The Wayne & Garfield County Insider April 30, 2026
BLM Announces
June '26
Sale of Oil and Gas Leases in Utah
SALT LAKE CITYOn April 23, the Bureau of Land Management announced an oil and gas lease sale scheduled for June 24, 2026, to offer 39 oil and gas parcels totaling 54,114 acres in Utah.
The BLM completed scoping on these parcels in January 2026 and held a public comment period that closed in March 2026 on the parcels and the related environmental analysis. A thirty-day public protest period to receive additional public input has opened and will close May 26, 2026.
Leasing is the first step in the process to develop federal oil and gas resources. Before development operations can begin, an operator must submit an application for
Oil and Gas Leases
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Jaynie Connor
CANNONVILLEFinding a campground near Bryce Canyon is easy, though finding one that welcomes both RV travelers and horseback riders is much harder. Bryce Valley
SALT LAKE CITY -
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources currently has fifteen desert tortoises available for adoption and is accepting applications.
Mojave desert tortoises, native to areas north and west of the Colorado River in Arizona, Utah, Nevada and California, were listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 1990. As such, desert tortoises are protected under federal and state laws. In Utah, it is ille -
gal to collect or remove desert tortoises from the wild. It is also illegal to release captive tortoises back into the wild or to transport them into Utah without the proper certifications.
“Removing tortoises from the wild can harm wild populations by reducing their ability to reproduce and sustain themselves on the landscape,” DWR Native Herpetology Coordinator
Desert Tortoises Cont'd on A4
Ranch RV & Horse Park— just off Highway 12 and nestled alongside breathtaking rock formations and the Paria River—fills that gap and offers a unique blend of full-service camp-
GLEN CANYONGlen Canyon National Recreation Area advises visitors to use caution on Lake Powell this season as low water levels create rapidly changing conditions. Boaters are encouraged to plan ahead and stay informed before and during their visit.
Current information on launch ramps, marina services, lake conditions, and safety tips is available on the park boating webpage. Visitors should review the “Stay Safe!” section, including details on wakes and wakeless zones, which will be changing as
Water Levels
ing and equestrian access in the heart of southern Utah.
The park is owned by Pete and Sherry Jensen, avid campers and equestrians themselves. As longtime mule and horse en-
thusiasts and members of Back Country Horsemen of America, they understand the needs of riders and have
Bryce Valley Ranch
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WAYNE CO. - The April 20th Wayne County Commission meeting opened with a thoughtful prayer for the community and approval of the previous meeting minutes.
The meeting then turned to ordinance enforcement after David VanDyke raised concerns over a storage container placed too close to a property line. VanDyke said the issue had gone unresolved for more than a year and argued that if the county is not going to enforce its ordinances, it should reconsider having them. “If we’re going to have an ordinance, any ordinance, if we’re not going to enforce it, then we might as well repeal it.” Wayne County Recorder-Treasurer Colleen Allen said that while letters had been sent, the matter requires proper
Wayne Commission
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ESCALANTE - With local pickleball groups already playing regularly in the old gym, anticipation is building as new outdoor courts take shape near the old elementary
school in Escalante. Construction on the project began about a month ago and is expected to be completed by June 1. Once finished, the site will include two outdoor
pickleball courts, creating a dedicated outdoor space for a sport that’s already popular in town.
Opinion
Dismantling the U.S. Forest Service Harms Public Lands and Communities
WESTERN U.S. -
When I led the Bureau of Land Management under President Biden, the hardest part of my job was reassembling the agency after the first Trump administration had scattered its headquarters from our nation’s capital. The move crippled the agency—as intended.
That experience led me to understand that the current Trump administration’s unpopular plan to move the U.S. Forest Service headquarters will be every bit as destructive. It will hurt forests, wildlife and communities that rely upon our public lands and waters.
In 2020, almost 90% of the BLM employees ordered to move West chose not to, forcing them out the door. With those seasoned employees went years of wisdom and knowledge of how things are supposed to work, of how to deliver for the American people.
Today’s Forest Service plan goes farther, aiming to close regional offices and shutter dozens of the agency’s research centers, as we face what some say will be a horrific wildfire season.
The Forest Service and the BLM combined manage 20% of our country’s lands and waters. These public lands, the places we camp, hike, watch birds, hunt and simply wander in nature, are truly one of America’s best ideas. For Westerners, they are a deep part of our identity.
by Tracy Stone-Manning | Writers on the Range
There is a reason Forest Service headquarters are based in Washington, DC. It’s where our nation’s leaders work. Believe me, I did not want to move to the capital from my home in Montana to run the BLM, but to be able to fight for Western people and places, I had to go to the seat of our nation’s power.
I was often in the Interior Secretary’s offices. I frequently walked to work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service director, talking through thorny problems such as how to protect wildlife while permitting transmission lines. Washington is where people manage relationships with Congress, where budgets get made.
The administration says all their changes are about bringing leadership closer to where the work happens. That’s a political talking point, and it’s false.
If the Department of Government Efficiency's dismantling of government agencies last year provides any lesson, then cruelty and disruption are the real point. These changes aim to create chaos, deliver the administration’s stated goal of traumatizing employees, and imperil the very existence of public lands —lands that belong to all Americans. We improve the management of our forests by giving foresters the resources they need and letting them make decisions based on sound science and collaboration, not by gutting their agency.
Over the course of the
last year, the Forest Service forced or coerced roughly a quarter of its approximately 30,000 employees to leave. In this latest round of engineered chaos, thousands of people will be reassigned and ordered to move. If BLM history is any guide, almost all will leave their positions rather than uprooting their families. The agency could soon be left with roughly half its former ranks.
Think of your job. Now, think of half of your colleagues gone. Would your organization be able to recover from the loss and demoralization to do its work?
There are inevitable repercussions to this radical attack on our public land management agencies: Campgrounds will close. Trails won’t be maintained. High fuel loads near communities will go unaddressed. Wildfires will become even harder to fight. More sawmills will close. The health of our land, waters and wildlife will decline. With things going wrong on the ground, some will demand that these lands be transferred to states or sold to private industry.
