The Wayne & Garfield County Insider January 28, 2021

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

Thursday, January 28, 2021

Issue # 1394

Petree Family Gives New Life Bryce City Town to Old Bicknell Mercantile Building Council January 21

by Amiee Maxwell

by Kadi Franson BRYCE - Mayor Syrett facilitated and Sydney Lamas took the minutes.

The Bryce City Town Council Meeting began with a prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

A discussion of where to use the remaining funds from a COVID-19 relief grant kicked off the meeting. There is $13,000.00 remaining.

Mayor Syrett noted that the city is currently well-stocked on sanitization supplies. The remaining funds must be used or they will be forfeited. Suggestions included waiting to see if a need arises, checking in with local businesses, and earmarking funds for the Canyon 2 Canyon bike event in August. Mayor Syrett asked council members to let him know if anything comes up so that he could work on providing grant funding.

At this point, some members of the meeting left the room for an executive session to discuss an employee’s performance. Upon return, they stated that they would like to provide the employee a Christmas bonus of $250.00 and requested approval. Approval was given. It was noted that they also asked the employee if she would be interested in increasing her scope of work to include

Bryce Council Cont'd on page 2

Amiee Maxwell

Located inside the old mercantile building in Bicknell, Owners Mike Petree and Bekkah Petree, along with Lorelei O'Day, pose for a photo inside The Sweetgrass, which had its opening day on January 15, 2021.

BICKNELL - Mike and Bekkah Petree had been eyeing the old mercantile building on Main Street in Bicknell for years. One day, Bekkah noticed a tiny "for sale" sign out front, and then, their dreams of creating a community gathering space just sort of fell into place.

“Our vision is to really have a place that’s just open year-round for local folks to hang out, “ said Mike. They wanted to create The Sweetgrass as a place catered to locals, the kind of place where elders in the community will

Vital Habitat Acquired to Protect Desert Tortoise

want to come and grab a coffee and stay for hours connecting with other regulars. Sure, they expect some tourists, but that is not their prime target.

Originally constructed in 1873 as a mercantile, this stunning stone building has had many lives, including a school and dance hall in the early 1900s, before falling vacant in the latter half of the century. The Petrees purchased the building from Odis Schmidt in 2019, a master woodworker who had done much of the restoration work. When Bekkah first thought about approach-

Torrey Town Council January 14

ing Schmidt to see if he was interested in selling, she just couldn’t do it. She saw how much passion and care he was putting into the building and was just amazed at how beautiful everything was, from the carefully restored original doors to the gorgeously crafted details in the studio.

The Sweetgrass Building has three parts: a coffee house and gallery featuring local pastries and art by local artisans, a workshop and art stuThe Sweetgrass Cont'd on page 3

Wayne County Commission January 19

Caineville’s culinary water filtration system upgrade and the possibility of creating a Loa, Lyman, Fremont, and Bicknell water collective

by Amiee Maxwell WAYNE COUNTY - The cial Services District money, Wayne County Commission which, if awarded, could be Meeting on January 19, 2021 used to upgrade meters and began with the opening of bids reduce the loan amount. for dirt work at the landfill.

Speaking of the Utah DiThe county received four bids, vision of Drinking Water, the and the job was awarded to commissioners noted that the the lowest bidder, which was department will be funding a Harward & Rees Construction study to evaluate the possibilwho bid $235 per hard for a to- ity of creating a Loa, Lyman, tal of $27,024.

Fremont, and Bicknell water Next, Zach Leavitt, Re- collective. This would allow gional Planner for the Six the towns to purchase water County Association of Gov- from each other if one is exernments, then led a discus- periencing a shortage. sion with Forest Sims and Leavitt then presented Dick Brian regarding funding two different building plans for Caineville’s culinary wa- for the new Wayne County ter filtration system upgrade. Courthouse. Each plan met Caineville received a $300,000 all county needs as detergrant but will need to take out mined by an architectural a $300,000 loan from the Utah study and fulfills the county’s Division of Drinking Water to main need for courtroom secover the remaining costs. In curity. The county’s next step order to cover the loan, resi- is to release an RFP for plan dents’ water bills will increase development and cost estifrom $20/month to $68/month. mates.

Sims and Brian are lookWes Erickson then reing for additional funding quested that six acres be dipossibilities to reduce the fi- vided from his lot. He previnancial impact on residents. ously presented this request Leavitt suggested that they to Wayne County Planning could apply for a USDA loan and Zoning, has Fremont but given the interest rate and drinking water on the lot, additional requirements as- and added the required fire sociated with using federal hydrant. This request was apmoney, they may be no bet- proved by the commission. ter off using a state loan. Sims Wayne Commission and Brian have also applied Cont'd on page 3 for some Wayne County Spe-

Intermountain Healthcare COVID-19 Update

by Amiee Maxwell

Courtesy Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

Almost 53 acres of private property on the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve were acquired in order to preserve vital Mojave desert tortoise habitat.

That final piece, a reST. GEORGE - Almost 53 acres of private property corded deed from Washington in southwestern Utah—vital County for their donation of habitat for the Mojave desert 22.73 acres, recently comtortoise—were acquired re- pleted the match for an Endancently through the combined gered Species Section 6 grant efforts of several agencies and that enabled the purchase of 52.72 acres of private proporganizations.

"We finally acquired the erty.

The newly acquired parlast piece of the puzzle," said Bill James, Habitat Section cel is on the Red Cliffs Desassistant chief for the Utah Desert Tortoise Division of Wildlife ResourcCont'd on page 10 es.

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

THURS. JANUARY 28 - WED. FEBRUARY 3

Partly cloudy with a few snow showers on Friday (45%) and Tuesday (40%). Slight chances of precip for the rest of the week. Highs in the 30s and low 40s; lows in the single digits and teens. Winds variable from 7 to 13 mph.

TORREY - The January 14, 2021 Torrey Town Hall kicked off with a lengthy discussion regarding an annexation proposal by Bill Barrett.

The Torrey Hotel and parcels in his subdivision (located on the south side of Highway 24) want to be annexed into the town. Barrett noted that a subdivision can be annexed into town even if all property owners don’t agree. Meeting certain acreage or market value requirements is all that is needed, and this annexation approval well exceeded the state requirements according to Barrett. The council agreed to consult with the town’s land-use attorney to determine how to proceed with this request.

Mayor Chesnutt then welcomed Adus Dorsey, Mickey Wright, and Jeri Austin as new members to the Torrey Town Planning and Zoning Committee. Mayor Chesnut also announced new council member assignments. Pat Kearney will now be over the cemetery, trees, and take on a newly made position as the town staff liaison. Jordan Pace is now over the planning and zoning committee. Pearl Stewart is over parks, pavilion, the post office, and special events, and Doug Robinson remains Torrey Council Cont'd on page 3

Courtesy Intermountain Healthcare

One day after the state of Utah reported its highest one-day total of COVID-19 deaths (30) since Dec. 17, Dr. Mark Briesacher, chief physician executive with Intermountain Healthcare, provided an update on the impact the COVID pandemic is having on hospitals in Utah and Idaho, and what lower-trending positivity rates from this week mean for Utah’s caregivers.

SALT LAKE CITY - As the state of Utah and the nation await wider access to COVID-19 vaccinations, the COVID situation on the ground and at Utah hospitals and in ICUs fluctuates day to day and week to week.

Some good news from last week was that the rolling seven day positive rate for

COVID infections in Utah was down significantly, at 19% compared to 30% in recent weeks. However, this is also on the heels of a record daily death count of 30 last Thursday.

During Intermountain Healthcare’s weekly update last Friday, chief physician executive Dr. Mark Briesacher

BOULDER - On January 20, the Boulder Board of Adjustments (BoA) held their regular meeting, where they welcomed two new members, April O’Neal and John Veranth. An Open and Public Meetings Training was then provided by Board Clerk Peg Smith. Most of the require-

by Tessa Barkan ments for Boulder Town Council and Boulder Planning Commission are also applicable to the BoA, with a number of additional restraints including that, though the public is welcome to attend BoA meetings, the BoA does not hold public hearings, as they are a body that interprets the

said that from his perspective, the lower positive rates is an expected decrease following gatherings over the holidays. “You see the community going back to their regular routine. That potentially is contributing to it,” said Briesacher. He said what health officials are watching for now is what happens as schools reconvene, and as vaccination rollouts continue.

“If we stop doing those public health measures that make all the difference while we’re vaccinating, we could rebound the opposite way.

