The Wayne & Garfield County Insider December 29, 2022

USDA Invests in Projects to Rehabilitate and Preserve Homes in Rural Utah

SALT LAKE CITYU.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Utah State Director Michele Weaver announced that the USDA is investing funding to expand access to housing repairs for underserved rural people who live and work in Utah. The projects will create economic opportunities and improve the lives of up to a dozen households in rural Utah.

The investments are part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to ensure that people living in rural America have equitable access to the infrastructure and economic opportunities they deserve.

“Safe, healthy and affordable housing is vital to local economies. By providing a broad spectrum of solutions for housing in rural areas, we strengthen the community.” Weaver said. “Thanks to the leadership of President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Agriculture Secretary Vilsack, USDA is investing in opportunity and prosperity for all people, regardless

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Christmas Bird Count: All I Want For Christmas is a Harris’ Sparrow Sighting

by Kadi Franson

BRYCE - This time of year, the holiday traditions are as varied as the people who partake in them, from lighting the menorah to cutting down a

Savings Lives and Touching Lives: GMH Mammo Truck Gives a Special Gift to a Special Patient

by Lisa Larson, Intermountain Healthcare

tree to decorate. Some find solace in the quiet peace that can come with a snowy day, some get worked into a tizzy trying to manage a snowballing shop-

10 Ice Fishing Tournaments and Events Happening in Utah

This Winter

SALT LAKE CITY - If you want to add an extra challenge to your ice fishing this winter, a tournament may be just the thing. Plus, you can help many of Utah’s fisheries and often win prizes! There are also a handful of ice fishing seminars you can attend if you want to get started in the sport.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and Utah State Parks will be sponsoring or hosting several ice fishing tournaments from January to March around the state. A valid Utah fishing license is required for anyone over 12 years old to fish in any of the events. The entrance fee will apply for any tournaments or events held within a state park.

Ice Fishing

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ping list, and some sing carols at neighbors’ doorsteps. And then there are those who, like me and the 20 other folks who showed up to the Bryce Can-

Wayne County Commission

by Lisa Jeppson

Dec. 19, 2022

WAYNE COUNTY -

The final Wayne County Commission meeting of 2022 was held on December 19, 2022. Commissioner Wood, Blackburn and Brian were in attendance. The agenda was accepted and approved. The minutes from the previous commission meeting held on December 5, 2022, were accepted and approved.

The job description for the Emergency Management position was presented by Sheriff Micah Gulley. The new Emergency Manager will be Deputy Jimmy Harris. Deputy Harris will assume this position in addition to his regular duties. Sheriff Gulley stated, “In most counties, the Emergency Management position is assigned as an additional duty to the deputies regular job. It is not a separate position.” Deputy Harris was required to take FEMA classes, which he has completed. This gives the Sheriff’s Department access to Public Safety grants or other grants that pertain to emergency and hazardous situations. The job descrip-

EES Presents 'How to Train Your Reindeer (To Fly)' at 2022 Christmas Program

the

ESCALANTE - Escalante Elementary School (EES) presented the musical "How to Train Your Reindeer (To Fly)" at their 2022 Christmas pro-

GARFIELD COUNTY / PAROWAN - As a radiologic technologist, it’s relatively uncommon for Emily Shakespeare to find out any details about her mammography patients after they leave the mo-

bile mammo truck. It’s even less common for her to learn that a patient’s life has been saved not once—but twice— thanks to the services she and Gift

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their own kind-heartedness. "It was so cute...We were so impressed by the performance! The children had their lines memorized so well," said local artisan and parent Shylee Palmer.

Joe Parks

participants observing sparrows in the town of Tropic on Saturday, December 17, 2022.

Bryce CBC Cont'd on page 3

Wayne Commission Cont'd on page 3

Courtesy Becki Bronson

Daina Little, a medical assistant in the Parowan Clinic who recently came in for a mammography screening, credits Garfield Memorial Mammo Truck radiologic technologist Emily Shakespeare with saving her life after early detection of her stage zero cancer. Shakespeare delivered a gift of a signed uniform mammo team t-shirt to Little at her job at the Parowan clinic.

yon Visitor Center at 8 am in single-digit weather, lace up

Shylee Palmer

gram on Monday, December 19, 2022.

"How to Train Your Reindeer (To Fly)" centers around

Escalante Elementary School (EES) presented the musical "How to Train Your Reindeer (To Fly)" at their 2022 Christmas program on Monday, December 19, 2022.

School of Reindeer at the North Pole, where young magic reindeer can learn all the fundamentals, including how to fly. Flying doesn't come easy, though, and through the course of their training, the reindeer learn that the magic of flight only happens through

Housing

Price Field Office Recreation Rangers Attend Rock Art Conservation Training

WHS Hosts Career Fair at Ebenezer’s Barn and Grill on Jan. 10

BRYCE - Wayne High School—in conjunction with Bryce Valley, Panguitch, Paiute and Escalante High—will be hosting a career fair for all junior and senior students. Wayne High will be hosting 65 junior and senior students for this event, which is going to be held on January 10, 2023, at Ebenezer’s Barn and Grill in Bryce Canyon City. “There is going to be over 250 students, faculty and presenters in attendance,” according to Wayne High School Counselor Candence Peterson.

PRICE - Price Field Office recreation rangers attended a training on appropriate methods for conserving rock art panels after they are damaged from graffiti. The rangers put their training to work to remove charcoal and scratched graffiti from a location near the Buckhorn Wash pictograph panel. It is the responsibility of each one of us to help protect our nation’s heritage for ourselves and future generations. By leaving sites how you find them, you are helping us respect these indigenous people and their modern-day descendants to whom these sites are important both culturally and spiritually.

—Bureau of Land Management - Utah

L etters to the Editor

Garfield County Budget ( 2022 – actual) – Presented to the public by Garfield County Commission ( Dec. 2022) ------- (1) Property taxes collected by Garfield County – (a) $793,854.96 in 2020. (b) $842,229.35 in 2021 (c ) $323,627.20 in 2022. County position is obvious (property owners are in delinquencies – didn’t pay property taxes) ---- OK. (2) Garfield County Treasurer reported that 1062 parcel owners are in delinquency of $440,322.67 ( in total – city taxes, county, school, cemetery, etc.). Let's say 10% of $440,322.67 belongs to Garfield county and all delinquencies are cleared (fully paid), property tax income for Garfield county (for 2022) would become <$ 368,000 ($323,627.20 collected + 44,032,27 from delinquencies). The gap is too huge to understand unless numbers are fixed. This is the issue for the last several years. Bottom line – This is the responsibility of the Garfield County Commission to explain and the public has the right to understand. (3) Surplus (per Camille Moore) is always $0. Per State records, Garfield County has a very healthy surplus ( millions of $). Camille Moore claims to withdraw from surplus but is reported as $0. How can one withdraw from a surplus which is $0 ? Bottom line – This is the responsibility of the Garfield County Commission to explain and the public has the right to understand. (4) County Commissioners’ total salary is reported as $132,103.44 (in 2022). There are 3 commissioners. So the salary of a commissioner is $132,103.44 / 3 = $ 44,034.48 / commissioner. Verbal response from Camille Moore (in 2021) was in line of “They ( the commissioners) are paid a lot more than that ($44,034). ----- more coming from other areas.-----.” What does this mean ? (5) Original concept ( a century ago) / worldwide – Local governments ( city, town, county, school, etc.) are allowed to tax locals ( property owners) as property taxes to maintain local governments. Garfield County government collects < $1 million in property taxes, has $25 to $30 millions in budget. How is this ? Who is enjoying $24 to $28 millions / year rain ? (6) Folks! A janitor can clean the bathroom ( for decades). However, he/she ( the janitor) cannot build a bathroom. For that electrician, plumber, architect, builder needed. In the past, the auditors told (in report) that Garfield County Government needs CPA ( well qualified accountant) for its fiduciary work (for budget, dept. of Treasurer, etc.). Harshad P. Desai, Panguitch

Housing: Safe, healthy and affordable housing is vital to local economies. By providing a broad spectrum of solutions for housing in rural areas, we strengthen the community.

