The Wayne & Garfield County Insider August 14, 2025
Under 'One Big Beautiful Bill' Act
CARBON CO. - The Department of the Interior, through the Bureau of Land Management and in coordination with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, has completed the environmental review for a major Utah coal project, marking the first expedited coal leasing action under the Trump Administration's "One Big Beautiful Bill Act."
The final environmental impact statement for the Skyline Mine project in central Utah analyzes the proposed Little Eccles lease by application and the Flat Canyon lease modification submitted by Canyon Fuel Company, LLC—operator of the Skyline Mine since 1981.
The BLM will soon open a public comment period on the fair market value and maximum eco
Jaynie Connor
PANGUITCH - In April 2024, significant transverse cracking at the crest of the Panguitch Lake Dam was discovered, likely due to ice loading on the upstream side. The
Panguitch Lake Dam is owned and managed by the West Panguitch Irrigation Company, a local water utility that provides services to nearby ranchers, farmers, and residents
of Panguitch City. The dam had been categorized as a high-hazard structure due to its age—the dam was originally constructed in 1872—and it exhibited indications of pos-
Steve Lutz |
County Fire District
are requested by Sept. 2.
WAYNE CO. - The Wayne County Fire District will once again be offering a free branch and tree chipping program this September 8th -11th for property owners wishing to reduce their fire risk in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI). A state forestry crew will be available to reduce property own-
hazard by making their WUI
more
ient. By removing branches lower than four to five feet and flammable brush that can allow fire to climb from the ground into the crowns of trees, you will be helping to prevent catastrophic Chipping Cont'd on B4
Wahweap Main Launch Ramp Limited to Vessels 30 Feet or Smaller
GLEN CANYONEffective immediately, use of the Wahweap Main Launch Ramp is limited to the south (left) side, which is restricted to vessels thirty feet in length or smaller. The north (right) side of the ramp has been closed due to recent damage that has compromised the stability of the ramp surface. Visitors with vessels larger than thirty feet, including houseboats, are advised to use the Stateline Auxiliary Ramp, located less than two miles from Wahweap Main, for both
Wahweap Ramp Cont'd on B4
sible failure, which led to a swift emergency response from multiple agencies. Officials in Utah lowered
WAYNE CO. - The Wayne County Commission met for a brief session on Monday, August 4, 2025. After opening with a prayer—offered in gratitude for recent firefighting efforts on Monroe Mountain—and the Pledge of Allegiance, commissioners approved the minutes from the July 21 meeting.
Sushiel Keswani, representing Color Country Animal Welfare (CCAW), requested permission to hold the group’s annual fundraiser on September 6 at the animal shelter. The event will feature a silent auction and is expected to raise several thousand dollars to support shelter operations. Keswani noted the shelter’s strong partnership with Best Friends Animal Society, which assists with adop-
Jaynie Connor
Panguitch Elementary School (PES) revealed its brand new digital marquee sign on Monday, August 4, perfectly timed for the students'
PANGUITCH - Panguitch Elementary School (PES) revealed its brand new digital marquee sign on Monday, August 4, perfectly timed for the students' return to school. The
new sign was a project put on and fundraised for by the Panguitch Elementary Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). They were motivated to seek a new marquee for the school to enhance communication with parents and the community, while also fostering school spirit. This idea
Jaynie Connor
New Marquee Cont'd on B3
Coal Lease Cont'd on B2
States Scramble to Complete Renewable Energy Projects Before Tax Credits Expire
U.S. - The abrupt termination of tax credits for clean energy projects is perhaps the most drastic blow that President Donald Trump has struck in his campaign against wind and solar electricity.
As states brace for the uncertainty ahead, they are scrambling to get pending projects off the ground before the tax credits expire.
“The real opportunities are making sure that the projects in the queue make their deadline,” said Washington Democratic state Sen. Sharon Shewmake, who chairs the Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee. “Can we speed that up? Can we make that easier for them?”
Shewmake, and leaders in other states, say they’re focused on fasttracking permitting decisions and working with regulators to ensure projects can connect to the grid.
“Ironically, one of the impacts of the phaseout is that there’s a rush to speed up the development of some projects in the short run,” said Warren Leon, executive director of the Clean Energy States Alliance, a nonprofit coalition of state energy agencies.
The tax credits were the linchpin for countless wind and solar projects in states aiming to get a large portion of their power from renewable energy. Leaders and advocates in those states say that renewable sources remain the best way to meet their electricity needs. But the loss of the tax credits could mean that residents pay more on their utility bills.
“This will likely kill some projects,” said Matt Abele, executive director of the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association, an industry-supported nonprofit that backs clean energy policy. “The financial scenario for these projects is built around tax credits that were intended to be in place until the 2030s.”
But once the dust settles, many officials expect state laws and market forces to continue driving the buildout of wind and solar.
“We still need to add
by Alex Brown | Utah News Dispatch
electricity in this state, and wind and solar are still the cheapest way to do it,” said Pete Wyckoff, deputy commissioner of energy resources with the Minnesota Department of Commerce. “It’s a blow, but it doesn’t change our energy policy, it doesn’t change what is economically the right thing to do. But it’s a big hit to our ratepayers.”
Tax credits axed
Under the Inflation Reduction Act, which President Joe Biden signed in 2022, developers received a 30% tax credit for investments in zero-emission energy projects, along with a production credit of up to 2.75 cents for every kilowatt-hour of clean electricity generated by the projects. Those tax credits were slated to extend into the 2030s.
State officials and renewable energy industry leaders say the credits have been a major driver in the nation’s rapid buildout of wind and solar, along with corresponding growth in manufacturing jobs.
But the giant domestic policy measure Trump signed on July 4 abruptly ended those tax credits. Under the new law, projects must be up and running by the end of 2027 to qualify for the credits, or start construction by July 4, 2026. Projects that begin construction after that date must be operational by the end of 2027.
Trump has falsely claimed that wind and solar are “expensive and unreliable,” and has at the same time worked to boost fossil fuel production. He has also taken aim at the fact that some renewable energy components are manufactured overseas, calling it a national security threat.
“Projects in early to mid-stage development are deeply in danger if not completely cut off,” said Harry Godfrey, managing director with Advanced Energy United, an industry group focused on energy and transportation. “This administration is finding a variety of ways to pull the rug on wind and solar.”
While there may be a short-term burst of projects before the credits expire, the
landscape becomes much more uncertain after that.
“Certainly there will be some projects that are canceled, but the bigger issue is going to be new projects that don’t get started because of the unfavorable environment for them,” said Leon, of the Clean Energy States Alliance.
A slower, costlier transition
Industry leaders say it’s too early to tell just how drastically the loss of the tax credits will slow their deployment of wind and solar. But they say states remain committed to laws that mandate a transition to clean energy. And building fossil fuel power, such as natural gas plants, is still slower and more costly.
“You don’t build a natural gas plant overnight, and there are real supply chain constraints—you can’t even get the parts,” said Amisha Rai, senior vice president of advocacy with Advanced Energy United.
Rai and others noted that the country is seeing a surge in demand for new electricity, driven by the electrification of vehicles and buildings, as well as growth in data centers to support technologies like artificial intelligence.
“Market forces are going to continue to drive development of clean energy, the primary market force being significant demand for new electricity,” said Abele, with the North Carolina group. “It’s not going to come from natural gas, given that turbines are on back order through 2029. Solar, wind and battery storage are the quickest ways to add electrons to the grid.”
Clean energy backers said Trump’s efforts to block solar and wind undermine his “energy dominance” agenda at a time when more power is needed. Ultimately, they believe the loss of the tax credits will cause higher electricity bills.
“Just by the law of supply and demand, if you have growing demand and you don’t have growing supply to keep up with it, that’s going to lead to higher prices,” Leon said.
According to a report
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from Energy Innovation Policy & Technology, a nonpartisan think tank, the loss of the tax credits could increase electricity rates 9-18% by 2035, raising household energy costs by $170 annually.
Godfrey, the industry advocate, said that wind and solar projects may be canceled once the tax credits expire. But many of those same projects may be revived as rising electricity prices make their costs more viable.
Analysts have noted that the clean energy boom brought on by the Inflation Reduction Act has largely benefited Republican-led states. But some lawmakers fear that developers will now focus their investments on Democratic states, where laws mandating a transition to renewable sources provide more market certainty.
“We’ll probably see more of the investment go towards blue states that have those sorts of mandates,” said Utah state Sen. Nate Blouin, a Democrat. “That’s a loss for states like Utah, where we were seeing good new tax revenue, and agriculture folks making supplemental income [from wind and solar projects].”
Lawmakers in states that do have mandates say they’re still committed to meeting their goals.
“When I heard that the Inflation Reduction Act was going to be repealed, I was devastated,” said Shewmake, the Washington senator. “But then I started to look at the economics of the situation, and you realize this transition is going to happen. The federal government can slow it down, but this fight isn’t lost.”
Stateline reporter Alex Brown can be reached at abrown@stateline.org.
Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org.
