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The
py p a H ! s y a d i l o H
Serving Wayne & Garfield Counties, Utah
Loa • Fremont • Lyman • Bicknell • Teasdale • Torrey • Grover • Fruita • Caineville • Hanksville Panguitch • Panguitch Lake • Hatch • Antimony • Bryce • Tropic • Henrieville • Cannonville • Escalante • Boulder
Thursday, December 24, 2020
4-H Youth Challenged to Serve Utah this Month by Utah State University Extension UTAH - Utah State University Extension 4-H issued a challenge to all Utah 4-H programs to complete one service project in December, providing the entire state with service from 4-H youth this month. According to Megan Hendrickson, USU Extension 4-H program coordinator, the challenge was issued in an effort to provide 4-H youth an opportunity to accomplish one of the four 4-H purposes—hands to larger service. “The counties have taken this challenge and run with it,” she said. “The youth have been incredibly creative in serving their communities while working within the COVID restrictions. They have strongly considered people who the pandemic has hit the hardest, and many have focused their efforts on the 65-and-older populations.” Hendrickson said several counties have written letters and cards, made and sent gifts and decorated the windows of their local retirement and assisted living communities. Others have focused their attention on youth in need, collecting food, gifts and other donations in partnership with various children’s service organizations. A few service highlights Serving Utah Cont'd on page 3
Issue # 1389
And The Winner is…!
EHS Student Awarded GCSD Holiday Card Winning Design
Insider
Garfield County School District (GCSD) Superintendent John Dodds (top left and right) holds Annie Mason's (top center) winning card design for the GCSD 2020 Holiday Card Competition at a ceremony at Escalante High School on Dec. 15. GARFIELD COUNTY It’s been a time-honored tradition. Each year, Garfield County School District holds a Holiday Card Competition, where the artwork for the district’s official holiday card is selected from drawings submitted by elementary, middle and high school students district-wide. “We send an invitation to all of the schools to par-
This Christmas Time, Wayne County is in the Giving Spirit by Lisa Jeppson, Wayne County Senior Citizens Social Director
Courtesy Lisa Jeppson
The combined efforts of Wayne County community members assisted in providing for seventeen families and fortytwo children this Christmas holiday season. WAYNE COUNTY Santa has been very busy at the North Pole this year. He’s had to work harder than ever because most of his elves have been in quarantine with COVID. But, a few of Santa’s healthy elves stopped by the Wayne County School District Office to offer up
Garfield County Commission
their gift wrapping skills and wrapped a few presents for the children of Wayne County. If it was not for the effort from the staff at the USU Extension office, Royal’s Food Town— they provided space for the Giving Spirit Cont'd on page 2
REGIONAL WEATHER FORECAST FOR SOME BUT NOT ALL REGIONS REPRESENTED IN OUR NEWSPAPER COVERAGE AREA
THURS. DECEMBER 24 - WED. DECEMBER 30
If you were hoping to wake up to fresh, early morning snow this Christmas, you may be disappointed. The forecast is mostly sunny for the first part of the week, with higher chances of precip next week. Highs in the 30s and 40s; lows in the single digits and teens.
ticipate in the competition to do the Holiday Card, and this year we had hundreds of applicants,” said John Dodds, Garfield County School District Superintendent. Referring to the quality and effort in each of the submissions, Dodds said, “All of the kids think and hope that theirs will be chosen.” Fortunately for the superintendent and district staff, the difficult final selection of a
COVID Pandemic Brings Stress, Health Issues to Utah Kids, Families
PROVO - The COVID-19 pandemic and its sideeffects—job loss, poverty, hunger and the threat of homelessness—have hit Americans hard in 2020, and Utah families are not immune. A report out today from the Annie E. Casey Foundation studies how families are coping with the effects of the coronavirus. Among other findings, it observed 20% of Utahns reported one or more family members have experienced significant mental-health issues. Leslie Boissiere, vice president of external affairs with the Casey Foundation, said the pandemic has severely disrupted the lives of Utah's children. "We can't even begin to address the social-emotional challenges that children are experiencing," Boissiere said. "The numbers are staggering, schools are reporting excessive absences. And I think we can expect an increase in learning loss when their education has been disrupted." The study also found in Utah, 7% of adults do not always have enough to eat, COVID Stress Cont'd on page 3
winner is made by school district board members, and this year—as with most group activities these days—they managed a “virtual” judging of the entries. And the winning artwork for the 2020 Holiday Card Competition is a painting by Annie Mason, a 10th grade student at Escalante High Holiday Card
Cont'd on page 2
December 14
The Garfield County Commission adopts 2020 Garfield County Budget amendments, as well as the proposed 2021 Budget GARFIELD COUNTY The Garfield County Commission adopted its proposed 2021 budget at the December 14 meeting. Only one individual from the public came forward to pose a comment and question before the Commission voted to approve the budget as presented. Clerk/Auditor Camille Moore introduced the budget noting “significant decreases are anticipated in revenues and expenditures.” She said the larger intergovernmental revenue items—Secure Rural Schools and Payment in Lieu of Taxes—are unknown at this point, so the budget will not include that potential revenue source until the full amount becomes known. She noted expenditures reflected belt tightening measures within the county and that employees will see no raises or cost-ofliving increases this year. (The 2021 Garfield County Budget is on the Garfield County website, https://www.garfield. utah.gov/departments/auditorclerk.) During the public hearing, one individual alleged an ongoing violation of state code, Section 17-16-14, in not holding public hearings for public employee wage increases and also questioning county policy on loan insurance. County Attorney Barry
Huntington refuted the comment saying that salaries are posted on “the Utah public website notice” and that the purpose of this meeting was in fact a public hearing to discuss salaries. Clerk Moore noted the county’s use of investment accounts and banking accounts and the secured transfers between accounts to pay the bills. Commission Chair Leland Pollock stated that in his three terms, revenues have declined every year. Referring to “the tax associations,” he said “I appreciate they’re keeping an eye on things, but I have a hard time understanding why the county is getting criticized for cutting our expenses to match our revenue that has dramatically declined.” (No comments were made at the hearing by anyone representing a “tax association.”) Earlier, the Commission adopted 2020 Garfield County Budget amendments presented by Clerk Moore. (https://www.utah.gov/pmn/ files/667463.pdf) Commissioner Pollock wanted to state that another 5th class county (same classification as Garfield) had to cut its staff by 30 percent. Garfield Commission Cont'd on page 10
A “Grand Hermitage”at Lake Panguitch Panguitch City is set to host the 9th Annual Ice Fishing Derby
Courtesy Panguitch City
The Panguitch Lake Ice Fishing Derby will take place January 2, 2021, where participants will vie for the $1,700 cash grand prize. PANGUITCH - On January 2, 2021, ice fishing enthusiasts from across the Southwest will flock to Panguitch Lake's frozen surface in Garfield County to try their hand at winning a piece of the $1,700 cash grand prize. The mass migration of thrill-seekers and recreationists to this secluded frozen wonderland is hardly a new phenomenon. The mystical hold of the lake over its enamored visitors has been the
Maybe Christmas (he thought) doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more. —Dr. Seuss, The Grinch
topic of conversation among visitors for at least 150 years now, and the abundance of mountain trout contained within its crystal clear waters have become the stuff of legends. But don't take my word for it; listen to what a correspondent of the Ogden Daily Herald had to say about ice fishing at "Lake Panguitch" in 1882: "The fish must have been born idiots or been stricken
with unanimous lunacy in early youth, for the manner of their capture was thus: the angler would lay on his stomach on the ice with one eye down gazing beneath the ice. When he saw any fish, he thrust his rod—it was more like a pen-holder—through the hole in the ice and held it in front of the fishes' nose. At the end of the rod was some
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.
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Fishing Derby Cont'd on page 2
PRE-SORT STANDARD PAID RICHFIELD, UTAH PERMIT No. 122
The Insider
Page 2 community members helped to provide for seventeen families and forty-two children this Christmas time, and Alison's Pantry raised over $1,000 to provide Christmas dinners for fifteen families.
Giving Spirit
Cont'd from page 1
Giving Tree this year—and the generosity and support from the people of Wayne County, Santa might not have been able to make his deliveries. With the help, generosity and support of the community of Wayne County, we were able to provide for seventeen families and fortytwo children that, otherwise, might not have had a wonderous Christmas. Alison’s Pantry also raised over $1,000 to provide Christmas dinners for 15 families. The dinners included a spiral cut ham, carrots, stuffing, mashed potatoes and pumpkin cobbler. I hope that each of us
will take a moment and count our many blessings this year. Let us remember those who are alone this Christmas and reach out. Send those Christmas cards, make that phone call and hug those in your household that you love a little bit tighter. It’s so important to connect with others. Especially during these troubling times, remember that the connection with others is more important then ever! Let the giving spirit of Christmas be the joy that is in our hearts this year. Merry Christmas, you wonderful people of Wayne County! Lisa Jeppson is the Social Director for the Wayne County Senior Citizens.