—Michele Weaver, USDA Rural Development Utah State Director Housing

from page 1

of background or financial status, who make up the character and personality of our great country’s rural cities and towns.”

These investments are made under USDA Rural Development’s Housing Preservation Grant Program, which provides grants to sponsoring organizations to repair or rehabilitate housing owned or occupied by low and verylow-income rural residents.

Mountain Country Home Solutions, a nonprofit organization dedicated to affordable housing solutions, is receiving $50,000 to rehabilitate six homes and expand availability of rental units for very-low income renters in rural Utah.

Uintah Basin Association of Governments will use a $50,000 grant to assist very-low and low income homeowners to make home repairs in its area of service.

Under the leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www. rd.usda.gov.

—U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development

Wayne and Paiute counties both pledged $500 each to help cover the cost for the event. If you are looking for a great opportunity for a last minute donation, this would be a great event to help out with.

—Lisa Jeppson

Julie Boyadjian is New Public Health Nurse at CUPHD in Loa

LOA - The Central Utah Public Health Department in Loa, Utah has hired Julie Boyadjian, RN as their new Public Health Nurse.

Julie studied nursing at Provo College, and she has been a nurse for over 10 years. Until recently, Julie worked for Legacy Outdoor Adventures.

Julie and her husband, Chris, moved to Wayne County six years ago and reside in Fremont. They have six children between the two of them and have nine beautiful grandchildren.

“Julie is going to be a great fit for the Health Department. Let’s welcome her aboard,” stated Wayne County Commissioner Roger Brian.

—Lisa Jeppson

Garfield County Sheriff Danny Perkins Honored for Years of Service

GARFIELD COUNTY - During the December 12, 2022, Garfield County Commission meeting, the Garfield County Commissioners presented outgoing Garfield County Sheriff Danny Perkins with a service award.

Sheriff Perkins has been working for Garfield County for 35 years and has served as the Sheriff for the past 16 years.

We appreciate Sheriff Perkins and his family for their years of service to the County.

—Garfield County, Utah

Holly Hunsaker is WCHC's Newest Certified Medical Assitant

In our December 22, 2022, issue, The Insider printed an article entitled "Locals Helping Locals, One Segment at a Time..." and stated that "Thanks to the donations of Wayne County citizens, the Wayne County Giving Tree received 46 gifts for youth under the age of 18..."

Mary Sorenson of Utah State University Extension clarified, "We collected enough gifts that 46 youth could have a better holiday."

Wayne Community Health Center would like to introduce our newest Certified Medical Assistant, Holly Hunsaker.

BICKNELL - Wayne Community Health Center would like to introduce our newest Certified Medical Assistant, Holly Hunsaker. Holly has been working at the clinic since July 2020. While working full-time, Holly studied for the past year to sit for the Utah State Medical Assistant Certification boards. We are so proud of her and her achievement. Way to go, Holly! —Wayne Community Health Center

Courtesy Julie Boyadjian

The Central Utah Public Health Department in Loa, Utah has hired Julie Boyadjian, RN as their new Public Health Nurse.

@garfieldcountyutah

The Garfield County Commissioners presented outgoing Garfield County Sheriff Danny Perkins with a service award at the December 12, 2022, Garfield County Commission meeting.

@WayneCommunityHealthCenter

It is the Responsibility of the Garfield County Commission to Explain the Garfield County Budget and the Public has the Right to Understand

@BLMUtah

Price Field Office recreation rangers attended a training on appropriate methods for conserving rock art panels after they are damaged from graffiti.

their snow boots to go look for birds.

Other than writing our holiday cards, this is my favorite Christmas tradition.

“Up here, the more beautiful and scenic the location, the less likely you are to see birds,” joked Ranger Peter Densmore, as he addressed participants at this year’s count. True enough, every year, those who survey the scenic viewpoints along the rim see many more hoodoos than birds. Other groups ventured beyond the park’s bounds: to Ruby’s Inn, Mossy Cave, and Tropic.

But all the data collected is important, whether a group finds six species or sixty. The toll of unchecked human expansion on the planet has been staggering, and we have lost three billion birds since 1970. To many of us, this citizen science event is one small action that can help to stave off a growing sense of species loneliness. The data from the bird count ends up with the Audubon Society, where it helps scientists track things like bird populations, migratory patterns, and the wellbeing of different species.

The count is not just about counting, though—the data is only one aspect of what makes this annual tradition so meaningful. It is also about social connection, the joy of being outside in direct relationship with the natural world, and the excitement of learning about birds together. For half of this year’s participants, it was their first bird count. Several drove hours to attend.

One returning birder arrived wearing a bird count shirt from a previous year. The event holds a special place for him. “Whenever we wear them [the bird shirts], I’m reminded of our first days as a couple,” said Joe Parks, referring to his wife, who traveled with him from Apple Valley to take part in the event.

He went on to say that his favorite part of the bird count was “returning to a special place like Bryce Canyon to reunite with old friends and meet new people for a memorable outdoor experience during a time of year when it can be all too easy to sit in a warm house doing nothing.”

Bryce Canyon birders found about 630 individuals this year across 27 species. Personal highlights include a Cedar Waxwing, a pair of Loggerhead Shrikes, the ever-ebullient Pygmy Nuthatches, and the ubiquitous Townsend’s Solitaire.

The most notable of the sightings was a Harris’ Sparrow. It is uncommon in the county, with this being the first known record of one

seen on the Paunsaugaunt Plateau. In other exciting rare bird news, there have been recent whispers of a Greater Roadrunner crossing Center Street in Escalante, and a pair of Crissal Thrashers inhabiting the scrublands around Tropic. Seems like Santa hasn’t forgotten the birders this year!

My personal favorite part of bird count day is the unofficial “afterparty,” when a handful of folks stick around for an open invitation to drive down to Cannonville. Together, we mosey around on empty streets in the late afternoon “slow birding;” There is no end-time, no to-dos, just sinking deeply into each moment. I find that by this time, I have begun to walk more slowly and speak less often. The winter light slants low

and casts a certain dreaminess. Even the dogs who come out barking and chasing can’t pop the birder bliss.