This article was originally published on utahnewsdispatch.com on August 6, 2025.
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Thank You to Everyone
Insider The
OUR MISSION: to foster community connection, civic engagement, economic resilience and journalistic integrity for rural southern Utah.
Publisher: Erica Walz
Layout & Graphic Design: Emily Leach
Reporter: Amiee Maxwell
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Reporter: Jaynie Connor
Many kindnesses and thoughtful acts during our power outages has made me love our county even more. First, the fire fighters and power crews who have worked tirelessly to fight this enormous fire and keep power to the county. Their families have given up having their people home safe and sound and comfortable in their beds, as they have given us to do.
Did You Know?
• Between 2014 and 2022, Utah's medically uninsured dropped from 14.3% to 8.8% due to the passage of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). This was a result of more federal dollars expanding Medicaid and offering financial support (premium tax credits) to individuals that make 400% of the poverty level.
• In Utah, in 2024, approximately 367,000 people selected, or were automatically reenrolled into, an ACA
Our generous Garkane staff, gas stations, mechanics, Royal's, Chuckwagon and many
more of our businesses who offered their services by having generators on hand to provide us with food, fuel and other needed services.
Did You Know?
Marketplace federally subsidized medical plan. In 2025, the number increased to 421,890.
• "The Big Beautiful Bill" (HR 1) ends enhanced premium tax credit at the end of THIS year. The tax credit is the subsidy that many people financially depend on to purchase health care on the government exchange.
• The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the passage of HR1 could mean nearly 200,000 Utahns are at risk of losing their health insurance because they can
no longer afford it.
• As a result of the passage of HR1, the cost of health insurance purchased through the government health exchange could rise 75% for 2026.
• This will increase costs across the board. With fewer people covered by insurance, more people will forgo preventative care, emergency room visits by the uninsured will increase, and costs for providers will increase, all resulting in increased premiums for everyone else.
• Small businesses will
Our neighbors who have provided generous help even to those they do not know.
The biggest THANK YOU TO EVERYONE ! Laura Lasco, Bicknell
Our medical and EMT staff and emergency service personal again tirelessly giving up their time and comfy lives to keep us safe.
be hit hardest. 99.3% of Utah businesses are small businesses.
• ALL of Utah's federal representatives voted FOR HR1 thus cutting healthcare. At the same time, they voted FOR a tax cut for the wealthy that will add "2.4 Trillion to the deficit and leave 10.9 million more uninsured."
https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2025/07/29/ how-changes-aca-undertrumps-big/ Linda Dewey, Wayne County
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The Perseid Meteor Shower and the Orion Spacecraft and the Artemis II Mission
by Leonard Thomas
On Tuesday, Aug. 5, Earth's solar day was ever so slightly shorter than the usual twenty-four hours, making it not only one of the shortest days of 2025, but also the shortest since records began. At just 1.25 milliseconds shorter, it won't be noticeable, but it's part of a puzzling trend that's baffling scientists: Earth is spinning faster.
SPACE - The days are getting shorter, and not just because summer is waning in the Northern Hemisphere.
On Tuesday, Aug. 5, Earth's solar day was ever so slightly shorter than the usual twenty-four hours, making it not only one of the shortest days of 2025, but also the shortest since records began.
At just 1.25 milliseconds shorter, it won't be noticeable, but it's part of a puzzling trend that's baffling scientists: Earth is spinning faster. After decades of slowing down, our planet's rotation has been speeding up in recent years—and timekeepers have no definitive explanation.
And in the smokey skies, if you were able to find dark (or at least darker) skies, you may have still been able to view a few fireballs from the Perseid meteor shower last week, according to NASA.
The Perseid meteor shower reached its peak on the 12th and 13th. The Perseids come from comet Swift-Tuttle.
The waxing gibbous Moon of August rides low in the south, crossing Scorpius and Sagittarius..
And early in the morning, brilliant Venus rises above the east-northeast horizon about an hour before the first sign of dawn, followed by Jupiter, the largest, but second brightest, planet. On the 9th, Jupiter followed only about ten minutes behind Venus.
During this time, their separation shrank as they drew closer every day, towards a spectacular meeting, or conjunction, in the early dawn of August 12th,
with Jupiter to Venus's upper left or north.
And still on the boards, the follow up to Apollo, is the Artemis program.
The first crew slated to fly in NASA’s Orion spacecraft during the Artemis II mission around the Moon early next year entered their spacecraft for a multi-day training at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The crew donned their spacesuits on July 31 and boarded Orion to train and experience some of the conditions they can expect on their mission.
NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen participated in a suited crew test and crew equipment interface test, performing launch day and simulated orbital activities inside Orion.
"Every milestone in the Artemis campaign brings us closer to landing Americans back on the Moon and pushing onward to Mars," said Sean Duffy, acting NASA administrator.
“In about six months, Artemis II astronauts will journey around the Moon for the first time in 53 years,” Duffy said. “America rallied behind Apollo because it represented the best of us—now it’s Artemis’ turn." Duffy adds, "They’re not just carrying a flag— they’re carrying the pride, power, and promise of the United States of America.”
Once in Orion, the crew performed several launch day activities, including communications checkouts and suit leak checks. For the first time, the crew was connected to the spacecraft and its communications and life control
systems, and all umbilicals were connected while the spacecraft operated on full power.
In November 2020, a freak wave appeared, lifting a lone buoy off the coast of British Columbia fifty-eight feet high. A few years later, the four-story wall of water was confirmed to be the most extreme rogue wave ever recorded.
Such an extraordinary event is thought to happen only once every 1,300 years. And if the buoy hadn't been taken for a ride, we might never have known it had occurred.
As it is one sky, many cultures here, stars hold the sky together, at least according to the Navajo builders of their star ceilings. There are some fifty of these masterpieces spread across the canyons of northwestern New Mexico and northeastern Arizona.
Positioned on rock overhangs and deep alcoves, they are called "Planetarium Sites" by archeologists. The stars are straight edged crosses or petal leaf forms, colored orange-red, dark gray, blue and black. They were probably applied by some sort of stamping technique employing leather or cut yucca leaves mounted on long wooden poles and dipped in paint. Keep looking up, look around, and get 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.
Harshad Desai for Panguitch City Council
Vote for HARSHAD as your city council member. If not, OK. (1) Let's ask the city council to have an ordinance to have 10% (of gross income) to increase ( invest) in city assets. 10% in existing asset maintenance. Example – A typical motel or restaurant spend 20% in expansion, maintainance, etc. (2) Panguitch City’s resort tax need not go into pockets of city cronies but should be 50% for mitigation (tourists creating wear and tear of out city (can you name one ?) and 50% for tourist facilities ( swimmimg pool, exercise complex, etc.). Here it is upside down. Panguitchians can enjoy it ( gift from tourists). 3 real job creation for a swimming pool. 3 real jobs for the exercise complex. (3) The city can have an ordinance to have it open only 3 days a week or 8-12 hours only (Monday through Friday). The exception should be the maintenance / public works department. The city also has the right to have flat pay ( $10, $15, $20, $25. $30/hour without any hidden perks). Let's consult local business leaders in the private sector (counterparts and their salaries v. local government positions...for salaries). Also, the city needs to address abuse of taxpayers' money ( who is playing hooky - part-time work for full-time pay). Flat answers like “She/he is not here” to the taxpayer? Where is she/he? HARSHAD had hundreds of times this garbage. (5) Utah's party-line voting system is like a basket of fruits (Fuji apples with lemons). (b) Richard Nixon [10-page resume, vast experience ( >40 years ?) in public service]. was elected with a landslide for his second term. People were in the dark that he was the biggest crook of the century. It took >$1 billion (in cost and damages) to boot him out ( in the middle of his term). Sugar is sweet, whereas a Chemo capsule is the most bitter. Government is like a toilet –most needed but also needs to be kept clean (disinfect daily), otherwise we all know what happens. Catholic religion – horrendous scandals, but catholics are not leaving their faith. They want transparency and action (exposure of facts as it happens, not decades after, and a cover-up). HARSHAD means transparency, public service, and easy to reach.
Paid for by Harshad P. Desai
Courtesy Leonard Thomas
Wills, Trusts, and More
Some Trust Disputes Cost More Than Probate
Many people use trusts to achieve specific estate planning goals. Such trusts are designed to save money by avoiding probate fees and delays, and by deferring or reducing estate taxes.
For example, a revocable "living trust" can avoid the cost and delays associated with probate. A will or living trust may also create a separate trust when one spouse dies, in order to shield up a significant portion of the estate from later estate taxes. Such trusts are designed to save money by avoiding probate fees and delays, and by deferring or reducing estate taxes.
But if there are disputes about the management of the trust, litigation can be very expensive. Trust litigation may also take longer than probate to uncover mismanagement or theft, thus reducing the odds of recovering lost property.
Normally, a trustee (the person administering the trust) is not subject to court supervision. However, a trustee or beneficiary may initiate a court action. The court can compel the trustee to account for the
by Jeffery J. McKenna
trust's assets and income, or to change investment and distribution policies to conform to the trust's instructions. In some circumstances, a court can replace the trustee, dissolve the trust, or make other changes to resolve problems.