So I’ll say again what I’ve been saying from the beginning: stay the course, stay strong, keep wearing your mask, keep hand sanitizing frequently, monitor that space between each other, it’s still the most important tool in our tool kit to combat the spread of this virus.”

As of Thursday, 193,777 people in the state had reIntermountain Update Cont'd on page 7

Boulder Board of Adjustments Meeting January 20

The new dawn blooms as we free it / For there is always light / if only we're brave enough to see it / If only we're brave enough to be it —Amanda Gorman

ordinances based on stringent regulations, rather than utilizing public input to shape town policy.

A Conflict of Interest and Ethics Act training followed.

This act requires that mem-

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

BOXHOLDER

Boulder BoA Cont'd on page 7

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

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Letters to the Editor

January 28, 2021

Goings on...

Mike Owens and Sid Fullmer Retire from the Garfield County Sheriff's Office

Send us your letters.

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

Letters to the editor must include the author’s name and location (town).

We may edit letters for length, format and clarity, and we also reserve the right to refuse material. Opinions expressed in letters to the editor are not necessarily those of The Insider. Send letters to snapshot@live.com.

We Can Do Better

a majority of us have chosen to attempt a new beginning.

A majority of us have decided to take a stand against white supremacy, authoritarianism, injustice and inequality. But our footing is hardly secure.

The worst of what we can be has been granted a stage upon which to act out its most horrific fantasies. It seems incomprehensible that one individual could unleash such fury and rage, but the fact remains that he was but a catalyst that loosed a disease that has been festering in the core of this nation since its inception.

All empires must and will fall, and it appears ours may be a short-lived and violent run. But in its end is perhaps a new beginning, if we are lucky and extremely vigilant.

Perhaps, we can yet realize the lofty words of our Declaration and live in a land where all men truly are created equal, able to enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness without fear or discrimination. But attaining that state will require much of all of us, along with profound changes in the ways in which we interact with the world, with our environment, and with our fellows. Those engaged in this struggle, whatever their affiliation, are the true revolutionaries, the true patriots that this nation needs if we emerge intact from these darkest of days. Voltaire once wrote, "those that can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities."

We can do better.

James Whipperman, Escalante

Trump’s second impeachment has taken place, and I have filed a second GRAMA to Boulder Town for the rumored two petitions filed last month to remove Building Administrator Curtis Oberhansly. Previously, I filed a September 2020 request for the amendment to the Smalley Conservation Easement (BCCRCE) used in the Staff Report to achieve her theater’s Conditional Use Permit (CUP) after UDOT provided “commercial” access in April 2020 for “… an art center, cultural meetings, concerts, etc., for the residents of Boulder and visitors,” although, “commercial” is not allowed under the BCCRCE restrictions, while the CUP application claimed it was not commercial, but only for local residents.

In October 2020, I filed a GRAMA appeal letter to the Mayor titled: “Right of the Citizens to Redress Grievances to the Government of Boulder, Utah” as required after the town failed to provide the BCCRCE Amendment and the required Public Hearing documentation for increasing Greenbelt zone density from 40 acre to 5 acre lots, apparently done to increase land speculation and development. Mayor Cox wrote: “The best way to get your grievances addressed is to submit a letter to the Town Clerk with specific ordinances or statutes you feel have been violated and we will have our attorney review them...we follow his guidance on any issues raised.

Based on his review of your complaints we will figure out how best to address them.

You do not have the right to use a public meeting to cross

examine anyone.” I asked how residents could get their complaints heard as agenda items, but we’re limited to the public comment period at the close of meetings, where Cox states that it “…is only for us to listen, not necessarily to respond.”

The Steve Cox regime has no real interest in dealing with what might be wrong with their actions and how mysterious zoning ordinance changes were made. Cox requires all complaints must include specific legal citations before attorney Mark McIff allows officials to consider them. So much for small town community and officials (whom I voted for) serving us once big money and land speculators arrive. Steve Cox wrote, “I think this can all be easily solved by you submitting your specific complaints, the town ordinances or state statues you feel were violated and if our attorney finds we have erred in our decision making at the PC or TC levels we will correct the mistakes.” Certain citizens and outsider interests get preferential treatment, while some actual residents can’t even access public documents because officials fear uncovering unpleasant facts. It would better protect the town legally if officials first investigate complaints and deal with the truth before involving lawyers.

Cox wrote, “I don’t handle GRAMA requests and haven’t seen yours. I guess you have the right to proceed to the next step as you see fit.” We await yet another hearing before the state GRAMA committee to attempt to force open government in Boulder because democracy dies in darkness.

Julian Hatch, Boulder

Boulder Town Lawyers Up Against Citizen Grievances

Courtesy Garfield County Sheriff's Office

Mike Owens, who served 26 years, and Sid Fullmer, who served 21 years, retire from the Garfield County Sheriff's Dispatch Center.

GARFIELD COUNTY - Congratulations to Mike Owens and Sid Fullmer on their retirement with the Garfield County Sheriff's Office.

They both did an outstanding job in the Garfield County Dispatch Center and helped many people during their years of service.

Mike Owens served 26 years with Garfield County Dispatch, and Sid Fullmer served 21 years. They will truly be missed.

Thank you for your many years of service.

—Garfield County Sheriff's Office

Notes from the Nuthatch In Pursuit of Swans, Feathery Frost

by Kadi Franson Last Saturday, we awoke early to spend some time along the Sevier River. A friend had recently spotted a Trumpeter swan while driving along Highway 89. This is an uncommon find in the area, not to be mistaken with the similar-looking but smaller Tundra swan, and it was enough to propel us out into the wintry morning in pursuit.

As we drove south towards Hatch, scanning each bend for swans, we noticed that the shores of the river were glittering white. Hoar frost! The word “hoar” traces back to Old English “har,” meaning gray, venerable, old.

(Like the graying wisps of a grandfather’s beard). These delicate structures form when water vapor moving through cold air lands on freezing surfaces.

We abandoned our search and pulled over in delight.

Hoar frost has a way of transforming the everyday landscape into a fantastical Narnia.

Each leaf and blade of grass become artworks within an ephemeral sculpture garden.

Hoar frost.

Courtesy Kadi Franson

In studying the structures of the ice, I noticed that the shapes were almost feathery—it was as if the grasses had been dipped in down. We never did find our Trumpeter swan that day. But, we did stumble into a luminous and whimsical world, one where the shorelines of the river lay draped in a blanket made of icy swan feathers.

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

Bryce Council: Use of the

remaining funds from a COVID-19 relief grant, shuttle contract and upgrades, update on the heating system in the new Wellness Center and cemetery gate damage, the Zoning Ordinance, and a report of finances discussed.

Bryce Council Cont'd from page 1

website management.

The council is trying to get their email address endings changed to brycecanyoncity. gov or brycecanyoncity.com.

An update was provided on how this process is going with a note that it would be taken care of by the next meeting.

Representatives provided department-specific reports.

The council is now using Trello to organize their communications and a quick overview of the platform was provided before the updates. The updates included matters pertaining to the shuttle contract, which was recently extended for another year, recognition of the need to replace the carpet at the Ruby’s Inn shuttle booth, as well as to complete installation of a new shuttle urinal, a report on future Main Street improvements and any progress on securing the necessary funding to complete them, an update on the heating system in the new Wellness Center, as well as the status of its equipment, and a note that the gate to the cemetery cur-

rently has damaged hinges due to wind and needs repairing.

Mayor Syrett mentioned that the Zoning Ordinance is underway and that the Planning Commission is moving forward with the General Plan.

To culminate the meeting, there was a report of finances that included a readaloud list of recently issued checks: $2,610.80 to Modern Display for Christmas decorations, $58,525 to the Utah State Division of Finance to cover the annual payment on the Wellness Center, $807.06 to pay for insurance premiums, $11.21 made out to Bryce Canyon Sinclair’s for diesel fuel, $1,200.18 made out to Garkane Energy for the monthly power bill, $118.33 made out to Canon for the cost of a copier, $11,825.22 made out to Cummins Rocky Mountain for the repair of a generator and equipment installation, $14,507.31 to cover the engineering fees for the Main Street Project, and $7,682.36 to cover CPA fees.

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

From the Publisher's Desk

Intermountain Healthcare does an excellent job providing regular updates on the COVID care situation in Utah and throughout their hospital system. The public is invited to weekly Facebook Live sessions with Intermountain doctors who provide information on what’s happening in the moment, and what we can anticipate related to vaccinations and public health trends due to the pandemic.

