The Wayne & Garfield County Insider April 23, 2026
Join Wayne County Interfaith Council in 75th National Day of Prayer
WAYNE CO. - This 250th year of our nation will be an especially great opportunity for community members to come together and participate in the 75th year of the National Day of Prayer. The event will begin at 7:00 p.m. on May 7, 2026, and will be held in the Wayne County Community Center in Bicknell. This year, the theme of the event is “Glorify God Among the Nations, Seeking Him in All Generations.” (1 Chronicles 16:24)
This event calls upon people of all faiths to come together for prayer and meditation and is intended to unite believers in prayer and worship, seeking God’s guidance for our nation and emphasizing our country’s history. The program will be focused on praying for our
Blue Crow Gear & Gifts Marks New Chapter for Utah Canyon Outdoors
by Kathryn Chamberlain
GARFIELD CO.The Garfield County Commission met April 13 and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the agenda, and approval of the March 23 meeting minutes. Board reports then took up most of the meeting.
ESCALANTE - This spring, the storefront formerly known as Utah Canyon Outdoors reopened as Blue Crow Gear, Gifts & Coffee as it entered its 10th year in business.
Tips to Help You Avoid Conflicts with Bears
Black bears are the only species of bear in Utah, and they live and roam across much of the state. With the weather warming up and bears coming out of hibernation, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources wants to remind Utahns of ways they can prevent conflicts with bears this summer and also what to do if you encounter a bear.
UTAH - Black bears are the only species of bear in Utah, and they live and roam across much of the state. With the weather warming up and bears coming out of hibernation, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources wants to remind Utahns of ways they can prevent conflicts with bears this summer and also what to do if you
encounter a bear. Black bears typically come out of hibernation in March or April, depending on snow conditions. During the spring, plants and insects make up 90% of a black bear’s diet, but they have an amazing sense of smell and will eat the same
Bears Cont'd on A3
The new name is inspired by the pinyon jay, sometimes known as a “blue crow,” a year-round resident of the Colorado Plateau and a bird closely tied to the health of pin-
BLM Opens Application Period for Grazing Allotments in the Book Cliffs
VERNAL - The Bureau of Land Management Vernal Field Office will accept applications from May 1 through July 31, 2026, for eleven grazing allotments in the Book Cliffs area of Uintah County and nearby areas. The allotments were previously relinquished and are now available to qualified livestock operators. The available allotments include Atchee Ridge AMP, Birchell, Brewer, Green River AMP, Hatchbroome Bartholomew, Lower McCook, Allotments Cont'd on B2
yon-juniper forests. Caitlin and Jim Clery were drawn to the name because of its strong sense of community and its role as both a tree planter and steward of the forest.
Caitlin and Jim met while working as canyon guides in Escalante. “We quickly became an excel-
David Tebbs reported on possible federal funding for a jail expansion, ongoing work on the Stub Springs trail before Mule Days, slash pile burning projects, and delays on timber and wildlife projects because of limited Forest Service staffing. Jerry Taylor said overgrown forests are hurting water supplies and warned some areas could be out of water by July. He also said ranchers want more flexibility on grazing dates so they can move cattle based on weather
CANYONGlen Canyon National Recreation Area is opening additional facilities for the spring and summer season as warmer weather and longer days return. While the park is open yearround, several services that
were closed during winter are now available to visitors.
The following facilities are now open:
Wahweap District: Restrooms at the Wahweap Picnic Area and at the parking lot for beach access across from the Wahweap Campground are open. Outdoor drinking fountains, fishing cleaning stations and Wahweap boat pump out are open.
Glen Canyon Cont'd on B3
GLEN
Garfield Commission
Join Scientists and Volunteers to Look for Bumble Bees in Grand
Staircase-Escalante National Monument, May 20 - 22
The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Bumble Bee Bioblitz will take place May 20-22, 2026, offering both residents and visitors an opportunity to learn Bumble Bee Atlas survey protocols and participate in catch-photograph-release surveys across the monument and surrounding areas.
ESCALANTE / KANAB - The Mountain States Bumble Bee Atlas is coming to southern Utah. This community science project aims to better understand and protect the region’s bumble bees, several of which are in decline.
The Atlas is seeking volunteers across Colorado, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming to collaborate with local researchers and gather critical data on bumble bee distribution and habitat needs.
The Grand StaircaseEscalante National Monument Bumble Bee Bioblitz will take place May 20-22, 2026, offering both residents and visitors an opportunity to learn Bumble Bee Atlas survey protocols and participate in catchphotograph-release surveys across the monument and surrounding areas. This event is hosted by the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, with support from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management staff in Kanab and Escalante, as well as Grand Staircase Escalante Partners.
May 20, in Kanab, or Thursday, May 21, in Escalante. Each workshop includes both a classroom session and outdoor, hands-on training component. After training, volunteers will spread out across Grand StaircaseEscalante and nearby areas to document these important pollinators. Additional details and registration information are available at BumbleBeeAtlas.org/pages/events.
During the three-day event, participants can attend one of two training workshops: Wednesday,
The Mountain States Bumble Bee Atlas is run by the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation and funded by the Bureau
of Land Management, with additional support from Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The project will gather important data on at-risk bumble bee populations, helping land management agencies and conservation partners make informed decisions that improve the survival of these essential pollinators and promote healthy ecosystems overall. Additionally, the data will serve as an important baseline for measuring the success of future conservation efforts.
—Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation
Drought and Low Snowpack Raise Wildfire Risk as Trump’s Budget Creates a Funding Puzzle
UTAH - With extreme drought gripping most of Utah and spring heat melting reserves of mountain snow to an all-time low, the state is staring down a tinder dry wildfire season that could come with big changes to its federal funding.
Maps of the national wildfire forecast show Utah covered in red by July—signifying higher than normal risk throughout the state—and with southern Utah getting there by June.
“It has the potential to be a real season,” said State Forester Jamie Barnes, emphasizing “real” as she spoke, “but we’re going to make it through it, and we’re going to make sure that we do all we can to keep Utah safe.” Barnes and her teams in the Division of Fire, Forestry and State Lands are heading into the summer with more money for prevention efforts thanks to a state law passed last year. But they’re also keeping an eye on Washington, D.C. President Donald Trump is proposing budget cuts to forestry programs, along with research and development, as his administration moves to create a new, centralized fire agency and relocates the U.S. Forest Service headquarters to Salt Lake City, a move celebrated by state leaders and condemned by environmental groups.
The funding at risk provides $3 million to
by Annie Knox | Utah News Dispatch
$4 million each year to the state’s fire and forestry program, Barnes noted.
“We’re watching that closely,” she said. However, more federal money may flow to Utah through a different initiative. A Trump administration plan to ramp up logging across the country could send in funding for timber production, although Barnes said it’s too soon to know how much.
If Congress approves the cuts for the fiscal year starting in October, she and her colleagues will work with Utah lawmakers on making up the difference or rethinking the future of the programs in the division’s larger budget of more than $100 million.
After Utah shattered records for high March temperatures and its lowest snowpack ever recorded, Joel Ferry, executive director of the Utah Department of Natural Resources, didn’t mince words.
“Worst water year ever,” he told reporters following a news conference Monday, April 6. He described the state’s snowpack as its biggest water reserve, containing millions of acre-feet of stored water. If it melts in March, as it did this year, Ferry said, “we’re in trouble.” No wildfires were burning in the state as of Thursday, April 9, but dozens have already sparked in 2026.
The Revola-Dugway fire in eastern Utah burned thirty-six acres in March after winds carried a con-
trolled burn up a rugged hillside, said Joshua Phillips, Duchesne County fire and emergency manager.
“It was just one of those things for early March that’s a pretty big deal,” Phillips said. “The conditions and everything, it was tough to kind of keep it contained.”
The response included five city fire departments and help from state crews who stayed for several days, Phillips said. He noted in eastern Utah, memories of the Dollar Ridge Fire that burned about 69,000 acres in 2018 are still fresh, and this year’s outlook seems similar.
Citing dry conditions, Duchesne and Uintah counties have announced fire restrictions.
Barnes says the state is prepared, ready to stamp out flames quickly from the air so new starts don’t spread. And Utah can do more before there’s smoke in the air, she said, after lawmakers last year opened up $10 million for prevention efforts like reducing fuels and funding a public relations campaign
reminding Utahns to do their part to prevent fires.