Trust disputes can have different causes. A trustee may decide to pay himself a high fee, or may distribute trust property in a way that conflicts with the trust instructions. A beneficiary may want more money distributed, or may object that the trustee's investment strategy is too risky (or too conservative). Or a trustee may conceal information, so beneficiaries worry about possible mismanagement or theft.
There are many problems that can arise from trust administration. Adult children are often concerned about the management of a "living trust" by a step-parent after a parent has died. The children are concerned, yet they are uncomfortable insisting that the step-parent provide information, especially if the
step-parent is entitled to all income during his or her lifetime. The result may be resentment, alienation, and a loss of family harmony.
Many problems can be avoided by making sure all family members understand their rights and receive adequate information about the trust's management. Ideally, information should be shared before either parent dies.
If the beneficiaries are well-informed, they can more easily express any concerns about the trust's administration to the trustee, who can then act quickly to address those concerns properly without the need for lawsuits.
There are ways to set up trusts and trustee provisions to minimize future problems and conflicts, and to prevent family disharmony. Much can be done to set up estate plans to ensure that trust assets will be managed wisely and fairly. An experienced estate planning attorney can suggest innovative solutions to seemingly insurmountable problems.
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.
Updated Forecast for Lake Powell Water Levels Will Impact Launch Ramps
GLEN CANYON -
Seasonal water level changes at Lake Powell are becoming more pronounced as forecasts from the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) project continued declines through the next several months.
Lake level changes will influence the functionality of all launch ramps.
The lake water elevation is currently twenty-nine feet lower than this time
last year. Halls Crossing Launch Ramp is expected to be inoperable soon.
The National Park Service is actively monitoring conditions and will continue to adapt infrastructure—such as floating docks, walkways, and ramp extensions—where feasible, to support continued recreational use throughout the lake.
Plan Ahead: It is the vessel operator’s respon-
sibility to know the minimum water depth required for launching your boat based on the characteristics of your vessel and trailer. Boaters are strongly encouraged to check the operational status of their preferred launch site before launching using the additional resources listed below.
—Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
country roads
by Lynn Griffin
Future Aspirations
A husband and wife were having a discussion about their future.
The wife said, “I want to travel the world and see new places!”
The husband replied, “That sounds great, but we need to save money first.”
The wife thought for a moment and said, “How about we just start with the living room?”
Fortune Teller
A man went to a fortune teller and asked, “Will I be rich and famous?”
The fortune teller looked into her crystal ball and said, “Yes, but only if you change your name to something more memorable!”
The man replied, “What should I change it to?”
She smiled and said, “How about ‘Lucky McRichface’?”
Zoo
A boy asked his dad, “Can we go to the zoo?”
The dad replied, “Not today, buddy. We have chores to do.”
The boy thought for a moment and said, “How about we go to the zoo tomorrow and bring the chores with us?”
THEME: Back-to-School
ACROSS
1. *Report ____ 5. One on the beat 8. Put on the payroll 12. Fan sound 13. Buckeye State 14. Indy entrant 15. Table mountain 16. 2021 movie "The Harder They ____" 17. Carry away, in a way
18. *____ Readers 20. Weary walk 21. Basketry stick 22. *____ time for preschoolers
23. Plums and cherries genus
26. Allegiance
30. Crew propeller
31. Rh in Rh disease
34. Your majesty
35. Miss of the Muppets
37. Band event
38. Asci, sing.
39. Olympic castaway
40. *Didn't fail
42. Frozen H2O
43. Took a penny-farthing, e.g.
45. *Punctuation marks for famous words
47. Maltese or Havanese, e.g.
48. *Use Play-Doh
50. Cheap trinket
52. *3+x=10, e.g.
55. Soviet
Pet Care
A little boy asked his dad, “Can I have a puppy?”
The dad replied, “No, you have to take care of it!”
The boy thought for a moment and said, “Okay, how about a cat?”
The dad shook his head and said, “You still have to take care of it!”
The boy sighed and said, “Then can I have a rock? Rocks don’t need feeding!”
Fancy Dinner
A couple was at a fancy restaurant for their anniversary. The husband wanted to impress his wife, so he ordered the most expensive dish on the menu.
When it arrived, the wife looked at it and said, “What is that?”
The husband replied, “It’s gourmet!”
She frowned and said, “It looks like a tiny piece of art!”
He chuckled and said, “Well, at least we didn’t pay for a masterpiece!”
Obituaries
Viola Buchanan
1936 - 2025
My name is Alice Viola Jackson Buchanan. On Thursday, July 31st, 2025, surrounded by loved ones, I was gently lifted from this life into the next to finally be reunited with my sweetheart, Duane.
I was born to Harvey and Pansy Jackson in Fremont, Utah, on February 28th, 1936. I am the 8th of their 10 children. We were all born and raised in Fremont in a three bedroom home. It was crowded, but Harvey and Pansey worked hard to make sure it was crowded with love, patience, hard work, and teachings of the gospel.
I attended school at the old rock church in Fremont and high school at old Wayne High in Bicknell where I grew my passion for baton twirling, dancing and theatrics.
I moved to Ephraim to continue my education where I met and started pursuing my Sweetheart, Duane. We fell in love. Duane had joined the Air Force and was going to be stationed in Germany. We decided we couldn't wait for the long time he'd be gone, so on his next military leave, we met in Spokane, Washington and were married on September 13th, 1954. Six weeks later, we were sealed in the Manti Temple for time and all eternity, and spent every moment we could together for the next 70 years.
When Duane returned from Germany, we were stationed in Rochester, Minnesota, where we started our family. On December 20th, 1956, we had our first of two sets of twins, Paul and Paula. They were born too soon and passed the next morning. Although the loss was tragic, we always kept them close to our hearts and kept their memory alive, speaking about them often to our family.
After 20 years of Air Force service, many more moves, and seven more children, we finally returned to Utah and had one more child. Eventually we were able to return to Fremont to continue to raise our family.
Our children are Paul and Paula Buchanan (Deceased), Cyndee Turner (Scott), D.R. Buchanan (Karen), Doug Buchanan (Karen), Kenny Buchanan (deceased), Maeleen Snow (Bryant), Les Buchanan (Kary), Leisa Hilton (Bret), and Jennifer Haywood (Jason).
Duane and I served in the Manti Temple for 16 years, and a mission in the Utica, New York Mission, where my testimony was greatly increased. We loved doing service for our Heavenly Father. I served my Savior throughout my life and through many callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but my greatest and most cherished calling is my posterity. When I left this earth, Duane and I had 10 children, 36 grandchildren, 51 great grandchildren with two on the way, and 3 great-great grand children.
I am now having a joyful reunion with my eternal sweetheart Duane, my parents, Harvey and Pansy Jackson, my brothers, Earnie, Earl, Lex, Bernes, and Ted, and my sisters, Ireta, and Chloenelle, and I leave with you two beloved sisters, Beatrice and Eileen.
Know that Duane and I are finally together again, and happy. I finally get to have my first born twins, Paul and Paula, with me again. I am with my son Kenny and and my great grand-babies, Aiden and Abby, and all of my other family and friends who got to go before me.
I am finally home.
Funeral services were held on Monday, August 11, 2025 at 1:00 P.M. in the Fremont LDS Ward Chapel. Friends called for viewing on Sunday, August 10, 2025, 6:00 - 8:00 P.M. in Richfield at the Springer Turner Funeral Home Chapel and Monday morning, 11:00 - 12:30 P.M. in Fremont prior to services. Livestreaming of services could be found at springerturner.com 15 minutes before start time under my obituary.
I will be buried in the Fremont Cemetery under the care of Springer Turner Funeral Homes of Richfield and Salina.
Online guestbook available springerturner.com
We had a great Garfield Country Fair. Many attended the Commissioner's dinner. All of the tables were full, and the food was very good. Camille Moore was at her usual place, handing out the meat. She never gets old, and I wonder what the county would do without her. Everything was bigger and better this year. There were many more beautiful items on display, and they were all winners. There were a lot of fun things for the kids to do and make. I didn’t see too many kids on the blow ups; they must have worn themselves out earlier.
I really liked the fish grab this year. All of the fish were great looking, and I would like to have caught one myself. One that I saw was at least five pounds. I hope they all went to families that love to eat fish, which is a very healthy food item. My daughter, Kelly, played bingo and won a $50.00 certificate from Joe’s Market. Many thanks to all of those that help out at this event. There wouldn’t be a fair if it wasn’t for all of you donating your time. Friday night is the hospital fundraiser. It is a great dinner. Bring a lot of money for the auction because pies are known to go for $600.00. The also have a silent auction. The dinner is at Ruby's (Ebenezer’s Barn and Grill).