Possibly, most of us won’t have time to participate in the weekday live sessions, but they are archived on the Intermountain Healthcare Facebook page for viewing anytime—I highly recommend them. They offer a window into what it like for hospital staff as they make every effort to provide patient care during this difficult time.

Each week, what the doctors continue to say over and over again is the importance of wearing masks, social distancing, hand washing, and wherever possible, staying away from social gatherings other than people in your own home.

As Intermountain Healthcare’s chief executive physician, Mark Briesacher said this week, “It’s that promise we make to each other: I care for you, you care for me, so I’m going to do this.”

—E.W.

Insider

The

So, what is it that we've become, a people spit out like an apricot pit at the conclusion of four years of surreal madness? As we sort through the wreckage of what once passed as the world's sole superpower, beacon of liberty and freedom, exemplar of what humanity could achieve, what remains? What, if anything, is left to piece together in some pathetic caricature of nationhood? The larger fragments, chunks of racism, shards of bigotry, the chewed bones of hatred and intolerance, the excreta of religious madness and conspiratorial lunacy—these offer little in the way of foundational materials upon which to begin a reconstruction of our once perceived promise.

And yet, this is where we find ourselves after four years of lies, inane, nonsensical tweets, and unfathomable incompetence. We've learned distrust of truth and science, suspicion and fear of those that look, think, and speak "differently." We've endured the tragedy and grief of hundreds of thousands of unnecessary deaths, economic disruption and insecurity for millions, and a social fabric shredded. These past four years have been an abrasive on our national soul, scouring and bleaching away our self-delusion, exposing us for what we are. The result is not flattering.

We've held an election, the fairest and most secure in our nation's history despite rumors to the contrary, and

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.

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January 28, 2021

The Sweetgrass: Our vision is to really have a place that’s just open year-round for local folks to hang out.

—Mike Petree, owner of The Sweetgrass

Courtesy The Sweetgrass

As well as offering coffee and local pastries, The Sweetgrass will feature art by local artisans, including prints and silversmith jewelry by owner Mike Petree.

The Sweetgrass Cont'd from page 1

dio called The Hornswoggler, and the Sweetgrass Studio, a generously sized nightly rental with a full kitchen and antique clawfoot tub.

“It’s just taken on a life of its own,” said Bekkah. The coffee shop opened on January 15th, and the Petrees were overwhelmed with the support they received from the community. The coffee shop serves Publik coffee roasted in Salt Lake City and features baked goods from the Wild Rabbit Cafe and Torrey Baked Goods. Soups and salads will be available from Beth Peisner at The Garden Patch, and they plan to offer goods from the Oyler Family Farm once they open their custom butcher shop across the street. “When you support us, you’re supporting the whole community, all of these businesses,” said Bekkah.

The gallery will feature

art by local artists, as well as prints and silversmith jewelry

by Mike himself. “I’ve sold art in galleries around the state, and they take 40-60% of the sales price, which is painful,” said Mike, “having our own retail space just means a better cut for my own personal art and for other local artists.”

Before the coronavirus shut gatherings down, the Petrees began offering workshops in The Hornswoggler.

They held a two-day herbal tinctures and salves workshop and were thrilled with the diverse members of the community that attended. “We had lots lined up before we had to stop,” said Mike, and they can’t wait to start back up. “We are going to bring in instructors that do all sorts of strange and interesting things like shibori dyeing, animal processing, and knife sharpening and pottery and silversmithing,” he notes.

“The whole thing fits the family well,” explained

Mike. “Not being from here, it seemed really good for our kids to have some sort of community feature so that they would feel integrated,” he said. They have five children and have lived in Fremont for seven years, originally coming to the area to work at Legacy Outdoor Adventures in Loa. The Petrees were concerned that other shops in the area would feel threatened by their endeavor, since they are all part of such a small economy, but they felt embraced by the community. Beth Rumsey, owner of The Wild Rabbit Cafe in Torrey said, “I am super excited for them and thrilled that they have maintained the integrity of such a historic building.”

The Sweetgrass is located at 109 W. Main St. in Bicknell.

Hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 6:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Closed Thursdays.

Torrey Council: An annexation proposal

by Bill Barrett and The Torrey Hotel, new members of the Torrey Town Planning and Zoning Committee and new council member assignments, building permits, plans for a 14-room motel called the Sky View Hotel, and dog complaints discussed.

Torrey Council Cont'd from page 1

the water liaison.

Next, Dustin Oyler provided a maintenance report.

He’s currently working on the kiosk roof so that it matches the post office. He also notified the council that he has noticed people have been driving on the grass at the cemetery and have run over a couple of the flat headstones.

The council discussed ways to prevent this from happening in the future.

Building permits were next on the agenda. Mike Hinton wants to build a cabin on his property but had not submitted his plans to the planning and zoning committee. He was told to submit his plans to planning and zoning and then his request will be reviewed at the next council meeting.

Previously in the meeting, Ron Moosman requested a road easement, which included a road width reduction from 99 to 66 feet so that he could build on his property and abide by setback requirements. This request was approved, and he was told to also submit his plans to planning and zoning during the discussion on new building permits.

Scott Burton then asked for a building permit refund since he will not be building. The council will refund the permit fees on a prorated basis and will also ask Eric Torgerson for advice regarding this request. Joshua Rowley then introduced himself and his business partner to the town council. They have plans to build a 14-room mo-

tel with six glamping sites located two parcels down from the Etta Place Cidery. Their hotel will be named the Sky View Hotel and have a dark sky theme and contain a stargazing deck. They are currently working with planning and zoning on lighting requirements and wanted to learn more about the town’s building permit process.

The meeting concluded with a short discussion regarding a dog complaint. The

town currently has no dog ordinance, and the council is considering asking the county commissioners to sponsor an animal control law. They have appealed to the county before regarding this issue to no effect.

Torrey Town Council meetings are held on the 2nd Thursday of every month at 7:00 p.m. June - October and 6:30 p.m November - May— unless otherwise noted.

Wayne Commission:

Accepted bid for dirt work at the landfill from Harward & Rees Construction, Caineville’s culinary water filtration system upgrade, the possibility of creating a Loa, Lyman, Fremont, and Bicknell water collective, two different building plans for the new Wayne County Courthouse, airplane hangar lease issues, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, and the proposed baseball complex at the county fairgrounds discussed.

Wayne Commission Cont'd from page 1

Next, was a discussion regarding airplane hangar lease issues at the Wayne County Airport. Apparently, some lessees have not been paying rent since they had put their own money into the old hangar, which has since been torn down. The airport is a county-owned property and according to county attorney Mike Olsen, “We want to treat people fairly but also need to protect the county’s resources and money.” The commissioners agreed to assess how much individuals have put into the previous hangar, give credit for that previous contribution, and then charge rent after their

credit is exhausted. This issue will be discussed further at the next commission meeting.

Alcoholics Anonymous meetings will be starting up again in Lyman, and the commission approved the use of the county’s alcohol money to pay for the use of the town hall.

Commissioner Brian provided an update on the proposed baseball complex at the county fairgrounds. He’s been in communication with the donor’s family and is currently following leads for water shares for the fields.

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

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Schools & Sports

News from Bryce Valley Schools

PHS Sports Sidelines

by Brooklyn Syrett

Bryce Valley Elementary works toward healthy habits, Lady Mustangs win against Water Canyon and Lady Moquis, and BV Wrestlers prepare for Divisionals in Tintic

Bryce Valley Elementary has been busy getting the students involved with healthy habits, respect and kindness towards others, and the importance of reading. The library received a bunch of new books that the students are excited about. Mr. Petersen presented Mrs. Moore’s third grade class with a special award for showing amazing kindness to everyone. The elementary also held the second quarter awards assembly.

The students have worked towards running 100 miles—almost all of them have run 25 miles and received the “green bag.” The students receive an award for every 25 miles they run.

Ms. Chelsea Thompson reports that some of the FBLA team members performed amazing at Region.

Congratulations to Milo Atwood, Taylor LeFevre, Trinity Whitfield, Isaac Leech and Treyson Roberts. They will compete online this year for state. This will take place on February 18th and 19th.

Good luck to the BV FBLA Team!

The Mustang boy’s team met the Panguitch Bobcats on Friday, January 22nd.

