that for a minute.

As for the noise concern?

Pretty much nothing. Only mention was the OSHA standard for workers. The public?

Well, the answer? There isn’t one. Oh, and by the way, the request is for blasting, and

night-time operation. Sounding good yet?

Irreparable damage to the hillside? Oh, well—beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.

Yup, it’s true.

Decreased home/property values? Obviously, not their concern. Business competition interests are more important than your life-time investment.

One take away from the meeting: Why do we need a SIXTH gravel pit within an 8-mile radius in a county with such a small population? Well, it is like this. Uh, the other guy has a gravel pit, we don’t—we want one!

So, for those who love this pretty much idyllic valley, it may be worth thinking about the nasty, ugly mess this new pit and hot plant will make at the town entrance.

The noise, including blasting, night-time work with high intensity lights (very near the highway), the waste of water, lowered property values, etc.

I am still waiting for a rational answer. Wait, maybe I have one. What if some of the innate character of all mankind—such as greed, selfishness, pride and envy were set aside for once, and a different approach was tried; forgiveness, sharing, cooperation and just basic respect for others.

A simple handshake over the table is as good a start as any.

From there, you learn to cooperate, identify each other’s respective strengths and a find a (friendly) way to coalesce these strengths, through cooperation, into positive synergy.

The strength of positive synergy is much greater than the [darker]energy of envy, bitterness and selfishness. It just stands to reason that not only could more work get done, but it would also be faster and more efficient. Not to mention way more friendly to the environment and your fellow citizens. There is plenty of money to go around, so long as you don’t insist on having all the marbles to yourself. The same approximate number of people would be employed in a cooperative endeavor. The total scope of the project would be the same with one company as it would with two, or even three; the workers would be doing the same things they normally do—regardless of who signs their paychecks. I know it may sound archaic and simplistic, but it is simple, it’s called “share and share alike.”

It is amazing just how well this very basic concept works.

If this project concerns you, contact your neighbors and make your objections known. Oh, and please enjoy the beautiful place you live.

Dale Zesiger, Loa

Coach of the Year: I am humbled

and grateful to be the recipient of this award, but would also like to attribute the success I've had as a coach to those who I coach with. By surrounding myself with fellow coaches who share the same coaching philosophy, attitude, and dedication, we've been able to earn [and] accomplish great things in this program.—Coach Levi LeFevre Coach of the Year

Courtesy Dixie National Forest

State Route 148, also know as the Cedar Breaks Scenic Byway, is now closed for the winter season from mile marker 0.2 to 19 through Cedar Break National Monument.

DIXIE N.F. - State Route 148 is a state highway in the U.S. state of Utah. The entire highway has been designated the Cedar Breaks Scenic Byway, as part of the Utah Scenic Byways and National Forest Scenic Byway programs.

SR 148 is now closed for the winter season from milepost 0.2 to 19 through Cedar Breaks National Monument.

UDOT gives up-to-date road conditions at https://www. udottraffic.utah.gov/RoadWeatherForecast.aspx —Dixie National Forest

Cont'd from page 1

themselves and improving on their own personal bests. It's about learning to communicate and to work as a team.

It's about knowing that physical and mental health are as important as finish times and medals won,” said LeFevre.

Coach LeFevre, also, had this to say about winning the award: "I am humbled and grateful to be the recipient of this award, but would also like

to attribute the success I've had as a coach to those who I coach with. By surrounding myself with fellow coaches who share the same coaching philosophy, attitude, and dedication, we've been able to earn [and] accomplish great things in this program."

LeFevre is the son of Layne and April LeFevre of Tropic, UT and is married to Samantha Hamblin. They are the parents of three children and reside in Kanab, UT. —April LeFevre

Insider

The

A Letter About Corner Post, a New Non-Profit Media Organization

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

Local columnists:

Mack Oetting - FYI Panguitch 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 23, 2021

Notes from the Nuthatch Quiet Season

The Insider

by Kadi Franson

Kadi Franson

Winter is the quiet time of year and a time to slow down and reflect.

BRYCE - Snow fell again last night. I drank my morning tea and slipped on coveralls to go shovel the walk, not eager to leave the cozy warmth of the cabin. I scraped and lifted the shovel, scooping heaps of fresh snow and tossing them aside.

Scrape, lift, toss. Scrape, lift, toss. My cheeks flushed warm, blooming roses. The rhythm of the work felt good.

I became bewitched by the dazzling snow as it caught the sunlight and glittered.

“Maybe a small stroll in the forest,” I thought.

I finished up, leaving behind a clear pathway from driveway to door, and set off towards the trees. My boots crunched down, each toe tip a trowel coming up with its own little mound of snow. It fell away as I walked, span-

gles cascading to the ground.

I paused. The forest was still.

I saw no tracks. No distant raven squawked. In that moment, there was nothing to break the spell.

It is the quiet time of year, the season of long nights. In the daytime, the sun sears low, glinting. The piercing blue sky, the glaring brightness of it all has a way of laying you bare. It is a time to slow down and reflect. For some of us, it is time for accounting, recaps, of setting intentions and goals.

If we can manage to squeeze in a little elbow room between the holiday tidings, that is—the snuffling reindeer, the inevitable melting of jolly ol’ Frosty, the white elephants, the credit card debt.

In the space of reflection, all the joys and failings from the previous year come to rest at the bottom of the same bowl. We hold it in our hands and look down into it, marveling at our existence, lamenting our lot, whispering promises to ourselves.

I thought of recent nights.

The winter hunter, Orion, has been on his side lately. His bright belt of stars is vertical, loyal dogs Canis Major and Minor at his side, his bow and arrow aimed straight up towards the fierce bull, Taurus.

We turn towards the bend of time, set our sights, and shoot arrows into the darkness.

I’ve been doing my own accounting, examining the

contents of my own bowl, looking up to squint at the future.

It is almost my one-year anniversary with The Insider.

In that time, I have written over 45 “Notes from the Nuthatch” columns, news articles, and council reports. I have shared my nature observations, built new relationships, and learned about issues that impact our area, from roundabouts to dinosaur discoveries.

It has been a gift.

Thank you for your readership and ongoing encouragement as I continue to strive towards becoming a better writer, putting a pen to the things that I care about. I’m grateful to be a part of The Insider team, as well as this community and look forward to another year with you all.

Outside the cabin, our picnic table was set with a perfect napery of soft white snowflakes. I felt tempted to have a seat, a cloud person awaiting the winter solstice feast. I kicked another mound of snow and let it pillow around my feet. Feeling joyful to be alive in this heaven on earth, I considered making a snow angel.

“Too wet, too cold,” I thought, smiling. “Not sure how the angels do it.”

Happy holidays to you all.

Notes from the Nuthatch is a nature column written by Kadi Franson, a naturalist and artist living in Garfield County.

Garfield Commission: Approval of $160K in awards

to five 2021 Rural County Grant applicants, allocation of 2021 Special Project Funds, the initiation of a new GSENM Management Plan, RV spaces at Escalante Heritage Center, Garfield Memorial Hospital's 2022 contract and upgrades, 2021 Budget Opening and 2022 Proposed Budget Public Hearing, and a public request for a clarification of Commission compensation discussed.

Garfield Commission Cont'd from page 1

beef/week.

• Bryce Valley Home Center - $40,000 ($2,000,000 total project cost) to construct a 15,000 sq. ft. store in Tropic that will include a True Value hardware store with indoor lumber yard and a Family Dollar.