FYI PanguItch
by Mack Oetting ~ mackoetting @gmail.com
The fun keeps rolling out, and this week, it is the ATV Rally. It started yesterday and runs until Saturday. Joe Ormine has been helping with this event since the start. He really knows our area, and he probably sets up most of the trails. We are a great place for four-wheeling. Located out by the airport, the Fremont Trail runs up to Canada and down to Mexico, if you were looking for a long ride.
Also this week, our local theater group will be doing their first play on August 14 and 15. It will be Harvey. It will be at the social hall and will start at 7:00. The play will be free, and any donations will go to their next play. Come on over and support this group. It is fun, and not everyone is a sports lover.
For the long Labor Day weekend, Lance has booked in the National Senior Pro Rodeo at the Triple C Arena. This is rodeo at its finest. These folks have been doing their thing for much of their lives, and they are good.
The calendar this year has really been different, with events coming really close together. On Labor Day weekend, we usually go over to Parowan for their fair and their long parade. It runs a long time, but I like ours better because we have a lot more floats and no politicians.
News
We definitely have a whole lot more candy.
Early in September, on the 6th - 9th, get out and polish up your pride and joy for the car show. It gets bigger each year. Last year, it had about ninetysix cars in it. On Friday night, there is the big burn out over by the courthouse.
The Monroe fire is still growing, with over 78,000 acres burned. Our granddaughter Jodi’s husband, Ray Bullock, owns an excavation company, and they called him out. His three crews have been working around the clock cutting fire lines. But with the southern winds, the fire keeps jumping the lines. The wind has changed and is coming from the north, and the fire is now burning back on itself. In one day, containment went from 17% to 34%. They could really use some rain. It doesn’t look like the monsoons will be coming this year, at least not anytime soon.
Speaking of fires, the fire at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon—like the fire back in the 90s in Yellowstone—should never have happened. It has caused millions of dollars worth of damage and has destroyed many big trees that will take sixty years to grow back.
Last month, our 4-H program was cancelled. However, the Feds gave
from Wayne County
Wayne County Fair Week
by Adus F. Dorsey
WAYNE CO. - Wayne County is racing toward fair week faster than a speeding bullet and stronger than a locomotive. One would think that Superman is back in action stapling and taping fair posters to every hard surface there is from Sigurd to Green River. The Wayne County Fair Board has been so aggressive with their advertising campaign that there are reports that firefighters fighting the Monroe fire anticipate
competing in some of the fair events while in camp at night. "Rise and Shine" is the 2025 theme, and, yes, it is true that Commissioner Roger Brian has been seen wearing a red rooster hood to last Monday's commission meeting. Rumor has it that he has signed an executive order that everybody attend fair events. The Wayne County Commissioners are so excited about fair week that they have offered to cook everybody a free dinner on Friday evening at the Loa Park. Plan to arrive early and stay late, as the infamous band Borderline will be providing music and dancing, and a good time is promised to all.
On Saturday morning, August 16th, fair parade participants are encouraged to get in line at 9:00 a.m. Jeri Albrecht will be on hand to answer any questions and help put you into place. There will be no time for naps in Wayne County on Saturday, August 16th. There are so many fun things scheduled to do that grandma is going to need
Utah several billion dollars that they had previously cancelled. The state sued the Feds for the money, which will take years to get. However, the 4-H will be starting up again on September 2nd. It will come from USU Extension. There is free enrollment for the first one hundred and fifty students to sign up. Open enroll at https://4h.zsuite.org/. All sites will be available at Panguitch, Bryce Valley and Escalante.
When we were in Russia, we learned that when the czars controlled the country, people were starving, and the czars built whatever and coated it with gold. Our current president is going to build a two hundred million dollar dance hall to connect to the White House. He will be taking out the beautiful rose garden to do it. It too looks like it is a gaudy, gold palace. The president is meeting with his favorite leader from Russia in Alaska this Friday, which is another waste of the tax payer’s money. The president has put tariffs on over two hundred countries in the world, some without anybody living in them, but not Russia. As you get older, you need to exercise more; watching TV will do you in.
Mack O
support stockings and new tennis shoes.
About 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, you may want to swing into Gordon's and snag yourself a couple of Mountain Dews or energy drinks because the World's Fair Rodeo starts with the national anthem at 7:00 p.m. God bless America, all of Garkane's employees, and all of the firefighters and support staff. Lord knows, they can use all the help they can get. No one should need reminding to always support all of the Wayne County fair sponsors. These folks always step to the forefront when it comes to supporting Wayne County and its citizens. Wayne County wouldn’t be Wayne County without them; they provide much needed services and employment and are vital to the Wayne County economy in ways that are visible wherever you shop, work, live, and play in the county.
Speaking of Garkane and the firefighters that are fighting the horrendous fire on Monroe Mountain, it has been hard to watch and
be a part of. As much as anything, the safety of all involved is on everyone’s minds and in prayers being offered on their behalf. As for the public, and from a local perspective, this situation has brought communities together in ways that are often seen when emergencies present themselves. Neighbors have been checking on neighbors more often than is sometimes usual. When the lights went out, generators came on, humming to keep food frozen and providing just enough power to find your way around in the dark. In rural places like Wayne County, where services are a luxury, the inconvenience of being without TV and “Days of Our Lives” is overlooked because we know that crews are working non-stop, putting their lives on the line, to replace burned power poles and splicing power lines together so we as citizens can make our morning cocoa or coffee and breakfast. People in places like Wayne County are known survivors; we have been doing it for centuries. You can either step up or step back and get the hell out of the way, because, one way or the other, we are moving forward. The only time we look back is to see how far we have come. It is Wayne County fair week. It is a time to make new friends and for families to come together and enjoy each other. It is a time for us all to be grateful for what we have, of where we live, and to hold our heads high. Thank you to all of the service personnel, firefighters, equipment operators, sponsors, and neighbors. We are Wayne County and proud of it.
Wayne County is racing toward fair week faster than a speeding bullet and stronger than a locomotive.
Adus F. Dorsey II
TRUTH IN TAXATION HEARING: NOTICE OF TAX INCREASE
FAQ: Understanding the School District's 2025 Tax Rate Reset and What It Means for You
In the coming weeks you will be receiving your tax valuation notices. This year, you’ll probably notice an increase in your tax bill from the rates levied by the School District. We want to address some of the common questions regarding these tax rate changes.
Q: Why is the School District resetting its tax rates this year?
A: The District is resetting its tax rates for the Capital Local Levy, Board Local Levy, and Voted Local Levy to maintain eligibility for state matching funds. These rates are critical for receiving support from the State of Utah through funding mechanisms that reward local effort. Simply put: the State’s funding formulas require a minimum local levy to guarantee its matching funds. The district has reset its rates to the same levels as these proposed rates for many years. However, due to large valuation adjustments in the last two years the effects of this reset will be more pronounced than in past years.
Q: How do certified tax rates work in Utah?
A: Utah uses a system called the "certified tax rate" to ensure that tax levels remain stable even as home prices rise. As property values go up, the tax rate typically "floats" down, offsetting the impact of increasing home values. However, when a taxing entity proposes to collect more revenue than the certified amount, even at the same rates as previously approved rates, a process called "Truth in Taxation" is triggered.
Q: What is the Small Schools Capital Projects Fund, and why does it matter?
A: This is a special state fund designed to help small school districts—like ours—pay for capital projects, such as facility repairs, improvements, and new construction. To qualify for the maximum guarantee from the State, the District must maintain a Capital Local Levy tax rate of 0.002250. We initially adopted this rate in 2022 and are simply resetting it this year to remain eligible.
Q: What about the Board and Voted Local Levies?
A: In order to receive full matching revenues from the State, the combined rate of the Board and Voted Local Levies must equal 0.002 Previously, the State only required us to reset these rates every 5th year. The legislature made a change to this requirement in its last session which essentially will require us to reset these rates every year or every other year. Our District has historically set these levies at this combined level during previous resets. However, this year, with significant adjustments in home values, maintaining these same rates will result in a more noticeable impact on individual taxpayers
Q: Is this a new tax or a tax hike?
A: No, this is not a new tax. The rates are not being increased beyond what was previously established. What has changed is the market value of local properties. As property values rise, the same rate will generate more tax revenue per home. Property values have seen large adjustments in value in the last two years and therefore even small changes to rates will have a more noticeable impact.
Q: Why is the district pursuing state matching funds?
A: Matching funds from the State reduces the burden on local taxpayers long-term by providing significant additional revenue for our schools. By showing local effort—through maintaining certain minimum tax rates—we qualify for substantial state support, making our dollars go further.
Q: Where can I learn more or provide input?
A: The District will hold a public hearing as required under Utah’s Truth in Taxation law. This will provide an opportunity for taxpayers to ask questions and offer feedback. Details will be published in local media and on the district’s website.