Fishing Derby: The Panguitch
Lake Ice Fishing Derby takes place January 2 and includes Adult, Youth, and Five-Person-Team competitions. Fishing Derby Cont'd from page 1
six inches of string, with a hook tied on with a large knot and baited with a dab of dough. When the fish had got thoroughly interested in the dough, the angler would jerk up his rod, and by some unaccountable oversight on the part of the fishes, it was found that about one in fifty jerks a fish had come up out of the water. They seemed to me to be young trout, but whatever the species, they must have been the most imbecile of finned things. I suggested catching them with the fingers and thumb, but the boys giggled at me as 'the fish wouldn't let ye.' But I am of a different opinion." Again, in 1893, the Salt Lake Tribune declared, "The best trout fishing in Utah is to be found at Lake Panguitch; those who have cast a hook into its crystal waters say the sport is well worth the long journey." The ice fishing derby will feature an individual's competition for both youth (under 18) and adults (18+), with separate cash prizes awarded to the child ($100) & adult ($500) with the heaviest fish caught and the longest fish caught. Additionally, for the first time, the ice fishing derby will also feature a five-person-team competition. Teams can comprise five adults and/or children; the grand prize of $500 will go to the team with the heaviest combined catch (maximum of 4 rainbow trout per
angler.) For registration, please visit: https://icefishpl.eventbrite.com Adult Individuals Competition: $20 (per angler) • $500 Cash Grand Prize (Heaviest Fish) • $500 Cash Grand Prize (Longest Fish) Youth Individuals Competition: $10 (per angler) • $100 Cash Grand Prize (Heaviest Fish) • $100 Cash Grand Prize (Longest Fish) F i v e - P e r s o n - Te a m Competition: $50 (per team) • $500 Cash Grand Prize (Heaviest Combined Team Catch) Follow Panguitch City on Facebook, or visit our website (www.panguitch.com/annualevents/) for updates and additional information about the ice fishing derby. Attendees are reminded to follow all fish & game regulations and help keep each other safe by wearing a mask and practicing social distancing throughout the event's duration. In closing, I will leave you with one last historic newspaper review, this one from the Deseret News, dated 1876: "To sum up the advantages of a trip to Lake Panguitch, they are briefly, sailing on one of the handsomest lakes in Utah, fresh trout in abundance, picturesque scenery, pure mountain air, and retirement from the haunts of men. It is a grand hermitage." —Steven Lee, Panguitch Events Manager, Panguitch Lake Ice Fishing Derby
Goings on... Escalante Shooting Range Gets a Facelift
Courtesy Lori Coleman
Volunteers help clean and improve the Escalante shooting range site on December 5, 2020. ESCALANTE - On December 5, the Escalante Guard group went to work, with the help of Escalante City, and cleaned up all of the trash at the Escalante shooting range. Twenty-five volunteers cleaned, raked, and picked up trash in order to improve the conditions at the range. Two 100 yard markers were placed on the hillside, and there are plans to do upgrades in the future. Wade Barney—founder of the Escalante Guard group—coordinated the clean-up. The shooting of garbage is prohibited at the range, as is indicated by a newly placed sign at the site, with only targets being allowed and required clean-up afterwards. —Insider
Santa and Mrs. Clause Land at Bryce Valley Elementary School
Courtesy Laura Pollock
BRYCE - Pilot Paul Cox is always willing to help Santa and Mrs. Clause arrive in style. The couple landed by helicopter at Bryce Valley Elementary School on Friday, December 18. —Insider
Holiday Card: This is a showing
of the pride and celebration of art in our school district.—John Dodds, Garfield County School District Superintendent
COVID-19 Community Resources • Utah Coronavirus Information Line: 1-800-456-7707
• State of Utah COVID-19 Updates: https://coronavirus.utah.gov/
• Garfield Memorial Hospital: intermountain.com/covidtesting • Wayne Community Health Center in Bicknell: (435) 425-3744 Insider
Annie Mason's winning holiday card design for the 2020 Garfield County School District (GCSD) Holiday Card Competition features GCSD Superintendent John Dodd's likeness as Santa delivering toilet paper for the holidays. Holiday Card
Cont'd from page 1
School. “What I really enjoy about this, is it is actually a picture of the superintendent,” said Superintendent Dodds. In the painting, the Garfield County School Superintendent is depicted as “Santa” with reindeer and a in a sleigh, delivering—in reference to these unusual times—a large pile of toilet paper. Mason said she did her painting in a “water-based oil” medium. Dodds, who is in his first year in the role of school superintendent, wasn’t sure how long the Holiday Card competition tradition has been running, so he called District
Board member Myron Cottam. Cottam wasn’t entirely sure either, but he thinks it’s been at least 25 years. Every teacher in the district, as well as colleagues and friends throughout the county, receive a holiday card with the winning artwork. “This is a showing of the pride and celebration of art in our school district,” said Dodds. A noon ceremony was held at Escalante High School on Tuesday, December 15, with the high school student body, Principal Baksis, and Superintendent Dodds to celebrate Ms. Mason’s accomplishment. She also received an Amazon gift card as an award for her winning entry. —Insider
Insider
The
Giving Spirit: Wayne County
December 24, 2020
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. Subscriptions to The Insider are available outside of Wayne and Garfield counties for $40 for 26 weeks, $75 per year. Senior discounts are available.
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 24, 2020
Page 3
COVID Stress: We can't even begin to address
the social-emotional challenges that children are experiencing. The numbers are staggering, schools are reporting excessive absences. And I think we can expect an increase in learning loss when their education has been disrupted.— Leslie Boissiere, vice president of external affairs with the Casey Foundation
Philip Steury / Adobe Stock
The COVID-19 pandemic is severely disrupting the lives of Utah's children, according to a new study from the Annie E. Casey Foundation. COVID Stress
Cont'd from page 1
while 12% of families are unsure if they can make their next rent payment. The national rates for food insecurity and housing concerns were almost twice as high. Boissiere said the stresses people feel often come from being forced to make "impossible" choices. "Many front-line workers have had to make hard choices between 'Do I go to work and risk my health, or
do I stay home and risk not being able to provide for my family?'" She said. Terry Haven, deputy director at Voices for Utah Children, said state policy-makers with a preference for lower taxes already had rendered Utah's safety net paper-thin by the beginning of the pandemic. "How do we invest in kids? How do we make sure that we have the money available to do all the stuff we know we need to do—unless we raise taxes?" Haven
asked. "We can't keep saying 'We're not going to raise taxes, we're not going to raise taxes,' when we have more and more kids every year in our public schools." The report analyzed U.S. Census Bureau data gathered since the start of the pandemic to determine how well families were meeting their basic needs during a public health crisis. —Mark Richardson, Utah News Connection
Serving Utah: We can talk about the impacts of service
and how research shows that these actions build self-efficacy and resilience, but the fact is, most people serve because they know deep down that it’s the right thing to do. Oftentimes all it takes is for one individual to step forward and show the way, and it truly amazes me how generous people are if given the opportunity. —Vernon Parent, the 4-H service working group chair
Serving Utah
Cont'd from page 1
include: • Garfield County held a Family Fun Night and Christmas Light Parade. To promote family bonding around this busy time of year, 4-H youth assembled and delivered (drive thru style) Christmas kits to over 150 families in Panguitch. Included in the kits were a family meal, gingerbread house kits, movie night pack, family games and toys for smaller children. • Wasatch County 4-H members recognized several needs in their community, then created project kits to address them. The youth completed the kit at home, then dropped it off at the 4-H office to be delivered. Projects included making dog and cat beds for Paws for Life, making and freezing cookie dough for their local Children’s Justice Center and making baby blankets for the Wasatch
County Health Department. • Summit County hosted a pet food drive in conjunction with the Coalville Food Pantry Distribution Center. The youth designated drop-off points for dog and cat food, then collected the donated items for the local food pantry, and it was distributed to those in need. • Piute County youth assisted their local crisis center by making and donating stress pillows. The county provided all the materials, except batting, which they asked the youth to donate. The youth made the pillows at home, then delivered them to the crisis center. State 4-H youth leadership groups also participated in the challenge, in addition to their county service. The state family and consumer sciences ambassadors delivered 50 handmade quilts to Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a non-profit organization that provides beds to families and children in need. A total of 43 4-H clubs from 17 counties made 77 quilts. An estimated 215
youth and 92 volunteers were involved in the project. Vernon Parent, the 4-H service working group chair, said service is a major cornerstone of 4-H and is where a culmination of skills, motivation and awareness are brought together to make a difference. “We can talk about the impacts of service and how research shows that these actions build self-efficacy and resilience, but the fact is, most people serve because they know deep down that it’s the right thing to do,” he said. “Oftentimes all it takes is for one individual to step forward and show the way, and it truly amazes me how generous people are if given the opportu-
nity. We are so impressed with our youths’ willingness to rise to this statewide service challenge. There are many, many people whose lives have been made better because of their actions.”
