The Wayne & Garfield County Insider December 19, 2024

The

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Corner Post Media, P.O. Box 105, Escalante, UT 84726

Thursday, December 19, 2024

Utah’s Outdoor Rec Economy Breaks Records, Reaching $9.5B SALT LAKE CITY The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) has released economic data for 2023, showcasing outdoor recreation’s significant economic impact on Utah. According to the BEA, Utah’s outdoor recreation economy grew to an impressive $9.5 billion in value-added, now contributing 3.4% of Utah’s GDP and supporting 71,898 jobs.

“Outdoor recreation is a key contributor to Utah's economy, and this year's economic data reinforces its critical role in our state,” said Jason Curry, director of the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation. “Given Utah's renowned diverse landscapes and the wide variety of outdoor activities available to residents

Students from PES & BVHS Selected as GCSD Christmas Card Design Contest Co-Winners

Dec. 2, 2024

GCSD Card Contest

Wayne Commission

Cont'd on B1

Cont'd on B2

(From left to right) John Dodds, Superintendent of Garfield County School District; Shelby Menet, PES art teacher; Jack Shakespeare, 6th grade student at PES; Lisa Brienholt, principal of PES. Jack Shakespeare, a 6th grade student at Panguitch Elementary School, and Cashae Tebbs, a senior student at Bryce Valley High School, were selected as 2024 Garfield County Christmas Card Contest winners.

What to Know When Ice Fishing This Winter

BLM Announces Cove Fort Geothermal Lease Sale Results in Utah

Courtesy Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

While skiing and snowboarding are often what first comes to mind when people think of outdoor recreation during the winter, ice fishing is another great activity for the coldest months of the year.

UTAH - While skiing and snowboarding are often what first comes to mind when people think of outdoor recreation during the winter, ice fishing is another great activity for the coldest months of the year. If you are planning to go ice fishing this winter, here are a few things you should know.

Safety tips for anglers Staying safe is one of the most important aspects of ice fishing. Be sure to dress in layers and have all the needed

Tebbs were each presented with a $100 Amazon gift

WAYNE CO. - The first item on the agenda at the December 2nd Wayne County Commission meeting was going to be Sheriff Gulley talking about county road usage, but it was removed from the agenda. The second item on the agenda was the latest update on the Hanksville Diversion Project.

Garrick Wilden of Jones and DeMille Engineering was eager to share the new information. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) says the funding for the project is in the state of Utah’s hands and will be used specifically for the longawaited Hanksville Diversion Project. Wilden then requested approval from the commission to award the project to Gerber Construction for their original bid of $67,068,000. The project will begin in spring

Courtesy Garfield County School District

grade student at Panguitch Elementary, and Cashae Tebbs, a senior at Bryce Valley High School, as the winning submissions in

Cont'd on A3

Wayne County Commission

by Kathryn Chamberlain

GARFIELD CO. The Garfield County School District (GCSD) Board selected the entries

by Jack Shakespeare, a 6th

Outdoor Rec

Issue #1594

insiderutah.com

equipment to stay warm.

To avoid falling through the ice, a general safety recommendation is to not go onto the ice unless it is at least four inches thick.

Keep in mind, though, that ice thickness can vary across a lake. If you see the ice is four inches thick in one spot, don't assume it’s four inches thick across the entire lake.

Be sure to drill test holes into the ice as you venture onto it or take a Ice Fishing Cont'd on A6

REGIONAL WEATHER FORECAST

FISHLAKE NF - The Bureau of Land Management held a competitive geothermal lease sale on December 10, offering three parcels totaling 6,061 acres within Fishlake National Forest in Beaver and Millard counties. In total, one parcel covering 1,677.73 acres sold for $6,912.

For each parcel leased, 50% of the bid, rental receipts, and subsequent royalties will go to the State of Utah, 25% goes to the county where the lease is Geothermal Lease Sale Cont'd on A6

the annual Christmas card design contest, which is open to all Garfield County students.

Shakespeare and

R6 Regional Council Honors Area Businesses and Leaders at 35th Annual Recognition Banquet

Courtesy R6 Regional Council

Wayne County Commissioner Roger Brian (left) presents the owners of All Wells Drilling (right) with the Wayne County’s Business of the Year award at the 35th annual R6 Regional Council Recognition Banquet on Dec. 4, 2024.

JUAB / MILLARD / PIUTE / SANPETE / SEVIER / WAYNE COS. The R6 Regional Council (R6) held their Thirty-fifth annual Recognition Banquet on December 4, 2024.

Wayne County Commissioner and R6 Board Chair Roger Brian officiated at the event. Businesses and community leaders were honored for their outstanding efforts and contributions

to the area’s economy and community development.

Those honored as county 2024 businesses of the Recognition Banquet Cont'd on B2

UPCOMING EVENTS...

Christmas Day

December 25

First Day of Hanukkah

December 25 through Jan. 2

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

THURS. DEC 19 - WED. DEC 25

Partly cloudy, with little to no chance of precip. Highs in the low 40s and 50s; lows in the teens and 20s. Christmas Day will be mid 40s, with 20% chance of precip.

**Weather is subject to Change

Winter, a lingering season, is a time to gather golden moments, embark upon a sentimental journey, and enjoy every idle hour.

—John Boswell

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

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Ask an Expert

The Insider

December 19, 2024

Eleven Tips for Healthy Holiday Eating

by Lea Palmer | Assistant Director/Program Manager, Utah State University Extension Create Better Health (Utah’s SNAP-Ed Program)

Courtesy Utah State University Extension

The holiday season is filled with family, friends, and food. We look forward to the feeling of connection, satisfied taste buds, and new memories; however, many of us overindulge for the sake of tradition. also don’t need to overindulge to the point of feeling sick. Find ways to add a few healthy options to your favorite traditional meals and find fun ways to get yourself moving. You can still enjoy yourself and make healthy decisions.

2) Indulge in the complete mealtime experience.

Enjoy the flavors, smells, feelings of connection, conversations, and environment. You can fully indulge by slowing down, connecting with people around you, enjoying each bite, and listening to your body when it tells you you’re done eating.

3) Eat what you love and leave what you like.

It’s easy to get into the habit of trying everything and cleaning up your plate.

But if you don’t love the taste, or if your body is feeling satisfied, you don’t have to take another bite.

Don’t eat foods you really don’t like just because they are there.

4) Add healthy choices. If your family enjoys snacks, try healthy options like nuts, citrus, or dried fruits. At mealtimes, add a few fruit and vegetable side dishes. Look for fun fruit and vegetable food art ideas and try them with the

family. For those with diabetes, find healthy tips for holiday eating here.

5) Make healthy food choice swaps.

• Try whole wheat bread instead of white.

• Switch out ham for leaner meats like turkey, • Replace two or three unhealthy side dishes with a vegetable dish.

• Add fruit or swap an ingredient in your dessert recipe for a healthier alternative.

• Use herbs and spices instead of salt for flavor.

• Switch out sugar-sweetened beverages with water or warm teas.

6) Stay hydrated.

Sometimes, our bodies crave unhealthy options when we are simply thirsty. Keep water at the table, ensure you’re hy-

vors, textures, and sensations instead of frantically satisfying your hunger.

8) Pack the snacks.

Keep healthy snacks in your purse, bag, or car as you are on the run during the holidays.

9) Serve meals on a smaller plate to help with portion perceptions. Give yourself the freedom to refill your plate if needed.

10) Don’t skip sleep.

Being tired can dull our sense of hunger and fullness and can lead to less healthy eating.

11) Create family holiday traditions that involve active movement for at least 30 minutes daily.

These could include a family flag football game, hiking, playing in the snow, walking, relay races, etc.

Just get moving and pick

drated before eating, and listen to your body as you take each bite.

7) Don’t get hangry.

You will enjoy a meal more if you are not starving. Don’t skip meals during the day. This will let you focus on enjoying the whole experience of fla-

an activity you enjoy.

We can create better health through small and simple choices that lead to better experiences with our favorite traditions and connections. Simple, healthy choices become healthy habits, which turn into healthy lifestyles.

Before Holiday Shopping for Young Kids, Trauma Surgeons at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital Warn Parents About Dangers of Certain Toys

SALT LAKE CITY Kids’ toys can do more than ever thanks to advances in technology, but with that advancement comes serious concerns for small children who can ingest parts of the toys.

Trauma surgeons at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital are warning parents about the dangers of toys with magnets or button batteries after seeing several cases of them being ingested by kids.

These magnets and button batteries can have lasting health impacts on children even after they’re removed.