• High Desert Strategies - $15,000 ($39,500 total project cost) to renovate an old laundromat into one long-term housing unit in Escalante.

In addition, 2021 Special Projects funds were allocated for 1) a county ASAP study, which inventories industries within the county and analyzes other potentials; 2) opting into a regional (Beaver, Iron and Garfield) Chamber of Commerce, 3) preparing the NEPA for a bike course near Casto Canyon, providing a home course for Panguitch High School's mountain bike team as well as a venue for competitive races; and 4) an extensive Economic Development Marketing Campaign focusing on alternatives to seasonal/tourist-related industries/jobs.

Awards and funding were recommended to the Commission by the Economic Development Board which had met the previous week to evaluate grant projects.

In other business, Public Works, Dave Dodds announced completion of the Airport Lane Bridge and the Feb/March initiation of a new Monument Management Plan under the direction of GSENM Manager Vicki Tyler. Between now and then, GSENM will hire a facilitator/project planner. Commissioner Leland Pollock asked Dodds to keep the Commission updated as to ongoing discussions, saying “We have people who need to be in the room or on the call.”

Escalante Heritage Center, Executive Director Chad Lyman, 2021 update: Lyman said the Center’s campground, with tent space and a 3-unit trailer space for large RVs, had grossed $4500.

He’s seeking approval from Escalante City to add more RV spaces, including a site for a fulltime campground host.

Commissioner Pollock said the $25K requested annually by the Center had already been budgeted so no approval was required.

Garfield Memorial Hospital, Alberto Vasquez requested and received approval for the hospital’s 2022 Intermountain Health Care contract. He also received approval for $215K for upgrades to the hospital’s telemetry monitoring system. Vasquez said the annual Medicare Recertification inspection was successful.

2021 Budget Opening and 2022 Proposed Budget, Public Hearings: Clerk/ Auditor Camille Moore explained the 2021 budget opening in which the current budget can be revised to reflect actual revenue and expenditures. Moore said there was a $3,824,000 increase in 2021 revenue due to receiving full Secure Rural Schools (SRS) and Payment-in-Lieu-of-Taxes (PILT) federal funding. (The 2021 budget assumed minimal funding for each.) In addition, she said the county’s Transient Room Tax revenue was significantly larger than anticipated.

The Commissioners opened the public hearing on the 2021 budget. One member of the public, Harshad Desai, asked about property taxes and how the county determines that revenue saying, “2021 numbers are down 50 percent when it should be closer to doubling.” He said market value and inflation adjustment should be applied to valuation and “The numbers are confusing.” Moore said the numbers reflect taxes already collected, that most collection doesn’t come in until December and January, and that state law indicates how valuation and tax rates are handled.

With no further public comments, the Commission closed the public hearing and voted to adopt the 2021 Budget revisions.

Next, the Commission went into public hearing on the proposed 2022 Budget.

Harshad Desai asked for clarification on Commission compensation, both salary and benefits, saying that the numbers don’t equate to three full salaries. He said he wasn’t arguing the amount, just to make the data clearer, though he did question an apparent 62 percent increase in benefits since 2019. “Just let the people have a clear picture,” said Desai Commissioner Pollock cited a reduction in pay the Commissioners agreed to last year so that other county employees could get a cost-of-living increase and that benefits are the same across the board for all county employees. Moore said in past years, a percentage of Commissioners’ salaries and benefits were coded to the Class B Road Fund. Last year, the auditors had asked those numbers to be reflected differently. She said the 2022 road fund line item, divided by three, indicates the actual commission salaries.

The only other member of the public to speak was AJ Martel. He said, “A public hearing isn’t the place to state your confusion about your inability to understand budgets or ask questions; it’s the place to express concerns or offer suggestions on what you want to see.” Martel said the overwhelming majority of citizens who have voted for these Commissioners appreciate what they’ve done with the budget and how they handle county business, despite the “garbage” they receive from the 18 percent of citizens who didn’t vote for them.

The Commissioners thanked Martel for his comments and voted to adopt the 2022 Budget.

The Commission suspended the meeting for lunch with Sen. Lee’s staff rep. and went into Executive Session after lunch to discuss personnel.

The Garfield County Commission meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month starting at 10 a.m.

All meetings are held in the County Courthouse in Panguitch. There is no set up for electronic participation.

—Insider

Page 3

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The Insider

December 23, 2021

Schools & Sports

Gain a Career Edge with Southern Utah University Post-Bachelor Certificates

Courtesy Southern Utah University

Donna Law teaches Southern Utah University's Non-Profit Management course covering strategies and techniques for managing non-profit organizations.

CEDAR CITY - Southern Utah University is offering next steps to those who have earned a bachelor’s degree and aim to specialize a skillset or gain a competitive edge. New post-bachelor institutional certificate programs include Online Teaching, Leadership Studies and Non-Profit Management. Designed for those looking to upskill, change career paths or take the first step toward a graduate degree, participants can choose from the three certificate options. With classes starting Jan. 10 each certificate is made up of three courses that can be completed all at once, or one at a time, to give working adults with busy schedules the flexibility to learn new skills.

"The beauty of these certificates is they are completely online," said SUU Master of Interdisciplinary Studies (MIS) Program Director, Dr. Cynthia Kimball Davis. "They can be completed by potential students seeking to either advance their careers or assist them in this new normal vir-

tual/remote world of learning and working."

For those who have considered going back to school to earn a master’s degree, these certificates offer a way to take graduate level courses without having to take an admissions test or apply to a program. Certificates earned can stand alone to boost your resume, or upon approval, up to nine credits can transfer into the SUU MIS degree.

“There is so much out there to continue learning about beyond your bachelor’s degree,” said Davis. “These opportunities are unique and something to get excited about.”

The Online Teaching Institutional Certificate covers the fundamentals of online teaching, learning and instructional design. With many schools adapting to online learning, take the opportunity to increase your understanding and learn how to develop quality online learning experiences. Credits earned will be reflected on your official SUU

transcript and may count toward continuing education requirements.

For those looking to advance their career, the Leadership Studies Institutional Certificate is designed to help you identify skills and styles of leadership. Learn to create and lead effective groups and teams and build an ongoing improvement plan.

The Non-profit Management Institutional Certificate is designed to teach an introduction to the strategies, techniques and requirements for managing a non-profit organization. You will learn about private and public grant-making foundations and how to properly research, prioritize, apply and build relationships.

For more information on opportunities and training from SUU Community and Professional Development, visit their website at suu.edu/ prodev or call (435) 8658259.

—Southern Utah University

Money Tips for Students

Federal Student Loan Repayment to Resume in February Borrowers who were able to pause their federal student loan repayment over the last 18 months will need to resume making payments soon, with interest beginning in February, according to KHEAA. KHEAA advises borrowers to make sure their loan servicer has their current contact information. If you don’t know who your loan servicer is, you can find it by logging into your account at studentaid.gov. The information will be under the "My Aid" sec-

tion.

by Tim Ballard

Your loan servicer can also help if you expect to have trouble restarting repayment of your loans. In that case, contact your loan servicer as soon as possible. They can help you find the repayment plan that best fits your finances and could reduce your monthly payment.

KHEAA a public, nonprofit agency established in 1966 to improve students’ access to college. It provides information about financial aid

and financial literacy at no cost to students and parents.

The agency also helps colleges manage their student loan default rates and verify information submitted on the FAFSA. For more information about those services, visit www.kheaa.com.

In addition, KHEAA disburses private Advantage Education Loans on behalf of its sister agency, KHESLC. For more information, visit www.advantageeducationloan.com.