Bottom Line: The School District is continuing its long-term strategy of keeping rates stable while securing critical state funding. The resulting increase in your tax bill is tied to adjusted property values—not new local taxation. Although this will result in an increase to local property taxes, this keeps overall rates lower long-term because it optimizes revenues received from the State. For further information or to speak directly with District officials, you may contact: Lane Mecham, Business Administrator lane.mecham@garfk12.org
Out and About for the Summer
Photo Gallery: 2025 Garfield County Fair
by Jaynie Connor
PHS Sports Sidelines
by Mack Oetting
The high school season has started with a bang, and we have a lot of sports going on. Our volleyball team has five games against 2A teams to start off the season. Their first game was away, against Millard, and the Cats took them to four games before losing. This Thursday the 14th, Kanab will be here, and the next night, Beaver comes to town. Both teams should make for some really good games. On the 20th, they go up to south Sevier. This should be a fun year, and the team is loaded with a lot of good sophomores.
Baseball also got started at the annual Panguitch Tournament. The Cats played four games in two days. They beat Valley, Altamont and Bryce Valley, with only one loss against Piute. These tournaments are tough because your
pitchers can only throw so many pitches. So you almost need four pitchers to win all of the games. The Cats had a game last night here against Green River, and then it will be the Valley Tournament on the 15-16. Their next home game will be on the 22nd against Bryce Valley.
Our football team's first kickoff game will be at Milford on the 15th. Milford has been playing football for many years as a 2A team. Escalante was supposed to play a game on the 22nd, but they only have five players.
Cross country has their first outing this Saturday the 16th at the Richfield Invitational. They have a meet on the 23rd at the SUU Invitational and at Valley on the 26th. Then we have our cross country meet on September 11.
Lori Spencer Porter
2025 Garfield County Fair Miss Garfield Rodeo Queen Charmayne Porter (center), Junior Miss winner Lena Labrant (right), and Little Miss winner Lila Magoon (left) at the 2025 Garfield County Fair Rodeo Queen Contest on Wednesday, August 6.
Courtesy Shannon Fawson
Miss Garfield County Royalty take a spin around the arena at the Garfield County Fair Rodeo held at Ruby’s Inn Rodeo Arena on August 6.
Courtesy Shannon Fawson Ava Torgersen Dummy Roping at the Triple C Arena on August 7 during the 2025 Garfield County Fair.
Tera Connor
Abigail Gray creates her own custom fair button on August 8 inside the Garfield County Fair building in Panguitch during the 2025 Garfield County Fair.
Tera Connor Tera Connor Jaynie Connor
Jaynie Connor
Ty Miller shows off his new 2025 Reserve Showman belt buckle with his dad, Lance, during the 2025 Garfield County Fair on August 8.
Elly Henrie during the Garfield County Fair Twinkie decorating contest on August 8 in the Garfield County Fair Building.
The Cacao family poses with their haul after the 2025 Garfield County Fair Fish Grab on August 9.
The GOATS, Josh and Colter Rushton, were the winners of the 2025 Garfield County Fair Horseshoe Tournament on August 9.
Courtesy Callie Ward
Rylee Ward and family. Rylee won the Livestock Show Reserve Champion Steer and Grand Champion Senior Showman on August 8 during the 2025 Garfield County Fair.
Watch Five California Condors Take Their First Flights in the Wild During the 29th Annual Public Condor Release
The 2024 public California Condor release at Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. The Peregrine Fund and the Bureau of Land Management Vermilion Cliffs National Monument are hosting a celebration on National Public Lands Day, Saturday, September 27, by releasing five captive-bred California Condors at 12 p.m. MDT/Utah time (11 a.m. MST/northern-Arizona condor time). The 29th annual event will be held in person at Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, with activities starting at 10:30 a.m. MDT/9:30 a.m. MST, and will be live-streamed via The Peregrine Fund’s YouTube Channel.
VERMILION
CLIFFS, AZ - The Peregrine Fund and the Bureau of Land Management
Vermilion Cliffs National Monument are hosting a celebration on National Public Lands Day, Saturday, September 27, by releasing five captive-bred California Condors at 12 p.m. MDT/Utah time (11 a.m. MST/northern-Arizona condor time). The 29th annual event will be held in person at Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, with activities starting at 10:30 a.m. MDT/9:30 a.m. MST, and will be live-streamed via The Peregrine Fund’s YouTube Channel.
The Arizona-Utah California Condor conservation effort is a cooperative program by federal, state, and private partners, including The Peregrine Fund, the Bureau of Land Management’s Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, the Bureau of Land Management in Utah (BLM), Arizona Game and Fish Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Grand Canyon, and Zion National Parks, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Kaibab and Dixie National Forests, and tribes (Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians [Kaibab-Paiute Tribe] and Navajo Nation), among many other supporting groups and individuals.
The first California Condor release at Vermilion Cliffs National Monument was on December 12, 1996. The Bureau of Land Management will host the 29th annual California Condor release at the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument Condor Release Site. “The BLM is happy to work alongside The Peregrine Fund and other state and federal agencies in supporting the recovery of this great species,” said BLM Vermilion Cliffs National Monument manager Robert Bate. “We are excited to host this event once again on-site and virtually so that the scope and reach of this incredible and successful collaborative recovery effort can continue to inspire people worldwide. The BLM is proud to host this event and manage the habitat and landscapes that allow these magnificent condors to thrive,” said Bate. “It is always exciting for us to have the op-
portunity to share our work with the public on National Public Lands Day,” said Tim Hauck, The Peregrine Fund’s California Condor Program Director. “It is a reminder of the tremendous comeback by this once nearly extinct species and the hard work and dedication of those who have fought, and those who continue to fight, day in and day out, to ensure we reach our ultimate goal of recovery. Now more than ever, it is a time to celebrate our public lands and the diversity of species, like the condor, that rely on these open spaces.”
In 2020, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the team took the celebration online, reaching more than 10,000 event viewers. The event will be live-streamed again in addition to the in-person event.
Because the condor team is unable to predict exactly when the birds will choose to leave their release pen, the live-stream event will have a picturein-picture set up with a camera trained on the release pen and will include videos and interviews with the condor biologists and conservationists who work with these massive birds. Viewers will also have their questions answered live by the condor team.
Those attending the event in person will have the opportunity to talk with condor biologists and ecosystem managers, learn about the birds and their habitat, and enjoy a festival-like atmosphere while waiting for five condors to
take their first flight from the Vermilion Cliffs. Details about the in-person event are below.
The young condors being released this fall were hatched at the Oregon Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park and will be transported to Vermilion Cliffs National Monument for release to the wild. Placements of captive-reared condors are determined to increase genetic diversity within the individual flocks.
The historical California Condor population declined to just twenty-two individuals in the 1980s when the California Condor Recovery Program was initiated to save the species from extinction. As of July 2025, there are eighty-two condors in the wild in the rugged canyon country of northern Arizona and southern Utah. The total world population of endangered California Condors numbers more than five hundred and sixty individuals, with more than three hundred and sixty flying free in Arizona, Utah, California, Oregon, and Mexico.
Information about attending the event in person:
Driving directions: Take Highway 89A from Kanab, Utah, or Page, Arizona to the Vermilion Cliffs (from Flagstaff, take Highway 89 to Highway 89A). Turn north onto BLM Road 1065 (a dirt road next to the small house just east of the Kaibab Plateau) and continue for almost three miles. If traveling from Utah, please
Coal Lease:
The BLM will soon open a public comment period on the fair market value and maximum economic recovery of the federal coal contained in the proposed lease area. The agency will also announce an in-person public meeting in the Federal Register and post details alongside the final environmental impact statement on the BLM National NEPA Register.
Coal Lease Cont'd from A1
nomic recovery of the federal coal contained in the proposed lease area. The agency will also announce an in-person public meet-
ing in the Federal Register and post details alongside the final environmental impact statement on the BLM National NEPA Register. —Bureau of Land Management
note the differences between time zones as the Release Pen will be opened at 12 p.m. MDT (11 a.m. MST, northern Arizona Condor Time)
• Event activities will begin at 10:30 a.m. MDT/9:30 a.m. MST, so please join all of the Condor Partners prior to the opening of the pen for a chance to learn more about the Recovery Program.
• Google Maps will guide you there by entering “Condor Viewing Site” in the search bar.
• Bring: Spotting scope or binoculars, sunscreen, hat, ample water, snacks, a chair, and layered clothing, as the closest facilities to obtain supplies are forty minutes from the remote release site.
Details: Informational kiosk, shade structure, and restroom at the site. Map: https://on.doi. gov/3dW2f4m For more information about The Peregrine Fund California Condor Recovery Project: https://peregrinefund.org/projects/ california-condor —The Peregrine Fund
Courtesy Andy Orr
DWR Proposes Updates to Mountain Goat and Bighorn Sheep Statewide Management Plans, Deer Unit Plans
Bighorn sheep in Zion National Park. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is proposing a few updates to the mountain goat and bighorn sheep statewide management plans during the midplan review, as well as a few updates to population objectives for deer on three hunting units in southeastern Utah. The DWR is seeking the public’s feedback on the proposals.
SALT LAKE CITY -
MOU process, as well as utilizing public hunters for bighorn disease prevention, whenever possible, while allowing the DWR to maintain management flexibility to preserve herd health.
The DWR is also proposing a few updates to deer population objectives on three hunting units in southeastern Utah.