This is always a good game with amazing energy and determination by both teams. The Mustangs have a deep bench with talented athletes that contribute to each win. There was a game Tuesday, January 26th at Water Canyon, and there is an upcoming game on Friday, January 29th at Parowan.

The Lady Mustangs met a strong Water Canyon team on Friday, January 15th. The Mustangs had most of the team score and finished with a win. On Thursday, January 21st, the Lady Mustangs met the Lady Moquis. The Mustangs started out slow and found themselves down 28-14 in the third quarter. Coach B, Clint, and Chelsea must have done something to recharge the Mustangs because they finished the fourth quarter with an exciting comeback! They finished strong and ended up

with a win and final score of 42-36. They had another busy week, as they travelled to Water Canyon on January 26th and Valley on January 27th.

They finish the week off hosting the Lady Bobcats on Friday, January 29th.

I apologize for reporting that the cheerleaders were headed to state last week. That was actually the Regional Competition. Last week, they travelled to the Salt Lake area again to compete in the state competition. They left after the boy’s game on Friday, January 22nd and competed on Saturday, January 23rd. The team has one senior, Kysha Brinkerhoff. Best of luck was given to the Mustang Cheerleaders!

Coach Koda Livingston reported on the wrestling last week. It resulted in quite a bit of success. We hosted a dual on Tuesday with Milford, Diamond Ranch, and Escalante.

In head-to-head matchups, our Mustang wrestlers won all of their matches, mostly by a pin.

Thursday night, we headed to Parowan to dual with them, Milford, and Water Canyon.

Highlights of the night were freshman Collin Stewart and Sophomore Mason Beesley going 1-1. Collin has shown great improvement over the season. Mason has also improved by becoming more aggressive in his matches. We took this week to prepare for Divisionals in Tintic that take place today, January 28th.

January 28, 2021

by Mack Oetting

Lady Cats win at Water Canyon and The Cats win at Milford but lose to Bryce Valley Mustangs, and Panguitch Wrestlers will have their Panguitch Invitational today the 28th

Well, the Cats both split their games this week. The Lady Cats had an easy night down at Water Canyon. I am assuming this is because WC hasn’t won any games so far this year, but they didn’t report the scores to the newspaper.

The Cats ran into a buzzsaw at the Wayne Badger’s court, losing 64 to 32. Seven players made it into the scorebook, with K. Orton leading them with 10 points. Escalante will be in Panguitch on the 27, and that game will be zoomed.

Then on the 29th, they will travel over to Bryce Valley, a team that the Cats have beaten once this year. They have a couple of more Zoomed games coming up on Feb. the 4th against Piute, and on the

6th, the Valley Buffalos will be in Panguitch also.

The boys team also had a split, taking down Milford rather easily with a score of 42 to 20. Scoring was pretty equal, with six players in the scoring column. Then, they met up with the Bryce Valley Mustangs. Both teams had only one loss this season. The Cats got off to a slow start, only scoring four points in the first quarter. From then on, the scoring was pretty much the same. The Cats had a furious 4th quarter, outscoring the Mustangs 16 to 10. The score was just too much for the Cats to overcome, losing 36 to 42.

P. Wolfey had fifteen and R. Hatch ended up with twelve, including three more 3-point-

ers. This week, the Cats have a game @ Water Canyon on the 28th and a home game against Escalante on the 30th.

Next week, the Cats will be at Piute on Feb. 3rd and have a home game against Wayne on the 5th.

We finally get a chance to see what the Panguitch wrestling team is about. The Panguitch Invitational will be held here today the 28th, and it will be Zoomed. The Cats' season only has one more tournament at Enterprise on the 29-30. The state meet will be held at SVC on Feb. 12-13. Because the Cats won by a big score in last year’s state meet, they should be favorites.

Money Tips for Students

Federal Student Aid Programs Can Help Pay College Costs

by Tim Ballard UTAH - The federal government offers many financial aid programs to help students and families pay for college.

Applying for those programs means submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA. These brief summaries from KHEAA describe the more common federal grant and loan programs that can help you get the student aid you need.

Grants generally do not have to be repaid, but loans do.

More about these programs can be found at studentaid. gov. The major programs are:

• Federal Pell Grant: Pell Grants provide up to $6,345 per year for undergraduates with financial need.

That amount is expected to increase for the 2021–22 school year.

• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant: These grants provide up to $4,000 per year for undergraduate students who have exceptional financial need.

• Direct Loans: These loans are available to undergraduate, graduate and professional students. The amount students are eligible to borrow depends on their year in school.

• Federal PLUS Loans: Parents of dependent undergraduate students may qualify for PLUS Loans,

contingent upon the parents’ credit ratings. The amount available depends on how much other financial aid the student receives. Graduate and professional students may apply for PLUS Loans if they have exhausted their Direct Loan eligibility.

KHEAA is a public, nonprofit agency established in 1966 to improve students’ access to college. It provides information about financial aid and financial literacy at no cost to students and parents.

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

Courtesy Brooklyn Syrett

Kysha Brinkerhoff is the only senior on the Bryce Valley High School cheerleading squad.

Courtesy Brooklyn Syrett

Bryce Valley Elementary School students are working toward running 100 miles. For every 25 miles they have run, they receive an award. Students received a green bag for their first 25 miles. Almost all of the students have, so far, reached this milestone.

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

1

0

0

Bryce Valley Elem. 0

5

0

0

0

Bryce Valley High

1

17

1

0

0

Escalante Elem.

0

4

0

0

0

Escalante High

0

5

0

0

0

Panguitch Elem.

0

5

0

0

0

Panguitch Middle

0

5

0

0

0

Panguitch High

0

16

0

0

0

District Office

0

3

0

0

0

District Totals

1

60

2

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

17

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 January 22, 2021 for Wayne County School District and as of January 25, 2021 for Garfield County School District.

—Insider

Wayne Middle School 2nd Quarter Honor Roll

High Honor Roll – 4.0 GPA 8th Grade: Shayla Barlow, Raegyn Blackburn, Clancey Fillmore, Kylee Pace 7th Grade: Paizlee Jackson, Gracie Snedeger, Bree Torgerson 6th Grade: Autumn Chesnut, Lillian Morrill, Cassie Rees, Adlee VanDyke High Honor Roll – 3.8 to 4.0 GPA 8th Grade: Ayla Deakin, Koyo Ito, Andrea Portmann, Russell VanDyke 7th Grade: Devin Bowling, Oaklee Brian, Lacey Brown, Jake Chesnut, Timber Giles, Micah Morrill, Chloe Stewart, Tylee Torgerson 6th Grade: Cienna Cropper, Keaton Giles, Ava Petree, Rylan Taylor Honor Roll – 3.5 to 3.8 GPA 8th Grade: Randy Christensen, Parker Hallows, MaKayla Jones, Ethan Petree, TaKara Taylor, Kylee Woolsey 7th Grade: Bree Ellett, Dawson Giles, Madilynn Jacobson, Alejandro Rosales 6th Grade: Sage Morrison, Cliff Petree, Jenny Petree, Alexis Pineda, Sydney Smith —Wayne Middle School

January 28, 2021

Wills, Trusts, and More

The Insider

What If You Owe More Than You Own?

t H e

by Jeffery J. McKenna When formulating your estate plan, it is good to figure what you own and what you owe before deciding what to leave to whom. However, it is possible to add all your assets and debts and find that you owe more than you own!

What to do? First, don't panic. Your creditors truly can't touch you. You may, however, worry about how the bills that trickle in, and sometimes flood in, after your death will affect your loved ones. Your spouse will continue to be responsible for debts you incurred jointly— such as the house, the car and all others.

But if you are the second spouse to die, what will your children and other loved ones owe your creditors? After your death, banks will want the money you still owe on your house and your car. Your credit card companies will wonder where your monthly payment has gone. Hospitals will want their balances paid.

Utility companies will send out their usual monthly bills.

Who is responsible for paying? You owed this money. After your death, those debts will be passed on to your estate. Banks might re-

possess, if no one is paying what you owed on the car and the house. Credit card companies and other creditors may place liens against your estate.

If you had nothing to leave in the first place, these organizations are pretty much out of luck. Your good-hearted and responsible children may feel compelled, when faced with mounting debts, to start paying them off themselves. This is absolutely unnecessary—and unfair. They didn't incur these debts. You did. Their failure to make good on what you owe will in no way (despite what some overzealous collection agencies may say) affect their own credit histories. It is not necessary for them to use their assets to pay your personal bills. Every large lending corporation includes a substantial line item in the "expenditures" section of its annual budget for write-offs, or uncollectible debts. Yours will be one of these.