December 23, 2021

Wills, Trusts, and More

The Insider

Are You Prepared to Live Alone?

by Jeffery J. McKenna Whether you have been together for a short time or a long time, you will most likely go through a period of emotional and financial stress after losing a partner.

Trying to take charge of all the responsibilities you have to handle alone, while at the same time making important decisions about your future, can seem overwhelming.

It is important to remember to take care of yourself as you walk the path of healing after such a difficult event. Too many times the remaining partner does not eat enough food or drink enough water to be properly nourished, and does not get enough rest. Try to postpone unnecessary changes and big decisions until you are thinking rationally and clearly.

Wait a while—some experts counsel at least a year—before moving to a new house or making a major career (or other) change.

In most relationships, there is a certain amount of separation of duty that takes place: one partner does the cooking while the other does the gardening, one partner takes care of the car while the other partner pays the bills.

At the death of a partner, the surviving partner often feels

overwhelmed that there are too many tasks for one person to handle alone. Plus, there is much paperwork to be accomplished, what with survivor’s benefits, insurance issues, or other benefits that the survivor will need to make claim for.

To make the period after the death of a partner less stressful, there are some things that can be done in advance.

Be sure that both names are on the safe deposit box, so you may each have access to important papers and documents.

Keep a complete list of where your family’s legal and financial records are stored. Keep a summary record for listing the names and telephone numbers of your personal financial advisors, as well as the location of relevant information and documents. Keep copies of your marriage certificate and your partner’s Social Security card.

Ask yourselves, "What would your financial situation be in the event your spouse died?" This is a critical question, because once you know the answer, you can take the appropriate steps to strengthen your financial position. Ask yourself these questions now: 1.) What would my income be if my spouse died? 2.) What would my spouse’s income be

t H e Oven Timer

PANGUITCH OFFICE AT 46 NORTH MAIN STREET TO SERVE CLIENTS IN AND AROUND GARFIELD COUNTY. Jeffery J. McKenna is a local attorney whose practice has been focused on Estate Planning for over 20 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. if I died? 3.) Is my income affected by the death of someone other than a spouse?

Attending to these questions and making wise adjustments could save you from a financial crisis and ease your transition after the death of your partner.

Because the oven was overshooting the set temperature, I shaved a few minutes off the cooking time for my muffins, set the timer and asked my husband to keep an eye on them while he did the dishes and I dusted.

Not long after, I smelled something burning and dashed into the kitchen. "Are those my muffins burning?" I asked Andy.

"Yes," he said as he calmly wiped a dinner plate.

"Then why are they still in the oven?" I cried.

"Because," he replied, "the timer hasn't gone off yet."

Language Barrier

Page 5

l A u G h i N g pOiNt!!

Fire Alarms

With fire alarms blaring at my mom's apartment complex, she grabbed her favorite bathing suit and ran out.

"A bathing suit?" I said later, "Of all the priceless things in that apartment, that's what you chose to save?"

"Material things come and go," she said. "But a onepiece suit that doesn't make you look fat is impossible to replace."

PUNishment

Why can't drummers come back from retirement?

Because there will be repercussions.

Today's Thought

All my life, I thought air was free. That is until I bought a bag of chips.

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

A manager of a restaurant had called its owner to ask about whether or not she should hire a new waitress.

"She can speak twelve different languages, which will be good for foreign visitors," said the manager.

"All right, so hire her," the owner replied.

"But, sir..."

"I knew there would be a "but." What's wrong with her?"

"Sir, English isn't one of the twelve languages."

Shower Thoughts

Babysitters are teenagers who behave like grown-ups so that grown-ups can go out and behave like teenagers.

This week's answers on page 10

THEME: MOVIE QUOTES ACROSS 1. THESE 5. General Services Administration 8. Ex-Miami Heat player Dwyane 12. Pomegranate seed 13. Actor Chris O'____ 14. Pacific Crest Trail walker 15. Country dance formation 16. Wished undone 17. Popeye's sweetie 18. *"Sudden Impact": "Go ahead, ____ ____ ____" 20. Arm part 21. Gold unit 22. Parabola, e.g.

23. San Joaquin Valley city 26. Hangs out with 30. Unit of electrical resistance 31. *"Star Wars": "Stay in ____ formation" 34. Mr. Jinx's (of "Meet the Parents") cry 35. Clay and silt deposit 37. Camel debris 38. Japanese sword fighting 39. Was aware of 40. Come into sight 42. *"Independence Day": "I belong in the ____" 43. *"The Dark Knight": "Why so ____?"

45. Common allergen 47. Cup alternative 48. Bird-made fertilizer 50. Sketch 52. *"On the Waterfront": "I coulda been a ____" 56. El Dorado-related 57. Tabernacle Choir's home state 58. Contributed 59. Star Wars attacker 60. Unidentified aircraft 61. Prep for publication 62. Ladder step 63. Tropical American cuckoo 64. Part to play

DOWN 1. Precedes storm?

2. Soprano's song, e.g.

3. *"Mean Girls": "On Wednesdays, we wear ____" 4. Makes smooth, as in hair 5. Dutch cheese 6. *"Darkest Hour": "I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and ____" 7. ____ Walker, American Girl doll 8. *"Field of Dreams": "If you build it, he ____ _____" 9. Related 10. Deity, in Sanskrit 11. "... ____ he drove out of sight" 13. Fungus damage (2 words) 14. Meryl Streep's "The ____" 19. Supernatural life force, pl.

22. Query 23. *"Who Framed Roger Rabbit": "That's all, ____!"

24. Côtes du ____, wine region

25. Mideast V.I.P. 26. Soreness 27. Kidney-related 28. *"Princess Bride": "You killed my father. Prepare ____ ____" 29. Bound by oath 32. "Lights out" tune 33. Nile reptile 36. *"Finding Nemo": "Just keep ____" 38. Danish money 40. Two before Oct 41. Lack of enthusiasm 44. 1/16th of a pound 46. Not two years but three, e.g.

48. Coped (2 words) 49. Freshwater eel, in Japan 50. Comics character Little ____ 51. Fe 52. Caribbean island country 53. Carpenter's joint 54. Like a fairytale stepmother?

55. Network of nerves 56. Acronym, abbr.

Solution on page 10

Page 6

The Insider

December 23, 2021

New Colorado River Report Claims Utah, Other States Using More Water Than They Have Rights to

by Mori Kessler, St. George News ST. GEORGE - A new study released claims that Utah is overusing its Colorado River allotment. If true, this could result in cuts to the state’s use of the river, along with two other states the study also claims are taking more water than they have a right to.

Water conservationists who support the study’s findings have expressed hope that it will lead to the end of the Lake Powell Pipeline and other proposed diversions on the Colorado River.

Sponsored by the Utah Rivers Council and titled “A Future on Borrowed Time,” the report claims that three of the four Upper Colorado River Basin states—Utah, Colorado and New Mexico, but not Wyoming—are using more water than legally allowed under the 1922 Colorado River Compact.

Under the compact, the Upper Colorado River Basin states are allowed the “leftovers” of the Colorado River after obligations to the Lower Basin are met. Of that amount, Utah is entitled to 23%—approximately 1.725 million acre-feet—of the Colorado River. An acre-foot of water is approximately 325,000 gallons, which is estimated to be two household’s worth of water use in a year.

According to state and local water managers, the state has yet to fully develop its rights to the river. The state is currently using about 1 million acre-feet annually, according to a statement from the Utah Governor’s Office.