“We have seen several cases of children ingesting these items, and they can do serious harm like magnets pinching their intestines together or button batteries getting stuck and burning the esophagus,” said Laurie Baumann, MD, trauma surgeon at University of Utah Health and Intermountain Pri-

mary Children’s Hospital.

“In some cases, we have to do emergency surgery to remove them, and it’s only the start of their health issues.”

This happened to the McMillan family when their one-year-old son, Luke, ingested a button battery from a toy, but no one knew it happened.

His mother, Erica, noticed he had trouble eating, and when they checked with local doctors in Arizona, they suggested it might be something else.

When the issue persisted, they asked doctors for an X-ray and discovered the button battery, which had been lodged in Luke’s esophagus for months.

“It was hard not knowing what’s wrong with your child, and then to find out it’s a button battery was terrifying,” said Erica. “I just want parents to know this can happen so quickly, and to know what toys they are playing with.”

After the battery was

removed, Erica’s family began looking for long term treatment options for the damage done to his esophagus. They decided to bring Luke up to Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City for a less invasive treatment.

Although the battery didn’t burn his insides, Luke, now three years old, must go to the hospital every six months to have his esophagus stretched to make sure it stays open.

Doctors are hoping his body can grow out of needing the treatments, but for now, the damage is lasting.

Surgeons note these

toys aren’t bad, but might not be appropriate for young kids. If other children in the house have these toys, it’s important to discuss keeping them away from their smaller siblings.

“These kinds of cases can have devastating impacts on a baby, and it’s hard to know what’s happening because they’re too young to verbalize what’s happened,” said Dr. Baumann. “Our hope is by having this information before holiday shopping, we can help reduce these types of emergencies in the future.”

—Intermountain Health

Insider

The

UTAH - The holiday season is filled with family, friends, and food.

We look forward to the feeling of connection, satisfied taste buds, and new memories; however, many of us overindulge for the sake of tradition.

An average American can consume about 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving Day when taking into account pre-meal snacking, the actual dinner, dessert, then evening leftovers.

That is more than double the average recommendation for healthy adults. So, is there a way to indulge in our favorite holiday traditions while also indulging in our health?

The answer is yes.

By setting ourselves up for success and focusing more on adding healthy opportunities, we will feel better, take care of the bodies that have carried us through the year, and fully enjoy the things we love most about the holidays. Consider these tips for being mindful during your holiday feasts.

1) Focus your attention on adding the healthy rather than “falling off the wagon for the holiday.”

You don’t have to eat flavorless food, but you

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Local columnists:

Mack Oetting - FYI Panguitch

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The Insider

December 19, 2024

Outdoor Rec: Outdoor recreation is a key contributor

to Utah's economy, and this year's economic data reinforces its critical role in our state. Given Utah's renowned diverse landscapes and the wide variety of outdoor activities available to residents and visitors, it's no surprise to see continued growth. It shows that the state’s commitment to preserving and enhancing outdoor experiences enriches lives and drives significant economic benefits for communities.

—Jason Curry, director of the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation

Courtesy Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation

According to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), Utah’s outdoor recreation economy grew to an impressive $9.5 billion in value-added, now contributing 3.4% of Utah’s GDP and supporting 71,898 jobs.

Outdoor Rec Cont'd from A1

and visitors, it's no surprise to see continued growth.

It shows that the state’s commitment to preserving and enhancing outdoor experiences enriches lives and drives significant economic benefits for communities.”

Since the BEA began tracking outdoor recreation’s economic contributions in 2012, Utah has experienced an average 8.4% yearly growth rate, the highest of any state, reflecting the state’s leadership in the outdoor recreation sector. In 2013, Utah set a national precedent by becoming the first state to establish an Office of Outdoor Recreation, which has since expanded into the Division of Outdoor Recreation. Utah’s pioneering efforts have inspired twenty-four other states to establish offices or divisions dedicated to outdoor recreation, further emphasizing the state’s role as a leader in the industry.

Winter Sports and Bicycling Fuel Economic Growth Utah ranks third in the nation for winter sports, which continues to be the largest contributor to Utah’s outdoor recreation economy, with $643 million in value-added in 2023. Activities such as skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling and snowshoeing are key economic drivers in communities throughout most of the state, and the winter sports

sector supports jobs in industries like lodging, dining, equipment rentals and more.

Meanwhile, bicycling experienced record growth, with a 43% increase in value-added from 2022, reaching $73 million in 2023.

This surge reflects Utah's growing reputation as a cycling destination, fueled by expanding trail systems, improved infrastructure and an increasing number of cycling events that attract bikers from across the country, including the fastest-growing National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) league in the nation.

Key Highlights from the 2023 data on Utah’s outdoor recreation economy: • $9.5 billion in economic output; up from $8.1 billion in 2022, a nearly 18% increase • 3.4% of Utah’s GDP • 71,898 jobs and $4.3 billion in wages • Top industries include snow activities, $643 million; RVing, $412 million; boating/fishing, $537 million; hunting/ shooting/trapping, $331 million; OHV/motorcycling/ATVing, $166 million; climbing/hiking/tent camping, $143 million; bicycling, $73 million • Bicycling saw a 43% increase in value-added from 2022, reflecting a growing trend in cycling participation across Utah • Utah ranks 3rd in the nation for winter sports, which remains the top industry in the state’s out-

door recreation economy Nationally, the 2023 numbers show outdoor recreation contributes $1.2 trillion in economic output (2.5% of GDP), supporting 5.2 million jobs. This reflects the sector's sustained growth as a vital part of the U.S. economy. (ORR Release Link) For more information, visit recreation.utah.gov.

About Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation In 2022, the Utah State Legislature recognized the growing importance of the outdoors to Utah's economic prosperity and quality of life and created the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation (DOR). As part of the Utah Department of Natural Resources, DOR combines the nation’s first Office of Outdoor Recreation with other state recreation management programs, including Utah’s Boating Program, Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Program, and recreation law enforcement officers. DOR is committed to ensuring health, safety, enjoyment, and economic benefit through life-enriching, high quality outdoor recreation for all of Utah’s residents and visitors. DOR’s areas of focus include recreational access; safety and education; stewardship and sustainable visitation; and economic growth and opportunity through outdoor recreation.

For more information, visit recreation.utah.gov.

—Utah Department of Natural Resources | Division of Outdoor Recreation

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Wills, Trusts, and More

The Insider

What’s the Best Present You Can Give Your Family?

by Jeffery J. McKenna

No one likes to think about death much less plan for it. Many surveys indicate this is one of the biggest factors in not doing estate planning. However, doing estate planning is an act of love. This is especially true when there are young children or grandchildren involved.

There are two primary concerns regarding minor children and estate planning. First, who is going to take care of the children? The person who cares for the personal needs of the children is called the guardian. Second, who will take care of the financial needs of the children? This may or may not be the same person (or institution) as the guardian of the children. The person responsible for the children’s financial matters may be a court appointed conservator or if estate planning was done prior to death, it could be a trustee of a trust established for the children’s benefit.

Significantly, children under age eighteen cannot legally “own” property in their individual capacity. Therefore, in order to have life insurance proceeds or any other assets of an estate distributed to a child under age 18, a conservator must be appointed by the court.

The legal proceedings required to get a conservator appointed can be at best an additional expense and inconvenience. At its worst,

a conservatorship proceeding can be a legal fight between family members about who is to manage the assets of the children. Although these scenarios may be unappealing, the worst part about failing to plan for minor children may be what happens when they ultimately receive their inheritance.

A conservatorship ends when the child reaches age 18, unless special circumstance exist and the court allows the conservatorship to continue until age 21. The result is that at age 18 (or at most 21), the child now has complete control over the assets. While parents or grandparents may envision their life insurance or other assets of the estate being used for their children’s or grandchildren’s education, church service, or other purposes, children at age 18 or 21 may have other plans.

Given the concerns related to expense, court proceedings and ultimate, uncontrolled distributions at age 18 (or 21 in special circumstances), parents and grandparents should consider the use of a trust when minor children are beneficiaries. A trust has many advantages. First,

assets can be distributed to the trustee of the trust for the benefit of the minor child. This can often occur without the need to burden the courts. The trustee would then manage the assets as specified in the trust document. Parents can specify that proceeds within the trust are always available for the children’s health, education, maintenance and support. Additionally, parents can specify that the proceeds will not be distributed outright to the children until the children reach a particular age or will be distributed in incremental stages at various ages. In short, through the use of a trust, the parents have the opportunity to provide as much instruction as they want with respect to the inheritance they leave for their children or grandchildren.