The Insider
Page 4
December 24, 2020
Schools & Sports
News from Bryce Valley Schools by Brooklyn Syrett
Bryce Valley Christmas Program and other holiday festivities, Mustang Boys Basketball wins against Enterprsie, and Lady Mustangs Basketball falls short against Piute
Merry Christmas! Although a lot of assignments and homework is due, the week before Christmas Break is always fun. The much anticipated Christmas program from Bryce Valley Elementary, holiday themed dress-up days, activities and skits, and exciting games and matches are just a few of the things we did this week. Bryce Valley High School started off the week with a lip-sync contest. The 10th grade class took the gold medal, but each class did an amazing job. They built gingerbread houses out of unconventional materials. They were so creative and are always good to practice COVID protocol during all these events. They also had a theme to dress up each day of the week. Basketball and wrestling are in full swing, and we have experienced great wins and tough losses. The BV Wrestlers went to Parowan on Saturday, where Ben Jensen placed 3rd and Isaac Leech placed 4th. Collin Stewart also did an amazing job and had some tough matches. After a dual in Milford, the wrestling team doesn’t have another match until January 7th. The Lady Mustang Basketball team met an aggressive Piute team. They started out pretty even in scoring, but let the Lady T-Birds outscore them in the 2nd quarter. The girls fought back to get within two points late in the 4th quarter, but fell short and took a loss, 27-32. After what is sure to be a competitive game with the Valley Buffalos, their next games will be in Tintic
and Tabiona on December formed a musical number. Ev28th and 29th. ery student did amazing, and The Mustang Boys we are hoping this is the first Basketball team got an of many more performances. exciting win against a The program allowed only 75 tough Enterprise team. attendees, but they zoomed the They were ready for the entertainment for all to enjoy. Wolves and didn’t stop The Christmas celebraattacking the basket. The tion didn’t stop there. For sevMustang’s strong defense eral weeks, the students sing frustrated the Wolves. around the Christmas tree (a The Mustang's shot amaz- long-time tradition). The stuing from the 3-point dents had holiday dress-up range. Treyson Roberts days and enjoyed caroling to scored 20 points followed different businesses. Although by Quayden Tebbs with COVID guidelines are hard to 12. The team had seven deal with, the students never teammates score for a great seem to complain because win. The Mustangs will meet they are able to have in-perthe Buffalos, as well, and then son learning, where they are travel to Tabiona on December among their friends and teach29th. ers. The much anticipated Bryce Valley Elementary Christmas Program was held on their new stage in the new elementary school. Mr. Peterson, teachers and staff did an amazing job and brought a much-needed cheer to Courtesy Brooklyn Syrett our small community. The sixth grade Bryce Valley Elementary 6th class took the lead roles, graders took the lead roles for this and all other classes per- year's Christmas program.
Courtesy Brooklyn Syrett
Bryce Valley students gather to sing around the Christmas tree, a long-time tradition for the school.
Courtesy Brooklyn Syrett
The Bryce Valley Elementary 5th grade class in their Christmas program outfits.
Melanie Dabb, Extension Assistant Professor, Wayne County
Family Traditions and COVID-19 Since the 1950s, there has been a lot of research showing the importance of family traditions and family rituals. Often the words "rituals" and "traditions" are used interchangeably. Both terms refer to activities that have a symbolic meaning more than simply completing the activity. For example, supporting a local Subfor-Santa program may have a feeling of civic responsibility associated with it and convey to family members that part of their shared identity as a group is that the family is charitable. These activities are different from the normal everyday activities in that rituals and traditions have emotions and deeper meaning associated with them. Family rituals or traditions often leave an emotional imprint where even after the event is over, people will mentally replay the experience to capture those positive emotions. The benefits of family traditions include: providing a sense of belonging and identity, strength during difficult circumstances, protection against uncertainty and loneliness, connects generations, reminder of our roots (found in ethnic traditions), shared fears and joys that are basic elements of humanity (found in religious traditions), continuity and consistency for children, better school achievement, fewer illnesses in pre-school children and an overall sense of identity for teenagers. In addition, children are better able to cope with divorce or changes in family structure when traditions and rituals remain intact. There are many circumstances that might require traditions to change. Some examples of this are: death of a family member, marriages, divorce, family members moving away, businesses closing, natural disasters and, as we are seeing this year, a global
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
0
15
0
0
0
Escalante Elem.
0
4
0
0
0
Escalante High
0
4
0
0
0
Panguitch Elem.
0
5
3
0
0
Panguitch Middle
0
3
3
0
0
Panguitch High
1
5
5
0
0
District Office
0
1
0
0
0
District Totals
1
42
11
0
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
1
5
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 18, 2020 for Wayne County School District and as of December 15, 2020 for Garfield County School District. —Insider
pandemic. Throughout this year, we have seen examples of traditions being altered. In many places, instead of cancelling a child’s birthday party, the child’s friends would drive by their house in a parade. Events like these have been crucial in making sure that important days don’t go unmarked. During this upcoming holiday season, families need to follow the recommended guidelines found at https://coronavirus.utah.gov/ holidays/. At the same time, it’s important for the health and well being of the family to watch out for missing traditions and adapt and alter. In his book "The Intentional Family: Simple Rituals to Strengthen Family Ties" (1999), William J Doherty gives guidance on how to work together as a family when traditions need to be either temporarily adapted or completely changed. Here are some of the guidelines he recommends for families to work together to change family traditions: • Focus on the needs that are to met with the traditions and what values are important. • Choose a time and a place that is free from distractions to have the conversation. • Acknowledge the reasons why the tradition or ritual needs to be altered and state the goal is to maintain family continuity, cohesion,
consistency and safety. • Allow everyone to express their feelings, needs and thoughts about the tradition. • Brainstorm ideas on alternative ways to meet family member needs and adaptations that can be made to meet the needs of the family while following current health guidelines. • Begin by testing the new tradition or doing a “trial run” before committing to a permanent change. • Make sure to follow up and see how everyone is doing with the new or modified tradition. COVID-19 has had an impact on nearly everyone and for most of us, it is adding a new level of stress to the holiday season. By having the conversation with our families and being intentional about adapting and altering the normal family routine, the holidays will feel a lot more manageable and less another casualty of the global pandemic. Written By: Melanie Dabb, USU Extension Assistant Professor Book Referenced: Doherty, William J. The Intentional Family: Simple Rituals to Strengthen Family Ties (New York: Avon, 1999, in press) © 1997 by William J. Doherty.
PHS Sports Sidelines by Mack Oetting
Cats and Lady Cats walk away with two victories this week
T
he Bob Cats had a great week, with both teams walking away with two victories. The Lady Cats started off the week with a win over a really tall Water Canyon team. It was close the whole way, with the Cats finally coming away with the win, 33 to 28. Kyan Orton led all scorers with 11, and Abbie Holman chipped in 9. In the second game out in Escalante, they also had a close game, outscoring the Moqui’s, 44 to 37. Abbee Holman had a really big game, leading all scorers with 22. The ladies are a really young team without any seniors and with only two juniors, and they should just keep getting better. Escalante was their last game of the year, and they start the next year with a game against Bryce Valley on Jan. 5. The Bob Cats continue their winning ways, with some really big wins. They went out to Wayne on the 17th, and it wasn’t much of a contest. The Cats led at half time, 44 to 5. Eight players got in the score book, with Kayler Bennett leading the way with 14 and Paxton Wolfley finishing with 13. The Cats in a game that wasn’t as close as the final score indicated 67 to 30. Against Piute, it was a much closer game. Coach Jenssen has a 6'8” son that plays for them, and he will make some college a very good forward. The game started out in what looked like another blow out, with the Cats leading 9 to 2 at the end of the first quarter.
But, the T-Birds came back and took a 28 to 27 lead. The Cats finally got their 3-point game going, getting the lead back and winning the game, 38-32. Kelby Jenssen led all scorers with 12, but Kyler Bennett did a great job of guarding him, holding him with only 3-point shots and free throws. Kayler also scored ten points, hitting two 3-pointers and making all four of his free throws. With only one senior as a starter, these Cats are going to be good for some time. The Cats had a game out at Enterprise last Tuesday. They will also be in Tintic for a tournament on Dec. 29-30. The cheerleaders are really something this year. Without a cheering section, it is hard, but they are still great. They even have some of the parents cheering. Pat and I took tickets for the Piute game, and this is how it goes: each parent of the players or cheerleaders gets a wrist band. They are the only ones allowed into the game. No kids can get in either, and parents with the wrist band still pay $5.00. They have to wear masks, also, and can sit anywhere. The parents from PHS, also, are the only ones that can attend away games. The games are shown on your computer. Carter Yardley does the announcing of the games and does a great job, following in his grandfather and father's footsteps.