If Utah has additional water rights yet to develop, state officials say Utah is within its rights to pursue the Lake Powell Pipeline. The pipeline, which will run 140 miles from Lake Powell to Sand Hollow Reservoir in Washington County, would divert an estimated 86,000 acre-feet of water to the county. Water managers say the secondary source of water is needed to help support the continuing growth of Washington County into the future.

The Utah Rivers Council’s study specifically points

to the pipeline as a “good example of a bad idea threatening other water users.”

The pipeline is considered the largest diversion presently proposed for the Colorado River and threatens to take even more water Utah is not truly entitled to, according to the study.

Over the last 20 years as drought and a changing climate have continued to plague the West, the flow of the Colorado River has shrunk nearly 20%. Average river flow in the 20th century was estimated to be 15.2 million acre-feet, while 21st century flows are at around 12.4 million, according to the study.

This equates to a 500,000 acre-foot deficit in the Upper Basin that could lead to the Lower Basin states demanding that the Upper Basin states contributing to the problem cut their water use, which they have the right to do under the Colorado River Compact.

The study goes on to state that future declines to the river could be as high as 30-40%.

“Water leaders need to either stop denying that the Colorado River has dropped 20%, or they need to be replaced with professionals who embrace science and want to protect existing water users, instead of endangering them by proposing new water diversions amidst a declining supply,” Zachary Frankel, executive director of the Utah Rivers Council, said in a press release.

Lack of snowpack during the 2019-20 winter season was particularly low, leading to federal water managers declaring the first water shortage for the Colorado River.

The declaration triggered forthcoming cuts in the river water use for some Lower Basin states and Mexico.

Arizona will see an 18% reduction, which translates to around 512,000 acre-feet of water. Those anticipated to be the most impacted by the cuts will be the state’s farmers. Nevada will see a 7% reduction at 21,000 acre-feet, and Mexico will have its share reduced by 5%, or 80,000 acre-feet.

California is presently un-

FYI

PanguItch

by Mack Oetting ~ mackoetting @gmail.com

Christmas came early for Panguitch, and the fundraiser for the Blevins family was overwhelming. The Triple C Arena was packed with the caring people of Panguitch.

You showed America that this is the best place in the world to live.

Santa has filled all of the Sub for Santa requests and

will make many children in our area have a happy Christmas morning. Thanks to all of you that make this program possible. God bless you all, and have a Merry Christmas.

Keep in mind the real reason we celebrate Christmas; the birth of our Savior Jesus Chr ist.

The Oetting Family.

affected by the cuts due to having senior water rights to the Colorado River as opposed to the other states and Mexico.

Lake Mead and Lake Powell, the nation’s two largest reservoirs, have also shrunk in capacity over the years as the seasonal snowpack that generally lends to their refilling has declined. Lowering water levels at the reservoirs pose pending issues for hydroelectric power generation at the Glen Canyon and Hoover dams.

Despite the evidence of decreasing flows on the Colorado River over the last two decades, conservationists say regional officials are denying the truth of the situation and either going on old data that is no longer accurate or outright denying climate change impacts in general.

“Upper Basin water leaders have refused to accept forty years of science demonstrating that climate change is shrinking the Colorado River,” John Weisheit, conservation director Living Rivers, Colorado River Waterkeeper, said in a press release accompanying the study.

“It’s time to stop pretending that shortages in the Upper Basin are not coming, they are here now.”

The study likened the issue to a family living on a savings account—with certain family members not realizing the account has been shrinking over time due to their use of it: The Colorado River is like a household income source and the reservoirs are like a huge savings account. For the last 20 years, the household’s income has declined and the residents of the house have been living off their savings.

Yet some house residents don’t realize they have been slowly draining their savings account?

Weisheit, along with Frankel and others representing conservation groups across the West such as the WildEarth Guardians, Great Basin Water Network, Living Rivers/Colorado Riverkeeper and Center for Biological Diversity held a press conference concerning the study’s findings.

The overall growth across the Colorado River Basin region was blasted by Robin Silver, cofounder of the Center for Biological Diversity. He said the Lower Basin states used 1 million acre-feet more than they were supposed to annually, which he said has led to the extinction or near-extinction of certain fish species native to the river.

“And Arizona’s answer?

Continue growing at a nonsustainable rate, inadequate conservation efforts and return to groundwater pumping, which is also not sustainable,” Silver said.

A representative from Mexico, Margarita Diaz, executive director of Proyecto Fronterizo de Educación Am-

biental, the Tijuana Waterkeeper, was also present during the press conference. She said it is not only the Basin states that rely on the Colorado River.

“The State of Baja California in Mexico depends heavily on Colorado River water, and these water cuts mean less water for drinking, hygiene and other essential human needs,” Diaz said. “We need to create a plan to ensure our people have the essential water they need to survive our climate change crisis.”

In response to the Utah Rivers Council’s study, a joint statement was released from the Upper Colorado River Commissioners and Utah Department of Natural Resources: "The Upper Colorado River Commissioners have stated: 'The Upper Division States are well aware of their rights and obligations under the Law of the River. There are challenges across the Colorado River Basin, and we are committed, as we have been for years, to advancing sustainable solutions.'

A draft report released (Monday) questions Colorado River usage by some upper division states including Utah. We are currently reviewing the draft report and the data upon which the report is based.

We acknowledge the hydrology has changed, and we are committed to live within our means.

We are currently using the latest technology to better understand our use. We are evaluating additional wateruse efficiencies throughout the Colorado River system in Utah including the utilization of more water reuse and recycling technologies, encouraging the adoption of water efficiency standards by cities and towns, increased conservation efforts by all users, additional on-farm conservation measures and optimization projects, and evaluating our current water accounting practices.

The State of Utah is keenly aware of the current drought and its effects on the Colorado River. Because Utah and its citizens are among the millions who share the river, the Utah Department of Natural Resources and Utah’s Colorado River Authority are carefully analyzing how drought and a changing climate may impact Utah and its water projects into the future.'"

This article is published through the Utah News Collaborative, a partnership of news organizations in Utah that aim to inform readers across the state.

This article was originally published in The St. George News on December 16, 2021.

The Insider

December 23, 2021

Page 7

Utah Teachers, Librarians Alarmed by Calls to Ban Controversial Books

by Mark Richardson, Utah News Connection

Bullfrog Main Spur Ramp Closed to Houseboats Dec. 20, 2021 and to All Motorized Vessels Jan. 3, 2022 Stanton Creek Primitive Launch Ramp Remains Open

Stock Photo/Adobe Stock

The American Library Association has established an Office for Intellectual Freedom to deal with the growing number of challenges to books and other library materials.

SALT LAKE CITY Utah teachers and school librarians are reacting with alarm to a growing problem of parents and other groups demanding books they find objectionable be removed from shelves.

A coalition of Utah educators, librarians and social advocates spoke out on recent calls for several volumes— some of them literary classics —to be censored because they contain controversial sexual or cultural references.

In response, the groups representing librarians and teachers have published an eBook highlighting libraries' role in defending the First Amendment.

Tricia Fenton, president of the Utah Educational Library Media Association, said the demands are growing louder and more threatening.

"We support thought-

ful conversations, we support following processes," Fenton explained. "What we can't support is recklessly going through and pulling books off of shelves indiscriminately because they are deemed offensive by certain members of our communities."

One group, Utah Parents United, told a Salt Lake City TV station they are calling for schools to "quit protecting pornography and materials harmful to minors." They cited a Utah law defining those terms.

