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Thursday, August 20, 2026

Wildfire Preparedness: What Every Utahn Should Know

Panguitch Lake Dam Reconstruction Nears Completion, in Conjunction with Water Quality Improvement Project

Garfield County Commission

by Jaynie Connor

Aug. 10, 2026

by J. Bradley Washa | Utah State University Extension Assistant Professor of Wildland Fire Science UTAH ‑ Utah entered the 2026 fire season with heightened concerns about wildfire, given the record-low snowpack. This concern has materialized as wildfires have burned across Utah with nearly eight hundred wildfires and approaching half a million acres burned. As of the beginning of August, Utah has experienced 794 wildfires that have burned 495,225 acres. Of these fires, 412 were human‑caused, 322 were caused by lightning, and 60 have a cause yet to be determined. Despite a brief notch downward in fire danger in the last half of July due to monsoonal moisture, fire activity remains high at mid-to upper elevations. The potential for large wildfires is expected to continue into September within all

Issue #1681

insiderutah.com

by Kathryn Chamberlain

Panguitch Dam

GARFIELD CO. ‑ During the Aug. 10th Garfield County Commission meeting, Commissioner Tebbs discussed public lands and monument reductions following his attendance at the One Utah Summit. Tebbs pushed back against claims that reducing monument boundaries would lead to public lands being sold. “These aren’t for sale,” he said, adding that the lands remain protected under federal laws. He called claims to the contrary “propaganda” because “it’s not based in truth.” Chairman Pollock continued the discussion, saying what people hear from special interest groups is often “absolutely opposite of actual on-theground facts.” He named the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, Sierra Club, Wild Utah and the WilderGarfield Commission

Cont'd on B3

Cont'd on A3

Jaynie Connor

More than two years after a 60-foot crack in the Panguitch Lake Dam triggered a state of emergency and raised alarms about the safety of nearby communities, the new dam is approaching completion and is anticipated to be finished after the current irrigation season concludes, at which point the contractor will install the remaining hydraulics and headgate. Following the completion of this work, the old dam will be dismantled and removed. PANGUITCH ‑ More than two years after a 60‑ foot crack in the Panguitch Lake Dam triggered a state of emergency and raised alarms about the safety of nearby communities, the new dam is approach-

ing completion. Initially launched as an urgent response to a failing structure, the project has transformed into a comprehensive initiative aimed at enhancing the long‑term safety, reliability, and environmental health of

Panguitch Lake. The new dam is anticipated to be finished after the current irrigation season concludes, at which point the contractor will install the remaining hydraulics and headgate. Following the completion of

Discover Cooler Days & Safe Summer Adventures at Bryce Canyon N.P.

Head to Utah’s High-Elevation Areas for Great Fishing in August

$20K Raised for Academic Scholarship at Newman Construction Benefit Shootout in Lyman in Memory of Aaron Wood

Preparedness Cont'd on B3

Courtesy National Park Service

With average elevations at 8,000 feet, Bryce Canyon National Park offers a cool escape from the summer heat. BRYCE - Visitors to Bryce Canyon National Park can enjoy sweeping views of the park’s remarkable geodiversity while taking advantage of cooler temperatures at overlooks that sit near 8,000 feet. When surrounding areas reach triple‑digit heat, many of the park’s viewpoints can be up to twenty degrees cooler, offering an appealing retreat for those seeking fresh air and dramatic scenery. “Bryce Canyon National Park’s overlooks offer views of some of the most exquisite forma-

tions,” said Allana Olbrich, superintendent of Bryce Canyon National Park. “We want to help visitors enjoy their experience and take home memories that last a lifetime. We also want to help them do so safely, and having good information and awareness of the conditions they may encounter in these natural environments can make all the difference in creating those lasting memories.” As August and September bring monsoon conditions to the southBryce Canyon Cont'd on B2

REGIONAL WEATHER FORECAST

SALT LAKE CITY While there are a lot of great reservoirs and ponds close to home where you can fish in Utah, the Beehive State also offers some excellent high-elevation fishing options. An added bonus for heading into the mountains to fish is that you can also escape the heat. If you are planning any stream or high-elevation lake fishing to wrap up summer and kick off fall, here are a few things to know. When to go Utah’s high‑elevation streams and lakes typically provide great fishing from July until late September or early October. Before you head to these Fishing Cont'd on B2

this work, the old dam will be dismantled and removed. In April 2024, following a tip from a local resident, officials uncovered a

by Dave Cushing

Dave Cushing

About 200 people turned out at the Horse Valley Ranch in Lyman on August 8th for a skeet-shooting fundraiser in memory of Aaron Wood, who grew up in the town, graduated from Wayne County High School, and went on to spend 26 years with Newman Construction in Riverton. LYMAN - About 200 people turned out at the Horse Valley Ranch in Lyman on August 8th for a skeet-shooting fun-

draiser in memory of Aaron Wood, who grew up in the town, graduated from Wayne County High School, and went on

to spend 26 years with Newman Construction Benefit Shootout Cont'd on A5

UPCOMING EVENTS... Bryce Canyon Fly-In & Car Show

August 22

Escalante Canyons Art Festival

Sept. 18-27

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

THURS. AUGUST 20 - WED. AUGUST 26

Thunderstorms again in the forecast Saturday-Tuesday, with highs in the 80s; lows in the 50s. Winds steady from 9 to 11 mph. **Weather is subject to Change

Mirrors should think longer before they reflect. —Jean Cocteau

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

The Insider

August 20, 2026

Utah’s Intense, Dangerous Fire Season Could Be Its Most Expensive by Annie Knox | Utah News Dispatch

Courtesy Samuel P Barlow Jr via Utah Fire Info

A firefighter looks over a burned area from the Rocky Canyon Fire near Henefer, Utah, in a photo shared by fire officials on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026. making it Utah’s second‑ biggest wildfire year on record. In 2007, the season topped out at about 629,200 acres. This year has been a perfect storm. Record-low snowpack, warm winter temperatures and stubborn drought primed forests to burn hot and fast, state officials said. They were alarmed when a forest fire was smoldering in the Uinta Mountains in March, noting slopes there are usually covered in snow that early in the year. Gov. Spencer Cox has noted Utah’s been saving up for big years, building up its wildfire fund to more than $120 million. He and other state officials are floating the idea of freeing up other sources of state funding. Utah Rep. Carl Albrecht, chair of the House Natural Resources Committee, told FOX 13 he’s been speaking with legislative leaders about opening up “rainy day” funds for firefighting, flood mitigation and aiding in community recovery. The federal govern-

ment picks up most of the state’s firefighting costs. Updated totals from the Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands put last year’s overall firefighting cost at roughly $240 million, with the state’s share at $36 million, Snyder said. Already this summer, federal funding is on the way, including to offset costs of battling the Cottonwood Fire near Beaver and the Cherry Fire in Juab and Tooele counties. On Monday, the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced it approved Utah’s request for aid in battling the Rocky Canyon Fire in Morgan and Summit Counties, which was burning Tuesday, August 11, at more than 14,000 acres and was 23% contained after forcing evacuations in Henefer. While FEMA didn’t say how much money it anticipates sending, the agency pledged to cover 75% of firefighting costs it deems eligible, noting individual homes and business owners don’t qualify. And under an agreement signed by Cox and

the U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz, the state and feds will both chip in more than $9 million to help with the aftermath of the Cottonwood Fire that torched more than 97,000 acres east of Beaver in July. Utah’s share will come from the state’s wildfire fund, according to the governor’s office. And that’s to say nothing of the human cost. Two pilots died in a helicopter crash while fighting the Widemouth 2 Fire in southern Utah. In an earlier tragedy in June, three members of a “helitack” crew died when they were trapped in a burnover incident on the Utah‑Colorado border, and a fourth later died of the burn injuries. A surviving crew member was hospitalized. “There’s a lot of people grieving right now,” Snyder said. “When we have a loss, it impacts us all.” This article was originally published on utahnewsdispatch.com on August 11, 2026.