“This is something we’ve never been able to do before, and it’s really getting at that proactive approach,” Barnes said.
Another 2025 law mapped out which Utah homes are at risk of burning and required homeowners in those zones to start taking precautions if they haven’t already. Looking ahead, there are early indications of what this season holds.
A timber fire in the Uinta mountains east of Salt Lake City was burning at more than 7,000 feet last month, an unusual development in March reflective of the recordlow snowpack, according to Barnes and the national forecast.
“Normally, those fuels in those higher mountain levels would still be under several feet of snow,” Barnes said. “And that’s not the case this year.”
This article was originally published on utahnewsdispatch.com on April 10, 2026.
Emily Leach | Insider
Bears: Even though they’re incredibly strong and surprisingly fast, black bears will typically do everything they can to avoid people. When a bear finds food, though, that can all change. A bear may become aggressive toward animals or people it perceives as threatening the area where it found the food.
Chad Wilson, DWR Game Mammals Coordinator
these include:
Bears
type of food that people eat if it’s easily accessible. Many of the conflicts between people and bears happen because the bears start scavenging for the food that humans are eating and cooking while camping—which often takes place in the bear’s natural habitat.
“Even though they’re incredibly strong and surprisingly fast, black bears will typically do everything they can to avoid people,” DWR Game Mammals Coordinator Chad Wilson said. “When a bear finds food, though, that can all change. A bear may become aggressive toward animals or people it perceives as threatening the area where it found the food.”
Drought conditions impact plants and other root-like vegetation, which make up 90% of a black bear's diet, so DWR biologists think bears may be looking for alternate food sources in other areas this year if drought conditions continue. The lower food supply could lead to more bear conflicts this summer as bears look more broadly for food, particularly an increase in incidents of bears getting into people's garbage and scavenging for food.
Black bears can be found all throughout Utah—except for the West Desert—typically in mountainous areas. They are commonly found in foothills and canyons.
Here are a few simple tips to keep both you and the bears safe while you are out recreating this summer:
Bear-proof your food and supplies
Store your food, snacks and scented items (such as deodorant and toothpaste) in an area where a bear can’t get to them. Do not leave them out on tables or keep them in your tent. Storing them in a locked trailer or locking them in the trunk of your car are both good options. Storing food and scented items in these areas will reduce the chance that a bear smells them. And, if a bear does make its way to the area where you’re staying, if it isn’t rewarded with food, it will likely move on.
Keep your cooking area clean
After you’ve finished eating, thoroughly clean utensils and anything else that was used to prepare or eat the food. Don’t dump oil or grease from pots or pans onto the ground. Instead, put the oil or grease in a container, and take it home with you. By keeping your campsite’s cooking and eating areas clean, you reduce the chance that a bear will smell food and trash, and be lured to your camp.
Keep your campsite clean
Don’t leave food scraps and other trash scattered around your campsite or cabin area. Instead, put your garbage in trash bags, and take it home with you. Make sure to wipe down picnic tables
and keep the area free of food and other debris. Always keep your campsite or cabin area clean because a dirty campsite can attract bears long after you’ve left.
“If a bear visits the area after you leave and then someone comes into that area to camp, you’ve created a potentially dangerous situation,” Wilson said.
Never feed a bear
This may seem like common sense, but it’s worth noting. Although bear cubs may seem cute, you should absolutely never feed one—or an adult bear for that matter. They are wild animals and natural predators.
Once a bear loses its fear of people, wildlife biologists and conservation officers are left with something they dread—having to euthanize an animal to keep the public safe. By not providing a bear with food, you can help keep it safe too.
“We got into the wildlife profession because we love wildlife,” Wilson said. “We enjoy managing and protecting animals so Utahns can get outdoors and enjoy them. Having to euthanize an animal— because someone didn’t do something as simple as keeping their campsite clean and storing food in a secure area—is tough.
Please don’t put us in that situation.”
Bear-proof your outdoor garbage cans
The DWR receives many reports each year of bears getting into trash cans or dumpsters in neighborhoods and at cabins. Make sure to store your trash in a secure location or bear-proof container.
If you don’t have access to a bear-safe garbage can or dumpster, make sure to store your garbage can in your garage and put it out for pick up in the morning, rather than the night before. Also, make sure to clean your trash container regularly to eliminate some of the odors that attract bears.
Remove items that will attract a bear to your house
Utah is bear country, and especially so if you live in the foothills or other mountainous parts of the state. It is important to properly secure or clean anything in your yard that may attract a bear. Some of
• Birdfeeders (both seed and hummingbird)
Fruit trees
• Compost piles
Beehives
• Pet food and water bowls
• Unsupervised outdoor pets (especially at night)
Barbecue grills
Know what to do if you encounter a bear
• Stand your ground: Never back up, lie down or play dead. Stay calm and give the bear a chance to leave. Prepare to use your bear spray or another deterrent.
• Don't run away or climb a tree. Black bears are excellent climbers and can run up to 35 mph— you cannot outclimb or outrun them. Know bear behavior. If a bear stands up, grunts, moans or makes other sounds, it's not being aggressive. These are the ways a bear gets a better look or smell and expresses its interest.
• If a black bear attacks, always fight back. And never give up! People have successfully defended themselves with almost anything: rocks, sticks, backpacks, water bottles and even their hands and feet.
When to report a bear sighting
If you live in the foothills or canyon areas of Utah or if you are camping, there is a chance you may see or encounter a bear. Here is when you need to report a bear sighting to the DWR:
• If a bear enters your campsite or gets into garbage or food in the campground, report it immediately to the DWR.
If you see a bear in the foothills or canyon areas, it should only be reported if it’s being aggressive or if it’s getting into trash or fruit trees or causing damage.
Report any bear that has wandered into lowerelevation areas and is within city limits or a heavily populated community, so the DWR can relocate it.
For more tips on staying safe around black bears, visit the Wild Aware Utah website.
—Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
SkyWatcher Leo T Artemis II Mission & the Juno Spacecraft
by Leonard Thomas
SPACE - In the morning, look for sparkly Vega in the early light; that’s right in the morning and overhead. Try tracking her before sunrise, and follow it with binoculars across the sky into the daylight.
In the evening, the Spring Arch of spring magical stars and orbs is quite thought provoking and emotive in the high west after dusk, with a line up stretching from the south to the north. Jupiter still hangs below the Gemini twins, and Orion starts to go over the horizon, so grab some last glimpses.
The Lyrid meteor shower crested on the 21st of April. Keep an eye out for the comet Pan-STARRS, which may be visible in binoculars and possibly even with the naked eye during the early mornings.
A rare, long-period comet returns after 170,000 years low on the eastern horizon just before sunrise.
On Sunday, April 19, the Moon met the Pleiades A slender crescent moon pairs beautifully with the Pleiades, making a lovely naked-eye and binocular sight.
A rare grouping of Mercury, Saturn, Mars and Neptune appears low in the eastern sky before sunrise. Especially, in southern latitudes of the United States.
Artemis II completed its mission with flying colors, from the launch to the orbital insertion around Earth, to trans lunar thrusters firing our
crew out to and around the moon and past it, taking some new photos and witnessing a solar eclipse from way out there, on its way around and back towards Earth.
The re-entry went well, or we wouldn’t have astronauts to talk to. It was fine work from NASA, the engineers, the crew, and the NASA administrators. The next hurdle is for Congress to stop the administrations cuts to NASA despite its success. These cuts would affect deep space probes such as Juno, which is already on the way to study possible life-giving environments on the moons of Jupiter and so much more. Its up to congress to save NASA, as it did last year. So, write your congressman or someone else’s congressman.
And speaking of Juno, lets get an update on our intrepid spacecraft on the way out to check out Jupiter’s moons, checking for water under the ice of Europa.
After enduring a fiveyear, 1.7 billion-mile journey from Earth, and evading showers of the most punishing radiation outside the Sun, Juno has provided breathtaking images and breakthrough discoveries from Jupiter and its moons. And in their quest to engage and inspire the public, the Juno mission team shares the pictures with the world, fueling citizen science and creative artistry.
Since it arrived at Jupiter in 2016, NASA’s Juno spacecraft has been probing beneath the dense, forbidding clouds encircling the giant planet—the first orbiter to peer so closely. It's looking to answer
questions about the origin and evolution of Jupiter, our solar system, and giant planets across the cosmos.