Mule deer unit plans are revised on a five-year rotational schedule, incorporating data from the Utah Range Trend Monitoring Project and updates to the Utah Mule Deer Statewide Management Plan.
each of the five regional advisory council meetings and for the Utah Wildlife Board meeting. Public comments submitted within the online-comment timeframes listed below will be shared with the RAC and wildlife board members at each respective meeting. Members of the public can choose to either watch the meetings online or attend them in person. If you wish to comment during the meeting, you must attend in person. Online comments will only be accepted until the deadlines listed below. The meetings will be held on the following dates and times:
The Utah Mountain Goat Statewide Management Plan and the Utah Bighorn Sheep Statewide Management Plan are each
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is proposing a few updates to the mountain goat and bighorn sheep statewide management plans during the midplan review, as well as a few updates to population objectives for deer on three hunting units in southeastern Utah. The DWR is seeking the public’s feedback on the proposals.
ten-year plans that went into effect in 2018. Each plan is subject to review during that time frame. The DWR recently convened an advisory committee to review both plans. A few updates are being proposed, including:
Adding information
New Marquee: I've had the privilege of serving as PTO president for the past two school years, and as my term came to a close, I felt it was important to leave a lasting impact. With the funds we had worked so hard to raise, it felt vital to invest in a meaningful project that would benefit the school and community long after my time in the role.
—Brittney
Feller, former Panguitch Elementary Parent Teacher Organization president
about the process that occurs prior to a bighorn sheep transplant (regarding the public process and writing unit/mitigation plans)
Adding information about involving public hunters in disease prevention and response incidents (while also prioritizing herd health and fair chase standards)
Adding Fremont Island as a potential site for future Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep reintroduction
• Adding the Boulder hunting unit as a potential location for future desert bighorn sheep reintroduction
The statewide plan directs that unit plans with minor updates are reviewed and approved by the DWR director. However, unit plans with significant changes, including changes to population objectives and/or unit boundaries, should be presented to the public through Regional Advisory Council meetings and then approved by the Utah Wildlife Board.
The DWR is proposing increases to population objectives for deer on the La Sal, La Sal Mountains unit; the Manti/San Rafael unit; and the San Juan, Abajos unit. These increases are due to changes in statewide modeling efforts, which have caused an increased shift in current population estimates and now exceed current population objectives. The proposed changes to the unit plans include:
Central Utah RAC meeting: Aug. 26 at 6 p.m. at the DWR Springville Office at 1115 N. Main St. in Springville. (Online comments must be submitted by Aug. 21 at 11:59 p.m.)
Northern Utah RAC meeting: Aug. 27 at 6 p.m. at the Weber County Commission Chambers at 2380 Washington Blvd. #240 in Ogden. (Online comments must be submitted by Aug. 21 at 11:59 p.m.)
New Marquee
Cont'd from A1
emerged during conversations focused on improving family engagement and connecting the wider community with school events and important announcements.
Former PTO President Brittney Feller spearheaded the project. “We found it very unusual our brand new school opened without a sign," said Feller. "After a couple of great years of fundraising, we felt it was time to use that momentum to do something exciting and significant for the school...I've had the privilege of serving as PTO president for the past two school years, and as my term came to a close, I felt it was important to leave a lasting impact. With the funds we had worked so hard to raise, it felt vital to invest in a meaningful project that would benefit the school and community long after my time in the role.”
Feller said that she hopes that the new marquee becomes more than just a sign. "It’s a tool that helps us build stronger communication and connection within our school community,” said Feller. The PTO wants to keep things clear and timely when it comes to communication because they know how important it is to get families involved, and until now, they hadn’t really nailed down a consistent way to share updates, reminders, and celebrations with parents and the community.
The new marquee now provides the PTO and PES with a platform to showcase everything from school events and important dates to student accomplishments and com-
munity collaborations. For a small institution like Panguitch Elementary, this level of visibility is significant. It ensures that families stay informed, students receive recognition, and the entire community feels more engaged with the activities occurring within the school.
“Beyond just the practical side, I also see the marquee as a symbol of what we can accomplish together," said Feller. "This project was made possible through the collective efforts of our families, staff, and local businesses, and I hope it stands as a reminder of that partnership and pride in our school.” The sign was made possible through fundraising efforts and generous donations by individuals and the community. At the base of the sign, a plaque acknowledges all those who contributed to its creation.
Feller stressed that you should not underestimate the power of community support when fundraising for school projects. "Fundraising for a big project can feel overwhelming at first, but if you’re clear about your goal and why it matters, people will rally behind you," said Feller. "Be transparent, communicate often, and celebrate progress along the way—it keeps families and local partners engaged. Also, stay patient and persistent. Big projects take time, but if your group stays focused and organized, it’s absolutely doable—and incredibly rewarding when it all comes together.”
Feller highlights the tremendous support the community has shown for PTO fundraising initiatives over the past few years. The PTO has also taken part in events such as Panguitch City's Main Street Halloween celebration, where they raised money while
engaging with local families. At school, they organized enjoyable and interactive activities like Penny Wars—a lively competition between classrooms—with their most successful event to date being the Fun Run Fundraiser, which received remarkable participation and support. A fun run fundraiser is a non-competitive running or walking event designed to raise money for a cause, organization, or community project. It’s called a “fun run” because the focus is on participation and enjoyment rather than competition or race times.
Feller praised the local businesses and donors, “But truly, the backbone of our fundraising has been our local businesses. They’ve consistently stepped up by donating food, drinks, supplies, and funds whenever we’ve asked. Their generosity has made a huge difference and helped turn our goals into reality.”
Annette and Earl Jolley—the owners of Jolley Development, a company based in Salt Lake City— were both major supporters and contributors to the sign project. Annette, the daughter of Kay Hatch, who served as the longtime secretary at PES, wanted to give back to the school in her mother's honor. This school sign was also made possible thanks to the generous contributions of time, funding, materials, and expertise from the following supporters: 2025 PES Parent Teacher Organization, 2025 Garfield County School Board, Joe's Main Street Market, Panguitch Prevention Coalition, Western Rock, South Central Communications, Wilson Orthodontics, YESCO, Garfield Ready Mix, Timberline Plumbing, RMS Electric, and Big Fish Handyman & General Contracting.
• Adding a few other clerical updates to documents and references
• Updating state code references in both plans to reflect recent legislative changes
“These plans are really important in guiding our objectives to maintain healthy mountain goat and bighorn sheep populations in Utah,” DWR Once-ina-Lifetime Species Coordinator Rusty Robinson said. “We really appreciate those who serve on the committees and provide input on these plans and the associated updates.”
In addition, the advisory committee expressed interest in prioritizing a more streamlined approach to the bighorn removal
• Increasing the population objective on the La Sal, La Sal Mountains unit from 8,000 to 11,500 Increasing the population objective on the Manti/San Rafael unit from 28,000 to 38,000
• Increasing the population objective on the San Juan, Abajos unit from 13,500 to 17,000
Give feedback
The public meetings for the recommendations can either be viewed virtually or attended in person. You can view the biologists' presentations before the meetings and share your feedback about them on the DWR website. The presentations are also available on the DWR YouTube channel, but comments can only be submitted through the forms on the DWR website.
The public comment period opened Aug. 5 for
• Southern Utah RAC meeting: Sept. 2 at 6 p.m. at the DNR Richfield City Complex at 2031 Industrial Park Road in Richfield. (Online comments must be submitted by Aug. 28 at 11:59 p.m.)
• Southeastern Utah RAC meeting: Sept. 3 at 6 p.m. at the John Wesley Powell Museum at 1765 E. Main St. in Green River. (Online comments must be submitted by Aug. 28 at 11:59 p.m.)
Northeastern Utah RAC meeting: Sept. 4 at 6 p.m. at the DWR Vernal Office at 318 N. Vernal Ave. (Online comments must be submitted by Aug. 28 at 11:59 p.m.)
• Utah Wildlife Board meeting: Sept. 18 at 9 a.m. at the Eccles Wildlife Education Center at 1157 South Waterfowl Way in Farmington. (Online comments must be submitted by Sept. 10 at 11:59 p.m.)
—Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
Courtesy Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
Restoration Project:
A full replacement will ensure safety for the citizens of Panguitch, reliable water storage for the farmers, and continued recreation for locals and tourists.
—David Dodds, Garfield County Public Works Director
Restoration Project
Cont'd from A1
the water level of the reservoir and built an emergency spillway to avert overtopping. At the time, residents living downstream, including those in Panguitch, were informed about evacuation routes in the event of a dam failure.
After the emergency stabilization, a comprehensive geotechnical and structural assessment was carried out. The results indicated that a thorough reconstruction of the dam was essential, rather than just superficial patch repairs. Engineers from Horrocks Engineers, in partnership with the West Panguitch Irrigation Company, commenced the development of new designs that adhere to contemporary safety standards. The revamped dam will feature enhanced spillways, fortified embankments, and improved seepage control systems, all aimed at ensuring compliance with current seismic and hydrological requirements.