If you would like to get involved in 2023, there are plenty of opportunities. Our area holds counts at Bryce Canyon National Park, Escalante, and Boulder. The Bryce Canyon Bird Count takes place on a Saturday about a week before Christmas. Email Peter Densmore at peter_densmore@ nps.gov to sign up. Much appreciation for everyone who gave their time and energy to making this event possible. A special thank you to the Bryce Canyon Association for sponsoring the event, including providing memorabilia for the participants.

Commission: The new Emergency Management position, and the Wayne County vacation time policy discussed. Judge Roy Brown, Commissioner Wood, County Clerk Ryan Torgerson, and

Wayne

1

tion and Deputy Harris' appointment to the position was accepted and approved.

Next was a discussion on the County policy for vacation time. All departments within Wayne County work ten hours a day for four days, giving each employee a three day weekend; emergency service personnel work five twelve hours shifts, have four days off, and then work three twelve-hour shifts with two days off. This does not take into account emergency call outs or training, which require extra work hours and pay. The current policy is that each employee is allowed to carry over 144 hours, or 18 days, of vacation. Some personnel within the Sheriff’s Office have put in a request for vacation days, which was either denied due to staffing shortages within the department or completely ignored altogether. “The point is for an employee to be able to take their vacation time. Some personnel within the department have not had the opportunity to utilize their benefits,” stated Sheriff Gulley. The Sheriff’s Department has had a staffing shortage for some time now, and they are working diligently to rectify the problem. He pointed out that when an employee quits or is terminated, they are paid their full vacation and sick leave time upon separation with the county. He believes that all county employees should be allowed to carry more than the 144 hours.

Commissioner Brian proposed a policy change to allow for 300 hours of vacation time to be carried for the year for the emergency service personnel.

This new policy was accepted and approved.

While they were in the process of making a new policy for vacation time, they also decided that when an employee becomes an “elected” official, they should be treated like any employee who has terminated their employment. This was also accepted and approved.

The last order of business was the vouchers, which were accepted and approved.

Judge Roy Brown paid the commissioners a brief visit, and they thanked him for his 36 years of service to the people of Wayne County. We will not have a replacement for the position until late March or early April.

It was the last meeting for Commissioner Wood, who has served the good people of Wayne County for over 16 years, and for Wayne County Clerk / Auditor Ryan Torgerson, who has served Wayne County for 20 years. It was also the last meeting for County Attorney Michael Olsen, who has served for the past six years. They were all given a heartfelt "thank you" by all of those in attendance.

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

Bryce

CBC: Up here, the more beautiful and scenic the location, the less likely you are to see birds —Peter

Densmore, Bryce Canyon National Park Ranger

Peter Densmore

A Harris' Sparrow was spotted by Peter Densmore in Bryce Canyon City during the Bryce Canyon Christmas Bird Count on December 17, 2022. This is the first known record of this species on the Paunsaugaunt Plateau. It is the largest sparrow in North America and is suffering from population decline due to loss of habitat.

Bryce CBC

Cont'd from page 1

County Attorney Michael Olsen were all thanked for their years of service to Wayne County.

Wayne Commission Cont'd from page

WAYNE HIGH SCHOOL

DECEMBER SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Schools & Sports

PHS Sports Sidelines

by Mack Oetting

Bobcats Basketball plays in Steve Hodson Classic, Panguitch will host Regional Playoff in Feb., and wrestlers to have tournament in Milford

As the season is just starting, the Panguitch Bobcats are doing really well. I think I have figured out the screwy schedule. I believe the districts are cutting down the mileage that the teams are traveling. We are playing against all southern teams regardless of the brackets. The girls have always gone down to play in Mesquite at the end of the year. One thing I don’t care for is that we only play one game against our rival teams, and that doesn’t make you want to go over to Wayne or Escalante to see a game.

Both of the Bobcats basketball teams went over to Enterprise and split their games. The girls finally put it together with a big win against a 2A school; the Lady Cats won big with a 46 to 32 victory. They played their last two 2A games

real close, so this should boost their confidence big time.

Taby Henrie had twelve, Mallory Henrie finished with ten, and Lexie Palmer had nine. The ladies don’t have another home game till Jan. 12 against Water Canyon, then they play on Jan. 4th at Wayne and on the 10th at Piute. On Jan. 6th & 7th, the Sophomore Tournament will be here in Panguitch, so come on out to see the future of girls basketball.

The boys also played Enterprise on the same day there. It was a tight game most of the way, but the Cats came up three points short—46 to 49. Tucker Chappell had 15 points, Spencer Talbot put in 11 and Cache Eyre finished with 10. The Bobcats next home game won’t be till Jan. 5th against Wayne. They do play at Piute on Jan. 11. The

Cats play in a three day tournament called the Steve Hodson Classic on Dec. 28, 29, 30th. Both the boys and the girls only have three home games left in the season. However, Panguitch will host the Regional Playoff on Feb. 1 & 2, and it will be two days of non-stop games.

The wrestlers kept on rolling; in the Manti Tournament, the Cats ended up in the Championship bracket and won matches against Union (49-25) and Juab (4233). The next match was against Beaver, and the Cats led all the way but lost the two heavyweight brackets. Cael Houston won the final match against Beaver’s best wrestler, but the team came up just three points short. The Cats have a tournament out at Milford on the 30th.

Local Employers Invited to Job Fair at SUU on Jan. 18

CEDAR CITY - Southern Utah University’s Career and Professional Development Center invites all Cedar City and surrounding area employers to attend the upcoming Local Job Fair on January 18, 2023. The event will take place in the Sharwan Smith Student Center Ballroom from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For those interested in recruiting student workers, registration is open on Handshake, an online recruiting platform for higher education students and alumni, and closes on January 4, 2023, at 5 p.m. There is an employer registration fee of $50 for a standard booth, or $100 for a sponsor booth. The event is free to SUU students and alumni.

“We have so many incredible students looking for job opportunities in the community,” said McKinley Hatch,

events and marketing coordinator for the Career Center. “We invite the community to support SUU by recruiting our hard-working students. We know they will add value and be an asset to your team.”

SUU is a resource to help local businesses fill open positions with quality applicants. With 150 undergraduate programs and 32 graduate programs and certifications, as well as a professional doctorate degree, SUU has students pursuing degrees in just about every industry.

The Career Center is actively preparing students to be effective and desirable employees. With an emphasis on skills like critical thinking, oral/written communication, professionalism, work ethic, competency in digital technology, and many others, students are provided with the resourc-

es they need to be valuable employees and contribute to whatever business or organization they are a part of in a meaningful way.

“At past Local Job Fairs, we have had several students walk away with either an interview scheduled or a job offer,” said Jerry Ross, assistant director of employer relations. “Our fair is the perfect opportunity for students and employers to connect and network.”

SUU’s Career and Professional Development Center strives to provide students with opportunities to enhance their careers, increase their networking abilities, and give them the financial resources they need to succeed in college.

—Southern Utah University

Every Brilliant Thing to Tour Again in

2023, 2024

by Liz Armstrong, Utah Shakespeare Festival

CEDAR CITY - Offered free by the Utah Shakespeare Festival to every public high school in the state of Utah, Every Brilliant Thing will tour once again. In 2019, the play swept the state with the “intention of cultivating the use of proactive, life-affirming communication when you or those you love are confronted with depression.”