Of course you have a responsibility to try to live within your means and to try to ensure that all of your bills are covered. However, sometimes people go through periods of unemployment or illness or hard luck that was unpredict-

Coffeepot

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

At the data-entry company where I work, the other operators and I share a coffeepot.

One morning I took it into the ladies' room to fill it with water. Then I began preening in the mirror, brushing my hair and reapplying some makeup.

I didn't realize how long I'd been until someone slid a note under the door.

"You win," it read. "Any ransom demand will be met.

Just release the coffeepot."

Mother of the Bride

A young man confided to his mother that he proposed taking himself a bride.

"Whatsa dees?" screamed Mother. "Who's a gonna love you like a Momma? Who's a gonna starch-a you socks?

Who's a gonna make-a you lasagna?"

"Please, Mom, calm down," pleaded the son. "And why are you talking like that?

We aren't even Italian."

Page 5

l A u G h i N g pOiNt!!

Hot Sauce

Two friends and I ordered sandwiches in a local eatery.

I wanted hot sauce, Jim wanted medium and Bob, mild. When I asked for all three, the ornery waitress pointed to the squeeze bottle sitting in the middle of the table.

"We need three," I insisted. "Which one is this?"

"All of them," she replied.

"You want hot, put more on."

PUNishment

Oh, you want to post bird puns?

Well, toucan play at that!

Okay, now it's your tern.

Shower Thoughts

Seals are just dog mermaids...think about it.

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

Wedding

able and unavoidable. If this occurs, your children should know that they are not personally liable to pay your debts.

My friend was about to be married when her future mother-in-law met my friend's seven-year-old niece for the first time.

She asked her how she was going to participate in the wedding.

"I'm goingto be the flower girl," she said excitedly, "my brother's going to be the ring bearer, Dad's going to be the emcee, and Mom said she's going to be broke."

This week's answers on page 9

THEME: VALENTINE'S DAY ACROSS 1. "You're the ____!"

5. Horse color 8. Interesting person, acr.

11. *Feeling of the heart 12. Nevada city 13. City in Belgium 15. Use a whisk 16. Greek H's 17. *Popular Valentine's Day delivery, pl.

18. *"Love means never having to say you're sorry" movie 20. Ballpark calls 21. Strong adhesive 22. Greek letter N, pl.

23. Lord's subordinate 26. Given to drinking 30. Ovine mom 31. Old storage medium 34. Fairy-tale beginning 35. Politician Pelosi 37. Tokyo, once 38. Bone hollows 39. Sky bear 40. Fitted with a name tag, e.g.

42. "Ever" to a poet 43. With more seeds 45. Attic 47. Summer sandwich?

48. Fraternity letter 50. Medieval headdress 52. *Only day more popular than Valentine's for card giving 56. Like blue sky 57. Walk the Pacific Crest Trail, e.g.

58. Samoan money 59. *Dionysus' pipeplaying companion 60. Affirm 61. Give off 62. Plays for pay 63. *Color of Valentine's Day

64. *Lovers' reunion DOWN 1. Cry like a baby 2. Canyon sound 3. Convict's weapon 4. Conical dwellings 5. Get on juice diet, e.g.

6. Opposite of binary 7. Like a gossipmonger 8. Exterminator's target 9. Change for a five 10. Part of T.G.I.F. 12. Like an abridged classic 13. Tiler's paste 14. *"I Will Always Love You" singer 19. Stupefied 22. Us, in Mexico 23. *Cupid's mother 24. In the know 25. Common thing?

26. Smoke plus fog 27. Lay to rest 28. Rocks at mountain base 29. *Symbol of Valen-

tine's Day 32. Infantry's last row 33. Roulette bet 36. *Chocolatier, pioneer of the heart-shaped box 38. ____ apple 40. Risk something 41. Between eggy and eggiest 44. Feeling worse than before 46. Gave away 48. Thin piece 49. Annoyed 50. Russia's alternative to caesar 51. Aries or Taurus, e.g.

52. Burn to a crisp 53. MADD member, colloquially 54. Climbed down, as from a carriage 55. Fill beyond full 56. Pharaoh's cobra

Solution on page 9

Page 6

O bituaries Emma Ahlstrom

PANGUITCH - Emma Gean Hatch Ahlstrom, 89, died in Panguitch, Utah on January 15, 2021. She was born July 2, 1931 in Panguitch to Houston “Hout” and Lois Mae Tebbs Hatch. She was the fourth of five children. Emma spent her childhood summers at the ranch with her family. This time was filled with riding horses, feeding doggy lambs, milking cows, herding sheep and being with her family.

Emma attended Panguitch schools, graduating from Panguitch High School in May 1949. After high school, she attended Brigham Young University and graduated in 1953 with her BS Degree and teaching certificate.

While attending Brigham Young University, she met and married Merrill Duard Hardy. Four children were born in this union: son David W. and three daughters: Lois, Barbara, and Joann. They were later divorced.

Emma married Kenneth Theron Ahlstrom on February 10, 1982 in Las Vegas, NV. The marriage was solemnized in the Los Angeles California Temple on February 10, 1984. He preceded her in death on August 4, 2008.

Emma was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints. She was always very active and held many positions: Relief Society president, president and counselor in the Young Women, counselor in the Primary, stake Relief Society board member, a teacher in Relief Society, Young Women, Primary and Sunday School.

She was a faithful visiting teacher.

Emma taught school for 25 years in Los Angeles, California and surrounding areas.

Emma's pride and joy came through her children and grandchildren.

In 1984, she and Kenneth returned home to Panguitch, where she completed her earthly life.

Emma is survived by children: David W. Hardy, Panguitch; Lois (Garett) Babcock, Provo; Barbara (Stan) Duitsman, Paradise, CA; son-in-law, Kevin Gunderson, Kent, WA; 12 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren, 1 great-greatgrandchild; step sons: Dana Lynn (Jody) Ahlstrom, West Valley City; Merton (Cathy) Ahlstrom, Chico, CA; and Steven (Sandi) Ahlstrom, Littleton, CA; brother, Rulon Wayne (Kathy) Hatch, Bloomfield, NM. Also preceding her in death were her parents; daughter, Joanne Gunderson; brothers: George Houston (Leola) Hatch, Ira William "Bill" (Hazel) Hatch; sister, Ila Mae (Keith) Crabb.

Dedication of the Grave was held Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 12:00 Noon in the Panguitch City Cemetery. Friends were able to call at the Panguitch 2nd Ward Chapel from 10 11:00 a.m. Live streaming of the services and online guestbook were found at www.maglebymortuary.com under Emma’s obituary. Due to COVID-19, all attendees were required to wear mask and adhere to social distancing guidelines. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti.

The Insider

January 28, 2021

FYI PanguItch

by Mack Oetting ~ mackoetting @gmail.com Free at last, free at last, free at last. We have a new President, Joe Biden, and he is off to a flying start. The night before the inauguration, President Biden and Vice President Harris attended a lighting of 400 lights on the National Mall. The lights represented the 400,000 souls that have passed away from COVID-19. This shows the world that we have a new leader that has compassion for the people of our great country.

I don’t know if you watched the inauguration or not, but it was pure entertainment. Lady GaGa beautifully performed the National Anthem, Garth Brooks sang Amazing Grace at the end, and it was fun to watch. That night, instead of watching a bunch of dances around the Capitol, the whole country took part in a virtual music festival that was entertaining to watch. Former Vice President Mike Pence attended the inauguration and was acknowledged several times. Three of the last four presidents (Clinton, Bush and Obama) were there as well, and President Carter sent a letter wishing the new presidency well.

President Biden wasted

no time on his first day, doing away with 16 mandates the former president had put into place. The next two days, he did away with many more mandates. He will have a 1.9 trillion dollars stimulus bill that he will present to the House of Representatives and Senate shortly.

Our former president left the U.S. Capitol early on Wednesday morning to go to his resort in Florida. He has a contract with the city that says that no one can stay at his resort for more than 21 days, so he might be looking for other digs. Trump is not welcome at his golf course in Turnberry, Scotland. The Scottish lawmakers are asking British authorities to bar the president from visiting his golf course, calling him a threat to public order.

Two of the former president's banks are no longer doing business with him.

Deutsche Bank ended their business with Trump. He owes them $300 million dollars. Signature Bank, who Trump owes only $5 million, is also cutting ties with him.