In conclusion, estate planning is very important when minor children or grandchildren are involved.

If you stop and think about it, you may find it ironic that many of us provide more instruction to the babysitter about how to care for our loved ones for a few hours than we provide for those we leave behind at death.

NOW WITH RICHFIELD AND PANGUITCH OFFICES TO SERVE CLIENTS IN AROUND THE SURROUNDING COUNTIES. Jeffery J. McKenna is a local attorney whose practice has been focused on Estate Planning for over 25 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. Additionally, you can RSVP to attend one of his FREE Estate Planning Seminars in Richfield, at 159 North Main Street, every Third Thursday.

Comics

country roads

by Lynn Griffin

December 19, 2024

tHe lAuGhiNg pOiNt!!

Golf I was at a loose end for a couple of hours the other day, so I went for a quick nine holes at my local golf course.

This old chap came up and asked if he could join me, as we were both singletons, and it's always better to measure yourself against someone else. I wondered if he might end up slowing me down, but I agreed. To my pleasant surprise he turned out to be an asset. He wasn't quick, but he played steadily and kept pace with me up and down the fairways. But more than that, he offered really useful advice at every hole. He'd been playing the course for years and seemed to know every wrinkle.

Eventually, we reached the ninth, and I hit a snag.

My tee shot went wide and fetched up at the edge of the course. There was a huge pine tree directly between me and the green, and it was only a few yards away. I scratched my head for a bit.

The old boy came up and said, "That happened to me once, about thirty years back.

I just hit the ball straight over the tree, and it was fine."

"Really?"

"Really."

Well, I was doubtful, but he had the experience, so I lined up, swung the iron, and gave the ball a hefty whack. It went straight up in the air, hit the tree about twothirds of the way up, and fell back four feet behind me.

"Of course," says the old boy, "thirty years ago that tree was only three feet high."

Last Round

It was Sunday afternoon, but Tom was sitting in front of the TV. His wife asked, "Tom, don't you usually play golf with George on a Sunday?"

Tom looks at her and said, "I've played my last round of golf with that man."

His wife asked, "Why, whatever's the matter?"

Tom said, "Would you play golf with a man who consistently marks down the wrong score, moves his ball for a better lie when nobody is looking, and 'accidentally' makes a noise when you're Did you hear about trying to putt?" the exorcist who offers a "No, of course not," said payment plan? Apparently his wife. if people fall behind on "Well," said Tom, "nei- payments, they’ll get rether will George." possessed!

PUNishment

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

This week's answers on B5

THEME:

At the Restaurant ACROSS 1. Bet's predecessor 6. Ogre-like creature 9. Attorney's bargain 13. Old but in 14. *Restaurant waiting area?

15. Located near crannies?

16. List of Catholic saints 17. Down Under runner 18. White heron 19. *____ meal, or staff meal 21. *Meat and fish, in Italian restaurant 23. Singer/songwriter Yoko 24. *What appetizers do to appetite 25. *Deuce 28. Like a reliable move 30. Not a desktop 35. "My bad!"

37. Painter Chagall 39. Beyond suburban 40. Wisecrack 41. *Nigiri, e.g.

43. *Middle Eastern bread 44. Of an arm bone 46. That time 47. Let it stand, to proofreader 48. Swellings 50. Chancy 52. Between E and NE 53. Stomach reflex 55. *Fish eggs 57. *Second C in CDC 61. *____ d'hotel 64. Not mainstream, as in art 65. "To His ____ Mistress" 67. Bracelet add-on 69. Covers with gold 70. Stiff grass bristle 71. Irving of Dallas Mavericks 72. Eyelid affliction 73. Fairytale princess test 74. Winter driving hazard

DOWN

skill

1. Curved one 2. Table extender 3. Sicilian erupter 4. Movie trailer, e.g.

5. Perfecting, as in

6. Toe the line 7. Popular pickup 8. Puppy love 9. Jumping stick 10. Forsaken 11. Barely got by 12. Spumante-producing town 15. Greek god's libation 20. Rumpelstiltskin's machine, pl.

22. *Freshwater staple in sushi restaurant 24. Idolize 25. *Chef's hat 26. Modified "will" 27. Offer two cents 29. Drawn tight 31. Baby porcupines 32. Commonplace 33. Like Cheerios 34. *Blue-____ special 36. Unsubscriber's

focus 38. *____ de partie, or line cook 42. ____structure or ____red 45. Cujo's disease 49. Ray shooter 51. Foxhunter's call to hounds 54. Short version 56. C2H5 57. Marlboros or Camels, slangily 58. Army group 59. Lazily 60. *Complimentary dish 61. Asian starling 62. *Steak choice 63. Great Lake 66. Be in the red 68. Were introduced

Solution on B4

December 19, 2024

The Insider

Obituaries Eunice Irene (Spalding) Brinkerhoff BICKNELL / BONNERS FERRY, ID - Eunice Irene (Spalding) Brinkerhoff, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister, 91, passed away peacefully at home in Surprise, Arizona, on August 22, 2024, with her daughter, Beth Ann, and son, Dennis, at her side.

Eunice was born September 22, 1932, in Copeland Idaho, on the family ranch, to Henry and Anna Spalding. She was the fourth chid out of nine. Eunice attended school in Bonners Ferry and graduated in 1951. She went on to college at the University of Moscow for two years before meeting Earl Brinkerhoff whom she wed in 1954. After Earl’s discharge from the Air Force they headed north to Alaska in 1959, the year of Statehood, where they resided until 1978.

After many long winters, Eunice and Earl returned to Earl’s hometown of Bicknell, Utah, for three years before moving farther south to Phoenix in 1981. She enjoyed the beautiful sunshine and warmer climate residing in Sun City Grand until her death.

Eunice cherished family above all else and every summer she would pack their motorhome, and they would drive up to Alaska to visit their children and grandchildren, spending quality time fishing and camping. These trips were special moments in her life.

She loved visiting her family along the way and the majestic beauty of America's highways and wildlife.

Eunice will be remembered by her family and friends as bubbly and warm. Her favorite activities were playing cards, western movies, crafts and family get togethers. She was a simple woman with a slight stature but feisty nature. In all her travels and adventures she considered Bonners Ferry her hometown, the best place on earth to have been born and raised in a large close-knit family.

Eunice was very proud of the fact that she drove the Alaskan highway which was 1300 miles of dirt road one -way alone with her three young children and a few dogs, every summer to visit her family in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, than on to Utah to see Earl’s family.

Eunice is preceded in death by her husband, Earl, daughter, Charlene, parents, Henry and Anna, and brothers, Virgil, Jim, Frank, Don, Ray, and Bill.

She is survived by her children; Dennis Brinkerhoff, Arizona; Beth Ann Shropshire, Hawaii; grandchildren, Dylan and Julia Shropshire, Garret and Spencer Mclean, Tess and Ross Brinkerhoff; great grandchildren, Bodhi, Samaya and Uma Shropshire, Emma and Riley Mclean, Aliyah Brinkerhoff and Cruz Brinkerhoff; sister, Beth and Kearlee Wright; brother, Bob and Ione Spalding; brotherin-law, Vance and Vanetta Brinkerhoff; and many nieces and nephews she loved.

Eunice requested no services, and her ashes will be interred with her family in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. The family request you donate to your local hospice who offered so much support in the final months.

“For death is no more than a turning of us over from time to eternity.”

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FYI PanguItch

by Mack Oetting ~ mackoetting @gmail.com Christmas is just around the corner, and there is still no snow. We do have the cold, and when the white stuff comes, it will last a long time. It was a good week, with a lot going on, starting with the light parade on Friday night. There were not that many vehicles, but the ones that were there were really lit up. A couple of Clydesdale horses started the parade, and they were beautiful and were really lit up.

The many cars were decorated well, and the fire trucks finished up the parade; a lot of time went into their lighting. The next day was the Christmas car show. There were plenty of beautiful cars there, and a 1949 Triumph sports car won the grand prize; it was probably worth a couple hundred thousand.

Everyone that entered a car won a nice Santa trophy. The Christmas home tours took place that evening, and there were some great homes and a lot of people coming to see the beautiful lighting. The day was finished off with

the symphony playing at the 2nd Ward church.This time of the year, there are a lot of things going on—dinners and games and fun times.

We have one more event to finish off the year, and that is the city’s New Year’s party at the Triple C Arena on the 31st.

It has been a wonderful year, as every year is, and every day is wonderful.