Last fall, the Panguitch Lake reservoir level was reduced in preparation for the winter snow load, ensuring that the water wouldn't rise high enough to inflict further damage on the existing dam structure. Water levels were lowered to a point that was about half empty. Despite allowing such a significant amount of water to flow through, there remained sufficient water for irrigation this year for the community, even amid the drought conditions. West Panguitch Irrigation Company's current president, Allen Henrie, stated, “We normally allocate about 12,000 acre feet of water out there, and we are allocating 8,000 feet. But it's still going to be enough to get us through the season.”
According to Garfield County Public Works Director David Dodds, the goal of the reconstruction project is to fully replace the Panguitch Lake Dam because the partial failure compromised both its safety and storage capacity. "After looking at potential options between
repair and replacement, we decided replacement would be the best option since the existing one is approximately 150 years old," said Dodds. "A full replacement will ensure safety for the citizens of Panguitch, reliable water storage for the farmers, and continued recreation for locals and tourists."
The reconstruction project needed comprehensive permitting, which involved adhering to Utah’s Stream Alteration Program and obtaining the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ PGP-10 permit. These permits were approved in June 2025, following thorough biological surveys, hydrology reports, and environmental assessments. The project team worked in close collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service, as Panguitch Lake is located within the Dixie National Forest, and the construction will impact federally managed land.
The restoration project is being funded by a legislative appropriation from the State of Utah through the Division of Water Resources. "Governor Spencer Cox and several members of the state legislature recognized the need to solve this issue quickly. Many of them toured the area personally, and we owe them our appreciation,” said Dodds. Members who supported the project include Governor Spencer Cox; Congresswoman Celeste Maloy; Don L. Ipson, who serves and represents the 29th District of the Utah State Senate and hails from Panguitch; Carl Albrecht, who has been serving in the Utah House of Representatives for the 70th District since 2017; Evan J. Vickers, a member of the Utah State Senate representing District 28 and also born in Panguitch; and Garfield County Commissioner Leland Pollock.
The Utah State Legislature has awarded the project five million dollars. The total cost, as of now, for the complete reconstruction is projected at $3.7 million. Various funding sources have been identified to support this effort. The Legislature has allocated significant funding through state infrastructure appropriations.
Garfield County has contributed local funds and managed early emergency stabilization expenses. Meanwhile, the West Panguitch Irrigation Company, which owns the dam, has limited financial resources and is dependent on public assistance to fund the rebuilding process.
According to Henrie, construction is tentatively scheduled to begin October 1st, with the possibility of extending through winter, depending on conditions. The project is aimed for completion in 2026, at which point full reservoir functionality will be restored.
“We will begin construction this fall once the irrigation season is over. This will allow our farmers to finish irrigating their crops this summer, and, with lake levels lowered, we should be able to work more efficiently. I know most of our local residents regularly fish and spend time at the lake, and we hope the new dam will help us continue to do those things for several generations,” said Dodds.
Henrie stated that they are hoping that they can get most of the concrete work done in a month or six weeks, but there are some limitations. Certain custom elements, such as the head gate, will need extra time for fabrication. In general, the aim is to complete it by late winter 2026 to effectively capture the spring runoff.
Panguitch Lake serves as a vital component of the local economy. It not only acts as a storage facility to enhance irrigation for valley farmers, but it also attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year, providing substantial economic support to the community.
“We want to thank everyone who volunteered their time and equipment to help stabilize the dam during the emergency, including those who updated evacuation plans and monitored the dam around the clock," said Dodds. Dodds also recognize the governor, and state representatives who were instrumental in securing funding, and the Dam Safety team and Forest Service personnel for their help in navigating the regulatory requirements for the project.
Wayne Commission:
A request by a representative of Color Country Animal Welfare to hold the group’s annual fundraiser on September 6 at the animal shelter, a new $50 billion federal Rural Transformation Fund, and approval of an MOU to continue the county’s senior nutrition and Meals on Wheels programs discussed. Five EMTs are recognized for saving a life during a recent cardiac emergency.
Wayne Commission Cont'd from A1
tions and animal transfers during emergencies. He also shared that CCAW is working with the fire district to develop a plan for sheltering pets and livestock if a disaster like the recent Monroe Fire were to strike locally. “We’re building a plan and a standard operating procedure so we can be ready for the community,” Keswani said.
Wayne Community Health Center CEO Donavan Smith addressed the commission about a new $50 billion federal Rural Transformation Fund. While the State of Utah plans to apply for the funding, the current proposal would direct most money to large hospitals before filtering any to rural clinics. Smith is advocating for a set percentage to go directly to federally qualified health
centers like Wayne’s, which are specifically named in the legislation. Possible uses for the funds include a mobile clinic, technology upgrades, and expanded prescription services. He asked commissioners to use their contacts with state officials to help ensure local health centers receive a fair share. Commissioners voiced strong support, with Commissioner Cook stating funds “should start at the bottom and go up” instead of the other way around.
EMS Director Tiffany Martineau honored five Wayne County EMTs— Andy and Cena Rasmussen, Julie Chappell, Wesley Barclay, and Albert Pacal—for saving a life during a recent cardiac emergency. Their rapid recognition and intervention stabilized the patient until air transport could provide further care. Pins recogniz-
ing their lifesaving work will be presented later this week. Commissioners praised the EMTs’ skill, dedication, and countless volunteer hours.
The commission approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the R-6 Regional Council on Aging to continue the county’s senior nutrition and Meals on Wheels programs. The agreement includes $10,000 in county funds and ongoing collaboration with local volunteers. Commissioners noted that the program’s personal visits are “as important as the meal itself.” Vouchers were approved, and the meeting adjourned without additional business.
The Wayne County Commission meets the first and third Monday of every month at the Wayne County Courthouse in Loa.
Chipping: The Wayne County Fire District will once again be offering a free branch and tree chipping program this September 8th -11th for property owners wishing to reduce their fire risk in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI).
Chipping Cont'd from A1
fire that could destroy your property and your neighbors' property. Also, keep any flammables at least five feet from buildings, remove dead trees and brush at least thirty feet away— better yet, within one hundred feet—and reduce any flammable material along driveways and roads so that you can get out, and we can get in and out safely.
Lengths of branches or trees can be up to ten feet long and up to ten inches in diameter, as long as a couple of crew members can feed them into the chipper. Piles must be placed perpendicular to a road or driveway with the thicker end pointed toward the access. Brush can NOT be chipped. Roots, rocks and dirt can ruin the chipper. To get on the chipping list, email wcfd0601@gmail. com with your name, address, phone, the amount of time it takes you to do your
fuel reduction work, and a brief description of your material to be chipped. GPS coordinates are helpful also. We will leave you the chip pile for mulch or other purposes. Please make your reservation by September 2. If you do not give us all the information that we request, you will not be put on the list, so we need all of that information, please. If you think that untrimmed trees and flammable materials near your buildings are going to be okay without your work, you are sadly mistaken. Look no further than the Monroe Canyon fire. For almost ten years, Utah State Forestry, the US Forest Service, BLM and private partners planned and executed a fuel reduction program on public and private land on Monroe Mountain to help protect private and public resources. Many of the houses that have been saved were defensible because of all the work that
Wahweap Ramp:
was done. The previous prescribed burns have also made fighting that catastrophic fire more successful where heavy fuels have been eliminated. Fifteen hundred firefighters have used those fuel breaks to construct fire lines and protect homes and open areas. Wayne County fire crews have been deployed several times for structure protection, and we all should be very grateful to them and the other crews working in extremely dangerous conditions. These conditions are the worst that we have seen in more than eighty-six years. Drought, low humidity and strong winds make for a perfect storm of risk. Please, do your part to keep Wayne County safe. Follow fire restrictions, and spread the word. Go to https://utahfiresense. org for info on how to be part of the solution.
—Wayne County Fire District
We recognize that changes to ramp access can be frustrating, especially during the busy season. Limiting use to smaller vessels is a necessary step to protect visitor safety, reduce the risk of accidents, and protect boats and park infrastructure from potential damage. The nearby Stateline Ramp remains fully open and available for all users, though we encourage visitors to plan ahead for potential delays during peak times.
Wahweap Ramp Cont'd from A1
launching and retrieval. All other services at Wahweap are fully open.
"We recognize that changes to ramp access can be frustrating, especially during the busy season." said Jake Ohlson, Acting Superintendent of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. "Limiting use to smaller vessels is a necessary step to protect visitor safety, reduce the risk of accidents, and protect boats and park infrastructure from potential
—Jake Ohlson, Acting Superintendent of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
damage. The nearby Stateline Ramp remains fully open and available for all users, though we encourage visitors to plan ahead for potential delays during peak times."