Data from NASA’s Juno mission has provided new insights into the thickness and subsurface structure of the icy shell encasing Jupiter’s moon, Europa. Slightly smaller than Earth’s moon, Europa is one of the solar system’s highest-priority science targets for investigating habitability. Evidence suggests that the ingredients for life may exist in the saltwater ocean that lies beneath its ice shell.
Its one sky many cultures, so lets go under the ocean for this one and think about the Sea Horse.
According to Susan Sedon Boulet and "Pomegranate Communications," the seahorse is a symbol of power: This very interesting animal is associated with valor and bravery. It was the steed of the Greek god Neptune, or Poseidon, the ruler of the sea. Neptune was frequently depicted amid huge, curling waves in a chariot pulled by great sea horses. The sea horse’s ability to negotiate the rolling seas, a symbol of physical and spiritual transformation, signifies its role as a guide in times of change. Keep looking deep, look around, and get just a little bit lost in space and time.
Leonard Thomas has a Bachelor of Science degree in Comprehensive Broadcasting and worked as a park ranger as a star guide at Capitol Reef National Park. He is a resident of Torrey, Utah, and is the creator of the podcast SkyWatcher Leo T, which is available to listen to on Spotify.
Advocates: U.S. Forest Service Move to UT Could Harm Woodlands
by Mark Richardson | Utah News Connection
UTAH - The U.S. Forest Service is planning to move its headquarters to Salt Lake City, but some conservation groups say that could spell disaster for forests and other public lands in Utah and across the country.
The Trump administration calls it a "common sense" move to put the agency closer to the forests and communities it serves. However, Diane Pataki, chief scientist at the National Wildlife Federation, said she believes the changes could weaken the agency's ability to protect the country's woodlands.
"My biggest concern is the closure of research facilities, two-thirds of the Forest Service's research facilities all around the country," she said. "That is very, very difficult to deal with in terms of, how is the For-
est Service going to complete its mission without the science?"
Under the new model, fifteen state directors will be distributed throughout the country to oversee Forest Service operations within one or more states, including New Mexico, Colorado, Montana and California.
In 2019, Pataki said, the first Trump administration relocated the Bureau of Land Management headquarters from Washington, D.C., to Grand Junction, Colorado. She said the agency lost most of its staff in the move in what she called a "major brain drain." She said Forest Service cuts are also planned for regional offices in Utah.
"There is a research station in Cedar City that studies sagebrush shrublands, very important ecosystem, and that research
would go away," she said. "There's a forest sciences laboratory at Utah State that would close. So it's not all about moving folks to Utah—there's also losses."
Randi Spivak, public lands director for the Center for Biological Diversity, said Congress must still approve the president's plan to move the headquarters and reorganize staff. She said she believes the move could bring more ecological damage to the nation's already climatestressed forests.
"He basically believes he can do anything and is not held to account by laws and Congress," she said. "We'll see how this plays out, but the law says he would need approval for closing and opening offices, and moving, and getting rid of the regional directors from Congress— and the appropriators."
Courtesy NASA
View of Earth from the Artemis II lunar space mission.
COLUMN
FYI Panguitch
by Mack Oetting ~ mackoetting @gmail.com
We had a couple of surprises hit us this last week. After hearing the weatherman tell us that we were going to have a nice weather, we woke up to see snow on our trees and lawn on Monday. It was wet stuff, so we were glad to get it. Then on Thursday night, about 12:00, the power went off, and it was really dark in the house. On March 29th, we got a call that Utah Power was going to turn off the power, but after two weeks, I had forgotten about it. I did have a flashlight, and I made it to bed alright.
I hear that they are tearing down the Chevron station any day now. I heard that they are going to have to change out the tanks that have been there for at least sixty years. Also, I heard that they don’t expect to be open till later in the year.
We still have a couple of events left in April, and both are down at the Triple C Arena. On the 24-26th will be the Little Britches Rodeo, and on the 27th will be TTP Play Day. If you are into rodeo, this last weekend you missed out on the bull riding school by Gary Leffew.
To give you a little heads up, on May 1st and 2nd will be the Senior Pro Rodeo. On the same weekend, it will be the Icebreaker Baseball Tournament at the baseball complex. May has a lot of events going on at the Triple C Arena, and I will list them in a later column.
If you are running for office, you need to be careful who you get to endorse you. The president of Hungary— Viktor Orban, who held that office for sixteen years—got both the Russian and U.S. presidents to back him. He lost the election by 30%. Hungary is the poorest country in all of Europe. Don’t worry about their president, he is now a billionaire, along with his son-in-law.
We have a ten-day cease fire in effect with Iran, and they opened up the Strait of Hormuz. However, we put up a new blockade that stopped any ships coming into Iran. So Iran is again closing the strait to all oil tankers. This caused the cost of oil to go up from $80 a barrel to $87 on Sunday night. On Monday, Iran is meeting with the U.S. for peace talks. Hopefully, something comes of it. With the cease fire, the stock market really went up and oil came down from $105 a barrel to $80.
The Pope is speaking to record crowds in Africa about his peace efforts for the whole world.
I have an item that I got for my birthday that allows my grandkids to send me pictures of their family, and it is the best gift I have. One picture does bother me a little; it is me sitting with my granddaughter, Teah, and she is five or six years old. Where did the thirty years go? I guess time flies when you are having fun and keeping busy, or living in Pangu itch.
Mack O.
PHS Sports Sidelines
by Mack Oetting
There will be a 1A championship for girls softball for the first time. It looks like Altamont will be the team to beat, and the Cats are ranked 4th, currently. The team has two more games to play. On the 23rd, Wayne will be here for a double header at 3:30 and 5:00, so come out and cheer them on. The next day, they travel to Wayne for another double header.
The first round of playoffs start on May 2, and state will be on May 7-9.
Panguitch High School is having another
good year in track. The only 1A meet for the season was at Milford, and the boys took 1st and the girls took 2nd. At the Richfield meet, the boys took 2nd. Casey Walters took two first place titles, in the long jump and the hurdles. The Cats have three more meets. On the 22, there will be the Throw Carnival; on the 24th, they will be at the OTT/Kelly in Kanab; and a final meet will take place at SUU on the 1-2 of May. Region will be at Kanab on the 6th, and state will be at BYU on the 15-16.
Obituaries
Sherrell Ott
TROPIC - Sherrell Ott was born on July 30, 1949, in Panguitch, Utah, to Wallace and Mary Ott of Tropic, Utah. He died in St. George, Utah, on April 14, 2026. He was the seventh of nine children. Sherrell graduated in Elementary Education, along with business classes as a minor, from SUSC (Southern Utah State College) in 1974.
Sherrell’s early childhood was spent with best friends Ben Baugh, Scott Munson, Kay, and Paul (Pete) Mangum. He recalled finding and building an old bike to ride around Tropic with a larger wheel on the back so they would always be going downhill. He acquired the nickname of “Shack” because he and his buddies were always building huts to have their own abode.
As a child, Sherrell became the shadow of his father, Wallace. His favorite dog was Dee Frost. He would sneak this dog through the back door and down the hall to his bedroom, trying to hide it from his mother. He loved the cows, his horse, Sally, the East Fork Mountain, and the Rock Spring Ranges. In his late elementary and early junior high years, he lived in an old trailer and herded the cows for all of the permit holders on the East Fork allotments. His father would check on him and make sure he had food supplies.
Later on, at the age of 13, he followed his older sibling’s example and was hired at Bryce Canyon National Park as a dishwasher. He later graduated to a cook at the Inn. During his college years, he worked as a cook at the Town and Country Restaurant under the direction of Rhett Shakespear.
After graduation, in 1967, he attended SUSC and was then called on a mission to the Central British Mission. For a young boy from Tropic, England was a big change. He was so homesick. He often mentioned that if he could have swum across the ocean, he would have come home. He had two Mission Presidents. The second President was President Johnson. He made many changes and opened up more opportunities to teach the gospel. One of Sherrell’s mission companions was Phil Marriot. He has stayed in touch with him through all of these years and worked on different business opportunities with him. In the year of 2019, his children arranged a trip to England so he could return to his old mission. As he sat in a chapel in Birmingham on Fast Sunday, the first of December, tears streamed down his face to see how the Church had grown and the joy he felt that the saints had a chapel instead of holding meetings in an upper room above a PUB.