December 24, 2020
Wills, Trusts, and More
The Insider
The “Best” Tool
t H e
by Jeffery J. McKenna I have a neighbor named Dave that loves tools. He is a welder by trade and can fix anything. He built a huge garage, a true man cave, next to his house. The addition even has the head of a buffalo that Dave killed in the Henry Mountains of Southeastern Utah. Underneath the mounted buffalo head are tools—hundreds of tools. I’m sure Dave has a “best” tool. My tools are not like Dave’s tools. In my toolbox at home, I have a hammer, two screwdrivers, a pair of pliers, and of course duct tape. However, for 20 years as an estate planning attorney, I have used “tools” to help save taxes and facilitate the administration of my clients’ estates. I have a “best” tool that I really like to use. In order to avoid thousands, even up to hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxes for clients, I reach for the Donor Advised Fund on my charitable giving “tool shelf.” Donor Advised Funds are sub-funds of a larger charitable entity. They are an
individual’s or family’s own private charity. Monies or investments go into the fund with a tax deduction and grow tax free. The monies come out tax free, but must be directed to churches, schools or other charitable 501(c)(3) organizations. A Donor Advised Fund is a wonderful estate planning tool for three reasons. First, it is refreshingly simple. Many estate planning tools are difficult and complex. A donor advised fund can usually be set up using a standard form of two or three pages. Second, Donor Advised Funds can be someone’s own private “charitable checkbook.” Monies left in a fund for family members can be used through decades of charitable giving for your children and grandchildren. Third, if IRA or 401k monies are left to a Donor Advised Fund upon your death, significant amounts of taxes are avoided. Every dollar that would have been taxed can flow into the Donor Advised Fund tax free and can continue to grow tax free—Uncle Sam doesn’t get a dime. Just as my neighbor,
A Christmas Gift
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.
Dave, has his “best” tool for the job, I love using Donor Advised Funds. They can eliminate tens of thousands of dollars in taxes and are a great tool for charitable giving.
A guy bought his wife a beautiful diamond ring for Christmas. After hearing about this extravagant gift, a friend of his said, "I thought she wanted one of those sporty fourwheel-drive vehicles." "She did," he replied. "But where was I going to find a fake Jeep?"
An Axe to Grind
A boy begs his father to get him a Christmas tree this year. Each year, the boy asks and the father tells him, "I don't want to pay for it." But the son kept begging. Unable to bear his son's whining, he picks up his axe one day and heads out of the house. Thirty minutes later he returns with a great big Christmas tree. "How did you cut it down so fast?" his son asks. "I didn't cut it down," the father replies. "I got it at a tree lot." "Then why did you bring an axe?" "Because I didn't want to pay."
Page 5
l A u G h i N g pOiNt!! Store Santa
While working as store Santa, a young boy asked me for an electric train set. "If you get your train," I told him, "your dad is going to want to play with it too. Is that all right?" The boy became very quiet. So, moving the conversation along, I asked, "What else would you like Santa to bring you?" He promptly replied, "Another train."
Today's Thought
No matter how old you are; a Christmas wrapping paper tube is still a fun thing to bonk someone over the head with.
PUNishment
What’s the absolute best Christmas present? A broken drum—you can’t beat it!
sudoku To Play: Complete the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9
Bowl Full of Jelly
I told Santa you were good this year, and he hasn't stopped laughing since!
This week's answers on page 9
THEME: BOARD GAMES ACROSS 1. Dealer's hand, in cribbage 5. Wade's opponent 8. Galsworthy's "The Forsyte ____" 12. Nevada city 13. Prima donna 14. Weasel's cousin 15. Makes collar for RBG 16. Between the id and super-ego, pl. 17. Can be hot or cold, meteorologically speaking 18. *Real estate-related board game 20. Elvis Presley's "____ and Fortune" 21. Preface, e.g. 22. *A top one is a game piece in #18 Across 23. Open carriage 26. Having a malignant influence 30. "Wheel of Fortune" request 31. Stay clear of 34. Knife wound 35. Touch of color 37. Computer network acronym 38. Awaken 39. Wet nurse 40. Castrated man 42. Yale-____ College, Singapore 43. Aircraft's additional equipment holder 45. They're denoted in red 47. Eric Stonestreet on "Modern Family" 48. Allergic reaction to bee sting 50. Amusing 52. *Word game 55. Don McLean: "Drove my chevy to the ____" 56. Joie de vivre 57. Charlie Parker's nickname 59. Bake an egg 60. Knocks on the door, e.g. 61. 1970s hairdo 62. Milk ____, candy 63. Swallowed
64. Reason to cram DOWN 1. Tube in old TV 2. Paper unit 3. "He's Just Not That ____ You" 4. Herzegovina's partner 5. Excessive sternness 6. Convex molding 7. *Candy Land difficulty level 8. *Napoleon-themed game of strategy 9. Niels Bohr's study object 10. Autry or Wilder 11. Simon's former partner 13. Performed comprehensively or in-____, pl. 14. Butcher's refuse 19. Beginning of sickness 22. TV classic "Hee ___" 23. *Board game island ready for settlers 24. True inner self 25. Linear particle ac-
celerator, for short 26. Take-out handout 27. Half human-half goat, pl. 28. February "People," e.g. 29. *Game with rooks 32. *Game involving Mr. Boddy's murderer 33. Chewbacca's sidekick 36. *a.k.a. draughts 38. Type of parallelogram 40. Liberty Tree, e.g. 41. Vacuums, e.g. 44. Extra shirt, e.g. 46. Sabbath, alt. sp. 48. Audience’s approval 49. Window treatment 50. Bloody king of Israel 51. "Metamorphoses" poet 52. Serum, pl. 53. *The Game of ____ 54. Makes mistakes 55. Acid drug 58. Part of URL Solution on page 9
Page 6
O bituaries Ginny Jeffery 1950 - 2020
FREMONT - Our kind and loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend, Virginia Hunt Jeffery, age 70, passed away December 13, 2020 at her home in Fremont, after a very valiant battle with cancer. She was born October 31, 1950 in Salina, Utah, a daughter of Loyd George and Inez Brinkerhoff Hunt. She graduated from Wayne High School, Class of 1968 and attended SUU in Cedar for one quarter. She married the love of her life, Thomas Alfred Jeffery January 11, 1969 in Bicknell, Utah. Their marriage was solemnized in the St. George LDS Temple May 7, 1983. She went to Cosmetology School and became a licensed beautician. Ginny was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving as Young Women Leader and Relief Society teacher. She was a member of the DUP Camp Geyser, where she served as President. Ginny was an EMT for 20 years, serving the people of Wayne County. She also worked as the Resource Clerk for the Dixie and Fish Lake National Forest for over twenty years. She loved to quilt, embroidery, and enjoyed painting, writing and reading. Grandma Ginny lived a remarkable life and to know her was to love her. She will be greatly missed. The family would like to extend a special "Thank You" to Gunnison Hospice, especially Teri Leavitt, Connie Durfey and Julie Jeffery, for their tender care of our dear Mom. Ginny is survived by the love of her life, Tom Jeffery of Fremont; children: Nichol and Stony Stringham, Teri Ann and Evan Leavitt, all of Fremont; Wendy and Tracy Potter of Torrey; Lacey and Doug Agren of Gunnison; 14 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; sisters and brothers: Candace (Kay, deceased) Blackburn of St. George; George A. and Mary Hunt of Salt Lake City; Gilbert and Julie Hunt of Bicknell; Lisa and Gary Leaming of Redmond; Natalie and Marty Jensen of Loa, R. Troy and Nicole Hunt of Henderson, Nevada. She is preceded in death by her parents, Loyd and Inez Hunt; parents-in-law, Garn and Colleen Jeffery; and two sisters, Sandra Hunt and Marsha Jackson. Private family funeral services were held on Saturday, December 19, 2020 at 1:00 P.M. in the Fremont LDS Ward Chapel. Friends were invited to a viewing at the ward chapel Saturday morning from 10:00 to 12:30 prior to the services. Due to current COVID-19 mandate, all attendees were asked to wear a mask and obey social distancing. Burial was in the Fremont Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah. On line guest book at: www.springerturner.com
Pamilla Ann Gessig
ESCALANTE Pam Bina Gessig, born in San Diego, CA, passed peacefully with her two daughters Sarah and Heather, and her husband, Steve by her side after a courageous battle on December 16, 2020 in St. George, Utah. A devoted mother of two daughters, Pam raised her girls on a horse farm with her husband Peter, in Sussex County, New Jersey for 35 years. The farm was a place that remained very close to her heart throughout her life. Pam was an avid lover and protector of the outdoors, with a special love of the red rocks of southern Utah. She was an accomplished artist in pastel and watercolors and loved spending time creating scenes inspired by her travels and surroundings in her own art studio which was lovingly built by her husband, Steve. A highlight of Pam’s life was the wedding to her life partner Steve in November of 2017. Her subsequent move to Escalante, Utah was a lifetime dream. Pam was an intrepid animal lover and protector; she most enjoyed spending time hiking in the desert with her two Australian Sheppards. Her retirement was filled with adventures of camping and hiking with her two dogs and beloved husband Steve across the southwest. Her travels also included adventures with two of her best friends, Madge and Robin. Pam was committed to the service of others and volunteered for many years for hospice, and at her local hospital giving flu shots, and donated to several causes close to her heart including animal rescues. She was witty and intelligent, an avid reader, and ready to discuss any number of topics with grace and fervor. Her ability to remember the punch line for a joke never stopped her from trying; her sense of humor was campy and well known amongst her close group of friends and loved ones. Pam made a lasting impression and impact for her quiet strength and grace, as well as her warm kindness to all she met. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your local animal shelter, local hospice, St. Jude Hospital or The Shriners. A graveside service was on Tuesday, December 22, 2020, 1:00 p.m. at Escalante Cemetery, 1080 E 0360 S, Escalante, UT 84726 Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S Bluff St, St. George, Utah. Friends and family are invited to sign her online guestbook at www.spilsburymortuary.com