Tracy Stone-Manning is president of The Wilderness Society and a contributor to Writers on the Range, an independent nonprofit dedicated to spurring lively conversation about the West. try to take over millions of your public lands—reveals the administration’s true agenda.
The inevitable does not need to happen. There is one power to stop our public lands from being mismanaged to the point of selloff: It’s the outrage of the American people.
Americans overwhelmingly support public lands and want future generations to enjoy the freedoms found in them. Our public forests, rivers and deserts deserve to be treated better, and the federal land managers who work tirelessly deserve better. It’s up to us to demand it.
That’s exactly what the people in power today want. The choice of Utah for the Forest Service headquarters—home to Senator Mike Lee, who leads the charge on public land selloff, as well as to the state that is suing to
Letters to the Editor
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Tracy Stone-Manning is president of The Wilderness Society and a contributor to Writers on the Range, an independent nonprofit dedicated to spurring lively conversation about the West.
Your thoughts, opinions, and notes to the community are important to us and we welcome your submissions of 500 words or less
Letters to the editor must include the author’s name and location (town). We may edit letters for length, format and clarity, and we also reserve the right to refuse material. Opinions expressed in letters to the editor are not necessarily those of The Insider Send letters to snapshot@live.com. Note: The Insider will accept one letter per month per person, plus one additional letter if there is a response from another reader to which you would like to respond.
I don’t have kids, but if I did I would want to give them and their kids an experience of the fullness of creation. Raised as a Christian, I have always believed in the Ten Commandments—Especially the commandment, “thou shalt not kill.” I have always believed that when we kill things, we are killing part of God’s creation. So who am I to do that?
Living in the Utah Desert Public Lands from a Christian Point of View ing to the weather and the season.The lower warmer desert in the winter, and the higher cooler mountains in the summer. I just want there to still be mountains and desert out here, with the animals that call mountain and desert home. It seems like everything goes better if we stop trying to control other species.
That is why I don’t want the cougars killed. Or for that matter, the coyotes, the wolves, the rabbits, prairie dogs, wild horses...Why are we killing animals as part of a government policy? Why is the government paying local people to kill the animals on public land?
This is the land we live in and cherish. I love living right in the midst of its beauty, and driving through so much beauty when traveling. I always say we live in a place where we are landlocked in extreme beauty—you literally have to drive four hours in any direction to get out of this beauty. Isn’t that what we all love about living here? And that we can access our public lands so easily here, in and all around the national park?
I love living near the mountains and the desert. We pick our trips accord-
I wish for all beings to be well and happy, for all beings to be free.
What do other people think? Let’s talk about it. And let’s think about it.
My concern is that we are living through a presidency where our current president seems to care only about personal wealth rather than for what is good for the American People. So this may not be a good time to make a big change, like giving our public lands over to the state.
The problem with this administration is that it lies about everything. So, it can’t really be trusted. Why let this president change public lands policy when he will be out of office soon?
My fear is that talk of fire prevention and saving ranchers from losing cattle or sheep, could lead, as it has in the past, to enterprises that break up the land into smaller and smaller pieces. These smaller pieces become further and
further away from Creation. Clearing of land can lead to increased roads, mining, and development—which leads to increased pollution, dirtier water, air, and soil.
As these are the building blocks of our health, it becomes a vicious cycle depreciating what is most important. I am often struck by what I have heard as the most unifying shared view in our county: we all seem to not want to become like Moab, with its increased population and development.
It is my opinion that living in a sparsely populated and sparsely developed landscape is Heaven on earth. Living together in Creation. We’re already so lucky to live here. Let’s en-
joy it as it is, and not try to improve it by changing it, or killing off parts of it. We are part of the land.
“Every part of the earth is sacred to my people,” Chief Seattle said.
As a psychologist, the thing I would say is, it seems like life sends us enough difficulties to face, such as natural disasters, the effects of aging, etc. Why should we add more trauma to our lives on top of the loss of loved ones, lost loves, lost dreams?
I don’t need a liar stirring us all up and destroying our country and the world, so he can feel good about himself and get rich. We deserve someone real and caring at the helm.
Joy Morris, Torrey
Courtesy Writers on the Range
Due to Record Low Snowpack, High Temperatures, Peak Runoff Has Come and Gone in Utah
SALT LAKE CITY -
In a typical year, Utah’s runoff—which refills our reservoirs— would just be getting underway. However, due to record-low snowpack and record-high temperatures, peak runoff has already come and gone. While larger reservoirs with multiple years of storage are doing well, smaller reservoirs with one or two years of storage capacity are struggling.
On Tuesday, April 21, the Utah Department of Natural Resources met with county leaders and water providers to share critical data to support proactive resource management. Officials presented a bleak outlook for streamflow and runoff to help local leaders prepare for the coming months.
“To address extreme drought, we are asking county leaders to coordinate with water providers and review drought contingency plans and consider if a county-specific drought declaration is warranted,”
Joel Ferry, executive direc-
tor of the Utah Department of Natural Resources, said. “While the state remains a resource for data and guidance, water planning—including any potential restrictions—takes place on a local level to reflect conditions in the area.”
The state’s Drought Response Committee, which consists of representatives from a variety of state agencies, is closely monitoring conditions and will make a recommendation to Gov. Spencer Cox if conditions warrant a statewide drought declaration, which is in effect for thirty days unless extended by the Legislature. Currently, 100% of the state is in some form of drought, and 59% is in extreme drought.
Reservoir storage averages 72% full, which is slightly higher than normal for this time of year but down from 82% recorded last year. Statewide stream flow runoff is anticipated to be around 50% of normal. Natural inflows from the Colorado River into Lake Powell are expected to be
40% of normal this year. On March 21, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico approved a plan for the release of between 660,000 and 1 million acre-feet from Flaming Gorge Reservoir in order to protect critical elevations at Lake Powell.
As noted in the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s April 1st Water Supply Outlook Report, every major basin in Utah had record-low snowpack as of April 1, and some were almost completely melted out.
The Department of Natural Resources continues to promote initiatives such as the Agricultural Water Optimization Program for farmers and SlowtheFlow.org for residents. These programs aim to educate and incentivize water-saving practices, helping Utahns become more drought-resilient and better prepared for future conditions. Many indoor watersaving tips are available on the Slow the Flow website.