Letters to the Editor Send us your letters.

Thank You teers, the county commissioners, department heads, and everyone that lent a hand to make this a successful county fair! I would also

like to give a huge shout out to the city workers. They were instrumental in setting up and tearing down the fair. The county jail and the in-

P.O. Box 105 Escalante, UT 84726 435-826-4400 email snapshot@live.com OUR MISSION: to foster community connection, civic engagement, economic resilience and journalistic integrity for rural southern Utah.

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 just wanted to thank everyone who participated in this year’s Garfield County Fair. I would also like to thank all the volun-

Insider

The

UTAH ‑ Utah has burned through an estimated $33 million to fight raging wildfires this year, putting the state on track to outspend last year’s record total. Inflation is partly to blame. But the rising cost also reflects the sheer size of this year’s fires, their encroachment on communities and the intense heat, drought and wind making them more resistant to containment, said Wade Snyder, deputy state fire management officer with the Division of Forestry, Fire & State Lands. Then there’s the fact that it’s only August, and firefighters often battle fires into September. “We’re not out of the woods yet,” Snyder said Monday, August 10. He said the estimated $33 million spent so far may grow by another third. He also cautioned that the numbers are preliminary and the exact costs won’t be sorted out for some time. So far this year, more than 532,000 acres have burned across the state,

mates, led by Steve Floyd, cannot be thanked enough. Lance Miller, Garfield County Fair Chairman

Publisher: Erica Walz Layout & Graphic Design: Emily Leach Reporter: Amiee Maxwell Reporter: Jaynie Connor Reporter: Kathryn Chamberlain Payroll: Trudy Stowe Illustrator: Kadi Franson

Local columnists:

Mack Oetting - FYI Panguitch Adus Dorsey - News from Wayne County

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The Insider

August 20, 2026

SkyWatcher Leo T

NASA’s Voyager 2 Spacecraft & Juno Mission, Perseus the Hero, & the Heron by Leonard Thomas

NASA/JPL‑Caltech

An artist's depiction of NASA’s Voyager 2 spacecraft. SPACE - The Voyager spacecraft is now enjoying the view from way out of the heliosphere or the influence of the sun. NASA’s Voyager 2 spacecraft has enough power to continue operating three science instruments in interstellar space longer than anticipated, thanks to some clever engineering by the mission team. The effort involved simultaneously turning off certain powered devices and substituting them with lower-power alternatives, while ensuring the spacecraft remains warm enough to operate. The Voyagers get their power from radioisotope thermoelectric generators, devices that convert heat from decaying plutonium into electricity. Due to the plutonium supply continually depleting, both probes lose about four watts of power each year. After almost a halfcentury since launch, the spacecraft power margins have grown razor thin, requiring the team to conserve energy by shutting off non‑essential devices and systems. The savings from the "Big Bang" should provide power to keep its three instruments operating for at least an extra year.

NASA’s Juno mission is out exploring the moon of and Jupiter itself and has provided the first measurements of the temperature below the surface of Io, revealing significant heating within the shallow subsurface of the most volcanically active world in the solar system. Collected during two close flybys, the data also shows that most of Io’s surface is remarkably smooth and composed of material of very low density. Io’s extreme volcanism is powered by tidal heating. The moon is constantly stretched and squeezed by Jupiter’s immense gravity, as it travels its slightly elliptical orbit, generating internal heat output many times greater than Earth’s. In other deep space exploration, the Psyche probe continues to swim towards the asteroid belt and the Psyche heavy metal asteroid, where JPL rocket scientists will use the calibrations they used when coming close to Mars as they caught a gravity boost that gave the spacecraft with a brand new solar electric propulsion system a boost of a thousand miles an hour and tilted its trajectory to the rendezvous in 2029. Since we are one sky,

many cultures here, Perseus the hero is the Greek mythological constellation that the Perseid meteors radiate from. The galactic plane of the Milky Way passes through Perseus, whose brightest star is the yellow-white supergiant Mirfak, but today I am taking cultural license and putting a heron in the sky to join Perseus. That’s right; the graceful big heron, the bird, flying with the meteorites. From Pomegranate and Susan Boulet, the heron is a bird of water and is associated with feminine energy and regeneration. In ancient Egypt, the heron was the first transformer of the human soul after death. The heron was the first seen in flight over the fields when the Nile began to flood and was associated with fertility and renewal of life. So keep transforming life, look up, look around, and get a little bit lost in space. 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.

Garfield Commission: Public lands and

monument reductions, mining coming back to Garfield County, shared use of the Panguitch Lake fire station and concerns about new wildland‑urban interface maps, approval of $5,000 for the Bryce ATV Rally, approval of $2,500 for Rally for Utah Ranchers, and the county’s 2025 audit discussed.

Garfield Commission Cont'd from A1

ness Society. “They’re an industry. They’re a multibillion dollar industry,” Pollock said. “These people are in business. This is their money cash cow.” He added that lands outside the monument boundaries would remain public and under Bureau of Land Management oversight. “So I do have some good news on mining,” Pollock continued. “I’m not going to say exact locations, but we have some mining coming back to Garfield County.” He said one mine that closed in the 1970s because of economic conditions is expected to return because of demand for rare-earth minerals and battery materials. Pollock also reported that a company received a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant to produce pallets using forest resources. Tebbs reported progress on shared use of the Panguitch Lake fire station, saying the county’s

Municipal Building Authority owns the building, and EMS will be able to use space there. The county is working on an agreement covering use of the building, vehicles and insurance. Tebbs also raised concerns about new wildland-urban interface maps, saying the county has until Aug. 31 to challenge areas that may not fit the criteria because of possible insurance and liability impacts, particularly for cabins in areas affected by the Cottonwood Fire. The commission approved $5,000 for the Bryce ATV Rally, which has about 160 registrations. Organizers said weather and fire damage have forced changes to some planned rides, including dropping unsafe trail sections. Commissioners also approved $2,500 for Rally for Utah Ranchers, a fundraiser for ranchers who lost livestock in the Cottonwood Fire and other fires. Pollock said about 150 cattle affected by the fires ultimately had to be

put down because of their injuries. Tebbs called the losses “catastrophic to a lot of these families and ranchers.” The county’s 2025 audit showed a net position of about $94.6 million, up roughly $7.5 million from the previous year. Clerk/ Auditor Camille Moore said the county is in strong financial condition, while Pollock emphasized that Garfield County itself carries no debt. Moore said the county has used reserves to pay cash for major projects, including county building and hospital improvements, rather than borrowing for those expenses. The Garfield County Commission meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month starting at 10 a.m. All meetings are held in the County Courthouse in Panguitch. Electronic participation is not available, but all meeting recordings are uploaded to the Utah Public Meetings Notice board, https:// www.utah.gov/pmn/.