The Insider
December 24, 2020
FYI PanguItch
by Mack Oetting ~ mackoetting @gmail.com It is Christmas Eve, and I hope all is well with you this holiday season. The weather is cold enough that it will be a white Christmas, which is always nice to get you in the spirit. Sub for Santa was able to make over 70 young folk's Christmas a little brighter. The town really came through this year, with plenty of help to allow the Sub for Santa program to continue. It is the 26th year of the program, and it makes giving very enjoyable. Christmas is a time for rejoicing and to remember the reason for the season. There is some really great lighting around town. I don’t know who won the lighting contest, but it ought to end up in one big tie. The Panguitch 1st Ward had a Christmas dinner (thanks to Stan Foy’s great
roast beef), and the women in the Ward set up some fun games. Santa was also there, with "Ho-Ho" jokes. It was a fun night, and the food that we got to take home was wonderful. Many thanks to all of those who made this a fun evening. We were hoping that our granddaughter would have been able to come home for Christmas. However, the virus is exploding in Southern California, and last week, she had 15 patients in one day that tested positive. She decided that it wouldn’t be safe to come. The good news is that she got the vaccine last Monday and might be able to come in a month or so. She also said that there aren’t any beds left in the ICU. They are maxed out in her area. Even
O bituaries Ned Owens
ST. GEORGE / PANGUITCH - Ned Owens, 95, passed away on December 16, 2020, in St. George, Utah, of natural causes. He was born on February 3, 1925 in Panguitch, Utah and was the fourth of eight children of Ernest V. Owens and Sarah Melinda Shakespear Owens. Ned was raised in Panguitch with his two sisters and five brothers and graduated from Panguitch High School in 1943. He left that fall for two years of duty during World War II in the U.S. Navy, where he served as a motor machinist and was assigned to a hospital ship in the South Pacific until his discharge in 1946. Ned married Melva Slack in the Manti Temple on April 14, 1950, and later moved to Logan to attend Utah State University. He graduated from USU in 1955 with a degree in civil engineering and started a career with the Bureau of Reclamation in Ogden, where he worked on several major water projects. Ned and Melva were blessed with four boys and one daughter. They moved their family from Roy, Utah, to Chama, New Mexico, and later to Duchesne, Utah, as he worked hard to provide for their growing family. He retired from the Bureau of Reclamation in 1980 after 30 years of service and returned to his beloved Panguitch, which he considered heaven on earth. He reluctantly left Panguitch again when he accepted a position with the Deseret Generation and Transmission Corporation electrical power generating plant that was being built in Bonanza, Utah. He retired again in 1987 and happily returned to Panguitch. Ned was a consummate sportsman and excelled in hunting and fishing. He has fished and hunted all over Utah, and he could recall with amazing detail dozens of stories about the adventures of his favorite past time. He could catch a fish in any body of water and could spot a deer or elk on any mountain, in any weather, and he had amazing stamina well into his late 80s. He single handedly kept the deer, elk, pheasant, goose and many other animal and bird populations in check. In his later years, he took up golfing and continued this sport into his early 90s. He always loved a good contest of skills in the beautiful outdoors. Ned was a life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as a branch president, scout master and in several other callings. He and Melva also served as ordinance workers in the St. George Temple. In his later years, Melva dragged him, kicking and screaming, to reside in St. George where they could escape the Panguitch winters. Ned is survived by his children, Florin Ned (LaNette), Russell Lynn (Marilyn) Alan Kerry (Wendy), Cristal Robbins (Jeff) and Kevin Martin (Brenda), and his younger brother, Eugene Owens. He and Melva were blessed with 24 grandchildren and 36 great grandchildren and counting. He dearly loved them all. Funeral services were held on Saturday, December 19, 2020, at the Morningside Stake Center located at 881 South River Road in St. George at 10 a.m., with a viewing at 9:30 a.m. Dedication of the grave was at 3 p.m. at the Panguitch Cemetery. The family extends thanks to the amazing staff at Dixie Regional Medical Center for the wonderful care given to Ned in his last few days. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Humanitarian Fund. Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S Bluff St, St. George, Utah. Friends and family are invited to sign his online guestbook at www.spilsburymortuary.com
when you get the vaccine, you still have to mask up. It won’t be safe until everyone has had the vaccine, and that probably won’t be until July. The good news is that a second vaccine is ready to be used and should be used by this week’s printing. The advantage to the second vaccine is that it doesn’t require being refrigerated at -90 degrees and can be used in rural areas like ours. Those in the medical field will be treated first, followed by those in rest homes. Those older people account for about 30% of all the deaths from the virus. Four thousand eight hundred veterans living in military rest homes have died from the virus, more than died in the Iraq war. Good news for teachers is that you will be getting the vaccine a lot sooner so that the kids can get back to school. Another good thing for teachers that I read in the SLC Tribune is that those that have teaching credentials will be getting a $1,500 bonus for working during the pandemic. You will have to wait until the
legislature meets in February to sign off on it. Those of us that are over the age of 65 will be some of the first to also get the vaccine. I know we will get our shots as soon as it is available. You are never too old to learn what’s new in the terminology of the youth. When you get off the freeway on the way to COSTCO, there is a sign that says, "Free haircuts at the G.O.A.T." Our daughter Shawn Google'd it, and when someone calls you a goat, take it as a complement. It means the "greatest of all time." Is that cool or what? There won’t be any New Year’s party this year, nor will there be a Rose Parade or Rose Bowl football games. There will be NBA basketball this Christmas, with six games. So, not all is lost for us couch potatoes. I pray that all of you will have a great Christmas, and keep Christ in your life. Love from the Oettings
O bituaries
Trisha Coughlin Mamon
ST. GEORGE / LAS VEGAS / ESCALANTE - Trisha Coughlin Mamon, 50, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020. Trisha Coughlin Mamon was born in San Bernardino, California to Patrick Joseph Coughlin and Roberta Manak Coughlin on April 11,1970. The family moved to Escalante, Utah in 1976, where Trisha grew up on her family’s ranch with two brothers that adored their sweet sister. She was always an excellent student and involved in many of the activities the small Utah town had to offer: Class Vice President, Sterling Scholar, cheerleader, pageant queen, volleyball player, and cowgirl. She really took to horseback riding. She loved showing horses and barrel racing. She also enjoyed snow and water skiing. Trisha attended Southern Utah University, where she earned her associate degree. She found joy in helping others through her career as a massage therapist, working in the world-renowned spa at the Wynn Encore in Las Vegas. Trisha raised three wonderful sons, this was her calling, her hobby, her everything. She was so loving and adored being with her boys. They enjoyed visiting the ranch in Escalante, skiing, football, and spending time with family and friends. Trisha will be in our hearts forever! May her sweet soul rest in peace and shine through in the strong boys she raised. Trisha Coughlin Mamon is survived by her children: Brandon, Cameron, and Conner Mamon. Her Parents Patrick and Roberta Coughlin. Brother Darren Coughlin and his wife Tara Coughlin. Many nieces and nephews, cousins, in-laws, family, and friends. Trisha is preceded in death by brother, Bradley Coughlin, aunt Eddy Hodges, cousin Jimmy Gyton, Uncle Mark Coughlin, Grandparents, Ester Mamon, and other extended family. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to help spread awareness through The Yellow Felt Soul on Facebook, donations can be made in Trisha's name to paypal @yellowfeltsoul Shelby McCamey. Graveside service were held Saturday, December 19, 2020, 11:30 MST at Tonaquint Cemetery, 1777 S. Dixie Dr., St. George, UT 84770. Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff St., St. George, Utah. Friends and family are invited to sign her online guestbook at www.spilsburymortuary.com
The Insider
December 24, 2020
LegaL Notices PUBLIC NOTICE UTAH SCHOOL AND INSTITUTIONAL TRUST LANDS ADMINISTRATION (SITLA) Widtsoe 800-acre parcel – The Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration (SITLA) has received an offer to lease approximately 800 acres of property in Garfield County, Utah, in the Widtsoe area. The subject parcel is located within sections 27, 28 and 33, Township 34 South, Range 2 West, SLB&M. SITLA is now soliciting competing proposals for this land. Any qualified party interested in submitting a competing proposal may do so until 4:30 PM on Monday, January 11, 2021. Proposals may be submitted to SITLA by email (preferred) to eliseerler@utah.gov or by mail to SITLA Attn: Elise Erler, 675 E. 500 South, Suite 500, Salt Lake City, UT 84102, (801-538-5179). Reference: “Widtsoe 800-acre parcel”. Published in the Wayne & Garfield County Insider on DECEMBER 17, 24 & 31, 2020 NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING SCHEDULE – 2021 STATE OF UTAH SCHOOL AND INSTITUTIONAL TRUST LANDS ADMINISTRATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES Pursuant to Utah Code Annotated §52-4-202(2), notice is hereby given that in 2021, the State of Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration (SITLA) Board of Trustees will conduct its regular board meetings on the third Thursday of each month in the boardroom at the SITLA offices, located at 675 East 500 South, 6th Floor, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84102 beginning at 9:00 a.m. During the course of the year, the Board also may go on tours to sites within the state. January 21st Regular Meeting March 18th Regular Meeting April 15th Regular Meeting May 20th Regular Meeting June 17th Regular Meeting