Sherrell returned home to Tropic after his mission and enrolled in school at SUSC. He began dating Karen Cottam from Escalante, Utah. They dated for a year, and then were engaged for a year so they could finish their schooling. They were married on May 26, 1973, in the St George Temple. Karen is the daughter of Doyle and Thelma Cottam of Escalante.
Sherrell worked for the Forest Service that summer. He and Karen bought a trailer and moved to Parowan, Utah, where Karen taught school at Parowan High School—Business Education. His Father put pressure on him to return to Tropic to run the farm and cattle set-up. A contract was drawn up to secure the sale and payment schedule to his father. After one year in Parowan, Sherrell and Karen moved to Tropic, Utah. They were given a dog and named him Chubs. He was Sherrell’s buddy on the farm. At one time, in Cannonville Field, he saved Sherrell’s life from a Rattlesnake strike. He loved that dog.
Sherrell was also hired to teach 2nd grade in Bryce Valley Elementary. Karen was hired to teach business at Bryce Valley High School. They made their home in Tropic, Utah, and have lived there for 52 years. Their home was blessed with three children, Michon, Wayne, and Melinda. Sherrell played basketball as a guard through his high school years and loved the sport.
His son, Wayne, did not have a chance to avoid this sport because a basketball was placed in his hands at a very early age. The small nerf ball wore off the paint above his bedroom door as he dribbled down the hall to make the basket.
Sherrell and Karen’s favorite years have been the school years of their children, sports, drill team with girls, cheerleading, dances, first dates, friends, and community families. These are the years that gave us joy and made our lives.
Sherrell loved his children with kind, gentle tenderness. He was proud of Michon, Melinda, and Wayne. He was so proud of their accomplishments in school and their graduations from SUU. Each one has special qualities and has met challenges full strength on. Lately, he would just pick up the phone to have a private visit with his daughters—which they have cherished so much. He cherishes his daughter-in–law, Danielle, and has felt her pain along with his own sorrow in losing his son, Wayne Ott—almost five years ago. His loss has taken a toll on all of us. Seven grandchildren have blessed his life. Such joy he has felt as each one joined his posterity. He and his wife feel blessed to be close to the Ott Family, the Cottam Family, and the many nieces and nephews who have supported our family structure. So grateful for our cousins and extended family.
Sherrell has worn many hats, from farmer-rancher, school teacher, fuel oil distributor, insurance, county-commissioner, gold mining, and many other entrepreneurial opportunities. He has traveled to many places and met many people. He has had many church callings and leadership opportunities. He and his wife entered the Cedar City Temple as ordinance workers on December 12, 2017, 2nd shift to meet and adopt a new family—their temple family. He and his wife have been so grateful for this opportunity, and will she will miss their weekly date.
Sherrell has continued to enjoy basketball, the local games, BYU, and the Jazz Games. He claims that McDonald's Coke is the best. He has been a good kitchen surfer and official taster to check out what is being cooked for family meals. He and his wife also have enjoyed watching special podcasts together, holding hands, and sitting on the couch, discussing life in general.
Sherrell is survived by his wife, Karen Cottam Ott. His children, Michon Ott Stahle, Melinda (Robert) Halladay, and Daughter-In-Law Danielle DeMille Ott (Burke Morin).
Ott family: Irene Emett, Thomas Brent and Emily Ott, Lloyd and Janice Ott, Sandra Ott Houston, James Kim and Kathryn Evans Ott, and Gary Lee and Janet Kathy Ott Davis. Aunt and Uncle: Jerry and Janeal Chatterton. Aunt Laura Cottam.
Cottam Family: Myron and Sanette Checketts Cottam, Brent and Patrice Haws Cottam, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
His grandchildren are: Madison and Mason Stahle. Averie, Easton, and Beckum Ott. Cooper and Taylor Halladay. He is preceded in death by his parents and his son, Wayne Sherrell Ott. His siblings and in-laws: Marilyn Ott— Murt Murdock, Bert Emett, Wallace Ott Jr., Gladys Ott, and LaMotte Houston.
A special thanks to the Tropic EMTs who arrived at his home in an emergency situation on Sunday afternoon. Also, to the Garfield County Hospital and staff. We appreciated the special care at the IHC in St. George, Utah. We were truly sent angels.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 1:00 pm in the Tropic Ward Chapel, where friends may call from 10:30 am - 12:30 pm. Burial will be at the George Town Cemetery, 2 ½ miles south of Cannonville, Utah. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina, and Manti. An online guestbook and live streaming of services can be found at www.maglebymortuary.com.
SUNSET - Anna Laraine White, 91, Sunset, Utah. Passed away on March 26, 2026. Services entrusted to Myers Mortuary 5865 South 1900 West, Roy, Utah.
Dining Guide
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Schools and Sports
Class of 2026 to Graduate from Snow College, April 30 and May 1
Snow College will celebrate 1,647 graduates during ceremonies on April 30 and May 1. The class of 2026 represents students from twenty-eight of Utah’s twenty-nine counties, twenty-four different states, and twenty-eight nations. The youngest graduate is sixteen, and the oldest is sixty-six.
RICHFIELD / EPHRAIM - Snow College will celebrate 1,647 graduates during ceremonies on April 30 and May 1. The class of 2026 represents students from twenty-eight of Utah’s twentynine counties, twenty-four different states, and twenty-eight nations. The youngest graduate is sixteen, and the oldest is sixty-six.
The Richfield ceremony will be held in the Sevier Valley Center on April 30. Guests are asked to be seated no later than 11:30 a.m. to allow room for the processional march. Entrepreneur and humanitarian Rich Christiansen will address the graduates. David and Lana Ogden will be recognized for
their unwavering support of the Snow College Richfield campus. Honor graduates Brett Bailey of Salem, Utah, and Wyatt Holyoak of Scipio, Utah, will also give remarks. The four-year degree convocation ceremony will also be held later that day in the Jorgensen Concert Hall. Guests should be seated no later than 5:30 p.m.
Spelling Stars Shine at the 8th Annual SEDC Regional Spelling Bee
CEDAR CITYThings got "periodical" on April 14, 2026, as some of the brightest young minds in southwest Utah gathered for the 8th Annual SEDC Regional Spelling Bee. Hosted by the Southwest Educational Development Center (SEDC), the event brought together talented students in grades 3-8 from five school districts and one charter school across our region.
This year’s competition was exceptionally fierce. Our organizing committee noted that we had a remarkably strong group of spellers; in fact, eleven competitors were still standing even after we exhausted the list of "very hard" pre-provided words. For comparison, we reached that same number in only the 6th round last year. Beyond the academic talent, the sportsmanship was the real winner. From enthusiastic thumbs-up to encouraging fist bumps for those leaving the stage,
these students showed true class and support for one another.
Top Spellers:
First Place: Landry Holyoak from Delta Middle School (Millard School District). Landry secured the title in the 17th round by correctly spelling the championship word, "periodical."
Second Place: Greyson Zellner from Lava Ridge Intermediate (Washington County School District), who put up a fantastic fight until the 15th round when he misspelled the word "catalogic."
Third Place: Eileen Burrows from Delta Middle School (Millard School District). Eileen earned her spot after a thrilling two-person spell-off where she correctly spelled "pittance," eliminating Darby Whisenhunt from North Elementary School in Iron County.
For those who couldn't attend in person, the entire event was live-streamed to celebrate our students' hard
work. The full broadcast, including the nail-biting championship round and the 3rd-place spell-off, is available for replay on the SEDC YouTube channel at https://youtube.com/@ sedck12.
While our top three took home trophies, every participant walked away with a Spelling Bee medal and a certificate of participation. SEDC is incredibly proud to support these students and teachers as we work together to promote achievement and efficiency in our rural schools.
Congratulations to Landry Holyoak, Greyson Zellner and Eileen Burrows on their achievements, as well as to all students who participated in the 2026 SEDC Regional Spelling Bee representing Beaver, Iron, Kane, Millard, and Washington County School Districts, and Valley Academy Charter School.