—Utah Division of Water Resources
Intermountain Health Cedar City Hospital
Named One of the Nation’s Top 20 Rural and Community Hospitals for Quality of Care and Patient Outcomes for 11th Consecutive Year
CEDAR CITY - The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) has once again named Intermountain Health Cedar City Hospital one of the Top 20 Rural and Community Hospitals in the nation.
This is the 11th consecutive time that Intermountain Cedar City Hospital has received the award, the entire length the award has existed. Intermountain Cedar City Hospital is the only hospital to win this award eleven times.
The NRHA announced the twenty top rural and community hospitals in the nation based on an evaluation conducted by the Chartis Center for Rural Health.
Hospitals are assessed using the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX, one of the most comprehensive and objective tools for measuring rural hospital performance.
Hospitals are also
evaluated across several key areas, including quality of care, patient outcomes, patient perspective, affordability of care, and financial performance.
“Being named one of the nation’s Top 20 Rural and Community Hospitals by the NRHA for the 11th consecutive time is an extraordinary honor, and to be the only hospital to achieve that milestone is deeply meaningful to our caregivers and to the community we are proud to serve,” said Jamison Robinett, president of Intermountain Health Cedar City Hospital. “Rural communities need the same level of excellence in care close to home, and this award affirms our dedication to delivering safe, affordable, and patient-centered care.”
This recognition highlights hospitals that are delivering strong clinical outcomes while responsibly managing resources.
“This award reflects the dedication and commit-
ment of our caregivers and providers to the care and wellbeing of Iron County and the surrounding communities,” said Jarid Gray, MD, chief medical officer of Intermountain Health Cedar City Hospital. “The fact that we have achieved this status for eleven consecutive years is reflective of our commitment to excellence and compassionate care that is central to our mission.”
The Chartis Center for Rural Health evaluates rural and critical access hospitals using publicly available data, focusing on market performance, value-based outcomes, and financial stewardship.
Intermountain Health Cedar City Hospital is one of two Intermountain Health facilities nationwide named to the Top 20 list this year. The other Intermountain Health hospital is Intermountain Health Sevier Valley Hospital.
—Intermountain Health
Desert Tortoises:
Removing tortoises from the wild can harm wild populations by reducing their ability to reproduce and sustain themselves on the landscape. Tortoises that are removed from the wild cannot be returned, due to the risk of introducing diseases, especially if they’ve been kept in a home with other animals. We are concerned primarily about the upper respiratory tract disease, spread by the release of sick captive tortoises and associated with population declines in the wild. This disease causes symptoms similar to pneumonia.
Zion Lodge Centennial Painting Unveiled in the Heart of Zion Canyon
Alyssa Hoekstra said, “Tortoises that are removed from the wild cannot be returned, due to the risk of introducing diseases, especially if they’ve been kept in a home with other animals. We are concerned primarily about the upper respiratory tract disease, spread by the release of sick captive tortoises and associated with population declines in the wild. This disease causes symptoms similar to pneumonia.”
Washington County is the native range of the Mojave desert tortoise in Utah. It’s also an area with increasing growth and recreation, leading to numerous human-tortoise encounters.
The DWR occasionally comes into possession of desert tortoises for a variety of reasons: Someone illegally removed a desert tortoise from the wild, and it was found in an urban area or outside of its native range.
• Someone was illegally
housing a captive desert tortoise. If a desert tortoise owner moves from another state into Utah, they must apply for the proper certifications in order to bring the captive tortoise with them; otherwise, they must return the tortoise to the approved adoption facility where the tortoise was originally obtained.
• An adopted tortoise is being surrendered due to the family relocating.
The Utah Desert Tortoise Adoption Program began in the 1990s to provide a home to captive tortoises that could not be released to the wild, due to disease concerns. The DWR has fifteen desert tortoises that are currently available for adoption. If you are interested in adopting a tortoise, you should do the following:
• Submit an application to tortoise@utah.gov and pay the $10 handling fee.
• Design a safe outdoor and indoor environment for a tortoise, following the DWR guidelines.
Once your outdoor and indoor environment is inspected by the adoption program and you are approved for an adoption, you will pay the $75 certificate of registration fee. Be aware that tortoises can live 60-70 years, and keep in mind that you are responsible for all veterinarian costs.
• Note that you must live in Utah to adopt a desert tortoise from the DWR, and you cannot live in Washington County.
“Captive tortoises make great pets,” Hoekstra said. “They have their own unique personality, they will gladly eat the weeds in your backyard, and they are fairly independent as long as they have shade and food. They also hibernate for roughly five months out of the year, making them a fairly low-maintenance pet.”
In Utah, the majority of desert tortoises reside in the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, where there are over 2,000 adult tortoises.
—Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
ZION N.P. - Zion National Park celebrated the 100th anniversary of the historic Zion Lodge with the unveiling of a newlycommissioned centennial painting on Friday, April 17, 2026. The artwork now hangs inside the lodge, the only in-park lodging facility within Zion Canyon and a centerpiece of the visitor experience for over a century. The event was attended by U.S. Senator John Curtis (UT), National Park Service staff, local partners, and POWDR, the lodge’s operator. The painting was created by artist Allen Brockbank to commemorate the lodge’s centennial and capture its enduring role in the Zion experience. The piece was commissioned by POWDR through the 2025 Zion National Park Art Invitational hosted by Zion Forever Project, the park’s official non-profit partner.
“For 100 years, Zion Lodge has played an integral role in helping people bond with Zion National Park—which has served as both an important economic driver for southern Utah and a special place for meaningful recreation and national pride,” said Senator Curtis. “It was a privilege to join Zion Lodge’s centennial celebration to both reflect on this historic site and reaffirm my commitment to ensuring special places like this remain accessible and protected for generations.”
Zion National Park Superintendent Jeffrey Bradybaugh said the centennial moment connects the park’s past to the work still ahead.
“This iconic lodge has welcomed visitors for a century, from the early days of arriving in Model T cars to today’s era of
Zion National Park celebrated the 100th anniversary of the historic Zion Lodge with the unveiling of a newly-commissioned centennial painting on Friday, April 17, 2026.
electric vehicles. Throughout all these years, it has stood within a breathtaking landscape that requires our care every day,” said Bradybaugh. “Art can help people appreciate the timelessness of this canyon and helps visitors understand their role in stewardship of the park for generations yet to visit.”