Groups including Equality Utah, the Utah Pride Center and the NAACP joined librarians in a news conference this week calling for a halt to censorship.

Fenton pointed out some of the books are aimed at high school-age kids grappling with identity issues and struggling to fit in.

"We really strive to have the same kinds of First Amendment freedoms available for our students," Fenton stressed. "Of them being able to read books that not only reflect themselves—when they read the book, they should be able to see themselves in it— but we also want to provide windows to other perspectives."

Fenton added the American Library Association reported a 60% increase so far this year in book challenges across the U.S. She noted some of them come with legal threats.

"They are also moving now for legal action against teacher librarians and teachers in general," Fenton reported.

"They're looking for criminal negligence charges to be applied."

The librarians are encouraging parents to work with

Bryce Council: Bryce Canyon City's Christmas Party,

the Sunrise Engineering bid for sidewalk construction, approval of a retirement plan for public employees, a fire protection agreement, a raise for Town Manager Taryn Syrett, town employee bonuses, signage and roundabout lighting, fire department volunteers, and financial reports discussed.

The next Bryce Canyon City Town Council meeting will take place January 6, 2022.

Bryce Council Cont'd from page 1

office for law enforcement services). There was a motion to approve the signing of the agreement.

Town Manager Taryn Syrett recently completed his plumbing hours and journeyman test. He is now a commercial journeyman. This was the recommendation from the hiring committee when he was hired, with an incentive of a $2/hour raise once completed. Now that he has met the milestone, the council discussed giving him a raise. There was a motion to approve Taryn’s raise.

Employee Christmas Bonuses: The council gave bonuses last year to the town’s employees. The council approved a total amount of $3750.00 to offer the same bonuses this year.

Commissioner Tebbs reached out to the city about offering a Skills Competition event with prizes at the Wellness Center on New Year’s Day. The event would use the gymnasium and include a challenge course. Tebbs reached out to get support and see if Bryce Canyon City would donate money for prizes.

The Prevention Coalition is in support of the event, with the suggestion of including parent-child teams.

The council approved a

donation towards the event not to exceed $250.00.

Rainbow Sign and Banner recently provided two options for signage. The signs outline the rules and regulations for using the Wellness Center. The signage would be 2’x 3’ and installed near the entryway. The council provided some edits to the list of rules and regulations.

The lighting on the roundabout was not hooked up, causing a safety concern.

Garkane hooked up the box on December 15, 2021, so there should be roundabout lighting now.

There are two applications for volunteers who want to join the fire department.

There is also an application for an intern for the fire department. It will cost about $4,000-$5,000 to bring on the intern, due to the price of gear and equipment. One of the volunteers was approved.

The other applications will be determined in the future, once

the council is sure that the applicants are able to stay in the area An occurring EMT class will begin in January.

There was a report on financials. Checks were made to Bryce Canyon Sinclair for $98.79 for fire truck fuel, to Tropic town for $200.00 for the Prevention Coalition's office rental, to Bryce Canyon Auto Care for $740.48, to Canon for $141.89 for the copier expenses, $71.55 for Unemployment, to Utah State Division of finance for $50,000 for the annual building payment, to Hinton Burdick for $4,940.60 for auditing services, to South Central Phone and Internet for $443.95, and to Jones and DeMille for $906.88 for engineering services.

The next meeting will take place on January 6th, 2022, at 10 a.m.

Bryce Canyon City Town Council meetings take place the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month.

them and school officials to develop reasonable standards respecting both parents' rights and intellectual freedom.

BULLFROG - Visitors to Lake Powell are advised that, due to low water levels, the Bullfrog Main Spur Ramp has closed to houseboats starting on Dec. 20, 2021. Smaller motorized vessels may continue to launch (at your own risk). The Bullfrog Main Spur Ramp is adjacent to the eastern side of the Bullfrog Main Launch Ramp. The Bullfrog Main Spur Ramp consists of a legacy road that was built in the 1960s.

Due to the topography and subsoil conditions at the Bullfrog Main Spur Ramp, the park anticipates it will no longer be suitable for launching any motorized vessels by January 3, 2022. At that time, the Bullfrog Main Spur Ramp will be closed to all motorized vessels until further notice.

The Stanton Creek primitive launch ramp remains open for continued North Lake Powell access for small, motorized vessels (at your own risk). Stanton Creek is located

approximately three miles east of Bullfrog. Four-wheel drive vehicles are highly recommended.

The park remains committed to providing North Lake Powell motorized boater access and is initiating a construction contract to permanently extend the Bullfrog North Ramp to reach a lake elevation of 3520 feet. This project is anticipated to be completed in April 2022, but use of the extended Bullfrog North Ramp will be dependent on lake levels.

Lake Powell water level fluctuations are determined by a wide range of factors, and it is not possible to predict daily elevations with absolute certainty. Real-time information is available on our website about Lake Powell’s fluctuating water levels and the status of water-based visitor services at this link: https://www. nps.gov/glca/learn/changinglake-levels.htm.

—National Park Service

Intermountain Healthcare COVID Community Briefing As COVID Community Transmission, Hospitalizations, and Deaths Continue to Rise in Utah, Intermountain Healthcare Doctors Keep an Eye on Omicron Variant

Courtesy Intermountain Healthcare

Dr. Brandon Webb is an Intermountain Healthcare infectious disease physician.

UTAH - The omicron variant of COVID-19 is on the verge of overtaking the delta variant throughout the U.S. and in Utah. Intermountain Healthcare infectious disease physician Dr. Brandon Webb provided an update on Friday, December 17, during an Intermountain Healthcare press conference, and discussed omicron’s potency and transmissibility, vaccine effectiveness, and how to manage health risks with omicron’s emergence coinciding with the holidays.

“The elephant in the room is the omicron variant,” said Dr. Webb. “We have a lot to talk about with the emergence of omicron.”

Over recent weeks, Utah has seen steady rates of COVID community transmission averaging around one thousand cases per day. Hospitalizations have been steady over the last four to six weeks, and Utah hospital volumes remain very high, with COVID ICUs near or above 100 percent capacity. Increasingly, hospital staffing is limited, with significant shortages in nursing and respiratory technologists, and those who are working are fatigued.

“That’s concerning because over the next month, [we] are expecting that the omicron variant will signifi-

cantly burden the healthcare systems because of its transmissibility,” said Dr. Webb.

“What we understand about this variant is it is two, perhaps three times more transmissible than the delta variant. What this means is the new variant is more efficient at causing infection.”

Omicron has more than fifty mutations, making it extremely effective at causing infection in the large airways of the lung, to a much greater degree than the delta variant.

Because of that, there are very high levels of virus in individuals who are infected with omicron, and, therefore, the ability of the virus to spread to others is enhanced. New data from both South Africa and the United Kingdom show that hospitalizations related to omicron have shot up, dampening early hopes that omicron may be milder than delta.

“This is discouraging,” said Dr. Webb, “because the increased contagiousness of this virus is sure to increase cases. With increased cases we see increased hospitalizations, especially in those groups that are vulnerable to severe outcomes—those who are not fully vaccinated, those with health problems and compromised immunity.”

Reinfection rates in individuals who have had previous COVID infection with delta was very low. With omicron, its more than 10 times higher.

Data released from the United Kingdom suggests that prior infection is about 500% less protective against omicron than it was for delta. The takeaway is that for individuals to be fully protected, as much as possible, their immune system needs to have had three experiences with the SARS CoV-2 virus.