Director of Development and Communications Donn Jersey said Every Brilliant Thing is one of the most critical pieces of work the Festival has ever produced.

“Every Brilliant Thing demonstrates why no darkness lasts forever; even then, there are stars,” Jersey said. “It reminds us of things hiding in plain sight that make life worth living that we don't see when we are suffering.”

Starting this February, the show will tour across the state of Utah to bring the heartwarming and comforting message to secondary school students. To reach as many schools in Utah as possible, the tour will continue in spring 2024, as well.

“This show is so relevant, and it’s the relevancy that heightens the importance,” Associate Education Director Stewart Shelley said. “This show opens up dialogue in a very positive manner and is a door that students who are experiencing anxiety, depression, or suicide ideation, can walk through to get the resources that they need.”

The one-person play tells the story of someone who

learns that their mother is in the hospital after her first attempt to take her own life. The narrator then begins a list of every brilliant thing in the world worth living for: “ice cream, water fights, staying up past your bedtime and being allowed to watch TV, the color yellow, and things with stripes.”

Filled with humor and inventiveness, the plot explores hope and depression, change and uncertainty, relationships, risk, guilt, and forgiveness.

Directed by Cordell Cole, the traveling company will consist of just four members–Tour Manager Jordan Simmons, Stage Manager Kathryn Whilden, and actors Kat Lee and Jeremy Thompson.

Interim Managing Director Michael Bahr noted that the first touring productions cured hearts, amplified voices, and saved lives.

"Over the next two years we will be canvassing and performing across the state, bringing messages of hope and serving as partners to Utah schools,” Bahr said. “This production has been instrumental in cultivating consequential conversations about suicide and depression with students and their families.”

Simmons noted that the project has four goals, the first being to create an active dialogue between all stakeholders about emotional and mental well-being in regards to depression and suicide.

“I hope students learn that they're not weird, they're not alone, that things get better,

and that life goes on,” Simmons said. “We want every student to know that when they need help there is help available.”

The team hopes to increase awareness of mental health resources available for students and find applicable ways to use these resources. The other goals are to provide an artistic experience that enables young people to see things from a new and positive perspective, and to inspire people to see the beauty in life.

For Simmons, the show hits close to home, and why he is eager for as many students as possible to see Every Brilliant Thing

“Having experienced suicide ideation periodically in my own life, it wasn't until I was an adult that I've been able to openly address it,” Simmons said. “I wish I would have experienced something like this when I was a teenager that would have inspired me to get help.”

Funded by the Utah State Legislature, the production is free to any secondary education school in Utah that is interested. The tour will begin February 13, 2023, and will run through the end of April. If you would like Every Brilliant Thing to come to your school or community, or if you have questions, please contact Jordan Simmons at 435-299-0567 or brillianttour@bard.org.

For more information on the play, please visit bard.org/ brillianttour.

Wills, Trusts, and More Estate Planning In 2023

Many years ago, as a young couple with young children, my wife and I excitedly boarded a plane. The children stayed with grandma.

As the plane’s engines screeched into take off mode, my wife’s excitement had vanished; she locked my hand in a vice grip and said, “I hate this. What if something happens to us?” At that moment, I didn’t think it was the right time to explain the intricacies of our estate plan.

I am glad, however, that we had one.

As a new year begins, many people make plans and New Year’s resolutions.

If your plans include travel or even if they don’t, you may want to make and keep a resolution to update or get an estate plan.

As an estate planning attorney for over twenty years, I have prepared thousands of estate plans. Some for young couples with minor children, others for older individuals

by Jeffery J. McKenna

with adult children or single individuals with no children.

In every case, an updated estate plan provides peace.

Peace comes in knowing you have done everything you can to help ease the often strenuous, financial and emotional circumstances related to death.

I emphasize updated estate plan, because very often a plan that may have been perfect for you and your family five or ten years ago, may not now be adequate.

Although you cannot remove all the emotional stress and burdens that come when someone dies, you can help eliminate much of it. I have told many clients upon the completion of their estate plan, “You have done all you can to help make things easier for those you love.”

So, as this new year begins, review your New Year’s resolutions. You may want to add one that can bring peace to you and great benefit to those you love.

Jeffery J. McKenna is a local attorney whose practice has been focused on Estate Planning for over 20 years. He is licensed and serves clients in Utah, Arizona and Nevada. He is a shareholder at the law firm of Barney, McKenna and Olmstead. If you have questions you would like addressed in these articles, please feel free to contact him at 435 628-1711 or jmckenna@barney-mckenna.com or visit the firm’s website at WWW. BARNEY-MCKENNA.COM, he would enjoy hearing from you.

That Some Sort of a Yolk?

Is

The new flock of kids attending college always includes those who need a little help with everyday chores they themselves never did before, such as laundry or grocery-shopping.

I was in the dairy aisle for some eggs. As usual, I opened the carton to check them over before putting them in my cart.

Beside me, a young man did the same to his carton, then leaned toward me and asked, "What are we looking for?"

That's Amore-tized

The phone rang. It was a salesman from a mortgage refinance company.

"Do you have a second mortgage on your home?"

"No," I replied.

"Would you like to consolidate all your debts?"

"I really don't have any," I said.

"How about freeing up cash for home improvements? " he tried.

"I don't need any. I just recently had some done and paid cash," I parried.

There was a brief silence, and then he asked, "Are you looking for a husband?"

You Shouldn't Have

As I was admitted to the hospital prior to a procedure, the clerk asked for my wrist, saying, "I'm going to give you a bracelet."

"Has it got rubies and diamonds?" I asked coyly.

"No," he said. "But it costs just as much."

PANGUITCH OFFICE AT 46 NORTH MAIN STREET TO SERVE CLIENTS IN AND AROUND GARFIELD COUNTY.

O bituaries

Owen Culmer Olpin

FILLMORE / TEASDALE - Owen Culmer Olpin, lawyer, law professor and, most importantly, husband, father, and grandfather, died on December 14, 2022. He was 88.

Born in Idaho Falls, Idaho on July 10, 1934, to Roy D. and Arlene C. Olpin, he grew up in Fillmore, Utah where his parents established a mortuary business, which served that community for many years, and which has continued the Olpin name in the hands of the mortuary’s subsequent owners. Owen and his three brothers in their turns assisted in the family’s business.

Owen was graduated with honors from Millard High School in Fillmore in 1952, from Brigham Young University in 1955 and earned his law degree from Columbia University in New York in 1958. At Columbia he was a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar all three years and an editor of the Columbia Law Review. While residing in New York, he clerked with the Wall Street firm of Simpson Thatcher & Bartlett, but declined that firm’s offer of a permanent position, electing to join O’Melveny & Myers in Los Angeles where he ultimately became a partner and spent the bulk of his career specializing in natural resources, environmental controls and western water law.

His career in the law was, however, multi-dimensional, partner in the law firm, professor of law at several law schools including the University of Utah, where he held the Farr Presidential Endowed Chair in Environmental Law, government service as member of the United States Administrative Conference and mediator of western water disputes among states and Indian communities. At O’Melveny during his decades long tenure, he mentored many young lawyers and treated them to a master class in what it means to be a great lawyer, a generous colleague and good human being.