There is always something to do, if you look for it. Earlier next year, we will have a gym, and if one of your early resolutions is to get some exercise, then this gym will be the hot ticket. The older you get, the more exercise you need; walking is great, but it can be hard in the cold. They will have an exercise pool, free weights, various bikes, treadmills, and everything you need to get into shape.

Most of the events that go on in Panguitch are done by volunteers, so I am going to mention a number of them and give them a very big "thank you." First of all, there is our firefighters

and our EMTs. Their day is twenty-four hours long, and going out in the cold is part of their job. Thank you to Lance Miller for all of the events that go on down at the Triple C and for his many cowboys that help to put on the rodeos. Thank you to Pat for the Easter Egg hunt and to all of the many that help with this event.

Thanks to the American Legion, Women’s Auxiliaries for putting up the flags on the veteran's graves and the roadway coming into the cemetery on Memorial Day, and to the many that are part of the Honor Guard at the funerals, especially in the winter.

The Panguitch Quilt Walk Festival, started by Claudia Crump, Elaine Baldwin and Pat has grown from that first year to now having more than 300 peolpe in attendance every year.

Jerilu Houston and her many helpers have taken over the reins and put on a great festival, with people coming from all over the country.

Elaine Baldwin has directed the Quilt Walk play for over twenty-five years, with hundreds of volunteers working as actors.

April Hookam has taken over the Chocolate Festival and is doing a great job with help from all of the candy makers and volunteers. Thank you to all of the Lion’s Club members who put on a breakfast and raise money for the town's ventures. Over $200,000 has been raised in the last twenty-five years.

In the summer time, we have plenty of ball games, and there are all of the volunteers that are training these little kids to be future Panguitch High School players. This is one of the reasons that we have so many state championships.

On 4th of July, the firefighters light off bombs in your front yard, and the Lion's Club has their breakfast. At 10:00 a.m., there FYI Panguitch Cont'd on A6

Obituaries Beth Marie Chappell Christensen 1950 - 2024

GUNNISON - Beth Marie left this life peacefully at the age of 74 on Dec. 9, 2024, in Spanish Fork, Utah. She was born in Salina, Utah on February 14, 1950, a daughter of Wendell Holden and Burla Shurtz Chappell. Beth loved growing up in her small-town Lyman, Utah, where she attended and graduated from Wayne High School. After graduating high school, Beth attended Utah State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.

Beth found great fulfillment in her first job as a teacher in Grand Junction, Colorado. Beth’s heart was always full as she saw her students learn to read and achieve milestones in their early years of education.

Beth married Joe L Christensen of Gunnison on July 29, 1977, in her hometown of Lyman. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Manti LDS Temple on August 8, 1978. Joe L. passed away November 2, 2004.

She continued her love of teaching at Gunnison Elementary for a brief time. As she entered motherhood, Beth opened Rainbow Connection preschool in her home allowing her to share her love of her family and educate the children within the community. Beth returned to Gunnison Elementary School where she found her true love of teaching pre-school for many years. While she loved teaching, she saw the importance of increasing her education, so she returned back to school earning a master’s degree in early childhood education from Southern Utah University. Later retiring from the South Sanpete School District.

Beth is the mother of two amazing sons Joseph Rudi Christensen and McKay C. Christensen (deceased) who were her pride and joy; she loves them dearly along with three beautiful grandchildren, Nixon L, Langley K, and Memphis R Christensen.

After losing her husband Joe L she later married Kirtly William Jensen of Price on Dec 28, 2011, but later divorced.

Beth is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in numerous callings. Serving in the primary brought her much joy and provided many fond memories. Beth loved crocheting and watching a good movie. Some of the greatest memories shared by her loved ones include her servant-minded heart, and above all, times of laughter and love. Beth was a beautiful person both inside and out.

Left to cherish her memory are her son Rudi Christensen and wife Kristen, three grandchildren Nixon, Langley, and Memphis Christensen all of New Bern, North Carolina; her brother, Douglas (Margaret) Chappell of Apple Valley; sisters, Alice (Bruce) Christenson of Gunnison; and Jeanette (Dan) Taylor of Loa, as well as many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Joe L Christensen, son, McKay C. Christensen, and parents, Wendell and Burla Chappell.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday Dec. 21, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. in the Gunnison LDS Stake Center where friends may call for a viewing one hour prior to the services.

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

Burial will be in the Lyman cemetery at 3:00 P.M. Saturday afternoon under the care of the Springer Turner funeral home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.

Online guest book at: www.springerturner.com

The Insider

A6

December 19, 2024

Ice Fishing: If an angler is fishing on a particularly cold day, pulling a fish FYI Panguitch

up through a hole and exposing them to freezing conditions can be stressful to the fish. The water that remains on sensitive areas—such as the gills or eyes—can begin to freeze and this can cause damage to a fish. So, it is best to minimize exposure time and to release the fish as quickly as possible after catching it.

—Trina Hedrick, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Sportfish Coordinator Ice Fishing Cont'd from A1

spud bar (ice chisel) if it is early in the season, so you can test the ice regularly as you walk out. You should also avoid putting large groups of people and equipment in a small area— spread the weight out.

“As a basic precaution, you should also purchase and always wear ice safety picks, which can help you get out of the water if you fall through the ice,” Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Sportfish Coordinator Trina Hedrick said. “I’d also recommend taking a throw rope with you, and having someone else with you when ice fishing.”

If you are bringing children, it’s nice to have hot chocolate or even hot soup available to help them stay warm. You should also bring hand warmers that you can put in your gloves or boots.

(It’s a good idea to buy hand and toe warmers in bulk at the beginning of the season to ensure you have some for each trip.)

Ice fishing bibs are another great way to bundle up and stay warm, and they also use material that keeps the angler afloat in case they fall through the ice.

Find more ice safety tips on the Utah State Parks website.

Common mistakes to avoid when ice fishing Another important element of ice fishing is to make sure you are follow-

ing all the laws. A few of the most common mistakes that DWR conservation officers encounter are: • License violations (fishing without a license or with an expired fishing license) • People catching and keeping too many fish (over the legal daily limit) “Quite often, ice fishing is so good that people can forget about the regulations and take too many fish,” DWR Lt. Casey Mickelsen said. “If you are lucky enough to experience one of those kinds of fishing trips, please remember the rules so other anglers can enjoy that same kind of day later on. Also, remember that a released fish that isn’t able to descend back through the hole should be considered part of your daily fish limit, regardless of size. If the fish isn’t going to survive, it’s best to take it home and eat it, unless doing so would put you over the daily limit.”

Catch-and-release tips for ice fishing If you want to release the fish that you catch while ice fishing, there are a few things you can do to help decrease stress to the fish and increase survival.

Just like hot temperatures and warm water can have impacts on certain fish species, freezing weather can also be tough on fish. Anglers have to remember that even though they are ice fishing, the fish they are catching are living in water that is not frozen—which means that the water temperature that

the fish are experiencing is often warmer than the temperatures they are exposed to coming out of the water.

“If an angler is fishing on a particularly cold day, pulling a fish up through a hole and exposing them to freezing conditions can be stressful to the fish,” Hedrick said. “The water that remains on sensitive areas—such as the gills or eyes—can begin to freeze and this can cause damage to a fish. So, it is best to minimize exposure time and to release the fish as quickly as possible after catching it.”

One way to eliminate the air exposure time is to make sure you have quick access to all the tools you will need to easily and quickly release the fish.

“A unique aspect of ice fishing is that anglers tend to dress in layers to keep warm, which is definitely recommended,” Hedrick said. “However, they often bury key equipment, such as pliers and cameras, under those layers. Another aspect of ice fishing is that anglers often fish with two holes that are somewhat separated from each other. This makes it easy to forget key equipment for releasing the fish when you head to another hole in response to a strike.

What you don't want to do is increase air exposure time for the fish because you are scrambling to find equipment. Anglers should carry the equipment that they need to release their fish in an easily accessible location.”

One idea for doing

Geothermal Lease Sale: Geothermal energy

is a renewable resource that generates baseload electricity with minimal carbon emissions. It is an abundant resource, especially in the West, where the BLM has authority to manage geothermal leasing on approximately 245 million acres of public lands and 104 million acres of U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service lands. Geothermal energy can also be used to heat buildings, operate greenhouses, and support aquaculture operations.

Insider

The Bureau of Land Management held a competitive geothermal lease sale on December 10, offering three parcels totaling 6,061 acres within Fishlake National Forest in Beaver and Millard counties.

Geothermal Lease Sale Cont'd from A1

located, and the remaining 25% goes to the U.S. Treasury.