None of the banks in the U.S. will do business with him because he has filed for bankruptcy so many times. Fourteen of his sixteen hotels are

closed, and only two of his golf courses are operating.

A growing boardroom boycott is threatening the GOP after last week’s riot at the U.S. Capitol. Hallmark, American Express, AT&T and Blue Cross are but a few that are cutting off Republicans that challenged the election result. Blue Cross spent $200 million in the 2012 election to try and defeat the Affordable Care Act. They did get the tea party members elected. They challenged the ACA over 60 times in court to no avail. It is funny that these politicians, national and statewide, get free insurance paid by those folks that they are trying to deny access to affordable insurance. This has been going on for ten years, with promises that they will come up with a better plan, but so far nothing.

President Biden is promising that there will be a million doses of the vaccine delivered every day for the next 100 days in his term. It is already happening. Teah tells us that in San Diego, they have a place that is giving out shots at a rate of 5,000 a day. New York City is giving out 100,000 doses a day at 24 hour stations. This seems like a lot, but it is only 50 million

double doses. These will only cover the most vulnerable, and with over 300 million in our country, it will take some time to cover them all. Last week, Utah gave out more shots than in the previous month.

Some good news is that the flu cases in our country are down 98% over last year.

Wearing masks and keeping your distance will save more lives in the next few months than the vaccine.

Some more good news is that in six more weeks, it will be daylight saving time again. I do not like standard time, and I probably blame too much on it. But when most cases of the virus started, it was when we went on standard time. People couldn’t go out to restaurants to eat outside, and it meant staying indoors and in crowded rooms. In places like Vegas and California, it gets dark at 4:30 and more people are indoors.

President Biden, in his acceptance speech, said that he wants to make our country into the United States of America again. He said that he did not care who you voted for in the election, he will represent all of the country.

Mack O.

The Insider

January 28, 2021

LegaL Notices NOTICE TO WATER USERS The applications below were filed with the Division of Water Rights in Wayne County. These are informal proceedings per Rule 655-6-2. Protests concerning an application must be legibly written or typed, contain the name and mailing address of the protesting party, STATE THE APPLICATION NUMBER PROTESTED, CITE REASONS FOR THE PROTEST, and REQUEST A HEARING, if desired. Also, A $15 FEE MUST BE INCLUDED FOR EACH APPLICATION PROTESTED. Protests must be filed with the Division of Water Rights on or before Feb. 17, 2021 either electronically using the Division`s on-line Protest of Application form, by hand delivery to a Division office, or by mail at PO Box 146300, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6300. Please visit waterrights.utah.gov or call (801)538-7240 for additional information.

NEW APPLICATION(S) 95-5436 (T82354): NAH Utah LLC propose(s) using 1.6 ac-ft. from the Freemont River (1.65 miles NE of Hanksville) for OTHER: Helium exploration.

95-5437 (A82367): Vance or Kathy Warner propose(s) using 0.015 cfs OR 1.48 ac-ft. from groundwater (Fremont) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION; STOCKWATERING. EXTENSION(S) 61-2713 (a31936): Lynda L. Marcks, State of Utah Board of Water Resources, West Panguitch Irrigation and Reservoir Company is/are filing an extension for 1.6 ac-ft. from groundwater (1/2 mile south of Panguitch) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION; STOCKWATERING. Teresa Wilhelmsen, P.E. State Engineer Published in the Wayne & Garfield County Insider on JANUARY 21 & 28, 2021 PUBLIC NOTICE TORREY TOWN 2021 MEETING SCHEDULE TORREY TOWN, WAYNE COUNTY, UTAH Notice is hereby given pursuant to 52-4-6 Utah Code Annotated.

Torrey Town public bodies will hold meetings at the Town Hall, 75 East 100 North Torrey, on the the 2nd Thursday of the month unless otherwise noted.

Time will be at 6:30pm from January through March, and October, November and December and at 7:00pm from April through September.

All the above meetings are open to the public and citizens are encouraged to attend. All meetings will adjourn when business is concluded. Any person wishing to be on the agenda of any meeting should submit a request a week in advance. The office is open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays and Fridays, 10-3 p.m. All agenda and notices will be posted at the Post Office, Chuckwagon General Store and Town Office. Anyone desiring to do business with the town should contact the office, at the Town Hall.

Forms requesting to be on the Agenda can be found on the Website.

Paula Pace, Clerk Published in the Wayne & Garfield County Insider on JANUARY 28, 2021 COMMISSION MEETING SCHEDULE FOR 2021 GARFIELD COUNTY The Garfield County Board of Commissioners will meet on the following dates in 2021. Commission meetings will start at 10 a.m. at the Garfield County Courthouse, 55 South Main, Panguitch, Utah.

January 11 & 25 February 8 & 22 March 8 & 22 April 12 & 26 May 10 & 24 June 14 & 28 July 12 & 26 August 9 & 23 September 13 & 27 October 11 & 26 (Tuesday) November 8 & 22 December 13 Camille Moore, County Auditor/Clerk Published in the Wayne & Garfield County Insider on JANUARY 28, 2021

Intermountain Update:

If we stop doing those public health measures that make all the difference while we’re vaccinating, we could rebound the opposite way. So I’ll say again what I’ve been saying from the beginning: stay the course, stay strong, keep wearing your mask, keep hand sanitizing frequently, monitor that space between each other, it’s still the most important tool in our tool kit to combat the spread of this virus.

—Dr. Mark Briesacher, Intermountain Healthcare chief physician executive Intermountain Update Cont'd from page 1

ceived at least their first vaccination. Among healthcare workers, 45,000 vaccines have been delivered, with 34,000 receiving their first dose and 11,000 their second dose.

However, last week, the state was completely out of first dose inventory. “We have only second dose inventory with a name connected to those second doses,” said Briesacher.

Governor Spencer Cox, as well as health officials at state and national levels, have engaged in discussions of whether to use those second vaccine doses as first doses, to get vaccines in arms wherever possible and to avoid spoilage of vaccines.

“We totally agree with the plan of using the vaccine supply within seven days of receiving it, to put shots in arms as quickly as possible,” said Briesacher.

However from an infectious disease standpoint, Briesacher said he had “significant worries” about using doses reserved as a second dose as a first dose.

“What we don’t want to experience is a lot of people who are partially immune or somewhat immune to this virus,” said Briesacher. “Let’s just talk about the Pfizer vaccine. For every 20 people who get the Pfizer vaccine first dose, only 10 of them are protected from the virus. And some of them could be partially protected. It’s not until you get to that second dose that you get to a high level of protection, where 19 of those

20 are protected.”

Briesacher offered a basketball analogy. “It’s kind of like when the defense isn’t playing as good as it could.

So maybe they’re stopping the third best scorer, or the second best scorer on the team, but the best scorer is just raining them in from the three point line, and we’re losing. That’s what partial immunity is going to be like.”

This scenario, he said, could lead to the selection of a more dangerous viral mutation. “If we’re able to fight off the weaker viruses and variations, but we can’t fight off the more tougher variations and mutated virus, then we will select for that, and then that will spread through the community. And we do not want that to happen.”

Briesacher noted that infectious disease experts are looking at models of how vaccinations will affect community spread and case counts, and when we can expect to see our hospitalizations begin to fall due to the growing immunity of the highest risk patients.

“Our predictive analytics point to kind of a late February, early March turn and decrease,” he said.

“But as we see growing immunity having an impact, the thing that we could absolutely see turn that around and lead to a spike in cases again is if everyone relaxes and stops washing their hands and stops wearing a mask. The model assumes that we continue to mask and socially distance and wash hands.”

—Insider

Boulder BoA: April O’Neal and

John Veranth welcomed as new members, and the board takes part in Open and Public Meetings and Conflict of Interest and Ethics Act training. Role of the Boulder BoA and 2021 meeting schedule discussed.

Boulder BoA

Cont'd from page 1

bers declare potential conflicts of interest, choosing either to state that they are able to make an unbiased decision on a case or to recuse themselves if they are unable to remain neutral in decision making.

The role of the BoA was then discussed. The BoA makes decisions on variances, based on the town’s land use ordinance and the General Plan. A request for a variance can occur when a proposal does not meet all requirements of an ordinance. The BoA can then determine whether such a proposal may still be approved based on considering unreasonable hardships to the

landowner, balanced with the town’s obligations to uphold land use policies. When making a determination, members of the BoA must have a thorough understanding of both the ordinances and property in question.