In 1987, he was appointed Special Master of the United States Supreme Court in the case of Nebraska v. Wyoming Colorado and the United States to the waters of the North Platte River. After more than fifteen years of litigation, the numerous controversies were finally resolved through a global settlement which presented to the Supreme Court and which the Court unanimously approved.

Earlier in the 1970s, Owen represented a colorful Colorado river guide, the famous environmental icon David Brower, and national environmental organizations in a lawsuit brought to enjoin the United States Bureau of Reclamation from allowing the rising waters of Lake Powell to encroach into Rainbow Bridge National Monument. A decisive victory was obtained from the famously brilliant and irascible Utah District Judge Willis Ritter. Ultimately, in a 5 to 2 split decision, the Denver appellate court reversed Judge Ritter and lifted his injunction. Owen insisted ever afterward that that particular federal appellate court was the only court in the country before which he could have lost the case. As some members of his family came to be beguiled by Lake Powell’s recreational amenities, Owen retreated to a silent stoicism.

He served as mediator in a number of critical western water disputes including, most notably, conflicting claims of Arizona and California and the Quechan Indian tribe to waters of the Lower Colorado River Basin at the California border with Mexico. The Lower Colorado issues were ultimately satisfactorily resolved by unanimous agreement resulting in the United States Court entering a landmark amended river decree in the landmark case of Arizona v. California which had been on the court’s docket since the 1950s.

His commitments to conservation of natural resources and enforcement of environmental laws were honored by many years of service on nonprofit governing boards dedicated to those ends including the Natural Resources Defense Council, Environmental Law Institute, Center for Law in the Public Interest, Earthjustice, Utah Lung Association, Virgin River Land Preservation Association and the Grand Canyon Trust.

In 1953, Owen married his beloved high school sweetheart Janyce (“Jan”) Cummings. Owen’s parents and older brother Roger predeceased him, but his younger brothers Larry and Ed survive him as well as his children Leslie, Scott, Andy, Steve and Kim.

As the finish line loomed and the full time lawyering ebbed, Jan and Owen sold their Southern California homes, including, to the dismay of the grandchildren, a beach cottage in Dana Point, and relocated to the red rock wonders of Wayne County, Utah. In the decades that ensued the grandchildren came to love Fish Creek Ranch and that new community with its scenic wonders and fine hiking and birding, creating a whole new store of family memories as well as a rich supply of interesting human beings who became friends, even to the point of allowing Owen to form a short story reading group known whimsically as the Odd Tuesday Group, which survives him.

Owen was beloved by all and had an uncanny way of making whoever he was conversing with feel that they were the most interesting person in the world. His kindness and wisdom were enjoyed by all who knew him. Many friends who accompanied his children to a visit to Owen and Jan’s home almost always wistfully wished that they were a part of the family after experiencing their hospitality and accepting kind ways. He loved his family, the outdoors, bird watching, reading Western history and watching his beloved Dodgers. He was one of kind; he will be missed dearly but always fondly remembered.

We got back from California late at night last Wednesday. We had a wonderful vacation, where we celebrated two Christmases. One Christmas was in my nephew's home in Palm Springs, and it was our yearly Oetting reunion. It is always nice to see my family; we are spread all over the country. Palm Springs is a nice place to visit and the landscaping is perfect, but there isn’t any personality to the town. It is just miles and miles of miles and houses that all look the same.

For our second Christmas, we went to our granddaughter's place in San Diego, and she really keeps us busy. We went and saw the new movie Avatar. Put it on your bucket list. Just watching the special effects, I wondered how on earth they did all of this excitement in one film; I couldn’t even guess. I have a new favorite place to visit; it is the San Diego Botanic Gardens in Encinitas. For the first time, they have lightened up the gardens with Christmas lights, and the trail through the park is a mile long. Around

FYI PanguItch

by Mack Oetting ~ mackoetting @gmail.com

every corner there was a new surprise, like lightning bugs through a covered bridge. It will only be for Christmas. It starts three weeks before, and it has been sold out each night, since they are limiting the crowds to 2,000 (at $30.00 a ticket). The cost is well worth it. I can’t wait till spring so that we can walk around the gardens in the daylight.

We got back to find that Santa’s helpers had gotten all of the Sub for Santa finished for her. This wonderful program has been going on since the Kaibab sawmill closed in the nineties. However, it couldn’t take place if it wasn’t for all of the wonderful folks in town and their kind donations. Helping a child at Christmas is the greatest gift that you give; bless all of you for your kindness.

Saturday night is New Year’s Eve, and Panguitch City will be hosting their annual New Year’s Eve Party at the Triple C Arena. It will be starting at 5:30 and going till 10:00. There will be a great dinner, games, bingo, and en-

tertainment. There will be another party for those that like to dance the night away. It will be at the Panguitch Social Hall, and it will start at 9:00 and go till midnight. When we started the New Year’s Party at Triple C, it ran until midnight as well. After a couple of years with only a few people left, it was changed to 10:00. It is a good way to finish out the year with friends and neighbors.

There is a coal mine fire burning in East Carbon. It started in September and is still burning. It is called the Lila Canyon Mine, and it faces a complete shutdown. It is one of the busiest mines in the state and produces 28% of the coal. It means putting 230 workers out of work.

2022 has been a really good year for Americans. We had an economic rebound, with ten million new jobs, and unemployment is down from 6% to 3.5%. COVID deaths have been brought way down, NATO has strengthened, and healthcare has been expanded. The United States is out of Afghanistan after 21 years of

losing many of our young fighting men. Gas prices are also falling and that is bringing down the cost of living. We have many new neighbors in town, generating new life. Panguitch High School won a number of state championships, which brings the championship count to over 115. There are most likely many good things that happened to your family, and you should enjoy those moments. It is always a good year if you think positively. I believe that we live in the greatest country in the history of the world, cursing those that try to destroy our Democracy.

I hope all of you had a great Christmas. Sometimes, it is lonely for those that have lost a loved one, and they need your kind thoughts and friendship. This is a special day when we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who is the reason for the season.

If you love what you have, you don’t need anything else.

Mack O.

The Bureau of Land Management Utah Seeks Feedback on Proposed Oil and Gas Lease Sale

SALT LAKE CITY - In accordance with congressional direction in the Inflation Reduction Act, the Bureau of Land Management Utah State Office started a 30-day scoping period to receive public input on 13 parcels totaling more than 16,619 acres that may be included in an upcoming lease sale.

The parcels the BLM will

analyze, as well as maps and instructions on how to comment, are available on our ePlanning website at EplanningUi (blm.gov).

Future BLM lease sales will include updated fiscal provisions authorized in the Inflation Reduction Act:

• Minimum bids for all offered parcels will be $10 per acre, an increase from

the $2 per acre minimum bid set in 1987;

Royalty rates will be 16.67 percent, up from the previous minimum of 12.5 percent; and

• Rental rates will be $3 per acre for the first two years, $5 per acre for years three through eight, and $15 per acre in years nine and ten.

Prior to the Inflation Re-

O bituaries

Garth F.

Noyes

1929 - 2022

duction Act, rental rates were $1.50 per acre for the first five years and $2 per acre for each year thereafter, rates originally set in 1987.

Further information can be found at www.doi.gov/ pressreleases.