Geothermal energy is a renewable resource that generates baseload electricity with minimal carbon emissions. It is an abundant resource, especially in the West, where the BLM has authority to manage geothermal leasing on approximately 245 million acres of public lands and 104 million acres of U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service lands. Geothermal energy can also be

used to heat buildings, operate greenhouses, and support aquaculture operations.

Since January 2021, BLM has approved fortyfive renewable energy projects on public lands (eleven solar, fourteen geothermal, two wind, and eighteen gen-ties) and exceeded the goal to permit twenty-five gigawatts of renewable energy by 2025. Overall, BLM has permitted clean energy projects on public lands with a total capacity of more than thirty-three gigawatts—enough to power more than fifteen million homes. This year, BLM also issued a final Renewable

Energy Rule that will lower consumer energy costs and the cost of developing solar and wind projects, improve project application processes, create jobs, and incentivize developers to continue responsibly developing solar and wind projects on public lands.

The Notice of Competitive Lease Sale and proposed lease stipulations are available online at the BLM National NEPA Register. Please contact Nathan Packer at npacker@blm. gov for more information.

—The Bureau of Land Management

that is to keep your pliers on a lanyard around your neck to make them easy to find and access while ice fishing. Another idea is to keep all your equipment in a bucket or sled so that it’s easy to find and doesn’t get buried in the snow on top of the ice.

Another tip for decreasing the stress to a fish is to remove your gloves before handling the fish.

Wearing gloves while ice fishing is typically recommended to protect an angler’s hands from freezing conditions. However, winter gloves are often made of absorptive fabric. Fish have a protective slime coat on their skin, and wearing gloves while handling the fish can remove the slime coat.

“That can leave fish more susceptible to various skin issues, such as fungal diseases,” Hedrick said.

“I know that it is tough to take gloves off while ice fishing because it’s cold, but handling fish with your bare hands is best—and when the fishing is hot, your hands just don’t seem to get as cold. Once the fish have been safely released, then you can put your gloves back on. This also keeps your gloves drier throughout the day, which will help keep your hands warmer in the long run.”

Find more information about where to go ice fishing in Utah on the DWR Fish Utah map.

—Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

Cont'd from A5

is always the kid's parade, with many hours being spent on decorating the bikes and ATVs. Then the firefighters do their thing with a great fireworks display. The balloon festival brings the town together and is run by volunteers. On the 24th, it is homecoming, with many fun things going on. In August, there is the county fair, which is also run mostly by volunteers, and it is a fun event. The last event for the summer is the ATV rally, which is run by the city employees and Joe Orman and many helpers. This event has grown from sixteen riders to now having to cut off at three-hundred or so.

In November, we have the Veterans Day dinner, with help from many. At the end of the month, there is the Thanksgiving dinner that we have put on for sixteen years, with many, many helpers.

People who care about their flocks run the many churches here in town.

Panguitch is a wonderful place to live, with so many people that care for one another. Some of us volunteers are getting a little

on the old side, but it still brings joy to be of service and help out where you can.

We are going down to Southern California for our annual family Christmas get-together and will miss Christmas for the first time in thirty-three years. Bless all of you at this time of the year, and find joy in what you do.

Remember the reason for the season.

Mack O.

December 19, 2024

The Insider

Schools and Sports

GCSD Card Contest: The Garfield County School District (GCSD)

Board selected the entries by Jack Shakespeare, a 6th grade student at Panguitch Elementary, and Cashae Tebbs, a senior at Bryce Valley High School, as the winning submissions in the annual Christmas card design contest, which is open to all Garfield County students.

Courtesy Garfield County School District

(From left to right) John Dodds, Superintendent of Garfield County School District; Cashae Tebbs, senior at BVHS; Kara Syrett, BVHS art teacher; Andy Carlsen, principal of BVHS. Jack Shakespeare, a 6th grade student at Panguitch Elementary School, and Cashae Tebbs, a senior student at Bryce Valley High School, were selected as 2024 Garfield County Christmas Card Contest winners.

GCSD Card Contest Cont'd from A1

card to reward their efforts.

On behalf of the Garfield County School District staff and patrons, we would like to congratulate them both.

Their designs will be sent to all GCSD employees, every school district in the state, and many community partners

PHS Sports Sidelines

by Mack Oetting The Bobcats all came away with a big week, with a lot of wins. The wrestlers won another tournament down in St. George against 1A - 4A teams. They have a really busy schedule, but they will be here in Panguitch on the 19th, and it will be against Enterprise.

The Bobcats basketball team is still strong, and we got a look at them on the 10th. Green River was here, and the Cats weren’t too nice to them, winning all of the games.

With the Cats winning the Varsity game, 83-62, they left no doubt as to how

good they were. Maddix Johnson scored 21, and Daxton Miller had 14. On Friday, up at Richfield, the Cats faced Maeser Prep and came away with a close one, 42 to 40. Daxton Miller had 14, and Burkley Dalton also had 14. In the last game against Tabiona, Panguitch won with a score of 45 to 40. Remme Chappell had 15, and Maddix Johnson chipped in 13.

The Cats have a really busy Deember, with games lasting till the 17th against San Juan. The next day, Wayne will be here, and on 20th, Wendover will be here. After Christmas, they

have three more games.

The Lady Cats were busy also last week with a game down at Valley, but I don’t know the score.

They had two other away games that they did well at. Against San Juan, they came away winners, 56 to 33. Mallory Henrie had 22 in that game, and against North Sevier, they won 58 to 27, with Mallory Henrie as high scorer with 14.

The ladies have another away game against Wayne on the 19th. On the 20th, Wendover will be here for a double header with the girls starting at 2:30 and 5:30.

Panguitch Public Library

and businesses as Garfield County School District's Christmas card.

—Garfield County School District

B1

The Insider

B2

December 19, 2024

Recognition Banquet: The R6 Regional Council (R6) held their Report: UT Ranks Low for Number of Women Thirty-fifth annual Recognition Banquet on December 4, 2024. as Legislators

by Alex Gonzalez | Utah News Connection

Courtesy R6 Regional Council

(From L to R) Piute County Commissioner Scott Dalton, Roxie’s granddaughter, Roxie Beus, Commissioner Will Talbot, and Commissioner Sam Steed, Piute. Dalton presented the owners of Roxie’s Hometown Quilting and Boutique with the Piute County’s Business of the Year award at the 35th annual R6 Regional Council Recognition Banquet on Dec. 4, 2024.

Recognition Banquet Cont'd from A1

year include: • Vantage Automotive received Juab County’s Business of the Year recognition. Juab County Commissioner Clinton Painter presented the award.

• Prime Powersports was honored as Millard County’s Business of the Year. Millard County Commissioner Trevor Johnson presented the award.

• Roxie’s Hometown Quilting and Boutique was honored as the Piute County Business of the Year. Commissioner Scott Dalton pre-

sented the award.

Gunnison Valley Hospital was Sanpete County’s Business of the Year.

Commissioner Scott Bartholomew presented the award.

• Paradice Ice was honored as Sevier County’s Business of the Year.

Commissioner Scott Johnson presented the award.

• All Wells Drilling was Wayne County’s Business of the Year. Commissioner Roger Brian presented the award.

A Regional Recognition Award was presented

by Commissioner Greg Jensen to Redmond Minerals in honor of their dedicated efforts and commit•

ment to the success of the Utah Congressional Briefing.

A Regional Recognition Award was presented

by Commissioner Roger Brian to Maureen Allred in honor of her steadfast leadership, tireless advocacy, and heartfelt dedication to making a difference over her twenty-seven-year career at the agency. Commissioner Brian wished her the best with her retirement in January 2025.

Commissioner Brian explained the traditional rotation process in which the mantle of the Chair for the R6 Regional Council is passed to another commissioner. He then expressed appreciation for the oppor-

tunity he had of serving in this capacity over the past year. After his remarks, he introduced Commissioner Scott Bartholomew of Sanpete County who will assume responsibilities of Chair for the R6 Board.

The R6 Regional Council (formerly Six County Association of Governments) sponsors the Recognition Banquet annually. The R6 General Board consists of all eighteen commissioners and one appointed mayor from Juab, Millard, Piute, Sanpete, Sevier, and Wayne Counties. The R6 Executive Board comprises one appointed commissioner and the appointed mayor from each county.

—R6 Regional Council

UTAH - More than 2,400 women will serve in state legislatures in 2025, a record, according to the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University.

Utah ranks in the bottom ten states in the nation for legislative representation by women, at about 27%.