The 2021 meeting schedule was then determined. The BoA always holds a yearly meeting, and additional meetings only occur when there is a request to review a variance. A motion was made and passed to schedule meetings for the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m.

The Boulder Board of Adjustments will hold meetings on the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m.

O bituaries

Page 7

Scott Harvey Watts

KANOSH - Scott Harvey Watts, 77, passed away holding hands with his eternal sweetheart on Friday, January 15, 2021 at Utah Valley Hospital in Provo, Utah. Scott was born on August 29, 1943 in Richfield, Utah. He was the second child of Milo Watts and Cleown Winget Watts. He grew up in Kanosh, Utah where he spent his time farming, training horses and fixing motors. He graduated from Millard High School in 1961, and then went on to graduate from Provo Tech College, where he studied to be a diesel mechanic. He married Claudia Elliott on July 11, 1963, and together they had four children: Danny, Shirley, Daril and Luke. They later divorced. On August 29, 1987, he married the love of his life, Myrna McInelly. When they married, Scott opened his heart to her five children and loved them as his own. Together, they built a life that they loved raising pigs, growing gardens, and being with friends and family. They were sealed together for time and all eternity on May 4, 2019 in the Manti temple, where they had previously served as temple workers for nearly four years.

Scott spent his life working with his hands in various types of professions. After he retired from the power plant in Sulpherdale, he then went to work in his own shop as a diesel mechanic. It was often said of him that he could figure out how to make anything work if he thought about it for two minutes. He was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, where he served in many callings including 2nd counselor in the Kanosh Ward Bishopric.

Everyone who was around Scott knew how happy, kind and loving he was. He loved to laugh and tell a good story!

He had the biggest heart and never had an unkind word to say about anyone. He loved to read, shoot guns, and spend time in the mountains.

Scott is survived by his wife Myrna, their children Danny Joe Watts, Shirley (Tom) Klosiewski, Daril Watts, Luke (Cheri) Watts, Bonnie (John) Clemmons, Darwin (Marianne) Barker, Kenny Barker, Scott (Teresa) Barker, and Lynette (Matt) Liston. He also leaves behind brothers, Leonard (Lorraine) Watts, Clark Watts, and sisters, Clella (Art) Fleming, and Clara (Kenny) Hart. Also many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents Milo and Cleown Watts, his sister-in-law Vicki Watts, daughter-in-law Brenda Barker, and great grandson Zander Barker.

Funeral services will be January 30, 2021 at 1:00 pm in the Kanosh LDS Meeting House. A viewing will be held where friends and family can pay their last respects from 10:00 am till 12:00 pm earlier that day. Please wear a mask and abide by all social distancing guidelines. Interment will be in the Kanosh Cemetery under the direction of Olpin Stevens Funeral Home.

Online condolences can be expressed at www.olpinstevensfuneralhome.com. The Funeral stream link is: https://youtu.be/ SNG3wIbx9C4

Myrna McInelly Watts

KANOSH - Myrna McInelly Watts (82) peacefully returned to the arms of her awaiting Heavenly Father and her loving husband, on January 19, 2021 at the Utah Valley Hospital in Provo, Utah.

Myrna was born February 6, 1938 to Arthur McInelly and Twila Moosman. She was the fifth child in a family of nine.

They grew up in a small home in Escalante, UT, where as a close-knit family, they learned to work and play hard together.

She graduated from Escalante High School in 1956 and soon after married Hal Davis Barker on May 20, 1958. Together, they had five children. Bonnie, Darwin, Kenneth, Scott and Lynette. They later divorced. She then married her eternal companion Scott Harvey Watts on August 29, 1987. They built a wonderful life together in Kanosh, surrounded by friends and neighbors, serving in the community they loved. They were sealed in the Manti temple for time and all eternity on May 4, 2019, where they had previously served as temple workers for nearly four years.

Myrna loved to cook. Anyone that went to their house could expect to find fresh baked cookies in the cookie jar, and a deluxe three course meal on the table. If you stayed long enough you might even find yourself with a list of things to do.

She was a very high energy, goal driven, detail oriented person who never napped, and was always looking for her next gaming partner. She was a very devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, who would leave at the drop of a hat to serve her family or friends. She loved anything to do with her family including reunions, sporting events, or just a good visit on the couch.

Myrna is survived by her children, Bonnie (John) Clemons, Darwin (Mary Ann) Barker, Kenny Barker, Scott (Teresa) Barker, and Lynette (Matt) Liston. Also, Scotts children, Danny Watts, Shirley (Tom) Klosiewski, Daril Watts, and Luke (Cheri) Watts. She also leaves behind a brother Chan McInelly (passed away 1/21/21), sisters Mary (Sherrel) Davis, Judy (Lynn) Griffin, and Grena Kay (Mike) Searle, sister-in-laws Emma Lou McInelly and Phyllis McInelly and all of her dearly loved grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Scott Watts, parents, Arthur and Twila McInelly, brothers, Wells McInelly, Kent McInelly, Dave (Yoland) McInelly, and AJ McInelly.

Also, a sister-in-law Betty McInelly, daughter in law Brenda Barker, and great grandson Zander Barker.

Funeral services will be January 30, 2021 at 1:00 pm in the Kanosh Ward Meeting House. A viewing will be held where friends and family can pay their last respects from 10:00 am till 12:00 pm earlier that day. Please wear a mask and abide by all social distancing guidelines. Interment will be in the Kanosh Cemetery under the direction of Olpin Stevens Funeral Home.

Online condolences can be expressed at www.olpinstevensfuneralhome.com. link to the funeral stream is: https://youtu.be/ SNG3wIbx9C4

The Insider

Page 8

Callie Ward, Utah State University Extension Assistant Professor, Garfield County

Freezer Meal Planning

What is Freezer Meal Planning?

Freezer meal planning involves planning meals that can be frozen ahead of time.

Meals are prepared, labeled, and frozen. The result is having meals prepared in the freezer when they are needed.

How is Freezer Meal Planning Done?

Freezer meal planning can be done in a variety of ways. A few of these include: • Prepare double batches of favorite casseroles, soups, or other recipes that will freeze well. Eat one that night and place the other in the freezer to use later.

• Create a freezer meal exchange group. Each member brings enough main entrees for each of the other people in the group.

For example: if there are five people in the exchange group, each would bring four freezable meals to give to each member. Each

member will have five freezer meals (including their own).

• Follow a freezer meal plan that is for one week, two weeks, or one month. Many freezer meal plans are available through books and Internet sites.

Why Freeze Meals?

• Saves money by reducing food waste, eating out less, and preparing inexpensive meals.

• Saves time by combining shopping and preparation tasks.

• Improves nutrition by eating meals prepared at home.

• Improves food safety by using a freezer to preserve foods.

• Enhances family mealtime by spending time together at enjoyable family meals.

• Saves decision making by already knowing what is for dinner.

• Shares workload by having the family join in the fun and prepare the dishes together.

How to Quick Freeze Quick freezing prevents foods from sticking together.

To quick-freeze Homemade

Pockets, spread them onto a clean cookie sheet. If needed, use more than one cookie sheet.

Place the cookie sheet(s) into the freezer. Freeze for about 30 minutes to 1 hour. Freezing the Homemade Pockets on a cookie sheet before placing them in freezer bags will keep them from clumping together.

Cooling Food How Long Should I Leave Food to Cool Down Before Freezing it?

Food should be cooled as quickly as possible. It should be left out no longer than two hours to prevent the growth of bacteria. This includes all of the time it is out of the refrigerator (ex: in a grocery store, while food is being prepared, time for food to cool. You also must consider the time food will be out when you serve it.)

Can Food be Cooled Down More Quickly?

There is no easy way to speed up cooling, but you can try the following: • Divide food into smaller portions • Place in well-sealed containers and run under cold water • Place in a well-sealed container and stand it in a shallow tray of cold water.

Why Can't I Put Hot Food Straight into the Fridge or Freezer?

Hot food will warm other foods and could raise the temperature of the refrigerator.

Writer- Darlene Christensen- USU Extension Adapted for Article- Callie Ward, Extension Assistant Professor, Garfield County

January 28, 2021

February 1 - February 7

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.