The unveiling also highlighted the lodge’s long history and its place in the park’s story. For generations of visitors, Zion Lodge has served as a gathering place for rest and reflection, a starting point for hikes, ranger programs, and a gateway to exploring Zion Canyon. Designed by architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood to blend with the canyon walls, the lodge opened in 1925 and later expanded with stand-alone cabins. After a major fire in 1966, crews rebuilt the lodge in 108 days, and later work restored key parts of its original style. Many of the original cabins remain in service, built just after, and are nearly as old as the original main building. The property holds National Register of Historic Places status.
As part of the centennial year, visitors will also
find historic photo displays in the main building and other interpretive elements highlighting Zion Lodge’s history and its role in shaping the visitor experience in Zion Canyon. These features help visitors connect with the lodge’s past while experiencing this historic setting today.
Justin Sibley, chief executive officer of POWDR, said the unveiling reflects a shared goal with the National Park Service.
“Zion Lodge sits in a rare place, and that comes with a duty to serve guests well and to help protect what makes Zion, Zion,” said Sibley. “This painting is a tribute to the people who built this lodge, the park teams who care for the canyon, and the visitors who step into the wonder. We are honored to support the lodge’s centennial celebration.”
Zion National Park will continue recognizing the lodge’s centennial throughout the year, highlighting its architectural significance, historic role in visitor access, and continued importance as a place for visitors to experience Zion Canyon.
Desert Tortoises
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—National Park Service
Courtesy National Park Service
Obituaries
Robert L. Morris
TORREY - Robert “Bob” Luther Morris, 85, of Trout Creek, Montana, passed away at home on April 13, 2026.
Bob was born on October 13, 1940, in Bakersfield, California, to Harry Newton Morris and Thelma Jean Hart. He spent his early years in Bass Lake, California, near Yosemite National Park, where he was raised by his devoted grandmother, Edna Sullivan Jackson, whom he lovingly called “Mother Babe.” He later moved to Fresno, graduated from Roosevelt High School, attended Fresno State College, and served in the United States Navy.
Bob was known for his sharp mind, warmth, humor, and entrepreneurial spirit. Over the years, he worked in sales, insurance, real estate, and business ownership, including founding R. L. Morris and Associates in Colorado and later owning two restaurants in Torrey, Utah.
Faith was central to his life. Bob served faithfully in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in many callings, including Elders Quorum President, Stake Clerk, Stake Executive Secretary, and High Councilman. He also served in the Portland Oregon Temple and the St. George Utah Temple. His relationship with his Heavenly Father guided his life, and he strove daily to live the tenets of the gospel.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Carol L. Morris; his children, Robert L. Dye (Meredith), Eric J. Morris, Laura D. Morris Edwards (Robert), Steven R. Morris (Erika), Julie R. Sisneros (Reuben), Charlene N. Morris, and Andrea R. Campbell; his stepsons, Brian S. Henke and Bradley J. Henke (Victoria); 24 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and his cousin, Susie Parker.
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandmother, step-grandfather, and half-sister.
Services are planned in Montana and Colorado.
We are back to spring weather. However, April showers have been here, but they have been a little disappointing. The state has had less than a half an inch of the wet stuff this month. Sunday’s storm was no different, with most of the water going up north. They had a lot of snow, but most of the ski resorts are either closing or closed.
We have a new restaurant in the old building on Main and 1st. They are serving sandwiches, soup and salads. Give it a try.
The Chevron has a new sign on the billboard on the north end of town. It says that they will reopen their new station (in place of the old one) in the early part of next year.
We have some events coming up. There will be a benefit dinner at the high school for Mario. It will be held on May 6th, and there will be a silent auction and a dinner; it should be a fun evening. Mario has Hodgkin’s Lymphoma cancer, and his family will need a lot of help with his care.
Our city has a new motto: "One Community,
FYI Panguitch COLUMN
by Mack Oetting ~ mackoetting @gmail.com
One Purpose: Serve, Support and Strengthen." The city will have a clean-up day on May 11. Call 6900783 if you have big items, like cars or trailers. I am sure they will be looking for helpful volunteers.
In high school sports, the spring season is coming to an end shortly. Softball will start having its first round playoff on May 2nd, and state will be held on the 7th-9th. Track will have their regions at Kanab on May 6th. This will be the best place to watch the team, as there will only be 1A teams there. At state, it is a two-day event because there will be all 6A teams there, and you have to watch each race at least six or more times. Golf had their region on the 29th, and it was held at the Richfield Golf course. The location for state is to be announced on May 12-13. It is kind of hard to watch golf, but we have both a boys and girls team. Thanks to the gym on the hill, the teams had a really great place to practice.
My favorite sport to watch is also coming to an end, with the NBA play-
offs, or their second season. My favorite team is the one that LeBron James plays for, and it is the L.A. Lakers. The Lakers were winning most of their games, when in one of their games, two of their best players went down to injuries. Their first series was against Houston, and they were favored to win the series. However, LeBron showed them otherwise, and in two of the games, he had thirty points; the Lakers lead the series 3-0 with a game tonight (April 27). Hopefully, the players who have injuries will get good enough that they might be able to play.
Our country's leader seems to be confused about what is going on in his war. We were to have another meeting in Pakistan on Wednesday with Iran and our people. It was thought that Iran wouldn’t show up, but the U.S. is the one that isn’t showing up. Last weekend, the president said that his son-in-law and five other men had left for Pakistan. Then on Monday, he said that V.P. Vance was on his way there. But come Wednesday, none of our
Obituaries
RaeOla Rudd Deakin
June 22, 1941 - April 18, 2026
TORREY - Our beloved mother, grandmother, and steadfast friend, RaeOla Rudd Deakin, returned to her heavenly home on April 18, 2026. She passed away peacefully in her home in Torrey, Utah, surrounded by the family she spent her life nurturing, following a courageous battle with complications from kidney failure.