The Insider

Wills, Trusts, and More Funding Your Trust by Jeffery J. McKenna

Many people choose a revocable living trust instead of relying on a will or joint ownership in their estate plan. They like the cost and time savings, plus the added control over assets that a living trust can provide. When properly prepared, a living trust avoids the public, and often costly, court processes at death (probate) and incapacity (conservatorship or guardianship). It can let you provide for your spouse without disinheriting your children, which can be important in second marriages. It can save estate taxes. And it can protect inheritances for children and grandchildren from the courts, creditors, spouses, and irresponsible spending. However, many people make a major mistake in that they do not properly fund their trusts. Funding your trust is the process of transferring your assets from you to your trust. To do this, you physically change the titles of your assets from your individual name (or joint names, if married) to the trustee of your trust. You also will change beneficiary (or contingent beneficiary) designations to your trustee. The trust-

ee you name for your living trust controls the assets in your trust. Most likely, you have named yourself as trustee, so you will still have complete control. Remember, one of the great features of a revocable living trust is that you can continue to buy and sell assets just as you do now. You can also remove assets from your living trust should you ever decide to do so. If you have signed your living trust document but haven’t changed titles and beneficiary designations, your trust will likely not achieve the desired results. You may have a great trust, but until you fund it (transfer your assets to it), it doesn’t control anything. Your revocable trust can only control the assets you put into it. If the goal of your living trust is to avoid probate at death and court intervention at incapacity, then you must fund it now, while you are able to do so. If you have a trust, your attorney should have prepared a “pour over will” that acts as a safety net. When you die, the will “catches” your assets and “sends” them into your trust. If you have forgotten to transfer

an asset or two into your trust, the asset will probably have to go through probate first, but then it can be distributed according to the instructions in the will to your trust. You are the one ultimately responsible for making sure all of your appropriate assets are transferred to your trust. Most attorneys will transfer real estate into the trust, and will provide forms and instructions for your other assets. Often they will include sample letters or blank forms for you to use. The funding process is not difficult. Because revocable living trusts are now so widely used, you should meet with little or no resistance when transferring your assets into your trust. Even though the process is not difficult, it can be easy to get sidetracked or procrastinate. To prevent this from happening, make funding your revocable living trust a priority or pay an attorney to assist with all aspects of the funding. Remind yourself why you are doing this, and look forward to the peace of mind you’ll have when the funding of your trust is complete.

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.

August 20, 2026

tHe lAuGhiNg Eye pOiNt!! Catching

This guy is dining alone in a fancy restaurant and there’s a beautiful redhead sitting at the next table. He’s been sneakily checking her out ever since he arrived, but doesn’t have the courage to start talking to her. Suddenly she sneezes, and her glass eye comes flying out of its socket toward the man. His reflexes kick in and he reaches out, plucks it out of the air, and hands it back to her. The redhead is mortified. “Oh my, I am so sorry,” she says as she pops her eye back into place. “Let me buy your dinner to make it up to you.” So he joins her table and they enjoy a wonderful meal together. Afterwards they go to the theatre followed by drinks at a bar. They talk, they laugh, she shares her deepest dreams and he shares his. She listens. After paying for everything, she asks him if he would like to come to her place for a nightcap. He says yes and they return to her place. He ends up staying the night. The next morning, she cooks a gourmet meal with all the trimmings. The guy is amazed at how everything has been so perfect and how incredible this woman is. He can’t believe his luck. “You know,” he said, “you are the perfect woman, are you this nice to every guy you meet?” “No,” she replies, “You just happened to catch my eye.”

Math Exam

A young college student was having trouble with his final math exam. He knew his professor was a golf lover, so he came up with a scheme. He told the professor, "If I can hit a golf ball into that cup from here, will you give me an A?" The professor, amused and curious, agreed. The student swung and to the professor's surprise, the ball went right into the cup. "Okay," said the professor. "I'll give you an A, but only if you can tell me your golf score." The student replied, "Well, with that hole‑in‑one, I'd say it's ‑1."

Shower Thoughts

If you’re waiting for the waiter, aren’t you the waiter?

PUNishment

A man sued an airline company after it lost his luggage. Sadly, he lost his case.

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

This week's answers on B5

THEME:

Fictional Detectives ACROSS acr.

1. Invitation request,

5. Workout unit 8. Prohibit 11. Affirmative response 12. Type of lure, pl. 13. Small silvery fish 15. Seed covering 16. Gumbo vegetable 17. Like Siberian winters 18. *"Murder, She Wrote" amateur sleuth 20. Descartes's "therefore" 21. *Apparition investigated in a ScoobyDoo cartoon 22. ____ Air in L.A. 23. *Arthur Conan Doyle's detective 26. Deposit, in Paris 30. "Wheel of Fortune" purchase (2 words) 31. Always, in Rome 34. "She ____ blue velvet..." 35. From then on 37. Am is to I as ____ is to we 38. Prison-related 39. International Civil Aviation Organization 40. Window‑shop 42. "He ____ and drank the precious words..." 43. Announce 45. *Agatha Christie's Hercule 47. Ryder Cup participant 48. Fern leaf 50. Charitable contribution 52. *"The Pink Panther" Inspector 55. Diver's breathing device 56. Vietnam neighbor 57. Bald eagle's home 59. Bother 60. Highland tongue 61. Get checkmated

62. Cribbage piece 63. Like certain nurse 64. Ginger cookie DOWN 1. Shag rug 2. Lord's worker 3. Colorado skiing destination 4. Mucus in lungs 5. Adherents of Sikhism 6. Wading bird 7. Russia's 1917 abdicator 8. Titanic's inanimate foe 9. "The Sun is ____ a Star" 10. Unknown power 12. Humorous 13. Blind followers 14. *Raymond Chandler's hardboiled detective 19. Not those 22. Quilting gathering 23. Orthodox Judaism adherent 24. Chilled (2 words) 25. Cancer-treating machine, acr. 26. *Carolyn Keene's

amateur sleuth 27. Navigational aid 28. Inspiration for poets and musicians 29. Get a new tenant 32. Stud's companion 33. Trained instructor at a country club 36. *Peter Falk's Lieutenant 38. Lowly workers 40. Lingerie item 41. *Nick to Nora in The Thin Man series 44. Analyze 46. Paragons 48. Bell-bottoms bottom 49. Fowl perch 50. Skin problem 51. Miner's black one 52. Ball of yarn 53. Same as eon 54. Major one in the sky 55. Tree juice 58. Casual affirmative