—Southwest Educational Development Center
Singer/songwriter Merrill Osmond will address the graduates, and Audrey Inglish of Spring City, Utah, and Elizabeth Pugh Adams of Blanding, Utah will be recognized as Academic Honor Students. The Ephraim ceremony will be held outdoors in the Terry Foote Stadium on May 1. Guests need to be seated by 1:30 p.m., when the processional march begins. Dr. Sydnee Dickson, former state superintendent, will address the graduates and receive an honorary degree. Former Snow College faculty member and administrator Rick Wheeler will also be recognized for his lifelong commitment to service with an honorary degree. Brooklyn Gilgen of Fountain Green, Utah, will be recognized as the valedictorian and will speak during the ceremony.
Additional details about the commencement events can be found at www.snow.edu/commencement. —Snow College
Courtesy Snow College
Courtesy Southwest Educational Development Center
Participants in the 8th Annual Southwest Educational Development Center (SEDC) Regional Spelling Bee on April 14, 2026, stand on stage following the competition. Also pictured behind the podium is Joe B. Wright, Executive Director of SEDC who was the pronouncer for the spelling bee.
Workforce Services Names Michael Pekarske as New Director of Refugee Services Office
SALT LAKE CITYMichael Pekarske has been selected as the new director for the Department of Workforce Services’ Refugee Services Office (RSO). Pekarske is taking over for Mario Kljajo, who served in the role since 2023. Kljajo will be staying at Workforce Services in a new role directing the Administrative Support Division.
“Michael has been a key member of our department for several years, earning a reputation for exceptional work and trusted leadership,” remarked Casey Cameron, Commissioner of Workforce Services. “He is a dedicated public ser-
Allotments:
vant whose depth of experience serving refugee communities and partners makes him uniquely qualified for this new role.”
Pekarske has spent more than a decade with the State of Utah Refugee Services Office. His time with the state began as an Americorp VISTA and grew to his most recent role as Assistant Director for the Refugee Services Office. In this role, he has been responsible for overseeing division operations, managing state and federal contracts, leading a large multicultural staff and driving program development to support refugee integration across Utah. His work has spanned direct service, grant administration, com-
munity partnerships and strategic planning, giving him a comprehensive understanding of the office's mission and operations.
“I am honored to step into this new role and continue serving the people of Utah,” said Pekarske. “This work is deeply meaningful to me, and I’m excited to build on the strong foundation we’ve created to expand opportunities and improve outcomes for refugee communities in Utah.”
Pekarske holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial design from the University of Wisconsin-Stout and brings broad perspectives from extensive experience living and working abroad.
—Utah Department of Workforce Services
The Bureau of Land Management Vernal Field Office will accept applications from May 1 through July 31, 2026, for eleven grazing allotments in the Book Cliffs area of Uintah County and nearby areas. The allotments were previously relinquished and are now available to qualified livestock operators.
Allotments
Cont'd from A1
Sand Wash, Santio Sibello, Sunday School Canyon, Sweet Water and ThorneUte-Broome. A rangeland health evaluation is currently underway to evaluate the achievement of the Utah Rangeland Health Standards.
The BLM will host an open house on April 29, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Vernal Field Office, 170 S. 500 East. Maps and other information will be available. The same materials will also be posted online.
Applicants must meet the mandatory qualifications as outlined in 43 CFR 4110.1 and submit completed BLM Forms 4130001a and 4130-001b to the BLM Vernal Field Office, 170 S. 500 East, Vernal, UT 84078, by 4:30 p.m. July 31, 2026. Mailed applications must be received by that date. Applicants must meet federal requirements, including control of base property and ownership of livestock.
Garfield Commission: Commissioner board reports, delays on timber and wildlife projects because of limited Forest Service staffing, the expected move of the Forest Service headquarters to Salt Lake City, public works updates, a report from Allana Olbrich, acting superintendent at Bryce Canyon National Park, and horse trail access near Bryce Canyon discussed.
The commission recognized Nick Reynolds for more than thirty years of service on the Southwest Public Health Board. The county also approved hiring Corey Nelson and Canon Bolenbach to fill road department openings.
and grass conditions.
more road miles than Kane County and highlighted their work saving the Panguitch Lake dam.
extension, water main replacement, sewer lagoon expansion, and a new vault toilet at Bryce Point Overlook.
Dave Dodds gave updates on public works including the nearly completed work on Panguitch Lake dam, delays on the dead animal pit project, possible county control of the Hillsdale cemetery, and plans to begin oiling roads around May 18. The county also approved hiring Corey Nelson and Canon Bolenbach to fill road department openings.
The BLM manages livestock grazing on public lands under federal laws, including the Taylor Grazing Act and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act. These laws support the agency’s multiple-use mission and help sustain working landscapes across the West.
—Bureau of Land Management
Complete applications will be reviewed following 43 CFR 4130.1-2. Additional information, maps, and application materials are available at https:// www.blm.gov/programs/ natural-resources/rangeland-and-grazing/rangeland-health/utah. For more information, please contact René Arce at 435-781-4501 or rarce@blm.gov.
Leland Pollock focused on his recent Washington, D.C. trip and the expected move of the Forest Service headquarters to Salt Lake City. Pollock called it “probably the biggest news I've reported in my career of sixteen years on public lands.” He said he would “much rather drive 220 miles to meet with the head of the Forest Service rather than fly 1,800 miles back to D.C.” Pollock said local leaders are frustrated that, even under the Trump administration, changes are happening faster in Washington than they are in Garfield County. He also said a historic grazing agreement was signed addressing suspended AUMs and vacant allotments.
The commission recognized Nick Reynolds for more than thirty years of service on the Southwest Public Health Board. Longtime road department employees Marlon Francisco and Kelly Z. Nelson were also honored for more than three decades with the county. The commissioners praised the county's small road crew of twelve employees for maintaining
During agency reports, Allana Olbrich, acting superintendent at Bryce Canyon National Park, said Bryce Canyon visitation was up eighteen percent in March compared to last year. She also said the park is waiving an insurance requirement for the East Fork Irrigation Company right of way and will help map the irrigation system. Olbrich said Bryce Canyon now has authority to hire local residents directly into park jobs without forcing them through the usual federal hiring process. Commissioners strongly supported that effort. Various infrastructure projects are underway at Bryce Canyon, including a shared use path
The meeting also included significant discussion about horse trail access near Bryce Canyon. Pollock said he wants to protect Color Country Trail Rides from growing conflicts with private riders. Olbrich said the park has already done a pre-NEPA review and is looking at separating private riders and concession rides onto different trails. The commission also pushed for developing alternative routes, like Lower Podunk, to give private riders more options outside the park.
The meeting concluded with a motion to enter executive session for potential litigation matters.
The Garfield County Commission meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month starting at 10 a.m. All meetings are held in the County Courthouse in Panguitch. Electronic participation is not available, but all meeting recordings are uploaded to the Utah Public Meetings Notice board, https:// www.utah.gov/pmn/.
Garfield Commission Cont'd from A1
Blue Crow: Our store is us. We pour our heart into every aspect and find great joy in sharing this place so dear to our hearts with all those that feel the tug and find themselves here.
—Caitlin and Jim Clery, Blue Crow Gear, Gifts & Coffee
The Coffee Corner at Blue Crow Gear, Gifts & Coffee, formerly known as Utah Canyon Outdoors and owned by Caitlin and Jim Clery, has expanded this spring. What began as a single espresso machine tucked behind the register has grown into a full café serving espresso drinks, smoothies, teas and baked goods. The café uses organic, fair-trade beans from Rimini Coffee in Salt Lake City and sources baked goods locally when possible.
Kathryn Chamberlain
Caitlin and Jim Clery, owners of Blue Crow Gear, Gifts & Coffee, formerly known as Utah Canyon Outdoors. The new name is inspired by the pinyon jay, sometimes known as a “blue crow,” a year-round resident of the Colorado Plateau and a bird closely tied to the health of pinyon-juniper forests. Caitlin and Jim Clery were drawn to the name because of its strong sense of community and its role as both a tree planter and steward of the forest.
Blue Crow
Cont'd from A1
lent team in the canyons,” Caitlin said. “And discovered we were a great team out of the canyon, as well.” They married in 2014 and soon began looking for a way to build a future together in the town they had both come to love. At the same time, Mark Saunto and Vicki Wren, the previous owners of Utah Canyons, were preparing to retire and looking for someone to carry on the business they had worked hard to build. Taking over the business felt like a natural fit for the Clerys, who reopened it in 2016 as Utah Canyon Outdoors.