Born in Plymouth, Utah, to Rulon J. Rudd and Alissa Lavell Steed, RaeOla was a woman of rare grit and vibrant character. She married Bert Deakin, Jr. on July 19, 1956, and together they raised five children. In 1973, they moved to Torrey—a place that she loved dearly.
RaeOla was perhaps best known as the soul of The Sportsman’s Inn. More than just a business, it was a local institution where her famous pizzas were legendary and the atmosphere was always electric. She had a gift for bringing people together, most notably through her annual Halloween parties, which became a cherished tradition for all of Wayne County.
people had left after all. The president now says that if they want to talk, just give him a phone call. He also said on Tuesday that the truce would stay into effect till a treaty is signed. Oil is going back up again, like it does every time the president speaks. If the president is really serious about stopping Iran in building atomic bombs, why didn’t he attack North Korea and his pal there. They already have atomic weapons and are working on missiles that will go 2,500 miles and will be able to reach our West Coast.
Even our old allies are questioning the president, and many feel the U.S. can’t be trusted to come to their aid because of his attack on the Pope and his wanting to get out of NATO, which all of our allies belong to. He is rapidly headed to beating his 22% approval rating from his last term in office. Pat and I will be tripping next week, and when we get back, hopefully, there will be some good national news. Mack O.
Grandma RaeOla was "in charge" in the very best way. She was spicy, fun, and fiercely authentic; with RaeOla, you always knew exactly where you stood. She was a woman who never took "any gruff," yet she loved her people with a depth that was undeniable.
Her life was defined by active passions: She was never happier than when she was riding in the mountains or fishing. A lifelong athlete, she was a fixture in bowling leagues and a talented softball player. Though forced to use her right hand in school, she defiantly played ball with her left—a story of independence she loved sharing with her grandchildren. She had a gentle touch with nature, pouring her passion into her flowers, particularly her prized roses. A dedicated member of the Torrey Town Council for many years, RaeOla cared deeply about her community. She also spent 20 years meticulously processing names for the LDS genealogy registry, honoring those who came before her.
RaeOla’s "work hard, play hard" philosophy lives on through her extensive family. She is survived by: Her Children: Rhonda Stringham and Kelly Deakin (Torrey); Tonya Rae (David) Moosman (Bicknell); and Roxann “Annie” (Golden) Snedeger (Torrey). Her Grandchildren: Stony (Nichol) Stringham, Starr (Mike) Spencer, Jeremy (Grey) Deakin, Jodi Erin (Troy) Raicevich, Clayton (Josie) Moosman, AllissaRae (Adam) Deleeuw, Mark (Tiffany) Moosman, Jay (Brooke) Moosman, Preston Snedeger, and Dustin Snedeger.Her Great-Grandchildren: 22 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren. Her Siblings: Brother Derrell (Janice) Rudd and sister-in-law Betty Lou Jackson Rudd Short.
She was preceded in death by her son, Jodi Deakin, who was undoubtedly waiting to welcome her home, as well as her parents, her brothers, Gordon and Jeffrey Rudd, her sister, Doris Rudd, Bert Deakin Jr., and son-in-law Jan Stringham.
RaeOla Deakin was a force of nature. Whether she was cleaning homes for neighbors or serving up the best pizza in Utah, she did it with a willingness to help and a spirit that couldn't be tamed. We carry her strength, her spice, and her love with us always."She worked hard, played hard, and loved hard."
Graveside services for RaeOla were held at 12 Noon on Friday, April 24, 2026 in the Torrey Cemetery. Friends called for viewing the morning of the services from 10:00-11:30 A.M. at the Torrey LDS ward chapel, 89 East Main Street in Torrey.
Burial under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Homes of Richfield and Salina, Utah.
Dining Guide
Schools and Sports
WSD Honors Outstanding Employees
by Nichol Stringham | Wayne School District, Character Education/SEL Director | Wayne High School, Assistant Principal
Brian, LES Aide/PE were all recently honored through WSD's Employee
WAYNE CO. - While state-of-the-art facilities and modern curricula are vital, Wayne School District (WSD) is proving that the true secret to academic success lies in the caliber of its people. Through its prestigious Employee Recognition Award, the district is pulling back the curtain on the extraordinary individuals who transform daily operations into a supportive community. This isn’t just about meeting job descriptions; it’s a celebration of the commitment and genuine care that Wayne’s staff members pour into their roles, proving that the district’s greatest asset is the unwavering professionalism of its team.
The prestige of this award stems from its grassroots nature: every honoree is hand-picked by the people who know their work best—their peers.
In a powerful display of professional respect, colleagues nominate those who consistently go above and beyond, from the bus drivers who start the day with a smile to the maintenance crews ensuring a safe environment. To mark the occasion, WSD Superintendent Randy Shelley personally visits school sites throughout the year, delivering certificates and tokens of appreciation directly to the winners. This "boots-on-the-ground" approach to gratitude underscores a simple truth: at Wayne, excellence is never ignored.
Ultimately, this program serves as a vibrant reminder that every role— whether in the classroom, the cafeteria, or the front office—is essential to the district's mission. By highlighting the meaningful impact these employees have on the lives of students and
staff alike, WSD is reinforcing a culture where the "human element" comes first. By celebrating these daily difference-makers, the district doesn't just
honor its past successes; it ensures a bright, caring future by proving that the very best people in education have found a home at Wayne.
(Top L to R) Parker Peterson, WHS Science; Julie Oldroyd, WHS Lunch; Emily Leavitt, LES Aide; Jeremy Burningham, WSD Maintenance; (Middle L to R) Dwigth Ellett, Bus Driver; Cliff Peterson, WSD Instructional Coach; Wyatt Taylor, WSD Janitor/Bus Driver; Makayla Jones, LES Aide; (Bottom L to R) Timberlee Wood, LES Kindergarten; Kayla Thurman, LES Aide; Tammy Pace, WSD Food Service Director; and Cathy
Recognition Award program.
Courtesy Nichol Stringham
Pickleball
Courts: We are hoping in the future that we will be able to put up some lighting so it can be used in the evenings...I wish we had unlimited resources.
Pickleball Courts
Cont'd from A1
The project is being funded through a recreation grant, with the overall budget remaining close to its original estimate of approximately $158,000.