—Bureau of Land Management

PAYSON / ESCALANTE - Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother, Garth Frank Noyes, age 93, passed away December 13, 2022, in Payson, Utah. He was born November 29, 1929, in Victor, Utah, son of Hyrum Albert and Martha Annetta Wells Noyes.

Although he didn’t graduate from high school, he got his Master’s Degree in Psychology and went to Law School.

He served his country during the Korean war in the United States Army.

He married Connie Lorraine Worthen June 17, 1960, in the Manti LDS Temple. She passed away May 23, 2014. He then married Laurel Ann Robison Harrison October 29, 2016, in Provo, Utah.

Garth was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving as Bishop, on the High Council, as a Branch President, High Priest Group Leader, as well as many other callings. He served two missions, one in France and one in North Carolina.

He was active in politics and served as President of the Escalante Chapter of the Sons of the Utah Pioneers. He was also the Justice of the Peace in Ticaboo, Utah for many years.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, being with his family, helping others and doing missionary work.

Garth is survived by his wife, Laurel, of Payson; children: LaMiya Morrill of Hanksville; Nephi (Heidi) Noyes of Blanding; NaTani (Alan) Taylor of Curtis, Nebraska; Utahna (Jon) Green of Waxahachie, Texas; Helaman (Stacy) Noyes of Trinity, Texas; 18 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; step-children: Shanna (Regan) Burningham of Wellsville; Kevin (Angela) Harrison of Lehi; Stephen (Lark) Harrison Spanish Fork; Monica (John) Fairey of Vernal; Marianne (Nathan) Allred of Payson; Brian (Janet) Harrison of West Valley City; Brad (Becky) Harrison of Rigby, Idaho; 30 step-grandchildren; 4 step-great-grandchildren; siblings: Lawanii White of Cottonwood, Arizona; Melissa Formo of Mammoth, Arizona; Nathan (Lorraine) Noyes of West Valley City; Laura John of Springville; Ronney Noyes of Orem; and Toinette Thomas of Gray Court, South Carolina.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Connie; three siblings: Wells Noyes, Charlie Noyes and Bonnie Noyes.

Funeral services will be held today, Thursday, December 29, 2022, at 1:00 P.M. in the Escalante LDS Stake Center, where friends may call for viewing this Thursday morning from 11:00 to 12:30 prior to the services.

Burial with military honors accorded by the Escalante American Legion Post #0114 and the Utah Honor Guard will be in the Escalante Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.

Live streaming of the services can be found at: www.springerturner.com under Garth’s obituary about 15 minutes prior to starting time.

Online guest book at: www.springerturner.com

Anyone participating should be familiar with the ice safety recommendations on the Utah State Parks website and should take all the necessary safety precautions.

Here are a few tournaments and fishing seminars to check out across the state: Burbot Bash

Hosted by the Flaming Gorge Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by the DWR, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and the U.S. Forest Service, the Burbot Bash will be held Jan. 27-29, 2023 at Flaming Gorge Reservoir. This annual ice fishing tournament helps to control the reservoir’s population of burbot, a cod-like fish that rapidly reproduces and preys on other sportfish species in the reservoir. Thousands of dollars in cash and prizes will be awarded to anglers who catch the most burbot, the largest and smallest burbot, and tagged burbot.

Registration opens Jan. 1. For more contest details or to register, visit the Burbot Bash website.

Disabled Outdoorsmen Utah Ice Fishing event

Hosted by Disabled Outdoorsmen Utah and partnering with the DWR and Steinaker State Park, this fourth annual ice fishing event will be held at Steinaker Reservoir on Jan. 14, 2023 from 8 a.m. to noon. This event is designed to allow any participant with or without disabilities the opportunity to try ice fishing for the first time, as well as the opportunity to learn from fishing experts. Some fishing equipment will be available for use throughout the event. While the event is free, the state park entrance fee will still be in effect. Reserve your spot on the Disabled Outdoorsmen Utah website.

DWR Ice Fishing Basics seminar

Have you wanted to learn how to ice fish but didn’t know where to start?

The DWR and Sportsman's Warehouse are co-hosting a beginner ice fishing seminar that will provide some of the basic tips and information you need. The event will be held on Friday, Jan. 13, 2023 from 6-7 p.m. at the Sportsman's Warehouse in Vernal (located at 2015 U.S. 40). The seminar will also include some specific information for ice fishing at waterbodies in

northeastern Utah. While the event is free, reserve your spot on Eventbrite in advance.

East Canyon Ice Fishing Derby with Fins & Fur Fins & Fur Guide Service is partnering with East Canyon State Park to host this ice fishing contest on Jan. 14, 2023. Cash prizes will be paid out to those who catch the top four fish, with additional hourly prizes awarded for the biggest fish caught that hour. Registration is $50 per participant. You can find information about registration and prizes on the Fins & Fur website.

Ice Addiction Tournament at Steinaker and Echo state parks

Hosted by Tightline Outdoors and Utah State Parks, this ice fishing tournament will take place at Echo State Park on Jan. 21, 2023 at 8 a.m. and at Steinaker Reservoir on Feb. 4, 2023 at 8 a.m. Registration opened Nov. 15, and all participants must register online by Feb. 2 at 8 p.m. Details about the tournament rules and registration are available at the Tightline Outdoors website.

Mac Attack Fishing Derby

Hosted by Buckboard Marina at Flaming Gorge and sponsored by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, this third annual fishing contest is geared toward helping control the population of small lake trout—under 25 inches— at Flaming Gorge. This contest will be held on Jan. 14, 2023, and registration is $50. Anglers who catch a tagged lake trout and turn in the tag automatically win a cash prize. Other drawings for prizes are also available for registered participants, including the heaviest team weight for lake trout under 25-inches, the heaviest weight for an individual lake trout under 19-inches and for catching the biggest burbot.

Learn the rules of the contest and register online at the Buckboard Marina website.

Millsite On Ice Fishing Tournament

The seventh annual Millsite on Ice Fishing Tournament will be hosted Jan. 13-14, 2023 at Millsite State Park. This event is sponsored by Emery County. The first day of the tournament (Jan. 13) will be a two-person team tournament. The second day (Jan. 14) will be a single-person event. The registration fee is $50 for one day or $85 for both days. Up to $2,000 in cash as well as other prizes will be available for winners. Learn more and

register on the Millsite on Ice website.

Monster Cisco Disco & Tournament

While this is not technically “ice fishing” because Bear Lake doesn’t typically freeze over, this annual winter fishing event is worth attending. The Monster Cisco Disco tournament is part of the Bear Lake Monster Winterfest and will be hosted Jan. 28, 2023 from 6 a.m. to noon at Bear Lake State Park. Participants will have the chance to dip net for Bonneville cisco, a fish species only found at Bear Lake. Prizes for the biggest cisco will be awarded. While

the event is free, the state parks entrance fee will still be in effect. For more details and tournament rules, visit the Bear Lake Monster Winterfest website.

Quadfishathon

Utah State Parks is holding an ice fishing tournament that spans four different state parks: Echo, Lost Creek, Rockport and East Canyon. You can enter one tournament or all four tournaments. The registration fee is $50 per tournament or $150 for all four tournaments. The tournaments will happen on the following days: Jan. 14: Echo State Park

Jan. 28: Lost Creek State Park

• Feb. 4: Rockport State Park

• Feb. 11: East Canyon State Park

Learn more and register on the Parks Pass Utah website.