Solution on B5

The Insider

August 20, 2026

COLUMN

FYI Panguitch by Mack Oetting ~ mackoetting @gmail.com It is Thursday the 13th, and it is pouring buckets of rain. My memory is not so good, but I can’t remember it ever raining so much. The winds have stopped, and the rain clouds aren’t moving, which is great. All of this rain couldn’t have come at a better time, especially with our drought. It also, hopefully, means that we won’t have any fires for quite a while. One reason why I think we are getting so much moisture is because we don’t have any wind to push the rain clouds away. Usually with the wind, the storms just last for ten or fifteen minutes. We got the Garfield County Fair done, and it was better than ever. We had a record amount of horseshoe players. I heard there were thirty-three pitchers. Boy, there were some really big fish at the fish pond this year. There were quite a number of blow ups for the kids to play on. To finish off the fair was the County Commissioners' Dinner, and it was well attended. There were so many chairs filled, it was hard to find a place to eat. The fair brings in a

lot of folks, and I even saw a "No Vacancy" sign on one of the motels. Thanks to all the many folks that help put the fair on; you did good. As this issue gets to your home, the ATV Rally will be over, and they had about two hundred sign up for it. I talked to Mat Houston, and they went on early rides, and everything went well, with no dust. Next up will be the annual car show, and it will be on the 4-5th of September. It is Labor Day weekend, and, finally, we have something going on here. On Monday, you can go over to Parowan to their fair, and they have a really big parade that starts at 10:00 a.m. They have a car show there also. There are plenty of rides to go on and a lot of food vendors. Their fair building is full of displays. We went to the annual hospital fundraiser out at Ruby’s Inn, and the place was packed. A lot of money was raised in the auction. Tom Hatch was the auctioneer, and he knows how to get blood from a turnip with his calling. When we left, he had raised over $50,000 and still had plenty of items left. The

food was really good, and they fed a lot of people in a very short time. There was a copy of Sports Illustrated from 1963 about the Panguitch basketball team. In those days, there was only one league for the whole state, and Panguitch had won it the year before. It went for around $500. They didn’t know how to spell "Orton." I have a copy of the story that I got off the computer; if you would like one, see me. Our summer comes to an end on September 23 on the fall solstice. We have already cut our daylight hours by two hours: one hour in the morning and one in the evening. So get your camping out of the way now. Usually, we have a second season about that time, but I don’t know about this year. The summer has been really slow for many of the businesses

PHS Sports Sidelines by Mack Oetting

Benefit Shootout: Shooters put

up $20 each to be in the contest, but most of donations came from the raffle. —AJ Rucker, a superintendent at Newman Construction and one of the event's organizers Benefit Shootout Cont'd from A1

in Riverton, rising to a senior management position at the company, owned by Mark and Brenda Newman, who also own the ranch. Roughly 80 participants fired at clay pigeons during the event, which raised close to $20,000 to establish an acedemic scholarship in Wood's name at the high school. "Shooters put up $20 each to be in the contest,"

said AJ Rucker, a superintendent at Newman and one of the event's organizers, "but most of donations came from the raffle," at which people could win hunting and camping gear, among other things. Rucker said the company hopes to continue holding the event in coming years as part of the company's annual Fat Spud weekend, a tribute to Wayne County's potato‑ farming heritage. Wood died at age 48 in March after a battle with cancer.

in our area. The president says he wants to separate the shots in the MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) instead of having them all in the same shot. This is almost as dumb as when he was blaming Tylenol that women used during pregnancy for causing autism in children. Today, he said that the Strait of Hormuz was controlled by our Navy. Still, very few ships are going through it, and the world’s oil reserves are getting really low. Gas prices, at least in Utah, are still at $5 a gallon for 87 octane. Iran has said they think the president’s war will probably go on till he is out of office. The rain is a real blessing for our area and can keep on dumping all it wants. Mack O.

Wow! Both the baseball and volleyball teams are off to a great start. I watched the volleyball team take on Millard (a 3A team). Millard had a lot of tall players on their team. The freshmen lost their game, 2‑1; however, the JV team won, 2‑1. The varsity team was really great, and the scores were really close. The Cats won the first two games, and the third game went to 28 to 30, in what was a real close game. The lead changed hands many times. So, it was the Bobcats, 2‑1, going into the 4th game, and the Cats won by a score of 19 to 25. Millard had trouble with their jump servers and gave up six or seven points each game. Our new coach has done a great job with this first game. The Cats' next home game was last Tuesday against Gunnison, and on Thursday, they were down at Kanab. They are back home on the 26th, a Wednesday, against Piute, who always has a good team. In the scheduling, the Lady Cats only have

seven home games, and they will be on their third one against Piute. So pay attention to the schedule, so you won’t miss the games. The Bobcat baseball team is on a roll for the beginning of the season. They are 6‑0, and none of the games were even close. They beat Green River, 19 to 3. Their next home game will be this Wednesday, August 19, against the always tough Bryce Valley. They have another game on the 21st here in Panguitch against Pinnacle. The Bobcats have the same problem with the scheduling as the volleyball team, and only have seven home games. After their game with Pinnacle, there will be only three home games left. So pay attention to the schedule. Coach Raleigh told me that they have six pitchers and will do really well at state because the pitchers are limited to so many pitches. The football team had their first game on the 14th against UMA Camp Williams at 4:00. On the following Friday, they have a game against Altamont here. In a couple more weeks, they have another game here on Sept. 4 against St. Joseph. The football team only has five home games, so watch for a time.

The Insider

August 20, 2026

The Insider

August 20, 2026

Out & About for the Summer Photo Gallery: '26 Garfield County Fair & Junior Livestock Show by Jaynie Connor

Jaynie Connor

The Fish Grab on Saturday, Aug, 8, was a big hit with the youth at the 2026 Garfield County Fair & Junior Livestock Show. For this event, trout are released into a pond, and the kids try and catch what they can with their hands to bring home.

Tera Connor

Sharon Hall poses in front of her Barn Quilt submission in the Indoor Exhibits at the Garfield County Fair building during the 2026 Garfield County Fair & Junior Livestock Show.

Jaynie Connor

Torque Black poses before his turn in the Motorbike Rodeo on Saturday, August 8, during the 2026 Garfield County Fair & Junior Livestock Show.

Callie Howell

Trenner Howell wins Grand Champion Market Hog with his hog "Rosie" during the 2026 Garfield County Fair & Junior Livestock Show.

Jaynie Connor

Participants wait their turn for the Team Roping event on Saturday, August 8, during the 2026 Garfield County Fair & Junior Livestock Show.

Adults compete in the Garfield County Fair Horseshoe Tournament on Saturday, August 8, during the 2026 Garfield County Fair & Junior Livestock Show.

Jaynie Connor Courtesy Jaynie Connor Jaynie Connor

Emily Gray poses with a blue ribbon she received on her homemade pillowcase in the Indoor Exhibits at the Garfield County Fair building during the 2026 Garfield County Fair & Junior Livestock Show.

Garfield County Fair & Junior Livestock Show Horseshoe Tournament winners on Saturday, Aug. 8: 1st place "The Cutthroats" Benj Reins and Jaynie Connor, and 2nd Place "The Henroids" Dave and Cam Henrie.

Fair attendees make crafts together at the "Make it and Take it" booth inside the Garfield County Fair building during the 2026 Garfield County Fair & Junior Livestock Show. Events for this year's Garfield County Fair took place throughout the week of August 3 - 8.