“We know that [the] omicron variant is the Houdini of COVID variants,” said Dr. Webb. “If you’ve had prior infection and were relying on that for protecting you against further strains, that no longer applies to the omicron variant.

In that case, I strongly encourage individuals who have had prior COVID to get vaccinated. Individuals who have been vaccinated with two doses, I strongly encourage the booster dose, with the immune crosstraining it increases the immunity against omicron significantly.”

Utahns have a couple of weeks to prepare for omicron.

Dr. Webb stressed the importance of taking advantage of this time. The symptoms of COVID-19 overlap with symptoms of other viruses, and when symptoms of a respiratory infection of any kind arise, a key is to test early.

“We’re all looking forward to being together for the holidays. It’s important to be responsible, to be cautious about the activities that we participate in,” said Dr. Webb. He stressed that the tools that have been effective to date remain effective for omicron. One is reducing the size of gatherings, and reducing unnecessary gatherings.

Another is ensuring that when gathering, to limit the number of individuals in a space, and maintain excellent ventilation.

If you have symptoms that are consistent with a respiratory infection, don’t gather with individuals. Get tested instead.

And masking remains crucial to reducing transmission among both unvaccinated and vaccinated individuals.

“The CDC guidance hasn’t changed. Individuals who have been fully vaccinated should [still] consider or are encouraged to wear masks in public,” said Dr. Webb.

—Insider

Page 8

The Insider

December 23, 2021

December 27 - January 2

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.

Graphic Created with SkySafariAstronomy.com

Four planets thirty minutes after sunset on December 30th. The horizon is translucent, so you can see the sun.

I’ve been writing about the disappearance of Venus for weeks, and now, it happens.

Venus is moving between the earth and sun, and it’s most nearly in line with the sun on January 8th. That’s the day when it officially moves into the morning sky and becomes the “Morning Star,” although, you won’t actually see it until later in the month.

On the 27th, Venus sets 1 hour 38 minutes after the sun, but by the 2nd, it sets 1 hour after the sun, and you’ll need a very flat horizon to even try to spot it. On which day will you last see it?

While Venus is losing elevation nightly, Mercury is gaining elevation and will make a feeble attempt to replace it, briefly. This is an excellent opportunity to see Mercury—a planet that surprisingly few people have ever seen.

Mercury was 7° straight below Venus on the evening of the 25th, but you wouldn’t have seen it so near the horizon. On the 28th, they’re at their closest, only 4.25° apart with Mercury at the 8:00 position from Venus, and you can see them together in binocu-

lars, which you’ll need.

A better night might be the 30th when Mercury is a bit higher and straight to the left of Venus; then, they’ll be separated by 5.5°, still close enough to see them together in binoculars (which every stargazer must have).

Mercury is quite bright but Venus is 33 times brighter, so they’re an uneven pair. Mercury is smaller (diameter 3032 vs. 7521 miles), darker (6% vs 75% reflective), and more distant (112 vs. 26 million miles), and hence the great disparity in their brightness.

Don’t pass up this brief opportunity to spot Mercury.

Mercury remains visible in evening twilight until the middle of the month when it does then what Venus is doing now—moves between the earth and sun. At the end of the month, it attempts, unsuccessfully, to join Venus in the morning sky.

Jupiter and Saturn remain easily visible low in the southwest after sunset, but they too are lower each night. Enjoy them now; we’ll lose Saturn in only weeks and Jupiter in February—leaving the evening sky devoid of bright planets.

Jupiter is by far the brighter of the two, and Saturn is below it at the 5:00 position.

Mars is in the morning sky, and on the morning of the 31st, the moon is close to both Mars and the orange star Antares in Scorpius. The three form a compact equilateral triangle about 5° on a side, so all will fit in the view of most binoculars. The ultrathin crescent moon points the way; Mars is to the moon’s lower left while Antares is the same distance to the moon’s lower right, and the two are a similar magnitude. This is a great opportunity to spot Mars as it comes into view after passing behind the sun last October. Mars will be closest —and brightest—this coming December.

John Mosley was Program Supervisor of the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles for 27 years and is the author of “Stargazing for Beginners” and “Stargazing with Binoculars and Telescopes.” He and his wife live in St. George, where he continues to stargaze from his retirement home while serving on the advisory committee for Stellar Vista Observatory.

SALT LAKE CITY - In an effort to enhance fishing and boost native fish populations, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources stocks a variety of fish species throughout Utah every year. In 2021, the DWR worked to proactively change its fish stocking to help more fish survive during the extreme drought.

In 2021, the DWR stocked 9,616,203 fish into 615 local waterbodies. That’s a total of 1,210,280 pounds of fish! That was an increase from the 8.2 million fish stocked in 2020 and a decrease from the 10 million fish stocked in 2019.

The DWR began stocking fewer, but larger, fish in 2019 to increase their survival rate.

This year, due to the extreme drought, the DWR made a few more adjustments to fish stocking in Utah.

Drought impacts fish by reducing the amount of water available in lakes, reservoirs and streams throughout the state. Smaller amounts of water heat more quickly and warm to higher temperatures.

Warm water holds less oxygen than colder water, and the combination of high temperatures and low oxygen can stress fish, causing poor growth and disease. In an effort to help increase the survival rates of fish that were stocked this year, the DWR stocked fewer fish in waterbodies with low water levels and reallocated those fish to other waterbodies not

impacted by drought.

The practice of stocking fish in the Beehive State goes back more than a century, as fish were first formally stocked in Utah in 1871. At that time, fish were transported from other states by train and were stocked into lakes along the train route. In 1897, Utah opened its first hatcheries and started raising trout locally.

“These original hatcheries were really impounded streams where we put fry that we got from the federal government,” DWR Aquatic Section Assistant Chief Craig Schaugaard said. “We opened our first traditional fish hatchery—where we produced our own eggs and used raceways like we have today—in Murray in 1899.”

Over time, the DWR expanded its fish hatchery operations. There are now 13 facilities across Utah. The bulk of the fish stocked in 2021—1.1 million pounds of the total 1.2 million pounds—came from these DWR hatcheries. The remaining fish were transported from various hatcheries across the U.S. “Our hatcheries are important because they provide the majority of the fish we stock in the state,” Schaugaard said. “Stocking is a crucial management tool that we use to provide Utahns with the numbers and species of fish they desire. Stocking fish helps ensure that the public has a great fishing experience. It

also helps in the recovery of threatened or endangered fish.

June suckers were recently downlisted from endangered to threatened under the Endangered Species Act because of recovery efforts, including stocking.”

The DWR stocked 16 different fish species in 2021, including: • Arctic grayling • Black crappie • Bonytail chub (listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act) • Brook trout • Brown trout • Channel catfish • Cutthroat trout (Bonneville and Colorado River) • June sucker (listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act) • Kokanee salmon • Lake trout • Largemouth bass • Splake • Striped bass • Tiger muskie • Walleye The DWR fish hatcheries produce multiple strains of some species, and some of the fish are sterile (meaning they can’t reproduce). Producing sterile fish is an important management tool that helps control fish populations in various waterbodies.

Find more details about the DWR’s stocking strategies on the DWR website.

—Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

DWR Stocks More Than 9.6 million Fish Throughout Utah in 2021

LegaL Notices PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE SIXTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT OF THE STATE OF UTAH IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WAYNE 18 South Main, Loa, Utah 84747 In The Matter of The Estate of Dee Allan Henshaw, Deceased Probate No.: 213600003 Judge: Brody L. Keisel NOTICE TO CREDITORS All persons having claims against the above estate are required to present them to the undersigned or to the clerk of the court within three (3) months after the date of the first publication of this notice (on or before the 17th day of March, 2022), or said claims shall be forever barred. Skyler Dee Henshaw, Personal Representative for the Estate of Dee Allan Henshaw, P.O. Box 337, Bicknell, Utah 84715. David A. Van Dyke, Attorney for the Personal Representative, P.O. Box 194, Teasdale, Utah 84773, (435) 491-0491. /s/ David A. Van Dyke, Attorney for Skyler Dee Henshaw.

UPAXLP Published in the Wayne & Garfield County Insider on DECEMBER 16, 23 & 30, 2021 REQUEST FOR BIDS WAYNE COUNTY In preparation for the construction of youth baseball/softball fields at the Wayne County Fairgrounds, Wayne County is accepting bids to remove the race track railing, approximately 5,100 linear ft. of inch steel pipe from the property. Also the cement holding the posts needs to be removed and piled on the north end of the property where designated. The pipe that is to be removed will be given as payment towards the total bid amount, so please consider your estimated value of the pipe as part of your bid. A mandatory on site walk through is scheduled for December 27, 2021 at 10:00 AM. Bids are accepted in the Wayne County Clerk's Office daily during regular business hours until 5:00 PM on December 30, 2021. Bids will be opened in commission meeting on January 3, 2022 at 10:30 AM. Published in the Wayne & Garfield County Insider on DECEMBER 16 & 23, 2021 ANNOUNCEMENT OF APPOINTMENT AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of RYAN WAYNE HAWS , Deceased Probate No. 213600025 Oakley Wayne Haws, C/O Bangerter Frazier Group, PC whose address is 912 W. 1600 S., STE. A-200, St. George, UT 84770, has been appointed as Personal Representative of the above-entitled estate on November 24, 2021. Creditors of the estate are hereby notified to: (1) deliver or mail their written claims to the Personal Representative at the address above; (2) deliver or mail their written claims to the Personal Representatives’ attorney of record, William E. Frazier at the following address: 912 W. 1600 S., STE A-200, St. George, UT 84770; or (3) file their written claims with the Clerk of Court of the District Court in Garfield County, or otherwise present their claims as required by Utah law within three (3) months after the date of the first publication of this notice or be forever barred.

Date of first publication: ____December 23, 2021____ William E. Frazier BANGERTER FRAZIER GROUP, PC Attorneys for the Personal Representative 912 W 1600 S, STE A-200 St. George, UT 84770 Telephone No. 435-628-7004 Published in the Wayne & Garfield County Insider on DECEMBER 23 & 30, 2021 and JANUARY 6, 2022 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. 19, 2022 either electronically using the Division`s on-line Protest of Application form, by hand delivery to a Division office, or by mail at PO Box 146300, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6300. Please visit waterrights.utah.gov or call (801)538-7240 for additional information.

GARFIELD COUNTY NEW APPLICATION(S) 97-2482 (A83010): Bruce L. Miller Jr. 2002 Trust propose(s) using 1.73 ac-ft. from groundwater (Wulf Barsch Subdivision) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION; STOCKWATERING. CHANGE APPLICATION(S) 61-3327 (a48138): Jim Jenkins propose(s) using 0.002 cfs OR 0.25 ac-ft. from groundwater (Southwest of Panguitch Lake) for DOMESTIC. 61-3320 (a48149): Todd Nash and Scott Nash propose(s) using 0.0017 cfs OR 0.25 ac-ft. from groundwater (11.5 miles SW Brian Head) for DOMESTIC. 89-1705 (a48152): Land On Holm Holdings, LLC propose(s) using 37.35 ac-ft. from groundwater (South of Cannonville) for DOMESTIC. EXTENSION(S) 61-2776 (a33370): Jasmine Rein, State of Utah Board of Water Resources, West Panguitch Irrigation and Reservoir Company is/are filing an extension for 1.2 ac-ft. from groundwater (4.5 miles NE of Panguitch) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION. NONUSE APPLICATION(S) 61-3298: Butch-Co Properties LLC is/are seeking a nonuse period for 0.3517 cfs from the South Fork Sevier River (near Hatch) for IRRIGATION. WAYNE COUNTY NEW APPLICATION(S) 95-5456 (A83015): Triple R Management propose(s) using 1.73 ac-ft. from groundwater (1 mile NE of Hanksville) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION; STOCKWATERING. Teresa Wilhelmsen, P.E., State Engineer Published in the Wayne & Garfield County Insider on DECEMBER 23 & 30, 2021

Page 9

The Insider

December 23, 2021

COVID Deaths: Children who get COVID-19 can get really sick, and

unfortunately, as we are reporting today, can die. This is a tragic reminder that COVID-19 is still spreading in our communities and is still causing preventable deaths.—Leisha Nolen, state epidemiologist

Courtesy University of Utah Health

Christy Mulder, a medical intensive care unit nurse at University of Utah Health, received the COVID-19 vaccine on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020. She is believed to have been the first person in Utah to receive the vaccine.

COVID Deaths Cont'd from page 1

of 1-14. His death was reported on March 9.

Nolen in her statement added that “now is the time” for parents to get their children vaccinated to “help prevent serious illness and death.”

December 15 marked the one-year anniversary of the first COVID-19 vaccine dose administered in Utah. That shot went to Christy Mulder, an intensive care unit nurse at the University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City. At the time, Mulder called the milestone “overwhelming” and said she was “still trying to process it all.”

A year later, 4,375,884 vaccines have been administered in Utah—2,115,064 people have received at least one dose; 1,870,095 have been fully vaccinated; and 539,499 have received a booster shot.

On the flip side, about 1.16 million Utahns have not received a vaccine dose, according to the Health Department. (That number includes children under the age of 5, who are not eligible to receive the shots.)

Five of the 15 Utahns whose deaths were reported Wednesday, December 15 were under the age of 65—the boy and four people between the ages of 45-64.

On December 15, The Health Department reported 1,306 new coronavirus cases in the past day. The rolling seven-day average for new cases stands at 1,090 per day.

The number of children getting vaccinated continues to climb—74,363 children ages 5-11 have gotten at least one dose since they became eligible. That’s 20.4% of kids that age in Utah, according to the Health Department.

Intensive care units in the state remain near capacity. UDOH reported Wednesday, December 15, that 96.9% of all ICU beds in Utah and 98.9% of ICU beds in larger medical centers in the state are occupied. (Hospitals consider any figure over 85% to be functionally full.) Of all ICU patients, 38.8% are being treated for COVID-19.

The following data represents the most up-to-date numbers as of the writing of this article on Wednesday, December 15, 2021.

Vaccine doses administered in the past days/total doses administered: 47,790 / 4,375,884, Number of Utahns fully vaccinated: 1,870,095— 57.1% of Utah’s total population. That is an increase of 11,326 in the past two days.

(UDOH did not report vaccination numbers on Tuesday, December 14, because of a “data reporting issue.”)

Cases reported in the past day: 1,306.

Cases among school-age children: Kids in grades K-12 accounted for 194 of the new cases announced Wednesday, December 15—14.9% of the total. There were 86 cases reported in children aged 5-10; 46 cases in children 11-13; and 62 cases in children 14-18.

Tests reported in past day: 9,418 people were tested for the first time. A total of 18,554 people were tested.

Deaths reported in past day: 15.

There were four deaths in Davis County: In addition to the boy, a man and a woman 45-64 and a woman 85 or older also died.