For nearly a decade, the Clerys built the business around guiding and canyoneering, offering guided slot canyon hikes, hiker shuttles and local knowledge for visitors
trying to navigate the area. People came in looking for trail advice, maps, shuttle information or simply a conversation with someone who knew the landscape well. Even now, Caitlin said people still come in wanting that local perspective. “There’s a ton of information out there,” she said. “But if you don’t know the area, it can be confusing.”
The guiding side of the business was successful for many years, but the Clerys said it eventually felt natural to shift more of their focus to the shop and café. With their son, Henry, in school, it felt like the right time for that transition, and they wanted a name that better reflected what the business had become. “We never loved the name,” Caitlin said of Utah Canyon Outdoors. “It was hard to remember and kind of like every other ‘canyon’ name in town.” Blue Crow was a better fit.
Blue Crow still carries maps, guidebooks and gear for hikers, backpackers and canyoneers. The shop also offers locally sourced items like body oils and soaps from Escalante Nooks and Crannies; locally distilled essential oils from Eric Bresselsmith; Little Bear Beeswax candles from Shelley Mehr in Boulder; oil paintings by Caitlin’s mother, Kathy Price, who
also works in the store; hair picks and art postcards by Dave Holladay in Boulder; and art stickers, prints and postcards from Mesa Glow in Boulder. They are also working with Jill Phillips this season to bring in baked goods, including cinnamon rolls, cookies and muffins.
Caitlin said they are intentional about the brands Blue Crow carries, choosing products she believes in and wants to support. “I’m trying to move away from larger corporate brands,” she said. “I’m trying to make sure that any brand I bring in has some sort of social or environmental or workers’ rights impact.”
She said she looks for companies that pay fair wages, recycle their packaging, give back to environmental causes or participate in programs like 1% for the Planet. “Any company profiting off of the outdoors, they need to have that calculated into their business model,” Caitlin said.
The Coffee Corner has expanded as well. “We started getting known for having really good coffee,” Caitlin said. What began as a single espresso machine tucked behind the register has grown into a full café serving espresso drinks, smoothies, teas and baked goods. The café uses or-
Zion Forever Project Conducts National Search for New Board Members
SPRINGDALE - Zion Forever Project is launching a nationwide search for two to four new board members who believe that the sacred and significant landscapes of Zion National Park and the greater Zion region need dedicated, passionate people to help protect them. The organization is seeking a well-connected and mission-driven cohort to join its board and help steward one of America’s most cherished national parks through a pivotal new chapter.
ganic, fair-trade beans from Rimini Coffee in Salt Lake City and sources baked goods locally when possible. The Clerys have also taken a serious approach to the coffee program itself, receiving barista training in Florence, Italy, through the Espresso Academy and becoming certified in the Italian Barista Method. The patio and native gardens along the side of the shop have become part of the draw, as well, and a place where locals and visitors can gather with friends, plan the day over a latte or cool off after a hike with a smoothie.
Blue Crow is a gathering place for the community. “Our store is us,” Caitlin and Jim write on the Blue Crow website. “We pour our heart into every aspect and find great joy in sharing this place so dear to our hearts with all those that feel the tug and find themselves here.”
Blue Crow Gear & Gifts is located at 325 West Main Street in Escalante.
From March through October, the store is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information, call (435) 826-4967 or email info@utahcanyonoutdoors.com.
The business can also be found on Instagram, Facebook and TripAdvisor.
Since 1929, Zion Forever Project has epitomized a legacy of dedication and passion for conserving and enhancing Zion National Park and its surrounding landscape. As the official philanthropic and operational partner for Zion National Park, Cedar Breaks and Pipe Spring national monuments, and Dixie National Forest, the organization works side by side with the National Park Service daily, funding critical park projects, preserving land, and supporting education programs that connect millions of visitors to the wonder of these places. Guided by a new five-year strategic plan, Zion Forever Project is entering a transformative new chapter of organizational growth and expanding impact across the public lands landscape.
“Our partnership with Zion Forever Project is one of the strongest in the national park system, working together, 'hand-in-glove.' Their dedication to this landscape and their ability to bring people, resources and ideas together on behalf of the park have never been more important. As the needs of Zion continue to grow, so does the vital role Zion Forever Project plays in helping us meet them,” says Jeff Bradybaugh, Superintendent, Zion
National Park. As a Zion Forever Project board member, the individual in this role will be instrumental in providing strategic oversight, leveraging expertise and expanding the organization's reach through connections. This position is crucial in deepening collaborative efforts with government partners, gateway communities and conservation partners to create lasting connections to the greater Zion landscape that will lead to lifelong stewardship. These efforts will have a direct impact on approximately five million visitors each year, more than the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone or Yosemite. Zion National Park is a globally significant landscape and a cornerstone of Utah’s outdoor heritage. Whether rooted in the Greater Zion region or anywhere across the country, Zion Forever Project is particularly seeking individuals with experience in government affairs and political acumen, land conservation and stewardship, and philanthropic networks. No prior board experience is required.
“If you are ready to join us in our mission to protect and preserve the greater Zion landscape for generations to come, we encourage you to apply,” said Natalie Britt, CEO, Zion Forever Project. The Potrero Group website provides information about the position and how to apply. Interested candidates should apply by April 24, 2026, for priority consideration. To share recommendations or for additional information, please contact Potrero Group at dstudent@potrerogroup. com.
—Zion Forever Project
Day of Prayer:
Day of Prayer
Cont'd from A1
country, communities, first responders, families and government. Individuals of various faiths will be participating in the program.
The Wayne County Interfaith Council invites all our community members to come together on this day to participate in this program. We hope all will join together after the program and enjoy punch and cookies and get to know one another. prayer” in 1863. In 1952, a joint resolution by the U.S. Congress, signed by President Truman, declared an annual National Day of Prayer. This has since been amended to permanently set the day as the first Thursday of every May. The Wayne County Interfaith Council invites all our community members to come together on this day to participate in this program. We hope all will join together after the program and enjoy punch and cookies and get to know one another.
The National Day of Prayer has been a vital part of our heritage ever since the first call to prayer in 1775, when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation. The call to prayer has continued through our history, including President Lincoln’s proclamation of a day of “humiliation, fasting and
—Wayne County Interfaith Council
Glen Canyon: Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is opening additional facilities for the spring and summer season as warmer weather and longer days return. While the park is open year-round, several services that were closed during winter are now available to visitors.
Glen Canyon Cont'd from A1
Carl Hayden Visitor Center open daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Lone Rock Primitive Campground: Micro-flush toilets, restrooms, showers, potable water, RV dump services and additional vault toilets are open.
Antelope Point Public Launch Ramp: All vault toilets are open.
Lees Ferry: The fish cleaning station, RV dump and the campground upper loop are open.
Rainbow Bridge: Floating restrooms are open.
Bullfrog: Picnic area restrooms, Bullfrog boat pump out, outdoor drinking fountains fish cleaning stations, land-based portable toilet dumps and microflush toilets are open. Bullfrog Urgent Care Clinic is closed. Call 911 for emergencies.
Halls Crossing: Launch ramp public restrooms are open.
Visitors are encouraged to recreate responsibly. For information on how to stay safe during your visit, please see the park’s safety page.
—National Park Service
Escalante: Escalante Interagency Visitor Center is open Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Additionally, park partners and concessioner-operated facilities will extend their hours for the spring and summer season. Visit the "Seasonal Hours" page for current information.
Kathryn Chamberlain
Wills, Trusts, and More
Second Marriages Later in Life
Second marriages later in life can be wonderful experiences and often should be encouraged, but they are not without some special considerations.
Often, older couples have to cope with adult children who cannot understand why mom or dad wants to remarry. By updating one’s estate plan, many concerns related to the marriage can be minimized.
In second marriages later in life, there is often a desire to allow the estate of the first spouse to die to be available for a surviving spouse during his or her life. However, the deceased spouse often wants the estate to ultimately be distributed to his or her children upon the surviving spouse’s death.
The best way to ensure that one’s assets are available for a surviving spouse but ultimately dis-
by Jeffery J. McKenna
tributed to one’s children from a prior marriage is through the use of a trust. The trust can be created within a will (this is called a testamentary trust) or it can be created within a living trust (this is a trust created while one is alive).
Significantly, the trust maker would set forth the terms of the trust according to his or her wishes, and would select the trustee (or trustees) to manage the trust. Upon the death of the trust maker, the trustee would then manage the trust assets subject to those specified wishes of the trust maker.