Landon Carter is serving as the contractor, and Sunrise Engineering is handling design and engineering work.
For now, the city’s
Low Water Levels:
time as funding allows. “I wish we had unlimited resources,” Torgersen added.
Although the courts are located next to the old elementary school property, there are currently no plans for further development of that site.
City officials said the courts will have no set hours and will operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with no reservation system in place.
—Melani Torgersen, Escalante Mayor focus is on completing the courts themselves, with additional features such as lighting, bleachers and landscaping to be considered later. Officials say they plan to pursue future grants. “We are hoping in the future that we will be able to put up some lighting so it can be used in the evenings,” said Escalante Mayor Melani Torgersen. She said the city hopes to expand the project over
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area advises visitors to use caution on Lake Powell this season as low water levels create rapidly changing conditions. Boaters are encouraged to plan ahead and stay informed before and during their visit...Visitors should operate vessels at safe speeds, maintain a proper lookout, and take early, deliberate action to avoid hazards, especially in unfamiliar areas and near busy launch ramps.
Low Water Levels
Cont'd from A1
water levels change.
Low water levels have created new navigational hazards throughout the lake. The park’s Aids to Navigation (ATON) team marks primary travel channels but cannot mark every hazard due to fluctuating water levels and the lake’s size. Boaters may encounter newly
exposed shorelines, submerged obstacles, and narrower or shifting channels in some areas. As marinas are repositioned to adjust to changing water levels, no-wake zones may also shift, boaters should remain alert and carefully watch for buoys and updated markers at all times.
Visitors should operate vessels at safe speeds, maintain a proper lookout, and take early, deliberate
action to avoid hazards, especially in unfamiliar areas and near busy launch ramps.
Lake Powell continues to offer a wide range of recreational opportunities. Visitors can help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience by remaining aware of changing conditions and boating responsibly.
—National Park Service
Oil and Gas Leases: On April 23, the Bureau of Land Management announced an oil and gas lease sale scheduled for June 24, 2026, to offer 39 oil and gas parcels totaling 54,114 acres in Utah.
Oil and Gas Leases
Cont'd from A1
permit to drill detailing development plans. The BLM reviews applications for permits to drill, posts them for public review, conducts an environmental analysis and coordinates with state partners and stakeholders.
All parcels that are included in a federal oil and gas lease sale include appropriate stipulations to protect important natural resources. Information on current and upcoming BLM leases is available through the National Fluid Lease Sale System. BLM lease sales are held online through Efficient Markets.
The parcels BLM analyzed, as well as maps and instructions on how to submit a protest, are available on BLM’s ePlanning website at: https://eplanning.blm.gov/ProjectHome/?id=6FAD61FAA7F2-F011-8407001DD80BCF93. —Bureau of Land Management
Visitor Fatality at Zion National Park Identified
ZION N.P. - The Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the State of Utah, Office of the Medical Examiner, have identified the visitor who died following a fall as Gilberto Ramos, 68, of Laredo, Texas, after reports that a hiker fell from the chained section of the Angels Landing trail in Zion National Park on April 17, 2026, at approximately 2 p.m.
Park rangers and local law enforcement agencies responded to the incident after receiving reports from visitors. The deceased was located on the north side of Angels Landing in Zion Canyon near Big Bend. Recovery operations concluded the evening of April 17, and the remains were transferred to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the State of Utah Office of the Medical Examiner.
The West Rim Trail, including Scout Lookout and Angels Landing, was temporarily closed during response and recovery operations. The National Park Service and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the incident.
Angel’s Landing was closed from April 20 - 23 due to pre-scheduled maintenance unrelated to the incident.
—National Park Service
Bryce Valley Ranch: People like to go camping in the country and get away from crowds. Most people that go camping usually come from the city. They want some type of quiet.
—Pete Jensen, Bryce Valley Ranch RV & Horse Park
Equine campers take off on a trail ride from Bryce Valley Ranch RV & Horse Park. Established on an old alfalfa field, the park caters to both traditional RV and camp travelers, as well as those visiting and traveling with horses.
Courtesy Sherry Jensen
Pete and Sherry Jensen, owners of Bryce Valley Ranch RV & Horse Park. Relocating from the Las Vegas, Nevada, area, the couple has been vacationing and recreating in the area for over twenty years, drawn in by the stunning landscape and the many options for trail rides in the area.
created a space that accommodates both horse and rider comfortably.
Relocating from the Las Vegas, Nevada, area, the couple has been vacationing and recreating in southern Utah for over twenty years, drawn in by the stunning landscape and the many options for trail rides.
“We’ve been coming here for many years,” said Pete Jensen. “There’s just something about this place that kept pulling us back.”
They have dedicated over seven years of their life to this property, living on site and designing every aspect of the park in detail.
They acquired the land from the Ott family in 2019 and promptly began their work, facing some construction delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Pete, a plumbing and mechanical contractor, faced the challenge of planning the sites and facilities head-on. Sherry Jensen’s experience in marketing and customer relations, along with her talents as an artist, has influenced the design and overall feel of the park, helping create a welcoming and thoughtfully crafted environment for guests.
In an effort to honor
the land's heritage, the couple preserved the historic 1890s corrals of the Ott family and embraced a western theme in their designs, featuring antique farm equipment showcased on the central lawn. Even the concrete sidewalks leading to the restrooms and store have horseshoes encased in them. The park opened for reservations in May of 2020.
Established on an old alfalfa field, the park caters to both traditional RV and camp travelers, as well as those visiting and traveling with horses. It offers a wonderful blend of full-hookup RV sites, van sites, and convenient access to nearby riding trails. Equipped with brand-new amenities, including an onsite general store, laundry facilities, showers, restrooms, an outdoor pavilion, dog parks, a playground, and countless trails, this is truly a camper's paradise.
“We're lucky because we sit 200 yards off the highway and, because of the lay of the land and how the property dips down, you don't feel or really notice that,” said Sherry. “That's kind of the little plus too and the night skies. It's just super quiet.” Pete added, “People like to go camping in the country and get away from crowds. Most people that go camping usually come from the city. They
want some type of quiet.”