Jean Sinzdak, associate director of the center, said women bring their diverse and distinct life experiences to the policymaking table, adding it is always positive when governing bodies look more like the communities they represent.

"A big piece of this is just making sure that there is diversity and representation in all kinds of ways," Sinzdak emphasized. "Including by gender, but also by life experience, career, socioeconomic status and so on."

Sinzdak argued it is a positive when a variety of people serve in state legislatures. She noted while trends are moving in the right direction, there is more to be done. Nationally, more than seven in ten elected offices are still held by men.

Utah has never elected a woman to serve as governor. The Beehive

State was led by Olene Walker when former Gov. Mike Leavitt was nominated to serve as the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Utah has also had two female lieutenant governors.

Sinzdak pointed out research shows women are more likely to build consensus among lawmakers and work across the aisle. But she acknowledged caregiving responsibilities often prevent women from running, along with the double standard they face from the public.

"Voters want them to be likeable as well as tough," Sinzdak observed. "Whereas for a lot of male candidates, they don't necessarily need to be likable; they just need to be seen as being able to do the job."

Sinzdak contended one of the barriers any newcomer running for political office faces is "the power of incumbency," but she explained when women run for office, they often win, which she stressed is good for democracy.

Support for this reporting was provided by The Carnegie Corporation of New York.

Wayne Commission:

The latest update on the Hanksville Diversion Project was discussed at the December 2 Wayne County Commission meeting.

Wayne Commission Cont'd from A1

2025 and will likely not be completed until early summer 2029.

Wilden went on to say Gerber Construction is ready to move forward with the contract but also wanted the commission to be aware that, because of the lengthy construction time, there could be some escalation in costs that could come outside of the original bid. Wilden stated that there are some contingency funds that will be available to cover these costs if needed. He said, “The more expensive and higher risk elements are going to happen right up front, which is the cut-off walls, the foundations and the work in the river will come first. If we see that going over budget, we will at least have a couple years to react and apply

for more funding.”

There was discussion about the amount of irrigation pumping needed and segregating the task to either Gerber or possibly to other contractors in the area for a lower cost.

Wilden said they will still need to do some pumping, but it, hopefully, won’t be as much after the first year or two of construction because the diversion will be in place and at least partially functional. The commission was encouraged that the project will finally be moving forward and proceeded to approve and sign the contract.

The meeting then concluded with the review and approval of vouchers.

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

The Insider

December 19, 2024

B3

How Much is Utah’s Public Lands Lawsuit and PR Campaign Costing Taxpayers?

Legal Notices

by Kyle Dunphey | Utah News Dispatch

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR BIDS HANKSVILLE TOWN The Town of Hanksville is seeking qualified contractors to submit bids for the following construction projects: • Two (2) 16'x24' Lean-To Pavilion • One (1) 40'x20' Barn-Style Pavilion Project Scope: • 16'x24' Lean-To Pavilions: Construction of two pavilions with a lean-to design, including all required materials, labor, and construction services.

• 40'x20' Barn-Style Pavilion: Construction of one barn-style pavilion, including all required materials, labor, and construction services.

• The town has the plans for each pavilion and are available upon request.

All bids must be submitted in writing, specifying cost breakdowns, completion timeline, and qualifications to clerk@hanksvilleutah.gov. For questions about this project, contact the clerk at 435-542-3451 or by email.

The anticipated start date for these projects is upon award of bid.

The Hanksville Town reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on DECEMBER 12 & 19, 2024

Spenser Heaps | Utah News Dispatch

A billboard along I-80 in South Salt Lake promotes Utah’s lawsuit trying to claim control of federally managed land on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024.

UTAH - It remains to be seen whether the U.S. Supreme Court will take up Utah’s lawsuit filed in August, which argues about 18.5 million acres of federally-controlled public land should be transferred to the state’s control.

But that hasn’t stopped the state from spending more than $1 million on a wide-reaching public relations campaign which includes hundreds of thousands of dollars spent on media advertising, ranging from KSL.com and The Salt Lake Tribune, to the Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal; and a law firm whose most senior attorney charges over $2,300 per hour.

That’s according to records of invoices and receipts obtained by Utah News Dispatch through an open records request that show the state’s Attorney General’s Office and Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office, or PLPCO, had spent nearly $1.1 million on attorney fees and marketing as of mid-September.

Filed in August, the state is petitioning directly to the U.S. Supreme Court to question whether the Bureau of Land Management, or BLM, can indefinitely hold onto land without giving it a formal designation. National parks, national monuments and national forests all have designations —but about 18.5 million acres of BLM land in Utah does not. It’s what the state calls “unappropriated land.”

In its complaint, Utah argues it’s unconstitutional for the BLM to hold that unappropriated land in perpetuity, a claim that the U.S. Department of Justice called “without merit” in a recent brief filed with the Supreme Court.

The state is invoking what’s called original jurisdiction, which allows states to petition directly to the U.S. Supreme Court in certain cases rather than go through lower courts first.

And in an attempt to get there, the Attorney General’s Office has paid at least $475,000 to the law firm Clement & Murphy since June 2023.

Described by Attorney General Sean Reyes as “the preeminent Supreme

Court advocates of our day,” the law firm charges hourly rates that are among some of the highest in the country, according to several attorneys and legal publications.

Its most senior attorney Paul Clement is billing the state $2,350 an hour; Erin Murphy is charging $1,850 per hour; junior attorneys are making between $1,100 to $1,350 per hour; and paralegals are billing as much as $460 for each hour.

In one invoice, the law firm billed the state for 4.5 hours of work, running taxpayers $3,826.

“Paul Clement is the best Supreme Court practitioner in America,” said Daniel Burton, general counsel for the Utah Attorney General’s Office.

“I think that’s money well spent. We didn’t want to do this without making sure we crossed our Ts and dotted our Is.” Burton said the state ran a regular request for proposal process, as required under state law, and had multiple bidders from multiple law firms—ultimately they went with Clement & Murphy.

“Yes, he does have his hourly rate, but we think it’s valuable if we’re going to be looking at this question correctly. We want to make sure we’re doing this right,” said Burton.

That money has been set aside for public lands litigation by the Utah lawmakers, which during a special session in 2024 allocated $3 million for the state’s “Public Lands Litigation Program.” And when the state announced the lawsuit in August, Reyes said the legislature had allocated a total of $20 million for the legal challenge, though he told reporters he expects to spend a “fraction” of that.

According to Burton, the state will likely know whether the U.S. Supreme Court will take up the case in January, unless one of the parties asks for an extension. If the court agrees to hear Utah’s case, oral arguments would come sometime in the spring.

If the high court decides not to hear the case, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said the state would likely file a complaint with a federal district court.

The state’s effort is twofold—the lawsuit, and a public relations campaign that includes radio

and television advertising, billboards and a website.

Much of the advertising will wrap up this fall, said Redge Johnson, director of PLPCO. But the state will retain some kind of public awareness campaign, he said.

“Letting the public know that they’re losing access to public lands is kind of important. We’ll see how the legislature feels about it and what they want to do as far as funding goes,” Johnson said.

Records show PLPCO has spent at least $616,000 on the marketing agency Penna Powers for its “Stand for our Land” campaign, starting in March 2024.

The contract with Penna Powers ends in February 2029 and amounts to $2,142,000 in state funds, allocated by the legislature during a special session in June with HB3002. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Walt Brooks, R-St. George, put that $2 million-plus in the state’s Federal Overreach Restricted Account to be used for “costs associated with countering federal overreach on public lands in Utah.”

Records show the state paid nearly $55,000 to local news outlets—that includes about $18,402 to The Salt Lake Tribune, $15,605 to Deseret News Online, and roughly $19,050 to Deseret Digital Media, which runs KSL.com and the KSL classifieds. Because the campaign is ongoing, those numbers have likely increased since the records were released to Utah News Dispatch.

That contract was signed in February, before the special session, and expires in 2029. It seeks to “strategically help the State of Utah tell the story surrounding the challenges and opportunities related to the management of public lands, natural resources, multiple-use practices, and other concepts.”

According to the contract, Penna Powers could be “required to recruit toptier national and regional journalists for individual familiarization tours or small-group familiarization tours. The goal of these tours is to bring in journalists to experience Utah’s robust public lands and natural resources and the associated challenges and opportunities related to the management of those public lands.”

And records show just how much the state is trying to sell its lawsuit outside its borders.