Youth Ice Fishing Bowl Steinaker State Park and the DWR are partnering to host an ice fishing tournament specifically for youth. The event will be held Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Steinaker State Park. Prizes will be awarded for the heaviest fish overall, the heaviest fish for each age bracket, the smallest fish for

each age bracket and the first fish turned in. The event is free and Uintah County Tourism will be paying the state parks entrance fee for one vehicle per participant. All participants must register on Eventbrite by Wednesday, Jan. 18 at 11:59 p.m.

Most fishing tournaments require organizers to obtain a Certificate of Registration from the DWR. Find more information about how to apply and what is required on the DWR website.

—Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

Public Comment Period Opens for State’s Strategic Plan for Addressing Homelessness

SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Office of Homeless Services is seeking public comment on the state’s new strategic plan to address homelessness in Utah.

The Office of Homeless Services and the Utah Homelessness Council released a draft of the new state strategic plan, Statewide Collaboration for Change: Utah's Plan to Address Homelessness, on Dec. 16, 2022.

Utah Code 35A-16-203 charged the Utah Homelessness Council and the Coordinator of the Utah Office of Homeless Services with creating “a statewide strategic plan to minimize homelessness in the state.” The Utah Homelessness Council conducted a nationwide search for a consulting group to per-

form a careful study of homelessness in Utah and to help draft a strategic plan to minimize it. The goal was to find an organization with wide experience in helping states and communities address homelessness. That search led to contracting with Homebase, a San Francisco based non-profit “dedicated to building community capacity to prevent and end homelessness.”

Beginning early in 2022 and working under the direction of the Utah Homelessness Council and Coordinator of Homeless Services, Homebase undertook a comprehensive review of homelessness throughout Utah. Homebase reviewed multiple survey reports, interviewed community leaders, Office of Homeless Services

employees, homeless and social service providers, persons with lived experience with homelessness, and other stakeholders and reported their findings to the Homelessness Council.

There are three documents associated with the plan:

1. Statewide Collaboration for Change: Utah's Plan to Address Homelessness

2. Strategic Plan Implementation Recommendations

3. Appendices The recording of the meeting and associated documents (above) can be found on the public notice website at: utah.gov/pmn/sitemap/notice/795689.html.

Public comment on the plan will be collected through January 8, 2023. To provide public comment, please find

the following options for providing public comment on the Utah Homelessness Council’s strategic plan, Statewide Collaboration for Change: Utah's Plan to Address Homelessness: Online (preferred method): https://forms.gle/KpS5XErNLL7ocjPNA

• Email: UHCpubliccomment@utah.gov

• Mail: Attn: Office of Homeless Services 140 East 300 South Salt Lake City, Utah 84111

All public comment provided is considered public record. Please do not include any sensitive or confidential information.

—Utah Department of Workforce Services

Ice Fishing: The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and Utah State Parks will be sponsoring or hosting several ice fishing tournaments from January to March around the state.

Courtesy Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and Utah State Parks will be sponsoring or hosting several ice fishing tournaments from January to March around the state. A valid Utah fishing license is required for anyone over 12 years old to fish in any of the events. The entrance fee will apply for any tournaments or events held within a state park.

Gift: There are so many from the radiologists to the maintenance crew that keeps the mobile mammo truck going…You just wish you could do something for everyone that you see.—Emily Shakespeare, Garfield Memorial Mammo Truck radiologic technologist

her team provide.

But that’s what happened when Daina Little, a medical assistant in the Parowan Clinic, went in for her own mammography and discovered she had stage zero cancer.

“I’m just so grateful for these screenings,” Little said. “Early detection really does save lives.”

Earlier this year, when Shakespeare and the mammography truck returned to the Parowan Clinic, Little shared her story with Shakespeare, crediting her for her part in saving her life. During that visit, Shakespeare did another routine screening for Little and once again, it proved to be a lifesaving measure for Little—and an impactful experience for Shakespeare.

“I remember we had to rearrange the schedule to fit her in the morning because she had afternoon plans,” Shakespeare said. “Knowing her history, we definitely wanted her seen and we were able to do the exam and she was on her way.”

It wasn’t until Shakespeare returned to Parowan this fall that Little pulled her aside to tell her that she had helped save her life yet again. Little explained that the most recent mammogram had once again revealed cancer, this time requiring a more invasive surgery.

“She was standing there in front of me, five weeks post-op from having a double mastectomy and she was at the clinic working,” Shakespeare said. “I just couldn’t stop thinking about it.”

Somehow, the reality of having one of her patients come back to tell her the rest of the story, it struck a chord in Shakespeare, and she wanted to do something to show her support for Little and her cancer journey.

Inspired by Little’s coworkers at the Parowan Clinic, whose notes on the bulletin board showing support for their friend referred to themselves as being part of Little’s team, made Shakespeare start to think that she was also part of Daina’s team. And what does every team need? Jerseys.

“I ordered one of the white uniform shirts that we

wear on the mammo team and had some of the radiologists sign it,” Shakespeare said. “I also had some beanies and blankets made with the mobile mammo truck logo on it.”

Shakespeare said several other members of her team got involved and then, during her next visit to the Parowan Clinic, she delivered the gift to Little. The result, as you might expect, was emotional.

“I was overwhelmed by the kindness they showed me,” Little said. “To have her (Shakespeare) tell me that she couldn’t sleep that night because she wanted to do something to help me… it just meant so much that people are so kind and caring.”

Shakespeare’s experience has made her want to do even more. In this process, she’s made additional hats and blankets that she plans to share with others going through their own cancer journeys.

“I just hope to connect all these people in the circle who are behind the scenes helping people like Daina,” Shakespeare said. “There are so many from the radiologists to the maintenance crew that keeps the mobile mammo truck going…You just wish you could do something for everyone that you see.”

As for Little, she’s inspired by the goodness in Shakespeare and others, and continues to be an advocate for early detection through regular mammogram screenings.

“I’m just so grateful for all they do for our patients,” Little said. “They know it saves lives.”

Venus is slowly returning to the evening sky after a long sojourn behind the sun. It passed Mercury last week, and this winter and spring, it’ll pass, in turn, Saturn (January 22), Neptune (February 14 and 15), Jupiter (March 5), Uranus (March 29 and 30), and it will almost catch Mars in late June; plus the moon will pass Venus once a month, and Venus will be in conjunction with several bright stars and star clusters. All this— and more—will be in "Sky Reports" during the coming year.

But let’s begin with this week. Look for Venus very low in the southwest about 40 minutes after sunset. Its great brilliance lets you see it, but only if you have a low horizon.

Venus is on the sun’s far side, moving west to east and gaining altitude and setting later each day. A difference between Venus and the other planets is that the earth orbits the sun at a similar speed to Venus, so we’re both going around the sun in the same direction (counterclockwise as seen from above the north pole), Venus only slightly fast-

January 2 - January 8

by

er, so we do a dance with the sun in the middle, and Venus separates itself from the sun slowly. On January 2, Venus sets 79 minutes after the sun, and two weeks later on the 16th, Venus sets 98 minutes after the sun, a difference of only 19 minutes in two weeks. Note how slowly Venus gains altitude night by night during January.