Aldebaran to scale with our Sun. The sole planet visible to- rus the Bull, and it lies 30°, or night in both the evening and three times the width of your morning sky is Mars, since all fist held at arm’s length, to the of the others are behind the sun east of Mars. The other is Be(or in front of it in the case of telgeuse in Orion’s shoulder, Mercury). But Mars is easy to and it is two fist-widths consee. At our southernly latitude, tinuing on in the same direcit’s nearly overhead as dark- tion but a bit lower. Betelgeuse ness falls, and it’s the brightest is precisely as bright as Mars, “star” in that part of the sky. and Aldebaran is a bit fainter.

Mars is in Aries, one of the (The third bright red star is An13 constellations of the astro- tares in Scorpius.) nomical zodiac, and because Aldebaran is an interestAries has no bright stars, Mars ing star (actually they all are!). stands out, being four times It’s a wonderful example of a brighter than the brightest star “red giant”—an aged star that of Aries. has swollen from its original There are three bright so- size, which wasn’t much larger called “red” stars in the sky, than our sun, to become 44 although, they’re orange to our times our sun’s diameter and eyes, and two of these three are about 450 times as bright. Stars to the east of Mars, which is like our sun shine by convertalso orange. Mars’ orange col- ing hydrogen into helium in or comes from rusted minerals their interiors, but when a star in the soil, whereas the orange ages, the balance changes becolor of stars comes from their tween the nuclear reactions in temperature —orange is cool. its core and the force of gravThe closest of these two stars ity, and the star expands enoris Aldebaran, the eye of Tau- mously. The sun will do this in

Mysid / Wikimedia Commons

roughly five billion years.

Aldebaran is 65 light years distant, which means that the light we see tonight left Aldebaran in 1956. Surrounding it, but more distant, is a cluster of stars called the Hyades, and roughly half-way between Aldebaran and Mars is the smaller and prettier star cluster The Pleiades or Seven Sisters—and more on them in future "Sky Reports."

Betelgeuse is also a red giant, but it is more distant and even larger.

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.

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.

The Insider

January 28, 2021

C l a s s i f i e d ads

Page 9

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

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

HELP WANTED

GENERAL DENTIST WANTED ESCALANTE / PANGUITCH (GARFIELD COUNTY, UT) General Dentist (Full Time) position available in Escalante / Panguitch (Garfield County, UT) General responsibilities: • Must have or attain a Utah unrestricted License to practice Dentistry.

• 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.

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 Boys Head Track Coach at Bryce Valley High School Part-Time Sanitization Custodian at Panguitch Middle/High School 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.

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. Fulltime and part-time positions available.

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

Email resumes and questions to: capitolreefciderworks@gmail.com

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

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

Please stop by in person to complete an application.

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

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

WAYNE COUNTY FOOD BANK IS OPEN3RD WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH FROM 1-3PM COMMUNITY CENTER IN BICKNELL PRE-MADE BOXES, READY FOR PICK-UP. REGULAR AND SENIOR PROGRAMS. EASY APPLICATION!QUESTIONS? CALL 435-691-3923

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

SERVICES

sudoku Answers for this week

GRAND STAIRCASE ESCALANTE PARTNERS STEWARDSHIP AND EDUCATION COORDINATOR Grand Staircase Escalante Partners is hiring a Stewardship and Education Coordinator.

Full time, year round, healthcare benefits. $20/hour.

See full job description at: https://www.gsenm.org/ jobs.

Applications close February 5th.

CLEANING/HOUSEKEEPER PANGUITCH DENTAL OFFICE Panguitch Dental is seeking a cleaning/housekeeper for our new Panguitch Dental Office.

This would include general daily cleaning of the building along with thorough cleaning of frequently touched areas and patient areas.

This is a part time position.

Hours will be flexible at $12 an hour, Monday through Friday, after clinic hours. Approximately 8-10 per week.

You must be able to pass a back ground check and to be self-motivated to complete all tasks.

Please submit your resume to, Sunnie Memory at Panguitch Dental or by email: smemory@waynechc.org This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

The Insider

Page 10

Utah Legislature Urged to Prioritize Affordable Housing

January 28, 2021

Desert Tortoise: The parcel supports high numbers

of desert tortoise and provides quality habitat for a number of other desert species too. Acquisition and protection of this property is essential to maintaining the integrity and connectivity of the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve.—Ann McLuckie, DWR Wildlife Biologist Desert Tortoise Cont'd from page 1

Courtesy utah.gov

Utah has about a 35,000-unit housing deficit, after years of population growth has outpaced development of apartments and small to mid-size houses.

SALT LAKE CITY Religious leaders, local nonprofits and lawmakers are urging the Utah Legislature to restore funding for affordable housing to pre-pandemic levels or higher, in an effort to end homelessness among children.

Among families with kids, more than 15,000 Utahns have received homeless services since 2017, according to a report from the Crossroads Urban Center.

In the last 11 years, there are 220,000 more households in Utah, but the state has seen only about 185,000 more housing units, a 35,000-dwelling deficit.

Sen. Derek Kitchen, DSalt Lake City, said housing needs to be thought of as critical infrastructure.

"We frequently think of infrastructure in terms of highways and rail lines, and airline issues and runways and things like that," Kitchen observed.

"But I also think we got to be realistic here, that without stable, affordable housing for Utahns and Americans, we're going to come up short."

Kitchen stressed now, in the early stages of the 2021 legislative session, is the time to act to make more affordable housing a priority.

Sarah Brundage, senior director of public policy for Enterprise Community Partners, wants Congress to pass the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act, to strengthen the existing system of lowincome housing tax credits.

She noted the program has financed nearly 29,000 af-

fordable housing units in Utah.

"This program is really critical for us having enough affordable housing for people who have experienced homelessness to have support," Brundage contended. "And the long-term stability that we know an affordable, safe and healthy home provides."

At least 11% of Utahns are behind on rent, according to Census Bureau data.

Nationally, nearly one in five renters hasn't caught up, and one in four households with children. The data also show the housing-cost burden falls disproportionately on Black, Brown and Indigenous renters. —Lily Bohlke, Utah News Connection

ert Reserve in southern Utah.

Some of the highest observed densities of desert tortoises in the Reserve have been found on the piece of property that was just acquired: it is high quality habitat.

DWR Wildlife Biologist Ann McLuckie said the newly acquired property was one of the largest remaining parcels still in private ownership in the Reserve.

"Long-term protection of this entire parcel is vital," she said. "The parcel supports high numbers of desert tortoise and provides quality habitat for a number of other desert species too. Acquisition and protection of this property is essential to maintaining the integrity and connectivity of the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve."

The Utah Department of Natural Resources, which administers the state's Endangered Species Mitigation Fund, joined forces with the DWR, Washington County and The Nature Conservancy to acquire the property.

The Nature Conservancy played an especially important role, providing some of the funding needed to match the grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to buy the land. The Endangered Species Mitigation Fund and Washington County both also supplied

additional needed match, either as funding or in-kind contribution (land).

"Acquiring key inholdings in the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve has been a priority for many years," said Dave Livermore, Utah State Director for The Nature Conservancy. "The Nature Conservancy is glad to be a part of this partnership, and we salute everyone involved with this purchase.

This is definitely a conservation win worth celebrating."

DWR Manager Rick Fridell echoed Livermore's sentiments.

"This purchase is the culmination of many years of effort by private, local, state, and federal partners to find a solution to protect this critical portion of the Reserve," he said. "We appreciate the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in protecting the tortoises and their habitat."

Challenges facing the tortoise The Mojave desert tortoise, located north and west of the Colorado River in Arizona, Utah, Nevada and California, was listed as threatened on the federal Endangered Species list in 1990. To help the species recover, the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve was created to protect the tortoise populations and their habitat from development.

Since that time, several cooperative efforts have

helped protect the tortoises and their habitat. For example, the DWR recently partnered with several organizations to restore habitat burned by wildfire and to construct fences along roadways near tortoise populations.

Today, an estimated five to nine adult desert tortoises per square mile, or roughly 2,011 adults, are found on the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, on average. Their population densities are much higher than most other Mojave desert tortoise populations rangewide.

McLuckie says habitat changes due to urbanization are the biggest threat the population currently faces.

"The same area where new homes are being built overlaps with areas where tortoises have shelters, forage sites and reproductive areas," McLuckie said. "Predators, vehicle collisions and illegal removal are also challenges the tortoises continue to face."

While it's illegal to capture a desert tortoise in the wild, there is an adoption program available for Utah residents who live outside of Kane, Iron and Washington counties. Visit www.fws.gov for details about adopting a captive desert tortoise. —Utah Division of Wildlife Resources