Its “Washington D.C. launch,” detailed in Penna Powers’ media plan, shows a $65,000 campaign with The Dispatch, a conservative media outlet; more than $12,000 to “Honestly with Bari Weiss,” a podcast hosted by the former New York Times opinion writer; more than $100,000 to the Washington Post for advertising; and $62,000 to The Wall Street Journal.

Johnson with PLPCO said the cost of the campaign pales in comparison to how much the state often spends in the National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA, process.

“While the state has to spend sometimes millions of dollars on access and our interests on these public lands, a lot of people don’t know about the tens of millions of dollars that are spent in the state just doing the NEPA process,” he said.

But some public lands advocates take a much different tone. Aaron Weiss, executive director of the conservation nonprofit Center for Western Priorities, called the marketing campaign “disingenuous.”

Weiss’ organization has been opposed to Utah’s lawsuit from the start, calling it an attempted “land grab.” His criticism of the lawsuit extends to the media campaign.

“There’s a word for when the state tries to convince the public of a political position—propaganda.

There is no doubt in my mind that that is the proper word to apply to this PR campaign,” he said. “Some of it, of course, is aimed at convincing Utah voters that their money is not being tossed into a dumpster and set on fire, which is, in fact, what’s happening.”

Weiss doesn’t think the U.S. Supreme Court will even hear the case— for him, the amount of money the state is spending on advertising only cements that.

“If you think you’re standing on a rock solid legal case, then you spend more money on your lawyers than you do in your PR campaign. Instead, Utah’s doing it the other way around,” he said.

This article was originally published on utahnewsdispatch.com on December 2, 2024.

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS MARYSVALE TOWN MARYSVALE – SILVER KING FIRE EWP PHASE 1: CLEARING AND GRUBBING DOCUMENT 001113 Sealed Bids for the construction of the Marysvale – Silver King Fire EWP Phase 1 project will be received,

by Marysvale Town online at Quest CDN until 2:00 pm local time on January 13, 2024, at which time the Bids received will be opened and read. The Project consists of the following: Clearing and snagging operations to address flood risks worsened by recent wildfires.

The work includes the removal of vegetation, fallen trees, and debris from stream channels and riparian areas, following NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) standards. All trees with a diameter of 10 inches or less are to be removed 12” from existing ground to restore natural flow conditions, reduce obstructions, and enhance stream capacity ahead of the spring runoff. The project will target high-priority areas in Bullion Canyon and surrounding tributaries, focusing on debris clearance while minimizing environmental impacts.

The Issuing Office for the Bidding Documents is: Ensign Engineering, 225 N. 100 E., RICHFIELD, UT 84701 Kelly Crane; 435-590-0187, kcrane@ensignutah.com. Electronic copies of the bid documents will be made available on Ensign Engineering’s website at www.ensigneng.com/index.php/bid-access.

Two pre-bid conference will be held on site on December 16, 2024 at 2:00 PM and another on January 6, 2024. All potential bidders are strongly encouraged to attend or visit the site. The last day for questions is January 8, 2024.

Bid security shall be furnished in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders.

Owner: MARYSVALE TOWN By: William Davis Title: Town Mayor Date: 12/2/2024 Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on DECEMBER 12 & 19, 2024 PUBLIC NOTICE - SCOPING AND NOTICE OF PROPOSED ACTION FREMONT RIVER RANGER DISTRICT FISHLAKE NATIONAL FOREST The Fremont River Ranger District of the Fishlake National Forest is requesting comments during a scoping period for the Boulder Mountain Vegetation and Watershed Improvement project. Information concerning this project and how to comment can be found on the project website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/ project/?project=67254.

Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on DECEMBER 19, 2024 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. 15, 2025 either electronically using the Division`s on-line Protest of Application form, by hand delivery to a Division office, or by mail at PO Box 146300, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6300. Please visit waterrights.utah.gov or call (801)538-7240 for additional information.

GARFIELD COUNTY NEW APPLICATION(S) 97-2529 (A84488): Todd and Jill Phillips propose(s) using 1.73 ac-ft. from groundwater (West of Escalante) for STOCKWATERING. CHANGE APPLICATION(S) 61-3542 (a52383): William L Bernard Trust Agreement dated October 19, 2005 propose(s) using 0.0064 cfs OR 0.5 ac-ft. from groundwater (5.6 miles SW of Hatch) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION. EXTENSION(S) 97-2372 (A79011): Robert Erickson, Diane Lundquist is/are filing an extension for 1.73 ac-ft. from groundwater (Upper Valley west of Escalante) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION; STOCKWATERING. WAYNE COUNTY NEW APPLICATION(S) 95-5548 (A84484): Patricia Fairbanks propose(s) using 0.015 cfs OR 1.73 ac-ft. from groundwater (1 mile west of Hanksville) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION; STOCKWATERING. 95-5549 (A84485): Casey Fairbanks propose(s) using 0.015 cfs OR 1.73 ac-ft. from groundwater (1 mile west of Hanksville) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION; STOCKWATERING. Teresa Wilhelmsen, P.E., State Engineer Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on DECEMBER 19 & 26, 2024

The Insider

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December 19, 2024

USDA Invests $1.7 Million to Strengthen Rural Utah Infrastructure SALT LAKE CITY U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Utah State Director, Michele Weaver announced that USDA is investing $1.7 million in rural and Tribal communities across Utah to expand access to clean and reliable drinking water and address solid waste management in rural communities.

“These investments are a lifeline for the health and safety of our rural residents and provide for proper and sustainable management of water and waste disposal systems," Weaver said. "Rural Utah contains some of the most beautiful and remote Tribal lands and rural communities in the country. These resources benefit the communities and support the millions of visitors that enjoy our great state.”

Four projects in Utah are receiving funds to build or improve rural

water systems and support solid waste management: • The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, White Mesa community will use a $474,673 Water and Waste Disposal Grant to repair their failing water distribution system. The project will replace failing, leaky lines, close off the dead-end lines, and repair the damaged well to improve water flow and provide reliable drinking water.

• Kanosh Town is receiving $800,000 in loan and grant to complete a well and wellhouse project, which will provide a reliable source of drinking water. Previous sources were drastically reduced due to years of drought.

• Park City Conservation Association will use a $17,000 Solid Waste Management Grant to increase their education and outreach programs to Coalville’s City Conservation District. Funds

will be used to expand the Green Business Program, provide education and awareness to the local school district and establish remote recycling bins.

• The Solid Waste Training Institute received a $451,000 Solid Waste Management Grant to provide technical assistance to rural communities in a multi-state region to address specific local needs including training in landfill personnel training and institutional sustainability.

These investments are made through USDA Rural Development’s Water and Environmental Programs, which help rural communities obtain technical assistance and funding to develop drinking water and waste disposal systems.

The announcement is included in a national release, in which USDA is highlighting the investment of $6.3 billion in more than

two-hundred projects in rural and Tribal communities across forty-four states to expand access to a clean and reliable electric grid, provide safe drinking water and create good-paying jobs.

Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA 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 healthcare; and highspeed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas. Visit the Rural Data Gateway to learn how and where these investments are impacting rural America. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/ut.

—USDA Rural Development

Calassified ds HELP WANTED

SERVICES

When in Need, There are Resources in Wayne & Garfield Cos.

For Victims of Domestic Violence, Rape, and Sexual Assault Canyon Creek Services Emergency Safehouse 435-865-7443 Mobile Team 435-233-5732

SERVICES

New Horizons Crisis Center 145 East 100 North, Richfield Office Hours 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Shelter is open 24 hrs, 7 days a week Phone Number 435-896-9294

Calassified ds HELP WANTED

Sanitation Service Operator

Wayne County is accepting applications for the following full time, benefit eligible position: Title: Sanitation Service Operator FLSA Status: Full time, non-exempt GENERAL PURPOSE Performs a variety of duties related to the operation of the Wayne County Long Hollow Landfill and the Hanksville Class II landfill.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED Works under direction of the Sanitation Department Supervisor SUPERVISION EXERCISED None ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS • Operate, maintain, and repair all equipment at the landfill. Loader, excavator, dump trucks, belly dump, dozer, garbage trucks, roll off truck.

• Garbage and trash collection and disposal within service area as needed.

• Move dirt and cover garbage.

• Work scale house and assist customers at the landfill as needed.

• Maintain all areas of the landfill.

• Deliver and repair garbage cans as needed.

• Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 1. Required knowledge, skills and abilities: Thorough knowledge of: hazards common to heavy equipment operation; equipment maintenance and repair standards; Skill in interpersonal communications and cooperative problem solving; the operation of heavy mechanized equipment as required, (i.e., Front End Loader, Dump Truck, Belly Dump, Forklift, Dozer, etc).

Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; develop and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, federal agencies, state agencies, local governments, subordinates, and the public.

2. Special Qualifications: Must possess or be able to acquire a valid Class “A” Commercial Drivers License (CDL). Must possess a valid Utah Drivers License with no DUI, or no more than two (2) moving violations in the past twelve (12) months. Must be able to pass ICC physical and maintain medical certificate. Must be able to comply with applicable County and departmental policies and safety standards. Must be willing to maintain a flexible working schedule, and occasionally work weekends, holidays, and shifts. Must submit to and pass randomly administered drug tests.

3. Work Environment: Tasks require a variety of physical activities, occasionally involving muscular strain, such as walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, and lifting. May be required to lift up to 50 pounds or more on occasion. Talking, hearing and seeing is essential to the performance of daily job functions. Common eye, hand, finger, leg and foot dexterity exist. Mental application utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability, discriminating thinking and some creative problem solving. Daily travel in automobile or heavy equipment required in job performance.

Applications can be obtained from the Wayne County Clerk's Office, 18 South Main, Loa, UT 84747, or by calling 435-836-1300 and requesting one to be sent to you. Applications will be accepted until job is filled. Please include cover letter and resume, including references, with the application. Please call the Clerk's Office with any questions.

Felicia Snow Wayne County Clerk/Auditor

Counseling Services Central Utah Counseling Richfield Office 255 S Main Street, Richfield Office Hours 435-896-8236 24 Hour Emergency Service 877-469-2822 Southwest Behavioral Health Center 601 E Center Street, Panguitch 435-676-8176 24 Hour Emergency Service 800-574-6763 Wayne Community Health Center 128 South 300 West Bicknell, 84715 435-425-3744 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 988

Part-time Custodian Garfield County Courthouse is seeking a reliable, detail-oriented individual to join our team as a part-time custodian.

This role is vital to maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for courthouse staff and visitors.

Applications are available at the Garfield County Clerk’s Office 55 S. Main, Panguitch or online at garfield.utah.gov and will be accepted until 5:00 p.m., Friday January 10th, 2025.

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

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

The Insider

December 19, 2024

C l a s s i f i e d ads

B5

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

MEETINGS

Wayne Community Health Center

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

Position Announcements

POSITIONS AVAILABLE: Garfield County School District is hiring for the following positions. For the application process and description of each, please see the district website www.garfk12.org Athletic Announcer at Bryce Valley High School Substitute/Activity Bus Drivers Para-Professionals/Aides at All Schools Substitutes for Teachers, Custodians, and Food Service Workers SALARY: Please see 2024-2025 Garfield County School Districts Classified, District Office, and Certified Salary Schedules on the district website.

QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must be fingerprinted and satisfactorily pass an employment background check.

Garfield County School District is an equal opportunity employer.

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

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

Escalante AA Meeting

Winter schedule: Tues. & Fri. at 6pm Call 435-676-3653 All meetings are closed discussion

sudoku Answers for this week

Dental Assistant at WCHC Bicknell

fice!

Join our team as a motivated Dental Assistant at WCHC Bicknell Dentist Of-

Are you a dedicated and enthusiastic individual seeking a rewarding career in the dental field?

WCHC Dental is currently seeking a Part Time or Full-Time Dental Assistant to become a valuable member of our dynamic team.

Why choose WCHC Dental: • Competitive benefits package tailored to your working hours • An inclusive and supportive work environment • Opportunity for professional growth and development Position Overview: As a Dental Assistant at WCHC Dental, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of our dental practice. Your responsibilities will include: • Interacting with patients in a friendly and compassionate manner • Proficiently taking X-rays and supporting chair-side procedures • Managing scheduling, charting, and documenting dental visits using computer systems • Ensuring thorough sterilization of dental instruments • Setting up and maintaining a clean and organized operatory and office space Preferred Qualifications (not required): We value experience, but are also excited to provide training to individuals new to the field. If you have any of the following qualifications, it’s a plus: • Dental assisting experience • Exposure to Pediatric, Endodontic, Oral Surgery, and General Dentistry • Familiarity with computer charting and Digital X-rays • X-ray Certification • CPR Certification How to Apply: We encourage all interested candidates to apply, regardless of your level of experience. If you’re passionate about dental health and eager to contribute to a supportive team, we want to hear from you! Please email your resume to aellett@ waynechc.org and take the first step toward an exciting career with WCHC Dental.

Join us in making a difference in the lives of our patients. Apply today!

Dental Assistant at Escalante Dental

Join our team as a motivated Dental Assistant at Escalante Dental!

Are you a dedicated and enthusiastic individual seeking a rewarding career in the dental Field?

Escalante Dental is currently seeking a Part-Time Dental Assistant to become a valuable member of our dynamic team.

Why choose Escalante Dental: • Competitive benefits package tailored to your working hours • An inclusive and supportive work environment • Opportunity for professional growth and development Position Overview: As a Dental Assistant at Escalante Dental, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of our dental practice. Your responsibilities will include: • Interacting with patients in a friendly and compassionate manner • Proficiently taking X-rays and supporting chair-side procedures • Managing scheduling, charting, and documenting dental visits using computer systems • Ensuring thorough sterilization of dental instruments • Setting up and maintaining a clean and organized operatory and office space Preferred Qualifications (not required): We value experience, but are also excited to provide training to individuals new to the field. If you have any of the following qualifications, it's a plus: • Dental assisting experience • Exposure to Pediatric, Endodontic, Oral Surgery, and General Dentistry • Familiarity with computer charting and Digital X-rays • X-ray Certification • CPR Certification How to Apply: We encourage all interested candidates to apply, regardless of your level of experience. If you're passionate about dental health and eager to contribute to a supportive team, we want to hear from you! Please email your resume to aellett@waynechc.org and take the first step toward an exciting career with Escalante Dental.

Join us in making a difference in the lives of our patients. Apply today!

Medical Assistant at Kazan Memorial Clinic

Job Opening: 1 Full-Time Medical Assistant and 1 As Needed Medical Assistant We are seeking a dedicated, professional, and compassionate Medical Assistant to join our team. The ideal candidate will provide excellent patient care, assist in clinical and administrative tasks, and work collaboratively with our healthcare providers. Offering a full-time position and an as-needed position.

Location: Kazan Memorial Clinic Key Responsibilities: • Greet and prepare patients for examinations and procedures • Take and record patient histories, vital signs, and other necessary information • Assist physicians with exams, treatments, and minor procedures • Administer medications, injections, and vaccinations as directed by physicians • Prepare and sterilize medical equipment • Schedule patient appointments and manage patient flow • Maintain accurate patient records and assist with billing and coding • Handle patient inquiries and provide excellent customer service • Ensure the cleanliness and organization of exam rooms and work areas • Support the overall operation of the medical office Qualifications: • Certification as a Medical Assistant (CMA, RMA, or equivalent) is preferred but on-the-job training is available.

• High school diploma or equivalent required • Minimum of 1 year of experience in a clinical setting preferred • Knowledge of medical terminology, office procedures, and basic clinical tasks • Strong communication and interpersonal skills • Ability to multi-task and stay organized in a fast-paced environment • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and medical software systems Compensation: • Competitive wage based on experience • Medical & Dental Benefits - Full-Time Employee’s Benefits are covered in full.

- Employees pay 50% of the cost for dependents.

• After a year of full-time employment, Long Term Disability is purchased by WCHC & paid 50% by employee • Eligible for Life Insurance up to 50k at no cost after 60 days.

• Eligible for supplemental insurance through Aflac/Liberty National.

• 401K is offered on the day of hire—WCHC Matches up to 5%. After 60 days.

• Flex Spending: You will be eligible on January 1st.

• 4 hours of sick leave accrued a pay period.

• 4 hours annual leave accrued a pay period. (Cannot exceed 240 hrs.)

• 8 hours holiday pay: - New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth (June 19th), July 4th, July 24th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving day, The day after Thanksgiving (instead of Veterans Day), Christmas Day • Employees and Families also get a percentage discount in each department.

(Medical, Dental, Pharmacy) How to Apply: Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume to josiem@waynechc.org We look forward to welcoming a new member to our team, which is committed to providing exceptional patient care!

Wayne Community Health Centers Inc. is an equal-opportunity employer. The Wayne Community Health Centers are committed to providing high quality health services to our communities’ residents and visitors. Its purpose is to provide quality health services to all people including those facing financial, geographic and/or cultural barriers to healthcare.

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The Insider

December 19, 2024