The Jensens cleverly designed their park layout, ensuring a thoughtful arrangement. Employee sites are discreetly positioned for privacy, while there is a family area where children can play freely. For the fulltime RV community, there are spacious pull-through sites, smaller van sites conveniently located near restrooms, and equine camping spots nestled among the trees, complete with corrals for the animals. All in all, they have 130 sites.
The Jensens and their employees place a high importance on guest experience and customer service, and they take the time to get to know their guests and to find out what they’re looking for on their vacation and recommend specific trails, locations, restaurants, etc., based on the guests’ needs. They have a large group pavilion in the center of their RV park where groups can BBQ and host large dinners. They also have a stage in this area and like to bring in live entertainment for their customers to enjoy multiple times throughout the season.
“For us, it's that experience of a safe camping environment, a comfortable environment,” said Pete. “They know they can be here, relax and have a good time and not have a problem with anything. We're very low key when it comes to that. We're far enough off the beaten path that we don't have parties all night. I think for a lot of people, they want a rural, country environment to experience…And I think this is a good taste of that.” Sherry continued, “And all our staff is on site. Someone always is on hand; even after hours, we have a radio if they are having an emergency. So that's another thing that was important was that safety.”
The Jensens have ex-
Wayne Commission:
Concerns over ordinance enforcement, an update on several regional efforts by Travis Kyhle with the R6 Regional Council, a presentation about the possibility of a future recreation and pool center in Wayne County, a Greenbelt tax classification issue, and an update on tourism taxes and related legislation discussed.
Wayne Commission Cont'd from A1
documentation and coordination between the building inspector, county attorney and sheriff’s department for enforcement.
Travis Kyhle with the R6 Regional Council provided an update on several regional efforts, including the upcoming Regional Growth Summit scheduled for May 6 and the annual golf tournament set for June 18. He also reported that the agricultural park master plan is expected to be completed by the end of May.
gravel pit. Commissioners agreed to restore five acres to Greenbelt status while removing another five acres, giving the owner two years to show the land is being returned to agricultural use.
Later in the meeting, Celina Sinclair with the Utah Tourism Industry Association gave an update on tourism taxes and related legislation. Sinclair said Wayne County now imposes the full 4.5% county transient room tax allowed under state law.
perienced an abundance of love from the local community and express that “they count their lucky stars every day” for being in Bryce Valley, and they expressed appreciation to Sherrill and Karen Ott for their support and for the opportunity to help bring their vision to life. They dedicate as much of their time as possible to give back to the community, contributing both their time and resources to local events like Tropic Town’s Mule Days. With this event approaching, the park is anticipated to be bustling with campers eager to participate. In fact, it was Mule Days that initially attracted the Jensen family to the area, so they hold a special fondness for this event.
The park serves as a convenient and less crowded base for exploring Bryce Canyon and the surrounding natural areas—while also standing out for its ability to accommodate equestrian travel, something relatively uncommon among campgrounds in the region—while also offering a clean and relaxing home base to travelers enjoying this corner of Garfield County.
Bryce Valley Ranch RV & Horse Park is located three miles from the town of Tropic, fifteen minutes from Bryce Canyon National Park, and a short drive from Red Canyon, Escalante, and Kodachrome Basin State Park. For more information or to book, go to www.brycervandhorsepark.com.
There was then a presentation from Maggie Ellett, Julie Chappell and Tammy Perkins about the possibility of a future recreation and pool center in Wayne County. Ellett said, “We’re not here to ask for funding, land, or immediate commitments. We’re here to ask for something simpler, but just as important, your support.” Ellett said the group hopes to create something larger than the old county pool and provide a wider range of recreation opportunities. Commissioner Cook said, “To start with, we could form a committee with county involvement. A smaller committee is better—keeping it under ten, or you won’t get anything done.” Commissioners were supportive of the idea and discussed continuing to explore it.
Wayne County Assessor Sharon Torgerson presented a Greenbelt tax classification issue for a ten-acre parcel that had been partially used as a
In other business, the commission approved a cooperative law enforcement agreement with the Forest Service and updated the county’s cell phone policy to allow up to $900 for county-issued phones every three years. They also approved an agriculture protection area for about 57.7 acres owned by Boone and Marjorie Taylor in the Bicknell area. Commissioners also approved a revised engineering fee proposal tied to the prairie dog fence project at Wayne Wonderland Airport. They stressed that they do not want the project to create additional county costs and expect outside funding to cover the local share. The commission approved first quarter financial statements and payment of vouchers before entering a brief closed session for personnel matters. The Wayne County Commission meets the first and third Monday of every month at the Wayne County Courthouse in Loa.
Courtesy Sherry Jensen
Bryce Valley Ranch
Cont'd from A1
Wills, Trusts, and More
Can I Do My Own Estate Plan?
In this article I would like to talk a little about doing your own estate planning.
When people ask me if they can do their own estate planning, my simple answer is “yes.” There are many wills probated that were prepared by the decedent without professional assistance. Many of these wills are submitted to the court and the estate is administered without problem.
Additionally, there are many trusts prepared without professional assistance. Although the degree of error is often higher with the use of a trust, these can also be prepared and administered without professional assistance and without problems. However, there is also a large portion of these documents (both wills and trusts prepared without professional assistance) that do have prob-
by Jeffery J. McKenna
lems. Often, when there are problems, the problems are significant.
I like to compare estate planning to having a baby. Can someone deliver a baby without a trained and experienced professional? The answer is yes. It was done that way for hundreds and thousands of years. However, is there less likelihood of having serious problems if someone with more training and experience is involved in the process? Again, I believe most would agree that the answer is yes. Like most undertakings, the more training and experience one has planning an estate the greater likelihood that serious complications can be avoided.
In deciding whether to do your own estate planning without professional assistance, I believe the question
to be asked is how much time are you willing to devote to understanding the process and how much risk are you comfortable taking regarding the disposition of your estate.
In writing this article as a professional involved in estate planning, it is not my desire to “create” work for estate planners. Improper estate planning resulting in complications generates much more work and legal fees than proper estate planning and a subsequent, smooth estate administration.