The Insider

Fishing: There are thousands of miles of publicly

accessible streams in Utah, and you have the opportunity to catch not only a lot of fish, but also a diverse array of species in our streams. Utah is truly one of the best stream fishing states in the country. —Trina Hedrick, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Sportfish Coordinator

Courtesy Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

Banana Lake on Boulder Mountain. While there are a lot of great reservoirs and ponds close to home where you can fish in Utah, the Beehive State also offers some excellent high-elevation fishing options. An added bonus for heading into the mountains to fish is that you can also escape the heat. Fishing Cont'd from A1

areas in the late fall, be sure to check the weather forecast so you don’t get caught in any early snowstorms. You should also check for updates on any ongoing wildfires in areas you are planning to fish. “Even though it’s high elevation, anglers are still encouraged to fish early in the morning or in the evenings when it’s a little cooler, in order to help the fish if you are doing catch-and-release fishing,” Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Sportfish Coordinator Trina Hedrick said. Where to go When it comes to high‑elevation fishing opportunities, Utah offers everything from really small streams to larger rivers and lakes—and the experience will vary based on the size of the water. For high‑elevation fishing, here are a few good options: • Uinta Mountains ‑ located in the northeastern corner of Utah, with fourteen drainage basins that offer lots of stream fishing opportunities • Boulder Mountain, located in the southern part of the state • The mountains in the Manti-La Sal National Forest in southeastern Utah • Little and Big Cottonwood canyons, located in Salt Lake County • American Fork Canyon, located in Utah County Both the Uinta Mountains and Boulder Mountain are rated as Blue Ribbon Fisheries, which provide Utah’s most exceptional, high‑ quality fishing experiences. Species to target Because of the water temperature at these elevations, most of the streams and lakes in these areas primarily have a variety of trout species, including Arctic grayling, cutthroat, brook, brown, rainbow and tiger trout. “There are thousands of miles and hundreds of lakes with brook and cutthroat trout in these highelevation areas,” Hedrick said. “You can also find rainbow and brown trout in the ‘lower’ high country, due to their habitat needs. A few intrepid anglers may also run into a golden trout or two if

they are motivated to get to some remote waterbodies.” Fishing tips The majority of the waterbodies in the Uintas and on Boulder Mountain are smaller streams. Anglers fishing in small streams should expect to fish around a lot of brush, and as a result, shorter fishing rods are recommended for this type of fishing. “Fishing in small streams can be difficult, but anglers can be rewarded with high catch rates of fish, though they may be smaller fish in some areas, especially in the Uintas,” Hedrick said. For trout species, here are a few good lure and bait options: • Inline spinners • Small spoons • Marabou jigs • Worms If you prefer to fly fish, here are a few recommendations for high-elevation trout fishing: • Elk hair caddis • Leech imitations • Mayfly imitations (all life stages and various colors and sizes) • Lake nymphs • Woolly buggers in various colors • Terrestrials like flying ants, black ants and beetles • Double renegade “People typically associate streams with fly fishing, but you can have success using lures and baits, as well,” Hedrick said. “Stream fishing is fun because it provides a unique game of strategy. To be successful as a stream angler, you have to be acutely aware of the habitat, what fish are eating, and how fish are behaving. When fly fishing, you also have to focus on how you present your flies to the fish so you make it as natural as possible. This makes stream fishing both an exciting mental and physical challenge.” Fishing resources Additional information about specific high‑ elevation streams is available on the Fish Utah map on the DWR website. Anglers are encouraged to rate their fishing experience on Fish Utah, as well. The Utah Cutthroat Slam website also provides additional information about stream fishing in the state. “There are thousands of miles of publicly accessible streams in Utah, and

you have the opportunity to catch not only a lot of fish, but also a diverse array of species in our streams,” Hedrick said. “Utah is truly one of the best stream fishing states in the country.” Safety information and responsible recreation tips Anglers should always be very cautious when fishing a river or stream. “Water tends to be moving faster than it looks,” Hedrick said. “Always use caution before attempting to wade in a stream when fishing. It’s a good idea to take another person along when you are fishing or enjoying other recreational activities around water. If you are unable to bring a friend with you, always tell someone where you are going fishing and when you plan to return home.” Because the water in high-elevation areas can be quite cold, it’s a good idea to be prepared with the proper clothing and equipment to stay warm, including various clothing layers. Make sure you have enough food and water, especially if you are hiking into the area where you are fishing. “It’s also a good idea to remain on the trail, or close to it, so you don’t get disoriented or lost in these remote locations,” Hedrick said. “Having an emergency beacon or satellite device is also helpful in the event you get separated from your group or the trail.” Be aware of the land ownership of the area where you are fishing. If the area is on private property, be sure to get documented permission before entering the area. You should also be respectful of the area you are fishing, and leave no trace when recreating. Always pack out everything that you packed into an area— this keeps the area pristine for future anglers and recreationalists to enjoy. —Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

August 20, 2026

Zion Forever Project Announces 2026 Zion National Park Art Invitational Celebrating Art and Landscape in the Heart of Zion Canyon SPRINGDALE ‑ Zion Forever Project, the official nonprofit partner of Zion National Park, in partnership with Worthington Gallery and the National Park Service, proudly presents the 2026 Zion National Park Art Invitational, taking place November 2–7 in Zion Canyon. This beloved annual event brings together sixteen accomplished landscape artists to celebrate the beauty and spirit of Zion through art. The 2026 featured artist is Ellie Wilson, an award-winning oil painter known for her luminous plein air landscapes and her ability to capture the fleeting beauty of light, atmosphere, and place. Born and raised in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains, Wilson developed a deep connection to the outdoors that continues to inspire her work. She has painted landscapes across more

than eight U.S. states and eighteen countries. She has an affinity for the mountains and wilderness of the West. Wilson’s work has been featured in galleries and plein air exhibitions throughout the West, including Montana Trails Gallery in Bozeman and Plein Air Montana. Not only will plein air artists be in attendance, but studio artists have also been invited to attend to capture the beauty of Zion and celebrate the role of art in supporting the area’s beloved public lands. Returning from last year’s invitational are Bill Cramer, Michelle Condrat, John Cogan, Roland Lee, James McGrew, Gregory Stocks, Paula Swain, Ellie Wilson and Wade Wixom. Also returning from previous years are Arlene Braithwaite, Mary Jabens, John Lintott and Aaron

Schuerr. New additions this year include Chris Kolupski, Margaret Larlham and Debbie Robb. "Zion Forever Project is proud to host the 14th annual Zion National Park Art Invitational," stated Natalie Britt, president and CEO of Zion Forever Project. "We are excited to build on this success and bring even more vibrancy to the park through our artists' unique perspectives." The weeklong celebration will include free art demonstrations, an in-park paint-out with family activities, a plein air art auction and a private art sale. This year’s show will spotlight an expanded collection of studio paintings, alongside plein air works created during the event. For full event details, visit: zionpark.org/ pages/artinvitational. —Zion Forever Project

Bryce Canyon: Bryce Canyon National Park’s

overlooks offer views of some of the most exquisite formations. We want to help visitors enjoy their experience and take home memories that last a lifetime. We also want to help them do so safely, and having good information and awareness of the conditions they may encounter in these natural environments can make all the difference in creating those lasting memories. —Allana Olbrich, superintendent of Bryce Canyon National Park Bryce Canyon Cont'd from A1

west, the National Park Service encourages visitors to stay alert. Rapid weather shifts—from clear mornings to intense afternoon thunderstorms—can reshape the landscape and introduce serious hazards, including flash floods, debris‑laden waterfalls, trail washouts, and periodic rockfall. The NPS urges all visitors to remain informed, monitor weather forecasts, and be prepared for sudden changes. The park offers a variety of free, weather‑independent programs, including ranger talks, evening programs, and Junior Ranger activities, that allow visitors to continue enjoying the park even when storms move in. Visitors are responsible for their own safety and should check

forecasts and flash‑flood potential before entering any canyon. To support a safe and enjoyable experience, the National Park Service encourages visitors to stay informed, remain aware of changing conditions, and adapt plans as needed. Stay Informed • Check the National Weather Service forecast for Bryce Canyon before you begin your trip. • Review Bryce Canyon National Park’s current conditions and alerts. • Prepare your group by learning more about how to stay safe in Bryce Canyon. Be Alert • Weather in the park can shift quickly. Stay aware of changing conditions both near and upstream from your location. • Flash floods are a serious hazard. Monitor Na-

tional Weather Service flash flood watches and warnings, and follow all closures. Never enter flooded areas or bypass closures. • Rainstorms may produce, trail washouts, waterfalls, and debris flows; rockfall is a natural part of the canyon’s geologic evolution. Enjoy these features from a safe distance. Adapt Plans to Support a Safe Visit • Build flexibility into your itinerary and prepare fun alternative activities in Bryce Canyon. • Bryce Canyon offers many options during changing weather—explore the Visitor Center Museum, enjoy Ranger programs, or take part in the Junior Ranger experience. —National Park Service