February 18th if needed
July 15th if needed August 19th Regular Meeting September 15th-16th Board Tour (location TBA, dates subject to change) October 21st Regular Meeting November 18th Regular Meeting December 16th if needed I, Lisa S. Jones, Executive Assistant to the SITLA Board of Trustees, hereby certify that the foregoing will be published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider in December 2020, has been posted in the SITLA Offices, the Utah Public Notice website at https://www.utah.gov/pmn/index.html, and SITLA’s website at https://trustlands.utah.gov/. Posted and dated this December 15, 2020. Published in the Wayne & Garfield County Insider on DECEMBER 24, 2020 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. 20, 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. CHANGE APPLICATION(S) 61-3248 (a46529): State of Utah Board of Water Recources, John Gary and Michele L. Given, Trustees The Given Trust, West Panguitch Irrigation and Reservoir Company propose(s) using 1.6 ac-ft. from groundwater (6 miles NE of Panguitch) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION. EXTENSION(S) 61-2733 (a32370): QSE, LC is/are filing an extension for 0.0325 cfs OR 2.5 ac-ft. from groundwater (4.5 miles NW of Hatch) for IRRIGATION. 95-5077 (A75568): Fredrick and Mary McBrier is/are filing an extension for 0.015 cfs OR 0.45 ac-ft. (1 mile SW of Torrey) for DOMESTIC. Teresa Wilhelmsen, P.E. State Engineer Published in the Wayne & Garfield County Insider on DECEMBER 24 & 31, 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 PUBLIC HEARING TROPIC TOWN Tropic Town Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing Thursday, December 29, 2020 at 6 p.m. to discuss a Zone Change of property located in Tropic Town Property Owner: Michael Ahlstrom & Tony McDowell Location: Section 26, T-36S, RW3, Lot #10, #11 & #12 Currently Zone: Residential Zone Changed To: Agricultural Certificate of Posting: I, the duly appointed and acting clerk for the Town of Tropic, hereby certify that copies of the foregoing notice was posted at three place within the municipality on the 10th day of December 2020 Marie H Niemann – Town Clerk Published in the Wayne & Garfield County Insider on DECEMBER 17 & 24, 2020 PUBLIC NOTICE ANTIMONY TOWN All Antimony Town Board Meetings will be held on the first Thursday of each month, at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Center (unless otherwise posted). BOARD MEETING DATES Thurs. January 7, 2021
Thurs. July 1, 2021
Thurs. February 4, 2021
Thurs. August 5, 2021
Thurs. March 4, 2021 Thurs. April 1, 2021
Thurs. September 2, 202 Thurs. October 7, 2021
Thurs. May 6, 2021 Thurs. June 3, 2021
Thurs. November 4, 202 Thurs. December 2, 202
To put public items on the agenda, or for questions about board meetings, please contact Roma Henrie at 624-3488. Published in the Wayne & Garfield County Insider on DECEMBER 24, 2020
O bituaries
Don Marshall
SANDY / PANGUITCH Donald Ephraim Marshall, 90, passed away December 17, 2020 at his home in Sandy. He was born October 30, 1930 in Panguitch to Maurice Miles and Eva Dell Talbot Marshall. He married Barbara Gai Excell on February 25, 1955 in the St. George Temple. She preceded him in death on October 8, 2020. Don served in the Korean War. He served as his son’s little league baseball and basketball coach. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving as the High Priest group leader, High Counselor, and in many bishoprics and branch presidencies. A member of the Panguitch Lake volunteer fire department, he was always there to serve when anyone’s furnace or a/c went out. Survived by his children: Michele (Kay) Shurtz, Lehi; Melonie (Gene) Anderson, Sandy; Jim Marshall, Lehi; Rhett (Stephanie) Marshall, Riverton; 20 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; sister, Mona Jean Savage, Panguitch; brother-in-law, Doyle Peterson, Riverton; sister-in-law, Donna Marshall, Panguitch. Also preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Wilma Peterson and Leland Marshall; brother-in-law, Melvin Savage. Funeral services were held on Monday, December 21, 2020 at 12:00 noon in the Panguitch 3rd Ward Chapel, 550 South 100 West. Burial was in the Panguitch City Cemetery with military honors by the Panguitch American Legion Post #25 and Utah Honor Guard. Due to COVID-19, all attendees were required to wear a mask and adhere to social distancing guidelines. Live streaming of the services and online guestbook could be found at www.maglebymortuary.com under Don’s obituary. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti
Page 7
Utah Division of Water Resources Posts Latest Water Use Numbers on Newly Revamped Open Water Data Website
SALT LAKE CITY - The state’s latest water use numbers have been published by the Utah Division of Water Resources and can be found on the recently overhauled and upgraded Open Water Data website. The latest municipal and industrial (M&I) numbers are from 2019 and show that statewide per capita water use for potable and secondary water is 223 gallons per capita per day (GPCD). In 2018, the total GPCD was 241 (2017 - 244 and 2016 - 245). M&I includes residential, commercial, institutional (for example, schools and parks), and industrial water use. “2019 was a great water year with beneficial weather patterns,” said Rachel Shilton, the division’s river basin planning manager. “Water use can vary dramatically because of weather. In contrast, 2020 has been hot and dry, which usually results in higher usage.” The data from 2015 is the state’s baseline for planning and tracking water conservation achievements. Data is collected annually, allowing for five-years of consecutive data to better monitor trends and adjust for weather fluctuations. “The five-year average provides a more accurate picture of water use,” said Shilton. Utah has one of the most comprehensive water reporting practices in the nation because it includes all potable, secondary and reuse by all users (residential, commercial, institutional and industrial) in its GPCD. This all-inclusive method is important for planning purposes but means that Utah’s water use numbers look higher than other cities or states that don’t include all water use in their calculations. “There isn’t a national standard for reporting water use, which makes meaningful comparisons difficult,” said Shilton. “Other states don’t collect the same information that we do, but if you look at just metered residential use for Salt Lake City—the water use number reported by some municipalities—the GPCD is 96.” Water use data collection has improved over the years and is a detailed process involving the Division of Water Resources, the Division of Water Rights and the Division
of Drinking Water. The process typically takes about a year, which is why the numbers lag. (See How the Data is Collected below.) Open Water Data Website In addition to housing water use data, the division’s Open Water Data website includes many new datasets, maps, apps and dashboards. The site provides access to water data produced and maintained by the division that is useful for planning purposes. “This interactive site allows users to answer many fundamental questions related to Utah’s water supply and use,” said GIS Manager Aaron Austin. “Access to accurate data is at the core of good decision making. The upgrades make the site more intuitive and in many cases make it possible to interact with and understand the data without having to download anything.” The website features three primary data categories: Municipal and Industrial Water Use, Water-Related Land Use and Water Budget. A wide variety of data can be explored and downloaded in many formats. Many are summarized by state, county, basin or water supplier boundaries. A gallery of online maps and resources from outside entities are also available. How the Data is Collected • The Division of Water Resources gets a list of active public water systems from the Division of Drinking Water. • The Division of Water Rights works with these water systems throughout the year, helping them report accurate source and use data and helps water systems adjust billing inputs so water use is tracked in the right categories. Updated boundaries are provided to the Division of Water Resources and the GIS layer is updated. • By December, Water Resources supplies Water Rights with the estimated population for each system. This population is pre-populated on the anWater Data Website
Cont'd on page 10
The Insider
Page 8
December 24, 2020
The Night Sky
The Milky Way, Our Home Sweet Home by Mary Bedingfieldsmith, Member of Torrey Dark Skies Home, sweet home. Oh, so true. But what is that home we love so much? Is it a beautiful hamlet in Wayne County? Is it Utah? Or the United States? When we look up at night, every star we see is in our galactic home, the Milky Way. From the extraordinary dark night sky in our Wayne County neighborhood, these same stars have been visible for thousands of years. The Milky Way is the same cloudy river of stars early Native Americans saw. They are the same stars Ephraim Pectol, A. K. Thurber, John Blackburn, William Morrell and other settlers saw when they arrived here in the 1800s. They may not have known they were seeing a barred spiral galaxy, but they certainly recognized the North Star, Orion the Hunter, and the Northern Cross. Today, we more fully understand our place in the universe, but here are ten things you might not know about the Milky Way. Its Name is Old Before electric lights, everybody on Earth had a clear view of the Milky Way. It was impossible to miss. The ancients gave different names to our galaxy, but “Milky Way” came from the Greeks, who had a myth about the infant Hercules being brought to the goddess Hera, who nursed him while she was asleep. When she awoke and pulled away, her breast milk spilled across the heavens creating the Milky Way. We Don't Know How Many Stars are in it If you’re lucky to live in a dark place, and you have good eyesight, you can see about 5,000 stars with the naked eye. But Earth itself gets in the way, so, from where you stand, you could probably count 2,500 stars. However, astronomers, using their large telescopes and excellent math skills, estimate there are 400 billion stars in our Milky Way home.