At the north end of Lake Powell, Halls Crossing Ramp is currently closed. Bullfrog Ramps remain open and available for use. The National Park Service is actively monitoring conditions and will provide updates on low water inputs to park infrastructure. Boaters are encouraged to check the park
website and social media channels for the most upto-date ramp status before visiting. Plan Ahead: It is the vessel operator’s responsibility to know the minimum water depth required for launching your boat based on the characteristics of your vessel and trailer. Boaters are strongly encouraged to check the operational status of their preferred launch site before launching using the additional resources listed below. —National
Legal Notices
INVITATION FOR BIDS FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO BRYCE CANYON AIRPORT
& APRON REHABILITATION
HARDSTAND
BRYCE CANYON, UTAH AIP NO. 3-49-0041-028/029-2025
Online bids for improvements to the Bryce Canyon Airport will be received by the Garfield County through Quest CDN at www.hwlochner.com beginning on August 20, 2025 and extend through bid closing on August 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. (MDT).
The work involved includes the following: SCHEDULE I Apron Reconstruction SCHEDULE II Concrete Hardstand Construction
A digital download of Project Documents and other related contract information may be ordered online at www.hwlochner.com. These project documents may be downloaded for $60.00. Payment must be made directly to QuestCDN. This cost includes access to online bidding. There will be no refunds. The QuestCDN project number is 9809455. Bid quantities and schedules may be viewed prior to purchase under the “view bid documents” section on QuestCDN.
Each bid must be accompanied by a Bid Bond executed by a Surety Company in an amount not less than five (5) percent of the total bid made payable to Garfield County
The Bidder must supply all the information required by the proposal forms and specifications and must bid on all items of every schedule. Garfield County reserves the right to waive any informality in, or to reject any or all portions of, the various bid items. No proposal may be withdrawn for a period of one hundred twenty (120) days from the opening thereof.
A MANDATORY virtual pre-bid meeting for all prospective bidders will be held via Microsoft Teams on August 14, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. (MDT). Meeting access instructions will be sent to all plan holders or you may request an invitation to the pre-bid meeting by contacting Connor Butterfield with Lochner at cbutterfield@hwlochner. com. Prospective bidders that would like to tour the project site shall schedule your visit with Tye Ramsay, Airport Manager at (435) 676-1162.
The proposed contract is subject to:
• Affirmative Action (41 CFR Part 60-4, Executive Order 11246)
Buy American Preference (Title 49 USC § 50101, Executive Order 14005, Pub. L. No. 117-58, and BABA)
Civil Rights Title VI Assurance (49 USC § 47123 and FAA Order 1400-11)
• Davis Bacon Act (40 USC §§ 3141-3144, 3146, and 3147), as amended
• Debarment and Suspension restrictions (2 CFR Part 180)
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) (Department of Transportation Regulations 49 CFR Part 26)
Federal Fair Labor Standards Act – Federal Minimum Wage (29 USC § 201, et seq, 2 CFR § 200.430).
Lobby Federal Employee restrictions (21 USC § 1352)
Procurement of Recovered Materials requirements (Section 6002 of the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, and the regulatory provisions of 40 CFR Part 247)
• Trade Restriction Certification
Any questions regarding this project are to be directed to Connor Butterfield at cbutterfield@hwlochner.com or the office of Lochner, Salt Lake City, Utah, (801) 6448294 for interpretation.
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on AUGUST 7, 14 & 21, 2025
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 Sep. 10, 2025 either electronically using the Division`s on-line Protest of Application form, by hand delivery to a Division office, or by mail at PO Box 146300, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6300. Please visit waterrights.utah.gov or call (801)538-7240 for additional information.
GARFIELD COUNTY
CHANGE APPLICATION(S)
61-3579 (a53439): RJW Legacy, LLC propose(s) using 0.0158 cfs OR 7 ac-ft. from groundwater (WSW of Hatch near Limerock Cyn) for COMMERCIAL: Limerock Dark Sky Glamping Resort.
61-3556 (a53446): William L Bernard Trust Agreement dated October 19, 2005 propose(s) using 0.0032 cfs OR 0.25 ac-ft. from groundwater (5.8 miles S of Panguitch Lake) for DOMESTIC.
WAYNE COUNTY
NEW APPLICATION(S)
95-5576 (A84739): Randal Clark propose(s) using 0.015 cfs OR 0.51 ac-ft. from groundwater (1.5 miles west of Grover, UT) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION.
95-5577 (A84740): Matthew Clark propose(s) using 0.015 cfs OR 0.51 ac-ft. from groundwater (Grover, UT) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION.
95-5578 (A84741): Nathan Clark propose(s) using 0.015 cfs OR 0.51 ac-ft. from groundwater (Grover, UT) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION.
CHANGE APPLICATION(S)
95-5346 (a53480): USA National Park Service propose(s) using 0.008 cfs OR 0.64 ac-ft. from groundwater (15 miles SE of Torrey) for IRRIGATION.
Teresa Wilhelmsen, P.E.
State Engineer
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on AUGUST 14 & 21, 2025
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
• Registered Behavior Technician at Bryce Valley Elementary
• Half-Time Music/Band/Drama Teacher at Bryce Valley High
• Para/Custodian/Food Service at Boulder Elementary
• Administrator/Teacher for Garfield Online Elementary
• Substitute/Activity Bus Drivers
• Para-Professionals/Aides at Bryce Valley, Panguitch Schools
• 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 Call 435-676-3653 The only requirement is the desire to stop drinking. FOR RENT
APT FOR RENT
Employment Opportunity | Wayne County Road Department
Position:
Full time with benefits
Construction / Maintenance Mechanic/ Noxious weed control
Required Duties and Responsibilities:
Be a Team Player—Work well with others
Qualified applicant must possess the ability to perform entry levelconstruction, repair, maintenance, and up keep of county roads, bridges, culverts and flood channels.
Knowledge and qualifications to locate and treat noxious weeds and operation of Weed-mosquito abatement spraying equipment. Understanding of regulations relating to chemical storage and application, (training provided.)
Some mosquito abatement duties may require working evenings.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Utah Commercial Drivers License
• Willingness and ability to obtain chemical applicator licensing
• Entry-level knowledge of;
• General maintenance and construction,
• Vehicle repair and specialized equipment operations.
$$ PAYING TOP DOLLAR $$ for Sports Card Collections & Pokemon. Premium Paid for Vintage. Please leave a detailed message and phone number. Call Corey 541-838-0364.
2BR/1BA partially furnished No Smoking, No Pets at 35 N. Main St., Panguitch Above Straight Arrow Saddlery Call 801-870-8004 Wayne Community Health Center
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
General Purpose: This is an entry-level position, which includes job training and experience. The position will report directly to the Wayne County Road Foreman and Supervisor.
Wayne County is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration without regard to political, religious or labor organization affiliation or non-affiliation, marital status, race, color, sex, age, national origin, or non-disqualifying physical or mental handicap.
Applications can be picked up at the Wayne County Clerk's Office. Please include cover letter and resume. Job is open until filled. Call the Wayne County Clerk's Office at 435-836-1300 with any questions.
Job Title: Custodian Reports to: Facilities Manager Position Type: Part-Time Position Summary: The Medical Office Custodian is responsible for ensuring a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for patients, staff, and visitors at Wayne Community Health Centers (WCHC) facilities. This position plays a crucial role in maintaining infection control standards by adhering to strict cleaning protocols and healthcare-specific sanitation guidelines. Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Perform daily cleaning and sanitization of exam rooms, waiting areas, offices, restrooms, hallways, and common spaces.
• Follow established healthcare cleaning protocols to disinfect high-touch surfaces, medical/dental equipment exteriors, and other sensitive areas.
• Empty, clean, and disinfect trash receptacles, replace liners, and dispose of medical and regular waste according to safety guidelines.
• Sweep, mop, vacuum, and polish floors as required.
• Replenish supplies such as paper towels, toilet paper, hand soap, and sanitizer dispensers.
• Assist with deep cleaning and special project cleaning (e.g., floor waxing, carpet shampooing) as scheduled.
• Respond promptly to spills, contamination incidents, or other urgent cleaning needs.
• Maintain inventory of cleaning supplies and notify supervisor when reordering is needed.
• Report maintenance or safety issues immediately to appropriate personnel. Lock and unlock assigned buildings, secure rooms, and set alarms as directed.
• Support emergency cleaning efforts after facility incidents (e.g., infectious disease exposure, weather events).
• Follow OSHA, HIPAA, and infection control regulations, including the proper handling of biohazardous materials.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
Qualifications:
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous custodial or janitorial experience required; healthcare setting preferred.
• Knowledge of cleaning methods, materials, and equipment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Basic understanding of infection prevention and control standards.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, stand for long periods, and perform physical tasks.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality work.
• Reliable, punctual, and trustworthy.
Work Environment:
• Primarily works indoors in a clinical or administrative setting.
• Exposure to cleaning chemicals, biohazards, and bodily fluids (with appropriate PPE provided).
• Regular use of cleaning equipment and tools.
Supervision and Evaluation:
• Reports directly to the Facilities Manager
• Performance evaluated annually and as needed based on quality, reliability, and compliance with WCHC standards.
If interested please send resume to AmberLee Ellett, aellett@waynechc.org.