Almost as bright—but seen against a darker sky— is Jupiter. Look for Jupiter halfway up the southern sky in twilight, and then lower as the hours pass. It sets at about midnight.

Roughly two-thirds of the way from Jupiter to Venus is the fainter planet Saturn, only 1/17th as bright as Jupiter, but still brighter than any nearby stars. Saturn is so low when darkness falls that our atmosphere will blur it when seen through a telescope, but it will be back high in the predawn sky next summer.

Rivaling Jupiter is the third bright planet out tonight —Mars, the Red Planet (actually yellow-orange). Early in the evening, Mars is at a similar altitude to Jupiter but far to the east. As Jupiter sinks in the

west, Mars continues to rise in the east, and it’s at its highest an hour before midnight, when it’s nearly overhead. The bright moon is 5° from Mars on the evening of the 3rd. Mars is in Taurus near the orange star Aldebaran and above Orion.

A comet discovered early last year has become bright enough to see with a small telescope at around 8th magnitude. Known as Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF), it’s presently in the constellation Corona Borealis in the morning sky. It passes closest to the sun next week and is closest to the earth and at its brightest at the end of the month when it might be a naked-eye comet from a dark location. Google “C/2022 E3” for details.

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 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.

John Mosley

Nirmal Paul

Comet C/2022 E3 photographed December 21 by Nirmal Paul in the Canary Islands.

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. 18, 2023 either electronically using the Division`s on-line Protest of Application form, by hand delivery to a Division office, or by mail at PO Box 146300, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6300. Please visit waterrights.utah.gov or call (801)5387240 for additional information.

GARFIELD COUNTY CHANGE APPLICATION(S) 97-760 (a49717): USA Forest Service propose(s) using 0.015 cfs from the Winter Spring (Upper Valley East Allotment) for STOCKWATERING.

KANE COUNTY

CHANGE APPLICATION(S) 61-3235 (a49769): Steven and Tracey Scofield propose(s) using 0.0066 cfs OR 1 ac-ft. from groundwater (10 miles W of Long Valley Jct) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION; STOCKWATERING.

SEVIER COUNTY

NEW APPLICATION(S) 95-5486 (A83609): Jace Jackson, JacksonRealty LLC propose(s) using 1.48 ac-ft. from groundwater (4 miles SW of Lakeside Resort) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION; STOCKWATERING.

Teresa Wilhelmsen, P.E. State Engineer

Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on DECEMBER 22 & 29, 2022

BIDS FOR IMPROVEMENT TO BICKNELL TOWN PARK BICKNELL TOWN

Bicknell Town invites bids for improvements to the town park. The town park is located at 100 N 200 E, Bicknell, Utah, 84715.

The work includes adding a 40’ x 60’ basketball court, 5 regulation horseshoe pits, a 20’ x 20’ gazebo, a 10’ x 12’ enclosed patio, adding propane heating and new lighting in the park pavilion, new glass doors in the park pavilion, a 3’ retention wall, and a bathroom remodel.

This project is funded in whole or in part by a grant through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The contractor will be required to comply with all federal labor standards and attendant laws, including the payment of the most current Davis-Bacon wages and compliance with Section 3 to provide employment opportunities for lower income persons and small businesses. Local, minority and woman owned business owners are encouraged to bid. The lowest responsible bidder will be selected.

Bidding documents and specifications, including Davis Bacon Wage Decision information, may be obtained from the Bicknell Town Hall at 64 W 100 N, Bicknell, UT 84715, beginning December 22, 2022, at 10:00 am. If award is not made within 90 days of Davis Bacon Wage Decision notice, the wages are subject to change.

Sealed bids will be received at the office of Bicknell Town Hall, 64 W 100 N, Bicknell, UT 84715 on or before January 5, 2023 at 5:00 pm. Bids will be publicly opened and read at the town council public hearing meeting on January 5, 2023 at 6:45 pm at the Bicknell Town Hall, 64 W 100 N, Bicknell, UT 84715.

Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on DECEMBER 22 & 29, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICE ANTIMONY TOWN

Antimony Town will reopen its 2023 budget for changes at the Board meeting on January 5, 2023. Included will be fire department funding from the county and purchase of PPE suits, as well as funding for zoning ordinance update.

The Board meeting will also include an appointment of a planning commission.

Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on DECEMBER 29, 2022

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TORREY TOWN

There will be a public meeting to discuss changes to the Torrey Water Ordinance.

Public comment will be invited.

January 12, 2023, at 6:00 PM at the Torrey Town Pavilion.

Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on DECEMBER 29, 2022 and JANUARY 5, 2023

Dental Assistant/ Scrub Tech Panguitch Dental

Panguitch Dental is looking for a motivated Dental Assistant/ scrub tech to join their team.

This position will be part-

time/full time, working three to four days per week Must be 18 or older.

The position responsibilities include:

• Patient Interaction.

• Taking X-Rays.

• Chair-side assisting.

• Scheduling, Charting, Documenting dental visits on computer.

• Sterilization of dental Instruments.

• Set-up and cleaning operatory and office.

Experienced applicants would have the following isn't needed but preferred:

• Dental Assisting Experience

• Pedo, Endo, Oral Surgery and General Dentistry Experience.

• Knowledge of Computer Charting and Digital x-rays

• X-Ray Certified.

• CPR Certified.

We are willing to train those with no assisting experience.

Wage is negotiable if you have dental experience. Email your resume to: tlamb@waynechc.org Or you can drop it off in person at Panguitch Dental. 75 N 200 E, Panguitch, UT 84759

Position Announcements

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

Food Service Worker in Panguitch Food Service Worker in Escalante

Substitute/Activity Bus Drivers in Escalante Para-Professionals at All Schools

Substitutes for Teachers, Custodians, and Food Service Workers

SALARY: Please see 2022-2023 Garfield County School Districts Classified Salary Schedule and Certified Salary Schedule.

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

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

Please direct questions to:

AES Head Teacher Robin Gibbs (435-624-3221)

BES Head Teacher Elizabeth Julian (435-335-7322)

BVES Principal Pete Peterson (435-679-8619)

BVHS Principal Jeff Brinkerhoff (435-679-8835)

EES/EHS Principal Peter Baksis (435-826-4205)

PES Principal Lisa Breinholt (435-676-8847)

PMS/PHS Principal Russ Torgersen (435-676-8805)

Superintendent John Dodds (435-676-8821)

Online application available: www.garfk12.org

Applications will be screened and the most qualified candidates will be granted interviews.

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

Garfield County School District is an equal opportunity employer.

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

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Deputy Clerk/Auditor

resumes to: South Central Communications PO Box 555 Escalante, UT 84726 Attn: HR Or emailHR@socen.com

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

• Accept applications for and issuing of building permits.

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

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

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

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

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

• Long term records maintenance.

• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

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

D. May be required to be bonded.

3. Work Environment

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

Submit Resume and Cover letter to the Wayne County Clerk’s Office. Open until filled. If you have any questions, please call the County Clerk's office at 435-836-1300.

Ryan Torgerson Wayne County Clerk/Auditor