For couples in a second marriage, it is often important to sign a marital agreement that states each spouse can dispose of his or her estate as desired.
If such a document is not signed, a surviving spouse could legally attempt to “override” the estate plan of the deceased spouse.
Often, a given state’s law will provide that a surviving spouse can “elect against the will.” This means that a surviving spouse is entitled to a spousal share as specified by statute despite the fact that the will may provide differently.
Proper estate planning in these circumstances can be a great blessing. It can relieve significant concerns of adult children when a parent remarries later in life, and it can bring peace of mind to the parent, knowing that he or she has succeeded in protecting the financial legacy of the children.
Now with Richfield and Panguitch offices to serve clients in and 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 jeff@bmo.law or visit the firm’s website at www.bmolawfirm.com. He would enjoy hearing from you.
country roads
by Lynn Griffin
tHe lAuGhiNg
Wife: "In my dream, I saw you in a jewelry store and you bought me a diamond ring."
Husband: "I had the same dream and I saw your dad paying the bill."
LOL
A mom texts, "Hi! Son, what does IDK, LY, & TTYL mean?"
He texts back, "I Don't Know, Love You, & Talk To You Later."
The mom texts him, "It's ok, don't worry about it. I'll ask your sister, love you too."
Caution
There is a senior citizen driving on the highway. His wife calls him on his cell phone and in a worried voice says, ''Herman, be careful! I just heard on the radio that there is a madman driving the wrong way on Route 280!'' Herman says, ''I know, but there isn't just one, there are hundreds!''
What's in a Name?
A child goes to his father and asks, "Father, how do parents think of names for their children?" The father answers, "Well, son, the night before the mother gives birth, the father goes into the woods and camps for the night. When he wakes the following morning, the first thing he sees is what he names his child, which is why your sister is named Soaring Eagle. Why do you ask, Bear Poop?"
THEME: The 1970s
ACROSS
1. Verbal abuse
5. *Failed constitutional amendment, acr.
8. Google ____, navigation aid
12. Strip of roadway
13. Dripping faucet sound
14. Chef's headgear
15. Tel ____, Israel
16. Prima donnas' problems
17. Occupied (2 words)
18. *1974 scandal
20. Flight-related announcements, acr.
21. Attempt again
22. Male aristocrat's honorific
23. Town, in Spanish
26. Recitaion of wedding vows, again
30. Santa ____ winds
31. Apnea, in U.K.
34. Operatic solo
35. ____ ____ or do nothing
37. Finish line
38. *1976 Woody Guthrie biopic: "Bound for ____"
39. Field worker
40. Avian rest stop
42. What lintel and mantel have in common
43. Ring-shaped
45. *1979 Nobel Prize-winning nun
47. *Alfa Romeo Giulietta, e.g.
48. Italian bowling
50. Type of tournament
52. *#33 Down Oscar winner
56. Lie in wait
57. Place one's stake 58. Skin woe
59. *"Roots" by Alex
60. House of Lords member
61. Chalupa alternative
Hoopla
"Right" coast time
*"The Barbara
Pregnant Woman
A 3 years old boy sits near a pregnant woman.
Boy: Why do you look so fat?
Pregnant woman: I have a baby inside me.
Boy: Is it a good baby?
Pregnant woman: Yes, it is a very good baby.
Boy: Then why did you eat it?!
PUNishment
I went shopping for cherries and mics the other day. Bought a bing, bought a boom.
The
replies, "First off, replace the batteries in your hearing aid!"
Deli side
*____ lamp, 1960s invention popular in 1970s
Newton, e.g.
Echo
"Pomp and Circumstance" composer
____ Tooty Fresh 'n Fruity
Cathedral part
*1976 Summer Olympics location
Caribbean color
Boot-wearing cat
*Johnny Nash's "I Can ____ Clearly Now"
Spinning toy (2 words)
Legal Notices
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
DISTRICT COURT, STATE OF UTAH, GARFIELD COUNTY 55 South Main Street, Panguitch, Utah 84759, Telephone: (435) 676-1104; Facsimile: (435) 676-8239. IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LARRY DOYLE MAPES deceased, NOTICE TO CREDITORS, Case No. 263600005, Assigned: JUDGE LARSEN. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that JERRY MAPES was appointed as Personal Representative of the estate of LARRY DOYLE MAPES and creditors of the estate are given notice to present their claims to BARRY L. HUNTINGTON, attorney for the estate, P.O. Box 388, 55 South Main Street, Panguitch, Utah 84759, within 3 months after the first publication of this notice or be forever barred.
DATED this 8th day of April, 2026. BARRY L. HUNTINGTON
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on APRIL 16, 23 & 30 and MAY 7, 2026
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
HANKSVILLE TOWN
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Town of Hanksville will receive sealed bids for the sale of the following surplus equipment:
EQUIPMENT: 2015 Bobcat Compact Excavator E42 T4 Serial #B2VW11797
Enclosed cab, working hydraulic thumb, 600 hours and recently serviced.
MINIMUM BID: The Town has established a minimum acceptable bid of $46,000
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Sealed bids must be received no later than May 7, 2026. Bids received after this deadline will not be considered.
SUBMISSION ADDRESS:
Hanksville Town PO Box 127
Hanksville UT 84734
INQUIRIES: For questions or to schedule an inspection, please contact the town clerk clerk@hanksvilleutah.gov
The Town of Hanksville reserves the right to reject any and all bids.
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on APRIL 16, 23 & 30, 2026
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 May 20, 2026 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)
97-2551 (A85142): Michael and Carrie Ryan propose(s) using 1.73 ac-ft. from groundwater (1 mi South of Boulder Town) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION.
CHANGE APPLICATION(S)
61-3631 (a54435): Ben H. Warner propose(s) using 4.5 ac-ft. from groundwater (4 miles NE of Hatch) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION.
61-3632 (a54477): Strawberry Valley Investment Corporation propose(s) using 0.0656 cfs OR 10 ac-ft. from groundwater (4.5 miles south of Hatch) for IRRIGATION.
61-865 (a54480): Barton, LaFevre, Tebbs Ditch Company Incorporated, Barton, Tebbs & Houston Canal Company, Circleville Irrigation Company, D & B Prince Ranch, LLC, East Bench Irrigation Company, Bear Creek Irrigation Company, Long Canal Company, Loss Creek Irrigation Company, McEwan Ditch Company, Gary A. Morgan and Susan E. Morgan, Paul M. Morgan and Teresa Morgan, Outlaw Country Farms, LLC, South Fork of the Sevier River Water Users Association, Inc., East Panguitch Irrigation Company, Thompson Irrigation Company, Roger and Beverly Westwood Family Trust propose(s) using 334.22 cfs from the South Fork Sevier River (HWY 89 Hatch) for IRRIGATION; STOCKWATERING.
Teresa Wilhelmsen, P.E.
State Engineer
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on APRIL 23 & 30, 2026
MAY 2026 MEETING DATE CHANGE
LOA PLANNING COMMISSION
Loa Planning Commission will not meet on May 6, 2026, as planned but they will meet on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Loa Town Hall at 80 W. Center. To be placed on the agenda, contact Michelle Brian or Amber Perkins at 435-836-2160 by Tuesday, May 5, no later than 5 p.m. All public is welcome to attend.
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on APRIL 23 & 30, 2026
PUBLIC HEARING ON BUSINESS LICENSE ORDINANCE
LOA PLANNING COMMISSION
Loa Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a business license ordinance during its regularly scheduled meeting on May 7, 2026, beginning at 6:30 p.m. All public is welcome to attend and comment on this ordinance. If you would like a copy of the ordinance, please contact Michelle Brian or Amber Perkins at 435-836-2160 prior to the hearing.
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on APRIL 23 & 30, 2026
PUBLIC HEARING ON WUI ORDINANCE (WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE)
LOA PLANNING COMMISSION
Loa Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the WUI ordinance (Wildland-Urban Interface code). This code shall regulate and govern the mitigation of hazards to life and property from the intrusion of fire from wildland exposures, fire from adjacent structures, and the prevention of structure fires from spreading to wildland fuels and is required by state law for all municipalities to pass. The public hearing on this will be held during its regularly scheduled meeting on May 7, 2026, beginning at 6:30 p.m. All public is welcome to attend and comment. If you would like a copy of this ordinance, you may contact Michelle Brian or Amber Perkins at 435-836-2160 before the hearing.