It may be that estate planning can be compared to preventive mechanics. You can pay for the tune ups and oil changes now or you can pay more for the repairs later. However, a significant difference is that it is not you but rather your heirs that pay.
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
Gambling Problem
Little Johnny likes to gamble. One day, his dad gets a new job, so his family has to move to a new city. Johnny's dad thinks, "I'll get a head start on Johnny's gambling."
He calls the teacher and says, "My son Johnny will be starting your class tomorrow, but he likes to gamble, so you'll have to keep an eye on him."
The teacher says, "Okay," because she can handle it.
The next day, Johnny walks into class and hands the teacher an apple and says, "Hi, my name is Johnny." She says, "Yes, I know who you are." Johnny smiles and says, "I bet you $10 you've got a mole on your butt." The teacher thinks that she will break his little gambling problem, so she takes him up on the bet. She pulls her pants down, shows him her butt, and there is no mole.
That afternoon, Johnny goes home and tells his dad that he lost $10 to the teacher and explains why.
His dad calls the teacher and says, "Johnny said that he bet you that you had a mole on your butt and he lost."
The teacher says, "Yeah, and I think I broke his gambling problem."
Johnny's dad laughs and says, "No you didn't, he bet me $100 this morning that he'd see your butt before the day was over."
THEME: TV Moms
ACROSS
1. Ionic and Corinthian predecessor 6. Good times 9. AI fodder 13. Offer two cents
Doctor Dolittle, e.g.
Interior designer's concern
Not fiction, pl.
Big head
Fear-inspiring
*"Good Times" mom
*"The Sopranos" mom 23. Possessive pronoun
Gumbo pod 25. Protrude 28. Catcher's catcher 30. *Marvelous Midge Maisel's first name 35. "Metamorphoses" poet
37. Chows down 39. Millionaire maker 40. Time for eggnog 41. Sure sign of fire
43. "Frasier" actress Gilpin
44. TSA PreCheck alternative
46. Mosque V.I.P.
47. Arabian bigwig
48. Received salary
50. At the apex
52. Masseuse's office
53. "Where the Red ____ Grows"
55. Likewise
57. *"Arrested Development" mom
*"Fresh off the Boat" mom
Circumvent
French vineyard
Open disrespect
Dewey Decimal System, e.g.
252-gallon cask
Cause anxiety (2 words)
Back talk
Extra point
A little girl and her older brother were visiting their grandfather's farm. The older brother decided to play a trick on his younger sister. He told her that he discovered a maneating chicken.
The girl was frightened, and ran inside in fear.
Then the older brother heard his little sister scream. He ran inside immediately. She was screaming at their grandfather, who was chowing down on a plate of fried chicken.
"What is it?" he asked.
The sister turned to him in fear and said," Itit's- IT'S A MAN EATING CHICKEN!!!"
February march?
but April may.
Christmas Gift
A husband got his mother-in-law a cemetery plot for Christmas. It came with a coffin, tomb stone, the works. Next Christmas comes by and the husband gets her nothing. When the mother-inlaw asks, "Why didn't you get me a gift?" the husband says, "You haven't used the one I got you last year!"
Legal Notices
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
Calassified ds
Weed Specialist
Garfield County is accepting applications for a Weed Specialist in Panguitch and other areas of Garfield County. The position is part-time from May to September Applications are available at the Garfield County Clerk’s Office, 55 South Main, Panguitch or at www.garfield.utah.gov and will be accepted until 5:00 p.m., Friday, March 15, 2026.
Garfield County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all applications.
Garfield County is an equal opportunity employer.
2 Seasonal, Full-Time Wildlife Technicians
Garfield County is accepting applications for 2 seasonal, full-time Wildlife Technicians. The application process closes 5:00 pm Friday, May 15, 2026. Applications are available at the Garfield County Clerk’s Office, 55 South Main, Panguitch, UT 84759 or online at garfield.utah.gov. Additional information can be obtained by calling Dave Dodds at (435) 676-1119.
Garfield County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all applications.
Garfield County is an equal opportunity employer.
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
PUBLIC HEARING ON BUSINESS LICENSE ORDINANCE
LOA TOWN COUNCIL
Loa Town Council will hold a public hearing on a business license ordinance before its regularly scheduled meeting on May 14, 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, 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 30 and MAY 7, 2026
PUBLIC HEARING ON WUI ORDINANCE
(WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE)
LOA TOWN COUNCIL
Loa Town Council will hold a public hearing on the WUI ordinance (WildlandUrban 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 before the regularly scheduled meeting on May 14, 2026, beginning at 6:30 p.m. All public is welcome to attend and comment. If you would like a copy of this ordinance, contact Michelle Brian or Amber Perkins at 435-836-2160 before the hearing.
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on APRIL 30 and MAY 7, 2026
PUBLIC NOTICE LOA TOWN/FREMONT IRRIGATION USERS
Due to severe drought conditions, Loa Town will implement turns on the pump system for all irrigation users. This is your friendly reminder: East side residents can water on Monday and Wednesday, and West side residents can water on Tuesday and Thursday. Pumps will be shut off every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The rest of the residents not using irrigation water are also asked to conserve this summer. Thank you for your cooperation.
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on APRIL 30 and MAY 7, 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
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
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
C lassified a ds
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
• Full-Time CTE Teacher at Bryce Valley High School
• Quarter-Time Art Teacher at Escalante Elementary School
• Para-Professional at Panguitch High School
• 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.
Panguitch Care and Share (Food Bank) Worker
Garfield County is accepting applications for the position of Panguitch Care and Share (Food Bank) Worker. The position is part-time (30 hours per month) Applications are available at the Garfield County Clerk's Office 55 South Main, Panguitch or online at www.garfield.utah.gov. Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m., Friday, May 15, 2026. Garfield County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all applications. Garfield County is an equal opportunity employer.
HELP WANTED
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.
FOR RENT
Newly Renovated 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath Unit located at
209 E. 100 S. Bicknell. Utilities Included. $1250/month. Miguel at 801-870-9381.
COMMUNITY
- SATURDAYS 10 AM ESCALANTE at Main and Center in front of the Catholic church. Free to any vendor for anything you have to sell.
sudoku
Answers for this week
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
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
Position Overview
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
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.
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.
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.