The Insider

August 20, 2026

Panguitch Dam: I am really excited for the future of Panguitch Lake. It’s a huge benefit for both farmers

and recreationists and is a key part of our community. Panguitch Dam Cont'd from A1

substantial crack in the nearly 150‑year‑old dam. A state of emergency was declared, leading to the reduction of water levels and the initiation of emergency stabilization measures to address immediate risks. This initiative received backing from both local and state businesses. The circumstances raised alarms regarding the possibility of a catastrophic failure and the necessity to evacuate communities downstream. Although the emergency repairs helped stabilize the structure, engineers concluded that replacing the aging dam would be the most effective long-term solution. According to Dave Dodds, director of public works for Garfield County, several options were initially considered, including repairing the existing dam. However, local and state leaders ultimately worked together to secure funding for a complete replacement. Recognizing the economic, recreational, and safety advantages, various local and state leaders came together

to secure funding for the construction of a new dam. Dodds believed that this was undoubtedly the correct decision, especially since the previous dam was nearly 150 years old. The Utah Legislature allocated $5 million for reconstructing a roller-compacted concrete dam. The project progressed quickly, with crews placing about a foot of elevation daily for the concrete portion, while the formed concrete face took longer to cure in sections. Currently, work focuses on the dam's hydraulics and headgate, using the old dam for water regulation until the irrigation season ends. After installation of the hydraulic components, the old dam will be demolished to prevent deterioration issues for the new structure. The project faced delays due to securing approvals from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and waiting for hydraulics and headgate delivery. Dodds was surprised by the extensive environmental review required for replacing a dam in a similar location. Despite these challenges, the project team continued to make progress. “I’m not sure there

was anything that we could have done to get the project done any faster,” Dodds said. A local construction company was used for the project, which Dodds said helped save money while keeping the work local. While replacing the dam addresses the immediate infrastructure and safety concerns, additional work is being planned to improve the health of Panguitch Lake itself. One of those projects is the installation of a hypolimnetic siphon, designed to draw nutrient-rich water from the deepest portion of the lake. The project received $48,775 in funding from the Blue Ribbon Fisheries program and is part of a larger effort involving the Utah Division of Water Quality, Utah Division of Water Resources, U.S. Forest Service, Environmental Protection Agency and Habitat Council. The siphon is intended to improve water quality, reduce nutrient concentrations and decrease the likelihood of harmful algal blooms and future fish kills. The timing of the project is also significant. By coordinating the siphon installation with the dam reconstruction, crews can

Preparedness: Despite a brief notch downward in

fire danger in the last half of July due to monsoonal moisture, fire activity remains high at mid-to upper elevations. The potential for large wildfires is expected to continue into September within all of Utah except for the very southernmost counties. Preparedness Cont'd from A1

of Utah except for the very southernmost counties. Many who reside in Utah live in the wildland/ urban interface (WUI)— the area where people and their living spaces meet or intermix with wildland vegetation. Those living in the WUI have a shared responsibility to be ready for a wildfire, from being prepared for an evacuation to creating firewise landscaping. Taking steps before a wildfire threatens your home and family is imperative. Consider these home ignition zones, broken into three areas, when working to protect your home. • Immediate Zone (0 to 5 feet around the house) Some refer to this area as the lean, clean, and green zone. It should mostly be devoid of anything combustible. Consider using stone materials instead of wood mulch, having no vegetation (unless you have an irrigated lawn), and removing piles of firewood by the house. Branches from adjacent trees should not reach into this area. This zone also includes your home. Look for open vents where embers could get into the attic and add screens to protect them. Dead needles should be removed at least annually on and around the house. Also be aware that something as simple as a doormat made of natural fibers could collect embers and catch fire. • Intermediate Zone (5 to 30 feet from the home) ‑ Have a well-maintained landscape that is free of weeds and brush. Break up vegetation by using walkways and gravel instead of mulch. Choose deciduous trees over conifers. A single tree and bush are acceptable, but remember, the more foli-

age, the higher the risk for fire. Ladder fuels, such as tall grasses, shrubs, and low‑hanging branches, should be trimmed beneath trees so fire cannot get up into the canopy. • Extended Zone (30 to 100 feet) ‑ Keep in mind that the 30‑foot spacing includes structures such as sheds and other buildings that are on your/your neighbor’s properties. You can include groupings of vegetation, but they should be thinned and not interconnected with other vegetation. Ladder fuels should be trimmed. The extended zone includes flat terrain and can be extended to 200 feet if a steep slope exists below your home. Many people do not have this much space, so you may need to coordinate with neighbors. While these measures will not ensure the survival of a structure, they can at least increase the probability of safety and success. The concepts of a home ignition zone will also provide for greater firefighter safety and give fire suppression resources a good chance at saving your home. Many local fire departments, the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands, and county fire wardens can conduct home assessments to help you better understand what can be done to protect your house. USU Extension is working with interagency partners throughout Utah to help address wildfires. USU Extension and Utah Forestry, Fire and State Lands have numerous resources and information to help reduce your wildfire risk: The USU Extension website, Wildfire Preparedness, includes resources and links. Utah Forestry, Fire and State Lands recently updated their website, Utah Liv-

ing with Fire. It focuses on: • Preparing your family • Preparing your home • Preparing your property USU Extension offers the booklet, "Firewise Landscaping in Utah," as well as a website about post‑fire recovery. We all need to do our part to develop fire‑adapted communities when living in the WUI. It is important to take time now to assess your home and property.