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on APRIL 23 & 30, 2026
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING TOWN OF CANNONVILLE
A planning committee meeting will be held in the Town Hall, May 20, 2026, at 5:45 p.m. to review current updates to the Town of Cannonville Zoning Ordinance. Public is welcome.
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on APRIL 23 & 30 and MAY 7, 2026
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING
TOWN OF CANNONVILLE
A public meeting will be held in the Town Hall, May 20, 2026, at 7 p.m. to review the Town of Cannonville proposed budget updates. It will then be adopted by resolution. Public is welcome.
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on APRIL 23 & 30 and MAY 7, 2026
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HELP WANTED
Water Master (Part-Time)
Town of Cannonville, Utah
Job Posting: Water Master (Part-Time)
Position Title: Water Master
Department: Public Utilities / Water System
Employment Type: Part-Time (Non-Benefited)
Compensation: $18.00 - $28.00 per hour (DOE) on experience
Application Deadline: May 1, 2026, 5pm MDT
Position Overview The Town of Cannonville is seeking a qualified and dependable individual to serve as Water Master, responsible for the operation, maintenance, and oversight of the Town’s culinary water system. This position is part-time and intended to support a transition from a long-serving Water Master with over 30 years of experience.
This role is critical to ensuring safe, reliable water service to residents and compliance with Utah state regulations.
Key Responsibilities
• Operate and maintain the town’s culinary water system, including:
○ Wells, storage tanks, valves, meters, and distribution lines
• Be a part of the SCADA update and installation
• Monitor water usage, system performance, and identify leaks or system issues
• Perform routine maintenance and minor repairs (e.g., trenching, pipe repair, valve replacement)
Coordinate and document water sampling and testing as required by the State of Utah
• Maintain required records for compliance and reporting
• Respond to emergencies, system failures, and service interruptions
• Assist with system improvements and infrastructure planning
• Work with the Mayor and Town Council on water-related issues
Municipalities are responsible for providing essential services such as water systems to protect public health and welfare, making this role a core municipal function.
Minimum Qualifications
• Experience in plumbing, trenching, construction, or related field
• Ability to perform physical labor and work outdoors in varying conditions
• Basic mechanical and problem-solving skills
• Valid Utah driver’s license
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience with small water systems or municipal utilities
• Knowledge of Utah drinking water regulations
• Current or ability to obtain Utah Water Operator Certification (Grade I or higher)
• Familiarity with rural water infrastructure systems Work Schedule
• Flexible, part-time hours
• On-call availability for emergencies required
Compensation
• Hourly or stipend-based compensation depending on experience and availability
• Compensation to be finalized by the Mayor Application Process Interested applicants should submit:
• Name and contact information
• Brief summary of relevant experience
• Optional: references Submit applications to: Town of Cannonville mayor@cannonville.gov Equal Opportunity Statement Cannonville Town is an equal opportunity employer and encourages qualified individuals from the community and surrounding areas to apply.
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We are looking for friendly, hardworking professionals who enjoy the hospitality industry and interaction with guests.
POSITIONS AVAILABLE:
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
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
• Para-Professional at Panguitch Elementary School
• Substitutes for Teachers, Custodians, and Food Service Workers
SALARY: Please see 2025-2026 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.
MEETINGS
TROPIC AA MEETING
Wednesday at 6 PM. Tropic Heritage Center. All meetings are closed discussion. Escalante AA Meeting Tues. & Fri. at 6pm 190 W. Main St., Escalante
The only requirement is the desire to stop drinking.
YARD SALE
COMMUNITY
YARD SALE - SATURDAYS 9 AM ESCALANTE at Main and Center in front of the Catholic church. Free to any vendor for anything you have to sell.
SERVICES
Part-Time Dental Patient Relations
Escalante
Job Title: Dental Patient Relations
Location: Escalante, UT
Position Type: Part-Time
About Us Wayne Community Health Centers - Kazan Memorial Dental is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care to our patients. We are looking for a reliable and friendly Patient Relations team member to support our front office operations on a Part-Time basis.
Position Summary
The Patient Relations Front Desk is the first point of contact for patients and visitors. This role is responsible for greeting patients, scheduling appointments, handling phone calls, and providing excellent customer service to ensure a positive patient experience.
Responsibilities
• Greet patients and visitors in a professional and welcoming manner
• Answer and direct incoming phone calls
• Schedule, confirm, and update patient appointments
• Verify and update patient information and insurance details
• Collect co-pays and balances as needed
• Provide accurate information and assist patients with questions or concerns
• Maintain confidentiality of patient information in accordance with HIPAA
Qualifications
• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced environment
• Basic computer skills
• Flexible availability to cover shifts as needed
Interested candidates may apply by submitting a resume to aellett@ waynechc.org.
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.
Town Maintenance Employee
RESTAURANT FOR LEASE 5 NORTH MAIN STREET, PANGUITCH. CALL @ 435-676-8844 OR 801-879-0669 OR 801-913-3205 (TARLA OR HARSHAD) OR STOP BY AT MARIANNA INN MOTEL. MINIMUM ONE YEAR LEASE + ONE MONTH DEPOSIT REQUIRED. ALSO, MAID TO DO ROOMS NEEDED ($10 / ROOM. NO LAUNDRY).
SENIOR CENTER MENUS FOR LEASE
Corn Flake Cookie
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
New Horizons Crisis Center
145 East 100 North, Richfield Office Hours
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Shelter is open 24 hrs, 7 days a week Phone Number 435-896-9294
Counseling Services
Central Utah Counseling Richfield Office
255 S Main Street, Richfield Office Hours 435-896-8236
24 Hour Emergency Service 877-469-2822
Southwest Behavioral Health Center 601 E Center Street, Panguitch 435-676-8176
24 Hour Emergency Service 800-574-6763
Wayne Community Health Center 128 South 300 West Bicknell, 84715 435-425-3744
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 988
Bicknell Town is accepting applications for a 40 hour a week Town Maintenance employee. This position involves a variety of duties related to the maintenance and operation of town infrastructure, facilities, and public areas. Applicants must have a valid Utah driver’s license, be able to perform physical labor, demonstrate reliability and good communication skills. Experience in public works, construction, equipment operation, or related fields are helpful. Water Operator Certification and Cross Connection Certification is preferred but not required. The Town will support training for the right candidate. Competitive wage based on experience. Application is available at the Town Hall. For questions about the position, please contact Noreen Johnson at 435-425-2215.
Now Hiring Line Cooks
To Apply: Email admin@escalanteoutfitters.com with your resume and letter of interest in joining our team or stop in the store and fill out an application. 310 W Main St. Escalante, UT 84726
Announcement of Position Head Cook
Head Cook - to Start in August, 2026 for the next school year
Hanksville Elementary - Wayne School District is accepting applications for a Head Cook. The successful applicant will oversee and manage the Kitchen. This person will prepare and serve breakfast and lunch on a daily basis. And will be in charge of cleaning the kitchen and eating area daily, and will oversee kitchen safety. This person needs to be able to accomplish paperwork and ordering on time and accurately, and follow CNP & USDA guidelines. Applicants must also have or be willing to obtain a current food handler’s permit, and keep up on required trainings.
The applicant needs to have a positive attitude and interact in a positive and friendly manner with students and staff. They will need to be able to work as a team. This position is part-time with no benefits; with the hours being 15-20 hours per week. Salary will be according to Wayne School District’s salary schedule.
The chosen applicant must be fingerprinted and satisfactorily pass an employment background check, and will need to complete the necessary employee paperwork and policy review.
Interested individuals may fill out a written application at Wayne School District Office, or found online at https://www.waynesd.org/images/pdf/Employment/Classified_Application.pdf
Applications for this position may be submitted in person or electronically to tammy.pace@waynesd.org and/or Jennifer.batty@waynesd.org
CLOSING DATE: Open until filled, with the first review of Applications on May 4. Wayne School District is an equal opportunity employer and reserves the right to reject any or all applications.
SERVICES NAMI Utah Connection Support GroupOnline For people with mental health conditions Mon, Wed, Fri 7:00 - 8:30 pm | Wed 12:30 - 2:00 pm Sat 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
NAMI Family Support Group - Online
For loved ones of people with mental health conditions Mon, Tues, Thurs 7:00 - 8:30 pm Register at namiut.org