Our Galaxy has Arms Even though there is still a lot we don’t know about the structure of our galaxy, scientists believe the Milky Way has four major spiral arms: the Outer Arm, the Centaurus Arm, the Sagittarius Arm, and the Perseus Arm. Earth and its solar system are located on the inner edge of a minor spiral called the Orion Arm. There's a Monster Black Hole in the Galaxy's Middle Weighing more than four million times the mass of the sun, there’s a giant black hole in the center of the Milky Way. Scientists have never actually seen the hole because it’s hidden behind thick clouds of dust and gas. We've Got a Halo The Milky Way is made up of 90% dark matter, which cannot be seen. The other 10% is called “luminous matter.” We can see that with our eyes. The dark matter causes an invisible halo, which has been shown to exist by modeling the way the galaxy spins. The Milky Way is Heavy Astronomers are still unsure exactly how much our galaxy weighs, but estimates range from 700 billion to 2 trillion times the mass of the Sun. It's Blowing Bubbles The center of the Milky Way is creating massive bub-
bles of hot gas and energetic particles. These are called “Fermi Bubbles” and are fueled by a 2-million-mile-perhour wind. We're Not Alone There are small galaxies that orbit the Milky Way. Many such dwarf galaxies orbit ours— and sometimes they get eaten by our massive Milky Way. It Won't Last Forever Enjoy the galaxy while it’s around because it won’t be here forever. In about four billion years, the Milky Way will collide with the Andromeda Galaxy and will form a new mega-galaxy. But don’t worry. Earth is likely to survive the collision. Over Half of the World's Population Cannot See the Milky Way The Milky Way has a low surface brightness. That means light pollution or the light of the moon can greatly reduce our ability to see it. It also means we are extremely lucky to live here in Wayne County, a place that values its heritage of the night sky and works to protect it. We continue to be able to see the same stars our ancestors saw and so will our future generations. Mary Bedingfieldsmith is a resident of Torrey and member of Torrey Dark Skies.
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 28 - January 3 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. All the astronomy news a week ago was about the extremely close conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn, when they were separated by a scant 0.1°. Jupiter orbits the sun faster than Saturn and is leaving Saturn behind as it moves eastward and away from it, but they remain close and are well worth watching. They’re separated by a scant 0.8° on the 28th. Unfortunately, both set four minutes earlier each night, and they now appear very low in the west-southwest in evening twilight. They set before the sky is fully dark, and we’ll lose them soon as they slip behind the sun. When they reappear in the morning sky in late February, they’ll be 8° apart and no longer a “double planet.” So, enjoy them while they’re still around. Mars remains conspicuous as the orange “star” high in the south as night begins. It’s in Pisces where there are no even moderately-bright
stars to compete. Mars is the sole planet visible from full darkness until it sets at around 2 a.m. It’s now too distant at 80 million miles for all but the best telescopes to show any surface features on it. Venus dominated the morning sky all fall, but—like Jupiter and Saturn—it too is leaving us. Venus orbits the sun faster than the earth, and it’s very slowly moving behind the sun. We’ll last see it around this week, low in the southeast just before the sun rises. The earth is closest to the sun on the 2nd. So, why is it cold now? It’s because the earth’s northern hemisphere it tilted away from the sun, causing there to be few hours of warming sunlight and the sun to shine on us from a low angle. At the same time, the southern hemisphere experiences long days and the sun’s path is high in their sky. Actually, the earth’s orbit is out-ofround by only 3%, too little
to notice if the earth’s orbit was drawn on a large sheet of paper, and the changing distance has little effect on temperatures. This week, the days begin to grow longer, very slowly at first and with accelerating change as we approach the spring equinox in March. The minor Quadrantid Meteor Shower peaks on the night of the 2nd and morning of the 3rd, but few people brave the cold to see it, and this year moonlight interferes. 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.
The Insider
December 24, 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
CLEANING/HOUSEKEEPER BICKNELL CLINIC Wayne Community Health Centers, Inc. is seeking a cleaning/housekeeper for our Bicknell Clinic. This would include general daily cleaning of the building along with thorough cleaning of frequently touched areas and patient areas. This is a full time position with benefit package/insurance. Hours will be flexible at $12 an hour, Monday through Friday, during clinic hours and some swing shift hours. You must be able to pass a back ground check and to be self-motivated to complete all tasks. Please submit your resume to, Darci Elmer at Wayne Community Health Center: darci@waynechc.org This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENTS
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-
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.
POSITIONS AVAILABLE: Garfield County School District is hiring the following positions. For a description of each, please see the district website www.garfk12.org Para Professional at Garfield County Jail 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 (435-679-8619) 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.
A FIBER TO THE PREM TECH PANGUITCH AREA Immediate job opening in Panguitch Area for Fiber to the Prem Tech: Fiber Technicians are responsible for the installation and customer experience of high speed Internet services. Computer and networking skills required. Will be responsible for pulling wire within the subscriber home for new installation work. Must be willing and able to work in confined spaces such as attics and crawl spaces. Technicians must have experience with CATV, CAT 5/6, coax, and/or wiring. Previous in home installation is preferred with installing cable and internet or alarm systems and you must have top notch customer service skills. Good 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 FACILITIES MAINTENANCE TECH South Central has an immediate full-time job opening for a Facilities Maintenance Tech: We are looking for a team player whose responsibilities will include cleaning and maintaining buildings and grounds. Will maintain buildings by inspecting and repairing plumbing, electrical, and building fixtures as needed. Maintains grounds through mowing, weed control, disposing of trash and snow removal. Must have a valid driver’s license as will be required to travel. Must be motivated and a self-starter. Great benefit package. Submit resumes to: South Central Communications PO Box 555 Escalante, UT 84726 Attn: HR Or emailHR@socen.com
We are looking for friendly, hardworking professionals who enjoy the hospitality industry and interaction with guests. 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
SITE ADMINISTRATOR WAYNE COUNTY Six County Association of Governments (SCAOG) is accepting applications for a part-time site administrator to join our Aging and Nutrition Services team in Wayne County. The site administrator will provide assistance in administering the SCAOG Aging and Nutrition programs to the Wayne County seniors. The site administrator will act as a liaison between SCAOG and the Wayne County Senior Board. The site administrator will conduct assessments for home delivered meal clients in Wayne County, work with the Senior Board and community to facilitate transportation and community services, complete required reporting, and perform banking and financial reporting assistance. This is a part-time position up to 8 hours per week. Starting salary is $9.25 – 10.25 per hour depending on work history and experience. Please visit www.sixcounty.com/jobs to apply. Please call 435-893-0747 for additional information. The position is open until filled with the first review of applications on Monday, December 28, 2020. SCAOG conducts background checks and drug screens on all successful applicants. SCAOG is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.