—Dave Dodds, director of public works for Garfield County complete work while the larger project is already underway. Dodds said improving the lake's water quality is important not only for the environment but also for the community that depends on Panguitch Lake for agriculture, recreation and tourism. “One of the challenges that we’ve had in recent years are harmful algal blooms,” Dodds said. “We are hoping it can reduce nutrients in the lake and reduce the number of blooms.” Panguitch Lake is also an important destination for anglers, and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources continues to manage the lake's fishery for the benefit of Utah's fishing public. Mike Hadley, Aquatics Program Manager for the DWR Southern Region, said the agency stocks Panguitch Lake each year with several species, including rainbow trout, tiger trout, Bear Lake cutthroat trout, wipers and tiger muskies. The trout species are stocked to provide both family fishing opportunities and opportunities to pursue trophy fish. Wipers and tiger muskies are sterile predators used to prey on Utah chubs, a minnow species that competes with trout for resources. “We also conduct annual monitoring surveys to assess the success of our stocking programs,” said Hadley. “Our fishery management actions are guided by plans developed in conjunction with anglers and other local stakeholders. Our funding is primarily supplied by fishing license sales and federal excise taxes on fishing and boating equipment.” The planned water-quality improvements could provide another tool for protecting that fishery in the years ahead. The new dam signifies more than just updated infrastructure for local officials; it enhances public safety, ensures reliable water storage for agriculture,

and supports recreational activities like fishing and boating at Panguitch Lake. This lake is vital to the local economy, attracting visitors and boosting businesses in surrounding communities. Dodds said he is optimistic about what the improvements will mean for the lake and the community. “I am really excited for the future of Panguitch Lake,” he said. “It’s a huge benefit for both farmers and recreationists and is a key part of our community.” He also credited the numerous agencies, local officials, contractors and community members who worked together throughout the emergency and reconstruction process. “I appreciate Mike Hadley

and his efforts to coordinate with the county and key stakeholders to plan and obtain funding for the siphon project…As always we want to thank everyone involved in the dam project, from emergency repairs to completion. It was amazing to see everyone come together,” Dodds stated. What began with a 60‑ foot crack and the threat of a failing dam has now become an opportunity to provide Panguitch Lake with a new foundation for the future, one that combines infrastructure improvements with efforts to protect its water quality, fishery and recreational value for generations to come.

Utah 'Dark Skies' Offer Spectacular Views of Perseid Meteor Showers by Mark Richardson | Utah News Connection UTAH ‑ One of nature's wonders, the Perseid meteor shower, will be visible to Utahns this month. A new study from the Action Network ranks Utah among the top five states for viewing and this year, a moonless sky will enhance the show. Robert Lunsford, contributor to the American Meteor Society, said most meteors are the size of a pea and are not very bright but sometimes they are the size of a tennis ball, known as a fireball. "Every now and then you get one even larger, the size of a volleyball or a basketball, and those will be brighter than the full moon. And they quite often leave persistent trains in the sky that look like smoke trails that last a minute or two," Lunsford explained. The yearly Perseid meteor shower is active until Aug. 24. Lunsford encouraged people to get away from city lights to catch the best view. Utah does not have a

statewide "night sky" statute. Instead, light pollution control and dark sky preservation are addressed through Utah Legislature resolutions, state park initiatives and municipal or county ordinances. Although the ideal time to spot meteors is the hours just before dawn, Lunsford stressed it is still worth it to watch the sky earlier in the evening, even soon after it gets dark. Lunsford called it "nature's fireworks display" and a great family event. "Take your kids and every now and then you'll see a meteor zip by. It's real fun to have a competition, have each family member facing a different direction, and then see who can see the most meteors," Lunsford suggested. Utah is considered a global leader in stargazing, holding the world's highest concentration of certified dark sky locations with more than 25 recognized parks, monuments and communities.

The Insider

August 20, 2026

Legal Notices NOTICE TO CREDITORS DISTRICT COURT, STATE OF UTAH, GARFIELD COUNTY 55 South Main Street, Panguitch, Utah 84759, Telephone: (435) 676‑1104; Facsimile: (435) 676‑8239. IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF FRANK J. TEGANO JR. deceased, NOTICE TO CREDITORS, Case No. 263600009, Assigned: JUDGE LARSEN. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that RUDOLPH FRANCIS TEGANO was appointed as Personal Representative of the estate of FRANK J. TEGANO JR. 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 11th day of August, 2026. BARRY L. HUNTINGTON Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on AUGUST 20 & 27 and SEPTEMBER 3 & 10, 2026 ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FREMONT WATER WORKS COMPANY DOCUMENT 00 11 13 Fremont Water Works Company, PO Box 361, Loa, UT 84747 General Notice: Fremont Water Works Company (Owner) is requesting Bids for the construction of the following Project: 2026 Culinary Water Improvements. Bids for the construction of the Project will be received at Jones & DeMille Engineering located at 1535 S 100 W, Richfield, Utah 84701, until Thursday, September 10th, 2026, at 2:00 pm local time. At that time, the Bids received will be publicly opened and read. The Project includes the following Work: installing approximately 252 radio read meters, installing approximately 3,100 feet of pipe, and associated work. Bids will be received for single contract. Owner anticipates that the Project’s total bid price will be approximately $1,110,000. The Project has an expected duration of 90 days. Obtaining Bidding Documents: Information and Bidding Documents for the Project can be found at Contractor Portal (https://contractors.jonesanddemille.com/). The designated website will be updated with addenda, plan holders list, reports, and other information relevant to submitting a Bid for the Project. Official notifications, addenda, and other Bidding Documents will be offered through the designated website. The Issuing Office for the Bidding Documents is: Jones & DeMille Engineering, Inc., 1535 South 100 West, Richfield, Utah 84701. Only electronic copies of Bidding Documents will be issued. Neither Owner nor Engineer will be responsible for full or partial sets of Bidding Documents, including addenda, if any, obtained from sources other than the designated website. Questions are due in writing to Kyler Nielsen, Project Engineer, at kyler.n@jonesanddemille.com on or before Friday, September 4th, 2026, at 5:00 pm with a courtesy copy (cc) to nicole.w@jonesanddemille.com. Pre-bid Conference: A mandatory pre‑bid conference for the Project will be held on Thursday, August 27th, 2026, at 2:00 pm local time at Fremont Rock Church House located at 285 W Main St, Fremont, Utah, 84747. Bids will not be accepted from Bidders that do not attend the mandatory pre-bid conference. Instructions to Bidders: This is a federally funded project. All bidders are required to make the six good faith efforts to assure compliance with the State’s “fair share goals” and are required to comply with EEO regulations. For further requirements regarding bid submittal, qualifications, procedures, and contract award, refer to the Instructions to Bidders that are included in the Bidding Documents. The Owner may reject any or all bids submitted. Issued by: Owner: Fremont Water Works Company By: Richard Fillmore Title: President Date: 8/13/2026 Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on AUGUST 20 & 27 and SEPTEMBER 3, 2026

Calassified ds HELP WANTED

Corrections Officer

Garfield County is accepting applications for a Corrections Officer. Applications are available at the Garfield County Clerk’s Office or online at www.garfield.utah.gov and will be accepted until September 4, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Anyone interested in applying for this position must pass the National Peace Officer Selection Exam prior to making application. The Exam is given at the Browning Learning Center on the Dixie College Campus. For additional information regarding the Exam and registration requirements, contact the Browning Learning Center at (435) 652-7696. The exam is also given at Southern Utah University. Call 435-586-5419 for additional information. Garfield County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all applications. Garfield County is an equal opportunity employer