Salt Lake County reported three deaths—a man 45-64, a woman 65-84, and a man 85 or older. And there were two deaths in Utah County— a man 65-84, and a woman 85 or older.

Six counties each reported a single death—a Box Elder County man 65-84; a Grand County man 65-84; an Iron County man 65-84; a Juab County man 65-84; a San Juan County woman 65-84; and a Washington County man 45-64.

Hospitalizations reported in the past day: 514.

That is 16 more than reported on Tuesday, December 14. Of those currently hospitalized, 202 are in intensive care, two more than reported on Tuesday, December 14.

Percentage of positive tests: Under the state’s original method, the rate is 13.9% in the past day. That is slightly higher than the seven-day average of 13.7%.

The state’s new method counts all test results, including repeated tests of the same individual. Wednesday’s (December 15) rate was 7%, lower than the seven-day average of

9.2%.

Risk ratios: In the past four weeks, unvaccinated Utahns were 14.9 times more likely to die of COVID-19 than vaccinated people, according to a Utah Department of Health analysis. The unvaccinated also were 9.5 times more likely to be hospitalized, and 3.7 times more likely to test positive for the coronavirus.

Totals to date: 615,576 cases; 3,688 deaths; 26,822 hospitalizations; 4,102,888 people tested.

This article is published through the Utah News Collaborative, a partnership of news organizations in Utah that aim to inform readers across the state.

This article was originally published in The Salt Lake Tribune on December 15, 2021.

Ask an Expert

Tech Toys for Christmas?

by Tasha Howard, Utah State University Extension Assistant Professor

Courtesy Utah State University Extension

When considering giving a tech gift to your children for the holidays this year, Utah State University Extension recommends parents ask themselves if the toy fosters positive interactions with others, encourages exploration and problem-solving, and sparks the child’s imagination.

Each holiday season brings new fancy games and technology gadgets targeted to children. Whether it is the latest cell phone model, the newest gaming system, or educational games for your toddler, it can be hard to make an informed decision. If you are wondering about purchasing a tech toy this season, here are some things to consider.

For younger children: 1. Is this toy going to help my child developmentally? Flashing lights and multiple sounds and buttons might make it entertaining for your child, but research tells us that when choosing a toy for younger children, it is important to assess how the toy will be used and if it will support development. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends choosing toys that are not over-stimulating and that promote imagination and problem solving.

2. Is this toy versatile?

Children grow quickly, and just like they outgrow clothes, they also outgrow toys. It is important that you look for a toy that is long-lasting, versatile, and will keep children engaged at many different ages.

One guideline the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests is choosing a toy that can grow along with your child and understanding that simple toys can be just as useful and fun as toys with all the bells and whistles.

For older children: 1. Are my children ready to handle the technology I am giving them? Do they have the skills to navigate it safely? Especially when giving internetenabled gifts, it is important to make sure your children know how to appropriately behave in an internet setting. To help them learn to be safe online and navigate technology appropriately, visit commonsen-

semedia.org.

2. Does my child need the newest technology version? Even though the latest version of the iPhone is on his or her list, it may be a better idea to buy an older version or a used phone. With the cost of such a gift comes responsibility, and it is easy to forget that we are placing thousands of dollars of technology into the hands of children for everyday use.

With all the things to consider when purchasing a tech toy for Christmas, one of the most helpful suggestions, according to research, is that parents ask themselves if the toy fosters positive interactions with others, encourages exploration and problem-solving, and sparks the child’s imagination.

The Insider

Page 10

C l a s s i f i e d ads

December 23, 2021

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

Clerk Position

Corrections Officer

Garfield County is accepting applications for a Corrections Officer.

Applications are available at the Garfield County Clerk’s Office or online at www.garfield.utah.gov and will be accepted until January 14, 2022.

Anyone interested in applying for this position must pass the National Peace Officer Selection Exam prior to making application. The Exam is given at the Browning Learning Center on the Dixie College Campus. For additional information regarding the Exam and registration requirements, contact the Browning Learning Center at (435) 652-7696. The exam is also given at Southern Utah University. Call 435-586-5419 for additional information.

Garfield County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all applications. Garfield County is an equal opportunity employer.

Medical Assistant Kazan Memorial Clinic Escalante Kazan Memorial Clinic in Escalante is hiring a Medical Assistant. Come and join our

team!!!

Three days a week with part-time benefits, hours will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Experience preferred by not required. Primary responsibilities would include: • Patient intake • Patient health documentation • Lab draws and lab testing • General Patient care • X-rays • Working as a team member Must pass a back ground check Wage based on experience If you are interested, please send resume to Cindi Steed at csteed@waynechc.org

FOR RENT

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 Computer Science Para(s) at Panguitch Elementary and Bryce Valley Elementary SpEd Para-Professional at Bryce Valley High Full-Time Elementary Teacher at Boulder Elementary Substitute/Activity Bus Drivers in Escalante Bus Route Driver in Boulder Para-Professionals at All Schools Substitutes for Teachers, Custodians, and Food Service Workers SALARY: Please see 2021-2022 Garfield County School Districts Classified Salary Schedule and Certified Salary Schedule.

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

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

Please direct questions to: AES Head Teacher Robin Gibbs (435-624-3221) BES Head Teacher Elizabeth Julian (435-335-7322) BVES Principal Pete Peterson (435-679-8619) BVHS Principal Jeff Brinkerhoff (435-679-8835) EES/EHS Principal Peter Baksis (435-826-4205) PES Principal Lisa Breinholt (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.

Torrey Town is hiring for the clerk position. Position remains open until filled.

Duties include becoming certified, attend meetings, maintain and post records in a timely fashion.

This position requires organizational skills, good computer skills, knowledge of Microsoft Word, email, and other computer software.

Must have good oral and written communication skills.

Must have the ability to participate and assist with Town programs.

Must be self-motivated and able to work with little or no supervision.

Must have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with clients and leadership.

Education requirements are a high school diploma or GED. This is a part-time position with no benefits, working minimum 10 hours a week. Wage depends on experience.

Resumes can be emailed to pat@torreyutah. gov, turned in at the Town Hall or mailed to PO BOX 27, UT 84715 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

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

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

When in Need, There are Resources in Wayne and Garfield Counties For Victims of Domestic Violence, Rape, and Sexual Assault

Canyon Creek Women's Crisis Center

Emergency Safehouse 435-865-7443 Mobile Team 435-233-5732 New Horizons Crisis Center 145 East 100 North, Richfield Office Hours 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Shelter is open 24 hrs, 7 days a week Phone Number 435-896-9294 Counseling Services Central Utah Counseling Richfield Office 255 S Main Street, Richfield Office Hours 435-896-8236 24 Hour Emergency Service 877-469-2822 Southwest Behavioral Health Center 601 E Center Street, Panguitch 435-676-8176 24 Hour Emergency Service 800-574-6763 Wayne Community Health Center 128 South 300 West Bicknell, 84715 435-425-3744 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255

MEETINGS TROPIC AA MEETING Wednesday at 6 PM. Tropic Heritage Center. All meetings are closed discussion.

ESCALANTE AA MEETING Call for times and locations.

435-676-3653 BICKNELL AA MEETING AA Open Meeting at Bicknell firehouse 6:30 Wednesday Evening

MEETINGS Take the First Step Find hope, peace and joy in life again through the Addiction Recovery Program.

Meetings are every Sunday, 4:00 P.M. at the Escalante High School Seminary Building. (behind the school) Individual meetings are available. *If you have completed the program, join us for maintenance and support.

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