SERVICES Classifieds start at $7.50 for 25 words or less. snapshot@live.com
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
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
Slackers Pizza Deli FULL TIME, YEAR-ROUND COOK TORREY Full Time, Year-round Cook position with newest restaurant in Torrey, Slacker's Pizza & Deli. Great remodeled kitchen, with lots of new equipment. Join with our great staff in delivering great food and service. Excellent pay, 4 day work week, and equal share of tips based on hours worked. Call Bob or Carol Morris at 435-619-0725 or email resume to rlmorris6@gmail.com. PART-TIME POSITION TORREY Part-time (would work into full time position). Helpful to have skills in being a cashier, food prep and serving, but we are willing to train the right person. Great place to work, Tips are shared based on hour worked. No Sundays. Great pay and customers love us. This is a place to work, and we pay well. Call Bob or Carol Morris at 435-619-0725 or email resume to: rlmorris6@gmail.com.
CROSSWORD SOLUTION
The Insider
Page 10
December 24, 2020
Water Data Website: Access Garfield Commission: The proposed 2021 Garfield County Budget to accurate data is at the core of good decision making.—Aaron Austin, GIS Manager
Water Data Website Cont'd from page 7
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nual water use form. In January, Water Rights sends out the annual water use form to each public water provider. The forms are due back to Water Rights by March 15. Water Resources reviews the submitted data and flags possible errors. Water Rights contacts systems with flagged data and corrects any potential errors. Potable data is typically finalized by September. Water Resources compiles metered secondary water, then estimates un-
metered secondary water, and both are added to the database. • The data set is given to the Water Resources Technical Services Section to format for the Open Water Data website. • The data set is posted on the Open Water Data website. The Utah Division of Water Resources is one of seven divisions housed within the Department of Natural Resources. Tasked with planning, conserving, developing and protecting Utah’s water resources, the division serves as Utah’s water steward. —Utah Division of Water Resources
and the amendments to the 2020 Budget, Commissioner Board Reports, possibility of chipsealing Garfield County's section of Hole-in-the-Rock before "a new administration comes in," the Rural County Grant Program, and a livestock grazing study on GSENM discussed. Garfield Commission
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“We’re not in a bind now because of our conservative fiscal policies and good management and efforts by county employees.” The Commission adopted the amended 2020 budget. In their board reports of the previous weeks’ activities, Commissioner Tebbs said he is waiting to hear from Utah County Indemnity Pool (UCIP, a group of counties that self-insure) whether he will be appointed to serve on their board for an interim position. Commissioner Jerry Taylor reported continuing complaints about Hole-in-theRock Road; stated Southwest Public Health provides daily website updates on COVID information; presented Five Counties’ Behavioral Health financial audit and budget review for the Commission’s acceptance; attended a Rural Housing meeting to discuss “new ideas to help our communities get some housing.” The Commission briefly discussed the matter of COVID reporting. Tebbs asked if jail infections might be removed from the county numbers, while Pollock said rural counties resisted the Governor’s new [COVID] matrix because there was no reason they should be lumped in with Salt Lake County. Commissioner Pollock’s report included a response to Commissioner Taylor: He said “there’s a possibility before new administration comes in” to be able to chipseal Garfield County’s 16 miles of Hole in the Rock Road. He also continues pushing back on the legislature’s CAFO bill. He said it’s supposed to be for consolidated animal operations but is in fact a way for industrial swine farms to circumvent local zoning ordinances. Finally, he noted the 22 local jobs created from caring for state-housed inmates and will be working through the Joint Jails Committee to
ensure the new state Director of Corrections is aware of the county’s need for more inmates. Tebbs reported that the legislature will again be voting on changes to the Transient Room Tax formula, which determines how the proceeds from the tax can be used—a certain percentage required for promotion versus impact mitigation. He said he doesn’t support that bill. “We’ll need “good resources for promotion to get the tourism back,” he said. “Businesses should be concerned about fewer dollars allowed for promotion.” Public Works, Brian Bremner, presented the bids on the two graders the county is selling: Two bids were received on the 2009 John Deere grader. One didn’t meet the minimum bid of $65K, so the remaining bid for $67K by K&D Forest Products was accepted. Only one bid was received on the 2010 John Deere grader, and it didn’t meet the minimum $86K, so was not accepted. In other business, Bremner recommended an applicant for the advertised equipment operator position. Following their later executive session, the Commission approved hiring Ryan Brooks for that position. Dave Dodds said that rocks are being cleared from the Mossy Cave trail. Commissioner Tebbs said he’d still like to push for a little more expanded parking area, but “this a good start.” Planning/Economic Development, Kaden Figgins, reported on the Rural County Grant Program. In 2020, Garfield County received $95,833 from the state in zero match grants. In 2021, the county can apply for up to $200K in grants that will require a 20 percent county match, or up to $40K. He said an additional $400K can be applied for but is competitive across the state. So far, no specific projects have been identified. Figgins praised the County Economic Development Board’s “good system for reviewing project applications.” He said the board meets monthly to review business’s applications and awards them based on rubrics such as overall benefits, jobs created, salaries, etc. In 2020, 11 businesses submitted preliminary appli-
cations. Of those, four were asked to submit the final applications, and of those, only two submitted their final applications. The CED board approved a $50K grant to NeighborWorks Mountain Country Home Solutions for their Tropic and Escalante housing construction, plus created a new position with benefits to manage the housing. The board also awarded $40K to JCI Billing Services, an ambulance billing company based in Tropic that has contracts across the state. The board recognized the local company that employs one part-time and six full-time residents. Figgins said the remaining $5833 will go into training, outreach, or be kept for 2021. The Commission approved the CED Board’s awards. Figgins moved to status on the Utah Geological Survey and Department of Water Quality aquifer studies in the Bryce Valley area. Their findings will be presented in detail early next year, but in summary, they found the aquifer to be “pristine” and will officially classify it as such. He said the departments will pay that, only charging the county for travel per diem to attend the required public hearings here. Figgins said the study and classification typically cost tens of thousands of dollars and “we’re ending up paying only $200-300.” Commissioner Pollock asked about the secondary study that was part of this—to find out the size and volume of the aquifer. Figgins will find out. The Commission approved paying up to $300 for the travel costs. Figgins presented two Conditional Use Permits for approval: the Shane Stauffer campground/RV park event space that was tabled last meeting pending a confirmation by Upper Sevier water company and the sheriff. The other was for Gary and Sharie Poulsen’s Short Term Rental. The Commission approved both. Finally, Figgins reported on results of a survey he emailed to county businesses on COVID impacts. He said 80 businesses completed the survey. Thirty out of thirtyone businesses that had applied for PPP funding through the banks had been approved;
sixteen of nineteen applying for EIDL (Econ Injury and Disaster Loan Program) were approved. On the Five Counties grants, he said all who applied for funding received it. Respondents indicated if more funding comes available, three quarters of them would apply again. He said Garfield County had specific issues with unemployment benefits in that the seasonality of jobs meant that workers’ benefits were exhausted by March just when businesses should have been reopening, and those persons didn’t receive payments until midsummer. He reported several problems with applicants who couldn’t get through to Department of Workforce Services. Figgins said if businesses “can’t reach them, then reach out to me. We can help.” He noted several other gleanings from the survey— businesses still need more Personal Protective Equipment, some could use help marketing that they’re open, and restaurants struggle with indoor seating requirements. He said businesses would like to have a virtual meeting with the Commission which Figgins will set up. Airport business, Ty Ramsey: Ramsey presented for approval the one applicant for the consulting engineering RFP he’d advertised: Armstrong Consultants. This is a five-year contract and part of a FAA mandated process. The Commission approved Armstrong Consultants. USU Extension, Kevin Heaton. Heaton introduced Ruger Carter, who has set up a livestock grazing study on Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Carter said he’s working with two ranchers, one from Escalante and one from Kanab, placing collar monitors on 20 of their cattle. Data will be collected for another couple years, ultimately trying to determine stocking rate on rangeland. Carter said the Monument is particularly difficult because of its variation of vegetation, elevations, and distances from water on the allotments. The monitoring allows the researchers to track exact locations and movement of the cattle to determine how much time they spend grazing certain areas and how they move. Cattle like to select for areas close to water, and they tend to stay within about three miles of water. Ultimately, what are the limiting factors on an allotment? Having real data will aid in understanding public land grazing. He also wants to look at other factors that might affect grazing behavior such as age, breed, having a calf at their side, retaining replacement heifers rather than bringing in “naïve” cattle that haven’t been to that location before. In final business, the Commission will review county board appointments for the first January meeting, they approved business licenses for Schless Photography and the Poulsen short term rental, approved a request for $300 to Toys for Tots, and accepted the SW Behavior Health audit report. 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