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INVITATION TO BID WAYNE SCHOOL DISTRICT Wayne School District is accepting bids for Coal Delivery to the School District buildings in Loa and Bicknell. The Bid will be for Coal & Freight from the Sufco or Skyline Mines, as requested by the School District. Coal should be 1¼ inch oiled stoker coal—no fine coal, and should not be loaded out of a stockpile. Sealed Bids should be submitted to the District Office at PO Box 127, 79 N 100 W, Bicknell, Utah 84715; or emailed to ned.taylor@waynesd.org. Please indicate on the outside of the envelope what you are bidding on. Also include with the bid your name, phone number, and bid amount. Bids must be received by September 21, 2026 at 4:00 PM, and will be opened at the District Office at that time; anyone is welcome to be present. Escalation of prices, if any, will be negotiated between the Wayne Board of Education and the successful bidder, upon mutual agreement during the school year. Bidder must furnish proof of their price escalation. Wayne School District is an equal opportunity employer and provider, and reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids. Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on AUGUST 13 & 20, 2026 NOTICE Of PROPOSED CHANGE WAYNE COUNTY Please take notice that the Wayne County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider the following: PROPOSED CHANGE: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT ON PREVIOUSLY ZONED BCI PROPERTY (Business Commercial Industrial) INTENDED USE: 8 (Eight) Tesla EV charging stalls and associated utility equipment CHANGE REQUESTED BY: LEE TAFT Property owner, TELSA, INC, DANIEL BABA Representative A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD DURING THE PLANNING & ZONING MEETING ON: AUGUST 26, 2026 @ 7:00 PM AT THE WAYNE COUNTY COURTHOUSE LEGAL DES: A 3.70 Acre parcel located in the NW1/4SE1/4 Section 7 T29S R5E Located at: 865 E SR 24 Torrey UT 84775 Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on AUGUST 20, 2026 NOTICE TO CREDITORS All persons having a claim against the estate of the decedents listed below are required to present any claim to the Personal Representative or their attorney, addresses listed below, within three (3) months after the date of first publication of this notice or said claim shall be forever barred. Decedents: Marion W. Littlefield, also known as Marion Walter Littlefield, and Catherine R. Littlefield, also known as Catherine Rae Littlefield. Personal Representative of the estate of the decedents: Traci Chynoweth 230 E 1250 N Tropic, UT 84776 Name and address of attorney for the Personal Representative: Tyson N. Raymond, Esq. Parsons Behle & Latimer 965 East 700 South, Suite 305 St. George, Utah 84790 Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on AUGUST 13, 20 & 27, 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 JOHN MACRAY JULANDER deceased, NOTICE TO CREDITORS, Case No. 263600012, Assigned: JUDGE LARSEN. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that JEAN JULANDER was appointed as Personal Representative of the estate of JOHN MACRAY JULANDER 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 10th day of August, 2026. BARRY L. HUNTINGTON Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on AUGUST 20 & 27 and SEPTEMBER 3 & 10, 2026 NOTICE OF PROPOSED CHANGE LYMAN TOWN Please take notice that the Town of Lyman will hold a public hearing to consider the following: PROPOSED CHANGE: Addition of its Annexation Policy Plan INTENDED USE: To propose an Annexation Plan for future possible growth A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD AT THE LYMAN TOWN HALL DURING THE SCHEDULED TOWN COUNCIL MEETING ON AUGUST 20TH 2026 @ 7:00 pm. All are welcome to share their options pertaining to this subject. To request a copy of the Annexation Plan text your email address to: (435) 691-2033. Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on AUGUST 13 & 20, 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 Sep. 9, 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) 97-2558 (A85293): Sagebrush Farms, LLC propose(s) using 1.73 ac‑ft. from groundwater (3.0 mi SE of Escalante, UT) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION. 97-2559 (A85295): Spencer Rex propose(s) using 1.73 ac‑ft. from groundwater (6 Miles W of Escalante) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION; STOCKWATERING. CHANGE APPLICATION(S) 61-3646 (a54942): Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Admin. propose(s) using 0.0134 cfs OR 2.1 ac‑ft. from the Unnamed Spring (5 miles West of Widsoe) for STOCKWATERING. EXTENSION(S) 97-2304 (A76927): George and Joe Thompson is/are filing an extension for 1.73 ac‑ft. from groundwater (12 miles NW of Escalante) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION; STOCKWATERING. IRON COUNTY CHANGE APPLICATION(S) 61-3645 (a54915): William L Bernard Trust Agreement dated October 19, 2005 propose(s) using 0.0064 cfs OR 0.5 ac‑ft. from groundwater and spring (3.4 Miles SE of Brian Head) for DOMESTIC. WAYNE COUNTY NEW APPLICATION(S) 95-5599 (A85289): Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Admin propose(s) using 0.015 cfs OR 1.148 ac‑ft. from groundwater (13 Miles E of Hanksville) for STOCKWATERING. Teresa Wilhelmsen, P.E., State Engineer Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on AUGUST 13 & 20, 2026

The Insider

August 20, 2026

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

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

MEETINGS

We are looking for friendly, hardworking professionals who enjoy the hospitality industry and interaction with guests. P O S I T I O N S AVA I L A B L E: Front Desk Agents Laundry Services Housekeepers Maintenance Bellmen Positions to start April 1st through October 31st At Capitol Reef Resort we promote from within. Please stop by in person to complete an application. We are located at 2600 E SR 24, Torrey, UT 84775 435-425-3761

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

Apartments for Rent in Tropic:

Built 2025 2bds 2bath 2 car garage. $1390/mo. Credit score above 680 req. Call 702-358-0644

ISO Position Announcements POSITIONS AVAILABLE: Garfield County School District is hiring for the following positions. For the application process and description of each, please see the district website www.garfk12.org

• Para-Professional at Bryce Valley Elementary School • Community Preschool Para-Professional in Antimony • Concurrent Enrollment/Ed-Net Para at Bryce Valley High School • Para-Professional at Panguitch Elementary School • Substitute/Activity Bus Drivers • Substitutes for Teachers, Custodians, and Food Service Workers SALARY: Please see 2026-2027 Garfield County School Districts Classified, District Office, and Certified Salary Schedules on the district website. QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must be fingerprinted and satisfactorily pass an employment background check. Garfield County School District is an equal opportunity employer. Garfield County School District reserves the right to accept or reject any or all applications.

We Buy 8,000 Cars a Week.

Get an instant offer for your car, truck, or SUV, any year, any condition, running or not. No hoops, haggles, or headaches. Instant offer. Free pickup. Fast payment. Call 1-855-542-0335

YARD SALE COMMUNITY YARD SALE - SATURDAYS 10 AM ESCALANTE

Part-Time Dental Assistant Escalante Dental

Join our team as a motivated Dental Assistant.

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

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

SENIOR CENTER MENUS Bryce Valley Senior Lunches at the BRYCE VALLEY Senior Center TUES Aug 25th WED Aug 26th THURS Aug 27th

Meat Veggie Lasagna, Garlic Bread, Green Salad, Applesauce, Lemon Bar Pepper Steak on Rice, Green Beans/Roll, Broccoli Salad, Watermelon, Raisin Cookie Pulled Pork on Ciabatta, Baked Beans, Cucumber, Tomato, Pepper, Salad, Tropical Fruit, Scotch-a-Roo

Call by 10:00 A.M. if you want a lunch or need a ride. 679-8666 All meals are served with milk & bread. Suggested donation is $4 for seniors and $10 for those under 60 years of age.

Escalante Senior Citizens Menu Tues. Aug 25th

Chicken Strips, French Fries, Salad/Chips, Jell-O Salad w/ Fruit, German Chocolate Cake

Wed. Aug 26th Thurs. Aug 27th

Spaghetti, Corn/French Bread, Salad Bar, Pears, Sugar Cookie Bar Pulled Pork Sandwich, Broccoli Salad/ Chips, Three-Bean Salad, Fresh Fruit/Salad Bar, Caramel Popcorn

All meals are served with milk or juice. If you would like a meal, please call us by 10:00 am. 826-4317. Suggested donation for seniors over 60 is $4.00, and under 60 is $10.00

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

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

SERVICES

The Insider

August 20, 2026

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